Chapter 9

Stopping in front of her, he took her hand and pulled her up gently.

“My wine. I am not…”

Before she could finish the sentence, he took the glass from her and set it on a lovely cherry wood table.

“I think we have waited long enough, don’t you?” His hands came up to frame her face, gray eyes burning with an intensity that matched hers perfectly. His body heat wrapped around her, slid into her and caused her to tremble.

A lock of dense dark hair had fallen over his forehead giving him an endearing look. His physicality was powerful and intimidating. The dark blue sweater clung to his chest and shoulders, the material highlighting his muscular frame.

She supposed he was about six two or three, because he towered over her. She barely came to his shoulders, and she was wearing boots with heels.

The way he was staring at her made her feel as if she was the most beautiful woman in the world and that feeling was heady. It made her feel powerful and very wanted at the same time.

“What are you thinking?” He asked hoarsely, eyes wandering over her face.

“When you look at me like that, I cannot think.”

“We will not be doing much of that tonight.” His thumb traced the outline of her full bottom lip. “Not much talking either.” He tilted her chin up. “Any questions?”

She was numb, except for the blood racing through her veins and the tremors attacking her nerves.

She shook her head.

“Good.” Cupping her cheek, he lifted her face and bent his head. “Give me your mouth, my sweet.” He groaned against her lips before taking advantage of the parted lips that had been driving him crazy since the moment he laid eyes on her.

The kiss was rapacious, sensual, and quickly spinning out of control. He swallowed her gasp, one hand moving restlessly down her back to cup her neat derriere, bringing her closer to him. He wanted to absorb her, and this was not enough. Without breaking the kiss, he swung her into his arms, his mouth still sealed on hers.

Ending the kiss so he could see where he was going, he strode from the room and up the stairs with her cradled against him.

Sadie buried her face on his chest, her nostrils assailed by the subtle cologne that was so much a part of him. Sweeping the doors open, he stepped over the threshold. Sadie got an impression of a tan and gold living room, the décor carried over to the bedroom where a huge bed dominated the impressively large room.

The only other furniture was an armoire and a tan sofa in front of the very large fireplace.

“I could light a fire.” He set her down gently on the bed and knelt to take off her boots.

“I… Yes.”

Sliding the boots off, he dropped them and worked his way up her jean clad legs, fingers pressing against her calves. “You are tense.”

“High heels.” She stifled a satisfied moan when he continued to work out the kinks.

“I cannot understand why women put themselves through that sort of misery.”

“Vanity.” She watched through half closed eyes as he continued to work his magic. “And I am short. So, the added height is often needed.”

“You are perfect, for me.”

Her heart skittered and turned over before settling.

“You have such a way with words.”

“I am not just flattering you.” He gave her calves another satisfying rub before rising.

She watched as he went over to the hearth and set fire to the logs already stocked. Within minutes, the flames were shooting upwards and bathing the room in its light. He ordered lights off before walking over to join her. Taking her hands, he helped her up, rubbing her arms slowly, his eyes on hers.

“I want to do the honors.”

“Of?”

“Undressing you.”

“I would like that.”

His eyes still holding hers, he tugged at the hem of her sweater and worked it slowly upwards, until it was over her head.

His eyes swept over her torso, lingering on the small breasts encased in raw silk. She had dressed carefully, knowing that she was going to be seeing him and hoping that he would get to see her underwear.

“Beautiful.” His voice was raw with hunger. “What do you call this color?”

“Chartreuse,” she whispered.

“Interesting.” He traced the lace lining the swell of flesh. Working his fingers between the dip of flesh, he unhooked the clasp and worked the thin straps over her shoulders. “Sweet Christ!” He whispered as her breasts sprung free of the material.

Cupping them, he used his thumbs to glide over the nipples that had already turned rigid.

“I am sorry.”

“Why?” She asked achingly.

“I wanted to take my time. But I…” Sweeping her into his arms, he laid her down and hurriedly took off her jeans. The zipper got stuck halfway and he almost tore it apart in his haste to get it open.

Placing a hand over his, she stopped his frantic tugging.

“Let me. Take care of your own.”

He hesitated a moment, before sliding off the bed and undressing in undignified hast. By the time he got his sweater and underwear off, she was completely naked, her eyes wandering over his chest.

She had suspected that he had a magnificent body, but nothing had prepared her for the dusting of dense dark hairs on the golden skin. Refusing to look further than his flat as a drum stomach, where the hairs narrowed, her gaze flew back up to his face as he slid in next to her.

“I shouldn’t be nervous.”

“You are in good company.” He turned her to face him, hands wrapping around her neck.

“So am I.” He ducked his head to placed fleeting kisses on her skin. “You smell good.”

“Thanks. So do you.” She had no idea what to do with her hands, so she used them to slide through the glorious silk of his hair.

“You taste even better.” He had reached the hollow of her throat and was pressing open mouth kisses on the skin. “Much better.”

He kissed the top of her breast, the desire for her pumping through his veins like the steady beat of a drum. He had promised that he would take his time, but he would not be keeping that promise. The need for her was so great, he had to force himself not to just climb on top of her and slide into her seductive sweetness.

A moan escaped her when he brushed his mouth over the rigid flesh of her nipple. His thumb reshaped the other, driving her crazy in the process.

“Gary.” She whispered achingly, fingers clutching at his hair. “Please.”

“Soon, baby.” He used the tip of his tongue to wet her nipple, watching as it puckered beneath his gaze.

“I can’t.”

His body vibrated with need as he took the nipple slowly into his mouth. Insane need slammed into his body at the taste and texture of her.

His mouth became hungry and seeking and before long, he was suckling the flesh, pulling it into his mouth and sending the tension straight to the core of her. Her cries echoed around the room, her body turning towards his restlessly.

Sliding a hand between her thighs, he nudged them apart so that he could press his palm against the springy hairs covering her sex. She jumped reflexively and stiffened as he stroked the sensitive flesh.

“Please!” She gasped. Her hand flew down to cover his, pressing it against her flesh as she lifted her hips upwards.

Biting off a groan, Gary moved on top of her, bracing his hands on either side of her face, his expression fierce.

“Guide me in,” he ordered thickly. The smooth head of his cock was nudging her belly, the tip of it already moist.

“Please. Put it in me, darling. I want to feel your fingers on me.”

Her body still trembling, she obeyed blindly. Reaching between them, she curved her fingers around the hot flesh and felt an electric jolt straight through her body. Her eyes went wide as she felt the rigid flesh and for a second, wondered if she was built too small for him.

Lifting her hips, she guided him into her opening, her fingers creeping up over his taut stomach.

Gary inched into her moisture slowly, his teeth gritted as she closed around him like a vice.

He stopped and stared at her, a concerned frown on his brow. “Am I hurting you?” He whispered. “Baby, you are so tight.”

“No.” Lifting her legs, she crossed them over his back, forcing him to sink into her completely.

He could not move. The feel of her wrapped around him so securely, stopped his breath. Bowing his forehead to hers, he breathed through his mouth, his body clenched and rigid.

“My sweet.” He whispered. “This is…” Lifting his head, he stared at her for a second before claiming her lips in a kiss that had her reeling.

He moved, slowly at first, his tongue exploring her mouth with a thoroughness that had her clinging to him and returning the kiss eagerly. The brush of her nipples against the hairs on his chest was electrifying. The feel of her slender body against his was more than he could bear. And he had no choice but to increase the tempo.

The minute he did, he felt her body going still, her hands racing up and down his back, nails digging into his flesh. And knew she was on the verge. Increasing the thrust, he ended the kiss so that he could watch her face.

Jolt after jolt shuddered through his body as he gazed at her. With her head arched, her neck exposed, she parted her lips and called out his name, the tears glittering in her beautiful eyes.

“Gary.” Bending her head, she buried it in the hairs covering his chest, her body fragmenting. The climax left her drained and weak, the tremors wracking her body. Before the storm had fully abated, he was dragging her upwards again.

“No!”

“Yes.” His voice was harsh, fingers rough as he dragged her face up so he could see her expression. “More. Take more, damn it.”

She came again and he went down with her, his long lean body shuddering as the storm sent him crashing into waves that left him feeling shipwrecked.

It took several minutes for them to stir, and he barely found the strength to shift so that he was not crushing her.

He was still buried inside her when he pulled her against his chest and cradled her.

Neither of them spoke for a few minutes, both rocked by the passion that had overwhelmed them. Sadie closed her eyes, her fingers curled into the damp hairs on his chest. One of her thigh was between his powerful legs and she could feel the hairs against her skin. He had rocked her entire world, there was just no other word for it.

He shifted slightly so that he could look at her. A smile touched his lips at the riot of curls on his shoulders. He had dislodged the pins she had used to secure her hair with feverish fingers.

“Hey.”

Tilting her head up, she stared at him. “I hope you are not expecting me to rate your performance.”

A startled look came over his face, before he burst out laughing. “And if I did?”

Her dazzling smile peeked out impishly.

“I am afraid I would not have the words.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“Really?”

“You started it.” He pointed out, shoving a thick coil of hair off her forehead.

“And I am ending it.”

“Spoilsport.” He grinned. “Shall I rate yours?”

“I am sure you would want to spare me the fact that I am vastly inexperienced,” she said ruefully.

“Are you?”

“And you’re not.”

“I would say we are well matched.”

“Are we?”

“Hmm.” He tugged at a coil of her hair and watched in fascination as it bounced back as soon as he let go of it. He stifled a groan when her eyes flew to his.

“I told you we are far from finished.” He whispered as he draped her on top of him “We are just beginning.” Lifting his head, he took a nipple into his mouth and started suckling.

*****

He watched her sleep. He had exhausted them both, behaved like a kid let loose inside a candy store. He had taken and received and was not satisfied. But he had seen her eyelids drooping after their last round and had reluctantly curved her against him, with her head on his shoulder and let her sleep.

Three times! He laughed silently as he stared at her. After the second time, he had used his mouth and hands to wring cries of ecstasy from her, that had fueled his own raging passion.

He hadn’t used any protection and never intended to in the first place. If she had mentioned it to him, he would have said a firm no. He wanted them to be skin to skin and he had been right.

A rubber would have taken a slice of the sensation. She would be sore. He felt a glimmer of guilt for that. He had fed off her breast like a starving baby in need of sustenance. He had also left teeth marks on her stomach and neck.

But then, she had left her marks on his as well. He hoped they would take a long time to fade. He could still feel the twinge on his left shoulder where she had bit into his skin as the climax overtook her.

She had this catchy thing she did with her voice when she was on the verge, designed to drive him over the edge.

And he was in love with her. He sighed softly, careful not to do anything to wake her. His thoughts were rioting. He had lied to her by omission. She did not know who he really was, and he was going to have to tell her.

What she did with that information…! He closed his eyes briefly, expression bleak. What would she do with that information? He wondered. He was Gary Moretti, son and heir to a company tainted by what they did in the past.

Would she condemn him? Believe that he had nothing to do with it? Or would she run away from him? She thought he was just a regular guy, and he had been thankful that he had not been featured much in the press.

His mother had insisted on shielding him, determined that he led as normal a life as possible. And she had been afraid someone would use him to get to the family.

Lifting his head, he stared off into the fireplace, where the flames had simmered into smoldering logs. He would tell her – but he was in no hurry. He would wait until she was in love with him. Was she already? He hoped so. He wanted her in his life and was prepared to do anything to see it happen. Absolutely anything.

*****

“Morning.”

Her eyes flickered open slowly and it took a few seconds for her to acclimatize and realize where she was. The room was too large, it would fit her bedroom into one corner and there was a man… Her eyes flew all the way open to connect with smoldering gray eyes and arms wrapped possessively around her.

“You, all right?” His thick brows lifted enquiringly.

“Yes.” She avoided his eyes by staring at his very impressive chest, which was a mistake. She could also feel his… Oh God! Her eyes flew to his face as it became obvious what was nudging at her thighs.

“I have been waiting for you to wake up.” His smile was slow and sensual and sent a slow burn to the pit of her stomach. The man was dangerously lethal. His hair was tousled, and sleep softened his face and made him more handsome.

And desire was pouring through her like lava. Waking up with a man – especially a man like him had to be the best thing to ever happen to a girl and she was very happy it was happening to her.

“Let me guess,” her voice sounded breathy. “You want me to cook you breakfast.”

He chuckled. “I would rather eat right here.” His hands drifted down her back to settle on her butt. Easing her up against him, he nudged at her with that part of him that was fully aroused.

“I should get going.”

“Hmm.” Reaching between them, he guided himself in slowly, watching as her eyes went wide and her lips parted. “Later. We have things to do.” He was not in a hurry but settled into the lovemaking as if he had all the time in the world.

Her teeth worried her bottom lip as she tried to quell the moans. He was deep inside her, rocking his hips, easing in and out and then sinking back in, deep enough for her to feel everything. Her fingers curled into his chest.

“Look at me.” He rasped.

When she did, he bent his head and took her lips. Her arms came around his neck as she melted into him. The climax was slow and sensual, mind blowing and no less explosive than before and had her trembling.

He flooded her with his seed, his long, lean body shuddering, his face taut with passion. He held her against him as he ended the kiss and buried his face in her neck.

She stirred a few minutes later and lifted her head to look at him.

“I really have to go. Mom is opening the store for me, but she has an appointment.”

He was reluctant to let her go.

“I supposed we could take a shower and head out.”

“I have to swing by my place and change.”

“Okay.” Kissing her roughly on the lips, he released her and climbed out of bed. She took a minute to admire his magnificent form. Broad shoulders tapered down to the small of his back and a firm and taut derriere that made her want to suggest he get back in bed.

Biting off a sigh, she rose. Before she could take two steps, he swept her into his arms and carried her into one of the most stunning bathroom she had ever been in. Green and gold swirls made up the glossy tiles.

It was four times the size of hers, with a tub huge enough to comfortably hold six people. The shower install was also large and had padded seats.

“Wow!”

“One day when you are not in such a hurry, we will take advantage of the bath.” He promised as he carried her into the shower.

It took longer for them to shower because he kept using the sponge to titillate her senses.

Her phone rang just as she was rushing out of her house where he had taken her and insisted on waiting for her to get dressed.

She had invited him in, but he decided to stay in the vehicle.

“I want to check with the hospital.”

“Mom. I am on my way.”

“We have quite a crowd and I am cutting it close to my appointment.”

“I am sorry.” Wrapping the scarf around her neck, she rushed out the door and remembered to secure the alarm.

*****

He stayed for coffee but could not tarry because of the crowd. He did ask if there was anything he could do to help, but she had assured him she would manage. Her mother had rushed out as soon as she stepped behind the counter and she was kept busy, too busy for a goodbye kiss which left her feeling very disappointed.

“Call me when you are free,” he mouthed as she tended to two customers. She saw him hesitate a minute at the door, staring at her as if wanted to say something, but left shortly after.

She did not have to process what had happened between them last night and this morning because of the surge of customers, but by the time it reached nine, things had slowed down considerably, giving her time to think.

Pouring a much needed latte and adding some whipped cream, she grabbed a Danish and took it with her to her favorite spot, the sofa she had been sitting in when Gary first entered the store. Tugging off her tennis shoes, she wriggled her toes and curled her legs under her, a pensive expression on her face.

Taking a sip of the brew, she gazed out the glass door and watched as a couple walked towards their vehicle.

Clearly it was more than just attraction. She could honestly say to herself that she had never felt this way before or slept with a man she barely knew. Not to mention spending the entire night with him. She had enjoyed every minute of it and the lovemaking- She took several deep breaths to steady herself.

She was an avid reader, and romance was her favorite genre. She had read many of the best authors and admired their attention to details. She had felt tingles through her body while reading the love scenes, but nothing had prepared her for Gary Russo. He was in a league of his own. Closing her eyes briefly, she shuddered out a breath.

Her body was still tingling and her nipples… “Oh dear God,” she groaned. They were too sensitive for words. Warmth flooded her body as she recalled what he had done with his mouth. Putting away the coffee, she took up the cushion and hugged it against her chest.

And pondered. So, they had only just met each other – just two weeks now and she had gone to bed with him. She did not know much about him at all, aside from a few basic facts and one of those facts was that he seemed to come from money.

His clothes were expensive if understated. The only jewelry he wore was a very pricey Apple watch. His phone was also expensive - she had googled both of them.

He was attentive and great to talk to. They had been out on one date to a restaurant tucked in the middle of nowhere. Which made her wonder if he was hiding the fact that he was seeing her.

He wasn’t married, that much she was certain of – or was she? He told her he had been living in Italy for five years. What if he had a wife and children there and just escaped to have sex in the country of his birth?

“Now you’re being ridiculous,” she muttered. Picking up the cooling coffee, she took a sip and let her mind wander back to last night. The shock of him inside her- deep inside her- Oh God! He hadn’t used anything, and she was not on any contraceptives.

It had been so long for her that she had not bothered to renew her dosage. There had been no need for it. One hand flew to her stomach, and she found herself wondering what it would feel like to carry his baby nestled inside her womb.

“Stop it!” She snapped at herself. “Now you’re being crazy.”

But she could not get the image out of her head. Nor could she stop thinking about his body on hers.

“Touch me.” Her eyes drifted close as his deep voice filtered into her mind.

“Where?”

“Everywhere.” He whispered in her ear. “Yes, just like that. Baby, you are killing me.”

She jumped when the bell tinkled and almost spilled coffee all over her clothes. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile and went to see to her customer.