9. Hannah

My breath catches in my throat as Vin slides my panties down, baring me to him. I'm not sure what to do and I automatically try to squeeze my legs together, but he grabs hold of my thighs, stopping me. Slowly pulling them apart, exposing my most intimate place.

"No," he murmurs, green eyes blazing as he gazes down on me. "Open your legs, Angel. Let me taste you."

Heart in my throat, I do as he says, and when he lowers his head, his mouth latching onto my center, I whimper softly. I've never experienced anything like this before and his tongue laps and licks and strokes until I'm writhing. My fingers dig into the bedspread and a pressure begins building in my lower body. The moment he begins sucking on my clit, I lose it. A zap of electricity shoots through me and everything suddenly explodes in waves of pleasure. I cry out and twist as the orgasm rocks through me.

Breathing hard, eyes squeezed tightly shut, I wonder if I've been missing out or if it's Vin who is the reason I feel so amazing right now. He crawls up my body and whispers, "Open your eyes, Angel."

My lashes flutter open and I look into his intense green eyes. He reminds me of a very satisfied panther and then his mouth crashes against mine. As he kisses me passionately, I lose all control and wrap my arms around him. Pushing up off the mattress, I press my body against his and a wave of need moves through me. Tasting myself on his mouth is strangely erotic and I drag my tongue over his bottom lip, licking.

"See how good you taste. Like sugar."

I moan softly when his hand moves down and begins stroking between my legs. He knows exactly what he's doing because it doesn't take long before I'm pushing against his palm, searching for that release. He slides a finger inside me and I shamelessly move as he thrusts it in and out.

"Christ, you're tight. And so wet."

Vin adds a second finger, stretching me, and I arch up. The pleasure is building all over again and his thumb finds my clit, pressing down, as his fingers fill and scissor, stretching me even further. He doesn't have small fingers either. They're long and so much bigger than mine. And, clearly, they're built to make a woman feel so freaking good.

I cry out, my inner muscles contracting, and fall back against the bed. A dazed feeling comes over me as my second orgasm passes. God, he's good at this, I think. I'm so damn glad I waited because giving Vin my virginity has been the best decision I might've ever made. Maybe even the highlight of my life so far. And it isn't even over yet.

He lifts his weight up off the mattress and I watch with heavy lids as he slowly unbuttons his shirt. I could be wrong, but it looks like his fingers are trembling slightly. They're also slick with my wetness and I can't help but flush. He tosses the shirt, unbuckles his belt then chucks it along with his trousers. My nerves kick up a notch when I look down and see his tented boxer briefs. Oh, boy, he's huge. Even bigger than I had imagined. Chewing on my lower lip, it occurs to me that his fingers had barely fit inside me. How in the world am I going to manage his cock?

Before I can think too hard about it, he pulls me forward and slips the dress over my head. My bra's clasp unsnaps and he pulls it slowly down my arms, his green eyes darkening a shade as he gazes at my bare breasts. Feeling self-conscious, I try to cover myself, but he grabs my wrists.

"Don't. You're far too beautiful to hide." Vin lifts my arms above my head and rasps, "Lay down."

I fall back on the bed and he holds my wrists down, pinned against the mattress, then dips his head and begins worshiping my breasts. It's the best word I can use to describe what he's doing. He takes his time, slowly licking and caressing with his tongue. Pulling first one nipple then the other into his mouth and sucking.

"Oh, God," I moan. It feels so good. He feels so good. I'm obscenely wet, arching against his mouth, and as nervous as I am about his size, I'm aching for more. I'm aching for him to be inside of me. To possess me completely. "Vin, I need you."

"Are you ready?" he asks huskily, reaching down and sliding a finger inside me again.

"Yes," I rasp.

"So ready," he purrs, kissing me again. He spread my wetness up and around my clit and I cry out.

Then he pulls away and I open my eyes, feeling the loss immediately. "Vin…"

"Patience, Angel." He pushes up, drags the nightstand drawer open and pulls out a small silver packet. Then he shoves his boxer briefs off and I press my lips together, watching as he rips the package open and rolls the condom down his pulsating length.

My hand reaches for him and I wrap my fingers around him. My fingers don't even touch, unable to fully circle his girth. "Umm…" I swallow hard. "You're really big."

"You can take me," he assures me and settles himself between my thighs. "I know you can, Angel."

I hope I can.They say your first time hurts and it's been so good up until now. But I'm determined to do this. To give Vin as much pleasure as he's given me.

"Relax and open up to me," he encourages, pressing his thick tip against my center. Parting my folds, he slides in slightly and I gasp. "I'll go slowly."

He can go as slowly as he wants, but that doesn't make his cock any smaller or hurt any less. But when his fingers find my clit and start working their magic again, everything in me relaxes. My thighs fall completely open and I hook my ankles around his legs. He's being so gentle, and I can tell it's killing him to go this slow. His muscles are straining and his jaw is tight, teeth gritted. I can feel my body stretching as he slides in a little further, but mostly I feel another orgasm coming on. The moment it hits, I cry out and that's when Vin thrusts home.

The sting is brief and takes a moment to fade. I look up and he's staring at me, hips pumping, filling me with his cock. I've never experienced a physical connection like this with another person and all I can do is hold on tightly.

"You feel so good," he rasps. "Like heaven."

It doesn't take me long to realize that Vin is the consummate lover. When it's time to be gentle he is and when it's time to increase the friction and make me scream, he delivers. Oh, my God, does he deliver in spades.

"Vin!" He's moving faster—cock and fingers—and it's all too much. The way we're connected, how deeply he's penetrating me, body and soul, and the delicious taste of his kiss, so deep and thorough, is all too much. He's driving me straight to the edge and I hover there, shaking and on the verge of tumbling over.

"Come for me, Angel. Come on my cock," he urges.

His dirty words are all it takes to send me flying over the edge and spiraling into another orgasm of epic proportion. I cry out and bite down on his shoulder making him grunt. He continues thrusting then blows with a growled curse. Burying my face in his shoulder, I feel him go stiff and shudder.

For a long moment, he stays inside me and we lay there, breathing hard. When he finally pulls out and rolls off me, I feel an immediate loss. I like the warm heaviness of his body on mine. Turning my head, I see his chest rising and falling hard, and he's lying on his back, staring up at the ceiling. He looks almost as dazed as I am which surprises me. While this is all new to me, I know it certainly isn't for him.

Right?

I can't help but wonder if he felt some of the connection that I did? Did he think what just happened was amazing, too? God, I hope so.

When he finally turns and looks over at me, I can't read him. His green eyes are shielded and worry spikes up within me. But then he presses a soft kiss to my shoulder and slips out of bed. As he walks to the attached bathroom, I can't help but admire his broad back, tight ass and long legs. His body is ridiculously beautiful. I've never admired a man's body before, but Vin's deserves to be worshiped in every possible way.

I have no idea what to expect now. Is he going to kick me out? Send me home? Or pull me into his arms and hold me? Maybe I should get up and put my dress back on. He's taking longer than I expected to get rid of the protection and my nerves are escalating. I don't know the proper etiquette post-sex and I chew on my lower lip, debating whether or not I should make a run for it.

As I sit up and grab the sheet to cover myself, he reappears and he has a washcloth in his hand.

"Lay back," he murmurs, sitting down on the bed.

I hesitate and he tugs the sheet down, baring me to him. I know I shouldn't be embarrassed after everything that we just did, but my cheeks flame when he begins to gently clean me. Glancing down, I see the blood on my thighs and his sheets. Shit. "I'm sorry," I whisper as humiliation consumes me.

"Sorry?" he echoes and pauses in his ministrations. "What the hell for?"

"Um, I'll wash your sheets…" God, this is awkward. Suddenly, I want to grab my clothes and bolt.

"No, you won't," he murmurs and starts cleaning me again. His eyes lock with mine. "You're mine, Hannah. And your blood on my cock and sheets is proof."

There's a possessive edge in his tone that surprises me. But I like it. A lot. I want to be his, in every possible way, but I'm sure he just means right now, at this very moment. Me, though? I'm thinking more long-term.

I'm not sure how to respond to that, so I don't. Vin gets rid of the washcloth then climbs back into bed beside me. I'm still debating whether or not I should leave when he reaches over and pulls me into his arms. A wave of relief passes through me.

He wants mme here.

Vin presses a kiss in my hair, encouraging me to lay my cheek on his chest. His arms hold me close as he whispers, "Go to sleep, Angel."

And that's exactly what I do. Surrounded by his warmth once again, I drift off into a peaceful slumber.

I can feel the warm sun hitting my bare legs and I roll onto my back and open my eyes. Everything that happened last night comes careening back through my brain and I realize Vin isn't in bed with me. I let my hand drift over where he was lying and it's cool to the touch. Sitting up, I wonder where he is and how long he's been gone.

As if in answer, he suddenly appears, striding into the bedroom, already showered and dressed in a suit. Minus a tie, of course. "Good morning," he says.

His tone is a little brisk and I'm not sure what to make of it.

"Good morning," I say, quickly turning shy, and pulling the sheet up to my chin.

Vin drops down on the edge of the bed and eyes me closely. "How're you feeling?"

"I'm okay." Truthfully, I'm sore, but I don't want to tell him that.

He nods. "Good. I have some work to do today. Whenever you're ready, I can drop you off at home."

His cool words take me by complete surprise. "Sure," I murmur, hating his brusque tone. It's official—he's kicking me out. I'm not sure what I expected exactly, but it wasn't this. Maybe breakfast in bed? A shower together? More sex? I would've loved to have spent the day together or…I don't know…something.

Instead, I'm getting a ride home. I guess it's better than him kicking me to the curb and expecting me to catch the bus. God, that would be the worst ride of shame ever.

At what point did he turn cool? What did I miss? Did I do something? Or, is this it? He got what he wanted and now it's over?

Over before it even began, I think sadly.

"I have a proposition for you," he says, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt beneath the suit jacket.

Oh? He just snagged my attention and I lean closer, cocking an eyebrow.

"As you know, I'm going to be heading the Rossi Vineyard division. I'll need an assistant and I'd like to offer you the job."

I stare at him blankly, not sure what to say or how to react. Why would he want me as his assistant? I have no office experience. Is it out of guilt? For taking my virginity? Because he knows I don't have much money? Or is it because he actually likes me and wants to see me again?

"Okaaay," I say slowly.

His dark, thick brows furrow. "Okay what?"

"I'll think about it."

That handsome face of his screws up into a deep scowl. "Think about what?"

"About whether or not to take the job as your assistant," I say carefully. He looks a little stunned and, at the same time, annoyed.

"What's there to think about?"

"Well, what would be my hours, what are your expectations and we haven't even discussed salary."

"Your hours would be for as long as I need you. My expectations are that you do a good job. And your salary will start at one-hundred thousand dollars a year including benefits and three weeks of paid vacation."

I blink, unable to comprehend that many zeroes. He mistakes my silence and instantly ups the offer.

"Okay, one twenty-five."

"Um…" I'm at a loss. That's more money that I can even understand, much less ever dream that I would make.

"One-forty."

"Stop!" I hold up my hand, feeling dizzy.

His green, guarded eyes narrow. "Is there a problem?"

"No, it's just this is happening really fast and I…I'd like to think it over. Please."

A muscle flexes in his cheek and he's about to say something more, but then clamps his jaw tight. "Fine," he finally grits out, not looking pleased at all. "But I'm not sure what the hell you need to think about."

He grumbles the last part under his breath and I'm about to reply when his gaze drops, heating up fast. The sheet slipped and I look down to see I'm giving him a pretty good view of the tops of my breasts. A part of me wants to let it go completely and see what he'll do. Instead, I'm too chicken and I pull it back up.

Vin clears his throat then pushes up off the bed. "I'll be waiting in the kitchen."

His tone is cool and my heart breaks a little. I'm not sure what I did and I wish I had someone to talk to because I really need a friend right now.

The drive back to my apartment isn't much better. It's clear Vin's walls are up and they're damn solid. But if he wanted to get rid of me, why would he ask me to work for him? I don't think I've ever been so confused in my life.

The ride to my place is quiet and I'm so deep in thought. Eventually, Vin pulls the Mercedes up to the curb in front of my building and then turns to face me. I'm already reaching for the door handle, ready to run, when he grabs my arm.

"Hannah…"

My eyes meet his and that blank stare he gave me earlier is now a swirling green storm of emotions. I don't say anything, just wait for him to continue.

"Last night was amazing. Sorry if I'm acting cool." He runs his hand down my arm in a soft caress, takes my hand in his and squeezes. "I'm just…anxious about this new position that I'm starting."

His excuse sounds lame, even to my ears. But, I nod, trying not to let him see how hurt my feelings really are.

"I want you to work for me. I'll call you tonight, okay?"

"Okay," I whisper. He releases my hand and I open the door and slip out, more confused than ever. Turning, I watch him drive away.

He didn't even kiss me goodbye.

My heart hurts as I push the still-broken front door open, walk upstairs and go into my quiet, very lonely and extremely empty apartment. I feel so lost, so confused. Heart heavy, I change out of my dress and carefully hang it in my closet. I slip on a pair of leggings and a t-shirt. Then I pull on a light sweatshirt and my tennis shoes.

Swiping my keys back up, I leave my apartment again and go to ask my mom for advice.

The cemetery is quiet, just a few birds singing above me in the trees when I sit down in front of her grave. I tuck my legs beneath me and run my hand over the cool gravestone. "I miss you, Mom," I whisper.

Maybe, just maybe, there's some way she can hear me. I hope so, anyway, because I don't think I've ever been so confused or desperate for advice.

"I met someone," I say softly. "His name is Vin—Vincentius, actually. What a name, right? He's Italian and so very handsome. Well, I was in some trouble and he swept in and saved me from some really bad men. He bought me a pretty dress and took me to dinner. No one's ever treated me so kindly. I could fall so easily for him." My voice catches. Oh, God. How can I develop feelings for someone so quickly? Is it possible? The ache in my heart tells me it is.

"But, this morning, he suddenly turned cool and now I have no idea what that means or how to handle it. Especially since he wants me to come work for him."

I pluck a piece of vibrant green grass from the ground and immediately see Vin's stunning green eyes.

"I don't know what to do, Mom. The more time I spend with him, the more it's going to hurt if he doesn't want me the way I want him. But I'd be foolish not to take the job. You know how much I hate working at the diner and being on my poor feet all day. This would allow me to sit at a desk and use my brain. I know I could do it—and do it really well. Plus, he's offering me an obscene amount of money and all the perks."

As much as I wanted to accept his offer right away, I didn't because of the way he suddenly turned cool. Everything had been going so well and then I could literally feel him pulling away and becoming guarded. I don't understand why and it hurts my feelings. I've never been in a situation like this before and I don't want to make the wrong decision.

I also don't want to get hurt further. Because Vincentius Rossi has the power to break my heart.

I let out a soft sigh and look up at the blue sky above. Even though she isn't here with me physically any longer, I know in my heart of hearts that my mom is listening. As I'm debating what I'm going to do, a bright red cardinal lands on the tombstone beside me. My jaw drops and tears sting my eyes. Cardinals represent loved ones visiting you after they've passed and my heart swells.

"I love you, Mom," I whisper. The beautiful bird looks at me for a moment and I feel an indescribable peace settle over me.

And I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to accept Vin's job offer.

Letting out a breath, I watch the cardinal fly away then stand up. Brushing my pants off, I walk back through the cemetery and out the main gates.

Out of nowhere, a prickling sensation touches the back of my neck. It feels like someone is watching me and I look around, but don't see anyone suspicious or anything at all unusual. Brushing it off, I continue heading up the sidewalk when a car pulls up to the curb.

"Well, hello," a masculine voice says and I pause and glance over.

I instantly recognize the man from the auction. The one who tried to buy me but, thankfully, Vin outbid him.

"You might not remember me?—"

"I remember you," I say coolly.

"Well, I'm sorry things didn't turn out as I'd hoped. I wanted to get to know you better the other night."

I'm sure.

"I'm Caleb Durant." He looks at me, as though waiting for some kind of reaction. I don't know if he expects me to recognize his name, but I have no idea who he is. Nor do I care. He's still just as slimy as I remember.

"I really have to go," I say and start walking again.

"Mary! Wait! Can I give you a ride?"

I pause mid-step and bite my lip. I don't intend to tell him my true name or get in his fancy BMW. "I'm fine, thanks."

"Aww, don't be like that. C'mon, get inside and I'll drive you wherever you want to go."

"No, thank you." My voice is crisp and my dislike of him should be quite clear.

His dark eyes narrow and I can tell he's not happy with my answer. He's probably a man who's used to getting his way. Oh, well. Not today.

"Alright then," he relents, clearly unhappy. "Maybe another time."

"I don't think so." The last thing I want to do is encourage him. I have no interest.

"We'll see about that," he mutters then squeals away from the curb.

"What a jerk," I grumble. No, Caleb Durant, you can be sure that I will not change my mind. Not about you. Not ever.