Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Liam spent most of the next day in bed, deep asleep.

Cece only managed to feed him tea, water and some crackers before he succumbed to oblivion again.

It was clear the detox and the emotional roller coasters he’d been on for years were taking a toll on him.

She let him sleep and wandered the empty apartment for a bit before settling down on her laptop. After all, it was a working day.

By mid-afternoon, though, she was climbing walls and needing fresh air. So she reached for her phone and made a reluctant call.

‘Cece.’

Why was this man’s voice so lush? So deep, so ‘after midnight’?

Someone in authority needed to raise an ordinance disallowing him to be so potent at this time of day.

His crackled reverb broke through her daydream. ‘Babe, what do you need?’

Again, with the babe. It gave her delicious jolts every time he said it.

Yet she still didn’t know whether it was unconscious or deliberate. Right now, she didn’t have the guts to find out.

‘I’m done with work for the day. Liam is still a goner, and I need some fresh air. Any chance I can take a walk along the beach?’

Ash sucked his teeth in dissent. ‘Not without company, given what happened last night.’

Cece sighed.

‘Then whom shall I ask to please walk with me?’

Ash took a beat to reply. ‘Yours truly.’

A jolt arced through her. ‘Why you?’

‘Because we have no Cece walking companions on our roster today. Call back in a week, and we’ll see how best to accommodate you.’

‘Fuck off.’ Her curse was weak, trying her best to hide her amusement.

‘Careful, Cece. We ended up a hot mess the last time we discussed the word.

‘Truth be told, you ended up in my hot mess.’

Ash gave a bark of laughter, and for a moment, they snorted like school kids on an old-school party line.

She kept going. ‘Figures. I’m not just a hot mess. I’m a spicy disaster.’

‘I second the spicy, reject the mess bit.’ He growled the words at her, and she reacted.

For a moment, all she could hear was the sound of their breathing.

Cece cut through the thick tension first. ‘So, are you going to walk me or not, Mr Falconer?’

‘Add pushy to that list,’ he murmured. ‘What time?’

‘In half an hour.’

‘It’s a plan.’

He arrived on time, wearing ass-sculpting shorts, a long-sleeved cardigan and runners - a fitness guru’s dream. With a sinister twist, given the bulge of a hidden gun holster at his waist.

She was in jogging shorts and a tee, her feet in the sneakers she’d worn from Byron.

She also collected her phone and a sweatshirt in case it cooled down. Then they headed off.

Ash loped beside her, quiet, giving her the occasional side glance, giving nothing away.

All the way down the elevator, through the elegant lobby and into the street, Cece sensed the energy brimming through his eyes and took deep breaths to centre herself.

She didn’t have the head-space for a complicated relationship with her boss. No matter how much her body reacted to him or wanted a repeat of their previous passion.

They crossed an art-lined esplanade and skirted hip boutiques packed with stylish shopping, heading instead for Bondi’s eponymous shoreline.

The beach, a pilgrimage destination for sun-loving surfers, tourists and backpackers, was less packed than Cece had seen it in times past.

It was early evening, and the sun was still in the sky.

A few joggers went past them along the boardwalk. In the far distance, a crowd of fitness freaks flexed at the outdoor gym while surfers hosed down under outdoor showers.

The slight breeze lifted Cece’s hair, and she welcomed the cool wind that shifted the dark tendrils of curls on her forehead.

Her eyes relaxed at the stunning scenery as they walked along the crescent shoreline.

‘I remember being here on New Year’s Day a few years ago with a few friends,’ she remarked. ‘The place heaved, I think the estimate was over 20,000 people. The lifeguards were hectic off their feet. It was hot, too - over 40 degrees. We were baking.’

Ash huffed as he sidestepped a charging jogger. ‘Tourist much? Because every sensible local in Sydney would have been hanging out behind closed doors at home. Where air-conditioning is worshipped like royalty.’

Cece burst out laughing at the apt picture he painted.

Ash grinned at her. ‘No beach for me on an ultra hot day. I’m hugging the inside of the fridge - I don’t do well in extreme heat. Feels like I’m about to melt.’

‘I hear you. So far, Byron is so much more pleasant.’

‘More temperate, babe. Which is why my ass is parked up there.’

As they strolled, their bodies touched, moving in an effortless synergy.

‘Did you know the name ‘Bondi’ comes from the Aboriginal word for ‘water breaking over rocks’?’

Cece gazed at Ash, surprised. ‘I had no idea.’

‘Others say this beach is the location of a famous fight where warriors used ‘boondi’ sticks to challenge each other.’

‘Someone’s a history buff.’

‘Signs of an early onset existentialist crisis,’ Ash said, pursing his lips.

When she laughed, he countered. ‘Nah, babe, just a personal need to know where we’ve come from to figure out where we’re headed.’

‘On that note, where are we headed?’

‘We could swing to Tamarama if you’re up for the walk. It’s a stunning track.’

She cocked her head and gave the idea some thought. ‘Haven’t been to Glamarama in ages. Let’s do it. Liam ain’t waking up for a few hours, and he knows to call me if he needs me.’

They made their way towards the south end of the beach, past the infamous Icebergs pool. Where a path led to a waterfront walking track along rock overhangs.

Cece paused, taking in the sweeping views of North and South Bondi, taking pleasure at the rolling waves crashing against far-off clifftops.

Ash pointed out an ancient rock engraving next to the walk.

‘It’s an Aboriginal depiction of a whale or a shark, no-one’s quite sure. It has gills, so perhaps it’s more likely to be a sea ray or a basking shark.’

Cece leaned in for a good look. ‘Beautiful. Sacred.’

They shared a small smile before they loped along the path that swept around Mackenzies Bay.

As they walked, Cece engaged in a lively debate with Ash over what sacred meant and the rights of Australia’s original peoples. He surprised her with his concise insights and thoughts on equality and justice for the First Nations.

She got a taste of his keen mind and a wry sense of humour in conversations, her respect for him growing despite her earlier misgivings.

Her mind buzzed when he played the advocate and challenged her beliefs before switching tracks and sharing insightful discourses.

A half-hour later, still lost in conversation, they drew close to the headland near the famous Tamarama SLSC clubhouse.

‘Thirsty?’ Ash raised a brow in question.

Cece shot him a quick grin. ‘Panting. Why?’

‘Follow me.’

Her eyes widened as Ash led her down a cul-de-sac avenue towards a cantilevered building with stunning views of the beach and cliffs.

He smiled at her as he slid a hand onto her back to guide her inside the impressive entrance above, emblazoned with the establishment’s sign.

The Smoke Room.

Awestruck, she whirled around. ‘Isn’t this the city’s hottest and most exclusive night venue?’

‘One of them.’

Ash led the way under the archway.

They walked into an elegant lobby with luxurious decor, including chandeliers, velvet upholstery, and marble floors.

It was an early summer night, and the place was quiet—only a few patrons nestled amongst the cocooned booths and exclusive tables.

They headed to the reception desk, where a towering bodyguard greeted them with a smile.

‘Ash?’

‘Gunny.’

The two men embraced in a man hug.

Ash turned to Cece. ‘Babe, meet Gunny. He’s on our team at Sovereign and oversees guest services here.’

When Cece raised a brow, the man laughed. ‘I’m a glorified security guard.’

‘Love to meet you.’

The russet-haired, bulky man nodded at her. ‘Pleased to meet you, too. You up for a drink or coffee?’

‘Whatever the lady desires.’

Cece blinked as both men turned to her. ‘I’ll start with lemon lime bitters, please.’

Ash produced a slim black plastic card. ‘I need a beer. Maybe some nibbles, too. Haven’t eaten all day.’

‘Don’t need it. This is home, brother,’ Gunny growled, waving away the card. ‘Follow me,’ he said, leading them up a tier of stairs into a setting that had Cece’s eyes widening.

The area was lush and intimate, with private booths.

It overlooked an amphitheatre-style area with three tiers that encircled a central stage and dance floor.

Each level had a different vibe: two distinct bars, a lively area for mingling in large booths while listening to vinyl, an exclusive dining zone, and the venue’s main attraction - the whisky lounge.

The dance floor at the centre was quiet. Yet, Cece imagined the place in a few hours - a DJ platform soaring over the space, the state-of-the-art speakers pulsating with the latest chart-toppers. The floor, glowing with a kaleidoscope of lights perfect for dancing the night away.

‘I’ll have Tiff come straight away with those drinks,’ their burly guide murmured. ‘Meantime, get stuck into the menus.’

They settled into their private booth, Ash seated across from Cece. He leaned back and stretched, lifting his tee to reveal his taut tummy underneath.

Her mouth watered, and she tore her eyes away. Unwilling to be caught crushing on him.

Seated in the dining section at a velvet-lined booth, Cece felt out of place in her jogging gear.

Then she spotted couples and small groups of people nearby similarly attired. In shorts and tanks to help keep them cool from the heat.

After all, this was a beach bar steeped in Bondi’s relaxed vibe.

She turned her eyes to the wall-to-wall glass alongside the oceanside vista.

It gave expansive views of an undulating deep blue sea with crashing waves. Above which, a waning sunset cast shards of gold and amber across the sky and beach.

‘Stunning, huh?’

She turned to see Ash gazing at her.

‘Not bad,’ she said. ‘I’ve always loved the East Coast. Seeing this makes me fall in love with our stunning Australian scenery even more. I can never have enough.’

‘I know what you mean. Every time I fly into Sydney, I can’t wait to see the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the sea and the beaches. Hands down, it’s the most beautiful view on the planet. Used to give me tears when I came in from my tours.’

Cece turned her full attention to him. ‘Must have been quite a homecoming.’

‘Still gets me when I hear, I still call Australia home.’ Ash was referencing the country’s non-official anthem. ‘They used to play it on some of our military flights. You’d see grown men and badass female soldiers wiping their eyes as we landed. I lost it every time.’

She smiled at his revelation. ‘Can’t imagine Ash Falconer in tears.’

‘Believe it. I’ve never subbed to the ‘grown men don’t cry’ nonsense. Dad and Mum didn’t bring us up that way. So while I might look like a mean ass mutha, I’m a soft touch through and through.’

Cece caught the genuine softness in his eyes and felt a flutter. This Ash was a whole new paradigm. One, she was still feeling her way around.

Just then, a young server rocked up with their first orders. ‘Hi, both. My name is Tiff.’

She was blonde, bright and chirpy, and Cece warmed to her.

Tiffany gave them a rundown of the bar’s offerings, including an overview of The Smoke Room’s famed beverage program. It centred on more than 300 types of whisky displayed on the luxurious walls throughout the stunning bar.

‘You can order single and blended malts and Scotches,’ she said. ‘We also have regular cocktails and natural tonics for the abstaining punters, including herb infusions, sparkling fruit sodas and spice-infused tea bases.’

‘Later,’ Ash said, raising his beer. ‘I’ll keep to this for now. Bring on the chow, though.’

Cece scanned the menu before confirming she, too, would stick to a plain old lemon and lime bitters.

‘Not going to try the largest Scotch collection in Sydney?’ Ash teased.

‘Maybe another day,’ Cece told him, not ready to be soused around him. She was a lightweight when it came to spirits, and the last thing she ended was Ash thinking she was a lush.

When Tiff left with their food orders, Cece fell back into the textured upholstery and scanned around, mesmerised by the place. ‘So how does one score a black card to this place?’

‘By virtue of knowing the owner. Rather intimately.’

Cece’s eyes widened, and Ash laughed. ‘My brother Cole. This is one of his newer ventures - it’s only a few months old.’

‘You Falconers are an impressive bunch.’

Ash shook his head. ‘We weren’t always. Both of us were runts at school. We didn’t get as tall as we are now until the end of high school. We had to find other ways to stand out, using our brains and working hard at sports and school. The discipline has paid off, though.’

‘I’ll say. Can’t see you as a runt, though.’

He laughed. ‘I was tiny, babe, the shortest in my class for years.’

‘I just can’t see it.’

‘I can. It’s why I always push myself hard, as does Cole.’

‘Tell me more about your family.’

Ash’s eyes lit up as he shared about the Falconers and their farming background.

He then opened up about his close bond with his brother. ‘Because we got bullied in school for our height, we always vowed to have each other’s back. We learnt martial arts, socked a few of our bullies in fights, and after that, they left us alone. At 16 and 15, we both shot up to over six feet. Left them all in the dust.’

‘What got you into the forces?’

‘I was idealistic, naive and itching to leave home. I wanted to travel the world and save it at the same time, so Dad suggested the military. Cole didn’t want to be without me, so he joined as soon as possible, a year after me.’

‘How was it?’

Ash’s face fell for a moment. ‘Intense. I witnessed some of the ugliest scenes ever: women, children, and entire villages destroyed. But it was also where I forged some of my closest relationships. And goofed off with men and women one day who sacrificed their lives the next for peace. The best of times, the worst of times.’

She leaned in, intrigued. ‘And Sovereign? How did that come about?’

‘After our service, the six Sabre Squad commandos I led banded together to back our various business concerns. Supporting each other as only soldiers who’d survived the worst together.’

‘Nice,’ Cece said.

‘Even better, our notoriety in the special forces translated into government and private contracts. Our services were in high demand. We formed the firm to help manage the number of projects we got inundated with. But we still live our separate lives.’

Cece cocked her head. ‘Doing what if you don’t mind me asking?’

He gave her a chin lift. ‘I do my thing in Byron Bay. At the same time, I work with my 2IC, Reg, running security for the actors and celebrities who’ve flooded the town in recent years. Cole’s empire of bars and restaurants feeds Sovereign with a steady stream of high-end clients. Kamila was the first female commando in the 2nd SAS Regiment alongside Cole and me. She also became a legendary senior medic in my platoon. She now owns a successful physiotherapy clinic on the North Shore.’

‘Amazing.’

‘It is. Kris followed his passion for mechanical engineering by establishing a classic car restoration shop. He’s a kickass mechanic and a rev head with brains. Last but not least, Saint, warrant officer extraordinaire, is the face of Sovereign as its CEO.’

‘I sense a story. With Saint.’

‘Believe it, woman. Because he ain’t one.’

He grinned as Cece broke out into more laughter.

Ash paused for a beat. ‘Enough about me. Tell me about yourself. First, your heritage? It’s been on my mind.’

She smiled. ‘Well, my mum is Afro-Spanish. I’m named after her grandmother, Cecilia Pinilla. Mum met my bio dad when she came on holiday to Australia over forty years ago. He was a local Sydney-sider, born and bred. When he passed, Mum married Joseph.’

Their food and drinks arrived, and they spent a few minutes rearranging the table before diving into the delicious bites.

Cece shared about growing up in the northwest suburbs of Sydney. ‘Life at home with Joseph was horrible.’

Memories flooded her mind as she spoke. ‘Joseph wanted to become a brigadier but believed that certain people in the military were jealous of his success and blocking his promotion. He needed more money to entertain those in power so he could advance.’

‘Is that when the crime began?’

Cece shrugged as she took a sip of her drink. ‘Joseph’s behaviour was suspicious. He carried guns, flaunted large sums of money and filled the garage with antique sports cars. Strange people visited our house at all hours. He would take Liam and me to the city with a brown paper lunch bag filled with hundreds of thousands of dollars, which he would deposit with shady individuals.’

‘So he put you in danger?’

‘All the time. He also got more sketchy with us. Anger, rage, abuse. You name it. It got worse over the years. Perhaps because of the pressures of the drug trade. He got more violent with us, especially with Liam.’

‘Fuck, babe. What did you do?’

‘I was the only one strong enough to push back against his toxic control. So I fought for them both, which made me hate him even more. So much that I almost offed him once.’

Ash’s eyes narrowed over the lip of his beer bottle. ‘Go on.’

She winced at the memory yet powered on. ‘One night, I found him fallen asleep watching TV. Something came over me, and I got into the kitchen, took a knife and crept back.’

Ash’s whistle cut through the air.

Undeterred, Cece continued. ‘I was about to stab him, but sense came over me, and I stopped. I hid the knife and went to bed. The next day, he gave me a look like he knew what I’d done. He added a long wink like he’d seen me. That’s when I realised that if I’d made a go of it, he’d have probably twisted that knife from my hand and plunged it into me.’

Ash sat up straight, brow furrowed. ‘Woman, what were you thinking?’

‘Trust me, I asked myself the same question. He’d have killed me or, worse still, made me pay with a life in jail. I left home soon after.’

Ash shook his head, mind still blown. ‘What happened next?’

‘I couch surfed at a friend’s place, bar tended and devoted my life to having fun. Liam couldn’t escape, and Joseph forced him to join the army where he could keep a closer eye on him. I met and married my then-boyfriend, Nik. We had Mason, but one day, my husband disappeared to Auckland and never returned. So, I did a business degree while still bartending. I’d leave Mace with my mum to babysit during class and work shifts. When I graduated, I found work in the same hotel I’d been a bar server. Only this time, I got a gig with the events team and worked my way up. The rest, you know.’

Ash raised an eyebrow.

Cece freaked out for a moment, thinking that she’d overshared.

He took his time, his jade eyes fixed on her. ‘You’re one badass woman.’

She flushed, part relieved at his reaction. ‘I just did what I had to.’

‘Which was beyond amazing. He’s a cold fucking bastard.’

Cece’s eyes widened at his words. Ash took a pull on his beer, his body taut with tension. She realised then who he was referring to.

‘He is.’

‘We’ll nail him, Cece.’

She leaned in. ‘But when you do, promise you won’t put Liam in harm’s way to get what you need. He’s cooperating, so don’t let anything happen to him. Promise me.’

Ash met her gaze. ‘ I promise. The general is the only one we’re after.’

His eyes were glacial, but for once, relief flooded her, knowing his rage wasn’t directed at her.

‘Does this mean now that you know all my shit, you don’t hate me?’

He gave her a look over his beer bottle. Then he chugged it all down his throat. He placed the bottle back on the table. ‘No. Cece. Far from it.’

Somehow, the heat in his eyes set her heart rate flying, so she focused instead of swallowing another gulp of her bitters.

‘Your ex, he history?’

Cece’s breath stilled at his words, her eyes skittering to his.

‘Niko?’

Ash nodded. ‘Mason’s father, right?’

Cece nodded. ‘He’s been long gone. Don’t know where he is or what he’s doing.’

Ash jerked his chin, but his eyes were contemplative. ‘No other man on the scene?’

Cece slow-blinked at him. ‘No, why?’

His mouth twisted, and then he turned away from her, raising a finger to summon a server.

‘Another beer, please,’ he said to Tiffany when she arrived.

The server nodded and smiled, taking off with a wave.

Cece sat, looking down at her drink and wondering why about Ash’s obscure question. Without thinking, she blurted one at him. ‘How about you? Got a woman on the scene?’

His lips twitched as he leaned back. ‘Nope.’

‘Why?’

‘Can’t seem to find my type.’

‘What is your type? A hottie with endless waves of beautiful beach hair and a perfect body?’

He huffed. ‘Is that what you think I like? A woman packed with lip filler, Botox, surgeries, and plastic enhancements?’

He paused for a second, his jade eyes fixed on her before he continued. ‘I don’t need the perverse and perceived social clout of landing someone like that. Or having a woman do the same for me, chasing me because she wants to socially climb on my achievements.’

Her eyes widened as he continued, speaking with a deep reverb as his eyes tracked over her body. ‘Cece, I like a real woman. A self-realised individual who lives outside the bounds of the toxic culture of TMZ and our lord and saviour social media mills.’

He paused to share her smile. ‘I have my preferences, and I know I’m attracted to a woman as far from the airbrushed clones in the media as possible. One who is herself, confident and always has my back. Natural and real through and through. Freckles, dimples, dancing eyes, a sweet smile, birthmarks, nerdy glasses, funny laugh, that little belly pouch. Give me all of that.’

His eyes fell to her lips, which she was biting. ‘Someone strong, sassy with plenty of heart and balls to live by her own rules. Loyal too, because I don’t touch cheaters.’

‘Why’s that? Apart from the obvious?’

Ash’s face tightened with emotion. ‘The not-so-obvious reason is my ex, Jake’s mum. She played behind my back. She ended up with her old high school boyfriend. Who happened to be a mate growing up. She was and remains a manipulative, money-hungry joy sucker who left me for her then wealthier car salesman lover when I had only coins in my back pocket. She now hates that I’ve made bank. She also rejected Jake because she couldn’t handle his energy.’

‘That sucks.’

‘It does.’

‘Did you ever fight for her? For the relationship?’

Ash huffed as he took the beer Tiff had brought over. When she left, he continued. ‘Her new man made it hard to even come near her. When a man steals your wife, there’s no better revenge than to let him keep her. They deserve each other. I focused on custody of my son, and I got it.’

Cece raised her glass to him. ‘Good for you.’

He saluted back, then lifted his head and took a gulp. He had a strong neck, his muscles rippling as he drank.

His jaw was prominent, too, one she’d become intimate with when they had their passionate one-time fling. The memory of that day sent a thrill through her body.

Ash must have caught on to where her mind was playing because he met her gaze again and held it until she couldn’t handle it. So she glanced away, her cheeks heating up.

‘What’s your type?’ His baritone crackled, sending jolts through her.

She met his eyes and took a breath. ‘Someone I can be real with. Who shares a sacredness with me. Who never exposes our trust, who never seeks the limelight for its own sake. Who rocks a dad bod and makes me laugh. Who lets me fly and helps me grow in my ability to them as much as I love myself.’

He raised his beer in a toast. ‘May you find what you wish for.’

‘You too.’

They fell into a silence punctuated by the music playing in the speakers overhead. Ash pulled out his phone and tapped into it for a few moments.

Cece wanted to fill the silence but couldn’t think of anything. She resorted to swirling the end of her straw around her lips.

Until she caught Ash staring at her, and she flushed, letting the offending item fall to the table.

‘You done?’

His rasp was abrupt, impatient.

She nabbed the last fries in the bowl before her. ‘I am now.’

‘Let’s roll.’

He got up and left the table so fast her head spun.

Her eyes tracked him, making for the bar’s entrance. She took off behind him, trying to keep up with his long stride. He paused at reception and leaned in to speak with Gunny. Who nodded, leaned back and tossed Ash a bundle of car keys.

Ash caught them in one hand, nodded his thanks and kept moving.

To the front of the establishment, now flush with lilac and purple light from the dying sun.

He headed towards a dark SUV in the parking lot. Unlocking it with the key fob, he stepped to the passenger seat, yanked the door open and jerked his chin at Cece.

‘We’re not walking back?’

He shook her head, his eyes narrow with impatience. ‘Too slow. Get in.’

She blinked, then moved.

Into the luxury leather interior, wide-eyed as he shut the door on her. He moved around the vehicle and slid into the driver’s seat.

With a touch of a button, he fired up the car. Their automated belts rolled into place, and the car roared out of the Smoke Room’s gates.

She glanced at him and ventured. ‘Why are we racing back?’

‘I’m in the mood to explore what sacred means,’ he drawled.

She jolted as her body quivered. Unable to tear her eyes away from his profile.

He kept his pair to the road, his face set like marble. The only movement was the tic along his jaw as he wove in and out of evening traffic.

His essence was menacing, dominating the space between them. He drove with skill, putting the pedal to the metal with practised coolness.

Yet she sensed a tension rising inside him. Evidenced by the soft curses under his breath as he cut past laggards and slow movers.

Being in his close company these past few days had been an off-the-charts experience - scary, challenging and tumultuous. She still couldn’t believe how they’d got here and didn’t trust his recent bait and switch.

Cece knew that somehow her life journey was shifting and charging fast in a direction she’d no idea of.

She hoped she’d have enough grip for the entire ride.

The car raced into the Falcon and Eagle’s lot, screeching into the underground parking.

Moments later, Cece was outside the SUV. The fob locked the car up, and Ash, silent and brooding, led Cece with his hand on her back toward the lifts.

It arrived, whooshing open, announcing itself with a soft ping.

Once inside, the closed and the silence within enveloped them. The heat of his fingers burnt into her back as the floor numbers on the lift display glowed and tracked higher.

His breath wafting past her hair, and she could almost hear the beat of his strong heart pounding against the muscled chest to her right.

He smelt all man and musk, and she bit her lip to stop moaning.

Her pussy was mush by now.

She’d never been so wet.

The doors slid open, and with a gentle push of his hand, Ash propelled her forward.

They moved fast through the empty corridor, but she slowed as they came to the apartment she and Liam shared.

‘I had a great time -,’ she started to say.

Until he compelled her past her door.

Confused, she tried to twist around, but Ash’s massive body was like a freight train. She was helpless against its muscled power. ‘Where are we going?’ she whispered.

‘Not a word, babe.’

In that instant, she remembered his command from the last time she’d heard it.

‘Oh.’

‘I said, not a syllable.’

She clapped her hand to her mouth as he stopped at an apartment door next to hers.

He pulled a key card from his wallet and swiped it at the secure lock. It beeped green, and he slammed a hand on the thick wood surface, levering it open.

He stepped forward, his chest flush against her back, speaking into her ear. ‘Babe, this is your chance. You don’t want this, you shake your head, and I’ll let you leave, no hard feelings. You nod, and we’re in sacred mode. Your choice. Now.’

The words were husky, so deep, so low, she almost missed some of them. Their resonance flooded her mind, soaking her panties and weakening her knees.

She fell back against his chest. Nodding.

His arms snagged her around the waist and lifted her. Two steps, and they were inside. Another twelve, into a vast primary bedroom. Ash walked them to the bed.

Sinking a knee into the surface, he laid her down.

‘Off.’

‘What?’

‘Take it all off.’

‘But -.’

‘Didn’t we agree, no words?’

Damn, he was pushy. Overbearing. A hard ass.

One she couldn’t wait to have her hands on.

She sat up and pulled off her tee as he removed his. His jade eyes glittered as she slid off her shorts.

‘Everything, babe.’

His voice was a rough caress that had the hairs on her skin standing up.

She did as he said, tossing aside her sports bra and underwear.

Toeing off her sneakers and socks as he pulled his off, too, throwing them into the corner of the room.

When she looked up, he stood before her like Michelangelo’s David, his muscles defined and thick, his cock proud and jutting.

‘This dad bod enough for you?’ he rasped.

She stared at his chest, heaving, muscled, straining with need. ‘It’s everything and more. One pack and all.’

With a smirk, he bent towards her as she scooted to the bedhead. Still, he advanced, and her breath hitched as his hands hit her thighs and pulled them apart.

He levered between them and, using one hand to balance, reached for her hair, twisting his fingers into it. Then his face lowered, and he captured her mouth in a searing kiss that lit her up.

Their lips parted, and their tongues met, clashed, danced, sucked, pulled. She flamed, gasped and reached up to sink it into his hair. Willing him even closer than he was. Wanting him inside her. Now.

His hand moved. To her left tit, and he tweaked her pebbled, rigid peak. He squeezed hard, and she retaliated by lowering her hands to reach for the heated rod throbbing between them.

On contact, he hissed and snapped his head back, breaking their lip-locked connection. His eyes shut as she palmed him, stroked and wrecked him.

With a growl, he took control, pulling away from her before lowering his lips to her nipple. He sucked her in, lashing her taut skin with his tongue while his other hand stroked past her tummy and to her wet.

Cece pushed into the heat of his tongue, the delicious rub of thumb on her clit and the slide of his finger inside her. Her fingers tightened around his scalp through his thick hair as she moaned, lost to rapture. She crushed herself against his body, his mouth, his hand.

Ash continued to suck on her now engorged nipple, sending sparks of pleasure through Cece. He moved his lips to her other mound while his fingers replaced his mouth this time, pinching and twisting until a rush of pleasure raced through her. Her back arched, and her hips surged and rose in response.

She muffled her screams as he drew her nipple into his mouth as his tongue jabbed at the peak, sucking it in with passionate fierceness. Ash’s teeth grazed Cece’s skin, not hard enough to break the skin, but rough and needy, sending a jolt of electricity through her, straight to her pussy. Her head swam.

He pulled away. His fingers went to her lower lips, probing the wetness beneath. Cece groaned and bucked as his fingers slipped deeper between the folds of her pussy, stroking her slick flesh. She was dying for him to do more, so she thrust against his body, twisted against him.

His fingers circled her clit and then moved lower. Two of his fingers plunged inside her, and she raised her hips to meet the thrust. She ground against him, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Her orgasm started to build, and she wound her arms around his neck, pulling him down to kiss. Her tongue stroked his, and then she bit his lip hard.

He withdrew with a grin. ‘Pushing me now, are you?’

She teased out her tongue and licked her lips, her eyes goading him.

Their shared gaze was so heated her entire body flushed.

‘Ready, babe?’

She swirled her hips in response, and his eyes narrowed, brimming with fire.

‘I want you to look at me when I make you come,’ he growled as his hands gripped Cece’s hips, the muscles in his arms straining. ‘I want to see your eyes when I take you.’

He started to move against her, his hips pushing against her. His eyes burned into hers as if he was looking into her soul.

He rubbed the head of his cock against her mound, and her body quivered in response to his touch. Her pussy, wet with need and anticipation, ached to be filled.

Ash pulled her legs over his shoulders and pushed her into her folds. Cece groaned as his hands grabbed her ass. He pulled her into him as he thrust in and out, pumping his cock deep inside her.

She stared into his eyes as he fucked her, the intensity blocking everything else out but Ash and herself, his hands on her body and his cock moving, heating, ravaging deep inside her.

Her head spun, her eyes locked on him. It was just the two of them, and Cece’s soul had never flown higher.

He moved faster, deeper, and with every thrust, his fingers dug deeper into her skin. The jolts of pleasure continued to build in speed and intensity, and she could feel herself getting closer to the edge.

Her orgasm began to build inside her, her body quivering around Ash’s cock. He thrust into her, faster and faster, her body matching his movements. She careened to the edge of ecstasy, and there was no way to stop it.

With a burst of stars and light, she exploded. The orgasm crashed over her, and Cece screamed out Ash’s name.

He fucked her harder, his fingers digging into her skin until she couldn’t take it anymore. He gave one final thrust, and his cock pulsed inside her as he groaned, his head falling back in ecstasy.

They stayed that way for a few moments. Then Ash bent over Cece. Her arms crossed his neck, and she pulled him down to kiss her.

Their lips met in a sultry yet gentle meld, nipping and sucking at each other.

Cece’s heart soared with emotion.

Happiness.

The same light shone in his eyes when they parted, a smouldering heat that promised so much more.

She ran her fingers through his hair and twisted her hips against him. He was still semi-hard, and he took a sharp breath. She smiled as he panted against her lips, and he jolted his cock inside her.

‘Still coming?’

‘A little,’ he confessed.

She clenched around him, and he hissed. ‘Me too, babe.’

They rocked against each other until the delicious sensations faded.

He kissed her forehead. ‘Enough sacredness for you?’

‘More than enough. Beyond.’

‘You’re welcome.’

She huffed against his lips.

Ash slowly pulled out of her, letting her legs fall from his shoulders.

She lay on the bed, tingling as he stalked to the bathroom.

Her eyes ran over his stunning body, dark golden skin, and sculpted ass. He was magnificent.

Ash returned with a warm cloth. He cleaned her, then himself, and tossed it into a washing basket.

Then he returned to bed and wound himself around her. His hands traced the curves of her body.

She thought of something and sat up. ‘Liam?’

Ash’s hand cupped her breast, his thumb stroking, sending shards of sensation through her. ‘Relax. Remember the text I sent at the Smoke Room? I organised for dinner to be sent to your apartment. He’s doing just fine.’

Cece twisted around to look at him, her eyes taking in his nude beauty, chiselled jawline, rippling chest and thick thighs covered in short, soft, dark hair.

She trailed a finger down his chest. ‘Thank you.’

‘My absolute pleasure.’

She smiled and lay back down and stretched against him. His arm went over, and he gave her an unexpected kiss to her temple. Cece had never felt so safe and secure in that moment, and she purred.

His chest rumbled in response, their limbs entangled even closer as the first shards of moonlight fell over their raw, naked embrace.

Hours later, Cece turned in bed and floated from deep slumber into a halfway state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep.

Something niggled at the back of her mind.

They hadn’t used protection.

It was a fleeting thought that came to her like a dream tendril in the middle of the night.

It flitted into her mind as quickly as it scattered into thin air.

She snuggled closer to Ash’s muscled heat as his arms pulled her closer, falling back into the embrace of sweet, sweet sleep.