Chapter Five

Madeline

" J esus, Drake." I gape at his house as we pull through the massive ten-foot gates and start up the driveway. "Are you compensating for something here or what?"

His deep laugh rolls over me, turning my nipples to hard points. "You've had your greedy little hand all over my cock, unicorn. You know damn well that I'm not compensating for anything."

He's right. He isn't. His cock is as impressive as the house. And the house? Jesus. I could fit five of mine inside of it and still get lost.

The creamy white limestone mansion stands like a freaking monolith in the dark, the sconces placed at intervals all along the front, lighting it up like a beacon. Towering Corinthian columns flank the entrance, supporting an ornate triangular gable with freaking gargoyles carved into it.

Massive windows stand at almost militaristic intervals on each of the three levels, the glass dark. Lush ivy clings to the walls, the green tendrils a striking contrast to the pale stone.

It's not at all what I would have expected, and perhaps that's why it suits him so well. A giant Roman mansion in the middle of Texas? It's as unexpectedly, ridiculously perfect as everything else about him.

"Why a mansion?" I ask as he pulls up to the doors and parks. "Why not a normal people house?"

"Out of spite." He kills the engine.

I stop gaping at the house to gape at him. "You're serious."

He shrugs. "I had something smaller in mind. The town council rejected the plans. They weren't sold on the use of so much limestone. It's harder to maintain than sandstone. So I said to hell with them, had the plans redrawn, and built it bigger."

I cover my mouth, fighting laughter. "You did not."

He arches a brow. "You're sitting in front of the house. I definitely did, unicorn. They were mad as hell. Why do you think I have a ten-foot fence? It was the first damn thing I had the construction company install."

"Are they still mad?"

"Nah. Took a few donations to re-election campaigns to get them off my ass, but they gave up eventually."

"You are a wicked, wicked man, Drake Whitlock," I say through laughter.

He grins at me, completely unrepentant, and then unlatches my seatbelt, practically hauling me across the console into his arms.

"You fucking love how wicked I am, unicorn," he growls, palming my ass with one hand as he pushes the door open with the other.

He's right. I do love it. Nothing about this man is expected. He's the most gorgeous, uncouth billionaire I've ever met, somehow both adorably sweet, awkward as hell, and irresistibly charming at the same damn time. It's a deadly combination. Especially paired with those eyes, that smile, and the way he looks at me like I'm the most incredible thing he's ever seen.

Do not fall in love with him. Do not fall in love with him. Do not fall in love with him , I remind myself. Except…I'm pretty sure I've already started falling. I think I started falling hours ago.

Love spells and Halloween magic aren't supposed to be real. But with his arms around me as he carries me toward his ridiculous built-out-of-spite mansion, they feel a little too real.

"You're awfully quiet," he murmurs as he punches in the code for the front door.

"Mmhmm. I'm thinking about the bodies in your basement."

"I don't have bodies in the basement, unicorn." He squeezes my ass cheek. "I have sacrifices in the dungeon."

My gaze flies to his, my eyes narrowing on him. "I'm not sure which is more alarming. The fact that I can't tell if you're serious…or the fact that I wouldn't be surprised if you were."

He smirks, hauling me closer to him as he carries me inside. With the lights off, I can't see much—just marble floors, the shape of furniture, and a sense of massiveness, as if this entire area is cavernous. It doesn't feel overwhelming or empty, though. There's a calmness and comfort to it that I immediately like. It feels like him, like home.

When he flips on the light, that feeling doesn't diminish. What I can see of the house is absolutely stunning. Deep, comfortable furniture nestles on white marble floors and fluffy rugs. Roman-inspired artwork adorns the walls. The banister of the grand staircase and the cornices have ornate scrollwork carved into them.

There are plants in planters situated around the room, bright, colorful blooms filling the space with an exotic, floral scent. I immediately fall in love with his place. It's not sad and lonely, but lived in and comfortable, as if he truly enjoys being here. His personality is everywhere—from the stack of notebooks on the edge of the coffee table to the tie draped over the edge of the banister.

"You know damn well there isn't a dungeon here."

I glance back at him in time to see his gaze settle on my lips.

His eyes heat and darken. "Yet."

"Yet?"

His lips brush mine before his tongue follows the same path, sending my thoughts scattering.

"Yet," he breathes. "Maybe I'll change my mind and build one for you." His hand sinks into my hair, craning my head back. My entire body reacts, pleasurable chills racing through me. "Fill it with all kinds of toys to torture you with so you're coming all over my fucking cock day and night."

I moan, my core clenching as heat rolls through me in a massive wave. "Has anyone ever told you that you have a filthy mouth for a virgin?"

"Never used it on anyone but you." He nips my bottom lip and my entire body aches. Good lord. Every time he touches me, every single kiss sets me ablaze. "And just so we're clear, I can't fucking wait to use it on you, Madeline. Repeatedly."

"Maybe we should get to that part then," I groan, clinging to his shoulders.

"Do you want to see the house first?"

"Saw it. Love it. Don't care to see the rest of it right now, Whitlock," I growl, sliding my hands into his hair to tug the overly long strands like I've wanted to do all night. "There are other things I want to see more."

"Yeah?" He smirks at me. "Like what, unicorn?"

"Your tuxedo on your bedroom floor."

"Goddamn," he growls, heat flaring in his eyes before he swoops, crashing his mouth down on mine. "I fucking love how brave you are, baby."

Brave, hell. I feel like I might vibrate apart at the seams with anxiety. Three thousand competing fears battle for dominance in my head. What if I'm terrible at this? What if he hates my body? What if it hurts? What if we have sex, and he kicks me out of here? What if we're both terrible at this, and it's awful, and we never speak again?

But I want this—I want him . So freaking badly I can't stand it. My body physically hurts from desire. I've never felt anything like it. If being a little bit brave means I get to touch him—on purpose this time—then I'll do it, dammit.

He makes me feel safe enough to do it. All night, I've felt safe with him, like it's okay just to be Madeline. He's been real with me, and I've been real with him. And it's been beautiful, messy, and perfect in a way that I've never experienced before now.

I want more of that. Enough to smother my fears. Enough to stifle my anxieties. Enough to be here right now, in his arms, slowly freaking falling for him—theft, trauma, theft shrine, spite mansion, and all.

He carries me toward the stairs with me wrapped around him…wrapped up in him. I'm freaking lost in his arms, kissing him like I can't stop myself. I don't see a bit of the house. All I see is him. All I feel is his hands on my body as he practically races up the stairs with me in his arms, his mouth still moving against mine.

He trips at the top, and we go sprawling across the freaking runner at the top.

"Oops." I giggle, my head cradled against his chest.

"At least I didn't fall down the goddamn things this time," he mutters, hauling me up toward his mouth again. "Are you okay?"

"Perfect," I promise, straddling his hips.

"Good." He drags me back down for another kiss before planting his hands on my ass to squeeze and knead my cheeks.

I moan, rocking against him. His erection hits the perfect spot, and sparks of electricity shoot through my body.

"Fuck." He bucks his hips into mine. His hands slide up my sides, his thumbs grazing the sides of my breasts through the soft fleece of my unicorn onesie.

I shiver and moan, rocking my hips harder against the hard ridge of his erection.

"That's it, baby," he growls, his eyes locked on my face. "Grind on my dick just like that. Get yourself nice and worked up for me."

"Drake," I whimper as he plays with my nipples through the fabric. They tighten into aching points, desperate for more of his touch.

"I'm going to strip this costume off you," he rumbles, pinching and tugging. "Lay you out naked right here. Spread your thighs wide and lick that sweet little pussy until you're gushing all over my tongue."

I moan wantonly, the image sending molten lava gushing through my veins. The fleece between my legs is drenched, the fabric providing delicious friction as I continue to rock and grind against him.

"Please," I beg. "I need you, Drake. I'm so empty."

In a swift, smooth move, he flips me onto my back beneath him, caging me in with his massive body. Anticipation and need crackle through my body as his heated gaze rakes over me.

"I'm going to unwrap you like a goddamn Halloween treat," he rumbles, his deep voice husky with want.

I laugh softly, more than willing to let him overdose on me tonight. He told me outside of Ms. Viola's that he didn't need candy when he could eat me. I guess he's going to get his wish.

His hands find the hidden zipper at my throat and tug, dragging it slowly down the front of my body. Cool air kisses my skin as he peels the fluffy unicorn costume open, baring me to his eyes inch by delicious inch.

Goosebumps prickle my skin, my nipples chafing against the thin cotton of my white bra.

He doesn't seem to mind my boring underwear, though. He makes a low sound of approval deep in his throat as he pushes the costume off my shoulders and down my arms. "Jesus Christ," he groans. "You're fucking stunning, Madeline."

I fight the urge to cover myself as he sits back on his heels and just stares, drinking in my body like he's committing every curve and dip to memory.

"So goddamn beautiful," he murmurs almost reverently, his fingertips ghosting over my collarbone and down between my breasts.

"This spot right here," he rumbles, circling a single fingertip over my breastbone. My heart pounds so hard I feel it vibrating my bones. "The way your cleavage swells above the cups of your bra, like an offering just for me? I want to bury my face right here and never come up for air."

I moan, arching into his touch as he cups the heavy swells of my breasts. He squeezes gently, his thumbs grazing my nipples through the thin cotton. They pucker and tighten, straining toward his touch.

"These perfect fucking tits," he groans. "Full and round and made to fill my hands. I'm going to worship these later, unicorn. Take my time with them until you're sobbing for me."

"Drake," I whimper, my core clenching with need.

His hands trail lower, dancing over my belly. "This soft little thing is so fucking sweet." His eyes flicker to mine. "Every time I feel it against me, I get so fucking hard, Madeline."

He holds my gaze as he dips his head, placing his lips against it. I groan, arching against him as his beard tickles my skin. He nips and sucks, lavishing attention on my stomach as if he truly does find it sexy. And hell, maybe he does. Nothing about this man is ordinary.

He kisses lower, trailing his lips over my skin, leaving a blazing path of desire in his wake that has me ready to come unglued. I squirm beneath him, my breath coming in short, panting gasps as he moves down my body with agonizing slowness.

"Drake," I whine, arching toward his face, impatient and needy. "Please."

He chuckles, his warm breath fanning over my belly button. "Patience, unicorn. I'm savoring my Halloween treat."

"Your Halloween treat is going to poison you," I groan.

"At least I'll die satisfied."

Oh my god. He's so ridiculous. And so freaking sweet at the same time.

His fingers curl into the band of my cotton panties, and he tugs them down just enough to reveal the top of my mound to his heated gaze. I fight the urge to slam my thighs together, to hide myself from him. But the way he's looking at me like I'm the most delicious thing he's ever seen, keeps me still.

"Fuck," he growls, pressing a kiss to the top of my mound. "I haven't even seen it all, and I already know your pretty little cunt is going to be my next favorite spot on this gorgeous body, Madeline."

I moan as he nuzzles me through my soaked panties, his nose bumping my clit. Sparks of pleasure rip through my body, and I buck my hips against his face, chasing the thrill.

"You smell so fucking good," he rumbles, inhaling deeply. "I can't wait to taste you."

"Yes. Do that," I demand, making him smile.

"You're bossy when you want to come, unicorn."

"Poison, Whitlock. Poison," I remind him.

He grins before he flicks his tongue out, licking a broad stripe up my slit through the cotton. I cry out, my fingers sinking into his hair to hold him against me. He groans, lapping at me through the fabric, the pressure sending jolts of sensation radiating through my core.

"Drake!" I rock my hips against his face. "Please, I need…"

"I know, unicorn." He sits back on his heels and hooks his fingers in my panties, dragging them down my thighs and off.

He tosses my panties aside, and then his big hands are on my thighs, spreading me wide open for him. His blue eyes are molten, blazing with hunger as he stares at my pussy.

No one has ever even seen me naked, but he looks at me with such raw, naked desire that I don't feel awkward or shy. I immediately love how it feels—not to be stared at, but to be stared at by him. To see that look on his face.

"Madeline." His gaze flickers to mine. "You have the prettiest pink pussy. I'm going to eat it until you're gushing all over my face. Tell me I can."

"Yes. God, yes!"

He buries his face between my thighs, and I nearly scream at the first touch of his tongue against my bare flesh. He licks me from bottom to top, groaning as if I'm the best thing he's ever tasted.

"Oh god," I sob, my head thrashing on the runner. "Drake, yes!"

He seals his lips around my clit and sucks hard, flicking the sensitive nub with his tongue. I see stars, my back bowing off the floor.

"Please, Drake."

"Please what?" He sucks on my clit again, and pleasure streaks white-hot through my veins.

"More," I beg. "I need more."

He obliges, licking and sucking me until I'm writhing against the floor, so close to the edge I can taste it. But it's not enough.

I need some part of him inside me, making me his.

"I need your tongue inside me," I beg shamelessly, too far gone to care about my dignity. "Please, Drake."

He groans against my flesh, the deep sound vibrating through my core. "Jesus, the way you beg for it." He drags the flat of his tongue down my slit. "So fucking hot, unicorn." And then he's licking into me, thrusting his tongue deep.

I cry out, my fingers fisting in his hair as he forces his tongue inside to fuck me with it. His nose bumps against my clit with every thrust, sending sparks of pleasure racing through my blood.

"Oh god, yes! Just like that!" I rock my hips against his face, seeking more of that perfect pressure and friction.

He holds me open with his hands as he devours me. His wicked tongue delves deep before swirling around my entrance and then thrusting inside me again. Over and over, he forces his tongue inside my hole, stoking the flames higher and higher. My thighs quake around his head, my body wound so tightly I feel like I might shatter at any moment.

He growls against my sex, the vibration making me cry out in ecstasy. His tongue plunges deep one last time before he pulls back and flicks the tip rapidly over my throbbing clit.

"Come for me, Madeline," he commands, his voice a deep rumble demanding obedience. "Let me feel that sweet pussy gushing all over my face."

His lips close around my clit, and he sucks hard, grazing the bundle of nerves ever so lightly with his teeth. The sting of pain collides with the intense pleasure, sending me hurtling over the edge.

I shatter with a hoarse cry of his name, my back bowing off the floor as my orgasm crashes over me in wave after wave of mind-numbing bliss. Electric tingles race through my veins and across my skin as every nerve ending in my body comes alive, singing for him.

"That's it," he croons, licking me through it. "That's it, unicorn. Give me every last goddamn drop."

I do. Oh my god, I do. I shake and tremble and sob his name as one aftershock after another rips through me, leaving me delirious with pleasure. And more certain than ever that this man is going to absolutely ruin me.