Chapter 71

CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE

ZAIN

The light above my head burns my eyes. I throw a hand over my face and lift myself up on the other arm.

"What the fuck?" Why the hell is she standing in the doorway?

"Why are you lying on the floor?"

"Because you're in my bed. Why do you think? What do you want?" Thankfully I have enough wits about me not to tell her the truth.

"Oh … I … umm … need to use the bathroom."

"Fuck's sake." Sighing, I throw the sheet to one side and stand.

Her strangled gasp reminds me that I'm naked.

"What?"

"Could you put some clothes on?"

"Why? Never seen a naked man before?"

"Of course I have. I just didn't expect to see one right now!"

I snatch up the sweats I folded and left on the countertop and walk toward the door. She backs up rapidly then darts to the side so I can pass her. Her cheeks are flushed, and she's looking everywhere but at me. When I draw level with her, I stop.

"Did you enjoy the show? "

"What?" The word is a strangled squeak, and her face heats up even more.

I was just throwing out the question to get a reaction. I thought I'd heard the door open above the sound of the water, but didn't bother looking to check. I guess I wasn't imagining it.

"Do you think I didn't see you watching me? Is that the real reason you came in? Did you think you might catch the second act?" I watch her face carefully.

"No!" Her cheeks are bright red.

She definitely hung around to watch.

Why does the idea of her watching me jerk off heat my blood?

"You didn't seem in any hurry to leave. Did you like watching me, Ashley?"

"Shut up."

"Why?" I step closer. "Missing your ex-boyfriend? Have an itch that needs scratching? Or was I right when I said Scott wasn't man enough for you?"

She stiffens her spine and walks into the bathroom. I follow her.

"Get out."

"Isn't that my line? It's where I'm sleeping, after all."

She stops in front of the sink, and turns on the faucet so she can splash water onto her face.

"Feeling a little hot?"

"I drank too much wine."

"I'm aware. I was there. A lot of wine, and very little food. You got a little … fiery." I step up behind her, lower my head and place my lips against her ear. "I liked it. But it makes me wonder what else you've got going on inside your head. I wonder how brave you will be now you're not drunk."

"I wasn't drunk. Just a little tipsy."

"Is that right?" I lift a hand and hook a finger through the strap of her top.

"What are you doing?"

"You saw me naked. I think it's only fair that I see you."

I wait for her to fight me, but all she does is press her hand between her breasts to keep her top in place. "Not happening."

"Not sure you get a choice in it. Check your contract."

"You said you don't want to have sex with me."

"I don't." I didn't , but now that she's mentioned it my dick has other ideas.

"Then get out and leave me alone."

I drag the strap along her shoulder and down her arm.

"Or what?"

"I'll scream."

"Wonderful. It's been a while since I've made a girl scream. Remind me what it sounds like." I snake my arm around her waist and pull her back against me.

Her eyes widen when my dick presses against her ass.

"Just keep in mind, when you do start screaming, that everyone thinks we're newlyweds," I whisper against her ear. "And when you face my parents tomorrow morning, they're going to think you're just loud, and that I made you very happy."

My teeth close over her lobe and I bite gently.

"Did watching me make you wet, Ashley? "

I drag my fingers back up her arm, over her shoulder, up her throat, and along her jaw. Her eyes burn into mine, but she doesn't answer.

"Did you like what you saw?"

"No."

Her lashes drop to hide her eyes, and she swallows.

"Liar. You liked it, and you came back for more." I press my lips to the pulse fluttering at the base of her throat.

My senses are going crazy. I can't think straight. The heat of her body against mine, the feel of her skin under my fingers, under my lips, is messing with my focus.

Just like earlier, being this close to her stops me thinking about all the things I have to do, and makes me think about things I want to do.

Things I shouldn't want. Not with this woman.

But no matter how much I remind myself that she is everything I shouldn't want, I still lower my head so I can kiss a path across her shoulder.

"Turn around." I drop my hands to her hips and turn her to face me. "Say no."

I need her to stop me. To fight me. Because I can't think of any reason not to do this.

She stays silent.

My hands slide upward, over her stomach, up her sides, beneath her thin top until my thumbs brush the curve of her breasts. I reverse direction, smoothing my palms over her soft skin until I reach the waistband of her pants .

I don't stop there. My fingers hook into the elastic and I drag them down her legs, lowering myself to my knees.

"It's been a while," I whisper, "but I'm pretty sure it's just like riding a bike." I glance up at her. "Last chance to say no, Firecracker."

I don't want her to say no. I want my mouth on her pussy. I want my tongue on her clit.

In reply, she drops a hand into my hair and drags my face against her.