14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Eric
I’m screwed. I’ll never be the same after tasting Mia last night. I could’ve come from just the pleasure of watching her take what I was giving her. She was one hundred percent in the moment, unafraid to show exactly how turned on she was. I love it when a woman expresses herself freely during sex, and Mia did just that.
I didn’t mean to slap her pussy, but she just pissed me off. I don’t like feeling so out of control with desire. But what I didn’t expect was for her to be so turned on by it. I can’t imagine what it would be like to sink myself into her. To play out my darkest fantasies.
And that’s exactly why I can’t go down that path. It will lead to my heart getting involved. One thing that I haven’t done since Mia has come around is think about my ex. This is the longest I’ve gone without her crossing my mind.
But is it really an accomplishment when my mind trades in one woman for another? It’s not like Mia doesn’t have the same capability as Kim did to break me.
Instead of letting either girl occupy my brain, I decide to throw myself back into work. I don’t even stop for lunch. I don’t want to risk walking out of my office and getting distracted. I manage to get on the phone with Peter without wanting to kill him, which in of itself is a miracle.
The acquisition is still on schedule, even with my injury taking up a lot of my time. I’m still going to wait until Monday to go back into the office.
After I feel like I can’t look at a screen for a minute longer, I slam my laptop down. I get up and walk into the kitchen where Mia stands, talking on the phone.
Judging by the voice I can hear when I walk past—I know it’s Layla. Her ability to not scream into the phone is non-existent. I’ve tried to tell her she does it, but she tells me I’m being dramatic.
“Oh, he wants to take me there tonight. That’s nice,” Mia says halfheartedly.
I stop in my tracks and turn back around, leaning closer to hear what they’re talking about.
“Yes, you should come. I’ll be there all night. Ryder will keep you safe, I’ll make sure of it,” I hear Layla say.
No fucking way. There is no way she is going to my sister’s restaurant with Ryder. That man is a douche. Okay, fine—he’s a nice guy. But I don’t like the idea of him taking Mia there. She’d be more comfortable with me. She’d be safer with me. I know what’s going on, I know to be on the lookout. He doesn’t know about her ex, so he can’t keep her safe.
I grab the phone out of Mia’s hand. “I’ll take her to your restaurant.”
“Eric?” she questions. “You want to take Mia out tonight?”
“Yes. She’ll be safer with me.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that you knew. Umm, what does Mia want to do?”
I hand the phone back to Mia. “Tell her I’m taking you.”
“Layla?” Mia says while glaring at me. “Yeah, I told him. Uh huh. No, I suppose it would be safer with someone who knows. Okay. I’ll see you tonight.”
She hangs up the phone and slams it on the counter then comes after me. She pushes my chest, and I actually fall backward, needing to catch myself with my foot. Shit, she’s strong. It’s kind of hot. I have to try not to smirk at her after she pushes me again.
“What the hell was that for?” she demands. “You don’t get to make decisions for me. I’m a grown woman. I can make those on my own. And based on the way you ran away like a scared little boy last night— I wouldn’t think you would want to have dinner with me.”
My face falls at her words but I do my best to recover quickly. “I’m just trying to protect you. You know as well as I do it’s safer with me there. I’ll be hyper-aware of our surroundings. That way, you can just relax and enjoy Layla’s restaurant. I’m trying to help you, and here you are coming at me. Now, I’m going to go get ready for dinner. I suggest you do the same.”
I walk away feeling butthurt—feeling like a child. I don’t like her calling me scared. And I didn’t run away last night. I chose not to put myself in a situation that could end in disaster. It’s called self-preservation.
After I spend far too much time picking out what to wear. I settle on a black button down and dark jeans. It doesn’t mean anything that I do my hair or that I opt to spray a bit of cologne on before I leave the bathroom. That means nothing.
I’m sitting at my kitchen island when I hear Mia walk downstairs. As she steps into the room, I feel my breath catch. Everything else seems to fade. My pulse quickens and I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips, feeling a little dazed, as if seeing her for the first time.
She’s in a red dress that hugs her breasts perfectly and flows loosely below her small waist. Her dark hair is down in waves and she’s wearing red lipstick to match her dress.
Fuck. She looks hot. This is going to be a long night.
An hour later, we’re seated at the restaurant waiting for my sister to come by.
“Do you know what you want to drink?” Mia asks as she looks over the menu.
I shrug. “I’ll probably order a beer.”
Her eyebrows turn up. “Just a beer?”
“I’m sorry. Would you like me to order some fruity pink drink? Is that what kind of men you’re used to dating?”
“Are you saying this is a date?” she asks with a smirk.
“What? No! That’s not what I meant.”
Her head falls back as she laughs at my defensive response.
“What’s so funny?” Layla asks, her presence startling me.
“Oh, Eric was telling me how he always wanted to try your fruitiest pink drink but has been too afraid to ask.”
My cheeks feel hot as a wave of embarrassment hits me.
“Oh, um, ok. You could’ve asked me for…that,” Layla replies awkwardly then turns to Mia. “And what can I get you?”
She taps at her chin with her finger while thinking. “I’ll take whatever foreign beer you have on tap,” she says then winks at me.
“Got it. One beer and one fruity pink drink coming up.”
Layla walks away before I can get my shit together enough to change my drink order.
She smiles proudly as she rests her chin on her hand. “So, tell me more about your woodworking. I can’t stop thinking about it. When do you think you’ll be healed enough to work again?”
Her question takes me by surprise. “I was thinking about starting back this weekend. I can move my arm with only slight pain now, so I think by the weekend, I should be in a good spot. What do you want to know about it?”
“What’s your favorite piece so far?” she asks.
I lean forward and rest my chin on my hand mirroring her. “That’s easy. My second piece.”
“What was it?” she whispers with an edge of excitement.
I can’t help but smile. “A rocking chair. My grandpa used to sit on this old rocking chair all the time sipping his coffee or bourbon as he watched the sunrise or sunset. I would sit on the steps of the porch with him whenever I could. They were the most peaceful times of my life.”
Her head tilts to the side as she looks at me strangely. “That’s really sweet. Is your grandpa still alive?”
I shake my head. “No, he died about ten years ago. None of my grandparents are alive, actually.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” she reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “I’m guessing you and your grandpa were close.”
I nod my head. “He was my hero. Before my dad’s company took off, I would’ve said my dad was my hero, but money changed my family. My grandpa, though, he just lived a simple life. He never seemed to care about money or status.”
“Here you go,” Layla interrupts, making me realize I’ve shared more with Mia just now than anyone in the last decade of my life. “One beer and one pink fruity drink. What can I get you guys to eat?”
“I think I’m going to try the shrimp and grits,” Mia says.
“Nice choice. And for you, big brother?”
“I’ll have the salmon.”
“Okay. I’ll be back soon. I’m so glad you could make it out,” Layla says to Mia.
Once my sister walks away, I look down at my drink. Mia grabs it and slides her beer across the table to my side. “I wasn’t really going to make you drink that. I wanted it. I just thought it’d be funny to see you sweat.”
I find myself laughing. “Good one, Mia. You’re a funny lady.”
She shrugs. “I know you’re saying that sarcastically right now. But I would like to point out that you are actually laughing, so it worked.”
I ponder that. “I suppose you’re right.”
The rest of the night is surprisingly easy. I laugh more than I have in a long time, forgetting to put my guard up. I just had fun. Every man who even looked in her direction was on my radar. No one was coming within five feet of her without my permission.
Once we get back to my house, I breathe a sigh of relief as I set the security system.
“Thanks for taking me out tonight. I had a lot of fun. I even managed to forget about the whole crazy ex thing,” she says softly as we reach the top of my steps.
“I’m glad. Layla was thrilled you were able to make it out.”
We stand in the middle of the hallway. She looks so beautiful it’s hard to look directly at her. Everything about tonight has felt like a date. I wish I could lean in and take those lips against mine.
“The food was delicious. I’m so proud of her,” she says with a smile.
“You’re a good friend to her.”
“Only because she’s a good one to me.”
We stand in silence for a minute. I’m not sure how to end the evening, but I know I can’t end it the way I would like to.
“Well, I’m gonna go get in bed. I need to get in a full day of work tomorrow,” I eventually say.
She nods her head but doesn’t make any effort to move. I pull at the tension at the back of my neck.
“Goodnight, Mia.” I walk away before I do something stupid. Something my body is begging me to do, but my brain is screaming it’s a bad idea.
“Goodnight,” I hear her whisper behind me.
I still leave my door open, knowing if she is scared, I want her to come into my bed. Once I’m under the covers, my brain can’t think of anything else but the way she tasted last night. The way she came so loudly and uninhibited.
This time when she walks in, my dick instantly gets hard as I watch her climb into my bed. The way her shirt rides up, showing me her black satin panties.
I’m not going to do it. I’m not going to touch her. It cannot happen again.
I don’t know how many times I repeat these words to myself in the silence of the night. My hands are clutched into tight fists, as I continue my chant to myself.
“Eric,” she says in a silky voice.
Fuck. “Yeah?” I respond roughly.
“Do you think…” she starts but the silence fills the room again.
I’m in no mood for her hesitation. Whatever it is that she needs to say, just say it. That way I can go back to talking myself off of this ledge.
“Spit it out, Mia. Do I think what?”
She huffs her frustration then rolls away from me. “Forget it.”
That won’t do. I roll onto my elbow ignoring the pain as I grab her shoulder and roll her onto her back. I look down at her eyes, shining in the moonlight and creating a pain in my chest. My reaction to her beauty only fuels my anger.
“Don’t be childish. If you have something to ask me, ask it.”
Her mouth trembles as I see the conflicting emotions she’s battling in her mind. I hold my breath, terrified she’s going to ask for something I don’t want. Even more terrified she’s going to ask me for something I desperately want.
“Do you think tonight in the darkness, it won’t count again?”
My dick goes rock hard against her stomach. I know I need to tell her no. The words are on the tip of my tongue, but then I watch the rise and fall of her chest against her white shirt and see the dark outlines of her nipples.
“What exactly are you asking for?” I ask as I try to find the strength within me to turn her down.
She rolls her eyes. “I think you know.”
She tries to roll over again, but I grip her wrist and pin it above her head. That’s it. Her beneath me, bound to the bed by my strength. There’s no way I’m not taking her as mine tonight.
“You should know me better than that, Mia. I like to hear the words. Do you feel my dick?” I press my body against hers. “It loves to hear those dirty words out of your mouth. Tell me exactly what doesn’t count here in the darkness.”
She exhales on a shaky breath. “I was thinking—I wanted to feel your tongue on me again.”
“Anything else?” I groan as my lips drop to her neck and run along the delicate curve.
Her body squirms beneath me. “I want to taste you.”
“You want my big cock in your mouth?” I ask as I can feel pre-cum drip from my tip. Just the thought of her mouth around my dick makes me feel like I might explode.
She nods. That’s about all the restraint I have in me. I capture her lips with mine in a punishing kiss. My firm mouth demands a response from hers, and she obeys. She matches my hunger with her own.
Raising my mouth from hers, I gaze into her eyes. “Get on your hands and knees.”
Her eyes open wide with both surprise but also excitement. She flips over, obeying my command quickly. My dick strains in my briefs, begging to be released, but right now I want to worship every inch of her. I want to make this last forever. I wish the sun would stay on the other side of the world forever, so this will never end.
I reach for her silky underwear and pull them down. She lifts each leg so I can pull them all the way off. Now, she’s bared to me, and I feel a ripple of excitement that she is mine tonight.
My thumbs spread her lips apart as I take in her pink pussy.
“Such a perfect pussy,” I tell her as I ease one thumb into her entrance. “Nice and wet, just for me.”
“Please,” she whispers. I think her begging is my new favorite sound.
“What do you want, Mia?”
I push in both thumbs, spreading her apart. She’s dripping wet, and I can barely resist.
“Your tongue,” she breathes out.
She doesn’t need to ask twice. I lean down and lick her from clit to ass. My tongue slides against her puckered hole, teasing her at the taboo spot. I pull away just enough to spit and then slide a thumb inside.
She turns her head around and looks me in the eyes, jaw slack as I push in further. Her moan vibrates through her body.
“Do you like me playing with your ass?” I growl, not willing to break our stare.
She nods her head quickly. “Yes.”
“Fuck, you look so sexy right now. I’m barely hanging on, baby.”
I keep my thumb inside of her and lean down to lick her clit. She pushes her ass up, my thumb slipping all the way in, as I bury my mouth in her pussy. I moan my approval, loving how she is taking what she wants from me. As I continue to lick and suck, she moves while my thumb slips in and out of her ass.
Before I can get her off, she flips over. She sits down in front of me while I’m on my knees and grabs my dick through my briefs.
The contact, even through a layer of fabric, feels incredible. She grabs my briefs and tugs them down my hips. My dick springs forward right in front of her face.
Her eyes open wide. “Surprised by something?” I ask with interest.
She bites her lip as her eyes take me in. “You’re so big.”
She looks at my dick like she’s considering whether it’ll fit inside of her mouth. When she wraps her delicate fingers around me and gives my dick a tug, I let out a deep moan. Everything with this woman is magnified by a hundred. Then she opens her mouth and closes it around my tip and my head falls back in ecstasy. I gasp like a fucking chump, but dammit, I can’t help it.
I look down at her and watch her eagerly take me to the back of her throat. When she’s gotten my dick all good and wet, she starts to slide up and down quickly, letting out her own moans along the way.
“Do you like having my dick in your mouth?” I ask as I pull her hair out of her face.
She looks up at me, mouth filled with me inside of it and hums her agreement. That alone almost makes me embarrass myself and come in her mouth sooner than I had planned.
Her eagerness to suck me off is sexy as hell. I hold her hair up on top of her head while she bobs up and down like a champ. Her eyes keep looking up at me, and I swear I see a smirk on those lips.
She knows she’s rocking my world right now. Then she pulls off me and leans back on her hands.
“Fuck me, Eric,” she demands, looking boldly into my eyes. “Please.”
She starts to rub her clit in front of me. Why haven’t I been with a woman who so clearly knows what she wants and asks for it before? My dick throbs at the thought, but I wasn’t planning on letting myself go that far with her.
But looking at her begging for it while touching herself, there’s no way in hell I can deny her.
I grab my dick and play with it while she rubs herself. “You want my dick to stretch that tight cunt of yours?”
She bites her lip and nods at me. “Do you have a condom?”
Fuck it. I open the drawer of my nightstand and pull one out then toss it at her.
“You asked for it. You can wrap it up, baby.”
She rips open the condom faster than I’ve ever seen. She’s just as desperate for this as I am, and somehow that makes my dick harder. I stay on my knees and watch as she slowly rolls the condom down my shaft, giving it a few jerks once it’s on.
“Get back on those hands and knees,” I demand. When she flips back over, I slap her ass. “That’s for making me so damn crazy for you.”
She lets out a groan. “Again,” she whispers, almost shyly.
“What did you say?” I ask while holding my dick at her entrance, about to push in.
She turns her head. “There’s something about your anger. I like it. And the thought of a bit of pain mixed with pleasure. I’ve never tried it before.”
My head falls back. “Mia, I’m going to lose my mind with you.”
I’ve never done more than a little slap before. I once asked Kim, and she told me that I was depraved for wanting to hurt her. I tried to explain that I didn’t want to hurt her, I wanted to make her feel good. Either way, I’ve never brought it up with another woman since.
“Tell me if it’s too much,” I tell her right before my hand whips her ass cheek, this time with more force.
Just as she screams in response, I slam into her pussy from behind which only elevates her scream. But what I don’t expect is the absolute feeling of contentment when I slide into her.
“Dammit!” I cry as I bottom out. “Your pussy was made for me.”
I pull out and slap her cheek again, this time harder. I can already see my handprint take shape on her skin.
It brings out a primal animalistic feeling. I just marked her as mine, and now I’m going to fuck her like she’s mine, too.
I grab her hair and wrap it around my fist then start to thrust harder than I thought was possible. Each time I pull out, I slap her ass which is now pink with my handprints. My dick tightens at the sight of it. When I start to feel her walls tightening around me, I grab each side of her waist and pound my dick inside of her until she screams her release and her walls have my dick in a vice, making holding out impossible. I spill my own release into the condom, both of us grunting and moaning together.
I slide in and out slowly until her muscles relax then I fall on top of her.
We both struggle to catch our breath as we lie next to each other.
“That was…” she starts but doesn’t seem to have a word to explain what just happened.
“I know,” I agree. There isn’t any word in the dictionary that can adequately describe how that felt. I’m addicted already, I know it. “Let’s get cleaned up.”
After we both clean ourselves up, we crawl back into my bed. Despite my best efforts to keep my distance, I end up pulling her into me, as I fall asleep with my arm wrapped around her.