She pushed up on her elbows to meet my gaze, eyes still hazy from the orgasm I’d given her. A total beat-on-my chest moment.
I kneeled up over her and she stared at me with a soft, dazed expression. “Damn, you’re talented with that tongue.”
“I’m even better with my dick.”
“Prove it,” she challenged.
I stood at the side of the bed and slowly worked my jeans off, letting her have a good look.
“Impressive.” She reached out, wrapping her fingers around me and I let out a hiss of air as she slowly stroked up and down.
I let her explore while I leaned over and grabbed a condom out of my pocket. Since I hadn’t planned on bringing women here, the place happened to be condom-free.
That might be a problem.
One fuck wouldn’t be enough.
“I only have the one,” I informed her, shaking the packet in front of her face.
“I have some in my purse.”
“Oh, really?”
“Does that bother you?”
“Nope.” I’d happily pretend she was carrying them around because she’d been planning to fuck me tonight.
“Good. Because if you did, I wouldn’t do this.” She leaned in and closed her mouth around my cock.
“Oh, fuuuck,” I groaned. “Definitely no problem.”
She chuckled and the sound vibrated up my dick. I gathered her hair in my fist and when I was close, tugged on it. Her big blue eyes stared up at me. I swore she looked annoyed I’d stopped her fun.
“You’re pretty good with your tongue too.”
Her mouth twisted into a wry smile and she watched me suit up.
I fucking dove at her, tackling her to the mattress. She let out nervous laughter and hooked her arms around my neck. “Eager?” she teased.
“Fuck yes.” I slipped my hand under her leg, opening her wider and settled between her legs. “Been wanting to do this for a while now.”
Her face lost some of the playfulness, so I kissed her to keep her in the moment.
“Think you can take it?”
“We’ll find out.”
Shit, she made me laugh.
I lowered my weight onto her and dipped my head to take another kiss. She spread her legs wider and I pushed my way inside her slick pussy.
“Oh, fuck,” she murmured against my mouth. “Harder.”
It felt so fucking good sliding inch after inch of my cock in her wet heat. I bottomed out and ground myself into her. Waited a second for her to adjust and when she met my eyes again, my hips pumped into her. Our wet flesh smacked together in time with her soft moans. I slipped my hand down between us and found her clit, rubbing with two fingers while I kept fucking her.
“Hold me down.” She practically panted the words in my ear.
“What?”
“Hold me down,” she repeated. A hot shock of surprise shot straight to my dick.
To demonstrate, she lifted her arms above her head, knocking my pillows to the side.
“Please?” she begged.
Wrapping my hands around her forearms, I gripped her tight. Pinned to the mattress. The way her breathing hitched fired up all my natural impulses.
Gathering her wrists in one hand, I kept them restrained above her head and used my other hand to cup her breast, rolling her nipple between my fingers.
A low moan escaped her throat.
“Harder.” She licked her lip. The blazing desire shining in her eyes was clear—the harder I held her, harder I fucked her, the more it turned her on.
The more it turned me on.
I brought my lips to hers for another kiss and she flinched, turning away.
She wanted the rough stuff, but shied away from any sweetness when she was getting it?
Fuck that shit.
I ground into her harder. Long and slow, until I wrung a loud moan from her throat. “I’m coming,” she whispered.
“Do it,” I encouraged.
“Harder.”
“Sweetheart, I fuck you any harder, I’ll split you in two.”
“I can take it.”
I pounded into her harder, then let out a frustrated growl.
“Get those fucking legs up around me,” I ordered.
Her feet landed above my ass.
“That’s better.”
Her eyes rolled back when I drove into her at the different angle.
Without thinking, I wrapped my hand around her neck. Perfect fit. Her pulse fluttered under my palm, wild and so out of control, I almost lost it. Her lips parted and her breath came out in quick pants. I took advantage, kissing her deeply, holding her so she couldn’t pull away again.
She blinked up at me and moaned into my mouth.
I’d never looked into someone’s eyes with so much intensity.
I’d never felt that sort of connection with anyone before. More than a fuck. Intimate. Something I didn’t usually have any interest in. It shook me and I liked it. A lot.
In more ways than one, I was royally fucked. Thinking I could spend one night with Marcel had been a huge mistake.
I had always suspected that deep down, under the law school education and sophistication I tried to project, I’m slightly unbalanced.
Here was my proof.
I barely knew this guy, but I let him manhandle me. Encouraged it. Begged for it.
Spikes of excitement shot through me in a way they never had before.
Something about him.
He was big. Taller than me. Lean, muscular. Cut in the right places. Strong. He could easily hurt me.
But I knew he wouldn’t. It made it so easy to ask him for something I’d always craved.
After the second orgasm, I still couldn’t get enough. He unwrapped his hand from my throat, bringing it to my hip.
“Harder,” I begged.
A glint of meanness entered his eyes. “Not good enough?”
It was good. So, so good, I was spiraling out of control.
Rough, but protective. Sinful and still sweet.
He pulled out, gripped my hips and flipped me over, lining himself up and sinking back inside before I had a chance to protest any of it.
Not that I would have anyway.
“Brace yourself against that fucking wall, Charlotte,” he ground out behind me.
I did my best, but he pounded into me so hard, my arms gave out and I ended up in a heap on the bed, ass in the air. He slapped my ass once, twice, before slowing his pace.
“Get on top,” he demanded.
“What?”
“Get. On. Top.”
“What? Why?”
He threw himself down on the bed next to me. “Because you’re fucking gorgeous and I want to see you. All of you.” He patted my thigh. “Come on. Up. Don’t be shy.”
“Well, I guess you have been working pretty hard.” I tilted my head and pinned him with what I hoped was a sultry look. “You’ve earned a break.”
“Oh, I’m not tapping out yet, sweetheart.” His hand clamped over my hip, urging me to straddle him. “Now, stop fucking around.”
He offered his other hand and I took it so he could guide me to his cock.
“Come on.” His voice was a harsh whisper. “Take it.” He groaned as I slid all the way down.
If I thought he was handing me control, I was mistaken. His hands gripped my hips, fingers digging into my ass. “Move.”
I slowly rocked my hips up and down, but not fast enough to satisfy him. He pushed me with one hand pressed to my lower belly and one gripping my hip. Back and forth. Harder. Faster. My body tightened, ready to go off.
Was it even possible to have another orgasm?
“You coming for me again, already?”
Yes, yes, it is.
A bunch more uh, ah, oh, noises burst out of me, but no words.
“That’s it,” he said in a low voice. “Ride it out.”
His hands gripped my hips and ass, lifting me off him, and tossing me to the mattress.
> “Oh my God.”
He covered my body with his and slipped back inside before I fully processed what had happened.
“Holy shit,” I breathed out and laughed at the same time.
He pressed his palms against my cheeks, staring into my eyes. “You’re so fucking hot.”
I didn’t have a chance to respond because he took my mouth in a passionate kiss that went on and on.
His hands gripped my hips, then slid under my ass, holding me in place while he hammered into me.
“Shit.” I wrapped my hands around his forearms, feeling the taut muscles straining. My breasts wobbled and bounced everywhere, and he bent down to suck one nipple into his mouth. The extra friction sent me over the edge again and I think it triggered him. He let out a long, guttural groan and dropped his forehead against mine.
Our sweat-soaked bodies clung together. Our hearts racing.
He rolled off me, falling against the bed with a satisfied grunt.
“Hey?” His rough voice infiltrated my haze.
I blinked, opening my eyes. He slipped a hand behind my neck, pulling me closer. “I don’t want to skip this part,” he said against my lips. The need behind his words stunned me for a minute, while his lips met mine. Sweet. Not quite gentle. No, his kisses were hungry and demanding. But still tender. Intimate.
After a minute, he released me and I rolled to my back, our bodies still touching. He took my hand, bringing it up to his mouth to kiss my fingers. He might have stolen a little bit of my heart in that moment.
Not that I expected him to kick me out right away. But this sweet, tender stuff? No, I hadn’t expected that.
But I can’t lie and say I didn’t like it.
Even though it scared me and I knew it couldn’t last.
A clipped buzzing noise woke me a few hours later. I recognized it as my cell phone. Probably alerting me I had a new email. I tried ignoring it, but the sun was peeking through the shades, demanding I wake up.
I glanced over at Marcel. Flat on his back. One arm over his chest, the other flung out to the side. I barely resisted the urge to trace my fingers over his lips, brush the hair off his forehead.
Bathroom.
Fondling sleepy, sexy hookup later.
Quietly, I slipped out of bed. Picked up my bra, slipped into my panties. Found the bathroom. I ran some water and used my fingers to brush the morning yuck from my mouth. In the living room, I searched for my clothes. I found my cell phone and idly flicked it on to check my messages. An email to my law firm account piqued my interest and I opened it.
Charlotte,
Thank you for everything. Even though I’m disappointed Marcel didn’t get full custody, I’m so happy I get to spend weekends with him and Grams can’t do anything about it.
If anything else comes up, am I still allowed to contact you?
Heidi
Shit.
The guilt set in quicker than I expected.
Since I mostly represented children, thank you notes were rare. Honestly, appreciation of any sort from my clients was rare. Sometimes I received a quick email or a string of curses on my office voicemail. Once or twice a handmade card made out of construction paper and glitter. This was such an adult thank you with hints of teenage vulnerability intertwined in the words, it hit me hard. I staggered to the couch and sat down, re-reading the message.
I’d be this choked up if I’d gotten this message at home, right?
My eyes searched the darkened apartment. This was so wrong.
I slipped on my skirt, fastened my bra and buttoned up my blouse before looking for a pen and piece of paper.
I have to be in my office early. Thanks for dinner. I scrawled on a piece of notebook paper.
That had to be the dumbest thing I’d ever written, but Thanks for a good fuck, seemed a little forward.
My gaze darted to the bedroom. Quiet.
Where could a relationship between us really go?
Relationship. Yeah, right.
This was a huge mistake.
A really satisfying mistake.
I ignored that thought and snatched my blazer off the couch. I grabbed the rest of my things and opened the front door an inch at a time until I was sure it wouldn’t make any noise, then stepped outside.
At the bottom of the stairs, I slipped into my shoes, listening for any sounds of Marcel following.
As if.
He’d probably be relieved to have me disappear. Nothing more awkward than a one-night stand overstaying her welcome, right?
My mind batted the options around like a ping pong ball the entire way to my car. Stay and have an awkward morning breakfast or leave and save dignity?
Since I was still walking toward my car, I guess I chose dignity. Although I didn’t feel very dignified sneaking away like a hooker who’d stayed past her allotted hour.
My car sat all by itself in the courthouse parking lot. As if announcing that its owner was a harlot.
I tossed my briefcase on the passenger seat and slid behind the wheel. That’s when I realized I was still clutching my phone.
The sun was brighter now, searing my eyeballs. I fumbled around for my sunglasses before tapping out a quick response.
Heidi,
You’re very welcome. Yes, you can contact me anytime.
Charlotte
It was a lame response, but it was all I could come up with.
I knew I was alone before I was even fully awake.
It never failed. The girls I wanted to wake up with were always gone before morning.
Charlotte was no exception.
This time bugged me more than any time before.
Yeah, I’d wanted a morning repeat of last night. To see if the sex was really that hot or I imagined it.
But she was gone.
I padded through my apartment to be sure.
Yup.
All her things were gone. Like she’d never even been here.
On the counter, I found a note.
Thanks for dinner.
Jesus Christ.
She couldn’t at least thank me for a good dicking before she snuck off?
I had her number. Considered calling her.
But I didn’t chase girls. Didn’t need to. I gave them what they needed, they gave me what I needed, and we called it good.
Charlotte was no different.
No matter how much I wanted her to be.
CHAPTER THREE
Present day…
I knew I should have stayed upstairs.
But how could I avoid Wrath and Trinity’s after-wedding breakfast and not seem like a dick?
I can’t.
Instead, I’ll sit here and try to smile in the right places, even if I’m not feeling it.
Since they took off right after the wedding for their honeymoon, this celebration is a little late.
“Welcome home, newlyweds!”
I don’t have to turn around to know that’s my sister. A little of the irritation tightening my chest loosens.
Until I turn and find my best friend’s arm wrapped around her.
Yeah, I’m trying to accept the two of them as a couple. Doesn’t mean I love it. Or love seeing them all over each other all day, every damn day.
Who I do love without reservation, is my niece and I happily accept her into my hands as Heidi drops into the chair next to me. “She missed you,” Heidi says breathlessly.
Fair enough. I sure missed her.
“How was Belize?” Hope asks.
“Fucking amazing,” Wrath answers.
“She didn’t ask what you did, she asked how it was,” Z cracks.
“That would be amazing fucking,” Sparky corrects with a straight face.
“That too,” Wrath agrees.
Trinity laughs and leans against him, staring up at him like she worships him.
“Maybe that’s where we should go next,” Hope says, poking her elbow into Rock’s side.
He gives the predictable answer. “
Whatever you want, baby doll.” Because there really isn’t a single thing in this world my prez won’t do for his wife.
All this lovey-dovey shit in the air has me in a foul fucking mood. A mood I don’t even want to be in, but can’t seem to shake off.
While all the happy couples have spoiled my appetite, Swan went to a lot of trouble to set up a big breakfast buffet for everyone. I accept the plate of food Heidi sets in front of me a few minutes later without complaining.
She rests her hand on my shoulder and softly asks, “Do you need anything else?”
Man, do I hate having my little sister baby me. It’s one of the reasons I keep pushing myself so hard at physical therapy.
“I’m fine.” I reach back and squeeze her arm. “Thank you.”
On my lap, Alexa squirms and loudly lets me know I’m not paying enough attention to her. “Sorry, baby. You hungry?” I kiss the top of her forehead, taking an extra second to breathe in her calming scent.
She coos and giggles when I turn my attention on her, clapping her little hands together.
“I fed her when she woke up,” Heidi says, digging through her bag. “Here. Try these.” She passes over a small container of blueberries and some kind of baby-biscuit-cookie things that look like they taste like cardboard.
After I shake a few blueberries into my hand, Alexa settles down and plucks the berries out of my hand one by one. Roughly seventy-five percent of them actually make it into her mouth. The rest bounce onto the floor where Z’s dogs are happy to scoop them up. Alexa’s happy and that’s what matters.
“Thanks for helping me balance their diet,” Z says with an eye-roll.
“What? Blueberries are good for them.”
Dex leans over, watching Ziggy and Zipper. Their loud slurping noises make everyone groan. Every now and then one of them bumps into our legs and let’s just say these two aren’t puppies anymore. “Well, at least they’re good floor-cleaners.”
“Hope?” Heidi says. Her voice quiet, as if she doesn’t want the rest of us to hear this conversation, draws my gaze up and away from the dogs.
“I meant to ask you earlier.” Her gaze darts around the table. “Have you ever done an adoption?” she asks when she has Hope’s full attention.
Hope cocks her head, studying Heidi. Her gaze slides to Murphy, then back to Heidi, and a brief smile flickers over her lips before she answers. “No, honey. Why?”