Beyond the Velvet Rope (30 page)

With a quick intake of breath, she knew he was close. She sucked hard as he filled her mouth with his hot sperm. She pumped his shaft tightly with her hands, forcing as much of his cum as she could get into her waiting mouth.

She was licking his shiny head when a jolt of electricity jerked her body forward. A strangled moan escaped her as the waves of climactic sensations washed over her. She rested her head against his strong shoulder as she waited for the calm to claim her. Taking hold of her shoulders, he pulled her up to face him. He kissed her long and hard. Their tongues mated, uniting their joined flavors.

She opened her eyes to see him staring at her. There was still a distant look in his eyes, but they were less cold than before.

“We’re not done, you know,” he said, his voice a rough timbre.

She nodded and tried to look away, but he caught her face between his hands and forced her to look at him.

“When we get home, I’m going to come in you over and over again.”

A warm flush covered her face. Anticipation overwhelmed her. Luckily, he didn’t feel the need to say more. She allowed him to help her back into her seat to drive home.

He waited until they were well on their way before calling Romero and instructing him to locate Thandie’s assistants and tell them she had left early. He listened intently for several minutes, frowned, and then said, “Take care of it.”

Minutes later, they were pulling into Elliot’s driveway. He helped her out of his vehicle and guided her down the hallway that led to his room. Thandie watched in quiet awe as his world unfolded before her.

His bedroom was masculine, yet beautiful in its simplicity. It was calm and relaxing in comparison to the rest of the house or his office at the club. The fresh scent of linen assailed her. All the tension that had built up during the quiet drive home was melting away.

She stood still as Elliot pulled his jacket from her shoulders, freed her of the shirt, and lay her on the bed. He burned her with those silver eyes as he undressed. She watched him with fascination.

He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing that wonderfully muscled torso. Even though he unfastened his slacks with ease, it felt like an eternity until he freed himself of the garment. And as he stepped out of his pants, Thandie’s whole body tingled with excitement. The man was beautiful. Physically perfect.

She knew she was in big trouble. How would she ever be able to turn away from this man? It wasn’t possible.

He came to her, his eyes devouring every curve of her body. “Turn around,” he whispered. “I want you on your hands and knees.” She complied. “Arch your back, sweetheart. I want to see that lovely ass of yours. Don’t be shy. By the end of the night, I will know every inch of your body. You’ve made me wait for it long enough.”

He plunged into her wet warmth, burying his cock inside her. He withdrew and then sheathed himself inside her again. On and on, he moved in her, her body feeling as though she were sizzling from the inside out.

Just when she thought she could take no more, he flipped her onto her back and crawled between her legs. He began to slowly, lovingly, lick her inner lips. His touch was soft and torturously slow. The hungry lust he had shown before had disappeared, replaced by the gentle touch of a lover. She was on the brink of coming in his mouth, but he pulled back just in time.

“No,” she pleaded. “Please don’t stop.”

He looked up to watch her flushed face. “Not yet.” He rubbed the tender flesh of her inner thigh. “Calm down,” he said in a soft whisper. “Tell me when you’re ready.”

Easing himself on top of her, he settled himself between her thighs. Balancing the bulk of his weight on his forearms, he thrust himself into her warmth. His pelvis slammed against hers, but he softened his assault by kissing her softly along the neck. He made a trail of hot kisses that led to her mouth. He moved rhythmically inside her, plunging deeply and withdrawing slowly.

Thandie did not last long. She came on a cry against his mouth. He kissed her soundly and moved slowly within her; allowing her to enjoy her climax.

He thought he could withstand her writhing beneath him, but as her walls closed around him and began milking him for his seed, he knew his precious control was slipping away. Unable to hold back any longer, he surrendered.

His cum burst forward, filling her until it spilled onto the sheets. His breath was heavy. His eyes were closed tight from the pure rapture. He lowered his head to nuzzle her neck with his nose, taking pleasure in her scent.

Thandie held on to his shoulders tightly. She could feel the slight ache her body would endure tomorrow, but as he gently nestled her neck, her desire for him grew. The feel of his beautiful body pressing lightly over her made her yearn to have more of him. Finally being this close to him, sharing this level of intimacy made her lightheaded. It was him! It was his damned charm that drew her into him. That damned smile. The smell of his skin. The texture of his raven black hair between her fingers. The slick feel of his skin against hers. It was too much. She was intoxicated with him. And she longed for more. Much more.

Her legs tightened around his slim waist. He groaned in her ear. He lifted his head to look into her eyes. His silver eyes flickered with light. He wasn’t smiling. He wore a very serious frown.

His voice rumbled in his chest, vibrating the peaks of her breasts. “I’m going to pull your legs up, Thandie.”

Even as he said the words, she could feel his hands encircle her ankles and pull them slowly upward. She braced her arms beneath her as he pulled her legs parallel to her torso. Her knees hovered inches above her shoulders. He pulled out of her before burying himself inside her slick folds. He made a tense grunt at the snug fit. His hands closed tighter around her ankles as he moved inside her. Held prisoner beneath him, she bore every thrust he rendered. With her body lifted to his pleasure, each plunge was intensified.

She climaxed hard and fast. Elliot did not pause. He continued to take her until, eventually, he too joined her completeness. Without saying a word, he lowered her legs, pushed himself off the bed, and disappeared into the bathroom. He returned with a damp towel. Parting her legs, he gently wiped her.

Thandie was stunned by how tender his touch was. Her breath still came in short gulps. She was fighting to regain control of her emotions. The weightless abandonment he demanded from her was both exhilarating and terrifying. Tears flowed from her eyes unchecked. She turned her face away from him to hide from his silver glare.

“Look at me,” he demanded in a harsh voice.

She looked down at him with unsure eyes.

He was looking up at her from between her open thighs. His eyes burned into her. “I want you to watch me.” His voice felt like silk over her naked skin. “Watch me, Thandie.” He tossed the towel over his shoulder. “I want you to watch me lick you and tell me where it hurts.”

Her eyes stayed trained on him, as if hypnotized by his gray orbs. She watched him lower his lips to her cunt, lightly trailing his tongue along her soft folds. He lightly licked her, teasing her with his slow seduction. His devilish tongue dipped beneath her folds, to briefly taste her, before withdrawing to caress her. He was giving her a chance to recover from any early foreplay, and yet wanted her desire for him to remain. By demanding that she watch him, he was giving her no choice but to acknowledge their intimacy. He was branding the image of him eating her into her mind.

“Where do you hurt?” he asked.

His voice tickled her flesh. She was unable to form words. Under her careful observation, she watched his eyes cloud with lust. He lowered his head and delivered a breathtaking kiss. Thandie shuddered. He pushed her legs farther apart, his desire to taste her not nearly quenched. He sucked on her puffy lips, drawing them into his mouth, and stroking them with his tongue. She bucked against him, and began swaying her hips. He groaned into her. Using the tip of his tongue, he traced the exquisite furrows of her nether lips before dipping low to savor the hot juices welling inside her.

When he moved upward to slide the flat of his tongue over her most sensitive nub, Thandie nearly came off the bed. Her eyelids became heavy with passion, and her head fell back on her shoulders. An image of Elliot staring up at her with stormy eyes was branded into her thoughts. She began to thrash beneath him. Her thighs shook as another climax claimed her. He licked at her sweet honey until her last rush of elation passed.

Elliot pulled away from her, watching her with immense pleasure. Her breasts rose and fell as she struggled to capture a calm breath. He stroked his cock as he regarded her. She was so enticing. Damn, if she wasn’t the most delectable woman he’d ever tasted. His hunger for her was insatiable. If he wasn’t careful, this could create a problem in the near future.

When finally she looked up at him, her almond eyes looked wide and innocent.

“You enjoyed it,” he said.

She nodded. “Yes, you were right. You’re very talented with your tongue.”

“I know.” His voice was still devoid of its normal playfulness. His eyes bore into her with all seriousness. Elliot’s brow arched. “Are you ready?”

She bit her lower lip nervously. “For what?”

He gave a dry laugh. “I hope you don’t think we’re done.” He moved between her thighs. “I have much more planned for us.”

* * *

They did not rest until a long time later. The man was true to his word. She felt like a piece of rubber; he’d stretched and turned her every way imaginable, seeking his pleasure. He ensured she would not have much energy to do anything beyond resting.

And true, she desired rest more than anything right now. Her limbs felt like lead weights. She didn’t dare move, for the ache she knew she would feel. He made her work just as hard as he had. She rode him tirelessly. When she feared she would fall off, he held her above him, lifting her up and down his engorged shaft as if she weighed no more than a feather. Her thighs throbbed from the experience. But oh, how wonderful it felt!

Now, finally free from Elliot’s affections, she was unable to drift into slumber. Though thoroughly exhausted, her mind raced at a maddening speed. The reality of sleeping in his bed overwhelmed her. She held her breath, able to feel the rise and fall of his muscular chest against her back. Turned on their sides, they slept in “spoon” fashion. His heavy arm wrapped around her to cup her breast, occasionally squeezing it in his sleep.

She silently cursed herself. How could she have allowed herself to sleep with Elliot? Having sex with Elliot was the worst thing she could have done. True, she had been weak under his powerful silver eyes and devilish good looks. But that wasn’t an excuse for her falling into his bed.

Yes, he had pretty much dragged her here, but she hadn’t given him much of a fight. From the moment he had carried her into his office, she’d hoped he would take her. Despite her words of protest, she desperately wanted to feel what so many women before her had experienced in his capable arms. And did he take her? He took her very well. Treating her as nothing more than a woman. No sweet words, no longing caresses. No, in his eyes, they were simply male and female coming together for nature’s oldest dance. She could not remember ever coming that often. Even now, her skin tingled with memory of his touch.

But that time had passed. Now she was left with a sudden emptiness. She was annoyed that she had finally become just another one of his women. The very group of women she had secretly despised for their constant pursuit of his attention. The very women she had pitied for chasing after him while he chased after a newer and prettier conquest. And now, she was one of them. For even as she loathed her recent actions, she knew he had but to reach for her and she would welcome his touch.

She frowned. What had she been thinking? It didn’t take a genius to realize that Elliot wasn’t a guy for the long-term. A woman only slept with him to enjoy the pleasures that he offered and nothing more. Elliot wasn’t a lover. He was only interested in the challenge. Now that he had conquered her, she would no longer be desirable. He would find another target to shower his attentions on tomorrow. She had better be smart about this. This was only a one-night stand. She needed to salvage her pride and recoup quickly.

Chapter Nineteen

T
o avoid seeing Elliot over morning coffee, Thandie awoke early. She’d meant to tiptoe out of his room quietly and unnoticed, but she’d stubbed her toe on the upholstered bench at the end of his bed and she had to clamp her hand over her mouth to muffle the scream.

For several torturous seconds she didn’t dare breathe, fearing she had roused Elliot from sleep. She limped back to her room and quickly washed and dressed.

Thandie woke the girls by bribing them with breakfast at a swanky bistro off the beach. Neither was excited about waking up early, however, the lure of being seen on the patio of a ritzy bistro was enough motivation. She was patient, waiting for them to get ready. Not having to suffer the shame of being under the same roof with Elliot when he awoke was worth its weight in gold. She was not yet ready to face his heated stare.

She’d decided to wear a polo shirt and a pair of old cotton shorts that hung loosely on her hips. Even if she wanted to forget her encounter with Elliot, her body wouldn’t let her. She was sore everywhere.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the girls were finally ready. “Early” for them was “late” in the real world. When they were craving breakfast, everyone else was finishing late lunches. It wasn’t difficult to get a patio table at a popular beachfront bistro. The rush had gone, and the girls had their pick of seating. Though obviously tired, Len and Raja were excited to be out. They chattered nonstop about the latest fashions before turning their attentions on Thandie.

“Are you all right?”

Thandie forced herself to smile at Raja. “I’m great. Why?”

Raja looked nervously at Len. “We were really scared for you last night. When Elliot pulled you off the stage, my heart stopped.”

Len touched Thandie’s hand. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

That’s a loaded question. Giving her a reassuring smile, she said, “Len, I’m fine. Elliot was upset over my conduct, that’s true. But we worked everything out. It was a misunderstanding.”

“We tried to get in Elliot’s office to check on you, but Michelle wouldn’t let us pass.”

Raja nodded. “We even begged Adam and Markie to help, but Michelle wasn’t letting anybody in. When Romero told us you were leaving early, we assumed you were okay.”

“Yeah,” Len giggled. “So we stayed until the club closed. We figured you’d want us to keep working VIP.”

Thandie grinned. Any other time, she would have been annoyed by their over-the-top partying, but considering what she and Elliot had been doing at his home, she was relieved to know Raja and Len hadn’t been there.

“You did well,” she said. “I’m glad I can count on you two.” Thandie focused her gaze on the food on her plate. “What happened with The Pussy Cats after I—”

Taking turns, Len and Raja painted a dismal picture of the evening. After the mishap, which involved Thandie being carried away, several shoving matches ensued. The bouncers had their hands full breaking up arguments and removing the troublemakers. According to Len, there was an usually high number of bachelor parties being celebrated that evening.

“Rotten luck we have,” Raja mused aloud. “Of all the times to do a pole dancing routine, we do it on stag night.”

“Celeste and the dancers?” Thandie asked. “What happened with them?”

“Oh, they’re fine.” Len said. “Better than fine, actually. After you...left the stage...Markie pulled the plug on The Pussy Cat performance. The dancers were paid for their time and escorted out of the building. Things simmered down after that.”

Thandie pinched the bridge of her nose. “Mira Dietrich,” she said with a heavy sigh. “How did your meeting go with her, Len.”

Len averted eye contact and began fiddling with her hair.

“Len,” Thandie said in a warning voice.

“It’s not my fault,” she blurted out. “You should have told me she was a witch.”

“Why? What happened?”

“Nothing happened,” Len scowled. “She was pissed off you sent me as a stand-in.”

“Did she say that?” Thandie pressed.

“She didn’t have to. She got one good look at me, blew cigarette smoke into my face, and left.” Len scrunched her nose. “I tried to explain, but she wouldn’t listen.”

Great
. Thandie thought.
That’s just flipping great.
She’d dressed like a stripper, embarrassed herself by being dragged off stage, was the direct result of people being thrown out of the club, paid for entertainers who could not perform, and now she was on Mira Dietrich’s shit list.
Great!

Wanting nothing more than to forget about last night as quickly as possible, Thandie tossed her napkin onto her plate and announced they were going shopping. This statement won the hearts of the girls. They squealed like teenagers, and hastily gathered their things.

When they were back in the car, they headed eastbound to Bal Harbour Shops. They roamed many of the stores, but took great pleasure wandering about Carolina Herrera, Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana. All of them found something to enjoy. Thandie took a particular interest in La Perla’s wide selection of delicate lingerie, being that Elliot had ripped off two of her favorite pairs of panties. If this kept up, she would run out of panties long before it was time for her to return to New York.

Amazingly, Thandie wasn’t annoyed that they spent several hours shopping. She was thankful to be away from Elliot’s Star Island home. The longer they were away, the more confident she was that he would be gone upon their return.

When they finally arrived home, their arms were laden with shopping bags. Though Thandie was eager to get to work, she agreed to patiently sit and wait for the girls to display all their new buys. She surprised herself by joining in their excitement, marveling at her own purchases.

By the time they were finished, Thandie needed a nap. She excused herself from Raja and Len’s fashion show and retreated to her room. She fell across her bed and was asleep before her head touched the pillow.

She awoke a few hours later. Not willing to risk running into Elliot, she remained in her room, sending emails and placing calls. Len and Raja, however, had donned their swimsuits and were working by the pool. Thandie doubted that either of them was getting much done, but as long as they were busy and she had her privacy, she was content.

Today it was difficult to focus on work when her mind kept straying toward Elliot’s glowing, silver eyes. Several times, she had to shake her head to escape the heated thoughts that assailed her.

Elliot had been amazing last night. But chances were he would either ignore her today, or he would try to seduce her again just to prove he could. The troubling thought was that she doubted she could resist him anymore. She had sampled his lovemaking, and even as she sat before her laptop, her body went warm, yearning for more. This was going to be an uphill battle. She would do well to come out of this with her sanity in check. Somehow, she would have to restrain herself. She needed to focus on her job.

She had no time to concern herself with Elliot Richards.

It was only sex, she told herself. Mind-blowing sex, but it was still just sex. She would do well to accept it for what it was and move on. Keeping that in mind, she would continue to stay clear of him and do her job. She would show him she could be an adult. She would rise above this.

She decided not to go to Club Babylon, instead sending the girls and getting some much-needed rest herself.

And staying away from Elliot.

* * *

Elliot couldn’t quite put his emotions into words. Thandie was avoiding him again. For what reason, he did not know. She had played the coy routine far too long with him. He intended to have sex with her until he grew tired of her.

But Elliot’s problems of the evening didn’t stop there. Sophia Radcliffe, Wife Number Five, appeared out of thin air with a young man in tow. He held her hand possessively, making his position in Sophia’s life clear. Elliot could only laugh. “New pet, Sophia?”

“He’s my new lawyer,” she snarled.

“Good for you,” he told her, and tried to walk around them. Sophia blocked his path. Apparently, she was in the mood for war.

Elliot glanced toward Thandie and Adam again before focusing on Sophia. “Call me outside working hours if you want to talk, Mrs. Radcliffe.”

She shook off her lawyer’s hand and pointed a long manicured finger at him. “I’ve left several messages for you, Elliot, and you know it. So, since you won’t talk to me on the phone, you’ll talk to me now.”

He rolled his eyes. “Try some other time, Sophia. I’m not in the mood to tolerate you.”

She tossed her mane of dark waves over her shoulder. “If you don’t talk to me now, I’ll make things very difficult for Warren.” She’d played her trump card. She was confident it would work. “You’re not a complete bastard, Elliot. You’ll do anything to help Warren.”

He fought to keep his voice casual. “Where you’re concerned, Sophia, I have my limits.”

She smiled sweetly. “Do you?”

Elliot scowled at her.

“That’s what I thought,” she said with a laugh. “Shall we follow you to your office?”

He hated the arrogant grin she wore. She had him between a rock and hard place, and she knew it. He nodded. “Follow me.”

Once the three of them were alone in his office, Elliot turned on her. “Out with it. What do you want?”

* * *

Elliot was in a dark mood the rest of the night. Sophia’s visit had drained him. She’d offered to be more agreeable with her divorce settlement if he, Elliot, provided her with a cash agreement. The subtle hint that she and he could rekindle a relationship he had long since forgotten was maddening. For a moment Elliot could not believe what he was being propositioned. And in the presence of her young, love-struck lawyer.

The meeting ended abruptly when Elliot had Michelle escort the pair out of the club. Elliot’s anger for having been dragged into this mess rested solely on Warren’s shoulders. Elliot cursed the old man. Why couldn’t Warren be smarter about the women he chose to wed? Couldn’t he see this had been her plan all along? Now he would have to clean up after Warren’s mess.

After Club Babylon’s doors were closed for the night, Elliot helped Markie count the tips and allot the dancers and waitresses their pay. They asked him to join them for breakfast, but Elliot was determined to go home and sleep.

He arrived home a little after eight o’clock in the morning. The house was silent. Lucinda would be about her chores soon. He entered his bedroom, calmed by the decor. No elaborate designs or colors. It was soothing.

He showered and slid into bed. Sophia’s outrageous offer replayed in his head. Never had be been more annoyed with her. Frustrated, he turned on his side. Even in his bad mood, he was horny.

He considered going to Thandie’s room. Her soft curves would feel heavenly beneath him. Her full breasts, small waist and round bottom quickly filled his mind. But would she welcome him into her bed? He was confident he could eventually persuade her to accept his company.

It was clear she was greatly troubled by his effect on her. But he was in no mood to speak the sweet words she needed to hear. He only wanted to sleep beside her. The more he thought about it, the more that surprised him. Thandie was getting too close for his comfort.