Cunning (Infidelity #2) (20 page)

He was right again. It had been a long day, especially with the time difference. It was after midnight in New York.

“Thank you.”

He leaned closer and kissed my cheek. “For what, princess?”

“For being here.” My lips curled to a smile. “For delaying all those people’s flight, for worrying about Chelsea, and for not being mad.”

He smirked. “Oh, I was mad… more than once, but I think you know that.”

“Well, you’re not showing it.”

“Not yet.”

My tummy somersaulted with his threat. That was all it was, I told myself. Besides what could he possibly have planned?

He didn’t bring anything with him. Deloris supposedly did all the shopping for us.

It wasn’t like he’d ask her to buy satin bindings, would he?

Then I remembered the candles in Del Mar. Nox hadn’t been the one to light them or the one to draw the bath. It was her.

Shit!

My nipples hardened beneath my sundress at the realization. He would. Nox would ask her to buy whatever he wanted.

I COULDN’T HELP
but stare as Charli dropped her purse, slipped out of her sandals, and walked to the table. Lifting the silver dome from the tray, she asked, “I thought we said we weren’t hungry?”

“Deloris obviously decided otherwise.”

Her tired grin enticed me, pulling me toward her like a magnet. Watching her walk away with Edward Spencer affected me more than I would admit. The way he looked at her and at me, rubbed me the wrong way. I couldn’t stand there another minute. I had to get out of the hospital. If I didn’t, I would have done or said something.

I didn’t like Edward Spencer, even without his connection to Charli. He was involved with Senator Higgins with the House Ways and Means committee, but that wasn’t all. We’d crossed paths before. His techniques were slimy and backhanded. The idea of him near Charli made my blood boil. That was why I left Isaac to watch over her. If he’d so much as brushed his shoulder against her, I would have had the motherfucker on the floor.

Her brevity in answering my questions calmed me. The way she met my eyes and willingly sat beside me in the SUV told me more about her than her words ever could. Alexandria Collins may acquiesce to my demands, but she was stronger than most, with a spine of steel and bigger balls than most of the people I crossed in business, more than Edward Spencer certainly. I demanded the truth, but I wouldn’t have known what that was. However, as her golden eyes met mine, and her breathing calmed, I believed her. I would, until she gave me reason not to.

I moved close. The scent of her perfume lingered in the air as I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her close. “You’re not hungry?” I asked as my gaze left her beautiful face to scan the array of crackers and different types of cheese—the perfect late-night snack.

Charli reached for a slice of what I assumed to be provolone and shrugged. “I didn’t think I was, but with it here, I am. Dinner on the plane was a long time ago.”

Before she could eat the cheese, I covered her lips with mine. Fever burned through me as she melted against my chest. One hand moved to her neck as the other held tight to her ass. She couldn’t break away if she wanted, but by the way our tongues wrestled, getting away wasn’t in her plans.

When we came up for air, I said what I usually don’t. I confessed my feelings. “Watching you walk away with him pissed me off.”

“I know.” Her eyes fluttered downward as if she were suddenly interested in the cheese she was holding. “I knew you didn’t want me to.”

“But you did it anyway?”

Charli sighed. “Bryce is… part of the way I was raised.” She looked up as shadows I didn’t understand swirled within the gold. “He called earlier today… or yesterday. I don’t know what time it is.” She scoffed.

“What?”

Shaking her head, she said, “Nothing. It’s just something he said about my ability to tell time. Anyway, he called and told me he was flying out here to see me.”

My gaze narrowed. “Out here? You told him you were coming, and you didn’t tell me?”

“No. I hadn’t spoken to him since the last time I was in our hometown. I hadn’t even told him yet that I’d moved to New York. He thought I was still here.”

I released her waist and picked up the bottle of wine and read the label. Deloris was good. She’d selected a red blend from the Bordeaux region of France. “Go on.”

Charli peered at the bottle. “Deloris knows you well, doesn’t she?”

“Probably better than anyone. After you tell me more about Edward, tell me about your meeting with her this morning.”

Charli huffed as she sat at the table and placed the cheese on a small cracker. “From now on, would you please warn me if I’m expected to meet with someone? I’d like to be dressed and maybe not reek of sex.”

I poured our wine and laughed. “I wouldn’t consider it reeking. You smelled fantastic. So good, as a matter of fact, that I want more of that lovely fragrance very soon.”

She shook her head as her cheeks blushed. “The meeting was fine. I got the impression she’s incredibly devoted to you and your company… Demetri Enterprises?”

“Yes, that’s the name of it. I’m loyal to her too. She’s one of the few people who’s earned that.”

“Is that how it works?”

We were sitting, eating, and talking, and damn, if it didn’t feel natural. Other than Deloris, I rarely just sat and talked. It was always about business or with a goal in mind. This was different, relaxing and yet stimulating. “How what works?” I asked.

“Your loyalty and devotion. They have to be earned?”

I hadn’t thought about it, but yes. “Either earned or lost. What about you? Do you just give them blindly?”

“No. I guess you’re right. I’ve been burnt, and well, I think they do need to be earned. I’m sorry I took off today. I wasn’t thinking about Deloris or you or Isaac. I was thinking about Chelsea.”

“Don’t do it again.”

Her chin lowered. “I’ll try not to. I can’t say I never will.” Only her eyes looked back up, veiled by her long lashes. “You said you want honesty. That’s honest.”

“You’re avoiding the first part of this conversation.”

“I’m not,” she said with her most innocent expression. “I’ve told you. He didn’t know I was in New York. That’s how close we are.”

“Why did he want to see you?”

She shrugged. “He and I dated in high school. He wants to date again. He thought we were.”

What the fuck?

“You went to Infidelity even though you were in a relationship?”

“We’re not. He wants to say we are. That’s why as weird as tonight was, it was good that it happened. He now knows that I’m with you.”

I leaned back and removed my tie. “I’m sure that made him happy.”

Her cheeks rose as they blossomed with a hint of pink. “No, it didn’t. I’m not sure which of you was more upset.”

My lips quirked as I ran the length of my tie across my palm. “I think you know the answer to that question.”

Charli’s stare concentrated on the tie as she inhaled. Her chest moved, showcasing her hardened nipples as they tented the front of her dress. “I’ve apologized for leaving,” she said mounting her own defense, “and I can’t control what other people do or where they are. It’s not fair for you to blame me because someone else showed up at the hospital.”

I stood and walked behind her. Brushing her gorgeous hair away from her shoulder, I lowered my lips to her neck. As I began to speak and tickle her skin with my breath, she gasped, making my cock twitch. I wanted her more than I should, more than I could admit. My words became breathy. “I’ve mentioned before that life isn’t fair.” Goosebumps materialized as I gently nipped the sensitive skin. “And I’m not going to punish you because he showed up.” More kisses and taunting. “I’m going to punish you because you knowingly went against my wishes by walking away from me to go to him.”

“Nox…” She drew out my name, making it several syllables long as she tilted her head to the side.

“You also put yourself in danger.”

She stiffened.

Did she agree? Did she know how important it was to keep her security detail with her? I caressed her breasts, knowing why I could see her nipples. There was no bra under her dress. A new question monopolized my thoughts.

Is she wearing panties?

“Your security isn’t debatable.”

I helped her stand. In her bare feet, her face was even with my chest. She tilted her chin to look at me. “Tell me,” I prompted.

“My security isn’t debatable.”

“The next time you purposely dodge Isaac or your new bodyguard, I won’t spank your fine ass with my hand.”

She swallowed as she contemplated my threat.

“Do you plan to eat any more?” I asked as I glanced toward the table.

Leaning into me, her heartbeat thudded with mine. I hardened at her proximity, my intention pushing against her stomach.

“I-I’m not hungry.”

“I am.” I tugged her hand toward the bedroom. “But not for food. There isn’t much I’ve asked Deloris about your profile, just one thing.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“It was your medical exam.”

“What about it? Everything happened so fast, they didn’t tell me.”

“It’s clear. I’m clear. And you’re on birth control.” My brows rose questioning. When she merely smiled, I continued, “From now on, I’m going to feel your tight pussy around my cock with nothing separating us.” Her breathing deepened. “My rules.” I reminded her. “My decisions. Complete control.” With each word I backed her toward the bed. “What is the appropriate response, Charli?”

“Yes, Nox.”

Her knees buckled, and she fell back. With the way her beautiful red hair fanned out over the bedspread, she was so damn gorgeous, so sensual, and fucking mine. If I had my way, she’d reek of sex every day and night. The next time she saw Spencer or any other man, she’d have my seed inside of her.

I reached for the hem of her dress and lifted it over her head. Her back arched allowing me to remove the material. Underneath she wore only pink lace panties.

“Scoot back, Charli. I want to see you.”

As she moved I pulled down her panties and tossed them on the floor.

“Spread your legs for me.”

Her breasts heaved as she obeyed, showing me her perfect pussy, glistening with her essence. I knew the answer, but I asked her anyway.

“If I touch you, will I find you wet and ready?”

“Yes, Nox.” Her eyes closed as she leaned back on her elbows.

“Ready for what?”

Her hips bucked with only my voice, only words. She was ready and I knew it. I had no intention of teasing her like I’d done this morning. I planned on following through. Undoing my belt, I slowly pulled it from the loops. As I did, her eyes sprang open, large golden windows to her every thought. When her lip disappeared between her teeth, I knew she was thinking about my threat, and I let her, even though that wasn’t my intention. Tonight’s pain wouldn’t be intentional. Tonight was about pleasure.

“Do I need to repeat my question?” I asked, running the black leather length over my palm.

“I’m ready for whatever you want.”

“What do you want?”

“Your cock.”

I fucking loved hearing her say that. My erection sprang free as I unbuttoned my trousers and pushed down my boxer briefs. My shoes and socks disappeared in a pile of clothes as I crawled across the mattress toward her, a lion sizing up my prey. Inch by inch, I made my way closer, until she was in front of me, her legs on either side. Dipping my head, I kissed the inside of her ankle, her calf, her knee.

She didn’t fucking reek. She smelled amazing as I kissed and licked and teased. When I sucked her clit, the room echoed with her scream. The only pain I intended to deliver was that brought on by the intensity between us. I wanted every inch of her, inside and out.

Her legs stiffened and toes curled, but I wasn’t ready to let her come.

“Not yet, princess. Get up on your knees, on all fours.”

God she was stunning, doing exactly what I said as her body trembled in anticipation.

“Are you going to spank me?” She asked with her ass fully exposed.

I moved behind her, my finger dipping into her. Her face tilted upward as her mouth opened in pleasure. My fingers were slick as I circled her clit and her moans filled my ears.

“One more time, tell me what you want.”

“Please, Nox, fuck me. I want you inside of me. I want to feel your cock, nothing separating us.”

Fuck!

Stroking myself as she spoke, I eased inside of her. With each inch she squeezed and stretched. I held tight to her hips, driving deeper until my balls tightened and slapped against her ass.

“God! Princess, you feel so good.”

She didn’t answer as we fell into rhythm, her tits swaying as I thrust faster and faster. The friction built, a bubbling volcano ready to erupt. Higher and higher the pressure went as slapping skin and labored breathing dominated the bedroom.

Sweat covered our flesh as the temperature rose. My fingers bit into her hips as I bent forward and bit her shoulder, her resulting moans changing me from hard to stone.

Charli screamed my name as she came, her pussy hugging me through wave after wave of release. Her arms gave out as she fell onto the pillows.