Evelyn Vine Be Mine (22 page)

I blushed and groaned into my hands as I hid my face.

“Did everyone see that?” I mumbled, peeking through my fingers at them. They nodded in unison.

I groaned again in embarrassment.

Fredi smirked. “Including Chloe. She just left.”

Briar cackled happily. “In her face!” she cried, hugging me tightly. She pulled back and looked at me with a smirk, “Not his girlfriend huh?”

I opened my mouth to protest, but Donny grabbed me and dragged me toward the bar where Stone was waiting to receive our trophy and prize of five hundred dollars. Everyone wanted to talk to us, but Stone managed to push his way through the crowds, pulling me after him as we left the others in the club. He hadn’t asked me if I wanted to leave, but I was grateful to escape the overwhelming, inquisitive crowd. He didn’t say a word as he continued to pull me along in the dark, toward the Alice Gardens’ house. We marched up the first flight of stairs and along the hall to my room, where he waited stiffly for me to unlock the door.

FOURTEEN

As soon as the door swung open, Stone wrapped an arm around my legs and lifted me off the floor, walking us into the room and kicking the door shut. My keys went flying out of my hand when he dropped me on my bed. He followed over the top of me, supporting his weight off my body with one arm as the other hand grasped my thigh so that he could lie between my legs. I lay still as a board in alarm as he began to kiss me and stroke his hand along my raised leg.

I heard the heavy, throbbing pound of my heart in my ears and every muscle in my body tightened in fright. I kissed him back robotically; my hands fell back to my sides after instinctively rising to defend myself. I wouldn’t be able to push him off me. He was too strong, too heavy.

Was this what he had wanted from me all along?

Had he suddenly lost patience with me as Ben had?

He didn’t whine or guilt me like Ben had done. He wasn’t being pushy and persuasive. He was taking it.

Would I be able to stop him?

If I cried out for help would anyone dare go up against Stone?

Would he hurt me if I tried to escape?

I made myself as compliant as possible, fearful of his reaction to any ‘flight or fight’ attempts. His mouth broke away from mine and nudged my head to the side, exposing my bare neck and shoulders as he thrust a hand beneath my top. I swallowed nervously and stared unseeingly at Candy’s bed. I nearly jumped when I felt his breath on my collar bone, and an anxious knot formed in my stomach as his huge hand slid higher, stopping just beneath my bra. I felt the strength in his firm hold on my ribs. He could probably crush my small, skinny frame in one hard squeeze. I waited for him to grab my breast and bite my neck in some sick, violent, male act of possession…but he didn’t. His hand didn’t move and I felt his breath leave my skin.

I slowly turned my head to see what was happening, and found him staring down at me with a small frown. I gulped.

Was he mad at my unresponsiveness?

“Evelyn,” he growled, his voice low, but with a softer infliction I’d never heard before. A little bolt of pleasure at the sound of my name on his lips caught me by surprise. He bent closer and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek.

“If you’re uncomfortable with something, tell me to stop,” he said quietly, pulling back to study my face, “It’s up to you.”

I felt my body sag with relief and I shook slightly as some of the stress left my body.

He wasn’t going to force me. It was up to me. I was in control.

Did I want to continue?

The warmth of his hand against my skin suddenly invaded my senses. As did his scent. I breathed in the familiar smell of candy, cigarettes and aftershave. My ribs moved as I breathed deeply, causing his hand to slid a little against my skin. My breath caught and goose bumps prickled along my arms at the sensation.

I felt a small tug at my bra and opened my eyes. I blinked. Stone was still staring at me, waiting for permission to continue. I worried my bottom lip between my teeth, before I hesitantly reached up to bring his lips down to mine. His kiss was firm, but careful. It wasn’t fierce, but it wasn’t gentle either. It was strong and persistent, yet it made me feel safe and protected.

His hand slid beneath me and toyed with the clasp of my bra. His lips travelled along my jaw to my ear and he sucked at the sensitive flesh just below it. He tugged at my clasp as his mouth moved to nibble on my earlobe and I uttered a breathless ‘yes’ in response. He flicked it open easily and briskly pulled the strapless bra off my breasts and out of my top. He threw it over his shoulder without looking at it and nudged my head to the side.

His hot, firm kisses travelled down my neck and along my shoulder as his hand moved to cup my breast. I arched up off the bed at the contact, even though I’d been expecting it. He made a low sound that I took to be approval as he explored my sensitive flesh. I gasped in surprise when his fingers closed over my nipple in a gentle pinch.

I found myself grasping his sides as his kisses moved south over my collar bone and down over the exposed tops of my breasts to the edge of my top. His hand moved to tug the fabric down, but I grabbed it with my own and shook my head. I wasn’t ready for him to look at me naked.

His hand broke free of mine and settled low on my stomach, sending shivers of arousal down my centre and between my legs. Undeterred by the cover of fabric, his mouth closed over my nipple and his tongue flickered against the taunt bud. I whimpered as he followed with his teeth, a ball of need building deep inside of me. I clung to his shoulders and rubbed my pelvis against his stomach, hoping to find relief in the friction.

His deft fingers popped the button on my jeans and were burrowing into my curls before my head cleared enough to stop him. His mouth swallowed my sound of distress as I tugged his hands from my tight pants. I wasn’t ready for him to touch me like that. We weren’t even dating!

Again, he didn’t protest or show any signs of disappointment. Instead, his hand moved to cup me through the crotch of my jeans, the heel of his hand rubbing the seam firmly against my swollen clit. A moan escaped me before I could stop it and I blushed at the wanton sound. Stone smiled briefly against my lips and then broke away to torture my untouched nipple. He swirled his tongue around the eager bud, the thin fabric of my top abrading the tender flesh. He teased it, not giving it the warm moisture of his mouth, nor the bite of his teeth. His hand too, worked at a slow, torturous pace. I whimpered in frustration, my body arching and thrusting, silently pleading him for more. I’d never felt this…hunger for sex with Ben.

I was so caught up in the new, incredible feelings he was arousing in me, that it didn’t even occur to me to return the favour. I just held on, nails and all as the tension built and his hand started to speed up. His lips finally latched onto my nipple and sucked firmly, sending sharp shards of pleasure throughout my body. The pressure in my head increased, making it difficult for me to think as my folds clenched and desperately sought the approaching release.

“Grant,” I gasped softly, hoping he’d hear my hidden plea, that he’d know I was almost there…

His hand pressed harder against me and his teeth plucked at my breast with drawn out tugs. I bit my lip and squeezed his shoulders as it all became too much and I climaxed with a long, soft ‘Aahhh’.

When I finally stopped quaking, I released my grip and slowly opened my eyes. Stone stared down at me, his breaths quiet, but short and ragged. His hand had moved to my hip and he was still supporting himself on his other arm. I blushed under his gaze, not sure what to say or do. He leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to my forehead.

“I’ll be back,” he said roughly, climbing off the bed and walking toward the bathroom.

My mouth fell open in confusion, feeling a little hurt that he’d left me so soon…until I realised what he’d gone into the bathroom to do. I hid my face in the pillows and groaned in embarrassment.

Should I have offered to help?

I paled at the thought. It would be terrifying touching his private parts while he stared down at me with those hard, steel-grey eyes. I’d be scared to death of doing something wrong.

I shook my head and chastised myself. He had been understanding tonight hadn’t he? And he hadn’t pushed for more or made fun of me. Maybe I should go in and offer to help? The thought of walking in on him touching himself, those strong forearms rippling as he powerfully stroked his…I blushed and ran to my dresser, hurriedly grabbing some pyjamas to wear. I wasn’t brave enough to help him tonight.

I quickly changed and snuggled into bed, feigning sleep. He joined me several minutes later, spooning my body from behind and placing a brief kiss to the base of my neck. His hand spread possessively over my stomach and his breaths slowed as he quickly drifted to sleep.

Just like the first night he slept in my room, I barely slept at all. I lay awake and stared at the wall, wondering and worrying about just what the hell was happening.

***

At dinner the next night, I sat down beside Candy at her still empty table instead of sitting with the others.

“Hey!” she greeted me happily, sucking loudly on the straw of her drink. I hid a smile. I’d obviously been right about the makeup sex. Candy’s eyes held a far away look in them and she was humming in between slurps.

“Hi,” I said quietly, “Where’s Mason?”

Candy brightened at his name and started telling me all about his disk jockeying. Apparently he was working at the local bar tonight for their Sunday session. She was going to get dressed up after dinner so that she could meet up with him. One of her friends was going to drive her.

I looked around the busy dining hall and noticed that many people were looking in my direction. I started to feel self-conscious so I asked Candy if I had anything on my face. She laughed as she too looked at the staring, gossiping faces.

“Word’s out that you’re Stone’s girlfriend,” Candy said with a grin, “Of course they’re going to stare.”

My jaw dropped. “But I’m not!” I whispered fiercely, wishing that they’d all find something better to look at.

“Not what?” Candy murmured distractedly.

“His girlfriend!” I hissed.

Candy rolled her eyes. “I think you are, Evie.”

“I’m not,” I said firmly. He hadn’t said anything to me about it.

“Whatever,” she said, looking over my shoulder at something.

I turned to see what she was looking at and noticed several other heads doing the same thing. My brow furrowed when I saw Chloe pressed against Stone, her hands holding one of his large biceps as she smiled enchantingly up at him. Stone didn’t seem to be looking at her, but he nodded his head several times, indicating that he was listening to her prattle on. He moved forward in the dinner line and Chloe followed, still hanging off him. I watched him grab two trays and start loading them up with food. I wrinkled my nose.

He was buying her dinner?

“Aww,” Candy cooed, “See. You’re jealous!”

I snapped back around to face her. “No I’m not,” I protested meekly. I hesitated and played with the hem of my skirt.

“I’m just…” I stopped and tried to think of the right words.

“He…”

I huffed in frustration and just blurted it out.

“He made me orgasm last night and now he’s buying Chloe dinner.”

Candy spat out her drink in surprise, nearly choking on her surprised laugh.

“What?”

I blushed and filled her in on what happened last night.

She let out a low whistle.

“Was it good?” she asked wistfully, “I’ve always wondered what Stone would be like in bed.”

I frowned at her. We were getting off topic.

“Yes,” I said quickly, “But what’s up with Chloe?”

Candy glared at the buxom blonde. “She’s a bitch. Don’t worry Evie. Stone doesn’t go back for second chances. Once it’s over, it’s over.”

I glanced over at the two of them, filled with doubt. I couldn’t read anything into Stone’s blank expression as they walked toward the band’s table. He placed the two trays down and sat in his usual seat. He frowned when Chloe sat beside him. He said a single word and Chloe’s face turned down with a full pout. She stood in a huff and reached for the second tray he’d bought. He shook his head at her with a frown and looked around the room. When his gaze met mine, his frown deepened and he gestured with his hand for me to come over. Chloe smiled at him with insincere sweetness and sent a glare my way as she retreated.