Harlequin Kimani Romance September 2014 Bundle: Seduced by the Heir\Secret Silver Nights\Someone Like You\Indulge Me Tonight (30 page)

Chapter 20

“M
onique!”

She'd almost made it, had navigated the room and the lobby and the crowd so that she could leave the event without running into him, without having to smile at him and Zaria again. If she hurried, she thought, she could reach the door and make her exit without turning around. Later she'd swear that she didn't hear him call her name. On a stack of Bibles. In a packed courtroom with the honorable judge whomever presiding.
Five more feet—ten, max—and I'll be free.

Except for the iron-grip hold on her elbow, just before she reached the door; close enough to feel the wind blowing from outside. There was no escaping. So she turned around. “Yes, Niko?”

“Come with me.”

As if she had a choice. He'd lessened his hold but hadn't let go of her arm. Now he led them down a short hallway, away from the crowd.

Finally, away from prying eyes, she jerked away. “What do you want?”

“I know you're running. And I know why. The Hakimis are longtime family friends. We've known each other for years. Zaria and I have known each other since we were teenagers.”

“Good for you.”

“There is not now nor has there ever been anything romantic between us. I've never felt for her what I feel for you. I'm tired of us trying to deny what's unavoidable, trying to be politically correct and do the right thing because we're in a race against each other.” His phone buzzed. “Look, let's get away from town gossip and prying eyes. Meet me in half an hour.”

“I'm not going to a hotel with you, Niko. There's too many people from P.C. here. I won't—”

“Shh. Listen. We don't have much time.” He pulled out a card. “My driver, the same one who took you home the other night, is right outside. He's waiting to take you to my condo.”

“I don't think so.”

“Please, Monique. Trust me on this. We need to discuss this situation. And we need to talk tonight.”

Before she could argue, he kissed her and was gone.

Within minutes, she was in the back of a town car, riding through the streets of San Francisco, texting instructions to Lance, leaving a message for Margo and believing that from one single kiss she'd surely lost her mind!

They entered an exclusive neighborhood with beautiful homes and winding roads. The car stopped at the very top, in front of a stately building. The lawn was intricately landscaped and lights cast a soft glow all around.

The driver got out of the car and opened her door. “Here's the key, Ms. Slater,” he said once he'd helped her exit. “His door is the one on the right. Go right on in. Niko will be here momentarily.” He watched until she'd opened the door and waved. Then he was gone.

To call what she viewed a condo felt like a misnomer. With high, vaulted ceilings, chandeliers and a winding staircase, this place felt like a castle. She pulled off her shoes and had barely begun a self-guided tour when she heard the door open.

“Monique?”

Her heart began beating wildly before she could respond, as if her body knew something that she didn't. She walked from the dining room to the living room, where he stood.

“Your place is beautiful,” she said when she reached him.

“And so are you.”

With no further words, he pulled her into his arms, their lips immediately connecting in a torrid kiss. Hands were everywhere—chest, breasts, hips, thighs, back, neck and buttocks.

“I know I said we'd talk, but right now there's something else I'd much rather do.” His eyes were clear and pleading. “Do you want me, too?”

“Yes.” She was breathless and so incredibly hot. Later, it would be the only reason she could think of for her next line. “Unzip me,” she said and turned around.

He did, kissing each inch of skin as it became exposed. She wore no bra and now, standing before him with only a silky white thong and stilettos, felt suddenly shy.

“Don't.” He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her head. “There is no reason to hide perfection. You are beautiful.” He took off his jacket and placed it around her shoulders. “I'm so ready to make love to you, but I don't want to rush this moment.” He walked over and opened a console hidden in a panel on the wall. Soon the sounds of soft R & B surrounded them. He took off his bow tie and unbuttoned the top buttons on his tuxedo shirt. “Let me get us something to take upstairs.”

Moments later he came out of the kitchen with a wine bucket and two glasses. In the meantime, Monique had picked up her gown and now carried it over her arm. She was still wearing Niko's jacket. And the heels.

“Wait here.” Niko walked up the stairs and disappeared. When he returned, his hands were empty. Without a word he walked over and picked up Monique.

“What are you doing?” she said with a gasp, having been taken totally by surprise.

“Isn't it obvious?” He began walking up the stairs as though she were as light as a feather. “I'm sweeping you off your feet.”

They reached the master suite, which offered an unobstructed view of the heart of San Francisco. Lights twinkled from afar, rivaling the stars for brightness. Low flames burned in the fireplace. The music surrounded them. It was like a fairy tale.

“You lit candles?” Monique exclaimed softly when he returned with the wine. “And the fire.” Her voice was hushed.

“I like how it sets the mood.” He walked to her and put his arms around her. “Ms. Slater, are you in the mood?”

The song changed. Strands of the prelude to a slow jam by Bruno Mars filled the room. Its melody was sweet, and sexy, like the moment. Niko began to rock back and forth, dancing with Monique in his arms. She placed her arms around his neck.

“What in the world am I doing here?”

“What you've been wanting to do for a long time. What we've both wanted.” They kissed again. Niko's hand eased inside the tuxedo jacket and across her skin. Monique, normally not known as the aggressor, deepened the kiss and pressed her body against him. He moaned. She nipped his neck.

Playtime was over.

Niko guided her to sit on the edge of the bed. Looking into her eyes, he slowly removed one sandal, and then the other, all the while putting whispery kisses on her ankle, calf, knee, thigh...

Monique gasped and lay back.

“That's right,” he whispered, his breath hot on her inner thigh, his mustache tickling her sensitive skin. “Relax and enjoy.” With infinite patience, he ran a finger along the rim of her thong, pulling the flimsy material aside. He kissed her in the most intimate of ways, his tongue running between her already wet folds, over and again. She spread her legs. He took her unspoken suggestion to go deeper: licking, nipping, driving her wild. Soon a strong, long forefinger joined in the dance. He sucked her pebbled pearl into his mouth, while stroking to give her pleasure. Before Monique knew it, she was shaking, screaming, as an orgasm more intense than she'd ever felt erupted.

“Niko!”

“Yes?” He stood, removed his clothes.

“That...was...amazing.”

She hadn't seen amazing until she opened her eyes and looked at him. She raised up to better admire the view. There, in the shadow of the fire, he looked like a sculpted god: arms, chest and legs toned and muscled. Not too much, but just right. What captivated Monique most of all was the muscle between his legs, hard and thick, ready for action. She wasn't a virgin, but Monique knew she'd never experienced someone like him in her life. After reaching into his pants pocket for a condom, he lay on the bed.

“Come here.”

She complied. The dance began again, his kisses, all over her face. Leisurely, thoroughly, they tasted each other, exploring what both had so long admired, languishing in the knowledge that they were safely away from prying eyes. Here, they weren't Niko Drake and Monique Slater the mayoral candidates. Here they were two people making sweet love.

He lowered his head and kissed her neck and shoulders, running his finger over one breast and the next. Lower still, and he pulled a nipple into his mouth. Monique tried to reciprocate and kiss him where she could.

“Relax and enjoy,” he said again. And she did.

After running his tongue all over her body, he covered her, running a finger along her nether lips. “Mmm, you're so wet and ready for me.”

“Yes.” Boldly, she reached for his weighty shaft, ran her finger around its mushroom tip. His eyes bored into hers as she stroked him. Long. Thick. Amazing.

He entered her, oh, so slowly, filling her fuller than she ever had been. He'd pull out a bit and push in deeper, over and again, until they were truly one. After several seconds, her body relaxed and adjusted to his girth. He moaned, shifted his hips and began a familiar thrusting as old as time. Monique matched his rhythm, lifting herself to meet his plunging heat.

“You feel so good,” he whispered, raising her leg to subtly shift their position. “So...good.” Reaching beneath them, he squeezed her booty, grabbed her hips and led the dance. He alternated the experience—fast, slow, thrust, grind—creating a friction so delicious that tears came to her eyes. And once again, from deep in her core the quaking started, unfurling through her body and her soul until she cried out in relief. Niko followed suit, his explosion handled in silence as he squeezed Monique tightly against him.

Slowly, he released her and placed a kiss on her temple. “That was incredible.”

She turned, traced the line of his jaw while gazing into his eyes. “All I can say is wow.”

“Spend the night with me?”

She nodded.

So without saying a word, without making a sound, the two lovers cuddled into each other's arms, Niko pulled a cover over them...and they fell into a satiated, peaceful sleep.

Chapter 21

M
onique snuggled deeper into the covers, repositioning her pillow for a more comfortable fit. She turned her head, and when she did, a sliver of light beamed on her eye. She scrunched up her face. The shades in her bedroom were specially designed to keep out light. So how was it coming through? She opened one eye, and then the other. Lifting her head, she looked around, disoriented at first, and then as she noted the now empty bottle of wine, the two used glasses and now burned-down candles, the night before came rushing back. She flopped onto her back. When shifting her legs, she felt a delicious ache that left no doubt as to whether she'd been dreaming. She had spent the night with Niko and made what felt like endless love.

Niko. Where was he? In answer, she heard humming and footsteps coming up the stairs. Just before he entered, so did the smell of coffee.

“Seriously, Niko? Breakfast in bed?”

She rolled over, sat up and used the sheet to cover herself.

Niko walked to her side of the bed, placed the tray across her lap and kissed her forehead. “Good morning.”

“Good morning. My goodness, look at this. How long have you been up?”

“Not long. This isn't much—eggs, muffins, fresh-squeezed juice.”

“It's perfect.” Monique dug into the fluffy scrambled eggs, aware that she'd not really eaten last night and was now starving. “What about you?”

“I've already eaten.”

“I could get used to this.”

“Is that so?”

After a couple more bites, Monique wiped her mouth with a napkin. “We probably should talk about what's happened.”

“You weren't trying to talk last night. Or two hours later when I woke you up.”

“If you'll remember, I was busy doing other things with my mouth.”

“You surprised me.”

“Oh, really?”

“In public, you're always so serious, no-nonsense, reserved. But here—” he ran a finger along her thigh “—I got to experience that fire that sometimes flashes in your eyes, the passion that's helped make you successful. I really like you, Monique, and have felt this way long before we had sex.”

“Yes, there was no doubt about the attraction.”

“You know what this means?”

“What?”

“There's no going back to how we were. I want more of this, more of us.”

“This is crazy! We're running against each other. How is this supposed to work?”

“We can start by leaving politics out of our bed. Out there, we're opponents. But when we're alone—” he kissed her nose, cheek, mouth “—we're on the same side. As for spending time together, we'll find a way. Okay?”

“We'll see.”

Sunday night, they both returned to Paradise Cove. For Monique, the woman who returned to the condo was very different from the one who'd left.
Enthralled
was how she felt about Niko. She refused to call it love.

* * *

“Mo, are you ready?”

Lance and two assistants from the campaign office had joined Monique in downtown P.C. They were taping a segment for her campaign advertisement. Excitement mixed with nerves. In the two weeks since the Silver Serenade Concert, footage of Monique on the campaign trail—visiting the elderly, accessing the fire-damaged school, talking with farmers, even trying to milk a cow—had been gathered. A camera crew of two had followed her the entire time, getting action footage to use in the commercial. Her on-screen delivery was the only thing left to film. This was happening today.

Because of the attention she'd had to pay to her cases, including a two-day trip to Los Angeles, she'd seen Niko only in passing. But they'd talked by phone. He wanted to see her. She reminded him what was at stake if they found themselves the focus of small-town talk. “What if a rumor knocks both of us out and Dick gets in?” she'd asked him after one night when she'd almost given in to desire. “Then P.C. would really be in trouble.” Niko had backed off for a couple of days, but his scorching late-night phone calls had once again reminded her of what was only ten minutes away.

A small group huddled on a sidewalk downtown, across the street from a bank that anchored one corner and a bakery the next. The town's governmental buildings—city hall, post office and the like—were on the opposite side of the street, where the final shots would take place. But first they'd shoot the tagline, with Monique walking down the main downtown street. It was a small crew, just a cameraman, a production assistant, a stylist and Scott, the director. But it was a rather slow Tuesday morning with nothing going on, so the shoot attracted attention.

After making sure the sidewalk was clear and the shot was set, Scott walked to Monique. “Okay, just walk naturally from that mark over to here. Stand, hold and talk naturally, the way we practiced, just like you're talking to me. Are you ready?”

Monique nodded. She tried not to look at the early-morning shoppers and curious onlookers stopping to see what was going on. Instead, she ran the lines over in her mind. After the makeup artist patted the shine and Scott counted her down, Monique took a breath and, while casually walking, delivered her lines.

At least that was the plan.

But just as she began walking, a movement caught the side of her eye. Niko. He'd obviously parked while she'd been distracted and leaned, arms crossed, against his sports car. Black shirt and sunglasses. Tall, tanned and confident. Looking as though he'd just stepped from a fashion magazine. Reminding her of why most nights she'd tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Because her body craved him.

“Cut!” Scott walked over to her. “It's okay, Monique. This is your first time on camera. It's harder than it looks. Just go back to your mark and start again.”

She did. Twice. The angrier she got with herself for not being able to focus and concentrate on the few words she had to deliver, the more she messed them up, and not because she'd never done this before. She was just about to walk over and tell Niko to please stop staring and move on. But when she looked up, he was gone. So with renewed determination, and a sigh of relief, she walked briskly to her mark, waited until Scott signaled that tape was rolling and said, “I'm Monique Slater with a new vision for a new day. Together we can make Paradise Cove truly heaven on earth.”

Less than an hour later, they took a break. Lance walked over to where they were viewing the footage on a digital camera. He handed her a bottle of water. “You did great.”

“After getting over a case of nerves, I did all right.”

“This looks good,” Scott said to Monique. “Let's wrap it up, guys.”

“Thank you, Scott.” They hugged. “You're right. This is harder than it looks.”

“Now you know why Hollywood gets paid the big bucks.”

“Can you shoot me a copy of the finished product before it airs?”

“Absolutely. We should have it put together in the next day or so. I'll give you a call.”

Monique returned to the office. Forgetting that she'd turned off her phone during the shoot, she was surprised to see a couple of missed calls and several text messages. She read the texts first. All from Niko:

Hello, beautiful.

Am I bothering you?

Damn! If I weren't running, I'd vote for you myself!

In spite of her maddening frustration with this man, she smiled as she remembered that on her last glance over before he left, he'd been holding his phone. She shook her head, swiping the phone screen so that she could hear the voice messages. To her surprise there were more than a dozen.

Several were work related, regarding either the L.A. office or various cases. One was from her mother. Three were from the campaign office. One was her insurance company. Two were telemarketing. One was from Niko...and one was from Rob.

She saved, deleted and skipped until she got to Niko's message, which was next to last. “Hello, movie star. Give me a call.”

Laughing, she started to redial him right away but decided to listen to the last message:

“Hey, Mo. I finally got over being upset with you and wanted to call. You're undoubtedly busy, but buzz me when you can. I want to hear all about the concert.”

Monique exhaled, relieved that Rob was no longer angry and that he wasn't making a case for winning her back. This message sounded normal. Finally, she hoped, he'd accepted what was.

She scrolled her contact list and dialed Niko. “Hey.”

“Hello.”

“I see you've got time to run around town and spy on your opponents. You must not have enough to do.”

“My campaign office is downtown, Ms. Slater. Stopping by the bakery was a last-minute decision.”

“You weren't at the bakery when I saw you. You were watching me in action, trying to get tips.”

“Yes, I was enjoying the performance. But I left because I was making you nervous. Don't try to deny it.”

“I wasn't going to.”

Monique looked at her caller ID as another call came in. “Look, it's the office calling. I've got to run.”

“Are you all right? You sound stressed.”

“A little bit.”

“I can help with that.”

“I'd love that, actually. But the thought that someone would find out about it stresses me more.”

“But otherwise you'd see me?”

“Of course. I'll talk to you later.”

It was after nine o'clock when Monique finally returned home. The day had been productive but exhausting, a constant balancing act between the upcoming election and her casework. Lance was trying to recruit more volunteers for these last few months of campaigning. She'd be glad when it was over. All work and no play was taking its toll.

After fixing a sandwich, she called Rob. “I hope you don't mind my eating while we talk,” she began after saying hello. “I just got home.”

“I worry about how hard you work.”

“This pace won't last forever.”

“How are your chances looking to win this thing?”

“My numbers are climbing, but there's still a long way to go. Since I'm not from here, I not only have to sell my platform but myself, as well. People vote for who they feel they know. So I've had to put in overtime. How are you?”

“Keeping busy. I went to a couple Dodgers games.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“How was the concert?”

They talked comfortably for almost half an hour. She told him about the Silver Serenade. He caught her up on the goings-on of mutual friends. Once again, it felt like old times. Monique hoped their interactions would stay this way.

At ten o'clock, she crawled into bed. The usual tossing and turning ensued, so she lay there mapping out the next day's activities in her head. Suddenly, a thud sounded against the back of her house. She listened, lifted her head off the pillow and held her breath. There it was again. Her phone rang, startling her further.

“Hello?” A mumbling sound was all she heard. “Niko?”

Then, just above a whisper, “Back door. Let me in.”

No way. Not even bothering to throw a robe over her thigh-high T-shirt, she marched downstairs. If this man had come over to her house unannounced...

Reaching the patio door, she snatched it open. Niko, dressed in black from head to toe, hurried inside, closing the blinds behind her.

“What in the—”

The rest of her question was swallowed in a kiss.

“Don't say a word,” he ordered, after thoroughly tasting her. “Not until I'm finished.”

He took her hand and headed for the stairs. She was too shocked to do anything but follow. They reached her bedroom.

He nodded toward her T-shirt. “Take that off.”

Something about the way he said it, brooking no argument, was a total turn-on. Most of the time she was the one giving orders. Right now, following them felt like a wise idea. She pulled the oversize cotton top over her head.

“Lie down.” He reached into a pouch strapped around his waist. “On your stomach.”

She heard what sounded like paper rattling and a jar opening. The bed dipped from the weight of Niko getting on it. She felt him straddle her. Anticipation of the unknown was so intense that goose pimples broke out on her skin. Soon, something cool and soothing was being spread on her body. The smell of chocolate mixed with spices tickled her nose.

“Just relax,” he whispered, methodically kneading her neck and shoulder blades until he felt them loosen up. Only then did he continue down her back, across her buttocks—which he gave considerable attention—and hips, down her thighs, shins and toes.

And everywhere his fingers landed...his lips followed. Who knew that between the toes was an erogenous zone?

“Turn over.”

“I can barely move,” she mumbled.

“Shh. Don't open your eyes.”

This time, he started from the bottom. His fingers and tongue meandered from her ankle to her knee. A kiss here. A nibble there. He reached the insides of her thighs and spread her legs apart. His kisses teased her tender skin and brushed her heat.

And drove her mad.

He slid a finger between her folds, rubbed something cool and creamy on her jewel.

“Ooh.”
That's cold.

But not for long. His warm, strong tongue began licking the cream, slowly, deeply, and warmed her right up. He lapped first the edible massage oil and then her own sweet nectar like a thirsty man, buried his head between her legs and nibbled, sucked, flicked and massaged her spot until she was mewling with pleasure.

“Niko, please...”

After the sound of ripping foil, she felt the tip of his massive head against her heat, rubbing against her. She lifted her body in invitation and was rewarded by the feel of his mushroom tip entering her garden of love. He eased himself inside her, making her aware of every delicious inch.

“Oh, my God.”

He pulled out just as slowly. Thrust. Pull. Plunge. Swerve. Finding first one nipple and then the other, sucking them into his mouth, swirling his tongue along with his hips, slamming into the depths of Monique's entire being, filling her up.