The Highest Bidder (9 page)

"Yes, I'm fine. I've just been thinking."

He didn't know if that was good or bad. Over the past few weeks he had been slowly putting his past behind him. Pictures of Macie were coming down and being replaced by the woman who now consumed every aspect of his life. Kristoff watched her in silence as she finished her meal. The sight of her lips forming around the rim of the glass had a fire burning inside of him. That was all it took, just one look at her and he was as hard as steel.

"Come here, baby."

She licked her lips and he suppressed a groan. Did she not know that when she did things like that he wanted to rip her clothes off and have his wicked way with her? She stood from her seat and moved toward him. When she was close enough for him to reach he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. With her so close, her mouth only inches away, her warm breath smelling of the sweet white wine she just finished, Kristoff fought every natural instinct that roared out he claim her, make her know that she was his and he wouldn't let her go.

"Do you want to talk about what's been on your mind?" He wanted her to open up to him, to know that he was here for her no matter what. He didn't want to pressure her so he sat there, holding her in his lap as he waited patiently for her to speak. She dropped her head and a thick strand of her hair fell forward. Kristoff leaned forward, and inhaled the soft fragrance of roses that came from the locks. Pushing the hair off her shoulder, he brought his lips to her neck and kissed her right below the ear. Smooth skin greeted his mouth, and when he opened and dragged his tongue along her flesh, a burst of sweet flavor assaulted his taste buds. Suppressing another groan, he knew this moment wasn't about his physical gratification. This was about her opening up to him.

Her breathing grew shallow and his heart thundered at her responsiveness to him. "I love you, Kristoff." Everything inside of him stilled at those words. He pulled back and lifted her face with a finger under her chin. Her blue eyes were wide with fear and uncertainty. Never had he thought hearing her murmur those four little words would mean so much. She had opened up and given him a part of herself. Not being able to hold off any longer he pressed his lips to hers, savoring the way she melted into him, giving him everything she was. It was a heady sensation and one he would never take for granted.

He ran his tongue along her bottom lip, urging her without words to open for him. A groan left him as she parted her lips and kissed him back just as deeply. Their tongues moved back and forth. When he would dip into her mouth, she would chase him out and into his own mouth. Back and forth they played this sensual game until his cock pressed incessantly against the fly of his suit pants. Groaning against her mouth, Kristoff moved her so she straddled his waist. He slid his hands down her hips and cupped her ass. He pushed the dress up to her waist, the material thin in his grasp. Her full, pert ass filled his palms and had him itching to bury his cock in her hot, tight body.

"God, I need you, Veronica." Her moan was all the affirmation he needed. He could have taken her right then and there, bending her over the table, and pushing her dress up until every part of her was exposed, but he wanted her in their bed. Tonight he would claim every bit of his wife. Tonight she would know how much
he
loved
her
.

Chapter Eleven

Kristoff slammed the door shut with his foot and refused to relinquish Veronica's mouth.
 
Her hands were at the buttons of his shirt, slipping them free until he pushed the garment from his shoulders. The feel of her hands smoothing along his flesh had him all but ripping her dress off her body. When the offending material was in tatters on the floor he took a step back and admired the view. She stood before him, her body gloriously nude, and moonlight reflecting off her curves. He ran a hand over his mouth, all intelligent thought leaving him as he stared at her. Kristoff was going to ravish her.

"I plan on having you in every way tonight, baby." He took another step forward. "I want to go slow with you, take my time and savor every moment." When he stood right in front of her he slipped his hand behind the heavy fall of her hair and cupped her nape. Kristoff brought her close and dipped his head to pull her bottom lip between his teeth. She moaned and pressed her breasts to his chest. The tight points caused his shaft to twitch in response. Already he was harder than hell, and knowing Veronica was right in front of him, naked and responding to his touches, had him ready to spill his seed.

“Kristoff—”

God, there was nothing better than hearing her say his name in the throes of pleasure. He used his body to move her toward the bed. When she went to sit down he gripped her waist and broke their kiss. Sliding his hands down and taking a handful of her succulent ass, he let himself savor the feel of her right before he turned her around. She fell to her belly on the mattress, her bottom popping up in invitation. She lifted her arms above her head and looked at him over her shoulder. The innocent look on her face could have stopped time, but he was too far gone. Her sweetness was so tangible it wrapped around him and drew him in. Looking at her was like gazing into the sun—blinding, encompassing, yet gorgeous and breathtaking.

"Kristoff…I ache for you." He groaned and smoothed his hands down her back. Settling his palms on the rounded curves of her ass, he sank to his knees at the same time he spread the cheeks apart. She was already so wet for him, so red and swollen. Burying his face between her spread thighs, he used his tongue to spread her lips.

Fuck!

The taste of her was like the fruit of the gods, and he wanted more. Keeping his hands on her bottom, he curved his fingers around her flesh and tightened his hold on her. She moaned and lifted her ass, causing her pussy to rub along his face. She smelled incredible, like fresh lemon, but tasted sweeter than any delicacy that had ever graced his tongue. He ate her out with a ferocity that startled even him. His hips, seeming to have a mind of their own, ground against the air, needing something more substantial, like the tight, wet confines of her pussy, to press against. He sucked on her clit. Veronica shook beneath his hands and he knew she was close to coming.

Renewing his efforts, he moved his tongue down to the opening of her body and speared into her. Her inner muscles clenched around his questing tongue, trying to draw him in deeper. He started rubbing her clit with his finger and that was all it took for her to climax all over his mouth. He drew out her pleasure, feeling his own heighten with every grind of her pussy and every soft moan that came from her. When he felt her body relax into the bed he stood and positioned his cock at her cunt. In one swift thrust he bottomed out inside of her. A gasp left her and then morphed into a groan. Gripping her hips, he started sinking in and out, faster and harder. He was close to exploding as it was, but when he came it wouldn't be in her pussy this time.

He lifted his eyes to her. Her head was turned to the side, her eyes closed and her mouth parted. Tendrils of sweat dampened hair clung to her face and caused a spear of lust right down his shaft. He let himself admire the beauty that was all: the gentle curve of her spine, already dotted with bead of perspiration, the generous mounds of her ass. He gathered her cream to coat the tight ring of muscles in the center of her ass. She tensed for a moment but he could tell by her increased breathing and the way she tightened her hands in the sheets that there was no fear, only anticipation.

"You want me here, baby?" He dipped his moisture slicked finger into her anus and watched her reaction. Her eyes opened, her teeth came out and bit at her bottom lip, and she pierced him with her aquamarine stare. "You want me to slide my cock in your ass?" His words were vulgar and filthy, but he could tell she liked it, the same as he. She didn't verbally respond, just licked her lips and nodded. He wanted to be gentle with her,
needed
to be gentle. All he wanted to do was push into her and get lost in the heat and tightening of her body around his.

He pulled out of her pussy and poised the tip of his shaft at her anus. Kristoff needed to calm down or he was going to be too rough and demanding. Blood and adrenalin pumped through his body, heightening his senses that caused his muscles to tighten. Sweat coated his body from the strength it required to reign in his arousal. It wasn’t just about having anal sex with Veronica. It was about having her under him, so willing and open, so accepting. He tightened his hold on her waist and started to inch inside, mindful that she was tiny whereas he was big. He didn’t want to hurt her. In fact, he wanted her to feel what he felt: soul-searing pleasure that had everything fading away until the only thing that mattered was this one moment.

Veronica’s face was pressed into the bed and he could see her knuckles white from holding onto the sheets. “I’m not hurting you, am I, sweetheart?” He spoke through gritted teeth, trying to reign in the primal need to bottom out.

“God…No.” Her response was muffled by the sheets but he heard her nonetheless.

Kristoff continued to push into her, watching as her body accepted his. She widened around him, which had shards of ecstasy shooting into the root of his dick and all the way through his body. When he was fully encased inside of her he leaned forward and pressed his forehead against her back. Their combined breathing was frantic, labored. Ever so slowly he started to move within her.
 

“Look at me, Veronica.” He rose up and stared down at the gentle curve of her back. The beads of perspiration that kissed her back started back the downward trail to the curve of her ass. When she looked at him once more he held her stare. In and out he moved, feeling the tightening of her anal muscles around his cock,

“You make me feel so full.” He sank in deep and she bit her lip, a moan spilling from her.

Kristoff leaned forward and ran the tip of his tongue up the length of her spine, collecting the droplets of wetness. The fresh, citrusy flavor invaded his senses and he bucked against her, eliciting a harsh grunt from both of them. “God, baby.” He breathed out against her flesh. “It’s so hard to control myself. You feel too damn good.” Pulling out again, he stilled right before he left her body and then pushed back in. They groaned in unison and it was like a beast inside of him had been let free. He lifted off of her and curved his hands around her hips, nearly spanning the entire width. Animalistic sounds emerged from him as he pushed in and pulled out of her. He felt his orgasm approach, but he would not succumb to it until he felt Veronica rippling around him. He slipped one of his hands under her body and found her clit, slippery from her wetness. The tiny bundle of nerves was engorged beneath his finger and he worked it back and forth. Gasps and moans came from her, making his orgasm rush to the surface. He gritted his teeth, trying in vain to hold off until she came again.

“Come on, baby, come for me. One more time.” Air rushed out of his lungs as her ass clamped down hard on him. “
Yeah
.” He pumped into her twice and on the third time he buried himself completely and gave in to his pleasure. Kristoff threw his heard back and groaned loud and long.

He came in her ass, filling her with everything he had, marking her irrevocably as his. When she relaxed beneath him and his orgasm faded off, he gently pulled out and rolled to his side, taking her with him. He could feel the pounding of her heart beneath his hand. It matched the rhythm of his. The lull of sleep filtered around the edges, but before he let it consume him he untangled himself from Veronica and went into the bathroom.

After cleaning up and grabbing a warm, wet washcloth, he went back to her now sleeping form and gently cleaned her. Wrapping his arms around her again he buried his face in her air and inhaled. “I love you too, sweetheart.” She was asleep, but it was as if his words had stirred something inside of her, because she moved closer to him, burying her little body more tightly against his. He pulled the covers over them and let himself fall into unconsciousness.

Chapter Twelve

Veronica stood still as Dolly finished smoothing the gown over her body. The blue material molded to her, showing her curves in the most flattering way. She never thought she could look like this, so womanly and seductive. Is this how Kristoff saw her? Just thinking of him had her tingling in arousal. Her nipples puckered through the fabric and the reflection showed her face tinted red from embarrassment. She dropped her head and hoped Dolly hadn’t noticed. Veronica was extremely nervous about tonight. Nearly a month had passed since she became Kristoff’s wife, and tonight he was taking her to Andre’s party. Would she see anyone she knew? It wasn’t like she had grown close to the other virgins during her training, but she would definitely recognize one if she was at the party.

Nerves wracked her body as she pictured how tonight would go. Would the horror stories she heard be on full display? Wealthy old men with wives on leashes had been one of the tamer rumors. Her hand went to her throat as she imagined Kristoff’s collar around her neck and a leash attached to it. For some reason the image that thought conjured didn’t seem so abhorrent, especially when it was Kristoff that held the leash. Pushing those wayward thoughts aside she sensed Dolly step away. Veronica lifted her head and stared at her reflection once again. The light shadowing on her eyes held a smoky hue that seemed to set off the blue of her dress. Her hair was piled atop her hair, showcasing her throat and upper body. The gown was strapless and low enough that the swells of her breasts pressed above the material. Letting her eyes continue their downward appraisal, she followed the formfitting fabric all the way to her feet. The hem was a few inches from the floor, and her feet were encased in a pair of stilettos.

“If I may speak freely, Madam?” Veronica smiled. She wished all the staff would speak freely to her. She hated that they felt they had to be so proper. Seeing them every day should have warranted a friendship between them, but Stacia was the only one that had been remotely open. She nodded at Dolly’s reflection.

“Your beauty will surely outshine all others tonight.” Veronica felt her cheeks heat again and smiled.

“Thank you. That means a lot.” Dolly smiled in return and nodded once before slipping from the room. There was a knock on the door moments later but before she could respond the heavy wood was pushed open and Kristoff walked in. He wore a sharp-looking black tux, the expensive material molding to his wide shoulders and muscular form. His blond hair was immaculately styled, but it had a slightly messy look to it, like he had run his hands through the short strands. Although Andre told them it was an informal gathering, Kristoff assured her that all Andre’s guests would be dressed similarly.

“Wow.” His low, yet deep response to the way she looked had warmth spreading through her. “I won’t be able to let you out of my sight tonight.” He moved toward her until he was close enough to wrap his arm around her waist and pull her to his hard body. Dipping his head low, he murmured against her lips in a soft, deep voice. “I might even get into an all-out brawl tonight fending off your admirers.” His lips pressed firmly against hers and she melted into him. Gripping the lapels of his jacket, she pulled him closer. His tone suggested teasing, but she could sense an underlying hint of seriousness.

He broke the kiss and trailed his lips over the side of her chin and down to the area right below her ear. He gave her a gentle kiss, just a sweep of his lips over her skin that had goose bumps popping along her arms. “Ready?” He whispered in her ear and she nodded. He stepped away from her and Veronica swayed toward him, as if her body knew she needed more. His deep chuckle had her opening her eyes. She hadn’t even realized they had slid shut. The man before her had a way of scrambling her every coherent thought.

Kristoff took her hand and led them out of the room and down the stairs. Stewart was by the front door, and as they approached he opened it for them. Kristoff helped her into the back of the limousine and then they were driving off the estate and toward an unknown evening.

Less than an hour later they were pulling onto a long cobblestone driveway. Veronica was pressed close to Kristoff, his hand on her inner thigh, his fingers running circles along her flesh. The mansion loomed ahead of them and she had to lean over him to get a better look. The feel of his fingers skimming the nape of her neck and then the tip of his nose brushing the side of her throat had her eyes fluttering in pleasure. He inhaled deeply his groan went straight through her body and down to her clit. Her arm was across his lap, holding her upper body up, and the hard length of his erection pressed against it. All too soon they pulled up to the front doors and the car rolled to a stop. The door opened and she straightened. Kristoff exited and then immediately took her hand in his. The double doors opened to allow them entrance and the sounds of music, laughter, and voices filtered outward. Kristoff tightened his grip on her hand and turned to look down at her, his smile causing the nervousness and tensions swirling inside of her to ease.

Veronica stayed beside Kristoff as he led them into the vast foyer. A grand chandelier hung from the cathedral ceiling, the crystals casting shards of light throughout the room. Her heels clacked against the white marble as they went farther into the mansion. Women in extravagant gowns and men in sharp tuxedos milled around, disappearing into the various arched entries on either side of her. Apparently Kristoff hadn’t been lying about the attire.

Several men came up to Kristoff and spoke of business before commenting on her. Every time one of them told him how beautiful she was, or how young and supple she looked, she felt him tense beside her. They spoke of her as if she wasn’t even there, or as if she were some ornamental piece of jewelry. The hard tone of Kristoff’s response let her know that he didn’t like their appraisal of her. That alone had her discomfort and irritation over being seen as a piece of property disappearing. As long she had Kristoff beside her she could let the ugly world disappear.

“Kristoff!” The sound of Andre came through like a boom of thunder. His smile was wide and the air around him was easy and unaffected. Although the party had a “stuffiness” to it, Andre’s presence almost seemed to lighten the whole atmosphere. When he was close enough she could smell his cologne, Veronica noticed how dilated his pupils were. The black seemed to encompass the iris until it was all she could see.

He slapped Kristoff on the back and then looked her way. “My dear, Veronica.” He lifted her free hand and brought, brought it to his mouth, and gave the back a soft kiss. Kristoff pulled her back and her hand fell from Andre’s grasp. He turned toward her husband and raised a brow in question. “No need to stake your claim, Kristoff. I know she’s yours.”

Veronica thought she heard what sounded like a low growl come from Kristoff, but with all the noise around her she couldn’t be sure. He placed his body slightly in front of hers, as if she needed the protection. It was true she felt slightly uncomfortable around Andre, but she certainly didn’t think she was in any danger. At any rate, she trusted Kristoff’s judgment.

“Would you like to meet my wife?” Andre’s tone became smug and Veronica felt her brows knit together. The way he said it, like he was about to prove something, set off warning bells in her. “Bethany, dear?” Andre looked over his shoulder. “Come here, darling, and meet a business associate of mine and his beautiful wife.” He turned back around, his smile wide and satisfied. The woman that stepped beside Andre had Kristoff tensing beside her and the world around them fading.

Bethany smiled, her red pouty lips stretching over straight, white teeth. The way she sidled next to Andre, confident and seductive, was not at all how Veronica thought a virgin bride would act. It was clear on the woman’s face she knew her husband was well pleased because of her. But all of that wasn’t what had shock filling Veronica or the sudden change in Kristoff. Bethany looked strikingly like Macie, right down to her straight dark hair and bone structure. The air shifted around them with tension and awkwardness. Although Kristoff still kept his body partially in front of hers, emotionally he was no longer there.

“Kristoff, this is my beautiful bride, Bethany.” Andre’s voice was filled with pride. He brushed her long dark hair away from her cheek and leaned in to kiss her.

When Andre moved away Bethany looked at Kristoff. The way she batted her lashes had Veronica straightening possessively. Jealousy was a new emotion for her, but watching this woman interact with her husband, a woman that looked a lot like his deceased wife, had Veronica feeling all kinds of jealousy. Veronica pressed closer to Kristoff. Her pulse raced when he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and drew her in tighter. His fingers smoothed up and down her arm and Veronica realized at that moment that when Bethany made her presence known there had been a tiny voice inside of her that worried Kristoff’s feelings for Macie would come back to the surface. She knew Kristoff loved her, had smiled every time he whispered those three words in her ear, against her belly button, and in other more intimate places.

“Do you know each other from the auctions?” Andre looked at Veronica in question. She looked at Bethany but knew they weren’t familiar with each other. Andre had to know that there was a new auction every month, that there were so many women involved the chances of running into a girl she knew was slim.

“No, I don’t think we’ve ever met,” Bethany said. She curled herself around Andre like a second skin.

“Shame.” Andre took a long pull from his square cut glass, his eyes trained on Veronica. “Well, we’ve got to mingle, but I’m sure we’ll see you two again.” Andre held Veronica’s stare for a moment longer and then turned and nodded toward Kristoff. Then they disappeared amidst the crowd. The silence that surrounded them despite the laughter and conversation was deafening. Veronica wanted to say something, but what? There was no doubt in her mind that right at that moment his thoughts were on another female. That thought had pain clenching her chest.

Although his arm was still around her it was clear he wasn’t really beside her. A glance up at his face showed a distant look. “Kristoff?” It took him a suspended moment to look over at her. The way his baby blue eyes seemed to look right through her had her heart tightening painfully. Is this how it would always be? Would there always be the agonizing reminder of his past love? Feeling deflated, she hoped her emotions weren’t transparent. It was clear he was hurting right now and she didn’t want him to feel even worse because she probably looked dejected. Plastering a smile on her face that she hoped reached her eyes, Veronica waited until he looked at her,
really
looked at her. He smiled but it was distant.

“Are you thirsty, sweetheart?” Before she could answer he had her hand in his and was leading her toward the bar.

After he got them their drinks he walked them through a set of glass doors and onto a stone patio. A few tables and chairs were placed sporadically. A fountain depicting a nude woman reaching into the heavens was in the center, the water adding a light mist to the air. Tiny twinkling lights lined the banister of the patio. Kristoff led the way toward the edge, and when they were close to the edge he brought his drink to his lips and took a long swallow. She held the champagne flute lightly, the mere idea of drinking not appealing in the slightest.

Veronica looked at the grounds before them, the immaculately manicured landscape appearing artificial in the moonlight. In the distance she made out a pond alight with tiny candles, each one a small ball of light in the otherwise darkened atmosphere.

The silence was killing her so she asked, “Are you okay?” A glance at him showed his jaw clenched hard as he ground his teeth together. After a long, harsh exhale he dipped his chin to his chest and cut his eyes toward her. The smile he offered was genuine and she felt herself smiling in return.

“Yeah, sweetheart. It’s just,” he ran a hand over his jaw and looked back at the ground in front of him. “Seeing Andre’s wife was a little startling.” That was the understatement of the year. Veronica didn’t know what to say so she just nodded. “Hey.” He cupped her cheek and she found herself gazing into his eyes. They were dark pools of obsidian in the night. “I love you.” Her heart swelled at those three words.

“I love you, too.” Setting both of their drinks on the banister, he pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. The strong scent that was all Kristoff invaded her senses and she closed her eyes, inhaling him into her lungs.

“I want you to know that I’ve moved on from my past. I don’t want you thinking that seeing Andre’s wife had any feelings rising to the surface.” He pulled her back and brought his lips to hers. “I was surprised, but that was all it was. It’s been two years and now that I have you by my side I can finally see my life being more than repetitious.” He ran his fingers along the side of her cheek and she leaned into his touch, a sigh of contentment leaving her. “The look you had after they left had me feeling like the worst piece of shit. I knew that I was the one that had put that expression on your face. For that I’m sorry, baby.” He pulled her tightly against him and she rested her head on his chest, letting his words sink in.