He takes my hand and kisses it. “Cate, I’ve heard so much about you.”
I catch his accent and smile. I nod because I don’t want to lie and repeat what he said. Before I have a chance to say anything, a stern looking woman in a server’s attire appears. She puts her finger to her lips.
Kenneth appears amused, but cordially nods, and places a finger against his lips in acknowledgement. I turn to Jenna with wide eyes when I finally get why it’s so eerily quiet despite the music. No one is talking. Jenna shrugs. I shake my head to let her know we will talk about it later. How did she expect me to meet anyone if we aren’t allowed to talk?
A man walks up next to Kenneth and points at me. Kenneth smiles and gives the thumbs up. The guy takes my hand and kisses it. Seems to be the thing to do. I find myself dipping in a curtsey. He gestures to the dance floor and I agree because Jenna and Kenneth have conveniently disappeared.
At first the music is classical and we dance like we are at court in front of a king. I almost wish I’d known what kind of dance would have been required so I could have taken lessons. However, as the night wears on, the music changes into something a bit more contemporary. My partner is relentless and I begin to tire of being on my feet. Thank goodness, my stomach growls are absorbed by the beat that continues to pick up with more heady sounds. Jenna’s salad choice for my lunch has fled the building and I’m starving.
I’m about to request a break when another man appears. His salty but more peppery hair is distinctive. That and Ted’s mouth are a dead giveaway as to who he is. He nods at my partner and the guy nods back before stepping away. I’m not given the chance to agree or disagree to the hand off before Ted’s sweeps me away. He seems to favor the formal way of dancing as he sweeps me across the floor in contradiction to the music. I wonder how I don’t stumble or step on his toes as he leads me through complicated steps. When the song ends, I shake my head.
Either I’m dizzy from him or lack of food and water. I gesture with my hand like tipping a glass to my lips as I glance above at the large chandeliers that dot across the room.
He nods, takes my hand, and leads me to a table with drinks and finger foods. A line of waiters appears in front of him with several trays of drinks and hors d'oeuvres. They take his attention off me for a second. As hungry as I am, I cram a cracker with some sort of substance on top into my mouth like an errant child.
When he turns back amused, I know I’m caught. I cover my mouth and chew quickly. He hands me a flute of champagne and I immediately drain it to clear my throat. We laugh before being hushed by the noise police. They seem to be everywhere. After a warning from a librarian looking woman, he winks at me conspiratorially after she wanders off to scold other party goers. He picks up a different cracker type thing that is topped with caviar. I allow him to place the bite size portion in my mouth. I chew while he waits for my reaction. For a second my eyes roll back as I want to moan at how good it is, but I know better. The noise police aren’t far away. He reaches out toward me with his thumb poised to wipe something away from my face. Only an arm tangles from behind me and grabs me around my waist. I’m scooted to the dance floor leaving Ted looking on wide eyed. I wipe at my mouth fearing I won’t have another chance.
The music changes from contemporary to a timeless melody. I recognize the beat of a tango immediately. Although I’ve never danced one, I’m led expertly in the movements as I catch sight of my dance partner. I’m so surprised my mouth must hang open the entire time. He dictates every move I make and we must look amazing, because I can see people nearby watching. His mask doesn’t hide that lush dirty blonde hair and I’m lost in blue eyes that take me places I’m not sure I can recover from. He dips me just as the song ends with his mouth hovering over my neck for long seconds until he places a gentle kiss on my throat. Clapping ensues and he rights me on my feet. I’m left to watch as he disappears into the crowd, leaving me standing alone. However, as I search for him, I spot two guys that seem familiar from that drunken night out on the sidewalk with Mandy over a week ago. I’m pretty sure they’re his friends. They stare at me like they know the depths of my sins.
Embarrassed, I turn away and head toward the food table where I snatch a glass of wine. I guzzle it and grab another. I open my clutch in search of my phone. We may not be allowed to talk, but no one said we can’t text.
Me: 911
Jenna: What’s the trouble?
Me: He’s here.
Jenna: Who’s here?
I don’t get to answer before Ted appears. I slip the phone back in my clutch as he takes a third drink from my hand and offers me what looks like bruschetta. Silently, he tells me to eat something before I drink too much. He’s taking care of me. And maybe that’s what I need for the night.
Thankfully, Ted’s attention is silently taken away from me as a woman walks up and steps into his personal space. I pick up another glass of wine and drain it before slipping into the crowd of people. I have no business with Ted. My head is miles away from making the right decisions tonight.
On the dance floor, I start to lose myself to the warm buzz that percolates in my brain from a couple of glasses of wine. I move without care to the Latin beat in the middle of a crowd, trying to forget what it felt like to be in Andy’s arms. He came and left and I try to find peace in the music. If he wanted me, he would be there.
The next song begins with an erotic trumpet solo that’s sad yet sexy all the same. When the drums set in, the beat begins to pick up and my hips move on their own accord. I see several guys watching me, including Kenneth’s friend and it only spurs me on. I raise my hands in abandon as I shimmy and slowly bend at the knees swaying my ass in a suggestive way that makes one guy bite his lip. In the back of my mind I hope that Andy sees me and wishes he hadn’t walked away earlier. I continue to play with fire as I give good eye contact with a few of the men. Jenna is right. One of them is really cute. Maybe I should give someone else a try.
A man’s possessive hands land on my waist. Even though he is behind me, I already know who they belong to. I have no idea how we ended up in the same place at the same time. Maybe fate. But I don’t allow myself to think anymore. Thinking so far hasn’t won me any prizes.
The melody carries me away to a tropical place where everything happens under a forgiving moon. His lips land on my neck, and I combust in raging heat. I rub against him, hoping he feels the fire he stokes within me. His hands move over my abdomen to press me further back into him. Then his magic fingers glide up and he’s seconds away from cupping my breast. I don’t care that we are dangerously close to appearing as though we are making love in front of everyone there. I want him in a bad way.
We continue our private yet public dance and capture the attention of the crowd. Lost in the beat, several couples around us have taken their dances to another place that isn’t a ballroom. We are no longer the pioneers in changing the mood of the party to something much more seductive. As the sultry beat drones on, I long for four walls and a bed. I miss the fire of passion that this man can create in me.
It’s the finality of the music with its mournful tones that remind me of the past. I want to stay there with him, but pain is like a lance in my chest. It has me running away as the song ends on a trumpeted chord. I don’t look back for fear I might turn around and run back to him. I make it out onto a balcony breathing in frosty breaths. Despite the chilly night, the air is hot with desire and I’m gasping for breath. I hold on the frozen railing looking down as the DC’s foot and car traffic continuously pass despite the late hour.
Why can’t life be simple? I want to give up control and just feel, but I’m afraid to lose myself again. The pain nearly killed me before. I’m not sure I can do it again.
I hear the faint click as the terrace doors are shut. A quick glance over my shoulder and I see curtains on the window paneled door segment us from the crowd inside. He approaches from my blind side. A warm body, hotter than the sins I run from, presses to me. I begin to
face him, but his hands are on my throat and chin, directing me to face forward, his message firm and clear.
He hasn’t uttered a word, but I know his touch. His other hand snakes across my right fabric-covered breast and manages to undo the body tape on the left that holds the material secure to my skin. He slips his fingers under the fabric to caress the left breast. Just the briefest contact causes my nipple to peak. He nuzzles the back of my head as he presses his hardness against my bottom. I find myself pushing back. It could be the wine, but I’m tired of fighting. I need this more than I want to admit.
The music floats in through the seam of the door and I find myself grinding against him along with the tempo. He shoves a leg between mine and spreads them. His possession is all encompassing as his hand moves lower from my breast. I wonder how long he’s been watching me tonight. Could his intense desire be born out of jealously?
The slit in back of my dress plays an important role when his hand slips between my thighs and cups me as if to brand me. He easily parts my bare folds and isn’t gentle when he thrusts two fingers inside my core. I can feel the wetness flow down onto his hand as he pumps into me a couple of times.
My head falls forward and I grip the railing tighter, the coldness forgotten as I allow his invasion. The cars on the street down below don’t matter. I want to feel for the first time in far too long. I moan and suddenly his fingers are gone. His middle finger reappears to silence me first before gliding over my bottom lip. A second—maybe two—then he slips the digit into my mouth, forcing me to taste my arousal on his fuck me finger. I don’t even care as I wrap my lips tight around it before he pulls it back out.
He bites my neck, not hard enough to break skin, but enough to send early warning shocks through my center. He takes hold of my throat again as he works what I think might be his zipper. He lifts my leg with a hand underneath my knee and positions me. I’m surprised when his length bumps against my opening and I feel that he’s somehow managed to protect himself and me from what comes milliseconds later.
Rewarded for all the time I waited for this moment, I gasp as he pushes into me. His hand comes up from my throat to cover my mouth as if the noise police will show up. He fills me in a way I didn’t think I would remember. I bite his finger—none too gently— when it gets too close to my teeth. He doesn’t make a noise. He continues to move in me, forcing the railing to make contact with my clit in a way that starts the countdown to my orgasm.
With a hand to muffle my cries, he wedges himself deeper inside me with every punishing stroke. He bends me slightly forward and the angle allows him to hit that spot that shoots off my first orgasm like a firecracker. He isn’t done. He rolls himself inside me to stroke my g-spot over and over until I’m building for another explosion I’m not sure I can handle. His hand leaves my mouth and somehow he has my dress parted so that he’s able to cradle my center and move the pad of his thumb over my clit as he continues to fill me inside. The scream that escapes my throat is muted by the note the trumpet hits in the crescendo of the song.
Then he is gone, leaving me to almost crumple to my knees. The force of both orgasms weakens me to the point that gravity begins to pull me down. He spins me around and I get a flash of hot azure eyes before he guides me to my knees with his larger than life cock in front of my face. Condom gone, two fingers that still taste of me are there to open my mouth as he guides himself inside. He sweeps my hair aside as I give into his silent demand. I hollow my cheeks and tighten my lips around his thick length. Even at this angle, he can’t fully sheath himself in my mouth.
I swirl my tongue as I bob up and down him. His grip tightens in my hair almost painfully and it’s not long before I taste the effects of his orgasm shooting to the back of my throat. I see the muscles in his jaw clench as he muffles his own sounds of pleasure. I swallow everything before he finally pulls out. He neatly tucks himself back in his pants before drawing me to my feet. He spins me around and dusts me off.
At first, I’m too afraid to face him. My lips still tingle from everything we just did. Then I hear the patio doors open, and I turn around. I’m too late to say anything; his dark blond head has already been swallowed by the crowd. I stand there wondering what the hell just happened. I’m literally shaking when I pull out my phone. It takes a few times before I’m successful at texting Jenna. There is no way I can stay. I feel the wetness on my legs. The lighting might be dim inside the ballroom, but I imagine my white dress isn’t as pristine as it was when I walked in. I’m going to catch a cab home and text Jenna that. I dare not make a move until I get a chime back signaling I have an incoming text.
Jenna: Wait for me.
Me: No. Stay. I’m going straight home. You have a key.
I’d given her one in case she wanted to stay out with her guy and come back late.
Jenna: Are you sure?
Me: Absolutely. I’ll catch a cab.
Jenna: Text me when you get there.
Me: I will
The party is in full swing. I’m not the only person who’s being naughty and uncaring of peeping eyes. I worm my way through the hedonistic crowd. Mandy was right about this party. And what I’ve done isn’t me. I don’t have sex in public places. To top it off, he left without so much as a goodbye or even a thank you for the fuck. We were alone. He could have broken the ‘be silent’ rules if he wanted.
Still, he’d never been like that with me before. How much did I really know about him anymore? Maybe there’s a reason behind the new name. I would have never guessed he would have come to a party like this. Then again, who am I to judge? I’m here.
I push through the doors where two large men in suits stand on either side. I hit the elevator button and pray I will be alone. Luck is on my side and I make it down to the lobby without another soul getting on. I’m practically running to the street with my hand raised for a cab when a cool voice calls out.
“Cate.”
I turn and Ted is standing in front of an open limo door.
“Do you need a ride?”
I almost say no, but I find myself nodding.
“Come,” he says waving me over.
Twelve
Past
On Thursday, it’s becoming clearer that I may have to push my trip to see Drew back to Saturday. I know if I go on Friday, I won’t get any work done and I have two papers due on Monday. It kills me to do it, but I force myself to make the call.
Drew’s cheery voice answers, “You’re just the person I was hoping it would be.”
My spirits sink even further with his words. His smiling face pops into my head and the image makes my craving for his hands on my body all that much stronger. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but …”
“That damn but,” he says with a chuckle. “What’s up?”
“School. I’m underwater with my writing. I know if I come tomorrow I won’t get done what needs doing, and I have two long articles due on Monday. I’m going to have to push back coming until Saturday.”
“Hey, Cate, no worries on that. You have to do what’s important and school is important. Understand?”
“Yeah, but I want to see you, too.”
“And you will. Just a day later than previously planned. And don’t worry, I’ll make up for it,” he says. I can almost see him grinning.
“Oh yeah? Tell me.”
“Hmm. I don’t think so. Have I ever told you how much I adore your neck? That should be keep you guessing.” His deep chuckle sends shivers up and down my spine.
“You’re not playing fair.”
He laughs again. “I know but when did I say I played fair?”
I rifle through my thoughts for something to latch onto, but come up empty. “Did I ever tell you I fight back?”
“You did now.”
My mouth turns up at the corners.
“But Cate, I play hockey, remember? I know how to fight really dirty.”
Oh my god. The way he says, “Really dirty,” makes me want to jump
his bones. Like right this second. How will I ever wait until Saturday?
“Um, Cate, are you still there?”
I swallow the huge heated lump of desire that’s knotted up my throat and croak out, “Uh, yeah. I’m here.”
“Good. Because I like the turn this conversation has taken. What I think I’d like to do is put you in my penalty box and perhaps punish you.”
“P-punish me? How?”
“Mmm, I’ll have to let you think about that for a while.”
Holy shit. What is he talking about here?
“So, Cate?”
His deep sexy voice has me all worked up. “Yeah, Drew.”
“What time do you think you can be here on Saturday?”
“Sin. I mean six.”
A salacious chuckle hits my ear. “Hmm. That’s the time my game starts.”
“I’m talking six in the morning.”
He roars with laughter. “Eager, are you?”
“I would probably call it something else, Drew.”
“Oh, and what would that be?”
“I’ll have to let you think about it for a while.”
His laughter rings out over the phone.
“Oh, and Drew, just so you know, Louise is all hot to see you, too.” In a breathy voice, I add, “Be ready for me at six on Saturday.” As I’m moving the phone away from my ear, I can hear him still laughing.
Friday is nothing but constant work. But the good part of it all is that I accomplish what I set out to do so I can go to Drew’s with a guilt-free conscience. I pack a bag at night so all I have to do in the morning is take a quick shower and go. I set my alarm for four forty-five, and fifteen minutes later, I’m on the interstate. An hour later, I pull into Drew’s parking lot. As if on cue, he stands in the doorway of his apartment, waiting.
Wearing faded jeans with the top button undone and nothing else except his mussed up hair, he looks good enough to eat.
The Cruel and Beautiful Series Boxset Page 16
