Reign on Me

by Zoe Devereaux

  As his head descended, she moved in for the wet, open-mouthed kiss. Upon the contact of their lips, he made a deep stroke that penetrated her straight to the core.

  She moaned at the deeper intrusion.

  The hot heat speared her fiery insides and flowed throughout her system. Her eyelids fluttered again at the impending rise. “Please keep doing me…”

  His raspy words broke through her sensual haze and thrilled her further. “I’ll never stop.”

  He made five deep thrusts.

  Her passion-fogged brain counted each one. But, as his thrusts became deeper, so did the intensely gratifying sensations.

  She lost track of everything but the feel.

  Panting softly, she absorbed the rippling waves of unadulterated pleasure as they ripped through her.

  Her vision blurred.

  Her mind was crazed, and she couldn’t see past what she was feeling. Her frantic pleas left her. “Oh…don’t stop…please….love me…”

  He released a shuddering breath. “I need you so fucking much.”

  He buried himself inside her to the hilt. At that very instant, her heated body betrayed her further as it eagerly bore his dangerous entry inside of her.

  His thrusts were perfectly timed, nabbing the exact right point, and even as the pleasure blinded them, they maintained eye contact.

  Beneath the sheets, their sweat-glistened bodies writhed in the timeless dance, and they breathed hard and fast from the exertion.

  Their desire peaked.

  It stole them.

  The crashing waves rolled in and swept them under. She sobbed his name as the powerful orgasm rocked her system, and his hard body quaked violently as he embraced his release.

  Crying softly, she clung to him.

  In every sense of the word, she was his.

  Chapter 14

  When the morning dawned, they awakened in each others arms. A simple kiss had led to more successive rounds of deeply intense lovemaking, and they spent the entire morning in bed.

  At exactly 1:37 pm, they were standing at her hotel room door. As he kissed her breathless, she clutched the sheet against her nude body. She moaned in protest when he pulled back. “Do you really have to go?”

  “There’s nothing that I’d rather do more than stay here and make love to you.” He rubbed a thumb across her swollen lips, and then sighed with heady regret. “Leaving is the last thing that I want. But, there are some things that I have to take care of.”

  Like another client?

  A pang of jealousy hit her.

  Truly, what claims did she have on him?

  But, still, she couldn’t stop the possessive feelings as she looked at him. Even now, the very sight of him made her lose her breath.

  The same white polo shirt and gray trousers covered him. Although the clothing was crumpled, he still managed to look amazingly sexy. His hair was unkempt, and he was unshaven. But, it hardly marred his handsomeness.

  She stared at his chest.

  After what they’d shared last night, how could she not be possessive? Maybe she was alone in thinking that it really meant something?

  He brushed a hand along her cheek. “Hey, where did you go just then?”

  “It’s nothing.” She forced a smile. “I was just wondering if we’re still on for tonight.”

  He arched a brow. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

  Shrugging, she turned away from him. “I was just wondering. Forget that I asked.”

  “Not so fast, princess.” He snagged her hand and pulled her against him. “Now, I want you to look at me and tell me what’s wrong.”

  “How many times do I have to tell you that nothing’s wrong?”

  “As many times until I finally believe it,” he shot back with a frown. Then, grasping her chin, he directed her gaze to his. “Right now, I’m hardly convinced.”

  “You said that you had to take care of some things.” She swallowed hard at the difficult words. “Are you going to meet another client?”

  He stared at her hard. “Run that by me again.”

  She stiffened. “Are you going to see someone else?”

  “So, you’re wondering if my plans include shagging another woman after I leave you.” Tensing, he released her before taking a step back. His expression was guarded. “Am I right?”

  Suddenly, she found it hard to breathe. “Well, are you?”

  A flash of pain crossed his face, and she caught it before he could mask it. Immediately, she regretted her rash questioning and thinking. She reached out to him. “Christopher, I’m sorry---”

  “Sorry for what?” he asked with a hint of anger. “You’re only saying out loud what you’re already thinking. Why even apologize for that?”

  Her lips trembled. “Why are you so angry?”

  “Why am I so angry?” he frowned and looked at her in disbelief. Then, he jabbed an angry finger at her. “We spend the entire night being together, and you think that I’m immediately going to be with someone else?”

  “Well, considering your profession---”

  Thinking better of it, she cut her words off.

  He gave a bitter laugh. “Let me finish the statement for you. Well, considering that I’m a whore, I must literally live and breathe sex 24/7. That’s what you’re thinking, right?”

  As she confessed the truth, her face colored with embarrassment. “Yes.”

  A daring look played in his eyes. “What if that is my intention?” he taunted slowly, and smiled, but it hardly resonated on his features. “Hell, perhaps I have two, three, four, or maybe five women lined up after you. Better yet, maybe I’m going to have an orgy---”

  “Why are you being so cruel?” Both the hurt and jealousy blinded so much that she couldn’t see. “I want you to stop it---”

  “No, you stop it,” he snapped, and a look of fury played along his handsome features. But, it was startlingly clear that he wasn’t certain if his anger was directed at her or himself. “It’s apparent that you think that I only serve one purpose.” His laugh was humorless. “I don’t even know why in the hell I’m angry with you to begin with. You have no reason to believe or think otherwise. Truth is, I am a whore. How I’m even forgetting that fact is crazy in itself.” Once more, the hurt flashed across his face. But, he looked away as soon as it did. “I think that I should go. I’m sorry that I’ve taken up so much of your morning. I’m gone.”

  She stood rooted to the spot as he strode for the door. When he reached it, she called out. “Christopher, wait.”

  He turned and faced her. “What?”

  “I—I’m sorry.”

  “Me too, princess,” he sighed with regret. “Goodbye.”

  She held her composure as the door closed behind him. As soon as she was alone, she released the flood of tears.

  She combed a hand through her unkempt hair. “What’s wrong with me?” she whispered, fighting against her frustration. “I’m acting like a jealous freak. I’ve known this man for practically days, and he’s the only thing that I can think about.” She sagged down on the messy bed. “Maybe me being here is wrong. It’s obvious that I’m blurring fantasy and reality---”

  She started at the sudden rap against the door. The hope leapt in her chest. Had he returned? Clutching the sheet against her nude body, she scurried to the door before wrenching it open. As she’d suspected, he was there.

  A dangerous look played in his eyes as they roamed over her. It was a look that’d enveloped her being since the day that they’d met. A heady mix of pleasure, passion, and pain...

  Like before, it was devouring her whole.

  She parted the door wider, and easily, he sensed her silent invitation. As he entered, they exchanged no words, yet they both fully understood all out the implications.

  The door made a soft click as it shut.

  Watching her with his hazel green orbs, he advanced towards her slowly. The raw sexual energy surged between them in waves. With his every step, she felt the very heat.


  Just as he made another, she stepped backwards, and it brought her closer to the messy bed. There was so much more that she wanted to say, and it seemed that he did as well. As he stopped before her, she struggled to find her bearings, yet failed to as she had a million times before.

  His effect on her was that damning.

  Her voice trembled. “Please don’t be upset with me.”

  “We had a deal, remember.” He pried her hands from the crumpled sheet. As it dropped to the carpeted floor, he ran an appreciative gaze over her naked body. “We promised each other that we’d live out this mutual fantasy. Our agreement was that the real world would have no bearing.” He grasped the back of her nape and hauled her nude form against his. “Do you remember that, princess?”

  Her eyes swelled with tears. “Yes.”

  “If that were the case, you’d know better than to ask me about being with another woman.” He drew her face close to his. “Did last night and this morning mean absolutely nothing to you?”

  “It meant everything,” she whispered, suddenly finding it difficult to breathe. “What did it mean for you?”

  He dropped down on his knees before her. Clenching her naked buttocks, he drew her forward, and she realized his intentions.

  A dangerous shiver chased down her spine.

  “Why don’t you let me show you what it meant to me?” Already, his eyes were tracing a wicked path along her mons, and when they met hers again, they simmered with a dark sensual suggestion. “My touch will signify exactly how I feel. When we’re through, ponder my actions and let them drive your thoughts.”

  As his lips met her naked flesh, she lost all thoughts of the real world again.

  The ten-story law office complex was probably one of the highest standing buildings in the city. Highly glossed paned windows and a sleekly designed structure made it equally appealing, not to mention that it also included an eatery area for the high-profiled attorneys and such.

  He removed the sunglasses from his face and looked skyward to the heavens. The clouds raced against the blue firmament, and already the spring air was stirring.

  For some peculiar reason or another, he’d always held a fascination about the endless universe. As crazy and twisted as life had been for him, he knew that something existed past it.

  But, how long had it been since he prayed, he mulled, dropping the sunglasses on his face again. Better yet, being the jaded and sinful creature that he was, did he even have the right to?

  He strode into the law office complex before that colossal thought confounded him. A few minutes later, he stepped from the elevator onto the seventh floor.

  The receptionist greeted him as he soon as he walked in. Standing, she offered a courteous smile while moving from behind the desk. “Mr. Alexander, I presume?”

  Giving a curt nod, he removed the sunglasses.

  “Mr. Clayton has been expecting you, and he wants you to go right in. Before you do that, may I offer you anything?” Yet, already, she was leading the way to the office door. “Coffee? Bottled water?”

  He followed behind her. “Nothing, thanks.”

  She gave two brisk knocks against the door and received a fast ‘come in’ on the other side. After pushing the door open, she stepped aside and allowed him to enter. As soon as he stepped in, she shut the door.

  Parker sat behind his desk, and he was embroiled in an important business call. But, he looked up before acknowledging him with a brief smile.

  Rather than going further, he waited at the door and eyed his estranged uncle coolly.

  “Yes, I understand fully, Mr. Roberts,” Parker said firmly, waving for him to venture further inside, and then pointed to the small conferencing area that was located several feet away from his desk. Frowning, he returned his attention to the call. “Proceeding in such a manner is detrimental to our case…”

  He strode across the large area. After bypassing the black leather sofa, matching wingback chair, and coffee table, he journeyed to the glass paned window that offered a clear view of the grand city. Once more, he strove to diminish his rising tension as he looked out.

  The aerial view from the high level was exceedingly impressionable. An ethereal atmosphere seemed to grace the outside world, and it lent a serene peacefulness at the dangerous heights. Yet, for some peculiar reason or another, he was experiencing an even greater connection to the magnificent heavenly being that was steering him into uncharted waters. And for the first time in his life, wasn’t he finally acknowledging his presence?

  When his estranged uncle suddenly materialized beside him, it infringed upon the very private and gripping moment.

  But, instead of breaking the silence, Parker just stood there alongside him and took in the spectacular view.

  Perhaps he was partially to blame for the discord between him and his estranged family, he admitted silently, continuing to stare out. For too many years, he’d been bitter and broken, and those very dark feelings had driven him to make one bad decision after another. The sinful, shameful, and fast lifestyle that he led was a gut reaction to it. Deep down, he recognized that he was not only punishing them, but himself.

  Finally, Parker broke the tense silence. “I admit that I’m surprised that you called and wanted to meet. But, still, I’m glad that you did.” He fell silent for a brief second. “You were right. After everything that we’ve done to you over the years, we have no right to ask anything of you. I’m sorry for every bit of the hurt that we’ve caused.”

  He kept his gaze fixated on a point in the naked blue sky and fought to stay emotionally detached. But, the words spoke to the heart of the lost little boy inside of him, the very one who’d lost his way and innocence long ago. They only rekindled his fierce need to belong to something or someone.

  “And the other day,” Parker trailed on. “I should have been---”

  “We both share equal blame for what happened and said things that we shouldn’t have,” he disagreed with a pinched frown. “If I came off as unfeeling about Josephine, I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intent to belittle her pain or anyone else’s. My behavior was unjustified, and I should have conveyed my words and thoughts in a more empathetic manner. Considering the circumstances, it makes my behavior even more deplorable.” He cut a sideways glance in his direction before looking away, and then, he uttered the difficult words. “Nine months---that’s all they’re giving her?”

  “At the most, but her lymphoma has been rather unpredictable. There are occasions when it seems that she’s responding well to treatment,” Parker sighed heavily. “But, then it’s all chaos within her battered system.”

  “How is she handling things, emotionally that is?” he asked quietly, and the pain constricted in his chest. “Dealing with a situation such as this can’t be an easy thing to do.”

  “Josephine has existed an entire lifetime living behind a mask. So, naturally, she has retreated behind it. Not too many people have been fortunate to get close enough to know the real woman,” Parker related, and it was apparent that he was wrestling with his own inner demons. “But, your father did. Probably, he knew and understood her better than anyone.” His smile was sad. “And you know what? We deprived her of the very thing that made her happy. I’ll never forgive myself for the part that I played in my family’s treachery. Our actions were shameful and appalling, and it’s something that’ll follow us all to the grave. With all hope, grace will fall upon us and lead to forgiveness.”

  A car horn blared from the streets below, and it was the very distraction that he needed. Like the speeding cars below, his thoughts raced in differing directions.

  The words gashed his emotional wounds wide open. Would there be anything potent enough to stop the bleeding?

  “Did you come here for more reasons than your mother? Are you ready to claim your birthright and assume responsibility?” Parker probed and hope played in his voice. “If so, you’ll be surrounded by the right people and professionals, and they’ll be dedicated to en
sure your successful transition.”

  The question hung in the air.

  Was he ready to take the spotlight as Josephine’s son and play the part? That very part of him was a total stranger. Just who that man was, he had no idea, and more importantly, did he want to find out?

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he quipped tightly. “I’m here, and that’s enough for now.”

  “You’re right, you’re right. Forgive me for being somewhat aggressive. Often, the lines are blurred between me being an attorney and a concerned family member.” His smile was genuine. “You’ll learn that about me. Why don’t we sit down so that we can discuss things further?”

  “Of course.”

  While he settled on the leather bound sofa, his uncle took the wingback chair, and it gave them a frontal view of each other.

  “Your mother---uh, Josephine receives her weekly treatment at Grove’s Memorial every Tuesday at 9:30 am.” A bleak expression covered his face. “With every treatment, she loses more of herself. There’s nothing more difficult than watching her deterioration and knowing that there’s not a damned thing that you can do about it.”

  “I’m sure that your being there is comforting for her.” He met his uncle’s gaze across the space. “Sometimes that’s enough.”

  “I’d like to think that I’m good for something.” Pausing, Parker looked at him hard. “While that’s true, I know that your being there would bring an even more profound sense of comfort. A single day doesn’t go by without her asking about you. Unfortunately, I’m limited in the things that I can tell her. You’re such a mystery to all of us. But, we’d like to change that.”

  “Well, there’s a good reason for that. But, that’s not what we’re here to talk about.” Tensing, he leaned forward slightly on the sofa. “Listen, I know that we don’t know one another all that well. Certainly, I’d never rank high on the morality scale. But, I’m not completely heartless.”

  “Heartless? That’s hardly an apt description.” Parker retorted with the hint of a smile. “Unruly and unapologetic brute on the other hand---of course, that label fits you perfectly.” Then, his dimming smile showed the return of his solemn mood. “How long has it been since you’ve had contact with Josephine?”