Spice Box: Sixteen Steamy Stories

by Raine Miller

  Instead, he took the few steps back to the bed and sat down, forcing Annie to move until she was kneeling on the bed and their bodies were even more perfectly aligned.

  After another soul–deep kiss, he pulled back to look at her face. She opened glazed eyes to stare into his, and he saw the fear of rejection flare in those green depths.

  “Nic—”

  He drew a finger along her lips, cutting off whatever she was going to say. “I’m not stopping. I’m just slowing us down. It’s not perfect timing, but we’ll make it work.”

  She smiled then, sweetly with just a hint of sin. “You’re damn right we will. Lay down.”

  The tone of her voice yanked at his libido, made his breath catch in his throat. He felt like a teenager with his first girl. That rush of pleasure was accompanied by the sudden, agonizing fear that he’d screw this up.

  Annie must’ve seen that in his eyes, because she caught him off guard by pushing him flat on the bed, swinging her legs over his hips until she was straddling him, and planting her hands on his chest. She looked like a conquering Amazon, green eyes slumberous, blond hair falling against pale skin. Just the sight of that sheer lace bra and panties made him nearly swallow his tongue.

  “Stop thinking, Dominic.” Her fingernails scraped against his skin, circling his nipples and tracing the outline of his ribs. “I think we’ve both been doing way too much of it.”

  Words leaped to his tongue but he bit them back. She was right.

  “Then shut up and kiss me.”

  He practically growled the words at her, the command in his voice obvious.

  And her grin became a haughty smile he knew well. “When I’m damn well good and ready.”

  Now she leaned down and he took a deep breath in preparation for her lips against his. But the air caught in his throat when she pressed her lips to the pulse at the base of his neck. That delicate touch made his skin tighten in reaction, while the motion forced her legs apart until he could feel the wet silk of her underwear pressed against the tip of his erection.

  He clutched at her hips, caught between not wanting to rush and easing the fierce ache in his groin immediately. Forcing himself to go slow, he dragged his hands up her body until they brushed against her bra.

  “You look good in this.” He pulled the stretchy lace down until her nipples were exposed, her breast still cupped by the bra. “Don’t take it off.”

  Her lids flickered and her fingernails dug into his skin as her thighs tightened around his waist. Her expression showed fierce arousal and just a tiny bit of shock.

  Was it from the dominance in his voice? The rough way he handled her? Was it too much? Was he too much?

  Shit, had he scared her? Now that he’d committed to this, to her, he couldn’t help but worry he’d turned her off.

  “Annie—”

  “I love the way you’re looking at me right now.” Her husky voice ripped through his fears, arrowed straight to his heart. “I’ve waited years for you to look at me like this.”

  Her words tore away his last restraints. He reared up, crushing her against him, devouring her beautiful mouth as he funneled his every roiling emotion into that kiss. She responded by twining her fingers into his hair and pulling him closer.

  With a growl, he twisted until she was on the bed beneath him, her legs wrapped around his waist. He thrust against her, the barrier of her panties and his boxers more of an annoyance than a hindrance. It wouldn’t take much to rip them away. His hands curled into fists, which he planted into the bed on either side of her for several seconds before he straightened to sit back on his haunches and gaze down at her.

  The pink lace against her pale skin punched the air from his lungs. His hands returned to her breasts, cupping them, molding them in his palms. Her nipples pebbled and he leaned forward to taste her again.

  Her moan kicked his need into a higher gear. Sucking harder, he felt her arch her back to give him more access. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, fingers digging into the muscle before she ran them down his arms. Her fingers tightened on his wrists for a brief second before releasing him…only to make him groan when she slipped them beneath the waistband of his boxers.

  She tugged them down until she’d exposed him. Then she traced a fingertip from the tip of his throbbing cock to his tight balls. Fire spread at her touch and he clamped down hard on the urge to grab her hand and grind it against his erection, to curl her fingers around him and gain immediate satisfaction as she jerked him off.

  Instead, he let her touch him, let her tease one fingernail along the throbbing vein on the underside of his cock then slip that same finger between his legs to flick at the sensitive skin of his sac.

  His eyes had closed but now he opened them and found her watching him, green eyes dark and glittering. Her lips were parted and her breath dragged between them, her chest rising and falling in an ever-increasing pace.

  He wanted—

  Yes. She wrapped one hand around his shaft and began a slow, sensuous motion designed to make him beg for more. The friction made him shudder, made him thrust into her hand, slow at first, then faster. Until he had to make a decision.

  A really easy one, actually.

  He grabbed her hand. “Not like this. Not this time.”

  She sucked in a short, sharp breath and her hand curled into a fist as he pinned it to the bed before releasing her and reaching for her underwear. He had to move to the side before he could strip them down her legs.

  Then he let himself stare at the beauty of her body. At the small breasts that were more than enough to tempt him. At the trimmed triangle of dark blond hair on her mound. At her long, lean legs.

  He could sit and stare at her all day but she shifted, rubbing her thighs together and he couldn’t wait any longer.

  Leaning to the side, he grabbed a condom from the bedside table drawer and got rid of his boxers in the same quick motion.

  When he turned back, she was propped up on her elbows, watching him, her mouth curved in a hot, sweet smile.

  “I love to watch you move. All those beautiful muscles.”

  He shook his head. “You’re the beauty, sweetheart. Always have been the most beautiful girl I’ve ever known.”

  Her expression softened and he swore he saw her tears begin to form. “Nic…”

  With the condom in place, he couldn’t wait any longer. He settled between her legs and covered her with his body, propped on his elbows to hold as much of his weight off of her as he could. She seemed so small now that he had her exactly where he wanted her. So delicate. But her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist held him with a strength that belied her size.

  Gaze locked on hers, he eased his hips forward, swallowing hard as the sensitive head of his cock nestled against the liquid heat between her legs.

  Damn, he wished he didn’t have to wear the condom but he refused to take chances with her. They’d have a frank conversation later but right now… Right now, he only wanted to sink deep and make her come.

  Make her his.

  His first thrusts were slow and steady. He didn’t want to hurt her and he didn’t want to come too fast, which was a distinct possibility.

  And wouldn’t that be fucking embarrassing?

  So he held himself to a ball-clenching pace that made him want to beg. Each inch she enveloped ratcheted up his desire to thrust wildly.

  Damn, she felt amazing. Hot. Tight. Wet. Sleek. Made for him.

  He thrust harder at the thought. His.

  With a moan, she arched to meet him, taking him deeper. Her fingers clutched at his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin.

  He loved the burn as her nails sank deep. Loved how she widened her legs to take even more of him at the same time clenching around him and dragging him deeper.

  When she locked her ankles at his back and shimmied closer, he thrust hard and had to stop as his balls drew tight and felt his orgasm gathering.

  “God, sweetheart, you feel so
good.”

  “Nic, please.” Her breath against his neck sent sensation skating through him. “Move.”

  He couldn’t deny her anything. Especially when that’s exactly what he wanted. “Yes.”

  Wrapping his arms around her, he sank closer as he began a rhythm designed to drive them both over the edge. With each push, she closed around him, tight and wet. And with each retreat, she clung to him.

  Christ, he wasn’t going to last long. And by the sounds she was making, she was nearly there as well.

  Feeling the pressure build, he deliberately slowed, slipped one hand beneath her ass to tilt her hips even more deeply then ground himself against her, thrusting as far as he could go.

  Her head fell back and she gasped before leaning forward again to open her mouth over the side of his neck, her teeth nipping, egging him on.

  He thrust harder, faster. Lost himself in her, her scent, her feel.

  Until she gasped, her sex clamping around him as she pulsed in orgasm.

  Gritting his teeth, he froze and rode out her climax, holding himself deep inside her until she went limp beneath him.

  He wanted to drag it out, wasn’t ready for this to end. But she dragged him along with her.

  He lost it. Lost his ability to think, lost his control, felt the wall he’d built to keep her at arm’s length crumble into ash. Annie wound her arms around his neck and lifted her body into his, as if to make them one

  “I love you, Nic.”

  The tone of her voice, more than the words themselves, sent his emotions into overdrive and he came in a rush of pure sensation that left him drained and so in love, it scared the hell out of him.

  ***

  Annie knew the exact moment Nic realized what she’d said.

  They were trying to catch their breath when Nic rolled, carrying her with him so he was on his back and she lay on her side, curled into him.

  He stilled then and his arm tightened around her. His heartbeat continued to race and his breathing remained unsteady but she could practically hear his mind working.

  She wasn’t about to take the words back because it’s exactly what she felt. But maybe she should’ve waiting at least a few days. Had she scared him off? They’d just fulfilled her most precious fantasy and he was so quiet.

  Well, Nic was always quiet. She knew that. But just this once she wished he’d be chatty, or at the very least, tell her what he was thinking.

  He sighed. “Annie…”

  Then again, maybe she didn’t want to know. She bit into her bottom lip, stopping the words from escaping, waiting for him to continue.

  “Honey, we’ve got to be at your mother’s in less than an hour.”

  Okay, that was so totally not what she’d been thinking about. But, damn if he wasn’t right.

  She didn’t want to leave. She wanted to spend all night with him, wanted to make love with him again and he was letting common sense get in the way.

  She wanted him to go caveman on her, to demand she stay right here with him, naked and willing.

  Instead, she said, “You’re right. And Mother hates when I’m late.” She forced herself to sit up, tearing herself away from the warmth of his side, and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Nic didn’t move. She turned and found him watching her, his eyes stormy.

  “You’re beautiful,” he said. “I don’t know how I’m going to get through tonight without touching you.”

  Annie’s insides melted at his raw tone. She watched him stand and come around the bed, naked and unashamed and with good reason.

  He made her want…well, he made her want him.

  He stood before her and carefully adjusted her bra then ran his fingers through her hair. He kissed her, took his time doing it and, when he pulled back, he smiled.

  “Get dressed. I’ll grab a quick shower here before I take you home for one.”

  Then he walked away and she watched his perfect rear end until he disappeared out the door.

  CHAPTER 12

  “Hello, sweetheart. I’m so glad you could make it.” Beatrice Reed opened the front door and brushed a kiss across her daughter’s cheek as she ushered them in.

  Dressed in a dove gray dress that matched her eyes, her blond hair a shade darker than Annie’s, Beatrice did not remind Nic of a society matron. She looked too young.

  “Hello, Mom.” Nic heard the slight stiffness that came into Annie’s tone. “Thank you for inviting us tonight.”

  Beatrice turned her gaze to him and he stiffened, not sure what to expect. He didn’t know what to make of her genuine smile.

  “Dominic, I didn’t realize you would be accompanying Andrea. She didn’t say who she was bringing. It’s so nice to see you again.”

  “Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Reed.”

  As Beatrice led them through the Reed family’s Main Line mansion, Nic tried to remember the last time he’d seen Annie’s mom. Had to be at least a year. She’d been invited to a reception his parents had thrown for an old friend, apparently an old friend of Beatrice’s, as well. At the time, he hadn’t paid her much attention since that was in his keep-Annie-at-a-distance phase. Looks like he’d shot that all to hell.

  Now, he watched the dynamic between mother and daughter. Watched Annie’s every move as her mother introduced her to Vanessa, Beatrice’s second cousin, once removed, a sixty-something woman with a Queen Elizabeth accent, and the woman’s son, Nigel, a man pretty close to Nic’s own thirty-six, who was dressed in an expensive suit and had an accent that probably drew women like flies.

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Andrea.” Nigel didn’t release her hand right away. “Your mother’s been telling us all about you.”

  Yeah, Nic bet she had been. This is probably exactly the type of man Beatrice hoped her daughter would marry. Certainly not Nic, who didn’t have a designer suit in his closet that his mother or sister hadn’t forced him to buy. Hell, he’d let Annie pick his clothes tonight. Black suit and a royal blue shirt. He’d balked at the tie.

  Beatrice turned to Nic with that same welcoming smile and introduced him as Annie’s—sorry, Andrea’s work colleague.

  “And what type of business are you in, Mr. DeMarco?”

  “Private investigation.”

  Nigel’s eyebrows raised. “Really? That sounds fascinating. How long have you been in the business?”

  “The firm has been in Philadelphia for more than twenty years.” Annie placed her hand on Nic’s arm. “Nic’s parents are former military intelligence officers and Nic is a former Army Ranger. His brother and sister also work in the firm. I’ve recently taken over as office manager.”

  “Why don’t you and Dominic sit down, dear, and I’ll get you drinks.” Beatrice waved at the couch. “We’re planning to eat around eight. I hope you can stay until then?”

  “I don’t—”

  “Sure, that shouldn’t be a problem.” Nic interrupted before Annie could finish. He recognized the look on Beatrice’s face. She wanted them to stay for dinner but she was too polite to ask. And even though he wasn’t typically a coward, Nic thought staying here for dinner tonight might just give him and Annie a little breathing room. “We don’t have confirmed plans for tonight.”

  Beatrice’s control was nearly as good as his mother’s, but at his words, her expression turned hopeful. “Would you like to stay then?” Her gaze flashed to Annie’s for a brief second before returning to Nic. “I’d certainly love for you to join us.”

  He stole a glance at Annie, whose expression was a mix of disappointment and resignation, before answering. “Thanks. If you’re sure it’s not a problem.”

  Beatrice beamed. “Actually, it’s no problem at all. I was hoping I could convince you to stay. I had the cook prepare in case.”

  With Beatrice at the helm, conversation flowed smoothly for an hour. For a woman Nic was sure wanted to set her daughter up with another man, she was a gracious host.

  But then, Beatrice Reed had been born and raised on the
Main Line, the widow of a millionaire adventurer who’d been the sole heir to one of the largest and oldest steel fortunes on the East Coast. Her own parents had been wealthy business owners who could trace their lineage through English royalty.

  She kept the conversation rolling, never let anyone flounder. Actually, she reminded Nic of his mom. Grace DeMarco could make the most awkward conversation and the most diverse group of people flow with one well-placed comment.

  And Annie… Annie simply dazzled. When she and Nigel started debating the usefulness of the English peerage, Annie knew exactly what she was talking about and argued so well, Nigel started nodding his head in agreement. Another conquest for his beauty. Jealousy flared but he squelched it by remembering her voice as she told him she loved him.

  Just the thought brought with it a rush of feelings he forced back only with an effort.

  “Oh, Andrea, you are so much like your father.” Vanessa laughed. “He could charm the birds out the trees, couldn’t he, Beatrice?”

  Nic’s gaze shot to Annie, who smiled but he could tell she had to force herself to maintain it. Then he checked out Beatrice and found her smiling, as well, though Nic was pretty sure hers was genuine.

  “Theo was a force of nature,” Beatrice said. “If he wanted to do it and everyone told him it couldn’t be done, he’d find a way. He was an adventurer through and through. I never doubted that, with him, I would never be bored. My Andrea gets her zest for living from him. Without Theo, I would have led a very boring life.”

  “Do you remember Bangkok? That bar where you danced on the table and the man who wanted to buy us for the night? For a bit, I thought Theo would sell us to him.”

  Beatrice laughed outright, a surprisingly strong laugh that left Annie gaping.

  “And the night in Egypt, when he paid that man to take us into the pyramids. I must have been nearly six months pregnant then. It was his anniversary gift to me. He knew how much I enjoyed the pyramids.”

  As Vanessa and Beatrice continued to reminisce, Nic watched Annie. She was fascinated by her mother’s stories, her expression rapt.

  “And there was nothing he wouldn’t do for you or Andrea, for that matter.”