by Tara Wyatt
“It’s nice to meet you,” she said, but he didn’t answer her as he tapped his fingers against his mouth.
“Banks. Banks. Oh, of the Banks Hotel Group, yes?”
She frowned slightly and shook her head. “Um, no.”
“Well, who’s your father?”
“Uh…no one you’d know,” she said, thrown by his question. “He’s a retired high school biology teacher from upstate.”
“Oh.” He shot Max a disappointed look. “I just assumed, since she’s clearly not a model or something.”
Max’s nostrils flared and he blew out a noisy breath. “You’re such an asshole, you know that?”
Quentin’s eyes went wide in mock innocence. “What? Did I touch a nerve?” He leaned toward Max, his lip curling into a sneer. “If you’re going to slum it, you should at least pick someone with a set of tits.”
Max’s fist cocked back and then, suddenly, another man was there, one Willa didn’t know, holding Max back. Max surged against him but then dropped his arm, shrugging out of the man’s grip.
“Take a walk, Uncle Quentin,” said the man, who, now that Willa was really looking at him, was drop dead gorgeous. He had thick, dark hair and was nearly as tall as Max, but with a leaner build. And given how he’d addressed Quentin, apparently he was Max’s cousin. Which made sense. Willa could see the slight resemblance in the chiseled jaw and full lips.
Quentin laughed. “Noah. Guess they really will let just about anyone in here these days.” He shook his head. “Enjoy your evening. Nice seeing you, Max. Maybe next time you’ll have the balls to hit me.”
His father turned to go and Max took a half step toward him, but stopped when Noah put a hand on his chest. “He’s not worth it.”
Max closed his eyes and blew out a breath. “You’re right. He’s not.” Then he turned to Willa. “I’m so sorry, angel. He’s the world’s biggest asshole. He’s nothing but a bully. I’m sure he only came over here to get a rise out of me.”
She nodded. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”
He slid a hand up and down her arm. “Are you sure?”
She nodded again. Even though Quentin had insulted her, her heart was breaking for Max. She couldn’t imagine having grown up with a man like that for a father. No wonder all of the Prescotts had so much baggage. She wondered if Quentin knew—or cared—about the tremendous damage he’d inflicted.
“Are you?” she asked. “I can’t believe that jerk’s your dad.”
“I’m okay. I do still wish I’d hit him for talking to you that way, though.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. Like he said,” she said, gesturing to Noah, “he’s not worth it.”
“Hey, I’m Noah Prescott,” said the man, extending his hand to her. “Max’s cousin.”
“Willa. Nice to meet you. You have impeccable timing.”
Noah shook his head. “I saw Quentin heading your way and knew I’d better keep an eye out. Can’t help you if you get arrested,” he said, clapping Max on the shoulder.
“Only if I set something on fire.”
Noah laughed, then explained to Willa, “I’m a captain with the FDNY.”
Her eyes widened and she pointed at him. “You’re the one who was on the cover of the firefighter’s calendar! Lauren told me about you.” She was pretty sure the word Lauren had used was yummalicious.
Noah’s cheeks turned pink and he waved away her comment. “That was like two years ago now.”
Max patted Noah’s rock hard stomach. “Yes, you’ve clearly gone to seed since then.” He glanced around. “You here with anyone?”
“Levi’s around here somewhere. We got the tickets as part of this first responders thing. Not sure where he went.”
Max tipped his head in the direction of the buffet, pointing at a younger but equally handsome man loading his plate up with food. “Found him.” He pointed him out to Willa. “Levi’s Noah’s younger brother and a paramedic.”
“Should’ve thought to check by the food,” said Noah, his hands in his pockets as he rocked back on his heels. He shot Willa a charming smile. “Well, it was nice to meet you. I should let you get back to your evening. Max, give me a call—come out to Jersey and box with me. The guys and I finally got the gym set up.”
Max nodded. “Sounds good. Will do.”
As Noah moved away through the crowd, Willa wanted to call after him, asking him to come back. He was the first nice, normal person she’d talked to all night.
“I’m surprised he’s not here with a date,” she said to Max.
“As far as I know, Noah doesn’t date much. He’s got a pretty full plate with work and family stuff.”
“So your dads are brothers?”
Max nodded. “Were. My Uncle Caleb was a firefighter with the FDNY. He died on September 11th.”
She laid a hand on his arm. “Oh. I’m sorry. That must’ve been hard for everyone.”
“Dad was never close with his brother, but we all got along well with Caleb’s kids. I think my Aunt Veronica felt bad for us and invited us over when she could.” He shook his head. “Anyway.” He turned to face her and slid his arms around her waist. “I’m sorry about my father. He is a colossal asshole and I still wish I’d punched him for the way he talked to you, which was completely unacceptable.” He smoothed a thumb over her jaw. “You’re so goddamn beautiful, angel, and there’s no one I’d rather be with. You know that, right?”
She swallowed and nodded, not wanting to tell him exactly how many hits her self-confidence had taken tonight. “Can we dance?” she asked just as a Frank Sinatra song started up. “I want you to myself for a little bit.”
He smiled at her, so full of warmth that it chased away the doubts and insecurities trying to sink their claws into her. “Of course.” But as soon as he started to lead her out onto the dance floor, they were once again interrupted by people wanting to speak with Max. He tried to wave them off, but she let him go, shaking her head.
“It’s fine. I’m going to go get some air.”
He seemed unsure about letting her go, but she needed a break from the press of the crowd, from the rich snobs who looked down their noses at her, from the glamorous atmosphere, so she smiled at him and wove her way through the crowd, following the signs for the designated smoking area, even though she’d never been a smoker.
A small terrace had been set up off a side door so that anyone wanting a little fresh air or a cigarette didn’t have to deal with the craziness of the red carpet again. When she stepped outside, she was grateful for the cool breeze that greeted her, even if it was slightly tinged with the smell of smoke. Only a few other people occupied the terrace, smoking and talking.
“Willa.”
She turned at the sound of her name and was surprised to see Lucian leaning against the wall, a cigarette dangling from his fingers.
“Lucian,” she said, smiling as relief filled her at the sight of a friendly, familiar face. Not that Max wasn’t friendly or familiar, but he was just so busy talking to all of his rich friends. “I didn’t know you’d be here tonight.”
He shrugged and took a drag off his cigarette, then blew out a stream of smoke. “It was a last minute decision.” He glanced between her and his cigarette. “Don’t tell Max you saw me smoking.”
She laughed, moving a bit closer. “Don’t tell me you’re scared of Max?”
The corner of his mouth hitched up and he shook his head. “No.” He met her eyes. “I’m not scared of anything. But he’s a health nut and I don’t want him on my case.” He took another drag, the tip of the cigarette glowing in the dim lighting. “I told him I quit. And I did.” He held the cigarette up and shrugged. “Mostly.”
She smiled. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
“So, are you having a good time? You look absolutely stunning, by the way. Beautiful.”
She ducked her head at the compliment. “Thank you. And, uh, yeah. I am.”
He smirked. “Liar.”
Her shoulders slumped. “I feel li
ke the world’s biggest brat if I say I’m not.”
“Do I need to go punch my idiot brother?”
She shook her head. “No. Max has been great.”
He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Then what’s wrong?”
She sighed, looking back at the gleaming building behind them, then laughed softly. “Just feeling a bit like a fish out of water, I guess.”
He snorted. “That’s a good thing.” He gestured at the party behind them. “That’s not an ocean you want to swim in, sweetheart.”
“So I’d gathered.” A silence fell between them for a moment and then she turned to him. “I don’t think I ever said thank you for what you did for me and Kayla back in March.” She swallowed thickly, a quiet echo of the fear she’d experienced that night pulsing through her, making her shiver and wrap her arms around herself. “You saved our lives.”
Lucian stubbed out his cigarette in the nearby ashtray, blew out a final plume of smoke and then took her hands in his. “It was my pleasure, Willa. I might not be a good guy, but I don’t like to see innocent people get hurt. And I protect my family. Kayla became part of that family when Sebastian fell in love with her. You’re part of it now, too. I take care of the people in my life, and you get a gold star for making my brother so deliriously happy he doesn’t even seem like the same person. But I want you to know that even if you’re not with Max at some point in the future and there’s something you need, you can always come to me. No matter what. Yeah?”
She nodded, the corner of her mouth quirking up. “Okay. Thank you, Lucian.” She glanced back toward the party. “I had the pleasure of meeting your father.”
“I assume you’re using pleasure in the most ironic of ways.”
“Mmm. Max almost punched him.”
“Damn. I wish he had and that I’d been inside to see it.” He blew out a breath. “Maybe next time.” He shook his head and then turned away. “And that man isn’t my father, as far as I’m concerned. He might’ve given me his name, but that’s all he ever gave me.”
Willa frowned, studying him. “Are you here alone?”
He turned and smiled sadly. “I’m always alone, sweetheart.”
“Why?”
“It’s the way it has to be.” He tipped his chin in the direction of the building. “Go find Max. Enjoy the party.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. “You look radiant. Go. Have fun.”
Willa managed to enjoy herself more during the second half of the party. She chatted more with Noah, who was sweet if a little tense, and Levi, who was funny and sarcastic. She danced with Max several times and with Lucian once before seeing him leave with a gorgeous, leggy blond half his age. Apparently he wasn’t going home alone, even if he’d attended the event solo.
By the time the gala was winding down, her feet were aching and she was ready to fall into bed. It had been fun to get all glammed up for the evening, but she was ready to take her fancy dress off, put on her pajamas and veg.
“Did you have a good time?” asked Max as they stepped outside and into the queue of guests waiting for their limos and Town cars. He laced his fingers through hers, tracing his thumb over her knuckles.
“To be completely honest…Yeah. I did. The first bit was kind of dicey, but I did have fun.”
“Good. I’m sorry about how things started off. I’m especially sorry about my asshole father. If I’d known he was going to be here, I would’ve made a point of avoiding him.”
She shrugged, waving away his apology. “Don’t worry about it. I didn’t let it ruin my evening.”
“Mmm. And the evening’s not over yet.”
She glanced over at him, her stomach dipping and swirling at the heat shining out at her from his gorgeous blue eyes. “What did you have in mind?”
He dipped his head, his lips rasping against the shell of her ear. “I’ve been thinking about fucking you in the limo all night.” She sucked in a sharp breath, swaying into him slightly. “I want to make you come on my cock with the entire city just feet away.”
Oh, holy hell. She’d never thought of herself as much of an exhibitionist, but what Max was suggesting already had her squirming, an achy throb settling deep in her core.
When he lifted his head, his eyes were dark. Hungry. She knew those eyes. She loved those eyes because they promised pleasure. So much pleasure. “I didn’t bring any condoms,” she said weakly, gesturing to her clutch.
He kissed her temple. “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”
She turned to face him, stepping directly in front of him. Curling her fingers into the waistband of his pants, she gave a little tug. “Then yes.” She slid a hand up his chest and wrapped her arm around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. “I’m already wet just thinking about it. I need you.” This was especially true after the way the evening had gone. She’d managed to have fun, but she was still feeling slightly off-kilter.
“Fucking hell,” he ground out, kissing her in front of everyone. He pulled her against him, pressing his thick cock against her stomach. “I can’t wait to get inside you.” He craned his neck, looking around, his features tight with impatience. “Christ, where’s the fucking limo?” he muttered, his jaw tight. Soon enough, their driver pulled up and opened the door for them, and Max ushered them into the limo. The second the door was closed behind them, he hauled her onto his lap, pulling her mouth to his for a deep, possessive kiss.
“Take your panties off,” he said roughly, catching her bottom lip between his teeth. She loved seeing him like this, knowing he was as desperate for her as she was for him.
She maneuvered herself onto the seat beside him and then pushed her skirts up, the fabric rustling. Arching her hips up, she hooked her fingers into the waistband of her black lace panties and slid them down her legs. They got caught on one of her gold heels and Max reached over, plucking them off and tucking them into his pocket.
“Good girl. Come here.” He patted his thigh, and she resettled herself on his lap, her arms around his neck. “Now let’s see how wet you are.” Holding her gaze, he slid a hand under her layers of tulle, palming her. “Fuck, angel,” he whispered, stroking his fingers up and down her slit. “You’re soaked.”
She whimpered, nodding. “Mmmhmm. I told you I needed you.”
The limo pulled out into traffic, adrenaline spiking through her as Max circled her throbbing clit, the city moving around them. There were people—strangers—only a few feet away while Max stroked her pussy. “God, this is so hot,” she whispered, leaning forward and trailing kisses up and down his neck as he touched her. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“Christ, me neither. Fuck, Willa,” he moaned, sliding his fingers over and around her pulsing clit. “I want you so much right now.”
He kissed her and slid two fingers inside her, circling his thumb over her clit in a steady rhythm. Everything inside her went tight and hot as the first sparks of her orgasm danced across her skin, making her feel like she was glowing. Burning.
The limo slid through traffic, moving along 10th Ave, passing pedestrians and restaurants and glowing lights, all while Max stroked her and fucked her with his talented fingers. Despite everything she’d experienced today—the dress, the gala, the opulence—this felt like the most exquisitely decadent thing, to have Max’s fingers inside her as the city pulsed around them. She’d never trusted anyone enough to have semi-public sex like this, but she trusted Max with everything she had. Everything.
He curled his fingers inside her, working her clit in perfect, tight circles and she broke, the orgasm soaring through her with lightning speed. “Oh God, Max. Fuck, I’m coming.”
She clamped down on his fingers and rode his hand, chasing the throbbing pleasure burning through her the way a flower chased the sun.
“That’s it, angel. You’re so fucking beautiful when you come.”
She threw her head back and thrust her hips, writhing on his hand. “You feel so good,” she moaned, falling forward and burying
her face in his neck, breathing in the smell of him. “God, Max.”
“I need to be inside you, Willa. The way you’re milking my fingers right now is killing me.”
She nodded and he slowly slipped his fingers free of her, bringing them to his mouth and sucking them. Something hot and needy clenched inside her at the sight of his wet fingers in his mouth, his eyes closed in pleasure as he savored the taste of her. She slid off his lap, greedy for him. Easing herself onto the floor of the limo, layers of tulle spilling out around her, she slid her hands up his thighs and to his lap, where his thick cock strained against the front of his tuxedo pants.
Kneeling between his legs, she eased the zipper down. The outline of his cock was visible beneath his black boxer briefs, and she slipped her fingers into the waistband and tugged them down, freeing his cock. Knowing that they didn’t have time for teasing, she fisted him and took him deep into her mouth, the musky taste of him flooding her and spiking fresh arousal through her.
“Fuck, angel,” he whispered, his hips moving restlessly, the leather seat creaking softly beneath him. “Love seeing those pretty lips wrapped around me.”
She loved that the more they were together, the more vocal he became, his inhibitions dropping away. The first time they’d slept together, he’d said very little. But now…he’d turned into a bit of a dirty talker and she was not complaining.
He wove a hand into her hair and encouraged her to take more of him, to move a bit faster, so she did, working him over with her mouth, taking as much of his thick cock into her mouth as she could handle. But after only a minute or two, he lifted her off of his cock, hauling her back into his lap.
“Need to be inside you,” he said, his voice ragged. “Need you, Willa.”
He shoved a hand in the pocket of his tuxedo, pulling out a condom, but before he could tear the package open, she plucked it from his fingers and tossed it aside, shaking her head.
“Unless you have a reason why it’s not safe, I don’t want to use it,” she said, moving her hips and sliding against him. “I just want to feel you. All of you, with nothing between us.”
