by A. M. Kusi
Anticipation and anxiety vied for dominance in her belly as they approached her door. He tilted her head to meet his eyes before he spoke. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“All you have to do is say no, or stop, and I will. No matter what.”
She was suddenly aware of the complete calmness that surrounded them, alone in the hallway outside her room. She knew without a doubt, that she was in the eye of the storm. Opening the door, inviting him in, would surely propel her into the very midst of chaos. Danger and promises. Sex and tomorrows.
It was now or never.
Chapter 13
Isa unlocked her bedroom door and entered. His heavy footsteps echoed behind her as he shut them inside. Inviting him into her room was exhilarating, and the alternative, turning him away, felt damn near torturous.
Ethan’s arms wrapped around her possessively, enveloping her in a warm wave of relief and safety. He turned her to face him. His hand brushed over her shoulder gently and she shuddered. After tonight she would never be the same. Fear of opening her heart and being vulnerable made her draw in a ragged breath. She had crossed the boundaries she had set for herself. She did care about this man. He was more than a friend. More than tonight.
“Take it off,” he growled.
She pulled the silk free from her shoulders as he commanded. It slipped to the floor until she stood completely bare in front of him. Her body flushed with self-conscious doubt until she saw the look on his face. He clenched his fists as if he were restraining himself.
“You’re so perfect. So beautiful,” Ethan said as he approached her, his body rumbling with each of his words. She reached her hands inside his tuxedo jacket before pulling it free from his shoulders. Isa undid the first shirt button, and the next, and the next, until his bare chest was on full display in front of her. Running her hands over his hard muscled abdomen, she was hungry herself. The energy crackled between them, sparking and zapping her skin where she touched him. The air was so thick with anticipation, she was finding it hard to breathe.
His strong arms reached out and grabbed her, picking her up. She let out a surprised gasp. The room faded away as he laid her gently on the bed. His silhouette, highlighted by the full moon outside the window, was the sole demand of her attention. Shadows from trees danced through the paned glass, playing with the chiseled angles on his face. He licked his lips, tempting her.
“I’m gonna worship your body until you can’t feel your legs anymore.” He climbed onto the bed and hovered over her before pressing himself against her.
“I’m gonna taste every inch of this beautiful body underneath me.” Ethan moved his hands to hers, holding them above her head, pinning her to the bed. His touch burned her skin.
“I want you to come on my hands,” he said, placing his finger on her lips. Her tongue darted out, needing some part of him inside her. Sucking on it, she whimpered.
“I want to taste your come on my mouth.” He slanted his mouth on hers. She was panting now, about to combust just from his dirty promises.
Her body burned, seared from his flesh against hers. She was being coated in his scent, being claimed. Fire ignited every cell in her body with absolute and total need. His tongue darted in the entrance of her mouth as the dam broke between her thighs. Everything about this man was intoxicating. Isa had never wanted anything in her life as much as she longed for Ethan. She ached to fulfill his uncensored promises.
“Please,” she begged, breaking the kiss. “I need you to touch me.”
He looked as if he were in awe, captivated as much by her as she was him. “Your wish is my command,” he said, his voice rumbling against her bare chest.
After kissing her one more time, barely brushing his lips to hers, he raked his teeth across her bottom lip, teasing. His mouth tenderly moved on to flutter sweet, gentle kisses on her forehead, one cheek, and then the other. Cool air tickled everywhere he left warm kisses, sending shivers down her body.
He released her hands above her head, moving to brush the hair away from her neck. Her body erupted in goose bumps as his wet mouth started nibbling and sucking behind her ear and along her neck, sending a bolt of ecstasy straight to her core. Her hands reached around his head, pushing him farther down. His mouth connected with her breast and he sucked as one hand cupped the other before pinching her nipple. His free hand moved torturously slowly down her hips, leaving scorch marks in its wake.
Isa whimpered. “Yes. Please. Please,” she begged, her pride as stripped bare as she was.
His finger connected with her dripping center, and her back arched, lifting her off the bed. He held her down with his body. She squirmed beneath him as her first burst of pleasure peaked. Her body clenched and she shattered around him, on him. Ringing filled her ears, and her vision flashed white. She was lightning in a storm of ecstasy as each thunderbolt vibrated and shook her body.
His mouth left her breast, tracing a path across her stomach. His hands moved and he placed two fingers inside her, finding the magical, mythical spot just as his mouth crashed down between her thighs. She couldn’t contain the storm. She erupted, screaming out, not caring who would hear her. “Fuck! Yes, Ethan.” That was all she could say as the true artist was at work on her body.
This powerful man harnessed his strength expertly, contrasting it with his gentleness, until she was as moldable as soft clay in his hands. On his knees, he used what God had given him to bring her to the highest planes of pure spellbinding bliss again and again, forming one long climax. She was both powerless and powerful all at once.
The tornado swirled and lifted inside her body. It was too much. She would surely die of ecstasy if he didn’t stop soon.
It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered anymore, not even her next breath. His head bobbed as the short hair of his stubble rubbed against the inside of her thighs. His tongue darted, swirled, his mouth sucked, and his teeth nibbled as she was swallowed whole. Going under, her body went limp, giving in to the hypnotic hold he had on her. She died, leaving this world and floating to another.
***
Ethan licked his lips, tasting the remnants of his fulfilled promise to Isa. She was addictive, perfect, in every way. She made his body burn like it never had for any woman before. He was so hard, it was painful. That didn’t matter, because his goal was her pleasure, and by the sounds of it, he had fulfilled her needs several times.
The sight of Isa coming was truly one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. Knowing he had the honor of bringing her to pleasure both humbled and empowered him.
Her face shone in the moonlight as he lay next to her limp body. He pulled her against his chest, welcoming the fire of their connection. If this was what it felt like to touch her, he would gladly burn alive.
Her breathing evened out and her hand rested on his chest, rubbing softly over his nipples. There was no hope of his dick relaxing near her.
Her sticky thigh rested on top of his as Isa cuddled closer to him.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She took a long drawn-out breath before answering. “I don’t think there is a word for how amazing I feel right now.”
He smiled, a sense of pride filling his chest. “I aim to please.”
“Well, you did that and more.” She smiled, her eyes drooping closed.
Her breathing changed. She was asleep. He took the opportunity to look at her and admire her beauty. She was breathtaking. Her cheeks were still flushed and her body warm from his touch. Having her in his arms, sharing a bed with her, felt right. He was exactly where he was supposed to be. He just hoped she would feel the same in the morning.
Chapter 14
Isa woke to a warm hard body tangled with hers. She froze momentarily, until the memories from the previous night came back to her. She had never slept as soundly before. His body kept her the perfect temperature and his arm made
for an excellent pillow.
Every other man she’d had sex with or fooled around with before had always expected something in return. When Ethan said he just wanted to make her feel good, he’d meant it. Ethan Appiah was a man of his word.
She smiled and arched her back into him. He groaned and pulled her tighter against him. Ethan’s morning arousal was poking into her backside. His hand wrapped around and squeezed her breast as he kissed her neck. “Good morning,” he greeted her, his deep voice like gravel.
“It will be if you join me in the shower.” She smiled.
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” he said, releasing her.
They got out of bed. His black boxer shorts hung low on his waist, showing off that carved V. A wave of self-consciousness made her hesitate at her nakedness in the daylight. Pulling her dress from the floor, she awkwardly tried to cover herself.
“Isa,” he said gruffly, walking over to her and taking hold of the dress. “I meant it when I said you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. You are a masterpiece. Don’t hide from me.” He dropped the dress to the floor.
Her body fluttered with butterflies. His words made her both thoroughly turned on and grateful all at once. She smiled and reached up on the tips of her toes to kiss him.
“Did you have fun last night?” he asked, warily.
“Yes,” she answered, leading him to the bathroom. She turned the shower on and stepped in once it was warm enough. He followed, sharing the stream of hot water.
“I meant every word I said. I want to see where this goes between us. I want to date you exclusively,” he said, looking directly into her eyes, reminding her that this wasn’t a one-time thing. As though he could sense her fear.
Isa didn’t do this. She didn’t commit to anything more than flings. Last night, she had crossed those lines when she’d agreed to his terms. But dating was just getting to know someone better, after all. It wasn’t like he was proposing marriage. He just wanted to date her. She could do that, because there was no way she could walk away from him now.
***
She bit her lip. “I know. Let’s seal the deal with a kiss.”
He nodded, leaning his face towards hers, but she surprised him and dropped to her knees.
His body was already hard and ready for her. “You don’t have to,” he said, letting her know he didn’t expect this, but hoping with everything that she would.
“I want to.” She took his length in her hand.
He sucked in a breath, hissing. Hot water dripped down his body, but it was her touch that burned him. Her hand worked him up and down, bringing him to the brink of relief. It had been a long time since he had been with a woman.
Isa licked her lips and he nearly blacked out from the look of hunger in her eyes. She opened her mouth and took him in, scorching his body with lust. He groaned in pleasure.
She responded by sucking harder, taking all of him. Her hands gripped his ass, pulling him deeper into her sweet mouth.
“I’m gonna come.” His hand fisted her hair—his only tether to this world as she made him come undone. Black and white spots clouded his vision. His whole body tensed. Steam filled the room, making her appear ethereal in the hazy light. She released him before standing. He kissed her and then dropped to his knees. He lifted her leg over his shoulder, feeling her tremble.
“You don’t have to,” she said, echoing his earlier words.
“I want to,” he promised, holding her hips firmly in place while he showed her just how grateful he was that she was taking a chance on him.
***
After they were both thoroughly satiated and had dried off and dressed, they made their way to the breakfast nook where their friends were waiting.
Jax smirked as they rounded the corner. Ethan glanced over at Isa, who had a light blush color to her cheeks. He pulled her tighter against him, wrapping his arm around her waist.
“Looks like the newlyweds were not the only ones to get lucky last night,” Jax said when they sat at the table.
Ethan didn’t respond, but he couldn’t hold back the smile that played at his lips. Isa was absolutely glowing.
Harper leaned over and whispered something in her ear.
River spoke next. “I saw you skip out last night. I hope it was worth it.”
His friends were having too much fun teasing them. “I think you two need to mind your own damn business.”
“Oooh.” River laughed.
“Do you still need help with the baby? I was going to go back with Ethan today if you don’t,” Isa asked. He was glad she was taking him up on his offer.
Harper didn’t bother to hide the smile that lit up her eyes. “Not at all. You go ahead.”
Joy painted his insides. The car ride would give them more time to talk and get to know each other as they explored this new thing between them.
After a long goodbye, they wished their friends well. Ethan needed to get back to Boston; he had classes to teach on Monday.
“The inn is beautiful,” Isa said, after they started to drive away.
“Yeah, Ella and River have done a great job with it.”
“Do you live in an apartment?” she asked.
“Nah, I bought a little house in a nice neighborhood a couple of years ago.”
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. “Oh. Do you have roommates?”
“No.”
“Right,” she said as her brow furrowed worriedly.
He laid his hand on her knee, reassuringly. “I promise we can take this slow. I know how you feel about all of that. I’m putting everything on hold because I want to get to know you better and see what this is between us. I don’t want you to feel rushed. If anything is ever too much for you, let me know.”
***
Good God, this man knew exactly how to read her. Worry that their goals were not aligned was quickly eclipsed by the comfort and assurance he gave her. It was no secret they were opposites in almost every way, but they had something magical between them on a physical and spiritual level that made her believe there could be more. More to life. More to them.
The rest of the almost four-hour ride to Boston went smoothly with lots of easy conversation. They laughed at each other’s funny stories, and they got to know more about each other.
“Maybe you could stay at my house tonight?” he asked.
She smiled at the prospect of another night wrapped in his arms after he’d brought her to the stars. Before she could answer, Ethan’s phone rang.
“Can you see who that is?” he asked, switching lanes.
Isa picked it up. “It’s your mom.”
Ethan reached out and clicked accept before placing the phone to his ear. “Hello, Mom. I’m driving. Can I . . .” His voice trailed off. “What?” His voice was laced with panic. “Which hospital?”
Panic gripped her body like a vise.
“I’m twenty minutes away. I’m coming.” He hung up the phone and tossed it in the console.
Isa was silent, unsure whether she should ask him if he was okay, or if she should wait until he volunteered the information. Girlfriends asked those kinds of questions, right? His eyes were glazed with unshed tears. Gone was the carefree and confident man, replaced with a silent rigid statue.
“Do you need me to drive?” she asked, her stomach knotting with uncertainty and worry.
He opened his mouth as if to speak, and then closed it. A moment later, he tried again. “I . . . I need to get to the hospital. My sister and brother-in-law have been in an accident. Mom said it’s bad.” His voice cracked.
“Okay,” she said, laying a hand on his thigh and feeling the tense muscles.
He zoomed through traffic as fast as it was safely possible. They parked and he was out the door in an instant. Isa ran to him, needing to make sure he was okay. She caug
ht up to him as they entered the emergency room. “My sister, Abby Opoku, and her husband, Peter, were brought in.”
The woman clicked some keys, her expression unreadable. Ethan tapped his hands on the counter impatiently.
“Ethan.”
Isa turned to see a man in a police uniform. Ethan ran over to him as he said, “Nicky! Are they okay?”
Isa glanced at the man’s name tag. Wallis.
“I’m sorry, son; it’s probably best your mother tells you. Through those doors, second room on your right.” Nicky’s stoic expression was strained, but his eyes said it all.
Emotion clogged Isa’s throat as a weight settled on her chest, making it hard to breathe. Her body began to tremble slightly.
Ethan ran through the doors and she followed, struggling to keep up. Isa entered to see him hugging an older woman whose face was stained with tears. Her eyes were vacant with a look Isa recognized.
“Mama, what happened? Are they okay?” he asked.
His mother only shook her head. “My baby girl is dead!” she wailed. It was a haunting sound that only a mother who has lost a child can make. Isa shuddered, suddenly ice cold. Panic spread and itched her skin. This was all too familiar, too much. The sterile waiting room, with chairs and boxes of tissues. This was the room where they came to give you bad news. It was in a room just like this that she had received the news that had changed her life forever.
Ethan held his mother. Denial and shock were painted on his features as he lent her the strength she needed, even as he trembled. Like Isa had needed so long ago. His eyes, shattered black wells, were filled with darkness she wished he didn’t have to know.
“No. She can’t be. No,” he said in disbelief. As if willing it to be a lie would change his family’s new reality. It was grief in its beginning stages: denial.
