by Ember Dante
“As much as I hated the thought of bringing you here, I’ve never seen anything so beautiful and raw—so fucking pure—as the desire on your face when we walked in.”
He released a tortured groan and swiped his finger through my cleft, gliding back to pump inside, pushing deeper each time.
“You are so fucking wet.”
Without breaking eye contact, he dragged his finger out of me and across my swollen clit. A dull thud echoed around us, and it took a moment before I realized it was my head hitting the door. He raised his coated finger to his mouth and licked away the moisture. His eyes fluttered closed for a moment, and a soft moan slipped between his parted lips.
“You taste as sweet as honey.”
To demonstrate, he slid his tongue into my mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. Tasting myself that way was erotic—almost taboo—but his excitement was contagious, and I kissed him with abandon. Reaching down, he jerked the side of my thong, rending it in two and sending it to the floor.
“Please. I need you,” I whined, not caring about the newest casualty to my underwear drawer.
“I know, baby. I’ve got you.”
His hand brushed against me as he unfastened his fly.
“Now, Ian, now,” I demanded, squirming against him.
Without hesitation, he lifted me and plunged deep inside. He was hard as steel and penetrated me easily. The pressure was intense, but it was exactly what I needed.
“Is this what you wanted—my cock inside you?” he breathed into my ear.
“God, yes.”
“I saw you. I saw how turned on you were. You wished it were you on that chaise, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” I whimpered.
He pulled out, dragging out the movement before slamming into me again. “Did you make yourself come, baby?”
“Yes,” I moaned, the sound rattling in my chest.
“That is so fucking hot.”
Picking up the pace, he forced himself deeper with each thrust, his hands massaging my backside as he supported my weight. I clutched at him, desperate for more, desperate to be closer—as if that were even possible. A loud knocking sound filled the room, a product of his energetic movement. Anyone walking by would have no doubt about its origin.
“I’m so close,” I panted.
Pumping harder, he pulled away just enough to look me in the eyes. “What do you need?”
“Just you. I love you.”
Eyes still connected, he rested his forehead against mine. “I love you, Beautiful,” he panted. “Come for me.”
And just like that, I tightened around him, a tsunami of sensation crashing over me. My fingers dug into his shoulders, curling into him as I rode the wave of my orgasm. He followed soon after, coming with a shout. We held each other, still panting, as we leaned heavily against the door.
“I need to get you home,” he whispered.
“I’m not ready to go home yet.”
His lips twisted into a smirk. “I didn’t say I was taking you to your home.”
“I have to work tomorrow.” I giggled.
“Call in sick.” He punctuated the command with a kiss. “I’ve missed you, Beautiful. I know it’s only been a few days, but damn, I’ve missed you. I need you.” He nuzzled my ear and planted tender kisses on the side of my face. “I want to make love to you all night. I want to hear you scream my name when I make you come.”
“Oh, God.”
He chuckled at my reaction and lowered me to my feet. Our combined fluids seeped from me, unhindered by my lack of panties.
“Let’s go. I want to get you naked and go down on you—and not necessarily in that order.”
I sobered immediately. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
“Good call.”
My blissful weekend turned into the Monday from Hell. There was nothing more infuriating than starting the day with car trouble, but I was grateful that Ian was the type of boyfriend who didn’t get irritated when I called out of desperation at eight o’clock in the morning during peak traffic.
“Yo, Emmy Lou, it’s about time you got your ass here.” Tyler gave me a mischievous grin. “Did Ian keep you up too late last night?”
I lifted my hand, displaying my palm. “Don’t fuck with me this morning, Ty.”
“Damn, who pissed in your Cheerios?”
“It just hasn’t been a good morning,” I explained, refusing to look his direction.
Although I was expecting it, it still pissed me off when he followed and closed my door with a soft click. I dropped my things on the desk, sending a sharp crash throughout the small space. “Look, Tyler, I appreciate that you want to help, but right now I just want to be alone and swim in my pit of despair, feeling sorry for myself.”
His eyebrows disappeared beneath his bangs, eyes open wide. “Uh ... okay. Can you at least give me a clue about what happened and why you’re in such a pissy mood?”
My hands clenched into fists and rested on my hips. “Why can’t you just let it be, you nosy little shit?”
He just grinned as he gracefully leaned against the door, crossing his arms in front of his chest. I laughed in spite of myself, knowing he was doing it on purpose to pull me out of my funk. Dammit, it was working, the smug bastard. I pursed my lips, fighting the urge to grin back, but my resistance faded. I threw my hands in the air and released an exasperated sigh.
“Damn, you can be the biggest pest sometimes.”
He smirked, turning to leave. “I’ll be at my desk if you decide you want to talk.”
Before I had the opportunity to get settled, Kyle sauntered through my open doorway to occupy the space Tyler had just vacated.
“Well, I’m glad to see you still know where our office is located. I was beginning to think you had decided to call in sick again,” he sneered.
“Again? I called in sick once ... last Friday.”
“I want to touch base regarding the first draft on the sex club article,” he said, pleased with himself for riling me up so early.
“It’s a fetish club, not a sex club,” I sighed. “I’m almost finished. I should be able to give it to you tomorrow, a week before my deadline.”
A glint of amusement shone in his piercing blue eyes. “Well, that will be a first for you. I don’t think you’ve ever turned in an assignment early.”
For a brief moment, I fantasized about wrapping my hands around the prick’s neck.
“Kyle, I’ve worked for you for what—three years now, I guess? I have never once missed a deadline, and I don’t plan to start now.” I gave him my sweetest smile. “Unless you have something else you need to discuss, would you mind leaving so I can wrap up this article you seem so desperate for?”
“I look forward to reading your piece,” he said, glaring at my sarcasm before turning to go.
He was at least kind enough to shut my door when he left, but it did nothing to improve my mood. I buried myself in the article about Release, hoping it would take my mind off my frustration. It worked like a charm because the rest of my morning passed without incident. There was a soft knock at my door shortly before noon.
“Emmy Lou, would you and your bad mood like to grab some lunch?” asked Tyler.
My head lifted, and I was about to retort when I saw the adorable face staring back at me. How the hell could I stay mad at him for very long?
“Sure. You’ll have to drive because my car is in the shop. Ian dropped me off this morning.” I grabbed my purse and steered Tyler toward the front door.
He looked at me askance, that familiar grin on his face. “Carpooling now, are we? Is there something you haven’t told me?”
“Very funny. I was running late, and Jules had already left when I saw I had two flat tires. Ian brought me to work and said he’d take care of it.”
Tyler waggled his eyebrows. “What else is he taking care of for you?”
I closed my eyes and shook my head. “You are so weird.”
He threw an arm around my sh
oulders and pulled me close to plant a loud, wet smack on my forehead. “Yes, that’s true, but that’s why you love me.”
“Gross,” I grimaced, wiping Tyler’s spit from my face. “I do love you, which is why I allow you to harass me like you do. Where are we going?”
“I thought we’d walk over to Mustang Grill. That way you can stare at the fountain and fantasize about your hot man, who may or may not be hung like a horse.”
I flung his arm away. “Stop talking to me,” I chuckled, trying but failing to stifle my laughter. “Just stand there and look pretty.”
Tyler wouldn’t let me off the hook that easily, and he wrapped his arm around my shoulders again. I didn’t push him away but decided to change the subject.
“How are things with Avery? We haven’t chatted in a while.”
He nodded, giving me a sheepish smile. “Good. We’ve kind of been talking about, oh, you know…”
“No, I don’t know.” I poked a finger in his side. “Come on, Ty. You always expect me to share all the gory details of my love life, so now it’s your turn.”
A deep blush spread across his face. It was a first—Tyler blushing.
“I think Avery is going to move in with me when his lease is up at the end of the summer. He’s been leaving more and more of his things at my place so there won’t be as much to do when the time comes.”
Stunned, I stopped in my tracks and gaped. “This is huge, Ty. Oh my God!” I bounced on my toes a few times before wrapping him in a tight hug. “That is so awesome. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks, Em. I think he’s it, and this feels right. I know that you and the girls never believed I’d get serious about anyone, but I can’t imagine my life without him.”
“It just took a while for you to find the right guy.” Tyler held the door for me and I gave him a pointed look as I stepped into the restaurant. “Now don’t screw it up.”
He blushed again and cleared his throat. “Your turn. How are things with Mr. Wonderful?”
The hostess greeted us before I could respond, so I waited until we were seated before answering his question. “Everything is great. I told you he said he loves me, right?”
“No, but anyone could see that considering the disgusting oogley eyes you give each other.” He winked, letting me know he was just giving me a hard time.
“Well, I know I haven’t told you about our trip to Release last week.”
His eyes went wide. “So, Emmy Lou, did you find any release at Release?”
“Well ... yeah…”
Tyler leaned closer, an expectant look on his face. Oh boy. I took a deep breath and plunged forward.
“I’ve never seen anyplace like it. I wasn’t sure what I expected, but that damn sure wasn’t it. Let’s just say my research was lacking, and no fictional book I’ve ever read could have prepared me for the shit I saw there. Honestly, it was hot as hell and took all my willpower to keep from dragging Ian into a closet somewhere to jump his bones.”
“Screw the closet. Find the nearest wall or booth and get after it. I’m sure he wouldn’t have minded.”
“No, probably not, but he was there to work.” I rocked my head side to side. “Anyway, Ian at work was by far the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. I don’t know what it is, but even watching him do something as mundane as kneel on the floor is sexy. He’s just so confident—and passionate—about his work. It’s a complete turn on.”
“So I’m guessing you got some that night. Is that why you called in sick Friday?”
“I called in sick because he talked me into it.”
“That’s it? That’s all the details you’re giving me?”
Sighing, I sat back in my chair.
“He pulled me into an empty room as we were leaving. Yes, before you ask, it was fantastic. It was hard and fast, and fucking amazing. Afterward, we went back to his place and ... let’s just say I didn’t get much sleep that night. So calling in sick sounded like a damn good idea.”
“Wow. Even without the extra details that gave me a stiffy. I’m surprised you didn’t call in today, too. I know I would if I had access to that hot ass man.”
Heat bloomed across my face, and I lowered my chin as the server returned with our food. Once we were alone, I raised my head to meet Tyler’s stare.
“That’s all you’re going to get.”
Tyler nodded, lifting a French fry to his lips. “I bet that’s not what you told him.”
I tugged a pickle from my burger and tossed it at him, hitting him in the chin. Laughing, he snatched it and flung it back onto my plate.
“Was that your attempt at giving me a pickle tickle?”
“Ty, I love you, but sometimes, I really hate you.”
After lunch, I settled back into the chore of describing the fantastical world of Release. I grudgingly admitted Blaire had a knack for theatrics. Maybe she should have been an actress.
“Hey, Beautiful.”
I looked up from my work and saw Ian leaning in my open doorway, one hand on his hip.
My lips parted in a wide, involuntary smile. “Hi.”
He stepped into my office, closing the door behind him. “How’s your day been?”
I rushed around my desk and threw my arms around his neck, lifting my chin for a quick kiss. “Okay, I guess, but it’s better now.”
“Why is that?” he asked.
“Don’t give me that. You know why.”
“I could make your day a lot better, but you’re at work.”
I went from work mode to turned-on in two point five seconds. “My door locks, you know.”
“Don’t tempt me,” he muttered, releasing me.
“I assume you’re not here just because you want to see me.”
He held out my keys. “I brought your car. You’re ready to go.”
I lifted my hand and caught them in my palm.
“What’s your plan for tonight? Are you coming to my place, or am I going to yours?”
“I planned to spend the night with you if that’s still okay,” I muttered, hating that my voice sounded weak and uneven.
“Of course. You know you don’t even have to ask.”
I cocked my head. “Is everything all right?”
He kissed me again, lingering a bit longer than necessary. “Stop worrying, babe. Everything is fine.”
“Okay,” I exhaled. “Oh. I’m almost finished with my article about Release, so I was going to work a little late tonight.”
“Just let me know what time you’ll be there so I can plan dinner.”
“I’ll probably leave by six or six-thirty.”
He gave me another kiss and swatted me on the ass before turning to leave. “I’ll see you later, baby.”
His parting smile turned my knees to rubber, and I sagged against the desk.
My time estimate was right on the money, and I was finished with my work and out the door just shy of 6:30. The skin on the back of my neck prickled when I found Brett leaning against my car.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
His lips curved into a slick smile. “Hey, baby. I wanted to see you.”
“I thought I made myself clear. I don’t have anything to say.”
I brushed past him, hoping to jump into the car so I could escape without much hassle. Not to be deterred, his hand was lightning fast and snatched my arm, much like he did the last time I saw him.
“I hate that we haven’t had a chance to talk before now,” he said, leering. He maintained a tight grip while his other hand roamed over me, up my chest, and into my hair. “I feel like you aren’t being fair. I just want a chance to redeem myself. I still love you, Emmy. I know I can make you happy.”
Revulsion rolled over me, and I tried to suppress a shudder—one he mistook for excitement. He brought his mouth to my ear, his breath hot and sticky, tainted by a faint hint of whiskey.
“See? I can tell you still want me.”
My hands pushed against him, holding him
at bay. “No, that’s disgust you feel. I want you to leave me alone.”
The hand in my hair slid down my body, slowing as he encountered my breast and hip. Reaching the hem of my dress, he grabbed hold, pulling it up so he could slip his hand underneath. I pushed against him, harder this time, and lifted my knee to shield myself from his advances.
“Come on, babe. You know things were always hot between us.”
“Get off me,” I demanded, not relenting. “I have a boyfriend. Remember him? I think he said something about kicking your ass.”
“I’m not worried about pretty boy,” he scoffed, continuing his path to push my knee out of his way so he could stand between my legs. “Just give me another chance, Emmy. Don’t be such a cunt. I know you’re only acting like this because of Jules. That bitch never did like me. Neither did that faggot buddy of yours.”
“You broke my heart. There is no going back,” I exclaimed. “I don’t love you. I’m in love with Ian, my boyfriend.”
“I deserve another chance. You owe me that.”
“I don’t owe you shit.”
The cocky entitlement in his words ramped up my anger, and I shoved hard, putting ample space between us so I could jump inside the car and lock the doors. He pounded on the window and jerked the handle, demanding I open the door. Idiot. I started the engine and threw the car in reverse, not caring if I ran over him as I shifted into drive and raced out of the parking garage. Traffic was light, and I made it to Ian’s apartment in under ten minutes. Leftover adrenaline coursed through me, and it took several minutes before I felt steady enough to get out of the car. I tossed a wave to the concierge on my way to the elevator, hoping I didn’t look as agitated as I felt. As soon as Ian opened the door, I lunged.
“Hey, babe,” he said, folding his arms around me. “I really need to give you a key.”
“Okay,” I muttered, cutting off any further conversation by kissing him, desperate to override the dirty feeling left behind by the encounter with Brett. My hands drifted down his torso and rested at his waistband while my fingers folded over the top button, popping it open before moving on to the next. His hands moved to my shoulders and pushed me away so he could look me in the face.
