by MINK
“But you agreed to sell your body to save your brother?”
“That’s different.” She angrily dips her bread into the olive oil. “That was, what’s the word?”
“A devil’s bargain?”
“Coercion.” She angrily bites her food.
“I’m aware of what sort of woman you are, and I’d never force you.” I reach out and tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “That’s not what this is.”
“Then what is it?”
“All you have to do is stay. Simple as that.”
“All I have to do is stay in this mansion with you?” She looks perplexed but keeps eating.
I suspect she hasn’t had a home-cooked meal in a long, long time.
“For how long?”
“As long as it takes.”
“As long as it takes to what?”
“For you to understand just how priceless you are.”
“That’s not a thing.” She tosses her fork down on her plate. Then, with a sigh, she picks it back up and takes another bite. “Why is this food so good?”
“My mother’s recipe.”
“She taught you to cook?”
“She taught me a lot. Though I must admit I was a rude boy, always in trouble, running the streets, not giving her the son she deserved.”
“Does she live here with you?” She looks around at the large kitchen and the expansive view of Vegas beyond the wide glass windows.
“She passed.”
“Oh.” She turns back to me, true regret in her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“So am I. I would’ve liked her to meet you.”
“Meeting the parents?” She shakes her head. “Something that dangerous would cost you a lot more than 20 grand, mister.”
I smile, which is something I haven’t done out of true mirth in quite some time. We eat in silence for a little while longer.
Della bustles in, her hands full of packages.
“Let me help.”
She gives me a sour look. “Sit down and eat. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Is that everything?” I eye the pile in her arms.
“From this first delivery, yes.” She keeps walking and disappears into the rest of the house.
“To the master,” I call. “I can help you—”
“No, and I know where everything goes better than you do! Jeez, Xavier,” Della sasses me, as usual.
“She gets to talk to you like that?” Laura seems surprised. “I mean, after what you did to Fat Tommy—” She winces.
“Della’s the only employee I let get away with it. She’s had a hard-enough past that she doesn’t need any shit from me.”
“What do you mean?”
I want to know about Laura, but she’s pulling my past from me instead. “I found her half dead from addiction, lying in a back alley along the strip. I should’ve left her there, but I took her in. She recovered, started working for me, and began a new life. Now she and her wife live in the guest house. Della cleans and fusses over me while Eliana paints and writes.”
Laura’s eyes brighten. “You saved her.”
I roll my shoulders. “I got a valuable employee.”
A rumble sounds from the hallway, and then Della’s harsh curse floats to my ears. “It’s okay, I got it,” she yells.
I rub the bridge of my nose. “Oh, Della.”
“What’s all that stuff?”
“Your things.”
“What?” She cocks her head to the side in an adorably confused way.
“Not your old things. Your apartment is just as you left it,” I explain. “These are new things I thought you might like.”
“You’re giving Dobby a sock?” she asks.
“Come again?”
She rolls her eyes. “Oh my God, I may be a prisoner, but you need to get out more. We need a Harry Potter-a-thon, stat. Do you have movies?”
“Harry Potter movies?”
“Yeah.” She grabs my plate and hers and takes them to the sink before I can protest. “We need to watch them.”
“I can get them, sure.”
Sue strolls into the kitchen, her big green eyes on the newcomer.
Laura turns. “We can watch—oh my God!”
Her scream is beyond ear-splitting, and I have some more explaining to do.
9
Laura
I turn around and run back to Xavier. He braces himself, probably thinking I’m going to jump into his arms. Fat chance. Instead, I dart behind him and use him as a shield. He’ll take longer for the giant beast to eat while I make my getaway. I dig my fingers into the back of his shirt. His whole body is shaking. Is he that scared? Oh my God, we’re all going to die.
Wait a minute.
“Are you laughing?” I poke my head around to try and see his face.
His body stops shaking, his face revealing nothing. Then he cracks a smile and lets out another chuckle. I look back over to the beast who’s sitting there watching us. It’s not a beast. It’s a giant freaking cat. It yawns and slides down to the floor to lie down before rolling over onto its side, showing us its belly.
“This is Sue. My cat.”
“That’s not a cat. It’s giant! Is nothing you do normal?”
He shrugs. “She won’t hurt you. She’s sweet.”
I look back at the cat and then to Xavier. I don’t think he went through all that trouble to bring me here to only let me get eaten by his oversized cat. Right? From what he’s said so far, it’s him that wants to do the eating.
“Your cheeks are turning pink, precious. Do you want to tell me what you're thinking about?”
I dart back behind him. “My, uh, face goes pink when I’m scared.”
“No it doesn't.”
I grit my teeth, having no response to that.
“Do you want to pet her?”
Do I?
“You’ll have to get used to her. She lives here too unless you want me to—”
“Don’t kill her!” I’m back to glaring up at him.
“I was going to say I can keep her locked up in another part of the house. It’s big enough for her to have space in another section.”
Oh. I shake my head no to that, too.
“I'll pet her.” I step fully out from behind Xavier. Sue rolls over more, really wanting that belly scratch. I grab Xavier's arm and wrap both of mine around it. I look up at him when he doesn't move. He’s staring down at me.
“Are we going?”
“You want me to go with you?”
I nod. “Let’s go.” I stay attached to him as we slowly make our way over to her. She really is a beautiful creature.
“What is she?”
“A caracal.”
It's the biggest cat I’ve ever seen in person. I’m pretty sure this isn't even legal. She’s a pretty tan color, but in spots her fur looks red, too. Her long legs stick up in the air as she stares at us upside down. I slowly untangle myself from Vincent and go down to my knees. I reach out and let her smell my hand.
She brushes her head against it. I think this is approval. I take it and proceed to give her one long pet down her belly. Her tail starts to flick leisurely.
“Hi Sue. Were you kidnapped, too? Kittennapped?” I snort a laugh at my own joke.
“I found her and couldn't bring myself to leave her behind.”
I keep petting her. Xavier is so confusing. Ruthless one second, and the next a savior. I gasp as she jumps up onto her feet in one smooth move. She butts her face against mine. I laugh and scratch behind her ear.
“Do you want to watch Harry Potter too? Of course you do.”
Vincent offers me his hand to help me get up from the floor.
“It’s late. Why don’t you go get ready for bed? Della has put some of your things away. Feel free to take a shower. This is your home now.”
His words slam me right back into reality. I’m a prisoner here.
“Right.” I turn to leave but stop. “Where is my room?” He gives me a sm
irk that tells me that I’m not going to like his answer.
“The master.”
“I’m not sleeping with you!”
Sue runs in a circle. “Sorry,” I whisper to her. “You made me scare the cat.”
“It’s a big bed. Stay on your side, and you’ll be fine. But if you venture over to my side...”
“I won’t.” I tilt my chin up, and with a huff I leave the room. “Sue.” I call for the cat.
To my surprise, she actually follows me. I don’t know why I feel smug about this, but I do. At least I have someone who’s on my side in this house. I bet she’d help me escape if she could.
I eye the bed when I make it back to the master. I crawl up and make a line of pillows in the middle of the ginormous bed just to get that out of the way and to make things very clear to Xavier.
Sue watches me as I wander around the room to see where the stuff Xavier was talking about is located. I push open a door and find another closet.
“Holy crap.” It’s not only massive, it’s breathtaking. There is a freaking sitting area off to the side, it’s so big. In the center is a giant island that has drawers all around it. I pull one open and slam it back shut when I see women's panties. Wait. Those might be for me. I open it again and grab a pair. They’re the softest material I’ve ever felt in my life. Definitely not from the Wal-Mart clearance bin.
I turn back to the wall that’s lined with clothes hanging up. It only takes me a moment to realize the left side of the closet is mine. I run my fingers along the clothes. A knot forms in my throat.
I’ve never worn anything as beautiful and high quality as this stuff. I quickly glance over to the section that has rows of shoes, but I don’t even dare to go over there. I’ll be there for hours if I do. I grab a silk dress that I’m pretty sure is for sleeping and get out of the closet before I burst into tears. Overwhelmed isn’t even a fraction of how I feel.
I pass Sue who’s now lying on my side of the bed as I head into the bathroom. “This is all so crazy.” Her pointed ears twitch as she rumbles a purr.
I look longingly at the bathtub, but there are no freaking doors on the bathroom. I head over to the shower and try to take the fastest one of my life, but the water is so warm, and I didn't know water pressure like this existed. I reluctantly make myself get out and dress quickly before I towel dry my hair.
“You have things in the drawers on the left side.”
I scream and spin around to find Xavier standing in the opening to the bathroom.
“I could have been naked,” I hiss, but my nipples tighten thinking about him sneaking a look at me because he couldn't help himself.
“That would’ve been nice.” He smirks before turning to leave.
What have I gotten myself into? I rub my eyes. And where is Scott? He’s got to be worried sick about me, but as long as he’s alive, that’s all that matters. I’m keeping him safe, I remind myself. I’m a prisoner. I will not be seduced by a luxurious house, a good cook, and a sweet cat.
I brush my hair but get lost in all the fancy products Xavier has for me. I don’t know what half of them are. I could have my own spa day here if I wanted to.
I flip the light off and head back to the bed. Sue is going along with my pillow wall. By the look on Xavier’s face, I would say he’s less than pleased with it. He’s stretched out on the bed in a pair of gray sweatpants and no shirt. I let my eyes roam that big broad chest of his because I can’t help myself. I mean, I’m only human.
“You have this enormous house with plenty of bedrooms, yet you have me sleep in here? Why can’t I be next door?”
“Because I want you here.” His answer is simple and almost as hard as the body on display before me.
Why does his tone make me warm between my legs? I should be furious.
“Are you coming to bed?” His gaze holds mine, and when he wets his lips, I realize I need to get into this bed and hide behind the pillows. If I don’t, he’ll see my hard nipples and the color in my cheeks.
I put one knee on the bed and climb in, then hurry under the blanket. “And I’ll be staying on my side of the bed. You should do the same.”
“If you say so, precious.” I turn and give him my back, then huff out a breath. The whole bed smells like him. I close my eyes and try to find sleep.
10
Xavier
I glance over at her. She’s barely visible over the pillow fort she built. As if pillows could stop me from taking what I want. I shake my head minutely. But I’m going to wait, to play this the way she wants. After all, that’s what I promised, and I don’t break my word.
So I close my eyes and listen to her breathing. She stays awake for a while, the bed moving a little as she reaches down to pet Sue.
The cat has never slept in my bed. She always prefers to prowl the house at night looking for any uninvited scorpions or bugs that have the bad fortune of wandering onto the patio around the pool. But now that Laura is curled up beside me, Sue is more than happy to warm the bed right along with her. On the other side of the pillows with Laura. While I’m over here alone. Not that I’m jealous of the cat. That would be ridiculous.
I turn over and face the pillows, then edge my hand under them. Creeping slowly beneath the barrier until I reach not soft skin, but fur. Sue has become part of the wall. Dammit. She purrs as I tickle her side.
Then I give up and roll to my back.
Closing my eyes again, I try to fall asleep. My cock, though, doesn’t play along. It’s hard as a fucking rock and demanding attention.
But I won’t have any satisfaction tonight. Not with the pillow fort and the feline cockblocking me. I would laugh. Xavier Vincent in bed with a woman he can’t have. I’m known for taking what I want, never giving up, and never stopping until I’m satisfied. But not with Laura. She’s different. The most valuable thing I’ve ever found. I won’t jeopardize that.
I rise silently and enter the open bathroom. Leaving the lights off, I turn on the shower.
Glancing back, I check to see if it wakes Laura. She doesn’t move, though Sue peeks her little ears over the fort and gives me a look before settling back down.
The water is warm, and I step under the spray, letting it roll down my body. My cock is at attention, the simple touch of the water sending an electric tingle through my spine.
With one more look at my sleeping Laura, I grip my cock and start to stroke myself. Releasing the pressure will help me think instead of lusting after her. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.
I lean one hand against the tile wall and let the water soak my hair as I grip my cock and massage the hard flesh. Thinking of Laura, of the way her mouth would fasten perfectly around me. Fuck, I throw my head back as I imagine her eyes meeting mine, the thrust of her tongue against the bottom of my shaft.
WIth a few more strokes, I’m almost there.
“Laura,” I whisper. “Fuck, Laura.”
And when I imagine coming in her mouth, my seed dripping down her chin, I come hard, grunting low as I empty myself down the drain while visions of Laura play in my mind.
“Fuuuck,” I let my breath out in a rough whisper.
Then I glance over my shoulder to make sure Laura’s still—fuck.
“I, uh—” Her eyes are wide, then she turns and runs back to the bed, dives in, and crawls beneath the covers.
I should be embarrassed. I’m not. I want her. I want her mouth around my cock while I come down her throat. I’ve made no bones about it, and she should know that I intend to pursue her until she gives us what we both want.
After a quick wash, I step out and grab a towel, then return to bed.
She’s displaced the pillows, the fort crumbling. Sue is gone, likely doing her nightly patrol.
“Laura, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Not scared,” she chirps, her back to me.
I rub the towel over my damp hair then toss it back into the bathroom. “I want you.”
“Okay.” Anoth
er quick reply.
“Laura, look at me.”
“I’m good. Sleeping, in fact. I’m asleep right now.”
I roll toward her, my body nude and my cock already back on its fucking bullshit. I flip the sheet over me.
“Laura, please?” I ask.
“It’s just I’m super sleepy.” She slowly rolls toward me, her eyes closed.
But then I see how red her cheeks are, her lips parted, her pulse pounding in the vein at her throat.
She may be a little embarrassed, but she’s also turned on. A lot, by the looks of it.
“Can I ask you one question and then you can go to sleep?” I move closer.
She squinches her eyes closed. “Yes.”
“And you promise to answer me honestly?” I’m close now, our mouths almost touching. I want her so badly it verges on physical pain.
“And then we go to sleep and forget about that, um, that incident?”
“Sure.” I stroke my fingers along her throat.
She gasps but keeps her eyes closed.
“Sorry. Couldn’t help myself.”
“Okay, so the question?” She hurries the words out, her cheeks still burning.
I’m smiling so hard I fear my face might crack. “Answer honestly, precious.”
“I promise, okay? Ask.”
“Here goes.” I slide my hand down her shoulder, her arm, along the front of the blanket to her stomach and then pause. “If I slid my fingers into your panties right now, would I find your sweet little pussy drenched for me?”
Her eyes fly open. “You ass!” She turns violently and faces away from me, then fusses with her pillow while grumbling about what an ass I am.
I laugh. I can’t help it.
When she finally settles, I whisper, “You promised, precious. You promised to tell me the truth.”
She huffs.
My smile returns.
“I … Well … my panties are wet, but probably because I peed myself. Maybe you should’ve checked on whether or not I’m a notorious bed wetter before being all ‘you’ll sleep with me.’” She mimics a low male voice in an utterly darling fashion. “But you didn’t. So now your bed is covered in pee. Not, you know, not whatever it is you’re implying. Everything here is pee. You should’ve let me sleep in a guest bedroom instead of ruining your bed with tons of pee. But that’s on you. Goodnight.” Another huff, and she pulls the blanket over her head.
