by Dani Rene
“Hey,” he states. Reaching for my hand, Colton grips it, pulling it to his mouth and pressing a kiss to my knuckles. “There is no perfect here,” he insists earnestly. “I’m the least perfect person at this table.”
19
Colton
The look in her eyes tells me she doesn’t believe me. I don’t blame her. From the outside, my life looks like it’s perfect—a good job, an expensive apartment, and I get to travel the world. But she hasn’t seen the ugliness that lies beneath. The struggle, the trouble I went through as a teen. And she hasn’t seen the heartbreak I suffered watching my mother get through her life single, with a son who didn’t want the love offered to him.
Thankfully, I got my head on straight.
“I don’t think anyone’s life is perfect. I doubt anyone is perfect,” Violet relates. “But deep down, some people suffer more than others. Some people may seem like they have it all, but in actual fact, they are the ones suffering the most.”
“How did you become so wise to the world?” I ask with a smile, hoping to lighten the heaviness of the conversation. I wanted to wait until I spring the TV show on her, but like my mother always says, it’s easier to rip the Band-Aid off fast.
“I don’t know. Life taught me never to take things at face value.”
“Then, you should listen.” I hold onto her hand as I lean back in my chair. “There’s something else I wanted to talk to you about. Something that’s been brought to my attention today.”
“Oh?” Violet smiles before picking up her glass and taking a sip of wine. She spikes her fork through a small piece of potato before popping it in her mouth, and I’m momentarily distracted by her lips. “Colton?”
“Yeah, sorry, love, you were doing that thing with your mouth, and I forgot where we were,” I tease with a wink, causing a blush to spread over her cheeks. “I’ve been offered a new contract by Brazen Briefs.”
“That’s incredible!” Her excitement sparkles in her eyes and her smile brightens her face. She’s so striking when she’s happy. And it’s not even for her, it’s for me.
“I don’t think I’ll be signing it.”
“Why?” Her brows crease in confusion, and I know it’s now or never. I’m going to have to tell her their terms.
“They’ve pitched a sort of reality show to one of the major networks. Even though they’d be filming in New York, they want me to be the face of the show.”
“That’s a good thing. Right?”
“Not necessarily. They have terms I disagree with, and that’s why I’m second-guessing this.” My honesty scrapes along my throat. I don’t want to scare her off with feelings and emotions, but I like her. More than I thought I could, but it’s too soon to tell her that.
“What’s going on, Colton?”
“They want to film me as a bachelor, living the high life in New York. And—”
“And I’ll be in the way,” Violet finishes my sentence. Sadness is clear in her tone, and it hits me right in the chest.
When I was back in England, I did enjoy my single life, but what the cameras captured wasn’t the real me. Even though I went clubbing most weekends and spent my time with women I worked with, they were mostly professional.
But the thought of disappointing her has made me second-guess myself. More than I ever have before. Most times, I would sign without thinking about it because if I had to be honest, it’s a great contract. However, having Violet in my life has made me rethink my priorities.
“I don’t want to do it because I want this thing between us to work,” I explain. “I know it’s early days, and I’m not expecting promises and vows. All I want you to know is that I do care for you, and I don’t want to jeopardize what I’ve found here.”
“There’s nothing here to find,” Violet insists, but the shimmering in her eyes tells another story. “If you want to do this, I won’t stand in your way. I don’t own you, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“No, you don't understand what I meant. I want you, Violet. I’m not signing a fucking contract that tells me I can’t have you.” My tone is commanding, adamant, because I feel it right down to my bones. I never once cared about what women thought of me. In the past, I would happily have walked away from someone if it meant I could further my career, but right now, I have everything I want, and it’s sitting opposite me.
Violet sets her cutlery down, then picks up her glass, finishing off the wine that remained. Slowly, she pushes her chair back, and my body is alert. I don’t want her running off into the night. We need to talk about this. If there’s anything I learned from my mother, it’s that you don’t let a good thing pass you by.
And Violet is so much more than just a good thing.
“I need to use the bathroom,” she states. Silently, she spins on her heel and leaves me at the table. The only reason I’m not racing after her is that I know she’s coming back. She left her purse on the table.
I don’t know how else to make her see what she means to me already. So, I wait for her to return and tell me what’s going to happen. I want her to be by my side, but I can’t see how it’s going to work if I have cameras following me around all day every day. But I don’t care. I’ll refuse the contract if it means she’ll give me a chance.
When Violet returns, I’m sure she’s been crying, but she doesn’t look me directly in the eye, so I can’t make sure. She settles in opposite me before slowly looking up, meeting my stare.
“I think if it’s a good opportunity, you should do it.” Her voice is calm, but there’s a slight tremble in her words. “I hate the spotlight, I always have, but if you choose to sign the contract and want to continue what we have, I ask one thing of you.”
Silence hangs heavily between us, so I nod. “I’ll do anything you want. Just don’t buy into the media and the news you might see. It’s a television show. One that feeds on drama to survive.”
“I’m a big girl, Colton. I know how reality shows work. But the one thing I ask is that if they do put a female lead into the show, and you’re meant to… You know… do things.” She waves her hand as if it’s nothing, but I can tell it hurts her to think about that. “I want you to tell me. I want to know that you’re not openly cheating on me even if the world thinks you’re single.”
“I’m not going to be doing anything with anyone other than you,” I bite out, but it’s not frustration or anger at her. It’s the thought of her even considering I would want to fuck anyone else.
“Fine.” She crosses her arms over her chest, which draws my attention to her beautiful breasts. Her cleavage teases me from across the table, and I can’t stop the groan from rumbling in my lungs. “God, you’re such a man.” Violet rolls her eyes, but there’s a hint of a smile dancing on her lips.
“I didn’t think you’d want me any other way,” I tease.
“Who said I wanted you?” This time, Violet laughs, and it’s the most melodic sound I’ve ever heard. I want to hear it again and again.
“Don’t get cheeky with me, love,” I warn, picking up the bottle of wine and refilling our glasses. “I’d like to ask you something else.” It’s been a night of honest questions and answers. And there’s one more thing I’d like, now that I know she’s okay with me signing the contract.
“What’s that?”
I lock my eyes on hers because I need her to know how serious I am. “I’d like to know if your apartment can be my escape, my sanctuary. It will give us time to get to know each other, and I’ll be able to get away from the cameras for short bouts. Not overnight if that’s not what you’re ready for, but—”
“You’d like to date me without dating me.” Once again, Violet reads my mind. She sips her drink, and I can’t stop my gaze lingering on her lips that are stained with the soft pinkish red of the wine. I want to taste it from her mouth, to tangle my tongue with hers, and revel in her flavor.
Pushing up from the chair, I make my way toward her. I offer her my hand, and when she a
ccepts, I pull her to her feet. Gripping her hips, I hold her against me, close enough to see the pupils in her eyes widen and watch how her mouth parts on a soft gasp.
“I want this,” I declare, keeping her stare hostage. Then I lean in and brush my lips along hers, getting the flavor of wine on my tongue as I slowly trace her plump bottom lip and then the thinner top one.
“Then perhaps you should show me the rest of the apartment,” she suggests in a hushed tone that has a direct link to my dick. I agree, and so does he.
20
Violet
He walks me inside, allowing me to look around. My fingers trail across the furnishings, the soft, smooth leather of the couch, and for a moment, I imagine him there, with me, bent over. My imagination has been running wild since I said yes to him.
Even though he’s respected me by taking things slow, I know tonight I’m ready. I need him to take away the ache that’s slowly been taunting me each time he kisses me.
Colton shows me down the hallway toward the bedrooms, and I take in both before we make our way into the larger one. It’s warm inside, but it’s even hotter when he steps up behind me.
His heat is behind me, cocooning me when I reach the balcony doors of the bedroom, which lead out onto another balcony. He doesn’t open them. He doesn’t move. He merely watches me in the reflection, as if he’s waiting for a signal, a green light to finally take what he wants and give me what I need.
I smile, even though I’m not sure he can see me. He lifts his hands, holding my arms, and then gently trailing his fingers down toward my wrists. He lifts them, planting my palms against the window. It’s chilly to the touch, but he doesn’t cool my skin that’s heated from his nearness.
His chin lands on my shoulder, his hot breath fanning across my neck causing goosebumps to dot my flesh. His lips are warm and soft as he presses a kiss to my cheek, then lower to the curve of my neck, and soon, his hands are trailing up to my breasts.
A soft growl leaves his lips as he fondles me, his fingers tweaking my now hardened nipples, causing me to groan. Pleasure sweeps through me, and my core pulses with the need to be filled. I want him to slide into me, feel my heat, and open me, stretch me.
“Are you sure about this?” he asks as he tweaks both my nipples, twisting them until I’m whimpering. Pressing my ass back against his crotch, I feel him, hard and ready.
I nod. But then I mumble, “Yes.” Twisting in his arms, I drape my own over his neck and pull him to me, bringing his mouth to mine. The first taste is sweet mixed with the wine he had with dinner. His tongue sweeps along my lips, tasting me, and I moan. Gently, he takes that as his invitation and dips into my mouth, his tongue colliding with mine as heat takes over every inch of my body.
I spark to life. As if I’d been sleeping and suddenly I’m awake. His hands cup my ass, fingers digging into me, kneading the flesh. He lifts me against him, the hardness of him pressing against my core. I roll my hips, wanting him closer, impossibly so.
A smile tilts his lips, and I feel it against my mouth. His body is rigid, toned, and when he pushes me against the cool glass, I know nothing can steal the heat that’s rushing over my body, from my head, down to between my thighs.
“I’m…,” I mumble, trying to pull in much-needed air, but I’m swallowed by his scent, his cologne spicy in the darkness, and I moan when his mouth lands on my neck, peppering kisses along the column. “I need it.”
“Mmm, if I’m not mistaken, you sound like you need him,” he smirks, pulling my hand down, allowing me to feel his hardness. “More than me,” he continues, and I can’t stop the laugh that falls from my mouth.
“You’re such an overconfident bastard. I didn’t think you needed reminding about what I need,” I tease, and once again, he steals my lips and kisses me. Without breaking away, he moves through the room. Seconds later, he sets me on the bed, and I watch him unbutton the shirt he’s wearing. It’s like an erotic strip show, and I lean back, my gaze drinking him in as his deft fingers move swiftly.
Once the material falls to the carpet, he moves his hands to his belt buckle but stops. “Your turn.” He grins.
I slowly slip the delicate material of my bodysuit over my shoulders, allowing it to slowly inch down my curves. Every moment makes his eyes burn brighter, heating me from the inside.
Once I’m able, I step out of it, leaving the material pooled at my feet. His gaze burns into me as I reach back and unhook my bra. The straps fall over my shoulders, and soon, I’m bared to him.
“Fuck,” he grunts when he takes in my breasts. They’re not huge, but they’re a little more than a handful. I feel self-conscious for a moment as he lingers his stare on me. But I don’t move to cover myself. If I’m going to do this with a world-famous model, I may as well enjoy one night of unadulterated sex and let my fear stay outside the bedroom. Even if by tomorrow morning he wants me gone, having had me, I’ll live with the memory of the pleasure of watching him get naked before me. Of having his hands and lips on me, and his cock inside me.
I squirm at the last one, knowing that my dry spell is about to end. Colton’s in his boxers as he drops to his knees before me.
“Stand,” he commands. Once I’m on my feet, he tugs at my underwear, pulling it down along down my legs. In seconds, I’m naked, completely bared to him. My heart thuds, galloping against my ribs as if trying to attack and escape.
“Colton,” I whimper when he trails his hands up my legs, thighs, and he nudges them apart. I shift my feet, and then his gaze lands on my pussy. Trimmed, yet smooth, he looks like a man ready to eat his last meal.
He leans in, pressing a kiss to my left thigh, then my right. He continues slowly up my inner thighs until he reaches my core.
My body is shaking so badly I think I’m going to pass out from both fear and need. His tongue darts out, lapping at my slit, tasting me for the first time, and a gentle groan rumbles through his chest, and his lips are on mine.
My fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more of him. He darts his tongue inside me, and I shudder with pleasure. My blood burns as it thrums through my veins. My heart catapults into my throat.
I’m so close, nearing the edge of my release. I see it in sight, and I’m about to leap when Colton takes his mouth away from me, forcing a whine to fly from my lips.
“When you come, you’ll do so on my cock,” he insists as he rises, his boxer briefs falling to the floor, and I gasp at the thickness of him. Tentatively, my hand reaches for him, the heat of his shaft warming me further, and I slowly, gently stroke him.
“I’d like that,” I admit as I drop down onto the bed, sitting on the soft mattress, and I lean in, lapping at the tip of him that’s shimmering. His flavor bursts on my tongue, musky, salty, and I stifle a giggle when I think he reminds me of a salted caramel ice cream pop.
I wrap my lips around his crown, sucking him into my mouth, deeper, and deeper, until I feel him hit the back of my throat. A moan of pleasure escapes his lips, and I can’t help but feel proud of the power I have over him in this moment. I hum gently, allowing the vibration to taunt him further.
“If you keep that up, I’m going to fill that pretty little mouth.” It’s a warning that sets my soul on fire. I look up at him from where I’m seated, and our gazes lock in a heated standoff.
I slowly pull my mouth off him and scoot back. Lying against the pillow, I open my legs and drop my hand between my thighs. My fingers tease my wetness. The corner of his mouth curls upward, a smirk dancing on his perfect mouth.
“Naughty little tease,” he growls as he crawls up the bed toward me. He’s on top of me, hovering over me like a looming predator about to steal my soul. He dips his head, his lips brushing mine. “Let me grab a condom because I’m about to fuck you into oblivion.” The promise is illicit, turning my stomach upside down with need.
21
Colton
She watches me as I sheath myself. Her body wet, needy; her lips are puffy and swollen.
My mouth waters to taste her, but I’m ready to burst. Nestling between her thighs, I nudge her entrance, earning me a whimper of need from her mouth.
“Do it,” she urges, her legs wrapping around my waist.
“Are you sure? Because once we do this, we can’t go back,” I assert. No, it’s a warning. The moment I sink into her, that’s it, she’s mine. Violet nods, biting her lower lip, and I roll my hips, inching into her gently, feeling how her heat wraps around my shaft.
“Oh fuck, Colton.” Violet moans my name, which only has me thrusting deeper, all the way to the hilt. Once I’m buried inside her, I can’t move. Her tightness, her warmth, everything holds me hostage as if I were owned by this beautiful woman with the strangely colored hair.
“You’re so fucking tight, love. If I move …”
Her eyes widen, and a mischievous smile tilts her lips upward at the corners. “If I move …?” she questions, rolling her hips, earning her a growl because I can’t focus on anything other than her body pulsing around me.
I pull out slowly, then slam back in. Again. And again. Her breath is knocked from her lungs, and I steal it in a kiss I devour. Violet’s nails rake down my back, digging in deep as she pulls me closer.
We move in sync. Our bodies are one. I’m lost in her flavor, in the way she holds me close. Her hardened nipples rub against my chest as the friction we create burns through me like a wildfire.
I can’t focus on anything other than the edge I’m nearing. A precipice of pleasure that shoots through every inch of me. Reaching between us, I tease my hand down her sides until I reach her clit. Gently circling it until Violet is clenching around my cock so hard, it’s as if her body is trying to suck the soul from me.
