by Virna DePaul
He wanted to make her forget that this was supposed to be one night, no strings attached.
But right now, as he looked up into those heavy-lidded green eyes, listening to her beg for his cock, all that mattered was being inside her again. Consuming her. Pounding into her until neither of them could think straight.
He slid his fingers from her and rolled off the bottom of the bed to stand. He made short work of his shorts and underwear, relishing her gasp as his heavy cock sprang free.
“Jesus, are we sure that fit before?”
He let out a pained laugh as more blood filled his already aching cock. If she kept looking at him like that, he was going to burst.
“Yeah. Maybe it’s a little bigger now, but I promise you, Rose, I know exactly what to do with it.”
She had no doubt of that.
He paused as he stared down at her, looking stricken. “Fuck. I didn’t plan for…I need to make sure you’re protected,” he muttered, raking a hand through his hair.
“I, um, when I ran into the drug store after we got ice cream I may have picked up some condoms…just in case,” she replied, rolling to her side and pulling a packet out of the drawer.
The relief on his face was so pure, she nearly burst out laughing as she handed it to him.
With a quick tear of foil and a few deft motions, he was back on top of her, all warm skin and hard muscles.
“This is going to be so good, Rosie.”
She bit her lip as he pressed against her pubic bone and dipped his head low to suck one nipple into his mouth.
“Oh!”
Her words trailed off to a gasp as he pressed the head of his cock to her entrance.
She pulsed against him, urging him on, but he wouldn’t be rushed.
“Take it easy, babe, I don’t want to hurt you. I’m going to give it to you nice and slow, one inch at a time,” he muttered, his concentration laser-like as he fought every muscle in his body, urging him to bury himself into the clutching, wet heat of her heavenly pussy.
The broad, slick head pushed in first, her snug passage already stretching to accept his girth.
“More,” she chanted under her breath. “More, more…”
He clenched his jaw as sweat dripped between his shoulder blades from the effort of holding back.
“Try not to clench, Rosie. Take a deep breath,” he muttered, pressing in a little further.
“It just feels so good…so thick,” she whispered, her tone tinged with awe.
Never change, Rose, his soul sang as he plunged deeper, angling his hips.
Her honest, no bullshit responses drove him out of his mind in a way that no woman’s ever had.
He bent forward to bury his face against her neck even as she arched against him, swallowing more of his cock with that sweet, tight pussy.
“Yes,” she moaned, pulsing her hips in short bursts, trying to force him deeper. “Yes, please, Gio. Fuck me.”
Her artless pleas finally broke him and he let out a groan as he flexed forward, sliding the rest of his shaft into her, sure and deep.
For a second, they both lay there, perfectly still, letting her body adjust to the invasion.
“I wish I could explain what this feels like—”
Rose broke off as Gio leaned back and looked into her wild, green eyes.
“I don’t need you to tell me. It feels just as fucking good to me. Wait ‘til we start moving,” he murmured. A second later, he closed his mouth over hers, tracing the inside of her lower lip with his tongue as he retreated.
Her arms looped around his waist as she groaned in protest before cupping his ass to urge him forward.
Now she was ready.
He closed one hand gently around her throat, holding her in place as he plunged forward in one, smooth thrust.
“Yesss,” she hissed as she tore her mouth from his, lifting her head to peer down between their bodies.
He groaned and did the same. Watching his thick, glistening rod split her plump pussy as he fucked her would be forever seared in his brain as the hottest thing he’d ever seen.
But he couldn’t think on it too long, because soon enough, the pressure to come started bearing down on him. With every thrust of his hips and every moan from Rose’s swollen lips, he inched closer to climaxing.
“I-I’m going to come, Gio. Keep moving just like that. It’s so good. Soo damned good. Oh!”
His hips pounded against hers and he thrust hard and deep, pinning her to the mattress, working his stiff cock into her until a low scream built in her throat and bubbled out her mouth.
“Oh my god, yes!”
Tight, wet heat spasmed around him, clutching and releasing him in a dizzying caress that had him gritting his teeth. She quaked and shook, crying out as she took her pleasure and he held on tight.
It wasn’t until the last of the shivers rolled over her that he let himself go. He gripped her leg and bent it at the knee, sliding deeper as the pressure in his balls built.
“You’re so fucking sexy,” he muttered as he pulled back to look at her, tits bouncing, face flushed from her orgasm, red hair splayed on the white pillow beneath her. As her body tensed again and she began to gasp, he realized she was going to go again, and he urged her on.
“That’s it, Rosie. Take that cock. I want to feel you come for me again,” he groaned as hot liquid snaked up the length of his shaft.
She let out a low, keening moan and then splintered around him, her body milking his, sending him over the edge. Blood pounded in his ears, and he blew apart.
“Fuck!” he growled, every synapse in his brain firing at once as he emptied himself into her waiting warmth in a hot rush and slumped forward, clutching her close.
For long minutes, they didn’t move. The only sounds in the room were the ocean waves and that of their harsh breathing.
“You were right,” she finally murmured, rolling him to her side and facing him with a tentative smile. “It fit.”
“Perfectly.” His responding smile was bittersweet.
Because even now, he could sense her pulling away. She proved him right by standing a second later and wrapping the sheet around her quickly.
“I’m going to wash up and put some pajamas on,” she paused and gave him a salute. “Uh, thanks, Gio.”
He watched her go, his irritation almost as sharp as his grief.
Did she just fucking salute him?
But more importantly, what was it going to take to make her realize that he didn’t just fit…they fit, and always had?
He had no idea. But now that he’d had a taste of what he and Rosie could be like together again?
He was damned sure going to find out.
Chapter 13
"Rose, honey? Are you okay?"
Rose turned her head to find Gio's mom Sheila eyeing her with concern and realized with a start that the other woman must have been talking to her and she hadn't responded.
Needless to say, though, she was so not okay.
She had finally done exactly what all those female empowerment movies and books celebrated.
She got her groove back.
She exhaled.
She got hers.
And now she found herself at her fake boyfriend's sister's Jack and Jill shower staring into a mound of crab dip, totally disoriented and distracted. Because that was what happened when a certified hottie rocked your socks off in bed and you had to pretend that your life hadn't been tipped on its axis.
"Um, yes, yup. I was just looking at all the hors d’oeuvres debating which one to try first. I'm thinking shrimp puff. How about you?"
She forced a cheery smile and prayed that Sheila didn't press any further. Luckily, the lavish display of goodies was enough to capture her attention and Sheila examined the offerings with interest.
"Michelle said that the caterer had the best pot stickers on the East Coast, so I'm going for one of those."
Food meant full mouths which meant no talking, and that suited
She popped a puff into her mouth and crunched as her brain replayed mental image after mental image of her and Gio, tangled together in the sheets.
God, how he'd looked, dark head between her legs, like a god in the moonlight, all sleek muscles and golden skin.
"Your cheeks are flushed, dear, are you sure you're feeling well?" Sheila asked.
"I’m good. I’m great,” she said through a mouthful of shrimp and puff pastry. “Never been better.”
Sheila was nodding dubiously, but before Rose could try harder to convince her, Nana Ginger and Aunt Alice sidled up to the food-laden table beside them.
“The guests are pouring in now,” Aunt Alice said with a sniff. “There better be leftovers, or I’m gonna be pissed.”
“Alice!” Sheila said with a disapproving glare. “Don’t let anyone hear you talking like that. We want our guests to eat their fill.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m just saying…”
As Alice and Sheila bickered, Nana Ginger moved stealthily closer to Rose.
“So, I guess those walls weren’t as thick as I thought,” Nana said with a playful elbow to her ribs and a broad wink.
Rose gasped and the Swedish meatball she’d been noshing on went down the wrong pipe, sending her into a fit of coughing.
“Are you choking?” Alice demanded, ambling behind her and wrapping her sturdy arms around Rose’s waist. “Do you need the Heimlich? They taught it to me at the Community Center back home.”
Rose’s eyes watered as she tried to catch her breath.
“She’s fine, just a glass of water, maybe,” a smooth voice interjected.
Gio.
Aunt Alice released her and she managed to swallow the rest of her meatball before turning to meet his gaze.
She wanted to play it cool. Seem confident and worldly, like she had one night stands all the time. No big.
Instead, her face caught fire and she started to stammer. “M-meatball. Um, wrong pipe. Y-you look nice.”
Gio’s lips tipped into a knowing smile and she wished she could dive under the table and hide for the next four hours. It was bad enough Nana Ginger had heard them at some point last night. Now she had to face Gio again and pretend everything was normal.
“Make sure you chew next time,” Gio teased, reaching down to lace his fingers with hers. “I don’t want to lose you.”
With that, he pressed his lips to her knuckles and instantly set her heart pounding.
It didn’t take a genius to realize she’d made a grave error. It had been hard enough to keep her emotional distance before. Now that they’d been intimate again, it was a whole other ball of wax.
Since they’d woken up this morning, it had been brutal. Granted, she’d snuck out of bed and into the shower while he was still sleeping to avoid all the awkwardness, but still. The second she’d stepped out, it had started.
The long, slow, burning glances.
The absent caresses when other people were around.
The pressure between her thighs, so recently slaked, back again and bafflingly stronger than ever.
Sex was supposed to help her get him out of her system but all it had done was make her more confused and wish that things could be different.
Luckily, once the caterers arrived and the shower preparations had begun, things had kicked into action and the rest of the day had gone by in a rush of activity.
Now, though, she and Gio were in full view of half the people slated to come to the wedding, which meant the show had to go on.
And part of that show?
Was making sure she and Gio looked and behaved like a real couple.
He tugged her close and gave her a quick peck on the lips that should’ve been nothing and wound up making her want to curl around him like a cat and slip her tongue between those firm lips and—
“Everyone, take your seats! The games are about to begin!”
Rose blinked and swallowed hard, tearing her gaze from Gio’s.
He knew. There was no doubt about it. The way his eyes went dark. The way the strong column of his throat worked. He’d read her pathetic poker face and knew she wanted him, still.
Not good.
Not good at all.
Gio tugged at her hand, leading her toward a table in the middle of the room.
She had been too preoccupied to notice, but the place really did look great. Though it was a renovated barn less than a hundred yards from the house with a rustic charm, it had been outfitted with every luxury. Twinkle lights sparkled above, winding around every awning and post. Gorgeous summer wildflowers overflowed from hanging baskets, perfuming the air with their lovely, light fragrance. Crisp, white napkins sat atop peach linen tablecloths and golden champagne bubbled in crystal flutes.
It really was a picture and the second they reached their table she reached for her champagne. Time to see if a little bubbly could take the edge off these nerves because she felt like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
She drained her glass and nodded as Gio offered her a refill.
“You look entirely too fuckable in that dress, Rosie,” he murmured under his breath.
Her eyes nearly crossed at his words but she managed to keep it together.
“We’re only supposed to act like we can’t keep our hands off each other when people are paying attention, remember?” she reminded him, wishing her voice sounded a little less breathy.
“Who’s acting?” he shot back, his bicep brushing her breast as he finished filling her glass. “All I can think about is bending you over the nearest table, flipping up that flirty little skirt and sliding inside you.”
Her knees trembled and she squeezed her legs closed as her clit began to pulse.
“Would you care for something else from the bar, ma’am?” a pretty, female server dressed in black and white asked her with a polite smile.
“No, this is…actually, you know what?” Rose said with a shaky smile. “Why don’t you bring me a dirty martini, extra olives.”
Dealing with Gio, who was clearly determined to make this as difficult on her as possible, was going to take something stronger than champagne.
“And you, sir?” the waitress asked, turning her attention toward Gio.
Once she caught sight of him in all his glory, her demeanor changed so starkly, it was like a light switch had been turned on. Her shoulder went back, and her chin tipped upward as she thrust her ample breasts forward and turned on a thousand-watt smile.
“Anything at all you might like?” she asked, her tone husky.
Well, shit.
“I’ll take a scotch and soda.”
Gio’s response was polite at best, but the thrum of energy that had been coursing through Rose all day abandoned her, leaving her feelings raw and exposed.
Again, she was invisible. She was here, right next to Gio, for all intents and purposes, looking like a couple. Instead of assuming so or showing her any type of respect as a woman, this stranger was acting like she didn’t even exist.
It should’ve been another stark reminder that she’d made a terrible mistake last night. That she’d played ball with someone way out of her league, and it was time to return to the minors.
But instead, this time, all it did was piss her off.
“Don’t give him too much to drink,” Rose cooed as she laid a possessive hand on Gio’s arm. “I need him sober enough to handle me later.”
She met and held the server’s gaze, a little thrill running through her at the dawning understanding in her eyes.
“Good for you, sweetie,” the waitress said, rebounding quickly with a conspiratorial grin. “I’ll make sure we make them light. I don’t want you missing out on any fun.”
She sauntered away, leaving Gio regarding Rose through heavy-lidded eyes.
“Was that for show, or did you mean it?” he asked silkily.
Great question.
One she was still pondering as the emcee for the night, Michelle’s bridesmaid Amanda, made another announcement over the microphone.
“We need all the couples to the front. Doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, married or just dating. Front and center.”
Excellent.
That should give her some time to think straight without him peering into her very soul with those chocolate brown eyes that seemed intent on devouring her.
She pushed her chair out and stood as Gio followed suit, and Nana and Aunt Alice cheered them on.
“Show ‘em how it’s done, kids!”
Gio laid a hand on the small of her back and she trembled, hoping he didn’t see the goosebumps that rose instantly on her arms.
This was just what she needed. A couple hours of fun, innocent games where he wouldn’t have to touch her so she could get her thoughts together before they had to be alone together again.
Michelle and Alec cheered from their seats as the couples lined up in a row and the bridesmaids handed out rolls of toilet paper.
“Okay, teams, you ready?”
The crowd chanted back a loud, “Yes!” as a sinking feeling came over her.
“You have 90 seconds to make the most beautiful wedding dress you can…out of toilet paper. But instead of using a mannequin, you’ll make your dress directly on your partner’s body.”
As she looked into Gio’s triumphant eyes, she was tempted to run out of the room like her ass was on fire.
But with the eyes of his family looking on, she had no choice but to stand her ground.
“I’d much prefer taking clothes off you,” Gio said with a feral smile. “But I think I can make this work, too.”
She had no doubt of it. Even now, her nipples pulled tight at the thought of those skilled hands skimming over her body.
Don’t lose your head. Don’t lose your head.
“On your mark, get set…go!”
But as Gio rested one hand on her hip and began to circle her, making sure to brush every inch of his muscular form against her as he moved, she knew her head was the last thing she needed to be worried about.
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