Virgin For The Fourth Time: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book Four

by Jeannette Winters

  Doug nodded. “You’re right, but if he was made to believe he was wrong, then the punishment was something he’d never speak about.”

  “So he was shamed into taking abuse?”

  “That would be my guess. Remember, we don’t have him or his mother to confirm any of this. I can only go on what I read.”

  Bennett knew Doug was the best at what he did. If this was what he thought possible, he’d bet his money it was accurate. “And a person like this would do what to his own children?” He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear that answer.

  “He might try to break the pattern, but it’d be difficult without professional help. Remember, this wasn’t a mild case of abuse. There would have been extensive psychological effects that left untreated would manifest in many forms. You see it in how he ran his business. And we see what it’s done to his children.”

  “What I don’t understand it why have six children? It obviously wasn’t because he wanted or loved them.”

  “It’s not a question easily answered. A part of him may have wanted children but lacked the ability to express or show love. Or he may have wanted them so he could feel control, something he didn’t have when he was a child. To know for sure, I’d have needed to speak to him or see some mental health records. From everything we found, he never sought the help he so desperately needed.”

  “You think his kids are going to be the same way he was?” Bennett couldn’t picture Shaun being abusive to Tyler. Dean, on the other hand, was the one with a short fuse. But he still couldn’t picture him being abusive to a child or a woman.

  “Each generation could lessen the tendencies. But these people have a lot to overcome. From what I see, some of them were fortunate to find women who complement them. For all their hardness, their women’s softness and nurturing ways have helped to calm the beast.”

  “Zoey isn’t like them at all. She’s . . . different.” She’s warm, gentle, loving.

  “Don’t tell me. I want to see for myself. It would be beneficial for me to spend as much time as I can with her so I can piece together my thoughts with what the file says. From what you’ve told me, things aren’t as they were made out to be.”

  That’s my best guess. Or maybe it’s just that I hope I’m right. “I can’t have you coming on all our dates.”

  “Dates?”

  Shit. “You know what I mean.”

  “Unfortunately, Bennett, I do. You’re playing with fire. The burn could be extensive. Not just for her.”

  “Don’t worry about me,” Bennett barked. He’d been through a hell of a lot more than walking away from a woman he cared about. He was pissed at himself for even allowing Doug to see that much.

  “For you to be able to do your job efficiently, it’s my job to make sure you’re in the right frame of mind.” Doug’s voice meant exactly what he was saying. It didn’t make it any easier for Bennett to swallow.

  By the time they arrived at Zoey’s, Bennett wished he’d given her a heads-up that he wasn’t coming alone. As she answered the door, the look of surprise and disappointment was visible in her eyes. Yeah, I wanted some quality time alone with you too, Zoey. But it’s better this way. Trust me.

  Zoey was glad the dessert place was crowded; they didn’t need to worry about any awkward silence. When she opened the door and found Bennett brought a friend along, she wished she had refused his offer. He hadn’t wanted me. I am just a business transaction for him. At least Doug seemed to be a pleasant person.

  As Bennett was driving her back home, she noticed he took a wrong turn. “I live that away.” She pointed to the north, and he was driving south on the highway.

  “Going to drop Doug off first. He has some work to complete tonight. Hope you don’t mind being out with me a bit longer?”

  Being alone with a man I can’t stop dreaming about doesn’t bother me at all. I just wish he wasn’t sending me mixed messages. “Whatever’s convenient for Doug.”

  Within minutes they had dropped Doug off at his hotel. The same hotel Bennett was staying at. Although she didn’t let him know it, it pleased her that he seemed to want time alone with her.

  Of course, he could’ve called me before today. They didn’t speak on the way back to her house. Instead, he reached out and held her hand as he drove. She noticed he hadn’t done so until his friend had entered the building. Is he ashamed of me? I get it if he is. He isn’t the first, but it stings a little more coming from him.

  He must’ve felt her tense because he asked, “Is something wrong?”

  Everything. Nothing. My whole life. “No.”

  “I should’ve mentioned I was bringing Doug.”

  You think? “I enjoyed his company.”

  “And mine?”

  Her heartstrings tugged at her. She knew Bennett was flirting with her, but she didn’t want to give in so easily. The man hadn’t called her for three days. There were rules about things like that. Even though she didn’t date and had no such experience, she knew the basics.

  “Enjoyable as well.” She turned to look out the passenger’s window as she responded. Zoey knew her eyes gave away exactly how she felt. There was no way she could lie or hide any hurt or joy. I might as well take out a billboard for the world to know how I feel.

  That was why she enjoyed her music so much. It gave her the opportunity to express everything inside her without uttering a word. Of course, she’d never played in front of another living soul. No one, including her family, knew she played. Guess I’m better at keeping secrets than I thought. Self-taught as a child and the world is clueless.

  “I’ve missed you.”

  She wasn’t ready for his honesty, if that was even the truth. Actions speak louder than words. “Why?” They pulled into her driveway as she asked.

  He responded once he put the car in park and shut off the engine. “Because, Zoey Henderson, I enjoy your company a lot.” He never took his eyes off her as he spoke.

  She wanted to invite him in and continue the conversation where they could explore it properly. Zoey couldn’t help but recall the last time they were alone in her home. I practically threw myself at him and he . . . rejected me. I don’t think I can face that again.

  Rejection never was easy, but from someone you were developing strong feelings for, it was too hard. It was better to live with not knowing, than risk the pain of being pushed away again.

  Spending her life alone was something she’d already come to terms with. Of course, that was before Bennett stepped into her life. He’d made her dream again. Dream like most women did. Of love and family. But she had to remind herself of the facts: he was in Boston because she was paying him to be. If it wasn’t for that, he’d be on another job somewhere in the world. And I’d be home alone, not knowing what I was missing.

  “It’s kind of chilly tonight. I should go inside.” It was a lame excuse, and she knew it the moment the words slipped past her lips. She didn’t care if he knew it or not. He should consider himself lucky to get off so easily. Instead of having to come up with a way to tell me he’s not that interested.

  She opened the car door and got out without waiting for a response. Her front door opened with either a code or fingerprint. Thankfully she wasn’t wearing any gloves, and she was able to enter quickly. What she failed to do was shut the door behind her.

  Zoey felt his hand on her arm. She opened her mouth to tell him no, but nothing came out. The truth was she didn’t want him to stop. The feel of his lips on hers had haunted her for days. Standing there waiting, her legs trembled.

  “Please.” Her simple word sounded so desperate as she spoke. Bennett bent to kiss her. Slowly at first, tracing her lips with his tongue, teasing and encouraging her lips to open for him. As she did, Zoey clung to Bennett’s shoulders, not trusting her legs to support her. Her need was great, and she didn’t want to hold back. Moving her arms so they were now around his neck, she pulled him closer.

  Bennett picked her up into his arms, and she heard him kick the
door closed behind them. He carried her to the living room, never breaking contact. Once inside the room, he set her down so her feet were on the floor, but his lips were still on hers.

  Their hands tugged at each other’s shirts. Both of them were on fire. Bennett’s shirt was off first. Zoey’s hands touched his warm flesh, and she felt his muscles tense beneath her fingers. It had been so long since she’d touched someone so intimately. She wanted, no needed, more and now. He was driving her over the edge with only his kisses.

  His hands found their way under her shirt to cup her breasts. Oh, Bennett. She arched her back, breaking their kiss so he could lift her shirt over her head. His eyes roamed over her, taking in her chest, covered only by the red lace bra she’d purchased days ago. Wearing it made her feel sexy, pretty. By the look in his eyes, he appreciated it as well.

  Zoey reached behind her back, unhooked her bra, and let it slip from her shoulders onto the floor. Insecurities about her lack of experience began to creep in as she stood in front of him with her breasts exposed and her nipples taut.

  “You’re beautiful,” Bennett said, his voice husky with need.

  Pulling her to him again, Bennett’s mouth trailed kisses slowly down her neck, to her collarbone, and finally stopping at her breast. Taking one nipple gently into his mouth, he sucked and nibbled until the heat from the pit of her stomach had spread throughout her. She was getting wet. She wanted to touch him too, but he refused to let her go. His mouth moved from one nipple to the next, driving her wild. Only when she thought she couldn’t take anymore, he removed his lips.

  “Sweetheart, I need to see all of you,” Bennett said, his blue eyes now dark with a passion that matched her own.

  All of me. Zoey had forced herself to remove her bra, but taking off her pants and leaving herself fully exposed to him was something she was still too shy to do. “I . . . Bennett . . . I’m . . .”

  He must have sensed what she wanted because his hands unbuttoned her jeans and slid them down. Then his hands slipped inside her matching red lace panties and slid them down as well.

  Bennett picked her up and set her on top of the piano, the wood cool against her hot bottom. He took off one shoe then the next. Finally, he slipped off the remaining clothing and tossed them to the side.

  Zoey spent many hours alone at the piano, never once naked. She wanted to tell him this wasn’t right, but before she could, he bent and traced kisses from her neck and lower. One hand was on her breast as his lips made their way over her flat stomach. Panic filled her. She’d been with a man before, but it had been quick and unsatisfying. She didn’t want that same experience with Bennett, to disappoint him and also feel empty afterward.

  She reached for him, trying to push him away. Her body wanted it, but she wasn’t ready for what it might be like with him. She wasn’t a virgin, but she’d never had an orgasm except for when she took care of her own needs.

  “Zoey, I want to taste you,” Bennett said without looking up at her. She didn’t have the physical strength to stop him.

  “I’ve . . . never . . . been able to . . .” She blushed at how silly and naïve she must sound at that moment. Bennett stopped and stood up to meet her eyes. Zoey knew admitting how inexperienced she was would turn off someone like Bennett. He was gorgeous and probably had so many women he couldn’t count them. Someone like her was only going to be a disappointment.

  He didn’t understand what she was trying to say. “You’re a—”

  “Virgin? No. But I’ve never experienced . . . it’s never been good,” she admitted shyly.

  He watched her for what seemed like an eternity but was only mere seconds. “Then let me show you how good it can be.” Once again he claimed her lips, but this time was different. He was giving, not taking. Exploring her in a new way, making sure he wasn’t rushing her.

  Knowing that he was giving her the opportunity to set the pace, she arched her back again, her breasts visible. She didn’t need to offer herself twice. Swiftly he trailed his tongue lower, igniting every place it licked.

  He laid her back on the piano and parted her legs with one hand, giving him full access to her delicate folds. As his mouth approached her most intimate place she held her breath, not knowing what to expect. If it was anything like it was when he sucked her breast, she knew it’d be wonderful. He was so experienced and took the time to make sure she was enjoying what he was doing.

  When Bennett’s tongue finally touched her, her entire body trembled with desire. “You taste so sweet.” His words echoed throughout the room.

  “Bennett, please.” Closing her eyes, she waited for him to give her more. The need was so strong it almost hurt. A sweet pain pulled at her core like nothing she’d ever experienced before.

  When his tongue first touched her clit, she thought she’d die. His strong hands reached beneath her, grasped her buttocks, pulling her to the edge of the piano, and giving him more access to her. His mouth never releasing her.

  Cries of pleasure filled the room. Oh, this feels . . . so good. Zoey had pleasured herself many times, but this was beyond anything she’d envisioned. One hand slid out from beneath her, and she felt him dip a fingers into her hot center.

  “You’re so wet,” he moaned.

  She felt herself tighten around his fingers, her body begging for release. It didn’t take him long to find the spot inside that made her body quiver. His tongue stroked her clit, faster and faster until her hips were rocking to meet him.

  “Yes, sweetheart. Let go.”

  His two fingers plunged in and out of her until she couldn’t hold back the waves of climax shaking her body.

  “Bennett,” she cried out again and again until she collapsed.

  His breath warm against her, he whispered, “You don’t know how badly I want to feel you wrapped around me.”

  “I want that too,” she replied, her voice still quivering from her release.

  He pulled away slightly, to remove his remaining clothing. Zoey watched as he tore a foil packet from his wallet and sheathed himself. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. He was so damn gorgeous to look at. His body was muscle from head to toe. But at that moment, there was only one thing she wanted, and that was him inside her.

  Bennett scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the couch. Laying her down he lay on top of her. She felt him thick and hot, resting, teasing her entrance.

  “Bennett, I want . . . need you,” she begged. Needing to have him, all of him. Like his touch before, he was being gentle, going slowly. She didn’t want slow at the moment. If he didn’t enter her, she was surely going to die. Wrapping her legs around him, she pulled him into her. First, just the tip then he stopped.

  She looked into his lustful gaze and said, “Now!”

  Bennett held her gaze as he entered her in a swift thrust. Yes! Her body gripped him, holding him deep inside of her. Then she began to rock her hips against him. Bennett didn’t need more encouragement. She felt his need building within him. Every muscle in his body was rock hard as he thrust into her deeper and harder.

  “God, sweetheart, you feel . . . so damn good.” His voice was raspy and half a growl.

  The knowledge of what she was doing to him only intensified her desire. Bennett knew exactly how to please her, and very soon another climax shook her.

  She tried biting her lip to contain her moans, but he seized them with his own. “Yes, oh God, yes.” His voice was husky as his own body exploded within her and he collapsed on top of her.

  Lying on the couch with their legs entwined, breathing slowing, they relished the feel of their bodies still joined together. Neither uttered a word. Wow!

  She never knew sex could be so intense, fulfilling. The orgasms she’d given herself with her toys were nothing compared to what she’d just experienced. The chemistry between them was undeniable. She never wanted the night to end.

  Bennett raised himself on an elbow and said, “We can’t spend the night on the couch. What do you say we take
this upstairs and try it again on your bed?”

  She felt her body twitch between her legs. She was still shy, but the want within her pushed past it. Seductively she said, “I have a large house. I don’t see why we can’t try it in each room.”

  “A girl after my own heart.” Bennett kissed her before lifting her up into his arms. She wasn’t sure what the next day would bring, but that night she was his, and he was hers.

  She studied him as he carried her upstairs. I could burn my hand on a flame for one second, and it would feel like an hour. But I could look in your blue eyes for eternity, and it would never seem long enough. But I’m conditioned to know you’ll never want me long-term. You didn’t even want to hold my hand in public tonight. I’ll take this though. For one night, I’ll take it all.

  Chapter Twelve

  Bennett hated leaving Zoey’s side as she slept, but he wasn’t one who got much sleep. He was an early riser, and after a night of mind-blowing sex, he knew she needed to sleep in.

  Although he knew last night was a mistake, he wasn’t about to slip out on her. Doug had warned him about crossing a line. He’d never done so before. He took his job as seriously as he took his loyalty to the Marines. Zoey found a way to break down barriers within him. If the circumstances were any different, he’d say that was a good thing. Nothing good was going to come out of it, once the truth was revealed.

  Bennett quickly showered, dressed, and headed downstairs to make himself some desperately needed strong coffee. As it brewed, he received a message from Doug. He didn’t want to hear a lecture right now. He chose to ignore it. Whatever he has to say isn’t anything I’m not already telling myself. I fucked up. I made this personal. Not just for me, but for Zoey. I know better, but damn it, I wanted her. Fuck, I still do.

  It wasn’t just sex that drew him to her. If it were, it would’ve been easier to resist. He’d never let his cock rule his actions. Last night was much more. What exactly that was still wasn’t clear to him. He wasn’t sure if it was for Zoey either. This isn’t the time for me to worry about how I feel about her. It’s doing my job and making sure she isn’t emotionally destroyed in the process.