“Is it because of Ian?” Sean couldn't keep the edge out of his voice. Just the thought of that arrogant actor sleeping with Larissa—
“Ian has nothing to do with it.”
“Doesn't he?”
“No, he doesn't,” she insisted. “He's just a nice guy.”
“He didn't seem very nice to me.”
“He was drunk.” She frowned. “I've never seen him behave like that before.”
“He's in love with you.”
She shrugged. “Maybe he thinks he is.”
“He is,” Sean said with certainty. “Do you fancy him?”
She was silent as she considered the question. “I like him as a friend but he's not the one I want.”
Her gaze held his and Sean felt happy they were being honest with each other, even if it was a potentially painful experience.
“How long have you been seeing him?” Why was he asking her this? Did he really want to know the answer?
“I haven't been seeing him. He's been pursuing me since we finished our movie. Tonight was the first time we made love.”
Sean felt the urge to bash in Ian's face, although he couldn't explain his violent reaction even to himself.
“You must understand,” she said. “I've never been so infatuated with anyone until I met you this evening. It's a scary feeling, almost like jumping out of a plane for the first time. There's no guarantee the parachute will open.” She closed her eyes. “I don't know anything about you except you're incredibly handsome. I can see myself getting hurt because my heart is too involved already. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?”
“Yes, because my heart is involved with you as well.”
“But for how long?” Her voice broke. “A one-night stand or a short affair won't be enough for me. It would be too painful afterwards, because—”
“Because you already love me?”
She stared at him without speaking.
“I love you too, and I don't want a one-night stand either.”
“Really?”
“Really.” His gaze was held by her full pink lips. He loved her long-lashed green eyes which drove him to distraction. A strand of silky raven hair fell across her face and he longed to make love to her right there in the snow.
“But it's not going to work,” she insisted. “What we feel is so intense, it will burn itself out. It won't last.”
“Why can't love last?”
“This isn't love. Two people can't fall in love this quickly because it doesn't happen that way.” She spoke urgently, as if trying to convince herself. “What I feel for you must be infatuation, or lust, or whatever you want to call it. It's too much, too soon. I feel overwhelmed by all these emotions.”
“Me too.” He smiled at her. “I agree everything has happened quickly between us, but sometimes that's just the way it is.”
“When does it ever happen that way?” She gave him a skeptical glance. “I'm talking about real life, not the stuff in movies because that isn't real.”
“It happened that way for my parents.” He smiled. “They were married a few weeks after they met and they've been together forty years.”
Her beautiful eyes filled with hope. “Really?”
“Yes. My mom says it was just meant to be.”
“What does your dad say?”
“He says he married the girl of his dreams and never wanted anyone else.”
Her eyes shone under the brilliant moon. “That's a lovely story.”
“It's a true story which goes to show love can bloom quickly, but still last a lifetime. It doesn't have to burn itself out.”
“It seems so rare, almost like a fairytale.”
“Maybe fairytales come true once in awhile.” He pushed a silken strand of hair from her cheek. “I know when I look at you, I see a princess from one of my childhood storybooks.”
She laughed.
“What's funny?” he asked.
“It's just that the first time I saw you in the restaurant, I thought YOU looked like a prince from one of my storybooks.”
“Did you?” He kissed her lightly on the lips. When she didn't pull away, he cupped her face gently in his hands and gave her a long lingering kiss.
“Will you stay with me tonight?” He held his breath as he waited for her answer.
Conflicting emotions played across her face.
Finally, she said, “I can't do that. I need to speak to Ian first.”
“Just stay with me,” he urged. “I want to wake up next to you. I want your beautiful face to be the first thing I see in the morning.”
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“I won't touch you,” he promised. “Unless you want me to.”
She glanced at the pale, cold moon and then nodded. “As long as you behave like a gentleman.”
“I'll behave any way you ask me to.” He lifted her chin and kissed her. “But I want you in my bed.”
Chapter 16
Ian slid his hand around Fiona's ankle, then held her foot as he massaged it. “You're a brave person. A survivor.”
“Don't—” she began.
“Don't what?”
“Don't touch my foot. It's ugly.”
He kissed her instep. “No, it's beautiful.”
“Nobody touches my feet.”
“That's good because I'm nobody.”
She tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her.
Her voice was as tortured whisper. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
“Why shouldn't I be?”
“I'm not used to it. It makes me feel uncomfortable.”
“What are you used to?”
“Do you really want to know?”
He nodded.
“Men don't usually talk to me before or after they fuck my brains out.”
He frowned. “Then let me be the one who talks to you.”
“I thought you said you didn't come here to talk.”
“I've changed my mind.”
“Is that all you want to do? Talk to me?” Her voice held a note of disappointment. “Don't you find me attractive?”
“I find you exquisite,” he said truthfully. “I want to be one of those guys who fuck your brains out.”
“Then why don't you?”
He considered the question. The more time he spent with her, the more he enjoyed Fiona's company. They hadn't even made love yet, and this surprised him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd spent hours talking to a woman for no other reason than to know her better, without any ulterior motive.
“I guess I want to be someone different to you,” he finally said. “Not like the guys you've dealt with before.”
“Well Heathcliff, you're certainly different.”
“Good.”
She chewed on her fingernail as she studied him. “When you walked into the bar, I thought you looked familiar. Have we ever met before? Maybe on a flight or something?”
“I think I would've remembered that.”
“I definitely would've remembered you, sexy boy. You're cute enough to be a model.”
He looked at her in shocked surprise. “A model? Please, no.”
“What? You don't want to strut your stuff on the catwalk?”
“With my luck, I'd fall off it.”
She laughed and pretended to take his picture. “Okay, work it baby.”
Ian leapt to his feet and pranced around the room with his hand on his hip as Fiona collapsed into a fit of giggles.
“I like the way you laugh,” he said.
“I like the way you prance. You're such a show-off.”
“I've heard that since I was a kid.”
“I'll bet you were the cutest little boy because you grew up to be a gorgeous man.”
“Thank you.”
“Let's get you out of these clothes so I can have a better look.” She pulled his shirt over his head and then reached for the waistband of his slacks. When he stood naked, her hot gaze raked over him with admir
ation.
“What did I do to deserve such a reward?” she said softly.
“I think you've got that backwards.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips. “I'm the one who's getting the reward.”
“I never kiss men,” she said. “It's just something I don't do.”
“Then why did you let me kiss you?”
“I'm not sure.”
As she stood in front of him, beautiful and enchanting, he was reminded of a verse from an old nursery rhyme: Monday's child is fair of face.
He slid the strap of her dress down her arm and kissed her bare shoulder. Then he kissed her lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He picked her up and carried her to the bed without breaking the kiss. Had he ever desired a woman this badly?
Never, he decided. Not ever.
He couldn't understand why she made him feel that way. He had slept with some of the world's great beauties, but never experienced anything close to the emotional onslaught he felt in her arms. Fiona was also a world class beauty, but the intensity of his feelings surprised him. It wasn't just lust and desire which swept over him. He also wanted to protect her, take care of her, stay with her. Not just tonight, but always.
But wasn't he in love with someone else?
Yes, but she was in love with someone else. He couldn't ponder the situation because waves of emotion flooded through his body as he unhooked Fiona's bra and her full breasts spilled out. God, she was beautiful!
For a moment, he just looked at her as he thought of the great artists of the past who would have found her bountiful, voluptuous figure something to immortalize in a masterpiece. He squeezed her breasts and then his lips were on hers. He left a trail of kisses down her throat and then clamped his mouth onto her erect nipple. He feared he might come right there and then as he found himself swept up in a desperate intoxication which had nothing to do with the brandy he had consumed.
Her eyes were closed and her hair spilled out across the pillow like the wings of an angel. He wanted to please her so badly, to love her like she'd never been loved by anyone before him.
He cleared his throat. “Fiona I'm glad I met you.”
She opened her eyes and met his gaze. “I'm glad I met you too, Heathcliff.”
“My name is Ian.”
“I know, but I give special names to the people I care about.”
He pulled off her dress and panties. He kissed her bellybutton and then his head rested between her thighs.
“What's that old saying?” he said. “You can call me whatever you like as long as you call me.”
He slid his tongue into the soft warm folds of her pussy.
She arched her back with pleasure. “Oh Ian!”
He teased her clit with his tongue until she moaned with delight.
He lifted his head. “I forgot to put on a condom.”
“Condom?” Her voice was a breathless whisper. “Do you have one?”
“Damn it, I didn't bring anything with me.”
“Good thing I'm always ready for action.”
He frowned as she opened the bedside drawer.
She looked at him in surprise. “What's wrong?”
“Nothing.” Emotions he had never experienced overwhelmed him. “It's just I was a little jealous when you said you were always ready for action. It's getting harder for me to picture you with other guys because I don't like it.”
She nodded. “I'm a little jealous myself. I was hoping you'd be a virgin.”
He burst out laughing, then pulled her on top of him and kissed her passionately.
“You taste sweet,” she said.
“I taste like you.”
“Mmm, I taste you as well.” She stroked his hard, thick-veined cock. “And I want a better taste.”
She flicked her tongue around his erection before taking the large head into her mouth.
He closed his eyes. “How does that taste?”
“Delicious. I wonder how it would feel inside me?”
He gave her a wicked grin. “Would you like a ride?”
“Giddy-up.”
She straddled him as he guided himself into her.
“You're so tight.” His voice deepened with passion. “I don't know how long I can hold out.”
“It doesn't matter. We have all night, don't we?”
To his admiring gaze, she resembled a golden goddess as she rode him. He loved the look of intense pleasure on her face combined with single-minded concentration.
“I want more than a night with you,” he whispered.
She smiled. “Whatever Heathcliff wants.”
“I'm serious.”
“So am I.” Her smile widened. “You can have me for as long as you want.”
“Forever?”
She laughed. “If that's what you want, but I think you'll get tired of me long before then.”
Never.
He cupped her breasts with his hands and then squeezed her stiff pink nipples.
“Oh God,” she cried out in pleasure. “Yes, oh Ian.”
She fell against his chest, spent with the effort.
He touched her cheek. “Are you tired?”
“Are you kidding? I'm always up for more, especially with someone as handsome as you.”
He rolled on top of her and spread her legs. He entered her slowly, an inch at a time until she gasped when he buried his entire dick inside her. He wanted to last as long as possible, but her flesh was so enticing he came with a furious thrust of his hips.
She moaned as she came again, grinding her hips against his.
Afterwards, they lay next to each other on the bed drifting in and out of sleep. Ian's leg rested across her stomach and his hand cupped her full breast.
“I usually play games in bed,” she said sleepily. “But with you, I didn't have to do that.”
“Why?”
She touched his cheek. “I could be myself with you.”
“Good.”
“And I never kiss men.”
“You kissed me.”
“I wanted to kiss you.”
He squeezed her nipple. “Thank you for that.”
“Don't get me all hot and bothered again.” She sighed. “I need to get some sleep so I can work tomorrow.”
“What flight?”
“75.”
“Hey, that's my flight.” He felt a surge of happiness. He would get to see her again! Now that he'd discovered her charms, he wouldn't let her just slip out of his life.
“We can see each other in New York,” she said. “I'll cook you dinner tomorrow night.”
“Can you cook?”
“It's my favorite thing.” She slid her hand between his thighs. “Well, almost my favorite.”
“Woman, you're wearing me out. I'm not as young as I used to be.”
“Wait till I get you home,” she said softly. “I may never let you leave.”
“I may never want to leave.”
Their eyes met and held. He found himself aroused again as she stroked his cock.
“I'll be back in a minute.” She got out of bed and ran into the bathroom.
She returned wearing a garter belt, black stockings, four-inch heels, and nothing else.
Her voice was a throaty whisper. “I thought you might need some inspiration.”
His cock leapt with masculine appreciation as she walked around the room. “You look so damn hot.”
She giggled. “The captain liked it too.”
“The captain?”
“Sorry, that just slipped out.” Her face colored with embarrassment. “Never mind.”
“Captain who?”
“It doesn't matter. Just someone I know.”
“Tell me.”
“Well, his name is Sean Merrick.”
“Oh no. Fuck no.” Ian sat up quickly and the room seemed to spin out of control. “The bastard had you too! Not you.”
“What bastard?” Fiona's eyes widened as she stared at him.
“Is there anyone he ha
sn't slept with? God damn it!”
“What are you talking about?”
Ian reached for his slacks. “I'm sick of trading women with Sean fucking Merrick.”
She stared at him in confusion. “What do you have against Captain Merrick?”
“I can't talk about it now or I'll put my fist through the wall.”
“He's a nice man,” she said. “His wife died.”
“I've got to get out of here.” He pulled on his slacks and looked around for his shirt and shoes.
Her voice was a pained whisper. “Did I do something to make you angry?”
He could barely look at her.
“I'll see you on the plane,” he said. “I just need time to think.”
“Ian,” she whispered.
But he was already gone.
Chapter 17
Brian's cell phone rang and he reached for it. “Yes?”
“Mr. Stavros has a change of plans.” The voice on the phone belonged to Albert Kruger, Stavros' second in command.
Brian was instantly alert. “What is it?”
“Is this a secure line?”
“Of course.”
“First tell me about the men on your team. Where are they from, and why are they doing this?”
“My men are from around the globe,” Brian said slowly. “Some of them are in this for the glory and adventure, some because they hate the United States government, and a few actually believe they'll receive a reward in the afterlife for their brave deed.”
“But not you.”
“I'm a pragmatist.”
“Is your team averse to physical pleasure?”
“Let's just say they're fanatical in their single-minded beliefs, but they haven't lost their taste for the finer things in life.”
“A delightful contradiction.”
“You could say that. Now about this change of plan.”
“Mr. Stavros feels your men should have one last night of indulgence before they sacrifice their lives to the cause. This will help them relax so they can do a better job before they're dispatched to heaven.”
Brian nodded. “I suppose one last night of revelry wouldn't be a bad thing.”
“I'm glad you agree because Mr. Stavros' wishes must be obeyed.”
“What does he have in mind?”
“He wants to host a small party.”
Hostages of Love (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 8
