by Elle Rease
“Aye.”
She contracted around his member, surprised by how easy it was for him to get her back to the brink of an orgasm. Spurred on by his sensual pace, she got closer and closer to that beautiful height, her body preparing for the fall. She breathed deeply, glad that he wasn’t rushing, that he was savoring each thrust, every withdrawal.
“Cum for me, Cin,” he growled, the veins in his neck bulging from his restraint.
She wasn’t surprised that he could make her reach orgasm on command. She just let it happen, deciding not to question it. “Brennan!” she exclaimed, her inner muscles clutching him tightly. The waves of her release were long and intense, just like his lovemaking had been.
“Yes,” he hissed. He threw his head back as his own orgasm claimed him. He maintained his pace to add sensation to his ejaculation, to keep feeling her milk him. “Fuck, Cin. Jesus Christ.”
Gradually, he stopped altogether, though he remained deep in her. Over the weeks that they’d been together, she has learned to adore the feel of his cum inside. He was turning their coupling into such an intimate act, she doubted she’ll ever have it with anyone else again, should they have the misfortune of hitting a reef and ending their relationship.
“Well,” she said brightly, smiling up at him, “I don’t think I’ll be able to take lunch later.”
Brennan burst out laughing. “I would say I’m sorry, but I’d be lying.” He ran a finger over her abs. “When are you coming in for a tattoo?”
“I haven’t thought of anything I want yet.” She glanced at the open spot of skin over his heart. “When’s my name going up?”
“Greedy wench,” he teased. He eased out of her and stretched his torso. “I’ll have to make a plan.”
“I love your tattoos.” She stayed on the floor, too sated to move, while she stared at his body art. “It helps that you’re so damn good in bed.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “I’ve had a lot of practice.” He got to his feet and zipped his pants up. “Come on, Cin. Dad would want to talk to me and you have to get back to work.”
“It’s days like these that I really wish I still wore panties,” she grumbled, getting dressed.
“I’m glad I convinced you not to.” He traced the curve of her ass with his hands. “Nothing sexier than knowing there’s just skin under here.”
The leather took a moment to warm around her backside, reminding her of the beating she’d received. “You’re going to give me a massage when we get home,” she decided.
“I think you deserve one, lass.” He bent to get his belt, giving her a stunning view. “Have you restocked our oil supply?”
“Nope,” she replied, walking to the door. “So, uhm, why aren’t you wearing a shirt?”
“When dad phoned, I saw red. I stormed out of the shop.” He chuckled to himself. “I have a client waiting.”
“I think they got the hint that you’re otherwise occupied.”
“I’ll have to apologize. She’ll be pissed.”
Cinnia glanced over her shoulder as they walked to the office. “She?”
“My client,” he clarified. “She’s got this great design that we’re doing on her inner thighs, so she has to be covered while—”
She halted, furious. “So, let me get this straight. I get a lashing because some other guy simply flirted with me, while you get to play gynecologist?”
“Jesus, Cin, I don’t want to argue with you right now.”
“Tough shit!” She shoved him back. “How do you think that makes me feel, that you’re staring at some stranger’s pussy every day?”
His jaw was clenched. “I’m the only one with the technique to do it, Cin. It’s not like I’m imagining fucking her while I work.”
“I can’t deal with this right now,” she muttered, striding away from him.
“Cinnia, for God’s sake!”
“Leave me alone!”
He swore under his breath before sprinting after her. “You remember that Haye and Dawn are coming over for dinner, right?”
“Don’t worry, everything will be just perfect,” she snapped. “Now, go defend my honor and give Will an ass-whooping. Make your dad proud. And then go back to your client.”
“You better calm down by tonight,” he sighed.
She bit down on the inside of her cheeks before she turned this into a bigger fight than it already was. She marched to her office and slammed the door shut. Then, with a cry of frustration, she headed out again, making a beeline for the bathroom. Her pants were chafing against her drenched core.
She locked the bathroom door and wrenched the leather down to her ankles, grabbing fistfuls of toilet paper to wipe the evidence of her and Brennan’s tryst from her skin. Then she hopped to the basin to wash away the rest, hoping it would take care of the sex-smell, too. Sure, she loved knowing what happened between them, but she wanted to keep their private life private, and be a professional when she’s at work.
Five minutes later, she exited the bathroom and hurried back to her office, horrified to see that she’d wasted an hour with Brennan. There was no way that she’d be able to meet Jemma for lunch so, with a sigh, she picked up the phone and dialed her friend’s number.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Jem,” Cinnia said, twirling the chord around her finger. “Do you have a minute?”
Jemma whistled. “Uh-oh, what’s up?”
“Brennan came over.” A sudden fit of giggles burst from Cinnia and she took a while to calm down. “He literally came over, if you get my meaning.”
“Oh boy, what prompted that?”
“William Abernethy.”
“Shit,” Jemma muttered. “That fucking idiot.”
“Yeah, he was pretty stupid about everything.”
“He’s such a man-whore and hardly ever takes no for an answer.”
Cinnia raised her eyebrows. “Should I be worried about that?”
“Not really, but just watch your back. He likes the thrill of the chase and you’ve spurned him a few times already.”
“Great.” She let out a long breath. “Wait, how do you know this?”
“I hooked up with him a few times before I got with Nixon,” Jemma responded slowly. “It took a few months before Billy got the message.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“So, what’s your session with Brennan got to do with me?”
“I won’t be able to meet you for lunch anymore. He’s taken up my free time for the day.”
Jemma burst out laughing. “I hope it was worth it.”
Cinnia shifted on her seat to feel the burn of her ass’ skin, and smiled contentedly. “Don’t you know it.”
“Good, I’m glad. And don’t worry about canceling: we’ve got a few emergencies at the hospital, so it would’ve been tricky for me to take off, too.”
“You can join us for dinner tonight, if you want. Bring your kids.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, I’d like for you to be there.”
“Thanks, Cin,” Jemma said, a smile in her voice. “What time?”
“Be there around seven, if you can.”
“You’ve got it!”
“Bye,” Cinnia greeted as she hung up. She was just about to get back to work when there was a knock on her door. She looked up and sighed heavily. “Fuck off, Will.”
He touched his swollen eye and flinched. “I just wanted to apologize, Cinnia. You’re Brennan’s old lady.”
She pointed to her patch again. “I tried to warn you.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ll see if I can forgive that.” He nodded and she narrowed her eyes. “Was there something else? What are you doing here, anyway?”
“Just some business discussions with Reade and Brennan. I’ll be out of your hair by the end of the week.” William smiled wryly. “I’m sure you’ll be relieved once that happens.”
Cinnia sat back in her chair, allowing herself to feel powerful and comfortable in her pos
ition in the club. “If you make it difficult for any of the Raptors ladies or the one’s in town, you’ll be hearing from me.” She gave his crotch a meaningful glance. “Next time, I’ll use a wrench.”
He swallowed with difficulty and inclined his head. “Sure thing, Cin. See you around.”
Finally, she was left alone. After everything that’s occurred in the past hour, she had a massive headache. She took two pills, gulped down a bottle of water, stretched her arms and attacked the Raptors’ books with vigor.
No one could accuse her of being a coward.
Chapter Nine
“Reade, I’m heading home,” Cinnia informed her boss, standing at his door.
He looked up from his paperwork and smiled. “Aye, lass. See ye tomorrow.”
Chewing on her bottom lip, she decided to get it over and done with. “Before I go,” she said, walking over to a chair and plopping down on it, “I want to ask you something.”
“What’s the matter, lass?” Reade asked with raised eyebrows.
“Nothing’s wrong, per se,” she assured him. She fidgeted with her hands, wondering if this conversation will be shared with Brennan at a later stage. “Is the whole territorial thing a Drummond family tradition?”
He chuckled. “Is tha’ what this is about?”
“I don’t mind it. I’m just… Did Brennan pick it up from you, or is it something that developed all by itself?”
“Monkey see, monkey do,” Reade laughed. He stared at her fondly and cleared his throat. “What ye’ve forgotten about the Scots, lass, is tha’ we fight for an’ protect what’s ours. It’s in our nature. Tha’ being said, we Drummonds take it a wee bit more seriously. Mysie is ma woman an’ everyone best remember tha’. Brennan grew up learnin’ the same values.” He eyed her curiously. “Is it a problem for ye, lass?”
She shook her head firmly. “No, not at all. I was wondering where he got it from, is all.”
“If he does anythin’ tha’ makes ye uncomfortable, ye better tell me, lass. Ah won’t have my lad doin’ somethin’ against a woman’s will.”
“Reade, Brennan’s perfect.” The corners of her mouth tilted up. “I wouldn’t have him any other way.”
“Tha’s good tae know. He’s loved ye for a very, very long time.”
“I’m a lucky girl.” She got to her feet. “Are you ready for dinner tomorrow night?”
“Ah’ll show up at the right time,” he replied with a laugh, “Mysie’s got the rest covered.”
She smiled. “Thanks for the chat, Reade.”
“Anytime, lass. G’night.”
Cinnia headed outside to her Harley, happy that the day was over. Her ass still burned from Brennan’s belt, but it was tolerable now and, oddly, enjoyable. Sure, she wouldn’t want to receive a lashing every day, yet it felt good at the moment.
She rode home and parked in the driveway, frowning when she saw Brennan’s Blackline was already there. She hung her helmet on the handlebars and walked into the house to get the SUV’s keys, since she needed to head to the shops for a few last items before dinner.
“Can we talk?”
She jumped in fright, closed her eyes and breathed deeply. “Do you always have to sneak up on me?” she asked, locating him at the top of the stairs.
Brennan raked his fingers through his hair and shuffled over to her. “Sorry.”
“Is something wrong?” she asked, worried by his sullen tone.
He sat down on the stairs and rested his elbows on his knees. “I thought about what you said today, about me playing ‘gynecologist’.”
“Brennan, I didn’t—”
“No, Cin.” He made eye-contact. “You’re right.”
She waited for the punch line, which never came. “I beg your pardon?”
“I can’t expect you to take me seriously if I’m doing the very things that piss me off. I’m a hypocrite.” He laughed dryly. “And I was lying when I said I’m the only one with the technique. I’ve got brilliant co-workers.”
“Brennan, I don’t understand,” she said slowly, clutching the hand railing for support. “Why did you lie to me?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, Cin.” His light blue eyes were intense as they stayed on hers. “I’ve never been in a relationship with anyone but you. I’ve always wanted you but, strange as it may seem, I didn’t know what it would mean to be with you.” He inhaled sharply. “I realized today that I’m still on this power trip of getting you to give in, to submit in every way, because you hurt me when you left.”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Brennan, what are you saying?”
“I love you more than life itself, Cinnia. Nothing made sense with you gone, so I did everything in my power to get you back. Now, you’re here, but I’m punishing you for leaving me in the first place. Today was the first time I saw that I’m supposed to give up a few things I’ve grown used to, as well. That we’re in a partnership, which means both of us have to give equal amounts.”
“What, and you’re not willing to do that?” she asked shakily, taking a step back.
Brennan seemed confused, before his expression became knowing. “Shit, I’m going about this the wrong way,” he muttered. He jumped up and took her face in his hands. “That’s not at all what this is about, Cinnia. What I’m trying to say is: I can’t expect you to give up so many things if I don’t do the same. I don’t have any prior experience in relationships, so it might take me a while to get the picture, but I promise that I’ll get there eventually.” He quirked a smile. “So, after I’m done with this particular client’s tattoo, I won’t be doing inappropriately placed ones again, at least not on women. Can you live with that?”
Her brain was struggling to keep up, yet her heart felt an overwhelming sense of relief. “Really?” she croaked.
“Really,” he confirmed.
“Wow, Brennan.” She stood on tiptoes and kissed him softly. “Did I just win an argument?”
He chuckled and gave her a tight hug. “You’re the only one I’ll allow to win.”
“Softie,” she teased.
“Your softie, yeah.” He pulled back and tucked her black hair behind her ears. “Where are you off to?”
“I have a few ingredients to buy before dinner.” She checked her watch and swore. “I’m already running late.”
“Give me the list and I’ll go get them,” he suggested, holding his hand out for the keys. “You can get started.”
“You must be really desperate to make things up to me,” she teased. She dug in her satchel for her notepad and scribbled a few items on it, tearing the page off and giving it to him along with the keys. “Oh, and don’t forget oil.”
His gaze darkened. “Believe me, I won’t.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead and grabbed his cut from the hook behind the door. “See you in a bit, lass.”
She stood rooted to the spot for a while, taken aback by what had just occurred. Frankly, she’d thought that he would make her apologize for snapping at him earlier. Anything that didn’t involve that scenario baffled her.
“Oh well,” she muttered. She went to the kitchen and washed her hands, dumping her satchel on the counter. It’s not like Brennan ever reacts the way I expect.
She got dinner started and left it to simmer on the stove, rushing upstairs to take a shower. Her guests were scheduled to arrive in half an hour, and she still felt sticky from Brennan’s interlude at the office. She stepped under the warm spray and sighed happily, staying like that for a moment.
The door opened behind her. “I put the groceries in the kitchen,” Brennan informed her. “Thought we could be economical and get clean together.”
She giggled. “We take twice as long when we shower together.”
“But it feels good,” he murmured, pulling her into his embrace. His chest was hot on her back. He stroked her ass softly. “How are you feeling?”
“Really good.” She rested her head on his shoulder. His hands stroked over her belly and, fo
r a moment, she forgot about her hosting responsibilities for the evening. Then she sighed. “We don’t have time for any kinky business, Bren.”
“I know.” He reached for the shower gel and sponge. “I’ll only clean you, don’t worry.”
“Do you really feel that bad about the tattoo-thing?”
“Don’t pretend as if I’ve never served you before.”
She sighed happily, loving the way he was soaping her up. “That’s true. You do most of the work.”
“I like it.”
“I’m glad.”
She allowed him to wash her hair, which was a whole new experience for them both. Then, to return the favor, she cleaned him from head to toe, too. She left him to rinse the soap suds away, getting dressed in jeans and a tank top. She braided her damp hair, swiped her lashes with mascara and shoved her feet into sandals.
“That’ll have to do,” she mumbled at her reflection, rushing to the kitchen to check on the food. Luckily, nothing had burned during her absence. She quickly added the ingredients Brennan had bought and smiled at the five bottles of scented body oil.
They were going to have fun tonight.
“Where do you want to eat?” he asked, joining her in the kitchen.
“Hmm, I think we should do it on the patio.”
He raised his eyebrows, happy when she laughed at the double meaning he’d heard in her reply. “How many places must I set up?”
“Shit, I forgot to tell you that Jemma’s joining us.” She shrugged at his questioning look. “Thanks to you, I couldn’t go to lunch with her, so I had to compromise.”
“Fair enough. That makes it… five adults, two kids?”
“Sexy and smart,” she joked.
“Careful, or you’ll be over my knee again.”
She shook her ass at him. “I think I’ll like that.”
“Oh, so will I,” he murmured, giving her a hot look before leaving the room.
Cinnia giggled to herself, wondering when she’d acquired this spanking fetish, while she finished with dinner. She got out a couple of bottles of wine, in case any of the grown-ups wanted it. Then, just as she switched the oven and stove off, there was a knock on the door.
“I’ll get it!” she yelled, going to the front door. She opened and smiled at Jemma. “You’re early!”
