“Fuck, Sienna, I’m coming!” he growled as he filled my mouth. The warm, slightly salty liquid slid down with ease as I quickly swallowed, milking him for more. He gazed down at me as he attempted to even his breathing. Rising to my feet, I checked myself for evidence. I heard him chuckle behind me.
“Your mouth has the potential to make a man fall in love,” he said softly, kissing my neck. I smiled and turned to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Is that so?” I asked. He nodded and kissed me, which was surprising. He raised an eyebrow at my reaction.
“What? I can’t kiss you now?” he joked.
I shrugged. “It’s just not something I’m used to. My ex would never kiss me if I went down on him.”
“I kiss you after I’m done tasting you, so what’s the difference? Speaking of tasting,” he said, licking his lips. I shook my head and straightened my dress.
“We’ll do something tonight. We don’t want to be gone too long or your friends will come looking for you,” I said softly, kissing his lips. His eyes lit up at my statement as he wrapped his arms around me.
“Does this mean that you’re coming home with me?” he asked. I nodded. Julius wasn’t going to be home, so what was the point in being there alone if I had a man who wanted my company? He smiled and caressed my cheek gently, being careful with my bruise.
“And will you stay with me the whole night so that this won’t happen again?” he asked, motioning toward my bruise. I nodded again, looking away. He stepped back and fixed his pants before taking my hand. I stopped and pulled his arm.
“Are you really keeping my panties?” I asked, a bit horrified at the thought of walking around in public without them. He grinned and winked at me.
“Yes. They’re no longer yours; they’re a part of my collection,” he said, pulling me behind him. He quietly opened the door and looked out into the hallway before motioning me to follow. When we safely returned back to the main area, it was time to get to work.
It was heartwarming to see how grateful everyone was to receive a hot, delicious meal. They thanked Zane continuously, praising him for his cooking skills and wonderful heart. I glanced up at him and smiled. It was hard to believe that this man was mine. The realization put a tight grip around my heart when I realized that soon he wouldn’t be. I would have to tell him the truth eventually if I ever wanted to be serious with him. I could only pray that he would accept the real me.
Once everyone was served, I took a bowl of soup to the table while Zane had a plate of spaghetti and garlic bread. “So tell me, Sienna. Where’s your family? You haven’t mentioned them once,” he said, taking a forkful of spaghetti into his mouth. I spooned the soup in front of me as I thought. I had to plan this out carefully. If I told him that they existed, he would want to meet them. That left me with only one choice.
“Yeah … it’s a sore subject. They both passed away a few years ago in a plane crash,” I said softly, praying that God would forgive me for such a horrible lie. Zane’s eyes softened as he reached over the table and caressed the top of my hand.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“No, it’s fine. You didn’t know,” I said, hoping we could change the subject. He was silent for a few moments as he thought of something else to say.
“Well, do you have any siblings?” he asked. I shook my head.
“I was an only child. The only person I really have is my best friend Gia, the one who was at the club with me that night,” I said, leaning back into my chair. Zane noticed that I hadn’t touched my soup and frowned.
“Is something wrong with it?” he asked, nodding toward my bowl. I quickly shook my head and gave him a reassuring smile.
“No, nothing’s wrong. I’m just not as hungry as I thought I was,” I said. When I saw his facial expression change to guilt, I quickly added, “You know, because I’m full off of something else.”
He licked his lips and smirked at me without a word. The lustful gleam in his eyes made me wonder if he was considering taking me in front of everyone. I cleared my throat and turned my attention to the other people in the room, realizing that some of them were standing in line to receive seconds. The children were bouncing up and down in line, excitedly pointing to everything they wanted on their plate.
“They seem to love you here,” I acknowledged, taking a sip of my sweet tea. He nodded.
“There are a few people who were here when I was. I always told them that one day, I would own a big restaurant, and I would cook for them for free. They didn’t believe me then, but it’s amazing how things can change over time,” he said softly, distracted by his own thoughts.
I looked back at the line of people. It was hard to imagine the strong, sexy, well-dressed man sitting across from me in rags and standing in line waiting for his next meal.
“Why were you homeless in the first place?” I asked, looking at him curiously.
“When my family moved here from Georgia, I started running with the wrong crowd. My gang activity was causing chaos in my household. I was always fighting with my dad, the stress I caused made my mother sick, and when a rival gang shot at our house one night, it was the final straw for my dad. He kicked me out and told me not to come back until I got myself together. I was here for almost a month before a fellow gang member took me in, but I was nearly killed when I was with him when someone retaliated against him for something he had done in the past. I think that near-death experience made me rethink the life that I was choosing for myself. I know if I had a son, I wouldn’t want that for him. In fact, I wouldn’t want that life for anyone,” he explained with a sigh.
I felt a bit guilty listening to his story. Here I was complaining about having my life controlled by my parents who really just cared too much, while this man struggled with daily demons and fought hard to get to where he was. He was opening up to me and telling the truth about everything while I couldn’t even tell him my real name.
“Does that scare you?” he asked suddenly. I blinked, confused by his question.
“Why would it scare me?”
“Your expression changed when I told you.”
“Oh, no. I was just thinking that you’ve been through a lot. You’re doing really well for yourself now. You should be proud.”
“I am. Once I accomplish one more life task, I think it’ll will be complete,” he said, taking a sip of his drink. I tilted my head in curiosity. Everything that he did amazed me and made me more and more curious about him. If he was able to turn his life around, I could only imagine what his next life task could be.
“What would that be? Expanding your catering company from coast to coast?” I joked, sipping my tea through the straw. Leaning forward, he gazed into my eyes, his face expressionless.
“That would be a business task I could attempt to complete now if I wanted to. But I need to find the perfect woman and make her my wife,” he said, his gaze never wavering.
I paused mid-sip and stared at him. I hope he wasn’t implying what I thought he was. There was no way that could happen between us. As much as I wished that he could be my forever, I had a strong feeling that my lies were going to destroy any thought of that. He inhaled deeply and grabbed my hand, caressing the top of it with his thumb.
“And I pray to God that when I lift my bride’s veil, it’s your face that I see behind it,” he said softly. I swallowed my tea and coughed. He was serious. There wasn’t a smirk, grin, or smile present on his face when he spoke those words. He meant everything he said.
Not knowing what to say, I gave him a small smile as I giggled nervously. “Time will tell, won’t it?” I said, downing the rest of my tea as my anxiety rose. He watched me for a few moments before nodding.
“Indeed.”
***
That night at his condo, we spent time talking and watching movies from his vast DVD collection. So many things were churning in my mind to the point that I couldn’t concentrate. Zane noticed that I was distracte
d, and he had to repeat himself often. He turned off the television and pulled me onto his lap.
“Talk to me. What’s on your mind?” he asked. I sighed. There was no point in trying to deny something was wrong. I just knew that I couldn’t talk about it now and risk the rest of my research not being completed.
“What are we doing, Zane? I know I accepted your offer of helping me with the research I need, but this feels like it’s more than just sex.”
“Because it is more than sex, Sienna. I really do like you. I want to claim you as my woman, but if that’s not what you’re ready for, I’ll understand if you want to keep this on research terms only,” he said, brushing a strand of hair from my eyes. If I made this situation a research-only thing, would he turn cold on me and simply dismiss me after sex? I couldn’t risk finding out. I kissed him gently and caressed his cheek.
“It’s way too early to know, but I’m afraid that I’m falling for you sooner than I should. You make me feel things that I haven’t felt in a long time and I just … I’m scared that this won’t end well.”
“Why wouldn’t it? I don’t plan on ever doing anything to hurt you. As long as I keep that beautiful smile on your beautiful face, I know I’m doing my job as your man,” he said, wrapping his arms around me. I bit my lip as I felt tears forming in my eyes. He wouldn’t understand what I meant, but I was sure that he would eventually. We sat in silence for a little while before he nudged me.
“How do you feel about marriage, Sienna? I’m not saying that it’ll happen in the immediate future, but do you see yourself being married?” he asked. I nodded.
“I always dreamed of having a big wedding, but I want it with someone that I actually love, not someone that my parents forced me to be with,” I muttered, immediately realizing my mistake. Zane kissed my forehead and me tighter.
“No offense, baby girl, but your parents are no longer around to make decisions for you. You can marry anyone you want to now, right?”
“Right,” I replied dryly, relieved that my mistake was overlooked, but sad that it wasn’t true. He gently turned my face to his and caressed my cheek.
“It’s been a few weeks since we’ve met, and ever since I first saw you, I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind. The first time I kissed you made me feel as if you were meant for me. The first night I had you made me want to make you mine forever. I’ve never in my life felt like this about a woman, especially this soon. It’s almost like you’re too good to be true. You’re absolutely perfect,” he said murmured.
I blinked back a few tears with one escaping down my cheek as I shook my head. “I’m far from perfect, Zane. We all make mistakes.”
“You’re perfect for me, Sienna. I feel like I have everything I could ever need now that I have you with me,” he smiled, brushing the tear away with his thumb.
Just tell him before it’s too late.
I shook the thought from my head and rearranged myself to straddle his lap. “I want you to be my forever,” I whispered upon his lips. He wrapped his arms tightly around me, causing my breasts to press against his hard chest.
“Baby, I’m here as long as you allow me to be,” he promised before connecting our lips in a passionate kiss. I could feel warm tears slipping down my cheeks as he kissed me, my guilt eating me alive. We weren’t even four sessions into our research, and I was already regretting continuing things as far as I had. I was developing feelings for this man, strong feelings that would become hard to contain if I didn’t put a lid on them.
“Zane, I know you don’t love me just yet, but please make love to me,” I sighed as he kissed my neck. He looked up at me and tsked disapprovingly.
“I don’t like using that term. You can’t make love to someone you’re not in love with. But I can give you mind-blowing sex all night if that’s what you want,” he said, biting my lower lip gently.
I didn’t care what he wanted to call it. As long as he was inside of me and helped me forget everything that was plaguing my heart and mind, even if it was only momentarily, then I needed him to do it. I allowed him to carry me to his room and undress me slowly, kissing me tenderly as each article of clothing came off. Everything was so perfect with him. He was also too good to be true, and I knew that was only because I wasn’t meant to have him, not this way.
My mind went to another place as he kissed and licked all over my body while gently stimulating my clit with his fingers. I wanted him, needed him, and prayed to God that I would find a way to keep him.
He looked at me in shock as I straddled him before settling his hands on my hips.
“You’re just full of surprises today. Are you sure you can handle riding this by yourself?” he joked. I nodded, and I slowly lowered myself onto him, gasping at the fullness I felt as he lifted his hips to meet mine. We moved in a slow rhythm until I adjusted comfortably before I started bucking a little harder and faster. All the negative emotions that I’d been feeling since being with Julius were now on the surface, and I knew it was only a matter of time before the emotions sent me into a bad state of depression.
“Tell me I’m yours,” I panted, digging my nails into his chest as I rode him. He growled and thrust his hips quicker to match my movement.
“You’re all mine, Sienna. This pussy is mine,” he replied through clenched teeth, closing his eyes as he pulled me down harder. The sound of his words pushed me over the edge, causing me to scream and collapse onto his chest as my orgasm ripped through me. He quickly flipped me over and continued stroking me, hitting me so deep that I felt him in my lower stomach. “You’re all mine, baby, all mine,” he whispered in my ear as he pumped furiously into me.
I held on to him tighter as I felt myself already on the verge of another orgasm. “Fuck! Baby, I’m coming!” I screamed, feeling myself release once more as I clung onto him for dear life. He moaned and thrust into me a few more times as my muscles contracted and reached his own climax. I kissed his damp brow as he panted above me. He kissed my collarbone and made his way up to my neck before gently placing kisses along my jawline. He made me feel like the sexy woman that I wanted to be; I felt alive, and I loved it.
All this time that I had been with Julius, I felt as if I were dead, walking among the living. I felt invisible, insecure, and unwanted. Zane made all of those feelings disappear just by looking at me with want and lust in his eyes. He saw me the way I wanted to see myself, and that alone was beautiful.
“You seem to glow after you come,” he joked, kissing me once again before rolling over beside me. I giggled and turned to face him as he put his arm around me.
“I guess that’s what happens after good sex, right?”
“I guess that’s a possibility. How do you feel?”
“I feel … at peace right now,” I admitted, closing my eyes as I laid my head on his chest. He kissed my forehead and held me tighter, giving me the sense of security that I needed while hoping he’d never let me go.
I DEDICATE THIS TO YOU.
I WOKE UP with a gasp the second I felt Zane’s tongue glide between my folds. “Good morning,” he grinned, kissing my clitoris gently before moving up to kiss me on the lips. I smiled as I stretched beneath him.
“Is that how you plan to wake me up from now on?” I asked with a smirk. He let out a low chuckle and shrugged.
“That’s the plan, unless you decide to pull one of your master escape artist tricks again and disappear in the middle of the night,” he joked.
I giggled and playfully pushed him. It felt nice waking up and still being with him. It was even better to know that this was real and not an elaborate dream that was a mere fantasy in my mind. He disappeared for a few moments and came back around the bookcase with a tray of breakfast. I thanked him and kissed him gently before digging into my French toast, sausage, and eggs. A girl could definitely get used to this kind of treatment!
He moved around the bed, pulled an acoustic guitar from its stand, and began tuning it. “I didn’t know you played,” I s
aid, swallowing my last bit of food. With his back to me, he shrugged.
“I’m still learning. I wouldn’t say that I play, more like strum a few chords,” he grinned over his shoulder. I moved the tray away and crawled over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist before gently planting a kiss on his neck.
“Okay, then strum something,” I urged, nodding toward the guitar. He strummed one cord and grinned. I playfully slapped his shoulder and giggled. “More than one chord, you twit,” I stated, resting my chin on his shoulder.
He laughed and repositioned the guitar on his lap. I closed my eyes as he played a series of chords that resembled a lullaby. He appeared to be so focused as he played, his fingers plucking the strings effortlessly. As he finished out the last note, I clapped and shook his shoulders gently. “I definitely can’t tell you don’t know how to play play, you liar,” I teased. He kissed the back of my hand lightly and smiled.
“I’m not as good as I would like to be. This is just something that I do to ease my mind. I wrote that for my sister when she was expecting. I remember how happy she was when I played it at her baby shower. Unfortunately, she had a few complications toward the end of her pregnancy and ended up giving birth to a stillborn. My nephew never got to hear it,” he said, staring out the window in front of him. I kissed his neck gently and hugged him.
“I’m sure he heard it. Babies can hear what’s going on in the world. They react to it by kicking.”
“Well, if he heard it, I hope he liked it,” he said, smiling sadly. I ran my hand across his chest to comfort him. I couldn’t imagine carrying a baby full term only to lose it in the end. I definitely commended his sister for being strong.
The Daring Assignment Page 13
