by L.H. Cosway
“Dashingly handsome? I know, it’s such a burden.”
She scowled at me playfully, crossed her arms over her chest, and leaned back against the headboard. “I was going to say big-headed.”
“Well, that’s also true.” I waggled my eyebrows at her. Seriously, there was no way she was going to win with me today. I poured her some tea, set it on the dresser beside her, then filled a plate with sausage and eggs. She brought the teacup to her mouth, taking a sip as she watched me climb onto the bed with the plate in hand. Yes, I was going there, and there was nothing she could do to stop me.
“Um, I can come over; you don’t have to….”
Silencing her with a look, up on my knees I straddled her thighs and sat, digging the fork into a piece of sausage and bringing it to her mouth. Her eyes traveled from the fork to the sausage to me in blatant disbelief. She seemed to have a moment of indecision before she finally leaned forward to take a bite.
Playfully, I withdrew the fork. “First, take the T-shirt off.”
I saw her throat bob as she swallowed. “I don’t see why that’s necessary.”
“You don’t make the rules. Take it off.”
“Ronan....”
I put the plate down, braced my hands firmly on either side of her head, and bent down so my mouth was a whisper away from hers. “Take. It. Off.”
Her lip quivered, and I saw the surrender in her eyes when her hands went to the hem of the T-shirt and lifted. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy her defiance. I liked a little bit of a fight before the inevitable surrender. And if Annie’s expression was anything to go by, she was enjoying this just as much as I was. Her pupils were dilated as fuck.
The shirt was gone a moment later, her peachy pale skin and lush breasts hugged perfectly by the black lacy bra she was wearing. I picked the plate back up and lifted the fork to her mouth again. This time I let her have the sausage. I didn’t even really know where all this had come from, but I did know that I derived a strange sort of pleasure from watching her eat. I guessed it made sense when I thought about it. I was a kinky fucker, simple as that.
I watched her chew and swallow with the same amount of rapt attention I’d give to her hand between her legs bringing herself to orgasm for me.
With the plate between us on the bed, I continued to feed her with one hand while the other traced the curve of her breasts. I could see through the thin fabric of her bra that her nipples were rock hard, and when I pinched one, it elicited a strangled sound of pleasure from deep in her throat.
“You are pure pornography, Annie Catrel,” I said, my voice low and husky. “Do you know that? Do you know how much every single thing you do tortures me?”
“Oh, God,” she moaned.
Moving the plate aside, I ran my knuckles down her stomach until I reached the hem of her underwear. The material was light and flimsy, and she sighed when I began rolling it down her thighs. She wanted this, too. This was my first time seeing her properly, stark sunlight streaming through the windows, and she was absolutely exquisite. I had to take a steadying breath in order to continue.
She grew rigid as I moved my body down the bed so my face was between her legs. I rubbed the inside of her thigh tenderly.
“Relax,” I whispered, bringing my mouth to her wetness, and then licked.
“Ahhh,” she cried out, clutching a handful of my hair. I chuckled and went at her in earnest. She was so soft and silky beneath my tongue. I met her gaze from below and came up for air, ordering, “Bra off.”
She didn’t even hesitate this time, reaching around to undo the clasp and revealing her perfectly full breasts tipped with tight, pink nipples to my greedy eyes. I saw her fist the sheets in her hands, her hips rising up off the bed when I sucked her clit into my mouth and flicked it with my tongue. I added some fingers to the equation, savoring the hot, tight feel of her.
“Please,” she murmured. “More.”
So I gave her more. I gave her everything. Before I knew it, she was touching her breasts, pinching her nipples as I devoured her, and I swear I could have come from the sight. She was simply glorious. When she came, it was with the most beautiful sounds I’d ever heard, all quick, shallow breaths and sweet little sighs. I couldn’t hold back any longer, my balls drawing tight as I emptied myself onto the bed sheets.
Chest heaving, Annie looked down at me, her eyes full of such tenderness and affection that I felt breathless for a moment. She seemed curious.
“Did you….”
“Yeah, you’re just too sexy,” I replied with a wink and a ragged breath. I had only woken up, and already I was exhausted but in the best way possible. She giggled and stroked my hair away from my face as I rested my head against her thigh.
“What are we doing here, Ronan?” she asked, still stroking. Despite her question, her voice was lazy with post-orgasm chill.
The smile I gave her was devilish. “I’m enjoying you, Annie. And you’re enjoying me enjoying you.”
“And when we go home?”
I nuzzled her thigh and felt her shiver. “You forget, I am home. And you know, I’m kind of considering not letting you go now.”
“I have to go back,” she said past a sigh.
“Yeah, I know. And I’ll be going with you. And when we get there, we can enjoy each other some more. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll feed you some more sausage, because we both know how much you like that.”
Her lips twitched as she said, “You know, it doesn’t always have to be sausage….”
Her sassy response caused an unexpected burst of laughter as I lifted myself up off the bed and went to the breakfast trolley. All this talk of food was making me hungry. Everything was either greasy and fried or loaded with refined sugars.
“Ah, fuck it,” I said and picked up a Danish, taking a big bite.
Annie’s eyes glittered as she watched me. “So good, right?”
“Too good,” I replied then pointed the Danish at her. “Not as good as you, though.”
She blushed. “Ronan.”
“Annie,” I said, mimicking her scandalized tone. “I’ve just had my mouth on your vagina. All embarrassment is no longer allowed.”
She glanced at me from beneath her lashes. “Okay.”
“Good. Now, on to the next item on today’s agenda. Bath or shower?”
“Um….”
“I’m thinking a shower,” I teased. “Sure I’ve already seen you in the bath—which, by the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you about. What in the world were you doing in there with all those bubbles and nothing but your hand?” My chuckle was devious. And then, if I ever had any doubts that I loved this woman, her next words blew them all to shards.
“Thinking of you,” she whispered bravely. I almost dropped the Danish. She glanced to the side and continued talking. “I’m kind of obsessed with your body. I mean, it’s easy for most women to be sexy. They were born with boobs and bottoms, and that’s what men like. But men have to work for what women like. That ‘V’ thing and the six-pack and, man, those thighs. You have to kill yourself with exercise and eating right to look like you do. I respect the hell out of that. And well, the least I can do is pay you the compliment of looking after all your hard work.”
She gave me a wicked little smile, and I was done for. She was literally holding my heart in her hands, warming it with her honesty and her openness. I strode toward the bed, and she squealed when I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder.
“For that little speech, love, you get a bonus orgasm.”
Chapter Eighteen
@Pixiefacecarla: Saw @RonanFitz out and about today. He looked at me for a second and now I think I’m pregnant. #swoon #sexybastard #icandiehappy
@RonanFitz: @Pixiefacecarla Fairly sure that was @Tomsouthernchef. He’s a notorious eye impregnator. Bet you a tenner the baby comes out ginger.
@Tomsouthernchef: @RonanFitz Jealous of my superpower?
*Ronan*
“You, me, and a couple
of the lads for a game down at Old Wesley, what you do say, Fitzy?” Bryan asked through the phone. I’d put him on loudspeaker. “My brother and his mates play there. They’d sell their grannies for a chance to meet you. Come on. It’ll be fun.”
I’d just finished up in the shower with Annie and hadn’t wanted to leave the hotel suite for the rest of the day. Now Bryan was nagging me to go and play a match with a bunch of pimply teenagers. I knew which option was more appealing, but I felt bad saying no. I glanced at Annie, who was standing by the window toweling her hair dry. She gave me an enthusiastic smile and a thumbs-up to show she thought it was a good idea.
“Is Cassidy going to be there?” I asked.
“Ah, shit, probably. He’s not an intentional fuckwit. He was just raised that way. You know what his family’s like. Just ignore him if he shows up.”
“It’s difficult to ignore a cock when there’s a cock in your face, Bryan.”
“Can we leave the cocks out of it? I’ve just eaten breakfast,” he said, chuckling, and I gave in. In all honesty, I missed the boys. It’d be nice to play a game, get back to what I enjoyed for a while.
“Fine. I’ll be there. See you later.”
“Later,” said Bryan before hanging up.
“So, it looks like I’m playing a match today,” I said, looking to Annie. She was all wrapped up in a bathrobe, and the sight was a serious test to my willpower. “You don’t have to come. You could stay here and enjoy some more spa treatments if you like.”
“No, no,” she said fervently. “I’d seriously love to come see you play.”
I smiled. “That’s what I like to hear. Listen, I have a few things to take care of first. I’ll be back in an hour, and then we’ll head out.” She nodded and continued toweling her hair. I loved how she looked right then, so fresh and clean and pretty. Walking over to her, I took her chin in my hand and tilted her head so that I could kiss her. “You are distractingly beautiful, do you know that?”
Her only reply was a sweet little smile.
“Okay,” I said, backing away. “I’m going to go now. Otherwise, I’ll never leave.”
She laughed, and I threw on some clothes before heading out. I was in between living arrangements, so I didn’t actually have a permanent address. Brona and I had been renting an apartment together, but after things blew up with her, I had all my stuff moved to Ma’s. Well, technically it was my house since I’d bought the place for her. Anyway, it was where I was keeping my cars, and I wanted to go pick one up. Being such an avid driver, it killed me to have to take taxis everywhere.
I knew Ma and Lucy were back from New York because I’d gotten a text from Lucy last night. Ma was still licking her wounds; and I didn’t have time for a confrontation, so I hoped she’d be out. I didn’t get my wish, and as soon as I slotted my key in the door, I heard her footsteps coming down the stairs.
“Ronan,” she said as she took me in. “You look good. How was the ceremony last night?” There was a hesitancy in her voice.
“It went well. Annie and I both had a great time.”
She frowned and pursed her lips when I said Annie’s name, and I let out a long, irritable sigh. I really wasn’t in the mood for this.
“Yes, well, that’s good to hear. Though I can’t understand why you’re staying in a hotel. You’re my son, and I have more than enough room to put you up here.”
I arched a brow. “Oh, yeah, because that would be a barrel of fun. I’m sure Annie would just love having to deal with your digging into her every chance you got.”
“I told you I wanted to apologize!” she exclaimed.
I was cynical. “Do you, though? Do you really want to apologize, or is it simply a case of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer?”
Her voice grew heavy with emotion. “Is that how you think of me? You think I’m some sour, calculating bitch? Sometimes parents have to make hard decisions when it comes to their children, and believe me, I have always had your best interests at heart. I just don’t want to see you being taken advantage of by another cheating, money-hungry gold-digger. It broke my heart to see how you were after Brona.”
My entire body sagged as I went to sit down on a step. After a moment she came and sat beside me, and I could tell from the silent way she was wiping at her eyes that she was crying. I didn’t think these were stage tears, either. She was genuinely upset. And she genuinely thought I was going to get taken for a fool again. I had to explain to her that Annie was a million miles away from Brona.
“Remember how you used to tell me about the Fitzpatricks and how after Dad died they tried to take me and Lucy from you? They wanted to pay you off to disappear and never see us again, and if you didn’t take the money, they’d completely disown us and never acknowledge either of us as their grandchildren.”
I looked down to see her face etched in sadness at the memory. “Yes.”
“And what did you say to them?”
A hint of a smile returned to her face. “I told them to go shove their money up their arses. That I’d never allow anyone to separate me from my children. That I’d raise you and Lucy better than they ever could, even though I hadn’t a penny to my name.”
I put my arm around her shoulder. “I was always so proud of you when you told that story to Lucy and me. You were a lioness protecting her cubs, and it gave me a sense of complete belonging to know my parent loved me so much she’d live with nothing in order to keep me. Now, imagine if you hadn’t loved us like you do. Imagine if you’d taken that money and abandoned us, two little kids all on their own in the world.”
She shuddered. “It doesn’t even bear thinking about.”
“No, it doesn’t,” I said. “And that’s exactly what happened to Annie. Her mother left her on the steps of a fire station when she was six years old and was never seen again. All through her childhood she was in and out of foster homes. Just like Lucy and I might’ve been, Annie was alone in the world, only it was worse because she didn’t even have rich grandparents. She had no one, which makes it even more amazing how she’s transformed her life. She has a career, a top-class education, and a home; and, believe it or not, the woman doesn’t need a penny from me. She’s got more than enough money of her own.”
Ma stared at me, her eyes wet, and brought her hand to her mouth. In that moment, I knew I’d broken through to her. She was thinking of Annie; she was thinking of her as the little girl with no one rather than the money-hungry gold-digger she’d imagined her to be.
“God, that poor girl,” she whispered, and I reached over to wipe away a few of her tears. She swallowed and focused on me. “I’m so sorry, Ronan. This life, you know, it’s made me hard. I haven’t been the…kindest mother—to you or to Luce—I’ve had to be that way to protect you. And ever since Brona almost destroyed your career, I’ve been on the defensive, looking out for anyone who might try to take advantage of you again.”
I took her hands in mine and looked her in the eyes. “I know, and I love you for it; but you have nothing to fear with Annie. I learned my lesson with Brona, and I made a promise to myself not to put my trust in a woman again. But then Annie came along and turned my world upside down. I knew deep in my heart that I could trust her.” A long silence ensued before I added, “I’d like you to get to know her. Give her a chance. I promise, once you do, you’ll see exactly what I see.”
She shook her head sadly, “The things I said to her. God, Ronan, even if I do give her a chance, I’m not sure she’ll want to give me one.”
“She will,” I said soothingly. “Just give it time.”
***
When I finally opened the garage and was greeted by the sight of my lovingly restored 1970 red Dodge Charger, I felt like Odysseus arriving home to Ithaca after twenty years of struggle. I ran my hand over the hood, my body humming with the need to get behind the wheel. I grabbed some training gear from the house and then hopped in the car. And okay, maybe I was a little late getting back to the hotel because I
took the scenic route. I needed some alone time with my baby.
Fuck, that drive was almost sexual. Driving in New York had been fun, but coming home just felt right. When I finally made it back to the suite, I found Annie sitting on the bed, her laptop open in front of her and a look of consternation on her face. She was so absorbed by what she was doing that she didn’t hear me come in. I stood in the doorway for a minute, soaking up the sight of her long hair hanging over one shoulder, the figure-hugging cream blouse she wore, and the long vintage-looking purple skirt that swept attractively over her thighs.
“Hey,” I said, throwing my keys up into the air and catching them. “You almost ready to go, love?”
Her eyes shot to me, and for a brief moment she looked like a deer caught in the headlights. I watched her swallow, scratch her wrist, and then straighten out her blouse before it hit me. The email I sent last night. She’d been reading it. She knew.
I swear I could feel my heart trying to pound its way out of my chest.
Now I was the one who felt like a deer caught in the headlights. Every feeling of doubt and insecurity I’d ever had flooded me all at once. Love me back, I begged. Please, if there’s any mercy in the world, make her love me back.
I cleared my throat and nodded to the laptop. I hardly even recognized my own voice when I spoke. “Anything interesting?”
She looked away and shut the computer down. “Oh, just the usual work stuff.”
She sounded shaky. I stood there, frozen, not knowing what to say or how to act. Then she got off the bed and walked toward me with some kind of determination.
She’s going to pull away, I thought. She’s going to run again, make up some excuse to leave and get a flight home early. And the scary thing was that I wasn’t sure I could let her go. I’d kneel at her feet and beg her to stay because I belonged to this woman heart and soul, and I needed her to belong to me, too. When she was less than a foot away from me, she stopped. Her big, bottomless eyes never left mine, both of us asking silent questions but receiving no answers.
