Lace and Paint (True Colors Book 1)

by Ally Sky

Ben Storm: Oh

  Talia Blum: Great. Well, good night.

  Ben Storm: Why are you so cross with me?

  Talia Blum: I don’t want to talk about it.

  Ben Storm: So you’re not okay like you said you were. I knew it.

  Talia Blum: I’m fine, thank you. You’re the one who isn’t.

  Ben Storm: Maybe explain to me what I did?

  Talia Blum: Are you serious?

  Ben Storm: Absolutely.

  Talia Blum: Do you not know what you did? Do you know what it was like to sit in front of you and eat? Do you have any idea? Not to mention all the things that you’re hiding from me…

  Ben Storm: I’m sorry I made you feel like that and I’m not so sure I know what you’re talking about. I’m not hiding anything from you.

  He doesn’t tell me anything either, at least not what I want him to.

  Talia Blum: Right.

  Ben Storm: Talia, seriously. Is there something you want to ask me?

  I can’t ask him. It’s not supposed to be of interest to me. He was very clear about what he wants.

  Talia Blum: I don’t want to have to ask you. I want you to voluntarily tell me. Actually, I’m not even sure I want you to tell me anything. I don’t even know if I want to speak to you at all.

  Ben Storm: I’m sorry you feel that way.

  Talia Blum: Well that’s the way I feel.

  Ben Storm: So maybe it’s time to say good night.

  Talia Blum: Maybe.

  Ben Storm: Go to sleep. You probably need it after all that crying.

  Talia Blum: Why are you so sure I cried? Maybe I calmed down the minute you weren’t in my face?

  Ben Storm: Maybe.

  Talia Blum: Anyway, you give yourself too much credit…

  Ben Storm: I wasn’t aware I was doing that.

  Talia Blum: Well you do. You’re just some guy I kissed, so relax.

  Ben Storm: I’m completely relaxed. You, on the other hand, I’m not so sure

  Talia Blum: None of the smileys in the world will help you. I’m still mad at you.

  Ben Storm: It’ll pass by morning.

  Talia Blum: You wish.

  Ben Storm: I’ve already figured out how things work with you. Your kettle boils very fast and cools down even faster.

  What?

  Talia Blum: Not this time.

  Ben Storm: Whatever.

  Talia Blum: Are you trying to piss me off again?

  Ben Storm: Am I succeeding?

  Talia Blum: Immensely.

  Ben Storm: Great, you’re cute when you’re mad.

  I need to remember that I’m supposed to be outraged, and not melt every time he throws me a bone.

  Talia Blum: Ugh!

  Ben Storm: Cutie…

  Talia Blum: Go away!

  Ben Storm: You can say whatever you want, but you’re crazy about me.

  Talia Blum: Not at all.

  Ben Storm: Go to sleep. You have work tomorrow, and your boss is giving you an order.

  Talia Blum: As if I would listen to you.

  Ben Storm: Talia, go to sleep. We’ll speak in the morning, once you’ve calmed down.

  Talia Blum: If I feel like talking to you at all.

  Ben Storm: Good night, Talia.

  Talia Blum: To you, too.

  He’s the first to log out. It’s a quarter to twelve. I’m lying in bed and obviously can’t fall asleep. I can’t understand my mood. I’m confused. What does this guy do to me? What’s his fucking game? Does he want me? Does he not want me? Is it because of Danny? Is it because of Jenny? And what do I even want from him?

  Twenty minutes past midnight. I’m still awake, lying with my eyes closed, unable to stop thinking about his muscular arms stroking me. I just want him, next to me, on top of me, inside of me. Even after this frustrating evening, I can’t get him out of my head.

  I can’t think clearly, but there’s one thing I know—I want to see him.

  I get out of bed, slip my feet into my flats, grab my bag with my keys, and throw my phone into it.

  He can tell me to leave. He can tell me to get out of his life. I don’t care. I just want to see him now.

  I walk swiftly down the empty pavement, It’s only two streets away. I hope I have the correct address. It will be really embarrassing if I don’t.

  I stand in front of a large white wooden door, shaking.

  He’s probably sleeping.

  Knock already!

  I knock loudly, twice. If he’s sleeping, he’d better hear them.

  I wait. Maybe I should knock again.

  The key turns, and the door opens, surprised, green eyes stare at me. I don’t know if I woke him. He’s standing there shirtless, in dark jeans and barefoot, and I can hardly breathe.

  God, he looks so good. His chest is smooth and muscular and his shoulders are broad. I swallow hard.

  “Talia?” He stares at me confused. “What are you doing here?”

  “I couldn’t sleep.”’

  “You shouldn’t be here,” he says gravely. We stare at each other and the tension between us is undeniable. It’s electrifying. Intoxicating.

  “I’m here. Now let me in.” I can see his chest heaving. He pauses for another moment, perhaps trying to stop me, or himself. Then he reaches out swiftly, pulls me inside. Before I realize what he’s doing, he presses me against the door and I can feel his heart pounding. And then he kisses me.

  His tongue explores my mouth and he tastes amazing, just like I remembered. I drop my bag, wrap my arms around his neck, and kiss him back, biting his lip and inhaling the divine scent of clean skin and his familiar, heady aftershave. His hands graze down my back and slide beneath my ass, lifting me. I wrap my legs tight and he holds me close, carrying me into the bedroom and laying me down on the soft bed. I lift my arms as he pulls off my shirt, His eyes widen in surprise when he sees I’m not wearing a bra. My breasts are perky, small, and firm. He rests on top of me, still wearing his dark jeans, the bulge in his pants rubbing against my pelvis, his green eyes stare into mine. He kisses me again as his hand finds my breast and he takes it in his palm, caressing it and smiling when I moan softly

  He kisses my protruding collarbone, his tongue slowly sliding to my navel while his hand wanders down to the line of my pants. The warm feeling between my legs intensifies. I want him. I want him so bad.

  I kick off my flats and wiggle free of my pants and panties as he helps pull them down. When I’m naked, with my heart pounding, I lie back on the bed and sink into the soft mattress. The only light in the room is the night lamp by the bed, illuminating us softly. His mouth goes even lower until I can feel his breath on my pubic hair.

  My heart cringes in fright. “No.” My hands reach out and lift his head.

  “No?” He turns, confused. I shake my head, not wanting his tongue down there.

  He lifts himself and I reach out and open the top button of his jeans. He takes off his pants and boxers and his erection springs out, large and aroused, and I just want him inside me.

  He lies on top of me again and kisses me, his breathing quickening, his heart beating fast against my chest. His hands reach for my curls and he pulls my hair slightly. He lifts my head a bit, kissing my chin, my ears, sucking slowly on my earlobes, his warm, moist breath driving me insane.

  “Talia…” he groans. “What are you doing to me?”

  What am I doing to him? What is he doing to me? I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anyone in my life, more than I ever thought it possible to want someone. My hands dig into his back and I spread my legs wide, ready for him. He takes his hand from my hair and slides it between my thighs, his fingers stroke my inner thigh gently and slowly, inching up. He stares at me intently and, without any warning, he pushes a finger inside me.

  I moan loudly and my legs stretch out to the edge of the bed.

  “You drive me crazy…” he murmurs. His finger slides out slowly and I groan in protest. He slams it in again forcefully and I let ou
t a moan of pleasure, wet and waiting.

  He takes out his finger and looks at me with bright eyes. He leans on his hand so I won’t feel the full brunt of his weight and stretches his free arm toward the chest of drawers. I see a tiny tattoo, a name, on his muscular arm, but I can’t see what’s written there. He takes out a box of condoms. “We need to be careful,” he whispers as he takes one out.

  “Yeah,” I whisper back, “not that I can get pregnant.”

  Fuck. My damn filters fail me again. Why did I have to say that?

  He stops and looks at me, baffled. Way to ruin the mood with that sentence.

  “What does that mean?” The way he looks at me causes me to cringe with embarrassment.

  “I don’t get my period,” I stammer.

  “Talia.” He sounds concerned, freaked out. What happened to ‘you drive me crazy’?

  “You don’t have to put it on if you don’t want to,” I whisper and glance at the condom in his hand.

  “It’s not only so that I don’t get you pregnant, you know.”

  “I’ve been a good girl. I haven’t been foolish. Can you say the same about yourself?” I look at him and watch his reaction.

  “Do you want to see my blood tests?” he replies teasingly, and I feel totally relieved.

  “No, I think I believe you. Now shut up and kiss me.” I pull his head toward my mouth as he throws the condom on the floor and puts his lips on mine once again. He tastes so good. I spread my legs wide open and feel how every nerve in my body yearns for him.

  He raises his head and looks at me again, his eyes smolder with passion.

  And then he enters me and fills me up, inch by inch.

  I moan loudly. This is all I want.

  I wrap my legs around him and press my pelvis to him, letting him penetrate me slowly. I can hear his accelerated breathing. He doesn’t take his eyes off me as he slowly pulls out.

  And then he thrusts into me. God.

  I squirm beneath him, the sounds I make spur him on as he slams into me again and again. I moan loudly. He dictates the rhythm, thrusting in and pulling out. He quickens the pace and I raise my pelvis to meet him each time, in anticipation. He’s merciless. My heart pounds, and I can’t control the sounds falling from my mouth. My nails sink into his exposed back and his mouth is next to my ear, panting heavily.

  God, I’m lost…

  He continues, in and out, the feeling of him is addictive. He throws his head back, closes his eyes, and then thrusts in one last time and climaxes loudly, holding himself inside of me. He falls onto me exhausted, leaning on his arms.

  I wrap my arms around him, my fingers floating over his back. His breathing calms down slowly, becomes quiet and weak. I let out a tiny sigh, as he pulls himself out and lies on his back next to me, his eyes closed.

  I turn onto my side and cover myself with a blanket. I stare quietly at his chest going up and down. His eyes open slowly, and he turns his head to me and smiles.

  “Now it’s your turn,” he whispers, and I open my eyes in surprise.

  “My turn?” I don’t understand what he’s talking about.

  “Your turn.” His eyes are shining. “I want to watch you come.”

  Oh no. He’d better not start with his nonsense now.

  I laugh self-consciously and blush. “That’s not going to happen.”

  “What do you mean?” My response baffles him.

  “I don’t…” I mumble and blush once more, thankful for the dim light.

  “You don’t what? Come?” The disbelief in his voice is evident. That’s probably not what he expected to discover about the seductive femme fatale who’s been chasing him for the past few days.

  “I come,” I answer coyly. “Just not in company.”

  “You’ll come with me.” He’s dead serious.

  What the hell?

  “You’re sweet. But I’m not coming in front of you.” My heart is racing with fright.

  “What happened?” He won’t give up. “Are you afraid to let go? To lose some control?”

  “I can’t.” I shake my head.

  “Of course you can,” he whispers, his low voice sending vibrations between my legs. Again. He strokes my cheek softly with his long fingers. “In my bed you’re safe and protected, and you will come.”

  What am I supposed to do now? I look at him, terrified.

  He sits up in bed abruptly.

  “Come on.” He signals with his head.

  “Where to?”

  “The shower.” He gives me his hand. “I’ll deal with you there.”

  He’ll deal with me there? What’s his plan?

  I give him my trembling hand and allow him lead me to his en-suite. It’s spacious and airy. I stand behind him while he turns on the water. I stroke his solid back, then his muscular shoulders. Ben stretches an arm behind him without turning to look at me and pulls me in front of him.

  “How’s the water?” he asks, and I put my hand under it.

  “Perfect,” I reply. He presses himself against me from behind and gently pushes me under the water. I close my eyes and lean my head back onto his chest.

  “Now, where were we?” he asks softly, and my heart almost bursts out of my chest.

  He pulls the showerhead off the wall, presses a button, and the water changes direction, spurting out of the handheld showerhead in his hand.

  “Close your eyes,” he whispers in my ear.

  What does he think he’s doing? I’m petrified, but I do as he says. Right now, I’ll do anything he asks. “Lift your hands around my neck.”

  I do that. My body stretches up and my breasts stick out.

  I stand taut, leaning back against his chest as he lets the warm water flow over my breasts. It feels wonderful. He lowers the showerhead and the water caresses my stomach. A slight chill goes through me.

  The water strokes my thighs, climbing up.

  He lets the showerhead find my clit.

  Fuck! I stand on tiptoe, breathless and still under his skilled hands.

  My eyes are closed. Amazing sensations tear through my body. This isn’t happening…

  Then I feel his confident fingers on my clit. Massaging in circles. Faster. Faster. And that’s all I need—I can’t help myself. I fall apart between his seductive fingers and come loudly, reaching a heavenly orgasm. Oh God!

  He catches me and holds me close to his chest, panting and sated. With one hand, he presses the shower button again and the water flows over us once more. He kisses my neck. I can feel his erection behind me, large and hungry.

  I want more. More of him. I press my ass to him and spread my legs. He takes my hands and places them on the wall in front of us. My fingers spread out on the cold white tiles. I lean forward, his hands grab my waist, and he slams into me. I’m tense and wet, and I want him so badly. I groan loudly and he pulls out then plunges in again. His breathing gets ragged and he pumps into me, setting an intoxicating pace. I arch my back.

  “Yeah…” He slams into me one more time and comes inside me. As he turns off the water and wraps a towel around me, he doesn’t say a word, and neither do I. I just follow him silently into the bedroom.

  We lie down on the bed without a word, just looking into each other’s eyes.

  Ben’s fingers stroke my bottom lip, caressing it, as I look at the amazing man lying next to me, and smile. My heart is filled with so much joy I can’t contain it.

  “Are you angry?” I whisper, feeling afraid.

  “Angry?” He frowns slightly, but his voice stays calm. He must be tired.

  “Yes. That I came over.” I lie on my side without moving, waiting anxiously for his answer. He must be able to sense my fear.

  “I’m not angry, just surprised,” he answers me gently.

  “A good surprise, I hope.” A naughty smile appears on my face.

  “Talia…” he whispers, and my heart goes wild inside my chest. “This doesn’t change a thing.”

  I deflate with disappointme
nt.

  “I know. I never thought differently.” But maybe I was hoping, just a little.

  “You say that, but I’m not so sure I believe you.”

  “Believe me. I know you don’t want to be my boyfriend or whatever.” I try not to sound frustrated. Right now I’m in his bed and I’m not going to ruin it.

  “You can’t stay,” he looks at me, concerned. I don’t know if I expected him to let me stay. He doesn’t want anyone finding out about us.

  “I know.” I can’t hide the disappointment in my voice. “Do you want me to leave now?”

  “Soon, you need to get some sleep.”

  I stroke his cheek. I just want to touch him for a little while longer before I have to disappear from his soft bed.

  “Why don’t you get your period?” he questions me, and I look at him, frightened at how he’ll react if I tell him.

  “Probably because I don’t eat enough,” I whisper softly, trying to gauge his reaction. But he just continues looking at me with troubled eyes.

  “Has it been going on for a long time?”

  “Three months.”

  He closes his eyes and sighs. His reactions confuse me. He cares about things he’s not really supposed to, that no one has ever cared about before.

  “Talia, you’re ruining your body. You have to get help. One day you’ll want children and then…” He goes quiet. Children? Who’s thinking about children? I don’t even know what to answer him.

  “You have to eat more. You really are very thin.” His voice is soft but stern and my stomach churns.

  “Don’t you like me being thin?” I ask fearfully. He looks at me disapprovingly.

  “What difference does it make what I think? You need to do what’s good for you, and not care what some random guy thinks.”