Twelve Days of Temptation (A Hot Holiday Novella) (Temptation #1)

by Ruth Cardello

  You’re bold when you text. I like this side of you.

  Do you know another side?

  I know of you.

  In this town, that means you’ve heard nothing good.

  You’re not who they say you are. You’re not even who you think you are.

  Really? Then who am I?

  You’re mine.

  Do you know how crazy that sounds? How crazy I feel for doing anything you say when I don’t even know your real name? What am I doing?

  You’re learning about yourself, Kate. Discovering what you like.

  I know what I like.

  Do you?

  Well, I know what I don’t. And I’m not doing any of those things, even if you “punish” me.

  You always have a choice, Kate. Don’t ever do anything you don’t want to, even to please me.

  Naked, Kate crawled beneath the thick blanket atop her bed and turned off the light.

  Doesn’t that go against the whole, You’re my Master and I’m your—whatever they call the women they boss around.

  They call them subs. And I don’t live by anyone else’s rules, Kate. I make my own. Fantasy and sex are a powerful combination. I’m in control because you want me to be. This isn’t about what I want. This is about finding that perfect fuck for you.

  Who are you? Do I know you? Are you even a man?

  Kate, do you want my résumé or do you want that up-against-the-wall, mind-blowing orgasm you asked Santa for?

  Kate didn’t answer. She knew what she wanted, but she wasn’t ready to tell him yet. She also wasn’t entirely sure she liked him giving her the option to say no. It made them partners in a game she was already confused by.

  Turn on the balls, Kate.

  She did and closed her eyes as her body shook with anticipation. She’d followed his instructions about turning them on for five minutes every hour that day. Her body knew the pleasure they could bring. She became wet and ready even at the lowest level of vibration.

  Tell me about the man you met tonight.

  You mean Brock?

  I don’t give a shit about who he is. Tell me why you chose him.

  Kate thought back to how she’d felt when she looked through the crowd and saw Brock. He’s good-looking. Tall. Muscular. Not like a man you’d see in a magazine, more like a regular build. But he has the most incredible eyes. You feel like you know him as soon as you look into them. When he smiles it’s with his whole face, and you can’t help but smile back at him.

  That doesn’t sound hot.

  I never used to think it was. I’ve known him for a long time and never thought of him that way.

  But?

  I don’t know. Maybe it’s these Ben Wa balls you have me using, but I almost went home with him. I wanted to see what’s under all that winter clothing. And I would have if I hadn’t promised you I wouldn’t. I don’t know what’s crazier—that I’m listening to you or suddenly ready to sleep with a man I’ve known half my life but don’t really know at all. I don’t do casual sex. The only man I’ve ever been with was my husband.

  And me.

  Kate rolled over onto her side and texted: I’m not actually with you. This isn’t real.

  Isn’t it? It felt real when I shot my load to the sound of you coming.

  You did?

  Oh, yeah.

  Depending on who you are, that’s either really nasty, or it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard. This is so confusing. It doesn’t bother you that when I came I was thinking about Brock?

  You think too much, Kate. Stop worrying about who I am and let yourself enjoy the next nine days.

  What happens after that? Does this just end?

  No, Kate. In nine days, you fuck ME.

  Naked on top of the blankets of his own bed, Brock put the phone down beside him. Part of him couldn’t believe Kate had done everything he’d asked her to. Any man who was not keeping up on the way women were changing was missing out.

  He reread their texts and told himself he’d have to be more careful. Kate wasn’t looking for the boy next door. She wanted a strong, domineering man who could awaken her sexually.

  In the business world, Brock was not intimidated by competition, and his business was booming because he was fearlessly going after what he wanted. He didn’t take no for an answer; he took it as a challenge.

  In the bedroom, he’d always taken a gentler approach. He’d grown up in a happy family where women were treated with respect, treasured. The more he spoke to Kate, both in person and via texts, the more he cared about her. He couldn’t turn that off just because he wanted to fuck her.

  He downloaded a porn video onto his laptop, then compared it to the sex scenes in the hottest romance books selling online. Some of the men in the books were downright assholes to the women they slept with, and he admitted to himself he wasn’t into half of what they did.

  He counted off the days he had left. He’d already arranged a delivery for tomorrow morning, but now he thought he needed to add something to the gift. He purchased it online and chose overnight delivery.

  He picked up his prepaid phone again and texted: Tomorrow you will receive two gifts. Don’t open them until I contact you in the evening. Until then, you are not to remove the Ben Wa balls. Go anywhere you want, but turn the balls on for fifteen minutes every hour, no matter where you are or who you’re with.

  And if I don’t?

  What are you most afraid of, Kate? People looking at you? People judging you? Tomorrow you will only think about how much you can’t wait to come home and fuck yourself with the new toy I bought you, even while you are meeting with other people.

  That’s one way to get over shyness, I guess.

  One more thing, Kate. Find Brock tomorrow, and tell him how much you enjoyed meeting him. But while you talk to him, turn those Ben Wa balls up until you can’t concentrate on what he’s saying. When you look at him, imagine his cock pounding into you. While you talk to him, I want you to find a way to masturbate without him knowing. Come right there in front of him. Then kiss him on the cheek and walk away.

  How am I supposed to do that?

  Figure it out. And tell me about it tomorrow night. Goodnight, Kate.

  Goodnight, Mr. Elf.

  Brock groaned and turned onto his side, taking his shaft in his hand and pumping up and down. He doubted he’d be able to sleep that night, or concentrate on any of the meetings he’d scheduled for the next day.

  All he could think about was Kate and how fucking exciting it was going to be watching her come covertly. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep his hands off her while she did. But he’d have to.

  He closed his eyes and brought himself to another climax by imagining how Kate had looked fucking herself on the roof of her car. In his mind, he pushed her legs apart and sank his tongue into her wet sex, finally having what had been out of his reach for so long.

  By the time he revealed his double identity, she would be grateful to him for bringing her fantasy alive for her. And she would trust him because she’d gotten to know him as himself.

  Yes, he’d taste her soon enough.

  As long as he held to his plan.

  Chapter Seven

  Kate woke later than normal and rolled over in bed, enjoying the warmth of her thick blanket. She smiled into her pillow as she remembered how she’d spent the day before. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she wasn’t a bundle of nerves. The day had been insane, yes, it had ended with an orgasm stronger than one she’d ever experienced. She had masturbated before, but this had been different.

  It wasn’t the spark of heat that had spread through her and left her feeling relaxed. No, her climax yesterday had slowly built throughout the day and culminated in a mind-altering experience. It had taken her, ever so temporarily, outside of her normal life and had felt larger than her.

  I may have found my new religion.

  She looked up at the ceiling. Just kidding. Mom? God? If you’re listening, don�
�t. I will repent after Christmas. Let’s agree to disagree for now on what is right and wrong. It’s been a long year, and I need this.

  Kate threw back the covers and donned the robe Mr. Elf had given her. She tucked her feet into the matching slippers. It was hard to be afraid of a man who was as considerate as he was naughty.

  She shuffled to the bathroom, removed the Ben Wa balls, and took a long hot shower. It didn’t even occur to her not to replace them after she’d cleaned them off. Day four of her twelve days and she’d never felt better.

  Keep this up, Santa, and I may begin to believe in you again.

  While she dried her hair, she turned on the balls and closed her eyes to savor the now-familiar vibration. It wasn’t enough to make her come, but it sent her heart racing and brought an excited flush to her cheeks. She applied less makeup than normal. She didn’t need to hide beneath layers of it. She felt beautiful.

  She chose a thong and a small lace bra, then layered a simple tan skirt and an untucked peach blouse over it. She had no idea how she would secretly masturbate in front of Brock, but she had a feeling it started with choosing the right outfit. The mere thought of attempting this challenge had her stroking herself almost without realizing it. She hunted in the back of her closet for a heavy coat and cut off both pockets. In front of a full-length mirror, she put the coat on and checked to see how obvious it would be if she slid her hand through one of the holes and down her skirt.

  It wasn’t ideal. She pulled a small chair over, sat down with her purse on her lap, and tried it again. Perfection. If she were careful, Brock would have no idea what she was doing.

  Kate called Brock’s office and told his secretary she’d like to speak with him as soon as possible. The woman gave her directions to Brock’s latest work site. Finding him was easier than Kate had expected, but she wasn’t about to question why.

  She nervously skipped breakfast and decided to start her day with a bang. On the drive to see Brock, Kate planned exactly what she’d say to him. She’d keep it casual. Simple. She saw his truck in the mill lot and parked beside it. Her heart started thudding wildly in her chest.

  Part of her wanted to turn tail and run, but another part wanted to push past her fears and be able to tell Mr. Elf all about it that night. Confidence. I need confidence.

  She turned the Ben Wa balls to a medium setting. Enough to be a distraction without being audible to anyone. I can do this.

  She stepped out of her car and was halfway to the trailer when a woman started waving at her and walking over. Shit. It was one of the women who had insulted her at the supermarket. Double shit. Kate turned and was about to retreat into her car when the woman blocked her way.

  “Don’t go, Kate. I was hoping to run into you. I’m Brock’s sister, Linda.” She held out a hand in greeting, but Kate didn’t shake it.

  Kate couldn’t meet her eyes. The balls were vibrating away within her and she prayed the other woman couldn’t hear them. “I just remembered I forgot something on . . . at home.”

  “Don’t leave because of me. I was completely wrong the other day, and I’ve been trying to think of a way to apologize to you for it.”

  The woman’s smile was as open and friendly as Brock’s, which made the encounter somehow worse. “I really should go.”

  “If you came to see Brock, he’s in his trailer.” She gave Kate another disarmingly friendly smile and said, “I know it’s none of my business, but I heard the two of you were dancing last night at Grady’s. If you like him, don’t let me be the reason you don’t give him a chance. I’m pretty sure he’s had a crush on you since he was ten.”

  Kate felt a confusing rush of emotions. A crush on me? Brock? She didn’t want to think about Brock’s feelings. He was part of her game with another man. She wanted to get in, have her secret orgasm, get out, and go see what Mr. Elf had sent her. “I’m not upset with you. I’m not upset with anyone. I accept your apology. Forget it. It’s fine,” Kate said. Wavering. Do I stay? Do I go?

  “Would you like me to walk you over to see him?”

  “No,” Kate said emphatically. That much she was sure of. She took a step away from Linda. The movement pushed one of the balls to her favorite spot, and Kate half closed her eyes with pleasure. “I’ll find him, thanks.”

  “I’m really sorry, Kate.”

  “It’s fine,” Kate said and hoped she didn’t sound as out of breath as she felt. “Really. Forget it.”

  “Okay, I’m glad. I’m sure Brock will be happy to see you, too.”

  Not as happy as I will be to see him, Kate thought. She nodded and headed toward the trailer. The walk to the trailer felt excruciatingly good. The balls were moving back and forth with each step she took, and Kate worried she might orgasm before she saw Brock. She knocked on the door.

  “Kate,” Brock warmly greeted her. “Come on in. You must be freezing in that dress.”

  She shook her head. “No, this coat is warm.”

  “Well, this is a nice surprise.”

  She followed him inside the trailer office. “Do you mind if I sit?”

  “Not at all,” he said and took a seat behind his own desk. “I didn’t expect to see you today. Did you need anything? Those movers I offered?”

  She adjusted her purse on her lap so it would block his view. “No, I didn’t change my mind about them. I just came by to tell you how much fun I had last night.”

  He gave her a lopsided grin, desire for her evident in those beautiful eyes of his. “We could have had more.”

  She blushed and slid her hand through the hole where her pocket had been and beneath the waistband of her skirt. The front of her thong was soaked with her own juices. She slid her finger into her wet slit and began to stroke her nub. “I hardly know you.”

  He stood and pointed to the coffee machine behind him. “Let me get you some coffee. It’ll warm you up.”

  I’m warming up already.

  “Please, don’t go to any trouble for me,” she said, striving to sound normal as she secretly played with herself beneath her thick coat. “I’m fine.”

  “It’s no trouble. It’s already made.” He poured a cup of coffee. “Sugar? Cream?”

  She licked her bottom lip and fought to keep her eyes open as she caressed herself faster and faster, trying desperately to keep the motion located only in her hand. “Whatever you have. I’m not picky.” But I am close to coming. Please, stay there at the coffee machine just a few more minutes.

  He didn’t. He walked over, sat on the edge of his desk and held the coffee cup out to her. “I figured your hands must be cold. If nothing else, this will warm them.”

  Kate slid her right hand out of her skirt. She took the coffee with her left hand. He was too close for her to continue, and she was torn between fleeing to her car where she could finish what she’d started or ripping off her clothes and begging him to finish it for her on his desk.

  Her elf’s instructions echoed in her head: Nothing happens between you and that man unless I say so. You’re mine. Not his. Only fuck him if I tell you to.

  Kate adjusted her position in her seat. The balls moved within her, almost but not quite where she wanted them to be. She wiggled again, and the coffee sloshed over the side of her cup and spilled on her coat. She wiped at it with her other hand.

  “Here, let me help you with that,” Brock said. He was beside her in a flash with a paper towel. He wiped the towel up and down the spill. His strong caress warmed her thigh even through her many layers of clothing.

  She’d never wanted her husband with the desperation with which she wanted Brock. His hands were large, strong—a workingman’s hands. She wanted to feel them on her skin, wanted his fingers where hers had been earlier. She grabbed his hand, stilling it.

  Their eyes met and the air sizzled with their mutual desire. He stood in front of her, the evidence of his attraction to her staring her right in the eyes, so to speak. His cock was huge and straining against the front of his jeans. She wanted
to release it. Taste it. She couldn’t stop staring at it. Unlike her husband who had been tall and thin, Brock was ruggedly built. He was definitely strong enough to give her the wall-banging good time she’d raunchily claimed she wanted for Christmas.

  What had her elf said? “In nine days, you fuck ME.”

  Brock was the fantasy she’d chosen to get off on all week, not the man she intended to sleep with. Not that I’m going to sleep with Mr. Elf, either.

  Am I? If I’m that desperate for sex, wouldn’t it make more sense to sleep with someone like Brock? Someone I know?

  She dropped her hand. Nothing she was doing made sense, but that was what made it so freeing. She’d left behind the rules and etiquette she’d been raised with and was doing what she wanted for a change. And her bossy little elf was helping her discover what that was. She wasn’t about to end that by sleeping with Brock.

  “Is that a picture of your family behind your desk?” she asked with what she hoped sounded like polite interest.

  He glanced over his shoulder at it. “Yes.”

  “I’d love to see it.”

  He moved back behind his desk and retrieved it. “That’s my parents, my sister, and me. I take it along wherever I’m working. It grounds me. Reminds me what’s important. Want to see it?” He took a step as if he were coming back around the desk to her.

  “Stay there. I can see it fine.” With him once again behind his desk, she began to stroke herself again. The fire from before burst through her, more intense from the teasing delay. She squirmed in her seat and let out an audible gasp as one of the balls shifted to vibrate on the exact spot she’d craved. Every cell in her body became more alive; her own touch felt hotter, wilder. She looked down at the rug as the sensation overtook her. Her fingers stroked faster and faster. She fought to keep her eyes open. The first tingles of an orgasm made her quiver in anticipation.