by Ella Jade
“What do you want me to give away?” He flipped my hand over and traced his fingers along my wrist.
A tremble flowed through me and now the martini had gone to my head. I thought it was the drink. Perhaps it was his touch? He continued his exploration along my inner arm.
“I realize what we’re doing is rather unconventional.”
“You think?”
He laughed, at me, I think. It didn’t really matter. I liked his softer expression. He was less intimidating that way.
“I’ll let you have one question.” He trailed his fingers back down my arm and rested his hand in mine. Not exactly holding it but we were touching.
One question? I didn’t know how old he was, what he did for a living, how come he had so much money, or why he lived in such a posh penthouse. Who were his parents? Did he have siblings? A quick internet search would have given me some answers, but I’d promised myself I wouldn’t dig. I’d already become infatuated with a man who made it very clear that I would never have him. I didn’t need to know everything about him.
“Why me?” I asked.
“What do you mean?” His expression gave nothing away.
“Of all the women in D.C. you chose to proposition me.” I stopped and thought about it for a moment. “Unless I’m not the only one.” Did I really want to know how many others there were? Did he have a schedule?
“You’re the only one.” There was a seriousness to his tone, almost as if I had offended him. “Why not you?”
“I don’t know.” When I went to take another sip, he reached for my glass, stopping me.
“Don’t drink anymore.” It wasn’t a request.
“Why?” My voice was breathless as he placed my drink on the bar then maneuvered my stool to face him.
“I’d like you coherent.”
Gazing into his eyes, I realized I needed to be more intoxicated if he wanted total honesty. Why had I engaged him in conversation? He rested his hand on the side of my face, gently swiping his thumb over my lips. What happened to the no intimacy rule?
“Answer my question.” There was that authoritative demeanor I’d grown so fond of. “Why not you?”
“I... wait.” I shook my head. “You said I could have a question and you haven’t answered mine.”
His lips curved into the most inviting smirk. “Why, Ms. Keller, I’m getting a completely different picture of you this evening.” He caressed my jaw. “Why you?”
I nodded, eager to hear the answer.
“When I walked into that cafe and you escorted me to my table, I thought you were the most exquisite woman I had ever seen. You wouldn’t make eye contact with me, but I was so taken by you. Taken enough to keep coming back. There was something about you that drew me in. Something that keeps drawing me in.”
“Oh.” My muscles tensed when he swept his hand down my neck, over the side of my breast and to my thigh.
“Are you interested in our arrangement tonight?”
My breath caught in my throat. I quickly thought about the terms of our deal. When he wanted, how he wanted it, and if I said no it was all over.
“Take a moment and choose wisely.” When he pushed his hand between my legs, I quickly scanned the bar area. So many people, but no one realized what he was doing. I was very aware of what he was capable of.
It had been a long week. My mother decided not to do the trial and Kirsten had told me we needed a miracle. Would it be so bad to allow him to take me home for a bit? I could forget everything and lose myself in his rough embrace.
“Well?” His fingers skimmed over my panties. “Will you be mine tonight?”
“Yes.”
As if there was any other answer.
***
Jameson drove to his penthouse and handed the keys to the valet before coming around and opening my door. He placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me into the building. Swiping his keycard into an elevator I had never used before, he pressed the PH button. Rubbing my palms over my thighs, I tried to calm my nerves. I’d been to his place several times in the past few weeks, but this seemed different.
“Am I making you nervous?” He took my hand and led me into the elevator.
“A little.”
Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pressed me against the wall. “There are many things I’d like to make you and nervous isn’t one of them.” He stroked my cheek. “You’ll see.”
When the elevator doors opened, we stepped into his house. I looked around, a bit confused because we weren’t in the entrance just before the door where I usually came in.
“Private elevator,” he said. “It leads me right in and I don’t have to deal with people on my way up.”
“You don’t like dealing with people?”
“Not usually.” He took off his tie and draped it over the staircase. “You can leave your bag here.” He pointed to the steps before undoing two buttons on his shirt, giving me a glimpse of his chest.
I set my bag on the stairs and took his extended hand. He guided me down a long hallway, past the kitchen and to the foyer. A wave a disappointment came over me as I stared at the table by the door. Once he moved me into position the night would be over and I’d go home feeling alone. All of my problems would still be there and I’d be left with this huge hole inside. Why did I keep doing this to myself?
I might as well get this over with. I let go of his hand and walked to the table, keeping my back to him. Taking a deep breath, I waited for him to approach me. His footsteps were loud against the immaculate hardwood floors. When he stopped a few inches from me, I waited for the sound of his zipper. Instead, his lips were on my neck and his hand was in my hair.
“I’d like to switch things up tonight.” He turned me to face him. “I thought we could go into the living room for something different.”
“Sure.” Any way you want as long as I’m yours.
A few steps to the left and we entered a grand room worthy of a home magazine spread. It was spotless, untouched and decorated in deep blues and browns. The curtains were opened, boasting a spectacular view of the river. But what had intrigued me was the window seat. The only thing I could see that was out of place was a book and a pair of glasses left behind. I made my way over and admired the scene before me. I’d lived in D.C. my whole life but I’d never realized how fantastic the water and the buildings appeared in the distance. I glanced down at the book that read Political Strategies on the cover.
“Do you read here?” The answer was obvious, but it was just another glimpse into the man he was. The man I so desperately wanted to know.
“Every night before bed. Either here or in my room. I like when the city is still and the lights reflect off the river.”
“You don’t go out much?”
“Not anymore. It’s really not my scene. My life is my work now. That takes up most of my time.”
“What do you do?”
“Another question?” He took my hand and led me to the sofa. “I’m tired of talking.” Taking a seat, he positioned me to stand between his legs. “It’s occurred to me that I’ve been missing out on something extremely pleasurable.”
“What’s that?”
“Seeing you naked.” He rested against the sofa, unbuckling his belt as his gaze trailed down my body. “Take your dress off for me.”
Without hesitation, I slid my hands down my side and gripped the hem of my favorite black dress. When I put it on tonight I had imagined him taking it off. I never expected to see him much less get naked in front of him. He may not be the one to take it off tonight, but having him tell me to remove it was just as hot. I slipped out of my heels, leaving me in my underwear. I was his for the taking.
“The bra too.” He unbuttoned his pants. “I want to see all of you.”
I trailed my hand up my stomach and unhooked the front clasp of my black, strapless bra, feeling sexier than I ever had. Before meeting him, I wasn’t very experienced in sexual encounters. I still wasn’t but
being here with him, and having him watch aroused me.
I eagerly waited for his next request. The coolness of the air conditioner blew from above, coating my nipples, heightening my senses.
“I could stare at you all night.” He reached into his pocket and took out his wallet. “But that would be a waste of time considering the things I really want to do with you.” He took out a foil wrapper and ripped it open with his teeth. “To you.”
When he unzipped his pants and glided them down his muscular calves, my knees buckled. He had been inside me many times, but I’d never seen him. It... God, how did that fit inside me? I squeezed my thighs together when he sheathed his long, thick erection in the latex.
Leaning forward, he took my hips in his hands and looked up at me. “You’re magnificent.” He pressed his mouth to my stomach, swirling his tongue around my bellybutton. I sucked in a breath when he moved lower. As he skimmed his tongue along the elastic of my panties, his breath left a hot path in its wake. Dropping my head, I stood mesmerized as he moved the thin material to the side.
“Oh...” I moaned when he coasted his tongue across my mound.
Taking my panties in his grasp, he lowered them to my ankles as I stepped out of them. Now I stood before him, completely naked and at his total mercy. Bringing his mouth close to my core, he spread me open and drew his tongue along my clit. I pushed on his shoulder as I rocked my pelvis into his face. No one had ever done this to me before. I never wanted anyone to. He darted his tongue out and in a slow, swirling motion he kissed my sex. My body hummed in erotic pleasure as he repeated his actions. My nipples ached as my inside pulsed. Running my fingers through his hair, I held him still as I moved my hips in rhythm with his extremely skilled mouth. A jolt of pure desire coursed through me. My legs tensed as my stomach muscles coiled, and in an explosive moment a fierce climax filled me. I slipped my hands from his hair and held onto his shoulders for support. Before I had time to process what was happening, he lifted me onto his lap and thrust inside me.
“Jameson...” Still high from my orgasm, my skin tingled as he moved his hips up and down, slamming into me. “So good...”
He slowly licked his glistening lips. “You taste incredible.”
“Hmm...” I inched forward, gently pressing my lips to his jaw, working my way to his mouth. “No one has ever done that to me before.”
He gripped my hair, guiding my face away from his. “Knowing that I was the first to make you come with my tongue makes me harder.” He tightened his hold, tugging my head back to nip and kiss my neck. “Can you feel how hard I am for you?”
“Yes.” I unbuttoned his shirt as he pumped in and out of me. I wanted to see more of his taut chest and well-defined abs. When I brushed my lips along his neck and down his collarbone he released my hair, giving me more mobility to explore his fit form.
Kissing my way back to his jaw, I rested my palm on his face and stared into his eyes. I didn’t find the usual intimidation in them. When I ran my thumb across his lips, he stroked my cheek. For a split second there was a tenderness about him that I hadn’t experienced before. He didn’t break eye contact with me as I tilted my head. I closed my eyes and waited for him to kiss me as I licked my top lip.
“What are you doing to me?” His breath caressed my lips just before he swiftly flipped me over the arm of the oversized leather couch and entered me again with a force I hadn’t expected.
“Oh!” I held onto the sofa as he slammed into me. “Jameson...”
“I like when you scream my name.” He stilled his movements, letting me feel all of him as he took my breasts in his hands, circling his fingers over my nipples. “Say it again.”
“Jameson,” I moaned as he pushed me onto my stomach, taking me deeper. “Yes.”
“I can’t get enough of you.” He gripped hold my hips. “That’s the whole problem,” he mumbled into my ears. “Never enough.”
The low, rough hum of his voice sent me tumbling into another climax. As I clawed at the sofa, all I wanted to tell him was I could be enough if he’d let me. I could be his everything.
“CC...” He buried his face in the crook of my neck. “Baby, I’m going to...” His body stiffened and with one more shove forward he let go into the condom as he collapsed onto my back, pinning me between him at the soft leather.
We stayed that way for a few moments, not saying anything, just breathing. His skin on mine made me warm and relaxed. He rubbed the side of my leg, starting at my hip and ending at my calf. Long, slow and sensual as he kissed my neck, biting my earlobe occasionally. I didn’t want this time to end. Normally, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough but I craved this attention. His attention.
All good things must end and I was reminded of that when he began to stir. “I wasn’t expecting to be with you tonight,” he said.
“Impromptu can be fun.”
“I’m a planner by nature.” He sat up and ran his fingers down my spine. “But I enjoyed this evening.”
“Me too.” I couldn’t turn to face him. I didn’t want to see the regret in his expression. I had none but I was certain I couldn’t say the same for him.
“Take your time getting up.” When he stood, the rustling of his pants before the sound of his zipper alerted me that our time was over. “I’ll be back in a few minutes with your money.”
Those words stung more than they should have.
“You don’t have to pay me.” I slowly moved into a seated position, still not making eye contact. “I mean, who has that cash just lying around?”
“I’ll be right back.”
Take your time...
Chapter Four
Jameson
This was awkward. After we had sex, I usually gave her the money and she left. I didn’t have to see her again. That was by design. Everything about tonight was off. I shouldn’t have even been in that bar given my history. I shouldn’t have asked her to come home with me. That was my mistake. One of many tonight.
But shit, if I hadn’t made so many errors regarding her than I wouldn’t have just had one of the best sexual experiences of my life. Looking into her eyes when we connected was more profound than I ever could have imagined. Why hadn’t I thought to do that before? Because, you idiot, you’re not supposed to be falling for her.
When I came back with the envelope, she was cuddled in a ball. Her head resting on the arm of the couch and her legs were tucked into her chest. As I moved closer, I realized she had fallen asleep. She’d put her dress on but left her panties on the floor. Had she done that for me?
I scooped them up, scrunching them in my hand before shoving them into my pocket. I knelt down by her face and gently stroked her hair. “CC.” I tried to coax her to wake. “You fell asleep.”
“Huh?” Her eyes fluttered but she didn’t open them. “I’m really tired. Just a few minutes, okay?”
How could I deny her? I sat on the floor and stared at her breathtaking beauty. She was sweet, witty, and intelligent. It baffled me that she would allow what occurred between us. What motivated her? Until now, I’d forced myself to know little about her. The less I knew, the more unattached we’d be. After tonight, something changed. Seeing her in the bar, having a conversation with her, even having her here in my living room made everything real.
Brushing my fingers along her cheek, I tried to fight the urge to kiss her. She wanted to kiss me a few minutes ago. It would have been so easy to let her, but it would have been wrong. Something was tormenting her and every fiber of my being screamed I was not the man for her. When had I ever listened to my conscience? I did what I wanted. To hell with the consequences.
I stood from the floor, grabbed the throw off the back of the sofa and covered her. Taking a few moments, I watched her sleep before I picked up my phone from the coffee table and went to my study. I was in too deep now. I’d let this arrangement play out far too long. Who was she? Why did she keep coming back? I wasn’t supposed to care but I did. More than I realized I could. Now
I had to know who I was dealing with. The dynamics had changed that quickly.
I dialed Meg, my very efficient P.I.. She’d never let me down before and I doubted she would this time.
“Jameson,” she answered. “What’s up?”
“Meg, I need a background check.”
“Vetting a new candidate? You know I love digging up dirt on potential leaders of this fine country.”
“Not exactly.” She was discreet but had an unhealthy obsession with my social life. “There’s a woman I need some information on.”
“A woman? Like someone you want to date?”
“Can you do this fast?”
“You’re not getting married are you?” She snickered. “Because we should have done this check before the prenup.”
I ignored her nonsense. “Her name is Cecilia Keller.” Why am I doing this? “I’ll send over what I have on her but it isn’t much. I need you to do your thing and find out whatever you can on her.”
“You’re not going to tell me why?”
“No, I’m going to pay you an obscene amount of money instead.”
“That works.”
“I thought it might.” I glanced in the direction of the living room. “I’ll email you in a few minutes. I need you to drop everything and get this done.”
“I’m on it.”
“Thanks.” I ended the call.
Sitting down at my desk, I composed an email to Meg giving her the little information I had on CC. Once I hit send there would be no turning back. If I thought I could fight this dependency I was sadly mistaken. I was in too far to stop now. I recognized the signs. Once an addict, always an addict.
***
Sitting on the window seat in my bedroom, I tried to read. I couldn’t concentrate on the words. My thoughts were focused on the gorgeous woman sleeping in my bed. She had been completely out when I carried her upstairs. I could have put her in the spare room, but I didn’t want her to be disoriented when she woke up. Who was I trying to fool? I didn’t want to be far from her.
