by MINK
“It’s complicated.” As much as it feels wrong telling Gaines I can’t belong to him, my destiny is already set. My grandma has me until I get that box and open it. She always told me that’s when my true future will begin.
He moves even closer, his gaze holding me in place. “Then I’ll complicate it further, because you’re mine. By the time I’m done, there’ll be no denying it.”
I take a step back. “I thought you don’t take things that don’t belong to you.”
His smirk sends shivers down my spine. “Then I guess I’m a liar after all.”
14
Gaines
Lots of protests, cute pouts, a charge card, and a few thousand dollars later, I escort Pandora from the store with her purchases on my arms, in my hands, or preparing for shipping from somewhere in Paris.
“I can’t believe you spent that much on me.” She presses her palms to her cheeks. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into all those clothes.”
I’m far more interested in talking her out of her clothes, but that will have to wait. Despite my myriad of questions, she refused to divulge who has a claim on her heart. But I watched her the entire time we were at the store.
No one called her. No texts. No contact whatsoever. If there’s another man, he isn’t nearly as attentive as she deserves. There’s no way I’d go so long without at least checking in, making sure she was all right. Whoever this person is, he’s as good as gone. There’s nothing I won’t give Pandora, including my heart.
I lead her to my car. She drops in, still in a retail daze, as I load the purchases then get into the driver’s seat.
“Let’s get lunch.”
“We just had brunch.” She turns to me as I jet out into traffic.
“That was two hours ago.” I flash her a smile.
“Why do you do that thing with your lips?” she grumbles.
“Pardon?”
“Nothing.” She settles back, seemingly on board with the lunch plan.
“Now that we’re alone, tell me about this man with the prior claim on you.”
She turns to look out her window at the people walking by. “It’s not that simple.”
“It’s exactly that simple.” I need her to know that she’s my treasure, and now that I’ve found her, I will never let her slip through my fingers. “Give me his name.”
She huffs and crosses her arms over her stomach. “You want me to just give you a name, hmm? And then what? You’re going to … I don’t know … put out a hit or something?”
I stop the car so fast that she turns to me, her eyes wide.
Leaning over, I press her against her seat, my chest to hers, the ghost of her warm breath across my lips. “I will kill any man who thinks you belong to him instead of me. And I won’t need a hitman to do it.”
She swallows hard, her fingers clutching my shirt as someone honks behind us. “That’s so … intense.”
I glance at her lips. “That’s only the beginning of what I’d do for you, if you agree to be mine.” Leaning back, I continue down the road. My blood rages through my veins, and each pump of my heart demands I claim her, my sweet Pandora.
“I wish I could …” She stops and nibbles her lip. Her hand strays to the key at her throat.
“You can tell me.” I reach out and take her other hand, then kiss her knuckles.
“I need a minute.” She sighs and falls silent, but her hand is warm in mine, and she doesn’t seem distressed.
She’s thinking.
I’m plotting.
Maneuvering through traffic, I hit the bridge and speed along the country road to my estate.
She seems to come back to herself, because she turns to look behind us. “I thought we’d have lunch in the city.”
“I have a five-star chef who would love nothing more than to cook for you.”
“Mrs. Pettyford.” She smiles, the look in her eyes so darling.
“Exactly. You may have missed her waffles, but there’s no way you’ll want to miss her chicken parmesan.”
“Chicken parm?”
“It’s one of her specialties.”
“Oh my God, I love chicken parm!”
I squeeze her hand. After some good food, I hope she’ll be ready to tell me about the one who has a prior claim. Once she does, I’ll take care of the problem.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, see it’s Carter, then hit the ignore button. Whatever he has on the key can wait for a little while. After all, I’m planning on pulling every last detail from Pandora myself, preferably while I’m inside her.
“I can’t eat another bite.” Pandora scoops the very last bit of sauce from her plate and licks it from her fork.
Mrs. Pettyford smiles and takes the plates away, then says, “I made my classic tiramisu.”
“Why would you do that?” Pandora turns to me. “Why would she do that?”
Mrs. Pettyford laughs and returns to the kitchen to fetch the dessert.
“I think she did it because she wants you to stick around.” I shrug. “Just a guess of course.”
Shah’s tail twitches as he sits on the sunny windowsill, his eyes on Pandora.
“So you never have anyone over? Really?” Pandora leans back and pats her stomach.
“No. Other than a few associates.”
“Associates? What does that word even mean? Sounds sinister.”
How does this woman always manage to make me smile? “I just mean someone I do business with.”
“You mean the business where you take things from people?”
I reach out and take her wrist in my palm. Her skin is warm and soft, everything about her an undeniable lure. “I take things to save them from destruction.”
“Every time?” She licks her lips. “Are you saying you’ve never taken something just because you wanted it for yourself?”
I tighten my grip on her wrist, my eyes locked on those lips of hers, the ones that tempt me to do rash things on this dinner table. “There’s a first time for everything.”
She makes a feminine sound, as if whatever thought she just had pleased her greatly. I want to hear it again, and I always want to be the one that creates that feeling in her.
Leaning over the table, I take her lips, gently this time. She smiles against me, then answers, her mouth opening, our tongues dancing as I finally get another taste of the one who sets my soul on fire. She melts for me, her hands running to my biceps as I cup her face, making her mine again and again with each breath we share.
“Now.” I pull back only an inch. No more. “Tell me about this other man.” I’ve been keeping the jealous beast in my breast caged, but he wants out, and I’ll damn well let him run wild once Pandora gives me a target.
“It’s not a man.” Her breathy voice brings both relief and a surprise.
“Not a man? You’re into women, too?”
She shakes her head. “No. It’s not like that. Not um.” Her gaze darts to my lips. “Not like this.”
The vise around my heart loosens, but not completely. The only claim I want on her is my own. Who else could have any power over her?
“Tell me who it is and what it is, and I’ll take care of it.” I stroke her cheek.
“It’s not something you can take care of.”
“Try me.”
“No.” The steel in her voice both frustrates and excites me. “This is my burden. I have to handle it alone.”
“Why handle it alone when I’m more than happy to help?” I ghost my lips across hers once, twice.
Her eyelids flutter. “Because it’s my destiny.”
Destiny is a big word, one that could mean a multitude of things, but maybe it’s a clue, one that will help me unravel my Pandora. For now, though, I can’t resist her for one more second. I claim her lips again, this time more urgently. She answers, her tongue seeking mine, both of us wrapping ourselves in each other, tying each of our missing ends together. I reach for her, ready to lift her onto the table and gi
ve her--
“And here we are.” Mrs. Pettyford bustles into the room and breaks the moment.
Pandora backs away, her cheeks growing pink as I savor every bit of her.
Mrs. Pettyford puts down two extra-large servings in front of Pandora and me, a grin on her lined face. “Tiramisu is served. I may have added a bit more liquor than usual, but that’s because I’m old and eccentric. I’m allowed.”
“This looks amazing.” Pandora blinks a few times. “I know I said I couldn’t eat another bite but--”
“But I insist.” Mrs. Pettyford hands her the dessert fork.
Pandora accepts it and takes a bite. Her moan of pleasure goes straight to my cock, and I count the moments until I can take her upstairs and get a proper taste of my own favorite dessert.
15
Pandora
I really don’t want to leave, but I also know I shouldn't be here. Gaines is all too tempting. I already let things go too far last night. I’d gotten lost in the man. Something that is so easy to do. But when it happens, I feel as though I’m defying my destiny, the one thing that’s been pushing me forward each day. I can’t continue to let myself get so easily distracted.
“Do you want anything else?” Gaines asks.
Yes, it’s on the tip of my tongue to say that I want my box, but I don’t. I need to give it some time. Even though he told me he’d do anything for me, I’m not exactly sure how that would play out. Would he retrieve the box for me? Does he even know where it is? And after I get it, would he let me leave? Would he do it knowing that the box is supposed to reveal who is meant to be mine? Or that it holds the answer to who the other half of my soul is?
I was telling the truth earlier when I said I already belonged to someone. The box is supposed to lead me to that person so I won’t be alone anymore. With Gaines around, the need to find it doesn’t seem as urgent. But I know I should be rushing to find it. I’m closer than ever, and I’ll finally be rid of the loneliness I’ve felt since losing my grandmother. I’ve promised myself to her cause, and finding the box is the only way I can make good on my word to her.
Gaines watches me, still waiting for me to answer his question about whether I want more. He keeps getting closer and closer. Slowly moving in on me. He’s a tiger ready to pounce. More so since I told him I belong to another. It’s terrible, but his jealousy does things to me. It makes me want that mouth of his back between my legs. I try to push my mind away from those memories. It goes to that place too often.
I lick my lips, still tasting the perfect tiramisu from earlier. He wasn't kidding about Mrs. Pettyford being a five-star chef. The woman could outcook my grandma. Not that I would ever tell her that. It felt good being around her. It took me back to having my grandma around.
“I really can’t eat another bite now.” I lean back in my chair, thankful for my yoga pants. “How are you so fit if you’re eating like this every day?”
“I work out.” That’s an understatement based on how he looks.
“You don’t say.” I laugh. The man is built. “I hate working out. To be honest”—I drop my voice leaning closer to him—“I’ve never done it. Those treadmills scare me, and sometimes I trip just walking. You know that from experience. I mean, I fell into you last night.”
“So you’re one of those?” He smiles. His gaze roams over me. Again, I can feel it on me like a touch. I don’t know how he does all these things with his eyes and mouth.
“What? A lazy one?”
He barks a laugh. “No, one that is all natural beauty. You don’t have to try. You just are a goddess.”
No, Pandora is no goddess. Neither am I. I’m just a regular girl trying to find myself. Okay, I’m also trying to locate a box that will give me everything I’m destined to have. But to him, I’m more than that, and I have to say it’s not so bad being seen as a goddess. I push those thoughts to the side, trying not to think about how much I enjoy the way he sees me. Or how he makes me wish that my destiny hadn’t already been written.
“I wouldn't go that far.” I hop up from my chair and walk over toward one of the large glass doors that looks into the backyard. A swimming pool sparkles in the light.
“Are you sure you don’t enjoy running?” His hand wraps around me and he rests his palm on my stomach as he draws me into him.
“Maybe I enjoy being chased.”
He reaches for the door and pushes it open.
His lips tickle my earlobe. “I’ll give you a head start then.” He kisses me below my ear. His arm drops away as he takes a step back. “Ten.”
“You want me to run?” I laugh.
“Nine.” He lifts his eyebrows. He’s not joking.
Excitement fills me. “Eight.”
I bolt out the backdoor. I hear his steps behind me.
“You should still be counting!” I shout. I go for my shirt and pull it over my head as I round the pool.
“Stop!”
I turn and put my hand up. “You stopped counting.”
His eyes travel down my body. “You took your shirt off.”
“Not like anyone can see me.” Unless Mrs. Pettyford is still around. I guess he could have other staff. A pool boy even. I hadn't thought that far. “We’re alone, right?” I look around.
He makes a grab for me when I’m not looking.
I jump back. “Stop cheating!” I point my finger at him. It’s hard not to laugh. He’s being playful now. It’s as sexy as everything else he does. Being around him feels natural. I realize that it’s because I feel happy when I’m with him.
“I’ll cheat to keep you. You should remember that.”
“Kill too.” I smile.
He doesn't. He only shrugs in agreement.
“Stay,” I order before kicking off my shoes and pulling my pants down my legs.
“Pandora.” He keeps calling me that. I enjoy him saying my real name.
“Now, catch me.” I run and jump into the pool. The water is warmer than I thought it was going to be. When I surface, Gaines is standing next to the side of the pool watching me as he slowly starts to unbutton his shirt. I tread water, unable to pull my eyes away from him.
Unlike me, he strips out of all of his clothes. His boxer briefs are the last to go. I suck in a breath as I watch them slip down his muscular thighs. They aren’t the only thing that grabs my attention. I’m pretty sure Gaines and I will never work. There is no way that man could fit inside of me.
I let out a small scream when he jumps into the water. I start swimming toward the other end of the pool. It’s useless. The man is too tall. He easily catches up to me and grabs hold, pulling me into his arms. I wrap around him. The reaction is natural.
“You know your panties and bra are white?”
I look down. I am as naked as him. The white cotton shows every inch of me it was supposed to be hiding. Not that Gaines hasn't seen it already. I gasp when I feel his cock press against my clit.
“I caught you.”
“You did,” I agree.
“Soon you’ll learn. You can keep running. I’ll just keep catching you.”
I kiss him. Otherwise I’ll admit how much I really want that.
16
Gaines
I feel the second when she relents, when she finally gives in to what she wants. It so happens that it’s what I want, too.
Pulling her tight against me, I delve into her mouth, my tongue taunting hers as we spin slowly in the water, our bodies twining.
Her legs wrap around me, and the moment I feel the heat she has for me between her thighs, I groan into her mouth.
She runs her fingers through my hair as I pin her to the side of the pool and kiss her harder and deeper. The sun on my upper back has nothing on the beauty in my arms. She burns brighter than anything I’ve ever felt, and I want to dive into her flames.
Sliding one hand down her side, I enjoy the way she shivers beneath my touch. With an easy push, I ease my fingers inside the front of her panties.
> She gasps as I stroke her slick clit. “Gaines!” Her eyes fly open as she clutches my shoulders.
“I know what you need.” I bite her bottom lip and ease my finger lower, then plunge inside that perfect sweet spot between her thighs. “So tight, Pandora. Have you been saving this treasure for me?”
Her nails dig into my skin as I curl my finger toward me, rubbing her inside. She pants, her eyes fixed on mine as I use my thumb to stroke her clit and my finger to feel her from the inside.
I use my other hand to grip her ass and lift her higher in the water as I kiss down her chest to her bra. Her hard nipples make a mockery of the white fabric, and I suck one into my mouth.
She moans my name as I run my teeth along the tight nub, the saltiness of the water no match for the sweetness of her flesh.
Pulling my finger out, I press it to her clit and strum it. Each time I do, she trembles, her body desperate to release every bit of tension I’m building with each passing second. I draw it out, savoring her breasts, then go back to her mouth. She opens wide for me, inviting me in, and I take every bit of herself she offers.
When I slide two fingers inside her slick cunt, she moans low in her throat, her back arching as I slowly pulse in and out of her. It should be my cock filling her, giving her pleasure and sealing us as one. But I take what she gives, and right now with her head thrown back and her body arched, she is a goddess that I’m happy to worship.
So I do, strumming her clit and sucking her breasts until she comes with my name on her lips, my fingers in her tight cunt, and my heart in her hands.
“I should, um, go.” She’s wearing one of my shirts again, her hair in languid waves still damp from the pool.
I lean against my door jamb and take her in.
Her cheeks redden as I stare. “Have you seen my clothes?”
“Mrs. Pettyford has already whisked them away to the laundry.”
