by Alexa Riley
“Yep. He’s trying to get you to finally admit you want him. He’s giving you chance after chance to make your move.”
I let her words sink in, and I bite my lip, thinking it over. Why does the idea of him softly stalking me make me happy?
“Oh my God, you’re blushing.”
“Shut up,” I scoff.
“Why are you running, Pan? You’re not a runner. In fact, if I remember right, you’re a secret cuddlebug.”
“I am not a cuddler,” I lie. I had every intention of coming in here to cuddle with her.
“Who do you think you’re talking to? I slept with you for more than half your life.” She gives me a look like I’m crazy.
“You’re different. You’re my twin.”
She shakes her head at me. “I love you, so I’m giving it to you straight.” Her face goes serious, and reminds me of Dad. “You’re running because you’re scared of a challenge that you might fail. That you could get hurt.”
“That’s not true,” I say, cutting in. “Look at where I’ve gotten in life. I worked hard for this.”
“I never said you don’t work hard. You always have. The problem is, you know you’re going to win. It’s why when things might have been hard, you pushed because you knew you could do it. You knew you wouldn’t fail because it was all on you. Nobody pushes like you do, Pan. You’re a warrior, and we all know it. Anyone in a room with you for a few minutes knows that.”
Her words start sinking in.
“You love on us, your family, because you know we love you. There’s no failure in us loving you back. You let us have the soft side that no one else sees because we are safe.” She reaches out, cupping my face. “This guy isn’t safe, because you don’t know what he’ll do with your heart. When I thought Ivan didn’t want me, I was a mess. You remember?”
I nod. I do remember seeing her in pieces. I also remember thinking I’d never let that happen to me.
“Love is scary, Pan. It’s hard and unpredictable. But I can tell you it’s worth every second. Step up to the challenge. I know you, and I know you want it. Go and get it.”
Her words rain down on me. “You’re right. Fuck.”
Her hand drops from my face. “Pan, I meant like right now. Why are you still sitting here?”
I laugh and pull her into a hug. “Okay.” I jump off the bed. “I love you,” I tell her, going for the door.
“Love you, too.”
I’m not shocked when I open the door and see Ivan standing there with a smile on his face. I smile back and head to the backyard to say my goodbyes. When I get to my car, I see Henry, in a suit, leaning against it. Only he would wear a suit to the family barbecue.
“Not avoiding me anymore?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
“Not now. It used to be Penelope we had to do this with.”
I tilt my head, unsure about what he’s talking about.
“Why is Royce Davenport asking me for your address?” His words make butterflies take flight in my stomach.
“When did he ask for it?” I try to play dumb, but the look on Henry’s face tells me he isn’t buying it.
“Called me about thirty minutes ago. He seemed pretty agitated. Then when I told him no he got pushy about it.” He straightens and puts his hands in his pockets.
“What did you say?”
“I told him to fuck off. Like I’m going to give him your address. I should’ve seen it coming. He asks about you every damn day.”
My cheeks warm at his words.
“Fuck me,” Henry says, shaking his head. “Not you, too. Pandora, you know what happens when you fall in love in this family.” He runs his hands through his hair just like his father does when he gets frustrated.
“Give me his address,” I tell him, not caring. I want this.
“Come on, Pan.” He gives me a look like I can’t be for real.
“I’m not messing around. I want it.” I pull out my phone and wait.
“Fucking hell.” He rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh. “I’ll text it to you. But only because I know you can take care of yourself.”
He pulls out his phone and taps out a message. I see it pop up on mine, and I nod. He walks over to me and pulls me in for a hug.
“I know we’ve been at each other’s throats the past few months with work, but I love you, and I just wanted to check in on this.”
“I love you, too,” I tell him. “But if I catch you leaning on my car again, we’re going to have another problem.”
He laughs, pulling away and walking into the house.
I hop in my car and put the address in my GPS. My hands are shaky, and I feel anxiety creep up my spine, but I’ve never been more sure of anything. I know I’m headed in the right direction.
Chapter 8
Royce
I shouldn’t have let her go.
That’s the only thing running through my mind the past few days. I should have carried her out of that fucking basement and brought her home. I should have made her mine that second and not let any time pass between us.
I pace back and forth through my living room, trying to rack my brain about what to do. I’ve already been sneaking down to her floor for made-up reasons. I don’t know how much more I can take. Days have gone by, and nothing. I see the look in her eyes. There’s so much need there, and I know exactly how to make it better.
I clench my fists and grit my teeth. That damn stubborn woman is determined to drive me crazy. If she would just let herself feel what’s between us, I know she’d see it. I know without a doubt that she’d fall into my arms.
Picking up my phone, I decide to call Henry again. Fuck everything. I don’t care if this screws up working together or if it ruins my name. I won’t let pride get in the way of what I want with Pandora. My finger hovers over the number just as I hear a knock on the door.
Looking up, I wait for Ezra or Donovan to walk in, but nothing happens. Thinking it must be a delivery from the doorman downstairs, I walk over and pull it open.
Standing in the doorway is my redheaded goddess. I’m stunned silent by her appearance, and I hold the door open with my jaw on the floor. Like an idiot.
Her hair is down, and she’s looking up at me through her lashes. She’s got on a black tank top and cutoff jean shorts and flip-flops. It’s the most skin I’ve ever seen exposed on her, and my mouth begins to water. She looks casual, like she’s been lounging around all day while I’ve been pacing like a maniac. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life.
“Hey. Sorry to barge in on you, but I needed—”
Her words shake me out of my block of stone, and I reach for her, pulling her into my arms and kicking the door shut.
Before I know what’s happening, I’ve got her pinned against the wall, and my lips are on hers. Fire ignites between us, stronger than our first kiss. I taste sweetness on her tongue and moan at the feel of her hands on my chest.
I grip her ass tight and grind her against the length of my cock. Every thick inch pulses for her, and I’m aching to be inside her tight, wet heat.
“Fuck,” I moan as her hands move lower and I feel her fingers touch my stomach. “More.” I hold her up against the wall with my lower half so my hands are free to pull my shirt off. “Touch me.”
Her eyes are wide, and she licks her lips as her palms brush against my nipples.
“Did you come here because you want this?” I ask, watching her reaction. She nods, but I shake my head. “Not good enough.” I run my hands up her thighs, feeling the warmth of her skin around my waist. “If you’re here for a quick fuck, I’ll put you on your feet and take your pretty ass home. But if you want what I want, then I need to hear you say it.”
“Royce—”
“I don’t want it to be like th
at, baby. But I won’t play games with you. I’ll wait, and it will fucking kill me, but I’ll do it for you.”
She runs her hand up to my neck, and I lean into her touch. I close my eyes and take a breath, wanting so desperately to have her.
“I’m here because I want it all. You, me, and whatever this could become.”
I open my eyes and see the truth in hers.
“I’ve never felt this before, and I’m scared.”
The raw vulnerability she’s showing me right now makes my chest ache. It’s exactly what I’ve been wanting her to say since the day I laid eyes on her. But I want her to be as sure as I am. Once I’ve had her, there’s no going back.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of, Pandora.” I wrap my arms around her and look into her dark blue eyes. “I’ll never hurt you, and I’ll never leave you. So make sure when you tell me that you want this, that you damn well mean it. Because when you’re mine, that’s forever, baby.”
“I’m trusting you with my heart,” she says, and I smile.
“You’ve already got both hands wrapped around mine. Be careful with my precious cargo.” I pull her away from the wall, and she laughs as I walk us back to my bedroom.
When I carry her in, I lay her down on the bed and lie on top of her. I’m not ready to kiss her yet, because I just want to look at her in my bed. I’ve pictured her more times than I can count, and none of the images did it justice.
“I’ve never done this before,” she whispers, and I see her cheeks turn pink.
I could make a joke and lighten the mood, but I don’t want to. This is important to me, and I want it to be important to her.
“Then I’ll be gentle.” I rub my nose against hers.
“I’m on the pill.” She shrugs, and then opens her mouth to say something else, and I place my fingers on her lips.
“I’m clean, you’re clean. No condoms.” I wait a beat, and she nods.
When I take my finger away, I replace it with my lips. The kiss is soft at first, but when her hands get on my skin, I’m like an animal that’s found its mate.
Reaching for the hem of her tank top, I pull it up and over her head, throwing it to the ground. Her breasts are bared to me, her pink nipples tight with desire. I suck one into my mouth as I slip my hand down the front of her jean shorts and into her panties.
Her warm honey greets my fingers as I spread her folds and pet her clit. She moans my name, and her hips rise as I rub little circles inside her shorts. I look down and see my hand disappearing below the waistband, and I feel pulse in my cock. Fuck, I want in there so bad, but I have to go slow.
Slowly, I push two fingers into her tight opening, rubbing her clit with my palm. I ache to rip her shorts and panties off, but somehow watching it like this is so fucking hot. I suck her other nipple in my mouth when I feel her body tighten around my digits. She’s tight, but relaxes as I love her delicate body. I pet her as I would a kitten, gently and with ease. She responds in kind, moving her hand between us and rubbing the bulge in the front of my shorts.
The feel of her hand on me there is too much, and before I can control myself, I’m in motion.
Chapter 9
Pandora
Suddenly my shorts and panties are gone and I’m left naked in the middle of Royce’s bed. Heat and desire have pooled between my legs like never before, and I want him so much I may combust with need.
I watch with anticipation as he stands up to kick off his shorts and climbs back on the bed only wearing his boxer briefs.
“Wait,” I say, holding out my hands. “Take those off, too.”
He gives me that cocky smile that I love but also want to smack off his face. But he does as I ask as he reaches in his underwear to fist his cock and then slides them off his body. Fuck, could this guy be any sexier?
“Spread those thighs, baby. I’ve waited long enough to get a taste of heaven.”
I throw my hands over my face to hide the blush. I’m never shy about anything but right now I can feel my whole body blushing. I feel my legs being jerked open and his mouth biting the inside of my thigh.
“Eyes on me, Pandora. I want to see you fall in love.”
The bastard winks at me, and just before I can reach out to smack him, his face ducks between my legs and I feel his mouth on my center.
“Oh Jesus,” I groan as the delicious sensation flows up my core and through my veins.
“Royce will do just fine, baby. No need to call me anything else.”
I want to growl. I want to kick at him for being such an arrogant asshole. But the things his tongue is doing to me have made me lose all thought.
He slides his hands under my ass and lifts me up to him. My legs go over his lower back, and my bottom half is completely off the bed. He’s right, though. I watch him with such focus that I can’t possibly look away, and I might actually be falling for him at the same time.
No one has ever made me feel this good, and I don’t just mean between my legs. My heart is full as I run my fingers through his hair, and he tells me how beautiful I am, how good I taste. Passion floods every cell in my body as he seduces me with endless praise on just how perfect I am for him.
If I had known it would be like this, I would have sat on his face the second he walked into my office.
Reaching up, I rub my breasts and play with my nipples as he looks up from my sex. His eyes narrow, and he moans in agonizing pleasure as he enjoys the view. I’m teasing him and I’m temping his control, but I’m so close to orgasm that I can’t stop myself.
He knows I’m close, too, because every time my breath hitches and I’m at the peak, he pulls me back in. He’s edging me, keeping me on the cusp, and I’m insane with want.
“You going to beg for it?” he asks as he kisses the inside of my thigh and runs his nose against my clit.
“Never,” I say, and I damn well mean it.
“That’s my girl,” he whispers, and winks at me.
Goddamn him for making me fall even harder for him.
I open my mouth to protest, but before I can get a word out, Royce has flipped me over on my hands and knees and is pulling my back to his front.
His arms come around my waist, and I feel the large length of his cock resting between my legs. He’s sitting back on his feet and brings me onto his lap, with my legs on either side of his.
“I want you like this the first time. This way you can control it.”
His big hands run up my stomach. One cups my breast and the other slides back down to my pussy. I feel his rough digits gently stroke my sensitive clit, and my orgasm is barreling down on me again. My body is wound so tight he’s playing me like a guitar.
“Slide down real easy, baby.” He kisses my shoulder, and I feel him nuzzle my neck. “I want to make slow, sweet love to you.”
He’s handed me the keys and told me to drive. I didn’t expect this from him. I thought he’d get on top and it would be something I’d have to grit my teeth to get through the first time. But like Royce, he’s never what I think.
The head of his cock presses against my entrance, and I feel the girth of him. But his hands roam my body, and his kisses trail up and down my neck, and I relax. I breathe through the pinch of pain and slowly lower myself onto him. I can feel the slight tremble in his touch as I take more and more of his length until I’m fully seated.
There’s nothing in the world that can explain just how good it feels to take him into my body. I can’t describe the fullness not only between my legs but in my heart as I hear Royce’s voice in my ear. I expected it to hurt, and I never expected it to feel this good.
“So perfect. So beautiful,” he whispers, and pets my clit.
“I’m so close,” I breathe, already on the edge of pleasure.
My body is locked tight
around his, and I feel his lips at my ear. “Slow, baby. Real slow.”
I rise up, and his length drags out of me, letting me feel every hard ridge. The head of his cock rubs some perfect place inside me, and I cry out when he hits it.
“Now let’s focus on that. Right there,” he says, rocking back and forth in short bursts right against that secret place inside me.
The feeling is torture of the sweetest kind, and it’s like I’m being branded from the inside out.
“Royce. Oh shit.” I grab his arms and dig my nails into his skin. Somewhere in the back of my mind I hear him encouraging it, telling me to mark him.
The slow, steady thrusts right on that one spot have my eyes closing tight and sweat breaking out all over my body.
“I’m going to come right there.” He thrusts against it, and I cry out.
My body shakes, and I scream as the orgasm ignites in my blood and sends pleasure to every inch of my body. My fingers and toes feel like they’re on fire, and I nearly collapse onto the bed.
But Royce holds me tight, and I feel heat between my legs as his seed spills inside me. The two of us combined spread on the insides of my thighs, and I can feel every pulse of his cock as he gives me more.
His orgasm triggers another wave of pleasure between my legs, and his fingers slow their steady thrum. My gasps of breath have slowed down, and my heartbeat is beginning to return to normal.
His lips kiss my shoulder, and I can feel him smile against me. “Mine,” he says, and hugs his arms around my body.
A wave of exhaustion hits me as he lays me down on the bed and spoons in beside me. There’s a blanket pulled over us, and his strong arms keep me safe. I’ve never felt more at peace in my life, and I snuggle against him.
“Get some sleep, baby. You’re going to need it.”
Chapter 10
Pandora
Kisses rain down my spine and slowly wake me. I look over my shoulder to see Royce’s lips lingering in places before he moves to the next spot. This is the second time he’s woken me up with his mouth. The first was with him between my legs. He ate me until I came and I fell asleep again.
