by Fiona Archer
Her face softened in a mixture of shyness and pleasure. “For understanding.” She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a light kiss on the mouth.
Hell, he should be the one thanking Derek and Aidan.
“Red,” he gathered her against him, pleased at her quick intake of breath. “Any guy who acts otherwise is an arse.” With that, he set his mouth on hers, letting her feel the pressure of his kiss and taking his time doing so. Not until he felt her body relax against his did he lift his head. “Let’s get you home.”
She nodded, and Heath caught her smile as she turned and climbed into his vehicle.
During the drive home, they chatted about author and reader events, how she wanted to hold more in the future. When she asked how things were at work, Heath gave her scraps of information about his current case, but since most of the details were confidential, their discussion on that topic was limited.
In no time, Heath parked the SUV out front of her house and remained silent as he turned off the car’s engine. He could either walk her to the door, or take things further. It was up to London what happened next.
She glanced at the clock on the car’s dashboard. “It’s only nine-thirty. I know you’ve had a big day, but if you’d like some coffee or a beer?” There was a hint of expectation in her voice he found irresistible.
“A beer sounds great.” Heath climbed out and got her case from the back. He had her passenger door open and held her hand as she slid out of the SUV, again giving him another pleasing view of her legs courtesy of her choice of skirt.
She moved to swing her large tote over her shoulder. He grasped the carry-all, surprised at the weight. What the hell did women pack in these things? Since he wasn’t an idiot, he kept that question to himself and led her to the front door.
Heath glanced around. Dark. Plenty of shadows cast by the garden and the house. “Front light not working?”
The faint glow of light from the street allowed him to see her grimace. Okay. He’d save the lecture on personal safety until they were inside.
“The bulb in the sensor light blew a couple of days ago.” She fumbled with her front door key before opening the door and switching on the foyer light. Dropping her keys on the small dish on the hall table, she closed the door behind them. “If you could leave the case next to my bedroom door…” She stopped by a door to the right of the foyer, and he rolled the case into position. “Thanks. Let’s get some beers.” She led Heath down the hallway, entered a room near the end, and turned on more lights.
A large kitchen with plenty of windows, white cupboards and light blue walls greeted him. Pots filled with leafy green plants and potted herbs covered one windowsill. The space felt homey in a welcoming, relaxed way.
London walked to a large stainless steel fridge/freezer and pulled out two bottles of Manny’s Pale Ale. “Glass?”
“No, thanks.” He leaned a hip against the gray stone of the kitchen counter and watched as she grabbed a bottle opener, removed the caps and handed him the beer. He nodded his thanks and waited to see whether she headed into the living room or somewhere else.
Instead, she placed her beer on the counter and faced him. Seconds passed as she studied him.
“I wasn’t being contrary.” At his raised brow she continued. “Before, with the front light. Like everyone else, I like to see where I’m going.”
“Okay.” He sipped his beer…and waited.
“But the blub blew sometime Monday night, and I’ve been so busy and caught up in my writing that well…” She shrugged. “Sometimes things get left for later. But”—she lifted a finger—“I haven’t forgotten. And there’s my evidence.” She pointed toward a Post-it stuck on her fridge with the words ‘Sensor light change blub’ written in dark marker. “I may like to go with the flow, Detective, and not live a rigid, controlled lifestyle, but I don’t take stupid risks with my safety.”
Amusement lurked in his voice. “Sometimes I like your…contrariness.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please, it drives you nuts.”
He laughed. “True.”
Her mouth twitched as she tried—and failed miserably—to fake a stern expression. “Detectives shouldn’t tell fibs. I may have to report you to your superior officer.”
A current of excitement shot through his body. Heath wasn’t a man to pass up such a sweet opportunity to push her further.
“Not if I take you into custody first.” He reached over and claimed her beer. Placing the bottle on the counter, he moved close, way close, forcing her to step backward, her lower back now pressed against the counter. His fingers circled her wrists, drawing them behind her and held them captive in one hand as his other cupped her chin.
A moment of worry flickered in her eyes. “I, er, that is—”
He lowered his head and seized her mouth in a slow, drugging kiss geared to melt any defiance she could muster. Slowly her body relaxed as she pressed against him.
Her half closed eyes and soft expression shot a stab of arousal straight to his cock. He deepened his voice to a low commanding tone. “Ms. Shaw, any steps I deem necessary can and will be used to place you exactly where and how I want you.”
Was that a tremor he felt as he held her? Very nice. “What…” She swallowed. “What if I resist?”
With that breathless voice? Sweet liar.
Heath sharpened his gaze. “There’s always my cuffs.”
Her mouth opened, and she let out a soft whimper. The sound was undeniable in the stillness of the kitchen. He noted no follow-up plea for release. London glanced anywhere to avoid his gaze. And all as a flush stole over her cheeks.
Such a beautiful sight.
Heath’s gaze dropped to her mouth before returning to her eyes. “Well, well. You like to play?”
She twisted her wrists in his grasp. He tightened his hold. Much like the strong grip he kept on his desire. He wouldn’t rush her.
“I don’t know,” London said. Her body’s reaction said otherwise. “Maybe.” She bit her lower lip. “Do you?”
“Yes.” His answer was direct and uncompromising. Now wasn’t the time for mixed messages. “I like having control.”
She took a moment to speak. Gaining courage? “I want you to show me. Tonight.”
He traced her bottom lip with one finger. Soft. Plump. “Plenty of ways a person can have fun playing. Tell me exactly what you want.” He needed her to say the words.
“I want you in my bed, and…” she rushed out, “…the kinky stuff.”
“Kinky stuff? Be more precise.” He couldn’t go easy on her when her safety and pleasure were at stake.
She licked her lips. “Your cuffs.”
There we have it. “This your first time experimenting with bondage?”
“Yes.” Her voice sounded choked. Though not from fear. He could see the anticipation in the brightness of her gaze.
“Then we’ll take things slow. I like to be in charge in the bedroom. Let’s start there first.” He ran his finger over her chin, down her throat and rested it lightly just above her pulse point. Fast but steady. “You familiar with the term ‘safe word’?”
She nodded. “I’ve read plenty of BDSM romances. They normally use ‘red’.” She scrunched her nose. “But you use that for me.”
She clearly wanted her nickname used only for that purpose. Their shared connection to the nickname mattered to her. Jesus. Pure, unadulterated satisfaction flooded him. He wanted to charge out, hunt down a dragon, and lay it at her feet.
He’d never met another woman like London. One day she frustrated the hell out of him and the next left him speechless for the best of reasons.
“Then you pick a new word. Something I’d never confuse with anything else you’d cry out when my mouth’s on your pussy.”
Her lips parted as she stared at him.
Fucking cute.
“A word I’d never use when I’m close to climaxing?” She glanced down, and her brows furrowed as she took her time deciding
before she looked up. “Dentist.”
Okay, he’d bite. “Bit of a phobia there?”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
He chuckled. Fair enough. “Then dentist it is.” Heath released his hold on her wrists and stepped back. “Go into your room. I’ll check the doors and join you.
“No need. Everything’s still locked from…” She broke off, silenced by his hard stare. “Right. You’re in control.”
She fled out of the kitchen, and Heath couldn’t hide his smile. London under his control and wanting to play. Let’s see how…contradictory she’d be now.
CHAPTER FIVE
London sat on the edge of her bed and started to lift the hem of her top. Wait…should she undress or still be clothed? Heath hadn’t instructed her to be naked. Was that even part of the deal she’d just made?
Maybe she should pose on the bed half naked like some seductive siren? Except she’d likely look as stiff as a board as she sucked in her belly and hoped she wasn’t showing a double chin.
“Oh, for God’s sake.” She stood and moved to her side of the bed. What was wrong with her? She wasn’t a virgin, so why all the stressing?
But wouldn’t any sane woman get the jelly wobbles, knowing Heath was entering their bedroom to take control?
Maybe, but standing and nervously waiting made her appear needy.
A small pile of blue on the cream colored carpet snagged her gaze. Oh, heck, her panties from earlier today. Yikes. She kicked them under the bed and did a quick scan to ensure no other stray clothing was in sight. This is what happened when she ran late for an appointment and dashed around her room like a maniac changing clothes, running to the bathroom and back—like this afternoon.
She pulled back the peacock blue patterned bedcover and white sheets. The cotton felt crisp and clean under her fingers. Thank God she’d changed the sheets this morning.
In under a minute, London had her top and skirt off, leaving her in a matching set of emerald colored panties and bra, and her black stilettos.
Placing her clothing on the small chair in the corner, she reached up and unhooked the front of her bra.
“Don’t move.”
She froze under the force of Heath’s deep voice.
His gaze swept over her in a long, leisurely study as he stood in the bedroom doorway. His hard, masculine face gave nothing away, leaving her guessing…and vulnerable. A quiver of anticipation fluttered over her skin. And wasn't that what he wanted? She'd agreed tonight he was in command. In here. In her bedroom.
He moved closer. No, he stalked, stopping a foot away. Big hands gripped her hips in a firm hold, but she was already caught, held by his piercing stare.
“Put your hands behind your back.”
She obeyed, feeling a giddy rush of joy at the approval in his gaze.
One hand moved from her hips to the front of her bra. He pushed the cup of her bra aside.
She dropped her gaze to her breasts. Her nipples had drawn into tight peaks. How would they look caught between Heath’s fingers as he rubbed them…or—she bit her lip—pinched them?
“Eyes on me.”
Her gaze flew back to his. Each time he spoke in that commanding tone, a lash of excitement sizzled down to between her legs. She cupped her hands together behind her back, and the sense of powerlessness was…instant and palpable. Even more so since the only thing stopping her moving was her—and the hard, knowing stare of the man standing so close.
“Better.” Heath hooked a finger under the strap of her bra and slid it down her arm, quickly followed by the other so the material hung around her wrists. He brushed his knuckles against her breast, tracing the curve.
She couldn’t hide her shiver.
His eyes lit. “Lovely.” He pinched her nipple between two fingers, tugging on the bud.
Pleasure rippled over her skin with each pull. His touch was firm but not rough. Her low, throaty moan filled her head as he rolled the pointed bud. The urge to grip his shoulders and hang on was overwhelming. She clasped her hands tighter behind her back.
“You like that, Red?” His fingers pinched harder, the sense of burning increasing slowly, building and building until her mouth opened on her gasp.
“Yes,” she breathed out.
“And now?” The pressure on her nipple grew. “You like your sugar with some bite. Remember, London?”
God she did. In the café. He’d teased her. And she’d bantered back, but she hadn’t guessed—
“Pain serves more than a corrective purpose. Done right, pain and dominance bring pleasure. Forces a person past taboos and fears she never knew she had.” His other hand moved from her hip to clench her bottom. “You want to go there, London?” His fingers dug into her butt cheek. His touch now rough, forceful.
And she loved it.
London stared at his shrewd gaze. Always assessing. Always knowing. She couldn’t deny him the truth. “Yes. But…” Oh, there definitely was a but. His touch tantalized her, shocked her with the amount of pleasure she’d gained. Even so, everyone had their limits. “I’m not…” She sucked in a breath as he slowly rolled her nipple. The slow burn of arousal low in her belly intensified into a bright flame, incinerating her train of thought. She blinked, forcing the rest of her words out. “…a fan of serious pain.”
He released her nipple and strummed the now throbbing bud with his thumb. Each slow flick fired another shot of arousal through her body. And dammit, she really had to concentrate on his answer.
“Neither am I. You have nothing to fear.” Heath ran the edge of his fingernails over the skin not covered by her panties. “Well, within reason.”
He tugged her hair, forcing her head to the side and exposing her neck. A whiff of her floral perfume—roses and something else—teased his nostrils. “I appreciate the lingerie, babe.” He kissed along her neck. The stubble shadowing his jaw gently prickled her skin with each caress, triggering a volley of shivers over her shoulders and up her neck. “But I want you naked.” Hooking his thumb in the side of her panties, he dragged them down to her knees and let gravity do the rest.
Next, he grabbed the bra hanging at her wrists. She unclasped her hands, and he tossed the green silky garment onto her chair.
That just left… London glanced down at her black stiletto heels.
“Leave them on.”
She glanced up. “But—”
“I want to feel them digging into my back when your legs are wrapped around me.”
Oh. My. God.
His lips found hers in a swift, demanding kiss. Still held captive by his hand in her hair, she let herself fall deeper under the spell of his dominance. And with her hands once more clasped behind her, the sense of submission was only heightened.
Slowly, he released his grasp on her hair and guided her to the side of the bed. “Lie down on your back. Bend your knees and spread your legs.”
She did as ordered, the growing wave of anticipation outpacing any nerves.
“Wider.” Heath indicated her legs with a nod as he unbuttoned his shirt. “I want to see all of you.”
Her face heated. Opening herself right up to his gaze… She’d never lain so bare before for a man. Usually, with sex, the lights were off, but with Heath that obviously wasn’t an option.
She pushed her thighs wider and was rewarded with the flash of hunger in his blue gaze.
Heath’s shirt hit the floor, revealing a broad, muscled chest, which tapered to a slim waist and narrow hips. He removed his wallet from the back pocket of his pants and took out a small foil package. Then he undid his belt and pants and leaned forward, treating her to a view of the bunched muscles of his shoulders as he pulled off his boots. Seconds later, he was fully naked and standing over her. His hard erection was thick and just the right length.
For days, she’d lived with imagined versions of Heath without his usual jeans and shirt. The reality was infinitely better.
“Put your hands under your head
.” He watched as she obeyed. “How does it feel, not having your hands free?”
Strange. Sexy. She wiggled her backside against the bedding. “It feels…daring. Like I’m taking a huge chance and I don’t know what’s in store.”
His gazed darkened with predatory intent, sending a sliver of hungry need to the center of her femininity. “No, you don’t.”
He opened the foil package, sheathed himself, and tossed the packaging in the small waste bin beside her cherry wood nightstand.
Heath lay on his side next to her on the bed and ran his fingers over her breasts, skimming the nipples as they pebbled under his touch. His hand dipped lower, tracing the top of her pussy, her hips. All the time, he denied her his touch between her legs and the now throbbing bundle of nerves aching for his attention.
He lowered his head and licked her nipples, ever so gently running his teeth over the very tip of each bud.
London gasped, loving the sensations, the danger of wondering if he’d bite them.
Heath moved lower in the bed, his head now above her pussy. “I like you open to me like this.” His fingertip brushed over the outer lips of her pussy, sliding with ease over her desire-slickened skin.
She jolted at his touch, her anticipation so high… God, if she was that nervy at the stroke of his fingertip how would be she when—
He flicked his tongue on the very tip of her clit.
“Ahhhh” Her words sounded like a pleasure-filled sigh. She closed her eyes as he licked lazy circles around her clit. Her body relaxed against the soft bedding as she gave herself over to the sheer bliss of him teasing her sensitive bud.
“You taste fucking fantastic.” Heath said close to her skin. He used his thumbs to spread her wide, before running his tongue over the length of her pussy.
Her groan was low and needy, each sweep of his tongue drawing her into a swirling firestorm of desire. One moment he ran his tongue back and forth across her inner lips, then he switched to gentle suction on her clit. Every caress was geared to leave her wanting more, breathing harder.
She raised her knees and dug the heels of her stiletto shoes into the bedding.
