by Beth Mikell
True to his word, he was back within moments and taped her up, then helped her, still clothed, into the shower. Luckily, the seat was near the showerhead and knobs with a detachable wand to make it easy.
After a few minutes, he finally made to leave. “Please be careful, princess. If you need me, I’ll just be right outside the door.”
She nodded and he left…and again the startling absence of his presence filled her—though she blamed her hormones.
It took over thirty minutes to take a shower, but Savannah finally managed it. She even maneuvered herself out of the shower without calling for biker god, though that would have been the highlight of the morning—her naked and him…ah. She closed her mind from the thought, anchoring her right hip up against the counter and securing a towel around her breasts.
He knocked at the door, “Savannah?”
“I’m okay, be finished in a few.”
She pulled her bag up on the counter, reached for another slip dress, and hurried to put it on— not bothering with underwear or a bra. Her hand dived in the bag to get her toothbrush, but the bag tipped, falling to the floor with a resounding crash.
The bathroom door flung wide open with a very worried Hex in the doorway stalking towards her. “Are you alright?”
Savannah jolted at the sudden intrusion, losing her balance and began to fall, but Hex caught her, hauling her up against him.
He ground his teeth together, “I knew this was a bad idea.” He bit out, his angry face just inches from hers, his arms pinning her tightly up into his body. She looked…radiant. Water still lingered within her spiky, black lashes, the sheen of her skin dewy from her shower. Bad idea or not, he had her exactly where he wanted her.
He felt like hot sin. Every soft part of her body curled into every rock solid muscle of his. The best part was…there was no hiding the stiff erection snug deep against her stomach and she pressed her hips more firmly into him. There was no mistaking his ardent hiss either.
She stifled a chuckle, her inner hussy back in full force--to hell with waiting. “I was doing just fine until someone burst in the room and scared the bejeebies out of me.”
His blue eyes narrowed, glittering with unsuppressed anger, “You think this is funny?”
The velvet darkness of her eyes dilated and she smiled. “Completely. What are you going to do about it, Montgomery?” She challenged.
He didn’t have a verbal answer.
She moaned on contact.
Mouth to mouth, tongue to tongue clashed in a firestorm of heat—sliding over and under silky smooth wetness where taste slithered around hot, earnest lust. His hand pressed her deeper into his body; she pulled him closer still, groaning and eager for more. Lush sweetness fell over them—held them prisoner in the space of a heartbeat.
She tasted…delicious, savory and rich over his tongue. His nostrils flared, drinking in her spring scent as familiar as breathing. His hand caressed down the length of her spine, pressing her closer, unsatisfied and wanting to strip them both naked. A lot could happen in just a few seconds and he wanted to deliver, his shaft just as eager.
Priority two achieved…but he wanted more—his body ever greedy where she was concerned.
He trailed a warm path to her ear, nibbling on the shell of her ear, “Princess. God…what you do to me.” It wasn’t a question.
Her eyes closed and she wanted more as his tongue flicked out against her—his breath flamed higher and settling moist between her legs. It wouldn’t be hard…he could just prop her up on the counter, slide between her legs—and make them both…burn. She wanted that more than she ever wanted anything or anyone.
She didn’t dare. Not yet.
She needed him to meet her on a deeper field…one of love, not of lust.
Savannah pulled back enough to place distance between them, her hand caressing up his chest to push against his hold. “Maybe we should cool things down…a little.” She inwardly winced. Damn, she wanted him to kiss her more and her inner hussy glared at her…wanting her to forget everything. But, she would hate herself later. She wanted him into forever…but her biker god had to at least meet her half the distance. Please, her body, heart and soul begged of him…please realize my heart she pleaded.
He seemed stunned as if a spell suddenly broke, though he half smiled, “I guess my timing sucks. I should get you back to bed.”
And his words couldn’t be more exciting. She wanted nothing more than to submit to his suggestion, but she recovered. “I need to brush my teeth first.”
Did she have idiot stamped on her forehead? If not, she sure felt like one. The sexiest man in the universe just mouth-fucked her hard and all she could say was…I need to brush my teeth first? Her relationship skills bit the big one and she did a mental loser sign on her forehead.
Hex took a step back, but kept her balanced while he retrieved her bag and set it back on the counter. He fished out her toothbrush and laid it on the counter before turning to her. “Do I need to leave for this?”
She shrugged, reaching for the toothbrush and proceeded to do her business, acting as if what they just shared hadn’t meant anything more than flipping a channel on the television. Yet, she was a complete liar. Her body still trembled, her heart still raced and heavy moisture still clung to the inside of her legs reminding her just how much a liar she was. All the same, she did her very best to hide it, venturing a glance up at him in the mirror and nearly choked on her toothpaste. His mocking smile confirmed he wasn’t fooled by her whatever-shrug-the-shoulders kind of response. In fact, he almost seemed to be gloating, but thankfully, he didn’t comment.
Hex settled her back on the bed, his hands on either side of her hips and the luscious safe feeling kicked in overdrive. His face was so close, his heat made her tingle and not just on the surface…but deep down. Her fingers itched to grab his face and dive in for another kiss, but she fisted her hands instead, resisting.
“What would you like for breakfast?”
Ewe, the thought of food rolled her stomach. “Green tea and toast. I can’t handle more than that right now.”
His blue eyes were deep in thought, but he didn’t speak…nodded then left the room. He was gone about fifteen minutes, carting a tray with green tea, toast and mango…plus a prenatal vitamin and Tylenol, he set the tray down across her lap.
“Try to eat all of it,” he said before turning about and off to take his shower.
She tried…she really did. Vitamin down…Tylenol down…half the toast and half the tea, but no more. She wasn’t sure any of it would stay down. Well, baby, she thought laying a hand over her stomach--we have to work this out. As a reward for her mental thought, another wave of nausea flew over her, she groaned.
“So not the response I was expecting,” she murmured just as Hex came out from the bathroom with a towel anchored around his hips while he worked another over his hair.
“Did you say something princess?”
She didn’t know if she was supposed to lick her lips, swallow or breathe—he stole every bodily reaction from her. Hex walked through unabashed with water still glistening over his lean, muscular body and she could only fixedly stare with appreciation with heat festered under the surface. Her heart resuscitated with a pounding slam, she finally swallowed…her mouth dead dry and licked her lips in the prospect of lapping every drop of water off his skin. Even the angry slash of his tattoos begged for her tongue to run slip, dance and slide over each curve, spike and spear.
Please make this easy for me, she silently pleaded, come to me. But, he didn’t. Score one for overactive hormones, action zip.
He looked up at her, waiting for an answer. She didn’t have one.
And damn the man…he smiled as if daring her to say something naughty, but for once (or since knowing him) her sarcastic wisdom had the day off—she had nothing! The man shook her libido up a slope and down the wildest ride of her life. And where was she? In his bed and pregnant with his child. How’s that for proof! Howev
er, she was exactly where she wanted to be and if that made her naughty…well then—bring it—she loved her some biker god, literally.
“Well…I was…just thinking. Everything has tumbled together so fast…shouldn’t we try to get to know each other a little better? I mean we do have a lot to consider,” she lied unwilling to admit the truth of her out-of-control desires. Her hand still resting on her stomach waved up then settled back against her for baby emphasis.
Hex walked over to his side of the bed and sat down facing her, uncaring of his near naked body so exquisitely offered. “You are right of course. But, I don’t think we can fit two lifetimes of into a conversation.”
True. “But we need to start somewhere.”
The edges of his mouth moved up in a smile, “You mean other than we are explosive in bed?” Her eyebrow rose. Now who was being naughty? “Obviously more than that.”
He reached for her other hand that lay on the bed, entwining his fingers loosely with hers, “I’m fairly uncomplicated.” He shrugged.
Obtuse much! “You’ve gotta be kidding me, right? When I met you—I mean really truly met you and not snuggled up in the hotel room, you were posing as just a metal subcontractor. That hardly seems uncomplicated when you consider the fact you are the owner of MK Steel and happen to be Sean’s friend. Please, tell how simple that is?” She tried to keep the sting out of her voice, though no apology followed.
He was unaffected by her prickly words and a chuckle rumbled through his chest, “You’re right, princess, I’m a total fraud.” Meeting her eyes, “I’m sorry I misled you. Honestly, after the nightclub and morning after, I never thought I would see you again. I know that sounds terrible, but it’s the truth. I’m not much of a relationship kind of man.”
Would he jest? Seriously? “I wouldn’t have guessed.”
His smile faded considerably, “But neither am I such a man to do what I did either, princess. I usually know a woman before taking her to my bed. But, with you…” he trailed off.
She understood. They were indeed explosive together as if something stronger connected them. “Do you have any regrets?”
“Other than not persuading you to stay the morning after for another round? Not one.” He lied. He should have been more careful and not made a child so early in the game--hats off to his stupidity with a tequila chaser.
She rolled her eyes, “That’s not what I meant.”
He leaned forward and kissed the palm of her hand, his eyes never leaving her face. “I know what you meant, princess. I just regret I handled things so quickly with you. Meeting someone then becoming instant parents isn’t the best way to begin a conversation, much less a relationship. But, I won’t ever regret meeting you…not now, not ever.”
God, what could she say to that? By far his words were the sweetest thing a man had ever said to her…or she allowed a man to say to her for that matter, although she had nothing in the world to compare it too. No relationship, past or present to base the truth upon, but…he warmed her spirit. She could almost fly. Almost.
Savannah dragged in a deep breath, choosing to ignore his last comment. “So, who is Hexon James Montgomery of MK Steel? Give the deets and don’t leave anything out.”
He too sighed, but with a smile. “I’m an inheritor of my fortune. My grandfather began MK back in the late 60’s and my father picked up after he retired. Then, when my dad wanted out, the company became my baby. I’m more of the hands on kind of CEO, preferring the actual steel work rather than the corporate side. My cousin Dominic tends to run interference for me so I can do my moonlighting.”
She nearly laughed remembering how similar she thought the two were, “Ah, you're cousins. That makes sense, you two look so similar.”
Red actually crept up his cheeks, “Sorry. I hope he was gentleman. Just because he's my cousin, doesn’t mean I still can’t kick his ass.”
“No, no, he was fine. Wouldn’t want his blood on my hands.”
Hex sobered, his blue eyes narrowed, “Does that mean he tried something?” he asked a bit harshly as a pound of jealousy snaked up through his stomach and he tried hard to stamp it down.
She pushed her long damp hair over her shoulder, “Of course not. I am a master of the cold shoulder and breathless brush off.”
The jealousy grip subsided…a little. “Oh yeah? Your techniques need some fine-tuning. They didn’t work on me.” He winked before sinking his teeth gently over the pad of her finger.
Savannah gasped in pure white pleasure, damn him. “Who said I even used them on you?” she managed to croak out, pleasure shooting through her body and she wanted to beg for more.
He tilted his head to the side and considered her current state of pregnancy and his eyes fell upon her stomach before looking back up at her. “Good point.” He stared hard. “So, my turn. Do you like scrambled or fried?”
She blinked, thrown off guard. “What?”
His smiled widened into pure softness—almost boyish. “I thought I’d start with something simple and work my way up. So, scrambled or fried…eggs that is.”
Did all his words have to include a sexual innuendo? Or was it just because her hormones were out of whack and she couldn’t control herself? Either way, she trembled. “Neither. I don’t like them Sam-I- Am. I haven’t eaten eggs since college. Nasty business that. I’d rather not elaborate.” She grimaced at the memory of puking for two days on an omelet and she vowed never to eat another egg. So far so good.
“No eggs. Duly noted.” Then he went off on her like speed round dating. “Favorite day of the week?”
“Friday.”
“Color?”
“Blue.” She said without hesitation and her eyes drowned in the deepest azures ever made in the known universe—enough said.
“Winter ski resort or warm beach?”
It was her turn to laugh, “Both.”
Hex lifted a brow, but he was so enchanted by the sound of her laughter, “Oh? Why?”
“Each hold equal charms, don’t you think?” she asked, her eyes not withholding her meaning.
He knew what she meant and leaped with desire at the thought imaging her spread out over a fur rug in front of fire or over a blanket on a warm beach…both would be heaven. She was so right. Hex cleared his throat, trying to mask his increasing desire, “Sports?”
“The Yankees.”
He grimaced, “I’m a Braves man.”
Her brown eyes were alight with humor, “My condolences.” He sighed, but smiled at her. “Republican or Democrat?”
“Elephants rule, donkeys drool.”
He chuckled at that one, “Flower?”
“Lilacs.”
He frowned. “Really? You seem more of a rose type. I’m surprised.”
Savannah lifted a shoulder in a shrug, “Roses are nice, but a sprig of lilac feels like spring to me, which by the way is my favorite time of year.”
His gut tightened at the word spring because that was exactly what she smelled like and he couldn’t get enough. Even now, her scent blew over him and he wanted more of it. “Favorite city,” he said gruffly.
“Milan, though New York comes in at a close second.”
“I knew that…somehow. One of the designer capitals of the world.”
She looked down at her manicured tips, “Yes, well, a girl has her vices after all.” Their eyes met, heat smoldered.
“Well said, princess. Boyfriends?” She stilled…and then paled.
What could she say? The truth obviously, but would he believe her? “Not one since Brandon Stevens in the second grade. He loved hiding my school bag and pulling my braids damn him, but he had the cutest smile. I’ve since learned he married and divorced twice…not to mention lost all his hair. Serves him right I’d say—to be bald and alone.” She tried to make light of the subject, but his expression was totally blank.
Hex didn't believe her. So, what was she hiding? “Come on, you can’t expect me to believe you haven’t had a boyfriend since the se
cond grade, can you?”
A flush spread over her cheeks, “I—I just haven’t. I haven’t met the right somebody--most guys are too immature to handle a diva-drama-queen like me.”
She was right, he knew. His—his sarcastic princess was a handful, but should he keep referring to her as his? Yes. No. Hell, yes and then some…then hell no again on so many levels. Hex was soon discovering they enjoyed so many similarities and he wanted more of her. He wanted desperately for her to be his. “So…no relationship? Not even a secret boyfriend or lover?”
She smiled, “A lover is different from a boyfriend,” she said with a sigh, “It’s true though, no relationship. I know that sounds odd, but I did try once in college, but my drive and ambition for a career became more important. I have dated, but I haven’t ever committed to someone on purpose. Really, I never saw the point.” She shrugged. “Besides, I was eighteen when my parents were killed in a car accident and I had my fifteen year old sister to look after--boys weren't high on my priority list.”
He knew that too, from Sean, but he didn’t bring it up first. Since she did, he would expand on it. “That must have been hard for you. You were still young yourself.”
She raised a shoulder as a show of indifference, “It was at the time, but I got through it.” For her the subject wasn’t worth dredging through, no matter how much Hex desired information about her. She decided to change the subject and fast. “What about you? You mentioned a rough relationship in the hospital.”
As quick as a blink, Hex’s expression went from open and engaging to remote and somber. He didn’t want to discuss Jessica. Not now, not ever. She was dead to him and she would stay buried in the past right where she belonged. “At times life can really kick you in the pants, but I got through it.” He dragged a hand through his hair. “Well, I need to get ready for the office. I have an 8 o’clock meeting.”
