Forbidden: Playing With Fire, Book 1

by Karen Erickson

  Good. He’d be prepared, much like her. And she’d hit him with her wish and being the gentleman that he was, he’d agree with no argument. Then she could go to her room and lock herself away.

  Away from him and his tantalizing scent, his beautiful eyes and his dazzling smile. Denying herself what she wanted while having it sit directly in front of her was going to be difficult.

  Maybe she needed a new roommate.

  Michaela turned the handle easily and opened the unlocked door, walked right inside. No other lights were on but the TV blared, casting shadows about the room. Austin sat sprawled on the couch, his long limbs practically taking over the entire length. His dark brows rose when he caught sight of her and he righted himself, sitting up straight.

  “Finally done avoiding me, hmm?”

  Leave it up to him to cut right to the chase. “I’ve been busy.” She shut the door behind her with a final click.

  “Uh, huh.” He nodded but the doubt was there, in his tone, on his face. “We should talk.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about.” She smiled, pushed away from the door and headed toward the kitchen. Depositing her purse on the counter, she grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and twisted the cap off, taking a long drink.

  Gathered her thoughts, prepared what she wanted to say next. She’d had a plan just a minute ago. What the hell had happened to it?

  Damn the man for unnerving her so.

  “There is definitely something to talk about.” He followed her into the kitchen and when she turned around she found him standing close, too close.

  She took a step backward, set the water bottle on the counter beside her. “It was a mistake, Austin.” She kept her tone measured, her gaze alighting upon his face, and she noticed the flicker of irritation in his eyes. One moment there, the next moment gone.

  “A mistake.” He didn’t say anything else, just stared at her as if she might be crazy.

  Which she probably was, putting a stop to this when it could be so good between them.

  But there was no them. There could be nothing between them because even if he was interested, she was just a novelty. Experimenting because he had no better prospects and she was around so hey, why not?

  “We got caught up in the moment and it just…happened. We won’t let it happen again.”

  He continued watching her, his entire body still, his expression blank. Chewing on his lower lip, he looked contemplative, as if he was digesting her words. And he probably didn’t like what he had heard.

  Well, too bad. Again, it was all about self-preservation. And fooling around with this man, though it had the potential to be a sizzling hot encounter, would probably end in sending her heart up in flames as well.

  “You’re in denial,” he finally said, leaning his hip against the kitchen counter, mimicking her position. “I’m sure you think what’s happening here between us is impossible, and I can see why you’d feel that way. I get it.”

  He pushed away from the counter and took a step toward her, then another. Coming closer, closer until she could smell him, feel him, his body heat reaching out toward her and luring her in. “So the ball’s in your court. I’m ready, willing and able, Michaela. I’m not going to deny that I want you. That I’ve wanted you for a long time.”

  Silence filled the room, the sound of the TV growing distant as his words sunk in, making her head spin. He left it at that on purpose. Just to screw with her.

  It was working.

  “If you want me, you have to come to me. I’ll wait. It’s all up to you.” Leaning in, Austin kissed her fleetingly, the imprint of his mouth on hers lingering there long after he moved away from her.

  She watched him exit the kitchen, her gaze dropping to his firm ass emphasized by the dark jeans he wore. Touching her tingling lips with shaking fingers, she released a shuddering breath, marveled at the fact that he could unsettle her so terribly with just one pitiful kiss.

  Michaela couldn’t sleep. She lay flat on her back, staring up at the ceiling. Her blinds were cracked open, allowing the play of shadows to dance across the walls from the occasional light flashing outside. It was early, barely eleven, and the apartment complex was off of a very busy street. Luckily enough that usually didn’t bother her.

  Tonight it did. Everything bothered her. From the sound of her neighbors clanging up the stairs to that infuriating man in the next bedroom who’d basically dared her to come to him, it all drove her nuts.

  She rolled over on her left side, punching the pillow beneath her with a clenched fist. It wasn’t fair, what he asked of her. Telling him it was a mistake—he’d taken that as some sort of dare. As if he knew she would come to him eventually and give in.

  Damn it, she wanted to give in. She’d wanted to give in for weeks, for months. It was fine to drool and lust and dream when she thought he wouldn’t reciprocate. A harmless crush, she told herself. So what if it was his face she imagined when she touched herself while using her vibrator late at night? It meant nothing.

  Now that he kissed her, wanted more from her, it had all changed. It became reality. And reality was a whole lot scarier than fantasy.

  But what if the reality is just as good, or even better than the fantasy?

  She wanted to tell that nagging little voice to shut the hell up. It wasn’t thinking of protecting her heart, it wanted her to go for it, forget the consequences.

  Sitting up, she tugged on her ponytail, tightening it. She wasn’t dressed for seduction. She was dressed for bed. Thin, pale pink tank top and panties, makeup long gone, her hair in a sloppy ponytail, she wasn’t going to impress. If she would slip into Austin’s bed, didn’t she want to wear something provocative, have her hair just so, her makeup perfect?

  Michaela slapped her hands over her eyes. Oh, this was difficult. She didn’t remember agonizing like this over having sex with any of the men she’d been with before. Well, the exception being her very first time ever but that didn’t count. Yes, she’d been anxious and a tad nervous with every new encounter but that was normal.

  This was not normal. The possibility of a friend turning into a lover was intimidating.

  The possibility of her bisexual friend turning into her lover? It was impossible to even comprehend.

  Go to him, the voice whispered. Show him that you want him. You know you won’t regret it.

  It was tempting. Her aching pussy certainly encouraged her. She thought about whipping out her trusty vibrator but it wouldn’t be enough, not tonight.

  She wanted him to be the one who touched her, kissed her, filled her. She wanted the flesh and blood man. She wanted Austin.

  Throwing her covers off, she knew then she was going to him. The consequences and regrets be damned.

  Chapter Four

  Austin’s sleep was fitful, his dreams a whirlwind of montages, endless scenes of him and Michaela strung together. In bed, out of bed, arguing, making up, kissing, him slowly undressing her. Naked and in his bed, her bed, on the couch, her riding him nice and slow, his hands wrapped around her slim waist. Her down on her knees in front of him, whispering that she’d do anything he wanted.

  Whispering…it seemed as if someone whispered to him now, close to his ear, hands on his skin, feathery touches brushing the sheets down low, lower. He rolled over on his back, slowly opened his eyes to find an angel hovering above him. Green eyes wide, small hands upon him, resting on his chest and he stared up at her, blinked once, twice.

  It wasn’t a dream. Michaela was there. The three fat candles he had left burning on his dresser in hopes she’d show sputtered, their flickering light casting across her beautiful face.

  She smiled, a tremulous curve of lips, and she looked nervous, skittish. “I did as you asked.”

  “Huh?” She confused him, distracted him with her hands touching him, fingers stroking, sliding down and he remembered he’d gone to bed naked.

  Which meant his raging hard-on wasn’t contained.

  “I came to
you. I brought the ball back over into your court.” She tucked a stray hair behind her ear and he blinked again, bringing her more sharply into focus.

  She knelt beside him on the bed, clad only in a thin tank top and a pair of panties. Her hair was pulled off her scrubbed-clean face, her skin fragrant with the lotion she slathered on just before she went to bed. He’d seen her this way countless times, knew her nightly ritual like he knew his own but somehow, tonight, she reminded him of a siren.

  Prepared to seduce with her most basic arsenal, herself. It was all he needed. Reaching out, he touched her, ran his hand down her arm, felt her tiny shiver and he smiled, triumph surging through him.

  Finally. He had her in his bed, barely dressed, staring down at him as if he hung the moon. Hell, he felt like he’d just hung the moon, it was so satisfying to have her like this.

  “Aren’t you going to say anything?” Her voice was a raw whisper, a little wounded, and he lifted his hand, sunk it in the hair just beneath her ponytail.

  “Come here,” he urged and she bent her head, bringing her face in perfect alignment with his. She gazed into his eyes, hers big and unblinking, and she let forth a trembling breath, the sound stuttering in the quiet room. The candles bathed her skin in golden light and she appeared ethereal, reminding him of the angel reference that had popped into his head when he first opened his eyes.

  She did remind him of a pretty little angel. Innocent and sweet smelling and so, so soft. Rich blonde hair, creamy skin, with the flushed cheeks and those bottomless green eyes, she drove him crazy. Fucking insane.

  Now here she was. In his bed, ready and ripe for him. He slipped his arm around her shoulders, crushing her against his chest and then he lifted his head, brushed the softest kiss to her lips.

  Their mouths clung, his hand curling tight around the back of her head, bringing her closer. Darting his tongue out, he drew along the seam of her lips, causing her to open to him on a gasp, allowing him in. He searched her mouth leisurely, took his time to savor her flavor, the way her tongue swept against his, her hands moving to clutch at his shoulders.

  Austin slipped his arm down, around her waist, and hauled her up so she lay sprawled across the top of him, the only barrier between them her miniscule clothing and the thin sheet. She straddled him, her legs sliding down around either side of his stomach, and his cock surged forward eagerly.

  He deepened the kiss, angling her head with a touch of his hand, his fingers sliding across her soft cheek. Her mouth opened wider, their tongues more insistent as they dueled, and the need to say fuck it and just fuck her was overwhelming.

  But he didn’t want to take this too fast. This was Michaela, after all. He’d waited for this moment for a long time. For all he knew she was giving him one shot and then she might withdraw. Hide back in her little shell and pretend this moment had never happened.

  Shit. Why did the thought of that make his chest ache?

  Pushing all negative thoughts aside, his hands wandered freely about her body. His left hand trailed down her throat, across her collarbone to cup one small breast. His right hand moved lower, sliding over her pert ass, his fingers playing with the elastic leg of her panties.

  He swore he could feel her feminine heat emanating from between her legs, the scent of her arousal filling the air, and she wiggled against his touch. A breathy little moan sounded against his lips, needy and full of such longing, again he felt a knock in his chest.

  Unfamiliar, uncomfortable, he didn’t want to deal with feelings. He wanted to explore Michaela first.

  Austin traced the curve of her butt cheek with the tips of his fingers and she shuddered, spreading her legs farther. He reached up, tugged at the waistband of her panties and gave a violent pull.

  “Take your panties off,” he murmured against her mouth and she helped him, lifting her hips so he could drag them off her, pushing at them with her hand until she finally kicked them off.

  The shock, the reclaimed newness of touching a woman so intimately washed over him, made his cock swell, his entire body tighten with need. Her skin was soft, her movements subtle, her moans sweet and whispery. Her little hands smoothed over his shoulders, his chest. Her mouth fused to his and when she shifted downward, ground herself against his dick, he let forth a groan of his own.

  The woman was unashamed in her movements, something he found refreshing especially when he remembered the last woman he’d been with. On the other hand, there was rarely any subtlety when he was with a man. They grabbed, they took, they shook their ass and begged to be fucked. Much like Brad had done a few days ago.

  Jesus. What the hell was he doing thinking about Brad when he had a wet and willing woman in his arms? And he knew she was wet, could feel the heat of her pussy against his stomach. He needed to touch her there, experience for himself how soaked she was.

  “I knew you would be a good kisser.” She broke their connection and lifted her head, watching him with an intensity that almost made him squirm. Her breathing was loud, ragged, and he caught a glimpse of damp sweat coating her skin.

  He smiled, let his fingers trail over her butt, close to the crack of her ass, closer to her damp center. “You thought about kissing me?”

  “Constantly.” She kissed him hard, maybe to prove her point, and he captured her lower lip with his teeth, giving it a firm tug. She yelped and reared away from him, her tongue sneaking out to dab at her injured lip. “Ow. That hurt.”

  “Do you like it when it hurts?” He was desperate to know what she preferred, what aroused her. Did she like it slow and soft with the lights off and in the missionary position all the time?

  He fucking hoped not. He really doubted it too. She seemed to have a more adventurous spirit, though she probably wasn’t into much kinky shit. Not that he was either but a man had his preferences and well, he liked to push it beyond standard issue sexual encounters.

  Her face went somber and her eyes darkened, he noticed even in the dim light. “Why do you ask?”

  “I just want to know what you like.” Hmm, there was something behind her question. He could see it written all over her face.

  Michaela dipped her head and pressed her cheek against his, her mouth at ear level. “When you kissed me in the club and pulled my hair? Remember that?”

  “Yeah.” His fingers dipped lower, so, so close to her pussy but he wanted to tease. Wanted to drive her crazy.

  She wiggled against him, probably trying to direct his fingers right where she wanted them. “I loved it when you did that.” Her voice had lowered to a harsh whisper, as if that admission had taken a lot for her to say.

  Austin squeezed her closer, loving that she trusted him enough to share that. “Are you saying you’re a naughty girl, Michaela?”

  “Should I be punished?” She nibbled on his ear, her teeth sharp on his lobe, her tongue bathing the sting.

  “You want to be?” He finally let himself touch her there, his fingers brushing against her swollen pussy lips, circling, playing with her. She arched against his touch, a little moan sounding in his ear, and he teased her entry.

  She was hot, wet and creamy and he couldn’t wait to get inside her tight heat.

  “Ohh, Austin, that feels good,” she crooned before she dabbed her tongue in his ear, making him shudder.

  “You like that?” Maybe she was a talker. Sometimes he liked to talk, say wicked things but it depended on the person.

  He had a strong suspicion he would enjoy talking to her.

  “Yes.” She drew the word out into a hiss when he pushed inside her pussy, the tip of his finger sinking just to the base of his fingernail, and she bore down on him.

  “Not so fast.” He withdrew his finger, grabbing hold of Michaela and flipping her onto her back, the sheet falling away from him. Her eyes flew open, lips parted in surprise, and he reached behind her, propped the pillows up so she was more comfortable. “Take off your top.”

  She did, her gaze never leaving his except when she pulled the s
hirt over her head. She let the tank top fall from her fingers onto the floor, exposing her body completely to him.

  Austin sucked in a harsh breath, drinking her in. She was perfectly shaped, with slight curves and small breasts, berry colored nipples that were rock hard, beckoning him. Her arms rose over her head, clutching the pillows above her, and the pose was provocative, though she nibbled on her lower lip as if she might be nervous.

  For someone so short she had endless legs, legs she was waving back and forth, her knees bent and spreading ever so slightly until finally, they fell open, revealing everything she had.

  Damn. She was pure temptation. He’d wanted this woman for so long and finally he had her, spread out on his bed like some sort of feast, and he couldn’t wait to consume her. His cock twitched, arced up toward his stomach, and he automatically reached for it, wrapping his fingers around his erection.

  Her gaze dropped, watching him with unabashed interest as he continued to stroke himself. Pre-come dribbled from the slit of his cock, and he used it to lube himself. He had to admit he was putting on a show, her admiring glance fueling his actions and the flare of heat in her eyes telling him she liked what she saw.

  “You were naked under that sheet.” She pointed out the obvious.

  “I was.” He slowed his strokes, not wanting to get ahead of himself. He already felt ready to explode, having Michaela naked in front of him, the musky scent of her arousal filling the room, filling his head.

  “Why are you touching yourself when you could be touching me? When I could be touching you?” She arched a delicate brow, her legs moving restlessly against the sheets.

  “You have a valid point.” He repositioned himself, kneeling in front of her so he was eye level with her pussy. She was definitely a natural blonde, the scant trimmed amount of pubic hair covering her mound told him. Plump, glistening pink flesh, her clit was a hard, protruding nub at the top of her slit. He hadn’t been face to pussy in so long he wondered if he’d remember what to do.