Thandie found dinner conversation to be delightful. Laney and Nick were a charming couple. They flirted with each other and even had the modesty to make fun of themselves. Elliot, Nico and Matrix entertained themselves by flirting with Laney, something that clearly annoyed Nick. Nick’s obvious jealousy was endearing, and Laney was practically glowing with affection for her husband.
Laney was intrigued by Thandie’s profession and literally radiated excitement when she asked questions. It fascinated her that Thandie actually knew famous people. Thandie was sure Elliot would certainly have more exciting celebrity stories, but he appeared quite content to sit back and listen to the women talk.
The questions kept coming—Laney wanting to know who looked better in person, who was a jerk, and where did they shop. The conversation grew, and the two became fast friends. It did not take long before they were joining forces in quick word battles with the guys.
When they’d finished their entrées, Thandie stood to help the cooks Elliot had hired to prepare tonight’s dinner clear the table. Laney, who clearly needed to stand and stretch, offered to assist. They made quick work of collecting the dinner utensils before disappearing into the kitchen to help prepare the dessert. This was an ideal situation. It gave Thandie a chance to speak to Laney privately.
When Thandie was sure they could not be overheard by the men in the next room, she asked, “How long have you and Nick been married?”
“Officially, two months. Unofficially, four months.” When Thandie gave her a quizzical look, Laney lifted her shoulders in a slight shrug. “It’s kinda complicated.”
“I can’t help but notice Nick’s the first of his circle of friends to be married.”
Laney looked toward the table of friends who were now speaking in low voices. Her expression looked momentarily troubled and just as quickly vanished. “Nick and I have grown a lot together. A year ago—heck, probably even a few months earlier—I don’t think he would’ve been able to handle the concept of marriage. But—” she smiled to herself “—like I said, we’ve been through a lot.”
“How long have you known Elliot?”
“Now we get to the heart of things?” Laney teased.
Thandie gave a shy smile. “I was hoping not to come across as obvious.”
“You weren’t. Don’t worry.” Laney gave the guys a quick look. “I haven’t known him long. In truth, I’ve only met him a few times. But he’s always been a complete gentleman. Very charming rascal. He makes quite an impression, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I guess that goes without saying.”
“Just keep your eyes open,” Laney said.
“Are you going to expand on that tidbit of information?”
Laney shook her head. “Nope. You’re a smart girl. I have no doubt you know what you’re getting yourself into. Men like Nick and Elliot attract certain women, and they’ve become accustomed to the attention. I love Nick and I have no doubt he loves me, but every so often, I’m reminded of his past. So from one woman to another, the best advice I could ever offer is keep your eyes open.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Nick strolled into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around Laney’s small waist. “Are you trying to steal my bride away from me, Thandie?”
“I was thinking about it,” she said mildly.
Nick kissed his wife of the cheek. “Well, take a number.”
“Right behind me.” Matrix entered the room, a wicked grin on his face.
“You’ll have to wait your turn.” Nico followed his friend. “Laney promised to run off with me first.” He winked at Laney. She blushed. Nick frowned. Thandie laughed.
Elliot leaned in the doorway. “Are we going to have Laney—I mean, dessert—or what?” This made Matrix and Nico howl with laughter. Nick was practically growling.
They decided to eat around the massive kitchen island—miniature lava cakes with scoops of vanilla ice cream. They ate quickly; the playful banter continued, but the guys seemed to have agreed to a truce not to further annoy Nick.
When they were completely satisfied, they prepared to leave. They were going to Babylon, but tonight would be different. Neither she nor Elliot were working; they were VIP guests.
Elliot pulled her into the seat next to him, and he pressed his lips to hers for a quick skin-tingling kiss.
Upon arriving at their destination, Adam welcomed their group into the VIP area and led them to the elevator leading up to the Tower. Thandie yanked on Elliot’s arm in warning. He only laughed.
When the lift doors slid open, the lush view of shiny satin cushions and candlelight filled her eyes. The room was completely empty, except for a bartender and waiter. She looked up to see Elliot grinning at her.
They made themselves comfortable on the cushions. They were each handed flutes of champagne; Laney received bottled water. They toasted to a night of friends. A second round of drinks was delivered, and the music soon became irresistible. They danced, and as the drinks kept coming, Thandie was grateful for the privacy of the Tower. Matrix and Nico disappeared. Nick, Laney, Elliot and Thandie settled into their own pockets of the room.
Nick began kissing Laney’s shoulder, the base of her collarbone and then her neck, just behind the earlobe. As his lips made a slow progression, his hand, which had been on her knee at first, had now begun to slide up her leg, the fingers brushing her inner thighs. Laney released a bubbly laugh before pushing his hand away and closing her legs tightly. But Nick would not be denied the pleasures of his wife. In answer to her denial of his advances, he slipped his hand beneath her knee and, rather aggressively, pulled her leg up so that it hooked over his lap. Now, with her legs wide open, she was conveniently exposed to his eager hands.
Her dress fell over her thighs, which obstructed any view of Nick’s seeking fingers, but there was no denying what was happening. Laney quit trying to detour her husband.
They kissed with hunger; one kiss melted into the next. Nick knew how to pleasure his wife, if her gasps and whimpers were any evidence. Laney’s eyes sparkled with mischief, when she pulled his hand from between her thighs, held his fingers up to her lips and slowly began sucking them.
“So you like to watch,” Elliot said from behind her. Stepping closer, he placed a hand on her hip, pulling her into him, pressing her against his growing erection. When he spoke, his lips brushed the lobe of her ear. “Is this how you like it, puss? Do they turn you on?”
Nuzzling her with his nose, she lifted her gaze to the couple. Thandie could not take her eyes off them. Laney’s dress was tossed over her hips. Nick was on his knees, his face between her legs, his hands massaging her full breasts. So aroused, Laney’s back arched deeply as she threw her head back and moaned.
“Do you like to watch them?” He nibbled on her shoulder. “That could be you. I could be deep inside you right now.” He gave a soft chuckle when she moaned. “But you want to keep watching them, don’t you? Oh, pussycat—” he cupped her breasts, grinding his pelvis into her backside “—you want me to take you while you watch.” Elliot bit her shoulder, and she groaned in both pain and pleasure. “Wait until he gets her on her hands and knees,” he whispered. “She does this thing with her back that should be illegal.”
“You’ve seen them having sex before?”
He chuckled into her ear. “Wouldn’t you love to know?”
Without warning, Elliot lifted Thandie and carried her to the nearest lounge. He dropped her onto the lounge. Pulling her legs into the air, he easily turned her onto her stomach. He forced her onto her knees by pulling her hips into the air. In one fluid motion, he yanked her dress up high over her hips. There was no time for foreplay. He was inside her within seconds. Thandie’s groan came out as a scream. She was aching and slick with cream. A climax was rushing up her spine. She bit her lip hard as Elliot moved inside her. It was fast and hard, everything she so desperately needed right now. Her arms were shaking, and sweat gathered in the valley of her breasts and dripped off the tip
s of her nipples.
“Watch them, baby.” He urged. “Watch.”
The ability to concentrate on anything else but Elliot was absurd, if not impossible. She wanted only to climax. The need was so absolute it pained her.
“Watch them,” he demanded in a hoarse voice.
Panting, she lifted her head to the couple. Nick had somehow managed to undo his pants, flip his wife onto her stomach and free his engorged cock. Laney was on her hands and knees, her ass swaying in the air as he eased himself inside her.
“I love when she does that,” Elliot groaned.
With each inch, Laney’s back arched deeply, and by the time Nick was fully embedded inside her, he was wild with desire. Gripping her hips, he rammed her backside with long strong thrusts. Laney’s large breasts, now free of her dress, bounced and jiggled with every thrust. Their moans of ecstasy filled the room, and Thandie could feel herself coming.
A rush of cold white lightning rippled through her body. From her stomach to her neck, the spasms of pleasure rocked her body. She moaned as the feeling left her shaking uncontrollably. She was momentarily blinded by the sheer force of pleasure, and she fought to catch her breath.
She could feel Elliot’s body tense before going into overdrive. His cock swelled as he jutted his pelvis determinedly. He cursed as he was overcome. He rode out the sensation, his breathing labored.
When they were both spent, he pulled the condom off and tossed it into a nearby receptacle. She turned onto her side, and he lay beside her. Easing inside her, he rocked against her while they watched Nick and Laney’s lovemaking. Neither Thandie nor Elliot spoke. They kissed often and stroked each other passionately. In that moment, Thandie felt that something had changed between them. Something had happened, and they’d both felt it. She was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. She felt like laughing and crying at the same time.
She turned her face away from him so he wouldn’t witness the battle of feelings swimming inside her. Elliot ruined her plans by cupping her face and forcing her to look at him. He rolled on top of her and stared into her eyes, and for a second the world stopped. They were now playing on mutual ground. She saw understanding in his expression and yet he seemed distant at the same time. He lowered his head and kissed her. This was a kiss unlike any they’d shared before. It was both demanding and giving. It scared her. He scared her, and she had to close her eyes to stop from crying.
They came together this time. The moans and groans surrounding them became deafening, but they were in a world all their own. She became lost in their kisses, and with great panic, realized she had also become lost in him.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Thandie awoke in Elliot’s bed the next morning and was unclear on exactly how she had gotten there. She remembered random scenes from the night before. Laney and Nick’s naked bodies making endless love and Elliot and her taking each other over and over again, staring into each other’s eyes, saying nothing. It felt as if it was a dream, something that happened long ago.
Thandie stared at the ceiling, the familiar scent of clean linens and light fragrance of lemons she’d come to recognize as Elliot’s home filled her senses.
Elliot rested peacefully on his side. His dark hair hid his eyes and most of his nose. She figured she could gladly watch him sleep for hours. He was beautiful. As she stared at him, a strange feeling, identical to the one from last night, captured her. She felt happy and sad all at once. And again, just as it had the night before, it overwhelmed her. She turned away. There was something very wrong.
She managed to leave without disturbing Elliot. She had to put a little time and a lot of space between herself and him.
* * *
She loved him.
Thandie could hardly believe it, but there could be no denying what she felt. She was in love with Elliot.
She’d left his room, and returned to her own bed. She’d tried to get to sleep, but her mind was whirling. Then the revelation hit her.
Placing her hand over her heart, she tried to slow the erratic beating. It would do no good if she had a heart attack before she figured out what she was going to do about the mess she found herself in. She needed to get out of the house to clear her head. Throwing back the covers, she strode into the bathroom to clean up. After a quick shower and throwing on something clean, she headed downstairs.
Thandie was still in a state of shock when she drifted into the kitchen where Len and Raja were having breakfast. Over cold bowls of cereal and lightly buttered slices of toast, the girls were in the throes of another animated conversation. Some of their antics even made Thandie laugh.
“Sweet Jesus! All three of you together, and not arguing!” They all looked up to see Warren Radcliffe standing in the doorway, looking throughly pleased with the scene he’d just discovered.
Thandie, still laughing, rolled her eyes.
Len skipped across the room and wrapped her arms around Warren’s neck, giving him a light peck on the cheek. Then she squealed. “Look at her!” And she pointed out the window at the pool where a woman lounged. Aside from the thin gold chain around her neck, her oversize sunglasses, and the tiniest of thongs, she was completely naked.
Thandie and Raja stood to gaze at the mysterious stranger. They had to practically shove Warren out of the way to get a better look. He shoved back to keep his vantage point. For five seconds, the three of them struggled with each other, completely unaware they were doing so in their efforts to gain the best view.
The woman had a rich golden glow all over her body. Every inch of her tanned skin was lathered with shiny suntan oil.
After getting over the shock of a semi-nude woman sunbathing scant yards away, the woman’s other physical attributes became more defined. Her breasts were too perfectly shaped to be natural. Her chin was sharp, and her jawbones were uniquely high. Beneath her large sunglasses rested a long distinguished nose, which lay above full pouty lips. Tendrils of thick dark hair had escaped the knot of hair resting atop her head, causing them to fan the sides of her face. She was a very pretty woman...and very familiar.
Thandie gasped. She was the mysterious beauty Thandie had seen visiting Elliot at the club. And now she was here, in Elliot’s home, sunning herself by his pool. How had she gotten in? Did she have a key to the house? And if so, Thandie wondered exactly how well she and Elliot knew each other.
“What’s going on?”
Elliot’s low voice broke the silence in the room.
Thandie turned to face him and was immediately sorry she had. His hair, obviously wet from a shower, was raked back from his temples. He wore fitted jeans which hung low on his hips. His shirt had been thrown carelessly over his shoulder, allowing him to adjust his wristwatch with his free hand. But it was his eyes that held her prisoner. His gaze said he had forgotten nothing that had passed between them the night before. The devilish grin tugging at the tip of his lips told her he’d relish reminding her.
His eyes never leaving Thandie, he asked, “What’s the cause for all the pushing?”
“It looks like you have a visitor,” Len said helpfully.
“She’s making quite an impression on us,” Raja added.
At these words, Elliot finally tore his eyes away from Thandie. Tall enough to see over all their shoulders, he looked past them toward the pool. His gaze was fixed. Other than his lips drawing into a thin line, he gave no outward reaction, making it impossible to read his expression. Elliot stared a moment longer before saying, “Excuse me.”
They watched silently as he crossed the room and stepped onto the elongated patio. His long strides ate up the distance to the pool’s edge, making a direct path to the woman. His back was facing them, but there was a stiffness in his broadset shoulders. They were too far to hear anything being discussed, but it was clear Elliot was not exactly thrilled to see her.
Apparently accustomed to his moods, the woman pulled her sunglasses above her head and gave him a slow smile. Elliot responded by saying something tha
t unsettled her, because her grin faltered for an instant. Within seconds, it was quickly replaced. She slid her sunglasses back over her face and stretched her long limbs, doing so for his benefit rather than her own.
Elliot looked up and glanced over his shoulder toward the bank of windows that spread across the sunroom. When he turned back to the woman, he side-stepped a little to his right. His movement positioned his body so that her face and upper torso were impossible to see. With only her legs visible, Thandie, Raja, Len and Warren were no longer able to read their body language. Nor could they see her nudity. This only intensified their curiosity.
Warren swore under his breath. “The least he could have done was sat down and carried on the conversation like a gentleman.”
Thandie continued to watch Elliot and the woman talk. Unable to read their lips, she was reduced to guessing at their exchange. Thandie’s imagination ran wild.
Suddenly, Elliot handed the woman his shirt. The two of them traded words before she seductively pulled the dress shirt on, effectively covering her shapely form. Again, Warren swore under his breath.
Pasting a tight smile across her face, the dark-haired woman crossed the patio at an unhurried pace. The shift in position brought her closer to the windows and turned Elliot around so that he was now facing the group of onlookers. The woman picked up a set of keys resting on a patio table and slipped a vintage Hermes bag onto her small shoulder.
Elliot motioned to the shirt and said, “I’ll be expecting that back.”
The woman raked her fingers through her thick dark hair. “You know where to find me when you want it.” She brushed her hand along Elliot’s jawline, giving him another one of those suggestive smiles. “Feel free to stop by and...collect what’s yours.” Linking her arms around his neck, she pulled him forward for a slow kiss on the lips. The fact that he hadn’t wrapped his arms around her seemed only to amuse her.
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