No words were said, the communication between us lost as he aligned himself with my opening. I arched my back and screamed as he slid deep inside me with one firm thrust, the sudden thickness filling me with both pain and pleasure. He held my face and brought his thumb to my lips, my teeth biting and sucking on it as I adjusted to him.
“Damn you feel so …” His lips grazed my neck, leaving a burning sensation wherever they touched. “Tight. So fucking tight.”
His words were my undoing. He began to pump inside of me, causing a sweet aching pain to build deep in my spine. Lowering his arms, he wrapped his fingers tight around my hips so that the tip of his nails dug into my skin every time he thrust. Holding firmly, he pushed back and forth, going deeper each time. Grunts escaped him as he continued, and I felt my orgasm building around him. He pulled out, adjusting his pants lower before he entered again, circling his hips when he was balls deep. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as I felt my release crawling closer. I couldn’t breathe as I waited for the first shocks of pleasure to flow through me. My body began to tighten; I was almost there. I reached my hand down and stroked my clit.
He thrust inside of me one last time before he pulled out completely. His hand held my wrist, blocking me. “Now, Braelynn, I need the truth or I’ll let you walk out of here, dying for an orgasm.” He brought the tip of his cock to my swollen clit, rubbing ever so gently. “Is Gus your boyfriend?” he asked before pushing his cock deep into me one time, circling his hips, and then quickly pulling out to rub it on my clit again. I was on the brink of utopia. I needed to come or I was going to explode.
“Please! No, he’s not. Please, Haas, fuck me.” I begged for the release my body was craving. It ached for my climax.
He slid back into me, holding my upper thighs and securing me in place. Biting down on my shoulder, he pumped into me until I felt myself at the edge. Finally, I fell over and waves of bliss crashed through my body as I convulsed. Peyton tightened his grip, driving deep into me before finding his own release. I wrapped my arms around him, holding him as he shook.
Reality set in after the haze of lust cleared. I had been gone a long time. To make matters worse, Peyton, Mr. Off-Limits, was lying on top of me.
“I … I’ve got to go,” I muttered. I pushed Peyton off me, then grabbed my dress from the floor. “Peyton.” I paused as I pulled my dress up. “This can’t—”
“Don’t.” He tossed the condom in the trash, then tucked his shirt into his pants before walking over to me. He pressed his lips to the side of my hair and whispered, “We’ll talk about it later.”
I didn’t argue. I pulled open the door and headed straight downstairs. But before I entered the grand room, I took one last breath to compose myself.
Fuck. I want him again.
Braelynn
The next day at work I was lost and couldn't concentrate on a single task. My mind was frantic and unfocused. Every time I tried to apply myself to something, I would drift back to the night before with Peyton and the way his lips caressed my skin, adding sparks to my burning need for him. My thoughts wandered back to the way he shoved himself inside me, making me feel both pleasure and pain, and the way my eyes rolled to the back of my head when he gave me that earth-shattering orgasm. I should have been mad at myself for my indiscretion, but I couldn't find it in me to be angry. When he was near¸ I couldn’t make my body move in any other direction but toward him. Even so, I knew that if I didn’t stop playing with fire, he would be my downfall.
But God, do I yearn to get burned.
Kennedy had been so consumed with Caleb that she hadn't noticed how long I’d been gone. When I walked back into the ballroom she was wrapped in his arms, dancing the night away. But Gus had spotted me from across the room the second the door opened, and he’d also noticed that Peyton had been gone for a long period of time too. After explaining that I had to use the restroom upstairs to remove the stain from my dress—in other words, lied through my teeth—he finally gave up.
Though he was only acting the jealous boyfriend, Gus had done a great job with the twenty questions.
An email notification dinged on my desktop, pulling me away from my pleasant morning daydream. My happy smile left my face when I saw that the email was from Poochie. Fuck. I had spent most of the morning reminiscing about the previous night and had forgotten to check my phone.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Wolf,
I have your information. I'll be in the city by noon. Can we do lunch?
Ant
I opened the filing cabinet where I’d stashed my purse and pulled out my cell phone. Two missed phone calls and three text messages from Poochie.
I took my office phone and dialed his cell number. He answered on the second ring. “Detective Morales.” His manly voice made me laugh. He sounded so serious, not at all the man I had known for years. The background noise coming from his end told me he was driving.
“Hey, Poochie. It's me. Someone is seriously stalking me, huh?” I twirled on my chair.
“You're a hard woman to get a hold of. I just got into Stamford. Can we meet for lunch?”
I bit down on my bottom lip, trying to gauge his mood. “Yeah, that works. Do you have a place in mind?” I asked while reaching for my pen. Why did he come all the way down here to see me on a workday?
“Something good. I'm starving.”
I tried to think of the closest and easiest restaurant to meet for lunch in Manhattan. “Okay, I’ll text you the address. See you at noon. Pooch?”
“Yeah?”
“Is everything okay?” I closed my eyes, afraid of what he might say.
He sighed loudly, then said, “I'll tell you when I see you,” and we hung up.
His answer scared me, and my mind began working overtime. What could he have on Drew that I didn't know already? I chewed on the pen, wracking my brain with every possible scenario. This wasn’t a cookie-cutter case. Something was off; I could feel it.
I organized my desk, hoping the time would pass quickly. I replied to all my incoming emails and prioritized all my cases based on court date. Most of the cases I’d been given were simple, just a couple of insurance frauds that were easy wins, but the Venturini-Seymour case was my baby. I had screwed Haas, but that didn’t mean I was going to screw up this case. Poochie wouldn’t drive all the way down here if he didn't have dirt on Drew—substantial dirt.
At eleven forty-five, I made my way over to DiCosmo’s. It was a busy lunch spot on Madison Avenue known for their wraps, salads, and sandwiches, but they had plenty of tables and their staff was quick. I sat near the door at a small two-seat table, then opened the menu and waited for Poochie to arrive.
I was so busy studying the menu that I didn't notice him until he was only a few feet away from me. “Poochie!” I squealed, jumping off my seat. “Oh my God, it’s been so long.” I hugged him tightly. Poochie was a manly, hands-on type of guy, which, of course, only added to his sexiness. His strong arms wrapped around me, holding me against him for a few seconds longer.
“How you doing, Wolf?” he asked, releasing me. His olive skin was tan for this time of year.
“I'm a little scared,” I said before hugging him around the waist again and resting my head against his broad chest. The scent of his favorite cologne forced its way into my nostrils; he still wore Curve. I smiled. He had worn that cologne since he was fourteen.
“Why is that?” he asked, hugging me one last time and placing a soft kiss on top of my head.
“Because you drove all the way out here to give me dirt on this guy. I have a feeling you’re going to make my job very difficult.” I sat back down on the chair across from him.
“Maybe I just wanted to see a friend and this was an excuse.” His bright smile beamed at me as he sat. He reached across the small table, laying his calloused hand over mine, his face serious. “Look, you’re not gonna like what I found, so I wanted t
o hand deliver it to you.”
He slid a manila folder over to me. I reached for it but kept it shut, afraid to see what was inside.
“The cat has a pretty clean rap sheet, but that’s because he pays everyone off. He has a bit of a gambling problem in AC and Vegas, nothing too serious.” He stopped speaking, bringing both of his hands to mine. “But, Brae, he’s had some charges dropped against him. Rape charges.”
I tried not to let my face change when he said it, but I couldn’t help it.
“All of the victims’ contact information is in there. Anything I could find. I was hesitant to give it to you with your history and all—”
“It's fine, Poochie,” I lied. “Don't worry about me.” I pulled my hand away from his and shoved the folder in my tote.
“Brae?” he questioned, his head tilted to one side.
“Pooch?” I smiled at him, faking nonchalance the best I could.
“Still stubborn as always.”
“Still annoying as always.”
The waiter interrupted our conversation to take our order. I settled for a salad and water, and Pooch ordered a burger and fries with a Coke. As soon as the server walked away, I looked at Pooch. “Thank you for this. It will help a ton. I needed a good break on this case. How long are you in town for?”
“Until you have to get back to work.” A sly smile appeared on his face.
“You drove all the way out here for me?”
“Of course. You’ll always be my girl.” His words hit a part of my heart. Our waiter returned quickly, placing our food in front of us, and I waited until he left before I addressed Poochie.
“Ant,” I began softly.
“I know, I know. I’m your past.” He shoved a couple of fries in his mouth.
I couldn’t help the sad smile that appeared on my face as my mind drifted to when we were kids. Poochie had been my first.
It was the spring of my freshman year of high school, and I knew we would be moving as soon as the school year was over. Poochie had become my best friend, and somewhere in there a weird type of relationship had built. After school, Poochie always insisted on walking me home because he said it was a bad neighborhood. On that particular day, Loren was working late reorganizing Jennifer’s closet, so I invited him in for a soda.
I was sitting on our awful green couch, watching the latest episode of What I Like About You. Poochie's shoulder bumped me to get my attention, and when I turned to look at him he grabbed my cheeks and kissed me. At first, I thought it was weird; in school, he had all the girls begging for his attention, yet there he was on my couch kissing me. He wasn’t the first guy I’d kissed, but I wanted him to be my “first.” Someone I trusted. I also wanted to see what the big deal was all about. I was curious to know what it would be like to do it.
I kissed him back and pulled my shirt over my head. And there on my crocodile-green couch, I lost my virginity to my best friend.
Though Poochie wanted more from me after that day, I just wanted to be his friend. We only slept together that one time.
“Stay for dinner?” I asked, looking back at him. “I’ll give you my house keys and try to get out of work early, then I’ll cook.” I smiled at him. “You drove all the way out here, so stay a little longer. I’ve really missed you.”
“Okay. I’ll stay a little longer.” His smile brightened and completely washed away any awkwardness that had passed between us.
Haas
Her laughter caught me by surprise. It was the exact same laugh I’d heard all night at the gala. The way she threw her head back when her friend Gustavo said something amusing—I couldn’t get that image out of my head.
Folding the New York Times and laying it down next to my lunch, I scanned the room, looking for her. I knew it had to be her. Since I’d met Braelynn, I couldn’t get enough of her, and being buried deep inside her wasn’t nearly enough. I needed one whole night with her to finally get her out of my system. Though if her pussy got any better, she could possibly be the end of my promiscuous ways.
Yeah, right! I don’t chase them; I replace them. That has always been my motto, and no woman could make me change that.
A couple hugging across the room caught my attention, and as they slowly pulled away from each other, I noticed that blonde hair. The same blonde hair I couldn’t wait to tug on while my dick was deep inside her mouth. It was Braelynn. My blood began to boil and I saw red. All I could focus on was her. Yesterday, she was with Gustavo, and now she was having lunch at DiCosmo’s with another asshole. What kind of woman was she?
I pushed my lunch away as I watched her interact with this man. She was very comfortable around him, the same way she was comfortable with Gustavo. With her eyes bright, she leaned her head to the side as she conversed with him. It piqued my interest; I had never seen her like this. I wanted her to look at me that way. I wanted her to trust me.
Did she lie to me last night when she said she wasn’t with anyone? Is she sleeping with both of them?
Her hunter green eyes were vivid, even from where I was seated. They sat at a small table close to the entrance, and the most beautiful smile spread across her face as she continued to talk to him. It was a look I wished she’d share with me.
From across the small restaurant, I watched their conversation progress. He reached across the table to hold her hand, and her features changed from bubbly to serious; whatever they were discussing had her furrowing her brow. When he slid an envelope across the table, her expression changed again. A look of panic crossed her face.
She was visibly uncomfortable with whatever he was handing her. It was the same face she’d had with me that day at my office. The fact I wanted to rip his hands off her and console her myself pissed me off.
Fuck. She’s a chick I met at a bar! But she had managed to crawl under my skin, no doubt about it. I was never one to console women. Hell, I was usually the reason they needed consolation. I didn’t have time or patience to care about their problems. But with her it was different, and I couldn’t figure out why. All I knew was I needed one night. One night to make her mine, make her crave me. Just one night with her and I knew I would be able to wash away any need or desire I had for her.
She would be the one begging for more.
I reached inside my jacket and retrieved my cell phone. I had to make my one night possible and I knew exactly how. I dialed my office.
“PH Esquire, Melissa speaking. How may I help you?”
“Melissa, it’s me. Do you know if the file I requested for the Seymour case was delivered yet?” I darted my eyes over to my intriguing blonde.
I heard rustling through the phone, like she was moving papers around on her desk. “No, Mr. Haas. Nothing was delivered.”
Perfect.
“Thank you, Melissa. That’s all.”
Now it was time to put my plan into action. My eyes wandered over to Braelynn again, and this time her hands were joined together with his. I needed to end this. End whatever mind-fucking desire this woman had over me.
I picked up my phone and dialed my new best buddy. Howard and I were pleasant to each other for work, but outside of the office I would never call his cell phone. Except today.
The phone rang only briefly before Howard answered. “Haas, what can I do you for you?”
I cleared my throat. “Howard, I’m sorry to bother you. I’m in a bit of a rush, so I won’t be long. I was wondering if you could send the Venturini-Seymour file over to me. I know I mentioned it at the end of the deposition, but Melissa just noticed that it was never delivered.” I hoped he took the bait for my bullshit excuse.
“Sure, not a problem. I’ll have Braelynn bring it right over.”
“Actually, I’ll be out of the office the rest of the day. Can you have her deliver it to my home office tomorrow?” I had a staff meeting that would run late, and I needed to get her into my house. That way I could show her exactly what I wanted.
“No problem. I’ll make sure Victoria gets the w
ord to her.”
“Thank you, Howard. Stay well.” I put my phone away, tossing cash into the check folder the waiter provided. If all went well tomorrow night, Braelynn Wolf would be screaming my name as I fucked her out of my system.
I tucked the New York Times under my arm as I headed to the door. I didn’t plan to say hi, but I could see her friend walking toward the restroom out of the corner of my eye. There was no way I was passing up this opportunity. I turned and headed for her table.
She was so preoccupied reading her file that she didn’t notice when I sat down. I sat there for a few seconds and admired her blonde hair tucked behind her ears before I cleared my throat. “So do I need to wait in line or take a number?”
She slammed the file shut, snapping her head in my direction. “Peyton,” she whispered.
“Last night you were in the arms of a different man.” I brought my hand to my chest to make a point. “I got to fuck you in the conference room.” I pointed back toward the bathroom. “Is he the one you bring home to your mother?”
Her face turned crimson. “Haas …”
“Let me make myself clear. One. Last. Time. I don’t fucking share, and I sure as hell don’t play well with others. What’s mine is mine. So knock it the fuck off before I take you over my fucking knee.” She gaped at me and I pressed on, keeping my voice low so only she could hear. “You know you want to be mine. If you’d stop playing hard to get, I’d show you how to come in so many different ways you’d be numb for days.”
She slammed the manila folder on the table. Then, rising from her seat, she braced her hands on the table. “Let me make myself clear. I. Am. Not. Yours. To. Claim.”
I rose so we were face to face. Cupping her jaw with my hand, I rubbed my thumb along her lower lip. Her rapid heartbeat pulsed under my finger that lay on her throat, letting me know her defensiveness was a front. “Sweetness, that’s not what your body said last night. You’re mine.”
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