Their Now and Forever (Book III) (The Allen Trilogy 3)
Page 3
CHAPTER 3
“Well that was just…Wow!” she said giggling and breaking their silence. “So…how was your day?” she asked playfully while adjusting under the weight of his body on hers.
“Not bad. How ‘bout yours?” he groaned as he carefully rolled off of her smiling at how quickly her wit took over after their play.
“You know, made a few calls, cooked and then fucked like crazy.”
“Sounds like a very good day,” he smiled before letting out a hearty laugh and drawing her close and nestling her against his chest.
“I love you.” It wasn’t something she said often nor did she need to hear it often. They both knew in spite of all they’d endured making their way back to one another, their love was ever present.
Nonetheless, he never got tired of hearing her tell him. “I’ve always loved you.” He kissed her softly and smoothed back her mussed hair. “How do you feel?”
“Amazing.”
“It wasn’t too much for you?”
“No. I want to go further. I want to feel it again.”
She was referring to her “Sub Space,” a state of euphoria some experienced with intense pain or sensation. It was similar to a ‘runner’s high’ or the adrenalin rush of extreme sports enthusiasts. Janine experienced it only once and it took them both by surprise.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes.” She became almost sheepish in her response.
“Is that why you pushed your limit tonight?”
“Yes.”
“Baby, you have to tell me in advance so we can build up to it.”
“But I thought...”
“I’m pretty sure it happened before because it had been a while since you played. Everything was heightened, for both of us. Your mind, your body…your heart.”
“What would it take to feel it again?”
He let out a slow exhale, “A side of me you’ve seen only seen glimpses of.”
“You say that like after all these years I should be afraid of you.”
“No, that’s not what I mean. I’ll never take you farther than you’re willing to go. But things are different…I never stopped being a Dom.”
“Hmmm.” Raising her arms she unfastened the cuffs. Next, those on her ankles came off and lastly she dropped the collar on the floor. “One look in your bureau told me that.”
“You did more than look,” he smirked.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she grinned mischievously.
“Sure you do. So which one did you use?”
“Guess.”
“No, tell me.”
“The one you brought to New York a few years ago. I recognized it right away.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t try something new.”
She turned onto her side and looked him squarely in the eyes saying, “I want to try new things with you. Besides, that one’s special.”
“Really?”
“Did you use it with the others?”
“Is that important to you?”
“Yes…and no.”
Her answer made clear she wanted him to say “no.” A part of her needed to know the device was representative of something only they shared. But he wouldn’t lie to her. “Yes, I did. But you have something I never gave them. You get that, right?”
She smiled knowing exactly what he meant. “Yes, I do.” She kissed him softly looking into his eyes.
“Good. Like I’ve told you before, I’ll always love you.”
“I know.”
“It’s late. I’d better put out the candles.”
“Can you bring the wine back with you?”
“Sure.” He climbed out of bed disappearing in the faint light. When he returned he brought the bottle and two glasses. “I think there’s just enough, but if you want more I have another bottle.”
“This should be fine. Thank you.”
He poured the glasses and sat up beside her in bed leaning against the headboard.
“So, did you talk to Kelly today?”
“Of course! I sent her an email first and she gave me hell for it.” She said taking her first sip of wine in the midst of a giggle.
“How’s she doing?”
“She’s good. I also talked to my mom.”
“I would’ve bet my life you told her before you got here.”
”She’s looking forward to meeting you.”
“A part of me feels like I already know her.”
“She’d probably say the same thing about you—especially lately.”
“I can only guess,” he chuckled.
“I don’t tell her everything!” she laughed. “I want to go down there as soon as we can.”
“Let’s make some headway on these cases and then we can go to Charlotte for a weekend. Sound good?”
“Sounds great. When do you want me to start work?”
“That’s on you. You still have some business back in Indianapolis, right?”
“Very little I can’t take care of a few hours a week. I can come in tomorrow if that’ll help. Or you can email files and I can work from here. Whatever works.”
“Why don’t you come in tomorrow and meet everyone—especially Lacy. Call her in the morning and set up a time. She wants to go over potential assignments and compensation terms with you.”
“Compensation terms? Are you kidding? You don’t need to pay me.”
“Yes, I do.”
“No, you don’t. I’m fine. Besides, I’m technically still employed. I’m also using my remaining paid leave. After that, I’ll find another job or use my savings until I figure out what to do with myself.”
“What do you want to do?”
“Honestly, I have no idea. Maybe get married and have some babies,” she said half jokingly.
“Okay. We can do that.”
“I’m kidding.”
“No, you’re not…and neither am I.”
“Well, that’s a hell of way to ask me.”
He set his glass down on the nightstand and said, “I asked you once, but you never gave me an answer.”
On one hand she couldn’t believe the turn their conversation had taken and yet it felt absolutely right. With little hesitation, she simply said, “Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
He couldn’t contain the joy showing on his face. In a way it was déjà vu. When he asked her fifteen years earlier while vacationing in Belize, they were in bed after feverish sex. At the time he presumed the answer was “yes,” but upon reflection she never actually said the word. Instead, she kissed him and began making love with him. For months afterwards, she avoided or deflected whenever he suggested they get a ring or set a date. And then she was gone—off to Chicago to begin her career. Her departure left him shattered, longing for her all the same.
“So when do you want to do it?” he asked.
“I think we need to at least tell our families in person first. After that, it’s simple. We go to the courthouse.”
“No wedding?”
“I don’t need one. I had a wedding and in the end it didn’t matter. But I also know there are a lot of people who love us and they’d want to share it with us.”
“I’m good either way, Baby. Whatever you want.”
As accommodating as he was, Janine realized she did want a wedding, but nothing big. There was no need for anything as large as her first wedding. Instead a more intimate affair with immediate family and their closest friends was what she wanted most. She wanted those closest to them to see she had finally coming to peace with her own truth. She’d never known intimacy, trust and love the way she experienced it with Michael Josey.
“What about Belize?” she asked.
“What do you mean?”
“We can go to the courthouse here, and then have a ceremony and celebration in Belize. I’m sure Kelly would let us use the villa.”
“Is that practical for your family?”
 
; She knew there was no way her family could afford to fly to Belize or pay for hotel stays. Most were retired or of modest means, unlike the Josey family. His was the first black family she knew of that had generational wealth and trust funds. Excluding celebrities, she soon realized just how many black families like his there actually were.
“No. But I can cover the cost to get them there for a few days.”
“We can do it together.”
“Thank you.”
Finishing their wine, he leaned over to kiss her pleased the issue of money was no longer a sore spot between them. It was clear Janine lived well, but also frugally. Investing and saving her substantial salary over the years, she had become more than comfortable. If she wanted, she likely didn’t have to work ever again.
“We should get some rest. We’ve got a busy day tomorrow,” he said.
She slid under the covers and lay close to him feeling deeply loved and more hopeful than she had in years. It was a glorious peace.
“Good night.”
“Good night, Baby.”
The next morning, he woke around six moving quietly wiping down the bench and putting the toys and restraints back into the bureau. She watched unnoticed as he went about his meticulous ritual. Once he finished, he went into the bathroom to shower. She climbed out of bed, putting on her sleep shorts and a camisole. She wanted to make coffee and a light breakfast for him. Scouring the refrigerator, she was surprised to see he didn’t have much in terms of breakfast meats, so she got the eggs, some cheeses and onions to make omelets.
With the coffee ready, she prepared a cup for him and returned to the bedroom.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Good morning.” She handed him the coffee watching him take the first sips.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You didn’t have to get up so early.”
“I know, but I wanted to. I’ll whip up some omelets and we can have breakfast together before you go.”
“That sounds good.”
“Oh shoot!” she said.
“What’s wrong?”
“I probably need to steam press my suit before I come in to meet Lacy. Where do you keep your iron?”
“Hall utility closet.” He set his cup down and retrieved it for her. “I’ll rearrange things for you when I get back this evening. Unfortunately, this is the only closet I have. The one in the office was converted for additional shelving.”
“It’s okay, I’ll figure something out.”
“I don’t want you living out of those suitcases. I think there’s enough room in here for another dresser, at least. As far as the closet goes, I’ll have them modified so we can add space for additional racks.”
“I really don’t need a lot of space.”
“You also don’t have all your clothes here.”
“True.”
He seemed a bit pensive for a moment and then said, “Maybe we need to find someplace else to live.”
“We don’t have to do that. I love your place.”
“We need more space. You mentioned you were selling your townhouse, so I’m sure there are things you want to keep and bring here.” Then he came in close embracing her tightly and kissing her neck. His voice got softer and he whispered, “Plus, if you’re serious about getting married and having some babies we definitely need more space.”
She smiled broadly and said, “One step at a time, Sweetie! Let’s take care of plans for Belize first. Then we can talk about what happens after that.”
“I don’t want to wait too long.”
“Neither do I.”
CHAPTER 4
Janine had been working at Josey and Associates for a month. Just as Michael suspected, she was a tremendous asset. Not only did she help close two cases, she also offered valuable insights to his newer associates. Despite earlier concerns, even Lacy admitted how wonderful it was to have her working with them. She was meticulous and eager to help any way she could. Michael was deeply appreciative of and impressed by her efforts. The result was a far more relaxed team freed-if only for a short while—from the cycle of late nights and grueling hours. Things had settled down substantially giving them all time to find the right associate to join the firm.
Walking down the hall to the spare office she was using, he tapped lightly on the doorframe. She was deep in thought, typing away on the computer and oblivious to his presence. When she was this focused, she had an uncanny ability to shut the world completely out. He didn’t know how she did it. It took discipline for him to achieve that level of concentration, but it seemed almost innate for her. He tapped louder.
“Oh, hi Sweetie! Sorry.”
“No problem. You want to grab lunch?” he asked.
“Sure. Nothing heavy though.”
“How about some sandwiches or a salad?”
“Sounds good. Let me finish this and I’ll be ready in about fifteen minutes. Okay?”
“Buzz me when you’re ready and I’ll meet you in the lobby.”
“Okay.”
“How’s it going by the way?”
“Pretty well. I think we can settle this quickly. I called opposing counsel this morning. I think we’ve come to agreeable terms. Should I go over this with you or Lacy?”
“Which one is this?”
“The Reid account.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. I’m an exceptional attorney, Mr. Josey or have you forgotten.”
“Everything about you is exceptional, Ms. Powell.” He came into the office closing the door behind him with eyes now suggesting much more than business.
“Don’t even think about it,” she teased. “We’re working.”
“Oh, I’m thinking about it, Baby. I’ve been thinking about it all morning. Especially after you came in wearing that skirt, clinging to your ass like that. Now I’m sure you remembered not wear panties.”
“That would be completely inappropriate,” she grinned devilishly.
“You’re right.” Coming to the edge of her desk, he carefully moved papers stacking them neatly on the other end.
“I like those where they were, thank you very much.”
“Hmmm. That’s too bad.” He leaned against the cleared edge facing her.
“I have work to finish.”
“I don’t care. Stand up.” His eyes were penetrating as a wicked little smile appeared.
She hated to admit it, but when he was like this it was arousing as hell. She eased her chair away from the desk hoping a little distance would somehow extinguish the fire building between them. But she also wanted to see just how far he’d go.
“Under certain circumstances this could be construed as sexual harassment, counselor,” she taunted.
“But this isn’t one of them. So, it seems to me counselor you only have two options right now.”
She stood folding her arms as if she were contemplating some deep thought. “Only two?”
“Two. Do you want it up your ass or in your pussy? ‘Cause you’re getting fucked, one way or the other.”
“Then you’re going to have to take it,” she playfully dared.
He was tickled and couldn’t believe she said such an absurd thing to him. “I think you’re forgetting who you’re talking to.”
With a quickness she wasn’t prepared for, he grabbed her, spun her around and leaned her over the edge of the desk with her back to him. He held her against the desk as he pressed his hardened dick against her. She looked back at him as he reached under her skirt.
Feeling the panties, he whispered, “These are going to cost you.”
He smacked her ass hard with his hand. Snatching the panties down, he was swift positioning her and carefully sliding his dick into her ass. She gasped loudly so he covered her mouth with his hand. With the other hand planted firmly in the middle of her back he eased out before pushing back in as deeply as possible. It felt as if he were using every bit of force he had thrusting in and out.
She’d never had sex at work and the thrill of it only heightened her desire. She tried to control her verbal responses but the sound of their flesh slapping together was unmistakable to anyone venturing past her door. But she didn’t care.
Pushing back against him and spreading her legs further apart, she laid her upper body flat on the desk allowing him even deeper penetration. He began moving in and out of her with a fevered pace. Gripping the edge of the desk she was finding it increasingly difficult to contain her moans or her mounting orgasm. Michael was the only man she ever achieved an orgasm with from anal sex and the release was powerful..
Never making a sound other than rapid breathing, he soon followed ejaculating his warmth deep inside her. As their passions abated, he stroked her back moving his hands to her ass squeezing gently. Carefully removing his softening penis, he smacked her ass again before stepping away from her. She stood slowly and picked her panties up off the floor before lowering her skirt. They both grinned at one another savoring the moment.
Zipping his pants and walking towards the door he said, “So, lunch in fifteen minutes?”
“Sure,” she giggled.
“And lose the panties. Now.” Walking out, he left the door open as he made his way down the hall.
She couldn’t get over how his behavior suggested nothing more than business had taken place between them. Jesus! Good thing I’ll only be working here a few more months. I won’t get shit done otherwise. There was no point in trying to finish what she was doing because she’d simply lost her train of thought. She put the panties in her purse and went to the restroom to freshen up. The last thing she wanted was a peculiar stain appearing on her skirt. He’s turned me into a complete freak, she chuckled to herself.
Back at his desk, the stickiness of their combined wetness was still evident on his penis. But instead of cleaning himself immediately, he delayed the ritual to simply savor the sensation. For him it was akin to leaving a mark on a Sub—something he had done countless times with his partners over the years. He knew exactly when, where and how to strike or bite providing a reminder of his Dominance in play. He was pretty sure Janine was still feeling residuals of the ass pounding he delivered. But in this case, he was allowing himself to be equally marked.