Julian shook his head but Eva grew angrier and thumped her fists harder. Julian still didn’t move.
‘You lied to me.’
Julian looked at her defiant. ‘No. You just never saw the truth. There’s a big difference, Ms Andrews.’
Eva was practically hopping on the spot in temper. ‘You let me worry about my boss. I even told you he was an ass. I bet you had a good laugh at my expense.’
‘Cut the bullshit, Evangeline. You’ve been playing the game since you walked into my office. No one forced you to play. You could have walked out the door and never come back…but you didn’t. You enjoyed the challenge. You’re just too fucking stubborn to admit it.’
Eva clenched her jaw. Christ he was so infuriating. She felt such a fool and her frustration was compounded by the fact that simply looking at his beautiful face made her want to kiss him. Now. Right now. What the fuck? Stand your ground, she warned herself.
‘It was my job, Julian. I wanted to succeed in my career.’
‘There are other offices. Other jobs. You.Wanted.To.Play.’
‘Play what? I still don’t even know what the fuck this really is.’
‘It isn’t anything. The game is what you make of it. And you, Evangeline…’ Julian took her hand and kissed it softly. ‘…You have made this one hell of a challenge.
Eva shook her head sadly. ‘I feel so stupid.’
Julian’s body stiffened. ‘What? Why? That’s the last thing I want you to feel.’
Julian placed his hands over hers and steadied them against his chest. She calmed, exhausted, and slid to the floor. Julian lowered himself onto his hunkers and dotted his lips slowly down her neck.
‘I didn’t know. I really never did. All the times in your office…I never knew it was you.’
‘The clues were there. You just never saw them.’
‘Okay, not helping the feeling stupid thing.’ Eva blushed.
Julian laughed and kissed her forehead. ‘That’s one of the things I like most about you.’
‘That I’m stupid?’
‘No. Ha. No.’ Julian smiled brightly. ‘You’re anything but. Other girls are always looking at what’s around the corner, what comes next. They want more all the time. You don’t and it’s really quite amazing. If that made you blind to the clues, well, that’s my fault for not upping my game for you.’
‘Of course I was blind, it was always pitch dark, remember?’ Eva tried to joke.
Julian pressed the tip of Eva’s nose with his finger. ‘I’ve told you before; you need to use all your senses. Sight is just one. My voice was a hint, or the way I speak to you. I never tried to disguise who I am, your fear was just clouding your ability to find out.’
Eva dropped her head. It was so much to take in. She felt as if someone had thumped her across the back and knocked the wind out of her.
‘They said you wouldn’t take off your mask but you did. I knew it was you but you took it off anyway.’
‘They were right - up to now, that is.’
‘Why me, Julian? Why did you pick me to take if off for? I didn’t ask for the responsibility.’
Julian stood up and gently pulled Eva to her feet. He held her a whispers distance in front of him.
‘No one forced you up on that stage, Eva. You did that. You went up because you wanted to. Because you are so much stronger than you think.’
Eva stepped closer to him, shaking uncontrollably. ‘I’m not strong. Not like you.’
‘I’m strong because I have to be. I didn’t choose it. It’s just the way life goes. And now you have to choose to be. Okay?’
Eva nodded.
‘I took my mask off because I don’t want to play anymore either, Eva. The game is over. You win,’ he whispered.
Eva smiled. She wasn’t entirely sure what that meant but his tone told her more than a thousand words. And just when Eva thought she couldn’t be any more shocked, Julian let his guard down. He’d taken off more than one mask. And he’d done it for her.
Eva looked at him from under her wrinkled brow and threw her hands to the side, ‘Well, what now?’
Julian’s face lit up. He tilted his head, and cast his eyes upstairs.
‘We can’t go up there. ‘
Julian snorted. ‘We can go anywhere we want. And I want you. Upstairs. now.’ Eva shook her head. ‘What? Now?’ No. I can’t…’
Julian laughed. ‘My house, my rules. And, I say we’re going upstairs.’
‘Your house,’ Eva said, nodding without realising it. Of course, why did it surprise her? The expression of luxury that oozed from every floor tile, or door handle or fine painting was signature Julian. The only surprise was that she didn’t figure it out sooner.
The games, the gifts, even the mask…it was all him. Eva slapped her hand against her forehead and blushed. Now she saw the clues left along the way. Eva closed her eyes for a second and replayed the recent days in her head. Julian, Mr Doe, whoever-he-was, he’d changed her. She wasn’t quite free but she was certainly a lot better than she was. But he’d had his fun. It was her turn.
‘I’m not your toy, Julian.’
‘My toy,’ he said, smirking. ‘Who said anything about being a toy?
‘Well, Shelly and Mia said…’
‘And do you believe everything your friends tell you?’
‘Mia’s not my friend’, Eva corrected.
Julian shrugged his shoulders, ‘ And?’
Eva pulled a face. ‘And what?’
Shit, there was nothing more to say. He’d just diluted her argument with one simple word. Damn.
Julian’s lips twisted to the side, his intention was written across his face. ‘Are you done?’
Eva nodded, defeated.
‘I’m only going to say this once more. Upstairs. Now.’
The palm of Julian’s hand smacked across the cheek of Eva’s ass. She tapped unsure fingers against her lip, took Julian’s outstretched hand and followed him upstairs, not quite believing what she was doing and not quite able to stop herself from doing it.
Chapter 39
Eva slowed as she reached the top step. It was just enough for Julian to catch her. He slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her back against him. He spun her around and her lips met his. He tasted of Scotch and desire and she kissed him hard, she wanted to drink him in. The champagne coursed through her veins and she embraced a naughty confidence. She was ready for Julian Harte. So ready.
Julian’s hands grabbed her ass cheeks and he hoisted her up onto him. She wrapped her legs above his hips and linked her ankles behind his back. She gasped as his solid cock rested between her open legs with only their clothes between them. His hands were all over her. Her back, her neck, tossing her hair. She knew she was safe in his arms. She arched her back and threw her head back. He sucked his finger and ran its damp tip down her neck, all the way to the silky, low-cut neckline of her dress. Eva suspected he’d had a lot of practice at that move but she didn’t dare ask. She held her breath and waited for his next move.
Julian kicked the bedroom door open, and slammed her back against it as it closed behind them. His hands reached behind her head and pulled her harder onto his lips. His kisses were rough and hungry but Eva’s force met his. She wanted him, his taste, his touch, his passion. She slid her tongue into his open mouth and rocked her hips, knowing she was teasing his swollen cock. His breath was deep and rushed. She felt powerful and sexy. Her lips still locked against his as she fumbled with the buttons of his shirt and pushed the material off his shoulders. Julian released his grip of her, shook his wrists free and shot her a luscious smirk. The look told her everything, he’d tolerated her teasing but now he was taking back control. She bit her bottom lip and waited.
Eva gasped as she landed back against the soft pillows of the giant water bed. He’d thrown her. It was rough and primal and so fucking hot, Eva though she might come just staring at his perfect chest.
‘This has to go,’ he said, star
ing at the damage he’d caused to her dress earlier. The purple silk splayed between his knuckles as he tugged viciously. The material shredded and exposed Eva’s bra and knickers.
‘Fuck,’ Julian said, almost breathless. In an instant, he was on top of her, kissing every inch of her belly. ‘So fucking hot.’
His hot lips against her bare flesh had her soaking her knickers. Her clit pulsed and ached, as if Julian could read her mind, he slid his knee between her legs and she ground her hips against his thigh. Pleasure rippled through her with each thrust.
His hand slipped behind her back and flicked her bra open, effortlessly. He flung it on the floor without caring where it landed. She panted gently and her breasts rose and fell with each breath. She watched him tilt his head to the side, making no secret that he was staring at her breasts. He pinched her erect nipples between his thumb and index finger and rubbed them just enough to make her squirm.
‘Shh,’ he whispered, raising his hands where she could see them. ‘Not yet. We’re not going to rush this.’
He leaned closer and dragged his teeth across her bottom lip. She gasped and her hands fought for space to unzip his trousers.
‘Get these off,’ she said, aching to see how hard he was.
Julian pulled back and flicked a single eyebrow up. Eva scrambled to sit upright to take in the full view. He stood up and pulled his trousers down. His boxers were tight and emphasised his perfect balls and throbbing cock. Eva lunged forward. She brushed her lips against the outside of his boxers. He relaxed his shoulders and dropped his head back.
‘Suck me.’
His request sent a tingle down her spine. She pulled his boxers down and let his warm, rigid cock fill her mouth. She slid her hand between his legs and rested her finger against his ass. He exhaled deeply with a satisfied groan. His hands rummaged through her hair as he thrust his hips back and forth. Her lips stayed tight around him, as he pushed deeper, right to the back of her throat.
‘Soak my balls.’
Eva pulled his cock free from her mouth and pumped it in her hands as she lowered her head and licked and sucked his balls. Taking each one into her mouth in turn, listening to his deep moans of approval.
Julian slid his finger under her chin and tilted her head until she locked eyes with him. ‘Fuck, you’re good,’ he said. ‘But it’s your turn now.’
He took both her hands in his and slid his fingers between hers. He pulled her to the edge of the bed to stand in front of him. Her perky breasts pushed against his firm chest, and he waited a moment before he stepped back to take in the view. His eyes and his dropped lip told her, he was only getting started.
He brushed the tip of his nose just under her ear and his warm breath teased her skin as he slid his hands between her hips and her thong and pulled it down. He stared into her eyes and pushed two fingers into her mouth. ‘Wet them.’
‘Why?’ Eva said, barely able to breathe with anticipation.
‘Shh no questions, remember?’ he whispered into her ear.
Eva did as she was told and circled his fingers with her tongue, sucking each one in turn.
‘Good girl. Now lie back and spread your legs. I’m going to make you scream.’
Eva didn’t doubt it. His cocky confidence was the ultimate turn on. She sat back on the edge of the bed- slowly. Too slowly, Julian didn’t wait. His hands pressed against her shoulders and pushed her back against the soft mattress. Eva gasped as she felt cool air and Julian’s eyes between her, staring at her glistening opening.
‘So pink,’ he said. ‘I want to taste you.’
Eva’s heart was beating so loudly, it thundered in her chest like a drumbeat.
Julian’s hands rubbed her ankles and his thumbs softly stroked the back of her calves, slowly working their way higher.
Eva closed her eyes, barely able to believe the moment. The scent of his skin enhanced with rich cologne made every fibre of her body ache. Her opening pulsed with anticipation as her wet trickled out like seductive syrup. Soft, satisfied moans sounded from deep within her throat.
Julian flipped her onto her belly and she shrieked with surprise. She felt his finger traced the nobbles of her spine all the way to her ass. He placed a palm on each of her round cheeks and squeezed hard.
‘Trust me, okay?’ he whispered into her ear and then nibbled her neck gently.
She nodded meekly.
‘Good girl.’
She did trust him, but the mix of vulnerability and excitement had her body shaking. She had no idea what he would do next, and it scared the shit out of her in the best possible way.
His slipped a finger between the cheeks of her ass and slid lower until his finger was pressed right against her.
Eva shook her head. He wouldn’t dare, would he?
‘Fuck,’ Eva squealed. It burned and Eva sucked air between her teeth. Her breath was rough and shallow and her whole upper body trembled. The pressure was intense. And pain. It hurt, his finger was stretching her and she wasn’t sure if she liked it, but she wouldn’t tell him to stop. She was on the verge of orgasm and she wanted him to take her there.
Julian’s thumb circled her wet, dipping in and out of her and dragging her warm silk across her aching clit. He pushed deep and curled his thumb, effortlessly finding her spot. She clenched her walls around his thumb, throbbing on his hand. Oh God; she was going to explode.
‘Shh, not yet,’ he ordered, easing his pressure.
He slid his other hand between her belly and the mattress and his fingers crept lower.
‘Let me,’ he said.
Eva lifted her ass just a little and his hand slipped under her pelvis and his fingers positioned against her clit. He flicked it slowly and pumped her with his other hand. She was full.
‘Now,’ he said.
A loud moan burst from inside Eva as pleasure rippled through her. Her hips bucked and shook on his hands, his expert touch driving her crazy.
‘Say my name…’
Eva moaned louder.
‘Say it…’
‘Julian, Julian. Oh. My. God, Julian.
Eva’s body fell limp against the bed and she panted, barely able to move. Julian slipped his hands out of her and waited for her to catch her breath. He lay on his side, turned towards her and drew letters of the alphabet onto the sticky skin of her back. M.I.N.E. Eva closed her eyes and a delicate smile settled on her face.
Chapter 40
Eva opened her eyes again to find the soft, cotton sheet covering her naked body. Julian was sat on the edge of the bed, his ankle resting on his opposite knee. Relaxed. He was wearing his shirt again but the buttons were all open. The crisp white material was a delicious contrast against his tanned, sallow skin. The sleeves were rolled up and his forearms were synonymous with strength as they rested, folded across his chest. He’d swapped his tuxedo trousers for a pair of loose, dark blue jeans. He was more relaxed than Eva had ever seen him and, if possible, even hotter.
She stared at his beautiful physique for a long time before he acknowledged she was awake. He didn’t talk; instead he shot her his infamous smile. She smiled back and rubbed her eyes.
Julian eyed up the ice bucket beside him, containing champagne and two crystal flutes.
‘Oh God no, I can’t drink anything more,’ Eva said, her head spinning a little.
Julian laughed, ‘Who said anything about drinking it?’
‘Ready for more?’ he asked after a while of blissful silence.
Eva lifted her head, just enough to meet his eyes. She nodded and tried to wake herself up fully. ‘What time is it?’
‘Late.’
Eva shot up, pulling the sheet with her, painfully conscious that she was naked and Julian wasn’t. How familiar, she thought, blushing.
‘We have to go back down.’
Julian shook his head. ‘Why?’
‘To…you know…say goodbye and stuff.’
‘And stuff?’
Eva hated that he could do that; m
ake her feel stupid by just repeating her words.
‘Well it’s your party. Aren’t you a bad host hiding up here?’
Julian scrunched his nose, lackadaisically. ‘Maybe.’
Damn. He was agreeable and infuriating at the same time.
Eva scrambled to the end of the bed and tried to pull the sheet around her. Julian purposely wouldn’t move and she couldn’t free the corner from under him.
‘I need to go back.’ She was half pleading, half panicking. ‘Shelly will be looking for me.’
‘I doubt it. She was getting stuck into that fuck head who sniffs around you.’
‘Nathan?’
Julian shrugged his shoulders. Clearly refusing to say his name.
‘You went back to the party?’ She wanted to add, ‘without me’, but stopped herself just before the words came out, certain it would make her sound like a needy psychopath.
‘Like you said, it was my party. I couldn’t be rude.’
Eva was struggling to believe Julian was concerned about his hosting duties. He couldn’t keep a straight face just talking about it.
‘I had a few loose ends to tie up.’
Now that she did believe.
‘I would have come with you,’ Eva said, trembling, just thinking about facing that room of people again after the experience on stage.
‘I figured you needed your rest after your performance earlier. Bravo, by the way.’
Condescending, irritating Julian was back. Where was passionate Julian that had touched her earlier? She liked him better.
‘I’m going,’ Eva said defiantly.
‘Off you go, but I’ll be keeping this here.’ Julian tugged hard and Eva lost her grip on the sheet. She stood completely naked in front of him. Her eyes flared with surprise and a huge, satisfied grin lit up Julian’s face. He was loving it, she could tell.
Her arm instinctively crossed her breasts and she grabbed a cushion off the chaise longue beside her and covered her lower half.
‘Satisfied?’ she snapped, humiliated.
Rules of Harte (Harte Series #1) Page 24
