“Here you are,” Harrison says, handing me my martini, “You’ve earned it.”
“You’re the one who’s been putting your life on the line on a weekly basis,” I laugh, raising my glass to him.
“Sure,” he shrugs, “But I live to do that. You’re the one who has to spend her weeks wrangling media sharks and badly behaved Ferrelli boys.”
“Maybe I live for that,” I say, taking a sip of my strong, dirty drink.
“Somehow, I find that hard to believe,” Harrison says, sitting down beside me.
“What, you don’t think I’m suited for it?” I ask, brushing at an imaginary speck on lint on my dark skinny jeans.
“That’s not it at all,” he says, sounding shocked. “If anything, it seems like you should have a bigger role where the team is concerned. You should shaping the sport itself, not shaping the reputations of single drivers.”
I feel myself swelling with pride at Harrison’s suggestion. For some reason, his faith in me means more than anyone’s ever has. My dad and brother have always allowed me a place on Team Ferrelli, but no one’s ever really acknowledged my potential. Not like this.
“How can you think so highly of me?” I ask Harrison, “We’ve hardly known each other for a month.”
“And for a month, you’ve been an unstoppable, scrappy, determined force,” Harrison laughs, “I have a feeling there’s nothing you can’t get if you put your mind to it.”
“There may be...one thing,” I say, dropping my gaze from his.
“What’s that?” he asks.
“Isn’t it obvious?” I sigh, “You.”
“What are you talking about?” he asks, resting a strong hand on the small of my back, “You’ve got me. Right here.”
“For a couple of hours, sure,” I say, “But once we’ve had a little fun, we’ll go back to Ferrelli and McClain, peering at each other over the line drawn in the sand.”
“I’ll still be thinking about you,” Harrison offers, closing the space between us. His breath on my neck almost knocks the words from my mind, but I have to keep going.
“I’ll be thinking about you too,” I tell him, letting my eyes flutter closed as he brushes his lips against my throat, “But I’d rather...I’d rather not...”
“What?” he asks, pulling away, “You’d rather not...be seeing me?”
“No!” I exclaim, sending a slosh of vodka over the rim of my glass, “Exactly the opposite! Harrison, I’d rather see nobody but you. In a perfect world, that is.”
“In a world far away from F1, you mean,” he says.
“Pretty much,” I say.
“Did something...happen, Siena?” Harrison asks, “Did someone, you know. Find out about us or—?”
“No, of course not,” I say quickly, “I mean...Bex knows, to be perfectly honest.”
“To be perfectly honest...Andy does, too,” Harrison smiles sheepishly.
“Best friends. What’re you gonna do?” I ask, laughing nervously.
“So then, why the sudden qualms about what we’ve been up to?” Harrison asks, “I’ve been having a wonderful time with you, Siena.”
“So have I,” I tell him, “But Harrison...how much longer can we really go without acknowledging the fact that I’m literally sleeping with the enemy right now?”
“I’m not your enemy,” he points out.
“But you’re my brother’s,” I say, “For all intents and purposes, that’s the same thing.”
“I don’t buy that,” Harrison says, “You’re a grown woman with a mind of your own. You can spend time with, sleep with, fall in love with whoever you damned well please.”
The “l” word snags my focus, but I barrel on. I can’t even begin to consider what leads down that road just now.
“So what,” I continue, “We keep seeing each other under the cover of darkness and hope that no one figures it out? What about after the season is over?”
“Can’t we cross that bridge—”
“I’d rather just speed over it now, to be honest.”
“Are you...suggesting that we make this thing between us public?” Harrison asks quizzically.
“No!” I say, “No, that would be insane—”
“Would it?”
“Of course! Harrison, my dad just asked me to launch a media campaign that would dismantle your reputation and make you look like a good-for-nothing bad boy. My brother’s no above coming after you on the race track. I honestly think they might disown me if they find out about us—”
“I just don’t understand,” Harrison says, his jaw clenched, “Why are they hounding me like this?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” I ask, “They’re intimidated, Harrison. They’ve never seen anything like you before. Neither have I.”
Harrison stands up from the bed, taking a long sip of his drink. I can practically see the gears furiously turning in his mind, struggling in vain to find a solution to our unfixable dilemma. But as long as I’m a Lazio and he’s a Davies, I don’t see any way for us to be together without weathering a pretty awful shit storm.
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” I say softly, setting down my drink and going to him.
“I’m thinking...” he says, draining the last of his martini, “That you don’t deserve this.”
“What?” I say, taken aback, “What is it that I don’t deserve?”
“To be dragged around through dark side streets to meet in shady hotels,” he says, exasperated, “Look at us, Siena! Hiding out like a couple of delinquents, sneaking behind your family’s back? I don’t want you to feel ashamed of what we’re doing.”
“I don’t.”
“But you said yourself that your family would kill you if—”
“They probably would,” I say, laying my hands on Harrison’s cut biceps, “But what I didn’t get around to saying is that...it would be worth it.”
“What?” he breathes.
“What we have, whatever it is, is too amazing to throw away because of grudge that I don’t even hold,” I tell him, trailing my fingers down his arms, “I’m not saying we need to run to the presses. I just...I want you to know that this is important for me. Someday, maybe a long time from now when this rivalry bullshit with my brother has blown over...I don’t know. Maybe we can be more to each other than shady hotel companions.”
“That’s something that you’d want?” he asks earnestly.
“Absolutely,” I tell him, “And you...?”
“Yes,” he says, running his hand through my hair, “Siena, I told you that I’m in this with you. All in.”
“I still don’t think we should parade around or anything,” I say, growing dizzy with the closeness of him, “We have to make sure the time is right.”
“Mhmm...” he murmurs, bringing his lips to my neck.
“The moment has to be...just perfect...” I purr, softening into his arms as he runs his fingers along my spine.
“Sure,” he whispers.
“Because if we...spring this on people, on my family,” I breathe, “Harrison...it could get ugly. I mean seriously...irrevocably...”
“Siena, I’ll follow your lead with this,” he tells me, running his hands down over my ass and pulling me against him, “If you want to step out into the daylight with me, when you do, I’ll be ready. But right now, I don’t want to think about that. Right now, I want to lead. May I?”
“Oh god, yes,” I moan, throwing my arms around Harrison’s shoulders.
My feet leave the ground as he scoops me up into his powerful arms. He carries me like a new bride back across the room toward the bed. One martini in, and the lush room is already whirling around us. The deep, rust-red walls enclose us, encasing us against the world. Every thought of the universe beyond these four walls runs from my mind like sand in an hour glass. Nothing can touch us when we’re alone together. All that exists in my world tonight is Harrison Davies. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
He lays me out across the bed, and kneel
s before me. Pulling my hips, he brings my ass right to the edge of the bed, and I plant my knees firmly in his broad shoulders.
“I know what you want,” he says, his voice thick with wanting me.
“Show me, then. Lead me...” I whisper, lying back against the plush golden bed.
Harrison pushes my knees apart, running his fingers down along my denim-clad thighs. I lean into him as he brushes his hand against my sex, relishing the friction between my clothing and his touch. Knowing that we can strip each other down at any time only adds to the hot anticipation. There’s nothing that can truly stand between us... certainly not a pair of blue jeans.
Suddenly, Harrison pulls away and comes to standing. I gaze up at him in the warm, shrouded light, curious. His eyes gleam excitedly, and his rising desire stands out clear as day. I stand up on my knees, and the foot of space between us crackles with urgent need.
“I want you to take off your top,” Harrison growls. The note of mischief in his voice sends a grin playing across my lips.
Without a word, I take the edge of my blouse between my fingers. I’ve never done anything like this before, following the leader. Every other man I’ve slept with has forced me to take the reins. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy it, taking charge. But to have someone who will share that with me, then turn around and snatch back the lead when the moment is right...Talk about having your cake and eating it, too.
As slowly as I dare, I draw my top up over my torso, my breasts, my shoulders. Harrison’s eyes bore into my, raking along my olive skin. I can practically feel the heat of his gaze as it lingers on my flat stomach, the sumptuous rise of my chest. I fling my top away and look up at Harrison, awaiting further instruction. If we’re going to play follow the leader, I’m going to give it all I’ve got.
He grins, game as hell. “Now your jeans,” he says.
Sitting back, I lower my hands to my waist. I pop open the button of my jeans and let him glimpse the smallest peek of my navy blue panties. I lie back on the bed, letting my hair splay out against the comforter. I slide my jeans down off my legs, exposing inch after inch of skin. I know that I’m driving him crazy, upping the ante on his desire with every moment that passes. And I love it.
I let my jeans fall off the bed and pull myself onto my elbows. My knees part, and Harrison can barely contain himself. He takes a step forward, standing right between my legs. But he knows full well that I’m losing my mind in time with him. It’s like a game of chicken—who’s going to break first?
“Your bra,” he says, his voice riding along the bottom of his register.
I arch my back, knowing that the very shape of me is driving him mad. My fingers unclasp my bra, and the garment falls away. The twin swells of my breasts are set free, and my nipples stand hard and erect. What I would give to feel his lips around those tender peaks right now, to feel his tongue flick against them, driving me absolutely wild.
“The rest,” he growls, not an inch away from me.
My fingers tremble as I hook them into my panties. I slip them down over my ass, tilting my hips up, and fling them across the room. I’m entirely naked before Harrison, spread wide and shaking with desire. He’s fully clothed, straining at every stitch. There’s something so forbidden, so hot about being stripped down for him. Giving up control like this is new, and so thrilling. I can feel myself growing wetter with need, my sex aching for his touch.
“Just lie back,” Harrison says, his voice quiet but rock hard in its firmness.
I sprawl out across the bed, my every cell crying out for those strong hands of his. Harrison plants his knees on the bed, and moves to kick off his heavy boots.
“Wait,” I say, planting my hands on his chest, “Leave the boots for now. Please?”
“You’re full of surprises, aren’t you, Siena?” he asks, looking down at me in wonder.
“Oh, we're just getting started,” I grin breathlessly, “Now...tell me what you’d like me to do next.”
My mind is subsumed by pleasure as Harrison leads the way, teaching my body what it means to be adored.
Chapter Fourteen
A Night Together
I feel myself beginning to wake up, but keep my eyes closed firmly against the day. The cushy bed is far too comfortable to abandon just yet. I turn over and nuzzle against Harrison’s side, and he slings a muscular arm over me, pulling me closer. A slow smile creeps across my face as I feel the rise and fall of his firm chest. His breath is smooth and even, and nearly lulls me back to sleep...
But then it hits me.
My eyes spring open, taking in my surroundings. I don’t even remember falling asleep! Harrison and I have had our fair share of hot and heavy moments by now, but we’ve never spent the night together. Somehow, sleeping beside him feels more daring, more intimate, than anything we’ve done together.
I gaze up at him in the darkness, mesmerized by his slumbering face. In sleep, his confident grin and mischievous eyes are calm. He looks so at ease, so peaceful. So staggeringly gorgeous I could weep. As I watch him sleep, I feel something clarify inside of me. All of the overwhelming, new sensations I’ve felt since meeting Harrison Davies suddenly make sense. The big questions that I’ve been wrestling with can all be answered by a single, simple truth.
I’m falling in love with this man.
As if he’s sensed my revelation, Harrison swims up from the depths of deep sleep. His eyes open slowly, and focus on my face. A smile unlike any I’ve seen him wear spreads across his full lips.
“Good morning, Beautiful,” he murmurs.
I rest my cheek on the pillow beside him, feeling unaccountably shy all of a sudden. Now that I’ve finally admitted to myself just how much I care about Harrison, I feel like some sort of blushing young bride.
“When did we even fall asleep?” I ask.
“Sometime after round three,” he grins.
Fragments of last night flit through my memory, and I’m glad that the darkness of the room hides my flushed cheeks. Harrison led me to entirely new levels of bliss last night, places I never even knew existed. I can only imagine what else he’s bound to introduce me to, what other illicit delights. I’m no stranger to sex, but with Harrison everything feels new again. But even so, he never makes me feel embarrassed or somehow lacking. I’ve never felt better about myself than I do now that we’re together.
That little word, “together”, tugs at the corners of my heart as we lie in bed together. It’s hard enough figuring out the finer points of a relationship, but our circumstances make it a Herculean task. Between the championship, my family’s animosity, the media frenzy that would ensue if word about us got out, and Harrison’s bad boy mentality, we’ve really got our work cut out for us. But even with so much working against us, I don’t want to back down. If anyone’s worth fighting for, it’s Harrison Davies.
I just hope he feels the same way about me.
“What time is it?” I ask, sitting up in bed.
“How am I supposed to care about the time when you’re lying naked beside me?” he asks, setting his hand on the small of my back.
I glance down and realize that I am totally in the nude. This has got to be a first as well. I’ve never been so spent after a night of lovemaking that I forgot to throw something back onto my body. Hell, I’m usually the type to fetch an oversized tee shirt and brush my teeth after having sex with someone, even if it’s a one night stand. But Harrison knocks any such mundane ideas from my mind. Having sex with him is an entirely new experience—one that I’m more than happy to revisit as often as humanly possible. In fact...
“Maybe let’s forget about the time altogether,” I say, letting my hands rest on Harrison’s cut chest.
“I can get on board with that,” he says, taking my wrists in his hands and pulling me toward him.
Our mouths meet, moving together in a slow, sleepy rhythm. I can’t believe how comfortable it feels, kissing him. There’s no awkwardness, no adjustments, just us. He knows exact
ly how to kiss me, touch me, make love to me. And all after a matter of weeks. A ripple of anticipation rolls down my spine as I imagine what we could do to each other after months, or even years.
He can taste my excitement as his tongue brushes against mine. I let my hands skim along his pecs and abs, working down inch by inch. He’s totally naked, too...and totally hard as well. I wrap my fingers around his thick length, marveling at the enormity of him. A low groan rises from his throat as I stroke him slowly.
“I love how hard you get just from kissing me,” I purr, pulling myself up to straddle him on the soft bed.
“What can I say?” he breathes, his hands cupping my ass, “It’s what you do to me, Siena. The second you touch me, I’m a goner.”
“Is that so?” I ask, tightening my grasp just a hair.
“You know it is,” he moans, “And you love it, too.”
“You’re damned right I do,” I say.
I release him, planting my hands on his chest. Eagerly, I lift my hips and let the very tip of him brush against the slickness between my legs. Harrison’s hold on me tightens as we glance lightly against other in the most intimate of places.
“Guess I’m a goner, too,” I whisper.
“I love that,” Harrison says.
I love you, I think, keeping the words close to my heart, deep inside of me. There may come a time to tell him as much, but it certainly isn’t now. I gasp as Harrison’s stiffness brushes against that tender spot, the very center of my bliss. There’s no way I can hold out any longer. I poise myself above him and begin, very slowly, to take him inside of me. I lower myself onto him, inch by inch, my silky flesh parting to accommodate his enormous girth. Harrison’s eyes are closed in bliss, his mouth hanging open ever so slightly. I let out a moan as I finally sink down onto him, feeling the fullness of him within me.
“You’re so tight,” he groans, planting his hands on my waist.
I rock against him gently, feeling him work further inside me with every slight movement. As much as I want to pull him in deeper, I know that I have to ease into it. If I’m not careful, he’ll go right through me. It’s amazing how I trust him even more, knowing that he has the power to hurt me more than any man ever has. And I don’t mean in bed, of course. I can feel myself coming to care about him more deeply than I even knew was possible.
Take Me Series (COMPLETE BOX SET) Page 13
