“Look at me,” Jonas demanded. I raised my watery eyes to his face, utterly speechless. I started to shake and he moved up and wrapped his arms around me as I calmed, holding me against him and kissing over my cheeks and forehead.
I reached between his legs and tried to stroke his shaft, but he took my hand and moved it to his mouth, kissing my fingertips. He pulled me on top of him and kissed my lips, sweeping his tongue inside my mouth, filling it with the sweet tangy flavor of my sex. I molded my body as close around him as I could get and closed my eyes.
“Thank you,” I whispered
Jonas kissed the top of my head. He reached up and wiped the tears leaking from my eyes as he held me close to him. My breathing was short as I struggled to stop them.
“Let go, Lily,” Jonas said softly. His permission was all I needed and I surprisingly unleashed my pent up pain and grief. He embraced me. Kissing and whispering soothing words as I emptied myself further in his arms.
After a while, I stilled and reached down between his legs, again attempting to stroke him.
“Please, just let me,” I whispered to him.
Jonas paused, then relaxed back as I gripped his shaft. I gently wrapped my lips around him and sucked. I tried to gauge how fast, how hard, by his moans. I moved him further inside my mouth…deeper to the back of my throat.
Groaning, Jonas grabbed my hair, flexing his hips as he moved against my mouth.
“Good…so fucking…good, Lily….” Jonas purred. His neck arched, his eyes closed.
His cock was hard and soft at the same time. His scent, clean and dark. I wanted to explore him, I softly squeezed his balls, and stroked his shaft as I sucked.
I glimpsed up at him as I increased my speed, gliding him in and out of my mouth, moving him further inside, wanting to take all of him.
Jonas clasped my head grunting, as I sucked him and caressed over the soft hair below. He arched and started panting. I moved, licking under his balls, continuing to work him with my hand. Jonas cried out, and I knew he was close.
Moving back up, I started stroking and sucking him faster. “Oh, Lily,” Jonas said, barely coherent as he moved faster and I tried to meet his demands, desperately wanting to please him as he did me. Finally, he broke, and came gripping my head tightly as it hit the back of my throat in hot spurts. I swallowed him down, sucking steadily, drinking down his essence. He pulled me back on top of him, gently stroking my back and still breathing heavily.
After a while he said, “You…you are passionate about many things, Ms. Salomé.”
I smiled against his chest. “I could say the same about you, Mr. Crane.”
Jonas’s head turned toward the side table and the time displayed on the clock, 12:42 am. Jonas kissed the top of my head. “We’ll finish this tomorrow night.” He eased me on the bed. “I’ll set the alarm for 7:30 and we’ll have breakfast.” He helped me to my feet. “My car will pick you up. Yoga pants and shirt, we will be going to the yoga meditation center after work.”
I rubbed my neck. “I don’t know, Jonas. I don’t mind yoga at the gym, but I’m not into all the new age hippy crowd.”
Jonas chuckled. “I don’t expect you to convert, I expect you to come there with me as my companion.”
My chest tightened. He was with me as a companion. This isn’t the beginning of a relationship. “Okay. I’ll be ready to go at 5:30.” I was pleased at the evenness of my voice.
“I find the center a great place to relax. We won’t stay long.” He kissed my cheek. “I plan to spend the rest of tomorrow night inside you.”
I licked my lips and gave him a shy smile, then collected my towel and went to the bathroom to clean up. I’m extremely lucky, I told myself. I have a gorgeous man that is attracted to me and interested in giving me pleasure. My mind worked over the benefits of the companionship. I would get a chance to go around the city again, and have a handsome, willing partner to have sex with.
What more could I possibly want?
I was happy, but I realized it was short lived. My mind didn’t work that way and flashed on the tears I had shed in bed and Jonas’s strong arms embracing and soothing me. I could tell myself all I wanted that I didn’t need a relationship and that companionship was enough for me. Yet there was danger here, and it was in his intimacy and care. Things I wanted and needed, but that could be taken away from me if I allowed myself to get attached. Jonas was clear he didn’t want a relationship, which might mean he would move on eventually to his next companion. My stomach turned over as I cinched the towel around me and eased the door open.
Once back in the sitting area, my eyes ran over an incredibly handsome Jonas sitting on the couch in his robe with his laptop in front of him. I stood there gaping until his eyes came back to mine.
“I need to work out a few points for my meeting tomorrow,” Jonas said, as if he needed to explain to me.
I took a few steps towards the couch. “Can I help you? Or just stay and keep you company?”
“No. Go to sleep,” he said.
Sobering. I started to obey, but then Jonas called out, “Wait.” He walked up and tugged the towel down, kissing my breasts and stroking his fingers between my thighs. I gasped as he pulled me flush against his dick, now hard against me.
“Damn it. I can’t think with you naked in bed,” Jonas gritted. I smiled against his chest, pressing myself closer to him. He sighed long and slowly released me.
“I promise, I won’t be long,” Jonas whispered.
I nodded, lifted my towel and went into the bedroom. After a while, I sighed and changed into my tank and shorts before turning off the light. A danger, indeed. Climbing under the duvet, I curled on my side and eventually fell asleep.
Chapter 10
I woke to the feel of soft kisses on my face. My eyes popped open and my heart stopped when I realized it was a strikingly handsome, tousled Jonas over me. He flashed a grin as he pressed his body down on me. I could feel his cock through his briefs.
“I don’t remember you wearing more than a towel when I left you last night.” His eyes darkened as they stared down at my tank top, making my nipples harden. I should have been embarrassed, but my body had taken over as heat coursed through me. I moved under him, against his cock, and moaned. Our eyes met and we gazed at each other, his breathing just as hard as mine.
He ended it by kissing me hard on the lips. “If I didn’t have to work, I would spend the day on that sexy body of yours.” He climbed off me. “But I can’t. So you save that orgasm for me.”
I grumbled, “Fine.”
His lips twitched. “Don’t be grumpy. I’ll make it up later.” He then went about getting dressed, leaving me breathless.
I went to the closet and collected my clean clothes and workbag, then went into the bathroom. I took a quick shower¸ adding some light makeup and brushing my long black, thick hair into an oversized bun. As I gazed in the mirror, I tried to wipe the grin off my face. I was never good at hiding anything that I was thinking or doing. My parents always knew what I was up to, so I was known to confess pretty quickly. Mary and Gregor too. Well, most things. He always noticed every haircut or unflattering piece of clothing I came to work in, making it his business to provide a running commentary. Luckily, Gregor was out of town.
My eyes widened and I reached for my purse. Gregor! I remembered I had sent him a text. I picked up my phone and looked down at my new message from him, then burst into a fit of laughter. It was a cat dressed as Lady Gaga dancing to her Edge of Glory song. Well, I guess he’s pleased with my message about Jonas. I walked out the door and put my things away, then sought out Jonas. I found him seated at the table with an assortment of pastries, fresh fruit, and coffee before him.
I walked over to where he stood. My breathing became labored as I allowed my eyes to roam over him on approach. His black hair was styled back, showing off his gorgeous, freshly shaven sculptured face.
He grinned at me, “You look lovely.” He leaned ov
er and kissed the side of my face. My nostrils filled with the incredible aroma of his light aftershave. “I have no idea how Gregor gets work done around you.”
I covered my grin. Jonas gives good ego. My mind wandered back to the previous night, and I turned my head to hide my face. When I finally turned back, there was a knowing smile on Jonas’s face.
“Damn it. You keep doing that, I’m going to fuck you on this table,” he said.
My breath hitched as I glanced up at him. The look he gave was predatory. I had little doubt he wouldn’t do exactly as he said. “I don’t know what I should do.”
He chuckled. “I know, and I like that,” he said softly. He reached out and stilled my hand. “Have breakfast.”
I took half a muffin and a few strawberries, placing them on my plate.
Jonas frowning at my plate. “Not enough. Eat the whole muffin and another fruit,” he said.
My eyes focused on my plate. “I’m not big on breakfast.”
He clicked his tongue. “That’s what you said about dinner. Please don’t tell me you are starving yourself,” he said with added distaste.
I jutted my chin. “No. I just didn’t want to load up on carbs. I hate feeling bloated all morning.”
He rolled his eyes. “I saw no bloating last night.”
I rolled my eyes back at him, then added a banana and the rest of the muffin. I stole a glimpse of him and my stomach fluttered at the wide grin spreading across his face.
I licked my lips. “I’m not doing it because of you.”
He smirked, “Yes you are.”
I grinned and took a bite of my muffin. “How do you know Gregor?”
Jonas paused for a moment, then said, “I knew him briefly years back.” He took a sip of his coffee, and from his demeanor and the following silence, I knew that was all he was willing to share.
I quickly ate the rest of my breakfast, ignoring the groan sent my way by Jonas. We rose and collected our things, heading down to the lobby together. We passed the concierge desk and moved out to the black Bentley at the door. I climbed inside and moved over to allow Jonas to sit down beside me. His driver closed the door and the car left the queue before the hotel and joined the mid-town morning traffic.
Jonas took out his phone and started talking on it the second we settled in the back of the car. My hopes of capturing his attention for a little longer were tabled. I stared out the window at the passing cars and the myriad of people heading off to work this morning. It was only Tuesday, and I had only met Jonas four days ago, though so much had happened. He took my hand and held it firmly, yet gently, as it finally registered that we were at the Arch Limited building on East 44th Street. Jonas climbed out of the car and helped me onto the sidewalk.
“Jonas Crane.” I turned my head and caught sight of a suited group of men heading our way. I turned back and leaned towards Jonas for a kiss goodbye, but Jonas not only hesitated, he patted my arm. “See you at five thirty.” He started moving away from me.
I swallowed hard as I turned my face to recover, hoping he didn’t see my embarrassment as I moved away from him, tossing a wave over my shoulder and running inside the office building.
Why did I do that? I worried as queasiness threatened to expel my breakfast. My mind replayed all the times Declan had stood separate from me so no one would think he was with a girl like me.
Jonas was way out of my league. And the quicker I understood that, the easier things would be, or so I hoped. Wiping the corners of my eyes, I skipped the elevator and ran up the five flights to our office. I stopped to catch my breath, then pushed through the steel door and walked over to my computer and turned it on.
My stomach soured as I took out my cell and saw two messages from Jonas.
I’m sorry I hurt you this morning. Let’s talk about it.
I texted him back:
I’m the one that should apologize. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Sorry.
I rubbed my throat to soothe the ache there.
Don’t apologize. We’ll discuss this at 5:30.
I pursed my lips. If I go at 5:30.
I worked through the morning, though my mind shifted between last night and the morning. I didn’t know what to make of the last night, Jonas, or the stranger on the street. Over lunch at my desk, I picked up the phone and called my friend Mary for advice.
“NuqeH?”
I groaned. “Klingon, Mary, really?”
“You need to stay sharp for when you visit over Christmas. Star Trek Next Generation marathon.”
I groaned again. “It’s January, Mary.”
Mary knew I avoided the holidays like the plague, but she had started making Christmas full of things untraditional and coaxed me into coming a few days last year.
“I’ll think about it, but I have a bigger problem.” I looked around my cubicle, making sure no one was around to eavesdrop. I lowered my tone, “The Shakespeare quoting suit and I had oral sex last night.”
Mary giggled. “Hell yeah, but why only oral?”
I huffed into the phone. “It was late after we went to pick up my clothes.”
“Wait. What? I’m confused. Start from the beginning,” she said.
I sighed and quietly told Mary everything that happened from the dinner, to the companionship discussion, and finally the morning kiss denial.
“Maybe he doesn’t kiss on the lips. Oh, wait that’s not true eh, sex kitten?” Mary said and laughed.
I groaned. “I’m hanging up.”
“Okay. I’m sorry. It’s new. You need to relax. He said companionship, so he’s not ready for kisses at the door and flowers. Just try to enjoy yourself,” Mary said. “I don’t think he was being like that asswipe Declan.”
I twirled my finger around my hair. “You’re right. I’m just…I don’t know.”
“You like him,” Mary said. “Nothing wrong with that. Just think about your own rules to protect yourself if you want. Maybe you both could make a list of rules so you don’t rabbit boil?”
I frowned at the phone. “Mary, you’re getting close to Natasha now.”
She cursed and I giggled. “No way. I love you, kiddo.”
“I love you too, Mare. Thanks.” I hung up the phone and buried myself in my work.
After running to the corporate gym and working out vigorously during the remainder of lunch, I dragged myself back to my desk with a turkey salad in hand. It quickly became a dry husk by the time I got through the work Gregor had forwarded from his conference.
By 5:15, I turned off my computer and went to the bathroom and changed into the yoga pants and top. I pulled my hair into a ponytail, and added a little lip-gloss then walked back out to my desk where I found my work phone flashing. I picked it up. “Hello. This is Lily.”
“About time I reach you. Didn’t you get my messages?”
Declan again. I sighed. “You didn’t leave messages. I did see you called though. I’ve been busy working.”
“I know you’re mad about what happened last Friday, but I don’t want Heather. I want you, Lily. I always wanted to marry you and have a family with you.”
I tightened my jaw. “I really can’t talk. I have an appointment at 5:30 p.m.”
“Three years is too long together to throw away,” he said, ignoring me.
I turned off my computer and collected my things. Our time together didn’t matter when he dumped me. “I really have to go.”
“Don’t be a bitch, Lily. You’re not good at it.”
I grimaced. “Calling me a bitch? Now I really have to—”
“—Wait. Please, I miss you. I still use your stuff you did for me at work. I miss talking to you, how you listened and said sweet stuff to me. You still cooking? Remember you and your mother making me treats? My workers still ask about—”
My heart squeezed. He remembered that. My mom and I baking every week and sending cookies and cakes to his work. “I gotta go—” I said nasally.
“�
��I know you miss how I made love to you. We can still have the kids you wanted. Girl and boy. We’ll name them after your parents.”
I closed my eyes. Why did I keep listening? “Bye, Declan.” I hung up on him and turned off my phone, then shoved it in my handbag. I rubbed my temples in a poor attempt at removing all the thoughts and memories that arose from his conversation.
When Declan was good and trying to get along with my family, my mom did try. But he wasn’t towards the end, and he cast me away in a city I moved to for him. It was over, and I wasn’t going back.
Running down the stairs, I opened up the door to the lobby and jogged out the front of the building, where I spied Jonas’s Bentley. As I approached the door, Jonas climbed out and the GQ suited man I had left this morning was now in loose fitted pants and a Vee-neck black T-shirt, similar to mine. My heart sped up at the sight of his dark curls and chiseled features. He was really a gorgeous man.
No greeting? Jonas took my bags and handed them to David, who placed them in the trunk. I climbed inside the car and Jonas climbed in after me and closed the door.
Crossing my arms, I asked, “How was your day?”
“Awful, but not from work. Look at me.” His tone was authoritative, and I found myself buckling to his demand by turning my head towards him.
I smiled weakly. “It’s perfectly fine. I embarrassed you.” I felt a pain at the back of my throat. “Can we just put this behind us?”
His facial expression turned stern when he fixed his gaze on me. “I didn’t expect to run into one of my father’s old friends. He didn’t know about the divorce. I didn’t want him starting rumors before I had the chance to speak with him. It wasn’t because I was embarrassed. Never think I’m embarrassed of you.”
I sighed in relief. “Thanks for explaining that to me.” I licked my lips. “Okay. But I’m sorry. It was spontaneous. I didn’t mean to overstep—”
Jonas reached out and took my hand in his. “Stop apologizing….” His facial expression softened and I felt the initial tension melting away. “I will introduce you next time we see him,” he said it as a declaration.
Tiger Lily: Part One Page 9
