Strictly Confidential

by Lynda Aicher

  “My room?” he asked. No preamble. No hesitation. Whatever doubts he’d had before were gone now. That heat was back in his eyes, his intent clear.

  “Sounds good.” It was easier to leave than to kick a man out. And that thought should’ve had her stopping altogether. She was far from naïve, though, and she trusted her instincts. But… “Are you here with anyone?”

  He frowned slightly. “No. I’m looking for a new salesman—or two.”

  “Are they hard to find in your industry?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.” The vagueness didn’t surprise or worry her. Not when he shot her that “no work” look.

  “Fine,” she relented as they entered the elevator. “Just promise me something.”

  He waited for the doors to close before turning his full attention to her. “If I can.”

  She choked back her scoff. At least he was honest. They were alone for the first time and the significance lit up every cell teetering on the edge of all in or out. She could almost feel him touching her despite the two feet of space between them.

  “No means no,” she stated, firm on her demand.

  “Of course.” Annoyance wrinkled his forehead.

  “At any point.”

  His expression softened, understanding easing over it. “I promise.”

  For some unexplained reason, she trusted that. It was just words, but he came across as a man of honor. “Thank you.”

  He settled his hand on her lower back as he guided her out of the elevator and down the hall. His touch was almost impersonal, yet it scorched through her clothing to imprint his palm on her skin. A flutter rippled through her stomach in a twist that leaned toward excitement.

  Matt was new. He screamed of power and control. He was an indulgence she would never allow herself at home. Not like this. Not where image was everything.

  He slid his keycard from his pocket, pausing. “You’re sure?”

  Yes. No. Her heart thudded in her ears. “Are you?”

  He gave away nothing as he skimmed the back of his fingers down her cheek. The caress was gentle, a promise without words. It settled into her, easing the nerves that’d surfaced.

  Neither of them answered, not verbally anyway. This was nothing more than sex between adults. Hopefully wild, passionate sex that left her gasping for breath. The thrill came in the unknown. Anything could happen once she entered his room. He could be a total dud, or he could fuck her blind and then do it again.

  He grazed the tips of his fingers over her lips in a touch so soft she almost sighed. “I can’t promise gentle.”

  “Did I say I wanted gentle?”

  His breath hitched. “How much will you give me?”

  She flicked her tongue out to skim it over his fingertips, leveling her hesitation with the daring she’d ridden her entire life. “More than I ever have with another.”

  His eyes narrowed, head tilting slightly as his fingers stilled. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me?”

  She managed a small head shake. Anticipation trembled down her back and scrambled in her chest. They were dancing around a subject that probably should’ve been articulated, but defining it would make it too real. “I can only hope.”

  His eyes fell closed. He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing beneath the force. A fierce need darkened his eyes and called to her when he opened them. A whisper of fear skittered near the desire drawing her forward. She couldn’t identify it or why it was there, but it held. Not in warning, though.

  She was stepping into the unknown in ways she couldn’t clarify. Yet she wasn’t turning around. Not now.

  Not when she was so close to potentially fulfilling the craving she’d ruthlessly denied for years. She’d been taking her power from men since she’d first discovered how to wield it, but she’d never willingly given her power to anyone.

  Not until now.

  Chapter Four

  Matt swiped his keycard over the lock, heart pounding with measured excitement. Could he control his hunger? Did he have to? Need to?

  And after? What then?

  He inhaled long and slow when she passed him to enter his room. Her scent drew him in, the fragrant spice begging him to touch her and savor every hidden curve and secret.

  Damn how he wanted to—was going to.

  He closed the door behind him as he snagged her hand and pulled her around. He had her back to the door, his body pressed against hers in the next instant. Her soft gasp pinged at the restless urgency that’d been building since she’d taken a seat next to him. Warm breaths chased his own, kissing his lips in teasing acts of foreplay.

  She stared at him through the shadowed darkness. Her bottom lip slipped between her teeth only to fall out in a slow roll. He choked back a groan. Could he prolong this moment, this entire encounter with her? He shouldn’t—and that argument had fled when he’d led her from the bar.

  He slid his fingers along her jaw in a slow caress up and through her silky hair. Patience tempered the urgency with a reminder of the sweet payoff to come. He gripped the back of her head and jerked her forward.

  Her lips parted, a breathy grunt teasing him further. Her hand came to his chest, her breasts pushing against him with each breath. She didn’t object to his rough handling, though. Not even a little.

  It only took a bit of pressure to tilt her head, raising her mouth to his. Power pulsed on the enticing call of control.

  He could own this. Her. His…dominant need.

  The one that’d slid into his marriage on the drive to help his overwhelmed wife only to morph into a lifestyle he didn’t want and his wife needed more of. He wasn’t a Dom, but his sexual desires had unwittingly landed him in that role. His blindness had hurt so many, but most of all his children.

  But he wasn’t blind now. This was just a night—completely separate from his life back home. He wouldn’t allow his desires to endanger his kids ever again.

  “Say no,” he whispered, his willpower teetering on the thin line of jump or fall back. Did she understand what he wanted? Would she yield to him now, when it was real instead of implied?

  A long moment passed before her soft “yes” came out.

  He crushed his mouth to hers, desperation crashing with the frantic need throbbing in his chest. Her moan vibrated on a long rumble of pleasure when their tongues clashed. He drove deeper, finding hints of gin and the same hunger ravishing him. It clawed at his restraint in a persistent chant that overwhelmed everything else.

  “Damn,” he mumbled when he came up for air, breaths heavy. He didn’t wait for a response before he dipped back in for another taste. His head swam with lust, his craving rejoicing in its freedom.

  Kennedy gripped his nape and gave back everything he took. She didn’t fight but merged with him, her hips shifting into his, head tilting further as he drove her into the door. Her gasps peppered with his in their frenzied surge of instant want.

  He had to get her naked. Had to see her writhing beneath him. Had to feel her clenching him as she came.

  His erection throbbed beneath the layers of clothing separating them. The ache was so damn good. Heavenly after years of denying this very base need. Yes, he’d fucked in the twelve years since he’d taken full custody of his kids, but not like this. Not…

  He reared back, chest heaving. “I’m going to fuck you so damn hard.” His admission tumbled out, but he wouldn’t hide from the truth.

  “Good,” she purred, her own breaths quick and shallow. She trailed her fingers down his jaw, his beard stubble rasping beneath the tips. The tenderness reached in to unleash yet another longing he’d crushed in the name of duty.

  A longing he still couldn’t have. Not yet. Maybe someday, but not…now.

  He grabbed her wrist and trapped it against the door before he eased her briefcase from her other shoulder. He set it gently on the floor, cursing the hard rectangle of his tablet digging into his ribs.

  She let him raise her free wrist, sliding them both over her he
ad until her arms were stretched high. Her breath caught, but she didn’t look away.

  “Does this bother you?” He tightened his hold a fraction, intent on every twitch or hitch that came from her. This was as close to stating his true wants as he could get. Anything more explicit would define his downfall too clearly.

  She tested his grip, just a bit, before relaxing. Her head rested against the door, tension easing from her muscles so beautifully he almost groaned. Her final sigh held that amazing note of submission he’d missed so damn much. “No.”

  Her response unleashed every dream and false hope he’d harbored for the last hour. His kiss bordered on harsh when he dove back in. The carnal want blazing through his system urged him to take full control. To relinquish every doubt and embrace the side of him he’d starved.

  Adrenaline pumped its addictive blend of power and invincibility through him as he claimed her. He’d own this moment—her—and walk away.

  A night. He could have a night.

  He forced himself to step back, drawing her with him into the room. The curtains were open to display the king-sized bed dominating the space. His clothes were neatly hung in the closet, his suitcase on the stand tucked within it. He released her hands and flicked on the small desk lamp. The yellow glow softened her features, or was her mellow expression because of him?

  Her lips were puffy, her lipstick dulled. A blush colored her cheeks, which highlighted the freckles dotting her nose. Anticipation hummed a low tune the longer he stared at her. It resonated deep in his chest, dancing with his favorite song.

  “Undress.” His voice came out on a low rumble of authority that echoed like an old friend. His subordinates had jumped to attention the second his officer tone emerged.

  She didn’t move for a long moment, her expression unchanging. He didn’t give either. This was another subtle definition of boundaries. He should lay them out, have a “discussion.”

  But they were just fucking now. Having fun.

  Rules and definition would change it into…something else.

  Her eyelids lowered, a sultry heat overtaking her expression as she slid her suit coat off. Power blazed in her movements. She could’ve objected or changed the game by simply reaching for him. But she hadn’t.

  Desire simmered in a hot knot in his groin. She laid the coat over the back of the desk chair before undoing the buttons on her blouse in slow movements. Each inch of revealed skin was another tease—and she knew it. Awareness lit her eyes, passion feeding every action.

  She owned this, every single decision and deed, and that was so damn hot. Her strength fed his own.

  He should hold back. He should make her finish. He should…

  Three strides and his hands were around her waist, her skin sliding beneath his palms. Soft and warm, he reveled in the simple touch. Skin to skin contact was a luxury he rarely offered himself.

  “I thought—”

  He cut off her question with another kiss. It burned hot the second their lips met. He tried to restrain himself, but his willpower had fled. She was soft and strong, giving, yet able to hold her own. And she was in his arms.

  He shoved her blouse away and sought out the soft mound of her breast. He caught her cry and the rumbled purr that followed. The lacy fabric of her bra abraded his fingertips before he cupped the fullness beneath.

  She tugged him closer, thrusting her chest up. Her silent request urged him. He could’ve made her beg, but he didn’t want that. At least not yet.

  He flicked a finger over her nipple. She flinched, stilled. He eased back enough to catch every response. Need mixed with hunger and desire in a flush that spread down her chest, which was speckled with the same smattering of freckles that graced her nose. The urge to count them all, to find every last one, had him stripping her bra away.

  She took a step back to undo her pants, pushing them over her hips until they pooled at her feet. Her shoulders were back when she straightened.

  He sucked in a breath, his erection hard and insistent. She was gorgeous. Her dark hair fell like silk over her shoulders to tease the curve of her full breasts. Rosy nipples were puckered and waiting for him to bite. The lacy white wedge of her panties accentuated her trim waist and the length of her legs.

  Confidence radiated, from her posture to the steady way she held his gaze. Absent was any hint of shyness or discomfort.

  “You like this,” he stated.

  Her brow flicked in a coy dismissal. “Like what?”

  He gave her a slow once over, control settling over him in an unwavering calm. “Showing yourself to me.”

  The truth of that was displayed in the slow roll of her shoulders and the hooded look that seared him with its heat. She slid a palm over her abdomen, her pinky finger edging the line of her panties.

  “So do you.” She dropped her eyes to his erection. The damn thing twitched beneath the weight of her gaze.

  “What else do you like?” He put the focus back on her.

  Her hand shifted in little movements just over her pussy, her pinky finger inching lower. She bit her lip, hips rocking lightly.

  “Do it,” he ordered. Lust boiled in his balls and threatened to unhinge his control. “Touch yourself.”

  Her chin lifted, a flash of defiance adding a dark edge to her features. She never looked away as she eased her fingers south. Her lips parted. A soft moan tumbled out, and still she held his gaze. Heat burned over the distance that separated them. Sweat collected along his spine. That fucking hunger ate at his chest and reminded him of how starved he’d been—was.

  Her little show of obedience buzzed with the power she had and gave him. And that right there was more than he’d ever had before. More than his wife in their six years of D/s games had ever given him.

  He yanked her in, tipping her back until he could feast on one of those plump nipples. The tip rolled under his tongue before he drew it deeper, sucked harder. Her cry held a slice of pain, but she curved into him, her nails digging into the back of his head as she held him to her chest.

  She was wild and…

  He clamped his teeth around the tender bud and pulled away. Her back arched deeper, her whimper a heavenly note. Her pussy was slick and warm when he slid his fingers through it.

  His dick strained against his slacks, and his tie draped down her side. A part of him loved the contrast of being fully clothed when she was almost naked. Yet another part ached to feel her skin against his.

  “Matt.”

  The panted breath of his name rang as an exclamation and plea at once. His dominant beast hummed its own demanding response. The need crawled over his skin and sunk into cracks he’d thought sealed shut.

  He spun them around to guide her backward, that lustful heat scorching him. Her gasp cut sharp when her back hit the window. She jerked away before slowly settling against it.

  The half window had a small ledge that hit her hips, jutting them forward at a perfect angle. One he couldn’t refuse.

  He slid his erection in a long line over her mound. The action tortured him as much as her. Want pulsed in his groin and scrambled through his chest. His stifled groan tore at his control while hardening his determination to hold back.

  For just a bit longer.

  He dipped to torture her nipple with more bites tempered by teasing licks. Her rumbled moans scrambled down his spine to grip his balls. Hunger ate at his restraint, yet he ignored every crazed instinct urging him to fuck her now, letting it build as he drove her higher.

  “Please,” she begged as she attempted to shift him to her other breast. He’d deliberately focused on just the one to get this exact response. He wanted her off balance.

  He sucked long and hard, flicking the oversensitive tip when he pulled back with it firmly trapped between his teeth. She bucked, arching with him until he held her in place.

  Her soft curse curled in his groin and hardened his dick even more—if that was possible. He let the bud slip from his mouth with a sudden pop. She gasped,
sagging back with heavy breaths. The soft glow of the lamp enhanced the deep red tint of her abused nipple, which was plump and swollen compared to the other one.

  One little graze with his finger had her shrinking back, wincing. But her pants increased along with the heat burning in her eyes. The blue in them seemed to shine instead of darken, every want telegraphed.

  She wet her lips. “You’re a very naughty man.”

  He didn’t deny it, not when every thought in his head confirmed her assessment. Her breath held when he slid his hand beneath her panties to run his finger through her folds. The wetness tore a silent curse from his lips. She was so ready for him.

  He leaned in, pausing when his lips grazed hers. He rolled her clit beneath his fingertip, caught her gasp. Her eyelids lowered, her swallow noticeable.

  “And you love it,” he stated, almost daring her to contradict him.

  A long moment passed in held expectation before she whispered, “I do.”

  Chapter Five

  Trapped against the window, the world gone except for Matt, Kennedy gave him everything. Her control and deepest desire. Her worries and fears. The stress, pressure and expectations she’d lived with since birth.

  And in return, he gave her a freedom she’d never known before.

  Her cry vibrated in her throat, trapped by the hard crush of his mouth. He timed the carnal assault with the deep thrust of his finger into her. Her walls clenched around the invasion, yes echoing in her head.

  She clung to him, wanting closer and so much more. Matt was everything she wouldn’t let herself have. Strong, controlling, sexy and just kind enough to make her chest ache. Longing buzzed around the emptiness she ruthlessly ignored most days.

  Hell, for most of her life.

  But this wasn’t about past wants or hurts. No, this was about sex. Wild, unadulterated pleasure. This, she could own.

  The sharp edge of the wall dug into her lower back and she rode that pain like she did his finger. Every nerve ending sparked in heightened awareness that somehow numbed her mind. He worked her body like he’d fucked her for years, plucking each chord with a mastery she responded to.