Candlelight and Champagne (The Forbidden Series Book 1)

by Dee Stone

  “I think it’s time for you to go back home Daddy, and finish getting ready for your trip. I thought you were supposed to leave yesterday, but whatever. Call me when you get there, so I know you’re ok. You’re going to Japan, right?” I asked, trying to smooth it all out by pretending everything was hunky dory.

  Dad gave Markus one last glare before turning and stalking back to the open door and out into the night.

  “Well, that was a fun start to the night.” I said, closing the door with a firm slam before setting all five locks.

  I heard a cough and saw Markus covering his mouth with his hand at my words. He dared to laugh at me? I stopped him from having to destroy my father and he laughs? Thank God he didn’t get upset at the way my dad was acting.

  Straightening my back and balling my hands into fists I stalked toward Markus to stare… Where was I? His full lips and strong jaw? Where was my anger? As I got closer, my ability to speak disappeared, my thoughts consumed by his devilishly good looks.

  He lightly skimmed my jaw with his surprisingly long fingers, a smirk still playing about those lips.

  “Pizza,” he said.

  “What?” My brain kinda short-circuited at those lips moving.

  “Pizza, bella mia. Waiting,” he said again, lips skimming my forehead as he spoke.

  I lifted my head and his lips lightly touched mine for a moment.

  My eyes gazed into his sapphire blue ones and I saw the same emotion that was making my heart full.

  Markus quirked a corner of his mouth, and after placing his hands on my shoulders, turned me around and marched me back to the sofa and the pizza. “Soda?” he asked.

  “Fridge. There’s also a beer in there if you want one.”

  “Thanks. After this day I think I need one. How about you? You’re twenty-one in a couple days, do you want one?”

  I cocked my head to the side and thought for a minute. Why not? I normally didn’t drink, but every once in a while I did have a beer. It would taste good with the pizza, and after the attack, and my father, I think I deserve one.

  “Yeah, after this evening, I think we both deserve one. Don’t you?” I smiled slightly at that, shuddering at the memory of the two men attacking us.

  The click of a bottle-top releasing interrupted my horrible memories. Suddenly, a dark bottle was thrust into my hand.

  The bottom of one bottle clinked against mine and I raised it to my lips, guzzling the harsh liquid down my throat. It actually tasted refreshing.

  “Here,” he said.

  I glanced down to see a plate with two slices of luscious pizza, cheese oozing all over the plate.

  Licking my upper lip, I peered up for a moment before starting on the goodness before me, and saw Markus staring where I had licked.

  To tease him, my tongue slowly touched my upper lip. I saw a hungry expression on his face as he watched my movements, his mouth slightly open. I wasn’t sure where this inner slut was coming from, but I was kinda rocking it.

  I gave a quick glance at my plate to make sure I grabbed the slice and held it the right way, holding his stare, as I brought the piece to my mouth. Taking a small bite, I didn’t want to be gross by taking a huge bite, I removed the slice, cheese stringing from the pizza.

  Licking my lips thoroughly, the ends of my lips twisted into the start of a smile as I picked up my beer, throwing my head back, drinking gulps of the bitter liquid to relieve my thirst.

  Having read it somewhere, I took my finger and placed it into my mouth, sucking on it. I felt stupid until I saw the predatory look on Markus’ face. I pulled my finger out, and after licking the tip, I pushed it back into my mouth.

  Grabbing my forearm tightly in his hand, he bit out, “If you want me to fuck you right on this table, keep doing that. Though, I’d rather wait until your birthday and make it your present. A night of dinner and sex.”

  Shocked, all I could think was, What an offer. How could I refuse?

  Chapter Four

  MARKUS

  It was Friday night––the night of Grace’s birthday. I had a great night planned for her––as I had told her, a night of dinner and sex. For some reason, it being her twenty-first birthday made her being so young all right to me.

  It still being early, I had made a reservation for La Majon. I figured if Paul went there, the food had to be outstanding. After dinner it was back to my hotel, followed by a long, pleasurable night for both of us.

  I had already showered, and decided not to shave off my scruff––for once. The women seemed to love it. So I figured Grace probably would too. At least I hoped so. I was trying to decide what to wear when my phone rang. “What the hell?”

  I checked the caller ID and saw it was Grace. “Grace, what’s wrong?” I was worried, and it must have carried over into my voice.

  “Nothing. Nothing. I was just late getting out of work. My father must have had some kind of idea something was going on because he piled work on me that had to be done by the morning.”

  I smiled to myself, as her voice got more irritated.

  “I almost got it all done, but he can’t expect me to stay all night. Especially on a Friday night.”

  Now she sounded tired––hence the irritation.

  “I don’t know why Paul has to be such an asshole on your birthday. You’re twenty-one now.” Now, I was pissed off at him.

  Her breath drew in fast, as if she wanted to say something. “What? Did you want to add something?”

  “No, No––but I’m going to be late. About an hour?” She giggled, and for some reason it sounded nervous to me.

  I shrugged and realized she couldn’t see me. Stupid much? I thought to myself. “That’s fine, bella. So two hours then?”

  “Sure. I’m home already, I just want to soak in the bath for a bit to get some of the kinks out.”

  I groaned at her words, my cock twitching in anticipation. I heard a real giggle at that, as if she could see my reaction.

  At least I’m good comic relief, I thought, leaning against the bathroom door as we continued to talk. I hadn’t closed it, so as I leaned back, the door opened and I stumbled back, almost falling. “Crap.”

  Grace must have heard the curse, but she didn’t say anything. I could feel myself turn red with embarrassment, glad she couldn’t see me.

  That was when I heard the gurgle of water and imagined it filling her tub. “Are you putting bubbles in? What scent?” My voice was a deep growl that I had never heard before.

  “Do you want bubbles? How does peach sound? Peaches and cream?” I heard a purr to her voice.

  Releasing the towel from around my waist, I placed my hand on my cock that had become fully engorged at the sound of her sweet voice.

  I pumped myself, putting a little twist on the crown. Spreading the pre-cum liberally around my shaft, I stroked myself vigorously, placing my hand on the wall as I groaned silently. Or so I thought.

  “Are you okay, Markus?” I could hear the worry in her voice.

  Realizing she must have heard the groan, I replied, “Fine.” But even I could hear the strain in my voice.

  “I’m coming over there right now. Or should I call 911? What’s wrong? Are you having a heart attack?”

  “I’m not that old!” I was insulted that she would think that. Just thinking that she thought I was old made my cock deflate.

  “You’re only a couple years younger than my father, and he had one only a year ago,” she said, sounding flirty. That had me rising once again.

  “You need to get that bath done so I can see you.”

  “Already in.” I heard her sigh as she slipped into the tub.

  I needed another shower. I could feel myself beginning to sweat at the control I was forcing upon myself, to not run over there naked and fuck her right now.

  “I’m going to hang up now. Be there in an hour.” I could hear her splutter as I slammed my phone down hard on the dresser. I could almost hear the plastic cracking at the force that I used, but I
needed to get in that shower and do a little hand action.

  My hotel wasn’t too far from Grace’s townhouse, and I had quite a bit of time to kill, so I figured I might as well relieve myself.

  Going back into the shower, I let the cold water pour over my head and shoulders as I took myself into hand––so to speak.

  As I rubbed myself, slow at first and then faster and faster, imagining Grace under me, spread out for me to feast on. I could just imagine the taste of her pussy. Sweet.

  Leaning my forehead against the shower wall, I groaned, hunching my shoulders as my orgasm began to take hold. Throwing my head back I shot rope after rope of cum down into the drain.

  ***

  Parking my rented Jag in front of Grace’s townhouse, I sat for a moment to reflect on how I had come full circle, back to the city where all of this had started. Forcing myself from my thoughts, I figured it was time to get inside and get this date started.

  It didn’t take long for me to make my way to the front of her house. It was cute, with rosebushes and daisies out along the pathway. Answering my knock, my jaw dropped at the sight of her.

  There she stood, in a short, red dress that came halfway up her plump, bitable thighs. The sleeves came to her elbows, but were off the shoulders. So sexy.

  Her red painted lips curved into a slight smile. “Come on in, while I get my bag and wrap. It’s supposed to be cold tonight.”

  I could see that, by the way her nipples were standing at attention––even with the bra I could see she was wearing. I knew that cold shower was going to go to waste, I thought, as I adjusted myself when she turned her back.

  Stepping into the tiny foyer, I waited beside a plant on a wire stand, studying it with everything I had, so I wouldn’t have to think of her and that red dress. Grace.

  Hearing the clicks of her shoes made me straighten my back as she strolled into my vision. And boy was she a vision. Those fuck me heels made her legs look even longer, if that were at all possible.

  Her keys disappeared into her bag, along with her phone and any odds and ends she thought she might need.

  As she made her heavenly way toward me, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. I finally gave in to the inevitable. We would be together like we were meant to be. I knew that now. She was all grown up and boy was she.

  When Grace reached me, I placed my hands on her waist and held her away from me. “You are the most beautiful woman, bella mia.”

  It was cute the way her cheeks reddened in a blush at the compliment. She ducked her head, but there was a tiny smile on her lips at the praise.

  My hand slipped around her waist to her back, barely touching her gorgeous ass. I couldn’t help myself, and let a few fingers slid down to the curve of her ass. She turned her head to give a glare that would burn me if she could. I had to try hard not to smile at how cute she looked when she was mad.

  ***

  Grace’s townhouse was on the bottom floor, so I was able to park right in front. When I opened the passenger door for her, I could see by the surprise on her face, that she wasn’t used to it. Young men were so lazy nowadays. They couldn’t even give basic courteous ways of a gentleman––how to treat a lady like a lady.

  After sliding into the driver’s seat, and starting the car, I let it idle while we talked. “So, La Maison good to eat? I heard Paul mention it, and thought you might like to eat there. I made reservations. If not, we can go somewhere else.”

  “La Maison is fine to eat. The food is excellent, and their wine menu is superb.” She was enthusiastic, which made be wiggle my tail, so to speak.

  As I drove us over to the restaurant I decided to find out how she had grown up, and become the kind of woman she was.

  “Besides school, what else do you do with yourself? Boyfriends? Hobbies?” I smiled winningly at Grace.

  My arm slid along the back of her seat to play with a lock of her long blond hair. Her head turned as it lay against the headrest to study my face. She must have liked what she saw because she held her eyes to mine.

  “I pretty much just work and go to school,” she made a self-deprecating face. “I’m pretty boring, if you must know.”

  “I would never think that, bella mia.” Seeing a broken down truck in the middle of the road, I expertly swerved around it, hearing a gasp as I moved the Jag back and forth swiftly.

  I moved my head to give Grace a quick glance and saw a slight smile that almost resembled a grimace, as her red fingernails dug into the fine leather of the arms.

  “Grace, this is the way we drive in Europe. Fast.”

  “But you’re in the states now. Could you slow down a bit? Like a lot?” I did as she asked. I didn’t want to scare her to death on our first date.

  Moving into a small line for valet service, I waited impatiently, my leg jumping up and down on the clutch while still holding it in.

  When it was finally our turn, I handed the kid the keys while Grace slipped out, stumbling in her high heels, as if she weren’t used to them.

  The kid stared at her for a minute, my keys hanging loosely from his hand, as the vision stepped into his line of sight.

  “Hey, kid––stop staring! There’s a line.”

  He looked at me as if in a stupor. I knew the look. She was just that lovely and sexy.

  He blushed and made a big show of running to the driver’s side to put the Jag in a safe spot. I put the ticket he had handed me in my wallet, and with my hand on Grace’s back we went into the restaurant.

  There was candlelight everywhere. The lighting inside was dim so that the flickering candles would take precedence. It reminded me of some of the older restaurants in Italy with their old world ambience.

  We were led to our table, set off to the side for the privacy I requested. I knew Paul ate here a lot, and I didn’t want a confrontation if I could help it. He should be in Japan now though. This was the best, most exclusive restaurant in town, so of course I had to take Grace. She deserved the best.

  After I seated Grace, and sat myself, the waiter came with wine choices. I ordered the Dom Pérignon, but he only had eyes for Grace. I was getting tired of men crushing on her. She was mine. I narrowed my eyes at him, glaring at him until he glanced down in embarrassment before scuttling off with our wine order.

  I leaned forward in my seat and took her hand in mine. I watched her shadowed face as the candlelight played over it, the ambience creating the perfect intimate setting.

  Emotions flitted quickly over her expressive face. Hope, a little fear, and I almost thought I saw desire, as she looked me over.

  The waiter came back with an iced bottle and proceeded to open with a loud pop. After pouring two glasses of the bubbling wine, he took our order.

  At first we just stared at each other, sipping the wine, but not knowing what to say. I hadn’t been this nervous since high school. As if sensing my nervousness, Grace broke our silence. “So, what have you been doing for the past ten years, Markus? Besides working over in Europe and making us millions.” Grace’s hands were primly in her lap, as any well-bred young lady would do.

  My elbows rested on the table, my hands steepled, resting against my chin. I thought about what to tell her. I wonder if the truth would make her think less of me.

  Chapter Five

  GRACE

  His thoughts were plain as they flitted across his face. Could what he wanted to say be that bad? I could see the sadness last, as though he were answering my thoughts.

  “I moved to Italy to take care of my grandparents. They couldn’t live on their own anymore, and they wouldn’t move here. Wouldn’t hear of it. So I found a small villa for us, and a caregiver to live there.” Markus shook his head at the memories, but with fondness. “We needed someone in Europe anyway for expansion. As a company we were growing so fast, and since I didn’t have a family and I was needed anyway––well.”

  He took a sip from his flute and watched the bubbles float to the surface for a moment, “Your father didn’t wan
t to move either one of you to a new country. You were having a hard enough time with your mother being gone, so I went.”

  This was a whole new view into this strong, intelligent man. The game apps were his idea. They still sold well twenty years later. There were new ones every year, new ideas to make a computer more efficient, as well as new laptops. Smaller. Better. Smarter.

  He resumed his story, “So, I bought the villa and moved us there. They loved it, of course. Loved their caregiver. I also had a housekeeper and maid that would help out when I had to travel, which wasn’t often. About four or five times a year, depending upon what new idea I had to try out or promote to others. I would have their friends visit about once a month, or every two months, and sometimes they would come with me on my travels, along with the caregiver. Paris, Milan, London––they loved it the first five years,” he had a sad, private smile on his lips at the memories.

  It made me love him a bit with how much he had loved and cared for his grandparents. And here I thought he was being a playboy. Sometimes there would be photographs of him with models at the theatre or dinner. Those must have been the times he didn’t take them with. He was a man after all, with a man’s urges. Though, I was still jealous of the time he had with those women while I was growing up.

  Just then, our waiter arrived with our meals. I had a lobster salad with crab bisque, and Markus had a huge steak with lobster, baked potato and vegetables.

  Knowing I wasn’t the type to go without my desserts, I didn’t want to fill up on my meal. After all, La Maison had the best desserts. Their crème brulee…oh my God…heaven for my mouth. The crust was so crispy and the insides…absolute perfection.

  “You do realize, you’re not going to get away with not finishing your story,” I told him before taking a bite of my meal, complete with a piece of buttery lobster. I groaned at the taste.

  I took another bite and glanced at Markus, to see him staring at me with a strange smile on his face.