Candlelight and Champagne (The Forbidden Series Book 1)

by Dee Stone

“What?” I took another bite and stuffed it into my mouth, eyeing my soup. I cocked my head in inquiry, never having been able to do the eyebrow raise thingy.

  He shook his head at me and took a bite from his rare steak. It was so bloody I thought it was going to jump up and run away.

  As we ate, we became more comfortable with one another. That was, until I heard a loud, familiar voice. Shit was about to hit the fan after all.

  “What are you doing here with my daughter? I thought we discussed this––stay away from her. You’re too old for her.” Of course my father was pushy, loud, obnoxious and drunk already, but he was still my father and I loved him. Kinda.

  “Dad––we’re having dinner. Finding out what we’ve each been doing over the years. We can still be friends, right? He’s also a business associate, whom we haven’t seen in years. You’re the one that should be taking him out for drinks––and dinner, but I’m doing it, so leave us the heck alone to enjoy our dinner in peace.” I spit out the last few words at him, completely pissed and annoyed. “And aren’t you supposed to be in Japan?”

  My father stood, his hands fisted as if he wanted to hit someone. I could tell he was going to ignore my question. Markus sat eating his dinner at ease, not worried about what my dad would do or say. But watching nonetheless. Just in case.

  That was when I saw my little sister in the background and almost groaned. I would have liked to bang my head on the table a couple times, but that wouldn’t have looked appropriate. She had our father wrapped around her little finger, and she was the little slut. Yet, he felt the need to tell me who to see and not see.

  Only eighteen, and she had already been with so many boys, and men, I couldn’t even count. Not that I wanted too. Yuck.

  Besides, she was a troublemaker, Talia was beyond beautiful––slender, long, multi-colored hair in shades of pink with aqua at the ends, and the biggest sky-blue eyes you’ve ever seen. Seemingly guileless; she was delicate looking, but harder than rocks. And I’m sure her new do pissed our father off. Which I’m sure was the idea.

  She gave any man a run for his money––even at eighteen.

  I could see a smirk appearing on her perfect, pink, plump lips as she winked at me. I was shocked. How could she know?

  My eyes returned back to dad and challenged him to say anything more, when suddenly Markus spoke.

  “Paul? Would you like to join us––you and Talia?” Markus’ eyes appraised and then dismissed her. Talia and I were both shocked. I don’t think there has ever been a man that was uninterested in my sister before.

  “No, no––enjoy the rest of your dinner. It’s on me. Business dinner, right? Great write off. We need all we can get, right Markus?” Paul laughed heartily, the sound booming from his chest, not quite pulling being genuine off. I knew my dad, and one thing I was certain of, was that this was a show. He was embarrassed he had let his emotions take over in public.

  “Right, Paul.” Markus’ laugh was just as forced. He waved his fork around with a large piece of lobster on it before stuffing it in his mouth. If my bottom jaw could have dropped it would have––but that’s not lady-like.

  Dad boomed a laugh again, so everyone that was watching the action could see. This will be the talk of the town for a while. I groaned at the thought. My father was always good for the gossipmongers since he had a temper.

  I watched as my father and sister turned on their heels, and went back over to their table to finish their meal––watching us the whole time.

  “Well that was awkward. You weren’t a lot of help.” I was irritated that I had to do all the calming down of my father.

  “Didn’t you notice the way he was looking at me? He was waiting for me to say something. Anything at all would have set him off.” Markus leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed behind his head. The way his shirt stretched across his chest made my mouth water—much differently than the thought of dessert.

  I thought about what he said and went over the way my father had acted. Yes, he had been aggressive, but it had almost been an act. Blustering, but backing down fast. Was the drunkenness fake as well? No, that was probably true. But now that I think about it, he had been watching Markus, waiting for him to say or do something that he could take offense to.

  “Come on, finish your soup before it gets cold. Or I will.” Markus tried to cajole me into eating, while eyeing my untouched soup. Using his finger he inched it closer.

  I wasn’t in the mood for anymore––except for dessert. Chocolate suddenly sounded better now. Hmm. They have a dark chocolate crème brulee here, I thought to myself. My mouth began watering at the thought of the creamy goodness.

  “You go ahead and have my soup, I’d rather have dessert.” I wished I could have eaten the soup, but dessert sounded better.

  Markus immediately raised his hand for the waiter, and gave me the inquiring raised eyebrow I always wanted to be able to do.

  “Dark chocolate crème brulee,” I replied.

  His eyes widened at the thought.

  “They make it superbly here. You should try it. The chocolate custard inside is amazing.” I was always so enthusiastic about all types of dessert.

  The waiter arrived and Markus put in the order for two chocolate crème brulees.

  “Since you’re not hungry, why don’t we take the dessert back to the hotel and start the best part of the evening,” he suggested, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. Red color highlighted my cheeks. “Especially since dinner has been paid for.” Motioning for the waiter, he ordered, “Another bottle of champagne––to go.”

  It was clear that we were both finally starting to let go.

  There was a whole flock of butterflies taking up residence in my stomach, and in that moment, I was glad I hadn’t eaten more than I had.

  When we got the car back, Markus placed one hand on my chin and one on my back, bringing my face and body to his. Kissing me hard, he bit at my bottom lip. A groan escaped my lips as a hand settled at my breast, a finger pinching my nipple.

  A throat clearing interrupted us, and looking from the valet to me, Markus smirked, causing me to blush again.

  Once inside the Jag, we began making our way back to Markus’ hotel. What shocked me most was that the Jag had swiftly traversed the streets earlier, but seemed to be taking its time to get to the hotel where Markus was staying.

  Once we arrived, he parked his car in the first spot available, which happened to be right by the elevators. Turning toward me he asked, “Well––are you ready for the sex part of the evening?” The smirk on his face let me know that we were just getting started.

  Chapter Six

  MARKUS

  I smiled my most charming smile and slid my hand up her arm to her shoulder. Grace leaned toward me, but got stuck by the shoulder harness. She blushed again and released the harness, her fingers fumbling in her nervousness.

  Reaching for her again I leaned forward and laid my hand against her cheek. Almost instinctually, she rubbed against my hand, similar to the way a cat would.

  My hand slipped around to the back of her neck, as my fingers tangled in her long, golden-blond hair.

  Tugging, I pulled her toward me until our lips touched and I kissed her softly, her lips pulling me in. I ’ve had sex with lots of women, rich and poor, skinny and chubby, but Grace––she tasted like vanilla and heaven. Pure vanilla with just a touch of strawberry. Must be her lipstick.

  Nibbling along her lips, I tested the seam with my tongue. Once she opened for me, I eased my tongue inside, stroking against her tongue lightly until she emitted the groan I was waiting for. It was becoming harder and harder to take it slow. And if I were being honest, I was becoming harder and harder by the minute.

  Reaching down, I popped her breast out of the top of her dress and began to nibble my way down, my hand massaging the full, round object of my fascination. I couldn’t wait to get my mouth on it, but that would have to wait a few minutes.

  Pulling her dress back up
, I placed her breast back inside and gave her one more peck on the lips before gazing at her glazed blue eyes.

  “Let’s go inside, bella mia. Then the fun can really start,” I gave her a smirk at my smartass remark.

  Opening her door, I picked her up into my arms, carrying her to the elevators.

  “What are you doing?” Grace protested. “Put me down! I can walk.”

  She pouted at me, her arms crossed over her chest. Truth be told, it was a turn on. I wanted to bite that bottom lip, sucking on it deeply.

  “I’m carrying you to my castle, bella.” I waited for her answer, which never came. For once she didn’t have a comeback.

  The ride in the elevators was fast, and within a few seconds the doors opened to my penthouse.

  Grace craned her head around and you could see by the expression on her face that she was impressed by the accommodations. There was a crystal chandelier in the dining area, a huge sixty-inch, widescreen television, and two bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Yeah––the penthouse was grand.

  I let her body slide down mine, her dress hiking up in the front as she slid. My hand that had been holding her under her thighs slowly slid up, taking the back of the dress with it. I saw the shiver overtake her as my hand briefly touched between her legs. It was hard to remember she was a virgin, considering how responsive she was.

  Closing my eyes briefly I stepped away. After taking a few deep breaths, I opened them and asked, “A drink?” All she did was nod in response.

  I walked over to the bar and checked what kind of spirits were there. Jack for me. Turning to Grace, I asked, “What kind of poison for you, bella mia?”

  She shrugged, “Whatever you’re having.”

  Raising an eyebrow I held out a tumbler of amber liquid on ice. Grace nodded again in reply. Hmm. She is being quiet for once, she must be nervous.

  While making her glass, I made sure I only added a splash of the spirit, with water and ice before handing it to her. I watched her intently as she raised the tumbler to her pink lips and began coughing, her face scrunched in discomfort after her first sip.

  I refused to say I told you so, so I kept my trap shut. She lifted the glass to her lips again, this time the liquid going down a bit easier. After the third sip, she was a pro.

  Motioning for her to relax on the sofa, I settled next to her, the small bottle of Jack Daniels in front of us. I filled her tumbler with a touch more when she motioned with the glass held out.

  I added more to mine and with the remote I found, soon had soft jazz surrounding the room from the strategically placed speakers. Leaning back, I relaxed into the softness of the couch while Grace settled with her head against my shoulder. With her next to me I was able to relax. Closing my eyes, I sipped on my drink again with one hand, while my other arm was wrapped around Grace, pulling her close.

  Feeling the movement of small hands against my chest, I opened my eyes to heated blue ones.

  I let her take the initiative this time, taking over the seduction.

  Her fingers slipped the buttons out of the holes of my dress shirt, one by one. Pulling the shirt out of my pants, Grace finished unbuttoning it.

  I stretched my legs out and let my arms hang as limply as I could at my sides. She was in control of this train wreck.

  She lifted a leg and settled on my lap, facing me, so she was able to pull my shirt off easier. As the shirt pulled off my shoulders and down my arms Grace leaned down to place a kiss on one of my pecs. I hissed as her hot, little tongue touched my skin.

  Closing my eyes, I grit my teeth at the torture I was being put through, my dress pants getting tighter and tighter as my cock got harder and harder. When she wriggled her sweet little ass against my cock I thought I would die––or explode.

  “Bella, please,” I groaned. “Stop this or I will come in my pants.”

  Opening my eyes again I wanted to smack her ass when I saw her grinning mischievously. “Bella––” I groaned again, shifting uncomfortably on the couch.

  Her hands slid down my sides, traveling to my pecs, where she pinched a nipple, down my abs to my belt. How am I going to be able to stand much more?

  Fisting my hands at my sides, I closed my eyes again, only to hear the clink of my belt unclasping.

  Grace’s fingers brushed against my stomach, causing my abs to jump as she unsnapped and slowly let the zipper down. Her fingers smoothing the waist to my pants apart as she opened the area for my cock to thrust out.

  Not being able to take the torture any longer, I picked her up by her waist and quickly flipped our bodies, so that she was no longer on top. Her gasp was a soft breath of air as she lie flat on her back.

  No, this isn’t the place to do this––the place to show her the joys and passions of sex, I silently scolded myself.

  Standing up, I almost tripped on my hanging pants, though managed to pull her into my arms again, carrying her into the bedroom. This time she snuggled into my arms, her cheek resting against my clean-shaven one. My heart almost exploded from my emotions. Not love––it couldn’t be. It’s too early.

  Not wanting to think about the emotions I was feeling any longer, I was thankful for the fact that the master bedroom was only a few steps away.

  Walking into the bedroom, I gently dropped her into the middle of the bed.

  Her ocean blue eyes were heavy lidded, as the alcohol she had was moving through her system. I had better hurry and get started or she will be asleep. Chuckling to myself I thought, Boy, is she a lightweight.

  Lying next to her in the bed, I began my seduction.

  Chapter Seven

  GRACE

  I knew drinking all that alcohol had been a bad idea. My brain was fuzzy with questions about where I was, or how I got there. I knew Markus wouldn’t do anything I wasn’t okay with, and I knew he wouldn’t force himself on me. I have wanted to do this with him forever. It seemed like I’d loved him my whole life.

  I stretched my neck up to see where I was, and white walls and a multi-colored hotel comforter filled my eyes.

  At the foot of the bed, Markus stood, his hands at his hips, and a smirk on his lips, with his pants unzipped, and his substantial cock before my eyes.

  My eyes widened at the sight. I know it was supposed to fit, but I wonder if someone had lied. His smirk got larger and I at that moment, I wanted nothing more than to smack that grin right off his face.

  His pants finished their downward travel, along with his shoes and socks. Kneeling on the bed, he crawled up to where I laid and settled next to me on his side.

  A hand lightly smoothed along my throat, to my collarbone, and finally to my chest. His lips touched mine in a sweet peck––once––twice.

  My head swirled at the new emotions overtaking me. Lust, joy, passion––though the passion was taking a front seat.

  Moaning a soft breath, his seeking fingers found a nipple and began playing. His fingers pinching and rubbing through my clothes as he watched my face.

  Lips kissed their way up my chest, to my throat, where he paid particular attention to the pulse points, teeth biting at the tender skin.

  My chin was next on his list, as he bypassed my lips. I sucked in a breath when he kissed both cheekbones and my eyelids.

  Markus held my head still, his hands on my cheeks, as he stared into my bemused eyes. There was a streak of bright light that drew our eyes to one another. Our spirits touched. I always thought soul mates were a bunch of hookey, but maybe I was wrong.

  Our lips touched in a sweet, soft kiss. Then, as though he were a man starved of water, he pressed his lips onto mine, hard–––demanding everything from me.

  I knew, by the force he was using, they would be bruised. It was as if he could never get enough from me. He had to take it all.

  I opened my mouth to him, my lips parting to let his tongue sweep inside. His tongue stroked against mine and began a dance of love.

  The nerve endings on my body began to overload and I began to shiver in an
ticipation. My hands began to stroke against his body, before suddenly halting in my actions. His shirt was still on. I have to do something about that.

  Sliding his shirt from his broad shoulders, down his bulging biceps, he released me enough to help me shrug the shirt off. Arching a brow at me, he looked at my dress and then at me.

  Getting the message, I maneuvered my body enough to allow me to slip the dress up and off, leaving me in only my bra and thong.

  Hearing a hiss of breath, I lost my smile when I turned to see his face tighten. Markus’ eyes narrowed at the sight of my hand reaching for his long cock. I had read steamy romances; I knew what to do with it––kinda.

  I began a slow, steady up and down glide from base to swollen tip, watching his face for any reaction.

  Taking a deep breath in, his chest would rise and suddenly hold steady. His hands fisted for a moment, as the muscles in his face and arms tightened.

  Pumping harder and faster, up and down, I knew I was doing it right by all the shouts of, ‘Yeah, baby––that’s it, bella.’

  Trying for something more, I lowered my head and touched my tongue to the tip. He moaned so painfully loud that I drew back in alarm.

  “What did I do wrong?” my voice went high at my question.

  “Nothing, bella,” he said soothingly. “You did everything perfectly––too perfect. I thought I was going to cum right then.”

  Empowered by his comments, I went right back to the blowjob I had begun.

  Leaning back down, I touched my lips around his dick, taking the head into my mouth. My tongue swirled around the crown before taking a bit more of him deeper, his sounds of passion and delight encouraging me to take more of him into my mouth. He gently placed his hands on the back of my head, petting my long hair, as my hands moved to his butt, pulling him closer as I bobbed my head on him.

  Grasping his balls in one hand, I held the base of his cock with the other, taking as much of them into my mouth as I could, sucking and licking along their soft edges. His increased breathing let me know he was becoming more aroused from my sucking gently on his balls.