by Nikki Prince
Evernight Publishing
www.evernightpublishing.com
Copyright© 2013 Nikki Prince
ISBN: 978-1-77130-569-3
Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs
Editor: Marie Medina
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
DEDICATION
Thank you to Tiffany Giaquinto, Beverly Butler and Alissa Dawn for being my beta readers and most of all my friends. You're consistent cheering and beta reading helped me immensely. Tiffany thank you so much for your behind the scenes helping with all things book related and not yet. To my readers thank you for your loyalty.
FREEING HIS SWAN DANCER
Once Upon a Dream, 5
Nikki Prince
Copyright © 2013
You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening, And live like it’s heaven on earth.
—William W. Purkey
Chapter One
“Dante, what are you doing here?”
Odette Dubois peered through the cracked door of her apartment, the chains still drawn across the door so that it was locked. It was a Saturday morning and her day to spend at home without any stress. Stress had just walked up and knocked on the door.
“I came to see my godson, Odette.”
“I told you, you’re not obligated to help with him anymore.”
“I don’t ever forget my responsibilities, O, and you know that. Come on. Let me see him.”
“Dante, why can’t you just go and leave us alone?”
“You know the reasons for that. You just refuse to see them as valid.”
There was a tug on her sundress, and she looked down to find the culprit. It was her six-year-old, Jamison, or Jamie, as she was prone to call him.
“Momma, is that Mr. Dantee? Can I see him?” Her son had learned well to not call adults by their first name without calling them mister or misses. He really was a sweet boy. He was often shy and didn’t trust easily. His trust had to be gained, and it often took quite some time. Jace had been disappointed when he’d found out that Jamison had Asperger Syndrome. He’d blamed her for it, amongst other things.
Jamison looked up at her with his beautiful hazel eyes, and she melted. With a heavy sigh she undid the lock and opened the door wide for Dante Roberson to enter. The handsome black man seemed to fill the room he was so big. She watched as he knelt before Jamison and pulled the pajama-clad little boy with curly, brownish blond hair into his arms. God, why did that tear at her heartstrings? Because you should have married him instead of that asshole Jace Rothbart. He was a better man all the way around.
“Come on, you two, out of the hallway. I was just about to cook Jamie some eggs and bacon for a late brunch. Would you like to join us?”
He was already there, so she might as well invite him to eat with them. Her son would love it. She’d tolerate it and talk to Dante later about just showing up unannounced. She’d asked him to stop coming around because it was hard for her to see him and not be able to act on her feelings.
Dante looked up at her and gave her his million-watt smile and once again she could feel herself melting. He could make her want him with just that expression, and he damn well knew it.
“Sounds like a plan, I didn’t eat this morning.”
She smirked. “Mhmm, ‘cause you knew I’d be cooking for Jamie.”
“Guilty as charged. You know I love your cooking.”
Dante laughed and picked up Jamie, tossing him over his shoulder and carrying him through the small apartment towards the small kitchenette. He walked through the place as if he owned it. With a deep breath she followed after them. It was going to be a long morning.
He’d sat at the kitchen table and put Jamison in his lap and the both of them were so animated that some of the tension she’d been feeling melted away. She returned to where she’d been cracking eggs in a bowl by the stove, listening to their chatter.
Dante was actually good for her son, so she didn’t worry about him with Jamison. He needed a father figure. The problem was that he wasn’t good for her. He brought a need in her that was indescribable and hard to escape. It had been a need right from the very beginning.
Her awareness of him was at an all-time high. He didn’t even have to say anything for her to know he was looking at her from time to time while dealing with Jamie. She could feel him. In every cell of her body, she could sense him.
Done with her prep, she got out her cast iron skillet and griddle and then began to scramble the eggs and fry the bacon. She looked over her shoulder and gasped at the close proximity of Dante. She hadn’t realized that her son had gotten up to watch the small television that was in the adjoining living area and that Dante had come in to stand behind her.
“Shit! You scared me,” she hissed softly so that her son wouldn’t hear.
“I called your name; you must have been engrossed in deep thought. Why so jumpy, babe?”
“Stop calling me babe and please just back up.”
“O, don’t be like that. I haven’t been this close to you in weeks. What’s the problem?”
With a soft huff, she turned around and turned off the fire under the food. She could tell getting him to just stop without burning the food wasn’t going to be an easy task. He still hadn’t moved, and she gasped suddenly as he once again invaded her space.
He put his hands on her waist and tugged her close. She could feel the hard contours of his body through her thin sundress, and the electric heat of his touch sizzled right down to her clit. His erection pressed into her stomach through his clothing. Damn, I don’t need this, can’t handle his touch.
She pressed her hands to his chest to ward him off. It was too bad for her that his chest was hard as steel and just as hard to budge. She looked up into his handsome face and was mesmerized for a split second until he leaned in to kiss her. She gasped and turned her face away so that his full lips just grazed her cheek.
“The problem is that you’re Jace’s best friend and I’m his…”
She knew she was stretching it. Dante had stopped being friends with Jace a long time ago. She was grasping at straws to keep him safe.
“His ex-wife and he’s my ex-friend. Period. You want this as much as I do.” He grasped her hand in his and placed it on his cock between them, and both of them groaned in unison. “I could take you right here, so hard and so fast our heads would spin. Just think about how good my cock would feel inside you as I thrust so deep. Deep enough that as I kiss you I could fucking taste myself.”
The pressure of his body kept her hand locked against him, and he rocked into her grip. The touch of his lips to her shoulder as he licked and nipped made her heart speed up, and she whimpered. “Tell me you don’t feel our connection. That you don’t desire to be fucked within an inch of your life.”
“Dante…”
“No, just enjoy this…us.”
Odette allowed herself to be lulled into the sexual atmosphere between her and Dante. It had been way too long since someone made her body sing like this. Truth of the matter was that Dante had a way of making her forget herself and need things that only he could provide. He was right they had a connection. She’d never denied that. What she shied away from was deepening her relationship with him. She
was all wrong for him even if he was all right for her.
“You have me so hard I’m close to shattering into a million pieces.”
That was a big revelation coming from a man who was in control at all times. His dominant side was naturally nurturing, and he cared for those in his life before himself. It was empowering for her to know she brought him to the edge.
Leaning up, she whispered in his ear, “You’d come in my hand if I let you, wouldn’t you?”
“Fuck yes, I’m that ready and in that much of a need for you.”
Always one to improvise she grabbed a few wipes from the container off the counter they were next to and then tucked them between her breasts. They would be used to clean him once he came. His words spurred her on, and she brought her other hand between him as he moved a little away from her and she undid the zipper of his jeans. Glancing down she took her hand and slipped it inside his boxers and freed his cock. He was pierced, and she licked her lips. She stroked the tips of her fingers over the titanium ring. Once she had him fully within her grasp she glanced over her shoulder to check on Jamie. Her son was so engrossed in the television she had every confidence that she could do this quickly.
“You’re leaking…” she whispered softly. He was long and thick, and she loved to look at his cock.
“Yes, I’m leaking for you and because of you. Jerk me off.”
It was a command. What a thrill she received from his commands. She started slowly at first and then sped up, wanting to get him off. His breathing became harsh the closer he got to coming. Faster and faster she stroked, loving that he moved with her rhythm. It didn’t take long from that point, and he was groaning deeply as he shot off.
Odette stroked through his orgasm, milking him of his cum and only stopping when his hands flexed against her waist. It was his way of telling her enough. She released him, took the wipes, and then she cleaned him up and zipped him up. She tossed the wipes into the small trash bin. She was going to move away, but he stopped her. Turning her away from him he slid his hand up her left leg and under her dress. Dante used his long fingers to slip into the side of her bikini panties and rub her clit, not giving her time to react other than to fall back against his chest.
“Wet as always for me. I know you need it. Come for me, baby.”
Dante’s expert fingers caused electric tension to spread through her entire body.
“Oh…oh…”
“Yes, that’s it, baby, release…come hard for me, wet my fingers and your panties.”
His naughty words combined with the wickedness of his fingers hooked against her g-spot sent her spiraling into an orgasm so powerful she had to bite her lip to keep from screaming.
“Oh fuck, Dante,” she said softly.
“I wish we could fuck, but this quickie will have to do until next time.”
Shit. He was back at that. She pulled away from him, and going over to the sink she grabbed the hand soap and washed her hands.
“Dante, we’re grown adults. Adults have sex all the time without any strings.”
“We’re more than just a passing fuck, Odette.”
Done washing her hands, she grabbed a paper towel and dried them then put her attention back to the food she’d been cooking. She had to get it going again for Jamie.
“Dante, we can’t happen.”
“Odette, we did happen.”
She sighed in frustration and turned back to the eggs, growling in defeat. She said the first thing that came to mind.
“You’re making me burn the damn food,” she said.
“That’s kind of hard when you turned off the stove. We both know that’s your way to avoid the subject.”
“I don’t have time for this right now, please. Just go play with Jamie. You said that’s what you wanted earlier, so go do that. Breakfast is almost done.”
“Jamie isn’t the only one I want in my life, O, and you know it. We…you and I are what’s good for Jamie. You just refuse to see it.”
She looked back to retort, but he’d already walked out of the small kitchenette and into the living room to settle with Jamison on the floor. She knew by his words that this wasn’t even remotely over with. Squaring her shoulders she turned back to the stove and gave herself a pep talk. She had to remember the risks. Dante Roberson wasn’t good for her heart in the long run. Was the sex with him dynamite? Fucking right it was, but she didn’t need another man who’d just go in and out of her life as Jamison’s father had.
Finally the food was done and she took out three plates, filling them with food. She carried two of the plates to the small table, returning to place the third and the silverware for everyone.
“Guys, it’s time to eat. What would you like to drink?”
“I’ll take some juice if you have some and J-man said he wants the same. But let me get that, you take a seat with Jamie.”
She was about to protest, but Dante went to the cabinet, getting the glasses out and a sippy cup for Jamie as if he lived there. He’d been there a few times before he knew where everything was.
“I’ll take juice too, thanks.”
She settled in her chair after making sure Jamie got in his booster and at the table. Dante returned with the filled glasses of orange juice. Jamie had already started eating though he preferred to use his hands and not the child-proof fork she gave him. She didn’t mind. At least he was eating.
“I wanted to talk to you about the club,” Dante said as he got settled in his chair. He was so big his leg was touching hers under the table. She was just about to eat a bite of eggs when he spoke, and she paused with the fork up to her mouth.
“What’s there to talk about?” She put the eggs in her mouth and chewed slowly, gazing into his chocolate-colored eyes. Damn, he was one fine man.
“I don’t want you to continue to dance there.”
“This isn’t about what you want, Dante. I need to make a living for Jamie and myself. Dancing pays the rent, food, bills and for Jamie’s preschool and babysitter.”
“Have you ever stopped to think you wouldn’t need a sitter if you didn’t dance? I could pay for everything if you’d let me.”
“Have you ever stopped to think that this is my life and my body? I don’t need a man to be okay. I can take care of Jamison and all my bills,” she countered, putting her fork down and sitting back in her chair.
Odette watched his lips set into a grim line, his eyes stormy. It was amazing how calm they could sound as they argued. Jamie was oblivious and kept eating his food.
“You belong to me, Odette; you just refuse to see that. Every inch of your body is mine and has been for a long time.”
“Dante, please, don’t start that again. This is why I told you …” She stopped talking as Jamison was staring right into her mouth. “This isn’t the time or place for this.”
“You’re right. It isn’t. Let’s eat.” He turned to look at Jamie and started talking to the little boy. She had to get him out of there. Soon as she could, she’d ask him to leave. This wasn’t good for them. They couldn’t have a relationship. She’d make him see that, and then she’d have to learn to get him out of her heart. The rest of their brunch went smoothly with Jamison entertaining them with his chatter.
Chapter Two
The rest of the meal had gone a bit smoother, and afterwards as she’d tidied up Dante had carried a sleepy Jamison into his room and laid him down for his nap. It tore at her heartstrings that her boy didn’t have a father figure in his life that could do this for him every day. Dante was so good with him, but she couldn’t entertain the thought of him taking that position ever again.
She’d just finished with the last dish when Dante entered the room and sat down in a chair. The tension filling the air was a tangible thing, and she turned slowly, resting back against the sink as she looked over at the man that had the ability to break her heart. He kept his hair short and his goatee nicely trimmed. His caramel-colored skin was smooth and perfect as a god, and the hoop earri
ng in his ear shined in the light as he looked straight into her eyes. Dante didn’t say anything, but he didn’t have to for her to know what he was thinking. He had a smirk on his full lips and a dark brow arched as if he were waiting for her to talk. Well, she wouldn’t let him wait any longer.
“I need you to go.”
“No, you actually need me to stay. Why won’t you admit that I’m good with Jamie as well as with you?”
“You’re right. You’re great with Jamie and the sex we’ve had was spectacular, but that doesn’t mean you own me.”
“So are you going to tell me that the time as my submissive was a lie? That you didn’t mean any of it? That we didn’t mean anything to each other? That we don’t have any type of mental or physical connection?”
“Dante, I won’t lie to you. You know that what we had wasn’t a lie. The very fact I’ve had to basically go into hiding from Jace should be reason enough to say I’m no good for you. You more than anyone else should know just how twisted he is. If he gets out, he’s coming for me, and if you’re here, he will go through you to get to me.”
“No, what it tells me is that you don’t think I can protect you.”
“Oh my god, that never crossed my mind. I just don’t want him to follow through on the threats he made. I came to this town to get away from everything. Why did you follow me? Why did you get a job at the same club?”
“Because, Odette, I’m going to protect you even if you don’t allow me to. You’re mine, and that little boy in there needs me just as much as you do. Admit it.” He stood and quickly moved to her, placing his hands on both sides of her face. He stroked both thumbs across her cheeks. She’d missed his touch. Closing her eyes, she gave a shallow breath.
“I’ve missed you, O. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you.”
