by Becca Dale
Pushing the bag with sugar and cream across the counter, he shrugged. “I figured you might want time to go over it.”
Her scowl deepened. “That was nice of you.” Still she did not reach for the paper. Instead, she retrieved her coffee and loaded it with half-and-half, no sugar.
“Why do I get the impression that you're dreading reading it? It's not a bomb.”
Savannah took a tentative swig before she put the lid back on the cup. “Are you sure? If I make the wrong choice here, it could bite us both in the butt later.”
Grabbing the contract and the bag of scones in one hand, he caught her elbow. “Bring my coffee.”
She allowed him to steer her to the living room without protest. As she settled cross-legged on the sofa and held out his cup, he contemplated the sanity of sitting beside her while she read through the cold outline of his proposal. The straightforward business contract would either relieve her fears or send her running.
Her insistence that he take her virginity before they walked down the aisle said she would hate the rigid rules that made no mention of emotion, but her determination to look at the whole thing objectively claimed otherwise. He ignored the churning in his gut and tossed the paperwork on her lap then took his coffee and sat beside her. “Remember, this is a rough draft. Feel free to make any suggestions you want.”
He studied her face as she read the guidelines to their future should she sign up. The promise of frequent marital relations, no less than once per week, until a child was conceived as well as the no other partners or even compromising situations clauses held her attention the longest. The rest was formality, what was hers was legally his and vice versa upon death. Should a child or children be involved, all property belonging to the deceased individual would automatically be divided equally among the remaining spouse and the children. Basically the contract was a bunch of mumbo-jumbo designed to convince her to marry a stranger.
While he waited for her to work through the information, he contemplated tossing the damned thing aside and telling her the truth—he wanted her in his life and in his bed forever.
Like hell. Happy ever after doesn't fucking exist!
The oft repeated warning rang hollow as the love of his life sat beside him, her dark hair and alluring scent beacons enticing him toward the rocks rather than turning him away. His groin hurt with want, but his heart ached more. If she proved to be no better than his worst fears, he could still walk away as long as she didn't know how he felt.
Savannah's hand trembled as she read the contract. Other than fidelity and trust, it asked for nothing, promised even less. Tears burned in the back of her throat as she wrestled with emotions she couldn't explain. Could she prove to him that he could have faith in her, that she would no more walk away from him than she would leave a child?
The pain woven into the language of the agreement screamed at her. Gavin did not believe in love. Perhaps he never would. His mother's death and his stepmother's callous attitude had scarred him deeply. How had Kate's friend put it? Gavin's an ex-soldier defending his heart. Don't expect flowery expressions of love. But he'll never cheat, and he'll protect what's his with his last breath.
Would he? Did his soldier's instinct mean he'd never betray her? That he would protect her, even from himself if he thought it was necessary? Peeking at him out of the corner of her eye, she studied his strong body. He never failed to be gentle and considerate to a fault. And the idea of him protecting their children to his dying moment sat well. Gavin might not ever say the words, but his every action screamed unwavering honor and commitment.
Laying the contract on the coffee table, she shifted to face him. Would his inherent honesty prevent him from lying or hedging no matter how uncomfortable the situation? A wicked need to test that theory egged her on. “Will you answer a couple questions for me without needing to know why I ask them?”
“Yes.”
The fact that he didn't hesitate spoke well of him, but still she almost cringed at the thoughts bouncing in her head. If he would answer unnerving questions without faltering, he would certainly not lie about other things, right? Drawing a deep breath, she stared at her lap before meeting his eyes. “That first night...when I took you in my mouth—”
“Good God...” He swore under his breath but his steady gaze did not waver.
“I...Kate says most guys prefer...well that they would rather...”
“That a woman swallowed?”
Crap, what am I doing? She broke away from his stare and studied the way her knuckles locked together, turning white as she squeezed the blood from them and nodded. “Why did you pull away?”
“When did you discuss all this with Kate the Controller?”
“I didn't. Not specifically about you and me. I asked her what to expect. She doesn't know that we...that I...um....”
“Okay, I get it.” Tipping her chin up, he forced her to look at him and humor-laced desire danced in his eyes. “I'm not sure how we leaped from the contract to this topic. The truth is I didn't want to freak you out.”
Her cheeks blazed hot and blood rushed over her skin and throbbed between her legs. Just the thought of tasting him again weakened her knees. “So will you expect or want that later?”
“Fuck, Savannah, sometimes you ask me things that I have no idea how to answer.”
“Just tell me the truth.”
“All right then, hell yes. I wanted to come in your mouth that first night, and whenever you're willing, my cock is yours to play with.” He leaned in for a sweet kiss that feathered over her mouth but jump-started her engine just the same. “However, I would never expect anything more than you're ready or willing to give.”
If the couch could open up so she could hide from him and herself, she would jump in with both feet, but still she could not stop the words that tumbled from her mouth. “What about—Kate says guys don't like to do what you did to me in the truck. That they only do it if they feel obligated. Is that true?”
Gavin jerked her forward with a growl. She landed across his lap in an ungainly heap. Shoving upward, Savannah rolled to her back and stared at the rigid line of his jaw and the hard marble of his expressive face. “Kate doesn't know everything.” His hand slipped between her legs to massage her heat. With a sigh, she lifted into his seductive touch. “When you took me in your mouth, did you hate it? Be honest.”
Oh Lord, what did I start? She shook her head no.
He kneaded harder, rubbing the seam of her jeans against her sensitive clit. “Aloud, Savannah. Did you hate it?”
Her cheeks flushed, and she struggled to suck oxygen into her constricted chest. “No.”
“Details please. What did you like or dislike? What did you feel?”
She wanted to hide, but she couldn't, not if she expected answers from him. “I loved how smooth you felt against my tongue and the noises you made, like you wanted more.”
“And...tell me, Savannah.” His choked words stumbled raspy and hot from his throat.
“I liked making you feel that way. When you took over for a bit, like you couldn't get enough, and then gave control back to me, I wanted you all the more.”
“Damn, beauty, you steal a man's focus.” He bent to kiss her, hard and passionate, before nibbling across her cheekbone to her ear. “So I take it the experience didn't repulse you.”
A shiver chased through her as his whisper tickled her ear. “No. I didn't dislike anything about that night.”
“Good.” Lifting his head, he offered a wicked grin. “That's almost exactly how I feel when I pleasure you. Your sweet folds slide like moist satin over my tongue and taste like need. It drives me crazy. I want to keep licking and sucking until you lose yourself to my touch and your body shakes with release. It feeds my ego big time when my name slips from your sexy lips and you whimper for more.” He stroked his fingertips lightly down her cheek reminding her of his hands venturing to more intimate places. “When it comes to physical gratification, I never do anyt
hing that I don't enjoy, and I expect you to do the same. Don't ever lie to save my feelings.”
Where was a good hole in the ground when a woman needed one?
His hand closed around her breast and squeezed lightly, his thumb caressing the rigid bud beneath fabric too thin for sane thought. “Tell me you believe me.”
She believed. She also understood that the contract was protection for the wounds that tore at his heart. Grinning, she sat up and slipped to the floor between his knees.
“Savannah?”
“Hmm?” She didn't look at him, focusing instead on the solid rod beneath his zipper.
“What are you doing?”
“Availing myself of your offer to play.” His snap gave way with ease, but his zipper resisted until he boosted his hips to assist her. Once his fly yielded, she spread the fabric wide and worked his cotton boxers beneath his balls. His penis really was gorgeous in a strange and fascinating way, and he smelled clean, soap-and-water fresh. She looked up to watch his reaction as she lifted his sack and tenderly explored the hard knots beneath the skin. The entire area tightened.
He tipped his head back against the couch with a sigh. “Are you sure?”
The promise of free will pained him, she could see it in the tense line of his jaw muscles, but still he offered and would not protest if she stopped. That in itself was beyond exciting. Carefully, she licked the crown, gently seeking the pressure that pulled a groan or a guttural growl. When she closed her lips over him, sucking him in as far as she could, he jerked beneath her, his hands digging into her scalp. He tasted slightly salty on her tongue, and she needed more. Longed to make him lose control to her touch. She urged him farther into her mouth. Her throat muscles contracted against him as she sucked him in and out, stroking him, loving him, tenderly, endlessly.
“Savannah, beauty, you feel too good. I'm gonna come. Fuck, pull back, baby. It'll make a mess but—shit—you don't have to—seriously, I can't...”
She grinned around his thick shaft and worked up and down, hard and fast, until his fingers clenched in her hair, holding her in place and his hips arched off the couch. Warm fluid surged into her mouth. She swallowed rapidly, fighting to stay ahead of the deluge, while arrogant pleasure partied in her head. As he relaxed beneath her, she continued to lick and suck him dry, relishing the power and satisfaction of his orgasm and her own femininity.
Gavin struggled to regain balance as Savannah's tongue licked him clean, a little cat lapping at cream. A residual shudder shook him. She'd eased the ache in his dick, but the hollow beneath his heart remained without relief. Tugging lightly on her hair, he urged her away from his spent cock. “Come up here.”
She crawled over his body and snuggled against his shoulder, her curls teasing his cheek before she looked up at him with her impish self-confidence. “How'd I do?”
He grinned. “I'm your slave for life.” He drew her closer with one arm and righted his clothes with the other hand. The woman had no clue what she did to him or how perfect she really was. “So is it my turn?”
Her cell phone vibrated before she could answer. She dug it from her pocket and scooted away.
“Hey, where you going?” He caught at her ankle, but she tucked her legs under her butt and shook her head no. He couldn't let her go, not that easily.
“I have to answer the phone.”
“Ignore it.”
“I can't. It's Kate.” She pressed a button with a naughty grin. “Morning. What's up?”
“Have I mentioned how much I'm starting to dislike that woman?” Leaning over her, Gavin slowly outlined her ear with his tongue, triggering a shiver that raised goose bumps along her throat. Her every response made him want her more. He nibbled at her lobe and fought the urge to throw the phone across the room. “Hang up and show me that smile again.”
Savannah put her hand over the mouthpiece but still whispered, “Behave.”
Fuck that. I'm going to make you scream, my beauty. She tried to converse with her friend as he loosened her jeans. She wiggled from beneath him and scurried across the room. Laughter sparkled in her eyes. She was so damn hot, much more carefree than in the beginning, so unpretentious. He chased her, struggling to look annoyed though she pleased him in ways he could not name, but she ducked under his outstretched arm and ran.
“I'm sorry if I sound distracted, Kate. Gavin dropped off the contract this morning—”
He caught her around the waist and tumbled into the recliner with a laugh. A girlish squeal rewarded him as he flipped her to her butt and sank between her thighs. He had to kiss her beautiful smiling lips and taste the passion between her legs before he left for a long, lonely day. Kate's voice shouted through the phone demanding to know what was going on. Grabbing the cell from Savannah's hand, he grinned when she frantically shook her head no.
“I'm about to have my way with your friend. You'll have to talk to her later. Bye, Kate.” He ended the call and tossed the phone onto the sofa.
Savannah glared but the irritation didn't reach her beautiful eyes. “That wasn't very nice.”
Tugging, he worked her pants lower. She tried so hard to look serious, but her expressive face revealed how much she wanted his touch. His heart thumped against his ribs. “I'll apologize next time I see her.”
“She's going to be crazy by the time I get to the office.”
“Probably. Sorry about that.” He caught her low riding underpants with his thumbs and tugged them and her jeans free, baring her for his hungry explorations. Savannah lay against the chair, wearing nothing on her long legs or clean-shaven pussy. She clenched her thighs, but he caught her knees and opened her to his gaze. She was so innocent. He could not resist teaching her a bit more while he memorized her murmured cries of passion. He bent to taste the incredibly soft skin of her inner thighs and goose bumps raced over her.
Her phone buzzed loudly, even muffled against the couch cushion. “I should make you deal with her.” Her voice rose with a desperate squeak.
Gavin chuckled and circled his tongue around her wet slit, lapping in slow easy strokes at her tempting body. Succulent moisture welcomed him.
“Damn it, Gavin.” She moaned as her fingers laced through his hair. “How am I supposed to think when you do that?” Her breathy question flowed over his ego like molten caramel, sweet and rich.
“Don't think beyond right here, right now.” He sucked her outer folds, nipped gently then blew on the swollen flesh. “Close your eyes and focus on the way my mouth feels on your hot little pussy.” He nuzzled deeper, drawing the scent of her arousal into his lungs until his cock started to stir again. “Concentrate on how much you like the caress of my tongue over your tiny clit and the way your body weeps, begging me for more.”
She groaned, lifting her hips and pressing closer to his mouth as she tugged him forward.
He loved her uninhibited responses, the way her legs opened to him and her body trembled for his touch. Focusing his lips on her tender nub, he explored her folds with his hand, seeking to tip her over the edge without invading the tight confines of her pussy, his wedding night reward for restraint.
“Oh, that feels so good.” Savannah squirmed and bucked against his mouth.
Tightening his hold on her, Gavin slowed his teasing, sucking, and licking with ever increasing pressure, until her sighs escalated to whimpered cries and finally to a shaky gasp as her body thrashed in his arms. She gifted him with her pleasure in a manner no other woman ever had, made him invincible, and left him vulnerable in ways he had never imagined he could allow.
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Chapter Eleven
Gavin left Savannah's house unable to wipe the grin from his face. Every time he spoke to her, she surprised him, or blew him away both literally and metaphorically. She not only triggered the Wallace curse, she pushed every button he'd ever had.
He sauntered into the office riding high. His receptionist smiled and held up the phone. “Marc's on
the line. Got a minute?”
“I'll take it in my office. Thanks, Lila.” Settling into his leather chair, he scooped up the handset. “What the hell are you doing calling me from your honeymoon? Darce sick of you already?”
“Well, she's sick.”
Gavin sat up with a scowl. “What do you mean?”
“She has food poisoning. We're coming home. Can you pick us up at the airport this afternoon? Around four?”
“Of course. How bad is she?”
“She feels like crap, but I think once I get her home and tucked into her own bed, she'll be fine.”
“All right. Take care of her.”
“I will. How's thing going there?”
Thoughts of Savannah swept over him in a rush. “Good.”
“That's about as non-committal as I've heard. How's the sexy landscaper?”
“I asked her to marry me.”
“What? What the hell happened to never taking that path?”
Grabbing a cup from his desk drawer, Gavin walked to the break room for coffee as he decided to tell the truth—at least the truth he was willing to accept. “It's a business agreement.”
Marc laughed so loud he almost snorted. “How'd that proposal go over for you?”
Even his friend's obvious doubt did not erase Gavin's good mood. “She's thinking about it.”
“Really? Darcy's going to shit.”
“Then don't tell her. Let me.”
“Uh-uh. If she found out I kept something like this from her, she'd hang me out to dry for a week. Sorry, Gavin. I like you and all but not that much.”
“Some friend.”
“You know it. A man's gotta protect himself in situations involving the heart.”
The reality of Marc's words took the shine off his day but could not dull it completely. “That's exactly what I'm doing, my friend.”
Kate stood at the door to their building, a scowl drawing her brows together. “What the hell was going on over there?”
Sliding past her friend, Savannah dropped her things in her office before facing the music. She'd thought about what she wanted to tell Kate all the way across town, but she still didn't know. Everything Gavin said or did confirmed that she should commit her life to him, to shout from the rooftops that he was perfect, but she could not say yes to the man who held her heart without offering his own. “Nothing.”
