Julian paused for a moment and stood upright. Eva opened her eyes to meet his stare.
‘You okay?’ he whispered.
‘Em, hmm.’
‘More?’ he asked, his salacious grin revealing his intentions, and Eva shivered before nodding her agreement.
Julian’s hands explored her upper body. There were no limitations; her skin was his to peruse. His hands gently meandered her sides, with intermittent soft kisses placed on her midriff and tummy. His hot breath glided across her tummy as his tongue worked its way around her bellybutton.
The belt on Eva’s dress loosened and her dress slipped past her hips. He had opened it; she’d barely noticed his tugging. She was hot now, her panties damp with appreciation from his expert hands. Eva flinched as she realised her underwear was the only remaining protector of her modesty. She held her breath and waited for him to tug at their delicate, lacy elastic. He ignored them and the silky treasure they hid and continued to work his way lower.
His fingers rubbed the back of her left thigh. He leaned closer, pushing Eva further back on the bed until she was lying completely flat. She watched as his knees followed her onto the soft mattress. He was leaning over her now, still clothed while she was almost naked. She felt exposed and vulnerable, but she wanted more. His slow teasing was driving her wild. She wanted to rip his shirt off and nibble his skin. She had to physically grab a fistful of duvet in each hand to stop herself from seizing the opportunity.
His tentative kisses continued, tiny pecks leading the way to her ankles. He paused. Eva held her breath. He switched to her other leg and worked his way back up. His kisses gradually drifted toward her inner thigh. He rested at the apex of her hip.
Eva lay very still. She didn’t dare open her eyes and catch him staring at her. The anticipation of his next move shook her whole body.
His mouth ventured a little higher. He was so close now; Eva could feel his warm breath brush the sides of her pubic bone. He kissed more, but different now. So gently, Eva had to concentrate to feel his lips touch her. He leaned across her pelvis, exhaled deeply, and gently darted his lips from one inner thigh to the next. Eva lifted her bottom the tiniest amount off the bed, angling herself closer to him. He stopped, placed his hand on her tummy, and eased her back down. He was making it clear that he was in control. Eva understood, but she ached to beg for his touch. He concentrated on her panties now, his teeth tugging on the edge of the lace.
‘Kiss me there,’ she finally gasped, unable to control her desire.
Julian stopped. Leaned upright and waited.
‘Please,’ Eva added. ‘Please, Julian.’
‘I’ll do anything you want, baby, but you need to show me.’
‘More games?’ Eva asked, her hand flying to her face. She was asking questions; she remembered she wasn’t supposed to.
‘Always games, baby. But the rules are ours to break. Tell me what you want, Evangeline. I’m yours to command.’
Eva bit her lip and pointed between her legs.
‘I can’t hear you, Evangeline.’
She pointed again. ‘Here.’
Julian shook his head. ‘Tell me.’
Eva blushed and whispered, ‘Lick my pussy.’
Julian caught the side of her panties between his hands and pulled hard, the material pinched against her skin as it ripped. A soft crackle hung in the air. Eva was about to protest, but she was muted by the heat of Julian’s tongue against her clit. A load moan rushed past her lips, much too loud for the confined space. And another sigh followed, she just couldn’t hold it in. It was blissful torture.
Julian’s pace quickened. His tongue rested flat against her clit, moving in long even strokes. He was so confident, so capable. Eva soon learned her soft groans, and eager moans led his passion. She arched her back, tilting her pelvis just enough to feel his jaw as his mouth worked on her.
‘You’re so wet,’ Julian said, turning to kiss the inside of her thighs.
Eva pushed her hands against his shoulder, guiding him away from her. ‘You can stop if you don’t like it,’ she said, mortified.
Julian pushed himself up with his arms, his whole body leaning over her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her, the tip of his tongue forcing into her mouth. He was tangy and bitter. She winced for a second, shocked. She had never tasted herself before, and certainly not from someone else’s lips.
‘I want more,’ Julian said. ‘Don’t stop me this time.’
Eva nodded and stretched back.
‘You’re right there, Evangeline. I can feel you.’
Eva’s heart raced. She wanted to beg him to touch her - no more talking, just touching. But she couldn’t. The words wouldn’t leave her mouth. But she didn’t need to say a word, it was as if Julian could read her mind. His finger began to circle her clit. Soft at first, but faster and harder as the pressure grew. His lips wandered away from her pussy and slowly crept back up her body until his warm mouth wrapped around her nipple, sucking hard. His finger never faltered, his rhythm was infinite and perfect. She almost couldn’t take it - almost. Her heart was racing now, and a wave of heat washed over her before tiny convulsions paced through her muscles. Her pelvic floor pulsed like a racing heartbeat. She was coming…she was really, really coming, and it was fucking amazing.
Eva’s whole body tingled - a sleepy, relaxed tingle. She lay back against her pillow and enjoyed the aftermath of her best come ever. She wasn’t ready to open her eyes, but she felt Julian’s body hover over her. He was watching her, she could tell. She suddenly became very aware of her naked body beneath his still clothed frame. She wanted to pull the sheets over her and recapture her dignity. But it was too late now, Julian possessed her. She had to play on; it was his turn. It was only fair. Eva ordered her shaking hands to reach for his belt and her fingers fumbled with the buckle.
Julian laughed gently and placed his hand over hers. ‘Just you tonight, Evangeline.’
‘What?’ Eva didn’t understand. Had she done something wrong? He was hard, she could feel it pulse against her. Why didn’t he want it?
‘You’re so beautiful,’ he whispered. He stretched his body out to lie alongside her.
‘But I thought –’
‘Shh.’ Julian placed his finger against Eva’s lips. ‘Tonight’s not about me. I told you I wanted you to lose your inhibitions. I think it’s fair to say they are well gone.’
Julian’s hand brushed past Eva’s breasts and stopped when it reached just below her bellybutton.
‘I love this, by the way.’ he added, venturing slightly lower until his fingers touched her finely trimmed hair. ‘Very neat.’
‘Erm, thanks.’
Eva had never had a pubic hair compliment before; she didn’t know how to reply.
Julian stood up, lifted his crinkled jacket from the end of the bed, and offered it to Eva.
‘Here, this will look good on you.’
Eva sat up and slid her left arm into the sleeve and draped it across her back, her other arm followed. She pulled it across her chest. It was huge on her, more than big enough for one side to overlap the other. She smiled. Julian was a broad guy, she should have expected it.
‘More wine?’ Julian asked.
‘Ugh, no,’ Eva looked at the bottle of cheap wine distastefully.
‘Oh, Christ no, not that crap,’ Julian laughed. ‘I’ve brought some. Hope you don’t mind.’
Walking out of the room, Julian looked back at Eva and leaned his head for her to follow. Eva nodded her silent understanding. She rummaged in her wardrobe for a pair of old tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt. His jacket was a lovely gesture, but she just couldn’t relax while she was still naked underneath. She glanced in the mirror, pleasantly surprised to find her make-up holding up well. She ran her fingers through her hair, spritzed some perfume on her wrists, and walked toward the lounge rubbing them together.
11
Julian sat on the sofa, his left ankle resting on his right knee. He l
ooked relaxed, comfortable. Eva wished she were comfortable. She could hear her moans play back in her head. Christ, why did she have to make noise? Julian must think she was an animal.
‘You changed,’ Julian stated the obvious.
‘I was cold,’ Eva lied.
Normally, that would be a realistic complaint, but at twenty-six degrees, the weather was unusually warm for an Irish summer. Eva self-consciously walked over to the large French doors in front of the sofa. She drew the curtains and slowly turned back to face Julian. A large cheeky grin stretched across his face. Eva couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
‘You’ve blocked my view,’ Julian said.
Eva’s hands flew to her cheeks, and she shuddered. ‘Oh, no, I’m sorry, I just didn’t want the neighbours staring in.’ She reached for the curtain and was about to pull it open again.
‘I’m not talking about the sea view, Evangeline.’
Julian pointed to where the curtains hid the picturesque beach setting outside the window, but his eyes were on her. ‘I’m talking about the delectable view of your legs.’
Eva giggled nervously. His compliments always made her shake, and she didn’t know what to say. She stood on the spot and twisted a strand of hair around her index finger.
‘Oh, you’re not going to go all shy on me again, are you? I thought we were making progress.’
‘No, of course, not. I mean, yes.’
Julian’s eyebrow twitched.
‘I mean…of course, I’m not shy anymore.’
‘Good girl.’ Julian nodded his approval. He patted the sofa beside him.
Eva walked forward and self-consciously sat beside him. Overly aware of every creak the sofa made as it adjusted to her weight.
‘Oh, my God. Is that Krug? She stared at a green, glass bottle of alcohol with a glossy, gold label that rested casually on the coffee table. ‘It is, isn’t it? Holy shit.’
‘You like it?’
‘I’ve never tried it. I…I’ve never even seen a bottle in real life. Just on the TV, you know.’
Julian began to pour and the golden bubbles fizzled like a hot spring rushing to the top of the glass.
‘Isn’t this, like, two hundred dollars a bottle?’ Eva touched the label like it was a historical artefact she was afraid of tarnishing.
‘Does that matter? It’s all about the taste.’
Eva thought the ten euro sparkling wine from the local grocery store tasted just fine, but she didn’t dare admit it, not now.
‘Yeah. I suppose. I don’t know much about wine.’
‘Well, that’s another thing I can teach you.’ Julian handed her a glass.
It smelled like heaven. Eva cringed thinking about the bottle of cheap stuff she’d offered him earlier. ‘Sorry about the wine tonight.’
‘Don’t be.’ Julian took a large mouthful.
Jesus, each sip must cost about twenty dollars, Eva thought as her jaw dropped dramatically.
‘It tasted fine, Evangeline.’
If he pays hundreds for bubbly and he thinks a bottle of the cheap stuff tastes okay, then he’s either very naïve or a very convincing liar. Judging from his expensive suit and polished accent, Eva guessed it was the latter.
The conversation flowed surprisingly well. Her face only overheated occasionally, mostly when she remembered her earlier naked status. They talked about a lot of irrelevant stuff; the weather, Eva’s job, and skimmed over how a shy girl from New Jersey ended up in Dublin city centre. They didn’t talk about Julian much. Any time the conversation veered in the direction of his home life, he would top off Eva’s glass and distract her with sweet, soft kisses. A second bottle appeared without Eva noticing. She began to feel lightheaded, and blurry vision made it hard to focus.
Eva pulled her arm to her face, almost slapping herself in the process. Her eyes jumped and finally focused on her watch. It was only 9.20pm, and she was already half pissed. It wasn’t a bad thing, she thought, it had just been a while. Alcohol gave her confidence, and she liked it.
12
Eva took Julian’s still full glass out of his hand and rested it on the table. She threw her leg over his, straddling him - wobbly.
‘So, you think you’re the boss,’ she said.
‘I’m not?’ Julian replied casually.
‘Let’s just see about that.’
Eva unbuttoned his shirt, two and three buttons at a time, stopping to rub sweet kisses against his chest. Julian took a deep breath and eased his back further against the soft cushions behind. The last buttons were stubborn, but Eva won and tugged his shirt aggressively off and tossed it to the floor. The force left faint red marks on his wrists, and Eva dotted her lips along the pinched lines and slowly kissed them better.
He liked it, Eva knew. She could feel him growing beneath her. She pushed her weight harder onto him and ground her ass slowly against his throbbing cock.
‘Don’t tease, Evangeline,’ Julian warned.
‘Who’s teasing?’ She smiled, grinding just a little more.
‘I can’t,’ Julian whispered softly. ‘You’re not ready.’
‘I am. I really am.’
Julian caught Eva’s wrist and flipped her onto the sheepskin rug on the floor. She landed roughly and looked up at him, uncertain. She worried that he was angry, maybe she was too assertive. Some men don’t like that, a friend had warned her about it once when she was in high school.
Eva lay still, her mind racing in anticipation of Julian’s next move. A mild, summer wind had picked up outside and it distracted her for a moment and she felt a chill as it whispered against the window. Goosebumps lined her body as the cold of the timber floor penetrated the rug beneath her. She shivered a little, but she never took her eyes off Julian.
Julian kneeled between her legs. He was steady and moving slowly. Lustfully slow, and it took Eva a moment to realise her mouth was open. She shut it again, but the anticipation didn’t disappear. Fuck, he was hot. She’d never seen anyone with such a perfect face before. She’d always been so sure of her type. The sweet and baby-faced, be your best friend type. But Julian didn’t fit the bill. In fact, he was so far the opposite that it was scary. He was a man’s man, and even though it shocked the hell out of her, she liked it, she liked him - a lot.
She couldn’t take her eyes off his strong and toned body hiding behind his impeccable, tailored suit. A small scar above his left eyebrow and a five o’clock shadow along his firm jawline offered him an alluring ruggedness that was hard to resist. His dark skin contrasted with her peaches and cream complexion like the perfect compliment. She ran the tip of her finger over the simple, black horseshoe tattooed on his left pec.
‘What’s this?’ she asked softly, aware that she was prying.
‘A tattoo.’ Julian smirked.
‘Ha ha, very funny. I know that. I mean…What. Is. It?’
‘It’s a horseshoe, Evangeline.’
Eva shook her head and smiled. ‘I mean, what does it symbolise? Or is it just that you like horses or something?’
Julian exhaled slowly and his dark chocolate eyes glistened as he stared into Eva’s. He cupped her hand in the palm of his and pressed his lips softly against her wrist, leaving a single kiss.
‘You’re the first person to ever ask me that,’ Julian said, still holding her hand. ‘I do like horses, but that’s not what it’s about.’
Eva chewed her bottom lip and held her breath. He was actually about to tell her something about himself. She hoped she didn’t look too shocked.
‘You can start up here.’ Julian placed his finger against her wrist and began to trace a shape on her skin. ‘And in the blink of an eye, without warning, you can drop to the bottom.’ His finger slowly ran down her skin. ‘But that doesn’t define who you are, Evangeline. It’s the climb back to the top - that defines who you are. And how high you climb is up to you.’ His finger completed the pattern of an invisible horseshoe as he softly spoke out his action. ‘Down, around, and back up…unde
rstand?’
Eva pushed her lips tight together and forced an uncomfortable bubble of air down her throat. She’d been climbing for a long time, but she was no closer to the top. She sniffled and looked up to meet his stare. She didn’t want him to notice her getting upset, but she wasn’t hiding it as well as she’d like to.
He pulled her closer to him and Eskimo kissed her playfully. ‘The past doesn’t define you.’
The lump of air in Eva’s throat hurt. Was he telling her something about himself or something about her? Damn, he was as smart as he was gorgeous. And, my God, was he gorgeous. Eva began to undress him with her eyes, and Julian noticed the naughty gleam in her eye.
‘Something I can help you with, Evangeline?’ he asked.
Eva froze. He knew what she was thinking? Of course, he knew. She wanted him; it was obvious. And now she was his prey. She hoped he’d tease her first like an untamed beast. Christ, her face stung just thinking about it. Julian took her hands in his and placed her fingers over the buckle on his belt.
‘It’s okay. No inhibitions, remember?’
Eva began to slide the leather back through the buckle, her fingers trembling and turning it into a huge task. Julian was patient and waited, very still. His heart and breath were calm and controlled. Eva envied his composure. Her heart raced like a runaway train and her breathing, well, she considered herself lucky that she didn’t pass out. She pulled his belt free from the loops of his trousers and placed it gently on the rug beside her. Her lips had pressed against his firm, tanned stomach before her head had time to think. It was instinctive. She was so turned on she couldn’t resist her desires. Her body was in control; her mind wouldn’t dare argue.
The dark, neat hair around his belly button led a teasing trail to the button of his trousers. Eva’s fingers followed the inviting path. She tugged gently on the button, but Julian’s hands clasped hers and forced them down to her side. He lowered his chest to meet hers and pressed his lips firmly against her open mouth. His kisses were more aggressive now. His lips forced against hers told her his patience was wilting. If he wanted her so badly, why was he still playing games? Eva smiled as she tasted his anxious tongue; she was beginning to understand that games were in his nature.
Playing Irish Page 9
