Hidden Agenda: A Reverse Harem Romance (The Code Book 2)

by Bethany Jadin

  My fingers roam from my hips to between my thighs as I imagine how well Daniel performs. If it’s anything like how he kisses, I’m in for a treat. The way he responded when I couldn’t hold back any longer and turned my lips to his after we got into the elevator — so gentle at first then passionately, his arms wrapping around me tightly. And again just inside the door of his penthouse, his body against mine, his hard cock rubbing across my legs as his lips moved over mine with a wild abandon I’ve never seen in Daniel before — he had me moaning and digging my fingers into his ass, pulling him against me.

  And now here I am, practically naked, ready to show myself off for him. My chest is pounding, partly at imagining his reaction — hopefully it’s everything he’s pictured, that I look at least half as tempting in this racy lingerie as the previous recipients of his gifts from the boudoir shop did — and partly from nervousness at taking this step.

  Wasn’t it less than an hour ago that I was describing to Daniel my wariness of the people in my life, particularly the men? And didn’t I swear after my night with Gunner and Jax that I was done mixing business with pleasure?

  I could stop this. It would be embarrassing and awkward, but I could exit his master suite bathroom with my dress on instead of this lingerie. I could say I changed my mind and that perhaps it would be better to have nothing but a professional relationship with Pentabyte from now on. I know Daniel’s such a gentleman, he wouldn’t raise even a finger to protest.

  But then I trace a line at the lacy triangle of ribbon barely covering my pussy, and I know that’s not even remotely what I want.

  I push a finger down, feeling the silky wetness between my legs. This lingerie is not meant for being torn off — it is meant for being worn while making love. The sensuous fabric opens between my legs, where I can run a finger over my clitoris.

  Daniel is like no other man I’ve known. Refined yet passionate. He has a rare brand of masculine tenderness. Keeping him at an arm’s distance has been like leaving a piece of gourmet cake on the table without even a taste. My curiosity is too consuming, as is my desire. Besides, when else in my life will I have the chance to be with so many sexy, smart, charming men? I don’t want to be kicking myself later for turning this opportunity down.

  To a certain extent, I don’t even care if the guys’ motivations are mixed. Maybe I have mixed motivations, too. I’m not that naïve college student any longer. I know what I’m getting into, and despite the mess my life has been lately, I’m capable of taking care of myself. How many times now have the guys reiterated that I should keep my source code to myself, that I should play a hard game and push for the best bid I can get, and that above all, I should not feel obligated to them?

  Maybe that’s just what I’ll do. If it’s one thing my time with the guys has shown me, it’s just how little I’ve been enjoying my life the last few years. All work and no play. Ever since Jeremy, Emma has been a dull girl. They’ve shown me how much more I could be enjoying life if I had the kind of money they all do — it’s a tantalizing prospect. I really do want to take Zoey on one hell of a vacation to an exotic resort on a faraway tropical island. I want to buy a dirt bike and go to private concerts and eat hundred-dollar steaks. If I had the kind of money the guys enjoy, I’d live in a luxury apartment like this one and pay someone to do my laundry and all the grocery shopping.

  Perhaps Zoey has a point. Just putting my program up for auction and selling to the highest bidder is looking more and more attractive as I think of it.

  Daniel was unbuttoning his shirt when I closed the bathroom door behind me. I’m sure by now there’s is an incredibly attractive naked man waiting for me. And here I am, wearing the sexiest thing to ever grace my body, just moments away from what promises to be an incredible night of pleasure, and my mind’s on business.

  I close my eyes and breathe deeply. My nerves are getting the best of me, but I know I need to do this. Let whatever happen... happen. I’ve played it safe all of my life. And it’s gotten me exactly nowhere.

  Daniel’s so charming and sweet that I have to admit, I’ve been damn curious what he’s like in more intimate moments. Everything he does is layered with a romantic thoughtfulness. I couldn’t help being swayed by the flowers and champagne he’d stashed in the back of the limo that evening when we went out to dinner to discuss business. And then the private concert, with such stirring music he’d arranged just for me. Whenever we’re together he’s so attentive to my every need. He’s such a gentleman that it took every ounce of willpower to resist letting myself get swept away by it all. It was so hard to keep a professional distance that evening, to focus on talking contracts and coding. My mind kept wandering, my heart skipping beats at the way he looked at me so adoringly.

  The afternoon before our dinner meeting, I’d stood in the mirror, staring in amazement at the beautiful gown he’d bought me — the way it fit me like it was designed just for me, how the color made my eyes shine. I hated taking it off and putting my own dress on, instead. Hated having to err on the side of caution and set the tone for business, not romance. Because everything about Daniel impresses me. His witty banter, his breadth of knowledge about programming, his kind eyes and sweet attention. He’s been so respectful and reserved, it was possible to force myself to friend-zone him at first — because I couldn’t possibly fall for all of these men, could I?

  But tonight… I can’t resist anymore. Standing there in the lingerie store, watching his excitement, feeling the surge of my own desire rising within me; I couldn’t refuse his gift. And he’s right; it’s perfect. I feel like a naughty present just begging to be unwrapped. Running my hands back up my body, I adjust the ribbons around my breasts, putting them on full display. I can get used to making love like this — I can get used to feeling sexy as hell.

  Each of the guys has something irresistible about them that pulls me in, makes me long to know more about them, to wrap myself around their hearts. Daniel… he makes me feel like a true lady. The kind that would be courted properly by gentleman in coattails a hundred years ago, back when a night out included orchestras and dancing in elegant ballrooms. My stomach is fluttering with the thought of my reserved gentleman losing himself in that passion I felt in his kisses earlier.

  Tonight, I want to get swept away in his affection. I want to bask in his warm smile and sensual kisses, to feel his hands on me, to know what other delightful surprises he has in store.

  20

  Daniel

  I light the last of the candles lining the far wall of my bedroom. I didn’t think I would have enough time to transform the space like I wanted — if I’d had the slightest hint Emma would end up in my penthouse tonight, I would have pulled out all the stops for her — but she’s taken her time in the bathroom, and I’m glad for it. But now I’m beginning to wonder if her nervousness is getting the best of her.

  I go for a flirtatious tone. “You know how to keep a man waiting, don’t you?”

  As though an encouraging word is all she needed, the door handle twists. Emma swings the door open, exposing herself, and my breath catches in my chest. My lungs seem to tighten in on themselves, and it’s hard to take in air. Good Lord, she’s beautiful. She watches me carefully, looking for a sign, but all I can do is stare wordlessly.

  She takes a few steps into the room and asks, “What do you think?”

  “What do I think?” I think you’re a vision — enticing, sexy, bewildering, lovely. The best thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. “I think you were made for that lingerie. You’re stunning, Emma.”

  I love the hue of her skin when she blushes. Her self-consciousness grows, and Emma’s eyes slip from mine, taking in the room. “Oh. This… Where did all this come from?”

  My room looked simple enough when she first entered. The candles were stationed at the far wall, but that’s it. I’ve dimmed the lights, turned on some of my favorite music. And I changed into nothing but silk boxers. Though she can’t keep her eyes from wandering back to my b
are torso and the bulge below, that’s not what she’s talking about.

  She stoops in her lingerie to pick up one of the rose petals which trail from the bathroom to the bed, where they’re strewn across the satin sheets. “These are real.” She smiles up at me, beyond amused. “Who could just pull rose petals out of their hat at a moment’s notice?”

  “I may have raided a vase or two.”

  She laughs, and the sound is heavenly. “I don’t think you realize most men don’t have vases of roses stashed away in their apartments.”

  I walk to my nightstand, where I have a covered platter and two full glasses of champagne. “Most men have horrid taste when it comes to decor. A hundred years ago, any gentleman had to know his way around a floral shop. Call me old-fashioned.”

  Turning to her, I lift the lid from the platter.

  Emma’s smile widens. “And these men from yesteryear also just happened to keep these stashed by their bedsides, too?”

  I pick up one of the chocolate covered strawberries by the stem. “No. This is me being not so gentlemanly,” I tell her with wink. “I was planning on presenting them to you tomorrow as a gift. But I have a better idea.” I wave toward the bed. “Shall we?”

  Emma scoots across the mattress first, laying back on my pillows, and I follow. I lay next to her, propped on one elbow and offering the strawberry for sampling. Her smile is deliciously coy, but she opens her lips then closes them on the fruit, biting in half way.

  Damned if it’s not the sexiest thing I’ve seen in years. “Do you have any idea how enticing you are? I’d have you like this every night, and I’d never tire.”

  Her smile is growing naughty now as she takes the rest of the strawberry, and I discard the stem. Running my finger down the soft skin of her neck, I come into contact with the swell of her breasts. Emma tucks her bottom lip between her teeth as I trace the fabric ribbon of the lingerie. The lace material is smooth and soft and thin enough that it doesn’t impede the heat radiating from her skin. With the pad of my thumb, I rub lower to her areola, her body reacting to my touch. Her breath quickens as her nipples stiffen, and I lower my lips, brushing them over the fabric.

  Emma lets out the softest sigh of a moan, her body rising to be caressed. I run a finger under the lacy strap, lifting it from her breast so I can lick my tongue across her nipple. She lets out a breathy sigh and raises her head to watch as I repeat on the other side, slow, teasing. And then again.

  I’m rewarded with another moan, and she wiggles her ass with the need for more. I keep going, swirling my tongue against the tender buds as I suck her nipples into my mouth until they’re impossibly stiff points.

  She runs a hand across my shoulder and around the back of my neck, pulling me to her. I shift and lower my lips to hers, kissing her slowly, with the same unhurried teasing I was just lavishing on her breasts.

  Emma runs her fingers through my hair as we kiss, then down over my shoulders. I roll my body into hers, my hard cock pressing against her hip as she slides her palms down my arms.

  I lay my hand on the bare skin below her breasts as I kiss her, enjoying her sweet taste. “I can’t believe you’ve never worn something like this before. You look so natural in it. Do you know how irresistible it is when a woman’s confident with her sexuality?

  “It feels surprisingly good. I always thought I would feel more self-conscious than this,” she says.

  “Why?” I course my palm down south. “I love the feel of your skin, and this fabric — it’s a beautiful contrast. It makes me want to get to what lies beneath.”

  My fingers dip beneath the lowest ribbon. Emma tips her head back as I slowly work a finger between her folds. She’s already wet, and her beautiful ass clenches as I make slow circles around her clitoris then send my finger lower. She stretches her body out further, and I take the opportunity to place my lips against her exposed neck, kissing and nibbling.

  She’s running her hands through my hair again as I push one finger and then two into her sweet pussy, my thumb making circles on her clit, watching as her breath quickens and her mouth parts, her eyes shutting with a wave of pleasure. Her body’s response to my touch is intoxicating.

  I slowly thrust my fingers inside her, my erection growing rock hard as she arches her back. I push deeper and curve my fingers upward, curling them against the tight wall of her pussy, watching her carefully. Her reaction is immediate. She gasps and reaches both hands out, grasping the sheets.

  She arches further and draws her knees up, her eyelids fluttering and her mouth opening wider as I repeat the movement again and again, keeping my thumb moving lightly on her clit.

  “Oh my fucking God,” she cries out, her whole body tensing, her legs shaking.

  I speed up, applying firmer pressure to the sensitive spot, and she writhes on the bed, panting.

  Her chest heaves, and her stomach muscles tighten, then her whole body goes stiff, and a squeal escapes her. A second later, she bears down, her pussy squeezing my fingers, coming hard. She throws her head back, gasping with pleasure, and it’s the best thing my ears have ever heard.

  I uncurl my fingers and ease them out of her slowly as she comes down from her high.

  When she is fully relaxed once more, I reach for the champagne on the nightstand, handing a glass to her.

  Emma slakes her thirst with two quick swallows, blowing out a big sigh as she flops back on the bed, a wide grin on her face. She clinks my glass with hers then holds it up in salute. “Pardon my language, but holy shit. That, sir, was a promising beginning to our evening.”

  I take a long drink from my own glass before returning it to the nightstand, delighting in the satisfaction and amazement on her face. “I’m glad you realize that was only the beginning. May I?”

  Emma relinquishes her champagne glass to me, but instead of placing it on the nightstand, I tip it forward. I let a few dribbles escape over her collar bone and down to the valley between her breasts. “Oops. Let me get that.”

  Lowering my body to hers, I lick the sweet champagne from her neck and suck it up where it has pooled between her breasts. I get a satisfactory mmmm from her, so I get a little clumsier. I tip the glass again, spilling some over her bare stomach.

  Her body rises and falls with deep breaths as I lick and make my way downward. But not before I grab one more chocolate strawberry — I want to test just how hot she is.

  I lick the champagne from her bellybutton before placing the chocolate strawberry on her bare skin just above the triangle-shaped patch of soft hair leading down to her pussy. Oh, she’s hot. The chocolate softens and melts within seconds, and I slowly move it from right to left, leaving behind a cocoa trail.

  Emma mumbles something incomprehensible as I pick the strawberry up. The scent of her arousal mixing with the sweetness of the dessert draws me in. I lick the chocolate from her skin, closing my lips and sucking to clean every last bit. But there’s one last thing I want to taste.

  I reposition myself lower so I can get the best angle, and she props herself up on both elbows, watching me curiously.

  Running my hands across her thighs, I part her legs and slowly run the strawberry between the folds of her pussy, twirling it at her entrance. I lift the fruit and suck it into my mouth, my eyes trained on hers. When it’s clean I lower my lips and lick the melted chocolate off her, pushing my tongue inside her to get every last bit.

  I tip the last of the champagne out and dive to catch the pale liquid as it runs down her pussy, sucking and licking all the way up to her clit, catching every drop of the sweet drink and her juices alike, my eyes never leaving her face as I do.

  Emma rocks her hips and takes up fistfuls of my sheets. “Yesss,” she breaths.

  She moans for me, opening her legs wider, her hips shifting. I kiss her pussy, taking her clit between my lips. My hand on her hip, I revel in the noises she makes for me.

  Her body tenses as I lick, and when I press a thumb on either side of her clitoris as I suck it into m
y mouth, the extra pressure sends her over the edge. Emma bucks and cries out her second orgasm of the night, her legs opening even wider, inviting me in.

  I move back up the bed to where her body wants me. I love her smell. I love her taste. I love how she sounds, and I love that look of unleashed desire on her face right now. Like a tiger that’s just been uncaged.

  Emma reaches for me, drawing my lips to hers. Everything in that kiss tells me this is not just two bodies enjoying sensual delights. I’ve had my fair share of kisses that are empty of anything but physical passion. But what Emma gives me is so much more.

  As I lower my chest to hers, Emma bends her knees to embrace my body, wrapping her legs around me. Her kisses are slow and deep, searching for the same connection I long for. I kiss her back with the same intensity, and Emma’s hips rise to mine. She pushes at the waistband of my silk boxers, and I assist her, releasing my cock and shoving my boxers to the foot of the bed.

  She slides a hand between our bodies, and I take in a sharp breath as she wraps her hand around my shaft. She strokes me, pulling me against her entrance, but I pause.

  I need to hear the words. I need to hear it from her — what is it she wants? Whatever it is, I’ll give it to her. I’ll fuck her until she collapses, exhausted from orgasming. I’ll take my sweet time and make love to her all night long. I just need to know.

  “Tell me,” I whisper, nibbling on her earlobe.

  She kisses my temple and trails her lips softly down my cheek and across my jaw before she responds, “Make love to me, Daniel.”

  My heart lifts a thousand miles high, and I feel like I’ve been given the greatest gift. I return to her lips once more as I tilt my hips and press firmly. Emma moans out her breath as I enter her. I seat myself fully inside her pussy, making us one.