“That’s why we’re getting out of this bed. No more temptation.”
“Where are we going?”
“It’s going to be warm today. Thought we’d head down to the beach.”
“I don’t have a bathing suit.”
“Yes, you do. I grabbed one from your apartment.”
“Which one?”
“My favorite one.” I wink and roll, bringing her with me to the side of the bed. “But, first, we need to shower. I currently have cum drying on my stomach.”
Her eyes flare and she drops her eyes. “That’s hot.”
I semi-growl, lifting her and carrying her to the bathroom and hoping my willpower will hold out
“Remind me to bring you to the beach more often. You’re a lot more mellow.” I lift her hand to my mouth and kiss her knuckles as we walk along the shoreline.
“I love it out here. It’s one of my favorite places to be.”
“How come you never told me about the condo?”
“It never came up. You know my parents have a few investment properties, but this one is special. I was going to live here after college, but it didn’t work out.
“Why not?”
“The location is inconvenient to the hospital, and it’s farther from Bizzy. Coming back to Miami after four years away was going to be odd. The few friends I kept in touch with from high school had all moved on. I wanted the comfort of being close to Biz.”
“A lot has changed. What about now?”
“What about it?”
“Would you like to live in a place like this?”
“A condo on the beach? Who wouldn’t? Maybe not here, but somewhere closer to work would be nice. Unfortunately, my budget doesn’t allow for ocean-front living.”
An ache hits me in the chest. Another reminder of all the time we spent together and didn’t really talk. “Fortunately for you, I can afford it.”
She stops walking, turning into me. “Yes, you can, but you have a great place. It’s modern, masculine, and perfectly fits you.”
I choose my words carefully, remembering the last time I attempted this. “But it doesn’t perfectly fit us. I’m thinking about something that will fit us.”
She sucks in a breath, understanding washing over her. “Mathis—”
“Don’t.” I place a finger to her lips. “I’ve been complacent about our living situation because I was an idiot. We’re done with separate places. I love you and want us living together. And, before you start thinking whatever fucked up thoughts I allowed in your head, let me tell you why. This wasn’t a quick decision. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but life got in the way and the subject kept getting buried under bullshit. I’m not looking for convenience; I’m looking for us to start our lives together. My condo is bigger and would allow for us to have guest rooms, but if you’re not comfortable, we’ll look for a place at the beach. In the meantime, you’re moving in with me and making my place your own.”
“That sounds awfully like a decision, not a question.”
“I’ve discovered I’m not very good at subtle questions.”
“Just an FYI, the other night would have gone a lot different if you’d told me all this.”
I close in, sliding my hand to her neck and running my thumb along her pulse point. Her heart rate quickens against my touch. “I wish I could take it back, but that night woke me up. Now, I’m here with you, talking about things that should have been discussed all along. Hurting you will always haunt me.”
She inhales sharply, her expression filling with guilt. “I’m sorry I ran away from you.”
“I’m not, it gave me the swift kick in the ass that was a long time coming. I understand what Shaw was saying about taking the slow boat now.”
She smiles, her eyes lighting up, and she leans up to run her mouth across mine. “Shaw’s a smart man.”
“Usually, I’m referred to as the smart one.”
“Aww, is your ego bruised?” she teases.
I yank our arms where she falls into my chest, yelping loudly. “God, I love you.”
“Stop, you have to stop!” She shakes her head rapidly. “No more ooey, gooey, mushy, gushy talk. It’s not our style. I swore we’d never turn into those saps your brothers are.”
Over the years, she has openly chastised Shaw and Nick for their public devotion. Most of the time, I was right there with her, but now, I can understand where they are coming from. I have no plans to quit but try to appease her anyway. “I’ll try to rein it in.”
Her hands slide up my chest and shoulders, clasping around my neck. My own hand is forced to do the same, and for the hundredth time, I inwardly curse my commitment to these fucking handcuffs. I expected her to pitch a fit this morning when I switched to the new black leather ones, but she rolled her eyes and didn’t fight me. She tips up on her toes and places her lips to mine. “We had some pretty major events happen these last two days. I wish you’d take me upstairs and show me how much you love me.” Her voice is low and rough, dripping with promise, and my cock stirs.
“Hmmm, sounds tempting.”
She tilts her head back and scans my face. I remain impassive, and when she sees I’m not giving in, she scowls, releasing me and dragging me back to our chairs. The beach is mainly empty except for some shell collectors and one group of guys setting up a volleyball game. I catch their ogling as we pass with my very irritated Claire ranting incoherently. A surge of jealousy spikes inside when one of them openly rakes his eyes over her. Then I think about how ridiculous we look. A petite blond, with a killer body in a black bikini, hauling a man my size behind her, attached wrist-to-wrist. His eyes meet mine, and he jerks his chin in approval, smirking.
When we get to the chairs with our towels, she chooses the one closest to them and plops down, huffing. I scoot my chair close, lie back, and situate us so our hands are pressed to my thigh.
“Sun, sand, fresh air. Relax and try to enjoy,” I advise, closing my eyes and ignoring her death glare.
“Oh, I’m going to relax and enjoy,” she fumes.
I begin to doze, feeling her fidget and smiling to myself. She has no idea, but I’m cataloging every glare, every argument, and every piece of resistance for when the time is right.
“Are you going to sleep?”
“I’m resting, you should try it.”
“Okay, I will.” She shuffles again and settles.
After a bit, I hear the volleyball game going and the cheers become noisier. Then the whistling starts, growing louder and louder. The ball hits somewhere close, and a man’s voice apologizes, Claire softly giggling. This happens a few times, and an uneasy feeling stirs in my gut. When it happens again, I open my eyes and turn my head to the side.
Red-hot anger boils in my blood, and murder comes to mind. I lunge over, covering her now naked chest with my own.
“What the FUCK?”
She gasps, her blue eyes smoldering. “I’m relaxing and enjoying getting some sun without tan lines.”
“Where is your top?” I don’t wait for her answer, seeing it draped over the top of the chair.
I snatch it and grasp the back of her thighs, linking her legs around my waist. Whistles fill the air when I surge to my feet, bringing her with me, and march toward the building.
“I’m a pretty easy-going man. Steady, levelheaded, generally relaxed. You’ve just unleashed the beast, baby, and you’re going to pay for it,” I bite out, the vision of her tits on display filling my head.
“Bring it on,” she challenges.
I grind my teeth, trying to find calm before we hit her condo. Nothing works. She wanted the Bennett brother treatment; she’s about to see exactly what her stunt did to me.
Chapter 7
Claire
Finally!
It was bold, it was ballsy, and it was the most provocative decision I’ve ever made, but removing my top was the only thing that came to mind to shove him over the edge.
These last few days have exp
osed a side of Mathis that I never knew was possible. Nothing could have prepared me for the avalanche of emotions I was capable of. It didn’t take long to break down my resistance and crush all the years of heartache and heartbreak.
The pain of leaving him was nothing compared to reliving all the years apart and the perceptions in my mind of our relationship. Saying them out loud to him seemed pointless, but he disagreed, urging and demanding I tell him everything. I gave in and ripped my soul open, talking and crying until my voice was hoarse and throat was raw. There was a part of me that expected him to be horrified, but his reaction was completely opposite.
He didn’t let me go. Even when I begged and pleaded to get some space, he cradled me close, soothing and loving me in a way that healed my pain.
Then he took over. He told me everything on his mind, apologized profusely, and promised there would never be anything this fractured between us again. His heartfelt confessions paired with his unwavering declarations of love and obsession—I never stood a chance.
And that was it. I no longer had doubts or concerns. It’s crazy how fast my mind and my heart went from one extreme to the other and pieced back together. The familiar lovesick feelings are stronger because now I know I had lived with my own misguided sense of righteousness.
Done. Over. Disappeared into thin air.
I didn’t lie to him this morning; he can trust me not to run away. Because, just like the first night all those years ago, I know there is no other man for me.
The morning he snuck into the condo feels like a lifetime ago, and with all my insecurities bared, I’ve craved the intimacy between us.
His holdout has driven me to the brink, and if the anger rolling off his body is any indication, I may have pushed him a teeny bit too far.
It’s the middle of the day, and luckily, the lobby is empty except for the security guard whose eyes widen as Mathis stalks us through. The tinge of embarrassment vanishes when the elevator doors close, and I get a glimpse of his expression.
His blue eyes are wild and fiery, gleaming with anger and promise. His jaw is clenched tight, and his chest heaves against mine in a savage way that sends a message. I’m in trouble.
A thrill of excitement and anticipation courses through my bloodstream. The air around us burns with sexual desire and tension. His mouth crashes down, his tongue clashing with mine in a rough and demanding way. Every thought flies out of my head as he devours my mouth furiously. My hips grind down, feeling every thick inch of him through his shorts.
I’m barely aware of us moving until the crashing of the door breaks into my haze. My back hits a wall, and he yanks our joined hands from my thigh to my hip and uses his thumb to shred the seam of my bikini bottoms, which fall loose. Goosebumps pop over my skin at the rush of cool air, but inside, I’m boiling.
“Mathis!” I moan down his throat when two fingers plunge inside me and begin to twirl.
My muscles clench, trying to slow his movements, but it’s no use. I’m helpless in this position, forced to buck against his hand as he teases me mercilessly.
I’m close, so close. My spine tingles and my brain shoots off electric sparks right as he tears his mouth away and stops his fingers.
“What are you doing?” I cry. “Why are you stopping?”
“Tell me you will never, fucking ever, pull a stunt like that again.” The glittery hunger in his eyes from earlier is now sharp and challenging.
“It was harmless,” I stupidly reply and watch a shade of fury fill his expression as a low growl erupts from his throat.
Wrong thing to say. My brain scrambles for another excuse, and I absently blurt out, “It was the only way to get your attention!”
The storm brewing in his eyes takes on a new level, and he fumbles between us. Before I know what’s is happening, he drives his cock inside, pressing my hips downward until he’s buried. The silkiness of his flesh is pulsing, and my body shivers with the invasion.
“This what you wanted?”
“Yes,” I moan, dropping my head back to enjoy the delicious feeling of him.
“Goddammit,” he bites out, completely confusing me.
My head jerks up, the delicious feeling dying at the pain slashed on his face. Understanding slams into me, and my brain kicks in. Even with everything out in the open, there is only one thing left unspoken.
“I love you, Mathis. I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember, and nothing is ever going to change that.”
The fury, the pain, the sharp challenge—all of it disappears as the air around us takes on a new mood. He kisses me lightly, skimming his lips along mine and smiling. “I’ve waited a lifetime to hear those words.”
He thrusts in slow, steady motions, pressing his forehead to mine. I hold his stare, memorizing everything in this moment. Realization slams into me with a colossal force so strong it’s overwhelming.
Our days of reuniting as a couple have been about much more than unleashing fears and my repressed insecurities. This goes beyond reconciliation.
Our situation is not a break-up and make-up scenario.
Not the boyfriend and girlfriend taking the next step to move in together and see how it goes.
I’ve been blind to what is truly happening.
For a split second, my mind flashes to my two best friends—Bizzy in Charlotte, Grace in Greece. Mathis didn’t chase me down to explain he loves me. He came to give me my forever. Everything he’s done since showing up has been about me.
“I’ve always loved you,” I repeat, my voice breaking.
He walks us to the bedroom and sits on the edge of the bed, keeping our connection. “You understand now?” There’s tenderness to his question as if he knows I’ve reached the conclusion.
“I do.”
He reaches to the side, gets the keys, and uncuffs our wrists.
“So you know, you’ve always had my attention. To emphasize my point from earlier, never again are you going to show your tits to anyone but me.”
I chew on my bottom lip and cast a glance around the room, pretending to think about his demand. Another mistake on my part, because I find myself flying to my back, his body covering mine.
“Claire,” he growls impatiently, bracing on his elbows.
“Okay, okay!” I giggle. “No more topless sunbathing.”
His hips swivel, the angle so deep my toes curl at the sensations shooting through my body.
“If this is your idea of punishment, I’ll amend my answer.”
“Then you’re going back to handcuffs.”
I roll my eyes and bite the inside of my cheek to keep from blurting out that the handcuffs weren’t that bad. He reads my mind, his eyes glittering with approval.
“No more running.”
“No more,” I agree on a moan when he grinds against me, my back bowing off the bed.
His strokes speed, driving hard and deep until my thighs are trembling. I dig my feet into the mattress, trying to gain leverage, and meet him thrust for thrust.
Our sex life has always been dynamic, but today, there’s something different. He’s rougher, wilder, and more intense than ever before. He rolls slightly to the side, breaking our contact, and a blast of cool air coats my chest right before he cups my breast and sucks my nipple into his mouth.
I cry out at the spasm of pleasure scoring through my veins. He repeats the motion on the other side, this time nipping lightly at the sensitive skin before covering it with his lips. All the while, he continues to slam into me relentlessly.
One hand grips into his shoulder blade, holding tight, and I arch my back, tilting my hips. The move allows him to go so deep I feel him everywhere. My eyes roll back, and I clench my core hard to slow the coiling in my stomach. It barely works, allowing only a few seconds before the searing burn speeds again. My body quakes, and I writhe under him, whimpering in a frenzy.
“Fuck. You have to loosen up or I’m going to explode.” His voice is husky and jagged.
I shake my h
ead, tightening and squeezing with all my strength. His hand leaves my breast, gripping my thigh and hitching it up. A low, grating moan escapes my throat, and I lose the hold, giving him back control.
“Baby, look at me,” he demands roughly.
My eyes fly open and lock with his smoldering blue stare that sends another jolt through my system. In a split second, he’s on his knees, holding me to him as he pounds into me ruthlessly.
“Oh my God! Mathis!” The first wave hits with a ferocity so strong, I scream his name until my throat is on fire.
“Give me more.”
I’m about to argue it’s not possible when his fingers slide around, and his thumb circles my clit.
“Hot, tight, drenched… fucking perfect.” His words hardly penetrate through my daze as the euphoric feeling returns.
My fingers fist through his hair, nails scraping his scalp, and moans purr from my throat. “Yes,” I grate out, surging down and flexing into him.
An animalistic growl echoes through the room, urging me further.
“All fucking mine.” He twists his torso, slowing only to press me to the headboard, then increases momentum again. My movements are limited, and I’m helpless to his assault.
This sets me off, and I erupt again. He doesn’t stop. One orgasm leads to another, and the weight of my head becomes too much and falls forward.
“Say it again.”
“I love you,” I call out, my voice straining.
His hips slam into me twice more before he roars. I sense every inch of him swelling and pulsing as he pours himself into me. My skin scorches, my spine tingles, and the room spins.
His lips skim the column of my throat, and his teeth graze along the tendons gently. My brain faintly makes out the words as he pledges his love against my flesh.
I walk into the break room and pivot, ready to bolt until I’m caught by four firm hands dragging me back.
“I’m not speaking to either of you!” I hiss.
“Yes, you are, it’s been almost a week.” Bizzy shoves me inside. “You’ve had enough time.”
“You’re traitors.”
“You should have known this was coming.” Grace raises an eyebrow. “We’re not traitors; we’re interventionists. You know all about that.”
Heartthrob (Bennett Brothers Series) Page 7
