LayersofLace

by Christine Rains

  Russell took my hands in his, stilling them. “Yes, Morgan is a bit of a stick-in-the-mud. But she’s your best friend, she knows you, and what she was doing was trying to protect you from what she perceived as a choice that would to heartbreak. She was trying to be a good friend.”

  I narrowed my eyes. Was this going to be a Game of Thrones twist here? Russell was defending Morgan? I could hear the Twilight Zone theme song playing. I opened my mouth to say that he was wrong, but he shushed me.

  “She did it totally wrong, of course. But look at what happened. She had a dramatic moment. Bet you never thought she’d ever have one.” He grinned and caressed my cheek. “Morgan does know you, but she doesn’t know us. Together we’re something else, something better.”

  I melted at his words. It doused the flaming fury, leaving me feeling as if I were drunk.

  “Just give her some time. And give me some time to ravish my beautiful pink-haired bride.” Russell peppered my neck with kisses. I giggled and snatched his hat as it fell off. I set it neatly back on his head.

  “You’re right. Totally right.”

  “I know.” He chuckled as I swatted him.

  “Tomorrow I’ll talk to her. Everything will be good again.” I nodded, but uncertainty made my stomach flip.

  “And tonight,” he said as he stood and offered me a hand, “tonight is for us.”

  Worries about Morgan fluttered away like a happy pegasus. I got married today. And there was my most magnificent husband with his hand extended. I slipped my hand into his and let him lead the way to the celebration.

  Dinner was deliciously expensive and so was the champagne. With bubbly in my tummy, I was in Pinkie Pie party mode. Games, dancing and more drinks. Luckily my stallion could keep up with me.

  Sometime after midnight, we headed back to his hotel room. I started shedding clothes as I skipped along the hall. Russell grinned like a hungry tiger as he picked up my discarded pieces. I wiggled out of my cropped top as he opened the door and ushered me inside before I flashed any other late-night con-goers.

  I danced around the bed in only short-shorts and boots. My breasts bounced, small as they were, and I cupped them, making sure he was looking before I tugged on my nipples.

  Russell dumped my costume off to one side, along with my sword, and swiftly rid himself of his hat and jacket. He worked at the tie and teensy buttons on his shirt as he strode toward me, a familiar gleam in his predator’s eyes.

  “Dance your way out of those shorts and boots, darling. I’ve been waiting all night to get you alone.” He finally loosened the knot of his tie and tore it off, flinging it to the floor. His shirt was fast to follow.

  I licked my lips. Damn, he was so gorgeous. Sex on a stick. Except there was no stick involved, and how the hell did anyone ever come up with such a saying?

  I didn’t even realize I had reached out to caress his chest until he grabbed my hands and pulled me in for a deep kiss. I gasped for breath when he was done. Heat in my face and between my legs.

  “Strip all the way. I’ll fill the hot tub.” Russell winked as he left me standing there, hands hanging in the air like two lost UFOs.

  Oh yes. He usually had a Jacuzzi room. I’d forgotten all about it.

  Laughing at myself, I sat on the edge of the nearest bed and undid the straps of my boots. Once I’d yanked them off, I wriggled out of my shorts and panties. My prize-winning costume was all over the floor, something that would usually have freaked me out. Not now. Not with my sizzling-hot husband waiting for me.

  Russell straightened from testing the water as I entered the bathroom. I leaned against the door frame, admiring his hot, trim body, and slipped a hand between my legs. Moaning, I rubbed slowly. The wet sound of my arousal mingled with the splash of the water.

  “Dance your way out of those pants and boots, darling,” I mimicked, and smirked. I raised a leg, resting my foot on the opposite side of the door frame, my teasing fingers and pussy in full view for him.

  “You do know how to put on a show.” He bent to take off his boots, fumbling with the laces a few times. “Must be why I married you.”

  I loved that I could make him bumble about when he was usually so wonderfully smooth. I dipped my middle finger into me, nipping my lower lip, as his boots came off and he undid the laces of his trousers. His gaze never left me, and when his long erection was freed, I pushed my digit in to the last knuckle.

  Pants and underwear gone, Russell stood gloriously naked beside the tub. He closed a hand around his cock and stroked it in rhythm with my fingers. We watched each other, savoring the view and waiting for the Jacuzzi to fill.

  Voyeurs, both of us. No, more like sex-ninjas. Biding our time, we knew just when to strike.

  When the water was four or five inches from the top, I slunk silently forward on tiptoes. My fingers still played with my labia. My juices covered my hand and made my inner thighs slick.

  Russell leaned over with his erection still in hand to turn off the water and hit the jets. The whirring sound was like the engines of a spaceship. I was ready for takeoff. More than ready.

  Releasing himself, Russell stepped into the tub and held out a hand to me. Always the gentleman. Or the horny spider luring the fly into his web.

  I took his hand and slipped a foot into the frothing water. Steam wavered in the air and fogged up the mirror. The bath was nearly too hot, but not enough to deter me. Nothing would drive me from my desire tonight.

  Our bodies came together and his mouth descended on mine. Kissing him, I tugged him to sit so I could straddle him. The fruity scent of his last drink on his breath and the mocha of his mustache wax tickled my nose. An odd combination that worked so well. The perfume of my own personal Heaven.

  Russell sat, his lips never parting from mine. The water came to the middle of his torso and hid his hard penis from my view. As much as I loved looking at it, I wanted it in me even more. I didn’t wait for him to get comfortable or to let go of my hand—I positioned myself as I sank into the water. The jets fired whirls and whooshes over my nethers, but I didn’t pause to relish the sensations.

  We gasped in unison as I drew him into me, seating myself fully upon him. With my arms around his shoulders, I ground down and moaned against his mouth.

  He clutched my rear and pushed yet deeper into me. My eyes fluttered closed and my head lolled to the left. I quivered only after a few thrusts and wondered if our marriage would be one long orgasm. I could only hope!

  “Faster, love. I want you coming before I do, and I’m so damn close already.” Russell nibbled along my neck and dragged his teeth as his fingers dug into my bottom.

  I laughed and groaned at the same time, making the sound of a Thundercat in heat. Luckily for him, I was already soaring toward a grand climax. I rolled my body as I continued to grind against him, the perfect motion to rub myself fully and his erection angled just right.

  Water sloshed and the Jacuzzi purred. The vibrations jiggled my legs as if threatening to throw me from the tub. I held Russell tighter.

  My husband. Oh god, I couldn’t believe we’d got married. This was better than I’d ever dreamed.

  Faster and harder. Did I move in a blur like the Flash? Every molecule was blazing. My heart beat so quickly, I couldn’t tell one thump from another. His body molded to mine. One magnificent love and one super-powered orgasm.

  I threw my head back as I came. My entire body shuddered. Russell let go as soon as I screamed his name.

  Pleasure like nothing I’d ever experienced before stole me away. As nuclear as my climax was, my love for him broke me past all known barriers. Aphrodite had us wrapped in her arms. Oh man, I’d love to do it in a giant seashell.

  Russell cradled me in his arms as I came down and went limp. Like a noodle gone soft in soup, I was warm and happily bloated with love. I nuzzled his neck and whispered that I loved him.

  When he told me he loved me too, I grinned and couldn’t stop grinning, even when he kissed me. The Jok
er had nothing on me.

  Chapter Six

  Geek girl problem #1: Being so in love with your geeky husband that you can’t concentrate on the new book you picked up.

  Two hours sleep and it seemed too much. I couldn’t close my eyes. I was too energized.

  My husband—my husband!—snored quietly beside me. I watched him, imagining various ways I could wake him up. Really I should let him sleep. I didn’t want to break him with too much sex the day after our wedding.

  Okay. Let him sleep. I fetched the new novel from one of my favorite authors, which I’d picked up the other day, and snuggled into bed with it. Maybe I’d get even more ideas from it!

  After the first two lines, the words fuzzed out of focus. I turned my gaze to Russell and smiled. So handsome, even asleep. I even loved that sexy bedhead he had going. He was always so well put-together that I loved seeing him messed up.

  Book. Right. Read.

  I’d only got past the first line when the glint of my ring caught my eye. I held my hand up and let it sparkle in the lamp’s light. Such a beautiful ring. Russell had excellent taste. I kissed it and put my nose back into the book.

  Full moon, lecherous werewolf, blah, blah, blah.

  Nope. It was no good. I couldn’t read. Not with this naked and sexy man beside me. I wanted him now.

  But he must be so exhausted. I shouldn’t wake him.

  He seemed as if he was sleeping heavily. I could hop on his cock, and he’d wake while in me. We already smelled like sex. What was one more layer?

  His mouth twitched as if holding back a smirk. Nope, he wasn’t sleeping.

  I stifled a giggle and slowly peeled back the sheet. Hot. Loved his long, toned body. And, oh, he was half-hard already. Heat flared between my legs.

  With featherlight caresses, I stroked his sac and penis. The rhythm of his breathing didn’t change, but his cock stirred and stiffened with my attentions. I traced around the tip, and it twitched, releasing a pearly bead of precum. I gathered the gem upon my finger as if I were a dragon with her eyes on new treasure.

  Licking my finger clean, I attempted to move without making a sound. The bed squeaked once, but sinuous as a lamia, I slithered onto him. With one hand, I lifted his erection and lowered myself onto it.

  Oh yes. Nothing felt better than having Russell inside me.

  Russell moaned and shifted, hips pushing up. I bit my tongue to hold back my groan, and with the willpower of a Jedi, I held still as I waited to see if he let go of his act.

  His eyes didn’t open, but I noted the change in his breathing. Smirking, I began a slow and sensual groove. I rose until his erection almost slipped out, then took him back in. Up and down. Let’s see how long he can continue his ruse.

  I squeezed my breasts, rolling the nipples between my fingers. Whimpering quietly, I increased the pace, but not fast yet, no matter how my body ached for a wild ride.

  Raising one hand to my mouth, I licked two fingers and coated them in saliva. I dipped that hand down to spread my labia. The digits worked to add more friction to his long member as I slid it in and out. I pressed my palm firmly against my clit and rubbed it in rough circles.

  Fuck. That was just what I needed. I quivered and clutched him harder within me.

  I braced myself with my free hand on my thigh and gazed down at Russell. His skin had flushed and his breathing quickened. Those succulent lips of his parted slightly. He uttered not a sound, but I wasn’t fooled.

  With a gasp, I slammed down with more force. Harder and faster. Oh God, yes! I worked my hand at a more furious rate. So close.

  Russell grabbed my legs, grunting as his face scrunched up. He breathed out a few unintelligible words as his skin grew a deeper red. I missed his “O” face as I squeezed my eyes shut, but the explosion within me as he came helped to send me over the edge.

  I cried out and bent back, writhing with the surging pleasure. Unable to keep my balance, I fell forward, catching myself with my hands on his chest. I circled my hips against his to extend our orgasms. The wet sound of our mashed groins wove a harmony with our heavy breathing and the pounding of my heart.

  Russell wound his arms around me and rolled me onto my back. I yelped with surprise and laughed as he showered me with kisses. All warm, loose and sticky, I wanted to stay in bed all day.

  “Every morning.” Russell kissed my lips. “Every morning I want to wake up with you like this.”

  “And you’ll have me every morning.” I smiled and locked my arms around him. Who needed coffee when you had a hot husband like mine? We’d already talked about moving in together at his apartment. We couldn’t stand to be away from each other. We’d have to move all my stuff and I’d…

  Crap.

  “What time is it?” I attempted to sit up and peek at the clock.

  “Early. Too early to be getting out of bed.” Russell didn’t budge as he nuzzled my neck.

  “No. We need to get up. We’ve got so much to plan, and then…” I swallowed. “Then I have to talk to Morgan.”

  “They’ll be sleeping. Or fucking. We’ll catch them later.” He lazily fondled one of my breasts. And oh, it was so tempting not to get up. But I had a lifetime of this ahead of me. Right now it was time to make things right with my bestie.

  “Up. Get up. We’re going to see them.” I shoved him, not hard, but enough to let him know I was getting up whether he was or not. This was too important. “She’s going to hate me more once I tell her I’m moving out. She’ll have to find a new roomie. Maybe I can keep paying my half of the rent for the rest of the year.”

  Russell sighed and rolled to one side. “Maybe she will and maybe she won’t. We’ll deal with it either way. Besides,” he propped himself up on one elbow, “she won’t want to see me this morning. Not after yesterday and what I said to her the other day.”

  That was the first I’d heard about it. I sat and raised a brow. “What did you say?”

  He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. “I told her to stop stringing Dean along, to leave him be. I was in a foul mood an—”

  “You didn’t!” I groaned and flopped backward. I rubbed my eyes with my palms. The situation was even worse than I’d thought. This required immediate action. I bolted up and snapped my fingers. “Shower and coffee. We need to get there as soon as possible. You will apologize. Grovel if you have to.”

  I almost expected him to protest, but he stared at me for a few seconds and then nodded. “I was out of line. It’s only right that I do so.”

  Relief relaxed me. Just a little. I crooked a finger at him and leaned over to kiss him. “I love you.”

  Fast shower and no makeup. There was still a bit of pink in my hair, but my mind was focused on my mission. We picked up coffee for everyone and hurried to Morgan’s hotel room. Russell kissed the top of my head as I knocked on the door.

  Here we go. My life had changed greatly that weekend, but I couldn’t lose my best friend. I’d never give up Russell, so I had to work for this like nothing before.

  Dean opened the door and I turned on my smile. I wasn’t out to win him over, but he was my cousin now too. Family. I grinned wider. Yeah, no fake smile needed there.

  Morgan wasn’t anywhere I could see her. The bed was a mess, as if they had just gotten up, or perhaps just had sex. Had she realized it was us at the door and hidden in the bathroom? I gritted my teeth, a wave of anger washing over me. Control, Em, control. Still, I couldn’t help but be a little sharp.

  I knocked on the bathroom door. “Are you ignoring me?”

  “Uh, no. I just got out of the shower and all my clothes are in the other room.”

  “Oh.” I frowned a little. She’d never been an early riser. I walked over to her suitcase and fetched some clothes before she or Dean suggested we come back later. “I have your clothes.”

  Morgan took them and I went back to stand with Russell. I couldn’t sit even when Dean offered us a chair. He looked uncomfortable sitting on the edge of the bed, bu
t at least he was smart enough to catch on that this wasn’t about him.

  I hated the silence. I wanted someone to make some chatter, but it couldn’t be me. I was saving my words for Morgan.

  When she came out, she stood at the far side of the room. Away from me. Away from Dean. What was the girl’s problem?

  “We come bearing coffee.” I pointed to the steaming cups. Surely that would lure her closer, since her man didn’t. I wanted to say more, but the words were sticking in my throat.

  Okay, so I was still pissed about how she’d reacted the day before. And I was upset that she hadn’t been there with me. We were like sisters.

  “Thanks. I need it this morning.” Morgan came over and picked up a coffee, then set it down almost immediately. Her gaze fell to her hands. “I need to apologize. I reacted badly yesterday. I was shocked. It all happened so suddenly, and yes, maybe I was projecting too much of how I would act on you. You’re not me. And I love you for it. That’s why we’re best friends.” She looked up at me. “And I missed your wedding. I can’t believe I missed your wedding! Really, I just want you to be happy. And I never saw you as happy as you were last night.”

  Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! I was going to burst. I wanted to shout out with joy and cry with it at the same time. It came out more as a piglet’s squeal as I threw my arms around my bestie. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really have never been this happy!”

  Oh, if only she could really know how happy I was. Especially now. I held her for a minute before releasing her and hopped on my toes. “I’ve got so much to tell you. So many plans! We have some important things to discuss.”

  Russell rubbed my back and took a step forward. “First, let me say something. My lady, I think perhaps we got off on the wrong foot. It was none of my business to tell you those things about my cousin. I’m a mite overprotective of those I care about. I didn’t want to see him hurt again. I apologize for causing you any distress over the matter.”