Shira

by Tressie Lockwood

He hadn’t brought his weight down on her, so she had room to flip over, and she did, sticking her ass up until it brushed his crotch. Max moaned.

  “Damn it, woman, we shouldn’t do this.”

  “Why not?” She pushed her jeans over her hips, exposing her panties. “These are the only panties I have. I really should take them off before you make me ruin them.”

  “I’m sorry. I should have bought you more by now. I didn’t want to presume.”

  She sucked her teeth. “Please, you saw no reason not to choose my clothes. Why not my panties?” She glanced at him over her shoulder. His gaze was directed at her ass. Shira bit her lip. Max wasn’t fooling anybody. He hadn’t bought panties for her because it meant shopping in the middle of some really sexy stuff, and at the time, he didn’t intend on giving into the attraction between them. Well, she wasn’t taking no for an answer this time. Should or shouldn’t, they were grown, and she wanted to see what it was like to be in the arms of a man like him.

  She rose to her knees, and as she did, he backed up some as if he was scared to let his skin touch hers. She noted he didn’t bother tucking his cock away though. Shira shed her clothing with her back still turned to him. Her bra and panties landed on the floor behind the T-shirt and jeans, and then she laid an arm over her breasts to glance at him.

  Now that she was naked, nerves kicked in. She was underweight, although she was pretty sure she’d put on a few pounds being in Max’s house and eating with him. If she didn’t see desire flaming to life in his eyes, she didn’t know how she would live down the embarrassment. Well, he said it’s been a while.

  He laid a tentative hand on her back and stroked. “You’re so small. I feel like I’ll crush you.”

  “I’m durable.” She reached behind her and grabbed hold of his cock. Rubbing it over her ass cheek and moaning made his member twitch in her hold. She gave it a small squeeze and then guided it between her legs to push back on it. Max’s cock didn’t enter her, but just the act of them going all the way seemed to set him off.

  “Shira, damn it, I need…” He cut himself off, but she knew what he wanted to say. She lay down on the pillow while pushing her ass high in the air. She ran palms over his hard thighs and wiggled her hips. A growl erupted from Max’s throat that startled her at first, but she decided it was just the heat of the moment and the blood rushing through her ears that made her think the noise was more animal than human.

  “Aren’t you going to put that in me, Max?” she teased, speaking in a deep, throaty tone. “You don’t want me to suffer, do you?”

  “Hell, no.”

  She smiled at his passion. Max leaned down and kissed her ass cheek. Shira’s pussy clenched. She gripped the sheets until her fingers ached but waited for him to make the next move. When he bent and ran his tongue along her heated skin, she thought she’d lose it. Max planted kiss after kiss and followed them with more licks. Just the fact that he was back there doing what he was doing had her shaking from head to toe.

  “Max, I think…” What did she think? She had no idea. Did she want him to stop or something? Her mind wasn’t acting right. She couldn’t figure out what she should say let alone what he should do. The one thing that started to become clear was that she didn’t want him to stop touching her. Her body was hot and ready to ignite at any second. The only man to put the fire out was Max because he had started it. “I want it.”

  “”Right here?” He kissed her so close to her back entrance, she yelped in alarm and excitement.

  “Um.” She was too scared to admit what she wanted.

  “Tell me, Shira.” He kissed her closer to the entrance. Tremors rippled through her thighs.

  “W-Whatever you want,” she said, coping out.

  “Oh no you don’t.” He nipped the back of her thigh, and she cried out. He soothed the spot with a lick of that big, rough tongue. Then he bit her again. Goose bumps broke out on her arms and legs. Strength ebbed until she thought she’d collapse on the bed. “Maybe you want it here.”

  Max shoved her cheeks apart and sucked so hard on her juicy pussy that she screamed in delight. “Yes!”

  “Ah, there’s an answer.” He went at her again, this time sticking his tongue inside. Shira whimpered and pushed against his mouth. He slurped and licked until the sounds and the feel drove her to the brink. Her inner muscles clenched. She scratched at the bed. An orgasm threatened to take hold, and she gave into it, pleading for him not to stop.

  Over and over he ate her. Shira whispered his name, both excited that he was so into making her feel good and nervous that he would draw away before she was done. Her body was greedy for more. Each time he brought her to climax, she craved another.

  “I’m being selfish,” she muttered, gasping for breath. “You should get yours.”

  “Mm,” he moaned, allowing the vibrations to tickle her over-stimulated pussy. “Do you think I’m not enjoying you? Do you know how sweet your come is?”

  “I don’t know.” She moaned as an orgasm took hold. When the tidal wave of pleasure eased, he sat up. Shira was about to turn around, but Max held her still. He moved in behind her, and she arched her back. She was so wet and ready. From the first penetration of his massive cock, she stiffened.

  “No, sweetheart, relax,” he instructed.

  She sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. None of her previous lovers had been so well-endowed. Max didn’t hurt her. He seemed to be taking his time, waiting for her muscles to relax, but he stretched her. She felt so full, it overwhelmed her and sapped her energy.

  Max squeezed her hip and massaged it with a gentleness that didn’t surprise her. “I don’t want to hurt you. It’s hard to hold on. It’s been so long.”

  “I know.” She covered his hand. “You’re not hurting me. It feels good.”

  To show him she wasn’t afraid or worried, she began pumping her hips, making it so his cock slipped deep inside of her and then out to the tip. The sensation was incredible, and from the way Max panted, she knew he felt the same. He hadn’t begun to move yet. From what she’d learned about him so far, she was pretty sure it would piss him off if he released too early.

  Neither of them had anything to worry about because Max gained control of his body, and when he did, he held her in an iron grip without pain. He arched his hips to push his cock to the hilt, and then he pulled out until not even his head pierced her. Shira grunted in complaint, but Max set the pace. He placed his cock tip against her pussy. She tried pushing onto it, but he wouldn’t let her move.

  “Hold still,” he commanded.

  “Put it in me,” she pleaded.

  He teased her pussy from base to top and twirled the head of his cock over her bud. Shira cried out his name. He dipped the head into her put pulled out too quickly. She smacked his thigh, and he drove into her hard and deep.

  “Yes, yes,” she encouraged him. “Take all of me, Max.”

  “I intend to.”

  He thrust so fast and hard over and over, but the movements were controlled to the point that he didn’t bump her cervix or cause her any pain. Her muscles stretched around his girth, yet they sucked at him as well, eager to be invaded. Shira rotated her hips the best she could.

  “Max, I want to pump,” she begged.

  He whipped out of her and rolled them both to the end of the bed. Shira found herself sitting on his lap facing him, and he entered her. She held onto his shoulders while he grasped her hips. “Do it,” he encouraged her.

  Shira began bouncing up and down his length. She arched into his chest, and each time she rose or fell, her taut nipples scraped his chest and sent missiles of pleasure to her pussy. She called out his name, and he shouted hers. They found each other’s mouths, and Shira pushed her tongue between his lips. She couldn’t get enough. Her libido was high, but Max’s seemed to be a good match.

  “Please tell me you can keep this up all night,” she pleaded.

  The growl she heard this time couldn’t be mistaken—definite
ly animal. She didn’t give a damn as long as Max ravished her and she could come again.

  “I will take you as long as you can handle me,” he told her. “Make no mistake about it—you will beg me to stop before I am done.”

  Shira squeezed her legs around his waist. “You’re on!”

  Chapter Seven

  Shira woke up to her hand killing her. If her stitches weren’t busted under the bandages, she’d be surprised. Not once in their all night sex party had she thought of the injury, but now it could not be ignored. She climbed out of bed and went to the bathroom. Max wasn’t beside her when she opened her eyes. He was an early riser, yet he didn’t mind eating breakfast late. Only at that moment, looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, did she realize they had fallen into a routine over the last couple of weeks.

  She grinned. “Damn, I almost look like a woman in love.”

  Shira shook her head. No way. Too soon. Max would be a rebound relationship, so it couldn’t go anywhere. As she brushed her teeth, flossed, and used mouthwash, she wondered what he thought of them having sex the night before. I just hope he’ll want a repeat as often as possible.

  After she was dressed, she headed toward the kitchen, checking rooms to see if she spotted Max. He was nowhere in sight. When she got to the kitchen, she noted the sheet of paper there, and a flutter stirred in her chest. Get a grip, Shira. You’re not in love, girl. She thought the words in a sing-songy tone that did nothing to help her pull it together.

  The note was short and without emotion:

  Needed to go to the bank. We will make arrangements about where you’ll go when I get back. Do not leave before then.

  - Max

  Shira sank into a chair, glad it was behind her because she hadn’t checked before her knees gave out. All the giddiness of a moment ago drained away. Whatever she’d thought about last night was not how Max saw it. He was, under no circumstances, in love. To her bitter disappointment and shame, tears welled up in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.

  Of course she couldn’t blame him. After all, she’d been trying to convince herself from the beginning. A man like Max Macgregor didn’t choose a woman like her to be with long term. He was on another level. The sex had been good. She knew he’d enjoyed himself, but that was it. Shira could feel good that she had brought him out of his funk and helped him to smile. He had protected her, and it sounded like he wanted to help get her on her feet so she could leave town. She should sit here and be grateful, happy even.

  While she sat there feeling sorry for herself, the doorbell rang. She sniffed and found tissue to wipe her nose. No one ever visited, and as far as she knew Max hadn’t ordered more furniture. Not that he was forthcoming about his plans. The note he’d left had been a surprise, but then he didn’t want her to leave and feel guilty. She told herself that to try to cheer up. The argument didn’t work.

  Shira peeped out the window and gasped when she saw Whisper. The woman looked exactly the same as she’d been the last time Shira had seen her. Behind her old schoolmate stood a man comparable in height and build to Max. In fact, he couldn’t be anyone else but Max’s twin.

  Shira unlocked the door and jerked it open. “Oh my goodness, Whisper!”

  “Shira,” Whisper shrieked and ran into Shira’s arms. They hugged laughing. “I can’t believe how little you’ve changed, girl. What’s it been, fifteen years?”

  “About that.” She stepped back and let them both in. “I’m sorry Max isn’t in. He had a couple of errands to run.”

  Whisper waved her hand and moved into the living room. She studied the room, and Shira remembered that she hadn’t seen the furniture before. Probably the last time she’d been to Max’s house, the place had been empty.

  “Oh, wow, this looks awesome. I like what you’ve done with the place.”

  Shira shifted from one foot to the other and picked at her pants leg. “Not my doing. Max chose his own furniture. I’m just the help.”

  Whisper rolled her eyes. “Don’t you talk like that. The fact that he let you stay here is a lot. Trust me.”

  Shira felt eyes on her, and she turned to find Max’s brother’s piercing gaze trained in her direction. Her throat was dry, and she swallowed, but nothing helped. The same sense of danger rolled off this man, but she couldn’t read him the way she felt like she could read Max. Plus his darker looks made him seem more mysterious. She wasn’t sure she liked him.

  “Where are my manners,” Whisper chirped. “This is my boyfriend, Alec. He’s Max’s twin.”

  Shira muttered a greeting. She didn’t remember Whisper being so bouncy. Being in love must suit her big time. Jealousy was an ugly beast, so she beat it down and forced a smile.

  “How are you?” Alec held his hand out, and she shook it but then put distance between them.

  “Would you two like something to eat?” she offered. “I know it’s close to lunch time, but I haven’t eaten, and I feel like I’m about to pass out.”

  Whisper linked her arm with hers. “I’m famished.”

  “You wouldn’t be if you weren’t in such a hurry to get back to Virginia,” Alec complained. Whisper ignored him and all but dragged Shira off in the direction of the kitchen.

  Shira hesitated as she took eggs, bacon, and sausage from the refrigerator. “Is everything okay? I thought you told me you’d be back in about a month.”

  Whisper shuddered. “Girl, I was done with those people. You wouldn’t believe the amount of testosterone thrown around up there. Everything was a contest, and Alec has so many male cousins feeling themselves it’s ridiculous. Of course they were all sexy as hell, but Alec gets a little overprotective and…well, never mind. We’re home. Let me help you cook.”

  They worked together talking about old times in high school. Shira enjoyed the female companionship. She hadn’t had a friend in forever, and the way Whisper took to her, she wondered if the woman didn’t feel the same. Regret stirred her heart thinking soon she would be gone.

  “What about you?” Whisper said, a question Shira had been dreading. “You said you came by my apartment looking for me when you met Max. Is everything okay?”

  Shira didn’t want to discuss it, but she owed Whisper an explanation. Whisper had vouched for Max, and because she was an old friend, he had given Shira a job and a place to stay. With as few words as possible and stuffing her emotions down, she told Whisper about Sam. The anger that sparked in the woman’s eyes surprised her.

  “He should have his dick cut off.”

  Shira burst out laughing, and her friend joined her. “You’re right. He should. Well, I’m free now, and I’m never going back. I’m going to make something of my life and see my dreams come true.”

  “Good for you!” Whisper hugged her. “Now let’s get this food on because Alec didn’t say but he’s hungry, and he’s a big grump when his stomach is empty.”

  Shira shook her head. “Does he eat like an animal, because Max sure does.”

  Whisper started as if Shira had surprised her, but she smiled. “Yeah, like an animal.”

  Just when they were setting a huge bowl of scrambled eggs, a platter of pancakes, and another of bacon and sausage on the table, a key sounded in the front door. Shira’s hand shook, and Alec nabbed the pitcher of ice tea she still held. She couldn’t help her gaze arrowing straight to Max when he walked into the room. His focused on her as well, but then he shifted his attention to his brother.

  “Hey,” he said.

  “Hey, yourself.” Alec walked over to him and shook his hand. Whisper elbowed past the big man and threw herself into Max’s arms.

  “Max! It’s good to see you,” she said. “Although I admit I thought you’d be looking less grumpy since Shira is here.”

  “Can you be less obvious?” he complained. “I had enough of your matchmaking before you left, woman.”

  Shira watched their interaction. They joked and prodded each other. When Whisper went into his arms, he hugged her tight and kissed the top of
her head. Again jealousy rose in Shira’s chest. She tamped it down and turned to the table.

  “You’re just in time to eat,” she said.

  “Good,” he responded.

  They all sat down, and Shira remained quiet while Max and his brother chatted about family. Occasionally, Whisper tossed in an observation about whomever they were discussing. Shira shoveled her food around her plate, not hungry. She’d never felt so out of place, like she didn’t belong. Max had gone out that morning to get money so he could get her going on her way. She couldn’t blame him. After all, she’d been about to leave in the middle of the night. Yet, deep inside, she’d hoped he would ask her to stay. Pride wouldn’t let her beg. He didn’t want her.

  “I was wondering, Whisper,” she blurted, cutting off their conversation. She ducked her head when they all turned her way, and then forced it up. “Do you mind if I crash at your place a short while? I promise it won’t be long, just until I find a job and I can stand on my own two feet.”

  No one said a word, but Shira started a little at the clatter of Max dropping his fork on his plate. He rushed to pick it up, and then set it down again. From the tension she caught in his shoulders and the way he had clenched the utensils, she knew he was angry. So what? He was the one that left her a note like them having sex meant diddly.

  “You have a job,” Max snapped.

  She frowned. “A temporary one, and if I’m not mistaken, it was ending today!”

  “That wasn’t settled.”

  She turned to Whisper. “I can come here from your place every morning, and leave in the evening to go back. Is it okay?”

  Whisper hesitated. Her glance swung from Shira to Max. “Of course, girl, no problem. I’ve spent most of my time at Alec’s house, but I’ll be glad to stay with you and help you get back on point. It’ll be fun.”

  “I thought you were moving in permanently, Whisper,” Alec interjected. “We discussed it.”

  “Right, we talked about it,” Whisper agreed. “I never said one way or another.”