Hold Me Until Forever

by Christina Phillips

  She’s going to make me pay for that. But he had no idea how else to introduce her.

  “Welcome to Excalibur,” Lisa said with a professional smile that gave away nothing. “Hope you find what you’re searching for.” She shifted her smile his way and there was a gleam of laughter in her eyes. “Have fun.”

  His plan to take Ella straight to the private room derailed when she tugged him toward the bar. “Friends with benefits, are we?”

  “I wouldn’t put it that way.” In fact he didn’t like the sound of it at all.

  “Hmm.” She wrinkled her nose. “How would you put it, then?”

  He didn’t want to talk about this. “Forget it. It doesn’t matter.”

  She leaned her back against the bar and swung their joined hands. Was she deliberately trying to draw attention to them? He halted her mid-swing.

  “Do you bring all the women you sleep with here?”

  What the hell? She’d never asked him about his sex life before. He hadn’t expected her to start now.

  Why not?

  “For the last year.”

  Her mocking smile vanished. “Really?” She sounded as though that was the weirdest thing ever. “What did you do before you bought into this club, then?”

  “This isn’t the only club around.” Thank fuck the music made it impossible for anyone to overhear their conversation.

  She frowned. “But you don’t mean you always use the clubs, do you? Not every single time.”

  “That’s exactly what I mean.” No chance of anything getting personal that way.

  “But that’s—” She bit off her words and blinked. “How do you know the women you pick up wherever are even into all this?”

  He’d never had this kind of conversation before. That’s what happens when you cross the line from friends to lovers. He wasn’t complaining. Being with her was worth it.

  It was just hard to talk about.

  “I don’t pick up women wherever. I meet them in the clubs.” That way there was no misunderstanding between them. They knew the score from the start.

  It’d worked for him for the last seven years.

  She didn’t look as though any part of it worked for her. “Every single time? You never just hook up at a regular party or something?”

  Last time he’d hooked up at a regular party had been the night Ella kissed him. Fucking disaster that’d been. Not that the girl he’d fallen into a spare bedroom with had minded being tied up. She just hadn’t wanted to let him go afterward.

  When he made it clear it was a one night thing, she’d run her mouth off to half the neighborhood. Some guys might’ve liked the backlash of attention he’d received after that. His friend Dale certainly had. But he didn’t want a succession of giggly girls using him just so they could go back and whisper about him with their friends.

  Made him feel like a freak. The neighborhood had enough gossip when it came to him and his family without adding more. By the time he met Lisa and Pete he was close to becoming a monk.

  “What’s the matter? You surprised I can control my sex drive?”

  She pouted. He focused on her mouth. The things I’m going to make you do with your mouth… “I just didn’t know, that’s all. I thought you picked up women the same as J and Coop.”

  “Not my thing.” He grinned at the expression on her face. Obviously she was reassessing all the times she’d called him a man whore. “I like a woman who knows what she’s getting into.”

  “Hmm. I didn’t. And you didn’t seem to mind.”

  He shrugged. “You’re different.” She was Ella. She might’ve let him believe she was used to all this, but he’d known from the second he’d asked her here none of the usual rules applied. It’s not going to be a problem.

  “Different how? In a good way?” Her familiar mocking smile was back, but there was something different about it. He couldn’t quite figure it out.

  “Yeah, in a good way.” We’re still holding hands. Instead of releasing her, he gave her fingers a squeeze. “You know me. You’re not going to have a meltdown when I don’t call you the next day. You understand what this is.” Because you know this is all I can give.

  Chapter Nine

  Ella stared into Alex’s gorgeous brown eyes and managed not to let her smile slip. You understand what this is. Well, she sure as shit did now.

  Sex. That’s all.

  It had only ever been about the sex. Why am I hurt? He’d never asked her out on a proper date. Even if she’d fooled herself that going to Excalibur counted as one.

  No wonder he hadn’t wanted to go for something to eat with her before coming here.

  You’re different.

  She’d hang onto that. It might just be sex for him now, but she could work with that. No way was she giving up on him yet. Not when she’d finally got him where she wanted.

  Almost where I want him. A four poster wasn’t a bad alternative to her own bed.

  She picked up the bottle of water he’d ordered for her and took a long swallow. No way did she want to talk about his insensitive view of whatever it was they had together. Change the subject.

  “Lisa and Pete have kids, then?” Then again, why wouldn’t they? They were about fifteen years older than Alex and according to her covert research had been together for nearly twenty years.

  “Four. And two dogs. You’d probably get on well with them.”

  “What, the animals or the people?” She shot him another of her smiles so he wouldn’t guess she was still smarting over his comment. Stop being such a drama queen.

  He laughed. “You always get on with animals. I’m talking about the people. Lisa’s dog mad.”

  She was more of a cat person herself. But whatever. “You inviting me to a foursome get-together then?” That came out wrong…

  His face seemed to freeze. She gave a silent sigh. She hadn’t meant to back him into a corner.

  “I’m joking.” And then she couldn’t help herself. “Don’t have a meltdown.”

  He didn’t answer right away. Then he leaned toward her and his subtle cologne made her dizzy. He’s going to kiss me…

  “I need to get you alone. Come here.” He tugged her to his side as he made his way across the dance floor. She clutched her bottle and tried not to fall off her damn heels. These shoes weren’t made for running.

  He pulled up short outside the same room they’d used the other night. “Are you ready?”

  Of course she was ready. She almost told him that, when the real meaning behind his question hit her.

  Shivers prickled over her skin. Am I ready to submit?

  Oh my God, yes. Wasn’t she just.

  “Yes, sir.” It came out all breathless, but by the way his jaw tightened that was clearly a good thing.

  The room looked exactly the way it had before. Except for one thing.

  She stared at the ceiling. It was no longer hidden by silvery drapes. “It’s made of glass.”

  Not just made of glass. It looked like there was a viewing gallery up there. Anyone could look down and watch them. Her stomach fluttered and her hands were suddenly clammy. Is this something I want?

  She didn’t know. Her brain had stalled. But her body didn’t care. She was already wet.

  He bit out a curse and released her hand. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll close it.” He went to a panel by the door and flipped a switch. The drapes drew together, hiding the curious glances from above.

  “Wow. That’s kind of…” Her voice trailed away. She’d never fantasized about having sex in public. Wasn’t her thing. But just for a second there, if Alex had insisted, would she really have said no?

  “Too extreme for you.” He flashed her an irresistible smile and she had her answer.

  I’d try anything with you.

  “I’m not going to let anyone else see you.” He cradled her face, and she had a hard time keeping her hands to herself. “Something else you need to know. While we’re seeing each other like this, it’s excl
usive. You understand? I’m not sharing you with anyone.”

  She damn near melted all over his shoes. Don’t let him see how bad you’ve got it. “I guess I could think about it.”

  “It’s non-negotiable.”

  So much for thinking about it. As if she really needed to. “Does that work both ways?”

  He frowned, as though her question didn’t make sense, and for a second she thought he wasn’t going to answer her. “Do we have a problem?”

  God, no. He didn’t want her to see any other guy while they were together. He might not have a clue when it came to dating and relationships, but she sure wasn’t going to throw this back in his face.

  “No.” Would he really mind if I give him a big hug? But they were in this room now, and everything changed once he shut that door.

  Anticipation shivered along her spine.

  “Good.” His smile verged on predatory. Shock splintered through her.

  I’ve never seen him smile like that before.

  He slowly pulled something silky and black from his pocket. “Turn around, Ella.”

  She eyed the blindfold. It was one thing being tied up. It was something else when she wouldn’t be able to see what was going on.

  “Do you trust me?” His voice dripped danger and sin.

  Her mouth dried and she licked her lips. “Yes.” She sounded hoarse. “But—”

  “Do you want to end this?”

  She took a deep breath. Before he’d first brought her into this room he’d really only given her one rule. Trust me. She could do that. “No, I don’t.”

  “Then turn around.”

  Slowly she obeyed. It was crazy how much of a turn-on his orders were. Even when his order pushed her way outside her comfort zone. I’m really not sure about this whole blindfold thing…

  He slid the material across her eyes. It was silky soft, and the faintest hint of his cologne teased her senses. She gripped her hands together and forced herself to keep breathing.

  I can’t see… Panic swirled low in her stomach.

  “Ella.” His whisper brushed against her ear as his hands curved over her shoulders. She braced her muscles, refusing to let the panic surface.

  He’ll never hurt me. But it was still an effort not to rip the blindfold off.

  His thumbs massaged her in a lazy caress. Slowly her tension eased and he slid his palms along the length of her arms, down to her wrists, then up to her neck.

  It was strangely relaxing.

  “How you feeling?” His voice was dark and sexy and, without her vision, seemed to fill her world.

  “Okay.” I sound like a frog.

  His fingers played magic over the back of her neck. Her nipples pebbled and she stirred restlessly. As though he had all the time in the world he tugged her zipper down from her neck to her butt. She let out a ragged breath. It was the hardest thing ever standing still.

  Is he looking at me? Has he moved away? What the fuck’s he doing?

  One finger traced the length of her spine. She shuddered and gripped her hands tighter before she was tempted to swing around and crush herself against him.

  He slowly slid her dress over her shoulders and along her arms. She unlaced her fingers and he pulled her sleeves over her wrists until the dress fell at her feet.

  It was unnerving being in the dark. She wrapped her arms around her waist. He pressed his body against her back, solid and warm, and unhurriedly eased her hands to her thighs.

  “Gorgeous.” His husky whisper did nothing to calm her racing heart. “Your body’s perfect, you know that.” It wasn’t a question. She sure wasn’t going to argue with him, even though there were at least a million things wrong with her body.

  Her insides melted a little more.

  “Step out of your dress.” His fingers threaded through hers, a comforting anchor. Gingerly she lifted one foot and side stepped, leaning on him even though she didn’t really need to.

  “Can I turn round now?” Why can’t I sound all sexy and sultry?

  “No. I like you just the way you are right now.”

  But I want to see you. Her fingers twitched, and his hold on her tightened.

  “Alex—”

  He kissed her behind her ear, light little kisses that sent shivers of need racing over her naked skin.

  “I don’t want to punish you.” His lips teased her earlobe and his threat sounded more like a wicked promise. “But I will if you don’t obey me.”

  It was a good thing he still held onto her. She would’ve slid to the floor and hugged his ankles otherwise. “Sorry, sir.” Funny how easy it is to say that in here. She’d choke if she had to call him sir anywhere else.

  He smiled against her throat, and she arched into him. Kisses had never been so freaking hot before. With practiced ease he unhooked her bra and then cupped her aching breasts.

  “Do you like it when I pinch your nipples?”

  “Uh.” The blindfold didn’t matter anymore. Her eyes were squeezed shut. “Yeah.” If he keeps this up I’m going to come.

  He didn’t seem to care that she couldn’t keep still. She wriggled her ass, and his erection ground against her, a solid length of pure torture. When he finally hooked his thumbs into her thong and inched it down her legs, she whimpered in relief.

  His firm hand gripped each ankle in turn as she stepped out of her thong. I’m naked. She fought the urge to cover her sex. There was no one but Alex in here with her. And he was behind her.

  “Turn around.” She shuffled on her heels, and he took her hands and pressed her palms against his chest. “Strip me.”

  She clutched at his shirt. Obviously he had no intention of taking the blindfold off her. The first time I undress you and I can’t even see what I’m doing? It was strangely enthralling.

  His smattering of chest hair tickled her fingertips as she navigated her way to his first button. She fumbled, and heat seared through her. He’ll think I’m an idiot. “Never done this before.”

  “You’re doing great.” Tension wound through each word. “I like that you’ve never done any of this before. You’re a quick learner.”

  The first button popped open. He probably thought she meant undressing a guy while blindfolded. Truth was, she’d never undressed a man before. They’d never expected it and she certainly hadn’t offered.

  The next button slid free with barely a thought.

  “Wish I could see you.” Her voice was uneven as she tugged his shirt from his pants. “Can I—?”

  His fingers speared through her hair, forcing her head back. Then his mouth claimed her and his tongue drove every sane thought from her head. When he finally released her she reeled against him, grasping his shirt so she didn’t collapse onto her knees.

  What the…

  “Belt, babe.” At least he sounded as affected by that kiss as she was. “You’re keeping this blindfold on until I take it off you. Understand?”

  She did now. With shaking fingers she undid his belt and then couldn’t resist sliding her palm over his length. He felt so good. She couldn’t wait until—

  His hand grasped her wrist. “Did I say you could touch me?”

  “But it’s so hard.” As the words left her mouth she realized how that sounded and couldn’t stop an insane grin. Is he smiling too?

  “Yeah.” There was a hint of amusement in his voice. “Fucking hard. Never said this was easy. Now get me naked.”

  Chapter Ten

  Alex fisted his hands as he watched Ella inch his pants down his legs. Fucking hard didn’t even come close. The way she bit her lip as she obeyed him was like nothing he’d seen before. And she looked so hot in that blindfold he was having serious problems keeping his hands off her.

  Jesus. Focus. He sucked in a long breath and forced his fists to relax. Her uneven breath against his thighs didn’t help at all.

  She reached his feet. The sight of her on her knees was almost too much, even for him.

  He lifted his foot and she pulled off
his shoe and sock. His fingers were touching her hair before he realized what he was doing.

  No touching until she’s finished.

  Except he wanted to touch her.

  “How am I doing?” She raised her head. Her lips were parted and his dick damn near punched a hole through his briefs.

  “Good.” Sounded like he had something stuck in his throat. “Real good, babe.”

  Her smile transfixed him.

  “I have to pull these off you.”

  He didn’t need to hold her shoulders for balance as she pulled his pants off, but he did anyway. Why the hell not?

  She let out a ragged breath. “I might accidentally touch you on purpose trying to get your briefs off.”

  He laughed before he could stop himself. Why do I want to stop myself anyway? “You do that. Just know there’ll be consequences later.”

  She gave a delicate shudder as she walked her fingers up his thighs. “I’m so scared.”

  “You should be.” He was still smiling down at her. Sex was always great. But it was never this much fun. He pushed that weird thought aside. “I don’t tolerate disobedience.”

  Her smile verged on a smirk as she reached his briefs. “Guess I’m a very bad girl then, huh?”

  To hell with it. He raked his fingers through her hair. How many times have I wanted to do this? “Yeah. Next time I might use a gag instead.”

  She licked her lips. He’d never guessed she possessed a sadistic streak before. “Promises.”

  “Count on it.” He ground the words between his teeth as she hooked her fingers into the band of his briefs and slowly tugged them over his erection. White hot agony shot through him. “Fuck, be careful.”

  She froze. “I’m sorry.” There was no hint of a smile on her face now. She looked mortified. “I didn’t mean—”

  “It’s okay.” He resisted the urge to rip his briefs off, but shit, his balls were being squashed by the elastic. “Just, uh…” Fuck, what was he saying? He couldn’t think straight.

  Her fingers brushed against his length before she found what she was searching for. “Hope I didn’t damage anything.”