Devil's Deal

by Michele Arris

  • • •

  “Your pussy is so sweet; I could lick you for hours.” Lucas nibbled, sucked, and licked, trying his best to maintain focus on pleasing her. She was just so damn good at giving him head, he felt his balls rapidly turning to stones. “Bailey—” He tensed up and locked his mouth on her clit, trying his damnedest not to come. He didn’t want their lovemaking to end too quickly. If she continued swallowing him, that’s exactly what would happen.

  Reaching down, he dislodged his cock from her amazingly skilled, warm, wet mouth. She groaned her disappointment, followed by a loud shrill with her nails sinking into his thighs at the thrust of two fingers inside her. He pressed his tongue flat against her clitoris, ran it back and forth, over and over in time with his quick thrusting fingers until she cried out, “Yes! Yes! Yes! Oh, yes!” and clamped her thighs on the sides of his head as her body quaked for long seconds. He loved how expressive she was in bed, unabashed in letting him know how well he pleased her.

  Withdrawing his fingers, he slowed his tongue to aid her descent. Her legs went limp at his shoulders as he lapped up her honey, then rolled her to her back, and kissed his way up her body to settle between her thighs.

  A fine sheen covered her skin, her breathing was ragged, and her eyes were glassy and heavy, looking completely satiated.

  He brought her arms above her head, twined their fingers, and took possession of her mouth as he entered her wet pussy slow and easy. They began moving together in their familiar choreographed tempo.

  “Don’t ever leave me,” he whispered through kisses.

  “Never, Lucas.” She reassuringly squeezed their entwined fingers as her knees came up and her inner muscles greedily clenched and relaxed around his cock.

  The temperature from their joining rose so hot that their limbs were drenched in sweat, easily gliding wet skin to skin.

  She kept pace with his rocking, rotating, and thrusting until his body delivered a fierce jerk, and he called out her name as he filled her full of his hot seed.

  Breathless, he buried his face in her hair at the side of her neck and kissed her moist skin, loving her. She slipped her hands free from his to stroke his back as she continued her slow rocking until her inner walls’ throbbing finally stopped. Their lovemaking seemed to get better and better with each joining.

  “I love you,” she voiced softly.

  “I needed to hear that.” Lucas rolled to his side and brought her with him. He tucked strands of hair behind her ear and brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers as he asked, “Will you come with me to California?” He loved her so much and was completely unprepared for the power she had over him. “Say you’ll come with me, love?”

  There was a slight hesitation before she gave him a nod.

  “We’ll rest a bit before we meet Sienna for dinner. Woman, you wear me out.”

  She gasped. “I wear you out?” He kissed the smirk on her lips and then slipped free of her body to retrieve the remote from the nightstand. The blackout blinds between the double-pane-glass windows lowered. He brought up the light coverlet from the foot of the bed and draped it over them. Exhausted, he sighed in complete contentment as he drew her tight within the curve of his body and buried his face in her curls, easily drifting off to sleep.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Bailey awoke to the weight of a heavy arm and leg strung across her body. She needed to pee. A glance at the clock on the nightstand showed they’d been in bed about two hours.

  Earlier, she’d tried to rise to go to the bathroom, but Lucas grumbled something in his sleep amid pulling her tighter within the shelter of his brawny frame. Now her bladder felt ready to burst at any second.

  Shifting, she felt the stickiness between her thighs from the runoff of his semen. That brought to mind the baby issue that still had yet to be revealed.

  Trying her best not to wake him, she lifted his arm off her breasts and carefully brought it down to the bed, then got free of his leg, eased over slowly, and quietly started to rise.

  “Where are you going?” he asked sleepily.

  She retrieved the remote to bring up a little light in the room and looked over her shoulder at him. His eyes were still closed. “To the bathroom,” she answered. As she got up, he nodded and rolled over to his side. There weren’t very many places she could go.

  His confining, yet lovingly warm cuddle was another reason why she couldn’t sleep. Every time she moved, he would mumble something incoherent and tighten his hold on her. It was as if he thought she might get up and walk out the door.

  Returning from the bathroom, the moment she got underneath the blanket, he rolled over and pulled her back into his grasp. Oh well. This is how it would be.

  Shifting around within her confined cocoon to get comfortable as best she could, she closed her eyes and tried to silence her brain on the baby issue once again. After thirty minutes of staring out over the room, she decided that now was as good a time as any to tell him she was pregnant. Only then, after getting it out in the open, and accepting the fact that he wouldn’t be thrilled by the news, at the very least, she’d be able to free herself from the stress of it.

  She noticed the way his long dark lashes fanned his closed lids. His lips were slightly parted where his light snoring blew warm air across her face. His expression was so serene; she was almost jealous.

  Here it goes. Releasing a quiet breath to brace herself, she spoke softly, “Lucas?” He didn’t budge. She tried again, raising her voice a tad, “Lucas?”

  “Hmm?”

  His eyes were still closed, and his deep breathing sawed in and out through his nose.

  Spit it out. Looking up at the ceiling, she said, “I’m pregnant,” to which he again droned out a breath. Taking a peek at him out of the corner of her eye, she knew he was still asleep. She brought her eyes back to the ceiling, lightly cleared her throat, and said again with a slightly raised timbre, “I’m pregnant.” His deep breathing suddenly stopped. Anxiously, she waited through several racing heartbeats and received no response. Slowly, her head turned and faced his eyes—opened wide, unblinking, staring back at her. She swallowed hard.

  “You’re on the pill.”

  His eyes were fixed on her face. She shook her head and swallowed even harder in order to speak, but her throat locked up on her.

  He rolled to his back, stretched, and relaxed his right arm above his head. “So you weren’t honest with me.” His head turned to her, and she looked away. “You can’t know you’re pregnant already. It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours since we started having sex without a condom.”

  “Technically, I didn’t lie. I’m four weeks late ... well, five now. I took a second pregnancy test the morning you came to my home,” she explained, and he turned his head to her, giving her a puzzled stare. “We didn’t use a condom in the shower, remember?” Silence. Her heart fell to her stomach.

  “Pregnant,” he mumbled through a deep exhale with eyes fixed on the ceiling.

  “I’m not looking for anything from you.” Bailey told herself she wouldn’t cry. She knew this wasn’t something he wanted. A tear rolled out anyway. “I have everything under control.” Not really. His head jerked to her, and she looked away again, not wanting him to see the tears in her eyes. “I thought you had a right to know.”

  “What do you mean you’re not looking for anything from me? You just told me you’re carrying my child.”

  “I have it worked out. I plan to find another job, and I’ll find a sitter so that I can continue on at Nuagé.” She tried to subtly wipe her face by rubbing it against the pillow. “I’m okay.” There was nothing else to say, except that her heart hurt.

  “You’re not working at Nuagé or anywhere else for that matter. Until our baby is born, you’re going to rest and concentrate on staying healthy. That will be your sole job. Afterward, we can discuss whether you should return to work. Frankly, leaving our baby with a sitter at a young age isn’t wise.”

  “It�
��s done all the time. Babies aren’t cheap. Not to mention, I have to maintain my other obligations.”

  “I settled your student loans,” he said.

  Bailey’s head swung to him. “What? You ... how did ...” She was utterly befuddled. Good heavens! The man had essentially set her debt free. “How?”

  “It’s been taken care of. Your car by the way has been fully restored. I suggest you donate it. You’ll need something bigger for the baby. Take the Bentley or get whatever you like. And to argue that you don’t want my money would be a moot point, since you can’t change any of it. Now your primary focus is our baby.” He rubbed his hand over his growing five o’clock shadow in thought. “Maybe a driver.” He nodded. “Yes, that would be best. I’ll speak to Isaac. He may know someone reliable.”

  Bailey simply stared at him as he worked the matter out with himself. There was nothing she could say to that.

  “You’re okay with this? The baby?”

  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheek; a thumb swiped at the wetness beneath her eyes. “I’ll admit it was a bit of a surprise, but don’t think for one second that I’m not happy that you’re carrying my child.”

  “You said you don’t like kids. I saw how you recoiled at the mere sight of those children on the Mall.”

  “I said no such thing, and they weren’t my kids. It feels different with it being my flesh and blood, my child. I want a girl,” he blurted, eyes bright, a wide stretch of straight white teeth.

  She laughed. “You can’t order a girl like some take-out.”

  “I know, but I want our first to be a girl that looks exactly like her mother. You were a beautiful baby.” At her perplexed look, he explained, “The baby pictures at your home.”

  “What if it’s a boy?”

  “I’ll love him, and we’d try again.”

  “Again?” Bailey’s eyes about popped out of her head. She was still trying to come to terms with the one growing inside her, and he was casually talking about having another one.

  “Uh, let’s get through the birthing of this one—girl or boy.” He shrugged, and she pulled out of his arms to get him to release her breast that he was now sucking. “I doubt your mother would be thrilled by the news.”

  “It would be her loss if she chooses not to be a part of her grandchild’s life. Do your parents know?”

  “I sprung it on them before I came to you. My mom seemed okay, but my dad, not so much.”

  “No surprise. Your mother told him I was your boyfriend. He wasn’t pleased by that.”

  “Only because he figured I wouldn’t stay in Darlington if we’re together. It wasn’t because you’re white, if that’s what you’re thinking.” He gave her a disagreeable look. “Trust me, your race had nothing to do with it.”

  “If you say so.” He didn’t look at all convinced.

  “So, you’re okay with this? Really?” Bailey studied him closely, looking for any sign of reservation.

  “The woman I’m in love with is having my first child!” His sudden shout out startled her, the boom bouncing off the walls like an antenna net, and then began tickling her. “She’s having my baby!” he sang out. His joy over the news filled her full with relief and happiness.

  Bailey squirmed to escape his hands, screeching with laughter. “Okay, I believe you!”

  Sobering, his loving gaze set upon her. “How could I not be okay with it?” Gentle kisses grazed her stomach. “Your fate is sealed, Miss Walters. You’re stuck with me now. Let’s celebrate.” He grinned, a floppy wide grin as he settled between her legs.

  “It’s more like you’re stuck with me.” Receiving his thick member, Bailey focused on relaxing her inner muscles to allow her body to stretch around his tremendous girth.

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love you, Bailey.” He pushed up, seating his cock fully, and began making love to her.

  Framing his face in her hands, she clenched her channel, holding him tight. “I love you, too, Lucas. Always.”

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  “Sorry we’re late. Girl, I’ve missed you.” Sienna came around the dinner table to Bailey, both ladies hugging tight.

  “I’ve missed you, too. It feels like forever. And what do you mean by we?” Bailey asked.

  “Gavin’s been here in New York with me.”

  Bailey gave her a long look, then she smiled. “You two—” Her friend’s hand came up, palm out.

  “No.” Getting a questioning look, Sienna made clear, “I seemed to be stumbling over him everywhere I go. He’s been at my art showing the entire week.”

  “And that’s a bad thing, why?” No answer.

  “We would’ve been on time, but I couldn’t pull Gavin off the phone.” They sat down adjacent one another. “I see you have a similar problem. We came upon Lucas standing outside talking on his cell.” Sienna sat back for the waiter to fill her water glass. “Thank you,” she told him, and Bailey did the same. When he moved on, she continued, “Gavin’s with Lucas now. There’s some sort of problem or something with a deal they’re working on.”

  “Yes, I know. Lucas works constantly. I guess that will change if he’ll be as involved with the baby as he claims.” Bailey smirked and took a sip of water while eyeing Sienna over the rim.

  Sienna frowned. “What baby?” At Bailey’s nod and gleeful grin, she jumped up and hugged her tight again. “Oh my God!”

  “Sie, you’re squeezing me.”

  “Oh, sorry. Did I hurt the baby?” Sienna stroked her shoulders.

  Chuckling, they sat down. “No, we’re good. I took the test a few days ago. I’m still digesting the fact of it myself.”

  “And Lucas? How did he take it?”

  “Surprisingly good. I was really afraid he’d freak out. I expected that he would own up and support it, but I never dreamed he’d want to share the responsibility in its full sense. He wants me to move in with him.”

  “Girl, do it. I’ll miss you like crazy, but you two will be a family.” A warm hand embraced hers that rested on the table, giving it a light squeeze. “Bails, he loves you and wants you and his child in his life. Don’t pass that up. I’m so happy for you.”

  Bailey palmed her other hand atop that earnest hand. “Thank you.” Wanting to delve more into the previous topic, she asked, “So you don’t see anything happening between you and Gavin? As you would say, he’s a hottie.” Bailey grinned.

  A heavy sigh. “You’ll get no argument here.”

  “Then what’s the problem? He obviously likes you.” She tilted her head, studying her best friend. “Sie, talk to me.”

  Their stare held, then finally, Sienna sighed again. “I’m a struggling artist. I have nothing to offer a man like him.”

  “Don’t say that. You have a hell of a lot to offer. You’re beautiful, intelligent, funny, and very talented. He would be lucky to snatch you up.”

  “Well, I’m not giving him the chance. I know my lane, and I don’t need the drama.”

  “Sie, I nearly lost Lucas because I was afraid.” Bailey gripped her hand tight. “Like you told me, think long and hard before you make that decision. You don’t want it to be the wrong one.” They both painted on smiles upon seeing Gavin approaching.

  “Look at him, Bails. He’s so freaking hot,” Sienna murmured out the corner of her mouth. “Even the way he walks with that easy swagger makes my mouth water.”

  “Yep, and he’s yours for the taking,” Bailey murmured back. He claimed the chair directly across from her.

  “Good evening, Bailey. It’s good to see you again.”

  “You as well, Gavin.” Bailey smiled warmly back at his charming grin. “So, did you guys fix the problem with your business deal?”

  “Lucas got it in hand. He settled his gaze upon Sienna. “I’ve missed you, lovely.” A kiss was planted on the back of her hand.

  Sienna rolled her eyes. “You were hardly out of my sight five minutes.”

  “Five minutes too long.” A kiss
on her palm followed.

  She pulled her hand free and subtly pointed a finger. “Who’s that?”

  Bailey followed that weak aim across the restaurant and saw Lucas talking to a tall redhead. She immediately recognized the woman from the Internet picture she’d seen where Lucas’s arm had been intimately tucked around the woman’s waist.

  “Well, Gavin, who is she?” Sienna pushed.

  “Uh, she’s an old acquaintance.” Gavin cleared his throat and took a sip of his water.

  Bailey tried to keep her expression blank, her jealousy contained. The woman had the nerve to walk with Lucas as he made his way to the table. Are you kidding me! Standing but a foot away from her, Miss Redhead cut her eyes down to the table and then back up to Lucas. His forearm was given a light, yet intimate stroking. Seriously!

  “You’ll call me?” the woman asked Lucas.

  Bailey’s raised brows just about reached her hairline at the audacity of this bitch. Both Gavin’s and Sienna’s eyes flashed to her for a reaction.

  Lucas moved to Bailey’s side. His hand went underneath her hair and held her at the nape. Obviously aware of the tension mixed with irritation she felt, his thumb and fingers soothingly massaged up and down as he responded to the woman’s bold request, “My lady here would have a problem with that.”

  That brought a turned-up lip to Miss Redhead’s already snooty expression. Bailey thought the woman’s eyes would pop out of their sockets when Lucas leaned in and kissed her, using his tongue to check her tonsils. Long seconds later, he released her mouth, met her eyes, and ran the pad of his thumb lightly over her lips. “Hmm, I never get enough of these sweet lips of yours,” he uttered in that all-consuming, deep, toe-curling baritone. “Sorry for taking so long, love.” Another quick peck on the mouth was delivered before he took his seat across from Sienna with Miss Redhead still standing awkwardly beside the table.