by Marie Tuhart
“So, it’s all my fault?” His features closed down, and she fought against a sigh. She didn’t want him to retreat into his non-emotional state.
“No. I have to accept some of the blame.” She slipped an arm around his neck, not wanting to lose contact. “You’ve always seemed to know what I was feeling, and I forgot somewhere along the line that you can’t read my mind.”
Adam relaxed and encircled her with his arms. “Every time we started talking, all we did was fight. Words aren’t always the best way to communicate.”
Nicki resisted the urge to sink against his body and soak up his warmth. “Without them, our relationship is worthless.”
His head snapped back, and he stared down at her. “I can communicate without words. I don’t want to argue all the time. It gets us nowhere.” He released her and surged to his feet.
“Adam.” She reached for his hand. He was closing up on her again. She fought back her frustration. He was trying. They were communicating, learning, and finding their footing as a couple once again. Their relationship wasn’t going to be fixed in one conversation. “We’re going to need to talk this through, find ways to communicate. And get to the bottom of your issues.”
“My issues?” His eyes narrowed, and he pulled away. “Why is it always about my issues?”
“Adam, what happened in the car? You were having a panic attack. What was going on?”
His expression closed, his eyebrows drawing together, anger…or was it fear pouring from constricted eyes? Her heart sped, but slowly his expression softened.
“Let’s walk.” He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. With a hand on her back, he guided her onto the garden path.
Maybe confronting him would start him talking, and they could get beyond the issues she felt lay at the core of their problems. Because if they couldn’t work them out, then she would have no choice but to bid Adam goodbye. Her breath caught in her throat at the thought.
****
Adam forced himself to walk at a normal pace even though every muscle in his body was screaming at him to run. And run fast. Emotions crowded his brain and his heart. He’d fought too long and hard to keep his emotions hidden. Now, they threatened to overwhelm him. All because of the woman at his side.
She had a way of getting under his skin and making him feel things he didn’t want to feel. He’d learned early on to keep his emotions hidden or suffer the consequences. His father had made sure of that. Oh, not physically, but mentally. Words had the power to hurt, and sometimes, their impact was worse than a physical blow. The mere thought of talking to her yesterday…he’d had to pull over and get a grip. Say the wrong thing and love walks out the door. It was easier to bottle up or be the one to walk away than risk being the one abandoned with his heart on his sleeve.
But Nicki was right. They had to communicate in some way. He’d find a way, but not now. Not today. Today, he wanted to savor being with her again.
Her stomach growled, and he hid a smile.
“I’m getting hungry. What about you?” he asked.
“A little,” she answered.
“Let’s go see what the restaurant has to offer.” He tugged her in the direction of the hotel.
Nicki dragged her feet. “I was hoping…”
“For what?” He gazed down at her. Her eyes were bluer than the sky, making him want to bury himself in their depths and never surface.
“Maybe we could have room service.” Her cheeks turned pink.
Adam smiled. “Wonderful idea.”
“Hey—” She gave him a playful punch on the arm. “Not just for that. I was also hoping we’d talk.”
He gave a curt nod. This wasn’t going to be easy.
****
Later that afternoon, Adam softly closed the door and glanced over at the bed. Good, Nicki was still asleep. He juggled the items in his hand, being careful as he set the vase of flowers on the table.
He arranged his gifts the way he wanted and snuck over to the bed and placed a light kiss on her cheek. She stirred but didn’t waken. He fought the urge to climb into bed and wake her the proper way, but he held himself back. He would wait.
Adam wanted tonight to be special, a way for them to start over. He was going to do everything in his power to keep Nicki this time, no matter the cost to him. With another glance, he slipped out of the room. He had plans to make.
Tonight, he’d show Nicki just how much he loved her with his actions. Words were cheap and could come later. Much later.
At seven, he paced around the lobby of the hotel. Would Nicki show up? Where was his famed confidence? It had deserted him the second the clock ticked to a minute after seven. He’d asked Nicki to meet him at seven sharp. So far, she was a no show.
He’d give her two more minutes. If she wouldn’t come to him, then he’d go to her. He took a step toward the elevator when the doors pinged and opened.
Nicki floated out of the elevator, and his heart skipped a beat. He’d known the dress he left for her would bring out her natural elegance, but he had never expected this vision.
The pale-pink chiffon floated around her long legs, and the lacy bodice clung to her generous breasts. She wore the single gold chain around her neck that held her rings. He couldn’t wait until he could remove the rings from the chain and put them back on her finger where they belonged.
Adam stepped forward when Nicki hesitated outside the elevator. “You are so beautiful.” But beautiful wasn’t the right word. She looked like a goddess.
“Thank you.” Color filled her cheeks. “You look handsome.”
“Thank you, my lady.” He gave a slight bow and held out his arm for her. He didn’t miss the slight trembling of her hand as she slipped it into the crook of his arm. Just like their first date, she seemed to be nervous as he led her into a private dining room.
“Oh, Adam.”
Her soft-spoken words made his hard work worth the effort. He’d convinced the staff to give him the small, private dining room with a table for two. The candles he’d arranged around the room on smaller tables flickered and danced against the walls and windows, creating a soft glow. He had made sure the table was covered with a lacy cloth. Within minutes, the staff would bring in the meal he’d worked out earlier with them.
The flickering illumination twinkled in her hair as they made their way to their table. He wanted to be close to Nicki, so he’d asked for their chairs to be side by side. There wouldn’t be any space between them tonight, physically or emotionally.
“Thank you for the dress,” she said as he held out her chair for her.
“It was made for you.” He slipped onto his chair, took her hand, and brought her palm to his lips. He watched as goose bumps traveled up her arms. “I’ve waited a long time to see you in it.”
She started to speak when the waiter arrived with their salads. Leafy green with lots of shredded carrots, just the way she liked it.
“You remembered.”
“I remember a lot of things.” He released her hand and picked up his fork.
“Like what?” she asked before starting to eat.
Adam swallowed then grinned. “How your eyes would brighten when I walked in the door at night. How ticklish your sides are if I hit the right spot. The sexy groan you make when I clamp your nipples. Your cries of passion when you climax as we make love.”
“Oh.” She set her fork down and tears dampened her eyes.
“No tears.” He brushed the moisture from her cheek with his free hand. “Tonight is not the night for tears.”
She nodded, then blinked several times before picking her fork back up. He made sure to have all her favorite foods—grilled teriyaki chicken, long grain white rice, French-cut green beans, and for dessert, chocolate mousse.
He watched her as she ate. His cock hardened when her teeth closed over the succulent chicken, leaping at the small moans she made as she chewed her food. When her tongue darted out to lick the chocolate from her lips, he damn near came
in his pants.
Lord, he wanted her. He didn’t remember eating, but when he looked down, his plate was empty. Only Nicki could do that to him, make him forget everything but her. He nodded to the waiter as he cleared away the last of the dishes. The silky sounds of a sax belting out a languorous tune filled the room.
“Dance?” He slid out of the chair and held his hand out to her.
Her skin was soft against his when she placed her fingers in his palm. He helped her rise then pulled her into his embrace as they began to sway to the music. His palms rested on the small of her back while she rested her head against his shoulder. Her fingers traveled in a soothing motion over his back. Holding her was sweet torture.
“It’s been so long since we danced,” she whispered.
“Too long.” He tightened his arms around her. “I wouldn’t let myself remember about the times we danced like this.”
“Why not?”
“Because it hurt too much.” Had he admitted to feeling hurt? His mind grappled with how easily the words came.
He glanced down at Nicki. She had a stunned look on her face. She started to pull away, but he tightened his hold. He wanted to tell her so much more, but trepidation clogged his throat. He swallowed. Hard. It didn’t help. Fear began tearing into his heart, leaving it open and exposed. He didn’t like it.
A sniffle brought him back as she cried softly. That was the last thing he wanted to make her do.
“Don’t cry, baby,” he crooned softly against her ear. Why did he always make her cry? Chris and Michael seemed to make her smile so easily. Why couldn’t he do that?
“They’re happy tears.” She lifted her head to gaze at him.
“Happy?”
“Yes, happy.” She brushed a kiss over his lips.
His lips caressed her temple as they continued to sway. His erection pulsed in need with every step. “Do you remember when we danced like this at the Drake’s party? Just us on the dance floor in each other’s arms, swaying to the soft music?” he asked.
“Yes.” Her voice was soft. “I also remember that we barely made it back to the car.”
“The poor car was never the same.”
“Neither was the dress I was wearing.”
Adam chuckled. “I was impatient.”
“Impatient. You ripped the fabric right off of me.” She gave a laugh. “I had to use your dinner jacket to cover myself.” She snuggled closer to him. “Luckily it was just for the drive home.”
“You know what I want to do right now?” He brushed his lips over hers.
“Tell me.”
“I want to lower the zipper on this dress.” His fingers brushed her back. “So I can reveal your luscious breasts. I’d take one nipple into my mouth and suck until it’s hard, then do the same with the other.” He drew in a breath. “You’ll gasp with pleasure. Then I would push the fabric down your body, letting it pool at your feet. You’ll only be dressed in your panties and shoes.”
Her hot breath brushed his ear, but he didn’t stop swaying to the music or talking. “I’d slip off the scrap of lace you’re wearing as panties, then I’d run my fingers over your slit. You’re wet. I’d slip a finger into your pussy, gently caressing until you let out a moan. I’d add a second and third finger, caressing you, stroking you until your knees gave out as you climaxed.”
Her arms tightened around his back, and he almost stopped dancing, but somehow he kept swaying. “Once you floated down off your high, I’d lower you to the floor before I’d undress. Then I’d kneel, push your legs apart, and thrust into your willing pussy.”
“Oh, yes,” she whispered.
“Hard and fast.” He wanted his actions to match his words, but for once, he would show some restraint. He would court her the way she deserved. He breathed out a harsh breath. “But not tonight. I won’t take you on the floor of our private dining room.”
“Why not?”
“I’m trying to reform.”
“Even if I don’t want you to?” Her fingers gripped his ass, squeezing him tight.
“What happened to the shy woman I knew?” He couldn’t believe she squeezed his ass. Although they were virtually alone, Nicki was never aggressive in a public place.
“She went on a long boat ride. This is the new Nicki. The sensual one.” Her hand cupped his straining erection.
“Oh Lord.” He didn’t mind the sexual Nicki. When she traced its length beneath the fabric of his pants, his cock pulsed.
“So strong, so hard.” Her fingers slipped down the waistband of his pants and farther south until she touched his dick.
His mouth found hers, his tongue swept along the seam of her lips, parting them, and she tightened her fingers around his cock. He moaned before breaking the kiss. “You’re killing me.”
“Not my intention.” Her fingers continued to caress him, and he was going to lose it if she wasn’t careful.
“Baby.”
“I love how you feel.” His pants loosened as she freed him, stroking him from balls to cock head and back again. “You’re like warm steel.”
“Sweet Lord. Nicki. Stop.” He captured her wrist, stopping the movement of her hand.
“I want to pleasure you.” Disappointment tinged her voice.
“You please me, all right.” He tugged her hand away from his throbbing cock. “But this isn’t the place.”
“No one is here but us.”
“Anyone can walk in.” He took a deep breath and used his Dom voice. “I just said not here.”
She pulled back from him, her lips pouty, but her eyes bright with desire. “If you insist.” She flounced out of his embrace.
Adam winced as he zipped up his pants. Within three strides, he had Nicki by the waist. “You’re one hell of a woman, Nicole Masters Bainbridge.”
“Damn right.”
“Now, let’s go to our room where we can play to our hearts’ content.”
“Play?” A smile tilted her lips. “Are you going to tie me up again?”
“Among other things.” His Dom side grinned.
“Then let’s go.” Snagging his hand, she pulled him out of the dining room.
Chapter Eight
Nicki could barely contain her excitement as she yanked Adam into the elevator. Anticipation and lust coursed through her veins. During their marriage, they’d experimented a bit with bondage and toys, but because of their jobs, they were very careful. Even last night, he’d untied her right after they made love.
Now, she didn’t want to be careful. She wanted to play. There was something to be said about playing the seductress. Once they reached their room, she used her card key, opened the door, and she flipped on the lights.
The door slid shut, and Adam threw the bolt. A shiver of desire slid up her spine as she turned and faced him. His hands were clenched at his sides. Want, need, and desire were written on his face.
“Would you please unzip me?” She presented her back to him and quivered when his fingers touched her skin. “Thank you for the dress, I love it.”
“I had it made just for you.”
“What?” She twisted her head to the side, trying to see him.
“I saw the concept and asked Sue to make you the dress. I had a slightly different version made for the movie. I didn’t want to see any other woman but you in the original.”
Nicki fought back the tears. He made her feel so cherished, so loved, and it hurt in a good way. The material came loose in her hands. Carefully, she stripped off the dress and hung it up before taking off her shoes. She returned to Adam in her panties and nothing else.
“I’m yours,” she whispered, lowering her gaze to the floor.
“All mine,” he said, his lips brushing against her lips. “Go get on the bed.”
Nicki padded over to the big king bed, climbed onto the mattress, and settled herself in the middle of the bed. Her pussy tingled with excitement and wetness dampened her panties.
Adam nodded, then went to the dresser and opened
a drawer. She fought against wiggling on the mattress when he turned back around with several lengths of rope in his hand.
“Arms over your head.”
Nicki did as ordered. He twisted the rope and looped it over each wrist as he’d done the night before. But this time, he used quick release knots. He secured the rope to the headboard. When he finished, he stood up and stared at her. She squirmed on the mattress as his gaze caressed her body. Excitement sent a shock wave over her skin, sensitizing every inch of her; she loved it when he bound her for his pleasure.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispered. His hands went to his shirt. Within a minute, he was naked, his cock hard and bouncing from a nest of dark curls.
She licked her lips. Oh, she wanted to taste his saltiness and his spice. But Adam positioned himself at the end of the bed. Her first instinct was to close her legs, but this was her husband. The man she wanted more than anything. He reached up and slid her panties down her legs and dropped them onto the floor.
“Long, gorgeous legs.” He crawled between them, pushing her knees farther apart before putting them on each shoulder. “Mine,” he said, before lowering his head to her pussy.
Her back arched when his tongue swirled around her clit before plunging into her wetness. She couldn’t help herself as she bucked against his mouth. Lord, this man knew how to use his tongue and lips. His hands grasped her hips to hold her still as he continued his wicked assault with his lips and tongue.
Nicki couldn’t catch her breath. Each swipe of his tongue brought her closer to the edge. His slightly rough tongue sent shivers of pleasure through her, making her core tighten and her nipples ache. She wanted to touch her breasts, to pinch her nipples, to give her that extra bit of pleasure, but her hands were tied.
His tongue danced over her clit. Her stomach tightened. She was close, her climax rising fast. Out of nowhere, her orgasm hit.
Adam’s head rose. He licked his lips and smiled at her. “Sweet as cream and as addicting as cotton candy.” He kissed her stomach and between her breasts before his lips closed over right nipple. He maneuvered her legs so they slid off his shoulders, but he kept her spread wide as he wedged his body against hers.
