by Lynn Burke
“It’s a little more than that.” I stared at the ladies’ room, willing the girls to return.
“Since when?”
“The first time I saw her.”
“She was what?” Bastian asked. “Thirteen?”
“Yeah.”
“Which would have made you twenty-three,” Zane said. “Even I’m not that sick.”
Bastian shook his head. “You’re doomed.”
I focused on my little brother. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
He shrugged. “You know as well as I that Papa will never allow it.”
“I no longer give a shit about what Papa will or won’t allow.” Chin lifted, I stood to my full height. “I’m my own man and I’m going to take from this life whatever the hell I want.”
Both of my brothers’ jaws unhinged.
“Yes.” I narrowed my gaze. “The good son has finally grown a pair.”
It took a few seconds, but Zane clasped my shoulder. “Good for you, Cole.”
“Does Gwen know?” Bastian asked, eyes still widened by my declaration.
The ladies’ door opened, and the giggling girls tumbled out, Gwen at the party’s rear, unsmiling.
My heart sped. “Yes. She knows.”
Gwen stayed beside Lia on the far side of the room without glancing our way.
“Doesn’t seem too interested if you ask me,” Zane observed.
“Something I’m going to take care of.”
Both brothers’ wishes for good luck followed me as I moved toward Gwen.
She caught a glance of my purposeful stride, and her head flitted side to side like a scared rabbit looking for a place to hide. Her focus returned to me, and she backed away from Lia until she pressed against the bathroom door.
Lips pursed and shoulders wilting, she stared until I came to a stop less than a foot away from her hideous, puffed-out dress. “What do you want?” she asked, her breathless voice twitching my cock.
“I need to talk to you.”
She glanced around my left shoulder toward Lia. “No. You don’t.”
The desire to touch her swelled, and I grasped her elbow, my thumb rubbing the sensitive skin inside. Her breath hitched, but she didn’t pull away.
“How much did you overhear, Gwen?”
Wetness coated her eyes, knifing me in the gut. “Every word,” she whispered.
Fuck. I trembled with the need to punch something. “My father doesn’t know what’s best for me,” I ground out.
Lips quivering, her mouth opened.
“All right, it’s time for the introductions!” The wedding planner’s voice quieted the room, and I growled beneath my breath.
Reluctantly, I released her arm. “We’ll talk later.”
Gwen cleared her throat and straightened her shoulders. “There’s nothing to say, Cole.” She stepped past me and left me staring at the bathroom door.
****
Lia smeared cake all over Ryan’s face, drawing a chuckle from me. I grinned and wrapped my arms around my brothers when the photographer motioned us together and lifted his camera.
Throughout it all, my stomach felt like lead, hard and heavy, as I barely absorbed a thing. Dinner passed without my realizing what I ate.
Gwen stayed by Lia’s side whenever possible, her pained smile twisting my gut.
The few times I glanced at my father, the desire to smash something intensified. How did he not see the beauty of her free spirit? As a businessman, how could he not appreciate a person speaking their mind for a change?
As soon as the dance floor opened, I approached Gwen from behind so she couldn’t flee. I grasped her elbow again, and leaned down. “Dance with me,” I whispered in her ear.
She shook her head.
I nipped her lobe and drew it into my mouth. “I wasn’t asking a question.” Arm firmly clasped in my hand, I led her toward the other entwined couples.
“Don’t,” she hissed.
Ignoring her, I spun her around and pulled her against me—thigh to chest. My hand splayed low across her back, pressing her against my swelling cock.
Gwen peered up at me, her eyes wide. “What are you doing?”
“What I want for a change.”
She bit down on her lip, and my balls tightened.
“Finally.” Lia and Ryan swayed beside us, and Lia smiled. “It’s about time you two realize that love isn’t always letting go. Sometimes you have to fight for what you want.”
“Wise wife you have there, Mr. Walsh,” I said, tightening my hold on Gwen’s waist.
Ryan tore his gaze from Lia and grinned. “Hotter than hell, too.” He pulled my sister away, and I looked back down at Gwen.
Cheeks flushed, she stared after them.
“Gwen.”
Blinking, she turned her focus back on me.
My gaze lowered to her mouth, and I lifted my hands to cradle her face. We stopped moving with the music’s beat.
“What are you doing?” Her voice escaped in a ragged whisper.
“What I should have done a long time ago.”
She swallowed. “What’s that?”
“Letting the world know you’re mine.” I crushed my mouth to hers.
Gwen
My brain exploded as my body flared to life. Cole tasted of champagne and his unique flavor that haunted my dreams.
Fight for what you want.
Lia’s words still rang in my ears, lighting hope within me, but I didn’t give in to my desire to ravage Cole.
I pressed a hand against his chest. “Don’t,” I gasped the second space opened between our mouths.
Cole pulled back. Pupils dilated, and close enough his heavy breaths caressed my face, he peered down at me.
“Your father…”
“I don’t give a shit about my father.” His hands dropped from my cheeks to my waist. “You heard what my sister said.”
“This isn’t the time or day to cause a problem, Cole.” I glanced over to where Mr. Risso stood. Dark eyes glared at us, and it appeared his wife’s firm grasp on his arm was the only thing keeping his tense body from striding toward us. She leaned up to speak in his ear. While he still glowered, his shoulders relaxed.
Mrs. Risso turned a kind smile our way.
“I’m not going another day without you beside me, Gwen.” Cole’s grip tightened as he pulled me flush against him once more.
Although his parents looked on, heat swept from my toes to my head, hunger’s tongue licking at my clit and nipples on its way. I tilted my head back and focused on Cole’s blue eyes, clenching my hands into fists to keep from stroking the erection pressed against my stomach.
“Are you willing to fight for me?”
“Yes,” I whispered. And God forgive me if the Risso family is torn apart by my choice.
A slow grin lifted Cole’s lips. “Come home with me tonight.”
In my mind, I sprawled on his bed as he feasted between my thighs. Back arching, I opened my mouth to scream out his name.
Desire pulled the moisture from my throat and soaked my panties. I tried to swallow. “But Lia and Ryan haven’t left yet.”
“After.”
“A-All right.”
His smile widened, and he stepped back, lifting the back of my hand to his lips.
****
Two long damn hours dragged by. Cole kept his hands and cock to himself, but I craved both. Salivated like a kid with a candy apple.
I didn’t want to cause a ruckus at Lia’s reception, but I couldn’t keep my gaze off him. The black tuxedo jacket spanned his wide shoulders, and the tie brought all kinds of naughty thoughts to mind.
Being tied to his bed. Blindfolded and at his mercy.
Tying him to the bed and licking every inch of his body.
Guests started leaving, and I went to the ladies’ room to wipe the wetness from my panties. Back in the hall, I sat at the head table, legs crossed. Lia and Ryan circled the room, offering final goodbyes, while I fidgeted on m
y chair. Cole stood at the back of the room with his brothers, his unwavering gaze fixed on me.
Soon.
****
We followed the bride and groom to their limo. Cole hovered by my elbow, sending delicious shivers down my spine. The second the limo passed from sight, he laced his fingers through mine and tugged me away from the group of people.
Without pause or thought, I allowed him to lead me.
“I dropped off my car earlier today,” Cole fished keys from his pocket, “because nothing was going to stop me from taking you home tonight.”
“What if I’d said no?” I couldn’t help but ask.
He opened his passenger door. “Then I would have thrown you over my shoulder.”
“How Neanderthal.”
“Get in.” His tone suggested he’d tolerate no argument.
Silent, I slid onto the leather seat.
As soon as he turned out of the parking lot, I reached across and smoothed my hand down his hard length.
He muttered a curse, but didn’t argue as I unbuckled my belt and leaned across the car to undo the damn pants keeping me from his skin.
It took a little shimmying, but his beautiful cock sprang free. Grasping the base, I ran my tongue up the vein and around the swollen head before taking him into my mouth. He groaned, and I swallowed when his long length hit the back of my throat.
Cole grabbed my hair with a hand and tugged. “You need to stop.”
Humming my disapproval, I lifted my head, probed his slit with my tongue and sank back down, loving the salty taste of him.
“Fuck, Gwen.”
His hips rose up to meet me. Once. Twice.
He tightened his hold on my hair and forced my head up. The sting on my scalp sent a shot of lust through my clit. I licked my lips and smiled.
Fire filled his eyes. “You can’t do that while I’m driving.”
“Then pull over.”
He shook his head and attempted to tuck himself back in the pants. “I’m not coming until you scream my name and your sweet pussy milks me dry.”
Holy shit and heavenly hormones.
“When did you learn to talk dirty, Cole Risso?”
“While dreaming of all the things I wanted to do to your body.”
I reclasped my seat belt and folded my hands on my lap, although my fingers itched to wander across the console again. “Can’t this car go any faster?”
A mischievous grin accompanied his downshift.
Silence hung over us, the sexual tension ramping up until I had a hard time not begging him to touch me. I considered letting him in on my little secret—how my body had yet to climax since straddling him in his car three years earlier.
Deciding it might cause too much pressure for him to perform, I kept quiet.
We passed a sign for Newton, and my thoughts turned to his parents who lived a few blocks away. His mother’s smile returned to mind, one I felt sure seemed supportive. While Sal Risso ruled the roost in their home, I hoped his meek little wife might hold some sway over his Italian temper.
“What are you thinking?” Cole asked a short time later.
“That you’re going to have a fight on your hands.”
“I’ve got thirty-six hours before I have to deal with him on Monday morning, but don’t worry.” He placed his hand on my thigh and squeezed. “I’m not going to back down. Regardless of what he says or threatens, I want you with me.”
I parted my thighs, inviting him to find his way under all the tulle.
“Little minx.”
Lowering my eyelids, I shot him a saucy smirk. “You have no idea.” I gathered up my skirt and bunched the material at my waist, offering free access.
His chuckle died as his hand slid up my leg and cupped my pussy. “Take off your panties.”
A quick shimmy, and I dropped the soaked thong at my feet. I tipped my head back against the seat and moaned, lifting my hips toward his fingers as they trailed through my folds. He didn’t penetrate, and when I growled my displeasure, he pulled back his hand.
“Bastard,” I hissed.
Attention on the road, he licked his fingers clean.
My throat went dry.
The car slowed and turned, and I glanced out the windshield to find a three-story brick edifice looming in the moon’s light.
“Good Lord, Cole. This is one hell of a house.”
He ignored me and hopped from the car.
Too impatient to let him be a gentleman, I climbed out and smoothed down my skirt.
Without a word, he grabbed my hand and led me through the door. Dim moonlight filtered through the windows, and I caught a glimpse of stainless steel and marble before Cole lifted me in his arms and attacked my mouth.
I yanked on his short hair, and my legs twined around him as our tongues fucked.
Cole sat me on the island’s cool marble counter and released his hold on my waist. He pulled away, pressing a hand to my chest. “Lay back. I want to taste you.”
Heaving for breath, I obeyed, my body burning for him—his touch.
He held and spread my legs, and when his head lowered, shots of light exploded in my brain. His tongue licked from my ass to my throbbing clit.
“Oh, fuck yeah,” I moaned and fisted my hands in his hair once more.
He wrapped his arms around my thighs, laved and probed.
My legs found their way around his back. No way in hell would my climax be denied. I’d never been so wet, my body humming for release.
He slid two fingers inside of me, and the wave swelled from my stomach to my chest as he nipped on my swollen bud.
“I’m going to come,” I breathed out, willing the ripple to crest.
His fingers curled and stroked, and my world exploded. I arched off the island, screaming my release.
Cole
“More.” Gwen gasped as I slipped my fingers from her clenching pussy.
My cock strained against the tux pants as I offered one last suckle on her clit, and lifted her light weight into my arms.
“I want to feel you inside me, Cole.” She moaned and ripped at my shirt, sending a button flying. Warm hands caressed the skin of my chest, and she growled. “Bed. Now.”
Allowing her to give orders—for a time—I strode across the kitchen and up the stairs.
Her lips clamped on my neck, the sting of her suck sure to leave a mark.
Fuck it.
Once in the bedroom, I tossed her onto my bed. “Don’t move.”
A brow rose with her smirk as she inched her skirt up higher. “What’ll you do if I disobey?”
“Tie you up.” I ripped my tie off.
She slid a finger across her naked pussy.
My balls aching, I stared. “That is so fuckin’ hot, Gwen, but I warned you.”
I’d never gotten kinky with a woman before, but if Gwen wanted to be bound and at my mercy, I was game.
Deciding the tie wasn’t nearly long enough, I pulled another from my closet. Eyes hooded and lips parted, she finger-fucked herself until I knelt before her.
I grabbed her hands, knotted them together, and tied her to the headboard without a fight.
Moonlight shone through the windows, but not enough.
Eyes wide, Gwen focused on me as I flicked on the lights and drew the shades. “I…” She wet her lips. “I’ve never fucked with the lights on before.”
“I want to see your eyes when you come.” I shed the tux jacket and cummerbund, my gaze trailing from her heels up her legs. “Are you on the pill?”
“Yes, and I’m clean, so get your fine ass over here already.”
Not bothering with the laces, I kicked off the shoes. “Do you know how much I’ve longed to see you in my bed?”
Gwen stared, tugging against the ties binding her. “How much?”
“Every night I dream of it.”
“Well, I’m here now, so hurry it up.”
Grinning, I took my time taking off the rest of my clothes, and when I stood at
the bed’s foot and grasped my cock, stroking down its length, Gwen groaned. “Come on already! You’re killing me!”
With a chuckle, I climbed onto the bed between her parted thighs and lowered my weight down, crushing her red dress between our chests. I bit and sucked her lower lip, enjoying the absence of metal.
She squirmed beneath me. “Fuck, Cole. Get this damn dress off me!”
I nibbled my way along her jawbone. “I kinda like this red…crunchy, fluffy stuff.”
“Damn tulle.” She snorted, and I raised my head to watch her eyes while I pressed into her soaked pussy, one slow inch at a time. Her inner walls clamped like a vise as her legs wound around me, and I gritted my teeth to keep from blowing my load.
Pupils dilated, she pulled against her restraints. “More.” She sucked in air, arching her back. “Please.”
I thrust, and she rewarded me with a groan. Our lower bodies meshed together, I wrapped my arms around her, pulled back, and slid forward again. “Fuck, Gwen, you feel better than I remembered.”
Her eyelids fluttered shut, and she tipped her head back, biting on her lower lip. The headboard creaked as she pressed upward against me and yanked on the tie, but it held.
Mine. Mine. Mine.
My mind chanted with each thrust.
Gwen squeezed her thighs tight around me and gasped. “Harder,” she said on a pant. “Fuck me harder, Cole.”
I slowed my pace.
She whimpered, her hips rising to meet me.
I licked her top lip and dipped my tongue inside her sweet mouth. She sucked on me to the point of pain, and I drove forward into her heat, sliding her body along the bed.
Releasing her hold on my tongue, she moaned, her head tossing to the side.
“Look at me.”
She opened her eyes, and a swell of emotion swept through me. Hazel-green eyes, hazed with passion, stared up at me.
I pulled out, the head of my cock teasing her entrance. “I love you, Gwen.”
“Untie me.”
“Tell me you love me.”
Moisture coated her eyes. “I’ve always loved you. Only you. Now untie me so I can touch your skin.”
Once freed, she cradled my face in her hands and drew me down. “Make love to me,” she whispered against my lips.
Grabbing her hips, I slid in deep, giving her all I had—my body, my mind, and my love.
She groaned into my mouth, her fingers grasping the muscles along my spine.
