by Shyla Colt
I grab his cheek. “How are you?”
“Better.”
I search his gaze for the truth. The sadness lingers, but it’s no longer all-consuming.
“Okay, brunch it is.”
“Try lunch.”
“Crap, what time is it?”
“About one o’clock.”
“Ugh.” I rub my eyes. “Bacon, eggs, and toast all right?”
“Sounds amazing. I’ll help.” We put on clothes and walk out to the kitchen. Washing our hands, we work together to make breakfast. Now that I’ve realized I’m head over heels in love with him, what the hell am I going to do about it?
***
“What is it about autumn that makes things so blah?” I ask.
“It can’t have anything to do with your reading material, right?” Zeke taps the cover of my Edgar Allen Poe anthology.
“No. It’s tradition to read his work during Halloween.”
“And you ask me why October brings the blahs on? All this emotional drivel plays a part.”
“Oh, come on, sourpuss.”
He arches an eyebrow. “Careful.”
“Or what? You’ll punish me?” I wiggle my eyebrows up and down.
“I think you’d like it too much for it to really be a punishment.”
I laugh. “Let’s get out of the house for a while.” I bat my lashes.
“What do you want?”
“To visit the Poe grave and see a few other historical sites I haven’t seen in far too long. It’s tradition.” I shrug.
His eyes gleam. “How about a compromise?”
“I’m listening.”
“You try something new, and I’ll do the same.”
“It sounds fair.” His pleased expression makes me wary. “What kind of things?”
He pulls me into his lap. I squeal. “Ones you’ve been teasing me about for weeks.” He rubs my ass. “You like to dangle things in front of me. I think you like being a bit of a brat and trying to push my buttons. It’s time for you to pay up for that.”
I clench my thighs together to relieve the ache.
“Are you ready for that?”
“Yes,” I purr.
He chuckles. “I knew you would be. Lift that dress over your hips and lay across my knee.”
My hands shake as I tug the soft, heather gray sweater dress to my hips and lay as he instructs me.
“Grip my legs there. Good girl.”
I lick my lips in anticipation.
“We’ll start slow. Count off,” he instructs me.
His hand comes down, not too hard, but not soft either. “One.” My voice shakes. He delivers ten blows on one cheek and moves to the other. The sweet sting has wet and me aching.
He cups my pussy through my panties. “Oh, you’re soaked. I knew you’d like it.” He bends down and bites my ass. I squeal and squirm. “Time for me to keep my end of the bargain.”
“What?”
He chuckles. “If you can last the entire day, I’ll give you something we’ve both been wanting. Me inside of you.”
I close my eyes and savor the thought of his length filling me.
“W-what do you plan on doing to me today?”
“Nothing I wouldn’t already be doing.” He smooths down my dress. “We have some site-seeing to do, right?”
“I’m starting to think you’re a tease,” I mumble.
“Pleasure is much more intense when you have to wait to receive it.” He winks. Easing me off his lap, he stands. “I’ll need one thing before we go.”
“What’s that?”
“Your panties.”
My eyes bulge. “Zeke.”
He holds out his hand. “Unless you don’t want your reward.”
I give a soft laugh. “You utter bastard.”
“You like the games we play, don’t you, my girl?” He cups the side of my face.
“I do.” He rests his forehead against mine. With Zeke, I’ve found new freedom. He’s taught me how to relax, and let go to the rigid control I’d made a way of life. For the first time in ages, I feel joy. The emptiness I’d begun to feel as I’d grown disenchanted with my job and life in general. I step away, straighten my spine, and hold his gaze while I slide my panties down and step out of them.
“So tempting.” He takes the panties and inhales. “I’ll be keeping these.”
Heat floods my cheeks as he walks over and places them in the pocket of his wool coat.
We bundle up and leave his apartment headed toward downtown.
***
“When you said tour, this wasn’t what I had in mind,” Zeke says with a laugh.
“What? John Waters is classic Baltimore.” We walk into the American Visionary Art Museum, tracking down the places that mean something to the famous director and Baltimorean.
“I’ll give you that.”
“Plus, it has The Great Mystery show on exhibit. It’s a collection dedicated to the unknown.”
“Sounds intriguing.”
“Really?” I nibble my lip. I’ve been told I was boring my entire life.
“Yes. I like the paranormal stuff, and seeing you happy is a priority. It’s killing two birds with one stone.”
“How did you know?”
“Those eyes of yours give you away every time.” He pinches my chin. “You don’t have to be anyone else around me. Stop waiting for that to change.”
I nod my head. It’s my greatest fear, finding myself in a fucked up situation like my parents. At some point, they were madly in love. Seeing what remained after everything disintegrated and the novelty of being in love wore off was a horror show. He takes my hand and leads me inside the glittering building with its silver exterior and unique architecture. Tickets purchased, we wander the rows of self-taught art, marveling at the talent.
“I’m amazed at the beauty people can create.” I study the picture of the gypsy girls dressed in a blue dress with a headscarf. “How are some people born with so much talent?”
“We all have our roles to play in life. Who knows how the things they’ve created may inspire others,” he says quietly.
I enjoy his quiet reflections. He has a depth to him most would never expect. Getting to know him over the past year has painted a very clear picture of the man he is. We move down to the Edgar Allen Poe sculpture made of Peeps.
“Seriously makes me question eating those things now.” He gives a mock shudder.
I laugh. “No way, they’re my favorite Easter candy. No way am I giving them up. Portraits be damned.”
We continue to explore. “The mixed media pieces are the most impressive to me. You’re taking bits and pieces from everywhere and bringing them together to form one cohesive project.” He whistles.
“Artists of any sort impress me. I can’t wrap my left brain dominated thinking around the ability they have to form new things.”
“You’re an artist in a way. There’s a lot involved in chemistry.”
“Yes, but it’s a matter of learning elements and reactions. I don’t have to whip anything up from thin air.”
“Maybe you could if you were in a classroom setting.”
“You don’t forget anything, do you?” I ask, amused.
“Not when it comes to you, and it’s important. Have you given it any more thought?”
I nod. “I’ve looked around a bit. U of M is actually looking to fill a job position.”
“Apply.”
“I’ll think about it.” I shrug.
He grunts. He might drop it for today, but it will resurface again eventually. He’s tenacious.
“What’s next on the agenda?” he asks.
“Atomic Bookstore. Did you know that’s where John Waters picks up his fan mail?”
“I didn’t,” he says with a smirk.
I elbow him. “Shut it, you.”
“I just love seeing this fan girl side of you.”
“It’s left over from the young Noble days. I was obsessed with his movies. I get n
ostalgic just thinking about the good ole days.”
“I know, ’cause you’re so ancient.”
He leads me down the back stairwell toward the parking structure. We turn a corner, and he pushes me out of the view of cameras. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about my promise.”
“Oh, Lord.”
He slips his hand under my skirt and pats my dampening center. I hiss. This is new. I hum my approval. A few more blows have me sensitive and squirming. It’s just the side of pleasure that borders on pain. “Always so quick to be wet for me.” He thrusts two fingers in. I gasp and flex around him. “If you come, my fingers will be the only thing you feel inside you tonight.” I breathe through the arousal. “Good girl.” He bites my ears. “You’re a fast learner.” I nod my head, eager to please him. He swirls his fingers inside of me once more, and pulls away, sucking the digits clean before he smooths down my dress. “We should get to the car.” He continues, as if nothing happened. His constant control turns me on and pisses me off at the same time. I follow, whimpering. Every step I take edges me closer to completion.
The car ride is a pleasant break from friction. We pull up in front of Atomic Books, and I admire the way the indie store has remained the same. I missed these things most in New York. I’m a creature of habit. I like having a history with people and places. We wander the aisles, browsing books. His hands are always touching, caressing, and stoking the flames of desire. I’m surprised I’m not a puddle on the floor.
“Where’s our next stop?”
I bite my tongue to stop from saying the bedroom. I won’t give him the satisfaction.
“Poe’s grave.”
“Kinky.” He nips my earlobes and takes the bags from me. It’s good to see his playful side emerging. He’d been sullen for the past month as he continued to deal with the passing of the infant. I did my best to be there, but there are things I can’t understand because I have no frame of reference. I don’t mind being on the receiving end of his teasing when he’s genuinely happy.
“I’ve changed my mind.” His voice is an octave lower than usual.
“You have?” He bites the tender area between my neck and shoulder. “Home. I’ve waited long enough to have you in my bed. It’s all I can do now not to bend you over my truck and take you.”
I quiver. The ride home is a blur. It’s been years since I had a man inside of me and none had ever mattered as much as the one driving. My nerves threaten to get the best of me.
“I can hear you thinking all the way over here. I must be losing my touch. Open your legs.”
I open them. He delivers firm blows to my inner thigh. My body hums. “Hmm. You are so wet and swollen.”
The drive seems to stretch to infinity as minutes pass like hours. He puts the car in park.
“Once I’m inside of you, we’re done playing games and testing things out, Noble. I’ll consider you mine.”
I lick my lips and nod. I’m ready to take the next step. “I understand.”
“And you want it?”
“I do, Ezekiel.”
He bends over the console and takes my lips. I lose myself in the feel of his talented tongue, his unique flavor, and the emotion he pours into the dance our mouths are performing. We part, and he tugs at my lip. “Too tempting.” He exits the truck and comes around on my side to help me down. Holding hands, we walk to the house. Everything is about to change. My heart pounds in my chest; I’m excited and frightened at the same time. It’s a big step. Glancing at the man with his hands on the small on my back, I realize I’m ready for this. We’re ready. The tests have been exchanged, my arm implant is current, and I trust him completely. My body trembled as we pass the threshold.
“You’re shaking.”
I nod my head. “You know it’s been a few years.”
“And you’re nervous?” he whispers.
I give him a rueful smile. “Nothing we do is wrong. You are mine, and I’m yours.” He pulls me to him and cups my ass. “One look at you and I go up in flames. I can feel your heat right now. You’re already dripping for me, and I haven’t touched you yet.”
He removes my coat and throws it on the ground along with his own. I lick my lips.
“I’m going to make it good for you, Noble.” Grasping my hand, he leads me over to the couch. “Spread your legs, and bend over the couch.” I do as he asks. His hands skim the sides of my body as he lifts my dress. Feather-light strokes on my ass make me shiver. He pats my wet core. I moan and stick out my ass, silently begging for more.
“You take what I give you.” I force my hips to still. “Impatient.” He clicks his tongue. “That will cost you. Get ready to count them out.” He slaps my cheek.
“One.” Tears blur my vision when I reach forty, twenty on either side, and I’m ready to blow. “Zeke,” I whine.
“Not until I tell you,” he says gruffly. I white-knuckle the leather couch and breathe through my mouth. “Look at how you drip.” He runs his fingers over the wet tops of my inner thighs. I bite my bottom lip to hold back as he begins a gentle massage. He eases a finger inside. My walls clutch onto him greedily.
“Zeke,” I croak.
“Hold back.” He pulls out and pushes back in a slow, steady pass that sets me on fire.
“Zeke.” His name is a prayer chant permanently on my lips and tongue. He plunges two fingers deep. My entire body shudders and my knees weaken. I grip the couch harder. He stills his stroke. I close my eyes, focusing on the walls fluttering around his fingers.
Easing his fingers out, he nips the back of my neck. “You have too many clothes on.” He pulls the dress over my head and snaps my bra, sliding it down my arms.
“Now you’re overdressed,” I whisper.
“Undress me.” My hands shake as I work the buttons free on his shirt and tug them out of his dark denim. I focus on undoing his belt and popping the button free. After undoing the zipper, I pull his jeans and his boxer briefs down. I quickly untie his sneakers, and he steps out of everything. I admire his fit form as I peer up from on my knees. “Open your mouth, baby.” He traces my lip with the tip of his cock before he slides inside.
I circle his mushroom-shaped head and swallow him down, determined to make him as desperate for our union as I am. The salty taste of pre-cum fills my mouth. He grips my hair tight and thrusts his hips. Groaning, he slips free. “I won’t last if we keep that up.” He offers his hand, and I take it, allowing him to pull me to my feet. Our lips come back together, like two magnets, and we stumble our way down the hallway to his room. The king-sized bed beckons us.
He lifts me around the waist and sits me on the edge of the bed. “Open our legs for me, baby.” I spread them wide. Gripping my hips, he slowly eases his way inside. My walls cling to him, desperate for relief from the fire he’s set. Pulling out, he works his way up to the hilt and repeats the process. “Lay back.” He sucks my breast into his mouth as he moves in and out of me. My vision wavers as I struggle to hold back the damn. “Noble. Look at me.” I blink, fighting to focus. He thrust harder. “Come for me.” Released, I detonate, coating him as I convulse, and come harder than I ever have in my entire life. Fireworks continue to erupt beneath my eyelids as he drives into me. I wrap my legs around him, bringing him deeper. I lose count of how many times I go over the edge before he floods me with his heated warmth. We collapse side by side on the bed. I feel sleep rushing up to pull me under.
Chapter Five
Zeke
The fire alarm sounds, jerking me from sleep. I toss off my sheets and stumble from the bed, sliding down the pole. My heart is pumping as I suit up in my gear and make my way to the fire engine. I’m thankful for the time in the gym as I hustle to the fire truck. Our equipment weighs just as much as we do after the oxygen tanks are added. I hold on while we roar down the street toward the call. I’m looking forward to redeeming myself. The infant’s death continues to weigh on me. I need to successfully complete a clean save to shake the bad juju out.
I
t’s a fire in an apartment building. They’re the worst because it’s nearly impossible to predict where the fire will spread, and there are so many rooms to check. Ralph is new; a good kid, eager to learn and please. He’s going to be an excellent fireman after he learns the ropes and gains some confidence under his belt. He’s been sticking with me and McFadden on runs.
“You got Ralph?” Banks calls as we unload from the truck.
“Yeah, I got him,” I call. “Ralph, stick with me, okay?” We pull on our masks and go in. The smoke is still thin as we enter the apartment complex.
“You and Ralph take the first floor,” Banks calls.
“You got it, boss. Ralph, let’s work our way down the hall.”
We check the door for heat before entering an apartment, and I nod my head, allowing him to break the door in with his ax.
“This is the fire department. Is there anyone here?” We quickly scan the two-room apartment before moving to the next room. I can feel the heat increasing as we make our way down the hall. Fire sounds malicious and alive. The roar, crackle, and pop as it eats away everything in its path, feeding on oxygen in its wake. I keep my eyes open, watching out for people who haven’t gotten out and Ralph. Being green makes the potential for mistakes to rise. That’s dangerous. One wrong move out here and you’re dead.
I see the smoke pouring out of the last room. “Make sure you check it for heat, Ralph,” I remind him. He nods his head, holds his hand over the door. “Warm.”
“Proceed with caution.” He knocks the door open with his ax, and springs to the side of the door.
“Flashover.” I see the flame eating its way down the corner of the room and hungrily eating the recliner. I grab his shoulders as the window blows. The rapid addition of oxygen creates a backdraft. The fire expands, blowing us both back. Thrown against the far wall, I’m disoriented. I shake my head to clear it. “Ralph?” I croak, still dazed. The silence is chilling. I scan the smoky area. “Ralph,” I call again. I can hear a crew coming down toward us. Crawling on my knees, I continue to seek him. I find him, unconscious at the end of the hall. I grab him under the arms. “Come on, buddy. Wake up.”
His body remains limp. The fire continues to spread. Sweat coats my body and stings my eyes. Smoke pours out in plumes, obscuring my vision. I heft Ralph up and over my shoulders, gritting my teeth as I come down the hall. My head spins, and my vision blurs. A crew coming toward us rushes to me.
