“Suck it up, Alpha,” she jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow playfully. “Life isn’t fair.”
“Ow! Nick, she’s hurting me,” Grant called. “You have to avenge my honor. Challenge her to a duel or something.”
“I wouldn’t take her on if I were you, Nick,” Cady quipped and gave Frankie a wink. “Frankie looks tough. And I heard she was willing to take on four Lycans for saying the wrong thing.”
Nick laughed. “Well, Ms. Muccino is an Alpha and I’m only a Beta.”
“I can take it easy on you for the first few rounds,” Frankie joked.
“I’m doomed,” Grant groaned. “I’m just gonna roll over and let you take over my territory.”
“Oh, no way,” Frankie shook her head. “That sounds like a terrible idea. I don’t want your responsibilities.”
“How about we switch?” Grant asked. “I’ll be Alpha of Jersey and you be New York Alpha and see how you like it.”
“I don’t know…how are you with trailer park disputes?” Her eyes sparkled with mirth. “Do you know what to do when one of your people puts feral possums in his neighbor’s pickup truck?”
“That didn’t really happen!” Alynna interjected in an incredulous voice.
The Lupa nodded. “Oh yeah. That was just last month. There’s also the time one of my cousins thought it would be fun to steal one of the monster trucks at this show that rolled into town…” She flushed when she realized that everyone at the table was looking at her. “Er, never mind.”
“No please,” Callista urged. “Go on.”
“Well, Denny, one of my Lycan cousins, thought it would be hilarious to get drunk and sneak into the Monster Truck show…”
Chapter Sixteen
Grant watched Frankie as she relayed her story, fierce pride surging through him as she charmed his family and clan.
His heart had slammed into his chest and desire pooled in his middle the moment he spied her outside the restaurant in that dress. The red silky fabric clung to her every curve, and left her shoulders exposed. He wanted to run up to her, kiss her collarbones, drag his lips across the tops of her breasts and make his way up the slender column of her neck to claim her luscious mouth.
“Grant?” Frankie asked, her mismatched eyes blinking. “Are you ok?”
“Yes,” he said. “I’m just thinking…”
“Of what?” she asked.
“I’ll tell you later,” he replied in a low voice. “How about some dessert?”
The rest of the dinner passed quickly, though for Grant it seemed like a lifetime before they were finally winding down. Most of the guests had already said their goodbyes, and his sister and Alex had retired to their hotel room long ago. Cady and Nick had stayed a bit longer, but it was obvious that they were eager to get home.
Callista declared she was ready to retire too and so their remaining party had stood up and made their way out of the restaurant. Cady needed to use the ladies’ room and Frankie had offered to come with her, in case she needed some help.
“Grant,” Vanessa Bennet purred as she cozied up to him by the doorway. She dug her hands into his bicep and leaned forward, brushing her breasts against him. “Are you going back to The Enclave so soon? It’s only midnight and there are probably lots of clubs that are still open. I’ve never even been to Blood Moon. I was hoping you’d take me,” her voice trailed off, giving a double meaning to her words.
Grant pried the young woman’s fingers off gently. “I’m afraid I have an early meeting tomorrow, Vanessa,” he said.
“Oh,” the young woman pouted. “Rain check then?”
“Uh, sure,” Grant said absentmindedly.
Vanessa sidled to him, placed a hand over his chest and slipped a piece of paper into this jacket pocket. “Here’s my number, then.” She leaned over and whispered into his ear. “Call me any time.”
Someone clearing their throat made Vanessa jump back. Frankie stood there, eyes blazing, her arms crossed under her chest. “Excuse me,” she said as she breezed past them and went to Callista. Grant could have sworn he heard a low growl as she walked by the other woman.
“Well, bye then, Vanessa,” Grant nodded to the young woman.
“Bye Grant,” she batted her eyelashes at him as she walked away, joining Grayson and his wife after they had said their goodbyes.
Grant let out a relieved breath once Vanessa was out of his sight, then turned to his mother and Frankie.
“I had a lovely time,” Frankie said to Callista in a warm voice. “Thank you for having me.”
Callista leaned over and gave the young woman a kiss on each cheek. “Thank you for coming,” she looked at Grant meaningfully. “It’s been…an interesting night and I hope to see you again.”
“We’ll see,” Frankie said in a tight voice. She looked at Grant. “Alpha, thank you for letting me into your territory,” she said in a cold tone. “It was an honor celebrating this joyous occasion with you.” After saying goodbye to Cady and Nick, she turned and headed for the elevators.
“Grant,” Callista had a hard time keeping a smile from her face. “She’s lovely.”
“I know,” Grant’s brows furrowed at Frankie’s puzzling treatment.
“So? What are you waiting for?” His mother’s eyes were filled with amusement. “Go get her before she escapes and the last thing she remembers is that hussy rubbing herself against you like a cat in heat.”
“Oh fuck me,” Grant slapped his palm over his eyes. “Sorry, Mother, I know, language,” he gave his mother a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you before you fly back home to Paris,” he said as he sprinted towards the elevators.
Frankie was pacing in front of the set of elevators, her arms stiff at her sides. One of them opened and she stepped inside.
Grant barely made it, his hand slapping the door before it closed. “Frankie,” he called.
The other Alpha turned around and her eyes grew wide in surprise as Grant pushed his way into the elevator car, and cornered her against the wall. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Something I’ve wanted to do the whole night,” he said before he swooped in and pressed his lips to hers.
She made a small sound of protest, and pushed him back with unnatural strength. “Maybe you should go and find Vanessa instead.”
Grant moved closer, his hands on either side of her, trapping her against the wall. “I don’t want her, I want you,” he pressed his lower body against her. “I’ve had a damn hard-on from the moment I saw you,” he ground his erection against her, making her gasp.
She opened her mouth to protest, but he silenced her by slanting his lips against hers. He grabbed her waist and pressed their bodies together.
“You can’t wear a dress like that and expect me to just let you go,” he whispered as he trailed kissed from her jaw to her ear.
“Grant,” she moaned as he pressed his lips to the soft spot under her neck. He licked her there, and sucked back at the skin. Her knees buckled and he held her against the door. Her heady scent filled his nostrils, mixed in with her arousal. A low growl emanated from his chest.
“Fuck, I bet your panties are soaked through,” he said, lifting her dress up.
A soft ding sounded from the elevator and the doors opened.
“Find another damn elevator!” Grant snarled as he spun around and slammed the close button. Nick’s face as the door shut was one of confusion, but Cady’s expression was amused. He jabbed his finger on the button for the 18th floor.
Grant turned to face Frankie, who was leaning against the opposite wall. “Where are we going?” she asked with a frown.
He moved closer and took her hand, kissing the soft palm. “Come back to my room with me,” he pulled her into his arms and looked into her eyes. “Please.”
Her facial expression changed. “Yes.”
***
When Grant asked her to come up to his room, she didn’t expect that said room was actually a 1,500 square-foot suite on the top f
loor of The Plaza Hotel. Her eyes widened as they entered the main living room, richly appointed in grays and blues. “Don’t you live on the Upper West side?” she asked, dumbfounded.
“Yes, but this was easier,” he said as the closed the door behind him.
“Easier for what?”
“To convince you to stay with me tonight,” he said in a serious tone. “And I can’t take you back with me to The Enclave, we have protocols in place for visitors.”
“You what?” she asked, her voice raising slightly. “You planned to…” She shook her head.
“Frankie,” he growled, grabbing her by the waist before she could protest. “Yes, I planned to take you up here tonight. But, I would never force you to do anything you don’t want. Just say no and I’ll walk you to your car. Hell, say yes now, but anytime you change your mind, just tell me and you can leave. I won’t have you unwilling. But this push and pull between us has to stop. You have to either give in or tell me to leave you alone forever because you’re driving me crazy. ”
She looked up into his eyes, the expression on his face sincere. Ocean spray, sugary sweetness and the roaring in her ears was back again, making her feel dizzy and lightheaded. “I…I…” she took a deep breath. She wanted this, wanted Grant. “I want this, Grant. Yes.”
Yes. A soft growl agreed with her, urging her on, and then went quiet.
He leaned down and slotted his lips against hers, pulling her up closer to his body. His kisses were soft, but made her knees buckle and melt against him. She grabbed onto his shoulders for support.
Grant’s hand slipped up her back, finding the zipper on her dress. He took the zip down, exposing the smooth skin, his fingertips tracing a line down her back. Once the zip opened all the way, a gentle tug was all it took to send the dress pooling at her feet.
On instinct, Frankie put her hands over her chest to cover herself.
“No,” Grant growled, his hands tugging at hers. “You don’t have to hide yourself, not from me.” His eyes roamed over her body appreciatively.
She put her hands down and stood in front of him in nothing but her matching black lace bra, panties, and garter belt with stockings.
“Fucking hell, Frankie,” he cursed as he realized what she was wearing. “Are you trying to kill me or something?”
Her cheeks burned at the way his eyes blazed over her body. “It’s a vintage dress, so I thought this would match. Do you like it?”
Grant’s fingers ghosted over the scrap of black lace over her hips, tracing down to the straps that held the stockings up. Slipping his finger under one of the garters, he snapped it back gently. “I fucking love it,” he said, before he backed her up against the plush blue-gray couch.
“Ooomph,” she panted as she fell down on the soft cushions. Grant got on his knees, his eyes hungry as he looked up at her. “What are you…oh!” She moaned as his fingers yanked her panties aside and began to massage her damp nether lips. “Grant!” She arched her back as he slipped a finger inside of her.
“You’re so wet,” he said, pushing one more finger inside of her. “So ready for me…” He reached down, unzipped his pants and took out his cock. He gripped the shaft, fisting it tight.
“Please, Grant…” Frankie moaned, her body tightening as his thumb brushed over her clit. She sat up in a jolt. “I need you inside me now. I’m on birth control.”
“Patience,” he soothed, as he slowed down his fingers and leaned his head down between her knees. “We have all night.”
A soft rrrrip tore through the air and her panties were nothing but scraps of lace in Grant’s fingers. Before she could protest, she let out a gasp as his tongue licked at her damp core. He lay his tongue over her pussy lips, tasting her and savoring her, running it along her seam.
“Grant! Fuck!” Her hips bucked up to meet him, but his hand steadied her, pushing her down as his tongue relentlessly lashed at her in a torturous dance. He lapped at her, teasing her entrance, and then slid his tongue into her, while his thumb found her clit, drawing circles around the nub.
Frankie lost all thought as white heat spread through her like a burst of flame, pleasure shaking her body as an orgasm ripped through her. Grant was unrelenting and continued worshipping her with his tongue, teasing another orgasm from her body.
“Grant.” She lost her words, his name the only thing on her mind and on her lips. Closing her eyes, she let her body sink back into the couch, boneless and sated. For now.
She let out a small whoop of surprise as Grant picked her up, carrying her bridal-style into the bedroom as if she weighed nothing at all. He walked into the other room, then lay her down on the luxurious bed. As he stepped back, he began to remove his clothes, shucking of his jacket and unbuttoning his shirt.
Frankie’s eyes never left him as he gave her a private strip show. She’d seen it before, seen him naked, but now as he stood there in the low lamplight of the plush hotel room, it was somehow different. His shoulder muscles ripped as he shrugged off his shirt, the triceps on his muscular arms flexing with the movement. Her eyes trailed down the defined muscles of his pecs, to the rippling six-pack abs, narrow, defined hips that made the rest of him look bigger, and the delicious indentation on his hips. The happy trail of dark hair disappeared under his pants, much to her disappointment. As if reading her mind, he hooked his thumbs on the waistband of his trousers and shucked them down along with his underwear, unsheathing his throbbing dick, the thick shaft jutting out from between his powerful legs. For moment, she wondered how this would work. She had only been with one man, one time and he was nowhere near as big as Grant.
He got on the bed with her, crawling over her slowly. “Frankie,” he whispered. “So beautiful…sexy…” Leaning down, he pressed his lips on her knee, and moved up, tracing a path over her thighs, hips, and stopping just under her breasts. With a quick motion, he unsnapped her bra and tossed it away. “Perfect,” his eyes glossed over as he looked at her breasts.
Large, warm hands cupped over the mounds, filling his hands as he stroked her soft, pink nipples into hard nubs.
“Unnnghhhh,” she moaned, arching her back, pushing her breasts against his hands.
“So eager, my little Alpha,” he teased. “What do you want?”
“I want you, Grant,” she panted. “On me, inside me.”
“I’m going to make you come over and over again,” he promised. He bent down and took a nipple into his mouth, sucking hard. He spread her knees and shifted his hips, rocking his raging hard-on over the slick lips of her pussy.
Frankie cried out as the underside of his shaft connected with her clit, sending small shocks of pleasure through her. She spread her legs, arching her hips at him, begging him to take her. He continued to tease her, rubbing his cock against her.
She smirked up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she reached down and grabbed his shaft. Gripping him tight in her small hands, Frankie stroked his cock, sliding up and down. This time, it was Grant who groaned and he rocked his hips against her fist, his head rolling back in pleasure.
“Tease,” he groaned as she swiped the drop of moisture from his tip with her fingers.
“You’re the tease,” she grinned, sticking her finger in her mouth and sucking it dry.
“Fuck, Frankie!” he moaned, pushing his hips at her.
She sucked in a breath and pointed the tip of his cock right at her hot, wet entrance.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice tender.
“Yes,” she rocked her hips up at him, teasing him. “I want you inside me, Grant.” She pulled him down for another kiss, nipping at his bottom lips and holding it between her teeth. With a soft growl, he slid into her slowly.
Frankie gasped and let go of his lips. God, he was big and he was filling her up. He stopped suddenly.
“Frankie…are you a…?”
“No,” she shook her head. Well, technically she wasn’t a virgin. “It’s just…it’s been a long time.” A very long time.
“I’ll be gentle,” Grant cradled her, wrapping his arms around her back. A sexy, soft growl rumbled from his chest as he moved in slowly, pushing and burying himself inside of her. He eased out halfway, and then pushed in again.
“Oh!” she moaned, her breath coming in small gasps.
Grant started a slow rhythm, gentle, sliding into her until she expanded and accommodated him. But his control slipped and he gripped her tighter as he thrust into her, in and out, faster and faster. His hips bucked forward, ramming her down into the mattress. Hands, lips, everywhere, touching her, teasing her, heating her with small bursts of flame. Grant angled his hips, changing it so he bumped her clit just right to send shockwaves of pleasure through her.
“Grant! Oh yes! Yes!” she called as her orgasm exploded through her body. He buried his face in her neck, calling out her name before he sank his teeth into her skin. It wasn’t deep enough to bleed her, but she yelped. The pain was brief, but it sent her into dizzying heights, enhancing her pleasure and another orgasm shook her body. Her fingers dug into his back, nails scraping down the skin, leaving claw marks.
“Fuck, Frankie!” Grant groaned. He bucked into her faster, and then his back stiffened. A feral growl escaped his lips and his cock throbbed inside her, and shot after shot of wet warmth pulsed through her. He murmured her name, burying his face against her neck, taking in a deep breath as he slowed down.
Frankie lay under him for what seemed like forever, her heartbeat slowing as they both came down from their orgasms. With a groan, he slipped out of her and rolled over, his feet hitting the carpeting, soft footsteps leading to the bathroom.
And there it was. Her heart constricted in her chest. She didn’t have to worry about getting too close to Grant after all, not when he was the one running away. She sighed and slipped off the bed and began to search for her discarded bra.
“What are you doing?” Grant’s voice boomed throughout the room.
Frankie looked back towards the bathroom door as she was snapping her bra back into place. “Getting dressed.”
Romancing the Alpha Page 12
