He frowned and lifted a washcloth in his hands. “I wanted to help clean you up. You were bleeding.”
Her brows knitted and she sniffed. Her enhanced sense of smell picked up the scent of iron. “Oh.”
Grant walked over to her and took her hand, dragging her back to bed. Spreading her legs, he pressed the warm, wet washcloth over her. She sighed with relief.
“Does it hurt?” he asked, concern in his voice.
“I didn’t notice it,” she replied.
“I’m sorry.”
“For hurting me with your titan dong?” she quipped.
He threw his head back and let out a laugh. The sound warmed her heart, and it was infectious, and she laughed along with him.
“I thought you said you weren’t a virgin,” Grant asked as he put the cloth aside.
“I’m not, but it’s been a while,” she confessed. “Ten years.”
“Ten years?” he asked incredulously.
“Yeah and it was only…well, just the one time,” she buried her face in the pillows, her cheeks burning like someone had put gas on her and lit it up. “Are you disappointed?” Oh god, she was probably a terrible lay.
“Disappointed? Frankie, look at me,” he gathered her into his arms, pressing his face into her neck. “No, of course not.”
“But were you…satisfied?”
He smiled against her skin. “Very.”
She said nothing, but nestled against him.
“Stay with me,” he nuzzled her neck.
“I don’t have to be in the restaurant ‘till twelve,” she frowned. “But don’t you have work tomorrow?”
He released her, reached for the phone on the bedside table and then tapped out a quick message. “I just cancelled all my morning meetings,” he declared. “Now, will you stay?”
Her lips curved into a smile. “Yes.”
“Good,” Grant shifted, rolling her under him. He leaned up on his elbows so he could drink her lips softly, sipping at her, hands all over her as if he wanted to mark and memorize every inch of her skin. Her eyes fluttered closed and he moved to his side, cuddling her up against him. She settled in his arms easily and he threw an arm over her. When she drifted off to sleep, the last thing she remembered was the soft sound of the ocean in her ears and the smell of the saltwater spray.
***
Mine. Mine.
Grant was startled from his sleepy state by the low growl. He looked down at Frankie, sleeping deeply in his arms, her face buried in his chest. She looked so peaceful and beautiful and soft. His inner wolf seemed to approve, and he felt the animal settle in contentment.
He couldn’t get enough of her luscious body, and sex with Frankie was a hundred times better than in his imagination. She didn’t seem to mind at first, and was just as eager as him. After the first time, they napped for a bit, sated for the moment. However, he woke up an hour or two later with Frankie’s soft ass pressed up against him, and he was instantly erect.
She wiggled her butt against him, sighing softly and he thought she was still asleep. When she grabbed his hand and placed it between her legs, he knew she was as awake and eager as he was. It was easy enough to slip into her from behind and rock into her, gently at first. But soon, she was begging for more, and he pounded his cock into her until she came twice. He flipped her over, so she was on top and guided her hips down. Her face looked so damn sexy, surprised and confused at first. Then she found rhythm and was eagerly rocking her hips against his, her full breasts bouncing, sliding up and down his shaft, her face twisted into pure pleasure and he shot his warmth deep inside her.
Grant coaxed her into a late night shower, but really, it was just an excuse to see her body slick and sudsy. The little minx, however, shoved him against the wall, got down on her knees and sucked on his cock eagerly. He almost came in her mouth, but he took control, bending over the side of the bathtub and screwed her until she was screaming his name. Then, he brought her back to bed after their shower, teasing her with his tongue and then made her ride his face until she came. He wanted her again, but she protested that she was sleepy and was sore, so he relented. She settled into his arms, and he watched her, feeling her breathing and making sure it was steady and even before he closed his eyes.
This was certainly new to him. He couldn’t remember the last time he had woken up next to a woman, much less slept beside one. Usually, he was eager to leave after the deed was done and once or twice it was woman who actually left first. But it was different with Frankie. He didn’t want to be away from her, from her soft skin and almond cookie scent. God, he probably smelled like her and she smelled like him, and a wave of possessive pride swept over him, knowing she’d be covered in his scent all day.
“Grant?” she asked sleepily, her blue eye opening. “What time is it?”
“Time go back to sleep,” he teased, giving her nose a kiss.
She snorted prettily. “Seriously?”
He touched her cheek with his thumb. “It’s only eight a.m. I don’t have my first meeting until one.”
“Hmmm…” She snuggled deeper into his arms, rubbing her soft cheek on his chest.
“How are you feeling?”
Thick lashes fluttered open. “I’m good,” she purred, rubbing her body against his. Arousal and almond cookie scent made the air thick with desire. She growled softly as his thick erection rubbed against her stomach.
Frankie opened up easily to him, spreading her legs to accommodate him as he slipped into her already wet opening. Grant hooked his hands under her arms, and gripped her shoulders. Her small hands went up his chest, eyes glittering and mouth gasping as he thrust into her, bearing her down on his cock.
“Grant,” she moaned, which only made him fuck into her faster and harder. Her narrow passage squeezed tight around him, signaling her orgasm. One, two, three more thrusts and she fell apart, gasping his name over and over again. He didn’t last much longer, and he pulsed into her, his orgasm tearing quickly through him, and continued to thrust into her as she writhed in pleasure.
“Hmmmm,” she sighed in a contented voice and leaned her forehead on his shoulder. “What a nice way to wake up.”
“You’ll be the death of me, woman,” he joked, kissing her forehead.
“Hey, I wasn’t the one who wanted bathroom sex in the middle of the night,” she teased.
“And I suppose it’s my fault you were rubbing that sweet, pert ass of yours on my dick before that?” he nibbled at her ear.
“Your dick was already half hard,” she countered, then gave him a playful nip on his chest.
A loud gurgle interrupted their conversation and she blushed. “Sorry, I haven’t had anything to eat since last night. I’m famished.”
He grinned down at her. “Well good thing there’s room service.” Reluctantly, he disentangled from her and reached for the phone. “What do you want?” He dialed the number for room service.
“Hmmm…pancakes,” she said thoughtfully. “And bacon or sausage. Or both! And then hash browns, two eggs, and coffee.”
“Anything else?” he asked with a raised brow.
“Well, what are you having?” she asked seriously.
He laughed and repeated the order into the receiver. “Hope that’s enough,” he teased when he put the phone down.
“I’m a healthy eater,” she declared. “Always have been, especially as a Lycan and with four brothers, plus growing up around cooks. Good thing we have that Lycan metabolism, though I don’t think mine is fast enough to get rid of all the carbs I eat,” she frowned, looking down at the soft, slight curve of her belly and hips.
“You’re perfect,” he growled. When she tried to cover herself, he yanked her hands away.
“I could lose ten pounds,” she protested. “I’m…soft…too soft.”
“You’re just right,” he moved his hands up from her thighs to her hips, curling around her bottom. “Your ass is the perfect heart shape,” he leaned down and kissed her hip. “Your hips a
re made for me to grip them while I slide into you,” his fingers dug into her hip, making her gasp. “And this…” he dipped his head down and licked at her belly, making her squeal. “This is so cute.”
“Cute?” she asked.
“And sexy,” he nipped right below her belly button, which sent her into a fit of giggles.
“Don’t ever think you’re less than perfect, Frankie,” he looked up at her, worshipping her with his eyes. Her mouth formed a perfect O shape and she pulled him up for a kiss.
Grant thought that one time, one night with Frankie Muccino would slake his thirst, but he was wrong. It only sparked the flame, and one night wouldn’t be enough.
***
“I had a good time,” Frankie murmured as she stepped into his arms. They were standing by her car, as Grant insisted on walking her to the garage. She felt a little better, not having to do the walk of shame in her red dress by herself, though Grant assured her there was nothing to be ashamed of.
After breakfast, they lounged around in bed, watched some TV, and just enjoyed each other’s company.
As she watched him shave and get dressed, she had this dreaded feeling in the pit of her stomach. She wanted to touch him, kiss him, and drag him back to bed. But this was it. The beginning of the end. She was fooling herself if she thought what had happened between them was anything more than what it was. Grant got what he wanted and he would grow tired of her. This time, however, she was smarter.
“Me too,” he kissed her hair.
“Uhm, thanks,” she said awkwardly, and her back stiffened. She pulled back and turned to her car. “So, I guess I’ll see you around,” she opened the car door, but his hand slammed it shut
“See you around?” he asked. “What does that mean?”
“Grant,” she put her hands into fists at her side and turned towards him. “I meant what I said, that I had a good time last night. But-”
“I’ll come to Jersey tonight,” he interrupted. “After dinner service. Or I can take some paperwork with me and I’ll work while I eat.”
“You don’t have to say things you don’t mean,” she frowned. “Really, you don’t. I’m a big girl, I know where this is leading.”
“Oh yeah?” he crossed his arms over her chest and leaned on the side of his car. “Do you now?”
“Of course. This was a one night thing,” she shrugged. “We both got what we wanted, scratched the itch and neither of us have to pretend it’s more than it is.” As she said those words, a vice-like grip tightened around her chest.
No, a growl said from inside her. Don’t leave, it whined.
Shutting her she-wolf down, she bit her lip and fisted her hands, nails digging deep into her palms. “Bye, Grant,” she said flippantly, getting into her car.
Turning the key in the ignition, she started the car and pulled out of her spot. She didn’t even look back. It took all her energy, but she did it. Put up walls around her heart, locked it away so no one would hurt her. But why did she get that sick feeling in her stomach?
Lies, lies, the she-wolf taunted.
She barely got past the entrance to the Jersey Turnpike before she had to pull over and lost her breakfast on the side of the highway.
Chapter Seventeen
“What news do you have for me?” Stefan asked the other man as he entered the dining room. “Is your plan underway?” He was sitting alone, having his breakfast. “Leave us!” he said to his servant, and the man scampered away, his head bowed.
The man approached him slowly. “I’m afraid there have been some…complications.”
“What complications?” Stefan’s voice boomed across the room.
“Well, it seems the Alpha isn’t interested in what they have to offer,” Daric interjected. He was sitting in the shadows, as he always did.
“What?” Stefan looked at his protégé.
“Tell him,” Daric smirked, looking at the other man.
“Lord Stefan, please, we are working on him,” the man said, his voice shaking. “We need time.”
“I don’t have time!” Stefan slammed his fist in the table, sending the plates and cutlery bouncing on the wooden surface. “What happened?”
The man remained quiet, so Daric continued. “The Alpha has chosen someone else.”
Stefan stood up quickly, eyes blazing in anger, his fingers pointing at the man. “Get rid of her, now.”
Chapter Eighteen
Frankie went about her day normally, trying to push all thoughts of Grant and the night before aside. After a quick nap, then shower, she got dressed and headed to Muccino’s to start her day. Since Spring Break was over, they would begin serving lunch.
She drove to the restaurant, and as she pulled into her spot, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled. “What the hell?” she scratched at her neck. She slid out of the car, a dreaded feeling came over her. It was like she was being watched, but she looked around her. The parking lot was empty.
Must be imagining things, she shrugged, trying to push that strange feeling to the back of her head.
As she entered her office, the scent of roses hit her nose.
“Your boyfriend sent those,” Enzo quipped as he popped up behind her. Frankie jumped back in surprise, but she really should have expected it. He was the only human who could creep up on her.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” she stated dryly.
“Well, he probably wants to be. Those are Ecuadorian roses, Frankie,” he pointed to the two vases of pink roses on her desk. “Do you know how much those cost?”
“Ah, cazzo,” she cursed as she approached the desk. Taking one of the vases in her hand, she handed them to Enzo. “Make yourself useful and take these out. I can’t work with these in here.”
“Aren’t you going to read the card?” he asked as he took the vase.
“Why don’t you tell me what it says,” she smirked at him, knowing what a snoop he was.
“You’re perfect,” he smirked back, making kissy faces at her. “Frankie and Grant, sitting in a tree,” he sing-songed. “K-I-S-S-”
“Shut up! It did not say that.”
“Go and take a look,” he shrugged, leaving her office with the vase of flowers.
With trembling hands, she took the card from the remaining vase of flowers and opened it. Just as Enzo had said, those two words were scrawled on the white, expensive-looking paper. Her heart thudded in her chest. What was he thinking, sending roses to her? She sighed and shoved the vases to the edge of her desk, trying to make room on the already-cluttered surface.
As she worked, Frankie tried not to look at the roses, but her eyes were drawn to the perfect, pink petals every time she had a free thought, sending the butterflies in her stomach fluttering. God, she was pathetic. Grant probably sent roses to every girl he slept with, and she wasn’t special. Probably had the florist on speed dial and bought in bulk, she told herself bitterly. He would soon forget about her.
***
“Where do you want these, Frankie?” Matt asked as he entered her office.
“Just put them in the dining room, along with the flowers,” she sighed as she saw the large bouquet in his hands. This one had all sorts of exotic flowers, half of them Frankie didn’t know the name nor seen in real life.
“Maybe we should start a flower shop,” her brother teased.
“Oh don’t start with me please,” she begged, rubbing the area between her brows, hoping to soothe away the headache plaguing her.
“C’mon, Frankie,” he tried to place the bouquet on the table next to the door, but it was already overflowing with boxes of chocolate. They had run out of room in the kitchen for them, and so they started serving them to the guests. “What’s going on with you and Grant Anderson?”
“No-”
“Don’t say nothing,” he gestured to the gifts stacked all over her office. Flowers, stuffed animals, and boxes of treats were slowly taking over the already-crowded room. “This is not nothing. What does he want?”
<
br /> “I don’t know!” She threw up her hands.
She really didn’t know. Frankie had made it clear it was a one-night thing, but obviously Grant didn’t understand.
After the set of roses, more followed, each delivery bigger than the last. Their dining room was filled with flowers of all kinds and though she was tempted to toss them all away, she instructed the staff to place as many as they could on the tables, bathroom, even out front and give the rest away to their patrons. She also came home to gifts on her porch, including two, six-foot tall stuffed wolves guarding her front door which she would never admit made her smile.
Frankie tried ignoring the gifts, ignoring the text messages and emails (how did he get her personal email anyway?) from him. Her brothers and Nonna Gianna teased her relentlessly and kept asking when Grant would come for a visit.
Maybe ignoring him was the wrong tactic because as the week passed, she was bombarded with more gifts.
“Delivery for Ms. Muccino!” Enzo joked as he barged into her office.
“Arggghhh!” she cried out in frustration. “What is it this time?”
“It’s a small one,” he said, slipping a box wrapped in blue paper on her table. “Maybe he’s giving up!” he teased as he and Matt left the office.
She stared at the box, contemplating chucking it in the trash bin. Of course, curiosity got the best of her and she ripped the paper open. Frankie gasped when she opened the box. Inside was a necklace with a pendant, shaped like a wolf. The wolf itself was the size of her palm, body covered in black and brown diamonds, while one green and one blue stone made up the eyes. She quickly shut the box and grabbed her phone.
“Did you get my last gift?” Grant’s voice was amused as he picked up after the first ring.
“This is ridiculous, Grant,” she shook her head as if he could see her. “I’m sending this back,” she eyed the box again. “This is too much.”
“Not for you,” he drawled, his low baritone sending heat straight between her legs.
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