“Long day, sir?”
“Too long.”
“How unfortunate, sir.”
He shrugged. “My remaining stay in England shall be spent on play, so it’s all good times from here on out.”
“A drink, sir?”
“Single malt.”
“As you wish, sir.”
“Quit calling me sir. Makes me sound like an old man…or someone important.”
“As a guest of Castillo Hotel, you are important to us, sir.”
Eyelids drooping, his last shred of patience dropped in the proverbial bin, to join a dozen business opportunities.
His mobile rang. He jerked up and flipped the phone open. Caller ID told him it wasn’t his father on the line, but his secretary. Thank goodness.
“Hello?”
“Need me to go over anything? Fax you anything? Run errands?”
“Thanks, Mandy. But I can’t think right now. I need to sleep.”
“Sleep?” she shrieked. “It’s a half hour ’til the meeting. Get off your butt and get freshened up. Meeting’s in Conference Room 3, and you need to be the first one there. Got it?”
“I think you have the time zone thing mixed up because the meetings are finished.”
“They are? Oops, my bad.” She giggled. “So…how’d it go? Did you find a winner?”
“I’m hanging up now, Mandy.”
“Come on, don’t leave me hanging! Did you hit the jackpot? Find us something amazing to work on, something to show that jumped-up, power-mad father of yours who’s boss?”
“Don’t let him hear you talk about him like that. And, no. Please, let me go. I need to rest.”
“Aww baby, erm, I mean, Mr. Cain, good luck with that. Remember to phone or message me if you need anything.”
“Good night, Mandy.” He sighed, too tired to be even the slightest bit impressed by her insults about his stubborn father. Why did I go into the family business again?
“Anything.”
“Yes, Mandy. I get it. You are there if I need anything. Good night.” He hung up, knocked back the straight whiskey, and exchanged more unnecessary pleasantries with the barman. Being rude wasn’t in him. Manners all the way, as his mama had taught him from the day he was born; shame his two older sisters—who escaped the Cain empire by marrying young—hadn’t paid attention to her teachings.
He downed his drink, shuddered, and made his way through the lobby. A bright-eyed blonde wearing the hotel’s blue uniform smiled when she saw him. “Mr. Cain? I have orders from Madame Evangeline to attend to your needs. So if there’s anything you need, phone this number and ask for Claire.” She handed him a business card. Miss Claire Bainsworth, Head Concierge – Knightsbridge – Castillo Hotels and Resorts
“Can I get a massage in this place? My shoulders hurt like a bitch.”
She gawked.
“Sorry I cussed, I’m beat after the long day I’ve had. It’s very nice that 1Night Stand sent you to make sure I’m well accommodated. Very nice indeed. I’ll be sure to let them know how impressed I am.”
“Castillo Hotels aspires to accommodate all our guests’ needs, sir. MoJo Spa is on the third floor. I’m sure they’ll fit you in for a massage. Here are a few tokens for any treatment for yourself or your guests to enjoy.”
“Great! Would there be any way to rearrange the 1Night Stand so my dates could meet me in the spa? I sure could use a de-stress to shake off the business blues before meeting them, and what the heck, this might be a great way to break the ice.”
“Of course, sir. If you’ll follow me to reception, I’ll get you all booked in.”
Chapter Four
Todd opened Elizabeth’s door. In her rush to see the magnificent Castillo Hotel up close, she jumped out of the vehicle and gawked at the splendor before her. Smack in the middle of Knightsbridge, the art deco design and gold accented cream facade complimented the posh area.
The damned expensive five-star place even had valet parking. Of course, she knew this. But it still surprised her when uniformed staff drove their car away, leaving them standing at the grand entrance to the luxurious building.
A doorman grabbed their bags; his composure impeccable, his navy uniform flawless. “Welcome. If there’s anything I can do for you during your stay, do let me know.”
“Thank you.”
“If you’ll follow me to reception, please.”
“Happy birthday ta me.” She had no clue what her husband had bought her for her special day. Then again, maybe nothing. The trip to the Castillo Hotel was costly enough. Along with overlooking her brand new pair of beige shoes. She’d done well this year. It may be her fingers doing the walking, but he always picked up the bill at the end of the month. She shouldn’t want or expect anything else from him.
But there was something about his demeanor, the way he crossed his arms and stuck his chest out like a bulldog ready for a fight. Proud. He beamed with pride about whatever he’d organized for her.
Her pulse quickening, she bounced from foot to foot, enjoying the thrill of not knowing but dying from the torture of being kept in the dark. It had been a good three years since he’d been this unpredictable. She liked it. Liked it a lot.
“You need to go to the bathroom or something?”
“No, I’m excited is all.”
He pulled his phone out and scrambled to text something. She leaned over his shoulder to get a gander, but he pivoted so she couldn’t see.
“You wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise, now, would you?”
“Mr. Winters, what have ya done?” Struggling to hold in the excitement vibrating through her, she lifted on tiptoe and met his mouth with hers for a quick kiss. He pulled her in close then brushed his tongue over hers. Rapid breath sending her dizzy, she swayed back, but he caught her around the waist and snaked his hand down the length of her spine.
“You okay?”
Squirming free, she tugged on his arm. “I can’t wait ta get ta our suite. Come on!”
“Well, before we get settled in, I’ve a little something planned.”
He hooked his arm through hers and guided her through the gold-framed rotating doors of the lavish hotel.
Carpet patterned with the elegant Castillo logo softened her hurried step as she tried to keep up with her husband who, it seemed, was keen to get their evening started. He slammed to a stop at the elevator, tsked at himself, then turned to a bellhop close behind. “Have our bags delivered to Room 568.”
“Of course, sir.”
The doors pinged open. Her husband ushered her inside then pressed the button for the third floor. She’d studied the hotel pamphlet several times over during the lead up to this weekend, so knew that’s where the swimming pool, gym, and spa were located.
“But me swimsuit is in me bag—”
“We’re not going swimming. Trust me, you’ll want for nothing for this activity I’ve got planned.” He swept her hair back and pressed his lips ever so softly against the nape of her neck then moaned. “I forgot how sweet you taste, Beth.” He hadn’t called her Beth in ages. His pet name when he wanted something. Typically sex…or a spot of bookkeeping.
She narrowed her eyes. “Any numbers involved?”
“Maybe.”
“Ugh.”
“Depends if you want to count to three or not.”
“Todd Winters, this whole secretive masterful thing ya got going on…. I like it. Where have ya been hiding this side of ya? I want more, please.”
“As you wish.”
On the third floor, she followed him down a wide hallway decorated with maroon damask wallpaper.
An arched entrance loomed ahead, hung with a huge techno sign. MoJo Spa.
“A massage? Nice.”
In the changing room, she stripped, slipped into a thick, fuzzy robe and comfy slippers then bear-hugged her husband.
“In here.” He tugged her into the wood-paneled sauna.
“Ten minutes in here and I’ll need ta strip down t
a nothing. Phew.” She wafted her hand over her face, puffing out her cheeks.
“My dear, that is the plan.” Winking, he slipped out of his robe and bundled it to make a pillow before lounging back.
“We can’t strip in a public sauna.” Peering through the tiny glass window, she prayed nobody was around to see her husband butt naked.
“Here’s the fun part—the sauna is ours for a whole hour. We can do whatever we like in here.”
“Really? What if someone happens ta look in?”
“The main door to this area is locked, so we’re safe.”
“In that case….” She untied the belt around her waist and let the material slide over the curve of her hips to the floor. Pulling in a deep breath, she paraded in front of him.
A click. Sounds of the door opening.
Her back stiffened, she dared not look behind her. Oh crap.
“Hmm, your photo does not do you justice, Elizabeth.” Someone slid his hand around her waist then spanked her buttocks.
“How dare ya?” Jerking in response, she spun to face the intruder. He loomed over her, devilishly handsome…and butt naked! Her knees almost gave way at the delicious sight of him before anger bubbled at the crude intrusion.
“Ma’am, I do believe I’m apart of your birthday present…if you accept it, that is.”
“What have ya done, Todd? Did ya go ta a strip club ta arrange a threesome or something? Gross!” She turned to her husband, trying to avert her stare from the new eye candy.
“No, no, ma’am. I’m not a whore. I’m your date for the evening. It’s all very tasteful and safe…through 1Night Stand. I guess this birthday present was somewhat of a surprise for you.”
“Good guess.”
He traced his thumb over the peak of her breasts, causing the sensitive flesh to tingle and send heat rushing down to her tummy. Then, with a whisper-soft touch, he stroked under the curve of her fleshy mounds and groaned. “I do hope to be buried deep inside you soon, if you’re agreeable.”
“If I’m agreeable? Todd, aren’t ya going ta say anything? A stranger is touching up ya wife!”
“Beth, he speaks the truth. He is your present. A threesome. He’s been vetted by the agency, as have we. We’re completely safe. One night of sexual exploration was the only thing I knew you needed. Anything you want you buy for yourself, so there was nothing left for me to give you.”
“But ya whine if I so much as look at another—”
“No, I don’t. You think I do, but I don’t. Beth, a threesome is what we need to get out of this rut we seem to have found ourselves in.”
“Shush, you talk too much.” The stranger, yet to introduce himself, moved around to press himself against her front. Softly, he took her face in his hand and kissed her. Damned if his hard shaft didn’t twitch against her swollen mound.
She leapt back with a yelp. A weak protest. Really, she wanted to throw this cowboy on the floor so she could ride him ’til the cows came home. But her husband sat opposite them. She could give him a good seeing to, instead. Couldn’t she? With the stranger watching? Oh, the thrill. Oh, the embarrassment. Oh, the debauchery.
“Todd?” She gazed at him, pleading with him to tell her it was okay. Or it wasn’t okay. Something. Because she didn’t have a clue what to do.
“Beth, know that I love you. This night is for you, because of my love for you. Don’t feel you have to ask for my permission to do anything this evening. Let yourself go. It’s okay. I want you to.”
Her stare glued to his, she slid her hand toward the man’s groin but stopped millimeters away from his shaft.
“I can’t do it.”
“Kiss him, then,” Todd ordered. “We have all night, I’m sure Cade won’t mind taking it slow.”
“I surely won’t.” He beamed, brushing her cheeks with a feather light touch.
Trembling, she wrapped her arm around his taut neck and closed her eyes. A shallow breath away from each other. His warmth caressed her cheek, his need pressed into her sex.
“Please….” She wanted to ask him to step back, to give her time, but the quake in her voice rendered her immobile for a second. She had to decide. What could they possibly gain from a threesome?
No time to think. Heat radiated toward her back, the heady scent of her husband’s aftershave enveloping her. He planted sweet kisses along her spine. Divine. His arms wrapped around them both. The bliss the men emanated chipped at her reluctance to step out of traditional marriage boundaries and consider what they requested of her.
“I see this is a lot to take in all at once, no pun intended, so I’ll sit this one out and watch if that’s all right with you?” the stranger said, moving to the bench spanning the width of the back wall.
She nodded, relief sweeping her entire being.
Todd slipped a thumb between her folds, spread out her moisture, then inserted his swollen head into her tunnel.
“Deeper,” she cried. As he edged farther in, her swollen flesh stretched to accommodate his size. She leaned forward, pressing her hands against the wall for support.
The other man’s pensive gaze sent shudders racing down to her gut. Glued to his stare, unbidden thoughts invaded her. What if it was him instead of her husband plunging deep inside her? The excitement of making love to someone different for the first time sent her heart tumbling back to when she’d first met Todd. Their awkward dates. Her desperate need to have him rising at her slightest touch. The way he bent to her every whim…made her feel loved and wanted.
Boy, did she feel wanted. She glanced across to their voyeur and his exposed, jutting shaft. Reaching to a nearby shelf, he grabbed a bottle. In one swift movement, he poured thick massage oil over his length, wrapped his hand around his hard-on, and stroked himself up and down. His head rolled back, his chest rising and falling with increased intensity.
He used his other hand to knead his scrotum. An unbidden sigh popped from her mouth, drawing his attention to her. Locked in his stare, she willed him to swap places with her husband. Instead, his stroking became more pronounced, slower.
“Are ya pretending ta be deep inside me?” Her voice, a hoarse, gritty whisper even she barely heard, was meant to edge him on. Make him come for her. She wanted to watch him explode in delight.
He puckered his lips and smacked them together, slow and deliberate, then let out an animalistic growl. Pumping himself in rapid strokes, he glared at her, not a single flinch or blink. More growls. Faster. Harder. Encouraging Todd to match his pace, she thrust against him. Again and again. Their date slammed a hand on the bench, and gave one slow and extenuated pull to his shaft before he came. Thick, white fluid trickled down his hand toward his muscular thighs.
She wanted to slink over to him and lick him clean. Yes, she liked that idea. Imagined trailing her tongue down his length and around his head, and that growl of his. Fuck, that growl.
“I love you.” Todd declared, directing her attention back to his swollen rod searing into her. Contractions erupted, fluttering her vagina and curling her toes. She spiraled into a sense of splendor and peace. Had it not been for Todd grasping her waist, she’d have fallen to the wooden floor.
The stranger nipped out of the sauna for a second then returned smelling of soap. He strode to her side, slipped his hand down to her slit, and rubbed in time to her husband’s rhythm.
“Is this weird?” Todd asked.
“Baby, it’s hot!” she cried, grabbing the wall in front of her. He pounded her hard, exploded his seed deep into her, warming her.
When they’d recovered, standing straight, the stranger stepped back and held out his hand.
“Name’s Cade, by the way. Nice to meet you both.” A really strong American accent lay heavy over his words. Real cowboy sounding. Maybe a Texan? She bet he rode a horse. Hoped.
Chapter Five
Strutting the length of the suite, he wore nothing but a cowboy hat and a smile. Cocky bastard. She had insisted he leave it on. Heat twisted and turne
d within, saturating her inside out as she skimmed the length of him from behind her lashes. From his ruggedly handsome face and strong jaw line, to the beads of sweat glistening on his rippled chest, she was tempted to trace her hand over his ass.
He turned his head and set his gaze upon her, looking like one of those heroes from one of Sandra’s romance covers. Except without pants. Her pulse quickened.
“Ma’am.” He dipped his hat, shading his stare with the dark shadow caused by the rim of the Stetson. “Said you wanted more excitement in your life on your 1Night Stand profile. I hope I don’t disappoint you.”
“And what did ya 1Night Stand profile say about ya, pray tell?” She leaned against her husband, trying to seem casual. Adrenaline pumped through her hard and fast, calmed slightly by Todd’s touch. He stroked her side, gentle, reassuring.
“That I’m a businessman in town looking for some serious, clean fun.”
“Don’t people like ya use a card stuck ta a phone box when ya want a shag on a business trip?” She stumbled over her interrogation, desperate to find something wrong with him, a reason why they shouldn’t progress with their evening together.
“Stop questioning the man. He’s not here to chit-chat.” Her husband kissed her cheek, “And if you really don’t want this, we can end it now. Whatever you want, Beth.”
“It’s fine. She wants this. She wants to know it’s all good, clean fun. I understand. Better to be upfront about these things and get them out of the way.” He shrugged. “But you misunderstood me. I don’t want a meaningless one-night stand. I want the experience to mean something.” His tone softening, he strolled to her side. “Something special verses a quick fuck, you understand?”
She snorted. “Why on earth would ya think a married couple could give ya…something special?”
Dipping his hand under the collar of her dress, he eased the material from her shoulder while unzipping her. Her outfit skimmed her body on its way to the floor. The room temperature was tepid, yet chills raced up her spine. She wanted to grab his wrist, to scream at him to stop. Yet no matter how awkward he made her feel, she could not get away from the fatal attraction she had for him. She should play nice; after all, this was her birthday present and she might hurt dear Todd’s feelings if she didn’t try to enjoy every second of it.
Irish Kisses Boxed Set Page 9
