Claiming Jade

by Teresa Gabelman

  Quietly, she opened the fridge and peeked in. It was still empty. Opening the freezer, she frowned. Again, pretty much empty. She started to close the door but stopped. Reaching in, she grabbed a container of chocolate ice cream. It wasn’t heavy so knew it was probably close to empty, darn it. Hopefully, there wasn’t freezer burn on it. Then again, she’d eaten worse, and what was a little freezer burn? It was chocolate freaking ice cream, and that would definitely hit the spot. Closing the freezer door, she popped open the lid and grinned, doing a little fist-pump dance. There was enough to tame her hunger and satisfy her craving. An image of Drake flashed across her mind, and she rolled her eyes. Not that kind of craving. Well, maybe a little bit of that type of craving.

  Jade giggled as she reached for a spoon. She stood in her kitchen in a pair of cut-off shorts and T-shirt eating spoonsful of ice cream in the dark while fantasizing about the gorgeous elf man sleeping in her brother’s room. She seriously had issues. She really hadn’t been with a man in quite a while, and that was her biggest issue. Jade hadn’t realized it until Drake showed up in her life. Or wait, did she show up in his?

  Shrugging as she continued to lap up the creamy treat, she considered it didn’t really matter who showed up in whose world. Instead, she figured she wasn’t his type, but in her fantasy world, she was. A grin spread around the spoon tucked away in her mouth. She closed her eyes picturing him holding her tightly, and she sighed, or did she moan? Now she snorted at her stupidity, but who cared. She was tired, worried, overworked, overstressed, and deserved a minute of silliness. At any given moment, a ruthless band of pixies could come charging in her house and… and what? Spray pixie dust at her? This time she chuckled, scraping the ice cream carton. Glancing around her kitchen, the frown slipped off her face as reality set in. What they did to her home was not harmless, and from what she had heard, neither were pixies. Oh well, the fantasy of everything being fine and a sexy elf man being her hero was nice while it lasted.

  Walking toward the sink, she stared out the window, her eyes going skyward. The sky was clear, the stars twinkling brightly against the dark backdrop. In the depth of darkness in her kitchen, with her tub of ice-cream therapy, she suddenly felt alone. More alone than she had ever felt in her entire life. Glancing down at her carton, she didn’t feel guilty that there appeared to be one more spoonful. A tear splashed, hitting the bottom of the carton, making a plop noise.

  “You’re pathetic,” she whispered to herself.

  “I would have to disagree with that.”

  Drake’s voice broke the silence that surrounded her as her heart beat frantically against her chest. She knew she jumped, but she didn’t turn around. Couldn’t. Holy shit, how long had he been there? Here she was, eating her therapy… without a bra on under her T-shirt… and did she moan before? Oh God, she had. Suddenly, her body was very aware of the man behind her. It tingled to life as if every nerve ending were attached to an electrical current. Even her hair tingled.

  Glancing down at the last scoop of ice cream, she decided right then and there she was tired of being lonely. She needed something and had a feeling that only this man could provide that elusive something to her. She was going to do it. With purpose, she dug the last spoonful of ice cream, staring at it as if praying to the ice cream god to perform a miracle.

  She slowly turned. Her eyes met his silver gaze, which seemed to gleam in the darkness. A sudden zap of awareness landed between her legs, making her shiver with… delight? Hell, delight wasn’t even close to what she felt. No word she could even think of described it.

  With as much sexiness as she could muster in her movements and voice, she held out the spoonful of ice cream.

  “Wanna bite?” She was so happy she got those words out in the sexy voice, because as soon as her eyes traveled from his gorgeous eyes, they fell on his bare chest and ran down his toned stomach to the light patch of dark hair disappearing into his unsnapped jeans. For the first time in her life, she licked her lips at the sight of a man’s body.

  Chapter 7

  Drake lay on his back staring at the ceiling; he couldn’t sleep. Hell, he usually didn’t sleep, but tonight he wanted to sleep to erase the image of Jade on her hands and knees.

  “Fuck!” He sat up and ran his palms down his face, trying to remove the memory. It didn’t work. The only thing that could vanish that image from his mind was his brain exploding. His head dropped with a sigh as he rubbed his face with his hands again. It was going to be a long fucking night.

  A noise, faint to most, was loud to him. Cocking his head, he listened, trying to decipher what it was, but it stopped. He stood and walked toward the closed door, his body poised for trouble. Slowly, he opened his door, his eyes missing nothing. He didn’t sense danger, but until he was sure, he wouldn’t let his guard down. Leaning his head further out the room, he noticed Jade’s door partially open and knew exactly what he’d heard.

  With practiced ease, he slipped out then looked into her room to make sure nothing was amiss. Satisfied there was no urgency, he padded down the hallway and stopped when he spotted her silhouette making its way through the living room toward the kitchen. He cringed as she suddenly stopped, lifted, and grabbed her foot, hopping around. He spotted something on the floor she’d stepped on. Damn, that had to hurt. A slow grin tipped one corner of his mouth as he realized she was trying to be quiet so not to wake him.

  She disappeared into the kitchen, and he waited for a second to see if she was going to come right back out. When she didn’t, he made his way toward her, avoiding the object she had stepped on, but he took the time to push it aside slowly with his foot, so she didn’t step on it again.

  He paused in the door, ready to make his presence known, but words, thoughts, movement, and time all stopped at that moment. His eyes ran down her body, noticing how perfectly her cut-off shorts fit her rounded ass. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, reminding him of a naughty, sexy librarian. Hey, it was his fantasy. His dick hardened and pulsed, pushing against his jeans, as if trying to get to her.

  When she opened the fridge and bent over to check inside, he thought he was going to have to take his jeans off. The cheeks of her ass peeked out from the bottom of her shorts, and he had to bite his lip to keep quiet. Finally, she straightened, her ass cheeks disappearing as she closed the door then opened the freezer.

  Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his body slick. She pulled something out, grabbed a spoon, then took a bite at what looked like ice cream. A low moan escaped her lips, and he about lost his load in his pants like a fucking virgin dipshit. Reaching down, he adjusted his cock, giving it a hard squeeze, reminding it that he was the boss. She actually tip-toed to the sink, which made him smile.

  “You’re pathetic,” she whispered, staring out the window. Drake heard the whispered words and didn’t like it.

  “I would have to disagree with that.” His voice was gruff, but he didn’t like her thinking anything like that about herself. She was perfect.

  He waited patiently as she just stood with her back still to him. He noticed she jumped slightly, though still didn’t turn. He was ready to walk over to reach out to her, but she slowly spun around, holding a spoonful of ice cream.

  “Wanna bite?” Her voice slid over him as warm as a lover’s tongue.

  Annnnnd, she just became fuckable. Jesus! Without hesitation, he walked to her, took her hand that held the spoon and gently brought it to her own mouth. She opened those beautiful lips. The spoon slid in and then out. Leaning down, his lips very close to hers, he whispered, “Definitely.”

  Once their mouths touched, he knew without a doubt this woman belonged to him. No doubt whatsoever. The taste of her, mixed with the sweetness of the chocolate, was something he had never experienced, and it was mind-blowing. He devoured her mouth. In the back of his mind, he hoped he wasn’t coming on too strong, but he couldn’t help it. Something about Jade Wilder took his control completely away.

  As his mouth remai
ned on hers, he grabbed the carton smashed between them, as well as the spoon, and tossed them, hoping to hit the sink. Then again, he didn’t give a fuck where they landed. Before he could even do that, her arms were wrapped so tightly around him; he was amazed at how strong she was.

  His hands touched everywhere they could, frantically as if he were losing control. He had to calm the fuck down so he didn’t hurt or scare her. Pulling his lips away, he took a long, deep breath while hers were fast and short gasps.

  “If you don’t want this….” He stopped. What if she said she didn’t want this, want him? Holy shit, he didn’t think he’d survive hearing those words.

  Her answer was to pull back slightly and yank her shirt off, exposing the most beautiful tits he’d ever seen. “Damn!” he hissed, his eyes nearly crossing from staring at them so intently.

  “I want this more than I’ve wanted anything in a long time.” She reached out and took his hand, leading it to her breast. When his hand made contact with the fullness and erect nipple, he knew all was lost. He went to town feeling them, squeezing them, tasting them, and here he thought he was an ass man. Once he saw her pussy, he was probably going to fucking die. With that thought, he couldn’t get her shorts off fast enough.

  Now that she was completely naked, he picked her up and set her on the edge of the counter so he could see what prizes she had hidden away. Her pussy lips glistened; she was ready for him, and nothing excited him more than knowing that. Leaning down as he unzipped his jeans around his bulging cock, he gave her core a long lingering lick. Sweet, just like her mouth had been. He stepped out of his jeans, grabbed his cock, giving it another warning squeeze to behave. Drake looked up at her to see she was staring at his massive hard-on.

  Jade slid off the counter, her eyes glued to his cock. She reached out, pushing his hand away so hers could take its place. With long, easy strokes, she drove him to the edge. Never had his restraint been tested to this point, but he let her explore his body until he just couldn’t take anymore.

  When he grasped her hand, Drake pulled it away from him, their eyes meeting. Without a word, he picked her up and without pause, she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her wetness against his stomach had them both moaning.

  “I don’t know if I can make it to the bed.” He growled as he nipped her neck.

  “Then don’t.” She grabbed his hair, pulling his head away from her neck to take his mouth. Their kiss was crazy, frantic, and so full of need it shocked him that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Maybe shock wasn’t the word, ecstatic, fucking happy as fuck.

  He knew he should wait until the job was over, but no way in hell was that going to happen. And he was a fool to even think for a minute it was a probability. Once she started moving up and down on his stomach, he knew she was ready; he could feel it, and it was fucking amazing. He quickly grabbed the condom he had managed to get out of his wallet earlier, ripped the package with his teeth and with a speed that surprised even him, put it on, sight unseen. He was fucking impressed with himself. Blind and one handed, fuck yeah.

  With one hand under her ass and one hand guiding his pulsing cock, he found her entrance with ease. He had no idea how long it had been for her, so he wanted to take it slow so not to hurt her. Well, she blew his good intentions away when she grasped his shoulders and forcefully impaled herself on him. Her scream shattered the ecstasy he felt, fear had him pulling away, but she grabbed him tightly, not letting him. Instead, she began to ride him like a wild woman. Using his hands, he tried to slow her down, but Jade wasn’t having any of it. Okay, fuck it. She wanted to get fucked, he’d fuck her with pleasure.

  But before he could, he needed to know, “Are you hurt?”

  She slowed, her eyes finding his. “No,” she whispered, touching his cheek as if thanking him for caring.

  With that out of the way, his body sprung into motion. His arms strained as did his legs as he pumped into her, using his arms and all the strength he had. They had made it to a wall, her back against it as he drove into her over and over again. Drake watched as her tits swayed enticingly, only making his desire more intense. He knew she was close and he definitely was, but he wanted to be able to touch her, and his hands were too tied up.

  With quick, efficient movements, he pulled her off him, ignoring her protest, walked toward the couch, turned her around and placed her hands on the arm of the couch. His fingers ran down her back as his eyes did the same until landing on her perfectly shaped ass. With his foot, he gently edged her feet apart, then reached between her legs and thrust two fingers inside her. His free hand ran up her ribcage where he cupped her large tit, and the weight in his hand was so fucking perfect. Her moans were growing louder; she was almost on the cusp of release, but no way would he let her fly this way. He took her to the edge and then pulled his fingers away, as well as his hand. Drake then positioned himself behind her.

  His eyes scanned her waiting, willing body, and he wanted it to linger. He wanted this moment to last, but her head slowly turned toward him. Her eyes pleaded as she gazed from over her shoulder.

  “Please.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it was the word that did him in. He had fucked her against the wall. He would finish by making love to her.

  Jade didn’t know what in the hell to do with the emotions running rampant through her body. His fingers were like magic putting a spell on her body, and she didn’t care one bit. She knew she was acting like a sex-starved ho, but again she didn’t care. She wanted this. Now. At this moment. She welcomed him into her body like she had never welcomed anyone before. Not that she hadn’t had sex, she had, but nothing compared to what she was having with this man, Drake… oh, shit, she didn’t even know his last name. Once he was inside her, she didn’t care, again.

  Before she knew what was happening, she was bent over the arm of her couch. His hands once more casting magic on her body. She savored the feelings, prayed this would not be a one-night stand. She didn’t think she could stand it if it were. Yes, she was already anticipating the next and the next and the next…. She cried out when his touch left her.

  Taking a deep calming breath, she squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for him to continue, but he didn’t. Slowly, she opened her eyes and then turned so she could see him over her shoulder. He just stood, staring at her body. Her insides quivered at his gaze, the desire reflected in those silver eyes. He wanted her, that she was sure of… and what a high that was.

  “Please.” She whispered the plea. She needed him. Needed him now.

  His eyes seemed to flame brighter, and her head dropped as he grabbed her hips. His long length poised at the entrance to her core. She would never forget the feeling of him sliding into her from behind; it was both calming—as if she were home—and it was an erotic sensation she’d never forget. She knew right then and there she was done with other men. This was it. He was it. How she knew that she had no idea. Was it because of the sex they were sharing? No, something deeper settled in her gut.

  “Stop,” she told herself and froze when he stopped. Once again, she glanced over her shoulder at him. “Not you.”

  His eyes were hooded with confusion and desire, but he began to move again. Slow, confident strokes, he played her body like it was made for him. She needed to empty her thoughts, stop doubting and fearing what was to come. She needed to enjoy the moment, and what a moment it was.

  His touch gave her comfort as if she weren’t alone in the world. Even as he gradually pumped faster and with more strength, she cherished the feeling. Jade moved against him, meeting him push by push, and then yet again, he stopped and pulled away from her. She wanted to scream at the emptiness she felt. When Drake turned her to face him, her knees almost gave way, but somehow, she kept her legs underneath her.

  He picked her up and took her to her room. Laying her down on the bed, he pulled her to the edge as he lifted her ass up and entered her. She went to close her eyes, but he cupped her cheek, surprising her.

  “
Do not look away from me.” His order wasn’t spoken sharply, but it was a demand. A demand she would follow through with no matter what.

  And she didn’t close her eyes, not even when his head flew back, the corded muscles in his neck standing out as he released inside of her; her own release spiraled through her at the same time. Drake looked down at her, his breathing rough as he gently lay across her body. Only then did she close her eyes and wonder if her heart was going to be broken, because for a fact she knew her feelings for this man were already off the charts.

  Chapter 8

  Drake sat at the restaurant trying to focus on his phone, but his eyes kept going to Jade. It had been almost three days since he had found her in the kitchen, then proceeded to make her his. Although in his mind and dick, he had claimed her, she didn’t know that. Since that night, they hadn’t done much talking, other than with their bodies. She glanced his way as if she knew his thoughts, and he tossed her a wink. She blushed, then busied herself with the last of the dinner guests.

  Studying each customer, he then went back to his phone, but he didn’t really know what he was looking at. He just flipped through e-mails without seeing them. Something was bothering him, and Drake knew exactly what it was. He knew next to nothing about Jade or her life. He also didn’t know why she clearly had no regard for how she was treated, and he’d seen that first hand with Ray. Taking that bastard’s shit night after night, so her boss didn’t lose customers… who the fuck did that? Jade did, that’s who. And then when he was trying to get the bastard to apologize, she plain as day looked into his face and told him that Ray didn’t have to apologize. Huh? The fuck he didn’t. Even the thought of the son of a bitch and Jade acting as if she didn’t deserve an apology pissed him off.