by Wilder, L.
Up until closing, Marlowe made sure to keep herself busy cleaning with the bar and did everything she could to avoid eye contact with me. That was fine. My time with her was coming, and it was coming soon. After the club closed, I followed Marlowe over to her place, and again, she was quiet as we made our way into her apartment. I’d barely locked the door before she’d slipped off her heels and disappeared into her bedroom. I wasn’t in the mood for playing games, so I decided to follow her. By the time I reached her room, Marlowe had already removed her miniskirt and fitted sweater and was standing there in just her deep red satin bra and panties. I leaned against her doorway, watching silently as she pulled a hoodie from her dresser and put it on. I crossed my arms and asked her, “How long are you planning to keep this up?”
“As long as it takes for you to stop looking at me like that.”
“Why don’t you do us both a favor and tell me what the hell is going on with you?” I took a step in her direction. Her eyes never left mine as I added, “Marlowe, just talk to me. I’m on your side. There’s nothing you can say to change that.”
“I don’t know about that. If you knew what was going on in my head, you’d probably run for the hills.”
“Never gonna happen.”
“Okay, suit yourself.” She sat down on the edge of the bed and sighed. “It’s just hard having Kate here. It’s brought up a lot of feelings I thought I’d put behind me.”
“Such as.”
“Hmmm ... The fear of rejection. Feeling not good enough. Weak. Pathetic. The list goes on and on.” She shrugged. “Does that put things in perspective for you?”
“It’s a start.” I sat down next to her. “I can’t say I understand why.”
“That’s the part that’s hard to explain.” Emotion filled her eyes as she explained, “I spent my entire childhood feeling like I lived in Kate’s shadow. I’ve worked so hard to break free from all that, and then she shows up and I suddenly feel like I’m going to lose everything again ... like it wasn’t even meant to be mine in the first place.”
“Are you being serious right now?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I got that things were hard for her growing up. Hell, we’ve all had our struggles there, but it was hard for me to understand why someone so amazing would ever doubt herself. “You’ve busted your ass to get where you are. Came here with nothing and built an entire life for yourself, and you did it without any help from anyone. How in the hell can you think of yourself as weak?”
“It’s easier than you might think.” Her eyes drifted to the floor. “I’ve never had anything I cared about that Kate didn’t end up taking from me, and I’m just so scared of that happening again.”
“She can only take those things if you let her.” I reached over and placed my hand on her cheek. “Don’t. You’re an amazing, beautiful, strong woman who is in no way weak or pathetic, and if your sister makes you feel any different, that’s on you.”
“On me?”
“Yeah, you.” I was being harsh, but I needed her to hear what I was saying. “You’re the one giving her the power. Stop doing that shit and believe in yourself. I know I do.”
“You do?”
“Hell, yeah. I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t.”
I leaned in closer, brushed a strand of hair from Marlowe’s face, then lowered my mouth to hers, kissing her tenderly. She didn’t push me away. Instead, she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. My hand fell to the back of her neck, and I gently pulled her closer. A shudder ran through her as she opened her mouth to me, giving me access to delve deeper, and I took full advantage of the opportunity. Our tongues tangled, our bodies tensed, and I knew then one kiss would never be enough. Just as things were starting to get heated, Marlowe placed her hands on my chest, ending the kiss as she pulled back and inhaled a deep breath. As she slowly exhaled, she muttered, “I’m sorry for being a nutcase.”
“Don’t. You have nothing to be sorry about, Marlowe. You let your fear mess with your head, but believe me when I say, you have nothing to be afraid of. You’re fucking incredible, so enough of this bullshit with your sister. Leave the past where it fucking belongs.”
“I’ll try.”
“Don’t try, Marlowe. Do it,” I pushed. “Things don’t change. We do. Make the changes you want in your life, and don’t let anyone stand in your way. Not even me.”
“Okay. You’re right.” A soft smile crossed her face as she whispered, “Thank you for bringing me back to my senses.”
“All I did was give you a little push in the right direction.”
“Well, it’s appreciated ... more than you know.” Her eyes were filled with emotion, but not sadness like before. This emotion was for me—just me. “You know, you’re the one thing I am ... or make that I was most scared of losing.”
Before she could say anything more, I reached for her and pulled her towards me as I lowered my mouth to hers, silencing her with a kiss. It was the best way I knew how to tell her how I was feeling. There was no way I could explain how having her so close set me on fire, making every nerve in my body burn with need. My hand dove into her hair, pulling her even closer as I deepened the kiss. A light moan purred from her throat, urging me on as my hand slid down her back, and it was all I could do to keep myself from taking her right then and there. Before that could happen, there was something I needed to say.
“You don’t have to worry about losing me, Marlowe. I’m not going anywhere. Right here with you is exactly where I want to be.”
With that, she wound her arms around my neck and whispered, “And I want you here. I want you, Rafe. More than I thought possible.”
I lowered my hands to her waist and grabbed the hem of her hoodie, lifting it carefully over her head. Fuck. She looked so damn beautiful. The mere sight of her had my cock turning to fucking steel. Through the thin, smooth fabric, I could see her nipples tighten beneath my gaze. I trailed kisses down her neck as I told her, “I need to be inside you.”
She stood, and I watched with awe as she quickly removed her bra and panties, then laid down across the bed. I let my eyes drift down her body, and her delicious curves called to me like no woman ever had. I stood and made fast work of my clothes, then lowered myself down onto the bed next to her. I wanted to devour and consume her until I was the only thing she could think about. I watched the goosebumps rise along her skin as I began to trace the slope of her breast with my fingertips. She was perfect, every damn inch of her. I didn’t know it was possible for me to feel so strongly for a woman. My mouth moved to her neck, kissing and nipping gently at her soft skin before traveling to her collarbone and then her breast. I rolled my tongue around her nipple and watched with satisfaction as her back arched off the bed, silently pleading for more. I glided my tongue along her stomach ever so slowly, trailing kisses here and there as I settled myself between her thighs. As I hovered over her, she started to squirm. “You want my mouth on you?”
As soon as she nodded, I slid my hands under her ass and lowered my head between her legs. I ran my tongue ever so slightly across her center, teasing her, tormenting her as she squirmed beneath me. Damn. Everything about her had me burning for more. She gasped, and her back arched off the bed as I pressed the flat of my tongue against her clit. I loved seeing Marlowe come apart, knowing I was in complete control as I watched her body respond to my touch. I wanted to hear all of her little gasps and whimpers again and again as I pushed her to the edge of her release.
“Ra-fe,” she stammered as her fingers dove into my hair, guiding me as her knees opened wider.
“You want more, baby?”
I didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, I placed my hands on her thighs, holding her in place as I continued to lick and suck, searching for the spot that would drive her wild. When I found it, I covered her with my mouth, tormenting her until her body started to tremble beneath me. Her hands dropped to her sides as she clutched the sheets, tugging them tightly as her orgasm surged through her
body like a bolt of lightning. As she gasped for air, I could hear her mumbling, “Oh, God. Rafe!”
She was still lost in the haze of her release when I quickly slipped on a condom, then lowered my body on top of her. Eager for more, her thighs spread as she wrapped her legs around my waist, pulling me close and grinding her hips against mine. I raked the head of my throbbing cock against her, and as soon as I felt the warmth of her center, I growled, “You got no idea what you do to me.”
“Rafe,” was the only word she could muster.
I would never get tired of hearing her say my name in that breathy, wanton tone. She pressed her lips to mine in a possessive, demanding kiss as she used her legs to pull me forward. I felt her tremble beneath me as I slid deep inside her, giving her every aching inch of my cock. Fuck. She felt too fucking good—so warm and wet. I slowly withdrew, and a slight hiss slipped through her teeth as I drove into her again and again—each time a bit faster and more unforgiving. Her heels dug into my back as she muttered my name over and over again.
As much as I loved having her that way, I wanted more. I placed my hands on her hips and flipped her over onto her knees, so I could take her from behind. I reached for her hair, fisting it in my hand as I gave it a gentle tug. Then I thrust forward, driving inside her once again. Damn. I couldn’t imagine a better feeling. Unable to control myself, I slowly drew back and slammed into her again, fucking her hard and deep. A carnal moan vibrated through her as she started to rock back, meeting my every thrust. I slid my hand from her hip down between her legs, and feverish cries echoed through the room as I began teasing her clit. Within seconds, I could feel her muscles start contracting all around me as she pleaded, “Don’t stop.”
She panted wildly, moaning and desperately gripping the sheets as I drove deeper. I felt her body tremble around me, urging me on as I thrust inside her, over and over. Seconds later, she submitted to her release and clamped down around me.
Nothing turned me on more than watching her come undone. All too soon, I felt my own release building as the muscles in my abdomen and legs grew taut. Unable to stop and savor the moment, I continued to drive into her, and the sound of my body pounding against hers pushed me over the edge. I gave her hair another tug as I held her to me and came deep inside her. Nothing felt fucking better. Hell, it felt so damn good, I wanted to take her again. Fuck, I was never going to get enough of this woman.
After several moments, I finally caught my breath and lowered myself down onto the bed next to her. I quickly disposed of the condom before pulling Marlowe over to me. Her breath was still strained as she rested her head on my chest and sighed. “Wow.”
With a chuckle, I asked, “You enjoyed that, huh?”
“Oh, yeah. I actually had no idea sex could be so incredible.” She giggled as she admitted, “Had I known, I might’ve tried it sooner.”
“Then, I’m glad you didn’t know.”
“Me too.” She looked up at me with a worried look in her eye as she said, “I really am sorry about earlier. I don’t know what got into me.”
“Already told you. You have nothing to apologize for.” I leaned over and kissed her on the forehead as I teased. “Just glad I was able to bring you back to your senses.”
“That you did.” Since she’d opened the door to the conversation again, I thought it might be a good time to ask her about what Menace had uncovered during her background check, but I lost my chance when she said, “You were right. It’s time to leave the past where it belongs, and that’s just what I’m going to do. No more worrying over my parents or Kate. It’s time for me to focus on the future.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Her face lit up as she asked, “Did I tell you I was going to start taking some classes in the spring?”
“First I’ve heard of it, but I think that’s great.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it if it hadn’t been for Ford.”
“The old farmer guy from the bar?”
“Yes.” A soft smile crossed her face as she said, “He gave me the money and insisted I go back to finish what I started. I felt bad accepting it, but he insisted.”
“That’s awesome, Marlowe. Just goes to show what an impression you make on folks.”
“I guess.” She went on to tell me how Ford and his wife hadn’t been able to have kids of their own, and how he’d felt he and she were meant to cross paths. It was clear from the way she spoke Ford’s gesture had meant a great deal to her. “With my hours being the way they are, I should be able to finish my business degree by next fall.”
“I’m really proud of you. If there’s anything I can do to help, all you have to do is ask.”
“I know, and I appreciate that.” She snuggled back in the crook of my arm as she yawned, “Seem like things are really coming together.”
“That they are. Remember that whenever you’re around Kate and start having doubts.”
She nodded as she closed her eyes and yawned again, longer this time, making it clear she was fading fast. I kissed her on the forehead once more, then watched as she drifted off to sleep. Nothing felt better than having her right there next to me. While it was too soon to admit it, the truth was, Marlowe was the kind of woman I could see myself with for the long haul. Fuck. She was everything I wanted and more, and she was right here next to me. Marlowe was right. Things were really coming together. My entire body started to relax as I lay there listening to the soothing sounds of her breathing, and it wasn’t long before I gave into my own exhaustion.
The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed. After lying there for a moment, I could hear her scrambling around in the kitchen. Curious to see what she was up to, I eased out of bed and put on boxer briefs before going into the kitchen. When I walked in, she was standing at the stove wearing nothing but my t-shirt and a smile. She licked her lips, then smiled and said, “Good morning, handsome. You sleep well?”
“I did. And you?”
“Very well.” She glanced back over at the stove as she said, “You hungry? I was just about to make some breakfast.”
“Yeah.” Seeing her standing there looking so unbelievably hot had the blood rushing to my cock. Damn. What was this woman doing to me? I took a step towards her as I answered, “I’m hungry all right, but pretty sure breakfast isn’t what I’m in the mood for.”
She turned back to face me, her eyes blazing with need as they slowly drifted over my body. When they reached the tent I was pitching in my boxer briefs, she licked her lips once more and asked, “Oh really? And what exactly are you in the mood for?”
“I think you know the answer to that.” Fuck, if she licked her lips one more goddamn time, I was gonna take her on the table right then and there. Fuck. She was killing me. I held her gaze as I told her, “Marlowe, you need to stop.”
“Stop what?” she asked innocently, but I knew better. She knew exactly what she was doing to me, and I won’t lie, I liked the fact that she did. I considered it a sign her confidence was officially back. She bit her bottom lip and batted those beautiful eyelashes as she teased. “I’m not doing anything.”
“Suit yourself.”
I took a charging step towards her, wrapped my arms around her waist, and she let out a shriek when I lifted her into my arms and carried across the room. As soon as I’d sat her down on the table, I took the hem of my t-shirt and lifted it over her head, leaving her completely bare as I laid her back on the table. I lowered my head between her legs and teased her just long enough to make her ready for me, then I spent the next half-hour knocking the edge off for us both. I knew it was only temporary, but it was enough to get us both through the day. I left there feeling pretty fucking good about things. Unfortunately, it was a feeling that wouldn’t last.
Shit was about to go to hell in a hand-basket, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do to stop it.
Chapter 14
Marlowe
“Kate ... What are you doing here?”
I’d just f
inished taking a shower and was drying my hair when Kate showed up at my apartment completely unannounced. Of course, while I was still trying to put myself together, Kate looked like she’d just stepped out of some fashion magazine. With a flick of her long blonde hair, she sauntered through the doorway and into the kitchen as she answered, “I told you Eric had a meeting this morning.”
“I remember. I also remember you saying you were going to call.”
“I was, but I knew you would be here.” She pursed her lips with a slight eyeroll. “It’s not like you have anywhere else to go.”
“Seriously?” She’d been there all of two seconds, and I was already annoyed with her. “You have no idea what I have going on in my life.”
“Oh, give me a break. You know what I meant.” She walked over to the coffee pot and helped herself to a cup as she said, “You don’t have work until later this afternoon, right?”
“Yeah, but ...” I started, then realized I was wasting my breath. I followed Kate over to the table, and as we sat down, I smiled as I remembered what had taken place there an hour earlier. “So, how are things with Mom and Dad?”
