Fire & Desire (Hero Series)

by Monique Lamont

  Smiling, Josephine folded her arms across her chest. “Well, allowing me to throw you and Trevor a wedding party is one way. Of course, I’ll give the toast so there is no doubt about my position at the function.”

  “You got it.” Tiffany launched herself off the table and hugged her best friend.

  ~ML~

  “Hi, honey,” Tiffany propped her cell phone between her ear and shoulder as she continued to pack up her briefcase. Excited to hear Trevor’s voice, her heart raced and her knees turned to jelly with thoughts of the evening to come. “How is your day going?”

  “I’m on my way. How long until you finish up at work?”

  “I’m getting my things together now. Want to meet at my place or yours?” Tiffany zipped up her brown, three-compartment leather Samsonite case and held it beside her leg. She was ready.

  “You’re closer to home at your office. We’ll meet at your place.”

  Tiffany heard the distinct sound of cars and horns blaring in the background. Even at this time of night, people were rushing to get somewhere.

  “Sounds great. Are you hungry?”

  Trevor’s groan came loud and clear through the phone. “You bet I am.”

  Tiffany snickered, and then said seductively, “Well, I’ll see if I can find something to satisfy you.”

  “Baby, don’t do this to me. I’m sure it’s hazardous to drive in my condition.” Trevor blew out air slowly, as if attempting to calm himself.

  Loving the affect she had on him, Tiffany smiled secretly. “I want you to get to me safely, so I’ll see you soon.”

  “I love you.”

  The sound of those words always made her heart stop for a moment, sent warm tingling sensations racing down her arms and curled her toes.

  “I love you, too.” Tiffany said softly.

  The conversation ended and she cradled the receiver and proceeded out the door. She took a page out of Jaunice’s book and went to the stairs instead of using the elevator. She felt high and exuberant. At lunch, she had gone to an international boutique and picked up another sexy nightgown to add to her collection. The midnight blue creation was made of pure schappe silk. The gentle frayed material had tickled her skin when she tried it on. This will start the night off just right.

  Leaving that boutique, Tiffany had darted down the street until she located the next store.

  There she’d picked up her main outfit of the night…something that would remind Trevor of how they’d met.

  A coy smile played across her lips as she anticipated Trevor’s reaction when he saw her in it.

  Giddy, she removed her cell phone from her purse, called a local restaurant that was on the way to her house and placed an order for pick-up.

  ~ML~

  “Honey, I’m home.”

  Tiffany heard Trevor call out from the front of the house; her heart rate accelerated, and her cheeks pulled her lips into an excited grin. My husband is home. Mentally or verbally, the word husband sent a frisson of heat racing across her spine.

  “I’m in the kitchen, babe.” Tiffany finished pulling the food from the carryout bag, then turned to the cabinet to get plates to serve it on.

  “Sweetheart, I need to talk—”

  She knew the instant Trevor walked into the kitchen, from his audible intake of breath.

  “Tif-fany…” her name came out on a breathless whisper of adoration.

  Glancing over her shoulder, Tiffany’s body began to tremble at the intense look Trevor was giving her bare skin. The floor length peignoir was sleeveless and conservative in the front to the point of lying against her collarbone. But the back was an entirely different matter. It opened, revealing the full length of her spine, stopping underneath her love dimples at the base.

  “Do you like what you see, Mr. Wayne?” Tiffany began to turn toward him.

  “Don’t move.”

  Heavy, sexy and smooth as French silk, Trevor’s voice trailed over her skin as if he’d touched her. Tiffany found it hard to fill her lungs with oxygen. Her chest rose and fell with each laborious breath. She watched Trevor saunter closer to her in a slow and purposeful stride.

  The dishes made a clatter, as they slipped from her hands to the countertop in front of her. Tiffany didn’t even consider whether they had become damaged or not. Her focus was on Trevor. Trevor alone.

  She watched his pace, anxiously considering how many steps before she would feel his hands on her skin.

  Four steps away. Her sex became full between her legs, pulsing and responding as if stroked there. She squeezed her thighs to stifle its yearning.

  A noise came from Trevor, as if he were conscious of her action and the cause, the sound was substantial, guttural and deep, the force of it resonated around the kitchen as if pushed through clenched teeth. She bit her lip to keep from crying out in response. Two steps from her.

  A cloak, the heat of his body draped around her, causing her knees to become weak. She leaned forward against the marble, placed both palms flat on its cold top and took a breath. A cleansing breath to regain control of her senses, but Trevor was there, standing behind her. His nearness caused her lungs to seize the air when his lips captured the curve of her neck in a kiss.

  Her legs wobbled. She would have crumbled to the tile floor if Trevor’s arms weren’t wrapped around her stomach, pulling her backwards, aligning her with the front of his body.

  Evident in the hard strength of his manhood pressed firmly against her hips, no illusions.

  “This better be your idea of a seduction…”

  “How you would react to this gown has been on my mind all afternoon.” Tiffany could smell the musk scent of Trevor’s cologne, combined with the ethnic seasonings of the Thai food lying on the island, her mouth watered, not for cuisine, but for the nourishment of the only thing in the room that could satisfy her. Trevor.

  He ground his pelvis into her cheeks, causing the gown to rub her naked skin underneath, tingling and tantalizing it.

  “This is what this stunt is getting you…”

  Tiffany reached back, palming his jean clad rear-end, holding him in place. “Good, because it’s what I want…” She licked her lips as titillation through expectation of what was to come stitched in and out of her words.

  Mouth to skin, Trevor adorned her back with hot open mouth kisses until he reached the material where it lay on her bottom. The hand on the front of her body moved up, capturing her breasts and kneading them. He kissed each silk covered cheek, before he retraced his path with his wet tongue, swirling patterns along her spine. When he slid up the back of her neck and detoured to trail over her shoulder, she was in full pant. Her hands squeezed the forearm of the hand toying with her pebbled nipples through her gown, silently begging. Praying he got the message, she had to have him now; she was on the verge of losing her mind. Searching behind her, she fumbled around in an attempt to locate and undo his pants.

  “I need you too, baby,” he whispered.

  Tiffany, too caught up to speak, her laughter of relief bubbled inside of her when one of Trevor’s hands joined hers at his fastenings, freeing him from the restraint of his jeans.

  A button unsnapped and metal teeth released as his other hand became busy dragging her gown up her legs to reveal her hips.

  “Just like I like it, all natural…” Approval laced Trevor’s voice as the cool air caressed her bare bottom.

  They were the last coherent words Tiffany heard, for a red haze filled her mind as Trevor’s fingers stroked her, discovering the wetness.

  “Sweet, mercy—” He gripped her thighs, lifted her leg and slid her knee on the edge of the counter and plunged forward.

  She was open, splayed wide for easy access. It was a sexy feeling, and the position aroused her on a higher level. The seat of her desire throbbed with excitement and expectation while his first thrust lifted her onto her toes. She held onto him for balance.

  Each gyration caused her hips to arch deeper into his. In and out, her core wa
s on fire and alive. She began to cry out with each breath as he continued to propel himself to the hilt, grinding against her. Her sex squeezed him, attempting to hold him buried inside her. She was on edge, and her only thought was on satisfaction. Tiffany didn’t care which one of Trevor’s hands held her, or which one now twirled around her clitoris. It was all magnificent.

  The thick rod of his sex didn’t stop sliding in and out of her slick center as his fingers continued to strum her, both sensations pushed her closer to the brink. She was losing control.

  Her cries became louder, her head fell forward, and she leaned her forehead on the front panel of the cabinet as one of her hands slapped the polished wood above her head.

  Lowering himself, Trevor heightened the level of his penetration until her body quaked between him and the counter, and she shattered in glorious ecstasy, screaming her release.

  The vigorous pounding of his hips confirmed he was seconds behind her. Then his body stiffened and he roared, joining her in sweet completion.

  They were still, hearts pounding, breaths ragged, waiting for the return of sanity. With a feather kiss on her shoulder, Trevor withdrew. Shaking, he brought her leg back down. He staggered away and collapsed on the side of the island.

  On shaky legs, she turned toward him, as the skirt of her peignoir drifted down her legs and pooled around her feet.

  He lounged on the middle counter, jeans halfway down his hips and his member was still thick, and pulsing. She caught the cocky smile and wicked wink Trevor gave her. Grabbing the kitchen towel beside her, she hurled it at him.

  He began to advance toward her.

  “Tiffany…Trevor…?” Her father’s voice coming from somewhere on the other side of the kitchen door paralyzed them.

  Trevor was quick to action. Grabbing a paper towel, he cleaned, readjusted himself and pitched it in the trash. He stepped to the sink and washed his hands. “No sweat. Everything looks normal. Answer him.”

  “Normal?” Tiffany questioned in a stage whisper, and then swung around reminding Trevor how low the gown dipped in the back. “How long do you think he’s been here?”

  “Have no fear. We’re married.” He kissed her on the lips when she turned toward him.

  “Besides, your dad used to change your diaper. He’s seen your cute, little tushy before,” Trevor spoke in childlike voice.

  Squinting her eyes, Tiffany gave him a cross look. “You know what—”

  “Governor, we’re in the kitchen,” Trevor yelled over her retort. “Go get cleaned up, I’ll entertain your father.”

  “I still have to walk past—”

  “Good evening, you two.” Governor Selina walked into the kitchen at that moment, smiling.

  “Hi, Dad, we’re just getting ready to have dinner, want some?” Tiffany advanced toward her father to greet him. She was grateful that the skirt was so long it required her to pick it up to walk. Grabbing the skirt of her peignoir and pulling it up high, helped the material gather at the small of her back. Still revealing, but I get to keep my dignity.

  Her father received the kiss on his cheek. “No thank you, I already ate. Besides, at my age all that exotic food doesn’t agree with me.”

  “Well, Dad, I’m going upstairs for a moment. I’ll be right down in a minute.”

  “Not a problem. Trevor and I will be fine until you return.”

  Maybe he didn’t hear us, Tiffany thought until she caught a flicker of humor in her father’s eyes. Dignity has left the building. Holding her nose in the air, she exited the kitchen.

  Hearty male laughter trailed behind her.

  Twenty-two

  “Boy, it’s good to know this kitchen will be holding stories from a second generation.”

  The governor walked up to the stool on the other side of the island and sat down.

  “Glad to add to the family memories.” Trevor felt good bonding with Tiffany’s father.

  Deciding to fix their plates, Trevor cleansed his hands, and then used the dishcloth to wipe off the counter. Reaching behind him, he picked up the two forgotten plates and began to dish out food from the restaurant containers to fill them both. He covered one with a napkin and pushed it to the center. “I know it’s your house, but can I get you something to drink, sir?”

  “Yes, if there is any tea, I would love some.”

  “That makes two of us. Your housekeeper makes the best I’ve ever tasted.” Trevor walked to the refrigerator, retrieved the pitcher, moved around the kitchen to get tall glasses and served three drinks.

  “You look comfortable, Trevor. At home.” His father in-law drank his tea, observing him over the glass.

  “I feel comfortable.”

  Trevor couldn’t read the older man’s thoughts. As always, the governor was an expert at keeping his feelings guarded until he wanted someone to know what he was thinking.

  Prolonged silence filled the room. Trevor began to eat while the governor nursed his tea.

  Trevor became alert to everything in those moments, the ticking of the clock on the wall, the hum of the refrigerator and even the night birds calling lovers outside.

  “Trevor, I wanted to speak to you and Tiffany together, but since I have you here, I wondered what your plans were for living arrangements. I know you guys are moving between your place and here until after this mess with Weasel is resolved.”

  Weasel. Christopher and the short mystery man. Damn, he’d forgotten about the evening’s events once he’d spotted Tiffany.

  “We’ve looked around at a couple of houses but have yet to find any that fit.”

  Trevor watched the governor’s chest expand as he took a deep breath, pausing before he spoke.

  “Talk it over with Tiffany, but I would be grateful if you two decided to live here.”

  His mouth dropped and gaped open. Trevor was speechless for a moment. “Are you sure, sir? One day you’ll be done with politics and want to retire and have a little peace. By then Tiffany and I may have started having children. Positive you want to be bothered with the noise?”

  “Absolutely. One of Elaine and my only regrets is that we didn’t have more children before the years of the cancer battles.” A momentary hint of melancholy entered his voice. “If you’re worried about your privacy, it’s understandable. You two being newlyweds and all.” He made a loud production of clearing his throat.

  Trevor chuckled, getting his point.

  “My rooms are on the other side of the house, with a private entrance I can use if necessary. Or I can have a small father in-law house built in the backyard.”

  “Neither of those options will even be necessary. I’ll talk it over with Tiffany, but I don’t have a problem with it.” Trevor scraped the scraps of food from his plate into the sink disposal, rinsed it and placed it in the sink. “Actually sir, Tiffany has lived here all her life. I was worried she might have problems leaving it. I think it’s a great idea. Since I will be doing most of my time at Heritage now anyway, it’s very convenient.”

  “I think she would’ve adjusted and overcome. But for my own selfish reasons, I’d love it.”

  “Then we’ll let you know.” Trevor slipped his phone out of his pocket. “Sir, I’m glad you stopped by tonight. I have something I need to talk to you about.”

  “I’m listening.”

  Trevor pushed the buttons on his cellular until he located the photo album. “Look at this picture and tell me if you know this guy.” He slid the phone across the marble top.

  Capturing the phone, the governor held it up. His face scrunched as he pondered the picture. “He looks familiar for some reason, but I can’t place him.”

  “Well, he works on your staff in some capacity because he has access to what has been going on.”

  “What?” he snapped. “As in what type of things?”

  Tiffany chose that moment to enter the kitchen, wearing flip-flops, jeans and a camisole top. “What’s going on?”

  “Trevor says that this man works for me and h
as some information.” He tilted the mini screen toward Tiffany. “I recognize him, but—”

  “That’s Dan,” Tiffany interjected.

  “Dan?” Both men’s gazes snapped toward her.

  “He started during your annual barbeque. Todd said he had hired him and a couple other men for the function. Maybe he kept him on after.”

  “I need to call Wallace. What do you know about this man, Trevor?”

  Trevor looked at Tiffany, then returned his gaze to the governor. “I went to talk to Manning, man to man about leaving Tiffany alone. Even though you all have been family friends for years, Tiffany was beginning to feel uncomfortable around him.”

  “Is this true, sweetheart? Has Christopher been harassing you?”

  Placing a hand on her father’s shoulder, Tiffany’s eyes seemed to plead with him to stay calm. “Yes, Dad, but nothing has happened as of yet. It was just the way he spoke to me after we’d gotten into a disagreement about our future together.” Bewildered, Tiffany shook her head.

  “I don’t know who he is now, or if we ever truly knew Christopher in the first place. But I told Trevor I thought he may have something to do with the pictures.” She sighed. “I must have been wearing blinders before not to realize how obsessed he was over the public image of us.”

  Her father appeared to relax a little when he glanced across the island top at Trevor. “So what did you find out?”

  Leaning forward on his elbows with his hands clasped together in front of him, Trevor repeated what had transpired from the events of the parking garage to the meeting between Manning and Dan.

  “So is Christopher behind all this?” the governor asked.

  “I don’t think so. I got the impression that Dan’s job is to follow Tiffany and snoop around the mansion for information that Manning can use to get you to persuade her to marry him.”

  Trevor eyed the flexing of the governor’s jaw. He didn’t know if the governor was upset or disappointed. The Selina and Manning friendship was ending after a lifetime of births, weddings, barbeques and funerals.