by KC Michaels
Kate wasn’t even sure what she just agreed to. She had never been to his place before. She wasn’t even sure if he had more than one bedroom. She felt a little blindsided by all three of them; Jade, the burly police guy and Jaxon. Not that she cared what Jaxon or the policeman thought. It was the desperation she saw on Jade’s face that caused her to buckle and agree to Jaxon’s demand that they stay with him.
Jaxon gave the policeman his address. Even though he had assured them that he was more than capable of keeping both Jade and Kate safe, they had insisted on sending their own men over as well. As long as they didn't interfere with the security team he ordered his brother to contract when he called him minutes ago he had no objections to the extra security.
Kate reappeared with a large duffel.
“Ready?” he asked her as she stood in front of the doorway with the bag at her feet.
“Yeah I think so, but I feel like I’m forgetting something.”
“If you need anything else we can come back for it.” He turned to Jade. “Do you have a bag here?”
“Yes, it's in the spare bedroom. I haven’t had a chance to unpack it yet.”
“Okay, you two get in my car and I will get Jade's bag. I’ll meet you there.”
“I'm not going with you,” Kate said sharply. “I mean, I am taking my own car.”
“Kate, my brother and I can come back for your car later,” he answered matter of fact.
“I am taking my own car,” she repeated, more firmly this time.
He could tell by her expression that this was non-negotiable. “Fine, we will take your car. I can pick mine up later."
“No, I will drive my car and you will drive your car.”
“Kate please don’t be difficult about this.”
He realized there was determination in her expression; she was head strong and there was no way he was going to change her mind without a fight.
“Okay, you can follow me and a cruiser will follow you.” She nodded in agreement.
Forty five minutes later, Jade and Kate followed Jaxon through the large security gate to his mansion. They had both been quiet during the ride.
“Did you know he was rich?” Jade asked Kate as they both received an eyeful of the expansive property and the larger than life mansion.
“I hadn't really thought about it,” Kate replied, honestly. “He told me he lived with his brother, but I was expecting some kind of frat house or a bachelor pad, not this.”
The house was massive and grand. The pale stone structure was something you would find high up in the hills of California very rarely in Manhattan.
“How are you anyway, Jade? I mean really, how are you holding up?”
“You know, it's like I told you the other day; I'm doing okay, all things considered. I‘m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?”
“Making it difficult for you to decline Jaxon’s offer. I know you did it for me so thank you.”
“Jaxon and I have some issues, irreconcilable differences, but it won't be so bad. This place is so big I’m sure I could avoid seeing him the whole time we are here, if I wanted to.”
“Do you want to?” Leave it to Jade to come right out and ask difficult questions.
“I don’t know,” Kate said shaking her head because honestly her mind said one thing but her stubborn heart said another.
Before they had a chance to continue their conversation, Jaxon's brother came out of the house, smiling pleasantly gunning for Kate’s car. They knew he was the brother because he looked just like Jaxon, but his brother seemed softer, almost feminine in the way he strode across the driveway.
“Wow! That family has good genes.” Jade exclaimed, as he approached the car.
Kate opened the driver’s side door to step out.
“So you must be, Kate,” Jason sang out with a dramatic lilt. His distinct vocals and the way he sashayed down the driveway to the car reminded Kate that Jaxon told her he was gay.
“I am, and you must be Jason. I hope we aren’t imposing. Your brother is stubborn and he insisted we stay here.”
“Are you kidding? We actually have company. I’m overjoyed!”
“Thanks,” Kate said. She could tell he was sincere; he appeared to be very laid back and sweet, so different from his brother who was so serious most of the time and far from sweet—most of the time.
“This is my friend, Jade,” she explained as Jade climbed out of the car.
“Hello Jade. Jaxon gave me a brief rundown of what happened to you. I am so sorry.”
“Yeah me too. Thank you,” she answered with gratitude that these strangers were willing to harbor her until the police caught up with Kenny.
Suddenly—the more serious looking—Jaxon appeared in front of them.
“Okay ladies, let’s get inside,” he said pointing to all of them, including Jason. Jason rolled his eyes, but Kate could tell he wasn’t offended.
“We better do what he says, the master has spoken,” Jason replied to his brother’s remark light heartedly. The dynamic between the brothers surprised Kate.
Kate entered the foyer and she was in awe of its beauty. The floor was a cream marble and the walls were a honey blonde. Straight ahead, in the centre, there was a massive staircase leading to the second floor.
“Wow,” Kate said looking at Jaxon. “I had no idea you lived so…well.”
“I do okay.”
Jason snickered and Jaxon glared at him. Kate really didn’t care one way or another how many zeros were in Jaxon’s bank account. Although from what she had seen so far that number was pretty large.
“I’m going to show Jade to her room; I trust you will take care of things with Kate.” Jason piped up after a beat of awkward silence.
“That sounds perfect, I’m a little tired,” Jade added as she followed behind Jason, up the large staircase.
Kate was left standing in the massive foyer alone with Jaxon. She wanted to know where her room was so she could put some distance between them, the sooner the better. She knew if she didn't she was going to do something she would regret—like sleep with him again. The more time she spent with him, the stronger her feelings for him grew. He was so bloody sexy. Every time she looked at him all she could think about was his hot mouth on her, but she couldn’t give in to the sexual tension that clearly still existed. She had feelings that ran deeper than lust and that gave him power over her, a power she never wanted to give to another person again. He didn't feel the same way about her and that caused her heart to ache.
“Could you show me to my room please?”
“Kate, we need to talk.”
“Jaxon, please don't do this. I really want to lie down. I am exhausted from the events of the past few days and I really can't take much more of this.”
“I was just going to ask about your work schedule so I can arrange transportation for you. The security team also asked for a copy, but we can talk about it later.”
“Oh,” Kate replied awkwardly. “Sure." Of course he didn’t want to talk about their relationship, she told herself. Although she had told the truth, she didn’t have the energy to deal with it now she was disappointed all the same.
“Hey,” he said taking her arm gently. “That's not all I wanted to talk about okay. To be honest you don't look like you are up for the discussion right now so it can keep. He picked up her bag.
Kate wondered what he had meant. Did he want to talk about them? She remained silent as she followed him up the large oak staircase, watching his muscled derriere flex as he climbed each step. She let out an unintentional sigh. He was just too damn irresistible and she knew if she wasn’t careful she was definitely going to end up in bed with him again, even if he didn't give her what she wanted. Even if there was no commitment.
It didn't take Kate long to figure that he didn’t take her to a guest room. The room was far too enormous and lush; the furniture was oversized and expensive and it oozed of masculinity—it oozed of Jaxon.
J
axon placed her bag on the floor at the foot of the bed.
“I’ll be back in a second,” he said as he disappeared through a different doorway.
At first, Kate had no idea what he was doing, but then she heard running water. Was he drawing her bath? He could be so contradictory sometimes. Sometimes he was so closed off and she knew he wasn’t right for her but then he would do thoughtful things like; changing waiters at the restaurant, showing up in Chicago, taking her to his home to protect her while putting himself in harm’s way, and now a sweet gesture like running her a bath.
She was so tired and confused. Jaxon’s contradictory personality made her crazy. Her own contradictory feelings were making her crazy. Her opinion of him, her opinion on having a relationship with him flip flopped so many times during the day she felt like she was a pendulum. She was on the verge of having a break down she could feel it.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay,” Jaxon said, coming out of the bathroom obviously noticing the moisture that began to build in her eyes. He put his arms around her. “You are safe here, baby."
Instead of pulling away, Kate allowed herself to appreciate the feel of him as he gently rocked her, his hands rubbing her back. She buried her face in his chest appreciating his intoxicating masculine scent. His whispering voice was hypnotic; she did feel very safe with him. She pulled away slightly and looked up at him. “So this is your room?”
He stiffened like a deer in the head lights. As if he just got caught sneaking money from his mother’s purse. “It's not what you think. I need time to prepare a guest room for you. I figured you could have my room until then.”
Kate nodded, accepting the explanation but with her self-perseverance currently by the wayside again, a by-product of that pendulum swing, she was hoping for a different explanation. One that had the two of them sharing his room together.
“I ran you a bath.”
“Thank you.”
“Don't mention it. I will give you some privacy. The panel on the wall is an intercom; if you need anything press the round button and speak into the box. There is one in almost every room of the house, so no matter where my brother and I are we will hear you.”
“Wow, I’m impressed.”
He smiled. “I am pleased to hear I can still impress you Kate. I know how you feel about me right now and I am not going to take advantage of this situation. You don't have to worry; I'm not going to try to swindle my way back in bed with you. I know I’m not the most trustworthy guy in the world, but in this you can trust. I’m going to go so you can have privacy.”
Kate felt an overwhelming bout of panic overtake her. He was going to leave her alone. She wasn’t sure why but it frightened her. She was in a strange place. Everything was a mess in her mind and the last thing she wanted was to be alone in a place where she was far from comfortable.
“Kate what is it? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she replied not wanting to tell him she was afraid of being by herself. It was silly, she knew she was safe there but she couldn’t help it.
“I can wait out here for you while you bathe. I mean only if you want me to.”
The bathroom was spacious and very white; the walls, tiles, and towels were all a bright white. Aromatic steam rose from the water in the oversized tub; it smelled amazing. Several lit candles sat on the vanity. In the mirror, she could see Jaxon sitting in a chair in the far corner of the room, holding the bridge of his nose with his eyes squeezed shut. She should close the door, but something came over her and the need to know that he still wanted her, even if it was in a purely sexual nature overcame her.
She hadn't dared to glance in the mirror again as she removed every inch of her clothing as slowly as she could. Hoping he was watching, she turned to give him a nice view of her backside as she bent over to test the water temperature. Perfect – but then of course it was Jaxon who had prepared it. Gingerly, she stepped into the tub with deliberate motion. She wanted to make sure she was graceful, if he was watching. She gracefully and purposefully slid into the welcoming steamy hot water and waited.
He couldn't look away, he knew he should, but he couldn't do it. He felt like a peeping Tom. The bathroom door was open just enough that he could see her reflection in the mirror. He felt his mouth go completely dry as he watched her remove her clothing. He had never felt so turned on in his life. Yeah, he was definitely entering pervert territory, especially when his body involuntarily responded to her the way it did. His balls tightened and his breathing became more rapid. He wanted to claim that ass; he wanted to fuck that ass so badly, his erection throbbed. The strain on his jeans made it very painful and he opened his fly to free himself. He liked pain, but right now, he needed pleasure. A bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face; he was overheating. With a mumbled curse he removed his clothing. He was almost to the bathroom door about to march in the bathroom to claim her, but he stopped just before the door. He shouldn't do this. He closed his eyes and hung his head low. This was not the right thing to do. She had been traumatized and he wanted her to come to him on her terms when she was ready. His ego insisted on it.
He opened his eyes. Shit! She saw him. He should walk away now and apologize later; he should put his pants back on and get the hell out of there, but he couldn't move. He was frozen in place because he realized her eyes were filled with desire and not disgust or fear. Slowly he brought his hand to his erection and squeezed it tight.
Kate’s mouth went dry as she watched Jaxon take himself in his hand. His eyes were closed as he pulled on himself. He was magnificent. His eyes flew open at the sound of her breathy gasp. She licked her lips unconsciously. His eyes somehow became impossibly darker as a result. The distance between them did nothing to make the encounter less intimate. In fact, it felt like the most intimate moment she had ever shared with him—with anyone. She had never imagined touching herself in front of a man before, but right then she didn't have any reservations. If she didn’t put some pressure on her throbbing clit, she might just explode. She lowered her hand to her burning sex and began to stroke herself.
The water was just clear enough that he would be able see what she was doing if he chose to watch. She felt naughty and she felt desire. She closed her eyes, to the feel of her own fingers lightly probing her flesh. This time it was he who gasped. She flicked her slumberous eyes open and stared into the face of a man that was clearly on fire. His eye lids were at half-mast as the glistening head of his erection began to erupt in satisfaction. His hot seed was everywhere. The sight caused her to increase her own pressure; knowing he was watching her made it that much more exciting. It only seemed like seconds before her even breaths became a pant. She knew it wouldn't be long before her orgasm would take flight. She wanted to close her eyes, but she kept them locked on the mirror, locked on Jaxon.
He let go of himself and stormed into the bathroom. The sight of him standing over her as she lay in the tub was a surprise; she really hadn't expected him to actually come in. He reached for her, pulling her out of the hot water – she went willingly. Picking her up, he brought her to his bed. He lay her down on her back and, without warning, he slammed himself into her.
It was pain and pleasure rolled up in one. She could feel his hotness fill her to the hilt. Yes, this was what she wanted. To be invaded by him and become lost in the pleasure and pain of him. However, it would not last long. She was ready to go over Mount Everest and he was going to bring her there soon. He took her face in his hands and began kissing her hard.
“I want to be the one to give you pleasure Kate. I want to feel that pleasure and know that I am responsible for it.”
Since she was teetering on the very edge of her release, she couldn't respond. All she could do was go along for the ride, but his possessive tone wasn't lost on her.
“I need you to come for me, Kate. I can't hold on much longer.”
At the sound of his request Kate let go; she exploded. Her muscles contracted and clenched at his engorged shaft
. Seconds later, she felt his second orgasm empty into her before he collapsed beside her on to the bed. In the aftermath, the only sound that could be heard was intense breathing that was slowly beginning to level out.
It was Kate who finally broke the silence. “So I guess that was your way of not swindling your way back into bed with me?” She could feel him stiffen. “Relax pretty boy I’m just teasing you.”
“Shit Kate, I'm sorry. I deserved that. I didn't plan on this happening. I had every intention of keeping my word but then you…” He scrubbed his hand over his face and let out a huff. “Fuck there is no excuse for what I did.”
Kate couldn't let him be so hard on himself. She wasn't planning to admit she purposely left the door open. The telling look of guilt of his face caused her to change her mind. “I have to confess something to you. I left that door open a crack on purpose.”
“Are you saying?” He eyed her, realizing that she had set him up.
“Maybe I should be the one apologizing,” she confessed. He smiled and kissed the top of her head.
The two of them laid there completely satisfied and spent. This was a nice fringe benefit, Kate thought. Since being there, under Jaxon’s roof, allowing him to protect both her and Jade was going to rip her heart out anyway; she may as well enjoy him while she had the opportunity. She knew that when it was all over, when Kenny was caught and he was no longer a threat, she would go back to her own home and there was a possibility it would be over between them. The little fantasy of the two of them living happily ever after wouldn’t happen. But she was tired of denying herself out of fear. This time she was going to take whatever he was willing to give her and when the time came for her to leave, which was likely only a couple of days since they now knew Kenny was in town, she would figure out a way to adjust back into her old life. The one that was fine before she met him.
