by Pamela Yaye
“I hate eating alone. You have to keep me company.”
Images of her naked body flashed in his mind, derailing his thoughts. Seconds passed before his head cleared, and he reunited with his voice. “I’d be honored. Nothing beats having lunch with a smart, captivating woman.”
“Not even winning a huge court case?”
“Not even wining a huge court case,” he repeated, speaking from the heart.
Stepping aside, he watched as Tatiyana strode into his suite, switching her hips.
“I wanted to thank you for last night, so I hijacked a room-service cart and here I am.” Tatiyana lifted the covers off the entrées with a flourish. “I hope you like Chinese food because I brought wonton soup, sweet and sour pork, shrimp fried rice and spring rolls.”
“Everything sounds delicious. Let’s eat!”
Within minutes, the coffee table was covered with plates, utensils and alcohol from the minibar. Over lunch, Tatiyana entertained him with stories about her childhood, books she’d read and loved, and her volunteer work at the Los Angeles Women’s Shelter.
Opening a bottle of wine, Tatiyana asked Markos about his educational and professional background. Markos loved his job, enjoyed talking shop and was impressed with her questions. She had an opinion about everything, wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and argued her point with the skill of a seasoned attorney.
“Markos, I agree with you. The United States is one of the best, if not the best country in the world to live in, but you’re wrong about the situation in the inner city.”
“I am? The way I see it, everyone in this country has the same opportunity to be successful if they apply themselves.”
“Some people were born with the chips stacked against them, and for whatever reason they just don’t have the mental fortitude it requires to pull themselves out of the trenches.”
“You did. You were born in a rough neighborhood, but you didn’t succumb to the negative things in your environment. You rose above it.”
A look of sadness touched her features. “But many of my friends and family members didn’t, and seeing their struggles firsthand made me want to do more for my neighborhood,” she explained, her voice thick with emotion. “After I receive my business degree, I hope to work in the nonprofit sector, advocating on behalf of the less fortunate, troubled youth, single mothers and the homeless community.”
“That’s admirable, Tatiyana. With your tenacity and ambition, I have a feeling you’re going to take the nonprofit world by storm.”
“That’s the plan!”
Laughing, they clinked glasses.
“Did you always want to be a lawyer?”
“No. Growing up I wanted to be an emergency-room doctor, but after watching a friend give birth my freshman year at UCLA, I knew medicine wasn’t for me.”
“I don’t know any guys who’d venture into the delivery room,” Tatiyana said, her eyebrows raised, her tone filled with awe. “Your friend must have been very special to you.”
Markos coughed to alleviate the lump in his throat, and the burning sensation inside his chest, but the pain remained. “Abigail was three months pregnant when we met, but I didn’t care. She was a sweet girl and I wanted her to be happy, so when she asked me to be in the delivery room for the birth of her son, I agreed.”
“How long did you guys date for?”
Markos answered with a shrug. “A couple years.”
“What happened?”
Picking up his glass, he took a swig of his orange juice. Tatiyana pressed him for details, but he didn’t elaborate. Markos couldn’t talk about his first love without sounding bitter, and he didn’t want to ruin the mood by rehashing the past. It wouldn’t change anything. His ex had chosen someone else and wasn’t coming back, so why bother? Besides, he was having fun with Tatiyana, and he didn’t want to drive her away by bad-mouthing his first love. “You ask a lot of questions.”
“And you’re skilled at evading them.”
“We wanted different things out of life, but we remain good friends.”
A scowl twisted her lips. “I don’t believe you. You’re lying.”
“I’m lying?”
“Your body language gave you away. You’re mad at her, why?”
“Because I cared about her, and she played me for a fool. Every time her son’s father resurfaced, begging for a second chance, she’d pull away from me, and it was hurtful,” he confessed. “I’ve never had a successful relationship, and I’m starting to think love isn’t in the cards for me.”
“That makes two of us, Markos. I know exactly how you feel. I suck at relationships, too.”
“You do?” Surprised by her honesty, Markos leaned forward in his chair, eager to hear more. “Why did your last relationship end?”
Markos expected her to lie, to sugarcoat what happened with her ex, but she was open and honest about her failed relationship. He listened intently, found himself engrossed by her story, wondering how anyone in his right mind could dump her.
“Apparently, I’m not the marrying kind.” She spoke with a smile, as if she didn’t have a care in the world, but her gaze was filled with sadness. “My ex-boyfriend’s family didn’t think I was good enough for him, so after three years of dating we parted ways.”
“Would you give him another chance if he begged you to come back?”
“And deal with his uptight parents and boogie sisters? Hell, no!”
Chuckling, Markos reached for a fortune cookie from the wicker basket and cracked it open. Tatiyana was something else. Passionate, and outrageously funny, she was one of the most interesting women he’d ever met, and he was enjoying her company immensely.
Reading his fortune, he was struck by two things: his name was on it, and Tatiyana was wearing a mischievous expression on her face. Markos, you’re the best lover I’ve ever had it read. He didn’t know if it was true, but his chest swelled with pride.
Curious how Tatiyana had pulled off the unexpected surprise, he picked up another fortune cookie, anxious to read the message within. A thrilling experience is in your future.
“What does it say? Go on, read it,” she urged, her smile coy, her tone seductive.
Their eyes locked.
“Why don’t you show me what it says?”
“With pleasure. I’d like nothing more.”
Tossing down her napkin, Tatiyana came around the table and sat on his lap.
“I can’t stop thinking about last night,” he confessed, brushing his mouth against her ear.
“Me neither, Markos. That’s why I’m here.”
Untying her bikini top, he took off the flimsy material and tossed it aside. Markos closed his eyes and buried his face into her cleavage. He took her erect nipples into his mouth, eagerly sucking them, licking them, teasing them with his tongue. “Baby, I can’t get enough of you. I want you bad...”
Tatiyana kissed him hard on the mouth, as if she was consumed with passion. He tasted fruit on her lips, hints of ginger and paprika. Markos liked the sweetness, the warmth of her skin and the urgency of her kiss. He was used to dating prim-and-proper types, women who did everything by the book, but Tatiyana was spontaneous and impulsive, and he enjoyed living in the moment with her.
“I love how I feel...” Giggling, she trailed off speaking. “I mean, I love how you feel.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t do this.” Doubts troubled his mind. His parents had raised him to be a perfect gentleman, and he didn’t want Tatiyana to think all he cared about was sex. “You’ve had a lot to drink, and I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
“Take advantage of me? Please do!” Her eyes were wild with desire, her tone breathless from his kiss. “I want you.”
“You’re sure you want to do this?”
“Absolutely,
” she said, kissing the corners of his lips. “Make love to me.”
Standing, Markos shed his clothes. She fondled him, stroking him with her soft, delicate hands, and Markos loved it, couldn’t imagine anything better than having sex with her.
Tatiyana pushed him down on the couch and lowered herself to the floor. Producing a condom, she sat between his legs and rolled it onto his long, stiff erection. She sucked him into her mouth, twirling and swirling her tongue around his length. Watching her, feeling her lips against his shaft was a turn-on, and Markos feared he was going to explode right out of the gate. Groans fell from his mouth, and his eyes rolled in the back of his head. It doesn’t get any better than this! Untying her scarf, it fell to the floor and he dug his hands in her hair, playing in her dark, lush locks. Bold and aggressive, Tatiyana did things no one had ever done to him before. She licked him all over, turned him out with her erotic words, her juicy lips and her warm hands.
“Dannazione,” he grunted, his teeth clenched. “I love making love to you...”
Tatiyana froze, staring up at him with a wide-eyed expression on her face.
The moment the words left his mouth, Markos regretted them. He’d let his emotions get the best of him, but to his relief Tatiyana laughed out loud. “Of course you do,” she quipped, giggling. “I brought you lunch, and now I’m treating you to dessert.”
Desperate for her, he pulled her to him, kissing her passionately, mating hungrily with her tongue. Stretching out on top of her, he entered her in one, quick thrust. “You’re hot, tight and intoxicating,” he murmured, hiking her legs up in the air. “Everything a man could want.”
Being inside Tatiyana was incredible, better than winning a six-figure settlement, heaven on earth. Warmth rippled across his skin, sensations he’d never experienced before. His body responded enthusiastically to her kiss, her touch, his erection growing, swelling inside her.
“Slower, baby,” she said, her plea a soft purr against his ears. “There’s no need to rush. We have all day...all night...the rest of the weekend if you want.”
“I love the sound of that.”
Her tongue eagerly searched his mouth, teasing and pleasing him. He wrapped her up in his arms. The couch was too small for his six-foot-six frame, but her legs were clamped so tight around his waist Markos couldn’t move.
Their lovemaking was everything he wanted it to be—wild, passionate and intense—and Markos didn’t want it to end. Not until he’d had his fill of her. He loved the way she cursed, cried out and moaned, couldn’t get enough of it. He’d had sex before, but he’d never been intimate with such a vocal, passionate woman. Tatiyana knew what she wanted, what she needed, and she wasn’t afraid to ask. Her seductive moves aroused him, and her dirty talk was music to his ears, sexier than a Maxwell song.
“That’s it baby, right there.” Tatiyana bucked against him, rocking and swiveling her hips, moans falling from her mouth. “Yes, yes, yes...”
They were in sync, one, completely tuned into each other. Her tightness, the feel of her pushed him over the edge. His muscles contracted and shivers stabbed his flesh. Panting, she thrust her pelvis against his erection, and all hell broke loose. Markos flipped her onto her stomach, clutched her hips and dove into her over and over again.
Shooting him a teasing smile over her shoulder, Tatiyana poked her butt in the air. I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I’m only human. Markos groaned and grunted, couldn’t stop himself from plunging even deeper inside her. Climaxing, he collapsed beside her and drew her into his arms. Markos didn’t know what to say, had no words, needed a moment to catch his breath. He drew his fingers across her flesh, loving the feel of her skin. “That was—”
“Amazing,” she panted, mopping the hair away from her face.
His cell phone rang, drawing his attention to the desk. Markos noted the time on the wall clock hanging above the entertainment unit and swallowed a curse. He wanted a beer, and a nap, but he’d have to wait until after the charity golf tournament. It had started thirty minutes ago, and if he left his brothers hanging, they’d be pissed.
Markos kissed Tatiyana, couldn’t resist cupping her big, beautiful breasts in his hands, got off on squeezing and tweaking her nipples. “Let’s take a shower,” he proposed, pressing his mouth to the curve of her ear, tickling it with his tongue. “I’ll clean you up.”
Her face brightened. “I like the way you think.”
“Anything else you like?”
“Come into the bathroom. I’ll show you.” Tatiyana sprung to her feet, her naked body glistening with sweat, and strode across the suite with the confidence of a runway model. Up on his feet, Markos went after her, eager for round two.
Chapter 7
Tatiyana tossed her hair over her shoulders, caught Markos watching her and returned his smile. He was a six-foot-six distraction with dreamy eyes and dimpled cheeks, and every time he looked at her, explicit images flashed in her mind. Their afternoon tryst was all she could think about. He’d had his way with her, sexed her in the shower and the bedroom, but it wasn’t enough. Tatiyana wanted more. Needed more. There was nothing better than kissing him, loving him, and her desire for Markos was so strong that her body craved him.
Breaking free of her thoughts, Tatiyana grabbed her putter and approached the ninth hole. She had to nail this shot. Had to beat Markos. His opening drive had earned him thunderous applause from onlookers, and the attention of several Hollywood actresses playing in the tournament. Women with toothy smiles and perfect bodies were ogling him, and Tatiyana didn’t like it. Not one bit. She didn’t like sharing, wanted Markos all to herself, and hoped he wasn’t romantically interested in any of his female admirers.
Standing aside the ball, her feet shoulder-width apart, Tatiyana loosely gripped the golf club, hoping to impress Markos with her golfing skills. On weekends, she often played with Daphne, and had developed a strong game over the years. Playing with the Morretti family was intense, but fun, and she was enjoying their company. Dionne, Angela and Paris were the most competitive and listening to them tease each other made her laugh out loud.
Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the crisp, refreshing fragrance of the great outdoors. The sky was crystal blue, gleaming with sunshine, and a warm breeze whistled through the trees. Tatiyana smelled pine, cypress, the unmistakable scent of barbecue and glanced at the nearby food cart. The Rashawn Bishop Charity Golf Tournament had celebrities, an open bar, a female DJ spinning the latest music tracks and world-renowned photographer Kenyon Blake and his reporter wife, Makayla, on hand to capture all of the festivities. The grounds were filled with golf enthusiasts of all ages, and the mood was loud and lively. Spectators screamed whenever a celebrity strode by, but Tatiyana didn’t care who’d just arrived on the scene. She only had eyes for Markos.
“Great form, Tatiyana.”
Her club slipped from her hands, but she caught it before it fell to the ground. “Quiet,” she said, pressing a finger to her lips. “I’m trying to focus.”
“My bad. I won’t say another word. Do your thing.”
He wore an apologetic smile, but Tatiyana wasn’t fooled. Markos was trying to sabotage her shot, using praise and compliments to throw her off her game, but it wasn’t going to work. “Nice try, Markos, but you can’t rattle me. I’ve got this.”
“Prove it.”
“I will.” Meeting his gaze, she tried not to laugh when he winked at her, pretending to be unfazed by his antics. It was hard to focus when he stared at her. It took every ounce of her self-control not to kiss him.
I can do this, she chanted inwardly, visualizing the ball falling into the hole. “Markos, take notes. I’m going to nail this shot, and you’re going to wish you had game like me.”
His brothers exploded in laughter, and the women cheered her on. “Show him, girl!”
Bending her knees, Tatiyana pushed her hips back and leaned forward, her feet pressed hard into the ground. She felt her quads tighten and knew she had the proper form. Clutching the club, she raised it above her head and swung with all her might. Her body tensed as she watched the ball sail through the air. Once the ball dropped onto the grass, it rolled down the slope, picking up speed as it sailed past the other balls—including Markos’s—and fell into the hole.
Whistles and applauding filled the air, and Tatiyana whooped for joy.
“I told you I had game!”
“I can’t believe it. A hole in one? That’s crazy.”
Tatiyana danced around Markos, shaking her hips like a trained belly dancer. “Who’s the man?” she jeered, cupping a hand behind her ear. “Speak up, Markos, I can’t hear you. That’s right. It’s me! I’m the wo-man!”
Chuckling good-naturedly, Markos pulled her into his arms. “Nice shot,” he said, giving her a one-arm hug. “Where did you learn to play golf like that?”
Her good mood fizzled, as painful memories overwhelmed her. “My ex taught me. His family loved to golf, and he thought it was important for me to learn the game.”
“Do you miss him?”
“No. We broke up a year ago, and now he’s happily engaged to someone else. Someone his parents approve of.” Tatiyana heard the bitterness in her voice, and cleared her throat. “We weren’t meant to be.”
Markos squeezed her shoulder. “Give it time. Things will get easier.”
“I’m fine. Never been better.” Projecting confidence, she stood tall and raised her chin. “I can’t move forward if I’m always looking over my shoulder at the past, so I don’t.”
“Well said.”
He winked at her, and the tension in the air receded. Tatiyana avoided talking about her ex. She got angry every time she thought about the years she’d wasted with him, but she felt safe with Markos and had opened up to him about her ex that afternoon during lunch. Being with Markos, getting to know him and the rest of his family, made Tatiyana feel low for befriending him. Guilt plagued her conscience, and when he smiled at her, Tatiyana wondered if she was doing the right thing.
