Night of the Senses

by Victoria Blisse

  Carly’s breath stuttered and she clenched her fingers in his hair. He drew one nub into his mouth and pulled, sucking, scraping his teeth over the flesh until she squirmed beneath him.

  Jace moved farther down, licking and nipping his way down to the swatch of lace covering her sex. He pressed his lips between her legs and inhaled deeply. The scent of her arousal caused his cock to jerk inside his jeans. He resisted the temptation to rip his clothes off and ram into her again and again. He took another deep breath and slid the panties over her hips and down her legs. He tossed the lacy bit aside and lowered his face to the neatly trimmed pussy. He didn’t do anything for a moment, just closed his eyes and tried to calm his racing heart. He blew out a breath and it ruffled the patch of hair before him.

  “Dammit, Jace!” Carly cried and lifted her hips.

  He chuckled at her impatience and flicked his tongue out, grazing her distended clit.

  “Oh…my…God,” she moaned. “Again, please, Jace, again.”

  He was all too willing to comply. He slid a hand over her stomach to her pussy and spread her lips so he could see her glistening folds. Again and again he teased her with his tongue before finally settling his mouth over her clit and sucking hard. The underlying sweetness of her tangy arousal made his head swim and his cock swell even more. He slipped a finger, then two, inside her tight sheath, fucking her with his fingers and pulling again and again with his mouth. Carly cried out and she tightened around his pumping fingers. He didn’t let up with his mouth—he kept at it, pushing her higher and higher until he felt her juices flood around his fingers.

  Removing his fingers, he moved lower and plunged his tongue inside. The tanginess of her release burst on his tongue and flooded his mouth, and his senses. He shifted his hands under her and lifted her hips. Her knees fell to the side, opening her even more to his mouth. He drank her in, wondering if he’d ever get enough.

  He pulled away as Carly propped herself up on her elbows. Her lips were parted and her breath came out in pants. He made his way up and kissed her mouth, shuddering slightly as her tongue snaked out and she tasted herself on his lips.

  All thoughts on burying his cock inside her, he moved and stood next to the bed. He held her gaze as he removed his clothes quickly. She sat up and reached for his cock.

  “My turn,” she said, licking her lips.

  He caught her wrist and pushed her back. “Later. Now, I need to fuck you, Carly. God help me, I need to be buried balls deep inside you.”

  “Ohhhh,” she drawled, eyes wide.

  He opened the drawer of the bedside table, withdrew a condom and quickly sheathed his cock. He nudged her legs apart with his knee and settled between them. Carly hooked her arms around his neck as he covered her body with his. She pressed her lips to his as he positioned himself at her hot entrance. Unable to wait, he surged forward until he was fully seated within her. He nearly shouted as her warmth surrounded him, squeezed him. A groan did escape when Carly wrapped her legs around his waist. Impossibly, he seemed to sink even farther within her.

  He stilled a moment, then began to stroke in and out, slowly. He wanted to fuck her, fuck her so hard she was senseless, but he had to maintain control. Dammit, he had to. He wouldn’t hurt her, no matter what. What he’d fantasised about years was finally happening—he was going to screw it up by being too rough and scaring her away.

  “Oh God, you feel good,” she murmured, kissing his face. “So good.” She lifted her hips and met his strokes.

  “Fuck, you’re so tight, baby,” he ground out between clenched teeth.

  Carly’s eyes slid shut and her head fell back against the pillow. Jace tilted his head and buried his face in her exposed neck, licking the damp, salty skin before biting lightly.

  He gripped her hips and picked up the pace. He ran one hand around to cup her ass, kneading roughly. Carly groaned and tightened her arms around his neck. He caught himself as he was drawing his hand back to strike the fleshy part of her ass. Fuck, fuck, fuck. He stilled within her, his breathing ragged, his body quivering. He wouldn’t do that, not to his sweet Carly. After a moment, he moved his hands up and captured her wrists, bringing them up over her head.

  Carly drew in a shuddering breath as Jace’s steely grip locked around her wrists and brought her arms up over head. Anticipation filled her. This was it. Now he would show her what it was really like to be with him. Not that she hadn’t enjoyed herself to this point. Good Lordy, he’d made her come so hard already, she could hardly think straight, but the waiting for him to…well, to dominate her was driving her insane.

  Jace lifted his head and stared down at her. The position of her arms pushed her breasts upwards and he lowered her head again to capture an erect nipple between his teeth as he began to move inside her again. Each stroke ended with tantalising pressure on her clit. She was so damned close. God, if he bit her hard enough she’d probably come like crazy. But he only continued to tease her with little nibbles and slight tugs. Maybe this was part of it—teasing her.

  He pumped harder and faster and Carly felt the hot tightness of the building orgasm deep in her belly. She couldn’t hold back the little cries any longer. Each time he rammed inside her, she cried out in pleasure. She silently begged for more, wanting it even rougher. His grip tightened around her wrists painfully and his arms shook as he continued to stroke in and out of her pussy. He shifted his hands, holding both her wrists with one hand, and without pausing, slid a hand between them. His finger brushed her clit and Carly nearly screamed. Her pussy began to spasm around Jace’s cock. Heat burst in her core and snaked throughout her body.

  She couldn’t think anymore. Everything in her was focused on the pleasure he was pulling from her body. He nuzzled her neck as his hips pistoned furiously. Carly was sliding down from the high of the orgasm when Jace captured her clit between his thumb and forefinger, and pinched. Hard. And up she went again. The intensity of the climax stole her breath and she squeezed her eyes shut.

  “Carly, sweet Carly,” Jace murmured, his warm breath teasing her sweat-slick skin, just before he stiffened above her. With a shout, he came.

  All too soon, Jace stood and strode into the adjoining bathroom. Carly missed the weight of his body immediately but couldn’t summon the energy to move. She simply laid there, arms above her head, legs spread, too exhausted to even pull the blanket over her body.

  Jace returned and slid onto the mattress beside her. After easing her close to his warmth, he yanked the covers up. He rubbed his cheek against the top of her head and sighed. Carly tried to keep her eyes open, but lost the battle, drifting off into sleep.

  * * * *

  Jace awoke slowly, stretching lazily. He reached an arm out and felt…nothing. Where was she? He opened his eyes and immediately calmed. There she was, getting dressed a few feet away. She was bent over, pulling her panties up her legs, presenting him with an enticing view of her ass. Jace closed his eyes momentarily as the urge to redden the sweet cheeks overwhelmed him. God, what he’d give to warm the pale skin with the palm of his hand, over and over. His cock came to attention at the thought.

  He shifted the comforter so his hard on wouldn’t be so noticeable and watched as Carly finished dressing. When she headed for the door without even a glance in his direction, he frowned.

  “Where ya going, Car?” he asked, sitting up.

  She froze in the doorway and turned slowly. “Home. I have things to do.”

  Her cold tone deepened his frown. What the hell was going on?

  “What’s wrong?” He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, forgetting about hiding his erection.

  Her gaze lowered to his crotch and her lips parted slightly. Then she shook her head and looked him in the eye. “Nothing’s wrong. I just have things to do, that’s all.”

  “Don’t bullshit me, Carly. I know you. Do you regret last night? Is that why you were trying to sneak away before I woke up?” He couldn’t keep the bitterness out of his voice
. Dammit, after all the years of wanting her in the worst way, this was not how he’d pictured the morning after.

  “I wasn’t sneaking away,” she snapped, running hand through her tousled hair. “And no, I don’t regret anything. I just…” she trailed off.

  “What?” he barked. “If you didn’t enjoy it, you did a damned fine job of faking it. Fuck, your pussy was clamped so tight around me… I know you came. And came hard.”

  “For crying out loud!” She threw her arms up, exasperation clear on her face. “Yes, I came, Jace. You made me come harder than I ever have before. Are you happy now? Is your male ego intact?”

  Anger coiled inside him. What the fuck was this? “My ego? Dammit, Carly! You came to me. You wanted this.”

  “No!” She stomped her foot. “I wanted you! And you held back.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Come on. You think I don’t know about…about what you like in bed?” Her face reddened as she continued to shout at him. “Was I just a pity fuck for you? Take poor Carly to bed and make her come. She hasn’t had a man in a while.”

  Jace stared at her, dumbfounded. “A pity fuck? That’s stupid.”

  “Is it?” Her voice was quiet now and Jace’s gut ached when he saw tears in her eyes. “You weren’t with me the same way you were with other women. What else am I supposed to think?”

  “Carly.” He stepped forward and held out a hand, trying to wrap his mind around what she was saying. “You wanted…”

  She shook her head and backed away. “It’s fine, Jace. We’ll just forget this, right? Thank you. Thank you for making me come. You’re a great friend.” Her voice broke and she turned and ran from the room.

  Jace stood for a moment, staring at the empty doorway, before sinking onto the edge of the bed. Well, fuck.

  Chapter Two

  Carly tried to focus on what her best friend, Selene, was saying, but it was impossible. Jace stood across the room, talking to Selene’s fiancé, Kyle. This was the first time she’d seen him since the disastrous morning after. Embarrassment heated her cheeks even now, two weeks later. She’d avoided him until now, but there was no way she could get out of tonight. It was Kyle and Selene’s engagement party, and she was Selene’s best friend and maid of honour—her absence would no doubt raise questions. As would Jace’s. He was Kyle’s best man. Yep, awkwardness all round.

  “Okay, spill. What’s up with you and Jace?”

  Carly jerked out of her thoughts at Selene’s blunt question. “What do you mean?” She took a stab at playing dumb.

  And failed miserably if the expression on Selene’s face was any indication. “You won’t even talk to him. He tried to say hello and you walked away. And now, you keep staring at him, face all red. So, I repeat, what’s up with you and Jace?”

  “Nothing.” She shook her head. “Nothing important.”

  “Don’t give me that. You two have been close since, what, the third grade? So, ‘fess up.” Selene turned her head and glanced at the men across the room before pining Carly with her gaze. “Did he come on to you?”

  Carly snorted. “Yeah, like that would happen.” She took a deep breath and decided to confide a bit of the truth with her friend. God knew not talking about it hadn’t helped her the past two weeks. “I came on to him.”

  “Oooooh.”

  Selene turned her head back towards the men, and Carly followed her gaze. Shock rushed through her as she stared into green eyes. Oh shit. Jace watched her as Kyle talked.

  “And he wasn’t interested?” Selene deduced. “Damn, I’m sorry, girl. Though, he looks anything but uninterested now. Maybe he changed his mind?”

  Carly struggled to control her nerves. She finally broke eye contact and moved her gaze back to Selene. “No, Jace and I aren’t meant to be together that way.” Her voice broke slightly and she hoped her friend didn’t notice.

  Selene said nothing, just hummed softly.

  Desperate for a change in topic, she asked, “So, have you decided on colours for your wedding? Are you going to make me wear something horrid?”

  She breathed as sigh of relief when Selene started talking wedding plans, and if Carly’s eyes happened to shift towards a certain someone every now and again, what of it? She continued to chat with Selene until dinner was served. When they walked into the dining room, she stopped suddenly when she saw the place cards.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. We put you next to Jace. You know, maid of honour, best man…” Selene whispered. “Here, I’ll move you.”

  Carly put a hand on her friend’s arm. “No, it’s all right. It’ll just make things more awkward. Go, go to your man, hon.” She forced out a laugh.

  With a quick look of apology, Selene went to sit next to Kyle. Carly pulled her chair out and sat stiffly. She knew the exact moment Jace was beside her. She didn’t even need to see him, she felt him with every fibre of her being. And, damn him, her skin vibrated with excitement when he sat next to her.

  She didn’t know whether to feel relief or annoyance when he didn’t try to speak to her. He turned towards the person on the other side of him—a cousin of Kyle’s, she thought—and struck up a conversation.

  Somehow she made it through dinner, managing to choke most of it down. She was so distracted by the man beside her she paid no attention to the food she shovelled in—it was all bland and tasteless to her. About halfway through dessert, Jace finally turned to her, his green eyes penetrating.

  “How are you, Carly?” His voice was a soft caress to her senses, causing her to shiver slightly.

  “Fine. You?” She toyed with her fork, her gaze downcast.

  “I miss you.”

  Her throat tightened painfully at his whispered statement. God, she missed him too. Missed hanging out with him. Missed the phone calls and silly emails they shared. Missed going to him if she needed to talk about something.

  She swallowed and, after a minute, forced out a reply. “I’m sorry.”

  “This was what I was worried about from the start. I didn’t want to fuck up our friendship, remember?”

  She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, then cursed inwardly. His scent invaded her mind. “It’s not fucked up, Jace. I just need some time, that’s all. I’ll be back to being buddy Carly soon. I promise.”

  He sighed heavily and silence again settled over them. After a few minutes, she gave up the pretence of eating the cheesecake in front of her and stood. Most of the guests had finished eating and had left the dining room.

  She had to get out of here. Surely she’d been here long enough that she could make her excuses and go home. Without looking at the man beside her, she hurried from the room and searched for Selene. She found her friend and Kyle in the living room, heads close together, deep in conversation. Carly hated to interrupt, but leaving without saying goodbye would be rude.

  “Hey, guys. I’m going to head out now. I’m beat and if I don’t get horizontal, I’m going to end up with a killer headache.”

  Selene gave her a knowing look and stood to hug her. “I’ll call you,” she whispered.

  “Congratulations again,” Carly said to the couple and quickly hugged Kyle as well. “Thank you for dinner. It was lovely. Good night.”

  She was just about in the entrance way when a hand on her arm stopped her.

  “Carly, don’t,” Jace murmured.

  “I need to get home. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”

  “Stop,” he said, more loudly and forcibly.

  Carly’s cheeks heated when she saw heads turn towards them. “I told you, everything will be fine. Just give me some time. Please.”

  Jace shook his head and leaned down to speak softly. “I don’t understand, Carly. What we had…that night…was amazing. I don’t get what upset you. Tell me, so I can make it better.”

  Carly chuckled dryly. Typical man. Wanting to fix it, even when he didn’t know what the problem was.

  “I’m serious,” he insisted.

  “I know,”
she said. “But you can’t fix it. It’s done. Now let me go.” She tried to pull her arm from his grip, but he just tightened it. “Dammit, Jace, let me go.”

  He said nothing, just continued to hold her arm and stare at her. The anger and hurt she’d shoved down the past couple weeks bubbled to the surface, full force. She stepped closer to him, so she wouldn’t be overheard.

  “Okay, you want to understand, you want to ‘get it’? I wanted it all. I’ve wanted a man to…to dominate me.” She nearly laughed when his eyes widened. “But none of the men I dated seemed right. I didn’t trust them enough, I guess. And frankly when I fantasised about a man being that way with me, it was always you. To tell you the truth, Jace, I’ve wanted you for years.”

  “Carly—“

  “No,” she interrupted, “let me say this. You wanted to understand—let me explain. I’ve heard about your preferences. The women you were with were more than happy to tell me in great detail. I wanted to experience that. With you. So when we were both available, I decided to go after it.

  “You’re right, Jace. That night was amazing. I’ve never had a man make me feel that way. So thank you for that. But something was missing. You held back. It was like you didn’t trust me with that part of yourself, and that hurt. So let me be for a while and lick my wounds. I’ll get over it and things will go back to normal.” Carly desperately hoped she spoke the truth and forced herself to smile at Jace.

  “But…” He shook his head.

  “It will be fine. I’m a big girl. You gave me a wonderful night that I will always remember. And who knows, maybe one day, I’ll be lucky to meet a man I trust enough to be with me in the way I’ve always fantasised about.” She took a deep breath. “Good night, Jace.”

  She pulled away and rushed out of the room, aware that, even though their conversation had been hushed, many eyes were on them. Grabbing her hand bag off the hook near the door, she hurried out of the house. She managed to drive home and let herself in before she started to shake.