“That’s exactly what we are!” she protested.
“We’ve been working together for nearly a year.”
“Ten months.”
“And it’s clear that we like each other,” he continued, ignoring her quiet correction. “More than like each other. I’ve finally got the chance to get to know you properly outside of being an English teacher, and it only took one night for me to realize that I want to do more than hump and dump.”
Leah tried to think, but her mind had fogged over. All she could hear was her own pulse battering her ears. The steady thump was increasing with every word he spoke. Each time he said her name, electricity sparked through her. She’d almost wanted to whimper when he let go of her. She gave a long, slow blink, and fought with rational reasoning.
“Look, Ty…” She lifted a hand and put it on his arm, desperate to feel him. “I like you too. But I’m not moving in here. I can’t afford the rent, and I’m not being kept like some mistress.”
“I want to see you,” he said, moving closer, wrapping his arms around her and resting his cheek on the top of her head. “As much as possible. You’re not comfortable around Jerry, I know that, and I’m not sure I’d be comfortable at your sister’s.”
“So this will be what? A fuck pad?” she said, sarcasm dripping off every word.
She felt him smile and his grip tightened.
“If you like.” He played with the waistband of her jeans, brushing his fingers over the lace of her knickers. “Want to start now?”
Chapter Nine
She felt the table connect with her legs as he walked her backward. He crushed his lips against hers, swiping his tongue when she opened her mouth to him, brushing away any hesitation she felt. The warmth of his kiss, the rush of his breath over her cheek, it all added to the excitement she already felt. His need, his want were evident in the way his mouth was over hers, possessing her. His hand was at the back of her head, fisting in her hair, holding her close so that she couldn’t escape him, not that she wanted to.
A murmur left her throat as he moved them around the table. She couldn’t tell where he was taking her, but soon her back was against a brick wall.
Ty put his mouth to her neck, lifting a hand to cup her breast, forcing it up as he gave a gentle squeeze. Leah gasped, everything inside her igniting with a fire that begged to be quelled by him. She parted her legs a little and he immediately placed his other hand between her thighs, palming her over her jeans.
She knew how damp her knickers were, could feel them becoming wetter with each movement he made. He tugged the vest over her head and threw it to the floor before massaging her breast again. Slipping his fingers inside the cup, he tweaked her nipple, eliciting another gasp and a groan from her
Leah reached for the hem of his T-shirt, struggling to pull it over his head as her arms began to shake. He stepped back to help her, and as he crossed his arms to strip out of his top, she reached out and ran her fingers over his abs, hovering at the buttons of his jeans.
Looking down, she saw the bulge of his erection and she pressed her hand over him. He moaned and gripped her wrist when she added a bit of pressure. She bit her bottom lip and fought him for access. He didn’t put up much of a fight, releasing his grasp after a few seconds.
His hard cock felt good in her hand, the soft velvet skin of his shaft a complete contrast to the firmness of his erection. She held him while he kissed her. He cupped her cheek with his hand while he fucked her mouth with his tongue. There was nothing gentle about this kiss. Moving his hands between them, he undid her jeans and swept a hand inside her knickers. She knew that he would find her soaking, warm and swollen for him.
“Fuck me,” he breathed, dipping a finger between her folds. “You are so wet.” Hearing him say it out loud made her relax more, and he let out a murmur of approval.
Circling her thumb over the tip of his cock, she wiped the pre-cum that oozed out. Shifting out of her reach, he removed his hand from between her legs and began to pull her jeans down, following them until he was level with her sodden knickers.
“And you smell divine.” He kissed where her pulsating clitoris hid behind its cotton veil. The kiss caught her as much by surprise as his admission. Tapping her ankles, he helped her out of the jeans and dumped them on top of the other clothes. Ty stood and stripped out of his jeans.
He looked amazing—toned, tan and fully erect. She hadn’t really studied him last time, but now it was almost as if he were modeling for her, wanting to show off for her.
His cock was thick and gave small nods as his muscles twitched in anticipation. She wrapped her hand around him, giving him long, slow strokes. Ty set a palm between her legs, sweeping her knickers to the side and resting his fingers at her entrance while she worked him.
Sparks shot through her veins. Her breath grew heavier as he pressed against her, crushing her breasts against him. She had to let him go, moving her hands to his firm backside and squeezing her fingers into his muscle.
He slipped a finger inside her, resting the base of his palm against her clit. Desire burned through her, setting her alight, sparking a fire that would not be put out easily. She could feel it weighing down in her pelvis until it was a dull ache—the need to feel his cock inside her.
Tilting her head back, she exposed her neck to him, and his mouth was on her before she could blink. Leah closed her eyes, inhaling as he kissed over the pulsing artery that traced down her throat and added another finger. He wasn’t fucking her now. Even standing against the wall, he was making love to her.
“Crap,” she exhaled as he held his hand in place, the tips of his fingers as deep as they would go. She squeezed her eyes shut, holding on to the orgasm that threatened to break her. Clenching her thighs around his hand, she stood onto her toes.
“Relax,” he breathed against her flesh, his hot breath sending prickles and shivers flowing down her. He rocked his hand from side to side, removing himself from her. Sweeping his hands around her hips, his gripped her buttocks, lifting her up.
Leah wrapped her legs around his waist, holding on to his neck as he held her in place, hovering over his cock. Crushing her against the wall, he used one hand to steady them both, and the other to guide himself. He slipped into her as if he were meant to be there, as if they were made for each other. They fit perfectly.
He stayed still for a moment. She tightened her walls around him, urging him as deep as he could go. He kissed her, fucking her mouth while he fucked her pussy, thrusting his tongue as he bucked his hips. She dug her nails into his back, raking over his shoulders as the ecstasy began to build. He filled her in every way.
Arm wrapped around her waist, he held on to her, driving into her, finding his rhythm. She could feel him swelling inside her, throbbing and pulsating as his own orgasm built. The knowledge that she turned him on so much was enough to throw her over the edge.
Leah pulled away from his mouth, pressing her skull into the wall and letting out a guttural shout as her clitoris pulsated and her pussy trembled around him, milking him until he shoved into her, spilling out.
She couldn’t hear his groans—the blood in her ears was thumping too loudly for her to hear anything. She blinked, her vision blurred and her world spun. She was glad of his strength holding her up while he pressed into her one more time, emptying himself.
Patting her hands on his shoulders, she signaled him to let her down. His skin was slick with sweat and she kissed small droplets off his neck as her feet hit the ground.
“Fuck me,” he panted, holding her head and forcing his tongue into her mouth. He swiped his tongue over hers, claiming her, and she let him. He tasted of salt and need, everything she wanted.
“I have to go clean up,” she said, pointing to a small hall she assumed led to the bathroom. He swatted at her backside as she walked past him and she jumped out of his reach.
The bathroom was as she had imagined it to be. White tiles led to cream units, everything polished and spar
kling in the light that shone through a porthole window. The mirror above the sink had a frosted frame, blurring her reflection when she moved. She reached for the shower dials over the bath, twisting until water spurted out, splashing against the tub.
Tears pricked at her eyes. She had never cried after sex before, never out of sheer pleasure. The mix of emotions tumbled inside her—pleasure, joy, happiness all swirled with the guilt she felt from having given herself up so willingly. The accusations that had been spat at her before she moved, and recently, were still at the forefront of her mind.
“Damn you, Kyle,” she said to herself.
“You sure you don’t want to move in here?” Ty asked. Leah turned to face him and took a white towel from him, hoping that he hadn’t noticed her fears.
She nodded. “But it would make a great fuck pad.” She smiled, pushing her apprehension to the back of her thoughts.
Chapter Ten
Leah stepped into her knickers, pulling them up her thighs. She could feel his eyes on her. “You’re not having them,” she said, sliding them over her backside. “If you keep stealing my knickers every time we have sex, then I’m going to end up with an empty underwear drawer.”
Ty slid his hands over hips. “I don’t have a problem with that,” he said, swaying them both from side to side. He kissed the curve of her neck. “I have to go home for a bit.”
“Okay.” She stepped away from his touch and finished dressing.
“Come with me.”
She took a deep breath and blew out before twisting to face him. “I have to take my shopping home—”
“Bring it to mine. Perhaps you could model it for me. Did you buy any new underwear?”
“What is it with you and my knickers?” she laughed. “I’m not modeling anything for you.” Leah pressed her palms against his chest and looked into his eyes. They had darkened into a forest green, sparked with woody browns around his pupils. “Not yet,” she added, kissing his cheek.
Ty wrapped his fingers around hers, dragging them down his body. “Your car will be perfectly safe here. The car park is secure, code access only. You can move it there. Then…” He kissed her bottom lip. “You can come back to mine. We can pick up a few things…” Another kiss. “And then come back here for the night.”
“And what if I have plans tomorrow?”
“Wine…” His mouth went to her neck, his hands to her lower back. “Chinese…” He kissed her shoulder, inhaling her scent. “A movie…”
“It sounds…” She struggled out of his grip. “Very romantic. But not very me. I’m taking my car back home, I’m going to unpack my shopping and…” She didn’t know how to finish the sentence. The truth was she didn’t have any plans for the next few weeks. At some point she would have to go to the school to sort out her classroom, and there was a planning meeting at the end of the break, but unlike her colleagues, she hadn’t booked an exotic holiday. She had intended to spend the six weeks house-hunting. And now Ty Sinclair was ruining her plans.
“Fine,” she conceded, folding her arms across her chest. “I will take my stuff back to mine and pack an overnight bag. You can pick me up later.”
“Deal,” he said. He checked his watch. “Eight o’clock?”
* * * *
Leah left before he did, allowing him to tidy the apartment and lock up before he headed back to his house.
Jerry was waiting when he got back, sprawled over the sofa, making it look untidy. Cushions had been kicked onto the floor and he’d pulled a blanket over himself.
“You know you have a bed. And a TV up there too,” Ty grumbled, avoiding the scene and going straight into the kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water, and drained it in three gulps before putting the empty tumbler into the dishwasher. Grabbing a dishcloth, he ran it over the surfaces, brushing the remnants of a sandwich into his palm before dropping the crumbs into the bin.
“So where is she?” Jerry asked, leaning against the doorframe.
Ty scowled. “None of your business.”
“Oh, come on, Ty,” he drawled. “You don’t want to play games this time? She looked like she might be the type who was up for it.”
“You stay away from her.”
“Not sharing this one then?”
“I mean it, Jerry. Go anywhere near her and I will tell your brother. He’s the only reason I let you stay here, and it won’t be a problem for me to kick you out.”
Jerry swallowed, hard. Ty watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “You’re an arsehole,” Jerry said, turning around and going up to his room.
Ty hated being in debt, but he preferred owing money to favors. He only had himself to blame, though. Rubbing his hands over his face, he let out a loud groan of despair. He only had an hour before he had to pick Leah up.
After a quick shower, he packed a small overnight bag and slung it into the boot of his car. He called up to Jerry, but music blared over his voice so he left a note and stuck it under a magnet on the fridge instead. Jerry wouldn’t be able to miss it—it was the only piece of paper on there.
He parked the car outside her house and began to search for his phone so he could send her a text to let her know he was waiting.
“Shit.” His mobile was still on the kitchen sideboard. Glancing to the side, he took in the front of the house. It was unassuming with its white uPVC front door and matching windows. A four-by-four, bought for show rather than actual off-road drive, was parked in the driveway. Ty climbed out of the car and made his way up the path, knocking on the front door.
The man who answered was about his height, but had about five stone on him. He was older as well and Ty put him in his late thirties, early forties. Thick black hair was peppered with gray around his ears, with the odd white strand in his eyebrows glinting in the evening sun.
“You must be Ty. Neil,” he introduced, thrusting a hand out.
Ty gripped his palm and for a brief second, they both vied for dominance. Ty yielded, giving him a friendly smile, and the handshake was let go. Neil turned back into the house and shouted for Leah before taking a step to the side and allowing Ty in.
A pregnant woman waddled into the hallway and gave him a huge grin. “Hi,” she greeted with a hug. “I’m Maggie. Leah has told me an awful lot about you.”
There was something parental about the way Maggie and Neil held themselves. It was clear they were both protective of Leah, but perhaps more than a sister and brother-in-law would normally be. He felt uncomfortable, but kept his composure as he waited.
“She won’t be long,” Maggie said, looking over her shoulder as Neil headed into the next room. “Just beautifying herself a bit more.” She sucked on her bottom lip—a trait he’d noticed in Leah as well. “Look, while she’s not around, I can say this to you. Be careful with her.”
Ty frowned in confusion.
“She’s been through a lot, and I don’t want her getting hurt. She’s just starting to get settled and—”
“She is a big girl,” Leah interrupted, walking down the stairs. She was dressed in the same jeans as earlier, but had changed her top to a long line T-shirt patterned in colorful swirls.
“I’m concerned, that’s all.”
“I know.” Leah smiled and kissed Maggie’s cheek. The two women were the same height, and had the same blonde hair and blue eyes—they were easily recognizable as sisters, but the age difference was obvious. Still, Ty could see why they said pregnant women glowed.
Leah shifted uncomfortably.
“Shall we go?” Ty asked, taking the bag that Leah clutched.
“Have a good night,” Maggie called as they both headed for the car. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t!”
“Sorry about that.” Leah’s cheeks pinked and she swept her hair behind her ears, revealing her neck. “Anyone would think I was a teenager,” she said, rolling her eyes.
Ty smiled softly. “It’s okay, I understand.” He walked around the car and opened the passenger door for her. “
It’s nice to have somebody who cares.”
Sliding into the driver’s side, he twisted to face her. Overcome with a need to touch her, he lifted his hand and cupped her chin, leaning forward to press his lips against hers. She murmured something against him, but his thoughts had trailed elsewhere.
“Are we going?” she asked after a brief second.
“Yeah.” He twisted the key in the ignition. “Just need to nip home to grab my phone.”
Chapter Eleven
Her mood soured a little at the thought of seeing Jerry again. She couldn’t say what, but there was something about Ty’s housemate that unnerved her. Maybe it was how he’d been in the club, pawing over Rainie, or how he’d been ogling anything with cleavage. It was clear that Ty didn’t hold him in high regard either, which left her wondering why he let Jerry stay.
“So what did your sister mean, when she said you’ve been through a lot?” He sounded cautious, testing the edge of the conversation as if it were a thin layer of ice stretching out in front of them. Only he couldn’t know how deep those waters ran.
Leah closed her eyes and leaned against the headrest. She inhaled a long breath and blew it out again in a quick burst.
“That bad, huh?”
One side of her lips curved into a smile. “Clingy ex. Lied, cheated and manipulated me into believing that we could get married. Fortunately I found him in bed with his sister’s flatmate a week before walking down the aisle and not after. Unfortunately he thought he could weasel his way back in.”
“I’m glad you didn’t let him.” He laid his palm on her leg and gave a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
“I did,” she confessed. “And nothing had changed apart from his level of trust. It was as if I’d been the one who’d cheated. I wasn’t allowed out unless he was with me, could only wear what he wanted me to, always had to let him read my text messages and emails…” Leah let out another sigh. “I moved down to get away from him. I promised myself that I would never let a man control me like that again.”
Taking Care Of Leah Page 5
