Carnal Risk

by Kym Grosso

  “What are you doing? You’re going to wrinkle your pants,” she told him.

  “Speaking of flowers,” Garrett said, ignoring her protest. He dragged the fabric of her dress upward and spread open its slit, exposing her panties.

  “Garrett…” Selby’s eyes flew up to the front where she eyed the partition. A small nervous laugh escaped as he slid his thumbs underneath the strings on the sides of her thong.

  “I much prefer you without underwear.” He tugged them down, gently sliding them around her ankles. Garrett tucked them into his pocket and grinned.

  “They’re very restrictive,” she agreed.

  “Indeed. Unnecessary.” He opened the container, displaying a shiny bauble. “I’m going to need your help, I’m afraid.”

  “Is that an earring?” Dear God, she hoped it was an earring.

  “What do you know about pearls?”

  “Is this a test?”

  “This is a rare natural pearl. Stunning. Unique. Again, like you.” Garrett fingered the small item, its creamy stone glittering against the gold. His palms grazed up over her thighs until he reached her hips. “This is a very special type of jewelry that I think we’ll both enjoy.”

  “Garrett…what are you…ah,” she cried as he swept his thumb through her folds. Opening her lips, he revealed her pink nub. Selby clutched the soft leather seat as he blew warm air onto her wet skin.

  “I love your pussy. So beautiful. I thought you might enjoy this.”

  “What is that…no, no, no…ah…oh my God.” Selby sucked a breath as he slid the clip under her hood and tightened it down. She gripped the leather seat. The sensation of the cool metal against her throbbing clit sent her reeling.

  “Easy, don’t move, sweetheart,” he told her, his tone firm. Garrett thrummed his thumb over the pearl and Selby raised her pelvis to meet his touch.

  “I can’t wear this. Oh shit…please,” she breathed. “You’re going to make me…ah.”

  As Garrett swiped his tongue over the bead, she stabbed her fingers into his hair. His raspy lash wasn’t enough to push her over the edge. Her orgasm building, she needed more. But instead of continuing, he pressed his lips to her mound and withdrew.

  “No, no…wait, where are you going?” she protested. A mist beaded over her forehead and she groaned. Bringing her hands to her breasts, she squeezed them, but it did nothing to assuage the ache between her legs.

  “I’m afraid we’ve arrived at our destination.” A broad smile broke across Garrett’s face. Carefully setting her dress back in place, he returned to his seat.

  Selby leaned her head back against the leather and blew out a frustrated breath. He’d done this to her on purpose. Holy shit, I’ll never make it through the night, she thought.

  “You’re evil.” She glared at him, and he laughed in response.

  “Ah now, that’s not very nice. Would it help to know that I have something special to show you later?”

  “Bastard,” she growled, not willing to concede that their interlude had come to an end. “You drive me crazy, you know that, right? I need to come.”

  “And come you will. But not now. Here’s the driver.” The door opened and he leaned toward her, brushing his lips to her ear. Taking her hand, he slid it onto his erection. “Believe me, this is hurting me just as much as you. But waiting makes it all the more sweet.”

  Selby palmed his cock through his trousers. “This is mine later, do you hear me?”

  “All yours, baby. You ready?”

  “An hour. I give you one hour.” She squeezed his shaft hard, owning it. “No longer. If I have to fuck you right out on the dance floor, this is happening.”

  “You’re on,” he promised.

  Selby sucked in the night air, attempting to quell her desire. She smiled as Garrett put a possessive arm around her, leading her into Altura. As the orchestra played in the distance, she optimistically dreamed of a world without danger and liars. Soon enough, it would come to an end. Later tonight, she’d go with Lars, and Garrett would become bait for a killer.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  As they stepped into the walls of Altura, Selby took in the sight of its dramatic transformation. No longer veiled in the dimness of candlelight, the elegant mansion flared to life with its crystal chandeliers and eclectic architecture. To her left in the ballroom, a grand soirée had commenced. An orchestra played upon its stage while partygoers danced.

  As she followed Garrett to the right, they entered an enormous parlor, where white-gloved waiters passed epicurean delights on trays. Spectacular paintings graced the walls, and she hesitated, to confirm if the impressionist work was real. A grand piano sat majestically in the corner, its delicate keys in pristine condition.

  Selby glanced out the window to the pool. Once again it was lit up, this time with floating candles set into wreaths of white flowers. In the courtyard, life-sized bronze statues of magnificent animals stood proud, illuminated under the glare of red spotlights. There was so much to look at that Selby barely registered Garrett calling her name as he handed her a glass of champagne.

  “Sorry,” she managed, overwhelmed. “This place…I couldn’t see the last time. It’s unbelievable.”

  “Thank you. Altura is like a chameleon. She can go backyard barbeque as easily as she does black tie. Tonight is one of the rare times outsiders are allowed within her walls. Many are employees or close personal friends, but they aren’t members.”

  “I thought you didn’t bring people here…outsiders.”

  “That night I brought you, that was a members only event, which is typical. I only allow these kinds of charity galas a few times a year. We’re raising money for some of the local rescues that I told you about, which is another reason I was hesitant to cancel. We’re talking about millions of dollars that people are depending on receiving.” Garrett leaned in to whisper to her. “And many of these folks are undercover.”

  “Really?”

  “There was no way this was happening without it.”

  “You’re certain we’re safe?”

  “Yes, in the context that there’s security. But don’t forget that it’s likely the killer is among us. Stay in the main rooms. And whatever happens, do not leave the building, understand?”

  “No, of course not,” Selby agreed.

  “I need to talk to a few key players tonight, make sure the crumbs are sprinkled about. Lars should be here soon.” Garrett scanned the room and waved him over. “Ah, there he is. Why don’t you stay with him while I take care of things? But don’t get too comfortable.”

  His seductive tone rolled over her like an erotic wave, her core tightening in anticipation. As she turned to greet Lars, the fabric of her dress brushed the pearl, causing her clit to quiver in arousal. She gave a soft gasp, her eyes meeting Garrett’s. He gave her a knowing smile.

  “Everything okay?” Lars asked, taking her off guard.

  “Yes, thanks.” Selby stumbled over her words, still focused on Garrett.

  “We got business, remember, you two? You got time for that later,” Lars scolded playfully. “You mind if I take your girl for a dance?”

  “Not at all.” Garrett raised an eyebrow at her. “Selby?”

  “Sure, thanks.” She extended her hand to Lars, but accepted a small kiss from Garrett.

  As he gave her a small embrace, his lips skimmed her ear. “Don’t come without me, sweetheart?”

  “You have,” she glanced up to the grandfather clock, “exactly forty-five minutes.”

  “It’s a date.” He winked at her and walked off into the crowd.

  “You guys are on a date. Nice,” Lars commented.

  “He tortures me,” she laughed.

  “I don’t want to know, do I?”

  “Maybe, but I’m not telling. Shall we?”

  “Fred Astaire, baby. Get ready.” Lars winked.

  Selby laughed as she and Lars danced to a waltz. They’d chatted for nearly thirty minutes straight about her jump
, and shared stories from past assignments. She realized how long it had been since they’d talked, and found that she was actually beginning to relax. She saw Beckett approach and gave him a sympathetic smile. Lars slowed, and turned to him.

  “Can I cut in?” he asked, a bloom of pink brushing over his pale cheeks.

  Lars gave Selby a shrug and she nodded. “Of course.”

  “I’ll be right over there,” he told her.

  Selby smiled as Beckett awkwardly put his arm around her. She guessed from his stiff posture that perhaps he’d taken dance lessons, but hadn’t quite gotten the hang of it. His tall stature compared to her small frame made it difficult for her to see his eyes. She held her arms firm, praying he wouldn’t make an attempt to pull her in close.

  “You’re Garrett’s girlfriend, aren’t you?”

  “Yes,” she replied, without hesitation this time.

  “I knew it. I never lost an argument.”

  “I’m so sorry about your brother. I didn’t know him well but he seemed incredibly nice.”

  “Yeah, he was the best.”

  “Do you have family?”

  “We do but we’ve kind of been out of touch with my mom and dad for a long time.”

  An awkward silence hung between them as Selby let the conversation die. Aware that sometimes strained family relationships existed, her curiosity was piqued, but she resisted the urge to delve further. Her own background had been dicey at best. If she fell off the face of the Earth, her dad wouldn’t even know.

  As the song ended, they both clapped their hands. Selby was grateful when she caught sight of Garrett approaching.

  “How are you, man?” he asked Beckett. Garrett gently set his palm onto his shoulder.

  “I’m hangin’ in there. It’s quiet at home.”

  “Take all the time you need. We’re all going to miss him.”

  “Thanks.” Beckett gave a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and pointed toward the bar. “I’m goin’ to go get a drink.”

  Garrett nodded in understanding and turned to Selby, taking her hand in his.

  “You ready?”

  “More than you know.”

  Selby had no idea what he had planned but that was what she loved about him. The tease of anticipation drove her wild, and as she fell into his arms, she forgot about everyone else in the room.

  Garrett led Selby up the grand staircase, never mentioning where he planned to take her. In silence, they turned the corner and reached their destination. She waited patiently while he unlocked the closed double doors. He gave her a sexy grin and turned the handle.

  “Welcome to my secret conservatory,” he said with pride.

  Selby’s eyes widened as she entered the glass-encased solarium. She gazed around the room, entranced at the sight of the twenty-foot trees and various ferns inside the spacious room. The masculine décor, in rich tones of brown and tan, extended to the mahogany beams that framed the enormous structure. A black wrought iron staircase led up to a balcony that circled its octagonal turret.

  “This is incredible. What is this? Is this for your group?”

  “I built Altura for us, but this room is mine. I don’t get to spend much time here, but it’s special. No one is allowed inside except maybe Lars every now and then.”

  “It’s hardly a man cave,” she noted, scanning her surroundings.

  As he closed and locked the door, the din of the party was silenced.

  “I do have some of my office things in that armoire over there, but this place is mostly for play, not work. It’s where I come when I need to create. I know it probably doesn’t seem that way, but at Emerson…all the different facets, products and services…over the years, there are just times when I need to think with no distractions.”

  “Like your own personal slice of heaven?” Selby trailed her finger over the chemise daybed.

  “Yep. You like it?” he asked, seeking her approval. “I’ve got a telescope over there. We’re far enough away from the city. The light pollution isn’t too bad. On a clear night, you wouldn’t believe what you can see.”

  “It’s amazing.”

  “I installed these last month…wait for it.” Garrett pecked at a panel on the wall and the lights dimmed, leaving the room illuminated by small lanterns that dangled from the ceiling. “They’re solar.”

  Selby smiled at him, aware that once again he was sharing something incredibly important to him. The intimacy flourishing between them was palpable, so much more than a passing sexual affair. She’d never imagined falling in love could be so incredible, leaving her terrified that he’d disappear if she said the words that resounded in her heart.

  As he approached, she held her breath. Everything stood still as he commanded her attention. She had an urge to spear her hands into his perfectly coiffed hair and kiss him, but she resisted, allowing him to control the situation. Within his own private paradise, she’d submit to whatever carnal pleasures he wanted.

  He brushed the back of his knuckles against her cheek and her eyes lit up. Seconds seemed like hours as she waited for him to take her. A strong hand slid around her waist, and she released a sigh, her eyes never leaving his.

  “I think it’s been just about an hour.”

  Selby’s heart flipped as he leaned to kiss her. Tasting champagne on his tongue, she opened to him. She returned his passionate kiss, tasting her lover. As his hand slipped through the slit of her dress and cupped her bare mound, she moaned.

  “I want everything tonight, Selby.” He spoke into her mouth, caressing her lips with his own. “Your body. Your heart.”

  Breathless, she could only give a small moan in acknowledgement. Selby’s knees faltered as he fingered her tiny pearl, her swollen clit tingling in arousal.

  “Hmm….you like your jewelry, don’t you?”

  “Oh my God…”

  “I love how responsive you are, my sweet girl.”

  Selby cried his name as he pumped his middle finger into her pussy, his thumb continuing its erotic assault on her clitoris. She dug her fingers into his forearm, and her forehead fell to his chest, as she heaved for breath.

  “Do you have any idea what you’ve done to me?” Garrett moved behind her and ground his erection up into her ass. “How important you are to me?”

  “Please, Garrett.”

  “That’s right, sweetheart. Beg me, because tonight you’re all mine.”

  “I’m so…there…” Selby choked out.

  She tensed in desire as he slid another digit into her, curling it inside her sensitive channel. As his other hand glided underneath the fabric and cupped her bare breast, she came undone. With his fingers deep inside her, she clenched around him, spasming in pleasure.

  “Garrett…please, yes…I’m coming…” She sucked for air as she came down, surprised as he withdrew his fingers and inserted them into her lips.

  “Sofa,” he ordered.

  Disoriented, she allowed him to bend her over its soft fluffy arm rest. He settled a pillow underneath her head and promptly lifted the back of her gown. A rush of cold air brushed over her exposed pussy and she spread her legs wider to accept him. His palm lifted and she went to lift upward. Her effort was met with a firm slap on her ass.

  “Stay. No moving.”

  His commanding voice wrapped around her, and she did as she was told. The sound of running water and a drawer opening drew her attention and her heart raced. A warm hand caressed her bottom and she breathed in delight. She turned her head, her eyes meeting his.

  “Do you know how much you mean to me?” he asked, unzipping his pants. “Everything has changed because of you.”

  “Garrett… I need you.” It was all she could manage without revealing her love.

  His palm brushed over both her cheeks, his crown prodding her entrance. Selby thought she’d go insane from the lingering anticipation.

  “Please…”

  “I need you, too,” he told h
er, sheathing himself inside her. “More than you know.”

  “Yes…” Selby gasped as he entered her.

  Her toes came off the floor as she accepted him, but he held her in place as he plunged inside. She shivered as her core fisted him. She’d come within minutes, she knew.

  “Move in with me,” she heard him ask. He went still, fully seated inside her, waiting on her answer. His fingers trailed up into the back of her dress, stroking over her spine.

  “What?”

  “Move in with me,” he repeated.

  “I…are you sure?” Tears pricked her eyes as he leaned over her and brought his lips to her flushed cheek.

  “Yes, I’m sure. I love you, Selby.” He gently kissed her face. “I heard you…the other day. I wanted to wait until all this was over to tell you how I feel, but I can’t. I need you to know how important you are to me…now…tonight.”

  Selby’s eyes flew open on hearing his words. She’d remembered saying the words but thought it a dream.

  “I love you, too,” she whispered.

  “Live with me. Please say yes.” His lips gently took hers as he swept his tongue into her mouth.

  The whirlwind romance was a force she couldn’t fight, she knew. Selby was already lost to Garrett Emerson. For years, she’d followed her head, but in the heat of the night, with the love of her life, she’d follow her heart.

  “Yes.” Selby nodded.

  “Yes,” he repeated.

  “Garrett, make love to me,” she breathed. “Please. I need to feel you.”

  “All night, sweetheart.”

  “Yes,” Selby breathed as he rose, slowly increasing his pace.

  She reached a hand back toward him, clutching his thigh.

  “All of you,” he growled.

  Selby startled as the cool gel hit her bottom and she recalled his pledge to know every part of her body. Her arousal flared as his thumb spread the fluid over her puckered flesh. She knew what he wanted, and she yearned to explore her darkest fantasy. As he pumped in and out of her, his finger teased her anus as if testing her willingness. Although the request would come as a command, her submission to the experience was in her control.