Carnal: Pierced and Inked

by Simone Sowood

  But right now, all I want to do is melt into Liam’s arms. And that’s okay, because this is a first date. It’s how first dates should end. At least in my life, where I don’t do second dates.

  “Thank you,” I stammer, not knowing what else to say.

  The current between us is strong, and somehow, the nearness of Liam has turned me into a bundle of nerves, butterflies and heat, incapable of normal thought.

  Because right now there’s only one thing I can think about, and it’s the place between my legs.

  We arrive at our floor, and the elevator doors open. Liam exits first, and I follow him, trying to clear my head.

  He taps the key card against the door, and it unlocks.

  “After you,” he says, opening the door.

  “Thanks,” I say managing a weak smile.

  For some reason, when the door opens, the ball of nerves in my stomach triples in size.

  I step into the room, expecting a bed. Instead, I’m greeted with a suite four times the size of my apartment. The furniture and decor are super trendy, with fresh flowers seemingly everywhere I look.

  The events of the past day skip through my mind as I try to make sense of how I got here. His arm around me as we waited for the ceremony to start, his kiss on the dance floor, being whisked off in a private fucking jet, and now this. An incredible hotel suite. And most of all, the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on is with me.

  Crazy doesn’t begin to explain it. Unable to look back at Liam while I process my thoughts, I start exploring the suite.

  In the massive living room, a bottle of Champagne is on ice, flanked by two flutes on the dark wood coffee table. Ignoring it, I move deeper into the suite, exploring but really ignoring my situation.

  Though my mind is desperately trying to understand the events of the past few hours, my pussy is screaming at me to get back to Liam. To let him take me in his arms and do with me as he pleases.

  The Test

  (Liam)

  “A two-bedroom suite?” Darcy says as she rushes around the suite opening and closing doors.

  “Of course. You didn’t think I’d be so presumptuous, do you?”

  “You could’ve asked.”

  “Now who’s being presumptuous?” I joke. I hang my jacket on the back of a dining chair and loosen my tie.

  “That’s what I’m talking about,” Darcy says, her eyes sparkling.

  “Another drink?” I offer, opening the bottle of Champagne.

  “Sure.”

  I pour two drinks and pass her a flute. We clink glasses and maintain our gazes at each other while we drink. The liquid sits in my mouth and I have to force myself to swallow it. There’s only one thing I want to do right now, and that involves ripping that dress from her body.

  Ever since I held her on the dance floor at the wedding, I can’t help thinking I want more from Darcy. More than my usual one-night stands. There aren’t too many people in the world I could spend so many hours with and not want to forget I’d ever met them by the end of it.

  In fact, I think that number is zero.

  But Darcy’s different. Aside from the fact I could never get tired of looking at her sexy curves or her bright blue eyes. Right now it doesn’t seem like I could ever get tired of talking to her either.

  She’s smart, funny and holds my interest in ways I never thought possible.

  Darcy takes a step closer to me, our eyes still locked. My breathing is heavy, drawing more of her jasmine scent into my lungs. I set my glass down to free my hands. She does the same.

  Her lips are impossible to resist any longer. I slowly trace her bottom lip with my thumb. The feel of her full lip, still wet with Champagne, awakens my cock.

  I tilt up her chin and in an instant our mouths crush together. I part her lips with my own. My tongue darts into her mouth, tasting her.

  She pushes her body into mine, my rock-hard cock digs into the softness of her body. I’ve never wanted to bury myself in a woman as much as I do right now.

  At this moment, she’s mine. I know I can do whatever I want to her, and she won’t stop me.

  Without breaking our kiss, my hands run over the fabric of her dress, feeling the exquisite curves of her body underneath. She whimpers when my hand finds her ass. It’s the most perfect ass I have ever laid my hands on. I can’t resist squeezing it hard enough to leave a mark.

  Pulling her dress up out of the way, I slide my hand into her panties and rub my hand against the bare skin of her ass. She moans into my mouth as I slide my hand around and brush her lips with my little finger.

  They’re drenched in want and my cock can’t take anymore. It’s so hard, it’s stretched my suit pants to their limit and it hurts like fucking hell. I’m torn, my mind racing with what to do. Do I do what I always told myself I’d do if this ever happened or what my dick desperately wants to do right now?

  Fuck the pain. My fingers follow the folds of her pussy until I find her entrance. Her dripping wet entrance that’s begging for my cock. I push a finger into it and move it around slowly. She moans in response, causing a shiver down my back. My finger keeps working her, the wet walls of her pussy tighten around me, and I add a second finger.

  She breaks our kiss to gasp but I use my free hand to force her mouth back to mine. I want to taste her, taste all of her. Her walls start tightening around my fingers and I keep working her. She bites my lip and her pussy pulses.

  “Come for me,” I growl.

  My fingers work faster, moving against her wet walls. With my other arm, I hold her up as her legs start to weaken and buckle.

  “Let me make you forget everything,” I say, my voice low, forceful.

  I close my eyes and inhale her scent, the delicious smell tantalizing me until I can’t help tasting her. I flick my tongue over her earlobe, and trace it in a line down her neck.

  Still, my fingers move inside her. With my thumb, I rub over her clit in circles.

  “Liam,” she cries and lets out a high-pitched moan.

  Holding her tight, I support her as she comes in my arms. Her body quivers against mine, she whimpers while the climax washes over her. I keep my fingers moving, and her walls clamp around them.

  Standing here with her in my arms, I realize how much I want her, in my arms forever. Her breathing slows, and she swallows.

  I lower my voice and say, “Sweetheart, I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I’ve wanted you.”

  She moans, a beautiful cry that shoots straight to my cock. I swear to fucking God I’m going to fling her on the bed and drive my cock into her with such force that she won’t be able to walk for a week.

  No, I won’t do this.

  I back her into one of the bedrooms. We stand near the doorway and I trail kisses down the soft skin of her neck and back up over her chin to her luscious lips again.

  Darcy grapples with my belt buckle and I groan into her mouth. I suck her bottom lip into mine for one last taste tonight.

  “Good night,” I say, my voice low, determined.

  Using every last ounce of my willpower, I peel myself away from her and back out of the room, closing the door as I go. I stride the few steps to my bedroom, shut the door behind me and lock it.

  Flopping onto the bed, my chest heaves with my decision. My dick is rock hard and aching for her. I should walk right back into her room, throw her on the bed and fuck her senseless.

  After a lifetime of fucking women I’d just met, I’ve always vowed I wouldn’t sleep with the one I think might be The One. The thing is, I never actually believed there would ever be The One. And now here I am, wanting to fuck the willing woman in the next room more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life.

  But I won’t.

  Instead I need to be sure, before she becomes just another pussy to me. If I still want her just as bad in the morning, after I haven’t slept with her, then I’ll know for sure. With any other woman, the morning would take the shine off the appeal of the night before. Will that ha
ppen with Darcy? I seriously doubt it, but I have to know for sure.

  I strip off my clothes and go into the ensuite. Setting the water to the temperature of ice, I step in. The cold eases the throb in my dick, but the memory of her dripping wet pussy brings it back to life again. I increase the temperature to an almost tolerable level and take my cock in my hand.

  Everything about Darcy, her taste, her scent, her laugh, the tightness of her wet pussy around my fingers, fills me as I bring myself to climax. My hand flies to the tiles to support me as I come.

  Still wet, I flop into my bed and sleep.

  Change of Plans

  (Liam)

  In the morning, I shower again, pull on the hotel’s bathrobe and make my way into the living area. I’m not sure what to say to Darcy when I see her, but fortunately she doesn’t seem to be up yet.

  Five bags are laid out on the dining room table. I’d had my assistant send new clothes for both Darcy and me.

  I pull on the clean boxers, grab the socks and shirt and return to my room to dress. I don’t bother with the tie and leave my top button undone for comfort.

  In the kitchen area, I make a pot of coffee and soon the aroma fills the suite with the smell of morning.

  Darcy’s door is still shut. Not wanting to wake her, I decide to work quietly at the dining table. On my second cup of coffee, I pick up my phone and open my emails. Over fifty have arrived since meeting Darcy at the coffee shop yesterday. I scan them and ignore them all but the ones from Victor.

  When I go to the kitchen to pour my third cup, I decide I can’t wait to see Darcy anymore. I pour an extra cup, leaving it black because I don’t know how she takes it, and walk to her door. Trying not to make a noise, I turn the handle and open the unlocked door.

  The bed is unslept in.

  “Darcy?” I call out, knowing there will be no response.

  I back out of the room and grab my phone to call her. There’s no answer, it goes to voicemail. I fucking hate voicemail. It’s the default computer voice, not even hers. Frustrated, I punch the end call button and type her out a text.

  Everything okay?

  I type out ‘I miss you’ then delete it just as fast.

  “Dammit!” I scream. I flop onto the sofa, resisting the urge to chuck my phone against the wall.

  At least let me know you’re safe

  Time passes at a speed so slow I can replay our entire evening between each tick of the second hand. After ten long minutes, I send another text.

  I’m worried sick about you.

  Jesus, Darcy, let me know you’re okay

  The phone beeps, startling me.

  Of course I’m okay, I’m a grown woman, I can take care of myself

  The tension in my shoulders eases but that doesn’t stop me from being so fucking angry at myself.

  I owe you an explanation

  Nothing.

  Still nothing.

  Please

  I never beg. What is she turning me into? Did she go to the convention? It won’t be open for another hour. Did she stay in this hotel last night, or go to a different one?

  She’ll go to the convention. I’ll find her there. In the meantime I dial her phone, on repeat. It always goes to voicemail but I’m not about to leave a message. Not yet, anyway.

  Enough of this. I grab my suit jacket and head for the lobby. With any luck I’ll spot her there, and if not I’ll hang out at the entrance of the convention center. With any luck, I’ll catch her on the way into the event.

  Other than a woman checking out, the lobby is devoid of people. Without slowing my pace, I hit the street and keep going until I reach the convention center. The doors are all locked. A few people are hanging around out front. I guess some people just can’t wait to sink their teeth into some chocolate.

  Frustrated, I kick a trash can. The noise draws everyone’s attention to me. I don’t smile, or offer any sort of explanation. Instead I glare at them. Glare at any person who comes anywhere near the convention center. Glare at the people in cars as they drive by.

  Fuck this shit. I text her again.

  I’ve never wanted to fuck anyone more than I’ve wanted to fuck you

  A few seconds later, my phone beeps.

  Then why didn’t you?

  Let me explain

  I’m waiting

  In person

  Still waiting

  How about over coffee?

  Can’t, I’m in New York, took the first flight out

  The news hit me like a punch to the gut. Unsure what to do next, I stare at the screen. I always know what to do next. As much as I was interested in checking out the chocolate expo with Darcy, now all I want to do is try to find her. It seems like I should send her a message back, but I can’t decide what to say. I send a quick message to my assistant, telling her to get my jet ready.

  Six hours later, the wheels of my jet hit the tarmac at Teterboro. An hour after that, I’m back in my two-story penthouse apartment overlooking Central Park.

  In my private gym, I pound the punching bag for all I’m worth. Sweat trickles into my eyes, but I don’t even bother to wipe it away. All I know is I had the most perfect woman in my arms, and I let her slip away.

  Stupid.

  Fucking.

  Idiot.

  Darcy will be back in my arms.

  I grunt with each of my punches until my chest heaves so much I’m forced to stop.

  Showered and dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt, I sit on my sofa and stare out over the Manhattan skyline. What to do? I send a quick note to my assistant.

  Find me the best event in the city next weekend and get me tickets.

  Darcy and I made a deal. I went to her event. She’ll come to mine, I’m sure of it.

  Opera?

  No, something I can talk during

  An awards ceremony?

  Boring

  Art exhibition?

  You know I hate those

  My assistant goes on to list a half dozen other types of events and I quash them all. I only want one thing. Darcy.

  Grabbing my phone, I quickly type out another text to my assistant.

  Forget finding an event, find out everything you can about Darcy Knight and Knight Global Events.

  Choices

  (Darcy)

  I’m sitting on the couch in my living room, still numb.

  My phone is in my hand, and as much as I don’t want to, I read Liam’s texts over and over.

  This can’t happen. It was stupid of me to ever agree to get on that flight. Those hours pushed the arrangement even beyond date territory. I can deal with a first date. I can deal with a meaningless one-night stand. I can’t deal with spending so much time with someone who makes me feel the way he does.

  It’s dangerous.

  I had to run. What else could I do? If I woke up to him in the same hotel suite, I’d be in serious danger of never being able to pull myself away from him again. And that can only end one way, with my heart crushed.

  At the hotel, when I heard his shower going I decided to use the noise to get out of there. I booked online for the earliest flight home and slept at a cheap airport hotel.

  Not that I got any sleep. Lying awake, I focused on work to keep Liam out of my mind. I couldn’t allow myself to feel any regret in leaving Liam at the hotel suite. Things were getting too crazy. Or rather, my feelings were getting too crazy.

  The way he made me feel when I was in his arms was beyond amazing. All I wanted to do was stay there. But I can’t let my heart or my pussy rule my actions.

  The phone in my hand, I close my eyes and remember the way his muscular arm held me as he made me climax. My body wanted more, wanted him naked and inside me.

  Why did he walk away and leave me there when I was so desperate to be in his bed? Why lead me on so much? Make me come in his arms, only to walk away?

  It doesn’t matter. I’m glad he did. It gave me the chance to come to my senses and get away. Back to New York, to work
, my charity and my happy, single life.

  Because more than whatever else happened in that hotel room, one thing bothers me above all else. He told me he wants to make me forget everything.

  The entire flight home, those words rolled around in my mind, over and over. No matter which way I turned them, I realized he really might make me forget everything. And that can never happen.

  I can never forget.

  The phone in my hand rings, startling me. My heart pounds, it’s probably Liam, but I look at the screen and it’s actually Kirsten.

  “Hey,” I say, answering it.

  “Hi, hon. Spill it. How’d the wedding non-date arrangement go?”

  Too good, I think. Do I tell her?

  “We didn’t have sex, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “No? Bummer.”

  “No kidding.”

  “But how was it otherwise? Are you going to see him again?”

  “No,” I say definitively.

  “No? Just no? Is that because you didn’t like him, or because of your irrational fear of getting hurt again?”

  “It’s not irrational.”

  “It is, hon. You’ve got to get on with living. Enough time has passed.”

  I close my eyes, contemplating what would’ve happened if Liam hadn’t left me last night. If we’d had sex and I’d fallen asleep in his arms. Is that living, or setting myself up for more pain? Because I can never go through that agony again.

  “We didn’t really connect is all.”

  “That’s not what I heard. All the talk on the grapevine is you two making out on the dance floor.”