Romancing the Author

by Kali Willows

  “No, miss, it’s in out in the hallway. I’ll follow you,” he replied.

  At the farthest end of the foyer, she located the ladies room.

  Gemma washed her hands and dried them in the vacant room. She primped her hair and smoothed a finger under the thin liquid liner framing her eyes. Satisfied with her appearance, she straightened her clothing, ready to have some fun.

  A shrill noise shrieked overhead. “An alarm?” Gemma spun around to leave and smashed full force into a nightmare. She tried to scream out, but Jimmy clamped one hand over her mouth and wrapped his other around her throat. He squeezed hard, and she choked.

  “Don’t make a sound, bitch,” he sneered.

  She didn’t flinch. Gemma flitted her gaze to the closed door and plotted her escape.

  “Your entourage of protection is not available right now.” He removed his hand from her mouth and loosened his grip on her throat.

  “What did you do?” she wheezed.

  “I gave them something to keep them busy so we won’t be interrupted, my beloved wife.”

  “I’m not your wife anymore,” she spat. “You made sure of that the moment you punched me in the face and knocked me down the stairs.”

  “You mean your little accident?” He flashed an evil smirk.

  “Consider it the first and last time you’ll ever hit me, you son of a bitch.”

  “I told you before, Gemma, just because you’re a big fancy writer now, doesn’t mean I’m not good enough for you.”

  “It’s not about me being a fancy writer, asshole. You’re not good enough for anyone. You’re a selfish control freak. You were afraid of me reaching my dreams. You tried to stop me, and I’ll never let it happen. You can go to hell.”

  “You’ve gotten feisty, darlin’.” He lifted his chin and narrowed his eyes, shooting her a daring glare. “Don’t piss me off.”

  “I’ll do more than piss you off.” She struggled to break free.

  “You’ll always be mine, Gemma.” He slammed her back against the wall. “Don’t you get it? Nothing is gonna come between us again.” Jimmy tore the pink hyacinth out of her hair and threw it on the floor.

  “Ouch.” Her scalp stung from the strands being ripped out. “There is no us,” she hollered, but would anyone hear her over the alarm?

  “Shut up, or I’m gonna have to teach you another lesson.” Jimmy reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a single black rose. He tucked it behind her ear.

  The constant screech overhead was ear-piercing.

  “Did you pull the fire alarm?”

  “Along with a few other tricks.” He trailed a finger down her chest to the dip of her neckline. “Now for playtime.”

  “Get your filthy hands off me!”

  “If you think I’m gonna let you walk away after you snubbed me, you’re wrong.” He shoved her sideways, and she crashed into the counter.

  She clutched her throat as she fought for air. “What do you want, Jimmy?”

  He stepped closer to her again, his tall frame blocking her escape, his eyes blazing with hatred. “Are you in a hurry to get back to your fucking football player, you slut?”

  He knew about Connor and would stop at nothing to control her. “You leave him alone.”

  “I’ll kill him if he touches you again.”

  “You won’t get the chance, Jimmy.”

  “Aw, how sweet,” he sneered. “I think you and I need to head up to your luxurious room and catch up on old times.”

  “Like hell.”

  “Can’t you feel how much I’ve missed you, love?” Jimmy grabbed her by the shoulders and rammed her up against the wall. He grasped her chin and forced her face toward his.

  Gemma clamped her teeth down hard on his bottom lip, and he howled, blood spilling down his chin.

  “Bitch,” he snarled and lurched forward.

  Gemma ducked to the side and bolted for the door, but he grabbed her by the hair and yanked hard. With no time to plan, Gemma launched her head back and smashed him in the face then stomped his foot with her stiletto heel. She slammed her elbow back into his stomach and jerked free from his grip. Gemma spun around, booted him as hard as she could in the groin. Jimmy dropped to his knees and whimpered.

  “I’m not done with you, bitch.”

  Gemma hightailed it out of the bathroom and scanned for the nearest help. She scouted around and saw the guard who followed her, out cold, tucked behind a couch. At the other end of the hall, a steady stream of people fled to the stairwell, where another guard held the door open. Gemma ran toward the crowd until a sharp blow to the middle of her back knocked the wind out of her and sent her crashing to the ground.

  Dazed, she rolled over. Jimmy hovered over her, nose and chin both seeping crimson. He grabbed her by the ankle and started to drag her across the carpet. Gemma kicked and struggled to break free. A faint buzzing streamed through the air, and a brown object struck Jimmy at the base of his skull. He dropped onto the floor, face first, and didn’t move.

  Gemma scrambled to get away and caught sight of the brown thing rolling around Jimmy’s body. A football?

  “Gemma?” Connor’s voice filled her ear and the heat of tender hands embraced her sides as he helped her to her feet. “Are you okay?”

  “Did you do…that?” she blathered, staring at the pigskin by Jimmy’s head.

  “Yeah.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “There wasn’t time to do anything else. I had to stop him.” Connor held her tight as she trembled. “Are you hurt?”

  “I….” She took mental inventory of her throat and back, tender from the assault, but no sharp pains. “I don’t think so.”

  A cluster of cheers and applause erupted at the other end of the hall. Gemma glanced over to find a large audience cheering Connor’s bull’s-eye. The security guard from the stairwell bolted across the hall to them and handcuffed Jimmy while he lay face down and out cold at their feet.

  Chapter Six

  A gangly waiter rolled in a bar on wheels and snacks. “Please put it over there in the living room.” A short, stout middle-aged man, with his own cart topped with several boxes, came in. “You have the items I requested?” Candace asked.

  “Yes ma’am. It won’t take me long.” He pushed the trolley down the hall of the penthouse suite.

  “Could you please go help him?” she directed the young lad after he parked the mobile bar.

  “Right away.” He followed his partner out of the room.

  Candace poured two drinks over ice then handed them to Gemma and Connor.

  “Thanks,” they said in unison.

  She joined them on the couch as they answered the police officer’s questions for the next half hour.

  “Thank you all for your statements.” The fair-haired police officer gripped his notepad. “I’m pretty sure we have everything we need now.”

  “Is everyone okay?” Gemma asked, tucked under Connor’s arm on the couch.

  “It looks like he pulled a false alarm to create a commotion. That’s when he managed to get to you, Ms. Daveen. We found the delivery guy everyone was searching for outside the hotel, in the back by the garbage bins. He had been attacked. He identified James”—the officer flipped through the pages in his book then glanced back up—“Whitlock?”

  “Yes, Whitlock is Jimmy’s name,” Gemma concurred.

  The officer folded his book closed and continued. “The victim said James stole his hat, coat, and ID and snuck back into the hotel undetected.”

  “Is the man okay?”

  “They’re treating him at the hospital for a head injury, but they believe he’ll be fine.” He tucked his pen and pad into his coat pocket.

  “What about the guard I saw on the floor?” Gemma cringed, fearful of his answer.

  “They were both Tasered, but he’ll be.”

  “Thank heavens.” Gemma sighed.

  “So, Jimmy will be held here and charged?” Candace inquired.

  “Four
assaults, three with a weapon, and attempted abduction. It’s safe to say, yes. Because he has the restraining order and now criminal charges in a foreign country, I don’t think you need to worry about him getting out anytime soon.”

  The officer stood up and shook Connor’s hand. “I saw the length of the fifth-floor lobby. That was one hell of a throw. I’d sure like to know what team you’ll be on next year so I can start placing my bets.”

  “Hard to say, but thank you.” Connor chuckled.

  All three of them got up to escort the officer to the door. He exited the room as the servers returned with the second cart in tow, empty boxes tucked underneath.

  “Everything is done, boys?” Candace grabbed her handbag and pulled out a bundle of cash.

  “As you requested, ma’am,” the older one said, accepting the tip.

  She handed a tip to the young lad as well, and they followed the policeman out the door.

  “Well, you two don’t need me anymore this evening, I trust?” Candace stood by the door sporting a mischievous grin.

  Connor glanced at his wristwatch and let out a fake yawn. “I think we’re good here. It’s been a long night.”

  “I bet you two are dying to get to bed.” She snickered. “Night, doll.” Candace kissed Gemma on the cheek.

  “Thanks for all your help.” Gemma dive bombed her with a hug. “You are the best, for the record.”

  “I know.” Candace winked. She paused then stepped up to Connor, cupped his massive bicep again then patted his chest. “My word.” She moved back and fanned her face. “I won’t call in the morning. I’m sure you’ll be busy with this hunk of burning yum.” She headed out the door and halted. “I didn’t see a wedding ring on the handsome cop’s finger…did you?” She made a beeline for the elevator.

  “Alone at last.” Gemma began to close the hotel room door, but Connor grabbed it.

  “One moment.”

  “What?”

  He removed the Do Not Disturb sign and placed it on the outside handle, then shut the door and locked it.

  “Good idea.” Gemma stared up at him.

  “Are you tired?” He slipped his fingers through her belt loops and pulled her tight against his body.

  Nuzzled into his neck, she drank in the delectable aroma of leather and warm spices. “Well, it has been a rather difficult evening. I think a long, hot”—she retreated and batted her eyelashes—“shower…and straight to bed is an absolute necessity.” She flashed a playful pout.

  “Who am I to argue?” He dipped his head and captured her lips with delicious urgency.

  She stroked her fingers up his rock-hard abs, over his chest, and up to his neck. She melted in his grasp. When Connor lifted her up, she wrapped her legs around his hips, and he proceeded to the bathroom.

  “I’m gonna do things to you that will make you squeal,” he whispered.

  “Wait till you see what I’m gonna do to you.” She traced the outline of his lips with her tongue as he fumbled for the door handle.

  Gemma reached behind her and managed to twist the handle open, and he carried her into the room.

  “What is this?” Connor paused. She unlatched her legs, and he lowered her to the floor.

  The massive bathroom was aglow with dozens of lit candles everywhere. The sunken rainfall tub cascaded with the constant drizzle of water from overhead and teemed with steamy bubbles. Multi-colored rose petals were scattered along every surface, and on the ledge of the tub sat a bottle of chilled champagne with two crystal flutes. Beside the drinks rested a basket filled with wrapped condoms, lubricant, and edible massage oils.

  “Candace.” Gemma shook her head with amazement.

  “What?”

  “While we were being interviewed, this is what she had room service do.”

  “She is one class act.” Connor glanced around the room and turned to face her.

  “I bet she had the bedroom done, too.” She glanced at the door with curiosity.

  “We can’t let her good intentions go to waste.”

  “Not at all.”

  “One room at a time?” He winked.

  “One fantasy at a time.” Gemma inched back and slipped her shirt over her head. “It’s a tough job, but who said being a romance author would be easy?” She tossed it onto the floor and unbuttoned her jeans. “I consider this personal research for my next book.” She slid them down and stood before him in her maroon-lace panties and bra. “Your turn.” She pointed to his clothing.

  Connor flashed a seductive grin as he ripped his shirt open from the bottom up. His pectorals rippled beneath his taut skin, a breath taking vision of virility, and she wanted more. He unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned pants. He pushed them down his hips and discarded them off to the side.

  Gemma eyed the steely contours of his broad shoulders, muscled arms, and corrugated abs. Even his thighs and calves were toned and powerful. She knew a long night of pleasure awaited her and was eager to start. “Boxer briefs,” she cooed at the black form-fitting garment. “It seems to me you have a weapon stored in there, Mr. Caine.” A massive bulge protruded under the tight cloth.

  “Uh, I do.” He offered a sheepish wink.

  “You’ve been holding out on me.” Gemma sauntered over to him and inspected the suspicious package with the palm of her hand—a rigid hard on, so long it threatened to reach out of the waistline of his drawers. “Have mercy.” She slipped her hand inside his briefs and stroked the length of his thick shaft.

  “I see the next fantasy I want to check off my list, if you’re game?” He leaned in and trailed his heated mouth over the flesh of her throat and up to her lips.

  “Name it.” She dipped her head back in bliss.

  “The bath will have to wait. I want to shower with you, Gemma.” He reached behind her and unfastened her bra. Between impassioned kisses, he slipped the lace from her shoulders and inched her panties off. Putty in his hands, she closed her eyes and cherished his touch, his ravenous kiss, and his voice in her ear.

  Connor cupped her breast then captured her nipple between his lips. With gentle sucks, he sent jolts of pleasure throughout her body. Desperation mounting, she snagged the elastic of his boxers and tugged them down, setting his enormous erection free. Crouched down, she stared up at his eyes and held onto his hips while she eased herself up in a slow tease. She trailed the tip of her tongue from the base of his shaft to the tip of his swollen head.

  “Uh….” he groaned. “I love that.”

  She hummed and licked around the ridge of his cock as she gripped his hard on. The more she touched him, the louder he moaned. In a playful swoop, she took the tip of his cock into her mouth and slid in and out, a little deeper each time. She took in as much as she could until it touched the back of her throat then slowly released it.

  “God, Gemma.” He caressed her shoulders as she sucked with gentle swirls of her tongue and lips. “I want you,” he rasped and tugged her up by her shoulders. He reached into the basket and snagged a condom.

  Her quarterback grasped a handful of hair at the base of her skull and guided her to his lips. He dug his fingertips into the flesh of her ass then collected her hand and coaxed her to follow him into the shower.

  With the pull of a lever, he adjusted the temperature and water jetting from six different fixtures and tucked the square wrapper on the ledge. He cradled her in his arms while the shower streamed against their bodies from all directions. Their tongues danced and curled together; a current of fiery passion coursed through her veins.

  He grabbed a bottle of bodywash and poured a generous amount in his palm. Connor lathered her from the shoulders down to her toes. He kneaded her breasts and slid his soapy palm down to her pussy then explored along her sensitive folds with his fingertips. She scooped some of the lather from her belly and smeared it over his powerful shoulders and down the length of his arms. She lathered his cock and massaged his balls.

  The last of the bubbles washed down the drain, and thick steam
filled the air. She dipped her head and let the water team down her skin. Swathed in the blissful wetness and the embrace of his powerful arms, she rubbed his long cock. “Connor, I want you inside me.”

  “As you wish.” He gripped her shoulders and coaxed her to turn away from him.

  She braced herself against the shower wall. Her hardened nipples grazed the tiles. He nibbled on her earlobe then blazed a trail down the length of her neck to her shoulders. He reached around with both hands and squeezed her breasts, pinching and rolling her nipples between his fingers. She arched her back in ecstasy, desperate to have him now. He skated one hand down and slipped his finger along the folds of her pussy. He rubbed her swollen clit in delicious circles.

  “Oh…yes!” She sucked in a sharp breath and groaned. Sensual waves flooded through her.

  “That’s it, baby. I want to make you come for me.”

  Her breath sped up as his gentle circles grew frantic against her hardened nub. Ripples of exquisite spasm radiated throughout her core as she exploded in his hands.

  “Connor,” she screamed and trembled in his arms.

  “Oh, yeah.” He grabbed the condom and tore it open with his teeth. He sheathed his cock and slipped it between her thighs.

  A stinging sweet sensation filled her with the length and thickness of his cock. She groaned in blissful agony. “Oh, God.” Still riding the waves of orgasm, the walls of her pussy clenched around his shaft with his long, deep thrusts.

  He gripped her hips and plunged in and out of her. Grunting with excitement, he pushed harder. She fisted her hands against the tiles.

  “I’m close.” He slowed down.

  “Don’t stop,” she begged.

  “I don’t want to come yet. There’s one more fantasy I’m dying to do to you, right now.” He panted and kissed her shoulder as he pulled out.

  Connor turned off the shower and led her by the hand to the bath. He unrolled several large towels and laid them on the floor and held out his hand for hers.

  “What are we doing?” she asked, breathless, and shivered.

  “I’m still famished. I want you here.” He pointed to the makeshift bed at the edge of the sunken tub.