DirtyInterludes

by Jodie Becker

  He turned the corner onto his street and sprinted the rest of the way. Muscles burned as his lungs screamed. But he pushed even harder. Max returned home, his chest heaving from a long run. His body ached in ways it hadn’t in a long while. It was either take a run or go over and convince Bridget to spread her thighs for him. He picked up a towel thrown over the bar chair before the jog and wiped away the sweat on his face. Thirst dried his mouth and he retrieved a bottle of water from the fridge and knocked it back. Wiping away the remaining sweat off his chest, he hurried up the stairs to his room. He patted P. Diddy Gnomes on the cheek. “Have fun while I was gone?” he asked as he pulled drawers open.

  Max retrieved fresh clothes. “Oh does Bridget know you’ve got a dirty mind?” He looked at P. Diddy Gnomes’ smiling face. “Fine, it’ll be just between you and me.”

  He fist-bumped the tiny hand holding a shovel and twisted away only to draw up short. A pair of red lacy underwear lay on his pillow. His heart did a little trip-up and he chucked his clothes on the bed as he approached. With the tips of his fingers, he lifted the pair and stared at it. It was about Bridget’s size. A smile pulled at his lips as he brought it close and caught a waft of sex. The bad girl had emerged, it seemed. Pocketing her underwear, he decided to send a message of his own.

  A kick to his step, he exited his house and knocked on her front door. He waited a while before knocking again. When she didn’t come to the door, he checked the carport to find it empty. Disappointment weighed in his stomach, but unwilling to miss his chance, he wandered around the back. Her yard was simple with trimmed shrubbery and nothing else. Not much of a gardener he supposed. He dipped under a clothesline with sheets on it and checked her back door. Locked. He continued on, testing each window until one slid open. A grin broke over his face. A little break-and-enter for some harmless fun was okay. After all, turnabout was fair play. Latching on to the window frame, he pulled himself inside. The room was a small guest room with a single bed and table with a fine gathering of dust. He figured Bridget didn’t get many people sleeping over. The layout mirrored his house and he found her room with ease.

  Her bed was a queen and looked significantly smaller than his king. He didn’t realize how small those beds were. Shrugging off the thought, he searched the room. Wanting to know more about her. Her room was as he’d expected. Clean, efficient and beige. Teak furniture and a wooden sleigh bed. The room smelled of magnolia. A fluffy comforter lay on her bed and he imagined her sinking into it. He opened the top drawer to her bedside table and almost swallowed his tongue. A chuckle burst from him as he reached inside and pulled out a blue vibrator. It looked really familiar. In fact, he remembered making the purchase of this particular vibe. He liked the hummingbird on it. Guess Bridget liked it too.

  He grinned, knowing what type of message to leave her.

  * * * * *

  Bridget returned home. The final month toward the opening of her performance drew close. That jittery sense of nerves filled her stomach and she pushed it aside. Placing her cello against the wall, she threw her keys onto the counter before walking up the stairs. She unbuttoned a couple of buttons of her blouse and pulled it out from her skirt. After washing off the weight of light makeup, she loosened her bun until her hair fell in subtle waves down her back. It was going to rain soon. Her usually straight hair curled a bit with the humidity in the air.

  Brushing out her hair, she hummed a tune playing in her head of late. It was a sensual song, with a deep cadence and lovely, swaying sounds. Exiting the bathroom, she entered her bedroom to retrieve a set of clean clothes and drew up short, her heart stopping in her chest. On her pillow sat her vibrator. Heart racing, she approached the bed as a shiver of trepidation ran down her spine.

  She snatched it up and backed away from the bed. Who would break into her home to… Max. She looked down at her precious sex toy, humiliation burning her cheeks. He knew now. Knew she used his “gift” for her own satisfaction. A black smudge caught her eye and she turned her vibrator over and read the scrawled-out letters. You’re welcome.

  Her heart dropped and a squeal of dismay burst from her. Fingers clenched over the vibe, she swallowed back her embarrassment and welcomed the fiery rush of anger. Stomping down the stairs, she hurried to Max’s house, ready to give him a piece of her mind. She pounded on the door. He better be home or there would be hell to pay.

  When there was no immediate answer, she knocked again. “Max!”

  The door opened and she pushed him in the chest. Hard. He rocked back a few steps and she followed after him. “How could you?”

  His laughter incited her further and she pointed her vibrator at him. “I know you broke into my home. I know you were in my room. You ruined it. You ruined my…my—”

  “Orgasm?”

  She glared at him. “I’m sure you’re used to doing that.”

  He winked. “Giving orgasms. Yeah.”

  “No. You know what I mean.” Her eyes narrowed on him. “Do you hold yourself responsible for all orgasms across the world?”

  “You’d be surprised about how many orgasms I’m responsible for.”

  “You’re a pig.”

  “Pig, ass, baboon. You like your animal insults. How about this one for size? Hummingbird.”

  Her mouth dropped open, fingers tightening over her vibrator. “You like to make fun of me.”

  “Because you’re delicious when you’re mad.”

  “Because I’m delicious?” she huffed in disbelief.

  He stepped closer, crowding her in. “Very much so. Lush, sexy and fuckable when you’re mad.”

  She shivered as his finger traced down her neck, awakening nerves she wished would stay silent. “You’re crazy.” Her voice was a whisper rather than a snapping remark.

  He dipped down, his breath on her lips. “Maybe.”

  Unwittingly she closed the distance between them, capturing his mouth, desperate to experience the passion he evoked in her. Max stiffened and she took advantage of his surprise. Delving inside, she stroked her tongue along his, her nails digging into his nape. She sucked on his tongue and moaned.

  Max exploded into action, his arms wrapped around her to bring her flush against his muscular frame. She shivered as he dominated her, his hand on her ass to bring her into his erection. Hooking her leg around his, she tipped off her flats and ran the sole of her foot against his denim-encased calf. A purr rumbled in her chest, her breasts heavy and aching for his touch.

  She pulled away to lick his lower lip, a wicked grin pulling at her mouth. Max’s eyelids fell half-mast, a groan leaving him. He was now a slave to the very ache that controlled her. Nibbling on his lower lip, she skated her hands along his back, under his shirt, to rake her nails along his skin. A ripple rocked his frame, his fingers clenching over her buttocks. Hand over the hollow of his back, she fisted the cotton, undulating her hips into his. Bliss surged as his thick girth scraped over her sensitive clit. She hooked her thigh higher, fitting her body against him.

  Breaking off the kiss, she was secretly pleased by his glazed look and the lust vibrating off his tense frame. “Take this off,” she whispered.

  Max released her long enough to wrench off his shirt and chuck it aside. He roughly jerked her against him and devastated her with a ravenous kiss. He devoured her like a man in his last minutes of life. His tongue mated with hers, slipping and sliding in a sexual dance. His hand stole under her blouse and glided up her belly. A smooth and deliciously knowing hand. A finger flicked her aching nipple and she whimpered. Arching into him, she threw her head back as he blazed kisses down her neck and swirled his tongue along the pulse point.

  Moist heat throbbed in her pussy and she moaned as delicious warmth filled her. Nerves jittered in places he touched. He hooked his hand over a cup and yanked. Fabric tore and burned her skin, but she didn’t care. Her hand rode into his hair as he licked the valley between her breasts. An erotic thrill shot through her as he pinched a nipple, rolling it between his
thumb and finger. A curse bit at the air and he abandoned her breast. Her protest was swallowed by the tug of fabric as he tore at her blouse. The ping of buttons hitting the floor didn’t faze her, she just wanted him. Wanted him to fulfill that ache deep inside her.

  Cool air touched her heated flesh. Max’s gaze darkened with devilish lust. He made a sound that could’ve been a curse or a prayer. She didn’t know. He ducked his head and sucked on the exposed nipple, teeth grazing over the tender nub. Bridget raked her nails over his back and Max bit down on her. Not enough to cause pain, but enough to send a hot shot of bliss down to her pussy. Her clit thrummed with the need for his touch. To have his fingers inside her.

  As though hearing her thoughts, he slipped his hand under her skirt to swipe his finger along her aching clit. Delectable need surged against her moist pussy. He lifted his head and their gazes clashed. The hot lust in his eyes made her shiver. Lips drawn tight, he shoved a finger into her. Bridget jerked, loving the way he commanded her passion. He pressed his palm against her clit, rocking it to and fro as he pushed his fingers deeper, finding that delicious spot. She whimpered, rocking into his touch. Knees weakened and she wrapped her arms around his neck, relying on him to hold her up.

  His hot breath glided across her cheek. “Damn, you’re so hot.”

  He caught her mouth again, kissing her with such ferocious need, it stole all thought. His kiss mimicked every thrust of his finger. In and out, in and out. He suckled her tongue, then broke off to nip at her lip, commanding her to open her eyes. She stared into his starkly drawn face, his nostrils flaring with need. The scent of sex and sweat filled the air. He eased his fingers out, slowly. Torturing her as he circled the entrance of her vagina, dipping his fingers inside but not enough to satisfy the need in her.

  He grinned wickedly, even as his eyes blazed with lust. He wanted her. Desperately. Bridget moaned, rocking into his touch, inviting him to delve inside.

  “Please.”

  He shoved two fingers into her sopping pussy until his knuckles pressed against her sensitive lips. His expert touch slid along the bundle of nerves deep inside and she cried out. Ruthlessly, he pistoned into her, pushing her higher and higher. Inexplicable white-hot need thrummed inside. It surged in a wave and exploded over her in a crescendo of intense rapture. Nerves coiled and exploded in fireworks of bliss. Her body bowed and Max grunted as she screamed.

  Panting, she opened her eyes to find Max’s intense gaze searing into her. His hands remained in her underwear, his fingers still in her pussy. Max kissed her then, a soft, sensual kiss. A gentle seduction. An exploration that melted her heart. His free hand cupped her nape as he fused their mouths together and swept his tongue along hers. Mating. Loving.

  He broke from her and kissed her cheeks and eyelids. “You’re so beautiful.”

  Bridget merely smiled. The buzz kept her from thinking too much to reply. Gliding her hands along his broad shoulders, she skimmed his back, pulling him closer. The move pushed his fingers inside her and she whimpered as fresh arousal hummed to life.

  Need pulled his lips downward, a harsh frown on his brow. “Look…there is something I should tell you.”

  Bridget mewled, kissing his neck, wanting him to fill her up. “Less talk, more action.”

  He groaned and pulled away from her enough to work at the buttons on her skirt. He pulled it down along with her underwear and paused. His face was in line with her pussy and he groaned. He placed an open-mouthed kiss on her clit and Bridget trembled at the intense pleasure that surged through her. He licked her lips, every swipe sending waves of luscious bliss through her. She held him to her and her head tipped back as he plunged his tongue into her wet pussy. Relishing each swipe, she opened for him, letting the sexual elation feed the growing need.

  A ringing pierced her fog of desire and Max paused. The ringing stopped, but then started again. He hesitated then exhaled and pulled away from her. Her pussy clenched and she trembled as she struggled to pull her composure together. Max snatched up the phone and grimaced. Answering, he pressed the cell to his ear.

  “What?” He paused, his features stiffening. “Who?” He raked a hand through his hair and nodded. “All right.”

  He turned away from her and pressed a fist against the counter. Whatever he’d heard wasn’t good news. “What the hell, man? How much? I know…damn it, I know.” His head dipped, shoulders slumped. “All right. I’ll be there.”

  He hung up and when he faced her, she knew something had changed. His lips were white with strain and he wouldn’t look her in the face. “I have to go.”

  “Now?”

  He waved a hand at her without even looking, as if he couldn’t stand the sight of her standing exposed before him. “Yeah. You better get dressed.”

  Bridget pulled up her skirt and tried to fix the damage he’d done to her blouse. Half the buttons were missing. “Is something wrong?”

  He rubbed the back of his head and his smile lacked any real happiness. “It’s nothing.”

  Bridget gathered her vibrator and allowed him to guide her to the door. She hesitated at the threshold. “Can I see you again?”

  Code for, When can we do this again?

  His lips thinned. “No.”

  Hurt punched her in the chest. “But—”

  “I don’t know what I was thinking. Look, I don’t… It’s not… There is too much going on with me right now. I have to think.”

  He shut the door in her face and Bridget clutched the vibrator closer to her chest. She’d been dismissed after he’d given her an unbelievable orgasm. She didn’t know what hurt more. The rejection of her friendship or the rejection of her body.

  * * * * *

  Max stood in the police station, his heart thumping as he waited for the officer. Around him the buzz of conversation droned on and some woman carried on about a complaint she’d put in and the inefficiency of the police force. Frankly he didn’t want to be here. The last time he was here he had to place a restraining order on Katrina. It’d made him sick to his stomach that it had come to that point. And now here he was, but for another reason entirely.

  He raked a hand through his hair and blew out a cleansing breath. His thoughts wandered to Bridget and the way she felt in his hands. A shiver rocked his frame. He’d almost had her. If it wasn’t for the phone call he wouldn’t have been able to pull back. Teeth ground together. Was he doing the right thing by trying to have a relationship with her?

  He was saved from answering as the door swung open and Bryce wandered out with a grim officer behind him. Max’s heart froze, followed by a blast of hot rage. Bryce’s face was swollen, one eye shut, his bottom lip split. Bryce grinned stupidly at him and his anger skyrocketed again. Fire burned in his gut and he swallowed the words that threated to burst from his mouth.

  “What the hell, Bryce?”

  The officer shifted. “You might want to take your friend home to sober up.”

  “What happened?”

  Bryce wobbled on his feet and Max automatically reached for him. “That guy’ll know to watch his damn mouth.”

  Max wanted to shake some sense into Bryce. Blood thundered in his eardrums and if he wasn’t in a public area, he didn’t know what he’d do. “Come on.”

  He ambled away, keeping his steps short to allow Bryce time to follow. With every foot crossed the anger inside bubbled and burned. His hand clenched and unclenched in an effort to keep everything under wraps. This is what he was called away for. God damn it. He should’ve known.

  The car chirruped and he glared at Bryce over the roof. “Get in.”

  Bryce’s one functional eye narrowed. “You’re mad at me.”

  No shit. “Get in the car.”

  Bryce opened his mouth, but Max shook his head.

  “If you speak again I’m going to lose it. Get in the fucking car.”

  Bryce ducked into the vehicle and Max started the car, his foot on the accelerator as it roared to life. He pulled out of the parking
spot with more speed than required, the tires shrieking as he turned the corner out onto the road. He throttled the crap out of his vehicle, swerving through traffic in an attempt to expel the frustration burning in him.

  “You couldn’t last, could you?” he snarled.

  Bryce rocked back a bit in his seat. “What?”

  Max shot him a quelling stare. “Don’t fucking lie to me, I can see it on your face. You’re using again.”

  Bryce’s lips thinned. “So what? It’s my life.”

  “Your life that you’re fucking up.”

  Bryce laughed, a sound that bordered between unhinged and miserable. “My life is already fucked up.”

  Shock iced over the burning rage. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Bryce leaned forward, an intense gleam in his all-too-bright eyes. “You ever felt that?”

  “Felt what?”

  “That first rush? That moment where the world ceased to exist and it was just you and the drug? There’s nothing like it.”

  Max’s grip tightened on his wheel, lest he reach over and pop Bryce in the mouth. “Is that the reason you used? To chase a cloud? That shit is going to kill you.”

  Bryce grinned lazily. “At least I’ll go with a smile on my face.”

  Max swerved into the parking lot outside Bryce’s apartment block. “You know what, Bryce? You need help.”

  Bryce glowered. “You don’t know the shit I’ve been through.”

  “I don’t care what you’ve been through! You had a choice and you chose drugs.”

  “What’s wrong with that anyway?”

  Max stared at him in baffled outrage. “What’s wrong with it? You’re addicted and it’s taking over your life. Look at you. You’re wasting away.”