Worth Everything: Worth It, Book 4

by Karen Erickson

  “Um, sure.” She stepped from beneath the spray, a little smile curving her lips. “I can’t believe you’re joining me.”

  “Am I unwanted?” Without thought, he reached for her, grasping her waist and yanking her close, streaking his thumbs over all that damp, exposed skin. “I’ll go if you want me to.”

  “I want you to stay.” She pushed the wet hair away from her face, staring up at him boldly. “I thought of asking you to join me, but…you were too busy on the phone.”

  He raised a brow, all the while running his hands along her sides, up her stomach, her ribcage, until he settled his hands just beneath her plump breasts. “Really?”

  She inhaled sharply when he drew his index finger across her left nipple. He watched it tighten into a hard point, couldn’t tear his gaze away from it. “Yes,” she murmured. “Really.”

  “Well, I’m not too busy now.” He drew an achingly slow circle around that pretty little pink nipple, dying to taste it, but not just yet. He wanted to draw this out, make her yearn and wiggle and cry out before he’d finally give her what she needed.

  “Gavin.” His name left her on a whimper, and he smiled his satisfaction. He’d missed her. Hell, he’d missed this sexual connection that linked them so tightly. She was so responsive, so sensually beautiful.

  He couldn’t get enough of her.

  Leaning in, he cupped her cheek with his free hand, tilting her head back for his kiss. She parted her lips, her tongue darting out for a quick lick, and he settled his mouth on hers. Softly seeking her tongue with his.

  She slipped her arms around him, her hands wandering down to his backside, drawing her nails back and forth across his sensitive skin. He pushed her against the wall, out of the way of the streaming water and thrust his hips against hers. Grinding his cock against her soft belly, he forgot his plan of a moment ago.

  Gavin couldn’t take it slow. He wanted her too damn much.

  “Oh God.” She broke away from his kiss on a moan when he cupped her breasts with both hands. “I need you inside me, Gavin. Now.”

  He rained kisses down the length of her neck, across her chest, licking first one nipple, then the other. She clutched his head close, her fingers tightening in his hair as he drew one nipple deep into his mouth. Sucking, licking, tasting her sweet, lush flesh.

  “Please,” she whimpered, tugging on his hair so he pulled away from her breasts. Standing up straight so he could face her, he grabbed her by the waist, hauling her into his arms. She automatically wound her legs around his hips, clinging to him, and he kissed her again. Felt as if he could consume her, drown in her…

  Pressing her against the wall, he stared at her rapturous face. Her eyes were closed, her swollen lips parted, her cheeks flushed. “Stasia. Look at me.”

  She opened her eyes, her unfixed gaze settling on him and she smiled dreamily. “I need you, Gavin.”

  “I don’t have a condom.” And hell if he wanted to leave the shower to go grab one, as selfish as that was.

  “That’s okay.” She lifted her hips, brushing against his cock, and he gritted his teeth to contain the moan that wanted to escape. “I’m on the pill.”

  “I’m clean,” he swore, excitement bubbling inside of him. Had he ever been inside a woman sans condom before? He didn’t think so. He’d always been the king of safe sex, never wanting to risk anything, especially pregnancy.

  He’d seen plenty of high school classmates have to drop out because either she was pregnant or he knocked up a girl and needed to get a job to support his new family. That had scared the shit out of him then. Still sorta scared him now.

  No babies for him. Yet.

  “So am I.” Her smile grew.

  She was a sultry, wet goddess, the woman of his dreams, the woman he missed more than he could ever admit. And now that he had her…

  No way was he going to let her go.

  “Need you inside me,” she murmured, reaching for his kiss. Their mouths met, clung and he positioned her, brushed his cock against her molten hot center. “Yessss. You feel so good.”

  And he wasn’t even inside her yet. “Look at me, baby.” She lifted her lids, her gaze meeting his and slowly he entered her, fed her his cock inch by excruciating inch. Her body trembled around him, she tightened her arms around his neck but still she never looked away.

  It was the most intense moment he’d ever shared with another person in his life.

  He pushed all the way in, filling her completely. Pausing for a moment, he drank in her misty features, the little beads of water that clung to her thick lashes, the lushness of her red mouth. He kissed her, thrust his tongue deep, tangling with hers as he withdrew from her almost completely before plunging deep again.

  They continued this battle, the sexual push and pull, their mouths still fused, hands gripping each other’s bodies. Slow at first, a sleek, sensual glide that was driving both of them insane until he couldn’t take it anymore.

  “Are you close?” He murmured the question against her fragrant neck, licking and nibbling the tender skin.

  She shivered beneath his ministrations. “God yes,” she whispered, moving her hips just so, a little moan escaping her. Showing she most definitely was close to her climax. “Faster, Gavin. I’m begging you.”

  Increasing his pace, he hammered into her again and again, his orgasm barreling down on him. She was so tight, hot and wet and his cock ready to explode.

  He pressed her so close to the wall, he was afraid he smashed her but she didn’t complain. Her whimpers of pleasure grew louder as his thrusts powered faster, until he was ramming inside her so hard, he finally came apart with a shout.

  Stream after stream of semen pumped inside her as he ground his hips to hers. He pressed his forehead against the cold tile wall, right next to her head, closing his eyes as wave after wave of pleasure washed over him. She shivered all around him, little cries escaping her, her fingernails digging into his back as she came. Exhaling loudly, his entire body became shaky and he pulled away from her, still shocked at the intensity of his orgasm.

  “Wow,” she whispered, a grin spreading across her face. “That was…”

  “Amazing,” he finished for her, returning the smile. “You’re amazing.”

  Her smile grew tender. “So are you.”

  Reaching to his right, he wrenched the faucet off, the now lukewarm water shutting off. “Let’s get out of this shower, get dry and then do this all over again. You game?”

  She laughed, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his cheek. “Definitely.”

  He needed to keep the moment light. Before he went crazy and said something that might freak her out.

  Like that he was in love with her.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Alex and Tessa Worth’s apartment was amazing, even more beautiful than Rhett and Ella’s, if that was possible. Stasia tried her best not to gawk. She’d lived in some of the most beautiful places in the world—the Renaldi villa had been featured in some of the most prestigious home design magazines out there—but she couldn’t help but stare unabashedly as Tessa led her and her mother through the sleek, modern yet somehow still cozy home.

  “Everyone’s in the kitchen,” Tessa said from over her shoulder, a bright smile on her pretty face. “They’re waiting anxiously for your arrival.”

  Nerves ate at her stomach and Stasia took a deep breath. She hoped she could actually eat lunch. It would be awful to insult her hosts. “I’m anxious too.”

  “Of course you are. We’re all nervous,” Tessa said.

  And for all different reasons. Stasia had a feeling she was the most nervous of them all—with the exception of her mother. She’d had to practically drag Mama there.

  “Your home is lovely, Mrs. Worth,” Mama said, her voice shaky. Stasia gave her an encouraging smile, wanting to put her at ease.

  “Thank you. And please, call me Tessa. Hardly anyone calls me Mrs. Worth. Ah, here we are.” The kitchen was large, bright with the early afterno
on sun. The stainless steel appliances gleamed, the expansive granite countertops were laden with food and the room smelled like heaven.

  “Anastasia. It’s so good to see you.” Alex approached out of nowhere, casual in a pair of jeans and button-down shirt. Stasia had never seen him look so relaxed. “Thank you for coming to my home.”

  “Thank you for inviting us.” Stasia cleared her throat. “Alex, this is my mother, Claudia.”

  The look on Alex’s face was nothing less than cordial as he took Claudia’s hand and shook it. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Yes, thank you.” Claudia bobbed her head, wincing. “I’m so sorry. I’m very nervous.”

  “Don’t worry. We all are.” Alex looked at Stasia with a smile. “Won’t you sit down? Care for something to drink?”

  The table where the entire Worth clan sat was large, a stunning view of the New York City skyline visible from the wide expanse of windows that lined the wall. Alex owned the penthouse suite of course—he seemed to have the best of everything and Stasia couldn’t help but be impressed.

  Her brother—every one of her brothers—was a very powerful man. Hopefully, someday she’d be accepted by the Worth family completely. This lunch was the start of establishing a relationship with all of them, even Alex and Hunter’s children, who were all present.

  Niceties were attended to, drinks handled, plates loaded with a variety of food as they all dug into the delicious lunch provided by a caterer Tessa had hired especially for the occasion. Stasia sat next to Rhett and Ella, the ones she felt the most comfortable with, while her mother somehow ended up next to Hunter. Thankfully, he was polite, his expression a neutral mask, none of the hostility Stasia had encountered previously visible.

  It was downright unnerving, how easily they accepted her. She wondered if there was some sort of trick that they might spring on her at the end of the meal.

  “Where’s Gavin?” Ella asked quietly when Rhett left them to help Tessa with something in the kitchen.

  Stasia shook her head. “He couldn’t make it.” He didn’t feel right in coming with her, didn’t want to interfere with her new family, especially since he’d once represented her. She’d reassured him she wanted him there by her side, that no one would protest, but he’d been adamant, telling her it was a private moment for her. And it hadn’t turned into an argument, either.

  In fact, the sweet, sexy kiss he’d given her before he left her apartment early this morning had nearly been her undoing. They’d spent the last two nights together, talking, learning more about each other, making love. She’d shared with Gavin her thoughts on starting her own jewelry line and he offered valid ideas how to approach her two families about the new venture.

  She was nervous, though. Didn’t want to upset them or make them think she was ungrateful and ready to strike out on her own.

  “I see the media speculation surrounding your story has already died down,” Hunter said from across the table, startling Stasia from her thoughts.

  Uneasiness slipped through her. Was Hunter looking for a fight? She wasn’t quite sure how to answer. “Thank goodness for Lindsay Lohan, no?”

  Hunter chuckled, shot a glance in Claudia’s direction, who blinked at him. “We were just having that conversation, as a matter of fact. Like mother, like daughter.”

  Claudia beamed but remained silent.

  “I didn’t mean for it to come out like it did,” Stasia started, but Rhett cut her off.

  “It wasn’t your fault. Trust me, I know all about the media digging up your every secret,” he muttered.

  “Not that I wanted to keep it a secret. I’m not ashamed of my true heritage.” She’d come to that realization last night as she drifted off to sleep in Gavin’s arms. Content for what felt like the first time in years, the steady beat of her man’s heart soothing her, she was proud of the fact that Michael Worth was her father. That Giorgio Renaldi was her father as well, had raised her and taught her everything he knew.

  A sort of peace had settled over her in that moment. Her poor father had been sad, felt betrayed and had lashed out. He’d been irrational, sick, despondent. She let go of all the anger, the bitterness, the hurt. She could forgive him.

  She had to.

  “We’re glad to hear it,” Hunter said, sounding the slightest bit amused. “It’s been rough on you, we know.”

  “It has been, but I’m better now. I appreciate the support from all of you.” Stasia glanced at her brothers, her gaze landing on Alex, who sat at the head of the table. “The press release was perfect. It answered all of their potential questions without revealing too much personal information.”

  “That was the idea,” Alex said with a nod. “Though I must admit, I’m very pleased the paparazzi has become occupied with someone else. I couldn’t have asked for a better diversion.”

  Low laughter sounded across the table, sending a ripple of happiness through her. She couldn’t believe it but already she felt like she belonged there. That these men had finally accepted her—perhaps not fully but hopefully soon—filled her with a warmth she couldn’t deny.

  After lunch, Tessa and the other women gathered the children and Stasia’s mother, escorting them all out of the dining area, “So you can all talk privately for a moment,” Tessa suggested with a kind smile.

  Though Stasia appreciated the thought, she was dreadfully nervous. Her new brothers intimidated her.

  “Your mother is very nice,” Alex said when most everyone vacated the room. “I would like to speak with her someday soon. I want to ask her about our father.”

  “Oh.” Stasia sat up straighter. “What is it you want to know?”

  “How long they were together, what their relationship was like. I don’t want the sordid details, it’s just…this is a part of his life we didn’t even know existed.” The pained expression that swept over Alex’s face for the briefest moment hurt Stasia as well. “It’s hard for me to fathom how he kept this from us.”

  “I don’t think he did it on purpose. From what my mother said, it was a whirlwind romance. And…well. She was the wife of one of your father’s biggest rivals. I can see why he wanted to keep it quiet. Besides, you were just a child.”

  Alex nodded, his gaze locked on the table. Hunter and Rhett remained quiet, contemplative. “Whenever she’s willing, I’d like to talk to Claudia.”

  “I can arrange it. She plans on staying in New York for a while.” She’d convinced her mother to remain here and create new memories. Word was Matteo planned on coming to New York soon with his family and remain here indefinitely. It would mean Mama could be close to her grandson, which thrilled her to pieces.

  “I’m glad to hear it. Perhaps we could all...become closer,” Hunter said tentatively.

  Stasia’s heart threatened to swell out of her chest it felt so full. “I must say, your acceptance of me is rather surprising, especially after our last encounter.”

  “My wife convinced me I was being an ass.” Hunter had the decency to look a trifle embarrassed. “She reminded me that life’s too short and that you’re a part of our family whether I like it or not.”

  Stasia smiled. She needed to give Gracie a big hug and a kiss later, before she left. “I’ve been rather dramatic myself, and I apologize for my past hysterics.”

  “It’s understandable.” Rhett shot her a warm smile from across the table. “You had every reason to be upset.”

  Tears threatened and she sniffed discreetly. No need for more hysterics. Her new brothers would think her ridiculous.

  “Hey, we’re just about to serve dessert.” Gabriella swept into the room, her easy smile making Stasia smile in return. “That amazing chocolate cake Tessa makes from scratch. Are you guys done talking? Or are you set on depriving us a little while longer?”

  “Ah, leave it up to my wife to know how to diffuse a difficult situation with chocolate cake.” Alex stood and approached Stasia, pulling out her chair so she could stand as well. “Come here, little si
ster.”

  He hugged her, his strong arms wound tight around her as he pulled her in. She pressed her face against his chest, tears threatening to spill from the corner of her eyes and she squeezed them shut, desperate not to fall to pieces.

  But it was no use. The tears spilled down her cheeks as she withdrew from her older brother’s embrace, her voice choked as she whispered, “Thank you.”

  This is what she’d been searching for from the moment she’d heard the news that Giorgio Renaldi wasn’t her father.

  Acceptance.

  Love.

  “I’m calling to apologize. Don’t hang up,” Alex warned when Gavin reluctantly answered his cell.

  “This ought to be good.” Gavin fell back against the pillows, watching with smug satisfaction when Stasia curled up next to him, her eyes closed, a contented expression on her still-flushed face.

  “I’m an ass and I’m sorry.” Alex’s voice lowered, as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear him. “I should’ve never said it would be best if you didn’t come to the lunch today. Stasia clearly missed you.”

  “Told you.” Now he was really feeling smug. There was no denying how strongly he and Stasia felt for each other. Gavin was glad to know her newfound brother could finally see it. “You jump too quickly to conclusions.”

  “One of my greatest faults. Tessa has already berated me. I’m sure I’ll get an earful more when I get off the phone.”

  “You deserve every last bit of it.” Reaching out, Gavin toyed with a lock of Stasia’s hair, winding it around his finger again and again. “Have a little more faith in me next time, my friend.”

  “Sound advice,” Alex said, a trace of humor in his tone.

  “Seriously, you’ll have to work for my forgiveness.” Gavin paused. “I heard there was homemade chocolate cake involved.”

  “There was.” Alex paused. “I could possibly convince my wife to send an entire cake to you as a peace offering.”

  “I’ll take it. But you better reward your wife properly for making another cake.” Hanging up the phone, he set it on the bedside table and closed his eyes.