His Every Desire (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

by Alexis Winter

  After work, I feel dead. It’s like all the energy has been sucked from my body, and all because I had to hold myself back from telling Callan off all day. My muscles are tensed, making my back and neck sore and stiff. My head is pounding, and my eyes hurt from staring at a computer screen all day. This is definitely different than working in the art gallery.

  I ride home with Bennet and Maddie, but as soon as we get to the house, I change into my own clothes and get behind the wheel to drive back to Mom’s. When I walk in, she looks up with a smile. I think she likes having me live with her. She’s been lonely since Dad passed.

  “How was the first day?” she asks.

  I collapse on the couch at her side and lay my head in her lap. “I hate it, Mom.”

  She laughs but starts combing through my hair with her fingers, something she’s done since I was a child. It always soothes me. “Just hang in there. It will get better.”

  I sit up and look at her. “Remember how Callan and I bickered when we were kids?”

  She laughs. “Boy, do I. There were days when I was ready to pull my hair out. I think you two are the reason I have so much gray,” she teases.

  My eyes stretch wide. “Well, it’s only gotten worse. Except now we're adults, and there are no other adults around to tell us to shut up, so we just keep going and going.” I roll my eyes.

  She shakes her head. “Now, Valerie. You just have to remember that Callan is your boss. You can’t talk to your boss that way. You, missy, are going to have to learn to bite your tongue.”

  I groan. “I know I’ve always been adamant about taking care of myself, but can you just support me for the rest of my life, so I never have to work again?” I ask, only half teasing.

  She shakes her head. “Absolutely not. You know your father’s feelings on this subject. I’m not going to disregard his wishes just because he isn’t around to speak up anymore.”

  I stand. “Fine,” I mumble, walking downstairs to my section of the house.

  The one thing about this new, smaller house that I love is the way it’s set up. Upstairs, which is ground level, is the living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. But the downstairs has a full bathroom, three more bedrooms, and a living room section. I basically have my own house down here.

  I strip out of my clothes from yesterday and step into the shower. I take an extra-long, extra-hot shower to help me forget my horrible day, then get out to pull on my pajamas. I think to myself how boring I must be to be in my pajamas at six on a Friday night, but I quickly forget as I toss myself onto the couch and turn on the TV.

  I feel myself drifting in and out of sleep when my phone rings from beside me. I pull it to my ear.

  “Hello?” I answer, sleep evident in my voice.

  “Hey, what’s going on?” Krista asks.

  “Sleeping,” I mumble.

  “Sleeping? It’s Friday night!”

  I groan. “I know, but I’ve had a shit day.”

  “Bitch, get yo ass up! It’s time to party!”

  “But I don’t wanna,” I pout.

  “Valerie Anne Windsor, get your ass up. Fix that face and put on something sexy. I’m on my way to get you.” She hangs up without another word.

  I drop the phone on the couch beside me and kick my feet, having a little fit. When the urge to cry wears off, I take a deep breath and push myself up, heading for my closet.

  I find a red skin-tight dress and pull it on, pairing it with a pair of red fuck-me heels. The top is low cut, showing plenty of cleavage, and the skirt ends high on my thigh. I add some flashy earrings and bracelets before heading to the bathroom to do my hair and makeup. I quickly run the flat iron through my hair and leave it hanging around me. I paint my face, darkening my eyes and brightening my lips.

  I’m putting a few things into my clutch when Krista walks down the stairs. She smiles wide when she sees me. “That’s my girl,” she says, eyes moving up and down my body in approval. “Are you ready for the night of your life?”

  I laugh. “And what about tonight will make me think it’s the night of my life?”

  “I got Dillan, Decon, and Brian meeting us there. You get first pick,” she tells me, shooting me a wink.

  I roll my eyes. “We need to meet new boys,” I tell her, closing my clutch and turning in her direction. “But I think Decon will be mine tonight.”

  She nods. “Nice choice.”

  We’re walking into the club about an hour later. It’s already in full swing. The bar is crowded, the dance floor is full, and the tables are scarce. We both grab a drink before walking around the club, looking for a place to sit. We cross the dance floor, and the three guys are sitting in a corner booth, waving us down.

  “Krista, Val, over here,” Brian says, standing up in the booth until we walk over. Brian stands so I can slide in next to Decon.

  Decon and I have been playing this will they, won’t they game for months now. We flirt, dance, sometimes kiss, but we never end up going all the way for one reason or another. Maybe because it’s more fun teasing one another.

  “Hi, beautiful,” Decon says, leaning in a pressing a kiss to my shoulder.

  I smile from his lips tickling my skin. “Hey, where you been lately?”

  “Oh, you know. Here and there,” he says. “How about you?”

  “I got a new job,” I confess. “I sold out for a 401K and a tiny desk in the corner.”

  “That blows. Why don’t we go dance off some of that steam?” He flashes me his sexy grin and pushes his dark hair out of his face.

  I lift my drink and throw it back. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s see if that rock-hard body of yours can make me forgot about my shitty day.” He takes my hand in his and pulls me from the booth to the center of the dance floor.

  I wrap my arms around his neck and pull myself closer. He places one hand on my hip while the other hangs casually at his side. Together, we move against one another. Our eyes lock, and he wets his bottom lip. Sweat is already beading up on his skin, and I feel him grow hard against me.

  “How long we going to do this?” he asks, and I know exactly what he’s referring to.

  I shrug one shoulder and give him a teasing smile as I release him and spin around, pressing my ass to his crotch. He lets out a low grunt and grinds against me harder. His hands are now on my hips, moving up and down, working my dress up further and further with each lap. The song ends, and I step away.

  “I’m going to get a drink,” I whisper in his ear before walking away, leaving him wanting more.

  That’s usually my thing: always leave them wanting more. I smile to myself as I shake my ass a little more than necessary, just because I know he’s watching.

  When I get to the bar, I order my vodka cranberry to take back to the table but add on a shot of Patron while I wait for my drink to get mixed.

  I feel someone bump against my shoulder. I look over, expecting to see Decon, but to my surprise, it’s Callan.

  “What are you doing here? Aren’t you out past your bedtime?” he teases.

  My smile immediately drops. “I didn’t know they let dogs in here.” I look around like I’m searching for a warning sign.

  He mocks laughter, but I catch a glimpse of him through the corner of my eye. He looks me up and down slowly.

  “Your mama let you out of the house dressed like that?” he asks, lifting his glass to his lips. “If you ask me, leaving the house like that is just asking for trouble.”

  That statement alone makes me want to walk away. “Excuse me, but the way I dress is none of your concern.”

  He seems taken aback.

  I pick up my shot glass and throw it back. I toss some cash onto the bar, then grab my drink and walk away, feeling annoyed and irritated.

  “There she is,” Krista says as I walk back to the table.

  “Here I am,” I mumble, still overwhelmed with anger from running into Callan.

  “What crawled up your ass?” she asks, moving out
of my way so I can slide back into the booth.

  “I just ran into Callan.”

  “Ugh, why do you let him bother you so much?”

  I shrug and take a drink.

  Decon wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. “Forget about him and focus on me, Val. We have some catching up to do.”

  I force a smile onto my face. I really need to shake off this bad mood. Maybe tonight is the night I finally go all the way with Decon. God knows I could use it.

  We sit back in the booth, talking, drinking, and laughing for several hours. Eventually, I forget all about Callan and find myself having fun. It’s been a while since I was able to do something like this. Back when I was working at the gallery and was only making money when I sold one of my pieces, I didn’t have the money to go out and do anything extra. But since I’ve been living with my mom, I’ve got a little in the bank, not to mention the good paychecks should hit next week. I think I deserve a night out, and I’m going to have a good time even if I have to force it.

  Krista and Brian end up on the dance floor, and Dillan wanders off, trying to find him a piece for the night. Decon goes to get us both a fresh drink, and then we’re left all alone in the dark corner booth. His fingers gently sweep up and down my thigh, and when I turn to face him, he catches my lips with his own. His lips are so plump and soft, they feel as if they cradle my own. His strong hand comes up to cup my cheek, holding me to him while he deepens our kiss. My hand seems to raise on its own, wrapping itself around his neck, wanting the kiss as much as he does. The alcohol seems to take over my body. Everything feels so good, euphoric even. I close my eyes and see the flashing colored lights from the club dancing behind my eyelids.

  The longer we kiss, the more serious it gets. His hands are squeezing my breasts while his lips travel down my jaw and neck. Under the table, I find his hard cock, and I move my hand back and forth across his length.

  “Let’s take this outside,” he whispers.

  I pull back, look into his dark eyes, and nod. “Okay,” I agree, feeling a little dizzy, but I tell myself it’s just from the alcohol. I haven’t been drunk like this in quite a while.

  He stands and holds out his hand. I take it, and he leads me from the booth to the door, where we exit the building. His hands are on my shoulders from behind me, guiding me and keeping me upright.

  Rounding the corner, there’s a dark alley. It’s dirty and dingy, and suddenly I’m confused as to why we’re even out here. He pulls me against his strong chest and walks me backward until my back is against the cold brick building. His mouth finds mine and his tongue demands entrance.

  My head is swirling. I feel confused and weak, like I’m unable to stop what’s happening, but at the same time, enjoying the way his touches and kisses feel. He picks me up by my ass, and I squeal as my legs wrap around his hips. With me pinned between him and the wall, his hands fall between us, his fingers sliding into the side of my panties. My head lulls to the side, and all I can see is black, with a little light from the street peeking into the dark tunnel we’re in. When his bare hand brushes against my sex, something inside of me snaps. It’s only now I realize what’s about to happen, and while I’m not totally against sleeping with him, I also don’t want it in the dingy alley.

  I push against his chest, wanting to be put back on my feet, but his hands on me tighten, and I can’t get away from his kisses.

  “Decon, stop,” I say against his lips that are still moving quickly against mine.

  I hear his zipper get pulled down, and a sudden rush of panic overwhelms me. I said stop, and he’s not stopping. If I don’t allow this, he will take what he wants.

  “Owe,” I cry out loud when he rips my panties from my body.

  But he doesn’t stop. Then a figure of a man steps into the alley.

  “Hey!” he screams, causing us both to freeze and look his way.

  4

  Callan

  I’m walking through the club when I see Val’s little girlfriend. In all the years I’ve known them, they’re always together. But now, she’s grinding against some guy on the dance floor, and Val is nowhere to be found. I know that if she kept up drinking the way she was, she’s beyond trashed right now.

  I pull her friend, whose name I can’t remember, off to the side. “Where’s Val?” I ask loudly, above the music.

  “She’s in the booth over there with Decon. Hopefully getting laid by now.” She smiles before rushing back to the guy she’s with.

  I shake my head, anger surging through my body. I swear, if I find her getting fucked in a club, I’m going to whip her ass and then tell her brother so he can ground her or some shit. I head back in the direction I was pointed to. The booth is empty.

  “Fuck,” I mumble, turning around. I walk through the club, and when I come back empty-handed, I walk outside.

  The street is quiet, all but the busy traffic. I hear a woman yell, and I follow the sound around the corner. In the darkness, I can see two people against the building, and I immediately know it’s her.

  “Hey!” I yell, causing them both to freeze.

  I start walking down the dark alley.

  “What the fuck do you want?” a guy yells as I draw closer.

  “Valerie, let’s go,” I demand.

  “Hey, dickwad. I don’t think she gives a shit what you have to say.” He sets her down and fastens his belt while she stumbles forward, trying to right her dress. “Why don’t you run along so we can get back to doing what we were doing before you interrupted,” he says, walking closer.

  Valerie pisses me off more than I can explain, but I know Bennet would kick my ass if I left her drunk in a dark alley to get treated like a hooker.

  I don’t say anything as we both walk closer to one another, but the second he’s within reach, I swing, landing a solid hit to his jaw. It stuns him for a second, but then he jumps toward me, trying to take me to the ground, and I spin around, throwing my elbow down on his spine. He calls out in pain as he crumbles to the ground. I pull my foot back and land a kick to his stomach, making sure he stays down.

  I hold out my hand. “Now, Valerie.” I look into her eyes and can see she’s fucked up. It’s almost like she doesn’t even recognize me. Her eyes are wide with fear as she shakes her head and takes a step back. Her ankle rolls in those shoes and she tumbles back on her ass.

  “Damnit, Valerie. Get up and come with me now or I’ll pick your ass up and carry you.”

  “Fuck you, Callan. You don’t get to tell me what to do.” She sounds like a spoiled teenager right now. So she does know who I am.

  I let out a deep breath, then bend down and haul her ass over my shoulder. She smacks my back. “Put me down, Callan!” she yells as I walk down the alley with her, but I don’t. No fucking way I’m leaving her drunk ass alone in this alley with that guy.

  I walk her out of the alley and to my car before I set her on her feet. The second she’s standing on her own, she stumbles and topples over. Luckily for her, I reach out and catch her.

  “Whoa, you alright?” I ask, steadying her.

  She smacks my hand away as she leans against my car. Her face is suddenly void of emotion.

  “Val, are you okay? Did he slip you something?” I ask, but it seems like her eyes aren’t focusing on me.

  Suddenly, she bends over and empties her stomach all over my shoes.

  “Goddamn it!” I yell, opening the car door for her. I place my hands on her shoulders and gently move her over to the seat. She sits down, hanging her head between her legs while she finishes emptying her stomach. Finally, she leans back, and I pick up her feet, putting them into the floorboard. I close the door between us and kick the fucking tire.

  So much for my threesome I had lined up.

  I walk around the car, sit in the driver's seat, and then look at my shoes that are covered in vomit. Deciding to say fuck it, I kick them off and leave them laying in the street, driving home in my bare feet.

  Valeri
e sleeps the entire way, and she doesn’t stir when I try waking her. I end up having to carry her into the house. I cradle her against my chest and carry her upstairs. Her head rolls from one side to the other, but she doesn’t wake up.

  I lay her in the bed in the guest room and remove her shoes. I can’t imagine keeping my feet squeezed into such impossible shoes all night. When I step back and look down at her, I see the front of her dress covered in vomit.

  “What the fuck, Val?” I whisper, shaking my head.

  I quickly grab a large t-shirt out of my room and walk back to get her changed. I roll her to the side and unzip her dress. I’ve only got the zipper down a couple of inches, but already I can tell she isn’t wearing a bra. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

  I step back, wondering how in the hell I can get her changed without seeming like a creep that’s stripping the drunk girl. In the end, I pull her arms out of the sleeves of the dress but leave the material up over her chest before pulling on the t-shirt. After working the shirt down over her body, I pull the dress out from underneath. Finally, I pull the blankets up her body. As I turn to leave, I hear her gag in her sleep, and I rush back to roll her onto her side. It seems she has nothing left to kick out of her body, but she’s still dry heaving.

  Once I’m sure she’s done and back asleep, I leave the room. I go into my room next door and strip down to my boxers. Then decide I should bring in a trash can and a bottle of water. I run down to the kitchen and get both before taking them back to her room. Finally, I’m able to lay down, but I can’t fall asleep. I’m too worried. What if she gets sick in her sleep and chokes? God, I’d never hear the end of it from Bennet.

  “Motherfucker, goddamn, son of a bitch,” I curse as I nearly stomp back to her room. I get in the bed beside her, so I’ll wake if something happens. I scoot to the furthest edge of the bed, not wanting any confusion in the morning.

  I hear a gasp, and my eyes pop open. My arm is under her neck, her knee against my morning wood.