by Debby Conrad
“I . . .” She blinked up at him as she took it. “Okay.”
Her fumbling hands told him she didn’t have a clue what she was doing, and the way she touched him nearly had him exploding in her hands. Finally, he jumped in to help her. “Like this,” he said, his hand atop hers, guiding it to roll the condom to the base of his penis.
He couldn’t hold off any longer. He needed to be inside her. But this was her first time, and he certainly didn’t want to hurt her. “Spread your legs wide.” She did, smiling tentatively. She threw her arms around his waist as he lowered himself over her. “Put it inside you.”
She reached for him and guided him to her center. He did the rest. He entered her slowly, carefully at first. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, biting her bottom lip, her hair fanned out around her like a goddess. “Wrap your legs around me, and hold on.” As her body began to adapt and accept him, he thrust more vigorously inside her. Longer, deeper strokes. She matched his strokes with moves of her own. She was so tight, so hot, so welcoming.
“Oh, Quinn. I . . .”
“What? Am I hurting you?” he asked, slowing his movements.
“No!” she screamed, and he automatically increased the intensity. “I think I’m gonna . . .”
“Go ahead, Bailey. Come for me.”
She let out a small squeal of surprise, her body convulsing and tightening around him as she dug her nails into his back and held him like she had no intentions of ever letting go. Quinn thrust inside her once more and followed her over the edge, collapsing atop her just as the bed collapsed.
Bailey giggled, gripping him with her legs. “Don’t leave yet. I’m just getting used to you.”
Quinn grinned satisfactorily. “Don’t worry. I have no intentions of leaving you anytime soon. You still have a lot to learn.” He’d made Bailey promise there would be no regrets. But what about him? What about his feelings? Did he regret what had just happened between them? Studying her face, he decided he could never regret making love to her. In fact, he planned to have a repeat performance as soon as he recovered. He’d worry about his feelings for her later.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
After the bed broke, they’d moved to the recliner. “Slow this time,” Quinn said, looking into her eyes as he entered her.
Bailey thought she’d be embarrassed, but she wasn’t. Quinn made her feel wanton, special, womanly, and she wanted only to please him. Not that being pleased wasn’t fun too.
With his hands on her hips he set the pace, rocking gently at first, then increasing the tempo. He lifted her slowly, then impaled her, his hardness electrifying her. The degree to which she responded to him stunned her, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. His raw sensuousness carried her to new heights, and she tilted her head back, closing her eyes.
“No, don’t,” he said, “I want you to look at me when you come.”
Lifting her head, she opened her eyes and studied him, smiling shyly. He was so beautiful in every way. Her hand reached out to touch his face, jaw and lips as she responded to his uncontrolled passion. Suddenly her breath came in long surrendering moans as she reached the point of no return. “Quinn,” she said, panting.
“Go ahead. I’ll catch you.” He thrust into her, sending her over the edge, his own release immediately following. Wave after delicious wave washed over her until she began to shake uncontrollably. Gathering her close to him he held her tight. Their sweat-soaked bodies glistened with the evidence of their lovemaking, and love flowed through her like warm honey. “Bailey,” he breathed against her ear. “You’re something else.”
Something else? Not ‘I love you’. A pain stabbed at her heart, but she promised herself not to let it bother her. She’d told Quinn that she wanted to make love to him even if he didn’t love her, and she’d meant it. She just hadn’t realized how much it would hurt, knowing that he didn’t feel the same way about her as she did about him. But she wouldn’t let her realizations spoil this moment, this time alone with Quinn.
She blinked back the tears forming in her eyes, refusing to let him know that she’d almost cried. Braving a smile, she lifted her head. “I’m starving. I never got to order dinner tonight.”
“I guess whoever said you could live on sex alone was wrong, huh?” he said, teasing her.
“My mother and sister are probably wondering what happened to me. I’ve been gone for almost an hour.”
Still inside her, he lifted her from the chair and carried her to the bathroom, her legs and arms wrapped tightly around him. “What are you doing?”
“We’re going to take a quick shower and go back downstairs before your family comes looking for you.” Setting her on her feet, he pulled back the shower curtain and adjusted the water. “After you,” he said.
Once inside the shower, he soaped her body, his fingers touching every inch of her intimately. “Are you sore?” he asked, letting his fingers linger between her legs.
“Just a little,” she admitted.
“I’m sorry.”
“What happened to no regrets?” she asked, mocking his earlier words and trying to put on a front.
“You’re right.” He smiled and handed her the soap. “Your turn.”
She’d never bathed a man before and wasn’t quite sure where to start, finally settling for his chest. Muscles rippled beneath his powerful physique as she soaped him, toying with his flat brown nipples. Changing places with her, he stood under the hot spray and rinsed off. Lowering her hands, she soaped his penis, then his testicles, cupping them to test their weight.
“They’re heavy,” she said.
“And sensitive.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, letting go. “I was just curious.”
Adjusting his stance, he took her hand and brought it back between his legs. “Go ahead and satisfy your curiosity.”
Bailey smiled appreciatively and went about her examination. She felt him thickening, pleased with herself that he’d responded to her so quickly. She felt powerful as she let her fingers glide up and down the length of him. Then, suddenly, she dropped to her knees and placed a gentle kiss on the tip.
Quinn sucked in his breath, reaching for her hair. “Oh, God, Bailey.”
She wasn’t sure if that was an invitation to go on, but she took it as one. Setting the soap aside, she planted tiny kisses up and down his penis, feeling him grow to his full length. Finally she got the nerve to take him into her mouth and taste him. He was velvety smooth and rock hard. She wasn’t quite sure of her moves, but from the sound of his groans, he must have liked what she was doing.
Gently, he rocked his hips back and forth as she took more and more of him, but then suddenly he withdrew. “No, no more, or I’m going to come.”
Feeling mildly disappointed, she stood and wrapped her arms around herself. She was surprised when he flipped her around to face the shower wall. Before she realized what had happened, he was inside her, pumping for all he was worth, shouting her name and climaxing. Pressed against the cold shower wall, she shivered. Quinn’s heart beat erratically against her back, his breath warm on her neck. They stood like that for several minutes.
“Bailey, I’m sorry.”
“For what?” she asked, not quite understanding.
“For losing control like that. For not protecting you.”
It suddenly hit her. “Oh,” she said, mentally counting the weeks until her next period. She was in the middle of her cycle, and that wasn’t good. But this didn’t seem like the time to mention it. “It’s okay.”
“You’re sure?” he asked, concern etched in his voice.
“Yes,” she lied.
His body relaxed against hers, his fingers finding her most sensitive area. With his hand he brought her to climax. Once they’d both settled down, they began the whole shower procedure over again.
It was hours before they’d dressed and returned to the restaurant. By that time, most everyone had left. Including her parents and Mark and Kaitlyn
.
Sean, Quinn’s manager, looked beat. “Where were you?” he asked his boss. “We were busier than hell. I could have used your help.”
“Sorry,” Quinn said, a guilty look on his face. “Something came up.”
Bailey snickered, then covered her mouth with her hand. Quinn shot her a look, but had trouble hiding the grin on his face.
Glancing between them, Sean said, “Uh, sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” He walked away quickly, but not before Bailey noticed his face had turned almost as red as his hair.
Taking a seat at the bar, Bailey sipped on a club soda and watched as a few customers sang karaoke. Quinn brought her a baked potato and a bowl of soup from the kitchen. He must have remembered that she was hungry. By this time she was more than hungry. After all the hot and heavy sex she was ravenous and thankful to eat.
She waited until Quinn had finished doing what he had to do, then accepted his offer to drive her home. There was only one little problem; the only vehicle he owned was a motorcycle. “C’mon,” he coaxed. “Hop on. It’s only a few blocks.” He revved up the motor.
“No, that’s okay,” she argued loudly enough to be heard over the purring engine. “I’ll just walk.”
“You’re not walking. Get on. I’ll go slow, I promise.”
“Quinn, I’m wearing a dress, or haven’t you noticed?”
“I noticed. And believe me I’d love nothing more than to have you sitting behind me naked on this bike, but I don’t think we should try that tonight, do you?” he teased.
Bailey tried to hide her smile. “Okay, you win.” Making sure no one was watching, she lifted her skirt up over her thighs and swung her leg over the seat.
Quinn watched her the whole while, grinning seductively. “After this ride, I might have to have you again.”
Bailey thumped him on the back. “Stop kidding around and drive.”
“I wasn’t kidding,” he said, kicking the bike into gear. “Hang on.”
Grabbing hold of Quinn’s middle, she squealed as they rumbled out of the parking lot, the vibration tickling her thighs and butt. This was another first for her, and she had to admit that it was kind of thrilling. She’d no sooner decided that she liked motorcycles when they turned into her drive.
“Darn,” she said as he cut the engine. “I was just starting to lose my fear.”
Smiling, Quinn helped her off the bike before dismounting himself. “Some day we’ll go for a long ride, then stop along a deserted road and . . .” He reached for her, and kissed her softly on the mouth. “And make love. I may even pack a picnic lunch. How does that sound?”
“Splendid.” This time she initiated the kiss.
They stood together wrapped in each other’s arms until Quinn finally pulled away. “I don’t want your father coming out here and punching me in the nose.”
“Scaredy cat,” she teased.
“Yeah, well, my face can’t take another beating this soon.”
“It’s healing nicely. I hardly noticed the bruises tonight when we were . . .” Her voice trailed off. What would she say? Making love? Having wild sex? What?
He grinned. “Yeah?”
“Good night, Quinn,” she said, putting a damper on his thoughts. “And thank you, for tonight.”
* * * * * * * * * *
Instead of answering, Quinn just stared at Bailey until she disappeared inside the house. Then he made his way next door, thinking about their evening together. She’d thanked him, for chrissakes. He was the one who should be thanking her, he thought, opening the front door to Davenport’s house. If it hadn’t been for her pressuring him, he would never have made love to her.
He’d never expected it to be that good. Oh, he’d known that he would enjoy her, but not that much. She had a way of getting under his skin and molding herself to him. He wouldn’t be able to shake her loose if he tried, and damnit, he wasn’t sure now that he wanted to try.
Quinn stepped inside the foyer, flipped on the lights and froze. Someone had tossed the house. Furniture sat upended, sofa cushions lay in the center of the living room, and pictures had been ripped from the walls and cast aside. Someone had even messed with the aquarium. He noticed the wet carpet below.
“What the hell?” he muttered, then suddenly came to his senses. He didn’t give a damn about the condition of Davenport’s house. There was only one thing he cared about, and she was next door.
Quinn backed out of the house and sprinted across the lawn. He flung Bailey’s back door open and stepped inside, fear and anger knotting at his gut.
“You must be Davenport,” Quinn said to the thin blond man with his arm around Bailey’s waist and pointing a gun at her neck. His eyes moved next to the buxom blonde, dressed in red, standing a few feet away. “Loretta, I presume?”
Loretta’s eyes widened as they shifted toward her lover. “Who is this guy? And how does he know my name?”
“I don’t know. Who is he, Bailey?” Davenport asked.
“He’s nobody,” she said, glancing quickly at Quinn, then turning away. “Just a guy who gave me a ride home, is all.”
Davenport snorted. “Then why were you kissing him a few minutes ago?”
“To thank him for the ride.”
“You’re lying,” he said, dragging her toward the kitchen table. “Sit down.” He gave Bailey a shove and waited until she fell into a chair. Then he trained the gun on Quinn. “Don’t make a move.”
Quinn wanted to tear this guy apart. “What is it you want, Davenport?”
“Oh, I think you know. At least Bailey does, but she’s playing dumb.”
“There’re some pretty savory characters looking for you and your lady friend here.” Quinn’s eyes cut toward Loretta who scowled at him.
“Leo probably sent some guys,” she said worriedly. “I told you we should have taken the diamonds with us.”
“Shut up, Loretta.”
Her mouth flew open, but she quickly closed it. Apparently Loretta didn’t like being told to shut up. She glared at Davenport, and Quinn knew then she wasn’t with him for love. It was the diamonds. “Darling,” she said in a voice as soft as silk. “I just think that we should get the diamonds and get out of here.”
Davenport shot her a look. “That’s what I’m trying to do, Loretta,” he said impatiently.
“Stanley, I’ve already told you we don’t have the diamonds,” Bailey said. “So, why don’t you just leave Quinn and me alone?”
“Quinn?” he asked, mocking her. “So, you do know his name?”
“He might have mentioned it.” Bailey licked her lips and folded her trembling hands in her lap.
Quinn heard a noise, a small creaking sound. He worried that someone in Bailey’s family would hear their voices and come downstairs to investigate. He didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Obviously Davenport’s diamonds weren’t where he’d left them, and Quinn had a pretty good idea where they probably were. “Look, Davenport, Bailey’s telling the truth. She doesn’t know where the diamonds are. But I do.”
Davenport narrowed his eyes. “Where are they?”
“They’re in a safe place. I’ll take you to them.” He started toward the door.
“Not so fast.” Davenport turned and waved the gun at Bailey. “Come on. Get up.”
Quinn raised a hand. “Bailey stays here. This is between you and me.”
“No!” she said, getting to her feet. “Stanley, Quinn’s lying. He doesn’t know where the diamonds are either. But I can pay you. I have lots of money, you know that. Name your price, I’ll give you whatever you want, just don’t hurt Quinn.”
“Who the hell is this guy!” he shouted. “I’ve been gone for less than five days and already you’ve fallen for some loser like him.”
“He’s not a loser. I love him, and I’m going to marry him,” she said defiantly.
Shit! Quinn wished he could tape her mouth shut. She wasn’t helping matters any.
“Jealous, Darling?” Loretta taunted, a sneer on h
er face. She was obviously enjoying Davenport’s fit of jealousy.
“I told you to shut up.”
Loretta planted her fists on her hips. “Yes, well, I put up with a lot from that bastard Leo because he had money. But until you find those diamonds I’m not listening to you. Besides, double crossing Leo was my idea, remember?”
“How could I forget when you remind me daily?”
The happy couple, Quinn thought. But instead of being lovebirds, they were soon going to be jailbirds, if Quinn had anything to say about it.
Looking at Bailey, Davenport said, “How much money are we talking about?”
“Whatever you want. I can have it for you early next week.”
“No, that won’t work. I need it by tomorrow.”
“But I have to liquidate some things, Stanley,” Bailey said, a hint of desperation in her voice.
“What about you?” he asked Quinn. “You got any money?”
Before Quinn had a chance to answer, Bailey butt in. “No, he doesn’t have any money. Leave him alone.”
Jesus. Now he felt like the loser he’d been accused of being. “Bailey--”
“Shut up.” This from Davenport. Quinn promised himself he’d make this jerk suffer. He couldn’t believe Bailey had actually been engaged to this asshole and was once planning to marry him. Laughing, Davenport said, “Do you actually think your father is going to let you marry this guy?”
“What does my father have to do with this?” Bailey asked, her brows pushed together in a frown. “I’m twenty-eight years old. I can do what I want.”
“That’s a joke. Wait until your old man flashes a check in this guy’s face,” he said with a nod in Quinn’s direction. “Hell, I didn’t even know you were worth that kind of money until your dad was so eager to get me out of your life. But by that time, Loretta and I had already come up with this plan.”
“I came up with it. It was my plan,” Loretta said defensively.
Bailey dropped into a chair. “My father paid you to dump me?” she asked.
Davenport was definitely going to suffer now, Quinn thought, watching the pained and confused expression on Bailey’s face. “Don’t listen to him, honey.”
