Feather Light (Knead Me)

by Lorenz Font

  They bumped fists and slapped hands before he took a seat between Andy and Cork. The music overhead drowned out any possibility of quiet conversation, so he had to shout above the noise.

  “Cork, Mom called. She wants us to come by on Sunday afternoon for a barbecue. Are you available?” he yelled.

  Cork appeared to shrug, but Parker waited for a verbal response. His brother remained unfazed by his impairment, which made him feel better. He didn’t tiptoe around Parker like others sometimes did. Cork never cleared the path for him but instead forced Parker to depend on himself to find the pitfalls or sense danger. His younger brother had made his transition from the sighted world to his new reality a bit more bearable by treating him the same way, and Parker was thankful for that.

  “I’m … going out that day. Maybe I should call Mom to see if she’d mind switching the barbecue to tomorrow.” His brother had always been awkward, saying very little and admitting even less.

  Andy chuckled from Parker’s right. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think your baby bro has a date.”

  “Is that right, Corky?” he teased, using the nickname he’d christened his brother with when they were younger—a name Cork hated.

  Cork shrugged again, and the sound of his glass scraped the surface of the table. He chugged his usual Sam Adams beer until it was gone. Parker didn’t prod, and the conversation moved to safer ground, at least as far as Cork was concerned.

  The LA team was playing for the Stanley Cup, and the bar was more crowded than usual. Parker listened to the play-by-play from the announcer to follow the game. Time flew for them, and by the time they made their way out of the bar, it was close to eleven.

  “Talk about happy hour,” Mark mumbled while they walked to the parking lot adjacent to their building.

  Parker walked a step behind the guys, as was his usual practice when he hung out with them. This had more to do with safety than anything else. Since he didn’t use a walking stick or a guide dog, this helped him gauge the surface of the pavement, the dips and bumps.

  He heard the jingling of keys from his companions when they got closer to their parking spot. They stopped next to what seemed to be a dark stretch limousine that was blocking their cars.

  “What’s up?” Parker asked, squinting to see as much as he could in the darkness.

  “There’s a limousine blocking our cars,” Andy said. “Let me see what’s going on. For Christ’s sake, there are a hundred spots available now. Why would the idiot double park?”

  Parker put a hand on his employee’s shoulder to stop him. “Let me find out what’s up.” Why are they assuming something is wrong?

  Andy didn’t object, so he felt his way around the vehicle until he reached the driver’s window. He tapped on the glass twice, and the window rolled down in an instant.

  The person on the driver’s side spoke before he had a chance to ask. “Sir, Ms. Ann Sutton sent me here to pick you up. She’s flying in as we speak, and I am to take you to meet her for dinner and drinks.”

  “Ann sent you?”

  His heart spiked, and he felt heat rushing to his face. The tone of the man who’d spoken sounded professional enough, so when Parker heard the click of the handle, he stepped aside to allow the door to open.

  “Yes, sir. Here’s my business card. It has the address and phone number of the company who employs me. I was told to give you one and another one to your brother, so he knows who is to be held accountable if there is any doubt with regards to your safety. I’m also instructed to drive you home right after.”

  A card was pressed into his palm. Parker smirked at the thought that flashed through his mind. What good will a card do me if I can’t read it? He took the business cards to avoid further explanation and walked around the car to where Cork and the guys were waiting for him, most likely curious as to what was going on.

  “Cork, go ahead. I have a ride home.” He didn’t bother giving one of the cards to his brother.

  “Who’s that guy? What’s going on?” Cork asked.

  Parker hated hearing the concern in his brother’s voice. He was a capable, grown man, but still he felt compelled to put his worry to rest. Putting an arm around Cork’s shoulder, he tried to reassure him.

  “It’s all good, Corky. I got this. I’ll call if anything comes up. Call Mom if you want to reschedule the barbecue. I’ll need a ride, so let me know if plans are changing.” Cork hesitated, but Parker didn’t give him a chance to speak. He turned to Andy and Mark. “See you on Monday, guys. Drive safe.” After they exchanged slaps and fist bumps, he slid into the backseat of the limo.

  Parker stayed quiet during the first few minutes of the ride. He had no idea where they were headed. They weren’t going very fast, and judging by the stop-and-go traffic, he figured they were taking the surface streets. If he had to guess, he’d say they were moving away from Beverly Hills, based on how long they had been traveling.

  The drone of the limousine’s engine lulled him while he pondered the questions in his head. He was still unable to grasp the rationale behind Ann’s peculiar approach. Why couldn’t she just call him and ask like a normal person? What was behind the thick veil of mystery? After a few frustrated moments, Parker gave up trying to figure it out. He had more questions than answers.

  “So where are you supposed to take me?” he asked, trailing his fingers along the plush leather seats.

  “To a cottage in Santa Monica, sir.”

  “Have you been driving Ms. Sutton a lot?” Sneaky question, but he’d take any information he could get.

  “No, sir. I have no idea who Ms. Sutton is. My boss is the one who takes the calls, and I’m just given the directions.”

  The straightforward answer led him nowhere. Parker decided to sit back and just enjoy the jazz music coming from the speakers instead of grilling the driver for information. After a few more minutes, the car came to a stop. He tapped his watch for the time—close to midnight.

  The passenger door opened, and Parker slid out of the car. The scent of salty air was strong, and in the distance, he heard the lapping waves. They had to be less than a quarter mile away from the beach, if his estimation was correct. The night seemed clear, the wind docile. He sniffed a couple of times while he tried to recover his equilibrium.

  “Follow me this way, sir.”

  They walked slowly while he followed the hazy form before him to a graveled path lit with candles.

  “Two steps up,” the driver directed.

  When they got to the door, the man pressed a key into Parker’s palm and closed his fingers around it.

  “Here’s the key to the door. I will be waiting for you in the car, however long it takes.” After giving him what Parker guessed was a salute, the driver left, leaving him standing alone in front of the quaint, wooden door.

  So much secrecy surrounded this Ann Sutton. Now Parker’s interest was more than piqued. After feeling for the keyhole, he inserted the key and hesitantly pushed open the door. The house held a floral scent, and a soft glow filled his vision everywhere he turned. Candles lined the floor. After closing the front door, he followed the lit trail with slow and careful steps.

  “Hello?”

  “I’m in here, Parker.” Ann’s voice came from the direction where he guessed the candles would lead him. He tapped what he thought was a bedroom door before opening.

  “Ann?”

  “Are you hungry?”

  Warm hands circled his waist from behind. Operating on instinct, he turned around and placed his hands on her shoulders to get his bearings. She’d startled him, but he wasn’t about to let her know how he despised being caught off guard. Parker felt her bare skin, and he stepped back. Is she naked already? A shudder spread through his body and pulsated down to his cock at the picture he drew in his mind. He groaned. Just as quick, he was sporting a massive woody that would have put a baseball bat to shame.

  “Yes,” he answered before running a hand along her face and touching her lips. �
��Actually, I’m starved.”

  Chapter 7

  “Starved?” Kelly asked, using her most seductive voice while she linked her hands behind his neck to pull him down for a kiss.

  Parker nodded. He grasped her waist with both hands and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around him, and they ended up on the bed without breaking the kiss.

  “What am I eating?” Parker drawled after they surfaced for air.

  “Something delectable and mouthwatering, but before I feed you, I want to tell you something.” She watched his brows crease into a frown.

  “What is it?”

  “I feel bad about how our night ended in New York. I didn’t mean to sound curt—there are things I’m not ready to talk about.”

  Parker seemed to consider her words before he nodded. “I feel bad about the way it ended, too. I hope we can get over my little temper tantrum.” He picked up her hand and kissed it.

  This was going all wrong. Parker had done nothing to offend her. Kelly, on the other hand, had been unwilling to answer his simple questions. They were the type of questions that wouldn’t bother a regular person. Someone who wasn’t hiding something.

  “I’m hoping for the same thing—that’s why I wanted to make it up to you. How about you shower while I get things ready? You smell like you’ve had enough to drink.” Kelly nibbled on Parker’s lip before pulling at his arm until he stood. He let her tug him to the bathroom. “Here’s the shower.” She guided his hand to the glass door. “The towel is right here, and the sink is directly opposite. There’s a robe hanging on the door for you. Is ten minutes enough?”

  Parker turned and licked his lips. A devilish grin revealed the crinkles in the corners of his eyes. “I can finish in three.”

  “I’ll be ready in ten. You know where the bed is.”

  Kelly stood on tiptoe and kissed him again before stepping back. Parker moaned, reaching for her when she closed the door behind her. She tied her hair into a quick bun on top of her head and heard the sound of running water before she padded down the candlelit hallway to the kitchen.

  She loved this cottage. It had been one of those purchases made on a whim, a beachfront property she’d snagged with her first earnings from acting. This had been her home when she’d started her trek up Hollywood’s who’s-who list. By the time she’d moved into her Brentwood estate, the property had doubled in value, so she’d decided to keep it. It sure comes in handy now, Kelly thought, smiling to herself.

  Opening the Sub-Zero refrigerator, she pulled out the items she’d had one of the girls buy for her and placed them all on the tray. Kelly picked up some napkins from the counter and hurried back to the room. Seven minutes left. Her heart pounded to the beat of her movements while she climbed on the spindle bed and placed the tray next to her. Before she got to work, she made sure that a condom and the cuff keys were lying on top of the nightstand so it would be easy for Parker to access them. Then Kelly placed the metal cuffs she’d purchased just for the occasion by her side. A thrill raced through her body at the sight of them.

  It was amazing how much she’d learned about Parker from that one article. Though she hated the fact that one of his ex-girlfriends had decided to take a shot at five minutes of fame, she’d found out enough about his humor in the bedroom and his penchant for role-play. Kelly had to admit curiosity had won out, and she was game to play for Parker. This man’s approach to life, head-on and with no regret, reminded her of the person she’d once been.

  Kelly glanced at the digital clock. Four minutes left. She had to hurry. Methodically, she arranged Parker’s meal on her body. She worked for the next three minutes until she heard the shower turn off. Lying down, she closed her eyes and took several calming breaths. She wanted to do this for him and had been planning it even before she left New York.

  At last, she watched him walk out of the bathroom, a trail of steam following in his wake. The faint glow of the candles cast an erotic shadow on his face. Parker walked with measured steps to the bed, his muscles rippling as he moved, his cock hanging with pride before him.

  “Ann?”

  Parker stopped at the side of the bed and tilted his head up when he caught the scent of the meal she had waiting for him.

  “Your food is ready, my dear Emperor.”

  He inclined his head as if he was digesting what she had said. “Ann? Are you messing with me?” he asked in disbelief.

  “My Tenno, your feast awaits you. If you would be kind enough to step forward and take this from me, I’m at your service, and I will walk you through your meal as we go along.” She jiggled the cuffs for him to hear.

  Parker looked up and hesitated. “Are you aware of what you’re doing?”

  “Yes. You can tell me if it’s up to par—baby steps. If you’re okay with that, then I’m all yours.”

  Though she still had a few reservations about the whole process, Kelly wanted to get to know him more, and that was enough reason to try it. At this point, she would climb Mount Kilimanjaro if he asked her to; she hoped he wouldn’t find her efforts silly and awkward.

  Taking a step forward, he closed his hands over hers and felt the metal cuffs she was holding. “You’re going all out on me here, my sweet little Ann. Now tell me, what is your safeword?”

  “Shogun.” She made sure he heard her, despite the distraction of her heartbeat as it pounded against her chest. “There are spindles on either side of the bed. You can start with my right hand.”

  While Parker felt his way through the process, she grabbed the can resting next to her, shook it, and spread a generous amount on her chest.

  “Mmm, is that what I think it is?” Parker’s head whipped around to follow the sound.

  “You’ll find out soon enough.” She presented her other arm to him. He held her wrist before clasping the cuff with a click. Once her hands were fastened and secured, Kelly spread her legs even wider, loving the softness of the silk sheets against her skin. “You’re to start at the foot of the bed. Stay in the center, between my legs.”

  As Parker trailed his fingers along the side of the bed for guidance, her excitement grew and her center throbbed. When he reached the foot of the bed, she began her planned seduction.

  “The chopsticks are between my legs if you care to use them, my dear Emperor.” Parker climbed onto the bed, running his fingers over her feet and feeling his way up. He tossed the chopsticks on the floor and waited for her. “Picture my thighs as sushi boats. On the left one, you’ll find two Hamachi sashimi laid out like fallen dominoes. Next to it is a dab of wasabi and ginger. On my belly, you’ll find a tuna roll. On my right thigh, there are Toro sashimi with wasabi and ginger. Up top is a cucumber roll. Dessert will follow when you’re done.”

  “You’re full of surprises, my Empress. I don’t think I can keep up with you.” His eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. Kelly shuddered as soon as Parker lowered his mouth to skim along her left leg. She strained to raise her head so she could watch him. Taking his sweet time, Parker’s seduction began with his tongue moving in a slow, languorous pattern across her thigh, creating ripples of goose chills wherever he touched her. He picked up each sashimi with teasing precision. After his first swallow, he licked the surface where the food had rested. Kelly’s responding groans drew a wicked smile from him. He worked his way up, tasting, chewing, and enjoying her offerings. Before he moved to her other thigh, Parker grazed his lips across her nub, teasing and causing her to quiver.

  She moaned, feeling the rapid pulsing in her core and imagining him between her legs. Staying still was proving to be difficult because Parker made sure his tongue elicited a visceral response.

  By the time he’d finished eating from her right thigh, she was exploding in orgasmic bliss and could barely think straight. All she felt was his tongue caressing and playing with her. Kelly screamed in agonizing joy when he sucked at her clit and lapped at her folds.

  “You’re going to kill me, your Imperial Highness!”

  “No … I’m ea
ting you alive.” Parker looked up and licked his lips, seducing her even more. “I’m ready for dessert.”

  “Would you like a drink of water? Or perhaps saké?”

  Parker shook his head. “I want something sweet.”

  “Taste your way up.”

  Still basking from her orgasm, Kelly crossed her legs, savoring the pleasurable tugging in the pit of her stomach. Who would have thought Mr. Davis had so many tricks up his sleeve? Parker straddled her and skimmed his lips over her nether region, grazing her belly button with his tongue before trailing upward and licking the whipped cream from her skin. When he arrived at her breasts, he sniffed long and hard.

  “Strawberries. How did you know I liked them?”

  “I didn’t. It was a lucky guess.”

  “You did well, Ann. After I eat, I will show you how I properly thank a woman.”

  Parker’s promise sent her reeling with anticipation. Had she done well? The whole idea had scared her in the beginning. Jessica had called her a fool, but Kelly had never wanted a man like she wanted him. He was potent, a therapeutic drug she couldn’t do without, and she was powerless to stay away. She had such wicked dreams about him, and no matter how much she tried to deny her attraction, her body wasn’t listening.

  Parker curled his lips into a knowing smile just before he began nipping at the rich cream covering her breast. With his hands, he traced her curves and rubbed her heated skin. He circled, trailing his tongue slowly along her chest, climbing up to her jaw to get to her mouth, offering the sweetness to her. With eagerness, Kelly accepted his offering with her tongue before sinking back into the mattress. He continued his assault on her breast until all but one slice of strawberry was left. Picking up the fruit with his teeth, he presented it to her, and she took it eagerly.

  He straightened and touched her face. “Who do I have to thank for the lovely dinner?”