Ice In His Veins

by Tressie Lockwood

  He knew Chevelle well, and she usually volunteered to tell him all her plans. Not because he required it but rather she was an open woman. She also liked to tell him small unimportant details about her daily routine. He listened to it all, just watching her facial expressions and hearing the inflections in her tone of voice. The fact that she didn’t tell him right off what she planned for Saturday spoke volumes.

  “You can have the entire week off if that’s what you want,” he said softly. “You almost never take the time. What are you doing Saturday night?”

  She went silent, and his gut tightened.

  “Chevelle?” She wasn’t required to tell him, but now his curiosity got the better of him. He should pretend it didn’t matter. If she had come right out with the information, it wouldn’t have. Arik loved her in his bed each night, but by no stretch of the imagination did he control her every movement. She was always free to do whatever she wanted. She chose whether she would give in to his desires. They had agreed on that point at the beginning.

  “I’m going to a party,” she admitted. “At Reinhart’s house. He invited me, and I’m going.”

  “You have nothing to do with him! Why the hell should you go to his party?” Arik clenched a fist, making the knuckles of his hand snap and pop in his agitation. “He’s trying to use you to get to me, Chevelle. You’ve seen this kind of thing before, and you’ve never given in to it.”

  “It’s not about whether Reinhart is trying to use me. I want to go to his party. I’m going. That’s all. Are you going to try to dictate to me where I can and can’t go? Because we’re going to have a problem if you do.”

  He grunted. “That’s not what I mean.”

  “Then we don’t have a discussion.”

  He flared his nostrils and clenched his jaw as he considered his next words. Once Chevelle dug her feet in, she didn’t like to change her mind. If she were there with him, he might try a physical approach to get her to drop this idea. He didn’t want Reinhart anywhere near her. The man irritated him, and it pissed Arik off that Reinhart would approach Chevelle behind his back. Arik could meet with him and force him to back off one way or another, but that would upset Chevelle.

  He grumbled, trying to think of the best solution. Nothing came to mind other than going to the party to make sure Reinhart didn’t bully Chevelle. She was under his protection, and he’d be damned if the man calling himself his uncle would pressure her, especially if it was just to get to him.

  He decided not to deal with the problem at the moment. “I’ll pick you up on Friday night at your place, or you can get dressed at mine. Your choice.”

  “Pick me up?” She sounded confused, and a vein bulged in his temple.

  “Chevelle!”

  She burst out laughing. “Don’t have a cow, Arik. I was only teasing. You’re so easy tonight.”

  He swore, and she laughed again.

  “I’ve already bought my dress. You’re taking me dancing, right? I could dance all night long. Never mind the fact that you, as a white boy, can’t find the beat to save your life. But I figure heck, you look good, so that’s all right.”

  “Are you done?”

  She giggled.

  “You’re in a mood.”

  “I’m not the one that’s been grumbling since we got on the phone. What is it? Are you missing me? Should I come over to make you feel better?”

  He stayed silent. That was another thing he liked about her. She teased him mercilessly, having no reverence for his position and hers. He actually liked it, which made no sense whatsoever.

  “I’ll pick you up,” he said and decided he imagined it as she gave a self-satisfied purr like the hellcat she was.

  Arik rested his hand against Chevelle’s lower back, aware of every move she made. He let her glide slightly ahead of him and watched her rear, which looked amazing in the form-fitting dress she wore.

  The woman knew how to tempt him beyond reason, and even as he held her seat for her, he realized he wasn’t ready to give her up. When she was settled, he leaned down to bring his nose in alignment with her long graceful neck. A sharp inhale brought her sweet scent, and his pants front grew tight. Maybe they should skip dinner and head straight to bed. No, he had arranged everything for her, and he wanted to see that certain smile.

  “Wow.” Her eyes widened as she gazed around the room. “Do they usually do all these flowers? Wait, of course not. You did this.”

  Her breath grew fluttery, and she laid a hand on her chest. She ducked her head, lashes brushing her cheeks. He had a sudden urge to kiss her lips, but he remained in the seat across from hers. At least he could look. She almost stole his breath—that is if he were mushy like that, which he wasn’t.

  “Do you like it?”

  One side of her full lips curled. “You know I do. Last year, you didn’t give me flowers, but you knew how much I like tiger lilies.”

  “You only like them,” he corrected.

  She made a small noise of protest and waved her hand. “Whatever. Anyone could know that.”

  “And yet you’re blushing.”

  She snapped the cloth napkin from the table and placed it in her lap. “I’m hungry. I don’t see the menu.”

  “Ma’am.” Their waiter appeared at her side with a slight nod from Arik. “If you don’t mind, I’ll recite what we have on the menu tonight.”

  Chevelle startled and twisted around in her chair. “Yes, please go ahead.”

  Arik half listened knowing what they would have. He examined the low cut of Chevelle’s dress and how the swell of one breast pushed more against the opening because of her position. He longed to run a finger there and enjoy the softness of her skin. The sooner they settled the meal the better, and he could be alone with her in the room. She would like his gift, but that was for later.

  Music swelled over a speaker from the live entertainment in the main dining room. An expanse of floor space was left clear so that he could dance with her a little after dinner. Her food would settle in her stomach some, and she would have dessert after. That was Chevelle. She loved to eat. Yet she didn’t gain an ounce.

  On cue, Arik said, “Why don’t we have a sampler? Can you arrange it? That way she can try all you have on the menu.”

  The waiter pretended to hesitate.

  “Oh, no, we don’t need to put you through all that,” Chevelle said. “I don’t want to give you guys more trouble than you need. I’ve been there, and I know how it is.”

  “A sampler,” Arik repeated.

  The waiter nodded. “Of course, sir. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

  When he was gone, Chevelle frowned at him. “Arik, they have everything I like, but seriously, maybe nobody else ordered some of that stuff. You’re putting them through more work than necessary. I can’t eat it all anyway.”

  “A To-Go box still works.”

  She sighed. “It doesn’t matter what I say. You’re going to insist on me getting everything I want, aren’t you?”

  “Are you complaining?”

  She bit back a smile. “No, because tonight’s my night. I’ll let you get away with it this time.”

  “Ah, because I’m being so selfish.”

  “Yes!” She grinned.

  He meant to look away from her lovely face, but his eyes refused to obey the command. How could a woman be so damned beautiful? One that he had made love to countless times, as often as he chose? Why hadn’t he grown bored with her as he had done with previous lovers? Was it because she was his secretary and work kept them connected?

  She took a sip of wine the waiter brought and then leaned forward across the table. “What are you thinking about?”

  “Stock prices.”

  “Liar.”

  “You dare call your boss a liar?”

  She shrugged. “I call it like I see it.”

  He swirled the contents of his glass and managed to focus on it rather than her. “Did you expect me to stare at you googly-eyed like a teenage boy? I thi
nk we’re past that, aren’t we?”

  She didn’t say anything, and he glanced up quickly. Her brown eyes shot fire, and her lips were compressed. He regretted his harsh words. “I’m not expecting soft and gentle words from you, Arik, but I don’t like when you’re rude for no reason either.”

  His chest tightened. “You know the kind of man I am.”

  “And?”

  He set his glass down with care and captured her chin to run the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. “You are more beautiful than any woman I’ve met. You entice me, and I want you right now.”

  Her lips parted, and she panted.

  “I could say all of that, and it would be true. However, if I said it daily, would it please you?”

  She was going to be stubborn. He could see it coming. “Does it matter if I answer? You’ve got me all figured out.”

  “I do.” While she huffed, he stood and walked around the table. After reaching into his jacket pocket, he brought out a small velvet box and set it on the table in front of her. “I decided not to wait until after dinner.”

  A sharp intake of breath preceded trembling beneath his hands on her arms. If he knew this was the response he would get, he would have brought the bauble out sooner.

  “Arik,” she breathed, and her fingers shook as they brushed the box. She hesitated. “Don’t you want to say something first?”

  He leaned down and kissed her cheek. There would be time enough for something deeper later, when they were alone. “Happy birthday, beautiful.”

  She waited a beat longer, a look of confusion on her features, and then she opened the box.

  “Your birthstone.” He informed her about the white-gold retro styled ring. “I had it specially made. Here, I’ll help you put it on.”

  He grasped her right hand, knowing she would see it often as she worked. The ruby in the center of the ring caught the light and glimmered. Arik raised her hand to his mouth, flipped it palm side up to kiss the tender skin.

  “Thank you,” she said softly, her lashes lowered again. He figured she was overwhelmed with emotion.

  “I feel like my gift was a fail. If you don’t like it, I can have it remade into something else. Whatever you like, Chevelle. Or perhaps you’re tired of getting jewelry? A trip? We can take time off…”

  She flashed her sweet smile and looked up at him. “The ring and everything is perfect as usual. Thank you, Arik. You’re so good to me.”

  He stroked her cheek and leaned down to capture her lips. An ache of need passed through his body, and he drew her closer. The night wouldn’t end without him claiming her, and it would start with his kissing her until both their lips were numb.

  Chapter 4

  Chevelle stood in the shower at Arik’s house, knowing what would happen tomorrow night. Hot water ran over her back, rinsing off soapsuds. Arik would decide at the last minute he was going. She loved how jealous he was in some situations, and protective all the time. Yet, he never committed.

  When he brought that ring box out earlier in the evening, she had the same hope she’d had too many times before—this was it. This was the big one when he would propose. She knew better, and it hurt so much knowing he didn’t want her enough to marry her. Would she ever get it through her head?

  Arik didn’t believe in love, and he definitely didn’t believe in family. He would go to the party only because she was going. Not that he monitored her actions or where she went, but knowing two young men who might be as good looking as he was were going to be there, he couldn’t resist. Plus, she’d come over to his house with one of her sexiest, most revealing dresses. Hell yes, she was using all the tactics that would bring out his jealousy, but it wasn’t like she had a nefarious plan. He would meet his brothers. No big deal.

  A cool breeze touched her skin despite the hot water, and she shivered. Chill bumps rose on her arms, and she rubbed them. The shower door opened. Arik stood there naked, eyes all glittery and stormy-colored. In an instant, her heartbeat kicked up. Not once since she had been spending most nights there did she ever take a shower alone. Except it was her time of month, of course.

  “I thought you were going to wait until I was finished,” she said.

  “You know better than that.” His rough hand came up to her rear, and he gave her a small swat. Her pulse leaped again. He stepped into the shower and shut the door behind him. “That dress you’re wearing tomorrow night…”

  “It’s cute isn’t it? Nita and I picked it out yesterday. She paid.”

  He frowned. “Your nipples are hardly covered!”

  She swung away from him with a nonchalant attitude and lathered her sponge. “You’re exaggerating, and I’ve worn worse before.”

  “With me.” His hands came down on her waist. “I was there to make sure every man could look but not touch.”

  “I’m going to a party at your uncle’s. I hardly think—”

  “At least three men will be there with eyes in their heads.”

  “I should hope so.”

  “I don’t know if they’re married or if they have sense enough to keep their hands to themselves.”

  “I’ll tell them I’m your secretary. In fact, I’m sure Reinhart has already told your brothers. Wait, what do you mean three men? You’re not including him, are you? Seriously, you’re being gross. He’s old enough to be my father.”

  Arik pulled her back to his chest and ran his hands down her front to cup and squeeze her breasts. She drew in a sharp breath and shut her eyes. One touch, and he sent her body into overdrive.

  “Arik.”

  His lips touched her ear. “As I said he has eyes. That dress is skimpy. You look so good in it, I almost tore it off you when you tried it on.”

  That was the point.

  “You can wear something more conservative.”

  “Um, no.”

  “Chevelle.” He leaned away and smacked her butt again. She let a small whimper of pleasure escape. Arik liked to play the dominant. No, he wasn’t playing. She knew that. But she also never gave in unless he went all out to change her mind. That entailed serious seduction, which was more than half the fun of defying him. He crushed her to him, wrapping an arm about her waist and almost raising her off her feet. “I need to evaluate the situation.”

  She shrugged. He nuzzled her neck, and she tilted her head to the side, giving him full access. A dart of pleasure shot through her body at the brush of his lips. She moved against him, feeling the hardness of his erection. There wasn’t much more she needed to do to convince him to join her.

  Wiggling to be free, she did an about-face and smashed her breasts against his chest. Hands on his shoulders, she looked up at him. “I can take care of myself. I don’t need you to scope out where I’m going.”

  He appeared a little stunned. She knew it wasn’t about her words or her defiance but rather about how she used her body against him. Arik was a breast man through and through.

  “I’m going to the party. That’s all there is to it.” She pretended to be so annoyed with him she would flounce out of the shower. He didn’t let her budge so much as a step.

  “I’m going with you.”

  “Why? I told you I can take care of myself, and contrary to what you think, every man isn’t trying to get into my panties.”

  His gaze swept her body from head to toe and lingered at her center. “There’s no better place,” he growled, and she bit off a moan. He drove her back toward the shower wall and followed with his massive form. “Forget tomorrow. I want to concentrate on today.”

  “I’m not finished talking to you.”

  He strummed a thumb over her nipple, and the cry she suppressed escaped. “You can cry out my name while I take you. That is, unless you want to deny me?”

  She shuddered. “You know me better than that. I want it as much as you do, Arik.”

  “Say it again,” he demanded. “Say my name.”

  “A-Arik.”

  He captured her lips in a searing kiss a
nd forced them apart to stab his tongue inside. She lost the ability to argue with him. All she could do was surrender. That was all she ever did when it came to Arik. She loved him too much. His touch did things to her body too easily. She was putty at the snap of his fingers, and she and he both knew it.

  When he raised his head, she dragged in a shaky breath. It wasn’t enough to get her mind working again. A haze of sexual desire kept her trembling against his chest. How could a man she had made love with several times a week, every week for three years still drive her this insane? It didn’t make sense, and yet she couldn’t deny it. Sometimes she thought she might see the light of day past her love and desire for him, and then there were times like now. He held all the control, and she was helpless against the onslaught.

  “Touch me,” he said softly. “I want to feel your fingers rapped around me.”

  She gazed mesmerized into his eyes and reached blindly for him. Her fingertips found his shaft. He was hard as steel. She wrapped her hand around the thick length, always dizzy over his size and hungry to be filled with it.

  Arik stared at her through heavy eyelids before shutting them all the way. He tilted his head back, and his lips parted. She watched his handsome face, the ecstasy there and knew she did that to him. Could any other woman make him feel this good? She liked to think it was only her.

  If I had any sense, I’d get out of here and break it off.

  Sense had gone out the door long ago. She wouldn’t leave him. Her love for him led her around like a prisoner. Arik said “boo,” and she was ready to do his bidding.

  “Squeeze,” he almost pleaded.

  She knew what he liked and ran a hand up and down his length, squeezing the head whenever she reached it. His breath hissed between his teeth. The hands he’d placed at her hips gripped tighter and dragged her closer.

  “I could bring you to a head now,” she told him.

  His blue eyes snapped open. “You know better.”

  She didn’t get a chance to respond because he disappeared from the shower only to return in seconds with a condom. No matter how exclusive they were and how much she told him she was on the pill and wouldn’t get pregnant, he never stopped covering up. At first it hurt her feelings. Then she got used to it. Arik wouldn’t get a family by accident if he had anything to say about it. The knowledge broke her heart, as much for him as it did for her and how she felt about him.