A shiver of uncertainty scurried up my spine.
He towered over me. “Do you want to know the kind of man I am?”
“It’s obvious.”
“Ah, but what you have observed is merely the surface.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I could revel in the slow burn of torturing you.”
“Quite the confession.” This man didn’t scare me. “Is this how you chase away the competition?”
“You are the competition.”
“My store is about to close. I’m hardly a threat.”
“And yet…”
Outside the window came a burst of laughter from a crowd passing by, but it didn’t ease the tension between us. Outside another world awaited, but I wasn’t meant to see it.
“You’re a cautious businessman,” I said. “I respect that.”
“I think you underestimate me, Raquel.”
These were the same words I’d used on Damien back at his restaurant, and it made me flinch. “You want to test me? Observe my resolve?”
He stepped closer. “Beg for mercy.”
“I really don’t think I will.”
“You crash into my world flaunting your beauty, using it as a weapon, and I intend to find out your motives one way or another.”
A swoon hit me hard. The scent of rum on his breath was sweet and enticing.
“You think you can scare me off?” I said softly.
“The rum has given you false courage.” He reached up and curled a finger around a lock of my hair. A moment later, he seemed to realize what he’d done and let go.
“You’re the most conceited man I’ve ever met.”
My gaze slid to his lips. His mouth was full and parted and seductive.
“Raquel, you are maddening.”
My breath caught in my throat, and I was close to blurting out an accusation…but something stopped me. Maybe it was the way he seemed to be covering up something himself. Maybe it was because I knew he would deny it and I would lose my chance to find my perfume.
Or maybe it was because he was so close to me I couldn’t think straight, and I no longer cared about the danger he posed. My mouth parted and I wondered what his kiss would be like, the one I never got to experience back at Bridgestone. A rush of arousal sparked deep inside me, causing me to shudder.
He saw my reaction. “Tempted?”
“By what?”
“The promise of blinding pleasure.”
“I’m not like that.”
“Perhaps you should be.”
Caution hadn’t served me well in the past. All those times I’d held back had led to missed opportunities and eventually heartache. What if I acted on the passion rising within me and leapt into this moment with abandon. “I’m not the threat here, Astor.”
There was something predatory in the way he stared at me. I sensed he was waiting for me to surrender so he’d have the upper hand. He was the enemy yet my body yearned for his touch.
“This is not why I brought you here,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Why did you?” My nipples beaded and the sensation felt divine; my body trembled with the realization that he, too, was feeling the chemistry between us.
“I only want the truth,” he whispered.
“All that I am is true.”
“I want to believe that.”
“Are you as bad as you say?”
“I brought you to Cuba.” He opened his palms to make his point. “I consider that tame.”
“What else would you do to me?”
“Sure you want me to answer that question?”
I gave a wary nod.
“Each enemy is dealt with differently.”
“I’m not the enemy.”
His seductive gaze turned dark. “Your punishment would be me taking you to the edge of pleasure and then plunging you over into an abyss. If you consent to it.”
“Doesn’t sound so bad.”
He gave me a cruel smile. “So…you wish to be ravished entirely? And then destroyed? Ruined?” He stepped back and started to walk away.
“Yes.”
He turned around to face me with a curious expression.
“I want that,” I said huskily.
Astor moved closer, looming over me. “Do you believe you deserve such treatment?”
“I want…” To feel something, anything. I want to be free of this numbness…
Astor tipped up my chin. “You’re already broken.”
I rose on my toes and bit down on his lower lip. He groaned and yanked me against his chest in a full kiss, reaching up to cup my face as his mouth ravaged me. I felt his hardness against me as our tongues lashed—his battling mine as he fought for control, fought to conquer me.
I forgot both time and place, knowing only the divine sensation of being held against him, sinking deeper into my need, this yearning to be desired so fervently.
He nipped my earlobe, and then pulled back, looking conflicted. “Raquel, you had two shots. I need to know you want this before you let me do more.”
I let out an impatient sigh. “I’m a scientist, Mr. Beauregard, which means I take my time and carefully explore all the details before making a decision.”
“Of course.” He stepped away, frowning. “Forgive me.”
“My answer’s yes.” I raised my chin proudly. “However, it will be the last kiss I allow you.”
He leaned forward and whispered, “Then I’ll make it count.”
My jaw dropped in surprise as he knelt and lifted the hem of my dress. His palm slid up my inner thigh and then he reached for my thong, sliding it to the side to expose me.
I’d not been intimate with a man for what felt like an eternity. I couldn’t think clearly, couldn’t work out how we’d gotten here…but I wanted this more than oxygen.
His seductive gaze rose to meet mine, his sharp, gorgeous features mesmerizing.
His tongue darted.
Okay, wow.
It felt amazing, this tingly pleasure owning me as he ran his tongue along my clit. I shuddered at the sensation, stunned I was letting the enemy do this to me.
This was more than flirting, this was reckless—and I was wildly abandoning all sense of control. I savored the feel of his tongue spiraling against my clit, causing it to throb deliciously.
His mouth widened and he possessed me entirely, rhythmically sucking my clitoris and then pounding it with the tip of his tongue, a delectable, daring gesture that caused waves of never-ending bliss to rush through me. My nipples ached and my body began to tremble. “I’m going to…”
He reached around with both hands and dug his fingers into my butt, holding me firmly against him so there was no escape. My head fell back and my pelvis rocked against his face as wave after wave of ecstasy rushed through me, taking me into the stratosphere.
This was different to anything I’d ever experienced. This was a man who knew how to devour a woman and wasn’t afraid to do it at her feet.
I shuddered through an endless climax, gripping his head to make sure he didn’t deny me the last drop of pleasure possessing me. My legs went weak and I whimpered as he lashed me with his tongue for the final time.
He rose with the same masculine grace with which he’d knelt. “I want more of you.”
With a shaky nod I permitted him to lean forward and press his mouth against mine, only it was a tender kiss this time, sharing my sweet taste with his passion to possess me. Instinctively, I fought against his ownership, nipping at his lip—and he groaned, his tongue warring with mine more fervently as he pressed me to him in a tight embrace.
Finally, we broke apart and held each other’s gaze. I was certain he was questioning our actions, too.
Astor laced his fingers through mine and led me into the bedroom.
The room offered simple luxury. A burgundy quilt covered a large four-poster with tall, swirling carved posts. On either side were matching bedside tables. A white vanity sat near windows covered with closed red c
urtains.
“Tonight you are mine to please, Raquel,” Astor said. His hand caressed my arm and electricity shot along my skin. “Turn around.”
I did as he asked and my thighs weakened at the sensation of his fingers working the catch at my nape. He lifted my arms and eased the dress over my head, tossing it across the room.
Self consciously, I covered myself with my arms. “I haven’t…for a while.” I hated confessing it.
I felt the gentle touch of his lips against my left shoulder, and then he proceeded to rain kisses along my back and over to my right ear. I was in a foreign place feeling foreign sensations and I found it all so hard to believe.
Just breathe…
Astor rested a hand on my lower back, coaxing me toward the bed.
His hands moved down the curve of my spine and over my butt, which he squeezed, causing a jolt of pleasure to rush through me. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me back against his chest, burying his face in my hair.
The warmth of his body left mine and I felt him working the catch of my bra strap, unclipping it and setting my breasts free. I crossed my arms over my chest and stared across the room, embarrassed by my vulnerability.
He quickly pulled down my panties and I stepped out of them.
“Don’t be shy with me, Raquel.”
I spun round in his arms. “Maybe this time we can just do the ravishing part. Leave the destroying bit until next time…if there is a next time. Not that I expect there to be—”
He placed a fingertip on my lips. “Shhh,” he said, smiling. “I’m taking the lead.”
Closing my eyes, I pressed my cheek against his chest and breathed in his masculine scent, feeling my fears dissipate.
“I ravaged your pussy,” he said softly, then nipped my shoulder. “So everything that comes afterwards will be easier for you, surely?”
My body shuddered as his words resonated through me.
“That doesn’t mean…” He paused, lifting me and throwing me back onto the bed. “That I won’t be thorough.”
I bounced on the mattress, laughing, as he began to undress.
He unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off, revealing chiseled abs and a toned athletic form. As he stripped out of his pants, my gaze ran over his long, firm legs and muscled thighs. He showed no shame in his nakedness—unlike me, who had reached for a gold-braided throw and was using it to cover myself.
He stood at the end of the bed and whispered, “I didn’t intend…”
I stared at his face, trying to understand his concern.
“I don’t have a condom,” he said.
“Ahhh. I do.” I felt his gaze on me as I rose from the bed and hurried out to grab my purse.
The fact I had a condom was a miracle. Hazel had thrown it to me over drinks one night and had told me getting laid was a good way to get over my ex. I’d popped it into my handbag, assuming it would expire before I needed it.
Now I was feeling stunned that I had seriously considered going bareback because I wanted him so badly…his kiss, his body crushed against mine, his cock buried deep inside me.
This was the biggest risk I’d taken in my life—or so it felt. It was wild and spontaneous and delicious.
I handed Astor the condom packet and he studied it, his gaze rising to meet mine.
“Only one?”
“Yes.”
He grinned. “We’ll just have to be imaginative then, won’t we?”
I climbed onto the bed, my gaze riveted on Astor as he rolled the condom onto his hefty erection, its length and girth impressive. The promise of pleasure had me licking my lips in anticipation. In a daze, I pulled the throw over me once more.
Astor leaned forward and tugged the throw out of my grip. “I want to look at you.” He crawled slowly onto the bed as though stalking me.
In a flash of raw power he grabbed my wrists and pinned them above my head, using his knees to spread my legs. It felt rough and primal and sent my senses reeling. This was the kind of raw passion I’d never imagined I’d experience again.
I opened my thighs wider and raised my hips against his weight to coax him inside me. His mouth captured my right nipple and he suckled firmly, sending sharp pangs of delight radiating straight down.
He let go of my wrists, moving his mouth over to my other breast to play with my pert nipple. His languid gaze found mine and in that moment I forgot everything else. It was the way he looked at me, the authority he wielded, the passion he exuded…it was easing away my sadness.
I turned my face away to hide my emotions.
“You have a beautiful body, Raquel.” He ran his palm up my waist and along my arm. “You are a living poem,” he cooed. “Perfect in every way.” His warm hand ran over my belly. “Your curves are that of a real woman.” He kissed my stomach and then lowered his head between my thighs, pressing his lips to me. “You’re ready for me.”
“Yes.” I sighed. “So ready.”
He pushed himself up until his body lay along mine and then pressed his cock against my tautness, easing himself in as he stared down at me, watching my reaction at his deep thrust. A dull ache of pleasure enveloped me as he circled his hips slowly to heighten the sensation. Then he leisurely withdrew, only to plunge all the way in filling me completely. I squeezed myself tightly around him, milking his hard shaft as waves of ecstasy wracked my body.
My breathing became ragged as I wrapped my legs around him possessively, needing him more than I’d realized before, but then letting go as he took the lead, my pelvis rocking perfectly in sync with his.
In his expression I suddenly saw a flash of vulnerability appear, and he buried his face against my neck as though to hide it. Maybe this man was more sensitive than he wanted me to see.
“Look at me, please,” I whispered.
He lifted his head and held my gaze, and I saw his façade fall away and kindness fill his eyes. It felt like we were the only two people in the world as we moved in perfect rhythm with each other.
“Astor,” I said softly.
“You okay?” He slowed for a moment.
“More than okay.”
“Tell me what you need.”
“I only need this.”
He rose a little and rubbed his pelvis hard against mine. It felt divine.
“Do that again,” I begged.
“This?”
“Yes, I like it.”
“Then I think you’ll like this, too,” he said, grabbing me and flipping us over.
I lay on top of him with my back against this chest. With a fierce shove he was inside me again, his right hand reaching low to strum my clit as he pounded into me. My body burned with desire at his masterful touch, the dexterous blend of speed and rhythm bringing me blinding pleasure, as though his fingertip and that small bud were one.
His left arm wrapped around me possessively to bar any escape. I was his entirely.
This wasn’t me…I’d never moaned wantonly like this before. I didn’t remember ever making any noise. I’d stayed silent and endured what was offered.
But this…this was so much more. This was me running into the flames and burning up entirely. With thighs splayed, breasts bobbing, my body and soul completely exposed, I was groaning loudly, not even caring that the headboard was banging the wall.
I had surrendered completely…
When his left hand squeezed my nipple, the fierce jolt of arousal sent me over the edge and I lost all sense of time and place. My mind clung to the exquisite sensations, never wanting the orgasm to end.
I lay in his arms, perspiring and panting, still shuddering from the blinding pleasure. When he brushed a stray lock of hair out of my face, it felt so tender, so caring, that I yearned to stay here in this room and hold on to this feeling forever.
Be strong. Let this become the happy memory you deserve. Let it push out all those thoughts that are no longer welcome…
I rolled off him and onto my side.
Astor lifted the covers
. “In.”
We shoveled beneath the sheets and he pulled me against him, guiding my head to rest on his shoulder. I lay there fighting sleep for as long as possible.
Once the afterglow faded, we’d be enemies again. Or maybe, just maybe, I’d be ready to tell him the truth.
Tiredness tugged at me and I could no longer resist falling asleep.
I awoke to blackness, my head achy and my body tender and that deep pang below had me searching my memory for the reason.
Crazy, brilliant sex with Astor Beauregard. And then there was the rum. I’d downed two shots and this was why my mouth was so dry.
I threw my arm out, reaching for Astor.
He wasn’t there.
I listened for him, adrenaline surging through my veins, but only heard silence.
In a panic, I leaped out of bed and hurried into the living room, dragging the throw with me and wrapping it around myself as I went in search of him. Blood pounded in my ears and my temples throbbed.
When I didn’t see him, I ran back into the bedroom and searched for my dress as a dreadful realization hit me.
Astor had left me here.
THE NIGHT BROUGHT COOLER AIR, making it easier to walk Havana’s streets without the oppressive humidity bearing down on me.
I adored this city…even though it tried to destroy me as a child and very nearly did. The painful memories felt like a knife in my heart as my gaze swept over the familiar colonial architecture with its Moorish influence. The breeze carried all the rich, flavorful scents of Cuban cuisine.
This city still owned a part of me. Time after time I’d been seduced into coming back for the art and music of the island.
The eclectic culture made me feel at home and took me back to a simpler time.
A crueler time.
With an easy stride, I made my way back to where it all happened, all the way down to Plaza de San Francisco to the abandoned basilica and the monastery of San Francisco. Peering up at the one hundred thirty foot tall bell tower, I easily recalled how it had wakened us every morning…the orphans, the reprobates, and all the other boys of ill-repute who had been sent here as a last resort.
I had been the only American. Sent here alone at thirteen, and then forgotten.
Perfume Girl Page 9
