Velvet Exhale

by Beth Mikell

  Stunned, I whipped around to see a tall, athletic blonde standing in the doorway smacking gum in the most unladylike manner, eyeing me like an annoying insect. Her hair was wound up in a messy twist atop her angelic head, wearing skintight jogging clothes, which bared her tight midriff and her tanned flesh flush from her recent run. She gave a thin smile and sauntered closer, flicking out her gum, tossing it in the sink--gross. She picked up a slice of tomato off the cutting board, popping it in her mouth, chewing slowly. Within her hazel eyes, a stinging gleam of malice or something close to it seeped into me.

  She swallowed her bite. "You must be option two. Tell me, has Noah asked you to kneel and suck him off or is lunch your foreplay?" She offered rudely, snapping her perfectly manicured fingers. "That's right, food first then the raunchy sex acts. How could I forget?" She high fived her moist forehead with emphasis as if she's forgotten the drill but suddenly recalled.

  Shit! I'm speechless. What the hell kind of response was there to...to that? Dear God! Flavor of the month? Suck him off? Raunchy sex acts? From what planet had this she-devil fallen? My stomach rolled and my heart pounded hard only to fall instantly into the black hole of disappointment. From her reaction, Noah had obviously been with her--it's her jealousy inflating all over the room and straight through to yours truly.

  "Who are you?" I managed breathlessly, eyeing her with equal disgust.

  She pouted. "Ah, you're gonna have to grow a backbone to hang with Noah, sweetie," she bit out. "After all, he's not a gentle giant and likes things done a certain way."

  "Jasmine!"

  Both the blonde and I jumped at the roar of Noah's booming voice and a quick look at him unveiled fierce anger one-step above a Zeus lightning bolt. He's beyond pissed. His stormy gaze flipped between both of us, though it doesn't take a genius to know whom he's angry at.

  "What the fuck are you doing here?"

  She laughed! She must be stupid!

  "Don't be cross," she crooned. "The door was standing wide open. Just thought I check on you. You used to like that.”

  His jumpy cheek action was full on. "Next time ring the goddamn doorbell!"

  I think I'm really going to be sick. I've had just about enough and calmly laid the forgotten knife dangling in my hand on the counter. "Excuse me." I fled quickly from the kitchen.

  "Reyna, wait!"

  I heard Noah call out, but I didn't stop...I can't.

  I made my way into the living room, pacing back and forth, my mind raced. I knew Noah was still talking to her, but I couldn't hear what he was saying, but he's postal angry if judging by the steel edged tone of his voice.

  Dammit! Who was he? I fisted my right hand and covered it with my left, unsure what to say or do. Every kind of self-lambast came to mind. Why did I agree to take Claire to Tampa on Friday? Why didn't I stick to my guns and blow off Noah the moment he walked into Avalon? I couldn't deal with interpersonal drama. I've never been able to handle it. I liked my boring, safe, unequaled life of vanilla, right. I counted on it--depended on the consistency without any difficulties. If my only irritation came from work related issues and the late fees on my household bills--that suited me just fine. However, this--this was out of my realm of understanding.

  I walked over to the dark gray sofa and sank down into its depths, dropping my forehead on my clasped hands. I could really use a health-smashing, lung-tarring cigarette right about now, but knew my desire was only in response to my lost nerves--sheesh--lost? How about obliterated beyond recognition? Distantly, I heard the slam of a door and my muscles tensed across my shoulders and I'm vaguely soothed the blonde left on her broomstick, though I know I'm still left with...him.

  "Reyna."

  The balmy silkiness of his voice was back--all raw, exposed velvet with an undercurrent of...fear. Yes, fear. He's scared, I realized.

  "Please don't run. Not yet. Not like this," he whispered.

  I finally lifted my head and gasped to find him sitting directly across from me, his eyes wild and twisting with dark pain. Yes, he's freaking out scared--lost even. And I'm shaking…hurt, confused and a step away from an emotional meltdown.

  "You've been with her." It's not a question and I cut straight through the bullshit.

  Noah's jumpy cheek action smacked as displeasure curved his sensuous lips I still have yet to taste fully. "Yes, but...not how you imagine."

  I snorted. "Oh, I can imagine quite clearly if what the blonde said was true. It doesn't take Bob Ross to define kneel and suck you off to paint vivid and concise."

  He inhaled sharply and winced, while I instantly felt remorse for placing horror in his handsome face. But, dammit! Why now? We were finally enjoying our day!

  I stared him down. "Are you going to tell me anything?"

  His wary gaze burned hot through me. "I can't. I didn't want that shit influencing your mind."

  I blew out a harsh breath. "It's a little late for that, Noah."

  "I know...fuck..." He whispered, his eyes closing briefly before running his hands through his unruly black hair, sticking out every direction just like the emotions hanging in the room. "I wanted to do things differently with you, Reyna."

  "Why?" I swallowed...slowly. I was hopeful, yet afraid of his answer, but for long moments, he only stared at me. The awkwardness continued to bend and my glimmer of hope faded a silent, unrealized death. I couldn't take this anymore. His silence was somehow my answer to his darkness.

  I immediately surged to my feet, taking off for the kitchen where I left my bag. I couldn't stay, yet then, I remembered I didn't have my car! I dropped my bag back to the counter, hanging my head. I felt him behind me, his body heat zoomed through me in a hot wave of need, and I whimpered from the intensity. Noah placed a hand on either side of me on the countertop--fisted and white knuckled, trapping me from the rear as his scent bombarded my senses, and tested my will.

  "Don't leave. Please." His breath blazed over my ear, I shuddered. "What she said was true, but you're more than the meaningless women I've…imparted sexual favors with. I've never wanted another woman more than you...until I want to touch, claim and lose every part of myself inside you. Your presence alone renews me, makes me believe in possibilities I thought long gone. I don't want to delve into the darkness of my past--I hate it. I hate myself for it. There's such purity in you, baby...such sweet redemption in one glance from your beautiful gray eyes that I literally believe in forgiveness. It's only been two days--please don't walk away from me. Not yet," he breathed against my ear. "I'm not above begging at this point."

  I couldn't stop the moan ripped from my throat or the trembling of my body and I cried out from its force. Noah's arms wrapped around me, pulling me up tight against his body, and the length of my back rammed hard against every sinewy contour of his until I resisted the urge to preen.

  "Noah..." His name shredded from my throat.

  He nuzzled me, kissing my hair over to my ear, and his lips caressed softly over my flesh. "Don't leave. Please Reyna. I need you so much."

  Oh. My. He had the ability to burn me from inside out...or from outside in. I'm literally held captive by his desire for me, wanting more of the unknown, sensual man holding me in his terrified embrace. Noah's more than I understand, but everything I wanted to explore.

  "Okay," I whispered, the tightness of his arms flexed harder, constricting my ribs until I thought they may crack, but he immediately relaxed, exhaling softly into my ear.

  "Oh my sweet, courageous girl..." he sighed against my neck, planting soft kisses. "You smell so wonderful...I could just lose myself in you." Noah turned me in his arms, cupping both my cheeks. "Try to trust me."

  "Yes."

  He thumbed my lips, nearly reverent and sacred I'm ready to combust. "Your lips are so soft," he said in awe, his blue shard-like eyes studying me closely and I ached for the touch of his mouth. "Stay very still," he commanded. "Don't move."

  Maybe he heard my unspoken plea because he leaned forward and brushed his mouth ag
ainst mine. His lips were so warm, moving slow across me and I'm frozen in a sensuous haze, unable to move. Noah pounded against my senses by the briefest touch. I'm so lost, wanting more.

  My mouth parted and his tongue swept gently inside and I unraveled, a sob choking my throat on the way to bliss. He tasted divine...as I knew he would...savory until I think I may die with pleasure. I sank against him, abandoning my muscles and he gathered me tighter. Oh, I never dreamed up his cords of muscles either...he's so massive, shrinking any inner awkwardness into oblivion--sweet heaven.

  His tongue seduced mine in a provocative tangle and I met him glide for every aching glide. Unconsciously, my hands reached up and sank into his black hair, twisting and testing his texture, the silken strands burned against my palms and I tugged while he groaned deep in his throat. I wanted a greedy portion more, but he stilled and somehow I knew my Cinderella moment was over.

  Noah withdrew, leaning his forehead against mine, his breath heaving against my achy lips. "I want you, Reyna. More than you know. But, I want to take things slow...savor you. Please," he whispered as if begging me to release him from a deeper torment--begging me to make him step away.

  He's so beautiful in this moment, damn, every moment, actually. So sensual to my raw senses, I couldn't resist him. I'm so caught up in how much I adore his gentleness even his strange jumpy cheek moments. I enjoyed his intense, wild-eyed staring variances or his last-minute anger management issues stemming from the unknown darkness of his troubled soul. In this climactic moment, I never wanted to miss another nuance of my super hottie…Noah…until I'm afraid to lose him too.

  I'm sealed. Resigned.

  I'm lost up against his powerful presence, wanting more, shaking until undone, and my stomach flipped into my throat. I attempted a soft smile. "Shall we salvage lunch?"

  His face softened. "Yes, Ms. Lourde. We shall." Noah kissed my forehead briefly before stepping back.

  "The steaks!" I exclaimed, thinking they're probably burnt to a crisp.

  He grinned. "Not to worry, my housekeeper pulled them off," he said. "She lives in the guest house, though it's her day off, I asked her to look after them after I received my phone call," he explained by way of explanation when I frowned. "C'mon red...let's go have our meal before hell decides to drop another bomb on me and I lose you forever."

  I wanted to tell him he won't ever lose me...yet I can't. It's too soon, even for me to share such profound feelings.

  We made it through lunch unscathed, sitting comfortably in the elegant living room. Noah switched on the stereo and soft strains of Bach filled the air with eerie sadness--one of my favorite pieces before he came to sit opposite me. He refilled my wine glass, but I felt nervous again.

  "Relax, baby."

  "Why do I get the feeling you're about to cross examine me?"

  A soft smile touched his handsome face. "Probably because I am, Ms. Lourde. It's time to delve into the deep. Will you go with me?"

  I drew an unsatisfied breath. "Yes." I wanted to say I'll go anywhere with you, but I refrained. "What do you want to know?"

  "Tell me about your past relationships."

  I blanched. I've worked hard to forget each one, why did he want me to discuss it. "And knowing this is helpful because...?"

  His jumpy cheek reappeared, oh shit, I've displeased him already! "Because I want to determine how far you've gone inside sexual release."

  Holy shit! I'm doomed and it showed up on my reddened cheeks, embarrassment flooding my whole body. "Here I thought you wanted to know my favorite color."

  Noah shrugged. "It's been covered. Pink, I believe, Ms. Lourde. Now...tell me," he commanded with his velvet voice.

  I reached for my wine glass--liquid courage after all--and I gulped down half the glass. A quick glance up to his face uncovered mirth lurking in the depths of his eyes, smirk in place.

  "Is it that bad, baby? You're so responsive--I can't imagine you have any dark stories to share. I want to be your lover, Reyna...but I have to reach inside your soul...chase your demons, if you will."

  God...you already have I wanted to say. "Vanilla," I whispered with a tentative shrug.

  His piercing gaze remained steady. "Have you...ever...received an orgasm through intercourse?"

  Oh my. He actually asked that? And I downed the rest of my wine--fast. "No asking about the weather? Or how I like my eggs--scrambled or fried?"

  His smirk faded, he leaned closer, and his voice dropped low. "The weather is beautiful today, Ms. Lourde and until I make you eggs, how you like them is irrelevant, but your pleasure is another matter entirely. Especially since, I can't wait to run my hands over every inch of your body and commit sexual congress. Now, tell me!"

  My breath hit a tidal wave, heaving and warming my blood and I swallowed back the Sahara Desert from my cottonmouth. "No...no orgasm," I managed to croak out. "Not by intercourse--ever."

  Noah pursed his sculpted lips, he appeared angry, but his lips curved upwards. "And do you take care of yourself?"

  I snorted. "That's a bit kinky to ask," I said, my cheeks flaming.

  "Oh baby...you haven't seen kinky yet," he purred. "Giving and receiving pleasure is the most beautiful act between a man and a woman, Reyna. And I want yours--all of it--just for myself. So again I ask…do you take care of yourself?" Noah poured more wine into my glass.

  "Sometimes," I breathed out in utter mortification, looking away from his blazing eyes.

  "How often?"

  No bounds! "Once or twice a month." I shrugged, twisting and knotting my hands together on my lap. "I haven't kept a journal."

  "Look at me, baby."

  I swallowed hard, flipping my gaze back up to his face--can a man be any more beautiful? And discussing--this--no less! Sheesh!

  "Do you use your hands or vary your pleasure with implements?"

  "Noah...please..." I groaned with humiliation.

  "Answer me," he said sharply, obviously, his patience was wearing, and his jumpy cheek action was magnified tenfold.

  "Hands...and I have a vibrator." Shit, I really admitted that. I think I may lose my lunch. To cover my shame, I quickly found a smart mouthed reply. "Am I curable, Dr. Alexander?"

  He smiled. "Only just," he offered, standing fluidly. "But, no more self-pleasure, baby. You'll get it from me--or not at all. I want to try something. Do you trust me?"

  I lifted a brow, eyeing him as he walked closer. "Is it...kinky?"

  He smirked, looking adorable with his tousled hair and gleaming eyes. "The tip of, Ms. Lourde. Are you game?"

  I only inclined my head as he whipped out an eye mask from his back pocket, waving it in the air between us. I inhaled sharply. "Wow, so prepared too. Is that standard kinkery? What else do you have in your pockets, Mr. Alexander?"

  His smile turned sexy and full of promise. "You'll find out soon enough, Ms. Lourde. Now...stay still." He slipped the eye mask over my face, shutting out all the light. "Are you okay?"

  Untamed fire exploded through my stomach, burning me. "Yes." I'm a little scared or fearful of the unknown and the dark path I'm suddenly thrust upon. My only redeeming quality was...I knew he wouldn't hurt me…of that I'm sure.

  Chapter 9

  Seduce your mind so I can have your body. ~ Unknown

  "You're so beautiful, Reyna," he whispered.

  From his velvet voice, to the soft Bach playing in the background, from the thunder of my heartbeat roared up into my ears. I'm erotically poised, ready, and damp. I tried not to squirm, but shifted anyway on the sofa, the leather creaking under my ass. I winced. The man had yet to fully touch me and I'm out of control--so dependent on his next command, his next request. My heightened awareness shot through my vanilla heart with a rapid pulse. Shit, Claire's description of strip, kneel and please him came to mind. My breathing climbed higher, near exploding through my chest. What's he going to do? My mind played havoc on my stretched nerves.

  "Relax...breathe...and I'll be right back."

 
I heard his footsteps recede and I'm left to my carnal musings, prisoner, yet somehow freed. Within a moment Noah returned, I hear the clank of glass as he set something on the table and I'm dying to peek, but I didn't want to disappoint him.

  "What are you going to do to me?"

  "Shh...don't talk, baby, unless I ask you a direct question."

  He sat next to me, his body heat seeping into my leg, up my hip into my stomach. He's so warm. I smelled something sweet...chocolate maybe? Mixed with his own brand of delicious scent and my mouth watered, registering the combined fragrance and I swallowed against my senses.

  "The sexiest thing in the world is...never knowing what is going to happen next. It's all about trust. The anticipation. The desire," he breathed leaning closer. "Knowing there is nothing you can do about it." Noah blew against my ear and I whimpered softly. "Shh...keep still. Open your mouth."

  My stomach clenched, my skin tingled…he's so right. Not knowing was torture--and I complied, opening my mouth slightly.

  "Wider," he ordered gently.

  I felt the coolness of a spoon as he slid it passed my lips.

  "Close."

  My mouth sank around a bite of...chocolate mousse.

  He pulled the spoon back out. "Describe the sensation."

  Cold silk came to mind as the chocolate rolled over my tongue, bursting with luxuriant taste. "Chocolate mousse."

  "Delve deeper, baby. Describe it."

  I swallowed the melted, creamy chocolate. "It’s...decadent. Rich. Moist," I breathed and I swear I heard him inhale sharply.

  "Again..." he said gruffly and another mouthful of the savory dessert swirled over my taste buds. "What's it feel like on your tongue?"

  I rolled it over. "Dark, airy...carnal."

  Noah blew across my lips. "Good girl." Another bite begged entry and I opened to receive it. "Trust with an orgasm is a lot like this chocolate mousse. It's everything you described, baby. It's what I want to give each and every time we come together."

  I flushed hot. My ass shifted on the sofa, my sex was heavy, full, and wanting. "Noah..." Please touch me, my mind begged.