Velvet Exhale

by Beth Mikell

  There was such heartache and sadness in his words, I'm suddenly fearful. Something was really troubling him...I could feel it. "What is it?" I scanned his disturbed gaze for a hint of truth.

  Noah shook his head, turning me in his arms until I'm sitting astride his lap. I shuddered as my breasts feathered up against his chest. Every caress, touch, and trace of our skin against skin crested higher than heaven until I gloried within each, wanting more.

  He grabbed a sponge, squeezing out a little body wash, gathering foam and proceeded to bathe me. He cleansed over my arms, shoulders, lathering my breasts until he dropped the sponge, using his hands.

  "You're so beautiful, Reyna. So responsive," he whispered, tugging on both nipples and instinctively, I flexed my hips closer to his erection and threw my head back into his touch.

  He hissed in response. "Easy baby. I want you again, but I want to savor this." His hand traveled over my belly, down lower, parting my flesh. "Sore?"

  "Not much." The warm water soothed away my tenderness--his touch welcome and oh-so stimulating. Noah thrummed expertly over me, teasing, withdrawing, dipping and testing until finally I'm withering--only then did he stroke over my clitoris. I cried out. Oh, please...I'm so ready.

  "Noah..." I breathed, quivering.

  "Give it to me...I want it Reyna. I want your pleasure!"

  I unraveled in his arms and his mouth took mine, absorbing my throaty release as his hand continued to work me. I'm wanton. His…by every way imaginable and he grabbed my hips, easing me down his hard length. We both moaned in unison. He's so large, stretching me...almost uncomfortable, but I loved the fullness. I loved how he fit, no space left and more besides.

  "Use your knees and take my hands..." He commanded softly.

  And I did...setting the rhythm.

  "Is it too much, baby?"

  He looked so gorgeous, his dark hair a disarranged mess, his blue, shard-like eyes half slit and hungry...oh my. I ached to take his mouth, but I ached to move against him--I can't seem to do both.

  I shook my head, moving faster. "Oh Noah. So perfect..." My mind was too fuzzy and I couldn't make a coherent sentence. All I can think, feel, or know was him. Inside me, under me...through me. The sensations traveling my body, my blood stream, my skin were rich, tingling, and powerful.

  Before long, the water lapped over the side of the tub with our every movement, and Noah lunged his hips up into me. It's the hottest moment of my life...free. Open. Completely his. And he took me over another edge of sensuality.

  "Come with me, Reyna...oh shit!" We traveled together. Our breaths mingled, slamming faster and faster until we both detonated over one another, replete. Whole.

  I sank into his arms, a liquid mass of contentment and he hugged me close to his heaving chest.

  "My darling girl..." he whispered, nuzzling my hair.

  For long moments, he held me, rocking me back and forth, kissing my hair until the water began to cool. Noah helped me out, wrapping a towel around his lithe hips before securing a towel under my arms, anchoring it between my breasts. He caressed his index finger over the curve of my towel-covered chest and my body leaped inside. One touch and I'm sparked to life? Jeez...what a way to die! I swallowed back my new desire--what had he done to me? We hadn't done anything overtly BDSM...maybe on the upside of a vanilla-hot-freaking-sundae, so why? I gulped hard.

  Noah watched me closely. "Are you hungry?"

  I frowned. "What time is it?"

  He glanced around the side of the divider wall. "Almost seven."

  Oh, wow. We've been whiling away our Sunday afternoon feasting upon each other for hours. I was once lucky to get a disappointing sexual encounter once a week with Chad. Dammit! Forget him! He had nothing on my super hottie--so don't even go there.

  "I should think about going home."

  His eyes narrowed and his jumpy cheek action was back. "Stay with me. Tomorrow is Memorial Day, Ms. Lourde and I would like you to spend it with me. Just think of the possibilities..." He gathered me into his arms. "Please? Begging is still on the table."

  I smiled. How could I refuse him anything? I couldn't. I'm snared, in many ways. "Please don't beg, Mr. Alexander. You're much too fine for something so low."

  He inhaled sharply. "Reyna..."

  My heart slammed against my chest. Did I say too much? Crap! He obviously had some hidden, dark issues and I certainly didn't know where the line was--at least not yet. "Noah, I just meant--"

  He covered my lips with his hand. "Shh...don't try to explain anything. You're so sweet. I'm a lost man," he said rather vaguely, retreating to an unknown place within himself I couldn't follow. "So? Staying Ms. Lourde or do I need to dream up some kind of coercion? I'm not without certain talents and abilities--even kidnapping." A humorous gleam lit his eyes.

  Noah looked adorable and I reached up to off handedly trace the edges of his dagger tattoo over his heart. He didn't seem to notice.

  A giggle escaped my lips. "Coercion? Why Mr. Alexander, you are full of surprises. I thought coercion was part of your innate nature."

  He grinned. "And, you my dear, fell deep into my rabbit hole. Welcome, by the way." His mouth fell on mine, stealing my breath...oh my. After a few minutes, he pulled back and I'm thrust into wanting him round three. "Is that a yes? I'm not a patient man after all."

  Breathless, my lungs pushed the air in and out my chest in ragged gulps, my blood boiled and my stomach tightened deep within my center with another pound of need for my super hottie. As if, I'm going to say no. Yeah right.

  "I could dream up worse ways to wake up, Mr. Alexander...but beside you would definitely be special. Shall I make dinner?"

  "You would?" The wariness was back in his eyes.

  What a strange question. I kept my smile in place to reassure him. "Yes. Any allergies or dislikes?" I recalled his question to me from the restaurant Friday and offered it up as playful banter.

  He gave a shy smile with a shake of his head. "No." He took my hand. "Come." Noah led me back beyond the divider wall/bathroom to the bedroom and over to the far wall. He pushed in, tripping an automatic light, revealing a built-in closet. Opening a drawer, he looked at me, "You'll find some clothes, Ms. Lourde."

  "Was I that much of a given?" I teased, raising a brow at him.

  "No, I was optimistic." He winked, grabbing some clothes for himself and headed back to the bedroom to change. "Help yourself, Reyna."

  Without digging deep, I took some underwear, black sweatpants, and pink cami--my usual comfort clothes, exiting the closet and stopped. Noah stood in jeans, no shirt...his back to me...and my mouth went dry. The muscles of his back ripple with every bunch of movement…he's stunning.

  He turned to find me staring...I blushed...he smirked.

  "Enjoying the view?" He whipped out his salacious grin, his mussed hair still damp, and his blue eyes dancing.

  Embarrassed, I shrugged, looking away and Noah grabbed me by the waist spinning me around so fast my eyes closed, and I gasped as he pinned me up against the wall.

  "Don't hide, baby." His eyes were bright, deep and oh-so beautiful. "There's nothing I want more than your favorable acceptance...and fuckable compliance." He took my lips in a fast, hard kiss leaving me breath deprived, panting, and shuddering under female desire.

  Yes, he's so upgraded to mega-super hottie. Damn.

  "I'm going to work for an hour, baby. I have a few calls to make. Will you be okay?"

  He looked so boyish...sweet even. "Yes," I offered and in my best British accent to mimic my mother. "I shall indeed be fine, kind sir. I shall also make you a dinner fit for a king. My mother, after all, came across the pond from merry 'ole England and taught me everything I know."

  Noah's expression darkened, his bright eyes smoldered, and he shuddered. "Speak like that again and you can forget dinner, Ms. Lourde. It does...things to me." He smacked me hard on the lips, turning away and grabbing his shirt. "One hour, baby." Then...he's gone.

  He was a whi
rlwind of energy and sexiness, while I'm still pressed up against the wall--thoroughly fucked and happy! I grinned, bringing up my arms to hug myself. I'm resigned to give up my self-indulgent feelings and dress. The white, lacy Victoria Secret underwear...my favorite and they fit, damn him. How did he know my size? Or did I even want to know--the stalker? A man after my own heart. I stilled. I shuddered under the emotion to the point of shaking. It's too soon my mind protested, but Noah was such a man to want forever with. I couldn't think about that--not now. With a wry shake of my head, I finished dressing, and headed barefoot downstairs.

  In the distance, I heard Noah's commanding voice on the phone... "I can tell you now I have a problem with the arbitration clause. It needs revision before faxing it over...yes..."

  I made my way to the kitchen, opening both double doors of the refrigerator to find it stocked to the nines. Fully loaded didn't even come close. Top of the line gourmet brands, natural foods, assorted fresh vegetables, and several kinds of wine. Rummaging around revealed some divine smelling, homemade marinara sauce in a large Tupperware container, premium Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese with other fresh ingredients. With further searching, I found lasagna noodles in the huge walk-in pantry. I knew exactly what to do.

  While the lasagna sauce simmered, I dug my phone out of my bag and gave Claire a quick call. She's good, hanging out with Tess so at least I didn't have to worry about her being alone. I gave her the briefest brief on my staying overnight with my mega super hottie...she giggled of course making me blush over the phone, but I smiled! Roughly, an hour and a half later, I pulled out a smell-good pan of lasagna, but still Noah hadn't appeared and I went in search of him.

  His office door was slightly ajar and he's on his cell phone pacing back and forth, plowing one hand through his hair. "What? Why didn't he call me himself? Christ! This is the twenty-first fucking century, Miles. Wright has crossed the line and so has his daughter. I only agreed to the farce under duress--I wasn't actually going to--yes, I understand. No piece of property is worth sacrificing my integrity. Fuck...all hell is breaking loose. Keep digging. Uh-huh...it's not his business. Set up the meeting for Tuesday afternoon. No, that's the soonest I'm available--make that abundantly clear. Call Mari--have her make the necessary arrangements."

  He looked up and stared directly at me and suddenly I felt like I've been caught spying and knotted my hands together with nervousness. But, he smiled, motioning for me to come to him. "I have to go. Keep me updated, Miles." Noah ended his call, tucking the device in his jeans pocket and gathered me into his arms.

  He buried his face in my neck, inhaling deeply. "I've missed you, Ms. Lourde. You smell...edible," he whispered his tongue licking against my skin and a static whimper exited my lips.

  I loved how he nipped my flesh with his teeth and kissed up my neck until he brushed his lips over mine. I'm winded from his very sensuous lip onslaught, "Hungry?"

  Noah smiled against my mouth--it's so sexy. "Mmmm, how'd you guess?" He flexed his hips against my belly and there's no doubt what he's sporting. He chuckled, grabbing my hand, "C'mon Ms. Lourde, we'll eat first...and then I'll have you for dessert!"

  Chapter 11

  Never a lip is curved with pain that can't be kissed into a smile again. ~ Bret Harte

  Noah and I sat together at the posh kitchen island on a couple of bar stools as he poured rosé wine into our crystal fluted glasses. "Smells delicious." He dove into the lasagna with pleasure crossing his expression. "Very good, Ms. Lourde, thank you."

  I smiled shyly and took a bite of lasagna, happy the flavors blended well, bringing a welcomed smile to his face. We shared a few moments of silence and a thought occurred to me. "May I now ask about your no touching rule?"

  His fork stopped midair, lowering it back to his plate, and he gave me a dark, guarded look. "I'll share it, but let's finish dinner first. I don't want to spoil a good meal."

  He reached for his wine glass, downing it in one swallow and poured another, topping off mine.

  Oh no. It must be bad. "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry," I offered, looking down. I had no clue where his invisible line of comfort was located...he's such a variable man. I never know what was acceptable and what wasn't.

  One of his hands descended upon mine, squeezing lightly. "Don't. Don't think the worst. I just...I want to explain, but not now. After dinner, red. Now, smile for me. I need that."

  I looked up and met his gaze, and his earnest expression melted my apprehension. My lips curved into a smile, regardless of the heavy shadow of doubt gathering in my stomach. I'm worried about what he'll finally say. Did it have something to do with that woman showing up? Hell, did I even want to know?

  Somehow, we finished dinner and I wanted to clean the dishes, but Noah took my hand. "No, my housekeeper will do those. Take a walk with me." Strange, but I still hadn't seen the elusive housekeeper.

  We trekked through the house, past the lanai and out towards the ocean. The sun recently set and the sky was softly dark blue, the water shimmering like moving glass over the surf. The May evening wind blew soft, picking up the rich smell of salt and I breathed deep. Hand in hand, we walked for several moments, my bare feet sinking in the soft sand, peaceful. Noah stopped, dropping down on the beach and tugged me down to sit between his open legs. He pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me, burying his nose in my hair.

  Finally, he spoke. "Touching is personal--special. It means something to me, Reyna. When you said you weren't a casual woman, I couldn't have been happier. Sure, I'm not thrilled about your past relationships because they didn't deserve you...but I'm happy. Happy you're here with me."

  I'm elated, of course, but I get the feeling there was more. I sighed softly. "But what about Jasmine? She said some nasty things."

  Noah stiffened, yet kept his hands secure around me. "I won't lie, Reyna, I haven't led a monk-filled life, but the act of touching has always been off the table. In the past, I've...only allowed a select few women to..." he trailed off for a moment, taking a deep breath, his silence heavy.

  "Tell me. I won't judge you."

  He half snorted obviously embarrassed. "Fuck...I allowed them to service my...need...with their mouth. And I wasn't nice about it. Dammit, I can't believe I just...told you. Shall I start the car and take you home?"

  He moved to stand up and I grasped his hands, hugging his arms around my middle. "No! Stop, please. I'm not repulsed, Noah," I conceded with a shrug. "If anything, perhaps your taste in women is questionable, but not the natural inclination every human being has on earth...to feel some connection to another."

  "Don't excuse me, Reyna! I've been anything but a gentleman to these other women."

  Shit! "Is that what you think? Please don't insult my intelligence, Noah. I'm not judging you and you can't beat yourself up about it. That's why it's called a past--we all have one. For a gorgeous, bright man I really wonder about your penchant for self-loathing. I've made a few mistakes in relationships too. I'm not perfect." I tried to turn to face him, but he wouldn't let me, keeping his arms firmly in place.

  "They weren't relationships," he seethed. "They sucked me off and I didn't give a fuck about them--end of story. Christ, Reyna...I didn't want to tell you all this--so soon."

  I gasped. I think I'm going to be sick. He was right--it wasn't a dinner conversation, by no means! That meant...he and...Jasmine...oh my. "Then when would be a good time? A week? A month later? It's best to discuss it and move on. I'm not your judge and jury, Noah. Why would you think I'd run over your past sexcapades?"

  He snorted. "Because...it's dark, crude and frankly disgusting--even to me." Noah leaned closer, running his nose up and down my neck, jaw line, and cheek with almost reverence.

  A moan slipped through my lips.

  "Until you," he whispered, his hands tightening around me. His body warmth enveloped me, warming more than my skin and I wanted him so much I'm frightened of my mind drugging need. "But, with you it's different. From the moment I saw you
walking across the parking deck, I wanted to touch you--so much it hurt...still hurts. I knew that once I touched you, I wouldn't want to stop--or let go. Oh, Reyna...you fill such a deep void within me. I'm so afraid you'll think I'm a depraved asshole and run."

  A surge of tenderness unfurled through my blood, heating hot and curled me towards the special, dark place nicked out just for us. "Noah..." I breathed.

  "You remind me of who I really am--who I want to be and I...want you. So Much. Please don't run, Reyna..."

  There's no question…I wanted him too. Not for just now. Not only for a day or a week...but also for as long as he'll have me. But, was that enough? No, I realized. I've invested more of my raw heart than I intended for this blessedly beautiful, hurting man. I've been drawn in by his sexy manner, dark existence, and even darker unknown. I don't care, well I mean I do care, I just didn't care about his past--not as long as he'll give me his present and possible future.

  I shifted in his arms, he finally allowed me to turn facing him, and I rose up on my knees, grasping his face between both my hands. "I'm not running."

  Up close, Noah's eyes blazed, wild--scared. He looked so lost, so deeply exposed, and my heart broke for him. "You still might," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

  "Fall into me..."

  He gave a guttural cry, seizing my face with his hands, claiming my lips...hard. He brutalized my lips and tongue--even our teeth banged from the rough attack. Noah groaned repeatedly, all his hunger, fear, and pain sliced through me and I took it. I took all of him, matching him stroke for stroke, and taste for pain--hurt for redemption. Everything.

  A deep moan laminated from my throat, raw and untamed.

  His hands were on me, pulling at my cami, squeezing at my breasts and I winced inwardly, but groaned from the intense pleasure flooding my body. My skin was a sensitive mass of nerves, bleeding out in readiness and anticipation for his touch.

  Noah jerked back, his eyes feral and excited with desire. "Not here!" he growled, shooting to his feet and taking my hands, pulling me up beside him.