Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined)

by Gregory, Nichelle

  “You never admitted to wanting my kiss.” His voice was husky in her ear. “Your wetness on my fingers should be answer enough, but I want to hear you say it.”

  Oliver teased her clit and Serene inhaled sharply, wanting more. She wanted it all and the realization was almost as shocking as the mini quakes of pleasure evoked by Oliver’s touch. Going any further wasn’t wise, Serene knew that, but it was hard to care with Oliver brushing his lips on her neck.

  “Do you want me to kiss you again, Serene?”

  “Yes.” She wet her bottom lip, captivated by the way Oliver’s light eyes darkened with desire. “Kiss me again.” She lifted her chin and he claimed her lips again, tightened his hold on her and ravished her mouth, leaving no doubt in Serene’s mind that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Serene slid her hand up his arm and threaded her fingers through his hair, reveling in the mastery of his deep kiss and the warmth of his hard body against hers. She groaned with disappointment when his hand slipped from between her legs.

  Oliver toyed with her breasts through the soft fabric of her dress. “All night long all I wanted to do was this”—he pulled her scalloped neckline down over her bra—“and this.” He brushed his thumbs over the lace of her bra, teasing her nipples, and Serene whimpered.

  She looked down at his hands, captivated by the contrast of their skin tone as he pushed the demi cups down and bared her breasts.

  Oliver shook his head. “Perfect. So beautiful.” He tugged on her nipples then stepped back.

  Serene resisted the urge to cover her breasts as Oliver stared at her. She leaned her head back against the wall instead and met his gaze.

  “I want you, Serene. I want you naked and open beneath me. I want to run my lips over every inch of you and discover the noises you make when you come.”

  His bold declaration made her wetter, made her want him more. The gravity of what they were about to do weighed on her. Was she really going to sleep with Oliver, a man she’d known for all of two days, when she’d been putting the brakes on anything physical between her and the two men she’d been dating for months? Was she really going to sleep with her soon to be brother-in-law? “Oh, God.” Serene crossed her arms over her chest and drew in a tight breath. “I— This isn’t a good idea.”

  Oliver reached out, pulled her arms down and toyed with her nipples. “I disagree. You want this. I want this. Period.”

  “Maybe so, but”—Serene groaned—“I should leave.” She shivered beneath his touch.

  “But you’re still here.” Oliver moved his hands from her breasts. He pushed her dress over her hips and it slid down to the floor. “And we both know why.” Hazel eyes held hers. “Last chance.”

  Serene, move your ass.

  She blinked instead then yelped when Oliver whirled her around. She braced her hands on the wall as he ran his fingers down her back and palmed her ass.

  “Delicious. You are simply delicious.” Oliver kissed her shoulder blade then tugged on her thong. The lingerie pooled at her feet as he dipped his finger between her cheeks and into her pussy. “And so wet. Damn.”

  Serene sucked in a breath as he stroked his finger inside her, wanting to wail when he removed his hand. He unhooked her bra and let it fall to the floor as he leaned into her. The coolness of the wall on her naked skin seemed to amplify the heat of his body. She was tall, but with his height and build, Oliver made her feel like a fragile flower. Serene wriggled against his erection, pressed up against her ass.

  “Turn around.”

  Serene pivoted to face Oliver and squeaked when he swung her up into his arms. He carried her into the bedroom and placed her on the edge of the bed. Serene lay back on her forearms and watched him walk over to the bathroom door and push it open, illuminating the bedroom with the soft light inside. Her heart thumped when Oliver turned and unbuttoned his shirt. He took it off and she admired his muscles the way she’d wanted to when they’d run into each other on the beach. Oliver kept his eyes on her face as he unbuttoned then unzipped his pants. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a foil package before stepping out of them.

  Muscular thighs.

  Serene had always had a thing for that, but that wasn’t the sole thing Oliver offered. His body was lean and ripped. He was sexy as hell and Serene couldn’t take her eyes off him as he hooked his thumbs beneath the waistband of his underwear and dragged them down. Her eyes widened as she lowered her gaze. Oliver was bigger than she’d first estimated, thicker.

  Oliver grinned at her as if he knew exactly the thought that passed through her mind. Serene blew out a shaky breath. She watched Oliver tear open the condom and sheathe himself. Her eyes widened when he slowly came to her. He moved between her legs, up over her body, kissing her. Serene wrapped her arms around him. He nudged his cock against her pussy and she parted her thighs wider.

  “Now, Oliver.” She needed him to take her, wanted him to satiate the hunger that had been growing within her since she’d tried on the first article of clothing for him. Serene gasped when he obliged her husky request, sinking into her, stretching her as he filled her part way. “W-Wait.”

  She closed her eyes and dug her nails into his back as he kissed her temple. It had been a while since she’d taken a lover and the shock of his penetration thrummed through every cell.

  “Serene, look at me.”

  Serene gazed up at Oliver then turned her head to the side, overwhelmed by the intimacy she felt looking into his eyes. No lover had ever asked her to do that before. She usually closed her eyes and rode the waves of bliss alone in her head. Serene moaned when Oliver moved, giving her more of him.

  “Look at me, Serene.”

  “Please, Oliver.” Serene gasped again when he thrust forward and fully seated himself inside her. Her eyelids fluttered open and she stared into the molten hazel depths of Oliver’s eyes as he began to move. “Oh…”

  One word was all she could manage before she mewled, delighting in every slow, measured stroke Oliver gave her. Her body adjusted to his size and any uncomfortableness faded into pure pleasure as he brushed his lips against her temple.

  “More?” Oliver nipped her ear then lifted his head to her face.

  Serene shuddered and nodded. She brought her knees up, rested her heels on his ass and whimpered as Oliver rocked her with harder, deeper, almost punishing thrusts. Serene tightened around his cock and he let out a rough groan.

  “You feel so good.” Oliver punctuated each word with a downward stroke. He slowed for a moment, bent his head and kissed her. “Play with your clit and come with me.”

  His command penetrated through the daze of bliss enveloping her. Dismayed to be brought out of the moment, Serene turned her face from Oliver’s.

  I can’t.

  Serene did as he asked, even as tears sprang unexpectedly in her eyes. She blinked them back, increased her moans as Oliver drove into her at a frenzied pace, truly breathless from the erotic sensations flooding her system. Releasing a little cry, Serene heard Oliver’s groan then felt his body tense seconds before he climaxed. She squeezed her eyes shut as he slowed within her and pulled from her body to lie beside her.

  “That was intense.”

  “Mmm…” Serene shifted her head to look at Oliver as he moved off the bed and disposed of the condom in the bathroom. Her pulse reacted when he came back out, gloriously naked with a puzzled expression on his face. She was baffled too. Baffled by her actions, her response to his sexy demand and the curious desire still affecting her pulse.

  Time to go.

  Serene got up and Oliver raised an eyebrow. “Leaving?” He followed her to the doorway, where her clothing lay on the floor.

  “It’s late.” Serene pulled on her T-shirt and reached for her yoga pants, conscious of her slick thighs. “The wedding’s tomorrow. I’m supposed to be up and at Misha’s room at the crack of dawn.”

  “Serene, take a breath.” Oliver strode over to his pants, grabbed them then pulled them on. He gathered th
e articles of clothing he’d picked out for her to wear, put them into the bigger bag lying on the couch and brought it to her. “These are yours.”

  Serene opened her mouth to refuse then closed it. She took the bag from him, knowing she’d get away from him quicker if she acquiesced.

  “Are you all right?” Oliver asked as she slid on her sandals.

  “I’m fine.” Serene avoided his gaze and sought out her purse. “No regrets.”

  “I’m glad. You don’t have to rush off.”

  Serene glanced at the door. “I do. This… This was fun.”

  “Fun?” Oliver crossed his arms under his chest, drawing Serene’s attention to his muscles again.

  “Uh-huh.”

  Oliver scratched his jaw. “I’m glad you had fun, despite not coming. Next time you will.”

  Serene’s mouth fell open. “You knew?” Heat flooded her cheeks as Oliver moved in front of her.

  “Of course. I make it my business to know when my lover orgasms, or if she hasn’t. Because if that’s the case I know my job isn’t done.” Oliver tapped her gently on the nose. “I know you enjoyed being with me, but you needed something more to climax. FYI— You shouldn’t fake it for any man. It doesn’t do him or you any justice.”

  Serene stepped back, stunned and embarrassed. “FYI— There won’t be a next time and I’m done talking about this.” She brushed past him, headed for the door, getting halfway before Oliver took hold of her arm.

  “It wasn’t my intention to upset you.”

  Tears clouded Serene’s vision for the second time that night. “Got it.” She tried wrenching her arm free and glared at him when it became clear her efforts were futile. “Let me go, Oliver.”

  Oliver studied her. “For now”—he released his hold on her—“but you should know I don’t like unfinished business.”

  Serene pivoted, walked to the door, opened it and left without saying another word. As far as she was concerned, they were done.

  Chapter Seven

  “Ready?” Oliver clapped his hand on Cameron’s shoulder and his brother’s eyes lit up.

  “Absolutely.” Cameron tugged on his tie. “I can’t wait to share my surprise for Misha after the wedding.”

  “She’s going to love it.” Oliver watched the other groomsmen take their spots beneath the canopy in front of where their parents sat. “It’s the perfect gift for you both to enjoy.”

  “I think so.” Cameron nodded toward the other men as Nani straightened the rose in his lapel. “She’s worked so hard to bring this destination wedding together.” His brother chuckled when the wedding planner huffed. “Of course, you did all the hard work, Nani.”

  Nani rolled her eyes at Cameron then turned to Oliver. “You’re up, best man.”

  Oliver put a smile on his face and moved forward, enjoying the guitarist’s lilting chords of a popular love song and the breathtaking view of the sea behind the groomsmen. He’d never expected his older brother to remarry. Oliver didn’t think he’d ever be ready to walk down the aisle.

  Not even one as lovely as this one.

  Oliver took his spot next to Jax then winked at his mom, who already had a tissue in hand. His father nodded at him, appearing emotionless, then Oliver noticed his arm tightening around his mom, suggesting he was moved by the significance of the day. Oliver watched the bridesmaids begin walking down the aisle one at a time. Misha had some very attractive friends. Each lady radiated beauty and happiness… All except Aimee, who seemed to be having trouble keeping her smile in place.

  Serene entered last and Oliver gritted his teeth as blood rushed to his cock. He straightened his back, felt the slight twinge where she’d scratched him last night and tried not to picture her naked and moaning beneath him as he drank in the sight of her. She was a vision of poise and elegance. Oliver willed her to look at him as she made her way toward the front. She kept her gaze focused on the minister even after she took her spot practically facing him.

  You can avoid me for now.

  Oliver shifted his attention to Misha as she glided down the aisle, stunning in her strapless, mid-length wedding gown. He glanced at his brother and the look of joy on Cameron’s face confirmed this marriage was the best thing to happen to him. Oliver’s gut tightened as the ceremony got under way. He listened to the two of them share their personal vows, astounded by the depth of their love.

  A cheer rose as the minister announced Cameron and Misha as man and wife. Oliver clapped along with everyone else as the couple kissed and walked down the aisle, holding hands and laughing. It was official. His big brother was a married man. One by one, the groomsmen moved forward, took their bridesmaid by the arm and exited, until only Serene remained.

  Oliver stepped forward and Serene finally met his gaze when she did the same, joining his side as he extended his arm. Serene linked hers with his and desire coiled within him at the physical contact. He guided her down the aisle and wondered if she was feeling the same thing as they reached the end of the walkway and moved into the brilliant sunshine.

  “You’re gorgeous.”

  Serene gave him a faint smile and pulled away from him. “Thank you.” Her eyes drifted over his light gray tux. “You look very handsome too.”

  So formal.

  “Thank you.” Oliver considered grabbing her and kissing her until she had the same dazed look of passion she’d had last night. He dropped his gaze from her beautiful brown eyes to her full glossed lips, remembering how sweet her kiss had been. “Did you get any sleep?”

  Serene sighed as she waved to the other bridesmaids getting into a limo. “A little. I should’ve gone to bed earlier.”

  “Were you restless?”

  Serene looked at him. “I guess.”

  “So was I. I kept thinking of different ways to get you to come all over my mouth and cock.” Oliver watched Serene’s eyes widen. Serene was right—he couldn’t resist shocking her. She was just so damned expressive.

  Serene gasped. “You—”

  “Oliver.”

  Oliver and Serene turned to see his father approaching. Oliver looked at Serene. “We’ll talk about this later.”

  “No, we won’t, Oliver.”

  Oliver didn’t bother to respond as Serene walked away. He’d wait for the right time. “Where’s Mom?” Oliver asked his father when he joined him by his side.

  Stephen pulled his designer shades from his breast pocket and put them on. “She’s chatting to Ann about the ceremony, which gives me a chance to talk to you now.”

  “About business?”

  “Yes. Why didn’t you tell me about the glitches going on in Vegas?”

  Hell. “Did you not put me in charge of it?” Oliver purposely kept his tone light. The last thing he wanted to do today was argue about work.

  “I did, but I’m CEO of the company. I expected you to keep me abreast of any major financial blips. This could potentially cost us millions.”

  “I’m handling it.” Oliver forced a smile as his mother joined them.

  “I like seeing my men dressed so handsomely.” His mother embraced him then cast a quick look between both men. “Okay, what’s going on? Or do I even want to know?”

  “You don’t.” Oliver pulled his own sunglasses out of his suit jacket pocket and put them on.

  Ann took hold of her husband’s arm. “Stephen, you promised not to talk shop while we were here, and especially not today.”

  “This couldn’t wait.” His father’s gaze was cool. “Oliver, I want every report regarding Vegas sent to me as soon as possible.”

  Oliver gritted his teeth to prevent saying the expletive on the tip of his tongue. He would not upset his mom with their shit.

  “Stephen.” Ann sighed. “There’s our limo. Are you going to ride with us to the reception, Olie?”

  “No.” Oliver kissed his mom on the cheek. “I’ll see you guys there.” The instant his parents were out of earshot, he unleashed a dark curse. It was high time he told his dad what h
e could do with his heavy arm tactics regarding him and the family business. His father continually said he trusted him to do his job, but it was clear that he didn’t. That had to change.

  “You coming, man?” Oliver pivoted to see Jax through the window of the limo as it came to a stop in front of him. “You know the party can’t start without you.”

  Oliver chuckled. “Let’s go celebrate.” He got into the vehicle, pushed his thoughts about his father into the background and joked good-naturedly with the men.

  All hell would break loose once he got back home and expressed what he needed, how he expected his father to treat him as the Executive Vice President of Banner Hotels. Right now, he simply wanted to focus on his brother’s happiness and Serene.

  Serene.

  She didn’t know it yet, but he had a whole evening planned for the two of them and she would come for him, one way or another. Oliver wouldn’t stop until she did.

  * * * *

  Serene lifted her glass then took a sip from her glass as those around her clapped. She hugged her sister, kissed her on the cheek then sat down, happy her maid of honor speech was over.

  “That was beautiful.” Ava dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. “Good job, chica.”

  “Thank you.” Serene drew in a breath as Oliver stood up to speak, annoyed by the flutters of awareness scattering goose bumps over her skin as she listened to him speak. She glanced around to see if anyone was staring at the I-just-had-sex-with-the-best-man stamp she was certain was imprinted on her forehead. She’d tossed and turned all night, in disbelief over all that had happened, replaying everything Oliver had said. Thank goodness she’d packed her trusted vibrator, but even after her frenzied orgasm she’d needed, wanted more.