by Amy Lignor
I pulled the record from the plastic and let the familiar music fill the room, nice and low in order to bring me back to the castle and don the life of my character. Sitting on the window seat I leaned back and closed my eyes, screaming at my brain to remove the picture of a handsome, strong face that already haunted any dream I had. Taking long, deep breaths I waited for my fictional life to lead me on my next adventure.
~ His ~
I turned the knob, wondering if it was a fresh layer of sweat on my palm or the leftover soap from the shower that was making it almost impossible to open her door.
I remained quiet, not wanting to disturb Beth if she'd already called it a night. But the bedroom was empty. My heart jumped as I heard the familiar voice of the seductive Phantom in the distance and saw a muted light coming from underneath the door at the end of the bedroom.
Bobby was right. I needed Beth to understand once and for all how strong my emotions were.
Opening the door carefully, I stepped into the warm library and immediately focused on a dream. I sucked in my breath, this time really not knowing if I would ever exhale. They always say you can faint at the sight of a vision, and that's what Beth was.
My head screamed a warning at me and I released the air as quietly as I could. Stepping onto the balcony and into the emerald paradise, I gazed at the stunning piece of silk that caressed the body I'd been caught staring at more than once during our short time together. Beth's dark red hair fell over her shoulder, accenting the green gown that exactly matched the décor, making me feel as if I'd gone back generations to visit the Scots on my own family tree.
Stopping my descent in the middle of the staircase, I sat down. She was captivating, lost in her own little world thinking about an image I would never be able to see. I knew I had to be prepared, because when Beth opened those deep brown eyes and held me in that soft gaze, I would be hypnotized.
I began in a low tone, "What am I to you?"
Beth came up from her place of rest so fast that the pillow flew and the gown moved at the seam, allowing a beautiful view of one leg all the way up to a perfectly formed hip. I swallowed hard, forcing my gaze back to her face. "What am I to you?"
"What are you doing in here?"
I almost laughed as she struggled to find a tone that sounded like anger, but came out as slightly intrigued that anyone would have the balls to disturb her inner sanctum without an invitation. "The door was open."
She looked toward the kitchen, and I pointed upstairs. "You weren't in the bedroom so I took a shot."
Her eyes narrowed. "Is Bobby here?"
I shook my head. "He and Chris hit the town."
"That should take all of two seconds."
I remained quiet, watching the wheels begin to turn. I could almost feel Beth close the parts of her mind and soul that'd been wide open while she relaxed. I could hear the tiny vault doors begin to lock in place, sealing whatever emotions she was feeling behind the heavy iron doors. "Answer my question?"
She cleared her throat. "You're…a friend, Matt. I hope."
"I want more than friendship."
Beth nodded, taking deep breaths while she kept her voice soft and low. "I know that, but…"
"It'll fade," I finished. All of a sudden I was tired of hearing her beautiful voice speak the ridiculous in order to get me to walk away. Standing up, I marched down the rest of the stairs, determined to catch her before she had a chance to flee the room.
But she surprised me, yet again. Beth sat completely still as I sat down beside her. I breathed in that lavender scent and felt the warmth coming from her soft, clean skin.
"If you would just kiss me—just once—maybe it would be so bad we'd simply shake hands and say goodnight. Then I would go back to being your friend."
Beth released a huge sigh. "Are you ever going to let this go? Is there anything I can say to make you just let this go?"
"No."
"Fine."
I almost wanted to lean in and ask her to repeat her answer, as if I somehow I was stuck in a dream. But I never look a miracle in the mouth.
Placing one hand on Beth's soft cheek I felt the long, soft hair touch my skin as I encircled her waist with the other. The silk felt so good, as if I was touching a treasure that I'd been seeking for a lifetime. Leaning forward I took those beautiful lips with mine…and it all changed. In fact, everything I had thought up until now had been completely and utterly wrong.
Twenty-Seven
~ Hers ~
His lips were so soft. I could feel the strong muscles of his hand on my flesh and felt him pull me closer to his chest. A chest that was up for view and touch, as I moved my fingers across the skin I'd fallen in love with at first sight. The hair was soft and smooth, but the hardness of the ribcage, the abs that could slice me in half if they pressed into me much further, were a joy to touch…to savor.
As Matt slowly opened my lips with his, I felt his tongue enter my body, creating a world of intense heat and wetness that seemed to be coming from everywhere. All I could feel was the fire between my legs as I imagined the soft tongue that was caressing my mouth moving down my body, bringing me into a world of endless orgasm that I'd only written about.
Pulling me onto his lap, I wrapped my legs around his waist and held Matt to me. I knew I had to let go, I had to move…breathe. And when his lips finally released mine, a moan came from his throat as he moved his lips to my neck, sparking an inferno wherever he went.
The room spun in circles above me as that tongue, those lips—nibbled and licked the one place that made me absolutely crazy and completely unable to find my brain. My breath caught with each new move, each new amazing sensation that he sent across my skin. Without thinking, I whispered his name with a voice that I'd never heard before – and in that moment, everything changed.
With that one word the handsome face suddenly returned, and the look he offered me was one of sheer passion. Matt's whole body, every muscle seemed to be pulled taut as his kisses grew harder and deeper. I could feel his arms around me and I was suddenly being lifted, as he carried me back up the stairs into the bedroom above.
When I felt the floor under my feet once again I stood still, trying to maintain at least a shred of dignity by not falling to the carpet and begging him to touch me. With each deep breath the daze seemed to clear a bit. I watched him, illuminated by the moonlight coming through the window and the soft light from the library. Taking me by the shoulder, he left a trail of kisses across my back as he slowly turned me around to face away from him. I felt the zipper loosen and heard the sound of silk being parted, leaving everything behind me exposed to his sight.
"Bellissima," Matt whispered, as he pressed his body into mine. I could feel the hard form against my back as his hands began to caress my thighs.
The straps of the lingerie moved across my shoulders and I felt a shot of panic. Quickly grabbing the top of the bodice, I clenched the silk in my fists, suddenly scared of revealing everything that was me.
But the strong hands appeared. Taking mine in a soft grip, Matt slowly opened my fingers as he whispered in my ear, "I need to see you."
The wisp of silk fluttered to my feet, caressing my excited body as it flew by each and every curve.
I could hear his intake of breath in my ear as he kept his hand in mine. "Turn around."
Running was out. I didn't want to. I didn't want to find some excuse, or torture myself anymore than I already had. I didn't want to know about consequences, or think about what was best for him…I wanted this for me. I was going to be selfish.
Turning in his arms, all I could hope was that the reality was at least half as good as the fantasy he'd built inside his mind.
~ His ~
It was completely different; it had all changed.
That one kiss had turned a need, a want, a love, into a hunger so powerful I could barely breathe. I never thought it would be possible to actually need a human being so much that you would kill to have them. A
nd for Beth, I would have. Every instinct was coming to the surface. Everything from the warrior to the defender to the lover to the husband – every man sprang to life inside my body. They seemed to be jostling for superiority; each one wanted to be the 'man' that would make Beth the happiest. I needed to make her happy. I wanted to be the one that met her every single need for the rest of her life, and I would suddenly stop at nothing to accomplish that.
Her kiss was perfect, and when I pressed my tongue inside that warm, wet mouth I was lost in a world I'd never imagined before. Maybe Beth was right; maybe there is a Heaven. But the feeling of her touch would outshine even that remarkable place in seconds.
When I grabbed her and pulled her onto my lap I could feel the warmth, the wetness, and I could barely contain myself. As she moved me between her legs and pressed her body against me, all I could imagine was what she would taste like. I feasted on Beth's suddenly hungry mouth. She was a veil of silk in my arms, and when I broke free and placed my lips on that beautiful neck, she tightened around me.
The whisper had been so soft, blending in with the romantic music playing somewhere in the room. But I heard it. Beth was moaning my name, and I suddenly wanted to make her scream it so loud that even the neighbors would wake from their dreams.
Sweeping her up in my arms I practically ran up the staircase, continuing to savor the lips that were a gift I could never repay.
When I set her down, Beth turned from me, as if trying to get bearings that I didn't want her to find. In fact, I wanted to somehow shut off that conscience that was in there struggling with what not to do.
I lowered the zipper and moved the silk aside; the sight that met my eyes made my mouth water. Those legs leading to those perfect hips were luscious. Beth's back was elegant, graceful and every inch of skin looked like sweet cream to be tasted and enjoyed. Tight, firm—I placed my hands on her hips and pulled Beth against me. Stepping out of the sweatpants, I pressed into her, showing her the passion she awoke in me. And I practically had a heart attack as the perfectly rounded flesh rubbed against me in return. I was throbbing. With only one touch from Beth I knew I would explode.
As I moved the straps of the gown over her shoulders I felt Beth tense; her arms lifted and her hands reached for the fabric in an attempt to stop the rest of paradise from being exposed. But I had to. I had to see her. And when she turned around to meet my gaze, everything stopped. I know it sounds ridiculous. But everything literally just stopped. This was the image they talk about—the mirage, the vision, the Venus de Milo you stare at—begging her to allow you to be the one. .
Bellissima was true, but the complete image of Beth went beyond that. She was…exquisite. And as I fell to my knees in front of her, I knew she was also going to be mine.
~ Hers ~
The tightened jaw exposed the hard line of the divot in his handsome chin. The muscled chest breathed in and out fast and hard, practically panting, yet without a sound being uttered through his soft, wet lips… Matt's eyes were wide and filled with a look of sheer hunger. I felt as if I was about to be devoured by a mountain lion, or have a huge stamp placed on my forehead that read, Property of Matthew McKenna so that the world would know.
I didn't care. At that moment I didn't care if he tied me to the bed and left me there, as long as he kept that look in his eyes. I could feel his heat and reveled in how hard and tight and beautiful his body was; a lithe dancer's form that would rival Adonis. He was the perfect specimen of man and I could barely breathe.
I've never trembled in my life—not before a man, woman, enemy, angry boss—no one. But when Matt fell to his knees it was so fast, the pressure of his hands was so quick, that I barely understood what was happening before that amazing tongue that'd played in my mouth moved on to devour a new location.
I can't explain magic, but that's what this sensation was. The pressure of Matt's tongue was slow and soft, stroking me as his fingers appeared and moved inside the wetness he'd created. There was no way to keep standing; I felt the ground disappear as I was picked up and placed in the soft folds of the comforter. My legs were pinned open as the stunning face kept searching, licking, caressing… His fingers moved faster, in and out, making my back arch as the pleasure raced through me. I was calling his name; Matt was all I knew—the rest of the world could cease to exist and it wouldn't matter when that tongue moved faster and faster, circling every sensitive spot I once claimed as my own.
His strong hands lifted my hips from the bed and I rode him, gyrating on that tongue until I exploded over and over again…screaming for more. The warmth rushed from my body, as Matt kept playing, teasing, making me come again and again until I thought that blacking out was the only option of escape I had left.
But his words as he gazed up at me caused far more than just heat to flow from his expert hands—they caused an explosion in my soul.
The long eyelashes brushed against my thigh as he kissed my stomach. "I'm home," he whispered.
I pulled at his shoulders, begging him to cover me. I wanted to feel the length of him pressed up against me, but he wouldn't budge. With that stunning smile on his face, Matt simply spread me wider and began his mission to make me scream once more.
~ His ~
Beth was absolutely perfect; warm, soft and unclaimed by any man's hands. The tiny little triangle of dark hair offered the same splash of fire as her sexy mane and was mine to view, mine to caress…mine.
The intoxicating lavender scent made me even hungrier as I worked in between those long legs slowly and methodically. I was so beyond excited I couldn't see straight. I had already exploded in her comforter just watching Beth writhe against me, riding my fingers, knowing that once I was inside her I would have every inch of her to call my own for the rest of my life. And she tasted so sweet, like a seductive cocktail that causes you to get so high you don't ever want to find the ground again.
The moans, the soft purrs, the catches in her breathing when I licked her—every move she made or whisper she uttered took me to heaven and back again. Watching Beth rise off the bed and hearing her cry out when I touched just the right spot, when I rubbed over and over and over again as her back arched and she screamed my name, made me come with her. I continued my seduction; I didn't want one single solitary drop of Beth to be missed by my hungry mouth.
Watching her face after she came—seeing the lips wet, the eyes begging me to join her up on the pillow so I could be inside her, was almost too much to handle. I wanted nothing more than to enter her and feel Beth tighten around me, but I couldn't leave yet. I couldn't leave the perfection I'd found.
Placing a kiss on her tight, flat stomach, knowing that someday my child would be carried by that remarkable body, I smiled up at her.
As I returned to my fantasy, my fingers slipped inside, and I spoke the absolute truth from my soul, "I'm home."
~ Hers ~
"Matt…you have to stop!" I screamed again, trying to catch my breath.
"You'll be lucky if I stop next month."
I watched his face slowly return to his apparently hand-picked site and felt the throbbing begin again. I grabbed him by his thick brown hair and pulled his gaze back to mine. "Even Broadway gives an intermission."
Chuckling, he slowly moved up my body. His tongue continued as he came closer, caressing my breasts until I was so close to another orgasm that I knew I would soon have to be taken to the hospital for dehydration.
When he joined me, I threw my hip over his stomach. Taking him by surprise, I forced his body down into the soft comforter, and smiled. "A lady is supposed to have her turn."
His face grew serious; a mask that was a mixture of both lust and domination. "Beth, I can't keep my hands off you long enough."
I could feel the power and passion behind his words as he sat up straight and went for my neck.
Pushing him back down, Matt took a deep breath beneath me. His voice was a deep growl that sounded like a warning, "Beth, this is not going to work. I've wante
d you my whole life and I'm not nearly finished."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"I can't…leave you alone." Matt's body began to rise off the pillows again.
"Nope."
His hands grasped my arms and I could feel the strength flow through him. "I. Am. Not. Done."
I studied that face. Every twitch, every movement…he looked dangerous when he licked his lips—the skilled duo that'd already caused me to explode over and over again. "Do you trust me?"
His brow furrowed. "What?"
"Do you trust me?"
The corner of his mouth pulled up, allowing the adorable chin dimple to appear. "In theory," he replied.
I slapped his chest and reached over to the nightstand, trying to ignore the huge moan he let out beneath me. Grabbing a pair of panties from the drawer I sat back, feeling the hard weight of him press into my thigh. "Sit up?"
"Gladly." Matt said, as he started to flip me back over.
"Put your hands behind you."
"What?"
"You're so worried about touching me…this will take away the problem."
Matt shook his head. "No. I need to touch you, Beth."
"Just for a minute? Please?" I leaned in, whispering in his ear as my tongue stroked the sensitive skin of his neck. "I want to touch you…and this is obviously the only way you'll let me."
~ His ~
My heart practically beat out of my chest when she whispered those words. I wanted to please her. I wanted to give Beth everything…but not being able to touch the woman I craved more than air made my mind scream at me to take over and steal the breath from her lungs.
Closing my eyes, taking a deep breath, I clasped my hands behind my back and felt Beth's soft hands and the silky fabric put me out of play. I swallowed hard. Beth was more than I ever thought any woman could be.
As she pressed her hand against my chest, pushing me back into the pillows, I watched the luscious lips begin their magic. Caressing, kissing my chest, Beth immediately caused the tingles to appear in every inch of my body. Moving slowly Belt tasted, touched—made sure that she put me through the same torture I had given to her. But this was far worse.
