by Smith, Debra
“Jenny, it’s Clint. Are you okay? You’ve been in there awhile.” He paused and continued, “I’m supposed to take you to your room.”
“Just a second.”
She patted her face with the rough, brown, paper towels and tried to compose herself. She fussed with her skirt and her wild, windblown hair. She was as presentable as she was going to get. She stood tall and squared her shoulders as she opened the bathroom door.
“Where’s is this room of mine?”
“Gryph’s house is in the back. He had a room prepared for you while you were in the bathroom. I’ll have your car towed, and for what it’s worth, I am sorry you found out this way, darlin’.” He smiled softly.
Jenny lifted her shoulders, not wanting to cry. “I have a bag with some of my things in the trunk. I would appreciate it if you could bring it to me.”
“Gryph already retrieved it, and it should be waiting in your room.”
How could he have retrieved it already? The car was at least six or seven miles down the road. There were no cars that she could see. Whatever, it was the least of her worries.
She eyed the glass bottle on display behind the bar. She wasn't a huge drinker, but it seemed like the perfect time to start. She pushed past Clint and grabbed a sparkly pink bottle from the top shelf. That's where the best stuff was supposed to be. Her hands shook as she turned the bottle to read the label. Alize Vodka from France, the bottle was beautiful and made her almost want to smile. So she took it.
"Whoa, hold on a second, that's some special vodka you have your paws on. Gryph's been saving it. He's not gonna like this."
"I don't really care what he likes. It's his fault I'm stuck here. He could just let me go home." She narrowed her eyes and hissed. "If he has a problem with my drink choice, tell him to come see me."
Clint shook his head and failed at hiding his smile. Then he took her down a hallway and out the rear exit. They walked along a well-worn path that opened to one of the largest homes she’d ever seen.
“It’s beautiful.” Even in the moonlight, she could see it was three stories and made of red brick. Colorful flowers grew from planters in every window.
“It has been in Gryph’s family for a long time. It’s a little intimidating.”
Yeah, just like the man.
Clint unlocked the door with ease and held it open for her. She pretended not to be impressed. The house seemed even larger from the inside.
“Your room is up the set of stairs to the right and then the third door on the left. If you need anything, press pound two on your phone and just ask. Good Night.” Then, before she could say another word, Clint was gone.
Despite the beautiful appearance, the house was pretty creepy. It felt sterile, like all life had been sucked out. She suppressed a shiver and placed her palm on the carved wood railing for the stairs. It brought up memories of Buckskin Joe's haunted house. She would go with her friends during Halloween and wait to get the bejesus scared out of her. This was worse because she was alone and she stayed scared. No laughing. No teasing. No smiles. Her grip tightened on the bottle. She was going to forget, at least for tonight, and the contents of the bottle seemed like the answer.
Darn, which room was hers? She couldn’t remember. Jenny’s stomach voiced its upset at not being fed properly. She did know one thing for sure; after she took a shower she was going to eat enough to put most men to shame.
She opened the top of her stolen prize and took a swig. She coughed. She certainly had no way to judge its quality, but the slow burn and almost instant numbing that followed said it must have been good. Her world spun as she took another sip. That time the taste was better, and it went down smooth as silk. She just wanted to forget. Everything she loved was lost, and now she was in the clutches of a man who set her body on fire. Heat collected between her legs, soaking the scrap of lace as she remembered the feeling of his lips. She wanted Gryph despite everything. She wanted to taste the salt of his skin as she trailed her lips over the hidden ripples of his muscles. She wanted to break his control as he did hers. Her nails dug into her palm as she lifted the bottle to her lips. Maybe it would quell the stampeding lust tormenting her body.
"Get a grip, Jenny. It was just a kiss." She whispered as she found her room.
Chapter Four
Jenny was in heaven…in the form of a four person Jacuzzi bath tub. It felt wondrous, like thousands of tiny fingers rubbing every care away. She found her room faster than she hoped, and planned on taking a warm, quick shower so she could eat. When she opened her private bathroom door, she fell head over heels in love with the tub and couldn’t resist a pleasant, relaxing soak. Heck, she deserved it. It wasn’t every day a girl was told she was special and would be marrying a stranger. She didn’t even know what being special meant. She supposed she better get out of the tub and find out. She wanted answers. Plus, her heady buzz made her body sensitive, needy. She felt sexy amid the bubbles as she wished for a dark, brooding male to join her. She lifted her foot high enough to see her anklet. The silver charms were coated in small white bubbles.
“What didn’t you tell me mom?” she whispered to the ghost of her past.
She shivered and decided the water must be cooling off. Water sloshed on the floor as she stepped out. Her skin was flushed and slick as small bubbles slid over her body. Maybe the alcohol wasn't such a bright idea. She looked at her body in the mirror. All she saw when she closed her eyes were images of Gryph touching her stroking her with his hands and his cock. Her core clenched, and her breasts felt heavy. Maybe she just needed more to drink. Yeah, that was it.
Jenny was snooping in the closet and found the softest robe she had ever seen. She decided she wasn’t going to leave and would just eat at the cute little table in the corner. So she picked up the phone and dialed.
“Hello Miss Koning, what may I get for you?” a sweet, feminine voice answered.
“I’m not really sure. I’m very hungry, but I don’t know what you have.”
“Anything you would like.”
“O-okay, May I please have some Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream? Um, and… thick-cut bacon, four links of sausage, and some chamomile tea?”
“Of course, Miss Koning, would you like anything else?” Jenny could hear the woman's smile in her voice.
“May I have some freshly squeezed orange juice as well?”
“Yes, it will be delivered to your room shortly.”
“Thank you.”
"My pleasure, dear."
The phone went dead, and she was left to wait. She decided to investigate the room a little more. It certainly was quite beautiful. The bed was extravagant and soft as feather, and there were sculptures of animals in graceful poses. It felt like a dream. She was so tired and was about to drift off to sleep when a knock sounded at her door.
She could smell the waffles and bacon, and her stomach growled in anticipation. She couldn’t wait to indulge, so she ran to the door without getting properly dressed.
“Oh, it’s you.” Her happiness upset momentarily by his handsome face.
“You sound disappointed. Should I take the food with me when I leave?” Gryph asked.
“N-no, please don’t, I would love for you to stay.” Jenny put on her best fake smile and motioned Gryph to place the tray on the little table. She would probably pass out if she didn’t eat soon, so she was willing to tolerate his presence, if she was able to eat a proper meal.
Gryph shook his head and walked over and set down the overfilled tray. “You have quite the appetite for someone so scrawny. I do have to say the robe doesn’t do you justice.”
Jenny clenched her fists and walked over to the table. “I am not scrawny.” Could this man be any more irritating? She sat down in front of the tray and removed one of the silver covers. It was her bacon and sausage. Her mouth watered, and she reached for a piece. Gryph beat her to it and popped the whole slice of thick-cut bacon in his mouth. Maybe he could be more annoying.
“
Hey, that was mine!”
“Just trying to help you watch your figure.” He rolled his shoulders and reached for another piece of bacon.
“First, I’m scrawny, and now I’m fat. Clearly you have no knowledge of the difference. Now touch any more of my food and I will stab you with my fork.” She picked up her silverware to show how serious she was. If she could brand a calf, she could handle and overbearing male.
Gryph threw his head back and laughed. It sounded raw and out of practice.
She couldn’t help but smile. Steam filled the air as she lifted another lid. He watched her without expression. It was her waffles. They were beautifully displayed and looked as though they would melt in her mouth. She was ravenous, but because of her company she meticulously cut a piece of the golden disk and used her fork to poke a ripe strawberry. Then she dipped it into the swirled whipped cream and sighed, utter perfection. She brought it to her mouth, closed her eyes, and savored all the delicious flavors currently dancing her mouth.
“I wonder if you react with such abandon to everything you experience, Jenifer?” His voice sent shivers to her most intimate places.
She opened her eyes, locked onto his and swallowed. “I can assure you that’s one thing you will never find out.”
“Is that a challenge?” Gryph raised an eyebrow and his eyes smoldered. “Because I assure you, that if I wanted, I would have you beneath me and begging me to take you.”
Jenny’s body heated, nipples pebbled, and her sex became slick with cream. He was probably right. She didn’t stand a chance. She swallowed the lump in her throat and took a drink of her juice.
His eyes roamed her body, lingering on her breasts and then focusing on her lips. "Clint said you helped yourself to some of my Vodka."
"Yeah."
"It was expensive."
She looked around the opulent room. "You can afford it."
"Doesn't mean you should take things without asking. Maybe I should make you earn it. What do you think?"
She eagerly changed the subject. “The food is fantastic. Please thank the chef for me.”
“Why don’t you thank him yourself?”
“I will, where is he?”
“You’re looking at him.” There was a smug look on his face.
He had to be kidding. There was no way a man who ran a biker bar could cook something so delightful.
“What, don’t you believe me?”
Jenny shrugged her shoulders not wanting to call him a liar. She quickly ate another bite, adding twice as much whipped cream.
Gryph crossed his arms and said, “You really should get to know someone before you judge them.” Then he started walking to the door.
She rolled her eyes. Great now she hurt his pride. She scooted out of her chair and ran toward him and she placed her hand on his shoulder. He turned and faced her. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I’ve been through a lot tonight and must be a little grumpy.”
“You could make it up to me."
Jenny was wise to his games and raised a suspicious eyebrow, waiting for the catch.
"May I have some of your whipped cream?”
"This isn't like the chocolate thing is it?" She eyed him suspiciously.
"No, this is something completely different."
Well, that was harmless enough, and it was the least she could do. She turned toward the table. “Have as much as you like.”
Gryph grabbed her arm and spun her into his body. Then he bent down and sucked a tiny drop of cream from her bottom lip. She couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her lips.
“Delicious.” he purred.
"You lied." She said breathlessly.
"No, whipped cream is something completely different."
Jenny’s head was still spinning as he leaned in for more. She let him. She couldn’t help the attraction she felt for Gryph, and with one touch, she wanted more. He teased her lips with slow licks and sweet pulls until she opened for him. Approval rolled deep in his chest as he took full advantage. His taste was dark, addicting. She moaned as he pinched her nipple through her robe. She leaned into him, savoring his solid flesh against the softness of her curves. He was rigid, and just as eager for her. She rubbed herself shamelessly against the arousal bulging at the front of his jeans. She felt something brush the back of her legs, the bed. He continued his assault, cupping the weight of her breasts and drugging her with his kiss. The whole time he drove her higher. Her breath hitched, bringing his dark spices into her nose. She moaned, and he captured it with his mouth as he loosened the front of her robe.
"Fuck, your perfect, I can't wait to taste you." His eyes heated as his rough hand cupped her flesh.
She threw her head back as he used his calloused thumb and finger to pluck her pebbled nipple. She arched her chest into his hand, silently begging for more. Begging, darn him, he was right, but she didn't care. She needed to forget, and the pleasure of his touch was like a drug, chasing away anything but them.
"Do you want me to make you come?" He nipped at the sensitive flesh of her neck.
"Yes." She licked her lips as her robe fell to the ground. She watched his face as he cursed in reverence.
"Sit and open for me."
She did as he asked, feeling like a sacrifice. Her knees fell apart as she watched his body go rigid, and his hands flex.
"You're so wet for me," he praised. "Pink, soft and glistening. So beautiful."
He fell before her. His eyes locked with hers, and she shut hers to escape the passion in his gaze.
"Look at me Jenifer. I want you to watch me." She nodded unable to speak. She was so close to coming already, and he hadn't even touched her yet.
"Good girl."
Her hands shot to the back of his head as his tongue parted her folds. She tried to pull him away, but he growled, vibrating her clit and sending her into a violent release. Her legs squeezed his head as she rode the waves of her orgasm.
When she thought she could rest, his finger circled her sensitive opening bringing her to the edge once more. Her head thrashed as she lifted her hips in invitation.
"Greedy thing, aren't you? What did I say about asking?"
"Please."
"Please what?"
"Please, I want to come." she begged.
She cried out as he pushed into her. His thumb circled her swollen clit. Her hands gripped the sheets wrinkling, the soft, white cotton. Then she felt him push another finger inside, stretching her. She squeezed his fingers with her core, making him curse.
He increased the pressure with his thumb, and she cried out. Ecstasy thrummed along her skin and through her body. Her limbs fell lifelessly to the bed. He flipped her over and palmed her ass, giving her a light swat. He rubbed the sting away as he spoke.
"That's for taking a two thousand dollar bottle of vodka."
She tried to lift herself off of the bed, but his brawny hand held her down.
"You have a beautiful ass. Has anyone ever fucked you there?"
She shook her head, intrigued and disturbed by his question.
"No, I would think not. You've only been with boys. Your body needs a man to understand its needs. You're mine, you may not know it, but your body recognizes me."
“Stop.” she hissed.
He looked pained as he stepped back.
“You want me. I can smell your need.” he growled.
“Yes, my body wants you, but my heart doesn't.”
“You are mine, and I will have you.” He started to close the small distance between them.
“No, I am not yours! You have not won me yet. So I still have a choice.”
A deep snarl thundered through his chest, and his lips peeled back from his teeth. “I will leave you for now, but you will be mine.” Then he walked out of her room and slammed the door.
She froze as she caught her image in the mirror, in the corner of the room. Her body was marked by his touch and his mouth. Even after his words she still wanted him. She retrieved her robe from the f
loor and wrapped it around her body, forming a small shield from her mind and her heart.
Chapter Five
Jenny stretched like a cat basking in the sun and felt terrific despite everything that had happened. She had weird dreams of wild animals and places she’d never been. It must be all the paintings and statues. She threw back the covers and hurried to get dressed. She pulled her college track t-shirt over her head and stepped into her favorite pair of worn boot-cut jeans. She brushed her hair and let it fall in soft waves around her shoulders. She couldn’t wait to see Charlie.
She opened her door and walked down the hallway. She figured the best place to start would be in the kitchen. Charlie was always eating something. She smiled to herself as childhood memories flowed through her thoughts. She hoped she was heading in the right direction when she heard the deep timbre of his voice, complete with a Scottish accent.
“You’ll be letting me see the lass. You wouldn’t want me to be getting angry.” She smiled. He sounded like the Hulk.
“Charlie!” Jenny's heart fluttered. Tears threatened to spill past at the small reminder of her home.
“Shh...don't cry.” She buried her nose in his shirt and sucked in a deep breath. He smelled of leather soap and freshly cut grass.
Jenny held onto him and let her tears saturate his shirt. She needed his strength and tried to soak up all she could.
“Charlie, why is this happening?” He lifted her with ease and must have shooed Clint out of the kitchen with one of his famous stares.
“Don’t worry, I’m gonna explain as much as I can.” He sat her down in one of the stools and used the cuff of his shirt to dry her tears. Charlie had been with her since as far back as she could remember. His dark red hair and freckled skin reminded her of her ranch in Colorado. She just wanted to go home, but she had to know what was going on. She nodded her head for him to continue.
“First thing, your Da sends his love and wants you to be strong. He was only trying to keep you from this fate, and that’s why he never told you what you are.”
“W-what am I?” She wasn't sure she wanted to know.
