by Jenna Jacob
The sensation of hot tears sliding down my cheeks brought me back to the present. Quickly brushing them away, I lifted the champagne to my lips with a trembling hand. The bubbly liquid fizzed over my tongue and I swallowed tightly, unable to look away from the work of art.
“She’s quite beautiful, isn’t she?” A deep voice asked in a smooth, velvet whisper.
Even the stranger’s question didn’t lure my gaze away. I absently nodded. “Yes,” I murmured.
“She speaks a language you seem to understand. I’ve watched you stare at her for over half an hour,” the whisky-voiced man noted. “Tell me, why the tears?”
His question finally broke the statue’s spell and I jerked my head toward the stranger. Startled, I found myself gazing into the same striking green eyes from the article about the tragedy that befell Joshua Lars. No longer haunted with pain, the artist’s eyes held something far scarier… awareness.
CHAPTER THREE
Joshua Lars—the Joshua Lars—stared at me like a hungry wolf evaluating a lone rabbit miles from the safety of its burrow.
“Oh!” I gasped, extending my hand to him. “Mr. Lars, it’s an honor.”
A modest smile crawled across his lips and my heart tripped over itself as it skittered in my chest. “Please, call me Joshua. And trust me, Mellie, the pleasure is all mine.”
He knew my name? No doubt he spied my surprise, as a warm chuckle rolled from the back of his throat, sending a streak of arousal igniting within me.
“Abbas has quite a penchant for my work. I made it a point to find out about the woman he’d sent on his behalf.”
“Oh.” I nodded, stunned that Joshua would bother with such mundane details.
“You never answered my question, Mellie,” he reminded me.
Joshua stepped close into my personal space. I glanced back at the alluring woman, trying to ignore the decadent heat emanating from his long, lean body. Quickly averting my gaze—for fear the sub statue might pull me beneath her spell again—only to be snared by Joshua’s intense appraisal.
“Actually, I’m a bit embarrassed by my reaction to the piece. I was brought to tears by the sheer beauty and detail of your work,” I fibbed.
“I see.” His expression suddenly turned somber. “My mistake. I thought perhaps she’d swayed you on some other level.”
“Oh? What level is that?” I feigned confusion.
“It’s not important,” he replied with a wave of his hand. “Listen, I was just on my way outside to get some air and I’d like some company. Are you up for that?”
I swallowed tightly. “Yes. Thank you, I’d be honored.” I smiled, then tucked my purse beneath my arm, gripping my champagne glass to keep it from shaking.
“Come.” He smiled.
His word sounded like a command and I hesitated as he extended his elbow. He arched an inquisitive brow as I forced my hand to grasp the crook of his arm. His muscles felt strong and sturdy, and I wondered how his flesh would feel, naked with me beneath him.
Joshua led me through the gallery and out the back door. Without a word, we walked down a stone pathway surrounded by fragrant rose bushes that did little to soothe my frazzled nerves. Though the gentle breeze from the night air was a welcome change from the bustling, stuffy gallery teeming with prospective buyers, it too didn’t help calm me. Nervous energy zipped through me with a level of anxiety so foreign I didn’t know how to sort or suppress it.
Seated on a padded bench beneath the stars, I glanced at the foliage surrounding the courtyard, slowly sipping my champagne. I could feel Joshua’s intense, hot gaze piercing through me, producing awkward and unsure emotions that were so out of character for me that I tipped back the glass and drained the contents in one big gulp. Placing the flute down, I glanced over at him. He smiled, and I all but melted.
“It’s a beautiful night,” I blurted out nervously. “The roses… they smell so sweet.”
“Yes,” he murmured, staring at me for a disturbingly long time.
Darting my gaze away from him, I felt awkwardly unsure and perplexed.
Get a grip. What the hell is wrong with you? You act like you’re never talked to a damn man before. Yeah, yeah, it’s Joshua Lars, big deal. Grow a set and snap out of it.
Gathering up my courage while trying to ignore the fact that I was sitting next to one of the most talented artists of the twenty-first century, I gathered my courage and turned to face him. It was time to nip this shit in the bud.
“Why are you staring at me?”
“I’m memorizing every gorgeous contour of your face. I’m going to capture your beauty in clay.” He skimmed a single finger up my cheek, sending a tremor of excitement rippling through me. “You’re so damn beautiful. I can already feel you coming to life beneath my fingers.”
Images of dissolving beneath his masterful hands flickered through my brain. The erotic visuals, coupled with the champagne, melted all my inhibitions away. Acting on impulse, I leaned in and kissed him. Joshua started, but didn’t pull back. Instead he cupped a hand around my nape, he laid siege to my mouth and stripped away my attempted control. He brushed his tongue over the seam of my lips, enticing me to yield beneath the kiss. Opening, I let him in as a voice inside from long ago sighed a contented ‘yes.’
Joshua sucked in an energized breath so deep it stole the air from my lungs. Empowered by my surrender, his kiss turned urgent and demanding. Our tongues dueled in a frantic dance as he slid his hand from my neck and palmed my aching breast. Swallowing my soft moans, he gently brushed a thumb over my turgid nipple. Gripping the jacket of his tuxedo in my fists, I held on as he ate at me like a hungry animal.
Abruptly Joshua pulled back, and in the moonlight I saw the gravity of desire blazing in his eyes.
“I want you in my bed, Mellie,” he whispered in a raspy, edgy rumble.
Jerking his head upright, he blinked, seemingly startled by his confession. Joshua scrubbed a hand through his golden hair, and exhaled a deep sigh. “Christ, you must think I’m a bastard. One kiss and—”
“No,” I blurted out. “You’re not… yes. Take me to bed.”
What the hell are you doing? You don’t even know this guy. He’s not even asked you out to dinner, and you’re going to fuck him? You know what’s going to happen after. Right? Shame, remorse, and guilt. Tons and tons of guilt. Remember what happened the first time you thought you could handle a one-night stand? For the love of god, don’t be stupid and set yourself up for that mental shit-storm again.
A sensual smile tugged one corner of his mouth, effectively wiping away the reprimanding voice in my head, and all my rationale. Leaping from the bench as if he’d just won a trip to Tahiti, he clasped his hand in mine. Pulling me to my feet, Joshua all but dragged me across the stone walkway and back inside the gallery.
Bending close to my ear, his warm breath had me biting back a moan. “I have to mingle for a few minutes. Don’t leave.”
“I won’t,” I murmured, turning to gaze into his twinkling green eyes.
“Good girl,” he whispered. Flashing me a quick wink, he hurried away.
My pussy fluttered at his praise and I swallowed the lump of lust lodged in my throat.
You’re really going to do it again, aren’t you? You’re going to wish you hadn’t when you’re crying and beating yourself up, feeling like a ten cent whore...again.
Lifting a flute of champagne off the tray of a passing waiter, I downed its contents in two gulps. I wasn’t aiming to get drunk; I simply needed some liquid courage, and hoped it would silence the righteous voice screaming in my head.
Meandering toward the back of the gallery, I caught Joshua glancing my way while he chatted with his fans. It was impossible to miss the lustful flicker in his eyes or the knowing smile adorning his erotic mouth. Anticipation had those damn butterflies dipping and swooping in a gut-churning freefall. Turning away from his enticing glimpses, I once again found myself staring at the alluring woman on her knees. Just as before,
she held me hostage while my tattered and bruised submission stirred to life.
“You please me, girl, and make me happy.” The familiar voice from long ago echoed in my head, dragging with it the warmth of pleasing a Master.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I clenched my jaw as my body grew taut. No. He wasn’t a Master, he was a fake, and you were a fool to believe his lies. Even as I tried to convince myself the submission I’d experienced was a farce, I couldn’t deny the contentment yielding had brought to my soul. I couldn’t rationalize away how utterly complete I’d been beneath the command of a Dom. Even one who was a son of a bitch and had little regard for a collar. Master wasn’t all bad. There were moments when his command had been simply divine, and something special blossomed inside me…or at least I’d thought so at the time.
I missed my submission. Even admitting there was a missing part inside me, I knew I could never allow myself to sink back to such a vulnerable position again. It would be emotional suicide. I had to drive away the beguiling memories—slam the lid down tight, and seal them away—fast. This was definitely not the time or place to toss my yearnings into some emotional blender and start whipping up dysfunctional submissive smoothies.
Opening my eyes, I had every intention of suppressing my inner submissive, but all that was shot to hell the instant I gazed at the imploring expression on the figurine’s face. I’d been that woman… Haunted by the same compulsion to please reflecting on her beautifully etched face. Yearning for that fulfillment sliced deep, opened me up with a raw and unforgiving blade.
No matter how desperately I wanted to deny it, Joshua’s mannerisms conveyed his Dominance. I’d have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to notice. Like a slippery eel, apprehension slithered within. I’d successfully hidden my real desires when he’d questioned me about my reaction to the statue. But what if he got past my defenses? Would he expect me to kneel at his feet… hand over my control so he could mold me into a perfect statue? Then what? Dangle me like a puppet until a younger, inexperienced submissive blipped his radar? How long would it be until he snipped the threads and set me free, only to sink his talented hands into the flesh of another to sculpt and mold her into a flawless sub?
No more champagne for you, chicky. You’ve known the man a whole five minutes. If he expects you to hand over your control without trust, he’s nothing but another big fat fucking player. Besides, none of it matters. All you’re going to do is have a nice hot tumble in the sack with him. That’s it. No Dom/sub nothing! So get a grip and for the love of god, stop torturing yourself by looking at the damn sculpture!
Snapping my head up, I found Joshua staring at me with a gaze so intent I suddenly worried that I’d let my mask slip. My cheeks grew warm and began to mentally draw up my crumbling shield. My only saving grace was that the man couldn’t read my mind. Quickly pulling bold and brazen Mellie to the surface, I flashed him a seductive smile. I had no intention of letting him see how quickly he unraveled me.
Seduction, not submission.
Joshua inched closer toward me, never missing a beat of conversation with the crowd of people pressing in around him. Hyper aware that his methodical movements were aimed in my direction, the room felt hotter. My nipples ached and my pussy wept and all I could think about was having him put out the five-alarm fire he ignited within me.
I couldn’t stop staring at the curve of his lips or the memory of how his fervent kiss had possessed me. Watching the unconscious sweep of his hands as he talked, I studied each long finger before dropping my gaze to his feet. I couldn’t help it, I was curious. I’d spent enough horizontal time in the sheets to know the old adage; big hands, big feet… big cock was true, and Joshua Lars had a massive cock hidden beneath his pants. My palms itched to caress, grip, and stroke it to life. Subconsciously, I slid my tongue over my teeth, hungry for a taste.
“You must be extremely proud.” A deep-voiced man shook me from my sexual musings.
Turning, I peered over my shoulder and was startled to find a stunning piece of eye-candy standing beside me. Dressed in a gray suit, his dark eyes matched his coffee-colored hair and the well-manicured scruff adorning his chiseled face.
“I beg your pardon?” I asked, confused by his remark.
“I said you must be extremely proud. Joshua captured you impeccably in this decisive piece of erotica.” The man nodded toward the statue.
“Oh!” I blinked. “No. That’s not me.”
He tipped his head to the side as if trying to decide if I were telling a lie. Darting several glances between the sculpture and me, he pursed his lips in a frown. “It certainly looks like you.”
“Coincidence, I guess.” I shrugged.
“Hrm,” he grunted in disbelief. “That’s some coincidence, and a pity, really.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I think you’d look stunning on your knees before me,” he quipped with a wicked smirk.
My mouth fell open in absolute shock.
“Ah, Ian. Glad you could make it, man,” Joshua announced as he slapped the other man on the shoulder with a broad smile.
Snapping my jaw shut, I welcomed his interruption, because Ian had left me speechless.
“You know I wouldn’t miss this,” Ian chuckled.
“Melinda Carson, Ian Stone. Ian, Melinda,” Joshua introduced.
“Not Melinda.” I cringed. “Please call me Mellie.”
“Mellie, I’m enchanted.” Ian replied with a wolfish grin. Lifting my hand to his lips, he brushed a kiss over my skin.
“Back off, bro,” Joshua warned. An unmistakable tone of jealousy resonated in his voice.
“Seriously?” Ian asked, arching his brows. “I should have known.” Turning, he pinned me with an accusatory stare. “I almost believed you when you said you weren’t the model for the statue.”
“I’m not,” I gasped.
As if putting the pieces of our conversation together, Joshua peered down at the kneeling woman then turned and studied me with a razor-sharp gaze. “That’s truly amazing.”
“What?” I asked as a rush of anxiety rippled through me.
“She looks just like you,” Joshua affirmed.
“No, she doesn’t”
“Yes, she does,” both men chuckled in unison.
“It’s fate and can only mean one thing,” Joshua marveled as he plucked the statue from its stand.
“What?”
“She’s yours,” he insisted, thrusting the delicate woman into my hands.
The unexpected weight of the piece surprised me. I clutched it tight, praying it wouldn’t slip through my fingers and splinter over the glossy hardwood floor. “I can’t possibly accept… It’s too much, honestly.”
“I don’t believe it,” Ian gasped. “I just witnessed history in the making. Mellie, you’re the first woman I’ve ever heard say ‘no’ to the great and powerful Joshua Lars.”
Ian let out a loud laugh.
“Bite me, bro,” Joshua drawled in a low, sarcastic whisper. “Don’t believe him, Mellie. Ian’s a habitual liar.”
“I think you’re both just trying to rattle my chain.” I grinned.
“Oh, so you like chains do you, princess?” Ian winked.
“No,” I lied with a roll of my eyes. “Are you two brothers or something?”
“No, we met...ahhh,” Ian stuttered. “Through some mutual friends a few years back.”
“He’s my brother from another mother,” Joshua smirked then quickly sobered. “Hey, we’re going to sneak out of this soirée and grab a drink or something. I’ll see you this weekend.”
“You need a co-pilot to help pour the drinks?” Ian asked cryptically. I couldn’t miss his hopeful expression.
“Not tonight, bro. I’m flying solo,” Joshua replied with a shake of his head.
I felt my brows furrow. Seriously? Was I reading the gist of their conversation right? Was Ian asking to be a third in our pre-arranged sexcapade? My heart skipped a beat and a rush of cream
slid from within. Holy crap! They share women? The thought made my aching clit throb even more.
“Fuck, my luck sucks,” Ian groused with a grin as he slapped Joshua on the back. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t enjoy. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mellie. Oh, and if Joshua disappoints, give me a call.”
“Prick,” Joshua mumbled under his breath before wrapping his fingers around my elbow and gently pulling me to his side.
“I doubt you’ll be hearing from me, but it was nice meeting you, Ian,” I giggled as Joshua led me away.
“You’ll have to excuse him. He doesn’t have much of a filter,” Joshua spoke quietly, leaning in toward my ear.
“It’s okay. I don’t shock very easily,” I reassured him.
Joshua ushered me toward the door leading to the rose garden, but before we could make our escape, our plans were thwarted by a group of adoring fans that converged around us. His smile was jovial, his voice calm and collected, but his fingers gripped my elbow tighter as a palpable tension rose inside him. I wondered if being thrown back into the limelight made him uncomfortable, or if he was simply as anxious to get naked and start fucking as I was.
Christian chose that moment to make a toast. I almost laughed when Joshua issued a barely perceptible growl from the back of his throat. It was comforting to know I wasn’t the only one anxious to get leave—or suffering raging hormone syndrome.
Like a quintessential gentleman, Joshua thanked Christian and his fans for their steadfast support and announced that his hiatus was over. After Joshua promised to have additional exhibitions in the near future, the guests seemed placated enough for us to finally slip out the back door.
As soon as we stepped outside, Joshua spun me against his chest and crashed his lips down against mine in a hot and desperate kiss. Gripping my purse in one hand and the stunning work he’d given me in the other, I whimpered at my inability to slide my hands inside his tux jacket and feel the ridges and planes of his body. When he pressed his heated shaft against my sweltering pussy, I quickly gauged the size of his massive erection. The man might very well kill me, but oh hell yes, what a way to go.
