“Well, I don’t mean to be rude, but I already thought of you as a rehabilitated womanizer when we first met.”
“A womanizer?” he gasped, smirking slightly. “Why would you think that?”
“Well, after we found out that Drake had a twin, we did a full background check for you, which included your social media. You kind of seemed as if you were the type of freewheeling guy who enjoyed flirting his way around town. I mean, it’s not that I ever saw you with the same girl in a photo twice.”
“Ouch, yeah, I guess I didn’t realize how that might come across,” he replied, popping open the bottle and pouring two glasses.
“Sorry,” Olivia said. “I know it wasn’t very fair of me to think that.”
“Hey, no worries.” He shrugged, coming over to stand close in front of her. He handed her a glass of wine. “It just means I get to prove you wrong.”
His heart pounded loudly as Olivia closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her soft lips against his. He leaned into the kiss and closed his eyes, twisting his fingers in her hair as she pressed her body against him. He ached to be with her—to be inside her. He lowered his mouth to her throat, gently tugging on her hair, exposing her neck to him. She gasped, the sound causing his blood to sizzle. He wanted to hear more from her.
“I want you, Olivia,” he murmured. She moaned quietly in agreement, too lost in the moment to speak. After scooping her up, Rhys carried her down the hallway toward his bedroom and lowered her onto the bed. At the sight of the woman lying on his bed, eyes wide and dark, slightly breathless, he felt a stiffness in the crotch of his jeans.
“You’re absolutely beautiful,” he told her, yanking his shirt over his head.
She smirked. “Come here.”
Unwilling to deny her request, he leaned forward and crowded her back so that she was beneath him. His fingers tangling with hers as he lifted her hands above her head and pinned them on the pillows.
He pressed gentle kisses along her jaw. Olivia’s eyes fluttered shut as his hand slid up and under the leather jacket she wore. Pulling her up just a slight bit, he stripped it off her, exposing her shoulders and the soft fabric of her tank top. He ran his hands down over her small breasts and cupped them as he nipped her neck with his teeth. She let out a shaky breath as he ran his hands over her jeans.
“You have incredible legs,” he said as he popped the button and slowly started to unzip them. Her body relaxed under his touch as his hand slowly made its way down between the fabric and her skin. Rhys stroked her center as she closed her eyes and clutched his arm.
“This okay?” he asked.
“Yes,” she gasped as his finger massaged her clit. “That feels so good.”
She was driving him crazy with her moans. The first time he saw her, he couldn’t help thinking about how sexy she was. With her underneath him, blooming like a flower, he could hardly believe he’d gotten so lucky.
He lowered his mouth to her shoulder and nipped at her collarbone. As he continued to stroke her, he dipped his hand past the fabric of her panties and separated the folds to slide his fingers into her. She arched beneath him. He groaned at the desperate sounds she made as he curled his fingers.
“Rhys,” she whimpered as he slid his fingers out and carefully lifted her tank top over her head and dropped it to the floor.
He pressed teasing kisses onto her abdomen, which tightened at the contact. Rhys pulled down her jeans and panties then flicked his tongue against the soft skin. She gasped and groaned as he spread her legs and devoured her. She cried out, fisting her hands in his hair as he flicked his tongue with slow strokes. She shattered beneath him, unraveling with an orgasm as her hands grasped at the hair at the nape of his neck. Then Rhys rose above her, unzipping his pants and groaning as he freed himself.
“Please,” gasped Olivia. “I want you.”
Rhys grunted in affirmation and then reached over the bedside table to fumble around in the drawer. He felt around until he found the box of condoms. God, he was so turned on, he almost forgot to grab one.
“Safety first.” Rhys tore open the wrapper with his teeth as he hovered over her. “Mm, where were we?” he crooned, kissing her again. “Oh, right, you were saying how much you wanted me.”
Olivia smirked and flopped back on the pillows.
“Don’t keep me waiting,” she murmured, raising an eyebrow as she spread her thighs just a bit wider for him.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said on a breath. Quickly, he rolled the condom down over his length, and then Olivia wrapped her legs around his hips and pressed him closer desperately.
He stroked himself up and down against her, enjoying the way she shuddered with each stroke. He pressed himself against her entrance and watched her eyes roll back as he slowly filled her body, inch by inch. The heat of her body against his left him weak. As he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her, he pressed his lips to hers and tasted her. The intoxicating flavor of Olivia filled him. He moved slowly and deeply, taking his time as they moved closer to the brink.
“Rhys,” she said around a moan as she slid her hands up and down his back.
It made him yearn to pummel into her, but he also wanted to be gentle. As he ground his hips against hers, she writhed beneath him, testing his resolve.
“Olivia,” he whispered. He slid in and out of her with slow thrusts. She cried out as he started to thrust harder and faster. He saw the desire build within her. As she came again, pulsing around him, Rhys let go and released into her.
Olivia
Olivia strolled into the office on Monday morning, absolutely glowing.
“Well, look at you.” Adeline smirked.
“How was your weekend?” Sunday’s head popped up from the computer. Her eyes widened when she caught sight of Olivia. “Oh my.”
“What?” Olivia asked innocently as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
“Don’t play dumb,” Adeline urged, waggling her eyebrows wickedly.
“I have nothing to tell,” she said with a shrug.
“Bullshit. Spill it. Right now,” Adeline demanded.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Olivia continued, pressing her lips together to hide a smile.
“Oh, come on. Please?” Sunday gushed.
Melanie laughed as she entered the room, overhearing the interrogation. “You know, you might as well give them the story because if you don’t say anything, then they’re just going to create their own narrative. It’s going to be all they think about and talk about, and we’re not going to be able to get anything done.”
Olivia sighed. It was a good point.
“We spent the night together,” Olivia said.
“I knew it!” Sunday exclaimed. She clasped her hands together. “Was it good?”
“Of course it was good. How could it not be? You guys have such intense chemistry,” Adeline gushed.
Olivia laughed and sat beside them. “It was incredible. Absolutely perfect. I mean, the party kind of sucked, but he suggested that we leave early and then from there…well, the rest is history.”
Sunday sighed. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks.” Olivia smiled.
“You deserve all the happiness in the world,” Melanie told her.
“That’s sweet, Mel, but enough about me. Any news on the case?” Olivia asked. “We should really start closing in on Drake soon.”
“This place is so cool,” Olivia said to Rhys from across the table in the retro pub located in a trendy area of downtown.
“I’m glad you like it.” Rhys reached out to take her hand on top of the glossy, dark oak table. “I was a little nervous about bringing you here.”
Olivia pouted in confusion. “Why?”
He shrugged, flashing her his trademark smirk. It caused her stomach to flip pleasantly, remembering when he looked at her like that when they were naked in the sheets together just a couple of days ago.
“It’s kind of a relaxed vibe,” Rhys explained. They were in a bar that locals frequented, despite the fact that it was located in a city that saw a lot of tourist traffic. “You know, like it’s not a fancy restaurant or whatever. I didn’t want you to think that I didn’t take this seriously or something.”
Olivia squeezed his hand and smiled. “No, I prefer places like this. I’m a casual person. And what do you mean by ‘this’?”
“You know…us.”
“You’re taking us seriously?” Olivia blinked. She had hoped that Rhys was serious when he said that his days of being a playboy were behind him, but it was said in the heat of the moment, so she didn’t want to place too much expectation on them.
“I am.” Rhys nodded. “I really like you, and I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. If that’s what you want, I mean.”
Olivia giggled. “Of course I want that. I like you, too.”
His smirk grew more pronounced. “Cool.”
She mirrored his tone and nodded. “Cool.”
At that point, a waitress came over to take their order. The bar that they were in was in the style of a classic English pub, so Olivia and Rhys ordered the special, which was some kind of chicken pie, and a couple of light brews. When the waitress left, Olivia leaned forward onto her elbows.
“Can I tell you something that might sound really stupid?” she asked.
“I doubt anything that could come out of your mouth would sound stupid, but yes, you can say anything to me.”
“Still…well, I was sort of anxious about this thing between us,” she began. “Just because it began because of Lila’s case, you know? So, I was wondering if you were only interested in me because it gave you the chance to help with the case.”
Rhys cocked his head to the side. His brow was furrowed in concern, but he didn’t look offended. “You thought I was using you?”
“No! No, not that. I don’t know how to explain it, but I’m happy that you said you want to get to know me better, like, even after the case is over.”
His expression melted back into one of playful amusement. “You’re cute. You sound like a nervous schoolgirl with a crush.”
Gasping in mock offense, Olivia smacked his forearm playfully. “Consider it an honor, Rhys. It doesn’t happen often.”
“Oh, I’m sure.” He chuckled. “Anyway, I know we’re on a date, but is it okay if I ask how the case is coming along?”
Olivia shrugged. “I don’t mind talking about it on a date. She’s your sister-in-law, after all, and I’ve come to care about her, too.”
Rhys nodded. The waitress came by to drop off their drinks, letting them know that the food would be out in about ten minutes.
Olivia took a sip of the beer. It had a delicate, pleasant flavor. “Yeah, the case is going fine. Honestly, I think we’re pretty much on the cusp of Drake making a move on me.”
Rhys frowned deeply. “Making a move? Wait, what the hell?”
Olivia sighed. “The entire point of me going undercover as a patient was to see if he would make a move on me like we’re assuming he makes a move on the rest of his patients. I think we might finally be successful at the next session or the one after that.”
“Olivia, my brother is aggressive. If he—”
“Rhys, do I need to remind you that I carry a Glock around in my purse?” Olivia smirked. “I’m not concerned about my safety. I would be lying if I said that I weren’t nervous, though. Just because I have a weapon on me, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t going to be difficult to let myself be victimized by a man who reminds me so much of my dad.”
He grabbed her hand again. “Your devotion to your job is really admirable. I know I don’t really have the right to have an opinion on this situation, considering we’re not married, hell, I don’t even know if you consider yourself my girlfriend. Anyway, back to my point, to be honest, I can’t say I’m thrilled to hear about what will be going down this coming week.”
Olivia blinked in surprise. “Wait, you want me to be your girlfriend?”
Rhys laughed and ran a hand through his longish hair. “That’s what you gathered from what I just said? Yes, Olivia, I do. Maybe it’s too early, but I would be really happy if I got to call you my girlfriend.”
“Okay.” She grinned.
“Okay?”
“Okay, call me your girlfriend.”
“Only if you call me your boyfriend.”
“Deal, boyfriend.”
Rhys lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “My girlfriend looks really pretty tonight.”
Olivia blushed lightly. This was not the way that she expected their date to go, but Rhys’s adoration was just as welcome as it was unprecedented. “And my boyfriend looks sexy as—”
“Dr. Bannon?” asked a timid female voice next to their table, cutting Olivia off before she could finish her sentence.
Rhys and Olivia turned in surprise to find a petite, mousy woman standing awkwardly in front of them. She was pretty, but she carried herself with the kind of posture that suggested she wasn’t particularly confident. On top of that, she was struggling to make eye contact with Rhys.
“I didn’t expect to see you somewhere like this, Dr. Bannon,” continued the girl. “Sorry for interrupting. It’s just…I want to say hello. Um, is this your wife?”
Rhys blinked, clearly unsure of how to respond. Olivia cleared her throat awkwardly and bit her lip. Should she take the lead on breaking it to the girl that she wasn’t actually talking to Drake?
“It’s me, Alexa,” she said. As the seconds passed, the expression in her eyes became more and more mortified, as if she couldn’t believe she had the guts to approach her psychiatrist in public in the first place. “God, I’m so stupid. I really shouldn’t have—”
“No, no, it’s okay,” said Rhys quickly, causing her to pause as she turned to hurry away from our table. “I’m not Dr. Bannon. I’m his twin, and this is my girlfriend.”
Olivia couldn’t hold back her smile when he used the term so effortlessly.
“Oh my,” gasped Alexa. “I’m so sorry. This is so embarrassing. I had no idea that Dr. Bannon had a brother.”
“It’s okay!” Rhys told her, offering her a kind smile. “It’s really okay. It happens all the time.”
“Well, it’s nice to know that there are two Bannon brothers out there making the world a better place,” she replied, her cheeks turning bright scarlet. “Um, I’ll leave you alone now.”
The poor girl scurried away before Rhys or Olivia could say another word.
Olivia groaned quietly and rubbed her temple lightly. “I wish there was a way that I could tell her to stop seeing Drake without sounding like a weirdo and blowing my cover.”
“Me, too.” Rhys cringed.
“Does that really happen all the time?” Olivia asked. “Getting mistaken as your brother?”
“No, I actually lied.” He smiled sheepishly. “It rarely happens. Drake and I don’t exactly function in the same circles and it’s a big city. I just didn’t want to make her feel bad.”
“You’re sweet.” Olivia smiled.
Rhys rolled his eyes playfully. “Actually, the last time someone mistook me for my brother, it was this sexy little lady who came up to me while I was having brunch with Lila. God, what was her name again?”
Olivia threw her head back with laughter and swatted him again.
“Shut up! It was an act! For the case!”
Rhys chuckled and winked at her.
“Anyway, let’s talk about something that has nothing to do with that miscreant that is unfortunately my identical twin,” Rhys said.
“Yes, let’s.” Olivia grinned.
The rest of their date passed without any mention of the case or Rhys’s brother, or their professional and personal lives.
Drake
Drake finished buttoning his shirt and tucked it into his pants, smiling at Laura, his most recent client.
“I hope you en
joyed the session today,” he murmured, tightening his tie once more.
“Yes, thank you, Dr. Bannon,” replied Laura, smoothing down the front of her sundress. “It was really helpful. And I love this abstract way that you approach our therapy sessions. Few people understand how difficult it is to be with someone after coming out of an abusive relationship. So, being able to reenact these things with you to really prepare myself for a physical relationship with a man again is so helpful. I don’t know if you realize how much you’ve changed my life.”
Drake stepped forward and took her hands in his. “Thank you, Laura. You don’t know how much it means to me to hear that my clients are doing well and that I’m making a difference in their lives.”
She nodded and looked down at her feet, shy once again. More women should be like sweet, sad Laura standing there in front of him. They knew their place in the world and understood how society and important people like him viewed them. How fortunate it was for him to have found a career that surrounded him with these kinds of women, allowing him to gain the control he needed in his life.
“Let’s get you on the schedule with an appointment for next week,” Drake said as he checked the time on his watch.
“Really? You can fit me in again?” Her eyes widened. “I know that it’s kind of late and it’s not typical office hours, but you really—”
“No, it’s fine,” Drake said with a quick nod. “I make myself available around the clock to all of my clients. It’s who I am. If I wasn’t helping people, what would I be doing with my life?”
He fought back the urge to laugh, utterly pleased with himself. There were many women like Laura who came and went from his office, and he had each and every one of them fooled. Even his dimwitted trophy wife was at his beck and call.
Oh, how he loved to wind her up and watch her go. It was fun. He enjoyed playing with people, bending them to his will and making them think they were losing their minds. What was power if not something meant to be seized and then thoroughly enjoyed?
Olivia, Striking Back (Iron Ladies Book 4) Page 9
