All We Ever Needed

by D. A. Young

  His nostrils flared as the seductive aroma between her thighs, thick and sweet like wild honey, infused his senses, feeding Holt’s manic desire for Katerina. His fingers slipped between her thighs from behind. He wasn’t surprised to find the satin fabric covering her pussy already wet. “And longed for moments like this...”

  “Oh fuuuuck, yes! Don’t stop, baby!” Kat pleaded. She glided in time to his rhythm as Holt’s fingers stroked from her hypersensitive clit to her French star. He applied more pressure to his strokes, saturating the fabric and making her squirm. She tried to draw Holt’s head to her bosom, yet he refused to budge. Staring down at him, Kat was mesmerized by the feral restraint holding his striking features hostage.

  “You think I don’t fantasize about this?!” Holt demanded, teeth gnashing as his dick throbbed furiously, endeavoring for release. “I can smell your pussy, min drottning. It’s not tellin’ me anythin’ I don’t already know. That it’s all mine. It’s gonna be so fuckin’ tight and perfect when I finally claim it. I’ll be buried deep inside of you for at least a week on our honeymoon before I even think of coming up for air,” he crooned. “You’ve been savin’ it. Just waitin’ for the right man to come along and help you soar to your rightful place amongst the stars. Am I lyin’, sugar?”

  Muddled whimpers stumbled from Kat’s lips as her body coiled tighter from the tension running rampant through it, climbing toward the edge, seeking release. Back arching tautly, she wildly rode Holt’s hand in the pursuit of nirvana. He used his teeth to viciously latch onto the neckline of the corset, dragged it down, and promptly forgot to breathe. Holy Mother of God. Kat’s breasts spilled free, exposing creamy full globes topped with rich, luscious, grape-tipped peaks. They reminded him of his favorite wine, the Bordeaux 2001. Holt not only marveled at their perfection but also that he was surprised as if there was any part of Katerina Romankov that couldn’t be perfect.

  “Holton!” Kat trembled as his tongue seared her nipple. It circled and stabbed hotly, sending zings of ecstasy shimmying along her every nerve while her pussy clenched, desperate for relief. Hypnotized, she watched him savor her pebbled flesh, mouth latched firmly, tugging insistently as his tongue and fingers continued their torturous assault. “Take me to bed. Now!”

  “Uh-uh, baby. God knows I want to, but this is just a taste for you,” Holt mumbled around her plump nipple, reveling in the velvety texture. He removed his fingers, shifting her so she straddled him, covering his cock. Holt swallowed Kat’s gritty moan as she instinctively moved with hot-blooded urgency against him.

  Shit, he’d been a fucking fool to start this.

  Kat was so goddamn wet that he could now feel her through their clothing. Hungrily, Holt switched nipples, suckling while Kat fisted his hair, holding his head in place. He licked the undersides of her breasts and traced them, leaving no inch neglected, and she moaned at how hypersensitive her skin was. Her tonka-vanilla bean scent combined with her arousal enflamed his senses and all Holt wanted to do was throw her onto the worktable and fuck Kat until she creamed all over his dick and he blacked out.

  Holt’s hand slipped beneath the back band of her pants and between her ass cheeks. His finger touched her forbidden hole, in an exquisite pattern of circles the tip dipping in shallowly. Kat bucked furiously as her world tilted on its axis, head thrown back in surprised pleasure while his mouth rotated between leisured and voracious on her aching peaks. The foreign, naughty touch at her backdoor stimulated her already heightened nerves, and Kat eagerly surrendered to it, adjusting her pace to accommodate his touch while rocking against his groin.

  She was so close. Right on the precipice and burning brighter than the sun. Holt’s goddamn puppet and he was pulling all the strings. Oh, so wickedly…

  Holt’s knowing chuckle against her damp skin made her aware that he was pleased that they both enjoyed it. Kat had an extremely sensual nature, and Holt loved that she rose like a phoenix in response, embracing his touch and intensity.

  “I swear if you say we have to go back to the ways things were before this moment,” Kat threatened, peppering his face with fervent kisses. “Mmm, I never knew…”

  “No part of your body is off limits, love,” Holt swore. His finger, slick with her arousal, inched carefully into her rosette. Her body seized, and he paused, waiting for any protest. None was forthcoming. Kat didn’t shy away, looking at Holt through half-mast lids with wonder, lips parted in surprise. “Anywhere and anytime; I’ll take you however and whenever. Never doubt that you’ll always enjoy the experience.”

  “It’s sooo twisty-good, Holton!” she urged, hips dancing, encouraging him. “More dammit! Now!”

  His finger slid in further, filling a void Kat hadn’t known existed. It was the sweetest agony she’d ever experienced as her body stretched to accommodate him. Holt was a master of give and take; his finger working in lazy twists while his mouth moved greedily on her breasts. Gripping her nape with his other hand, Holt bit down hard on her nipple, his tongue flickering rapidly as he fluidly threaded a second finger into her bottom, creating a delicious, burning friction.

  She tried to scream, yet euphoric bliss held her a willing captive. Kat was drowning in waves of it and Holt willingly contributed to her demise as he devilishly continued his ministrations. Her body unhinged violently, incapable of keeping up with his sorcery. Heart thundering and blood roaring in her ears, Kat’s eyes slammed shut as she exploded. She spiraled into a state of chaotic perfection. Holt meticulously studied every vivid detail of the masterpiece he’d created, his own scorching need forgotten, as he committed it to memory with primal satisfaction.

  Chapter Seven

  They stayed like that until Kat’s spasms receded into ripples that gradually ebbed away, leaving her draped over Holt with boneless contentment, supported by his solidity and the warmth he generated. He eased his finger out of her channel and wiped it on his thigh, planting a kiss on her cheek when Kat whimpered her protest. In the quiet aftermath, the aroma of sex was heavy in the air. It filled their nostrils, causing Holt’s dick to twitch painfully, reminding him that he was in store for another night of blue balls. Kat turned her face toward his. He felt invincible at the awe reflected in her sated expression.

  “Well, that escalated quickly,” she murmured, fulfillment blanketing her voice.

  “You good, baby?” he chuckled, sweeping her curls to the side, kissing the corner of her mouth.

  “Good is an understatement. It was mind-blowingly perfect, thank you. Nope, I take that back. You were. I should throat-punch you for holding out on me,” she whispered back, only half-joking. “I wasn’t expecting anal play and certainly not from the jump, Brammer!”

  “Let’s call that move the ‘Brammer Bum Rush’, shall we?” Holt’s other hand slid into her curls, his lips finding hers again, tongues swirling languidly before they finally came up for air minutes later. “You’re welcome. For the record, I’m an everythin’ man when it comes to you, darlin’. Thought you understood that. The fact that you stay ready for me, is an incredible aphrodisiac. Always expect the unexpected when it comes to sex with us and you’ll be all good, Kat. Mundane isn’t an option.” Azure eyes glimmering, he grinned slyly at her. “I noticed that no protests were forthcomin’.”

  “Yeah, because I absolutely hated it. Do I look like a fool to you?” she scoffed rolling her eyes at him. “Sex should be one of the best aspects of life. In my opinion, sharing your body and giving trust to another individual over it is powerful and something I refuse to take lightly. Women talk as much as men do, if not more, concerning the opposite sex and intimacy. I’ve heard stories. Juicy ones that had me curious and nightmares that made me cringe. I don’t need validation for my choices, however, this does make me happy that I never lowered my standards to any fool that showed me a lick of affection.”

  Kat lifted his hand to her chest, laying it over her heart, allowing Holt to feel the way it beat exclusively for him. “I know you and trust you implicitly n
ot only with my body, but my heart too, babe. You make me want to play it unsafe in the best ways possible. I’m a freak for you and love the way you dominate me, but I won’t be a fool. If it’s too much, trust and believe, I’ll let your ass know.”

  “I expect nothin’ less from you, Kat, and thank you. Your trust means the world to me. It makes me strive to be the best version of myself for you, darlin’. Trust is essential to buildin’ any foundation. It’s also sexy and excitin’ because it allows us to open up and explore each other in ways we never knew existed. I promise not to betray it in any way.” He shifted gingerly, mindful of his erected state. Holt froze when Kat’s hand dropped between them to cover it. “Hold up, darlin. What do you think you’re doin’?”

  She sat up and his hand fell to her hip and squeezed territorially. The sultry smile Kat gave him lifted a slew of red flags in Holt’s face. “Putting a little thought into action. Unless I felt this situation incorrectly, I was trying to take care of my man.”

  Holt’s mouth went dry, visualizing fucking her sweet mouth until she swallowed him whole. His eyes drifted shut with Kat’s bold strokes, firm, confident grip. When her fingers went to his belt, logic prevailed. Holt’s fingers wrapped around her wrist, and he opened his eyes to meet Kat’s defiant ones. “Not tonight. I doubt I’d survive it. You are too much for my poor heart to take right now, darlin’. Besides, your daddy probably set a stopwatch as soon as we disappeared and is countin’ down the minutes before he breaks the door down.”

  “I’m going to hold you to it.” Begrudgingly, Kat pulled her corset up and unwrapped her legs from around his waist. Holt set her down carefully, averting his famished gaze as she re-tied the bow.

  Smiling faintly, he replied, “I know you will, min drottning.”

  Kat stopped fluffing her curls out, regarding him curiously as she practiced saying the phrase aloud. “Min drottning. What does that mean?”

  “It means ‘she who can’t wait to ride her man’s dick’,” Holt quipped, dodging her fist. “Damn, girl. Simmer down.”

  “Smart-ass! Fine; don’t tell me. I’mma let that shit slide because I love you.”

  “My bless-up is too real.” Holt rose to his feet and ambled to the sink in the corner of the studio to wash his hands.

  Picking her jacket up from the worktable, Kat slid it on. “Yup. Unconditionally and irrevocably. My heart kinda, sorta fell head over heels for your vibe and now it won’t shut up about you.”

  “The feelin’ is more than mutual, love.” Holt finished up, approached her and slipped an arm around her shoulders.

  Kat slid her hand under his suit jacket, allowing it to rest on his back. She struggled to contain her excitement while broaching the next subject. “Sooo, last question of the night, I promise. Even though I was swept away in the heat of the moment, I couldn’t help but notice the small bulge you had in your pants—”

  “Darlin’, you know good and well there’s nothin’ small in my pants.” Holt frowned down at her.

  Rolling her eyes, Kat nudged him with her shoulder. “Chill. I meant in your pants pocket.” She pressed her lips together, struggling to contain her excitement. “I don’t mean to be presumptuous; however, in my line of work, an indentation of that shape and size usually means—”

  “I’m gonna stop you right there, Kat, but you are on the right track,” he bluntly confirmed. Holt rubbed at his beard roughly with his other hand. “Jesus, baby! This isn’t how you’re supposed to find out.”

  “Oh…” Kat was nonplussed. They were both here right now. What was holding him back? “Um, do you normally carry it around? I mean…” She stopped, drawing in a steadying breath. No. She had too much pride to badger and pressure him to pop the question. “I should just shut up now.”

  Suddenly, Holt swept her into his arms, pissed at himself for the confusion he was unintentionally causing her. Kat’s arms looped around his neck, studying him solemnly for answers. Dammit, she deserved better than this.

  “Real talk? Your daddy gave his blessin’ when we did the annual giveaway at McClusky’s Christmas Tree Farm. I told him that I wanted to ask your mama, too and I planned to do it tonight. Except my dad showed up…and I had to fight my way out of the dog house.”

  Again, not the right time.

  Kat felt an irrational burst of anger at the elder Brammer. It dissipated just as quickly. Their family showing up wasn’t his fault, and she now knew Rudii was just as displeased as Kat by their unexpected arrival. Holt looked so torn, and she felt his frustration. There had to be a silver lining somewhere in their situation.

  “Lucky for you, tonight’s performance saved your ass.” Kat shook her head decisively. “Tonight’s definitely not the night. Go handle your business, babe. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I love you so fuckin’ much, woman!” he fiercely replied, burying his face in her curls. “Thank you for understandin’.” Relieved, he kissed her soundly and lowered her to the ground. “It’s gonna happen. On my life, I swear it.”

  “I’m not worried about that. Now that you’ve given me a taste of what I’ve been missing, I’m ready to stalk your ass to the grave, sir,” Kat said sweetly, batting her lashes up at him. “There’s nowhere you can hide.”

  “A sane man would not encourage your stalker tendencies, yet they warm my heart. We need a tree, darlin’,” Holt announced. “Christmas will be here before we know it, and nary a decoration is hung. I was thinkin’ we could combine any family traditions and make up our own.”

  “We?” Holt had given her a key, but Kat had never used it, preferring to either wait for him in her car or they meet up. “Sounds very domesticated.”

  “Yeah, we. Aren’t we a ‘we’?” Holt challenged. “It’s just as much your house as it is mine, Kat. You’re practically livin’ there. Use the damn key. The sooner we make everythin’ official, the better. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee what will happen if you throw that baby-makin’ face at me again,” he informed her unsympathetically, wincing when Kat pinched his side. “Also, I’m still waitin’ on your prenup. Tell your slack-ass lawyer to get on it. Your assets need protectin’.” Holt’s hand slid down to cup her backside. “All, except this one. I hold all the rights to this.”

  “Now, who’s got a one-track mind?” Kat retorted, peering up at him. “I’ll be sure to relay that message to Casey. I can’t wait to see how he reacts to your description of his work ethic.” Ignoring his chuckle, she wondered, “When will I get your prenup?”

  Holt looked down at her incredulously. “Baby, you don’t need to sign anythin’ except for your marriage certificate. What’s mine is yours.”

  “No way! I love you to death, Holton, but what you’re saying is pure insanity. You better give me a prenup!”

  “Hell no,” Holt calmly answered with an indifferent shrug. “For what? I know your character and heart. Besides, you’re gonna be my life forever.”

  “Don’t you mean wife?”

  “Nah, I didn’t stutter, darlin’,” he refuted seriously. “Everythin’ I own is yours. As your man, it’s my duty to provide for you and our family. My job is to keep y’all happy and make sure you never want for anythin’.”

  “That sounds positively archaic!” Kat tugged on Holt’s arm, her eyes shadowed with dismay. To some women, what he was proposing might sound like a fairytale. For Kat, it was anything but. She loved her papa and brothers to death and was thankful for them but could do without their high-handed spoiling.

  “Don’t get me wrong; having financial security in this day and age is a blessing, and I’m thankful you have your shit together, but my independence is very important to me. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I want to build and accomplish things with you, not because of you.”

  Holt looked taken aback by her heated response. “Where’s this comin’ from? I will always support you and have nothin’ but the best of intentions here, Kat. Never doubt that or that our empire will be built side-by-side.”

&nbs
p; She was instantly relieved. “I’m glad you understand that. As a businesswoman, I know I have a duty to protect my assets, and I do appreciate you respecting that, but what will you get in exchange?”

  Holt’s confident smirk never wavered, and he dropped a kiss on top of her curls. “I’m a simple man, Little Romankov; You’re all I’ll ever want and need.”

  “Don’t forget about our babies,” she reminded him with an impish grin. “I want four.”

  “Four?” Holt echoed dubiously, panic flickering in his eyes. “That means we’re goin’ to be outnumbered, babe! Jack and Noelle practically have to tag-team Zilla’s little-big butt!”

  “Oh, you scared, Thor?” Kat teased. “Baby Jack’s rambunctious and curious but harmless. I say the more the merrier! I absolutely adored my brothers, but you know they’re older and had their own lives. Yes, they came home from school whenever possible and made time for me, but it wasn’t the same as having them in the house full time! I want our children to be close in age like Ruby and baby Jack. I want a house filled with noise and laughter and snuggles from them.”

  Her smile dimmed a little. “When I think of the time my parents spent apart, it disturbs me.” She shuddered, looking slightly queasy and pressed a hand to her mouth. “And the way they go at it now, I doubt I would have been an only child! How about we compromise? We don’t have to have four, but I want at least two.”

  Holt detected the sadness tinting her voice and pulled her closer. He’d intentionally been an only child. Occasionally, his house seemed barren of emotion, Elin and Rudii repressing their happiness, allowing the eerie tendrils of their fear to reach out and smother their son. They lived in fearful anticipation that everything they’d worked tirelessly to achieve could be wiped out with a spiteful old man’s illogical thirst for control. Holt could hear their breath suspending with every return trip to Sweden. Their anxious glances trained his way when they thought he wasn’t looking. No amount of reassurance given in his unrattled demeanor could settle their nerves until their plane touched back down on Whiskey Row’s tarmac.