Alex crushed his lips to mine, thrusting his tongue inside my mouth. His hands stroked up and down my back, igniting my lust all over again. Just as I thought we might go for round two in the pool, the sky opened up unleashing a torrential downpour.
We unlocked our bodies and hopped out of the water seeking cover from the storm in the pool house. Alex grabbed two giant towels from the linen closet and wrapped me up before pulling a towel around his waist.
“Ella.”
“Hmm?”
“Did I mention, I really, really like your bikini?”
“Yes,” I said through a laugh, and then I rolled up on my tiptoes to kiss him on the lips. “I think you made that pretty clear.”
HEADING OVER TO NANCY’S Diner was an adventure. Instead of it being a quiet out of the way spot for me to have lunch with my brother, it turned out to be an enormous cluster fuck. It didn’t help matters that The Harbour was flooded with more people than usual due to the impeding American holiday. The paparazzi spotted Ronan at the airport, so they decided to follow him here to the restaurant. In a corner booth, I sat alone while he talked to the media and sign a few autographs for fans.
He’s too polite.
The longer I sat there, my thoughts drifted to Alex. Closing my eyes, I remembered the feel of his hands on my body that morning. He fucked me into two epic orgasms, once in bed and once more in the shower. At the memory, I felt a wonderful deep ache and I pushed my thighs together feeling the heat wash over my skin.
Jesus.
The chiming of bells pulled my eyes to the door. In walked Ronan and Dean, who immediately took a seat at the counter. I sucked in a breath and pushed my salacious thoughts out of my brain.
“Mr. Hollywood Big Shot,” I muttered over my menu. “Don’t you get tired of having to play nicey-nice with the paparazzi?”
Ronan kissed me on the cheek and then slid into the booth across from me. “Sorry to have made you wait, sis. Forgive me?”
“Are you buying lunch?”
“Of course.”
“Then I forgive you.”
He smirked and settled back into the booth. “What do you recommend?”
“The lobster salad is a local favorite. Alex likes the spicy shrimp tacos with the mango salsa.”
“Funny, that you mention Alex.”
Oh, here we go.
Maintaining a calm manner, I swallowed hard, before replying. My heart pounded in my chest feeling that maybe the reason Ronan invited me to lunch was because he knew I’d been screwing Alex all these weeks. Well, I guess it had been more like a couple of months.
“Funny, why is that funny?” I asked, holding my breath for an answer.
“Sorry, poor choice of words. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
I cocked an eyebrow. After making my lunch decision, I used my menu as a fan. It was the beginning of July and the heat was unbearable. My little white dress was definitely going to need a thorough laundering.
My stomach rumbled, just as a large platter of stuffed crabs and a bottle of sparkling water appeared before us.
“Compliments of Nancy Brooks, the owner,” our server said placing the appetizer plates on the table. “Are you ready to order?”
“I believe we are,” my brother answered politely. “And please thank Nancy for the stuffed crabs.”
“I think I’ll have the lemon-garlic shrimp and grits. And a large iced tea.”
Ronan ordered some grilled salmon with avocado salsa and a beer. While we waited for our lunch, he told me about his latest movie in between bites. I didn’t have any of the appetizer, but it smelled amazing, the Cajun spices combined with the onion and crab made my mouth water. Nancy was famous for mixing some of her classic southern recipes with traditional east coast seafood dishes. So Alex told me.
“Tell me, how are you doing, Lolly?”
I smiled at the nickname my brother assigned to me ever since we were kids. One summer I was obsessed with eating lollyice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Back then, it was my favorite thing in the whole world. I’d grown out of that phase, but I don’t think that Ronan plans to stop calling me Lolly any time soon.
“I’m doing well, staying busy. I’m ready to make an offer on a space here. The one I was telling you about on Harbour Drive.”
I was going to have an international brand. This was the thing that I’d worked so hard for. My dream was finally happening.
At first, I thought Alex would be a distraction. Instead, he’d helped me in more ways than I could count. By now, I expected that I would be itching to get back to London. Back to my friends and back to my flat. But, over the last few months, Alex has slipped deeper into my life and I wasn’t ready to let go. Did I even have to?
Life post-finalizing this deal was filled with “what ifs.” Most nights I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling in Alex’s bedroom, fantasizing about him stopping by the boutique to bring me a coffee, just because. I thought about all the nights I’d make him dinner and then we’d take a walk on the beach.
We never discussed what would happen next. Alex certainly wouldn’t be my bodyguard forever. He had career aspirations and dreams of his own. Did those dreams include me?
“Sis. Hey, Ella.”
“Hmm?”
“Where did you go just now?”
“Oh, sorry,” I said, redirecting my focus back to the conversation. “Just thinking. What did you say?”
“Do you want me to put this deal together for you?”
Shaking the cobwebs, I unfolded the white cloth napkin across my lap. “You’re the only one I’d trust, well, besides Dad, of course. I have the down payment and I can have the bank wire the money or have them process a check.”
Ronan nodded, tossing back a swig of beer. “Sounds good, I’ll get the ball rolling today. I’ll only take three percent of the commission. You keep the rest and use it towards the business.”
I felt my smile grow wider. “Thank you! Have I ever told you that you’re the greatest brother ever?”
He winked. “My pleasure, I guess you’re an okay little sister.”
Our meal arrived and, like a glutton, I shoveled in three huge bites before coming up for air. Ronan just stared at me and then moved his plate closer to him.
“Good Lord, when was the last time you had a decent meal?”
I swallowed, and wiped my mouth. “Sorry, this is so unbelievably good.”
“Nancy, give me some sugar!” I heard a deep gravelly voice boom out. My head whipped up, and I saw Grady James standing a few feet away. Ronan smirked and rolled his eyes.
It was no secret that Ronan and Grady were less than friendly. Last December, their club brawl was all anyone could talk about, until Ronan and Holliday went public with their relationship a few weeks later. Since then, I haven’t seen much of Grady in the tabloids.
He whispered something to Nancy. Smiling, she cupped his chin in her hand and then kissed his cheek, just as a mother would. His electric blue eyes locked on mine and I quickly looked away. Dean stood as soon as he saw Grady stopped at our booth.
Shit! Please don’t fight today, guys.
“Connolly, this doesn’t look like Holliday that you’re dining with today.”
“You’re observant, James,” he drawled, and then pushed to his feet. “This is my sister, Ella.”
“Ella, it’s nice to meet you,” Grady said, offering a gleaming smile.
“Uhmm, hi.”
Grady turned back to face my brother. “Congrats on the Van Wyk movie, man. It’ll be a hit for sure.”
“Thanks, yeah, it’s hard to believe we wrap next month.”
Grady shoved his hands into the pockets of his shorts. “Will either of you be attending the Stars and Stripes Polo Challenge this weekend?”
“No, I’m afraid not. Holliday and I will be spending the weekend at her parents’ place in Malibu. They have a grand Fourth of July celebration every year.”
“Oh yeah, Helen throws quite the party, you’re
in for a good time.”
My eyebrows rose, and I studied my brother for a moment. These two are quite chummy.
“What are your plans for the weekend, Ella?” Grady asked, giving me that charming smile once more.
“I hadn’t really thought too much about it,” I replied honestly. “This is my first Fourth of July, seeing that I’m not an American.”
That comment earned me a chuckle from Grady. With caution, I watched the back and forth exchange between them, it was very civilized. No blood spilled. No verbal assault. What was going on with these two?
“Listen, it was good to see you, Ronan, but my agent just walked in and I need to get going.”
“Take care, man,” he replied, giving Grady a quick handshake.
“Ella, nice to have met you, you two enjoy your lunch. Hope to see you this weekend.”
“Okay, yeah, maybe.”
And with that, Grady moved through the aisle of the diner and headed towards the front door. Ronan slid back into the booth, and picked up his fork. I just stared at him.
“What?” he asked, and shrugged his shoulders.
“You do realize that you were having a sweet little public bromance with Grady James, the guy you punched at a club a few months ago. The same guy who was caught kissing your girlfriend.”
“Hardly a bromance,” he scoffed, tossing back a long swig of beer. “If you must know, he’s someone that’s important to Holliday and it turns out he’s not a bad guy.”
“Yeah, apparently he is important to her.” I leaned in closer, twirling my straw. “I mean that kiss.”
“Tread lightly, Ella.” His tone was warning. “Sometimes pictures can be very deceiving. They were close once and Grady helped Holliday during a rough time in her life. That’s all you need to know. Satisfied?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to insinuate or disrespect Holliday. You know I adore her.”
He scooped up some salmon from his plate. “Let’s talk about you. I hear that Alex took you to a baseball game and that’s when you saw Charlie again. And now, you’re living in his guesthouse. As it would seem, Alex is going above and beyond in his duties.”
That was an odd thing for him to say, especially since it was his idea for me to be looked after while in the city. I suppose it was out of the norm that I was living under the same roof as my bodyguard. Usually it’s the bodyguard who stays with the one they’re protecting. Our family isn’t exactly normal though.
“First of all, I am staying in his guesthouse.” A tiny fib, technically some of my belongings are there. “Given the current situation, I think you’d find it comforting knowing that I have around the clock security. Besides, Alex is my friend. He’s been really good to me.”
Good to me, in and out of the bedroom. I felt a giggle bubble in my throat. Grow up, Ella.
“Friends, huh?”
“Yes, friends,” I repeated, before taking the final sip of my drink.
“Usually one’s face doesn’t turn fifty shades of red, at the mention of a friend’s name.”
Alarm bells went off. Quick Ella, think.
“Oh stop. It’s hotter than Hades in here, besides, aren’t you friends with Dean?” I nodded towards the counter where he’d been sitting.
“I suppose Dean and I have shared a pint now and again.” He pushed his plate back, and then captured the attention of our server signaling for the bill. “I wasn’t trying to be a jerk, or tell you how to live your life. Truth be told, I’m very glad that you have a friend and someone that you trust while being here. I worry about you.”
I reached across the table and covered his hand with mine. “You’re very sweet and I love you for caring. You don’t need to worry about me and, obviously, your instincts were right to hire Alex. But the good news is that I haven’t heard a peep from Charlie in a month. So, as you can see, my instincts to be here in The Harbour were also correct. I love this place.”
His lip quirked up. “Yeah, I can see that you do.”
After I returned from lunch, I found Alex sitting in his study, scotch in one hand and something that looked like a fancy greeting card in the other. At the sound of my heels hitting the hardwood floor, his head jerked up. By his reaction, I could tell I’d startled him from deep thoughts.
“What are you thinking so hard about,” I asked pouring myself a glass of vodka from the silver drink cart in the corner.
He let out a deep sigh. “I’ve been invited to a party.”
“Ahhh, yeah, parties—total bummers.”
He chuckled. “It’s actually a fundraiser for a very worthy cause. A friend of mine, her family owns a gourmet candy company, Bloom Bars. Have you heard of them?”
I shook my head, and then took a sip of my drink.
“They donate a percentage of their profits to various charitable organizations that aid military men, women and their families. This year they are hosting a fundraiser for Military Women in Business. Basically, this program offers training in business, management and finance to encourage entrepreneurship for female veterans.”
“Well, that sounds like a lovely event. I’m all for supporting women who want to run their own companies. Like Beyoncé says, ‘who run the world—girls.’” After placing my drink on a coaster, I stood up while singing the chorus lyrics to the song and then went into performing my best Queen Bey dance moves.
Alex stepped up and placed his hands on my hips, stilling my movements. “You like to dance, huh?”
“I do, very much,” I replied, running my hands over his chest, the fabric of his shirt soft on my fingertips.
He grinned, and swiped a remote from his desk. With a quick flip, music piped through the speakers, but, apparently, this was not the song he wanted.
Click. Click. Click.
The melodic sound of The Weeknd’s seductive voice registered and I couldn’t help but sway my hips to the beat. Alex’s long fingers mapped my ass, pressing along to the sensual rhythm of “As You Are.”
“You know, they say that every time one of his songs comes on that means someone’s fucking.”
Alex smirked, his hazel eyes hooded. “Is that so?” He hooked his arm around my waist, while using his other hand to bring my leg up to wrap around his waist. My body went lax in his arms, his hand slid up my back and tangled in my hair. With a fluid movement, he pulled me back, dipping my body. I floated freely and then wound back upright meeting his eyes. It was all very Dirty Dancing like.
He pulled me up his body, drawing me into a deep kiss. His tongue licked mine, teasing me, driving me out of my mind.
This seems to be a pattern.
“I think if you listen closely, you can actually hear the sound of panties hitting the floor.”
“I think that’s an excellent place for your panties right now,” he murmured, his lips drifting up my throat. “I couldn’t wait until you came back from lunch. All I could think about was when I’d fuck you again.”
His hands moved under my skirt, his fingers teasing the silk edge of my panties.
“We must be on the same page because I’ve been thinking about you all day.” I shoved my hands into the waistband of his jeans, popping the button. “I barely made it through lunch. All I could think about was how much I’d like to suck your cock.”
My greedy need for him kicked in. Consumed with want, I devoured him, catching his lower lip with my teeth. His hands tangled in my hair and he sealed his mouth over mine, licking and sucking my tongue. My hands gripped and tugged at the roots of his hair. His fingers slid over my wetness and I bucked at the contact. We were in an epic battle for control of what would happen next—who would receive pleasure first.
He groaned when I pushed him into the oversized club chair, my hands running down his stomach and over his erection.
“Ella . . . Christ.”
After tugging the zipper down and reaching inside his boxer briefs, I wrapped my hands around his cock. Alex was so thick and hard. I stroked him slowly, relishing the feel of him.
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I licked my bottom lip. “I want you. I want to taste you, Alex.”
My hands worked his pants lower and I sank to my knees in front of him. Before I could generate a thought, my mouth was on him.
His masculine scent and the softness of his skin was a heady combination. I squirmed and moaned, his vibrating groans of pleasure driving me wild. Swirling my tongue around his cock, I continued to tease him as the thick veins throbbed against my palms.
“Fuck,” he hissed, pushing into my mouth. “Take me deep, sweetheart.”
Aroused by his request, I hollowed my cheeks and took his entire length into my mouth. His hands pushed into my hair, pulling and spurring me on.
“That talented tongue of yours is making me unravel,” he growled, gripping me by the back of the head. Our eyes met, the way he was looking at me made me slick and hot. My mind spun thinking about how much I loved giving him this pleasure. Craving for him to orgasm, I sucked him deeper, cupping his balls and massaging them gently.
“Ella, I’m going to come.” His tone was in warning and yet filled with the most superb agony. My urgency to taste him was blinding, I gripped his cock with both hands and licked him furiously.
Squeezing his eyes shut, his whole body jerked and I milked him, taking everything he had. Watching him fall apart in spectacular fashion, that was an incredibly powerful feeling.
He exhaled harshly. “Holy fuck, you’re amazing.”
“You’re so hot,” I said rising from the floor to straddle him.
“I’m going to fuck you hard, and you will be sore tomorrow.”
“Well, I’m on top so it looks like I’ll be the one doing the fucking,” I challenged.
“Nope, that’s not going to work for me,” he growled, lifting me up and then pinning me beneath him on the faux animal skin rug.
In between kisses, he managed to kick off his jeans and then I had the pleasure of working the buttons of his shirt, feeling the light dusting of chest hair beneath my fingertips. My hands roamed along the muscles of his abdomen and around his back where I traced my nails along his spine and over his ink.
He eased up to his knees and slipped his shirt over his thick shoulders. “Ella, you have seconds at best to get naked or I’ll do it for you. Please don’t put me in a position where I’ll be held responsible for the destruction of that sexy-ass dress.”
Bound to Me (The Harbour Series Book 1) Page 14
