If she only knew. I should be the one thanking her. Her smile brought life back into my world. Her strength has given me a newfound hope and determination. I want to help people more now than I ever have before. Her sweet voice and intoxicating eyes had me yearning for the next time I’d see her again. And her touch puts all my broken pieces back together.
Emma
My body has never been so alive, so aware of another person’s presence, as it is when I’m with Alex. He is beautiful. His body is a masterpiece, every last inch of him. He has this way of making me need him without even trying. I sink back into his arms, letting the hot water and bubbles wrap us in their warmth as I trace the lines of his tattoos.
“Did it hurt?”
He lifts his head from the back of the tub, bringing his eyes to where my fingertips graze. “What? The tats?”
“Yes. You have so many.” I sound ridiculous. Like I’ve never seen a tattoo. The truth is after seeing him that first day at the cafe, and knowing where he lives and what he does for a living, I’m surprised. I’m learning there are so many layers to this man, and every time I peel one back, he draws me further in.
Alex laughs under his breath. “At first. And some areas more than others. But… that was kind of the point.”
“You wanted it to hurt?” Why would anyone want that? Oh, God. He’s a masochist.
He moves my hair away from his face so he can explain. “I wanted it to hurt somewhere else.”
“I’m not following…”
“I moved here from New Orleans almost two years ago. The woman you saw in the coffee shop… She broke me in ways I can’t explain.”
He loved her. And even though I saw with my own eyes that she’s moved on, a twinge of jealousy nips at my heart knowing he still talks to her. He still sees her. Does he still love her?
“Oh,” I say, simply, because I can’t bring myself to express the way his confession makes me feel. I mindlessly trace the lines of a clown face with tears, not realizing the irony of the moment.
“I didn’t think I could handle the pain. Even after I moved away from her. So, I looked for something to redirect the hurt. I figured maybe the physical pain would dilute the emotional, drown it out.”
“Did it work?” Do you still love her?
“No.”
Oh.
“But I got addicted to it. After the first two, I wanted more. And more. Pretty soon both arms were covered.”
Do you still love her?
“And the pain? You seemed happy when you saw her…”
“The pain didn’t go away. Until I met you.”
I feel like a hypocrite, lying here jealous of a woman he loved two years ago when just last night I was in another man’s bed. The difference is, I don’t love Bastain. I haven’t for a long time. I felt obligated to him. I owed him my happiness because I stole his. An eye for an eye…
Alex loved this woman. To the point she left him broken. “Why me?” I need to know. I need to know I’m not feeling this, whatever this is, alone.
He runs his fingertips up my arms to the top of my shoulders before gliding them back down to my wrists. “Because from the minute I first saw you… In your red t-shirt and black leggings with that ass- Yes, I noticed the ass. I’m a guy. What do you expect?” I roll my eyes, but he doesn’t see. He drops a playful kiss on the top of my head. “There was something about your smile. The way you looked around a crowded coffee shop and said ‘Fuck you, world. I’m gonna enjoy my latte with or without your stinkin table’ and you did. You made me laugh. You made me think. You made me miss you. I haven’t had that in a long time, Emma.”
“You made me miss you too.” I admit, the confession setting me free.
***
He was so careful and attentive when he washed my body, taking his time around the sensitive parts, but never overstepping any boundaries he’d obviously set for himself. I took my turn lathering the loofah with body wash, rubbing the suds across his skin, then rinsing them off. Since we were being open and honest, I told him how I left without notice after what happened with Gatsby. I told him about calling Kylee and learning Bastain had already gone looking for me there. The more I talk to him, the easier it gets. Although, I suppose, it’s always been easy with him.
He encouraged me to call and check on Kylee as soon as we got out of the bath. I’ve kept my phone out of sight for the most part, due to an influx of calls from numbers I don’t recognize. I blocked Bastain’s cell and the dealership, so I can only assume he’s finding other ways to call.
“Hey, it’s me,” I announce when Kylee answers after the third ring.
“Oh thank God, Em. I’ve been worried sick,” she exclaims.
I’m suddenly saddened by the fact that I never warned her. I never meant for anyone else to be involved. I was trying to protect her from this part of my world and now here she is, right in the middle of it. I never thought it would come this far.
“Are you okay?” I ask, worried.
“I’m fine. That prick isn’t coming anywhere near me without leaving with a bullet in his ass.” I can’t help but chuckle at her threats. She is a spitfire in stilettos, and I love her for it. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay,” I answer, feeling bad that I can’t give her the details I know she’s expecting. “I’m not going back to him. I don’t know what the plan is at the moment, but I know he’s not part of it.”
She heaves a sigh of relief. “It’s about time. I’ve been praying you’d leave that asshole for the past two years.”
What? Why? “Kylee, why didn’t you say something?” To the outside world, Bastain and I looked like the perfect couple. I made sure I was careful about the things I said, and he never degraded me publicly. He kept his humiliation carefully veiled so that only I could recognize it.
“I know you, Em. I could see you weren’t happy. I just had no idea why or that it was this bad.”
“It wasn’t… Not always. Something happened. Something changed. But, I can’t go back. I just can’t.”
“And I’d kick your cute little ass if you did. Don’t worry about me. I can handle the prick. Where are you?”
Oh no. I can’t tell her. I haven’t as much as mentioned Alex in our conversations. She’d think I was batshit crazy. “I got a hotel room.” It’s not a lie.
“Okay, good. I’m here if you need me. But don’t worry. You just promise me you’ll be careful. And call or text me every day.”
“You got it, babe. Love you.”
“Love you.”
I feel so much better knowing Kylee is safe and sound. I still have no idea how Bastain found me at the hotel. I booked the room on a credit card he doesn’t know I have. Didn’t I? I go through my emails on my phone, double checking my reservation. I verify the last four numbers of the card on the email with those on my new Visa. No. Shit. No. I close my eyes and hang my head.
I must have been so shaken up from everything that happened that I used our debit card instead. They’re both blue, so it would have been an easy mistake. But, it’s a mistake I can’t afford to make again.
Alex is busy putting my clothes in the washer. He wanted to give me some privacy when I called Kylee. I find him walking out of the laundry room, shirtless and sexy in a pair of dark gray lounge pants that hang low on his waist.
“Hey there hot stuff,” I flirt, provoking my favorite dimpled grin. “You got any scissors?”
His smile fades as he narrows his eyes. “Sure?” he says, curious.
I hold up the debit card, explaining my question. “I don’t want to make the mistake of using this again.”
Recognition shadows his features as he figures out I’ve realized how Bastain found me at the hotel. He digs through the top of four drawers in one of his kitchen cabinets then hands me what I’m looking for. I snip the card into tiny pieces and toss it in the trash.
He takes the scissors from my hands and moves towards me, pinching the bottom hem of the white t-shirt he let me borr
ow between his fingers. “I think I like this better on you.”
Every cell in my body vibrates with sensual excitement. He knows I’m not wearing any panties. He just put mine in the wash. It’s just the cotton fabric against my skin, brushing my hardened nipples, keeping my senses on high alert. I know he’s trying to be a gentleman, but I’ve seen glimpses of what lies underneath. And my body is screaming for him to set that part of himself free.
“I think you’d like it better off of me,” I tease.
“I think we should test your theory.” His hands slide underneath the shirt to my bare behind. His touch does things to me I can’t explain. I just know I want more, so much more. Then, as if he’s realized something he’d forgotten, he moves his hands and steps away. “Later. You need to eat.”
I’m naked under here and begging for his touch and he’s worried about dinner? He chuckles at the disappointment sweeping across my face. I think I might actually even be pouting. “Dinner it is, then,” I agree, accepting my defeat.
Alex spent the rest of the night making sure I was fed, and comfortable, and safe. So much so that he is sleeping on the sofa while I lay here in his bed, staring at the ceiling, restless and thinking of him. I never imagined when I showed up at his gym earlier today that I’d be lying in his bed tonight. I just wanted somewhere to go, someone to talk to. I should have known he’d be so much more than that. I felt it the day we met.
I can’t do this. I can’t lay here like a stranger. I can’t pretend the kiss didn’t happen. I can’t forget the way my body reacted to being next to his in the bathtub. To hell with morals and standards. This is his home. He should be in his own bed, next to me. Right where I need him to be. I climb out of bed and pad down the hall into the living room. He’s awake, too. Maybe he’s needing me like I’m needing him.
He sits up, and the blanket falls down around his waist. “What’s happened? Are you okay?” he asks, his voice frantic with concern.
I pull the chocolate brown cover off his body, revealing a very toned Alex wearing nothing but boxer briefs. “Come sleep with me,” I request, “Please?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, love.” His tone is commanding, but his eyes say something else.
“I know why you’re doing this, Alex. And I admire you for it. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more cherished and protected than I do right now. But… I’m not as fragile as you think I am. I don’t want you to be careful anymore.”
Emma
Like the gentleman he is, my permission was all he’d been waiting for. Alex led me to the bedroom, backing me up until my knees ran into the foot of his bed, almost making me fall over. I let my fingertips trail along the image of his face, following the strong lines of his jaw, his plump lips, over his chin, and down to his chest. His hand slips around my waist, pulling my body against his. He brings his mouth to my neck, and I silently pray his kiss isn’t far away.
I want him. I want every inch of him all over every inch of me.
His hands.
His mouth.
His cock.
My need for him is practically dripping down my thigh.
His hand glides down my spine and over my butt, slipping between my legs. “I play rough,” he growls, his hot breath sending goosebumps all over my skin. “Do you think you can handle it?”
Yes. God, yes.
“How long have you been wet for me, Emma?”
Since I saw you at the coffee shop.
“All night.”
A low growl vibrates deep in his throat. “Lay down,” he commands, and I immediately obey. “Spread your legs for me love. I want to see you.” I pull my knees apart, and he slowly shakes his head. “Wider.” I do as he says, earning a satisfied grin. He reaches down and rubs his palm over the bulge in his underwear.
Oh my God. It’s so completely vulgar and utterly sexual at the same time. I roll my hips, lifting them off the bed in anticipation of his touch, his tongue… him.
He slides out of his boxer briefs then crawls between my legs, His tongue snakes out and brushes my throbbing clit. Once. Twice. And again.
“Oh, God, Alex. Please…”
He looks up at me with that adorable smile that drives me wild and arches a brow. “Begging so soon, love?”
Another flick of the tongue.
Fuck. I can’t take anymore. I grab the back of his head and pull his face where I want it. He huffs a chuckle against my sensitive flesh but grants my plea, his tongue skillfully running from my back to front, not missing a drop. He stops to nip at the hard nub then slowly draws it between his soft lips before assaulting me with his tongue again.
It feels so good. So fucking good. But my body is craving more. His slow, sensual torture is driving me insane. Almost as if on cue, he slips a finger inside me. Then another.
In.
Out.
I’m so wet.
He watches as his finger disappears inside me. The way a starving man watches a chef prepare his favorite meal. “Is this what you were begging for?” I reply with my body rather than my words, moving my hips in perfect rhythm with his finger fucking. “You want to come, don’t you, babygirl?”
Yes.
Again, I let my body answer, thrusting myself against his hand, urging his fingers to go deeper. Harder. He adjusts his angle so that he hits me. Right. Fucking. There. A loud moan I don’t even recognize as my own echoes through the room.
“Ask me,” his voice interrupts my oblivion as his fingers slide out of me.
What? No. Don’t stop.
He once again brings his mouth to my heat, breathing hot and heavy against me. Sending tiny lust-filled waves of pleasure from my stomach to my toes. “Please, Alex. Make me come,” I plead.
The moment the words leave my lips his tongue is inside me, fucking me. And his palm is on my clit, applying just the right amount of pressure, just the right amount of movement. Wave after wave, the orgasm crashes over my body, forcing me to cry out. He laps up every last drop of my pleasure like it’s the sweetest thing he’s ever tasted.
He climbs up my body, and I reach out to wipe my ecstasy from his lips, and he opens his mouth and takes my thumb inside. My other hand explores his body- his strong shoulders and well-defined biceps. His hard chest and perfect abs. I lay my hand flat against his rock-hard erection, rubbing his dick while he runs his tongue along my thumb, an unspoken demand for what he wants me to do next.
I wet my bottom lip at the thought of having him in my mouth. Alex pulls his mouth from my finger, moving his lips to my neck. His teeth graze the delicate skin there. I arch my back, leaning my head back to give him better access. Then slowly, carefully, he begins to climb my body. Like a predator.
He stops once he’s straddling my chest, his massive cock staring me in the face, every thick vein begging to be licked. “Show me what that pretty mouth can do,” he says, his tone low and gravelly. I rest my weight on my elbows, preparing to taste him.
My tongue runs along the bottom of his shaft, earning a loud hiss in response. I circle the thick head, licking away the dewy droplets that have formed there. “Jesus, babygirl,” he growls.
I pull just the tip into my warm, wet mouth and begin to suck. Dark, hungry eyes meet mine as I look up at him. His hands fist in my hair as he starts moving his hips.
Wanting.
Needing.
Taking.
I am completely at his mercy. With my arms and hands holding up my weight, I can’t touch him or control the pace. It’s all him. He never takes his eyes off mine as he fucks my mouth. Slowly. Gently at first, but quickly more urgent and forceful. I almost don't know if I can take it, but every time I look up at his beautiful face and see nothing other than sheer pleasure, I don’t ever want to stop.
He slows his pace almost to a complete halt. “I love your fucking mouth,” he says as he pulls himself away from me. “But I need to be inside you now.” He slides his hand between my soaked thighs and slips a finger between my folds, making
me moan. “Right here.”
His hard body is once again on top of mine, his cock waiting and ready at my entrance. I writhe beneath him in anticipation as he leans down to kiss me, soft and sensual on my swollen lips. One minute he’s fucking my mouth, the next he’s worshipping it. It drives me crazy and leaves me wanting more.
He moves his mouth to my ear and whispers, “I’m going to fuck you now, love. Nice and hard. Are you ready for that?”
“Yes.” The word is more a plea than a confirmation.
He nips at my neck as he enters me. Then wholly, fully, and without hesitation, he fucks me. Lifting my legs onto his shoulders as he pounds me just like he said he would. Hard. Rough. Flesh against flesh. Hard against wet. Raw and real.
I don’t think my body can contain all the pleasure he’s giving me. My hands search for something, anything, to hold onto, as if that will keep me grounded. Because I am right on the edge of heaven. My hands clench in the sheets as a loud growl fills the air when Alex comes. The pulse and throb of his climax sends me over the edge with him just before he collapses on top of me. My hands glide softly over the damp skin of his back, soothing him while we catch our breath.
I let the tip of my tongue trace his bottom lip, drawing a quiet hum from deep in his throat.
No, there’s definitely no going back now.
I open my eyes, letting them adjust to the traces of sunlight shining through the bedroom window shades as I stretch my legs. An unfamiliar, yet delicious soreness spreads over my body from the inside out. I expected to roll over and find Alex next to me, but the bed is empty, making me miss him already. I pull on his t-shirt and follow the smell of freshly brewed coffee and bacon.
“You cook too?” I say, rising to my tiptoes to give him a kiss. I think I just may have won the lottery.
He laughs at the compliment. “Don’t get excited, babygirl. It’s just bacon and eggs.”
“And coffee,” I add, as he hands me a large black mug. I check the countertops for cream and sugar.
“Now that, you can get excited about,” he jokes.
The Perfect Gentleman Page 12
