Blind Devotion

by S. Nelson

  I was furiously wiping the liquid from my dress when Max walked up behind me, his breath on my neck causing goose bumps to spread across my skin.

  I continued my attempt at cleaning when he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close, his hard chest resting on my back.

  “I’m sorry.” His voice was riddled with sincerity.

  “For what?” I feigned ignorance, although we both knew I wasn’t fooling anyone.

  “For acting like an ass the other day.”

  “Yeah, well, I can’t argue with you there.” Placing the dishtowel on the countertop, I took a few steady breaths before turning around, his arms adjusting from around my waist to on my hips, his fingers gripping me as if he couldn’t stand not touching me.

  “Can you forgive me?”

  “Yes.” So much for making him grovel. “But first I want you to know two days without a word is unacceptable.”

  “I know.”

  “You can’t handle things like that when we have an argument.”

  “What makes you think we’ll have another one?” he asked, cocking his head to the side.

  “Have you met us?”

  He laughed. “You’re right.”

  “Also, I need you to understand I didn’t lie to you. I really was swamped preparing for a meeting. Chris needed to be brought up to speed, and when he asked if I could fill him in on the way to grab some food, to bring right back to the office, mind you, I agreed.”

  “I don’t like that guy anywhere around you.” His expression hardened but only briefly.

  “I know, but I don’t have a choice. I have to see him. And truth be told, he’s been fine, hasn’t brought up anything to do with the past or about you. Nothing. He’s been all business.” I rested my hands on his chest, the muscles beneath his shirt twitching in response from my touch.

  “As long as he knows you’re mine, I’ll behave.” I stared at him. “Well, maybe,” he laughed.

  We stood in front of each other taking in the other’s features. He really was a remarkable-looking man, and no matter how many times I saw him, I’d never get over the fact he was mine, infuriating and all. Losing myself to his arrestingly dark eyes, they seemed to both hide and reveal his innermost secrets.

  “Well, I guess I should go change. Otherwise, we’ll stand here all day.”

  “I could help you,” he offered, grabbing a handful of my rear end.

  “That’s not helping me.” I yelped when he smacked me on the ass, chasing me down the hallway and up the stairs. Once inside my room, I held my hands out in front of me. “I’d love to indulge you, but I have a meeting and as it is I’m already running behind.”

  “Behind?” He took a step forward. “I like your behind.”

  “Stop right there, Maxton Colter.”

  “Oh, I love when you use my full name.” He licked his lips and took another step closer.

  “I’m serious,” I said feebly.

  “So am I. I haven’t been inside you in days.”

  “Well, who’s fault is that?” I playfully chastised.

  “Mine, and I mean to rectify it right now.” Without warning, he attacked, and with quick and fluid movements, I was suddenly standing before him in nothing more than my bra and panties. I had no idea how he’d undressed me so quickly, but he had, and the way his hands roamed my body lit me on fire from the inside out. The man sure was talented. “I’ll be quick. I promise.”

  “What every woman wants to hear.” I started to release a laugh, but he pushed me against the wall, moving my panties to the side and pushing two fingers inside me.

  “What was that?” He’d managed to render me speechless. Time suddenly stood still, and the only thing that mattered was what he was doing to me. “You’re drenched,” he growled, nipping my earlobe before dragging the sensitive skin through his teeth. “Do you want me inside you?”

  Again, no hesitation. “Yes.”

  “Good. I’m glad you’ve come to your senses.” He removed his fingers, ripped my panties apart and tossed them to the ground. Then as he undressed, he stared deep into my eyes, pouring every ounce of his desire into me. When he was completely naked, he reached out to rest his hand on my collarbone, the motion cautious as if he were afraid I’d disappear into thin air. The pads of his fingers scorched the skin of my throat before he wrapped his hand around the back of my neck, pulled me impossibly close and crashed his mouth to mine.

  His kiss burned.

  His tongue dueled.

  His teeth snagged my lip.

  His breaths warmed me.

  His body called to mine.

  “Max,” I begged, breaking the soul-wrenching kiss. “Please.”

  “Please what?”

  Inaudible sounds were forced from my throat. “I need you to fuck me.”

  Without a response, he lifted me up his body. “Wrap your legs around me.” He didn’t have to tell me twice, my ankles hooking together just above his scrumptious ass. “I want to take my time, but I know you’re running late; otherwise, I’d put you into every position imaginable and fuck you senseless.” He lined himself up and surged forward. We’d agreed to stop using condoms the prior week, me on the pill and both of us clean, and I’d never been so thankful, the feel of him bare inside me like no other.

  Breath was forced from my lungs as he battered my body with his. The way he deliciously stretched me was incredible, the ache inside me blooming as if it would never be satisfied. Clutching his shoulders, I tried to move with him, but the only thing I could do was allow him to take control, punish me with his need and revel in the aftermath of an explosion I knew was soon on the horizon, for both of us.

  “Fuck!” he grunted, before latching onto my shoulder while hitting that perfect spot inside me over and over again. “Are you close?” His words were barely audible, his heartbeat racing faster and faster, the rhythm keeping in time with my own.

  “Yes . . . shit . . . yes.” I dug my nails into his flesh, my telltale sign I was hovering on the brink. His hips pinioned faster, slapping one hand on the wall beside me to keep his balance.

  “Come with me,” he urged, kissing me furiously as we both chased our orgasm. Small shocks of what could only be described as pings of electric jolts started at the base of my spine then spread to my pussy, my walls contracting as pleasure dominated every one of my senses. I may’ve even blacked out for several seconds, regaining my vision only after Max lowered me down his body, holding me steady until I found my footing.

  “Goddammit, woman! That was fucking amazing.” Max’s broad grin was contagious, never mind he was panting for breath and looking sexier than ever. “And if you say meh, I’m going to bend you over and spank that ass of yours.” I was going to tease him, push him to see if he’d follow through on his threat but I knew I was short on time.

  Capturing my lips, he gave me the sweetest kiss, as if he hadn’t just fucked me five ways to Sunday and back moments ago. “We better get going,” he said, leaning over to pick up our clothes. Handing me mine, he winked before striding across the room toward the bathroom, his glorious backside on full display while he mesmerized me with his confident gait.

  Max

  “WHAT MADE YOU change your mind?” Alina’s soft tenor startled me. I’d been so engrossed with my e-mail I’d barely said two words since we’d hailed the cab. I insisted I accompany her to the office, using the excuse of having to run errands close by.

  When I turned to look at her, she was smiling, and I felt like an ass for practically ignoring her, although it hadn’t been on purpose. I had news I wanted to share but needed to make sure everything fell into place before I brought it up.

  I returned her lightheartedness, pulling her hand into my lap. “About what?”

  “About us.” Tension flowed from her hand into mine.

  “I never stopped wanting you, Alina. I was just pissed off and needed space. I’m sorry if I made you second guess my affection for you.” Her expression faltered. I knew she w
as trying to appear unaffected, but I’d obviously worried her enough for her to broach the topic. “Besides I have someone who always talks sense into me when I’m irrational. Although, if you ever tell my brother that, I’ll vehemently deny it.” Relaxing into the seat, I realized how lucky I was this woman had come into my life. I’d been drowning in loneliness until she came along, meaningless one-night stands to help take away the sting of solitude.

  Since my marriage ended, I’d vowed never to get close to anyone again, instead having a mutual understanding with the women I dated. But as soon as Alina Winthrop invaded my world, I was more than intrigued. She wasn’t like anyone else I’d ever met, and while I mistook her need to initially go along with her father’s every wish as a weakness, I now saw it as a feat of strength. She had goals set bigger than her own happiness, and I had to admire that, even if I didn’t like it. Of course, it was easier to come to all these conclusions since she’d chosen to be with me, but they existed all the same.

  “I’d love to meet this brother of yours. At least someone in your family has some sense about them,” she jested.

  “You will. Besides, Hal’s anxious to meet you as well.”

  “Oh, he knows about me?” She bumped my shoulder with hers. “What have you told him?”

  Careful not to appear whipped, I glossed over the part about how I knew in my heart she was the one and revealed other truths instead.

  “I told him how beautiful and sexy you are.” She blushed, the innocent reaction making her even more gorgeous. “I told him you’re smart and loyal to a fault, which is both good and bad.” She rolled her eyes. “And I told him how much of an animal you are in the sack.”

  Alina’s eyes practically bugged out of her head. I’d said the last point without a flicker of hesitation.

  “Please tell me you didn’t say that.” She was mortified, her blush turning crimson.

  “Why not? It’s the truth, isn’t it? You’re wild in bed. The way you let me tie you to the headboard. And let’s not forget your closet full of sex toys. I mean, come on, what else can a guy ask for?” I glanced at the driver and saw he kept looking back at us in his mirror every few seconds. Alina noticed as well and yanked her hand out of mine, scooching toward the far side of the cab.

  “He’s not serious,” she shouted to the cabbie, hitting me on the arm in frustration. “You didn’t really tell your brother that, did you? ’Cause it’s not true.”

  “Not yet it’s not.”

  The driver laughed, and Alina glared at me in response.

  “You’re an ass.” She tried to keep a straight face but failed, gifting me a flash of smile as she turned her head to look out the window.

  I leaned over and kissed her neck. “That’s why you love me so.” The words slipped out without thought but thankfully, she didn’t make things awkward, instead turning to give me a quick kiss.

  My phone dinged with an incoming text. Pulling my attention from Alina, I swiped the screen and read the message. My sudden grin had Alina all sorts of intrigued.

  “What is it?”

  “News I’ve been waiting on.” A moment passed in silence.

  “Well, are you going to tell me?”

  “Soon. I promise. But first, how about we go out after you’re done with work. Maybe grab some dinner?”

  She scrunched up her nose. “I already have plans with Daria. How about drinks afterward?”

  I didn’t know anything about her plans, and it was hard not to fire a million questions at her, suddenly becoming possessive over her time. But I knew it would be a bad move, so I didn’t say anything, instead keeping my craziness to myself.

  “How about Hal and I meet you two for dinner? Would that be okay?”

  Alina nodded. “Of course. I’m sure Daria won’t mind.”

  “Do you mind?” I needed to know if she viewed my suggestion as an intrusion.

  “Of course not. If it were up to me, I’d hole up with you for the next week, twenty-four seven, but I do have to make sure I don’t alienate myself from everyone else.” She laughed, but there was truth behind her words, and I was grateful she seemed to be in the same boat I found myself in. Crazy to spend time together. All I wanted to do was steal her away from the rest of the world, but I knew it wasn’t possible.

  Or obviously sane.

  Alina

  “WILL YOU STOP fidgeting? You’re driving me nuts.” Daria smacked my leg, and for a time, I stopped bouncing it up and down. But eventually, the jitters took hold again. “What is up with you?”

  “I don’t know. It’s not like I don’t know him. I mean, hell, I’ve seen him naked for Christ’s sake.”

  “Licked and sucked his—”

  I held up my hand. “All right! I should’ve never given you details.” I smirked when she feigned being hurt.

  “That man is hot as hell. I would’ve pestered you until you gave it up anyway,” she laughed, taking a sip of her martini. “And if his brother looks anything like him, maybe I’ll be giving you some deets of my own.”

  “I have no doubt.” I raised my hand to signal to the bartender, all the while silently telling myself to go easy on the drinks.

  Daria and I arrived early at Sail, an up-and-coming restaurant in Upper East side, so we could have a drink together before the men showed up. But sitting there in wait proved to be ill thought-out, my nerves getting the best of me and becoming worse the longer it took Max and his brother to show up. For some reason, I was a wreck, the anticipation of meeting someone from Max’s family overwhelming. It wasn’t as if I wasn’t sociable, but meeting the brother was sort of a big deal. At least, that was how I treated the upcoming encounter. What if he didn’t like me? What if he thought I was boring? Would he push his opinion onto Max? Would Max then question his feelings toward me?

  “They’re here,” Daria announced, swiveling in her seat to face the front door. Quite the crowd had started to build, most of them patiently waiting for their names to be called, so it wasn’t until a few of the patrons moved that I caught a glimpse of the man I’d been waiting on, and who I assumed to be his brother. As the men walked toward us, Max yet to see me, I couldn’t help but stare at the two of them, the resemblance between them undeniable.

  Hal was an inch or so shorter than Max and had light brown hair, but other than those two attributes, anyone could tell they were brothers. And close in age. The nearer they approached, the more I could see the similarities in their features, the same smile being one of the biggest. Max must’ve said something amusing to his brother because they both erupted in laughter as they pushed through the crowd of people.

  “Holy shit!” Daria exclaimed. “Is that his brother?”

  “Can’t you tell?”

  “Damn, woman. If he’s single, you’ll be getting the dirty lowdown from me tomorrow.” She shifted in her seat, uncrossing then crossing her legs once more. Straightening up, she flicked her blonde hair behind her shoulder and made sure to flash the approaching men a huge smile, one that quickly turned flirty as Hal stepped next to her.

  “Hi, sweetheart,” Max greeted, leaning down to give me a kiss. His lips lingered and for a moment I forgot all about my nerves.

  “Hi.” When he winked at me, I almost launched myself into his arms, completely forgetting all about propriety. The man was walking sex on a stick, and I knew every other woman in the place sensed it as well. Thankfully, my friend was completely into his brother.

  “Alina, this is my brother Hal. Hal, this is Alina.”

  Hal leaned over his brother to shake my hand, gifting me a familiar smile. Up close, I could see the only difference in their grins was Hal didn’t have a dimple, a trait solely for his older brother. “I was told to ask you about your closet full of surprises.” He laughed, which only made me whip my head toward Max.

  “Don’t get all riled up. I didn’t tell him anything.” Max rested his arm on the back of my chair, his fingertip grazing over the side of my neck.

  “There’s n
othing to know,” I countered, slapping his leg. “Is your brother always so . . .” I suddenly failed to find the right word.

  “Annoying? A know-it-all? Cocky?”

  “All right,” Max interrupted, shaking his head at his brother before turning his attention toward my friend. “Daria. It’s nice to see you again.”

  “You too,” she responded, flicking her attention right back to Hal. Before either Max or I could introduce the two of them, she extended her hand. “I’m Daria.”

  “Hal.” The two of them locked eyes, and I knew they shared an attraction. He draped his arm over the back of her seat, mirroring Max’s pose. “How long have you ladies been here?” Hal looked from Daria to me and back again.

  “Not long,” she responded, twirling a piece of her hair, which was her telltale sign she was interested, as if I, or anyone else looking at her, didn’t already know. “Maybe a half hour.”

  “And how many of those have you had?” Max gestured toward my replenished glass of red.

  “At least it’s not scotch,” I teased, wiggling my brow before taking a sip. I laughed a little too hard at my own joke, garnering a puzzled look from Hal. I’d never been great at holding my liquor, always the lightweight, so I could already feel the effects of the fermented grapes.

  “Maybe you should switch. You seem to have no filter when you drink the stuff.” Scotch had been what I’d ordered the first night I met Max. It was the reason he started speaking to me, putting in his two cents where it hadn’t belonged. Although I’d found him rather irritating then, I couldn’t deny something had instantly sparked between us.

  “Then I’m definitely sticking to wine.”

  “You’re no fun,” he bantered, leaning down to kiss my temple, his lips lingering close to my ear. “Don’t drink too much, though. I have plans for you later, and I don’t want you passing out on me.”

  Instant heat raced through me, his sex-laced voice conjuring up all sorts of images, all of which I wanted to partake in right then. But since we couldn’t skip out on dinner, I made a conscious decision not to drink too much.