Sexy Dare

by Phillips, Carly

  He let her take a sip, which translated into too big a gulp, before he decided to show himself.

  “Hello, ladies,” he said, walking over to them, which they had to know was inevitable.

  “Jason!” Faith’s exclamation was real.

  “Hello, son.” His mother waggled her fingers at him, clearly pleased with herself.

  “And what are you drinking tonight?” he asked politely, even though he knew. He wanted to watch Faith squirm.

  Behind him, Tanner chuckled.

  “A gin and tonic. You know my drink of choice.” His mother shot him a smile and took a delicate sip.

  “Faith? What is that in your glass?” Jason asked.

  Her cheeks flamed a bright red. “A ménage à trois. Want one?” she asked, finding her cheekiness despite her embarrassment.

  “How about you finish your drinks and head home, where it’s safe?” he suggested, keeping his anger in check. He’d left them protected. Yet here they were.

  Faith took a deliberately big sip before answering. “I have my very own bodyguard that you hired yourself. You obviously trust him. There’s no reason I can’t have a good time tonight.” And with that, she downed the rest of her drink and placed the glass on the bar. “I think I’ll find someone to dance with.”

  “I’ll join y…” At the look on Jason’s face, which he knew was furious, his mother’s words trailed off. “I think I’ll stay with Jack, that’s what you said your name was in the car earlier, right?” she asked of the bodyguard.

  “Yes, ma’am.” The man didn’t crack a smile. He took his job seriously.

  “Do not move from here,” Jason instructed his mother before heading after Faith.

  She’d had a head start and was already on the dance floor and had found a willing partner. A definite Wall Street type with slicked-back hair, a white shirt, sleeves rolled up, and an arrogant look on his face, he had just reached out and put his hand on Faith’s waist.

  Jason thought he was going have an aneurysm. Blindly, he stepped forward, grabbed the man’s arm, and swung him away. “She’s with me.”

  The other guy narrowed his gaze, his face flush with embarrassment as he fixed his shirt, brushing out wrinkles. “Relax, man. If she’s yours, keep her on a leash,” he muttered and walked away, which was smart because Jason was still raging with anger that another man had touched her.

  “Are you happy?” he asked Faith. “Did you get what you came for tonight?” Because no doubt she’d wanted a rise out of him after being ignored … and he’d given her one.

  A sad expression crossed her face. “Not at all, Jason. Your mother wanted to come. Once I was here, I just decided to have a good time. I haven’t been out like someone my own age in over a year. It had nothing to do with you.” Turning her back to him, she started for the bar.

  “Faith.”

  She spun back.

  “Like hell it had nothing to do with me.” He paused, knowing they needed to have this out, even if it was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even if people were watching. “I needed space, so sue me.”

  She braced her hands on her hips, her gaze narrowing. “I needed fun. So sue me.” She took a step away.

  He grasped her around her waist and flung her over his shoulder, striding back toward the private area upstairs.

  “Hey! Put me down!” She smacked his back.

  He merely braced a hand on her lower back and ass and walked faster, pounding up the stairs. Once he was in the joint office space, he slid her to her feet. Ignoring her outrage and yelling at him, he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward his private office.

  “Where are we going?” she asked, but she was no longer fighting but rushing after him.

  Desire pulsed through his veins. It had been there since he’d looked down and seen the swell of her breasts in that sexy dress. The fury he’d been feeling since she challenged him, picking up another man, burned in his veins, changing into a pulsing, beating need inside of him. Putting distance between them? Taking his space? He’d never stood a chance.

  But he’d hurt her, he knew. And that had never been his intention. So if she didn’t want him now, he’d let her go.

  “We’re going somewhere we can be alone.” He paused, meeting her gaze. “Any objections?”

  The seconds that passed felt like long, painful ones. She stared at him, a myriad of emotions racing across her expressive features so fast he didn’t try and decipher them all. Instead he waited, his cock throbbing inside his slacks.

  “Faith?” he asked because she had to agree.

  “What are you waiting for?”

  His hand wrapped more tightly around hers as he rushed them into his office, slammed the door, and locked it behind them. He walked her to the desk and met her gaze, pleased to see her eyes dark with yearning.

  “Panties off, dress up,” he instructed.

  Her eyes opened wide but she didn’t hesitate. She wriggled the dress up and slid her sexy underwear down and off her legs.

  His fucking hand shook as he unhooked his pants and dropped them, along with his boxer briefs, to the floor. “Bend over,” he said in a gruff voice.

  “I–”

  “Up to you.” He grasped his cock and pumped once, twice with his hand.

  Her eyes followed the rough movement.

  She bent over the desk.

  She was gorgeous, that soft, creamy flesh calling out to him. He walked behind her and nudged her feet wider, making room for himself between her thighs.

  He slid one hand through her creamy folds, finding her soaked. “Jesus, you’re wet.”

  “For you, Jason. Only for you. But if you walk away again right after, I’m done.”

  Her words sliced through his chest. He pushed them aside for now, knowing he was in it until her brother was caught. In it until they called it quits at the end. She knew what he wanted … and didn’t. He’d been a coward for running from her.

  In response, he grabbed his cock, lined it up at her entrance, and nudged himself in, sliding inside slowly as she gripped tight around him.

  He closed his eyes, letting himself feel the sensations. She wasn’t able to watch his face, to see how deeply she affected him, so he allowed himself the luxury of feeling.

  “Harder, Jase.” She wriggled her ass and he pinched one cheek, then slammed in deep.

  She screamed but it wasn’t like anyone could hear. Before he could ask if she was okay, she groaned. “So good. Again.”

  He took a slow, torturous glide out of her clasping walls and thrust back in. Knowing what she wanted, needed, he began a steady rhythm, one hand on her back, the other on her hip as he took her hard and fast. It didn’t take long for her to rise, and the slow moans became louder and more frenzied.

  “Oh, God, Jase. Don’t stop. I need to come.”

  He had no intention of denying either one of them. His blood boiled hot in his veins, his balls were drawn up tight, and the only thing holding him back from his climax was the fact that she hadn’t reached her own yet. He slid his hand around her waist and rubbed his finger over her clit.

  That was all she needed. She cried out and she began to climax, her trembling, shaking orgasm triggering his release. He slammed into her over and over, and when he finally thrust one last time, he knew he was so fucking gone and lost over this woman he might never find his way back.

  * * *

  Faith was certain her cheeks still burned with the embarrassment she’d felt returning to the club after having the most explosive sex of her life in Jason’s office. She felt certain everyone looking at her knew. Worse, she was afraid his mother knew and she couldn’t meet Savannah’s gaze.

  Acting as if nothing were wrong, his mother chatted with them the entire way home. Jason had sent Renault on his way. Savannah went on about how much she loved the club, how Tanner had told her all the new ideas they were planning, and how she knew it would be a success. Slowly, Faith had begun to relax, and as they entered the lobby, she felt b
oneless and as content as she could feel given the state of her life.

  As they entered the beautiful glass and marble lobby, with a doorman in the center, Jason stopped short. Savannah gasped. And Faith looked at the tall man who was the cause of their reaction.

  “Robert!” Savannah stood in shock, staring at the man who looked as if he’d been waiting for hours. His suit was rumpled, his tie undone, his shirt unbuttoned, and he appeared exhausted.

  “What do you want, Dad?” Jason stepped up to the other man and asked.

  Robert looked at his wife. “I want to talk.”

  “But Mom doesn’t want to see you.” Jason put himself between his parents, taking his mother’s side.

  Staring at the man, Faith could see where Jason got his good looks. He was a true combination of both parents, who were now at a standoff as they looked at each other. A glance at Savannah, and the longing in her face was obvious. She still loved her husband.

  “This is really between me and your mother, son.” Robert sent a pleading stare to his wife.

  “But Mom ran here, so that makes it my business. Now if she wanted to see you, I wouldn’t get involved. But seeing as how she made it clear she wants to be left alone…” Jason let his voice trail off, his meaning obvious.

  Faith really felt bad for him, a son stuck between both parents, although Jason didn’t really seem torn.

  “Can we do this upstairs, please?” He glanced at the doorman, who, caught watching, looked down immediately. Then his stare came to Faith, a stranger to him.

  Jason pulled her close. “She’s with me and she stays. You don’t warrant an introduction,” he muttered. “As for talking, it’s up to Mom.”

  Savannah looked shaken but she stepped forward. “Five minutes,” she said softly.

  They took the elevator up in awkward silence. Jason let them into the apartment, unset the alarm, and glanced at his mother. “Should I stay or go?” he asked.

  “Stay,” his father said, surprising Faith. “You need to hear this, too.”

  “Fine.” Jason’s curt tone told Faith all she needed to know about his mood.

  She squeezed his arm in understanding and comfort. “I’ll go wait in the bedroom.” She started to walk away only to find herself pulled back against his chest, his arms wrapping around her middle. “I want you here.”

  Then she wasn’t leaving.

  Chapter Nine

  Once upon a time, Jason had a good relationship with his father. When Jason thought Robert Dare was just their father, his, Alex’s, and Sienna’s. After their world blew apart and Robert shattered his image as a dad to look up to? Well, not so much. Jason couldn’t imagine why his father wanted him in the room now. Maybe he thought he’d get support from his son. If so, Jason hoped the man wasn’t holding his breath.

  They settled into the family room, his mother and father on opposite sides, Robert taking the chair, his mom on the far end of the sofa away from him, with Jason pulling Faith close to him on the other side.

  Why did he want to subject Faith to his father’s drama? Because he needed her support and he wasn’t ashamed to admit it.

  Dealing with his father was draining, keeping track of his truth and lies difficult. But here they were.

  Jason had no intention of making it easy on his father, so he waited in silence for the other man to speak.

  Finally, Robert cleared his throat. “I want you back, Savannah. I made a mistake and I’m sorry.”

  Jason frowned. Mistake was putting it mildly. Jason might make a lot of mistakes over the course of his life, but cheating on a woman would never be one of them.

  “We went through this,” his mother said. “I’m not interested in taking you back. It’s not like you cheated once and corrected your ways.” Savannah leaned forward in her seat. “You burned Emma in ways I can’t comprehend, and I hate myself for staying with you anyway. So you’re not going to convince me you’re a different man now.” Her cheeks were flushed and her voice steady.

  Faith eased back against him, obviously knowing it wasn’t easy for him to hear his mother talk that way about herself. It hurt. But from that pain would come renewed strength. Jason was seeing it firsthand for himself.

  Robert had the grace to look ashamed as he glanced at the floor before meeting Savannah’s stare once more. “Look. I’m no angel, we both know this.”

  “That’s an understatement,” Jason muttered.

  His father ignored the dig. “I’m a prick. I’ve done shitty things to Emma and the rest of my kids. I never knew how to handle the dual life. I actually felt guilty about hiding you all, and I took it out on them, not giving them the parent they deserved. I didn’t love their mother, so I wasn’t good to them. I can’t justify it…” He trailed off, then looked down at his hands, which he was twisting together.

  “Robert,” she began.

  He drew a deep breath, paused, then said, “Please let me finish. I love you, Savannah. I always did. I’m weak. I never admitted that before. But I want the life I have with you.”

  Jason glanced at his mother to find tears trickling from her eyes. Faith clasped his hand tight.

  Jason blew out a long breath. If he had to say whether or not he believed his father … the best he could say was Jason thought Robert believed his own words. Did it change anything? Did Jason trust the man to change? Hell no.

  “Well? Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?” Robert asked.

  Jason held his breath, and so did Faith by his side.

  “No.” His mother rose to her feet, her pretty silver dress sparkling and seeming too nice for this awkward moment. “You cheated on your first wife. You cheated on me. You’re a no-good, worthless excuse for a man and I’m done. I’m going to like myself for a change, and for that to happen, I need to get rid of you.”

  Robert jumped up, surprise on his face. He’d really thought Savannah would forgive and forget. “But–”

  “No. The door is this way.”

  Jason and Faith remained sitting, letting his mother precede him to the door. He heard mumbling and then the door opened and slammed shut. He assumed his father was gone. Footsteps told him his mother was going directly to her room.

  “Are you okay?” Faith asked softly.

  He shifted in his seat so he could meet her gaze. “Yeah. This family drama? I’m becoming immune.” He managed a laugh. “Or at least I’ve learned to distance myself from it. But I’m so damned proud of my mother.”

  “She is pretty awesome,” Faith said, resting her head on his shoulder. “It’ll be okay, you know.”

  He pulled her tight, breathing in her sweet scent. “Yeah.” On the family stuff?

  He agreed.

  On life in general? That was anyone’s guess.

  * * *

  The next morning, Savannah, looking strong and satisfied with her decision, broke the news that Sienna had asked her to come stay with her. She didn’t have a nanny, nor did she want one, though her husband could well afford it. But she did need her mother, and since Savannah was here, Sienna wanted her. And Savannah was thrilled to help with the baby and spend time with her granddaughter.

  A win-win all the way around, Faith thought, as she sat sharing her last cup of coffee with the woman she’d come to like a great deal. Savannah was warm and friendly, genuine and real.

  “It’s been nice getting to know you,” Faith said, glancing at Jason’s mother over her coffee cup.

  The other woman smiled. “I feel the same way.”

  “You remind me of my mom,” Faith said.

  Savannah tipped her head to the side. “You miss her.”

  Faith nodded over the lump in her throat. “It’s hard. And I had her necklace that she wore every day, but my brother took it when he ransacked my apartment.” She wiped at a tear that fell. “Jason has his PI looking for it in pawnshops, but I’ve resigned myself to the fact that it’s lost forever.”

  Which seemed to be a theme in her life. Things lost to her. Her
father. Her mother. Even her brother. All gone. And one day soon, Jason would be, too.

  “I like the time I spent with you. I just wanted you to know that,” Faith told Savannah.

  “You never know, you might end up sticking around,” she said, hinting at something more happening between Faith and Jason.

  Faith shook her head. “I hate to burst your bubble, but honestly, Jason doesn’t want the same things I do.”

  “Which are?” Savannah tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned in close, waiting for her to answer.

  “One day, when danger isn’t lurking? I want a husband, a family. Kids,” she whispered. And though she knew without a doubt she wanted those things with Jason Dare, he’d made it clear he wasn’t ready. Would probably never be ready.

  “Listen, honey. He went through a real life-altering tragedy. I have to believe he will come out the other side … with the help of the right woman.” Reaching out, Savannah took her hand. “I know I’m meddling but I’ve seen how you two look at each other. I believe you’re that woman. It’ll take patience … and faith,” she said, laughing at her own joke.

  Faith grinned. “We’ll see. But you have a lot more to worry about than Jason and me.”

  “Yes. Yes, I do. But I believe I’ve taken the right first step.”

  Faith smiled as Jason walked into the room. He’d been taking a shower. His hair damp, he wore a pair of jeans and a tee shirt, his standard outfit for daytime at the club. He changed there for the nighttime shift. They’d agreed to stick to the same work schedule with Renault as her bodyguard.

  He really did need to be at work and she understood. Now that they’d discussed it like rational adults, without him just pulling away, she had no problem with the change. In fact, she was so grateful he was going out of his way to help her like this. The only way she could think of to repay him was to let him go easily and the way he wanted when this nightmare with her brother was over.

  “Are you all packed to go to Sienna’s?” Jason asked his mother.

  “Yes. I can’t thank you enough for letting me intrude on you two.”

  Waving away the comment, Jason grasped his mother’s hand. “Just be happy.”