by Naomi Porter
“Fuck, Nik. I don’t need this shit.” She’d pushed me off of her and I’d stumbled, falling on my ass. “Women are nothing but trouble. They can’t be trusted and don’t you forget it.” She’d stormed out of the house as I sobbed on the living room floor.
I never did forget her parting words even though Nana Bea had said she didn’t know shit and to not believe anything she says. When I got to high school, Marilyn’s warning had been validated by my first and only girlfriend, Cece. I was so in love with Cece and her big brown eyes. I’d given her the best of me and did everything to make her happy, or so I thought. But I wasn’t enough. She’d told me I was too hard to get close to. I didn’t open up to her the way she wanted and I had a short fuse. Everything she’d said was true.
Cece broke my heart and ended up screwing one of my buddies at a party. It was then I’d vowed to never give a woman the power to hurt me.
I’d shut myself down and became a one-and-done man.
I only fucked and got out. There were no flowers, love letters, or cuddling after sex.
And I sure as hell always got mine.
But last night, Rita got a side to me I didn’t know existed. I selflessly gave to her, wanting to please her and make her mine. It was crazy how I hadn’t had sex or gotten sucked off in over a week… and I wasn’t dying. I was okay.
I checked the time on my phone. It was 10:12 a.m., around the usual time I woke up every day. I dragged myself out of bed and headed for the shower. I had a few things to prepare for before Rita and I left for our overnight trip.
I couldn’t wait to be alone with her, but I was also scared. This step I was about to take with her was monumental. It might also be too soon. We’d only met two weeks ago. But I wasn’t stupid. What I felt when I was with Rita soothed my soul and chased away the darkness. I had to try with her. I only hoped she didn’t destroy me.
Rita
I stared at Granny shellshocked. She couldn’t have said what I thought she said. I shook my head emphatically. “No.”
She sighed. “I know I should have told you sooner, but I just didn’t know if I could trust her.”
“No.”
“Yes, Rita. It is true.” The guilt in Granny’s eyes nearly destroyed me.
My chest felt like it was about to cave in on my lungs. I couldn’t breathe as I stared out the front window at Nik’s place. His garage door was open but I couldn’t see him.
“I can’t deal with this now, Granny. When I return tomorrow afternoon, we can discuss her further.” I checked the time. I was ten minutes late. “Remember, Toni will check on you.”
“I don’t need a babysitter.”
“I know. But it’ll make me feel better.” I kissed her cheek. “I love you, Granny.”
“I love you too. If Nik gives you any trouble, I’ll deal with him.”
I cracked a smile. She took the news of Nik and me dating surprisingly well. It had apparently been her plan all along since the day he moved in. It was Nana Bea who was most concerned, but Granny assured Bea that Nik and I were a perfect match.
“He won’t give me any trouble. He’s good to me.”
“I knew he would be. He’s always been a good boy.”
I laughed. “Nik wouldn’t agree with you.”
“He has some issues, but the love of a good woman can heal those. You can heal those.”
“Maybe. But if I go—” I stopped myself. “I can’t think about her right now. I just want to be happy and enjoy my time with Nik.”
“Yes. Go. Have a good time but not too good of a time.” She waggled her finger.
“I’m almost twenty-three, Granny. Please don’t have any unrealistic illusions of me.”
She cackled and snorted. “Rita, I know who you are. Just be safe, use protection.”
I gaped. “But we’re not going to have… you know.”
“Why else are you going away with him for the night then?”
“To be together.”
“That’s odd.”
“Why? Because we want to take it slow?”
Her eyes brightened. “And here Bea was worried Nik would hurt you. She’s a crazy old woman sometimes.”
Now I was fifteen minutes late. “I gotta go, Granny. Nik is waiting.” I kissed her cheek again. I grabbed my backpack and tugged it on. We were taking Nik’s bike so I had limited space for an overnight bag. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Go. I’ll be fine.”
I waved and ran out the door and across the street into the garage. Nik was tinkering on his bike.
“Hey! Sorry I’m late.” I went straight to him and threw my arms around his neck and planted a wet kiss on his lips.
“No worries. Everything okay?” He cupped my face in his big hands and kissed me again.
“Um, yeah. Let’s go.” I tried to step back but Nik wouldn’t release me.
“Rita.” His voice rumbled through my core. “I can tell something is wrong.” The way his dark, penetrating eyes considered me sent a shiver down my spine. I’d swear he could read my mind.
“I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s just go. I need to get out of here.”
“Fine. But you’re going to tell me what’s bothering you.” He’s stroked my cheek with his thumb.
“Yeah, sure.” I wasn’t looking forward to that conversation. “How’s the arm?”
“It’s fine. Hop on my hog, baby.” He swatted my butt, making me squeak.
“Don’t do that. It gets me excited.”
He growled low. “I knew you liked getting spanked the other day.” He waggled his brows.
“I do. I’ll make sure to be a bad girl later so you can punish me.”
Nik’s eyes flashed and a dark, hungry expression crossed his devilishly handsome face as he got on the bike.
“We better get on the road before I take you inside and make you get on your knees.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist and whispered, “You wouldn’t have to make me.”
12
Nik
AFTER RITA AND I checked into our hotel, she changed into a bathing suit and I put on the new boardshorts I’d bought this morning. We were quick about it because she was irresistible, and I didn’t want to devour her just yet.
After riding all the way here with a hard-on, I was hurting something fierce. Still, for Rita, I wanted to make today special and not be locked away in our room. We had all night for that.
The day was perfect, but then the weather always was in San Diego. We walked hand in hand along the boardwalk for a while before grabbing some Coronas and fish tacos. Rita hadn’t stopped smiling since we got here.
“God, these are to die for.” She groaned as she inhaled another bite. We had sat down to eat with her on my lap, and I squeezed her inner thigh for the dozenth time.
“Baby, you better stop sounding like you’re coming. I can’t walk around the beach with a permanent erection. There are families here.”
She giggled and pressed her back into my chest. “After last night, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about your talented tongue.”
“Shit, see. I’m fucking hard for you, Rita,” I grumbled in her ear.
She laughed some more, finishing her last bite. “I could eat these all day long.”
“Damn, woman. I could eat you all day long.” I splayed my hand over her stomach and rubbed my thumb over her soft skin. I’d finished my food in six bites, two for each taco. I’d just been sipping my beer and holding my girl while she took her sweet time eating.
She turned in my arms, a flirty smile playing on her lips. Her tits looked amazing in her blue-and-white striped bikini top. Full and plump, spilling out on the sides. It wasn’t lost on me that men ogled her. If they looked too long, I’d shake my head and they’d turn away. I kept my hands on Rita at all times so the assholes around us knew she was mine.
She touched her nose to mine. “Then leave room for tonight.”
“I’m a bottomless pit when it comes to y
our pussy.”
“Nik,” she whisper-shouted, covering my mouth with her hand. “Families, remember?”
“Then stop teasing me.”
She rolled her eyes, the little shit. “Let’s hit the beach.”
We played in the water for a little bit, kissing and hugging. It wasn’t warm like the water in the Gulf of Mexico, but Rita didn’t seem to mind when I splashed her. Nothing about today or being with Rita was like I’d ever done. All my walls were down with her, and I had to admit I liked this feeling of wholeness and peace I had.
She laid out a large beach towel, big enough for two, and I relaxed on my back with her curled into my side.
“We shouldn’t stay out here too long like this or we’ll get burned.” She rubbed my chest. “You’re already looking a little red.”
“I’ll be all right.”
“You’ll be burned with your skin hurting. I need you well.”
“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”
“Well, I want to lick every inch of you, but I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Baby, you could never hurt me.” Only shatter my heart.
She straddled me and rubbed against my cock, waking Devil from his sleep. “I’m feeling horny.”
“I could tell.” I ran my finger over her cleavage.
“Let’s go back to the room.”
She didn’t need to ask me twice. I sat up with her in my lap and kissed her hard until we were both panting and breathless.
“Let’s go.”
13
Rita
NIK RUBBED SOAP over my breasts as the steamy water sprayed down my back. This thing we were doing together, naked and touching but not having intercourse, had a powerful effect on me. I could feel him taking up residence in my heart, filling every nook and cranny a bit more each time we were intimate.
I was getting attached to Nik, needing him, and I wasn’t sure I was okay with it. I never wanted to be dependent on a man. To do so would give him power over me. But with Nik, we seemed to fall into step with each other. Sure we could be volatile sometimes, but we were also gentle and nurturing.
My parents were only ever explosive.
I trembled as his hand stroked between my thighs. I lifted my head, meeting his gaze.
“You were lost there for a minute. Where’d you go?” The concern in his black eyes made my heart hurt. I didn’t want to talk about feelings, the future, or her—my mother.
“I’m right here with you, handsome.”
“Rita.” My name came out like a growl. “Talk to me.”
“I have a better use for my mouth.” I pushed him against the tile shower wall and dropped to my knees.
“No. You said you’d talk to me.” He grabbed my chin and our gazes locked. “You’re avoiding something. What is it?”
I wrapped my hand around his semi-hard dick and kissed the tip.
He hissed, flexing his thighs. “Rita…”
I cupped his balls and licked his slit and a growl filled my ears.
“Fuck, you’re stubborn as hell.” His comment made me smile. “Fine. I’d be a goddamned idiot if I didn’t let you suck me off. But after”—he jerked my chin up and his eyes were narrowed on me—“we’re talking.”
I didn’t respond because I’d do whatever it took to not tell him what was bothering me earlier. It could wait until tomorrow. Maybe until we got back to Pasadena. Any sooner and it would ruin our trip.
I continued caressing his cock with my tongue, drawing it in slowly and then pulling it out. Each time I took him in a little farther. Nik’s was by far the largest I’d had, not only long but thick, tan with a beautiful head.
Can a dick be beautiful? Whatever, Nik’s was and I loved the feel of it in my mouth.
He buried his hands in my wet hair, rolling his hips as my suction increased. Though the water was lukewarm now, it didn’t bother me. My only focus was pleasuring this sexy-as-fuck man in front of me just as he’d done to me last night. I wanted to make Nik blow his load in a seismic blast, and I’d drink him down, milking him for all he was worth until his legs gave out.
“Oh, Rita, damn, you’re fucking incredible at this. I don’t want to know how many cocks you’ve sucked. Just know mine will be the last.”
I cut my eyes up to his, stunned by his words. They must have fallen from his lips unbidden. I knew he didn’t do girlfriends or relationships. Sure we were enjoying each other, but did I really think it would last? That we would stay together?
I mentally shook my head, refocusing on my task at hand. Now was not the time to analyze us.
Instead, I picked up my speed and sucked harder. Nik’s legs shook, and his thrusts were fierce yet steady. I could feel him pulse against my tongue as he got closer to erupting.
When his grip closed around my head like a vice, I sucked him all the way into my throat.
“Fuck! Oh fuck, Rita. I’m coming!”
I held still, trying not to gag as he spurted his release.
Nik leaned into the tile wall, bending at the legs and breathing like he just completed an Ironman Triathlon. I couldn’t help but smile because I knew I gave a damn good blow job.
I slowly let his softening dick leave my mouth, making sure it was clean and kissed the tip again.
“Woman… I don’t know what to say.” He exhaled a heavy breath.
“You’re welcome.” I fluttered my lashes and reached around him to turn off the water. “Let’s dry off and take a nap before dinner.”
“Yeah. A nap is what I need. If I can walk to the bed. I might need to crawl. Or hell, you could probably carry me, you’re so fucking awesome.”
I tossed my head back, laughing as an image of me trying to lug this massive man to the bed flashed in my head. “You’ll need to crawl if you can’t walk.”
“Thought so.”
Before climbing into bed with Nik, I braided my wet hair so I’d have beachy waves once it dried. I was tired but knew my exhaustion was nothing compared to Nik’s.
We wrapped ourselves around each other. Nik started to snore almost instantly, further proof of how tired he was.
Was it possible we could be a real couple with a future together? I always wanted a baby but was too jaded to think I’d ever find a man who’d be faithful and not beat the shit out of me as my dad had done to my mom. I was fortunate he had never struck me, but seeing him unload on her might have been more painful.
I hated him and her for the rotten childhood I had. My parents were supposed to take care of me, protect me, and love me. But no. They were both so goddamn selfish, only doing for themselves, I was left to my own devices. That was until Dad left and Mom went off the deep end with drugs and whored herself out when I was in middle school. Men filtered in and out of our apartment at all hours of the day. If it hadn’t been for a neighbor calling CPS, I didn’t want to think what would have happened to me.
I had heard everything when I wasn’t in school. Thirteen-year-olds shouldn’t hear shit like their mom moaning and crying out in pleasure and pain. Or men grunting and groaning and the headboard hitting my bedroom wall. I’d seen several of them naked with shriveled-up dicks when they accidentally entered my room instead of Mom’s. I’d hoped they’d done it by mistake instead of wanting me to see them.
The memories from that time in my life made me sick. I snuggled closer to Nik, breathing him in and absorbing his warmth. I felt safe in his arms. Protected. Cared about. But none of that mattered right now as hot tears pricked my eyes.
How could she call after all these years, begging Granny to make me return to Virginia? She was out of her mind. It had to be the drugs if she thought I’d ever want to see her again. She’d let me down in more ways than one.
“Rita, baby, what’s going on?” Nik’s arms held me against his firm body as he shushed me. I hadn’t even realized I was bawling and shivering until now. “Talk to me, baby. Please. Goddamn. I can’t take seeing you like this. What the fuck is going on?”
“Sh… She call
ed this morning. My… my mother…” I stuttered as my body trembled. “She’s si…sick. She wants me to go back…” I inhaled a ragged breath. “Back to Virginia.”
“What? I’m confused, Rita. Why is this so upsetting to you?”
I didn’t think I could tell him what my mother made me do before I was taken from her. At this moment, I felt disgusting. I didn’t want Nik to know or to even look at me. I launched off the bed and ran to the bathroom, slammed the door shut, and locked it.
The rapid knocking made me jump. “Rita? Open up.”
I shook my head, but of course, he couldn’t see me.
He knocked some more. “Come on, Rita. Let me comfort you.”
Since when did bad boys, manwhores, comfort a crying woman? He wasn’t the type of man to do tender, yet he had shown me tenderness the last couple of days. Guilt burned in my chest for calling him a manwhore. He might have had sex with dozens or even hundreds of women, but I cared about Nik. I liked him a lot for reasons unbeknown to me. What I felt went beyond his looks. I felt a connection between us, like he could see into my soul and, for whatever reason, we were linked. And that meant he could shatter me.
“No. I need… I need to be…”
“What do you need, baby?”
I squeezed my eyes shut, letting tears stream down my face. His voice was laced with concern. I imagined his handsome face pressed against the door. “I need to be alone.”
“Fuck no! You need me!” He banged on the door. “Goddammit, open up!”
“I don’t need anyone! Just leave me alone. I. Don’t. Need. You.” I was losing it and ruining our trip. Ruining what we only just started days ago. God, I hated myself for not keeping my distance from him. How could I be so stupid to think my past would fade away? That I could be in a real relationship? I was dirty and scarred. I only had casual sex and not often because I didn’t trust men.
Shit, shit, shit!
I backed up against the wall and slid down it to sit on the floor. I tugged a towel off the bar and covered my naked self, then buried my face in my hands, bracing for Nik’s backlash.
