Now. The word thrums in my ears like an ominous drum. Now is your time.
Shoving the voice from my mind, I focus on the moment. Lips brush my nipples, teeth pull them into pebbles. This incredibly gorgeous man is feasting on my breasts.
Feast.
“Take off your shirt,” I order in a hoarse whisper I don’t even recognize.
He lowers me briefly and whips the thin, navy sweater over his head, revealing a lined torso, olive skin dusted lightly with hair.
Oh, god. My mouth waters, and my gums ache. He’s so beautiful. He’s the sexiest man I’ve seen in my life.
Take him.
His eyes darken as he watches me appreciate his body, and I see the tent in his designer slacks grow. Energy floods my core, surging through my pelvis. I can smell the strong, healthy blood in his veins.
Take him.
“Café au lait,” I murmur, sliding a finger across his chest. “Delicious.”
In a sweep, I’m off my feet again. My legs are back around his waist, my back pressed against the cool, damp wall. I pull him closer. I want all of him touching me.
The light hairs on his chest tease my breasts. “Oh, yes,” I sigh.
“I’m clean, but I’ll use protection,” he grinds out, shifting me so he can retrieve a condom. I hear the metallic clink of his belt buckle, and I don’t bother telling him it doesn’t matter.
Two thick digits plunge into me, and I gasp. “Jesus,” he hisses, finding me more than ready for him. All my senses heighten when he gives me a quick lift… then plunges deep into my clenching insides.
“Oh god,” I moan. He’s huge. I’ve never been so full in my life. I’m not sure I can breathe for a moment, and he starts to thrust. Over and over…
I haven’t fucked like this in… never. And from the sounds of it, neither has he. Only, I can’t believe that. Not this mountain of sex between my thighs.
My head drops back, and my mouth opens, savoring the sensation of being stretched and massaged in the most erotic way.
Faster, deeper—he groans with every push, his large hands grip my ass so hard, I know he’ll leave marks. Tingles of orgasm snake up my thighs, and I feel the change beginning. My gums ache as my canines grow.
“Don’t stop,” I gasp. He doesn’t.
Sweat lines his brow, a bead trickles down his cheek, and I lean forward to lick it away. His salty flavor fills my mouth, and I almost can’t control my urge.
I must control it. I can’t resist the building pleasure, but I can fight what comes next. Every push of him deeper inside me drives me higher. If he were to stop now, my heart would explode. I’m not sure what would happen then.
“Please don’t stop,” I beg louder, teetering on the edge of orgasm.
Each hard thrust is punctuated with his growls. “So… Fucking… Good.”
Every muscle in my body tightens into an irresistible ball low in my stomach. Tighter… tighter… Too much! …It bursts in shuddering pleasure down my thighs. A cry escapes my throat, and I’m flying through the heavens. My hazy eyes open, and I think the moon is singing. Perhaps it’s the stars.
My orgasms are even more intense now. They radiate in my brain, and I never want them to end. Working my legs, I ride him as the waves of pleasure continue rippling through my insides.
His forehead is against my shoulder, and I feel him coming. He bucks and holds me tight. A low groan, and the muscles in his hips flex as he throbs again and again deep inside me. My eyes close as I drink in the energy of his release—another new, intensely erotic sensation.
Two more slower thrusts, and he stills, pressing his face into the side of my hair.
“Fuck me.” His voice is ragged.
We stay that way several long moments, riding out the last whispers of pleasure. I don’t want him to pull out. I want more, so much more it’s overwhelming. Only one thing would be better than this. His salty taste is still on my tongue, tempting me with his flavor. With my eyes closed, I visualize doing it, piercing his skin, feeling him slip down my throat as I swallow all his coppery richness.
Every time he moves, another shimmer of residual pleasure tightens my core. I want to go all the way this time. I want it to be with him, this man between my thighs. His hips move slowly, and I whimper.
“I love that sound,” he breathes against my neck. “It’s so fucking hot.”
His words thrill me. I’ve never felt this way with a man. Not even with… the man who changed me. It’s the most I’ve ever wanted to cross that invisible line of no return. Somehow I’m certain going there with Derek would be unforgettable.
But I can’t go there with him. I can’t give in. I hold his broad shoulders and measure his strength. It’s a striking contrast to how weak I’ve become. Every day I grow weaker. Perhaps that’s why he’s so tempting—his incredible strength.
He presses another burning kiss against the top of my shoulder, his chest hair teases my nipples one last time. He’s still inside me, holding, until we both seem to have reached temporary satisfaction. Strong arms are around my small waist, and I’m captured in the most secure embrace before he lifts me and slides out.
Lowered onto shaky legs, he waits as I regain my balance, inside and out.
“Thank you,” he says quietly, and I’ve almost decided this is a dream.
Did I doze off at the bar? His steel blue eyes capture mine, and I know it’s no fantasy. Lowering my chin, I touch my lips lightly with the tips of my fingers, making sure it’s safe for me to speak.
“Thank you,” I say back, turning to the side so I can refasten my bra, slide the straps of my dress over my shoulders.
He retrieves the thin navy sweater and turns it right side out before slipping it over his head, leaving his dark hair in messy waves. He’s hypnotic.
Looking down at me with that intense gaze, he smiles. “How long will you be in the city?”
“Until Sunday.” My voice is soft, and he steps closer.
“I’ll be tied up with meetings during the day, but tomorrow I’ll be at Mr. B’s at seven. I hope you might stop in.”
Mr. B’s Bistro is across the street from my hotel. It’s known for having some of the best cuisine in the city. It also has a nice bar. But that’s not what Derek wants. Like me, he’s hungry for more.
He places a large hand on the wall beside my face, and his enormous bicep is right at my cheek. A thick vein draws my attention. “I’d like to see you again.”
I’m walking a treacherous line, so close to giving in to my cravings. One minor slip could be the end.
“I love Mr. B’s,” I say, and a small smile lifts the corner of his mouth.
I want to thread my fingers in that glossy dark hair again. I want to taste his mouth one more time. I want that sensual beard roughing my skin. I want more of everything about this moment we just shared, but I know how potentially deadly that would be.
“Shall I escort you to your room?” he asks.
I shake my head no, and walk away from him the half-block to Royal Street. He’s still in the alley, leaning against the brick wall, watching me. The streetlight is behind him, and he looks like every fantasy I never knew to have.
“Goodnight,” is all I say.
“Goodnight, sweet Melissa,” his deep voice touches me through the darkness, and I’m overwhelmed by despair. It drops like a heavy cloak over my shoulders.
My life is over.
He starts to move, and I hasten away, up the block until I’m far from him. A few more steps and I push through the revolving door of the Hotel Monteleone.
I might have escaped my fate tonight, but my grip on control is rapidly failing.
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