Van

  "Your father and I aren't going broke," she finally says. "Take a few more months and get settled. Put some money into savings for a rainy day, then you can start paying us back. Plus, you should get Lucas paid back for the car he bought you first."

  I smile, leaning my head back against the cushion. God, I love my mom. And my brother. All my brothers, and of course, my dad. Us Fourniers...well, we fucking rock.

  "Listen, honey, I'm on my way out the door to meet a client, but are you sure you're doing okay? You can always come home if you want."

  "I know, Mom," I murmur, my eyes misting a little. I have to admit there is some appeal about going back home where I can be secure under my parents' wings while I try to find myself.

  But that would mean giving up Van right now, and I'm not ready to do that.

  Even if he is being a stubborn shit who won't admit that we're exclusive.

  So I tell my mom, "Maybe if I can't get another job. But right now, I'm good."

  "Okay," my mom says with a worried sigh. No matter I just told her I'm good, she's going to worry. She's a mom. She continues to prove that by asking, "How's Lucas?"

  My heart clenches as I think about the pain my brother is in. He's gone from getting drunk to now just being very, very quiet and withdrawn. I can't even bait him into yelling at me anymore.

  "He's not good," I tell her truthfully. While I don't want her to worry, he needs his mom worrying about him. "But I'm keeping a close eye on him."

  "I've been calling but he's not returning my calls," she says glumly. "But at least he's texting me, so that's something."

  "She's going to be hard to get over," I say, because the fact they created a baby together creates a bond that's hard to replace when it's broken.

  "I hate for any of my kids to hurt," my mom laments. "But I also know that Lucas will be okay. I know all my kids will be okay."

  "Awww," I tease her to lighten the mood. "Is that your way of saying I'm forgiven for dropping out of school?"

  "You're not forgiven until you finish your degree or pay me and your father back every dime you wasted," she replies tartly.

  I laugh and promise her, "I know. And you have my word I'll make it right somehow."

  "I know you will, baby," she practically coos at me, and I withhold my snicker. "I love you, and your dad told me to tell you that he thinks you're all right for a wayward kid."

  "I'm twenty-two," I point out.

  "You dropped out of school without telling us," she replies smoothly. "That puts you in kid territory."

  "Whatever," I mutter, like a freaking thirteen-year-old.

  To this, my mom giggles. "Bye, honey."

  "Bye," I murmur, and when I disconnect, a painful longing for home hits me so hard it steals my breath.

  God, it was so stupid of me to drop out. Maybe I should go back and just go to med school. I know I can do it, that's not an issue. I'm clearly the smartest of all the Fournier kids, and I have no doubt I'd be a successful doctor.

  With a growl of frustration, I toss my phone onto the couch beside me and stare at the ceiling. Lucas is at the gym, and I have no clue where Van is.

  Not that I care.

  Not until I get exclusivity.

  Yesterday morning in the garden shed I rocked his world good. And when I rocked his world, it rocked my own. Damn, but I loved all the dirty things he promised me, and that night, I was looking forward to him delivering them.

  But it wasn't in the cards. Because not only didn't he call or text me with promises that I'd be the only one in his bed, he went out with Lucas.

  And I wasn't invited. My night off, and I was stuck at home by myself.

  I stewed for a few hours, and then I couldn't stand it anymore. I shot Van a text.

  Where are you and Lucas partying tonight?

  He didn't answer me right away, but when he did, I could hear the smirk in his words. None of your business.

  That chafed.

  So I did what any girl who wanted to gain the upper hand would do. I pulled out my vibrator and took a lewd picture of me using it right there on the couch. I texted it to him with the words, This is what I'm doing.

  I expected him to either A) ignore me, or B) curse at me for turning him on.

  Instead, he shocked the shit out of me when he texted back, Get yourself off with that thing and send me a picture of your face as you're coming.

  Oh wow, did my panties get wet.

  And this wasn't technically me giving in on the exclusivity promise I was requiring, so I did exactly as he commanded. It wasn't easy either, but I managed, and the photo was pretty hot.

  In fact, his exact words back to me were, That's fucking hot. I want to use that on you.

  God he's dirty, and I love it. But I was going to stand my ground. Not until you promise me I'm the only one you're fucking.

  His response was disheartening. I'm turning my phone off.

  Asshole.

  When he and Lucas came home that night at a little after 1 A.M., I was lying on the couch watching a movie. I was tired as hell and should have been using the time to catch up on my sleep, but I just couldn't. I needed to see Van's face and whether or not he still wanted me. He was playing it too close to the vest for my peace of mind.

  Both Lucas and Van appeared sober. But I didn't miss the subtle but clear shake of Van's head when he shot me a quick glance.

  I didn't know what it meant.

  Was he saying that he was never going to give me exclusivity, which if that was the case...fuck. Once I draw a line in the sand, I don't back down from it, so we might officially be over before we even get going.

  Or did he mean that there would be no sex in his room tonight because Lucas was sober and the risk was too great?

  But even if he meant the latter, he's assuming I'll let him have me without the promise I need.

  Ugh, it was so frustrating.

  What was even more frustrating was that Van went to his room and Lucas stayed out on the couch with me to watch the movie. I thought he'd never get tired and go to bed, but when he did, I grabbed my phone and shot Van a text.

  So are you going to clue me on what that shake of your head meant?

  I drummed my fingertips on my thighs as I waited for him to respond.

  And I waited.

  And I waited.

  And I waited.

  I tried again. Are you asleep?

  Nothing.

  "Fuck," I growled as I pushed up off the couch, having every intention of barging--well, tiptoeing quietly--into his room.

  When I reached his door, my hand carefully wrapped around the knob and I gritted my teeth, knowing his door was going to squeak. But it was a risk I was going to have to take.

  I tried to turn the knob, but it did nothing.

  Didn't budge a fucking inch.

  I twisted the other way, and it held firm.

  The fucker had put a lock on his door.

  I'd stormed back to the couch, and when I got there, Van had texted me. Not in this room again while Lucas is here. The lock is because you don't know how to take no for an answer, brat.

  Gnashing my teeth with frustration, I fired a hot text back to him. There is no "again" unless you promise me exclusive rights to your cock.

  His reply was instantaneous and it actually made me smile. We'll see. Now go to sleep.

  --

  Oddly, despite the fact that Van had me completely off-kilter, mad, and horny on top, I slept like a baby last night. Because while he hasn't given me his oath yet, he's not ruled it out yet.

  I slept well because I bet on myself to win this one.

  No way Van is giving up what I can give him.

  Sighing with boredom, I look at my watch and decide I don't have time to do much of anything before I have to leave for work. So I go back to staring at the ceiling.

  I've once again been left at the house all day by myself, both Van and Lucas gone when I woke up. Lucas had left a note that he was driving to the beach for
the day "to reflect," and Van, of course, didn't leave me anything.

  The chime of a text message has me scrambling for my phone again, and my heart trips over itself as I see Van's name--which isn't really Van's name. In order to protect him from any potentially snooping eyes, I'd named him Tyrion Lannister in my contacts. Not that he had anything in common with the wee man, but he's my favorite Game of Thrones character, so he got the honors.

  Tapping on his message, I lean forward on the couch with the excitement of a girl who just got asked to prom.

  The message floored me. Marriott Hotel on Creedmoor Road. Room 3499. I'm waiting.

  Oh shit.

  Oh wow...shit.

  The thought of Van and me in a hotel room with nothing restraining our abandon has me almost ready to fly out the door.

  But first things first. I can't. I have to work.

  He's not deterred. Bossy alpha man. Call in sick. You won't regret it.

  Of course I won't regret it, I think with an eye roll. The guy has a magic cock and tongue and hands and...okay, I'll call in sick.

  But more important. I need your promise.

  Do you really? He writes back.

  Yes.

  It takes a moment for him to respond, but when he does, it's lengthy and discouraging. You know I could cheat on you at any time. Any away game. Anytime I go to the gym. Fuck, I could hook up with someone in the middle of the day if I wanted to, and you'd never know.

  But you won't if you promise me, I text back with surety.

  Another long pause, and I fret with what he's going to say.

  But then I smile when it comes. I promise.

  I'm on my way. Be there in twenty minutes.

  I push up off the couch and head to the kitchen to grab my purse. My phone chimes and I smile even bigger when I see Van's reply.

  Good girl. Bring your vibrator.

  Oh damn.

  Just damn, damn, damn, this is going to be good.

  Chapter 13

  Van

  "Please stop, Van," Simone begs as I thrust into her.

  My elbow's digging down into the mattress, my full weight is on her, and my hips are driving deep.

  "No," I tell her with a grunt as I continue moving in her. "You can handle it."

  "I can't," she cries, and then she proves herself wrong as she comes again. Hips bucking, pussy clamping on me tight.

  I adjust my other hand slightly, moving the vibrator I've held to her clit the entire time I've been fucking her and she whimpers like she's in pain. I've lost count of how many times she's come, but I can say without a doubt I've never had a woman do that over and over again the way she has.

  It's fucking unreal.

  I don't hurry my pace, because while I'm thrusting into her hard, I'm not going very fast. I've been wanting to hold off my own orgasm--enjoying the slight buzz of the vibrator--until I could see what I could wring out of her.

  "Van," she gasps, and then moans and starts squirming under me. "I can't anymore. It's too much."

  "Never too much," I groan as I can feel her start to tighten up again. Her face flushes, her nails dig into my back, and she screams as she comes again.

  And fuck, that sound...tearing out of her throat in just pure, unrestrained pleasure, I've got an insane need to let go. I toss the vibrator aside, ignoring her soft sigh of relief, and bring my hands under legs. I lift them high and spread then wide, then I let loose on Simone's tight body.

  Her voice stammers with the hard fucking I'm giving her. "Yes, Van...just like that."

  The headboard slaps against the wall and I'm a little excited by the prospect of someone next door listening to us. They're either pissed or highly turned on over the shit Simone's been crying out over the last half hour.

  I drive into Simone, chasing a monster orgasm just lurking down in my groin. I focus in on her face, amazed at how blissed out she looks right now. She brings her hands up and touches her palms to my cheeks. There's a soft satisfied smile on her face, and when she whispers to me, "I want you to come, baby," my entire body reacts.

  A flash of pure desire slams down my spine, my balls harden, and my head spins. I throw my head back and roar out my release as I start to come like I never have in my entire life.

  Just those few words spoken by a woman who wanted to see me reach my pleasure.

  I want you to come, baby.

  Fuck, that's all it took.

  Just words. Soft and sweet.

  I groan as I drive into her deep, dropping her legs to the bed and my weight on her. My breathing is labored and I feel weak as a kitten right now. If I wouldn't suffocate Simone, I'd just lie here for an eternity, which is how long it might take me to recover from that.

  Simone wraps her arms tight around my neck and holds me to her. I would normally push away any woman who would want such intimacy, but I'm worn out.

  Fucking wiped.

  It's the only reason I'm letting her cuddle me.

  Certainly has nothing to do with the fact I like the way her fingertips are stroking my shoulder, or the way she just curls her legs around my waist to hold me tight inside of her. There's no way in hell I enjoy the way she nuzzles her face into my neck.

  God, I'm fucked.

  --

  "You sure can eat for such a skinny thing," I remark as Simone dives in for her fourth piece of midnight pizza.

  "I'm not skinny," she says with affront. "My ass is juicy."

  God is it juicy. The things I want to do to that ass.

  Will do to that ass.

  We'd been fucking for hours. We burned out the battery in her vibrator. I've kissed and licked every inch of her body. She's done the same to me. We're running low on condoms and time. She'll need to get home at some point so Lucas doesn't get suspicious.

  I need to fuck her again before she leaves.

  My dick thumps under the bedsheet in eager agreement, and I don't understand why, when it should be sated for the rest of the year.

  Simone sits next to me in the bed, the sheet up to her waist as well. I'm not sure why we felt the need to cover ourselves while we ate, because neither of us have a shy bone in our bodies when it comes to nakedness.

  In a perfect world, Simone would just walk around all day naked. So would I, so I could fuck her whenever I wanted. Touch her whenever I wanted.

  Speaking of which, I turn on my side and slip a hand under the sheet and between her legs. Simone's eyes bug out at me with a half-eaten slice halfway to her mouth.

  When I slip a finger inside of her she says, "What are you doing?"

  "Want to see if I can make you come while you're eating pizza," I tell her with an evil grin.

  "You are fucking weird," she says, but when my finger brushes her clit, her legs fall apart.

  So I give her two fingers.

  "Van," she whispers, her hand with the pizza dropping to the bed. I notice a piece of sausage rolls off and lands on the pristine white but crumpled sheet.

  I just prop my head on the palm of my hand, the other working slowly between her legs. Simone's head falls back and thunks against the headboard, but she doesn't care.

  She's lost to the feeling.

  I'm lost to watching her and the pleasure she makes so transparent with the way her body moves and the way she moans.

  Goddamn, so beautiful I'm still not sure why I've even been graced with this.

  I finger Simone, my hungry eyes soaking in every detail, and I've come to know her body so well I can withhold an orgasm for her or I can fire one off quickly.

  Right now, I take my time until she's begging me to let her come, and when she does she's crying out my name.

  God. Damn. Beautiful.

  --

  There's no awkwardness as we get dressed. It's close to two in the morning and Simone needs to get home in case Lucas is awake and worried about her. I'll leave about half an hour later, or I may crash here. Room's paid for.

  "Are you working tonight?" I ask her as I put my belt on.


  She cocks an eyebrow at me and smirks.

  "What?" I growl.

  "Wanting this again, are you?" she teases me with a wave of her hand.

  "The body, yes," I mutter as I grab my shoes. "The attitude, no."

  Simone laughs and I turn my back so she can't see me smile.

  "Am I still shiny?" she asks me softly, and I look over my shoulder at her.

  Her hair is a mess, her cheeks still flushed, and her eyes are bright. I could fuck her again right now with no problem.

  "Yeah...you're still shiny," I tell her, and I'm slightly surprised at just how gentle my voice is.

  "Well, sadly I do have to work tonight, and the night after to make up for last night's shift," she says. "But I took Sunday off so I can go to the game."

  We have game one of the conference finals against the New Jersey Wildcats Sunday afternoon, and it pleases me she'll be there.

  Weird.

  "Why do you have to make up the shift?" I ask her, wondering if I can get her to beg off another night from work. A bunch of guys were going to go clubbing tomorrow night, but I'd rather have my cock between Simone's legs any day of the week.

  "Because I'm broke and owe Lucas for the car, my share of rent and utilities, and about another seventy bazillion dollars to my parents for my wasted education," she says glumly.

  Chuckling, I sit on the edge of the bed to put my shoes on. "I'm sure your parents and Lucas will give you the time you need. And you know you don't have to pay us anything. Your brother and I are kind of wealthy."

  "I know," she says as she comes to sit next to me. She's already fully dressed, and while I like her naked, dressed Simone is just as alluring to me. I know I certainly don't mind when her leg presses to the side of my own. "I just don't want to take advantage, and I can't stay there forever. Your lease is coming up in a few months."

  That's true, and I've been looking at the housing market over the last few weeks, but nothing's quite appealed.

  "I'm going to have to take on an additional job, or a better paying job," she continues. "With your schedule it could get really hard for us to have any time together."

  I don't respond, but finish lacing up my shoes. The time for us to get together is just one of the many problems of this thing I've got going on with Simone. Too many problems to worry about even one of them right now.

  "Of course, we could just out ourselves, then I could stay in your room with you," she says hopefully, and my face turns to meet her eyes.

  She flinches when she sees the look of denial on my face, so I try to be gentle. "Simone...no. This isn't a relationship. We're just fucking each other, and Lucas would kill me if he knew that was all there was to it. He'd expect me to be more to you, and I can't."