“Are you anxious about leaving the city? We’ll be back.”
“No, this time I’m anxious about going to your home.”
“Why?”
“Well . . . what if your sisters don’t like me?”
He rolled his eyes. “That’s nonsense. They’ll love you.”
She hoped he was right.
“You know,” he said, interrupting more of her anxious musings. “If you need a distraction I’m sure I could provide one.”
Evelyn elbowed him. He was so full of himself. But he was right. Lucian could drive her to distraction like no one else could. “I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Patrice told me no fooling around for at least twelve hours.”
He gave her a sidelong glance. She knew that look in his eye. He looked at her like that whenever he was having dirty thoughts. “Did she now?”
“Yes. I’m puffy and I hurt.”
He pouted dramatically. “Oh, I’ll have to kiss it all better. What else did Patrice say?”
Frowning, she asked, “What do you mean? She asked me how I was and how you and I were doing, where we were spending our holiday, stuff like that.”
“She didn’t have anything to say about your pretty pussy?”
She smacked his arm. “Girls don’t talk like that!”
He laughed. “Wanna bet?”
“Well, Patrice doesn’t.”
He hugged her close. “Oh, Evelyn, how innocent and trusting you are.”
Trusting was the last word she’d use to describe herself, and she didn’t appreciate the patronizing tone in his voice. She turned and scowled at him. “What’re you suggesting? That I don’t know Patrice?”
“Not at all. I’m merely acknowledging that your memory suffers when you drink.”
A frown crinkled her brow as she thought back to the night she’d hung out with Patrice. Nothing specifically came to mind out of the ordinary. Pursing her lips she said, “Explain.”
He chuckled. “Patrice is very fond of you. She made it quite clear when I came to collect your little drunken ass the night of your bar escapades.”
“I did not have escapades,” Evelyn said crossing her arms.
“The four-hundred-dollar bar bill I paid says otherwise. It was very thoughtful of you to buy so many rounds for the house, by the way.”
Her eyes widened and her gut twisted like she was going to be sick. “Oh my God, Lucian, I’m so sorry. I’ll pay you back. I swear.”
He waved off her concern. “It’s nothing. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Now, let’s get back to Patrice. She’s quite pretty, don’t you think?”
“I guess, but I don’t see why you should notice.”
He smiled and pinched her chin. “Don’t be jealous. My observations were purely for your benefit.”
He was ruffling her feathers on purpose. “How’s Patrice being attractive going to benefit me?”
“Because I enjoy exploring your sexual appetites. She seemed quite fond of your beautiful pussy.”
Evelyn stopped breathing. He had to be teasing. Lucian surprised her on a daily basis, but that was just taking things too far. Her throat was dry as sand, and she swallowed. It didn’t help. Her mouth gaped like a fish, but again, it couldn’t be helped.
He laughed and patted her knee. “Don’t worry. It’ll only be me who touches you. I won’t ask you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with—much. I’m not sure my possessive nature could tolerate you touching someone else, no matter how titillating the thought is.”
She finally snapped out of her dumbness. “Lucian, Patrice isn’t like that—”
“Yes, Evelyn, she is. Not only is she like that, she informed Dugan and me that you had a beautiful vagina. There was no mistaking her intent. Especially after seeing the way she touched you.”
“We’re friends!”
He shrugged. “Sometimes friends fuck.”
She scowled at him. She wasn’t stupid. She knew about gays and lesbians. She just wasn’t one. “Well, I don’t fuck my friends.”
All jovialness disappeared. “Oh, I know. I’m glad you do too, so we won’t have to have that talk in the future.”
“Besides, girls can’t fuck other girls.”
She saw him tilt his head curiously in the reflection of the window. “Why, because they don’t have a penis? That’s ridiculous. I could stay completely clothed and fuck your brains out. In fact, your ignorant certainty on the matter makes me wonder if that’s exactly what I should do tonight.”
She didn’t like his choice of words. “I’m not stupid, Lucian.” She glared at him from over her shoulder.
“I’d never say you were, and I’d beat the shit out of anyone who ever even hinted at such a falsehood. I’m merely saying that you underestimate all the ways a woman can be fucked when a flesh-and-blood cock is not available.”
She turned back to the window. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”
A few minutes went by and he leaned close to her. He whispered, “There are toys, Evelyn. A myriad of playthings meant to bring a woman to climax faster than any hand, mouth, or living cock ever could.”
Evelyn shivered as his warm breath tickled her ear. Her pussy clenched of its own volition, and she told herself it had everything to do with Lucian’s closeness and tone of voice and nothing to do with the mention of other women.
“Imagine,” he continued softly, his fingers tickling under the delicate wisps of hair that had slipped from her bun. “What would it feel like to have a dildo up your cunt that turned and vibrated, and pumped over your G-spot without the need for a break? I bet it would feel sensational, probably better than the water massager—which by the way, if I hear you bringing yourself to orgasm one more time while you’re taking a bath I’m going to spank that little ass of yours. Those are my orgasms to give, and you don’t take them without asking.”
Blood rushed to the surface of her cheeks. How the fuck had he known that? She always made sure she wasn’t loud. He gave the warning teasingly, but there was real disappointment behind his words. Knowing that she’d somehow disappointed Lucian did odd things to her. She hated the shame that came with the knowledge that she somehow let him down. His praise felt a hundred times better.
“I’m sorry.”
“Let’s not dwell on it. You’ve been warned. Now, where was I? Oh, yes, there was a big vibrating dildo up your pussy about to make you come. Now, Evelyn, imagine that dildo also had an attachment that stimulated your clit a mile a minute.” Her body shivered.
Lucian’s hand reached under her arm and undid the snap of her jeans. She watched as his finger slowly undid her zipper. He placed an arm over her shoulders and drew her back until she was reclining on him. Lucian took her hand and guided it under the denim V of her open pants and placed it over her warm panties. She was drenched.
“Be very gentle,” he whispered. “Let’s not forget about all of Patrice’s warnings.”
Evelyn could scent her own arousal. Her fingers massaged over the wet patch at the front of her panties. The smooth surface beneath the silk was hot and sensitive from being waxed only hours ago.
Lucian’s fingers opened the buttons of her coat and the buttons of her blouse. His fingers slipped between the panels of fabric and found her nipple. He plucked leisurely.
“Now let’s say your hands are restrained and you’re at my mercy while I’m fucking your wet little cunt with that big nasty toy. Oh, I bet you’re begging for release, practically crying for it. In fact, perhaps you’re making such a ruckus that I climb on top of you and force my cock in your mouth.”
She moaned at the thought.
“Keep rubbing, Evelyn, but don’t come.”
Her finger slowed, but continued to play over the saturated silk. Her body throbbed. She was so close, so close that she fea
red accidentally pushing herself too far and not being able to draw herself back in time to stop the wave of release once it crested.
Lucian nudged her wrist. “I said keep rubbing.”
Her breathing quickened and she shook with the tension of holding back her orgasm.
Lucian’s deep, gravelly voice only made things worse. “So you have my cock deep in your mouth and you’re loving it. Meanwhile, I turn the vibrator between your thighs and the part that was just vibrating your clit is now tapping on your tight little asshole. I imagine you scream out the exquisite pleasure and my cock moves a bit deeper.”
Her heart was going to beat out of her chest.
“Then,” he said silkily, “Perhaps I turn you, so while you’re swallowing my cock my mouth’s sucking on your clit and you’re suddenly coming hard.”
Her gasp turned to a guttural moan as her hand was suddenly ripped from her pants. She needed to come. “Damn it, Lucian!”
He clucked his tongue. “I’m afraid not, Evelyn. Not when you already stole one orgasm from me this morning. No, I think you’ll have to wait until your twelve hours are up. Patrice’s orders.”
She hated him. Her teeth gritted and she stifled all the nasty names she wanted to call him. And then it occurred to her that she was her own person and if she wanted to come, all she had to do was reach between her legs and make herself come. Lucian be damned!
Her teeth slowly unclenched. It wouldn’t be as good. In fact, it would be the opposite of good. Lucian’s disappointment would weigh on her until she felt as though she were drowning. Imagining him frowning at her and the shame she’d feel at not doing what he asked made her want to turn and apologize. And she hadn’t even done anything! She was seriously fucked up.
For several minutes her brow lowered in confusion as Evelyn thought of this obsession she had with pleasing Lucian. She didn’t do it out of fear. On the contrary, she did it because his praise made it that much better. He never yelled at her or punished her. Even though he was always in control, she never felt forced into anything. She had practically forgotten her safe word. She would have, if Lucian didn’t remind her of it on a regular basis.
What was wrong with her? Was there anything wrong with her? She had no prior experiences to go by. All she knew was Lucian. She knew what he liked and she knew that she liked it too. She couldn’t imagine it being any other way between a man and woman. She needed him to be in charge. Otherwise nothing would ever happen, because she certainly wasn’t asking.
She pressed her fingers to her forehead. Dear God, she was like a brainwashed puppet. Yes, Lucian. Please, Lucian. Thank you, Lucian. Yet every word out of her mouth was genuine. She wanted to be polite to him because she respected him. She wanted to thank him because he thought about her more than he did himself. She wanted to please him. Everything she did somehow always brought her back to him. She was addicted to Lucian.
Chapter 40
Christmas Cards
Once they arrived at the house, their things were brought in and Jamie joined them for a late lunch. Evelyn found it difficult to look at Jamie after the last time they were in the dining room together, but his easygoing disposition helped. It was almost impossible to associate the carefree man with the one who watched her come with nothing but pure lust and intensity in his eyes. It was easier to forget about what he’d seen when they were at the penthouse, but when they were at Lucian’s home the past came hurtling back to her.
“Are you enjoying your holiday, Scout?” Jamie asked as they sat in the library after lunch. Lucian was called away for a few moments with an important business call.
The library wasn’t overly formal, which didn’t really match the name. Rather, it was like a cozy living room, but a television was absent and the walls were covered with books. She sat cross-legged on the overstuffed sofa facing Jamie. “Lucian has a way of making every day feel like a holiday.”
Jamie’s cheeks were dusted with freckles that made his pigment appear darker than it was. He was actually quite pale. When he smiled, like he did now, twin dimples formed in his freckled cheeks. His smile was quite charming. “Lucian does have that ability when he chooses to use it. I think you’ve been good for him. I haven’t seen my friend this lighthearted since we were children.”
Lucian definitely had an intense side. He brought that side out when they were intimate, but it wasn’t the same as the severe side she’d caught glimpses of when he needed to accomplish something important. She had no doubt that Lucian could have anything he wanted, because his determination and tenacity was almost frightening at times.
“I’m enjoying myself,” Evelyn said.
“I’m glad,” Jamie admitted. “I hope that you stick around for a long time, Scout. I like you. I like what you do for my friend and I like the kind of girl you are. Luche’s never had a girl like you before.”
“What do you mean, ‘a girl like me’?”
“Tough. You’re not a pushover. Lucian’s extremely domineering with women. Not everyone can handle a demanding male and draw a line between being submissive and being completely subjugated. You won’t lose yourself to him. You’ve a strong little will under all that beauty.”
“Thank you?” What did you say to that? Domineering with women . . . Lucian didn’t have women. He had her. There had better not be any other women.
The sound of Jamie’s laughter eased the tension weighing on her face. “Relax, Scout, I meant it as a compliment. Oh, yes,” he said holding his trim belly. “I think you’ll be quite wonderful for Lucian. As a matter of fact, with the fierce look you just had on your face, I wonder if maybe I should fear for the day that Lucian truly pisses you off, because trust me, love, he will.”
She believed him. When Lucian returned, he seemed flustered. “Evelyn, will you get me a drink, please?”
Caught off guard, because Lucian rarely requested her to wait on him, she did a double take. He wasn’t looking at her, so she simply stood and went to the bar. Crystal was incredibly heavy for glass. Evelyn’s hand trembled as she tipped the decanter over the tumbler. Lucian and Jamie were speaking in hushed tones over at the sofa. Distracted by trying to hear what they were saying, she almost overpoured and spilled all over the bar.
Amber liquid topped the glass, almost forming a bubble. If she moved the glass, the placid surface of liquor would ripple and make a mess. Her eyes shot to Jamie and Lucian, then back to the glass. Leaning over, she put her lips to the rim of the glass and sipped. Fire burned through her esophagus like tunneling lava. She gasped and choked.
Her eyes watered and she turned, fighting to suck in a deep breath. A bottle of cool water was shoved in her face. Her hands gripped the bottle and drank from it greedily as someone patted her back. Swiping a finger under her runny eyes she turned, totally embarrassed. She was such an idiot. Never a dull moment.
“You okay?” Lucian’s expression was wholly concerned. Knowing he wasn’t laughing at her she felt a little better.
“Yeah. Thanks. What the hell’s that crap you’re drinking?”
“Brandy.”
Evelyn made a gagging face. “It’s like trying to swallow melted glass.”
Jamie chuckled, reminding her of his presence. Lucian’s eyes softened and he leaned forward and kissed her temple. The gesture wasn’t unfamiliar, but there was something intimate about it. It surprised her that he’d show such simple affection in front of his friend. When she turned, Jamie looked equally surprised, but also pleased. The smile hovering around his lips also touched his eyes.
“Well, kids, I believe I’ll be taking off. Perhaps I’ll visit Christmas Eve,” Jamie announced, and Lucy, who seemed to always show up at just the right moment, disappeared, then reappeared with his coat. Jamie shifted his long arms into his dapper coat and buttoned the double-breasted panel in the front. The style reminded her of something Parker would look great in.
“D
o, Jamie,” Lucian said patting his friend on the back. “I know the girls would love to see you.”
The side of Jamie’s smirk kicked up, “Antoinette’s in her twenties now.”
Lucian scowled. “No.”
Jamie laughed merrily and slapped his shoulder with what appeared as sympathy. “It’s inevitable, Luche. You know it and I know it.”
Jamie kissed Evelyn’s cheek and walked out of the library in high spirits. “She’s got a boyfriend, Shamus. He’s a martial arts instructor. He’ll kick your ass!” Lucian shouted and Jamie’s laughter echoed from the foyer.
Once she was sure Jamie had left, she asked, “Does Jamie like your sister?”
He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Not as much as Antoinette likes him. She used to follow him around like a puppy. Jamie’s always kept his distance, but once he lost a bet and Toni made him give her his word that after she turned twenty he’d stop seeing her as only his friend’s baby sister.”
“You don’t want her to be with Jamie?”
“Jamie’s a great guy. Couldn’t ask for a more loyal friend, but Toni’s my sister, and Jamie’s my friend for a reason. We have very similar tastes.”
A small bit of hurt formed in her belly. Why were Lucian’s ‘tastes’ good enough for her, but not good enough for his sister?
“Hey. What’s that face for?”
She shook her head. “You don’t want a man to treat your sister the way you treat me?”
He opened his mouth, but the tension in his brow faded and he seemed to understand the conclusions she was drawing. “Evelyn, there’s nothing wrong with what we do. My concern with Jamie getting involved with Toni is . . . let’s just say that I’m very private about my appetites around my family. Toni’s a blabbermouth. She likes Jamie because the little girl inside of her said one day she’d marry him. She doesn’t have a clue about what she’d actually be walking into with him. My sister doesn’t have a submissive bone in her body and I’m not sure Shamus has the fortitude to help her be what he needs. The entire thing could end badly and I don’t need Toni running to all her little friends, painting Jamie’s name in a bad light when he does nothing I wouldn’t do.”