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- Herausgeber: LSODea
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Serie: La Petite Mort Club
- Sprache: Englisch
It’s been four months since Nick has been with a woman. One hundred and twenty days since he’s touched Sarah, tasted her, felt her heat wrapped around him, but tonight his abstinence will end. Tonight, she’ll come to La Petite Mort Club and they’ll resume their passionate affair.
Except she doesn’t show up—no phone call, no letter, no nothing. It isn’t possible that she doesn’t want him. She was as hot for him as he was for her. He needs to find her and show her that she wants him as much as he wants her. Then he needs to f*** her and forget her.
Sarah would love to see Nick again, but guys like him don’t wait four months for any woman. There is no way he’ll still want to see her and she isn’t going to allow herself to be humiliated and hurt again. Nope. They’d had their fun but it was over. Done. Completed.
When they meet again, Sarah sees it as one bonus night of fabulous sex but for Nick one night with Sarah will never be enough. Can Nick prove to her that he is exactly the kind of guy she needs or will Sarah’s past cause them to both lose their chance at true happiness?
This book contains adult material and is only suitable for those over 18.
It is a HEA story.
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Seitenzahl: 513
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018
Ähnliche
Six Weeks of Seduction
La Petite Mort Club
Ellis O. Day
Copyright © 2018 Ellis O. Day
All rights reserved.
ISBN-13: 978-1-942706-30-4
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
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BOOKS BY ELLIS O. DAY
LA PETITE MORT CLUB SERIES
THE VOYEUR SERIES
THE VOYEUR SERIES (BOOKS 1-4)
THE VOYEUR (BOOK 1) (FREE)
WATCHING THE VOYEUR (BOOK 2)
TOUCHING THE VOYEUR (BOOK 3)
LOVING THE VOYEUR (BOOK 4)
A MERRY MASQUERADE FOR CHRISTMAS
SIX NIGHTS OF SIN SERIES
SIX NIGHTS OF SIN -THE COMPLETE SERIES: BOOKS 1-6
INTERVIEWING FOR HER LOVER (BOOK 1) (FREE)
TAKING CONTROL (BOOK 2)
SCHOOL FANTASY (BOOK 3)
MASTER-SLAVE FANTASY (BOOK 4)
PUNISHMENT FANTASY (BOOK 5)
THE PROPOSITION (BOOK 6)
Table of Contents
WEEK ONE: THE HUNT
CHAPTER 1: NICK
Nick parked his car and slipped into the back entrance at La Petite Mort Club. He couldn’t risk running into anyone who worked there. He’d been without a woman for almost one hundred and twenty-one days and he wasn’t going to spend even a minute of his first night with Sarah fighting. God, he missed her. He missed sex but more than that, he missed her—her touch, her taste, her scent. His dick hardened. Fuck, he’d probably come just looking at her.
He exited the elevator and walked to Ethan’s office. It was two minutes until midnight. He knocked on the door as he tugged at his pants which had gotten uncomfortably tight.
Terry flung the door open. “I win.” He stepped aside so Nick could enter. “Pay up.” He held out his hand to Ethan, Patrick and Mattie.
“Really? My own brother?” Nick had signed over his club membership a few months ago to his brother and Mattie had been enjoying himself immensely. As soon as Sarah agreed, he’d talk to Ethan about buying a limited membership for them so they could watch but not participate. It seemed to be working out great for Patrick and Annie. He’d never seen a happier man.
“I thought you had enough pride to wait at least until morning.” Mattie slapped a wad of bills in Terry’s hand.
“The man hasn’t had sex in over a hundred days,” said Terry. “Pride means nothing to him. His dick’s ready to explode at the idea of pussy.”
Terry was crass, but accurate.
“Drink?” Ethan stood by the bar.
“Thanks.” He’d considered waiting until morning so he wouldn’t hear the shit from the guys, but when Sarah arrived with her letter he wanted to be here. He wanted…no needed to see her, to touch her. Shit. He had to stop thinking about her or he was going to come in his pants and he’d never, ever hear the end of that.
“She ain’t here yet. So, have a seat.” Terry plopped his large frame down on the couch next to Mattie.
Nick walked to the bar and handed his friend the letter, giving Ethan permission to share Nick’s contact information with Sarah. “To make it official.”
Ethan glanced over the paper. “You’re officially pussy whipped.”
The others roared with laughter and he chuckled as he picked up his drink. Let them gloat and joke. It’d be worth it when he was with Sarah again.
“What no argument?” asked Mattie. “You aren’t even going to defend yourself?”
“He’s gone four months without sex all because of one woman.” Terry tossed back his drink and walked to the bar to refill it. “There’s no defense that’ll stand. He’s a lost cause. There’ll be wedding bells soon.”
“Now, hold on.” He had to draw the line somewhere. He wanted Sarah, a lot, but he wasn’t ready for marriage. That was a lifetime commitment. “We’re just going to date.”
“Pleeease,” said Terry. “You went without any woman for four months on the hope that this Sarah will want to see you again.”
“She will.” He had no doubt. She was as hot for him as he was for her.
“Time will tell.” Terry looked at his watch. “It’s already five minutes after midnight. I guess she’s not as eager as you are to rekindle your fucking.”
“This is Nick we’re talking about. Women love him”—Mattie grinned—“almost as much as they love Ethan.”
“They don’t all love me.” Ethan studied Nick. “I just know which ones to tempt, which ones to chase and which ones to avoid.”
“I’m happy for you, Nick.” Patrick was leaning against the wall. “Finding the right woman isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.”
“Enough with your love-sick drivel,” said Terry. “You’re so whipped you can’t see straight.”
“I know and I love it.” Patrick grinned.
Nick was glad for his friend. Patrick and his girlfriend Annie had gone through a rough couple of weeks, but they’d worked it out.
“It’s quarter after twelve.” He took a sip of his drink. She was late. He was going to wring her hot, little neck. “What time does everyone have for Sarah’s letter?” He dropped onto a chair by the couch. “I want in on the action.”
“You can’t bet—”
“Why Mattie? I’ve had no contact with her. I have no idea when she’ll arrive with her letter.” It’d better be soon because for every minute she made him wait to fuck her, he was going to make her wait double to come. Not the first time. Not even the first night or two. It’d been way too long since he’d kissed a woman, tasted her pussy, or heard her moaning his name as her hot, wet cunt clenched around him. He shifted on his seat to ease the pressure in his pants. As soon as he fucked out some of his frustration, Sarah would pay for making him wait, and he’d make sure she loved every minute of it.
Terry walked across the room and pulled a paper off the table by the bar. “Patrick has when the mail arrives.”
“You think she’ll mail the letter?” That’d take days. He’d kill her. He’d absolutely kill her.
“Yeah. She doesn’t like to come out a lot, right? Wasn’t it a stipulation in her contract that she could only meet on certain days and times?” asked Patrick.
“It was,” said Ethan.
“Shit.” He’d forgotten about that. He turned toward Ethan. “Now that you know I’m serious, what’s the deal with that?”
“I can’t tell you anything and you know it.”
“Come on.” His friend’s bullheadedness over the rules was beyond annoying.
“You know she’ll tell him everything once they start dating,” said Mattie.
“If they start dating.” Ethan glanced away.
“You’re kidding, right?” Now, he was getting nervous. Ethan knew things about Sarah that he didn’t. “She’s not married, is she?”
“No. You know that. It was in the contract.”
“I know what was in the fucking contract. I’m asking you to tell me what wasn’t.” He stood, fear and frustration getting the better of him.
Terry moved between them. “Mattie, on the other hand picked twelve-thirty.” He looked at his watch. “You lost.”
Nick glanced at his wrist. It was already twenty-to-one. Where in the hell was she?
CHAPTER 2: SARAH
In five minutes it’d be one hundred and twenty-one days since she’d been with Nick. Over two thousand, eight hundred and eighty hours since she’d touch him or been touched by him. She grabbed the bottle of Crown Royal and a glass and went into the living room. She pushed Tank’s large, hairy body out of the way and sat on the couch next to him. She ran her fingers through the Belgian Malinois’s thick fur as she poured herself a hefty drink. She was going to need it. She missed Nick more than she should, more than was safe.
She picked up the letter from the coffee table. She didn’t need to read it. She knew it by heart. It was to Ethan, telling him to give her phone number to Nick. She folded it and put it in its envelope. She took a large sip of her drink and walked into her bedroom. She opened her nightstand and dropped the letter inside. No matter how much she wanted to see him, he wouldn’t feel the same. Men like him didn’t wait for women; they just found someone else to warm their beds. He’d probably barely remember her.
Her cell phone rang and she hurried into the living room. A spark of hope flared in her chest—improbable, unlikely, but it could be Nick. She grabbed her phone from the table and the hope sputtered and died. It was her sister, Maisie. She plopped on the couch. “Hey.”
“How you doing?” asked Maisie.
A few weeks after her last night with Nick, she’d broken down and told her sister everything. Well…not all the sexual details but everything else.
“Fine.” She took a swallow of her drink. It wasn’t exactly a lie. She would be fine. Eventually. One day, she’d stop dreaming of him—stop waking in the middle of the night needy and wet for him.
“You sure you don’t want me to come over?”
“Yeah.” She’d rather be alone. Tank nudged her hand. Correction. She wasn’t alone. She had Tank. She kissed his furry head. “I’m just going to watch a movie or read and then go to bed.”
“Okay. If you’re sure…”
“I’m sure.” She knew what was coming. She tossed back the rest of her drink and refilled it.
“Why don’t you send the letter?”
“I can’t.”
“What would it hurt? Best case he sent one too and you can see him again, worse case he didn’t and you’re right where you are now except you’d have closure.”
She’d also have pain—lots and lots of pain. “I can’t.”
“Sarah, you need to take a chance. What happened with Adam was sad and it hurt, but not every man is Adam.”
“I know.” She did. Not every man would choose another woman over her. Not every man would die loving another woman. Not every man would give her a baby. Perhaps, no man ever should. She hadn’t wanted that baby. She’d hated Adam so much for choosing Lisa that part of her had hated the child she’d carried, until she’d lost it. “I can’t do it again. I can’t.” She gulped down her drink.
“Sarah…” Maisie sighed.
“Please. Don’t. I can’t handle a lecture right now.” She bit down on her lip to stop from crying. She wanted Nick but he wasn’t the kind of guy to be with only one woman.
“Give him a chance.”
“To break my heart? No thanks.”
“He might not.”
She laughed. “You don’t know him. He told me he tired of women after a month. He’s forgotten about me by now.”
“What if he hasn’t?”
“Please. He belongs to a high class sex club. There are tons of women there willing to do all sorts of things. I doubt that he even thought twice about me once our contract was up.” And that made it hurt so much more.
“You don’t know that. He wanted more time with you. You told me he’d said he’d even be celibate for you.”
“Maisie, trust me. That’s not possible. Nick being celibate is like the sun rising in the west. It’s not going to happen.”
“He suggested it. You didn’t ask him to do it.”
“Because he wanted me to agree. He wanted to win. Everything’s a game to guys like him. They want everything their way and he was using whatever he thought I wanted to hear to convince me.” She paused. “And once I give him what he wants, he’ll leave.”
“So, you’re leaving him first.”
“Yes.” At least this way she could pretend that he’d thought about her at least a little, pretend she’d meant something more to him than someone to fuck for six nights.
“What if you’re wrong? What if he’s waiting for you and you don’t show up?”
Her heart skipped a beat. She’d hurt him. She didn’t want to hurt him. She didn’t want him to feel even a little bit of the pain she’d gone through with Adam.
“Think about that, Sarah. By protecting yourself, you may be hurting him.”
“Goodbye.” She hung up the phone. Her hands trembled as she took another drink. She stood and went into her bedroom and grabbed the envelope from her nightstand. He’d wanted her to bring it to the Club, not mail it. He’d said he’d be waiting for her.
She headed for the door but Tank was sitting on the couch watching her. She couldn’t leave him. She grabbed her phone. Maisie would come over and stay with him. He’d be okay for a few hours. She could be with Nick again—touch him, taste him, have him touch her. Her body trembled and then her fingers stilled on the phone. Or, she’d go to the Club and Ethan would take the letter. He’d try to hide it, but there’d be pity in his eyes. She couldn’t stand that…that pity. She might even see Nick with another woman. He’d know why she was there. He might even offer her a pity-fuck. The breath hitched in her chest. She wouldn’t do that again. She’d never chase after a man who didn’t want her. She wasn’t that stupid, young girl any longer.
She walked into her bedroom and tossed the envelope back into the drawer. She couldn’t, wouldn’t give anyone any reason to pity her again. She’d had enough of that for a lifetime.
She went into the living room and dropped onto the couch. Tank curled up by her side. She turned on the television and refilled her glass. She flipped through the stations and drank as her sister’s words echoed through her head. Maisie was wrong. Nick wouldn’t be waiting for her. She wasn’t hurting him; she was saving herself from hurt.
CHAPTER 3: NICK
“Hey, Nick. Why don’t you come down into the Club and I’ll buy you a drink?” Terry stood, taking his empty glass to the bar. “And anything else you want.”
“No.” Nick stared at his drink. He’d had too many and not enough. It was two in the morning. Where the hell was she?
“Terry’s right.” Mattie finished his beer. “Let’s go have some fun.”
“Fuck off. She’s coming.”
“Yeah, with some other guy,” mumbled Terry.
“You mother…” Nick flew across the room but Patrick and Ethan stepped in his path. “I’m going to beat the shit out of you.”
“Man can’t take a joke.” Terry smirked. “I guess blueballs will do that to a guy.”
“Go downstairs, Terry,” said Ethan.
“If you change your mind, Nick, come find me.” Terry stopped at the door. “You did your time. You can tell this Sarah, if she shows up, that you were celibate for four months. It’ll be the truth.”
“Go fuck yourself.” He pulled away from Ethan and Patrick and sat on the couch. “She’ll show up. She probably mailed the letter.”
“That’s right.” Patrick filled Nick’s glass. “If she mailed it today, Ethan won’t get it for a couple of days.”
Nick tossed back a gulp of his drink and stood. “I’m going home.”
“Good idea. I’ll drive.” Patrick took his keys.
He followed his friend out of the Club. If he didn’t leave now, he’d fuck someone. He was hard and ready and he needed a woman but he’d waited too long for Sarah to blow it now. Oh, she was going to pay for these extra days of celibacy.
CHAPTER 4: SARAH
Sarah moaned and rolled over, her hand tangling in Tank’s fur. “Lie down.”
He nudged her again with his wet nose.
“All right. I’m getting up.” The damn dog had an internal timer she could set her clock by. She sat up, head spinning. The half empty bottle of Crown stared accusingly at her. Oh man, she’d tied one on last night.
Tank ran to the back door and whined.
“Okay, okay.” She stood, her stomach churning. She needed water, something bland to eat and then more sleep.
Tank whined again.
First, she had to take her dog outside. She stumbled to the back door and opened it. Tank ran outside and stopped, staring back at her. She should work with him more on going out alone, but he got so upset if she were out of his sight. She was pretty sure he feared she’d disappear like Adam. “Okay.” She stepped into her backyard, wincing as the sunlight hit her face. “Why did you let me drink so much?”
Tank sniffed around the yard, ignoring her.
“Some friend you are.”
He peed and ran back to the door.
“Done?”
He stared at her, wagging his tail.
“Great. Let’s go back to bed.” She wouldn’t get any arguments from him. At eleven years old he was more than happy to sleep most of the day. Although having worked for the military until he’d been wounded in the gunfire that’d killed Adam, he was also used to exercise. She’d bring him back out later, after her nap.
He followed her into the kitchen. She dumped a scoop of dog food in his dish and dropped a piece of toast in the toaster. She drank some water and went into the living room to put away all reminders of her binge last night.
Her eyes fell on the papers scattered over the end table. Flashes of her scribbling and crying flickered through her brain like an old, home movie. She picked them up. They were letters to Nick. There was also the one she’d put in her nightstand. Thank God, she hadn’t dropped these in the mail. Talk about pathetic. Even if Nick had sent Ethan a letter, he’d take one look at these and run screaming. No man wanted a desperate woman and she was beyond desperate in these letters—lonely, scared and clingy. Exactly, the kind of woman Nick avoided.
Her phone rang and her traitorous heart once again skipped a beat, hoping it’d be Nick. Ethan and Nick were good friends. Ethan might break his rule and give Nick her contact information without her consent. She found the phone on the floor by the couch. It was her sister again.
“Hey,” she answered, trying not to sound as disappointed as she was.
“How you feeling?” asked Maisie.
“Good.” She paused. “Like shit. I drank way too much last night.”
“Did you—”
“No, and I’m not going to.” She grabbed the letters from the table.
“I think you’re making a mistake.”
“My life. My mistake.” The toaster popped and she went into the kitchen. She tossed the letters in the trash as she put her toast on a plate and buttered it lightly.
“I know, but enough about that.” Maisie’s voice was excited.
“What’s going on?” She took a bite of her bread.
“You…well, Peter…well…we—”
“Maisie spit it out. What did you and your husband do now?”
Peter helped Sarah manage her company and he did all the things outside of the house that she hated doing—couldn’t do because of Tank. He was a great guy, a great husband and a great employee, except…when he pushed too much. She was pretty sure most of that started with Maisie.
“There was a contest and—”
“Tell me you didn’t.” She took her toast into the living room and flopped on the couch. “Please, tell me you didn’t waste money entering the company in one of those charities—”
“It wasn’t a waste because we won.” Maisie was almost screaming now and Sarah winced.
“Quieter. Speak quieter.”
“Sorry.” Maisie lowered her voice, but not much. “I’m just so excited! We won.”
“What did we win?” She sighed—another hundred dollars and a free hotel stay which she wouldn’t accept.
“Five hundred thousand dollars!”
“What?” She stood, hands trembling. Her company did well but an additional half million would be wonderful. She could help so many more animals with that money.
“You heard me. A half million dollars!”
“Oh, my God.” She dropped back onto the couch. The ideas of what she could do with that much extra cash making a whirlwind in her head but then reality splashed in the center. “What do I have to do with the money? What are the stipulations? What kind of scam did you get us involved in?”
“Calm down. It’s legit. You can do whatever you want with the money as long as it goes to helping animals. The charity is the Norman Jay Animal Rights endowment.”
“Oh, they’re huge.” And reputable. This was fabulous.
“Yeah and you won. They love what you do for animals especially our K9 veterans.”
“I can use the money however I want?” She could help service men and women adopt the animals they fell in love with overseas. She could set up subsidized housing for veterans and their pets. There were so many great ways she could expand.
“Yep. You have to give them an itemized expenditure list but as long as it goes for animals they don’t care.”
“That’s wonderful.” Her mind stumbled over itself trying to think of the best way to spend this money. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I hope you’ll be more open to us entering the company in other competitions.”
“You know the only reason I don’t want you signing us up is because they usually require me to accept the reward. I’m surprised that Norman Jay is okay with Peter going in my place.” She sat on the couch. “I’m happy, but surprised.”
“Ah…”
Her fist tightened on the phone. “No, don’t say it, Maisie. Don’t.”
“It’s a half million dollars.”
She flopped onto her back. “I can’t. You’ll have to refuse.”
“We…You are not turning down $500,000. You know how many animals you can help with that. Let alone the publicity.”
“I know but…I can’t. I can’t leave Tank.”
“You can. I’ll watch him. He’ll be fine.”
“No. He won’t.” Her heart was racing. She didn’t want to go. She didn’t want to accept the award, stand in front of all those people and make a speech. Have them all looking at her. She hated being the center of attention, ever since that party at Adam’s parents’ house—all the pitying looks and false smiles. She’d only made it through the Viewing because she couldn’t see their faces and even if she had, they’d wanted to fuck her, not pity her.
“Calm down.” Maisie’s voice was firm but gentle. “You can do this. Peter will be there with you and I’ll be with Tank.”
“I’ll have to be gone too long.” These events were always out of town.
“Only four hours or so.”
“It’s here?”
“Yes, in the city. You’ll go, eat dinner and accept the award. I’d suggest staying and enjoying the party afterwards, making some contacts but if you can’t, Peter will bring you home.”
“I…I don’t know.” She’d still have to make a speech.
“Sarah, I think you need to do this. You’re getting worse—”
“It’s not me.” But it was. Some of her self-imposed isolation was her fear and they both knew it.
“You’ve barely left the house in four months.”
“There’s no reason to go out and Tank—”
“Would get used to you leaving if you did it once in a while.”
“Stop, Maisie. Just stop.” Tank nudged her arm and she rolled over burying her face in his neck.
“Think of all you can do with that money. All the dogs like Tank you can save.”
Her heart raced. She didn’t want to do this.
“It’ll only be a few hours. Three. Three hours for half a million dollars.”
She had no choice. She rolled over, staring at the ceiling. “I guess, I can do that.”
“I know you can.”
“When?”
“In two weeks. I’ll come by and we’ll look at dresses online.” Maisie’s voice was filled with excitement. She loved to shop.
CHAPTER 5: NICK
Nick tipped the bottle and chugged. It’d been over a week and still no Sarah. He didn’t understand.
“Hey, let’s go to the Club,” said Mattie.
He ignored his brother. He didn’t want to go to the Club and fuck some nameless woman. He wanted to fuck Sarah.
“Sitting here and getting plastered every night isn’t doing you any good.”
“It sure feels good.” He’d get drunk and pass out and then he didn’t miss her. Sometimes she visited in his dreams and it was great, until he woke—his dick in his hand and no woman next to him. He took another long drink. Maybe, Mattie was right. Maybe, he should go to the Club.
“Come on. You don’t have to fuck anyone. Go and see the guys. Socialize.” Mattie tossed him his jacket.
“The last thing I want to do is see the guys. I’ll never hear the end of this.”
“Nah. Ethan won’t tease you. Not about this.”
“Terry will.”
“Terry’s an ass.”
“That’s true.” He grinned.
“Come on.” Mattie headed for the door. “I’ll drive.”
“Why not?” He followed his brother.
When they arrived at the Club, Mattie smiled at one of the young women.
Nick knew her well. She liked to be tied up and spanked. “I’ll meet up with you later.” He nodded at the girl. “Have fun.”
“I plan on it.” Mattie walked toward her.
Nick headed to Ethan’s office and knocked on the door.
“Come in, Nick.”
“You and your bloody cameras.” He walked into the room and went to the bar.
“I’m glad to see you.”
“Yeah.” He didn’t have much to say to that.
“It happens to all of us.”
“Shut the fuck up.” This had never happened to him and he was pretty sure it’d never happened to Ethan.
Ethan laughed. “You’ll live. The best thing for a brok—”
“Don’t.” If his friend said broken heart he was going to punch him.
“For something like this is to jump back into the scene. You’ll forget about her. Tiffany and Vicky are here.”
“Really?” The twins liked to fuck the same guy. Vicky gave great blow jobs. His dick started to stand at attention.
“Yeah. I’m sure you could persuade them to join you for the evening. They appreciate a man who knows what he’s doing.”
That might be a problem. He was so horny he wouldn’t make it long, but he’d be ready to go again soon. Still, he hesitated.
“Was there something else?” Ethan watched him, his blue eyes seeming to see into Nick’s soul.
“Have…have you spoken with her? I mean, she isn’t hurt or sick or anything is she?” The flash of pity in his friend’s eyes told him all he needed to know.
“She’s fine.”
He tossed back his drink and poured another. “That bitch.” She’d used him and tossed him aside. “Give me something. Her last name. Where she works. Something.” No one treated him this way, no one.
“I can’t do that.” Ethan’s calmness sparked his rage.
“You can, but you won’t.”
Ethan shrugged.
“Fuck you.” Nick headed for the door. “I’ll find her myself. I don’t need you.”
“Leave her alone, Nick.” There was a warning in Ethan’s tone.
“Or what? You’ll kick me out of your Club? I’m not even a member anymore, remember?” He left the office, slamming the door behind him as he pulled out his phone and called Patrick.
“Hello.” Patrick’s voice was raspy from sleep.
“I need you to find Sarah for me.”
“Nick?” Patrick was wide awake now.
“She’s fine and Ethan won’t give me her contact information. The stupid fucking bastard.”
“You know I can’t do that.”
“Why?” His friends were being assholes. “You barely come to the Club anymore. You can find another place that’ll let you and Annie watch.”
“That’s not it.” There was a feminine mumble from Patrick’s phone and then his muffled voice, like he had his hand over the phone.
Patrick must’ve moved his hand because his weary sigh was loud and clear. “Okay, I’ll ask him but it doesn’t matter. I can’t give out her information.”
The hell he couldn’t. “Ask me what?” He was in no mood for twenty questions.
“Annie wants to know why you want to contact Sarah.”
“Why the fuck do you think?”
“Gee, Nick.” Annie had snatched Patrick’s phone from him. “You could want to talk to her, or you could want to scream at her. Which is it?”
“Neither.” He liked Annie but she had a habit of sticking her nose where it didn’t belong.
“Then why do you—”
“I want to fuck her, Annie. Why do you think? I waited for her. I waited over one hundred and twenty days and she didn’t come.” He almost bashed his phone against the wall.
“You only want to have sex with her? Get her out of your system?” She didn’t sound offended.
“Yes.” He took a deep breath. “She thinks she doesn’t want me, but she does.” It’d been too good between them for her to not want to be with him again.
“So, you want to prove to her that she does desire you.”
“Fuck yeah.” And then, he’d leave because no one, no one, walked away from him. He’d ended every relationship he’d had and it wasn’t about to change now.
“And then what?” Her voice was quiet.
If he told her the truth, she’d never agree to convince Patrick to find Sarah. “Then we see where it goes.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. That’d been what he’d planned on doing. He’d thought for four long months that she might be the one, but now there was no way. He’d make her want him—make her think about him with every breath, feel him with every step—and then he’d leave. Let her experience an iota of what he was feeling.
There was muffled arguing from Patrick and Annie and then Patrick got back onto the phone. “I’m sorry, Nick. I can’t. You knew the rules when you signed—”
“Fuck the rules.” His hand clenched the phone so tightly he thought it’d break. “I helped you. If it weren’t for me you would’ve blown it with Annie.”
“I know that, but I can’t do it.” Patrick sighed. “Go to the Club. Lose yourself in some woman. Have fun. You’ll find some—”
“Fuck you.” He hung up the phone. He didn’t want to lose himself in some woman from the Club. He wanted Sarah and he wanted his revenge.
CHAPTER 6: NICK
Nick stared at the computer, unable to think about anything but finding Sarah. He’d done some digging but he wasn’t a private investigator. His friends were but they refused to help. Besides Patrick, he’d reached out to Hunter, Patrick’s top investigator, but the guy had ignored his calls and texts. His friends sucked.
He clicked through the spreadsheets. He had to focus on business. It’d been almost two weeks since Sarah had dumped him and he had to get over it. He poured himself his third drink. Working from home had its perks. It was two in the afternoon. He was doing better than last week.
The doorbell rang.
He opened the door. “So, you decided to stop ignoring me.” He stepped aside so Hunter could enter.
“I wasn’t ignoring you. I was working.” Hunter strolled across the room and dropped onto the couch.
“Drink?” Nick walked to the kitchen.
“A little early for me.”
“It’s five o’clock somewhere as they say.” He finished his drink and poured another. It was time to get drunk. Someday, when he gave up on finding Sarah he’d go back to the Club but right now he wasn’t interested. All he wanted was to find her and fuck her. He didn’t even care anymore why she hadn’t showed. She obviously didn’t want him as much as he wanted her, so all he cared about now was to getting her out of his system.
“Yeah, but I go by our time.” Hunter crossed his long legs at the ankle.
“You got my messages?” He sat on the chair near the couch.
“Yeah.”
“And?” He hated monosyllabic answers.
“Why do you want to find her?”
“Why does it matter?” Great, here he went again.
“Because it does.” Hunter’s light brown eyes were sharp in his narrow face.
“Why?” He couldn’t pull off the same half-truth that he’d told to Annie on Hunter. The man knew him too well.
“Men have been known to do stupid things when a woman doesn’t want them.”
“You think I’d hurt her?” He almost stood, filled with pent up passion and anger at Hunter’s statement. “Jesus. How long have you known me?”
“A long time and I’ve never known you give two shits whether a woman wanted you or not.”
“Sarah wants me.”
“She just doesn’t know it yet.” Hunter barked a laugh. “We’ve all felt like that.” He sobered. “And we’ve all been wrong.”
“I’ve never felt like this,” he mumbled into his drink. Sure, there’d been women who’d preferred one of his friends to him, but he hadn’t wanted them, not like he wanted Sarah.
“Lucky you.”
“Yeah. Lucky me.” He was a mess, all because of one woman. “I’d never hurt her.” He wouldn’t, not physically.
“I don’t believe you.”
“Go fuck yourself. And get out of my house.”
“Hold on.” Hunter didn’t move. “I didn’t mean you’d hit her or hurt her in that way.”
“Well, what did you mean?” He was afraid that Hunter understood him a little too well. He did want to hurt Sarah. He wanted her to feel like he did right now—confused, miserable and angry.
“As you said, I know you Nick and you’re tenacious but you also lose interest fast. That’s why you excel in your profession. By the time you’re bored with the small business you’re helping, the job’s done.”
“Yeah?”
“That works for businesses but not women.”
“So, you’ll only help me if I want to marry her? Is that what you’re saying?”
“No.” Hunter gave him a disgusted look. “But if all you want to do is fuck her again then…leave her alone. She’s—”
“You already found her, didn’t you?” There was something about the way Hunter talked about her that reminded him of Ethan. “Tell me where she is, you son-of-a-bitch.” He leaned forward, prepared to beat the shit out of the guy if he didn’t tell him what he knew.
Hunter leaned forward, eyes locking with Nick’s. “Tell me you won’t hurt her and I’ll tell you what I know.”
“I can’t tell you that. I have no idea where this will go.” He had no plan of letting it go anywhere but the bedroom. Not anymore.
“What’s your intention?”
“What are you her father?”
“Fuck you, Nick. You know what I mean.” Hunter stood. “Find me when you’re ready to answer my questions.” He headed for the door.
“Wait.” It was now or never. “Yes, I want to fuck her and yes, I’m pissed, but…I can’t get her out of my mind.” He rested his glass against his head. “I should be at the Club fucking anyone who’s willing, but I don’t want them. I want her.” There it was—the truth, part of it anyway.
“You’ve had many relationships where you didn’t want to see the woman again.”
“Yeah, so?”
“What would you have done if they showed up at your door?”
“Kicked Ethan’s ass.” His mouth dropped open. Fuck. He’d screwed up big time. “I didn’t mean that.”
“Too late.”
“Come on. This is different.” Nick hurried over to Hunter.
“The only thing different is that you want more and she doesn’t instead of the other way around.”
“Fuck you.” He turned and went back to the kitchen and grabbed the bottle.
“Let it go, Nick.” Hunter walked out the door.
He dropped onto the couch and chugged down some scotch. Hunter was right, the stupid mother fucker.
CHAPTER 7: NICK
Nick hadn’t gotten off the couch in days. Hunter’s words kept echoing through his head and he couldn’t accept them. It’d been different with Sarah. She had to have felt it too, but obviously she hadn’t. He’d just been some guy she’d hooked up with like all those faceless women he’d banged. It’d been fun, something to pass the time, but that’d been it.
Damn. This hurt. He pointed the remote at the TV and flipped through the stations. Daytime TV sucked. He grabbed the phone. He’d call the liquor store. Everything was better when he had a buzz. That was a million dollar slogan. Even drunk he was a genius. Now, all he needed was a small liquor business to represent.
His phone rang and he stared at it in his hand, his mind still fuzzy from drinking earlier, or last night, or today. He had no idea what day or time it was. Maybe, the liquor store was calling him. He grinned as he answered the phone, “I’d like six bottles of Glenlivet.”
“Nick?” asked Annie.
“Annie?” He sat up, his eyes focusing on her name on his phone. “Everything okay?” He was helping her with her catering/restaurant business, but their next appointment wasn’t for weeks.
“No, everything’s not okay. What did you say to Hunter?”
“Nothing.”
“Really? He’s refusing to give you Sarah’s contact information because he says you only want to use her.”
“That mother-fucker. Why the hell did he say anything to you?”
“Because I asked him to go behind Patrick’s back and get Sarah’s file.”
“You did? Why?”
“Because Patrick is being a stubborn idiot about this, or I thought he was. He’s using the same excuses he did to stay away from me—Ethan says. It’s Ethan’s rules—and that’s just stupid. If you’re in love with her, Ethan shouldn’t stand in your way.” She took a deep breath. “And you helped me and Patrick.”
“Thank you.” He was humbled that she’d stick her neck out for him, because Patrick was going to be pissed.
“Apparently, I’m an idiot and Patrick’s right, so thanks a lot. We had a huge fight over this and it was all for nothing because you’re a jerk.”
“I don’t know what Hunter told you but I’d never hurt her.” He still had a chance. All he had to do was convince Annie that he cared for Sarah and he’d have her again. Sarah may not want to admit it but she was as hot for him as he was for her. He just had to remind her how good it’d been between them and he could fuck her and move on with his life.
“Really?”
“Really. I don’t hurt women. You know me better than that.”
“Hmm.”
“Please Annie, I’m a mess.” That was true. “I need to see her. Talk to her.” And fuck her in every position imaginable.
“If she’s not interested, what will you do?”
“I’ll leave her alone.” He ran his fingers across his chest in a cross as if she could see him. “I swear.”
“Attend the Norman Jay Animal Rights Dinner this Saturday night.”
“She’ll be there? Sarah will be there?” His hand shook.
“Don’t make me sorry I did this.” She hung up the phone.
He wouldn’t. Actually, he didn’t care. He hadn’t asked Annie to help him. That was her decision caused by her woman’s heart, filled with love and happily ever after. He didn’t want love or a relationship but he did want to fuck Sarah again—over and over until he couldn’t see straight and he no longer dreamt of her every night.
CHAPTER 8: SARAH
Sarah’s hands fluttered in her lap. She was in no hurry to get to the awards banquet but the car kept moving and that meant they kept getting closer.
“You’ll do fine,” said Peter.
“Thanks.” She wasn’t so sure about that, but she smiled. Peter was a great guy. She was glad for her sister. Maisie had the kind of life she’d once wanted—a loving husband and a great kid.
“Don’t be nervous.”
“I’m trying.” They both knew he could say that all night but it wouldn’t help. She didn’t like crowds. She didn’t like parties. She didn’t like going or being anywhere but home.
Peter pulled into the hotel parking lot and drove to the front. The valet opened her door. She got out of the car and Peter came around to her side. He handed the valet his keys and a tip and then took Sarah’s arm, heading for the building.
“You look terrific. You’ve gone over your speech a hundred times. You’re ready for this.”
Her hand squeezed his arm. He was steadfast and strong beside her but it wasn’t enough. With each step they got closer and closer to the door. Too soon, they were inside the hotel. The event room loomed ahead. The doors were open. There were hundreds of tables and small platform with a podium and microphone. There were people everywhere. Someone called out Peter’s name.
“Give me a minute.” It was half-question.
“Sure.” She could do this. She could.
Peter walked a few steps away and she wandered closer to the room. She stood to the side of the open double doors. This wasn’t like Adam’s party. No one would look at her and feel sorry for her…unless she panicked. That’s not helping. She took a deep breath. She should walk in and go to the bar. No one would stare at her. No one would notice her, but her feet didn’t move. She jumped as Peter took her arm. He must’ve seen her trembling because he turned her toward him and tipped her chin until her eyes met his.
“You can do this. A half of million dollars will help a lot of animals.”
He was right. She had to do this. She took a deep breath and smiled, her lips trembling a bit. “I can do this.”
“Yes, you can.”
“They won’t be looking at me with…” She stopped herself from saying with pity but the flash of pain in his eyes told her he knew what she’d almost said. What she’d almost admitted.
“They’ll be admiring a smart, sexy, successful woman who runs her own business and is kind and compassionate.” He kissed her forehead. “You’re stronger than you think, Sarah.”
She grabbed the lapels of his tux and leaned against him. “I’m going to be looking at you the entire time.”
“That’s fine.” His hand patted her back in a brotherly caress.
“Thank you.” She straightened and took a deep breath. “I think, I need a drink.”
“Of course.” He grinned as he offered his arm and they stepped through the open doors and into the mass of wealthy, well dressed people. Sarah had never been more terrified in her life.
CHAPTER 9: NICK
A surge of relief followed by lust raced through Nick when his eyes landed on Sarah. She was standing in the doorway, looking better than fantastic. She wore a short, emerald green dress trimmed with black. Fuck, he loved her in green. His eyes trailed down her long legs, stalling at her shoes. Those tiny, wedge heels wouldn’t make her unbalanced. It was too bad because he’d love an excuse to steady her and see her eyes darken with desire. He forced his gaze up to her face. It was pinched with fear. Without thinking, he strode toward her. A man walked over to her and she smiled up at him. Nick’s feet stopped as if encased in cement. This couldn’t be happening, but it was. She’d move on, forgotten about him like he’d meant nothing. She rested her head against the other man’s chest and Nick’s rage ran icy hot.
She and that man headed for the bar. Nick made his way in the opposite direction, lingering on the outskirts of the room and watching her. While he’d been jacking off and dreaming about her, she’d been fucking some other guy. He needed a drink—a lot of them.
He stopped a waiter, handing the young man a hundred dollar bill and his glass. “Scotch. Glenlivet. Keep them coming.”
“Yes, sir.” The kid took off, returning a moment later with a full glass.
He gave the kid a twenty and prowled in the shadows of the room. Sarah sipped her drink as she and her boyfriend—the word soured in his mind—moved around the party, chatting and laughing. He finished his scotch and the kid was there a moment later with a refill.
“Thanks.” He handed the kid a business card. “Come see me if you’re really this ambitious. I’m sure I can find a job for you.” He could use an assistant.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Drive and dedication should be rewarded.” He stared past the kid at Sarah. She didn’t understand that but she would. He’d been dedicated to her and she’d move on. That didn’t work for him. He wanted her again and he’d have her. Tonight and tomorrow and then she could go back to her limp-dicked boyfriend.
CHAPTER 10: SARAH
Sarah hated crowds. The alcohol was helping a little and everyone had been nice but her nerves hummed with dread. She skin on the back of her neck prickled as if someone were staring at her, but whenever she’d glance around there was no one there—at least no one looking at her. It was probably her fear. The time for her speech was drawing near.
“We should sit down,” said Peter. “They’re about to start.”
The president of the organization was moving to the stage. She nodded, letting Peter lead her to their table. A waiter came by and they placed their orders as the president started speaking.
She stared at the stage, smiling when everyone else smiled, but unable to concentrate on the speech. She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t get up there in front of everyone. Her hand shook as she finished her drink.
Peter leaned near her ear. “You’ll do fine. Just look at me.”
She swallowed. Everyone was clapping and looking in her direction. She stood and headed for the stage, taking deep breaths and hoping no one noticed. She needed to calm down or she’d pass out. They’d notice that. Before she knew it she was on the stage behind the podium. She stared into the crowd. She opened her mouth but nothing came out.
People were smiling at her, but the longer she stood there, the more those looks started changing—surprise, confusion. If they looked at her with pity she’d die. Her gaze raced to Peter but it didn’t help. Panic clawed at her throat. She couldn’t do this. She was going to be sick. She glanced at the doors—her escape. If she ran, she could be there in a few minutes. Someone stepped out of the shadows into her line of sight. It was Nick. Her stomach dropped to her toes. She’d never thought she’d see him again. He was so handsome in his tux, the black of the suit matching his hair. He took a drink and his eyes roamed down her body, pausing on her breasts. Warmth pooled in her belly. His eyes locked with hers and he tipped his head.
She found her voice. She could focus on him—look into his eyes. She knew them. She’d seen them filled with lust and passion and desire. The man had seen her at her most vulnerable. He’d tied her up and had made her lose control and she’d loved every second of it. She stared at him as she spoke, her speech pouring from her and then everyone was clapping and the president was handing her a check. It wasn’t real. The real money would be electronically deposited into her account.
She thanked him and left the stage. She glanced at the doorway but Nick was gone. She looked around the room as she made her way to her table but he wasn’t there.
“You did great.” Peter hugged her before holding her chair for her.
“Thanks.” She wasn’t crazy. Nick had been there. “Did you see the guy at the back?”
“What guy?”
The waiters delivered their meals while another waiter came by and collected their drink orders.
“I…I thought I saw someone I knew.”
“Who?”
“No one. No one important.” She was going crazy. Next thing she’d be seeing Adam. Maybe, Maisie was right and it was time for her to talk to someone about this.
CHAPTER 11: NICK
Nick leaned against the wall in the hallway his gut tied in an angry knot. He never should’ve helped her. He should’ve let her flounder up there. She’d been going to bolt. It’d been as clear in her eyes as her spark of desire when she’d seen him. Did her boyfriend know she still had the hots for her ex-lover? He usually didn’t fuck women with boyfriends or husbands but she was his. He’d found her first and the boyfriend could have her back when he was done with her.
The waiter came out and handed him another drink.
“Thanks. What did she say?” He’d sent the kid to spy at her table. He’d expected her to come into the hallway looking for him but he should’ve realized she’d go back to her little-dicked boyfriend.
“Nothing much. She told her date that she thought she saw someone she knew.”
He snorted. She knew she saw him. Her panties were probably soaking because of it. “What else?”
The kid hesitated.
“Tell me.” This wouldn’t be good.
“The guy asked her who she thought she saw and she said no one important.”
His jaw clenched, grinding his teeth. No one important! She’d had multiple organisms with him. She’d spilled her guts about her ex and baby but he was no one important.
“Sorry, sir.”
“Don’t be. I needed to hear it.” He’d started, once again, to feel something besides lust for her. She’d been so scared and helpless on stage. He’d had to help her, but that was done. He was going to fuck her twelve ways to Sunday and then leave. “Plus, I always expect the truth,”—he glanced at the kid’s name tag—“Tommy. No matter what.”
CHAPTER 12: NICK
As soon as dinner was over, Nick was going to have Tommy take a note to Sarah. He was pretty sure all he needed was one moment alone with her and she’d be his for the night. His dick hardened at the thought. He glanced inside the main room. Everyone was still eating. He took a deep breath. He needed to be patient—only another thirty minutes or so.
Sarah stood, excusing herself and Nick had to fight not to grin. It seemed fate was finally on his side. As she walked toward the doors, he moved down the hallway. He had no desire to put on a show for everyone. She stepped into the foyer and headed toward the bathroom. He moved out of the shadows and into her path.
“Nick.” She jumped, her hand fluttering to her chest as her eyes roamed over him. “It’s really you.”
Her words were a soft whisper, almost a caress and his body responded, hardening for her softness. He hated that she had this effect on him—that he was a puppet to the desire coursing through him. He stepped toward her. She licked her lips—a tiny peeking of her tongue—and his control shattered. He grabbed her—one hand on the back of her neck and the other holding her chin. She wouldn’t get away, not until he’d tasted her. His lips came down on hers and she squeaked. It was the only opening he needed. He thrust his tongue into her mouth as his body pressed her against the wall. For one second, she remained still and then her arms wrapped around him and she was kissing him back. This was what he’d wanted. What he’d dreamed about for four long months. His hand skimmed up her leg, moving her dress out of his way.
“Nick.” She grabbed his wrist, stopping him.
“I need you.” It came out like a growl—angry and desperate. He needed to be inside of her now. He moved his hand under her dress, dragging hers with it, and cupped her pussy. “You’re so fucking wet. You want this to.” He kissed her, hard and demanding. She was soaked for him. For him.
She squirmed and he shoved her underwear aside as his other hand went to his zipper.
“Stop.” She pushed at this chest.
He froze. She wasn’t wiggling in pleasure. She was fighting him. His arms trembled as he forced himself to let her go. He touched her cheek, his thumb caressing her soft skin. “Sarah.” It was a benediction and a plea.
“Let me go.” Her green eyes were wide in panic.
“I’m sorry.” He backed away. They were in the goddamn hallway.
She pushed past him and hurried to the bathroom. He nodded at a guy who stepped out of the banquet room. The guy nodded back and went the other way. He waited to follow her until the man was in the men’s room. It’d been a mistake trying to take her in the hallway, but she wasn’t getting away from him. She still wanted him and he didn’t give two shits about her boyfriend.
CHAPTER 13: SARAH
Sarah leaned against the bathroom door. Nick was here and he still wanted her. Could she do this? Could she not? Her body wanted him, ached for him. She took a deep breath and went into the stall to pee. She had no idea what she was going to do. She nibbled her lip. She could cut out early and go somewhere with him. Maisie was watching Tank. She’d been planning on staying here for another hour or so, instead she could leave with him. But then what? Then nothing. Tomorrow, she’d be alone again. He wasn’t a relationship kind of guy, but tonight…Tonight, she could feel him again. Her body hummed, overriding her mind.
She flushed the toilet and stepped out of the stall. Now, all she had to do was find him. Should she tell him she wanted him? She giggled. That was probably obvious. She’d almost fucked him in the hallway. She turned on the faucet and was washing her hands when the door opened. Her eyes meet Nick’s as he closed the door and locked it.
Her heart raced. She knew that look. They were going to fuck. Right here. Right now. Wetness almost ran down her legs. God, she wanted this man. He moved toward her. She turned off the water and dried her hands. He stepped behind her, their eyes still locked in the mirror. He grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it up, his warm hands rough on the skin of her thighs. Her panties were visible in the mirror, stained from her desire.
“Take off your underwear.” His voice was strained as if barely containing himself.
She swallowed but pushed her panties down her hips, brushing against his erection as she bent. He gasped and she gave him an extra wiggle.
“Enough.” His fingers dug into her hips as his foot went between her legs and shoved them apart. “Bend forward.”
The desperation and need in his voice made her body quiver as she obeyed.
“I’m going to fuck you.” He bent and whispered in her ear. “It’s going to be hard and fast. I won’t last long.”
Her arms trembled as she braced herself. She wanted this. She missed it, but she knew it’d hurt a little at first because she hadn’t had anyone inside of her in over four months.
He unzipped his pants, his dark eyes almost black. He was like a fallen angel and he was about to fuck her. Her heart raced in anticipation. His dick brushed against her ass.
He licked his fingers and then prodded her asshole. “I should fuck you here.”
“No.” She shifted away, but he wrapped his arm around her holding her in place.
“Don’t tell me no.”
“You agreed—”
“That contract is over. Was over four damn months ago.” He was angry now and she had no idea why. “This is different. This is about what I want.” He pushed down on her butthole with his finger.
“No. You said…we both have to want it.” This was forbidden and God help her, she was getting even more turned on.
He skimmed around her asshole with his finger, pressing and caressing. She squirmed at the sensations. If he put his other hand on her pussy when he did that…
His eyes darkened even more. “You want it. You just won’t admit it.”
“I…I don’t.” She lied, kind of. She didn’t want to do this. Not now. Maybe, not even later but the feelings were interesting.
“Don’t lie to me.” He grabbed her hair and pulled her head back toward him.
“I…I’m not sure.”
He let go of her hair. “You will be.” He moved the hand that was on her abdomen lower. “But right now, I’m going to fuck you here.” He dipped his fingers into her folds, stroking.
She moaned and pushed her ass against his erection.
“Tell me you want this.” His other hand grabbed his cock, rubbing it against her opening.
“Condom.” Her fingers tightened around his wrist. “We need a condom.”
“Fuck, Sarah.” He flicked her clit and she trembled.
“Do that again. Please.” She was close to coming. Just being near him made her almost come.
He did and she closed her eyes. He flicked and rubbed her and she moaned, no longer stopping his hand, but pressing it harder against her. Then his dick was there, pushing and her eyes popped open.
“Condom.” She blocked her opening. “We have to use a condom.”
“Please.” He kissed between her shoulder blades. “I’m clean. You’re still on birth control, right?”
“Condom.” Birth control wasn’t one hundred percent effective.
“I don’t fucking have one.” His fingers grabbed her hips and he started to step back.
“Oh.” She shivered as the warmth from his body disappeared. “I do.” She grinned as she grabbed her purse. She’d started carrying them during her time with him and she’d never cleaned out this purse. She handed one to him.
“How convenient.” He took it but his eyes were shadowed and his face taut with tension. His white teeth flashed as he tore it open and rolled it onto his cock. He pushed her down to the counter, grabbed her hips and pulled her legs apart.
He was angry for some reason but right now she didn’t care if he were rough or if it hurt a little. Right now, she needed him inside of her.
“Tell me you want this.” He rubbed his dick along her crease, the heat almost burning her sensitive flesh.
