At the Brink (11 page)

Uh-oh.

I wasn’t hungry anymore, but I played with my food, trying to think of ways to delay the inevitable.

“You’re a good cook.” I waved my fork in the air. “How do you manage all this?”

His stare steeled. “Is that really what you want to talk about right now?”

I gulped even though I had no food in my mouth. It was clear that he had no interest in casual conversation, but I needed more time to work up my courage and settle my nerves.

“I’m just curious.” I said. “I know for a fact that you didn’t go to the store to get that steak or those vegetables. I also know that you weren’t here earlier to prepare this place for our arrival. I’m not even going to talk about the rest—the nursing home, the plane, the boat.”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Because this is all very exceptional to me,” I said, deflecting his impatience. “I’ve never met someone like you. You’re like magical Mr. Mistoffelees.”

“Magical Mr. Mistoffelees?” He laughed, an authentic sound that made me smile. “No, Lily, there’s no magic to my life. It’s all about having the proper set ups, developing capabilities early on, organizing, having all the elements in place—people, resources, blueprints—anticipating the contingencies and then executing the plan at the right time.”

“You sound just like a soldier.”

“I suppose I still am.”

“The most efficient man on the planet,” I said. “What about all those clothes in the closet?”

“What about them?”

“How did they get there?”

“By boat?”

“They’re new,” I said. “They fit me perfectly. They’re not left over...” I wanted to say that they were not left over from whoever preceded me, but the look he gave me was so forbidding I stopped midsentence.

“If you have to know,” he said, “I had some time between the moment I received your email and when I went to work this morning. I ordered everything online and had it expressed to my agent, who brought it here. Curiosity satisfied?”

There was something intriguing—and also disturbing—about knowing he’d picked out every piece of clothing I wore, down to my underwear.

“Are we done with idle conversation?” he said. “Are you done delaying?”

He had been onto me the entire time.

He slid an envelope from beneath the placemat and pushed it over to me. “As required.”

“Oh?”

“Open it.”

The envelope contained an official looking document. On further inspection, I almost choked.

“Everything in order?” he said.

I made a pretense of reviewing the date and the physician’s signature even though my eyes wouldn’t focus on the official health certificate I held between my hands.

“Ready?” he said.

“No.”

He rolled his eyes and sighed. “What now?”

“I just want to clarify,” I said. “Having a conversation is not necessarily a waste of time. Sometimes it’s good for people to get to know each other before—um—you know.”

The look he gave me set me on fire. “I already know you, Lily.”

“You might know things on paper about me, but you don’t know anything else.”

“Like what?”

“Stuff, you know? Like what I like for a snack, or which kind of bagel I prefer, or what I do in my spare time, or what kind of ice cream I like.”

“You like cheese and fruit for snacks,” he said. “You go to Olivetti’s for asiago bagels with salmon infused cream cheese on Sundays. You practice yoga, and your favorite ice cream flavor is—as my luck would have it—plain vanilla.”

I opened my mouth and closed it. “How did you know?”

He shrugged.

“You did call off those people, right?”

“As you requested.”

“I guess they had already done the job?”

“We’re an efficient outfit.”

“You may have read a thorough report about me.” I stood my ground. “But I don’t have the benefits of ‘due diligence.’ I know nothing about you.”

His brows bunched above his nose. “What do you need to know?”

“Things,” I said.

“Like what?”

“Like where did you grow up, for example?”

“My father was in the military,” he said. “We traveled a lot.”

“Okay,” I said. “How old are you?”

“Guess.”

“Thirty-three?”

“Thirty-four.”

He looked younger, especially when he smiled, which wasn’t nearly often enough. “What do you do for fun?”

“I work.”

“What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”

“Not plain vanilla, that’s for damn sure.”

I blushed but I kept at it. “Don’t you have a hobby or something?”

“You’re my only hobby at the moment.”

That shut me up.

“Lily,” he said. “I don’t like avoidance.”

“Okay, if we’re not going to avoid avoidance, then tell me: Why did you bring me here?”

“I wanted to get away,” he said. “I thought it would be appropriate.”

“Is this where you execute all your ‘transactions’?”

“Excuse me?”

“Is this where you bring all your whores?”

“Lily!” The look he gave me would have fried an egg on contact.

I crossed my arms. “Well?”

“I don’t like your tone.”

“I thought we were avoiding avoidance,” I said. “In that spirit: Why did you choose to bring me here when you could’ve just nailed me on your desk, or in the back of your car, or in a cheap, by-the-hour motel?”

I thought he’d get mad at me, but instead he flashed an alarming grin. “Those are all very good suggestions. I might yet take you up on some of them. But I had goals and objectives to achieve this weekend, and that’s why I brought you here.”

“Did you also bring a PowerPoint presentation?”

“I didn’t think it was necessary.”

I tried to keep a cool head about me. It wasn’t easy. I spoke to the businessman again, the deliberate mastermind who orchestrated all aspects of his life. I’d taken exactly one business class in college, but it had covered a chapter on basic project planning, including goals and objectives.

“So what are your goals for this weekend, Josh?”

He gave me a glance askance. “I don’t think you want to know.”

“I might not want to know, but I need to know.”

“All right,” he said. “If that’s how you want it. Adaption, habituation and acceptance.”

“What?”

“I brought you here so that you can adapt to your new situation, get used to me and accept my requirements and your new role.”

What on earth could one say to that?

“You see, Lily, I thought it would be easier to accomplish that goal here, where there are fewer distractions and no interruptions.”

“Kind of like boot camp,” I said.

He shrugged. “If you want to look at it that way.”

“What about your objectives?”

“I don’t see how this discussion is productive.”

“Humor me.”

“Have it your way,” he said. “First, I need you to learn my requirements, how I like things. Second, I need to familiarize you with your functions.”

Ah, yes, I remembered his concept of my functions. I was afraid he might pull out a detailed—or worse, illustrated—job description.

“And your third objective?” I asked, regretting the question as soon as I glimpsed his expression.

“I need to fuck you,” he said. “Now, without further delay.”

Chapter Eleven

Josh

We climbed the stairs in silence. Her eyes were hooded. Her lips were pressed together and straight. Her jaw was stubbornly set. She could have been going to her execution. And yet neither compassion nor altruism stopped me. Not even the resignation claiming her expression could sway me. I aimed to change all of that. My gaze fastened to the shapely calves propelling her forward, glued to the space above her knees where, beneath her skirt, her ass played peek-a-boo with my heart.

She hesitated at the door.

“This is going to happen,” I said. “We both want it and nothing will change that.”

Her eyes widened. Her respiration became labored. Her words came out in little gasps. “What if I can’t do it?”

I slid my hands down the length of her arms and held her hands. “You will not have a panic attack.”

“Don’t—”

“Did you hear what I said?” I squeezed her hands. “Look at me. Yes, that’s good. You are brave, Lily. You will not have a panic attack. I won’t allow it. You won’t allow it. Say it. You will not have a panic attack.”

She clung to my hands, eyes fixed on mine, taking deep breaths between words. “I. Will. Not. Have. A—”

“Say it.”

“—P-panic attack.”

“Say it again.”

“I will not. Have. A panic attack.”

“That’s good, keep saying it.”

“I will not have a panic attack.”

At last, she seemed steadier on her feet. Her breathing evened. It was an old trick I’d devised during those long months that comprised the worst times of my life. I smiled, secretly relieved to see Lily recover so quickly. She was as strong as I knew her to be. If only she believed it.

I kissed her, because she needed to be kissed. All through dinner I’d wanted to kiss her, to silence her questions with my lips. As soon as our lips touched, the powerful contact rattled us both. I absorbed the blow and settled to discover her flavors and explore her mouth. Christ, the things that touching her did to my body.

Her stare brimmed with anxiety. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” I said between kisses. “Trust your instincts. They’re spot on.”

My fingers tripped on her nipple. It was as tight as my cock. Desire flared in her eyes. I kissed her again, and this time we both fought for breath.

“Oh, my God.” She gasped against my lips.

“I know.” The chemistry between us was just too powerful.

I led her inside. She hesitated in the middle of the room. Watching her standing there in my island home, I had to make a conscious decision to breathe. She gave the room color, texture and perspective. Even the bungalow’s construction showcased her body’s masterpiece.

I threw open the balcony doors, letting in the balmy night. Outside, the breeze rustled among the trees, the waves murmured against the sand, and the crickets played a racket. I fitted my phone into the speaker and clicked on the music. The lyrical notes of a Spanish guitar surrendered a classic flamenco.

I stood behind Lily, wrapped my hands around her waist and drew her to me, craving her body’s private music. At last. I liked the way her body felt between my arms. I pressed my nose against her hair, inhaling her arousal’s dizzying perfume. She was a magnet to me. I had no way of resisting her pull. And now the wait was over.

I kissed the base of her neck. Her skin felt warm against my lips, fragrant with the scent of lavender and eucalyptus and prickled with goose bumps. Encased in my arms, she swayed in place. I understood exactly how she felt. The need was disorienting to me too.

“I think it might be better if we just make this part go faster,” I murmured against her ear.

She nodded ever so lightly.

I slid off her dress from one shoulder and then the other, but she clung to it, clutching it to her chest.

“Let go.” I kissed her along her shoulder’s ridge, guiding her hands to her sides. “That’s good. Yes, stand tall. Perfect.”

I pulled the dress down, over her thighs and knees, revealing more of the soft, luminous skin I craved. “Lift up your foot,” I said. “Yes, now the other one. Good.” I set the dress aside and took a step back.

She stood there with her back to me, wearing only her bra and panties, staring at her shoes, trembling slightly as I walked around her to appreciate the view. Her body thrilled with fluid curves that turned in at the waist and flared at the hips. Firmly caught in a swath of violet lace, her plump ass looked perfectly built to fit in my palms, one cheek each. Only in one spot had I misjudged her proportions. Her bra was a tad too snug. Her breasts spilled over the lace like cupcakes rising above the mold. I blamed the camera angles for the miscalculation.

“Look at me.” I took a seat on the padded chair by the window. “Don’t be embarrassed.”

Her eyes met mine, shy but defiant. “Can you at least say please?”

“Will it make a difference to you?”

She nodded.

“Then by all means, Lily. Look at me and take off your bra. Please.”

The blush on her face spread to her body like wildfire.

“I’ve seen you naked before,” I said. “Remember?”

She blushed even deeper. “It wasn’t any easier then.”

She needed a lot of care and attention, but hesitation aside, her body gave out all the right signals. I’d have to talk her through the motions. It was odd—I preferred silence to idle chatter, but if Lily needed talking to get through this, then I’d talk.

“When we’re together,” I said, “you don’t need to be shy. It’s only us, you and me. Now, take off your bra.” I almost forgot. “Please.”

She took a deep breath, reached behind her back and unhooked her bra. She held on to the cups for a moment, until I encouraged her with a nod. The guitar wailed with a throaty crescendo as her breasts spilled out of the lace and settled high above her ribs.

I forced myself to breathe.

“You are stunning,” I said. “You’re a gift to my eyes. You’re doing great, Lily. You’re so brave. Now, take off your panties. Please.”

She opened her mouth and closed it. Christ, she was pretty when she blushed. My erection ached. It was as if she gave off some sort of irresistible mating signal I couldn’t resist. I clutched the armrests and refused to act on the impulse. I gave her all the time she needed. I’d waited a long time for this, and I wasn’t going to spoil it by rushing.

At last she hooked her thumbs on the thin violet waistband and slid off her panties. I watched the lacy garment descend the impressive length of her legs and pool at her feet. Her face showed the strain of her effort. She tried to cover herself as she straightened, but stopped when I shook my head.

I took my time looking at her, not just because she needed the experience of admiration to boost her confidence, but because she needed the practice. I also wanted the time to regulate my responses. My cock strained in my pants, demanding freedom. I had to pace myself but it wasn’t easy.

“Sit with me.” I patted the spot beside me on the oversized chair. “Please.”

It must have taken a monumental effort for her to put one foot in front of the other and walk over to me, but she did. She sat at the very edge of the seat, as far away from me as she could.

“Come closer.” I settled my hand on her back very softly. “I know you’re not used to me, yet, but you will be, soon.”

I caressed her back, relishing the feel of her naked skin against my palm, making little circles with my fingers, weaving in and out of the path of her spine, until my touch was no longer new to her. Then I put my arm around her shoulder and drew her to me. I kissed her forehead and encouraged her to lean her head on my shoulder.

“Better, don’t you think?”

The guitar’s soothing notes helped ease the moment. I caressed her hair, her shoulders, her back, until her body molded against my side. Having her so close was heaven and hell at the same time. I was so damn ready. How much longer would she need to relax around me?

“You’re doing terrific, Lily. You really are. You’re a dream, my dream.” I tilted her chin and, making contact with her eyes, trailed my thumb over her lower lip.

I kissed her, parting her mouth with my tongue to sample some more of the flavors I craved. I cupped her ass and drew her to my lap.

Her eyes went as wide as I’d ever seen them. “You’re very hard,” she said.

“You’re jumping ahead, sweet. Let’s stick to kissing for the moment. I like it when you part your lips when I kiss you, like this.”

I cradled the back of her head in my hand and coaxed her lips to yield and her tongue to reply to mine. She was a fantastic student. Her lips were pliable to my mouth, accepting my tongue, widening and narrowing the gap, a promising venue.

We were both breathless by the time my fingers curled about her breast, tracing her areola’s smooth circumference. Her nipple sharpened like a little playful finger pointing at me. I lowered my head and, lifting her breast to my mouth, suckled until she whimpered.

Trembling in my arms, running her fingers through my hair, she was as passionate as I’d imagined she could be. I was tempted to reward her bravery on the spot. I slid my hand in between her legs. My fingers brushed over the bristled texture of her closely shaved bush and I reveled for the first time in the feel of her pussy.

“Oh, God,” she whispered.

“Hush, sweet.” I kissed her temple. “Keep your legs open for me.”

She looked at me with such shock that I almost pitied her, almost but not quite.

“It’s okay, Lily, lean back and open your legs. Please.”

“Open my legs?”

“Get to it, Lily,” I said. “You might as well practice the motion, because this might be the first time I ask it from you, but I guarantee that it won’t be the last.”