The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (49 page)

“You know I like to watch you in action, makes me so hot watching you work that sexy body of yours.”

I could literally watch him all day.

“Why don’t we both do a workout together?” he cheekily suggested.

I bit my lip in excitement. “What kind of workout?”

Like I really needed to ask.

“One that involves us both getting very hot and sweaty.”

“Whatever do you have in mind?” I inquired innocently.

He flipped me over onto my back and pinned me against the floor, holding my hands above my head as his lips gently teased mine. “Well, I think I’d rather show than tell you.” Joel’s eyes were now blazing with lust, sending a rush of heat through my body, and I shivered at his reply.

No other words were needed.

“Left a bit, no right, no left! Watch my walls, Joel. I mean it! If you scrape anything along those walls, I’ll be raging. It took me so long to have the right shades mixed together, it’s not something I could pick off the shelf,” Elijah barked, flouncing around the room, watching everyone like a hawk.

Joel’s eyes flashed to mine. I could see the intensity there as he held back his anger, struggling to carry the huge, leather brown sofa into Elijah and Sam’s new home.

It was probably one of the hottest days of the year so far. Joel had been working non-stop, shifting and carrying furniture, looking like he was about to snap. Elijah was oblivious, lost in his own little world of perfection, as he barked orders in a less than friendly manner.

I grimaced returning to my ordered job, unpacking the plates and mugs. I quickly loaded up the cupboards and after an hour, everything was finished. Every box stood empty, with every cupboard full. All the utensils were in the perfect order, so I felt safe I’d done a good enough job to pass Elijah’s strict inspection.

Walking outside in search of the cool breeze to escape the stifling confines of the flat, I found Joel sat perched on the wall. His T-shirt lay crumpled beside him, and he was panting softly, enjoying his first break of the last three hours. A smile touched my lips, my eyes greedily feasting over the hot, slick skin. I seriously couldn’t get enough of him. Watching in wonder when the breeze lifted his hair slightly, his lips slightly parted as his eyes remained shut. I gasped when he lifted the bottle, tipping the entire contents over his head, watching in delight the cool trickles that fell down his hard, muscular body.

“Holy shit, Iz, that is one amazing view,” Elijah whispered, making me jump slightly. He stood panting softly beside me in the doorway, both of us staring in wonder at the breathtaking vision before me.

I couldn’t help but silently agree nodding my head, unable to find the words to reply.

God, he was perfect.

“Elijah, what are you doing . . .” Sam’s voice trailed off the moment his eyes rested on Joel, his chest now glistening against the sun’s rays.

“To think the fun we could have if he’d just admit his true feelings.” Elijah grunted when I elbowed him hard in the stomach.

“Back off, there’s only one person he’s interested in and their name doesn’t begin with E.”

Elijah grabbed me teasingly, pulling me in so his mouth was resting against my ear. “You lucky bitch,” he scoffed. I turned to find his eyes still intently taking in every inch of Joel. “You know he’s still top of our fantasy threesome.” He grinned at my look of annoyance.

“Elijah,” I warned. Not wishing to discuss the matter again. We’d already been over this several times before.

“You can’t control the amazing images that go on inside here.” He tapped his head grinning even harder, and I knew this was another image he’d be storing up for future use.

My eyes widened in horror when Elijah and Sam chuckled together, both as bad as each other. Before Sam dragged him back inside sensing I was a woman on the edge.

I turned to face Joel, noticing he hadn’t moved, he was almost statue like enjoying the mid-day sun. I walked over no longer able to keep my hands off him a moment longer.

His breath hitched when my fingers slowly trailed up the slick skin eventually resting in his hair. He gasped, feeling them weave their way into the soft, silk strands. I lightly scratched his scalp, hearing his groans of pleasure, only imagining every part of him was aching right now.

“What do you say when we get back home I give you a good rub down, relieve you of all these aches and pains?” I asked teasingly.

Joel’s smile immediately widened. “I’d say I’m more than ready to leave now.”

I chuckled against his lips. I didn’t think he’d need much persuasion, plus I was looking forward to distressing all the knots that had formed throughout his gruelling session. “We should slip away quietly before we’re asked to help out again.”

I’d barely got the words out when Joel instantly grabbed me, lifting me clear off the ground. He quickly snatched up his T-shirt, hastily making a quick exit before Elijah had chance to notice our disappearance.

* * *

“How is that, baby?” I purred in Joel’s ear as my fingers kneaded and worked his tense muscular shoulders. His hot oiled skin felt good against my fingers, undoing all the stress of the last few hours. Joel had only helped move Elijah out of an obligation to me. So I more than had to make up for the fact he had been tortured on his day off.

“Perfect.” He let out a soft moan that made me smile. “Yeah, just there, Iz, just right there.” I concentrated on the area, feeling his body slowly de-stress with my every touch.

I moved lower covering his whole back, enjoying every groan that left those perfect lips. My eyes lifted to look at the drink sat beside us. I quickly climbed off from straddling him, taking a welcoming sip. Despite the fact both of us were stripped down to our underwear, the heat was becoming unbearable. I dipped my fingers into the drink, lifting out an ice cube between my fingers. I smiled walking towards Joel, about to unleash a new wave of delicious torture.

He gasped when the ice left a cool glistening trail down the length of his back. I could tell he was enjoying it by the smile that crossed his face. “Izzy,” he breathed.

I continued gliding it along his skin, but what I didn’t expect was less than two seconds later to be flat on my back with Joel peering down with a devilish glint in his eye.

“I think it’s my turn now.” His reply sent chills through me, before the ice had practically touched my skin. “But first I think you’re wearing too many clothes.” He instantly pulled me up, and his fingers deftly undone my bra, tossing it onto the ground, with my knickers following moments later.

I lay stripped bare as Joel’s eyes rang along every inch of me. My breath hitched when he moved near.

“I’m going to enjoy this,” he teased and by the look on his face, I knew he definitely would.

I closed my eyes enjoying the sensation of the ice as it teased and tortured my body. My breath hitched when it started to trail even farther down my body, gasping when it ran over the sensitive part of me where I needed it the most.

“Do you like that, baby?” he asked, his tone filled with amusement.

No reply was needed.

I bit my lip, scrunching my eyes, feeling him slowly undo me with every movement. When the ice slipped inside I gasped in surprise. “Joel.”

He carried on relentlessly, and my eyes widened before closing again, feeling myself buck against the ice, my body more than enjoying the sweet torture. Joel’s thumb grazed against my clit, rubbing sweet delicious circles, only heightening my pleasure until I eventually exploded, shouting out his name.

Several moments later I popped open an eye, fighting to bring back the breath to my body while Joel sat back kneeling between my legs, crunching on the ice.

My eyes were transfixed, watching as he devoured every piece as his eyes blazed telling me he was more than ready for more. As quick as a flash he had me pinned down, holding my arms above my head. His cool tongue entered my mouth, and I groaned in delight, feeling him slowly tease my entrance. I needed him right now. “Joel . . .” I whined, barely able to get the words out.

“You want me, baby?”

Like he had to ask.

My eyes pleaded with him and within moments my request was answered, he was now buried deep inside me. “Oh fuck, Iz.”

The sensation was breathtaking. I lost myself with each thrust. My nails bit into his back as he went faster. Clinging on for dear life as he took me ever nearer that moment of euphoria. He was panting hard, and I knew he was close. His hand gave me the extra friction I needed, and my eyes rolled back, shouting his name before he quickly followed suit.

“Are you okay, baby?” he asked between pants.

I was more than okay, I was freaking amazing. I giggled unable to hold it back a moment longer.

“What?” Joel asked, his eyes watching me closely.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to have another drink again without blushing.”

His nose gently teased mine, his eyes alight with humour.

“Well we’d better stock up on ice, ’cause I intend to have many repeat performances.”

Where are you?

A smile tugged on my lips reading Joel’s text, he was going to flip out when he saw my outfit. I stood gazing in the mirror, my mind totally blown away by Elijah’s efforts. My fingers smoothed down the mock fur, admiring the cat like reflection staring back. I was a black and white feline from the musical Cats. Elijah knew I had a major addiction having seen it five times before. I squealed the moment he revealed it, and he grinned getting the reaction he had expected. He twirled me around as I thanked him over and over. We both laughed so hard we had fallen into a heap, laughing until it physically hurt. Elijah helped me into the costume once all the food and drink was laid out. Everything looked perfect, but then again this was Elijah so I’d expect nothing less.

After quickly painting on the last few whiskers on my face, he left to get into his own costume. Despite several shameless attempts to squeeze the information out of him, I finally gave in. I would just have to wait for the big reveal when he made his entrance. I finished off the final touches before receiving the text from Joel asking about my whereabouts.

I’m in the spare bedroom x

I texted back and giggled waiting for his reaction. The door opened moments later and Joel’s eyes widened the moment he laid eyes on me

“Fuck, Iz . . .” was all he managed to squeeze out, his eyes alight, taking in every inch of me. I could see the hunger present inside them, when they finally returned to mine.

“Do you like?” I asked teasingly, spinning around to give him a better view from all angles.

He instantly grabbed my tail, pulling me nearer. “I more than like.” His breath tickled my face as he lips instantly covered mine. “Fuck baby, I don’t know how I’m going to keep my hands off you.” His lust filled eyes gazed deep into mine as his hands smoothed down the material, not stopping till they rested on my bottom. His fingers cupped my cheeks lifting me effortlessly off the floor walking me over to the wall.

I groaned when he slowly ground into me, giving me exactly what I wanted.

“Fuck, Iz, does this thing have a zip?”

My eyes instantly snapped open. “Joel, we can’t, not here There’s people barely metres away in the other room.”

“But I want you so bad,” he moaned, his fingers tightening as his mouth sought out mine.

God, I wanted him too.

I never stopped.

I craved him every minute of every day.

He carried on relentlessly, my moans becoming louder. Joel swallowed each one, until my eyes widened, and I came right there against the wall.

“I thought there was nothing more perfect than the sight of you coming, but shit you dressed as a cat, I think I might have a fetish.” He grinned before loosening his grip, slowing dropping me back down to the floor.

We headed to the bathroom to clean up. Joel’s eyes widened when he noticed the popper buttons, then they grew even wider when I showed him the bikini I had on underneath. “Easy access for later.” I winked and he groaned, flopping against the sink like I’d taken his legs from underneath him.

“God, Iz, are you trying to kill me?”

I grinned at his words. “What a sweet death it would be.” My hands smoothed down his shirt, feeling the hard muscle underneath, admiring him in a suit. He was dressed as one of the Blues Brothers, and he was jaw dropping. He finished off placing his hat and shades back on to complete his outfit.

“Promise me one thing,” I asked, my fingers playfully teasing the material of his tie.

“Anything, it’s yours.”

“That you’ll leave your hat on when we get home.”

His lips spread out into a wide grin. “Baby, I think it’s time to christen some of the walls.”

I gasped in delight. “Really?”

“Oh, I’m going to make you more than acquainted with each one.”

I smiled in delight at his words, I for one, couldn’t wait.

* * *

We rejoined the party and grabbed some drinks, trying to blend in the best we could. I could feel the blush rising, wondering if anyone had heard us. But Joel continually whispered constant reassurances in my ear that we were fine.

Elijah finally made his grand entrance as Edna Turnblad’s mother, we all roared with laughter at his performance. It was typical Elijah to be so extravagant, and we soaked up every minute of his over the top theatrics.

Working the room, we didn’t get much opportunity to spend with Elijah, until he finally made his way over, his eyes shining when they rested greedily on Joel. “Well hello, handsome, you definitely know how to work a suit.” His eyes worked the length of Joel’s body, and I felt his hands grip me tighter. I was practically moulded against him anyway, but it was like he was using me as a protective shield. Elijah always took great delight winding him up, enjoying watching Joel squirm, and I couldn’t help smile at his wicked ways. He could be pure twisted at times.

“Fancy a dance, Joel?” he shamelessly asked.

Joel pulled me in tighter against him. “Errr no, I don’t dance.”

“That’s a shame, I’d like to grind up against that hot body.” He gave Joel a cheeky wink before walking away.

And this was definitely one of them.

Joel spun me around, his eyes wide in complete horror that I couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s not funny, Iz. Fuck, he was minutes away from groping me.” He scowled like he was picturing the whole scenario in his head.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh relax, he’s winding you up, he gets off on seeing your reaction.” He had a sick sense of humour that was true. Joel gripped my tail tighter in frustration. I was pretty sure it would soon snap off.

“Don’t you dare leave me!” Joel warned. He’s going to pounce the moment you do.”

I snorted at his over the top reaction. “He does have a boyfriend, you know, he’s not in the habit of leaping on people.” But then I turned to see both Elijah and Sam eye-fucking my boyfriend.

Really?

They both wore twisted grins on their faces, right now Joel’s fears were almost warranted. I pulled his hands around me tighter, nibbling on his jaw, it always seemed to soothe him.

Several beers later Joel began to get more amorous, his wandering hands were the reason for my blushes. I could feel myself flushing as I constantly rebuffed his advances. The heat was definitely rising until my eye caught the attention of someone heading my way.

Oh god, here comes trouble.

Joel felt me stiffen, and he bent down to whisper in my ear. “Something wrong, Iz?”

“Ahh so you must be the Joel I keep hearing about, Elijah’s been filling me in. I thought it was best I come over before you do another of your disappearing acts again.”

I watched Elijah’s face frown in the distance, as mine fell, and he rushed over to try to intercept the conversation.

“B, behave,” he warned, his eyes flicked to mine, and I noted the look of concern they held. He always had trouble reining his cousin in. We didn’t have the best history, she seemed to have a major problem with me being best friends with Elijah.

“What?” she asked innocently, although she was far from it.

Elijah frowned at the smile creeping over her face. “You know what.”

“What does B stand for?” Joel asked quietly behind me.

“Bitch,” I said aloud, not caring if she could hear.

“Izzy . . .” Elijah warned, giving me a look, but I refused to acknowledge it.

“Now now, little kitty cat, put your claws back in and play nice,” she replied, narrowing her eyes in a silent warning.

“Why? You don’t,” I retorted.

“True, but I play the game so much better.” She licked her lips in delight at her words, her eyes still locked on mine.

If she wanted a showdown then I would give her one.

“B, come help me with the drinks.” Elijah grabbed her arm, trying to lead her away but she was having none of it, firmly standing her ground.

“Nah, I think I’m good here chatting to Joel. Why don’t you run along with Elijah, Izzy, you and him are practically attached at the hip?”

I snorted at her bitchy remark. “Jealous much.”

“No, sloppy seconds isn’t my type.”

“B, I’m warning you . . .” Elijah’s hand locked around her wrist, ready to pull her away.

“So Joel, how about you maybe get to know a real girl?” She shot him a wink and every part of me stiffened, his arms locked around me tighter, his hand squeezing mine.

“No thanks, I think you maybe need to take the hint and leave,” he replied icily. I could only imagine the look he was giving her as he pressed his chest into my back.

She rolled her eyes at his remark. “Izzy got you brainwashed too? It’s no wonder you disappeared, I’d have done the same, she has that affect on everyone,” she added bitterly, her eyes burning into mine.

Bitch.

“Right, that’s it, B.” Elijah dragged her off as she continued to rant, leaving us both standing there looking stunned.

“Well, she’s . . .”

I spun around to face Joel. “A bitch.”

He smiled at my reply. “You’re not wrong there.”

“She’s Elijah’s cousin, she doesn’t like me much. Can you tell?”

He pulled me in closer, frowning at my face. “I kind of got that impression, but if it helps I’ll love you a little harder, just to make up for it.”

A smile touched my lips. “Really? You know you can be too sweet at times.”

Joel’s lips nuzzled my ear. “Yep, you’re one lucky girl.”

I pushed back from him. “Err, I think you got that the wrong way around.”

“Well, I know how lucky I am. I count my blessings everyday waking up to this beautiful face.” His fingers stroked against my cheek, and I smiled until I remembered exactly how I looked first thing.

“Beautiful? Yeah, right.” He really needed to get his eyes checked.

“You always take my breath away.”

“Yeah, by looking like a complete gremlin.” I could only imagine my sleep face, I cringed just thinking about it.

“I often watch you in your sleep, you look more like an angel.”

Now he was completely lying.

“Wow, that’s a little weird,” I remarked, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious.

Oh god.

What if he caught me drooling?

He frowned at my response. “Not when I spent all those nights apart from you, closing my eyes I could almost believe you were there.”

My lips pressed up against his, as he closed his eyes, the pain still lingered on his face. “I can’t believe she brought up you leaving, what a complete bitch.” I could have slapped her for that remark, bringing up the past. I was having words with Elijah after this, to find out the extent of what he’d told her about our relationship. He was always far too open at times.

“Hey, I’m fine, we’re fine,” he soothed, sensing my distress. I really wasn’t doing a good job of hiding it.

“Are we though?” I whispered.

Did her words just reopen old wounds?

He moved me in tighter so my nose nuzzled deep into his chest. “Yes, trust me, baby, we’re more than fine.” He brushed his lips over my hair, and I sighed becoming overwhelmed by his touch.

“Good,” I breathed, feeling lighter by his words of reassurance.

“You okay?” he asked, leaning back to look at me, tilting my face so my eyes locked with his.

“I will be when you kiss me.” I smiled when he quirked his eyebrow, shooting me a cheeky grin.

“Now that I can do.”

“Will you two please pack it in, you’re practically eating each other alive?”

I moved back slightly from Joel to glare at Elijah. “Hardly, we’re just kissing, well we were until you rudely interrupted. Is there anything else before we get back to it?”

Joel chuckled, I felt his hands on my hips, ready to guide me back into another toe curling kiss.

“Iz, I just wanted to apologise for B, you know what she’s like. She’s been drinking, and well, I can’t control her,” Elijah explained.

“Nice to know you’ve filled her in on everything, did you give her the whole roundup of our relationship?”

Elijah’s eyes widened, looking alarmed by my words. “What—no. I said you were going through a tough time and that’s why I needed to spend a lot of time with you. She got all drunk one night and called me crying, saying I was never there for her. Anything you tell me is private. I don’t gossip behind your back, it hurts me that you think that.”

“I’m sorry. She was just so nasty, using it like a weapon against me. Why does she hate me so much?”

His face fell at my words. “She doesn’t, she’s just jealous. I will speak to her. I want you to be close to her too.”

I let out a snort. “Yeah, that isn’t happening soon.”

“I hope one day you will, you’re my two favourite girls.” He winked and gave me a hug, and I relaxed into him. His plan was not going to be easy, but I’d back down and be the bigger person for his sake.