Up All Night Long: From Lust to Love (Romance Anthology) (50 page)

Chapter 16

The drive to his place was filled with tension. Sexual anxiety sat like a fog in the air above her. She glanced over at him. His jaw was locked into place, his knuckles white as he rolled his grip on the steering wheel. She reached over and slid her hand along his thigh, all her focus on breathing in a pattern that didn't leave her looking as needy as she was for him. He shifted his gaze to her, his tone sharp and unyielding.

"Not yet."

She reached further, wanting to make him burn for her the way she was burning for him. He reached down and caught her hand, lifting it to his mouth and sucking a few fingers into the wet warmth of his mouth. Bethany groaned loudly, the sound airy and desperate.

Damn him.

He put her hand back in her lap, a smirk lifting his mouth. "Behave or I'll tie you up and make you shiver with need before I perhaps, maybe, give you what you want."

"What you need..." she whispered, sitting back in her seat, her words challenging and low in her throat. He chuckled and let the conversation die, both of them knowing that the night would mark not only their skin, but something much deeper.

Parking the car, he turned off the lights and turned to look at her in the dark. She sat as still as possible, the air suddenly so hard to breathe.

"Tell me you want this. You're gonna have to convince me to break the rules of engagement that I live by," he whispered, his tongue brushing across his lips. Bethany stifled a groan and unbuckled her seatbelt.

"I don't know your rules, but I'm tired of conversation." She got out of the car and walked toward his house, the large bachelor pad sitting on the edge of a lake, beautiful like his father’s. He got out and locked the car as he walked toward her, looking like a lion on the prowl.

"Big words for a small girl." He brushed past her, unlocking the door and moving aside as she passed him.

The house was immaculate, everything in its place, the style very modern. He moved in behind her, his arms encircling her waist. One hand slid down to the bottom of dress, fingers brushing up her thighs as he dragged the material up. The other moved to her breast, his thumb flicking back and forth over her hardened nipple.

She pressed back against him, her head dropping to his shoulder as his mouth made contact with her neck. The wetness of his tongue jolted her senses, a whimper leaving her lips accompanied by his dark growl.

Strong fingers pressed against the front of her panties, her body already primed and ready for anything he might want of her.

"So wet, Beth. Someone should clean that up."

She smiled, arching her back to rub herself along his erection. His hands tightened on her, his fingers moving the material that held her captive as he stroked methodically.

"I think you owe me a confession."

"No," she whispered and pressed her hips forward, his finger dipping into her as her body screamed for more.

He pulled his hand away and released her, walking around her as she tried to catch herself. Her thighs trembled as he moved down the hall, his hands working to get his tie and shirt off. He turned as he reached the end of it and smiled at her, just before licking his fingers clean.

"Mmmm, I was hoping to have more of that, but if you aren't willing to be a good girl, I have nothing to offer you." He disappeared into what she imagined to be his bedroom. Bending over to press her hands to her knees she focused on breathing in deeply, the room spinning slightly. What was it about him?

If she bent to him would he lord it over her or was that all part of his game?

In the pool, a few nights back, he had mentioned wanting a strong woman, one that wouldn't get on her knees until he had done so himself. She stood up and ran her fingers through her long hair. If he wanted to play, then she would meet him in the middle and break his resolve in half. He thought he knew how to tease a woman, to bend her, but he was in for a surprise.

Bethany stepped out of her dress, letting it drop to the floor. She walked toward the room, undoing her bra and slipping out of her panties just before walking in. Damon stood with his back to her, his shirt gone and the strong muscles of his back contracting as he undid his pants.

She crawled onto the large four-post bed and slid across the sheets onto her stomach, her feet coming up to slide along each other.

"I'm serious, Beth. I'm not like other men. I want to hear what I want to hear, when I want to hear it. You don't relent and I'll either take it from you or make you beg for keeping it from me."

"What do you want to hear, Damon?" she whispered seductively, the cold sheets silky against her bare skin. He turned to face her, bending over and pulling his slacks from him before realization slipped across his handsome features.

He paused, his body hard and more than ready for a night of fucking. Tilting his head to the right a little, his eyes dragged down the length of her. He smiled and nodded, licking at his lips again.

"I believe that your actions far outweigh your words." He moved toward her and stopped beside the bed. Reaching out, he slid his hands under her arms and pulled her face to the edge of the bed before kneeling down in front of her, his face just before hers.

"I'm not going to fuck you tonight. I want you to
need
me before I give in to you." He smiled wickedly, leaning in and pressing his lips against hers. The saltiness of her own taste on his tongue lit her on fire, her hands reaching up to lock onto him. She broke the kiss and moved to her knees. Damon stood. She pressed his shoulder down hard, a soft laugh leaving her.

"I don't need you to fuck me tonight. I just need you to eat until your heart’s content and you’re shivering for something that you'll not be getting." She tilted her head to the side as he looked up at her, a subtle nod was all she got.

"Hush, woman."

He moved fast, his motions concentrated and sensual like nothing she had ever seen. He stood and pressed her chest softly. Bethany fell onto her back as Damon slid on the bed, his large arms wrapping around the underside of her legs and pulling up slightly. Shoulders pressed against the bottom of her ass, he buried his face against her need, Bethany breathing in sharply and arching her hips as shock rolled over her.

She hadn't expected him to beckon to her. It was a bold move and one she figured would get her laughed out of his bed, but nothing of the sort happened. The sweet sounds of him lapping at her, his fingers and teeth carefully pushing and pulling, undid her over and over again. By the third time, she pushed against his shoulder, her words slurred, her body aching for something more - for him.

"No," she moaned. He moved her hand and pressed his tongue against her again. She pushed his head back and groaned louder. "No. No. I want you."

He sat up, a smile lifting on his wet lips. "You want me or you
need
me?"

Her eyes narrowed, her game having blown up in her face. He knew what he was doing. It had been his plan all along. She was too lost to him to do anything but beckon to his demands.

"I want you. I need you to fuck me all night, Damon. I want to fill this place with the sounds of my screams, with the smell of your lust. I want to be fucked." She moved to her elbows and growled at him, something deep inside of her coming unhinged. He smiled and ran his flat palm over her belly and down her sex before patting her like a kitten.

"Good... that's where I need you to be."

He forced her onto her side and moved in to lay behind her, his large erection pressed to the curve of her rear. She snuggled into him and turned her face toward him in question. He kissed her softly and licked at her mouth, nipping at her once.

"What are you doing?"

He chuckled softly. "Feeding your need. Sleep with me and perhaps when you're really ready to handle me I'll fill you up completely. For hours. Just me and you fucking like animals."

"Now," she whispered, rolling her hips as he groaned. His hand locked on her hip as his teeth sank painfully into her shoulder. He tugged at the flesh a little, kissing and licking the soreness before relaxing behind her.

"Now." She arched against him, the sharp smack of his hand on her ass shocking her.

"No. You took control tonight and for that I drank your pleasure. We fuck when I say we fuck. Sleep with me or go home if you don't want me to hold you."

Confused, but too tired to deal with it, she relaxed in his arms. The dull ache between her thighs calmed finally and she drifted off into sleep, questions beating her up from every angle.

What had she done wrong?

*

Bethany walked into the house, passing by the kitchen with her heels looped over her fingers. Her hair was a complete mess and she looked like she'd sustained a long night of fucking and come out on the losing end. Funny enough, that's exactly how it felt too. Damon not finishing the job left her feeling empty and frustrated. Her mother called to her as she passed. Bethany stopped and sighed softly. No rest for the weary.

Turning on her bare heel she walked into the kitchen and was grateful that it was just her mother.

"Where's Kent?"

"He had to fly to Seattle for a few days. Something about a surprise audit by the government." Her mother motioned for her to sit down with her. "Where were you last night?"

"I went to have drinks with some co-workers and things got a little wild. We ended up at someone's house and I just crashed. Probably not the best idea, but it's what happened."

"Well, I know you’re in college, but I was worried. When you're staying here with us just make sure you text me and let me know that you'll not be coming home."

Bethany reached over and picked up the half-eaten pieces of buttered toast on her mother's plate, making quick work of it.

"I will, mom. Sorry for making you worry."

"So... who is he?"

"Who is who?" Bethany sat back, licking at her fingers.

Her mother pointed to a spot to the side of her neck. Bethany tugged at her shirt, looking down to see a bite mark on her shoulder, the indention red and puffy. She stifled a sound of lust at remembrance of Damon's mouth on her - all over her. He obviously enjoyed drinking her down, why had he stopped?

"Who bit you? The co-worker have a dog that needs to be put down?" Her mother's eyebrow lifted as a smile tugged at her lips. Bethany chuckled and pulled her shirt up, shaking her head and moving to stand.

"His name is Philip. He's a new intern at work. He's handsome, smart and just my kind of guy I guess. I shouldn't have stayed, but it's been a long two years of not dating anyone to focus on my grades." Bethany shrugged and reached for the last piece of toast as her mother lifted the plate toward her.

"I think it's great. You need to let your hair down and enjoy yourself some." Her mom laughed softly, the older woman's cheeks coloring a bit.

"I think my hair down is half the problem." Bethany took a bite, butter running down the side of her hand. She moved to lick it as her mother waved her off.

"No details. You and your tongue get out of here. I'm still your mother."

Bethany chuckled and turned, walking from the kitchen and rushing around to get ready for what was sure to be an awkward day at the office.

Chapter 17

The dull ache between her thighs pulled her back into the depravity of her night with Damon, every subtle movement causing it to revive. She pressed her back to the elevator, praying that no one she knew would get on. The door opened to her floor and she walked off languidly, her eyes scanning the area to see who was in and who hadn't made it yet. It was late and by then she would usually have been a couple hours into a project. She would have to catch up with Ben later and see how the rest of the intern party had fared. That, and give him a good excuse why she rushed off without saying goodbye after having just arrived at the club.

The 'sick mom' card would work. It always did.

She dropped her purse in the empty seat in front of her desk before dropping down in her comfortable leather chair. Her stomach growled loudly, the rumble reminding her of a cat being mauled. She smiled at the thought and reached over to turn on her computer as a knock resounded at her open door.

Philip.

"Hey Cinderella." He smiled and pointed to the chair across from her. "Mind if I come in?"

"Not at all." Bethany stood, reaching over the desk and grabbing her purse. She dropped it beside her desk and smoothed down the front of her gray suit, the light sapphire shirt accenting the pinstripes in the material. She felt like she owned the world when wearing a suit. Might as well act like it as well.

"So what happened last night? We got on the dance floor and I had to run to the restroom. I come back and you've disappeared." He laughed, his smile warm and safe. "I looked everywhere for you. Ben was worried too. No glass slipper. No breadcrumb trail or anything..."

She laughed and reached over to type in her password, the need to get started on something and take her mind off of Damon pressing against her.

"My mother texted and said she wasn't feeling very well." Bethany glanced over at him. "My father left us a long time ago, so when she needs me I usually overreact, which I did last night."

"Oh. Sadie said she thought you left with some guy. I figured that couldn't be right, but you know she's always trying to start something."

Bethany turned toward him, her smile dropping at the mention of the redheaded intern. It was only a matter of time before she had an ass-whooping headed her way.

"Well, she was wrong. Sorry to disappoint." Her tone changed, coldness that Philip didn't deserve sneaking into her words. He held up his hands and shook his head as if surrendering.

"Hey, no worries here. I was just telling you what she said. I'm just glad you're alive and well. How's your mom doing?"

"She's good. I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that." She leaned back in her chair letting out a soft sigh. Not sleeping more than a couple of hours, mixed with the torrential flood of questions the night caused, left her exhausted.

"It's no problem. So... was she sick?"

"Yeah, throwing up and stuff. I took care of her most of the night. I'm honestly beat from it."

"You should have stayed home."

"Maybe, but I don't get paid for staying home." She stood up and reached for her bank card. "I'm thinking I want to test fate. Want to join me?"

He stood as well, a soft chuckle leaving him as he nodded. "Always wanted to fuck fate, but testing her out first sounds like a more prudent way of doing things."

"I'm just talking about testing my new bank card. You sound like you have much bigger plans." Bethany walked around him and through the door, looking over her shoulder at the handsome boy. "You look nice today."

"And you look stunning, but I didn't want to be overbearing and tell you."

"I like that type of overbearing. Let's get something down in the cafeteria." She moved into the elevator, turning to watch him walk toward her. He was interested. By the look on his face, his smile reaching into his eyes, he was ready to take a next step and ask her out. She would need to nip it in the bud, but wanted to be careful. Not having too many friends in the office yet, it was nice to be around him. He would be a great work friend if he was willing to see her differently.

"I like the overbearing way you danced last night."

"Overbearing?"

"I guess overwhelming would be better. You a dancer? Take lessons as a kid or something?"

"Oh, I thought you meant pole dancer. I should have been one... easier way to pay my classes in college." She reached up to push the button on the elevator panel, Philip having moved close to her side.

"I'll keep my thoughts to myself on this one."

She laughed and wrapped her arms around her chest. Philip reminded her of her ex-boyfriend, Jake, but a version she would consider dating if her step-brother hadn't stolen her completely. His ways were unethical, using lust and his sex appeal to leave her panting after him. She needed to figure out how to return the favor.

"Hey... did I lose you?" Philip waved in front of her as he held the elevator door open. Bethany moved toward him, shaking her head.

"Oh sorry. Got lost in my thoughts for a moment."

"Not thoughts of pole dancing I hope." He laughed as she swatted at him.

They grabbed a coffee and a few donuts to share, Philip picking up the tab and not giving her a chance to pay. Bethany sighed, rolling her eyes at him.

"I thought you guys from Australia were domineering and made your women do everything."

"You considering yourself to be
my
woman?"

Heat rushed up her neck. She reached up and tugged at the top of her shirt to make sure the evidence of her night was fully covered. They sat down at a small table near the edge of the large white-walled cafeteria.

"No. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant women in general."

He grinned and reached for the only chocolate donut. He almost had it to his mouth as she gasped, reaching for it.

"Hey. I wanted the chocolate one."

He pulled it out of her reach and smiled so big it had to have hurt his face. She reached again, moving out of her chair as he laughed loudly.

"No fucking way. I get the chocolate one."

She put her hands on her hips, tilting her head as she eyed him and then the donut.

"I'm not playing with you. I'm eating the chocolate one." She reached again as he stood too, extending the donut behind him. He trapped her to the front of his lithe frame with a hug, his laugher contagious.

"Not even if you
were
my woman, Beth. I'll buy you another one."

Bethany moved away from him, the moment sweet and almost too precious.

"Well, isn't this a plot twist?" Sadie's voice grated on her like nails on a chalkboard.

"A plot twist? You read?" Bethany turned to face her nemesis, a sweet smile slithering across her face. It was time to mess with the girl a little.

"Of course I don't read. I'm far too busy riding the universe through the stars."

"So poetic. Just beautiful, don't you think, Philip? Ignorance can still birth creativity. Logic perhaps not, but creativity, yes."

Philip shoved the donut in his mouth, talking around it. Bethany popped him on the chest as he broke up in laughter, pointing to the dining hall and walking away. He was headed to get more chocolate donuts. Perfect timing...
Ass.

"I saw you leave with that guy last night. You can try and play innocent with everyone around here, but I'm on to you."

"Because you think I left with someone from the bar... you're on to me? What does that even mean? Bisexuality is accepted by most people, but I'm not really interested." Bethany snorted softly. "I mean, I'd talk to your friend that walks around up your ass, but you're... not my type at all."

"What are you talking about, oaf? You should hear yourself rambling on." She flipped her hair behind her shoulder, narrowing her eyes on Bethany. "I saw you with the guy. Period. I'll be telling Damon that his latest piece of ass is seeing someone else."

"What if it was Damon, Sadie? Then what?"

"It wasn't. He never comes to those things. Honestly, I don't know why he's bothering with you. Is your daddy rich?"

"It's none of your business who my daddy is and what he is or isn't." Bethany moved around the table, her heart racing in her chest as goosebumps rushed across her skin. How she hated this loud bitch.

"Oh... we've hit a sensitive spot. Let me guess," Sadie pressed her finger to her pencil thin lips, "your mom had you out of wedlock and her druggie boyfriend decided neither of you were worth staying for. You paid for college by working your ass off and loading up on debt and Damon feels sorry for you. Did I get it right? Did daddy leave you because you weren't worth sticking around for?"

The room twisted around her, a splash of red brushing across her vision as she took the last two steps between her and Sadie. Her fist connected hard with the side of the mouthy girl's face. Sadie screamed and fell to the ground, blood seeping out on the white tile floor around her.

Bethany came to and bent down, trying to help her as Sadie screamed at her.

"Back up you vicious bitch. Don't come near me. I'm calling security and my father is going to sue. Get back!"

Bethany moved, shock rushing over her. Had she really just fucked her chances of being someone at McKenzie and Bryant and even more so, having her masters paid for?

Philip walked up, pulling her back and bending down to look at her.

"Hey... Beth. Hey."

She shook her head, her vision still a little blurred as his voice penetrated the demand to finish the job by choking the redhead out completely.

"What?" she whispered, looking up at him.

"You need to go. Take these and get out of here. I'll work out things with Sadie for you. Make sure you talk to Mr. Bryant first. He seems to think highly of you. Get to him and then go home. I'll deal with this."

Bethany turned, walking toward the elevator as numbness wrapped around her. It had to be lack of sleep. She hadn't been in a fight since high school, the reason for that one no different than the one that just occurred. Would her father always be such a sore spot?

"How did she know about him?" Bethany whispered, reaching into the bag Philip had handed off to her and pulling out a chocolate donut. She bit into it deeply and got off on Damon's floor.

Linda looked up from her desk. Concern swept across her features. "Bethany, you okay?"

"Just long morning already," Bethany mumbled, her words monotone and running together. What was wrong with her? "Where's Damon?"

"Mr. Bryant is in Seattle. He left this morning. Should be back at the end of the weekend."

"He left this morning? When?"

"At nine."

"Did he leave a message for me?" Bethany dropped the donut in the bag, her stomach turning sour.

Linda's mouth lifted in a smirk as she chuckled softly, her tone berating.

"Why would he, dear? You're an intern and he's the CFO of the company." She reached for the phone. "Excuse me."

Bethany turned and walked to the stairs, not wanting to run into anyone she knew. A quick stop by her office and she would be headed to Kent's to spend the afternoon in her bed. A long hard cry at the situation with Sadie would help, but would it soothe the ache in her chest over Damon?

Had the night just been a quick fuck and he was on to his next girl? Why wouldn't he at least tell her he was going out of town? Linda's words left her feeling stupid and childish. Tears welled in her eyes as she jogged the rest of the way down the stairs, stopping by her office and grabbing her purse before making her way to the street level. 

Time to test fate.