Words of Lust (26 page)

Chapter Nineteen

“You look good enough to eat, Professor,” he said Friday night as they dressed for the party. The expression in his dark eyes seconded his words.

She smiled. She had never in her life dressed for a man. Her few dating experiences had all been with coworkers and she’d never given a second thought to her fashion choices. Tonight she’d wanted to shine, and his approval made her feel warm—all over.

She looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror on the bathroom door with pleased surprise. The black lace overdress hugged her curves even as the chiffon underskirt swirled around her calves. It was low-cut and accentuated her breasts to the point she was going to worry all night long about a wardrobe malfunction. She’d brought along her mother’s favorite marcasite chandelier earrings and necklace set, and with her hair twisted up, the old-fashioned jewelry looked elegant and contrasted nicely with her pale skin.

He had surprised her that afternoon by presenting her with two gifts. The first was a tiny navy boutique bag that held frothy, delicate and miniscule lingerie. The glint of desire in his eyes as she’d pulled them out of the wrapping kept coming back to her as she dressed. The second gift sat on his dresser, the silver Ben Wa balls gleaming in their black velvet case. He’d handed them over and warned her he’d be merciless in tormenting her with them. She was already aquiver with anticipation.

He emerged from the bathroom and studied her. “Sorry I was shaving when you got dressed. I’d been looking forward to watching you shimmy into those new undies.”

“I’ve never worn a thong before.” He stood behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders, feeling heavy and possessive. His touch elicited a throbbing between her legs and telltale moisture swelled. She could smell the musky cologne he’d dabbed on. It was nothing overwhelming, but blended with the earthy, masculine smell of him. Most definitely good enough to eat.

“How does it feel?” He ran a hand down and traced the elastic of the thong beneath her dress. He caressed a palm over one cheek, and back up and around her waist, pulling her against him. Her ass snuggled against his groin and the feel of his erection ramped up the heat level another notch.

“It feels...kinky.” She wiggled again.

“Get used to it.” His teeth closed on her earlobe, biting with just enough pressure to send a little sting of pleasure through her. The breath in her lungs came out in a sigh, and she grew wetter. She had a feeling he planned on keeping her aroused all night long.

In the truck, which she found delightfully incongruous given their fancy dress, she admired him in the faint glow of the streetlights as they drove to the dean’s apartment. He’d slicked back his long wavy hair and shaved closely so his face was clean of his perpetual five o’clock shadow and his strong, angular jaw clearly defined.

As he navigated, she took the opportunity to study his hands. She loved his hands. His long, strong fingers were relaxed on the wheel as he drove confidently through city traffic. She recalled how the calluses on his fingers and palms rasped over her most intimate skin when he touched her and she shivered, aching anew for the incomparable pleasure he gave.

She was breathing a tad faster by the time they arrived and he found a parking space along the street where the dean’s Gilded Age Park Avenue apartment building was located. He turned off the ignition, but when she would have climbed out herself, he gestured to her to stay and wait for him. He came around and opened the passenger door with a flourish, and reached in to lift her down with ease. He was slow to put her on her feet, holding her body flush against his as he lowered her. He smiled down at her, intense and mysterious.

“What?” Her whisper in the darkness blew off into the night on the slight breeze.

“Just admiring the view. And conjuring up nasty thoughts of you, in that thong and those sexy fuck-me heels—and nothing else.”

“Do you know what you do to me?” She sounded husky and seductive even to her own ears.

“Yes.” His fingers tightened and his image became hers. She was naked except for the sinful black thong and he was bending her over the arm of his couch, his hand raised.

“We mustn’t be late, Professor.” He interrupted her erotic musings, removing his hands from hers and holding out his arm. “I’m ready to go inside and give all those stodgy colleagues of yours something to talk about.”

Oh goodness.

She’d never in her life felt so alive, so decadent. So desired. She tucked her hand in his proffered arm and followed her lover into the party.

* * *

“Professor Luca! Mr. Stellato, I presume? A pleasure. Welcome to my home.” She smiled at Dean Hodge’s old-fashioned manners as he welcomed them into the foyer of his opulent turn-of-the-century duplex. The elderly man was dressed in his traditional party attire, right down to the shiny pants, lurid paisley smoking jacket and brilliant yellow cravat. His gray hair was slicked back so he resembled an aged matinee idol rather than a respected classics scholar. It was on these occasions that he looked exactly like the eccentric heir to old family money he was. He beamed at Nick as if he really was greeting Lord Byron, who’d come to grace his home with his lyrical presence, and ushered them into the spacious library.

Alice and most of the department professors and staff were milling around, imbibing the overly sweet wine—the better to dull the taste buds before moving on to the canapés—but when she entered with him, all eyes turned their way.

Surprise, amusement and friendly envy were on the faces of her coworkers and friends and it made her feel wonderful. She allowed herself one sweet moment to relish the unfamiliar experience of being the center of attention before she began making the rounds and introducing Nick to her friends.

Half an hour later they were moving from group to group, enjoying the amicable chatter.

Ellen whooped into her ear, “Yee ha!” And Leslie merely winked and raised a glass. It was a very nice feeling. No one exhibited Elizabeth Parker’s sort of unpleasantness or condescension over Nick’s career, and in fact he was enjoying a conversation with Caroline about architecture that went right over her own head. She, in turn, was chatting with Alice, who was waxing on girlishly about Nick.

“I am so jealous! You are one lucky woman, Serafina. He’s total sex on a stick. I’d ask if he was as good as he looks, but that’s probably against the diversity guidelines,” Alice whispered into her ear and leered at Nick.

“Yes, I suspect it would be, wouldn’t it? But then again? Yes, yes, yes.” She had to smile back and felt foolish and young and blissfully light-hearted.

“How come you haven’t gotten me a date with one of the other ones?” Alice licked her lips.

“Things got a little crazy there for a while, but don’t worry. I’ll mention it to Nick and we’ll get you a studly Stellato of your very own.” She winked at Alice before they were interrupted by her TA, who also wanted to gush.

An hour passed and the departmental camaraderie made for an enjoyable evening that came to an abrupt halt the moment Elizabeth Parker swept into the room, unfashionably late and imperious as always. She felt as though the temperature in the room dropped into the frigid zone as the woman stood, looking around with a glare. Ralph, spotting her from across the room, hurried forward.

As Elizabeth started in their direction, Nick came over and casually draped his arm around her shoulders, giving her a fortifying squeeze even as Elizabeth strode directly toward them with the look of a woman with something to say. Ralph intercepted her.

“Elizabeth, so glad you could make it!” he boomed. He had snatched a glass of sherry off a tray and held it out to her, but she looked at the glass he offered with a sneer as though it likely contained hemlock. Which Ralph probably wished it did.

“If I’d known you were admitting such riffraff, I would have reconsidered making the effort.” She sniffed and tilted her chin in Nick’s direction, no doubt to ensure everyone within hearing knew to whom she was referring.

“Oh, Elizabeth, how incredibly trite.” Caroline swept into the circle and Elizabeth immediately scowled. Rich, beautiful and a hotshot economics professor, Caroline was everything the older professor was not and her jealousy showed.

“Perhaps you’ve not had occasion to speak to this individual, but you’ll find him boorish and shockingly inappropriate.”

“Actually, I’ve found him quite interesting and well informed. His knowledge of the Romanesque architecture style in Europe is quite impressive. We’ve been comparing notes on our favorite examples of cathedrals, though I must disagree with his opinion of Canterbury Cathedral. I’ve always preferred the Basilica of the Holy Blood Cathedral in Belgium. You?”

She bit back a smile. Caroline had multiple publications, an international reputation, and everyone knew success like hers was a surefire route to earning Elizabeth Parker’s envious contempt.

“I seriously find that hard to believe.” Her haughty demeanor caused numerous guests to roll their eyes. “Besides, this is a departmental party. What are you doing here?”

Despite the blunt rudeness, Caroline was unperturbed. She got a gleam in her eye and responded lightly, “Oh, didn’t you know? Kurt and I are seeing one another.”

Elizabeth sneered and her eyes narrowed. “Women who flaunt their private peccadilloes are nothing more than whores.”

A collective gasp rose from the crowd at her outrageous insult, and even Serafina was shocked speechless for a long moment.

Then Nick broke the silence, his tone wry. “I see you didn’t take my advice, Professor Parker. You still seem tense.” He smiled coolly and raised his brows. Everyone looked from Parker to Nick and back, awaiting the next verbal volley.

“What advice was that?” Caroline was looking at Elizabeth with a small grin.

“I suggested she needed to...loosen up.” His pause was suggestive and most everyone grasped his implied meaning.

Caroline snorted and burst into loud laughter. “Good one, Nick.” And to Elizabeth, “Well, now that I’ve had a good laugh, I guess I’ll be on my whorish way.” She stepped away but then turned back to purr, “And really, Elizabeth, you might want to take Nick’s advice. Take it from me—loosening up can be very relaxing.” With a wink, she sauntered off, still chuckling to herself.

“Professor Parker, I’d like to see you in private for a moment.” Ralph’s cold words cut through the giggling at Caroline’s parting comment and expressions grew anticipatory.

“What? Now?”

“Most assuredly, this very moment.” He stepped toward the doorway and with an expression of haughty annoyance, Elizabeth followed, leaving a hushed room behind them.

“Uh-oh. Looks like the good professor’s stepped in it.”

She smiled at his remark but had to ask. “And about protecting me from Elizabeth?” He raised his brows at her and she leaned into him. “I know you understand I’m capable of dealing with her myself.”

“But?”

“No buts. I just wanted to admit it was very entertaining watching you do it.”

“Okay. I guess.” He still looked wary.

“I’m saying thank you, Sir Knight.” She smiled and he returned it with his old, wicked grin.

“Honey, the professor wasn’t up to the challenge. She shouldn’t play with fire if she can’t stand the heat.” He winked at her and she had to admit Elizabeth, as always, had brought it on herself.

At that moment, the sound of raised voices and slamming doors echoed from the foyer outside the room. Everyone stopped and stared as Elizabeth stormed past.

“You will not get away with this, Ralph. I am tenured!”

“Be sure to mention that and see how far it gets you in front of the Board of Directors. I’ll have Alice inform you of the date and time of your hearing.”

Ralph returned to his guests. “My apologies for the ugliness of that disturbance, ladies and gentlemen, but the cause for said disturbance has, thankfully, left the building.” He poured himself a large glass of wine and held it up in salute before taking a fortifying gulp. He approached them, looking contrite.

“I must apologize to you both as well. Even I am frankly appalled at Elizabeth. I had no idea she had so little instinct for self-preservation.”

“Sounded like you kicked some professorial ass, Dean Hodges.” Nick chucked the older man on the shoulder and to her amusement, the dean grinned broadly.

“Kicked some ass, indeed, and let me tell you it felt damned good.” Then with a nod, he moved to another cluster of guests and she shook her head.

He looked down. “Looks like my work here is done, Professor Luca. What do you say we blow this place and go to play hide the salami?”

“Mr. Stellato, I thought you’d never ask.”

Chapter Twenty

“Take off your dress.”

He’d turned the lighting in the loft to a dim, sensual level when they’d returned home and poured them each a glass of wine. Now he handed her one and spoke in a devilish tone that sent a delicious shiver up her spine. His predatory gaze thrilled her. She took a long swallow and then with slow movements, set the glass down on the table beside the sofa. She slid the side zipper down and pushed the cap sleeves down her arms, until the weight of the dress pulled it from her and it fell to the floor.

It was remarkably arousing standing in her tiny lingerie in the midst of the cavernous space. It felt as though they were out in the open, with eyes watching from various hidden vantage points. No intimate space in which to hide. She was exposed, vulnerable and would soon be even more so, at his whim.

“Come here.” He gestured her forward and she took two steps, then three, until she was directly in front of him. With glass in hand and a hungry smile, he sank into the chair. “Leave on the shoes and jewelry. Take off that bra and those naughty little panties.”

She smiled in return before reaching up to unhook the front closure of the black satin and lace confection. The sense that she was doing a striptease for him made her insanely hot. Her movements slow, she let the bra fall to the floor on top of her dress before peeling the wisp of a thong down her thighs and stepping out of them. She let them dangle from one finger before they, too, drifted downward onto the pile of discarded clothing. Then she stood, watching him and waiting for his next command.

“Straddle my legs.” She did as he ordered, putting his knees between her spread thighs.

“Put your hands on your breasts. Play with yourself.”

God, he made her need him. She slid her hands up to cup her breasts, stroking them and tweaking her nipples the way he loved to do. They were already hard and tingling and she could feel the throbbing beat pulsing through every molecule.

“Beautiful. Now, lean over me. Rest your hands on my shoulders.”

Doing as bid, she snuggled close enough to lean down and he took hold of one breast in front of his face and pulled the nipple into his mouth. The sensation poured through her like heated honey trickling down her body to pool between her legs. He suckled with growing pressure, then nipped sharply on the turgid flesh with his teeth, biting down until she gasped. Then moving to the other breast, he treated it the same, stopping to bite gently on the softest underpart of her flesh. She wanted to writhe, but when she moved even slightly, he smacked the flat of one hand across her ass.

“Be still.”

“Yes.”

“Your breasts are delicious. Soft, with these incredibly hard little nipples that just beg to be sucked on until you come. Do you think I could do that? Make you come by sucking on your tits?”

“Yes.”

“We’ll have to try that soon. Now, why don’t you get down on your knees for me? My cock needs sucking too. It’s been hard all day.”

Breathless with arousal, she lowered herself to her knees, leaning on his thighs for support. He never moved his hands, but merely sipped his wine as she knelt, waiting.

“Take my cock out of my pants.”

Her hands trembled with the eroticism of the moment. She could barely stand the slow pace he was setting. She was desperate for him to just fuck her. And no doubt her desperation was his goal. With shaking fingers she reached for his zipper, pulled it down, each rasp in the quiet space like a finger across her clit. He was not wearing underwear and she slid both hands inside over hard, velvety flesh. Her mouth watered at the sight as she freed his erection from his pants. It was long and thick, with a dark, flared head and the moisture of his excitement beading at the slit, and she wanted his cock in her mouth.

“What do I want you to do?”

She licked her lips and looked up at him. The darkness in his voice unleashed a sensuous longing to please him, to bring him ecstasy.

“Serafina, what do I want you to do?” The command was unmistakable. He wanted her to say the words.

“You want me to suck your cock.”

“Exactly.”

She stroked the length of him with one hand, reveling in the way his thighs tightened beneath her palm. Lowering her head, she reached out and wiped of off the beads of come with one finger. Putting it to her tongue, she laved it clean, closing her eyes and smiling to let him see how much she loved it. Then she opened her lips and slid her mouth over the wide head and let it slide to the back of her throat. With languid up and down movements, she began to suck him. She alternated between suction and licking, and in between taking him deeply, she’d swirl her tongue around the head, lick up the bottom of his shaft and tickle the slit with the tip of her tongue. Then back to taking him up and down, until her own arousal, and his, had her swallowing around him, making him moan as she tried to take him all the way to the root. She wanted to bury her nose in his pubic hair, feel the width of his cock nearly choking her. The dark taste of him, salty and musky, filled her mouth, her nose. She was growing more eager and hungry but just before he came in her mouth, he took hold of her hair and pulled her off him.

“Enough.” He stood up while she remained on her knees, and removed his shirt. “Take off my shoes, then my pants.”

Bending forward, she untied his shoes and pulled them off, one at a time, and then the socks. Feeling like a cherished concubine, she tugged on his pants until he stepped out of them, his cock hard and shimmering wet with her saliva.

He took hold of both her hands and pulled her to her feet. Standing in front of him in just jewelry and towering heels, it was the most decadent sensation in the world. Gone was the playful, wicked, lewd Nick. In his place was a commanding stranger, who was urging her forward to the erotic places she longed to go.

“I can imagine you just like this, up on a pedestal. With men staring at you, wishing you were theirs. But you aren’t theirs. You’re mine. Aren’t you?”

“Yes. I am yours.”

“Yes, you are. Come with me.” He held out a hand and when she took it, he led her toward the bed. “Lie on the bed on your back.”

She moved to do just that, lying down against the piled-up navy pillows. The softness of the comforter beneath her naked flesh was like a caress. The anticipation built as he looked down at her, before he crawled toward her on his hands and knees.

“Spread your legs.”

She did so quickly, feeling feverish.

“Beautiful. So hot and pink and wet. For me?” His tone bordered on wry.

“All for you.”

“Mmm. So many possibilities. But I think tonight, I just want to fuck you.” He loomed over her, placing his cock between the swollen lips of her cunt. He pushed forward a minute degree, enough to taunt her with invasion. “You don’t want me to be gentle and soft and slow, do you?” He pushed forward a bit more.

“No.”

“What do you want me to do, then?”

“Fuck me hard.”

“You get hot talking dirty to me, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Tell me again. What do you want me to do? How do you want me to fuck you?”

“I want you to shove your cock into me until I scream.”

“Excellent suggestion.”

And as he said it, he slid into her with a single thrust, until he was deep inside her, his cock stretching her to the limit. She arched her back, taking him even deeper, and sighed with the exquisite feeling of fullness.

“I’m going to fuck you until you scream.”

“Please...”

His hips pistoned and he was ramming into her. Again and again he surged into her with powerful strokes. He was so deep it was nearly painful and the tumult of sensations pushed her to the very edge.

“Good, so good.” He ground out the words as he fucked her. His arms, muscles hard and taut, held him just above her and his chest rubbed against her sensitive nipples. The brush of his groin caught her clit over and over, forcing her into a maelstrom of heated desire. The fire of orgasm began to build inside her, stretching across her torso, all the touches against her coalescing until, from head to toe, she burned for him. She panted and whimpered and a few more hard thrusts and she began to writhe beneath him, grabbing his shoulders, her legs moving to wrap around his thighs.

“Nick!”

He stopped.

“I’ve changed my mind.” He pulled out and she slid back to the bed, incredulous and dazed. His eyes blazed. He wasn’t going to let her come.

“Turn over.”

Wondering, she did. Then he urged her to lift up her hips and he pushed a pillow beneath her stomach. As she lay there he slid his hands up the insides of her thighs, until his thumbs reached the throbbing, weeping lips of her pussy. Wiping through the moisture with a torturous slowness, he slid his fingers wet with her juices up to her ass. Sliding between her cheeks, he touched the tight circle of her anus.

“Oh, God, Nick.”

“I want to fuck your ass, Serafina. I want to bury my cock in there. Do you want me to do that? I’ll make it amazing. Do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want me to fuck your ass?”

The desperate need to have him take her there, such a taboo act, roiled through her. She wanted it all. She wanted him in every way he could take her.

“Yes, Nick, please, please, please, fuck my ass.”

“Then I will.” Now he reached into the drawer and pulled out a tube of lubricant. “First, I’ll use my fingers. Then I’ll shove my cock in you.”

He slid the cool gel around her back entrance. Then insinuated a single finger. She tightened instinctively.

“Relax, Serafina. Relax.” He pushed the finger in, then out, the lubrication coating her desperate flesh. A second finger, more lube, and he was stretching the opening until she felt the burn. She was more aroused than she could ever have imagined was possible. There was nothing but the feel of him working her, preparing her to accept him. He removed his fingers and positioned his cock. It felt gigantic—too big. With one move he began to push in. Instantly the stretching burn transformed to a sizzling pain. Bearable—desirable. She fought to relax.

“It will be tight. It will burn. But you can take it. Can’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” And slowly he began to insert himself into her virgin passage, talking to her, urging her to relax.

She was breathing fast. Her hands twisted in the bedding. His hands spread the cheeks of her ass farther apart as he penetrated deeper and deeper. Her mind was completely focused on his invasion of her body as he breached the tight entrance.

“This is so good.” His voice was hard and harsh as he continued to push. “God, I’m almost in. You’re so tight.” Then a final thrust and he was buried fully inside her.

“I’m ready to fuck you now.” And with steady, increasing firmness and vigor, he did just that. Soon his cock pummeled into her ass, his strokes getting faster and sharper until she screamed and begged. She was losing her mind with the overwhelming power of the sensations. He reached beneath her with one hand, never losing the punishing rhythm. He pinched her clit between his thumb and finger, squeezing, adding the sharp, hot pain to the burning invasion of her ass. Another pounding thrust deep into her. His cock swelled and throbbed inside her. It wasn’t enough. She wanted more, she wanted to soar. She pushed back against him, wanting to take him deeper.

“Please, Nick, please fuck me, fuck me, fuck me.”

A moment later, as he penetrated her completely yet again, he yelled and the explosion of his semen flooded inside her ass, the heat and sensation drove her into an intense orgasm, her body electrified by the feel of his possession. She screamed out her own ecstasy, then collapsed beneath him as wave after wave swept through her until she went limp in delirious satisfaction.

When he finally pulled out of her, the wrenching twinge made her gasp. He leaned down and kissed her back, her shoulders and whispered in her ear.

“God, you’re beautiful. That was incredible. Lay here. I’ll clean us up.”

She couldn’t have moved if he’d ordered her to and moments later, he began washing between her legs, gingerly cleansing her. When he returned again, he flipped her over and looked down at her with wicked intensity. The way she was absolutely exposed to this man was a raw and beautiful thing. It was as if a barrier she hadn’t recognized between them had vanished.

He kissed her, deep and passionate, with his hands holding her head. The entire scene replayed itself and now she saw all the times he’d touched her or kissed her possessively. How he’d held her so tightly, and now, his thorough control over this latest blistering act. She loved that he had dominated her so subtly and she had gloried in every moment, every command. The way he’d always led her, and the things he made her say, forcing her to demand of him what she wanted. Yet at the same time he made her feel protected and cherished.

“Amazing.” He kissed her lips and her neck, bit her breast gently, then nipped her lip between his. “You were amazing.”

“I don’t even have words to describe it.” She let him play with her, too weak to do anything else. When he finally ceased and lay beside her, she wallowed in the enjoyment of his lingering touches.

“I feel as if I’ve discovered something new about myself. I’d never thought of these things, what we’ve done. I read books filled with these erotic things. But never thought I’d want them.”

For a moment he simply breathed in her ear. “You did want them, Serafina, didn’t you? I didn’t push you too hard or force you into something you didn’t want?”

Reading the concern in his voice, she rolled over and faced him. “I want everything you do to me, Nick. You didn’t force me, or scare me, or hurt me—well, a teeny bit, but it was a good kind of pain. I loved it. All of it. All the dark, nasty words, and the feel of you taking exactly what you wanted from me.”

“Thank you.”

“It was sincerely my pleasure.” She kissed him then, feeling as if she had become unburdened of restraints she hadn’t known she bore. They lay twined together for a long while. Finally, needing to shower, they both got up and cleaned off. He took the time to wash her hair, running his hands through it, and later he sat her in a chair and combed through the tangles, stopping to smell her hair, to kiss her and caress her.