Текст книги "Release Me"
Автор книги: Ann Marie Walker
Соавторы: Amy K. Rogers
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Текущая страница: 3 (всего у книги 18 страниц)
Chapter Five
“Where’s the mountain with the crew cut?” Harper asked as soon as Allie swung open the door. She was holding a brown paper bag in one hand and a bottle of red wine in the other.
“Who?”
Harper nodded to the empty hallway. “The storm trooper who’s been your shadow for the past week.”
“Clayton? I let him go.”
“Why would you do that?” She lifted the bag and bottle so they were in Allie’s direct line of sight. “And are you going to make me stand here all night or are you going to invite me in?”
In spite of her crap day, Allie laughed. “Since when do you need an invitation?”
“True.” Harper brushed past her and headed to the kitchen with what smelled like Chinese takeout. From the looks of it she’d come straight from work. Under her cropped jacket she was wearing what Allie could only refer to as “business funk,” a bold black-and-white striped skirt paired with red Dr. Martens lace-up boots. The result was the perfect combination of quirky sophistication. Allie would have never been able to pull off such daring choices, but on Harper they totally worked. “And Weiss was okay with you ditching the bodyguard?”
Allie shut the door and followed Harper into the kitchen. “The man is head of security at Ingram, not my personal babysitter. It was ridiculous for him to spend all his time following me around.”
“Where’s the opener?” Harper asked after searching through a few drawers.
Allie frowned. “Not sure.”
“I got this.” Harper reached inside her purse and pulled out a small bottle opener. She smiled when she met Allie’s bewildered stare. “What? You never know when there will be a wine emergency.” She pointed to the bottle of Merlot on the counter. “Case in point.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. This is a full-service delivery. Just park it on a stool.”
Allie pulled out a barstool and sat while Harper grabbed two wineglasses from the overhead cabinet. She filled them each with a generous pour and slid one across the granite counter. Allie wrapped both hands around the goblet, watching in amazement at the buffet currently being assembled on her breakfast bar. “How much food did you order?”
“I couldn’t decide so I went with a little bit of everything. Potstickers, fried wontons . . . damnit, they forgot one of the egg rolls.”
“You can have mine,” Allie said. She was well acquainted with her friend’s motivation: when all else fails, show up bearing comfort food. And wine. But as grateful as she was to have Harper in her life, with or without fried carbs, there was no way she could eat half of what she brought. The way she was feeling, she’d be lucky to stomach plain rice. Seeing Hudson that morning had been harder than she’d expected. And to realize, on top of everything else, that they’d be working side by side nearly every day was the cherry on top of the shitstorm that had become her life.
“Mongolian chicken or kung pao?” Harper asked, pulling Allie back into the conversation as she pulled the last two containers out of the brown paper bag.
“Either’s fine.”Allie picked up a set of chopsticks and split them apart. “You didn’t need to do this, you know.”
“I know, but it’s your first night back here since . . .” Harper’s voice trailed off but she didn’t need to finish her sentence for Allie to know what she was thinking. It was written all over her face. A moment of silence passed before she asked the question that seemed to be on everyone’s mind lately.”Do the police have any leads yet?”
Allie realized people meant well when they asked, and certainly no one wanted answers more than she did. But words like “investigation” and “evidence” triggered images of blood and violence, even when spoken by a concerned best friend. “No. But Detective Green said she’d be in touch as soon as she had an update.” She mustered a reassuring smile. “Thank you for letting me stay with you this week.”
“You know you’re always welcome.”
Allie saw the tears welling in Harper’s eyes. Knowing if she started to cry, Allie wouldn’t be far behind, she quickly changed the subject. “Now get me a plate or I’m going to go all caveman on you and eat right out of the carton.”
Harper snorted. “Yeah right, like that would ever happen.” She turned, still shaking her head as she pulled two plates out of the cupboard. But Allie knew better. And for a single moment she wished she could go back in time to the night she and Hudson sat in his penthouse kitchen, splitting a bottle of wine and eating pizza straight out of the box.
Cut it out, Sinclair. After the day’s strange turn of events, it was more important than ever that she keep her head clear when it came to Hudson Chase.
Allie watched as Harper heaped piles of rice and chicken onto each of the plates, then added an assortment of appetizers. When she finished she carried them both to the other side of the counter and took a seat on the stool beside her.
“Where’d you get this food? It smells great.”
“New place over off LaSalle. If you like it we should definitely try the dine-in option. There was a hunk of perfection working at the bar.” Harper gave a little shudder. “If I didn’t love you so much I’d have parked my ass on his barstool for the night instead of yours.”
“And pass up a carbfest like this? He must have been pretty hot.”
“What can I say, it’s been . . .” A crease formed between Harper’s brows. “Well, that’s depressing. Let’s just say it’s been a while and leave it at that.”
“No cute waiters lately?” Allie teased. Harper had a knack for combining her two favorite topics, men and food, turning even a simple lunch into a chance to find her perfect match. Problem was, she also had a tendency to be attracted to all the wrong guys. Allie wished just once Harper would find a guy deserving of her affection. Someone who would appreciate her quirky style, her dry humor, and her loving heart.
“Actually yes, and this one is a med student by day. We’re having dinner this weekend.”
“Really? Tell me more,” Allie said before taking a sip of the Merlot.
“Not much to tell yet. His name is Scott, he’s twenty-four, from Milwaukee originally.”
“Has brown, perfectly mussed hair and dark, brooding eyes?”
Harper’s mouth dropped open.
Allie laughed. “Don’t look at me like that. You have a type.”
“And you sound like you’ve been reading a few of my favorite romance novels.”
“Hardly.” Allie wrinkled her nose. “And don’t think I’m buying this ‘not much to tell’ crap. I know you, Harper Hayes, and I’d be willing to bet that last wonton you know everything from his shoe size to his underwear preference.”
“Well, I did catch a glimpse of a Calvin Klein waistband when he bent over to pick my purse up off the ground.”
Allie raised a brow.
“Okay, I may have dropped it on purpose. But it was just to start a conversation, not to gawk at his backside.”
“And the shoe size?”
Harper lifted her wineglass to her lips. “Twelve from the looks of it,” she mumbled before taking a sip.
That was more like it. Allie popped a water chestnut into her mouth and smiled.
“Speaking of hot men with ridiculously sexy hair . . . did you see him today?”
“Yes,” she said, the smile slipping from her face.
Harper paused with a broccoli crown suspended between two chopsticks. “And?”
Allie exhaled in a rush and sagged against the back of the barstool. “And it was worse than I imagined.”
“Start talking,” Harper said. She grabbed the wine bottle and topped off both their glasses, then listened as Allie recounted the details of the morning’s board meeting, everything from her initial reaction to seeing Hudson to the details of his co-CEO proposal. “So you think that was his plan all along?” she asked.
Allie washed a bite of food down with a large gulp of wine. “I don’t know for sure. But he could have made a play for the whole thing, and probably won. Sympathy and nostalgia was only going to get me so far. They all know he’s more qualified for the job.”
“Maybe he really is sorry for the mess he created. This could be his way of apologizing.”
“How, by backing me into a corner? I told him I didn’t want to hear any of his excuses, and I meant it. There’s no justification for lying to me every moment we were together.”
“So what did he have to say for himself when it was all done?”
Allie poked at the food on her plate. “Nothing.”
“Nothing? The man who tried to set the Guinness Book of World Records for number of voicemails left in a single day had nothing to say when the two of you were finally in the same room?”
“He didn’t have a chance.” When the meeting had finally ended, Allie couldn’t wait to get the hell out of there. But Hudson lingered, chatting with a few people and occasionally glancing in Allie’s direction, all the while strategically placed between her and the door. “I caught Ben’s attention just as he was about to leave and asked if he had a moment to discuss a few items. Hudson had no choice but to step aside and let us pass.”
“You won’t be able to avoid him forever.”
No, but she could sure as hell try.
“I’m actually surprised he wasn’t waiting outside your door. That is one determined man. And when he locks those baby blues on you . . .”
“Well, he was gone by the time Ben and I finished,” Allie said, interrupting Harper before she had a chance to point out everything Allie was trying her best to forget. “And I spent the rest of the day interviewing new assistants.”
“Not keeping your dad’s?”
Allie shook her head. “It would feel like my grandmother was my assistant. She’s going to work in Mr. Weiss’s office.”
“Any promising candidates?”
“One. And I think he’d give you a run for your money when it comes to snarky jokes and collecting the phone numbers of hot waiters.”
“I am not snarky,” Harper said, feigning offense. She pushed a stray curl out of her eyes and tucked it behind her ear. “Although I could use a wingman. Especially since my BFF is a hardworking CEO now.”
“Co-CEO,” Allie corrected. “And you cannot start hanging out with my assistant.”
“Why not?
“Because my personal and professional lives are complicated enough.” Allie yawned before she could even finish the sentence.
“You must be exhausted,” Harper said. She stood and started gathering the paper cartons.
“Leave it. You cooked, I’ll clean.”
“Yeah, I slaved all day over a hot stove.”
“You know what I mean,” Allie said. “And thanks again. This was just what I needed.”
“What are friends for if not to binge on Chinese food and borrow your designer handbags?” she said with a laugh. “Hey, do you want me to spend the night?”
“No, I appreciate the offer, but I’m a big girl—I need to start acting like one. But there is something you can do for me.”
“Anything. Name it.”
“My mother was supposed to be presented with some humanitarian award at a black-tie gala at the Art Institute Friday night and they’ve asked me to accept it on her behalf. Will you go with me?”
“Not sure if I can get a tux on such short notice,” Harper teased.
“Oh wait, what night is your date with Doctor Hottie?” Allie asked, using the opportunity to tease Harper with a nickname for once.
“Friday, but I’ll just see if we can reschedule for his next night off.”
“No way.”
“Yes way. Chicks before dicks and all that.”
“Well, this chick has let you sacrifice enough of your own time to sit and hold her hand at some miserable event.”
“Fancy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar? You’re right, that does sound miserable.” Harper rolled her eyes. “You can’t uninvite me. It would be rude.”
“Watch me. I’ll take my new assistant. Technically it’s a work event anyway.”
Harper cocked her head to one side. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” She pulled Harper into a hug.
“If you change your mind about the sleepover . . .”
“Go.” Allie pushed her friend out the door and closed it.
“Fine, be that way,” Harper said with a laugh from behind the door.
Allie waited till she heard the outside door open and close before making her way back to her bedroom. It was barely nine o’clock, but after the day she’d had a hot shower and an early bedtime sounded like heaven.
On her way to the bathroom she noticed the duffel bag she’d taken to Lake Geneva still sitting in the corner of her room. With all that had gone on since the night she’d returned, unpacking a bag of hiking clothes had been last on her list of things to do.
No time like the present.
She hauled the bag onto the bed and began dumping items of clothing into the laundry hamper. The bag was almost completely empty when she pulled out a pink lace nightgown.
“This is definitely making the trip. A survival necessity.”
Hudson’s words echoed in the very room where he’d first spoken them. Allie closed her eyes and just like that, unbidden and unwelcome images flooded her mind. They were in the bedroom of his cabin and he was behind her, sweeping her hair to one side as his lips found the curve of her neck.
“Put this on.” He held out his arm and her baby-doll nightgown dropped down from his hand. “And when you return, I want to tie you to my bed.”
A soft moan escaped her lips as he ran the tip of his tongue up the column of her throat.
“Look at the bed, Allie.” Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. “Imagine yourself completely at my mercy. Now go change.”
Turning, she met his heated gaze, so full of dark, delicious promise that her knees went weak.
“Don’t make me wait.” His voice was gentle but commanding.
Allie took the lingerie from his hands and made her way to the master bathroom. She changed quickly, her fingers trembling from the thought of what lay ahead. She would have never considered it a turn-on to surrender control, but there was no denying she loved it when he was like this.
When she stepped into the room, she paused at the doorway, taking a moment to enjoy the view. Through the French doors Lake Geneva shimmered in the distance, but that wasn’t the sight that held her totally spellbound. It was Hudson, standing with his back to her wearing only his faded jeans, that held her gaze. His stance was relaxed as he stared out across the water, and in that moment Allie realized that this cabin was more than just a vacation destination—it was the one place he considered home. Hudson was a man of few words when it came to his feelings and emotions. But the fact that he’d brought her here, that he wanted to share this side of himself, told her all she needed to know.
Hudson turned and his lips parted on a sharp intake of air. “Allie . . .”
Her mouth watered at the sight of him, lit only by the moonlight filtering in through the arched windows above the doors. Everything about Hudson Chase set her blood on fire, from the way his blue eyes burned bright with excitement to the way his impressive erection strained heavily against the fly of his jeans.
“Do you trust me?” he asked. His voice was gentle but firm.
Her pulse raced but her breathless answer was honest. “Yes,” she whispered, because it was true. She trusted Hudson not only with her body, but more and more with each passing day, her heart.
He approached, pulling something out of the back pocket of his jeans and holding it up for her to see. Allie recognized it immediately as the airline sleep mask Hudson had used on her the day she’d been cuffed to the beam in his game room. Heat pooled between her thighs at the memory of that afternoon. He’d teased her relentlessly with his fingers and tongue, bringing her to orgasm again and again. Being bound and helpless against the onslaught of pleasure had been an experience unlike any she’d ever known. And even though she had no idea what he had planned this time, she already knew it would be a night to remember.
Hudson led her to the bed, where she noticed the blue silk necktie that had been placed on top of the duvet. Once she was seated, he slipped the mask over her eyes. Almost instantly she became keenly aware of everything around her. The sound of her own breathe, coming much too quickly. The feel of the cool air, making her nipples harden against the rough lace of her negligee. And the masculine scent of Hudson’s skin, all the more intoxicating given the current state of his arousal as he stood mere inches in front of her.
“Your other senses will be heightened this way, but I only want you to focus on what you feel.” His hands were on her hips, gathering the fabric of her lingerie before sweeping it over her head. That didn’t last long. She almost smiled at the thought but then his fingers cupped her jaw, tilting her face toward his, and the only thought that remained was how badly she wanted him to kiss her. “As much as I like the nightgown, I prefer you naked.”
She licked her dry lips, eliciting a noise from Hudson that was more growl than groan. In a heartbeat he sealed his mouth over hers. There was nothing gentle about the way he kissed her. It wasn’t slow and savoring but hungry and raw, and made her restless for what was still to come. He hadn’t even touched her and yet she felt as though she were already melting in his hands. She wanted to reach for him, to pull him down to her, to feel the weight of him against her. But this was Hudson’s game, and as much as her body silently begged for more, she couldn’t deny the thrill she felt from being under his control. So although her heart hammered against her chest, she let him set the pace, kissing him back with the same passion he showed her but taking it no further.
When he finally broke the kiss she was more than ready to do whatever he commanded.
“Lie back on the bed.”
Her body hummed with anticipation as she did as she was told.
“Give me your hands.”
She followed his orders without hesitation. Hudson bound her wrists together with the silk tie, tugging the fabric until it was snug against her skin. Then he pulled her hands above her and secured them to the headboard.
“Is it too tight?”
She shook her head. The way he’d restrained her gave her little room to move, but it didn’t hurt.
“Good.” He moved off the bed. A moment later she heard the metallic sound of a zipper and the rustle of denim as he removed his jeans. The mental picture of him standing there naked made her entire body clench with need.
His fingers curled around her ankles and pulled her legs apart. “I want you open for me.”
Cool air rushed against her. Even without the benefit of sight she knew he was watching her, drinking in every detail. She could almost feel his gaze as it traveled over her skin. But to her surprise she didn’t feel vulnerable or exposed. Instead she felt sexy and wanton.
“You look so beautiful like this, Allie, bound and waiting for me. You have no idea how hard it makes me.”
She sunk her teeth into her lower lip. “Show me. Please.”
The mattress dipped and she knew he was beside her. “Open your mouth.”
She obeyed and a moment later the tip of his erection brushed her lips. Her tongue darted out to flutter over the smooth skin, already slick from wanting her. She couldn’t use her hands, but she lifted her head, taking him as deep into her mouth as she could. A sharp breath hissed between his teeth as she sucked him rhythmically, and after a moment his hips began to flex, thrusting himself into her greedy mouth.
“That’s enough,” he said, stopping abruptly and pulling back. She almost whimpered from the loss. “I have plans for you and they don’t involve my cock. Not yet.”
He moved away.
And then nothing.
She waited, listening intently, but heard nothing that gave any hint as to what he had planned for her. In fact, the sound of his breathing, slowly returning to normal, was the only indication he was even still in the room.
After what seemed like an eternity, something brushed across the nipple of her left breast. Her body jerked in response.
“Still, baby. I want you to be still for me.”
She bit back a moan. A moment later it returned, softly tracing the curve of her breast. She was more prepared this time and concentrated on the sensation, trying to determine what it was. A feather, maybe? Hudson dragged it along her rib cage and across her stomach. She quivered beneath its tickling touch but fought the urge to pull away, remaining as still as possible.
“Good girl,” he said.
The unexpected warmth she felt from his words had barely registered when something cold trailed down her inner thigh. Ice. But as quickly as it appeared, it was gone again. Then the bed shifted and Hudson’s lips surrounded her nipple. The ice was in his mouth now, and as he sucked and tugged her tightened flesh, she was overwhelmed by what could only be described as icy heat.
Then the feather returned, stroking between her legs. It was just enough to make her ache, but too soft to bring her any relief. Her body trembled as the gentle brush of the feather contrasted with the cold bite of the ice. Her nerves came alive under the dual assault, but she could do nothing more than absorb the riotous sensations Hudson elicited from her body.
He moved lower with agonizing leisure, teasing and taunting her with a trail of cold, openmouthed kisses, all while the feather brushed against her wetness.
She pulled on the restraints, her hips lifting, desperate for friction. “Please, Hudson, touch me . . .”
“Is this what you want, Allie?”
Her entire body tensed as his finger finally skimmed her entrance.
“God, yes.” She was practically panting with need.
“You’re so wet for me.”
“Please . . . I want you inside me.”
“All in good time.”
She groaned as his hand fell away. Then his tongue licked the length of her sex and her hips bucked from the bed. She wanted to reach for him, to twist her fingers into his hair and hold him tight against her. But bound as she was, she was helpless to do anything but submit to his delicious torture.
“I love the way you taste,” he murmured, his warm breath fanning over her damp skin.
“You’re driving me crazy.”
“Do you want me to stop?” His voice was low and rough and vibrated against her sensitive flesh. But he didn’t stop. Even when her head thrashed against the pillow, he kept her thighs firmly spread, licking, nipping, and sucking her until she could finally take no more.
“Yes, stop,” she panted. “I can’t take anymore.”
She swore she felt him smile against her skin. “Are you sure?”
Then his mouth was on her again, his tongue plunging into her quivering body.
“Ah, God,” she screamed as a massive orgasm rolled through her. Sensitive and swollen, she tried to squirm away, but he didn’t let up until she came a second time against his lips.
He moved over her, his face just inches from hers and his erection pulsing hot against her sex.
“Tell me you what you want,” he said, his voice tight with restraint. A second later the blindfold lifted away. “Open your eyes and tell me that you want me.”
Allie opened her eyes. But she wasn’t in Hudson’s arms. He wasn’t about to make sweet love to her for hours in a cabin high above the treetops. She was in her brownstone apartment and the love she’d felt for him that night was nothing more than an illusion built on lies.
She looked down at the pink lace nightgown, fisted tightly in her hands. With a sharp tug the fabric was torn to shreds.
Just like her heart.
