Текст книги "Crave"
Автор книги: B.J. Harvey
сообщить о нарушении
Текущая страница: 8 (всего у книги 17 страниц)
I’ve been fortunate enough not to run into Carmen Dallas for a few months now. That was until today and although I’d warned Luce about the media and the interest in my private life, I hadn’t told her about Hurricane Dallas and her life’s mission to find out everything and anything to get the ‘big scoop.’
This means that I was unprepared when Lucia and I were enjoying a quiet Sunday lunch at the Japanese Tea Garden and Carmen strolled through the door with a huge smile on her face as she walked toward us.
“Callum, fancy running into you here. Oh, and on a date. It must be my lucky day.”
I can’t even try to rein in my distaste for this woman, but the overwhelming emotion running through my body is that of fear.
“Ms. Dallas,” I grind out, my body immediately tensing when I realize that I have no way of shielding Luce from her.
“And who do we have here?” She turns her attention toward Luce, who lowers her cup back to the table and raises an eyebrow at me before turning a very sweet, welcoming smile toward our impromptu guest.
She offers her hand out for Carmen to shake, which she does willingly, but watching the two women, I can see the glaringly obvious differences between the two of them. It’s not just blonde vs. brunette; it’s devious vs. genuine.
“I’ve been wanting to meet you for a while, Lucia. You’re a hard woman to track down.”
Luce pulls her hand back and leans her body toward mine.
“That’s funny,” she muses, “because this is the first time I’ve met you—Carmen, did you say? So I’m unclear as to why you would be trying to track me down, except for the fact that I am dating Callum.”
I lean back in my chair and watch with fascination when I feel Lucia’s hand grip my thigh, almost possessively.
Carmen decides to settle in and pulls out a chair, sitting herself down at our table, which just puts me on edge. This woman is the top gossip columnist in San Francisco. Her weekly two page spread in the Tribune is one of the most talked about and read features in the city. The fact that she’s been looking for and into Lucia has me concerned that the woman I now have strong feelings for might not know what she has opened herself up to.
“Callum is hot property. People want to be him, or be with him. And since they can’t be either, they want to know about him, everything about him. Which is where I come in.”
I snort, which earns a frown from Carmen and a smirk from Luce. “Anyway. It seems you’ve become a permanent fixture in Callum’s life, which is a feat in itself. Tell me more about yourself?”
Luce remains calm, her expression one of amusement. She takes another sip of her tea and looks over at me and winks—winks—before turning back to Carmen.
“What surprises me, Carmen, is that you think who I am or what I do, or anything to do with the man I do it with, is of any consequence, let alone anyone’s business.”
I try to hide my surprise at Lucia’s immediate defense of me. Warning her of my high profile and the press’s interest in me is one thing—the way she is willingly going in to bat for me is something else entirely. A wide smile grows on my face as I watch Carmen’s body language shut down, her shock at the reception she’s receiving evident. But she rallies, and she does it swiftly and effectively.
“Callum became popular with his first award win.” She looks at me, her eyes full of something I do not want to contemplate, which just makes me angry. I turn cold, my body tense, and the distaste I feel for this woman and anyone in general who reads and fuels this kind of journalism. “He’s an enigma. He designs inspiring buildings, he’s the man behind the new national museum, which is set to become another high-profile tourist attraction for the city, and he’s handsome, not hurting for money, and never takes the same woman out twice—unless, you count his sister and sister-in-law, which by the way, Cal, was a brilliant move until I worked it out.”
Lucia’s fingers flex against my thigh, which I take as a hint that she’s reached her limit.
“Carmen, it has been a pleasant surprise to meet you, and such a coincidence that you appeared while I was on a date with my boyfriend,” she says sarcastically. “Now, I tried to be courteous and friendly, but I can see that your fixation with Callum and his life is not going to be easily ignored. So I’m kindly asking that you continue on with your day and leave Cal and I to enjoy our tea.” She leans closer into me, resting her shoulder against mine and making it clear to all watching who and what she is to me. “But I will tell you this. Callum and I, together or not together, are human beings. We have a right to a private life, just like anyone else.”
Carmen stands up and leans in toward Lucia, her combative stance emphasized by the placing of her hands on her hips. “You’ll learn that it does not pay to cross me.”
“Your veiled threats mean nothing to me. Now, we’d like to enjoy the rest of our date before heading home. Take from that what you will, Ms. Dallas.” Lucia then turns to me, leaning forward and putting her hand to my jaw until I’m facing her, then kissing my lips gently.
Looking up at the reporter, I have to choke back a laugh at the disbelief on the woman’s face at being so blatantly dismissed. Lucia rests her head on my shoulder, and I fight every instinct I have to take her then and there. It would have to be the hottest most gratifying display I’d been party to in a long time.
Still, it doesn’t stop the uneasy feeling in my gut, which will only be alleviated once Wednesday’s edition of the Tribune is released.
“God, I want you naked right now,” I growl into Luce’s ear once Carmen has stomped off.
“My place or yours?”
“Jesus, you’re amazing. That was amazing. You didn’t have to do that for me.”
“Cal, you’re a man, just like any other man. You have the same rights as anybody else. You may have won awards and may have been thrust into the spotlight unwillingly, but that doesn’t give her the right to try and intimidate you or me, let alone ruin what was an enjoyable afternoon. So I may be amazing but I think you are incredible, and no one—”
I had to stop her so I crashed my lips against hers, snaking my arm around her shoulders and holding her close as I pilfered her mouth, not giving a toss who saw us.
“Whoa,” she said after pulling away from the kiss, her breathy voice speaking straight to my cock.
“I’ll get the check.”
“Best idea you’ve had all day, Mr. Alexander,” she retorts with a sexy smirk.
I pay the bill and tip the waitress generously before leading Lucia by the hand out into the Tea Garden. The hot summer sun beams down on our backs as we make our way through the park and back to my car.
“My place or yours?” I ask, as I open the passenger door to let her in.
“Such a gentleman. I wonder what it would take to make you let go?” she asks with a grin.
“I’ve proven that in certain circumstances, I’m not always so dignified.”
She leans toward me and gives me a sly, sexy smile. “Maybe I want to see how far I can push you, Cal.”
“You don’t know what you’re asking for, Luce,” I caution.
My warning goes unheeded. “Maybe I do. Maybe you haven’t realized that I can take whatever you’ve got to give.”
Distracted by erotic images flashing before my eyes, I nod and shut her door, willing my body to calm down as I round the back of the car. It’s then I see an envelope tucked into the side of my door, my name typed on the front. The hairs on the back of my neck prickle at the thought of someone knowing which car was mine on a busy public street. Not wanting to ruin our date, I pocket it, making a mental note to read it later, then get into the car before starting the engine and pulling out into traffic.
I’m preoccupied during the short drive to her apartment. It’s not until I pull into her parking garage and park in her designated spot that she calls me on it.
“Cal, have I upset you? Was it that scene back at the tea house?”
I look over and find her body turned toward me, her back leaning against the door. I let out a big breath and lean forward, gripping the steering wheel tightly in my hands and resting my forehead on the cool leather. “I never wanted you to be in that position.”
Turning my head to look at her, I’m met with a crinkled brow and her deep, soulful, far-too-knowing eyes. “If you’re talking about defending you and your right to privacy from piranha-like reporters like that woman, then I did that to myself, and I’ll do it again in a heartbeat.”
“I don’t want you to have to face any pressure from anything or anyone because you’ve chosen to be with me. I shield my family from it and I should be doing the same for you.”
“Cal, I never—”
I lean over and put my hand on her leg, my fingers inching just below her skirt to caress the smooth skin underneath. “I know that, and I know you never would. I’m starting to believe you knew what you were getting into when you agreed to our first date. You’re the first woman who I’ve wanted to accept every part of me.”
Her hand covers mine, slowly easing my hand higher on her leg. “I already do, Cal. You’re the one who needs to accept that.”
“I’m beginning to see that.” My eyes study her face, watching her parted lips and the pink of her blush creep over her cheeks as my fingers drag against the soft, supple skin of her inner thigh. “There are just some parts I need time to show you.”
She watches me intently before her gaze drops to my now circling finger, the heat of her core threatening to pull me under as much as the desire that’s written all over her face.
Our hands inch higher until my fingertips brush against the thin, damp satin of her underwear. “I want all of you at whatever pace you want to give it to me,” her whispered voice is full of need as it wraps around me. “But right now, I need a particular part of you, and I need it now.”
“Now?” I quirk a brow, maneuvering my hand so that the tip of my thumb presses the smooth material of her panties inside of her, testing the limits of its elasticity. Her answering moan reverberates inside the car, making my cock throb in reply. I need to get her inside of her apartment before both of us lose the ability to think responsibly. I’m a touch away from not caring about the where and focusing solely on the what and why.
I slip my finger underneath the fabric, and slowly inch it deep inside of her, dragging my thumb over her clit in a whisper-soft, teasing motion. Her hips rock against my hand, taking my finger deeper with every upward thrust as she moans unabashedly. Her hand grips my hand tightly, grinding herself against me harder, longer, faster. I reach over and crowd her against the car door, bracing my spare hand against the glass and resting my lips against the rapid pulse on her throat. “You’re so ready for me, Luce.”
“Always ready for you Cal.”
“Should I take you right here in the car? Where anyone can see us?” I rake my teeth against her skin, then trail the path back with my tongue. “Where anyone can see me bury my cock deep inside of you until we both fall apart?”
“God, yes . . . and no.” I chuckle at her indecision. It seems she still has the ability for coherent thought, which makes the decision for us. I cup her face and kiss her savagely, diving my tongue between her parted lips and stroking hers seductively. Pushing my finger impossibly deeper inside her pulsating core until I feel her clench around me, I pull my hand away from her achingly slow before easing back straight in my seat.
Her head drops back against the car window with a thud as she struggles to contain her breathing. “Damn, you’re good at that.”
“If we can get inside within the next five minutes, I’ll show you exactly how good it is going to be.”
“Fuck yes.”
Never have I seen a woman move so fast. Within moments, we’re out of the car and striding toward the stairwell door, scaling the two flights of stairs to her floor then we’re inside of her apartment. We strip off our clothes, and I stalk toward her bedroom. Luce walks backward and makes a show out of every item of clothing she drops to the floor until she’s standing at the foot of her bed wearing nothing but a smile.
“You’re stunning,” I murmur as I move my naked body up against hers, my hands gripping her ass and pulling her hips into mine.
Her hands grip my biceps then slide up and around my neck. “So . . . about that conversation you started in the car . . .” Rising up on her toes, she runs the tip of her tongue up my neck and along my jaw until her lips reach mine. “I think we should finish it.”
I tighten my grip on her ass, thrusting my cock between her thighs so that my pelvis grinds against her clit with every subtle movement. “God, that feels so good.”
“I need you hard and fast, Cal.”
“No, my sweet Luce. We need slow and steady, seductive and sexy.” I run my tongue along her bottom lip. Her mouth opens for me, and I give her the opposite of what she’s aching for. With languid strokes of my tongue, I explore her mouth, continuing to thrust myself against her core. She buries her fingers into my hair, holding fast as she grinds down on my cock and pulls our bodies as close as possible.
“God, I need you inside me.”
“Now that I can do. But first. I need you to ride my face.”
“If I’m riding your face then I’m going to be lying on top of you with my mouth on your cock while I’m doing it. Fair’s fair.”
This woman is both my sin and my salvation. One look at the desperate need in her eyes has me wanting to drop to my knees in worship.
“On the bed, Luce,” I all but growl. My voice is a gravelly husk that betrays any unaffected façade I could ever try to hide behind.
Without further instruction, she lies down on top of the comforter. She stretches out her lithe body and lifts her arms above her head, then wraps her fingers around her wrought iron headboard and lifts her eyes to meet mine. The heat emanating back at me as I stand over her almost chokes me. This woman has so much power over me yet she remains unaware of it, which is equally terrifying and thrilling in the same breath.
I move along the bed, standing over her as I take in the sheer perfection of the image she creates.
“You’re a vision,” I rasp, bending down to take her peaked nipple between my lips. Grating my teeth around the sensitive flesh, I run my hands down the length of her arms toward her shoulders. My palms curve around her breasts, offering them to my rapacious mouth as I switch sides, a gentle bite eliciting a delicious moan from her lips that I feel throughout her chest.
“Cal . . .” she whispers. Her words are weighted with need and call to my most basal instincts. “ . . . just let go.”
I know she’s not alluding to my lips on her flesh. Her intuitive talent knows no bounds, and that thought both terrifies and thrills me.
I stamp down that notion though as I lift one of my legs over her body, both knees braced against the side of her chest. My hands move to her hips as I lower my head, my tongue spearing through her slick heat as the taste engulfs my senses and engrosses my mind.
Her fingers wrap around my shaft and her warm tongue circles the head. A lascivious moan escapes over her lips and vibrates around the most sensitive part of me. It serves to make my hunger for her stronger. My fingers bite into the supple skin covering her ass as I greedily lap at her drenched core.
“Hands on the headboard, Luce,” I growl as I circle my tongue around her engorged clit, adding the lightest of scrapes over the sensitive nerves. Her body arches from head to toe, my cock slipping between her lips to the back of her throat. Flexing my knees, I lift my hips toward the ceiling and slowly lower my cock back down, and a rhythm is born. Tightening her lips around the base of me, she pushes her back into the mattress with every withdrawal and lunges forward with every downward thrust until her throat is constricting around the tip.
“Fuck!” I groan against her as I push my tongue down and inside her, her muscles contracting around me in a cadence my ministrations have created. I try to lift my weight off her body but she simply tries to take me deeper. The loose grip I have on my control takes an almost diabolical hit as a wave of pleasure and need courses through me. The desire to drive deep inside her mouth while bringing her to the dizzying heights of pleasure is almost too strong to bear.
Her arms move down and her hands grasp hold of my hips, her fingers mirroring my own grip. She continues to push me, prodding the monster within and silently begging him to break free. I close my eyes and focus on making her climax, trying hard to ignore the growing need inside of me to push the limit.
Needing a distraction, I tighten my grip and roll over onto my back, bringing Lucia’s body over and on top of mine, the tension that had built in my spine dissipating as I step back out of the red zone.
I drift my hands down and push apart her thighs, granting me further access to her core. . Dipping both thumbs inside of her, I focus my attention on making her come, needing her climax to anchor me to reality.
“Deeper, Cal,” she rasps, as she runs her tongue over my balls, gently prodding the tight, sensitive skin underneath.
I push my thumbs all the way in and circle her entrance with the hardened tip of my tongue. But she doesn’t relent; she deep throats my cock like a woman on a mission, a woman whose sole focus is on seeing me unhinged.
It’s as if my body takes on a mind of its own. I push up as Luce glides down and stays there, my cock throbbing in anticipation as she swallows hard and lifts slightly before pushing down deeper, impossibly far. A haze comes over me, my skin burning with the need to move. My mind screams at me to pull back, but my subconscious has grabbed hold of the reins and has eyes on the prize. I lose all rational thought and run my hands down to grip her shoulders. Her movements are ragged now, her head jerking up and down on my cock. My fingers run up her neck into her hair, and I tighten my hold and let her dictate the momentum, but when I raise my lips to her clit and suck hard, she screams. Her entire body tightens—her legs, her arms, her lips, her throat, and I’m driven head first into the most intense climax of my life, bar none. Her muscles vibrate around the head of my cock and I release myself deep inside her mouth, the steady muted moans around my skin making my entire body hum, head to toe and back up again.
Gently lifting her mouth off my cock, she leans her head against my thigh, her breaths coming in rapid pants. I’m filled with the need to maintain as much contact with her as possible as my scattered mind struggles to reconstruct itself from the debris. My orgasm was akin to nothing I have ever felt in my life. Intense and debauched, it was as if Lucia was compelled to drive me out of my mind. She was steadfast in her desire to push me over that invisible line, snapping the guide wires and leaving me in a free fall of impulse and instinct.
The haze clears, my synapses are reconnecting, and a wave of panic threatens to suffocate me. “Luce, you okay?”
Her hands begin a leisurely swirl over the skin of my thighs, and I swallow hard against the lump in my throat forming out of the fear I’ve gone too far.
“See what happens when you give in to it?” she murmurs against my skin. Her lips are wet. Needing to see her face, to look in her eyes and reassure myself that she is as okay with the experience as she appears to be, I ease my hands under her shoulders and slowly swing her around until she is lying on my chest, her head just inches above mine.
Her smile is blinding, her white teeth gleaming with pride as her eyes shine down on me. “You, Mr. Alexander, have been holding out on me. There’s no going back now.”
“Luce, I—”
“You’re a dark horse in a tailored Tom Ford suit, and I love knowing I’m the only one who gets to see behind the armor.” Her eyes turn soft as she looks at my mouth and lowers her lips to gently press against mine. And as if that is all the reassurance I need, I crush her to me, and kiss her like she’s the air I need to breathe.
It’s later on, when I’ve left the calm of Lucia’s apartment and am getting undressed in my bedroom, that I find the envelope that was left on my car. Prizing my finger under the seal, I carefully pull open the paper and unfold the note inside.
