The next evening, I dress myself with military precision. Every inch of my outfit, my makeup, my hair—it’s all chosen with one aim in mind.It’s armor.Because if Victor Pierro breaks my heart after tonight, if he gets what he wants then turns me away afterward… I will never let him see how much that hurts me. That’s my promise to myself.My lingerie is dark purple silk; my dress is steel gray with a high neckline but a plunging back. I slide on my highest, stabbiest heels and slick my lips with red. My dark hair is swept over one shoulder. The black trench coat is the final touch, the belt cinched at my waist.A stranger stares back at me in my bedroom mirror, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright. I look excited. I am excited.I also look ready to crush a certain casino owner under my heel, and you know what? That’s accurate, too.The journey to Biao’s is agonizingly slow, the streets clogged with traffic. I stare out of the tinted window in the backseat and count my breaths.Nearl
“Get on with it, then,” I snap. Victor’s mouth twitches with amusement, and god, that just makes me want to beat his chest and howl. How dare he be so composed right now? Level-headed and sane, when I’m bursting at the seams?Such bullshit.“You’re like a maelstrom,” Victor murmurs, carrying me behind the desk and finally setting me down on the hard surface. Are there normally papers here, or a laptop? My fevered brain can’t remember for sure, but the idea of Victor clearing this space so he can spread me out on it is pleasing.Yeah, screw his work! I’m here now. I could purr.“This coat,” Victor says, taking each end of the belt in one hand. He pauses, like he’s relishing the moment. “This fucking coat.”A laugh bubbles out of me as he tugs the belt undone, slowly, savoring. And it’s funny, because yeah—I’ve noticed that my trench coat gets under his skin. Something about it makes the casino owner restless, and when my dress for each night is finally revealed, some of the tension aro
Jasmine’s eyes spark with defiance, her chin raising an inch into the air. She’s getting all pumped up, ready to argue with me for the sake of it, but I spread a palm over her chest before she can speak and press her gently down to the desk.“Oof. Victor!”Dark tresses of hair splay out on my desk, and Jasmine’s gaze darts around my office ceiling. She’s tense and untrusting still, even now as I sink into my desk chair and move it closer. Even as I place steadying hands on her bare thighs. Her skin is warm satin.“Relax,” I murmur, stroking with my thumbs. “You can trust me, Jasmine.”She scoffs, but wiggles closer to the edge. Atta girl.“I won’t do this if you don’t want me to.” The gray fabric of her dress is slippery and soft, pooling over her thighs as I place her feet one by one on my arm rests. Her heels look wickedly sharp—a warning.“Jasmine?” I wait for her to meet my eyes. She looks so out of her depth, my chest aches. “You can say no to this. You can always refuse. But jus
My pulse thuds in my ears as I lean down to her slit. There’s a gasp above me, and fingers weave through my hair, holding on tight as I press a kiss on her mound.“Let me show you,” I say, words humming against her clit. Jasmine sighs and rocks her hips up. “Let me show you how I feel.”“Victor,” she gasps.Then it’s on.I start with a broad lick up her slit, tasting the salty tang there. My stomach growls in triumph, and I press my face even closer—then devour her pussy like a starving man.Every lick and suck and nibble is a balm to my bruised soul. Every time Jasmine gasps and moans and tugs on my hair, some injured piece of me is soothed.A sheen of her slick coats my cheeks and chin. Her thighs keep tensing, clamping around my ears and muffling all sound until all I can hear is the fevered thud of my own pulse. Her fingernails scratch at my scalp, sending little zings of pleasure down my spine.And all the while, I pour my fucking heart and soul into the task—trying to prove to J
Five years laterOn the third floor of the Biao, a balcony overlooks the casino below. I stand there, hands resting lightly on the rail, and peer down like a queen surveying her kingdom.A band plays from a podium in the corner of the room, while elegant guests gather around the games tables below. Everyone down there is dressed to impress, with tailored evening wear on the men and jewels sparkling at the women’s throats. The servers weave between tables bearing trays of champagne, while the chandelier glitters high above.It’s a masterpiece. So much grander than when my father ran this place. Perhaps it’s disloyal of me to be glad that Victor owns this casino now rather than the Biaos… but then again, I barely ever speak to my parents these days. We have yearly awkward phone calls, and that’s that.I’m always glad to hear that they’re safe, that they’re trying to be smarter, but I can’t handle much more. They keep trying to make amends for what they said to me all those years ago, bu
FINN: There's a famous saying that goes - look, but don't touch.That's what best explains the situation between me and Zarina.She's half my age. My old college friend's bratty daughter. Banging body, good brains, everything I'm attracted to in place.A forbidden fruit. 100% off limits.But I want her. I want her so bad, and I don't care about the rules for once.As long as Zarina is mine.—ZARINA: I never thought I could ever fall in love with a man almost twice my age. And frankly, I'm not complaining.Finn is one hot ass fine man. Experienced, focused, and always in control. I have nothing to worry about.He'll take very good care of me.I want him to.I want him to be my baby daddy.And he will be. I'll do everything I can to make sure of that.-------------------1 - Finn.Traffic in New York City is as horrible as I remember. Probably worse. It’s been damn near fifteen years since I’ve been back in the States and another four since I’ve been back to this city.The cabbie swerv
The mystery woman blinks her eyes, her long, dark eyelashes fluttering against her porcelain skin. She has freckles dotting her cheeks and nose, and I want to trace each one of them with my fingers. I want to memorize the pattern they make on her sweet face. I want to taste them.Stop. It.She breaks eye contact first. I take a breath for the first time since walking inside, pulling air into my lungs. The woman looks over my shoulder, then narrows her eyes. I can see her defenses snapping into place as she glares at Darren and then flits her eyes over to me.Huffing out a breath, the woman rolls her eyes and gets off the couch, stomping down the hallway. It’s then I notice her body. Her curves. Sweet Jesus God in heaven, those curves.Full, round breasts that I want to weigh in my hands. Hips I want to slide my hands over and grip as I sink deep inside her. And that ass…“That’s as much of an introduction as you’ll get to my daughter,” Darren says in annoyance.Shit. His daughter? Tha
Oh my God, what am I doing?The tall, dark, sexy beast with tattoos crawling up his arms stares at me. His deep, espresso eyes peer right down into the very depths of me, just like when he first walked in the door. He looks angry. Some sick, twisted part of me likes it. My cheeks flush and I have to tear my eyes away from him, focusing my attention on the lounge chair in front of me.I perch on the edge of the seat, trying to maintain some sort of composure. I’m pretty sure I’m failing. Can he see me trembling? Does he know I’m out of breath just thinking about his eyes on me right now?I have no idea what to do next. This is as far as my plan went. Get in my swimsuit that I haven’t worn in a year, strut out to the pool, and...what? Pray he can’t resist me? Why am I even doing this?But I already know. Shame burns through me, settling deep in my gut. I don’t know why I’m like this. It seems the only way anyone pays attention to me is when I’m doing something annoying or inappropriate.
I love everything about our little seaside village of Ferragudo, but it’s especially magical in the early hours of the morning, when only the fish and the birds are awake. I love coming out onto our deck to observe the calm, quiet world. Usually, I can even manage to get a good page or two written before the kids wake up.I curl my hands around my mug of coffee, the tendrils of steam evaporating into the cool air, and smile before taking a sip. The last ten years have been better than anything I could have ever hoped for. Finn and I had the most beautiful wedding right here on the beach, just a few miles away from where we now live.The ceremony was small and intimate and absolutely perfect. Finn cried, and yeah, I was a blubbering mess by the end as well. Standing there next to him, peering into those deep brown eyes while the waves tickled my feet was one of the greatest moments of my life. I finally felt like I was right where I belonged, with someone who wanted me as much as I wan
Zarina slumps over the balcony as I pull out of her, our combined releases dripping down her thighs. Jesus, I’m almost ready to go again at the sight. Spinning her around, I scoop my woman up in my arms and carry her to my bed, ridding her of her clothes before stripping down and crawling in beside her.She snuggles up next to me and I wrap an arm around her, tucking her closer into my side. “I love you so damn much,” I whisper into the top of her head. She sighs so sweetly, her breath tickling my bare chest.“I love you, too. Thank you.”“For what?”Zarina props herself up on her elbow, looking down at me. “For...everything. I...I don’t know how to explain it. Like your letter said, we haven’t known each other that long, but in a way, we have. I know you. I feel you right here,” she whispers, placing my hand over her heart. I slide it up her chest and wrap my fingers around the back of her neck, drawing her down for another kiss.“I feel you, too,” I murmur against her lips.“Did...d
Twenty minutes later, we're pulling up to my apartment. I've traveled from city to city and country to country over the last nineteen years, but this little apartment has served as home base in between gigs. I want something so much grander for my wife-to-be, but this will have to do for now.“It’s beautiful,” Zarina whispers as I help her out of the cab. The building itself is painted white, matching the other homes and buildings here in Ferragudo, Portugal. The seaside town is quite breathtaking and picturesque with boats adorning the shores and whitewashed homes dotting the skyline.“You’re beautiful,” I say with a grin when she rolls her eyes. “Now let’s get inside before I lose my mind.”I drag my Zarina through the lobby of the apartment building, almost forgetting her damn luggage again. She giggles and spins around in my arms once we step inside the elevator, getting up on her tiptoes to give me a kiss. I wrap my arms around her and haul her into my chest, groaning when I feel
I wipe a sweaty palm on my jeans and tighten my hold on the bouquet of wildflowers I gathered from one of my favorite parks overlooking the ocean. The plane should be landing any minute now, and I pray to every god I can think of that my babygirl is on it.These last three days have been absolute misery without her. I knew Darren would be upset, but I underestimated his temper, as well as his connections. After we gave our statements about what happened in the hotel room, Darren talked to the officers and apparently greased the wheels to have me fucking deported.After an arduous and humiliating journey back to Portugal in cuffs, I spent the night in a holding cell. I was released yesterday when they realized the charges were bogus, but TSA took my passport, so there was no way to hop on the next plane back to New York.And God, that’s all I’ve wanted to do. I won’t rest until Zarina is in my arms again. I need to hold her, to look at her sharp, beautiful eyes and tell her I love her.
Over and over, picture after picture, Finn poured his heart out to me. That day at the farmers market he told me he communicated better with photos, but I think his words are just as powerful.Underneath the pile of photos, I see a letter folded up. I reach for it, handling it like a sacred document. To me, it is. Something falls out of the letter when I unfold it. Picking up the scrap of paper, I gasp when I see it’s a plane ticket to Portugal. My name is at the top, along with tomorrow’s date. Was this his plan all along? Was he going to bring me back to Portugal with him?I set the ticket down on the bed and reach for the letter again, hoping to find the answers to my questions.Zarina, my beautiful babygirl,I love every moment of every day with you. Everything you do is enchanting. Magical. I didn’t know what was missing in my life until you flashed those eyes at me and challenged me for control.We haven’t known each other long, but at the same time, my soul knows yours. You fee
Three days. It’s been three days since Miriam hauled me out of the hotel. Three days since Finn made love to me. Three days since my heart was healed and then shattered.Where is he? What happened? Finn told me he loved me, but the doubts are starting to creep in.That first day, I collapsed on my bed and cried myself to sleep. I was so certain I would wake up next to my Daddy, but when I blinked my swollen eyes open, I was alone, just like I always am. I barely left my room the second day, only venturing out into the house to use the bathroom or grab something to eat.My father won’t even look at me. He’s hardly spoken ten words to me in the last few days. All I know is that he and Miriam got a call when they landed in Bora Bora from someone who saw Finn kissing me at the wedding. According to Miriam, I ruined her wedding and made a fool out of myself and my family.Last night, my dad told me he set up an interview with the dean of NYU next week to discuss my schedule for the fall. M
I feel her pussy knot around my shaft, squeezing me so damn tight it hurts in the best way. Zarina inhales a sharp breath as wave after wave of pleasure wracks her body. She claws at my back, ripping my skin open, making me roar my release and fill her with my seed. I come so damn hard I feel like I might pass out.“Breathe,” I say to myself as much as her.Zarina gasps for air and clings to me as her body trembles with the last of her orgasm. I slide her down my body and hold her close, kissing the top of her head.When we both have somewhat recovered, I step back and pour body wash into my hands before rubbing it over the dips and curves of her body. Zarina leans into me for support, making me smile at how thoroughly fucked and sated she is right now. When I’m done, she soaps me up and places a sweet kiss over my heart.I cup her face and kiss her deeply, passionately, but slowly. One drugging kiss leads to another and another, and before I know it, I’m spinning her around and placi
I strip out of what little clothes I have left on and then practically tear Zarina’s dress off of her, leaving her in a matching bra and panty set.“Hey!” she shrieks and then giggles. “Be careful! I don’t want you ruining another dress of mine.”I kiss her neck, needing my lips to be on some part of her body right this goddamn second. “I’ll buy you a new one,” I grunt, biting and kissing her again.I slide my hands down her body, gripping her thighs and lifting her gorgeous, curvy body up into my arms. She gasps and hooks her ankles behind my back. I growl and kiss down her neck as she arches her back and presses her body into mine.“Fuck, I need you,” I grunt before nipping at the sensitive skin below her ear.“I’m yours, Daddy,” she pants, rubbing her hot little pussy over my stomach letting me know she needs me, too.“Take a shower with me.” It’s not a question, it’s a command.She nods her head and twists her fingers in my hair, pulling me in for another kiss.I carry her into th
We walk silently through the market and take a cab back to the house, where I direct Zarina to pack an overnight bag. The sassy little smirk she gives me nearly has me tossing her on her bed and burying my cock between her pouty lips, but I manage to restrain myself.Once we’re packed up, I order an Uber to Four Seasons, ready to show my little love everything she’s asking for. Zarina smiles at me and snuggles into my side, content to let me take care of every little detail.My chest swells up with pride when I step out of the car and hold my hand out for my babygirl. She doesn’t hesitate to take my hand and let me lead her through the opulent lobby and onto the private elevator. I love that she trusts me like this. As soon as the doors shut, I slide my hands down her body and grip her hips, pulling her back against my front.She moans softly, melting into me as I trail kisses up and down her neck. My hands roam up her generous curves until I’m cupping her breasts. Zarina gasps and th