Page 31 of Nathan

Her eyes spring wide open. “Me? Come to your brother’s wedding? With you?”

I grin. “Thanks for the recap, Titch.”

“But… but why? Why me? We’re practically strangers. Weddings are for friends and family.”

Irritation creeps over my skin that she’s cast aside this weekend as though it’s nothing. Odd really because her comment is accurate. We are strangers. A week ago, I barely noticed she existed, but a week is a long time in showbiz. During that time, I’ve grown to care about her. It occurs to me how well she’ll get on with my family—how easily she’ll fit in. It’s important to remember, though, that she’ll only see a mirage of my true self.

Keeping my inner thoughts to myself, I break out a crooked smile and share a hint of the truth.

“Let’s just say we’ll be strangers together. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, but we’re no longer close. I find going back to New York… difficult. Having you there to distract me”—I give her a dark look that sparks a flash of desire in her eyes—“would make my visit back home more palatable. Believe me, I’m getting the better end of the deal here.”

She grazes her bottom lip with her teeth and nods sagely, considering my request. “So, how can you help me?”

“I’ll clear your debts?—”

“No. I can’t?—”

“Wait.” I raise my hand in the air to stop her interrupting, as I knew she would. “I’ll clear your debts with the nursing home and cover the percentage increase in fees, as well as whatever that crappy grocery store pays you. It’s the other half of the deal, and you’re taking it.”

To me, it’s small change, but to her, it means everything.

She shakes her head. “I can’t let you do that, Nate. I won’t let you. It’s too much and?—”

I place a finger over her lips. “You know, I’m envious. I can see how much you love your mom…how close you are. I was only twelve when I lost mine. I’ve never gotten over it. That bond between a mother and their child… it’s so special. Let me help, so you get to have that with your mom for as long as possible without worrying about how to pay for it all.”

To stop her responding, I kiss her. I won’t take no for an answer, and by getting her aroused, she’ll be pliable and more likely to listen. The more I think about having her by my side in New York, the greater the idea appeals to me. Sneaking off into quiet corners to steal kisses or, where privacy allows, easing her to her knees so she can suck me off and release the tension that will ride me hard for the entire weekend. If only she knew just how much I’m the winner in this deal.

I press her into the mattress, my hands already searching, seeking, and my mouth feverishly taking what I need from her—to forget—because since I first put my hands on her, the constant voices in my head have quietened. A soft, appreciative noise rises at the back of her throat, drawing a growl of acknowledgement from me.

My dick throbs from the number of times we’ve fucked over the weekend, but as blood rushes to my groin, once again, it now throbs for a different reason. God, I want inside her. Like a fucking drug, she’s gotten me hooked with a few delicious samples.

I roll on a condom. “You’re coming to New York,” I demand. “And you’re coming all over my cock. You don’t have a choice, Titch. With either one. You’re taking this deal, no argument.”

With one sharp thrust, I bottom out, silencing any further rebuttals.

She cries out, probably because her pussy is as sore as my dick, but as I move, her nails rake down my back, and her eyes take on that wild ‘you can do anything to me just don’t stop’ look. The one that has me squeezing my eyes closed so I don’t come within ten seconds like a horny teenager unable to control his urges.

The lack of visuals don’t make a difference. I climax, my head pressing into the pillow, with my lips against her damp neck as pleasure rushes through me. Her walls clamp my length, drawing out my own gratification.

“Nate.” She speaks on an exhale, her drowsy voice the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. It isn’t a question, just a statement of appreciation, and one I feel more deeply than I imagined possible, given that I’m such a shallow bastard.

I peck her lips, then roll to the side. Clasping my hand around hers, I squeeze her fingers and stare at the ceiling.

“Say yes, Titch. To New York. To the money. To all of it. Just fucking say yes. I need you. More than you know.”

I hold my breath. If she refuses again, I don’t know what my next move will be. I’ve used every tool I have. The power is hers now.

She takes a breath, and I close my eyes in silent prayer.

“Yes… on one condition.”

I twist my head to find Dex lying on her side, her hand propping up her head. She blinks, her jaw set in a determined fashion.

“Hit me with it.”

“The money, it’s a loan. However long it takes, I’ll pay you back. That’s my condition, and it’s non-negotiable. If you don’t agree, the deal’s off. So, what do you say?”

My lips twitch. Christ, she’s unique—someone to cling on to with everything I have.

---