Page 12 of Dirty Empire

“It certainly is. This is my first time coming up here,” he says. His eyes trained on me. I shift my stance, feeling exposed and vulnerable as if he can see everything I’m thinking.

He places his hand on my waist again and pulls me close to him. Those strong masculine hands feel like magic. I can’t help but arch into him. It’s stupid for me to be so attracted to Maverick. I pride myself on following my heart, but following my heart is what’s gotten me into this situation in the first place. Maybe just a kiss, then I can prove to myself that there’s nothing between us and I can move on. I turn in his arms, his dark blues eyes, watching my every move. I lift on to my tip-toes and plant a soft kiss to his lips. He hesitates, surprised by the action. I taste the saltiness of his lips. After a moment, Maverick kisses me back. Our lips meld together. He teases my reluctant lips open. I comply. Our tongues dance in unison as a small moan forms in my throat. My body starts to heat up as the kiss deepens. Maverick’s other hand rest on the small of my back. I can feel the raw power of his kiss.

Taking a step back, I gently push Maverick away. “This feels more than great, but I’m just not ready for this right now.”

His eyes have darkened with lust, and as my eyes flicker to his pants, I can see the outline of his bulge.

“You’re right,” he grits out like it’s painful for him to say the words.

His ferocity makes me feel safe. It makes me want him more.

He clears his throat. “We should probably head back to the house.”

I follow behind him back to the stormy pier. We don’t say anything on the walk back to the house. Strong feelings we have no control over are brewing. We’re like two magnets drawn together.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he says. “If you need anything, let me know.”

I retire to the guest room, close the door, and lean my head against it. Fuck, I want his rough hands all over my body. Everything with him just feels so right, I can’t put it into words but its almost like I’ve known him for a lifetime. Never had I felt so drawn to a man like this. But, I have to slow down. I always let my emotions take control, and I can’t continue that pattern. I peel my top off, making my way to the walk-in shower.

I strip off the rest of my clothes, leaving them on the marble floor before getting in the large shower. The warm water cascades down over my body out of the rainfall shower-head. The shower is equipped with mood sensing lights, spa music, and a wall-length, retractable curtain. It covers an awe-inspiring view of the ocean. I like the finer things in life, but this house is on a whole different level. The mansion encompasses everything you could imagine. A gymnasium, Olympic-sized swimming pool, sauna, wet bar, tennis and basketball courts, wine cellar, and even a cigar room. He has everything at his disposal. Should I go to him? I try to remind myself that Maverick is a dangerous man, but obviously, that seems to be my type. I don't want to make the same mistake again, but who knows how long we have before Miles would attack. If things ended badly, I would regret not taking my chance with Maverick. Argh! My emotions have retaken control.

I get out of the shower and dry myself off. If we don't have much time, then this might be it. Miles could be coming any day now. I at least need to feel that passion between Maverick and me. To see the flame of Maverick. To feel it. To taste it. Just one time. One sweet time.

Maybe then, I can put all these obsession thoughts to bed. Maybe he’ll be terrible at sex, and I can realize that I just need to focus on myself and not get tangled up with another man.

I go to him.

I knock on the big wooden door that leads to his bedroom. My nipples poke through the cotton shirt that I'd found in the bottom drawer. I didn't bother with putting pants on. Instead, I’d chosen a pair of red panties. Butterflies erupt in my stomach. I’m putting myself completely out there, and he could turn me down.

The door opens, and Maverick appears. He’s changed into a pair of black sweatpants that hangs low on his hips, and a t-shirt with some football logo on it. His black hair has a few water droplets in it as if he’s just come out of the shower as well. His dark, sexy eyes fall on my chest.

“What are you doing?” Maverick coughs. He wants me, too; I see the fire contained in him.

“Can I come in?” I ask.

He hesitates for a moment but opening the door wider and stepping to the side. My bare feet sink into his carpeted floors. His room is decorated similarly to his office with dark blues and grays, but there are also elements of black. The black curtains are drawn shut, hiding what I’m sure is a perfect view. The door closes behind me, and I turn to look at him. He walks toward me with a confident stride until I have to look up to see his face.

“Why are you here, Pumpkin?” he asks. Pumpkin. He’s called me that a few times now. I like the way the nickname rolls off his tongue as if we’ve known each for years and not a couple of days.

Instead of answering, I wrap my arms around his neck and press my lips onto his. My nipples harden at the contact. A low groan escapes from somewhere deep in his chest. He grabs the back of my thighs, and I wrap my legs around his massive frame. Through my panties, I can feel his bulge pressing into me. My body’s on fire. He walks us to the bed and lays me down on the plush mattress.

He looks down at my body, sprawled out in front of him. His jaw clenches like he’s deep in thought. He’s going to turn me down. I can feel it.

“Don’t fight it. Just one night. Please, Maverick.”

That’s all the encouragement he needs. I watch as he pulls his shirt over his head, exposing his ripped body underneath. Even Ares, as an athletic trainer, has nothing on Maverick. He drops his sweatpants next, revealing his thick, veiny cock. Fuck, he’s big. He has to be at least nine inches. Wetness pools between my legs, soaking my panties. I’ve never been so aroused in my life.

The mattress shifts as he joins me on the bed. I spread my legs, making room for his hips to fit perfectly in between them. I pull my shirt over my head, letting him see all of me. I press my hands against his defined chest and feel out the landscape. He groans as if my touch alone is enough. He bends down to hover over my body. Gaining access to my neck, he sucks his way across my throat. The electricity of his touch almost causes me to short circuit. His lips turn into a grin against my neck, knowing that he has me in the palm of his hand.

I push my hips up, trying to get some sort of friction. I’m desperate for him. I need his hands all over my body. I want to hear him groan again. As if understanding my needs, he grabs the side of my panties and rips them from my body, leaving me completely exposed. He rubs circles around my clit, but I’m already so wet for him, the foreplay is unnecessary.

“I need to feel you inside me,” I beg.

His response is a low grunt before he lines the head of his cock up with my entrance. I stretch to accommodate his size as he slowly pushes inside me, every inch making me feel fuller.

I wrap my legs tight around his waist, and he starts to thrust. A tingling sensation takes hold of my body, and I dig my nails into his back, trying to gain some control.

“Let go,” he commands, his voice deep and husky in my ear. He’s referring to the orgasm he knows I’m holding back. I do as he says, relaxing my body enough to let the orgasm take hold. My legs shake, and I forgot to breathe for a minute.

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