Page 41 of Crude Heir

“Stop here.” He closes the door.

My racing heart settles at the reassurance in his tone. “I’m going to take the mask off.” His fingers gently brush my temples as he removes the mask, careful not to catch my hair as he lifts the barrier away. Meanwhile, I’ve got fistfuls of his shirt clenched in my grasp.

He’s right here.I’m not alone. My brain understands that, but my anxiety is taking a little longer to get the message.

“Open your eyes.” His tone is low and calm. I steel myself for the close, suffocating space, the utter blackness that fills this room.

I slowly raise my eyelids and I’m met with a dull glow all around us. I glance past his expectant look to the wall behind him. A star shows up against the wall, its slight glow chasing away the darkness. My breath rushes out as I follow the line of smaller stars to the ceiling. Dozens of them cover the top of the walls and the ceiling. I could be outside on a clear night.

Derrick searches my face. “Will this help?”

A smile tugs at my lips—a short-lived smile because tears prick my eyes. I bring up a hand, covering my mouth with trembling fingers to prevent a sob from escaping. Tears well up, spilling over, as I’m overwhelmed with what this man has done for me. The thoughtful gesture leaves me speechless.

“Nicole.” His voice is tinged with concern. “Don’t cry.” He brings up a thumb, brushing away the wetness under my lashes.

Gratitude, surprise, and something else I can’t bring myself to identify close in on me. I pull my hand away from my face to cup his. “You did this for me?” My words wavering.

“Of course.” His hands come to my hips, the warmth of his palms a shield against my fears. “I don’t want you to be scared of getting caught in here.”

“Thank you.”

He lowers his head, claiming my lips in a long, soulful kiss that melts my insides. Even though I’m standing in a place that terrified me, I never want this moment to end.

All too soon, he’s pulling away. “Come on.” He opens the door. “I just wanted you to know you didn’t have to worry about coming in here.”

I follow him through the bedroom then out to the hall. When he turns to the dining area, I pull him in the opposite direction.

* * *

Derrick

I assumed she’d want to get back to work, making the most of what battery life she has left. Instead, she’s heading to the living area. Curious, I let her lead me around the chair.

“Take a seat,” she says, keeping her gaze lowered. I settle into the chair then she sinks to the floor in front of me. “Closer.”

She carefully sets a knee outside my thigh then does the same on the other side. The edge of the white T-shirt she borrowed rides her thighs as she straddles my legs.

Stretching back, I bring her along, leaving her to circle my neck.

“I’m the one who—”

I touch my lips to her jaw, cutting her off. My anticipation turns to greed, wanting more of this powerful feeling. I set my hands to her breasts, closing in on her nipples through the thin cotton. “You what?”

A whimper escapes her, coming to a breathless end.

Restless, I caress the generous mounds, enjoying every curve that’s overflowing in my hands. I taste her skin as I make my way along her neck. But the sample only leaves me wanting more.

Moving down her body, I follow her curves, intent on learning the feel of her skin as her breathing echoes around me. Her breasts are pressed to my chest as I run my palms around her hips without interruption.

Reaching the end, I start my trek up, stopping to urge her hips closer as I pass. She inches up enough to brush against my raging hard-on. The cotton rides up, bunching at my wrists.Nikki leans away, grabbing the shirt and pulling it over her head. I draw her close, sucking a nipple into my mouth.

I’m running my tongue along the stiff peak as one of her hands goes into my hair. The other goes down my chest, over my stomach, and into my shorts to find my cock.

Eager fingers curl around the front, pressing me against the silky hair at her pussy. This time, it’s my turn to moan, enjoying the feel of her hand riding the hard length of sensitive skin.

I increase the pressure of my mouth on her nipple, using my fingers to tug at the other, mimicking the caress.

She’s restless, the muscles at her inner thighs tensing and relaxing against me. One-handed, I shove at my shorts, needing to get them out of the way. She lifts off me, pulling her nipple from my mouth while helping with the waistband on the other side of me.

---