Page 65 of Hold On Me

A nervous grin flits onto my face as I realise I’ve been rambling on, but he just smiles back reassuringly.

“I forgot to ask you, there's a New Year's eve gala that I have to attend. It’s shitty timing with football and the playoffs, but I have to show my face. Will you make it more bearable and come with me?” The vulnerability in his voice makes me smile as I nod. “Excellent. I’m buying your gown, and that’s not up for debate.”

He pops a kiss on my nose and I laugh indulgently at him. I don’t want to argue with him on this, and I can always grab a cheap dress. The fact that he wants me on his arm at one of his fancy gala’s makes my heart sing, and I can’t wipe the smile from my face.

“So, skating at Rockefeller rink. Does it live up to your expectations?”

Slowly I guide us over to the rail so he can hold on to something other than my hands, and look up at the huge Christmas tree glittering at me. A sudden gush of emotion overwhelms me and I have to fight back the tears from falling down my cheeks.

“Hey, what’s wrong? I’m sorry, Little One. I wouldn’t have brought you here if I thought it would upset you. That wasn’t my plan at all. I wanted to give you a magical New York experience.”

I turn my watery eyes to meet his, my mouth agape in shock. “You planned this for me? This wasn’t some sort of spur of the moment type of situation? You remembered our conversation?”

“Of course I did. I remember most of the things you say, or do. You’re a pain in the arse to be fair.” He tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear as I laugh softly at his words.

“But why? Why did you ignore me for so many years, only to start acting like this? Fancy galas, showing me you’re into me, bringing me here, I don’t get it.”

His hand cups the side of my neck, his thumb gently caressing my cheek. “I ignored you because you were dangerous to me. You threatened everything I thought I stood for. You made me want things I had no right wanting, and it annoyed me. I didn’t want a conventional relationship and I didn’t want to open myself up to anyone. But even when I was ignoring you, I was still thinking of you. You’ve been in my mind for a long time, Penelope.”

Sighing, I lean into his palm. “And what about now? What do you want now?”

Gripping my waist, he pulls me against his chest. “Besides taking you home and fucking you into the mattress?” His eyes turn black with desire as I bite down on my bottom lip and nod. “You, Little One. I just want you.”

I crash our lips together, moaning loudly as his tongue caresses my own. His hand gripping my waist gets tighter as his other hand leaves my neck and snakes its way down my body to squeeze my ass. Pushing against him, I can feel his erection digging into my stomach, and I gently nip at his lip to show him how much I want him.

I feel it before it happens. His centre of gravity shifts, and before I can stop it, we’re on the ice, Ben’s ass taking the brunt of our fall.

An older woman skates past us, snickering loudly. “Go get a room and get off the ice before you melt it. Horny assholes.”

Ben’s face is set in stone, angry and frustrated, but I just laugh loudly and salute the woman as she skates backward away from us.

“I think that’s pretty solid advice, don’t you?”

I offer my hand to him, he takes it with a grimace, and once we have our shoes back on and Ben is able to stand without assistance, he scoops me over his shoulder, my ass on display in my jeans, and strolls through New York city like this is the normal way to walk the streets with someone. His arrogance is off the charts and I have to admit, it’s sexy as hell.

35

PENNY

“Go jump in the shower, and when you come out, I want you to dress in whatever I’ve laid out for you on the bed. Understand?” His voice has taken on that domineering edge to it that sends shivers to my core. I nod, but he grips my chin and forces my gaze to meet his. “I need words, Penelope. I need to know you’re comfortable enough to vocalise what your needs are.”

“Yes. I understand. Will you be joining me in the shower?” He swipes his thumb over my bottom lip and I dip my tongue out, brushing against his digit.

He inhales sharply. “Not this time. Go now, Little One. Be a good girl for me.”

My eyes widen at his words and I know he notices as he smirks and taps my ass when I turn and leave.

Racing through the bedroom, I hop into the shower, avoiding lingering anywhere near my erogenous zones. I’m already so close, and I don’t want to come by own hand when I know he’s waiting for me out there.

Snuggling into the oversized bathrobe again, I sigh happily and wonder if I can sneak this in my bag to take home with me. I come to the conclusion that the sheer bulk of the robe would need a bag to itself, so I strip it off my body and let it fall to myfeet, giving it one last longing look before placing it on the chair in the corner of the room.

I deliberately avoid looking at the bed. I want to wait until the last minute to see what he’s picked out for me. After applying lotion to every part of my skin, I take a deep breath and turn to face the bed. A gasp falls from my lips as I take in the elegant white lace teddy with a garter belt and stockings. My hand brushes over the cups and the softness of the lace, and excitement builds in my stomach. I can’t wait to wear this for him.

I quickly get dressed. The lace feels like a whisper over my skin. My nipples are visible through the sheer material, and as I snap the last clasp into place over my white stockings, I take in my appearance in the mirror and I’m blown away with how different I look. My hair hangs down my back in gentle waves, my skin is pink and slightly slick from my nerves and the lotion. My eyes are darker than their usual hazel colour, but the gold flecks pop against the harshness of my arousal. There aren’t any heels or anything else to put on, and as he didn’t tell me to go and find him, I stand awkwardly in front of the mirror while I wait.

After a few seconds, the sound of his footsteps sends my pulse rocketing and I take a few deep breaths to steady my nerves.You can do this, Pen. You’ve had sex before. This is the same. You’ll be fine. He’ll blow your mind. Just relax and go with it.

The door opens and Ben walks in with his shirt off, his sculpted chest on full display, and his pants opened and hanging dangerously low on his hips. His eyes drink me in. He starts at my feet and trails his way up my body, and with no insecurity, simply the power I felt in the shower earlier, I stand taller. I push my shoulders back, thrusting my breasts toward him. Andknowing how much it drives him mad, I pull my lip between my teeth.

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