Page 48 of Conquering Oz

Elodie unlocked the back door and reached for the handle, bumping into Oz, who was inches away. She hadn’t realized he’d moved closer. His hand spread over her lower back, and she tightened her lips. It was far from an intimate touch, but she felt her blood heat and her heart pound. She turned slightly, watching him reach for the door and open it. Elodie was independent and self-sufficient, but she appreciated a show of old world charm. Oz was giving it tenfold.

His next move was unexpected but welcome. Oz walked in behind her and locked the deadbolt. When he stepped closer, she had no choice but to press her back against the wall. Her belly swirled, and she drew in a breath trying to level her racing heart. There were only a few inches separating them.

“Invite me upstairs.”

Elodie knitted her brows, second-guessing what she’d heard.

“Excuse me?”

His gaze darkened. “Invite me upstairs.”

His command was beyond sexy. He wasn’t asking for permission. How had that shitshow of a date turned into him coming to her apartment?Don’t question it, just invite him up.There was one gleaming fact that was stopping her.

“If this was a date?” Her heart pounded, and she licked her lips. “I would.”

His eyes scanned her face, and his jaw squared. He had to know she wanted this as much as it appeared he did. But she wasn’t going to take him to her bed on a debt of sorts. He closed the small gap between them, cupping her jaw. His thumbcaressed over her lips, and the soft touch shot straight to her core.

“Was this a date, Oz?” she whispered.

Elodie was waiting for some falter to show on his steeled features. Not even a crack. He was so close the scent of his cologne tickled her nose. Oz lifted his chin to the staircase. And she folded.

Verbal affirmation is overrated.

*

Elodie’s heart was threatening to beat out of her chest. She had no explanation for her nervousness other than an insane attraction to this man. Lust had a way of playing tricks on the mind. Her hand shook, but she managed to get the door open and stepped inside. Elodie hadn’t had plans to invite him up, and her apartment reflected that.

Living on her own in the small one bedroom apartment didn’t leave her with too many entertaining options. With her mother’s things taking up a good portion of her living room, it shrunk the already small space significantly. For that reason alone, she could count on one hand the number of guests she’d had over. Also, Elodie had a strict rule of not allowing dates into her personal space.

And look at me now…

She slipped off her coat, dropped it on the bench near the door, and turned. Elodie wasn’t sure what she expected. A slow burn or pleasant conversation? She got neither. Oz descended on her, forcing her back to the wall. His hands gripped her waist in a tight hold, and his mouth came over hers. The second their lips touched, she felt a warmth spread over her skin, which contradicted the tremble racing through her veins. She gasped a breath, and his tongue slipped past her lips. Warm, wet, and strong. Masculine. Elodie grasped his arms, sliding her handsover his biceps. Even through his suit jacket she could feel his defined muscles.I knew it.

His fingers dug into her hips, and his chest rumbled against her breasts in an undeniable growl. Her nipples beaded, and she thrust herself closer, driving her arms over his shoulders.

In their limited encounters, he seemed so controlled, but in this moment it was as if he was ruled by pure lust. Or maybe that was just how she was feeling. Elodie dropped her hands down his chest, wrapping her arms around his back, and pulling him closer. She couldn’t remember wanting a man this much. She pawed at his back and Oz tightened his grip, crushing her against his chest. There were too many clothes separating them. She slipped her hand into the waist of his pants, tugging at his shirt. While she was impressed by and appreciated his tailored suits, she wanted it off.Now!

Oz drove his hand up to her neck, skimming her breast in the process. The small tease sent a fiery heat to her core, and she deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue over his and earning her a graveled grunt. He hooked his arm around her waist, hoisting her up, and her immediate reaction was to wrap her legs around his waist. She felt him turn and then sudden movement. She thought about giving him directions to her room, but that would’ve meant talking. There was no way she was interrupting their kiss. She slid her hands over his shoulders, sliding her tongue against his, emitting a soft moan. His hands slipped under her dress, and his fingers dug into her ass.Thong for the win.

Where was he taking her? Her bed? Her couch? The kitchen counter?Yes, yes, and yes!

She pried her eyes open just enough to see a painting on the wall and smiled against his lips. He could’ve taken her anywhere, but they’d be most comfortable in her bed. His exact destination.

Her back hit the mattress, and his hand splayed over her breast down to her waist. She hadn’t realized it when she was choosing an outfit, but her wrap dress proved to be the perfect choice for the night. Oz grabbed the tie and pulled, undoing her dress in one move. It fell open and exposed her. Silvery lace bra and matching panties. It was a new addition to their intimates collection at the boutique. His eyes heated as his gaze dropped over her breasts. She’d make a mental note to order more stock. He obviously approved. With his eyes locked on her body, he ripped off his jacket, carelessly tossing it on the chair in the corner of the room. He yanked at his tie, loosened it, and pulled it off, dropping it beside her on the bed.

He moved closer and she inched up to her pillow as his body covered hers, and he kissed her. His soft lips were a contrast to his beard prickling her mouth. She’d probably end the night with reddened, tender skin.

Elodie was only half coherent with his mouth moving over hers and his hand sliding over her stomach and between her legs. She gasped and arched her back, wanting more. And Oz delivered. He slipped his hand inside her panties and strummed the pad of his finger over her clit. The sensation was almost too much.

“Oz…” She moaned against his lips.

He tore his mouth from hers, caressing his lips over her throat. Elodie closed her eyes, slowly swiveling her hips in motion with his hand. She could feel her orgasm building at rapid speed. She’d never come this quick with anyone.Except me and my trusty vibrator.

Oz clearly needed no assistance. She blindly reached for him, grabbing his shoulder and following the collar of his shirt to the top button. He was wearing too many clothes.Naked.That was her only goal. When Oz pulled away, she fluttered her eyes open. He was hovering over her with his hard gaze staring backat her. For a man as stone cold as he’d come across, she’d never had a man look at her with such desire and need. Her breath labored and she couldn’t figure out if she was about to climax from his hand or his eyes. Her heart rate spiked, blood rushed through her veins, and before she could stop herself, she reached out, grabbed his shirt, and tugged at the material.

Elodie got as far as one button.

Oz gripped her wrists in one hand, forcing her back to the bed and her arms over her head. She blinked and looked up. He’d taken his tie and was binding her hands to her headboard. This may have been a cause for concern with some men. Not Oz. When he had her locked in place, he grabbed the waist of her panties, slowly sliding them down her legs. He slid his knuckles over her inner thigh and up her entire body, pausing at her breast. With a single hand, he unclasped her bra. The cupped material fell to her sides, exposing her hardened nipples. The corner of his mouth curled, and he lightly teased the sharp beads. This man was the king of foreplay.

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