Page 99 of His Ruthless Match
He traced his fingers in lazy circles over the tip of my clit, building a slow, smoldering heat that pulsed through my body. The once chilly breeze now felt like a whisper against my feverishcheeks. I leaned back slightly, allowing him more access, even though a little voice at the back of my head told me this was too risky. Every muscle in my body coiled tight, bracing for a release I both feared and craved.
It took all my willpower not to move my hips in time with his hand. The friction was maddening in the best way, each stroke sending a spark of electric pleasure up my spine. I could hear my own ragged breathing, though I tried to keep it under control. If anyone turned around, if anyone heard even a hint of what was going on, we’d have some serious explaining to do.
“Keep watching the movie,” he teased.
I tried to swallow, my mouth unexpectedly dry. My gaze zeroed in on the screen, but the dialogue was just a blur of sounds. My entire consciousness was centered on the sensation of Jareth’s fingers, the subtle shift of his lap beneath me, and the powerful ache building inside me.
My thighs quivered, and I dug my nails into my skirt. I was worried I might accidentally cry out. I bit down gently on my bottom lip, determined to stay silent. Jareth’s free arm tightened around my waist, pulling me closer so that my back was firmly pressed against his chest. The warmth of him seeped through my shirt, each breath he took stirring strands of my hair.
My eyes fluttered closed as the tremors hit. A moment later, the climax took hold—a rolling wave of pleasure that spread from my core out to my fingertips. My toes curled, and I had to consciously remind myself not to arch too obviously. A light shudder coursed through me, and I exhaled, letting the intensity crash over me like a silent storm.
As the last echoes of my orgasm pulsed through me, Jareth moaned softly against my shoulder. The deep sound vibrated through my body. He buried his face in the crook of my neck as his erection pressed firmly into my backside. My breath came in quick, shallow bursts, and for a moment, we stayed like that—still, quiet, both of us stunned by what had just happened in such a public setting.
I turned my head just enough to catch a glimpse of his face, though I could only see his jawline in the faint lighting. He still looked composed, but I could feel the tension radiating through him. Affection and desire surged through me. I’d never have guessed we’d do something like this—especially not outdoors with a crowd mere feet away—but I couldn’t deny the thrill. Couldn’t deny how alive I felt at the moment.
“I want more,” I whispered.
He let out a tight breath, his grip on my thigh tightening. “Are you sure?”
Heart hammering, I nodded, my lips brushing the shell of his ear. “Yes.”
We lingered like that for a moment, as though neither of us wanted to break the spell. Then, slowly, I started to rise from his lap. My legs felt unsteady, still trembling from the aftershocks, and the cool air against my inner thighs reminded me of just how exposed I’d been moments ago. Adrenaline still coursed through me, mingling with the lingering pleasure in my veins as I pulled Jareth to his feet and led him to my building.
28
JARETH
Iwasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the afterglow of fingering Eva in front of perfect strangers, but we couldn’t keep our hands off each other all the way to her door. The elevator ride had been excruciatingly slow, full of stolen kisses and soft laughter that only ratcheted up the tension.
By the time we stepped into her quiet hallway, something about the hush of midnight and the discreet lights illuminating the plush carpeting made every touch feel amplified.
Eva dug around in her purse for her key. I stood behind her, my hands firmly on her hips, my body practically pressed against hers. The scent of her perfume drifted up to me, and I inhaled it like it was a drug I’d been craving for days.
She pulled out the key and slid it toward the lock. I dipped my head to kiss her neck, and she shivered. The hair on the back of her neck rose under my lips. Her hand trembled, causing the key to scrape the doorframe.
“God, Jareth.” A strained laugh escaped her. “Let me unlock the door, or we’re going to spend the entire night in the hallway.”
“Is that such a bad idea?” The soft skin on her neck tasted faintly of salt and something sweet. And fuck, she smelled asgood as she tasted. Her scent had driven me insane from the day I met her.
She pushed me away so she could get the key into the lock. The moment the lock clicked, she cast a mischievous grin over her shoulder. I had to fight to keep my composure because a single look from her had me ready to do whatever she wanted. It was reckless, and I couldn’t bring myself to care.
The door swung open, and Eva reached back, grabbing me by the collar of my shirt. She yanked me inside with a force that took me by surprise. I almost lost my balance, but the adrenaline and desire coursing through me kept me upright. I kicked the door shut.
“Lock it,” I insisted, my protective instincts kicking in. Despite everything, I was still hyper-aware of potential danger. The threat to her never wandered too far from my mind. I had forbidden myself from giving in to what my cougar and I wanted more than anything in the fucking world, but I’d been stupid to think I’d be able to resist her for long.
Her hands slid around my waist, under my jacket, tugging at my shirt. When her fingers brushed my skin, my entire body ignited.
“Lock the door, Jareth,” she teased in a mock-serious tone.
I somehow managed to extend my arm, feel for the deadbolt, and turn it. The mechanical clack reverberated through the quiet penthouse. Satisfied, I pivoted back to her and was rewarded with a forceful kiss. She pressed her mouth to mine with a hunger that set every nerve on fire. I kissed her back just as fervently, the heat of it making me dizzy.
We stumbled into the kitchen, bumping into walls, nearly knocking over a sleek glass vase on a table in the hallway.
“If you break it, you’re going to have to replace it,” Eva muttered.
I laughed against her lips, lost in the swirl of her taste, the heady mix of tequila and something indescribably Eva.
The kitchen lights were dim, just the ambient glow under the cabinets. It set the marble countertops gleaming. In one swift move, I lifted Eva, setting her on the cool marble. She squealed in surprise, then immediately leaned in for another long, searing kiss. Her arms twined around my neck, pulling me close until our chests were flush. Between frantic kisses, I wrestled her blazer off her. The crisp white blouse and black pencil skirt that clung to her hips looked criminally sexy.
