Page 22 of Truth
His voice fills the spaces of my daydream. “My mother loved to garden. Always had my brother and I help her in planting some vegetable or another rosebush in the backyard. When I moved in, the previous owners had this space planted and created, so I’ve just maintained it all these years. It reminds me of her.”
Turning, I walk back over to the kitchen island where King is standing, staring out at the tiny sanctuary.
“How long has it been since you lost your mother?”
“I was fifteen, and it was both my parents. Drunk driver. My brother was all the family I had left until Ella…she might be the cutest niece in the history of nieces.” His eyes are fixed to the backyard as if he is a million miles away, only breaking when he starts speaking about his niece.
“I’m so sorry. I’m sure your mother would have loved to have shared this with you. I didn’t mean to pry.” For a small moment, I can see his vulnerability, but his mask slides back into place just as quickly.
“ It’s fine. It’s been a really long time, over twenty-five years, so I’d say I’ve had time to adjust. It’s funny though; I can’t remember the last time I spoke about them to someone other than my brother. It’s nice.” He shakes his head incredulously.
He holds out a slice of pizza, and I take it and hop up on the counter. “I believe that. You don’t seem like an open-book kind of guy. I just assumed this was your schtick. Bring a girl home, wine and dine her”—I motion elaborately to the pizza—“make her feel all special, and then wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.” I smirk, hoping to lighten the mood.
“I’m that obvious, huh? Oh well, just go upstairs and take your clothes off. I’ll be up in a minute after my pizza.”
“Dick!” Laughing, I throw my napkin at him, and he swats it away, then grabs my wrist, holding me still.
“Truth is, I’m not an open book. I don’t bring ‘women’ here, which is why you are becoming quite the problem for me.”
Women doesn’t mean “never.” This is one night, Drew.
Wanting to steer clear of that land mine, I pull my wrist from him and look at my pizza, adding, “Still, I can’t imagine going through something so difficult, so young. You guys are lucky to have each other.”
“It wasn’t great, but having Luca made me focus. I always want more for him, more than our history. He’s the good one.” Winking at me, he takes a bite of his pizza.
“Well, clearly I’m fucking the wrong brother—get him on the phone.”
I barely get my sentence out before my pizza goes flying and I’m yanked off the counter and over his shoulder.
I scream with surprise. “King!” I can’t help but laugh at his bravado.
“That’s it, now you’ve done it. I think we need to take this upstairs and teach you a lesson.”
Hell yes!
I yelp at the bite felt on my ass as we climb the steps to the top. “I’ve wanted to do that since I spotted you in the club tonight.”
My laughter continues until we reach the bedroom door. Kicking it open, another squeal escapes my lips, and then I’m falling onto the bed, staring at his face. It’s bright and full of mischief. He’s a generator of joy, and it’s rubbing off. I reach out and touch his face, bringing his lips down to mine, kissing them gently and softly. He crawls onto the bed, holding his full weight off me as we continue the kiss, allowing it to deepen and grow more urgent. Running my hand through his hair, he takes my right arm and pins it above my head and pulls away from our kiss. “I’m not sure what’s happening between us, but I already crave it.” He dives into my neck, sucking and kissing, making my back arch into his body while my free hand roams his strong, muscular back.
King’s kisses meander down to my collar and then my breastbone. Letting go of my wrist, he runs his hand over my breast that’s under my dress. “This needs a remedy.” Pushing himself to standing, he pulls me up too and begins to slip the strap from my shoulder with his fingertips. It’s slow and teasing, the action making us both watch with anticipation. My body is hot and needy as the strap falls and hangs low enough that the top of my nipple shows from under my lace bralette. His fingers trace the areola, pinching my hard nipple between his fingers. A heady breath laced with desire leaves my lips. “I like you like this—accepting, sexual. It’s fucking intoxicating. You’re spectacular.”
He kneads my breast, and my body pushes into the pressure. He pulls the other strap, allowing for the dress to fall down and pool at my feet. I’ve never felt sexier, and all I want is this man, right now.
King runs his hand through my hair to grip the back of my head. “Use your words, Drew…” He may seemingly be giving me permission to voice my desires, but he’s really asking me whatIwant. My breathing is heavy, and the sweet smell of sex has permeated his room. My hands run up his chest, feeling the muscles under his dress shirt. When I get to the top, I unfasten the top two buttons, exposing the tattoo that covers his chest and arms. Reaching my hand in between to feel the heat coming from his skin, I trace the intricate design. He’s such a force, but I don’t want to be overwhelmed. I want to control. I’m feeling domineering and sexual.
Gripping the back of his hair, I lock eyes with him, applying enough pressure to hint at what I want. “King, I don’t require you on your knees, but I love it when you’re there.” I pull my hand downward on the back of his hair, making his chin jut up slightly as his lips upturn in appreciation of my request.
“With pleasure,” he croons before dropping to his knees, making me feel powerful and desired. He caresses my legs to open wider, and his mouth finds my center.
Ecstasy.
My body hunches over with the sweet kiss to my clit. Dear God, this man knows how to please me. Taking my leg, he throws it over one shoulder, exposing my center to his wet mouth. “You taste like peaches, the kind dipped in honey.” He dives back in like he’s found his purpose, my head throwing back as a moan escapes from my throat.
“Fuck, King, that feels so good. Please never stop.” My voice is pleading.
“I want to dip you in honey and lick it all off, but for now, I’ll take just the licking.” He hums into my clit as my body convulses from the vibrations.
“Jesus, King, you’re so…” The words are barely out of my mouth when he pulls away, tosses my leg back down, and stands up. I’m disoriented from the quickness of his actions, and I grab his arms to steady myself. His entire body eclipses mine as he looks down at me.
