Page 31 of Rock and a Hard Place

“Delicious,” he growled. “Do you know why I chose this dress?”

“Why?”

His voice growled even deeper. “Easy access.” He reached over and slid his right hand up my thigh and under my skirt. “Lean back and open your legs, Kitten. Be a good girl for me.”

I shuddered. Holy shit, if he put it like that, I’d do anything he asked. I leaned back in the seat and spread my knees, moaning as he slipped a finger into my underwear. I arched my back when he teased a fingertip along my slit.

He kept his left hand on the wheel, taking the gentle curve leisurely.

“Fuck, you’re so wet for me already.” He played in my folds before moving up to find my clit.

My face turned bright red, even though I wasn’t particularly shy. It was more the adrenaline rush of being pleasured while he drove.

“Aren’t you supposed to keep your attention on the road?” I panted as he played with the sensitive nub.

“I am.” Gunnar shifted in his seat, adjusting himself as he continued to rub my clit. Despite this being a big car, there really wasn’t a lot of room for such a big guy. And it was hard to miss the giant erection tenting his pants.

He explored lower, dipping his finger into my wet heat, and groaned as if he was the one being tortured by deft fingers, not me. He thrust in a few times, and I closed my eyes, pressing my lips together.

I could feel the tide rising fast, my body primed by the thrill and excitement of racing around the bends. All it took was another finger pressing in, filling me, and the pulsing started in my pussy before radiating out to my belly. I let out a small cry as pleasure flooded me.

It was good, but not mind-blowing like the orgasms he’d given me last night. Then again, he was still driving. When he pulled away, I made a mewl of protest. I was greedy and wanted more. So much more.

He grinned as he licked his finger clean before turning off the road. We were here. I straightened my clothes and looked around curiously as he drove down the long driveway. There were trees on either side, giving the property plenty of privacy. The gorgeous fall-colored leaves arched over and around us. He parked in a deceptively rustic-looking garage, which actually had all sorts of modern features.

“Stay right there.” He got out, came around the front of the car, and opened my door for me, helping me out. “Don’t worry, Kitten,” he whispered into my ear. “We’ll finish what we started later. I won’t be happy until you’re hoarse from screaming my name as you come.”

I let out a shaky breath, wondering how I was going to be able to survive the weekend with my feelings intact. I’d always had difficulty separating sex from love.

Nestled in a secluded spot by a lake, the cottage was the opposite of the hustle and bustle of the city we’d just left. It had an old-fashioned thatched roof, stone walls, and a whimsical design that made it look like something straight out of a fairytale. The garden was a bit unkempt, and the flowers and trees looked eager to reclaim the stone path that led to the door.

“Sorry. I thought a front yard of native wildflowers would be a good idea, but it kind of…took over.” Gunnar smiled ruefully.

“I think it’s wonderful. It could use a bit of taming, but I love things kind of wild like this.” It reminded me of how crazy and out of control my apartment had gotten before I implemented my strict one-in, one-out rule for my plants.

At the side of the house was a glass and metal greenhouse. It looked like it had fallen into disuse.

“Is that still intact?” I asked. Because, of course, my brain immediately went to all the plants I could grow in there.

“It should be. Honestly, I haven’t taken care of this place well. But I think it’s still good, and even if it’s not, any broken panes should be easy enough to replace. The previous owner said her late husband had put a drip system in there. She showed me a bunch of hoses buried just below the surface. I don’t know how it works, but you might. If not, we can figure it out together.”

“That would be amazing! A drip system means we could be at the penthouse most of the time, and the plants would still be happy.” Then I caught myself. “I’m talking like I’m going to be living here and at the penthouse long term. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. Who knows, you might be stuck with me for longer than you think. I’m pretty sure The White Claws aren’t going to just take one look at a marriage certificate and give up on you. They are going to be watching us closely. But that’s okay. I don’t mind having you around. At all. I… I like you, Lillian. A lot.”

I searched his mesmerizing green-gray eyes but couldn’t find any deception in them. “I like you, too. Even if I didn’t have The White Claws after me, I’d still totally have hit on you at the bar.”

“When this is all over, let’s stay together and keep pretending until it’s real. Agreed?” Wow, he looked so serious.

I nodded. “That sounds perfect.”

He cupped my face and leaned in to kiss my forehead before taking the duffle bag in one hand and my fingers in the other. “Come on, let me show you inside.”

We were about to walk into the quaint cottage when he paused. “Oh—I almost forgot.” He handed the duffle back to me, opened the door, then bent down to pick me up.

I let out a small squeal, not expecting it.

Then, with me cradled in his arms, he carried me over the threshold.

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