《Filthy Beautiful Lies(#1#2)》


 Chapter 1

    Sophie


    I¡¯ve been told that I could go for more than two hundred and fifty thousand dors, and maybe more given that I¡¯m still a virgin. The money will mean the difference between life and death for my twin sister and best friend in the whole world. It will mean I can pay the fees to get her into the experimental treatment program for advance stage ovarian cancer. We¡¯re both just twenty-one years old and have barely lived. When she got cancer at age neen and had a hysterectomy, I promised her I¡¯d carry her babies someday, a promise I intended to keep. And now she¡¯s facing death in a matter of months if I don¡¯t intervene, which is why I¡¯m standing in the dimly lit dressing room applying my third coat of mascara and dressed only in a pair of panties.


    I¡¯d found out about this cepletely by coincidence. A few weeks ago, I would have never believed ces like this existed.  I¡¯d been searching online for money making schemes ¨C something, anything, that could help me raise the three hundred thousand dors we needed. My parents made ends meet, but just barely. So I knew it was up to me. My job searches turned out to be a joke. My skills could earn me minimum wage waiting tables. That¡¯s when my inte searches got more interesting and my attitude bolder.


    I agreed to an interview at a local strip club. As if the interview itself wasn¡¯t embarrassing enough ¨C being asked to undress in front of the club¡¯s owner and prove my non-existent dancing abilities ¨C when he¡¯d asked how much money I hoped to make dancing and I said three hundred thousand dors in the next few months, he¡¯dughed in my face and told me to get dressed. It was obvious to us both that based on my dancing skills, I¡¯d never earn that kind of money. Let alone in my small Northern California town.


    When he saw the tears swimming in my eyes and inquired about why I needed the money, I¡¯d given him, aplete stranger, the entire sad story. Once I was dressed, he brought me into his office and made me promise that what he was about to say would stay only between us. The shifty way his eyes danced around the room told me whatever it was, it probably wasn¡¯t legal. I didn¡¯t care. I¡¯d never so much as run a red light, but I was willing to do anything ¨C go to any extreme to save Ba. I promised himplete secrecy.  He asked how serious I was about saving my sister and warned that I wouldn¡¯t like what he was about to tell me. That was how I learned about tonight¡¯s auction.


    Bill, the strip club owner, entered me into tonight¡¯s bids. He¡¯d arranged everything for a ten percent cut in my earnings. I¡¯d seen a doctor, who tested me for pregnancy and STDs, and verified my virginity. Bill had also made me an appointment at a local salon for full body waxing and a makeover ¨C a haircut with longyers and caramel highlights in my otherwise chestnut brown hair, along with a manicure and a pedicure.  All of which woulde out of my earnings too. If I didn¡¯t sell, I would be responsible for paying him back. But Bill all but guaranteed I¡¯d sell. He said that virgins were very rare and that someone so natural and beautiful would go for a high price. I just hope to keep my nerves under control so that I can actually follow through with this. I feel like throwing up and I haven¡¯t even eaten all day.


    I turn to the sound of a light tapping on my door and Bill pokes his head in. My arms fly over my chest as I try to cover my breasts. My modesty is pointless and a hysterical giggle bubbles up in my throat. All too soon I¡¯ll be exposed to a roomful of men and expected to give my body to one of them, but I focus on maintaining my innocence while I still can. Bill raises an eyebrow at me. ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    I nce in the mirror onest time and draw a steadying breath. I look down at my toned legs, thanks to hours spent jogging ¨C my only form of stress relief ¨C to my stomach that is a bit softer than I would like, to my breasts that jiggle when I move. The eyes looking back at me are harder than before. Good. I will need that hard exterior to survive the next six months.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I hadn¡¯t known this side of the world existed and now I was entering into it. I¡¯m doing this for Ba, I remind myself. Drawing every ounce of strength I can, I uncross my arms from over my breasts and nod to Bill. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±


    His eyes give me a cursory once over. I¡¯m grateful he doesn¡¯t leer. ¡°You look great. Very natural. That should work in your favor,¡± he remarks, leading me from the safety of the dressing room.


    I see what he means as we progressed down the hallway. There are a few other women ranging from early twenties tote thirties and each of them seemed to have embraced the stripper look ¨C big hair andyers of thick makeup, red stained lips, fis stockings and sky high heels. All of them are wearing g-strings.  I¡¯d been told the only article of clothing allowed was a pair of panties so I¡¯d chosen my most modest pair ¨C light blue briefs withce along the hem. They¡¯re cute and feminine andfortable. It had never urred to me to try and make myself look sexier. Regret churns in my stomach. What if no one wants me? I¡¯ll have done all this for nothing, plus owe Bill for the expensive makeover he provided. The concrete floor against my bare feet sends an icy chill up my body, pebbling my nipples into hardened points. My arms once again cross over my chest as I clutch my breasts.


    I might be more covered than the other women, but somehow I feel more exposed. Completely ripped open for the world to see.  I¡¯m dressed as me, not some sexified version of myself that I can portray to the men waiting on the other side of that door. Suddenly I don¡¯t want them to see the real me. I wanted to be caked in makeup with perhaps a long blonde wig and tassels hanging from my nipples. I could be whoever they wanted me to be. Instead I¡¯m just Sophie and that seems much more dangerous to me. I can¡¯t let my new owner get inside my head. He might be buying the rights to my body, but he¡¯ll certainly never have the real me. I need to remember that.


    When we stop outside a steel door, panic courses through my veins and my throat constricts, my gag reflex threatening to send bile shooting up my throat. I draw a deep breath through my nose and open my mouth to tell Bill I¡¯ve changed my mind when his hand suddenly reaches out and twists the doorknob.


    The door swings open to reveal arge, dimly lit room. The only lightes from a bare bulb that hangs directly above a tform-like stage in the center of the room. Men sit in lounge chairs facing the small round stage, their facespletely hidden in the shadows. I¡¯m unable to distinguish a single feature, which I know is the point. The nature of tonight¡¯s activities means they want their anonymity. And the kind of money that would be spent tonight bought you that right.


    Bill gives me a gentle shove forward and whispers something of encouragement, but the blood pounding in my ears garbles the message.


    My feet move across the room, my arms still crossed in a death grip across my breasts. The faint smell of cigar smoke assaults my senses as I move toward the tform. I keep my eyes trained on the floor, letting the swath of light from the single bulb hanging overhead draw me forward. My knees shake as I walk the final few steps.


    Finally I step onto the raised tform and face the small group of men. Keeping my eyes downcast, I know in this moment I would have never been brave enough to strip for a whole audience.  I can barely stand here without my knees knocking together and just remembering to pull air into my lungs and release it again seems beyond my abilities. But a spike of determination rips through me. I am here to save Ba.


    A man standing in the shadows at the side of the room clears his throat. ¡°I give you the ninth and final girl of the evening. And trust me when I tell you, gentlemen, that we¡¯ve saved the best forst. She¡¯s as pure and untouched as theye. Shees to us as a virgin, willing and fully in agreement with the six-month terms. Now, who¡¯d like to start the bidding?¡±


    It¡¯s quiet for just a heartbeat and I wait for something to happen.


    ¡°Move your hands off your tits, angel,¡± a man in the crowd says.


    I raise my eyes toward the sound of the voice, but my hands stay where they are. A streak of defiance I didn¡¯t know I had rears its head. No one owns me yet. Not a single bid had been ced. I still control my destiny.


    I shift my weight, feeling that tingling sensation that means my foot is falling asleep and clutch my chest tighter as though I¡¯m hanging on for dear life. My heart races in my chest and little beads of sweat form under my arms despite the cool temperature in the room. I can do this. I have to do this.


    ¡°Two hundred.¡± The man¡¯s voice who¡¯d ordered me to uncover myself ces the first bid. I hope that¡¯s two hundred thousand and not two hundred dors. It never urred to me that I needed to have a minimum established before this began. I was not sleeping with some weird old man for two hundred dors. But then I recalled Bill saying something about six figure minimums, and I rx the tiniest bit.


    ¡°Two fifty,¡± another voice says. He sounds younger and has a slight Spanish ent.


    ¡°Three hundred,¡± a third voice croaks.


    Soon the price is up to five-seventy five and I feel dizzy listening to the whole exchange. I need to get off this stage before I pass out or throw up, or do something equally as terrifying, like go home with one of these sick men.


    Be strong, Soph.


    ¡°Six hundred thousand,¡± my tit-loving admirer counters. I don¡¯t want to go to the man who I¡¯ve already defied by refusing to show my chest. Knowing my luck, his first order of business will be to punish me for that act of disobedience.


    ¡°Greedy tonight. He already has one and now he wants a second,¡± the announcer chuckles.


    The man who is currently driving up my price has apparently already purchased one girl tonight and now he wants me too. Call me old fashioned, but I always assumed I¡¯d be the only ve in this type of arrangement. I thought I was signing up for the typical one man¨Cone woman experience. This wasn¡¯t how I imagined losing my virginity, but I certainly never pictured being part of an orgy, or whatever he had nned.  It disturbs me to think that he could buy us like cattle and force us to do things to each other and him. This whole process is going from bad to worse.


    I look up and to the center of the room ¨C to the one man who¡¯s remainedpletely silent so far. He crosses his ankle over his knee and leans back further in his chair, concealing his face entirely in the shadows.  His casual, aloof behavior strikes something in me. I have a roomful of men bidding on my virginity, but somehow I don¡¯t like the idea that this one man isn¡¯t interested. Is there something wrong with me? It¡¯s self-conscious and stupid, but something about being mostly nude in a roomful of strangers puts bizarre thoughts in your head.


    No one has countered the man to my left ¨C the one who¡¯d called me angel and wanted to see my breasts and my stomach churns in knots. He¡¯s offered six hundred thousand dors ¨C more than enough to pay for my sister¡¯s medical treatment, give Bill his ten percent and the money he spent on me at the salon. I should feel happy and relieved. This is what I wanted, right? But the idea of actually leaving with him and the other girl he¡¯s bought tonight sets off a gnawing feeling inside my chest.


    ¡°If there are no other bids¡­¡± the announcer begins.


    My windpipe threatens to close. It can¡¯t end like this¡­


    ¡°Seven hundred,¡± the man directly in front of me says. His voice is smooth and rich. Deep and hypnotic somehow. I lean forward on my toes trying to see his face. The foot he¡¯s crossed over his ankle bounces as he fidgets, the only sign he¡¯s now engaged in this bidding war. My heart leaps in my chest, doubling its pace as I wait nervously to see what will happen.


    Not being able to discern anything else in the room, I focus on his shoe. It isrge, a ck shiny leather, and expensive-looking dress shoe. But I suppose you have to be insanely wealthy to buy another human being for the prices these men are offering. His foot twitches again and my eyes shoot up to where I imagine his face is.


    The other man grumbles something under his breath, and I catch the word overpriced. Then he barks out another bid. ¡°Seven twenty-five.¡±


    Crap. I don¡¯t want to be part of this weirdo¡¯s threesome fetish and I have no idea if going with Mr. Shiny Dress Shoes will be any better, but I stare straight ahead, silently pleading with him to up the bid. A dose of raw willpower keeps me steady on my feet.


    ¡°One million dors,¡± he says after what feels like an eternity.


    My head spins and I feel faint. A million dors? For me? There is no way I¡¯m worth that as a sex ve. Once he realizes how inexperienced I am¨Cnot just at sex, but at everything¨Che¡¯ll have buyer¡¯s remorse, and maybe even try and return me. Yet still, I hold my breath, praying that no one will outbid him. Something inside me¨Cwoman¡¯s intuition, a gut feeling, tells me that out of all these men here tonight, I am supposed to go home with him, but the thought of actually giving myself over to one of these monsters for six months is terrifying.


    I have nothing to go on but a clean, sleek, ck leather shoe¡­ but he gives off a good vibe. Maybe at the very least I¡¯d be well taken care of. Panic threatens to overwhelm me. Breath, Soph.


    ¡°She¡¯s yours. No pussy¡¯s worth that much,¡± the other man bites out, shifting in his seat.


    My lungs fill with oxygen as I pull in a much needed breath, filling my chest cavity.


    ¡°Our final object up for auction has been sold. Gentlemen, thank you for your participation tonight. If you would kindly make your way to the lounge area through the rear door to finalize payments and collect your earlier purchases. Drinks are avable and some in-house entertainment if you¡¯re in the mood.¡±


    The announcer¡¯s voice buzzes in my head.


    I¡¯ve been sold.


    Men rise from their chairs and I hear footsteps retreat as they exit the room. A door closes in the distance, leaving just my new master and me alone in the silent room.


    I want to step down off the humiliating stage I¡¯ve been made to stand on. I want my clothes. But I remain rooted in ce, realizing for the first time that my actions are no longer my own.


    ¡°Come forward,¡± hemands.


    I swallow and step down off the tform, my legs heavy from remaining in one spot for so long. I take slow strides across the room like I¡¯m approaching a dangerous animal. Maybe I am. What kind of man buys a woman?


    ¡°I won¡¯t hurt you,¡± he encourages and I take another tentative step closer, stopping directly in front of his chair. ¡°Lights,¡± he says to no one in particr and the overhead lights all flick on at once. Blinking several times against the sudden rush of light, my eyes remain downcast as they struggle to adjust.


    Disoriented, I continue looking down, studying his shoes, which are now both resting squarely on the floor. ¡°Look at me,¡± he says.


    I lift my chin and take in the man seated before me. ck suit. White crisp shirt. Thin ck tie knotted loosely at his neck.


    I inhale again, forcing another breath into my lungs and finally look into the eyes of the man who has just spent one million dors to purchase me. Sky blue eyes fringed in heavy ckshes stare back at me, stealing the breath from my lungs. He is stunning. Tall, fit, and attractive. Confusion washes over me. What is a man like this doing here? He could walk into any bar in America and pick up a girl easily enough. My stomach twists in recognition. That can only mean that his tastes are peculiar enough that he requiresplete obedience. He¡¯ll want things no normal girl would do. Oh god, I feel like I¡¯m going to pass out. I can¡¯t let this attractive monster lure me in.


    ¡°Just breathe,¡± he says, calming my fears.


    I obey like a good little ve, opening my mouth and sucking in air greedily.


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± he says soothingly, his own posture rxing just slightly. ¡°What should I call you?¡±


    It¡¯s an interesting way to phrase the question. He didn¡¯t ask me for my name. Maybe he¡¯s assuming I¡¯ll give him a fake identity. And I probably would have if I¡¯d been thinking clearly. Instead I whisper, ¡°Sophie.¡± As soon as it¡¯s off my lips, I momentarily regret giving him my real name. But then I realize I¡¯ll be living with him for six months and I don¡¯t think I can keep up with the lie of a fake identity that entire time. I¡¯ll already be lying to my family and friends about where I am. No sense making this even more difficult on myself.


    He tilts his head to the side, continuing to study me. ¡°Call me Drake,¡± he says finally. I wonder if Drake is his real name.


    Just when I¡¯m beginning to think he¡¯s going to make me stand here all night, he rises from the chair. Having his full height in front of me is daunting. I¡¯m average height, and he¡¯s at least a foot taller than me, well over six feet. I stagger back a step.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± He turns and heads toward the exit and like an obedient pet, I follow closely behind him.


    When we reach the steel door I entered through just thirty minutes before, it feels like I¡¯m exiting as a whole different person. Drake turns to face me before opening the door. ¡°Would you like my jacket?¡±


    I look down at myself ¨C at my pale blue panties that now feel childish and my hands which haven¡¯t strayed from my breasts. I nod weakly.


    Shrugging out of his jacket, he¡¯s even more muscr than I first realized. His tailored dress shirt clings to his broad shoulders and defined chest. It sends a ripple of fear through my gut. Yes, he¡¯s attractive, but he¡¯s also strong. Which means I¡¯ll stand zero chance of defending myself against him if he gets too rough.


    Ignoring my visual inspection of his body, he ces the jacket over my shoulders, closing thepels over my chest and buttoning the first button. I thought he might demand to see me ¨C to inspect me for himself, but he only seems concerned with getting us the hell out of here. Which is fine by me.


    Once I¡¯m covered by the jacket, I let my hands fall away and lower my arms, my stiff joints crying out from being in the same position for so long. My arms hang uselessly at my sides and I follow him out into the hall. As grateful as I am for his jacket, I can¡¯t mistake this first bit of kindness from him for more than it is. He doesn¡¯t want other men¡¯s eyes on something he¡¯s just purchased for himself.


    We pass several others on the way out and I keep my eyes on Drake¡¯s shoes as I follow him down the hall, a false sense of security settling over me.

 Chapter 2

    Sophie


    He stops outside the dressing room I used earlier. ¡°Are your clothes in there?¡±


    I nod and mumble an unintelligible reply.


    ¡°Get dressed,¡± hemands, his tone smooth.


    I duck my head and push my way inside the small changing room. Once inside, I cannot keep my eyes from darting toward the mirror where I stood applying mascara just a short time ago. I can already see that the girl looking back at me is someone different. The ck suit coat swallows me up, proiming me to belong to someone other than myself.


    I shrug it off my shoulders, but not before taking a second to appreciate the fine feel of the feather light wool between my fingers and the crisp scent of cologne lightly permeating the fabric. There¡¯s something masculine and evocative about the jacket and I can¡¯t help but think about his deeper meaning behind dressing me in it. Like a dog marking his territory with his scent.


    Shaking the thought away, I fold the jacket neatly and step into my clothes ¨C a pair of jeans, and a long sleeved cotton top, paired with ballet ts. I feel marginally better once I¡¯m back in my old clothes. Stuffing my makeup bag into my purse, I loop it across my body and turn toward the mirror. I take onest look in the mirror, mentally preparing myself to face him again, and say a silent goodbye to the girl standing before me.


    I pause at the doorway, my hand resting on the knob. It¡¯s now or never. I can either go and find Bill, beg to be let out of this contract, and deal with the consequences, or I can walk out of this room, and ept what I have to do. Either way, I know my life is going to change.


    Straightening my spine and stealing an anxious breath into my lungs, I push open the door.


    I meet Drake in the hall where he¡¯s standing waiting for me with a bored expression.


    I feel his eyes quickly survey my new ensemble and I suddenly feel underdressed next to this wealthy and powerful man with his expensive suit and shiny shoes. He takes the jacket from me and begins walking toward the exit without a word. I¡¯m expected to follow, so I do.


    Once in the parking lot behind the building, I scan the few cars left in the lot, trying to memorize their license tes just in case he turns out to be a psycho ¨C at least I¡¯ll have some piece of information to go to the police with, since I¡¯m pretty sure his real name¡¯s not Drake.


    The motorcycle he stops beside is unexpected and causes a little ripple of fear to cascade through me.


    Drake puts his suit coat in thepartment under the seat and removes an extra helmet for me. His thumb smoothes away the worry line etched across my forehead. ¡°You¡¯ll be safe,¡± he says, and ces the helmet on my head. The weight of it against my scalp is foreign. This will be my first time on a motorcycle. Apparently I¡¯m in for a lot of firsts tonight.


    After securing his own helmet, he climbs on the bike and holds out his hand to help me. The warmth of hisrge palm against my own startles me. I swallow a wave of nerves, then I swing one leg over the seat and position myself behind him. The angle of the narrow seat causes me to slide forward until my chest is pressed against his back. There¡¯s no room for anything but close contact between us. The intimacy is unsettling.


    I briefly wonder if he¡¯s designed it this way ¨C bringing his bike rather than a car to show me right from the beginning that I have no control and to get used to close physical contact. Because surely a man who could spend one million dors owns a car ¨C if not several. Something in his quiet and serious nature tells me everything he does is deliberate and my mind is cataloging all of these things to piece together the puzzle of the man to whom I now belong to.


    He kick starts the bike and my arms fly around his middle. I feel his chest rumble and I¡¯m pretty sure he just chuckled at my response.


    We pick up speed as he takes the on-ramp for the highway and the chilly night air rushing past my face cools the heat that lingers between our two bodies. I squeeze my eyes closed in an attempt to escape the panicky feeling rising in my chest, but all it does is make my motion sickness kick in and I open my eyes once again. He elerates and I cling to him desperately, linking my fingers in front of his abdomen.


    Just as I¡¯m praying we don¡¯t have a long trip on this bike, he begins to slow and I look up to see that we¡¯re on a service drive in the middle of a dark field. My senses are on high alert as I wonder what we¡¯re doing out here in the middle of nowhere.


    I never imagined we¡¯d fly somewhere, so when we pull up alongside a small private jet parked on an abandoned airstrip, bitter acid burns its way up my throat.


    Panic zips through my veins at the thought of leaving everything I know behind. Even my zip code, which had never really meant that much to me, suddenly feels like something that defines me, is being ripped away.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Without so much as a carry-on bag, I follow him up the narrow set of stairs leading into the belly of the ne. It¡¯s a small private jet with a sleek, sophisticated interior. A cluster of four leather captain¡¯s chairs nk the center and Drake slides down into one near the window. Unsure of where to sit, I sit down in the chair across from him. The leather is inviting and supple under my fingers and I rx just a little into the seat and take in my surroundings. Night has fallen quickly and it¡¯s almostpletely dark outside. The interior of the jet is illuminated by little LED lights lining the pathway on the carpeting giving off a faint glow.


    Drake lifts a ss decanter from a nearby table and pours a few measures of amber liquor into a crystal tumbler, then takes a long sip. He licks his full lower lip and closes his eyes, resting his head back against the plush leather seat.


    There¡¯s no overhead announcement, no safety demonstration, and no warning. All of a sudden the jet¡¯s engines roar to life and we¡¯re barreling down the runway. I fumble with the buckle on my seatbelt,tching it just as we take flight. I can feel Drake¡¯s eyes on me, watching me curiously, but I don¡¯t dare lift my gaze.


    When I finally look up, Drake¡¯s poured a ss of the alcohol for me and is holding it toward me. ¡°It might help.¡±


    I¡¯m not much of a drinker ¨C and especially straight liquor ¨C but I know he¡¯s right. I have no idea what he has nned for me, and this will probably be the only opportunity I have for pain management if I¡¯m going to lose my virginityter.


    He seems so calm and in control, it makes me wonder what might be lurking under the surface of thatposed demeanor and expensive suit. A warm shiver races through me and I take a long sip of the drink, weing the burning path the liquor creates down my throat.

 Chapter 3

    Colton


    Tonight has been an absolute fucking debacle. One million dors was more than I¡¯d wanted to spend and more importantly, I didn¡¯t want a virgin. I¡¯d wanted one of the older, more independent girls who¡¯d done this type of thing before. Not someone I¡¯d have to handhold and train every step of the way. Something tells me Sophie is going to take more time and work than I¡¯ve bargained for.


    I release a heavy sigh, and take a long swallow of bourbon, letting it warm a path down my throat. The dull roar of the jet engine is giving me a headache and I pour another measure into my ss.


    I nce over at the girl, she¡¯s finished her drink, and the way she¡¯s huddled into the leather chair ¨C her knees pulled up to her chest, and her arms wrapped tightly around them ¨Cscreams of her difort. Her eyes are closed as though she¡¯s trying to summon her inner strength for whatever is about toe her way. I can already tell this isn¡¯t going to go well. Fuck.


    I¡¯d only outbid that asshole who wanted her because he¡¯d gotten the girl I had picked out. She was closer to my own age ¨C twenty eight, and this was her third time entering into this type of rtionship. She was tried and tested and would have made a good drama-freepanion. But that prick had been the one to take her home, so when he started bidding on Sophie, outbidding him was my way of giving the asshole a taste of his own medicine. Plus, he just seemed like a dirt-bag and I didn¡¯t want him to have her. The little boy inside me wanted to take his toy and go home. Of course, the terrified, timid girl sitting across from me is now mine to deal with, so maybe I hadn¡¯t exactly thought that n through.


    And a virgin too¡­would she even be capable of handling me? I hadn¡¯t wanted a project ¨C someone to babysit and go slow with. But shit, I¡¯m the one in control. There¡¯s no real reason to go slow.  I can set the pace of this. And I will.


    As I continue studying her, my cock perks up in interest. She¡¯s petite, but with all the rounded curves a woman¡¯s body should have. Soft moldable tits and an ass meant for grabbing onto. Or spanking. Her skin is creamy and pale, except for the apples of her cheeks which are flushed pink. Long dark hair hangs loose over one shoulder. My gaze travels north and I realize her blue eyes have lifted to mine. She¡¯s watching me expectantly, obviously wondering what will happen next. Good fucking question.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I have no idea why I told her to call me Drake. Actually, I do. It doesn¡¯t take a psychologist to figure out that my employees call me Mr. Drake and hearing her call me Colton would feel too familiar. Too intimate. That isn¡¯t what this connection is about. It¡¯s business. Pure and simple. The business of my dick getting some much overdue attention and having a steady femalepanion without the hassle of navigating the dating scene. Get your head in the fucking game, Colt.

 Chapter 4

    Sophie


    The ne safely touches down after only about thirty minutes or so, and once again, we climb on Drake¡¯s motorcycle, which I learn has been stored in the bulk luggagepartment underneath the ne. Darkness has fallen all around us, which fits my slightly buzzed and mncholy mood. I want to hide in the night shadows and pretend that none of this is real.


    While I hold on to him for dear life, he expertly navigates us down the highway, the single headlight illuminating our path. I pay close attention to the passing signs. We are near Los Angeles ¨C a ce I¡¯ve never been. Soon he takes an exit for Malibu and once we¡¯re on the surface streets, my heart begins pounding. We¡¯re nearing our destination and I have no idea what¡¯s in store for me.


    When we pull up to the gated drive, Drake stops the bike to punch some buttons on the key pad, and I peer around his shoulder, eager for a look at what will be my new home for the next six months. It can¡¯t really be described as a home¡­it¡¯s a full on mansion,plete with a stone drive leading up to a sprawling estate.


    Little twinkling lights illuminate our path and provide me with just enough light to make my jaw drop open at what I can see. The house is sto in the color of warm honey and two huge columns nk the rich mahogany front door. Drake cruises right on past the front of the house and parks beside a six-stall garage before cutting the ignition.


    Here we go.


    Butterflies take flight in my belly as he leads me toward the house. We navigate a winding stone path lit withndscape lighting toward a side entrance. I suppose it makes sense we aren¡¯t going all the way around to the massive front doors. That entrance is probably only used for guests, yet it¡¯s too strange to think that I live here now, that I¡¯m not just a visiting guest.


    I wonder if he¡¯s just going to leave his bike parked outside all night, but then realize he probably has someone on staff to pull it into the garage. I can¡¯t imagine he¡¯d have a home thisrge and not have people hired to help him take care of it. I doubt he personally dusts the knick-knacks in the one hundred rooms, or however many this monstrosity has.


    We enter through the ss-covered side door into what appears to be the world¡¯s finest mud-room. Tall pale wood lockers reach from floor to ceiling, a wire basket of umbres, arge tufted bench with a few pillows artfully arranged and arge area rug to cover the marble floors.


    He tosses his suit coat and the helmets onto the bench and continues toward the hall. My eyes scan everything as I trail behind him.


    ¡°Front entry,¡± he says, pointing to the darkened foyer that¡¯s even more impressive than I imagined. Dual winding staircases meet at the base of the foyer where there¡¯s a round table sporting a huge vase of pink peony blossoms. They smell incredible. Like sunshine and happiness. It seems like a girly touch, but I shrug off the thought. Again, I¡¯m sure it wasn¡¯t chosen by him. Then again, I can¡¯t imagine anything in his world that he doesn¡¯t exerciseplete control over.


    ¡°Formal living room,¡± he points to the left, not even bothering to turn on a light or enter the room he¡¯s indicated. It looks cavernous and anything but weing with stiff, modern furniture. I struggle to take in every detail as he continues moving.


    I realize he¡¯s giving me a tour, but it¡¯s rushed and impersonal. For someone who owns such a spectacr mansion, it seems like he¡¯d take a little more pride in showing it off. Something seems off, but I can¡¯t put my finger on what.


    He points out several more rooms, a cold dining room with a humongous table, a darkened library filled with books I get the sense he doesn¡¯t care about, and rarely bothers to read. ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful library,¡± I murmur. I want to run my fingertips along the dusty spines and go hunting for a treasure to read.


    A look of dark emotion shes in his eyes before he blinks it away, his carefullyposed mask safely returning, before leading me away.


    ¡°Where do you spend your time?¡±


    My question stops him in his tracks and he turns to face me, his eyes focused on mine. He studies me for a moment as if trying to decide why I want this information. Call me crazy, but knowing a few details about the man I¡¯m now living with and expected to service might be a teensy bit helpful, and so far this tour and his home have revealed nothing. He tips his head toward a far corridor. ¡°This way.¡±


    Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have been so nosy, because now as he leads me further into the belly of the house, all my fears rush to the surface. Does he have some weird sex room like Christian Grey¡¯s red room of pain?


    He opens the door to arge office,plete with an executive style mahogany desk, ck leather chair, charcoal gray sofa, and a mini bar built into the far wall. This room has a cozy feel to it with its rich wood furniture, plush carpeting and the subtle scent of his cologne that I smelled earlier. A set of ss doors lead out to a balcony. ¡°Out here.¡± He motions me forward as he crosses the room.


    He opens the ss door and steps out onto arge deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean and I am stunned into speechlessness. The soft whoosh of waves in the background and the gentle breeze blowing my hair back from my face are immediately calming.


    I can see why the opulent rooms of the house don¡¯t interest him. This is like a private oasis out here. Two wooden lounge chairs outfitted withfy looking cushions and a small round table nesting between them are the only pieces of furniture, but it¡¯s perfect. Anything more would clutter the space.


    He lets me take in the peaceful setting, and when he breaks the silence a momentter, it temporarily startles me. ¡°You¡¯ll probably discover I work too much.¡± He points toward the office. ¡°And Ie out here to unwind.¡±


    I nod in silent acknowledgment. It might not be much, but he¡¯s exposed a small piece of himself, and I tuck the knowledge away. He¡¯s a workaholic and perhaps a contemtive man, spending his time alone with the sounds of the water to keep himpany.


    We head back inside and Drakepletes the tour ¨C there¡¯s an outdoor swimming pool and garden that I only peek at through the window, as well as a home gym one level down.


    Finally he leads me into a den with huge windows that overlook the ocean and has a sectional couch andrge t screen TV mounted above a firece.


    ¡°This is it,¡± he says, somberly.


    All this just for him? It must get lonely.


    He stands in silence studying me for what feels like too long. Realizing that the tour is over, my eyes fall to the floor. Are we going to have sex now? Here in the den? I imagined it¡¯d be in his bedroom, but I suppose this is better than a weird sex dungeon or some other strange alternative. I have no idea what his interests and preferences are, but I suppose I¡¯m about to learn. My heart thuds dully in my chest.


    ¡°Eyes up,¡± he orders again.


    There¡¯s something he dislikes about my refusal to meet his eyes. Is he ashamed he bought me? It¡¯s as though he wants to pretend all this is normal. I¡¯ll y along. For now. I don¡¯t know what he is capable of, and I don¡¯t want to anger him. I meet his gaze. What I see is an intense man ¨C his dark eyes speak of pain and past trauma, and someone fighting to practice restraint ¨C if the tick in his jaw is any evidence.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so skittish around me. I¡¯m not going to hurt you, sweetness.¡±


    I draw a fortifying breath. I want to believe him. His tone is sincere, as is the nickname, and the way he¡¯s gazing over at me feels non-threatening, but still, all my senses are on high alert. I need to keep myself on guard until I have my bearings.


    ¡°Come sit down.¡± He crosses the room and sits in the center of therge gray sectional sofa.


    I sit down in the spot next to him, my breathing erratic. I should thank him for the money but I don¡¯t know his intentions. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m just new to this whole sex ve thing,¡± I say instead.


    He runs one hand through his hair, looking deep in thought. ¡°Yeah, me too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your first?¡±


    ¡°Something like that.¡± He grins at me and my belly flips.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how it works¡­or what to expect,¡± I admit.


    ¡°Would it put you at ease if I exined some things to you?¡±


    I nod, and fold my hands in myp.


    ¡°I¡¯m a busy man, Sophie. I run twopanies and have little time to pursue extra- curricr activities. You¡¯re here to satisfy my physical cravings ¨C to take care of my needs. I will satisfy your financial needs. Half of the money is being transferred into your ount tonight and as long as you remain with me andply to the contract, you will receive the remaining bnce at the end of the six months. Your discretion is very important to me. I know you¡¯ve signed a non-disclosure agreement, but I need your word that you¡¯ll tell no one about our arrangement.¡± His eyes lift to mine. ¡°Not even your best friend. No one.¡±


    The thought of telling Ba the truth about what I¡¯ve done never even crossed my mind. ¡°I won¡¯t. I don¡¯t want anyone knowing about this either.¡± I knew I¡¯d need to exin the money somehow, but I figured I could tell my family it was from an anonymous donor at the hospital. The first installment ¨C five hundred thousand, minus what I owed Bill, will be in my ount tomorrow. It¡¯s more than enough to pay for Ba¡¯s treatment. The fleeting idea of ditching him once I have the money crosses through my brain. But realizing there¡¯ll be no way I could ever pay him back, I know I need to fulfill my end of the contract.


    ¡°Good. We¡¯ll need to craft a story for the public, friends and families about why you¡¯re here, but as long as you prove to be trustworthy, there¡¯s no reason I can¡¯t give you some of the freedoms of a normal life. In the meantime, you¡¯re free to use the house as your own ¨C the pool, gardens, and gym are all open to you.¡±


    I nod again. I wonder if I¡¯d be free to leave the premises and go for a jog, but for now I keep my lips sealed. I don¡¯t want to push my luck the first night. Besides, if he is the vindictive type, once he knows that¡¯s important to me, he could hold it over my head as punishment. I look up at the giant television screen in front of us and wonder what he intends for the rest of the night.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± I murmur, gathering my courage. It¡¯s better to know what¡¯sing at me, so I have a chance to mentally prepare.


    His eyes wander over to mine and he smirks. ¡°I want what all men want when they spend a cool mil for a virgin.¡±


    Oh god. It¡¯s happening tonight. I hadn¡¯t even had time to prepare. I¡¯m still tender from my waxing. I wonder if he¡¯ll give me an extra day or two if I tell him.


    ¡°I want a cold beer and to watch the sports highlights,¡± he finishes.


    All the air rushes from my lungs in a whoosh. ¡°That¡¯s all?¡±


    Still watching my reaction, he lifts one dark brow. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯d love a blowjob, but considering the mistrust in your eyes, I¡¯m not sure having your teeth that close to my dick would be the wisest decision.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t what? Blow me? That¡¯s part of the agreement, sweetness, and if you tell me you don¡¯t like sucking cock, we¡¯re going to have a problem.¡±


    ¡°No, I meant I wouldn¡¯t bite you.¡± I¡¯m not a violent person.


    He smiles at me, his full lips parting to reveal straight white teeth. Apparently that news has made him happy. He looks friendly and rxed when he smiles at me like that and I imagine him being a regr guy ¨C someone I¡¯d meet out at a bar and flirt with. I¡¯d let him buy me a drink and fantasize about kissing those soft lips as we spoke. Blinking several times, I realize I¡¯ve been watching his mouth for too long and my eyes dart back up to his.


    His smile fades and his hands go to his belt buckle, utching the silver sp with a soft click and sliding it free. Seeing the thick leather belt in his hands makes me nervous. I don¡¯t know his sexual tastes ¨C will he want to restrain and whip me? But he drops the belt to the floor and pops open the button on his pants, then slides down the zipper, all the while keeping those intense blue eyes on mine.


    My heart hammers in my chest. Holy shit. This is really going to happen. I¡¯m going to give a blowjob to aplete stranger.


    ¡°On your knees.¡± His voice is rough and filled with an edge of desire.


    With my pulse thrumming wildly at the base of my throat, my body obeys hismand, moving from the couch to the floor to kneel between his feet. Having removed his shoes, I notice his feet are long and narrow and encased in ck silk socks.


    Pushing his dress pants down his hips, his hand disappears under the fabric of his ck boxer briefs. His stormy blue eyes hold mine while he strokes the growing bulge, as he seems to wordlessly inquire if this is okay.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    What choice do I have? I can¡¯t have him returning me. I give him an imperceptible nod. And god, the truth is, I¡¯m curious. What is wrong with me that I want to know if his cock is as glorious as the rest of him?


    cing one palm against my cheek, he guides me closer and bends his head to mine, letting our lips touch just briefly. The gesture is unexpectedly tender. I draw a shuddering breath and part my lips, wetting them with my tongue and he presses forward again, tasting the moisture I¡¯ve left on my bottom lip. His lips are soft and generous, and he pulls my bottom lip slightly into his mouth and sucks gently before sliding his tongue against mine.


    His kiss is cautious and slow, like he¡¯s testing me ¨C checking for my reaction. I remain still, letting him explore, and carefully return his kiss, my tongue reaching out to lick against his.


    I¡¯d be lying if I said having his hot mouth on mine didn¡¯t affect me. I¡¯m warm and flustered knowing his hand remains tucked inside his boxers stroking himself while his tongue strokes mine. My entire body feels alive with energy.


    Just when I¡¯m ready for more he breaks away from the kiss, leaving my lips damp and swollen. The hand cupping my cheek moves to pull his boxers down and he lifts his cock free from the material, letting it rest against his belly. I venture a nce down.


    Sacred mother of everything holy, that is one giant cock.


    It reaches all the way to his belly button, and is as thick as my arm. I can¡¯t possibly be expected to fit that in my mouth. Suddenly his fears about me biting him seem a very real possibility. I¡¯ll need to unhinge my jaw to amodate that thing.  He remains still, letting me take my fill. I open my mouth to protest, but his hand moves to the back of my neck, guiding me closer.


    ¡°Come here, Sophie,¡± he breathes my name, the sound of it on his lips both foreign and enticing. The warm weight of his palm on my nape sends little fractures of heat spiraling down the back of my neck and spine. Still holding me close, he adjusts himself, freeing his balls from the briefs next so all of him is exposed. They arerge, round and smooth. Everything about him is so intensely male and perfect, it¡¯s hard not to react.


    My body pulses with electric heat, as feelings I never imagined I¡¯d have course through me. Interest. Desire. Lust.


    He¡¯s attractive, fit and intelligent. There¡¯s nothing about him, at least physically, not to like, but he bought me for heaven¡¯s sake. I should feel repulsed, not excited and slightly turned on.


    He watches me expectantly and I lift his heavy cock away from where it rests against his tight abdominal muscles and lower my head to hisp, my tongue darting out to taste the tip of him. He releases a small grunt of satisfaction and tightens his grip against the back of my neck, urging me closer.


    Curling my fist around the base of him, I work my tongue up and down his length, coating him in my saliva so my hand can easily slide up and down. I¡¯ll never be able to fit all of him in my mouth, so using my hands too is a necessity.


    A softly murmured curse urges me on. My free hand reaches beneath to gently cup and massage his balls. A warm drop of fluid escapes him and I swipe my tongue against his tip, capturing the bead of salty fluid and swallow it down. Another murmured grunt urges me on.


    Keeping up my suction around the head of his cock, I ease open my jaw, trying to fit as much of him as I can into my mouth. While my mouth takes him in, I use both hands to firmly stroke the neglected half of his generous length.


    ¡°Oh fuck,¡± Drake growls. ¡°That¡¯s it, just like that,¡± his deep voice rumbles in his chest. Warmth and moisture flood my panties and Imit myself fully, sucking, licking and stroking to the best of my ability.


    Confusion snaps to the forefront of my brain. No part of me should be enjoying this, but I feel powerful and desirable making this gorgeous mane apart.


    His hand tightens in my hair, causing my scalp to tingle and he pulls my mouth away, taking his enormous cock in his hand and stroking it in short, uneven strokes. My core clenches at the sight of him.


    ¡°Open your mouth,¡± he moans. I do as I¡¯m told, opening wide for him. ¡°Let me see your tongue.¡± I stick out my tongue and he ces the head of his cock against it as his fist continues pumping. His eyes fall closed and his head drops back against the sofa. ¡°Oh fuck, sweetness,¡± he growls as a low rumble vibrates in his chest. ¡°That feels so fucking good.¡± Watching us once again, he keeps stroking himself, his pace erratic and his eyes dark with lust. ¡°Your mouth looks so pretty on my cock.¡±


    I fight the urge to close my mouth around him and suck, but instead remain kneeling before him, my mouth open, waiting to catch hise. Secondster, warm drops of semen spurt onto my outstretched tongue.


    He watches as thest of his releasends in my waiting mouth. I swallow and sit back on my heels while he tucks himself back into his pants and pulls up the zipper. ¡°I¡¯d say you passed your first test.¡± His tone is one of pleasant surprise.


    Some strange part of me feels proud. I tell myself it was only because I want to make sure he doesn¡¯t return me and request a refund. But our shared erotic experience has left me shaken and feeling vulnerable. There¡¯s no denying that a part of me enjoyed that ¨C enjoyed his fist tightening in my hair and hearing him voice his pleasure when he climaxed. And my damp panties and pounding heart signal that I¡¯m not ready for the night to be over. Feelings of shame m against me. I shouldn¡¯t have enjoyed any part of that. God, what was wrong with me?


    Drake rises from the couch and strides from the room without a backward nce, leaving me sitting alone on the carpeting.


    Several momentster I hear soundsing from a nearby room and since I know it¡¯s just me and him in the house, I go to investigate.


    I find him in the kitchen, a bottle of beer lifted to his lips and the thick column of his throat moving as he swallows long gulps of the icy liquid.


    The kitchen is immacte. My eyes wander from the elegant white and grey marbled countertops to the rich wood cabs to the state of the art stainless steel appliances gleaming all shiny and new. Arge basket sits atop the ind overflowing with baguettes, heads of garlic, lemons and what I assume are pomegranates. I wonder if he likes to cook.


    ¡°You want anything to eat?¡± he asks, lowering the bottle, but still not turning to face me.


    ¡°No thanks.¡± I haven¡¯t eaten, but food is thest thing on my mind. ¡°Maybe just some water,¡± I answer.


    He shoots me a knowing grin and my cheeks heat. Yes, I need to wash the taste of his semen from my mouth and apparently we are both thinking it. He grabs a bottle of water from thergemercial grade double door stainless steel refrigerator and twists off the cap before handing it to me.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I murmur, taking a long sip. I feel the cool water sink to the bottom of my empty belly. It¡¯s refreshing and crisp. My first bit of peace since this whole evening started. I drain half of the bottle while gazing around the kitchen.


    I spot a block of knives near the eight-burner gas stove and an errant thought passes through my brain. I could hurt him and escape. But why would I do that? He¡¯s given me exactly what I wanted. Instead I finish my water in silence while he continues to watch me curiously.

 Chapter 5

    ColtonN?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    This wasn¡¯t a first date ¨C there wasn¡¯t an order to adhere to. There was no need to round first base and kiss her like that before she sucked my cock. She is mine to do with what I please. I could have fucked her in the ass on the kitchen table if I¡¯d wanted. And believe me, the thought crossed my mind. When I¡¯d watched her bend over my bike and set the helmet on the seat, I wanted to bite into her ass like an apple. Then take her plump cheeks into my hands and drive forward into the center of them, maybe smack her ass too for making me have such depraved thoughts.  Instead I¡¯d acted like a concerned boyfriend, kissing her lips and making sure she was in the right frame of mind before using her for my pleasure. And fuck, her mouth had been perfect. Warm and soft and eager to please. I guess knowing someone had just paid a small fortune for yourpany ensured good service.


    Coming on her tongue wasn¡¯t enough. After, I¡¯d wanted to strip her naked and fuck her hard, ending by jerking off on her tits to mark her and show her she was mine. But there¡¯ll be time for thatter.


    I want to know her story. She seems like a nice, normal girl ¨C too nice for the sick shit I¡¯m pulling her into. But her reasons for being here aren¡¯t my concern. Just like my reasons for obtaining her aren¡¯t any of hers. She doesn¡¯t need to know my past, the only things she needs to know are that I like my cock sucked regrly, I have a healthy appetite for sex and not to disturb me when I¡¯m working. And I need to remember she¡¯s here for one purpose. If so, this arrangement will work out fine, and leave us both satisfied.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to bed, tomorrow will be a long day and you¡¯ll need your rest.¡±


    Her skittish blue eyes dart to mine again and she nods tentatively. She wants to know when I¡¯m going to fuck her. I guess she¡¯ll have to wait and see.

 Chapter 6

    Sophie


    Once upstairs we pass by several doors and continue on down the long hall. When we reach the master bedroom, I grow quiet, taking it all in. The room is huge, with a king sized bed and an upholstered headboard, tables withmps, and a chaise lounge chair in front of a gas firece. The d¨¦cor is contemporary and simple in tones of light gray and cream with sshes of blue as ents. Everything looks brand new.


    ¡°Master bath.¡± He points off to the side of the bedroom suite.


    His one word responses and grunts ever since I¡¯d pleasured him are grating on my nerves. Why is he acting so detached and strange? ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯ve done something wrong¡­¡± I start.


    Drake¡¯s eyes lift to mine. ¡°Get undressed, Sophie.¡±


    A gasp of breath sticks in my throat. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You heard me.¡±


    We¡¯re standing in the center of his bedroom with all the lights on. And his dark eyes are hungry and roaming over me. Even though I¡¯m still fully clothed, I¡¯ve never felt more exposed. His intense gaze holds the power to make me feel vulnerable and bare like no one has before.


    With trembling hands, I unbutton my jeans and slide them down my legs, letting them puddle to the floor at my ankles, where I kick them off and toe them aside. I forget trying to be sexy. I¡¯ve never given a sexy strip tease in my life, and I have a feeling if I try to start now, I¡¯ll only look like a foolish little girl. Next I lift my shirt over my head and remove it, depositing it with the jeans. I try to suck in my stomach and stand taller to best show off my assets. God, I feel like a piece of art work on disy. And worse, why am I so desperate for this man¡¯s approval?


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± he says, his voice low.


    I swallow and release the breath I¡¯ve been holding, my shoulders rxing and my body returning to its natural state. I stare straight ahead, meeting his eyes, unflinching, and not daring to look away. Something inside me feels rebellious and strong, even though I¡¯m obviously the one in the weaker position right now.


    ¡°Take off your bra,¡± he says next, his voice a rough growl.


    My fingers reach behind my back and I release the sp, my heart thundering against my ribcage as I let the bra fall away. My instinct is to cover my breasts yet again, shield myself from his view, but deciding it would be pointless and show how weak and helpless I feel, I let the bra drop to the floor between us. My nipples tighten in the cool night air, begging for attention. I¡¯ve been wound tight ever since I¡¯d sucked his cock, my panties slightly damp and my body aching and confused. I shouldn¡¯t want this ¨C I shouldn¡¯t crave this moment between us, but knowing we¡¯ve been building toward it all night only makes me want to see it through.


    ¡°The panties too, sweetness,¡± he whispers roughly, his voice sending little darts of electricity flickering across my skin.


    Sucking in a deep breath, I push my fingers into my panties, easing them down my hips and giving my bottom a little wiggle as they round my backside and drift to the floor.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    His eyes are still locked on mine. He hasn¡¯t looked down at my nowpletely naked body and something about his control unsettles me. I felt no such restraint when it came to perusing his body. My eyes had greedily soaked in every detail.


    I never expected to be physically attracted to the man who purchased me, and I know it will onlyplicate things for me. It¡¯s disheartening knowing I don¡¯t have the same effect on him. Maybe he¡¯s not impressed.


    But finally, his eyes begin a slow descent, wandering down my body like we have all the time in the world, and his tongue wanders out to meet his bottom lip.


    His gaze settles on my breasts. They feel so full and heavy they¡¯re practically throbbing. Does he want me? I¡¯m not sure why that matters to me, but suddenly I know that it does. My self-esteem has never been entirely robust, but it¡¯s never beenpletelycking either. Yet there¡¯s something about standing nude before a rich, powerful, sinfully attractive man that makes me want to measure up.


    Drake swallows, the bulge in his throat bobbing, before lowering his eyes to my bare juncture between my thighs. I want to press my legs together, but I remain steady. Heat zips through me as his gaze rises, ncing up to meet my eyes again. That¡¯s it? He ordered me to strip just to look at me?


    But then my gaze lowers and I see the long, thick erection rising in his pants. The only indication that he likes what he sees. Then why won¡¯t you do something about it? The errant thought shes through my brain, along with a catalog of erotic images ¨C his full mouth at my throat, the feel of hisrge palms cupping my breasts as his thumbs move over the sensitive peaks. I would grip his solid arms,y my head against his warm chest ande undone as his cock, that I know from experience is hot and hard, nudges restlessly at my center. A warm shiver races up my spine and I swallow down a helpless whimper.


    ¡°What do you like to sleep in?¡± he asks, his voicepletelyposed and unshaken.


    ¡°Usually a t-shirt and pajama pants,¡± I say, digging my big toe into the plush carpeting.


    He nods and heads for the closet, retrieving a gray t-shirt and a pair of cotton pants for me. They¡¯re both a sizerge ¨C but they¡¯re soft andfortable as I slide them over my overheated skin. I ball my discarded clothes into a pile and wonder where I¡¯m supposed to put them. I have nothing here ¨C no belongings, no sense of purpose and the realization is dizzying. I shouldn¡¯t have been focused on tempting him with my curves. I needed to be clear-headed and figuring out how to survive in my new life.


    Drake enters the bathroom and closes the door behind him, giving me a chance to wander therge suite uninterrupted. I pad across the floor toward the closet and realize that I¡¯ve never felt carpeting so thick and soft before. It¡¯s like it¡¯s padded underneath with pillows of cotton. It¡¯s heavenly. A slight smile curls on my lips. At least I¡¯m able to find some silver lining in this crazy situation. I live in a freaking mansion. And besides, it could be a lot worse.


    As I wander toward the closet, I can¡¯t help but notice the faint scent of women¡¯s perfume that clings to the interior of the bedroom. The scent is stale, but it¡¯s still present. Lingering like a mystery. I wonder briefly who the perfume belonged to.


    Therge walk-in closet is bigger than my bedroom back home. One half is filled with designer suits in various shades of ck, navy, gray and pinstripes, a rolodex of ties in every color hangs from one wall, neatly folded stacks of cotton shirts rest on built-in shelves along with various men¡¯s items. A stray watch, a leather portfolio, cuff links, loose change. But the main thing that stands out to me is that one entire half of the closet has been emptied out ¨C just a few loose padded hangers remain along with a red silk camisole dangling from one of them haphazardly.


    I wonder what happened to the owner of the perfume and the camisole. He said I was his first sex ve, so perhaps she was an ex-girlfriend. My brain fills in the details, giving him the benefit of the doubt too much, I¡¯m sure, but I imagine his failed romantic rtionship is due to his vigorous work schedule and his closed off nature. Enter his need for someone like me. Regr sex without themitment of an actual rtionship. I push the useless theories from my head, knowing they won¡¯t do me any good. I¡¯m stuck here with him, regardless of his background and issues, and I have to make the best of it.


    A big part of me wants to believe he¡¯s a nice, normal guy who¡¯s been through something tragic that pushed him into hiring a sex ve, but the truth is, I have no idea. He could be a crazed psycho with a penchant for too rough sex and kink I¡¯ve never even imagined. Yay, me.


    I stuff my wadded up clothes into an empty basket on the shelf of the closet and return to the bedroom. I grab my phone from my purse and sit down on the bed.


    I send a quick text to my mom, and then Ba letting them both know I¡¯ve decided to visit a friend in LA and will be out of town for a while. I know it¡¯s low ¨C letting them know through text message that I am essentially a runaway, but I hope they¡¯ll understand. There¡¯s too much pressure at home. Taking a spur of the minute vacation isn¡¯t outside the realm of possibility. In fact, they¡¯ll both probably be happy.


    Ba¡¯s text back is a smiley face, followed by a note that I should have a hot fling with a surfer and then tell her all the gory details. My mom¡¯s return text simply asks when I¡¯ll be home and I responded honestly ¨C that I don¡¯t know, but probably not for a while. It scares me to think about what could happen to Ba in the time I¡¯m away.  In the morning, I¡¯ll let her know about the money.


    The bathroom door opens and Drake is standing there expectantly. He¡¯s dressed in just his ck boxer shorts I got a peek at earlier and his body still has the ability to make my jaw unhinge, but I¡¯m more prepared for it this time. I keep my expression neutral, even though I¡¯ve never seen such sculpted pecs and an eight-pack outside of men¡¯s fitness magazines. He is positively lickable.


    I stuff my phone back in my purse and rise from the bed. I¡¯m curious about the sleeping arrangements he¡¯s envisioned. We¡¯re in his master bedroom¡­so does that mean?


    He pulls back the soft-looking white puffy downforter and folds back the sheet. ¡°Companionship is part of the deal for me. I don¡¯t like sleeping alone,¡± he says, as if reading my thoughts.


    So the big bad CEO is afraid of the dark? A small part of me feelsforted by this fact ¨C it makes him more human somehow. The bed is plenty big enough to amodate us both and if I¡¯d been locked in a room of my own all night, I would crumble into a sobbing hysterical mess as the gravity of my new living situation hit me. Being near him means I have to keep my carefully crafted mask in ce. Besides, I¡¯m used to sharing a bedroom with Ba since we were infants, and the idea of sleeping alone in an unfamiliar ce doesn¡¯t appeal to me. I was sure the sounds and groans from the house would keep me up most of the night, my mind churning. At least I¡¯ll have someone nearby if something happened. Of course this same someone could roll toward me in the night expecting sex. But something tells me the sex won¡¯t happen tonight. I have to take my chances ¨C not that I have a choice, I remind myself. I am his to do with what he pleases.


    I crawl into the far side of the bed and curl into a tight ball, praying for sleep toe easy.


    ¡°No fuckin¡¯ way,¡± he grunts. ¡°Over here, sweetness.¡±


    I exhale slowly and slide my body closer to his, keeping my back to him, only stopping when the firm wall of male warmth stops me. He wraps one heavy arm around my middle and tugs me close ¨C until my back is pressed against his chest. My heart kicks up speed in my chest. There¡¯s something about this close, intimate contact that unravels me. Although I¡¯m used to sharing a bedroom with Ba, I¡¯m certainly not ustomed to spooning with a man all night long. Let alone one I hardly know who¡¯s already turned me into a puddle of hormones. Geez.


    His rough hand settles against my bare hip and my breathing instantly falters. His fingers sy open across my abdomen, lightly caressing me. My muscles stiffen as I wait for his hand to push between my legs, taking what I¡¯ve kept guarded most of my life.


    ¡°Rx,¡± he encourages, his voice whispery soft and sleepy. ¡°Nothing more will happen tonight.¡± He continues rubbing me ¨C my hip, the indent of my belly, the top of my thigh, almost like he¡¯s testing me, training me to befortable with him. The warmth of his breath against my hair and his hand lightly caressing my skin make it tough to rx, but eventually I do, growing ustomed to the new sensations. My eyes slip closed and I enjoy the soothing touch he¡¯s delivering before drifting off to sleep.

 Chapter 7

    Sophie


    I¡¯m not sure what I expected, but the following morning when I roll over in the gigantic bed, Drake is already gone. The crinkled white Egyptian cotton sheets are the only bit of evidence he¡¯d been there at all. He was a good sleepingpanion. Quiet and true to his word ¨C he didn¡¯t try anything with me.


    I stretch leisurely and take my time rolling from the bed. In the opulent bathroom, I debate taking a shower ¨C I¡¯m dying to use the luxurious steam shower with its six shower heads, but decide instead to make it brief in case Drake is expecting me downstairs.


    After smoothing my hair down in the mirror, I wander downstairs in search of coffee. The house ispletely silent. As I pass by room after room on my way to the kitchen, it feels like I¡¯m walking through a museum.


    Drake is sitting at the breakfast bar, leaning over his iPad with a cup of steaming espresso sitting nearby.


    ¡°Morning,¡± I say.


    His gaze lifts up to meet mine, his mouth tugged down in a frown. I feel like I¡¯m interrupting him. He taps a few more keys on his tablet and then nces up again, his frown now absent. ¡°Morning.¡±


    ¡°Is there coffee?¡± He said I should make myself at home, and so I try to fight off the feeling that I should retreat to a dark corner of the house and stop interrupting him.


    He tips his head to the borate stainless steel brewing system installed into one wall. That is not a coffee pot. It could very well be a time machine for all I know. ¡°My staff ¨C the housekeepers and cook have all been made aware of your presence here. They think you¡¯re a friend who¡¯s staying with me. So if you need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to ask. Marta¡¯s my favorite. You can trust her, okay?¡±


    I nod. ¡°So, what¡¯s our story? About how I know you.¡±


    A crease permeates his brow as he thinks it over. ¡°You¡¯re the younger sister of a college friend of mine. You¡¯re in LA trying to make it as a model and I offered you a ce to stay until you get a job. How does that sound?¡±


    ¡°A model?¡± Me? I nce down at myself and nearly roll my eyes. I don¡¯t have the height or weight requirements to be a model. ¡°Let¡¯s make our story at least somewhat believable.¡±


    ¡°Yes. A model. And it is believable.¡±


    I chew on my lower lip, internalizing this information at how he views me. ¡°Okay.¡± Whatever. ¡°Does this brother of mine have a name?¡±


    He thinks it over. ¡°Anthony.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not Italian.¡±


    ¡°Fine, John.¡±


    ¡°Where did you and John go to college?¡±


    ¡°Harvard,¡± he says without batting an eysh.


    Wow. Impressive. I guess the multi-million dor home sitting directly on the beach in Malibu and the running twopanies thing makes sense. He has a top notch education. He¡¯s smart, powerful, and sexy. Altogether, a lethalbination. I still don¡¯t understand how he¡¯s single. ¡°Are you from the east coast originally?¡± I ask.


    He nods. ¡°Connecticut.¡±


    Just then, the doorbell rings ¨C it¡¯s an obnoxious chime that goes on for what seems like forever. My eyes flick over to his. ¡°Are you expecting someone?¡±


    He sets the porcin espresso cup down on the counter. ¡°I guess it¡¯s a good thing we came up with that story,¡± he says, then heads off to answer the door.


    What the hell? I¡¯m standing in his kitchen wearing the baggy T-shirt he gave mest night, no bra, and paper thin cotton pants without any panties, and apparently I¡¯m about to meet someone from his life. Perfect.


    Secondster, Drake reenters the kitchen, nked by two men who share his same features. The resemnce is uncanny. My first thought is: there are three of him?


    It¡¯s overwhelming to have them all in the same room, all of their brilliant blue eyes watching me.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± One of the Drake look-alikes asks with a cocky grin. His eyes are devouring me and his mouth is curved up in a crooked smile. He looks to be a few years younger than Drake, which makes me realize for the first time that Drake must have a couple of years on me.


    ¡°Sophie, these are my brothers.¡± He points to the cocky-grinned younger version of himself. ¡°Pace.¡± And then to the slightly taller version with kind eyes, ¡°And Collins.¡±


    ¡°Hello.¡± I tug at the hem of the t-shirt I¡¯m wearing, all too aware of my braless state. Shit, and I¡¯m sure my hair¡¯s a wicked wreck too. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Last night¡¯s conquest is still here?¡± Pace¡¯s mouth tugs up in another of those uneven grins I¡¯m alreadying to love.


    ¡°Sophie is John¡¯s youngest sister.¡±


    ¡°John?¡± They both ask in unison.


    Here we go. Time to test the story.


    ¡°John ¨C from Harvard. He was one of Derek¡¯s buddies.¡±


    Both brothers nod like this makes perfect sense. I suppose there are a lot of Johns at Harvard, and since they have no reason to doubt him, they quickly ept the story. I breathe a little sigh of relief while Drake finishes exining that I¡¯ve just moved to LA and I¡¯m looking for a modeling job, so he offered me a ce to stay since he has like fifteen empty bedrooms.


    ¡°Where are you from originally?¡± Collins asks.


    ¡°Boston,¡± I blurt without thinking. That¡¯s where Harvard is, but I wince realizing I¡¯mpletely missing the telltale Boston ent. Nice, Sophie.


    ¡°So you guys aren¡¯t, like, an item, then?¡± Pace presses on. He eyes my ensemble ¨C it¡¯s obvious I¡¯ve slept in Drake¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°No,¡± Drake answers without offering anything further.


    ¡°The airline lost my luggage,¡± I exin, gesturing to my outfit.


    ¡°Bastards.¡± Pace grins at me again.


    ¡°I¡¯m Collins. It¡¯s good to meet you.¡± The eldest of the three extends his hand to mine and gives it a warm shake, hisrge handpletely enclosing my own palm. His blue eyes crinkle in the corners and seem to see too much ¨C it¡¯s the same feeling I get looking directly into Drake¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°You too.¡±


    ¡°Ignore these two idiots. Wee to the City of Angeles. If you need anything ¨C please let me know,¡± he says.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Tatianna a model, bro?¡± Pace looks at Collins and asks.


    ¡°Who?¡± Collins¡¯ eyes still haven¡¯t wandered from mine.


    ¡°Your girlfriend,¡± Pace reminds him. ¡°Your verymitted, live-in girlfriend.¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Drake almost chokes on hisughter.


    ¡°Right. Yes, that¡¯s what I meant.¡± Collins straightens his shoulders. ¡°If you need anything while you¡¯re here and trying to get established, let me know, and I¡¯ll see if I can help.¡±


    Pace and Drake are both chuckling at their older brother. Watching them interact, I can see they¡¯re a close-knit family and I immediately miss Ba. Although it¡¯s been a while since she and I could just have fun and joke around so carefree like this. Lately there¡¯s been too many hospitals, too much stress, and too many bills to even remember how tough, let alone breathe.


    ¡°Thank you, I will let you know.¡± I tip my head to the floor. My desire for coffee is gone, all I want to do is flee this kitchen and these three big men who are all watching me closely. I want to take a shower ¨C put on a damn bra and get dressed.


    ¡°What the fuck, Coco, don¡¯t you have anything of Ste¡¯s she could put on until the airline finds her luggage?¡± Pace questions, throwing a mock punch toward Drake.


    The re Drake shoots him is akin to an atomic bomb going off in the kitchen. Note to self: Do not anger Drake, or Coco¡­ or whatever his name is.


    Whoever she is, Drake¡¯s bodynguage screams that the name Ste should not be mentioned in his presence. Of course, this only makes me more curious.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call Marta,¡± Drake says, rather than answering the direct question.


    ¡°On her one day off?¡± Collins raises an eyebrow.


    I watch their exchange in fascination, I get the sense there is so much not being said that I need a trantor just to keep up.


    Drake turns to face me, his expression softening. ¡°Go upstairs and shower if you like. I can give you fresh clothes to change into until Marta can get here. I forgot that I have ns to go golfing with my brothers today. But she¡¯ll take you shopping and get you everything you need. Until your luggage arrives,¡± he adds, giving me a smirk.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I mumble. I hate feeling so helpless, but I can do nothing but depend on him, my new, confusing master. Before retreating up the stairs, I give both brothers another handshake and we exchange goodbyes. Then I duck off to the safety of the master suite, needing a few minutes alone to recover from all the testosterone taking up residence in the kitchen.

 Chapter 8

    Sophie


    Once I¡¯m alone upstairs, I know I can¡¯t dy the phone call I need to make any longer. I sit down on the upholstered chaise lounge chair in the master suite and dial my mom¡¯s cell, waiting anxiously for her to pick up.


    ¡°Sophie?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me Mom.¡± With all that¡¯s happened in the past twenty-four hours, it¡¯s more grounding than I realized just to hear her voice.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± she asks.


    ¡°In LA, staying with a friend. I needed some time away ¨C a break.¡±


    She¡¯s quiet and I know she¡¯s processing what I¡¯ve told her. I don¡¯t have any friends in Los Angeles, but she doesn¡¯t question me.


    ¡°This friend I¡¯m staying with¡­he, he owns apany and he¡¯s graciously offered to um,¡± I stumble over my words, drawing a deep breath. God, I suck at lying. ¡°He¡¯s offered to front the money to get Ba into the trial program.¡±


    ¡°What have you done, Sophie?¡± her tone desperate and more harsh than I recall.


    It¡¯s not the reaction I¡¯m expecting.


    ¡°The money is in your ount. Use it to get Ba the care she needs.¡± My voice is almost clinical as I fight to hold my emotions together. Never once in my wildest imagination had I thought my mom would be suspicious of me. Of course I knew she¡¯d wonder where the money came from, but I thought she¡¯d be so grateful that she¡¯d ept the story of a generous anonymous donor without argument.


    She doesn¡¯t say anything else about the money, but I hear her sniffle. ¡°How long will you be away?¡±


    ¡°A while,¡± I confirm.


    ¡°Take care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°I will. Just take care of Ba. I love you guys.¡±


    ¡°Sophie?¡± I hear Drake¡¯s voice from the hall before he steps into the room.


    I toss my phone down onto the chair and stand, quickly wiping my cheeks with the back of my hands. ¡°Yes?¡±


    He¡¯s holding a coffee cup on a saucer and carrying a miniature pitcher of cream. ¡°You didn¡¯t get your coffee.¡±


    The gesture is sweet and unexpected. I ept the cup from him, the fragrant brew is exactly what I need right now. There¡¯s a packet of sugar and a tiny stirring spoon on the saucer.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know how you took it.¡±


    ¡°With cream and sugar. This is perfect. Thank you.¡±


    He nods. ¡°Everything¡­okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I straighten my spine. He didn¡¯t pay for drama and I¡¯m sure he doesn¡¯t want to hear about my problems back home. ¡°I just called my mom. Everything¡¯s going to be fine now.¡± At least that¡¯s what I¡¯m telling myself.


    A frown line momentarily creases his forehead, before his expression returns to the rxed, neutral one I¡¯vee to expect. ¡°Marta should be here in about an hour. You¡¯ll probably want to get yourself ready.¡±All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thanks again.¡± I tip the coffee to my lips and watch as he exits the room.


    After finishing my coffee, I decide to prepare for Marta¡¯s arrival. I run myself a bubble bath in the extrarge soaker tub and sink into the warmth, letting the hot water strip away my earlier tension.


    The basket beside the tub is stocked with everything I could need and more ¨C luxury bath salts, shampoo, conditioner, facial scrub, razors, and body washes in several different scents. I lose myself in the process,thering my hair and skin and enjoying the peaceful moment and the fragrant scent of herbs enveloping me.


    Until I hear the bathroom door open.


    I squeak and dive for cover under the bubbles as Drake¡¯szy smile lights up his entire face and makes my belly flip.


    ¡°Nothing I haven¡¯t already seen, sweetness. Rx. I¡¯m going to grab a shower. Do I need to use another bathroom, or are you cool with this?¡±


    Hmm, let¡¯s see. Am I cool with the fact that I now live with a man who¡¯s seeminglyfortable sharing a bathroom with me while we¡¯re both naked as jaybirds? N-to-the-o. Privacy used to be something I valued. I merely nod.


    He twists one of the nobs in the gigantic ss enclosed shower and water pours from the rain-like shower head mounted in the ceiling, then he tugs his shirt off over his head and steps out of the cotton pants he¡¯s wearing. I glimpse a firm, hard ass before mming my eyes shut. Jesus¡­does he spend all his free time at the gym?


    The urge to nce over at his nude, muscr body is driving me crazy. I can hear the water spraying against the stone shower floor and the sound is maddening. It¡¯s like being told there¡¯s a priceless oil painting hanging on the wall and you¡¯re prohibited from looking at it. Basically, it¡¯s torture. I already know what his manhood looks like, but the desire to steal a peak at the rest of him is almost overwhelming. I resist the temptation, but just barely.


    I quickly finish my bath, thankful that I¡¯d already washed up before Drake decided to join me. I secure the huge white fluffy towel around my body and exit the bathroom as quickly as I can, leaving a puddle of water on the floor in my wake.


    Rather than dressing in my clothes from yesterday, I follow Drake¡¯s lead and put on the clothes he¡¯sid out for me ¨C anotherrge t-shirt and sweat pants this time, then venture downstairs for a refill on my coffee.


    His brothers are both still in the kitchen and Pace is ransacking the fridge while Collins sits at the ind, talking on his cell phone and looking perturbed.


    ¡°So, golfing today, huh?¡± I attempt to make small talk.


    ¡°You want to join us?¡± Pace asks.


    I look down at my ensemble. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m dressed for it.¡±


    He chuckles. ¡°True. But it¡¯d give the stogy old men at Collins¡¯ country club something to talk about other than their stock performance.¡±


    I nce longingly over at the built in coffee machine and then down at my empty cup.


    Pace¡¯s easy smile is back. God, that thing¡¯s bing addictive. ¡°C¡¯mere, beautiful. Let me show you.¡±


    He takes the cup from me and sets it down on the tiny tform opening and shows me which buttons to press while muttering to himself about the damn pretentious machine. The options are overwhelming for a simple cup of coffee. I¡¯ve never been good with gadgets and this is like a having a live-in barista. The LED disy confirms my order ¨C small coffee and I tap brew on the touch pad. I¡¯m rewarded with the satisfying sound of the coffee beginning to pour into my cup and another one of Pace¡¯s adorable grins.


    After adding a ssh of milk and a bit of sugar into my coffee, I see Drake enter the kitchen. He¡¯s dressed smartly in dark grey khaki style pants and a white cored shirt that stretches across his muscled chest. Geez, they¡¯re like a polo team ¨C or an advertisement for male cologne. You know, one of those where they¡¯re in white pants with bare feet sailing a yacht, smiling at you with gleaming, straight teeth. Drake¡¯s intense stare that I can feel deep inside me, coupled with Pace¡¯s lopsided smile is, overwhelming.


    I set my coffee down on the ind with shaking hands as Drake stalks toward me.

 Chapter 9

    Colton


    Approaching Sophie where she stands near the kitchen ind, it¡¯s impossible to keep my eyes from slipping down over her curves. Her nipples have hardened against the t-shirt she¡¯s wearing. My t-shirt. I don¡¯t like that she¡¯s on disy in front of my brothers. And Pace needs to keep his damn eyes to himself. If I see that dumbass dopey grin on his face one more time, I¡¯m going to punch it off.


    Looking at her, and imagining what¡¯s under that t-shirt, I struggle to keep my thoughts clean. My mind wanders back tost night when she stripped for me.


    At the auction when she kept her arms locked over her breasts, I assumed there was something she was hiding. I didn¡¯t think it was anything as grotesque as a third nipple ¨C but I¡¯d thought maybe she had a birthmark, or a mole, or some other imperfection she wanted to keep hidden from the men bidding on her. But there was no such imperfection.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Sophie was fucking delicious. From her full, heavy tits with small peach colored nipples, to her long, toned legs to her bare pussy ¨C which had been quite unexpected. My cock aches just thinking about it. She¡¯d stripped herself bare for mest night. Her courage was almost overwhelming. She thought I was the one who held the power in our little exchange, but I was smart enough to know, without a doubt, it was her.


    I stalk closer and her trembling hands ce the cup and saucer on the counter, but her eyes remain on mine ¨C just like I¡¯d reminded herst night. I¡¯m d she doesn¡¯t cower from me, especially not in front of my brothers.


    ¡°Marta will take care of you today ¨C she¡¯ll get you what you need, okay?¡±


    She nods, her posture unsure. I hadn¡¯t nned on leaving her today. I have to work the rest of the week, so today I nned on enjoying her in the many rooms of my home, but if I ke out on my brothers now, I¡¯ll never hear the end of it.


    ¡°What aboutter?¡± She looks up and blinks those gorgeous blue eyes at me. I try to read her look. Hesitation? Interest? I shrug it off. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s nothing more than mere curiosity at when I¡¯m going to take her virginity. That¡¯d be the only obvious thing on her mind. It¡¯s her entire purpose for being here.


    I bend down to whisper near her ear, careful that my brothers don¡¯t overhear. ¡°I quite enjoyed my cock in your mouthst night.¡±


    She swallows and lets out a tiny gasp, inaudible to anyone but me. The sound makes my dick flex in my pants. Fuck.


    I raise one hand and stroke her cheek with the back of my knuckles. ¡°You¡¯re really good at sucking cock, you know that, right?¡±


    I check her eyes for her reaction, but this information looks like news to her. Okay, so maybe she¡¯s just good at sucking mine. Even better news. Her cheeks are rosy and pink and her eyes dart around me, checking to see if my brothers are listening to us. They are, but I¡¯m sure they¡¯re acting like they¡¯re not.


    She licks her lips,pletely unaware how erotic that sight is to me. Is it possible to golf with a raging erection? Apparently I¡¯m about to find out.


    ¡°Enjoy your day with Marta, but then be ready for me tonight.¡± It¡¯s not a request and a she simply nods.


    I head out with my brothers, tossing my clubs into the back of Collins¡¯ SUV and then climb into the passenger seat. I¡¯dpletely forgotten about golf today. I hated golf, but Collins had joined the Beverly Hills country club to woo some stuffy client, and he¡¯d been on me and Pace to join him for golf so he could feel like he was getting his money¡¯s worth at the overpriced club.


    ¡°So, are you fucking her, or what?¡± Collins asks before we¡¯re even out of my driveway, not wasting a second.


    ¡°Are we really going to talk about this like we¡¯re back in high school?¡± I ask, keeping my expression bored and fixed on the road.


    ¡°Fuck yeah we are.¡± Pace leans forward between the seats, resting on the console. ¡°She¡¯s hot and you know it. Hot enough that Collins forgot all about his supermodel girlfriend.¡±


    That was fucking funny. Nothing rattled Collins.


    ¡°No one would me you if you were,¡± Collins continues. ¡°After what that redheaded bitch did to you.¡±


    Why in the fuck was everyone bringing up Ste? I bite down, tasting blood.


    ¡°I¡¯m not fucking her,¡± I answer. At least not yet. ¡°She¡¯s my friend¡¯s sister,¡± I remind them.


    ¡°Right, John from Harvard.¡± Collins smirks. He knows just as well as I do that Sophie¡¯s not from the east coast. Why in the fuck had she said she was from Boston?


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s not my friend¡¯s sister, and I have a guest room in my condo. I¡¯ll take her if you don¡¯t want her,¡± Pace replies,pletely oblivious.


    He¡¯s not taking her anywhere, but I¡¯m not about to engage in a childish argument over my own property.

 Chapter 10

    Sophie


    With a name like Marta, I was expecting a dowdy older housekeeper type with a gray bun and sensible shoes, certainly not the twenty-something blonde who shows up in a cute sundress and strappy sandals with a Chanel bag slung over her shoulder.


    ¡°Sophie?¡± she asks, pulling off therge sunsses that cover her eyes.


    ¡°Yes. Marta, I assume?¡±


    She nods and extends her hand. ¡°You do need a wardrobe, don¡¯t you?¡± Her gaze travels down my body, taking in Drake¡¯s baggy clothes and she bites her lip. Then she pulls a pair of cut off jean shorts and a tank top from her bag and hands them to me. ¡°Colton said you¡¯d need something to borrow for today.¡±


    ¡°Colton?¡± I ask, epting the clothes.


    Her eyebrows pinch together. ¡°Colton Drake? The man whose home you¡¯re staying in.¡±


    I nod. Colton Drake. Even his name is sexy. He hadn¡¯t exactly given me a fake name after all. I smile when I remember Pace calling him Coco this morning.


    ¡°Most of his staff calls him Mr. Drake.¡± She shrugs. ¡°But he¡¯s just Colton to me.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Interesting. I wonder what else she is to him. She¡¯s tiny and gorgeous with her tanned skin and blond curls and I feel self-conscious in her presence.


    When  I return from the guest bath down the hall, I¡¯m dressed in the shorts and tank top, feeling thankful for something to wear, even if they are a little on the tight side, and then I retrieve my purse and shoes from upstairs.


    ¡°Ready?¡± she asks.


    I nod and follow her outside into the bright sunshine.


    I climb into the little red sports car convertible beside her, tugging at the too short shorts.


    She presses a button near the rearview mirror and the roof lowers and folds back neatly into the trunk. I guess I¡¯ll need to get used to my new LA life.


    ¡°How did you say you knew Colton? He was kind of vague on the details,¡± she asks, pulling out of his private drive.


    I repeat the story that he and I settled on and she nods along without questioning me.


    ¡°What did Drake, I mean, Colton tell you about me?¡± I ask.


    ¡°He said that you¡¯d be staying awhile and that you¡¯d need pretty much everything.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I get quiet as I look out at the scenic drive we¡¯re cruising down, remembering the phone call with my mom.


    ¡°Listen, Sophie, I know it¡¯s not my ce to pry, but if you¡¯re in some kind of trouble, if you need anything¡­even a friend to listen¡­I¡¯m happy to help.¡±


    I suppose it did sound suspicious. I¡¯d showed up out of the blue without a stitch of clothing to spare. ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing like that. Just a fresh start.¡± I smile, trying to lighten the mood.


    ¡°Well, the offer stands. And I know Colton better than anyone. It¡¯s not like him to just move a woman in.¡±


    I swallow and wonder what she means. I realize Marta could give me information about him, probably more than anyone else. ¡°How long have you worked for him?¡± I want to inquire about exactly what her role is, but I¡¯m not sure if there¡¯s a polite way to word it.


    ¡°Oh gosh, Colton and I have quite the history. Where do I start?¡± Sheughs and I nce over at her. Her smile is gorgeous, and her loose blonde waves drift around her face in the subtle breeze, but all I¡¯m able to concentrate on is her implied familiarity with my new owner.


    Have they slept together? Are they currently sleeping together? I don¡¯t know why it hasn¡¯t urred to me before, but Colton has no obligation to be faithful to me. A thought that makes my stomach cramp. While I¡¯m blowing him in private and giving him the most precious part of me, he could be off wining and dining other women. Beautiful, confident women like Marta. I knew this situation wasn¡¯t going to be ideal, but I also never imagined I¡¯d be living with such an eligible young bachelor like Colton Drake. Already he¡¯s affecting me in ways I didn¡¯t anticipate.


    ¡°Mm, let¡¯s see. I¡¯ve been his personal assistant for¡­¡± She purses her lips. ¡°Six years now. I began at his office as a receptionist, but our personalities just clicked and I started working for him personally a short time after that. Having someone he can trust in his home and private life is important to him.¡±


    I nod, but the truth is, I don¡¯t know him at all. It¡¯s weird to think that I know what he looks like naked, but I don¡¯t actually know him know him. And I want to. Why is he so sessful at such a young age and why in the world did he go to that auction in the first ce? Questions burn through my mind like a raging inferno.


    We spend the afternoon in various boutique shops, where I try on and purchase jeans, shorts, sundresses and tops, all on Colton Drake¡¯s gold card that Marta whips out at every transaction. For once I actually have money, but after Marta reprimanded me for trying to pay and said that Colton had instructed her everything was to go on his card, I stopped fighting it.


    We already have several full shopping bags of clothes and are at ourst stop of the day ¨C a lingerie boutique for some much needed bras and panties.


    I¡¯m digging through a bin of simple cotton panties, the kind that fill my drawers back home when I sense Marta¡¯s presence beside me. She eyes the pretty pair of pale yellow boy shorts trimmed ince and purses her lips. ¡°Colton favors dark colors,¡± she says.


    My stomach twists again at her implied familiarity with the man I¡¯m currently sharing a bed with. I want to argue, to tell her it¡¯s not like that between me and him, but instead, I drop the forgotten undergarment into the bin and continue looking. From the corner of my eye, I can see her eyeing me suspiciously. Maybe that was a test, and I¡¯ve just answered her question about my rtionship with him without saying a single word. Oh well. I do have a sexual rtionship with him ¨C or at least I am going to soon ¨C and there¡¯ll be no sense hiding it.


    Stocking up on basic ck and navy bikinis and matching bras, I find Marta browsing in the clearance area of the store. She doesn¡¯t seem the type to need to shop in the discount section, but I secretly like that she¡¯s thrifty. I am too.


    It¡¯s not lost on me that she¡¯s likely my best source of information on Colton. I mean, geez, I didn¡¯t even know his first name before she¡¯d told me. I wondered what else I could get her to let slip.


    When she sees me approach, she smiles at me again. ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°I think so.¡± I hold up an armful of undergarments. ¡°But take your time.¡± Today¡¯s been all about me so far ¨C something I¡¯m not used to. She can browse if she wants. ¡°That¡¯s cute.¡± I nod to the red demi bra she¡¯s holding.


    ¡°They don¡¯t have my size.¡± She shoves it back onto the rack and keeps looking.


    I gather my courage. ¡°Marta?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± she says, holding up a sequined tank top.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Ste?¡±


    Her eyes zip over to mine. ¡°He told you about Ste?¡±


    Shit. Her usatory tone and icy stare are too much, that, or my conscious is too big. My gaze drops down to the floor. ¡°Not exactly. His brothers stopped by this morning, and her name might havee up.¡± And his bedroom smells like stale perfume and one half of his closet seems like it¡¯s been hastily emptied out, I mentally add.


    Marta continues perusing the rack of discounted bras, her brows pinched together like she¡¯s recalling a bad memory. ¡°He¡¯s not been himself since Ste. She did a fucking number on him,¡± she mutters under her breath.


    I can¡¯t really imagine someone hurting the ever in control Colton Drake, but then again, I have no idea of his past, just like he has no idea of mine. But I intend to find out.


    Several hourster, Marta drops me off at Colton¡¯s ce. We bought so much, all of my shopping bags barely fit in her tiny backseat and trunk. Marta helps me carry them inside and up the stairs. She marches with purpose toward Colton¡¯s bedroom, like it¡¯s a familiar route. The little sting of curiosity is back. I also note that there¡¯s no question about where I¡¯m staying ¨C she didn¡¯t even pretend to assume it was in one of the guest rooms.


    She sets the bags down inside the mammoth closet and turns to face me. I offer to change out of the clothes she¡¯s let me borrow for the day, but she waves me off.


    ¡°Thanks for everything today.¡±


    She nods. ¡°Of course. As a friend of Colton¡¯s, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be seeing a lot of each other. And seriously, I meant what I said before ¨C if you need anything ¨C a friend to grab coffee with ¨C or drinks, or just a female to talk to when he drives you insane¡­Call me.¡±


    I ept her cell phone number, wondering what she means about him driving me insane.


    Once Marta leaves me alone, I feel a little awkward cing my clothes on the empty side of the closet once upied by Ste¡¯s stuff. But maybe that¡¯s what Colton intends bringing me here ¨C for me to rece whatever bad memories she left behind.


    If that¡¯s what he wants, I¡¯ll do it. Heaven knows I¡¯m running from my own baggage too. I¡¯m here for the money, but as the knot that had permanently taken up residence in my stomach lessens with each passing hour, I realize that¡¯s not the only thing this new way of life can provide me.


    Being here in LA, in this mansion, brings a sense of relief from the constant worry and heartache I live with every day. I miss my family, well, mostly Ba and of course I worry about her health, but it¡¯s not relentlessly churning in my head like before.


    I should feel guilty at this realization, but honestly, it¡¯s a relief.

 Chapter 11

    Colton


    Before we leave the country club, I stop in at the boutique gift shop. The frilly bluece camisole and panty set hanging in the window catches my attention, making me recall Sophie¡¯s pale blue panties fromst night. And like a ship to a beacon of light, I find myself heading straight toward them.


    ¡°Can I help you find something?¡± The sales girl asks from behind the counter, letting her gaze wander down my toned chest and halt at the area directly below my belt. ¡°Something for your girlfriend, maybe?¡± she asks.


    Her subtlety iscking. All she sees when she looks at me is a fat cock and a fatter wallet. If I¡¯m at this club, it means I have money, but after the red headed monster from hell, it repulses me to think about ever being with a woman like that again. Just because she throws a pretty smile my way and would drop to her knees at mymand doesn¡¯t mean she can have my heart.


    Girls like her are only interested in the lifestyle I can provide them ¨C the wealth, the status ¨C not the man inside. Which is why I¡¯m not interested in anything more than what I¡¯ve arranged with Sophie. Clean and separate from the rest of me. Sex and intimacy have no ce together.


    ¡°I¡¯m good, thank you.¡± I know Marta will have everything covered today, but that doesn¡¯t stop me from looking around while I wait for Pace and Collins to finish in the locker room. I¡¯m hot and tired after ying thirty-six holes of golf ¨C but I¡¯d much rather shower at home where I can put on fresh clothes after, than here with a bunch of men. And I wasn¡¯t joking when I told Sophie to be ready for me when I got home. Last night¡¯s prelude wasn¡¯t enough. I haven¡¯t stopped thinking about her luscious mouth or perky tits once.


    Moving past the rows of silk panties andcey camisoles I stop beside a disy of lotions and oils. Grabbing one of the bottles, I head to the register to pay.


    ¡°Nice choice,¡± the cashier beams up at me.


    Ignoring her, I check my Rolex. I wonder if Sophie and Marta are back yet. The sales girl, obviously annoyed at myck of attention, despite her skin tight top unbuttoned to show off the top of her bra, stuffs my purchase into a gift bag and shoves it at me.


    I find Pace and Collins in the grand foyer of the club, rehydrating with bottles of water.  ¡°You ready,dies?¡± I ask.


    Collins tosses me a bottle of water. ¡°Come on,¡± he says to Pace, ¡°we¡¯ve got to get princess home in time for his blowjob.¡±


    Yes, please.


    ***


    The house is silent when I return and I wander the rooms downstairs, checking the den and kitchen before heading upstairs. Disappointment courses through me at the idea that she¡¯s not back yet. At least I can get a shower in before she returns. The least I can do is wash myself before I expect her to devour my cock.


    Stripping my shirt off over my head as I head toward my bedroom, I¡¯m surprised to find Sophie sitting in the center of my bed with her phone in herp and a frown on her face.


    ¡°Everything okay?¡±


    She startles at my voice and drops her phone on the bed. Her gaze wanderszily down my naked chest and her frowns falls away. Good girl.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± She sets her phone beside her on the bedside table. I wonder if she was talking to someone from home again. ¡°How was golf?¡±


    ¡°Hot. I¡¯m going to shower.¡±


    She nods, her eyes not daring to stray from mine, though I can tell she¡¯s drawn to my body.


    I wash quickly, without waiting for the water to warm, soaping up my chest, abs, under my arms and of course the parts of me I want her mouth on. Wrapping a towel around my hips, I enter the bedroom once again, but this time Sophie¡¯s gone. The fuck? Apparently we needed to cover some ground rules. Like rule number one, be naked and waiting on my bed for me at all times.


    Releasing a frustrated sigh, I drop the towel and dress before heading downstairs to find her.


    Sophie¡¯s sitting in the den, the same spot we satst night. Her legs are curled under her and she¡¯s holding a book in herp. All I can think of when I enter this room is her on her knees in front of me, taking my dick deep into her warm mouth. Christ, it¡¯s been way too long since I¡¯ve beenid.


    Her eyes lift from the book and settle on mine when I sit down across from her.


    ¡°Find something good?¡± I nod toward the book in her hands, which I assume hase from my personal library.


    ¡°Charlotte Bronte.¡± She holds up the cover of Wuthering Heights for me to see. It¡¯s a dark and twisted love story. Story of my damn life.


    ¡°Have you read it before?¡±


    ¡°In high school. But I don¡¯t remember much of it.¡± Setting the book down on the cushion beside her, she folds her hands in herp and looks at me expectantly. She¡¯s curious about what¡¯s going to happen next.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± I surprise her by asking.


    She nods carefully. I¡¯m starving after the long afternoon spent on the course and when I reach for her hand, she carefully ces her palm against mine. I tell myself that it¡¯s important I get herfortable with me, but in actuality, I just like touching her.


    I lead her into the kitchen. Sunday is the only day I don¡¯t have a staff here to prepare meals, but Beth usually leaves me with enough leftovers to survive for one day without her. I find the fixings for club sandwiches left in stic containers andbeled in Beth¡¯s efficient script. Turkey, strips of crisp bacon, avocado spread, gruyere cheese, and thick slices of tomato marinated in vinaigrette.


    We assemble the sandwiches at the ind and take our tes back into the den.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious about why you¡¯re here¡­¡± I pause, watching her reaction. It¡¯s obviously for the money, but I can¡¯t figure out why a girl like Sophie would be desperate enough to sell herself. She¡¯s a clean cut, normal girl by all outward appearances ¨C I strongly doubt she has gambling debts or a drug addiction to fund. I take a bite of my sandwich and wait for her to answer. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about finding out more about her and making this personal, but I¡¯m too damn curious not to ask.


    She seems hesitant at first and chews her food slowly, stalling for time. ¡°My sister¡¯s sick,¡± she says softly, so soft I can barely hear her. ¡°Her care is very expensive,¡± she continues. It isn¡¯t what I¡¯m expecting and her honesty surprises me.


    ¡°The money¡­it will help?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Very much so,¡± she whispers. I can tell she has mixed feelings about all this. As relieved as she seems at taking care of her sister, I sense there¡¯s some lingering guilt about leaving home during a time of hardship.


    I have no intention of baring my soul aspletely as she¡¯s done. I can¡¯t. I doubt she¡¯d stick around if she knew the real reason she was here. And I¡¯m certainly not ready to let her go, especially before I¡¯ve fulfilled the promise of her sweet, tempting body.


    Her answer makes me feel the tiniest bit less selfish. I may have spent a million dors to bring her here for my own egocentric needs, but knowing the money is going toward a worthy cause helps my conscious the slightest bit. ¡°So you sold the only thing of value you had to save her.¡± It¡¯s more a statement than a question, but Sophie nods.


    She¡¯s an interesting girl, and not at all how I assumed she¡¯d be, watching her stand up on that auction block, defying us all by covering herself. She¡¯s sweet and timid and something in me knows I should be careful with her. I recall the way she slept against mest night, letting me spoon my body around hers and gripping my thumb like a newborn clings to its mother once sleep finally found her. Her selfless choice toe live here with me, a virtual stranger, strikes something within me. She is fearless. A woman worth knowing.


    We eat in heavy silence, each of us seeming to process this new revtion about the nature of our rtionship.


    ¡°How did you lose your virginity?¡± she asks.


    I choke down thest bite of my sandwich and take a swig of water. Shit. Is she seriously asking me that? Though I suppose I¡¯d rather answer questions about my past than exin why I¡¯d bought her. ¡°I was seventeen. On vacation in Italy with my family before I started my senior year of high school. I met a local girl and¡­¡± I lift one brow and Sophie chuckles. What more was there to say? It still brought a smile to my mouth to think of Luciana. She was four years older and not afraid of her raw sexuality. The sex had been phenomenal. Though to be fair, any sex would have been phenomenal to the seventeen-year old me.


    ¡°How were things with Marta today? I trust you got everything you needed?¡±


    She nods. ¡°Yes, thank you. Marta¡¯s¡­nice.¡±


    The way the word hesitantly rolls off her tongue tells me there¡¯s more she wants to say.


    ¡°She is,¡± I confirm. She can also be tough as balls when she needs to be ¨C which is why I trust her with my personal affairs. ¡°She¡¯s a regr around here. She¡¯s in charge of my household staff and does any personal work I need her to as well.¡±


    Her eyes lift to mine. ¡°Are you sleeping with her?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s any of your business, Sophie.¡± My voice holds the edge of a warning. Just because I¡¯m being amiable and pleasant doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m going to discuss my personal life with her and she might as well get used to that. She¡¯s here for one purpose and maybe it¡¯s time we both remembered that.


    Her gaze falls from mine and she shifts ufortably in her seat.


    ¡°Do you remember what I said to you just before I left today?¡±


    She nods. ¡°About my¡­my mouth.¡±All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I lift a hand to her cheek and brush away a stray crumb of bread, letting my thumb rub against her lower lip. Her mouth parts at my touch and she sucks in a breath. I hold her eyes with mine, running my thumb along her plump bottom lip. ¡°The only thing I want you worried about when ites to my cock is how deep you can take it.¡± The double entendre causes her chest to flush with heat.


    As a virgin, we both know my size will be difficult for her to amodate at first. An idea that once bothered me, but now excites the fucking hell out of me. The challenge of her, the idea of being the first to conquer her, brings out the caveman-like instincts inside me. Big fucking time.


    ¡°Go upstairs and get ready for me.¡± I rise from the sofa and offer her my hand. She takes it and rises to her feet. Goddamn, the tiny jean shorts she¡¯s in make her legs look too damn long. It¡¯s impossible not to picture what they¡¯d look like wrapped around my back as I pound into her. I watch her walk away, her round ass swaying softly as she retreats. Holy hell.


    After taking our tes to the kitchen, I join her upstairs.


    Sophie¡¯s standing in the center of the room, lookingpletely lost like she¡¯s waiting for my instruction. Just the way she looks at me makes me half hard. Christ.


    I enter the room and stop several feet in front of her. ¡°Take off your top.¡±


    She lifts the tank top from over her head and drops it on the floor beside her feet. Without waiting to be told, her fingers reach around to find the sp to her bra and it too falls away. That¡¯s a good girl.


    Her tits are gorgeous. Full C-cups and perky. I know they¡¯d feel warm and weighty in my palms and my fingers itch to touch her soft curves. I¡¯m all too aware that I haven¡¯t touched her yet, but knowing that she¡¯ll probably pull away or stiffen under my touch makes me hesitate. When I do finally touch her, I want her to arch into me and moan out my name.


    I strip off my own shirt and then pop open the button on my jeans to make more room for my growing cock. ¡°Come here.¡± I reach for her hand and she steps forward, sliding her palm against mine. Pulling her tightly against my chest, I circle one hand around the back of her neck, lifting her face to mine.


    I press my mouth to hers and her lips softly part, epting me. I run my tongue along the seam of her mouth until she opens against me, then I sweep my tongue inside, iming her with a deep kiss. Her body goesx in my arms and I love the lush feel of her breasts ttening against my chest. The skin to skin contact is exquisite.


    My tongue rubs along hers and Sophie meets my kiss thrust for thrust. The intensity of the kiss sends a jab of lust straight to my groin. I¡¯m unable to stop my hips from rocking into hers, my dick seeking friction against her warm belly. Not breaking our connection, I reach down and adjust myself, then find Sophie¡¯s hand and bring it to the bulge in my jeans. Without any further coaxing, her hand begins rubbing my length encased in denim, coaxing a low rumble from my throat when she squeezes him.


    ¡°Show me what that mouth can do again,¡± I growl, breaking the kiss.


    She drops to her knees on the carpeting and blinks up at me. Fuck, she¡¯s beautiful. The urge to reach down and fondle her tits, to feel her nipples harden under my touch is almost unbearable. But instead I undo my pants and I push the jeans and boxers down my legs, taking my cock in my right hand and offer it to Sophie.


    Her mouth opens and her eyes remain on mine. I have no idea why that¡¯s such a turn on, but fuck, it is. I ce the head of my cock between her lips and Sophie makes a soft sucking sound, the warmth of her tonguepping at me briefly before I pull myself away again. ¡°Show me your tongue.¡±


    She does, her t, pink tongue waiting for me so enticingly. I rub the head of my dick against it, letting her saliva coat me and the sensitivity shoots straight to my balls. Pleasure rips through my veins and I stifle a groan. ¡°That¡¯s it. Open wider, baby.¡±


    Her jaw widens and I push myself into the hot cavern of her mouth, taking every bit of pleasure she can give me. Pumping my hips forward, I bump the back of her throat, dragging myself in and out of her mouth.


    Sophie is a fucking champ at sucking dick. I hadn¡¯t been exaggerating before. Her gag reflex is practically non-existent, a skill I haven¡¯t encountered with many women, especially given my size. Her hands join the fun, wrapping firmly around my base and stroking as her mouth continues taking me deep. Good god this girl will be my undoing. I clench my ass muscles, fighting off the impending orgasm preparing to rip from my body. I¡¯m going toe in her mouth again, and there¡¯s not a damn thing I can do to stop it.


    I growl out her name and tangle my hands in her hair, pushing myself deeper down her throat as I explode. Sophie¡¯s eyes find mine and she watches me intently as I empty myself into her mouth. It¡¯s the most erotic sight and even as I pull myself free, my erection refuses to fade.


    Christ, that was intense. If oral sex is off the charts with her, I can¡¯t imagine what pration will be like. And that simple thought pumps a fresh round of blood south and I¡¯m fully hard and ready again in a split second.


    Taking her hand in mine, I lift her to her feet. Her mouth is swollen and pink, her lips full. I kiss her lightly. ¡°Stay right here.¡±


    I cross the room and retrieve the gift bag from the top of my bureau. I remove the small bottle of oil from the bag and Sophie¡¯s eyes zero in on it, and then dart down to my still eager erection and she swallows roughly. Her entire body stiffens. She looks terrified. What the hell?


    ¡°Everything okay?¡± I don¡¯t understand her reaction.


    I look down at the bottle of oil I bought earlier and realize she must think its lubricant. As if I¡¯d just roughly lube up my dick and push into her before she was ready. My gut drops to the floor. I feel like a grade-A asshole. Thest thing I want her to feel is fear. ¡°It¡¯s massage oil.¡± I lift the bottle to show her. ¡°We¡¯re not fucking tonight, sweetness.¡±


    Her relief is instant. She draws a deep shuddering breath and her shoulders sag.


    How in the fuck had I ever thought I could go through with this? The idea of forcing her into having sex with me is deplorable. Christ what was wrong with me? But this was exactly why I hadn¡¯t wanted a virgin. I¡¯d wanted a girl who was down to fuck ¨C not some terrified young thing I¡¯d have to treat with kid gloves.


    Drawing a deep breath of oxygen into my lungs, I push away any and all erotic thoughts of taking her and pull on my boxer briefs. I won¡¯t touch her until I know it¡¯s what she wants. But I don¡¯t think I can go without her hot mouth around my dick. Now that I know she¡¯s okay sucking cock and how well she excels at it ¨C there¡¯s no way I¡¯m giving that up. I¡¯m not that fucking generous. I have needs and I¡¯ve paid royally to have them serviced.


    ¡°Lay down on your stomach.¡± I point to the chaise lounge chair. She may not be ready for me to touch her sexually, but I n to return the physical pleasure she¡¯s given me in another way.


    Sheys down right in the center, and I lift her body to the side, making room so I can sit beside her. She turns her head to the side so she can nce up at me, curious about what I¡¯m going to do.


    Pouring some of the oil into my hand, I rub my hands together to warm it before applying it to Sophie¡¯s back. Her skin is soft, but her muscles are tense. Which is exactly why I need to start off my physical contact with her slowly and let her get ustomed to me touching her body.


    She feels small and delicate under my hands. I rub the oil into her skin, sinking my fingers into her flesh and rubbing out the knots in between her shoulder des. Sophie releases a soft grunt when I apply more pressure. ¡°Is this okay?¡± My voicees out huskier than I intend.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she breathes.


    I run my fingers down the slope of her spine, admiring the twin dimples in her lower back just above her firm round ass.


    ¡°Colton¡­¡± she breathes, her mouth curling up in a happy little smile.


    Marta must have told her my name. I like the sound of it on her lips.


    After rubbing out all the knots, I lightly massage her neck, digging my fingers into her scalp. She was tense when I first began, but now her body is limp and rxed for me. ¡°Does this feel good?¡±


    ¡°Mmmm,¡± she moans. The sound goes straight to my ever present erection, and the beast flexes in my boxers, as if to remind me it¡¯s still there. It seems he¡¯s going to be a permanent fixture when Sophie¡¯s around.


    Looking down at her creamy bare skin and knowing she¡¯s topless makes it hard to concentrate, but I do my best at rubbing her back, working my way down her spine until I¡¯m massaging her lower back. The breathy noises she makes are distracting as fuck and the tiny shorts she¡¯s wearing taunt me. I want to turn her over and push my fingers inside her, feel how tight and warm she is. Of course I can¡¯t. Yet. If I win her trust first, the sex will be that much better. At least that¡¯s what I tell myself.

 Chapter 12

    Sophie


    When I crawl into bed beside Colton that night, I feel boneless and rxed. It never urred to me that two days into my new living situation I¡¯d still be a virgin, have an entire wardrobe full of new clothes and be at the receiving end of the best massage I¡¯ve ever had in my life.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I slip under the sheets, thankful they¡¯re cool against my overheated skin. Pleasuring him like that ¨C feeling his taut muscles under my fingertips, inhaling his musky scent, watching hime apart ¨CI can¡¯t deny it¡¯s a turn-on. He¡¯s so in control, so masculine, it¡¯s a potentbination ¨C one that my own libido stands up and takes notice of.


    Colton reaches over and with one hand, drags me closer, just like he did the night before, spooning his big, firm body around mine. I feel him release a sigh against my ear. ¡°Night, sweetness,¡± he murmurs, sounding half-asleep.


    I know it¡¯s totally strange and I shouldn¡¯t let my guard down so quickly or easily, but I trust him. I just do. Maybe it¡¯s the way he looks at me, or maybe it¡¯s because he hasn¡¯t taken anything that isn¡¯t his to take, but regardless, a little sense of ease has wormed its way into my head, allowing me to rx in his presence. Maybe it¡¯s because I know things could have turned out so much worse. God, part of me still can¡¯t believe I¡¯d gone through with that auction. I knew it was crazy, but exchanging six months of my life to give Ba a shot at the life she deserves made it a no-brainer. It¡¯d be stupid not to do this. And honestly, I¡¯d never been one of those girls who held onto her virginity out of principle. I just hadn¡¯t had a serious boyfriend with all the turmoil of my family life and I wasn¡¯t going to just give it to anyone. I guess it turned out for the best ¨C now that man would be Colton, which wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing, he was freaking gorgeous, and I was helping my sister in the process.


    I¡¯m just about to fall asleep, feeling at peace with my decision, when a sudden thought jars me from my peaceful reverie. What if all this¡­the kindness, the no-sex thing, maybe he¡¯s trying to lull me into a false sense of security, to get me to trust him so I submit to himpletely. The mystery of his past is still bugging me too. There¡¯s Marta and Ste, both of whom I want to understand his rtionship with.


    And it¡¯s not like he¡¯s a saint ¨C I¡¯ve pleasured him twice at hismand, dropping to my knees to suck him off. God, he¡¯s no  prince charming. Get a grip, Sophie. I will need to stay on my guard a bit more after all.


    Realizing all of this whileying snuggly in his arms, I distance myself the tiniest bit, fluffing the pillow under my head to get morefortable. I take a deep breath, feeling calmer and more in control almost immediately. I won¡¯t let myself get so sucked into his world I can¡¯t see straight. I may have sold my body as a sex ve, but my heart, my mind, my spirit are all still mine. I still want to be Sophie when this is all said and done. If I¡¯m to survive my six months with him, I need to remember I¡¯m ying a role ¨C living out a very expensive fantasy he¡¯s created ¨C nothing more. Ignoring the ache pleasuring him created between my thighs, I close my eyes and try to rx.


    My body¡¯s natural physical reaction and my growing attraction to him causes my blood to pound in my ears. It¡¯s not something I can control, which both excites and confuses me. Perhaps it¡¯s my limited experience, but my body¡¯s sexual response to his nearness is unexpected and frustrating ¨C especially because he seems in no rush to do anything about it. Sharing his bed, being the one to pleasure him makes me want to discover my own body¡¯s pleasure. But for now, I mp my thighs tightly together and pray for sleep to take me.

 Chapter 13

    Colton


    I shouldn¡¯t have forced Sophie to her kneesst night. For all the pleasure I derived, it¡¯s been overshadowed by guilt, which ratchets up with each passing hour. I feel like a fucking schmuck.


    When she cowered away from my touchst night, it put everything into perspective. I don¡¯t do regrets or self-loathing, so needless to say I¡¯m distracted and edgy all day long. I bark orders to my assistant, I¡¯m short with clients and skip several of my meetings. All due to my shitty mood. The strange thing is, I don¡¯t regret buying her. That fuckwad at the auction would have taken her home if I hadn¡¯t. And I don¡¯t even want to know the sick things that bastard had nned. I¡¯d overheard him bragging before the auction began about his yroom ¨Cplete with whips, restraints and canes. A girl as soft and pure as Sophie wouldn¡¯t havested the night in hispany. At least there¡¯s sce in knowing I haven¡¯t ruined her. Yet.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As I cruise up the hilly road toward my private drive, I nce out at the sun sinking into the Pacific Ocean. It¡¯s a view I¡¯ll never tire of, even if this house is tainted with memories of the biggest mistake of my adult life. Ste.


    Just thinking of her puts a bad taste in my mouth and I force my thoughts to return to my situation with Sophie. Watching thest sliver of orange dip below the horizon, I vow to exercise more self-control. Just because I¡¯ve bought her doesn¡¯t mean I need to vite her with every passing thought. Christ. I wince realizing that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯ve been doing.


    I know all too well what it¡¯s like to have your trust and sense of well-beingpletely fucking shattered and I won¡¯t be responsible for taking anything from Sophie she¡¯s not willing to give. If and when we fuck ¨C it¡¯ll be because she wants it. My devious mind immediatelyunches into various scenarios where I can entice her to want it¡­ Fuck. Abstaining is going to be harder than I thought. Excuse the pun.

 Chapter 14

    Sophie


    As my feet pound the pavement, my breath pushes past my parted lips and my underarms and lower back grow damp with perspiration. I¡¯ve been here a week and it feels nice to be back in the familiar routine of jogging. I lose myself in the rhythm of my feet thumping dully against the pavement. Despite the heat, it feels good to use my body. My lungs scream at me, my muscles pushed to the limit and yet, I make a silent promise to myself. One more mile.


    As I jog, my mind wanders to Colton as it so often does. My brain recalls and catalogs a million little facts about him. How warm he is curled around me at night, the heavy thud of his heartbeat against my back as he drifts off to sleep, the curious way he watches me move about his home like he enjoys seeing someone ¨C me ¨C in his space.  There¡¯s something I like about it too. I feel free from the constant worry over Ba. Of course I still think of her constantly, wondering about her treatment and pray that she¡¯s going to be okay, but part of me likes not having to face it every day.


    Despite his silence and rtive disregard for me, there are lots of little things about my new master I¡¯m growing fond of. The deep rasp of his sleepced voice in the morning, the way he always sets out a cup and saucer for my morning coffee before he leaves for work, the slow curl on his mouth when he treats me to a rare smile.


    He¡¯s not an over-eager, fumbling man in anything he does. He¡¯s sure, calcted and strong. Which to me is incredibly sexy. Remembering the soft brush of his mouth against mine the few times he¡¯d kissed me, and the confident way he¡¯d handled hisrge cock, cing it on my tongue and silently groaning out his release¡­ all the muscles below my belly button clench and I fight to maintain my bnce.


    Even though I know I shouldn¡¯t let my mind go there, I know he wouldn¡¯t be anything like the teenage boys I dated in the past ¨C with pizza breath and fumbling hands. He¡¯d be confident and sure when he touched me. He is maic, charismatic and charming. It¡¯s an irresistiblebination and one that I¡¯d be defenseless against ¨C if it ever happened.


    Even if I don¡¯t understand this man, or his reasons for bringing me here, I appreciate his unexpected tenderness toward me. My living situation could be a lot worse and I¡¯m grateful for him and for the money that means my sister has a fighting chance at life.


    A slow smile uncurls on my lips as I realize I¡¯ve passed the mile marker. With thoughts of Colton to distract me, running is a breeze.


    As I circle back toward the house, I see Marta¡¯s little red sportscar pulling away and she gives me a wave before zooming off down the driveway. I hadn¡¯t known she was stopping over today. She usuallyes in the mornings, checks on the work of the house staff and then leaves to do whatever it is she does for Colton.


    When I reach the house, I stumble inside, grateful to feel the cool air conditioning against my overheated skin. I slump to the floor in the mudroom, sucking in deep breaths, and tug off both shoes. Colton¡¯s suit coat isying on the bench. He¡¯s home? Maybe that exins Marta¡¯ste afternoon visit. I know I should straighten my disheveled appearance ¨C fix my ponytail that is half out already, but as I sit there trying to calm my ragged breathing, I get the sense of being watched.


    ¡°Hey there, sweetness,¡± Colton¡¯s rich voice rasps over my flushed skin and my eyes jerk up to his. He¡¯s leaning casually against the door frame, one ankle crossed over the other. His shirt is unbuttoned at the cor and he looks both happy and rxed. My eyes are unfortunately drawn to the front of his dress pants, which refuse toy t over the impressive bulge he sports. Heat res up my spine as I wonder what he and Marta were up to. He¡¯s never been home this early before, and I can¡¯t help but think her being here isn¡¯t just some random coincidence. ¡°Have a nice run?¡± he asks, his dimple peeking at me from one cheek.


    ¡°Uh huh.¡± I nod, still utterly out of breath.


    He enters the room, stepping closer and frowns down at the running shoes I¡¯ve kicked off. I had my mom send me a package with a few things I missed from home. Mainly these shoes and my iPod for running. He toes one of the shoes, flipping it over, with a frown on his full lips. ¡°These are what you wear to run?¡±


    He checks for my reaction and I nod again. ¡°They¡¯refy.¡± I know they¡¯re old but they do the trick. They¡¯re worn in all the right ces.


    ¡°There¡¯s no tread left on them. No support. You need a new pair every few hundred miles. How long have you been running in these?¡±


    I¡¯m guessing ¡°since high school¡± is the wrong answer. My parents bought me these when I joined the cross country team my senior year. ¡°A while.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you my credit card, you can order a new pair and have them delivered.¡± His tone is direct and there¡¯s something I dislike about being told what to do. I¡¯m here on my own ord, making my own choices. Running is one of them. ¡°If I want a new pair of shoes, I¡¯ll get them. I don¡¯t need you buying me anything.¡±


    His brows squeeze together like this is a foreign concept to him. Geez. Just because he has money, doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m okay with using him or taking advantage of his hospitality. What kind of women did he date in the past?


    ¡°If I¡¯m offering the help, why refuse it?¡± he asks.


    ¡°Because I like taking care of myself.¡± I silently add that I don¡¯t need a man to provide all of my needs. Despite selling my body into this jacked up arrangement, I am a strong, smart, independent woman. I wouldn¡¯tpromise on that.


    He raises his hands in front of him in a silent peace offering. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m sorry. I just don¡¯t want you to twist your ankle. These have no support left in them.¡±


    His concern softens me. He offers me a hand, and I ept, letting him propel me off the floor and to my feet. Now that we¡¯re standing face to face, I¡¯m self-conscious about my sweaty skin ¨C the droplets of perspiration that still clung to my upper lip and between my breasts. I want to ask him why he¡¯s home early, but he distracts me, lifting a damp lock of hair from my neck and tucking it carefully behind my ear. The brush of his fingertips against my neck sends a chill zipping down my spine. His touch lingers there, stroking the column of my throat and my corbone as if to test my reaction. His finger runs from my neck down to the tops of my breasts which heave with each ragged breath I draw into my overworked lungs.


    ¡°You need to understand you¡¯re mine to look after,¡± he says, his voice rough and full of need.


    That had never been explicitly part of our arrangement and we both know it. But somehow, along the way, his concern for me has grown. I¡¯m not about toin, I just stand here, transfixed by these new and developing feelings growing between us.


    The rush of his fingertips against my hot skin force my eyelids to drift closed. Most of my life, everyone¡¯s focus and attention had been on Ba ¨C as it should be, but here, in his presence, I¡¯m the one that matters. His attention feels nice.


    But just as quickly as he began touching me, his hand drops away and he takes a step back.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to shower,¡± I exhale.


    He nods, still looking down at me like there¡¯s more he wants to say.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I exit the mudroom and head for the stairs.

 Chapter 15

    Colton


    Seeing Sophie after her run ¨C breathing hard from exertion and pink as a berry makes me want things I told myself I couldn¡¯t have. She¡¯s not really mine, so none of this should matter to me, yet it does, tremendously.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I head to my office, needing to relieve some sexual tension. It would be so easy to fall into familiar routines. I could make one phone call ¨C fuck, I could even just send a one-line text and have Marta back over here, ready and willing to suck me off. Lord knows she¡¯d do it. Probably drop everything and jump at the chance. Though it¡¯d been a long ass time since we¡¯d done anything like that, the way she still asionally looks at me, her eyes wandering over my toned chest and abs told me she¡¯d be up for some genital-on-genital contact. Even after I¡¯d told her that despite what had happened in the past, she and I needed to remain on a professional level, she¡¯d kept herself single all these years, waiting, silently watching my rtionship with Ste build, and then fall apart. But I knew if I made that call, I wouldn¡¯t get the satisfaction I was seeking, and I¡¯d end up feeling worse. Regret would churn somewhere deep inside me.  I didn¡¯t want Marta. I wanted Sophie. And ever since my life ¨C or at least my love life ¨C went down the tubes two years ago, I vowed to live life with no regrets, so it was back to the original n.


    This line of thinking reminds me of the conversation I had with Sophie the other night. Her sister¡¯s illness, just like my previous harrowing experience puts your life into perspective. It makes you weigh the things in your life, and put everything under a microscope ¨C what you¡¯re doing, how you spend your days. After I found out the truth about Ste, I could have easily spiraled into a heavy-drinking male whore. Instead I threw myself further into my work and my charity.  Doing anything else would have put me on the same level as her. And I wanted to be better than that, shit, I needed it.


    My brothers¡¯ conversationes shing back to the forefront. They were shocked to hear I wasn¡¯t sleeping with Sophie, but they don¡¯t know the half of it. They¡¯d be stunned to learn I haven¡¯t had a single partner in two years ¨C that I¡¯ve been living a celibate life, devoting myself only to my work. They¡¯d be even more shocked to learn that Ste wasn¡¯t the one still holding things up between us. I was. And I had my reasons. Reasons I hoped to figure out and finally deal with soon. Maybe then I can finally put the past behind me and build a future ¨Ca concept that both excites and scares the fuck out of me.


    I sink down into my office chair and click on myputer.


    The first order of business is to get some sexual relief.

 Chapter 16

    Sophie


    After I emerge from my shower, scrubbed clean and hair neatlybed, I dress and head downstairs to find Colton. Every little insignificant moment we share ¨C like earlier in the mudroom when I refused his offer for new shoes and he looked at me with reverence in his eyes, like I was some strange creature he¡¯d never before encountered, I can feel us growing closer. Our connection, however odd and undefined, is growing deeper with each passing day I spend here. It¡¯s thest thing I expected. And my attraction to him is off the charts, making my body¡¯s reactions more intense and harder to ignore.


    When I near his office, I hear voices from within. Is someone in there with him? The door¡¯s been left partially open, so I knock once and push it the rest of the way open, registering the sounds just as I enter the room. Dual feminine moaninging from hisputer. He clicks a button on his keyboard, silencing the noise in an instant. Oh my god. Was he watching porn? He¡¯s seated at his desk in the huge leather chair, but his face gives nothing away. His eyes smoldering on mine are the only thing I can see.


    My face heats with the secret knowledge that while I¡¯d been upstairs in his shower, he¡¯d snuck down here to watch some girl on girl action. Was he pleasuring himself here in the confines of his office? Don¡¯t look down. I refuse to let my eyes fall to hisp. My curiosity is going to get me in trouble someday. What he does in here is his business. But if he has needs and desires, why not juste to me like he did in the beginning? Surely even a bad blowjob is better than his own hand, right? Apparently not. The rejection stings more than it has any right too. But the strange notion that he¡¯s cheating on me worms its way into my head ¨C however irrational.


    ¡°Did you need something?¡± he asks, his voice deep and slightly breathless.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Why had Ie down here? When I didn¡¯t find him in the kitchen, or the den, my feet led me to his office. There was no denying I looked forward to hispany in the evenings. I pause and start again. ¡°I was just wondering why you¡¯re home early.¡±


    He lets out a heavy sigh pushes his hands into his hair. ¡°I had something I wanted to take care of.¡±


    As soon as he¡¯s says it, my mind dives into the gutter. Had hee home early to do this?


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± he asks, his posture straightening.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    He rises from the desk and leads me to the dining room. Apparently we aren¡¯t going to discuss his failed masturbation attempt, or that I¡¯d overheard him watching porn.


    ¡°Have a seat,¡± he says, motioning to the dining table. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Normally we carry the dinner dishes that Beth leaves for us together into the dining room, but him serving me feels nice. I pull out my usual chair, the one next to his spot at the head of the table, and plop myself down.


    Colton soon returns with our tes and sses of sparkling water, topped with sliced lemon. After my run, I feel like I can eat just about anything, but the food smells amazing.


    We each dig in, thefortable silence of routine settling over us.


    At night is the time I have to ask him questions and get inside his head a bit. I¡¯m pondering what to ask him about tonight when I notice him frowning at me.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡± he asks.


    I look down at the pasta primavera on my te. He¡¯s right. I¡¯ve barely touched it.


    ¡°Is everything okay with your sister?¡± he asks, setting his own fork down beside his te.


    I take a sip of water and lick my lips. ¡°Yeah. Things are okay. She starts her first round of treatment this week.¡±


    He nods thoughtfully.


    I can¡¯t help but think I¡¯ve infiltrated his life, his routines, with my own baggage. Maybe I should never have told him about Ba, because the way he looks at me now is like a sad, exploited girl.


    ¡°Do you regret bringing me here?¡± I blurt.


    ¡°Why would I?¡± he asks, his brows drawing together.


    Because you haven¡¯tid a finger on me in days, because you bought me to take my virginity and I¡¯m still as pure as theye? I shrug. ¡°Nevermind, forget I said anything.¡± An ufortable silence fills the room and we each continue picking at the food on our tes. ¡°So, I¡¯ve been wondering. Why don¡¯t you don¡¯t have a girlfriend?¡± I ask next.


    He takes a sip of his drink, stalling for time.

 Chapter 17

    Colton


    Sophie is watching me expectantly, waiting to hear about my rtionship status. It¡¯s not something I¡¯m ready to discuss with her now, or possibly ever. Every damn muscle in my body is strung so tight I feel like I¡¯m going to spontaneouslybust. I¡¯d been distracted as fuck at work again today, and came home to get a little relief in the form of an orgasm. Only I¡¯d failed at that too.


    I look up into the sweetest, most innocent pair of blue eyes I¡¯ve ever seen and draw a shuddering breath. Sure, myst rtionship had ended in disaster, but just because a beautiful, well-spoken, sweet woman is sharing my home, it shouldn¡¯t turn me into a pile of hormonal goo at a basic question.


    I need to man up. She¡¯s seven years younger than me. I¡¯d bought her for fuck¡¯s sake. It makes me feel a bit like a creepy old man. Even though something tells me that¡¯s not how she views me. No, when she looks at me I can see the pulse thrum in her neck, her cheeks blushing like a ripe berry. There is some chemical reaction, a basic attraction between us. She feels it. I feel it. Yet we both ignore it.


    In my darker fantasies, I¡¯d eat a girl like her for breakfast, but as I¡¯ve gotten to know her and forced myself to take things slow, a different side of me was emerging. He is kinder, more patient, and open to exploring the possibility of a woman in his life for the first time in a long time. I like him.


    Sophie¡¯s still watching me across the table, still waiting to hear my response about why I¡¯m single.


    ¡°I guess no one¡¯s caught my interest in a while,¡± I answer. It¡¯s the truth. I hadn¡¯t been looking for anything serious. Regr sex was the only thing I was missing ¨C hence my impulse buy at the auction. I¡¯d been in San Francisco for business when I learned about the auction ¨C and bored, or just lonely, I¡¯d gone if only to see what the fuss was about. I never truly expected to walk away with a woman on my arm. But Sophie¡¯s trusting eyes had implored mine, silently begging me to get her out of there.


    ¡°Come on, what¡¯s the real reason you¡¯re single?¡± she presses on.


    ¡°Not discussing that.¡±


    ¡°y along. Just let me in a little, and in turn, I¡¯ll answer anything you want to know.¡± She smiles adoringly, batting her eyshes.


    Her offer is enticing. I wouldn¡¯t mind getting deeper inside her head. If she wants the truth, I¡¯ll fill her in. ¡°In my experience women are interested in two things. Money and power.¡±


    She opens her mouth to protest and I hold up a hand stopping her. ¡°You wanted to know.¡±


    She motions for me to continue, then folds her hands in herp.


    ¡°You can argue all you want, but I¡¯m not just speaking about the women in my life. It¡¯s biology. Have you ever studied evolutionary science?¡± She shakes her head. ¡°Women are looking for the biggest, baddest caveman out there ¨C a provider to protect her and her offspring. It¡¯s simple science.¡±


    She seems to ept my line of thinking and I continue, after taking another swig of my drink.


    ¡°They want a well-hung, devoted husband whose wealth can afford them the type of lifestyle they dream of. He works all day, ving away to make a living while his trophy bride is fucking the pool boy.¡± Or gardener, as it were. A kid barely out of high school who wouldn¡¯t know what to do with his dick in his hand. ¡°She has everything she ever dreamed of, but she gets bored spending her darling husband¡¯s money all day and soon needs a new toy ¨C something fun and dangerous to distract herself with. If it¡¯s not the pool boy, then its pain pills and wine-spritzers at ten am. Trust me, Sophie, this is the world I grew up in. I know it well.¡±


    Thatstment has her looking at me like she¡¯s wondering about my own upbringing. Actually, my mom was so in love with my dad she never strayed, as far as I knew, and she passed away much too early. My dad was unfortunately the phnderer who couldn¡¯t keep from humping his secretary. Just another reason why I don¡¯t believe in the sanctity of marriage. I¡¯ve seen it fucked six ways from Sunday.


    I¡¯d done everything I could think of to make Ste happy. The finest clothes, expensive jewels, shy cars, taking her on dream vacations, yet nothing made her truly happy. Evening home from work early to surprise her ¨C she¡¯din that I was interrupting her afternoon ritual. It left me messed in the head. I couldn¡¯t do a thing right where women were concerned. Except in the bedroom. I never had anyints there.


    ¡°Men think women areplex ¨C and they are ¨C but for the most part, they want to be left the fuck alone with his credit card.¡± I drop my napkin to the table and push away my te, my appetite vanishing.


    Her posture straightens. ¡°That¡¯s not true at all. Maybe for some women ¨C some horrible, deceitful women, but for most, they want passion, to be desired, loved and cherished.¡± Her voice drops, going all whisper soft, and I realize she¡¯s giving me a glimpse at what she herself desires from a mate.


    ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡± I say.


    She nods.


    ¡°When you asked if I regretted bringing you here¡­do you regret going to the auction? Coming home with me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Her voice is sure, steady. ¡°I did what I had to do for my sister, and¡­¡± She drops her chin to her chest like she doesn¡¯t want to continue.


    I lift her chin with two fingers and force her eyes back up to mine. ¡°Tell me.¡±


    She swallows, the long column of her throat moving in a pretty way. ¡°This is going to sound weird.¡±


    ¡°Try me.¡±


    She draws a deep breath and releases it slowly. ¡°I¡¯ve never had the luxury of time and space like this before ¨C something just for me.¡±


    I can see what she means. Sleeping in and jogging and swimming every day has been good for her. Her skin is kissed in a sunbathed glow and her body is equal parts rxed and toned. It¡¯s a look that suits her.


    Sophie fishes the lemon slice from her water ss and brings it to her lips, sucking the sour juice in the most distracting way. Fuuuck.


    She sets the lemon slice down. Thank God. And continues. ¡°I was always the twin sister of the girl who had cancer. I never had my own identity. And even though I¡¯m not there yet, this time away has given me some much needed perspective. It¡¯s like there is life beyond hospital rooms and the crippling stress. It¡¯s making me see that I wasn¡¯t even truly living before. And I should be. If Ba¡¯s illness has taught me anything, it¡¯s that life can be taken away from you in an instant. I¡¯ve been wasting mine. And even though I don¡¯t know what¡¯s next, I know I don¡¯t want to continue to live like I was.¡±


    It¡¯s deeper than I intended her to go, but I like hearing all of her inner thoughts. ¡°What else?¡± I ask.


    ¡°I want to have a career I¡¯m passionate about, I want to fall in love, travel the world, makesting friendships¡­You know, basically conquer the world and have the best life ever. I hope Ba is right alongside me, but even if I have to go it alone, I will. For her.¡± She smiles sadly up at me.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    ¡°Sounds like a brilliant n. Let me know how I can help.¡±


    ***


    After dinner, I head over to Collins¡¯ ce for a mid-week drink with my brothers, needing the distraction. My cock feels like it¡¯s about to explode every time I¡¯m in the same room as Sophie.


    I find them sitting outside by the pool, a bottle of expensive bourbon sitting on the table between them. Seems like I¡¯m not the only one having a long week.


    I slide into the lounge chair and Pace hands me a ss, filling it generously with liquor. ¡°Bottoms up, baby.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡± I ask.


    Collins shrugs. ¡°Tatianna¡¯s talking about wanting an engagement ring. Leaving pictures of huge diamond rings all over the damn house.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± I hadn¡¯t realized their rtionship was all that serious, even though she¡¯s lived with him for about six months now. I figured it was more a rtionship of convenience. When they started dating, she needed a ce to stay, and he needed regr sex. Problem solved.


    He looks down into his ss thoughtfully.  ¡°How are things going with the roomie?¡± Collins asks instead of answering.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°And how¡¯s her job search going?¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Collins rolls his eyes. My one word responses aren¡¯t going to fly with him. He started it though by dodging my question about Tatianna.


    ¡°Have you fucked her yet?¡± Pace asks, much less tactfully.


    I choke on a swig of bourbon and clear my throat. ¡°No.¡± My voice is gruff. It¡¯s not that I haven¡¯t thought about it. I have. Almost constantly. I imagine lifting her up with her ass in my hands until her legs hug my waist. Pressing my fingers to her warm center while biting the soft skin at her throat. The waiting and wanting is pure torture. Christ, I¡¯m screwed. How did I not think this through when I brought her home?


    ¡°No shit?¡± Both he and Collins turn to face me, like this is breaking news.


    ¡°Please tell me you¡¯re not still hung up on Ste,¡± Collins asks, his sympathetic eyes locked on mine.


    Fuck no. I¡¯m not hung up on her. I¡¯m just trying to do the right thing ¨C without having one fucking clue what that means.


    They watch me, cataloging my contemtive mood and Pace chews on his lower lip. ¡°Seriously dude, Ste is ancient history, even if she refuses to get the fuck out of your life, there¡¯s nothing wrong with moving on.¡±


    ¡°I know that,¡± I grumble. I¡¯ve told myself the same thing, over and over, yet some unknown force holds me back. Of course they don¡¯t know it¡¯s been two fucking years since I¡¯ve been intimate with a woman, and being in such close proximity to a beautiful girl like Sophie is the worst kind of torture.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the hold up, man? I¡¯d be tapping that sweet pussy every night.¡± Pace gives me a goofy grin.


    ¡°She¡¯s a virgin.¡± As soon as I¡¯ve said it, I want to take it back. It¡¯s too intimate a piece of knowledge to share with them. It¡¯s Sophie¡¯s personal business. I don¡¯t tell them how I¡¯vee to possess this information, or that I¡¯d bought the right to that particr privilege; I just sit there staring down into my now empty ss, wondering if and when I¡¯ll do something about it.


    ¡°Wow.¡± Collins says while Pace¡¯s cocky grin widens. Asshole. ¡°Not what I was expecting you to say,¡± Collins continues, ¡°I thought you¡¯d feed us that line again about her being your buddy¡¯s little sister.¡±


    Oh yeah. I¡¯d almost forgotten the story I gave them. Just another testament to how messed up my head is right now.


    ¡°We all know things aren¡¯t totally finished with Ste ¨C so I¡¯m not going to pretend like they are, but really, is that honestly what¡¯s stopping you?¡± Pace asks, his eyes full of genuine confusion.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± It¡¯s partly that ¨C partly that I¡¯m not sure if Sophie wants me, or if I even deserve to take something so precious from her. Part of it is her innocence, the sweet way her eyes follow me around the room, her trusting nature, the selflessness she disyed to save her sister in the first ce¡­she¡¯s entirely too good for me to use for my own pleasure. I already feel guilty ¨C but after, I know I¡¯ll feel guilty as fuck. And even though I tell my brothers nearly everything ¨C my participation at that auction is something I¡¯ll take to the grave. Not for my own sake, but because I doubt Sophie would want anyone knowing she¡¯d sold herself that way.


    ¡°You need to figure it out, bro.¡± Pace ps me on the back before pouring another measure of liquor into my ss. ¡°Otherwise I have a feeling you¡¯re in for a massive case of blue balls.¡±


    He¡¯s not kidding. I¡¯m certain I have enough pent up semen to father three-quarters of the world¡¯s poption. My dick aches constantly and my brain swirls with thoughts I shouldn¡¯t be having, but worst of all is the way my heart beats faster when she¡¯s near and all my senses tune into herpletely.


    My life for the past two years has been a lesson in order and self-control. I worked hard, and logged long hours at the gym, but I haven¡¯t been really living. Sophie¡¯s brought out a different side to me. Just the act of her curling around me at night had softened me, made me remember life wasn¡¯t only about coping. There were things worth living for. I wanted more of that mixed in.

 Chapter 18

    Sophie


    The mid-morning sunshine and the fact that there¡¯s still a warm male tucked against my side, remind me that it¡¯s Saturday. I stretch leisurely in the bed, already daydreaming of the delicious frothy cappino I¡¯m going to make myself. I feel quite proud that I¡¯ve mastered that damn over-pretentious coffee machine. It only took me three weeks.


    Colton surprises me by reaching out and tugging me back against him. I¡¯m greeted by a rather impressive erection nudging my backside. Gah! It¡¯s warm and solid and my body clenches uselessly, responding automatically at the mere thought of him.


    Aside from those first two nights, we¡¯ve had no other sexual contact. I should feel relieved, but instead I find myself increasingly frustrated and confused. Almost a month has passed. I had figured he would take my virginity right away, but after several days and then weeks, I¡¯ve be increasingly anxious and curious about it. Now I just want to get it over with, I¡¯m tired of waiting and wondering when he¡¯s going to do. I was purchased as a sex ve and I know I¡¯m not living up to my end of the bargain.


    In the evenings he stays upte, working in his office and all but ignores me. Does he not find me attractive? Is he gay? Were my blowjobs that bad? The wait is maddening. Is there something wrong with me that my master refuses to fuck me? The belly churning anticipation is worse than the actual event. I need to get this over with. I¡¯d often suspected he took care of his needs during his morning shower, but I¡¯ve never been brave enough to venture into the bathroom for confirmation.


    At first I wondered if he was waiting for me to make a move, to climb into hisp, or kiss him¡­but I know that¡¯s not it. He wasn¡¯t shy about taking what he wanted from me the first two times. He¡¯d ordered me to my knees, undone his pants and stroked himself while I¡¯d watched. I knew he wasn¡¯t timid, which made this all the more confusing.


    You could cut the sexual tension between us with a knife ¨C it¡¯s a real and visceral need permeating the air around us. And each night I¡¯m expected to cuddle up to a shirtless, buff, delicious smelling man,y in his arms and be the perfect little obedient bedmate. The problem with all this? It¡¯s fucking confusing. He¡¯s spent a million dors to bring me here, and I¡¯m all too aware of the money ¨C every time I call home, when I hear about Ba¡¯s progress, every time I wander the various rooms of his mansion, or catch my reflection in the mirror and remember where my new designer wardrobe came from, it sends another wave of confusion rattling through me. I need to know what¡¯s expected of me ¨C where we stand ¨C what this arrangement involves.


    His cock is the only part of him I clearly understand. It¡¯s less discreet in its desires. But his mind is like a fucking maze. One I have no hope of ever solving. I¡¯ve thought about confronting him. But in this moment ¨C feeling his hot arousal press against me, I want something else entirely.


    A low rumble escapes his throat as he presses closer, his cock nestling in against my ass cheeks. Warm need dampens my panties, making them cling to my sensitive folds.  He pushes his hips closer again, stealing my breath as I feel every hard ridge of him. His hand moves along my belly, inching its way upward and I hold my breath, wondering where it willnd.


    Wishful thinking takes hold and I angle my body toward his, wanting to feel his firm hand cup my breasts, rub against my sensitive nipples. His fingers sy open and brush the underside of my breast.


    His breathing remains even and steady against the back of my neck and he¡¯s making sleepy little noises, which only urge me on. As much as I wish I could see his face, I¡¯m too afraid to move ¨C too afraid it will break the spell. I consider pushing my t-shirt up out of the way to help him, craving the skin to skin contact against my breasts and nipples, but instead, I press my bottom back into his hard arousal and he releases a grunt. The sound makes all my inner muscles clench.


    ¡°Soph?¡± he asks, his voice sleepy and rough.


    Oh god. He was still asleep, and now I¡¯m mortified.


    I roll toward him and look down between us to where his cock is straining against his boxers, trying toe out and greet me.


    Just let me take care of it for goodness sake.


    I ce my hand over his heart and feel its steady thump.


    ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s just morning wood,¡± he says, noticing my fascination with what¡¯s below his navel.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± I whisper. ¡°Do you¡­Are you¡­¡± Spit it out, Soph. Myck of experience means I have no idea how to ask for what I want. I consider dipping my hand below his waistband, taking his firm cock in my fist and stroking him. I want him to kiss me, and pin me to the bed with his big body. Instead, he continues watching me with a little crease etched between his brows. He looks at me like I¡¯m an amusing child that he has no idea what to do with.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± he says, climbing from bed and leaving me wet and so turned on I could scream in frustration.


    ***


    I¡¯m bored as shit.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    In the weeks since I moved in, I¡¯ve developed a routine ¨C one that bores me to tears ¨Cbut at least it¡¯s a routine. I wake mid-morning when Colton¡¯s been gone to work for hours, have breakfast and coffee at the kitchen ind while I talk to Beth ¨C Colton¡¯s personal chef ¨C then I change and sit outside in the sun, curling up in one of the lounge chairs on the balcony while I read.


    Later, I either go for a swim in the pool or jog on one of the treadmills in the gym. From there, my day unravels a bit. I wander the house, take a nap, text with Ba, and basically just wait around for Colton to get home. It¡¯s a nd existence. I want to get a job ¨C I need something to upy my days other than thoughts of Colton and my strange new life.


    The silver lining to all this is that Ba has been entered into the trial program and is receiving aggressive doses of medication that make her feel weak and sick but seem to be working. It¡¯s much too early to tell if they¡¯ll send herte stage cancer into remission, but we¡¯re all hopeful. And while I don¡¯t regret my decision, I have five more months to go, and I don¡¯t think I can take another day of thisplete mental and emotional boredom. I need more stimtion.


    At six o¡¯clock, all of the household staff is gone, and I¡¯m showered and dressed and waiting for Colton to arrive home from work. Grabbing the little LED disy remote, I tap the keypad, bringing the surround-sound speakers to life and change the music to something uplifting. A jazzy, upbeat band that I¡¯ve never heard before fills the room. I crank it up loud, craving something different, some stimtion, then pad into the kitchen in my bare feet.


    I open the door to the built-in wine cab that¡¯s always a cool fifty-two degrees and pick out a bottle of white wine. Thebel proudly announces it¡¯s called Naughty Girl Wine. Sounds perfect. After wrestling out the cork, I pour myself arge ss and sit down at the kitchen ind to wait for my master¡¯s arrival home.


    As absent as our physical contact has been, he dominates my days and nights. My schedule revolves around his. I¡¯m all too aware of when he wakes and prepares for his workday, showering and moving about the room in the dim light, dropping his towel and dressing in the closet so as not to wake me. When he returns at night is the happiest time of my day. To prepare for his arrival, I shower, style my hair and apply makeup and greet him like I¡¯m seeing a long lost friend. It¡¯s pathetic, but it¡¯s my life.


    I sit and sip my wine, hoping thebination of the alcohol and the jazz music spilling from the speakers will lift my mood. My stomach rumbles loudly. God, where is he? I nce at the clock. He¡¯ster than usual. I pour myself another ss of wine and continue waiting. Dinner is ready and in the warming tray, as usual, and I can¡¯t help peeking to see what Beth¡¯s left us tonight. Its steamed fish garnished with fragrant orange slices, oven-roasted root vegetables and a side of creamy risotto. My mouth waters just looking at it and I steal a couple of vegetables off of each te, being sure to keep the portions even, popping them into my mouth and chewing greedily like I¡¯m breaking numerous internationalws. The garlicky carrots and parsnips practically melt in my mouth and I steal another bite before recing the covers on the two tes.


    After two sses of wine, I¡¯m slightly buzzed and grab the remote for the sound system again. This cool jazz is giving me a headache. I flip absently through the music choices, not knowing what I¡¯m searching for until I find it. Heart thumping, booty popping hip hop fills the room and my lips curl up in azy smile. I take another fortifying gulp of my wine and rise from the stool I¡¯m slumped in, suddenly needing to move. I shimmy and shake across the kitchen, rolling my hips and lip-syncing along to the lyrics.


    I dance while watching my reflection in the ss window across the room. Sticking my ass out, I give it a little shake. How could he not want this?


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Colton¡¯s deep voice rumbles behind me.


    Gah! My hand flies to my heart and I spin around, my spine instantly straightening. I meet his eyes, taking in his amused expression. My face mes fire-engine red and my mouth opens uselessly, then closes again, knowing I¡¯ve been busted.


    Colton¡¯s dressed like he always is when he returns home from work. A custom tailored dark suit, light shirt and coordinating tie. Tonight the tie hangs loosely around his open shirt cor and his eyes are ringed with dark circles.


    Making a split second decision, I saunter over to him, swaying to the beat of the still pumping music and grab his tie, tugging him closer. His body brushes against mine and the awareness of his broad muscr frame and captivating scent send endorphins skittering through my blood steam. Maybe it¡¯s the wine, maybe it¡¯s the music, or it could just be myck of control in my new environment, but whatever the reason, I¡¯m feeling bold. Alive for the first time in a long time. I drag a fingertip down the length of his tie, appreciating the feel of fine silk against my skin. Colton eyes my movements, but remainspletely still as his breathing grows ragged.


    Tired of being ignored, I grip his tie and work my hips back and forth in front of hisp, rolling my pelvis to the beat of the music, careful not to brush up against him, I¡¯m just trying to show him there¡¯s more to me than the kept little girl he treats me as.


    His amused grin falls away and his face takes on a more serious expression. His eyes drop from mine and slide lower, traveling slowly down my body. His look is ravenous and my pulse riots in my neck. The way his eyes are glued to my body is too much. The healthy dose of courage, courtesy of the half bottle of wine I¡¯d consumed, all but evaporates, and my dancinges to a halt.


    His hand circles my waist, his thumb grazing back and forth across my hip bone. ¡°I never took you for a Rhianna fan,¡± he murmurs.


    I merely nod and his hand falls away. I immediately notice its absence. Grabbing the remote, I tap the screen several times to bring the volume down to a more reasonable level.


    ¡°Naughty Girl, huh?¡± Colton asks, plucking the wine bottle from the counter. ¡°Are you drunk, Sophie?¡± He sends me a questioning look and I lift one eyebrow. Why do I feel like a rebellious teenager who¡¯s broken into daddy¡¯s liquor cab?


    He surprises me by bringing the bottle to his lips and taking a long swig. I watch the thick column of his throat as he swallows and little goosebumps break out across my belly. When he¡¯s done, he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. ¡°I¡¯ve had a hell of a day.¡± He grabs another bottle of wine and two fresh sses. ¡°Come on.¡±


    Dinner is all but forgotten ¨C I have wine and Colton to keep mepany and my boredom is temporarily at bay. Hallelujah!


    I follow him through the house, into his darkened office and out onto the deck. As soon as he slides open the ss doors, the gentle whooshing sound of the ocean wees us. It instantly soothes me.


    He strips off his suit jacket and removes the tie over his head, hanging both on the railing to the deck where they lightly flutter in the breeze. Colton sinks down into one of the lounge chairs and begins uncorking the bottle. I slide into the seat next to him and ept the ss of cool, crisp wine he passes me.


    It¡¯s not as sweet as the bottle I¡¯d opened, but subtle buttery vors greet my pte. Mmm. I let out a tiny moan and Colton¡¯s eyes race over to mine.


    ¡°Care to tell me what tonight was all about?¡± he asks.


    ¡°What?¡± I y dumb.


    ¡°The club music ¨C the wine, the dancing¡­¡± He lifts one dark eyebrow, his yful smirk is back.


    ¡°What was wrong with my dancing?¡±


    Fighting off a smile, he clears his throat. ¡°There wasn¡¯t a damn thing wrong with it, sweetness. You just surprise me, is all.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s boring here all day. I¡¯m thinking about getting a job,¡± I say, looking over at him to check his reaction.


    ¡°I¡¯ve provided everything you could need. Why would you want to work?¡± He seems surprised.


    After paying for my sister¡¯s care, I still have several hundred thousand dors in the bank. And I¡¯m living expense-free. I should enjoy it, right? Only I can¡¯t. That¡¯s not me. I¡¯ve never taken a hand-out in my life. ¡°It¡¯s not about the money, I just need something to do ¨C I can¡¯t lounge around all day with the only thing to do is go shopping with Marta using your credit cards. I want something for me. A purpose.¡± Just saying it out loud renews my decision.


    He takes another thoughtful sip of his wine, his full lips resting on the edge of the ss more distracting than it should be. ¡°If that¡¯s what you want. What kind of job?¡± he asks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe at a coffee shop, or restocking books at the library. It doesn¡¯t matter. Just something that gets me out of the house.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee to get a job, as long as you¡¯re home in the evenings when I am.¡±


    I nod. That sounds good to me too. I¡¯vee to enjoy hispany at night. My boredom is isted to the daytime hours. I didn¡¯t enjoy sitting alone in this too big house with too many thoughts running rampant through my head. It isn¡¯t healthy. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°What did you do today?¡± he asks, like he usually does.


    ¡°I read, went for a swim.¡± I shrug and focus on my wine. I don¡¯t want to tell him that in the hours before he gets home, I shower and get myself ready, taking extra time to blow dry my hair and put on the dark colored lingerie that Marta insisted he¡¯d like. It¡¯s like even my bras and panties are mocking me, whispering against my skin that he¡¯s not interested.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± He lifts my chin to meet his concerned gaze.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I straighten my shoulders, shaking the feelings away. There¡¯s no reason to feel rejected. If anything, I should be relieved. But if the situation were different ¨C if I wasn¡¯t here under these pretenses, I¡¯d still no doubt feel rejected by hisck of interest. He¡¯s a beautiful, charming, wealthy man. I guess it was dumb to believe that a man like him would be interested in someone like me.


    His eyes hesitantly leave mine and though I can sense he wants to press the issue further, he closes his mouth and refills my wine ss.


    ¡°What happened at work today?¡± I recall him saying he¡¯d had a rough day.


    His eyes harden and he looks out at the dark blue water, growing quiet. It urs to me that I don¡¯t really know what he does. He¡¯s very private about his business. ¡°Nothing with work, it was actually something¡­personal that popped up unexpectedly. I need to go to New York and take care of it.¡±


    ¡°New York? When?¡± Of course what I really want to know is what personal matter he could have in New York, since I know virtually nothing of his past.


    He shrugs. ¡°Soon. Maybe this weekend.¡± His tone tells me its not something he wants to discuss, though I don¡¯t like the thought of him leaving.


    I want to get back the flirty, yful attitude that seems to have faded with myints about boredom and whatever personal drama had Colton frowning out at the ocean.


    ¡°I have an idea,¡± I announce, hopping up from my chair. ¡°Stay here.¡±


    He nods, and watches me retreat through the ss door.


    I jog upstairs and search through my toiletries until I find it.


    I¡¯m slightly winded when I make it back outside and Colton¡¯s eyes drop to see what I¡¯ve gone to retrieve. I hold up the bottle of oil. ¡°I thought you could use a little rxation.¡± I wave the massage oil temptingly in front of him and smile.


    He eyes me curiously like he¡¯s trying to figure out my motives. It never urred to me that he¡¯d assume I was doing this out of obligation. It was a simple gesture ¨C something nice you¡¯d do for a friend, or a boyfriend when he¡¯d had a trying day.


    ¡°Strip,¡± I order, pointing to his dress shirt. I won¡¯t let him turn this into something weird.


    Heplies, watching me while he unbuttons and shrugs out of the shirt. Even though I should be used to seeing him in various states of undress by now, but each time, his masculine beauty hits me full force. His toned chest and chiseled abs look positively lickable in the glowing moonlight. Focus, Sophie. Things aren¡¯t like that between you two. I take a deep breath and motion for him to turn over andy on his stomach. After dropping the shirt to the deck, he rolls on his lounger, lying t for me.


    Without thinking, I straddle him, sitting right on his butt and draping one leg on either side of his hips. ¡°Am I too heavy?¡± I ask.


    ¡°You¡¯re fine,¡± he says. He folds his arms under his chin, making his shoulder muscles bulge.


    Dripping some of the fragrantvender scented oil into my hand, I rub my palms together to warm it before spreading it over his back. His frame is so broad that my small hands seem to barely make a dent in the expanse of canvas I want to cover. At first I think he¡¯s incredibly tense and I tell him to rx.


    ¡°I am,¡± he mumbles.


    And then I realize he¡¯s just rock hard with muscle. Geez. I sy my hands across his upper back, rubbing steadily. I¡¯m unustomed to touching a man so intimately. His skin is smooth and lightly tanned and I love the feel of him under my hands.


    I rub my hands up his neck and into his hair, massaging his scalp and he groans. I¡¯m all too aware of how I¡¯m sitting perched on top of him. My center is resting against his firm backside and the seam of my shorts pressing against my cleft. I squirm the tiniest bit, trying to adjust the way I¡¯m sitting, but it only puts additional friction between my thighs. My clit begins to throb in time with my elerating heartbeat. Shit. I¡¯m horny. I me it on too much wine, too much warm male perfection underneath me.


    I rise to my feet, needing to separate myself from his tempting body. ¡°Flip over,¡± I tell him. I didn¡¯t get to rub his shoulders properly in that position. I straddle him once again ¨C this time sitting across his thighs.


    With Colton lying t on his back, I massage his shoulders, then his firm biceps. His eyes slip closed, his mouth softens as a rxed expression overtakes his face. I can ogle him properly in this position. And I do. From his handsome face, shadowed with a hint of dark stubble, to the thick column of his throat, down his smooth chest, the delectable grooves in his abs, to the trail of fine hair that disappears under his dress pants.


    Touching his solid arms is not helping my libido. If anything, my core heats up even more and I realize I¡¯m bing wet. I release a grunt of frustration and his eyes open and find mine. I realize my hands, seeming to have a mind of their own, are now rubbing his chest, brushing over his t nipples and down further to trace his abs. He releases a soft hiss. My body floods with sexual awareness like nothing I¡¯ve ever felt before. I¡¯m desperate to feel his hands on my body, to be consumed by the deep, hungry kisses I remember.


    Colton watches me with dark eyes, his breathing shallow and rapid, much like mine.


    ncing down, I see his cock is half hard and rising the closer my hands get to hisp. My heart rate speeds up as this moment takes on a deeper meaning. I¡¯m perched atop him, tending to him, and we¡¯re bathed in moonlight with the soft sound of wavesppingzily behind us. It¡¯s perfect.


    Without pausing to think, I reach for his belt buckle and undo the stiff leather, my fingers trembling as I open his pants and ease down the zipper. His cock flexes beneath the confines of his ck boxer briefs and I release a tiny whimper. I want to coat my hands in oil and slide them up and down his solid length, to hear him growl out my name and watch him lose all his perfect control ande on his hard belly.


    My panties are soaked and my heartbeat is pounding in all my pulse points. Just as my fingers dip inside his waistband to reach for his cock, he grabs my wrist and stops me.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that.¡± His voice is soft, but the hold on my wrist is firm.


    I¡¯m breathless and turned on and the harsh sting of rejection is like a p to the face. It¡¯s totally unexpected and more brutal than ever imagined. He doesn¡¯t want me touching him. I rise to my feet on unsteady legs, Colton¡¯s eyes following my movements.  The wine creates a sour pit in my stomach and my head is spinning. ¡°Why did you bring me here? I want the truth.¡± I hate that my voice is too high and shaky.


    His eyes dart away from mine. ¡°Companionship.¡± He¡¯s holding something back. And I want to know what. I watch him for a second longer. He adjusts himself, tucking his huge erection back inside his pants and pulling up the zipper.


    ¡°What is this¡­this arrangement?¡± I toss my hands up in the air, frustrated, both sexually and emotionally beyond belief.


    ¡°Don¡¯t push me, Sophie.¡±


    My name on his lips is a warning, but I press on. ¡°Just tell me you don¡¯t want me here. Send me away.¡± I can see his desire for me as clear as day. I think he does want me, which makes him denying us both all the more confusing.


    ¡°There are things about my past you don¡¯t understand,¡± he says, his tone low and calm, but his face holds an expression of silent agony.


    ¡°Then tell me. I¡¯m sharing your home, your bed ¨C I¡¯m here for another five months. Are we really going to keep ignoring this?¡±


    ¡°Ignoring what?¡± he growls, his voice rough.


    My gaze wanders to hisp and I unconsciously lick my lips. Crap.


    If he¡¯s going to act like he¡¯s unaffected, then so am I. Pushing my legs into action, I rush inside, suddenly desperate to be away from him. I dart up the stairs, mming the master bedroom door closed behind me.


    This is the most confusing arrangement I¡¯ve ever been part of. I might not have wanted a physical rtionship when I first came here, but ever so slowly, Colton¡¯s gentle demeanor and quiet nature won me over. I want him to feel about me the way I do about him. I want to explore these new feelings of arousal bubbling up inside of me.


    Tearing my shirt off my overheated skin, I drop it to the floor. After turning on the shower, I push down my shorts and panties, and step under the spray of the lukewarm shower.


    Colton is an asshole. A sexy, yet evil man. I wasn¡¯t even asking for anything in return, I¡¯d just wanted to touch him tonight, innocently at first, and then well, not-so-innocently, but even that was off-limits. It was a harsh wake-up call about my arrangement with this man. As I scrub my body under the warm water, I decide to move my things into one of the guest rooms. I don¡¯t care about his need forpanionship.


    As I finish washing myself, I realize I¡¯m still much too overheated and turned on. My nipples are puckered tight and my body is begging for a release. I run one hand down my stomach, cupping the sensitive flesh between my legs and release a strangled groan. I rarely touch myself like this, feeling unsure and awkward about it most of the time. Tonight is not one of those times. I need this release like I need my next breath. Lowering myself to the stone bench just out of the direct spray of water, I spread my legs and touch the slippery folds, surprised to feel how wet I still am.


    My fingertips pick up speed, circling and rubbing my clit while dirty thoughts of Colton push into my mind. Rubbing my nipples with one hand while my other stimtes the firm nub at my center.


    Sensing I¡¯m no longer alone, my eyes fly open to discover Colton standing across from me, watching me pleasure myself through the ss shower wall. His eyes wander my naked body and I snap my legs together. The high I¡¯d pushed my body towardes barreling down, my orgasm vanishing before it has the chance to reach its peak.

 Chapter 19

    Colton


    Holy fuck.


    The sight before me changes everything.


    I¡¯d assumed all along that Sophie didn¡¯t want me touching her. But after tonight when I¡¯d stopped her and removed her hands from myp, she¡¯de upstairs and was now pleasuring herself. Pushing her away had been the hardest damn moment of my life. I didn¡¯t want her touching me out of some strange sense of obligation, or because she thought she owed me. But her flushed cheeks, and swollen pussy tell me instantly she hadn¡¯t been doing anything out of obligation. Sophie wanted me.


    The realization rings like a gunshot in my ears. I can¡¯t think, can¡¯t see straight. All I can do is stare at her while my blood pumps out of control in my veins. She¡¯s enchanting and different, like an exotic animal I could observe for hours on end.


    Before I can even process what I¡¯m doing, my pants and boxers are around my ankles and I¡¯m kicking them off. Stepping under the warm water, I offer her a hand and Sophie epts, rising to her feet to stand before mepletely nude and wet.


    Goddamn.


    The slick of her warm skin against mine is the best feeling in the world. We¡¯ve been building toward this for too damn long. Living in the same close quarters, sharing a bed, dining together, all the while avoiding the sexual tension building between us. I¡¯d thought it was one sided, but seeing the evidence of her arousal is too much. I¡¯m hard as a fucking rock. I want to bury myself balls deep inside her sweet body and never let her go. Those are dangerous thoughts.


    ¡°You wanted me,¡± I say, looking in her eyes.


    She blinks up at me, her blue eyes softening.


    ¡°Say it,¡± Imand.


    ¡°I¡­ I want you¡­¡± she breathes.


    My mouth crashes against hers, our tongues tangling wildly. Damn, I¡¯d forgotten how soft and lush her lips were. She tastes of wine and I devour every bit of her I can, my hands slipping down her curves to grip her ass and haul her closer. Running my hands over the round globes of flesh, Sophie tilts her hips, pressing her groin closer to mine. Fuck.


    She wants this as badly as I do, which doesn¡¯t make our situation any easier or less confusing. It¡¯s a mind fuck. A battle I know I¡¯m going to lose. I am a man pushed to my breaking point. I can¡¯t walk away. I won¡¯t leave Sophie to deal with the aftermath of my rejection. And that¡¯s what it had been. I¡¯d been denying my want of her for weeks. I¡¯d held myself back from taking something that wasn¡¯t mine. But tonight, when she¡¯d reached for my belt, I realize now that had been her decision.


    The spray of warm water hits my back, bringing me back into the moment. My blood is rushing in my ears and my heart is pounding. I want nothing more than to feel the heat of her soft curves molding to my chest and I pull her tighter against me.


    The whisper of her hot breath rushing against my neck is more intimate than expected. Her body is pressed tightly to mine. She¡¯s giving herself to me. That knowledge is a potent thing, but I won¡¯t abuse my power.  I pull a deep breath into my lungs and vow to go slow ¨C to take my time. If she¡¯s letting me touch her, I will make damn sure this is good for her.


    The press of her heavy breasts against my chest is too much to resist, I bring my hands up and cup her tits, unable to wait any longer. They¡¯re firm and soft at the same time and when my thumbs graze her nipples her breath shudders against my neck. I rub them back and forth, slowly, letting her get used to me touching her. Sensing she wants more, I give them a little tug and her whimper punctuates the silence beautifully.


    ¡°I want to watch you touch yourself,¡± I breathe against her neck.


    Her eyes perk up to mine and she chews on her lower lip. I don¡¯t want her to feel embarrassed that I caught her. Shit, she caught me watching porn, preparing to jerk myself off the other night, even though neither of us spoke about it.


    She doesn¡¯t respond, but I take her right hand in mine, the hand she¡¯d been using to touch herself, and ce it between her legs. A heavy sigh falls from her lips as I press her fingers into the rosebud of her clit. ¡°Feel how swollen your clit is.¡± I press our joined fingers harder against her. ¡°Touch your pussy for me. Make it feel good,¡± I whisper.


    Her fingers begin to circle and her breath falters in her chest. I keep my hand on hers so that both of us are pleasuring her. I watch her eyes slip closed and a look of bliss overtakes her face. Breathless moans push past her lips as her pace builds. She¡¯s so incredibly worked up and ready, its sexy as hell.


    I feel like a fucking fool for waiting. I¡¯d assumed all these weeks, ever since I brought home the bottle of oil that she thought was lubricant, that she wouldn¡¯t wee my touch. I¡¯m not some sick, sadistic Dom that gets off on the thought of forcing a woman to submit. Knowing she wants this every bit as much as me changes everything. Well, almost everything. She is still a virgin, and I¡¯m still¡­ I push the thought away. I will deal with my pastter. Nothing will spoil this moment with a wet, naked and willing Sophie in my arms.


    Her eyes are wild, uninhibited like I¡¯ve never seen before. I fucking love it. Her movements grow urgent. Desperate. Uneven breaths push past her lips. She¡¯s rubbing her clit in tiny circles, making me ache to take over, when all of a sudden her movements still and she releases a frustrated sigh.


    My heartbeat ms to a stop. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯te without my vibrator,¡± she whispers, her voice a hoarse plea and her mouth turned down in a pout.


    The hell she can¡¯t. The alpha male inside me perks up his ears and beats on his chest. Suddenly watching her unravel is the only thing on my mind. ¡°I¡¯ve got you, sweetness.¡± She¡¯lle so hard she¡¯ll forget her own damn name.


    She shakes her head. ¡°I¡¯ve tried¡­I get close, but¡­¡±N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    I meet her eyes. I don¡¯t need some damn toy to get her off, but if the safety of a toy is morefortable than having me touch her I have no problem going to retrieve it. ¡°Where is it?¡±


    ¡°At home. I don¡¯t have it here.¡±


    Well that settles that. ¡°You¡¯re telling me that you¡¯ve never had an orgasm either on your own or with a partner?¡±


    ¡°There was only one partner before you and¡­¡± her voice trembles.


    I hush her with the press of my lips to hers. Knowing I¡¯m going to be the first man in so many ways makes all my blood rush south.


    ¡°How in the fuck did you learn to suck cock like that?¡±


    Her cheeks grow rosy and she looks down at the marble floor between our bare feet.


    ¡°Answer me, sweetness.¡± I tilt her chin up to mine.


    Her eyshes flutter against her cheeks as she struggles to make eye contact. ¡°I might have watched a few porn videos before the auction, just to be sure I knew how.¡±


    Holy shit. Trained by porn stars, yet as pure and sweet as theye. I can¡¯t escape the growl of satisfaction that murmurs from my throat.


    She bites down on her plump lower lip, causing my erection to strain as I imagine her mouth around my cock, and the feeling of the gentle tug of her teeth against my skin.


    ¡°Just rx and breathe for me, okay?¡±


    She nods, her shoulders dropping just slightly as she inhales. ¡°I¡¯ve never¡­I¡¯ve been close a few times. I think.¡±


    ¡°Do you trust me?¡± I ask.


    She blinks up at with solemn blue yes. ¡°Yes.¡±


    I can tell she means it and I like that. A fuck of a lot.


    ¡°Just rx and let me make you feel good, okay?¡± She¡¯d probably put so much damn pressure on herself, or worse, listened to some asshole ex who didn¡¯t know the clitoris from the g-spot and had psyched herself out. I had to believe there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with her anatomy. The trick would be to get her brain to quiet down so that her body could just rx and enjoy.


    She draws another deep breath and some of the tension in her posture falls away.


    ¡°Can I touch you?¡± I whisper against the skin at her neck.


    She nods enthusiastically. ¡°God, yes.¡±


    I swallow the heavy lump in my throat. I¡¯m scared that if I start touching her, I won¡¯t have the restraint to stop. But unable to keep myself from taking what I want, I slide my hand down her belly, finding her center slick and wet. It sends a jolt of desire straight to my dick, which leaps enthusiastically against her belly.


    With my thumb pressing firmly over her clit, my index finger slides against her tight opening and I feel her flinch. I want to prate her so badly I can taste it.


    Sophie grips me at the same time I begin rubbing the outside of her opening, teasing her. She moves her hand up and down my shaft.  Her tight grip is almost too much for me to handle. I¡¯ve craved her touch for so long, it won¡¯t take me long toe undone.


    ¡°Easy baby, go slow,¡± I remind her. I want to draw this out, and I won¡¯tst long if she keeps pumping my cock like that.


    Sophie slows her pace, which allows some of the blood to flow back into my head, and I resume pleasuring her. Parting her folds, I find the swollen nub peeking out at me and using her own moisture, I caress her again and again. A breathy groan crawls up Sophie¡¯s chest and escapes past her parted lips. I touch her lightly, gently, taking my time and getting to know what she likes. Her body trembles against mine as she fights to remain standing.


    Locking one arm around her waist, I continue my assault. My mouth moves to her breasts and I lick one nipple and then the other.


    I press my finger forward. She¡¯s slippery and soaking wet, and even though she¡¯s as tight as a glove, my finger slides in easily. A ragged moan tangles in her throat and my lips crash down on hers.


    I drag my finger in and out of her molten heat and feel her flex around my knuckle. ¡°You want me to fuck this tight little opening?¡± Her groan of desperation is too much. I can¡¯t even let myself think about how good she¡¯ll feel around my cock, or I¡¯lle too fast and embarrass myself.


    She inhales sharply and watches me while I slowly but carefully add a second finger. Her body grips me and her eyes slip closed as a little whimper falls from her mouth.


    I curl my fingers upward and press down on her clit. She cries out, her body quaking in my arms as shees. The sight of hering on my hand pushes me over the edge, and a hot stream of semen spurts to the tile floor between us, marking Sophie¡¯s belly in the process. I growl out my release, burying my face in her neck and biting down softly to keep from moaning.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    When I look up, she¡¯s smiling at me. Her blue eyes dance on mine and her face is pink. She looks happy ¨Cpletely and utterly happy and satisfied. Even though I love it, it makes me feel like an even bigger ass for denying her touch for so long. My mouth captures hers again and I kiss her hungrily, taking my time to explore every inch of her tongue with mine.


    Once we bothe down from the high of our climaxes, I realize the water has cooled around us. I crank up the hot water and wash Sophie¡¯s supple skin using a bottle of body wash from the shelf. She rxes into my touch, letting me rub her shoulders, down her back and even between her legs. Her eyes find mine and we share a silent understanding. Even though our circumstances are anything but normal, I can tell this is our new normal. It¡¯s what we¡¯re both choosing. It scares me to think howpatible we are.


    I¡¯d been trying like hell to hold her at a distance ¨C to keep her separate from my personal life ¨C but there¡¯s no denying it, she¡¯s all I think about. She¡¯s all I want. Though it¡¯s entirely honest, the realization scares me. And it feels nice to be touched. Even if it¡¯s not real.

 Chapter 20

    Sophie


    We¡¯re lying in bed, facing each other in the pale moonlight. I should feel self-conscious about our shower activities earlier, but all I feel is blissfully happy and rxed. Knowing Colton wanted me just as badly as I wanted him ¨C that his desire for me had nothing to do with the transaction at the auction and was the culmination of raw lust ¨C made it that much better.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    ¡°I have an idea¡­¡± Colton says, looking at me thoughtfully. ¡°About you working.¡±


    He¡¯s changed his mind. He doesn¡¯t want me out of the house, which was my sole purpose for wanting to find a job.  I swallow heavily and meet his gaze. ¡°What is it?¡±


    His thumb reaches out to smooth the crinkle etched into my forehead. ¡°How would you feel about working for one of mypanies?¡±


    It¡¯s just another way I¡¯ll be tied to him. I¡¯d wanted something for me. But as I open my mouth to speak, he continues.


    ¡°It¡¯d be for my charity organization. I¡¯m sponsoring a huge project in Africa and could use an extra set of hands. Mostly office work ¨C if you¡¯re good with word processing and filing. Kylie¡¯s my only full-time office employee, and she¡¯s been working seven days a week just trying to keep up with the workload. It¡¯d actually be a huge help.¡±


    Knowing it¡¯s for charity, and that¡¯s he¡¯s not just throwing me some pity busy-work, I find myself nodding my head. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll let Kylie know. You can start whenever it suits you.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow will be fine.¡± I don¡¯t think I need another day of lounging in the sun or jogging aimlessly through Colton¡¯s winding neighborhood of mansions.


    He chuckles. ¡°Tomorrow it is.¡±


    ***


    Colton wakes me in the morning with tender kisses to the back of my neck and I push my bottom into his groin and moan at the dual sensations. The damp sucking kisses and the rigid length of his erection nestled between my cheeks perk me up instantly. I¡¯m wide awake. And suddenly very much in the mood, remembering that earth-shattering orgasm he deliveredst night.


    He nips at the base of my neck, moving lower down my spine.  ¡°Does that feel nice, sweetness?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I breathe. Rolling over so I can see him, I bring my arms around his neck and snuggle closer. I like our newck of boundaries when ites to touching. It feels nice to be held after not having a man in my life for so long. Last night bonded us and it¡¯s obvious we¡¯re growing closer. I have a feeling I¡¯m going to miss him even more than before when he¡¯s at work.


    We kiss for several minutes and cuddle in the big, warm bed before Colton crawls out, saying he needs to shower and get ready for work. I guess I do too.

 Chapter 21

    SophieN?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Kylie is adorable. Probably a couple years older than me, she has wavy auburn hair tied in a messy bun on top of her head, and no makeup, but geez, she doesn¡¯t need it. Her cheeks are rosy pink and her green eyes arerge and wide-set. She¡¯s barefoot and dressed in yoga pants and a tank top. ¡°Hi!¡± She smiles widely, showing off perfectly straight white teeth. Does everyone in LA have teeth like this? ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there,e in.¡± She tugs me by the arm inside her front door, closing it behind me.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡±


    ¡°Sophie. I know. Colton is an absolute angel to send you. God, I was giddy when he called this morning.¡± She leads me further into her house. ¡°Sorry about the mess.¡± She waves in the direction of the disheveled living room and kitchen. ¡°I¡¯m a terrible housekeeper. Hope that¡¯s not a problem.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± I navigate the little living room, dodgingundry baskets and stray toys as I follow her.


    Kylie leads me out the backdoor and to a set of steps. ¡°Office is up there.¡± She points. ¡°Go ahead, I¡¯m just going to grab the baby monitor.¡±


    I start up the stairs, wondering what I¡¯m getting myself into. Joining me a few secondster, she exins that when Colton hired her to run the day to day operations of his charity, he built her a home office above her garage. Her tiny two-bedroom house didn¡¯t have any extra room to spare and she didn¡¯t want to have to put her baby in childcare. It was the perfect arrangement ¨C and awfully generous of him. I want to ask how they know each other, but I keep my trap shut and my jealousy in check. I¡¯m here to work.


    We enter a roomy loft above the garage. There are plenty of big windows to let in the light, and tworge work stations withptops and filing cabs spilling over with papers.


    Kylie thrusts her arms out proudly. ¡°Wee to the world headquarters of Highpoint Associates.¡± She picks up a bottle and a baby rattle from the desk. ¡°Seriously. Sorry about this. I would have cleaned up if I¡¯d known you wereing.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, its fine. I¡¯m just happy to have a change of scenery. I¡¯ve been cooped up at Colton¡¯s for weeks and I¡¯ve been going a bit stir crazy.¡±


    ¡°Wow. You live with him? That¡¯s¡­that¡¯s¡­huge¡­¡± She turns to me, her mouth hanging open in surprise. ¡°And that house is freakin¡¯ incredible.¡±


    Interesting. She¡¯s been inside his home and seems to understand that him having a woman living with him is a big step. I find it both fascinating and utterly frustrating that Marta and now Kylie seem to possess intimate knowledge about Colton. He must not be as discreet as his seems with his affections. His restraint is only reserved for me. Of course I have no way of knowing if Kylie has actually slept with him, but the faraway look in her eyes tells me she¡¯s daydreaming of some memorable encounter with him. Oddly, it makes me want to hit something.


    I shrug it off. ¡°So, what¡¯s on the docket today?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± She gives her head a shake, pushing away the thought. ¡°First I¡¯m going to give you an overview of the work we¡¯ve done so far, and then I¡¯ll exin what I¡¯m hoping to aplish next. You can be involved in any part of it that sounds interesting to you.¡±


    I nod. ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    I listen while she exins, in more detail than Colton provided, about their mission to create a stable self-sustainingmunity in a sub-Saharan part of rural Africa. His vision is much moreplex than just to provide clothing, food and medicine to people in need, like he¡¯d humbly led me to believe. He wanted to do something bigger ¨C something the residents could sustain long after he and his generous donations were gone. It¡¯s quite a bit more sophisticated than I ever imagined and I¡¯m impressed. No wonder he¡¯s so busy.


    He has a team of city nners, architects, engineers, teachers and doctors who are working together to drill for fresh, clean drinking water, nt crops and teach the local people about agriculture and farming as well as building a school for the children to ensure the next generation is prepared to lead. What Kylie is describing is a massive undertaking. He¡¯s essentially creating an entiremunity from the ground up. I get goosebumps listening to her speak and I¡¯m suddenly really d I didn¡¯t find a job at a coffee shop ¨C this is much more worthwhile to devote my time to.


    At the end of her exnation, Kylie provides an overview of the pertinent files on theptop I¡¯ll be using. ¡°I¡¯m so d you¡¯re here.¡± She grins widely at me, showing off twin-dimples that make her look younger. ¡°God, Ste was crazypants.¡± Just then the baby monitor squawks and she jumps up from her seat. ¡°Be right back.¡±


    She leaves me to work on creating mailingbels and to type up a letter to the additional investors Colton¡¯s secured. My head is spinning and the work is a needed distraction.

 Chapter 22

    Sophie


    After our erotic shower encounter, my rtionship with Colton takes on a new meaning, changing in a subtle, but noticeable way. He texts me during the day while he¡¯s at work and calls once he¡¯s on his way home.


    I¡¯ve been working several days a week with Kylie, driving myself to her suburban home in one of Colton¡¯s cars. It¡¯s nice to feel like I¡¯m making a contribution to something, and now that Colton and I are actually clicking, I feel a lot better about my situation.


    He called at lunchtime today, sounding mncholy, which ispletely out of character for him. I¡¯d pressed him about what was wrong and he just said that it was a tough day and that he was looking forward toing home.


    At six o¡¯clock, the house staff has been gone for hours and I¡¯m anxiously awaiting his call to tell me he¡¯s on his way home. I can¡¯t wait to surprise him.


    Finally my cell phone rings and I prance across the kitchen to retrieve it from the ind. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way,¡± he says, his voice t and emotionless.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I squeak. It will be my mission to cheer him up once he arrives.


    When Colton arrives home thirty minutester, I¡¯m ready for him. I took special care getting ready too, taking an extra-long soak in the tub and shaving nearly every square inch of my body, and then prepared a special meal for him. It was the only thing I could think to do when I learned he was having a bad day ¨C it¡¯s the same thing my mom used to make me when I neededforting.


    I meet him by the back door. His suit is rumpled and his expression is sour. When his gaze lifts to mine, his face softens, but I can see something is weighing on him and the need to help bubbles up inside of me.


    ¡°Did something happen at work?¡± I ask, helping him out of his jacket.


    He tosses the garment onto the waiting bench. He does this every night and they miraculously end up freshlyundered and back in his closet. I don¡¯t even think he realizes it.


    ¡°Sort of,¡± he says without meeting my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m good listener. You can tell me things, you know? You can trust me,¡± I assure him.


    ¡°I know. But when I get home, talking about my day is usually thest thing I want to do.¡±


    I nod. I know the feeling well. When Ba was sick, friends would encourage me to talk about it, and even though I appreciated the gesture, I knew talking about it would only bring all my worries and fears to the surface. Best to keep them locked away. So while I understood him, it made me even more curious about what could be troubling him.


    ¡°I made you dinner,¡± I say.


    ¡°You cooked?¡± he asks, his voice lifting in uncertainty.


    I nod my head, feeling insecure for some strange reason. It could be the curious way he¡¯s looking at me.


    ¡°What about Beth?¡±


    ¡°I sent her home.¡± I have no authority to release his staff, but Colton doesn¡¯t say anything else, he just follows me into the kitchen, tugging at his tie to loosen it.


    Now that he¡¯s here in the kitchen with me, I¡¯m fidgety. Using two pot holders, I bring the dish I¡¯ve prepared to the kitchen ind and set it down in front of him. I feel like I¡¯m showing off an elementary school science experiment. One with very questionable results.


    He looks down at it curiously before meeting my eyes. ¡°You made me mac-n-cheese?¡± He grins unevenly.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    I instantly feel like a fool. This man has an entire staff of servants and a personal chef. He dines on things like organic beet and arug sd, grilled swordfish and hand fed prawns. And I just made him elbow macaroni smothered in processed American cheese. His amused expression makes me want to crawl into a hole and die.


    Why did I even bother? And now I feel particrly stupid, because I¡¯ve sent his cook home for the night. ¡°Nevermind.¡± I grab the casserole dish to clear it away and his hand on my wrist stops me.


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    ¡°It was a stupid effort.¡± Wasted.


    ¡°Stop,¡± he says again, removing my hands from the dish. ¡°You cooked for me.¡± My eyes jerk up to his, trying to make sense of the reverence in his words. ¡°I haven¡¯t had a home cooked meal like this ¨Cfort food ¨C in¡­a long damn time. Thank you.¡±


    I¡¯d misread his reaction. He¡¯s surprised. And apparently happy. Pulling out a stool at the ind, he sits down and helps himself to a heaping portion, piling a mound of macaroni in his bowl without pretense. ¡°Do we have any milk?¡± he asks around a big mouthful of pasta.


    Iugh at him and head to the massive fridge, and pull out a carton of organic milk to pour him a ss. I watch Colton eat two big servings of the dish, and he insists I join him. We sit side by side at the countertop, stuffing ourselves with ooey-gooey melted cheese and pasta. It actually tastes halfway decent and I¡¯m relieved. Though if I¡¯m being honest, it¡¯s his reaction that makes my heart soar.


    He¡¯s instantly more light-hearted and seems to have let whatever stress was troubling him slip away.


    ¡°How are things going with Kylie? She says you¡¯re a godsend.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Kylie¡¯s a sweet girl and it¡¯s exactly what I wanted ¨C something to get me out of the house.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Colton digs in for another bite, seemingly satisfied with my response.


    ¡°More milk?¡± I ask, noticing his ss is almost empty.


    He looks at it thoughtfully for a second. ¡°Actually¡­which wine pairs well with mac-n-cheese? Pinot Grigio?¡±


    I nod. ¡°Sure. If you like.¡± I make a move to get up and his hand on my elbow stops me.


    ¡°Stay put. I¡¯ll get it.¡±


    I nce down at the casserole dish that we¡¯ve made a rather impressive dent in, and cover it with the lid, before setting it inside the fridge.


    He returns a momentter with two sses of wine and hands me one. ¡°Thank you for this,¡± he says, his voice solemn and his eyes on mine.


    I nod and meet his gaze, taking a sip of wine. Mmm.  Colton Drake, wine and yummyfort food. My day isplete.


    We set our bowls in the sink and head outside to the balcony off his office, settling into the lounge chairs to sip our wine. After several minutes the wine and soundtrack of the waves rxes me.


    ¡°What should we do now?¡± The sultry tone to my voice is entirely unintended, but his dark gaze finds mine and my sex muscles tighten. Eep! The hungry look in his eyes is new and unnerving.


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    I slide off my seat and cross the few steps until I¡¯m standing directly before him. My heart hammers unevenly in my chest and the sensuous look in his eyes has me wondering if tonight is the night. Though I¡¯d been merely curious before, I¡¯m now dying to know what it will feel like when he finally takes me. As strange as it sounds, it¡¯s an invasion I would wee. To be wrapped up in his strong arms, to feel his full lips on mine and to finally understand what all the fuss over sex is about¡­I shudder at the thought.


    ¡°Are you cold?¡± Colton¡¯s fingertips reach out to stroke my upper arms.


    I shake my head. The shivers racing along my skin have nothing to do with the temperature.


    ¡°What happened the other night¡­¡± he pauses, his tonguezily stroking his bottom lip as his eyes burn on mine, ¡°was that okay with you?¡±


    I swallow the massive lump in my throat. I should have felt horribly embarrassed that he¡¯d caught me masturbating in his shower. Yet any and all feelings of shame are absent. I feel liberated, free. And his response, to strip down and join me, his hard cock tall and proud pressing into my skin showed me that he felt the exact same way. There was something deeplyforting about that. And knowing that he knew how to pleasure my body better than I did? That was the icing on a pretty freaking awesome cake.


    ¡°Y-yes,¡± I answer, blinking up at him.


    He reaches up to trace my bottom lip with his thumb and then hooks his palm around the back of my neck, drawing my mouth closer to his. ¡°Good girl.¡± He leans in closer, wrapping his hands around the backs of my bare knees. ¡°Take off your panties,¡± he whispers.


    ¡°Here?¡± The balcony is private, but we¡¯re still outside.


    He doesn¡¯t respond, his eyes just stay locked on mine. Clearly there¡¯s no room for negotiation.


    I¡¯m wearing one of the cute sundresses I¡¯d bought with Marta my first week here, and the cool night air nips at me as I reach under my dress and slide the panties down my legs. They drop to my ankles and I step out of them, handing the scrap of navy silk to him with a cheeky grin.


    I have no idea what he wants, but his hand glides up my inner thigh, pushing my dress up out of the way. His fingers caress my bare skin. Even after the bikini wax started to grow out, I¡¯ve kept myself shaved smooth, liking how sensual it makes me feel.


    His eyes find mine as he continues lightly rubbing me. I can feel myself getting wet as endorphins rush into my blood steam. I wonder ifst time was a fluke, or if I¡¯ll be able to reach climax again. God, I want to. I tilt my hips closer allowing him a better angle and Colton¡¯s mouth twitches with a smile.


    ¡°Come here.¡± He takes my hand and helps me lower myself down onto hisp so I¡¯m straddling him. My legs are spread wide and my bare pussy is close enough that he reaches down and begins rubbing me once again. His other hand curls around the back of my neck and he brings my mouth to his. His lips are soft and full and demanding.


    He quickly takes charge of the kiss, his tongue caressing mine in a hypnotic rhythm. My entire body responds, my hips rocking closer and my hands pushing into his hair.


    Reading my body¡¯s reactions, Colton picks up his pace, circling and rubbing my clit until I¡¯m soaking wet and right on the edge of climax. The need to touch him spikes within me. I reach between us, unbuckling his belt and nearly rip his pants open in my mission. Once his thick, warm cock is in my hands he lets out a soft growling sound of pleasure. I pump my fist up and down, loving the way his desperate kisses feel as we move toward release together.


    Gripping my ass underneath my dress, he tugs me closer until his hot length is nestled right up against my cleft. Angling my hips closer, I rock against him. His fingers bite into my skin he breaks the kiss, his eyes shing dangerously on mine.


    I slid up and down his cock, my slick skin so sensitive I can feel every hard ridge and vein as I ride him. I wonder what he would feel like inside¡­


    ¡°Careful,¡± he growls, his voice sticking in his throat. His eyes are dark and half-closed like he¡¯s drowning in pleasure.


    Ignoring his warning, I lift and lower myself on him, unable to stop moving against him. The friction of his solid cock against my sensitive clit is too much. Little cries of pleasure break the silence and I move faster, rubbing against his hard cock, chasing the orgasm I want so badly.


    Colton watches me move against him, his hands still gripping my ass as I work my body against his. He feels so good. I wonder what it would feel like to let him finally push inside me¡­ My body clenches and I cry out his name,ing in a wet gush all over him.


    When the blur of my earth-shattering orgasm wears off, I open my eyes and meet his. His jaw is clenched tight and he looks angry.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡± I hop up from hisp and scramble away, afraid I¡¯ve done something wrong.

 Chapter 23

    Colton


    I catch a hold of Sophie¡¯s wrist in my office and spin her to face me. Her cheeks are flushed and she¡¯s breathing rapidly, still trying to recover from her orgasm. She did not get to tease me, ride my dick until she came and then just disappear. There¡¯s nothing hotter than a confident girl who takes what she wants, but that is not how this works.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, sweetness,¡± I growl.


    She pulls her lower lip into her mouth and sucks. My cock pulses, reminding me of his predicament. He¡¯s still coated in her damp juices and now I want to watch her drop to her knees and lick them off. ¡°Do you understand how close I was? How easily I could have lifted you up and pushed my way inside your hot little cunt?¡±


    She lets out a squeak of surprise.


    I reach under her dress and push two fingers inside her silky channel. Her eyes widen andtch onto mine as I pump my fingers in and out. ¡°And it¡¯s my job to make sure this tight little pussy¡¯s ready for me. Isn¡¯t it?¡± I withdraw my fingers and reach down, gripping my cock and using her moisture to stroke him up and down. ¡°Answer me.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes,¡± she stumbles, gazing down at the show I¡¯m giving her.


    ¡°I could have hurt you. Made you bleed. We don¡¯t want that, now do we?¡±


    She doesn¡¯t answer. Her blue eyes just ze back at mine in a silent challenge.


    The fuck?


    My balls ache with the need to be inside her, but I can¡¯t. I won¡¯t until I¡¯ve settled my past with Ste. The closer I grow to Sophie, the more I understand about her, I don¡¯t want to hurt her. I bought her as a way to have some fun and blow off steam, but somewhere along the way, it¡¯s be something more. Right from that very first morning when Pace looked her over with rapt interest, I became invested. In her. In us.


    ¡°The answer is no, Sophie. I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± I force the words out of my mouth.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    She draws a shuddering breath. ¡°Isn¡¯t a sex ve supposed to, I don¡¯t know, actually have sex with her master?¡±


    The desire to take her is a physical ache, but I force myself to remainposed. ¡°That eager, huh?¡± I trail a damp fingertip along her lower lip and feel her inhale sharply.


    ¡°You bought me, expecting something in return. Call me crazy, but I thought that was how this worked,¡± she challenges.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get one thing straight. I don¡¯t want a sex ve. I want apanion. A mistress. Call me conservative, but I don¡¯t like the term ve.¡±  I¡¯ve paid Sophie to be here ¨C she¡¯s not held captive against her will.


    ¡°A mistress?¡± she asks, raising an eyebrow at me.


    ¡°It suits you. You¡¯re my dirty little secret ¨C a kept woman,¡± I remind her, smoothing a hand along her backside, watching her pulse kick up in her neck. I couldn¡¯t have her questioning my motives. They was too fucked up for even me to think about, let alone admit to her. And since I wasn¡¯t willing to let Ste fuck up yet another thing in my life, I nned to handle her, and then I would make Sophie mine.


    ¡°Take off your dress.¡±


    She¡¯s still watching me jerk myself, so it takes her a minute to respond ¨C her eyes snapping up to mine and her hands moving to lift the dress off over her head.


    She¡¯s wearing the pale bluece bra I remember from the first night and wordlessly, she unsnaps it and lets it fall to the floor.


    I look down at my cock in my hand and then back at her mouth. Sophie gracefully drops to her knees between my feet and eagerly brings her mouth to me.


    Fuuck.


    The sweet warmth of her mouth as she licks the tip of my dick sends a bolt of pleasure ricocheting through me. I clench my abdominals and thread my fingers in her hair, forcing more of myself in between her lips. With her eyes looking up at mine, she takes me deeper, letting me control the pace as I thrust into her mouth. I push my hips forward in azy pace, wanting to draw this out as long as possible. She cups my balls, massaging them and I grunt in surprise when she gives them a little tug. Shit. This girl is good.


    ¡°Stroke me,¡± I breathe, and Sophie obeys, wrapping one hand around my base and pumping in time with her bobbing mouth. Her rhythm is perfect. My shaft glistens with her saliva and the dual sensations are enough to send me spiraling over the edge way too soon and I brace one hand on my desk as my muscles tense.


    ¡°Soph¡­¡± I whisper a weak warning. She sucks me harder, hollowing out her cheeks, and my head drops back toward my shoulders as I empty myself into her.


    She swallows every drop, like a goddamn champ, and I can¡¯t resist leaning down to kiss her skilled mouth. ¡°That was fucking amazing.¡±


    ¡°d you liked it.¡±


    I help her to her feet and kiss her neck, her chin, the tip of her nose. ¡°Understatement.¡±


    She curls into me and I hold her. Close physical contact is something I¡¯ve missed out on. Ste was never warm and snuggly and I¡¯d lost my mom when I was twelve. It soundsme, but I craved the tender feel, and the warmth of a soft female body. Intimacy in the most basic sense of the word has been missing from my life for a long damn time. It feels nice just to hold her close.


    ¡°You cooked for me,¡± I murmur against her throat, as the start to our eveninges back to me.


    ¡°I was trying to help,¡± she whispers.


    The sense of falling overwhelms me and I cling to her more, wrapping her tightly in my arms. ¡°Thank you for the macaroni.¡± I kiss her temple, knowing I¡¯m in deep shit.

 Chapter 24

    Sophie


    After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I saunter toward the bed wearing only a pair of panties. Call me crazy, but there¡¯s something I love about knowing that I tempt him, but he won¡¯t act on it yet ¨C for whatever reason.


    But rather than watching me from the bed, like I expected, Colton¡¯s staring down at his phone.


    He¡¯s frowning. And considering how hard I just made hime, I¡¯m clueless about his foul mood.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I ask, crawling up onto the big bed beside him.


    He sets down his phone and his eyes lift to mine. ¡°One of my stocks is tanking,¡± he says.


    He¡¯s lying. He wasn¡¯t checking his stock performance. Before the screen went dark on his smart phone, I could see that he was texting with someone, his fingers flying over the keys as anger boiled up inside of him.


    I let it go. Whoever it was, it¡¯s not something he wants to talk about with me, and considering the progress we¡¯re making, I don¡¯t want to ruin it. Of course I¡¯m undeniably curious about his past, but for now, I have to ept the pieces of himself he¡¯s willing to share.


    Colton


    ¡°I need to go to New York ¨C take care of some things,¡± I say to Pace in between reps.


    I move away from the bench and wipe my brow with my towel. Pace takes a seat, gripping the bar with a confused look on his face. ¡°Tell me this has nothing to do with seeing Ste.¡±


    ¡°We both know I need to take care of this mess between us. This has dragged on way too fucking long.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bad idea, Colton. You never had any restraint where she was concerned. I just don¡¯t want to see you dragged back into something you worked so hard to untangle yourself from.¡±


    He¡¯s wrong about one thing ¨C I¡¯ve never untangled myself. ¡°That¡¯s what this trip is about ¨C I promise you that. Closure. Once and for all.¡±


    Heys back and I hand him the bench press bar. He pumps out fifteen reps, puffing out slow, even breaths.  ¡°And how many times over the past year have I heard that?¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    He¡¯s right. I had let her get to me ¨C to suck me back in, but this time felt different. This time I have Sophie in my life. It might not be much, but I have something on the horizon with a beautiful, sweet girl. And my damn moralpass won¡¯t let me pursue her the way I want until I¡¯m free of the mega-beast.


    We move onto squats, but he¡¯s still eyeing me curiously. ¡°Are you taking Sophie with?¡±


    ¡°Fuck no. She doesn¡¯t know anything about me and Ste, and I prefer it that way. I was actually going to ask if you¡¯d stop over, keep an eye on her.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t trust her alone in your house, huh?¡±


    ¡°No, nothing like that. I just don¡¯t want her to get bored.¡± She¡¯s working with Kylie now, but I know from experience evenings can be hard all alone in that big house.


    ¡°You got it, boss.¡± Pace grins at me, a goofy smile that instantly tells me all the ways he ns to entertain her. It makes me want to pummel him. Christ, I need to get my head on straight. I just need to get through this unpleasant task in New York ¡­ then I figure things out with Sophie.

 Chapter 25

    Sophie


    He hasn¡¯t mentioned going to New York again and I¡¯d almost forgotten about it. But when we reach his bedroom that evening, he heads straight into the closet, grabs a leather duffle bag from a drawer and begins stuffing articles of clothing inside.


    ¡°Are you packing?¡± I ask, entering the room behind him.


    My side of the closet has filled out nicely with new dresses, jeans and tops. That one lone camisole still hangs haphazardly from a hanger and I still wonder about its owner.


    ¡°Yeah. I can¡¯t put off going to New York any longer. I leave in the morning.¡±


    I nod, wondering if he¡¯ll ask me to go along, but he doesn¡¯t.


    ¡°It¡¯s just one night,¡± he says, reading my mind. ¡°And I¡¯ve asked Pace toe over and check on you.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± I murmur. An entire day and night without the promise of hanging out with Colton to look forward to? I¡¯ll go stir crazy in this big house all alone, even with Pace stopping by. A n takes shape in my brain. ¡°I think I¡¯ll call Marta for a girls night.¡± I saunter away, leaving Colton in his closet staring after me with his mouth hanging open.


    ***


    ¡°Are you a candle? Because I want to blow you.¡± I purse my lips and blow. Marta chokes on her wine, sputtering loudly.


    We¡¯re drunk and practicing pick-up lines to use on guys. After our second bottle of wine, the conversation took a turn for the dirty ¨C beginning with Martaining about herck of sex life.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯ve got one!¡± She rises to her unsteady feet and thrusts out her chest.  ¡°If I told you I worked for the post office, would you let me touch your package?¡±


    I burst into a fit of giggles. She¡¯s smiling so big, I don¡¯t want to tell her it¡¯s the worst pick up line ever. ¡°It could work.¡± I nod.


    She plops down on the couch beside me and grabs the bottle to pour herself more wine. Quirking an eyebrow my way, she thrusts the bottle at me. ¡°Want some?¡±


    Peering down into my half-full ss, I shake my head. I better pace myself. It¡¯s only eight o¡¯clock and I¡¯m decidedly buzzed.


    ¡°Seriously, why is it so hard to meet men in Los Angeles?¡± sheins, tucking her legs underneath her.


    I shrug. ¡°You¡¯re gorgeous, you can¡¯t seriously have problems meeting a guy.¡±


    Her gaze locks onto mine. ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°What about me?¡±


    ¡°You and Colton. What¡¯s the real story?¡± She wiggles her eyebrows.


    I chuckle nervously. ¡°Nothing. No story.¡± My heart beat kicks up at the mere mention of his name.


    She rolls her eyes. ¡°Liar. Are you guys, like together?¡±


    I shake my head. I don¡¯t think so. I don¡¯t know how to ssify us. Our precarious start has led to something more, only I have no idea what. On my end, real feelings are developing. He¡¯s driven, generous, utterly sexy and considerate. Of course I¡¯m falling for him. But his own feelings remain tightly locked away. For all I know, he could be seeing someone else on the side. Although, I don¡¯t know when he¡¯d have the time. In between work, working out and me, he doesn¡¯t have any free time.


    Her eyes are still on me, weighing my reaction. ¡°There¡¯s not much to tell. Honestly, I have no idea how he feels about me.¡±


    ¡°Have you slept with him?¡± she asks, her voice dropping lower.


    Have you? I want to ask.


    ¡°No,¡± I admit.


    She bites her lip. ¡°Hmm. That¡¯s interesting.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    I want to ask her what¡¯s so interesting about it, but instead I decide to pour myself more wine after all. The doorbell chimes and Marta hops up from her perch on the sofa.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it!¡±


    Momentster, Marta strolls back into the den with Pace trailing behind her. ¡°Look who I found.¡±


    I¡¯d forgotten that Colton said he¡¯d send Pace over to check on me. Pace eyes the coffee table where the wine bottles signal exactly what we¡¯ve been up to.


    ¡°Join us?¡± I grin at him.


    He lifts two empty bottles from the table and shes me a naughty smirk. ¡°Trouble.¡±


    ¡°Who, us?¡± Marta bats her eyshes at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks though. I just came to check on youdies, make sure you¡¯re not getting into too much mischief while the boss is away.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re being good. We¡¯re just discussing why meeting a good man is so hard. Seriously, what¡¯s a girl gotta do to getid in this town?¡± Martains, taking another sip of wine.


    Amusement gleams in Pace¡¯s eyes and his lips curl into one of his delicious trademark smiles. ¡°Let me know if I can help.¡±


    Marta rolls her eyes. ¡°Colton would have your balls if you touched me and we both know it.¡±


    Pace¡¯s smile fades. ¡°True enough.¡±


    I wonder what that¡¯s all about, but my tummy grumbles, reminding me that we¡¯d foregone dinner in favor of alcohol. I head to the kitchen, grabbing handfuls of crackers and pretzels and munching on them as I head back to the den where Pace and Marta are speaking in low, hushed tones. I sense the mood of the evening has shifted, only I have no idea why.


    ¡°He¡¯s an asshole if he keeps this from her,¡± Marta says.


    ¡°He¡¯s trying to figure it out, so we need to cut him some ck and let him do this his way,¡± Pace reminds her, his voice firm.


    My crunching attracts their attention and the conversation immediately stops. ¡°Are you guys talking about Colton?¡± I ask, swallowing down a dry mouthful of crackers. It¡¯s obvious that they were, I just want to see if they¡¯ll be honest or try to lie to me.


    They exchange a silent look.


    I plop down on the sofa across from them, meeting Pace¡¯s concerned gaze. ¡°Why doesn¡¯t he like me?¡± The words fall from my mouth before I can filter them. Maybe I¡¯ve had more wine than I realized.


    ¡°I know he likes you,¡± Pace says, confidence seeping from his every word.


    ¡°How?¡± I blurt.


    ¡°Because he¡¯s finally dealing with shit he should have years ago.¡±


    ¡°Pace¡­¡± Marta warns.


    ¡°Rx. I¡¯m not going to spill the beans. Besides, you know I¡¯m right,¡± he says.


    I wish I hadn¡¯t drunk so much, I wish my head was clear enough to put together the puzzle pieces forming before me.


    ¡°Come on, we¡¯re going out. Operation mancandy is going into effect starting tonight ¨C for both of us,¡± Marta announces, hoping up from the couch. ¡°Pace you¡¯ll take us out clubbing, won¡¯t you?¡±


    He frowns but nods his head. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re safe.¡±


    I follow Marta upstairs to Colton¡¯s bedroom. She heads straight for the closet and begins picking out outfits for both of us. It¡¯s been a long, long time since I¡¯ve been out, but this is what people my age do, right?


    Marta changes into a denim mini skirt and halter top right in the closet. Knowing Pace is in the other room, sitting on the chaise, I¡¯ll take my ck shift dress to the bathroom to change. I haven¡¯t had that much wine.


    Marta saunters toward the bed and plops down. ¡°God, I¡¯d forgotten howfortable this bed is. Holy shit.¡± She snuggles into the pillows. ¡°It¡¯s like heaven threw up and this bed is the result.¡±


    I want to ask her when the hell she¡¯s been in his bed, but I don¡¯t. I might belong to him, but he¡¯s not mine. And I don¡¯t want to imagine anyone besides me in his bed. Needing to hide my warring emotions, I head into the bathroom to get ready.


    In the mirror, I see a girl with wide, curious blue eyes and her heart wide open. It¡¯s a dangerousbination. Falling for the man who bought me was never part of the deal. Could I be any more na?ve? He hasn¡¯t even slept with me yet, and already my feelings are running way too deep. A tiny thought pushes into my brain. Maybe he hasn¡¯t slept with you yet because he actually likes you.


    Unwilling to let myself get carried away with the thought, I change into the dress, leaving my clothes in a heap on the bathroom floor, then fluff my t brown hair in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed pink from the wine, but my lips look pale inparison. I wonder if Marta has some lip gloss I can borrow.


    ¡°Marta?¡± I exit the bathroom only to find her stretched out across the bed sound asleep.


    Pace looks up at me from the chaise. ¡°I think she¡¯s out for the night.¡±


    Marta lets out a soft snore and curls onto her side.


    I shrug. ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± I¡¯d be just as happy changing into pjs and curling up with the TV remote.


    ¡°Thanks foring tonight,¡± I say to Pace.


    ¡°Not a problem.¡± He rises to his feet. ¡°The truth is, I wanted toe over and check on you. I was getting worried about you. Colton keeps you locked away like some sex ve.¡±


    My cheeks go bright red, but I force augh from my lips. Pace doesn¡¯t know ¨C he couldn¡¯t possibly, I remind myself. ¡°I¡¯m doing good. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    ¡°He likes you, you know.¡±


    I nod. I want to believe that. It¡¯s crazy how much I can miss him. The house is too big and feels lifeless and empty without his presence.


    I move to walk Pace out, but he stops me.


    ¡°I can lock up.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Just before he reaches the bedroom door, he turns back to face me. ¡°Just so you know, he would never cheat. He falls hard, gives people way too many chances and is kind and generous to a fault. Be careful with him.¡±


    I strip out of the dress with Pace¡¯s strange warning still ringing in my ears. I throw on one of Colton¡¯s t-shirts. Now that I¡¯ve grown used to sleeping with him, with his warm arms around me, tonight I¡¯ll have to settle for his scent.


    Luckily the bed is big enough that I hardly notice Marta curled up on the opposite end.


    I¡¯m drifting off to sleep when my cell phone pings, informing me of a new text.


    Colton: Are you awake?


    My mouth curls into a happy grin and I hit call rather than reply to his text, eager to hear his deep, rumbly voice. I burrow myself under the covers so as not to wake Marta.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hi,¡± I return.


    ¡°Hi, sweetness. How was your girl¡¯s night?¡±


    Hearing the nickname reserved just for me and his gruff voice soothes me more than I could have imagined. I look over at Marta¡¯s sleeping form in the bed next to me. ¡°It was fun. How is¡­everything going there?¡±


    ¡°Eh. It¡¯s to be expected, but I hope to have all this figured out soon so I can put it behind me.¡±


    I hate the not knowing. ¡°Will you tell me¡­¡±


    ¡°Not yet. Just trust me, okay?¡±


    I nod, before realizing he can¡¯t see me. ¡°Okay.¡± The crazy thing is, I do trust him. So far, he¡¯s given me no reason not to. ¡°Will you be home tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°I have to stay another day,¡± he says, his voice somber.


    Oh. Tomorrow is Sunday. What business could he possibly have on Sunday? ¡°Is it work or personal?¡±


    ¡°Sophie¡­¡± He lets out a soft groan. ¡°I wish I could exin it all to you, but I don¡¯t want you to hate me.¡±


    ¡°I could never hate you.¡±


    ¡°You promise?¡±


    I yawn, unable to hold it in a second longer. ¡°Uh huh.¡±


    He chuckles, sending little vibrating tingles all through me. ¡°Get some sleep, sweet girl. I¡¯ll see you on Monday.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± I nestle into the pillow, hating that I have to wait another day to feel his strong arms around me.

 Chapter 26

    Colton


    The trip was aplete bust. I¡¯d wasted thest several years of my life on someone who I now realize was never worth my time, and one weekend in her presence hadn¡¯t fixed a damn thing. I don¡¯t know why I¡¯d thought it would.


    With a woman like Sophie in my life ¨C someone so kind, generous and pure ¨C it had opened my eyes to something more. What I¡¯d had with Ste had never been the deep, soul-catching connection I was looking for. But something told me I might have finally found what I¡¯d been seeking in Sophie. She¡¯d auctioned off her virtue to save her sister¡¯s life. Who does that? She¡¯s special and amazing in so many ways. And now I¡¯m eager to get home to her.


    I wonder, despite the strange master/ve start to our rtionship if we have any shot at something real.


    When my ne finally touches down at the hanger, I strap my leather duffle bag to my bike and take off like a bullet. The only thing on my mind is clearing my thoughts of my disastrous weekend and getting Sophie¡¯s warm, pliant body in my hands.


    As my bike roars down the Pacific Coast Highway, the desire to see Sophie and to be near her rages through me. I could never have imagined that spending two nights alone after spending so many with her snuggled warmly beside me would have affected me so profoundly. But I know that it has. My brothers would say I¡¯m going soft ¨C and they¡¯d be right ¨C but I don¡¯t care.


    Tearing through the mudroom, I check the kitchen and den in search of her. Finding the downstairs empty of everyone except the household staff, I take the stairs two at a time and haul ass to my bedroom, deciding it¡¯s the best possible ce I could find her anyway.


    Empty.


    Same with the master bath. She¡¯s not here.


    I call Kylie who confirms she¡¯s not working today.


    What the fuck?N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I try Marta next. No answer. Has everyone just dropped off the face of the today?


    Unable to temper the anxiety coursing through my veins, I change into a pair of trunks and decide to swimps and burn off this excess energy while I wait for her to get home.


    I run into Beth on my way to the pool who confirms no one¡¯s seen Sophie.


    Seventy-twopster my body¡¯s tired, but my mind races on. I climb from the pool, leaving a soaking wet trail and copse onto a lounge chair to wait. She has toe home sometime, right? Unless she already found out and she¡­ No. She¡¯d give me a chance to exin at least. I have to believe that.


    When I open my eyes sometimeter, Sophie¡¯s standing over me, her long hair falling like a wave onto my chest.


    ¡°Colton? Wake up. You¡¯re going to burn out here.¡±


    I blink several times, the harsh afternoon sunlight causing spots to dance in my eyes.

 Chapter 27

    Sophie


    Colton stares up at me, blinking to clear his vision. His shorts are wet and his skin is developing a golden hue. I hadn¡¯t expected him home in the middle of the day, figuring once he flew in from New York, he¡¯d head to the office. But instead, he¡¯de straight home. It causes something to pinch in my chest. I want to leap into his arms, but he¡¯s still staring up at me and his mouth is tugged down into a frown.


    He looks like he¡¯s been through hell and back. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I ask.


    He sits up and scrubs a hand across his face. ¡°Where were you?¡±


    ¡°I went shopping with Marta.¡± I point to the shopping bags I set down beside the ss patio doors.


    He rises and knots the towel around his waist before stomping away.


    ¡°Colton?¡± I follow him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Was your trip okay?¡± Considering he¡¯s told me absolutely nothing, the question feels fake. I hate it.


    ¡°It was fine.¡±


    His back is to me and I ce a hand against his shoulder, gently kneading the tense muscle. ¡°Are you mad I wasn¡¯t here?¡±


    ¡°I likeing home to you.¡± He shrugs.


    I walk around him, so I can face him eye to eye. ¡°You missed me.¡±


    ¡°No. The house was too quiet. Empty.¡±


    ¡°The housekeepers are here. You missed me.¡±


    ¡°Can we not discuss this?¡± His voice is firm, but his gaze is imploring and soft. Thebination causes me to melt just a little.


    I suppress a smile. Knowing he missed me just as much as I missed him makes me feel giddy. ¡°I¡¯m home now.¡± I link my fingers with his and his mouth rxes into one of the smiles I¡¯ming to love seeing on him. ¡°So what do you want to do now that you¡¯re back?¡±


    His hands curl around my waist and he tugs me close. ¡°Come swim with me.¡±


    My answering smile lights up my entire face. He¡¯s so light and carefree ¨C I decide I like him skipping work on a Monday. ¡°Pool party it is. I just need to change into my bikini.¡±


    His mouth tugs up in a wicked grin. ¡°No bikini necessary. There¡¯s no one around.¡± He nces toward the towering green shrubs that create a virtual wall around his estate, caging it in privacy. But he¡¯s forgetting the household staff is here and the floor-to-ceiling windows mean they have a direct line of sight to the pool.


    I open my mouth to protest when Colton¡¯s hands skate up the sides of my thighs, lifting my sundress to expose my ck g-string panties and matching pushup bra.


    He tosses the dress to a nearby chair. ¡°Oops.¡±


    When he tugs me close, naked sun-warmed skin caresses mine and my eyes slide closed.


    Feeling bold, I reach back and unsp my bra, letting it drop away just as I feel Colton¡¯s fingers twist into the sides of my panties. He rubs his thumbs over my hip bones and slides his hands lower, pushing my panties down my legs and sending them drifting to my feet.


    Being nude in the bright daylight should make me feel self-conscious, but the dark, hungry way Colton is watching me makes me feel beautiful and special. His hands skate up my sides, sending little chill bumps over my skin despite the heat outside.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you wet,¡± he whispers.


    Taking my hand, Colton leads me to the shallow end of the infinity pool and we wade in together, hand in hand. The water¡¯s so warm and perfect, there¡¯s no adjustment necessary as it envelopes my ankles, calves and then thighs. Though my bikini doesn¡¯t cover much, swimming naked is apletely different experience. The water licks at my skin and the resulting feeling is freeing and serene. Once we¡¯re submerged up to Colton¡¯s chest and my shoulders, he cages me in against the side of the pool and leans in to kiss me.


    His mouth moves urgently against mine like he¡¯s chasing after something that he¡¯s desperate to reim something between us. I push up on my toes and wrap my arms around his neck, running my fingers through his hair.


    I¡¯ming to realize I¡¯m more than just a casual fuck to Colton. And I like that he¡¯s taken his time, gotten to know me, earned my trust before things progressed to a point of no return, despite the wait being maddening.  Somewhere along the way, I¡¯ve be addicted to the warmth he instills deep inside me, and I want more.


    As hard as it is, I break our kiss, resting my forehead against his. ¡°You haven¡¯t fucked me. Are you sleeping with someone else?¡± My voice is a weak whisper. But I have to know before I give myself to him. I¡¯ve fallen for himpletely and the knowledge that this isn¡¯t exclusive would kill me.


    His determined gaze meets mine. ¡°No. There¡¯s been no one else.¡± He kisses my lips chastely. ¡°I haven¡¯t fucked anyone in two years.¡±


    I let out an audible gasp. Two years? Why? ¡°Vow of celibacy?¡± I joke.


    ¡°Something like that.¡± His expression is somber and his jaw clenches, like he wants to say more, but doesn¡¯t.


    ¡°We could fix that¡­¡± The words linger in the humid air between us and our eyes remained locked together.


    I scissor my legs around his waist and his hands move down to my ass, holding me as though I¡¯m weightless in the water. I can feel his erection through his swim shorts and I grind against him, producing a grunt of satisfaction that murmurs deep in his throat.


    He presses his hips forward, rocking slightly, the pressure against my clit maddening. In just a few short weeks, I¡¯ve be addicted to his touch.


    ¡°Is that what you want, sweetness? My cock buried inside your hot little cunt?¡±


    The friction is incredible and my eyes slip closed. ¡°Y-yes,¡± I admit.


    Colton¡¯s fingers find my bare center and he lightly strokes me, one finger sliding against my silken heat, teasing, testing, as he moves. He circles my clit without putting direct contact there. I whimper in frustration and Colton nips at my lower lip, drawing it into his mouth and sucking.


    ¡°I want to taste you. I want to fuck you with my mouth and my fingers first. I want to make sure you¡¯re ready to handle me.¡± He presses his cock into my center and buries his face in my neck. I love that I can feel how badly he wants me.


    The need to be closer is an all-consuming desire and I wind my legs tighter around his waist as if to draw him nearer. Just the thought of how easily he¡¯ll glide into me in the warm water has me wet and ready.


    With my arms nted on his shoulders, I rock against him, loving the feel of his rigid cock brushing my center and the tiny grunts he releases as he kisses my lips.


    I uncross my legs from around his waist, my bare feeting to a rest on the pool floor and I begin ucing the string holding his swim trunks closed. Colton watches my hands work beneath the water. His tanned torso glistening with water is too inviting. I want to lick each droplet from his abs, but my goal at the moment is to have his beautiful cock in my hands.


    My heart pounds unevenly as I realize this is finally it. He¡¯s not stopping me.


    Realizing something other than me has captured his attention, I follow his gaze to the ss door leading into the house. Beth is standing in the open doorway looking at us.


    Geez, awkward much?


    ¡°Mr. Drake¡­¡± she starts.


    ¡°Some privacy, please?¡± he growls shooting her an icy re.


    ¡°But sir¡­¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± he barks, but Beth doesn¡¯t retreat.


    What the hell is going on?Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Mr. Drake, your wife is here,¡± she says.


    Spots dance in my vision and I sway, unsteady on my feet. A woman steps out behind Beth ¨C tall, and regal with locks of red hair cascading down onto her shoulders and the iciest re pointed directly at me.

 Chapter 28

    Colton


    I lock eyes with Ste and my erection instantly fades. She steps out onto the patio surrounding the pool andes to an abrupt halt, realizing I¡¯m not alone. She looks older, harsher in the broad daylight ¨C little lines crinkle around her eyes and her mouth puckers in a frown.


    Her gaze collides with Sophie and I have the sudden urge to shield Sophie¡¯s body from Ste¡¯s cruel perusal ¨C like her gaze alone will damage my sweet, pure Sophie. I nce to Sophie, who¡¯s naked, pale and trembling.


    ¡°Well, now I see what¡¯s been keeping you so busy,¡± Ste says, her voice devoid of any emotion.


    Sophie steps back away from me, the loss of her touch unwee and unwanted. ¡°C-Colton?¡± Her shaky voice is a weak whisper.


    I don¡¯t respond. I can¡¯t. All I can do it stare into the sweetest pair of blue eyes I¡¯ve ever seen and pray to God she¡¯ll let me exin.


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s married, sweetheart, so I suggest you get your naked behind out of my pool before I call the police,¡± Ste says, cing one manicured hand against her hip.


    A single tear rolls down Sophie¡¯s cheek as she moves further away from me and climbs from the pool, nude and shaking like a leaf.


    My newly mended heart shatters into a million tiny pieces as everything I thought I¡¯d gained in thest several weeks is lost again.


    ¡°Soph¡­¡± I hoist myself up over the edge of the pool and reach for her, but she jogs for the ss doors, bypassing the towels in her hurry to get away from Ste.


    Fuck.


    The ache in my chest intensifies. Ste¡¯s voice cuts through the dark thoughts swirling in my head. I can¡¯t lose Sophie. There¡¯s more happening between us than what either of us ever expected.


    I¡¯ve fallen in love with her.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Just as the thought rushes through me, I know I may have lost her already.

 Chapter 29 Sophie

    Sophie


    ¡°Are you going to tell me where the money came from?¡± Ba looks at me expectantly over the rim of her third ss of Chardonnay.


    ¡°Colton,¡± my liquor-loosened tongue reveals before I can filter it. ¡°He and I had a kind of arrangement.¡±


    ¡°How did you meet him?¡± Ba asks, her gaze inquisitive.


    ¡°Next question.¡± I might be several drinks past drunk but there¡¯s no way I¡¯m telling her about the auction. I needed to maintain some dignity in this shameful situation.


    Her eyes never stray from mine as she takes another contemtive sip. We¡¯re sitting at a tiny bar in the lobby of our hotel. When I¡¯d found out about Colton¡¯s marital status, I¡¯d fled for home, broken hearted and destroyed. Ba convinced me we needed a girl¡¯s weekend away. I¡¯d done one better and flew us to Rome on a whim. So here we sit, halfway around the world and all we can think to discuss is the exact topic that sent me running in the first ce. Awesome. I take another healthy swig of my beverage. God, don¡¯t they have anything stronger than wine in this country?


    ¡°What kind of arrangement can you make with a man where he just gives you half a million dors, Soph?¡± Her tone is usatory. Good thing she doesn¡¯t know about the rest of the money, which is tucked inside my own bank ount. I know my family has a lot of questions about where the money for Ba¡¯s treatment came from, and so far, I haven¡¯t said a word. Until now. Her eyes grow wide and she ps a hand over her mouth. ¡°Oh my God, were you like, his sex ve?¡± She giggles.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    My cheeks burn brightly, but I shake my head. ¡°You¡¯d have to actually have sex for that to be the case, I¡¯d think¡­¡±


    She¡¯s still giggling, so I know she has no idea she¡¯s hit the nail on the head. Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about the money, Ba. It¡¯s not important. Colton was willing to provide it, and I don¡¯t regret anything because it helped you get better. Please just let it go,¡± I plead with her to let it drop.  Her health is cooperating for once and I want to enjoy this trip ¨C just us. I don¡¯t want to even think about the name Colton Drake. It¡¯s much too painful.


    ¡°If he¡¯s as hot as you¡¯ve said he is, I would have had a hard time not ripping his clothes off and jumping him. Oops, I¡¯m sorry, my vagina identallynded on your penis.¡±


    I crack a smile at her change in topic. Of course it¡¯s about sex. Ba¡¯s not a virgin and she¡¯s much more forward about sex than I am. You¡¯d think it¡¯d be the opposite, but somehow, I¡¯m the cautious one, whereas being sick from a young age taught her to grab life by the balls and live it to the fullest. I envy her in that.


    Her first sexual experience was with a boy in the cancer treatment center. He was seventeen and she was just fifteen at the time. She¡¯d told me every single detail, a proud gleam in her eye. It was inspiring how she let nothing stand in her way. I¡¯d summoned her inner strength the night I stood on that auction block waiting to be sold.


    ¡°Soph?¡± she asks, drawing me back from my faraway thoughts. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I miss him,¡± I admit softly. ¡°That¡¯s crazy, right?¡±


    ¡°Not crazy. That¡¯s normal when you break up with someone, from what I hear.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t break up with him. He wasn¡¯t my boyfriend. He¡¯s married, remember?¡± I¡¯d told Ba nearly everything ¨C about me living with him, us growing closer, and about being naked in the pool when his wife arrived home one afternoon. Of course Colton tried to stop me, all but tackling me in the hallway of his mansion that suddenly felt cold and foreign to me. I waited for him to try and deny it, to exin it all to me, but sadly, it was all true. Ste was his wife. He¡¯d been married the entire time.


    ¡°Technically. But I still think you need the rest of the story. Obviously his wife wasn¡¯t living there. How long have they been separated?¡±


    I shrug. ¡°He hasn¡¯t had sex in two years.¡± Unless he was lying about that too. I don¡¯t know what to believe anymore.


    ¡°Damn, that¡¯s quite a dry spell. And if he¡¯s as hot as you¡¯ve said he is¡­it¡¯s not like he didn¡¯t have offers, right?¡±


    I was one of those offering. I blush, realizing I¡¯d practically put my vagina on a silver tter for him and he repeatedly turned it down. It¡¯s enough to give a girl low self-esteem.


    ¡°Listen, it¡¯s okay to miss him. It¡¯s okay to feel confused.¡± She reaches across the space between us and grabs my hand. Despite being six minutes younger than me, Ba has always been wise beyond her years. Her advice is thoughtful and spot on. She downs thest of her wine. ¡°But we¡¯re in frickin Rome for a once in a lifetime girls trip, so there will be no moping allowed. We¡¯re going to have fun.¡±

 Chapter 30 Sophie

    Yay, fun. My heart feels like it¡¯s been fed through a paper shredder. I nod and force a smile onto my face. Ba¡¯s right. This really could be a once in a lifetime trip for me and her. Who knows what the future holds. I can¡¯t waste time feeling sorry for myself. Of course that¡¯s easier said than done.


    I miss Colton¡¯s bed, his scent, the feel of his rough stubble against my cheek when we kissed. I miss everything about him. Just as we¡¯d started to grow close, everything I¡¯de to love was ripped away from me, leaving a gaping hole in my chest.


    Forcing the thoughts of him from my mind, I throw back the rest of my wine and nce at the charming ambience of the bar around us, hoping this trip will be the distraction I need.


    ***


    The next morning, the knock on our hotel room door surprises us both. Ba and I exchange a look. She shrugs while I move across the room to answer it. At least we¡¯re both dressed.


    Once the door opens, I stumble back, looking up into dark, intense eyes framed in heavyshes that I¡¯d recognize anywhere.


    ¡°Colt¡­¡± I murmur, utterly shocked to see him here in Italy.


    ¡°Soph¡­¡± he returns, his voice gravelly.


    ¡°W-What are you doing here?¡± I¡¯m breathless and I don¡¯t know why.


    ¡°You,¡± he says simply, his eyes burning on mine.


    Everything I¡¯ve tried to forget ms into me at once. His deep blue eyes that are hungry and seeking. His masculine jawline, his height, and even his scent evoke a sense of deja-vu. I remember everything in perfect detail, including the wicked pleasure he gave my body. I suppress a warm shiver.


    ¡°Hi cupcake,¡± Pace says, grinning at me from behind Colton.


    What in the world? Remembering my manners, I reluctantly let my gaze wander from Colton to greet Pace and I introduce him to Ba. Utterly at a loss for what they¡¯re both doing here, I step aside to let them in.


    Ba¡¯s wide smile as she shakes Pace¡¯s hand reminds me of the affect meeting him for the first time can have on a girl. Her cheeks are rosy and her eyes are alight with mischief. Oh, this isn¡¯t good.


    ¡°And this must be the infamous Colton Drake,¡± she says, locking eyes with Colton next.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Watching my sister as she appraises Colton¡¯s perfect form from head to toe, my chest gets tight and I feel tears sting my eyes. Then my anger starts to rise, remembering his betrayal. But I¡¯m in such a state of shock, that it takes me a moment to get my mouth working. ¡°Ignore him. He¡¯s leaving,¡± I say, remembering that he and I are through.


    ¡°Awe, don¡¯t be like that,¡± Pace says. ¡°We just spent ten hours flying coach toe see you. The least you can do is invite us in, and let me flirt with your sister.¡± His lopsided smile is back and I swear, I practically see Ba¡¯s knees buckle.


    ¡°You flew coach for me?¡± I blurt without thinking.


    ¡°It was the only option. The jet wasn¡¯t avable. I wanted the next flight out and first ss was full,¡± Colton exins.


    I try to imagine these two men ¨C who are each well over six-feet tall folded into cramped airne seats for hours on end.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s love,¡± Pace remarks under his breath.


    ¡°This is where you¡¯re staying?¡± Colton peers around the tiny room, which takes all of three seconds.


    Splurging wasing on this trip in the first ce ¨C I wouldn¡¯t waste the precious money I had on first ss airfare or a fancy hotel room. Even though Ba had responded well to the treatment so far, there was no guarantee that she¡¯d stay healthy, or that she wouldn¡¯t need another round in a pricey treatment facility.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the room? Not up to your high standards?¡± I remark, crossing my arms in front of my chest.


    He frowns. ¡°Let me upgrade you. Take you somewhere proper,¡± Colton says, his dark eyes finding mine again.


    How dare he? He can¡¯t waltz in here, interrupt my vacation and then insult where I¡¯m staying. He doesn¡¯t control everything. The urge to push him from the room and m the door in his face is nearly overwhelming. I pull a deep breath into my lungs, just as he reads my uneasy expression and takes a step back.


    ¡°Never mind. As long as you¡¯refortable.¡± He eyes the bed linens like he¡¯s checking for bedbugs.


    Asshole.


    ¡°I am.¡± Or at least I was until he arrived out of the blue andpletely threw my emotions into a tailspin.


    Pace crosses the room, pulls out the small chair from the desk and plops down. His frame dwarfs everything in our tiny efficiency. He looks out of ce, but in a good way. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you had a sister. Sexy obviously runs in the family.¡± He throws a wink toward Ba.


    ¡°We¡¯re twins,¡± Ba informs him.


    We always looked a bit different, and now more than ever. With Ba¡¯s hair growing back in, it just reaches the tops of her shoulders and she wears it wavy and messy. My hair falls like a thick curtain down my back and is as straight as an arrow. She¡¯s also about fifteen pounds thinner than me. Chemo will do that to you.


    ¡°Mmm,¡± Pace growls, his eyes wandering between us. ¡°I¡¯ve always had a secret twin fantasy.¡± The hungry look in his eyes is enough to bring a woman to her knees. Ba stands zero chance against his charms.

 Chapter 31 Sophie

    Colton steps closer to my side, his fists tightening as he shoots an evil re toward Pace. ¡°Don¡¯t make me kill you as soon as we¡¯vended. It would really dampen the trip.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me confiscate your balls. Now go talk to your woman,¡± Pace challenges.


    I open my mouth to correct him. I am no one¡¯s woman, but my brain shes back to that fateful night when Colton purchased me from the auction. I epted the money¨Cand spent a good chunk of it. Does that mean I still belong to him despite finding out he¡¯s married?


    I cursed the stupid contract, I cursed the man himself for holding my heart captive. That was never part of the n.


    When I meet his eyes again, he looks lost, broken, and it tugs at something deep inside me. As much anger as I felt discovering that he¡¯d lied to me the entire time we were together, I still have feelings for him. I can¡¯t just turn them off. Despite his obvious shorings, he helped my sister, and he made me feel alive. He was everything I never knew I wanted.


    ¡°Can we go out into the hall and talk for a minute?¡± Colton asks, his voice whisper soft.


    ¡°Hear him out, kid. Do it for me,¡± Pace says, dimples out in full force, like he knows they¡¯re impossible to refuse. The jerk.


    I swallow and give an imperceptible nod before following him into the hall. He flew halfway around the world; the least I could do was listen to his exnation. Maybe it will give me some much needed closure. Maybe I can get the answers I need to move on and also figure out where we stand with respect to therge chunk of money exchanged between us. He never collected on his end of the bargain after all, I am still a virgin.


    Once we¡¯re out in the hall, Colton stands before me, looking directly into my eyes. ¡°So, that¡¯s Ba, huh?¡± He tips his head toward the door.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°She looks good ¨C healthy, I mean.¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I nod. ¡°Yeah, the treatment worked ¨C so far. She goes in for another round in two weeks, but with everything that¡¯s happened, it seemed like a good time to get away ¨C for both of us.¡± She and I have never done anything like this, but it was part of my n to start actually living.


    He nods. ¡°I see.¡±


    We¡¯re silent for several seconds and Colton¡¯s hand twitches like he wants to touch me, but he doesn¡¯t. Thank God.


    ¡°And would your running away to another country have anything to do with¡­Ste?¡±


    I flinch involuntarily. I hate that he¡¯s just said her name. It immediately conjures images of that day in the pool, when my whole little world shattered. In the country of Italy, her name should not exist.


    ¡°Will you tell me the story?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Anything you want to know.¡±


    ¡°Are you getting divorced?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s up for debate.¡±¡®


    ¡°Then I¡¯m leaving.¡± I turn for the door, my hand gripping the knob.


    ¡°No. Stay. Please hear me out,¡± Colton pleads, prying my fingers from the door handle.


    His hand on my skin sends a sh of heat through me at the memory of what those hands can do. He¡¯s still the only man who¡¯s made mee. I shudder as though the memory singes some part of me.


    I hear a wave of girlyughter behind the door. It warms me to hear Ba enjoying herself, and it grounds me in the moment.  Turning to face Colton again, I draw a deep, calming breath. ¡°Do you love her?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± His voice is sure, steady. ¡°I never loved her like I should have.¡±


    My shoulders rx just slightly. Even if my body wants to run, and my head is screaming at me to flee, my heart has grown attached to this man. And for better or worse, part of me needs to hear him out, to understand this messy situation I¡¯ve found myself in. Maybe if I can make sense of it, then I can move on.


    ¡°Please let me exin, that¡¯s all I¡¯m asking.¡± He raises his palms in a cating gesture.


    I¡¯ve never seen him look so devastated and broken. Dark circles line his eyes and he hasn¡¯t shaved in days. Even though I¡¯ve agreed to hear him out, a wave of nausea washes through me. Am I prepared to handle whatever he¡¯s about to tell me? I fasten one hand against the wall for support. ¡°I just need a minute¡­¡±


    He releases a heavy exhale and I swear what looks like regret washes over his features.  ¡°I will give you all the time you need, sweetness,¡± he whispers.


    The nickname against his lips presses like a weight onto my chest. My heart feels heavy, thudding dully against my ribcage.


    Another fit of Ba¡¯s giggles greet us from behind the door.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably trying to de-pants her,¡± Colton says.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯d mind much.¡±


    ¡°Should we check on our siblings while we¡¯re giving you a minute?¡±


    I nod. We might as well. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to hear the entire sordid tale about how the man I was falling for is married and by the sounds of it, not necessarily nning to divorce. A stiff drink might help ease some of this ache in my chest too.


    Back inside the cramped hotel room, Ba and Pace are standing near the open windows, deep in conversation. I¡¯ve never seen her look so happy and chipper. She¡¯s openly flirting and preening like a peacock, twirling a lock of hair around her finger and smiling up at him brightly. Our vacation is about to get a lot more interesting.


    Realizing we¡¯re back in the room, Ba turns to me. ¡°Soph, did you know Pace spent a semester studying here in Rome? He¡¯s going to take me sightseeing ¨C show me all the best spots that aren¡¯t in those travel guides we bought.¡±


    So much for kicking Pace and Colton out. This was supposed to be a girl¡¯s trip, but I won¡¯t deny Ba anything, and I can tell she¡¯d love to spend more time in Pace¡¯spany. It¡¯s that damn crooked grin and dimple of his that just beg you toe out and y.


    ¡°How did you know where I was?¡± I ask Colton.


    ¡°Kylie,¡± he confirms.


    I¡¯d started working with Kylie at Colton¡¯s charity organization a few days a week and it didn¡¯t feel right to leave her hanging. And while I¡¯d only intended to tell her that I would be out of town for a while, she somehow got me to spill the beans about my trip to Rome.


    ¡°When did you get here?¡± he asks.


    ¡°Last night.¡± It¡¯s almost noon, but with the jeg and the wine we consumedst night, Ba and I haven¡¯t unpacked a thing. It¡¯s actually a small miracle we¡¯re up and showered.


    ¡°I assume you haven¡¯t had lunch yet. Let¡¯s get you something to eat and I¡¯ll exin everything.¡± He turns to my sister who is for some reason squeezing Pace¡¯s bicep while he grins adoringly down at her. ¡°Pace, Ba, how about a quick bite to eat before you start your sightseeing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m game,¡± Pace says.


    ¡°Me too,¡± Ba chimes in, grabbing her purse.


    I want to sulk and stomp my feet and refuse to go, but denying myself food seems like a childish way to punish him. ¡°There¡¯s room service.¡± I nod toward the menu sitting on top of the dresser.


    ¡°No way we¡¯re sitting inside the room all day, Soph,¡± Ba encourages. ¡°Come on, it¡¯s just lunch.¡±


    I shoot her a scowl. Traitor. I make a mental note to not be so nice to her. Like saving her some hot water for her shower this morning¨Cthat was a one-time deal. She might think she¡¯s helping by interfering with me and Colt, but she¡¯s not.


    I gather up my belongings, my purse, sunsses and the Euros I changed over before we left the airport, and follow the group to the elevator. This should be interesting.

 Chapter 32 Sophie

    Sophie


    The sidewalk caf¨¦ is beautiful and understated. ck wrought iron tables and chairs with fluffy wine-colored cushions, and ivy growing along a little trellis that separates the street from the sidewalk caf¨¦plete the space. It¡¯s sunny and clear with blue skies overhead, but not too warm, and I find it hard to hold onto my sour mood.


    Colton suggests a white wine from a local vineyard and when it arrives, I¡¯ve never tasted anything quite so light, crisp and refreshing. His impable taste is just one more thing that¡¯s easy to love about him. But I can¡¯t go there. Won¡¯t. My body has already betrayed me by springing to life when he¡¯s near, like when he helped me into my chair and his hand brushed against my lower back. It left my skin tingling. And when he slid out the chair across from me, his tall,manding presence caused a little flutter in my chest. I need to keep myself in check.


    His eyes roam over my exposed skin¨Cmy bare shoulders peeking from the tank top¨Cand my chest and neck flush with heat.


    I¡¯m d our siblings are picking up the ck when ites to making conversation, because Colton and I remainpletely silent. Small talk doesn¡¯t seem to fit my mood and I¡¯d have no idea what to say regardless. They chatter away without a care in the world while Colton and I exchange serious looks.


    ¡°So how long are you guys here?¡± Ba asks.


    ¡°Depends,¡± Pace says.


    ¡°On?¡± I challenge. As far as I¡¯m concerned, Colton has made his point, showing up here in some masculine disy to im his property. He can piss off now, thank you very much.


    Colton¡¯s sad eyes slide over to mine. ¡°I want a chance,¡± he says, his voice dark.


    A chance to exin, or a chance with me? I¡¯m thankful for therge wraparound sunsses that shield my eyes from his.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what she gave you all those weeks in LA?¡± Ba asks,ing to my rescue.


    Thank you, God. The sane and feisty sister I know and love is back. I look over at Ba,municating my gratitude without needing to speak.


    Colton watches the interaction happening between me and Ba, no doubt wondering what I¡¯ve told her about my time in Los Angeles. I hope he knows me well enough to know I¡¯d never divulge our secret.


    ¡°I fucked up. It was wrong not to tell you¡­¡± Colton¡¯s voice is thick with emotion, unlike I¡¯ve ever heard him before.


    ¡°Ste is a mega-beast who¡­¡± Pace starts.


    Colton holds up one hand, silencing his brother. ¡°No, Pace. This is my mess. I will fix it.¡±


    I have no idea why, but the sudden urge to ease his pain and anguish res up inside me. ¡°I¡¯m here aren¡¯t I?¡± I say, meeting Colton¡¯s eyes. Of course, I¡¯m not brave enough to remove the cover of my sunsses, but still.


    His sad look dissipates ever so slightly.


    An hourter, we¡¯re on our second bottle of wine before the waitress even thinks to bring the lunch menu. I realize that Colton¡¯s suggestion of grabbing a quick bite to eat is quickly turning into an all afternoon affair. The pace of this country¡¯s meal times are nothing like the US.


    ¡°Let¡¯s order some lunch, shall we?¡± Pace, asks, handing me a menu printed entirely in Italian.


    Our food is finally delivered, and while we eat Ba opens up about her treatment. I can¡¯t help but notice Colton leans forward on his elbows to absorb every word. He knows the hefty price tag for the treatment was made possible by his generous winning bid. And maybe it¡¯s the charitable side to him, but I can see in his reverent expression that something inside of him feels proud to have helped.


    When Ba probes Colton about his work, he makes some offhand remark about investment banking and thenunches into a detailed discussion about his charity foundation. They¡¯re close to fulfilling their mission in Africa. The new school he¡¯s built will have their grand opening soon.


    Ba is in awe listening to him ¨C clearly he¡¯s a great catch who just got even better in her eyes.


    ¡°Sophie¡¯s work is missed. She was a big help those weeks spent getting Kylie caught up.¡± He reaches for my hand and I move it under the table.


    Though the conversation buzzes around me, I can barely keep up. My head is filled with questions about Colton¡¯s marriage to a woman he admittedly doesn¡¯t love. Why did he marry her? Where has she been while I¡¯ve been sleeping in their bed? My entire rtionship with him now feels tainted.


    Despite our precarious start to things, I¡¯d started to believe that he¡¯d been brought into my life for a reason. Sent to me like a guardian angel to heal Ba and awaken me sexually. I¡¯d spent two months living with him, growing close, falling for him.


    I wonder now more than ever about why he never slept with me. Was it because he didn¡¯t want to be unfaithful to his wife?


    ¡°Sophie?¡± Colton¡¯s voice cuts through the one in my head. ¡°More wine?¡±


    I shake my head. ¡°I¡¯d rather just get going back to the hotel.¡±


    He checks his watch and frowns. ¡°Okay. That should be all right.¡±


    We finish our lunch of insta, warm bread, white wine and several bottles of sparkling water. After Colton pays for the meal, Pace and Ba rise from the table, looking slightly tipsy and eager to set off on their exploration.


    Colton and I walk side by side in silence all the way back to the hotel. But there are so many new sights, sounds and smells to take in, that I hardly notice the stiff ufortable silence that¡¯s settled between us. Just navigating the uneven cobblestone streets in my strappy sandals takes extra concentration.


    When we reach the hotel, Colt opens the door and ushers me through, his warm palm once again settling against my spine and leaving a rush of tingles in its wake.


    A young man dressed in a hotel uniform stops us in the lobby.


    ¡°A new key for you, Miss.¡± His Italian ent caresses the words, making them sound much sexier than they are.


    ¡°I have a key.¡± I hold it up.


    ¡°Yes, but for your new suite. Floor seventeen.¡± He folds the key card in my hand while simultaneously removing the old one.


    I recall Colton stopping to talk in hushed voices with the concierge before we left the hotel. Is this his doing?


    He raises an eyebrow and shrugs. ¡°I just wanted you to befortable.¡±


    I bite my tongue to avoid pointing out that I¡¯d been morefortable before he appeared and started interfering, but deep down inside, I know he¡¯s just trying to be nice, as annoying as it might be. He can¡¯t win me back with thoughtful gestures and sweet remarks. Call me crazy, but I have a rule about dating man who are married: I don¡¯t.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have,¡± I bite out and turn for the elevator, punching the button repeatedly with my thumb. I notice Colton waiting beside me and I give him a pointed stare. ¡°I guess you can wait in the lobby for Ba and Pace¡¯s sightseeing date to end.¡±


    ¡°You promised me we could talk,¡± he says, his tone making clear his displeasure.


    Yes, but that was before the wine and the possessive stares he treated me to all during lunch. I don¡¯t trust myself alone in a room with him right now. ¡°I don¡¯t think being alone in a hotel room with a married man is proper.¡±


    He releases a low growl of frustration just as the elevator doors open and drags me inside.


    Warning bells are going off inside my head. I¡¯m about to be alone with a man who still holds power over my heart despite his unavable rtionship status.


    Be strong, Sophie.

 Chapter 33 Colton

    Colton


    Pinning Sophie to the wall of the elevator, my hands clench into fists above her head. It¡¯s taking every ounce of self-control I have not to push my hips into hers and im her mouth. I know I¡¯ve lost the right, but my body refuses to understand that.


    I can see her pulse thrumming in her neck as I bend down near her ear. ¡°Don¡¯t push me right now. My emotions are all over the fucking ce ¨C something very new for me, I can assure you.¡±


    She shoves both hands against my chest, pushing me back several paces. ¡°Oh, your emotions are all over the ce? Try putting yourself in my shoes.¡± Her voice rises frantically. ¡°I was buck-naked in your goddamn pool trying to seduce you when your wife showed up.¡± The word wife is spat from her mouth like a sour bomb.


    ¡°You ran out on me before I had the chance to exin. You wouldn¡¯t answer my calls and now I¡¯ve flown six thousand miles just to set the record straight with you.¡± I take a deep breath and straighten my posture. Arguing with her won¡¯t get me anywhere. Of course she has a right to be mad. ¡°Listen, Soph. I needed to see you. I¡¯ming upstairs to talk to you.¡±


    After an intense standoff her gaze falls to the floor as she realizes further negotiation will be pointless. ¡°What floor am I on?¡±


    ¡°Top floor,¡± I answer. The best suite they have. Obviously.


    Realizing we¡¯re just standing in the stationary elevator that hasn¡¯t yet moved from the ground level, she gingerly reaches out and presses the button. My mouth lifts up in a smile. Progress.


    Per my instructions, Sophie and Ba¡¯s luggage has been moved into the suite. There¡¯s a moderately sized living room, two separate bedrooms, each with its own washroom and a tiny balcony overlooking the courtyard fountain. She takes a minute to navigate the rooms, lightly running her fingers along a gilded antique credenza and bending at the waist to smell the fresh arrangement of white blossoms on the coffee table.


    I take every second I can to just drink her in. Even though it¡¯s only been three days since I¡¯ve seen her, held her in my arms, slept with her warm body next to me, it feels like much longer. The privilege to touch her has been ripped away, and my body riots in silent agony, my heart aching and my fists clenching uselessly at my sides. I fucking hate this.


    We need to talk like civilized adults, but fuck if I know how to start.


    ¡°Soph¡­¡± I begin.


    ¡°Colt¡­¡± She says at the same time.


    We share an awkward smile.


    ¡°Come sit down.¡± I gesture to the sofa ¨C neutral territory and she obeys, slipping off her sandals and curling her legs underneath her as she sinks into the cushion farthest away from me.


    ¡°Ask me anything you want to know. No more secrets,¡± I promise.


    Bouncing one knee up and down, she twists the ring on her thumb. ¡°How long have you been married?¡±N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    I release a heavy sigh and push my fingers into my hair. Much longer than I want to admit.


    ¡°If you try to hide things¡­if you¡¯re going to be evasive¡­¡± She swallows.


    ¡°Anything you want to know. Even if the truth is hard to hear,¡± I confirm. As much as I¡¯d like to protect her from the ugly truth, I won¡¯t. Not if that¡¯s not what she wants. ¡°I¡¯ve been married for four years. For the past two we haven¡¯t lived in the same state.¡±


    ¡°Why was she at your house that day?¡±


    ¡°Who the fuck knows with her. We¡¯ve been trying to settle our divorce for a long time. But neither of us can seem to agree on anything.¡±


    She licks her lips, thinking over this information. ¡°Is she the reason you went to New York?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ste lives in New York with her boyfriend. I went there to try and talk to her about the terms of our divorce in person. That didn¡¯t work.¡±


    Her forehead creases. ¡°She has a boyfriend?¡±


    I nod. ¡°Our former gardener. I found out they started fucking after we got married.¡±


    Her mouth tugs down in a frown. ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°It turns out that she never loved me, and even though my family warned me about her motives, I couldn¡¯t see it. I wanted a woman in my life, and I don¡¯t know¡­¡± I rub my temples absently. ¡°Maybe it had to do with losing my mother at such a young age¡­ But I liked thepany, thepanionship of someone by my side. Someone warm and loving to share my life with.¡± I sound like aplete pussy, but that was how the twenty-four year old me saw the world.


    And Ste was the perfect trophy wife, apanying me to work functions, dressing in thetest fashions and always a happy smile on her lips. Too bad it had all been fake.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Sophie asks, her tone softening.


    ¡°Things changed as soon as we got engaged. I thought it was just stress over nning the wedding¨Cshe wanted it to be the affair of the decade, something the Los Angeles elite would be buzzing about for years toe¨Cshe put way too much pressure on herself nning it. I didn¡¯t see at the time that it was all for show. It was more about the dress and the party and French champagne than it was about me and her.¡±


    Sophie chews on her lip, listening intently. I have no fucking clue why I¡¯m unloading all this¡­but something tells me if I have any hope at salvaging things between us, I need to bare my soul.


    I clear my throat and continue. ¡°And even though my brothers tried to talk me out of it, I had convinced myself that it was all going to be fine. I wasn¡¯t going to call off my wedding simply because my fianc¨¦ was turning into a bridezi. I figured it would all settle down after the wedding day.¡±


    ¡°But it didn¡¯t?¡± Sophie asks softly.


    ¡°No. She was distant, and cold. Not at all like the smiling, charming girl I fell for in the first ce. Once the rock was on her finger and the ink on the marriage license was dry, she turned into apletely different person. The one I suspected she¡¯d actually been all along. She¡¯d yed me. Married me for my money and I¡¯d fallen for it like a lovesick fool.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Colt¡­¡± she starts.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t.¡± She shouldn¡¯t be the one apologizing to me. The headache I¡¯d felting on earlier was full-on throbbing in my temples. I continued, ¡°After the game Ste pulled on me, it made it hard to even think about trusting another woman. Being separated for the past two years, I tried dating causally. I didn¡¯t want to, but my brothers asionally set me up with a woman. Behind every sweet smile and every flirty look was someone only interested in my bank roll and the lifestyle I could provide. I wanted a genuine connection, not a trophy wife. But I realized with my status and my wealth, real love wasn¡¯t going to be something easy to find.¡±


    ¡°Then why go to that auction?¡± Her confusion is etched between her eyebrows as she waits for me to answer.


    ¡°To put it bluntly?¡± I smirk.


    She nods for me to go ahead.


    ¡°A man has his limits. The pent up sexual frustration of being celibate for two years¡­I was horny as fuck and needed to getid.¡±


    Her mouth twitches in a smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s theplete truth. I knew exactly what I was paying for and that there¡¯d be no chance of feelings or false promises.¡±


    ¡°Why not just hire an escort?¡±


    I shrug. The thought had crossed my mind a few times. ¡°I guess I¡¯m not the kind of guy to hire an escort. I wanted something more discreet. I couldn¡¯t have that information getting leaked. CEOs who get caught hiring prostitutes usually end up on the evening news.¡±


    She nodded in silent understanding.


    ¡°With the auction, I liked the medical testing, non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality promised to me. Plus thepanionship angle we covered before.¡±


    ¡°But you never¡­we never¡­¡± She pauses.


    ¡°I never fucked you,¡± I finish for her.

 Chapter 34 Colton

    She lifts her chin in indignation. ¡°Why not? Is it because you would have felt like you were cheating on her?¡± she asks, her big blue eyes locked onto mine.


    I reach for her hand, pulling it into myp, unable to resist the physical warmth it provides. ¡°No. It¡¯s because I would have felt like I was cheating on you. You deserved more and I knew it.¡±


    Her bottom lip trembles and the urge to suck it into my mouth res up inside me.


    Pulling her hand away, Sophie rises to her feet. ¡°You can¡¯t say things like that.¡± There¡¯s anger in her eyes and I¡¯m left speechless. I can¡¯t even begin to imagine all the thoughts and emotions running through her head.  So I won¡¯t try. She moves to the window and looks out solemnly.


    Rising to my feet, I stand behind her, resisting the urge to pull her close. ¡°I can¡¯t lose you,¡± I whisper. ¡°Not when I feel like my life is finally falling into ce. You were the missing piece. You were the cheese to my macaroni.¡± I smile lightly, hoping she remembers.


    She turns to face me. Her soft gaze is pinned on mine and I can tell we¡¯re both remembering the time we spent together. It just felt right. ¡°I can¡¯t do this, Colton. I was developing real feelings for you.¡±


    Was? I know I¡¯m falling for her, terrifying as it fucking is. I shake the thought away, once again trying to convince myself that my interest in her is only about seeing the arrangement through.


    ¡°You¡¯re married,¡± she reminds me.


    Tramping down my emotions, I swallow. ¡°Only legally. And if I can just get her to agree to the terms, I¡¯ll sign off on the divorce¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait. You¡¯re the one holding up the divorce?¡± Anger shes in Sophie¡¯s normally calm blue eyes. The change in her is unmistakable. It¡¯s like I¡¯ve inadvertently tripped some wire and a bomb is about to detonate. I take a hesitant step back.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°But¡­I don¡¯t understand¡­¡±


    Fuck. How do I exin this without further upsetting her?


    ¡°If I divorce her, she wins. She¡¯ll take half of everything, plus I¡¯ll be ordered to pay her spousal support.¡± It¡¯s not about the money ¨C well, I guess it is, because splitting up my millions will put my investment into the Africa project at risk. It means I¡¯ll have fallen for her game, hook, line and sinker. Ste one, Colt zero. But worse than that, the funding for the school, hospital and all the projects I had nned would be stopped dead in their tracks as my money is tied up in a legal battle. I won¡¯t let my personal fuckup be the cause of so much destruction. I¡¯m funneling every bit of money I have into this charity and I won¡¯t sacrifice a single dor to keep Ste in Manolo hniks while children go hungry. Fuck no.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Her eyes widen and then m closed. ¡°You didn¡¯t have a pre-nup, and now your male pride is too damn stubborn to take the hit financially.¡± She blinks up at me and something twists deep inside my gut.


    She¡¯s right about the pre-nup, I was a fucking fool. Twenty-four years old when we tied the knot and thought I was in love. But she¡¯s wrong about the rest. ¡°This has nothing to do with male pride. My goal all along has been to wait her out, andplete my project in Africa before finalizing the divorce. I won¡¯t have my money tied up in some court battle while I could be doing something actually fucking useful with it.¡±


    Sophie¡¯s judging stare and her rigid posture force me to see that maybe this isn¡¯t all going to end well. After surviving Ste, I need a woman who understands my drive and desire to see some good in the world.  I thought Sophie would be that woman. But perhaps I was wrong. I take a calming breath and struggle to clear my head.


    Sophie moves across the room, her posture stiff as she goes to the far window that looks onto the courtyard below. I cross the room in a few long strides and stand behind her, breathing in the scent of her hair. ¡°Soph¡­¡± I murmur.


    Her shoulders rx and she sniffs like she¡¯s crying.


    Spinning her to face me, I see that her face is red and a single tear tumbles along her porcin cheek.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± I brush the dampness away with my thumb. ¡°You¡¯re all I want. The rest, Ste, the paperwork, I¡¯ll figure it out. I just need time. And I need your faith in me.¡± I don¡¯t know why that¡¯s suddenly so important, but it is. Her eyes drift closed and she doesn¡¯t protest. It¡¯s a start.


    I¡¯ve never groveled like this before, but I¡¯ve also never felt quite as strongly about a woman as I do about Sophie. Unable to resist the urge to touch her, I run my fingertips along her exposed arms, lightly caressing her smooth skin.


    Sophie swallows and blinks up at me. Leaning down to lower my mouth to hers, I whisper against her lips. ¡°You¡¯re mine, sweetness.¡±


    My cock was half hard all through lunch, but now that we¡¯re alone, the beast is demanding attention. I¡¯ve traveled thousands of miles to get her to listen, and now thest thing I want to do is talk. I¡¯m craving her like a drug.


    Her mouth parts and I take the opportunity to gently kiss her full bottom lip, and then the top, carefully peppering her sweet mouth with tender kisses.


    Her hands fist in my shirt and for just a moment I think she¡¯s going to push me away, but she tugs me closer and my kisses go from chaste to hot in two seconds t. The knowledge that I haven¡¯t lost her sends a thrill racing through me.


    My tongue pushes past her parted lips and caresses hers. Goddamn, I¡¯ve missed the things this mouth can do. The raging erection in my pants remembers all too well.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    The need to taste her, to consume every part of her res within me. And knowing that there¡¯s a bed in the next room sends my mind spinning with possibilities. I want more. I want it all, everything she has to offer, but I force myself to slow and meet her eyes, checking for any sign of displeasure. Her look is pure wanton lust.


    My hand slips under the hem of the skirt she¡¯s wearing. If she knew my dark thoughts right now, she wouldn¡¯t have worn this in my presence. But she seems blissfully unaware that I want to fuck her hard and fast until she¡¯s sore and bowlegged from my cock repeatedly impaling her.


    The man she¡¯se to know exercises restraint and control at every turn, but that man is nowhere to be found. Unable to hold back from touching her, I slide my hand up the outside of her thigh and feel her tremble, but she doesn¡¯t pull away. She doesn¡¯t move a single muscle.


    Curving my hand around, I palm one rounded ass cheek that¡¯s soft and warm in my hand and knead the sulent flesh. She drives me fucking crazy with desire. I want her ass. I want every part of her.


    Feeling bold, I slip one finger under the stic of her panties and feel her draw a shuddering breath. That¡¯s right baby. Let me touch you.


    ¡°You want this, don¡¯t you?¡± I whisper against her corbone.


    She shakes her head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me, sweetness.¡±


    I caress a finger along her silken folds. She¡¯s already damp with desire. I drag my finger up her slit, parting her lips and find her clit. Using the pad of my index finger, I circle the little bundle of nerves and feel it swell. Hell yeah. Remembering the first time I got her off, my cock engorges with blood until it¡¯s rock hard and almost painful.


    Sophie¡¯s hands ball into fists at her sides, and she looks like she¡¯s struggling with something. Her brow is knotted and her breathing is erratic, but she¡¯s not moving away, in fact she¡¯s leaning in to my touch, tilting her hips so I can rub her clit at just the right angle. I realize she¡¯s having some internal battle with herself. Her body wants this, but her head is telling her no. And my guess is that her hands are clenched tight to stop herself from reaching out and touching me. Surely she can feel my raging erection pressing into her hip.


    It¡¯s okay, you can touch him, baby.


    Please fucking touch him.


    I want to feel her little fist curl around my shaft and squeeze. I feel like I¡¯m going to die if she doesn¡¯t touch me soon. I¡¯m two seconds away from pulling my cock out myself and stroking it until Ie.


    Just as Sophie begins to whimper softly and I can tell she¡¯s building toward release, she takes a step back just out of reach so that my hand slides from her panties. Her eyes are hungry and swimming with unspoken emotion.


    Shit.

 Chapter 35 Sophie

    Sophie


    Colton¡¯s gaze skims over my features, like he¡¯s checking to be sure I¡¯m okay before settling on my eyes again. Nothing about this is okay, but I¡¯m powerless to stop it. I¡¯m scared of feeling too much for him, and I¡¯m scared of letting him go, so I do the only thing I can ¨C I turn myself over to the visceral pleasure coursing through me, begging for a sweet release. My body is practically vibrating with need, but I need a moment to process what¡¯s happening, so I take a step back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t run away from this,¡± he purrs.


    Stalking closer, Colt anchors his hands to my waist, his long fingers biting into my hips as he lifts me up. My legs close around his waist, my core seeking friction against the hard ridge in the front of his pants.


    I gasp at the crazy mix of emotions and raw sensation overtaking my system. I know I should stop him, push him away, I just don¡¯t want to. I miss this side of him. Suddenly I want to be on my knees before him with his hot, heavy cock in my mouth. Memories of our weeks spent together flood my senses, making it impossible to turn away.


    ¡°Colt¡­¡± I whisper. I have no idea what I¡¯m asking for and his soft eyes plead with mine.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He supports my weight effortlessly with both hands resting under my butt. I want his fingers again¡­I was so close. And now I¡¯m keyed up and confused.


    ¡°I¡¯m tangled up in you. I can¡¯t let you go,¡± he says, cing one more kiss against my mouth. He stares back at me for a moment. I can¡¯t take the broken quality to his voice, the way his warm palm slides against my exposed hip bone. Even though I shouldn¡¯t, I crave his touch. I¡¯ve missed him. I¡¯ve missed this. This growing connection between us. It takes every ounce of strength I have not to give in to him.


    Before everything went to hell the afternoon his wife showed up, I felt like we were building toward something real ¨C if not love, then something close. I wasn¡¯t experienced, but given the chance, I knew I could fall in love with Colton Drake. Which meant letting him into my hotel room, letting him kiss me and gaze into my eyes and break down all my walls was a dangerous move. My heart was on the line. But he¡¯d tracked me down and chased me halfway around the world. That has to mean something, right?


    ¡°Sweetness,¡± he murmurs in the husky tone that I¡¯vee to recognize means he¡¯s aroused.


    My voice disappears as any words of protest die in my throat. I have to tell him no. I need to make him leave. He¡¯s done something that can¡¯t be undone. He led me to believe he was unattached and concealed the truth from me for weeks. I now wonder if he would have ever told me if Ste hadn¡¯t shown up. Despite my suspicions, I¡¯d ignored my womanly instincts and turned myself over to himpletely. I¡¯d been ready to give him my virginity.


    His fingertips edging under my skirt pull me from my thoughts. My core heats with the knowledge that his skilled fingers are just inches from where I want them. Yes, yes yes. My panties are soaking wet and I rock against him, but my raspy voice breaks the silence and contradicts everything my body is screaming for. ¡°No¡­I can¡¯t¡­¡± I untangle my legs from his waist and drop to the floor.


    ¡°You want this just as badly as I do,¡± he says, his voice deep and sure.


    My eyes lift to his and apparently they tell him everything he needs to know. My desire for him is written all over my face. My thoughts betray me. And Colton takes full advantage, leaning in to kiss me again.


    ¡°Tell me there¡¯s still a chance,¡± he whispers against my lips.

 Chapter 36 Sophie

    I swallow, but am unable to respond. I don¡¯t trust myself to say the right thing. I debate with myself, wondering if I could ever trust him again, if I could even fit into his lifestyle¡­N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    A bubble of feminineughter and the sound of the door clicking open snap me back to my senses.


    Ba and Pace waltz into the room carrying a half dozen shopping bags between them.


    My sanity returns and I force a serious tone as I turn toward Colton. ¡°It¡¯s time for you guys to go.¡±


    Goodbyes are exchanged between Pace and Ba while I avoid meeting Colton¡¯s dark eyes. I know if I do, I¡¯ll lose my resolvepletely. I¡¯m still reeling from that kiss, my body overheated and blood pumping wildly.


    He pins me with a heated stare, leaning close enough that I can smell his cologne. The effect is dizzying. ¡°This isn¡¯t over. Have your fun with Ba and we¡¯ll talk when you get home.¡±


    I wish I could tell him he¡¯s wrong, that we are over, but I find myself unable to respond. He¡¯s giving me the space I need right now, but I have no idea whates next.


    Once they¡¯re gone, I grab a bottle of water from the stocked minibar and take a long swig, needing to cool myself down before turning to Ba. She doesn¡¯t say anything about the change in hotel room, but I see her eyes wandering around the space. ¡°So what happened with Pace? I didn¡¯t think you guys would be back so quickly. In fact, I wondered if I¡¯d see you again this entire trip. I figured you¡¯d take one look at those dimples and you¡¯d steal him away into a private hotel room.¡± I grin at her in an attempt to lighten the tense mood.


    ¡°Trust me, it was tempting. He¡¯s gorgeous. And his tight little butt?¡± She fans herself dramatically. ¡°Seriously, those two are a lethalbination on the libido.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a third one too. Their older brother Collins is every bit as lickable.¡±


    ¡°Damn. Good gics, I guess.¡± She dumps the shopping bags out onto the sofa for me to inspect her goods. ¡°After lunch, I actually started to worry about leaving you alone with Colt. I figured that wasn¡¯t the smartest idea, so we cut our outing short. We just walked around this cute little piazza and I went into a couple of boutiques.¡± She holds a tiny sundress up to my frame. ¡°I thought this would look cute on you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s  pretty.¡± Lavender and touches of blue thread run through the soft fabric. ¡°I can wear it with my strappy silver sandals.¡±


    ¡°Exactly what I was thinking.¡± She plucks a red mini skirt from the pile of clothes for herself. ¡°Come on, get changed. We¡¯re going out.¡±

 Chapter 37 Sophie

    Ba and I spent the rest of the day sightseeing and are currently seated at a quaint little bar, munching on olives and cheese and sipping delicious wine. I still can¡¯t believe Colton and Pace had actually flown to Italy in search of me. And as I sit here, slightly buzzed, I¡¯m reying our brief intimate encounter in my head.


    ¡°I know how you could get rid of it,¡± Ba says, thoughtfully swirling the wine in her ss.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Your virginity. I mean, if you still want to, that is.¡±


    ¡°How?¡± I ask, my mind spinning.


    She tips her chin to a group of three cute Italian guys sitting together across the bar. ¡°We could go pick up some hotties.¡±


    I briefly consider this. When in Rome¡­Why the hell not?


    Because I still belong to Colton, that¡¯s why.


    Even if I don¡¯t want to, some strange part of me knows it¡¯s true. He should be the one to take my virginity. When I think about his dark, hungry eyes that burn me up, his full mouth kissing my neck, and his thick, long cock, I know it has to be him. My chest flushes with heat and I¡¯m transported right back to the moment earlier when I was right there ¨C right on the edge ¨Cjust a few more strokes of his fingers and I would havee apart. I always thought I needed a sex toy to get off,  it turns out I just needed Colton.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking about him again.¡± Ba smirks at me.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be.¡±


    ¡°But you are.¡±


    ***


    The remainder of our trip is nearly perfect. Gorgeous summer weather, long afternoons spent wandering the beautiful and seductive city of Rome with my best friend by my side. But my nights are gued with memories of Colton, though I suppose that¡¯s unavoidable given the situation.


    After the first day when he and his brother Pace showed up here unexpectedly, I¡¯ve heard nothing more from him. I¡¯m grateful that I opted not to upgrade my cell phone service to include international calling. I know I wouldn¡¯t be strong enough to continue ignoring him if that were the case. As it is, every morning after breakfast, I have to force myself to walk past the hotel¡¯s oneputer in the business center to avoid connecting to my email. The thought that there could be a note from Colton waiting for me weighs heavily on my mind.


    As much as I try to convince myself that things are done between us, some part deep inside of me knows that¡¯s not true.

 Chapter 38 Colton

    Colton


    Back in California, I throw myself into my work. It¡¯s the only way to keep my thoughts from drifting to Sophie. I¡¯m brutal in meetings, coarse in mymunications and tense all the fucking time. My emotions are all over the damn ce and my need for sex has only quadrupled since being near Sophie again. My feelings of longing are only intensified wandering my big, empty house alone at night.


    I¡¯ve tried texting her a couple of times, but I¡¯ve gotten no response. She returned from Romest weekend and has been in touch with Kylie, which is the only reason I know anything.


    I should feel relieved. Sophie knows the truth now. Everything is out in the open. There¡¯s no more hiding my broken marriage from her and no one would ever need to know my dark secret about purchasing a sex ve. This whole thing could be over ¨C we¡¯re free from our arrangement. Only I don¡¯t want to be.


    I should just walk away, but I won¡¯t. I still want to fuck her. Shit, it goes deeper than that if I¡¯m being honest with myself. I like her. Her genuine nature, her selflessness for putting herself up for auction. She¡¯s not like other girls. She made me macaroni for fuck¡¯s sake, and refused my help for additional money. She¡¯s not like the women in my past. Or she¡¯s damn good at faking it.


    Either way, I want to make her mine. I tell myself it¡¯s just because I never got to have her. Weeks spent waiting while the sexual tension and anticipation between us built to epic proportions have left me with the world¡¯s most critical case of blue balls. Terror alert level red. My sac is about tobust. Shit, at this point, I wonder if I even remember how to fuck. It can¡¯t be that difficult, right? I shake away the sullen thoughts swirling in my brain.


    I want to im her body, to be the first man to prate her pussy. And as much as I try to deny it, something inside me wants more than that too. But the entire point of this whole charade was because I promised myself I wouldn¡¯t get entangled with a woman ever again. So much for that not happening. I¡¯m in deep with Sophie. Completely wrapped up in a woman I may have zero chance of having. But I¡¯m not backing down now. No fucking way.


    I¡¯d bought and paid for her virginity, something I was not inclined to let simply slip through my fingers due to some technicality.


    When I think back to her hotel room in Italy, the way she let me touch her¡­beforepletely shutting down on me, my stomach twists into a knot.


    I¡¯m not used to being turned down, and it¡¯s not a feeling I want to grow ustomed to. I didn¡¯t get where I am today by lying dormant. Deciding to take matters into my own hands, I call Sophie once more, giving her onest chance before I show up on her parent¡¯s doorstep and drag her back to me.


    I may have trust issues, and I still need to deal with Ste, but none of that is going to stop me from taking what¡¯s mine. And Sophie is mine.


    Expecting her voicemail, like every other time I¡¯ve called, I¡¯m surprised when she answers on the fourth ring.


    ¡°Sophie?¡± The surprise is evident in my voice.


    ¡°Hi,¡± she says casually.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡± She¡¯s silent for several long moments, only the soft sounds of her breathing tell me she¡¯s still on the line.


    ¡°About what?¡± she asks finally.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    ¡°I have a new proposition for you.¡±


    ***


    When the limousine I¡¯ve sent drops Sophie off in my driveway, looking bewildered and tired, I¡¯m thankful that her parents live a few hours north of Los Angeles. It means I should be able to keep her here at least through the night. She will have to hear me out.


    Stepping out into the sunlight, I greet her beside the car. My fists clench uselessly at my sides as the realization that she¡¯s not mine to take into my arms ms against me. I lift her bag from the brick walkway and force a smile onto my lips. ¡°Thank you foring.¡±


    She nods. ¡°Thank you for sending the limo. That really wasn¡¯t necessary.¡± She twists the ring on her thumb, obviously curious about why I¡¯ve summoned her here when things seem like they¡¯re over between us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±


    I let her walk ahead, appreciating the way her round little behind sways enticingly. I follow like a puppy on a leash.


    Once inside, Sophie is all tentative steps and unsure nces. Deciding it¡¯ll be best to cut to the chase about why I¡¯ve brought her here, I lead her into the den. The same room where I brought her that first night. Memories of her on her knees before me, taking my thick cock into her mouth and sucking me off with such skill and enthusiasm causes my dick to harden instantly. Fuck.


    I take a breath and clear my throat, hoping that her eyes don¡¯t wander to the front of my trousers. ¡°Have a seat.¡±


    Sophieplies, sitting carefully at the edge of the sofa. I wonder if the memories of that first night are burned into her brain as thoroughly as they are into mine. Despite my efforts, I¡¯m unable to get the visual of her full pink mouth wrapped around the head of my cock out of my mind. The way her tongue teased down the length of my shaft and her hand curled around my base, stroking as she sucked me deep into her throat.


    My needy erection zaps all my concentration and it takes me a moment to realize Sophie is speaking.


    ¡°Colton?¡± she blinks up at me, drawing me from the x-rated show currently ying in my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you came,¡± I say.


    She chews on her lower lip, almost as nervous as the first time I brought her home. Her gaze sweeps around the room and her spine is as straight as an arrow. She doesn¡¯t want to let her guard down and I assume it¡¯s because she doesn¡¯t trust herself with me. Good to know. I don¡¯t trust myself either.


    ¡°Can I get you anything? Wine? A bottle of water?¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°What did you want to discuss? You were kind of vague on the phone.¡±


    She¡¯s right. I was vague ¨Cmainly because I had no idea what I could say to persuade her. I knew I needed to see her eyes ¨C to read her expression in order to craft my proposal. And the nervous, unsure girl I see sitting before me means I need to proceed with caution. I¡¯d considered pushing her, convincing her how good we are together physically and persuading her to be with me the way I know she wants. But now I see that I need to employ a different method, because watching her walk out that door again is not an option.


    ¡°I know I fucked up by keeping my marriage from you. In my eyes, it¡¯s over, and has been for years. The only thing missing is a couple of signatures on a piece of paper. But still, I see now how that hurt you. It was a dick move.¡± She nods, meeting my eyes. I lick my lips and continue. ¡°But I don¡¯t think that my past means all this has toe to an end.¡±


    ¡°What are you proposing?¡± she asks, her voice is tentative and slightly breathless.


    I want to fuck you. To dominate your days and nights, and upy your every waking thought ¨C just like you upy mine. ¡°I want you to stay.¡±


    Her brows pinch together as she quietly watches me. She¡¯s not t out rejecting the idea ¨Cit¡¯s a start.

 Chapter 39 Sophie

    Sophie


    I watch Colton sitting across from me, his tall frame neatly folded into the arm chair. His breathing remains deep and steady while my own heart thumps like a hammer, causing my chest to heave.


    The truth is I have no idea what I¡¯m doing here, why I¡¯ve agreed toe. If I¡¯m honest it¡¯s because this man has some maic pull over me. I¡¯m totally andpletely unable to give him up, despite my intentions to stay away. And for some strange reason, I feel the slightest bit guilty that I¡¯d walked out on our agreement before fulfilling my obligation. He never got what he paid for and that little detail is something I cannot easily forget.


    He pulls a fortifying breath into his lungs and leans in slightly toward me. I know if he pulled me into his arms and kissed me, I¡¯d be unable to resist and I find my gaze fluttering between his lips and his eyes as I wait for him to speak.


    Finally, he does.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I recall you saying that you liked having something of your own ¨C living away from home and being independent for the first time,¡± Colton says.


    I remember the conversation well. It was one of the first times we sat down to a dinner prepared by his chef in the quiet dining room. I spoke too freely, bared too much of myself. But something in me likes that he remembers it with such detail. Not that I¡¯m surprised, Colton exercises such authority over every facet of his life, of course he remembers.


    ¡°And I think you know that I liked having you here,¡± he admits.


    I nod in silent acknowledgement. What is he saying? We can¡¯t possibly continue dating, if that¡¯s even what we were doing. He¡¯s married. And he lied to me about it. Can I even trust him?


    ¡°And I know Kylie would love for you toe back to work with her.¡±


    ¡°Colton?¡± I ask, finally, my brows pinching together.


    ¡°There¡¯s no reason we can¡¯t remain friends.¡±


    ¡°Friends?¡± My voicees out too high as the shock of his suggestion whips through me.


    His dark eyes roam over my face and he gives a slight nod, his mouth only hinting at a smile.


    I have no idea what game he¡¯s ying at, but friends? Is that even possible for two people so attracted to each other?


    As if reading my thoughts, Colton continues. ¡°There¡¯s no reason this needs toe to an end, Sophie. I enjoy yourpany, and I think you feel the same. You can continue living here, we can take things between us slowly while I sort out my past and see where this goes.¡±


    ¡°And our arrangement?¡± I ask.


    His impish grin lights up his entire face. ¡°Friends, as in no sex. Our agreement is off.¡±


    My belly twists as I realize I am no longer a hired sex ve, and  an unwee sense of disappointment startles me. ¡°I¡¯m returning the money then.¡±


    ¡°The money is yours. I never wanted to pay for sex, Sophie. I just didn¡¯t want that asshole bidding on you at the auction to go home with you. You were too good, too pure and beautiful to belong to him.¡± His admission takes my breath away. I feel helpless and out of control and I want to cry.


    ¡°I¡¯ve spent a good chunk of the money on Ba¡¯s treatment, and I have no way to repay you, but the rest I could return to you,¡± I stammer.


    ¡°First off, I would never ept repayment. Had I known Ba before all this started, I would have dly paid to enroll her in the experimental treatment program. And I¡¯d never expect you to return the money.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel right keeping the remainder of the money.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s yours to do with what you wish.¡±


    This conversation is like a game of ping-pong and my brain feels fuzzy.  ¡°So how would this work?¡± I ask, shocked to see I¡¯m actually considering it.


    ¡°You agreed to give me six months,¡± he reminds me.


    ¡°I also agreed to give you my virginity,¡± I add.


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t take that.¡±


    ¡°No, you didn¡¯t,¡± I agree. A fact that I¡¯m painfully aware of.


    ¡°Are you still intact?¡± he asks, his tone raspy and deep.


    A warm current zips through me, flushing my cheeks and soaking my panties. ¡°Of c-course.¡± My voice is hoarse and Colton¡¯s dark eyes roaming on mine make it impossible to speak clearly.


    I see the vein throb at the base of his throat. ¡°Good girl,¡± he admonishes.


    I¡¯d waited twenty-one years, did he really think I¡¯d just thrown it away with some random guy in the two weeks we¡¯d been apart? Why do I sense this is all some carefully crafted ploy to keep me here in his bed? ¡°Where will I sleep?¡± I ask.


    His mouth turns down just a fraction. ¡°Wherever you like.¡±


    ¡°A guest room I suppose,¡± I say more to myself than to him as I think of his strange proposition.


    ¡°If you prefer.¡±


    He¡¯s being so amiable, so amodating. The change is refreshing after the emotional hell he¡¯s put me through. I¡¯m still unsure about what exactly he¡¯s proposing and if he really expects me to remain living here for the next six months, but for some strange reason, I don¡¯t hate the idea. We watch each other in silence for several moments, each of us digesting what it would mean for us to be just friends. My heart hurts just thinking about it. It would mean I couldn¡¯t touch him, I wouldn¡¯t feel the heat of his body pressing adamantly against mine. I release a little sigh. ¡°If you¡¯re set on me keeping the money, I assume I¡¯m free to spend it however I wish?¡±


    ¡°Of course you can,¡± he says.


    ¡°Then I¡¯d like to donate it to your charity work in Africa.¡±


    A slow smile uncurls on his lips.  ¡°Okay then.¡±

 Chapter 40 Sohpie

    I¡¯d onlye to Los Angeles to gather my belongings from the mansion and get closure from Colton by listening to whatever it was that he wanted to tell me. Instead, I find myself moving my clothing from his master closet into a guest room down the hall that smells of lint and furniture polish.


    The bed is dressed in shell blue linens and the furniture is modern, clean lines in white enamel. Arge mirror hangs on the wall and decorative sconces nk either side of the cream upholstered headboard.


    I pull open the white gauzy drapes shading therge picture windows and look out at the pool below. A cool shudder passes through me and I wrap my arms around my middle. I have no desire to be anywhere near that pool and I snap the curtains closed, blocking it from view. Just seeing the crystal blue water sparkle in the sunlight brings on a fresh wave of pain and humiliation at the memory of Ste¡¯s cold re and icy tone as she informed me, in no uncertain terms, that she was his wife. The word wife ¨Cin rtion to Colton¨C doesn¡¯t resonate. Especiallying from that woman¡¯s mouth. I could never see him with someone like her. They just don¡¯t fit. It makes me wonder if I even know him at all. An even better reason to remain friends while I figure that out. I want more with Colton. I want back that raw feeling of sexual energy that flows so easily between us whenever he¡¯s near ¨Cbut I will settle for friends ¨C for now, as we navigate this bumpy road we¡¯d found ourselves on.


    After I¡¯ve finished moving my meager belongings into my new room, I¡¯m left feeling bored and alone. But rather than going to find Colton in this monstrous house, I flop down on the bed and dial Ba on my cell.


    ¡°Hey hey,¡± she answers, chipper as ever, as though she hasn¡¯t battled aggressive stage-four cancer for the past several years.


    ¡°Hi.¡± Her strength and determination to live take my breath away and suddenlyining to her about my dilemma with Colton seems childish and immature.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asks.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± the lie slips easily from my mouth. ¡°I just might be staying here longer than I expected.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Oh? Did Mr. Sexy, Rich and Handsome win you back already?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± I admit. Colton had been more open and exposed than I had expected, and it tugged at something inside me. ¡°He proposed that I continue living here and working with Kylie.¡±


    ¡°And I take it you epted?¡± she asks.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna try it,¡± I confirm.


    ¡°I don¡¯t me you. I wouldn¡¯t live with Mom and Dad either if I didn¡¯t have to.¡±


    We don¡¯t discuss the fact that she isn¡¯t able to live on her own for health reasons. It hurts to even think about.


    ¡°And what about you guys?¡± she asks. ¡°Are you a couple again, or what?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± This time my voice is firm. ¡°He said just as friends and I agreed. We¡¯re going to take things slow while he works on his past.¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s a good idea. I know you were happy there. But what made you reconsider? He¡¯s hung like a baby elephant, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Ba!¡± I chastise her. ¡°Always with the sex on the brain.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it. It¡¯s better to let my mind drift there than to something more morbid. Penis is my happy ce.¡±


    I can hear her smile through the phone and I like it. ¡°Penis is a good thing.¡±


    ¡°So¡­what are you going to do about Colton¡¯s peen?¡±


    ¡°Take it slow, just like he proposed. I¡¯m pretty sure that means there¡¯s no peen in my future.¡±


    ¡°Boo. You¡¯re boring. I¡¯m going to go to McGilroy¡¯s and get a hot fudge sundae.¡±


    ¡°Appetite¡¯s back?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yup. I¡¯ll be fat before you know it.¡±


    Yeah right. The idea of Ba anything other than stick-skinny would be a miracle. She has a hard time keeping food down and thus trouble with her weight. ¡°Have fun. Love you.¡±


    ¡°Love you too, but you¡¯re the one who needs to have fun. Figure out a way to speed up his divorce so you can jump that boy.¡±


    ¡°On it.¡± I smile, and end the call.


    I cradle the phone in my hands for several minutes after we end the call. God, I love my sister. After organizing my room the best I can, I decide to go off in search of Colton.


    I find him sitting on a stool at the kitchen ind, his tablet in front of him with an inbox full of emails that he¡¯s clicking his way through.


    ¡°Am I interrupting?¡± I ask, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.


    ¡°Of course not. Are you okay?¡±


    I nod. ¡°I just called Ba to tell her I¡¯m staying.¡±


    He¡¯s quiet, but his calm demeanor tells me this makes him happy.


    Rather than sitting at the stool next to him, I round the kitchen ind and stand across from him, leaning my elbows against the b of granite.


    He chuckles at me. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, sweetness?¡±


    I didn¡¯t realize I was that obvious. I straighten my shoulders and rx the line crinkling my brow. ¡°You and Ste¡­¡± I shouldn¡¯t ask, I¡¯m only torturing myself, but I can¡¯t help it. I need to know, because I just can¡¯t picture him with her. ¡°I want to know the nature of your rtionship. Was it like a regr marriage, with all the perks and benefits of marriage?¡±


    He presses a button darkening the screen on his tablet and draws a steading breath. ¡°What are you asking?¡±

 Chapter 41 Sophie

    ¡°You lived here with her. I¡¯m assuming this house is full of memories for you, and it¡¯s just strange for me to think of you with another woman living here, sleeping together in the bed I shared with you¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you want to know?¡± Colton asks.


    ¡°I guess what I want to know is¡­were you happy? Ste, in my very brief interaction, seemed quite different from me.¡± She was all hardened exterior, sharp edges and manicured to thest inch of her.


    ¡°You were different. Fuck, you are different, Sophie.¡±


    I like knowing that perhaps what he and I shared was different from what he had with her. ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re soft and sweet and gentle. You make meugh.¡±


    ¡°I hate that you have memories with her of things you and I never shared.¡±


    I¡¯m sure he knows I¡¯m talking about sex, and my cheeks flush slightly. He said we¡¯re only friends, so why I¡¯m pushing him to tell me about their sexual history, I have no idea. I sound like a jealous girlfriend, but I¡¯m unable to stop myself.


    Colton leans in toward me, his dark eyes pinning me in ce. ¡°Do you want to know why I only wanted oral sex with you?¡±


    I nod, unable to resist the nugget of information he¡¯s dangling in front of me.


    ¡°Because, that¡¯s something Ste wouldn¡¯t do.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°I never fucked her mouth. I neverpletely lost myself with her. Each time with you ¨C it was just us. There were no bitter memories to taint that. It was our thing.¡±


    His words send a rush of conflicting emotions skittering through me. My heartbeat thrums in my chest as I remember our erotic encounters with vivid rity. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t¡­Why?¡±


    He shrugs. ¡°Said she didn¡¯t like the taste. Of course, that¡¯s exactly what I caught her doing to the gardener ¨C deep throating him in the library. She seemed to like it just fine ¨C as long as it wasn¡¯t with me.¡±


    My heart aches for him. As pissed as I am, I¡¯m beginning to understand the deep hurt and mistrust he¡¯s carried around with him. I recall how he never seemed to want to go into that room and my heart softens just a bit. And I do like knowing that as trivial as it is, going down on him was something only I did. I guess I now understand his aversion to the library too.


    ¡°Being with her was a mere convenience. You are a choice. One I desperately want to make ¨C if you¡¯ll let me.¡±


    His words rattle me. I shouldn¡¯t trust him ¨C not after he lied about his past ¨C made me believe he was single. Yet, there¡¯s no denying part of me still wants him. ¡°But you said friends.¡± My voice is tiny. It would take little to no effort on his part to convince me we¡¯d be better as more than friends. The heat buzzing between us is ptable and intense.


    ¡°For now, yes. I want you to trust me again. I won¡¯t push you yet.¡±


    Yet. That word rings loudly in my head.  I swallow heavily, trying to decipher the deeper meaning behind his words. He wants me back, I¡¯m sure of it. So why in the hell won¡¯t he just divorce Ste and move on with his life? Two years of waiting her out seems extreme. Even for someone as stubborn and cocky as Colton.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I apologize, though I¡¯m not entirely sure for what. I just hate the thought of Colt finding that witch on her knees, giving to another man what she withheld from him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± he says, coolly. But his eyes tell a different story. They¡¯re dark and faraway, as if he¡¯s fighting to escape the sour memories that follow him around the rooms of his own house.


    I leave Colton to his work and find myself wandering the rooms of his house, ending in the library. I hate Ste. I can¡¯t say I¡¯ve ever really hated anyone before, I hate Ba¡¯s cancer, I hate that Colton is married, but I absolutely fucking hate Ste. She¡¯s made a man who is so sweet under his hardened exterior question himself and his rtionships. I stand there in the library, silently staring off into space for far too long.


    When I find Colton in his officeter, I convince him to leave his work for the night and get some sleep. The dark circles under his eyes tug at something inside me, but I resist the urge to wrap my arms around his neck. He is not mine to soothe.


    We part ways at the top of the stairs and say goodnight. The walk to the guest room feels too long and just odd. As I crawl in between the cool sheets, my thoughts are squarely on the man down the hall.


    ***


    The following day is interesting. A strange sense of unease grows as the day passes. We eat our meals together, I go for a jog, and Colton works at the kitchen ind while I flip through a magazine, but I can¡¯t help but feel something is off. We¡¯re struggling to find our rhythm as just friends. I keep stealing nces at him, noticing the way his white t-shirt clings to his sculpted chest and I feel his eyes on my backside when I walk away. I hate that I can¡¯t touch him.


    Is it even possible to be friends with a man I want so desperately?


    When night falls, I¡¯ve showered and brushed my teeth and done my regr nightly ritual, but I¡¯m anything but ready for bed. My body is wound too tight. I¡¯m beginning to think this new arrangement I¡¯ve agreed to will never work.


    After tossing and turning for an hour, I decide to go to Colton. I know my actions ¨C going into his bedroom in the middle of the night ¨C will define how we spend our next several months, but I don¡¯t care. I need to see him, to talk to him, to understand what I¡¯m getting myself into.


    I creep down the hallway on tiptoes like a stealthy intruder and tap gently on his door.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    No response.


    Maybe he¡¯s already asleep.


    I let myself in and my eyes search out the darkened room. His nkets are in a messy heap on the bed, but I don¡¯t see any movement.


    ¡°Colton?¡± I whisper.


    Nothing.


    I creep closer and kneel at the edge of the mattress. Now that my eyes have adjusted to the pitch darkness, I can see he¡¯s not here. The room is quiet and empty.


    A pang of disappointment, followed by curiosity res inside me.


    I venture off in search of him.

 Chapter 42 Sophie

    Sophie


    Nightfall has bathed the house in near total ckness, save for the little path lights that are strategically ced in outlets throughout the home. It¡¯s just enough light for me to see as I navigate the stairs and head toward Colton¡¯s office. I pass the den on my way and confirm he¡¯s not in there. Perhaps he couldn¡¯t sleep either and he¡¯s gotten up to work. His nkets were strewn across his bed like he¡¯d fought with them. My guess is that he attempted sleep, just like me, and lost the battle.


    His office door is open and amp provides a swath of soft light. I hear grunting sounds and my stomach lurches.


    I step around the doorway and I¡¯m utterly shocked at what I find.


    Colton is sitting in his leather chair, his pants are undone and his thick cock is standing proudly. His hand is moving up and down in short, uneven strokes and he¡¯s grunting softly.


    My pussy clenches at the sight of him. I release a tiny whimper and his eyes snap up to mine.


    ¡°Christ, Sophie.¡± He tucks himself back inside his pants, which is not an easy task. He¡¯s rock hard and his engorged cock does not look happy to be stuffed into the confined space. I wince just watching him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking knock?¡± he barks in my direction.


    ¡°The door was open,¡± I murmur, feeling idiotic.


    He looks behind me to the open doorway. ¡°I suppose it was. What are you doing out of bed though?¡±


    ¡°I think the better question is, what are you?¡± I feel cheeky and want to watch him squirm a bit at being caught. Except he¡¯s collected andposed, and continues watching me calmly.


    He shakes his head at me, obviously not taking the bait. ¡°Don¡¯t ask questions that you¡¯re not prepared to hear the answers to.¡±


    I¡¯m not sure what he means, but I cross the room and stand before him, my legs still shaky from what I just witnessed. ¡°You were pleasuring yourself.¡±


    He¡¯s quiet and still.


    I hadn¡¯t meant it as an usation, but thankfully Colton doesn¡¯t seem to take offense. ¡°I¡¯m just curious¡­¡±


    ¡°I have needs, Sophie, as you know.¡±


    I nod. ¡°We both do.¡± I take a step closer.


    ¡°Be careful, sweetness. You¡¯re ying with fire, tempting me, making me want something I can¡¯t have.¡±


    ¡°Who says you can¡¯t?¡± I don¡¯t know who the girl is taunting him, but I¡¯m feeling bold and restless and lonely. It¡¯s a piss poorbination, and makes me want to act out.


    He lifts one dark eyebrow, watching me closely. ¡°Did you change your mind about all this, because I¡¯ll fuck you here and now, so deep you¡¯ll still feel my cock inside you tomorrow.¡±


    I don¡¯t say anything else, mostly because I don¡¯t know what to say, but my body is humming with anticipation. My nipples harden against the flimsy tank top and my panties cling to my sensitive folds.


    Colton releases a frustrated groan and pushes his palm against his erection ¨C which is definitely still there. ¡°What in the actual fuck, Sophie?¡± His tone is a cross between yful and angry.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I interrupted you,¡± I say.


    ¡°Fuck it,¡± he says, leaning his head back against the leather chair and closing his eyes.


    When he opens them again, his anger is gone. All I see is lust.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ever take me?¡± I ask.


    ¡°As the weeks passed, you started to mean more to me. I didn¡¯t want to take something from you that wasn¡¯t mine.¡±


    It is yours, I want to tell him. ¡°But that day that Ste showed up, you were going to.¡± I¡¯d seen the look of resolve in his eyes and I knew he was finally going to give himself to me.


    ¡°Because I knew in that moment you belonged to me. Even without the auction, without the agreement. You were mine.¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I watch his eyes, not disagreeing in the slightest. I still am.


    The way his dark gaze sweeps over to mine tells me he wants me, yet he¡¯s choosing not to push me. I want to know why. ¡°Why did you suggest we be just friends?¡± I ask.


    He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Then he motions for me to sit down in one of the chairs across from his desk.


    I follow his lead and sit, tucking my bare legs underneath me. The tank top and pajama short set I¡¯m wearing is no match against the cool air conditioning. Either that or my body is still trembling from what I witnessed when I walked in.


    ¡°I was developing real feelings for you, something that scared the fuck out of me given my past.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. We were both falling¡­¡± It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve admitted my true feelings, but something tells me this is no surprise to him.


    Colton doesn¡¯t say anything, he just patiently watches me like we have all night to sit here and speak in riddles. Perhaps his just friends speech was only that ¨C a hollow request made only to get me to stay.

 Chapter 43 Sophie

    ¡°If you want a real shot with me, I need a few things from you,¡± he says.


    ¡°Such as?¡±


    ¡°You know I¡¯ve been burned before when ites to women, and money and trust.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I acknowledge.


    ¡°Women usually only want me for my money,¡± he adds.


    ¡°What does that have to do with me?¡± I am the furthest thing from a gold digger there is.


    ¡°Well, you have to admit the start to our rtionship doesn¡¯t exactly instill confidence. You only agreed to go with me that night because I was paying you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but as I got to know you, you know it wasn¡¯t about the money. That money was for Ba. I told you I¡¯ll give you the rest back right now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I want.¡± His tone is adamant and I feel like we¡¯re spinning in circles.


    ¡°What do you want then?¡±


    ¡°Something much more valuable¡­¡± His eyes trace a path along my exposed cleavage, making my nipples harden.


    I remain quiet, waiting expectantly and wondering what he has in mind.


    ¡°I want to know I can trust you. I need your faith and belief in me that I¡¯ll handle my past.¡±


    ¡°You can trust me¡­¡±  I start.


    ¡°Talk is cheap and I¡¯ve been burned before. What happened with Ste makes it hard for me to believe in women, Sophie. Lack of judgment and one broken marriage under my belt may be understandable, but two? That¡¯s not something I¡¯m willing to risk. Friends is safer right now.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t trust me?¡±


    He doesn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who concealed the truth,¡± I blurt.


    ¡°That may be, but you wanted to know how I felt and I¡¯m telling you,¡± he says.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to tell me,¡± I admit. ¡°You have to know that I¡¯m nothing like her, Colton.¡± I hate that one wicked woman has ruined it for the rest of us.


    The look he gives me is incredulous. ¡°You¡¯re only in my life because of mary reasons. I paid you to be here, and you ran out on me as soon as things got tough. What am I supposed to think?¡± he says, pinning me with a heated re.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    God, he¡¯s right. When I look at my actions through that lens, I can see what he means. I was only here because of the money. As soon as I was confronted with his past, I ran out on him, refusing to listen to a single word.


    ¡°I need to be able to trust the woman that I¡¯m with,¡± he adds.


    It wrecks me to see our arrangement through his eyes, to know that he viewed me as another woman only interested in his wealth. I stand and fold my arms over my chest. Why I¡¯d ever thought this friends only thing was a good idea, I have no clue. ¡°This isn¡¯t going to work for me. I want you. You want me. Yet you don¡¯t trust women. And I can¡¯t just overlook your marriage. We¡¯re at an impasse.¡±


    ¡°So it seems.¡± Colton drums his fingers on his desk.


    Standing there in the quiet solitude of his office, I wonder what in the world I¡¯ll do now. I consider packing my bags and going home, but deep down inside, I know that¡¯s not the solution. I¡¯d be doing exactly what Colton expects. Running away. I need to stay and show him there¡¯s a different way. Even if it scares the ever loving crap out of me.


    An idea takes hold and I¡¯m unable to shake it away. My mouth starts working before my brain can even catch up with what I¡¯m proposing. ¡°I have moral standards. Ones that dictate I don¡¯t sleep with married men.¡±


    He watches me curiously.


    I sit down in front of him once again and take a calming breath. ¡°I want to prove to you that you can trust me. That you can put your faith in a woman again.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°By putting myself aside and submitting to you like I should have done from the first day you bought me.¡±


    Hungry eyes sh on mine. ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared, Colt. Of all of this. My feelings for you, of being hurt, of giving you my virginity. I¡¯m scared you won¡¯t sever ties with Ste. But I have faith in you. This is my way of showing you that I trust you to do the right thing and the best way I can prove to you that I¡¯m not going anywhere is to give myself to you.¡±


    ¡°Sophie¡­¡± he groans, rubbing a hand through his hair.


    ¡°You can have me any way you want me.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t mean that.¡±


    I nod slowly, letting my offer sink in. ¡°Anything you want.¡±

 Chapter 44 Sophie

    ¡°I want your virginity, sweetness. I want total im over you. It¡¯s the only way to show me that you¡¯re really here for me.¡±


    ¡°But you said friends,¡± I tease, lightly, drawing out the delicious verbal sparring that is so much like forey.


    ¡°Fuck being friends. I want to be inside you.¡±


    ¡°I want that too,¡± I say. ¡°More than anything.¡±


    ¡°You sure about that?¡±


    I nod, meeting his dark gaze. ¡°There was a man I met at a bar in Italy, he was attractive and polite and¡­¡±


    ¡°Did you want to fuck him, Sophie? Did you want him to put his cock inside of you?¡±


    His possessive side makes me feel warm and flustered. ¡°Just listen,¡± I admonish. ¡°I could have slept with him, and in fact Ba encouraged it. She said still being a virgin was my choice and I could have gone through with it.¡±


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t?¡±


    I shake my head. ¡°I knew it should be you. I want it to be you.¡±


    He rises to his feet and pulls me up against him. My chest is flush with his and his arms wrap around my middle, crushing me to him. It steals my breath and I stand there, motionless, letting him hold onto me for dear life. The move is surprisingly tender, and I can tell my offer has struck something within him.


    I can¡¯t think of a single thing to say, but I know with resounding rity this isn¡¯t something that can be spoken. He needs to see my actions to understand where my loyaltiesy. Just as I¡¯m contemting my next move, heys his head on my shoulder, resting his cheek against the top of my breast. I can feel his breath ghosting over my nipples in soft pants. My skin heats with the nearness of him, but this isn¡¯t sexual. It¡¯s a sweet gesture, like he¡¯s acknowledging my eptance of him and all his baggage.


    I begin to wrap my arms around him, but he stops me, taking my hands and holding them at my sides, linking his fingers with mine. He lifts his head from my shoulder, looking me straight in the eye. Our palms are pressed together and neither of us says a word. It feels intimate and familiar.


    I hate how damaged he is, and I¡¯m only just understanding the full depth of it in this moment. He¡¯s normally so assured, so demanding, that this tender side of him ispletely unexpected.


    Our eyes remain locked together and it¡¯s as if both of us are sharing the same thought. We¡¯re taking one giant step forward as a couple, each baring ourselves. Him, learning to trust again, and me throwing caution to the wind with a married man. Even without the contract, he owns me, and I¡¯d been foolish to think I could just walk away. I am his.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Bowing his head to mine, he presses a soft kiss to my lips. My eyeszily drift closed and I part my lips, epting him. His tongue strokes mine, inviting me to y.


    After several minutes of his deep, hungry kisses, I pull away, breathless. ¡°You said it¡¯s been two years. That¡¯s a long time to wait.¡±


    He swallows, his adam¡¯s apple bobbing. His hands unlink from mine and travel up my arms to cup my face. ¡°What game are you ying?¡± he asks, a confused edge to his voice.


    ¡°No games. Just us. You need to be able to trust the woman you¡¯re with.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± he agrees.


    ¡°I¡¯m yours, sir. Anything you want. The kinkiest thing you can dream up.¡± I gaze up at him, meaning every word. I feel naughty and sexual and I like it. I¡¯veid myself bare and I have no idea what he¡¯s thinking.


    ¡°If I want to bend you over and fuck you until you¡¯re raw?¡±


    The hungry edge to his voice is unmistakable. I want to fulfill his every desire and ease this tension between us more than I want my next breath. ¡°Anything you want,¡± I murmur.


    ¡°And if I want to take your tight little ass?¡±


    My stomach flips, but my eyes remain on his. I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s trying to scare me, or if that¡¯s something he actually desires. Straightening my shoulders, I respond. ¡°Then I¡¯m game. I believe in you. And I believe in us.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about this? Because once I¡¯m buried inside you, I won¡¯t be able to stop.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± At least I think I am. ¡°When do we start?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Now.¡±


    His harsh tone startles me. And the heat in the room seems to ratchet up several degrees. ¡°Do you want my mouth?¡± I ask, lowering myself to my knees on the plush carpeting.


    ¡°No.¡± He gazes down at me, and strokes my cheek with his thumb. ¡°As tempting as this pretty little mouth of yours is, I need to fuck you.¡±


    A gasp out a strangled breath. I¡¯d forgotten how explicit he could be about his needs. The sweet tender Colton is gone. The man standing before me is all masculine strength and domineering presence.


    I swallow and give a tight nod.

 Chapter 45 Colton

    Colton


    Sophie doesn¡¯t know that I¡¯ve already signed the divorce papers, but her trust in me means everything. I knew my instincts were right about her. Not only is she every man¡¯s wet dreame true, but she has a heart of gold too. She understands my trust issues and she¡¯s going out on a limb in the only way she knows how to prove to me that she¡¯s here for the right reasons. I almost want to weep when I realize it.


    Sophie waits anxiously on her hands and knees,pletely naked before me. Herplete trust in me is staggering and unexpected. It ignites all kinds of feelings I thought I¡¯d sworn off long ago.


    The night has certainly taken a turn for the better. After a heated phone call with Ste, I¡¯d crawled into bed alone. Iy there unable to sleep and realized I was being incredibly fucking childish. I¡¯d shucked off the nkets and ventured to my office to review the documents from my attorney that had been sitting in my inbox for far too long. I¡¯d printed them and stared down at them for an eternity, my head buzzing and heart aching. I¡¯d signed them on the spot, the weight on my chest lifting almost immediately.


    Why in the world I¡¯d told Sophie that I would be her friend, I had no clue. I was wound so tight that before I even knew it, I had my cock in my hand when Sophie found me. And now she kneels before me, her ass turned up and her hands buried in the plush carpeting of my office. I walk around her and see her spine stiffen.


    ¡°Rx, sweetness,¡± I say. ¡°You promised me anything I wanted,¡± I remind her.


    Ie to a stop behind her and am pleased to see her pussy glistening with dewy moisture. I haven¡¯tid a hand on her yet ¨C I just ordered her to strip, and she had, baring herself to mepletely before falling to her hands and knees at mymand. It¡¯s a fucking beautiful sight and my cock aches at the thought of finally taking her. But I won¡¯t rush tonight.


    I stand over her and slowly unbutton my shirt, discarding it to the floor with her clothes. I can feel Sophie¡¯s eyes watching my movements, her head turned back to look at me. Knowing she¡¯s watching and that she¡¯s every bit as turned on as I am fuels me. Her eyes burn straight through me, creating a physical ache. I take my time, utching my belt and pull it slowly from my pants. Opening the front of my dress pants, I push my boxers down my hips and take my cock in my right hand. I don¡¯t need to look up to know she¡¯s zeroed in on my every move.


    She watches me stroke myself in long, even pulls, her eyes tracing every hard inch of me.


    ¡°Are you ready for me, sweet girl?¡± I ask.


    Her eyes dart up to mine and she gives a wordless nod.


    I drop to my knees, positioning myself behind her and ce my hands on the rounded curve of her ass cheeks. Using my thumbs, I part her lower lips and find her wet and ready.


    Now that is a fucking turn on. I haven¡¯t even touched her yet and my angel is soaking wet for me.


    I position myself at her entrance and tease her with the tip of my cock, gliding it back and forth. Her warmth envelopes me and the sensation makes my balls tighten against my body. Fuuuck. I can already tell the sex between us is going to be intense and I haven¡¯t even prated her yet.  She¡¯s said that she wants this, but I have to be sure before I take something so precious from her. She wiggles her hips, pushing back against me and I almost lose my shit right then and there. I grip her ass and stifle a groan, watching the wide head of cock press into her pink flesh.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A shaky breath shudders across her lips. ¡°What about a condom,¡± she murmurs.


    I pull back and resume teasing her by rubbing my dick against her. ¡°Tonight I want to fuck you with my mouth. And if you¡¯re good, tomorrow I¡¯ll fuck you with my cock.¡±


    ¡°And the day after that?¡±


    ¡°If you can still stand, yes.¡±


    She inhales sharply. ¡°And will you fuck my ass?¡±


    Goddamn. Hearing those erotic words fall from her perfect lips causes a drop of liquid to leak from my tip. ¡°Not yet, beautiful. Soon, but not yet. I¡¯ll know when you¡¯re ready for more.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°If I do it too soon I¡¯ll hurt you,¡± I exin.


    ¡°You¡¯ll hurt me?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t hurt you. Not on purpose. But your ass is really tight.¡± I give her ass cheek a yful smack.


    She smirks up at me in challenge.

 Chapter 46 Colton

    I spank her again, sharper this time and am rewarded with a satisfying crack and a gasp of breath as Sophie inhales.


    She might think she¡¯s in control ¨C giving herself to me this way ¨C but I¡¯m about to show her that I¡¯m still very much in charge.


    I lean into her, kissing the twin dimples in her lower back in that damn sexy spot just above her ass.


    Moving lower, I nt my face at the juncture between her thighs.


    She momentarily stiffens, realizing that my face is pretty much buried in her ass.


    ¡°Colton¡­¡± she whines. Her tone is unsure, hesitant and she fights against me, trying to wiggle out of my grasp.


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± I warn and pull her hips back toward me. She has no reason to be self-conscious around me. I want to worship her pussy with my mouth. I could stay here for hours and it wouldn¡¯t be long enough. My hands firmly hold her hips in ce as my tongue sweeps out and licks her from top to bottom. She releases a soft groan and stops trying to pull away.


    She tastes sweet, like candy, and I indulge, not letting up my rhythm against her clit until her moans of pleasure are loud enough to wake the neighbors.


    ¡°Colton!¡± she cries out again and again.


    She¡¯s right there, at that beautiful moment right before her orgasm crashes through her. I plunge two fingers deep inside and feel her squeeze around me.


    Suddenly it¡¯s no longer just about watching here undone, I want her toe harder than she ever has in her life and know it¡¯s because of me.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    She pushes her ass back, grinding against my fingers and a vision of her riding my dick shes through my mind.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, baby. Let go.¡± My teeth sink into the fleshy cheek of her perfect ass and my fingers curl upward to that sensitive spot inside.


    Sophiees undone, repeating my name again and again as she gasps for breath and mps down on my fingers.


    Her body trembles with the intensity of her release, and I pull her up from her prone position, cradling her in my arms and kissing her neck, her forehead, her lips.


    ¡°Shit, that was hot, baby.¡±


    ¡°Colton¡­¡± she murmurs again. Her blue eyes are hazy and unfocused and she¡¯s panting like she just ran a marathon. ¡°It¡¯s never been like that.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because it¡¯s me and you,¡± I say, meaning every word. We share an undeniable connection that goes much deeper than the physical. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because of all those weeks we spent living together, getting to know each other and all but ignoring the explosive chemistry between us, but it¡¯s intense and unlike anything I¡¯ve ever experienced.


    Our lips meet in a rush of hungry kisses. Sophie¡¯s hands fumble down my body, tracing my abs and moving lower until she finds my hard cock. She teases me at first, her fingertips exploring me, her nails scrapping lightly against my skin, her delicate hand cupping my balls. I grunt when she grips me and beginszily stroking up and down.  I push my hips up to meet her strokes.


    ¡°Harder, baby.¡± I show her what I like, tightening my hand around hers and begin to pump faster.


    Her lips momentarily still against mine as though she¡¯s concentrating on finding the rhythm. When she does, pleasure rips through my body and I move my hand to the back of her neck.


    ¡°Feels so fucking good,¡± I groan, pushing my hands into her hair and bringing her mouth back to mine.


    While our tongues collide and explore, Sophie uses both hands to stroke my length up and down until I¡¯m ready to explode.


    ¡°Soph,¡± I grunt. ¡°You¡¯re gonna make mee¡­¡±


    She bows her head and takes me into the warm cavern of her mouth, suckling against the head of my dick. It¡¯s unexpected and hot that she wants to taste me and I can¡¯t hold back a second longer. Tangling my fingers in her hair, I erupt in a stream of incoherent curses and empty myself into her mouth.


    Sophie lets out a low moan and swallows every drop.


    ¡°Damn baby.¡± I stare at her in stunned disbelief. I can¡¯t believe she just did that.


    She smiles shyly and drops her eyes to my softening cock, then gives him a gentle pat.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you decided against being friends.¡± I stroke her hair back from her face and kiss her lips.


    ¡°You knew that would never work, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I knew it wasn¡¯t what I wanted, but I was willing to try if that was the only way to have you in my life.¡± It¡¯s the honest truth.


    She gazes up at me, her eyes shining bright with longing. ¡°I want everything.¡±


    ¡°I do too, sweet Sophie. I do too.¡±


    I rise to my feet, cradling her in my arms. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go to bed.¡±


    ¡°What about our clothes?¡± She peers down at the heap of discarded clothes and undergarments decorating my office floor.


    ¡°It¡¯ll give the housekeepers something to gossip about.¡±


    Sheys her head against my shoulder, lets out a contented sigh, and lets me carry her up the stairs.

 Chapter 47 Sophie

    Sophie


    When I wake in the morning, Colton is already up and gone from the bed. ncing at the clock, I realize it¡¯ ten after seven, and since it¡¯s a Monday, I assume he¡¯s gotten up to get ready for work.


    Wanting to see him before he starts his day, I climb from the bed and venture downstairs wearing only the t-shirt of his that I slept in. The warm cotton is soft against my skin and reminds me there are so many tiny things I missed about him.  A happy smile ys at the edges of my mouth.


    I find him in the kitchen, dressed in a dark suit, crisp white shirt, and a navy blue tie. His feet are still bare. He looks delicious. Maybe I¡¯ll just have him for breakfast.


    His eyes lift to mine and he sets his cell phone down on the ind. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a pretty sight.¡± His gaze wanders along the curves visible under the t-shirt, before lingering on my bare legs.  ¡°Come here.¡±


    His simplemand tightens my body with anticipation. I cross the kitchen and stop in front of him. ¡°Did you sleep okay?¡± I ask, reaching out to fix his tie.


    ¡°Like a fucking rock.¡± He nts a kiss to my temple. ¡°Thank God you¡¯re back.¡±


    I wrap my arms around his waist and exhale softly as he pulls me into his arms and holds me tight. Seeing him all buttoned up in his suit and tie makes me want to mess him up, undress him and do naughty things ¨C right here in the kitchen.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    ¡°You said today was the day¡­¡± I lift my face into his neck and whisper against his ear, letting the words linger between us. The promise of sexter has my body entirely too aware of his nearness, his scent.


    Colton¡¯s mouth tugs up in a yful smirk. ¡°Fuck, Soph¡­¡±


    I toy with the hem of my t-shirt and see his gaze drop south.  Dressed in just an old gray t-shirt, and I¡¯ve never felt sexier. I lift the shirt, revealing the fact I¡¯m not wearing any panties, when Colton suddenly clears his throat, looking ufortable.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask.


    He releases a sigh. ¡°Marta¡¯s here.¡±


    Disappointment courses through me and I almost groan in frustration. I drop the hem of the shirt, covering myself once again and peek around Colton to the kitchen window, which has a direct view of the driveway. Her little red sports car is parked in the drive, but she¡¯s nowhere to be found. Weird.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to get dressed,¡± I say and leave him in the kitchen. Call me old fashioned, but when one of Colton¡¯s employees is here, I figure I should at least be wearing panties. I draw the line at removing his t-shirt though and just add undergarments and a pair of yoga pants before heading back downstairs.

 Chapter 48 Sophie

    Sophie


    I run into Marta in the hall outside of one of the guest rooms.


    ¡°Sophie?¡± She sounds surprised and her eyebrows rise as she takes me in.


    ¡°Hi.¡± I peek around her and see several suitcases in the guest room and stray articles of clothing on the bed. What in the hell? I don¡¯t understand what¡¯s going on, but rather than stay and chat with Marta, I want to talk to Colton. I head straight for the kitchen.


    ¡°Marta looks pretty cozy upstairs.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s going to be staying here,¡± he says, without further exnation.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Why? Doesn¡¯t she have her own ce?¡± If he gives me some speech aboutpanionship or the house being empty, I am going to lose it. I was already suspicious about what all their rtionship entailed and after his marriage fiasco I couldn¡¯t handle anymore bombshells of information being dropped on me at the moment.


    ¡°She has a rat infestation in her building and her condo is being restored. It¡¯s just for a few days or so.¡±


    Rats? Ew. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You seem upset.¡±


    ¡°She just seemed surprised to see me here, like she didn¡¯t know I was back in the picture.¡±


    He shrugs. ¡°You just came back yesterday. I haven¡¯t gotten around to telling her yet.¡±


    His response makes sense, I just don¡¯t like the idea that with Colton newly single, Marta¡¯s wasted no time in moving herself in. And judging by the three giant suitcases she brought with her, she¡¯s nning on being here for more than just a couple of days.


    Marta chooses that exact moment to enter the kitchen and help herself to a coffee mug from the cupboard. I know it¡¯s irrational, but her familiarity with this man and his home bugs me. ¡°Ready for work, boss? We can ride in together.¡± She treats him to a wide smile.


    Colton gives me a peck on the lips and his eyes implore mine to let it go before he turns to face Marta. ¡°Actually, I figured we¡¯d probably be working different hours, so we¡¯d drive in separate.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t mind if you have to workte, I¡¯m game for whatever.  Plus, it¡¯ll be a good time for us to catch up. I can bring you up to speed on the renovations I have nned for the pool house.¡±


    ¡°What renovations to the pool house?¡± I inquire.


    ¡°Colton didn¡¯t tell you?¡±


    I shake my head.


    ¡°One of the pumps malfunctioned and the pool house flooded. I¡¯ve taken over redecorating it since ¡­ never mind.¡± Marta smiles coyly, sharing a secret look with Colt.


    ¡°Since what?¡± I ask.


    She shrugs. ¡°Since Ste is the one who decorated it and I didn¡¯t think the purple and gold d¨¦cor went with Colton¡¯s taste, I figured it was time for a makeover.¡±


    Colton slides his warm palm against my limp one, a gesture meant to calm and reassure me. I have no idea why I¡¯m acting so territorial over a man I¡¯m not even sure is mine, but seeing Marta here this morning has all my senses on high alert. If I am going to have an actual rtionship with Colton, I need the women of his past to stop showing up here unannounced. I make a mental note to ask Colton for details about his rtionship with Marta.


    I stand near the front door in my pajamas and watch as Colton and Marta climb into her little red sports car. They pull out of the gated driveway and onto the road and the sound of ring music lingers until they disappear from sight.


    I sigh and shut the door. My new life is going to take some getting used to.

 Chapter 49 Colton

    Colton


    As a sessful entrepreneur who runs twopanies, who regrly deals with top executives and negotiates with fiercepetitors, I find it almostughable how worked-up one small girl, dressed only in my t-shirt can get me. As Marta drives my thoughts drift to Sophie, as they often do.


    I type out a text message to her.


    I miss you already.


    Her reply is almost instant.


    Miss you more.


    I smile and type out my reply. We¡¯ll have fun tonight.


    You promise?


    Her response makes me chuckle.


    All you can handle, sweetness.


    ¡°So, Sophie¡¯s back?¡± Marta asks, adjusting the volume of the radio down and pulling my attention away from my phone.


    I¡¯m detecting a hint of jealously stewing between them ¨C something I need to put a stop to right the fuck now.


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s moved back in ¨C for good, I hope.¡±


    Marta lowers her sunsses and looks over at me. ¡°Wow. That¡¯s a big step.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± I confirm. ¡°I¡¯m crazy about her, Marta, and I need to know that you understand that. You and I have aplicated past, but that¡¯s where it needs to stay ¨C in the past.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± I detect a hint of disappointment in her voice.


    I can¡¯t say I¡¯m surprised by her reaction, I¡¯ve long suspected she¡¯s wanted more with me.


    ¡°I value you as a friend, and an employee, but Sophie¡¯s a game changer for me. In fact, I¡¯m finally dealing with Ste.¡±


    ¡°I get it, Colt.¡± Her voice takes on a slightly exasperated tone. ¡°Things were over between us long before Sophie came into the picture. And I¡¯m a big girl. I can deal.¡±


    ¡°I know you can. Thank you for that.¡± I¡¯m d that she seems to understand. Thest thing I¡¯d want is for things to get weird between her and Sophie. Or between her and I for that matter.


    ¡°Besides, it was only a few times,¡± she remarks.


    We both gaze out at the road and I sense that she¡¯s recalling the few times we were intimate with vivid detail.


    ¡°It¡¯s in the past,¡± I confirm. I just hope it stays there. Marta doesn¡¯t respond. ¡°It¡¯s all but forgotten, right?¡±All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She lets out a short chuckle. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go that far, Colton. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll forget anytime soon that you¡¯re the biggest man I¡¯ve ever been with or how harsh andmanding you can be when you¡¯re aroused.¡±


    Our encounters aren¡¯t as memorable in my recollections. I only recall that in the months after Ste left, I was depressed and lonely. Marta was there and willing and I allowed her to take the edge off a few times, but we never had sex. ¡°I¡¯m serious about this, Marta. If you make things difficult for Sophie, or if you dredge up things from the past¡­¡±


    She turns to me sharply. ¡°Rx, boss. Leave me with my fond memories and I promise not to say anything.¡±


    We share a tense ride to work and I make a mental note to tell Sophie everything tonight when I return home. Now that she¡¯s back and trusting in me to do the right thing, I won¡¯t have something so inconsequential ruining our progress.


    ***


    The day drags by at a snail¡¯s pace as I anticipate my evening with Sophie. My brothers break up the afternoon by surprising me with lunch. Things at work have been so busy that I¡¯ve been pushing off our weekly lunch date. Today they take no chances, bursting into my office with my assistant trailing behind them apologetically.


    ¡°They just barged in, sir,¡± he says, looking troubled.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, David.¡±


    My assistant, David, is a bit of a nerdy and frail type, and I got the sense he¡¯s overwhelmed in the presence of my brothers. But he¡¯s the best assistant I¡¯ve ever had so I won¡¯t admonish him for the interruption.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta eat,¡± Pace says, holding up a bag of takeout from one of my favorite sushi restaurants. ¡°And I need an update on what¡¯s going on with sweet Sophie.¡±


    He had flown to Italy with me on a whim, so perhaps I did owe him an update. ¡°Is there a spicy tuna roll in that bag?¡± I ask.


    He nods and begins removing the containers of food.


    I join him and Collins at therge marble table in the center of my office.


    ¡°So?¡± Collins ask. ¡°Was your impromptu trip to Italy wasted? Or did you get the girl?


    ¡°Sophie¡¯s moved back in,¡± I confirm.


    ¡°Fuck yeah.¡± Pace¡¯s wide smile lights up his entire face. He¡¯s always worn his emotions directly on his sleeve. It¡¯s both a blessing and curse. He¡¯s a real estate developer, so his gregarious personality often helps him win over clients, but can be a hindrance when he¡¯s negotiating big deals. All the cards are face up on the table with him. You can see every fleeting thought passing through his brain.


    ¡°And Ste?¡± Collins asks.


    My older brother has been riding me for years about divorcing her. Even though he¡¯s only two years older, he¡¯s always acted more like a father-figure to both me and Pace. ¡°I signed the papers.¡±


    Pace jumps to his feet. ¡°Holy fucking shit! We need some goddamn champagne up in this bitch.¡±


    ¡°Sit the fuck down,¡± I grumble, but am unable to hide the crooked smile lifting one corner of my mouth. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know. It¡¯s about fucking time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so fucking d Sophie¡¯s in your life,¡± Collins says, helping himself to some of the pickled ginger on my te. It¡¯s obvious he attributes her presence in my life to this change. And of course, he¡¯s right.


    ¡°We need to celebrate, bro. Seriously,¡± Pace says.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a horrible idea. A big bash to mark your freedom from the mega bitch,¡± Collins says, chewing thoughtfully.


    ¡°Drop it, boys. I¡¯ve signed the papers and sent them over to mywyer. That¡¯s celebration enough.¡± No need to celebrate the anal raping my bank ount is getting just to pay her to go away.


    We eat infortable silence for several minutes. At the lull in conversation, my mind automatically wanders to Sophie and what will happen tonight when I get home.


    ¡°Marta¡¯s single, right?¡± Pace asks, popping a piece of sushi into his mouth.


    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± I inquire, folding a napkin across myp.


    ¡°She looks like she could use a good hard ride.¡± He grins.


    I set down my chopsticks. ¡°Don¡¯t fuck my employees. Why is that so hard for you to understand?¡±


    He rolls his eyes. ¡°Fuck, dude. You¡¯re worse than a woman. First you curse me out for trying to get with Sophie¡¯s sister Ba, and now you¡¯re whining about me noticing Marta¡¯s pert little ass.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not whining. I¡¯m pointing out that surely your pickup skills extend beyond the couple of women in my inner circle that I¡¯d prefer not get fucked over by you and thene crying to me. I know your history with women, asshole.¡±


    Collins chimes in,ing to my defense. ¡°He¡¯s right, dipshit, your track record is zero and what a hundred?¡±


    ¡°What the hell does that mean?¡± Pace momentarily stops chewing.


    ¡°You¡¯ve had zero sessful monogamous rtionships and over a hundred sexual partners,¡± Collins says.


    Pace shrugs. ¡°I stopped keeping track once I reached the triple digits.¡±


    ¡°Listen, asshole. I told you. Marta works for me, so don¡¯t fuck her. And in regards to Ba, she has cancer. She doesn¡¯t need any additional stress in her life from someone who will hit it once and walk away. Not to mention she¡¯s my girl¡¯s sister. If you deflower her and then pull a disappearing act, I¡¯d have to deal with the fallout.¡±


    He sulks, sinking deeper into his chair, but doesn¡¯t retort.


    Collins and I share a quick look of triumph.


    I have no idea if Ba¡¯s a virgin, like Sophie is, and it doesn¡¯t matter. I don¡¯t want Pace anywhere near her. His history with women is deplorable.


    ¡°Is Sophie still a virgin?¡± Pace asks.


    ¡°Not for long,¡± I confirm.

 Chapter 50 Sophie

    Sophie


    When Colton and Marta arrive home, I¡¯m showered, dressed and waiting in the kitchen, just opening a bottle of white wine and setting out long-stemmed sses. I frown looking down at the third ss on the ind. Three¡¯s a crowd.


    When they enter the kitchen, Marta excuses herself, immediately going upstairs to change, leaving Colton and I all alone. Bliss. I¡¯ve been waiting for this moment all damn day, and I don¡¯t feel like I can wait a minute longer.


    He stalks over to me, looking delectable in his suit. I might have exercised restraint this morning when I barely avoided tearing it off of him, but I will show no such patience tonight.


    Without saying a single word, his hands cup my cheeks and he pulls my face to his, pressing his lips to mine and giving me a long kiss. When he pulls away, I¡¯m dizzy and filled with longing.


    ¡°How was your day?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Way too fucking long. I missed you,¡± he says.


    I feel the exact same way. ¡°Would it be rude if we skipped dinner and went straight to bed?¡± I think about the tes in the warming tray that Beth has left for all three of us. Apparently the household staff knew Marta was staying here. Of course, as his personal assistant, Marta probably told them.


    Colton runs his hands down my body, stopping at my hips and securing my body to his. ¡°Dinner is thest thing on my mind.¡± He¡¯s looking at me like he¡¯s already picturing me naked.


    A warm shiver runs through me. I¡¯d wondered if it was going to bother me that Marta was here in the house for our first time, but now, I don¡¯t care if she hears me screaming down the house. She can stuff it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been hard all fucking day,¡± Colton groans, bringing my hand down below his belt and pressing it into the gigantic bulge there. I close my hand around him and hear him grunt.


    It takes every ounce of willpower I have not to drop to my knees and take him into my mouth. Even if I don¡¯t care about Marta hearing our sounds of pleasure behind closed doors, I don¡¯t want her to see my man¡¯s package. That is not something I n on sharing. Now or ever.


    His hips rock forward as my palm moves up and down over him. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to be inside you,¡± he whispers low near my ear.


    My panties flood with moisture.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go upstairs. I¡¯ll help you change out of your suit.¡± I give him a yful look.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Footsteps round the corner and I know we¡¯re no longer alone. I turn to face Marta, making sure I remain in front of Colton to block the view of his raging erection. Apparently we¡¯re on the same page, because his hands circle my waist, silentlymunicating that I need to stay put.


    My eyes wander behind her to the suitcases stacked together on the floor.


    ¡°Myndlord says the mouse infestation is all cleared up, so I¡¯m going back home,¡± she says.


    ¡°I thought it was rats?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Oh, right. Mice, rats. Same thing.¡± She smiles, but her cheeks flush slightly, knowing she¡¯s been caught in a lie.


    I get the sense that she¡¯d only been staying here in my absence to make a move on Colton, and now that I¡¯m back, she knows she¡¯s missed her chance.


    She tows her suitcases behind her, stopping to stretch up on her tiptoes and to give Colton a quick peck on the cheek. ¡°Thanks for your hospitality. And I¡¯m totally on board with what we talked about in the car.¡±


    He nods silently, his mouth drawn into a firm line.


    A few minutester the door closes behind her and we hear her little red sports car drive away, the noise fading into the distance until the only sounds are our heartbeats and ragged breathing.


    I spin to face Colton again. He¡¯s watching me with an intense expression. ¡°That was rude of me not to help her take her suitcases out, but I couldn¡¯t very well do that with my cock hard. What are you doing to me, baby?¡± he groans in frustration.


    I giggle and lift up on my toes to kiss him. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s okay. She looked like she had them handled.¡±


    He shrugs. ¡°I suppose she did.¡±


    ¡°What did you guys talk about in the car?¡± I ask, remembering what Marta said just before she left.


    ¡°Huh?¡± he asks.


    ¡°She said she was totally on board with it¡­¡± I try to jog his memory.


    He runs a hand through his hair. ¡°Come on, we need to talk.¡±


    He leads me to the den and motions for me to sit on the sofa next to him.


    My belly churns with nerves. Colton¡¯s entire mood has changed. I think whatever he¡¯s going to tell me has something to do with him and Marta. I take a deep breath and prepare myself for the worst. I might have told him just yesterday that I was his and that no matter what I trusted him. Now I want to swallow all those words and curl up in a ball with the hurt that is already threatening to overtake me.


    ¡°Take a deep breath, Sophie,¡± Colton murmurs. I¡¯m sure he can see the hurt and worry written all over my face. ¡°After Ste left, I had a short rebound fling with Marta,¡± he says.


    My stomach drops to my toes as my worst suspicions are confirmed. I pull another deep breath into my lungs at Colton¡¯s urging and fight to remain in control by reminding myself that it was in the past.


    ¡°I was destroyed after my divorce,¡± he exins. ¡°She was there and avable and I regret it now, but we messed around a couple of times.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I¡¯m speechless and gutted and feel like crying. I¡¯ve been jealous of Marta and her good looks and close rtionship with Colton from day one. And now all my hunches are confirmed.


    ¡°We never had sex,¡± he adds.


    This news makes me feel marginally better. ¡°What did she mean earlier? What did you guys talk about in the car that she was on board with?¡±

 Chapter 51 Sophie

    ¡°I told her that I¡¯m fucking crazy about you. And while she¡¯s known for a long time that I¡¯m not interested in her, I let her know that I wouldn¡¯t tolerate anything getting in the way of you and I. Good employees are hard to find, but if she tried to interfere in any way¡­¡±


    He leaves the rest unspoken. Geez, he¡¯d threatened to fire her if she made things difficult for me and him?


    Her cryptic message and then hightailing it out of here today must mean that she epts Colton¡¯s rtionship with me and has no intention of interfering.


    ¡°I wanted to be honest with you about my past. I want a real future with you, Soph. Tell me how you¡¯re feeling,¡± he says.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you opened up and told me about Marta.¡± But deep down I know the issue with Marta is the least of my worries. I can ept his need for a rebound fling. Growing bold, I straighten my spine. ¡°But if you wanted a real rtionship with me, you wouldn¡¯t be holding up your own divorce. And don¡¯t give me this guilty crap about money for the Africa project ¨C if your finances were in that precarious a state, would you have really spent a million on a sex ve, oh excuse me, I mean mistress? By the sounds of it, Marta is not someone you had true feelings for, and I can get over it, but if you want this with me, you¡¯re going to have to show me that I¡¯m worth the risk. I can¡¯t share you with Ste.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll never share me.¡± His dark eyes implore mine, possessive and filled with longing.


    ¡°I am sharing you ¨C the memory of her scowling at me in the pool and telling me to get off her property is firmly branded into my mind. Did you notice that I can¡¯t even go near the pool?¡±


    ¡°Sophie, I signed the papers. Last night in my office, when you interrupted me,¡± he says.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    ¡°WHAT?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s done. I emailed them to my attorney this morning.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± This is earth-shattering news and he¡¯s mentioning it in casual conversation like¡¯s no big deal.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to interrupt our funst night.¡± He smirks.


    I remembered in vivid detail our steamy encounter in his officest night where I¡¯d pledged to give myself to him. Everythinges rushing back at once, and my belly tightens into a knot.


    ¡°Besides, everything you said, the way youid yourself bare, yourplete faith and trust in me ¨C that was exactly what I needed. And if you¡¯d known I¡¯d signed the papers before you told me all that, it wouldn¡¯t have had the same impact,¡± Colton continues.


    I see what he means. I¡¯d basically agreed to have blind faith in him to do the right thing, and it turns out, he already had. My heart swells with happiness.


    ¡°Colton¡­¡±


    His eyes swing over to mine and he gives me a small smile.


    When I ask about the terms of the divorce, he doesn¡¯t hold anything back. He tells me that his worth of three hundred and sixty five million dors was divided exactly in half. And as happy as I am about his divorce being finalized, I hate the idea that his now ex-wife is receiving even a dime from him. She¡¯d already stripped him of his trust in women and soured his home with her memories.


    Colton had pledged to spend five hundred million dors in Africa over the next ten years, but I see now that can¡¯t happen. My heart is heavy for him, and I work to convince him that his time and donations are still more than generous. He nods and pats my knee, but I can tell his thoughts are faraway.


    A few somber seconds pass, and I can tell he¡¯s realizing there¡¯s new direction to his life. Turning over a new leaf, and all that. He¡¯s been through so much, and despite his strength and demeanor, I know it¡¯s been tough for him. I want tofort him, to hold him. The urge to crawl into hisp is too strong to ignore and so I do.


    ¡°Sophie?¡± he asks.


    ¡°Just hold me,¡± I say.


    He does. Colton wraps me in his arms and holds me tight, his masculine scent enveloping me in warmth. I can tell that whateveres next for us is going to be big. We may have started this journey together, thinking it¡¯d be something fleeting and sexual, but the intensity of our rtionship and depth of feelings are way too strong to ignore.


    ¡°What did you do today?¡± He brushes my hair back from my face and peers down at me where I¡¯m still curled on hisp.


    ¡°Besides wait for my man to get home?¡±


    ¡°Your man?¡±


    ¡°My man.¡± My voice is sure and steady. He is mine, and I won¡¯t be scared off by his admissions about Marta or his rocky past. ¡°I went for a jog, showered, and then spent the afternoon moving my things from the guest room back into the master suite.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± He continues stroking my hair and it feels lovely.


    ¡°It got me thinking though.¡±


    ¡°About?¡± He nuzzles into my neck, inhaling my scent and treating me to a tender kiss on that sensitive spot just behind my ear. He¡¯s trying to distract me, and it almost works, but I know I need to have this conversation with him before things go any farther.


    ¡°You shared that room with her,¡± I say.


    Sensing the direction I¡¯m going, Colton takes my hand in his. ¡°I had the entire room redone when she left. The furniture, the mattress, the linens are all new.¡±


    ¡°Did Marta pick them?¡± I wonder out loud, remembering herment about redecorating the pool house.


    ¡°No. She showed me a design website and I picked everything I wanted, and then had her order it on my credit card.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Does that help?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it does. I think I would have felt strange being intimate in the same bed you shared with your wife,¡± I admit.


    ¡°Ex-wife,¡± he corrects me. ¡°And I promise you that Ste will be the furthest thing from my mind when I finally take you.¡±


    A warm ripple of heat passes between us at the mention of sex. ¡°Did I ruin the night by asking all these questions?¡± I ask, meeting his blue stare.

 Chapter 52 Sophie

    ¡°No. I want to be upfront with you about everything from now on.¡±


    ¡°I think I can handle that.¡±


    He cups my face with his warm palms, and traces his thumb along my lower lip. ¡°Thank fucking God you¡¯re still here with me. Most women would have run away screaming obscenities at me, you know?¡±


    I nod. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a good thing you¡¯re cute.¡±


    ¡°You think I¡¯m cute?¡± He lifts one eyebrow, watching me with scrutiny.


    ¡°Adorable,¡± I confirm.


    He shakes his head at me, his expression turning serious.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Men don¡¯t want to be called adorable Sophie.¡±


    ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°What would you like to be called, Colton?¡±


    His tongue traces his lower lip as he thinks it over. ¡°Tough, badass, a sex god.¡± He gives me a yful smile and settles his hands on my waist.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well I wouldn¡¯t know about thatst one, now would I?¡± I tease. His eyestch onto mine and he gives me the most dark, hungry, aching look that I can feel deep inside my body. ¡°Colt¡­¡±


    A sound of need rumbles in his chest and his mouthes crashing down on mine. All of the weeks of letting the sexual tension build to exquisite proportionse barreling down on us in an instant. I¡¯m filled with lust and desire so strong that it demands immediate attention.


    I¡¯m still nted on hisp and I grind against him, writhing, fighting to get closer as he kisses me deeply. His tongue strokes mine in the most hypnotic rhythm, reminding me of the wicked way he licked my corest night until I came so hard I almost cked out.


    Feeling the hard ridge of his erection, I push my hips closer, angling my body so that I can feel him right between my thighs. I rub myself against him wantonly.


    ¡°Colt¡­¡± I groan again, my voice a hoarse plea in the otherwise silent room.


    He strips my shirt off over my head, and his hands are suddenly everywhere at once, unsnapping my bra and flinging it across the room, caressing my breasts, gently pinching my nipples. He kisses a wet path down my throat and takes one breast into his hot mouth. I cry out in a mix of pleasure and frustration. As nice as his attention on my breasts is, it¡¯s not where I need him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t fucking wait any longer, Sophie,¡± he moans.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wait,¡± I pant.


    I reach between us and undo his belt, pushing my hands inside his pants until I find what I¡¯m looking for. His cock is warm and weighty in my hands. God, I¡¯ve missed this thing. Last night feels like so long ago, or maybe it¡¯s just that twenty-four hours without touching him is hell.


    Colton shoves his pants and boxers down his hips, letting me massage his length up and down and growling out expletives.


    He lifts me suddenly, setting me on my feet and making quick work of stripping me out of my pants. My panties are torn from my body next and I am almost shaking with need. Colton tugs his shirt off and kicks the pants and boxers off that are tangled around his ankles. When we¡¯re both free of our clothes, I drop to my knees, unable to resist the urge to take him into my mouth.


    I swirl my tongue around his tip before nting my hands firmly around his base and sucking him deep into my mouth.


    ¡°Fuck, Sophie¡­¡± he moans, pushing his hands into my hair and rocking forward to thrust deeper.


    After he admitted that it was something she never did for him, it¡¯s only made me want to do it even more. It¡¯s our thing, and I love that.


    I pump my hands up and down, licking and sucking with an increasing tempo. I¡¯ve never wanted anything in my life as badly as I want his cock right now. I feel crazed with desire.


    Colton cups one hand around my jaw, and moves my mouth off of him. I look up, wondering what I¡¯ve done wrong.


    ¡°I need to be inside you,¡± he growls, his voice rough with need.


    He offers me his hand and I rise to my feet. I practically crawl up his body as Colton lifts me from the floor. I wrap my legs around his waist and he carries me from the room, and at first I think he¡¯s heading for the stairs, but then he stops and anchors us with my back pressed up against the wall. He rocks his thick erection against my center, teasing me and making me ache for him.


    He kisses my neck, my lips, the tops of my breasts all while rocking his hips against me and nudging his wide tip against me.


    ¡°Can¡¯t wait¡­¡± he says. ¡°I¡¯ve been dreaming of this moment since I first saw you on that stage. Your beauty, your courage¡­you are so damn sexy, baby.¡±


    ¡°Fuck me, Colton,¡± I groan in frustration.


    He reaches between us and grips his cock, sliding it through my wetness and positioning himself right at my opening. Knowing we¡¯re not going to make it to the bedroom is a huge turn-on.


    ¡°This might hurt a little at first.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I¡¯m ready. I¡¯ve wanted this for far too long. I¡¯m not going to let a little difort ruin the experience. I can¡¯t wait to be filled with him, to see what kind of lover he is. I¡¯ve imagined it for so long, I¡¯m dying to see how he fucks. Hard and fast or long, slow strokes.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he curses.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a condom.¡±


    His house is too damn big and there¡¯s no way I¡¯m waiting while we traipse through his mansion in search of protection. Plus I realize with absolute certainty that I don¡¯t want anything between us for my first time. I want to feel him. Just me and him, without any barrier between us. ¡°No, no condom. I want to feel you. Please, Colton.¡±


    His gaze snaps to mine and I can read the indecision in his eyes. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    I nod. ¡°Yes, just take me.¡±

 Chapter 53 Sophie

    I¡¯m sure he knows I¡¯m not on any birth control, but I can see the exact moment he decides it doesn¡¯t matter. His eyes soften and his deep blue gaze settles on mine.


    ¡°Kiss me, sweet Sophie,¡± he murmurs.


    I do.


    He widens his stance, bringing one hand under my butt and with the other, he positions his throbbing cock against me. I cling to him with my arms wrapped tightly around his neck and my mouth fused to his.


    With gentle strokes, Colton begins to move, teasing my opening with just the tip of him. I gasp when I feel him finally thrust forward. His face is a mask of concentration, like all his focus is on controlling himself so as not to hurt me. I know he¡¯s big, but in that moment, I just don¡¯t care. I want to be filled with him, to be ovee with sensation and know it¡¯s because of this man. Even if I scream out in pain, even if I bleed, it will be worth it, because it will mean he is finally making me his ¨C a moment I¡¯ve waited a lifetime for.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    I give a tight nod.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold your breath.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know I had been, but I draw a deep inhale and Colton rocks forward, the blunt head of him prating me just slightly before he retreats again.


    ¡°Was that okay?¡± he grounds out.


    ¡°It feels good,¡± I confirm.


    There¡¯s the sensation of being stretched and just the slightest sting. It¡¯s incredible and despite the difort, I never want him to stop.


    His tongue strokes mine as he presses inside me in tiny increments.


    ¡°God, baby¡­¡± He inches forward again, my body stretching around him.


    ¡°Colton¡­¡± I moan. ¡°I like it.¡±


    ¡°Good. I¡¯m trying to make it good for you.¡±


    Realizing I¡¯m pinned against the wall and he¡¯s holding up my entire weight, I suddenly worry that he¡¯s not enjoying this as much as I am. ¡°Am I too heavy?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that.¡± He inches forward again and kisses my lips. ¡°I like holding you while I fuck you.¡±


    Oh. I like it too. I feel small and possessed by him in a way I never knew I craved. But I know he¡¯s taking it easy on me, rocking forward ever so carefully and then easing back every time I feel him begin to sink deeper. I know how big he is, so I thought there would be a feeling of him deeper inside me. ¡°Does it feel as good for you?¡±


    ¡°Better,¡± he confirms and a hot shiver races down my spine at the low way the word rolls off his tongue. He¡¯s so sexy and inplete control, and those two little things are my undoing.  ¡°You¡¯re clenched so snug and tight around me. Your warmth feels incredible.¡±


    I let out a groan of bliss as he inches forward again, rocking deeper this time. I¡¯ve never given thought to what it would feel like to him, but I love the way he¡¯s described it.


    ¡°Fuck, you¡¯re so tight baby. This next part might hurt a little. Stay with me, okay?¡±


    I nod and met his eyes. I can instantly see that he¡¯s been holding back. But I also know that I trust him.


    He ms his hips forward into me, filling me sopletely, he steals my breath. Only a weak groan escapes. This moment is everything I¡¯ve been waiting for and it¡¯s even more meaningful than I could have ever imagined. A twinge of pain deep inside dissipates after a moment.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he grunts. ¡°Breathe for me, sweetness.¡±


    I pull in a deep gasp of air and cling to his shoulders as Colton pounds into me in long hard strokes, taking whatever was left of my virginity.


    His steady pace continues, pushing into me and pulling back. Soon the sting subsides and I¡¯m left with a warm pleasurable sensation, like a vessel being filled after a long drought. It¡¯s a long awaited moment that I¡¯m incredibly d I¡¯ve saved just for him.


    I squeeze my inner muscles around him, teasing a raspy groan from his throat. A few more deep thrusts that link his body deep within mine and I feel all his muscles tighten.


    Done holding back, his grip tightens on my hips and he thrusts forward in fast hard strokes.


    Colton brings his lips to mine and his warm, humid breathes in fast pants as he releases a short moan of pleasure that I know must mean he¡¯s climaxing. He sinks even deeper inside me and I feel the rush of hot semen erupt within me and momentster Colton is lowering me to my feet, kissing my mouth, telling me how perfect I am. And in that moment, I feel perfect. I feel like a fucking sex goddess who just rocked her man¡¯s world. And the sleepy, satisfied look overtaking his face is beautiful.


    ¡°Sorry that was so fast. You were too much for me to handle myself properly.¡± He kisses my neck, nuzzling into me. ¡°Beautiful girl,¡± he murmurs against my throat.


    ¡°It was perfect, Colton.¡± I didn¡¯te, but I hadn¡¯t expected to my first time.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t perfect. But it will be. I¡¯ll train your body toe with mine,¡± he says, dropping another kiss to my lips.


    A warm shiver runs through me at the thought of orgasming in tandem with him. The image it conjures is incredibly erotic.


    Before I can question what he¡¯s doing, Colton drops to his knees, brings his hot mouth to my core, and his lipstch on, sucking against my clit while his fingers push deep inside of me.


    Oh dear God.


    ¡°Colt! What are you doing?¡± My legs tremble as my body reacts to his hot mouth owning me. ¡°You just came in me and now you¡¯re¡­¡±


    ¡°Baby, I need to taste what¡¯s mine.¡±


    Unable to resist, I watch him with wide-eyes, and my mouth hanging open. He is beautiful. Dark messy hair, eyshes that flutter against his cheeks, a full lush mouth that is currently devouring me¡­ I¡¯m swollen with arousal and his mouth is hot and greedy, licking and sucking against me as I moan and grind myself against his face. ¡°Colton,¡± I murmur, my fingers sinking into his hair.


    The vision of him dropping to his knees after sex and eating at me greedily is one I¡¯ll never forget. He doesn¡¯t seem to care that his own juices are dripping from my body, his only concern is my pleasure¨Cit¡¯s incredibly hot. I draw in a shuddering breath, continuing to watch his mouth against me.  His tongueshes brutally against my clit and teases it repeatedly.


    He presses two long fingers inside me, and the sight of his semen coating his fingers as they pump in and out of me is my undoing. I begin to shake and I know that my climax is close.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    He grunts and nips at my clit with his teeth, coaxing a low moan from my throat. I tighten around his fingers as my orgasm builds and Ie with a shout, my legs almost giving out. Colton keeps me from copsing in a heap, his hands locking onto my hips keeping me steady while he finishes, softly kissing my lower lips until I stop shaking. Then he rises to his feet with a smug look of satisfaction on his face.


    He takes my hand and leads me from the den that I¡¯ll forever remember as the first room we¡¯ve christened.


    Colton doesn¡¯t stop touching me once as we make our way up the stairs and into the master bath, keeping his hand in mine, or resting innocently at my hip, or not so innocently against my backside. He only releases me to turn on the faucet to begin filling the big tub that I¡¯ve missed in my time away.


    ¡°How about a rxing soak?¡± he asks, kissing my lips.


    ¡°Only if you¡¯re nning to join me.¡±


    He smiles at me wickedly. ¡°Absolutely.¡±

 Chapter 54 Sophie

    We¡¯re both still as naked as the day we were born and I can¡¯t help but steal nces at his body. He¡¯s like a solid stone wall of muscle built for maximum pleasure. Deeply cut abdominal muscles that lead down into a V at his sides. My gaze drifts lower and I see his manhood is hanging heavily between his powerful thighs. Even in its rxed state, it¡¯s impressive. The times before ¨C when I¡¯d pleasured him orally, he was hard again in an instant. Perhaps this time I¡¯ve actually satisfied him. Quenched his thirst, so to speak. My lips twitch in a smile.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± he looks down at his penis and back up at me with a frown.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I straighten my mouth, losing the smile.


    ¡°Sophie,¡± he chastises. ¡°You were looking down at my dick andughing.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯tugh,¡± I correct him.


    ¡°Fine, then you were smiling at him like the two of you were sharing some inside joke. Everything good between the two of you?¡±


    ¡°Very much so,¡± I confirm.


    ¡°Then tell me what he did to make you smile.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s soft.¡±


    Colton frowns and lets out a sigh. ¡°That tends to happen after a man ejactes, Sophie.¡±


    I giggle, unable to stop myself. Hearing Colton say the word ejacte has brought out my inner twelve-year-old boy. Pulling myself to together, I exin, ¡°Yes, I know that. But the times before, the times I, um, used my mouth, he was hard again right away.¡±


    He watches me closely, his face impassive, but I can tell he¡¯s thinking about how to answer. ¡°I tend to have a pretty quick recovery time, but you¡¯re right, with you it was insane. Honestly, I think it¡¯s because I wanted you so badly that I was constantly ready to go.¡±


    ¡°And now, because of what we did downstairs you¡¯re satisfied?¡±Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°For the moment.¡±


    Oh. I chew on my lip, realizing that just because we¡¯ve already had sex once tonight doesn¡¯t mean it won¡¯t happen again. A pang of nerves hits me, as I contemte if I¡¯ll be able to keep up with this man sexually.


    ¡°Get into the bath, sweetness,¡± he says, drawing me from my thoughts.


    epting his hand, I step into the tub and lower myself into the deliciously hot water. It¡¯s almost too warn, but it feels good against my overused and achy muscles. I scoot to one end of the oblong tub and Colton gets in and sits down in the water directly across from me.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± he asks, his tone is soft and tender and his toes are touching mine underneath the water.


    My inner tissues feel slightly swollen and tender. But in the best possible way, I decide. ¡°Like a woman,¡± I smile.


    Heughs out loud at me. Hisughter is the best sound. He¡¯s a serious man, often quite thoughtful andposed, so hearing his burst of masculineughter in the quiet room fills me with a deep sense of happiness.


    We settle into the warm water, each of us sinking down to our shoulders and just watching the other quietly. It¡¯s a heavy moment, but in a good way. Everything we¡¯ve shared, everything that¡¯s ahead of us leaves me feeling happy and secure.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t havee inside you, Soph. I was being careless,¡± Colton says, finally breaking the silence.


    My little happy bubble is momentarily burst. ¡°I wanted you to.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re not on birth control, are you? You could get pregnant.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± I stare right back at him, waiting to see how he¡¯ll respond.


    His answer is azy smile that lights up his entire face. ¡°Understood.¡±


    My body floods with endorphins and warm sensation spreads over me. He and I are on the exact same page. This is not some fling. This is not something fleeting or temporary. There is meaning and depth andplete rity to what we are doing.


    ¡°Come here,¡± hemands, his voice low and gravelly.


    I practically swim across the tub to reach him and Colton grins as he watches me. I climb into hisp, settling against him. I open my legs and ce one on either side of his hips, resting my arms on his shoulders. He cups my cheeks and brings his mouth to mine in a sweet kiss.


    ¡°Thank you for tonight. For believing in me. For giving yourself to me.¡±


    I nod slowly, letting the weight of this moment, and the deep meaning behind his words sink in.


    ¡°You were so trusting toe home with me that night. So strong,¡± he says, nuzzling his mouth against my throat.


    ¡°I knew out of all those men there that night that I was meant to go with you,¡± I say.


    ¡°You belong with me. Always.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    There are no games, no ying coy or denying our feelings and I fucking love it.


    As we kiss and cuddle in the warm water, I can feel Colton¡¯s manhood lengthen and grow.


    I slide up and down on him, teasing us both with the thought that he could so easily sink into me with the aid of the water.


    Letting his hands drift down, he squeezes my breasts, caressing them with light touches.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never tire of this,¡± he says.


    ¡°Of what?¡±


    ¡°Touching you, knowing you¡¯re mine.¡±


    I feel the exact same way and I never want this moment to end.

 Chapter 55 Colton

    Colton


    The first time we made love we were a tangle of limbs, desperate and fighting to get closer. This time, I¡¯m holding her in my arms, both of us stretched out on my bedying side by side, and I vow to take my time.


    I sweep her hair back from her eyes and peer down at her. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have taken your virginity like that.¡± I felt badly that our first time was a quick hard fuck against the wall. I¡¯d never felt so out of control with lust before like I did with her.


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    ¡°Pressing you against the wall with my cock buried inside you. I should have been more romantic. Gentler with you.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    She shakes her head. ¡°I needed it that way,¡± she says, disagreeing with me.


    ¡°But why?¡±


    ¡°Because all these weeks spent abstinent, I was starting to think there was something undesirable about me. I needed you to lose all control and take me like that,¡± she admits softly.


    ¡°There is nothing undesirable about you,¡± I assure her, bringing my hand to her face and rubbing my thumb along her lips.


    ¡°Show me¡­¡± she murmurs.


    I reach down and stroke my cock that is hard again andys extended against my belly. ¡°This is what you do to me. You get me so hard and aching.¡±


    Her cheeks flush and she sinks her teeth into her plump lower lip.


    ¡°Think you can handle this again?¡± I ask.


    Without exchanging a word, Sophie moves on top of me, straddling my hips and rubbing her wet pussy lips up and down my shaft.


    Her confidence and sexualfort level continues to surprise me. She knows what she wants and she isn¡¯t afraid to take it.


    ¡°Come here, sweetness. Take my cock.¡±


    She lifts herself up, positioning me at her opening and slowly begins to lower herself down. This time I enter her more easily, her silken heat enveloping me beautifully.


    Unustomed to feeling so out of control, I bring my useless hands to her hips and settle them there, but allowing her to control the motion.


    Watching her eyes as she takes me, something in my chest squeezes like it might explode. I¡¯d never experienced a sense of trust soplete. It¡¯s overwhelming. She¡¯de back to me, believed in me to do the right thing and then gave herself to me fully.


    ¡°What do I do?¡± she asks, bncing above me.


    ¡°Ride it, baby. Take me deep.¡±


    She ttens her hands against my abs and wiggles her ass, tossing me a sexy grin. ¡°Like that?¡±


    ¡°Fuck yeah. Like that.¡±


    She giggles. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt as bad this time.¡±


    I knew she was lying to me before about not being sore. When I¡¯d washed her in the bath, the cloth I used between her legs came away with a tinge of pink, sending the primal side of me into a fit of rage. I hated knowing I¡¯d hurt her, but I fucking marveled in the fact that I¡¯d been the first man to prate her sweet pussy.


    I frown. ¡°You should have told me it hurt before.¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± she shakes her head, still concentrating above me on moving slowly up and down.


    ¡°Why no way?¡± I grunt. It¡¯s extremely fucking difficult to concentrate on our conversation with her tight heat strangling my cock.


    ¡°I wanted it, Colton. I wanted this and you right from the very beginning.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± I admit. ¡°I¡¯m d we waited though.¡±


    ¡°So am I,¡± she says.


    We hadn¡¯t even discussed protection this time, and the amount of trust that took between us felt incredible. Despite only knowing Sophie for a short time, we shared an intense, deep connection. One like I¡¯d never felt before. We were both on the same page with not wanting anything between us. I was vaguely aware that I needed to be careful abouting inside of her, but my mind didn¡¯t work all that clearly where she was concerned.


    Gazing down at me with burning blue eyes, Sophie takes me deeper and lets out a happy little sigh. ¡°I love you, Colton.¡±


    As good as her snug body feels around me, it is nothingpared to the way its feels when she says those words. Love and eptance and raw emotion rush over me. This isn¡¯t just a physical act. It is so much more than sex. Locking my eyes on hers, I rise from the mattress, until we¡¯re face to face. ¡°I love you with everything that I am. I am yours, and you are mine, sweet Sophie.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she murmurs, bringing her lips to mine.


    I catch her hips in my hands and lift and lower her on me. ¡°Fuck me beautiful girl. Ride my dick.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± she moans.


    Sophie works her ass up and down on me ¨C effectively silencing any more derations between us. She feels fucking incredible.


    Every time she rocks against me, I can feel her love burning right through me. White hot and so powerful it steals my breath. I¡¯d never understood the sentiment making love, or how it differed from sex, but in this moment, I do. Ipletely fucking get it. It¡¯s a beautiful act. Two bodies sharing one perfect moment, racing together toward release. This is what I¡¯ve been waiting for. This. Us. Face to face. Nothing between us but raw heat and sweet exploration.


    Unable to lie quiet and still a moment longer, I lift her from me and ce her t on her back against the bed. I move over the top of her and spread her legs wide.


    ¡°This time I want you toe on my cock.¡± I push forward, sinking inside her with a swift thrust.


    She whimpers softly and chews on her lip.


    ¡°Wrap your legs around me, baby,¡± I tell her, pushing my cock into her just a little deeper.


    Sophie moans, her legs lifting and wrapping them around my hips.


    ¡°Is this okay?¡± I ask, rocking forward again.


    ¡°More, Colton. Give me everything,¡± she breathes, cing her lips against my neck.


    Sinking deeper between her thighs, I thrust forward ¨C hard ¨C filling her with every inch I have to offer. I feel Sophie stiffen and I remind her once again to breath. She does, inhaling deeply and releasing a tortured cry.


    I might be the one on top of her, filling her body with my cock, but I¡¯m not stupid enough to believe I am the one in control. This girl fucking owns me. With her sweet nature, her strength, her innocence that she¡¯s letting me shatter and of course her warm, wet pussy. She¡¯s perfect. And she¡¯s finally mine. Nothing is going to change that.


    Kneeling on the bed before her, I circle her clit with my thumb while I continue my longzy thrusts into her. Her heat envelopes me in a tight, hot sheath, sucking my cock deep inside her. She¡¯s trembling all over, and knowing I¡¯m getting close to the edge, I need to make sure she¡¯s taken care of before I go off. Our first time together, it was understandable that she didn¡¯te with me, but this time I¡¯m making certain she does. What kind of man would I be if I didn¡¯t make sure my girl was taken care of?


    Sophie¡¯s low murmurs grow faster together and I know she¡¯s getting closer.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, baby. Let go.¡±


    Damp sweat trickles down my spine as fighting off my orgasm bes a physical ache.


    I plunge inside her again and again, my jaw tightening. My heart is throbbing painfully in my chest and I¡¯m about toe undone. I just need to get her there¡­


    We move together, deeply, our eyes locked together. ¡°I love you, Sophie.¡±


    She clenches around me, her body spasming wildly as shees.


    ¡°Fuuck,¡± I roar, burying myself in her perfection.


    I wrap her in my arms and she clings to me. While we don¡¯t exchange a single word, the gesture speaks volumes. I don¡¯t even bother to pull out, happy to remain inside her for as long as possible.


    I¡¯m a controlled man in all things. In everything I do. From mypany, to my charity, to stubbornly trying to manipte the terms of my divorce, to buying Sophie that night¡­ Yet all of that perfect order and control falls away in an instant. Love is unpredictable and uncontroble. The force hits me like a thousand pound weight ¨C weaving its way into every fiber of my being and taking up residence. I am deeply, madly in love with this woman.  I feel like I¡¯ve been cut in two, raw and vulnerable and unsure of myself for the first time in my life. It¡¯s terrifying, yet I wouldn¡¯t trade this feeling for anything in the world.

 Chapter 56 Sophie

    ¡°So sorry about the mess,¡± Kylie says, ushering me inside her cute beach bungalow. ¡°Thank God you¡¯re back though.¡± She pulls me in for a one-armed hug.


    She¡¯s frazzled ¨C I can tell. If it wasn¡¯t for the crying baby she¡¯s bouncing on her hip, or the messy knot she¡¯s sporting on top of her head, the file folder she¡¯s holding in her teeth is a dead giveaway.


    I pull the folder free. ¡°Of course. What do you need me to help with first?¡± I ask.


    It¡¯s clear she¡¯s overwhelmed, or maybe I just showed up at a bad time.


    ¡°Can you take Max?¡± she asks, handing me the crying baby.


    ¡°Sure.¡± I grit my teeth. I¡¯m no good with babies. Or animals. Or nts for that matter. I me it onck of experience. His screams quiet as he gazes at me thoughtfully, but it takes him all of three seconds to decide that he¡¯s not a fan. His cries rise to epic levels that leave my poor eardrums ringing. But Kylie has already disappeared into the kitchen, shouting something about needing to grab him a bottle.


    Okay then.


    As I peer down at the little guy in my arms, it urs to me that I¡¯ve never seen him aside from the numerous photographs Kylie has framed in her office. He¡¯s usually napping when I¡¯m here, or with his nanny.


    He¡¯s a chubby little thing with messy brown hair and giant bright blue eyes. And I would say he¡¯s adorable, but the ear-splitting howls he¡¯s letting out make it hard to judge urately. I¡¯m sure he¡¯d be much cuter cooing at me and making sweet babbling noises.


    I bounce him against my hip just as I saw Kylie doing, but it¡¯s no help.


    Thankfully, she returns with his bottle and takes him from me. When the nipple reaches his mouth, he instantly quiets and the relief in Kylie is visible. Her posture rxing and a slow smile uncurling on her lips as she gazes down at him.


    ¡°Okay, shall we go up to the office and I can tell you where I left off? I can finish feeding this monster and then get him down for his morning nap.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    We head up the stairs to the office space above her garage that Colton so graciously had built for her so that she could work from home with her baby. I still don¡¯t know the story behind their rtionship, and I make a mental note to ask him about it tonight.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Work keeps me busy all throughout the day and being back in Kylie¡¯s fiery presence ¨C listening as she makes tough sales calls, doubling her efforts to secure more donations ¨C makes me feel even better about my decision to return to LA. She cold calls potential investors and sells them on the project with ease. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s heard about Colton¡¯s divorce settlement and the reduced funds he has to contribute.


    Our work is asionally interrupted by bouts of screaming that we can hear crackling on the baby monitor. Kylie works in fits and starts ¨C darting from the room to retrieve a stranded pacifier, returning to the office to type a rushed email on herptop, andter ying an intense game of peek-a-boo while fielding questions from an investor with her cell phone cradled between her shoulder and ear. She¡¯s truly a super woman. I never realized just how difficult it would be being a single mother until I see her in action. I¡¯m exhausted just watching her.


    When I arrive home from work, I know the motorcycle parked at the side of the house means Colton¡¯s beat me home. Home. I sigh, happily. Kicking off my shoes in the mudroom, I go off in search of him. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever get used to how big this house is. Maybe someday I¡¯ll talk him into moving us into a cozy one-bedroom apartment. Though I¡¯d miss the ocean views way too much.


    I find Colton in his office, his tie loosened around his neck, white shirt sleeves pushed up his forearms and a crystal tumbler filled with bourbon. Hard liquor as soon as he¡¯s home from work? This is new.


    ¡°Everything okay?¡± I ask, sinking down into hisp and bringing my arms around his neck.


    He sets down his ss and rests his chin on my shoulder. ¡°Just work.¡± He releases a heavy sigh. ¡°Things are fucked up at the moment.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t normally talk about his work much, and I realize that I want to be let in to this facet of his life. He¡¯s the CEO of apany that I know very little about.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with work?¡± I ask.


    He lifts his head and meets my eyes. ¡°It¡¯s nothing for you to worry about, sweetness.¡±


    I might not have an Ivy League education like him, but I was pretty sure I could understand whatever was troubling him. Maybe I could even help make it a little better. Isn¡¯t that what girlfriends do?


    I rise from hisp and stand before him with my hands on my hips. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have to remind you that withholding information got you into trouble before. You never talk about your work. Let me in. Let me be a truepanion, Colton.¡±


    The frown line running across his forehead deepens as he watches me. ¡°That¡¯s not¡­I¡¯m not trying to keep anything from you.¡±


    ¡°How do you know Kylie?¡± I blurt.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go have dinner and we¡¯ll talk about everything.¡±


    Oh, fuck. He has that look on his face like he has to tell me something unpleasant. Has everyone seen my boyfriend¡¯s cock? Work tomorrow with Kylie is going be extremely difficult if so. As much as I like and respect her, I will not be able to keep my cool if they shared some illicit past.

 Chapter 57 Colton

    Colton


    Once Sophie and I are seated at the dining room table with our tes of food in front of us, I know I can¡¯t stall any longer. I¡¯m not used to bringing people in to my world sopletely. Even when I was married, I rarely discussed my work with Ste. I don¡¯t think she even knew what I did, in all honesty. But I also knew it was time to change.


    ¡°First, I know Kylie from college. She and I were in the same business fraternity. And a few years ago, when I was founding my charity, I heard from a mutual friend that she¡¯d moved out here and was looking for a job. I interviewed her over coffee. We hadn¡¯t spoken in a couple of years at that point. I found she was more than qualified. She¡¯d left her job at a big marketing firm out east to enjoy the California sunshine. I knew if I didn¡¯t snatch her up, she¡¯d soon have multiple offers from bigger firms.¡±


    Sophie fiddles with her fork. ¡°So there was never anything romantic between the two of you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± It¡¯s the absolute truth, and I¡¯ve never been more grateful that I kept my dick in my pants than I am in this moment. I couldn¡¯t take another look of disappointment crossing my girl¡¯s features. ¡°She¡¯s an employee, and that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thank God, because work was going to be really strange if you two had some secret past.¡± Sophie grins and takes a big bite of the food on her te.


    ¡°Now, in regards to work. I¡¯m not great at talking about my shorings.¡±


    She nces up at me and her expression sours.


    ¡°We had a bad quarter and thepany stock is down fifteen percent.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°It means that CNBC and various news outlets are discussing why thepany is tanking and what the CEO is going to do about it.¡±


    ¡°Oh. I¡¯m sorry, Colton. I didn¡¯t know.¡±All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I nod. ¡°I don¡¯t do failure well.¡±


    ¡°This is not a failure, Colton. You are not a failure.¡± Her bright blue gaze burns on mine. ¡°You¡¯re a CEO at age twenty-eight. That¡¯s pretty freaking amazing. And whatpany doesn¡¯t have poor results from time to time?¡±


    She¡¯s right. ¡°True.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a n for how you¡¯re going to fix it?¡± she asks.


    ¡°I do.¡± I¡¯d met with my senior staff all afternoon to devise a six-month roadmap that would pull us out of the red. Hence why I was home early and hitting the hard liquor. It¡¯d been a brutal day, but at least we had a n. I¡¯d been shouldering this burden alone, not wanting to worry Sophie, but as she reaches across the table and takes my hand, weaving her fingers between mine, I see how wrong I¡¯d been. Telling her ¨C opening up this way ¨C it hasn¡¯t made the situation worse ¨C it¡¯s somehow made things better. It¡¯s at least put them into perspective. Work was work. It would always be there. There would be ups and downs. But this was my real life. This woman, who was taking me with all my ws, and loving me anyway.


    ¡°You got this,¡± she says, giving my hand a squeeze.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± I squeeze back.


    We continue eating, and then carry our dishes into the kitchen together. ¡°I was worried for a second that your mood had something to do with Ste, or your divorce settlement,¡± Sophie admits, rinsing the dishes and handing them to me one at a time to load into the dishwasher.


    I shake my head. ¡°No. All that¡¯s squared away.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe just like that¡­it¡¯s all over.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sweetness.¡±


    ¡°Colton, I¡¯m¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. I¡¯m over the fucking moon about this too. Pace suggested I throw a party.¡±


    Her brow wrinkles in concentration. ¡°We should do it.¡±


    ¡°Seriously? You want to celebrate my divorce?¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°No. I want to celebrate us together as a couple. We could invite my family, yours, get everyone together to co-mingle.¡±


    ¡°I like that idea.¡± I lean across the kitchen ind and nt a kiss on her mouth. ¡°What should we do?¡±


    ¡°I think the only appropriate thing would be a pool party.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah? I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d ever want to go near the pool again.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the point, Colton. It¡¯s time to move on and let go of the past.¡±


    My chest swells with pride. I love this girl.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go upstairs.¡± She takes my hand again. ¡°I think a massage might rx you.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow at her. ¡°You remember what happened thest time you tried to give me a massage?¡± The erotic images of us in the shower after her failed massage attempt are burned into my brain.


    ¡°I sure do.¡± She smiles and pulls me from the kitchen.

 Chapter 58 Sophie

    Sophie


    ¡°This is so freaking weird,¡± I say, turning to Ba.


    ¡°What is?¡± she replies, adjusting the ties of her bikini top.


    ¡°Dad is over there talking to Colton.¡± The man who purchased me at a sex auction, I mentally add.


    ¡°So?¡±


    Ba and I both turn and gaze across the pool to where Colton and our father are standing under the shade of the cedar gazebo, sipping cocktails and talking casually.


    ¡°It¡¯s just weird,¡± I admonish.


    She shrugs at my difort. ¡°We¡¯re big girls, Soph. Dad doesn¡¯t care if you¡¯re sleeping with a millionaire. Shit, he¡¯s probably proud. I know I am.¡± She grins at me.


    I roll my eyes, thankful for the cover of my sunsses. She¡¯s crazy. The anxiety I felt nning this party was mostly over how my dad and Colton would get along. I¡¯ve never introduced my parents to a man before. Especially not one who¡¯s seven years older, runs apany, and has his own mansion in Malibu. It¡¯s little nerve wracking.


    My mom has made herself busy helping out in the kitchen, clearly ufortable letting the hired help wait on us hand and foot, even though Colton and I both told her numerous times to enjoy and rx. I don¡¯t think my mother knows how to rx. It¡¯s something I¡¯m just now learning how to do myself.


    The day is pretty perfect though. The sun is shining brightly overhead. The temperature is perfect. Soft reggae music humszily in the background through the outdoor speakers and the bar is stocked with tropical drinks and icy bottles of beer. No one¡¯s in the pool yet, but brightly colored balls bob on the surface of the water enticingly. After much moreying out, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be ready to take a dip myself.


    Collins and Pace are seated at the bar, each with a drink in hand. It¡¯s early still and Beth, Colton¡¯s personal chef, has everything prepped for a barbecueter. Which makes me even more curious about what my mother could be helping with inside. She¡¯s probably driving Beth insane.


    I take another sip of my mango daiquiri and try to rx.


    Martaes strolling through the patio doors like she¡¯s working a runway catwalk. For some reason the sight of her in her little red string-bikini makes my stomach knot. I hate that she and Colton had a fling ¨C no matter how brief.


    ¡°Who the hell¡¯s that?¡± Ba asks, lowering her shades.


    ¡°Marta. She works for Colton as his personal assistant.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s gorgeous,¡± Ba says.


    Apparently Marta didn¡¯t quite get the casual pool party theme, her makeup is expertly done and she¡¯s styled her hair in perfect waves that fall down her shoulders and back. My own hair is tossed into a messy ponytail and the only thing decorating my skin is a thickyer of greasy sunscreen. I feel the need to march upstairs, add mascara and lipstick and change into my pushup bra-bikini top. Instead I chug down the remainder of my drink.


    ¡°Refill?¡± Ba asks, chuckling at me.


    ¡°Yes, please.¡±


    Ba waltzes over to the bar, introduces herself to Marta and makes brief small talk with Pace and Collins, refills each of our daiquiri sses, then stops to talk to Dad and Colton.


    She finally returns with our semi-melted drinks in hand.  ¡°What was all that about?¡± I ask, epting the drink and slurping down an icy mouthful.


    ¡°Okay, first off. Colton¡¯s brothers are hot as shit.¡±


    I nod. Duh.


    ¡°I still think Pace and I could have had fun in Italy¡­¡± she says to no one in particr. ¡°Second, don¡¯t worry about Dad and Colton. They¡¯re talking about Colton¡¯s charity work in Africa and Dad is practically drooling, hanging on his every word. I¡¯m pretty sure Dad¡¯s got a mancrush on your boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Becs.¡± I wondered what she was doing. Then again, spying for me was practically in the twin handbook.


    ¡°Third, Marta is nobody you need to be concerned with. Her tits are obviously fake and seriously, who wears heels to a pool party?¡±


    I hadn¡¯t noticed her footwear, but Ba¡¯s right, her sandals have a four-inch heel. Son of a¡­


    ¡°She¡¯s trying too hard, Soph,¡± Ba continues. ¡°You¡¯re naturally beautiful and men prefer that over fake any day. Trust me.¡±


    I release a heavy sigh. I know she¡¯s right. Colton doesn¡¯t look at Marta the way he does at me. ¡°She and Colton had a fling,¡± I admit to Ba. ¡°When he first separated from his ex-wife. I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯s not only seen my man¡¯s package, but she¡¯s had the pleasure of being on her knees before him, taking him deep into her throat.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    ¡°What a royal bitch.¡±


    Iugh, loving Ba¡¯s instant hatred for Marta.


    ¡°Seriously, sis, are you good with her working for him, given their past? If not, you should talk to him.¡± The frown that tugs down her mouth is familiar to me. It¡¯s the same one I see whenever I look into the mirror.


    ¡°He had a talk with her. Told her that if she caused any problems between us, she¡¯d be fired.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but when she shows up here looking like that, something tells me you should have your own little talk with her. A nicely phrased, back up off my man, bitch, ought to do the trick.¡±


    ¡°You think?¡± I¡¯d never imagined saying anything to Marta directly, but now that Ba is suggesting it, the idea fills me with both anxiety and a strange tinge of excitement. I¡¯ve neverid im to a man before.


    I suck down the rest of my drink until the straw makes a loud slurping noise against the bottom of the cup. ¡°Hold this.¡± I hand it to Ba. Without giving myself the opportunity to chicken out, I rise from the chair and strut over to where Marta is talking to Pace and Collins beside the bar.


    ¡°Can I have a word, Marta?¡±

 Chapter 59 Sophie

    ¡°Sure.¡± She smiles at me sweetly and sets down her ss of white wine.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    I lead her to the nearby set of cushioned chairs out of earshot of anyone else.


    ¡°So how is the redecorating going in the pool house?¡± I ask.


    Shit. I can feel myself chickening out. This is made all the more awkward by the fact that she and I are kind of friends. She¡¯s been kind to me. She¡¯s taken me shopping and stayed with me when Colton was out of town on business. Of course, it urs to me that all that friendship stuff could have been an act to get closer to Colton by befriending me. It¡¯s just not in my nature to be mean and it turns out I don¡¯t have the first clue about how to start.


    ¡°It¡¯s on track. I emailed Colton a link to a set of designs that I like for the space, but ultimately it¡¯s up to him.¡±


    I¡¯m left tongue-tied and unsure of what to say next. I think we both know I didn¡¯t pull her away from the fun to have a private conversation about the new drapes for the seldom used pool house.


    ¡°Is everything okay, Sophie?¡±


    ¡°No. Actually it¡¯s not.¡± I clear my throat, wishing I¡¯d downed a third daiquiri before attempting this awkward conversation. ¡°Colton told me about your past with him.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She looks down at the stone patio between her pedicured feet.


    ¡°And while he assured me that he doesn¡¯t have any interest in you, I needed to hear you say the same thing.¡± I pause, watching her eyes and focus on breathing calmly. She doesn¡¯t need to know that my heart is beating like a drum.


    ¡°At one time, I liked Colton. He¡¯s a smart, charming man. What woman wouldn¡¯t fall for him? But over the years, I¡¯ve epted that he doesn¡¯t view me that way, Sophie. I can promise you I¡¯m over it.¡±


    I nod, still watching her, and unsure of what to say next. Geez, this is awkward. I should have made Bae over here and have this conversation. Too bad we weren¡¯t really identical and couldn¡¯t pass for each other because otherwise, I totally would have.


    Marta leans closer. ¡°Listen, the truth is, I know I can¡¯tpete with you. You¡¯re a gorgeous girl. And Colton loves you. If he hasn¡¯t told you yet, I¡¯m sure he will, because I can see it whenever he looks at you¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s told me,¡± I admit.


    ¡°Oh. Well, like I said, I¡¯m not surprised.¡± She takes a minute, looking down at her polished toes again, before meeting my eyes. ¡°I hope my working for him doesn¡¯t bother you. If it does, I understand, but I love my job, and¡­¡±


    I hold up a hand, stopping her. ¡°It doesn¡¯t bother me. I trust Colton. I just needed you to know he¡¯s mine now.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she says quietly. ¡°I know.¡±


    I straighten my shoulders, my confidence rising. ¡°Good. I am d we had this chat. I¡¯m fine with you continuing to work for him, but just know that I won¡¯t tolerate you flirting with what is mine.¡±


    ¡°I got it, Sophie,¡± she says, her chin tipped down, as if some of her poise has disappeared.


    I walk away from our conversation feeling slightly odd and a little sad. When I ry the specifics to Ba after sinking back down into my lounge chair, she waves me off.


    ¡°Do not feel bad. Listen, Marta is flipping gorgeous. She¡¯s a ten. She will have no problem finding a man now that she knows it¡¯s time to let Colton go. You did the right thing talking to her. Now everything¡¯s out in the open and there are no secrets. Plus now that you¡¯re dating a man as utterly attractive as Colton, you better get used to beating the girls off him. That was a good warm up.¡±


    I nod in agreement. ¡°Okay, good point.¡± How my sister got so wise, I have no clue.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you, Soph,¡± she says. ¡°Like really fucking ridiculously happy. No matter what happens, I want you to live every day to its fullest. Laugh. Sing in the shower. Dance naked. Have sex with your man in the kitchen. Have lots of babies.¡±


    I gaze over at her, my stomach suddenly tightening into a knot. ¡°What are you talking about? Why are you saying all this?¡±


    She shrugs. ¡°We just never know how much time we have left, that¡¯s all.¡±


    This conversation in the bright sunlight with Bob Marley singing Everything¡¯s Gonna Be Alright in the background feels totally wrong and out of ce. I hate it.


    I swallow down the lump in my throat. ¡°You¡¯re healthy, right?¡±


    She nods. ¡°All I¡¯m saying is that if cancer¡¯s taught me anything, it¡¯s to live every day like it¡¯s yourst.¡±


    ¡°Jeez. Don¡¯t scare me like that, Ba. We both have plenty of time for babies and everything.¡±


    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s just that you¡¯ve been focused on me for so long, now that I¡¯m healthy it¡¯s time for you to focus on you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never minded a single second of being there for you. I would do anything for you.¡±


    ¡°I know that. I just don¡¯t want you to have to sacrifice anymore.¡± She smiles weakly.


    I hate that she¡¯s right. I¡¯m ashamed to admit that there¡¯ve been times in my life that I resented her. Prom our senior year of high school was the perfect example. I had bought the most beautiful long silver strapless dress and was supposed to go with the captain of our high school¡¯s basketball team, Johnny Knight. Instead Ba took a turn for the worse and our entire family flew to Houston for an emergency surgery. I feel so selfish for even thinking it. I finally threw that silver dress awayst year. The tags were still on it. And the guilt didn¡¯t end there. Now I felt bad that I hadn¡¯t donated it, but in a fit of anger, I¡¯d stuffed it into the trash can instead.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that you¡¯ve lived in the shadow of me and my illness for so long. This is your time now and I don¡¯t want anything to get in the way of that.¡±


    ¡°When¡¯s your next doctor¡¯s visit?¡± I ask, changing the topic away from my own love life.


    ¡°I go in on Monday. But I¡¯m feeling fine.¡± She notices my now sour mood and her smile turns into a frown. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m sorry to get so heavy on you. I just want to know that no matter what happens, you¡¯re going to be okay.¡±


    ¡°Of course I am.¡± My life ising together and Ba is finally getting well. We all have a lot to look forward to.


    Iy staring straight up at the sun. Our conversation has left me slightly on edge. Actually the entire day has. Between my parents meeting Colton for the first time, my conversation with Marta and now this strange discussion with Ba¡­I¡¯ve lost my zen sense of calm. Poof. It¡¯s gone.


    My gaze strays to Colton and I see that he¡¯s watching me from across the pool. He¡¯s holding his cell phone in his hand and nces at my beach tote beside my chair and then back at me again. I fish my own cell phone from the bag, wondering if that¡¯s what he¡¯s signaling me to do.


    As soon as I pull my phone out, I see a text from him.


    You look stressed out.


    I gaze up at him, wondering how he can read me so well, how he can possibly be so tuned in to me when he¡¯s entertaining guests. I love him even more in that moment. I type out my reply.


    I¡¯m not. Not really.


    You¡¯re lying.

 Chapter 60 Sophie

    I nce up at him and smile. I love that he knows me so well.


    I¡¯m fine. I promise. ??


    I keep my eyes on the screen, waiting for his reply toe, but when it doesn¡¯t I look up at him again. He¡¯s standing across the pool and I¡¯m struck by the beauty of our idyllic surrounding. There is nothing but blue sky overhead, and the brilliant sun shining down on him makes him look like a bronzed statute of a Greek god. His bare chest and mansion of a home rising up behind him, with only the expanse of sparkling blue water separating us remind me how lucky I am.


    Finally he texts me back.


    Well I¡¯m not.


    What¡¯s wrong?N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    I want to fuck you.


    ??


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna go for a swim,¡± Ba says.


    Shit, I¡¯m so wrapped up in my naughty text conversation with Colton that I¡¯d forgotten she was beside me. ¡°Okay. Have fun.¡± I watch as she saunters away toward the pool, and see Pace looking longingly after her, but not making a move. I briefly wonder if Colton¡¯s warned him to stay away from her.


    Once Ba¡¯s in the water, I nce back down at my phone.


    My cock misses you. I told him we¡¯d have youter, but he¡¯s pretty fucking adamant it needs to be now.


    Now? As in NOW?


    Is he insane? We can¡¯t possibly. Just as my head is spinning, my phone chimes in my hand.


    Yes.


    I nce up at him and watch him type out another message.


    Meet me in the pool house.


    My nipples harden against my bikini top and my heart trips over itself in its fight to pick up speed. Without waiting for me to respond, Colton tucks his phone into the pocket of his board shorts. He says something to my father, who nods once, and then he strolls casually toward the pool house.


    My own walk to the pool house is not so casual. I feel as guilty as a criminal on death row, certain that everyone is watching me and knows exactly what I¡¯m headed off to do. My cheeks are already ming bright red and my breathing ising too fast. Apparently I suck at secret sex rendezvous.


    When I reach the door to the pool house ¨C that to any normal person would be a generously sized home ¨C Colton is standing at the door waiting for me with an expectant smile.


    ¡°You came.¡±


    ¡°Did you really think I¡¯d turn you down?¡± I ask.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Taking my hand, he pulls me inside and shuts and locks the door behind us. The three bedroom ¨C two bath home is under construction. The wallpaper has been stripped from the walls and there are tarps covering the floors. Dust and random tools are scattered about.


    All the silly little things I was worried about earlier fade away as I focus entirely on my man and this beautiful moment.


    Taking my wrists in his hands, he brings each to his mouth, kissing the underside of each one. His smirk tells me he can feel the way my pulse is rioting at his touch. He guides me into the kitchen and stops us beside the stone counter top.


    ¡°Hands on the counter,¡± he whispers low near my ear, his lips tickling the sensitive skin at my neck.


    I swallow andply, turning around cing my palms t on the counter.


    He moves behind me and I feel him slowly untie the string at my back. His hands move under the cups of my bikini top and he massages my breasts, plucking my hard nipples until I gasp out at the sensation.


    Sweeping my ponytail out of the way, he tugs at the string behind my neck and removes my toppletely, setting it onto the counter beside my outstretched hands. He kisses all along the back of my neck and my spine while his hands continuing rubbing my breasts and nipples. I push my ass back against him and am greeted by his thick erection, that I¡¯m sure is barely contained by his board shorts. He releases a sharp grunt.


    Colton¡¯s hands skim down my sides and push into the back of my bikini bottoms. He cups my ass, kneading it in his hands and then continues pushing my bottoms down until they pool around my ankles.


    ¡°Spread your legs,¡± he breathes against my ear.


    I tremble all over, but widen my stance, readying my body for him.


    I hear him uce his swim shorts, the crinkle of fabric is the most delicious sound, as he pushes them down his hips.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to feed you my cock. One inch at a time. Stay nice and quiet, okay?¡±


    I nod and feel him begin to rub the head of his cock against me, testing my wetness.


    Colton presses forward, just the broad tip of him entering me. I whimper and turn my bottom up, needing to feel him push deeper.


    He retreats back. ¡°You have to stay quiet, sweetness. We wouldn¡¯t want anyone to know I was fucking you in here, would we?¡±


    I nod again. ¡°I¡¯ll be quiet. I promise.¡± Just keep fucking me.


    One hand remains anchored to my hip and the otheres around to my front. He reaches between my legs and uses his fingers to rub my slick clit in tiny circles.


    Pleasure rocks through me as an unexpected orgasm ms into me. I pump my hips back into his, taking him deeper with each thrust.


    ¡°Colton¡­¡± I moan, unable to keep quiet.


    He stuffs my bikini top into my mouth, muffling my cries of pleasure. ¡°Shh¡­¡± he reminds me, ¡°I want to make youe again.¡±


    I whimper softly, biting down on the fabric that smells faintly of chlorine and sweat.


    Taking both of my hips into his hands, he pulls me back against him each time he thrusts forward, mming into me, making me cry out. ¡°You look so fucking hot, baby. I want to fuck your ass so bad.¡±


    He presses one finger inside my ass and the sensation¨Cwhilepletely foreign¨Cis like nothing else. Pleasure grips me from the inside out. It¡¯s fucking hot. His finger presses deeper and he releases a strangled groan.


    ¡°So. Fucking. Sexy,¡± he growls.


    His cock swells and I know he¡¯s close.


    ¡°I¡¯m going toe all over your ass.¡±


    He continues pumping into me while dragging his finger in and out of my backside and soon I feel my insides trembling.


    My climax bursts through me and my muffled screams fill the quiet room. Colton wraps one hand around my mouth and ms into me again and again, milking everyst ounce of pleasure from my body.


    Then he pulls his cock free and I feel warm semen spurting onto my ass and lower back as he empties himself, marking my skin.


    Holy shit that was hot.


    He nts a damp kiss to the back of my neck, and then bends down and slides my bikini bottoms back up my legs. I¡¯m all wet and messy from both of our climaxes, but the house has been cleaned out¨Cthere¡¯s no paper towels or running water even.


    ¡°Colton?¡± I ask, wondering how I¡¯m going to clean myself up.


    ¡°You can use the outdoor shower.¡± His easy smile and eyes, bright with desire, challenges me.


    I don¡¯t know what game he¡¯s ying, but if I go outside like this, there¡¯s a chance people could see me. Yet there¡¯s no way I¡¯m backing down. I¡¯m feeling spunky and full of life after our mid-day sexual adventure.


    ¡°Not a problem, Mr. Drake.¡± I smile sweetly and his mouth drops open.


    I saunter out into the sunlight with him following closely behind me, hoping that none of our guests notice the semen marking my lower back and thighs.

 Chapter 61 Colton

    Colton


    She pulls the chain above her, water cascading down from the rainfall shower head, drenching her from head to toe.


    I get half-hard again watching her. Streams of water run down her body and her nipples harden from the cool water. I have to force myself to look away to try and tame my erection. I¡¯ve hit it off with her parents nicely and I wouldn¡¯t want to undo all my good first impressions by getting an awkward boner while I ogle their daughter.


    Sophie trains her gaze on me and her challenging smirk tells me she knows exactly what game she¡¯s ying. Bad little girl. She¡¯ll be spankedter for trying to rile me up like this.


    I raise an eyebrow in question and Sophie shuts off the spray of water and wraps a towel around herself, covering up all of those beautiful assets.


    A shriek pierces the otherwise peaceful setting and all eyes dart over to the patio doors. Kylie is toting a screaming baby on her hip and a beach bag overflowing with diapers and baby toys in the other arm.


    I cross the stone walkway and take the bag from her shoulder ¨C no way I¡¯m offering to take a screaming baby. A calm one, I might attempt, but not this thing. He¡¯s taking lessons from a banshee, I¡¯m sure of it. No other possible exnation for how he¡¯d be able to reach those octaves, otherwise.


    ¡°Thanks. And sorry about Max,¡± Kylie says, epting my help.


    ¡°Not a problem. Is everything¡­okay?¡± I ask, lifting an eyebrow at the banshee, I mean baby, in question.


    ¡°He¡¯s been like this for days. Cries nonstop. He¡¯s teething,¡± she exins.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get you a ss of wine. Anything I can get for the little guy?¡± I ask.


    She shakes her head. ¡°No, hopefully he¡¯ll quiet down. I¡¯m so sorry, I don¡¯t want him to ruin the party.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not, Kylie. Not at all. Come, please, rx.¡± I lead her over to the bar, where Pace and Collins have been parked all afternoon.


    Pace rises to his feet, assuming the role of bartender. ¡°What can I get ya?¡±


    ¡°Pace, Collins, this is Kylie. She¡¯s the mastermind behind my charity organization.¡±


    Introductions are exchanged while Pace pours Kylie a white wine.


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want something stronger?¡± Collins asks, smiling at the still wailing baby in her arms.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure my eardrums burst two days ago.¡± She exins, for their benefit, that the little guy is teething.


    ¡°Let me take him,¡± Pace offers, crossing around the bar and stopping before Kylie. ¡°Do you mind?¡±


    Her eyebrows shoot up her forehead in surprise. I¡¯m just as shocked. Pace is a tomcat on the prowl, but even he¡¯s not stupid enough to try and seduce another of my employees- especially not one who¡¯s a single mother.


    ¡°You can try¡­¡± No sooner than the words are out of Kylie¡¯s mouth and the baby¡¯s in Pace¡¯s arms ¨C his crying stops entirely. The sudden silence surprises us all and we stand there, staring at Pace holding a baby.


    ¡°Hey little man,¡± Pace says, bouncing the baby with one arm.


    The baby stares nkly at my goofy brother, his giant blue eyes blinking against the sunlight as he takes it all in.


    The baby grabs Pace¡¯s sunsses, pulls them from his face and begins chewing on the end.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, he¡¯s got teething toys in here somewhere,¡± Kylie says, rushing to dig through the giant bag at her feet.


    ¡°We¡¯re cool,¡± Pace says, sauntering away with the little guy.


    ¡°What is he, the baby whisperer?¡± Collins jokes.


    We all shrug and Kylie takes a giant sip of her wine, her eyes on Pace and her son.


    Pace spends most of the afternoon with the baby, holding him, bouncing him on his knee, swimming with him in the pool¡­ and Max remains quiet and content throughout the entire thing ¨C his wide blue eyes pinned on the man holding him the entire time.


    ¡°Is he usually like this with babies?¡± Kylie finds me and asks.


    ¡°This is a first,¡± I admit.


    She chews on her lip and watches them ssh around in the shallow end of the pool. I have no idea what she¡¯s thinking and frankly, I don¡¯t want to know. Pace and Kylie would be a terrible idea.


    Later we sit down to a perfect meal prepared by Beth, and Pace relinquishes his hold on the baby only long enough to eat, passing him over to Sophie so that Kylie can eat in peace. Pace may have been fine babysitting all afternoon, but nothing will stand in between him and the pile of ribs on his te. It¡¯s just as well, he¡¯d probably eat the baby¡¯s arm off by mistake.


    The sight of Sophie with a baby in her arms does something strange to me. My heart flutters in my chest and I absently press my palm against it, trying to get it to beat normally once again. What the hell? Sophie¡¯s babbling something to him, something I can¡¯t quite make out, but her voice is whisper soft and sweet, unlike I¡¯ve ever heard before. I decide that I like it. Quite a lot.


    She sits down with him on herp and feeds him little bites of crackers that she¡¯s broken into tiny pieces. I never knew this could be so captivating, but for some damn reason, they have captured my absolute attention.


    ***


    When Sophie and I crawl into bed that night, we¡¯re both suntanned and lethargic from the afternoon spent entertaining.


    ¡°I¡¯m d our families met,¡± she says around a yawn.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°What did you and my dad talk about?¡±


    I guess she noticed that Imandeered him all afternoon.


    ¡°Mostly we talked about my work. A little bit about my family. Nothing too exciting. Just small talk,¡± I lie.


    I won¡¯t tell Sophie, but I¡¯d told her father that I¡¯m madly in love with her. She¡¯s it for me. I asked for his blessing and told him I nned to spend the rest of my life loving her. He stood there with a serious expression as though he was sizing up not just me as a man, but also my intentions. After a tense moment, he smiled and shook my hand and then weed me into the family. Our mid-day fuck was actually a celebratory fuck, she just didn¡¯t know that.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get some sleep, baby.¡± I tighten my arms around her, hoping to stop any further questions.

 Chapter 62 Colton

    Colton


    The following Tuesday at work, I get a series of phone calls from Kylie, then Marta and then finally Beth. I let them all go to voicemail and wonder if all of the women in my life have suddenly gone crazy. I¡¯m meeting with my senior staff today, having a strategy session about trying to turn around the third quarter before the earnings reportes out next month.


    When my phone shes again, I nce down at the screen. The text from Kylie causes me to drop the stack of reports I¡¯m reviewing.


    Colton, answer your damn phone! Where are you?!


    At the office, what¡¯s up? I type out, annoyed.


    You need toe get Sophie. Her sister passed away.


    Staring at the words on the screen, I try and fail toprehend their meaning. We¡¯d just spent the weekend with Sophie¡¯s family. Ba was fine. She was thin andined of being tired, but she¡¯d been fine. No. This had to be some type of mistake.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    Excusing myself from the boardroom, I tap out a text to Kylie, confirming that I was on my way. I call Marta on my cell while racing down the stairs. There¡¯s no time to wait for the elevator, not while my girl needs me.


    ¡°Colt, where have you been? I¡¯ve been trying to¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. Kylie just told me.¡±


    ¡°Oh God, Colton, it¡¯s horrible.¡±


    ***


    I drive like a rocket all the way to Kylie¡¯s. When I reach her house, I don¡¯t bother knocking, I charge my way inside, my eyes seeking Sophie.


    Instead I find Kylie in the front room, her expression distraught. ¡°Thank God you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Where is she?¡± I bark.


    Kylie points to the back of the house. I rush down the hall and find Sophie sitting at the kitchen table looking down at her hands, a now cold mug of tea sitting beside her along with a half dozen used tissues.


    The room is silent and lifeless. I fucking hate it.


    ¡°Sweetness¡­¡± I murmur against the hum of the refrigerator.


    Sophie¡¯s head lifts and her expression is one I¡¯ve never seen her wear and one I hope to never see again as long as we live.


    Her skin is pale, her mouth is drawn into a tight line, but her eyes are the worst. They are nk and unresponsive ¨C two haunted pools of blue that, despite her silence, scream of pain and trauma so deep my stomach lurches as I fear she¡¯ll never be whole again. Ba wasn¡¯t just her sister, wasn¡¯t just her best friend. She was Sophie¡¯s twin. It¡¯s a loss that I can¡¯t even begin to understand.


    ¡°Come here, baby.¡± I pull her into my arms and she rises easily, letting me pull her to my chest.


    She buries her face in my throat and sobs.


    I clutch her tighter, hating that she¡¯s in pain and I can¡¯t do a fucking thing about it. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± The words feel hollow and so inadequate, I want to swallow them back down the second they leave my mouth. I want to ask what happened, but I know now is not the right time. So instead, I let her cry, holding her tightly against me and muffling the sounds of her crying with my suit jacket.


    A few minutester, her sobs quiet and I smooth her hair back away from her face. ¡°Can I take you home?¡±


    She nods and lets me take her hand and lead her out to the car while Kylie watches from the doorway with a sad, wistful look.


    When we arrive home, I dismiss the household staff. Vacuuming and polishing crystal vases suddenly seems far less important. Iy Sophie down in my bed, where she curls into a little ball, hugging my pillow against her. I take her cell phone from her purse and call her father.


    ¡°Mr. Evans?¡± My voice breaks and he makes the sound of a muffled sob on the other end.


    ¡°Colton, how is she?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s in bed right now. Hasn¡¯t spoken a word yet.¡± I wish I had better news to report, but it¡¯s the reality of the situation. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of her, sir.¡±


    ¡°I know you will.¡±


    ¡°What happened? Ba seemed fine when she was here¡­¡±


    I learn that when Ba returned home Sunday, sheined of mild swelling and pain at the site of her port catheter. Within hours, a fever had spiked and they rushed her to the ER. The doctors began antibiotics for an infection that was roaring, unchecked through her system. Within hours of being admitted to the hospital, she¡¯d slipped into aa as the aggressive infection took full advantage of her weakened immune system.


    Her reduced health had contributed to the problem ¨C and the deadly infection had a direct line of ess to a vein in her chest, courtesy of the port installed to make her cancer treatments easier.


    Her father has to stop twice topose himself. I tell him it¡¯s okay ¨C he doesn¡¯t have to continue, but each time, he takes a few minutes to get himself under control and carries on with the story. When he¡¯s through, I have no idea what to say. So I tell him we¡¯ll be there soon.


    After ending the call, I call Marta, instructing her to ready the pilot and my ne and to make arrangements for me to be away from work for a while. It¡¯s the worst possible time, but disaster doesn¡¯t n itself around your calendar, it just sweeps in and punches you in the face, demanding your attention. And right now, this situation has my full and undivided attention ¨C and my first priority is Sophie.


    ***


    A few hourster, we¡¯re aboard my jet and it¡¯s ascending smoothly into the night sky. I had to carry Sophie to the car and help her board the ne. She¡¯s weak and disoriented and that haunted empty look hasn¡¯t left her eyes once. Not while sheid in the bed staring at the ceiling, not when I exined that we were flying home tonight, and not now ¨C while she watches the little lights twinkling ten thousand feet below us.


    I¡¯ve packed our bags, which in addition to toiletries and random articles of clothing, each include formal ck attire suited for a funeral.


    I lift the bottle of bourbon from its resting ce at the center console and pour myself a measure. ncing over at Sophie, I¡¯m reminded of our first evening together ¨Cthis ne, her somber mood for an entirely different reason. She¡¯d been fighting to save her sister¡¯s life. My stomach tightens and I chug down a bitter sip of alcohol, needing its numbing effect now more than ever.


    It¡¯s only once we¡¯re up in the air that Sophie speaks her first words to me.


    ¡°Can I have some of that?¡± she asks, nodding to the ss decanter sitting beside me.


    ¡°Of course.¡± I¡¯d offered her water, tea and tried to get her to eat, all of which she¡¯d refused earlier. And while I knew the strong liquor wasn¡¯t the best thing for her empty stomach, I wouldn¡¯t deny her. Pouring a moderate amount in a ss, I hand it to her.


    Her fingers brush mine and Sophie¡¯s eyes lift to meet my gaze.


    ¡°I love you,¡± I tell her.


    ¡°I know. I love you too,¡± she says, then she takes a big gulp of her drink and grimaces.


    We don¡¯t talk about what will happen when wend. I¡¯ve never seen her childhood home, but now isn¡¯t the time for nostalgia. I want to provide herfort and take away every ounce of her pain. This is the most frustrating, fucked up situation I can imagine. I hate it. I want Ba back. I want my sweet, full of life Sophie back. I hate the thought that crosses my mind ¨C without Ba¡¯s existence, does Sophie¡¯s own existence dim?


    She drinks two big sses of bourbon, which I let her have against my better judgment, and then falls asleep against my shoulder.


    Tightening my arms around her, I watch her as she sleeps, and vow that whateveres next, I will be there for her.

 Chapter 63 Sophie

    Sophie


    I never thought I had to fear an infection. Cancer ¨C the big, nasty C-word was my enemy ¨C not some illness that crept in uninvited at the eleventh hour. It isn¡¯t fair. And I don¡¯t understand. She¡¯d been doing so well.


    I hate how empty and lifeless our shared bedroom feels. Yet I can¡¯t help myself fromying on Ba¡¯s bed since it¡¯s the only ce in the house I can still feel her.


    I can hear Colton and my dad downstairs somewhere talking quietly. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do without him. He is my rock and my love for him has only quadrupled in the past two days.


    My momes in when the sun begins its descent across the sky.


    ¡°Honey?¡± she taps on the open door and enters.


    ¡°Hi, Mom.¡±


    She sits down on the bed beside me. ¡°As soon as we got to the emergency room, Ba asked one of the nurses for paper and a pen.¡±


    I wonder why she¡¯s telling me this, until she pulls a square of paper from her pocket and hands it to me. ¡°Even though we assured her she¡¯d be fine once they got the antibiotics into her system, she seemed to know something we didn¡¯t. She wrote this in a fury while they attached her to an IV drip and removed her port. Then she folded it up and told me to give it to you. I haven¡¯t read it.¡±


    I hold the paper in my hands. It¡¯s still warm from my mom¡¯s hand and I savor the image of a determined Ba in her onest rebellious act against the fucking sickness that took her.


    ¡°Can you leave me alone?¡± I ask my mother.


    She nods and rises from the bed, giving me privacy for what is sure to be an emotional moment.


    I unfold the paper andugh at the drawing that jumps out at me from the bottom of the page. It¡¯s a poorly drawn penis withrge balls and squiggly lines of hair jutting out from them. I smile for the first time in two days. Tears dart to my eyes and my love for her grows, if that¡¯s even possible. I haven¡¯t read a damn word of her letter, and my mood has already lifted. She knew I¡¯d need this. She knows me too well.


    Sophie,


    Thank you for taking me to Rome. Holy shit those Italian guys were hot. Thank you for being my best friend, thank you for every sacrifice you made for me, big and small. Thank you for always giving me your pink Starbursts.


    I blink down at the words, recalling the countless packages of Starbursts I bought from hospital vending machines over the years. The pink were Ba¡¯s favorite, and even though they were mine too, I always forfeited them to her. Every single time. Without question. Without hesitation.


    I love you without end. Don¡¯t you dare think for a second that that love is gone. Don¡¯t you dare mourn for me. Miss me. Every day, just as I will miss you. Then get on with living. Do it for me. Because I can¡¯t. I will be there in every starry night, in ever whisper of breeze against your skin when you jog, I¡¯m in every package of Starbursts, smiling down at you when you eat the pink ones.


    A single tear slips from my eye and I brush it away before continuing.


    Whatever happens, please know that I am with you. ALWAYS. Go love that hot man of yours, you lucky girl, you. You two are going to make some damn fine babies one day. And that makes me so happy.


    At the bottom is the penis drawing and her name along with a heart. That¡¯s it. The whole letter. I read it twice more, then fold it neatly along the same creases and carry it across the room, tucking it into my purse for safe keeping.


    My mom taps on the door and enters again. Her face is open and expectant. ¡°Well? What did it say?¡±


    I take my time, considering how to answer. ¡°Everything.¡±


    She nods. ¡°Good.¡±


    Crossing the room to sit beside me again, my mom reaches for my hand. ¡°What are your ns after the funeral tomorrow?¡±


    We¡¯re having a luncheon at the house after the funeral, but I know that¡¯s not what she means. I think we¡¯re all wondering the same thing ¨C how do we go on living in a world where my bright, lovely sister no longer exists?


    ¡°I figured I¡¯d stick around here for as long as you needed me. Colton probably has to get back to work, but¡­¡±


    She shakes her head, stopping me. ¡°Your dad and I will be okay. We¡¯ve known this is a possibility for a long time.¡±


    Was I the only one so blind that I didn¡¯t see what was going on, didn¡¯t understand the risks? Ba continued wasting away while everyone fed me lines that the experimental treatment I¡¯d miraculously funded did nothing. That word resonates far deeper than I¡¯d like. Nothing. It¡¯d all been for nothing. The auction, selling myself, meeting Colton¡­All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    No. As soon as I think thatst part, I know it¡¯s not true. I¡¯d be lost without him right now.


    My mom continues, ¡°Dad and I have each other. You don¡¯t need to stay here, Soph. You should go home with Colton. Ba was so happy you found him.¡±


    I pull in a deep breath and nod.


    ***


    When we leave Northern California it feels so wrong driving away and knowing that my sister is in that cemetery. Part of my heart has been buried in the cold, hard earth. She doesn¡¯t belong there. But then I remember her letter. She isn¡¯t there. She is in every ray of sunshine that shines too bright, in the whisper of the wind against my skin as we board the ne. I know for certain that she is still with me. I see her in my mirrored reflection of the ne¡¯s window, in the stray thoughts that are too feisty to be entirely my own. I feel her presence in the squeeze of my heart and I feel whole again. Colton pulls me close and tells me he loves me, and I think maybe, just maybe I will have the strength to do this.

 Chapter 64 Colton

    Colton


    Against my better judgment, I returned to work. Sophie assured me that it was important that we both resume our normal schedules. But as one week turns into two and Sophie continues her descent into a woman I no longer recognize, I know I need to call in reinforcements.


    There were a few days there that gave me hope she was getting better. She¡¯d gone for a jog, had stopped by Kylie¡¯s to see the baby once, and had actually talked to the grief counselor I sent to the house. But as I arrive home from work tonight, my heart shatters at what I find.


    Sophie is sitting on the balcony that extends from my office. The wind is whipping her hair wildly around her face and goosebumps cover her flesh. A storm ising, but she seems oblivious to that fact.


    Her skin is pale, and her expression hollow. She¡¯s merely a shell of the girl I fell in love with. Giant blue eyes are staring nkly at the ocean and she¡¯s taking huge sips of my bourbon straight from the bottle. And the way she no longer grimaces at the taste tells me that this is probably a regr urrence. Fuck.


    ¡°Baby?¡± I ask, approaching her with caution.


    Her head turns in my direction and she blinks several times. ¡°I¡¯m losing it, Colton.¡±


    I kneel down on the deck in front of her and cup her face in my hands. ¡°Losing what, sweetness?¡±


    ¡°Everything. The sound of her voice. The way she smelled. How it felt when we were together¡­¡±


    I sit there, speechless, holding her cheeks and watch her eyes fill with tears. Fuck, Colton, think.


    She¡¯spletely fucking broken right now and I¡¯m worried that the only one who¡¯d know how to put her back together again is Ba, the sister she shared a womb with for nine months, the best friend she loved without question. I¡¯m terrified that I¡¯m not enough, that my love will never be enough.


    ¡°I have to pee,¡± she says after several seconds, then rises unsteadily to her feet.


    I walk her to the bathroom, helping to keep her stable. ¡°How much bourbon did you have?¡± That shit is strong. Strong enough to knock me on my ass after one small ss.


    ¡°Not enough,¡± she says, her feet twisting beneath her. I grab around her waist, keeping her face from smacking against the floor. Dammit.


    When we reach the bathroom, I maneuver her into the room, pull her shorts and panties down to her ankles and then sit her down on the toilet. ¡°I¡¯ll be right outside the door.¡±


    She nods and I close the door behind me.


    I can hear the sound of her peeing and muttering something to herself. Something about pink Starbursts. What the hell?


    Standing in the hall, I fish my cell phone from my pocket and dial Pace¡¯s number.


    ¡°I need your help.¡±


    ¡°Sophie?¡± he asks.


    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s drunk off her ass. Drank a whole bunch of that hundred-year old bourbon. I¡¯m scared and I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    ¡°That shit¡¯s strong. Has she eaten?¡± he asks.


    ¡°No, I doubt it. She mumbled something about pink Starbursts.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on it, bro. Just breathe. I¡¯ll be there soon.¡±


    Just as Pace makes it inside the house, the sky turns dark and a loud roar of thunder crashes in the distance. The rain will be here soon.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± he asks.


    ¡°The bedroom.¡± I¡¯did her down with a photobook from myst trip to Africa. It seemed that she could look at the photos of the small viges, the people, the children for hours on end.


    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡± he asks.


    ¡°We need macaroni and cheese.¡±


    ¡°You should have told me, I could have picked some up.¡± He holds up a stic bag that is filled with at least a dozen packages of Starburst candy.


    ¡°No, we need to make it homemade.¡±


    ¡°How do we do that?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Google it, I suppose.¡±


    He nods and heads into the kitchen.


    ¡°Bring it up when it¡¯s ready,¡± I tell him, then head for the stairs.


    Sophie is snoring softly, but when I cross the bedroom, she lifts her head and blinks several times, her eyes unfocused. I¡¯m d she got some rest, however brief.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± I ask, sitting beside her on the bed.


    ¡°Groggy,¡± she confirms, pushing the messy hair from her face.


    ¡°I thought I could run you a hot bath. It might help you rx.¡±


    She nods. ¡°Okay.¡±


    At least she lets me take care of her. She doesn¡¯t fight me on that. If she did, I¡¯d really feel helpless and out of control. As it is, I know my subtle gestures may not help much, but at least I can do something.


    I turn on the hot water and watch the tub fill. After dumping in a generous amount of something in a purple jar called Stress Fix, I go gather Sophie.


    She lets me carry her into the bathroom, undress her, then lower her down into the water.


    ¡°How is it?¡± I ask once she¡¯s settled.


    ¡°Nice,¡± she says and treats me to a rare small smile.


    My heart leaps, God I¡¯ve missed seeing her happy.


    ¡°Will you be okay for a few minutes? I¡¯m going to get you some clothes.¡±


    She nods. ¡°You¡¯reing back, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I confirm.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Once I have a fresh change of clothes for her, I reenter the bathroom, set them on the counter, pull out the stool from the vanity and sit.


    ¡°Thanks for staying.¡± She grins at me again.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m staying. Do you want me to wash your hair for you?¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°I washed it earlier. I do still shower, you know.¡±


    ¡°I know you do.¡± I did not in fact know this.


    ¡°I¡¯m not broken you know.¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯re not.¡±


    I wait on the stool, and check my work email on my phone while Sophie lounges in the tub. She sinks down into the water and rests her head against the edge, her eyes closed and a nk look across her features. When she secures her hair in a messy knot at the top of her head, I can tell she¡¯s still drunk by her uncoordinated movements.


    My stomach churns with worry. I try not to hover, try not to stare, and instead focus on responding to the dozens of unread mail messages, but it¡¯s hard. Thoughts of her consume my entire being.


    When I hear movement in the water, I nce up. Sophie has risen, standing in the center of the tub with streams of soapy water cascading down her body. My eyes wanderzily from the tips of her full breasts down to her bare pussy and I feel my body take notice of hers. My cock throbs, swelling against my thigh. The fucking bastard has bad timing. But a naked Sophie is not something I can ignore, no matter how somber the situation.

 Chapter 65 Colton

    I grab a towel as she steps out of the tub and onto the bathmat. She lets me dry her from head to toe, seemingly oblivious to my semi-aroused state.


    Sophie stands there, watching me with wide blue eyes. When I grab the pajamas from the bathroom counter, a small pout crosses her full lips.


    Ignoring the urge to kiss the frown away, I hold out the pair of panties, and dutifully, Sophie raises one foot at a time and steps into them.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± I ask. My voice is too damn thick with arousal. I clear my throat.


    ¡°Better,¡± she says, her own voice just a whisper.


    ¡°Good.¡± I¡¯m d the bath helped, and I¡¯m hoping the food Pace is preparing will make her good as new. ¡°I don¡¯t want you drinking like that when I¡¯m not home.¡±


    I lift her chin up so I can see her eyes.


    ¡°I know.¡± She swallows. ¡°It was just a bad day.¡±


    Shit. Now I feel like an asshole.


    I stroke her cheek and press a tender kiss to her lips. ¡°You¡¯re allowed to have bad days. I just don¡¯t want to worry about you, okay?¡±


    She nods and leans in for another kiss. ¡°I miss you, Colton. I miss us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m right here, sweetness. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± I press my lips to hers and feel the exact second the kiss changes, turns hot and filled with a lusty promise of something more.


    Sophie parts her lips and her tongue lightly probes my mouth. Instinctually, I open, my own tongue running lightly along hers. I know I shouldn¡¯t be doing this, but it¡¯s been too long since I¡¯ve kissed her¨Creally kissed her and I¡¯m craving her warmth, and a sense of normalcy. She sucks my tongue into her mouth and I swallow down a rough groan of pleasure.


    Pulling back just a fraction, I check her eyes. They are shining bright with desire, weakening my resolve. It doesn¡¯t help that she¡¯s bare chested and warm and standing mere inches from me. I¡¯m inches from having her heavy full breasts in my hands and my mouth, my face between her creamy thighs. I take a step back, needing to put some distance between us. Only I didn¡¯t count on that providing Sophie a direct view of the erection tenting my cks.


    Her eyes zero in on the bulge and she licks her lips.


    Goddamn.


    Focus, Colton!


    ¡°Here, baby. Let¡¯s get you dressed.¡± I grab the t-shirt and try to help her put it on.


    She takes it from me and drops it to the floor. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°No?¡±


    She shakes her head, her eyes still eating me up. ¡°I want you¡­I want you to fuck me.¡±


    A fresh round of blood pumps south, making my dick throb. ¡°No, not right now. Not tonight.¡± She¡¯s not in the right frame of mind. I¡¯d be taking advantage. I list out a thousand reasons in my head, fighting with myself as she watches me.


    ¡°Please?¡± she asks.


    I shake my head. ¡°No. Now please get dressed.¡± Pace is due up here with her dinner any minute. I certainly don¡¯t want him getting an eyeful. Her gorgeous rack is reserved for me and me alone.


    She reaches down and sps her hand around my cock, giving him a light squeeze. ¡°Fuck me, Colton. Make me feel better,¡± she begs.


    I remove her hand. ¡°No way. You¡¯re drunk. I¡¯m not fucking you.¡±


    Bringing her hands up, she cups her breasts, lifting them together and rubs her fingers over her nipples. She releases a shuddery whisper soft sigh as though the sensation is the most pleasurable thing she¡¯s felt in a long time.


    I stand there, transfixed, watching her touch her breasts. She¡¯s so beautiful I want to throw her down on the bathroom floor and fuck her six ways from Sunday. But I won¡¯t. I have a little more restraint than that. I would certainly be beating my dickter with very image in my head, once she was tucked into bed, but she doesn¡¯t need to know that. She gives her nipples a little tug and rasps out a throaty groan. Then she drops her hands.


    Thank God her little show is over. I couldn¡¯t take much more.


    But then she pulls down the panties I¡¯ve dressed her in and begins rubbing her fingers over her tight bundle of nerves. Fuck. She¡¯s so incredibly sexy and desperate¡­


    The panties drop from her knees and slide to the floor. My gaze follows their movement and I realize it¡¯s the same pair of pale blue panties she wore to the auction. I feel all my resolve fall away. I scrub my hands over my face. Fuck it. I shouldn¡¯t, but we haven¡¯t made love in two weeks and I¡¯m desperate to feel her around me.


    ¡°Sophie, are you sure you want this?¡± My hands unconsciously move to my erection and I adjust him.


    She follows my movements and nods. ¡°Yes. I need it.¡±


    ¡°Undo me.¡± I look down at myp and Sophie brings her hands to my button, sliding it free and pulling down the zipper slowly. Her hands work into the front of my pants, pushing inside my boxers and she takes my cock into her palm, gripping it tightly and stroking. A drop of fluid leaks from the tip and she smears it around with her thumb, causing my knees to go weak.


    In that moment, I fully give in. If she wants a distraction, if she needs to forget all of the pain and misery of the past several weeks, then who am I to deny her that?N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    I grip her wrists, pulling her hands free from my pants. ¡°Slow down, baby.¡± It feels too good, and I want us both to enjoy this. I won¡¯tst if she keeps pumping my dick like that.


    She draws her lower lip into her mouth and pouts before meeting my eyes. But what she sees when she looks at my eyes tells her everything she needs to know. I¡¯m going to take care of her. I¡¯m going to make here so hard she¡¯ll forget her own damn name.


    I lift her by her waist, setting her down on the bathroom counter. I step between her thighs, widening them and she tugs at my shirt in a fight to get closer. She¡¯s fully naked and I¡¯m still fully clothed.


    ¡°Your shirt,¡± she breathes.


    ¡°Yes, sweetness?¡±


    ¡°Take it off. I need to feel your skin.¡±


    Iply, unbuttoning the top few buttons, then yanking my shirt off over my head.


    She tugs me close, until the tips of her breasts brush my bare chest and we both shudder at the contact and the rush of endorphins it releases. It¡¯s been too damn long.


    I bend and take one of her gorgeous breasts in my mouth, my tongueving her left nipple, then her right. Sophie arches her back and pushes her hands into my hair, letting me devour her. I want to take my time, make sure she¡¯s ready for me, but each time we¡¯re together feels like an explosion of sexual energy and I¡¯m unable to control myself. Something I¡¯m not used to.


    I move back to kissing her mouth, my tongue greedy and sucking at hers. Her hands wander back into my pants, enthusiastically rubbing my cock. I know this is going to be quicker than I want it to be, but maybe that¡¯s what she needs.


    With our mouths fused together and her hands in my pants, I find her wet center and push my index and middle finger inside. She gasps into my mouth, momentarily stilling before continuing the onught she¡¯sunched against making mee too soon. My other hand ys with her breasts and nipples, and Sophie whimpers while enthusiastically pumping me in her hands.


    ¡°Baby, easy¡­¡± I take her hands again, stopping her and feeling like a fucking jackass.


    She grins up at me, clearly proud of herself. God, it¡¯s good to see her smile. If this is all it takes to make her feel whole okay, then sign me up.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait any longer,¡± I admit.


    She shoves my pants and boxers the rest of the way down my hips, allowing me to angle my cock against her. When I shove forward, disappearing inside her perfect pink opening, we let out a collective groan.


    ¡°Yes, fuck me. Harder,¡± she begs.


    I oblige, pounding into her relentlessly, my frame dominating her much smaller one.


    Her eyes wander down to the ce where we¡¯re joined and she watches me slide in and out of her. It¡¯s an erotic sight ¨C watching her as she watches us. I can read every emotion and bit of pleasure shed across her features. When I push deep, her breath hisses out in an exhale and when I retreat her eyes follow the path of my glistening shaft with a hungry look.

 Chapter 66 Sophie

    Sophie


    We make love against the bathroom counter, our bodies moving frantically together. It¡¯s exactly what I need ¨C desperate, hungry kisses, the granite counter hard and cool beneath me, gentle fingers whispering through my hair, soft kisses pressed to my temple. I¡¯m grateful to feel something other than numb.


    ¡°Yes, fuck me. Harder,¡± I beg, gripping his shoulders.


    Colton ms against me, his thick cock sliding in and out in a punishing rhythm.


    My gaze lowers from his and I look between us to the spot where we¡¯re joined. The sight is erotic and carnal, and my insides clench around him, teasing a low groan from his throat.


    ¡°You like that baby?¡± He surges forward again, burying himself to the hilt and my head drops back.


    ¡°Yess¡­¡± I groan. ¡°Harder,¡± I beg again.


    He suddenly lifts me from the counter, scooping me up underneath my butt and carrying me toward the bedroom.


    He dumps me down onto the mattress and gazes down at me. His hard cock is wet with my juices and his abs are clenched tight, but his face ispletelyposed and in control. ¡°Get on your knees.¡±


    I obey, quickly scrambling onto my hands and knees. Perched on the bedpletely naked and ready, I wait to see what he has in store for me. Colton grips behind my knees, tugging me backward until I¡¯m positioned at the edge of the mattress. He runs his hands along my legs, my butt, then pushes against my upper back ¨C his hand resting in between my shoulder des until I lower my chest to the bed. Turning my head, Iy one cheek against the mattress and gaze up at him.


    He¡¯s still calm and in control and it¡¯s utterly sexy.


    ¡°You want to be dominated and fucked hard?¡± he asks.


    I nod my head, keeping my eyes trained on his.


    His eyes go dark and my insides flip with anticipation.


    He aligns himself against me and pushes forward. I love the way my body stretches around him and I push back, drawing him deeper inside.


    With one hand secured around the back of my neck, the other palms my ass. I feel his thumb rubbing against my back opening and I shudder. With his cock still pumping into me, he pushes one finger into my ass.


    ¡°Goddamn, Sophie,¡± he moans.


    Every sensation, every rough whisper of breath lights up my entire body. I push my ass back, meeting his hard thrusts. He¡¯s pounding into me, probably bruising me, but I fucking love it.


    ¡°Is this what you need? You need me to be rough?¡± He leans over me and growls against the shell of my ear.


    I whimper with delight, my insides screaming: Yes, yes, yes!


    His hips crash into mine, rough cries of pleasure wing their way up his throat after each brutal thrust.


    The orgasm ms through me, robbing me of air and forcing a rough cry from my mouth. I shudder, my insides mping down on him, deliciously, as Ie apart.


    Finally, air rushes into my lungs and I repeat his name over and over. I feel the moment his cock swells and his hot release pours into me.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    After, Colton rolls me over to face him, then kisses my face ¨C my eyelids, my cheeks, my forehead, telling me how much he loves me. Then he brings me a warm cloth, along with my clothes, and cleans me up.


    I feel sated and calm as he dresses me and tucks me into bed. My limbs are tired and sore and between my legs aches in the most wonderful way.


    The past several weeks has been endless cycles of wine poured early in the afternoon to help me get through the day, sleeping pills that knock me out at night, and tears that flow way too easily. The grief counselor Colton sent on his first day back to work didn¡¯t help. She could not possibly understand the depth of my rtionship with my twin sister. The loss has been unimaginable. My only form of therapy has been jogging. Just as it had been in the days when Ba was sick. It calms me, tires my limbs and helps me cope, if only for a short time. But as I learned tonight, intimacy with the man I love trumps everything else. I feel better than I have in days.


    A knock on the bedroom door captures our attention. I didn¡¯t know anyone was here.


    ¡°Colt?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Be right back.¡±


    He shoves his legs into a pair of sweatpants and then goes to answer the door.

 Chapter 67 Colton +Sophie

    Colton


    ¡°Everything okay in here?¡± Pace asks, peeking around me to look inside the room. ¡°I heard screaming.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, ignore that.¡±


    His expression hardens. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re thinking with your cock at a time like this.¡±


    ¡°Fuck no. My every waking thought is about her ¨C taking care of her needs. Not my own, trust me.¡±


    ¡°And she needed¡­¡± He raises his eyebrows.


    ¡°Fucking drop it,¡± I bark.


    ¡°Fine. Food¡¯s ready,¡± he says, rolling his eyes.


    ¡°Bring it in.¡±


    I¡¯ve dressed Sophie in a pair of pajamas and she¡¯s sitting up against the headboard, her legs covered by the nkets when Pacees in.


    ¡°Pace? I didn¡¯t know you were here.¡± Her cheeks flush as she realizes that she had loud, intense sex while he was in the house. Sophie watches him move across the room while bncing a tray in his hands.


    ¡°He cooked for you while I was¡­taking care of you.¡±


    She shares a knowing smile with me before turning her attention back to Pace.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The room smells like sex and I¡¯m hoping he doesn¡¯t notice. If he does, he doesn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Sophie asks, beaming up at Pace.


    ¡°Coco said you like macaroni and cheese and pink Starbursts.¡± He treats her to one of his crooked grins, using my childhood nickname that has stuck.


    ¡°Starbursts?¡± Her eyes whip over to mine.


    Her reaction is unexpected. ¡°Is that okay, sweetness?¡±


    Pace lowers the tray to herp. There¡¯s a bowl of macaroni and cheese that doesn¡¯t look half bad, despite being prepared by my shockingly-able-to-cook-brother, and a ss candy dish filled with pink wrapped candies. He must have opened all the packages and removed only the pinks. Nice touch.


    Tears well in Sophie¡¯s eyes and she looks from me to Pace, then back again. ¡°How did you know?¡± she asks, a single tear leaking from the corner of her eye. She brushes it away with the back of her hand.


    I shrug. ¡°I just did.¡± I don¡¯t want to embarrass her by exining that I overheard her peeing and mumbling drunkenly about the candy.


    ¡°She really is still here, huh?¡± Sophie says to no one in particr as she unwraps one of the candies, and ces it in her mouth. She closes her eyes and chews it slowly, releasing a little sigh of happiness.


    Pace and I exchange a look and briefly wonder if she¡¯s totally lost it, but then Sophie encourages us to sit on the bed with her while she eats, and she rys the story about the candy she and her sister always shared and Ba¡¯sst words to her in her letter.


    My chest tightens as I understand the depth of meaning behind this and the incredible bond these two shared, as well as the sacrifices Sophie made to make her sister happy. My girl is incredible in so many ways.


    After a few bites of the macaroni, Sophie thanks Pace and tells us that she¡¯s sleepy. Pace takes the dishes away and after turning off the lights, I curl around her on the bed, clutching her tightly against me and hold her until her breaths turn slow and even and she falls asleep.


    Sophie


    Ba has been screaming at me all day. As I sit around sulking in my usual fashion, I swear I can feel her. I can practically hear her. She¡¯s telling me to get up off my ass and get on with things. And I hate her for it.


    I¡¯ve returned to working part time with Kylie. I¡¯ve been jogging several times a week. Things are back to normal with me and Colton. He no longer withholds himself from me anymore. He gives himself to me freely, understanding that our shared intimacy helps me. But I¡¯m still not me and through some strange twin connection thing, Ba is calling me out on it.


    I jog up the stairs and pull the letter from the special box on top of the dresser that I keep it in. I re-read it twice, looking for clues. The penis drawing still makes meugh.


    Focus, Sophie.


    The third time through the letter, I get it. Realization ps me across the face. She doesn¡¯t want me just going through the motions of my life ¨C working, jogging, making love with my boyfriend at night. She wants more from me. She wants more for me. At the pool party she challenged me to live each day like it was myst.


    I sink down onto the bed with the letter in my hands.


    Shit.


    I want to yell at her, tell her that it¡¯s not that easy to do. The truth is I have no idea how to go about it. All my life I¡¯ve lived to please others. I kept good grades and never gave my parents a reason to worry ¨Cthey had one daughter with cancer ¨C they didn¡¯t need any additional stress in their lives. I was a good sister, a good person. Polite, well-mannered, everything I was supposed to be. Selling myself at the auction was the craziest thing I¡¯ve ever done, and even that wasn¡¯t for me.


    Dammit, Ba.


    I have impossible conversations with myself all afternoon, trying to figure out what she wants from me. Sky-diving? Bungee-jumping? What?


    And then it hits me.


    She never wanted me to do something crazy just for the adrenalin rush. All she wanted was for me to be happy.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting there,¡± I say to the empty kitchen.


    God, I feel like I¡¯m losing it.


    I check the clock. One more hour until Colt is home.


    One hour toe up with something to do tonight to prove to myself that I can do this whole living life to the fullest thing.

 Chapter 68 Colton

    Colton


    On the drive home from work, my thoughts drift to Sophie.


    I don¡¯t know how I was lucky enough to go home with Sophie that night, but over the course of the past several months, I¡¯ve been thankful for that fact countless times. She saved me from a bitter and lonely existence. And now I¡¯m taking care of her through the hardest part of her life. But I see her progress little by little each day.


    I¡¯m helping her to live again ¨C and remind her often that it¡¯s what Ba would have wanted. I stop on my way home from work and pick up packages of Starbursts, hiding the pinks around the house for her to find ¨C one set next to her morning coffee, one in her makeup drawer, another in her running shoe. The smile in her eyes when she finds them makes my chest tighten.


    I see her strength every time sheces up her running shoes, every time she cooks for me, in every smile, in everyugh ¨C I can feel her bravery. She¡¯s choosing to live.


    Of course, some days are still hard. Some days her eyes are puffy from crying when I return home from work, and it breaks my heart. But little by little, I¡¯m getting my sweet Sophie back.


    But tonight is the best. Because there¡¯s a little rosy glow to her cheeks and her eyes are bright with mischief.


    ¡°What are you up to Miss Evans?¡± I ask her, after arriving home from work.


    ¡°Nothing. I just have ns for us after dinner, is all.¡± She smiles sweetly and my chest tightens.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    We share a meal of roast duck that Beth has prepared and I fill Sophie in on the details of mypany¡¯s progress. Things have really turned around. It¡¯s nice having someone to share the ups and downs with. She¡¯s sessfully broken down my walls and taught me what it means to fully share yourself with another. In the past, I would have kept all my business shorings bottled up. Now I know there¡¯s nothing I need to hide from her. She epts me as I am. It¡¯s the most beautiful feeling in the world. With her, I feel whole.


    We finish eating and I¡¯m just about to ask her what she¡¯d like to do tonight when my phone starts ringing. I turn it over and the name Ste is disyed across the screen.


    ¡°Why is Ste calling you?¡± Sophie scrunches her nose in disgust.


    ¡°Good fucking question.¡±


    ¡°Answer it,¡± she says.


    Christ. Here we go. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Hi Colton,¡± she says.


    ¡°Why are you calling, Ste?¡± The annoyance in my voice is unmistakable.


    ¡°I have a few things I wanted to say.¡±


    ¡°Sophie¡¯s here with me. I¡¯m putting you on speaker.¡± I click the speaker-phone button without waiting for a response. I won¡¯t have her wondering what is being discussed between me and my ex-wife, and I won¡¯t deliberately hide anything from her.


    Ste clears her throat and momentarily stalls. ¡°I never meant to be the viin, Colton,¡± she says softly. Sophie squints down at the phone in my hand as Ste continues. ¡°I was young and foolish. I loved you¨Cin my own way¨Cbut I realized quickly after we wed that it wasn¡¯t a forever kind of love. You worked long hours, you were building apany at such a young age and were so driven and singrly focused. I wasn¡¯t cut out to live my life in the shadows of your work. I felt neglected and as wrong as it was, I let myself get swept up in the attention of another man. I felt wanted and desired and those were things I¡¯d been missing from you. You provided everything I could want materially¨Cbut you weren¡¯t emotionally avable to me. And I¡¯m not ming you. We just didn¡¯t have that deep connection. Your work was your first priority.¡±


    ¡°Why I are you telling me all this now?¡± I ask, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. I don¡¯t know what game she¡¯s ying, but if it¡¯s forgiveness she wants, she¡¯s barking up the wrong fucking tree. She cheated on me ¨C slept with our gardener, then took half my damn money. Rtionships take work ¨C if she was unhappy in our marriage, she could have talked to me about it.


    After a long pause, Ste continues. ¡°Mywyer mentioned in passing that you were out of work due to a death in the family. I was curious, so I called Marta.¡±


    I had no idea she was still in contact with Marta. For some reason that pisses me off. My gaze flicks over to Sophie¡¯s and her eyes go wide.


    ¡°Yes, we lost Sophie¡¯s sister, Ba,¡± I exin. I take hold of Sophie¡¯s hand andce my fingers in between hers.


    ¡°I heard and I¡¯m very sorry,¡± Ste offers.


    ¡°Is there a reason that you called, Ste?¡± My patience is wearing thin.


    ¡°Yes. When I heard about your situation I guess it struck something in me. I wanted to call and apologize. I realized that after all this time, it was something I¡¯d never officially done and while I know that a simple I¡¯m sorry isn¡¯t going to undo everything, I do hope you¡¯ll ept it.¡±


    I suck in a deep inhale. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll ept it,¡± I say. It doesn¡¯t mean everything was swept under the damn rug, but I¡¯m not going to waste the energy fighting with Ste anymore. ¡°Anything else?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yes, actually. I wanted to tell you both that I¡¯ve made a donation in Ba¡¯s name. Two million dors to cancer research.¡±


    Wow. I¡¯m actually speechless. I look to Sophie, who¡¯s eyes are filling with tears.


    ¡°Thank you, Ste. That was very kind of you,¡± Sophie says, her voice shaky.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. I¡¯m sorry again ¨C about everything.¡± Ste says.


    In the strangest turn of events I could have ever imagined, Ste has made amends and emerged as the hero. Well, not quite, but that donation was pretty impressive.


    Once I end the call, I turn to Sophie. ¡°Well that was fucking weird,¡± I say.


    ¡°It was nice.¡±


    ¡°I suppose it was.¡± I kiss the top of her head. ¡°But one nice gesture doesn¡¯t mean I have to forgive her for cheating on me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to forgive her, but I guess in a way, I understand her a little bit more. Plus, selfishly, I¡¯m awfully d you two didn¡¯t work out.¡±


    ¡°Me too. Because I have you now.¡± Her eyes find mine and they tell me everything I need to know. ¡°Now tell me more about what you had nned tonight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather show you.¡± Her eyes light up with mischief and I know my sweetness is back.

 Chapter 69 Sophie

    Sophie


    Practicing my most enticing walk, I sway my hips as I strut toward the shoreline. The moon provides just enough light to see by and Colton¡¯s low hiss tells me he¡¯s appreciating the view. A slow smile uncurls on my mouth. ¡°Are youing, Mr. Drake?¡±


    ¡°Fuck yes,¡± he says. His footsteps grow closer and with a squeal, I take off down the beach, Colton giving chase behind me. In a quick nce behind me, I see him strip off his suit coat and toss it onto the sand. But I don¡¯t stop until I reach the surf.


    Taking a deep, fortifying breath, I charge straight into the water, despite the freezing temperature. There¡¯s nothing like charging into the ocean fully clothed to make you feel reckless and spontaneous.


    As soon as I hit the waves, I begin to understand what Ba has wanted for me all along. The crunch of sand in between my toes, the cold water rushing over my skin, and Colton¡¯s bright smile as he watches me fight my way into the surf makes everything crystal clear. I feel carefree. Alive. With a sh of rity I get everything she¡¯s been trying to tell me. It feels so good and freeing that I almost cry. But instead, Iugh, a raw, primal sound bursting from my lips. God, I don¡¯t remember thest time Iughed. Actuallyughed out loud. It feels fucking amazing.


    Colton¡¯s gaze snaps to mine at the sound and a slow smile uncurls on his mouth. He can feel it too. I¡¯m back. I¡¯ve got this. I¡¯m going to be okay. I¡¯m not merely going to survive. I¡¯m going to thrive. I¡¯m going to ensure Ba doesn¡¯t go quietly. Her message will ring out loud and clear if I have anything to say about it.


    A sense of euphoria washes over me and I throw my arms out to my sides, turning in a circle and looking straight up at the dark sky as the cold water washes over me. Then I swim deeper, needing more of this feeling.


    Colton chases after me until I¡¯m chest deep. Goosebumps break out over my skin as the cool water envelopes me, my wet clothes clinging to my body. The waterps at his waist and we stand there, watching each other, breathing hard. The moon is covered by a haze of low clouds, painting the night sky in a dark, luminous hue.


    Colton moves confidently toward me. He is so at ease with his body, so controlled in all that he does, it¡¯s hard not to feel small and feminine in his presence. His strong staturemands attention. And he has mine ¨C full and undivided.


    He¡¯s unbuttoned his dress shirt and I watch the waves lick against his toned belly and chest, wondering if he¡¯d taste salty from the ocean spray if I decided to lean down and lick him like my brain is demanding I do. A current of sexual awareness buzzes between us.


    He finds my hand beneath the water and tugs me closer.


    I reach for him and wrap my legs around his waist, relishing the feel of his hot skin against mine. With my legs tangled around his hips, my center is angled at just the right spot to feel the stirrings of his erection.


    ¡°Hmm, and here I would have thought I excited you a bit more than that,¡± I say, feeling cheeky.


    ¡°The water¡¯s a bit cold, sweetness. Give me a minute.¡±


    I shrug. ¡°We¡¯ll see, Mr. Drake.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, you won¡¯t be disappointed,¡± he says, his tone sure and authoritative.


    ¡°Good. Because I was looking forward to exploring something more tonight.¡±


    ¡°More?¡± He raises one brow, watching me expectantly.


    ¡°More,¡± I confirm.


    Hiszy smile is back and his eyestch on to mine. ¡°What¡¯s gotten in to you tonight? Not that I¡¯mining,¡± he quickly adds.


    ¡°Life,¡± I say. ¡°I lost sight of it for a little bit there.¡±


    ¡°Understandable.¡± With one hand still resting under my bottom, he uses the other to cup my cheek and sweep the hair back from my face. ¡°You¡¯re my everything. You know that, right?¡±


    I nod, letting the deep feeling of his love cascade over me. I¡¯ve been afraid to feel thesest few weeks, but now I¡¯m letting every emotion pour over me and it¡¯s overwhelming ¨C but in the best possible way.


    ¡°I can¡¯t lose you, Sophie,¡± he murmurs. I can see in his eyes that he¡¯s been scared, even if he never said it, my behavior has caused him worry.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m here. I promise.¡±


    Like a perfect sign from above, it begins raining. Completely pouring. Giant raindrops cascade down on us and turn the ocean into a tumultuous force, alive with its own brand of wild energy.  It looks like a giant pot of boiling water.


    I untangle myself from him and swim toward shore. ¡°Come on!¡± I yell when I notice he¡¯s still standing where I left him, watching me curiously.


    When I reach the beach my clothes are twisted and hanging heavily on my body and my wet hair whips wildly around my face.


    I grab Colton¡¯s hand ¨C it¡¯s freezing ¨C and pull him along, jogging toward the house while the hot rain pelts us from above.


    Once inside, I sprint up the stairs, racing away from Colton¡¯s freezing, grabby hands against a bubble ofughter that I can¡¯t contain.


    Colton¡¯s low chuckle rumbles from behind me as he gives chase. The house has been devoid ofughter for so long, the sound is like music.  Beautiful and full of life.


    As soon as I reach the bedroom I dive onto the bed.  Needing to get warm, I roll myself up in the fluffyforter like a burrito. In an attempt to not get the bed soaking wet, I whip off my clothes and only emerge from the covers to fling them off ¨C dropping the articles onto the carpeting with a dull, wet thud.


    Colton¡¯sughter dies on his lips as his hot gaze slides over my curves, heating me up from the inside out. After making their way up my body, his eyesnd on mine. ¡°You¡¯re so fucking beautiful,¡± he says.


    Somehow I know that he¡¯s not talking about how I look on the outside, he¡¯s talking about what¡¯s on the inside. The life he can see burning brightly within me. And I feel beautiful, with his dark blue stare eating me up and the deep love and eptance I feel radiating out from his gaze.


    ¡°Come here.¡± He holds out his hand and I rise onto my knees, crossing the bed until I¡¯m kneeling before him. Colton swallows heavily and watches me while he undresses himself, shrugging off the wet shirt and letting his pants and boxers fall to the floor.

 Chapter 70 Sophie

    A sh of lightning lights up the sky as anticipation pulses through me. Everything about tonight feels different. And I like it.


    When our skin presses together, we¡¯re cold and mmy and sticky from the salt water, but his skin feels amazing pressed against mine.


    After a few sweet kisses, he leans forward and takes my breasts in his hands, lifting them to his mouth and alternating between each one with hot, wet kisses and flicks of his tongue.


    Oh dear God.


    I reach down and find him hard and ready. I tug him by his shoulders down on top of me, loving the weight of his body on mine. Without warning he angles himself against me and thrusts forward  letting me adjust to every hard inch of him as he fills me slowly butpletely.


    We fuck slowly, our gazes locked as we move together. We¡¯re quiet and the mood is intense and I love everything about this moment.


    Colton¡¯s eyes watch mine as he continues hiszy thrusts in and out of me.


    ¡°I want you to fuck my ass,¡± I breathe, nting a kiss to his mouth.


    His lips still, his entire body goes as tight as a wire, as if he¡¯s pausing to be sure he heard me correctly. Then he kisses me again, his tongue sliding against mine, and he withdraws.


    ¡°Are you sure, Sophie? We don¡¯t have to¡­¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure.¡± My voice is sure and steady.


    Leaning across the bed, Colton opens the drawer of the bedside table and removes a small bottle of oil. ¡°Remember when I brought this home?¡± he asks.


    I nod. It¡¯s the massage oil he used to massage me my second night here. ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°You thought it was lubricant.¡± He smiles. ¡°Lay down on your belly for me,¡± he says.


    Drizzling some of the fragrant oil over my back, he begins giving me a slow, sensual massage. Working his way down from my neck, to my shoulder des, soon his hands are on the globes of my ass and he¡¯s kneading them in his palms. My body hums in anticipation of what is about to turn into an erotic massage. At least I hope it is.


    Every time his fingers draw nearer to my center, I lift my hips, giving him an open invitation to touch me lower. But he doesn¡¯t. He takes his time, rubbing my lower back, my butt, until finally I feel him part my ass cheeks and glide his fingers between my legs, spreading some of the oil over my back opening. A rush of tingles skitter out from my core and my body, ever responsive to his slow, tortuous touches,es alive. His fingertip caresses my forbidden opening and I have no idea how or why, but his touches back there feel incredible. Erotic. Sinful. And so sexy.


    ¡°You have a perfect ass.¡± His voice is low, rough and thick with arousal. It only makes me want him more.


    A low growl emanates from his throat and without further prompting, he slides one finger, then two into me, stretching me, readying me. The sensations overwhelm me and I groan out loud.


    After a few more thrusts, Colton withdraws from mepletely and I¡¯m about to protest the loss of him when I feel the blunt head of his cock at my back opening. Oh God. My entire body goes tense.


    He leans over me and nts a wet kiss in between my shoulder des in an attempt to rx me. Then I feel his hot breath against my hair. ¡°I won¡¯t hurt you, I promise. Just breathe for me. And rx. I promise I¡¯ll make this feel good.¡±


    I hear the slick sounds of him coating his cock in lubricant and then he¡¯s right back against me, spreading my ass apart and pushing forward.


    I squeeze my eyes closed and focus on breathing, and rxing my body, just as he said to do.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, beautiful girl. Let me in.¡± His voice is impossibly tight and my insides go molten at the sound of hismand.


    He presses forward and sinks inside me, my body screaming out at the intensity of the pleasure and pain of being stretched. He pauses while I take a few deep breaths and then begins easing in and out in a series of shallow thrusts.


    The sensation is like nothing I expected. I feel impossibly full and taken in a way I¡¯ve never experienced before. In that moment, I am his. Every part of me belongs to this man. He owns my ass. Literally and figuratively.


    Using my body for his pleasure, Colton pumps into me, taking me and making me cry out in ecstasy.


    Bringing one hand around, he finds my clit and rubs me until I am quaking and bucking beneath him. The sensations are too much, and Ibust, white hot sparks shing behind my eyelids as Ie.


    Colton isn¡¯t far behind me, thrusting twice more before withdrawing and erupting in a hot, sticky mess against my skin.


    He pulls me against him and I can feel his heart pounding just as hard as mine. We¡¯re breathless and movenguidly, as if in a dream.


    After a warm shower, we copse into bed together, our bond deeper than ever before. My trust in him, in us, has grown exponentially after all we¡¯ve endured, all we¡¯ve shared. And I shudder to think what my life would be like right now if I hadn¡¯t met Colton. He is my life line. My savior. The reason I open my eyes and roll out of bed in the morning. He¡¯s my everything.


    As much shame and guilt as I had for spending Ba¡¯sst months on this earth falling for and making love with this man, I know it was exactly as it was meant to be. My love for Ba will never be reced, she will always hold the very center of my heart, but I know without my love for Colton, I wouldn¡¯t survive this. Her loss is staggering. And he pieces me back together again.


    For that, I am incredibly grateful.


    ¡°Thank you for trusting me,¡± he whispers against my neck, curling his big, warm body around mine and holding me tight.


    His words are all wrong, I should be the one thanking him, but I understand just what he means. It took an incredible amount of trust to go home with him that night, to put my mouth on him that first time, to give him my heart, and now, to trust that he¡¯ll stitch me back together again when I need him the most.


    ¡°I love you,¡± I tell him.


    ¡°I love you more, sweetness,¡± he whispers.

 Chapter 71 Epilogue-Sophie

    Sophie


    Six Months Later


    ¡°Keep your eyes off her tits, dude,¡± Colton growls at Pace for the third time today.


    I giggle and look over at Pace. He smiles at me not-so-innocently before fixing a pair of sunsses over his eyes. ¡°Sorry, Soph. I¡¯m having quite a dry spell, and any time there¡¯s boobs in the vicinity my eyes automatically go to them, but I know it¡¯s no excuse,¡± he says.


    Colton looks ready to punch him. I settle my hand over Colton¡¯s in an attempt to calm him. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Pace.¡±


    I look down at my bikini d chest, making sure that everything¡¯s covered. It is. Thank God.


    ¡°Here, cover up, sweetness.¡± Colton hands me a beach towel.


    ¡°I¡¯m not wearing a towel. I¡¯m trying to get a tan,¡± I tell him.


    Colton bites his lip, stewing, but he lets it go.


    We¡¯re spending a perfect day on Collins¡¯ yacht, and I have to admit, I feel like a bit of goddess. All three men have been very attentive, helping me board the boat, bringing me champagne, rubbing sunscreen onto my shoulders, and providing me with endless amusement as they bicker.


    There are times I feel bad for smiling andughing when she can¡¯t anymore. But then Colton weaves his fingers through mine and I know he¡¯s reading my thoughts. Ba would want me to be happy, so I push the dark, somber thoughts away and focus on the good in my life.


    The sun is shining brightly overhead, making my diamond and sapphire engagement ring sparkle and glitter in the light. I hold out my hand, admiring it in the sun and Colton¡¯s answering smile is bright enough to light up a room.


    The day he slipped it onto my finger was one the happiest of my life. I¡¯d inadvertently found it in his sock drawer a few weeks before he proposed. I¡¯d tucked it back away of course, but as the days passed without a proposal I¡¯d started to panic, wondering if he¡¯d changed his mind.


    He hadn¡¯t.


    A few dayster, he flew us to Rome, back to the hotel I stayed at with Ba. And in the same hotel suite I¡¯d shared with my sister, he proposed. We were surrounded by dozens of white flickering candles and big bunches of white peonies. After I said yes, he pulled a pink Starburst from his pocket and bit it in half, feeding us each a piece of it. It was incredibly sweet, romantic and heartfelt. Ba was there, silently cheering us on. I could almost imagine her grabbing my left hand, and making some obscenement about howrge the stone was.


    Thest year has been the hardest of my life, but I¡¯d worked through all seven stages of grief. Denial. Pain. Anger. And now I¡¯ve reached eptance, though in my darkest hours, I never thought this day woulde. Maybe I just never wanted ite. Never wanted to reach the ce where I epted her loss.


    It¡¯s been a rocky healing process, but I¡¯ve been stitched together by Colton¡¯s love and my own sheer determination to live life to the fullest. God had a n all along. He knew he was going to call Ba home, and brought me to Colton in the most unlikely of ces.


    I know the ache will never go away, but I¡¯ve begun to heal. To actually live again, rather than just going through the motions. And that the change in me is mostly due to this beautiful man lying beside me.


    Colton is exactly what I need. He¡¯s smooth as silk when the situation calls for it, opening doors, pouring wine, helping fasten the pearl ne at my throat. And rough around the edges when I need that too. His hungry mouth devouring every inch of me, a firm hand tossing me down onto the bed, pulling my panties down my legs and punishing my insides with his powerful strokes while whispering filthy words that make me blush. I love every side of this man. Crave them all. I thank my lucky stars that one man has been enough to satisfy all the different sides of me when I felt like I was splintering and breaking apart.


    ¡°We should have invited Kylie,¡± Pacements to no one in particr. The few times he¡¯d seen her, he always regarded her with a mystified sort of interest. She¡¯d been a good friend as I worked though my grief, bringing homemade soup over to the house and letting me miss as much work as I needed.


    ¡°She has a baby, she can¡¯t just take off boating at a moment¡¯s notice,¡± Colton reminds him.


    ¡°I never thought about that,¡± Pace says, looking thoughtful. ¡°I could have watched the little guy¡­¡± he remarks under his breath.


    Collins, Colton and I share a meaningful look, as if wondering what has gotten into him.


    Ba¡¯s words from the pool party and her lettere rushing back to me about what pretty babies me and Colton are going to make, and I wonder if I can get him to sneak below deck with me. Who am I kidding, this is Colton. Of course he will.


    ¡°Hey hot stuff,¡± I say to my handsome fianc¨¦. ¡°Do you want to go cool off below deck?¡±


    His wicked grin tells me he knows exactly what¡¯s on my mind. ¡°I love you so fucking much,¡± he says. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    I rise, and tug him up. His full height towers above me, making me feel small. Then heces his fingers in mine and I know I am going to be okay. We are going to be okay.


    Our rtionship has been unconventional. Unexpected. As he thumbs the ring on my left hand, I think to myself how we havee full circle.


    ¡°Can you believe we¡¯re here? That you will soon be my wife?¡± he asks, mirroring my thoughts. The word wife on his lips in rtion to me sends little tingles skittering up my body.


    ¡°Who would have thought it would cost you a cool million to get a wife?¡± I ask, gazing up at him sweetly, but my tone daring.


    ¡°That is not funny Soph,¡± he admonishes.


    ¡°What? I thought it was my incredible sense of humor that got your attention.¡±


    ¡°No. It was your courage,¡± he says, the conversation turning from yful to serious.


    He gazes down at me adoringly and I can feel every bit of his love burning so intensely. I wonder if it will always be like this between us. Choosing to live in the moment, I give his hand a tug. ¡°Come with me, sir. I need to give you a test drive before I decide how suitable a husband you¡¯ll make.¡±


    His mouth curves up in azy smile. ¡°I will be the best damn husband in the world. Now get your sexy ass down those stairs before I spank you and fuck you right here in front of my brothers.¡±Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    I turn and head obediently below deck, my body humming with all kinds of approval. I love all the sides to this man, but my favorite is when he lets his inner alpha male out to y. Today is going to be a very good day.


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