Authors: Ella Celestine
“
I won’t enjoy myself knowing you aren’t here and that it’s my fault. I want you to come home and make this family whole again.”
She was really laying on the guilt. “It’s not your fault, and you know it, dammit!” He kicked the wall in frustration. “Look, Angie, I would love to be there, but I don’t see that happening. I won’t try to reconcile on your wedding day.”
“Great! Come a week early, we have all kinds of activities planned. Everyone will make nice in advance, and then you can walk me down the aisle.” She laughed, and before he could say anything else, added, “I can’t wait to see you, Mad. Bye!”
Despite his frustration with her, he grinned at the phone and shook his head before sliding the device in his pocket. A knock sounded at the door.
“Damn, is the world conspiring to keep me here?” He pulled the door open and smiled. “Bri.”
“You’re thirty minutes late.” Her face was scrounged up into a frown, but dammit it if it wasn’t adorable.
He stepped back and let her in. “I know, and I’m sorry. Want a drink while I tell you all about it?”
She shrugged and took a seat. “Are you alright?”
Maddox smiled. It had been a really long time since anyone had asked him that. “Not really.” He poured them both some of his favorite rum and brought the glasses to where she was sitting on the couch. “My soon to be sister-in-law called,” he told her as though that explained everything.
“You hate her?” Briana leaned back on the sofa and crossed her legs, drawing his eye.
“You look beautiful, Bri.”
He smiled at the way his words caught her off guard, made her blush. She wore what could only be described as a date-night dress. It was the same blue as his eyes and it showed off her slender curves magnificently.
“Sorry, no I don’t hate her. Actually, she’s great. Stone’s lucky to have her.” Then, his face got serious as he told her about his romantic cynicism and how shitty he’d been to Angie. “I had no reason other than experience, you know? I mean, she didn’t give me a reason to doubt her feelings for Stone, and it turns out I couldn’t have been more wrong. She’s nice and sweet, and she doesn’t need his money.”
The compassion on Briana’s face had warmed his heart and prompted him to go on. He told her about the day of the festival when he had left her alone as an easy prey to that asshole stalker doctor.
“She asked me to wait, but I didn’t, and then he grabbed her.” He felt bad enough about it without his family piling on.
“And you feel guilty.” He nodded. “If she called she must have forgiven you, so what’s the problem.”
He picked up the invitation from a stack on his desk and handed it to her. “They are getting married — Stone and her.”
“Soon,” she said, running her fingers over the invitation. “You don’t want to go? Why?”
He watched her stand and watched hypnotized the sway of her hips and the way the dress cupped her ass as she went to pour more rum into their glasses. When she returned with the glasses and the decanter, he continued,“Because girls take that shit seriously, they want it to be perfect. With me there it won’t.” He shook his head with a bitter smile. “She asked me to walk her down the aisle, you know?”
Green eyes widened. “She did? Then, Maddox, you have to go!”
“No, I don’t.” He finished the glass and reached for the decanter, pouring more into it. Filling it up. “I’m not going there to be a punching bag, a freak show or a nuisance. My own brother didn’t call, probably doesn’t even know she sent me an invitation.”
“You’re hurt.” She said it like a revelation. As he looked at her, she saw the surprise and worry in her eyes.
“I guess. I mean, he’s my brother. My best friend.”
And he doesn’t seem to give a shit we haven’t spoken in months.
He placed the decanter back on the coffee table, he moved to the seat beside her and turned to face her. “If we’re not cool with each other, it’ll affect the whole thing.”
She slid over and her delicate hand pressed against his back. It was warm and delicate, infinitely feminine.
“So you won’t get the ticker tape parade we all know you should.” She smiled playfully at him, and continued, “But you will be there the day your brother and best friend gets married. You will always share those memories with him. You will always be in the photos, so when you
do
make-up, things won’t be weird.”
Maddox finished off yet another drink and sat the glass back down. His eyes closed as her words sank in. It would be nice to watch Stone get married and join his life with Angie’s. It would also be great to see his niece, who was probably walking by now. He wanted to be there, but he wanted
them
to want him there.
“You’re right, I know. But . . .” He didn’t want to finish that sentence. He wanted her to see him as a man, not a whiny ass bitch.
“But you want to be wanted. I get it, I do. But think ahead of this fight.” She rubbed his shoulder in a friendly gesture, but he still felt the heat travel over his body. “Go.”
He opened his eyes and found she was much closer than he realized. Her eyes were so green, like giant emeralds surrounded by acres of wheat blonde hair. She was beautiful. Sweet and kind, too. And she — like his brother’s woman — didn’t give a damn about his money.
“Come with me.” It was the perfect solution. “You can be my date, and we can dance all night and drink expensive champagne, that way the tension won’t matter so much.”
Her smile slowly spread across her stunning face. “You know, Maddox, that smile isn’t fair. How can I say no when you’re being all sweet and charming and vulnerable?”
His own smile widened, and he only winced — inwardly, of course — a little bit at being called vulnerable. “I’m hoping you can’t.”
“Those were the most exhausting five days of my life.”
Briana lay in a heap across two chairs just hours after some twenty-two-year-old from Estonia won more than five million dollars. The tournament had gone off without a single problem. Well, except from that drunk chick from Reno who puked at the table. Luckily, there had only been five tables left when it happened, so Briana was able to swap it out quickly.
“You did a fantastic job,” Maddox said with enthusiasm. “The tournament board of directors was so impressed with your work, they want to sign a contract for the next two years.” His smile beamed as he told her the praises he’d received from players and crew about her work. “The location is great, but you made it easy and enjoyable for everyone. Congratulations.”
She was happy her hard work had paid off and had to admit, if only to herself, that she’d enjoyed the work. “I’m glad it all worked out.”
Although it was true, it was also time to move on. They would leave the next morning for his brother’s wedding week.
Wedding week, such a rich people thing
, she thought and shook her head sardonically. And then, after the wedding, she would have to say goodbye to Maddox and figure out where to settle and what she would do next.
“I owe you so much more than this, Bri. When you figure out what your next move is, let me help.”
Damn him! Maddox, she had learned over the past few weeks, was not what he seemed. At first look, he appeared to be another rich, arrogant prick and, honestly, he played the part well. For a while, at least. But in reality, he was kind and caring, smart and so vulnerable it made her heart ache for him. He was a man of substance, even if he didn’t want to be, and Briana worried about how much she cared about him. Another week and it would be impossible to let him go.
“I’ll think about it.”
His look darkened. “Don’t make me get creative, Bri.”
She giggled at his attempt at seriousness. “You’re lucky I’m too tired to bop you over the head.” She released a sigh and looked at his handsome face. It would take time, but eventually, she would get used to not seeing him every day. “This was fun, Maddox. Thank you for the opportunity.”
He smiled. “We’re not done yet, babe. Tonight is our last night together on the island, and we’re going to enjoy it.”
Briana tried not to smile, but her mouth wasn’t having it. “What do you have in mind?”
His smile told her more than she would have liked to see at this point. Her body, however, received the signals he was sending and sent out a few of her own.
“That is a surprise. I have something for you in my suite, and it isn’t my etchings. Yet.” His playful smile sparkled, giving him a boyish charm she couldn’t resist. “Come on, we have a night to wreck shit. Let’s go!”
~
“I can’t believe you got me flats! I’m so grateful, I won’t tell anyone you chose sensible over sexy.” She winked at him and twirled.
He didn’t care about the shoes. She didn’t need anything to look sexy, she did it well enough on her own.
“I wasn’t sure if your foot was fully healed or not. I figured you’d rather be comfortable than a few inches taller. Plus that dress is plenty sexy.”
Briana blushed as she smoothed her hands over the fabric of her dress. He’d chosen a dark purple number that stopped at mid-thigh, cupped her breasts and came with a deep plunging back that was like an arrow to her sweet round ass.
“Besides,” Maddox continued, “As long as you keep the dress on until I ask you to take it off, you could wear sneakers, and I wouldn’t mind.”
She laughed, and it was vibrant and sexy and feminine. “Then we’re in agreement. You didn’t have to do this, but thank you, Maddox.” She wrinkled her nose in the most amusing way. “Should I call you Maddy or do you prefer Dox? Doxie?”
His shoulders shook as he laughed. “Doxie? Where in the hell did you come up with that?”
She shrugged. “Just trying it for size.” Twirling once more for his benefit, she grabbed a bag with a beaded strap and headed towards the door. “Let’s go, I’m starved.”
“I’m glad you’re hungry because we’re going to eat. A lot.”
With a smile, he followed her out and twenty minutes later they were seated for dinner. He wanted to make this night special for her, starting with dinner.
She looked at him with a crooked brow. “We’re going to eat on this boat? Where will they put it all?”
He laughed. “First off, this is a
yacht
, get it right.” He smiled and glanced at the water, glittering jewels under the setting sun. “Second, it’s all here. Trust me.” Champagne was brought out, and they enjoyed a couple glasses while they talked.
“I’m glad you’re going to the wedding. It’s the right call.” The slope of her neck was calling his name, but he would hold out. For a little longer, at least.
“Now that you’re coming with me, I agree.”
How he’d gotten her to agree, he didn’t know, but he hoped it hadn’t been the tequila. As the dishes were brought out, he learned more about her.
She was from Baltimore and had been in foster care since her parents and siblings died in a car crash when she was thirteen. She was on her own which made his protective instincts kick in even harder.
“So you just traveled from spot to spot?”
She shook her head. “Not at first. I worked my butt off to get through college, finished with an accounting degree and certified as a CPA. It was all very ordinary and boring, and I hated it. I itched to move around — probably because I was so used to bouncing around foster homes.” Briana continued telling him how she took menial jobs just to get her to the next place, where she could always find work. “I’m friendly enough that I can do most things in the service industry. Add in my organizational skills, I’m a dream employee.”
Although she was kidding, he agreed. She’d done an incredible job, winning the resort a lucrative contract and pissing off Carly in the process. “Yes, you are. If I thought you’d consider it, I’d make you an offer at any of my resorts.”
She nodded but didn’t say anything else. She just forked a shrimp from the platter in front of her and slipped into her mouth. It tasted so good a moan that was almost erotic passed through her lips. “Oh my god, this is so delicious!”
His pants tightened at her words. Her sounds. Did she have to make it sound so damn sexy? “Good,” was all he could stammer out. The way she licked her lips and continued to moan was too much.
“It’s more than good. And, I might consider it. I need to work, after all, and I don’t know what I want to do yet.” Although she shrugged, he could see her green eyes were troubled.
“You’ll figure it out. And I’ll help.” He would help. Whether she wanted him to or not.
They continued to talk as they finished their meal. It was pleasant and comfortable, and Briana felt herself slipping more and more into dangerous territories.
“No dessert?” she asked when he stood.
“Later,” he told her as he guided her to the next destination. A dance club in town where he could hold her close and press their bodies together. When they arrived, the place was packed, hot and full of sensual energy.
“I love it.” She turned to him with wide eyes as they stood by the bar in search of a way in. “We
have
to dance.”
He smiled as she towed him onto the dance floor, among a sea of sweaty, gyrating bodies. As she pulled him, her hips shook, and her head bobbed to the beat. She turned to face him, swinging her hips seductively and pressing her flat hands to his chest.
“This beat is hypnotic.” She spun making her hair dance like a halo around her head. Turning her back to him, she pressed her ass against him and moved to the beat of the music.
Maddox reached for her hips, pulling them closer until his denim-clad erection pressed into her. Her head rested against his shoulder, giving him a magnificent view down the front of her dress.
He groaned and kissed behind her ear. “The way you dance is such a turn on,” he whispered, feeling proud when she shivered at his touch.
Her hips rolled in a frantic figure eight that had him hard enough to pound through cement. She dipped low and slowly rolled back up, dragging her body across the painful ache at his center.
Then, she turned around and whispered in his ear, “Good.” Her teeth sank in his earlobe and pulled it into her mouth.
He groaned and tightened his hands at her hips. “You’re killing me, Bri.”
She laughed. “Good,” she said again with a mischievous grin.
Maddox couldn’t help wanting her and the way she was now — all sexy and flirty, body pulsing with readiness — was a fantasy come to life. The song slowed, and she stepped in closer, looping her thumbs into his pockets and tilting her head up at him. Her pink lips were lush and kissable.
He wasn’t a man to hold back, and he didn’t now. He fitted his mouth to hers, immediately licking at the seams to taste her. It was a tentative taste at first, slow and lazy. Unrushed. Her lips were even softer than they looked, plumper and sweeter. She gasped, and he took the opportunity to enter her mouth, his tongue licking at hers and exploring the secrets she kept hidden there.
Briana sucked his tongue deep until he groaned and took control of the kiss. Their tongues played, wrestled and danced in a sensual rhythm that matched the pulsating beat around them. He deepened the kiss, and she allowed him take control and kiss her as he wanted. He meant every swipe of his tongue, every nibble of his teeth and every intake of breath.
It was the single hottest kiss of his life, and he was in a public place, where he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. His hands glided down to rest on her ass, and she pulled back, looking at him with lust in her eyes.
“I think I’m ready for dessert now.”
He frowned, feeling like he was getting whiplash from the quick-change conversation. “What?”
She looked up at him, the lust giving way to confusion. “When you said dessert was later, you meant sex right?”
~
When they arrived at Maddox’s suite, he had her legs wrapped around his waist and his tongue deep inside her mouth. The door opened, and he stumbled forward, slamming her back against the wall and deepening the kiss. His erection pressed into her, and she sucked in a breath, taking his tongue along for the ride.
“Maddox,” she moaned as her mouth drifted to those addictive cords of muscle in his neck, licking and sucking and biting while he groaned his pleasure. “Please,” she cried, already teetering on the edge of pleasure and insanity at the feel of the hard ridge pressing into her core.
“Please, what? Tell me what you want, Bri.”
“You, Maddox. I want you. I need you, now.” Was that breathless, sexy voice really hers? Her chest heaved as their eyes connected in a blazing swirl of chemistry and lust that was quickly consuming them. He walked down the short hall to his room, once inside, he tossed her onto the bed and crawled on top of her.
“You need me, do you? What do you need, this,” he asked as his knuckles grazed her swollen lips. “Or do you need this?” He slid her thong to the side and plunged two fingers in. Before she had a chance to reply, he groaned, “Fuck, you’re so tight, babe.”
Her eyes rolled back at the feel of his hands on her. Every nerve ending in her body was exposed, raw. She couldn’t contain the sounds, the way she thrashed about or the way she begged him.
Begged!
“Please,” she begged, for what she hadn’t a clue.
Maddox pulled back and ripped the thong from her body, shoving the dress up to her waist and diving between her legs with all the fierceness of a starving man. He licked her lips, flattening his tongue and swiping it through her moist folds. Over and over, his mouth devoured her until her body trembled under him and she flew apart. A million parts of her flew in all directions, tiny shards of light and sexual energy dispersed around the room.
“Sweet like honey,” he told her as he continued to slowly lick her back down to earth.
She smiled down at him and patted the bed beside her. “That mouth of yours should be a national treasure.”
Briana kissed his mouth, savoring the taste of her blended in with his. Pushing at his chest, she threw a leg over his waist and straddled his hips, pulling her dress off as she did it.
“Now it’s my turn,” she said, as she took her time exploring his beautiful body, running hands over the smooth flesh covering the hard muscles and enjoying the plains and valleys of the muscular landscape.
Then, her mouth took over, kissing every inch of flesh she exposed. When she had him completely naked, her gaze raked over his body, and she quivered. “You really are beautifully built, Maddox.” His body was even better than she had imagined and the length of flesh jutting out between his legs was bigger than any she’d ever had. Only one word came to mind.
Delicious.
Briana slid down his body and hovered over where he was hard and leaking for her. Her tongue snuck out and lapped it up.
“Fuck, Bri,” He moaned, bolstering her confidence and her desire.
Her lips wrapped around the head of his shaft and pulled until he groaned. Maddox’s strong hands speared her hair and gripped hard enough to draw tears. Enjoying the pleasurable pain, Briana kept up the slow torture she was performing. Up and down she went. When he couldn’t help himself, he thrust deep inside her mouth. He went deep, and she opened her throat and took him before pulling back all the way.