Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (10 page)

“Oh, no! I’m actually really happy to see you. Nothing’s wrong. Just been a long day.”

I stuck out my elbow and she cupped her hand on the crease and I walked her into the small diner that was near the neighborhood where I lived. I had discovered this little country diner when I moved here.

We sat down and ordered dinner. The whole time during the meal we talked about general stuff and I never ventured into the argument we had. She wasn’t a big talker unless it was a topic she felt passionate about. Anything about reading, dancing, singing and Nana.

I loved hearing her voice. It was soft, melodic and soothing. Since I knew she could sing, I asked her if she could sing me a song and her face bloomed red and she shook her head.

“Why not? There’s no one other than those two guests and the owners. You sing really well.”

“I couldn’t. I’ve never sung in front of anyone except Nana and well when I sung that chorus to you.”

“Okay, so just in private. I can dig that. Are you done eating?”

“Yes, Dax.”

I paid the check and since it was only about six, I told her to follow me. I went ahead and drove home. She parked behind me and she had this shocked look upon her face.

“What?”

“You live here?”

She said that as if it was a mansion, instead of the two story home I lived in.

“Yes, don’t freak out. I’ve only lived here about four years or so. After college and getting myself established, I got this house. I like the area and I don’t plan on ever moving. Texas heat sucks sometimes but there’s no place on earth like it. Come on. Don’t judge me, Pixie. I didn’t use any money from my parents or borrowed. I lived in an apartment in The Heights when I figured I could live in a damn house for the exact same price I paid for rent.”

I opened the door and gave her the grand tour. Only a few people have been in the house.

“Drink?”

“No, thank you. I’m good right now. Why did you bring me here?”

I walked to my liquor cabinet and poured me a thumb of whisky. I looked her over, took the shot quick then I brought her back to the living room before answering.

“Sing for me.”

Her eyebrows raised high at the command. Yeah, I could’ve asked her. But then she might’ve said no. I wasn’t going to give her a way out.

“Please. Sing for me. Anything.”

She sighed and tilted her head to the side, closing the world out. I really hoped she’d sing for me. Listening to her talk all afternoon, I wanted to hear it. Her voice drifting over my conscience. Soothing a part of me I never knew could be soothed.

“Alright. But don’t make fun of me if I sound silly.”

“Never. You sound amazing.”

That was the truth. She did and then, she started singing. I had no idea what she was singing. Never heard of it, but her voice was strong and confident. Then I paid attention to the words. Damn, someone had to have hurt her in her life. When she finished, I was in awe. Her voice lilted over me and I felt it seep into my soul. It made my chest tighten and squeeze with an emotion I couldn’t describe.

“What was that song?”

She came over to the sofa where I was sitting and sat within a few inches from me and leaned her head back against the cushion.

“It’s called ‘Only A Memory’ by Iron for Hire.”

I was waiting for her to elaborate and after not getting anything else out of her, I knew she had already started raising a wall. Nope. Not happening.

“Why that song? Did someone make you feel less than what you are?”

“No.”

Yeah, like I was really going to believe that when she was that quick to answer.

“Pixie. I know it’s still new, but you can trust me. I see that comes hard for you, but you’re gonna have to take a small leap of faith.”

“Fine. My mother left when I was four. She dumped me at Nana’s house when I didn’t even know of any family even existing. I can’t remember much about living with mom before living with Nana except it wasn’t great. She left me alone a lot. Doing whatever it was she was doing. It wasn’t ever for very long, but even when she was there, she slept a lot. We lived out of motel rooms and take-out. And leftover take-out. I had to be really starving to eat sometimes. She never really wanted me, I think. She would talk to me as if I was such a burden. As if I was worthless and had no use to her.”

Scarlet angled her body away from mine, trying to hide herself. If I was going to be her friend, I needed to comfort her. I scooted up next to her, and cupped her chin in the crook of my thumb. I reached my other hand to the high knot in her hair and pulled. Her heavy mass swung down and I petted her hair down, taking the tangles out. I tilted her chin up so she was looking right at me. Her green eyes were like moss in the summer. I got lost in them. I knew then, I would be whatever she wanted me to be. Until she was ready.

“You are not worthless. Never have you been a burden. I’m sorry you went through that as a little girl. No one should ever do that to any child. Then to be handed away like you were old news must’ve made you feel so abandoned. I think, by the way you talk about Nana, that you ended up being really lucky. I’m glad you have Nana, Pixie. You don’t have to hide from me. I’m not here to judge you. I kinda wouldn’t mind finding your mother and giving her a ‘what-for’, but sometimes people just aren’t meant to be a part of your life. Maybe she figured you deserved better than what she could give you.”

“Ha. Yeah, I am so sure that was her intentions. Leaving me with Nana and just taking off like that. Not her. She always left me behind. She's not the type of woman who thought of others. Especially not me. She had money. Or wherever she worked paid well because she always had new clothes, shoes, handbags. Dax, that last year, I had to be lucky if I got anything new. Not out of want but needed. I had a pair of jelly sandals that she "accidentally" bought two sizes too big and I wore those throughout the winter, spring and summer. The only warm shoes I owned were tennis shoes and I wore them out and ended up wearing them until I finally cried in public about them being really tight. And she asked some old lady if she had ten bucks because she was "out of money". She hated spending money on me."

Damn, her mother sounded like a real bitch and couche. How could a mother act like that, especially to her own little girl? Her flesh and blood. Half way through her explanation I felt my temperature rising with anger for the little girl that was neglected. This woman deserved so much more than what she got when she was a kid. Just as I was about to tell her, she put her hand up to stop me.

"It's okay, Dax. I came to grips with any mommy issues I had a long time ago. She's not a part of my life and I never want her to be. So, can we change the subject now?"

I didn't really want to. I felt like I should do more for her in some way. For now though, I guess I'd leave it alone. "Yeah, let's watch a movie then. What are you in the mood for?"

"It's late evening, how about a spooky one? You got popcorn?"

I was not imagining that coming out of her mouth. "Spooky? You like scary movies?"

"Not gory or anything, but yeah. I like a little spooky. With popcorn."

"Popcorn I got. Scary movies? Let's turn on Netflix, and see what's playing." I flipped through the movies and saw one that seemed not too bad. "How about 'The Mist'? That's actually a good one."

"Perfect. Now, how about that popcorn?"

Scarlet

Hmmm…this dream sure was nice. I was so comfortable. I hugged myself into my pillow a bit more. Someone was massaging my back, petting my hair sweetly and I nudged in closer.

A sweet, but masculine scent poured over me. It was of sandalwood and petrichor.

“If you insist on just staying friends, you might want to move. My dick is rock hard and straining on my zipper, Pixie.”

Pixie?

Crap! My head shot up with surprise and I started shuffling upwards. All I ended up doing was straddling his lap. And the impressive bugle I felt against the crotch of my jeans.

“Shit.”

I tried moving, but Dax gripped my hips and stilled me.

“For a second. Just a second longer. Sweet Jesus, you’re so damn hot.” His voice was thick and husky as if he too, just woke up.

“Dax.”

“Yeah, Pix?”

“I need to move. Off you.”

“Yes. Just friends.”

He said with a snicker and disgust and he rubbed me along the length of his manhood, and like he said…Sweet Jesus. I felt my core tighten and flex. My body was wanting what he was giving. My panties were becoming damp from this intimate rubbing and I almost told him to not stop, but he shifted me off him and he sat up. He leaned his head back, the cords in his cheeks and jaw tightened with tension and he cupped his erection into himself. Rubbing it up and down. Right in front of me. Holy mother. Was it getting bigger?

O_O

“Maybe I should head on home?”

“Or you could stay?”

We both asked as if we weren’t sure what we wanted to do.

“What time is it?” I asked as I looked around for my phone. Anything to not look at the freaking hard-on he was packing. No effing way could I just look at it and not feel something stir inside of me. I might be a virgin, but I wasn’t immune to this man. I did want to be just friends. But then, he didn’t judge me when I talked about my mother. But I didn’t want to be an easy target either. Dax’s presence was so strong and bold I didn’t want it to overtake me and leave me empty. He was right.

I was afraid. I didn’t want to be abandoned again. I didn’t need my mother in my life. Nana filled a void I thought I’d never have with my mother. Dax. Dax was beginning to worm his own way into my heart.

“We both fell asleep. It’s about midnight. It really is late. Maybe you should just stay here.”

“Anything to get me to stay, huh? After last night?”

Did I let the hurt show in my voice? Maybe.

The tryouts were horrible. Saturday did not go so well for me. I knew I danced great but when it was over, the owner, Danny, said that I just wasn't the type they were looking for. I bet type meant my weight.

That pissed me off. I couldn't believe they'd actually have a problem with curves. Honestly. I danced really well for the routine they showed me and just because I wasn't tall, thin, and limber like a damn gymnast with big boobs, (well, the boobs I had but tall and thin? Negativo) they would just send me away?

Fuck that.

I didn't need them anyway. Not to mention they didn't even let me sing. That's why as soon as I left I wanted something to cheer me up. That something was reading. I would have gone to Barnes and Noble’s, but I knew I’d be spending money I didn’t want to spend so instead I went to the municipal library.

It was a big building, and my sanctuary growing up. If I wasn’t at home watching musicals, I was at the library.

On and off the whole day I was thinking about what happened last night. I really had no right to be angry or upset. I held firm to my friendship kick and trust me. I’m kicking myself now. Was I ready for a boyfriend? Not really. Maybe not one like Dax. He really had this hot, sexy edge about him that was really fascinating and intimidating at the same time. I didn’t mind his crudeness. He was a free thinker and told it like it was.

When I said that, his head bowed with shame. He really felt torn up about it. He turned to look at me, and I swear, no puppy dog eyes were so filled with sorrow as his was right now. Those light baby blues told me volumes’.

“I am so very sorry I did that. I hope you believe me when I say as soon as I realized it wasn’t you-it wasn’t what I was thinking, I felt so fucking dirty and disgusting. I’ll be honest and say that’s actually a first for me. I’ve never felt like I should be ashamed of getting pleasure. You want to be friends. I’ll respect that. Do I want more? Yes. Yes, I do want more. If I have to earn it? Well then, I guess that’s a challenge I’ll take. Just know I won’t give up. I really want to be more than friends Scarlet. I’ll respect that until you decide you want more. FYI, I really hope you want more someday. Because this boner is going to fucking kill me.”

“God. You start saying the sweetest thing, but then ruin it by bringing up your man parts.”

“My dick.”

“Yes.”

“Say it.”

“What?”

“Say dick.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to hear you say it. You’ve never said it before, have you?”

I scoffed at that. “Of course I’ve said it. Yes.”

“Then say it.”

“Dick.”

Dear Lord that sounded so strange coming out of my mouth. Did he notice? Of course he did. Were scarecrows made of straw? He started laughing hard and I shoved him playfully.

“Alright, I’ve never really said it as a man part word before. But Dax, don’t be a dick.”

“There you go. Say it again.”

“Dick.”

“Say ‘Dax, you like talking about your dick.’”

“You do like talking about your…dick a lot. Especially about its sensitivity.”

“I like the way you say dick. It really makes my dick hard.”

Gah!

“Dax! Stop! You’re so silly.”

“Told you I was going to be your silly boyfriend if that’s what it takes.”

I stood up and brushed off the imaginary dust off my hips, “I should get home. I’ve driven home this late before.”

“Yeah, but you shouldn’t drive when you’re tired. Call Nana, tell her you’re staying here or at a friend’s house. I promise not to do anything untoward.”

“Okay…on one condition.”

He lifted his eyebrow quizzically and said, “What condition is that. Pixie?”

“You tell me what ‘provide for you sexually’ means. You never answered that question. And for some reason, I’m really curious. Only for future reference.”

“There won’t be any future reference with any other man if that’s what you’re trying to imply. Anything you wanna learn, you can learn from me.”

“Uh. I don’t know about that, Dax.”

“Providing for me sexually means I like things a little more…dark.”

“Oh…so like-

“No, I am not like any other man except for myself. I like using these instruments, so to speak, on women. I am not a soft lover. Never have been. I don’t know shit about soft sex. I didn’t get that when I was a virgin and ever since then, I was taught how to please women using them.”

“Soft sex? What’s that?”

He rubbed the short hairs at the back of his neck. Was he nervous or something? He certainly never presented me with this side of his personality before.

“Vanilla…missionary sex. Although missionary is a very excellent position. The man is on top, in control of the movements. But foreplay would be something totally different. You have no idea how pleasurable the sharp kiss of a crop to your flesh could be, or being flogged. If a man knows how to use these tools properly, it could be very pleasurable.”

“Yeah, that kinda sounds like you’re trying to punish an animal or something.”

“Uh, no, Pixie. Dominance and submission are not anything like trying to beat an animal. It’s like sexual awareness of every touch. It can heighten everything you experience. I know how to use them properly and with care. I don’t beat the shit out of a girl. I don’t leave bruises.”

“What about vibrators?”

“If you’re a virgin, why-do you have a vibrator?”

Fuck. I could feel flames-flames, all over my face, breathing, breathless...scorching flames all over my face.

“Holy shit. You do? What kind?”

Really? He really wanted to talk about sex toys?

“Uh.” I shrugged my shoulders with what probably could be considered a crazy look on my face. This conversation was making me feel heated down in my core.

“Don’t be embarrassed. Here. Let’s sit down. Or do you want to see my toys?”

“Sit down! I…uh…I am not ready to see your torture chamber.”

That made him laugh out loud, but he did as I asked and I followed, sitting next to him.

“It’s in a trunk in my bedroom. It’s not a torture chamber. And you can’t say anything unless you try it. You can’t judge others for their taste in sexual enjoyment.”

“So you like anal sex then?”

“No. And since you’re a virgin-

“Must you keep bringing that up?” Geesh, he kept saying it like I had no idea what sex was all about in the first place. “I KNOW!”

His face reached back at my vehemence. His eyes circled wide with surprise. “Sorry. Just stating-

“A fact. I know I am. And I know you remember me telling you I was curious. You could just-

I couldn’t even finish before his hands reached up to cup my neck, lifting me up, and his lips slammed home on mine. I’ve been kissed before, but never like this. My heart began racing as his tongue licked my upper lip. His lips were firm and moist, and I had just opened to breathe before he slipped his tongue inside and coupled with mine. The only thing I could do was hold on tight to his firm biceps. Taking purchase and this became so entrenched, I sat up more firmly and one of his hands had reached the back of thigh and he pulled me up and over his lap.

I was straddling him, his thighs taut against mine and…I loved his mouth. My breath hastened and my body took on a life of its own. My hands buried into his hair as I pulled him closer to my mouth. I don’t know what making love was, but I was doing it to his mouth. His taste was warm, melted with the taste of the brandy shot he had, and I swear I couldn’t get enough. I was ravenous.

His hands floated from my neck, skirted over my breasts that started to feel heavy, my nipples tightened into hard beads. Dax’s hands drifted down my tummy then rounded over my hips to grip my ass. Through the jeans I felt his hands clench. My body was throbbing. Needing
something
.

“That’s it, Pixie. Rub that sweet pussy on my dick.”

His voice was hoarse, rough and pulled me in tight and ground his thick rod against me.

“Declan.”

Was that my voice? Thick and husky?

My lips popped off his and I kissed my way down to his neck where I sucked a bit of flesh into my mouth.

“Fuck.”

I vaguely heard the growl escape his lips and one of his hands burrowed between our bodies where the pad of his fingers rubbed in a furious circle on my clitoris.

I couldn’t help the moaning his ministrations brought forth. I was so close. My mouth released his neck, and I strained to get closer. I needed relief. Anything to relieve myself of this anticipation. This flurry of nerves centered right at the heart of my body. I was grinding myself deeper into his palm.

“Oh. God. What is this? I need to-I-Oh, God, yes right there.”

“Come for me, Scarlet. Now.”

The commanding sound of his voice was my undoing.

“Uhn. My God.”

I gyrated against his erection as he slid his hand away and held onto my hips. He ground me down as he lifted himself, rubbing his denim clad length against the seam of my jeans.

“You are so damn hot, baby. What I wouldn’t give to feel you bare.”

I groaned out my orgasm, the slick hot juices slipping out of me.

Dax grunted, rubbed me harder, one of his hands coming to the nape of my neck, tilting my head to the side and he brought me to his waiting mouth. He sucked the flesh with deep suction and licked the area. His body stilled with me grinding down hard and I could feel his teeth biting a little into my skin.

He sucked off and his head fell back to the back cushion of his couch, his breath hot, and puffy.

I felt…depleted. A warmth I couldn’t describe seeped out of me. I could feel my orgasm dampening my panties and Dax brought me in close, resting my body against his. I buried my face into the heat of his neck.

“Holy. Fuck. That was the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.”

His palm went back down between my legs and pressed into the spot where the evidence of my desire coated my underwear, soaking into the jeans.

“Jesus. You okay, Scarlet?”

Was I okay? I had no earthly idea.