FLAME (Spark Series) (7 page)

His eyes are the perfect color of blue—like the deep part of the ocean. They’re so captivating, I almost get lost in them.

“Stalking becoming your professional career?”

He shrugs nonchalantly. “I do what I have to do to get what I want.”

“And what’s that, Drew? Sex? Fuck buddy? Whatever you want to call it? It’s not happening. I don’t do relationships,” I respond honestly. He should know this, considering I had sex with him on the first night. “If I was looking for something meaningful—which I’m not—I wouldn’t have slept with you the first night meeting you.”

“Really?” His eyebrows rise. “You think you could’ve resisted?” he asks in a threatening manner filled with amusement.

“I think I would’ve moved on had you not been
available
,” I reply matter-of-factly, challenging him.

“I think you’re adorable.” He smiles, changing the subject. “And I think it’s adorable you think that.”

He’s so close to me now our bodies are once again touching.

“Okay…” I grin. “Try me.”

I love a challenge. Plus, I always win.

Without saying a word, he lifts me under the arms and sets me on top of the dresser. I screech in shock, unaware of what the hell he is doing.

“Don’t move,” he orders. He goes to my bedside table and opens the drawer.

Oh shit.
“Don’t go in there!” I yelp, but it’s too late.

“Why? Afraid I’ll find…these?” He grins, holding up a pair of handcuffs. “Exactly what I thought I’d find.”

“It’s cute you think you’re using those on me,” I retort.

I watch as he grabs another condom and rolls the handcuffs in his hand. He stalks over and places himself in between my legs. “It’s adorable you think you’re in charge.”

I place my hands under my legs but it does no good. He grabs both and places them behind my back and because I’m intrigued, I don’t fight it.

“And what do you think you’re going to do to me?” I ask, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

“First…I plan to make you submit.” He kisses my forehead. “Second…I plan to make you beg for it.” He kisses my cheek. “And third…I plan to make you admit you can’t resist me. You’ll be
begging
me for it.”

I laugh in his face. “You are an egotistical man, aren’t you?”

It’s nothing I can’t handle. I’ve had my fair share of men like him in the past. They all think they are above any other guy—irresistible, desirable, cocky. I can see right through them all.

“I’m just a man who knows what he wants…”

“And what’s that? Sex? I doubt you have
any
problem with that.”

He stares intently at me, rubbing a hand on my cheek. “Not just sex,” he whispers in a deep voice. “Passion, desire, control.” His hand travels down my neck and lands on my hip. “And right now…I want that with you,” he growls in my ear.

I’m so turned on that I can’t even make my brain function right to form a comeback. Instead, I let his words sink into my mind—
passion, desire, control
—three things I never give up.

His lips find mine as his hands roam over my body. It feels awkward to have my hands trapped behind me. I want to wrap them around his neck and force him closer, but with them confined, I have no control whatsoever.

I’m usually the one handcuffing guys to my bedrails. It’s a sure thing in gaining control over any situation, and not to mention, guys typically think it’s hot when I take over. It means less work for them anyway.

“Carissa…” he growls in my ear. “Relax.”

I don’t realize how tense my body is. I sigh, taking a deep breath. I tell my body to relax, but I doubt it’ll listen. I want to touch him, feel his arousal against me, but I can’t, which is driving me insane.

“I want to touch you,” I plead. My head falls back as my eyes roll closed. His lips begin to explore my body as his hands control my hips.
I begin throbbing in between my legs—so much that it becomes unbearable. I’ve never needed sex so badly in my life, and now, he’s going to make me beg for it.

His hands slide under my shirt and reach my breasts. His mouth suckles my neck as he pulls hard on my nipples, making them instantly hard.

“I love your hair down,” he growls, making my head fall back farther as he tugs on my hair.

I’m so consumed by his voice, and the roughness of his touch, that I can’t focus on anything else. All I know is that I want him, I want my body surrounding him, and I want to force his body on top of mine.

For the first time ever, I let a guy control the moves. I’m not sure why, but I give in. He yanks my head back further, showcasing my very vulnerable body as I sit on the dresser handcuffed.

“You are beautiful…” he whispers in my ear. “So bloody beautiful.”

He lowers his hands to the bottom of my shirt and rips it off, making it land at my wrists. His body lowers as he feathers kisses down my stomach. He places his hands on my knees and spreads my legs wider. He kisses his way down my legs, over my shorts as he makes his way down to my calves.

I’m ready to scream at his playful, torturous kisses. I keep my head back as I soak in his touch, wanting more from him. At this rate, I’ll do just about anything to get what I want.

“Drew…stop messing with me,” I beg. His body rises back up, his lips back on my mouth. I can feel his smile against me as I wiggle underneath him.

“What do you want, Doll?” he growls deeply.

“You…I want you so fucking bad.” I can feel his arousal against me as he stands naked in front of me.

“Give in to me, Carissa. Let me take you to levels you’ve never been before.” His nose nuzzles my neck as he presses soft, barely-there kisses.

“How do you know where I’ve been?” I retort.

“Give up the control,” he whispers. “I can tell you want to push me away.”

“I can’t…” I breathe out. “I can’t push you away.”

“Good girl.”

“I said I’ll try anything twice.” I smile, hoping he takes the cue to finally give me what I need.

“Perfect.”

“Stop…stop torturing me,” I beg.

“I told you I’d have you begging for me,” he says amused. “So let me hear you.”

He backs up slightly and runs his hands down my shorts, pulling them down my ankles and off to a pile on the floor.

“Let me touch you,” I demand. “Please.”

“Not yet, Doll. Soon though,” he promises.

“Ugh! Please!” I yell out this time, watching him. He flashes a smug smile as his fingers make their way in between my legs.

He brings his mouth to my ear. “You’re going to have to do better than that.”

My body tenses as I start to get angry.
I don’t beg for sex! Ever!

“Drew…” I wiggle out of his hold and force my feet to the ground. “If you think handcuffing me is going to stop me from taking what I want, you have seriously underestimated me.”

“And what is it you want, Doll? You want me?” His eyes lock on mine, challenging me to say it.

I walk toward him, pushing him down on the bed with my body. He’s ready…
so
ready. I let my eyes wander up and down his body. He’s toned, muscular, and
very ready.

“Lay back,” I command, ignoring his request.

He grabs my shoulders and spins me around. I fall to the bed. Before I can argue, he’s on his knees with his face in between my legs. I spread them further for him as his mouth explores me, licking and devouring my pussy.

I can’t run my hands through his hair like I want to and it’s driving me insane. I can’t do anything with my damn hands, forcing me to concentrate on the pleasure Drew is giving me. I finally stop fighting it and lay back in defeat.

“Oh god, yes…” I moan out, letting my head fall back as the intensity takes over my mind.

He lifts my legs and places them on top of his shoulders as he kneels on the floor. My body is laying helplessly on the edge of the bed, letting him take control of everything. As much as I want to fight it and push him off, my body craves it. Craves him.

“Okay…you win,” I breathe out. “Fuck me. Now.”

He doesn’t stop— rather he speeds up. My entire body quivers as it climaxes hard against his mouth.

“Holy shit,” I spit out. I breathe heavily, trying to control the emotions spiraling through me.

He kisses up my stomach and thoroughly kisses each breast, sucking hard on my nipples. I arch my back, openly welcoming his mouth. He continues up my collarbone and then to my neck.

“Kiss me.” I want his mouth on me so fucking bad. He smiles against my neck as he kisses up my chin and to my ear. “Drew…kiss me.”

“Is that what you want?” he whispers softly in my ear. I can hear the thrill in his voice.

“Yes…” I moan. “But much more than that.”

He
finally
presses his mouth to mine. Giving in to what I want and what I need, I submit. I wrap my legs around his waist, telling him exactly what I want right now.

His mouth devours mine, kissing me aggressively. His hand cups my face as he lightly pulls my hair with the other.

“I need to hear you say it, Doll. Tell me.”

“What do you want to hear?” I gasp. “I’ve told you to fuck me. I’m ready and willing. I’m begging…just like you asked,” I snap out, fully frustrated.

“Tell me I’m in control. Tell me you submit,” he demands.

I breathe out slowly against my racing heartbeat.

“Okay…” I pant out. “I submit to you,” I agree. “
This time
,” I add in.

He laughs lightly as he looks intently at me. “We’ll see about that.”

Before I can retort, he slams himself into me.

“Oh, fuck…” he pants out. I watch as his eyes roll back. The sensation feels incredible…but it feels
different
.

“Oh god…” I moan, wanting this feeling to last for as long as possible. He thrusts against me until I finally realize he’s not wearing a condom.

“Drew…” I barely get the words out before he pulls out.

“I know, Doll. I just wanted to feel you against me.”

He walks over to the dresser where he pulls out a condom and rolls it on. Instead of laying back over me, he grabs my hips and flips me over.

“Good god!” I scream. I let him adjust me so my head isn’t buried in the mattress. He pulls my hips up, aligning my ass with his body. He has me bent over the bed as he spreads my legs open.

“Remember…control, Doll. Give it up,” he softly whispers in my ear.

I breathe out. I really am trying. He has no fucking idea how hard I’m trying.

He aligns our bodies once more before entering me again. My arms trapped behind my back give me no support, but as he thrusts inside me, I can’t care less. It feels so damn amazing, I beg him to give it to me harder.

“Good girl. Tell me what you need.”

I spread my legs out further for him. “Don’t stop.”

“You want it harder, Doll?”

“I want it any way you give it to me,” I spit out.

“That’s right…let me control the pace,” he soothes. He rubs his hand over my clit as he continues thrusting inside me. My entire body pulsates from his touch and demands more.

“Drew…yes…oh god…” I scream out, unable to contain myself. My body feels like it’s being ripped in two as I climax. He doesn’t slow down, rather he feeds it, making it much more intense.

He grasps my hips hard, pulling me toward him as he pumps his own release deep inside me. My body collapses on the bed as he pulls out of me.

I watch as he walks to the bedside table and takes out another condom.
Another one!

I hear him rip it off as he rolls another one on.
Holy shit, this guy’s a fucking machine.

“You thought I was done with you?” he asks as he sees my shocked face.

I swallow as I feel him unlocking the handcuffs. He flips me and towers over me. “I can’t seem to get enough of you. I want more,” he growls.

“What do you want?” I ask, finally able to breathe normally again.

“I want you on me,” he commands.

I lean up finally as he lays flat on the bed. I straddle him and let him fill me completely. Sex always feels too intimate when I’m on top, especially when those eyes of his stare right through me.

I try not to think of that as I rock my hips against his. His hands land on my hips, controlling the rhythm. I place my hands flat on his chest as I watch him.

It’s the first time I feel a real connection with someone. Someone who isn’t after just a quickie and bails. Hell, perhaps he is…
a three-time quickie
…but it doesn’t feel that way with him.

Which is scary as hell…

8

I wake up  feeling completely sore and bruised and smile when I notice Drew is still in my bed. It’s not like guys don’t normally sleep over, but this time, I actually want this one to stay.

“Good morning,” he mumbles, his thick accent very noticeable. He moves us closer together as he nuzzles my neck.

“You have a very sexy sleepy voice.”

“Oh yeah? I think you have a very sexy everything.” I feel him smile against my neck. I wiggle my ass against his hard-on. “Are you always packing?” I tease.

“When you tease it like that?”

“Hey, I just moved.”

“Sure…and it just reacted,” he jokes.

“Well, I’m sure my roommate is still sleeping. That’d be one hellva wake up call.”

“Hmm…are you wanting to invite someone else already?” He sucks on my ear, making my body shiver against him.

I laugh at his comment. “Yeah, right. My roommate is
so
not like that. Actually, her and her boyfriend are having issues now. She’s been in a mood,” I reply honestly. “I’ll go make breakfast.”

He kisses the tip of my nose. “Guess I’m taking a cold shower.”

The truth is, Velaney had miscarried several weeks earlier. She and Eric weren’t exactly on speaking terms and she’s been pretty down about it lately. In fact, she pushes everyone away. I try to be there for her, but it’s hard when she locks herself in her room all damn day. I was finally forced to tell Eric the truth after Laney wouldn’t tell him.

I grab Drew’s button-up shirt and put it on. I grab some food out of the fridge and dance as I start scrambling eggs in a pan.

“What are you doing?” I hear Laney’s voice behind me. I’m actually surprised she’s up this early.

“Just making some breakfast. Figured my girl needed to eat.”

She eyes me curiously. “What’s with the get-up? She motions to my shirt. I bite my lip as I try to hide the giddy grin that’s threatening to show. “He’s still here?” she whispers as if we’re detectives or something.

“Yeah, he’s taking a shower.” I shrug as if it’s no big deal. But inside I’m screaming,
it’s a huge fucking deal!

She teases me for letting a guy sleep over and take a shower the next morning. I rarely let guys get past the good morning ‘hello’ before I’m kicking them out of my room and Velaney runs into them, shooing them out.

I act unaffected as Laney gushes about the fact that Drew is still here. I want to admit everything to her, but I know she’s hurting right now. And I don’t want to admit anything to
myself
at the moment.

“He’s British…” I explain, wagging my eyebrows at her.

“Oh my god. You hooked up with a British hottie?”

“Do you see this smile on my face?” I wave a hand over my face. “This is the face of a
very
satisfied woman. So yes, hooked up, we did…a few times,” I gush, completely blushing.

Velaney plops herself on the sofa, flicking through channels on the TV. I can tell her mind is busy as she chews her cheek. I’ve always been good at reading her.

I offer her breakfast but she declines. Before I can argue, Drew walks out in cargo shorts and his tight black t-shirt that he was wearing under the blue button-up.

God, he looks delicious.

I lick my lips as I stare at him.

I introduce Drew and Laney. I love hearing him talk. He tells her what a beautiful name she has, and I think even
she
blushes from hearing his voice.

“Breakfast?” I ask, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“Love to, Doll, but I actually have to get to the gym before classes.” He presses a kiss to the tip of my nose.

“Aw, can’t you skip?”

“Wish I could, Doll. But Coach has us on a strict schedule.”

“Do you need me to drive you back to your car?”

“Nah…I can take a cab,” he insists.

I keep my arms wrapped around him as he kisses me goodbye. For the first time, I’m sad to see a guy leave.

*   *   *

I drag Laney out for the day. We go to a little bistro where I finally gush all about Drew. It’s so
un-
like me, but I can’t help it. I’m foolishly giddy.

“Well, I can see you’re dying to tell me. So spill,” she says, waving a hand in my direction to let it all out.

“Okay, so he and his buddies came into the bar last night. He’s doing a college abroad thing or something like that, and well, anyway, he plays Football here, but played Rugby back home. Rugby! God, could he get any hotter? Anyway, I was working with Julia and one thing led to another…”

“And he ended up in your bed?” she fires back, laughing.

“Well, we flirted first, had some drinks, then I invited him over.”

“How classy.”

“Listen, smartass.” I look at her seriously. “Just because I enjoy sex doesn’t mean I’m un-classy or a slut. I enjoy sex, so sue me.” I shrug.
And sex with him was very enjoyable…

“Hey, I don’t care what you do. And I would never call you a slut. I just feel uncomfortable meeting a guy you just slept with the next morning. I’m used to pushing them out for you—no introductions, no hellos—just there’s the door, now get out.”

“Well, I still have his shirt, so there’s a chance I’ll be seeing him again. This way, it won’t be uncomfortable. You’ll already know him and you can just ignore him.” I smirk.

“He
is
cute, though,” she admits, smiling as she takes a sip of my latte.

“Oh god, don’t I know it. His accent in bed, oh my god, it’s fucking hot. He’s a fucking god in the sack, Lane. Like…I think one of the best I’ve had,” I confess, blushing.

“If I’m not mistaken, I’d say you like him
a lot.
” She widens her eyes at me, showing surprise in her tone.

“No…no…no. There’s a difference between
liking
a guy and
enjoying
a guy. I
enjoy
Drew. I do not
like
him,” I press, although it’s a complete lie.

“Whatever you say.” She rolls her eyes.

“He’s totally hot, though. I’ll give him that. I mean, Jesus…a British Rugby College guy. Does it get any sexier?” My eyes light up.

“I don’t know, does it?” she teases. “I’ll admit he’s hot, though. Probably one of the hotter victims…err…I mean, one-nighters you’ve had over.” She laughs, picking at her croissant she has yet to take a bite of.

“Hey!” I slap her hand playfully. “He was ready and willing. Oh, sweet Jesus, was he ever willing.” I smirk, reliving it in my mind.

“Okay, enough already. I get it. The guy is hot
and
he’s good in bed. Can we move on now?” She squirms in her chair, and I can tell she’s feeling uncomfortable.

I get her to talk about Eric and the baby. She’s been closed off for weeks now, blaming herself for the loss. Eric’s been talking to me just to get information about her since she refuses to talk to anyone except me.

“Let him be there for you, Lane. That’s what relationships are all about. I may not have experience in that area, but if romance novels have taught me anything, it’s that pushing someone away is the worst thing you can do. You’ll suffer from it and only regret it later on.” I say genuinely. “And you can take that to the bank, Nicholas Sparks!”

“Oh my god, you and your smut.” She giggles, rolling her eyes at me once again.

“It’s not smut. I mean, not
all
of it, at least.” I wink and squeeze her hand. “Talk to him. He misses you. You miss him. Why make it more complicated than it has to be?”

“I hate when you’re right,” she mutters.

“Honey, get used to it. I’m always right.” I smile back at her.

“Well, I hope you’re right about this Drew guy. If he’s just for fun, you better not be the one sleeping on the bathroom floor.”

“Ha! That would involve emotions. And sweetie, I don’t do emotions. I do sex.”

Or at least that’s what I tell myself. However, now my mind is racing a million miles a minute from my night with Drew. I’m good at the sex thing. Just sex. Nothing more. But with Drew there
was
more…
so much more.

*   *   *

It’s been three days since Drew was in my bed. He told me to call him, but I wasn’t sure if I should or not. What would I even say?
Hey, wanna go for another round?
I don’t do that. I never want a man for more than one night, but Drew…he’s different. He’s made me crave more of
him
.

I work at the bar, trying to appear unaffected. I try to get him out of my head, but I feel disappointment as I expect him to be at the bar and he isn’t. Was what he said about coming to find me just a line? Or was he serious?

“Can I get another, baby?” I look up and see my regular holding up his empty glass.

“Of course you can.” I wink. He’s an older man who orders two fingers of whiskey and he’s a good tipper.  So as long as I flirt with him, he’s happy.

“What’s on your mind? You seem different today,” he says as he hands me a ten dollar bill.

I grab it and put it in my cash register, placing his change on the bar before responding. “I’m fine. Just some things on my mind.” I smile, giving him reassurance.

He tilts his head and says, “Hmm.”

“What?” I ask, planting my hands on my hips. I don’t care for people analyzing me. “I’m fine,” I say again.

“Okay…” He smiles, knowing damn well I’m lying.

Shit.
How is it written all over my face, yet I can’t get the emotions straight in my own damn head?

Another hour flies by and I finally conclude that I’m going to call him after work. I don’t know what I’ll say yet, but I just want to hear his voice.

“British hottie coming this way,” I hear Julia whisper.

I smile and look up as I see Drew walking toward the bar with a bouquet of flowers.

Flowers?

“Hey, Doll,” he says, sitting down on a barstool.

“Well hello, stranger.” I cock my hip and place a hand over it.

“I’ll take a beer, please.” He smiles and I instantly go to mush.
Freaking pathetic mush.

I hand it to him and watch as he puts the neck to his mouth. His eyes stay glued to mine, never blinking.

“So, flowers, huh?” I nod my head toward the bouquet sitting on the bar in front of him.

“Yeah…” He shrugs lightly. “I have a date tonight. Thought it would be romantic, ya know?”

My eyes widen in surprise.
A fucking date?

“Oh…” is all I’m capable of spitting out.

“Yeah…not the place I would’ve chosen, but since she hasn’t called me yet, I have no choice but to bring the date to her.”

It feels like my heart skips a beat at the realization of what he just said.

“Right, I forgot, you like to be all stalkerish and stuff.” I try to be cool, unaffected by how happy I am that he’s here right now.

“Well, a guy’s gotta do what he’s gotta do to get a girl’s attention.” He smirks, holding the flowers up at me.

I grab them, shaking my head at him. “This is cheesy.”

“I know.” He grins. He pushes off the stool, leaning his arms on the bar. “What time are you off tonight?”

“What’s it matter? What if I have plans?”

“You
do
have plans,” he retorts. “With me.”

“I almost forgot how bossy you are,” I tease, leaning toward him.

“Doll, I doubt you forgot anything. In fact, I’m sure you’re still reliving it in your head.”

“You know? I just remembered. I
do
have plans tonight. And they’re not with you.” I know I’m being a bitch, but I hate how he’s getting under my skin.

“Not a problem. I’ll wait.” He says in all seriousness. He barely flinches when I challenge him. “But sweetheart,” he whispers, leaning over the bar and into my ear, “I can guarantee you’ll be thinking of me the whole time.”

He pushes off and heads in the other direction before I can come up with anything.
Damn him
.

Why is this so damn confusing? I want him. He wants me.

But I
never
want a guy. Not more than once, at least. So why is Drew different?

I know he challenges me and perhaps that’s why. Most guys are content with one night and I never hear from them again. But Drew…he’s persistent on wanting more.
More than I can probably give him.

“Fuck me, he’s hot,” Julia says after a while. I snap my head up to her as she watches him. He’s at a table across the bar, drinking his beer and watching a game on TV. “
I’m
not above sloppy seconds,” she quips, tilting her head to gaze at him.

“You horny bitch. What happened to Winston?” I remind her. “Still on hiatus, huh?”