Under My Thumb (Serenade Series #1) (18 page)

I’m not going to make it up the stairs.

Cash unlocked the door then pulled me in. As soon as the door was shut and bolted, he picked me up and kissed me. I knew he was carrying me up the stairs by the way his body moved. I gripped the back of his neck and kissed him passionately. His tongue moved against mine, making more liquid pool between my legs. When I felt the mattress beneath me, Cash pulled my dress off.

My hands reached for him and undressed him just as quickly. I knew he was hot for me, desperate to be inside me. And I loved seeing the look. Three days were agony for me, but they were obviously worse for him.

Cash crawled on top of me then separated my legs. He was always in control, and I wanted to be for once. I pulled him to the bed then climbed on top of him. His eyes widened in surprise and an adorable grin covered his face.

I decided to torture him a little since he wouldn’t fuck me in the limo. I massaged his chest while I kissed his neck and body. My lips trailed all the way
down, kissing every ab and groove. My tits rubbed against his hard dick, and that made him pant.

“Baby…
don’t be like that.”

“Do you want me?”

“Fuck yes, I want you.” He grabbed me and pulled me up his chest. I was done torturing him. Actually, I was done torturing myself. I opened his nightstand and grabbed a condom.

“Wait.” He grabbed my hand.

What? I’m fucking his brains out whether he wants to or not. Call it rape. I don’t care.

“Are you on birth control?”

Do we need to have this conversation now?
“Yes.”

“What kind?”

“An IUD. Can we get on with it now?”

He smiled at my irritation. “Let’s forget the condom.”

“What?”
Did I hear him right?

“I’m clean. I’m sure you are too.”

“Yeah…”

“And we’re monogamous. I want to come inside you, if you’ll let me.”

That idea sounded hot. Really hot.

He stared at my eyes. “Is that a yes?”

I didn’t like condoms anyway. The latex hurt after a while. And it would be nice to feel his bare cock. I didn’t need to be a guy to understand why condoms sucked. “Yeah.”

He grabbed my hips then lifted me up slightly. I felt his tip enter me,
enlarged and wet, then slide fully into me.

“Oh god…”

He pushed all the way into me then stayed still for a moment.

Shit. That feels good.

I balanced on the balls of my feet then moved up and down. Cash stared at me in amazement then bit his lip.

“You feel so good.” His fingers dug into my skin.

I was always on the edge before we even started, so my orgasm exploded inside me. I grabbed onto his hips while I finished, moving over him harder and faster. His cock slid in with no resistance, feeling the wet areas. It felt unbelievable.

C
ash didn’t last long. Seeing me come seemed to set him off. He thrust from below then moaned loudly, louder than normal. “Your pussy is amazing.” He lay back and caught his breath.

I leaned forward and kissed his chest. “I’m sorry I made you wait so long.”

“Don’t ever do it again.”

I pulled him out of me then moved up his chest. “Okay.” I kissed him on the lips then the corner of his mouth. Another quiet moan escaped his lips.

“You’re good at that,” he said.

“What?”

“Everything.”

I lay beside him then wrapped my arm around his chest. A sad sigh escaped my lips. It shattered my heart when I realized just how depressed I was.
Even the mighty orgasm Cash gave me couldn’t chase it away.

Cash immediately noticed. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I realized I lied. “I mean, pass.”

His eyes sagged in disappointment. “Is there anything I can do?”

“You’re already doing it.”

His hands moved through my hair then he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Can I ask you something?”

“You know you can ask me anything, Cash.”

“Answer some of my questions, and I’ll answer any questions you have.”

That caught my attention. I sat up and looked at him. “What do you mean?”

“There are some things I’m eager to know about you.
Mainly all your “pass” responses. But I realize that’s unfair, so I’ll answer some of your questions in return. That sounds even.”

It was tempting…I was eager to know his secrets. But I wasn’t eager to let him know mine. “I don’t know…”

Cash sighed.

“I just can’t.”

“Okay. I’ll drop it.” He pulled me closer to his chest. “Did you have fun with your brother?”

“Yes,” I said sadly.

“Is that why you’re upset? You miss him?”

Well, he was partially right. “Yes.”

“It’s not forever,” he said gently.

I could never tell Cash I wasn’t leaving. It would probably make him uncomfortable and jump to conclusions. “We’re just really close…it’s hard to explain.”

“I understand.” His fingers trailed down my neck, making me relax. “I did something dirty last night.”

That caught my attention.
“And what was it?”

He gave me
a cocky grin. “I missed you—so I pretended you were here.”

That was so fucking hot.
“You jerked off to me?”

“With your shampoo. It smells like you.”

That made me hot all over again.

“Do you judge me?”

“No,” I said immediately. “I think that’s hot.”

His eyes studied my face. “I knew you were my type of girl.”

“I’ll think about you next time I’m alone.”

His eyes widened instantly. “You know all the right things to say.”

“You don’t judge me?”

“No.” He sat up then pressed his face against my legs. He gave me a generous kiss before he returned. “God, no. As long as I’m the only cock down there, do whatever you want. And as long as you only think about me.”

“You’re bossy.”

“No. I’m just possessive.”

I laughed. “That’s so much better.”

There was no humor in his eyes. “You’re mine. And I treasure
you.” He rubbed my bottom lip with his finger then kissed it. “Mine.”

But only
for two more months.
The revelation made me sad. For the first time, I felt the pain of his departure. Everything was so perfect between us. Would I ever find a relationship like this again? I pushed the thought away. Cash told me how this relationship would go. There was no point in getting emotional about it. His words were empty. I wasn’t really his. I would never be.

“I don’t want to use condoms anymore—not after that.”

I didn’t want to either.

“I can
get tested again to prove I’m clean.”

“I trust you, Cash.”

He kissed my forehead again. “And I trust you.”

“Do you ever think about other women?”

His hand stilled on my back. “What do you mean?”

“Do you think about being with other women?” I was just curious. His answer didn’t really matter.

“Right now? While I’m with you?”

“Yeah. Do you have someone else lined up?”

He looked hurt, like I just insulted him and his entire family. His eyes darkened and started to brew with accusation and pain. “No. You’re the only one, Prudence.” His voice came out angry. “You’re always in my thoughts. Never worry about that.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you…”

“Do you think about being with anyone else?”

I knew exactly who
m he had in mind. Gavin. “No. Not at all. Since you’ve done this before, I wondered if you had a process.”

“No.” He turned away, still upset.

“Cash, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

No, it wasn’t.
I cupped his face and kissed him gently. But that didn’t seem to work.

Cash pulled away. “When you go back home, is the
re someone waiting for you?”

“No. I’m alone.”

He eyed me. “Do you ever think about being with Gavin?”

Where were these questions coming from? I really should have kept my mouth shut. We were arguing like we were in a
real relationship.
  “I don’t see him that way.”

“But he has a lot in common with you.”

I shrugged. “Gavin is a very talented musician. We went to school at Cambridge together. That’s how we met.”

“What did he major in?”

“Math.”

“Why did he pick that?”

“He wants to get his Ph.D. if the band doesn’t work out. He claims music and math coincide. Having stronger skills in either aspect improves his abilities in the other. In other words, it was the closest major he could get to music without actually picking music.”

“I’m guessing his parents didn’t approve?”

“Nope.”

“Sounds familiar.”

I saw the jealousy in his eyes. “Gavin had a girlfriend for the past year. She was a sweet and beautiful girl. He hasn’t been wooing me the entire time.”

“And why did they break up?”

Damn. I couldn’t lie.
“He wanted to be with me.”

“And he must have some reason to think he has a chance.” The accusation was evident.

“What are you saying? That I want to be with Gavin?”

He looked away. “Maybe.”

“But I don’t. Right now, I only want to be with you.”

“And what about when you leave?”

I didn’t see why it mattered. We wouldn’t see each other or talk again. He’d be with some other woman and I’d eventually find some other guy. “Does it matter?”

“It matters to me.”

“Cash, when this arrangement is over we’ll never see each other again. So why do you care if I end up with Gavin?”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” He left my side then sat at the edge of the bed, his face hidden.

I didn’t understand what was going on. Sometimes I wondered if something stronger was between us, but Cash made it clear there wasn’t. But then he acted like this.

I
scooted behind him and rubbed his back.

“I’ve grown more attached to you than I expected.”

My hands stopped moving. “I know the feeling.”

“And…I didn’t mean to get angry.  I just…care about you.”

I kissed his shoulder. “I care about you too.”

“I’ve never felt that way before.”

My heart raced in my chest, pounding against my ribs.

Cash was quiet for a long time. “Never
mind.”

I wanted him to answer, but I didn’t pressure him. “Do you not wear condoms with your other lady friends?”

“No. I always wear them.”

“Why am I different?”

“You just are.”

I kissed his shoulder again. “Have you ever had sex without a condom?” If he’d never been in a serious relationship, I would assume he hadn’t. But he handled himself very well when it was skin-to-skin.

“Yes.”

That wasn’t
the response I expected. “With who?” I blurted.

“Pass.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

♬

Cash Matthews

What the fuck just happened?

I lay in bed while Prudence slumbered beside me. Her musical sighs and deep breathing kept my heart at a slow rate. But then I replayed the conversation we had, the one where I didn’t sound anything like myself.

I didn’t want her to be with Gavin. Actually, I didn’t want her to be with anybody. And I always wore protection with women. It didn’t matter if we were monogamous or not. A chance pregnancy wasn’t something I could handle. But with Prudence, all my rules were thrown out.

What was happening to me?

I cared about everyone in my life and never wante
d anything bad to happen to any of them, but I went above and beyond for Prudence. If something happened to her, I’d never forgive myself. If I didn’t know she was safe, I couldn’t continue. It’s just how I felt.
Why? I don’t fucking know.

A
nxiety settled on me the more I thought about it. I was jealous, controlling, possessive, attentive, caring, and totally obsessed with this girl. More than I’d ever been with anyone else. The sex between us was amazing, the best I ever had, but I’ve had good sex before.
Why was this different? What was happening to me?

I needed to do some damage control after last night. I totally freaked her out. I knew it.

Why did I have to be a dumbass?

I couldn’t believe the shit that flew out of my mouth. I had to make it right before she left. What if she was so uncomfortable around me that she ended our arrangement prematurely? I wouldn’t have her anymore. And the longer I was around her, the more certain I was she would never open up to me. Whatever made her this way, against serious relationships, marriage, and babies, was something permanent. Nothing I did was going to change that. And I knew this because I was the exact same way. We were both broken.

She stretched next to me then her foot wrapped around my leg. It was so soft.

“Sleep well?” I whispered.

“I always sleep well in your Pottery Barn sheets.”

I moved next to her then rubbe
d my nose against hers. “I slept well too. But it had nothing to do with the sheets.” I kissed the valley between her breasts then returned to her face.

“You don’t think I’m a bed monster?”

“A bed monster?”
What the hell was that?

“I don’t hog the sheets and take up all the space?” Her fingers moved through my hair. I loved it when she did that.

“You’re too small to do any damage.”

“Good response,” she said with a chuckle.

I kissed her inner thighs then lay on top of her. “I’m sorry about my behavior last night. I was just…in a mood.”

Her fingers glided down my neck and to my back. “It’s alright.”

“It won’t happen again. The last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable and chase you away.”

She smiled at me. “You make me come so hard that you’ll never have to worry about that.”

Well, I’m glad my cock saved me. I gave myself another mental pat on the back.

“And you make me too happy.”

Fuck…why did she say that?
My heart slammed against my ribs. I couldn’t help myself. Those words made me feel elated, special, and important. I liked it. “Good.” It was all I managed to get out.

She grabbed my face and kissed me. “Now let’s forget about it.”

She always let me off the hook so easily. Prudence was a dream girl, a fantasy, a vision. There wasn’t a single imperfection that marked her, other than her past. Besides that, she was the ideal woman. And I got to be with her—for now.

“Do you have plans today?” she asked.

“Just with you.”

“Good. I don’t want to leave the bedroom.”

A quiet growl escaped my lips. She always knew how to stroke my ego—and make me hard. “We have brunch with my family today.”

“Oh. Damn.”

“But we have before and after.”

“I guess we could take a break.” She wrapped her legs around my waist. “How do you want me?”

My spine shivered.
Fuck, she was gorgeous.
“Any way you’ll have me.”

“Tell me a fantasy. I might do it.” She had a playful grin on her face. And I loved it.

“Hmm…”

“You want to tie me up? Blindfold me?” She leaned up and kissed my chin. “Pretend I’m someone else? A model?”

Absolutely fucking not. She was my fantasy. I didn’t need anything else.
“I know exactly what I want.” I moved over her and put my weight on my arms. Her legs were still wrapped around me, and I felt my tip slide across her entrance.

“What?” she whispered.

“Tell me what you like about me.” I kissed her neck then nibbled on her ear.

She was quiet
for a moment. “Like dirty talk?”

“No. Just tell me why you want me.”

Her hands slid down my back. “I love it when you kiss me like that…”

“What else?” I pulled away then rubbed her tits. They were big in my hand, the perfect size. I loved them.

“I love the way your hands feel when you grab me like that.” She swallowed the lump in her throat.

I could tell she was nervous. I squeezed a little harder. “When I’m inside you, you make a quiet sigh. It sounds musical, beautiful. I love it when I hear it.” I stared into her eyes. “I love the shape of your hips.” I moved my hands down her waist. “It excite
s me. I love the way your neck feels in my hand.” I moved to her throat then touched her. “When I move inside you, you clench around me like you don’t want me to leave. I love being with you because of the way you make me feel.  Your body is perfect and unflawed. Everything about you arouses me. And your voice. I love it when you scream.”

Her eyes lit up in desire as she listened to me. “Cash, I love being with you because of the way you make me feel. I’ve never felt more beautiful and sexy than when I’m with you.”

I liked the sound of that. I leaned over and sucked her nipples, feeling her arch her back to get further in my mouth.

“You’re such a sweet man, but honest and gentle. With you, I feel safe. With you, I know exactly who you are. Everyone hides their true wants and desires from the world. But you don’t. And because of that, I’m not scared.”

I kissed her throat then separated her legs.

“I love the sweat that drips down your body when you move into me. I want
to lick it away, taste it on my tongue.”

She was hitting the right spot. I pointed my tip at her entrance and slipped inside. Her head immediately rolled back and a moan escaped her lips.
God, she rocked my world.

“Your cock…” She bit her lip and clung to me. “I love it. It feels so fucking good.”

She felt wet and smooth. I loved not using a condom with her. Being with her already felt amazing. Now it was a million times better. I had long stamina and endurance on a regular basis, but Prudence always brought me to the edge immediately. I constantly had to fight to last.

“You make me
feel better.” She dug her nails into my back. “I’ve never been taken to places you’ve showed me. And when you do, I feel so high that I’ll never come down. My thighs squeeze, my voice becomes weak, the air leaves my lungs. You’re so good, I can’t handle it.”

I grabbed her hips and moved into
her hard. She was already wet despite the short amount of time. But I always made her that way
. Me. No one else.

She grabbed my neck and rocked from below. “Fuck…you’re doing it.”

I continued to move into her, giving her all the pleasure she deserved.

“Cash…
Cash.”

I loved hearing that. I was king. “Look at me, baby.”

She opened her eyes and looked into me, seeing everything I couldn’t hide. “I like it when you do that…”

“What?”

“Force me to be intimate.”

I didn’t know what that meant. But I kept going until her orgasm was finished. Her nails dug into my back, squeezing and pulling me.

“I want you to come inside me.” Her hand moved to my ass and pushed me further in.

Yes, ma’am.
She knew how to make me come—and make me come hard. My cock twitched slightly as I felt the explosion in my lower stomach. When my balls tensed and I started to release, I gripped her tightly, loving the fact I was directly connecting with her. Intimate with her in a way I wasn’t with anyone else.

Prudence stared at my face while I came,
pure adoration in her eyes. Sometimes I thought I saw more than just a relationship of convenience. It seemed like I meant something more to her, could be something real. When the idea didn’t alarm me, it scared me. If I were going to settle down with anyone, it’d be with her.

Fuck.

I pulled out then went straight to the shower. “I need to get ready.” I didn’t look at her. I couldn’t.

♫

When we arrived at my brother’s house, I was on edge. Prudence knew this was just an act, a way to keep my family off my back, but after the emotion I felt earlier, I wasn’t nearly as calm or collected as usual.

“Everything alright?” Prudence asked when we reached the front door.

“I’m just nervous.”

“Don’t be.” She gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Damn. My heart accelerated just from the innocent touch. And it wasn’t because I was horny.

I knocked on the door and waited for my brother to open it. When he did, he immediately stared at Prudence, a look of surprise on his
face. “You actually brought her?”

“I said I would.” I marched past him and walked inside, pulling Prudence behind me.

She dropped my hand and turned to Denver. “Thank you for having me over.”

She was always polite. Another quality I loved in a woman.

Denver smiled. “You’re very welcome.” I could tell he was immediately fond of her. Not that I blamed him.

She extended her hand to shake his, but my brother just stared at it. Instead, he pulled her in for a hug.

My family was going to fall in love with her.
Great…

“I think we’re
past the handshake stage.” Denver winked then shut the door.

I placed my hand on her waist then placed
a gift on the floor. Prudence picked it out for my niece, and I hoped she would like it. I led her deeper into the house where my family was gathered in the living room.

“Guess who’s here?” Denver announced.

Everyone turned their head and stared at Prudence.

My mom looked like she might have a heart attack.
Her eyes were so wide, they were going to burst. The illumination of her orbs reminded me of a decorated Christmas tree, all the joy of the holidays radiating through the ornaments. She placed her hand on her chest and a quiet gasp escaped her throat.
She was totally overreacting.

Damn, this is embarrassing as hell.

My mom left the couch and immediately embraced Prudence. “It’s so lovely to meet you.” She held her tightly and swayed Prudence back and forth.

I hated my mom right now.

She still didn’t let go. “You’re so beautiful. I knew my daughter-in-law wasn’t lying.” She pulled away then cupped Prudence’s cheek like she was a porcelain doll. “Thank you so much for coming.”

“Mom, give her some space before she r
uns.” I hooked my arm around Prudence’s waist and tried to protect her. Prudence didn’t seem uncomfortable or upset. She was putting on a good show for me. Better than the one I put on for her brother.

“She’s gorgeous, Cash.”

I rolled my eyes. “You think I don’t know that?”

My mom clapped her ha
nds together excitedly, like Prudence was a new gift from Macy’s.

I turned to Prudence. “This is my mother, Ophelia.”

“Call me Mom.”

A
re you kidding me right now? I was mortified.
“Ignore her,” I whispered into Prudence’s ear. “I’m so sorry.”

My dad came next and looked her up and down. “You did a good job with this one.”

“She’s not a mule, you guys. Treat her like a human.”

My dad chuckled then hugged her. “Thanks for putting up with him. We know he’s crazy.”

Prudence smiled then stepped back.

My mom pulled her away. “Let’s have some girl talk.”

“I don’t think so.” I pulled Prudence back to me. “You guys are vultures.”

McKenzie immediately gave Prudence a hug, which shocked me. My sister never got along with other girls.
And she was never affectionate with them. I knew she was really making an effort to make Prudence feel welcomed. My entire family was. “It’s nice to meet you. My brother is a great guy.”

Wow. I never thought I’d hear those words come out
of her mouth.

“I know.” Prudence smiled then kept her place by my side.