“Then tell me.”
Raking a hand through my hair, I turned away slightly and stared up at the full moon. So bright, so peaceful, and free to rise and fall at its discretion. As crazy as it sounded, I wished for its nonchalance. “The dancing was on a stage,” I explained. “It was similar to a private strip show and I agreed to it. I stripped for men I didn’t know.” Desire raced through my body at the memory. “On some carnal level I never understood, I liked how it felt. Having those men watch me with lust-filled eyes, wanting me, greedy to touch me—not knowing who I was or where I came from. I loved how they responded to my body, that I made them hard, made them desire me. A woman with no past and an uncertain future. I made men crave me without touching. And when they stroked themselves, it made me wet, made me delirious with want, so greedy that I touched myself while they watched, brought myself off with an orgasm so intense it made me cry while witnessed by so many hungry eyes. It was the first time since waking from the coma that I felt free, alive, different, carefree. Even though there was a moment I wanted to be fucked, filled with those hard dicks in my pussy and mouth at the same time, I chose not to, knowing I could’ve had any those men. Do I regret it? I’m not sure.”
I stopped speaking and moved away from him, breathing deeply and only turning when I could work up the courage to face him. While I was glad, he didn’t say anything, I kept my gaze on the floor. “After that night, I put everything into some hidden compartment of my brain and never thought about it again, until now. I never went out again. Both for my safety from an unknown killer and my fear of where I’d end up if I explored my sexuality.” I drew in a labored breath. “Are you judging me, Trent? Do I sound like a slut to you, knowing what’s going on behind these eyes you call beautiful?”
“Look at me, Ash.” I did. “I’m no one to judge but I can be your jury.”
“Jury?”
“I sat on the sidelines, observed, waited, heard and now I can decide your fate, if you let me. I can give you what you want. Slow, deep, hard, fast, you say the word and I’ll fuck you how you want it, but, it will come with a whole lot more.”
I let out a low laugh. “How is it possible that I barely know you, yet you’ve got me to confess my deepest desires? A secret I’ve shared with no one, not even Zayne.” I paused reflecting on his words. “What do you mean by more?”
Instead of the usual arrogance, his smile was lazy yet didn’t detract from the passion burning in those beautiful blues, almost like watching fire grow in intensity each time fuel was added. He squeezed my arms then cupped my face. His eyes penetrated mine, looking deep. The fact that he’d cottoned on to my secrets told me his profound observation had begun on day one. Only, I didn’t see it.
“Sometimes all a woman needs, is the right man to give her the freedom to be herself, to unlock her desires, to let her love, fuck and want you on her terms. The more she truly smiles, the more chance she will stay. Forever. I want forever with you, Ash,” his tender words dug deep into my very soul.
“Forever?” I hesitated. “But, I barely know you.”
“The heart has a way of picking the perfect love for you even if you’re still on the fence about whether they are the one.” His warm breath tickled my lips. “My heart chose that moment you ran out into the rain, trembling with fear yet fighting me with everything you had. Those gray eyes, rimmed by signs that danced between yes and no, pleaded for me to enter. All you needed was for someone to look past the barrier you built. I did.”
“Not before?” I uttered a soft laugh. “You know the usual love at first sight cliché.”
Slowly, he shook his head. “Not before. That day, that moment will stay entrenched in my heart. It’s my new beginning and hopefully yours.”
Then reality blinked in the distance. “I am married, Trent.”
“And yet, you’re here with me.” There was no ridicule in his tone, only a tenderness I still had to understand, to grasp.
And like some constant death wish on my emotions, I sighed. “I don’t think I’m ready for whatever this is.”
Disappointment cloaked his smile. “Will you ever be?”
“I don’t know.”
“And if I’d fucked you last night? Would that have made a difference?”
“I’m not sure.”
His jaw clenched as though trying to hold back his truths. “I’m usually a patient man, Ash, but right now I want you.” The intent in his tone was crystal clear.
And we were right back where we started, I shook my head. “For a man who just spoke about the heart and what it wants, you sure as hell play the seduction card to perfection,” I retorted.
His gaze roamed over my body with nothing short of unashamed hunger. “Five hours and counting.” He winked. I frowned. The smile was slow but there was no doubting its decadence. “I did say two days.” He licked his lips in true Trent fashion.
“Trent?” Someone called out behind him before I could respond.
He turned away. “Drake? I was beginning to think you were a no-show.” Trent laughed.
I watched as a tall, well-built and judging by the streaks of gray peppering his dark hair, older man, step forward and accept Trent’s hand in a quick shake. My mouth hung open for just a bit when I got a full view of his face.Wow.I wouldn’t be surprised if Trent’s gene pool was a direct descendant from Adonis himself. These were two seriously good-looking men.
“Drake, meet Ashrika.” I caught Trent’s knowing smile as he urged me forward with a hand to my lower back.
“Hello, Ashrika, nice to meet you.” The man’s deep voice coupled with those striking gray eyes must’ve certainly wet a few panties in his lifetime.
I grinned inwardly, wondering what Trent had told his uncle about me since his introduction hadn’t come with a label. I swallowed my thoughts. “Hi. Please, call me Rika, everyone does, except for Trent that is.” Jesus, was I rambling?
Drake’s soft chuckle seemed to have a calming effect on my fumbling. “And what does my arrogant nephew call you?” he asked.
