Banking on Him

It was a bold question to ask a man.

Which was why she had asked him. Now that his mother was closing in on her, she had less and less to lose. She should have been petrified at the prospect of being found out, but she was numb to reason. For once, she wanted to focus on what she wanted rather than what was expected of her.

For years she had been expected to be the perfect upper-class heiress. Then she had been expected to keep her head down in the face of scandal. With her father out of prison, her family’s hopes rested on her shoulders. Her wants and desires had always been put on the back burner. But not with Kirk. Kirk seemed singularly focused on discovering what pleased her.

That was why she could be bold now. Because she knew he would tell her the truth in return for her reckless courage.

Shock flickered in his eyes momentarily before he quickly composed himself. “I did not.” His voice was flat, his face now expressionless.

“But you have thought about it,” she said.

“Bethany, whatever it is you want to say just say it. I promise, nothing you say is going to get me to run.”

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. As much as she admired his honesty, right now the memory of her running away from their kiss was almost too much. Too tongue-tied to respond, she cleared her throat. “I’m not the only one with something to say. You brought me here to talk about… things. About what happened during the fitting.”

“I brought you here to get away from my mother.” He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it onto the armchair. “Though I did hope we’d talk about the kiss.”

Cheeks still burning, she clasped her hands together. “I shouldn’t have run away like that.”

He took a step towards her, closing the distance between them. Their close proximity in this tiny room was impossible to ignore. Kirk was over six feet tall, a towering figure. Now he seemed even taller as his masculine presence sent her into a haze. A haze of intoxicated longing that made her body hum with awareness.

“Why did you run away?” he asked.

“I felt like I had taken advantage of your kindness,” she answered truthfully. “I’m sorry if I—”

“I don’t regret it,” he interrupted. “If I offended you, I’m sorry. And I’ll always be sorry. But you have nothing to apologize for.”

“So, you’re not angry?” She allowed herself a smile. “You didn’t offend me. I kissed you first, remember?”

“Maybe, but I didn’t stop you.” He paused, not taking his eyes off her. “I didn’t stop you because I didn’t want to.”

The truth of his words was evident in the way his voice went rough. There was a desire there that he was probably fighting to control. He had been a perfect gentleman for weeks, and every time she had pushed him he had given her the space to breathe. The space to come to grips with her own feelings. Because she did have feelings. Desires that made her want to kiss him so badly she was ready to put her whole mission in jeopardy. She had never craved a man with so much intensity. So much heat and reckless abandon.

Right now she recognized his fight for control, because it mirrored her own fight. Keeping her hands off Kirk was a daily struggle. And now, she didn’t know how she was going to go another minute without touching him. Without feeling his bare skin on hers. Holding on to his naked torso while they had kissed had given her a taste of what to expect, but she wanted more. So much more.

“I didn’t want to stop either,” she confessed. “That’s the other reason I ran away.” If she had stuck around, that kiss might have led to something else. Something that was much tougher to run away from.

Kirk took another step towards her. Then another, until he was close enough to touch. He placed a firm hand on her waist and let his gaze fall to her lips.

Her lips parted almost instinctively.

Here she was, in this room with him. On the verge of being found out by his mother, and all she wanted to do was wrap her legs around him. Have him between her thighs. Liquid heat pooled between her legs as his firm hand lifted higher and higher.

His hand brushed up against her breast and then up to her bare shoulder. She didn’t want him to stop, but he did. His hand lingered on her shoulder as his finger traced across her skin.

“You are exquisite.” Kirk’s hand lifted again, his fingers curling around the nape of her neck. His grip on her was firm, possessive.

Body quivering at his touch, she breathed, “Kiss me.”

The words had barely escaped her lips when he pressed his lips to hers. Heat crashed through her as his tongue pried her lips apart.

As their tongues met, electric heat coiled through her. Danced across her skin. Even the smallest of touches from him set her nerve endings on fire. Wanting more, she tilted her head back. Their tongues mated, his grip on her nape tightening as he kissed her expertly. With each swirl of his tongue, she shivered against him. Her arms slid around his shoulders as she clung to him, desperate for the delicious pressure of his hard body.

She had held back each time she had kissed him before, but now her inhibitions were melting away. His firm, perfect mouth could get her to do anything in this moment. Even tell him the truth if he asked.

Guilt almost made her pull back. Lying to him was like poison filling her heart. And yet his kiss was impossible to resist. It was urgent. Commanding. He wanted her. Kirk could have anything in the world he wanted, and here he was, giving her the pleasure of his wicked tongue.

When she was a girl, boys pursued her because her wealth was like a magnet. After her family’s ruin, men had derided her. Without her wealth, she had become useless to them. But Kirk didn’t care about any of that. When he kissed her like this, he was kissing her like she was a woman. A woman to be savored and enjoyed. Not like a trust fund or a bad omen.

Every moment with him made her feel feminine, and sexy, and alive.

Suddenly he tore his mouth away, her whole body quivering in protest. She didn’t want him to stop, especially since she had no intention of running away this time.

Kirk groaned. “I don’t want to go back out there. Not yet.”

“We don’t have to,” she said. “Let’s stay here.”

“Bethany, if I kiss you again I won’t be able to stop. We’ll end up in bed, and that cannot happen.”

She gasped. “Don’t you want me?”

“You have to ask?” He shut his eyes. “I want you. More than I’ve ever wanted anything. But we can’t. I didn’t bring protection.”

“I have an IUD,” she said softly.

He opened his eyes. “Well, I get tested every six months and I got a clean bill of health a month ago. What about you?”

“I get tested every six months, too,” she replied. “I’m totally healthy. I even have my last test results on my phone if you want to take a look.”

Before he could protest, she took her phone out of her pocket and found the screenshot of her test results.

“See?” She smiled.

He smiled back. “I trust you.”

There was that dreaded T-word again. Anxiety tugged painfully at her stomach. Trust wasn’t something she had earned, though on this subject she was telling the truth. She might be hiding her identity from him but she’d never put his health in jeopardy. And from the way he insisted on protection, he was just as concerned for her wellbeing as she was for his.

“What’s wrong?” Kirk must have seen how troubled she was, because concern made his brow furrow. “If you don’t want to do this, I understand.”

“I do,” she said firmly. “More than anything. It’s just… there are things about me that you don’t know.”

“Like the fact that you were once rich and now you aren’t?”

Her eyes went wide with surprise. “Yes. How did…how did you know?”

“It’s more of a guess than anything else.” Gently, he cupped her face with his hands and stared deep into her eyes. “None of that matters. Your secret is safe with me. All I want is to make you feel good.”

Warmth spread through her and she stepped out of his grasp. The guilt that had been plaguing her was starting to ebb. She knew it would come back with a vengeance when she had to face the outside world again, but being in here with Kirk was all she needed right now. Wordlessly, she slipped out of her shoes. “I’m nervous. I haven’t been with a guy since my ex.”

“Don’t focus on wondering if you’re doing anything right,” he said. “This isn’t about impressing me, Bethany. Just let me please you.”

Hands shaking, she reached behind her and unzipped her dress. The slinky material slipped down across her skin until it hit the floor. As nervous as she was, excitement and anticipation were taking over. She had wondered what he would be like in bed, and now she was going to find out. If that kiss was any indication, it was going to be glorious.

His gaze swept up and down her body, as heavy and sensual as a caress. She was wearing nothing but a strapless black bra and lacy black panties. If his eyes alone could start a fire, her underwear would be burning off her right now.

“Come here,” he ordered.

Stomach fluttering she did as he told her, walking toward him until she was close enough for him to grip her waist. Now that her skin was exposed to his touch, the sensation of his hands on her was incredible. Scorching heat slipped across her skin, his big hands gripping her possessively.

Without a second thought she gently pushed against him, backing him up until he was up against the large bed. Then she pushed him down onto the bed. With a breathless laugh she climbed on top of him, straddling him as she stared into his eyes.

He grinned, probably enjoying her taking charge. His hands slid up until he was cupping her ass, holding her in place.

Taking his shoulders, she leaned down to kiss him. A tingle slipped down her spine as his hands went up her back to expertly unhook her bra and toss it away.

Ending the kiss to take in his reaction to her, she sat up again and looked at him. His eyes darkened with lust as he reached up to gently thumb her nipple.

Instinctively she arched her back, pushing herself against him. She felt the hard length of him jut against her, and she ached for more contact.

As if reading her thoughts, Kirk ordered, “Lie down.”

His bossiness thrilled her and she did as she was told, laying her head down on the soft pillows.

Kirk got off the bed and started removing his clothes. There was something exciting about watching a man take off clothes that she had made by hand. It was like her own way of staking her claim on him.

Eager to watch, she sat up. She wasn’t going to just lie there, waiting for him to take his clothes off. Bethany intended to watch him get undressed.

He kicked off his shoes. The vest had already been tossed aside and now he was undoing his tie. With the tie off he started to unbutton his shirt, those green eyes of his focused on hers. He flashed her a wicked smile as he worked the buttons and finally shrugged the shirt off.

It took every ounce of strength within her not to let out an embarrassing moan at the sight of his bare chest. She had seen him shirtless before, but she’d been too focused on kissing him to take the time to enjoy his hard body. Every line of his torso looked like it was sculpted out of marble. His chiseled physique made him the perfect specimen of a man. As he lowered his hands to start unbuttoning his pants, his muscles rippled with lazy power.

This time she did let out a tiny moan. More of a desperate whimper than anything else. Her body tingled all over. Every part of her wanted to be under him. Off went his pants, and he was now wearing nothing but black boxer briefs. His arousal was unmistakable.

Her mouth watered, but he didn’t give her a chance to compose herself. Before she could inhale, he slid off his boxer briefs. She stared at him, wide-eyed, taking in his enormous manhood.

His grin widened. “Now it’s your turn.”

“My turn?” Her voice was nothing more than a breathless whisper.

“Yes.” He stalked back over to the bed to grip the waistband of her panties. “I’m going to take these off.”

No way was she going to let his bossiness reduce her to a puddle. If she was going to have him all to herself, she was going to give as good as she got. “Took you long enough.” She gave him a saucy smile and he laughed.

With a few tugs he peeled off the lacy fabric, leaving her bare before him. His gaze focused on the exposed flesh between her legs and he let out a groan. “So perfect.”

Kirk climbed back into bed and lay down beside her, propping himself up on his elbow. With his free hand he started to caress down her neck, sending sparks of electric heat across her skin. When he dragged his hand across her breast, she flushed with even more heat. His hand moved down her stomach and then he stopped.

Staring deep into her eyes, he asked, “Can I touch you?”

He was already touching her, but she knew what he meant. Knew what he meant, and wanted him to do it so badly her entire body clenched in anticipation. More wetness pooled between her legs. “Yes. Do whatever you want to me.”

Desire flashed in his eyes as he gave her a lazy smile. “Not very patient, are you?”

“If you don’t touch me soon, I’m going to get up and leave.” She narrowed her eyes as she delivered the threat. He was obviously trying to torture her, and him taking his sweet time was driving her insane.

“Spread your legs for me,” he commanded.

Cheeks going all fiery, she lifted her legs and slowly spread them. Somehow she managed keep her gaze on him while she did it. Kept her eyes on him to watch as he lowered his hand and worked her slick entrance with his fingers.

The immediate pleasure made her breath hitch. More pleasure shot through her as he eased his finger into her folds. She clenched around him as he swirled his finger into her. Delicious friction made her quiver. He stroked her expertly, like he was getting her ready for him. Priming her for what his body was going to do to her when he had the chance.

A moan escaped her throat. “Yes.” Bethany tossed her head back, unable to control herself as her body shook.

“Do you want more?” he asked, his voice deep and gruff.

“Yes,” she begged. “Please, Kirk. I want you inside me.”

Another wicked laugh. He pulled his hand out of her and got between her legs.

He positioned himself on top of her, bracing himself on his elbows as he looked into her eyes. The weight of his body made her feel wanton, fearless, underneath him. His mouth found hers, and as she parted her lips for him he thrust his erection into her. Kirk was so big he filled her and stretched her to her limit.

Her cry was lost as he swirled his tongue into her mouth in time to his slow and powerful strokes. She lifted her lips to meet each stroke, finding a slow rhythm as she wrapped her arms around him. His pace was leisurely, wonderfully decadent, as he took his time to pleasure her. Wave after wave of pure bliss crashed through her body.

Tearing her lips away to catch her breath, she let herself stare into his eyes. He let out a low groan, a strained expression on his face as he focused his entire body on making her feel good. Like he had promised.

Now, as she was writhing under him, she felt safe. As if the ice around her heart was melting ever so slowly as this man focused all his attention on her. Kirk made her feel like maybe she could open herself to someone else. She was baring her body to him, and as the ecstasy consumed her it was as if her soul might be exposed as well at any moment. There was no trust left within her, and yet here she was, giving herself to him.

A loud moan escaped her throat as he thrust deeper and deeper into her. For weeks she had wanted this, never thinking she’d ever get to share her body with his. Now he was giving her more pleasure than she had ever had in her life.

Ecstasy seemed to overtake him as his pace sped up. He rocked into her, harder and harder, making the pleasure intense. Her grip on him tightened as she found herself on the edge of release. Suddenly, her orgasm ripped through her and she let out a loud cry.

Kirk fisted the sheets in his hands and groaned, sounding his own climax. After pressing a kiss to her forehead, he rolled off her and pulled her close. She rested her cheek on his firm chest, loving the sensation of her flushed skin on his.

After taking a moment to catch her breath, she said, “You’re amazing.”

He laughed softly. “Thanks, but I can’t take all the credit. You’re pretty damn amazing yourself.”

She chewed her lip as she realized this blissful moment couldn’t last. Not while she kept so many secrets from him.

Her mind was coming out of the fog in the aftermath of her pleasure. Because now she was starting to think that maybe it was the right time to tell. At the very least, tell most of the truth. She’d leave her father out of it as much as possible. The last thing she wanted to do was put her father in danger, now that he was finally out of prison.

But now that they had done something that couldn’t be undone, Kirk deserved to hear the truth. Especially the truth about who she really was. After all the kindness he had shown her, that was the least he deserved.

“Kirk, we should talk,” she said sleepily.

“That can wait,” he said. “Get some rest and we’ll talk later.”

Whatever he said next was lost as her eyes shut and sleep overtook her.