MIDNIGHT KISSES

It's New Year's Eve and I would rather be anywhere but here, stuck sharing a hotel room with my enemy.

Senior year of high school, he broke my heart, and I haven’t looked at him the same since.

Who cares if he’s six feet tall, sexy as hell, and the CEO of the company I just accepted a job for? I still hate him.

The silver lining–It’s only one night, and then I never have to see him again.

One night certainly can’t change how I feel about him, right?

Copyright © 2020 Bleeding Heart Press

www.bleedingheartpress.com

Cover design: C. Hallman at Bleeding Heart Covers

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No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

CONTENTS

1.  Harper

2.  Colton

3.  Harper

4.  Colton

5.  Harper

6.  Colton

7.  Harper

8.  Colton

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Darcy Rose

MORE FROM DARCY!

HARPER

“T  hey ended up coming in with an offer of twenty thousand more than I was hoping to negotiate for. Can you believe it? And they’re going to set me up in corporate housing until I can find something for myself. All I have to do now is come home and pack up. They want me to start the first full week of the new year.”

My hands are shaking hard enough that I’m afraid I’ll drop my phone as I stride into the lobby of the hotel where I’ll be spending the night. I splurged—a night at The Four Seasons isn’t usually something I’d ever consider, but this is New Year’s Eve, and it was tough enough to find a room in town to begin with.

You’d think this is the sort of news that would result in cheering. Instead, Mom sniffles. “So, that’s it? You’re going to be leaving us just like that?”

The customary fretful note in my mother’s voice tells me all I need to know. Not that I expected anything better—for somebody who makes a hobby of reminding me how kind she is to let me stay at home rent-free, she has a funny way of telling me whenever she has the chance of what a hassle it is to have me around long after everyone else my age has already moved out.

“It won’t be so bad,” I try to tease, dropping into a leather chair in the lobby. It’s busy, but there’s a pleasant feeling to it. Everybody’s in a hurry to either check-in or get their New Year’s partying on. It’s only mid-afternoon, but several of the people passing by are dressed to the nines like they’re on their way somewhere special.

I couldn’t care less about that. Tonight, all I want to do is sleep. I haven’t exactly slept well the past few nights; too nervous about this interview. Playing it out in my head like a script, rehearsing my answers to every possible question.

“You don’t have me fooled,” I tell her as I eye the front desk, which right now resembles a war zone. Maybe I’ll wait until it calms down to get my key card. “Now you and Dad will have the whole house to yourself. You can turn my room into the library you always wanted.”

“And what happens when you come back home? Where will you sleep then?”

Anyone else might assume she’s talking about coming home for a visit, like over the holidays. I know better. She’s convinced this is going to end in failure, that I’ll get fired from my position at the firm, and I’ll come home with my tail tucked between my legs. There’s a big part of me that thinks that’s exactly what she wants to happen. Just so she can say she was right.

“That’s what air mattresses are for.”

“Just promise me you won’t do anything wild tonight. You don’t know anybody out there.”

“Since when do I ever get wild? I already told you I’m going to order room service and let everybody else ring in the new year without me.” Besides, I already know my new year is going to be better than the old one and the one before that. I’m finally going to have the freedom I traded in for security. I’m grateful to my parents since, without them, I wouldn’t have been able to go to school without working more than part-time.

I was able to save up a little money, too, hence this late holiday gift to myself. I could have driven the two hours home tonight—now I’m glad I didn’t plan to do it since I’m at the brink of exhaustion without all that adrenaline flowing through me.

“Happy New Year,” I tell her. “And be sure to give Dad a kiss for me. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I have to end the call, or else she’ll find something else to complain about. I love her, I do, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to only hearing her fretting and worrying over the phone instead of in person.

The front desk is still jumping, the phones ringing off the hook while guests are checking in. I’d wait it out a little longer, but I’m aching for a hot bath in the deep soaking tub. It was the photos of the tub that sold me on the hotel.

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the clerk in front of me says to whoever’s on the phone. “We’re completely booked up tonight. You might try the Plaza, but last I heard, they were booked out, as well.”

At least I’ll make her job a little easier, smiling when she hangs up and turns my way. “My name is Harper Adams, and someone who works here was kind enough to stow my bag in the back room earlier. I got stuck in traffic and was late for my interview, so I didn’t have time to go up to the room.”

She looks relieved to know the issue is so easily managed. “Of course, no problem.” While I wait for her to fetch the bag, I can’t help feeling a little wistful. Part of me wishes I had something to do tonight, but this is totally new for me. I don’t have any friends here, and I wouldn’t know what to do if given the chance. Besides, I’m sure all the restaurants in town are booked solid.

She emerges with the bag and wheels it over to me. “And here’s your key card, Miss Adams,” she adds, handing over the card in an envelope with the number 812 written on the front.

“Thank you so much. And Happy New Year.”

She offers a brief smile before hurrying back to the phone, which of course, is ringing again. “I’m sorry, ma’am…” she begins, and I can’t help but heave a sigh of relief that I thought ahead and got this room before somebody else snapped it up.

To think, I’ll be living here, in the city. I’ll finally have a life. And I can be whoever I want. I don’t have to be a shy bookworm anymore. It doesn’t matter how old I get or what I do. The people back home will always see me as that girl, even now that I have a master’s degree in finance and an entry-level position at a prestigious private equity firm. Even though half the reason I stayed home was to help Mom take care of Dad when he was sick. I think I’ve proven myself as an adult.

Forget them. This year, I’m going to start living for me.

After I sleep for at least ten hours in the king-size bed that’s supposed to come with my room.

I ride the elevator alone, glad for the quiet compared to the bustling lobby. The doors slide open silently, leaving me in a carpeted hallway. My room is to the right, according to the plaque on the wall opposite. I follow the direction, eyeing the room numbers before coming to a stop at the end of the hall.

The bed is calling my name as I slide the key into the slot. The clicking of the lock is music to my ears, and I swing the heavy door open while smiling in relief. I got the job. I actually got the job. I’m going to treat myself to the most expensive room service dinner there is. I deserve it.

The room is enormous, even bigger than I expected, and tastefully decorated in shades of navy blue and white, running through the silk drapes, the bedspread, and the striped wallpaper.

My eyes wander from the elegant decor to the suitcase sitting at the foot of my king-sized bed. The TV is already on, playing some business show about the stock market.

“What the hell is this?” They gave my room to somebody else, or did they send me to the wrong one? This is 812, isn’t it? I peek at the number on the door. It sure is. Plus, my card wouldn’t have worked otherwise.

I’m too busy being in shock and dismay to notice the shower running in the bathroom until it actually turns off. Shit. Someone is in there. Time for me to go.

I spin around and head for the exit when the bathroom door flies open, and a tall, broad-shouldered, extremely naked man appears.

“What the fuck?” he bellows. The menacing tone of his voice sends a shiver down my spine. “Who are you?”

My mouth opens, but nothing comes out past the giant lump in my throat. He’s naked, oh, god, and dripping water from his tanned skin and thick, black hair.

I don’t know where to look, so I take in his body one guilty glance at a time.

Huge chest.

Thick thighs.

Eight-pack abs.

And oh, god, a dick so big it could pass for a tree trunk.

I back up against the wall, my face burning with embarrassment, and my insides all fluttery. My gaze darts around as I search for a safe place to land.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” he demands, ignoring my embarrassment in favor of standing in front of me with his hands on his hips. His very trim, very bare hips. “Get the hell out of my room before I call security—or the police… Unless you’re here to help me ring in the new year.”

It’s that snide little comment and the very obvious meaning behind it that makes my gaze snap up, locking with his. That’s when recognition sets in.

Those eyes. I know those eyes. Such a light gray, they’re almost silver when the light hits them the way it is now, through the window.

Eight years have passed since graduation, but right now, it feels like no more than a day since I last set sights on Colton Pierce. The boy who broke my heart.

The boy I hate more than anything in life.

COLTON

H oly shit. Harper Adams.

And here I was, thinking this trip was a total loss.

She’s grown up—and filled out—but I would know her anywhere. Those wide, hazel eyes that look straight through me. The impossibly pouty lips. The way she blushes so easily, and her habit of tucking her dark red hair behind her ears when she’s nervous.

She’s doing it now, and I know in a heartbeat that she recognizes me.

“There must be some mistake.” She’s not interested in acknowledging our shared history, only in our hotel arrangements. “They told me at the front desk that I had room 812.”

It’s amazing she can talk, squirming like she is. “They told me the same thing. But they were pretty busy down there, so I guess—”

Before I can finish, she’s already on her way to the phone, jamming her finger against the button for the front desk. She stands with her back to me, arms folded like she wants to protect herself.

Considering how my entire body reacts to her, maybe she needs protecting. I can’t take my eyes off her ass, her legs, and the way she fills out her dark blue suit. Buttoned up, all business, and something about that has always turned me on. My dick twitches, and for one perverse moment, I consider staying uncovered so she can see the effect she has on me.

“I don’t understand. How can you give the same room to two different people? What are we supposed to do?” She throws a quick look over her shoulder, one full of resentment, and I can’t help but remember the girl I used to know. A bookworm, a complete nerd, somebody who took her schoolwork more seriously than anything else. And I should know since we did a project together in the spring semester of our senior year.

I wonder if she’s ever asked herself how different things could have been if she’d gone out with me instead of turning me down. She must know how well I’ve done for myself—I remember how people talk back in our hometown. There’s nothing else for them to do.

Has she wondered what life would be like if she hadn’t made that mistake?

It’s only now that I understand how it sticks in my craw. Of all people, she turned me down. Me. I didn’t have all my money then, but I was a fucking god in that school. Much more popular than anyone she’d ever been out with. If she ever dated at all.

I suppose she must’ve had an effect on me if it all comes back so easily, so clearly.

She hangs up the phone before turning partway, glancing at me before going to the window. “You’d better put something on. Somebody’s coming up to try to work this out.”

“It might not be that bad. It’s not like we’re strangers, Harper Adams.” Yes, it must still be Adams. Her left hand is empty.

She doesn’t register surprise at being recognized. “Yeah, well, that doesn’t mean I feel like sharing a room. I was sort of looking forward to spending the night by myself.” So, she’s changed physically, but that’s about it. The coldness in her voice is as familiar as the scar on my knuckles from the time I punched a wall and hit the stud underneath. She’s so far above it all, isn’t she?

Hunger stirs to life deep in my gut, and I realize I don’t want to write her off, far from it.

I want to melt her down. No, I need to. She got away from me in high school, and I’m still not sure how, but she’s not getting away from me tonight.

I grab one of the complimentary bathrobes, but it’s too small for my frame, so instead, I settle for wrapping a towel around my waist a moment before there’s a sharp knock on the door. Harper turns from the window while I open the door to reveal an extremely anxious middle-aged man.

“Mr. Pierce, I’m Thomas Ford, the hotel manager,” he announces. “May I come in? We want to do everything we can to make things right.”

“Be my guest.” I step back to give him room. “But short of moving one of us to another room, I’m not sure how this problem can be fixed.”

“Unfortunately, there are no other rooms available this evening—or anywhere else in town,” he continues while I glance at an unsurprised Harper. “I can only chalk it up to how hectic things have been all week, Mr. Pierce.”

“You know I spend a lot of money at your hotel.”

“Yes, sir, and ordinarily, we would have given you a much larger suite, but as a last-minute reservation—”

I hold up a hand, already tired of hearing the well-practiced excuses spilling from his lips. “This is unacceptable. Do you realize how much worse this could have gone? What if it was Miss Adams in the shower while some man came wandering in here? Is this how you do business? This is how you protect your guests?”

The guy looks close to tears, wringing his hands and everything. Probably imagining lawyers and lawsuits. “We’d be happy to comp the room charge for both of you, plus free stays for the future. Otherwise, I’m afraid there’s not much more I can do.”

“This is ridiculous,” Harper whispers, and in the dresser mirror, I see she’s going through her purse to pull out her phone. “There’s got to be somewhere else I can stay.”

“You’re fortunate neither of us is considering getting our lawyers involved.” I jerk my chin toward the door. “We’ll figure this out on our own. No thanks to you.”

“Sir, please, how can we make this right?”

“Make sure your employees don’t screw up like this in the first place.” I open the door for him and wave an arm. “Go. I’m sure you’re busy.” I make it a point to close the door harder than I need to once he’s gone while Harper taps away on her phone, grunting.

As I lean my back to the door so I can watch her grunt, growl, and mutter her way through this, I realize I’m not upset. Not even close. Was I looking forward to spending the night in town? Especially in this basic hotel room? Not even a little.

Now it looks like I’ve found just the diversion I craved without knowing I craved it.

“You’re wasting your time,” I murmur after a few minutes. “It’s New Year’s Eve. No way is there an available room anywhere. What brings you here, anyway? You’re a long way from home.”

“How would you know where home is?”

“You’re far from home if you’re staying in a hotel.”

She snickers, shaking her head, still looking down at her phone. “So you found some brain cells since high school. Good for you.”

“I’ve found more than a few. Have you heard of Pierce Equities?”

“Heard of it?” She lowers the phone, wearing a strange little smile. “I work for Pierce Equities.”

Now there was a curveball I wasn’t expecting. “You’re kidding.”

“Your father is the CEO, isn’t he? I’m sure you could find out if I was lying or not.”

“Actually, I’m the CEO now.”

Her whole body tenses, and her fingers freeze over her phone screen. “Oh… I didn’t know.”

Clearly. I’m not surprised she didn’t know. Just like I had no idea she was my employee. We’ve expanded to five offices across the country, so naturally, there’s no way I could keep track of every employee.

“How long have you… worked for me?”

“Only a couple of hours.” She finally grins for the first time since entering the room, and it lights up her face. “I’m your newest employee, Mr. Pierce, so maybe refrain from any more sexual comments. I’m sure HR wouldn’t like that.”

My employee. Fuck, that does something to me. Something that could wind up getting me sued if I’m not careful. Employees are off-limits. But she’s more than an average employee. She’s the one girl who’s ever turned me down.

I clear my throat, willing my dick to stop twitching under the towel. “Congratulations. We don’t hire just anyone.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“What brings you to town? Isn’t your main office in New York?”

“You’ve done your research.” Just not enough to know my father has retired. I flash a grin that makes her blush. “Careful. I might start thinking you like me.”

“I wanted to see whether we’d cross paths at the office.”

“Why? Afraid you couldn’t keep your hands off me?”

She still wrinkles her nose when she’s unimpressed. “If it makes you feel good to think that, be my guest.”

Now I remember why we used to joke back in the day about her pussy being made of ice. All her attitude does is make me more determined than ever to have her tonight. Repeatedly.

“Okay.” I push away from the door and relish the way she backs up a little though there’s still an entire room between us. “Let’s get down to facts. There’s nowhere for either of us to go tonight, so we might as well stay here.”

“You must be joking.”

“Do I look like I am?” I fold my arms the way she’s folded hers, the two of us staring at each other with the bed between us. A bed I plan to destroy in my quest to soak up every last bit of her. “Let’s grow up, Harper. This could be a lot worse. We could be strangers.”

I slowly and deliberately look her up and down. “I could be the wrong sort of man. Ever think of that? You lucked out.”

“You are the wrong sort of man,” she mutters, though she lifts a shoulder. “But I guess you’re right.”

“So I’ll make a deal with you. Rather than have you thrown out of this hotel after I raise hell with the staff, I’ll allow you to stay.”

Her eyes pop open wide before turning into thin slits, ready to shoot daggers in my direction. “Allow me?”

“I’ll even let you keep your job.” It’s a bluff, I would never fire her over this, but she doesn’t know that. I don’t even know what makes me say this. I’ve never done anything like this, and if someone had asked me an hour ago, I would have told them I never would. There’s something about Harper that brings out the worst in me. Maybe it’s the unfinished business between us or her killer body that has my brain shutting off and my dick taking over.

I’m about to tell her the truth, that it was a bad joke, and she can stay here or leave, but the way a hue of pink spreads across her face and down her chest has me pausing. She doesn’t look scared or disgusted by my indecent proposition. Beneath her shock and anger, there is something else… lust.

“You can’t—”

“I can. I always get what I want, and I want you.” The excitement I feel about this prospect eggs me on even more. I know this is wrong, so fucking wrong, but it feels so damn right. “You’re mine for the night.”

Her head snaps back, the breath leaving her all at once. Like I punched her in the stomach. “Excuse me?”

“One night. What I say goes.” This time, when I look her up and down, she shivers slightly. Now there’s nothing in the world that could stop me from having her all over this room and anywhere else I can manage. “You do as I say, and you can keep your job.”

“You realize this is a crime, right?” Oh, I’m well aware, but she is worth the risk.

“We’re not in the office, and you have no proof. It would be your word against mine. I could always say you offered to fuck your way into a corner office. You wouldn’t be the first.”

The wheels are turning in her head. Let them turn. I know I’ve won. I didn’t get as far as I have by the age of twenty-six without the ability to talk my way into—and out of—anything I please.

Right now, I’m talking my way into her. Harper Adams. I’m going to find out for certain whether her pussy is made of ice.

Somehow, I doubt it is. She’s not icy, not under that tough exterior. That condescending attitude, the years haven’t done anything to soften. Beneath that is a volcano waiting to erupt. My mouth goes dry at the thought, and fuck, my balls are getting heavy.

“It’s your call,” I remind her in a soft voice, like a steel blade wrapped in velvet. “You want to work for me? You’ll do as I say tonight. Whatever I say. Tomorrow, we go our separate ways.”

Only an idiot would refuse me.

Harper’s many things, but an idiot isn’t one of them.

HARPER

H e hasn’t changed a bit.

No amount of money could change who he is as a person, I guess—and it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but I can’t help feeling a little disappointed, just the same. “I figured you would have grown up by now.” Can he see how shaken up I am? I hope not.

“I’ve grown up. Stop stalling.”

“I’m not stalling,” I fire back. “But this isn’t high school anymore. You can’t dare somebody to do something like this and expect them to go along with it.”

“This isn’t a dare. It’s an offer.” He looks me over, his generous mouth twitching in a smirk. My heart flutters at the sight of it—he’s breathtaking, always was, and probably always will be.

Only now, he’s more than the devastatingly hot smartass kid I was in love with and came to hate.

“You can’t say things like that just to make me uncomfortable anymore.”

“Who says I was trying to? I don’t say things I don’t mean. We’re both stuck here with nowhere else to go. You might as well enjoy it.”

The thing is, I’m sure he has options. A man like him would have a private jet, right? He could fly back to New York anytime he wanted.

But he doesn’t want to. He wants… no, I can’t even bring myself to believe it. No way does he actually want me, any more than he did when he asked me out after we finished our project. There I was, thinking he was a decent person for a few minutes. Telling myself, I had misjudged him. I knew from the work we’d done that he wasn’t the empty-headed jock I always imagined. He was hiding a brain, and a very good one.

Stupid, naive me thought I was enough to change him a little, to draw out all the good parts of him he felt like he had to hide.

And then he asked me out after we gave our presentation, only he was smirking and snickering when he did. Like it was all a big joke. I cried about it for weeks.

“You really mean it?” I ask with my heart in my throat.

“I do.”

“If I don’t give you what you want, you’ll fire me,” I say more to myself, reminding me that if I do this, it would only be because I have to, not because I want to.

“A quick call to human resources, and you’re gone.” How can he say it so simply? Like he doesn’t care to leave me jobless.

And how can my heart race in anticipation when there is absolutely, positively, no way in the world this is going to happen? It’s wrong.

Damn it, it’s exciting. And what’s the worst that could happen?

Am I actually entertaining this idea?

“How often are you in town?” I ask.

He chuckles at my sudden question before lifting one muscular shoulder. “Rarely. I don’t normally show up in person for meetings, but I had a few things I wanted to work out in person. Otherwise, I’ll dial in through Zoom if I have to dial in at all.”

He tips his head to the side, chuckling again. “You want to make sure we’re not going to run into each other after this?”

“What about it?” I demand, lifting my chin. “What, you think I want to bump into you after this?”

“You just might. You wouldn’t be the first woman who couldn’t forget me.”

Forget him? That would be impossible, but he doesn’t need to know that. He’s already full of himself as it is. “You’re underestimating me.”

“Am I?” Though he’s not wearing a watch, he checks his wrist. “The clock’s ticking. This offer’s only good for another thirty seconds, so you’d better make up your mind or else get ready to be kicked out on your ass.”

He quirks an eyebrow. “And there are so many other things I’d rather do to it.”

Damn him. And damn him for making me seriously consider this. What is wrong with me? I should slap him across the face, then drive straight home.

But that would mean admitting I failed, and I can’t fail. Not when I came so close to having everything I wanted.

And the more I look at his body—how can I help it?—the more reasonable the whole thing seems. Isn’t this what they call closure? It could mean getting him out of my system once and for all. Not like I’ve been obsessing over him for eight years, but let’s face it: working for his company, even if I don’t see him face-to-face, I’ll still have reminders of him. Why not have a few good memories to look back on?

I’m trying to convince myself. I can’t believe I’m actually trying to convince myself.

“You are a terrible person,” I tell him as if he didn’t already know.

“I like to see myself as persuasive.”

All I want to do is wipe that arrogant smirk off his face. Instead, I suppress an eye roll. “Fine,” I blurt out before I lose my nerve. “Okay, I accept.”

His laughter is rich, almost enough to get me to laugh along with him. “There you go, acting like you had any choice. But fine, if that’s how you want to play it, thank you for accepting.” There’s still humor in the way his lips twitch, but I have to ignore that, or else I’ll risk ruining all of this. I can’t believe I’m letting him do this to me.

Who am I kidding? I want this just as much as he does. When he narrows his eyes and purses his lips thoughtfully, just the idea of the filthy thoughts that could be running through his head right now is enough to spread warmth through my core. My pussy starts to moisten, and my nipples go hard in what I’m glad is a padded bra—he’s already got me at a disadvantage. I don’t need him seeing the very obvious effect he has on me.

How does he do it? He hasn’t laid a finger on me, but I’m already yearning. It’s like the years between then and now melt away, and I’m that nervous, shy, nerdy girl with a crush on the most unattainable boy imaginable.

The only difference is the hunger in his eyes. The way his towel shifts, and heat flares in my face when I realize why. He’s getting hard. For me.

“So? What happens now?” I ask with bravado I don’t feel. “What do you want from me?”

“That’s what I like. Somebody who’s ready to get down to business.” I only blush harder, which makes him laugh. “Relax. I’m not going to ask you to do anything you won’t enjoy.”

So he says.

“Take off your clothes.” My heart skips a beat at the sudden seriousness in his voice. Joking time is over.

“All of them?” I ask after gulping.

“You’re going to take a shower. And I’m going to watch.”

He wastes no time, does he?

I could still back out—no, I can’t because this job means everything. It occurs to me I should have had him put something in writing, but we’re past that point now. The tension in the room is so extreme I can hardly breathe as my trembling fingers begin working the buttons on my blouse.

“Maybe take your jacket off first?” he suggests with a hint of a smile.

I hate what this man does to me. It’s like my brain flew out the window. I slide the jacket over my shoulders and down my arms before folding it in half and laying it over at the back of the desk chair. Then I return to my blouse, working it out from my waistband before opening it one button at a time.

Strange. I couldn’t have imagined the tiny thrill that runs down my spine as I watch him watching me. His eyes are glued to my every move, dropping lower and lower until I finally peel the blouse away and leave it with the jacket. Goosebumps cover my skin, but I do my best not to tremble under his lustful gaze. The skirt takes no time—I lower the zipper and let it fall to the floor, leaving me in nothing but my best black satin bra and panties. I’m so glad I wore them today.

He runs a hand over his bulge, and it twitches in response. My teeth sink into my bottom lip, and Colton groans softly. “Keep going. I didn’t tell you to stop.”

I kick off my shoes, trembling. This is it. No going back now.

I do as I’m told, getting it over with in a rush—not like I know how to be seductive, anyway, but I have to get it over with or else risk chickening out. My already tight nipples harden painfully under his gaze, and now the towel juts out in front of him like a ship’s prow.

“Turn around.” I do so, forcing myself to breathe evenly before I hyperventilate. “You are so fucking hot.”

“Don’t patronize me,” I whisper, turning around to face him again. I can hardly lift my gaze from the bedspread, I’m so embarrassed. Even if he’s turned on, that doesn’t make this any easier.

Without another word, he drops the towel, and what was already eye-poppingly big when it was soft is now almost frighteningly huge and standing straight up. He wraps his hand around the thick shaft and makes a few strokes, his eyes glued to my breasts.

“This speaks for itself,” he assures me in a voice that’s a lot breathier than it was before. “You’re a fucking goddess.”

An interesting choice of words, one that makes my already wet pussy practically gush. I believe he means it. This insanely wealthy man who once broke my heart thinks I’m a goddess. He could have any woman he wants.

“Now go get in the shower. I want you fresh and clean tonight.” He waits while I get my things out of my suitcase, stroking himself as he watches. My heart is hammering, my stomach in knots, and I can’t believe I’m actually going through with it.

But why not? I said I wanted a new life, didn’t I? This is as good a way to usher that in as any, I guess.

He follows me into the luxurious room, where I step into the glass-walled shower and place my toiletries on a shelf. Am I dreaming? I can’t be. I feel the water under my feet from when he showered, and I hear his deep, rasping breathing on the other side of the glass partition. He perches on the edge of the tub, and the sight of him is almost enough to make me forget my nerves.

He’s beautiful, perfect, chiseled, tanned, and completely focused on me.

“Get started,” he growls. “I want you shaved smooth.”

It’s a good thing I already prefer to be smooth, or else this would take a lot longer. I turn on the water and wait until it goes warm before letting it run over me, closing my eyes, and forcing a deep breath. I can do this. I’m going to do this. All it’s going to take is forgetting who I used to be and stepping into who I want to be.

First, I wash up, pouring body wash onto a cloth before I begin to run it over my arms. “Use your hands,” he instructs. “I want to watch you touching your body.” The dark, throbbing need in his voice makes my pulse race faster than ever.

It makes me bolder, too, allowing me the courage to put myself on display, to run my soapy hands over my neck, shoulders, and chest.

“Play with them.”

Jesus. He’s going to force me to break down every last one of my fears, isn’t he? Every last bit of my shyness.

I hold my breath as I take my breasts in my hands, squeezing a little, and soapy water sluices through my fingers. When I dare take a look at him, I find him stroking faster than before, his lips parted, his eyes glued to the soapy, glistening globes in my hands.

I lift them a little, like I’m offering them to him, and he shudders. Am I really doing this to him? I barely know myself, the girl who now soaps her hands up again, this time to slide them over her stomach and down her hips.

“Make sure your ass is nice and clean.” I take this as an instruction, turning around and bending at the waist. Holy hell, I’m actually about to do this, aren’t I? While he watches, I slide a hand between my cheeks, soaping my crack.

“Fuck, yeah,” he groans, and the almost helpless sound of it makes me move slower, my touches more deliberate now. My pussy is in agony, hot and swollen and so wet. Every stroke of my fingers leaves me wanting more.

Leaves me wishing he was the one touching me this way.

And all the while, all I can do is imagine what I would have thought back in school if anybody told me this would happen one day.

After a minute or so, I straighten up and turn around, soaping up my legs and feet, before pulling out my razor and touching up what I already shaved this morning. I save my pussy for last, my back to the wall, legs spread, crouching slightly.

He stands and steps up closer to the glass separating us. “That’s right. Get it smooth for me.”

It’s not like I didn’t think that’s where this was eventually going to go but hearing him say it out loud—that he plans on having me—makes a desperate craving explode in my core and reverberate through me until all I can do is moan softly, watching him watch me.

“Now touch yourself.” His voice is quiet, deep, shaking with need. “I want to see you play with that gorgeous pussy. Show me what you like.”

Nothing in the world could stop me because I’m hot enough that it almost hurts. I’ve never felt this way.

Like if I don’t come soon, I’ll die from it.

There is something insanely dirty about this, which is probably what leaves me hanging on the edge, just short of falling into what I know will be bliss. I run the tip of my forefinger over my clit while, with the other hand, I massage my breasts, pinching my nipples until I whimper in frustration because, god, I need to come. I need to come for him.

“Look at me.” I have no choice but to open my eyes and stare back at Colton, now rocking his hips slightly as he fucks his own fist.

“You’re gonna come with me,” he commands through gritted teeth. “You’re gonna come for me right now.”

And he’s right, I am; it hits me all at once. The tension and the throbbing and the sight of him so close to the edge all comes together at once and leaves me howling, almost afraid of the intensity of sensations that race through me, the familiar clenching of my pussy stronger than ever before, the shower spinning around me while all I can do is lean against the wall for support.

And the sight of Colton finding his own release makes it even better, drags it out, wave after wave rolling over me while I watch him shoot his cum across the glass. One, two, three, each splash runs slowly down the wall until he slows his stroking and lets his head fall back with a sigh.

Holy shit. What happens now? Funny how what seemed sensible—even necessary—a minute ago is now shocking. Why did I ever think that was a good idea? Now I have to face him. As if things weren’t awkward enough.

He lifts his head, straightening his posture, and for a breathless moment, I’m sure he’ll laugh at me. At how easy it was to get me to do everything he said—touching myself until I howled like an animal. I already wish I’d left the room in disgust when he made his little offer. I’d rather spend the night in my car than be laughed at now.

Only he’s not laughing when he grabs a fluffy towel, opens the shower door, and hands it to me. “That was very nice. And promising,” he adds, snickering as I begin drying off. “I have high hopes for the rest of the night.”

“What do you want to do?” And why do I want so much for it to be plain and simple fucking? That’s what I want him to say. I want him to promise mind-blowing marathon sex in that king-size bed. I want to feel him inside me. If this is only going to happen for one night, I want everything. Might as well, right?

“I have a few things in mind.” He doesn’t bother with a towel, strutting around naked. I guess I would, too, if I looked like him. I’m not quite as comfortable yet, so after rubbing myself dry, I close the towel around my chest.

“So long as I can get away with wearing a suit. That’s really all I have with me.”

I expect a scowl, but all I get is a shrug as he washes his hands at one of the two sinks. “I’ll give you my card. You can go shopping wherever you want, so long as you make sure to pick something that’ll look good on the town tonight. I’m thinking cocktail or nicer.”

“You’re offering me your credit card and telling me to go shopping? Is there a dollar limit?”

“I’m not offering. I’m giving it to you. And you’re going to use it—without a limit,” he adds. “I’ll trust your judgment.”

The only problem is, considering what I just did and am strongly considering doing again, my judgment is what I’m questioning more than anything right now.

“You have two hours,” he finally announces. “I want you looking good from head to toe.”

“But where are we going?”

Dread and anticipation mix in my gut when the corner of his mouth pulls upward. “Leave that to me. What, do you think I’d steer you wrong?”

It’s better if I don’t answer that one.

COLTON

T  he problem with making as much money as I have in as short a period of time is a person tends to get jaded.

I’ve experienced things I never could have imagined back home. I’ve seen a lot of the world, met fascinating people, own all the toys—the cars, the jet, the townhomes, all of it.

In other words, there isn’t much that can impress me anymore.

Which is why I almost laugh at myself, sitting here at the bar in the hotel, waiting for my unexpected New Year’s gift to step off the elevator. I made it clear I wanted her ready to go by eight o’clock, which will give us plenty of time to have fun before midnight.

I tap my fingers against the shining wood, checking my watch, willing her to arrive while pleasant conversation goes on around me. People having drinks before going out to continue the party. I sip my bourbon, willing myself to stay calm. This is hardly the first time I’ve ever exercised self-control.

But damned if it isn’t the most difficult.

One thing I didn’t do earlier is touch her, and now my hands are aching to feel her body under them. It’s not enough to watch her give herself pleasure. I need to be the one doing it.

Who could have guessed shy little Harper Adams could put on a show like the one she gave me?

Before the night is over, she’s going to be doing a lot more than that.

What makes me smile to myself is knowing it won’t take a lot of convincing. She might pretend she’s only doing this to keep her job, but there was nothing about her performance earlier to even hint at her being an unwilling participant. She was willing, all right. It got her hot, showing off for me, which only added to my satisfaction. A silent give and take, the two of us egging each other on.

I need to stop thinking this way, or I’ll come in my pants.

Hanging from the back of my chair is a small shopping bag. I ran an errand of my own this afternoon, and knowing what’s waiting for her has me ready to go up to the room and demand she move her ass.

Turns out, there’s no need. From where I’m seated, I have a clear view through the lobby, and my heart threatens to burst from my chest when I see her step through the sliding doors.

I called her a goddess earlier, and I meant it, but it’s never been truer than it is at this moment. The sight of her in a low-cut, curve-hugging black dress is almost enough to knock me on the floor. The cut of the fabric accentuates her full tits and luscious hips that sway slightly as she strides across the lobby. Her legs look a mile long in a pair of silver stilettos that I can’t help but imagine gripping as I drive myself into her. By the time this night is over, those heels are going to dig into my shoulders.

She tosses her thick, red hair over one shoulder before tucking it behind her ear, and I’m reminded of how nervous she is. It’s almost touching, especially when she’s trying so hard to hide it.

“Did I do a good job?” she asks by way of greeting once she reaches me.

I can’t find the words. She’s overwhelming, the sight and smell of her taking over my awareness until I’m ready to take her here and now. But she wants reassurance, so I force myself to put my thoughts together. “I’d answer, but I’m too busy making sure none of the guys in here lay a finger on you.”

She blurts out a high-pitched laugh of disbelief. “Get out of here.”

“You think I’m kidding?” I lean in, letting my lips brush against her earlobe. “To your left. Don’t be obvious about it.” She turns her head slightly, and the scent of her perfume stirs a growl in my chest. This woman is mine; that’s all there is to it. I don’t care what it takes. She’s never leaving my side after tonight.

“Okay, so he’s looking at me,” she whispers, unaware of my thoughts. “I’m sure there are women looking at you, too.”

“We’re not talking about me right now.” Because I can’t help it, I place my hands on her hips, pulling her closer. Fuck, she’s tempting. “We’re talking about you. What do you think that man wants to do to you?”

“How should I know?”

“Lesson one: you don’t walk into a bar looking the way you do right now and act like you don’t know what a man wants to do. You have to know how jaw-dropping you are.”

She leans back a little, far enough to look me in the eyes and shake her head. “I really don’t. But I’m glad you think I am. I don’t want you thinking you wasted your money.”

She still doesn’t get it. “I’m telling you right now, there is not a man tonight who’ll set eyes on you and not wish he could bury himself in that pretty pussy.”

Her gaze darts around, her cheeks going red. “Colton,” she whispers on a strained giggle.

“You don’t believe me? Maybe we should ask him.”

Her gasp draws the attention of the people closest to us. “Don’t do that!”

“Suit yourself.” It’s almost too fun, fucking with her like this. Deep down inside, she’s still the good girl she always was.

But even deeper, there’s somebody a lot darker. Someone who’s curious. Willing. Even eager. “It’s the truth. And where we’re going, there’s going to be plenty of opportunity for men to approach you.”

My fingers dig into her flesh hard enough that she winces. “But you’re not going to take them up on it. Understood?”

“Of course.” There’s still innocence shining from her eyes as she frowns. “I’m going to be with you. This is our agreement.”

She has no idea what her submissiveness does to me. “Exactly. You belong to me and only to me. And what we do, we do together. No other partners.”

Now she’s frowning in earnest. “Where are we going? You’re making me nervous.”

It’s about time to get moving, anyway. I was going to offer a drink here, but we can always have our drinks at the club.

“There’s only one way to find out.” I pull out cash for the bartender before standing. “By the way, that bag is for you. But I’d wait till you’re outside before opening it.”

“Okay, now I’m really nervous,” she mutters as I drape a protective arm around her waist and steer her out of the bar and into the lobby. Simply being this close to her is getting me hard again. To think, she has no idea. In her head, she’s still the nerdy kid.

The fact is, she was hot back then, too. And she was just as unaware as she is now.

“A limo?” she breathes, her eyes widening as the driver I secured for the evening steps out and opens the door for us.

“It’s a special night.” And it was the right call since her face is shining almost as bright as the moon hanging overhead. This is run-of-the-mill for me, but to her, it’s probably a first-time experience. What will it be like, showing her the world? I can’t wait.

Climbing inside the limo is a welcome relief, the warm exterior heaven on a cold night like this. “Wow, this is so cool!” She turns to me, grimacing as soon as the words are out of her mouth. “That must have sounded so lame.”

“It is cool.” I nudge the bag closer to her, sitting between us on the seat. “Check out what I got for you.”

“You really didn’t have to buy me anything.”

“Just wait until you see what it is.” Something tells me she’s going to feel a little different when she does.

And I’m right. Her mouth falls open in a gasp once she identifies what she’s pulled free from the cloud of tissue paper: a black leather collar with a D-ring attached in the front, to which a leather leash has been clipped.

Her wide, innocent eyes are full of confusion when they meet mine. “Is this what I think it is?”

“That’s for you to wear tonight.”

“Oh.” The collar starts trembling in her hands. “That’s what I thought it was.”

I take her chin on my finger and lift it until she’s looking at me. “Rule number one is no allowing other men to touch you tonight. Rule number two? Go with it. Trust me.”

I take the collar from her. “Lift your hair so I can put this on.”

She hesitates for only a split second before doing as I say, allowing me to cinch the collar around her throat before letting my fingertips trail over her shoulders. She closes her eyes and shivers slightly, her skin pebbling at my touch.

It is so easy to excite her. No other man will ever touch her, not this way. She makes me feel like a king—something all my money has never done.

“You have nothing to worry about tonight.” I ease the coat away from her shoulders and press my lips to the one closest to me, marveling at the smoothness of her skin and its sweet scent. “We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

“This is the sort of thing you had in mind? Leading me around on a leash?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what I want to do.” And now, my hand is on her knee, easing its way beneath the hem of her dress. “What, you think you can walk around looking like this, and I’m not going to want to show you off? I want every man there to see us together and know you belong to me.”

The combination of my touch and my words have her melting against me, and a surge of blood fills my dick and makes it stand painfully erect as I continue exploring her smooth, sexy thigh, inching closer to the prize waiting at the apex.

I run my tongue over her earlobe, savoring her short little breaths and the fluttering of the pulse in her throat. “You are going to give every man in that club an instant hard-on when he sets his eyes on you. Every single one of them is going to wonder what it would be like to have your lips around their cock before they bury it deep in your cunt.”

She lets out a tiny sigh, her eyes closing. “Oh, my god…”

I lean her against the back of the seat, parting her thighs wider. “I’m going to make you come for me,” I whisper while planting soft, lingering kisses along her jaw, then down her throat, lapping at her skin, soaking in the scent of her perfume. Sweet, floral, but with an undernote of muskiness that’s going to drive me insane.

There’s another scent I’m more interested in, and I plan on wearing it on my fingers, face, and cock by the time the night is over. “You’re going to come for me, and only me. However I say, whenever I say.”

“Yes…” I don’t know whether she realizes she whispered her agreement, but it has the strange effect of stirring pride deep in me.

“You’re going to enjoy it.” I cup her mound, reveling in the heat radiating from her and the way her wetness left her panties plastered to her lips. It’s almost too easy. “I’m going to give you a night you will never forget. You’ll be begging for more, I promise.” She only whimpers before spreading her legs wider, tilting her hips like she’s offering her pussy to me.

And I accept it, stroking her lips through the satin before raising my fingers to my mouth. Good god, I’ve never tasted anything so addictive, so good I find myself licking my fingers before going back for more.

But this time, after catching her essence, I run my fingers over her mouth. “Taste yourself,” I whisper, then groan at the sight of her tongue slipping out, the feeling of it brushing against my skin. “Have you ever done that before?”

“No.” She licks my fingers again, and it will be a miracle if I don’t come before we reach the club. She’s so willing, so eager. All mine.

“And I want you to think about that when I bury my face in your pussy later, and you hump me until you drown me in your juice.” The thought alone is enough to make me strain against my zipper—the idea of pulling it out does occur to me, but we’re almost at the club. Besides, this is about her. Making sure she’s ready.

If she isn’t, she’s damn close to it, her head thrown back in abandon while I continue stroking her lips. “My god, Colton…”

“That’s exactly right. I am your god.” She opens her mouth like she’s about to smart off, but the feeling of my fingers delving beneath her panties and through her sopping slit wipes away everything else. She barely chokes back a cry, hips shooting up, head falling back.

Fuck, she’s dripping. For me, only for me. I waste no time driving myself deeper, stretching her tight little tunnel to prepare her for my cock. “I’m going to fuck you tonight. I’m going to take you beyond any limit you thought you had. And you’re going to come all over my cock.”

“Colton… oh, yes… fuck me…”

“And this mouth…” When she turns her head my way, I sweep my tongue over her juicy, red lips. We both shudder. I have to fight the desire to fuck her face, knowing those lips are going to feel so fucking good around me. “You’re going to wrap these lips around me and suck. And people are going to watch while you do.”

She arches her back, her gasp sharp. I’ll be damned if another flood doesn’t coat my fingers, just the same. Because she loves the idea even if it shocks her.

She loves it so much she’s already starting to grip me tighter, almost holding my fingers in place as she builds. “That’s right, baby,” I whisper, pounding her hard, fast, the way I’m going to do later. “Come for me now. We’re almost there. I want you to come before we get there. I want you dripping when we get out of the limo.”

“Yes,” she breathes, working her hips against my fingers. “I’m going… I’m going to… oh, god!” She stiffens, her face frozen in a mask of something close to pain before the wave crashes, and that look is replaced by bliss, her body now undulating like a wave, her muscles drawing my fingers deeper. My palm is glistening by the time I withdraw my hand from between her shaking thighs.

“Now lick it clean,” I order, grinding my teeth to contain a groan as she eagerly does what I say.

The things I cannot wait to show her.

She’s barely returned to her senses when we pull into the parking lot of Purgatory. It’s a nondescript building with a cinder block exterior on the first two floors, topped by a heavily windowed third floor that I know was only added on once the structure took on its current use.

“What is this place?” she whispers once we come to a stop at the entrance.

“It’s a private club. I’ve visited a few times when I was in town. We’ll be having dinner on the third floor—it has great views of the river, and there’ll be fireworks tonight.”

“And what happens on the other two floors?”

“I already told you some of it.”

With that, I climb from the car, the leash in hand, and give it a tug as a signal for her to follow. She’s wearing a faint smile when she steps out, almost bewildered. Like she can’t figure out why she enjoys this.

On cue, the door swings open. I’m sure we’re being watched from somewhere inside. It’s so dark inside there’s no way of seeing what lies beyond the doorway. Her nerves must be killing her by now— if it wasn’t so brutally cold out here, I would drag this out, savor her response.

Instead, I take the lead, and she has no choice but to follow.

Whether she wants to be or not, she’s mine.

But I get the feeling she wants it.

HARPER

W hat the hell have I gotten myself into? I’m in a daze as I strip off my coat and hand it to a girl standing behind the counter of a sleek dimly-lit entry. She wears a blood-red dress that’s actually more modest than I would have expected. But then I have no idea what to expect, do I? It’s not like I’ve made a habit of visiting places like this.

I still can’t believe I’m here. I can’t believe I let him finger me in the car. I can’t believe any of this is happening.

Maybe that’s not the point. Maybe the point is just to enjoy it while I can.

“Welcome to Purgatory. We’re happy to see you again, Mr. Pierce,” the girl practically purrs. “Enjoy your evening. Dinner will be served at eleven o’clock, but you are free to visit upstairs and enjoy the light fare we’re offering until then.”

Colton turns to me. “Are you hungry?”

I shake my head because my stomach is in knots. I can’t imagine eating a bite. “I think we’ll just visit the bar for now,” he tells the girl, who steps aside so we can continue past her, through a dark red curtain and into what looks like any average, everyday club, besides the cages hanging from the ceiling with naked dancers inside. There’s a dance floor in the center where a handful of couples grind against each other in the semi-darkness, groping out in the open, but that’s the spiciest action I can see.

Otherwise, people lounge on purple and red couches, chairs, and padded benches while they chat and enjoy their drinks. They’re all dressed well, and I’m surprised that more than a few of them are middle-aged or older.

Damned if my heart doesn’t sink a little. What was I expecting? An all-out orgy the minute I walked through the door? If anything, I should be glad for the chance to work my way into this rather than being thrown into the deep end right away.

It’s like he’s reading my mind. “This isn’t where the real fun happens.” Even so, the more I look around, the more obvious it is that this place is special. For one thing, I’m not the only one walking around with a leather collar around their neck. There are even a few men being led around by women, and one of the men crawls on all fours even though he’s wearing a suit much like the one Colton wears now.

And wow, does he look incredible. He is by far the hottest man here, in a dark suit and tie that give him an air of control. He looks so domineering, and all I want is to give him everything he asks for.

It’s only when he gives a sharp little tug on the leash that I realize the bartender asked what I’d like. “Chardonnay, please,” I mumble, still overwhelmed.

“Dazed?” Colton asks with a soft laugh. “I knew you would be. And I was right, by the way.”

“About what?”

“There are no fewer than three men eyeing you like you are tonight’s main course.” He grabs my ass, squeezing hard enough to make me wince and suck in a pained breath. “But you’re mine, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” I whisper, both because I know it’s what he wants me to say and because it’s true. I am his.

And not only because I wouldn’t want to be stuck here without him.

Once we have our drinks, Colton looks around the room. “We could hang around here for a while if you want, or we could—”

“I want to look around.”

His eyebrows lift when he turns my way, and frankly, I don’t know where that came from, either. “I’m just saying,” I continue. “You promised a lot back in the car. And there’s only a few hours until dinner.”

Who the hell am I? Or maybe this is who I was all along. Maybe all I needed was an excuse for it to come out.

“Far be it for me to deny you what you want.”

With the leash in hand, he leads me away from the bar, and I don’t know if it’s fear or excitement that leaves me fighting to keep all the wine in the glass rather than splashing it around.

This is it. And there I was, thinking I’d spend my night in the room, with room service and a movie.

I couldn’t have predicted this in a million years. I couldn’t have predicted him—the man he is now, a man who undoes me with every word, look, and skillful touch. This is not the boy I used to know. This is a man I could see myself spending a lot of time with.

He’s your boss, remember? Right, but I’m not exactly trying to think about that right now. Besides, most of the blood has already left my brain in favor of traveling south, to where I’m hot and wet all over again.

We walk up a wide staircase carpeted in the same deep red I’ve seen so far, and with every step, the sounds from various overheard rooms get louder. I don’t have to be able to see what’s happening to know exactly what I’m about to find. My nipples tighten in anticipation.

Colton stops midway, grabbing my arms to stop me as well. “Before we go up there, your safe word is red.”

“I need a safe word?”

His eyes briefly glance over my body once more. “Probably, yes.”

“Red, got it.”

He nods and continues leading us up into a large, central area, while the outer walls are lined with doors. Some of them are open, and couples stroll slowly from one door to the other, observing what’s happening inside. They’re so casual about it, too, like they make a habit of watching people have sex.

It’s the middle area that catches and holds my attention. A few pieces of equipment are scattered around: a leather-covered bench, a table with restraints attached, and a harness hanging from the ceiling.

It’s the harness being used by a naked girl who’s suspended while a heavily muscled middle-aged man takes her from behind that grabs my attention. A second man uses her mouth, fucking her face, pulling her forward before the other man pulls her back against him.

All the while, she screams in pleasure, her cries muffled thanks to her full mouth. The slap-slap-slap of skin on skin and the sight of so much forbidden depravity heat me inside, leaving me squeezing my thighs together in a vain attempt at relief for my aching clit.

What would that be like? To be used by two men is one thing, but out in the open? Because we’re not the only ones watching, either. At least a dozen people are gathered around, watching intently, and I watch in mixed shock and fascination as a woman dressed like me begins rubbing her partner’s growing bulge. He slides an arm around her shoulders, then reaches down to fondle her breasts.

But they never take their eyes off the show. And people make a night of this kind of thing? They don’t seem ashamed at all, nor are they surprised. This is nothing new for them, while for me, it’s like Colton pulled back the curtain on an entirely new world. I knew clubs like this existed, but I never imagined anything this high class—people sipping champagne while watching a live sex act.

And enjoying themselves while they do.

What if that was me in the harness? A rush of heat races through me, sizzling my insides and making my skin tingle. I wouldn’t dare… would I? I’m starting to question a lot of things.

Colton traces a line down my back with one finger.

“You like what you see, don’t you?” he murmurs, his voice low and full of dark promise. All I can do is nod, mute and overwhelmed. “Let’s see what else is going on around here. They recently renovated the place.”

He leads me away from the trio, all of whom seem like they’re getting close to the finish line if the change in pace means anything. I sort of want to watch, but he has other ideas.

We step into the closest room with an open door. Here, a pair of beautiful women have stripped down to their thongs and stockings and are tangled together on a bed, kissing and touching, while two men stand back and stroke themselves as they watch. I can hardly breathe, unsure where to look—at the sizable, dripping dicks being stroked or at the girls, one of whom slides down the length of the other’s curvy, creamy body before slowly removing her thong.

“Open her up,” one of the men grunts. “Spread her wide.” I can’t see her pussy from this vantage point, but both men quicken their stroking at the sight of it before the girl on top lowers her head and begins lapping at the seam. The girl on the bed arches her back, burying her hands in the girl’s hair as she moans out her approval.

I can’t help but look down at Colton’s crotch, where his erection juts out straight ahead. So I know how he feels about it, not that there was ever a question. We go to the next room, and by now, I’ve started to loosen up a little. I’m not afraid to look people in the eye, no longer worried somebody will point at me and call me dirty or a pervert for liking this.

We stop in the doorway, watching a woman flog a man’s bare ass while he bends over a bench with a ball gag in his mouth. This is beyond anything I’ve ever seen, and I can’t help but wonder what he gets out of it, knowing people are watching him be humiliated. I guess there’s a kink for everyone.

Right now, it seems like my thing is wishing I had the nerve to be this free. Because that’s what I see in front of me: freedom. Nobody’s apologizing for what they like or for wanting to do it in front of other people. I’ve spent my whole life apologizing. Now I’m filled with longing that goes beyond the fire raging in my core.

One room after the next, I’m introduced to sights and sounds I’ve never experienced. A woman on an x-shaped wooden cross, her nipples clamped along with her clit, while a man runs a feather over her naked body. In another room, a man lays across a sofa while a woman rides him, and a second woman hovers over his face. Colton’s sharp intake of breath when the women begin passionately kissing leaves me rubbing him, feeling bolder than before.

This isn’t the effect of wine on an empty stomach. It’s not even knowing we never have to see each other again. I want this.

Colton tugs on the leash, and I follow him back out to the open central area where the two men have finished and are helping the girl out of the harness. “Sorry we missed the finish?”

He pulls me in close with the leash, and between the wine and my arousal and the sounds of sex coming from all those rooms—the swish of a flog, a muffled cry, the moans coming from the two girls going at it on the bed—there’s only one response I can come up with.

“I want you.” My heart’s in my throat, hammering until I can hardly breathe, making me dizzy. Or maybe that’s his closeness, his breath on my face, and the very obvious erection pressing into my belly.

I told him the truth, plain and simple. I want him; I’ve always wanted him, but never more than right now.

“How badly do you want me?” He chuckles darkly, running the backs of his fingers over my cheek until I shiver.

As wound up as I am now, that’s practically enough to take me over the edge. My entire body is a live wire, ready to snap.

And then he is pushing me onto my knees, his hands on my shoulders. I can’t stop shaking, especially when I sense the presence of others closing in nearby. At the same time, my panties are a soaking mess, and I feel the moisture that’s already leaked onto my inner thighs. It would only take the slightest touch down there to relieve myself, but I’m not sure I have that in me. Not yet, anyway, not in front of these people.

“Show me how much you want me.” A sudden tug on the leash leaves me pressed against his dick, my nose buried. I can’t twist my head around or pull away thanks to how tight he cinched the collar, the leather now pressing into my neck until it stings in the nicest way.

Instinct leaves me rubbing my face against his crotch, and the twitching of his dick tells me it was the right thing to do. “Holy fuck, you’re going to make me come,” he groans in the near darkness. “Unzip me. Pull me free.”

My hands are trembling in time with the fluttering of my heart, but I somehow manage to do what he says, finally dipping my hand into his shorts and wrapping my fingers around him. My god, he’s a monster, so big I’m not sure I can take him into my mouth, much less anywhere else.

But damn it, I want to try. That’s the most surprising thing of all of this, even more surprising than the fact that I’m doing this in front of other people. They’re watching, whispering, and one of the women actually gasps when I pull his erect dick free.

All for me. This is all for me. I bet she’s jealous. I don’t even know where my thoughts are coming from anymore. I’m not sure who I am or why I’m ready to cry with need as I extend my tongue and catch the moisture at the tip of his mushroom head.

He yanks me down again with the leash, and suddenly, there’s nothing to do but open my mouth and take him inside all at once, his thrust so sharp and deep my body convulses, my gag reflex on overdrive.

“Take it,” he grunts, forcing me to either relax my throat or throw up what I just drank. I pull in a deep breath through my nose, and it steadies me until the reflex passes.

“That’s right. Good girl.” He places his other hand on the back of my head, fingertips massaging my scalp, sending delicious thrills through me until I moan around him. “So hungry for my cock. Now show everybody how hungry you are and how grateful you are for this.”

I lift my head, my lips stretched around him, and plunge down again. I can only take three-quarters of him, so I use my hand to cover the rest, allowing my saliva to dribble down so I can work him with my fist and my mouth at once.

I might not be super experienced with this, but I’ve watched videos, and the way he moans my name tells me I must be doing something right.

Still, he only allows me to have control for a second or two before he begins thrusting. I barely have time to recover before he thrusts forward, again and again, punishing me, hitting the back of my throat and going beyond, like he wants to work all of himself into me.

“Fuck, you take my cock so well,” he praises, and I rub my thighs together, praying the friction can elevate some of the pain I feel. I need to come. Tears fill my eyes and slip down my cheeks and off my chin, and soon I can’t help but groan in dismay and discomfort.

“You’re such a good girl. You’re going to make me come.”

He continues fucking my mouth like a savage beast, his fingers in my hair, tugging the strands tight, causing a sliver of pain at my scalp.

When I glance around, I find more than one of the men stroking themselves. It should disgust me, but the effect is just the opposite. Now I want to do this right. I want to give them a show.

Even if I’m afraid Colton is going to smother me. He won’t let up even when I try to push away. All he does is laugh, the sound soft enough that only I can hear it, while all around us, there’s more grunting and murmuring, and yes, heavy breathing from somebody other than the man now pummeling my mouth and throat.

“Are you ready to come on my cock? Is that what you want? Does your little clit and pussy need some relief? I can see your arousal on your thighs; you’re making a mess on the floor.”

Dear lord, his dirty talk only encourages me to continue taking his cock like I’m a professional at it.

It’s a relief when he pulls back all the way, and I sag a little, gulping in one deep breath after another, shaking, fighting to get control of myself.

“Up.” He pairs the single word with a sharp tug on the leash, and I wince from the pain of the collar as I stand on trembling legs.

Gently, he pulls me over to the padded bench nearby, using the leash to direct me until I’m draped across it.

I don’t have time to think, much less keep up with what’s happening. All of a sudden, the dress is up around my waist, and my panties are down around my knees. The feeling of air hitting my bare, wet lips is a shock but not an unpleasant one. Not even close.

He drags two fingers through my wet heat. “Like I said earlier, you made a mess on the floor. I should make you lick it up before I let you come on my cock.” Oh god, the thought is enough to send me into a hissy. His heavy hand lands on my hip. With the other, he fists his cock in his hand and guides himself to my entrance.

One breath, and he’s inside of me. I’m wet as hell, my arousal coating my thighs, but nothing could prepare me for his massive cock.

His thrusts are animalistic, and I can’t help the scream of pain mixed with pleasure that rips from my throat as his huge cock stretches me to the limit. He uses me like a toy, pushing me forward before pulling me back until my ass is flush with his body.

The pain and pleasure intensify, and oh, my god, he’s going to tear me in half and make me bleed. But fuck…

He’s also going to make me come.

There’s no way around it. I’m climbing higher and higher; there’s so much of him it feels like he’s ingraining part of himself inside me, and his heavy balls slap my clit with every deep thrust and twist of his hips. Fuck, like a thread, he undoes me, leaving me a pitiful mess of nothing.

Through hooded eyes, I see them. Our onlookers. They’re watching us. Couples. Single men. Their reactions come to me in brief glimpses.

Men stroke themselves and play with their partners. One hikes his companion’s dress up over her hips and begins playing with her ass while she strokes him, and another steps up behind his partner before shoving a hand down the front of her dress to fondle her while she grinds her ass against him.

I grow wetter knowing that we’re doing this to them. It’s erotic and sinful, and I’d think I was dreaming if it wasn’t for the very real sense of being filled, my pussy stretched and pushed beyond my limits.

A man steps out of the shadows, walking toward us. I notice his cock in his hand. It’s hard to make out his face when I’m being fucked for dear life. “Let me take that pouty fucking mouth of yours and put it to good use,” he taunts and takes a step closer.

A sniggle of fear takes root in my belly. I don’t know if I want to be shared and used like this. Before I can say a word, Colton is growling, but his thrusts remain the same as he speaks through his teeth.

“Touch her, and I’ll cut off your dick and shove it down your throat. She is mine, and the only one who gets to fuck her throat, pussy, or ass is me.” The possessive tone of his voice makes me shiver and heightens my pleasure. He’s doing things to me I never thought were possible, making me feel things I never wanted to experience before.

He leans over me, one hand on either side of my body, lowering his head to pant into my ear. “Shit, see, they all want you. They wish they were me, balls deep in this tight pussy. They want to be the one you’re screaming for.”

“Oh, Colton…” I manage between the moans I can’t contain, louder and louder every time he crashes against me. It hurts so good…

“Are you gonna come for me? Are you gonna squeeze my cock tighter than you already are?”

“Yes!” I gasp, the sensations building to their peak.

I was already so close, but this? I couldn’t keep myself from coming if I wanted to—and I don’t want to, not at all. I want to fall apart in front of these people. I want them to remember this. To remember him and me.

“Let me hear it. Let me hear you come, baby.” And then he yanks on the leash, pulling my head back, and I let out something between a sob and a scream as that last little bit of sensation shatters me, leaving me shaking and screaming and falling apart for everyone to see.

By the time the rush of blood in my ears quiets enough that I can hear what’s happening around me, Colton roars his own release, sending a splash of hot cum across my ass. I’ve never felt so dirty, so used, so triumphant.

I notice the smiles around me, smiles of approval, and even catch one of the men coming down the throat of his eager partner. He came while watching me. A shudder runs through me, and now all I want is to do it again.

But not just yet. There are limits to what my body’s capable of, and right now, I am so sore I’m not sure I’ll be able to walk.

It’s only another moment before Colton wipes me clean—they must keep towels on hand for this. I don’t try to get up until he tugs on the leash, and his little smirk when we are face to face again tells me that was the right move. He likes to be in control.

And it seems I like being controlled.

I guess you learn something new every day.

“How did you like that?” he asks, though, of course, he must know.

“What do you think?” I lower my gaze, looking down at his crotch before meeting his eyes again. “You felt it. I’ve never come that hard in my life.”

“I always had a feeling there was a bad girl underneath the surface.” That gets me blushing, which of course, makes him laugh. “Come on. You can finish cleaning up, then we’ll go upstairs. They’ll be seating us for dinner soon.”

“Good, I’m starving.”

He smells faintly of sweat and cologne when he pulls me in close, lowering his head so our lips brush. “Just know I’m not finished with you. Nowhere near it.”

Sore or not, I don’t want him to be. Because I’m not finished with him, either.

COLTON

I ’m walking on air by the time we enter the dining room on the third floor, surrounded on all sides by windows giving us a view of the riverfront and the fireworks that are soon to come.

Several tables are already in use, guests enjoying drinks and conversation after playing downstairs. I recognize a couple of them as witnesses to what went on between Harper and me.

I still can’t wrap my head around it. She’s like a dream come true—willing, even eager, and clearly just as hot as I was over performing for an audience. It’s like she was made for me. All this time, I never imagined finding someone in tune with my needs.

And of all people, it would happen to be the bookworm I had a crush on in high school.

At my request, we’re seated in the corner, the table with the best view of the river. “This is incredible,” she whispers, her head on a swivel as she takes in the luxurious surroundings. No one would ever guess from outside that there’s a fine restaurant up here, with soft lighting and music, candles on the tables, expensive china, gold cutlery. Christmas trees still sit in the corners, twinkling festively.

“They grill the best porterhouse in town if you can believe that.” She’s still looking around in amazement as I peruse the wine list, choosing a cabernet sauvignon before handing the list back to our server.

“I would never guess this was here.”

“They keep it that way. They’re discreet, as they expect their clientele to be.”

“So, is this what rich people do when they go out to have fun?”

The innocence in her question makes me laugh gently. “Yes, to be honest. And the membership fees reflect that.”

“I feel like I’m dreaming.” The nasty little minx I fucked downstairs has faded to the background, while the innocent, shy little nerd has come forward again. But I get it. When all you want in the whole world is to come, you tend to forget your inhibitions. Afterward, it’s a different story.

But unlike virtually every partner I’ve ever had, I don’t want to shake Harper off like a piece of gum on my shoe. Instead of getting tired of her the moment my dick softens, I want more. Not just her body, either. I want her laughter. I want her open, honest wonder. Like the look that came over her when we emerged from the hotel to find a limousine waiting. I want to give her more reasons to look that way.

Once the wine is poured, I raise my glass to her. “Is this how you imagined ringing out the old year?”

Her cheeks flush as she touches her glass to mine. “You know the answer to that.”

“I have to say, I didn’t imagine you would be as quick to fall in line.”

“I guess there’s a lot about me you don’t know.”

“Tell the truth. There’s a lot about you that you don’t know, either.”

She smiles faintly, nodding. “No, but I’m starting to learn.”

My cock is stirring again. It seems like he can’t get enough of her, either. Maybe it’s because I’ve had her, but she’s even more gorgeous than ever—eyes sparkling, the full lips drawing my attention and making me remember how good they feel wrapped around me, better than I ever imagined. I took off her collar so she could enjoy her meal, but it’s in my pocket, ready to be used again. The faint line circling her throat is a reminder of how easy it was to bend her to my will.

“Real talk.” I lean in slightly, lowering my voice and meeting her gaze. “What’s life been like for you since high school? I guess you already have a pretty good idea of how it’s been for me. I started working for my dad’s firm in my senior year of college. Once my father saw how well I did, he retired. What about you?”

She’s a turtle retreating into its shell, her shoulders hunching, her confidence draining. “You were right about me sticking around back home. I was going to go away for college, but then my dad got sick, and Mom needed me to help out. So I ended up going to community college the first two years, then taking online courses for the rest of my undergrad and graduate work. I just graduated this past semester. In the meantime, I worked part-time doing bookkeeping for a couple of the little places around town.”

And there she was, one of the smartest girls in class. “You were going to Columbia, weren’t you?”

Her features pinch in obvious pain. “I don’t want to talk about it. No offense.”

“None taken.” What a fucking disappointment that must have been. All these years, she’s been sticking around a town where Main Street goes dark at dinner time. Aside from the movie theater, there was nothing to do at night but hang out and maybe get drunk in the woods. She’s too old for that now. “Did anybody else stick around town?”

“Not really.” She laughs shakily, then takes another sip of her wine before adding, “Now you see why I was willing to do anything to keep this job. It’s my way out.”

“I’m glad you got the job, though I’m not surprised. You’re a fucking genius.”

“Is that the word you used to describe me back in the day?” Her head tilts to the side, her lips twitching in a smirk. “Because back then, I’m pretty sure you called me a nerd. Dork. The bookworm, the loser…”

“You know that’s not how I really felt, especially when we got to know each other.”

“Really? Because the last thing I remember, you were making a big joke of asking me out on a date.”

The bitter note in her voice is surprising. “Who was joking?”

“You were. Like I just said.”

“I was not joking. I was dead serious. I wanted to take you out.” I wanted to do a lot more than that, if memory serves. “You were the one who turned me down without even thinking about it.”

She sits back, brows drawing together. “Because I figured you were joking.”

“I meant it.”

“How was I supposed to know? I mean, you never even spoke to me before we had that project together.”

“I know that.”

“All your friends were jocks. And they always used to snicker behind my back. Who could blame me for thinking you were just screwing around to embarrass me?”

“I wish you had said something then. I would have set you straight.”

“And how would you have done that?”

“How do you think?” When she blushes, I know she gets my point. All this wasted time, all because of crossed wires.

“We were kids,” I remind her. “Kids make mistakes. But I’m glad fate brought us together again tonight.” I can’t help but grin before asking, “Are you glad?”

“What do you think?” There’s a devilish gleam in her eyes, that disappears before the server approaches to take our dinner order.

They’re busy in the kitchen, every table full, but I don’t mind waiting. How often do I have the opportunity to sit across the table from a woman who stimulates more than just my dick? Maybe it’s the sense of her knowing me, that familiarity. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since high school, but at my core, I’m the same person I always was. There is a sort of shorthand between us that only comes from past acquaintance. I haven’t been able to enjoy that in years.

“I would love to show you around town once you settle in,” I offer over our salad course. “I could even introduce you to a few people I think you’d get along with. I’ll show you the sights. Introduce you to more establishments like the one in which we’re currently seated…”

She giggles but can’t hide her intrigue. “I thought you were rarely in town, and men like you were too busy for things like that?”

“I will never be too busy for you.”

Shit. I didn’t mean for that to come out, not that way. It turns out she’s bringing back old habits, too, such as the way I used to blurt out whatever stupid thing was at the forefront of my mind before common sense could convince me otherwise.

Staring down at her salad, she murmurs, “That’s very nice, but…”

“No. Don’t pretend this is nothing but kindness or something I feel like I have to do. When I find something I want, there’s nothing that can get in my way.”

She lowers her fork to the plate, gaping at me. “Are you saying you want me? For more than sex?”

“And if I was?”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.” It’s only ten minutes until midnight, and boats now clog the river, everyone waiting for the big show. A sense of excitement spreads over the dining room as champagne is handed out to the guests in preparation for midnight.

She bites her lip, staring at me with an almost uncomfortable intensity. “Are you playing me? You don’t have to. We can leave tonight where it is.”

“That’s what you think of me?”

“It took me a long time to get over you. I guess I’m not looking forward to going through that again.”

“You liked me that much?”

“Colton, I might as well tell you I was in love with you. Completely crazy about you. But you were about as attainable as the moon.” She looks out the window toward that glowing orb, the light from it shining on her face, making her hair glow like fire. “And yeah, there were times when I thought that maybe we were connecting. So when you made it sound like a joke when you asked me out, laughing and everything, it broke my heart.”

I don’t know what’s come over me. I only know I can’t sit at this table with her for another moment before making sure she understands something. I stand, extending a hand, and she hesitates for only a moment before taking it and following me to the alcove where the restroom doors sit. It’s sheltered from the rest of the dining room, and I take advantage of that by pushing her up against the wall between the doors.

“What are you doing?” she whispers, looking in the direction we just came from. “Everyone will—”

“A handful of those people just watched you fuck downstairs. You think it matters?” My fingers wrap around her jaw, and I tilt her head up so our eyes meet. “Nothing about tonight has anything to do with kindness. I didn’t offer to spend time with you because I feel sorry for you or to make up for the way I hurt you. I didn’t even know I had.”

The temptation to kiss her is almost too strong to resist. “I’m not used to being sorry for what I’ve done,” I whisper, staring at her luscious lips. “But I am sorry I caused you pain. Truly, I am.”

“Thank you?” The fact that it’s a shaky little question makes me chuckle, but the sound dies in my throat as my body tunes into her nearness. She’s a drug, one that has me under its spell. Every short, hitching breath that thrusts her tits against my chest. Every slight whimper, like the one that squeezes its way from her throat when I tighten the pressure from my hand. It isn’t pain, no. It’s need, she’s needy, she’s needy for me. Who wouldn’t get off on that?

Who wouldn’t want to rain pleasure down on her until she begs them to stop?

That’s what’s on my mind as I run a hand down her body, taking her thigh and lifting it, draping it over my hip. Opening her so my fingers can delve into her sweetness. She’s wet again, and that’s no surprise—and she clutches my shoulders, eyes closing, breathing hard, fast, enveloping me in heat.

It’s not enough to touch her. I need to taste. I slowly lower myself, running my mouth over her tits and stomach, before working her dress up.

She seizes up, pushing ineffectually at my shoulders. “You can’t!”

That ends when I take her wrists and pry her hands away. “Don’t tell me what I can’t do.”

She’s lost by the time my mouth covers her pussy, my ready tongue working its way into her slit, the scent, and taste of her enough to make me forget there are dozens of people only feet from where I’m eating her with a hunger that goes far beyond anything physical. I need this woman. I need her in my world. I need her to become my world.

And I need to become hers.

It doesn’t take long before her protestations turn to something else, something deep and primal, her fingers tangling in my hair, and she grinds her hips, humping my face the way I told her she would. She fights against the sounds of pleasure stirring deep in her, settling only for soft whimpers that I pull from her with every lap of my tongue, with every flick against her clit.

I could die doing this and do it without regret. This is what I was made for. She is who I was made for. Pleasing her, fucking her, introducing her to pleasure beyond her wildest dreams.

“Oh… oh, yes…” Her nails dig into my scalp as she climbs, climbs, shivering and grinding and losing herself entirely, forgetting right and wrong in favor of sensation. Sweet, musky nectar flows from her like honey from the comb, and I catch it, drinking it down, savoring every drop. Knowing I’m lucky enough to be the man to taste her.

The last man who ever will.

I’m only dimly aware of the countdown starting in the dining room. “Twenty! Nineteen! Eighteen!”

“Fuck, Colton!” Her hips jerk wildly, her hands holding my head in place as she races toward release, grinding in desperation. I take her clit between my lips and suck, flicking with the tip of my tongue, racing against time. I’m going to make her come at the stroke of midnight. She’s never going to forget this.

“Fourteen! Thirteen!” I add one, then two fingers, driving them deep inside her. She bears down on them, hips jerking, so wet it coats my chin when I can’t catch it fast enough.

“Ten! Nine! Eight!”

“My god!” She tenses up, her voice a high-pitched squeak. “I’m going to come!”

“Three! Two! One!”

“Fuck! Yes!” She pulls my head in just once more before a fresh flood of juice pours from her twitching hole, the muscles rippling around my fingers, her clit pulsing.

Cheers and shouts erupt all around us, but I ignore them in favor of standing, wrapping my arms around her, and holding her against me. She’s weak, shaking, and panting for breath. Red, gold, and green lights flash across her face as the fireworks begin.

“Happy New Year,” I murmur, my lips close to her ear. She smiles—lazy, a little dazed—and tilts her head back when I lean in for a kiss, eyes closing. Ready for me.

This goddess. My heart aches at the sight of her perfect beauty, the trust radiating from her. It’s humbling knowing she trusts me this way.

All of that goes into the kiss I press against her lips, my arms tightening around her warm, willing body. I’m holding the entire world here and now, parting her lips with my tongue, my heart soaring when she wraps her arms around my neck and holds me tight. There’s nothing in the world but the two of us.

And there never will be.

HARPER

I  don’t think I’ve ever been this happily exhausted in my whole life.

It’s a whole new world now. I’m a different person than I was when I walked out of this hotel. The girl climbing out of the limo now, her hand in Colton’s much larger one is worlds away from the wide-eyed girl who never rode in a limo before tonight. It’s only been a matter of hours—it’s barely two in the morning—but it may as well have been years between then and now.

I lean against Colton as we cross the lobby, quieter than before but not completely dead. We’re not the only people stumbling in after hours of partying. “Is it wrong to wonder if people know?”

He doesn’t need to ask what I mean. “Unless they were there, there’s no way—though you do look thoroughly fucked.”

“Seriously?” I ask, shocked.

“You think they haven’t seen anything like that before? Come on.” He laughs gently, pulling me in a little closer, his arm around my waist. I’ve never felt so safe and protected.

I guess he has a point. There’s probably been plenty of action right here in this hotel, come to think of it.

I still can’t believe I’m here with him. He’s so handsome; the girls behind the front desk stop and watch. When I turn their way, raising an eyebrow, they pretend to be busy. “This feels like a dream,” I muse as we step onto the elevator. My feet are killing me, and I’m sore almost all over, but I’m happy. Happier than I’ve been in a long time. Like I made up for years of not having a life at all in one short night.

And I have him to thank for it, the man still standing with his arm around me. Protective? Possessive? I don’t know. I only know it feels good. And to think, I was shocked and angry when I found him in the room. But I never could have guessed how things would turn out, either.

Now I wish there was more to this than a single night. My heart sinks not at the idea but at the fact that I had the idea in the first place. This is not a man to fall for. We had fun, a lot of fun, but I need to get over it now. Right now, right this very minute, or else I could end up with my heart broken all over again.

“Bed, sweet bed.” Once we’re in the room, I sink onto it, not bothering to take my coat off before I do. What matters more is getting these heels off—I’m not used to walking in them, and my feet are starting to go numb.

When Colton catches me messing with the straps, he sinks to one knee before me. “Let me.” Even now, half-dead with exhaustion, I can’t help but thrill at his touch. He takes his work seriously, carefully unfastening the buckles before loosening the straps covering my feet and ankles, then easing the shoes away from my feet. I let out a blissful sigh, one that only gets louder when he begins rubbing one foot with his big, strong hands.

“You don’t have to do that,” I whisper, though I don’t want him to stop.

“Again, telling me what I should and shouldn’t do. Don’t you know better by now?”

He’s right. I should know better. Instead of telling him to stop, I settle into it, allowing the pressure from his hands to soothe the ache in my feet.

Unfortunately, a new ache is starting to stir. One that begins a lot higher up, the place where my thighs join. Not a minute ago, I was sure I couldn’t do anything else tonight but pass out cold.

Now, watching him take the job of rubbing my feet so seriously, on his knees in front of me… It’s intoxicating, the way the rest of the night has been.

“How are your legs? Are they sore, too?”

“Now that you mention it…” I bite back a giggle as he moves his hands further up until he’s massaging my calves. It’s magic, his skillful touch, how he applies just the right amount of pressure until I could just about melt into nothing.

“I like this too.” He goes from staring at my legs to looking up at me. “Alone, all to myself. With nobody else looking at you.”

He works his way up to my thighs, and I realize I’m holding my breath as he inches the hem of my dress higher and higher, exposing an inch of skin at a time. Soon, it’s not enough for him to only touch me. He begins dragging his lips over my skin, and there’s nothing for me to do but sink deep into mindless bliss, every touch, every brush of his lips, and flick of his tongue pulling me deeper into pleasure.

But it’s different than before. I couldn’t describe it in words if I tried. I only know how it feels. He’s gentler now than he was at the club. Almost considerate. I’m not going to fool myself into thinking it means anything, but is it wrong that I sort of want it to?

No, you idiot, it’s just for tonight. Maybe it would be better if I stopped him?

I would also be the stupidest person in the world if I did. Who would stop this? The anticipation that makes my breath catch and my heart race, the growing heat, the promise of what’s to come.

Besides, now that he said it, I understand something else: I want him all to myself, too. Just the two of us, one more time. If I have to spend the rest of my life without him, I might as well have plenty to remember him by.

By the time the dress is around my hips, and he’s begun to lap at the soft seam between my leg and my mound, I’m on my back, writhing, moaning his name. I want to lose myself in him again, to lose all connection to the girl I was when I woke up this morning. I want what he brings out of me. He called me a goddess, and that’s who I want to be, his goddess. Someone worthy of worship.

And he is worshiping me, lapping at my covered pussy before pulling the panties down, over my knees, my ankles. But instead of eating me again, he sits me up, his brow furrowed in concentration as he strips off my coat, tossing it aside before unzipping my dress and sliding it down my shoulders, my arms, until finally, he pulls it off entirely, where it joins my coat on the floor.

“These tits. Perfection.” That’s all he says before burying his face between them, grunting like an animal, then unfastening my bra so he can feast on my nipples. Back and forth he goes, taking his time running his tongue in slow, lazy circles before drawing them between his teeth and sucking. All I can do is whimper my approval, running my hands through his hair and holding him as close as I can.

I want him. Not just tonight, but always. I’ve never felt more alive—who could blame me for not wanting to give this up?

He releases me with a popping sound, looking up to give me an almost drowsy smile. “You are perfect.” Those three little words go straight to my pussy, making my clit throb painfully. Perfect. He thinks I’m perfect.

I need to touch him. I need to feel him and explore him like I haven’t been able to yet. I take off his tie, then begin unbuttoning his shirt. I want to touch what I’ve seen. I need to commit every bit of him to memory.

I shouldn’t be surprised that once his shirt is off and I begin running my hands over his impossibly huge shoulders and chest, that he’s quick to take my wrists in his hands and hold them together.

“What are you doing?” I ask with a nervous laugh.

He doesn’t answer verbally, but he doesn’t really need to once he wraps the silk tie around my wrists and pulls tight, rendering me pretty much helpless.

He then pushes me back onto the bed, holding my wrists above my head with one hand while nudging my legs apart with his body. His covered erection presses against my pussy, and my eyes roll back in my head at the unbelievable heat building there. Not just heat, either.

Hunger. A deep yearning for more. For all of him.

“Fuck me,” I whisper, blushing but not caring. I’m beyond that point now.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Still holding my wrists in place, he undoes his belt and fly with his other hand, staring down at me all the while. I can hardly breathe; I’m so thrilled and nervous and excited. It’s the look in his eyes that does it, I think. Like there’s nowhere he’d rather be than right here, right now. On top of me, pulling his erect dick free from his shorts before shoving them down until he is as naked as I am.

I wrap my legs around his hips and pull him closer—if I can’t use my hands, I’ll use whatever else I have available. I just want the touch of his skin, to test the firmness of his muscles.

And, of course, there’s the impressive rod between us, flopping against my stomach before he positions it, the head pressed against my soaked entrance. He runs his head through my slick juices, breathing faster, the way I am, before pushing forward.

“Oh, shit!” I shout when he invades me again, filling and stretching me. Bringing me to that place between pain and pleasure but easing me closer to pleasure with every sure, deep stroke.

“You like that big cock inside you?” he grunts, laughing softly when I moan my response. Yes, I like it. I love it. I could get very used to it.

He’s taking me, yes, making me strain against him and fight the tie around my wrists.

But I’m taking him, too. Working with him. Moving my hips to meet his thrusts, sweeter all the time. Pulling him deeper with my legs. Arching my back so my nipples rub against his chest.

I’m afraid to look him in the eye, afraid of what I’ll see. Or what I won’t see—no matter how much I want to. I don’t know what would be worse. Instead, I close them. It’s safer that way.

But it doesn’t keep my heart from swelling. It’s the smell of him, the feel of his body, his helpless grunts as he takes pleasure in me. The special something that makes him who he is.

He’s only going to hurt you.

I squeeze my eyes tightly shut like that will force the thought away. I can’t think about it. I need to live in the moment for once.

“Harper… Harper…” It’s music, the sound of him groaning my name. I wish I could record it and play it for the rest of my life. Even if it wouldn’t be the same but then nothing ever could.

Oh, no.

I fell for him again, didn’t I?

“You have one more left in you?” he whispers before running his lips over my jaw, my chin, and down my throat. “Can you come for me again?”

I don’t have a choice, do I? Because even the slightest touch is enough to set me on fire. All I can do is hold on while he takes me closer, closer, losing his rhythm in favor of taking me harder. Faster. Until we’re nothing more than two rutting animals, fucking like it’s our last night on earth.

It might as well be because I can’t imagine going back to my life without him.

“So sweet… Harper… my goddess… wrapped around my cock…” He invades my mouth with his tongue, plunging in and out in time with his deep strokes that feel like they’re about to split me in two—but not before I come, and I’m going to. I’m so close now I can almost taste it.

And when it happens, when the wave breaks and crashes against me, I’m almost pulled under by the force. I’m barely aware of Colton’s last burst of speed, his animal growl before pulling out to come across my stomach.

It’s over. I wish it wasn’t, but it couldn’t go on forever. My heart sinks with the fading aftershocks of my body’s release. The smaller and quieter they become, the deeper my regret. Because it’s over. I’ll never get this back.

He doesn’t say much, rolling away from me and untying my wrists. I’m still a breathless lump by the time he washes me clean, then pulls back the blankets and helps me beneath them. How can he go from being so domineering to treating me so tenderly? It’s like he’s two different people.

And I’ve fallen for both of them.

“I don’t know about you,” he finally says, sighing and joining me between the sheets, “but I’m wiped.” I groan my agreement, smiling in happiness when he wraps me in his arms and pulls me close to his chest.

That’s how I fall asleep. In his arms, my body still trembling in the aftermath of the best night of my life, with a smile on my face.

By the time my eyes open again, it’s morning, sunlight streaming through the gap in the drapes. I only slept four hours or so, but it’s going to have to be enough.

Because I want so much to stay, which means I have to leave. Now. Before I come up with a reason not to.

I won’t let him be the one who leaves me. He won’t hurt me this time.

I’m as quiet as I can be as I pull sweats from my suitcase, pulling them on in the bathroom. Last night’s makeup is more or less in place after I forgot to wash it off, so I skip washing my face now to keep from waking Colton. He’s still out cold, thank god.

I can’t face him. I couldn’t handle the excuses, or worse, if he acted like nothing happened.

So even though my heart feels like it’s going to explode from the pain of leaving, I tiptoe to the door with my bag in hand before turning the handle as slowly and quietly as possible.

Not quietly enough.

“What the fuck are you doing?” His voice is as sharp as a whip crack, startling me into yelping as I spin around.

I expected to feel guilty if he caught me.

I didn’t expect the rush of fear. Because I never imagined him charging out of bed and across the room, his eyes blazing, his teeth bared in a snarl. “Do you think I’m letting you sneak out on me?”

There’s barely time to breathe before he drags me back to the bed and throws me onto it. “Wait!” I beg, holding my hands out in front of me. “This was only supposed to be for one night. I have to get home.”

“Only for one night?” He takes my arms again, this time pressing me against the mattress. “How do you not get it?”

“Get what?” I whisper, teeth chattering. It’s like he’s another person again—not just dark, but violent. The way he’s looking at me, he wants to hurt me.

His smile doesn’t help anything since it’s downright sinister. “I’m changing the terms of our agreement.”

COLTON

“I  don’t understand.” The way her voice is shaking, she’s not only confused. She’s terrified. Of me.

Right now, she has every reason to be. Leaving like that? Sneaking away from me? “What is there to misunderstand? You belong with me. You have no right sneaking out of here like that.”

Her eyelids flutter so fast I’m afraid she’s about to pass out. “You must’ve known after things went the way they did that I can’t let you go,” I insist. “That wasn’t a one-night experience. You are not a one-night woman.”

“What are you saying?” She squirms against me, but it’s hopeless. No way could she break free.

“I’m saying you’re staying with me now. I’m not letting you go this time. I’m not a stupid kid anymore.”

Her eyes dart over my face. There’s makeup smeared beneath them, a reminder of everything that went on between us. How could she imagine that’s where we’d end? I thought she was supposed to be smart.

“Be serious, Colton.” This time around, she’s the one who tries to laugh it off. Like it’s all a joke. Now I understand how that could’ve hurt her years ago. Here I am, telling the woman she’s all I want, ready to kill her before I let her go. And she’s laughing.

“You think I’m fucking around? How can I convince you?” My grip on her arms goes tight until she sucks in a pained breath. “Do I need to fuck you again? Because I will if it gets the point across. You are not leaving me. You are never leaving me.”

“But…” Her voice softens, along with the fear etched across her face. “I don’t get it. You want to be with me? For real?”

“For real,” I murmur, lost in her eyes. She’s magic, pulling me under her spell even when I’m half-crazy with outrage and the knowledge that had I slept deeper, she would’ve gotten away. Sure, I could’ve easily found her, but that’s not the point.

It’s making sure she knows I’m not letting her go, something I should’ve made clearer last night.

But last night, I couldn’t know what it would be like, opening my eyes and seeing her standing at the door. The way my heart clenched. The dropping of my stomach. The sense of losing everything that ever mattered.

“But you’re… you. Why would you want me when you can have any woman in the world?” There’s that innocence again. I’m helpless against it. The last of my anger melts away—I release her, pulling her up until she’s sitting beside me.

“When I saw you step off the elevator last night, every other woman in the world ceased to exist.” She opens her mouth, prepared to argue, but I shut her up with a hand over her mouth. “Shut up and let me talk. You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve ever wanted. I understand now why no other woman has ever been enough.”

“Colton…” she mumbles, the word muffled. “Please don’t say things like that. Be honest.”

“I mean it.” Cupping her face, I draw her close. Fuck. She is so precious, so fragile and perfect, and so in need of my protection and adoration. I can’t believe I went this long without her. “Nobody could measure up to you.”

She covers my hands with hers, a smile beginning to spread. “I’m just me.”

Just her? Talk about an understatement. “You’re everything. I already knew you were special when we were kids, but I’ve seen some things. I’ve been places and I’ve met people, and time has only made you more special.”

“I wish I could believe that.”

“I’ll show you. Just tell me how. What can I do?” All she does is laugh in disbelief. “I’m serious. I’ll spend every day of the rest of my life demonstrating what you mean to me. How important you are.”

I can’t keep a slight growl out of my voice as I add, “How you belong to me and nobody else. Nobody is ever going to touch you but me. Morning, noon, and night. You’re mine.”

She bites her lip, and I know I have her. Because no matter what her so-called good sense tells her, there’s a deeper understanding at work. Part of her that understands the connection we have. How unbreakable it is.

“I didn’t want to leave,” she whispers. “I really didn’t.”

My heart’s going to burst out of my chest. It’s too full. “So why did you try?”

“I didn’t want to have to face you if you acted like last night didn’t mean anything. It would’ve killed me.”

“I could never.”

“I was afraid to take the chance.” Her hands slide up my arms until they reach my shoulders. Her touch is a balm, soothing me. Healing me. “Last night meant so much to me. I couldn’t stand finding out it didn’t mean as much to you.”

“You’re kidding?” I’m laughing as I lie down, bringing her with me. “I intend on making that our New Year’s tradition. Making you come as the clock strikes midnight.”

“That was pretty amazing.”

“And the ideal way to start a fresh year. A fresh life. The two of us.”

“This is crazy. You know that, right?”

“People told me I was crazy to expand the company into Europe. Here I am, my business thriving. My instincts are never wrong.” I press my lips to her forehead, her nose, her eyelids. My precious, precious girl. My goddess.

“What about my job?”

“What about it? You don’t have to work, ever. Not anymore.”

She surprises me by pulling back—but I shouldn’t be surprised. I’ve known since we spent afternoons in my parents’ basement, books and posterboard spread out in front of us, that she’s a hard worker and stubborn as hell, and she takes pride in both.

“I didn’t go through all that schoolwork to give up my career now. I wouldn’t be happy that way.”

“Whatever makes you happy, then. I’ll move my home office. Or you can come to New York with me and work out of that office. So long as we’re together, nothing else matters.”

“You really mean that, huh?”

“Harper, I’m in love with you.” I have to laugh at myself—those words have never come out of my mouth before now because I never had a reason to so much as consider them. Now, they fall out of my mouth like it’s nothing. “All I want is you and me. No matter where we are, and I want you to know that I never intended to take your job. You would’ve still been working for the company had you not become mine.”

“Thank god.” She closes her eyes, sending tears rolling down her cheeks, wetting my hands. “I love you, too. I always did. Even when I hated you.”

“Forget about that now.” I draw her close, needing her in my arms. We have so much time to make up for. “Let’s start fresh. Here and now. For the rest of our lives.”

“That sounds good to me.”

How did I get this lucky? Now I understand how pointless life was starting to feel, with nothing but work to keep me going. Having the promise of her in my arms and my life—being able to treat her like the queen she is—has given me purpose. I can’t wait to spoil the shit out of her.

But first…

“There’s one thing we need to talk about.” I lean back to scowl down at her. “You’re wearing too many clothes. Let’s do something about that.”

EPILOGUE

HARPER

“T  hat’s right… just like that… show me how much you love it…”

My head bobs up and down in Colton’s lap while his praise rings in my ears. When I close my eyes, I can almost pretend we’re alone. That there aren’t handfuls of people wandering past our room, a few of them lingering nearby. Watching and enjoying.

It’s always like this. I love the time we spend alone at the penthouse we now share, but there’s something special about doing it in front of strangers. Something especially dark and dirty—in other words, hotter.

We never invite others to play with us, though we’ve been propositioned more than once. It’s not going to happen, and wouldn’t even if I wanted it to. As far as Colton is concerned, others can watch us and be jealous, but that’s it.

I don’t want or need anyone else. I have everything right here.

The sounds of his pleasure have the same effect as always. After three months, I still get wet at the slightest touch. Knowing I can make him feel good is a high that goes way beyond anything physical. It makes me proud. It brings me joy.

Knowing others are watching while I do it, though, is what leaves me with no choice but to slide a hand between my legs so I can touch myself. I need relief after at least an hour spent watching others playing around the club. The ultimate foreplay.

“No. Get up.” He pulls me off him by my shoulders, his voice sharp. “You’re saving that pussy for me. Climb up here.” Slouching a little, he gives me space in his lap, reaching for me to straddle him.

“I need to come,” I whisper, raising myself up so he can position himself against me.

“Greedy. You haven’t come enough tonight? You can’t stop at three?”

I have to laugh a little as I lower my body, taking him inside me. The soft groans coming from behind me are nothing compared to what stirs in my chest. Deep satisfaction takes the form of a long, low moan until I settle in at Colton’s base.

As always, there’s a mixture of animalistic lust and tenderness in those gray eyes. “You need to come? Make yourself come, baby. Give us all a show.” His hands on my cheeks, he parts them slightly so the people watching can see him disappearing into me.

Nobody at the office would ever guess this is what we do in our free time. I decided to move to New York to be with him. He’s nothing short of professional, always, with me and everybody else. He might maul me the minute we’re alone, but it never gets in the way of business. That’s part of what’s made him a success at such a young age. He knows how to separate work and play.

And when he plays, he plays hard.

Lucky me, being his playmate. Being his means clearing his head and relieving his tension.

“I love you,” I moan, my head falling back so my long, red locks brush against the small of my back. I love how free he makes me feel. How loved and cherished. How respected and dominated at the same time.

I love how he fills in all my empty spaces and makes me feel complete.

“I love you,” he whispers against my skin between slow, wet kisses over my breasts. “My goddess. My world. Always.”

Then he wraps my hair around his fist and yanks my head back until I gasp. “Now fuck me,” he growls through clenched teeth, and I shudder in response before doing as he says.

Just like I always do and always will.

Thank you for reading Midnight Kisses! Find more

steamy holiday reads here.

Darcy Rose is a USA Today Bestselling author of steam novellas with a dark edge.

If you like your books short, taboo and kinky, then you have come to the right place. Darcy writes about shy and innocent heroines, to match them up with dark and intense heroes who have only eyes for one girl.

For everything Darcy click here or scan the code below!

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Midnight Kisses

Copyright

Contents

1. Harper

2. Colton

3. Harper

4. Colton

5. Harper

6. Colton

7. Harper

8. Colton

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Darcy Rose

MORE FROM DARCY!