The Red-Hot Stakes

Chapter Fourteen

My breath caught in my throat as I froze at his audacious words, anticipation and need coiling within me.

He thrust between my legs, his muscular thighs spreading me open. “I can make you come, just like this, from friction alone.”

I let out another moan.

“But it’ll be faster if I do this.” Then he bent his head, capturing my aching nipple with his mouth, rolling the other stiff peak between his fingers. And he kept thrusting.

The rhythm he set had me panting in no time. I wouldn’t say that it was difficult for me to come, but I didn’t usually get off from humping some guy’s dick through our clothes either. But the feel of his tongue swirling around my sensitive peak, while his fingers caressed the other, and the friction building below…it was too much to fight. I shuddered beneath him in my first orgasm of the day.

He chuckled, swiping his tongue over my breast once more before hovering above my lips. “Thatta girl, Red.”

I glared. “If you say that every time I get off, you’re going to end up with a black eye.” This time his laugh rumbled through us, sending mini quakes through me, making me gasp.

“You’re not working tonight, right?” When I shook my head, the wicked grin returned. His hands went to my hips, teasing under the waistband of my skirt. “I think this has to go, for what I have in mind.” He paused with his fingers against my hips, waiting.

A nod was all I could manage, my words stolen in the wake of anticipation. He slid my skirt and underwear off in one quick motion. I lay bare before him, completely naked as he studied me, his eyes darkening more by the second.

“Damn, Gina.”

“Everything you dreamed I’d be?” It was hard not to squirm under his intense stare, and I tried not to deflate when he shook his head.

“I could never imagine anything as beautiful as you.” He ran a tentative hand down my flat stomach, his words and his touch making my heart flutter. “You’re not going to taste like cinnamon, are you?” His fingers slid down, between my thighs, one stroking my folds.

I sucked in a breath at the intimate touch. Desire thrummed steadily in my veins as Liam spread me wider, making room for his broad shoulders as he knelt before me. His gaze flicked to mine just before his tongue circled my most sensitive part. I almost flew off the bed at the sensation.

“Too much?” When I nodded, he chuckled. “All right, we’ll go slow then.”

He started a languid, torturous pace. He kissed my inner thighs, coming closer and closer to that hidden spot. His fingers smoothed and danced all around, never quite touching where I needed.

All but squirming beneath him, I begged, “Liam, please.”

His breath was hot on my center. “Please what?”

“Put your mouth on me.” I tugged on his hair, directing him where I wanted him.

“With pleasure.”

His tongue found me once more, and this time I arched into his attentions, more than ready for it. One large finger pushed into me. I groaned in relief, but I was too hasty. He kept his motions slow and steady, torturing me with his languid pace. I bucked against his mouth.

“Patience, Red. I’ve got you.” He turned his finger just so, thrusting deep and hitting me right where I needed, while at the same time lapping me with his tongue.

My insides clenched, a precursor to what was coming.

“That’s it, not far now.” His pace quickened.

His pressure increased until my breathing was ragged, and I hovered on the edge of an enormous precipice. Then I spiraled over. Ecstasy encompassed me, threatening to drown me. I cried out Liam’s name, my nails digging into his shoulders. He didn’t stop until I finished clenching, only then did he sit up, licking his lips.

“You taste like peaches.” He crawled over me to kiss me, and I tasted myself on his lips, which was kind of hot. “That’s two, so far.”

Two orgasms already, and he hadn’t even taken off his shorts. I lay there, a panting, mushy mess, while he smirked, hardly seeming affected at all. I reached for him, gripping him through his shorts. “These need to go.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Ready for more?”

In answer, I tugged at the waistband, using both hands to free him of his shorts. Then he was gloriously naked before me, sitting on his knees on full display. I couldn’t help but touch the velvety soft skin of his cock jutting between his legs. He was magnificent.

“You approve?”

I practically purred. “Where are the condoms?”

He grabbed a few from the nightstand drawer, handing me one.

I sheathed him, then shoved him back onto the bed, needing to be on top after him being in charge for so long. “My turn.”

His eyes roved my body, obviously not minding the view. He sucked in a breath as I took him inside me, sliding over his generous length until he filled every bit of me. I sat there for a long moment, adjusting to the size of him, with my hands on his chest. Then I leaned forward and touched my lips to his.

He kissed me back, gliding his hands over my body. He played with my nipples first as he moved beneath me, then one hand slid down to my hip to hold me steady as he picked up the pace. I braced myself on his firm chest, and we moved together. Soon he gripped my hips with both his hands, our gazes locked together. I was panting, and he felt amazing, but something was missing.

“Are you going to come?” he asked, reading me perfectly.

“Not quite.”

When his thumb dipped into my mouth, I instinctively sucked on it, causing him to groan. It made a quiet pop when he left my lips. Then he slid his wet thumb to rest against my clit, creating an intense friction I didn’t know I was craving. I threw back my head, letting out a breath.

“That’s it.” His lips closed over my nipple that my new position had thrust into his face. And he increased his pace, the beginning ripples of another orgasm teasing me.

“I’m so close.”

He wet his thumb once more, sliding it back into position, and that was all it took to send me clenching around him again. This time he followed, shuddering with me. I collapsed against his chest, cradled in his strong arms. When our breathing slowed, I flopped off him.

“Wow,” I whispered.

He nodded, stripping off the condom. To my surprise, he was still hard, and he replaced the condom with another. “A few of us can stay hard for a while afterwards. Aren’t you lucky? Now roll over, I bet you like it deep.”

The thought of him thrusting into me from behind had me eagerly following directions. I started on all fours, but he nudged my elbows out from under me so my ass jutted into the air.

“Beautiful,” he murmured. He settled between my legs, sliding into me, so, so deep.

I felt a tingling right away and moaned. He’d been right, but I craved more than just what we’d done so far. I wanted it fast and hard. He started a steady rhythm, me bracing against him.

“Harder,” I said.

Those large hands gripped my hips, and he upped the pace.

It wasn’t quite enough. “Harder.”

His fingers bit into my hips, his groan mingling with the sound of our flesh slapping together as he pounded into me, branding himself into my very core. I moaned as he gave me exactly what I craved. I slipped a hand between my legs.

“Are you touching yourself?” Awe laced his tone.

I nodded.

“Fuck.” The pace increased.

The orgasm built inside me, fast and furious. I played with my clit, my breath coming in heavy pants. The first wave crashed over me. All I could do was clench and let out a high-pitched moan as I shattered again and again in a seemingly unending crescendo. When it finally released me from its clutches, I fell onto the mattress, a boneless heap with Liam beside me.

“Holy shit,” I murmured into the tangled mess of sheets.

Liam’s face was inches from mine. “I’d kiss you, but I can’t move.”

“Same.” I puckered up, pretending to blow him a kiss. “If that was our first time, we might as well stop now, ’cause there’s no way you’re going to top that.”

He scoffed. “Wanna bet?”

* * * *

The next evening, Liam and I rode to the bar together, so I could show him the real ropes of opening. I’d sent a group text to the others, asking that they come a little early because the boss had an announcement.

“Hey, guys,” I smiled at Sarah, Wyatt, and Burt as they tromped in, shooting curious looks at Liam who was stocking the fridge. “Liam! They’re here.”

He stood up, wiping his hands on a black apron I’d found for him.

Sarah grinned. “Let me guess. Weston hired you full time?”

“Well, you will be seeing a lot more of me. But no, not quite.” Liam and I exchanged a loaded glance before he said, “I’m actually the new owner of The High Five.”

“Wait, what?” Sarah’s jaw dropped.

“He’s been in the process of finalizing a few things, but it’s official now. He’s the reason the floor got fixed.” I squeezed his hand, needing him to clarify the rest.

“And Gina here is going to be one of my main managers. She’ll be starting in just over a week, once midterms are done. I can hardly wait to begin work on her many new ideas. In the interest of full disclosure, yes, we are dating. No, that had nothing to do with my choice.”

Sarah grinned at me. “You go, girl.”

I ducked my head, pleased at her reaction.

“If any of you feel like they would be good for a management position, please let me know.” He waited a beat, letting that sink in. “And if anyone has further concerns about this, feel free to discuss them with me directly. This is not my only restaurant, and I will be relying heavily on my staff to be sure things run smoothly. We have a great core team, but will definitely need more help. And the sooner, the better.”

He focused on each of us in turn. “I want all of your input on that. Recommendations, references, specific qualities to look for or avoid. If someone doesn’t fit, we need to know right away. Any questions?”

We all stood quietly.

“Good. I have an open-door policy. I want you all to have my cell number as well, especially since we’re just starting off. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other, and I’ll be working right alongside you.”

Sarah tentatively raised her hand. “Tonight, karaoke as usual?”

Liam nodded. “Yep, we won’t change that right away, if at all. It’s been a staple of this bar, but there will be other things added to increase business. You’ll all be well-informed of each new event, and we’ll be properly staffed. Anything else?” When no one spoke up, he clapped his hands together. “All right then, I guess I’ll let you get to it.”

Sarah and Burt disappeared into the main bar area, Wyatt fired up the ovens and Liam tugged me to the stairway.

“How’d I do?”

I ran a hand down his arm, linking my fingers through his. “Just fine, Boss.”

“Hmm. I like the sound of that.”

“Don’t get used to it.” But I couldn’t stop my smile. “Come on, there’s more prep to do.”

A while later, most of the tables were full, there was a wait for karaoke and it was a challenge to keep up with drinks. When we had a little lull, Sarah tugged me aside to assure me how happy she was for me, and she needed more details asap. A burst of relief shot through me. I hadn’t thought there’d be an issue, but I was thankful for the confirmation.

A familiar voice rang out over the sound system. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention. Before I sing my song, I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. You see, I am now officially the proud owner of this fine establishment, and I have a special request.”

The whole bar quieted, and I waited to see what he had up his sleeve.

“Gina, darlin’.” He put some twang in his voice. “I know you’re busy, but surely these fine folks can spare you for a minute.”

I scowled, my glare turning on Sarah as she shoved me out from behind the bar. Reluctantly, I made my way toward the stage.

“If you’ve ever been here before, you’ve most likely seen Gina. And many of you have been on the receiving end of that sharp tongue of hers.” He scanned the crowd. “Yes, men, I’m looking at you.”

The audience laughed.

“She doesn’t let us guys get away with much.” He chuckled, winking at me.

I tried not to die as I climbed the steps to the stage, gritting my teeth in a semblance of a smile. “What are you doing?”

“Just wait.” He addressed the crowd once more. “Well, this establishment is lucky to have someone as brilliant as Gina on their staff. Let’s all give our newest manager a round of applause.”

As the applause rolled in, Liam leaned away from the mic, and toward me. “Congratulations, Gina. You deserve this.”

I stood straight and tall, my cheeks hurting from smiling so wide. I’d never felt prouder.

“All right, we don’t need you getting a big head.” He winked. “I’ve got a song to sing.”

I rolled my eyes, trotting off stage as the opening bars of I Like It, I Love It started. He sang his heart out, and I knew every word was meant for me.

* * * *

We made it through that night and Friday, but didn’t see each other outside of the bar. Studying for midterms took up most of my time, and Avery claimed any spare minute for maid of honor duties, which I was happy to perform.

Liam was inundated with business meetings, paperwork, and interview after interview. Luckily several candidates panned out, including an experienced manager whose ideas meshed with my vision for the place. Our other new hires had a trial by fire, and three survived. They fit well with the rest of our group and were eager to be fully trained.

On Saturday night, Liam greeted me in passing at the bar. His wistful gaze had me wishing we could steal away upstairs for a quickie to tide me over. I was getting desperate. Liam gave me a tight smile, telling me he felt the same.

The crowd was always rowdier on the weekend. Burt had his hands full, especially with training the new bouncer. Sarah and I were running around like usual, plus we had the new girl, Jen, in the mix, who kept asking questions. I tried to keep my patience, knowing it was a lot to remember.

Liam stayed behind the bar, helping us with dish washing, pouring easier drinks, and chatting with the patrons. He was quickly becoming a fixture here, integrating himself with the business. And I loved it.

I remembered how his other businesses practically ran themselves, and how he wanted to be integral to this one. A thrill went through me at running The High Five with him. I sailed by, a tray full of drinks balanced over my shoulder. The buzzed group of fellow college students I delivered the alcohol to was thrilled, laughing and teasing me.

We bantered for a few moments until raised voices caught my attention. A clean-shaven guy I didn’t recognize was in Liam’s face at the bar.

I took a step toward them. Liam noticed and gave me a miniscule shake of his head. He had it handled. I remembered him in the parking lot behind the bar, how he’d taken on three guys at once and came out the winner.

But this was different, this was public.

“Come on, Liam! It’s the last time, I swear.” The guy’s whole demeanor seemed slightly unhinged. A wild look in his eyes made me uneasy, and my gut warned me to be ready.

Liam responded calmly, but firmly, “I told you, Brad—that was a one-time thing. You got yourself into this mess. You can get yourself out of it.”

Desperation oozed from Brad as he launched himself across the bar to clutch at Liam’s shirt with both hands. “Please! Please, you don’t know what they’ll do to me. What about Desi? What about the kids? You don’t want them to see their father go through that? Do you?”

My unease grew.

A cold, detached expression slid over Liam’s face as he pried Brad’s fingers off his chest. “Have some dignity, man.” His lip curled in disgust. “Get out of here.” He glanced at Burt, who had been watching intently, and Liam nodded.

Burt stomped over to escort Brad out, but he didn’t go quietly, shouting threats the entire way. Liam watched him leave, his shoulders rounded and his jaw clenched. Then he disappeared into the kitchen.

I told Sarah I’d be right back, needing to make sure he was all right. The only one in the kitchen was Wyatt, who pointed upstairs. I trotted up the staircase to find Liam with his head in his hands, sitting at his desk.

“Hey,” I said softly. “You okay?” I went to him.

He turned to me so fast—wrapping his arms around my waist and pressing his cheek against my stomach. I hadn’t expected that, so it took me a second to put my arms around him. I gently stroked his hair with one hand.

We stayed there for several long moments as he clung to me before he finally relaxed and sat back in his chair. I leaned against his desk, waiting for him to speak.

“Thanks.” He rubbed his hand over his face. “Brad’s in some deep shit.”

“Yeah, I remember you bailing him out before.”

“I knew he’d come back, but I hadn’t realized it’d be that hard to tell him no.”

I reached out to rest my hand on his shoulder. “You did the right thing. Sounds like he’s got a real problem and helping people like that can enable them. Sometimes they have to hit rock bottom to find their way back. It’s not easy, but maybe this will make him reevaluate his choices.”

“I hope so.” He pulled me to him for one more long hug before patting my ass. “All right, you need to get back to work. Stop mollycoddling me.”

“Mollycoddling?” I snorted. “What century are you from?”

He glared. “I’m the boss. I can use whatever words I like, thank you very much.”

I stuck my tongue out, then paused before I went downstairs. “You sure you’re good?”

He gave me a semblance of his cocky smirk. “Gina, you know I’m good.”

It wasn’t one hundred per cent his normal snark, but I’d take it.