Chapter 14
Fourteen
Nicholas
L ast night I slept better than I ever have in my life. Maeve held me, which was the first time that’s ever happened. No woman has ever slept in my bed. Typically, I take all dates to one of the hotel rooms, not my personally space. I couldn’t do that with her since we’re sold out. And I never spend the night with them. Ever.
Maeve clearly didn’t appreciate my efforts because I wake up to an empty bed. No, I will not pout. Although I might consider tying her to the bed tonight. If I decide to share a bed again with her.
I find Maeve at the kitchen island eating a muffin. She’s wearing one of my gray shirts and a pair of briefs. Guess she got tired of not having any underwear, so she stole mine. The shirt I don’t mind, but the underwear is a nuisance. We started this journey with her being commando, so it’s only right we ride it out that way. She has her hair in a messy bun on top of her head, revealing her long delicate neck. In the center is a clear crystal vase with a few red roses. Her long finger lightly traces along one of the rose’s deep red petals.
“Watch for thorns.”
The little gasps she releases brings back memories from last night. She looks over her shoulder and gives me a smile that hits me in the gut. “Good morning.”
“Morning. I guess you didn’t sleep well?” When her brows furrow, I continue, “Since you’re already awake.”
“Awe. Did you miss me?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” I lean over the island and lower my voice. “I’m trying to be a good host. I want to ensure my accommodations have been satisfactory.”
She hums. “I’d rate it an eight.”
“An eight?”
“I’ve had…better.” She bites her bottom lip, trying to fight back her smirk.
And eight…and she’s had better…
My voice is eerily calm even to my own ears. “Well, we can’t have that.” Somebody woke up this morning and chose violence. Lucky for her, I’m always ready for a challenge. I reach over and take one of the roses she’s been toying with. I slowly trace the curve of her jaw.
“Stand.”
“What are you doing?”
I pop her nose with the rose. “Stand,” I command. When she does, I take my time allowing my eyes to roam over her. I run the rose along her neck and I circle it. Since she put her hair up that makes this easier. Then I circle her and run the delicate flower around her upper thighs. “Remove these.” I swat her between the legs. Surprisingly, she doesn’t argue or back talk. I don’t get nervous easily, but her being compliant has me feeling a little uneasy. “Now the shirt.”
“I like how you’re being bossy when the deal was for my benefit. Shouldn’t I be the one telling you to strip?” There she is.
“Go lie on the bed. You know, the one you left me in. Alone.”
“I was hungry.”
“So am I. Go to the bed so I can have my breakfast.”
She starts to bend down to pick up her clothes, but I swat her hand with the rose. “Ouch! Thorns.”
“Stop disobeying me or I’ll use only the stem on you.”
Her ass jiggling from her stomping to the room is adorable. I remove my briefs as I follow her. She crawls on to the bed and scowls at me. “I thought you were hungry.”
“I am.”
“Then go eat. Did you come to torture me more with your flower.”
“I’m about to eat, and yes, I think I will.” I place the rose down on the bed. I grab her ankles and slide her until her ass is at the edge of the bed. Being on my knees makes me eye level with her pussy. I blow on it, and she tries to bring her knees together.
I pick up the rose and then run the delicate petals gently along her seam. Only the faintest of touches on her. Just enough to tease and send shivers. I tickle along her sides and between her breasts. Finally, I place the rose down, so I can use my hands to hold her thighs. “Time for breakfast.”
I’d eaten Maeve out until I was out of breath and her body was glistening with sweat. Only then did I stop torturing her with orgasms and call for room service to deliver breakfast. While we eat breakfast in bed, wearing bathrobes, we chat about her life, dreams, friends, and basically all the things one would discuss on a first date.
I kept all details about my life vague. Despite her cousins being the owners of KO, Maeve seems extremely sheltered from the underground world and life of gangsters. Plus, I never share much. I value my privacy above all else. Information is dangerous. Unlike her, I don’t go off telling strangers all my personal information.
“When do you have to get back to work?” I ask.
“Monday.” She pops a grape in her mouth. “When do you have to get back? You’ve been spending all your morning with me.”
“I’m an excellent multitasker, which I’m sure you noticed.” I wink at her. “Since you work in public relations, can’t you work from anywhere? Do you have to go back Monday?”
Instantly I feel shame. What was that? I sound like a clingy, whiny little bitch. She’s leaving. Of course she is. I enjoy owning her pussy, but I’m not a dating guy.
“Yes and no. I still need to get back either way.”
“Let’s leave it up to fate.” I remove our trays of food. I pick up the rose and twirl it between my fingers. “Feel like a little gambling?”
“You’re the perfect casino owner. All you do is gamble. Everything is a bet for you.”
“All I heard is you think I’m perfect.”
She playfully rolls her eyes. “Let’s hear it.”
“Ha. And you can’t resist playing along.” Which works highly in my favor. I untie her robe to expose her nude body. I pluck a single petal from the rose. “She stays ‘til Monday.” I tilt the rose toward her. I raise my brows to indict for her to pull a petal. “Come on. I know you’ve pulled flower petals before. Most likely saying, he loves me, he loves me not. ”
“She doesn’t stay ‘til Monday.”
“She stays ‘til Monday.”
“She doesn’t stay ‘til Monday.”
This continues until there’s a scattering of red petals along her breast and navel, and only one petal remains. I bring the rose to my lips and pluck the petal using my teeth. Then I take it between my fingers and use the petal to trace along her pebbled nipples. I whisper darkly against Maeve’s skin, “she stays ‘til Monday.”
I need more time with her. I won’t admit it, but our chemistry is undeniable. I’m grateful I just bought myself one more day.
One more day.