Chapter 36
36
MAVERICK
" D on't stop," Cadence whispers, her words hanging in the air between us.
My heart pounds in my chest, threatening to burst through my ribcage. Cadence's eyes, luminous in the moonlight, hold mine with an intensity that steals my breath.
I swallow hard, my thumb still tracing circles on her hip. Every point of contact between us feels like it's on fire.
She's fire.
"Cady," I murmur, my voice raspy. "Are you sure?" Please fuck, let her be sure, because I think I'm going to die if I don't get inside her.
Her smile widens as she stretches her arms above her head, arching her back and pressing those absolutely ripe breasts into my chest. "Honey, do I look unsure to you?"
It's a little hard to focus on her face, what with the most beautiful breasts I've ever half-seen just inches away, but I finally lock eyes with her, and see exactly what I hoped I would. Absolute certainty.
I lean in, closing the distance between us, and capture her lips with mine. The kiss is soft at first, tentative as if we're both afraid this might shatter if we move too quickly. But then Cadence sighs against my mouth, her hand coming up to cup my cheek, and I'm acutely aware that her breasts are pressing against the bare skin of my chest.
The floodgates open.
I pour everything I've been feeling into the kiss - all the longing, the admiration, the growing affection that's been building since the moment I first saw her. She meets me touch for touch, lick for lick, breath for breath.
My hand slides up from her hip to the small of her back, drawing her closer. The feel of her skin under my palm is intoxicating, soft and warm and perfect. I trace the curve of her spine, marveling at the way she arches into my touch.
My head spins and I feel like a kid walking through the gates at an amusement park, too excited to pick a direction.
We break apart, both gasping for air. I rest my forehead against hers, overwhelmed by the intensity of my emotions. "God, Cady," I breathe. "You're incredible."
She laughs softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "You're not so bad yourself, Boss"
"Promise me you'll call me that again…later." As much as I don't want her thinking of me as her boss in the daytime, at night, I'm really fucking good with it.
I pull back slightly, drinking in the sight of her. Her hair is tousled, her lips swollen from our kisses, her cheeks flushed with desire. She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
"What?" she asks, a hint of self-consciousness creeping into her voice.
I shake my head, smiling. "Just admiring the view," I tell her honestly. "You're fucking stunning."
I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, then the tip of her nose, then finally her lips. This kiss is different from before - slower, deeper, filled with all the words I can't quite bring myself to say yet. Not because I don't feel them, but because I won't risk scaring her away.
As we kiss, I slide onto the bed, throwing a leg over her hips. My legs brush along hers and I freeze, hovering over her, chest to chest. I break away, trailing kisses along her jaw and down her neck. She sighs, her fingers threading through my hair.
"Are you….is this okay?" I murmur against her skin, worried she's going to cramp up again. I don't want anything getting between us. The second that thought crosses my mind, I jump up, cross to the door and lock it, then dive back into the bed, rolling back on top of her, riding the waves of her laughter.
"Smart man," she breathes.
"We're not stopping…unless you want to. But I'm not going to risk Nan walking in here, worried. So, no screaming Cadence. You cover your mouth with a pillow if you need to."
Her eyes light with something that makes my stomach clench. My thighs start trembling when she speaks, her voice a low, sultry growl. "Oh honey, I love the confidence, but between the two of us, you're the one that's going to be screaming."
I fucking hope so.
"Game on," I mumble, staring down at her breasts. "But just saying, I always win." Though I don't think I'll ever mind losing to her.
I shift, aligning our bodies, and we both gasp at the contact. The heat between driving away all thoughts except the need to be closer, to feel more.
"Brace yourself", I tell her, and she laughs. That musical sound sends a shiver down my spine and pools like heat in my groin. She's so damn responsive—I love it. Her laughter cuts off on a gasp as I press my lips to her belly button, biting and licking, my stubble brushing her soft skin. Her fingers tangle in my hair, holding me there as her body arches off the bed.
I want to devour her, consume her, brand her as mine. Slowly, I drag my tongue up her body, feeling her shiver with each swipe. Her breath quickens, turning into these little pants that drive me wild.
When I reach her breasts, I take my time, lavishing attention on each nipple, kissing, sucking, biting gently, while my hand pays equal attention to its twin. She tastes like honey and spice, and I can't get enough.
Her hands squeeze my shoulders, fingers digging into my skin as I alternate between her breasts. Her hips rock against me, seeking friction, but I'm not done with her yet. With each nip and tug of my teeth, she gasps, and finally, she has to pull one hand out of my hair to cover her mouth. Victory is mine. I can feel it.
As I trail kisses up her neck, her hands fall away, landing on the bed beside her, palms up like she's offering herself to me. I pause, looking down at her, and she meets my eyes, hers dark and hazy with desire.
"Maverick," she breathes, and it's almost my undoing. I feel her body move restlessly beneath me, a silent invitation to take things further. And God help me, I want to.
But not yet.
I place a gentle kiss on her lips, then trail kisses down her jaw, along her neck. Her pulse beats frantically under my lips, and I love knowing that I'm the cause.
My mouth finds that sweet spot where her neck meets her shoulder, and I suck gently, feeling her shudder. What is it about that simple movement that just makes me feel like I'm the sexiest man on the planet?
"Mav," she gasps, and that single syllable, torn from her in the heat of passion, sends a shot of triumph straight to my cock. I want to hear her say my name again, over and over. I want her to lose her voice because she screamed her way through orgasm after orgasm.
I drag my tongue along the column of her throat, down to the valley between her breasts. Slowly, I work my way back up, taking my time, savoring every inch of her silky skin.
Her breath comes in short, sharp bursts now, and her hands return to my hair, holding me close, guiding me where she wants me. Her body moves restlessly beneath me, her hips arching off the bed, seeking friction.
She's a wildfire, burning out of control, and I'm helpless to do anything but let myself be consumed.
I pin her hands above her head, reveling in the way she writhes beneath me, and her eyes flash with challenge.
"I want to touch you," she murmurs against my mouth, her hips rocking gently against mine.
"I'm in charge," I whisper, nipping at her lower lip. I can feel her smile against my mouth, sense the mischief in her eyes even before she speaks.
"Oh really?" she teases, and then with a swiftness that takes me by surprise, she flips us, so she's straddling my waist, her eyes glittering with triumph.
Well, hell.
I can't help the laugh that bubbles up, erupting into a giggle that I try to smother. I will not have a giggle fit now, dammit. But fuck, this woman throws me off-balance in the best possible way.
She settles herself comfortably on my hips, looking down at me with a wicked smile, and my breath hitches at the sight. Her hair spills around her face like a halo, her eyes sparkling with desire and something more. She exudes a confidence that's damn sexy, and I feel a surge of triumph that she wants me this much.
Her hands begin to explore, mirroring my earlier touch as she skims my chest, shoulders, and stomach with a feather-light touch that makes my skin buzz. Her fingers dip into the hollow of my collarbones, tracing the curve of my pecs, dragging nails lightly down my sides. She spends extra time on my nipples, circling, pinching, tugging, eliciting a hiss of pleasure from me.
My hands flex at my sides, the urge to touch her, to pull her back down so I can lose myself in her body, nearly overwhelming. But I force myself to lie still, knowing she won't deny me for long. And honestly, the view from here ain't bad.
She sits back, her hands trailing down my abs, her eyes following the path her fingers trace. Raising her hips, her thumbs dip into the waistband of my boxers, threatening to slip beneath, but then she skates her touch upward again, tracing the contours of my hips, my ribs, the planes of my chest.
Her touch is driving me mad, setting every nerve ending alight. The need to touch her, to flip her back underneath me and take control, is almost overwhelming. But I want to see where she takes this, what she does next. I want to see the wanton, passionate woman who moves with such confidence.
Her eyes, dark and hazy, find mine, and she bites her lip, a gesture that's damn near my undoing. "Maverick," she breathes, and I feel my cock twitch in response. "You're beautiful, you know that?"
I feel anything but beautiful in this moment, all hard edges and needy, wanting nothing more than to feel her body under mine again, to watch her fall apart as I drive into her. But if she likes what she sees, I don't give a fuck what she calls it.
Her hand comes up, her thumb swiping gently across my lower lip, and I lean into the touch, capturing her thumb between my teeth. She hisses, her hips rocking gently, and her free hand fists in the sheet beside my head. I let go of her thumb, dragging my teeth along her knuckles, and she moans, her eyes fluttering closed.
My other hand comes up, cupping her jaw, guiding her closer so I can taste her again. But just as our lips are about to touch, she pulls back, a wicked smile curving her lips.
"Now, Maverick," she says, her voice a silken purr. "I believe it's my turn."
And with that, she shifts her weight, and I groan as she slides down my body, her hair trailing across my heated skin like a brand.
Oh, we're definitely getting that pillow.
I'm shaking with the effort of holding back, my breath coming in harsh gasps as she works my underwear down my legs, her hands maddeningly soft against my skin. She takes her sweet time, drawing the fabric down inch by inch, her fingers trailing lightly along my thighs, my calves, my feet.
The cool air hits me as the underwear clears my legs, and I hiss at the sudden sensation. But then she's back, her hands sliding up my legs, her touch sending sparks of electricity through my veins.
She settles herself between my legs, her eyes dark and unreadable, holding mine as she takes my cock in her hand, slowly pumping it. My hips buck at the contact, seeking more.
"God, Cady," I breathe, my voice rough with need. "Don't tease."
She just smiles, that wicked, playful smile that makes my stomach clench. Leaning down, she presses a soft kiss to the inside of my thigh, her breath warm against my skin. "I'm not teasing," she murmurs. "I'm savoring."
Her lips trail up my thigh, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She pauses when she reaches the juncture of my thigh and hip, placing another soft kiss there, her breath tickling the sensitive skin.
"Please," I beg, my voice strained. "I need your mouth." This is so not how I pictured this going. My plan was to make her beg, not the other way around.
Am I going to do anything about it? Yeah.
Later.
She chuckles, the vibrations humming through me. "Patience, Counselor," she says, her lips moving against my skin. "Good things come to those who wait."
My low laugh is a mix of amusement and sheer torture. "I'm not known for my patience," I tell her, my hips arching off the bed, seeking the heat of her mouth.
"I noticed," she says, her eyes glinting with amusement. Slowly, torturously, she drags her tongue along the crease of my thigh, the tip just brushing the undersurface of my cock.
I hiss at the sensation, my hands fisting in the sheets. "Dammit, Cady. Please."
She hums, a playful sound that does nothing to ease the coil of tension inside me. Her eyes, bright with desire, meet mine. "What do you want, Maverick?" she asks softly, her thumbs brushing the sensitive skin of my inner thighs.
I can't take the game anymore. Arching my hips, I thrust gently into her hand, seeking the wet heat of her mouth. "Put your mouth on my cock," I order, my voice harsh with need. "Now."
That does it. "Yes sir," she says with a soft laugh, leaning down, her hair brushing my skin as she takes the head of my cock into her mouth.
Holy mother of God.
The sensation of her lips, soft and warm, wrapping around me is almost too much. I groan, my hips bucking involuntarily as she teases me with her tongue, swirling it around the head before taking me deeper.
She hollows her cheeks, sucking gently as she pulls back, and I feel the drag of her tongue along the underside of my cock.
It's too much. My head falls back, my hands clenching the sheets as I give myself over to the pleasure. She sets a brutal pace, taking me deep, swirling her tongue, sucking gently, one hand gently squeezing and rolling my balls. She's a fucking magician-witch-sex-goddess sent here to torture me.
This is the best day of my life.
The coil of tension inside me winds tighter with each stroke, the pressure building until I'm hovering on the edge of release.
"Cady," I breathe, my voice little more than a rasp. "I'm close."
She hums around me, sending vibrations through me that tighten every muscle in my body. I can feel the orgasm building, a tidal wave of pleasure poised to crash over me.
Oh hell no.
The second she pulls back, I grab her under her arm and pull her up my body, until she's straddling my chest. "I'm not going out that way baby. Now come sit on my face."
She fucking does it. No hesitation, no shyness, she just lifts up, letting my hands support her ass, and settles herself on my face.
My hands, still gripping her hips, squeeze reflexively at the feel of her, soft and hot, settling over my mouth. She's so damn bold, this woman, and it sends a rush of heat through me. I let my thumbs drag gently over the crease of her thigh, marveling at the silky smooth skin, enjoying the soft curve of her.
I want to taste every inch of her, brand her as mine, and I do. My tongue teases and strokes, finding her clit, circling and flicking, making her moan and shift her hips. I take her moans as encouragement, sucking gently, humming against her, making her keen and whimper. She tastes like honey and arousal, and I can't get enough.
My thumbs brush her entrance, seeking, and finding her slick, wet heat. One thumb presses inside, her muscles clenching around me, and I groan at the feel of her. She tastes fucking amazing, and knowing she's getting off on this as much as I am drives me wild.
Above me, she keens, her grip tightening in my hair, her hips rocking against my face. "Maverick," she breathes, her voice heavy with need. "Don't stop."
What am I? A fucking asshole? No way am I stopping.
I add a second thumb, stretching her, stroking gently, loving the way she moves with me, the sounds she makes, like music in my ears. Her pleasure is my pleasure, and I want to give her everything.
My tongue works her clit, circling and stroking as my thumbs thrust gently inside her. Her hips begin to move in earnest now, riding my face, seeking her release. I give it to her, not holding back, wanting her to fly apart in my arms.
It doesn't take long. Her body tenses, every muscle going tight, and she starts to shake. I press my thumbs deeper, curling them just so, and that sends her over the edge. She cries out, then snatches the pillow from next to my head, using it to cover her mouth, her body trembling as the waves of her orgasm wash over her.
I keep working her through it, drawing out her pleasure, wanting to give her everything. She rides out the storm, screaming into the pillow, her body pulsing around my thumbs.
Slowly, she comes down, her body going lax, boneless, against mine. I pull my thumbs free, reluctantly, and she whimpers, a soft sound of protest. I catch her, gently lowering her to her side and slide up her body, grinning as she nuzzles into my chest.
I spend a moment just enjoying the feel of her, the sound of her breath evening out, the soft press of her breasts against my side. But the need burning through my veins won't be ignored. I have to be inside her. Now.
With a gentle hand on her shoulder, I roll her onto her back, claiming her mouth in a kiss that's deep and hungry.
I reach for the bedside table, fumbling open the drawer, my breath coming in harsh gasps as I search for a condom. Finally, my fingers close around one, and I tear it open as I nudge my way between her legs, my hands shaking slightly as I roll it on.
I line myself up, lifting and spreading her knees, opening her to me. Then, eyes never leaving hers, and thrust forward, claiming her as my own. She's so damn wet and ready, taking me in with ease, and it's perfect.
Her eyes, dark and hazy, hold mine as I stretch her, fill her. Her legs wrap around my waist, pulling me closer, her hips arching to meet me. I start to move, slowly at first, reveling in the feel of her around me, tight and hot.
She lets out a breathy laugh, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "That's good," she murmurs, her hands skimming down my back. "But I'm lazy tonight, so you're going to have to do the work. My bones are melted."
I laugh, the sound turning into a groan as I thrust into her. "Your wish is my command, Miss Lazybones." I set a brutal pace, driving into her, my hands gripping her hips, holding her still for the onslaught.
She moans, her head falling back, her breasts jiggling with each snap of my hips. I lean down, capturing a nipple between my teeth, tugging gently as I continue to thrust, knowing how much she loves the contrast.
"Oh, God, Maverick," she moans, her fingers digging into my arms. "Right there."
Her inner muscles clench around me, and I know I won't last much longer. I swirl my tongue around her nipple, relishing the little sounds she makes, the way her body moves with mine.
The way her eyes widen and she throws her head back as she comes again, clenching around me.
I lift my head, capturing her lips in a savage kiss as I thrust into her, again and again, seeking my own release, forcing her to ride the waves of hers.
The orgasm hits me like a freight train, a white-hot rush of pleasure that takes me by surprise. I groan, my hips stuttering as I spill myself into her, my hands tightening on her hips, anchoring me as I fucking dissolve.
For a moment, I'm incapable of thought, my body humming with satisfaction. I rest my forehead against hers, feeling her breath on my skin, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on my back.
Gradually, my heart stops trying to pound its way out of my chest, and I raise my head, flashing her a lopsided smile. "Hey there," I murmur softly, brushing a lock of hair off her face.
She smiles back, her eyes bright and satisfied, and my heart does a funny little flip in my chest. "Hey yourself," she says, her voice warm and relaxed.
We lie there in comfortable silence for a while, just basking in each other's presence. I trace lazy patterns on her back, marveling at how right this feels. It's like all the pieces of my life have finally fallen into place.
Eventually, Cadence shifts, propping herself up on an elbow to look at me. "You look like you have a busy brain," she says, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
I smile, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm thinking about how lucky I am," I tell her honestly. "How grateful I am that you came into my life."
Her eyes soften, and she leans down to press a gentle kiss to my lips. "I feel the same way," she murmurs against my mouth.
We share a few more lazy kisses before Cadence settles back against my chest. I wrap my arms around her, content to hold her close.
"You know," I say after a moment, "I never expected this when I bought that club. Never imagined I'd meet someone like you."
Maybe we would have met again anyway. She was in our orbit already, thanks to the rescue. But I can admit that I probably wouldn’t have gone back there unless my brothers dragged me. Animals aren’t really my thing.
At least they weren’t.
Cadence chuckles softly. "Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn't it?"
I nod, thinking about all the twists and turns that led us here. "It sure does. But I wouldn't change a thing."
"Not even the part where you fell face-first into John's crotch?" Cadence teases, her eyes twinkling.
I groan, covering my face with my free hand. "You had to bring that up, didn't you?"
She laughs, the sound making me so fucking happy. "I will never, not for the rest of my life, forget that. I mean the pitch of John's scream nearly shattered the glasses behind the bar."
"I'm never drinking again," I vow, dropping my lips against her cheek. “Unless it's a birthday party. Or we're on the deck and it's hot and Ransom hands me a beer. But otherwise, never again."
"Umm," she says. "About that. I have to make a confession."
"Confess away, baby."
She exhales a breath. "I took advantage of you when you were drunk."
This conversation just got really fucking interesting. I sit up and pin her with what Ransom calls my 'imperious eyebrow'. "You took advantage of me? Explain."
She bites that already swollen lip of hers, and my cock perks up…again. Way to go big buddy.
"Well, it was that night you got naked and fell off the pole. I um…helped you off the stage. And you were just so drunk and funny and sweet and there was so much skin." She sucks in a big breath, then continues. "And it was wrong, I know. But I…I kinda kissed you. Not like a peck. I full on ravaged your mouth. Well, you ravaged my mouth. We ravaged each other."
"I fucking knew it! I knew those dreams were too real." They've been haunting me for months. I knew the feel of her skin, and the way she tasted because we'd had a fucking moment before!
Her face crinkles up. "I'm sorry. You said you wouldn't remember, so I went for it."
"I didn't remember it. But I did. I dreamed of you every fucking night. Fuck woman, you're going to make it up to me right now."
"Make it up to you how?"
I haul her off the bed, spinning her until her bare ass is pressed to my thighs. "We're going to recreate that night, right fucking now."
"Whatever you say, boss."