21. Athena
TWENTY-ONE
ATHENA
I woke up wearing nothing but my underwear. My hair had been pulled back and my face cleaned. I snuggled deeper into the soft sheets, the quilt tucked around me. A familiar, masculine scent surrounded me and I stretched out leisurely, my muscles relaxed.
The creak of a door sounded and I quickly sat up, dizziness overwhelming me. I rubbed at my temples and met Manuel’s amused gaze. He was wearing nothing but a towel, his body wet from a shower.
I let my eyes roam his glistening pecs and the firm planes of his midsection. The silver fox was in top shape, that much was becoming increasingly obvious.
I bit my lip, picturing myself licking every inch of his sculpted stomach.
“How are you feeling?” He laughed, clearly amused by my ogling.
“Great,” I murmured as he dropped the towel and started getting dressed in front of me. “Just great. Totally… great.”
Now my vocabulary was suffering too. Nothing spoke of a promising career in writing like a limited vocabulary. I glanced around the luxurious bedroom with sleek modern furniture and couldn’t pinpoint a single item that seemed personal to Manuel.
“Where are we?”
“One of my penthouses.”
“Is this where you bring your women?” I winced at the blatant jealousy my words broadcasted.
“You’re the first one.”
“Oh.” I glanced at him and found him sorting through his clothes. “Did I embarrass myself last night?” Please say no. Please say no.
“You’re a cute drunk,” he said as he pulled on his slacks and tightened his belt. I narrowed my eyes on him. “And don’t worry, I didn’t take advantage of you.” He flicked his chin toward the bedside table. “Take more aspirin and drink some water, then try to get some food in your stomach.”
Gosh, he’d thought of everything. I reached for the pill bottle and washed a couple down with water, then took a bite of the plain waffle.
“I should apologize,” I mumbled around a mouthful.
He chuckled. “I actually had fun.”
“You did?”
“Like I said, you’re a fun drunk. You talked a lot.”
I covered my face with my hands. “Shit. Did I tell you all my secrets?”
Now dressed, he came over and sat next to me. “You told me about your friends, about your writing. Something about chopping up a body, but you slurred a lot during that story, so you’ll have to tell me more about it later.” There was no way I’d ever share that secret. It was Reina’s secret to tell. “Oh, and you talked a lot about fucking me. You said you want to take advantage of me in some rather naughty ways. I almost blushed.”
Horror and shame filled me and I pulled the covers over my head, leaving me bare to him from the waist down aside from the panties. “Oh my God.”
“Don’t hide from me. It only makes me want you more.” He pinched my side and I squirmed, a giggle bubbling to the surface. “I liked your dirty talk. If you’d been sober, I would’ve had my way with you.”
The corners of my lips hitched despite my embarrassment. “You would, huh?”
“ Certamente , amorina .”
I batted my eyelashes seductively. “You could… you know… punish me. Since I made you leave the club when you were having so much fun and everything.”
He let my words hang in the air for a solid three seconds before he issued a demand. “Get in front of the mirror and kneel. I’m going to fuck that smart mouth of yours.”
Arousal and anticipation sent shivers dancing across my skin. I glanced across the bedroom where a large standing mirror stood, watching as my blush spread deeper.
Snaking his hand between my legs, he cupped my pussy, the thin fabric doing nothing to conceal how soaked I was. He slammed his mouth on mine for a scorching kiss, our tongues tangling, exploring, then without a warning, he lightly slapped my core.
My eyes flared. “What?—”
“I expect to be obeyed. Get over there, on your knees, hands behind your back.”
I gasped, then understanding dawned on me. I grumbled half-heartedly as I slid off the bed, sauntering across the room before flicking a glance over my shoulder.
“Just so we understand each other… I’m only obeying because I want this.”
Then I lowered to my knees, holding his stare the entire time. He stood up and made his way over to me leisurely.
He palmed the side of my cheek, running his thumb over my mouth as he unbuckled his pants, the sound of his zipper sending a seductive echo through the space.
“Whose pretty mouth is this, amorina ?” he rasped, fisting his hard length.
“Yours,” I answered eagerly, licking my lips.
He chuckled darkly. “No more drunken recklessness. Not when you’re alone and vulnerable.”
“I wasn’t alone.”
“You weren’t with me,” he tutted. “Now, do you want to be punished or rewarded?”
Fuck, what did I want? I was tempted to ask what made up each category but decided against it.
“Both?”
His eyes heated and his cock visibly hardened. I couldn’t help a smug smile from spreading on my face.
“You’re a naughty girl,” he said darkly. “Open your mouth.”
I tilted my chin and opened my mouth. His length was already dripping with pre-cum, and he smeared it over my bottom lip. I darted my tongue out and licked it clean, the musky taste going straight to my core.
“Mmmm,” I moaned appreciatively. “Are you going to choke me with your cock now? Punish me for getting tipsy?”
He thrust all the way to the back of my throat without warning.
“That’s enough talking.” The arousal in his eyes matched my own, and I could see his pulse fluttering on his broad neck. He might seem cool and collected, but I knew this man was at my mercy.
I forced my throat to relax, welcoming his thick length. I teased the tip of his cock with my tongue, sucking and moaning around it as he thrust in and out.
His hand slinked around to the nape of my neck, tangling his fingers in my hair and driving his dick into my mouth. He fucked my face like a man possessed .
“Look,” he gritted, never easing his thrusts. “Look at who owns you.”
From my position, I managed to dart my eyes to the mirror. My eyes widened as I took in our reflection, and I had to clench my thighs. It was the most erotic thing I’d ever seen. Nothing—fucking nothing —came even close to this.
My swollen red lips wrapped around his engorged cock, tears streaming down my face as he dominated my mouth. It was so damn hot . Being on my knees for him. Bringing him pleasure. I was so wet there had to be a puddle around me.
“Such a dirty girl. I’m wrecking your mouth, but you’re wrecking me.” I gagged and choked, taking him in deeper. The sounds were animalistic as they bounced up my throat, desperate for his cum. He must have seen it on my face as I bobbed my head. Up and down. Panting and whimpering. “You want my cum painting your throat, your face. Don’t you?”
I blinked, nodding furiously.
I’m ruined.
I’d never been fond of giving blowjobs, but I was beginning to think with the right partner, it might just be my new favorite thing. Because as it stood, I felt like I might die if I didn’t get him off.
“Touch your pussy for me,” he grunted in between thrusts.
Without hesitation, I did as he commanded, pushing my fingers into my panties. My slickness coated my pussy. I circled my clit, humming in pleasure.
“ Cazzo, amorina . You’re doing so good.” I moaned again and his nostrils flared. “Your mouth looks beautiful filled with my cock.”
He thrust faster and I rubbed my throbbing clit mindlessly, my muffled cries spurring him on.
I pushed a finger inside my clenching pussy, whimpering with an impending orgasm that threatened to erupt like a volcano.
My eyelids fluttered shut and he barked, “Eyes on us. Watch me smear my cum all over you, my greedy little slut.”
He fucked my face viciously, bruising my mouth. Each thrust of his hips brought us both closer to release.
He reached down and pinched my nipple, and stars exploded in my vision. My body shuddered and my hips jerked. The climax ripped through me as he pounded himself into my mouth.
I caught a glimpse of us in the mirror. We looked undone. Manuel dressed in his three-piece suit with me kneeling in front of him in my black lace panties. His hand gripped my hair while rope after rope of his cum filled my mouth.
Without warning, his fingers yanked my hair forward, and with a final violent thrust, he buried himself further. My nose pressed against his skin, I felt like I could come again.
I greedily sucked his shaft, swallowing every last drop.
When he finally released me, I collapsed against the mirror, my jaw aching as I scrambled to suck in cool air. He stood in front of me, his breaths just as harsh, watching me with an indecipherable look in his eyes.
He scooped me up into his strong arms and I squealed, but his mouth found mine, swallowing the sound and giving me the most tender kiss of my life.
“What are you doing?” I breathed, my muscles limp as he dropped me on the bed.
“I’m rewarding you.” He dragged my panties down my legs, then grasped the back of my neck, pressing his mouth to mine again before murmuring against my lips, “Lie back and spread your legs.”
His hand slid between my legs, pushing two fingers inside me, and I dropped my head back against the pillows with a moan.
Slipping his fingers out of me, he grasped the backs of my thighs, hooking them over his shoulders.
“My turn,” he grunted as he settled between my legs.
Pleasure instantly tore through me, filling me with an inferno as he licked and sucked on my clit. He moved his mouth over me, nipping gently as I clutched at the sheets.
Then he dragged his tongue down and pushed into me, fucking my pussy with it, until he had me losing my mind.
I raked my fingers through his hair, tugging on him and grinding against his face.
“Oh… my… please,” I panted.
He pulled away, kissing the inside of my thigh.
“Tell me what you want,” he whispered, his thumb brushing over my pussy. I pushed my hips back up to his face, but his grip on me was firm.
Our eyes locked and I bit down on my lip harshly. “Use your tongue, your cock, whatever you want. But for the love of all that’s holy, fuck me already.”
He smirked, then dove back in, replacing his tongue with his fingers. My legs hooked over his shoulders, his dark head working me expertly, he grunted like he was enjoying the best meal of his life. It took mere minutes to bring me to the edge as he latched on to my clit and sucked, his eyes never leaving mine.
Just like that, I came all over his tongue while he continued lapping at me, leaving me breathless and shuddering.
“We’re not done yet,” he gritted, gently setting my limp legs back on his bed.
Pulling away, I got a good look at his sweat-slicked chest. God, this man had a gorgeous body. Sculpted muscles that would put any statue to shame. And then there was the matter of his thick cock.
He leaned over me, holding himself up on his strong forearm, and used his free hand to position his cock against my throbbing entrance.
The moment he pushed the tip into me, we both groaned.
“ Cazzo .”
“Fuck.”
He smiled at me and pushed all the way in, filling me to the hilt.
“There’s no going back from you.” My arms wrapped around his neck and my legs around his hips. “Your pussy was made for me.”
I was barely hanging on to reality as he rolled his hips, fucking me languidly. He bent his head and kissed me as he moved in and out. I moaned into his mouth, needing more.
“Harder,” I pleaded.
He wrapped a hand around my throat and our eyes connected as he slammed back into me.
“Ohhhh,” I whimpered, my eyes fluttering shut.
“Eyes on me when I fuck you, amorina ,” he grunted, and my lids flickered open, meeting his onyx gaze. Fuck, I wouldn’t make it long if he kept talking like that.
He brought his lips to my neck, marking me. He held my hip with his other hand as he thrust into me over and over, his groans and my moans the perfect harmony.
“I can feel your greedy pussy taking my cock so good.” He released my throat, his hand reaching between our bodies before he moved his thumb over my clit. “So fucking perfect.” Thrust. “That’s my good girl.” Thrust. “All mine.”
The sound of flesh smacking against flesh filled the air. I was an incoherent mess, my pussy swollen and throbbing, juices trickling down my thighs. His pace increased, and he circled my swollen clit with abandon.
My muscles contracted around his shaft as another powerful orgasm washed over me.
“ Dio , you’re perfetta ,” he groaned, pounding me through my orgasm.
He came with a roar, spurting his cum inside me. I could feel his length twitching inside my throbbing pussy. My muscles quivered from the intensity, and I was certain I’d be walking funny for days.
He collapsed on the bed, then wrapped his arms around me, both of us trying to catch our breath. I sprawled on top of him, enjoying his protection and heat, while his hand swept up and down my back.
He pressed a tender kiss to my mouth.
“ Non ti lascerò mai ,” he murmured, his hand brushing across my cheek.
My brow furrowed. “What does that mean?”
His mouth curved wickedly as he sat up, his eyes falling to my thighs where his cum was smeared.
He reached out, ran a finger through it, and said, “Best sex ever.” Then he brought the same finger to my mouth.
“Ditto,” I agreed, parting my lips.
The salty taste of him flooded my tongue as I sucked his finger clean. This man had turned me inside out, and I feared he was quickly becoming my addiction.
But the look in his eyes—possessive and dark—told me I wasn’t alone.
“I should probably get going,” I muttered, suddenly uncomfortable with this moment of affection. Or maybe it was the expression on his face that set me on edge. I didn’t know what it was, but my usual instincts to run at the first sign of intimacy flared.
His arm tightened around me.
“Not yet,” he murmured. “You’re not sneaking out of here this time.”
“There was no sneaking out last time.” Seeing the knowing look in his eyes made me blush. “Besides, don’t you have some mafia work to do?”
He chuckled. “And what do you know about the mafia?”
I shrugged. “Not much, but I know you don’t get sick days.”
He nudged my face toward his, pressing a kiss on my nose. “Well, I’m taking free time now. We’re enjoying each other.”
My eyebrow shot up. “Enjoying each other?”
“ Sì .”
I slid my hands around him. “You mean you want more sex.”
He paused, his beautiful mouth tipping into a frown. “No, I mean I’m trying to get to know you. We don’t just have to have sex.”
I rolled my eyes. “Now I know you’re shitting me.”
“Athena, Italian men don’t shit you.” Okay, maybe things were getting lost in translation, but before I could think of a better explanation, he changed the subject.
“So, why romance novels?” he asked curiously.
“Huh?” My head was spinning. “What do you mean?”
“Why do you write romance novels? Why not thrillers or mysteries?” I narrowed my eyes on him and he sighed. “You told me last night that I’m your muse.”
Ah, that checked out. Damn drunk honesty.
I shrugged, clearing my throat uncomfortably. “I don’t know.”
He studied me for a few heartbeats before answering. “Yes, you do.”
I shook my head, trying to get rid of the strange urge to tell him what I’d never told anyone.
I cleared my throat. “You’ll laugh.”
“I swear on my life that I won’t.”
I sighed, locking eyes with him. “I love the idea of love.”
His brows furrowed. “Explain.” Then as if he remembered his manners, he added, “ Ti prego .”
“I really need to download Duolingo and start learning some basic Italian,” I grumbled.
“Please,” he translated.
Sliding out of his arms, I brought my knees to my chest and wrapped my hands around them. For a minute, maybe more, I stared out the window, focusing on the clear blue sky. He must have sensed I needed a moment, because he remained quiet, waiting patiently.
“I know I said last night that I believe love brings nothing but trouble and pain—yes, I do remember some of my drunken rambling—but the truth is… I’ve never been in love,” I finally admitted. “I’ve never seen it either. Well, except with Reina and Isla, but even then, it seems so… intangible. So, in order to experience it for myself, I write about it. Versions of how I envision being in love feels, I guess.” It seemed ridiculous now that I was saying it out loud. “I also read a lot of romance novels. It lets me feel all the emotions through thousands of different stories, breaking my heart only for it to be pieced back together with happily-ever-afters.” I let out a sardonic breath, flapping my hands in resignation. “I guess it’s my escape too. So there you have it.”
Silence stretched, his dark eyes pulling me into their depths. I couldn’t interpret the look in them, but something about it made my heart flip.
“Trust me, love exists.” He cupped my face, bringing our noses a breath apart.
I let out an uncomfortable laugh. “You Italians are such romantics, but I regret to inform you that it doesn’t. And anyway, weren’t you the one who said you’re terrified of losing the people you love? Why even bother going through all the pain and heartache.”
“Oh, amorina . That’s what I was trying to tell you about loving someone despite the pain. And I plan on showing you exactly what I mean.”
Then he crashed his mouth to mine and the world around us slipped away. I forgot about love and happily-ever-after in his arms.
At least for a moment.