24. Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Four
Annie
Robbie’s laughter echoes in his bathroom as he turns the shower knobs. “I can do it myself, Annie!” he calls, his voice muffled by the sound of water splashing against the tiles.
“I know you can,” I say, sitting on the bench in his room, still in my bathing suit, and keeping the bathroom door slightly ajar just in case. “Just make sure you actually use soap this time, okay?”
“I will!” he promises, followed by more splashing.
I shake my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. Robbie’s independence is growing every day, and it’s both a relief and bittersweet. He insists on doing more and more as his confidence grows, and while it’s a good thing, I can’t help but miss the moments when he’d rely on me for the simplest tasks.
“Done!” he yells after a few minutes, and I hear the sound of the water shutting off.
“Okay, come out here so I can help you get dressed,” I say, standing and grabbing the clothes I’d laid out for him earlier.
Robbie bounds out of the bathroom, his hair sticking up in every direction, damp droplets still clinging to his flushed cheeks. I dry his hair with a towel as he wiggles into his pajamas, his energy still running pretty high despite the endless cannonballs.
“Here’s Rexy,” I say, handing him his beloved stuffed dinosaur once he’s fully dressed.
“Thanks!” he says, hugging it tightly to his chest.
“I’m going to go shower now and get ready for dinner,” I tell him. “Why don’t you go watch something in the sitting room until then?”
“Okay!” He darts out of the room without a second thought, his little feet thudding softly against the carpeted hallway.
I follow at a slower pace, heading toward my room. The day’s events are catching up to me, and all I can think about is getting clean and changed. But as I pass by Cole’s bedroom, I notice something unusual—the door is open.
It’s never open.
My steps falter, curiosity and nervousness warring within me.
Ever since I found out that Robbie wouldn’t be at the gala, the idea has been bothering me. He’d be upstairs the whole night, knowing there was something exciting happening in his own house. It didn’t seem fair. I’d been meaning to talk to Cole about it, but he’d been busy all week, so I’d barely seen him.
And, truth be told, I’m just a big chicken. Despite everything that had happened earlier in the week, he still scared the hell out of me.
Even at the pool just an hour ago, his wandering eyes on my bikini-clad body—which, if I’m being honest, I’d worn in the hopes he’d see it—had made me shy away. It’s like my mind hadn’t caught up to the fact that I wasn’t a virgin anymore.
Seeing Cole’s open door seems like a sign. Now might be my chance to talk to him.
I step closer to the doorway, peering inside. The room is dimly lit, the warm light from a bedside lamp casting soft shadows across the dark wood furniture. Before I can take in more details, Cole appears in the doorway, and my breath catches.
He’s freshly showered, his shirt unbuttoned and hanging loose, revealing a glimpse of toned, tanned skin beneath. His gaze locks on mine, and his green eyes heat as they sweep over me.
Oh God. I’m still wearing the bikini.
I can feel my skin flush under his scrutiny, my nipples tightening against the thin fabric of my top. His lips curve into the faintest smirk, and I know he’s noticed.
Not much I can hide in two scraps of fabric.
“I, um…” My voice comes out higher than I’d intended, and I clear my throat. “I have a question. Something I was hoping to ask you.”
His smirk deepens. “Ask away.” He steps aside, gesturing for me to come in.
I hesitate, my nerves tangling into a knot in my stomach. The idea of walking into his room feels strangely intimate, almost like crossing an invisible line.
“Annie,” he says, his voice low and teasing, “you’re not scared of me, are you?”
Yes. Terrified.
The way his brow lifts, challenging me, has me squaring my shoulders despite the heat rising to my cheeks. “No, of course not,” I say quickly, stepping inside before I can second-guess myself.
As soon as I’m in the room, he closes the door behind me with a soft click, and the sound feels louder than it should.
I glance around, needing a distraction. The room is just as sleek and polished as the rest of the house, but there’s a personal touch to it that’s missing elsewhere.
The bed is massive, its dark gray comforter neatly smoothed over plush pillows. A large built-in with a bookcase and a massive TV lines one wall. The faint scent of his cologne lingers in the air, and I want to breathe it right into my lungs.
“Well?” His voice pulls me from my thoughts. He’s leaning casually against the door, his arms crossed, his gaze steady on me. “You had a question?”
“Oh, right.” I shake my head, trying to focus. “I wanted to ask about Robbie and the gala.”
His brow furrows slightly, and he straightens. “Robbie? What about him?”
“Well, Evelyn mentioned he wouldn’t be attending because it’s an adult-only event,” I start, shifting nervously on my feet. “But I was wondering if maybe he could come for just a little while. Not the whole night—just long enough to feel included.”
He frowns, considering. “Annie, kids are not usually there. It’s not that kind of event.”
“But this is his house,” I counter, taking a cautious step forward. “And he’s your son. It’s not like he’s crashing a stranger’s party. I’d watch him the whole time—I promise he wouldn’t be any trouble.”
He exhales sharply, running a hand through his dark hair. “It’s not about him being trouble. It’s just…” He trails off, clearly weighing the idea.
“Please?” I press gently, meeting his gaze. “It would mean so much to him. He’s been so excited about the pool party, but I know he’d love to be part of the gala, even if it’s just for a little while. And he’d be upstairs and in bed very early in the night. I’ll be with him the whole time.”
He studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nods. “Fine. But only for a little while. And you will be responsible for him.”
Relief washes over me, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “Thank you,” I say softly. “He’s going to be so excited.”
Cole nods slightly but just stays where he is. Leaning against the closed door.
My heart starts beating faster, and my eyes dart to the door behind him.
“I should get going.” I intended on sounding confident and bold, but my voice comes out breathy and unsure.
Cole doesn’t reply.
“I have to shower. Get ready for dinner,” I say, unable to catch my breath.
His lips curve into a wicked smirk.
Oh, God.
Heat pools between my legs, and I struggle not to squirm under his gaze.
His gaze is hot, burning across my skin as he pushes away from the door, closing the distance between us.
I freeze, my body tingling, anticipation and arousal twisting together, sending sparks up my spine.
Cole reaches up, his hand grazing the strap of my bikini top, and slowly slides it down my shoulder.
A shiver runs through me, and my mouth goes dry.
I should stop him. This is crazy. Robbie is right down the hall.
But the words are caught in my throat, and all I can do is stand there, waiting to see what he does next .
“Think of a word.”
I blink, his words surprising me.
My top falls, baring my breasts. His hand moves lower, brushing over the swell of my chest and cupping my breast. My nipples harden, begging for his touch, and I have to bite my lip to keep from moaning.
His thumb sweeps over the sensitive peak, and the softest whimper escapes me.
My eyes fly open, and I find him staring at me, his gaze filled with lust and something else. Something deeper and more powerful.
Something that terrifies and excites me.
Before I can think about what it means, his mouth descends on mine, capturing me in a bruising kiss. His tongue sweeps across my lips, and I open for him, letting him claim me.
His hand slips between my legs, finding the strings on the bikini bottom, and he deftly unties them. He slides his hand between my thighs, his fingers slipping through the slick heat there, and a moan tumbles from my lips.
His touch is electric, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through me. I cling to him, desperate for more, and his fingers find my clit, circling the sensitive nub.
I gasp, my head falling back, and his lips trail down my neck, leaving a burning path in their wake.
He pushes two fingers inside me, and I bite my lip, trying to keep from crying out. The pleasure is overwhelming, and I feel like I'm losing control, but his strong arm around me holds me in place.
His fingers curl inside me, hitting a spot that makes my knees buckle, and his arm tightens around my waist, supporting me.
"That's it," he whispers, his breath hot against my ear. "Come for me, Annie."
His command sends a jolt of pleasure through me, and I feel myself teetering on the edge.
"Cole," I gasp, my voice trembling.
His fingers move faster, coaxing me higher and higher, and I can't hold back any longer.
I come undone, my body shaking as waves of pleasure crash over me. Cole holds me tightly, murmuring words of encouragement, his voice deep and husky.
As the orgasm fades, I collapse against him, my breath coming in shallow gasps, shocked that he was able to make me come so quickly. I'd never even made myself come that quickly, let alone any other man who'd tried and failed.
He holds me close, his warmth seeping into my skin. His hands run up and down my back, soothing me. The sensation of my naked body against his fully clothed one makes me feel small and vulnerable .
My heart is racing, and I can't seem to catch my breath, but the look in his eyes sends another rush of desire through me.
"Wow," I breathe.
He gives me a wolfish grin, his eyes flashing with hunger. "Oh, we're not done yet," he says, his voice rough.
My eyes widen, but before I can respond, his lips are on mine, and he's kissing me fiercely, his hands gripping my hips and lifting me. My legs wrap around his waist, and he carries me across the room, his lips never leaving mine.
"Cole," I say between breathless kisses. "I have to shower before dinner."
"Lucky for me, I have a shower right here," he says and reaches for something on the wall.
The light turns on, and I realize we're in his bathroom.
"Wait—" I start, and he pulls back.
"Do you want me to stop?" he asks roughly.
I'm breathing hard, staring into those intense green eyes.
I shake my head.
"Words, Annie," he commands. "Say it."
"No. I don't want you to stop," I whisper.
Then his lips are on mine again, drowning anymore words. He carries me right into the shower and presses something on the tiled wall. Water rains down from the ceiling, already hot. It's steamy and his clothes are instantly soaked, sticking to his body.
I can feel every inch of him against me, and I can't resist the temptation.
I wrap my arms around his neck, and his hands move up to cradle my head, tangling in my wet hair. The water pours over us, making our skin slick and slippery.
My lips part, and his tongue slips inside, exploring, tasting, claiming. I moan softly, and he deepens the kiss, his mouth moving against mine with a desperation that takes my breath away.
His hands move down my back, trailing over the curve of my hips and the swell of my ass. He grips me, pulling me closer, and I can feel his hardness pressing against me, sending a jolt of pleasure through my core.
"Cole," I gasp, breaking the kiss.
He presses me against the cold tile walls, making me jolt in shock.
"Annie," he murmurs, his lips trailing down my neck, leaving a scorching path in their wake.
"We should—oh God," I moan as his teeth scrape over the sensitive skin of my collarbone.
He grins against my skin, and I can feel the heat in his gaze. He lifts me higher on his waist as he moves lower, his mouth tracing the curve of my breast, and I arch against him, unable to resist the temptation.
He takes my nipple between his lips, teasing and sucking, and I can't help but cry out. My hands fist in his wet hair, tugging him closer.
"Oh, God, Cole," I gasp, and he moves to the other side, giving it the same attention.
My body is on fire, and I can feel the need building inside me. His hands grip my hips, holding me steady, and his mouth trails lower, teasing and tasting.
He reaches my belly button, and I squirm against him, feeling the roughness of his clothes rubbing against my sensitive skin.
He chuckles and releases my hips, letting me slide down his body until my feet are on the ground. He steps back and stares down at me, his gaze dark and hungry.
"Turn around," he says, his voice a low growl as he takes off his shirt and tosses it in a wet heap on the ground. His pants follow a moment later. "Now. Put your hands on the wall."
I swallow, my heart hammering in my chest. I turn, placing my hands on the tile wall. The water pounds against my back, the heat seeping into my skin.
Cole moves closer, his hands skimming up my sides, trailing over my hips and breasts. He leans down, his lips brushing against my ear.
"Is this what you wanted, Annie?" he whispers. "To feel me inside you? To make you scream my name? "
I shudder, and his hands continue their exploration, cupping my breasts and pinching my nipples.
"Yes," I gasp, unable to deny it. "God, yes."
He growls, his lips trailing down my neck.
"Cole," I whimper, pressing against him.
"Not yet," he murmurs, his fingers slipping between my legs and teasing the entrance to my pussy. "First, you have to come for me."
His fingers slide inside, and I moan, arching against him. He works them in and out, coaxing a response from my body. My knees buckle, and he holds me steady, his strong arm wrapped around my waist.
I'm panting, the pleasure building with each stroke of his fingers. I'm so close, teetering on the edge.
Then he stops, and I cry out in frustration. "Cole, please."
I feel him chuckle behind me. "How quickly we forget."
"Forget?" I manage, still out of breath.
"Who's in charge," he says.
"Oh God," I moan. The desire is a living breathing thing, eating away at my stomach, making my legs shake, scattering all thoughts in my mind.
"Tell me," he demands.
"You're in charge," I breathe.
"Louder."
"You're in charge, Cole," I repeat, louder.
"Good girl," he says and slips his fingers back inside.
I gasp, my head falling forward as the pleasure threatens to overwhelm me. He starts slowly, then builds, picking up speed.
My knees buckle, and he holds me steady, his fingers moving relentlessly.
"Beg for it," he says, and the deep rasp of his voice sends a shiver down my spine.
"Please, Cole," I gasp. "Please make me come."
His fingers continue their torturous pace, and I press back against him, desperate for release. My orgasm builds, coiling tighter and tighter inside me, and just before sweet release, he stops again.
I whine, writhing in his arms.
"What is it you want, Annie?" he asks, his voice a low rumble.
"I want to come," I plead. "Please, Cole. Please let me come."
"No," he says simply.
"What?" I gasp.
"I told you to beg. I didn't tell you to ask."
I'm trembling, and the ache between my legs is unbearable .
"Cole, please," I beg. "Please, let me come."
"Mm. Almost." He slips his fingers inside me, and my walls clench around him.
"Please, Cole. Please, please, please."
He moves his fingers faster, bringing me closer and closer to the edge. I'm gasping, pleading, and then—
Nothing.
My legs nearly collapse under me, but Cole catches me.
I struggle to turn as my legs shake uncontrollably. Cole supports me and turns me to face him. I wrap my arms around his neck.
"Cole," I whisper. "Please, Cole. Please, can I come?"
He chuckles, dark and sinful. "That's what I'm looking for. Ask again."
I can barely stand. I'm shaking, and the pressure is building. "Please, Cole. Can I come?"
"Only on my cock," he says, his voice filled with dark promise.
I swallow hard, nodding. "Okay."
"Good girl." He turns me back around and spreads my legs wider.
I brace my hands on the tile, and the water beats down on us. Cole slides his cock against me, coating it in my arousal .
I gasp, my back arching, as his tip presses against my entrance. He slides into me, filling me completely.
"Oh, Cole," I moan.
He thrusts into me, his pace hard and fast—not afraid of hurting me as much as the first time. My legs tremble, and I grip the wall for support. He drives into me, pushing me closer and closer to the edge.
I'm gasping and moaning, begging for more as he fucks me relentlessly.
My cheek and breasts are practically pressed to the wall now, and I relish in the contrast of the heat behind me and the cool tile in front of me.
The tension builds inside me, coiling tighter and tighter, and then he stops.
Before I can even think of begging, my hands are off the wall and behind my back in one swift motion. I gasp as he holds my wrists in his iron grip and leaves me no choice but to press my cheek to the wall more fully for support.
My heart pounds and my whole body feels like it's on fire. I feel vulnerable, exposed, and completely at his mercy.
And oh, God, does that turn me on.
"Want to use your safe word?" he asks. "Do you remember it?"
"No," I say desperately .
"Do you remember it?"
Green.
But I don't say it out loud because there's no chance I want him to stop.
"Yes. I remember. I don't want it."
I can feel his cock pulse inside me, and all I want to do it press back and take care of this torturous ache myself.
When he doesn't start moving right away, I do squirm and let out a whine.
"Please," I beg, desperate. "Please, Cole. I need you to fuck me."
He groans and slides his free hand down my stomach and between my legs. His thumb finds my clit, and he strokes it in time with his thrusts.
He starts moving again, slowly this time, dragging his cock in and out of me.
"Cole," I whimper.
He picks up the pace, driving into me harder and faster.
I'm moaning, gasping, and crying out his name, and he's grunting and groaning in my ear.
His fingers work their magic on my clit, and the pressure builds inside me .
I'm on the verge of coming and desperately don't want him to stop. I don't think I can take it.
"Oh, God," I gasp, now knowing what he wants to hear. "Please, can I come? Please?"
"Yes," he growls, slamming into me. "Come for me, Annie."
That's all it takes.
I scream as my orgasm rips through me, stars exploding behind my eyes. Cole doesn't slow, continuing to pound into me, and I can't stop coming.
The wave of pleasure is overwhelming. I have nothing to cling to and have no choice but to trust him not to let me fall as it consumes me.
He keeps thrusting, and my orgasm seems to go on and on, never-ending.
Cole groans, his movements becoming erratic and jerky, and then he's coming too. His cock throbs inside me as he fills me.
I feel him coming inside me, and the sensation makes me moan.
We stay there for a moment, catching our breath, the water pounding down on us. Cole's arms wrap around me, pulling me against his chest.
I lean into him, the aftershocks of my orgasm making me tremble.
"You okay?" he asks, his voice soft.
I nod, smiling. "Yeah. That was..."
"Intense?" he supplies.
I laugh. "Yeah, that's one word for it."
Finally, he pulls out of me, and I nearly fall over, whimpering at the loss.
He turns me around and cradles my face in his hands. His eyes search mine, and I can see the concern written all over his face.
"Are you really okay?" he asks.
"Yes," I assure him. "It was just..."
"Too much?"
"No," I say quickly, shaking my head. "Definitely not too much. Just... so much."
He studies me for a moment, and I can tell he's still not convinced.
"Cole," I say gently, reaching up and cupping his face. "I'm fine. Really."
He exhales, his shoulders relaxing. "Okay. Good."
I smile, and he leans in, pressing a kiss to my lips.
"Now, we really do have to get ready for dinner," I say wistfully.
He smirks. "If you can walk."
I roll my eyes, but he's not lying. I'm basically using him as a crutch. "Maybe in a minute," I finally say.
An arrogant chuckle comes out of him.
"You can hold on for a minute," he says. "And while you're doing that, some rules."
I lift my brows. "Rules?"
"Yes. At dinner, you will drink water. And plenty of it. If Ellis offers you wine, you will decline. Instead, I've requested a plate of fruit and greens to accompany dinner," he says, his tone making it clear this is an order.
"Greens and fruit?" I say, scrunching my face.
"That won't be the entree. But yes. You need greens and sugars and plenty of hydration." He looks down at me with his brows lifted. "Unless you want to wake up tomorrow feeling like you did the other day."
I shake my head. I'm getting the strength back in my legs, but I don't want to let go just yet.
"Good. Then that's what you'll do. And once Robbie is in bed, you'll come here."
I flush, suddenly shy, even though we just fucked like animals. "To your room?"
"Yes," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I can show you what it was supposed to be like the first time."
Cole looks down at me with his intense green eyes. "Understood?"
I nod then quickly say, "Yes. Understood."
"Good."
I prepare to take a step back to finish my actual shower very quickly, but he doesn't let go, holding me close for a moment longer.
"Oh, and Annie?" he says, waiting for me to meet his eyes again. He leans down and rubs his lips against mine and whispers, "Good girl."