Ink & desire (Elemental Ink #1)

21. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Avery

Corbin's words somehow pierce through my anger and send a spike of something dark through me, straight to my core. Even now, I can’t turn off the side of me that wants him.

“It’s not like I want this either,” I say, my tone slightly more breathless than before. “I don’t even like you.”

“But you want me to fuck you,” he says, his voice dark with promise.

His crass words should bother me. They should make me angry. But all they do is make me wonder what it would be like. My gaze drops to his mouth, and I imagine what it would be like to kiss him. What would it be like to have his hands on me? His body on mine?

He’s standing so close to me now. I can almost feel the heat radiating off his large body. I should push him away. Or maybe I should pull him closer. Both urges war inside me and even now I’m not sure which will win. I can see the same indecision in Corbin’s dark eyes as he looks down at me. This thing between us has been growing stronger every day, even though we tried to ignore it. It’s a wonder it hasn’t come to a head before now.

Something hot and shivery uncoils low in my belly and I pull in a slow breath trying to calm it. I know I shouldn’t want this—want him—but I can’t seem to help it. I don’t want to want Corbin. I want to be able to ignore him. I want my body to be my own; the way it was before I met him. But it’s too late for that now, and we both know it.

“Step away from me, Avery,” he says. His voice is low and tight. He’s balanced on a knife’s edge, and I have the feeling it would only take a small push from me to make him snap.

“What if I don’t want to?” I whisper.

“This is a bad idea.”

My heart is racing, and I feel like there’s not enough oxygen in the room. Being this close to Corbin—close enough to see the gold flecks in his dark eyes—is sending my body and my mind into overdrive.

“Maybe,” I say. “But I still want it. I want you.”

I take a step closer and place my palm on his chest. He goes completely still as he looks down at me.

“Tell me you don’t want this,” I say. “Tell me to go, and I will.”

He stands there motionless, his dark eyes locked on my face. I’m frozen as I wait for him to decide what happens next. I want him, but I won’t push him. Whatever happens next is his move. If he tells me to leave, I will. But I need him to be the one to put a stop to it, because I’m not strong enough right now.

“Corbin?”

His name is a whisper on my lips. There’s a long moment where neither of us moves or speaks. I’m not even sure I’m breathing. Corbin’s chest rises and falls with a heavy breath.

“You should go,” he finally says.

Disappointment hits me harder than I care to admit, but I know he’s right. I should go. Hadn’t I just decided to let him call the shots? He’s clearly more in control than I am right now.

I give him a small nod. “Okay.”

Before I can turn around to go, I’m spun around so my back is against the wall next to the office door. Corbin’s hand is on my chest, holding me immobile. My heart pounds wildly and I can’t catch my breath. But it's not fear of him that has me breathless. It's something else. His nearness is intoxicating. I look up to see that his eyes are even wilder than before. He looks nearly as surprised as I feel by what he just did.

“You should go,” he says. “But I don’t want you to.”

Fuck. Yes.

His admission sends a surge of triumph through me followed by a hint of apprehension. I know I can still go. If I tell him I want to go, he’ll let me. He’s not the kind of man to take something that’s not freely given. But I want this.

“I don’t want to go,” I whisper.

His face curves up with a smile of satisfaction as his hand slides up to my neck. “Good.”

Corbin’s hand on my throat holds me pinned to the wall as my breaths come in pants. His dark gaze is locked on mine. He still looks a little angry, but there’s something else there. A hunger I’ve seen only one other time. When he’d confronted me at the club and held me just like this. He’s not choking me, but he’s not releasing me either. He’s got me at his mercy, and he knows it. Excitement flutters through me and it’s all I can do not to lean into him and beg him to do whatever he wants to my body.

I bring my hands up to touch him, sliding them down his chest and over his stomach. I've wanted to touch him this way almost since the first time we met. I can admit that now, even if it's only in my own head.

“You’re walking a fine line, little angel,” he says through gritted teeth. “You keep pushing me, but I don't think you know what you’re asking for.”

My chest rises and falls with my erratic breathing as I stand there, making no move to push him away or to pull away from his grip on my throat. My gaze drops from his eyes to his mouth as I imagine the feel of his lips on mine.

“I think I do,” I say, voice taunting.

I see the annoyance flash in his eyes, and I bite back a smile. I love knowing I can rile him. I love pushing his buttons. And I know he secretly loves it too, though he’d never admit it. My heart pounds in my chest as we stand there, our bodies inches apart. I wonder if he can feel my pulse fluttering under his fingers. I know he can tell how excited I am right now. He can see it in my eyes and hear it in my unsteady voice.

Slowly, I lower my hands to the hem of his shirt, dipping under to graze the bare skin of his abdomen. It’s a small, simple touch that lasts for barely a second. But it sets him off in a way I don’t expect. In a flash, he reaches down and grabs both my wrists and yanks them up over my head, pinning them to the wall above me. I gasp as he locks one of his big hands around both my wrists before his other hand comes back to my throat, holding me in place.

The sound of my pounding heart competes with my ragged breathing, deafening in the silence of the empty shop. His eyes are wilder now; the annoyance is slowly being taken over by the want I can see there .

“You wanted this. Remember that.”

His voice is hard. Angry. But behind the anger is something else. Something hot and filled with desire. He wants this as much as I do. He’s kept this side of him tightly leashed, no matter how much I’ve riled him over the past few weeks. He’s always kept himself in check. But not anymore. This time I’ve pushed him too far. A tiny part of me is afraid now, but that fear is miniscule compared to the need I feel.

I’ve wanted him for so long. I think some part of me has wanted him since that first day when he’d been so horrible to me. Even then, I’d felt a thrill at his nearness and the feel of his hand on my arm. I’m tired of pretending I don’t want him.

“I do,” I whisper. “And so do you.”

His jaw clenches as he glares at me, but we both know it wasn't a question. His grip on my wrists is unyielding as he holds them high above my head. The pressure on my neck is steady, but not enough to restrict my breathing. It’s just enough to render me immobile. To remind me that he’s in control. I may have pushed him into this, but I’m at his mercy now.

His body isn’t quite touching mine, but I can feel the heat radiating off him as he towers over me. My breath catches at the intensity in his dark eyes. I’ve never seen him this way. He’s not trying to disguise the naked hunger in his gaze. His dark eyes are wild with need. The urge to squirm under his scrutiny is strong, but he’s still holding my wrists in his vice-like grip. The helpless feeling is one I’d normally hate. But not tonight. I know Corbin won’t hurt me.

“Oh, angel,” he whispers. “You’ve got no idea what I want from you. But you’re going to find out.”

His dark words send a thrill though me that travels all the way to my core. I feel myself grow wet as my mind fills with a dozen filthy images. I want him to touch me. I want his hands on my body, his mouth on my skin. I want him inside me, surrounding me. I want him to do something— anything . I’d resort to begging if I thought that would push him to act. It won’t. But I know what will.

“Prove it,” I say, injecting a boldness into my tone.

His eyes flare with that hint of anger, but behind that is something darker. Something I want him to unleash. There’s a moment of hesitation where I wonder if he’s going to release me and walk away like he did that night at the club. But then his gaze dips down to my mouth before coming back to my eyes.

“You’re such a brat,” he mutters just before his mouth crashes down on mine.

The kiss isn’t sweet or gentle. It’s the opposite of every first kiss I’ve ever had. It’s not curious or questioning. It takes. His lips are hard against mine, almost bruising as he punishes me with his mouth. A whimper escapes me as his tongue brushes my lips and I open for him. I feel this kiss all the way to my toes. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. But somehow, it’s exactly what I need .

I kiss him back, matching his urgency with my own. His hold on my wrists hasn’t loosened. If anything, his grip has tightened, pressing my arms hard against the wall. I have the fleeting thought that I’ll probably have bruises tomorrow, but I don’t care. The only regret I have is that I can’t touch him. But I know Corbin needs this semblance of control. I may have pushed him past his breaking point, but he’s still in charge. This is his way of making sure I know it.

He slides his hand higher to my jaw, using it to direct my movements as he turns my face so he can trail kisses down my jaw to my neck. I feel his teeth graze my sensitive skin and I gasp. His large body presses against me, pinning me to the wall. I can feel the hard ridge of his cock pressing into my belly and it brings a new rush of arousal.

“This is what you wanted, angel,” he says, arching his hips forward so there’s no mistaking his arousal. "Don't think I didn't know you've been wearing these little dresses on purpose. You wanted me to wonder what was underneath. Didn't you?"

He’s right. I've wanted this for weeks. I've even imagined what it would look like when he lost that tight grip on his control. And yes, I've been wearing dresses more in hopes that he might notice. But nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of this. Corbin releases my neck and brings his hand to my waist before sliding down my hip to the hem of my dress. The feeling of his hand on my bare thigh sends another little shiver through me. He delivers another biting kiss to my neck, wringing a startled sound from my throat.

Please,” I gasp.

I don’t care that I’m begging. I don’t care if I sound pathetic. I just want Corbin to keep touching me, to keep kissing me. I want him in whatever way I can have him. He grins down at me, pleased by that single word from me.

“Are you begging?” His voice is low, taunting me. “I’ll bet you’re wet for me already, aren’t you?”

He doesn’t wait for me to answer before his hand moves between my legs, brushing against the damp fabric of my underwear. I want to be embarrassed by my obvious eagerness, but I can’t feel anything except excitement that he’s finally got his hands between my legs. He hums in what sounds like approval as his fingers slide up and down over the damp fabric, lighting my nerves on fire. Every brush of his fingers over my pussy has me wanting more, but he seems content to tease me.

“God damn, angel,” he whispers against my neck. “You’re so eager to be fucked. Are you always like this?”

I shake my head because no, I’m not usually like this. I’ve never had this kind of response with a man. I’ve never been so turned on by a man’s nearness that I soak a pair of panties before he even kisses me.

“No,” I whisper. “It’s you.”

I feel his breath against my neck as he exhales against me .

“Do you have any idea what this does to me? Knowing how much you want me?”

I can still feel his massive erection against my stomach, so I have a pretty good idea. But I want him to say it.

“Tell me.”

His fingers are still lazily stroking me over the fabric of my underwear, teasing me with a hint of what I wish he’d do. My shoulders are starting to ache from having my arms stretched over my head for so long, but I don’t dare make a complaint about it. Besides, there’s something about the contrast of the mild pain that makes what he’s doing between my legs feel even better.

“It drives me fucking crazy,” he says. “It makes me want to push this skirt up and fuck you so hard you won’t be able to sit down for days without remembering I was inside you. I want to own this body and use it every way I want. I won’t stop until every fucking part of you is mine. This pussy.” He presses his fingers harder against me, making me gasp.

“This mouth.” He kisses me hard, his teeth nipping at my lower lip.

His hand leaves my pussy, and he reaches around to grip my ass, his fingers digging in almost painfully. “This ass.”

My mind reels at the thought. Is he saying he wants to fuck my ass? That’s something I’ve never done. I’ve never even considered it before. It seems so taboo. So why am I not freaked out by the idea? Why am I not running for the hills right now? Because I want this. I want him. I want all of him.

“That’s what you’ve been asking me for, angel,” he says, bringing his hand back between my legs to continue his lazy strokes as if he’s not saying the filthiest things right now. “I don’t do anything halfway. If we do this, I’m going to own every part of this body. There won’t be a single part of you that doesn’t know what it feels like to have me inside you. Understand?”

I give myself a moment to think about his words, even though I already know my answer. What I’m really doing is picturing him taking me in all the ways he just described. I picture kneeling before him, taking him deep into my mouth while he looks down at me. I imagine the expression on his face as he comes, his cock buried deep inside me. I want it. I want all of it. I even allow myself a moment to imagine the feel of him taking my ass. I don’t know if it’s something I’ll enjoy, but I want to try. For him.

I nod. “I understand. As long as we can ease into the ass stuff. I’ve never…had anything in there.”

Corbin’s grin is dark and so sexy. “I’m going to enjoy taking my time getting your ass ready for my cock.”

His grip on my wrists loosens and he trails his hand down my arm until it covers my breast. He squeezes lightly, his gaze locked on what he’s doing.

“You know I’m not going to be gentle, right?” he says. “Not after you’ve spent weeks torturing me. ”

“I don’t want gentle,” I say, lowering my hands to his shoulders.

“Good. Because it’s too late for that.”

Without warning, he yanks my top down to expose my breasts to his gaze. I watch as he looks his fill, wondering what he thinks of my body now that he’s seeing all of me. I push aside any insecurities I might feel when his mouth curves up into a small smile.

“Fucking perfect,” he whispers before lowering his head to suck my nipple into his mouth.

His mouth is intense. It’s not gentle, just as he’d warned. He sucks hard, making me gasp at the mix of pleasure and pain. A bolt of desire shoots from my nipple straight to my clit where his hand is still lightly stroking me through my panties. It’s frustrating to have him almost, but not quite, touching me where I want him. I reach between us and brush a hand over the front of his pants where his thick cock is straining against the fabric. He hums in approval at my touch, so I do it again as he moves his mouth to my other nipple, sucking hard enough to wring a cry from me.

“Fuck!” I cry out, my hips surging forward to press harder against his hand.

Corbin releases my nipple and smiles at me. “So responsive.”

I reach for the hem of his shirt and push it up, trailing my palms over the warm skin of his stomach as I do. Being able to touch him like this is something I’ve been dreaming of for weeks. I want to take my time with him. I want to savor this moment. But I’m desperate to have him inside me. I don’t want either of us to come to our senses and change our minds now. Not when we’re so close to what we both want. When Corbin reaches for his shirt and starts to pull it over his head, my hands go to his pants, tugging the button open. He tosses the shirt to the floor and lets his hands drop to his sides, giving me room to work. I yank the zipper down and push aside the fabric.

“You want it? Take it out,” he says, a command in his voice.

Part of me wants to tell him to take it out himself, even as a thrill shoots through me at his commanding tone. But there’s a much larger part of me that just wants to know how he feels in my hand. Keeping my eyes on his face, I push his pants and underwear down past his hips until they fall to his knees. I wrap my fingers around his hard length and freeze in momentary shock as I feel hard, metal nubs against my palm.

My gaze drops to where I’m gripping his cock. Several realizations hit me at once. The first is that he’s big. Like, really fucking big. Corbin is a large man, so I expected him to be big, but damn. I can’t quite wrap my fingers around him, he’s so thick. And long. Holy shit. Had I thought I could take all of him into my mouth? I might need to rethink that. I’m starting to wonder whether he’ll hurt me with this thing. The other realization is that Corbin’s dick is pierced. More than once. I let my gaze track over the length of him, seeing more metal than I would expect a dick to have. Even after watching Jessie pierce a penis, it hadn’t occurred to me that Corbin might have his pierced too. A shiver runs through me at the thought of where all that metal will touch inside me.

“What’s the matter, angel?” he rasps out. “Second thoughts?”

My mind rebels against the thought of backing out now and I shake my head.

“No. It’s just that I might need to reevaluate my strategy. That’s all.”

He huffs out a laugh as his hands move under my skirt, sliding up my hips. He curls his fingers under the fabric of my panties, and he slides them down my legs until I can step out of them.

“No going back now,” he whispers as he stands to his full height, towering over me.

I shake my head, reaching for him again. No, there’s no going back now. Not that I was planning on changing my mind. He could have had a dick twice this big and I’d have found a way to take him. I want him that badly. There was never a chance that I was going to change my mind.

When he leans in to take my mouth in another rough kiss, I release his cock and bring my arms up around his neck, pressing myself against the length of his body. The fabric of my dress is still bunched up under my breasts, pushing them up slightly. But the feel of his chest brushing against my bare nipples adds another layer of sensuality to what we’re doing. His hands slide down to cup the globes of my ass, pulling me even tighter against his body as he lifts me off my feet. Without missing a beat, I wrap my legs around his waist, feeling the hard length of him pressing against my center. When I feel the hard, cool metal of a barbell graze my clit, my mouth drops open in a gasp that makes Corbin grin.

His hips flex once, sending his cock sliding over my clit again. My eyes fall shut and a moan escapes me. He’s not even inside me yet and I feel like I’m close to exploding. He holds me pinned to the wall with his large body, one hand cradled under my ass. Lowering his head to my breast, he sucks my nipple into his mouth again, pulling a cry from my lips. I can’t help but arch my hips, seeking more contact with his cock. He uses his grip on my ass to slide me up and down, letting the delicious friction of him between my legs drive me wild.

“I want you inside me,” I gasp, working my hips up and down against his shaft.

“Soon,” he says, his mouth returning to take mine in another bruising kiss.

The feeling of him against me, but not inside me is a delicious kind of torture. My breath comes in pants, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. Each time he slides his cock against my clit, an involuntary gasp escapes me. I can feel how wet and slick I am against him and I know I’ve never been more turned on in my life .

“Please,” I whisper, trying to maneuver my hips enough to lower myself onto his length. But Corbin is strong, and his grip on me holds me where he wants me.

“Please, what?” he rasps, sliding against my clit again.

My mouth drops open as my eyes fall shut.

“You know what,” I manage.

“Not good enough,” he says, his movements stopping. “Not after all these weeks of teasing me. If you want something, you need to ask for it.”

I feel my face heat, even as I realize how ridiculous it is to be embarrassed now. I’m grinding my naked pussy against this man with my tits on full display. It’s a little late to be embarrassed. When I hesitate, Corbin brings his free hand up to grip my jaw. His hold isn’t painful, but it’s so close to the way he grabbed my neck that night at the club that a whimper escapes me. He doesn’t miss the sound. His mouth curves up into a wicked smile.

“The naughty angel likes that, does she?”

I do my best to nod, but his hold on my chin stops me from moving too much.

“Tell me what you need.”

I know what I want him to do, what my body is craving right now. But I don’t know if I can say the words. It’s not something I’ve ever asked for before. I’m not sure it’s something I’ve ever wanted before. But right now, it’s all I can think of. Reaching a hand up, I grab his wrist and pull downward. Corbin loosens his grip and lets me direct his hand until it’s where I want it. When I release his wrist, his gaze comes back up to meet mine as his fingers tighten just the barest amount on my throat. That little bit of pressure sends a stab of heat through me, and I swear I grow even wetter. Corbin’s smile is full of filthy promise.

“Fuck me,” I whisper. “Please. I want you to.”

I swallow, feeling my throat move against his palm. The knowledge that I’m at Corbin’s mercy, his to do with as he pleases, is nearly enough to have me coming right now. But before I can think too much about our position, he uses his grip on my ass to shift us so that his cock teases my entrance. I’m incredibly wet, but there’s still some resistance as he pushes into me. I feel myself stretching to accommodate him and I do my best to relax, even as every muscle in my body is screaming at me to move. I feel the first metal barbell slide against my g-spot as he presses into me, and I gasp. It’s a new sensation, but I don’t have time to adjust to it before he moves again.

He lifts me up before sliding me back down onto his cock, pushing deeper into me this time. Pleasure radiates outward from between my legs with the movement, pulling a moan from me this time. I try to look down at where we’re joined, but his hold on my neck keeps me from dropping my chin too far. My body clamps down around him, making him groan.

"Relax," he whispers. "Just a little more."

I feel so full of him already, but I force myself to breathe deeply and try to unclench my muscles.

“Almost there, baby” he grits out. “You can take it. ”

He lifts me once more before pulling me down again. This time, I feel our hips meet and I know he’s buried as deep as he can go inside me. Fuck, he’s big. My body feels stretched to the limit, but in the best possible way. There’s a slight burning that’s just on this side of pain, but it’s not unpleasant. It’s more intense than anything I’ve felt before. My fingers dig into his shoulders even as I try to convince my muscles to relax. To my surprise, Corbin holds himself still for a moment, allowing me time to adjust to his size. His hand on my throat is squeezing just enough to control my movements, but not my breathing.

“Good girl,” he murmurs, taking my mouth in a deep kiss.

Those two words have more of an effect on me than I would have imagined. His kiss is even more intense with him filling me the way he is. Gradually, I feel my lower body relaxing, growing used to the fullness of him inside me. It’s not like I’m a virgin. I’ve had sex before. But I know none of the guys I’ve been with before were this large. It’s also been months since I’ve had sex. My body isn’t used to this. Not that I’m going to complain. Corbin feels incredible with his strong body pressing against mine, his thick length buried inside me, that hand on my throat. I know I’m going to be sore later, but it’ll be worth it.

I’ve never been with a man as intense and all-consuming as Corbin. Something about finally having that intensity focused solely on me drives me wild. The urge to move is growing stronger with each moment he stands motionless buried inside me. But I’m pinned between him and the wall, his hand on my throat, unable to do anything but wait for him to continue. Finally, his hips flex the slightest bit as if testing the waters. The move sends an unexpected spike of pleasure through me, making me whimper.

“Okay?” he asks, surprising me with the softness in that single word.

“Yes,” I whisper. “Keep going.”

With one hand gripping my ass and one on my throat, he begins to move. Slowly, but forcefully, he works me up and down on his shaft, my hips rocking hard against his with each downward thrust. Each time, I can feel the slide and pull of his piercings against my g-spot. And each time, the wave of pleasure builds higher inside me, threatening to spill over. The pressure and the pleasure grow with every punishing thrust. All I can do is hold onto Corbin as he pounds into my body over and over. I know I’m close to the edge, but I don’t know how I got here so quickly.

I’m completely at his mercy, and I love it. I never knew it before, but this is what my sex life has been missing. I’ve never been with a man who was so totally in control the way he is right now. I’m powerless against his strength and size; I’m his to do with as he pleases. But I know he won’t hurt me. Everything he’s doing is for pleasure, both his and mine. Even his hand on my throat holding me immobile is for my benefit. It’s because I wanted it. The realization is a heady one. It pushes me even closer to that oblivion I crave.

He dips his head to kiss me, swallowing the small noises being pulled from me. When he breaks the kiss, he presses his forehead to mine, his hand tightening ever so slightly on my neck.

“You gonna come for me, angel?” he whispers. “Is this pretty pussy gonna come all over my cock?”

My eyes roll shut at the image his filthy words paint in my mind, but I can only moan in answer. He bends his knees, changing the angle of his cock inside me and my mouth falls open.

“Fuck,” I moan.

“That’s it, baby. You like that, don’t you?”

“Yes!”

I nearly scream the word. I’m so close to exploding. I can feel the small flutters that hint at my impending orgasm. I’ve never been so desperate to come. I’ve never wanted it so badly.

“I can feel you squeezing me, angel,” Corbin whispers. “You’re so tight. So hot. You feel so good.”

His words, coupled with his cock inside me and his hand on my throat finally send me over the edge. My inner muscles clamp down on him and I cry out over and over as the spasms wrack my body. Corbin doesn’t stop moving. He doesn’t stop the stream of filthy praise coming from his lips. He doesn’t let up the pressure on my neck. Everything he does spurs on my orgasm, drawing out my pleasure until it’s almost too much .

Corbin’s movements start to grow frantic as he continues to thrust into me. I can tell he’s close. The knowledge that he’s so close to the edge sends a surge of pride through me. This man who’s usually so stoic and in control is teetering on the edge because of me. I drove him there. It’s a powerful feeling. Even though he’s larger than me and stronger, I’m the one who’s pushing him past his limits. I’m the one who’s making him lose that tight grip on his control.

“Tell me you’re on birth control,” he grunts out, his thrusts becoming jerkier and losing the perfect rhythm he’s kept up this whole time.

I nod as best I can with his hand still gripping my neck. “Yes.”

“Good.” The word is uttered through gritted teeth.

It’s all the warning I get before he goes still, pinning me to the wall with his body as he groans out his own release. I feel him twitch inside me, spilling into me over and over. My hands are locked around his neck, my legs wrapped around his waist. We’re as close as two people can possibly be, but I have the fleeting thought that it’s not close enough. I’m not sure I can ever be close enough. I quickly push that thought aside as my brain finally starts to rejoin my body. Our breaths come in heaving pants, loud in the now silent room.

I try not to think about what comes next. I want to stay here in this euphoric afterglow for as long as possible. But I know it can’t last forever. What just happened is going to change everything going forward. We broke one of Corbin’s most important rules. What does this mean for my apprenticeship? What if he decides he no longer wants to work with me after this? I wouldn’t be surprised if he does. He’s a stickler for his fucking rules. Before I can spiral too far, I feel his fingers loosen on my neck.

To my surprise, they move up to cup my jaw, almost gentle compared to the way he’d just been holding me.

“You okay?” he asks, surprising me further with the softness in his tone.

“Yeah. Never better.”

He huffs out a laugh as he lifts me slightly. I feel his softening cock slip out of me along with a trail of wetness. I untangle my legs from his waist and stand, wincing at the tightness of my muscles. My skirt falls down to cover my bare ass as Corbin releases me. Gently, he reaches up to tug my dress back into place, covering my breasts.

“There,” he says. “Looking like a proper little angel again. Just a little messier than before.”

I cock my head at him in a teasing way. “I like you making me messy.”

His eyes close and he lets out a sigh. “This whole situation is messy now.”

I want to ask him what happens next, but I’m also scared of his answer. So, I say nothing. Instead, I watch as he pulls his pants back on. When he hands me my underwear, I feel a blush heat my cheeks.

“Thanks. "

I make my way to the bathroom to clean up. I take my time, doing my best to hide the fact that I look freshly fucked. Luckily, his hand on my neck didn’t leave any lasting marks, but there’s something in my expression that I can’t seem to mask. I’m glad there’s no one else here to see me. There’s no way I could pretend to be normal after what just happened.

Finally, I feel ready to face Corbin and hear what he has to say about what we did. If he says we can’t do it again, I’ll respect his decision. I’ll hate it because that was the best sex I’ve ever had. But I’ll respect it. If he says we can’t work together anymore though, I’ll fight him on it. I’m not ready to give up on my goals just because we couldn’t keep our hands to ourselves. I feel like what just happened was inevitable. Since that first meeting there have been sparks between us. The attraction was bound to blow up eventually. I’m surprised we lasted this long, honestly.

I leave the bathroom, intending to tell him exactly that, but I don’t get the chance. The shop is empty when I emerge. I walk through the building, even checking inside Corbin’s office, but he’s clearly not here.

“What the fuck?” I mumble.

Did he really leave without saying anything to me? I’ve had one-night stands before, but most of them had the good manners to pretend they were planning to call me the next day. Corbin hadn’t said shit. Not that he’s a one-night stand. He’s technically my boss. I’m definitely going to see him again. Tomorrow, in fact. What the hell does he think is going to happen when we’re forced to work together every day?

I lock up the shop and head home, still annoyed by Corbin’s abrupt departure. By the time I make it to my apartment, I’m more than a little pissed off. Who does he think he is? You can’t just fuck your employee and leave her without a word. It’s not like he can avoid seeing me. We spend most of our time together every day. How does he think that’s going to work?

I notice a distinct soreness between my legs when I shower that reminds me of just how good it felt to be filled by him. I’m annoyed by the spike of desire that shoots through me. No. Bad vagina! I need to forget all about Corbin and his pierced dick. If the way he left afterward was any indication of how he feels, he’s already regretting what happened. Which means it can’t happen again. Which is what I want. Right? I sigh as I turn off the water and reach for my towel. Right. What happened between us can’t happen again. No matter how amazing it was. It will only lead to more problems between us.

Besides, Corbin’s dick is the last thing I should be focused on. I like being at Elemental Ink. And I like learning from the others at the shop. Sex with Corbin is only going to complicate things and jeopardize my place there. I need to keep my eye on the prize and stop drooling over Corbin James.

With that in mind, I resolve to go to work tomorrow and pretend like nothing happened. I’ll be friendly and polite, but not go out of my way to speak to Corbin unless he speaks first. I’ll be mature and show him that one night of sex doesn’t need to ruin everything between us. We can be adults and still work together even though we clearly have some red-hot sexual chemistry. Now that the itch has been scratched, we can go back to ignoring it. It’ll be like nothing ever happened.