A Wicked Game (7 page)

“Will you stay the night?” Asking her to spend the night with him was the worst thing he could do, but the best thing he could think of. If this was the last time he’d see her, he wanted to spend every last minute of it with her.

“I should go home.”

No. Not tonight
. “Your clothes are wet,” he said.

“You could be a good guy and let me borrow a T-shirt and a pair of pants so I can go home.”

He leaned forward, backing her against the wall to turn off the knob. “Then, I’m a bad guy because I won’t let you use any of my clothes,” he said in a low voice.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m not liking you much right now.”

“Now, you know that’s a lie.” Jack opened the glass door and stepped out to grab a couple of towels. “Spend the night, won’t you?” He covered her in a towel and drew her to him. “I’ll take you home tomorrow morning.”

She looked up at him. “Hmm… I don’t know. Will you feed me?”

He let out a soft laugh. “Sure. You tell me what you want. I’ll press the number on my auto-dial.”

“You can’t cook?”

“Sweetheart, I love food too much to mess with it. What are you in the mood for tonight? I’ll call it in.” Jack kissed the tip of her nose. He’d make every minute of their night together count. Tomorrow would be another day and the time to say goodbye. Tonight he’d enjoy her company.

She’d been seeing Jack for almost three months now. What had started as a game of revenge was a game no more. Oh, there wasn’t anything serious between them. Well, she preferred to think there wasn’t because she didn’t know what—if anything—existed. For all she knew, Jack could stop calling her, stop showing up to take her out to lunch whenever he had a chance, stop asking her out to dinner, stop taking her for a ride on the weekends, or stop asking her to spend the night at his place more often than not. Come to think of it, she’d been gradually staying more nights at his place than at her own condo.

Tori glanced around the elegant room and ran her hand down the length of her short black dress while she waited for the bartender to pour her a drink. Jack asked her to accompany him to his company’s cocktail party in celebration of a new account they’d acquired. She watched as he held an animated conversation with his friend Ethan and other company executives he’d introduced her to earlier.

His good looks didn’t compare to how ridiculously smart he was. To top it all off, he had a great sense of humor, which she’d never known until now. The more time she spent with him, the farther she fell into his web. She lost track of time, basking in the safe haven of his arms, in his sometimes harsh yet sweet lovemaking.

Tori sucked in her breath, reaching for her martini.
God. No, it couldn’t be possible
. Had she fallen in love? She took a long drink. Yes, she had. How could she not have seen it coming? Her heartbeat raced. She stared in his direction, and saw him smile, nodding at whatever the other men around him said.

“Oh, I know that look.” Brandy, Jack’s secretary, stood next to her at the bar and gestured to the bartender.

Tori blinked, glancing at the beautiful woman. “Come again.”

Brandy smiled. “Mm… hmm yeah, just what I thought.” She ordered her drink and looked back at Tori. “He can be an ass sometimes.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Tori agreed.

“Right. You’ll make a decent husband out of him.”

Tori choked on her drink. Did she hear her right? She wondered whatever made Brandy think that. “It’s nothing—”

“How is it?” She raised her brow in question.

“We’re just friends.”

Brandy’s shoulders shook as she let out a soft laugh. “He’d never bring a friend to the company’s cocktail.” She took a sip from her drink.

“I’m sure he took other women to events.” Her chest tightened as Tori imagined Jack with other women.
God
. She was jealous.

Brandy glanced at Jack, then back at Tori. “If he ever dated, he kept it a secret because he always comes alone to this kind of affairs. Seriously, I’d wondered if he wasn’t into women until you.” She raised her cocktail. “Don’t break my boss’s heart. He’s a good man. Cheers.” She flashed Tori a smile, turned around, and walked away.

Tori looked up, finding Jack still across the room. This time his hot gaze held hers, consuming her inside out the way it always did.

* * * *

“How long has it been since you’ve been seeing her?” Ethan asked.

“Close to three months.” Jack watched her across the room, taking in the way she looked in her short dress. He marveled at how he’d strip it from her when he took her home.

Ethan gave a low whistle. “Three months? Dude, you better make up your mind soon.” He patted Jack’s back.

Jack furrowed his brow. “What do you mean, make up my mind?”

Ethan did a double take. “You’re at the three month mark. If you’re not serious, you need to break things now before she gets any ideas.”

“Trust me, she won’t get any ideas. Tori knows what we are and where we stand,” Jack said, uneasiness filled his chest. He’d promised himself he wouldn’t see her anymore, but he couldn’t resist. He wasn’t ready to let her go yet. They were past their revenge—they’d been past it since the night she pole danced for him.

“If you’re not serious, don’t be selfish. Let her go.” Ethan paused. “I don’t know her the way you do, but putting her naughty-toys joke aside, she’s the kind of woman a man wants to marry.”

His stomach clenched at the thought of Tori being in another man’s arms. “She doesn’t want to marry.”

“How do you know? Have you asked her?” Ethan grinned.

“No. Of course not.” The thought hadn’t crossed his mind. Marriage wasn’t a subject he’d breach. His conversations with her covered all types of topics—except relationships and marriage. Neither one of them had brought it up.

“You don’t know shit.”

“What makes you an expert?” Jack asked.

“Nothing.” Ethan shrugged. “Frankly, I don’t give a damn what you do. I just know it won’t be pretty when one of you decides to move on. I’ve been there. Take it from someone that knows. It sucks.”

Jack didn’t want Tori to move on. Not yet. Did that make him selfish? Three months wasn’t a long enough time to be with someone and decide whether to move on, or stay and take things to the next level. He breathed in, acknowledging that his one-night deal, which had lengthened to three months, had bitten him in the ass.

“If I were you, I’d take advantage of the next two months, when you’ll be working out of Tokyo. Think hard about what you want to do,” Ethan said. “Tori knows you’re leaving, right?”

Fuck
. “No. I haven’t had a chance to tell her,” he lied. There’d been plenty of chances; he just hadn’t told her because he’d been afraid of how she’d react. Jack wasn’t even sure how he felt about being away from her for such a long time, and hoped she didn’t think he’d be breaking their liaison of sorts between them—because he wasn’t.

“You’re leaving tomorrow night and you haven’t told her? Man, you’re an asshole, ripping off the Band-Aid like that.”

“I’m not breaking things off.”

“You think she’s going to stay and wait for you when there’s never been anything serious between you two? Dude, don’t be surprised if, when you come back, she’s not waiting for you with open arms.”

After the cocktail ended, Jack drove them straight to his condo in Downtown LA. It was Wednesday and Tori had brought a change of clothes since she knew she’d be spending the night. She’d already gotten too used to his place. Her office was minutes away from where he lived, which saved her a long commute.

He’d been quiet on their way back. She sensed something was worrying him, but she wouldn’t press. She reckoned he’d tell her when he felt comfortable sharing what was bothering him. Tori expected him to ravish her the moment they walked into his place, but he didn’t. When she mentioned she’d just go home, he pulled her into his arms, kissed her, and asked her not to leave. But then he moved away, leaving her yearning for his touch.

To say she was confused by his actions would be an understatement. Tori decided to stay and planned to take his mind off his worries. Her lips curved into a smile, looking at her reflection in the mirror of his master bathroom. She’d donned a new lacy black negligee, and happy with what she saw, she walked out of the bathroom.

He lay on the bed in his pajamas, his shirtless form propped on pillows. Legs crossed, he read from a tablet he held.

“Are you working?” Tori asked.

He looked over the rim of his glasses, fixing his gaze on hers. “Is that new?” he asked, setting the tablet on his lap.

She sauntered toward him. “Yes.” Tori took his tablet and placed it on the nightstand next to him. She got on the bed, straddling him. “Don’t you like it?” She pouted, running her hands up his strong chest, stopping by his nipples, making light circles with her nails.

Jack shifted, stroking her thighs. He gripped her hips, pulling her up and pressed his groin against her sex. “I like it a lot.”

Tori pinched his nipples, casting a glance at him. “I thought you would.” She leaned forward, leveling her gaze with his, her mouth hovering over his. The warmth of his breath mingled with hers. She slid his glasses off and brushed her lips on his.

He took his glasses from her and placed them on the nightstand. “I think we need some music,” he said against her mouth. Jack reached for a remote control to dim the lights. The beginning to “No Ordinary Love” by Sade played softly in the background.

She glanced at the ceiling, letting the melody fill her ears. “Do you have a thing for Sade or something?”

“You’re as sultry as her music, and there’s nothing wrong making love to the rhythm of a song.” He held her gaze. “I can shut it off if it makes you more comfortable.”

Making love? His words warmed her all over and her pulse raced. “N-no. Don’t. I love it.”

“Good.” Jack sat up straight, circling his arms around her, pulling her to him. He crushed her lips with his.

The heat of his chest seeped through the thin layer of lace. She raked her nails along his arms to his nape and tangled her fingers in his hair. Jack deepened the kiss, his hot tongue exploring the inside of her mouth. Every stroke, every lick, set her blood to boil, consuming her inside out. He drew her tongue in his mouth, swallowing her moan.

He broke the kiss and trailed his lips down her neck. He cupped her breasts, his thumbs stroking the tips through the lace. Tori threw her head back when his mouth closed around her nipple, sucking it inside his mouth and grazing it with his teeth. An electric current surged through her, her muscles contracted, and her swollen clit pulsed. Jack switched to her other breast, giving it the same detailed devotion he’d given the other.

“God, Tori.” He groaned, holding her by the waist. Jack lifted her of him and pushed her back on the bed until he positioned himself between her thighs. He supported himself on his arms, hovering over her, grinding his cock on her core. Jack inclined his head and touched the tip of his nose with hers. “Now is your chance to tell me to stop, because if you don’t, you’ll be mine completely, Tori,” he said in a low voice.

His searing gaze held her in place. She searched his face, replaying his words in her mind. She was already his… didn’t he see that? The question was, would he ever be hers? “Don’t stop,” Tori whispered.

Jack angled his head and captured her mouth in a fierce kiss. He didn’t ask or demand, he just took, robbing her of all the air in her lungs. The heat of his lips burned her skin inch by inch, making her body melt under his. A soft cry escaped her lips when he broke the contact and dragged his lips down her middle to her sex.

She jerked her hips when he spread her legs farther apart and covered her pussy with his mouth. His hot breath seeped through the thin layer of her drenched thong, making her muscles spasm and her swollen clit ache even more. Her legs quivered as desire flared through her body. She’d give him anything he asked if it meant she’d get to be with him for a while longer, because forever remained questionable.

Jack slid his fingers under the thin strap of her thong and pulled in the opposite directions, tearing it apart. Her heart pounded and her breathing grew labored. Tori brought her hands to her head and tangled her fingers in her hair. She closed her eyes, arching her back, wanting more of his scorching tongue tracing her folds and then licking her clit.

“I’m coming,” she murmured.

He dragged his tongue along her length and sat back on his knees. “No. You’re not.” Jack gave her bared pussy a gentle slap, and the heat of the sting traveled up her body, making her muscles clench. If she could close her legs a fraction, she’d cry with pleasure. She’d barely stirred when Jack turned her on her stomach.

He left her for a moment and then he was back. Tori blew out her hair, stealing a glance at him. Jack had stripped off his pajamas and knelt, fully naked, between her legs. He reached for her, gripped her hips, and pulled her ass to him. “Tonight, your beautiful ass will be mine.” He slipped two fingers in her entrance, drew them back out, and dragged them to her puckered hole.

He grabbed a tube of lube and poured some in his already-wet fingers. He slid them down her crack, massaging her tiny hole.

Tori squeezed her eyes close, her body blazing in anticipation. Now, she’d truly be his and his only. This had always been taboo for her. She couldn’t explain why it didn’t feel taboo with him. Things had changed with Jack. What should feel wrong felt so right.

“I didn’t think I’d get to use this on you,” he said.

Tori opened her eyes, twisting her head to look at him over her shoulder. He held the pink E-Glass Screamer Glass Dildo she’d sent him. “Are you serious?”

“When am I not?” Jack stroked her ass and gripped her hip with one hand. He slid the tip of the massager down her cleft and pressed it at her opening, stretching it little by little until the smooth tip slipped inside her. He dropped his hand to her pussy and his fingers massaged her clit.

Tori moaned at the coolness of the glass stretching her as Jack slipped it farther in her. Making it past tonight without surrendering to him every last bit of control she still had within her would be impossible. The pressure of the beads filling her ass, moving slowly in and out of her, combined with the way his fingers played with her bud, sent a flood of pleasure through her, a blanket of heat that enveloped her from head to toe. “J-Jack,” she cried, burying her face in the bed sheets. If he put a little more pressure and quickened his pace on her clit, she’d come.

“Hold on, sweetheart.” Jack slid the massager out. Seconds later the sound of tearing foil filled her ears. He spread her cheeks and positioned the tip of his cock on her hole. “I’ll make it good for you, I promise,” he murmured, pressing gradually into her until his full length slid in, filling her. He remained still for a few moments as her body adjusted to him.

Tori took deep breaths as he filled her. She didn’t remember how she’d felt when she’d lost her virginity, but from what she did recall, she hadn’t felt this way. How could something feel weird and wonderful at the same time?

His fingers played with her bud as he drove in and out of her. Each movement, each stroke of his fingers, brought her closer to the edge she craved.

This was such a different kind of pleasure, yet so satisfying, and she wanted more. Jack thrust faster, picking up the pace on her clit. Heat crept up her legs, and her muscles tightened as her body burst into flames of ecstasy. Tori cried out her rapture, trembling alongside his body. Tonight she’d given to Jack what she hadn’t ever given anyone—and then some. Every cell in her body, every thought, everything that made her her, she’d surrendered to him without asking for anything in return.
Was it love
? Yes, she supposed it was. She’d fallen in love with him, and there was nothing she or anyone could do about it.

“Fuck,” Jack said under his breath, his body vibrating next to hers. He slid out of her when he caught his breath again. Leaning forward, he placed a kiss on top of her head. “Thank you,” he whispered in her hair. He got up from the bed and walked to the bathroom.

The sound of water running drifted to her in the bedroom. Tori was exhausted and couldn’t find it in her to move, not right after the events from moments ago.
Especially
when she was still trying to process the fact that she was in love with
him
, her
nemesis
of years.

He came back, scooped her up into his arms, and took her to the bathroom.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

He kissed her temple. “Taking care of you.” Jack stepped in the bathroom and set her down.

Tori stepped in the Jacuzzi tub, welcoming the heat of the water clambering up her legs. Jack followed her in and slid down, taking a seat. He pulled her to him, and she sat in front of him. Tori rested her head on his chest, sinking until the bath bubbles touched her chin. Closing her eyes, her muscles loosened with the warmth of the water enveloping her.

A mix of excitement, fear, and doubt filled her chest. She hadn’t planned for any of this to happen—or to fall hard for him. Giving it some more thought, how could this not have happened when, during the past three months, she’d spent more time with him than with her friends? When she’d spent more time at his place than at hers? Did he feel the same way she did? God, she hoped so because she didn’t know how she’d react if he didn’t.

“Victoria,” he said.

She shifted, burying her face in his chest. “Yes.”

Jack stroked her arms. “I’m leaving.”

Her back stiffened. The water temperature changed from warm to cold—at least, it felt that way to her. Those simple words had the power of a punch, leaving her out of breath. “Where are you going?” she asked, not wanting to hear the answer.

“Tokyo.”

“Tokyo?”
Shit
. He couldn’t go any farther away.

He exhaled. “Yes. I have some business issues I have to deal with.”

She squeezed her eyes close. Of course this would happen when she felt most vulnerable. “When are you leaving?” Tori bit the inside of her cheek, hoping the self-induced pain would take her attention away from the heartache building little by little in her chest.

He remained silent for a moment. “Tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow? You haven’t even packed.” Did he have any idea of what this did to her? Tonight had been a great deal for her, letting him do with her body whatever the hell he pleased, and for what? He’d be leaving tomorrow. She wouldn’t make a big deal, that wasn’t her style. Even if she did, it’d be useless. He’d had many opportunities to tell her before now. She hated to admit it was evident that he’d decided not to say a word. What did he expect her to say? How would any other woman feel or react to something like this? She had willingly surrendered her body to him, thinking there could maybe be more.
What a stupid thought
.

“Yeah, I’ve got my stuff ready at my other place.”

Tori swallowed back the lump in her throat. She wouldn’t cry—no, she couldn’t. “How long will you be gone?” She hated asking those questions. She sounded like the girlfriend she wasn’t—and would never be.

“A month or two, tops. It depends on how things go.” He wrapped his hand around her nape, his fingers kneading her tense muscles.

She could ask him why he hadn’t said anything until now. She should, but what would she gain? He’d leave, she’d stay, and there’d never been anything close to serious between them. She took deep breaths, trying to control her disappointment, sadness, and most of all, the damn tears pooling in her eyes. His leaving wasn’t a real breakup because he couldn’t break up something that never existed.

“I hope things work out for you.” She pushed away from him, ready to stand, but he held on to her waist.

He cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Tori, I’ll call you every time I get a chance. All right?”

She studied his expression, wishing she could see deeper than his troubled blue gaze allowed her to. “I’m sure you will.” She choked out the words. Deep inside her she knew he wouldn’t call. She hoped he’d prove her wrong because it’d hurt too much if he didn’t.

“I promise.” He kissed her.