Addicted (Addicted Trilogy Book 1) (15 page)

“Sara, look at me.” I heard only demand in his
tone.

When I finally connected with those dreamy eyes of
his, I almost faltered. “What?”

“Do you want this relationship to be exclusive? If
so, I could easily comply, and gladly, I might add.”
There is that damn smile of his.

I didn’t know Alek enough yet to know whether or
not he actually wanted what he was proposing. From my small amount of research
on the man, he didn’t do the girlfriend thing.
But what the hell do I know? It’s just all magazine rumor trash anyway,
right?

“Are you going to give me an answer anytime soon? It’s
not a trick question, love. I promise.”

Go big or go
home, right?
“Do you want to be exclusive with
me
, Alek? I mean really exclusive, as in
no other women, at all?”

“I’m fully aware of what exclusive means, Sara. Do
you? It also means no flirting or touching any other man. Is that something you
can accommodate?”
Is he serious?

“You make it sound like I hang all over strange
men, flirting endlessly with them. But I don’t behave like that. Not at all. I’m
pretty reserved with that type of stuff.”

“What about the way you are with Matt? You seem
pretty friendly with him.” His demeanor started to change, his grip on me
tightening, pulling me that much closer.

“Really? Do I have to go over this again?” I asked,
beyond frustrated he wouldn’t let the issue with Matt go. “Besides, he’s my
friend and I feel comfortable around him, so he’s someone I’m affectionate
with, whether it be hugging or kissing.” I could see the look on his face becoming
harsher, going from semi-relaxed to instant fury.

“You kiss him?” he practically shouted, his
nostrils widening, air sucked through his teeth in haste.

“On the cheek, Alek!” I shouted back. “I don’t make
it a habit going around making out with my friends.”

“Oh.” As if contemplating his next question, he
waited a few seconds before opening his mouth again. “Did he ever actually tell
you he was gay, or are you just assuming he is?”

“He never came out and told me, per se, but I see
the way he looks at other men when we’re out together. Those looks, mixed with
the fact he’s never with a woman, only lead me to the ultimate conclusion. I
think he came close once to blurting it out, but I guess he lost his nerve.”

I suddenly stiffened in his embrace, our
conversation making me feel as if I was betraying my friend on some level.

“I still don’t like it. I won’t be comfortable with
you hanging around him until I know for sure he doesn’t want to fuck you.”

“Alek!” I exclaimed. “Really? Come on. Now you’re
just being ridiculous and unreasonable. I’m not going to stop hanging out with
Matt because you think he wants me. I’m telling you, it’s the farthest thing
from the truth.”

His ludicrous statement had me trying to free
myself from his hold. I sure as hell wasn’t going to be controlled by someone
because they had certain thoughts about certain things.

“Where are you going? Why are you trying to get
away from me?”

“I won’t let anyone tell me who I can and can’t be
friends with or hang out with. That is a definite deal-breaker for me, Alek. I
won’t be controlled by anyone.” My voice rose an octave with each statement.

“That’s not what I’m trying to do, sweetheart,” he
stated, his demeanor softening a little bit. “I only want to protect you and
make sure you’re safe, and if it means asking you to refrain from acting in a
certain way, then so be it. I want you to live your life the way you want to, but
with some adjustments which will put my mind at ease…where your safety is
concerned. So, if you tell me you truly feel Matt is gay, well, then I’ll trust
your judgment on the issue. But no touching or flirting with any other man. Can
we at least agree on that?”

I certainly didn’t understand his overwhelming need
to protect me. He’d said as much on numerous occasions. But I guess it wasn’t
the worst thing, although I already knew he’d be using it as an excuse going
forward, something we’d surely battle over.

“Deal,” I responded. Really, it was a no-brainer. Why
would I ever entertain another man when I had him in my life? I would have to
be certifiable.

He seemed to appreciate my agreement, leaning down
to plant a kiss on my mouth. As with every other intimate encounter, I was
instantly turned on, wanting him to continue his lovely display of affection.

But it wasn’t to be. He drew back and said, “There.
It’s settled then. We’re exclusive.”

I was still a bit confused by the turn of events. Never
did I expect him to propose exclusivity so soon, if at all. It could all be
over within a week, or a month. I was praying that wasn’t the case, but the
simple truth was I just didn’t know.

The only thing I could do was sit back and enjoy
the ride.

Alek

All throughout dinner, I knew there was something
on Sara’s mind, something she was holding her tongue about until the meal was
finished. Thinking it could only be one thing, I braced myself and prepared my
argument. We both knew I was going to win out. I just had to make her see it
from my point of view. Again.

Truth be told, I was actually looking forward to
the back and forth of it. People constantly agreeing with me was rather boring.
I needed a challenge, and Sara would most certainly give me what I craved.
           

“Alek,” she started.
Here we go.
“I want to have a serious conversation with you, and I
don’t want you to dismiss anything before I’ve had my say.” She looked nervous,
avoiding eye contact with me for the most part.

“Sara,” I called out. She stopped looking down at
her hands and locked eyes with me. “I think I already know what this is about,
but I promise to let you have your say before I present my side of things. This
should be good, so go ahead,
give
it your best shot.”
I laughed before taking a sip of my drink.

Her back straightened before she spoke, strength
evident in her posture. “I can’t accept the car.” I opened my mouth but
remembered I’d told her she could finish her argument first. Snapping my lips
shut, I nodded, allowing her to continue.

“While I appreciate the
very
generous gift, I simply cannot accept it. It’s too expensive,
and we’ve only known each other a short time. It’s too impulsive and
extravagant. So…while I thank you again for the gesture, I’ll be leaving it
here tonight, with you. I’m sure you’ll be able to return the car easily
enough.” She took a big inhale of air before continuing. “I’ve been taking care
of myself for a long time, and it makes me uncomfortable to have things given
to me. It just isn’t my way. In addition, I don’t want you to feel like you
should buy me things because you have the resources. I don’t want your money. I
like you for you, simple as that.”

Leaning forward on the table, I came as close to
her as I could while still giving her space. Her defenses were up, and she was
probably going to lose her shit when I responded.
Oh, well. She’ll have to get over it.

“Are you done? Did you say everything you wanted to?
Because now I’ll say my peace and it will be final.” I made sure I had her full
attention before speaking again. “While I appreciate your speech…you’re keeping
the car.”

The last syllable didn’t even leave my lips before
I rose from the table and started clearing it, grabbing her dishes first.

Plus, I wanted to get rid of any weapons she had in
front of her. Just in case.

I dared not look in her direction, knowing full
well she was upset. I didn’t say what I did to rile her up. I said it because
it was the truth. No way was I going to let her flit around with no vehicle.

“You’re not serious, are you? Tell me you’re
kidding, Alek!” She had risen from the table as well, bracing herself behind
her chair for support. “You’re not going to dismiss me with a simple
what I say goes
type of attitude. Because
that sure as hell isn’t me, either. So, how about this? You can shove the car
right up—”

I cut her off before she got a chance to finish.

“Hold up. Don’t get so damn testy about this. It
isn’t that big a deal, so can you please calm down?”

“Well, if it’s not a big deal then you won’t mind
taking it back.”

“You’re going to keep the damn vehicle and here’s
why. I worry about you when I’m not with you, and if I can gift you something
you actually need and will put my mind at ease, well then, that’s exactly what
I’m going to do. You don’t have any form of transportation, and I don’t like
the thought of you waiting alone for a ride or taking the bus with a bunch of
strangers. And while we are on the subject, you are now my girlfriend and as
your man, I will be showering you with many presents, so get used to it. You
can fight me on every one, but just know I’ll always get my way. Like I won out
with the security system issue, I
will
win this one, as well. You’ll find I will
always
win when it comes to keeping you safe, Sara.”

I saw the reservation on her face. She was calmer
than she was before I’d started my spiel, but I wasn’t sure yet if she still
had some fight left in her. I almost bent her over the table when she told me to
shove the car, my excitement pressing tight against the zipper of my jeans.

“Fine. I’ll keep the car.
For now.
When I can afford to buy my own, which will now be in the
near future, you’ll take this one back. Agreed?” She looked at me with
expectant eyes.

 
“Agreed. Can
we move on now?”

After all of the dishes had been cleared, I offered
to give her a tour of my home.

I couldn’t help but be amused over every little
thing she found fascinating. I watched her. Closely. Her mouth would fall open
when she found something intriguing, whether it was a painting on the wall or a
simple gadget. When she was confused, mainly over the main remote I used to
operate the TV, sound system and lighting, she would bite her lip, her brow
knit in wonderment.

It took every ounce of control to keep my hands to
myself, especially when we entered my room. I kept glancing at my bed, wishing
for nothing more than to pick her up caveman-style, carry her over and throw
her on top of it. I imagined ripping her clothes from her body as my mouth
tasted every inch of her flesh, my fingers making good work of revving her up
to take me fully.

“Don’t you get lonely here all by yourself?” she
asked, pulling me from my horny thoughts.

“To be honest, I don’t spend much time here. I
travel a lot for work, so I stay at some of my other homes, probably as much as
I stay here.”

“Uh…
your
other
homes? How many do you have?”
There’s that uncomfortable look again.

“I have five other homes. Well, three actual
houses, one apartment and a suite in one of my hotels. They’re spread out all
over the country. It makes it easier for me when I have to travel from place to
place.”

I knew something was bothering her, and I knew what
it was without probing too much. I needed to resolve this once and for all. Halting
any further movement, I turned her around and pulled her near, my hands
gripping her arms to keep her close.

“Does my wealth bother you? You can tell me.”

“Well, if I’m being honest…it does a little bit. I’m
very happy for you that you’re so successful, really I am. But I don’t fit into
this world, and unfortunately, you’re going to see it, too, sooner or later.”

“You fit into my world because you’re with me,
Sara. Simple as that.” I didn’t know what else to say except the truth.

At a loss for words, she shrugged off my hold and
made her way toward the bed. I couldn’t help it; my eyes were glued to her ass.
I had to remember to tell her how much I appreciated those damn jeans. The sway
of her hips was entrancing, making my cock twitch to life. I knew what I wanted
to happen between us, but I wasn’t so sure she was game yet. And I wouldn’t
push the issue if she wasn’t ready. We had all the time in the world.

“Let me guess, you bought your bed from Italy?” she
asked as she ran her fingers over one of the four wooden posts.
Oh, how I would love to feel those fingers
wrapped around my…

“Alek?” she called.
Shit, yeah, she did just ask me a question.

“Sorry. Yeah, I did. The same artist who made the
dining table constructed this piece for me, as well. He actually made all of
the furniture you see in here. Do you like it?”

All she could do was nod in response.

I hadn’t even realized I was walking in circles
around her, probably making her a little wary. I’d been told I was quite
intimidating at times. Hopefully that wasn’t how she felt. Either way, she
moved away from me to inspect the rest of my bedroom, my eyes following her
every movement. Every time she caught me looking at her, she would sheepishly
smile and turn away.

My overwhelming need to touch her became too much. Enough
was enough. Without wasting another second, I walked up behind her as she was
checking out one of the paintings on my wall.

Her scent enveloped me as I leaned in close, moving
her long hair to the side. Her breath hitched when she felt my lips on her
neck.

“What do you want to do, Sara?”

I envisioned us in all sorts of compromising
positions, really hoping it would be the night she gave herself to me. Surely
she was nervous, so I had to take things slow—if it was what she wanted, of
course.

Her head fell back against my shoulder as I nibbled
at her sensitive flesh.

“Sara? What do you want to do?” I repeated, the
rasp in my voice surprising even me.

“Anything you want.”
Well, it looks like she gave me the answer I was hoping for.
But I
needed to make sure she was serious.

“Turn around,” I demanded.

When our gazes met, I saw it. I’d witnessed the
desire in her honey-colored eyes, her pupils dilated in her excitement.

As I was about to ask her a question, she reached
up and pressed her mouth against mine, her warm tongue teasing my lips.
I’m
gonna
lose it
if she keeps doing that.

She backed away for a split-second, put her hands
on my chest and repeated her glorious statement from moments before. “Anything
you want, Alek.”

“You know what I’m taking that as, don’t you? Do
you know what you’re telling me, Sara?”

Breathlessly, she whispered, “Yes.”

Oh, to hell
with it.
I was done talking. I crashed my hungry mouth
against hers, snaking my arms around her to pull her close again. Her luscious
lips parted, allowing me the entrance I was so hungry for.

She tasted sweet.

She tasted forbidden.

Before things progressed too quickly, I wanted to
get
the talk
out of the way. It was
simply necessary.

I broke free from our kiss and took a quick step
backward, looking into her eyes the whole time.

“What?” she asked.

“Are you on the pill? Are you protected?”

“No,” she answered, a light blush creeping over her
cheeks. I was sure she hadn’t had this conversation with anyone before—at least
that was what I was telling myself, not wanting to picture another man’s hands
all over her.

“Oh. It’s okay,” I said, a little disappointed. While
I’d planned on using a condom anyway, the mere thought of taking her bare
excited me. I knew she was clean, being a virgin and all, but so was I. Regular
testing proved so. Plus, the fact I’d always used protection in the past, some women
often having an agenda of snagging rich men. Hell, I’d even heard horror
stories of some trying to blackmail men of my wealth.

Having said and asked what I needed, I pushed all
thoughts aside to focus on the vision before me.
No more time for thinking.

“Take off your clothes, Sara.”

Her eyes widened but she complied. Kicking off her
shoes, she made quick work relieving her body from the fabric which covered it.
Her movements mesmerized me. The elongation of her arms as she pulled her shirt
over her head was a dance, her limbs stretching and swaying as the material
danced over her skin. Every bend of her body entranced me. She turned her back
to me, her fingers playing in the waistband of her jeans. With a soft turn of
her head she watched as she shimmied the material over her hipbones, cascading
seductively over the plump curve of her ass. Bending forward, she pulled them
the rest of the way down, kicking them to the side as if they offended her.

Turning back around, she stood before me in nothing
but her bra and panties. My heart beat faster, my breaths coming so quickly
they almost escaped me completely.

 
“Fuck, baby.
You’re perfect.”

She dipped her head, clearly not completely
comfortable with my compliment. After a few seconds, she looked up again,
resolve set firm in her stare. “Are you going to take off your clothes, or are
you going to leave me out here hanging by myself?” she joked, although the look
in her eyes was nothing to laugh at. She licked her lips in nervousness and it
was quite endearing. Hot…but endearing.

I didn’t want her to be any more nervous than she
already was, so I grabbed my shirt by the neck and pulled it over my head,
tossing it to the side before unbuttoning my jeans. Kicking off my own shoes, I
worked the fabric down my muscular thighs before kicking them to the side, as
well. Her eyes hungrily drank me in, the sight of me causing her to blush
again. The color wrapped itself around her entire chest before it crept up her
neck and splayed across her face.

It was the most beautiful sight.

Crushing the last few inches of space between us, I
reached behind her and unhooked her bra, the material coming away from her
chest with ease. Her breasts were on full display and they were all for me. They
were round and heavy but very perky, her nipples a dusty pink, pebbled in
arousal. Before I could stop myself, my fingers caressed the hardened peaks,
pinching the taut skin and making her moan out in pleasure.