Gilded Lily (19 page)

“Take me, Adam. Fill me. I’m ready.”

“I don’t w-want to hurt y-you,” he stammered as he raised his hips, hammering even deeper into her core.

She leaned down and peppered tender kisses across his strong chest. “Fuck me like you have to have me, like you
need
me—not like you
want
me,” she said.

He gripped her hips like a vise as he slammed his hips up, filling her with every inch he had. To her surprise, she felt his shaft lengthen even more.

Adam’s head dug into the mattress as he pulled her down onto him and rose to fill her again. Lily scraped her short fingernails against his chest, holding on as he bucked her up and down. “Lily, you have to get off now.”

“I know. Keep going,” she whispered, her voice beginning to break.

“Lily, I have to, oh, God…come.”

She leaned down and pressed her breasts against his panting chest. “Come for me, Adam. I need you.”

There was no turning back now. Adam gripped her hips, forcing her down on his cock as he came. Lily sighed as the warmth bathed her silky channel. She nestled against his hard body as his thrusts eased.

Adam tenderly rubbed the sides of her hips. “I’ve never come inside someone before. I think I bruised your hips.”

“Mmm, it felt wonderful. I hope you did leave a mark.” She pressed her cheek to his heaving chest, still feeling his muscles rock her up and down as he tried to slow his breathing. She feathered soft kisses on his warm skin as he ran his fingertips along her spine.

His strokes slowed, stopped, then started again. Slowed again, then stopped. “Couldn’t sleep?” he asked as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

She looked up. “Am I that easy to read?”

He grinned and slid his lips along the seam of her mouth. “Are you okay? I mean, did I hurt you?”

“A little, but I liked the way it felt.” She scooted over, instantly missing the security of his cock being inside her body. He gently pulled her closer, and she rested her cheek on his shoulder. The way he ran his fingers through her hair made her feel like a sleepy cat.

“What did you mean when you said Tony gave you a ring?”

“He gave me this little plastic ring that I put inside me, and it keeps me from getting pregnant.”

Adam laughed. “I didn’t feel anything plastic in there.”

“I’m surprised, the way your
thing
almost reached my tonsils.” She reached across his chest and rubbed his forearm. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t trap you like that. I promise.”

“I never thought you would.”

Lily suddenly felt the gravity of the situation. “I hope you’re not angry with me.”

“Never. I’ve been waiting for you. And about yesterday, I want you to know I was an ass, and I’m sorry.” He stroked the small of her back. It tickled, but she wasn’t about to pull away from his touch. She’d waited too long to feel it.

“I should’ve been more understanding,” she said. “I can only imagine how weird you must think I am.”

“Nick didn’t.” Her whole body tensed. “I mean, he liked for you to watch him, didn’t he?”

“How did you know about that?”

“Tony told me.” He brushed the sweat-soaked strands of hair from her face. “It’s all right. He’s my brother, and I love him no matter what. I had to get used to the idea. Tony helped me with it.”

She let her body soften again. “Nicholas used to call me his Lily Flower.”

“Well, now you’re
my
Lily Flower.” He rolled over on top of her, pinning her beneath his muscled frame. Lily flinched when she felt his erect cock nudge her opening. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” He gently pressed the palm of his hand against her sex. “You’re so swollen. Oh, God, Lily, I’m sorry. We should’ve taken it slower.”

She held his face in her hands and kissed his lips. “It was perfect. I’m going to be sore. That’s to be expected. It’ll pass, and we can do it again soon.”

He bowed his forehead, resting it against hers. “I told you, I’m not normal. No woman would want this so often. I can’t help it.”

Lily felt his pain deep in her chest. “Oh, Adam, you’re built for pleasure. My body will adjust. Please be patient. For now, I’m going to soak in a warm bath.”

She kissed him on the cheek and scooted out from underneath him. He turned on his side, leaning up on his elbow to watch her pull the satin robe over her shoulders. The strained look on his face made her heart break. “It’s okay,” she promised as she crawled off the bed. “Don’t worry.”

“Lily?”

She stopped at the top of the stairs and turned to him. “Yes?”

“I want to please you. I know Nick couldn’t in all the ways you needed. Please give me a chance.”

She smiled. He looked so handsome all sprawled out on the bed like a Greek god.
Her
Greek god, asking for her to give him a chance. Like her heart could do anything but. She pressed her fingertips to her lips, then blew him a sensual kiss before turning and walking down the stairs.

Lily cringed with each step as she tried to make her way back up the path. She was relieved when she finally made it up the stairs and into her bedroom. The clock read 4:35. She threw the robe on the bathroom floor and started the bath water. She’d call Tony today and tell him what she’d done. Her belly fluttered with the thought. He was going to be so proud of her. Hell, she was quite proud of herself.

The burning between her legs was intense. Adam had been bigger than she ever thought possible. She eased her shaking hand over the swollen lips to feel the semen still dripping from her channel. When she inspected her hand, she found a few spots of blood. She grinned at the thought of him wanting to be so careful.
In time, he’ll fit nicely.

The comforting sensation of the hot water was interrupted as she sank the source of her ache beneath the surface. Soon, the pain ceased and she let the heat soothe her. As she closed her eyes, she saw Adam’s face, so beautiful. He had branded her his Lily Flower. She giggled. She was someone’s Lily Flower again, and this time she could have all of that someone.

The feel of strong arms wrapped around her waist, caressing not only her sensitive skin but the weary anxiety beneath, had been comforting. The thought of his rough fingers sliding over her hips made her want to run back to the stable house and tell him that she couldn’t live without him. His strong presence was making her body ignite with excited uneasiness, making her feel safe. He was the balance to her newfound confidence. In this world that shunned her for wanting both, to be the submissive and in control. A world that told her she was a freak, an abomination to all womankind for wanting to submit to a man. Adam enveloped her fears without even trying. His loving touch eased the terror that was always bubbling beneath the surface of everything she attempted to make good.

Lily scooped up a handful of hot water and sluiced it over her shoulders. The image of Adam’s lips curving into a smile made her want to laugh. The last time she’d felt such a giddy need to be free was when Nicholas gave her the outdoor bathtub. The very idea of such a gift had seemed so deliciously decadent. Just like Adam’s handsome smile, his stern and comforting voice—a precious gift.

Was
this
love? A flutter of nerves deep in a woman’s belly, keeping her wanting to please and afraid to fail? Was this what women who weren’t submissive felt when they lost their hearts to the men who occupied every thought they carried? With Keith, the
right thing to do
had seemed like love. Lily had known the natural progression of what her life was expected to be. Get the great education. Get the perfect job. Find the right husband. Buy the tidy house. And lastly, have two-point-five kids and grow old, full of regret because the undiscovered secrets had stayed in hidden dreams.

That plan hadn’t worked.

Did it ever?

Then Tony had found her and the
right thing to do
was tossed on its ass and a new plan was cast. Now, Tony’s subtle lessons were forming a complete puzzle. Life was a set of adventures. One event leading to the next, bringing her ever closer to happiness. Lily ducked under the water, wetting her hair. As she listened to the drip of the faucet from under the surface, she could make out the sound of her own heartbeat. The slow rhythm reminded her that Adam was quickly becoming her happiness. Before her lungs began to burn, she popped out of the water and wiped the droplets from her face.

She slapped her palm against her forehead. “Shit! The ball!”

Renee would be coming this afternoon, and the caterer would be arriving to finalize the menu. Lily sat up in the water, hugging her knees as she smiled. The night was going to be magical. She could feel it.

TONY PULLED UP, parked the car by the stable house, and waited for Adam. He turned down the radio as Adam came out the side door.

“Thanks for picking me up,” Adam said as he slid into the passenger seat. “Lexus; nice ride.”

“Thanks. Renee picked it out. I’m a muscle car kind of guy myself, but she said she wouldn’t be caught dead in my 1970 Barracuda. So, here I am, driving this pussy mobile.”

Both men laughed as the car sped down the gravel driveway behind the stable house.

“Have you seen her today?” Tony asked, hoping Adam hadn’t left her unattended after their night together. Lily had sounded so excited over the phone. He could only imagine her strutting around like a little peacock, so impressed with herself that she couldn’t sit still.

Adam shook his head. “No, there have been people everywhere up there today. I thought I’d give her some space.” He leaned his elbow on the arm rest. “What kind of things go on at this party? I mean, the invitation said nothing. Really, it said less than nothing, only listed date and time and costume.”

Tony peaked a brow with a tilted smile. “It’s a night of sheer debauchery. Anything goes, and anything does, believe me. Poppet said she found a box of letters when she was doing some of the restoration work. Apparently, they told these sordid tales of costume balls that were held on the plantation. She thought it’d be fun to start having them again.”

“Oh.” Tony could see the wheels of Adam’s brain turning. “How many people come to this thing?”

“Usually about twenty people or so. It’s not a very big affair. Poppet likes to keep it intimate.” Tony turned off the lane to the main highway. “Everyone is responsible for themselves. Lily makes sure there are plenty of condoms to go around. Come by the office, and we can run your labs. You can’t be too careful with an event of this type.”

“How does someone get invited?” Adam asked.

“He or she has to possess certain…um…qualities.” Tony hoped he’d piqued Adam’s interest even more.

Adam hesitated, and Tony thought maybe he’d misjudged the big guy. “What kind of
qualities
?”

“The men, they have to be able to come all night, and the women have to be able to do the same. It’s not as easy as it sounds.”

“How does Lily know her guest list is full of those kinds of people?”

“There’s a screening process throughout the year. These guests have had blood work done, through my office of course, and there are several women and men who have tested the field for us. It’s quite an elaborate process. But it’s worth it in the end.”

Tony looked over at Adam. His hands were rock steady. No hint of nervousness as he casually watched the landscape flashing by. “I understand. I’ve never heard of such a party.”

“Haven’t you ever fucked all night?”

“No. I mean, I could, but there hasn’t been a woman willing to do it. I didn’t know one existed.”

“Oh, my friend,” Tony said. “You’ve so much to learn. Just wait and see. Are you excited to see Lily?”

“Does Lily participate? I mean, will I get to fuck her again?” Adam raked his fingers through his hair. That subject put him on edge, Tony noted. “I mean—”

“Yes, Adam. I’m sure she wants to fuck you
again
. She tells me everything. She usually dominates at the ball. It’s very rare for her to get too involved. But this is the one night she really comes into her own, so who knows? She really likes to watch me and Renee play with the guests.”

“I see.”

Tony heard the defeat in Adam’s voice. “Don’t worry.” Tony patted him on the thigh. “I’ve no doubt this year’s going to be very different. She’s never had you there before.”

Tony parked the car on the street in front of an old one-story Creole-style house.

“Where are we?” Adam asked.

“Flatboy’s. We’re going to get you something to wear. I have just the thing. She’s going to love it, and she’s going to have a hell of a time trying to figure out who you are.” Tony enjoyed Adam’s eager smile as they walked into the store. “Hey, Flatboy!” Tony called out. “I need one more for my friend here.”

Adam and Tony approached the beat-up counter. A short, fat little man with a tailor’s measuring tape draped around his neck stood behind several bolts of cloth. His vest was too tight and his not so white shirtsleeves were rolled up over his beefy forearms. “I see. Let’s get you into it, then.” He motioned for Adam to follow him.

Tony followed the two men to the back of the store behind a heavy velvet curtain. “There it is,” Tony said through a laugh of satisfaction as he pointed to the costume hanging on the wall. “This’ll be perfect. It was going to be mine, but I’ve decided to be something else. We’re about the same build. It should be easy enough to alter.” He turned to Flatboy. “Now, fit this perfectly to him. He has a woman to catch.”

Chapter Ten

Lily lay in the bathtub, letting the hot water soothe her as the caterers bustled downstairs. The guests would be arriving in about two hours, and she wasn’t even dressed yet. She took the folded piece of paper from the small table next to the tub. The pink parchment had been lying on top of a dress when Lily opened the garment box Renee had brought. Tony had written on it.

“It was so long since she had been anything near the right

size that it felt quite strange at first; but she got used to it

in a few minutes, and began talking to herself, as usual,

“Come, there’s half my plan done now! How puzzling all

these changes are! I’m never sure what I’m going to be,