Stripped (11 page)

Once they’d finished eating, an awkwardness fell around them and she’d excused herself to take a shower. She knew where this was headed, had known from that moment when they kissed in the office. In a way, this had been too prepared, but not by her. She hadn’t gotten to get ready for it. She didn’t get to pick out the perfect nighty to wear for the occasion.

She’d gone through her suitcase, twice, and unfortunately, Racheal had only tossed in her boring bra and panties and nothing that said, “Fuck me now.” To say the least, she wasn’t feeling very seductive.

As she turned off the water, she pulled the towel from the hanger and dried herself. Studying the white fluffy towel, she smiled. She could work with this.

She wrapped the towel around her body and tucked the corner between her breasts. After she grabbed her make-up bag, she wiped the fog off the mirror and glanced at her reflection. She didn’t want to make herself up too much. Highlight only. She strategically placed blusher and bronzer, then blow-dried her hair so it was almost dry.

Hmm. Yes.

Madison stepped out of the bathroom, carrying her clothes to her suitcase. Keeping her gaze away from where Jaxon lay on the bed, she put a little extra swing to her hips, then bent with her backside pointed at the wall opposite of Jaxon’s view. He’d know without a doubt that the towel had ridden completely up. Wonder if she had on panties or if she was bare.

It would drive him wild.

If the movement on the bed meant anything, she was right. And her nipples hardened.

Letting out a small breath, Madison tugged out her lotion, straightened, then walked over to the table and pulled out a chair. She was good at putting on a show men loved to watch, but this was the first time she was turning herself on during such a show. It was exciting.

She propped her foot up on the seat, squirted a generous amount into her palm, rubbed her hands together. Starting at her ankle, she massaged the lotion into her calf, knee, lower thigh, upper thigh then her hip. A low growl came from across the room. She kept her expression unchanged, even though the noise caused her clit to throb.

Switching to the other leg, she repeated her movements, keeping the same removed expression. As if she was doing her nightly lotion routine, alone, and he was not in the room. Next she rubbed her arms, massaging her fingers over her neck and under her chin. In her peripheral, Jaxon sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. Wound tight. Ready to pounce.

Lust pooled between her legs, pulsed. She was so aroused, so fucking close to making a noise to give that away, but she maintained her performance. Wanting to push him into pouncing.

Placing her hand on the area where the towel was tucked, she intentionally paused. Jaxon made a muted grunt of impatience. A smile pulled at her lips, but she beat it back. She pulled the towel and it dropped free. His harsh inhale was all the encouragement she needed. Madison squirted another drop of lotion into her palm. Lowering her hands to right below her belly button, she rubbed over her stomach, up to the underside of her breast, cupped, then pinched the erect nipples.

The mattress springs squeaked. She wanted to look at him so badly. Wanted to see his expression, his body language, but she forced herself to keep detached.

Because she was about to start the finale. The thing that would push him straight over the edge.

Propping one foot back on the chair, she slid her hand down her stomach and over her mound. The second her fingers made contact with her throbbing clit, she gasped. God, she was so fucking aroused. Closing her eyes, she rubbed the nub, getting closer and closer.

Strong fingers latched on to her wrist and her eyes popped open.

“Not so fast,” he said, then he threw her over his shoulder, strode the few steps to the bed and tossed her on the mattress.

Grabbing behind her calves, he yanked her to the edge of the bed, spread her thighs then lowered to his knees. The second he circled his tongue around her, she fisted the comforter in her hand, arching. “Fuck.”

He teased, licked, kissed.

She wanted, needed more.

She seized the back of his head and pressed him closer, grinding against his mouth. Taking the hint, Jaxon sucked deep and she came apart. Squeezing her eyes, her orgasm ripped pleasure through her.

As she floated back down, Jaxon crawled up her body then kissed her, his tongue tangling with hers. The intoxicating taste of herself and red wine flooded her mouth.

He’d seen to her pleasure. Now it was time for her to see to his.

***

When Jaxon felt Madison pushing at his chest, he lifted his head, confused. The lust filling her gaze could not be mistaken for anything else. He allowed her to turn him onto his back and straddle his hips.

She’d already given him one hell of a performance. She didn’t need to give him another one, but he couldn’t beat back his curiosity at what she’d do next. The woman was walking sex. Every movement she made oozed sex. It was fucking hot.

Madison ran her palms down his shirt to the hem then yanked the shirt up. He tugged it the rest of the way off.

Her eyes roamed over him.

“How do you like to fuck, Jaxon?” she asked, gyrating her hips on him.

He swallowed. Holy fucking shit that was hot.

“Missionary?” she continued, rotating against him. “No. Cowgirl?”

He growled.

“Definitely warmer.” She moved harder on him. “Doggy?”

She was killing him. He grabbed her hips and pushed down.

“Ah, that’s it.” She leaned down and whispered in his ear, “I like it from behind too.”

Then she kissed her way down his chest, pulled down his shorts, and circled her tongue around his cock. Jaxon groaned and closed his eyes. Threading his fingers into her hair, he massaged her scalp, enjoying the suction of her mouth as she took him deep between her lips.

Not many women were so vocal in the bedroom, could get so dirty. He fucking loved that. But he also loved the softer side of her too. She was everything wrapped into one gorgeous package.

And she gave one hell of a blow job. When she cupped his balls and increased the speed of her bobs, he gave a quick tug on her hair. If she continued, things were going to end way too quickly.

Making a disappointed noise, she lifted her head. Jaxon hauled her back up his body and kissed her deeply. He loved kissing this woman. All the kisses, the passionate ones, the quick ones, the ones on the forehead. Any way. Each meant something different. Lust, caring, admiration.

Madison gave him a seductive look as she turned onto her stomach and then pushed up on all fours. So inviting. No hesitation. Jesus.

Reaching down on the floor, he grabbed a condom out of his wallet and quickly put it on. He moved behind her and grasped her hips between his hands.

“Fuck me, Jaxon.”

He thrust deep and hard, her tight center welcoming him. She yelled out in pleasure. “Oh God, yes.”

Her shouts were all the encouragement he needed to completely let go. Skin slapped from the intensity of his thrusts. Sweat beaded. She slipped her hand between her legs and rubbed her clit as he continued to push into her over and over again. Closing his eyes, he hung his head back and relished the feeling of being inside her, hearing her cries of pleasure, her whimpers for more, the smell of her arousal. All of it was an aphrodisiac and he was already ready for more.

Couldn’t imagine ever tiring of this—of her.

“I-I’m coming.” Her breaths came out choppy. “Jaxon. Fuck. Jax—”

His name was interrupted by her low moan of release and her body clenching tight around him. The sight of her writhing beneath him, the muscles of her back flexing, her arms reaching forward, was beautiful and he continued bucking into her, loving the way each of his thrusts gave her a little more pleasure through her orgasm.

As she reached the end of hers, he finally let go. The intensity of his release caused his body to jerk and he had to brace himself with one arm on the mattress. Grunting, he thrust hard three more times then collapsed onto his side, pulling her down with him, breathing heavy.

Madison lay with her back to him. He scooted closer and wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her shoulder. She looked back at him and smiled.

He could get used to this. This woman was a special, once in a lifetime kind of woman, and he had to find a way to win her heart.

CHAPTER NINE

Jaxon couldn’t believe she was here.

As they stood in a circle making idle chit-chat with some of Jaxon’s most important contacts and peers, he wrapped his arm around Madison’s waist and tugged her closer to his side, proud to have her next to him. In the floor-length black strapless gown, no one would believe she’d been wrestling a lollipop from Noah not an hour ago while trying to keep the kid’s sticky fingers away from her dress.

Getting her to agree to come tonight hadn’t been easy though.

Hell, getting her to do anything outside her budget was nearly impossible—even though he’d had every intention of paying, which he guessed was the issue. She was uncomfortable doing anything where she didn’t have the wardrobe to attend, and she refused to let him buy her the clothes. Her and her damn pride.

The only reason she came tonight was because it was a charity event for underprivileged children. She’d fretted over what to wear, and finally relented on letting him help, but she’d given herself a budget, one that he thought was insanely low considering he could afford any gown she wanted. She simply said, “Give that to the underprivileged kids. I’ll find a dress for a reasonable price.”

And she had. Not only a gown that carried a high end name, but a diamond tennis bracelet and diamond stud earrings. He had no idea how she pulled it off, and she’d proven him wrong once again.

Madison sipped from a champagne flute and glanced around. Typically she was relaxed. Not tonight. Everything about her was tense. Her body, her smile, the way she talked.

Squeezing her hip for support, he hoped she’d eventually relaxed as the night wore on. He hated seeing her out of her element. Hated knowing it was this part of his life that made her feel like this—and he couldn’t think of any other reason for stilted words or stiff posture. This was a huge part of who he was.

How could he help relax her some? The ballroom was packed with the elite of the elite. Waiters walked around with silver platters of champagne and appetizers. A large orchestra was playing classical music and a dance floor was situated underneath a crystal chandelier.

Jaxon whispered, “Do me the honor of a dance?”

She looked up at him, smiled and nodded, her relief evident.

After he took her out on the dance floor, he pulled her into his arms. Instantly, all the tension left her body as she placed one hand in his and the other on his shoulder.

That was the way it always was.

When it was the two of them, everything was fine. But when his money came into play, she got all weird.

He wasn’t sure what to do about it. He was super rich. He couldn’t change that.

And he hoped he didn’t end up losing this woman because of it.

Never before had he believed he could lose a woman over the size of his bank account. But with Madison, it was a distinct possibility.

A little over six weeks ago, this woman had walked into his office looking for a job and struck him dumb with her beauty. She’d been striking him dumb ever since. He knew why now, knew why she was different from the rest.

He was in love with Madison Walker.

And money didn’t buy love. He wished it did. He’d give his entire fortune to have hers.

Pulling her forward, he kissed her on the forehead. “Have I told you how absolutely breathtaking you are tonight?”

She smiled up at him again. “Only about a hundred times.”

“Well make it a hundred and one.” He studied her. “Are you having fun?”

“Of course, I am,” she said, but glanced to the left over his shoulder.

Lie. Disappointment weighed heavy on him. He wanted so badly to impress her. He knew how to do it with any woman, but her.

“I’ve shown my face, spoken to a few people, so what do you say we get the hell out of here?”

Her gaze jumped back to his. “Seriously?”

“Yeah. I’m not big on these events.”

Brows drawn together, she pulled back a bit. “You’re not just saying that?”

Actually he wasn’t. He liked to party, but the charity events could get rather stuffy—like this one. “No. Racheal has the kids. The night’s ours. Let’s go do something fun.”

“That sounds great.” He could hear the relief in her voice.

As he escorted her off the dance floor, he took her hand in his and weaved their way toward the exit. Someone called his name.

Letting go of her, he turned to find Mica and a few of his buddies headed their way. He sent Madison an apologetic look. “Give me a few more minutes, okay. I haven’t seen these guys in a while.”

She waved away his words. “Don’t worry about it.”

It was then he noticed Victoria was with them, and he suppressed a groan. Shit.

“Hey man, been a while,” Bradley said, coming in for a hand slap. “I hate that you missed my birthday party.”

“Sorry about that, buddy.” Jaxon returned the gesture. “I had other things going on.”

“I’m sure you did,” Victoria said, pursing her lips as her gaze coldly ran over Madison.

Yeah, it was definitely time to split.

“We were about to head out.” He took Madison’s elbow and started backing away.

“Wait a second, Jaxon,” Mica said. “How are things coming with that whole McDaniel thing?”

Madison stiffened then shuffled behind him. He silently cursed that Mica brought this up, but it wasn’t like talking shop wasn’t anything abnormal inside their group. Last time he saw Mica, he’d been complaining about how difficult the old dodger was being.

Best to answer his question and move on. “He’s still being a pain in the ass. I’ve been giving him some space to think about things.”

Mica breathed a huge sigh, and ran a hand down the front of his pressed tux shirt. “Good.”

Jaxon rolled his eyes. “Thanks for the support, buddy.”

“Hey, man. Pussycats is one of my favorite dirty—”

“Wait,” Jaxon interrupted and stepped closer to his friend. “You go down there?”

“All the damn time. There’s this blonde hottie that gives one hell of a lap—”

It was like the entire world slowed. Mica’s words sounded distorted. Nothing made sense. His mind couldn’t catch up.

“What’s her name?” Jaxon asked through clenched teeth.

“Lorelei. Although her name doesn’t matter as much as that body.” Mica made an appreciative noise. He stepped closer, and lowered his voice. “Buddy, do yourself a favor and watch that woman’s pole show. Hot as hell. I’d pay good money to get at that pussy.”

Red rage filled every crevice of his being and before he knew what he was doing he threw a punch, landing it hard on his friend’s jaw. Mica’s head snapped back and he went sprawling across the polished marble floor. The music screeched to a halt. Everyone stopped and stared.

As he tried to calm himself, his chest heaved with the ragged breath he drew into his lungs. But he still wanted to rip his friend to shreds. All he could see was Madison in her black, leather dominatrix outfit, grinding on his friend’s lap. God, how many other people in his circle had she possibly given a lap dance to?

“What the fuck, Jaxon?” Mica yelled as he rubbed his jaw and sat up.

Eyes wide, Victoria stepped forward, gaze darting between Jaxon, Madison and Mica. She stared. Then her mouth popped open. A sputtered laugh shot out as she pressed her hand to her lips. “Oh my God.” She bent over, laughing harder. “Oh. This is too good.”

Mica pushed to his feet. “Enlighten me please.”

“That’s her, isn’t it?” She pointed to Madison, who seemed frozen to the spot. All the color had leached out of her skin, her entire body shaking. “That’s your hottie stripper.”

Mica turned his head toward Madison, and Jaxon stepped between them. Mica did a double take. “Holy shit. It is.”

The peals of laughter that came from Victoria were all kinds of nasty. “Jaxon. A stripper. Really? I didn’t think you had to pay for a woman’s company. You could’ve had mine for free.”

That shook Madison out of whatever stupor she’d been in. She stalked right past him, straight up to Victoria and slapped her across the face. The woman gasped and cradled her cheek in her palm.

“I am
not
a whore.” Then she stepped back and spread her arms out wide. “That’s right. Take a good look. I’m a stripper. I take my clothes off and dance for a buck. And anyone in this room who wants to judge me can fuck off.”

She spun on her heel and strode out of the room with her shoulders back, head held high.

And Jaxon had never been prouder of anyone in his life.

***

The tabloids were out the next day. Tacky headlines like, “Stripper Outed as Billionaire’s Mistress” and “Billionaire Shocked to Learn Girlfriend is Stripper” and her personal favorite, “Stripper Outed Before Securing Billionaire Husband”.

It was all over the Internet too.

Madison tossed her phone onto the couch and tried not to let the waterworks start up again. She’d done enough of that last night. She’d been able to keep it together until the elevator doors closed behind her after she’d left the ballroom. Then the sobs had wracked her body the entire ride down to the lobby.

She had never been so humiliated in her life.

Not once had she ever been ashamed of stripping…but having Jaxon hear his friend speak about her like that, having him realize that his friend was talking about her and what a great lap dance she gave and she had never even given
him
a lap dance…it had been so mortifying.

Then that bitch and the glee she had gotten from it all. The fact she had wanted everyone to know, had made sure everyone heard.

Madison tried to shake the memory out of her head, but it was branded there. The stares. The snickers. Jaxon and his rage. She feared those images would forever be imprinted in her mind.

So would Jaxon’s expression when he finally caught up with her outside and she told him she couldn’t do this anymore. There had been a sad acceptance to his features as he listened to her reasoning—she couldn’t be known as Jaxon’s stripper girlfriend. Couldn’t have people always whispering about her, about them. She’d never feel comfortable and he deserved to be with someone who could. He didn’t argue or get angry, he simply nodded, as if she was saying exactly what he’d been thinking all along.

Maybe he had been.

That had to have been humiliating for him too.

As soon as she had finished with her tirade, he’d fired her and offered her a month’s severance with full benefits.

Jaxon firing her hadn’t surprised her. There was no way she could continue working for him…and he’d known that. Instead of allowing her to quit, he’d beaten her to the punch and made sure she’d have income and insurance until she could find another job.

It made their parting all the much harder. After he took her home, she cried herself to sleep.

Thankfully, Racheal had the kids through the entire weekend. She didn’t want them to see her right now because she was a mess.

Her phone rang. She glanced down, then sat up straighter when she saw Adam’s name on the front.

She hadn’t heard from anyone at the club since he’d fired her. What could he possibly want?

“Hello?”

“So, I just got off the phone with that twat, Sutherland,” he said without preamble. “Said he fired you and you needed your old job back.”

She placed her hand over her heart and rubbed, trying to ease the pain hearing his name caused. “You talked to Jaxon?”

“That’s what I said.” He heaved a long sigh. “Boy, I read that fucking wrong. I’d never have fired you, Maddy, if I’d known it’d end like this.”

“What do you mean?”

“Men only freak out over three kinds of women getting naked like that. Their momma, their sisters or a woman they care about. Since you ain’t either of the first two, then I thought I was doing you a favor by firing you. I never thought you were working with him to destroy the club. I owe you an apology it seems.”

“Oh, you big-hearted old man,” she whispered. All Adam wanted for any of the girls was to find someone to share a life with. She never knew he would go so far as to try and play matchmaker though. “I miss your grumpy ass.”

“Yeah. Same here, girl.” He cleared his throat. “Listen, we have a special event going on tonight. I’m short a dancer. You wanna work?”

How she’d come full circle. There was a bittersweet feeling to it. As much as she loved working at the club, loved Adam and the girls, accepting this job meant she accepted that she and Jaxon were over. For good.

Closing her eyes, she went against her heart and said what her head knew was the truth. “Yes, I’ll work tonight.”

***

Madison strode into the dressing room and was immediately welcomed by a squealing Star. “Maddy! You’re back!”

The redheaded young woman dressed in camo booty shorts and matching bra enveloped her in a tight hug. Diamond and a few of the other girls crowded around her too, bombarding her with questions, about the kids, her job, and the mysterious billionaire. It seemed they had all read the tabloid stories.