Unsurpassed (7 page)

“Are you ready?” At his question, both women came to their
feet, and Aubree gave his mother a quick hug before moving to his side.

“It was nice to see you again. I hope we can get together
soon,” Aubree told his mother, and he could tell she meant her words. After a
quick exchange of pleasantries, Drew motioned Aubree through the door. His
mother snagged his arm. Hissing under her breath, she made sure Aubree couldn’t
hear her. “Love her! Do not let this one get away.”

“Not gonna happen,” he said without hesitation. He knew
Aubree was still struggling against the truth, but sooner or later, she was
going to have to accept her fate. She belonged to him.

This time as he drove Aubree home, she was a bit more
animated. She began with a story about another nurse she worked with, from
there moved into the patients she dealt with each day. It was obvious from the
tone of her voice, she loved her job, and she possessed an uncanny ability to
find the humor in every situation.

It wasn’t until he’d followed her all the way into her
bedroom that she seemed to realize she’d not stopped talking the whole time. A
blush touched her cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I swear I’ll be quiet now and let you
have a turn.”

“I’ve got nothing,” he admitted. “I have a match coming up
so I haven’t done anything but train lately.”

“Oh a match. See you did have something.”

“Come with me. You’ll be right up front.”

Her mouth lifted in one corner, and a mischievous glint
entered her eyes. “Are you asking me on a date?”

“I guess I am. Does it matter? You’ve already managed to
charm me all the way into your bedroom.”

Aubree glanced around as if only now realizing where they
were standing. “Wow. I am good.” In spite of the teasing note to her voice, she
shifted nervously from foot to foot and he immediately regretted pointing out
their surroundings.

“Go take your shower,” he said urging her on. “I’ll be right
here waiting on you.” To punctuate his statement, he toed off his shoes, and
leapt onto her bed. It was considerably softer than he anticipated and he sank
in about two inches upon impact. “Holy hell. This mattress is awesome,” he said
as he climbed up to the head of the king-sized bed and settled back onto the
pillows.

“You have a knack for making yourself at home.”

“I’ve been in your bed. You’ll never get rid of me now.” As
he said the words, the mattress conformed to his body, and he leaned over the
edge pulling up the sheet to get a closer look. “Shit. I’m really not joking.
What the hell is this thing made out of?”

“It’s some type of foam,” she explained as she moved to the
dresser and pulled out some clothes.

“Whatever it is, I’m already addicted, and you’re stuck with
me.”

“See what you’re missing out on by living in a hotel?”
Without waiting for his response, she moved to the closet and came out with a
towel. “I’ll be right back,” she added as she headed for the bathroom attached
to her bedroom.

“Do you need any help? I might have missed a few spots
myself when I showered earlier.”

She growled as she slammed the bathroom door and he couldn’t
help but laugh. He knew she thought he was outrageous, but what she didn’t
realize was, it was her. He was normally a somber person, but when he was with
her, things popped out of his mouth without his permission. Snagging another
pillow, he crammed it under his head before settling back down again. The bed
met him halfway. “Fucking hell,” he moaned in memory foam heaven. “I’m going to
have to marry her.”

Aubree’s bedroom was the least girly room in her apartment.
The dresser, bedside table and entertainment center were all solid oak while
her comforter was some crazy dark abstract thing he couldn’t seem to look away
from. It wasn’t bad though, he mused in a valiant attempt to distract himself
from what was taking place on the other side of the closed door. With every
splash of water, he imagined her hands sliding over her body and he had to
fight the urge to kick the door in. The bathroom didn’t seem very big from the
outside, which meant the shower was probably small, but he wouldn’t need much
room to bring her pleasure.

With his dick begging for release and his mind completely in
the gutter, Drew cast a glance around the room in hopes of finding anything
else to concentrate on. In his desperate bid for distraction, he made the
biggest mistake of all. He slid open the drawer of the table beside him.
Although he hadn’t thought such a thing possible, his shaft hardened even more,
and he quickly closed the drawer. Draping his arm over his eyes to shut out the
room, he concentrated on bringing his body under control. He’d known Aubree
wasn’t a puritan, and he was damn glad for it, but he’d still been surprised by
the collection of toys. The water shut off and he begged his dick to cooperate.
He was going to have her. It was only a matter of time. When it happened, he’d
make sure she became so addicted to his touch, she’d never be able to shake
him. However, today wasn’t the day. She wasn’t ready for him yet.

The bathroom door opened and he turned on his side grabbing
a handful of comforter along the way. He managed to hide his erection from
sight while exposing the sheets next to him. He patted the spot beside him.
“I’m not getting out of this awesome bed so you’re going to have to join me.”

She’d twisted her hair into a clip at the crown of head. She’d
changed into a pair of yoga pants and a cotton form-fitting shirt. He knew she
wasn’t trying to tempt him, but she still was, and he was grinding his back
teeth to keep from pouncing on her. Thankfully, instead of the argument he was
expecting, she climbed onto the bed and settled in next to him. At the last
second, he pulled one of his knees up to keep her from pressing too close, and
to his amazement, she simply threw her legs over his and scooted in until her
shoulder hit his chest. Incapable of resisting her, he slipped his arm beneath
her head.

The delicious smell rolling off her body did nothing to ease
his lust. As she stared silently at the ceiling, he contemplated what she would
sound like as she came against his mouth. As he began to wonder if he would
start panting soon, she asked, “Why me?”

With his brain no longer fully functioning, he couldn’t
process her question. “Why you what?”

She turned her head meeting his stare. “I imagine you know
thousands of people,” she explained. “But you’re here with me. Why?”

Of all the topics she could’ve chosen to discuss, she landed
on the one that immediately brought his body back in check. “I don’t know
anyone,” he admitted. “Everyone I know is a fake. Everyone I meet lies to me
and tells me what I want to hear.” He hated to say the man’s name and bring him
between them, but Drew needed to make her understand. “Take Ryan as the perfect
example. I met him while he was going from club to club, asking if he could
leave brochures for his self-defense classes. He struck up a conversation with
me and even as I recognized he was after something, I didn’t guard myself
against it. I thought he was angling for the free weekend at the casino, which
he ended up with. Obviously, I could’ve never guessed his true intentions, but
still, it’s always the same with everyone I meet. Most of the time, I don’t
care because I’m fairly self-sufficient, but today when I got the news about
Max, it mattered. You’re not like anyone else. Not once have I felt as if you
want anything from me.”

Her expression never changed as he made his confession. He
was grateful she didn’t show him an ounce of pity. He really didn’t need it. He
had more than most people in the world and he was more than aware of it. But
when it came to Aubree, it mattered. After a moment, Aubree said, “I am after
something from you. Your friendship and your time are something I’ve come to
realize I want more than anything.” His heart swelled at her words, but she
wasn’t finished. “I also yearn to bask in your wildly inappropriate remarks. You
to make me a bit uncomfortable with your overwhelming presence and I crave it.
Come to think of it, I probably expect more from you than anyone you’ve ever
met.”

Clearing his throat, Drew did his best to talk in spite of
feeling as if someone were sitting on his chest. “I expect some things in
return.”

Aubree gave him a solemn nod as if she would accept no less.
“Go on.”

Keeping a straight face, he began the rundown of his list,
“Your undying love and affection along with your unwavering loyalty.” Aubree
covered her face with her hands and let out a snort of laughter, but he didn’t
let up. “I also demand sexual favors and at least half this bed, which I
suspect was actually handcrafted by fairies.”

“Oh shut up!” she cried, playfully slapping at his shoulder.
He caught her hand, holding it in place.

“Okay, I’m being serious now,” he said, making sure he had
her full attention before adding, “I want as much of you as you’re willing to
give. Your friendship means more to me than I can explain, but I’m not joking
about the sexual favors. I’m really going to do some naughty things to you.”

“For the love of…” Aubree sighed giving in. “Tell me about
your upcoming match. Who is your opponent, and what are your chances of
winning? Is he hot?”

His cheeks hurt from smiling. Drew refused to let her bait him.
Instead, he bored her to tears with training strategies and fighting stats. She
looked completely wiped out. The longer he spoke the more he intentionally
dropped the pitch of voice, lulling her to sleep. Spending time with her was
enough. He didn’t need her to keep him entertained. He let her doze for close
to an hour while he simply enjoyed watching every nuance of her face while
completely unguarded. Aubree slept with her chin tilted toward him, and she
curled against him so trustingly. He couldn’t look away. Drew traced the curve
of her cheek with his eyes until—giving into temptation—he cupped her face in
his hand. She snuggled closer to his chest at his touch. Everything he felt and
every intention he had toward her became clear. Being with her had nothing to
do with besting anyone, as Max accused. She wasn’t a game to him. While it was
true, he couldn’t pretend as if he hadn’t seen the way Ryan and Max looked at
her, even before he’d known the truth of their relationship, it wasn’t about
stealing her away from them. Drew cared about her more than he had anyone in a
long time. A few short minutes after meeting her, she’d managed to make him
want to fight for her.

With his fingers splayed across her cheek, he brushed his
thumb along her bottom lip as he urged her closer. Settling his lips at the
corner of her mouth, he inhaled the scent of her skin into his lungs before
opening his mouth over her bottom lip and sucking it between his teeth. His
stomach growled as the tang of cherries exploded across his taste buds. The
weight of her hand fell across the nape of his neck and she stroked his tongue
with her own. He knew she was more asleep than awake. He didn’t have any
intention of dragging her from her dreams. It was the driving need to
experience this moment with her causing him to act. With an internal cry of
denial, he untangled himself from her hold and whispered against her ear. “Go
back to sleep. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Doing as he bade, she turned on her side. He hauled her
against his chest. Even as he swore he’d never be able to sleep with her hips
cradled by his, the darkness pulled him under.

Aubree jerked awake. She immediately reached for Drew,
finding him gone. The smell of his cologne lingered, proving he hadn’t been a
dream. She cursed her stupidity as her heart ached over the loss of his warmth.
One day, she swore she’d stop longing for things she couldn’t have. Tears
sprang to Aubree’s eyes adding to her annoyance with herself. Funnily enough,
she’d never realized she was weak until recently. The discovery wasn’t a
pleasant one. With a groan, Aubree slapped her forehead. She was a pathetic
chick with no way to work since her car was still at the hospital.

“Idiot,” she grumbled, throwing the covers back. Swinging
her legs over the side of the bed, she caught sight of a note leaning against
the lamp on her bedside table. She pressed her lips together in a vain attempt
to suppress a smile.
Weak
, she reminded herself harshly as she reached
for the paper. Drew’s handwriting was as bold as the rest of him, Aubree
realized as she read the words in front of her.

Your car is out front. I’ll see you tonight—D.

Jumping from the bed, Aubree rushed to the window and peeked
out. Sure enough, her car was sitting at the curb. She didn’t know how Drew had
pulled it off, but somehow he always managed perfection. Brushing her
fingertips over her lips, she pictured his kiss. She’d been half-awake, but she
knew it hadn’t been a dream. A nervous flutter began in the pit of her stomach.
The soft, undemanding way his mouth had settled over hers ran through her mind
once more. It was official. She was fucked. Whereas Ryan and Max had stung her
pride with their betrayal, Drew was going to burn her life to the ground if he didn’t
return, except he did.

Every night after the first one he spent sleeping at her
side, Drew continued turning up at her door. Sometimes she would find him
waiting on her porch. He always carefully avoided her questions on how long
he’d been there. Finally, she worried over it so much she gave him a key. His
triumphant smile told her how easily she’d been maneuvered. Secretly she
wondered who’d lured whom into the other’s constant company. Aubree couldn’t
get enough of his scandalous sense of humor and hot glances, but the bite of
reality kept her from acting on her desires. She’d proven how stupid she could
truly be already.

The fight Drew trained endlessly for rolled in like a
freight train. Aubree wasn’t prepared. It was facing two fears at once for her.
She had to choke down the memories of the times she spent going to these events
with her father, accepting he was gone, while witnessing Drew under attack.
Pushing those things aside, Aubree concentrated on Drew and refused to show him
how she was really feeling. His room in the back was a private one, but the
sound of the crowd still filled the tiny space reverberating from the walls.
Gigi hovered in the doorway waiting for Aubree to say her goodbyes.

“Mom knows where your seat is located. She won’t let you get
lost in the mayhem.”

“Don’t worry over me,” she fussed. Drew leaned in, touching
his forehead to hers. She stared into eyes, determined to be the best damn
cheer section he’d ever had.

An official poked his head in over Gigi’s shoulder. “It’s
time to get your tape signed off on.”

“You’re going to win,” Aubree reassured him.

Drew flashed a confident smile. “I know.” With a crook of
his finger, he called her closer and spoke against her ear. “I feel it’s only
fair to warn you, before the end of this night, I’m going to be inside you and
you’ll never be able have another orgasm without thinking of me.”

Heat exploded across Aubree’s face and Drew threw his head
back laughing. Punctuating his promise, he touched his lips to hers quickly.
“Now go with Mom. I want to know where you are.”

Pulling away, Aubree did as he bade and followed Gigi
through the packed aisles until they made their way to the edge of the steel
cage. Finding their seats, Aubree sucked in a deep breath as she sat down,
doing her best not to think about anything. It was hard work making her mind a
blank slate.

Gigi patted her knee. “Sweetie, you won’t have time to
worry.”

It wasn’t exactly the truth. Aubree had to sit through two
matches before Drew’s, and she chewed on her nails while counting blows. Some
lessons she’d not forgotten over the years, it seemed, since she knew the exact
moment both matches were over, and who won when it came down to scoring hits.
By the time Drew’s name was announced, Aubree thought she’d be sick. The roar
inside the building was deafening when he entered the cage. His opponent seemed
pumped and fit, adding to her nervousness. She knew Drew would win, but she
didn’t want him to so much as get hit. While the names were being called and
the rules read, Drew moved to the wire where she sat, linking his fingers
through. He stared at her without saying a word, but she could feel the
intensity rolling off him in waves. He was in battle mode but still there in
the moment with her. The look was so hot she fanned her face. When he broke
their connection, it felt almost physical.

“Wow,” Gigi said, causing Aubree to blush.

Drawn back into reality by the sound of the bell, her
stomach fell when Drew’s opponent proved to be every bit as quick as he
appeared, landing a solid kick to Drew’s ribs. The sound echoed in her ears but
Drew never flinched. Taking advantage of the man’s need to reset his balance
after the move, Drew struck. His fist connected solidly with the guy’s chin and
he went down hard. Aubree blinked owlishly as her mind attempted to accept it
was already over. As the judge called it, Drew walked back to the cage where
she sat and knocked his fist against the steel twice, before placing his hand
over his heart. Keeping his eyes locked on her, he raised his arms in victory
and walked backward toward the judge.

Gigi bumped Aubree’s shoulder, dragging her out of her haze.
“You’re the one.”

“What?” Aubree asked in confusion.

“For my son,” Gigi clarified. “Everybody only gets one, you
know, and you’re the one for Drew.”

Without thinking, Aubree scoffed. “Drew’s probably met a
thousand of the perfect one.” Realizing not only what she’d said but to whom
she’d said it, Aubree groaned in mortification, but Gigi chuckled.

“I’m not exaggerating. You don’t realize it, but my son is
easily the most serious man on the planet. He doesn’t joke, tease or laugh.”
After a moment, she added, “Actually, he doesn’t even talk very much, come to
think of it, but he does all those things when you’re around. Look at him right
now.”

Aubree did as Gigi bade. Drew stood in the center of the mat
shaking hands and nodding as people spoke. His face was a hardened mask. There
was none of the smile or humor in him she’d become accustomed to seeing. She
was watching a stranger. Gigi leaned closer. “That is my son. He is wonderful
but also an impenetrable island.”

Aubree continued studying him in wonder until—almost as if
he felt her regard—Drew turned his head meeting her gaze. A mischievous grin
passed over his lips and she knew he was thinking of his earlier promise.

“And there is the Drew he’s become since meeting you,” Gigi
said sounding satisfied over making her point.

The ride home was a silent one as Aubree continued mulling
over Gigi’s words. Drew was such an overwhelming force of nature she’d never considered
he wasn’t the same person twenty-four hours a day. There wasn’t anything
special about her. She didn’t have anything to offer someone like him, but she
also could not deny what she’d seen with her own eyes. Testing a theory, she
turned her head enough to bring him into her line of sight. The lights from the
dashboard cast enough glow for her to be able to see his face was completely
devoid of emotion as he concentrated on the road in front of them. Testing a
theory, she reached across the darkened car, touching his arm. The moment her
skin connected with his, Drew’s face transformed and he let go of the wheel.
Linking his fingers with hers, he brought her hand to his lips. The tip of his
tongue touched her knuckles. Her body went haywire at the small caress. When he
did it a second time, she nearly whimpered as her pussy clenched. Tugging her
an inch closer, he repeated the action on the inside of her wrist. This time,
she couldn’t stop the sound from escaping.

They made it to her house and Drew had her out of the car
with her back pressed against her front door before she realized what was
happening. His wide shoulders protected her from the view of any passing
motorist as he settled his lips over hers. It was total consumption. There was
no other way Aubree could explain the way he kissed her. She swore she could
taste his lust, and pride roared through her with the knowledge a man such as
Drew wanted her. He’d said the words, but people lied and flirted all the time
without really meaning it. His touch was the most honest thing she’d ever
encountered. He was using every weapon in his arsenal against her. His tongue,
teeth and even the vibration of his voice as he encouraged her to go farther
with every passing second, combined with the way he touched her, stealing her
sense. With one hand buried in her hair and one gripping her ass, he kept her
pinned in place. When he pulled away, she could barely breathe.

She could feel his heart racing beneath her fingertips, but
his breathing held steady. Keeping her gaze locked on his mouth, her heart
skipped a beat. The world went dark around the edges as her vision narrowed to
a pinpoint. Everything became crystal clear in her mind. He was a perfect
mixture of Max and Ryan. She’d never been able to choose between the two men
because together they possessed all the qualities she searched for in one man.
Drew had it all. He could be intense and serious, smiles and happiness. He was
dark and light with single-minded focus, which would leave her sated. He
watched her with hooded eyes, and the words fell from her lips before she could
stop them.

“I don’t know what to do.”

His mouth lifted in one corner and she stared at his bottom
lip, which was swollen from her kisses, in fascination. “Yes you do.”

“I do?”

“Yes. You want to invite me inside so I can show you what it
would be like if you chose to keep me.”

She couldn’t stop the question. “Do you want to be kept?”

“I’m fighting my nature here as we speak. I want to throw
you over my shoulder and steal you away from this place. I want to hide you
away while I show you every pleasure your body is capable of enduring. I don’t intend
to let you come up for air until I’ve touched, tasted, explored and penetrated
until you’ve accepted you are mine.”

An image of Drew doing all the things he mentioned flashed
across her mind. A shiver of yearning ran through her as moisture flooded her
core. His nostrils flared, as if he could smell her lust. His hold tightened on
her waist. She licked her suddenly parched lips, and let her head fall back
against the door. “I hate wanting you so much,” she admitted. “I have this
burning desire to believe everything you say to me, but I don’t know how. It’s
not as if I think you’re dishonest. I can’t trust myself anymore.”

“You cared about Ryan and Max, because you were friends.
Yes, it included benefits, but in the end, you weren’t upset by the outcome. That
says more than you realize. Maybe you’re angry over the secrets they kept from
you and the loss of their companionship but make no mistake, you
are
mine. You can keep fighting and I will keep chasing you, but in the end, the
result will be the same. It will be my name you’re moaning.”

She stared speechless at his mouth. It was true. She
couldn’t deny a thing he said. She wanted to give in and he knew it. Gripping
the door frame, he boxed her in with his arms. “Do you need me to demand it and
set you free from guilt?” She remained stubbornly silent. “Open the door,
Aubree. You once told me you expect more from me than anyone else ever has. I’m
calling you on it now. Take me inside and give me the entire list.” At his
commanding tone, she did as he bade. He followed her inside, closing the door
behind them. The lock clicking in place sounded unnaturally loud in the quiet
house.

Drew made no move to touch her. Instead, he crossed his arms
over his chest and leaned his back against the inside the door. “I’m wait—”

“Take your clothes off,” Aubree said interrupting him.

Aubree was easily the most “both feet in” person he’d ever
met. Once she made up her mind, she pushed doubt aside and he could see it
written all over her face. This wasn’t her merely giving in. She would
challenge him to meet every boast he’d made. Straightening away from the door,
Drew watched her closely as he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it
aside. Prowling toward her, he waited until the last second before veering to
the right and sitting on the edge of the couch. In the otherwise silent house,
he heard her indrawn breath. He kept his smile hidden as he untied his work boots.
Slipping them from his feet, he shoved them beneath the coffee table. As he stood
once more, he pulled his leather belt loose. Her eyes followed every move his
hands made. His cock reacted as if she boldly stroked it when he pushed his
jeans past his hips baring the rest of his body. She stepped closer.

“I’ve been dying to know,” Aubree said, brushing her
fingertips along his hip. She sat on the coffee table, forcing him to turn in
her direction. Staring at the top of her head in a position he’d fantasized
about more than once caused his dick to weep. A drop of semen leaked from the
tip. Instead of doing what he hoped, she traced the lines of the word
unsurpassed
,
which was tattooed between his navel and hip. “I’ve caught flashes of it
several times and it’s been killing me to know what it was.”

Brushing her hair aside, he traced the line of her cheek.
“All you had to do was ask.”

Ignoring his words, she trailed her fingers over his “v”
muscle. “I’m never sure what this spot right here is actually called, but it
makes me want to do this.” Leaning forward, she opened her mouth over the place
she’d pointed out. Something in his jaw popped as he called on every ounce of
his control.

Panting, he answered her question. “It’s an oblique. You’re
a nurse. You should know this shit.” She chuckled as she followed the line of
muscle with her tongue until she was half an inch away from his shaft. “You’re
a cruel woman.”

Aubree tilted her chin back meeting his eyes and the look of
unadulterated lust on her face almost broke him. He’d never been so tested in
his life. “I thought you expected a list of things I want from you.”

“I do.”

She buried her nails into the back of his thighs and urged
him forward. “I want you to let me have my way,” she said, as she took him between
her lips. His self-control lasted long enough for Aubree to tighten her throat
around his cock one time. Snatching her from the table, he tossed her over his
shoulder and strode toward the bedroom.

“Next time,” he promised. She roared with laughter as he
tossed her onto the bed and began peeling off her clothes. She tried to help
but he pushed her hands aside. He’d been fantasizing about this moment and he
wouldn’t miss it. The moment he had her divested of her clothing, Drew froze,
standing over her, almost mesmerized by the sight of her bare skin.

“You’re fucking amazing. I think I owe my mom a thank-you
card for the extra ten pounds you definitely do not need to lose.”

Aubree snorted. “This might not be the best time to talk
about your mom.”

Releasing a deep chuckle, Drew slid open the drawer of the
nightstand and pulled out a handful of condoms. Aubree’s eyebrows lifted. “I
don’t recall having those.”

Drew tossed all but one on top of the stand as he taunted
her. “I have my ways.” He tore at the plastic with his teeth and Aubree sat up,
letting her legs dangle over the edge of the bed. She took the condom from him
and slowly rolled it down his shaft as if determined to make him insane. He
could tell by her impish smile, she was enjoying his torment a bit too much.

“Enough,” he said, stepping out of her hold. “It’s my turn.”
He went over to the dresser, found a pair of silk panties and returned to
Aubree’s side.