Unveiled Ties (Intoxicating Passion #2) Read online

  I knew Leela would have the answers.

  “Teach me?” My voice quivered, and I unattractively wiped snot from my nose. Thank goodness it was just Leela here. Breaking down was not my thing. And when it did happen, Elle was usually my only witness. Being strong was important to me, and showing weakness was unacceptable. It was a big reason why I didn’t let myself get lost in the lies of these men. They brought out the weak side of me, and I never wanted to be that vulnerable again.

  “Yes,” she grinned. “You will stay in the class. And you will drive him absolutely insane. He may even change his ways,” she winked.

  “He said I was different,” I mentioned, rolling my eyes.

  “What did you say?”

  “Told him I would bet he’s used that line before and he didn’t say a word,” I chuckled. “Guess he’s not used to a woman putting him in his place.”

  “Which shows you are different. I think you’re special, but I know you. For someone like him, a woman that doesn’t immediately peel her pants off at the sight of his grin is different for him. He literally charms the pants off women, if you’re correct in your assumptions,” she advised. “So, you have to charm him in return. I know you can’t admit this yet, and that’s fine, but you feel an attraction to him or Halloween night would have never happened. Tell me how he knew who you were.”

  So I explained. I detailed everything he’d confessed at dinner, and she’d oohed and ahhed in all the right spots, her eyes widening more times than I could count. We talked for hours, her devotion washing over me and coating me like a warm blanket. For some reason we stayed right there in the kitchen floor, talking, giggling, and even eating the broken candy bar I had so childishly thrown around. She made me feel better, knew all the right things to say. I decided I wouldn’t drop the class, but instead beat Dane at his own game.

  I couldn’t want him.

  So I wouldn’t.

  Chapter Five-Dane

  Lab today was weird. Korah spoke to me, but only just so. Her voice was flat, her tone snippy. She wasn’t happy with me, obviously. It killed me inside, and the fact I could admit that to myself was scary as hell. The hour long class was antagonizing painful; every look earned me a glare, every word earned a grunt. She’d ignored every call and text the past week, not giving me a chance to explain myself. I had to do something to fix this.

  I understood why she was upset, the betrayal she probably felt. It did appear that I deceived her, but I didn’t. Was it so wrong that I longed for her? Her touch, the feel of her body, the softness of her lips. It wasn’t my fault she was so damned irresistible. If she would give me five seconds to explain she would understand.

  I wanted her desperately.

  A small part of me thought I needed her, but I pushed it away every time it crept to the front of my mind.

  ###

  Running was a release. The uneasy feeling of never knowing if you’ll fall, if the road will give out, or something equally terrifying as your feet pounded the pavement, the track, wherever you chose to run. Me? I chose the gym, partly because it was ten degrees outside and there was ice out, partly because there was really hot women that liked to work out in barely there clothing. Seeing the sweat start at their hairline and slowly drip down their faces, leaving a hot trail down to their cleavage.

  I was almost jealous.

  No amount of running or women could ease my mind, though. Korah dominated my every thought. She was every girl in the gym, her sweat what was I imagined gliding over my body. My cock responded, causing my running to slow to a steady jog.

  “Pussy, why are you slowing down?” a voice called from my left.

  I turned to find a grinning Cale pumping weights. “Ass, why are you watching me? You like what you see?” I jabbed, wiggling my brows for effect.

  “You know it, baby,” he called, giving a few inappropriate gestures with his hips. Leave it to Cale to make any situation awkward for others in attendance.

  Shaking my head, I directed my attention back to my run. I finished up, then headed to spot Cale as he finished his workout. If I had a best bud, Cale would be it. He was there for me, never asked too many questions, and was dependable. We joked as he lifted, our voices filling the half empty gymnasium. The sexual innuendos and the merciless mocking gained us unwanted stares, but we didn’t give a damn.

  The after workout was even better, leading us to the bar, and more importantly, drunk, available women.

  ###

  She was beautiful. Her body glided over mine on the compressed dance floor, her hips pressing into all the right spaces. Each curve begged for my touch, every contour longed to be explored. Her mouth parted slightly, her tongue teasing me ever so slightly as she licked her dry lips. Her eyes were mocha brown, her hair dyed the same color. She knew she was sexy, wanted, and she wasn’t afraid to use it to her advantage.

  “Are you ready for the night of your life?” she whispered in my ear, her tongue playing with my lobe while her hand drifted to the front of my pants, openly grabbing and playing with me in front of everyone.

  Shuddering, I fought to gain my words. “I…uh…” I started, but stopped when she bravely unzipped me right then and there. Her soft fingers slid in, stroking me with promises of later, while her full lips pressed against mine with urgency. Her hot tongue caressed my mouth, causing all thoughts to disappear.

  She left me unzipped, grabbing my hand and pulling me to the closest door we could find. A janitor’s closet, it seemed, but I didn’t take too long to look around. She pulled me close, her hands snaking under my shirt as she undid my pants the rest of the way and knocked them to my feet. To my delight, she wore nothing under her barely there dress, so as soon as I lifted her into my arms, she pressed herself over my throbbing cock. Her slick warmth enfolded me and I regained my senses enough to roughly press her against the door, my hands digging deep in her ass as I secured our privacy while allowing me to move freely.

  She was wild in every way. Her movements, her cries, her heated kisses. She dragged her nails over my skin again and again, the pain bringing more pleasure than one would think possible. Experienced would be a good word to describe her. As I thrust, I got a better look at her. She was older than I, probably in her thirties, maybe older. I couldn’t think of that though, only of her wrapped around my waist and the mounting satisfaction as it neared.

  She brought me to ecstasy sooner than most, only she didn’t care. She kept pressing herself to me, riding me with abandon until we both collapsed in a heap of pleasure. I lay there, panting, as she snuck out. She left me laying there with my pants around my ankles and my shirt half undone. I never even heard her open the door.

  All I could think of was how much this would hurt Korah if she knew.

  And how right she was about me.

  I made my way back out after adjusting my appearance, and found Cale slumped against the bar. He was drunk, too drunk to get out of there alone, and I knew it was time to go. I threw him over my shoulder, making my way out of the bar. The sea of hot bodies rushed at me in every direction, almost causing me to drop my best friend.

  Pretty sure he wouldn’t forgive me for that one.

  I finally escaped, calling a cab and getting us back to the frat house. I left him on one of the couches as I trudged up the stairs. My heart was heavy with my guilt. Why did I feel guilty about this? We didn’t even exchange names.

  Maybe that was my problem. Since heartbreak at the age of eighteen, I’d lived this way. Drowning my sorrows in alcohol, satisfying my urges with women. It was my way of life, but something about Korah’s face when she’d pegged me so correctly stood out. She knew who I was without even talking to me. I was just another asshole in the crowd of men trying to get in her pants.

  The thought of other men sleeping with her caused an electrical rage to flow through my body. She deserved better, she was so much more than another lay…but wasn’t that exactly how I was treating her? As just another notch on my belt? I’d promised t
o make her see she was different, but other than attempting to speak to her and a few lame texts, I’d done nothing. It was no wonder she wanted nothing to do with me.

  I really was an asshole.

  Snagging my phone, I texted her.

  -Korah, I know I’ve screwed up. Please talk to me. Today was awful. D

  I threw off my clothing, wanting the reminders of my indiscretion as far away as possible. It was time for me to grow up, to be better, to be a man. The ding of my phone caused my heart to speed up, though I tried to not get my hopes up.

  -Why? What’s the point? I’m not interested. K

  -Please let me explain. Tomorrow. I’ll come over and we’ll talk on your terms. Please. This is me begging you and trust me, I’m not the begging type. D

  The minutes dragged by as I waited for a reply that may never come. I showered, scrubbing Bar Chick’s scent off my body. Korah’s was the one I wanted. No one else’s. It wasn’t just because she didn’t want me, That ship had long sailed. It was more. Adorning just a towel, I hurried back to my room, praying for a response.

  -Fine. If this is what it takes for you to leave me alone. 6 p.m. if you’re late, too bad, that’s it. This is your only chance, Dane. K

  I imagined my name on her pink lips, the feel of her fingers in my hair. I lay in my bed, the same bed we’d brought each other pleasure on, and thought only of her. I would do better. I would show her she was special, and I would find a way to prove it over and over. Did I want a relationship with her? I didn’t know. All that was certain at this point was that she made my heart flutter and caused my good times to feel wrong.

  She was worth exploring.

  Chapter Six-Korah

  Why did I agree to his crazy request? What was it about Dane Davidson that made my mind turn to mush and my thoughts to nothing. I was certain if a doctor examined my brain at this moment, they would find the fuzzy snow one would see on an old TV that didn’t work. I’d turned into one of those women. You know the type. They fawn all over men, convincing themselves they need one to be happy. My years may be few, but my mind was bright. I knew the only person in this world making Korah happy was Korah.

  So, now, I sat. I waited. I watched the clock not moving, listened to the imaginary crickets chirping for me. I held Elle tightly. If she was a live animal, I would have suffocated her by now. In hours, Dane would be here, showering me with charm and attempting to worm his way into my heart…my bed…my pants…I was certain he would try to worm into something.

  Leela was at work, so she’d assigned Windi Korah duty. It consisted of giggling at my dramatic antics while subconsciously assessing my every move to report back. Windi too would leave soon, abandoning me to this lonely apartment by myself until the sexy hunk of man whore showed up.

  I would be alone with him.

  The thought frightened me.

  ###

  I changed my outfit at least three times, finally deciding on a sweater and skinny jeans. I pulled my hair back in a ponytail, mainly because I didn’t want him to think I was trying to impress him. I was, of course, but he couldn’t know that.

  At six p.m. on the dot there was a subtle knock at the door. My stomach jumped, making me wonder if I wouldn’t just heave all over him once I let him in, and while the thought entertained me, I took several breathes to calm myself.

  “Korah,” he breathed, standing there looking delicious. He casually held his jacket in his arms. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, giving me a glance of his silky chest, and his jeans fit in all the right places.

  I didn’t say anything, only moved out of the way to allow him entrance. Leela instructed me to play hard to get. I didn’t realize how difficult that would be. “You can hang your coat there,” I murmured, pointing to the rack behind the door. I motioned for him to follow, sitting on the chair closest to the couch. Couldn’t have him sitting beside me and clouding my judgment, could we?

  “Thank you for allowing me to talk, Korah,” he said, my name sweet on his lips.

  Involuntarily, I leaned forward, wanting to hear more. “No problem,” I breathed. Catching myself, I pulled back, slumping against the back of the chair. Vulnerable was a no-no, especially around this specimen.

  “I’m sorry,” he started. He sounded heartfelt, honest, but my guards were still up. “I know it seems like it was all a ruse, but I swear it wasn’t. I didn’t know you were coming to the party and when I saw you…” he paused, giving me the most intense gaze of my life, “I couldn’t help myself, Korah. I had to talk to you. I didn’t plan anything that happened. I don’t think you know how beautiful you truly are,” he whispered, reaching out and grasping my hand.

  His fingers were the fiery touch I’d longed for my entire life. His eyes bored into mine, reaching the depths of my soul all before he blinked. Sincerity oozed off of him as he gently massaged my fingers. Each touch sent a jolt to my heart, only to be sidetracked by my desire.

  It appeared I wanted Dane Davidson as badly as he wanted me.

  I stood, not completely in control of my actions, but not stopping them either. Our fingers still connected, he watched me curiously. Using my free hand, I nudged his shoulder back, securing my knees on either side of his body. Eyes widening, he watched me with a small smile adorning the corner of his lips. I bent down, leaving a kiss on that same spot, then dove right in. Our lips collided, a mix of desire and uncertainty with each lick, suck, and caress. His mouth moved against mine, causing the fiery heat to travel the length of my body. I pressed my hips to his lap, groaning as the image played in my head.

  Snaking my hands in his hair, I pulled and maneuvered him. He was never close enough. His fingers found my tresses, pulling the band from them in one swift movement, causing the waves to cascade down my back and shoulders. He took a fistful, pulling my head back and sprinkled kisses across my neck with his scorching lips.

  It was my undoing.

  Reconnecting our lips, my hands found his shirt, flipping each button open. Feeling his chest, I moaned against his lips, causing an immediate reaction. He stood with me still locked around his waist, and fumbled with my sweater. He threw it behind him, eyes devouring the sight before him. A trail of nibbles crossed my collarbone before he dipped further, burying his face in my cleavage and biting and sucking the skin between.

  “Room?” he growled, pressing me against the nearest wall to allow me to feel his growing need against me. I responded, grinding my hips against him and pointed. We fell through the door, giggling and losing clothing. He slammed it shut with his foot, throwing my bra against it before dropping me on the bed.

  I sat on my knees, peeling the rest of his clothing off and enjoying the sight of his body. Lean abs, rock hard cock, his muscles flexing as my fingers felt every dip in his skin. He pushed me to lay down, stripping me bare in seconds.

  “So gorgeous,” he muttered, climbing atop me and kissing me deeply. We kissed, teased, and played until neither of us could take anymore. He slipped on a condom, without my reminding him, and surveyed me once more. “You’re sure, Korah?”

  I nodded, my fingers grabbing hold of his ass. “Just promise me something,” I said, licking my lips.

  He watched my tongue’s every move, and agreed.

  “Don’t leave when we’re finished,” I muttered in his neck before lifting my hips and pushing his ass closer, driving him inside me.

  His voice quivered as he nestled deep within, then he whispered, “Never.”

  Passion would be one word to describe what ensued. Unbelievable pleasure. An undeniable connection. I was intoxicated with all that was Dane. He moved in me, building and releasing me over and over again. We went for what seemed like hours, his hard body fitting my soft body perfectly. Every movement was perfect. He drove me over the edge again and again, until finally we both went, screaming and moaning in pleasure.

  His slick, sweaty body lay atop mine, his lips kissing the sensitive skin behind my ear. “Korah…I…I don’t know what to say.”
/>   He pulled away and my body instantly missed his. We lay there catching our breaths, both of us at a loss for words. Unsure of what to do, I snuggled against him, laying my head on his shoulder.

  “Dane…do you regret it?” I questioned.

  He shifted beside me, giving me a hard glare. “NO. Do you?”

  I shook my head, granting him a small smile. “It was kind of perfect,” I admitted.

  “You are kind of perfect,” he replied, using his fingers to softly tuck the stray hairs behind my ear.

  My eyes felt heavy, the sleep that came after an orgasm consuming me. “Will you be here when I wake?” I whimpered, forcing myself to stay away to hear his reply.