Page 10

10

SAWYER

W hen I give a girl an order… Things low in my body throb at his tone and the undercurrent of sex radiating from those words. It’s the same response I had to his tightening his grip on my hand when I tried to pull away at the poker game.

There’s a dangerous edge to him. Which I’m obsessed with.

I follow Jamie up the outdoor metal staircase to the second floor of the converted factory. The air is damp and musty, like old newspapers left out in the rain, but being so close to the river is worth it.

He unlocks the door and steps inside, calling out, “Me. And a guest.”

After punching in a code on the keypad, he strides past a wall of enormous vertical windows that overlook the water. The sky is a muddled gray today, but the view is still amazing. What must it be like when there’s sunshine?

Jamie sets the bags of food on the upstairs kitchen counter. There’s an entire second floor apartment.

I stand near a smooth honey-stained wood bench in front of the middle window. The choppy surface of the dark river is a chaotic Jackson Pollack painting, with thick streaks of white and gray creating a menacing mix as the sun sets.

Jamie’s black-haired housemate emerges from somewhere in the back. He’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt now, but he’s so massive they don’t make him look less intimidating.

Earlier, as soon as he saw Ash and me, he turned and went back upstairs without saying a word to us. This time, he doesn’t disappear.

“Just this one?” the guy says in a baritone a trombone would envy. He stalks over to the windows and looks down. Is he checking to see whether we left Ash in the parking lot? Why would we?

“Just this one.” Jamie unpacks food and divides it. “Her name is Sawyer.”

The housemate’s dark eyes sweep over me. He doesn’t introduce himself. His expression’s the perfect pairing of rude and condescending. I’m used to condescension from the Allendales, but they are never rude with regard to greetings. Good breeding requires introductions. Without exception.

My hand itches to offer a handshake, but I resist the urge. This guy looks like an MMA fighter, not a GU student. Different rules apply here.

The giant rolls his massive shoulders as he scans the parking lot again. “The other one let her drive the car?”

“Apparently,” Jamie says, repacking a few things into one of the bags. “Haven’t confirmed it, though. Could be grand theft.”

The corner of the big guy’s mouth curves up. So, he does have a sense of humor buried under all that surliness. Unfortunately, it vanishes just as fast as it came. “Gotta roll soon.”

“I know.” Jamie strolls past his roommate and waves for me to follow him.

“Bye,” I murmur as I jog down the indoor steps. Apparently, we only stopped upstairs to drop off the guy’s dinner.

Now, we’re back on the main floor, which has smaller water-facing windows and a gigantic footprint. It must be ten-thousand square-feet. There are several seating arrangements of expensive modern furniture. It’s a house that looks like it should belong to rock stars, not college kids.

Down here, we can talk privately, which I appreciate.

Jamie sets his food out on the white stone island and nods for me to take a seat. He gets out two plates and forks. “Do you like fish tacos?”

“Yes.”

“Dig in. But also, say what’s on your mind, because when the food’s gone, so are you.”

I frown. He’s been so fucking unfriendly since I got here. Not that I can completely blame him. He didn’t invite me to come.

Best for me to get right to it. “I got a text from Clare Duffy a little while ago. She wanted to know who I’d talked to about the club. I’ve only talked to you and Ash, and Ash hasn’t even met Clare.”

Jamie glances at me. I haven’t taken him up on his invitation to eat. My eyes drop to where he’s set a taco and some chips onto a plate. He pushes it over to me with a single terse word. “And?”

My fingers rub the muscles of my neck, and I look up at him through my lashes as my heart thuds in my chest. This is so freaking awkward. “Another Briar Club member tagged some people in a post that included you and Clare. By a swimming pool? I didn’t realize you were on the rowing team.”

I wonder where Jamie falls on the roster. Even though my so-called brother Brad made the team, according to my dad, Brad doesn’t think he’s likely to get into the top Varsity Eight boat or even the second.

Since Jamie doesn’t volunteer to make small talk about his being an athlete, I exhale a small sigh. Leaning forward, I dip a chip into avocado salsa. “Did you say something to Clare about what I said this morning?”

“No.” He takes a bite of a taco, chews and swallows. “But I asked about you. Your prospects for getting in.”

My nerves are live wires. “What did she say?”

“She wouldn’t answer.” He flips his hand over in a “there you go” gesture. “Which is an answer in itself.”

The chip cracks from the pressure of my fingers and falls onto my plate. I set the rest down, and after wiping my hands on a napkin, I sit back and push the plate away.

My silence drags on. He eats two tacos and a handful of chips with queso.

Blowing out a breath, I feel myself deflating. This is so fucking unfair. With my pedigree on paper—Allendale last name, Briar Club legacy, graduating with honors from an elite prep school—I should have had no problem getting accepted.

If Mom were still alive, this wouldn’t be happening. She was too influential for Clare to get away with this bullshit. I consider talking to Dad, but I know he couldn’t really help. And it would mean admitting there’s a chance I might not make the cut. That would just add stress to us both, since getting into the Briar Club is part of our strategy for winning over his family about my continued existence as an Allendale.

Beyond Dad, there’s Brad, my so-called brother. He knows plenty of people, but he wouldn’t lift a finger to help me. He wants me to fail. In fact, I think he wants my failure more than his success. And as a legitimate Allendale, that says something.

“Why did you mention me?” My frustration leaks into my tone. “You made things worse.”

Jamie’s jaw sets. “I was curious about whether you were right about her.”

“I hope your curiosity doesn’t cost me the most important thing in my life.” I huff out a sigh. “What else was said—about me?”

“The most important thing in your life? Seriously? ”

He thinks I’m being melodramatic. There’s no point disavowing him of his beliefs. When I don’t answer, Jamie leans back and crosses his arms over his chest. His shoulders flex, and I can’t keep from noticing again what a great body he has.

“What do you want from me, Cranberry Sauce?”

I stiffen. That’s a good question. The answer is obvious. “Nothing, I guess.” Sliding my butt off the tall chair, I stand next to the island. “When I told you this morning that Clare dropped me because you flirted with me, the last thing I thought you’d do was double-down by asking her about my club candidacy.”

He leans back, studying me the entire time. “Again I ask, what do you want ? My help?Because that would cost you.” The words are like a knife in my kidney.

“I don’t have any money.”

“If you did, I wouldn’t take it. You have something better than money.”

Rolling my eyes, I shake my head. Is he seriously propositioning me right now? After pissing Clare off even more? “I have to get into the Briar Club. That’s the kind of help I need.”

“Right, I know.” The words roll off his tongue because of his accent. For some reason, goosebumps break out over my arms. “Ground rules first. You’re friends with my cousin who couldn’t know about our arrangement.”

My brows furrow, and I cock my head in confusion. “What arrangement?”

“As I’ve just been saying, if I agree to get you what you want, I will want something in return.”

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Growing up in the Allendale household means I know all about exchanging favors. “I could keep an arrangement secret if?—”

He points at me. “Will you swear to it?”

“As I was just saying, yes. ” Crossing my arms over my chest, I tip my chin up defiantly. “But you’re assuming I believe there’s something you could do to actually help me. Other than Clare Duffy, who do you know in the club? Because a guy’s opinion won’t have much weight. The Briar Club is run by women.”

“The club is run by school girls, no offense, and I can get school girls to do what I want.”

“How?”

“Leverage.” He settles back in his chair, and there’s a smugness to his expression. He certainly believes what he’s saying. As I open my mouth to speak, he holds up a hand. “No questions. Stay in your lane, Sauce.”

Sucking in my cheeks, I lean back. “What’s my lane?”

He watches me with a predatory air. “Feel free to say no to what I propose. Unlike Clare Duffy, I’m not vindictive about petty bullshit.”

As my fingernails dig into my thighs, I wait, my mind racing with possibilities. My brother’s friends, who are Jamie’s age, like to use girls and use them up. Humiliation is par for the course.

Jamie sits forward. “Our arrangement will include sex and nothing else. No commitment or obligations on my part, other than to help you get into the Briar Club.” His dark smile ignites the forbidden ache he seems to constantly inspire. I don’t want him under my skin, but he’s there. “And unless it’s pre-specified as a ‘hard no’ from you, I can have you however I want.”

I knew he would want sex, so I shouldn’t break out into a cold sweat over his saying the words, but I do. This would be a kind of prostitution. I’d be paying for his help with my body. Quid pro quo. Am I actually willing to do that? Sucking on my lower lip, I look away. He also said he gets to have sex with me in any way he wants, which covers a lot of ground. I rub my palms against my jeans.

From upstairs, the giant’s deep voice bellows, “J, you ready?”

I jerk in surprise. Oh, right. They’re going out. I peer in Jamie’s direction and find his entire attention fixed on me. I like the way that feels.

“You can think about it, Sawyer.” He starts to rise, and my hand darts out to his thigh to stop him.

“I need to clarify some things.” My mouth is suddenly bone dry. Even licking my lips doesn’t quite work.

“Fair enough. Give me a minute to send my mate on his way, and we’ll talk it through.” He rises and gives me a slow once-over.

The way he looks at me is fire. As my flesh hums with anticipation, something startling jars me. “Hey, Jamie?”

Turning back, he says, “Yeah?” His voice is so much warmer than it was outside.

I guess I’m no longer an unwanted intruder. Now, I’m the girl who may give him something he wants.

“It’s our secret from everyone, right?” My gaze drifts meaningfully toward the stairs.

“He lives here, so he’ll figure out pretty quickly that I’m fucking you. But the terms of our agreement can be just between you and me, yes.”

I nod. “That’s what I want. If I decide to?—”

“Grand. That’s settled.”

As he walks away, my head is filled with a jumble of questions and, yes, a few recriminations. Am I really considering this?

I have to admit—if only to myself—there are several compelling reasons that I am. First, I’m out of options. If he really does have a plan that would get me into the Briar Club, I need him to put it into action.

And, just as importantly, a part of me wants to do this. I’ve never been with anyone who makes my heart pound half as hard as James O’Rourke does. Every inch of him is fucking delicious. And the glint in his eyes when he said he will have me however he wants made my pussy clench.

I’ve had to be so careful all the time. Choosing the right boyfriends. Keeping things so sedate and safe. And the entire time, I’d been wishing for something hot and dirty. I always wondered if it might be because I wasn’t born a cold fish Allendale. Here’s a chance for me to experiment and find out.

Keeping our arrangement a complete secret means no one will know if I let him do every thing I’ve fantasized about.

My heart is like a jackhammer cracking my ribs. I stalk over to the sink and fill a glass with slightly shaky hands.

Careful! the cautious voice in my head screams.

I need to make sure there’s no catch. Someone with Jamie’s looks doesn’t just want a few blow jobs from a girl with double-D boobs. He’s a handsome athlete at an elite school. Plenty of women would have no-strings sex with him.

Or maybe not . Hookups are super common, of course, but Jamie’s hookups probably want to be more. Landing him as a boyfriend would mean a lot to plenty of women.

When he returns, he glances at the food on the island. “Finished?”

“Yes.”

“Right, okay. Let’s sit over here.” He moves to the sleek, black modular seating arrangement.

I slip off my shoes and sit sideways on the couch facing him. “You said you could have me however you want. What does that mean?”

His lips curve into a small smile. “It means I can have you anywhere and anytime. If I tell you to drop your knickers, they’d better be around your ankles by the time I lower my zipper.”

My lips part in shock, but my nipples bead, too. He’s bad, and my body finds bad very attractive.

“In front of other people? On camera?”

“Not on camera. Maybe in front of others, but only under special circumstances where privacy is assured.”

“You can’t assure privacy anywhere.”

“There are places where cell phone jammers are in use, and masks can be worn.”

I blink and tilt my head. “I can’t agree to sex in public. It’s too risky. If it got back to my family, they would cut me out of their lives.”

His bright blue eyes bore into me like lasers. For a moment, I expect him to call off the deal.

“Right, sure, not in front of other people or cameras. What else?”

I’m sure there are sick, perverse things I should list, but I don’t exactly know what all those things are. “That’s all for right now.”

“To be that innocent again.” Jamie winks at me. After a moment, he runs a finger along my cheek. “You need to know, when it comes to sex, I’ll own you.”

My pussy clenches. My panties must be soaked. “Like a slave?”

“Exactly.”

Maybe it shouldn’t be, but that is the hottest thing I’ve ever heard. Licking my lips, I give a tentative nod. “In secret, I would try that.”

“How many men have you been with?” His tone is merely curious.

“I don’t know that I’d call them men.” I let out a small, nervous laugh. “Two long-term boyfriends in high school.”

His thumb strokes mine. “But you’ve had sex?”

“A few times.”

“This will be more intense.” I’m not sure how a pretty smile can also look sinister, but his manages it. When he stands, there’s an air of danger crackling around us. “And more satisfying for you, if you’re suited to it.”

I’m not sure what he means. Suited to being a slave? Is anyone really suited to that? “It’s a game, right?”

Jamie nods. “During our sexual encounters, we’ll each play a role. I’ll have control. You won’t.”

How can something scary also seem appealing? A shiver runs through me. This could be a trap. He’s handsome, but maybe he’s also vicious.

His hand takes mine and squeezes it. “You’ll always have an out. Do you know what a safeword is?”

My eyes widen, but I nod slowly. A safeword is for sex at its wild and darkest. Maybe bondage. Maybe pain. My heart thumps like a rabbit’s foot, sensing the ultimate danger. And yet, I don’t immediately call an end to things. I can’t seem to stop staring at him.

“We’ll use red to start.” Jamie watches me closely, as if he’s trying to read my mind. “What questions do you have?”

Licking my lips, I shrug. “I think I get it. Red is the word for calling a timeout?”

“Exactly.”

At least he’s promising things will remain consensual. He curls his fingers in a gesture for me to follow him.

“Wait.” As I stand, my brows furrow. “You want to start now?”

Giving me a once-over, the corners of his mouth curve into a smirk. “I wanted to start the second I laid eyes on you.”

The flames consuming my insides burn brighter. James O’Rourke is officially the king of right answers.

“Lead the way.”

His smirk widens into a breath-stealing smile. “That’s the plan.”

* * *

JAMIE

My cock is made of quarry stone as I guide Sawyer up to my room. Cranberry Sauce is calm, at least outwardly, which is unusual. It may mean I’ll be able to take her farther faster. My muscles twitch with anticipation. Everything about her draws me in until all thoughts disintegrate in the face of stripping and fucking her.

Sawyer rests a hand on the charcoal-colored fabric of the headboard before lifting her eyes to the painting above it. “Pretty.”

The horizontal abstract is indigo and gray, reminiscent of a stormy sea. The magenta of her hair complements it, bringing some heat to the cold. Apparently, I’m determined to see the rightness of her being here in every small detail.

As she continues to admire the art, she says, “It reminds me of the ocean you find in books.”

That’s my feeling, too. Melville and The Perfect Storm . I enjoy that she sees it, but conversation isn’t what we’re on about right now. “Take off your clothes, Sauce.”

Her head turns to look at me intently. “You first?” Her voice is steady enough, but the way she swallows tells me she’s playing at bravery rather than owning it.

“No.” The word’s sharp as a smack.

She exhales a breath as her fingers fondle her zipper, courage faltering.

Reaching out, I grab her waistband. I jerk her closer to me, offering the reassurance of physical closeness at the same time I’m wresting control. “This is the game we’re playing, Sawyer. I own you. You in or not?” My tone is commanding but not rough.

She must take it that way though because she winces. I don’t backpedal. She’s no good to me as a play partner if she stands in the corner like a reluctant virgin.

With quick breaths, she unfastens her jeans.

Good girl.

My lips brush her temple, imparting my approval. I take a step back to give her room to undress. “Keep going, Sauce.”

The way I want her burns inside me. This kind of pent-up desire is something I haven’t felt before. Pushing my sleeves up, I flex my forearms impatiently.

The pulse in her neck jumps. Points to her for not outright balking. She’s curious, which is the best thing a new toy can be.

She pauses, taking a heavy breath. For a moment, I think she might bolt for the door. Then, something angry and rebellious flashes in her eyes. With jerky movements, she strips down to skin.

Suddenly, I’m faced with a girl who’s exactly what nature intended to bring about the fall of man. Full breasts, protruding nipples, smooth skin, a small waist flaring into round hips, and a thatch of chestnut curls over her sex. Not a single girl I’ve fucked at GU has had hair on her pussy. I’d forgotten what it looked like.

On this girl, I like it.

Her flushed cheeks make my cock jerk with errant hunger.

My instinct is to praise her for taking the first big step into the scene, but that might cause her to falter. Instead, I keep my voice firm. “Lie on the bed on your back.”

Her silence is almost hostile as she obeys. Which doesn’t give me pause. An air raid couldn’t give me pause at this point.

I consider keeping my clothes on to emphasize the power differential, but a deep compulsion pushes me to shed my clothes. Though we’ve only just met, I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this, for her. And I want the maximum amount of skin contact.

After digging a condom from the drawer of the nightstand, I roll it onto my cock. She stares at the ceiling the entire time.

I almost smile.

The thumping of my heart is like a bass drum. There is something about this girl that sets her apart. And I’m here for it.

I lie on my side next to her and lower my hand so it rests on her belly. She shivers then stiffens, trying to control her reactions. Which is the opposite of what I want, though her innocence and uneasiness are a turn-on.

With practiced ease, I move my fingers lower so the tips get lost in her curls. Moving my mouth to her ear, I whisper, “Are you already wet for me, Sauce? Or are you going to make me work for it?”

She swallows. “I don’t know.” Her voice is barely audible.

“You actually don’t? Or you want me to think you don’t?” My fingers slide lower until I’m parting her lips with them.

Circling her clit with the pad of my index finger, I scrutinize her face. The flush in her cheeks darkens. Good. And also, fucking beautiful.

My hand slides lower to her slippery inner lips, which makes my balls ache. Going slow has never been so hard. Slapping her pussy with three fingers creates a lovely wet thwack that causes her mouth to open in surprise… and something more.

“Spread your legs.”

Her knees part, tentatively.

“Wider.”

With maddening slowness, she complies. If we were further along, I’d punish her for testing my patience, but this is new for her, so I restrain myself.

“Reach above your head and touch the headboard.”

After a moment, she obeys. Her gorgeous tits rise and shimmy.

“Some nights, your arms will be bound.”

Her gaze drops to meet mine, and from her dilated pupils, she finds the prospect intriguing.

“For now,” I say, spreading her pussy open with my hand, “Let’s see how well you can hold them in position.”

* * *

SAWYER

Past sexual experiences make me expect Jamie to shove his cock into me immediately, but he holds his own lust in check. Instead, his fingers spread my lower lips, exposing my pussy to his scrutiny in a way no one ever has before. I shudder at his deep intake of breath.

Subconsciously, I’ve started to close my thighs, but he slaps the soft inner flesh and then shoves them apart so far my tendons ache.

Jamie raises his head. “Look at me, Cranberry Sauce.”

It’s tough to make eye contact when his hand is still splaying my pussy open. After biting down on my lip, I lift my eyes to meet his.

“I’m going to look at your body for as long as I want, especially what’s between your legs. Don’t make your discomfort with that my problem because I will punish you and then tie your legs open, so you're powerless.”

Things deep inside my pelvis clench, and the darkness in his voice makes my nipples ache. Do I really want him to be harsh? Maybe.

“I’m not trying to resist. It just happens.”

The corner of his mouth curves into a smug smirk. “If you can’t control it, you’ve heard what will happen.” His thumb swirls my own juices over my clit.

The sensation is electric, and my body jerks as though its been touched by a live wire. My eyes shift to the ceiling as I shiver.

“Close your eyes, Sauce, and concentrate on giving yourself to me.”

My lips part, and I almost protest that I already am. Then he rubs my clit again, and I don’t want to fight. I just want him to keep touching me right there.

When my lids drop, so do my defenses.

“Your body’s exactly what I want.” His voice is rough and beguiling. “It’s like I ordered you from a menu.”

Warmth courses through me. Yeah, he’s definitely the king of saying the right thing.

As he teases me, his breath scalds my hip. The intimacy is almost too intense. His hand slides up to cup my breast, and he squeezes until his grip turns painful. In a way that’s strangely delicious. My hips twist from the gnawing desire. I need him to fuck me.

“You should expect to be naked and spread open for hours when you're in my bed.”

Hours? A small groan escapes my throat. Could I last that long with him playing his games?

A couple of his fingers push into my pussy, and it sets off a primal need. My hips circle and pump.

As my soft moans grow louder, I’m tempted to beg.

I want this man inside me. Fingers. Tongue. And especially cock.

* * *

JAMIE

Her writhing is so fucking erotic all my best intentions dissolve. I move above her, so I’m staring down at her pretty face and perfect tits.

“You’re too beautiful for your own good,” I whisper gruffly.

Warm brown eyes open and stare up into mine. “I want you.”

“Likewise.” As I enter her, she raises her hips. Even with a damned condom on, this feels fucking amazing. She’s hot and tight and wet. “Christ,” I murmur, concentrating on the sensation of her walls squeezing my dick.

Her eyes close as I sink into her, and her mouth opens wider, as though she needs more air. That expression is what I want burned on my retinas for the rest of my life.

When I pull back and drive forward, her hands close into fists. Fuck, yes. There is nothing contrived about the way she moves.

As I fuck her in slow, deep strokes, her gasps mix with my groans.

We are so good together. I concentrate on dragging things out, making the tension build in both our bodies.

The way her tits shake makes my mouth water. The body of a goddess, truly. I slow and drop my head to suck on a nipple that would take a clamp perfectly. Biting down with my teeth causes her to buck beneath me.

A slow smile of satisfaction curves my lips. Her body is going to be so much fun to play with.

When I pull out, her eyes pop open.

“What’s wrong?” she whispers as she lowers one arm so she can reach for my shoulder.

I push her hand away. “Nothing, you’re perfect. Lie on your side.”

She blinks and, after a breath, rolls onto her side, facing away from me. I lie behind her, moving a thigh between hers and then entering her pussy again.

After pushing my right arm beneath her head, I grip her throat with it. Then I move my left hand in front of her hip and down to her pussy. As I thrust into her, my fingers stroke her clit just above where I’m entering her.

“Oh, my God,” she whimpers.

My breath husks harshly in her ear. I’m close, but so is she. I can get her there first, and I want to.

“Like that, baby girl?”

“Yes.” Her hand slides along my left forearm. “Please… Right there.”

My grip on her throat tightens, making her breath catch.

“Jamie—?” The hint of fear in her voice causes me to put my lips against her ear.

“You’re safe, Sauce. Stay quiet, and feel what I want you to feel.”

With our bodies connected, I know the moment she decides to trust me. Good girl .

Her back presses against my chest as she literally leans into the way I’m fucking her. My body has its own rhythm now, my hand pressing against her windpipe as I thrust, then easing off as I retreat.

As she comes, her moans are cut in two by my grip. I rub harder against her clit and clamp down on her throat. Her pussy convulses around my cock. I let her ride out her orgasm until I’ve milked it for all she’s got.

Then I roll her facedown and grab her hips, dragging her ass up to my groin. I fuck her in hard, punishing strokes as she gasps into the sheets. When I finally blow, my mind is wiped as clean as a white board.

This is what life is about.

When I release her hips, she crumples like the sheets beneath her, limp and sated. I stare down at the curve of her ass. More luscious than a fucking trifle.

My ringing phone causes me to back off the bed reluctantly. I don’t know when it started to ring.

Sawyer, God bless her, doesn’t move an inch.

When I lift the phone, I see it’s Ash. I’m tempted to let it go to voicemail, but my cousin is a wild card. You never know what she’ll do if left to her own devices.

I swipe to answer. “Yes?”

“What’s my car doing at your place? Is Sawyer there?”

For a second, I consider lying. I don’t. “Yeah, she needed to talk to me.”

“All this time?” Ash says suspiciously.

My tone is terse. “Apparently.”

My private encounter with Sauce suddenly seems decidedly less private. Which means, I should let her go for now. It’s not what I want to do. At all.

“We’re done talking. She’ll be on her way back in a few minutes.” I don’t wait for a response before ending the call. Tossing my phone on the nightstand, I continue to stare at Cranberry Sauce.

“I heard.” Her voice is muffled by a pillow.

Leaning over the bed, I bite her ass.

She sucks in a breath and jerks forward. “Ow!” Looking over her shoulder at me, she rubs her ass cheek. “I said I was getting up.”

“I know. That’s not why I bit you.”

“Then why?”

“To see if you taste as good as you look.” A smile tugs at my lips. “You do.”