Page 25 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis (In The Heart of A Valentine #17)

Chapter

Seventeen

NAOMI

The jazz quartet was wrapping up their final set as Nathan swirled the last of his cognac in the crystal snifter.

The gala had been a success by every measure—donations exceeded projections, the governor had made his promised appearance, and Nathan’s foundation would be featured in next week’s society pages.

But I felt like I was watching it all through glass, present but not really there. My mind kept drifting to the terrace, to Christian’s wounded expression when he’d walked away, to the way a knot had formed in my throat when I’d seen him with Dahlia on the dance floor.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I blinked and noticed Nathan studying me with curiosity etched in those sharp eyes.

I offered him a soft smile. “Thinking about work. There’s a situation I need to handle Monday morning, and I’m trying to figure out the best approach.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie. There was always some situation requiring my attention. But the situation occupying my thoughts had nothing to do with business and everything to do with the man I’d rather be with in this very moment.

“Anything I can help with?” Nathan asked. “I know some people in various industries if you need connections.”

“That’s sweet of you to offer, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. It’s one of those things that requires the right timing.”

Nathan nodded, accepting my deflection.

The evening was winding down around us. Other couples were saying their goodbyes, collecting their coats and car keys, making plans for late-night drinks or early morning brunches.

“What do you say we continue this conversation somewhere more private?” Nathan’s hand rested on top of mine across the table, yet as big as his hand was, it was remiss of the heat that radiated from Christian’s palm.

“My penthouse has an excellent view of the city, and I have a bottle of wine that’s been waiting for the right occasion. ”

The invitation was delivered with Nathan’s usual charm, but underneath the politeness was an expectation. Regardless of how many times I’d made myself clear about my companion services, men constantly needing reminding. Not that they forgot, but they would always see how far they could go.

“I’m flattered, Nathan, but I have previous arrangements.”

His eyebrows rose slightly. “At this hour? It’s nearly midnight.”

“Do I appear to be a conventional woman with a conventional schedule, Nathan?”

Nathan smiled. “That you don’t.”

I nodded and stood, and he rose with me. “The man, whoever he is, is lucky to have such a dedicated woman in his life.”

“Who says it has anything to do with a man?”

Nathan’s interest sharpened, his eyes taking on a predatory gleam. “Now that’s intriguing. Care to elaborate?”

“No.”

He was amused. “Well, whoever or whatever is claiming your attention tonight, they’re fortunate to be your priority.”

“I always honor my commitments.”

“Yes, you do. It’s one of your most attractive qualities.”

Twenty minutes later, I was sliding into the back seat of my car, my evening bag clutched in my lap and my mind racing ahead to what waited for me across town. Nathan had walked me to the valet stand like the gentleman he was, kissing my hand and sighing.

“Until next time, beautiful,” he’d murmured against my skin.

“Until next time.”

My thoughts were already elsewhere, already moving toward the question that had been burning inside me since I’d walked away from Christian’s disappearing exit on the terrace. Would he be there? Would he honor our arrangement after what had happened between us tonight?

The drive across the city felt endless. I checked my reflection in the compact mirror, touched up my lipstick that didn’t need refreshing, and smoothed my hair that was already perfect. Nervous energy hummed under my skin, and I couldn’t decide if it was anticipation or dread.

When my driver pulled into the garage of our shared space, I noticed Christian’s car was already there. Relief flooded through me so suddenly that it left me breathless. He’d come. Despite everything that had happened tonight, despite the hurt I’d seen in his eyes, he was here.

I left the car and entered the house on a mission, but every room was empty, and confusion settled deep inside me when I stilled. Water could be heard, a shower, the bathroom. I turned on my heels and pushed through one of the master bathrooms that was left ajar.

Inside, steam filled the space, but behind the frosted glass shower door was Christian’s silhouette. My eyes swept over his tall form, from his broad shoulders down his back. He shifted, turned, and though I couldn’t make out the clarity in his gaze through the frost, I knew he saw me.

Seconds turned into minutes that I stood there with words lodged in my throat. Then, the shower door slid open—an invitation. I flipped out of my heels, removed my pantyhose, panties, and dress and strolled to the open door and eased inside.

Hot water pelted my shoulders, and I didn’t care if my hair got wet. I just wanted to remove the pain I saw in his eyes at the gala. But when I got a full look at him, I was reminded of how handsome he was.

Christian was the most gorgeous man I’d ever laid eyes on.

And I’d seen plenty in all shapes, builds, and physiques.

His form was equally fitting. Broad shoulders, an athletic chest, and a muscled abdomen that showcased his power subtly.

His thighs matched his build so effortlessly that I wanted to bite them.

Call me crazy, but he drew out the most wicked part of me just by existing, and no one had ever done so before.

But the strength in his thighs, in his calves, and his pedicured large feet enticed me enough with dreams of him being mine.

And that wasn’t the end of him. No, his face was excellently carved with sharp planes, a strong jawline, deep brown, beautiful eyes, and long lashes to hold me captive under his stare.

To make matters worse, or better, his dick was an enhanced Snickers bar—chocolate with veins running from the side and at the top disappearing into the head and curved just slightly at the tip.

I’d wanted him since the moment I laid eyes on him, but how could a man as divinely beautiful as he be faithful to me? I was sure he knew he was gorgeous, as did every other woman with eyes who could see—a multimillionaire, billionaire even. There’s no way he could. What would make me think?—”

“No celebration for you and Nathan tonight?” he said, interrupting my thoughts.

I sucked in a breath. “Christian…”

“How long have you been seeing him?”

I was rarely flustered, but I stuttered out a response.

“I don’t know, a few years, I guess, but he’s a client.”

“A client?”

“Yes.”

“Damn, you seemed like love birds rather than professionals.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Are you fuckin’ him?”

My eyes grew. “That is none of your business.”

“Ah… so then, you are.”

“No, I’m not, and still that’s none of your business!”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Why did you ask?”

“Because he implied that you would have your own private celebration tonight. And because I wanted to know. Honestly, I didn’t expect you here, Naomi.”

“Then why are you here, Christian?”

“Because I want to be here. Why are you here, Naomi?”

Again, I stuttered out a response. “If we’re playing tit for tat, Dahlia seemed pretty assuring that you would be with her tonight.”

“Why are you here, Naomi?” he asked, ignoring my response.

I sucked in a deep breath. “Because I want to be here.”

He stared me down. “Why?”

“Why ask why?”

“You could’ve easily gotten sex from Nathan. I’m sure he was willing. So why are you here?”

I locked my jaw, my nostrils flaring. “You’re upsetting me.”

His eyes widened. “I’m… upsetting you?”

“Yes. Why are you acting like I’ve done something to you?”

“Would you be okay if I were with Dahlia tonight?”

My eyes widened, but I quickly recovered. “You’re an adult. You can do whatever you want.”

He nodded. “Okay,” he slid the shower door open. “Enjoy your night.”

I stepped in front of the open door and stared him down. For a long agonizing moment, neither of us moved or spoke. We stared, one waiting for the other to say something, anything. Or maybe it was just me.

“Can we not play childish games?”

“We?”

“Yes. We.”

“You are blocking my exit, Naomi. I don’t consider this a game. You said you would be okay with me being with Dahlia tonight. It doesn’t matter to you. So why are you blocking my exit?”

“I never said any of those things, don’t put words in my mouth.”

“Now who’s playing childish games?”

I huffed. “What do you want from me?”

He shook his head. “Excuse me, I’m trying to get out of the shower.”

“Well, I’m not moving.” I folded my arms like a defiant child. “So if you want me to move, you’ll have to move me.”

His gaze darkened as he glared at me. “Naomi.”

“I said what I said.” I stepped forward, my wet body rubbing against his, adding more defiance in my stance.

It didn’t take but a few seconds for his dick to rise up my belly.

I could admit it was nice to see the effect I had on his libido.

But just as much as he was aroused, the friction between us gave me the same response.

“I want you to stay, okay?”

He didn’t respond, only continued to stare me down with those gorgeous fuckin’ eyes.

“Did you hear what I said? I want you to stay. I need…” I sighed. “I need you, Christian.”

“No, you don’t.”

My eyes widened. “Yes, I do.”

He sighed and rubbed his temples. “I can’t do this.”

I unfolded my arms. “Don’t say that.”

“Naomi.”

“No. Christian.” I slipped my hands up his wet, bare chest and around his neck, rubbing my body against the stiffness of his erection. “Don’t say that,” I whispered. “I need you. We’ve got a good thing going, don’t we?”

The muscles in his jaw twitched, and I knew he’d bit down on his teeth.

“Naomi.”

“Fuck me, Christian.” I moved my hips in circles, undulating and grinding against him. “Do you want me to beg? Please…” It came out like a whimper.

Smack!

“Oh!” The sting bouncing off my ass only ignited my arousal. “Ssss…” I hissed. “Do it again.”

He obliged, slapping my ass then lifting me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, and he turned, leaving the shower door open where water splashed out onto the bathroom tiles.

I was pressed against the shower wall when he entered me, pressing his stringent erection through my core—bulldozing me.

“Oooooh yes!”

My toes curled, and I unintentionally flexed a Kegel.

“Naomi…” he moaned, with eyes rolling to the back of his head as he bit his bottom lip.

“Kiss me.” I grabbed his ears and drew his mouth to mine.

He licked up my lips, and I chased his tongue with mine. He sucked me passionately as his hips dipped, his thrusts intensifying.

“Mmmmmm… oohh… sssss…” I tightened my legs as he beat into me harder, my back now stinging against the wall.

Our flesh smacked, and tingles ran across my skin from one end to the other. Pleasure consumed me, and I moaned and tightened my limbs more while he beat me down.

I couldn’t imagine a time when we wouldn’t be joined like this. It was too good, and I wanted sex with him forever. I was trying not to lose my mind in the moment, trying to keep my thoughts clear of loving him, but I was failing—had been for a long while now.

“Naomi…”

“Christian…”

We moaned and fucked, harder and more rigorously, as our passion for each other strengthened. His mouth dropped to my chin, down my neck, to my nipples.

“Ooooooou…” The wet heat of his mouth deepened the tingles that ran rampant through me. My pussy throbbed, my heart slammed, my body surrendered to his masterful intimacy.

“Yes! Oh, this is so fuckin’ good. Christiaaaaaaan!”

His mouth moved to my other nipple, sucking it in, then going back and forth, sending me into overdrive.

“Shit! I’m gonna cum, oh my God!”

It started as short jerking shocks and went into a full vibration of tremors.

“Aaaah! Ooooh!”

My toes curled, and I came hard.

“Christian! Oh! Oh!”

“Fuck!” he shouted, pulling out of me and nutting across my pussy.

“Oooooou…” he lifted me higher, got on his knees, and sucked my palpitating clitoris, further driving me insane.

“Aaaaaaaaaah!” I grabbed his head and went mad, thrashing and slipping against the wall, but unmoved in his grip. Ringing in my ears blocked out all sounds of the water and my own shouts, but I was begging, that much I knew.

“Christian! Baby, please!”

He sucked off my pussy, leaving it swollen, protruding, and heavily stimulated. His tongue stretched across my ass, then he bit the inside of my left thigh, then the right.

When he was done, he released his hold on me bit by bit, and I slid down the wall, my ass crashing gently into the wet shower floor.

Still kneeling but hovering over me now, I glanced up into his dark gaze.

If the desire inside me was anything like what I saw mirrored in his gaze, I knew he felt the same way I did.

Neither of us wanted to be with anyone else.

“For the record,” he said. “I’m not fuckin’ anyone else but you. But especially not Dahlia. She’s my employee. Nothing more, nothing less.”

He leaned down and kissed my forehead, the bridge of my nose, my lips, then… he stood to his feet and left the shower, leaving me balled up in a fetus position.