Page 12

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The sun began peeking through the slats of the vertical blinds that covered Vinny’s tall bedroom windows. Annalissa blinked, trying to recognize her surroundings. A heavy arm lay across her stomach and a tree-trunk leg rested over hers. And something, hard and prodding, was pressed into her ass. Her eyes flew open as she jerked her head around, seeing the smiling face of Vinny. I’m in his bed? We slept like this?

Before she could question, he saw the look of surprise on her face. And the look of interest in her eyes. “Mornin’ beautiful,” he greeted, leaning over to kiss her. The kiss started slow. A greeting. Then morphed into something more. Passion. Heat. Desire. Angling his head to control the intensity, he slid his tongue into her warm mouth, exploring every crevice. Tasting her. Memorizing her essence.

He swallowed her moan as she twisted her body around to face his and he pulled her tightly into him. His massive erection was painfully pressed between their bodies. One hand slid down to her firm ass, massaging the globes, while his other hand stayed tangled in her silky hair.

She began to move her hips as she slid one leg over his, pressing her core against his cock. Please don’t turn me away, she thought, knowing this was the man she wanted. Needed. Trusted.

He leaned back peering into her eyes, looking for permission, seeing nothing but passion and acceptance. Smiling, he moved back in, his tongue sliding from her lips to her neck as he tasted and kissed her smooth skin. Gently sucking the dip where her pulse beat erratically, he latched on leaving his mark as she scored his back with her nails.

Suddenly at a loss, he wondered what to do. Never made love to a virgin. Hell, never had a virgin. Nor made love to anyone. All others were just a fuck and move on. This? Jesus, what the hell do I do?

She sensed his reticence and was determined to not let him talk himself out of what she wanted to happen. Sliding her hand down between their bodies and into his boxers, she wrapped it around his cock. The skin was soft over the steel core and she felt it jump in her hands. He was much larger than the few experiences she had in college, but she instinctively moved her hand up and down.

“Baby?” he rasped, voice like gravel. “Are you sure?”

“Mmmmm,” was the only answer he received, her lips traveling along his jaw, licking the morning stubble.

Pulling back away from her, he repeated, “Baby girl, I’ve got to hear it. ”

Her eyes, still filled with passion, cleared as she smiled at him. “Yes. I want this. With you. And only you.”

“Thank God,” he groaned, continuing to kiss her as he slowly slid his hand into her panties, finding her folds slick and ready. A virgin. A virgin, kept rolling through his mind. She’s got to be ready.

He maneuvered her up just long enough to pull off her t-shirt, freeing her body to his perusal. Jerking off his boxers his cock stood at attention, already leaning toward her with a mind of its own. Gotta wait, boy. Gotta take this slow and make it perfect for her.

Lying back down, he slowly inserted one finger into her tight channel, fingering her gently to bring her pleasure without pain. Crooking his finger deep inside, he hit the spot he wanted to find as her moans increased. Lowering his head he pulled one taut nipple into his mouth, sucking hard. Giving it a nip before soothing with his tongue, he felt her juices increase against his finger.

She felt every nerve. Every tingle. Every caress and suckle. And thought she would die with need. This feels like flying. Hurling toward the end of the runway, knowing that you’ll soon take off. With one last tweak of his finger her core, tightly coiled, burst with electricity pulsating in all direction. He sucked her nipple as her head fell back against the pillow, a moan filling the spinning room.

He felt her inner walls grab his finger and his cock jumped again. God, I want that on my dick . He watched her pant through her orgasm and realized he had never seen anything as beautiful as a woman he cared about being pleasured. ‘Cause I never cared about anyone before.

She lifted her head as her eyes shimmered, watching him watch her. “Please, Vinny,” she begged softly. “Make love to me.”

Smiling, he brushed her hair back away from her face, kissing her lips gently. “Anything for you, baby,” he promised. Letting go of her just long enough to roll on a condom, he moved back over her body. With her legs spread for him, he stared down at her glistening folds and seated himself at her entrance.

Uncertainty filled his expression. “I…I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I don’t know that we can help that,” she replied nervously.

“I’ll go slow.” He began to push his way in. Oh, damn, she’s tight. Her inner walls squeezed as he pressed in. While his dick was reveling in the feeling, he was terrified of hurting her.

Never having known a feeling of such fullness, she tried to breathe to ease the passing. Lamaze, right? That’s what they do, I think. While the feeling of gentle pressure was building, she realized it was not painful as she attempted to relax.

Aware of the tumultuous thoughts flying through her head as he watched her face carefully, he willed his dick to move slowly. Torturously slow.

“Just do it,” she panted.

Nodding, he forced his erection to the hilt, stopping as her sudden gasp met his ears. Her face, slightly contorted in discomfort, stilled him immediately. What the hell do I do now?

“Go,” she begged. “Do something.”

He moved in and out slowly, allowing the moisture to slick her inner walls, easing the passage. As her core began to accept his aching cock, he pumped in and out faster. Feeling her relax slightly underneath him he kissed her, his tongue moving in unison with his dick. Her moans filled his mouth as he moved faster and faster with ease.

Knowing he was going to blow soon he slid his hand down between them, resting his weight on his other bent arm.

She had always wondered what the fuss was all about and now she knew. The feeling of the man on top of her, joined with her as one, was overwhelming. The discomfort had dissipated, leaving her hurling once more down the runway. The feeling of friction deep inside had every nerve tingling again, desperately wanting the explosion she knew was coming.

Moving his mouth down to suck on her nipple while his fingers clamped down on her swollen clit was all it took to take her over the edge. With her fingernails digging into his back he watched as she screamed out his name, her tight inner walls clamping down on his dick. He had never liked a woman’s fingernail marks on his back before, not wanting any woman to have a claim once they parted, but this? He wanted to wear her marks for all to see, as he looked down at the love bite he had given her earlier. Both marked. For each other.

With only a few more thrusts he threw his head back, a grimace on his face as his neck corded with the force of his orgasm. Deeper and deeper. Finally with every drop wrung out he collapsed to the side, rolling with her in his arms, keeping her tightly in his embrace.

Bodies slick with sweat, breaths harsh and panting, they lay euphoric in the aftermath. Minutes passed as conscious thought slowly returned.

Christ, how is she?, he thought leaning back to peer into her eyes. Terrified of seeing regret or worse, what he saw punched him in the chest. A smile that lit her face and sparkling eyes. A well-sated look on her face pleased him, but not in the way it always had. He wanted her to be as moved as he was.

“Babe?” he inquired, not knowing what he was even asking.

“I’m good, Vinny,” she replied looking down at his chest. Face flaming, she was embarrassed.

He lifted her chin with his fingers. “Oh no. You get outta your head, baby girl. That was the most amazing thing I have ever felt, but I gotta know you’re alright. Did I hurt you?”

“It kind of started out uncomfortable because I was so tense, but it got better.” Seeing the worried look on his face, she amended, “It got a lot better. Like really-good kind of better.”

He threw his head back laughing as he admitted, “I like that. Really-good kind of better.” Sobering, he touched her lips gently as he slowly withdrew from her. They both looked down and saw a slight smear of blood on the condom.

“Stay here, baby,” he ordered softly as he moved off of the bed. Once in the bathroom, he quickly disposed of the condom and wet a washcloth with warm water. Stalking back into the bedroom he knelt beside her, gently washing between her legs.

In the light of day her nudity seemed inappropriate, but she noticed his confidence as he swaggered naked from the bathroom and then took care of her. Confidence. Sucking in a deep breath as he gently cleaned her, she blushed beet red.

“I so want to appear sophisticated right now, but am failing miserably,” she blurted out.

Touching his lips to hers before sliding back in next to her and pulling her body flush against his. “Why sophisticated, babe? I never want you to be anything except exactly who you are.”

“It’s just this was…um…special…to me, that is.”

He cocked his head to the side, looking at her face for clues as to what she was talking about. “It was special for me too.” Her smile speared his heart and he cupped her jaw bringing her closer for another kiss, before tucking her tightly against his chest. “More than special,” he admitted, whispering into her hair.

Vinny cooked breakfast while Annalissa showered and prepared for the day. Throwing some bacon into the frying pan, he thought about what he was doing. Breakfast. I’m cooking breakfast for a woman I spent the entire night with. In my own bed. He grinned as he stirred the scrambled eggs and popped the bagels into the toaster. Not just any woman…the woman.

His mind then wandered to the reason they were there. The morning afterglow left as soon as he mentioned that Todd, Gordon, Maurice, and her father had all called the evening before. He hated seeing the look on her face at the thought of having to face them.

“Babe,” he said, as she walked into the room, freshly showered and looking more beautiful than ever, “You don’t have to talk to or see anyone you don’t want to. Especially not without me around. In fact, now that I think about it, I don’t want you to see them without me.”

Her chin lifted slightly and he realized he had stepped on her toes. He started to open his mouth, when her hand came up in his face.

“Vinny, I’m perfectly capable of talking to my father and manager. And I’ve got to go see Maurice today. I’m sure he’s worried sick about me.”

He noted that she did not say that about her father. Standing with his legs apart and his hands on his hips, he glared down at her. “I didn’t say you weren’t capable. But for all we know, one of them is guilty and you’re not talking to them without me.”

This time her chin lifted even more as she held his glare. “I’m not cowering away from everyone I know and I’m just going to talk to them on the phone while you’re gone.”

He stood for a moment, not knowing what to say. Before he could ponder the situation any further, she stepped right up to him, placing her hand on his chest .

“I know we have to wonder who planted the drugs, but I refuse to be afraid of everyone. Let’s eat and then we can plan our day.”

He agreed but was going to make sure that someone was with her, whether she liked it or not. After all, she’s my responsibility even if she doesn’t get that yet!

After breakfast, he pulled her in close, her shampoo wafting in the air as he bent his head to hers. “Babe, I’m sorry. I’m kind of new at this, so you gotta cut me a break. I’ve got to go in for just a little while, but Jobe lives in this building and he’s going to stay around today in case you need something.”

She started to protest, but he kissed her silent. Taking the kiss deeper, it was long, hard, and wet. When she came up for air, her lips were swollen and her eyes were half shut.

“So you’ll stay here while I run to work?” he asked, still nuzzling her nose.

“Ummm,” she moaned, as his lips slid down to her neck. As he pulled back, she watched him walk away. “You won’t always win every argument just by kissing me, you know?”

He turned, his cocky grin spreading across his face. “I know, baby girl. But I’ve got a lot in my arsenal to use if the kisses don’t work.”

He ducked as she tossed a pillow at him just as he walked through the door. Smiling to herself, she walked over to look out his window. The city of Richmond with the river in the background was beautiful from this view. Turning, her gaze roamed around his apartment. What now? She sighed. Are we a couple? When do I go back to my apartment? Finding no answer to her relationships questions, she walked over to the sofa and picked up the cell phone he had left for her to use. Time to get back to my life.

“Where are you and you’d better tell me that you’ve got Easnadh with you.”

“Dad, I told you that I’m staying with a friend for right now until my apartment is released.” Tony had allowed her to tell others that her apartment had been burglarized, but to not give any details. She had made it seem like teenagers broke in and the manager was going to repaint the apartment.

“Friends? What friends? Who are you staying with?” Stewart O’Brian asked.

“I…I’m staying…with one of um…Mr. Alvarez’s men,” she said, knowing what was coming. And she was right.

“You’re staying with some man you just met. Tell me you haven’t gone half-mad and convinced yourself you’ve fallen for some rescuer?”

“Dad, I’m…not going to discuss this…um…situation. I’m safe and getting ready to call Maurice. I’ll be back to practicing in no time.” Please let that satisfy him .

“Speaking of practicing, do you have Easnadh?” he demanded.

“No, but I was told that I may have it later today. Mr. Alvarez?—”

“Don’t give me excuses,” he interrupted. “You sent Easnadh on a different plane and Alvarez Security hasn’t heard the last of me yet.”

“I told you that I was too scared to get back on a plane then,” she said, but knew he would never understand.

After a few more minutes of listening to her father’s tirade, she finally managed to get him off of the phone. No ‘gee I’m so sorry you had to go through this’. No ‘wow, honey, I sure am glad you’re okay’. She tossed the phone onto the coffee table, leaning forward placing her head in her hands. Has it always been this way?

Picking the phone back up, she dialed Maurice . “Hey, I’m back,” she said.

“Oh, my goodness, you have no idea how I’ve been worried and waiting for you to call,” the older man exclaimed. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, yes,” she laughed. “I’m fine. Just taking a day to recuperate, that’s all.”

“My dear, when I heard that you had been delayed because of an airplane problem with a rough landing and then that you had to travel with the security man…well I just couldn’t believe it. All I could think about was that you must have been scared.”

“It was really fine and it’s over now. I’m hoping to be able to practice today if she’s returned to me.”

“Do you want to come to my studio? I would love to see you and have a chance to check Easnadh out.”

“I don’t know when I’ill get my hands on her and,” she hesitated, thinking about Vinny’s warning. “I really should stay in today. But I’ll plan on seeing you tomorrow, if that’s okay. ”

“Absolutely, my dear. You stay in and rest today. Are you at your apartment?”

“Um, no. I’m staying with a friend.”

“Oh, that’s good. You enjoy yourself,” he said.

“I…um…will, I’m sure,” she replied, her face blushing at the thoughts of this morning’s enjoyments.

Disconnecting with that phone call, she realized for the millionth time how comforting it was to be able to have someone in her life who seemed to really care about her. Smiling, she looked back down at the phone. One more call to make. Dreading this call almost as much as her father’s, she quickly punched in the numbers before she changed her mind.

“Todd Levine, Musical Management Services. How may I direct your call?” came the efficient voice of his assistant.

“Hi Erica, this is?—”

“Oh my God, if it isn’t the little-lost lamb finally returned,” her snotty voice came back. “Do you have any idea how much your vacation has cost Mr. Levine?”

“Va…vacation?” Annalissa asked, not understanding.

“Trip detour, going off on your own, not being able to be reached. You know, the least you could have done was kept the man who made your career in the loop.”

“Is he available or not, Erica? Sparring with you after my…my…vacation is not what I want to do,” she asked, hands shaking in anger. She heard voices in the background and then was connected to another line.

“Annalissa?” Todd asked. “Are you back? Do you have your harp? I had arranged for you to play for the Governor’s wife. She’s having a little soiree and thought your music would be the perfect entertainment.”

“Um, hi Todd. Nice to hear from you too,” she said, sitting up straighter.

“Yes, yes, I’m glad to hear from you,” he parroted. “But it’s not as though you were lost…just traveling around with that security man.”

“Traveling around? You and Erica sound alike. We traveled by car after our harrowing experience with the first flight. I just wasn’t comfortable flying again and he was nice enough to suggest that we drive.”

“Now, let’s not get temperamental on me. I’m the one trying to get things back on track. Now, about that soiree?—”

“I can’t,” she interrupted. “I don’t have Easnadh back yet. Someone is delivering her to me today,” she lied.

“You don’t have her?” Todd asked. “Where is your harp? I assumed it was with you at your apartment.” When she did not answer right away, he continued, “I know you prefer her, but any harp will do. Just meet me at the?—”

“I can’t,” she interrupted once more. “I have to stay here and um…rest today.”

“Who says? And where are you staying?” he bit out.

Sighing, she answered. “Todd, I appreciate all you do for me, but I’m staying with a friend and will spend the day resting. I cannot possibly do the Governor’s wife’s soiree today, but I will call you tomorrow and we can see what events I feel like I can do.”

With that, she hung up, smiling. I hung up on him first. I don’t think I’ve ever done that. Giggling to herself as she stood up and walked back to the kitchen, she admitted, that felt great!

Early in the afternoon, Vinny called. “I wanted to let you know that Jobe will be bringing a surprise for you. I wish it could have been me but I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

When Annalissa heard the doorbell she opened the door, hoping she knew what the surprise was going to be. She was not disappointed. Jobe stood there, a harp case in his hand. Clapping her hands she screamed joyfully, ushering him in.

“Oh, it’s lovely,” she exclaimed, showing him where to set the case down.

“I thought it would be larger,” Jobe said, watching as she opened the case and pulled the instrument out.

“You’re thinking of the large concert harps. Easnadh is a Celtic Harp and in particular, she is a much smaller one.”

She sat down on one of the dining room chairs, immediately plucking the strings, tuning as she went. He watched, entranced by the music, before moving to leave. She looked up, her fingers stilling on the strings. “Do you need to leave now?”

Jobe smiled, shaking his head. “No, is there something that you need?”

Laughing, she replied, “Not really. I’m just...well, it feels weird…being here. Alone.”

“Are you scared? ”

Rushing to assure him, she said, “No. Not afraid. It just seems like I should be in my own apartment. Have you seen it?”

He saw the concerned look on her face. Sitting down on another chair, he faced her. “Well…” he started slowly. “The door did not look damaged, but there were marks around your lock so someone had worked to get in. I can’t say what might have been taken, but things were tossed around as though someone was looking for something.”

He watched her carefully, wanting to gauge his words by her reaction. The only outward expression of concern was her lips tucking in. “Your drawers were pulled out and dumped and your books were all on the floor where someone must have been looking behind them.”

The silence hung between them for a minute as she thought of her apartment. Her safe haven. Away from her father and her manager.

“Do you think they were looking for the drugs before they knew I never left Kansas City?”

“I don’t know, but I think it’s a real possibility,” he answered honestly.

She nodded slowly, her mind still churning. Sighing, she turned back to him and smiled. “Thank you so much for this,” she said, patting her harp. “I was going crazy not having her with me for the past few days. And to be honest, being here with nothing to do was making me a little nuts too.”

Jobe stood and walked toward the door, Annalissa right behind him. He turned and looked down, saying softly, “You’re safe here, you know. Not just from someone from the outside, but with Vinny as well.”

She peered at him, trying to understand the meaning of his words.

“He’s never, and I mean never, brought a woman here to his home.”

At that, she could not hide her surprise. And pleasure. “Thank you for that, Jobe,” she whispered, smiling.

After he left, she walked back to the windows to look out over the city. A man like Vinny would have had women. Probably lots of women. But never brought one here. Sucking in a huge breath, she wondered what that meant. Does he just think of me as someone to save and keep safe? As she pondered, she realized that he was too honorable to lead her on. So what does he think of me?

Finding no answers while looking at the Richmond skyline, she moved back to the dining room chair and picked up Easnadh. Her fingers flying over the strings elicited the music her heart craved. Inside the music, she could forget. About being chased. Drugs. The police. Her father. Everything negative floated away as the music filled her soul.

And an hour later that was how Vinny found her.