Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Ryan’s heart thudded with every step he took towards Sam, his gaze intent on her face and those eyes that shone with liquid heat. Did she know what she was doing to him with that look? He was rock hard, every nerve straining to take what she offered, to capture those sultry lips in a kiss that set them both ablaze.

He walked until he stood before her, but still he moved till barely an inch separated them and she had to lean back, butt resting against the table, legs slightly spread. Taking advantage, he stepped between them, pressing up against her, hard and throbbing to soft and yielding, and the breathy moan that slipped past her lips at the contact was nearly his undoing.

Bracing an arm on either side of her, palms flat on the table, he stared into her eyes, almost losing himself in their depths. His body screamed at him to just kiss her now, to take what she had on offer, but this time, Ryan wanted no misunderstanding between them. There were things they had to make clear before plunging into the whirlpool that waited.

“What exactly do you want, Princess?” He whispered the words, enjoying the shiver that shook her, and the flash of impatience in her expression. “What do you want from this?”

“You know what I want.” Her tone was petulant. She lifted her head, trying to reach up and kiss him, but he caught her chin in his hands and held her off gently.

“Do I?” He raised a brow and shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. You need to make it clear where this is going. If we do this, I want things clear between us, no awkward moments afterwards and no pretending it never happened. Is this a onetime thing for you?”

Because, it sure as hell wasn’t going to be just the once for him. He knew deep down he would never be content with having her just once more. Once he got her in his bed, he was going to need to do it over and over again before he could finally get past this crazy desire for her.

Her pupils darkened and she cocked her head, not breaking eye contact even as she mulled over his words. He could almost see the wheels turning in her head, every second that passed without her answer causing tension to seep into him, winding him up tight. He wouldn’t be surprised if she called the whole thing off now and bolted.

Disappointed, but not surprised.

“I want you to take me to bed,” her words sent a bolt of relief rushing through his system. “I’m not looking for a relationship, but I don’t want a onetime thing with you, either. We’re two adults who acknowledge our sexual attraction and I’d like to keep it that way. No strings, no complications and certainly nothing that gets in the way of our professional relationship. And if it’s turns out to be a mistake, then it’s a mistake I’m not going to regret making.”

It was what he wanted too. All the sex and none of the awkward feelings and need for commitment. Ryan wasn’t sure he would ever get to the point where he would be ready to commit to someone again, to make himself vulnerable to hurt and heartache, so this arrangement with Sam was best for them both.

“Good,” he smiled and cupped her delicate face in both hands, bringing his lips to hers.

She made a soft, breathless noise against his lips, parting readily for him, anticipation making the kiss just that much hotter, sweeter and the lust that had been simmering between them exploded in a conflagration that engulfed them both. She tasted wild, wet and willing and he groaned, angling his head to taste her better, thrusting his tongue deep in an imitation of what he intended to do once he had her horizontal on his bed.

His hands left her face and he gathered her against him. Her hands curled around his neck and she arched into him, his erection rubbing against her belly as she whimpered into his mouth, her tongue boldly tangling with his, teasing and tempting and silently begging him for more.

He’d longed for this moment for a long time. Kissing Sam with the certainty of more, knowing all he had to do was sweep her into his arms and carry her into his bedroom, strip her naked and satisfy every fantasy. But somehow, he found himself reluctant to rush the moment. He wanted to prolong it, to savor it and take his sweet time loving the ever living daylights out of this woman.

“Ryan,” she gasped, her arms tightening around his neck in protest when he broke the kiss, moving down to press soft kisses along the side of her neck, his hands sliding down to cup her delectable ass and squeeze, fitting her snugly against him.

His brain might be willing to let go, but the rest of him certainly wasn’t. With a groan, he forced himself to take a step back, and her eyes flew open, confusion clearly written there.

“Why…?”

“I need to feed you first, Princess,” he murmured, reaching out to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, his entire body tight with unresolved desire. “You’ll need the energy because once I get you in bed; I’m not going to let you go for a long time.”

Sam moaned, another shiver racking her body at the promise in his words. She let her head fall to his chest, her breaths coming out in sweet little pants, but she nodded.

“Okay.” The words were muffled against his chest. Ryan indulged himself with holding her for a couple more seconds, before pulling away.

Picking up the plates in both hands, he nodded towards the living room. “How about a movie while we eat?”

It was also a good way of easing the tension coiled tightly between them and hopefully would keep him from leaping across the table to devour her instead.

They settled on one of the couches facing the huge screen and he dragged the coffee table closer so they could eat comfortably. He fetched a bottle of chilled red wine to go with the food, a fond smile on his face as he watched Sam tuck her legs underneath her body, plate balanced in one hand, remote in the other, busy flicking through the Netflix menu.

She looked like she belonged right there on his couch and he fucking loved it.

“What are you in the mood for?” she looked up as he approached. “Blood and gore, tense and riveting, cutesy and funny, or heart warming and romantic?”

He came to sit beside her, glancing at the screen as he worked the cork on the bottle open. “The last two options sound good. What are the movies?”

“Well, there’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Haven’t watched it yet, but I’ve heard good things about it. Have you seen it?”

“Nope.” The cork popped and he filled her glass then his. He didn’t have much time for movies, video games were more his go to favourite pastime. Frankly the only reason he kept his Netflix subscription was because he couldn’t be bothered going through the hassle of cancelling it. Lucky that came in handy tonight. “We can watch that if you want.”

“Mmm,” she made a noncommittal sound, still flicking through the options then brightened. “Oh, Coco! I love this movie. This one, definitely.”

Ryan tucked into his food as the movie began. “You like animated movies?”

She nodded, chewed for a bit then continued. “I love them, actually. There’s something that speaks to the inner child in me while watching them.”

“Any particular favourites?”

“This one,” she gestured at the screen with her fork. “Tangled, Mulan, Into the Spiderverse, Moana.”

“Not Frozen?” he raised an eyebrow in surprise. “I thought that was everyone’s favourite?”

She made a face. “It was an okayish movie, but I kinda thought Elsa was a bit self-centred and it ruined the whole thing for me. Olaf was the best though. How about you? What type of movies do you like?”

“I’m not really into movies,” he replied with a shrug. “Though I did follow most of the Avengers movies, and really enjoyed Civil War. Games are more my thing.”

“I loved Civil War too,” Sam beamed up at him, a faraway look in her eyes. “I remember watching it with Zahir and he was so impressed with the fight scene at the airport…” She abruptly cut off, eyes widening as she realized what she’d said.

He sat up straight, intrigued at the reaction.

“Zahir?” A frission of something passed through him at the obvious fondness in her voice when she’d mentioned the name, and the look in her eyes…

She looked away, reaching for her wineglass and took her time taking a long drink. The air around them shifted, becoming slightly tense and he was ready to change the topic since she wasn’t willing to talk about it when she sighed.

“My ex,” she whispered, staring into the depths of her glass, raw pain contorting her features.

He had a million questions, but all he said was. “What happened?”

She gulped and set the glass down, her entire posture stiff. “He died in a car accident, two weeks before our wedding.”

“Jesus, Sam,” he rasped, aching for her. He couldn’t even begin to imagine the soul crushing grief she’d gone through and was still going through, if the look on her face was anything to go by. Setting down his plate, he leaned forward and placed a comforting hand over hers which where clenched tightly in her lap, regretting bringing up the question. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” she mumbled, even though it most certainly wasn’t. “It happened a while ago and I’ve learned to deal with it.” She lifted her hands, dislodging his and picked up her plate, scooping a forkful of vegetables. “So, what type of games do you play?”

He went with the deliberate change in topic, knowing she didn’t wish to discuss it further. From that moment, the conversation moved from personal to discussions centred on the movie, with him making wisecracks about certain scenes.

Gradually, Sam relaxed again and he even got her chuckling at his jokes. When the movie ended, she picked To All the Boys I’ve Loved to watch next. Halfway through, she fell asleep, sprawled out on his couch with her head on his thigh and him absently stroking the silky strands of her hair while he thought about the heartbreak she’d endured, which made his own seem trivial by comparison.

Sure, Nicky’s betrayal had blindsided him, but could that even compare to losing someone you cared about in so permanent a manner? No hopes for a possible second chance, nothing, just a loss that could never be gotten back.

Long after the credits rolled, he sat there, lost in thought while Sam slept on, oblivious.

Sam stirred and stretched lazily, coming back to full consciousness slowly. Rolling over onto her stomach, her eyes fluttered open and she frowned in disorientation as unfamiliar light blue walls swam into view. She was in a room that clearly wasn’t hers, sunlight filtering through gaps in the soft cream curtains, spilling into a tastefully furnished room.

It took a moment for her brain to catch up and when it did she sat up with a gasp, dislodging the covers as memories flooded her poor brain.

Ryan. The kiss. Watching TV on the couch.

“Oh goddess!” Her frantic gaze swept over the guest room, color rushing to her cheeks as she rose from the bed, bare feet sinking into a luxurious faux bearskin rug. She’d fallen asleep on him instead of sleeping with him, not only that, she’d ruined the mood by bringing up the last topic of conversation a man intent on seduction wanted to hear.

What on earth had possessed her to slip up and mention Zahir? Why, Sameera?

Cringing internally, she headed to the bathroom and stared at her reflection accusingly. If she told her therapist about last night, the woman would probably suggest that Sam had subconsciously tried to sabotage the evening by bringing up her ex or some other theory. Was that really what she’d done?

She groaned, resting her head against the cool glass tile. How was she going to face him this morning?

After several minutes spent in thought, an idea hit and she quickly brushed her teeth, took a quick shower and changed from yesterday’s clothes into a pale yellow cotton dress, hair pulled back into one thick braid. Grabbing her purse, she left the room. The living room was deserted, which meant Ryan was possibly still sleeping. With a relieved sigh, she tiptoed to the front door.

It didn’t take long to find a place that served breakfast. Thirty minutes later, takeout bags in hand; she stepped out the elevator on his floor and nearly ploughed into Ryan who was staring down at his phone, a worried look on his face.

“Sam,” Relief swept over his expression as soon as he noticed her. His gaze roved over her, coming to rest on the bags. “Oh thank god.”

“Is something wrong?” She asked, alarmed. She took in his rumpled look, bed hair, clothes that looked like they’d been thrown on in haste. “Are you okay?”

He leaned against the wall, eyes drifting shut and raked a hand through his already ruffled hair with a sigh.

“Give me a minute and I will be.” he muttered. Opening his eyes and seeing her puzzled expression he managed a wry smile. “I thought you left.”

Comprehension dawned. Her heart slammed against her ribcage and it was suddenly hard to swallow. She shoukd have sent him a text to let him know before leaving. “Oh.”

She held up the bags. “I wanted to surprise you with breakfast, by way of an apology.”

Ryan looked puzzled. Straightening he pierced her with those grey eyes that set her pulse racing with renewed lust. “Apology for what?”

“For last night,” she explained, feeling her face heat at the awkwardness of the situation. He thought she’d run this morning, mortified by the events of last night and she thought he’d be upset at her for ruining a perfectly good evening. “I didn’t intend to ruin the night or fall asleep, and I’m…”

Her words cut off because Ryan closed the space between them in two strides, slipped an arm around her waist, pulled her against his body, and kissed her.

Hard.

All rational thought melted from Sam’s brain the instant their mouths met in a kiss that quickly fanned the embers smouldering between them. He moved, pushing her until her back hit the wall opposite, his mouth greedy and insistent and she melted into him, bags falling unheeded to the floor as her arms entwined around his neck, pulling him closer for a deeper kiss, moisture pooling between her legs even as her mind screamed yes! Finally!

“You nearly drove me crazy just now,” he broke the kiss to pepper drugging kisses down her neck, his hands sliding under the hem of the short dress to cup her ass, the imprint of his fingers burning even through her flimsy lace panties. “I woke up and you were gone and I damn near lost my damn mind.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, shivering as his hold tightened and he lifted her off her feet. Instinctively, she wrapped her legs around him, letting him carry her back into the apartment, kicking the door closed with his foot.

“I’m going to want more than a verbal apology, Princess,” he growled, capturing her mouth once more and at that moment, Sam would have happily given him the moon if he asked. He set her down on the couch and stepped back, his grey eyes almost black with desire and continued in a commanding tone. “You’re going to do exactly what I say, got it?”

A part of her almost rebelled at the thought of surrendering control, but she squashed it and nodded assent. “Yes.”

He rewarded her with another bone melting kiss, his hands tracing the deep scooped neckline of her dress. “Take this off.”

She stood, reaching for the hem and pulled the dress over her head, leaving her in a black lace bra and matching panties. His gaze turned molten, sweeping over the sight exposed to him. “The underwear too, baby.”

With trembling fingers, she reached for the clasp and undid the bra, letting her breasts fall free, nipples pebble hard and aching. Slipping two fingers under the fabric, she slid down her panties, stepping out of them to stand naked, vulnerable. She wanted to ask him to take off his clothes, but held her tongue, letting him guide things his way.

“Lie back and spread your legs,” he pointed to the couch, his voice a husky whisper and she obeyed, letting her legs fall open for his hungry gaze. She looked up at him, loving the adoration in his gaze as he looked his fill. “So fucking beautiful.”

He fell to his knees and crawled closer. “You’re so gorgeous, all spread out for me. I can’t wait to taste you, to eat you until you beg me to stop.”

“Ryan…” His name was a breathy whisper, her entire body taut in anticipation.

His fingers danced over her naked skin, flicking over an aching nipple, catching the flesh between thumb and forefinger, a gasp torn from her throat as he lightly squeezed, pleasure shooting from that point straight to her core. He repeated the same with the other nipple, then moved south, tracing over her stomach, lingering at the top of her thighs before slowly, torturously dipping down to the place she needed him most. Her back arched off the couch with a cry as he played with the little nub of pleasure, when he slid first one finger, then two inside her wet heat and played her until her first orgasm crashed over her and she sobbed his name, while he kissed her.

While she was on a high from coming, he replaced his fingers with his mouth, giving her slit one long lick. She cried out as he did it again, fingers gripping the edges of the couch as she writhed against him, pleasure quickly spiralling out of control once more as his expert tongue licked, circled and sucked her clit until she came again.

“No fair,” she gasped, as she came back down. She forced her heavy lids open and glared at him. "You're still fully clothed. Time to get naked, Silverton."

A wide grin split his face and he wriggled his eyebrows at her. "Or what?"

"Or I get up from this couch and carry on with this all by myself." To show him how serious she was, she touched herself between her legs, fingers instantly coated with slick wetness. Holding his gaze, she brought those fingers to her mouth and tasted her sweet saltiness. "And you only get to watch, not participate."

His breath came out ragged as he watched her, and without another word, he was on his feet, clothes falling off with record speed. Her mouth watered at the sight of him, all delicious muscles, lean hips and a very, very impressive erection.

"Nice view." She smirked, sitting up so she could touch him, his cock level with her face, but she ignored it for now, focusing on running her hands over the hard, straining muscles of his abs, her mouth following the trail set by her hands.

"Fuck, Sam…" Satisfaction bloomed within her at the expletive, enjoying the effect she had on him as she took her sweet time, finally turning her attention to turgid length, now jerking and leaking precum. Her hand couldn't quite enclose his girth, finding him hot and velvety hard as she stroked, gentle up - down movements, mouth closing over that glistening tip that had him gasping, his hands coming up to tangle in her hair, guiding her movements as he thrust into her willing mouth.

Sam sucked him a few more minutes until with a muffled curse, Ryan pulled away. With a speed that left her dizzy, he bent and scooped her into his arms, long strides eating up the distance to his bedroom. Barely registering much more than a huge kingsize bed set on a dias before he placed her down in the center, her body sinking into the soft mattress.

He followed her down and kissed her until they needed to draw breath, he left her, but only to grab a condom from the nightstand and pull it on, his movements hasty, while she watched, clit throbbing at the thought of the incoming pleasure.

Ryan's body covered hers, mouths meeting in another drugging kiss, as he lifted her ass in the air, angling her better and slid deep.

They gasped in unison, Sam's head spinning at the incredible feeling of him within her and locked her legs around his waist, arching up into his thrusts, even as his hips slammed into her, driving him deeper, hitting the sweet spot that sent her hurtling over another precipe, screaming from the pleasure of her climax.