“You’re sweet,” I tell him, and his eyes dance with desire.
“Come,” he says, lacing his fingers with mine and tugging me through the house until we reach his bedroom. Once we’re inside, he walks toward the bed and stops. I’m standing at the mattress, with my heart thudding against my ribs. “Strip.”
“What?”
“You heard me. I’m going to show you just how serious I am about you,” he informs me as his mouth kicks into a smirk that sets my body alight. I pull off the dress I’m wearing, and I slowly lower it to the comforter before I unclasp my bra and allow it to fall to the floor.
If I thought Julian’s eyes were dark before, they turn purely feral right this minute. Once my panties are on the carpet, Julian spins me around so my back is flush with his front.
His chin rests on my shoulder, and I look up to see us in the reflection of the mirror he has in the corner of his room.
“Do you see that girl?” he asks. I nod. “She’s mine. I’m no longer beating around the bush about my feelings, Nea.” His tone lowers with every word until he’s whispering in my ear, sending heat soaring through every inch of me. “She’s the one I want. Every inch of her, every single beautiful, flawless inch of this body is mine. But not only that, your mind, your heart,” he says, pointing to my head, then to where my heart is beating a fast and repetitive rhythm in my chest. “Those are mine too.”
“Julian—”
“Bend over, put your palms flat on the bed, and watch yourself in the mirror,” he orders in a gruff tone.
Silently, I move into position. My stomach flutters at the fact that I’m once more bent over in front of him. And I can’t deny that I’m wet. My center is slick with need. Suddenly, a harsh swat of his hand lands on my ass, causing me to yelp. I watch my reflection, how my face contorts, how my mouth opens into an O-shape when he continues my punishment.
I’ve never been spanked by another man, but with Julian, it turns my blood hot. He rains down six slaps on both cheeks, the burning flesh stinging as he then gently massages me with his big hands.
It’s both pain and pleasure. His fingers dip into my folds, and a low groan vibrates in his throat when he feels my heat. “Fuck, Nea, you’re so wet, so needy for me.” His voice is filled with unbridled lust.
“Julian, fuck me,” I plead, glancing at him from over my shoulder. I want him inside me, filling me, claiming me as he said he would. With two more slaps on my ass, I hear the hiss of his zipper, and seconds later, I’m filled, stretched, and loved by this man who’s come into my life and turned it upside down.
And I couldn’t be happier.Chapter 26NeaI’m happy.
I’ve never felt so at peace.
For years, I’ve been depressed because I felt like I was alone in the world. And I was. Until I found myself in the one place I’d always dreamed of, and here I found someone who cares for me. I check my appearance in the mirror, making sure my hair is sleek before I grab my purse and race for the door.
When it swings open, I see Julian’s handsome face and his stupid smile. It’s been three months since I first laid eyes on him, and he only gets more handsome every day.
“Are you ready?”
I nod. “I am.” Even though my stomach is fluttering with the thought of going to the house today, I know it’s something I need to do. Not necessarily closure, but just to say goodbye to my mom in a way I couldn’t do at the funeral. It was one of the worst days of my life, and I’m sure today will be as emotional as that one. If not more so.
We walk hand-in-hand down to the car. Julian’s quiet when we settle into our seats, and I want to ask him if he’s okay, but there’s a gentle smile on his face, which puts me at ease. I wanted to do this with him. He had promised to take me to the house when I told him about it and having him beside me feels right.
I can’t yet say it’s love I feel for him, but there is definitely something between us, something far stronger than I ever anticipated. I need to catch up with Phee. Hopefully, when I get back tonight, I’ll be able to Skype her. She should be getting ready to come back home, and I can’t wait for her to see the life I’ve made for myself in New Orleans. Even though I haven’t been here all that long, it’s as if I was always here.