The Darkest Pleasure Read online

  He stood in the living room, a pair of loose-fitting jeans hanging from his narrow hips. His face was obscured by the shadows; only his brightly-lit eyes were visible. Though I couldn't see his mouth, I knew he was smiling at me. I lifted myself onto my elbows, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. He always had that effect on me, making butterflies flutter in my stomach, and causing my heart to beat in a tachy rhythm. He never spoke, but it didn't matter, his actions were loud enough. He slowly walked towards me, moving like a jungle cat, slow and sensual. I didn't move a muscle, knowing he loved to be in control.

  Before I knew it, he was on his knees in front of me. I inhaled deeply, the scent of his cologne overwhelming my senses. His heavily muscled arms framed my body, his head slowly leaning towards mine. I opened my mouth slightly, my breathing quickening. He was so close; just an inch more and his firm lips would touch mine. His head dipped, his mouth kissing and licking the side of my neck. I let my head fall back, wanting him to touch as much of my skin as possible. He ripped away my nightgown, and my bare skin shivered as the cool air rushed over me. His roughened hand snaked its way up my ribs to encompass my breast. I sucked in a breath when his fingers skimmed my stiff nipple. I arched my back in response, my body heating up with arousal.

  His mouth travelled down my neck and over my collarbone. His warm, wet mouth encased my nipple, sucking on it hard. I gasped at the exquisite feelings he produced. I moved my legs restlessly, my body craving to be filled. I wasn't wanton, but when I was with my dream lover, I felt free to be whoever, and whatever I wanted. I lifted my arms above my head and thrust my chest farther into his mouth. His hand travelled down my belly and rested right above my mound. He teased me, never quite getting to what he knew I desired most. I opened my legs, urging him wordlessly to place his hand where I wanted. He dipped his hand lower, skimming his fingers along my nether lips, gathering my moisture and spreading it around. Then he moved his big body lower until he was between my legs, his hot breath wafting over my sensitive clit. He licked my small bud, a swift flick, before he smoothed his tongue down my lips. Then, he dipped into my core, my inner muscles sucking him inside. I wanted him so badly, my whole body ached to be filled.

  I ran my hands along his massive shoulders, feeling the silken skin over hard muscles. He spread me open with his fingers, his hot breath blowing along my labia and causing my clit to throb. The suction of his mouth on my clit had me panting, and I broke out in a light sweat. I was so close, my climax just a stroke away. He released my clit, the popping sound slowly registering in my ears. He moved from between my legs, and the sound of his zipper sliding down echoed in the quiet room. That part of his body was always hidden, and I cursed the fact that I could never see it. The hot, thick crown of his penis rubbed along my sex, running small circles along my clit. He leaned over me, one large hand by my head, as he placed his penis at my entrance. I lifted my hips, trying to impale myself on him. I was on fire, every cell inside of me alive with desire. I needed to feel him inside of me, to feel his thick length fill me. He ever so slowly pushed inside...

  A horn honked in the parking lot and I snapped my eyes open. My fingers were poised on my clit; just a few more flicks would have sent me over the edge. I breathed out roughly, the light sheen of sweat already starting to cool on my body. I looked over at the window, mentally cursing the asshole in the car. I closed my eyes again, willing my dream lover to return, but to no avail. His image wouldn't appear.

  * * * *

  A few days had passed and I couldn't believe it. I had most of my belongings unpacked, what few things I had, and the place was starting to feel like home. I was a little discouraged at the fact that I didn't have a couch or table, or any other large piece of furniture or appliance. I decided I needed to go out and furniture shop. I still had plenty of money left from the moving expenses my new employer had so generously given me. The fact that I hadn't even thought about what I'd need once I got here let me know my mind had been in the clouds. As I started to unpack yet another box of knickknacks, a light tap came from my front door. I had no food in the house, and for the past couple of days, I had to resort to ordering out. Making a mental note to go to the grocery store for the essentials, I got up and opened the door, reaching down to grab my purse at the same time. “Give me a minute,” I said. Grabbing my wallet, I straightened up and came face to face with a man who was most definitely not the delivery boy with my food. An impossibly tall and gorgeous man smiled down at me, his hand held out as if he wanted to shake mine. I stood there frozen, not knowing what to do, and feeling a little stupid that I was just staring at him. I watched as he raised an eyebrow and extended his hand slightly farther in my direction.

  "Hi. I live a couple of doors down."

  I grabbed his hand blindly and smiled back. Like an idiot, I leaned out and looked down the hall to where he was pointing out his apartment.

  "Hello. I noticed you'd moved in, and I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Christian, Christian Masters."

  "Uh, yeah, hi, sorry. I'm Ashliyn Michaels."

  I felt stupid as I sputtered out my name, and could feel my cheeks getting hot with embarrassment. I had always hated that about myself—I could never talk to someone new without blushing like a gawky teenager. I knew he noticed my colouring since his smile broadened. I let myself take in his appearance. He was tall, much taller then my own 5'5". His hair was a sandy blond colour and hung haphazardly across his forehead. His eyes were a deep brown, and when he smiled, tiny laugh lines framed his mouth. I had never really taken note of men in particular—and never in a sexual sense, really—well, aside from my fantasy lover, but he was different...much different. I had always thought I was cold and frigid, had even thought there was something wrong with me."Well, just wanted to welcome you to the building and see if you needed any help unpacking."

  I looked up at him and blinked in surprise. My mind suddenly went blank and I tried to think of something to say. “That's thoughtful of you, but I don't have much to unpack and I'm just about done."

  He smiled again at me.

  "Okay. If you change your mind, I'm just down the hall, apartment 316."

  I absently nodded and stared at him. He probably thought I was strange, but I wasn't much of a people person and hadn't thought I'd be talking to people so quickly after moving in.

  "Thanks."

  I said the word softly, but he must have heard me as he lifted his hand in goodbye. I watched him walk away and into his apartment. Closing the door, I resumed my unpacking.

  It was still pretty early when I finished an hour later, and after eating my take-out, I walked to the living room window. The sun was setting and I figured it was as good a time as any to go to the store and pick up what I needed. I was thankful I had a nice long week to myself before my new employer expected me to start work. It would really give me some time to settle in.

  Finding a perfect spot in front of the store, I cut the engine and sat for a minute. The sun had already set, but there were still a surprising number of people coming and going. Grabbing my purse off the passenger seat, I got out and headed inside. The store wasn't a quaint mom and pop store I would have expected from this little town—it was one of the big chain stores. The automatic door slid open as I approached. Grabbing a shopping cart, I tossed my purse on the seat and made my way towards the first aisle. I scanned the shelves, periodically throwing in items I really didn't need, but just wanted so I could fill up my cupboards. Turning the corner, I made my way towards the wine and beer section. I didn't drink, but at the moment, a nice bottle of wine sounded appealing. I made sure I had my ID. Even though I was over the legal age to drink, I always got carded.

  Stopping in front of the wine, I scanned the shelves. For a small town, I couldn't believe the alcohol selection they had. It was bewildering. I knew nothing about wine, aside from red or white. I grabbed a bottle of white wine and started to read the back label. The vineyard the wine came from gave the potential buyer a history of i
ts lush grapes and green fields. It described how the wine would taste on the palate, and which foods would accompany it best, along with an incredibly extensive history. I didn't care how long the place had been in business, or if it had been passed down through the generations. All I wanted to know was if the wine was sweet or not—I liked my wine pretty darned sweet.

  "That is an excellent choice."

  The deep voice behind me made me gasp and clutch the bottle to my chest. I turned around abruptly and had to crane my neck to look the man in the face. I swallowed audibly. The man in front of me had his dark eyebrows knitted together in confusion. He stood a foot taller than me. His hair was dark, almost black in this lighting, and cropped short, and his eyes—they were the brightest green I had ever seen. I stared into them, thinking he must be wearing contacts, because I didn't think anyone could have eyes that colour. He reminded me of someone, but I knew I'd never seen him before. As I stared into his eyes, recognition stirred inside me, but stayed tantalizingly out of reach.

  Flutters started in my belly and cascaded throughout me. I felt dwarfed standing next to him. Even in his expensive-looking shirt and jeans, his muscles were toned to perfection. I shook my head. I was being ridiculous, ogling the poor man like he was my last supper. Of course, I felt that damned blush creep over my face and quickly looked away. I heard him suck in a breath and clear his throat. I felt like such an ass. I'd probably embarrassed the poor man with my leering.

  "Yes, that's a very good choice. Very sweet on the palate."

  I didn't want to look at him again, but I also didn't want to be rude. It must have been clear I knew nothing about wines, and that was why he was helping me. I glanced over my shoulder and smiled weakly. He wasn't looking at me; his jaw was clenched and his eyes were drawn to the floor.

  "Thank you.” I didn't know what else to say, and I felt stupid for only saying those two words. He didn't respond and didn't look at me, so I took that as a hint that he was done talking to the weird girl in the wine aisle and walked briskly away. I turned down the next aisle, but not before I stole one more glance at him. I was surprised to see he was staring at me. Even from that distance I could tell his jaw was still clenched, and I took that as meaning I'd pissed him off in some way. I quickly turned away and finished my shopping.

  After paying for my items, I walked to my car and all but threw my bags in the back seat. Just as I was about to climb in, I glanced to the side and stopped in my tracks. I could feel my heart pick up as the wine man, as I decided to call him, lazily leaned against a very nice, very shiny Mercedes. His arms were crossed over his chest as he just stared at me. I wasn't going to lie, the way he looked at me sent shivers racing down my spine. I hadn't thought I'd made him that angry, but maybe I'd been staring at him a little harder than I thought I was in the store, and I had been the one to creep him out. I quickly got in and started my car and pulled out of the parking lot, but of course, stupid me, not before I looked at him once more. I felt my heart pounding against my rib cage as his eyes stared at me like he could see through to my soul. I stomped on the gas, determined to get back to my place quickly. I winced as my tires squealed on the pavement, and eased off on the gas pedal. I was mortified because I knew he had seen and heard my little derby show, and was probably laughing at me.

  It was at that moment, as I drove down Kingston Street, bustling with cars and the people walking on the sidewalks, that it hit me where I had seen him. The man in the wine aisle, the man with the hair so dark and the eyes so light, was the very same man I had been imagining for years. I stomped on the gas, driving to my apartment, my mind mixed up, and my heart beating a crazy rhythm.

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  Chapter Three

  * * * *

  I tossed my bags on the counter and started to put them away. My mind kept wandering to the man at the grocery store and why he'd made such an impression on me. No doubt I made quite the impression myself. I only wished I'd never run into him again so I wouldn't have the opportunity to make an ass out of myself once more. Although I still couldn't help but remember how he looked. It was surreal, how all those years I had been imaging him doing all kinds of erotic things to my body. Maybe I was crazy. I shook my head, trying to clear away my idle thoughts. After putting my items away, I was pretty tired, but after looking at the clock and seeing it was barely past dinnertime, I decided to lie on my makeshift pallet in the living room and watch TV. It was an awkward position in which to watch TV, but after adjusting myself, I propped my head on my arm and finally found a comfortable position. I flipped through the channels, not finding anything to watch on the whopping nine channels that came in. I made a mental note to call tomorrow and have cable hooked up.

  The next thing I knew, I opened my eyes and immediately was assaulted with a sharp pain in my neck. Since the sun was blazing through the window and shining directly on my face, I knew I had fallen asleep at an awkward angle and that I'd probably pay for it all day. I groaned and sat up, rubbing the kinks out of my neck. The TV was still on and already was irritating me. I switched it off and threw the remote back on the floor before picking myself up and making my way into the kitchen. Looking at the clock on the microwave, I saw the ungodly hour and debated whether or not I wanted to go back to sleep. I was tempted, but the idea of picking out furniture for my new place had its appeal.

  After taking a long, hot shower and drying my hair, I stared at myself in the mirror. My dark brown hair was still damp in some places, but I knew once I got outside, the sun would dry it. I leant into the mirror and ran a finger over my face. I had bags under my eyes, which made my blue eyes stand out in contrast. Grabbing my toiletry bag off the counter, I prayed I still had cover-up. I said a silent thank-you when I pulled the cover-up out and dabbed some under my eyes. I never wore makeup, but any girl had cover-up for when she needed to hide an awful pimples. I surveyed myself in the mirror and thought that was as good as it was going to get. I dressed in a pair of jeans and a snug-fitting white tee. Slipping on a pair of black ballet flats, I grabbed my purse and headed out. My gaze was in my purse, searching for my car keys, when I slammed into a hard body. Dropping my purse, I cursed, muttered an apology and bent down to pick it up. Big male hands grabbed at my stuff and that was when I actually looked up. I stared into warm brown eyes that where crinkled at the corners. Of course, it would be the first and only person I had met in my apartment building. His smile was blinding, and I snatched up the contents of my purse, knowing my cheeks were about to get red. Sure enough, his hand shot into view and of course, he was holding several tampons. I cursed silently and snatched them out of his hand before grabbing my purse and standing.

  "You seem like you're in a big hurry."

  His voice was deep and held laughter as he also stood.

  "Sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going."

  We stared at each other for a couple of seconds, and I started to get a little uncomfortable at the silence.

  "Well, have a good day."

  I was thankful he didn't engage in more small talk. I really didn't want to come off as rude, but being around strangers was never really my thing. I always either put my foot in my mouth, or felt awkward and uncomfortable when I made an ass out of myself. Once I'd started college, I just kept to myself and that seemed to work well for me. I said goodbye and walked briskly towards my car. Hopping in, I pulled out my sunglasses and slipped them on. I had no idea where a furniture store would be, but since I needed to get comfortable with the town anyway, I thought I'd just drive around.

  I cruised around for what seemed like hours, noting every little shop and store. I drove by my new place of employment, making sure I knew exactly where the place was so I wouldn't get lost on my first day. It had been rather simple, and Cayne & Cayne Advertising looked more impressive in person then it did in any magazine or advertisement I had seen. Eventually, I found a small shop that sold handmade furniture, and decided I would see what they had to offer.

 
Two hours later and a lot of money out of my pocket, I drove back towards my house feeling very pleased with my finds. I had ended up buying a leather couch and matching love seat, as well as a coffee table and two end tables. The kitchen table I had purchased hadn't really been in my price range, but it was so damn cute, I couldn't pass it up. I was anxious to have them delivered, and headed home to try to decide where I wanted everything.

  After deciding where everything would go, I looked out the window and watched the sun start to sink. I didn't know where the day had gone, but already it was evening. I was excited that my furniture would be delivered the next day, and was giddy about my first real purchase for my new place. I didn't feel like cooking anything, even though I had gone to the store and had plenty of food in the kitchen. I decided to hit up the local video store and see what they had.

  As I drove to the video store, I passed a small Italian restaurant. I could smell the tangy scent of fresh pasta and sauce coming from it. I would pick out my movies and then stop there, since my mouth was already watering in anticipation, and who was I to deny myself something so vital? I snorted at my thoughts and pulled into the video store.

  The store was little, like the mom and pop store where I bought my furniture, and I didn't get my hopes high as to the vast selection they would have. I pulled open the door and a bell on the door jingled. A teenage girl looked up from a book she was reading and gave me a half smile as she quickly returned to her book. I walked down the first aisle, looking at their new releases and picking them up to read the back. I heard the jingle of the front door being opened but didn't bother looking up. I put the box back and walked down a little more before repeating the action with another movie. I felt someone walk behind me, but paid no attention. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a large hand attached to an equally large arm reaching for a movie right by my head.