A Lover's Mask (7 page)

“Are you hungry?”

County opened her mouth to say yes, but no words were forthcoming. She heard him utter another chuckle and knew he was both aware and pleased by her reaction to his closeness.

“Go change,” he instructed, having removed the coat and unfastened the oversized buttons on her short-waist tweed blazer. “It'll be time to eat when you come back,” he promised.

Like an obedient child, County nodded and headed out of the living room. Sadly, once she approached her bedroom door, her feet refused to move one step farther. Her mind was racing. No…actually, it was more like she was in a hazy state of mind. Her entire body shook and she could barely press a hand to her forehead, it trembled so. There had never been a man who made her feel so out of control, so wondrously light-headed. He'd accomplished this by doing the most minute things. She couldn't get her bearings and felt as if she were being led by some invisible thread.

Is this what it feels like to be swept off your feet?
She wondered.
Is this what it feels like to fall in love?
She cleared her throat at the thought and forced herself into the bedroom.

There, she received another shock. The room had undergone a serious transformation. The place was alive with candlelight. Her bed teemed with rose petals and the exotic melody she'd heard out front was playing steadily.

Slowly, County reached for one of the petals and pressed it against her nose. The beautiful cream and coral drapes had been drawn to reveal the view of snowfall past the windows. She was both relaxed and energized by the cozy aura and the sensuality coursing through her. Then, she knew she wasn't alone and turned to find Fernando leaning against the doorjamb.

“How?” was all she could ask.

He needed no further clarification. “You've got the sweetest landlady. She remembered me from the times I've visited before. When I told her what I wanted to do, she let me and my team come in and work our magic,” he explained as though it were no big deal.

“Why?” she inquired, feeling like a dope only capable of producing one-word questions.

Fernando had shortened the distance between them. “I've told you why,” he said, cupping her small oval face in his hands. “Now let me show you.”

County pressed both hands to the concrete wall of his chest and resisted what she wanted most. “Is this because you want to have sex with me?” she whispered, watching his eyes crinkle when he began to smile.

Fernando moved his hands to her hips. “No, it's because I want to make love with you.”

Contessa knew she had never once in her life moaned because of something a man said. That night, she did. Any thought of resistance or reason why this was right or wrong fled her mind. She eagerly surrendered to the massive caramel god who held her so gently in his powerful embrace.

Fernando trailed his mouth from her temple to the curve of her cheek before deciding her earlobe was his preferred spot. Contessa felt herself trembling all over again as he eased her down to sit on the bed. Kneeling before her, he removed the mocha stilettos and briefly applied massaging pressure to her heels. Strong fingers began a possessive ascent up her calves and thighs to find the waistband of her sheer stockings. He paused at the junction of her thighs, and County's lashes fluttered closed when his thumbs assaulted the extra sensitive flesh that guarded the entrance to her womanhood.

A second or three passed and the nylons and panties were gone. Fernando drove his thumb deep inside, his gorgeous browns narrowing when she cried out her appreciation. County relaxed a bit on her bed, allowing him more room to explore. She moved to undo the fastening of her skirt, but he stopped her by closing his hand over hers. His thumb still plunged madly inside her while he took her mouth in a feverish kiss. County made deep breathless sounds as her tongue dueled with his.

“Get me out of this thing,” she begged, desperately wanting the skirt off her body.

Fernando chuckled. “In time,” he promised, deciding to relieve her of the formfitting blazer first.

County curved her hands around his neck, her fingers rubbing through the luxurious softness of his hair. She wriggled out of the blazer when he pulled it from her shoulders, along with the black camisole beneath. His hands cupped beneath her arms to settle her to the middle of the satin covered queen-sized bed. He would not remove her bra, and instead nibbled at the flawless honey-toned skin that bubbled over the tops of the lacy garment. Contessa arched her back and begged him to see to the nipples straining for attention. She felt an overwhelming amount of moisture against her thighs and knew she was seconds away from becoming orgasmic.

“Please Ramsey, please…”

“Patience.”

“I can't,” she cried softly, tugging on the edge of the black T-shirt he still wore.

Fernando took her wrists and held them above her head. She had the power to satisfy him too soon if he lost control. He'd waited long enough to have her to let the moment pass in a blur.

County flexed her fingers against the covers where her hands were trapped. After a while Fernando removed her bra and then scooped a handful of the rose petals that still littered the bed and sprinkled them across her bare skin. County shivered, feeling the tufts of silk next to her breasts. Fernando cupped the mounds and buried his face between them, inhaling the floral fragrance and the intoxicating scent of her perfume.

Contessa's hands were freed, but she couldn't move them. She lay there, moving upon the bed as though she were in the midst of fever. The satiny flowers mingling with the roughness of his beard was an indescribable feeling. Her soft gasps waltzed with Fernando's tortured groans as he suckled and nibbled mercilessly. He finally relieved her of the skirt and took a moment to appraise her form. The low lighting cast more gold to her honey complexion. His fingers trailed every dip and curve as if he were in awe.

“Please,” she urged, tugging on his shirt and pressing her lips together when his eyes met hers.

Fernando granted the request, allowing her fingers to splay across the chiseled expanse of his massive chest. He couldn't look away from the awed expression on her lovely face as she focused on the way his pects flexed beneath her touch. He cupped her chin and kissed her deeply, his hips mimicking the thrusts of his tongue as he relaxed atop her writhing form. He was more than a little concerned about crushing her, but County was determined to feel every inch of him. Her fingers disappeared beneath the waistband of his sweats as she sought to tug them down.

“Contessa,” he warned.

“This isn't fair,” she moaned, shamelessly grinding herself against the incredible erection nudging her body.

Fernando grinned. “Serves you right for keeping me waiting all this time to have you again.”

“Then punish me by showing me what I've been missing.”

Her words threw his arousal into overdrive and together they tugged away the last of his clothing.

Fernando reached beneath one of the coral silk throw pillows littering the bed and extracted a condom. Once the protection was in place, he drew her against him and invaded her body with the iron proof of his desire.

Contessa's nails left tiny red half moon impressions upon his caramel skin. She cried out and arched into the fierce lunges. She was as pleasured by the sensation of his overwhelming size as she was by the way his muscles flexed and glistened from his exertions. A powerful climax racked her body when he pulled both her legs across his shoulders and increased penetration ten-fold.

Wanting more, he let her legs ease down and recaptured her wrists. Her hands pinned to the bed again, thrusting her breasts prominently upon her chest. Fernando was there to capture one nipple. His perfect teeth grazed the rigid bud, applying slight pressure until she cried out softly. Slowly, he alternated between suckling and bathing the nipple with his tongue.

County arched up to meet his slow, intense thrusts. Indecipherable words of delight tumbled past her lips only to be silenced when Fernando kissed her again. He brought her to orgasm more than once with his expert skills. County at times begged him to stop while she was in the throes of an extreme climax. Fernando delighted in torturing her with deeper thrusts as she screamed her fulfillment…

Afterward, Contessa could barely keep her eyes open. She was completely surrounded by Fernando—captive within his unyielding form. She could feel his heart beating against her back and willed herself not to fall asleep and be robbed of the memory of such a perfect feeling of contentment and security.

“I know I rushed you. I'm sorry.”

His voice vibrated through her and County shook her head against a pillow. “It was no more than I rushed you,” she said, “I wouldn't expect you to believe that I'd never done that before in my life. I've never taken a man home like that,” she explained in a quiet voice.

Fernando grinned devilishly and kissed her shoulder. “I feel honored.”

“I felt the complete opposite.”

“Hey,” he whispered, turning her over so that he could stare into her eyes. “Do you regret what happened?”

County looked around the room. “Not this—not us at this very moment, but before…Before I regretted it very much.”

“Count—”

“It was enjoyable, but in doing it I think it may've seriously affected your ability to respect me,” she grimaced, “not that you're looking for a woman to respect.”

Fernando bowed his head in an attempt to hide his smile. He knew she was trying to protect herself—still. How could he get her to believe his feelings were turning down the same road as hers?
Patience man, she's yours, don't worry. Give her a chance. Give yourself a chance.

“I'm sorry,” County said, tugging her bottom lip between her teeth and fixing him with a wary look. “I didn't mean to dampen the moment. It's just that I've been wanting to say that since the day we had lunch at Marvin's.”

Making her lie flat on her back, Fernando leaned close and kissed the end of her nose. “You're my equal, don't you know that? If I'm going to feel you're unworthy of my respect because you let me come home with you, then I'd have to feel the same way about myself and I don't. Not one bit.”

“But, I shouldn't have just taken you home for sex.”

“Didn't you want it?”

“Yes, but—”

“So did I. I wanted it very much,” he swore, taking the hand she nervously raked through her sleek, short cut, “But for the tenth time, it's not all I want. You have to know that Contessa.”

She did know, she realized, watching her hand hidden within his. After all, they'd crossed the threshold into the lover's realm long before that night and he was still there, right?
Let him in County. Just a little. Give him a piece of your heart and if it feels right, give him more.

“County? You okay?”

She nodded, smiling up into his probing brown eyes.

“Then let's eat,” Fernando decided, preparing to carry her out of bed.

“Wait,” she whispered, squeezing his biceps as she resisted. “Not just yet?” she suggested.

Fernando had no argument.

“B
ig Den!” Stefan greeted as he shook hands and hugged the tall, rotund man who entered his office that Monday morning.

Denmark Harrison grinned as well, though a trace of unease rested in his hazel gaze. “Smilin' Stef. Always happy,” he teased lightly.

Stef rubbed his hands together. “Especially happy today, my man. Let's see what'cha got.”

“Man, I gotta tell you, I don't feel so right about this,” Denmark shared, clutching the tan envelope he seemed unwilling to let go of.

Stef maintained his smile and patted Den's elbow assuringly. “It's harmless,” he promised.

“Maybe, but I don't feel right spying on Fern.”

Stefan glanced at the bulging envelope. “You felt right enough to take a crapload of pictures. But then, twenty bucks a shot is quite a sale.”

Denmark's uncertain stare turned cold and he passed the envelope to Stef.

His smirk still in place, Stef browsed through the photographs. His brows rose, not because there was anything rude or degrading in the collection. This was a Fernando Ramsey Stefan didn't know. This was Fernando Ramsey sweeping a woman off her feet. There were pictures showing the two of them out and about all over Chicago. Judging by the shots, he'd taken her out dancing, to jazz shows, R & B concerts…

“This a yacht?” he asked Den.

“A restaurant,” the man explained. “It was hard getting a shot. Seems he had the owner shut the place down for himself and the lady.”

“Life of the Ramseys,” Stef sighed, his gaze narrowing with a touch of envy and spite. “He loves her,” he noted, after shuffling through a few more of the pictures. Not quite believing the discovery, he quickly observed the remaining shots. Absently, he reached on his desk for a white envelope and passed it to Denmark.

“What's this all about, Stef?” Den asked after the payment was safely tucked away in his jacket.

“Thanks Den. We're done here,” Stef replied, coolly dismissing the man without a glance in his direction.

Alone in the office, Stefan splayed the pictures on his bar and studied them more closely. Fernando Ramsey was the very last man he ever pictured falling in love. Hell, he figured it'd happen to himself before his brooding partner. Of course, he could very well understand the attraction. Contessa Warren was most definitely a knockout. She was also business, Stef noted, his dark face tightening. He knew she had to be the reason Fernando instructed Anson and Graham to back away from the meeting.

Could there be more to it? He considered, taking a cigar from the silver case on the windowsill. Could his partner simply be turning up the charm? Was he trying to woo the lovely Ms. Warren into selling her publishing house? That had to be it! Sure she was a beauty and trust Fern to be enjoying every inch of her, Stef mused, grinning as he clipped the end off his cigar. Persuasion was such a dirty business, he chuckled.

Feeling a little more at ease, Stef buzzed Sheila at her desk. “Fernando in yet?” he asked, when she picked up his call.

“Not yet, Stefan. He did call to say he'd taken a later flight out of Chicago. Said he should be in a little after one.”

“No rush,” Stef drawled, lighting the fat cigar. “Just let him know I want to see him when he gets here.” Satisfied, Stef ended the call and settled down to review the photos again.

 

Tykira's laughter filled the living room as her husband placed her on the sofa. “Your neighbors are going to think you've gone crazy. You're always carrying me inside this place!”

Quay shrugged. “This time it's for tradition,” he excused.

Ty's look was playfully skeptical. “I don't know, every woman who lives here is gonna be after her man to do the same.”

“Tough. A woman should be carried every now and then,” he decided, smoothing his hands across her jean clad thighs. “Especially if she's you,” he added, leaning close to ply her neck with kisses.

Ty smiled contentedly and cupped the back of his head. When Quay's innocent kisses traveled to the opening of her blouse, she sobered. “So what do you want to do today?” she asked.

“I'm doin' it,” he growled, his lips grazing the tops of her breasts.

“Quay, be serious. I'm talking about work.”

“No problem,” he said, moving to relax next to her on the sofa, “I can wait for you to handle your business.”

Ty pushed back a curl that had tumbled from her upswept hairstyle. “Not my business.
Yours.
”

Quay waved one hand, his eyes were closed. “Q has it covered for a little while longer.”

Ty knew this was going to be unpleasant, but felt she had to try. “Sweetie, what about the rest of your family?” she inquired, wincing when she saw the muscle flex in his jaw. “I know you don't want to discuss it,” she called when he bolted from the sofa, “but you've got me worried. You're acting like they don't exist.”

Quay poured a cooler glass full of gin, downed it and prepared another.

“You're gonna have to face this thing sooner or later,” she said when he was halfway through the second glass. When he slammed it down on the bar, she shook her head.

“You know what's goin' on here, Tyke,” he muttered.

“And I'm sorry, but I don't want this between us and it will be as long as we're here in Seattle.”

Quay drained the glass. “We don't have to be in Seattle.”

Stunned, Ty searched his onyx gaze for some hint that he was teasing. She found no such hint. “What about your business? My mom? Your family? Baby, I can see us making a life here.”

“Seeing my family makes me think about all the time I spent without you.”

She scooted to the edge of the black suede sofa. “Quay—”

“No Tyke,” he urged, raising his hand as he stepped from behind the bar, “it wasn't a good time. I tried to make it a good time, had everyone convinced,” he shared with a right dimpled grin that faded momentarily. “I had everyone convinced but myself. I don't want to go back to that.”

Ty left the sofa and went over to pull him into a tight hug. “But you won't. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere,” she vowed, kissing his ear when he buried his face in her neck. “Quay?” she whispered, once they'd stood silent in the embrace for a time.

“Hmm?” he grunted.

“Whether we're here or not, there may come a time when we'll run into Marc or Houston. What happens when we do?” she wondered, feeling his arms tighten about her waist.

“Tyke, I honestly don't know.”

 

“County? Can I see you a minute, please?”

Contessa braced herself when she heard Spivey's voice. She knew she was about to hear something she really didn't want to. Over the last several weeks, her research crew had uncovered several interesting tidbits on many of the Ramseys. Many had speculated there could possibly be enough material for an engrossing novel on each family member.

“Yeah?” she said, turning to favor Spivey with a smile. She preceded him to his office door and folded her arms across her chest. “Do I have to guess?” she prompted, when Spivey stood grinning for at least five seconds.

“We may have something very interesting going on with the Ramseys right here in our own backyard,” he shared.

County waved her hand, motioning for him to continue.

“I have a friend who's a gofer at The Spot for one of the managers there,” he said, moving past County to take a seat behind his desk. “He told me they've been having problems with girls disappearing.”

“Disappearing?” County asked, shaking her head for clarification.

“Since before the beginning of the year,” Spivey said, shuffling through the contents of a folder, “girls have been leaving the club in a steady stream. It's picked up even more in the last month.”

County shrugged. “What's so special about that? Have they been abducted or something?”

“It's not that. According to my friend they've found new jobs.”

“Again Spivey, I don't see why that's a big deal,” she said, hiding her hands in the pockets of her gray pin-striped trousers, “You know, stripping and prostitution aren't exactly what most girls dream of doing when they grow up.”

Spivey nodded to concede her point. “But it could be a tough business to leave. Know what I mean?” he challenged.

“Well, does your contact know where the girls are working?”

Spivey's attractive brown face reflected disappointment. “Trail goes cold there. But my boy did say the managers had a big meeting last week—closed session. Says he's gonna keep checking for me.”

“Right…”

“County? Um…are you sure you want me to keep looking?”

She blinked, not bothering to hide the fact that the question surprised as much as it embarrassed her. “Why wouldn't I?” she asked, knowing full well he was referring to her very public relationship with the club's owner.

Spivey studied his boss, taking in the determined look in her eyes. It was a look he knew well and one that gave a clear answer to his question. He nodded. “Just checking,” he told her.

County tugged on the cuffs of the white blouse that peeked from the sleeves of her gray blazer. “Come see me when you've got more,” she instructed, then left his office.

In the hall, she dropped the mask and let her unease fall into place. She and Fernando Ramsey had become more than lovers. He was becoming so dear to her as a friend—a relationship she really didn't think could exist with a man who was a lover. What if Spivey uncovered something damaging? Grimacing at the thought, she punched her palm with a balled fist. This was business and it should be her first and only consideration. The only problem was her first and only consideration was taking a backseat to the man she believed she was falling in love with.

 

“But isn't it a little too soon to tell?” Mick asked, nervously twirling a curly lock around her finger as she spoke with her obstetrician.

“It's
exactly
the time,” Dr. Georgian Steins informed his patient.

“I see.”

Clearing his throat, Dr. Steins debated on his next words. “We could always keep the ultrasound results for the baby's sex a secret,” he proposed, sensing her hesitation, “if you and Quest would like for it to be a surprise.”

“Quest,” Mick said, blinking as her husband came to mind, “I have no idea whether he wants to know or not. I—I haven't even told him about the ultrasound I—um—I don't know what he'll say,” she uttered a nervous laugh. “I suppose I should've already asked.”

Dr. Steins chuckled as well. “Michaela, don't be so hard on yourself. I guarantee you'll let many things slip your mind in the coming weeks. A huge change is about to take place in your life,” he cautioned, taking her off-kilter behavior as signs of mother-to-be angst.

“Thanks Dr. Steins, I'll talk with you later today,” Mick said, not bothering to tell him her attitude had to do with a lot more than being scatterbrained. She wrapped up the call in time to hear her husband bellowing her name.

“In the den, Quest!” she called, waiting for his steps to draw closer before she put a dazzling smile in place.

Quest didn't waste time with verbal greetings. The look on his gorgeous molasses-toned face was determined as he crossed the den and pulled her close. Mick gave a breathless moan when he captured her mouth in a possessive kiss. She responded eagerly thrusting her tongue against his out of sheer desire.

“When do you have to be back?” she gasped when he released her mouth to shower her jaw with kisses.

“I don't,” he growled. Then, as though he somehow sensed her mood, he drew away to observe her. “Tell me what's wrong,” he said.

Mick didn't bother to deny it. “I just spoke with Dr. Steins. He wants to set a date for the ultrasound. I didn't know if you could be there.”

“You just tell me when it is and I'll be there,” he said, leaning in to kiss the mole at the corner of her mouth.

“Um, he also said we could find out the baby's sex.”

Quest's brows rose in surprise. “Already?” he asked.

Mick smiled. “I was surprised too, but Dr. Steins says he should be able to tell. But he also said it could be a surprise,” she added quickly and clasped her hands against his wide chest. “We don't have to know until the baby comes.”

Quest shook his head. “I don't think I can wait that long,” he said and witnessed Mick's crestfallen reaction. “What? Do you want to wait?”

She gave a quick toss of her head and tried to appear refreshed. “Whatever you want,” she said.

“Uh-uh. What's going on?”

“Quest…”

“I'm listening.”

“It's stupid.”