Condemned (10 page)

What the fuck was he doing anyway? He didn’t treat women
like that. Never in his life had he ever made such demands. But he meant each
and every one of them. And there was no one else he could make them of. No one
but her.

“I’m waiting, wench,” he said coldly. “What’s it gonna be?
You gonna let me make you come and take your chances or are you gonna find some
common sense and run out of here like you know you should? Be afraid of me,
Andrea, be very afraid because I won’t make any promises about your safety
tonight. I’m beyond sanity and anything could happen if you don’t get away
right now. I just don’t give a fuck anymore. Time for a decision. Yes or no?
Stay or go? Come or get out in one piece?”

“Make me come,” Andie replied in a clear voice. “I want you
to make me come. Now. Please! I need you to make me come. And after that, I’m
yours. All yours. For whatever you want, however you want, as often as you
want. Yours, Brett. Completely. Entirely. One hundred percent yours. Only
yours. I want everything you do, no matter what it is. I won’t ask for
assurances about anything other than that you’ll keep me as long as you want,
that you’ll use me however you want, that you’ll take what you want. I’m not
afraid. I’m not going until you make me. The only thing I ask in return is that
you’ll allow me five minutes to tell you something before you make me leave
because what I have to say is more important than anything anyone has ever said
to you in your life.”

“I don’t want you to talk.”

“I won’t. Not now. Not until you tell me to,” she pleaded.

“Five minutes?”

“Five minutes.”

“When I tell you and not before?”

“Only then.”

“Are you lying? Are you trying to trick me? If you’re not
honest, I’ll hurt you intentionally.”

“I’ll never lie to you. Never. Not about anything. I swear
you can trust me.”

“The emails?” he had to ask again.

“I sent them.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to get your attention.”

“Like this?”

“If this is the only way you’ll give it to me, yes.”

“Oh I’ll give you plenty of attention.” He deliberately
twisted her words, liking the power she handed him. It was his turn to be in
control for a change. Everyone else had been pushing and pulling, turning him
inside out. Now it was finally his turn. All she had to do was say the words
one more time and there would be no going back. Not for that night anyway. No,
it was time for Brett Hudson to take charge of at least one part of his life.

“I honestly want it. I want you, all of you. But right now,
at this second, what I want more than anything in the entire world is for you
to touch me again with those amazing fingers of yours and make me come. I’m
begging you. I’ll get on my knees if you that’s what it takes.”

“Don’t worry, wench. You’ll be on your knees soon enough.”
Brett chuckled at his own humor. “This isn’t some game, woman. I am not
playing.”

“Neither am I. What do I have to do so you know how much I
want this? How can I show you how willing I am to do anything and everything
you want? Make. Me. Come. Now. Make me come, make me come,” she repeated more
softly each time.

Giving into his animal instincts, he jammed his hand back
between her legs and began pumping three fingers into her dripping pussy. “You
want it, you got it.” He thrust harder until he felt her knees shake. Adjusting
the angle slightly, he brushed against her swollen nub, knowing by her moans
that he was causing the added stimulation she sought. When he sensed her orgasm
was close, he commanded, “Open your eyes. Look at me.”

Andie’s gaze locked on his. She didn’t shrink away from the
fierce scowl on his face. He felt possessed, taking what he needed from her.
Brett saw the emotions play across her face. Why was she letting him do this to
her? Hell, not letting, she was pushing him for more. It was as if she doubted
he was capable of following through with his threats. Who the hell did she
think she was, daring him like that? That was it! No little girl full of
bravado was going to force him into a corner. She said she wanted it all, damn
if he wouldn’t give it to her. He felt her trembling as her orgasm shot through
her. Damn, if she didn’t look good, doing that! He decided instantly that he’d
have to see that expression many times before he released her.

Brett’s mouth sought Andie’s even before her breathing
calmed. He had to keep her sensitized to him. Before the night was over, he
intended to be able to make her climax with the slightest touch. He wanted to
possess her like no other before her. He needed to take her soul into his own
and mix them together until he didn’t know which belonged to whom. He wanted to
fill himself with her in every way he possibly could before the harsh reality
of his life returned. No, no thinking about that now. He had to stay in the
moment. The woman in front of him was all that mattered. She promised him
everything and damn it, he would spend the night doing whatever it took to burn
her into his memory. Brett swallowed her cries of pleasure as his fingers
coaxed her into another spiral.

Eventually, Brett released her arms and turned from her.
Wordlessly, he reached for the bottle and took a big gulp, staring at her.
Andie remained against the wall where he left her, clearly fighting the urge to
cover herself. Brett could see her battle and was impressed with her
determination. Now if only he could decide what to do with her next.

Chapter Twelve

Jesse reached his apartment building the same time Frank and
Wyatt did. They found Holly pacing in front of his door.

“It’s about time you guys got here,” Holly grumbled.

“This better be good.” Jesse let them in. “I don’t like
Andie being there alone with Brett right now.”

“Andie is exactly where she should be,” she responded as she
continued to pace.

“Spill it, Holliday,” Frank demanded. “We’re here so get on
with it.”

“Not until Dwayne gets here too,” she replied. “I want him
to hear this and once I start, I don’t want to have to backtrack.”

“Holly.” Wyatt rolled his eyes.

“Don’t start with me.” She glared. “Not tonight. This is
entirely too important and you are going to listen to the entire story with
your whole mind. I mean it, Wyatt. Full attention tonight or else.”

“Saved,” Wyatt muttered as the bell sounded.

“What’s wrong, Holly?” her husband questioned as soon as he
walked in. “You sounded frantic on the phone.”

“Nothing.” She kissed him quickly. “Just the opposite, in
fact. I met Andie for dinner tonight as you know. We ordered drinks first,
deciding we’d wait for food until later.”

At Wyatt’s sigh, she glared again. “Just listen. For once in
your life, I need your undivided attention.” He nodded as the rest of them
stared in amazement. “While we were talking this couple came in. They ended up
in the booth behind Andie. I don’t know if any of you have ever been there but
Mario’s is kind of dark. The booths give the impression of privacy but in
reality, you can hear every word the people next to you say if they’re not
being careful.”

“So who were they?” Frank asked, sharing Wyatt’s impatience.

“Tish and some guy named Craig. They seemed very close.”

“Holy shit!” Jesse jumped up and swung her around. “And you
got them on tape? What did they talk about?”

“Listen for yourself,” she said, pulling the recorder from
her purse. “You’re not going to believe this.”

They sat in silence as she replayed the conversation she and
Andie had overheard. When it was over, Jesse whistled softly. “You two are
beautiful. Brilliant, beautiful, amazing, spectacular…”

“Lucky,” Wyatt added dryly.

“Damn lucky,” Holly agreed, flopping on the sofa next to her
husband. “Can you get more proof? In case this isn’t enough for Brett. I can’t
imagine that he’ll just let them walk away without confronting them with more.
None of you would and I know how much you like Brett.”

“I need an address,” Frank snapped. “My camera’s in the car.
Maybe I can get some visuals of this game tonight.”

Wyatt moved to Jesse’s computer without further urging. When
he handed Frank a slip of paper, Frank took off, saying he’d be back as soon as
possible.

“Craig Sands. Same address. Works with Brett,” Wyatt
supplied in another moment.

“Brett’s mentioned him,” Jesse commented. “Real asshole.”

“Severely limited trust fund when she reaches thirty. Mother
and father divorced when Tish was sixteen, less than sixteen and a half years
after they were married. Her mother came from nothing. Remarried a purebred and
has a nice respectable family now. Tish lives in one of her stepfather’s lesser
holdings, rent free I suspect.”

“Aw, son of a bitch,” Jesse groaned. “I should have dug
deeper into her history. Everything on the surface seemed legit. Damn!”

“Shoulda let me do it,” Wyatt mumbled.

“Anything else?” Holly interrupted.

“Like what?” Wyatt asked.

“Doctor’s appointments that will confirm her sexual
activity. All that going on, you know she’s got to be getting tested regularly.
Or I’d hope so.”

“Hol, I know you want to help your friend but that’s
illegal,” Dwayne spoke up.

“So?” Holly turned her glare on him this time.

“Look, Holly,” Wyatt tried.

“When have I ever asked you for anything before? When did I
ever refuse to help any one of you with whatever you needed? I know damn well
it’s illegal to hack into medical files. It’s not like they’re going to be able
to gripe about it though, is it? They’d have to admit why you wanted to know in
the first place if they tried to turn you in to someone. Somehow, I don’t think
we have to be overly concerned, do you?”

“Come on, Wyatt,” Jesse agreed with Holly. “She’s right. I
think we should give Brett everything possible to expose Tish for the liar and
con artist she is. And I’ll be right there with him whenever he decides to
approach them. We’ll need a transcript of the tape. And Frank’s pictures will
add a nice touch. I wonder who the other players are.”

“I’m more interested in how Brett’s reacting,” Holly
commented. “I’m sure Andie’s telling him everything but I wonder how it’s
going.”

“My bet is he’s dancing in the street.” Jesse grinned.

“You think they’ll end up together?” Dwayne asked.

“You think they won’t?” Holly countered. “God, this is just
perfect. Imagine it, the woman he really loves, coming to the rescue. What
could be better?”

“What if he resents her?” Wyatt frowned.

“As if you’d know anything about it,” she replied. “You need
to socialize more. What guy wouldn’t want the woman who was in love with him
from the moment they met to find a way to get him out of the biggest disaster
of his life? How could he not take her out to thank her properly? How could he
not finally notice her while they’re out?”

“He’s already noticed her,” Jesse supplied. “I don’t think
it’ll take too long for them to get together. And I was just getting used to
having her around.”

“She’ll still be around, Jesse,” Holly teased gently. “You
just won’t be the one receiving most of the kisses anymore. Don’t forget that
you’re just friends. Good friends, but still just friends.”

“I know. You don’t have to remind me. I’m the one who told
you that in the first place. I think I’m going to miss her more than I
expected.”

“What about that big cosmic plan you’re always talking
about? Once Andie and Brett are settled, shouldn’t it be your turn? Maybe you
won’t have time to miss her.”

“Lay off, Hol,” Dwayne cautioned. “How many other friends,
male or female, has Jesse opened his home to and handed over the keys to his
precious car? Merely a friend or something a little more, this Andie has to be
special. Think of your own reaction to her. She seems to inspire loyalty in
both of you. I can’t wait to meet her.”

Wyatt handed Jesse a stack of papers. “Complete financial
status, history, and holdings. Work history, community involvement, speeding
and parking tickets. School records. The medical records are there. Hey,” he
shrugged, “If I’m doing this, I’m doing it right.”

“Thank you,” Holly hugged him.

“Tape,” he ignored her and held out his hand. “Headset?”

An hour later, it was Jesse’s turn to pace. “They should be
here by now.” After another minute, he reached for the phone. “I’m calling—”

Holly snatched it from his hand. “No! Absolutely not. No way
are you going to interrupt whatever they’re doing together. Maybe Brett’s
already thanking her. In his own special way.”

Chapter Thirteen

“Lose what’s left of your clothes,” Brett demanded after
staring at Andie for what seemed an eternity. “Time for you to be naked,
wench.”

“What about you?” she wondered as she hurried to comply.

“Did I say you could speak?” he asked sharply. “Your job is
to take three steps forward and just stand there. I need to take a better look
at what you’re offering me.”

What if he didn’t like what he saw? Andie stood motionless,
fighting the fear of rejection that invaded her mind. There was no chance she’d
survive any comparison he made of her body to the ones he was used to enjoying.
More likely she’d find herself, naked, on his doorstep before she had time to
wrap her tattered clothes around her. She kept her eyes glued to one of his
drawings while he circled her slowly.

“Hmm.” He finally stopped. “Soft. Lush. Deceptively innocent
but full of fire if what you showed already is any indication. Desirable. Makes
me wonder if I should fuck you senseless or do everything possible to protect
you from a beast like me. You blush all over,” he pointed out and laughed when
she turned pinker. “You smell like a woman should. There’s nothing fake about
any bit of you, is there Andrea Sloan?” She shook her head as he stalked around
her again. “So brave too. Coming to the beast’s lair. Don’t you know monsters
like me devour sweet things like you for breakfast?” He moved directly behind
her so she could feel the heat radiating from his body. “Why are you here?”

“There’s something I have to tell you,” she repeated
instantly.

“And I told you that there’s nothing I want to hear from you
other than what you already said,” Brett said as he put his hands on her
shoulders. “If it doesn’t have anything to do with our activity at the moment,
I don’t want to hear a peep out of you. Don’t force me to gag you, wench. I
want to keep that mouth of yours accessible.”

“I already gave you my word, Brett. I won’t break it.”

“So you say.” He slid his hands to cover her bottom.
Kneading both cheeks, he whispered, “Nice. Full. Did you notice how well both
your ass and your breasts fit in the palms of my hands? Almost like you were
designed for my pleasure alone.”

“How do you know I wasn’t?”

“Shut up,” he growled as he yanked her back against him.
“Weren’t you listening? Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Andie didn’t quite understand why her comment angered him.
She stood silently, waiting for his next move.

“Very good.” Brett loosened his hold. He pushed her toward
the table, sweeping everything on it aside. When he forced her chest to the
surface, she didn’t resist. “What will you let me do now that I have you spread
out in front of me?”

“Everything you can think of,” she assured him, meaning each
word.

“I almost believe you.” He slid a chair so he could sit
behind her.

“Test me if you need to,” Andie urged.

“Maybe I will,” Brett reached for the bottle. He tipped it,
drizzling scotch on the small of her back. Before it could trickle down her
sides, he licked it from her. “Mm,” he sighed, pouring more as he followed the
stream with his tongue.

When the cool alcohol preceded the heat of his mouth into
her cleft, Andie struggled internally to remain still. She wanted to thrust
back toward him, opening herself in invitation. His torment was pure heaven.
Nothing had ever sent sparks through her body like Brett managed with his
limited touches.

“Wider.” He nudged her feet farther apart. “Beautiful,” he
announced, close enough so Andie could feel his breath. “Scoot up. Put your
knees on mine.” His hands helped guide her. “Keep your chest on the table.” He
pressed her back until she was in the position he wanted. “Damn.” He inhaled
sharply. “Pure woman. So wet already,” he declared as he slid one finger into
her pussy, stroking slightly. “Tell me.”

“Wet for you, for what you want,” she answered, hoping she
guessed the right question. How could he distract her with so little contact?
The man was making her unable to think and he was barely touching her.

In response, Brett replaced his finger with his tongue. “So
sweet,” he muttered, wrapping his arms around her thighs. “Fuck, you’re a tasty
wench. I could lick you all night,” he said before delving back into her. Brett
flattened his tongue and licked her thoroughly, caressing every bit of her
pussy. When she gasped, he covered her completely with his mouth, sucking
firmly. Hearing her moans, he seemed to sense the effort it took for her not to
move so he flicked over her clit with the tip of his tongue as if seeking to
add to her torment.

“Brett,” she sighed.

“Like that, do you?” he asked, slide the bottle along her
slit. “More?” he couldn’t resist teasing her. “How’s this?” He teased her
opening with the neck.

“Oh God,” she groaned, leaning ever so slightly toward him,
letting her desire squelch her trepidation.

“Want this too?” He replaced it with his tongue, circling
the spot she wanted him to touch most.

“Please!”

“Please what?”

“Brett,” she urged.

“Is this it?” He laughed softly before drawing her bud into
his mouth. When she bucked against him, Brett steadied her against the table to
keep her on his knees. “That’s it,” Brett told her. “Don’t hold back on me.
Never hold back. I want to be able to drink from you.” He slid the bottle
inside and tipped some of the amber liquid into her, instantly replacing it
with his mouth.

Andie tried to retain her position as her world exploded. He
was incredible! Remotely, she registered him rearranging her onto his lap and
holding her against his chest. “Thank you,” she said as soon as she trusted
herself to speak.

“Don’t,” Brett advised as he stroked her back lightly. “I
haven’t even started with you. You might hate me by the time you leave.” When
she opened her mouth to say something else, he pressed his fingers to her lips
to stop her. “Don’t say it. I can still toss you out.” He stared at her as he
swigged from the bottle one more time. “I should pour the rest this into you
before I drink it. You definitely improve the taste.”

Andie raised her knees and offered herself to him, afraid he
would really send her home without letting her share her discovery.

“Relax, I was teasing. I’ve had enough of this for now.” He
put the bottle down and stood her on her feet. “I need more of this.” He tapped
her mound before leading her to the bedroom. Maybe if he took her there enough
times he’d be able to use the memory to block out Tish once his life sentence
started. What a fucked up mess his life had become.

“Stand there.” Brett pointed to a spot next to the bed. As
he slowly undressed, Brett watched her watching him. “What I don’t get is why
Jesse is content to just be your friend. If I had the opportunity he does, I
would take advantage of it.” He laughed harshly. “Kind of like I am. Well, take
a good look, Miss Sloan. Am I what you expected? Would I have been acceptable
as your prize? Damn it, why the hell didn’t you bring more money that night?
You emailed me to pique my interest. You meant to bid for me at the auction so
I would have to spend time alone with you. Tell me, did you and Jesse make the
other plan in advance? You were quite effective. I finally see what I missed
when you first showed up. You win. A night with me. As my own personal, private
bachelor party.”

There was hunger in Andie’s eyes as she looked him over from
head to toe.

“As you can see, Jesse greatly exaggerated the level of my
intoxication. I have no problem rising to the occasion.” He chuckled at his own
joke.

“Don’t—”

“Don’t what? You started this. I’m just giving you what you
wanted all along, right? Jesse’s an even bigger fool than I am, letting you
slip through his fingers. At least I’m getting to sample the hot wench you keep
hidden behind that timid little mouse act. Yeah, okay, only for the night, but
damn, I’m going to take you every way imaginable before we’re done here. I bet
you’re thinking how Jesse is too much of a gentleman to ever use you like I’m
about to.”

He shrugged. “Hey, you’re the one who rang my doorbell. No
one invited you here. You barge in where you’re not supposed to be, you gotta
expect to take what you find once you’re inside. Especially when you refuse to
leave. Right Andie? I’ll make it good, don’t worry. After all, you’re the last
fuck I get before the wife tightens the noose. I will be too drunk to perform
once she takes over. That’s one thing I’m certain of. One of the few things.”
He sat next to where she was standing and turned her to face him. “Ready to
bolt yet? I know I said there was no going back but I’ll give you one last
chance. Run now while you still can.”

“I don’t want to leave. You don’t want me to either.” Andie
reached for his shoulder but dropped her hand back to her side when he glared
at her.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you letting me do
this? I’m about to do unthinkable things to you and you’re just standing there.
Don’t you get it? I’m using you to get off here. You’re just a fuck to me,
nothing more. How can you possibly want this?”

“I do. I want whatever you’re willing to do with me.
Anything you can come up with. Brett—” Andie couldn’t hide her feelings for
him.

“I didn’t say you could speak,” he reminded her harshly,
cutting off her words before she voiced what showed on her face. “On your
knees, wench. Put that mouth to better use.” He leaned back and spread his
legs, pushing her between them.

Andie dropped to her knees in front of him. Resting her
elbows on his legs, she reached for him. There was too much of him to hold him
with her mouth alone. “Tell me if I don’t do this the way you like it,” she
said as she ran her tongue over the tip of his erection. She continued, licking
from crown to base and back again while he watched. When she opened her mouth
and drew him in as deeply as she could, she clearly had to fight her reflexes.
She seemed to want to swallow as much as him as she could possibly manage.

“Oh fuck, yeah,” Brett groaned as Andie’s mouth surrounded
him. “That’s it. Suck me all the way in. More. Suck harder,” he gasped as he
put a hand on her head to control her movement. “That’s it.” Removing her hands
from his shaft, he forced her mouth farther down around him.

He groaned. “Get ready. Hold me in as far as you can. I’m
gonna come. Don’t pull away,” he almost pleaded, not realizing she wasn’t even
attempting to get away. With a growl, Brett exploded, filling her throat with a
hot splashes. When it was over, he discovered that Andie’s mouth still held
him. She wasn’t moving. It was just resting around him as if waiting for what
he might want next. “Let go,” he ordered, pulling out of her. “Damn, wench, can
you give head!” He caressed her face as she rested it against his leg, staying
where he had pushed her. “There’s mouthwash if you need it,” he pointed at the
bathroom.

“Do you want me to use it?” she asked, looking up at him. “I
liked the taste of you but if you want me to get rid of it—”

Brett hesitated only a fraction of a second before he hauled
her up so his mouth could reach hers. “Now I know you’re not real,” he declared
just before his lips found hers. Soon, Brett had her on the bed, lying next to
him without relinquishing her mouth, his arms wrapped securely around her. She
felt so right. No! He had to release her before he hurt her even more than he
already had. Before Brett could follow through on that thought, Andie’s arms
circled him in return, holding him tightly to her. Now if only the rest of the
world would leave them alone forever.

Suddenly, Brett shoved Andie from him. This wasn’t about
forever. This was about taking something temporary and finding a way to make it
sustain him as long as possible. Time to get on with it. With a snarl, he
pushed her to her back and erased her questioning look with a brutal kiss. He
captured her hands as he had in the kitchen and held them, avoiding her touch.
This was all about him. What she wanted hardly mattered. She had agreed to do
whatever he wished. Time to start taking.

“Keep your arms there or I’ll tie you,” Brett warned,
willing to do it if he had to. He waited for her to protest before he resumed
the rough treatment of her mouth. As his lips ravished hers, he groped her
breasts. He had been right downstairs. She was a perfect fit. And those
nipples! He latched on to the closest one and bit her harder than he meant to.
When she flinched, Brett softened his mouth, caressing her stinging flesh as if
to take the pain away. When she moaned, he bit her again, just to see if he
could get the same reaction. With a cruel laugh, he attacked her other nipple
with his fingers, squeezing and plucking relentlessly. When a particularly
vicious tug evoked a rapid inhalation he raised his head to look at her. “Ready
to quit?”

Andie shook her head no instantly.

Brett groaned as he lowered his mouth back to her breasts.
He was being cruel and knew he should stop. Unfortunately, there was something
driving him that prevented it. He had to see how far he could push her. He
grabbed a condom from the nightstand. “Hope you’re ready. I am and I can’t wait
for you.” He surprised both of them by ramming himself into her to the hilt.
“God, you’re tight.” He withdrew before reversing forcefully. “I’m gonna fuck
you now, wench. As hard and as fast as I can. And when I’m done I’m gonna flip
you over and make you stick your sweet ass in the air so I can do it all over
again.”

Brett pounded into her nonstop, hating himself with each
thrust. When he finally focused on her, he couldn’t believe what he saw. He was
so harsh, but she was meeting him, stroke for stroke. She was shivering with
excitement. When he felt his own escalate, he pumped even harder, pushing her
to the peak. Andie forgot his command and flung her arms around him, pulling
herself against him when she came.