Stare Me Down (Stare Down) (26 page)

She snuggled back down and sighed. “I’d like that.”

But he was smart enough to know that she wouldn’t. At least not a hundred percent of the time.

“So you’ll have to be on your toes this week, because I’ll have a lot for you to do.” He felt her nod against him and figured now was a good time to start. “The week starts now, Jaxx. I want you to go in the bathroom and shave yourself.”

“Shave?” Her head came up and she frowned. “My legs, you mean?”

He shook his head.

She swallowed hard. “All of it?”

He nodded.

“I’ve never done that before.”

“Well, do it now and make me happy.”

“I’m not even sure I’d really know how to go about doing it.”

He took hold of her hair and pulled her over him. Until they were nearly nose to nose. “I know how to go about it. Would you like me to take you into the bathroom and do it for you?”

“No. I can do it.”

As soon as he let go of her hair, she slid off him and jumped up. He’d never seen anyone exit a room so fast. Unfortunately she was going in the wrong direction. He sat up. “Where are you going?”

“I’m getting my laptop.”

“Why?”

She sauntered through the door with a big white terry towel wrapped around herself and had her laptop in hand. “This isn’t an appropriate time to be asking why.”

“Jaxx.”

Her chin came up a notch. “What? I’m going to look it up. There are probably a few good tricks to doing it.”

“You have ten minutes and then I’m coming in after you.”

“Ten minutes?” She rushed into the bathroom. “I’d better get going on this.”

“Do a good job, because when you’re done I’m going to be checking.”

She leaned partway out and made a face. “Okay, ew.”

He looked at the alarm clock. “Nine minutes.” She didn’t move, so he slid the sheet off his lap. The sight of his hard cock was sure to back up his words. “I’m dying to get in there and do it for you, so waste all the time you want.”

Her eyes widened, then she gasped and disappeared. So adorable. He gave a soft chuckle before he eased back down and put his hands behind his head content to listen. He heard running water, the sound of shaving cream leaving the can, a few goddammits, one Hail Mary and a promise to Bart Simpson that made absolutely no sense before she came out with seconds to spare.

He rolled to his side and came up on elbow. “Take off the towel.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Okay,” He frowned as he sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. A strip of the sheet lay over his lap when he spread his legs, making a V. Patting his thigh he said, “Come over here and I’ll take the towel from you.”

Amazing. She had no problem with that. She sat on his lap and when she was comfortable, he undid the towel. “Let me see.”

She averted her gaze which made him smile. He also took hold of her chin and brought it around until she was looking him right in the eyes. “Did you do a good job?”

“No.”

He was trying hard not to grin. He could tell she was pissed. “Why?”

“I didn’t have my glasses.”

“Hm. I’d better take a look.” He kissed her neck and shoulder and breathed in her ear, “Spread your legs, honey. That’s right. A little more. A little…” When he caught sight of her delicate skin, he sucked in air. “Damn, I never thought your pussy could get any sweeter, but now it is.”

“Aries.”

“I want you to lie back.” He shifted her so her upper half was on the bed and the lower half across his lap. “Stay still. I’m going to show you a trick that will blow your mind.”

He had to do this just right. Jaxx responded to heavier sensations almost to the point of pain; otherwise she lost focus.

He pinched her clit between his forefinger and thumb. Harder than he normally would have, but for her benefit. He wanted the blood momentarily cut off from this bundle of nerves while he slid two fingers into her, going deep.

“Oh, God!”

He’d warm her up first. A simple finger-fuck until he had her hot and restless. “Does that feel good?”

“Oh, yes.”

“No flexing. Only I’m allowed to move.” When she stopped, he whispered, “Good girl. I love when you do things for me. You’re going to do things for me when I tell you to, aren’t you, Jaxx? You’re going to do everything I want you to, won’t you?” He pushed in deep and wagged his fingers.

“Yes,” she panted.

“Promise. Promise me. Say you’re going to do it. Everything. All I want. Say it.”

“I promise…‌oh God, I’ll do anything you want me to do. Anything.”

“Very good.” He readjusted and held her clit hostage while he reached up deeper inside her and searched. He knew it was just… There. “The mind-blowing? It involves stimulating this spot. Then…”

She gasped.

“This spot.”

She groaned.

“And this one.”

She screamed. And screamed some more when he released her clit so blood could circulate again. While she enjoyed the residual effects of what he called a sexual trifecta of several orgasms, he was free to examine her cleanly shaven slit that eventually gleamed with a gorgeous pearly shine.

“Fuck this is the prettiest, wettest pussy. It’s just begging to be tasted.” He shifted and repositioned her. Lifting her hips and spreading her wide until he got his mouth fully on her.

“Aries, I’ll do anything for you. Anything…”

That sighed-out promise was one he was going to hold her to. Damn tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough for him.

Chapter Sixteen

The next day, Jaxx had just finished with the last of her morning appointments when Aries texted her.

Hi, get a pen and piece of paper. I’ll wait.

She read that and blinked. What, no “good morning” or “how are you after my little visit last night?” She bit back a grin as she tapped out the short response on her phone.

Who is this?

I’m waiting…

Hm. Someone was no fun today. She blew out a sigh and grabbed a sheet of paper from her desk.

Ready.

Two Hundred and twelve Penton Street, suite five. Find Everything Retro. That’s the name of the store that has your outfit. I want you to go there and pick it up today.

She had a rough idea where it was. She checked the time. If she hurried, she could be there and back before her next appointment.

Okay.

But don’t skip lunch to go. Speaking of lunch, eat more than a salad today. Why don’t you splurge and have a sandwich.

She said she would, but how could she when she was dying of excitement to see what he’d picked out for her? In the end she wound up eating a half a sandwich and her usual salad. Then she had her two afternoon appointments and left for the shop.

The place was one of the newer stores in this up-and-coming part of the city. So much building was going on in the downtown core, she barely recognized it as she drove in, but this older section remained the same. Waiting at the front desk while the clerk went to get her order, she eyed the merchandise that lined the walls from floor to ceiling. There were gowns reminiscent of the forty and fifties Hollywood glamour displayed side by side with Harley Davidson-type leather gear. The merchandizers certainly knew what they were doing. The place had an eclectic vibe that drew a person in.

“Here you are, Ms. Gavin.”

“Thank‌—‌what’s this?” She pointed to the Post-It note on the top of the box and scowled. Not that she needed confirmation. The words “Do not open” were clear enough. She just wanted to make sure they were meant for her.

“Mr. Taylor packed the box himself. He was the one who left those instructions like that. I know they weren’t meant for me or my staff.”

The inference being clear. Perfect. Now she couldn’t say she’d opened it by mistake because she thought it was meant for the sales people. “Thanks. It’s all paid for?”

“Ah, yeah, sure thing.”

By the time she got home, she was absolutely dying to see what was in the box. She put it and her purse on the counter and texted Aries.

I have it.

Who is this?

Very funny. Can I open it?

No, put it on the coffee table.

And?

Nothing. Leave it there. What are you having for dinner? I can’t come by tonight, but I was thinking you should make that chicken. Either that or freeze it
.

Chicken? She went to the fridge and sure enough, there was a small package of free-range boneless breasts right there on the second shelf. Huh.

What are you, the grocery police or what?

I’m the dietary police. Make some grilled chicken, and there’s some leftover rice in the Tupperware container. I’d say slice some zucchini for a vegetable but…

The blush burned a path from her chest to her cheeks. She shook her head and was just about to tell him she’d be going with the baby carrots tonight when another text arrived.

I love it when you blush.

She gasped and then scowled as she shot off a reply. I’m having carrots and I’m not blushing.

Liar.

After dinner she sat on the couch. With elbows bent and braced on her knees, she laced her fingers together and rested her chin on the bridge they made, staring at the box…‌willing it to open of its own accord.

What did he buy? Leather. God, she hoped it wasn’t satin. Satin wasn’t good for her curves. Spandex was pretty good though. What if it was one of those hokey costumes? Like a nurse uniform or French maid outfit? She’d die. What if it didn’t fit?

She sat up and dropped her hands. That would be a real shame. It would ruin the whole night. His whole Scene with her would be ruined. Guys didn’t think about things like this. He probably hadn’t.

She leaned forward. She’d better—

Beep

Her phone. A text from Aries.

Don’t open it. I’ll know if you do.

She sat back and glared at the phone in her hand. She wasn’t going to answer him. Instead, she tossed her cell and let it bounce beside her on the couch. He really was evil.

Beep

She wasn’t looking.

Beep

Not looking.

Beep, beep, beep

“Evil and relentless.” She snatched it up and read.

Don’t be mad.

Be patient.

Jaxx, answer me when I text you.

And he was telling her to be patient?

Geez, I was in the bathroom.

Are you blushing?

Did he know everything? She was blushing. Yes, how did you know?

Because you’re lying. You weren’t in the bathroom.

She scowled and typed back,
Did you want something?

Yes, your list. You remembered to fill it out, didn’t you? I’m waiting for it.

The list. She wished she had the list. This morning she was running late and didn’t have time to turn on her desktop computer to print it. She’d thought to get to it at lunch, but then she’d gone shopping. She knew he’d been expecting it before this.
Didn’t I send that to you this morning?

LMAO. No. Go do it now and get it over to me.

She tossed the phone on coffee table and shot up. She’d taken no more than two quick steps when it beeped.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” She marched back and picked it up.

Tea?

Now what was he trying to pull?

I only drink coffee. Naked. In the moonlight.

All I have is tea. Jaxx, are you okay?

What the‌—‌oh no.

Sorry Maggie, I thought you were someone else.

Don’t tell me.

So she didn’t. She did, however, race to her desktop and sit and wait the ten minutes it took to load the ancient thing. Finally. Rubbing her hands together, she logged into her email and clicked on the attachment he’d sent. Three words into the list, and she was beyond gasping or blushing. This shit was right up there with the instructions on the how-to list of making someone die of embarrassment.

Cunnilingus and clit torture? Oh yeah, she was dying here…

*****

Aries was happy with Jaxx’s list, with the exception of one item he’d been expecting an issue with. Tattoos. She was totally adverse, as in struck a line right through the word and added exclamation marks next to it even. That hurt. His one non-negotiable was going to be a sticking point with her. Well, not right away. Fortunately he had some time to convince her, if they got that far. And as of right now it was looking as if they would.

She’d done well today. She hadn’t told him to go fuck himself when she’d realized she wouldn’t be allowed to see her outfit. That was good. But then, when she’d sent over her list, she’d ended her email with, “and don’t bother to text me for the rest of the night. I’ve turned my phone off because I’m tired.” That was bad. He didn’t like not being able to reach her and he was going to tell her so. Right after he woke her up to make him happy.

He didn’t say anything, just shook her awake.

“Mmm?” She yawned and rolled over. “Aries? What time is it?”

She was getting used to his middle-of-the-night visits. She didn’t startle. He liked that. “I want you to get out of bed and come to the chair with me.”

She sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. “For what?”

He sat in the lounger and said, “I want you to kneel right here. Right between my spread legs and undo my belt.”

She nodded and got up from the bed. Seeing her in the pale light cast from the hall got his adrenaline pumping. She had a woman’s body. With real curves and some padding that did great things for her tits and ass.