Chapter Eight
"Not what you expected?" Stu asked, watching as Annette looked around the sparse living area of his apartment. Dropping his keys on the low table by the door, he checked to make sure the locks were turned before removing his jacket and moving further into the room. Tossing the jacket onto the couch, he rubbed his chin, unable to get a hint as to what she was thinking. Quite proud of himself for not having a sink filled with dirty dishes or clothes scattered about, he began to worry when she turned in a circle in the middle of the room.
"It's..." Annette forced a smile. The apartment was sleek and modern. Aside from a framed print hanging on the wall above the sofa, it seemed void of decoration. The shelves of the large black entertainment center, which dominated one wall, was well-stocked with DVDs. In the corner next to the sofa, a shelf built into the wall was stuffed with books. A week-old newspaper was spread across the coffee table. The walls were white, the sofa and two armchairs upholstered in a charcoal gray that matched the floor-length curtains. Aside from the print on the wall and the deep burgundy of the cabinets in the kitchen, the area was devoid of color. "Nice," she finally offered. "Clean."
"I don't like a lot of clutter." He felt the need to explain. "And since this isn't really home, I don't care as long as it's clean and the bed's comfortable."
She nodded, relaxing a bit when he moved closer. Wishing they could have picked up where they left off in his office, she removed her jacket and laid it over the back of an armchair. "What do you consider home?"
"Wherever I want to be most." A smile pulled at his lips as he wrapped an arm around her. He placed his hand on the small of her back, drawing her closer. Other hand sliding up her arm, he dipped his head. His lips met hers just as his fingers slid into her hair, keeping her head tipped back. He heard a soft whine and broke the kiss so he could look into her eyes. "And right now, that would be my bed."
Annette didn't resist when he guided her backwards into a small alcove. Hands clutching the front of his shirt, she wondered if she was about to make yet another mistake. But his lips captured hers again, her back met the built-in shelves, and she didn't care anymore. The hand on her back pulled at her shirt before diving beneath, fingers plucking at the clasp of her bra while his tongue demanded entry. Swept away already, she could only hold on as he walked her to the bedroom. The hand in her hair pulled away to slap at the wall.
"When I get back, I want you naked," he murmured against the corner of her mouth. His hand landed on her backside in a quick smack.
She could only stare when he turned to disappear in the room opposite. Body trembling in anticipation, she had her shirt removed before she thought to glance around the bedroom.
The large bed was definitely the centerpiece, its duvet the same charcoal gray as the sofa and armchairs in the living room. Two nightstands matched the headboard. She couldn't help the smile when she saw the gray incorporated in the dresser and the mirror hanging on the wall above the bed. The curtains, drawn to block any light from outside, were a cream that softened the monochrome color scheme. Stepping out of her shoes she looked at the items lined up on the dresser. She wondered if the contents of his drawers and closet were as neat and orderly as the rest of the apartment.
What's taking him so long? she thought, letting her jeans fall on the floor next to her shirt. A shiver swept through her and she rubbed her bare arms, crossing the bare floor to the bed. She pulled back the duvet, taking note of the striped dress shirt tossed carelessly across the foot of the bed before climbing in.
"You're not naked," Stu admonished, smirking when his statement caused her to jump slightly. Standing in the doorway, he watched a strap of her bra fall off her shoulder and unconsciously wet his lips. One eyebrow lifted in question when she wriggled beneath the duvet.
"I'm getting there," she informed. Drawing her knees up, she reached down to pull her panties off her ankles. Meeting his eyes, she felt the heat pool in the pit of her belly. Even from across the room she could see the smoldering intensity in his eyes. Tossing her panties onto the floor, she then reached behind her to unhook her bra.
He followed the path of her bra as it sailed through the air to land on the floor. Looking from it to her, he entered the room, peeling off his t-shirt. "There's no fun in having you naked if I can't see you, Annette."
At least two good retorts came to mind, but she was distracted by the sight of his bare torso and chest. She'd seen them before: the broad shoulders, two tattoos she had yet to look at closely, the smattering of freckles across his chest. She drank in the sight as she would have a glass of lemonade on a sultry summer afternoon. Gasping when the duvet was pulled away from her body, she shifted her gaze to his face. He towered over her, one curl falling across his forehead. She heard the metallic clink of his belt buckle, the rasp of a zipper, then he was reaching for her.
He grasped her arms, pulling until she was on her knees before him. The demand that had been in his mind died on his lips when she leaned in for a kiss. Her soft scent enveloped him, hands flattening against his chest. Confused as to who was in control, he whispered her name as she broke the kiss. Her hands glided over his skin, and she ducked her head to do the same with her lips. The touch of her tongue against his skin caused him to groan. He glanced down, saw her hair tumble over her shoulders as she bent over. He was surprised to see a tattoo between her shoulder blades, but there was no time to examine it. Her fingers slipped lower, nudging his jeans and boxer briefs down. Smirking as her intention became clear, he grasped a handful of her hair, fingers tangling in the blonde locks. Hot breath coursed over him and he gave her hair a gentle tug.
Annette's lips parted in surprise at his swift urging. Her eyes widened when he guided her closer, the tip of him sliding across her bottom lip. Her tongue darted forward and at the first taste she craved more. Opening her mouth wider, she looked up at him.
"Shit," he moaned. He felt the bite of her nails at his hips, the slight sting of pain only adding to his desire. There was no resistance as he guided her mouth further down his length. Gazing into her eyes, he saw them glow with desire as she allowed him to set the pace. One hand slid over to grip the base of his cock and he allowed his head to fall back as she enveloped him. She seemed to know not to go too fast and each time she drew back her tongue flickered over the tip, eliciting a low growl from his chest. He tightened his grip on her hair. "You do that well, my dear," he whispered, as he stepped out of the garments pooled at his ankles. "If you ever feel the need to run your mouth, you're free to use it on my dick instead."
She would have been outraged had the words been said at another time. Instead, she curved her lips into a smile, eyes drifting closed as she worked to please him. It occurred to her that if occupying her mouth with him instead of speaking, she wouldn't mind too much. Even though he was in complete control she felt a surge of power when she felt him tremble. She whined when he pulled on her hair, dragging her off his cock and back to her knees. His hand left her hair, trailing down her back, and their lips met in a furious kiss. His teeth and tongue worked over her bottom lip. Fingers danced along her sides until they reached her hips.
"Turn around," he demanded, already starting to spin her. He heard her soft gasp as she leaned forward, saw her brace her hands on the mattress. Gaze sweeping over her body, he licked his bottom lip in anticipation. He knelt behind her, hands following an invisible trail from her ankles to her thighs. One hand slipped between them as the other continued up the length of her body, clutching her shoulder. He found her hot, slick and ready for him.
Annette whimpered his name at the first brush of his fingers along her slit. She felt him shift, then the heat of his body leaning over her. The hand on her shoulder left long enough to brush her hair away from her neck. Tilting her head to the side, she closed her eyes at the feel of his breath against her skin. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip.
"Not going to scream, are you?" he asked. His voice was low, the tone slightly taunting as his fingers worked along her slit. He slid his thumb upward, seeking. When it pressed against her clit she tensed, fingers clawing at the sheet. He smirked upon seeing her reaction and plunged a finger into her and held it still.
"Stu," she whined, leaning back to meet his finger. Longing for more, she reached back with one hand, fingers sliding through his hair. "Please..."
He nipped at the curve of her shoulder, pumping his finger in and out slowly. "Please what?"
The sound that left her throat was a mixture of pleasure and frustration. "I need you."
"Need me to what?" he asked, another finger joining the first. As he worked them, a bit faster now, he drew in a deep breath. She felt so tight, so deliciously hot, that it took all his willpower to keep from slamming his cock into her. While he waited for her answer he kissed his way down her back, pausing to get a good look at the tattoo he'd spied earlier. It was a swirl of yellow, growing darker in the center to resemble a crescent moon. The outer edges were mixed with blue. He knew he should know its importance but found himself unable to figure it out. Tracing it with his tongue, he increased the pace of his fingers. "Charming," he murmured against her skin, a smile tugging at his lips when he felt her start to tremble. "When did you get it?"
"C-college," she stammered. She felt a warm flush creep up on her cheeks. The pool of heat in her belly increased with each stroke of his fingers and she could feel the blinding ecstasy approaching.
"What is it, precisely?"
Fighting a shriek of impatience, Annette clawed at the sheet. Her head slumped forward, his conversational tone unbelievable through the haze of passion. "The moon from Van Gogh's The Starry Night."
"Ah, I should have known. Very interesting, my dear. I wouldn't have thought you the type to have a tattoo." He placed a kiss to it then worked his way lower. When he pulled his fingers free of her slick sex she moaned, and he glanced up to see her push herself up, obviously preparing for something more substantial. His grin was wicked as he brushed his lips over the curve of her backside, unable to resist sinking his teeth into the soft flesh.
"Stu, please." Her voice was low, barely a throaty moan, as she glanced back at him. She felt the rasp of his facial hair against her thigh as his head ducked low. Then his lips were there, tongue seeking. When it flicked over her clit she cried out, head falling forward once again. She was grateful when his hands grasped her hips, holding her upright, as the tumult of sensations nearly sent her over the edge. His ministrations were brief but overpowering, tongue lashing her clit almost brutally before dipping into her core.
Stu molded his hands to her backside, squeezing until he heard her yelp. Feeling her inner muscles clench around his tongue, he pulled away. He savored her taste, dipping his head to sweep his tongue over her again. Making sure to moan against her entrance, he then kissed his way along her thigh, waiting until she shuddered again before straightening onto his knees again. His heart pounding, he looked down, longing to see her eyes.
Annette braced herself, teeth chewing at her bottom lip as she waited for him to join their bodies. She doubted she had ever been so excited. Just as she began to wonder why he of all people aroused her so thoroughly, she felt his hands on her, turning her onto her back. He guided her around on the bed until her head rested on the pillows and she smiled up at him, grateful for his thoughtfulness. She reached for him, legs sliding over his thighs as he settled between them. His lips hovered over hers, eyes glowing. His kiss was brief and then he was leaning away, muttering a curse as he reached for his jeans on the floor.
He dug into his pockets, plucking out one of the condoms that he'd had to search for amongst his toiletries. He gave it a cursory glance before leaning back over her. Desperate to taste her lips again, he did so, knowing words were not needed. Her hand slid into his briefly, then pulled away. He smirked against her lips when her hand slipped lower. A ragged sigh pulled deep from his chest as she smoothed her fingers down his shaft, thumb moving in circles over the tip of his cock until he thought he would go mad. Then she shifted beneath him, lips sliding against his, and he felt his control slipping again. He caught her wrists in his hands, pressing them down on either side of her, nipping at her bottom lip when he felt her resist.
When he entered her, the cry that ripped from her chest echoed off the walls. Wanting more, she angled her hips upward. Her head tipped back when she felt him deep inside her. Above her, he shuddered, and their kiss broke as each released stuttering gasps. She struggled to pull her hand free, longing to touch him. His grip on her wrists loosened and she curved her arm around his, her fingers digging his bicep as he began to withdraw.
Stu grasped at her hip, holding her up against him. Marveling at how their bodies moved in unison immediately, he stared down at her. He remembered his promise to make her scream and set an unrelenting pace, gaze drifting along her body. Her breasts swayed with each stroke, peaked nipples begging to be touched. Releasing her other wrist, he pressed his hand to her chest. "Touch yourself."
She did as instructed, nails scraping his flesh before her hands slid up her torso. Cupping her breasts in her palms, she released a deep moan as her fingers brushed over her aching nipples. The hand on her chest made it difficult to breathe. Or perhaps that was due to him. She tilted her head back, biting down hard on her bottom lip. Hearing his growl, she pulled gently at her nipples.
"No wonder you don't scream," he muttered, releasing her hip. Leaning forward, he grabbed her hands and held them to the pillow above her head. He dipped his head, catching one turgid nipple between his teeth. His other hand roved her body, holding her knee against his hip before sliding up, lightly caressing her thigh. Feeling her tighten around his cock, he sucked hard at her nipple, roughly grasping the other between his fingers. He glanced up to gauge her reaction and smirked at the flush flooding her cheeks.
"Oh, shit," she gasped. Her stomach fluttered and sent the pooled heat throughout her body. The powerful thrusts, the mouth on her breast, the scrape of his facial hair against her skin – it was all too much. A cry strangled in her throat as the ecstasy hovered just beyond her reach. "Please, Stu, let me—"
He lifted his head when her request ended in another strangled cry. Taking note of the frustration on her face, he nodded. Hand already trailing lower on her body, he leaned back for a better view. "Work with me," he whispered, once again releasing her hands. She wriggled closer to him, the new angle of her hips causing his cock to go deeper, and he nearly lost it. Taking a deep breath, he guided her legs further apart. He watched his cock disappear inside her and stilled, rocking his hips until he felt her shudder. Giving her thigh a light smack so she would know to stay still, he reached to slide his thumb over her clit. She released a gasp and he flicked his gaze up to meet hers. "Like that?" When she didn't answer, he moved his thumb in slow circles. "Or do you want it harder?"
Annette gave a quick nod, reaching up to grasp the pillows. He continued the slow, teasing circles over her clit until a string of expletives tumbled from her lips. Then, suddenly, he braced his other hand on her hip and his thumb began a furious stroking over her clit. She tensed, her moan turning into a sharp cry. Just as the euphoria began to tease she felt him withdraw. "No, please—"
"Come on," he urged, slamming his cock back into her. Keeping up the relentless stroking of his thumb, he pulled out all the way. He teased her entrance with the tip of his cock, drawing out her torture until she began to cry out his name. A smirk tugged at his lips as he slid his length along her slit, fingers spreading her so it brushed over her clit. Again and again until her cries were little more than ragged breaths. Moving his hand from her hip to her shoulder, he kept her still, lightly tracing her collarbone as he drove his cock into her fully. She shook beneath him, legs locking around his waist to keep him close as her ear-piercing scream filled the room.
As the blinding pleasure took over, her hands flailed. Barely coherent of her surroundings, she was vaguely aware of his hands catching her shoulders. The warmth of his body as he lay over her was a welcome surprise, and she felt his lips slide over her cheek as he whispered her name. Shaking hands took hold of his shoulders, holding on as the desire grew again. His voice, a soft murmur against her ear, encouraged her, and she gave in, body seizing up as his gentle thrusts became faster. Pressing her face to his shoulder, she heard another scream. This time, though, it was followed by a series of harsh growls that turned into a shout of delight. His body tensed, cock driving deep into her one final time. Struggling to breathe, she felt him throb within her, the hands on her shoulders clenching almost painfully.
He eased his grip on her, gasping for breath. Staying over her until her body relaxed, he found her lips in a gentle kiss, fingers smoothing over her shoulders. Her nails raked over his skin as he pulled away. Lying next to her he stared up at the ceiling, barely feeling the cool sheets beneath his overheated skin. He tried to think of the proper words to say but found himself speechless. After a few moments she slowly turned to him, hand resting on his chest. His heart constricted as she tenderly curled close to his side, but he tucked his arm around her.
"Thank you," she whispered. Her lips brushed his shoulder then she pulled away.
He watched, tucking his arm behind his head, as she slid out of the bed. She retrieved his t-shirt from the floor, slipping it on, and he released a soft sigh as the soft flesh he'd memorized was concealed once again. Turning to him, she smiled.
"It's alright if I shower, isn't it?"
Chuckling, he sat up, groping for the boxer briefs he'd discarded. Unable to find them, he gave up his search and got to his feet. "Only if it's with me, my dear."
A/N: A special thank-you to: ThatGirl54, Amber, Nikki, katiefabe, Lissa003, Malabrigo, prettybaby69, Jojo, charmedbyortonbarrett, Agnesita1385, and wades wife. Am I forgiven for making everyone wait? Love you all, thank you for reading!
