A/N: M-rating

He was probably being very rude. Maybe he'd think about that down the line when he reflected back to this night. His friends were nice enough to host a dinner party in his honor, but Jonathan didn't bother to say a word all night. Not when he could feel the lump of Jennifer's damp panties in his pocket. And certainly not when she took her foot out of her shoe and touched his leg under the table while they ate. It was all Jonathan could do to remind himself to put food on the fork, put the fork in his mouth, chew, and swallow.

Jonathan was relieved when the dinner plates were cleared. The evening should be wrapping up soon. He needed to get Jennifer alone. At home. Dear god, and they still had the ride back to Hart Towers with Max to get through.

The dessert was a rich, delicious crème brûlée and Jonathan could have murdered Doris Werther for serving such a thing. He liked crème brûlée. And tonight, he learned that Jennifer also liked crème brûlée. Jonathan couldn't take his eyes off her as she put that spoon in her mouth and closed her eyes in delight with each bite.

He wasn't very sly about staring at her, but he couldn't help it. Jonathan Hart, self-made millionaire and international bachelor playboy, had never been bowled over by a woman the way he was by Jennifer. He had his reputation as a ladies' man because he knew what to do with a woman. He knew how to have fun with them and how to romance and seduce them. He did everything he could so they could enjoy themselves together. But it had always been his playbook. No woman had ever been so bold, so seductive. What Jennifer was doing tonight—and really what she'd done since the moment he met her—had thrown him for a loop. This was her game, and he didn't quite know the rules yet.

"Jonathan, have you been sailing much this summer?" Dan asked across the table. "The weather was perfect while you were gone."

"I went out back in June for the race, but haven't had a chance since. With the London merger and everything in the last few weeks," Jonathan answered, grateful to have a reason to look away from Jennifer.

"Have you been on Jonathan's boat yet, Jennifer?" Doris asked cheerfully.

Jennifer shook her head. "I haven't yet. I hope we will soon. I love sailing."

Jonathan didn't actually know that about her. And he was pleased to hear it and made the mistake of looking over at her. And she put that spoon in her mouth and licked it in a way that reminded him very distinctly of being in the back of his Jaguar. His thoughts must have shown on his face because Jennifer gave a satisfied little smirk and winked at him.

"You two aren't very subtle," Jonathan overheard Cyrus say to Jennifer quietly.

Jennifer gave that throaty chuckle of hers that shot right through him. "I don't think we're trying to be," she replied.

The conversations around the table carried on as dessert was finished and everyone lingered over brandy. Jonathan shared stories with Dan about sailing—though he tried not to wonder what Dan had done or said to Jennifer to make her develop that opinion of him—and he chatted with Marcus about a huge new condominium development going up in Inglewood with an architect who had worked with them on Hart Towers. He was extremely grateful for the reprieve from Jennifer's torture while she had a friendly chat with Arthur and Barbara.

Eventually, Jennifer tapped her foot against his leg under the table. She drank down the last of her brandy and stifled a yawn. Or at least she made it look like she was stifling a yawn.

"Oh darling, I guess you're still on East Coast time," Jonathan commented. "We'd better get you home."

"I think so," she agreed. "Right to bed." The glint in her eye told him exactly what she meant by that.

"Very subtle," Old Cyrus said dryly.

"Oh leave them be, Cyrus," Doris scolded, laughing. "They're newly engaged."

Everyone got up from the table and said their goodbyes and thanks for the wonderful evening. Jonathan led Jennifer quickly out the door with his hand on the small of her back. He tried not to think about the fact that there was nothing underneath that dress she was wearing. Just that red lace bra.

Max was waiting for them in the car. "How was dinner?" he asked as Jonathan opened the back passenger door for Jennifer.

"Oh it was wonderful," Jennifer said. "Doris and Marcus were lovely hosts, and I had fun meeting Jonathan's friends."

The way she could talk like she hadn't spent the last hour torturing him, good god!

Jonathan got in on the other side and shut the door quickly. "Max, there isn't a speed limit you've ever stayed below," he instructed.

Max knew what that meant. "You got it, Mr. H."

Jennifer eyed him warily. "Jonathan…" she said in a low tone.

But as Max accelerated down Van Nuys Boulevard to get to the 101, he felt himself calm down a little. They were on their way. He could settle for about twenty minutes or so. "You started it," Jonathan told Jennifer. "I'm just eager to get back to the game."

She looked at him with feigned seriousness, a smile twitching on her lips. "You think this is a game?" she challenged.

"I've got something in my pocket as proof, baby," he fired back.

Jennifer laughed and cuddled up against him in the back seat. Jonathan put his arm around her and tried to relax in the comfort of holding her and not think about what was coming next. Though Jennifer wasn't much help with the way she rested on hand on his thigh and kept playing with the buttons of his shirt with the other. She really had a fixation with his chest, and he could not have been more pleased. After all, he had a fixation with every single inch of her.

They were getting close to home when Jonathan decided it was time to up the ante. He couldn't start too early, or they'd never make it to the bedroom. Max had seen quite enough in the last couple weeks, after all. But Jonathan needed to get a little of his own back after she'd been so naughty at dinner. He agreed with her, of course, that their sex life wasn't transactional. But there was always some good fun to be had with a bit of tit for tat. And speaking of…

"I've been thinking about where to start when we get home," Jonathan murmured softly so only she could hear.

"Oh?"

"I think it's only fair I get a good view of what you're hiding under that dress."

"I'm not hiding much of anything, as you well know from what's in your pocket," she replied.

He continued on, "I want to see that lace on your body. You look so good in red, and I've had that hint of you in that bra in my head all night. I need the full effect. And then I think it'll have to join the rest of the set."

"In your pocket?"

"On the floor."

"I like the way you think," she chuckled.

"And then I think I'll get back to work on my goal of kissing every single freckle on your body and connecting all the dots with my tongue," he told her. He could feel her shift against him at his words, and Jonathan knew he was getting her as worked up as she'd gotten him at dinner.

"Well," she answered, "there's a lot of freckles in uninteresting places."

"I disagree," he said, taking her hand off his chest and pressing soft kisses on her wrist and up her arm.

Jennifer shivered in his arms. "You certainly present a compelling argument."

"I'll tell you more about it when we get upstairs." They had arrived in the garage of Hart Towers. Max would drop them off by the elevator, and they'd go right up to the penthouse.

Jonathan opened the car door before it had fully come to a stop, and he practically dragged Jennifer out with him.

"Thanks, Max. Goodnight!" Jonathan called as they hurried away.

Jennifer's laugh echoed though the lobby as they ran to the elevator. Her laugh was infectious, and Jonathan found himself laughing along with her by the time they ended up in the elevator together, trying to catch their breath.

"We are going right to the bedroom when that elevator opens," he told her.

"I quite agree," she answered. "But you know, I think Cyrus and all the rest of your friends are going to be teasing us for the rest of our lives with how we acted."

"You started it!"

"I know, but you certainly didn't give me any reason to stop."

Jonathan took her in his arms and said, "I hope we don't ever stop having our fun together, darling. And I hope everyone who ever meets us knows exactly that."

Jennifer placed her hands on his chest and smiled up at him. "You aren't embarrassed for everyone to know what we get up to?"

"They don't need to know details, but I've never been prouder of anything in my life than the fact that we're in love. And I don't ever want to hide that for a second."

She gazed at him with a look of awe that melted his heart. "I agree. Though perhaps it would have been easier tonight if everyone figured this out about us at the start of the evening instead of at the end."

Jonathan was transported back to how he'd felt when he saw Jennifer with Dan and with Cyrus. That possessive, cloying, jealous beast in his belly that had roared to life when he saw her with another man.

It must have showed in his face because Jennifer reached up and stroked his cheek. "I'll tell you again, darling, that I am yours. Now and forever and always. You have nothing to worry about. Even if I do talk or laugh or dance with another man, I will always come home to you. And I will only ever be at home in your arms."

He nuzzled his face against her hand for a moment before turning to kiss her palm. "I love you so much," he whispered.

Before Jennifer could answer, the elevator chimed. They were home. The pair of them went down the hall at a quick clip. Jonathan's heart started to beat faster in anticipation of what was to come. His hand even shook slightly as he unlocked the door.

Jennifer kicked off her shoes and tossed her purse on a nearby armchair. Jonathan took off his jacket and let it fall over Jennifer's purse. And then he turned to scoop her up into his arms to carry her into the bedroom.

He laid her down on the bed, and a wave crashed over him. All of the feeling from the whole night, the repressed jealousy and the unbridled lust and the burning need all cascaded through him without obstacle. Every bit of control that he'd tried to cling to when Jennifer was calling the shots and when he was in a room full of people trying to navigate their relationship had all disappeared. He was a man possessed. And all he wanted, all he could even think about, was Jennifer.

First things first. Jonathan grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it up over her head. She had to shift around to get it off while she was lying there. He hardly paid any mind, just tossed the fabric onto the floor behind him. Jennifer was left splayed out beautiful wearing nothing but that red lace bra and her simple gold jewelry. The jewelry could stay on. The bra could not.

He practically ripped the shoes and socks off his feet so he could climb onto the bed and hover over her. She was such a feast, he hardly knew where to start. Jennifer lay there, watching him survey her hungrily and waiting for him.

Jonathan kissed her. That was the first thing he wanted to do. What he needed to do. He kissed her sweetly at first, because he loved her and because he wanted to treat her tenderly with all the love in his heart. But as soon as his lips touched hers, the beast inside him roared again. The need exploded, and he needed more, more, more, more. He nipped at her lips and explored her mouth with his tongue until she was moaning and gasping for air. He moved on to her neck, her perfect, beautiful neck. The salty sheen of sweat that started to collect on her skin was ambrosia of the gods to him. And it was all for him. She was all his. His teeth grazed her tendons, causing her to let out a high-pitched little noise of appreciation. He did it again. And again.

It was time to move on, however, and he shifted himself to reach behind her body and unhook that gorgeous bra. It was tossed aside to join the other discarded garments. Jennifer was bare to him now, flushed and chest heaving from her arousal. Jonathan's face delved down to her breasts, kissing all those freckles and tracing patterns with his tongue as he'd promised her. But the more she reacted to him, writhing beneath him, the more he was spurred on. His kisses grew more ardent, more insistent. He teased one of her hardened nipples with his teeth and elicited a sweet keen of pleasure from her. And while he was busy there, his free hand moved down between her legs.

She was dripping. Jonathan thought he might have blacked out for a second there. He'd never felt her so wet before. Hot and wanting. And it was all because of him, because she was his and he was hers, because they had found each other and come together in this most electric and explosive way.

Jonathan could not hold back any longer. He sat up and loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt and vest just enough to pull everything up over his head. The pants were a little more complicated, but he managed to take everything off and return to where Jennifer was waiting for her.

He thrust inside her body without his usual teasing or buildup. Neither of them needed it. A groan slipped out of his lips as he buried himself to the hilt. Jennifer wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in close. She moaned with desire. Jonathan held himself up with one arm and began to move. But even in setting a sharp, desperate rhythm, he could not stop touching her. She was a dream made real, his every fantasy and desire come to life, and even with their bodies and souls intertwined this way, he needed to ground himself in the fact that she was truly here. That she was truly his. His hand moved up her waist and over her breast, palming it roughly, and back to that beautiful, perfect neck of hers.

There was something about Jonathan tonight that Jennifer had never experienced with him before. He was like an animal, out of his mind with passion and lust. He pawed at her body and moved with such virility that she had no choice but to hold on and follow where he led her. The many times they'd made love before had been passionate, of course, and extremely satisfying. He had always been so in control, always so fixated on her comfort and pleasure. But Jonathan had lost his control now, and Jennifer was powerless to do anything. And it was thrilling. There was a tingle in her belly due to the way he was touching her. Not just his touches, but the primal need she could feel in the way his hands moved over her. He needed her in a way that felt new to Jennifer. New and exciting. And her heart skipped a beat at the realization that she was the one who had driven him to this, to cause him to be so unhinged. And she loved it.

He was rough in a way she never thought she would enjoy. And maybe she wouldn't if it was anyone but Jonathan. With him, though, the physicality of it was so deeply rooted in the passion and the love. The love was ever-present. She felt safe and protected even as he took her hard and squeezed his hand over her body. It was as though he was everywhere all at once, his touch electrifying her and causing her body an overload of sensation. Jennifer gripped his shoulders, digging her nails in just to have some sense of something solid. She hardly knew where she began and he ended. Jennifer was overwhelmed by it all. So much so that she did not notice his hand around her neck until he squeezed and she suddenly couldn't breathe.

Jennifer's vision went black and immediately her body orgasmed harder than ever in her life. The next thing she knew, her lungs gasped for air and the rest of her twitched with aftershocks.

She blinked her eyes open, still trying to catch her breath, and saw Jonathan frozen above her. His sweet blue eyes were not dark with lust any long but instead pale with terror. In her state, it took Jennifer a moment to realize why that would be. Her neck felt a little sore from where his hand had squeezed her perhaps a little tighter than he had realized.

"Jonathan." Her voice was hoarse, so she tried to swallow for a bit of lubrication to her vocal cords. "Jonathan, don't stop," she begged.

He was reticent. Jennifer wished her mind could be clearer so she could put the pieces together and articulate herself better, but right now she just couldn't. Right now, she couldn't find the words.

And so, because she could not tell him anything, Jennifer knew she would have to show him. She used her dancer's strength to push Jonathan and roll them both over so he was on his back. She readjusted herself to perch on top of him. Jonathan's erection was flagging slightly; she knew he had not been able to finish before she had.

Jennifer took him in her hand and firmly stroked him back to life. Jonathan groaned at her touch. She grinned proudly. And when he started thrusting up into her hand, she knew she'd gotten them back on track. Jennifer got up on her knees and sank down on him. Even after only a minute without him, she was already so overwhelmed at the gorgeous way he filled her. "God, Jonathan," she moaned.

She started to move, bracing herself against his gorgeous chest. Her fingers rasped against his chest hair. Her hips gyrated in seductive circled on top of him.

But even as their lovemaking recommenced, Jonathan was still distant. And after the intensity of what they had just shared, she needed him with her now, to finish what they'd started. "Touch me, darling," Jennifer breathed. Her fingers clenched into his pectorals. "Please, Jonathan."

At last, he did as she asked. His big, strong hands found her hips. He held her gently, but at least he held her. Jennifer shifted up onto her knees a little more and started to ride him in earnest. And as the speed and power of her movements increased, so did the intensity of his touch. His hands slid back to grip her ass tightly to guide her on top of him. Soon, he started to let go of those last vestiges of his control and his fear. He thrust up to meet her with every bounce. Her body started to flutter around him. She wanted to come again, and she wanted to feel him come, too. Faster and faster she moved, making sure it was just the right spot she needed.

Jonathan's hips stuttered, and he cried out with his release. The heat inside her was just enough to push her over the edge, too. The feeling of her body pulsating around him inside her was beautiful and mind-blowing and perfect. Perfect.

Jennifer got off of him and flopped down on the bed beside him, snuggling close to him so they could both recover from panting breaths and pounding hearts.

It was Jonathan who managed to speak first. He dragged his fingers up and down her spine lightly and whispered, "I'm so sorry, darling."

She wouldn't disrespect either of them by pretending not to know what he meant. She answered, "You have nothing to apologize for."

"No, I do," he disagreed. "I didn't know what I was doing and I…"

"I know," she interjected. "I know it wasn't on purpose, but you don't need to apologize."

Jonathan let out a heavy sigh. "I should have never done anything like that. I don't ever want to hurt you."

"You didn't," Jennifer insisted, sitting up slightly to look him in the eye to discuss this. "And you couldn't. I trust you, Jonathan, and you should trust yourself, too. I know you'd never do anything to hurt me, ever. And for the record, I liked the way you touched me. I liked how uncontrolled you were. I've never seen you like that before, and I found it extremely arousing."

"You did?" he asked in surprise.

"Well, obviously I did. Couldn't you tell?"

His face brightened. "Yes, actually, I could."

"Then there you are. I don't think it'll be like that every time, but when the mood strikes you for that feral beast to come out like that, I'll certainly be eager."

"Feral beast?" he laughed.

Jennifer hummed happily, turning her head to kiss his chest. "I like having the reminders of my feral beast. Mine, all mine. And I am all yours."

He hummed at that.

"Jonathan, it's not like you've never left marks on me. I've already got hickeys all over my tits!" As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she wanted to take it back. Not the sentiment, but those were not terms to be used by respectable ladies. But being slightly delirious from mind-blowing sex had scrambled her brains, it seemed.

"What can I say? I really like your tits," he replied teasingly.

Jennifer laughed. "Well, like I said, darling, they're all for you. Just like this is all for me," she added, running her hands all over his chest again.

Jonathan grinned and rolled them both onto their sides, lying there facing each other. "You're incredible, you know that?"

"You've mentioned it a few times. And I am pleased to say you inspire incredible things in me, darling."

His hand ghosted over her skin, coming back to her neck once more. The skin was tender there where he brushed over her with his fingers. "You're sure you're alright?"

"I'm sure. And I am already thinking about what might happen the next time I wear a new lingerie set under my clothes when we go out," she teased.

"I don't know if I could survive you pulling that stunt again, taking off your panties and giving them to me."

"Was that alright?" In the moment, it had seemed extremely fun. And it had certainly ended up that way. All she'd wanted to do was reassure him that he had absolutely no cause to be jealous. He was the only one she'd ever do that with. But Jonathan had been so distracted all through dinner, and even though he'd said he was playing the game with her, she now had her doubts when all was said and done.

Jonathan gave her a squeeze and kissed her nose. "I wouldn't recommend doing that every day, but it was an incredible surprise. I don't think I've ever been so aroused in public in my life. I guess we both learned a lot from our first dinner party with my friends."

"We'll need to be on better behavior for our engagement party," she realized aloud. There would be a lot more people there for that, and a lot fewer opportunities for them to escape away by themselves.

He chuckled. "That's probably a good idea. We can have fun in other ways."

Jennifer smiled. "I think that's part of what makes our relationship so wonderful, don't you think? We have so many ways we can have fun together. My god, Jonathan, we've not even known each other for a month and already done so much!"

"Do you think we'll run out of ideas? Get bored of each other?"

She scoffed, "Darling, I think between us, we're clever enough to come up with plenty of new ideas. And even if we only repeat everything we've done since we met over and over and over for the next twenty years, I would never get bored of you."

"Yeah," he agreed. "Right back at you."

They kissed sweetly before Jennifer pulled away to ask, "By the way, where did my panties end up?"

"Oh I think they're still in my jacket pocket. And…oh I left the jacket in the living room. Max'll probably take it to the cleaners with the rest of my clothes when they're all found and collected tomorrow."

"Do you think he'll check your pockets?"

He sighed unhappily. "Yeah, probably."

Jennifer felt the same way. Having Max find her red lace panties in Jonathan's jacket pocket lying on the armchair in the living room was mortifying. Not really for Jennifer, because as she and Jonathan had discussed in the elevator, they were content for the whole world to know how happy and in love they were. But mortifying for poor Max. He'd already told them to not go past necking in the backseat of the car, and this probably crossed that line. "You're going to have to give him a raise for putting up with us," she remarked.

Jonathan sighed again. "Yeah, you're right."

"We'll…actually, no." Jennifer had a thought and then quickly changed her mind.

"What were you going to say?"

"Oh I was just going to say that we'll settle down a bit after we live together for a while and get married, but honestly, Jonathan, I don't know if we'll ever really settle down. Personally, I'm eager to keep having our fun adventures for the rest of our lives."

"I completely agree."

And so they would.