Craving You Read online

  He could relate.

  Not just because of the sting of betrayal from Renee—okay, a knife to the heart that had cut deep when he was much younger. But also because of his plans for relocating to Japan.

  He’d already set the stage for the multinational co-branding and partnership structuring needed to further collaborate with local attorneys and operate on more than an ad-hoc basis in the country. It wouldn’t be a snap of the fingers to set up the new office, which he’d run, but the foundation was now in place.

  In addition to the fascinating work that filled Tague’s overactive mind, putting an entire ocean between him and his family—their nonstop drama and meddling, to be specific—held great appeal. The Tokyo branch of the firm would be his legacy. A significant contribution to the Mason dynasty, sure. But under his governance, his vision.

  Which made getting involved with Loralai/L.L. Branson a complicated endeavor.

  So, yes. He could understand why Loralai was so thrown off-kilter she needed a little perspective in the form of her tried and true best friend.

  He asked Meg, “How and when did the two of you meet?”

  “UCLA, Loralai’s freshman year,” she said. “I’m two years older.”

  “Meg is Bel-Air royalty. And a brilliant businesswoman.”

  “I can see that.” He gave a slight nod. “I’m impressed with what you’ve established here.”

  “Thank you,” Meg said. She sipped, then added, “I suspect Loralai told you we were once more than just friends?”

  “Yes,” he replied.

  “And,” Meg deduced, “she wants you to see that we’re not intimate with each other anymore.”

  “Perhaps not physically,” Tague mused. “But there’s no mistaking a bond still exists between you. I’m sure it always will.”

  Loralai told him, “I don’t want it to be a problem. You knowing my somewhat skewed sexuality. The way you wanted to delineate it earlier.”

  “Point taken. And I’m glad your friendship remained intact.”

  “We’re like sisters now,” Meg offered. “And colleagues. Loralai assists with the clientele here. She knows a lot of celebrities and international VIPs. She helped to decorate the place and build my list of distinguished members.” Meg raised the crystal flute to her and added, “For which I am forever indebted.”

  “You’ve helped me, too,” Loralai reminded her.

  Apparently, Meg had gotten her through her darkest days.

  Tague finished his champagne, stood and returned the glass to the wet bar.

  To Meg, he said, “Thanks for the drink. And for setting the record straight.” He glanced over at Loralai. “Walk me out.”

  She told Meg, “I’ll be back.”

  Meg smiled. “Don’t rush on my account.”

  12

  They passed through the doorway and into the empty, softly lit corridor. Jazz music drifted up to greet them. They headed to the staircase, but Tague placed a hand at the small of her back and guided her into a shadowy corner. He pressed his body to Loralai’s.

  His extremely hard and powerful body.

  “I got the hint,” he said. “You have a past. I have a past. We should both precede with caution.”

  “Yes.”

  “But you still want me.”

  “Yes.”

  “So clearly, caution’s going to get thrown out the window.”

  “Tague—”

  His mouth claimed hers. His tongue swept over hers, masterfully twisting and tangling.

  In a heartbeat, Loralai was lost in the taste of him, the feel of him, the smell of him.

  Her fingers curled around the lapels of his jacket. His strong arms were like a steel cage encircling her waist, crushing her to him as his tongue delved deeper, teased her senseless. Made her heart thunder and her pulse echo in her ears.

  It was a scorching-hot free-fall of a kiss that went on and on.

  Until she couldn’t breathe.

  She tore her mouth from his, her chest heaving, her eyes wide.

  “Jesus,” she said. “You could make me come with just a kiss.”

  He gazed down at her, lust flaring in his midnight irises. “I intend to put much more effort into it than that.”

  Loralai’s stomach flipped. She released his jacket and splayed her hands over his hard pecs at the opening of his shirt. His warm skin and solid muscles intensified the electric currents running rampant within her.

  Maybe it wasn’t sane, but she needed to touch more of him.

  Her fingers worked the buttons on the flap, down to his abdomen. Then she explored the corrugated grooves of his belly and the hard ledge of his chest. Eventually, she slid her hands around to his back. Reveled in the way the thick sinew flexed beneath her touch.

  She wanted to be naked with him. Under him. On top of him. Didn’t matter. It’d be fantastic any way he fucked her. She didn’t doubt it for a second.

  Tague captured her mouth in another soul-stealing kiss, just as he gripped the hem of her skirt and hitched it up a couple inches. His fingers twined with the thin strands of her thong and he pushed the lingerie downward so it dropped to the floor. He wedged his thigh between hers and Loralai rubbed against him, his pants creating an enticing bit of friction along her bare pussy.

  Mostly, she felt his rigid muscles as she slowly rode him.

  Breaking the kiss, he said, “You’re wet again.”

  He could feel her through the material…and it appeared to excite him.

  One hand palmed her breast and caressed roughly. Lightning zapped her. His other hand moved to her hip, then glided around to her ass. The tips of his fingers stroked her cleft, back and forth. Taunting and teasing her.

  Then a finger eased into her pussy from behind. Her body jerked and her inner muscles clenched him tight.

  “It’ll be a snug fit when my cock’s inside you,” he ground out as he thrust deeper, making her gasp. His finger slid out and rimmed her anus, coating it. “Here, too.”

  “Tague,” she muttered helplessly. A weak protest because she wanted him. Yet it unnerved her to know how much. So his name falling from her lips was really more of a plea for him to satisfy her.

  And he knew it.

  His index finger sank into the small hole. “Feel me.”

  She did. More than she’d ever felt anything so acutely before.

  And called out his name.

  Tague’s lips slid over her throat, his teeth gently biting.

  He massaged the narrow canal with a sensuous, yet determined rhythm. Loralai’s hips bucked with the same tempo, her slick folds gliding along his thigh, rubbing her clit. The friction heightened her arousal. So, too, did Tague’s stroking in such a highly sensitive spot.

  She clutched his biceps, holding herself steady because she trembled from head to toe.

  “You want me hard and thick inside you, don’t you, baby?” His voice rumbled against her neck.

  “Oh, God, yes.” She couldn’t mask the sizzling desire he incited. Despite being wary of their dynamic attraction.

  “No matter how I take you?” he quietly demanded.

  More zings ignited in her core. “However you want me,” she said. Every inch of her craved his mouth, his touch. And her insides burned with a fervent need for him to fill her. Plunge deep. Pump hard and fast. Until she shattered.

  Her convictions had dissolved with that first kiss. Now she was desperate for him.

  And so very close to coming.

  “Christ, Tague…” Her orgasm swelled within her.

  Tague’s mouth crashed over hers again in a passionate, frenzied kiss.

  The tips of his long fingers caressed her opening as he continued to stroke her. When he eased farther into her, his fingers also dipped into her pussy. A moan lodged in her throat as her mouth remained sealed to his.

  She wanted so much more. Nearly begged him to fuck her right then, right there.

  But she was too close to losing it entirely to say a word. And he clear
ly sensed it.

  He dragged his mouth from hers. “Are you ready to come for me?” he whispered against her temple.

  “Yes. Oh, God…yes!”

  A quick, forceful thrust into both slickly coated spots and the sensations erupted. Loralai called out his name as she fell apart for him, the inferno raging within.

  “Oh, yeah.” He groaned. “Squeeze my fingers tight. Like you will when my cock’s buried inside you.”

  Her inner walls continued to clench and release, clutching at him in both places as she rode out the climax. Razor-thin slivers of air fell from her parted lips.

  “You make the sexiest damn sounds when you’re hot for me,” he told her. “Next time, I’m going to make you scream from the pleasure I give you.”

  She quaked in his arms, the sensations still so deliciously vibrant, rocking her to the core.

  Her lids drifted open and she found him gazing at her, dark promises glowing in his eyes.

  “We’re going to be damn good together,” he assured her. “Naked and nothing holding us back. No barriers. We’ll both provide medical documentation, and then I’m going to make you come again and again, Loralai. And you’re going to love every second of it.”

  His confidence kept her insides thrumming, kept the pulsing beat between her legs erratic and insistent.

  He kissed her once more. Softly this time. Tenderly. Surprising her.

  Eventually, he withdrew from her—while she still trembled. He pulled a handkerchief from the inner pocket of his suit jacket and wiped his hands, then tucked the small square away. Buttoned his shirt. Never breaking the eye contact.

  “Meet me for coffee in the morning,” he said.

  “I—” Dear God, how far down this rabbit hole was she going to fall?

  “Seven-thirty,” he insisted.

  She nodded.

  Tague bent down and snatched her thong from where it’d been discarded. Raised the scant triangle of lace to his nose and inhaled.

  “Think I’ll keep these.” He gave her a devilish grin as he stuffed the panties into his front pocket.

  Red-hot exhilaration consumed Loralai.

  “Thanks for blowing my mind this evening.” He grinned again. Then he turned and sauntered off.

  Loralai stared after him.

  Who’d blown whose mind?

  13

  Still vibrating from the encounter and the amazing orgasm he’d given her, she crossed the hallway and swiped her finger, then pushed through the door. She closed it behind her and sank into the exact spot Tague had recently vacated.

  “That was sensational,” Meg commented from her position behind her desk.

  Loralai’s gaze slid briefly to the monitors. The inky corner with slivers of light where Tague had just gotten her off was pulled up on one screen. “Meg.”

  “I couldn’t help it,” she contended, palms in the air in a placating way. “I knew he was going to kiss you. I couldn’t help ‘eavesdropping’ to make sure you didn’t turn away at the last second.”

  “Not a chance. He’s completely irresistible.”

  “I can see that. And I’m so happy for you.” Meg sighed. “Good Lord. That man is one-hundred percent alpha. Through and through.”

  “That’s why I needed him to meet you. I can handle him being territorial of me around other men. Admittedly, I get a thrill out of it. What woman wouldn’t?” She let out a humorless laugh, still reeling. “But not with you. I wanted him to know there’s nothing romantic between us. That you’re not a threat to all that sexy, arrogant, powerful manliness of his.”

  Meg fanned her face with a hand. “Definitely makes me consider switching back to the original team.”

  “You don’t even have sex, Meg. You’ve become a voyeur. So you technically don’t have a team.”

  Now the slender hand waved dismissively. “Maybe someday I’ll get back in the game. Opening this club has consumed every waking minute. But I’m quite pleased that you found a play toy. One that doesn’t require batteries.” Meg wagged her sculpted brows.

  “I can’t deny the man sets me on fire. Which isn’t necessarily a good thing.” Loralai’s fingers curled around the edge of the cushion she sat on. Her heart wouldn’t slow, nor would her pulse. “And didn’t I pick the most potent ‘play toy’ imaginable?”

  “You’ve always been an overachiever.” Meg pushed back her chair and stood. She poured two glasses of champagne and joined Loralai, handing over one while sipping the other. She perched herself on the ledge of the ottoman.

  “That man’s touch is like a branding iron,” Loralai murmured.

  “From the looks of things, I’d say everything about him brands you.” Meg took another small drink, then added, “You’re scared, aren’t you?”

  “Terrified.” She didn’t hesitate to say it, didn’t sugar-coat the perilous situation she’d found herself in—all because of Chip’s little meet-and-greet yesterday morning.

  “Well, I will give Tague Mason due credit. He didn’t step into the bathroom to relieve some of the sexual tension. And Christ,” Meg said with a soft laugh. “He didn’t even think twice about you coming on the pant leg of what I presume to be a three-thousand-dollar suit.”

  “Something tells me I really should have read that Wall Street Journal article. If he’s half as aggressive in the courtroom as he is with me, he must be a force to be reckoned with—I’m damn certain it permeates every aspect of his life.”

  “And he sure as hell knows how to make you come in record time.”

  Loralai gave serious consideration to what had just transpired in the corridor and it sent a shudder of exhilaration, mixed with fear, along her spine. With a slight shake of her head, she told her friend, “That wasn’t an orgasm with Tague. That was possession.”

  Meg stared at her over the rim of her glass, held mid-air on the way to her lips. Their gazes held.

  Loralai’s breathing remained scarce.

  It took a small eternity for Meg to collect herself and ask, “What are you going to do about this?”

  Loralai’s stomach knotted. She took a deep sip. Then simply said, “I have no fucking clue.”

  Tague wondered if Loralai/L.L. would stand him up. Had last night been more intense than she’d expected or wanted?

  The evening had certainly been loaded with twists and turns that had even surprised him. But he could handle it. Looked forward to what came next.

  If anything…

  He spared a glance at his watch and fought a scowl. It was precisely seven-thirty.

  Saucy L.L. didn’t strike him as the perfectly punctual type. But sophisticated, sensuous Loralai did.

  However, he wasn’t anticipating the latter to meet him this morning. He had a feeling that persona was reserved for the club. Perhaps also for the firm dinner at the Waldorf, given its high-profile extravagance. But he wouldn’t mind if it was L.L. on his arm. She’d entertain the crowd with her carefree spirit; though Loralai would probably hold everyone in a mesmeric state, tying a lot of tongues. Certainly his parents’.

  Tague grinned. That’d be a sight to see. There was nothing quite like silencing a roomful of lawyers with the flash of a woman’s thigh and her breathtaking face. Though L.L.’s radiant smile and seductive dimple could do that as well.

  As evidenced by Tague’s suddenly sharp exhale as L.L. blew through the door to the coffee shop, decked out in a fitted cream-colored coat that once again fell over her hips and just shy of the short hem of her tight skirt, in the same color. As were her stockings with wide lacy tops on full display, knit gloves and beanie cap. The thick cashmere scarf around her neck, however, was lavender. Her suede thigh-high boots were of the exact hue.

  Once again…damn sexy. Provocative.

  Evocative.

  Something moved and stirred within him. Tague fought the physical pull, though, really not needing another hard-on elicited by L.L. that he could currently do nothing about. Yet suspecting it was inevitable.

  She sidled u
p to him, slipped off the shades and said, “Caught you stealing a peek at your watch. Didn’t think I’d come?”

  His brow crooked. “That’s actually the least of my concerns. Think we’ve got that covered.”

  There was a flicker of mischief in her eyes over the innuendo. And the color tinging her cheeks, already pink from the cold weather, deepened. She clearly got his meaning.

  She said, “You’re a bit full-throttle.”

  “Can’t be surprised this time, right?” He gestured for her to join the line.

  “Maybe not. Though I told you last night this has all come out of left field.”

  “And you considered backing out of our date. Do you still feel that way?”

  14

  She stared up at him, her gaze boldly locking with his. He admired the fact that she didn’t cower from the touchy subject—or hide behind her sunglasses.

  “I still want to go with you. It’s just that this has already turned out to be more extreme than I was anticipating. And we only just met.”

  He couldn’t argue the point, had contemplated it himself just moments before. “I think we each have a very good sense of who the other is.”

  “Perhaps that’s what gave me pause.”

  They were both quiet a moment, taking in that sentiment.

  For Tague, he could genuinely say the only woman he’d ever gotten wrapped around the axle over—and right off the bat—was Renee. But at the age of nineteen, he hadn’t really been of the mindset, nor had he had the experience, to fully comprehend what the obsession was all about.

  He was older and wiser now. That, however, did not keep the stunning woman standing in line with him from jacking his interest through the roof and causing his blood to blaze. Whether that was a good thing or a bad thing, it was an indisputable fact.

  Admittedly, it’d been all he could do last night to keep from unfastening his pants when they were in that dark corner and thrust into her. It was a wonder now that he could think of anything other than those long, silky legs circling his hips and her tight pussy milking his cock.