Beyond the Cage Page 9

  “Fine. You put these in water while I get dressed.” I hand him the roses. “There’s a vase in the cupboard under the sink.”

  I start thinking about what I’m going to wear as I walk to my bedroom. By the time I get to the closet, I’ve decided on my white, spaghetti strap cocktail dress with the gold-embellished empire waist. I place it on the bed and also reach for my strappy gold heels and clutch. I find underwear then head to the bathroom to fix my hair and makeup. I’m actually excited. This is our first real date. When I’m done with my makeup, I put my hair half-up, half-down, fastening it with a gold clip. I twirl my finger in the strands at the side of my face, giving them a little curl. Perfect. Now to get dressed.

  I return to the living room to find him sitting on the couch. Looking over as I enter, he jumps out of his seat, mouth open in awe. I can see it in his stare that he approves, but it would be nice to hear it for once.

  “This is the part where you tell me how beautiful I look.”

  Something flashes in his eyes that looks like disappointment – not in me, but in himself. I give him an encouraging smile even though my brain is telling me I shouldn’t feel sorry for him. He raises his hand to my cheek, and I close my eyes as he strokes it with the backs of his fingers. I breathe him in slowly. He smells amazing – woodsy, like freshly cut cedar. I force my eyes open, trying to clear the fog in my brain.

  “This should be an interesting night. Let’s go, Mr. Jackson.”

  When I lock the door behind us, he bends his elbow and offers me his arm. Again, I smile despite myself. I wrap my hand around the crook of his arm and we walk along like a Victorian couple.

  During the drive to wherever it is we’re going, I indulge myself and glance over at him every couple of minutes. He’s just so goddamned gorgeous! I can’t even stay mad at him. I know he’s noticed; he smiles every time I do it.

  “So…what have you been up to?” I break the silence.

  Translation – ‘who have you been fucking?’

  He shrugs.

  “Training?”

  Nod.

  “Win any fights?”

  He wiggles two fingers.

  “Okay. So, you’re at, what, sixty-eight now?”

  Nod.

  “That’s great.”

  I fiddle with the ring on my finger and look out the window. Just ask him what you really want to, Jasmine. When we stop at a light, I take a deep breath and turn to him because I want to see his reaction.

  “Women?”

  He jerks his head in my direction, pinning me with an incredulous stare. I hold that stare, waiting for an answer. Taking my hand, he brushes his lips above my knuckles. Oh, my. His eyes become darker with an unrecognizable emotion. He places my palm flat on his chest and leans in for a kiss. It takes every ounce of strength I have to resist him.

  “Cameron…”

  His lids flutter in confusion.

  “The light changed.”

  Looking up at the light, he releases me with a chuckle.

  “Was that a yes or a no?”

  He shakes his head.

  That makes me feel a little better. A few minutes later, he pulls over and hops out. That’s when I realize we’ve arrived at our destination. Myst – uber-exclusive. The list to get in is so long, you have to make reservations months in advance. That is, unless you have some clout. I wonder what he had to do to get us in on such short notice.

  I watch him in the headlights as he gives the valet one of those slap-and-grip handshakes, then listens to what the young man is saying. Cameron smiles, nods, and makes his way to the passenger side. After opening my door, he offers me his hand. One look at his fingers and last night’s bathtub escapade flashes in my mind. Maybe we should skip dinner and go straight to dessert. What am I thinking? No. I won’t make it that easy for him. I take his hand and he leads me inside, where we’re met by the maître d’.

  “Mr. Jackson,” he says with a smile. “Always a pleasure to have you.” He looks over at me, and then looks me over. “And in most lovely company,” he adds, his smile now brighter.

  I give him an appreciative smile. Like I said, it’s nice to hear it sometimes. My smile grows as Cameron wraps a possessive arm around my waist and pulls me to his side. The man winks then introduces himself.

  “I’m Garth. If there’s anything you need tonight, just let me know. Right this way.” Garth motions and we follow.

  On the way to our table, Garth snaps his finger at a waiter, who hurries to the back. Scanning the room, I soak up the atmosphere. It’s beautiful in here – just enough lighting to set a romantic mood. The décor is upscale and modern, with various abstract paintings hanging on the walls. Each table has its own unique centerpiece – roses, carnations, freesias, orchids, lilies, tulips, you name it. Garth leads us to the back where the tables are separated by screens, allowing for privacy. By the time we’re seated, the waiter arrives with a bottle of wine, presenting it to Cameron. He nods, and the waiter proceeds to open it and fill our glasses. Cameron motions for him to leave the bottle, and he acknowledges with a slight bow before leaving.

  “Your appetizers will be here shortly,” Garth says as he adjusts the centerpiece on our table. With a smile, I note that they’re Jasmines. “Jasmines, as you wished, sir.”

  I turn my gaze to Cameron. He requested them? He’s staring at me, watching for my reaction. I focus on the bouquet, which now seems even more gorgeous.

  “Gold Coast Jasmine,” Garth adds.

  I shift my attention back to my handsome date. “They’re beautiful.”

  “We aim to please. Do enjoy your evening.”

  “Thank you, Garth.”

  As he walks away, I realize he said our appetizers would be here shortly.

  “Did you order for me again?”

  Cameron smiles and takes a sip of his wine. I sigh and do the same. He is incorrigible, and I have no idea how he gets these things done without uttering a word. The wine hits my tongue and I almost moan aloud. It’s good – massive flavor that just overtakes my whole mouth. My tongue tingles with the taste. I’m on my third glass when the waiter arrives again, placing shrimp cocktail before us. I love shrimp.

  “You get a pass on this one,” I tell him as I pick up my fork.

  I close my eyes, and this time, I do moan when I take the first bite. Whatever they’re charging, it’s worth it. When I open my eyes, I find him studying me. I flash him a smile and turn back to my shrimp.

  “So…I had my last exam today. In a few weeks, I’ll be a college graduate. I scored five twenty, out of a possible five twenty-eight, on my MCATs. With my four-point-O GPA, I could probably get into any med school I want. I’m leaning toward Harvard, Yale, or Johns Hopkins, though.”

  With a proud grin, he reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. I guess that’s his way of saying ‘congratulations’. His touch sends a charge of awareness through my body, and I shift in discomfort. Why do I have to be so attracted to him? I pull my hand from beneath his and his smile fades. He probably thinks I don’t want him to touch me, but it’s the total opposite.

  The rest of the meal, which is absolutely amazing, is pretty quiet. I don’t know what to say to him. It’s strange because I’ve never had this problem before with anyone, date or not. When it’s time for dessert, Garth places the most delicious-looking thing I’ve ever seen in my life in front of me. There are brownies, vanilla ice cream, caramel, chocolate syrup, nuts, and whipped cream, topped with a cherry.

  “For the lady.”

  “Thank you, Garth. The risotto was heavenly.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He turns to Cameron. “Everything to your liking, sir?”

  He gives Garth a curt nod. Satisfied, he leaves again.

  “You’re not having anything?” I ask, noticing Garth only served me.

  He shakes his head.

  “You can’t be serious! Just look at this and tell me you don’t want some.”

  Another shake of the head. />
  “Suit yourself.” I shrug.

  He pushes his chair back and resigns himself to watching me eat. I take a bite and almost – almost – come all over myself. It’s that good. Cameron notices my reaction and is regarding me thoughtfully.

  “You have to try this.”

  He waves his hands, declining yet again, so I see he won’t do it willingly. My little imp peeks out from behind his wall. I pick up my dessert and walk over to him, smiling at his suspicious gaze. His arm curls around my waist as I sit on his lap.

  “Would you like to have my…” I lick my lips, “cherry?”

  Picking it up by the stem, I tilt my head back and place it between my teeth. I pull the stem out and turn back to him. He’s watching me, lips slightly parted. I lean in toward him, offering him a bite. He takes the offering, lightly biting down on the fruit. When the juice threatens to drip down, he covers my lips, sucking it up. Oh, God. A shiver runs down my spine as I pull away and lick my lips. I dip the spoon into the concoction and offer it to him. Holding my stare, he opens his mouth. When he closes his lips around it, I slowly pull the spoon out, turn it upside-down, and suck the remaining chocolate from it. He swallows hard.

  “Oh! Sorry to interrupt.” Neither of us looks in the waiter’s direction. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

  The charge of electricity between us is setting my body on fire. As I stare into his eyes, we share an unspoken understanding. This dinner is definitely over.

  “Just the check, please,” I tell the waiter.

  Cameron shifts beneath me and I feel the beginnings of his erection. Lovely. I lean in, placing my lips at his ear. His potent scent floats into my nostrils, leaving me just a little dazed.

  “I can’t wait to get you home.”

  I’m done playing games. I want him and he wants me; for now, I don’t care about anything else. Thrusting his hand beneath my knees, he springs to his feet, taking me with him. He lets me down and shoves his hand into his pocket. Without even counting it, he tosses a wad of cash on the table. I see where this is going. I quickly grab my clutch as he takes my hand and drags me along through the restaurant, oblivious to the people watching us with curious stares. Outside, he pulls me against him, my back to his front, as we wait for the valet. I should wear heels more often because my ass is exactly where it should be – nestled against his dick. I lean in to him and instantly know he’s using my body to hide his arousal. With a devious smile, I push back into him, and he groans.

  When the car finally arrives, he tips the valet and waits for him to disappear before moving. I giggle as he helps me in. Maybe the wine has gone to my head, but I’m feeling extra frisky – and that’s saying something for me. I can’t sit still and he’s driving too slowly, or so it seems. Maybe I should give him a little encouragement. Leaning back, I recline my seat. He shoots me a curious glance as I slip off my right shoe and place my foot on the dashboard. My dress slides down, exposing my thigh. I watch as his fingers twitch.

  “You want to touch me, don’t you?”

  He rests his elbow on the console between us and makes a fist. Slowly, I run my fingers up my left thigh, pushing my dress farther up. He reaches for me then pulls back. Taking the initiative, I place his hand on my thigh, slowly inching it north. Finally, he gives my thigh a light squeeze and moves forward on his own. As it does whenever he’s close, my breathing accelerates. I can’t think of anything but his touch as he moves closer to my throbbing pussy. Pushing my panties aside, he runs his finger over my lips, bottom to top. My back arches as a shiver rocks my entire body.

  “Yes…”

  His fingers probe, slipping between my wet lips. An overwhelming need builds inside me, aching, getting stronger with each stroke of his fingers. It’s a need only he can satisfy, an ache only he can soothe. When he presses down on my clit, I push my thighs together, trapping his hand between them.

  “Cameron…” I moan.

  Realizing we’ve stopped, I open my eyes. There’s a garage door rolling up from what seems to be the back of his gym. In the Cayenne’s headlights, I see his Harley and a Mercedes Benz GL Class SUV parked inside. I release his hand as he pulls in. Before the door is even halfway down, he hops out and hurries to my side of the car. As he yanks the door open, I rip off my seatbelt, jumping out and into his arms. I’d forgotten how good it feels to have him hold me.

  However, the feeling is short-lived as he pushes me against the car, crushing my lips beneath his, not demanding but taking. When I part them, he thrusts his tongue inside my mouth, feasting on my lips, my tongue. His hand slips under my dress, caressing my thighs. I moan, hooking my leg on his hip. He grabs my thigh, anchoring it in place. Sliding my fingers under his jacket, I push it over his broad shoulders. He releases my leg just long enough to shrug out of it, letting it fall to the ground. I can’t breathe. I need air. I break away, gasping.

  Before I can catch my breath, he spins me around, bending me over the hood of the car. The sound of his zipper prompts me to pull my dress up, holding it in place. Closing my eyes, I imagine the Kraken being released, but the ripping of the condom wrapper brings me back to the moment. Without pre-amble, he nudges my legs apart, moves my panties to the side, and enters me with one stroke. I cry out as he fills me, clenching my fists on the hood of the car. He moves fast and furious, slamming into me, grunting with effort. I whimper as he takes my body on a magical ride. His hands slide from my hips to my shoulders and he bends his knees, thrusting upward.

  “Oh, God!”

  With each thrust, I feel my need slipping away and building up at the same time. How is that possible? How does he do this to me? I can never get enough of him. He’s like a drug – the more I get, the more I need to feed my addiction. He presses his lips to my back, nipping at my flesh with his teeth. My body quivers, heat rushing from head to toe. I clench my muscles, holding on to him tighter as I feel my orgasm approaching. I scream, calling his name, which is exactly what my body is doing – calling out to him, shouting to him that it’s his.

  And it is.

  I am.

  I am his.

  CHAPTER 10

  The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world. – Lao-Tzu

  After our little tryst in the garage, he picks me up and carries me upstairs. He sets me down at the foot of his bed and turns me around so my back is to him. I close my eyes as he moves my hair to the side then places his hands on my shoulders. His thumbs brush my nape, tracing the flower tattooed there.

  “Jasminum Multiflorum. The Star Jasmine,” I explain.

  He moves to my zipper, slowly sliding it down. Next, he’s pushing the straps of my dress over my shoulders and down my arms, letting it fall to the floor in a heap. Stepping out of it, I kick it aside. He frees my hair from the clip, moaning as he runs his fingers through it. I turn to face him, battling a strong need to have his naked skin against mine.

  “My name…it means ‘gift from God’. You better start treating me like it.”

  He draws a sharp breath, regret evident in his eyes. I loosen the knot in his tie then unbuckle his belt, my eyes never leaving his. The way he’s looking at me right now is what turns off the left hemisphere of my brain. With his belt, button, and zipper undone, I reach for his shirt, pulling it free from his pants. I work on the buttons, lightly brushing my fingers against his chest as I go. Slipping my hands beneath the material, I push the shirt over his shoulders. He falls to his knees before me and unbuckles my shoe – the one I’m still wearing. When I step out of it, he hooks his thumbs into my panties, pulling them down, and I kick them off. As he rises, his lips skim across my hips, my stomach, and my sides. Each spot he touches tingles and leaves a heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach. When I reach for his pants, he shakes his head and points to the bed. I climb under the covers and watch him as he strips. I wish he would hurry, but he’s taking his sweet time. When he finally joins me, I climb on top of him and lay my head on his chest.


  “I missed you.”

  He heaves a deep sigh, wrapping his arms around me.

  “I missed this. You, holding me…” I kiss his chest, slowly moving up. “Touching me…” His breathing becomes heavier with each kiss. Cradling his face, I bring my lips as close to his as possible. “Kissing me…” I press my lips to his in a tender kiss, then pull away and give him a stern glare. “I forgive you, but don’t do that to me again, mister.”

  I recognize the apology in his eyes as he shakes his head. Moving back down, I run my tongue along his neck, his tattoos, and his sternum. I circle his nipple and feel as it puckers beneath my tongue. He moans, burying his hand in my hair. Looking down at his stomach, I remember what I wanted to do that first night in his dressing room. Leaning forward, I slide my tongue over his abs, watching as his muscles jump. He moans again when I dip my tongue into his navel. I kneel between his legs and peek up at him. His dick is standing tall and proud, pre-cum glistening on the tip. Good God Almighty. I marvel at the sight of him. I wonder what his piercing would feel like – without a condom – against my walls, my tongue. He moves up onto his elbows and smirks at me.

  “It must have hurt,” I say, referring to his piercing.

  He raises his hand, bringing his thumb and index finger together.

  “Just a little, huh?” Yeah, right.

  I wrap my fingers around his dick, getting my first proper look at him. He’s not just thick, but long; hard and soft all at the same time…velvety. Did Jamal feel like this? I may be biased, but I doubt it. He falls back on his pillow as I begin to stroke him up and down. Changing positions, I straddle him once more.

  “Know what else I missed?” I get the raised eyebrow. Leaning forward, I whisper in his ear, “You…inside me.”

  With lightning speed, he rolls over, putting me beneath him, then fumbles in the drawer trying to find a condom.

  “Yes. Honey missed you.” His brows furrow in confusion. “Honey? Oh, you know her intimately.”

  Abandoning his search in the drawer, he rolls onto his side and gives me an even more confused stare. Giggling, I take his hand.