N ECESSA RYROUGHN ESS

COURTNEYCOLE

LAKEHOUSEPRESS,INC.

CONTENTS

1.

NecessaryRoughness

2.

LetterFromtheAuthor

3.

ChapterOne

4.

ChapterTwo

5.

ChapterThree

6.

ChapterFour

7.

ChapterFive

8.

ChapterSix

9.

ChapterSeven

10.

ChapterEight

11.

ChapterNine

12.

ChapterTen

13.

ChapterEleven

14.

ChapterTwelve

15.

ChapterThirteen

16.

AbouttheAuthor

A

1

NECESSARYROUGHNESS

FootballHotShotby

CourtneyCole

H

E

IS

FORBIDDEN

.

Sheisoff-limits.

Whichmakeshimwantherlikenothinghehaseverwantedbefore.

N

ICKY

C

HASE

WAS

thestarRunningBackfortheNewOrleansSinners.

Untilheblewouthisknee.

Playingballisout.Inthirtyseconds,Nickywentfrombeingontoptohittingrockbottom.

SophiaDeBartoliisthebestphysicaltherapistinNewOrleans.HerItalianrootshavegivenher

afierytemper,butherCatholicfaithhaskeptherinnocent.

Butthenshewashiredtomakehouse-callsforNickyChase.THENickyChase.

He’sknownfarandwideforhissexyabs,panty-meltinggrin,andhisskillbothonandoffthe

footballfield.ButNickyrefusestoleavehishouse,sonoonegetstoseehimanymore.Noone

exceptSophie.

Andshegetstoseeallofhim.

D

2

LETTERFROMTHEAUTHOR

earReader,

I

F

YOU

KNOW

ME

,thenyouknowthatIloveacomplicateddarkstory,fulloftwistsandturnsandangst.

That’swhatIspendmostofmytimewriting,somuchso,thatmyownmindbendsandtires.

S

OMETIMES

,Igettheurgetojustwritesomethingfun,shortandsexy.

S

O

I

DECIDED

tostarttheHotShotseries.

T

HIS

IS

aseriesofStandalonenovellas,thatarejustpuredirtysexiness.Theperfectlengthtotaketo

thepoolorforatrain-ridehomefromwork.Theyarenotdeep,theyarenotcomplicated.

T

HEY

ARE

NOT

LONG

,theyarenotdrawn-out.Theyaretothepoint.Theyareyummy.Theyaresmall

shotsofdirtyhappiness,writtenjustforyou.

I

HOPE

youenjoyreadingthemasmuchasIenjoywritingthem!

XO,

Courtney

N

3

CHAPTERONE

icky

“W

ELL

,Sam,I’mnotsurewhatthefutureholdsforNickyChase.Youcan’tcomebackfromaninjury

likethatandplayworthadamnagain,especiallysincehe’sthirty-two.That’spracticallygeriatricin

football,asyouknow.”

“Fuckyou,”Igrumbleatthenews-caster,asIswitchtheTVoff.Nothinggoodwillcomefrom

watchingtheirbullshit.It’snotlikeIdon’tknowwhathappenedtome.Onedoesn’tsimplyforgetan

injurylikemine.

Onedoesn’tforgetgettingslammedfromeachdirectionbytwo-hundredpoundmen,inawaythat

bentmyspinecompletelybackwardandblewoutmyknee.

Ifeltthemomentthatithyper-extendedandallthesinewandligamentssnappedfromthetension.

Ifeltit.Itwasanoddreleaseofpressure,andthen…awholeshit-loadofpain.

Thatpainstillhasn’tgoneaway,notcompletely,aftertwosurgeriesandtwomonths.

Thelimphasn’teither.

NooneneedstoremindmethatImightneverplayagain.

Ihobbleouttothekitchenandgrababeer.Idon’tbotherlookingattheclock,Iknowit’sbefore

noon.Idon’tgiveashit.I’mnottrainingrightnow,andsofuckit.

Igrabapizza,too.Cold,leftoverfromlastnight.

Fuckthat,too.

IDON’TGIVEAFUCK.

Iinhalethepizzaandtwobeersatthekitchencounterwithoutevenbotheringtosit.Theactof

sittingandstandingbackupafterwardismorepainthanitsworth.Idon’tmindadmittingthatto

myself.Admittingittoothers,though,isawholedifferentstory.WhichiswhyIdon’tleavemy

house.Nooneneedstoseemelimparoundlikeaused-uphas-been.Nooneneedstoseemypainand

feelsorryforme.

I’llovercomethis.AndnooneneedstoseemeuntilIdo.

Myphone,whichislyingonthecounteracrosstheroom,buzzesinsistently.Icanseemy

Manager ’snameflashingonitfromhere,andwithasigh,Ilimpovertopickitup.

“Hey,Shorty,”Igreethim.Hisnameisironic,sincehe’ssix-five.

“Hey,pussy,”heanswersback.Igritmyteeth.HeandIhavehadarunning“you’reapussy”joke

forfiveyearsorso.Butnowadays,whenI’mlimpingaround,ithitsclosetohomeforme.ButI

won’tsayaword.

“What’sup?Yousigningmetosomeoneelsetoday?Letmeguess…theSinnersaregoingto

officiallyreleasemefrommycontract,andyou’vegottheForty-Ninerswantingmebad.”

Itrytobewry.Itrytobecasual.Itrynottoactlikemywholeworldisfallingapart.

Shortychuckles.“Notexactly.TheSinnersarewaitingtoseewhathappenswithyou—they’vegot

thatPTcomingover-don’tforget-andthey’lldecidewhethertokeepyouorreleaseyoubasedon

whatshesays.”

Fuckin’A.Iforgot.

“Sothischickgetstodecidemywholefuture?”

Shortypauses.“It’snotlikethat,bro,andyouknowit.You’vegotmoremoneythanGodalready,

andhopefullyyou’veinvesteditratherthanpisseditaway.Youweregoingtohaveretireinthenext

fewyearsanyway.Sodon’tlookatitlikeyouare.”

“Ihaveinvestedit,”Itellhim.“I’mnotadumbass.I’mfineonmoney.Ijust…Iwantedtogoout

ontop,Shorty.Idon’twantpeopletoremembermeasacripple.”

Shortyburstsoutlaughing.“Uh,sofar,you’vegotovertwelvethousandrushingyardsonyour

record,over40touch-downs,andanaverageoffiveyardspercarry.You’rebasicallySuperman.No

one,andImeannoone,isgoingtorememberyouasacripple.”

“Justdon’tcountmeoutyet,”Itellhimfirmly.Heanswersimmediately.

“Inevercountyouout,Nick.BenicetothePhysicalTherapist.Doeverythingsheasksofyou,and

forGod’ssake,don’tfuckher.She’sgottobeunbiased.Iftheownersdecidesheisn’t…well,it’ll

makeeverythingharder.”

Isnort.“Thelastthingonmymindrightnowisfuckinganyone,”Iassurehim.

Buthedoesn’tbelieveme.

“You’llfuckanythingthatholdsstilllongenough,andyouknowit,”heshootsback.“I’mnotout

oflineinsayingso,either.Justbegood.Colorinsidethelines.Andyoucangooutexactlyonyour

terms.”

“Fine.”

WehangupandIdofindmyselfgratefulformymanager.He’sstuckwithmeinthehighsand

lows,andhe’soneofthefewpeopleinthisindustrythatIcanreallytrust.That’srareinthissport,

andrareinlife.

IlimpintotheTheaterroomtosettleinandwatchmylastgame.It’ssomethingIdowhenI’m

annoyedordepressedaboutmycurrentlotinlife.Idon’tknowwhy,butwatchingthemomentof

impact,overandoverandover,remindsmethatIcould’vehaveseenitcoming.Icouldn’thave

changedit.Thisisn’tmyfault.

Forsomereason,it’simportantthatIrememberthat.

Icouldn’thavechangedthis.

SoIwatchthatmomentagaintoday,again,againandagain.

Ifreezeit,rewindit,playit,pauseit,studyit,watchmykneehyper-extendingbehindme,andthen

re-play.

I’msoinvolvedinit,thatIalmostdon’thearthequietvoiceinthedoorway.

“Um.Mr.Chase?”

Startled,becausewhothefuckisinmyhouse?,Iscrambletomyfeet.OrItrytoscrambletomy

feet.MybumkneemakesitdifficultandIlosemybalance,fallingbackintothechairlikeanawkward

babyhorsefallingwithallfourlegssplayedout.

“Fuck,”Igroan,rubbingatit,lookingatthegirlrushingtomyaid.

She’sgotlongshinydarkhair,atightappleass,andbigclearcaramelcoloredeyes.Andtitsthe

sizeofmelons—strainingathershirttogetout.

“It’sok,”sheassuresme,bendingtohelpmearrangemyleg.Shesmellslikesunshineandfruit.

“I’mSophie,yournewphysicaltherapist.Youdidn’tansweryourdoor,soIletmyselfin.Itwas

unlocked.Ihopethatwasok.”

Hertitsarepressedagainstmyarm,andherassisbentinfrontofme,andShorty’swordscome

backtome.

ForGod’ssake,don’tfuckher.

Iswallowhard.

ThatmightbehardertoresistthanIthought.

S

4

CHAPTERTWO

ophie

I’

M

DRAPED

overNickyChase.

I’mdrapedoverNickyChase.

I’mveryawareofmybodypressedintohis,asIhelparrangehisleg,andthenstandup.Ifeelhis

hazeleyessweepmyentirebodyandeverypartofmelightsonfire.Hisgazeismagnetic,justlike

everyonesays.

TheyallsaythatwhenNickyChaseisinaroom,heownsit.Andgoodlord,hedoes.It’slikehe

emitsanenergy,averyconcentratedenergy,anditfillsallofyourhiddenplaces,andmakesyouvery

awareofexactlywhereheisinrelationtoyourownbody.

Atleast,that’swhathedoesforme.

Helightsmyskinonfire.

Istraighten,thensitinthechairnexttohim,lettingmylaptopbagslidetothefloor.

“Mr.Chase,I’llbewithyouforthenextsixweeks,toperformPTandtoassessyourcondition.

I’mverygoodatwhatIdo,sopleasedon’tworry.”

“I’veheardyou’rethebestinNewOrleans,”hetellsme,andgoodlord,hisvoicesoundslike

honey.“Andalso,Mr.Chaseismyfather.”

Ittakesmeaminutetorealizewhathemeans.

“Oh.ShouldIcallyouNicholas,then?”Nickyjustseemstoopresumptuous.Buthe’salready

shakinghishead.

“Nope.Onlymymothercallsmethat,usuallywhenI’mintrouble.Whichisalotofthetime,it

seems.SojustallmeNicky,likeeveryoneelse.”

Idon’tknowwhy,butbeingthesameas‘everyoneelse’tohimgivesmeanuncomfortablejolt

andthat’sstupid,becauseIamlikeeveryoneelse.I’manemployee,he’smyclient.I’mlikeeveryone

elseinhislife.Someonehepaysforaservice.

Although,inthisparticularcase,myrecommendationwilldeterminehisfutureinfootball.Iknow

that,andI’msurehedoes,too.

“Allright,then,Nicky,”Isaywithasmile.“Ihopeyou’repreparedtobegintoday.”

Heliftsaneyebrow,anddearlord,arehiseyesgold?

“Trustme,”hedrawls.“I’malwaysready.”

MyovariesrunintohidingandIgulp.

I’veneverinmylifebeenaffectedbyaperson’smerepresenceasmuchasIamwithNicky.He’s

likerawmasculinity.Orpuresexuality.Orsomething.Idon’tevenknowhowtodescribeit.

Ijustknow,hemakesmyhandsshake.Literally.

“Good,”Isay,veryprofessionally.“Wherewouldyouliketowork?Ineedtomakesomeinitial

observationssothatIcancomeupwithatreatmentplan.Wejustneedabunchofflatspacewhere

therearenosharpcornersincaseyoufall.”

“Mygym,”hesaysimmediately.“I’vegotmatsinthere.ButIwon’tneedthembecauseIwon’t

fall.”

He’ssodeterminedthatheliterallystickshischinout.

“Ok,”Ireplycheerfully.“That’sagreatplacetostart.”

Heslowlygetsoutofhischair,babyinghisrightkneeimmensely.Iseehowheputsallofhis

weightonhisleftleg,howhestandsatatilt.Therearescarsonthefrontandbackofhislegfromthe

twosurgeriesthatIknowhe’shad.I’vereadhisfilethreetimes.

Wewalkdownlonghallstohisgym,andIhoverclosetohiselbow.Iwanttotakehisarm,to

assisthim,butIhavethefeelingthathe’dthrowmeoff.

Also,he’sagiantman.Iknowfromhisfilethathe’ssix-six.Butstandingnexttohiminperson….

he’slikeagiantsolidwall.Ifeellikeanelfincomparison.

“WhatelseshouldIknowaboutyou?”Iaskconversationallyaswewalk.Hegivesmeside-eye.

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Well,Iknowaboutyourinjury.Ireadthephysician’sreportsandI’vegonethroughyourfile.I

knowyourheight,yourweight.Iknowyourplayinghistory.IsthereanythingelseIshouldknowthat

couldhelpmehelpyou?”

“Doyouwanttohelpme?”hestops,turningtofaceme.Onceagain,heseemslikeawall,ora

mountain.AndIsuddenlyjustwanttoclimbhim.Toclimbrightuphimand…

“Sophie?”hebringsmebacktothepresent,eyeingmestrangely.Iflush,becausethethoughIwas

havingabouthim…itwasn’tprofessionalintheleast.Iclearmythroat.

“Um,ofcourse.Iwanttobehelpyou.Butyoushouldknow,I’llgivemyprofessional,unbiased

opinion.Itmightendupthathelpingyoumightbetellingyouthatyou’redone.Youdon’twantto

permanentlyinjureyourself.”

Hisgazeisstonynow,andhelooksaway,walkingagain,downthehall.Itrailrightbehindhim,

andIknowit’scausinghimpaintowalksofast.

Heopensadoor.“Thisisthegym,”hesaysgruffly,holdingthedooropensoIcanpass.

Ienterapalatialworkoutarea,linedwithweights,mirrorsand…chandeliers?

Iturntohim.“Whohaschandeliersintheirgym?”

Hewinks.“Ido.ThisisNewAwlins,babe.”

“Right.”Iwalkpast,andIhavenocluewhatthatevenmeant,buthecalledmeBabe,andmyheart

isracing.

“Ok,”Iturntohim.“Let’sstartwithsomebasicrangeofmotionexercisessoIcanseewhatwe’re

workingwith.Canyoulieonyourback?”

“Idoamazingthingsonmyback,”hesaysflippantly,andmyovariestwitchagain.

“Doyoueverturnoff?”Iaskhim,asIsinktomykneesnexttohim.

“No.Iwouldsaysomethingaboutyoubeingonyourknees,butthatwouldbeinappropriate.”

Hishazeleyesflash,andIfindithardtobelievethathegivesadamnaboutpropriety.Thenhe

winksagain,andIknowitasafact.

Isigh.

Iputahandbeneathhisleftknee,goingthroughthemotionswithhisgoodlegfirsttogetagood

baselineforhisnormal.Hisskiniswarm,andtightwithmuscle,andhe’ssuchatopspecimenof

maleness.Ishouldknow,I’veworkedwithathletesmyentireprofessionallife.

“Youdon’thavetobesogentle,”hetellsmegruffly.“Ilikeitrough.”

Goodlord.

Mycheeksflushandhelaughs,andIputhislegdown.

“Mr.Chase,”Itellhimprimly.“Ifwe’regoingtosurvivesixweeksoflivingtogether,you’re

goingtohavetokeepyourselfincheck.I’maprofessional.Youcan’ttreatmelikesomegroupie.”I

takeabreathtocontinue,butheinterrupts,hisfaceincredulous.

“Wait,what?Whatdoyoumean,livingtogether?”

I’mconfused.“We’llbelivingtogether.Ihavetostaywithyou.Thatwasthedealwithyour

manager.Ihaveto…”mywordsdieoffasIconnectthedots.“Youdidn’tknow.”

Heshakeshishead.“No.Shortymust’veleftthatpartout.”

Goodlord.

“Theownerswantedmetogetathoroughideaofyourrecovery,”Istammer.“Theywantedmeto

beheredayinanddayout.Sinceyou’vebeenso…sinceyouhaven’twantedtoleaveyourhouse,no

onereallyknows…”

“NoonereallyknowsifI’llrecover.Yeah,Iknow.”

Hepusheshimselfoffthefloor,andhe’spissed,andIdon’tknowwhattodoasheheadsforthe

door.

Oncehereachesit,hepausesandturnsaround.

“Well,areyoucoming?I’llshowyoutoaguestroom.”

He’sdefinitelynotpleased.

AsIjumptomyfeetandtrailbehindhim,IcanonlywonderwhatI’vegottenmyselfinto.

N

5

CHAPTERTHREE

icky

N

O

FUCKING

WONDER

Shortytoldmenottofuckher.Becauseheknewshewasstayingundermyroof

forsixfuckingweeks.

AfterIleaveherinaguestroomtounpack,Itrytocallmymanager.

Wisely,heletsitgotovoicemail.“Hi,thisisShorty.No,mynamedoesn’trefertomyheightor

toanyotherappendage.Itreferstomytemper.Ifyou’vegotballs,leaveamessage.Ifyoudon’t,I

can’thelpyouuntilyougrowapair.”

Idoownapair,abigpair,soIleavehimacolorfulvoicemail.

Ifeelstrangelybetterafterward.

Purged,almost.

That’swhy,whenSophieemergesabitlater,Imanagenottogrowlather.She’stoohotforthat,

anyway,ifI’mhonest.

Shestandsuncertainlyinthedoorway,andthemorninglighthitsherjustso,andIsweartoGod

shelookslikeanangel.Questionis…isshetheAngelofMercy,ortheAngelofDeath?

“Whatdoyouliketoeat?”IaskherascasuallyasIcan.Ican’thelpbutnoticehertightpants,and

thewayherassisplumpandtight.

Itmatchesmycrotchatthemoment.Ishifttoalleviatethetightness.

Sheshrugs.“Itrytoeathealthy,butI’mameat-eater,so…”

“Ameat-eater,hmm?”IraiseaneyebrowandIswearhercheek-lineflushes.“Ididn’tmeanthat

sexually,”Iadd.

Sheflushesevenmore.

“Ididn’tthinkyoudid.”

“Yes,youdid.”

Sheliftshernose.“Fine.Idid.Everythingyousayissexual.”

“You’veonlyknownmeforthirty-minutesandyou’vealreadypickeduponthat?”Ifeignbeing

impressed.Sherollshereyes.

“Someonewhohasbeenwithyouforonlythirtysecondswouldpickuponthat,”shepointsout.

“I’mwounded,truly,”Itellher.Sherollsherbrowneyesagain.They’rethecolorofachocolate

coloreddiamond,clearandsparkling.

“Backtofood,”shesaysfirmly.“I’lleatanything.”

“Good.I’llsendoutforsomesushiforlunch.”

“Exceptsushi,”shesaysimmediately.“Norawfish.”

“Okay,”I’magreeable.“Nosushi.I’llsendoutforIndian.”

“Errr.NoIndian,either.Currymakesmenauseous.”

Ipause,andsheshrugs.“I’msorry.Idon’tliketobepicky.”

“Howabout…Greek?”

Shewinces.“Ihatefeta.”

Istareather.“Ok.Sonosushi,noGreekandnoIndian.You’resoright.You’lljusteatanything.

HowaboutThai?”

Shepondersthat.“Maybe.Butit’snotmyfavorite.”

“Whatisyourfavorite?”

“Italian,”sheanswersimmediately.

AndIthistime,I’mtheonerollingmyeyes.“Whatacoincidence.TheItaliangirllovesItalian

food.”

“WhosaidI’mItalian?”shenarrowshereyes,herhandsonherlusciouships.

“Yourbody.Yourname.Yourattitude.”I’munapologeticandshelaughs.

“Fine.I’llgiveyouthat.I’mItaliantothebone.I’mnotsorry.”

“Norshouldyoube,”Iagree,andIcan’thelpbutgiveherbodyasweepwithmyeyes.“Lord,you

shouldn’tbesorry.”

Sheblushesagain,andIsmile.

“I’llordersomelunch.Youcanmakeyourselfathome.Ihaveahousekeeperwhocomesfour

timesaweek.HernameisMyrnaandshe’soldandcranky.Ihaveapool,sofeelfreetouseit.

Clothingisprohibitedonthepremises.”

Shelaughs.“Nicetry.”

Igrin.“Hey.Ididn’twantahouseguest.So,I’mjusttryingtobeflexibleandadjustonthefly.”

“Well,wecanbothadjustwithourclothingon.”

“We’llseeaboutthat,littlegirl.”

ButShorty’swordsringinmyhead.ForGod’ssake,don’tfuckher.

AndIreallycan’t.Mycareerisontheline.

Controlyourself,Isilentlytellmypenis.

“Havingapoolisgood,”shetellsmeseriously.“We’lluseitforexercises.It’sperfectbecauseit

takesweightoffyourknee.”

“Gettinginandoutisabitchthough.”

“Don’tworry,”sheanswers.“I’llhelpyou.”

Ihavetolaughatthat.“Um,you’reabuck-twentysoakingwet,andI’mtwicethat.Idon’tthink

you’llbeofmuchhelp.”

Nowshe’sindignant.“Youhavenoidea.I’msmallbutmighty.”

“Uh-huh,”I’mdubious.“I’mgoingtocallinourlunchnow.Makeyourselfathome.”

Ihobbleintothekitchenandlookuptherestaurant’sphonenumber,andmakethecall.ThenI

drinkabottleofwater,andwhenIamblebackouttothelivingroom,she’sgone.

Nobigdeal.

She’smakingherselfathome,likeIinstructed.

IcallShortyagain,justforkicks,andleavehimanothercolorfulvoicemailwhereIthreatento

disembowelhim.Honestly,myheart’snotinitnow,butstill,Idoitonprinciple.

AndthenIgosearchingformynewPhysicalTherapist.

She’snotinthelivingroom,notinthediningroom,notbythepool.She’snotinthelibrary,and

asImakemywaydownthehall,Ihearwaterrunning.

Whathappensnext,Ican’texplainordefend.

Ipushthebathroomdooropenwithonehand,andshe’sstandinginthemiddleofthemassive

shower,withwatercascadingdownoverhergloriousbody.

Herskinistanandhealthy,herhairdarkandlong,andshelookslikeaSirenrisingoutofthesea

toluresomeunsuspectingfishermantotheirdeath.Hertitsareplumpandpert,hernipplesaimedto

thesky,puckeredfromthecoldairhittingthem.

Herthighs,lordwhatIwouldn’tgivetospreadthemapartand…

Hereyespopopen,interruptingmysinfulthoughts.

“Whatthehell?”shesnaps,coveringherchestwithherhandsandturningaway.Thatonlygives

meanopenviewofherperfectass,butIdon’tpointthatout.“Whatareyoudoinginhere?”

“I’msorry,”Itellhercalmly.“Ididn’tknowyouwereinhere.”

“Theshowerrunningdidn’tgiveyouahint?”

She’sdefiantandindignant.

I’mturnedonbyallofit,mycockhardinmypants.I’mshameless,it’strue.

“Sorry,”Imumbleandbackaway,butnotbeforeIgetonelastglanceofherwetass.Sheglares

andIclosethedoorbehindme.

Sixweekswiththiswomanundermyroof.

Sixweeksofmycockbeingveryawareofthatfact.

Sixweeks.

Icandothis.

ButcanIdoitwithouttryingtofuckherandruiningeverything?

That’stherealquestion.

S

6

CHAPTERFOUR

ophie

I

THOUGHT

aftertheshowerincidentthatitwasallgoingtobehellhere,butsofar,sogood.

Nickyhasbeenonhisbestbehaviorforthepasttwodays,andI’vesettledintoCasaChase(How

hereferstohishome)withoutincident.

I’vedonehisinitialassessmentandIstilldon’tknowifhe’llbeabletorecover.Usually,Ihavea

goodidea,butwithhim,it’supintheair.Itcouldgoeitherway,dependingonhowmuchhewantsto

recover.He’llhavetoputtheworkin,andthenwe’llsee.Hisinjurywasbad,andmanypeople

wouldn’tcomebackfromit.Buthe’sNickyChase,andso…well,let’sjustsaythatI’mnotgoingto

counthimout.

“Westilldoingpooltherapytoday?”heasksatbreakfast.

We’vebeeneatinginthebreakfastnookeverymorning,andeverymorning,he’sagentleman.He

doesn’tworkintohisusualsexualinnuendountilafternoonorso.It’slikehegoesaslongashecan,

andthenhejusthastobehimself.

It’samusing.

“Yes,”Itellhim.“Anddon’texpectittobeeasy.Itwon’t.”

Hewinksoverhiseggs.“Nothingworthhavingis.”

God.Canhebeanysexier?

Ineedtokeepmyattentionfocusedonmytaskathand,buthemakesitdifficult.Iknowhedidn’t

wantmehere,andyethe’sbeenaperfecthost.He’saskedaboutmyroom,whatIliketoeat,hemakes

surecoffeeismadeinthemorningbeforeIgetup.

Iwouldn’thaveexpectedthat.Itoldhimso,andheinformedmethathemightbeascamp,buthe’s

asoutherngentleman,too.

Myovariesalmostexploded.

Itakemyplatetothesink.“I’lljustgogetchanged,then.”

He’sgotasmirkonashewatchesmego,andIfeeluneasy.Closeproximityandwetskin.Lord

havemercyonmysoul.

HisgazeburnsmeasIleavetheroom,andIcanstillfeelitonmeasIchangeintomyswimsuit.

ThankGodI’mnotwearingatwo-piece.

He’salreadyinthepoolwhenIemergefromthehouse,andIcanseeaflashofblackunderthe

water.He’swearingtrunks,ThankGod.Forsomereason,Iwouldn’tputitpasthimtobenude.

“Thewaterisperfect,”hetellsmeandhe’swaistdeep.HistophalfisAdonisperfect.Iknowit

wascarefullyhonedfromhoursinthegymeachday,andmanyhoursonthefield.Somehow,it’sa

turn-onthathe’sspentsomuchtimesweatingintoperfection.Yet,hedoesn’tseemtobeacutelyaware

ofhowbeautifulheis.Iwould’vetakenhimforaconceitedass.Butsofar…hedoesn’tseemtobe.

Heshakesthewateroutofhisface,anddropletsflyfromhishair.Hisbicepsbulge,andI’mpretty

surethatthey’reasbigasmythighs.

“Wheredoyouwantme?”heasks,eyeingme.Ifeelitashisgazerakesovermybreasts,then

skimsmyhips.Itliterallyfeelslikeit’slightingmeonfire.

Idon’tknowwhat’swrongwithme.Idon’tusuallyreactlikethiswithmymen,butsomething

abouthim...Ourchemistryjustseemstomesh.

Atleast,minedoeswithhim.

I’mprettysurehisreactstoeveryone,orsosaysalltherumors.

“Anywhereisfine.”Ieyethemassiveinfinitypool,andfindaspotwaistdeep.“Rightthereis

fine.”Igestureandstepin,andthewateristepid,warmedbytheLouisianasun.It’srefreshingwithout

beingjolting.

WhenIreachNicky,Ishowhimwhattodo,andhedoesitexactlyasIhaddemonstrated.

“You’regoodatfollowinginstructions,”ItellhimasIkeepaholdonhisthigh.Iknowverywell

thatmyfingersaresixinchesfromhisgroin.It’safactI’mtryingtoignore.

Henods.“Yup.It’sfrombeingonateam.Oursuccessreliesoneveryonedoingwhatthey’re

supposedto.”

“Howlonghaveyouplayed?”Iaskconversationally.

Heglancesdownatme.“Mywholelife.EversinceIcanremember,anyway.Iwon’tknowwhatto

dowithoutit.I’mnotreadytoretire.”

Hisvoiceissuddenlyquietandserious,andthelookinhiseye…ittweaksmystomach.

SometimesIforgetthatwhileI’mjustdoingmyjob,mydecisionsmattertotheseguysinaverybig

way.

WhatIdecidewilldeterminetherestofhislife.

It’snotsomethingItakelightly.

“Ok,”Itellhim.“Onemorerepofthese.Andthenwe’lldosomewall-kicks.”

Henodsandcompletesthesetlikeatrooper.Icanseeonhisface,though,thateventhewater

work-outpainshim.Thatworriesme.

“Onascaleofonetoten,howmuchpainareyouinrightnow?”

“Atwo,”hesaysimmediately.

Istareathim.“Honestly.Onetoten.”

Hedoesn’tflinch.

“Maybeafive.”

“Ok,good.Honestyisimportant,ok?Ican’thelpyouifyoudon’ttellmethetruth.”

Henods,onecurtnod.

“Fine.”

“Youcantrustme,”mywordsaresoftandhisskiniswarm.“Ipromise.”

“Butyouhaveajobtodo,”heremindsme.“AndImightnotlikeyourdecision.”

“Youmightnot,”Iagree.“Butitwillbeinyourbestinterest.Ipromiseyouthat.”

“Wemightnotagreewhatmybestinterestis,”hepointsout.

“That’sverytrue,”Inod.“Butyou’lljusthavetotrustme.”

“Idon’tliketrustingpeople,”hesays,andthere’ssomethinginhisvoice,somethingsoft,

somethingthatIcan’tname.

“Why?”

“Idon’tknow.People,byandlarge,haven’tproventhemselvestobetrust-worthy.”

“Thatmakesmesad,”Itellhimhonestly,asIshowhimhowtodothesecondexercise.

“Why?It’snoskinoffyournose.”

HehangsontothesideandkickslikeIshowhim.Themusclesflexinhisbackandtorso.He’s

likeafinelytunedengine.Theslightestmovementandhisbodyreacts.It’sincredible.

“Iguess,”Isay.Butitstillmakesmesad.Idon’thaveavestedinterestinhisviewofmankind,but

forsomereason,Ifeellikedeep-downbeneathhisbluster,he’sgotasoftcenter.He’sagoodperson,

andtheideathathefeelslikehecan’ttrustanyone,well,itgetstome.

Wefinishthesetofreps,andhe’sclearlytired.Iseeitonhisface,andthewayhismouthisset

firmlyduringthelastfew.

“Onascaleofonetotennow?”Iask.

“Nocomment,”heanswers.

“What’sthenumber?”

“Seven.”

“Ok.We’redonefortheday.Let’sjustdosomestretchingnow.”

Iinchupnexttohim,andpullhislegout,stretchingitinthewater.Thefrictionofhislegagainst

mypalmisnice,andIitchtofeelhisheatagainsttherestofme.

I’mawanton,wantonwoman.GoodLord.

Thenunsfrommyhighschoolwould’vebeenbesidethemselves.

“Sophie?”

Hisvoiceishusky.

“Yeah?”

“Youturnmeon.”

He’ssoblunt,soabrupt,thatitstartlesme,andhelaughs.

“Yousaidtobehonest.”

“IguessIdid,”Iagree,andIhavetolaughwithhim.

Hishandisonmybackthough,andhisfingersaresolong,socurvedaroundmyshoulder,andI

achetoleanintoit,tofeelhissolidchestagainstmysoftness,to…

“Sophie?”

“Yeah?”

“I’mgoingtokissyounow.”

IknowIshouldstophim,butIdon’t.Hedipshishead,andhislipsarefirmandwarmandsoftand

everythingniceintheworld.

Heinhalesmymouth,andyanksmeuptohischest,andit’sjustlikeIthoughtitwouldbe….hard,

muscled,likeawall.Hisgrointightensagainstmyhip,andwarmthfloodsthroughme.

Iwhimperagainsthislips,andthenthere’savoice.

“Nicky,Goddamnit.”

Webothlookuptofindagiantofamanstandinginthedoorway,thenstridingtowardthepool.

Nickypullsaway,andhe’scasualagain.

“Shorty,Iseeyougotmymessages.”

“Itoldyou,Chase.Keepyourfuckingdickinyourpants.”

“Iwasn’tdoinganything,”Nickyobjects.

Thegiantmanglowers.“Youhadtouseyourtonguetodo‘nothing’?”Heglancesatme.“I’m

sorry,Miss.Ican’tlethimdoanythingalone.Pleasedon’tholditagainsthim.”

“Idon’t,”ImanagetosayandI’mhumiliatedbecauseI’maprofessionalandIwasjustkissingmy

client.

“CanIseeyouforaminuteinprivate?”

Nickyagrees,andIwatchhimexitthepoolandhe’sgone,andI’maloneinthewater.

N

7

CHAPTERFIVE

icky

S

HORTY

’

S

GOT

aveinpoppingoutofhistempleashepacesinmyStudy.

“Damn-it,Nicky.You’vegottotakethisseriously.Iftheydecidethatshe’snotunbiased,they’ll

throwoutanythingshesays.Andtheymayormaynotgiveyouanotherchance.”

“I’vebeenwiththemforsevenyears,”Itellhimstoutly.“Theyowemesomeloyalty.”

Shortylevelsagazeatme.“They’reshowingloyaltynowbygivingyouthiscourtesyandyou

knowit.”

He’sgotapoint.Theywouldbewellwithintheirrightstovoidmycontractonmyinabilityto

performrightnow.

“So,keepitinyourpants,”hefinisheshislecture.

“Fine,”Isaybetweengrittedteeth.

Shortysmiles.“Iloveyouthough,man.”

Irollmyeyes.“You’reapussy.”

“IfbythatyoumeanthatIlikepussy,thenyes.Andthatchickinthere…shelookslikeshehasa

hellofapussy.”

Somethingaboutthewayhesaysthatannoysme.Itrubsmethewrongway,andIdon’tknowwhy.

I’venevercaredwhathesaidaboutanyonebefore.

ButSophie…thewaysshesmilessoinnocently,yetfeistily.

ThewayshefeltwhenIpulledheragainstmeinthepool.

“Dude,she’soff-limits,”Itellhimhotly.

Heshootsmealook.

“Foryou.Notforme.”

“Fuckyou,”Isay.“Youdon’tgether,either.”

Hestaresatmecuriously.“Whydoyoucare?Youcan’thaveheranyway.”

Iseeherperfectassinmymemory.

“Idon’tknow.Butyou’renothavingher.”

Heshrugs.“Whatever.”Heheadsforthedoor,butpauses.“Honestly,youwouldn’twanther

anyway.She’sgotastickupherass,fromwhatI’veheard.Catholicschoolgirl,butnotinthegood

sluttyway.She’spracticallygotalockonherpussy.”

“Sayswho?”

“Everyonewho’sworkedwithher.She’sabitch,man.Juststayonhergoodside.”

Hedisappearsoutthedoor,andI’mleftpondering.

Abitch?

Idon’tgetthatfromher.

Shedidn’tkisslikeabitch.

Thinkingaboutherwetmouthandsoftlipsmakesmehard.Thinkingaboutthatmouthcircling

thetipofmydickmakesmeevenharder.

MyphonebuzzesinmypocketandIglanceatit.

It’sShorty.

Justthoughtofsomething.Dowhateverittakestokeepherhappy.Ifthatmeansfuckingtheice

queen,thendoit.Ifyoucan.Hahaha.#ChallengeOffered

Irollmyeyes.ChallengeAccepted.Andonlywomenanddouchebagsusehashtags.

Heanswersimmediately.#Dickhead

Ihavetolaugh,andslidemyphoneintomypocket.Butseriously.

Thisisastickysituation.Itcouldgowellorterribleforme.

ButonethingIlearnedonthefield-istolistentomyinstincts.

Theywon’tfailme.

M

Y

INSTINCTS

SEEM

tosuckwiththiswoman.

Ithoughtshe’dbeintomeafterourkissinthepool,andthatlikemostotherwomenI’ve

encountered,she’dbewaitingtospendmoretimewithme.

Notso.

Shehasn’tcomeoutofherroomthisafternoon.

Whatthehellisupwiththat?

So,Iloadupsomeoldclips,onesthatIknowIlookbadassin,andwatchthem.Iwanttomake

sureI’minapositivelightwhenshefinallycomesout.Limpingaroundsortofchipsawayatmysexy

edge.

Butafteranhourofwatchingclips,shestillhasn’temerged.

Sofinally,Idecidetojustbeblunt.

Iwalktoherdoorandknockonit.

Ittakesheraminute,butwhensheanswersthedoor,she’sinat-shirtandshorts,andherhairis

mussed.

“Sorry,Iwasnapping,”shesaysandhervoiceishuskywithsleep.Iwanttograbherandinhale

herneck,becauseIknowitwillsmellsoftandfeminineandbeautiful.

Whatthefuckiswrongwithme?

“Um.Ididn’tknowyouweresleeping.Iwasjustwonderingwhatyouwantedfordinner?”

“Youthinkaboutfoodalot,”shepointsout.

“Ihaveabigappetite,”Ishrug.“Foreverything.”Ilookherstraightintheeye,andjustlikeI

figured,sheblushes.

“Aboutearlier…”shestartstosay.“I…Iwasn’tthinking.I’msorry.”

“I’mnot,”Ioffer.Shesmiles.

“Ofcoursenot,”shemutters.“HowaboutMexicanfordinner?”

Andthensheclosesherdoor.

Inmyface.

I’mstunned,andthenIjuststarttolaugh.

Imustlooksoridiculous,standinginthehallway,outsidesomechick’sdoor,andlaughinglikean

idiot.

ButIdon’tevencare.

Ijustfindmyselflookingforwardtodinnerwiththiswoman.

Anddamnedifitwon’tbeMexican.

S

8

CHAPTERSIX

ophie

I

LOOK

IN

THE

MIRROR

.

I’mnotsurewhatI’mdoing,butIdoknowI’mgoingtolookmybestwhiledoingit.

I’mwearinganoff-the-shoulderwhitesummersweater,andshortshorts.Mylegslooklongerin

themthantheyare,andIwearapairofkick-assheels.

Myhairisbrushedoutlongandshiny,andmascaramakesmyeyespopwithcaramel.

NickyChasecouldeatmeforBreakfastandthenwantseconds,butIcan’tseemtostopwanting

him.It’snotsmart.Iknowthat.Butforonceinmylife,IwanttodowhatIwantwithoutworrying

aboutit.

Themerememoryofhiskiss…thewayhishandsgrippedmepossessively,likeIwashis…Lord,

itmakesmehotevennow.

WhenIwalkintothediningroom,Nickyhasdinnerlaidoutonthetableinagorgeousway,with

flowersandacandle.

Heeyesmeupanddown,andappreciationburnsinhisdarkeyeslikeaflame.

“Youlookbeautiful,”hesayssimply.

“Thankyou,”Imurmur,andhepullsmychairoutforme.Isitandheslidesitbackin.

Sittingacrossfromme,hepicksuphisnapkin.

“How’syourknee?”Iaskhimpolitely.“Weworkeditprettyhardthisafternoon.”

“It’sperfect,”helies.

“Onascaleofonetoten?”

Heshrugs.“Nearperfect.”

Irollmyeyes.“Ok.Wedon’thavetotalkaboutyourkneetonight.”

“Whatwouldyouliketotalkabout,then?”heasks,andhiseyesaresosointense.

Ilookatmyplate,thenthecandle,thentheflowers,thenbacktoNickyfreakingChase.I’msitting

acrossfromNickyChase.Mystomachdoesaflip-flopbecausehislipsaresounbelievablyperfect.

“I…Iseemtobeattractedtoyou,”Itellhimsimplyandbluntly.

Thecornerofhismouthtiltsupward.

“Youdon’tsay?”

Iblush.

“Yeah.”

“Well,youmighthavenoticedthisafternoon,butI’mattractedtoyou,too.”

“You’reattractedtoeveryonethough.I’musuallynot.”

Hewhipshisheadup,inmockoutrage.“Andhowwouldyouknowthat?”

“Everyoneknows,”Ishrug.

“Andwhat,praytell,doeseveryoneknow?”

Hecalmlybuttersarollandhandsittome.

“Uh.Thatyou…Imean,youlikewomen.”

Hepauses.“Damn.YoumeantotellmethatpeopleknowI’mheterosexual?Whatthehell?AndI

thoughtIwashidingthatsowell,too.”

IblushandIdon’tknowwhy.

“YouknowwhatImean.”

Hetakesabiteandchewsitthoroughly.Hismuscledarmlaysonthetable.“IfyoumeanthatI

thoroughlyenjoythecompanyofbeautifulwomenfromtimetotime,thenthat’strue.Butnoneof

themwerearebeautifulasyou.”

“OhmyGod,”Isnort.“Youknowhowtolayitonthick.”

Hewinks.

“Eatyourdinner.Youdon’teatenough.”

“Howwouldyouknowthat?”

Itakeabiteforemphasis.

“BecauseInoticethings.”

“Whatelsedoyounotice?”

Hethinksonthat.“Inoticethatyoudon’tdrinkcaffeineafterbreakfast,youonlyhaveoneglass

ofwine,youneverdrinktoexcess.Youareverycareful,verycautious,andyou’reeasilyangered.”

Istareathim.“I’veneverlostmytemperwithyou.”

“Nope.Butyou’vewantedto.”

Ihavetogivehimthatone.“It’smyItalianblood,”Isigh.“Itmakesmevolatile.”

Hechucklesoutloudatthat.

“I’dprefertothinkofitaspassionate.”

“Iwouldn’tknowmuchaboutthat.”

Hepausesatmywords,staringatme,hisgazeconcentrated.

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Ijustmean…Idon’thavealotofexperienceinthatdepartment.”

He’scompletelystillnow.

“Surelyyoucan’tmean…you’reavirgin.”

Iburstoutlaughing.“Youwish.Icouldjustseethewheelsturninginyourhead.Nickytamesthe

virgin.”

Heeyesme.“Well,areyou?”

“No.I’mnotavirgin.Idon’thavealotofexperience,butIhavesome.Alittle.”

“Onascaleofonetoten?”

“One.”

Helaughsagain.

“Oh,sweetLord,thankyou.”

“Thankyouforwhat?

“Forsendingmeanalmost-virgin.”

“Hedidn’tsendmetoyou.ThatwouldpracticallybesendingmetoSatanhimself.”

IswallowhardandNickygrins.

“I’mwounded,kitten.Truly.”

“Kitten?”

Hesmilesagain.

“That’smynewnameforyou.”

I’msilent,andhestaresatme,hiseyessmolderingthewaytheydo.

“Comehere,Kitten.I’vegotsomethingtoshowyou.”

Myheartpounds.

“Whatisit?”

Hesmilesagain.“It’sbiggerthanabreadbox.”

“OhmyGod,areyouserious?”

Helaughs.“No.Butclose.”

Ihesitate.“Wearetalkingaboutyourpenis,right?”

Heeyesme.“Wecanbe.Comehere,Kitten.”

Idon’tknowwhyIdoit,butIgetupandwalktohim.

“There’ssomethingaboutyou,”hesays,lookingupatmeasIhoveroverhim.“Thatmakesme

wanttoconqueryou.Isn’tthatsilly?”

Butit’snotsillyatall,andheandIbothknowit.

Ishakemyhead.

“Sayit,”heinstructspolitely.

“Excuseme”

“Saythatit’snotsilly,Kitten.”

“It’snotsilly.”

“Doyouwantmetoconqueryou?”

Inod.

“Sayit.”

Thewordswhooshoutofmymouth,expelledonhotbreath.

“Iwantyoutoconquerme.”

Hiseyesflash.

“Yourwishismycommand.”

S

9

CHAPTERSEVEN

ophie

H

E

KISSES

ME

,histongueplungingintomysoftness,andImoanintohismouth.

Ifuckinglovethat.

Mylegcomesupandhegrabsitbytheknee,hisfingersbitingintomysoftflesh.

“Didyoumeanwhatyousaidtheotherday?”Ipullawayandask,helapsatmyneck.

“WhatdidIsay?”

“Yousaidyoulikeitrough.”

Hismouthpausesonthearchofmyneck.

Histouchstillsonmyback.

“Yes,Ido.ButI’dneverhurtyou.”

“Whatif…whatifIaskedyoutohurtme?”Isaysoftly.“Andthenafterward,youcankissitand

makeitbetter?”

“I’daskSantawhatI’vedonetobesuchagoodboythisyear.”

Heputshisheadbackdown,andnipsatmyearlobes,makinghiswayalongmyneck,downtothe

swellofmybreasts.Helingersthere,solongthatmylegsstarttoshake.

“Let’sgotoanotherroom,”Isuggest,takinghishand.

Heleadsmetohisbedroom,andthenI’minNickyChase’sbedroom,andit’sfullofbluesand

brownsandgrays,andmanlycolorsandheavyfurniture,andthenI’minthemiddleofhisgiantbed.

Helimpsjustalittleashetakesoffhisclothesandstandsgloriouslyinfrontofme,hisentire

bodyrippedandmuscledandtattooed.

“Holyshit,”Ibreathe,eyeinghismanhood.It’snotbiggerthanabread-box,butitisclose.

“Toldyou,”hetellsmesmugly,butthenwe’renotjokinganymoreasheclimbsoverme,his

hardnesspressingintome.Everybitofhimisgiantandhard,andI’msosomuchsmaller,somuch

softer.YetIdon’thaveslightestworrythathe’llhurtme.

Hewon’t.

“Tellmewhatyoulike,”heinstructsquietly,andhisweightisononekneeandhelookslikea

knightfromtheround-tablekneelingaboveme.

“Takemehard,”Itellhimsimply.

“Notyet,Kitten,”hesaysimpishly.“Goodthingscometothosewhowait.”

Thenexttwentyminutesistortureheaventortureheaven.

Helavesatmewithhistongue.

Hekneadsatmewithhisfingers,solongandstrong.

Hisbreathishot,hisbodystrong.

Hiseyesflashinthenight,andheworksmeintoafrenzy,withsoftfingersthatgrowmoreand

moreinsistent,untilheisfinallyasfeverishasme.

“Whatdoyouwantnow,Kitten,”heutters,hiswordsshort.

“Iwantyourhandsonmythroat,andyourdickinsideofme.”

Icanhardlybreathe.

Heflipsmeover,andhispalmslapsatmyass,soft,thenhard,thenharder.Ismileintothepillows

atmystingingskin.

“Youlooklikeanangel,”hesaysintomyear.“Butyou’reavixen,aren’tyou?”

Ireachbehindandhandlehisthickcock,strokingit,graspingit,hard,harder,harder.Hemoans.

“Yes,”Ianswersimply.“Inthebedroom,I’mavixen.Iwanttobe.I’veneverbeenwiththeright

manforthat,though…”

Hestops,andwaits.

“Therightmanforwhat?”

Hewedgeshishardcockintomyass.

Ittakesmybreathandcognitivethoughtaway.

“I’venever…I’venever…”

Hepusheshistipagainstme,buryingitinmythewedgeofmyass.

“You’veneverhaditrough?”

Ishakemyhead.

“Well,justcallmeteacher,baby.Welcometoclass.”

Athrillshootsthroughme.I’vealwayswantedthis,somethingrushedandfreneticandcrazyand

rough,butI’veneverfoundtherightman.

Youhavetotrulytrustsomeonetoopenupinthisway.

Idon’tknowNickyChasewell,butIcanseeinhiseyes…Icantrusthim.

Hegrabsahandfulofmyhairandpullsmyheadbackwithjusttherightamountofpleasureand

pain.Hedipshisheadandnipsatmyexposedneck,histeethgrazingthevulnerabilityofmyskin.

Hebitesharder.

Ifuckingloveit.

Ibuckbackwards,pushingmyselfintohisdick,andhegrabsmyhips,grindingintome.He’s

naked,andthere’sjustathinsilkensheathseparatingus—mypanties.

Untilhegrabsthemandripsthemoffinonedeftmovement.

Heflipsmeontomybackandmylegswraparoundhim,tryingtopullhimintome.Hepantsinto

myear,histhumbandforefingerpinchingatmynipple.Pleasureripplesthroughme,andthenhe

sucksonme,histonguewrappingaroundmynippletips,andIcan’tIcan’tIcan’tbreatheanymore.

“Beinsideofme,”Ibeghim.“Now.”

Justbeforeheplungesintome,hepauses.

“I’mafraidofbreakingyou,baby.”

Iwhisperintohisear,andhesmellslikethewoods.

“There’sonlyonethingyoushouldworryabout,Nicky.”

“Andthatis?”

“Givingittomehardenough.”

“Oh,Jesus.”He’sbleatingnow,andthere’sasheenofsweatonhisforeheadfromthediscipline

thatit’stakinghimnottoplungerightintomenow,rightthissecond.

“Nicky,”Imoanandhisnamefeelsgoodonmytongue.Hishandfeelssogoodonmyass,his

fingersbrandingme.“Beinsideofme.Ineedyouthere.”

Hepullsmyheadbackbymyhair,andravagesmymouthwithhisown.Iinhalehim,andhetakes

me,buryinghimselfdeepwithinme,andIclenchallofmymusclestokeephimascloseasIcan.

Afterawhileoftherhythmicmotion,heflipsmeovereffortlessly,andplungesinfrombehind.

Withonehand,hegrabsmyneck,hisfingersbitingintothefleshthere,justenoughjustenough,the

tipstouchingmythroat.

“Oh,yeah,”Imoan.“Justlikethat,Nicky.”

“You’resuchadirtygirl,Kitten,”hesays,buthiswordsarestrained.It’stakingalotforhimnot

tocuminmerightnow,andIcanfeelthat,anditmakesmefeelpowerful.

Ibuckbackwardsagain,andheramsintomeharder,andhegroansagain,aprimalsound.

“God,you’regoingtomakemecum,Kitten.Idon’twanttocumyet.”

“Sodon’t,”Iinstruct.“Don’t.”

10

N

CHAPTEREIGHT

icky

D

EAR

L

ORD

IN

H

EAVEN

,helpme.

Idon’tknowwhatI’vedonetodeservethis,butI’lldoitagainandagainifthisismyreward.

SweetSophiaisfacedownonthebed,andmyfingersareburiedinherthroatandshe’sbegging

formore.

Islapherass,andshebegsforit.

Islapagainandshemoans.

ThenIpulloutabruptlyandkissherass,kissingawaythemarksofmyfingers,andshepushes

herassintomyface.

SoIburymytongueinherpussy.

Shebucksagainstmyfaceagain,andIplungefurtherintoher,andhersmell…Lord,shesmells

sweet.Somusky,sowomanly.

MydickstrainsandstrainsandittakenaHerculeaneffortnottoshootmyloadintothebed.

Ipullbackandthenpushintoher,buryingsodeepthatmyhipsaremeldedtohers,herass

pressedintomyfront,andIreacharound,pullingherintomebyhertits,mythumbsscrapingather

nipples.

She’ssowanton,shejustbegsformore,utteringmyname,moaning.

ThelastthingIhearasIshudderintoherishervoice.

“Nicky,Nicky…”

Lord,Godalmighty.

Mykneeisshaking,andIrolltotheside,mybicepsfeelingtheburn.

Sophieislimp,andwhenIcan,Ipropmyselfuponanelbow,lookingdownather.

“Areyouok?Wasthatok?”

Hereyespopopen.“Areyoukidding?Thatwasperfect.Whencanwedoitagain?”

Ilaughandcollapseintothepillowsandshepullsatme,trulyreadytogoagain.

“You’reinsatiable,”Itellher.

“Youlikeit,”sheanswers,andshe’swrigglingagainstme.IthinkaboutShorty’swords,about

howothersthinkshe’sabitchandhervaginaisweldedshut.Istaredownatitnow,anditiswideopen

andpinkandperfect,anditdoesn’tmatterhowmuchmykneehurtsorhowmybicepsareshaking.

Iplungeintoheragain.

11

S

CHAPTERNINE

ophie

W

E

SPEND

alldayinbed.

Literally.

Wedon’tcomeupforairuntilmyassisredfromspankings,mybodyachesfrombeingtakenso

often,andmyfaceisredfromwhiskerburn.It’sdarkoutsidewhenwegetupforsustenance,forwine

andcheeseandbread,andNickylimpsalittlemorethanusualonthewaytothekitchen.

“Areyouok?”Iaskhim,andnowI’mconcerned.Icould’vejustsethimback.I’mheretohelp

him,nothurthim.

“I’mgood,Kitten.”Heturnsthekitchenlighton.

“Onascaleof…”Istarttosay,butheinterrupts.

“I’mfine.Comeoverhere.”

Ido,andhepullsmeintohisstrongarms,andkissesmeagain,andI’moblivioustomystinging

cheeksandsoremuscles.

Heisbliss.

That’sallthereistoit.

Wehaveasnack,anddrinksomewine,andheturnstome.

“I’mnotahundredpercent,Soph,andyouandIbothknowit.”

Idon’tknowwhattosay,soIjustlookathim.

“Beforetheinjury,Icould’vepickedyouupandcarriedyouanywhereinthishouse.Icould’ve

gonejoggingwithyouinmyarms.Icould’vedonealotofthings.Butnow…”heglaresdownathis

leg.“NowI’mcan’t.”

“Youcan,”Iinsist.“You’vebeendoingalotofthingsallafternoon.”IthinkIblushwhenIsaythe

words,andhegrins.

“Well,you’reeasilypleased,”hetellsme.ButI’malreadyshakingmyhead.

“I’mnot.I’mnoteasilypleased.That’swhyIhaven’tbeenwithanyoneinsolong.Whenyou

have…anappetite…likemine,Ilikeitrough…butIalsolikeitsoft.Ittakesaspecialkindofmanto

knowwhentodowhat.Mostdon’thavethatskill.Butyoudo.Youdo,Nicky.”

Herunshishandupmyback,andstopsatmyneck,pullingmyfacetohis.

Hekissesmehardandlong.

“Idon’tknowwhattodo,”hefinallysays.“Aboutmyknee.I’mnotreadytostopplaying.But…I

don’twanttoplaylikeahalf-ass,either.”

“Don’tworryaboutthatrightnow,”Itellhim.“We’vegotweeksbeforetheywantananswerfrom

me.We’vegottime.”

“Ijusthatehavingthingshangovermyhead,”hesays,andhe’stroubled.Hegulpsdownhiswine,

andnothingIsaybringshimcomfort.

“Let’sgobacktobed,”Itellhim.“We’llworryaboutthistomorrow.

Heagreestothat,andwhenwegettobed,he’sgentlewithme,softandsweet.Hekissesme

carefully,lyingmebackever-so-gently,andhemakeslovetome,likeI’mmadeofglass.

ThiswaswhatImeantwhenIsaidhecouldtellwhatIwanted.

Roughisamazing,butonlywhenit’sfollowedbythis.

Wefallasleepwrappedineachother ’sarms,andIdohavetoadmitthatbeforeIslumber,it

occurstomethatI’minNickyChase’sarms,inNickyChase’sbed.

Thereareamilliongirlswhowouldlovetobehererightthisminute,buthechoseme.

It’sagoodfeeling.

12

I

CHAPTERTEN

wakeupinthenight,andIwakeuphardasarock.

Sophieissoftandcurledupbesideme,herdarkheadrestinginthecrookofmyarm.Ismileat

theangeliclookonherface.Iknowthatinhere,she’sanythingbut.

Islidemyhanddownherarm,andherskinreactswithinstantgoose-bumps.Ikissthemaway.She

movesclosertomeinhersleep.

Ikissherneck.

Shestartstobreatheheavier.

Imovedownwardtoherbreasts,andlickhernipples,thensuckthemtofullattention.

Hereyesopen,andfocusonme.

Shesmiles.

“Youdidn’tgetenoughearlier?”

“Nope.IdoubtIeverwill.”

Shegrins,likethevixensheis,andbeforeIknowit,she’sflippedmeontomyback,andhasslid

ontomymyshaft,andI’mmoaninghername.Sheridesmehardandfast,andshegetssowetthatshe

literallydripsdownmydick.

“Fuckme,Nicky,”shewhispersandhereyesburnintomine.“Fuckmehard.”

Damnitall,butshe’sgoingtomakemecumalready.

Ithinkofpuppiesandcoldfish,andthenturnthetables,rollingoverontopofherandpinning

herdown.Herwristsarerestrainedandshegrinsagain.

“Youlikethat?”

Shenods.

“Youwanttobetiedup?”

Shenodsagain.

“You’readirtygirl,kitten,”Itellheronceagain.Shegiggles,completelyunashamed.Igo

digginginmyclosetforsomeneckties,myerectionstandingstraightoutinfrontofme.

Ireturntothebedintwentysecondsflat.

Itieherwristsfirmlytoeachcorneroftheheadboard,thenforgoodmeasure,tieheranklesto

thefootboard.

“Nowwhatareyougoingtodo?”sheasksmebreathlessly.

Icrawloverherslowly,withpurposely,rubbingmyskinoverhers,indeliciousfriction.

“I’mgoingtodowhateverIwant.Isanythingoffthetable?”

Shethinksonthat.

“Idon’tthinkso.ButI’llletyouknow.”

“Ok.”Ilickatherfirst,drawingcircleswithmytongue,andthenlap,lap,lapping.Atthesame

time,Irubhernippleswithmyfingers.ThenIslidemyfingersinandout,thenlickmyfingersclean.

She’spanting.

Islideintoher,foronethrust,two,three,thenpullout.

Sheglaresatme.

“More.”

Imovemydicksoclosetoherpussythatshecanfeelthetip,andshebucksandbuckstogettoit,

butI’mjustoutofreach.Idoitonpurpose.

Islidemyfingerintoheragain,one,two,threeofthem.

Iletherridemyhandforawhileandhereyesaresqueezedtightlyclosed.Ileanforwardandsuck

onhernipplesagain,hard,harder,harder,andshe’spantingwhenI’mfinished.

“Please,Nicky,”shemoans.“Fuckme.”

“Howdoyouwantit?”Iask.

“Hard,”shebegs.

“Wronganswer.”Iteaseherwiththetipofmydick,andthenmyfingers.Shewrithesbeneathme.

“Howdoyouwantit?”Iaskagain.

“Gentle,”shesaysthistime.

“Wronganswer,”Itellheragain.

“Whatdoyouwanttohear?”sheasks,desperatebynow.“TellmeandI’llsayit.”

Ikissherhard,allthewhilestillfingeringher.

Shearchesherbackandshe’salmostreadytoclimax,Icanfeelherbreathspeedup,herfingers

clenchintofists,andthenIpullmyhandaway.

Ismile,andshe’slimp.

“Howdoyouwantit?”Iaskonemoretime.

“Anywayyouwanttogiveittome,”shesaysquickly.“Justfuckme.”

“Rightanswer,”Itellher,andIslideintoheragain,andshecumswithinaminute,shuddering

withherrelease.

Ifollowclosebehind.

“GoodLord,Nicky,”shechidesmeafterward.“Wereyoutryingtokillme?”

“Didyoudie?”

Sherollshereyes.“No.”

“Didyoulikeit?”

“Hell,yes.”

“Good.Ilikeyouinmybed,Kitten.”

Shecloseshereyes,smiling.“Good.”

13

S

CHAPTERELEVEN

ophie

N

ICKY

WAKES

EARLY

,andquietlygetsuptoshower,carefultotrynottowakeme.Idon’tletonthatI’m

alreadyawake.Hetriessohardtobequiet,thatIdon’thavetheheart.

Whenthewaterisrunning,Ilaystill,myhandsfeelingmybody.

Mythighsaresore,andmyladybitsdefinitelyknowthey’vebeeninvaded.They’vegotthatsweet

achethatremindsme,notthatI’veforgotten.

NickyChasehasawayofgettingintoyourheadandstayingthere.

Inthelightofday,it’seasytothinkstraight.

Ishouldn’thavedonethis.Itwasn’tprofessional.Idon’twanttobeanothernotchinabelt.Ijust

gotcarriedaway.

It’sasIamberatingmyselfthatNicky’sphonedingswithatextonhisnightstand.

Outofcuriosity,Iglanceoveratit,andthewordschillmetomybone.

Remember,dowhatittakes.Ifyouhavetofuckher,fuckher.

It’shismanager.

AndI’mquitesurethattheherheisreferringtoisme.

Hismeaningisquiteclear.

NickysleptwithwithmesimplysothatI’llgivehimthegreen-lighttoplayballagain.

ItslamsintomewiththeforceofaMacktruckanditcrushesme.

I’mstillinshockwhenhecomesoutofthebathroomafewminuteslater,towelingoffhishair.

Heglancesatme,thenstares,concerned.

“What’swrong?”

“Yourmanagertexted.Andyou’reanass.”

Ijumpupandrushaway,asdignifiedasIcannaked,andhe’sconfounded.

“Whatthehell?”Ihearhimmutterbehindme.Andthen…hefollowsme.

14

N

CHAPTERTWELVE

icky

I

STARE

atShorty’stext,andthenattheemptybed,andIknowwhatshethinks,anditmakesmefeelill.

“Comeback!”Icall,hobblingafterher.“It’snotwhatyouthink.”

Shedoesn’tanswer,andshe’swayaheadofme,andIhearherbedroomdoorslamclosed.

Fuck.

Thisisn’tgood.

Itrytoopenthedoor,butit’slocked.

Ihearalotofbanginggoingon,thumpsandbumps.

Iknock,noanswer.

“Sophie,please,”Iknockagain.“Please.It’snotlikethat.”

Silence.

“Sophie!”

Nothing.

“Whenyoufirstcame,Ididn’tknowyou,”Itrytoexplain.“ShortyandIwerejustmessing

around.ButthenIgottoknowyou,andIdidn’tsleepwithyouforanyreasonotherthanIlikeyou.”

Shestopsmoving,butthere’sstillnoanswer.

“Ilikethewayyoureyessparklewhenyou’rehappyandsnapwhenyou’reannoyed.Iliketheway

you’reafreakinthebedroom.Ilikethewayyousmileandthedimpleinyourcheek.Ihaven’tknown

youlong,butIreallyreallywanttogettoknowyouevenbetter.”

Nothing.

“Sophie?”

Stillnothing.

“Sophie?Getawayfromthedoor.”Andwiththat,usingmygoodleg,Ikickdownthedoor.

Sophiestandsshockedandsilentinthemiddleoftheroom,pausingmid-movementfrompacking

hersuitcase.

“Pleasedon’tgo,”Iaskher.“Notbecauseoffootballormyinjuryoryourjob.Pleasestay

becauseyoulikeme.Justme.NickyChase.Nottheballplayer,buttheperson.”

“Youdon’tevenknowme,”shesayshesitantly,andhereyesaresohurt.Ifeellikeshitbecause

I’vedonethattoher.

“Idothough,”Iinsist.“AndIwanttoknowyoubetter.You’reanamazingperson,Soph.Letme

knowtherestofyou.Please.Stay.”

“Imightstepawayfromyourcase,”shewarnsme.“It’sstillearlyenoughthattheycouldget

someoneelse,someonewhoisunbiased.”

“Dothat,”Isayimmediately.“IfthatiswhatittakesforyoutounderstandthatIwantyouforyou,

thendothat.Doitrightnow.Callyourboss.”

Iholdoutmyphone.

“Callhimrightnow.Juststayherewithme.”

“Peopledon’tlivewitheachotherfromtheverybeginninglikethis,”shesays,andshe’sstill

uncertain.Irollmyeyes.

“Wemakeourownrules,Sophie.Wedowhatwewant.AndIwanttobewithyou.Rightnow.

Tomorrow.Thedayafterthat.”

She’ssilent,butIcanseeshe’sactuallyconsideringit.

“Stayherewithme.Youcanhelpmewithmyknee,andwe’llhavesomeoneelsedothe

assessment.It’lljustbeyouandme,Sophie.Youandme.We’llstartover,andgettoknoweachother

withoutyourjobhangingoverus.Please.”

“You’dreallydothat?”hereyesarewide,hopeful.

“Hell,yeah.I’ddomorethanthat,ifthat’swhatittook.”

“You’rereallynotjustusingme?”

She’sinsuchdisbelief.

“Whoevermadeyoudoubtyourownself-worthlikeyoudo,I’dliketopunchthemintheface,”I

announce.Shealmostsmiles.

“Ok,”sheagreessuddenly,quietly.“I’llstay.”

“You’llstay?”

“Yeah.Butononecondition.”

“Anything.”

“IgettocallyouNic.Becausenooneelsedoes.”

“Done,”Iagreeimmediately.“I’myourNic.”

Shegrinsbeatifically.

Ireachforher,andshefoldsintomyarms,herownwrappingaroundmywaist.

“I’mnotlikeeveryoneelsetoyou?”sheasks,andhervoiceissmallagainstmychest.

“Hell,no.You’remylittleItalianspitfire.”

Ifeelhersmile.

“AndIwanttomakelovetoyounow,andthenfuckyouhardtonight.”

Shesmilesagain.

“YoualreadyknowwhatIlike.”

“Youbetyourprettylittleass,Ido.”

SoIshowher.

Ishowhereverylittlethingthatshelikes.

Evensomethingsshedidn’tknowshewouldlike.

I’mgenerousthatway.

15

S

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

ophie

“T

HAT

WAS

thefastestsixweeksofmylife,”NictellsmeashefinishedupPTtoday.He’sgottenso

goodatit,hiskneehasgottensostrong.

“Itoldyouitwouldbethatway,”Iremindhim.“Youjustneededtoputyourmindtoit.”

“Heputhismindtosomething,”Shortypipesupfromthecornerchair,wherehe’sbeen

answeringemailsonhisphone.Irollmyeyesathim.HeandIpatchedupourdifferencesacoupleof

weeksago.Icouldn’tholdhisassholewaysagainsthim.Hedidn’tmeananythingbythem.

Butheknows…onelittletoeoutoflineagain,andhe’llanswerdirectlytome.

ItrulythinkIscarehim.

“Theindependentphysicaltherapistisgoingtobehereintenminutes,”heremindsus.“Forthe

assessment.Idon’twanttostressyouout,Nicky,butthisisgoingtodeterminetherestofyour

professionallife.”

Nicrollshiseyes,andIsmile.“Don’tworry,”Itellhim.“You’reready.You’vegotthis.”

Henods,anddrinksabottleofwater,andafewminuteslater,amancomesin,withan

expressionlessfaceandaclip-board.

“NickyChase?”heasks,asifhedoesn’tknow.Nicnods,andtheybegintheassessment.Isitnext

toShortywithmyfingernailsbetweenmyteeth.

Itseemstotakeforever,butinrealityitonlytakesfifteenminutesbeforethePTscribblesnotes

downandfinallylooksup.

“Well,Mr.Chase.WelcomebacktotheNewOrleansSinners.I’mgoingtorecommendthatyou

beofftwomoreweeks,andthenyoushouldbegoodtoplay.”

Nicstaresathim.“That’syourrecommendation?”

Theguynods.“Yes.CanIhaveyourautograph?”

Iwanttorollmyeyes,butdon’t.Nicsignssomethingforhim,andwhenhe’sgone,Nicgrabsme

intohisarms.

“Icouldn’thavedonethatwithoutyou.”

“Iknow,”Iagree.

“Youlittlesnot,”hegrins.

Inod.“Iknow.”

“Iloveyou,”heblurtsout,andthenhelooksterrifiedandShortyandIbothstareathim.

“Whatdidyousay,bro?”Shortystammers,andIglareathim.

“Stayoutofthis.WhatdiyousayNic?Repeatit.”

Hestilllookslikeadeerintheheadlights,butheswallowshardandsaysitagain.

“Iloveyou.”

IsmileandIfeelthewarmthofitallthewaydowntomytoes.

“Iloveyou,too.”

AndIdo.

Ican’tbelieveit.

IloveNickyChase.

MyNic.

Hegrabsmyhand.

“Let’sgooutandcelebrate.”

I’mastoundedagain.“Outofthehouse?”Hehasn’tbeenoutofthehouseinweeksandweeks.But

henods.

“Yeah.Outofthehouse.Youandme.”

“Yes,”Iwhisper.“Ofcourse.I’dloveto.”

HegrinsandtheworldstopsandIloveNickyChase.

Andevenbetter,NickyChaselovesme.

MyNic.

Helaughsandleadsmedownthehallsothathecanchangehisclothes,andthenwewalkoutof

thehousetogether,intothelight.

Intothereporterswaitingtotakehispicture.

Intothepublic.

Butnoneofitmatters.

Allthatmattersisthathelooksdownatmeandsmiles.

Andthenwinks.

Becausehe’smyNic.

T

HE

E

ND

16

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

C

OURTNEY

C

OLE

IS

aNewYorkTimesandUSATodaybestsellingauthorwhospecializesindark

romance,anddarkpsychologicalsuspense.

Shelovesagoodtwistystorywithahappyending.

ShecurrentlylivesinFlorida,whereshewritesbeneathpalmtrees.Tolearnmoreabouther,visit

www.courtneycolewrites.com

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’

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T

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OCTE

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RILOGY

isaheart-wrenching,soul-twistingdropdownarabbit-hole,ataleoflove,

illusion,andloss.

Thedarknessiscoming.

Thedarknessiscoming.

Thedarknessiscoming.

Areyouscared?

***

DearReader,

Ionceconsiderednotwritingthisstory.Itwastoodark,tootwisted,toomuch,too,too,too.

Obviously,Ichangedmymind.ButIre-wroteitinfourdifferentwaysfirst,tryingtomakeit

different,moreeasilypalatable,softer.

Itdidn’twork.

SoIwentbacktomyoriginalidea,theideathatIloved.TheideathatIdreamedaboutandlived

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Iknowyou’recapableofreadingit.Iknowyou’recapableofputtingyourselvesbacktogether

againwhenit’sallover.Ihavefaithinyou.

Isthisstorydark?

Yes.

Itistwisted?

Attimes.

W

ILL

itslapyouintheface?

Absolutely.

W

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ithaveyouflippingthepages,tryingtofigureitout,tryingtogettotheclimax,tryingto

breathe?

God,Ihopeso.

I

WROTE

thisstorythewayitneededtobewritten.Icouldn’tsugarcoatit.Icouldn’twateritdown.Itis

thiswaybecausethestorydemandsit.

I’

M

NOT

SORRY

.

T

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EAUTIFULLY

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ROKEN

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:

IfYouStay

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IfYouLeave,

BeforeWeFall,

UntilWeFly

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