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  Once again, Nicky was reminded of the couple she had observed recently, the way the man had taken her from behind while she pretended to crawl away. Then she felt Matt positioning his hard-on behind her, felt him prodding, sliding toward her opening. At first he sank only the head of his erection into her. Then he paused.

  “Are you ready for me, Nicky?”

  The dark desire of his words took her breath away. She gripped the mattress beneath her hands, clenched the inner muscles of her wet channel, gritted her teeth, and closed her eyes. “Yes,” she managed.

  Then, holding onto her upper thighs and pulling her back towards him at the same time, he penetrated her with his hard and heavy rod. She cried out in surprise at force his desire, at the power he was displaying as he withdrew and drove into her again.

  She felt her groin flutter with excitement, her clitoris pulse in response as he plunged faster, rocking against her in a tight, frenetic rhythm. She tried to turn to look at his face, but all she could see were the sweat-slick muscles of his right shoulder as he stroked her. His hands shifted from her waist to encircle her buttocks from behind, gripping them and pulling them towards him as he entered her.

  She could feel him growing even larger within her, and then his breathing noticeably changed.

  Realizing he was close to his goal, she reached down and began to touch herself, to rub her clitoris that was still erect, still engorged from her previous orgasm. She had been sated, but now she was newly aroused by the way Matt was ravishing her. She knew she could come again.

  And as he propelled himself against her, as he drove himself deeper and faster into her, she couldn’t help but think, this was past beyond making love. This was something different. She’d never experienced it before, but it was something she had observed in the couple at the hotel. And it was what she wanted, she knew, as she rubbed her clitoris harder. He’d given her plenty of warning of what he was capable of, and she had asked for it. Begged for it.

  “Yes,” she heard herself whisper as she gasped for breath. “That’s it, Matt. Fuck me.”

  And as she said those words, she felt him drive into her with all of his strength, exciting her to the pinnacle of her desire and making her come. He came at the same time, his phallus throbbing rapidly within her while the muscles of her channel convulsed around him. Then, unexpectedly, he withdrew and drove himself one last time into her while they were both pulsing, prolonging the ecstasy.

  His chest was still heaving as she rose to her knees and leaned back against him. She realized she was breathing fast too, her body still bound to his, partaking in his deep release.

  He lowered his eyes and she turned and smiled up at him.

  He smiled back and then, remarkably gently after such rigorous sex, he took her in his arms and pulled her onto the bed.

  She remembered the condom and reached down to remove it from his still-erect phallus, depositing it in a small waste-basket beside the bed.

  Then, collapsing against the white cotton sheets, Nicky closed her eyes. Wrapped in his arms, she fell from the bliss of her orgasm into a warm, deep sleep.

  * * * * *

  Matt was rudely awakened by the sound of his beeper going off somewhere in Nicky’s living room. He groaned and tried to get out of bed, but couldn’t, Nicky was thoroughly entwined around him. He looked at her softly flushed cheeks, her eyelids as beautiful as closed petals. He wanted to keep looking at her, but that damn beeper would soon wake her if he didn’t get to it first.

  Gently lifting her arms away from him and tucking them back under the sheets, he crawled out of bed and eventually located his jacket among the discarded clothing on the floor of the living room. He turned the beeper off and then looked down at the message displayed across the small screen. He let out a long breath. He’d been expecting this news for the past couple of days, but now that it had come, he shook his head in dismay. The timing was lousy.

  As he got dressed, he thought of his foiled plans for the morning. He’d been hoping to get in a lot more lovemaking before treating Nicky to a late breakfast somewhere, but now all of that was history. Might as well head straight over to the office. The traffic would be pretty reasonable at seven-thirty on a Saturday morning. He could be there in a matter of minutes. It was just the leaving that was difficult.

  Matt picked up the rest of his clothes and quickly dressed before walking quietly back to the bedroom. Bending over to brush Nicky’s cheek with his mouth, he couldn’t help nibbling a little at her ear. She stirred in response, fluttering her pretty lashes several times before opening her eyes and stretching languidly.

  “What is it, Matt?” she mumbled, pulling weakly at his arm. “Come back to bed.”

  “Can’t, baby. I’ve got to go. There’s an emergency meeting of the board of directors. Can I call you when it’s over?”

  She let out a soft groan, her lips pouting as she rubbed her eyes. “But it’s Saturday.”

  He kissed her cheek, her forehead, and then her lips. Almost immediately, he felt a stirring in his groin, a warm, coiling need. “I—uh—suppose they could wait just a few minutes. After all, what could be more important than this?” he whispered against her naked back as he eased himself down onto the bed against her. Knowing he had one condom left, he reached for the inside pocket of his jacket.

  Nicky seemed oblivious to his movements as he took out the remaining packet and tore it open. She was lying on her belly, her eyelids fluttering closed. He could tell she was still half-asleep as he ran his hands down her back to the curve of her hips and the perfect roundness of her buttocks.

  He slid his right hand between her buttocks to the wedge of wet hair that announced her sex. He winnowed his fingers through the silky hair until he reached the slick leaves of her labia. She might be half asleep, but she was ready for him nonetheless, her luscious juices overflowing to her inner thighs.

  Remaining behind her and keeping his clothes on, Matt quickly undid his belt, unzipped his fly, and opened the flap of his boxers, allowing his erection to escape its constraints. He swiftly sheathed himself, pulling the condom over the swollen head of his erection, then rolling it down over the firm shaft.

  Then, easing her legs open, he mounted her. Gently this time, he slid his rod into her tight, ready channel. She moaned so softly, in such a sexy, sleepy voice, as if he were waking her up all over again. He found this turned him on, the idea of taking her in her sleep, and his erection grew harder, his desire for her suddenly overwhelming.

  “Nicky,” he whispered in her ear. “Oh, baby, you feel so good.”

  She did—so moist and warm and tight around him.

  By now she was fully awake and had hoisted herself up on her arms. He withdrew and plunged into her again before slipping his hand under her to feel the heavy ripeness of her breasts hanging like forbidden fruit from her chest. Then he pulled his hand back and slid it under her buttocks to touch her hooded clitoris. She jolted at his touch. Then, panting eagerly, she shifted to her knees, making it easier for him to pleasure her. He circled the swollen nub with his fingertips while he thrust into her from behind once again.

  His muscles grew tight, his groin heavy and thick with increased need as he plunged in and out of her. He could feel her breathing growing shallower, faster as he increased the tempo of his drive towards orgasm. But, as always, he wanted her to come first.

  “Yes, Matt. That’s it. Faster,” she begged, raising her head and turning to the side to catch a glimpse of him, her hair tumbling down her back like a red blazing trail against her light ivory skin.

  Pumping her deeper, faster, he found himself veering dangerously close to the point of climax. Holding himself back, he continued stroking her moist, swollen clitoris, rubbing it back and forth in a quick tempo until at last a cry broke from her lips. “That’s it, Matt. That’s it. I’m coming!”

  Knowing he no longer had to hold himself back, Matt allowed himself to break loose, pounding into her with every ounce of energy he posse
ssed. She let out a shriek of surprise at his sudden, unfettered passion. And as he came, she was still quaking in the wake of her own orgasm, her channel pulsing in harmony with his own blissful ejaculation.

  The two of them fell down together onto the bed, Matt on top of her, both gasping for air.

  When they had stopped sighing and their breathing had settled, Matt left a string of kisses like pearls down her back. Then, reluctantly, he got up to go.

  “Oh sure. Love me and leave me,” she mumbled sarcastically as she turned onto her side and pulled the blankets up over her breasts.

  “Believe me, Nicky. I wouldn’t go if it weren’t urgent. Why would I want to leave this wonderful body of yours?” he asked, stroking the skin of her shoulder with the back of his hand. “I’ll call you after it’s over. Maybe we can get together tonight. How’s that?”

  “Okay,” she said softly, closing her eyes.

  He looked down at her pale lids and knew she was already drifting back to sleep. He sat on the side of the bed for another moment, just watching her, listening to her light, soft breathing. As he stared at her, all he could think about was that stupid contract already drawn up by his lawyer. It was probably sitting on his desk this very minute, waiting for her to read over and sign.

  But after what they’d just shared, he wanted only one signature now, and it didn’t have anything to do with financial rewards or promises of career advancement. He wanted her to sign their marriage certificate, to marry him now and forever. And something told him she would be willing to do just that.

  But right now he had more pressing matters to deal with. His mind jumped ahead to the meeting, forcing him reluctantly to his feet.

  He frowned as he made his way through Nicky’s living room to her door. Just when he’d managed to solve his own personal crisis, another problem surfaced. It seemed fate would simply not allow him to have everything he wanted. And during the short drive over to the office, Matt prepared himself for the worst.

  * * * * *

  Nicky sat on her sofa, dressed and ready for what she expected would be another wonderful night with Matt. Unlike the evening before, her clothes were all hanging neatly back in her closet. Tonight she’d picked out only one outfit—a simple short skirt and a summer sweater. At long last, she was feeling like her old self again. Last night had been so complete, so perfect, so sexually and emotionally thrilling. All she wanted was more of the same.

  When he had finally called later in the morning, there’d been tension in his voice. But he had assured her it was nothing to do with her. It was because of the board of directors meeting, he’d said, without explaining further. Then he’d asked if she minded coming with him to a party.

  The buzzer let out a screech, making Nicky jump. She glided out the door and down the stairs to meet Matt. She felt her heart squeeze as his arms automatically encircled her waist. He held her for a moment before leading her over to the car and opening the passenger door. As she slid into his Mercedes-Benz, she noticed that while his embrace had been as warm as ever, he was oddly quiet.

  Watching him get in the driver’s side, Nicky realized something serious must have happened at the meeting. There was a certain stiffness to his movements that she’d never seen before. “Is everything okay, Matt?” she asked gingerly, watching as he buckled himself in.

  A dark frown moved over his lips, releasing a wave of tension over his face. “Not really.” He looked up at her, his brow furrowed. “It’s the company,” he said with a sigh, putting the car in gear and turning onto the street.

  “Anything I can do to help?”

  He shook his head.

  She let out a breath. “Well, maybe we shouldn’t go out tonight. If you’re feeling upset…” But she didn’t know what to suggest. She didn’t feel like being far from Matt’s side, no matter how bad things might be. She wanted so much to be able to share his problems. And she wanted him to be able to trust her with his private matters and vice versa—like a real couple…

  But they hadn’t even discussed whether last night would change the concept of their arranged marriage, whether it might actually become the authentic thing now. Wasn’t Matt’s whole plan of annulling the marriage based on the fact that it would remain unconsummated? Well, they’d consummated very nicely over the past twenty-four hours, and more than once. So where did that leave them now?

  But as much as she wanted to discuss these things, Nicky was well aware that this was the wrong time. “Would you prefer to stay home?”

  Matt cleared his throat. “Thanks, Nicky, but I have to go to this party, like it or not,” he said, steering with one hand while rubbing the side of his face with the other. “Remember what I was telling you last week about Cromwell Incorporated?”

  Nicky recalled what he’d said about the company buying up Anderson stock. “Yes, I remember.”

  He frowned wearily. “Well, old man Cromwell is throwing a big bash tonight, and I’m invited.”

  Okay, now he’d lost her. “But, why would he do that? Why would he invite you if your two companies are rivals?”

  “That’s where the bad news comes in. Turns out his daughter is engaged to be married to Ed Unwinn, as in Unwinn Press. Tonight is their engagement party.”

  “And?”

  “And I guess the old man wants me there so he can gloat. Either that, or he wants to make me an offer. You see, in this business, a marriage is as good as a merger. With those two companies combining forces, they can easily effect a takeover of yours truly.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t believe it.”

  “I’m afraid it’s true, though I wish like hell it wasn’t,” he said, setting his jaw.

  She sighed as the last embers of exhilaration from their night together fell away. What could she possibly say that would alleviate his anxiety? Suddenly, she felt helpless.

  “Sorry to burden you with all this, Nicky, but I thought you should know,” he explained, as he negotiated through the streets of Back Bay. “And I’m sorry I have to pull you into this, but I do have to make a showing tonight, if for no other reason than to see where all of this is leading.”

  “That’s fine, Matt,” she replied gently. “Don’t worry about me. I just wish I could do something more to help.”

  A few minutes later he pulled up in front of an enormous mansion. Another one. She was almost getting used to being in such places, she thought, as she walked with Matt up to the massive front door.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Somewhere among the streams of chattering people and tables of food, Matt had lost Nicky. But he wasn’t worried about her. After the pressures of meeting his family, he was sure she could weather any social gathering. With an untouched drink in one hand, he continued forging his way through the noisy crowd, trying to pick up useful fragments of conversation as he went along.

  But so far the evening had been nothing but frustrating. The only thing people were talking about was the marriage itself, which was to take place within the month. All he could think about was that he was going to lose everything his family had worked so hard for. And he couldn’t help but blame Cromwell senior for the whole mess.

  “Well, Matthew! Glad you could make it.”

  Speak of the devil… Matt turned around and plastered a smile on his face as he came eye to eye with the old man himself.

  Cromwell looked at him shrewdly, holding his glass of champagne up to Matt’s nose. “Cheers, Matthew,” he said, and took a sip of the bubbling liquid.

  Matt looked away as he sipped his own drink—a virgin cocktail.

  “Where’s your champagne?” Cromwell asked, swiftly raising his beady eyes to search for a waiter. He snapped his fingers in the air, calling over one of the servers holding a silver tray.

  “I don’t want any,” Matt replied, but the old man wouldn’t listen, insisting he take a glass. Matt now stood with a glass in each hand while Cromwell gave him a smile full of snide satisfaction.

  “Now you can celebrate proper
ly,” he said with a nod. Matt wanted to douse that crooked smile with the contents of both glasses. But he managed to refrain from doing so. There would be plenty enough gossip floating around before this merger was complete. Blowing his cool now would only add more fuel to the fire.

  “So what happens after the merger?” Matt asked, deciding to get it straight from the horse’s mouth. “Will you be satisfied? Or will you be looking to expand further still?”

  Cromwell’s eyes sparkled as he looked at him. “Since you asked, I’ll tell you,” he said in a cold, quiet voice. The old man leaned closer, so close Matt could smell the alcohol on his breath. “We’re going to eat your company alive.”

  Matt glared at him in disbelief, wondering if he should plead with the man or punch him. But there wasn’t time to do either. Cromwell raised his hand as if stopping traffic. “I’m sorry Matthew—I see another important guest has just arrived. We can discuss this later, but there really isn’t much to talk about. All I can say is, don’t try to fight the inevitable.” With that, Cromwell disappeared into the crowd.

  Cursing under his breath, Matt continued blindly milling around, his mind a whir of frustration and rage. Just as he’d thought, Cromwell had only invited him here to gloat. The old man hadn’t even had the good grace to hide his devious scheme. If Matt had been in a dismal mood before, now it was even worse.

  He grimaced as he took in the smiling faces all around him. He was ready to give up and go home. Now, if he could only find Nicky. Pausing next to a table of lavish cakes and pastries, he finally spotted her. She was across the room talking with none other than Ed Unwinn himself. He watched her curiously at first, then felt a knot forming in his stomach. He could swear she was actually flirting with the guy, letting him touch her arm and laughing at the little things he was whispering far too close to her ear.