Insatiable (5 page)

Ava felt a shriek pass her lips before she could stop it, a shiver of desire rippling up her spine as she scratched at the sheets, her body quickly climbing toward its climax and he claimed her mouth with his own, crushing his lips against hers in a slow, deliberate kiss.

Her body could not be controlled as she shuddered against him, finding herself lost in the intoxicating masculine scent of his desire. She made the mistake of looking deep into his eyes at the very moment they came together and in that split second she wanted him more than she wanted to breathe.

Watching him let go was almost too much and the world seemed to fall away beneath her. She couldn’t look away, and within that brief span of time a truth was revealed. She knew that, much against her will, she’d reached the point of no return.

She was falling in love with Jonas Marks.

****

Jonas slid into the limousine, settling into the plush seat opposite from his assistant. Carly glanced surreptitiously at her watch, and confirmed that they were well on schedule. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face.

“Rough night?” she murmured, a smile curving her lips. He was as impeccably groomed as ever, his hair sleek. His dark suit fit with fashionable snugness, and he’d unbuttoned it, revealing the startling white shirt and dark tie. And yet, even with him looking as sharp as a pin, Carly’s skillful eye could detect that he wasn’t totally his usually collected self.

“Actually, I feel better than I have in years,” he assured her with a smile.

“That good, was it?” she asked with an airy tone.

He turned to her sharply, blinking in surprise. He saw the knowing look in her eye, and couldn’t help but laugh.

****

She’d awoken earlier to find that Jonas was gone. All she had left to remind her of his presence was the faint, lingering hint of his cologne, and she inhaled it deeply. If her body ached in certain places, it was in a very good way. She thought of how the night had ended, and quelled a tiny shudder at the intense memory. Making love to Jonas and starting an unexpected journey of self-discovery wasn’t what she had planned. This was supposed to be a simple week of pleasure, no strings attached. And yet as she lay in bed running her fingers over his pillow she couldn’t help but wonder just when he’d return to her.

Her thoughts were broken by the sound of the phone ringing. For a moment her heart lifted at the thought that it could be Jonas. Did he miss her? Was he already longing for her once again, so soon?

“Jeffrey?” she worded in surprise. “How did you get this number?”

“It wasn’t that difficult,” he growled. “It only took a few calls to find out which hotel Jonas Marks stays at when in London. I take it you’re there with him?”

“Yes, I am,” she replied, biting on her lip. “Jeffrey…”

“I don’t know what you’re doing,” he snarled, and it sounded like his teeth were clenched. “I don’t think I even want to know what you’re up to, but I want you to come home. Right now.”

“I’m not a child, Jeffrey. I know what I’m doing. It may not make sense to you or anyone else right now, but you have to trust me. It will all make sense soon.”

“Ava, please,” he pleaded. “It’ll take some time, but we’ll get back on our feet without you having to sell yourself to Jonas Marks. That’s what he’s asking of you, isn’t it?”

“I thought you said you didn’t want to know,” she replied wearily. “Jeff, I’m fine. Really. I’ll be back in a week and then we can talk about it. I have to go. I love you.” She quickly hung up and was thankful when he didn’t call back.

****

Ava was surprised to receive a call from Carly later in the day. “Jonas is held up in a meeting, but he wanted me to let you know that he’s sent the limo to pick you up and take you shopping. His Amex is at your disposal.”

“His what?” Ava asked quizzically.

“It’s in an envelope in the top drawer of the office,” was Carly’s mild reply, and Ava made her way there from the living room area of the suite. Sure enough, there was an envelope, and she looked inside.

“It’s a credit card,” Carly supplied.

“I see.” Ava replied. “So, what am I supposed to do with it? I don’t need anything beyond what he…”

“Ava, there’s no need to get upset, I promise. He just wants to make your stay as comfortable as possible. You’re his guest, so enjoy.”

“Fine,” Ava murmured before hanging up the phone. She wasn’t even sure why she was angry, but she was.

****

The chauffeur arrived shortly after the call and she climbed in, settling on the plush leather seat, sulking. Even with the many lovely sights she visited, she couldn’t help feeling that steady inner anger, at herself mostly. She had to keep reminding herself the main reason she was here, not to have any sort of meaningful relationship with Jonas, but to recover her father’s company and return him, heart intact. But then when, at a few minutes past three, her cell rang, she knew at once that it was Jonas and her irritation rose up from the surface in a flash.

“How’s your day going? Carly mentioned something about you being a little offended earlier and I just wanted you to know that was not my intention.”

“Offended?” Her heart seemed to strum at hearing his voice. She knew Jonas could at least detect the steel in her voice. “I don’t need you sending me out with your credit card like that prostitute in
Pretty Woman
. That’s not what I’m here for.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” he replied, and the coolness in his tone pricked her. “It was not my intention to insult you, Ava.”

“No, it wasn’t, was it? Yet it comes so naturally to you.”

There was a pause, and Ava felt a surge of panic wash over her. What was her problem? Getting emotional where he was concerned was not part of the agreement. The sex had been incredible, yes, but she knew better than to be fooled into thinking that sex and love were one and the same. She had to keep things straight. This was nothing to him beyond a business arrangement and here she was, acting like an angry lover.

Was that why she was so upset? Was she developing feelings for Jonas?

“I’m sorry, Ava.”

Ava wasn’t sure how to respond, though something in his tone tugged at her heart, making her regret her harsh words.

“Is that all, Jonas?”

Silence.

“I was calling to tell you that we’ll be having dinner tonight with a few very important business associates of mine. It’s a black-tie affair, so you may need to purchase something appropriate to wear.”

“Not a problem,” she said stiffly. “I’m certain I can find something.”

“Oh, but I insist,” he replied, his tone suddenly chilly. “You’re a very beautiful woman, Ava. Use the card to buy anything you need. Oh, and pick up some sexy lingerie as well. I like red. Keep that in mind, will you?”

“Would there be anything else?” she replied with steely sarcasm, her teeth aching from gritting them so hard.

“Nothing else…for now,” he returned mildly. “We’ll need to be ready by seven. Let’s try not to be late.”

He hung up and Ava threw her cell on the seat next to her. She knew she had asked for it. He wasn’t a man for playing games. No matter what she thought or felt, he was the one in control. And it looked like he was going to make sure that this time, she didn’t forget it.

****

Ava had been sure that the dinner would be harrowing, but to her surprise, it turned out to be more exciting and enjoyable than she’d ever expected. Jonas had been right about it being a very high-powered event. They were seated at a long table in an exclusive restaurant, and there were at least twenty people in the group. The men were mostly older, but looked just as rich and powerful as Jonas. The women were exquisitely dressed, their bodies dripping with jewels.

Ava was in no way a wallflower this evening. She’d been quite furious with Jonas for his insistence that she spend his money, but then decided that if he so insisted, she may as well enjoy it. It certainly was rather interesting to walk into the most expensive stores and purchase everything she wanted without having to so much as glance at the price tags. However, when it came to the evening’s attire she had opted for understated yet tasteful elegance. Her dress was a black, slimming style, the waist cinched in right beneath the bodice, the neckline draping low to reveal just a tempting glimpse of bust.

Once she’d dressed, Jonas had the same look in his eyes she was coming to recognize easily. He’d stepped forward, hands cupping her shoulders as he swept his gaze over her from head to foot. “Ravishing,” he’d murmured, dipping his head to nuzzle her neck lightly, even as he drew in a deep, appreciative breath. “It would be so unfashionable, and downright rude, to be late. If it wasn’t for that…”

He didn’t finish his sentence, but she knew exactly what he was thinking. And the wanton woman in her had ached with an answering need. And it was one that never eased throughout the evening. Even with the distinguished company, the fine food and dazzling wine, she never lost consciousness of the virile, gorgeous man at her side. It didn’t seem possible, but he looked even more handsome this evening. His perfectly fitted suit molded his dashing frame like a glove, and her eyes felt constantly drawn to his face. When he laughed, or she listened to him converse comfortably with the people of power seated with him at table, she got a deeper understanding of the man he was, and how much she was drawn to him.

At first it had seemed only a physical attraction. He turned her on and that was obvious from the very first time they met. But with her heart fluttering every time he looked at her or held her gaze briefly, she knew it was something deeper…something more than just sexual desire she felt. He aroused her body and thrilled her mind.

When he spoke, on whatever topic, she loved to listen, admired the way his sharp mind worked and how he analyzed things. It wasn’t hard to see why he was so successful, and why he commanded so much respect from those around him.

Since leaving University and joining her brother in trying to pick up the pieces of their family estate, she’d come to understand a little of the cold, steel-hard reality of the business world. And she remembered one of the first things Jonas had told her that first night they’d met, after she’d found out who he really was. About how he made no apologies for what he’d had to do in the name of business—such as the takeover of her father’s company. Was she wrong to have hated him for what had simply been a clever business strategy?

But then, wasn’t she betraying her family by allowing herself to have feelings for him that she knew very well she shouldn’t? She’d already spent many nights of pleasure with him, and even when she kept telling herself it was all for the good of those she cared about, she knew there was much more to this than what she had originally set out to do.

It was weak and foolish of her, but she should have known it would happen. It should have been obvious from the start that in this game of power and seduction, she’d already lost. And when it was all over, when she walked away with those signed papers, she knew she’d have given away even more than she’d gained.

****

Once alone inside the air-conditioned lavishness of the limo, Jonas drew her into his arms and kissed her. No warning. His mouth was insistently passionate and very rough against hers. The evident strength of his desire for her thrilled and amazed her. He seemed ready to rip her out of her clothes.

Obviously, one night of abandon had only managed to whet his appetite for her, not assuage it. His kiss was merciless, making her heart pound so hard she could hear it ringing in her ears. Her hands clutched his arms, and she gasped against his mouth as she kissed her again. A shudder passed through her body, her arousal intensified by his hand slipping beneath the draped neckline to cup one full breast in his large palm. He thumbed her nipple roughly, drawing out a harder gasp from her lips. His lips broke from hers, and he bent his head, pressing hot, hard kisses down her neck.

The sensation of his hand on her naked skin was making her inner thighs quiver all the more. She moaned, pressing her knees together to fight off the flush of heat between her thighs. In the next moment, he’d pushed pulled her dress down, baring one full breast. She felt his lips latch onto her nipple and she gasped.

“Jonas…the driver…”

“Can’t hear or see us,” he growled, his fingers molding the firm, fleshy underside of her breasts. They both moaned, her nipples rubbing against his lips, sending waves of desire through her body. He licked and sucked his way across her breasts until she was a shuddering mass on the seat of the limo, where he now had her half-lying on her back.

His free hand reached down searchingly to her thighs, and found them locked tightly.

“Spread your legs,” he commanded huskily, and Ava forced her rigid leg muscles to relax, parting her knees and letting him slip a hand beneath her dress. He touched her through her panties, rubbing strongly on the moistened patch over her pussy.

A half-sob caught in her throat, even as he groaned, his teeth sinking deeper on the skin of her nipple. Ava’s head fell back as a myriad of sensations spread through her body, bringing her close to the brink. If she didn’t fight to hold back, she knew she would come. In just minutes, he’d been able to bring her to the highest point of arousal. And if he didn’t stop soon, she was going to explode.

But he didn’t stop. He kept sucking on her nipple, rolling it around in his mouth with his tongue, while he caressed her through her panties, making her hotter and wetter than ever, begging for mercy. It took only a few moments of his torturous, savage passion to have her grinding against him in helpless release. She bucked beneath him, her lips parted in a soundless cry as the most powerful climax ripped into her. She pressed her knees together, stilling the motion of his hand, even as she clasped his head to her breast, holding on tightly to him as she rode the hard wave of her orgasm.

Her face was flushed and sweaty as she tumbled back down to earth, and she almost couldn’t meet his gaze when he lifted his head to look at her. She cursed her body for being so responsive to him, and yet, when she finally caught his gaze, she saw the answering flame of passion flickering in their darkened depths.