Zacari tangled her fingers in the cloth napkin on her lap. “And now you don’t.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  She sighed. “Say what you mean, Keary. You’ve always been upfront with me.”

  “Okay.” He shrugged. “I’m not going to deny how much I want you. I could eat you up the way you look tonight. Trust me, it’s taking all of my self-control not to touch you. The same goes for every other night when I’m around you, including when you’re in that hideous nightgown I hate.”

  She allowed a half smile.

  “However, being your lover is not what I want.”

  Could he have been blunter? “Oh.” She stared at the table, ready to run out of there because she’d made a fool of herself thinking she could seduce him into bed and everything would be fine. “Well, look, I had tickets to that movie you wanted to see, but if you prefer, you can take someone else. I understand.”

  “Damn it, Zacari, when are you going to open your eyes?” he growled.

  Her temper flared. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You just said you don’t want me. I’m supposed to continue this evening like no big deal? Come on, you know what I was doing, trying to seduce you.”

  “I don’t want to be seduced…not really.”

  She balled up her napkin and threw it on the table. “Then what the hell do you want, because I don’t get it? I don’t know what I’m supposed to open my eyes to. You said you could eat me and that you’ve wanted to every time you’ve seen me, but you don’t want to be my lover? What the hell, Keary? I think you need to—”

  “I love you.”

  Her tumbling words stuttered to a halt at his announcement. Zacari sat there stunned. “Y-You said…you love me?”

  He reached out and took her hands in his. “Baby, I don’t want to just be your lover. I want so much more than that. If all you’re offering me is access to your body, that’s amazing and wonderful, but it’s not enough. Zacari, I can’t stand being away from you. I hate it when I don’t hear your voice or see your face. Do you have any idea how tormenting it is for me when I’m away on business? I find every excuse to call at every opportunity.”

  She watched as he linked his fingers with hers, love and desire swelling within her. Sure, Claudia and Jack both told her Keary loved her, and she thought she’d seen it flash in his eyes countless times, but to hear him utter those words. It seemed too much to take in or even to believe. “You never said,” she whispered.

  “I didn’t think you’d believe me or accept it,” he said. “Remember when I asked you to be my wife, you thought it was for JR’s sake. And for the most part it was, until I realized just how much I cared about you. I think it began from that first night. I couldn’t get you out of my head, and it wasn’t just the sex.”

  “You were going to start something with Debbie, which I understand because—”

  “No.”

  She looked up at him.

  “Before I realized what was in my heart, I started up with her, but the whole time, I kept thinking of you. She was interesting to talk to, but we connected on an intellectual level, not personal.”

  “We’re only connected on the personal. I can never match what she knows business-wise. I mean we’re in the beginning stages of starting your charity in the U.S., but there’s so much I don’t know. You’ve seen that. And we still don’t agree about me going back to work. You convinced me to delay longer and take a short leave until JR is six months old.”

  “Did I convince you, or did you want it too? Admit it; you’re having trouble leaving him.”

  He was right. Every time they talked about her going back to work, she let Keary talk her into waiting longer. She couldn’t blame him. Leaving JR hurt like hell. The pain was probably the same for every mother, and because Keary could afford to support her and the baby, she had an excuse to indulge it. Still, she felt guilty and was afraid that she’d lose something of herself if she depended too much too long on Keary.

  “You’re right,” she said. “I don’t want to leave him. I wish there was a way I could interact with others more and stimulate my brain while not leaving him.”

  “If I say there is, then what?”

  She blinked at him. “Tell me.”

  “The charity, remember? We discussed helping young mothers. What if we go with some type of training facility that will encourage mothers to bring their babies in while they’re learning new skills to give them better opportunities in life? There would be caregivers there to assist and a separate section for the babies so the learning isn’t interrupted. If you get involved in that project, you can take JR with you. Although I would request that the hours not be full time for you. Is that reasonable?”

  She shrieked. “Are you kidding? That is awesome. I can’t wait to talk more about it and hash out the details. What kind of timeline are you considering?”

  He dropped his voice low and raised her hand to kiss it. “I’d rather discuss whether you think it’s possible for you to love me in time.”

  Zacari’s heart thundered in her chest. Excitement took control so much that she didn’t care whether she ruined her makeup crying. She swiped at the tears streaming down her face. “I already love you, Keary. I love you with all my heart, and there is no other man on this planet that I trust more. I want to spend my life showing you just how wonderful I think you are.”

  Keary didn’t say a word. He wiped his mouth and raised his hand to signal the waiter. When the man came over, Keary requested the check and pulled his wallet out.

  “I was going to handle that,” she told him.

  He signed his signature and left a sizable tip before standing up. “Come on, baby. I want you alone now.”

  His eyes practically glowed with a mixture of lust and love. Zacari’s body heated up, and she tumbled behind him as he rushed them out the door. At first she thought the limo would take a while, but then after Keary called for it, five minutes later the vehicle slid to a smooth stop in front of them.

  Keary had her tucked in and commanded the man behind the wheel to just drive. He turned back to her, mischievousness now reflected in his eyes. “We started out in the limo, we will finish here. Or at least this chapter.”

  “Oh,” was all she could manage.

  He pulled her onto his lap and rested his forehead against hers. “Zacari, I don’t have a ring with me since I couldn’t imagine this night would turn out like this. But I promise you, we will rectify that in the morning.”

  “A ring?” She knew what he was getting at, and her stomach was in knots. She wanted to hear him say it. This time, she’d know better than to deny him.

  “You would make me the happiest man on earth if you would agree to be my wife.” He grasped her face on both sides and lifted her head to kiss her. Zacari melted against him, loving the feel of his tongue gliding over her lips. She closed her eyes, drinking him in. When he drew back, she shuddered. “Zacari, you are my life. Please say yes.”

  “Yes, definitely yes, Keary. I love you so much.”

  He devoured her mouth while ripping at her dress. The delicate material tore away to reveal her bra. Keary broke their kiss to taste her skin from her throat to her chest and lower to her breast. He yanked her bra down so he could glide his wet tongue across her nipple and take it into his mouth. Zacari threw her head back, arching into his touch. She gripped his shoulders and pulled him closer.

  “Oh, Keary, that’s so good. The other one,” she begged. “Take the other one.

  He uncovered her other nipple but paused to look into her eyes. “What would you like me to do, baby?”

  “Suck it,” she moaned. “It aches for your mouth.”

  He laved her tight nipple and ran his teeth lightly over its surface. With a gentle kiss, he sent her into orbit. “Does any other part of your beautiful body need my mouth?”

  “Yes, all of me.”

  “I aim to please.” He reached beneath the dress bunched at her waist and pulled her panties to one side. When he tested her opening, she shuddered. Her pussy was drenched, and she curled her fingers around his wrist to pull him closer. Keary uttered a low whistle. “Mm, is this for me, baby?”

  “Of course.”

  “And do you want me to eat you?”

  “Yes!”

  He tugged at her clit between two fingers and pinched while bringing his mouth back to her nipple. Zacari had trouble not screaming out her pleasure when he stroked her pussy from front to back and then penetrated her with two fingers. He coated his digits to the hilt and then leaned back to let her watch him lick her come from them.

  “Take off your panties,” he commanded.

  She climbed off his lap and quickly shed the rest of her clothing and shoes. Expecting Keary to eat her pussy while she lay on her back, she was about to get into position, but he stopped her.

  “No, on your knees.”

  “But I thought…”

  “Did you not just tell me you trust me more than anyone?” He squeezed her now bare ass. “Do as I tell you. Face away from me on your knees.”

  Zacari didn’t even want to question him further. Whatever he planned, she was all for it. If he needed to get his cock inside her now, whatever. She knew he would make sure she’d come and come hard. Keary wouldn’t stop there either. The man could last a while after he came the first time, and he’d bring her to multiple orgasms. Of that, she had no doubt.

  She flipped over and turned so her back was to him, and she stretched across the limo’s backseat on her knees, ass in the air. Keary moaned and ran a hand over her ass and down the outside of her legs. He came up between her thighs, teased the outer rim of her pussy, and then pushed his fingers inside. Zacari arched into his touch, whining and wanting more.

  When she felt the first flicker from his tongue, it shocked her. Keary was going to eat her out from behind. He had to push her ass cheeks apart and nuzzle past her anus to get to her pussy, but he licked with relish. All the strength left her so that the upper part of her body collapsed. Keary took hold of her hips and forced her back to his mouth. He sucked hard on her clit. She cried out, but he didn’t stay there. He glided the tip of his tongue over her folds, lapped up all her juices before dipping deeper to get more.

  Zacari’s muscles quivered. She whined in pleasure every time he delved inside of her, but he didn’t neglect her button for a second. Every now and then, he’d return to her clit and suck hard enough to ache, but so good that she felt her orgasm building. She wriggled with his every touch and reached between her legs to tease herself when he concentrated on eating her.

  “Make me come, Keary. I need it.”

  “I will, baby, hold on. You are mine now, and I will satisfy you.” He kissed her clit and feathered more along her folds and back to her anus. Keary pushed her fingers away and used his own hand to stroke her while his tongue teased the edges of her anus.

  “Keary,” she shouted, unable to hold back another second. Her orgasm screamed through her body, tightening her muscles and making her pussy weep and clench. She gripped the door’s handrail for dear life as she shook and cried through her release. When the bliss-filled waves eased, Keary sat up and yanked open his pants.

  She watched over her shoulder while he pulled his cock free of his boxers. His desire was so out of control, he didn’t wait to shove out of his clothes, but he grasped her at the hips and jerked her backward. Zacari gasped when Keary pushed his cock deep into her channel. Her lover could not be bigger and yet he felt like it. Her walls strained around him, sucking him in, clenching to keep him there. But Keary wasn’t hearing that. Almost immediately, he began a fast pump in and out.

  He leaned down and wrapped an arm around her waist, then hoisted her toward him. At the same time, he dropped into the seat, and Zacari was on his lap facing away from him. His cock was buried so far inside of her, she thought she would burst, but he didn’t let up. He pulled her head back to his shoulder while lifting her up and letting her fall down his cock. Zacari arched to get more room for his entry. Keary held her in a steel grip she couldn’t escape from if she wanted.

  “Do you know how long I’ve wanted this?” he demanded in her ear. “How much I’ve needed it, hell needed you?”

  “I’m sorry, Keary.”

  He pumped faster. She struggled to catch her breath. Impossibly, she was ready to come again, but Keary’s movements seemed all about his climax. She wanted to give it to him, to satisfy him. His roughness excited her and felt amazing if not a tad painful. Keary twisted her so he could gain access to her breasts. When he sucked her nipple and pounded her pussy, Zacari shouted through another orgasm. But this time, Keary was right along with her. Seconds after she jerked in a powerful climax, his hot seed filled her pussy. Zacari moaned with every sensation until it eased, and she collapsed on Keary’s chest.

  “I’m not done,” he announced, and when he knocked on the glass separating them from their driver, Zacari watched in awe and anticipation. “Take me home,” he commanded of the driver. The man grunted a response, and the car soon made a U-turn on the street they traveled along.

  Keary didn’t allow Zacari to move from his lap until they arrived at his apartment. He hastily yanked Zacari’s dress down around her hips to cover her bare pussy and behind, but the top was ruined. He slipped out of his suit jacket to wrap it around her shoulders. Zacari held the coat closed and followed Keary from the underground parking lot to the bank of elevators. When they arrived at his floor, he reached out and took her shoes from her hand and relieved her of his jacket. “Take that off,” he ordered, indicating her dress.

  She stripped, and Keary did the same. He led her down the hall to his room. She stood in the doorway while he rummaged in a drawer. “What are you looking for?”

  “On the bed. Now.”

  She gasped at his tone. Chills raced along her spine. This was a side to the man she’d never seen or heard. Keary had always been gentle with her, sweet and accommodating. All of a sudden, he took control to a whole new level, and she liked it. Curious to see where this was going, she obeyed and climbed onto his king size bed. She rearranged the pillows behind her and rested against the headboard. Keary turned around with something purple. When he drew closer, she realized what it was—silken rope. Her mouth formed a small o.

  Keary climbed on the bed between her legs. “Are you opposed to this?”

  “Are you nuts?” She bit her lip.

  He didn’t have to be told twice. While she watched in fascination, he began tying her wrists to the bed posts. The bonds were tight but not painful. No man had ever done this to her, and she found she liked it. To give up all control to him, to trust him not to hurt her more than she could bear was a heady feeling.

  When he was done, Keary stroked her cheek and stared into her eyes. “There’s so much I want to show you and experience with you, Zacari. Your body drives me insane, and all I can think about is having you and tasting you.”

  “I feel exactly the same,” she whispered. Turning her head so that her mouth brushed his palm, she closed her eyes, luxuriating in the feel of him. Her heart thundered in her chest. Keary allowed her to kiss his hand for a while longer, and then he stood up and moved closer. He grasped her beneath the chin and lifted her head.

  “Now, suck,” he instructed.

  She knew he was coated still with her juices, but the fact that he hovered over her head and that she couldn’t get away turned her on. She wanted it, needed to have him in her mouth. Keary threaded his cock between her lips, and Zacari took every inch. He grasped the back of her head and pushed forward to pump against her face. At first his movements were slow and steady. He pushed his long, thick cock until it touched the back of her throat, and then he withdrew. He glided in, and then retracted.

  When they had gotten a feel for how far he could go, Keary increased the pace. Slowly at first and then at amazing speed, he thrust into her mouth. The fear that any second he’d misjudge only drove them both higher. Zacari reached between her legs and stroked her clit while Keary tangled his fingers in her hair. He grunted and swore. She knew by the sounds he made, he was going to come, but to her surprise, he stopped.

  “Baby, you were close.”

  He shook his head. “Not yet.” She sat still while he undid the ropes from the bed but kept them wound around her wrists. He brought the two pieces together in one hand. “On your belly.”

  She obeyed and flipped to face down. Keary put a pillow beneath her hips and then kneed her legs apart. He smacked her butt cheek, and she cried out. “That’s for rubbing your clit when that’s for me to do,” he ground out.

  She moaned. Keary smacked her ass again, and Zacari felt another orgasm coming on. While her lover rubbed away the pain, he wound the rope around his hand so that all the slack was taken up. He jerked her arms over her head. When she felt something that wasn’t his hand at her anus, she stiffened.

  “No, don’t tense up. You’ll like this,” he told her. After coating the device in her flowing juices, Keary brought the thing around so she could see it. No more than four and a half inches and black with three tiers of bulbs, it grew wider from tip to base. She recognized it as a butt plug, which she’d seen on adult toy sites but never experienced. A shiver passed over her. “Do you want it?”

  She pushed her ass in the air. “Yes.”

  “Yes, what?”

  “Yes, Keary?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, please.”

  She echoed his words, and then he pushed the small device into her rear entrance. First he worked the top in and rotated the plug a while until her muscles relaxed. Then bit by bit he pushed in the rest of it until her anus felt full. The sensation made her want to cry and moan at the same time. She pushed back against it and wriggled her hips.

  With expert movements, Keary teased her. He leaned down and rained kisses along her back. His groans vibrated over her skin, amplifying her pleasure. Keary released her hands and sat back to drag her up onto his lap. Like it knew where it belonged, his cock brushed along her pussy and then eased inside with little guidance from him. All the while, he kept the plug moving, and Zacari was filled in both the front and the back.