Pick Your Passion (The Heart's Desire Series Book 2) Read online

  “I’m not exactly sure, yet, but I’ve found that my first instinct is almost always the correct one. And of you, I am certain; I could shower you in the finest of everything and it wouldn’t ever come close to measuring up to what you have, are dying to freely give, selflessly, endlessly, to the luckiest of bastards. The one, who will come along, lucky in that he’s wise enough to get out of his own way long enough to recognize it. You. And cherish it.”

  That was the most amazing thing anyone’s ever said to me, will ever say to me, but it came with a sting I know I’ll feel forever — a ridiculous burn of premature proportions — because he just made it amply clear that there’s zero chance that “lucky bastard” will be him.

  Why the hell not? And why does that hurt so bad, so early in knowing him?

  And again… why the hell not him?

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I wouldn’t expect you to,” he forces a curt, humorless laugh. “More proof of your flawless soul. The likes of you could never make sense of the likes of me, sweet Lily. Get dressed. I’ll wait for you in the hallway.”

  Chapter Four

  Trevor

  She’s a vision, a rare treasure who knows not her value. A value which cannot be measured. A value which makes her invaluable.

  And I… I am a bastard; a selfish, self-loathing masochist, who cannot help himself.

  I do want her to be comfortable, gathering peace as we travel, but the pink silk? That’s for me. A temptation crafted for no other purpose than to torture myself. A beautifully wrapped package I will never be worthy of opening.

  “Lily, don’t be afraid, darling girl. Lie down, close your eyes. Rest. No harm will come to you, in any way. I am, if nothing else, able to control myself.”

  “I get it,” she snipes, as though offended, “loud and clear. No need to keep reminding me.”

  “I don’t—”

  “Understand? Same. How’s it feel? Not too good, right?”

  Body language speaking loudest, she shrinks into her ensemble: arms crossed in front of chest, shoulders slumped, curled up in a defensive, protective little ball. “Don’t take this the wrong way…” Her wild eyes seek and snare mine. “Or do, I’m gonna say it regardless, since it’s driving me crazy! I am well aware of my shortcomings, Trevor Kincade. But, for your information, I’ve picked up on a few of yours too, mister. So… so…”

  I consider myself an intelligent man, which is why I fake my pondering — via rubbing a hand over my mouth and chin, in hope of hiding my grin — while she authentically continues her own. Confirmation of my amused fascination would only work her up even more. And though I do so enjoy it, my goal in helping her relax before her upcoming battle is foremost, and genuine.

  “I mean, really, who cruises down the road dressed in lingerie, Trevor? Subtle, very subtle. I put it on anyway though, happily, because it, you… you made me feel… pretty,” she admits. “And, not that it’s an option, ‘cause it’s so not, but, well… why the hell don’t you want it to be an option?”

  “Remind me, please,” I manage without laughing, “when, exactly, I said anything of the sort.”

  “Please.” She makes an unladylike, but cute nevertheless, sound of sarcastic disbelief. “It’s too late now. The window for patronization has closed. I appreciate the ride, shower, meal. I even appreciate this feels-like-melted-butter nightgown my silly ass has on, but none of that makes you any better than me. Richer? Yes. More… resourceful? Yes to that too. But not better. And, if you thought differently, why even bother?”

  She’s had her say; released frustrations, most of which I suspect stem from her fear of the quickly approaching destination, but now it’s my turn. I move too fast for her to cower from, or stop me, sharing half her seat, and all her space. “I’ve not once thought, let alone said, that I think I’m better than you. In fact, had you understood what I told you before, you’d know it’s the exact opposite. And as for wanting you? Lily, you’re not a dumb woman, so don’t speak to the contrary. Of course I want you. How could I not? But, like you said, it isn’t an option. It’d be rather foolish of me to think I can change your mind, and more than rude to try… especially under the circumstances.”

  Her head shakes once, sharp and fast, apparently doing the trick to clear it since she looks, rather than glares, into my eyes and merely breathes her realization. “You weren’t backhandedly insulting me. You really are a refined gentleman.”

  It wasn’t a question, but I respond anyway, because it also wasn’t correct. “You met me only just today, and technically you’re a married woman. Lily, everything about you screams of the indisputable fact that those two things, among many others, would prevent you from ever allowing yourself to be fucked in the back of a car. And able to hear those screams, I would never try to persuade you otherwise. Which, ironically, answers your other big, repetitive question, why. That. Is. Why.”

  The innocent confusion swimming in her doe eyes would undo a worthier man. So sweet, she is… I reach up to caress her cheek. “Any time you spend worrying over your worth or allure is wasted. From the moment you enter anyone’s line of sight, you’ve got them. Intrigued. Longing. Spellbound. Without knowing, or without any effort. I’m flattered, even more so shocked,” I continue, chuckling, “to hear that you’d want me to want you. Which, again, I do. Very much.”

  Restraint pushed beyond its limits, I firm my hold on her cheek and cover her lips with mine. Savoring, swallowing her tiny gasp, and taking more. More of her unique flavor, her lazy-but-eager tongue, and shallow breaths. “Lily,” I murmur when I lean away, “that’s all for now, sweetheart. I couldn’t help myself, but now, I really must help myself. Resist. Open your eyes for me.”

  A begrudged effort, she slowly complies, showing to me a revived spirit, a hope within her — the romantic she’d forgotten she’s always been suddenly reawakened — and guilt instantly consumes me.

  God, but I’m the most selfish of bastards.

  “Our journey’s set to end soon, once we’ve made sure you receive justice in court. But, I’ll leave you with all my information… should you ever find yourself in the mood to join me for another adventure.”

  “You’d want to see me again?” she asks, before taming the whimsy in her voice, spearing me deeper… a reminder that what I say next must be done so clearly.

  “I would love to.” I tuck a soft, golden strand behind her ear. “I could take you away for a weekend, anywhere you want, just the two of us. I’m confident we’d have a very good time.” I smile, pleased with the results — concise, polite clarity.

  “Weekend getaways, huh? Kinda like… extended booty calls, when I’m in the mood?”

  “Yes” — I laugh — “something along those lines.”

  “Such a shame,” she tsks the same phrase I’d used earlier. “Divine, sexy, debonair words, tongue, and aura… all nothing more than a polished disguise for the cold, untouchable cynic underneath. You wax on and on about my virtue, then propose booty calls? Unbelievable. And out of the question.”

  “Lily, please don’t be hurt, or internalize it. I didn’t say ‘booty call.’ Not only because I would never use such crude… slang, but because that’s not what I was suggesting. Not exactly. I truly enjoy spending time with you, and thrill in every new thing I learn about you. But yes, due to my schedule, and… predilections… our rendezvous will be only that. Notice, however, that I meant rendezvous in the plural,” I say with a smile. “I’d like to spend many a weekend in your company.”

  Her chin juts up, chest out, and eyes take blaze with an oddly smug confidence. “You’re lying.”

  “About?”

  “All of it. The persona you emit, a fake, that you have to constantly work to achieve. The whole cool-and-uncaring thing when you’re anything but. And certainly, perhaps most of all, the easily obtained detachment. You’re barely able to fool yourself, and not fooling me a damn bit. You. Are. Lying.”

  Left to right, I shake my head and o
ffer a smile that I pray reads as kind. “I assure you, I’m not. You’re different, that I freely confess; but not that different. And Lily, please, don’t consider this a challenge. If you do, you’ll only end up feeling hurt, foolish and used when—”

  “When what? Another seemingly virtuous, innocent, pliable woman sits down beside you?”

  “Oh, but you are full of enticing surprises, aren’t you?” I laugh, taking a moment to absorb every beautiful, genuine, ornery, clever thing about her. “Lily, hear me. I am too old, and of no desire, to change. I am also, however, finding myself more than a bit mesmerized by you. So, if you call, I will answer. Consider that, please, before you do. If you do.”

  She pops a shoulder and disarms me with a brilliant, sure smile. “Guess we’ll see.”

  Tap Out

  Part Two

  By Hilary Storm

  @Copyright 2017 Hilary Storm

  All rights are reserved to the author. No part of this ebook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, character, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Prologue

  (Where we left off in Pick your Poison)

  Kinsley

  He watches me put on my shoes. I can feel his mood shift, making it harder to breathe. I won’t make the first move… that’s not who I am, but I sure as hell won’t be turning down him if he tries to make something happen.

  “I’m ready.”

  “Jesus. Are those the shortest shorts you have?” I glance down at my legs and realize I’m wearing my tight sleep shorts instead of the other pair I meant to grab.

  “Shit. I grabbed the wrong pair trying to hurry.”

  “They look great from here, but I’m not sure we should go anywhere with you in those. We won’t make it very far.” He pushes down on his dick, not even trying to hide the fact that he’s hard.

  “I can put on something else.” I stand and before I have a chance to step away from him, he’s holding my hand in his, keeping me from moving away from him.

  “Fuck, you’re making it impossible to be good.”

  “Who told you to be good?” He pulls me into his lap before I finish my sentence.

  “No one. Something told me to be careful with you. Tell me why I feel that way Kinsley.” His breath hits my face and I swallow hard trying to think of how to answer him.

  “I can handle anything you dish out… as long as you’re real with me. I don’t do liars or cheats. And don’t ghost me. If you’re done with whatever this is, just tell me straight up.”

  “That’s my policy too… and no fucking drama.” He starts to kiss my neck, giving into the pull we’ve both felt since last night.

  “God no. I hate drama.” I sound breathy and like I’d agree to anything he says… which I would with his fingers gripping my thighs like they are.

  “I’m going to take you to my apartment, but you need to understand I’m starving for this. I’ll take my time with you and we may still be fucking when the sun comes up.”

  “Oh… okay. I think I can handle that.” Fuck yes I can’t wait. I’ve never been with a man that lasted any longer than about thirty minutes… all of them falling over, out of breath the second the sperm squirts from their dicks.

  He bites my shoulder as he stands up, with me in his arms. He carries me to his apartment, even though I tell him to put me down multiple times. His firm grip on my ass stops my pleas, sending me into a halted state of anticipation. I’m practically begging for his fingers to slip under my shorts and find their way into my pussy.

  He talks about starving… he has no idea how hungry I am for sex. It’s been almost a year for me so I might just become a big pile of mush at the first entrance of any part of a man that enters me.

  Sitting me down on his bed, I get the full view of him ripping his shirt over his head and dropping his shorts all in the same move. I stand to follow his lead, only getting my shorts down before he’s standing against me, his dick bumping into my waist while I watch it grow.

  “Oh shit.” That’s all I have time to say before his hands are yanking my shirt up and in a flash my bra is falling to my feet. I kick off my shoes before he falls onto the bed, taking me with him. I straddle his hips allowing his cock to lay flat against his stomach under me.

  I find myself grinding against him, the pressure in my core building instantly. He lets me move freely, while he watches my tits bounce around. My girls are real… I pride myself on their size, most women as small as I am, have to pay for tits this nice.

  “Fuck. You’re so wet. You’re dripping all over my cock.” His voice does something to me, sending me into a fit of rotating and gyrating until I’m moaning through my first orgasm of the night. My fingers spread over his chest while I have my way with him and he barely moves a muscle.

  When I let my head fall forward after my release he quickly flips me onto my back. He reaches for a condom before sliding it on and thrusting into me, both of us closing our eyes at the instant feeling of pleasure.

  The pressure of his invasion sends me up the bed each time he pushes into me. He’s whispering in my ear each time he moves us, talking dirty and sending me to an entirely new set of highs while I wait for him to inch all the way into me.

  His muscles flex in his shoulders and arms each time he drives us further up the bed, making me want to observe each of them individually. I’ve never been with a man as fit as Mavick. He’s one of those rare guys that never come along, making me wonder how in the hell I’m the one here with him right now.

  He feels amazing, making me go insane with every move he makes all night long. We both come over and over and I don’t even have time to ask him how he can do that before we’re going at it again. Exhaustion takes over and it’s sometime after the sun comes up that he finally gets his fill. I don’t even consider moving from his bed, my body wouldn’t allow me to leave if I wanted to.

  I’m going to feel him for days, maybe if I’m lucky he’ll feel the effects of fucking me all night too. He kisses my forehead before he pulls me against his chest and guides my chin up so he can kiss me on the lips. A brief nibble forces me to do the same to him.

  “Stay with me.”

  “I’m supposed to leave the city in a few hours.”

  “I’ll fly you home in a few days.” He holds me tighter and I simply nod yes. There’s nothing I want to do more than stay a few days with him and see how it goes. I really like him and I think it’s worth seeing if there’s something there.

  After all, what can it hurt?

  Chapter One

  Mavick

  I take a sip of my coffee as I walk through my bedroom door. She’s still sleeping, even though I’ve done nothing to keep quiet this morning. I’ve already worked out, went for my morning run, and even showered.

  The curve of her breast is uncovered and her hair is now in a long braid. That’s something she did after I finished fucking her early this morning. She’s gorgeous and watching her sleep isn’t changing that.

  I asked her to stay longer so I can get to know her. It seems she took me up on that offer and I’m more than ready to show her the town and dig deep into that beautiful mind of hers.

  I sit both steaming cups on the side table and drop my shorts before I slide under the sheet behind her. Her soft skin is magnetic to my hand and I can’t help that I have to touch her.
It’s been a long time since I’ve brought anyone to my apartment. I guess you could say I was waiting for one worthy of bringing home.

  She begins to squirm with my touch only making my dick even harder as I pull her flush against me. “Mornin’.” I whisper against her ear as she slightly pushes against my overly sensitive body. Both of us letting out a slight moan as our hands explore one another once again. “You’ve been torturing me all morning. Sprawled out in my bed… your sexy body hiding under the covers, forcing my mind to remember what you feel like.”

  “Are you always this horny?”

  “Will you judge me if I say yes?”

  “No. I’m just imagining what it’s like to be with you for a few days. I’m not sure I have the endurance for multiple rounds like last night with you.” She turns to face me, snuggling her body into mine.

  I quickly pin her back flat against the mattress; my dick rubbing against her thigh once again as I slowly rotate my hips against her. “I could be gentle.”

  “I know you can. You more than showed me all of your bedroom personalities last night.” She shifts her hips upward, causing more friction against my cock when she does.

  “You see, you’re saying you don’t think you can handle me again… but your body’s beggin’ for more.” She starts to laugh, her contagious smile going straight through my body. I tower over her and take it all in. Last night’s makeup not even flawing the perfection beneath. She’s ridiculously gorgeous and if I keep telling her that she’s going to think I’m insane. I love the way her entire face lights up when she pushes back against me, trying to push me off of her.

  “Of course my body reacts to you. Jesus.” I roll to the side and trade her places, flipping us so that she’s straddling my hips instead. Fuck… her tits fill my palms as she grinds against me.

  “Who’s going to tire who out here?” She slows her fight, pinning my wrists down beside my head; her hair falling over my face.