Fated Bliss (The Bliss Series Book 2) Read online

  “Come on,” I mouthed.

  He angled his head to the side, silently questioning where.

  I presented a sultry smile and sidestepped him, starting to lead him away from the table.

  “Where are you going?” Lyric called out as she noticed us.

  I paused and shouted, “We’ll be back in a few. Watch my clutch, would you?”

  She nodded and grabbed my bag, sticking it under her arms, and swiveled back towards the stage, not giving us another thought.

  Ben intertwined our fingers as we moved through the crowd and descended the stairs, but he stopped me as I was about to pull him onto the dance floor. He placed a hand on my hip, anchoring me in place, and murmured in my ear. “Where are you taking me?”

  I slanted my head back, wanting to see his face. “Dancin’. You and I are gonna dance.”

  He frowned, indecision waging war in his eyes. “I don’t dance, Samantha.”

  “You do now,” I sassed. “Come on. Just follow my lead.”

  He exhaled harshly and gave me an amused smirk.

  I’d won.

  I covered the hand on my hip and swayed as I guided Ben through the dancers until we were in the center of the dance floor. I pivoted and found Ben pensive and stiff.

  Now that just wouldn’t do.

  Deliberately, I started circling my hips in a figure-eight, wanting to draw his attention to my body. As his hesitancy slipped away, his appreciation settled in. He watched me with red-hot desire, tracking my every movement with rapt fascination.

  The air got thick, and my senses became heightened. I became bolder, using my entire body to seduce him – shoulders, hands, legs…belly.

  His lips moved, and I was sure he’d swore, but I couldn’t hear him over the pounding music or my rapid heartbeat.

  Finally, Ben stepped forward, growing closer and closer until he snaked his arm around my waist and slammed my body against his.

  The air rushed out of my lungs on a hiss.

  Perfection.

  I draped my arms around his neck as he slipped his thigh between my legs. Our eyes remained locked as we began to move together, gyrating slowly.

  The flame that’d begun shortly before had turned into an inferno. Being this close to Ben, feeling his hard body under my hands, was an experience, and I throbbed between my legs.

  When Ben said he didn’t dance, I figured he didn’t know how. That was not the case – the man moved his hips like a pro. We danced in perfect sync, our bodies grinding together. He was hard against my stomach, matching the want drenching my panties. I let my hands roam up and down his arms and shoulders, around his neck and in his hair, getting lost in him and the music.

  I’d never felt more alive.

  The first song rolled into another and then another, this one slower, more provocative. My movements mirrored it, growing more and more seductive.

  Ben held me tighter, thrusting himself against me. “You’re dangerous,” he growled in my ear.

  I let out a self-satisfied laugh and combed my fingers through his hair, enjoying the feel of the soft, silky strands. It was so much softer than I would have expected.

  Ben took my response as permission to touch me. His fingers ghosted along the exposed skin of my back before dipping lower, ripping a moan from me.

  That only fueled him on.

  He grew bolder, his hands everywhere – skating across my hips and outer thigh, gripping my ass, massaging my shoulders.

  It was a beautiful agony.

  “God…you’re body,” he rumbled.

  I dug my fingers into his broad, powerful back. “I could say the same.”

  He groaned, “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?”

  “What better way to go.”

  Ben swept the hair off my neck and fisted it in his hand. I tilted my neck, encouraging him. His head descended, and then his lips were on my skin. I gasped, my eyes rolling into the back of my head.

  If just his lips on my neck felt this amazing, I wondered what having them on the rest of my body felt like.

  When his tongue joined in, I whimpered, “Ben.”

  He nipped at me, chuckling softly. “What do you want, baby girl?”

  “God, Ben.”

  I wanted to rip the clothes off him and mount him. I didn’t care that we were in the center of a club, surrounded by hundreds of people – all that mattered was Ben.

  I shuddered as he explored up my side, growing dangerously close to my breast. A thumb brushed along the underside of it, and I wanted to scream.

  “Ben,” I repeated, half mad. I needed his lips on mine, needed to taste him.

  “What is it, Samantha?” His words were hypnotic, and I was lost. “Samantha?”

  “Kiss me, Ben.”

  “No,” he growled, never ceasing his ministrations.

  Stunned, I complained, “Why?”

  Abruptly, he stilled. Ben placed a final tender kiss on my neck and stood upright. I stared up at him, wide-eyed and slightly hurt. With a gentleness I’d never received, Ben smoothed some wayward strands of hair from my face and cupped my jaw, letting his eyes travel over my features.

  “Ben?” I questioned, not understanding.

  His gaze locked with mine, his full of want and something else I couldn’t decipher, and said, “Because, Samantha, when I finally kiss you, I’m not going to be able to stop.”

  Swoon.

  “Oh,” I whispered, my knees buckling. I didn’t have to worry, though, because Ben held me close, supporting me.

  He brushed his lips across my temple. “Let’s get another drink. My body can take anymore torture.”

  I giggled softly, pleased that I wasn’t the only one hurting.

  Ben spun me around and tugged me against his chest. “Stay in front of me. If you don’t, I’m going to give everyone an eyeful.” As I wiggled my bottom against his cock, he sucked in a breath. “Samantha,” he warned. “You aren’t helping matters.

  I sent him a sly smirk over my shoulder. “I wasn’t tryin’ to.”

  He inhaled deeply and looked up at the ceiling. “What have I gotten myself into?”

  All humor withered away. “Ben, I was only teasin’ you,” I explained, suddenly very self-conscious and embarrassed.

  I wasn’t reading this wrong, was I?

  Ben jerked his head down, hearing my tone. He smiled and winked, instantly lifting my spirits. “So was I.”

  I pursed my lips and shot him a look of annoyance. “That was mean.”

  He leaned in and brought our lips within touching distance. “Says the one rubbing her sweet ass on my dick.”

  A laugh burst from me. “True.”

  “Come on. Let’s get back to our table and cool down.”

  Chapter 7

  Samantha

  Blood roared in my ears, and my skin felt too tight and hypersensitive. Desire simmered close to the surface, ready to break free, making each step closer to my room unbearable.

  Ben kept his promise – he didn’t kiss me.

  But lordy, did I want him to.

  The remainder of our evening was filled with funny stories, laughs, more music and drinks, and sexual tension.

  Loads of sexual tension.

  I adored Lyric and Paul. I'd already guessed that they were a lot like Grey and me, but I didn't realize how right I was. They teased each other, annoyed one another, but they loved fiercely. From what I gathered, their parents weren't the best and they weren't close to them in any way. And, like Lyric had said earlier, they were all that each other had because of it.

  Even though Ben was a friend, you’d think he was blood. They had the same relationship with him as they did with each other.

  Outside of the lust I had for Ben, I could tell he was a kind and down to earth guy, though he seemed too serious sometimes. Nevertheless, he was still a conundrum in many ways.

  When I asked certain questions about his upbringing or past, he redirected the conversation to a different path, usual
ly by jokes. He was schooled at it, which meant he did it often.

  I detected a bit of sadness in him, too. It was during these questions that I noticed it. He had a way of blanking his face, not letting anyone close. He'd mastered the move and showed nothing. Still, there was a heaviness behind it, a burden or a weight he couldn't shed.

  Something bad happened to him.

  This did all sorts of things to me. In all ways, I was a fixer, and I wanted to ease his pain, take away his sadness. Again, I was on shaky ground. I didn’t need to have these types of emotions for a man I wouldn’t see again once I went home. Still, I wasn’t going to change my course.

  By the time we left the club, the four of us felt no pain. I was buzzed, but not overly drunk, just good in all the right ways. Paul offered Lyric his guest bedroom, which she happily took – she had a few more shots than we did – and they got a cab together, saying goodbye. Then, come to find out, we weren't the only ones feeling the tension between us.

  Before Lyric climbed into the cab – much to my humiliation – the treacherous woman shouted, “Don’t forget to wear a rubber!”

  There’d been an uncomfortable laugh shared between Ben and me afterward, but since then, from the club to my hotel, during the ride on the elevator, and while we walked down the hallway to my room, there hadn’t been a peep between us besides me telling him my room number.

  We weren't silent because we were nervous or scared; no, we were hanging by a thread, barely restraining the whirlwind of lust mounting between us. I was at the point where, if he blew on me just right, I was going to launch myself at him. I'd never felt anything this palpable before.

  Ben cleared his voice, breaking the silence. “Is this you?”

  I hadn’t realized we’d stopped outside my door.

  “Oh…yeah.” My hands shook as I slipped my keycard from my clutch. I smiled at him as I opened the door. “Come on in. There’s a fully stocked bar inside.”

  I didn’t give him a chance to say anything and ambled inside, expecting him to follow. I threw my purse on the dresser and continued to the bar, turning on lights as I went.

  “Nice place,” Ben remarked behind me, closing the door.

  “I know. My brother hooked me up,” I replied, grabbing two beers and opening them.

  With my heart in my throat, I discarded the caps and spun around. Ben was standing at the mouth of the hall leading into the room, his shoulder to the wall, seemingly unsure. I continued to him and passed him the beer.

  “Why don’t we have a seat,” I suggested, waving to the couch in front of the floor to ceiling windows.

  Why was I so nervous?

  You already know why, Sam.

  You. Do. Not. Do. This!

  Before I could turn back around, Ben grabbed my hand and plucked my beer from my grip. He placed the beers on the dresser next to my clutch, slowly maneuvering me until my back was pressed against the wall. I swallowed thickly and peered up at him. With two hands next to my head, he caged me in and crowded me.

  He sighed slowly and then played with a strand of my hair between two fingers. “Samantha…”

  I felt like this needed to be said, so I blurted, “I don’t do this.”

  He flashed me his pearly whites and replied, “I know. I can tell. But you’re not the only one out of your element here, sweetheart. This is the first time I’ve followed a woman back to her place.”

  My forehead scrunched with shock and disbelief. “Really?”

  His head descended, and though I expected him to kiss me, he merely rested his forehead against mine. I could detect a hint of beer on his breath, but surprisingly, it was tantalizing. I wanted to close the distance so badly that I'd sell my soul for one sip from his lips.

  Ben groaned, “You weren’t supposed to happen.”

  “Why not?” I whispered, confused.

  Talking was the last thing I wanted to do. Everything in me ached for him.

  “When I came here…” He leaned closer and pressed his cheek to mine, inhaling deeply. My legs shook. “You weren’t in my plans. I couldn’t have foreseen such a stunning,” he placed his lips to the underside of my ear, “captivating,” his teeth nipped my jaw, “completely tempting woman.” His tongue snuck out as he nibbled down my neck, causing my knees to turn to rubber. “You’ve knocked me on my ass, Samantha. I don’t know what in the hell I’m doing.”

  I shuddered, letting my head roll back, opening myself up for his exploration. “I wasn’t expectin’ you either, Ben. I’m in over my head, too.”

  “We don’t have to do this,” he stated, his voice jagged, though his actions were contradictory. His hands traveled down to my waist, his fingers digging in deep to keep me anchored in place. “I can walk out of here. All you have to do is tell me.”

  No chance in hell.

  “Don’t you dare, Ben.”

  “I want to make promises. I want to say I’ll see you tomorrow and the next day and the next. I want-”

  “Shhh. Don’t, Ben. Don’t say those things to me.”

  Promises were the last thing I needed. My heart couldn’t handle it once this was over if he made any.

  “See… I know you’re not the type of girl that does this.” He drew the shell of my ear between his teeth and bit down lightly. I whimpered. “You’re sucking me in, sweetheart, just like I’m doing to you. Something’s bound to go wrong, and the last thing I want to do is hurt you.”

  Shamelessly, refusing to allow him to move, I wrapped my arms around his neck and held tight. “Nothin’ needs to go wrong. I don’t expect anythin’ after tonight, so you can’t hurt me.”

  I might be slightly sore once this was over, but he was worth it.

  Just for the night…

  “You’re lying, sweetheart.” He pulled back a little, taking his lips from my skin, and peered down at me, his eyes ravenous. “We’re both going to be bruised and bloody come tomorrow.”

  “Why, Ben?” I questioned.

  “Because, baby girl, I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.”

  His words had power over me, and breathlessness left me lightheaded. “Ben…” I moaned, and my lids fluttered closed.

  “Fuck it,” he growled, and then his lips crashed into mine.

  The force of his kiss slammed me against the wall. Ben's lips were soft but unyielding. I threaded my fingers through his hair and opened for him, our moans intermingling. The feel of his tongue caused a kaleidoscope of color to explode behind my eyes and my nerve endings to sing out in praise. I'd been kissed some in my younger years, but my main experience was with Patrick, and it was never like this. Our kiss was epic, world-altering. I knew to the depths of me that I'd never be kissed like this again.

  But I needed more.

  Frenzied, I touched him everywhere. I craved his bare skin under my hands with an intensity that shook me to my core.

  Ben growled into my mouth as I slipped my fingers under his shirt. "Off," I demanded, pushing the material up and out of my way.

  Hearing my desperation, Ben grabbed his shirt and ripped it over his head. Right before Ben captured my lips again, I got a glimpse of a hairless, beautifully sculpted chest and abs. I wanted to look closer, inspect every inch, but the impulse was forgotten as soon as his tongue touched mine.

  But that didn’t mean I couldn’t feel.

  Ben’s abs constricted as I explored each ridge. The man was built like steel. His pectorals were even more impressive. I tore my mouth from his, needing a taste. I bent forward and trailed my tongue over his nipple and then sucked, causing it to pebble.

  “Christ, baby girl,” Ben rasped, his hands all over me. He kneaded my breasts and pinched my nipples through my dress, each movement as frantic as the last.

  The realization that I could drive this man to desperation was an epiphany. How was it possible? He could have any woman in the world, but he was starved for me.

  “More. Please, God, more,” I pleaded, arching into his touch greedily.


  Ben wasn’t delicate when he clutched my skirt and pulled it around my waist. The material ripped in his haste, but I was too far gone to give a damn.

  Once my dress joined his shirt on the floor, I stood in front of him in nothing but my panties and heels, having not worn a bra with my dress. Ben’s eyes devoured me, examining each and every inch.

  “God, you’re beautiful,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with promise.

  “Flattery will get you everywhere, Dr. Rhodes,” I teased, smiling wantonly.

  His eyes flared as he shot me a wolfish smile. “No flattery here, baby girl – I speak the truth.”

  He didn’t give me a chance to respond, and before I knew what was happening, my nipple was in his mouth.

  “Ben!” I cried, my knees buckling.

  I hadn’t realized how much I missed this…sex…the feeling of having your body worshiped by another.

  And make no mistake, Ben was worshiping me.

  His tongue circled my nipple before sucking hard, each pull sending a jolt to my clit.

  I was on fire.

  “Mouth now,” I pleaded, pulling at his hair.

  As Ben ripped his lips from my breasts, he gripped the outside of my thighs and hoisted me upward, coaxing my legs around his waist. My back collided against the wall with a jarring thud and bowed at the first touch of his erection against my core, right where the pounding throb had formed, and persisted, since earlier tonight.

  “Yes,” I hissed. “More.”

  I slipped my hands between us and worked at the button to his fly. I bit his bottom lip and then licked it, both of us panting.

  “Greedy girl,” Ben gasped. “What have you done to me?”

  I smiled against his mouth. “It’s only the beginning.” I unzipped his pants, and slowly, wanting to draw it out to drive him mad, I reached inside his boxers.

  Ben sucked in a harsh breath. “Samantha…”

  I was shocked when I wrapped my hand around his cock. He was big, bigger than I’d ever experienced. I gave him a long stroke, testing his girth in my palm. The thought of taking him inside was intimidating, but I wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge.