Extreme Love

chapter Eighteen


Dante draped his arm along the back of the booth, smiling as Caitlyn and Julie chatted about Julie’s veterinarian clinic inside one of the cafés at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

Caitlyn threw her head back and laughed. About what? He had no clue. He was too captivated by the happiness brightening her face, the life shining in her eyes, to register the exact words of their conversation right now.

Love constricted his chest as he twirled a strand of Caitlyn’s hair around his index finger. She glanced over at him, then scooted closer to him with a soft smile on her lips. The same smile she used after they made love and were wrapped in each other’s arms.

She was here, and she’d been completely his.

In the four days since they had arrived in Vegas, everything had been downright perfect. Caitlyn had left her insecurities back in Atlanta. She’d been completely open and supportive, except for the times he caught her muttering pep talks to herself. Those whispered “You got this” pump-up sessions were usually right before a fighters’ social function. Considering the way Amanda and Sentori had treated her, he couldn’t blame her for being wary about meeting more people in the industry. But she faced each one like a champ, with her head held high and a friendly smile.

Afterward, they’d go back to their room and make love and spend the night holding each other tight.

He couldn’t have asked for this trip to turn out any better. The more time he spent with Caitlyn, the more she awed him. She’d faced so many internal obstacles in her life, and she’d fought back like any man would in the cage. Pride and love clogged his throat.

“I told you these two would hit it off,” Tommy said, draping his arm behind Julie. “This one loves to run her mouth.”

Julie nudged his side, lips pursed. “Hello pot, meet kettle.”

Tommy laughed, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and hugging her to his side as he kissed the top of her head. “That’s why I love you. You don’t put up with my shit.”

The amusement faded from Julie’s face before she recovered and poked him under the arm. “Someone has to keep it real for you, or that ego of yours would go to your head.”

Dante studied Julie. Would she ever tell Tommy how she felt?

He wasn’t sure how long she’d sat on her feelings for her best friend, whether the childhood love they shared had morphed into an adult love somewhere in the last few years, or if it’d always been there for Julie. Either way, Dante was amazed at how well she kept her desire for Tommy in check.

He didn’t want to be like Julie. Spending time with Caitlyn, laughing together, cuddling, and enjoying her company made it almost impossible for him not to tell her he loved her.

But he had a plan. After he won the championship, they wouldn’t attend the after-party. They would go back to their room, where he’d arranged for candlelight, roses, the whole romance ambiance package, and he would confess his love for this woman.

“You ready for the weigh-in?” Tommy broke into his thoughts.

Dante lifted his glass. “There’s a reason I’m only sipping water.”

“Did you have to cut weight?”

“No, but I’m right at limit, so no eating until afterward.” He glanced at his watch. “In fact, I probably need to be getting back to the room. The press conference is in a few hours and then I have the weigh-in tonight. I’d like to rest for a bit.”

“Sure you would…with that sweet lady beside you.”

He glanced at Caitlyn to see a blush spreading across her cheek, but instead of looking away, she chuckled. “You’re bad, Tommy.”

“That’s what all the ladies tell me. That’s why they love me.” He winked at Caitlyn.

Dante watched Julie, who’d ducked her head, then fiddled with the fork by her salad plate. How did she put up with Tommy’s womanizing?

He could almost go insane with jealousy thinking about Caitlyn with another man. She belonged to him. “You ready, baby?”

When she met his eyes, there was a wicked gleam in them. She no longer fought her desire for him; she displayed it freely now. “More than ready.”

After they paid and said their good-byes, they hurried up to their room. As soon as the door closed behind them, Dante pulled Caitlyn back against his chest, nuzzling the skin behind her ear. The scent of her green apple shampoo teased his nose.

He tightened his hold and nipped her neck. Caitlyn tilted her head to the side to give him better access and Dante smiled against her skin.

God, he loved her. And he wanted so badly to say it.

“I know you’ve got more than that, Inferno.” The breathless challenge charged him with lust.

Whipping her around, he grabbed her by the hips and hauled her closer, bringing them pelvis to pelvis. “Oh, I’ll show you what I got.”

She pulled from his embrace and ran her finger along his chest. “You’ve got to catch me first.”

He lunged for her. Caitlyn squealed and ran into the living room area of the penthouse suite. Dante gave chase. Halfway to the bedroom, he caught up with her and scooped her against his chest, carried her to the bed, then tossed her there. Standing at the edge of the bed, he watched the woman who’d stolen his heart curl into a ball and giggle.

Her delight tightened his chest. The real Caitlyn. Carefree and full of life. Not the troubled soul he’d met two months ago.

He climbed over her body, and Caitlyn smiled. Desire flashed in her eyes as she stretched beneath him and rolled on her back. She slid her hand under his shirt and caressed his chest, scorching his skin. He loved how uninhibited she’d become. No more worries about the light. No more coaxing and being patient. She devoured him with the same frantic need that he devoured her.

Dante braced his arms on either side of her head and gazed down at her. Her tongue flicked out to wet her lips. Dipping his head, he nipped her lower lip then licked where he’d bit. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me, too.” She looped her arms around his neck and feathered her fingers across his skin. The touch sent shivers through him. With his hand, he seized her hip and positioned himself atop her as he took her mouth. He didn’t tease, he didn’t entice. He took. Caitlyn clung to him and met his tongue with hers, her nails digging into his back as she pulled him closer.

He ran his palm down her thigh, then hooked his hand behind her knee, drew it up, and rocked against her. The friction made him groan and he increased the intensity of his kiss. Caitlyn returned his passion with a ferocity of her own.

He yanked her shirt over her head. Black satin greeted him. His breath caught and he slowed his lovemaking to outline her cleavage with his finger. The bra pushed her lush breasts up and together, creating a tantalizing valley, perfect to play in. “You need to wear lower-cut shirts.”

“You like?”

“Very much.” He replaced his finger with his tongue.

Caitlyn shivered. Her ragged breaths made his cock tighten even more. The need to take her—now—hit him.

He flicked the front clasp and freed her breasts, their pink tips hard and pleading. Not one to deny, he sucked one into his mouth while lightly pinching the other. Mewling, Caitlyn arched toward him, her fingers gripping the back of his head. He rolled his tongue around the nub, making her whimper and shift closer. He loved the way she responded to him.

Sliding an arm behind her shoulders, Dante lifted her upper body and peeled the bra down her arms. As he laid her on the mattress, her eyes never wavered from his, trust shining from them. His heart stuttered as he placed a kiss on her belly.

“You need to lose your shirt,” she said.

He glanced up. “What?”

“You heard me. I want to explore you.”

His shaft hardened to painful. To relieve the pressure, he rubbed against her.

“I said,” she gasped out, “lose the shirt.”

“As you wish.” He grinned and pulled his shirt over his head.

“Lay back,” she demanded and pointed to the head of the bed.

Dante immediately obliged. Excitement raced through him. She was taking the lead.

She crawled toward him, her breasts swaying provocatively with each movement. Dante gulped—he might not be able to wait much longer. Every nerve ending demanded fast and hard. By her lazy movements, she planned to do the exact opposite.

She placed her first kiss on his belly button. Dante shuddered. His gaze never strayed from the erotic vision she made kissing her way up his chest. Her lips trailed over his abs, his nipples, his shoulder, until she straddled his lap and rocked against him.

Dante grabbed her waist, pushed her on his throbbing cock, and ground upward. Caitlyn gasped, moving faster. He gritted his teeth to prolong the exquisite torture.

Half her clothes missing, her head thrown back, her breasts jiggling as she moved, she drove him mad. He had to have her. Now. “Kiss me,” he ordered.

A saucy grin twisted her lips and she pecked his mouth.

He growled. “That’s not what I meant.”

“I know.”

Her grin widened with mischief as she leaned forward, her erect nipples a hair away from caressing his chest. One deep breath and their flesh would touch. Dante prepared to do that, but stilled when her mouth hovered over his. He waited, wanting, needing to feel her lips. But the little minx barely touched his mouth before backing away.

“Caitlyn,” he groaned.

The plea was his release from her teasing, because she took his mouth the same way he’d taken hers minutes earlier. Hard and demanding, her tongue boldly invaded his mouth. The moment her nipples scraped across his chest, Dante’s fragile control shattered. He crushed her to him and rolled her beneath him.

If he had to endure one second more, premature would have a whole new meaning. He fumbled with the snap of her denim shorts as he ravaged her mouth with purpose and promise, oblivious to anything except being inside her and sating the unbearable arousal she elicited.

Suddenly, she shoved at his shoulders and turned her head away from his kiss. Dante stilled.

“Do you remember the song we danced to the night we met?” she asked.

She was thinking? He blinked. “Umm…no. Can’t recall that right now.”

He couldn’t recall anything except the feel and taste of her.

“I do.”

“Okay.” This wasn’t a great time for chatting. It irked him she hadn’t reached oblivion with him. He’d have to rectify that. He bent to kiss her. She placed her hand on his lips. He groaned. “Caitlyn!”

“It was ‘Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy).’ Do you know what I thought?”

She wasn’t going to drop it, so he might as well listen. She pushed at his shoulders again and he allowed her to roll him onto his back as she climbed on. “I thought I’d like to take a ride on this man.”

Dante’s eyes widened. Good God.

“What do you say, Dante? Can I take a ride on you?”

The erotic words made his heart gallop. “Ride away, baby.”

The smile she sent him dazzled his senses.

Caitlyn rose to stand beside the bed. With slow movements, her fingers clasped the button of her shorts. When she popped it open and lowered the zipper, his cock jumped.

“A man can only take so much, Caitlyn. I won’t be held accountable for my actions if you keep it up.”

A wicked grin tilted her lips as she lowered her shorts and panties. At the provocative strip, Dante panted. God, he wasn’t going to last. One sweet touch of her wet center welcoming him, and he’d be done.

“Your turn.” She climbed onto the bed, and rested on her knees.

She unsnapped his jeans and tugged the zipper. The back of her fingers grazed his rigid shaft, sending shards of need through him. Dante inhaled and closed his eyes.

“Commando? How very naughty of you.”

Her scolding pushed him to the edge. He squeezed his eyes closed tighter.

“Condom?”

“Wallet, nightstand,” he grunted and forced his eyes open.

She leaned across him, her nipples grazing his chest.

Dante stiffened, so turned on that the soft touch was painful.

She ripped the foil and placed the rubber on his tip. When she slowly rolled it down with her lips, shocked excitement ran through him. Although she fumbled with the task, it was the most sexual thing he’d ever seen. Fascinated, he watched her mouth work around him, her hair flowing around her face. As she withdrew, she pressed her tongue against him, driving him wild.

“How can you make putting on a condom erotic?” he gritted out.

Pink stained her checks as she straddled his hips once again. “I read that once in a dirty book. With you I can do the things I’ve read about. I like it.”

Masculine satisfaction spread through him. He was the first. Yes, she’d had other lovers. In the dark. But he’d shown her the pleasure of true lovemaking. And no other man would ever have the honor.

She took him into her hand and positioned him. The pressure of her palm made him groan. “Do not move your hand.”

If she did, he’d spill himself right now. She chuckled and he growled in response. She was enjoying this a little too much. Her warm heat encircled the tip of his shaft before she stopped.

“Caitlyn,” he moaned, desperate to drive into her. To end the agony that gripped him.

“Shh, patience,” she said, placing her hands on either side of his head as she lowered herself with excruciating slowness.

Captivated by her movements, Dante watched, his breathing quickening.

“Hmm…” She closed her eyes, sighing in pure ecstasy.

Fisting the bedspread, he inhaled between clenched teeth. She lifted only to take him back in at the same sluggish speed. Inches from his lips, hers parted in a silent gasp.

“God, Caitlyn. You’re gorgeous,” he croaked.

Her eyes opened. Desire heavy in her gaze. “And you’re all man.”

She picked up the pace. Up and down in quick succession. Dante helped her, the coil low in his stomach ready to explode. He gritted his teeth, his gasps harsh. He would not come until she did. And she was close. Her tight center gripped him, her movements desperate. He moved his hand between her legs, circling the swollen nub. Caitlyn gasped and thrust down. “Dante!”

He pressed harder, needing her release now, unable to hold his back any longer. She sat straight, her fingers digging into his chest, and she tensed. “Oh, God.”

As soon as she squeezed around him and shuddered, he let go. Using her hips as leverage, he pumped into her, her body milking him as he groaned through his orgasm.

Shuddering once more, she collapsed onto his chest. Their ragged panting danced in the air. Caitlyn nestled her head into his neck and he wrapped his arms around her sweat-coated body. They lay like that, neither moving, still joined, enjoying the exquisite aftermath of mind-blowing sex. At least he was.

“God, I can’t even find a word to describe what we just did.”

He chuckled. “I was just thinking ‘mind-blowing.’ ”

“Hmm. I like that.”

As he feathered kisses along her face and shoulders, he rolled them onto their sides. When she caressed his cheek with her hand, he glanced up. The warmth in her eyes stopped his heart.

“You’re good for me, Dante.”

His chest expanded. Emotions clogged his throat. Unable to speak, he kissed her. She responded with such trust and adoration, love flooded through him.

“I love you.” The words spilled out against her mouth. And he knew at once he’d made a huge mistake.

Her lips stilled, her body tensed, then she shoved away from him. “Damn it, Dante.”

She jumped out of bed and grabbed her clothes, yanking them on with jerky movements.

The pure fury she sent his way froze him. Did she truly not feel the same way? It wasn’t possible he felt this way about this woman and she didn’t return it.

“Damn it, Caitlyn, that wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for.” He tried to keep the hurt out of his voice, but he couldn’t. It rang loud and clear.

“Why do you rush everything? Haven’t you heard of taking things slow?”

He sat up. The pain of her not saying she loved him back was nothing compared to those words. He loved her, wanted to openly love her. How was that rushing?

“Why couldn’t we just enjoy each other? Take our time and see where things went? Why did you have to bring feelings into it?”

Enjoy each other? Anger replaced the pain as her words hit him full force in the gut. He shot to his feet and yanked on his jeans. “What is this week to you? Some kind of sex fest? If that’s what you want, then you’re f*cking the wrong man. I made it clear sex wasn’t what I wanted.”

She flinched but he wouldn’t back down. Everything he said was true.

“I don’t want just sex either.”

“Then what do you want?”

The anger eased from her. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? Well, isn’t that just peachy keen.”

She dropped her gaze to the floor.

“Look at me.”

She kept her gaze averted.

“The least you can do is have the guts to look at me when you reject me. You’ve had no problem with that in the past.”

She finally met his gaze. Tears brightened her eyes. Remorse?

“Dante, I care for you, immensely, but your career scares the hell out of me. All I wanted was to get through this week, see the fight, and make sure I could accept the violence. Why couldn’t you give me that?”

“So this week was a test? You were going to dump me if the week didn’t meet your f*cked-up expectations?”

She swallowed, but held his gaze. “I’m not going to apologize for believing you deserve someone who can accept all of you, Dante.”

“What I deserve is to be loved by the woman I love.”

“I didn’t know you loved me,” she said in a tortured whisper.

He stormed past her to the picture window overlooking the Vegas Strip. She hadn’t known he loved her. What a load of shit. He might not have said the words, but no man chased a woman for as long as he had without feelings involved.

“Damn it,” she muttered from behind him.

He spun to find her sitting on the edge of the bed, cupping her head in her hands.

He glared at her. “I’ve never told a woman I loved her. Never. I finally do and what do I get in return? A woman who doesn’t know.”

Caitlyn lifted her head. “I’m trying to be honest, Dante.”

He needed to get out of here, needed to think. He walked toward the door, hoping she’d call him back. When he grabbed the knob and she still hadn’t said a word, he turned. She hadn’t moved.

“You know something, Caitlyn? Going out with Sentori to get me refocused was a waste of your time. This is the biggest distraction ever thrown at me. Thanks for that.”

He stomped out the door.

Dante kicked the bag once more. The leather swung high into the air then spun as it slowed. Over the last hour, his anger still churned in his chest.

What was he supposed to do now?

He sure as hell couldn’t pretend he hadn’t said the words. He had and he meant them, with his whole heart. How was he supposed to go back up there and lay in the same bed with her, knowing she didn’t feel the same?

He punched the bag with a left hook, the loud pop echoing in the hotel’s gym. He ran his forearm across his sweaty forehead.

She was terrified of his career. Man, if that didn’t burn. Fighting was a huge part of him. Of all the women he could have fallen in love with, it had to be the one woman who despised his sport. What were the f*cking odds?

He ripped off his gloves and wraps.

“What’s Miss Piggy up to?”

Dante spun. “Get the f*ck out of here, Sentori. I don’t have time to deal with you.”

His opponent stepped closer. “Man, she really puts the oink in boink, doesn’t she?”

Without thinking, Dante swung out with a right hook. Sentori dodged, then grabbed Dante around the waist, took him to the ground and pinned his arms down.

“Break it up!” Mike yelled as the sound of running feet came toward them.

Sentori sprawled across Dante’s chest, his weight bearing down on him. Dante bucked and twisted, but Sentori held on as if Dante were a kitten instead of a raging inferno. He bent close to Dante’s ear. “This is just a taste of what will happen tomorrow night. Did you see, feel, how easy it was for me to take you down?”

Dante shifted. His opponent’s weight lifted as Mike pushed him back. “That’s enough. Get the hell out of here, Richard.”

Sentori sneered. “I’m not the only one you have to worry about. Your girlfriend was in the lobby, suitcase in hand. Can’t keep her satisfied?”

Sentori chuckled before sauntering out of the gym.

What the hell did Sentori mean?

Dante shoved past Mike and sprinted from the room, forgoing the elevator and taking the stairs two at a time. Once he got to the right floor, he ran to the room and glanced around.

Gone. Not a trace of her. Not even a goddamned note.

She’d made her decision.

She’d left him.