Once she’d changed into the flimsy nightie, she stared into the full-length cheval mirror. Who was she kidding? She looked far too pale, and she knew she’d lost weight since Kirk’s untimely death. She certainly didn’t measure up to the beautiful Jessica, Max’s voluptuous, ebony girlfriend. She felt a certain satisfaction that their relationship was now over and Jessica had returned home to St. Lucia, but how could she ever hope to compete with such a curvaceous, dusky beauty?
Ella released her ponytail and pulled a brush through her hair. All she had to do was focus on getting through tonight. Tomorrow was another day. She realized, as she pulled on the blue silk gown and wrapped it tightly around her body, that she needed Max to find her attractive. It had been a long time since she and Kirk had even made love. Their marriage had faltered to such an extent that she felt unconfident about her own sexual allure. Would anyone ever want her again? Max said he did, but those were just words. Throwaway lines. Maybe he’d said the very same words to a thousand other women?
When her whole body shivered as she walked across the dimly lit courtyard to Max’s room, she put it down to the cool night air. Yet deep down, she knew it was the unrelenting flow of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Ella had finally come to the decision that she should lay her cards on the table, too. After all, life was too short.
The subdued lighting from his bedroom cast an eerie glow over the cobblestone pathway, which led to the impressive glass door. It was slightly open, and she pulled it back to enter. Her heart somersaulted. Max was already in bed, and reading a book. His naked chest showed the well-honed signs of a man who kept in tip-top condition. A dark smattering of hair covered the bare flesh and disappeared seductively below the sheets.
Perhaps enjoying her embarrassment, he smiled as she entered. “There you are.” As she began to slide the door closed, he added, “Leave it slightly open. It’s soothing to hear the fountains late at night, especially if you can’t sleep.”
Ella did as he asked, and then walked confidently into the room, feeling anything but. This was Max. She’d known him for years. Surely she could speak openly with him on any subject? Yet all she could manage to say was, “Max,” whispered so quietly she felt sure he wouldn’t hear.
“Yes, Ella,” he answered, proving his hearing was as impressive as the rest of him. He patted the empty space beside him. “Why don’t you get into bed?”
“That’s just it, Max. I want to say something first.” Instead of slipping under the sheets, she walked and stood in front of him. She watched him close his book and place it on the bedside table. He turned back and looked expectantly at her. His silver-gray eyes burned brightly.
“I’m all yours, Ella. Say whatever’s on your mind. I don’t bite, unless that’s what you want me to do.”
She cleared her throat. “What I wanted to say was…” This was proving more difficult. She tried again. “What I mean is…I like…” Ella stared into his eyes. “Help me out, Max, please. I was never good with words.”
Maybe he heard the heartfelt plea in her voice, because he pulled back the covers and rose from the bed. Wearing just a skimpy pair of shorts he stood mere inches from her. His thick erection was clearly evident beneath the thin silk material. Breathe, Ella, breathe. Her heart pounded in her chest as he reached out and cupped her chin with his finger and thumb. He angled her face to his. In that instant she saw desire burning in his eyes. Her lips parted in a silent gasp, just as he leaned in and grazed her mouth with his own.
“I know you want me, Ella,” he said, holding her gaze as he expertly untied the sash around her waist. “That’s why you’re here, now. You want me just as much as I want you.”
Still unable to speak, she nodded. This time he kissed her more forcefully as he pulled the robe from her shoulders and let it fall to the floor. His tongue dueled with hers until he breathlessly pulled away. When he stared down at her trembling body a wicked smile formed on his lips. “Baby, you do not disappoint me one little bit.” Through the fine gossamer material of the baby-doll nightie, Max traced the outline of her body with his large, masculine hands. His fingers gently brushed the swell of her breasts, and she let out a moan of contentment as he circled her hardened nipples with his thumbs. Her p*ssy
ached with need.
“Tell me what you want, Ella?” he asked, returning to look her in the eye. “I want to hear it from your own lips.”
Ella stared into his eyes, totally absorbed by his arousing touch. “Don’t tease me Max. You know what I want.”
“Of course I know, baby, but it turns me on to hear you say it.”
“Okay.” She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “I want you to f*ck
me, Max. f*ck
me like I’m the most beautiful woman in the world. f*ck
me until I can’t stop coming.”
Chapter Seven