Don't Let Go Read online

  “You should…” Alec starts to say as he tosses the keys onto the front entry table. “You definitely shouldn’t come upstairs with me,” he concludes as he takes two steps closer to me. He stops a foot away, but the proximity is suffocating.

  “That would be bad, wouldn’t it?” I ask him, although it’s not really a question. It’s definitely a bad idea to give in to him. To set myself up knowing I’m going to fall hard for him.

  My heart begs me to question him. To ask him what he’ll think of me after, and try to plan how this could possibly work.

  But the moment my lips part, his large hands grip my thighs and pull me up into his arms. I slam into his chest, our lips crashing together and he steals the words from my lips with a hurried kiss. As if letting one more second pass would have killed him.

  My chest rises and falls as my fingers spear through his hair while he carries me up the stairs.

  As soon as I break the kiss, Alec’s lips move to my neck, his hands squeezing my ass as he kicks open a door.

  I should say no, but I have no intention of depriving myself of this man.

  I want him. It’s that easy.

  A gasp leaves me as he tosses me onto a large bed. The room is dark with the thick curtains shut, but it’s warm and the bed is soft and welcoming.

  My eyes are transfixed on Alec as he quickly pulls his shirt over his head, leaving it to fall into a puddle of fabric at his feet. My lips part, and my breathing quickens. My pussy is hot as my thighs clench of their own accord.

  I lick my lips as his muscles ripple in the dim light, accenting each hard line. My fingers dig into the comforter, gripping the fabric with the need to keep me right here. His light gray eyes, filled with nothing but desire, hold my own as he unbuttons his pants, shoving them down in a swift push and unleashing his hard as steel cock.

  Fuck.

  I’m fully clothed, and the man in front of me is naked and gloriously so as he crawls across the bed to get closer to me.

  I don’t have enough time to admire him, or to think even. My mind is a mess of thoughts, but the overriding one is to give in to every urge and let this man have me however he wants.

  “I need,” I clear my throat, suddenly feeling shy as he settles between my thighs and unbuttons my jeans.

  “What?” he asks me, leaning forward and sneaking in a kiss. I lean into it, but he pulls away and then reaches down, gripping my shirt in his hands and pulling it over my head.

  “I’m… I need,” I stammer and then just close my eyes to spit it out. “Birth control.”

  He laughs, his hot breath sending goosebumps over my body as he buries his head in the crook of my neck. “I’ll send for some in the morning. The morning after pill?” he asks, finally leaning away so he can look me in the eye with his brows raised.

  I push him playfully on his shoulder. “This is so embarrassing,” I huff in a whisper.

  Alec doesn’t seem to hear me, or if he does, he doesn’t care. I fall to the bed and reach behind me, unclasping my bra, preparing to show myself to him.

  He doesn’t hesitate to pull the straps down and rip the lingerie away, tossing it carelessly to the floor.

  I don’t have a second to let my self-consciousness show; he immediately leans forward and moans as he sucks my pebbled nipple. His teeth scrape along the sensitive nub, and I beg him to fuck me.

  “Please, Alec,” I whimper and it’s only then that he lets my breast go with a pop of his mouth. He picks my body up in his arms as though it’s easy, kicking the covers down and laying me higher up.

  It hits me then that this is really happening.

  His fingers slide up my thighs slowly and tug my jeans and panties off easily. The rough denim sliding down my skin only makes the pleasure more intense.

  Alec pushes my clothes to the side of the bed, and moves his hand to my pussy. His fingertips slide along my slick sex, and my head lolls back with the faintest touch of pleasure. My clit’s already swollen with need and begging for the same attention.

  “Fuck,” he says with his eyes wide and staring right at me. “You’re so fucking wet and ready for me.” I can’t breathe, and my body’s still as he sucks my arousal from his fingertips before moving them back down and pushing two thick fingers into me without hesitation.

  My back bows and my body begs me to turn and move away as he finger fucks me, stroking along my front wall. His other hand grabs my throat and pins me down.

  My hands instinctively fly to his wrist and fingers around my neck. His grip’s not tight or threatening, but the way he plays my body is too intense.

  It’s like he owns me. Like he could do whatever he wants to me.

  And in this moment, he could.

  He repositions his hand so his palm smacks against my clit over and over, and the sounds plus the look in his eyes push me over the edge nearly immediately.

  A strangled moan and my nails scraping along his wrist and forearm are the only signs he needs that I’ve come undone. I struggle to catch my breath as he pushes my thighs wider and lines his dick up.

  Fuck, he’s too big. I squirm beneath him as the head of his cock slips between my lips and pushes into my hot entrance.

  A strangled cry pours from my mouth. My eyes squeeze shut tight.

  “Shh,” Alec hushes me, leaving gentle kisses on my jaw. “I’ll go slow at first,” he says in a comforting voice as he pushes in deeper, rocking his thick cock in and out of me, each time sliding in more. His girth stretches my walls with a sting that amplifies the pleasure still very much on the surface and pulsing through me.

  In one swift move, Alec slams himself in me to the hilt and my head arches back, digging into the mattress as a silent scream leaves me. My walls tighten around him, spasming from the shock as he kisses my neck and grips onto my hips to keep me in place. He gives me a moment, but only a small one and my hands reach down to his, holding on with my nails digging into his skin.

  “Alec,” I murmur with the insecurity I feel. I don’t know if I can take this. It’s too much.

  My head thrashes as he moves out slightly and then forces himself back in. He does it again and then once more, and I can already feel myself on the brink again. So close to being overwhelmed with another release.

  Alec’s hot breath travels down my skin like the lick of a flame as he groans, “Yes… Cum for me again. Let me feel you cum on my dick.”

  His dirty words are the last straw and for a second time, I come undone under him. But Alec doesn’t wait for me. He doesn’t let up. He continues to fuck me as the sensation washes through me and paralyzes me with unadulterated pleasure.

  He pistons his hips, thrusting his thick length into me over and over again mercilessly. I scream out, “Alec!”

  My heels dig into his ass, urging him on even though it’s too much. Waves of intense heat roll through my body, burning every inch in slow creeping waves. Each one more threatening, more consuming than the last.

  “Alec,” I moan as I feel the impending fall of my release coming. I know it’s close; I can feel it slowly making my fingers and toes curl. My head thrashes and I hold my breath, but Alec never stops.

  He’s ruthless and unforgiving as he continues to pound into me. The sound of me crying out his name and his low moans mix in the hot air. I struggle to breathe when he rides through my orgasm and forces more from me.

  His hard body lies on top of mine, pinning me down and keeping me still while he pushes my release higher.

  I almost cry out for him to stop, almost try to push him away. But the final wave of pleasure is too intense for me to do anything other than cry out and lie victim to its intensity.

  Alec groans deep and low in the crook of my neck as his fingers dig harder into my hips with a bruising force as he erupts inside of me. I feel his thick cock pulse as hot streams leave him, filling me completely. He pumps his hips in short and shallow thrusts until we’re both spent.

  Leaving me on the highest high I’ve ever had, my body shak
ing and the cold air slipping between us as he rises between my trembling thighs.

  I breathe heavily as my body lies limp on the bed, exhausted and sated and deliciously used. I’m vaguely aware that Alec’s climbed off the bed, but the dipping and creaking of the mattress is a telltale sign. I listen to the faint patter of his bare feet as he slips into the en suite.

  The warmth between my thighs leaks out slightly, and the realization wakes me enough to reach down and prevent it from slipping between my legs and onto the comforter. Before I have to shuffle awkwardly off the bed, Alec towers over me, pushing a hand against my chest. I fall easily for him and spread my legs.

  He wipes my thighs and between my legs with a warm wet cloth, kissing the inside of my left knee and then pulling the blanket up over my naked body.

  “No need for a dress shirt tonight,” he whispers and kisses me quickly on the lips before disappearing again.

  Although I smile and hum a small thanks of gratitude, inwardly I wish I’d just fallen asleep.

  This situation is a nightmare because there’s only one way for it to end.

  With me shattered. I can already feel it happening.

  Alec Kulls will ruin me.

  Lila

  Tap, tap, tap. The only sounds in the room are of my fingers on the keys.

  I should be in the cabin; I should be writing my article. I should be getting ready to leave more than anything.

  Instead, I’m making myself comfortable in the library. Alec’s library.

  I lift my eyes as the door creaks open and Alec walks in, a bundle of small logs under his arm. My fingers stop moving for the first time in what must be hours.

  “Why didn’t you tell me it’d gone out?” he asks as he kneels in front of the fireplace. The smell of burnt wood drifts toward me as he picks up the cast iron poker.

  “I thought you were busy,” I tell him honestly. “That, and I’m…” I hesitate to say the truth, but I put the laptop down on the ottoman and shrug a bit as I confess, “I’m afraid of outstaying this welcome.”

  He huffs and doesn’t answer me, putting in another log and stirring the hot embers, exposing bright oranges and reds.

  “I don’t mind,” he says as he looks over his shoulder. He gives me a coy smile, letting his eyes drift over my body in a way that leaves no doubt he likes what he sees.

  I pull my knees into my chest, and hide my face from him. I’m in his pajama pants and a white undershirt… also his.

  We basically match, and I have no intention of getting out of these clothes.

  At least I’m wearing clothes now. I passed out in Alec’s arms and woke up to him hard and ready to fuck me again. And again. As I shift on the chair, I feel a dull ache between my thighs, and it only makes me want more of him.

  I like to pretend that I’m trapped here in this massive estate with him, but I know I’m not. I have no excuse for practically shacking up with him over the course of this business trip.

  This is bad. So, so bad.

  But it feels so good. It’s like the real world doesn’t exist here. Everything is fresh and new, and Alec wants me.

  I’ve never been with a man who’s so honest. A man who doesn’t mind catering to me, and acts like this is all completely natural. I can’t help but think it’s because it’s temporary. Because I’m leaving.

  The thought is unsettling and I shift in my seat, tearing my eyes from him.

  “Hey,” Alec gets my attention and makes his way over to me. He brushes his hands off on his pants but keeps his eyes on my face. “What’s that look for?”

  “What look?” I play dumb. I don’t want to be the clingy hookup that got emotional before leaving. But that’s exactly what I am.

  This isn’t me. I’ve never done a one-night stand before, simply because I don’t know how to handle it. Let alone a few one-night-stands-on-vacation. If that’s even a thing.

  “Stop it, Lila.” Alec admonishes me in a deep voice that sends shivers over my skin and hardens my nipples. “Don’t overthink it.”

  He bends down, taking my chin between his thumb and forefinger and tilting my head up so I’m forced to look him in the eyes.

  I pull away from him, hating that I’m getting emotional over whatever it is we have.

  “It’s easy for you to say,” I tell him and instantly regret it. He lets out a heavy sigh and takes a seat on the ottoman, pulling my legs into his lap.

  “I hate that you think that,” he says and I watch his expression for any indication he’s lying, but he’s not. Maybe this connection is real. But if that’s true, it makes it all the harder to leave.

  “Don’t think about tomorrow,” he says as he leans forward and braces his hands on the sofa on either side of my head. He towers over me, staring into my eyes. “We have right now, so let’s hold on to right now.”

  I close my eyes as he leans forward, pressing his lips against mine for a sweet kiss. He deepens it and I react, moaning into his mouth and parting my lips for him. My hands reach up, gripping his shirt and pulling him closer to me.

  I don’t want this to end. I’m too afraid to say it out loud though. Too afraid to admit that I’m falling too soon, and too hard.

  This was never supposed to happen.

  Even as Alec moves his hand to my waist and pushes my legs apart with his hips, I know I can’t stop myself.

  I never had a chance with him.

  Lila

  “I want a trinket,” I say lightheartedly, although my heart is heavy. It’s my last day here, and our time together is quickly coming to an end.

  I spent most of yesterday in Alec’s bed listening to the tales he remembers from when he was a child, or writing.

  The words flow easily here. But I've only written poetry and short stories. Not anything related to the interview. That can wait till I get back home. I won’t let it interrupt what this place is making me feel. The inspiration and muse are strong here. And I love it.

  “A trinket?” Alec asks as he picks up a piece of pottery. It's handmade of clay with filigree work, painted deep green and coated with a gloss. It’s beautiful and would be perfect for a candle holder. I take it from his hand, adding it to the small collection in the wicker basket that was at the front of the shop.

  “Trinkets,” I correct myself with a smile. This is the fourth shop we’ve been in, and every one is full of the most beautiful things. Handwoven blankets, old books with that aged smell I love, artisanal decor. And the food--I practically moan just thinking about it.

  “Is the entire island like this?” I ask Alec as I raise a candle to my nose. I inhale the lavender scent deeply and close my eyes.

  I love everything about this place. I can’t help but think I’m being shortsighted, or maybe it’s a case of the grass is greener on the other side. But I want to stay.

  I don’t want to go back to a small, cramped apartment where I don’t know a soul and probably never will. I don’t want to go back to an office that’s constantly moving at a pace that’s tiresome to keep up with.

  I just want to go back to the cabin, or truthfully, home with Alec, and write.

  I place the candle back down onto the shelf and frown as I shake off the uneasiness flowing through me. I don’t know what’s come over me, but this pining and longing for something I can’t have needs to end.

  I look up as Alec stiffens as the sight of someone walking across the street catches his eyes. I follow his gaze and watch a small woman walk beside a man who looks so much like Alec. Maybe a bit older, since there are faint streaks of gray on his temples and he’s not dressed in a suit, plus his hair is lighter. But they’re definitely related. I sneak a glance at Alec, not letting him realize that I see, that I notice something is going on.

  The woman seems so out of place. It's almost like she’s scared, and I notice how the other people around them are watching, too. They have looks of sympathy on their faces.

  “She’s had a difficult pregnancy,” the older woman behind the counter
says in a soft voice. A voice meant for me alone, but Alec hears, too. He sucks in a breath and stares at the woman for a moment, but she meets his gaze evenly.

  “Who are they?” I ask Alec.

  He swallows before admitting, “My brother and his…” He doesn’t finish, and I can tell why. There’s something odd between them, something tense and uncertain. Something that scares them both. “Belle.”

  I take a look over my shoulder to see Alec’s brother gentle a hand on the woman’s waist. He pulls her closer to him and she lets him, seeming to melt into him. It’s a gesture that makes my heart ache. There’s a love there, but it’s hurt and sad.

  “Do you want to say hello?” I peek up at Alec after I ask him, but he simply shakes his head.

  “Another time, perhaps,” he says and turns his back to them, facing the woman and gesturing to the baubles in my arm.

  “But I’m leaving,” I protest without thinking. As if I have any say in who I meet from his family. I’m embarrassed for a moment, but only for the briefest of seconds, because he smiles down at me, brushing his fingers against my cheek.

  “Why don’t you stay?” Alec suggests. He lets out a heavy breath and shoves his hands into his suit pant pockets. “You could work from here, couldn’t you?”

  My heart flutters, loving that he wants me to stay. Maybe it’s the romantic in me, the folklore, the beautiful surroundings, or maybe it’s the way he looks at me.

  I could. So easily.

  I have to turn my head to hide my smile. It’s foolish though. I clear my throat, shaking my head. “I can’t stay,” I tell him and even as I say the words, my heart hurts. This fling or whatever it is between us wasn’t smart. How can I be so attached to someone so quickly? “I’m sorry,” I tell him sincerely, the smile slipping and my true disappointment coming through. I feign another smile, expecting him to shrug it off, but he doesn’t. His pale blue eyes stare deeply into mine, pinning me in place.

  The air tenses between us, heating my blood and stealing my breath. It’s not the reaction I imagined.