Lust & Lies Box Set-Sexual Awakenings, Excess, Predator & Prey

Cedric hadn’t been open about himself, either, only revealing that he had a sister in the Charleston area and a niece I could tell he adored. I served him his omelet, which he thanked me for, devouring it in a mere minute and letting me know he would be waiting for me when I was ready.

Unsuccessful in my attempt, I showered then checked my phone.

Aiden: I went surfing this morning without you.

A welcomed warmth spread throughout my chest as I texted him back.

Nina: Should I be hurt by that?

Aiden: Yes.

I laughed in my closet as I pulled out a white dress that dipped low in the front and clung to my midriff, ending high on my thighs. Wanting to feel sexy, I paired it with some red soled, heeled Mary Janes, topping the look off with my lengthy diamond chain and studded earrings. I pulled my hair up after curling it then brushed bronzer on my now naturally tanned skin.

As I climbed into the limo, I answered Aiden’s text.

Nina: That was a hell of a show you put on last night.

Aiden: Likewise.

Nina: I have no i

dea what you’re talking about.

Aiden: Encore?

Nina: I have meetings all day. Meet you after?

Aiden: My place.

Nina: See you then.

As quickly as my elation came at the possibility of rekindling that spark with Aiden, the underlying threat of stoking the fire with him meant furthering myself from Devin to the point of no return. There was no going back anyway. Not after what had transpired. I wouldn’t hurt Aiden again. Not that way. Not if he gave me the chance to be a part of his life again.

Swallowing the harsh burn of betraying Devin, I made my decision. Now it was just a matter of living with it.

§§

Aiden answered the door with a small smile, leaving it open for me to enter and follow him into his kitchen. A few scented candles were burning throughout his house as Portishead played in the background. The atmosphere was completely relaxing, and I basked in the comfortable feeling.

“It’s stir fry, no carbs,” he said, glancing up quickly. I felt the guilt spread over me. He was truly trying while I remained deceptive.

“Aiden, I…” I trailed off, unsure of how to apologize again as I watched him chop vegetables. He looked up at me, and I flinched as I saw him slice through the pad of his finger.

“Fuck,” he muttered, grabbing a paper towel and wrapping his injured digit.

As I rounded the bar, I noticed a visible change in his demeanor as he studied his bloodied finger, the evidence of his arousal growing in his pants as I approached. His eyes drifted down to his hard cock and back up without apology as I moved forward, taking his finger with a smirk.

“Little masochistic, isn’t it?”

“Pleasure and pain, you know all about that.” His eyes burned with his statement.

“Unfortunately for me, doctor, I’m addicted to it,” I said in the worst German accent. “But for you, maybe it’s good.” We stood facing each other as I gripped his finger, squeezing to make it more painful. I was fascinated by the rigidness of his body and failed to stifle a giggle. His amber eyes seared my mouth shut as he pulled his finger away.

“You’ll pay for that.”

“I hope so,” I flirted, wrapping his finger tightly with the towel.

“You really are a beautiful woman, Nina.” He was watching me as I searched his cabinets for a bandage, coming up empty. I turned to him in question as he continued. “And really fucking dangerous for me.”