I slowly unclasp the cuff link on my left wrist, sliding it into the pocket of my pants before I roll the sleeve of my white dress shirt to the elbow. Her eyes watch my every movement as I do the same with my right arm.
"Has it been a birthday to remember?" My hand darts to the sash around her waist. "Will you remember this day?"
Her eyes are fastened on my fingers. I pull on the sash softly. It offers little resistance before it gives and releases into my hand.
"I think I'll remember it always, sir."
I step forward, my hands leaping to her neck, cradling her face in my palms. I float the pad of my thumb over her lower lip. I lean down to kiss her softly, tasting the sweetness of her breath. "I'm going to make certain you never forget it."
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Isla
Enjoy, Gabriel.
They're just two words. They were all he'd written in the card he'd given to me. He might have known the literal meaning they'd hold. He couldn't have known what it would feel like when he lowered his face to mine and kissed me. I'd melted. I'd held fast to his hands as they cupped my cheeks when he licked his tongue over my bottom lip and I'd moaned, so loud, when his hand dropped to my thigh.
"You're so perfect." His lips trace a path along my cheek. "I've thought about this for days."
I want to say something in return; something poetic and thoughtful so that his memory will cling to this night just as long as mine will. I doubt that's possible.
I will never forget the scent of his skin as he bows his head to brush his lips across my neck. I will never forget the softness of his hair as I wrap my fingers through it and I'm never going to forget how it will feel to come beneath his touch.
He pulls back just enough that it tugs a whimper from somewhere deep within me. My hand darts to my mouth, my cheeks flushing instantly with the knowledge that my body is responding to him on a basic, primal level.
"You're going to think I say this…" he stops himself mid-thought to lean forward to kiss me softly. "You looked so beautiful when you walked into the bar tonight, Isla. I've never wanted to touch a woman more."
The words push me back on my feet but his arms circle me, holding me in place.
"You want me," I say breathlessly, realizing that it sounds more like a question than a statement.
His lips press hard against mine in response. I push my body into his, wanting to lessen the distance. My hands jump to his chest, my fingers fumbling aimlessly for the buttons.
"No," he whispers the word into our kiss. "Turn around."
I ignore his words. In my desperation to feel his skin touching mine, I grab hold of his tie, pulling at it, trying to wrench the knot free.
His hands are on mine before I have time to think. He bites my bottom lip, his tongue immediately tracing a path over the spot to soothe it.
I step back, not just from the sudden burst of pain but from the action. My fingers jump to my lip, instinctively covering what I know will be a swollen bruise.
"That hurt," I say softly. "You hurt me."
He steadies his stance as he cradles my chin in his hand tilting my head back so our eyes meet. It's then that he leans forward, his breath a soft whisper against my ear. "That's a prelude of what's to come, Isla. Tell me if you want me to stop. Just say the word."
I take a half step back wanting the distance to catch my breath as much as to look in his eyes. "Haze."
"Haze?" His brow furrows. "What is haze?"
I felt it the moment I saw him in the boutique. That feeling only intensified when I was alone with him in his office and he stood next to me. When I was in his lap in the car, he wanted me. His body couldn't hide his desire. It was there in the way he touched my thighs. I could sense it in his kiss. He's offering exactly what I want.
I exhale softly as I look up and into his eyes. "Haze is my safeword. If it's too much and I want you to stop, I'll say it."
The growl that emanates from him almost drives me to my knees. It pushes him to his and as he turns me towards the glass, hikes my dress up to my hips, and slowly pulls my panties off, I know that my life will never be the same again.
***
"Brace yourself," he says in a deep, firm tone; his voice the only sound in the room.
I lean my cheek into the cool glass of the window. I can feel his breath on my tender flesh. I've felt exposed with lovers before but it's never been like this. I'm standing in my heels, my pussy on ripe display with his mouth and tongue so close. He's so close I can feel every movement of his lips when he speaks.