He pushed in another inch. I gasped, trying for a nonchalant shrug that came out in a rough jerk of my shoulder. "So far, nice is it. Make me come and I'll give you something better."
Nash didn't answer in words. Hooking a hand behind my knee, he opened me and drove his cock in to the hilt, filling me so deep he slammed into my clit, the impact sending a knife edged shock of pleasure up my spine into my brain. I had no words left. Only instinct.
That night in New York, Nash and I had sex three times. He was slow and deliberate, teasing and aggressive. I thought I had an idea what he'd be like in bed. I'd had no clue. This wasn't like before. In a flash, Nash transformed from my gentle lover into a beast of instinct. He fucked me hard. There was no other word for it.
This wasn't making love or playing. This was no flirtation. This was a claiming. Nash's body took ownership of mine, opening me, filling me, over and over, driving me higher until I exploded in orgasm, my fingers gripping his shoulders as my body fell limp beneath him. Nash followed me with a deep groan, his lips covering mine, kissing and stroking me as the tension slipped from my body.
When I could breathe again, I rolled my head to the side, meeting his dark, satisfied eyes. "Would you accept 'very nice'?"
"I see I have work to do," He grinned back at me. "I accept the challenge."
Accept it he did. We cuddled, not really talking, mostly getting our breath back before Nash tempted me into a long, hot shower where we made use of the built-in bench. After, we snuck down the back stairs and raided the kitchen for a snack, long after everyone else had gone to bed. The last thing I remember was curling into Nash, my head tucked into his neck, his fingers playing in my damp hair.
I woke late to find myself alone.
Nash was gone.
Not just from my bed.
Nash had disappeared from Heartstone Manor completely.
ChapterTwenty-Two
NASH
This was not part of my plan. I paced my mother's opulent drawing room, noting the increase in delicate china figures and ruffled silk throw pillows as I strode back and forth, irritation building with each step.
"Darling, would you sit, please?" My mother called from the settee, the teapot in her hand.
"No," I answered, shortly.
She sighed and poured a single cup of tea for herself. "I know you're annoyed by my summons, but this is important."
"Then tell me what's going on," I demanded. Narrowing my eyes, I examined her. She looked the same as always, dressed for a garden party, not a hair out of place. With steady hands, she poured the tea. "You're not sick, are you?"
"No, of course not. My doctor says I'm in perfect condition for a woman my age."
"Then what–"
"Patience, darling," she said, holding up her hand.
If a call for patience has ever resulted in anything other than making the recipientlesspatient, I'd love to know.
I shut my mouth, but sent my mother a glare I'm sure reminded her of myself fifteen years earlier. In general, I tried not to behave like a petulant adolescent, but if anyone could bring it out of me, it was Claudia Kingsley.
Her early morning summons via text had been vintage Claudia. High drama, little explanation.
You must come home immediately. It's of utmost importance. I'll explain when you arrive.
I'd tried calling, but her phone had gone straight to voicemail. Also vintage Claudia. Why explain over the phone when she could summon me to her presence? Usually I insisted she explain and work with my schedule. I love my mother, but if I gave her an inch she'd take over my life.
This time, between Tyler's recent unhinged behavior and our mother's fear of him, I couldn't bring myself to put her off. I'd taken a moment to watch Parker sleep beside me, every cell in my body fighting the idea that I was going to leave her side. I was finally exactly where I wanted to be, in every way.
The last thing I wanted to do was leave Heartstone Manor. Everything I wanted was here, Parker most of all. The day before had been a dream come true, and she'd loved every minute of it. I knew she had, from the bike, to dinner, to ending up together in her bed.
I'd debated waking her up or leaving a note, but decided to text her when I landed, giving her a chance to sleep in before I gave her the bad news that our plans for the day would have to wait. I'd emailed Griffen, Hope, and Royal to fill them in before my flight took off, but I'd wanted to talk to Parker personally.
The flight had been delayed, circling in the air above Manhattan, and I'd left it too late. Every time I tried to call, it rang exactly once and sent me to voicemail. My text messages went unread. I knew what that meant.
