Deception (Infidelity #3)(69)
My smile blossomed fuller as I turned my head to inhale the masculine, woodsy scent of Nox’s cologne that lingered upon the cool pillow beside me. I’d heard that smell was the strongest of our senses when it came to memories and arousal. With my eyes closed, the unique fragrance transported me to the presidential suite in Del Mar and the first time I’d smelled the remarkable scent. I warmed at the recollection of Nox’s jacket as he’d placed it upon my shoulders.
It wasn’t a dream.
Nox had been here beside me, with me, and inside of me.
Despite the multiple glasses of wine I’d consumed last night, I’d had trouble falling asleep, distraught and confused over Chelsea. I still didn’t understand why she’d been apologizing, why she wouldn’t talk, or why I couldn’t reach her after her call. After tossing and turning, I’d decided to take the sleeping pill Patrick had offered.
Within minutes, my eyelids grew heavy, and a restless sleep ensued until at some time during the night, a strong arm pulled me against a solid chest. Wrapped in Nox’s warm embrace, my world righted. I recalled turning in his arms and facing him, touching his handsome face. In the darkness, his features were hidden, yet under the tips of my fingers I saw his prominent cheekbones, scruffy cheeks, and chiseled jaw. I didn’t need to see the light blue of his eyes to convince myself that Nox was real. His presence filled not only the bedroom and bed, but also my soul.
With him beside me, I’d drifted into a deeper slumber. Nox’s presence hadn’t taken away my concern over my best friend, but his presence alone had lessened my burden, allowing me to share my concerns and sleep soundly.
Now, as I started to shift the blankets, I recalled that we’d not only slept, but early this morning as Nox woke, we’d done rather more than that.
Still groggy, I’d awakened to my favorite alarm—the pleasurable probing of Nox’s morning erection slowly grinding against the small of my back. As his large fingers splayed over my tummy, pulling me closer and moving downward, my core clenched and more than my consciousness awakened. So had my wanton desires.
In those early hours, I became lost in the sensation that was Nox. My eyes barely fluttered open as my pajamas disappeared, and he stretched and filled me in the most delicious way. As he moved, my back arched in pleasure and his lips found mine. Each breath in and out—warm and heady as our chests heaved skin against skin—gave the other person the air essential for life. It was as if the oxygen and carbon dioxide could only be found in the other. Without our exchange of breaths, I would have ceased to exist. For a time, the world beyond our bubble was forgotten. My every thought was consumed with the man above me, holding me, dominating my world, and making love to me.
His presence satisfied me while his words offered comfort. Declarations of his love and professions of my worth filled a void that my friend’s odd behavior had created.
After Nox started my morning with a series of satisfying detonations, he kissed me goodbye and apologized for leaving so early. The last thing he’d said before I drifted back to sleep was that he’d see me tonight at our apartment.
As I recalled the conversation—or his statement and my sleepy acceptance—his parting words may have been more of a dictate, but I didn’t care. I wanted to be back in our space. I hadn’t been there since I’d walked out on him the night I’d received that letter.
Though that had only been three days ago, with all that had happened, it seemed like a lifetime.
I still didn’t know exactly what had happened to Jocelyn, but I knew that I trusted the man who’d surprised me in my bed as I’d slept. I also believed Patrick trusted him. If he didn’t, I suspected that my cousin wouldn’t have allowed Nox into my room. No matter how dominating Lennox Demetri could be, Patrick was half Fitzgerald. I knew from experience that blood gave Pat more than his fair share of stubbornness.
It wasn’t until I woke again over an hour later that I even realized that we’d made love in my cousin’s apartment. My cheeks reddened as I imagined meeting Patrick in the kitchen.
Nearly forty minutes later, I did, both of us dressed and ready for our days.
“Little cousin, did your night get better?” Patrick asked as I came into the kitchen.
My shoulder lifted nonchalantly as I unsuccessfully kept a goofy grin from overtaking my face. “I slept better than I expected.”
“Hmm.”
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing, I’m just making an observation.”
I stopped opening the container of Greek yogurt and looked down at myself. After I’d awakened alone, I’d taken a shower and dressed. Despite Nox’s approval of my post-sex scent, I’d been sure to cleanse it away. My ballet flats showed from the cuffs of my skinny jeans rolled fashionably above my ankles and my blouse fell to below my waist. My hair was plaited off to one side, lying upon my shoulder in a braid of amber, and my makeup was sparse but fresh.
Pursing my lips, I looked back to Patrick. “What are you observing?”
His cheeks rose. “My beautiful little cousin—happy, and if I’m completely honest, rather satiated, too.”
I shook my head as I peeled back the yogurt’s lid. “Am I wearing a sign or were we too loud?”
He laughed. “Neither. I just like seeing you happy. Really happy. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you glow like that—ever.”