Hotel queens, p.27
Hotel Queens, page 27
“Never?”
“No. I have been called many names, but never that.” Her expression darkened. “And I don’t just mean by those who dislike me.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s nothing… Never mind.”
“Hey?” Kai studied the darkness that had seemed to come from nowhere. “Where did your mind just go?”
“A great many places—but it always does. I overthink everything.”
“So tell me what you’re thinking of? Please?”
Amelia sighed and closed her eyes. “At any given time, I have a dozen thoughts in my head. I’m weighing up scenarios, working out strategy, picking through emotions, hidden meanings I may have missed, determining likely outcomes, then less-likely outcomes, then…”
“Specifics.” Kai said quietly. “What are your top thoughts right now?”
“You’re beautiful,” Amelia murmured. “I want to kiss you. I want, very much, to have you naked in my arms.”
Kai drew in a breath as the visual image slammed into her. “Oh.” Her voice was breathy.
“But I haven’t been with another woman in a long time—at least two years. You certainly have. So I’m also working out…” She paused and licked her lips nervously.
“If I’m safe, health-wise?” Kai frowned. “I understand that would be important for you. So, full disclosure, my last check-up was six weeks ago. All clear. I’ve only had sex once since then…” She paused, recalling gorgeous Lacy Fox in the gym shower and her wandering hands. “But that didn’t involve anything that could…um…limit our activities today.”
“That wasn’t what I was about to ask. Although, thank you. That was concern number four.”
“You’ve numbered them?”
“Yes.” Amelia gave her a rueful smile. “I was about to say, I’m working out how to overcome my nervousness in the face of your experience. People seem to have certain expectations about me. Most of my past lovers seemed to expect because I’m so powerful in my working life, that I’d somehow be legendary in the bedroom. It’s a pressure that makes me so uncomfortable I tend to avoid dating much. And the times I’ve pushed past that discomfort, I’ve found the women tended to be disappointed I didn’t move the entire universe. I’d hate to have that with you.”
“I’m sure you didn’t really disappoint them.”
“Oh no, I did. That’s what I meant by names I’ve been called. ‘More uptight than Mother Superior’ was my personal favorite.” Amelia’s face fell. “It’s hard for me to disassociate. I get so tightly knotted, and the more I sense a lover’s expectations, the tenser I get. With you my fears are worse, because on top of all that, I’m breaking my own rules to be with you.”
“Which rules are those?”
“I don’t sleep with women I’m not in a relationship with. That’s my second highest concern this moment.”
Kai asked gently: “What’s concern number one for you?”
“What if…I’m so out of practice, I’m terrible?” Her eyes slid closed, and she turned her face away.
Beautiful, intoxicating Amelia Duxton had performance anxiety? Kai’s heart clenched and her protective streak surged. “Amelia? I would love to be with you. You are captivating, inside and out, and that incredible mind of yours takes my breath away. But I have no expectations for you at all. None. If all we did is cuddle, I think my poor heart would die happy.”
Amelia’s dark expression shifted a little. “Really?”
“Yes. Since I’ve met you, all I’ve wanted is to be close to you. It was damn annoying when we were fighting, I can tell you.” She rolled her eyes. “So right now I only have one question.” Kai waited until Amelia’s eyes were back on hers. “Do you want this?”
“Yes.” Amelia looked conflicted. “Very much.” She tangled her fingers. “I know I sound all over the place. Contradictory positions frustrate me more than anyone.”
“It’s okay. That’s pretty human.”
“I suppose.” Amelia huffed out a breath. “And maybe it sounds as if I’m ambivalent about sex because I’ve been second-guessing myself so much. But it’s not that. I really do enjoy it.”
“Yet you don’t pursue it.”
“Well, I do have a European hotel division to run. That takes some effort.” Amelia gave her an icy look, then sighed. “Sorry, a defense mechanism. I get annoyed when I’m questioned as to why I don’t date. Quinn’s learned only too well over the years to avoid the topic. But honestly, I really do miss sex at times. I miss the moment of orgasm. I love seeing a lover’s eyes half close, and the delight in them when she can no longer hold back. Her breath becomes ragged. I love watching women lose control and being the cause of that. I find it exhilarating. That is…powerful.”
“It is,” Kai murmured.
“But in recent years, now all I see is the expectation. What people want from me. Sometimes it’s the power, or the money, or the reputation—bedding the ice bitch. That last one tangles me up most. And now my brain tends to overthink everything to the point I can feel myself pulling away before I even kiss a woman. Protecting myself by being distant. You say you admire my intelligence. This is the downside of it. I don’t know what to do to fix this. I’m sorry. This isn’t very sexy, is it?” Shame tinged her tone.
“Oh, Amelia.” Kai’s heart went out to her. “You letting down your walls with me is the sexiest thing I can imagine. Your honesty is breathtaking. And I’d say the solution is simple.”
“How so?”
“We just need to find a way for that over-productive brain of yours to short out for a little bit.”
“Easier said than done.” Amelia shot her a rueful look. “Unfortunately, I’m not easily distracted.”
Kai smiled. “Well, your fancy brain hasn’t dealt with me yet. Naked me.”
Amelia’s mouth opened, but no words came out. “Oh,” she finally said.
“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” Kai smirked.
“I… Maybe.” Amelia licked her lips and her eyes became half lidded. “Yes.”
“Good.” Kai held out her hand. “Now by the time I’m finished, you won’t have time to wonder about your talents because I intend for you to be a wet, exhausted, happy puddle. And then, when we’ve taken the edge off, we’ll start again. And we’ll keep going, again and again if we have to. Because there is no way we’re going to let a stupid thing like expectations, real or imagined, ruin the fabulousness that is us. Okay?”
Amelia shook her head “I hope you know it’s not that simple.”
“It is.” Kai smiled. She pulled Amelia’s hand until they were standing facing one another. Kai gave her a scorching gaze. “Remember when you were just Lia Hanson, anonymous woman, flirting with me at the bar?”
Amelia frowned. “I don’t underst…”
Kai slid her hands around to Amelia’s ass. Lord, that skirt is sinful. “Shh, no overthinking. We have a lot of sexy gray matter to distract.” She kneaded Amelia’s soft swells of ass, enjoying the tactile pleasure of linen and muscle.
“Kai,” Amelia said a little more breathily. “I wasn’t flirting that night.”
“You so were.” Kai’s racing heart began to kick up a gear. “Biting my ear. Sexy minx,” she teased.
“That bite was completely unexpected.” Amelia tried to look imperious, but Kai could see right through it to the doubt, fear, and…burning need.
“Unexpected on both our parts. Have you considered that Lia Hanson had no fears?” She gave Amelia’s ass another squeeze.
“Why do you keep mentioning Lia?”
“Because she never gave a moment’s thought to expectations. She was free and unfiltered and fun and quite possibly a CIA operative—who can say?”
Amelia laughed. It was sudden and stark in the quiet of the room, and her shoulders relaxed. “You’re ridiculous.”
“So you keep telling me.” Kai smiled. “Okay, stay right there.” She left Amelia to throw the lock on the adjoining doors, then slipped a Do Not Disturb sign outside the main door. She returned and gathered Amelia’s hand back in hers. “Now then, back to Operation Distraction… Let’s cut to the chase.” She offered her most sensuous smile. “I believe the burning question was asked: what happens when fire meets ice?”
Amelia’s voice was low and throaty when she replied: “I think we both know the answer. It’s steam.”
“Yes,” Kai reached for her, and slipped a hand under Amelia’s skirt. “It is.”
Chapter 21
Steam
Kai leaned in, pressing Amelia against the wall. “Focus on what I’m doing to you. Feel my hand?” she whispered. “I love how soft your thigh is.” She inched Amelia’s skirt up higher with her wandering fingers. “I plan to touch every bit of you.” She kneaded Amelia’s skin. “How will that feel? Would you like my fingers on you? My tongue trailing up your body?”
Amelia’s nostrils flared, and her pupils darkened. Her lips pursed. “Yes.”
Kai’s hand slid up higher still. She leaned in and kissed her.
When Amelia moaned softly against her lips, the sound was as arousing as silk dancing against nipples. Kai’s breath was ragged as they parted, her eyes searching Amelia’s face. All she found was desire and hope.
“You’re a superb kisser,” Kai murmured, turning to nibble against Amelia’s throat. “I could kiss you all day. But then other parts of you might feel neglected.” She shifted her hand under Amelia’s skirt, savoring the naughtiness of all that bare thigh.
The flesh under her fingers quivered. Kai smiled.
Teasingly slow, Kai let the back of her hand rise until it connected with damp silk. Ooh. Already wet.
The flash of embarrassment across Amelia’s face told Kai she was only too aware of that fact.
“I’m wet, too,” Kai whispered, rubbing against Amelia’s sex. “I can barely stand, you have me so turned on.”
Amelia’s jaw clenched and she said nothing, but her chest rose and fell more quickly.
Kai thumbed a crease into Amelia’s panties, the material only becoming more damp under her playful ministrations. “My God, women are incredible. So responsive. I’m dying to be inside you.”
Amelia’s breath hitched as she swayed in, chasing the friction of Kai’s hand. A flush crept up her neck as she found purchase with Kai’s fingers and shamelessly rubbed herself against them.
Kai’s nipples hardened at the sight of complicated, tightly wound Amelia Duxton straining against her hand. Kai became so wet, she wondered if there was any moisture left in any other part of her body.
Nudging aside Amelia’s silken underwear, Kai pushed her finger through slippery flesh. She barely touched, though, just teased, gently around the edges, playing with her.
Amelia whimpered. “Oh,” she said, voice strained. “Please.”
Please. Kai inhaled sharply. “Please, as in you would like me inside you? Or please you want me on my knees, right now, my tongue against you? Or perhaps you’d prefer to be bent over a table as I grind into you?”
“Oh.” The heat in Amelia’s cheeks had turned scarlet. She swallowed.
“Or all of the above?” Kai suggested, then slid a finger inside. “We can do that.”
Amelia’s clenching body pulled Kai’s finger deep inside, so Kai added another.
“I don’t think I can keep standing,” Amelia said, voice tight as a bow string. Her thighs trembled.
Kai pinned her in place against the wall. “You will. I’ll be here to catch you if you fall. Put your leg around my waist. I need more of you.”
Amelia complied, her thigh slipping over Kai’s hip, and Kai leaned in with purpose. “Now, to take the edge off.” She slid her thumb over Amelia’s clit, then swirled all around it, tapping, teasing, and toying, as her fingers thrust deeper inside.
Amelia’s head banged against the wall and she gasped. “Faster.”
Kai complied, thrusting, then swirling, thrusting, then…
“Oh. Oh!” Amelia tightened around Kai’s fingers, and she trembled all over. Her eyes squeezed shut. “Oh yes.”
Kai rubbed harder. “I think I’ll do you on my knees next,” she said conversationally. “How will that feel? My tongue fucking you instead of my hand.”
Amelia gasped. The trembling magnified, and her words became incoherent as she flew apart. A soft cry in the back of her throat signaled she was there. “Oh,” she finished, and sagged against the wall. “My God.”
Kai leaned into her and examined the rumpled woman with immense satisfaction. So beautiful. She whispered in her ear, “Can’t wait to taste you.”
Amelia’s eyes flew open. “Well,” she said, giving a boneless wave. “I can’t even think of anything to say to that.”
“Then we have success. One fried brain.” Kai grinned.
A small smile tugged at Amelia’s lips. “Exceptionally fried.” Her eyes slid to Kai’s body, and her expression became appreciative and heated. “You’re wearing far too much.”
“I thought you might like to fix that for me.” Kai’s lips curled.
“Hmm. Or I might just prefer to enjoy the show of you stripping for me, Kaida.”
A tremble shot through Kai at the way Amelia said her name. Commanding and cool, this was the woman she was used to seeing in business mode. There was something so arousing about this side of Amelia. The put-together, take-charge woman. The woman she’d first seen in the lobby.
Amelia’s eyebrow cocked at her reaction, apparently working out exactly what was making Kai shiver and squirm. Amusement crossed Amelia’s face, and with it seemed to come an understanding that she held the power. She straightened.
Oh hell, Amelia with her mojo back would probably kill Kai.
As if reading her mind, Amelia said, “I think I’m ready to test out my talents on you.” Her voice was thick and interested.
Kai quivered. Amelia, looking at her like that? Kai’s whole body seemed lit up, every burning nerve ending suddenly alive. She’d never wanted a woman so much. And seeing Amelia’s dark, amused, definitely interested look was sending flares of arousal through her.
“Undress,” Amelia ordered, as her fingers fell to her own shirt’s buttons.
Bossy. God, that was hot. Kai began to tear off her clothing, eyes fixed on her lover.
Amelia stripped with the speed and efficiency she seemed to do most things in life. Shirt quickly unbuttoned, then pulled from her torso. Black, soft bra, unsnapped, dropped to the floor. Her small breasts swayed into view and bobbed as she leaned over and slid her tailored skirt down, followed by her panties.
Behind those designer executive suits, Amelia hid a beautiful body. Her pale skin was sleek, smooth, and toned. At the sight of Amelia’s hard nipples and…her eyes slid south…undeniable wetness, Kai’s breath caught. Commanding Amelia Duxton was even more intimidating naked than she was clothed.
Kai hurriedly kicked off the rest of her clothes, then stood naked before her.
Amelia straightened, too, her strong, imposing angles just stunning. Everything about her screamed power and confidence.
Amelia trailed a heated gaze across Kai’s body. “Very beautiful. I always imagined you would be.”
She imagined me. Kai grinned at that.
Reaching up, Amelia trailed the backs of her fingers down Kai’s cheek. They dropped to her neck, then slipped lower to her breast before falling away. “So delicious.” Her tone became low and authoritative when she said, “Get on the bed, Kaida. I intend to do a lot more than look.”
Mouth going dry, Kai obeyed.
Amelia’s gaze felt like a touch as it lingered on Kai’s exposed position. Her eyes burned.
Kai spread her legs wide, and Amelia’s eyes virtually stroked between her legs, her breasts, her arms, and face, finally landing back between her thighs, where her gaze stayed…and sharpened.
Amelia was upon her in seconds, prowling up Kai’s body, her expression filled with a desire fierce enough to immolate them both.
Where had this woman been hiding?
Leaning down, Amelia kissed her. It was explosive and heady—but naked kisses always were. Amelia lowered her body and molded herself to Kai, tugging her close and digging fingers into her back. She pressed their centers together, raking teeth-grazing kisses down Kai’s neck.
Slipping farther down her body, Amelia covered Kai’s breasts with slippery kisses. Her tongue teased Kai’s nipples, while a hint of teeth threatened to make her pay, indeed.
Kai was barely able to hold back by the time Amelia’s hot breath washed her clit. Then her tongue pressed against Kai’s flesh, into her, and up again. She flicked and laved all over Kai’s most sensitive spots, drawing out helpless moans and trembles.
Oh God. Of course Amelia Duxton would be a goddamned efficiency expert at cunnilingus, too. She was so focused, so clever in her strokes, teasing then hard, withholding then generous. The woman could hold a masterclass in torturing women with pleasure. How she could ever doubt herself was a complete mystery.
Amelia paused her slippery, heated trails and met Kai’s gaze, asking a silent question as her fingers circled Kai’s entrance.
“Yes,” Kai whispered. “Fuck, yes.”
Amelia’s lips twitched, and she slid inside Kai—one finger at first, then two. She stroked firmly and then lowered her mouth back to its teasing games.
Kai’s brain melted. How could a woman as famously cold and tightly wound as Amelia love a woman’s body with so much intensity, softness, and feeling?
Amelia had a lot of feelings, it turned out. She murmured them against Kai’s swollen flesh, the words vibrating. You’re beautiful, Kai. How delicious you taste. You’re making me so aroused. God, I’m soaking. I think I will allow you take me over a desk as you suggested. How will that feel?
Kai bucked and cried out. Raggedly, she combed Amelia’s hair with shaking fingers, urging Amelia’s talented mouth on, before finally letting go. She didn’t so much tumble over the precipice as fly above it and shatter into pieces.
