Breathe You In Page 5

  The high arches were lined with crown molding, and soft hues of cream and butterscotch accented the walls. Several winding turns later, we arrived at a large, wooden door with two men standing on either side.

  “Gentlemen,” Roman acknowledged as he opened the door.

  “Good evening, sir. Ma’am,” said the one I remember as Andrew.

  “Hi,” I muttered, feeling like I was walking into a special ops meeting or something.

  There was no further exchange. Roman simply opened the door and led me in. Based on the security, I expected to enter an office or a secret meeting, but no. It was a bedroom. And it was intimidating.

  “Is this your room?”

  He nodded.

  “Wow,” I breathed, half impressed and half shocked. My whole apartment could fit inside this one room.

  A massive fireplace was in the center of the wall across from us, giving off small pops and crackles, and making the room smell like pine trees and autumn. Two doors, which I assumed led to other rooms, were to the left of where I stood.

  To the far right, there was a large sleigh bed made up in blue sheets, blankets, and pillows of varying hues. A little sitting area, complete with a small table and plush chairs, was situated in front of the stone-lined fireplace.

  “I thought we were going to have dinner?”

  “We are,” he said and took my purse, setting it on the little table. “Food will be sent up.”

  “I…” My words were dying fast as I looked around.

  This was a bad idea. Playing girlfriend was one thing, but I remembered the promise Roman had made about us being in close proximity to a bed—that if anything happened, it would be because I wanted it. Problem was, I trusted him more than myself when it came to that subject. I tended to lose my mind where he was concerned, and the closer he came, the more I lost.

  “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  He didn’t acknowledge my words. Instead, he invaded my space in one stride, eating up the distance between us.

  “We need to talk,” he rasped. His large palms cupped my neck, then trailed to my shoulders.

  The moment his hands touched me, I shivered like a neglected kitten desperate for affection. I tried to hang on to my gumption, to broach the topics we needed to discuss, but he ran those warm palms over my back in a soft, sweeping caress, and my stupid body instantly arched into his touch. When he wove around to my front, sliding over my stomach and up to cup my breasts, I jumped back.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Frisking you.”

  He stepped closer, closing the distance again, seeming completely unaffected. Kneeling, he clasped my thigh between his hands and slid down past my calf, all the way to the ankle. The other leg received the same attention The entire surface of my skin was flushed and tingling from his touch, and I hoped he couldn’t hear my heart, which was about ready to beat its way out of my ribs.

  “What is it you’re looking for?”

  “Wires.”

  “I’m wearing a skirt. You’d see them if there were any.” The statement came out a bit harsh, either from the absurdity of the situation, or the fact that his bare hands were on my bare thighs, and the only thing I could think about was being more bare.

  He stood and shrugged, obviously pleased and not at all ashamed about copping a feel.

  “You can’t be too careful.”

  While my whole body was buzzing from that rather thorough frisk, Roman seemed as calm as ever. He simply motioned for me to sit in one of the chairs, which I did.

  The fire’s warmth heated my shins and face. I had opted for a skirt and blouse that were simple, but hugged my curves without giving too much away. I had let my hair fall casually and gone with minimal makeup. I’d had no idea how to dress for a briefing about a manufactured relationship, but this had seemed good enough.

  He sat in the opposite chair and faced me.

  “We need to discuss a few things before we eat.”

  “Alright.” I folded my hands in my lap.

  “This is not a game. What goes on between us is very real. I meant what I said, Amy. The moment you agreed to this, we became a couple to the outside world. That means no more questions or shocked reactions to my affections. Especially in public.”

  “Did you just put regulations on my feelings?”

  He grinned. “Yes. Of course, if my attentions are shocking, then we can remedy that.”

  I frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “The best way to adapt to something is through repetition.”

  The heat of his gaze burned more than the fire as those sweltering obsidian pools dropped from my mouth to my breasts, and back up.

  Blinking a few times, I tried to break the spell before I fell too far under its power. To remind myself to maintain my sanity above all else, and not be sucked into the magnetic presence that was Roman Reese.

  “But what if I have questions?” The tremble in my voice was apparent. Now I was certain he could hear my erratic heartbeat from where he was sitting. It was getting harder and harder to calm the pounding in my chest.

  This didn’t feel like an approaching panic attack. I was familiar with those. No, this was much different. It was anticipation on a level that nearly had me shaking.

  “If you insist on speaking of our arrangement after today, or have a question, then we can discuss it in a location of my choosing, and you will be naked.”

  I laughed, then choked when I realized he was serious. “Excuse me?”

  “Those are my terms.”

  “Why?”

  “Wires.”

  “Is that your answer to everything?”

  “No.”

  Take soothing breaths, I reminded myself. “You honestly think I’d be wired?”

  He shrugged. “Could be. Which is why you’ll be naked.” A hot shiver broke over my skin, as if his words had already stripped me of my clothes.

  “What about your security detail?”

  He frowned. “I have no desire to see them naked.”

  I rolled my eyes while he grinned, clearly loving this. “No, I mean that they’re obviously wired, and they’re around you all the time.”

  “They don’t know about this arrangement. Everyone other than you and me view us as a couple.”

  The fact that Roman was willing to go to such an extent to keep this a secret from everyone, including those literally closest to him, was staggering. Could he really not a trust a soul? Granted, if this kind of scandal got out, it would definitely be damning. His reasons made sense, but were still a little on the crazy side.

  “Why can’t you just frisk me again?”

  “Naked, Amy. Those are my terms.”

  His face was hard with a steely expression. So stark and mysterious, yet slight laugh lines and a shadow of dimples were present. The contrast was beautiful.

  “Can something like this really be kept a secret?”

  He leaned forward and skimmed the inside of my knee with his hand, stopping right when he hit the hem of my skirt.

  “You tell me, Amy.”

  I bit my lip because I was ready to surrender anything. I had already agreed to his wishes. But he was wrong about one thing. Last night when he’d found me at the bar, he’d said he’d thought I’d made up my mind about him the night he proposed this arrangement. In fact, I’d made up my mind about him the moment he’d first kissed me at the gala. Governor Roman Reese was more than a hardened politician, and the darkness flickering behind his eyes was only the beginning.

  “Is there anything else we need to go over?” I said.

  “You understand that my privacy is sacred to me. I’m trusting you with much of it, and we—”

  “Are together,” I said.

  He nodded.

  “I understand.”

  “And you agree?”

  I thought of Lauren. Thought of all the kids who had called the crisis line. Thought of how many were out there now, suffering in silence with nowhere to
go, their family members having no idea where to take them for help. My stomach instantly hurt.

  “Yes. But I want your word that you’ll help me with this center, and that sex isn’t an expectation and won’t affect any part of this arrangement. Whether I’m talking to you naked or not.”

  He looked almost…impressed. “The only time you’d have to disrobe to speak with me would be if you chose to discuss this arrangement. Unless you’d prefer to talk to me naked regularly, in which case, I have no objection.” His gaze zeroed in on my mouth, and I zeroed right back in on his. “I have already drafted a proposal in the state budget stipulating funding for New Beginnings. I will also support the anti-drug campaign and introduce you to people with a lot of influence and money who are looking to donate.” His gaze ran the length of my body. “And as I said before, sex isn’t part of this deal in any way. It’s a choice.”

  “Okay, then.” I breathed. “What about my terms?”

  “Your terms? Didn’t you just state them?” Before I could answer he unleashed a sexy grin. “You mean your terms regarding more of this ‘real me’ you saw at the gala.”

  I nodded.

  “You’ll have to give me specifics, Miss Underwood. Because I’m happy to give you more…” His fingers, which had been drawing small circles around my knee, slowly trailed higher, disappearing beneath my skirt. My breath hitched.

  My eyes drifted shut; I couldn’t stop them. The fire’s warmth licked my skin while Roman’s touch seared me in an entirely different way. It made me want to strip down and feel the heat of both over my entire body.

  “There is something about you, Amy,” he said musingly. “I won’t deny that. Won’t tell you this is purely a game, because I think about that night too. Think about you. How you clung to me. From your sexy mouth to your sweet little moans. I replay our kiss. Over and over.”

  “How do you do this?” I whispered.

  “Do what?” His voice was a growl and while my eyes were still closed, I felt him move closer.

  “Enthrall people.”

  I heard him shift his weight and felt his breath skate across my lips. He must have been kneeling in front of me now, but his fingers never relinquished their station on my inner thigh. I refused to open my eyes. Couldn’t. Because once I did, I wouldn’t be able to look away.

  “It’s part of the job,” he whispered. “Making you want me above others.”

  His mouth brushed slightly over mine, barely making contact. I wanted more. Needed it. Instinct took over and I did the only thing I could. Snaking my tongue out, I tasted the seam of his lips. A low growl came from him, but he didn’t pull away.

  “You’re good at your job, Governor.”

  “And you are not what you seem, Miss Underwood.” He nipped my bottom lip, and a zing of pleasure shot through my entire body. “Open your eyes.”

  I instantly obeyed, as if helpless not to. Cupping my neck in both palms, he leaned back to look at me. “Do you feel forced to be here?”

  There was something so vulnerable in his eyes, it made my ribs suddenly feel like they were crushing my lungs. He was asking me. Considering my feelings, my comfort…my interests.

  There was so much power behind Roman Reese but there he was, on his knees, asking.

  “No. I’m here because I want to be.” And right then, in that moment, was exactly where I wanted to stay.

  His gaze didn’t leave mine. But he didn’t move. Didn’t push for more, as if waiting to make sure I was certain. His hard torso pressed against my knees as he once again overwhelmed my space—and it felt good. So good that I was already drowning in him.

  It had been so long since I’d been with a man, and I’d never noticed how badly my body was crying out until I’d met Roman. There was a draw, a need to feel him, because I knew whatever he delivered would be mind-shattering in its intensity.

  He had the power, but I had control over myself. Sort of. Unfortunately, I was losing what little restraint I had left.

  My chest rose and fell with easy breaths, like it knew I was surrendering to the man before me. The one with the dark eyes, eyes that held the same wicked promise I’d seen the night I’d met him at the gala. The same man who’d flashed a look of vulnerability and rawness that I was desperate to see again.

  “I want to know something true,” I whispered. “About you.”

  “Why?”

  “Can’t a girl want to have a conversation with someone who interests her?” Throwing his words from that first night back at him felt kind of good. But the truth was, I did want to know him. Something. Anything. While this arrangement was new, he had never once revealed a single detail about himself.

  “You want truth?”

  I nodded.

  “I am partial to the color blue,” he grated, glancing down at my skirt.

  Refusing to let go of his stare, my knees parted just a little. His hands slid from my neck down to the swell of my breasts, his thumbs barely skimming my nipples before continuing lower to span my waist.

  “I’m competitive.” His fingertip ran along the waistband of my skirt. “I love a good challenge.”

  My knees spread farther, allowing him access between them, which he took. Grabbing my ass, he pulled me against him. I gasped as my core pressed against his lower torso, his erection prodding me.

  “You told me that you felt small in the world. I’ve never had that problem.” He shifted his hips, rubbing the steel rod against my most sensitive area. “But sometimes, I wish I did. Wish I could just get lost.”

  His mouth seized mine. Plunging his tongue inside, he drank me in, consuming everything in one kiss. Holding me tightly, he ground his hips against mine again, sending sparks from my center to every limb.

  I wrapped my legs around him, locking my heels, and hugged him closer. I just wanted to feel him. To have him stay here this time, with me, instead of being interrupted and walking away.

  He worked my mouth like he owned it. Like every part of me was open to his exploration. There was nothing slow or sweet about his kiss. It was commanding and dominant. Rough and consuming. I let him do it: taste me however he wanted.

  “I’ve thought of you, Amy,” he growled, then delved his tongue between my lips again. “Every damn day since I met you.”

  He gently bit my chin, then moved along my jaw to my pulse point. When he ran his tongue along the shell of my ear, a violent shiver raced over my skin.

  “I’ve thought of what you’d feel like…taste like…everywhere.”

  My whole body was bursting into flames, and all I wanted was more. To be the center of his attention. To latch on to his need and let it take me as far as it could. Because for the first time, getting lost didn’t seem so bad.

  “I’ve thought of you too,” I groaned, my head falling back as he licked and sucked his way from my earlobe to my neck.

  “Tell me,” he growled against my skin. “Tell me what you thought of.”

  I buried my fingers in his hair as he moved lower, kissing my collarbone. He snaked one hand up and started unbuttoning my shirt.

  “I thought about the way you treated me,” I admitted. “How you kissed me. How you change.”

  “Change?” His fingers traveled lower, popping the last button free. He pushed the fabric open.

  “There are different sides to you. You’re a tough man to keep up with.”

  With his fingers on the front clasp of my bra, he looked up at me. “You don’t have to keep up tonight, sweetheart.”

  A flick of his wrist, and the lace covering me fell open, exposing my breasts.

  “Jesus,” he whispered.

  The air that wafted over my flesh was warm, but left tingles in its wake. The governor of New York was on his knees before me, staring like a man on the brink of devouring his last meal. Heat raced through my veins like freshly lit sparklers. Every cell was flooded with an achy desperation.

  But as the moment lengthened, and he continued to simply stare, that tingle turned into a b
uzz of unease and anticipation. Did he like what he saw? Dislike? I wasn’t tall or overly thin. I took care of myself, but no matter how hard I exercised, my breasts, hips, and backside had always been on the large side.

  I unwove my fingers from his hair and went to cover myself.

  “Don’t you dare,” he growled. “You can hold on to either me or the chair, but you’re not covering up.”

  He gripped my sides, his palms heavy against my ribcage, and lifted me so that my back arched, pushing my breasts out farther. My hands flew to the armrests for balance. With his eyes on mine, he leaned in and slowly sucked my right nipple into his mouth.

  I groaned, digging my fingernails into the chair.

  “Fucking incredible,” he grated.

  He circled his tongue around my breast, leaving a trail of goose bumps before taking the peak between his lips again. This time, he sucked hard.

  “Oh!” I flinched from the odd sensation that was a mix of pleasure and pain. So much intensity stung, but I didn’t want him to stop.

  Maintaining his hold and keeping me positioned like an offering, he moved to the other breast. All I could do was throw my head back, and let him sample whatever he wanted, however he wanted.

  “Do you like this, Amy?” He slowly licked around my nipple, softly flicking the sensitive skin until my breasts felt heavy and achy. The gentle teases made my need smolder hotter, demanding more.

  “Or do you like this?” He bit the tip, causing my hips to jolt out, ramming against his hard cock.

  He didn’t let up, instead pulling more of my breast into his mouth and sucking so hard, an orgasm threatened to unleash from just the promptings of his wicked mouth.

  “That! I like that,” I moaned to the ceiling.

  Keeping his mouth on me, he threw my skirt up to my hips and tugged at my panties. I rose enough so that he could slide them down my legs and off. His fingers instantly circled my opening, and my hips moved to meet him, begging for deeper contact.

  “Want more?”

  “Yes,” I breathed.

  He plunged a finger inside and I cried out.