Chapter Eight

Nicki could barely contain her excitement as she yanked Adam into the elevator. Anticipation and lust coursed through her veins. During their marriage, they’d experimented a bit with bondage and toys, but because of their jobs, they were very careful. Even last night, he’d untied her right after they made love.

Now, she didn’t want to be careful. She wanted to play. There was something to be said about playing the seductress. Once they reached their room, she used her card key, opened the door, and she flipped on the lights.

The door slid shut, and Adam threw the bolt. A shiver of desire slid up her spine as she turned and faced him. His hands were clenched at his sides. Want, need, and desire were written on his face.

“Would you please unzip me?” She presented her back to him and quivered when his fingers touched her skin. “Thank you for the dress, I love it.”

“I had it made just for you.”

“What?” She twisted her head to the side, trying to see him.

“I saw the concept and asked Sue to make you the dress. I had a slightly different version made for the movie. I didn’t want to see any other woman but you in the original.”

Nicki fought back the tears. He made her feel so cherished, so loved, and it hurt in a good way. The material came loose in her hands. Carefully, she stripped off the dress and hung it up before taking off her shoes. She returned to Adam in her panties and nothing else.

“I’m yours,” she whispered, lowering her gaze to the floor.

“All mine,” he said, his lips brushing against her lips. “Go get on the bed.”

Nicki padded over to the big king bed, climbed onto the mattress, and settled herself in the middle of the bed. Her pussy tingled with excitement and wetness dampened her panties.

Adam nodded, then went to the dresser and opened a drawer. She fought against wiggling on the mattress when he turned back around with several lengths of rope in his hand.

“Arms over your head.”

Nicki did as ordered. He twisted the rope and looped it over each wrist as he’d done the night before. But this time, he used quick release knots. He secured the rope to the headboard. When he finished, he stood up and stared at her. She squirmed on the mattress as his gaze caressed her body. Excitement sent a shock wave over her skin, sensitizing every inch of her; she loved it when he bound her for his pleasure.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered. His hands went to his shirt. Within a minute, he was naked, his cock hard and bouncing from a nest of dark curls.

She licked her lips. Oh, she wanted to taste his saltiness and his spice. But Adam positioned himself at the end of the bed. Her first instinct was to close her legs, but this was her husband. The man she wanted more than anything. He reached up and slid her panties down her legs and dropped them onto the floor.

“Long, gorgeous legs.” He crawled between them, pushing her knees farther apart before putting them on each shoulder. “Mine,” he said, before lowering his head to her pussy.

Her back arched when his tongue swirled around her clit before plunging into her wetness. She couldn’t help herself as she bucked against his mouth. Lord, this man knew how to use his tongue and lips. His hands grasped her hips to hold her still as he continued his wicked assault with his lips and tongue.

Nicki couldn’t catch her breath. Each swipe of his tongue brought her closer to the edge. His slightly rough tongue sent shivers of pleasure through her, making her core tighten and her nipples ache. She wanted to touch her breasts, to pinch her nipples, to give her that extra bit of pleasure, but her hands were tied.

His tongue danced over her clit. Her stomach tightened. She was close, her climax rising fast. Out of nowhere, her orgasm hit.

Adam’s head rose. He licked his lips and smiled at her. “Sweet as cream and as addicting as cotton candy.” He kissed her stomach and between her breasts before his lips closed over right nipple. He maneuvered her legs so they slid off his shoulders, but he kept her spread wide as he wedged his body against hers.

“Adam,” she cried right before his lips closed over her left nipple. Her spine stiffened with pleasure.

“I’m here, love.” He dropped a kiss on her lips, his cock brushing her wet pussy. In this position, she was wide open to him.

A shiver of vulnerability slipped through her veins, but then she looked into the face of the man she loved. No, he wasn’t perfect, but then, she wouldn’t want a perfect man.

He was scarred both inside and out, but together, they were beautiful.

Adam eased his cock into her pussy, and her muscles clamped down on his dick. But he didn’t move.

“Don’t wait, I want you Adam. Now.”

He surged into her, and they both let out a moan. Nicki closed her eyes in bliss. He filled her full, but there was nothing like having the man she loved buried so deep in her, she could hardly breathe.

Adam pulled back then surged into her again, and the game was on. Nicki enjoyed every second of his loving, and her climax was building. Before long, she hurtled over the edge.

Adam grinned as Nicki came again. His fingers found the ties around her wrists and released them. Her arms curled around his neck, pulling him tighter against her as her pussy spasmed. The room was filled with their heavy breathing.

He rose off her and then froze. “Damn it, I forgot a condom.”

“I’m on the pill.” She pushed against his chest. “My turn to please you.”

“You always satisfy me.” He allowed her to shove him onto his back. He was curious what Nicki would do.

She dropped a kiss on his nose before kissing her way to his chest. Her lips caressed him, blazing a path ever so slowly down toward his cock. As she cupped his balls and blew warm air on the head of his dick, he let out a moan. His cock twitched.

“Someone is getting excited,” she whispered, her moist breath caressing his skin.

“Keep it up, and he’ll be up and ready for more.”

“Ohhhhh, that’s a good plan.” Her tongue swept over the top of his cock. Heaven, he was in heaven.

Shit! His fists clenched the sheet. How long had it been since she’d taken him like this? A very long time, most of the time he only wanted her pleasure.

Her tongue swept down one side of his shaft then up the other. His nerves danced with anticipation of what she would do next.

“Sweet and salty,” she declared. She lowered her head and took his cock into her mouth.

He couldn’t prevent a groan from escaping his lips. “Nicki,” he cried out as she hollowed her cheeks, sucking him hard.

How many times had she cried out his name when he went down on her, licking and sucking at her pussy? Yes, he’d had blow jobs before, but never like this. Never from the woman he loved more than life itself.

Her head lifted, his dick popping out from between her lips. “I know I’m tasting myself as well as you. We make a good combination.”

Heat rose over him. “Oh, baby, you don’t know the half of it.” They were good together. All he had to do was convince her.

She sucked and licked him until his body was covered with sweat as he tried to hold back his climax. He wanted to make this last. “I’m going to come, baby.”

Her gaze connected with his. She never stopped sucking him even when he erupted into her mouth. Pleasure swept up his spine, causing him to buck against her lips. She never stopped. She kept up the pressure and licking him until he collapsed against the mattress.

“You taste like dark, masculine heat.” She kissed his stomach before his hands closed over her waist.

“You are a witch.”

“And you are my warlock, because you’ve certainly got me under your spell.”

“Good, because it’s my turn again.” He rolled her under him.

“I’m glad we’ve got all night.”

****

Two weeks later, Nicki, covered the receiver of her cell phone and smiled when Adam strolled into the room. The last two weeks had been wonderful. Almost like the time before when they were dating, except she spent every night in his bed. She worried about what people would say on the set, but no one said anything, at least not to her face.

“Yeah, sure, Chris. Talk to you later,” she said, ending the call.

“What did Chris want?” Adam’s tone was harsh and his features froze. They’d come so far in the past weeks, she had thought maybe he’d gotten over his jealousy of Chris, but apparently not. She fought against her disappointment.

“Miralar wants to meet with me to discuss the costume designs for their next show.”

“That’s wonderful.” His face softened as crossed the room and pulled her into his arms.

“I think it is.” She watched him warily. He didn’t seem very gung-ho about her taking the job to start with.

“Did they say what kind of show?”

“Chris didn’t say, and I didn’t ask. The meeting is an informational one, and I’m not the only one they’ve asked.” Was he no longer upset? She couldn’t tell, but he didn’t seem to be.

“When is the meeting?”

“Two weeks.”

“Maybe it’s a good thing I pushed everyone this week. If we push during the next two weeks, we can wrap up most of the filming. Then you won’t have to worry.”

“Worry about what?” She cocked her head. What was he thinking?

“Dividing your time.”

“Adam, I doubt I’ll start the job in two weeks, and Chris has already made it clear that I have a prior commitment.”

“Which could mean you not getting this job.”

She shrugged. “If that happens, there will be others.”

“And Chris is good at finding them for you, isn’t he?”

The bitterness in his voice had Nicki pulling out of his arms. “Chris is my friend and helps me manage my career.”

“I know.” He smiled.

Nicki didn’t understand what was going on with Adam, she opened her mouth to ask.

“Let’s go for a walk,” he said. He tugged her out of the room, but she had a feeling Adam didn’t believe a word she said. But for the moment she let it go. They could talk more later when they’d both had time to digest the news.

****

Later that night, Nicki rolled over in bed. She reached for Adam and her hand found empty space. With a frown, she sat up and pulled the sheet around her. The clock read four a.m.

Where was he? Shoving the sheet aside, she slid out of bed and found her robe. The bathroom was dark, which meant he was either in his office or the home theatre. Probably the theatre. She padded down the stairs to the home theatre or director’s room as Adam called it. She pushed the door open and froze.

Adam was watching one of the first movies she’d ever made. Her character screamed, and Nicki winced. Chris had always said she had one hell of a pair of lungs on her which is why she did so well as a scream queen. She never noticed. Maybe because she never watched her own films.

Closing the door quietly behind her, she crept forward. Adam was slumped in one of the overstuffed chairs, his hands clenched the arms. He looked as if he’d shatter into a million pieces if she uttered a word. She stayed silent and forced herself not to move any farther into the room. Here, she was hidden in the shadows. She watched him and waited, heart thumping in her chest. His posture stirred a memory of his panic attack the other day.

The film ended and another one started. This could take a while, but she didn’t want to disturb him. There was something going on here, and she wanted to know what it was. If she asked Adam, he’d tell her nothing and clam up on her. She needed him to talk to her. Maneuvering herself, she put her back against the wall and slid down until she could sit on the floor but still see him.

Her gaze never left him. She’d never seen him this way. There was so much emotion playing out on his face. Joy, happiness, anger, despair, and love. It was all there. It took all her strength not to go to him, to put her arms around his neck while cuddling on his lap. If she went to him, he’d shut down just like he had every other time she had caught him when he was vulnerable.

Eventually, the films ended and the room went dark. Adam’s sharp intake of breath filled the room. He rose. His muffled footsteps took him to the opposite side of the room as he made his way toward the projection room.

He paused at the door and said, “Why, Nicki? Why can’t you be happy with me?” His voice was hoarse and rough.

What the hell was he talking about? She almost jumped up to ask him, but fear held her back. Fear of what? Rejection? Maybe Adam really didn’t love her, and their marriage was truly over? Or was this because of the child they lost?

Her heart pounded.

“I know I’m not handsome enough for you. I know I’m not the best husband.” His voice carried through the room. “But why must you take jobs that pull us apart?” The quiet click of the door closed on his last words.

Nicki took a shaky breath before pushing to her feet, keeping close to the wall as she made her way out of the room, and back to the bedroom. She wanted to confront Adam, but he’d shut her down and they’d end up fighting rather than talking if she pushed him tonight.

Why couldn’t he talk to her about this? Did he really resent her career—any career—that much? He never said so, and the Miralar job would mean they wouldn’t have to be apart as much. Some but nothing like now. Didn’t he realize that?

She returned to the bedroom, stripped off her robe, climbed back into bed, and turned onto her side, staring at the bedroom door. Her stomach hurt along with an ache in her heart. She had to find a way to talk to him.

Minutes later, Adam entered the room, and she didn’t even pretend she was asleep. She waited for him to say something.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.” He took off his robe and climbed onto the mattress.

“You didn’t.”

“Is there something wrong?” He turned onto his side and slipped his arm over her waist.

“No.” As much as she wanted to talk to him, in bed wasn’t the ideal place. She forced herself to relax and allow him to gather her into his embrace. “Just lonely.” More than lonely—heart sick.

“I can fix that.” He brushed a kiss over her lips.

“Hold me.” She laid her head on his chest, curling into his heat. His heart beat strong and sure beneath her ear. His arms closed over her, his palms rubbing her back.

Eventually, she began to settle down. She didn’t know if she’d survive losing Adam again, but she couldn’t give up a chance at her new job. She had no idea what she was going to do, but whatever she chose, heartache was a sure path.