Love Conquers All (Forever and Always #16) Read online

  She continued to rub my back. “But she didn’t cheat?”

  “No.”

  She nodded. “It sounds like she’s made a lot of mistakes.”

  “A lot.”

  “When she said she was sorry, do you think she meant it?”

  “Yeah…”

  “Then why are you doing this?”

  “What?” I asked.

  “Forcing yourself to be with someone else.”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I wonder if I should just throw in the towel and be with someone else.”

  “Did tonight answer your question?”

  I nodded. “I think it made it painfully obvious.”

  She smirked. “If this girl is the only person you want, you should make it work with her.”

  “Even after everything she did?”

  She gave me a firm look. “In case you didn’t know, relationships are never fairy tales. We don’t meet someone, fall in love, and live happily ever after. Between falling in love and happily ever after, it’s work, tears, pain, and heartache. I guess this is a wake up call for you.”

  I thought about her words for a long time. No relationship was perfect. All my friends struggled in the relationships they had, but they kept working hard because they loved the person they were with. And I’d seen them do some pretty fucked up things to each other. “You think I should go back to her?”

  “I didn’t say that,” she said simply. “But a bombshell just threw herself at you and you couldn’t even get a hard-on.” She had a smile on her face. “I think that speaks pretty loud.”

  I smirked then looked at the ground. “I’m so sorry I did this to you.”

  “No, don’t apologize,” she said simply. “There’s no need for it.”

  “Really?”

  She leaned in and kissed me again. “If you don’t get back together with her, and you finally picture yourself with other women, I’d like a chance. A real one.”

  “I’d love to take you out again—and get naked.”

  She smiled then kissed me. “You’re very special, Cortland. If this girl doesn’t get that, then fuck her. But if she does know that, which only you can tell, then give her another chance. Either way, she’s a very lucky girl for capturing your heart so strongly.”

  This girl was so cool. Why couldn’t I just fall for her? “I know I’ve said some mean things about her, but there are a lot of things I love about her, too many things for me to name off. But there’s so much good to her. It’s just been buried under all the bad.”

  She gave me a fond look. “Think it over, Cortland. I hope everything works out for you, together or apart.”

  I squeezed her thigh. “For what its worth, if I weren’t so depressed I would have fucked your brains out.”

  She chuckled. “Well, of course. Who wouldn’t?”

  I cupped her face and kissed her, wanting to prove that I did find her attractive. “I’m not sure why you’re single, but I know you’re going to be picked up soon. And whoever he is, he’s a lucky guy.”

  “Maybe it will be you someday.” She had a twinkle in her eyes.

  I wasn’t sure about that. The only person I could picture myself with was Monnique. “Maybe.”

  6

  Mike

  Today was my birthday. My thirtieth birthday. Yuck.

  I never cared about age, but I never liked celebrating my birthday. There was no particular reason why. I just didn’t like all the attention being focused on me. All the gifts, the celebration, and the cake was—old news. I didn’t care for it.

  As far as I knew, Cassandra had no idea. And I wanted to keep it that way. I didn’t want her to throw a party for me or treat me in a special way. Just having her in my life was a gift in itself. And I knew my dumbass brother wouldn’t even remember. The only thing he cared about these days was knocking up his wife.

  Fine by me.

  Cassandra left the apartment early this morning because she wanted to hit the gym. I wasn’t sure why because we usually went together after work, but she seemed adamant about it. Now that she was pregnant, I was more protective of her. I didn’t want her to go anywhere alone, but I stopped myself from being controlling. I knew Cassandra didn’t like that. And I respect her.

  Just a little after the morning began, she walked into my office.

  I was glad to see her. I really wanted to get laid. We usually had sex first thing in the morning, but that didn’t work out today.

  “I brought you a coffee.” She set it on my desk. “I figured you didn’t have time to get your own.”

  “Thanks, baby. But you didn’t have to do that. I’m the one who should be doing things for you.” I grabbed her hip and pulled her closer to me, kissing her stomach. Her hand was behind her back and she never moved. “What are you hiding?”

  She gave me a playful look. “I know what today is…”

  My brother was a fucking bastard. “What’s today?” I played dumb.

  “My man’s birthday.”

  “No, it isn’t,” I said quickly. “Sean’s playing a trick on you.”

  “Your mom called, actually.”

  “She’s crazy too. Don’t listen to her.”

  “You’re crazy,” she teased.

  My eyes smoldered. “Crazy for you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Stop with the excuses. I know, okay?”

  I growled. “I hate my birthday.”

  “Why?”

  I shrugged. “I just do.”

  “Well, that’s about to change.”

  “It really isn’t.”

  She revealed her arm and handed me a box. It was red with a black ribbon. It was small and light, easily held in my hand.

  “You don’t have to get me anything.”

  “I think you’ll like it.”

  My fingers moved to the ribbon.

  “Nope. Don’t open it until I leave.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Is it a bomb?”

  She glared at me. “I’m not even going to respond to that.”

  I set the box on my desk.

  “I know why you hate your birthday.”

  “Really? Look who’s a psychologist.”

  Cassandra gave me a serious look. “It’s because you spend every birthday alone. This is the first time you’ll spend it with someone you love.”

  I knew she hit the nail on the head when my heart clenched in pain.

  “And who loves you just as much in return.” She moved into my lap then gave me a kiss, a long one that burned long after it ended. “I’ll see you after work.”

  I grabbed her ass. “How about a birthday quickie?”

  “Not right now. But I promise I’ll make it worth your while later.”

  I wondered what that meant.

  “I need to get back to work.” She left my lap then sauntered to the door. “I’ll see you soon.”

  Like a pervert, I stared at her ass as she walked down the hall.

  The little red box caught my attention. I held it in my hand and shook it, expecting a watch or some other jewelry. I felt the weight in my hands and tried to guess what was inside. Maybe it was a letter or note. Maybe it was nothing. Needing to satisfy my curiosity, I opened it.

  Stuffed inside were a few articles of clothing. I pulled each one out and took a look. One of them was a mask, which slipped over the head. It was black and made of velvet. Then there was a mouth gag. It was black and made of silk. And the remaining pieces were restraints for the wrists and the ankles. My mind worked in overdrive as I pieced everything together.

  At the bottom was a note.

  Get ready for the best birthday sex of your life. I’ll be waiting for you on your bed…

  Your baby’s mama.

  I growled after I read the note. My cock was immediately hard. All the items inside were hot, but the way she signed the note was the hottest thing of all. Anytime she mentioned her pregnancy, I was an inferno. Imagining her tied up on my bed, restrained and blind got me so hard
my balls turned blue. She was a present—just for me.

  Work was unbearable. Now I couldn’t stop thinking about Cassandra. The sex was going to be so good. Now I loved my birthday. But I had a hard-on all day. Every time I left my office, I was afraid someone would notice. But it wouldn’t go away. I kept fantasizing about how she looked. I was going crazy. Now I know why she told me first thing in the morning. She wanted to torture me all day.

  As soon as five o’ clock came around, I was out the door. I had some paperwork to do, but I couldn’t care less right now. My girl was waiting at home for me, ready to give me some amazing sex.

  Sean came to me in the hallway. “Did you get that fax about Sirial Enterprise?”

  “Yes. I’ll finish it tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow? We—”

  I moved into the stairwell and forgot about the conversation as soon as I walked away. He’d understand later. If it was that important, he’d take care of it.

  I drove through traffic as fast as I could. I kept picturing how she looked on my bed, wearing lingerie and being totally at my mercy. Her stomach would be revealed, and that wouldbe the hottest thing of all. I honked my horn and flipped off a few people so I could get there faster.

  When I finally reached my building, I jogged to our apartment. I hoped I didn’t get there before she did. I might have to start without her…

  I stepped inside and spotted the rose pedals on the ground. They led to the hallway and disappeared. I dropped my keys and wallet on the counter then stripped off my jacket. It fell on the floor.

  I moved down the hallway, loosening my tie as I went. My fingers undid the buttons then moved to my belt. When I reached the bedroom, it was dark. Only a few candles were lit. And she was lying right in the middle of the bed.

  Her wrists were tied together above her head. They rested on the pillows near the headboard. Her eyes were covered in a mask. She couldn’t see anything. And a cloth was tied across her mouth, her lips parted. Now I was harder than steel.

  Her legs were bound together at the ankles, and her knees were bent on the bed. All she wore was a black lacy bra with a teddy and garters. Black pumps were on her feet.

  Holy shit. She looked hot.

  Her blonde hair was a million times bigger than it usually was, and I knew her face was heavy with make up. She was a personal whore.

  With shaky hands, I got the rest of my clothes off. My cock was bigger than it usually was. I didn’t even know that was possible. It twitched while I looked at her. I wanted to be inside her now.

  “Fuck, you look hot.”

  She moaned into her gag.

  I leaned over her and ran a hand down her body. I felt her perky breasts then moved to her garters. They were black and made of silk. I fingered them, practically drooling. The black lace that moved up her legs to her thigh was sexy as hell. My lips sought her skin and I kissed her body, wanting to devour her completely. “Damn, this is the best birthday ever.” I kissed her thighs then moved to her stomach, loving the feel of her baby bump. She looked even sexier pregnant, somehow. My lips trailed back to her breasts and I kissed the valley between them. My hands rubbed her and touched her, possessing her because she was mine. I gripped the back of her neck then kissed her neck. I felt her breathing increase while I touched her everywhere. Moans escaped her lips every few seconds but she didn’t attempt to speak.

  I loved kissing her more than anything. Those lips were so soft and delicious. I pulled the cloth down then kissed her hard, slipping my tongue into her mouth. She placed her arms over my head and hugged my neck. I sucked her bottom lip then returned the restraint to her mouth. “This is going to be so much fun.”

  Her arms moved back over her head and she writhed underneath me.

  “I’m going to do whatever the hell I want to you. And I’m going to fucking enjoy it.” I rolled her onto her stomach then placed a pillow underneath her chest and her hips so her stomach wasn’t pressed into the mattress. Her arms were sprawled overhead. I pulled her underwear over then slipped my dick inside. Like I expected, she was soaked. “Fuck…”

  I suspended myself above her then went to town, fucking her hard and fast. Her pussy felt better than any other I had, and certainly felt better than my hand. Her ass shook as I pounded into her. I grabbed her hair and held on, grunting and moaning because it felt so good. I was living out all of my fantasies, but they were so much better now because they were with my dream girl, the woman I loved. I could be sick and disgusting with her because she was just as nasty as I was.

  When I was about to come, I pulled out. I didn’t want this to end too soon. My lips sought her neck and I kissed her, licking my tongue across the skin. “You okay, baby?”

  She mumbled something incoherent.

  “If I hurt you, just hit the mattress with your arms.” I flipped her over then moved the pillows. Then I pulled her to the foot of the bed, her legs pressed against my chest. I slipped inside her and moved deep and fast. Her arms stayed over her head and she moaned with me. My hands held her legs tightly and I thrust into her. The view of her below was sexy as hell. It was impossible not to come with her. How could I not? I kissed her legs as I moved into her, loving how good her pussy felt. It was the Disneyland of pussies.

  When I was about to come again, I removed the binding around her ankles then opened her legs. I leaned over her and pressed my face close to hers. Then I went to town again. My bed hit the wall so hard, I knew it would leave a mark. But I didn’t care. It felt too good. She looped her arms around my neck and held onto me. I stared at her giggling tits as I pounded into her. It was a beautiful sight. I felt dirty, but it felt right at the same time. It wouldn’t have felt this good with anyone else. It had to be with her.

  When she moaned loudly and clenched around me, I knew she was enjoying this as much as I was. I gave her all the pleasure I could and moved into her with precision. When she loosened around me, I knew she was finished.

  I wanted to keep going but I knew I wouldn’t last. A gorgeous woman was tied up and lying on my bed. The fact that I loved her and knocked her up made it a million times better. I removed her mouthpiece then gave her a hot kiss, finding my release at the same moment. I breathed into her mouth, feeling my cock throb as I released inside her. It felt so good. I had a lot of amazing orgasms with Cassandra and that definitely made the top ten.

  I immediately undid the bond around her wrists and pulled off her mask. “Happy birthday to me.”

  She smirked then rested her hands on my neck, pulling me to her. “You liked that?”

  “There are no words…” I lay beside her and snuggled with her. After that amazing fucking, I just wanted to go to bed. Having her in my arms was a sleeping pill. She completed me.

  “See, your birthday isn’t so bad.”

  “But I’ve never gotten a gift that awesome.”

  “Now I know what to get you every year.”

  “How about every day?” My hand moved to her stomach.

  “Maybe on special occasions…”

  I growled.

  “I want the same thing on my birthday.”

  “Really?” I raised an eyebrow. “You want me to tie myself up and lay on our bed, just so you can take advantage of me?”

  “Yep.” She was practically purring.

  “Why do we have to wait for your birthday? Let’s do that now.”

  She chuckled. “You’re ready to go again?”

  “Well…maybe in like half an hour. After coming that hard, I don’t think I’ll be up for a short while.”

  She sat up then unclasped her bra. “Take a shower and get ready.”

  “Why?” I pulled her back to me. “It’s my birthday. I want to snuggle with you.”

  “Well, too bad. We’re going out.”

  “What happened to letting the birthday boy decide?”

  “Who said anything about that?” She gave me a playful look. “Now get your ass ready.”

  “Why?”

  “Becau
se I said so. I’m taking you out to dinner.”

  “How about we order in and I eat everything off you?”

  Cassandra gave me a firm look. “I planned dinner so you better get ready.”

  I eyed her suspiciously. “Everyone is going to be there, aren’t they?”

  She didn’t look at me. “Just get ready!”

  “I don’t want to have a birthday party.”

  “That’s too bad.”

  “I want to stay here with you and my baby.”

  “Stop whining.”

  I chuckled, loving her no bullshit attitude. It was hot. “Okay. Fine.”

  “Now hurry.” She removed her garters and I was sad to see them go.

  “Can we do it again when we get back?” I asked hopefully.

  “I thought I was tying you up?” The playful look was back.

  I jumped to my feet. “Alright. Let’s get this dinner over with ASAP.”

  7

  Cortland

  Mike had his surprise birthday party tonight, so I showered after the gym and headed to the bar. I wasn’t sure if Monnique was going to be there, and I didn’t ask because I didn’t want to make the night about me. The last thing I wanted to do was make everyone uncomfortable. I didn’t want to cut her out of my life, and I certainly didn’t want to ostracize her from everyone else.

  When I arrived, Sean, Scarlet, Ryan, and Janice were already there. They sat in the large booth, downing their glasses. Only Scarlet wasn’t drinking.

  “Hey,” I said as I sat down.

  “How’d the date go?” Ryan blurted.

  “Hi to you too,” I said sarcastically.

  “How’d the date go?” Scarlet repeated.

  They were leaning over the table so far that it looked like I was whispering a secret to them.

  “It was fine.”

  “Fine?” Ryan asked. “That’s all you’re giving us?”