A Stranger's Affection Page 11

  Pulling off her sleepshirt, she donned the swimsuit then stared at her figure in the oval mirror. The soft material hugged her body in all the right places and brought out the cerulean sparkle of her eyes. The cut defined her slim curves and deep cleavage. “Eat your heart out, Mr. Black.” She uttered a cheeky laugh.

  So far, their encounters had been either sullen, unfriendly, and a tease if one could call the man that. Something she aimed to change. She always went after what she wanted, and Colton Black was ripe for the picking. The almost-kiss last night proved that. She turned, and her gaze fell on the scorpion tattoo on her right arm.

  “Hey there, handsome.” She grinned. That little piece of art had caused a few bar fights with men who couldn’t handle their liquor and picked on the wrong woman. People who knew her often said the creature resembled Nishani’s feisty spirit. Something the mighty Black Lord would soon learn.

  Grabbing a robe, she slipped into it before stepping back out onto the patio. She descended the granite stairway that led down to the garden. At the bottom, she eyed her surroundings then made her way toward the pool. The area, dimly lit by the sporadic lighting around the pool, appeared deserted. Nishani eased out of the robe, draped it over a chair, and stepped into the water. The coolness a welcome relief to her heated skin, she glided further in then dipped beneath. She surfaced a few minutes later at the deep end. With her back to the wall, she stretched out her arms and leaned against the edge of the pool. She admired the expanse of beauty in front.

  The house—well, mansion suited the description better, was more significant than any home she knew. Not even Mateo’s home could compare. It’s grandeur, however, belied the darkness that lurked within. She might not be privy to the Black’s business dealings, yet something told her Colton was a man who’d been through hell and back. His experience probably gave rise to his arrogance. If she played her cards right and seduced him, it might change his attitude toward her and give her sexy times with a drop-dead gorgeous man. She had nothing to lose.

  Nishani dipped under then surfaced to float on her back. Closing her eyes against the midnight blue sky sprinkled with bright stars, she hummed softly as she slowly back stroked the length of the pool.

  “What are you doing out here at this time?”

  The abrupt question caught Nishani off guard. Startled, she lost her balance and sank. She came up spluttering and fought for composure when she eyed Colton standing at the shallow end of the pool, dressed in nothing but a pair of almost transparent white shorts that did little to hide the shape of his package. The single light from the lamp post nearby cast a delightful glow across his hairless chest as if an inspired artist had taken each sinew muscle and sculptured it to precise perfection—a masterpiece of an unequaled embodiment of the ultimate man. Nishani squeezed her thighs. The bare-chested beauty gave her ideas that suddenly rivaled the heat she’d suffered before entering the pool. Only, his tight-lipped scowl detracted from his sexiness.

  She returned the grimace. “It’s called swimming if you didn’t know. Do you make it a habit of sneaking up on people?”

  “I own the house. Says a lot, doesn’t it?”

  His flippant tone made Nishani cringe in irritation. Who would’ve thought the man already finger-fucked her? What had she done to earn his dismal brashness? Ringing water from her hair, she tossed him a baleful glare. “What crawled up your ass and died.” His narrowed eyes told Nishani if the man could, he would’ve probably blown off her head. Good thing, it took a lot to scare her. Despite the scowl, something about him flipped her senses into overdrive—she wanted him. “You know, I’ve met a few pricks in my life, but damn do you give cactus a new meaning.”

  Instead of the expected anger, he burst out laughing. Nishani’s jaw dropped in shock. Right now, if someone slapped her, there’d be no response. She wasn’t quite sure the rich, velvety sound came from the same sour man she’d just called a prick. His gaze ran the length of her body. Up and down—well, what he could see above the water before coming back to rest on her face.

  “Like what you see?” she asked, arching a brow in sardonic amusement.

  “I do,” the lazy response piqued Nishani’s interest. “Nice tattoos. A snake on your back and scorpion on your arm. Interesting choices.”

  Was the man attempting conversation? If that were the case, she intended to milk the situation. There might not be another chance to peek into what made Colton Black tick.

  “What can I say. I like dangerous things.” She shrugged. He smiled at her response. Wow. Nothing prepared Nishani for that transformation. Her aroused body tingled in anticipation. “Are you aware that female scorpions kill the males after mating? Says a lot, doesn’t it?”

  He cocked a brow as if intrigued by her response. “Is that a warning?”

  “Depends.”

  “On?”

  Wading toward him, she raised an arm. “Care to give me a hand?”

  “Sure.” Stepping to the edge, he extended an arm.

  As she reached up, Nishani planted her feet firmly in the water. When their hands locked, she yanked hard.

  “What the...” was all Colton managed before his legs gave way and he went headfirst into the water.

  When he surfaced, Nishani burst out laughing and moved to lean against the edge of the pool. Score one girl.

  “What the fuck.” Colton slicked back his hair with both hands and glared at her. “I should—”

  “What? Take me over your knee and spank me?” Her lips curled in a mischief smile, loving the idea. She twisted away to reach for a towel. “I’d say you got what you asked—” she broke off when she turned back to find him in front of her. His arms on either side of her trapped her against the edge.

  “I got what?” his husky whisper turned her breathing into quick ragged hisses.

  Their gazes locked. If Nishani wasn’t mistaken, the man was aroused. The burn dancing in eyes indicated as much. Heat consumed her body quickly. If he expected reticence at his action, it never came; instead, she slipped her hands up his bare chest and felt the slight tremor her touch elicited. His breathing quickened.

  “I recant my statement,” she whispered. At the questioning tilt of his head, she added, “You didn’t get what you asked for.” Nishani gave him no time to respond. Her hands moved up and cupped his neck, forcing his head closer before she captured his lips with hers. And by God, he didn’t disappoint. Colton’s usually firm mouth was surprisingly soft. His lips warm and smooth as his tongue hungrily explored the interior of her mouth. She tasted expensive whiskey and skill—the sexy confidence of a man who knew how to satisfy a woman, how to seduce her with just the touch of his lips.

  SOMEWHERE DEEP INSIDE, Colton accepted this shouldn’t be happening, but when Nishi opened her mouth and slid her tongue inside his tantalizing him with seductive slowness, all thoughts ceased to exist. He snaked his hands around her waist, urging her closer and reveled in the feel of the naked skin the bikini exposed. When her hand dropped underwater to massage his growing arousal through the thin material of his shorts, he groaned against her lips. Greedy for more, Colton’s hold on reality skidded fast. He had no idea what was happening to him.

  Her hand slipped inside the waistband of his shorts and cupped his now hard cock. He left the sweet sanctity of her mouth. “Dammit, Nishi, this shouldn’t be happening,” the stern reproach filtered out in a hoarse whisper as her fingers kneaded his swollen sex.

  “Shh.” Her other hand moved down his neck to place a finger on his lips.

  Colton closed his eyes against those soft words while she played mind games with his senses. The sudden slide of his shorts down his legs tugged his eyes open just as Nishi slid underwater. When her mouth closed around the engorged head of his cock, his knees buckled. Desire, scorching, and thick, jolted his body. He gripped the edge of the pool. She sucked harder, wrenching a loud moan from deep inside his throat. “Fuck!”

  Shards of sanity pushed through his passion, depraved mind
. Nishi's teeth nipped the rim of his cock with her teeth, sending a ripple of yearning through his body. He shuddered—a raw hunger threatened anew. Colton gripped her arms and brought her up against his body. She was down barely a few seconds, and he couldn’t control his reaction. He captured her lips once more, seeking reprieve from her mesmeric mouth.

  “Hell, Nishi, I’ll fuck you right here if you don’t stop,” he whispered against her lips.

  She pulled back and glanced up at him. “What’s stopping you? A girlfriend?”

  “What?” Her statement threw him for a moment. “No. You’re a guest.”

  “So?”

  “Do you make it habit of seducing men you don’t know?”

  “Maybe,” she whispered, and he hissed in a ragged breath. “What’s wrong with taking what I want? I’m not asking for marriage.”

  Shit. Startled by her frankness, reality struck. “This can’t happen.” He reached down, pulled up his shorts, and waded to the edge. Without a backward glance, he climbed the stairs and headed indoors. The incident in his bedroom had been a mistake. What just happened in the pool a dangerous situation in the making. Fuck. He almost lost it. While the yearn was powerful, he couldn’t take advantage or engage in anything that could lead to a potential relationship.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “YOOHOO?”

  Startled, Nishani looked up from the finishing touches of her casserole. “What the hell was that?”

  “Miss Brittany,” Maria said over her shoulder.

  “Miss Brittany? Sounds like a damn Jack Russell I came across once,” she said, and Maria turned with a chuckle. “I almost shot the annoying thing. Its bark grated on my nerves.” She eyed the newcomer sashaying into the kitchen and arched a brow.

  “Well, hello there?” Brittany sang, throwing Nishani a questioning look. “I’m Brittany, Colton’s fiancée, and you are?

  Fiancée? Now, what fungus did she spore from? “Nishi.” Nishani studied the other woman.

  She was pretty in a voluptuous way—her articulate make-up flawed by bright red lips and one size too small dress. So, this was Colton’s type, buxom beauties that came across as total airheads. Her boobs reminded Nishani of two bouncing balloons ready to pop at any second, bringing a mischief grin to Nishani’s face. Play nice, girl.

  “You must be the new cook. Splendid. It’s about time the boys got someone that can cook.” Brittany threw Maria a petulant glare.

  Maria’s angry gaze shot daggers at Brittany. “She’s not—”

  “Yes, the cook.” Nishani shook her head at the housekeeper.

  “Good. What are we having for dinner?”

  “Why? Can’t you cook for yourself?” Nishani asked.

  Brittany gasped. “You’re rude.” Nishani shrugged, and Maria laughed. “I’m going to report you to Colton for being impolite to his guests.”

  “Go right ahead. Would you like me to show you the way?” Nishani glowered at her “And when you’re there, tell him how bitchy you are to his staff. Maybe it’s time he got a new girlfriend. Don’t you think, Maria?”

  “Oh, my God.” Brittany cast her a look of horror and hurried out of the room. Nishani fell to the floor, laughing.

  Even though she laughed, Maria shook her head. “Why didn’t you tell her the truth, señorita?”

  Nishani wiped her eyes and stood. “I don’t bother myself with things that are unimportant, especially obnoxious barbie wannabe's. She’ll learn her lesson soon enough.”

  “Something tells me I should believe you.” Maria smiled.

  “You should. I always keep my promise.” Nishani winked and set the casserole in the oven. Colton might have eluded her again in the pool last night, but now, she was more determined to seduce the hell out of him. If not for the pleasure, then just to annoy the heck out of Bitchany. Nishani grinned at the name change, set the timer then went outside in search of Rex.

  “YOUR STAFF ARE RUDE,” Brittany mumbled as she walked into the study.

  Colton looked up. His brow furrowed in annoyance. “What did I say about coming here, unannounced?”

  “I’m sorry. I just wanted to see you,” Brittany whispered and slid into the opposite chair.

  He frowned at her, his irritation a lot more to do with the previous night’s incident in the pool than Brittany’s pouting. Yes, she understood him and abided by his rules. Of recent though, he’d become tired of her petty whining that she hardly saw him. He stood, moved over to the window, and glanced out.

  “Can’t we just go out to dinner this evening,” she asked. “There’s this new restaurant that I’m dying to try out...”

  The squeal of laughter outside caught and held his attention. Nishi chased Rex with the garden hose. They ran around for a couple of seconds, laughing until Rex turned suddenly and crashed into Nishi. The sight of Rex’s arms around her tightened Colton’s body. A thorn twisted everything from his heart downward spiraling through every fiber. Startled, he couldn’t wrap his head around the bewildering reaction. He didn’t do the jealousy thing. She offered him herself willingly last night, and he’d walked away. He should’ve said something, yet all he’d done was paced his bedroom for a good thirty minutes before seeking a drink to calm his nerves. This morning was no better. He avoided Nishi for the simple reason that he had no idea how to apologize.

  Colton glanced up as they fell to the ground with Nishi straddling Rex, laughing like teenagers who’d just fallen in love—the idea made him unhappy. Why the fuck should that concern him? While joyful around his brother, she instantly sobered when Colton entered the room. Despite wanting to, he couldn’t start a normal conversation with her. Every time he did, she either left the room or uttered some caustic remark about how cold the atmosphere turned when he was around. Up until last night, he’d stayed away. Then, seeing her in the pool, beautiful in that sexy bikini, melted his resolve, and he ventured outside.

  “Colton? Are you listening to me?” Brittany broke through his reverie.

  He turned away from the window. “Sorry, I’m a little distracted.”

  “A little? You’ve been distracted a lot more than you care to acknowledge. Do you know we haven’t had sex in the last month?” She stood, neared him, and slid her arms around his waist. “What do you say to a little action right now?” She kissed his neck.

  “We’re not a couple, Brittany. Get that through your fucking skull.” He eased himself out of her grasp and dropped into his chair.

  His criticism had no effect. She merely smiled. “Pick me up later?”

  Colton linked his fingers behind his head and leaned back in his seat. For the first time since he began sleeping with Brittany, almost two months ago, he wondered what had attracted him. Fucking her the first time was a big mistake, keeping her around even more so. Neither her pussy nor her personality was worth that kind of dedication. Unconsciously, he found himself comparing her to Nishi. Where Brittany resembled a deer caught in the headlamps, Nishi would be the one driving the fucking car and unafraid to step on the gas. She was raw, fearless, and fucking intriguing as hell. Both women wanted him. Yet, Nishi’s appeal was flagrant and sexy while Brittany pouted when she didn’t get her way, reminding him of a disgruntled child.

  “Eight, Colton?” Brittany repeated.

  He nodded. “Fine.” Whether he kept his word depended totally on what he was doing later.

  “I’ll see you then.” She dropped a quick kiss to his cheek as they walked to the front door.

  When she left, Colton returned to his study, stopped at the threshold, and shook his head. He changed direction and headed out toward the pool area.

  Chapter Sixteen

  LAUGHING HARD, NISHANI swung around and carelessly aimed the hose. Her laughter died instantly as her gaze lighted on Colton at the other end of the spray. She’d just soaked him from head to toe.

  “What the fuck?” Colton’s gaze, the color of slate as Rex came to a standstill behind her.

  She didn’t think Colton’s sev
ere features could get any firmer. Unconsciously, she stuck out her tongue. Something flitted across his face. Surprise? Disbelief? She had no clue because it vanished as quickly as it came. “C’mon, it’s just a little water.” Nishani lowered the hose and inched closer, knowing she tempted faith. This was her first glimpse of Colton since the incident in the pool last night. She had no intention of letting it rest. “Chicken or cock,” she whispered and grinned when his brow lined in a severe frown. He knew to what she referred. Without a word, he turned and went back inside.

  Rex chuckled. “Don’t think I’ve seen Colt wet before. Well, not as an adult that is.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ve every intention of getting him much wetter.”

  Rex burst out laughing. “Why do I sense a double meaning in that statement.”

  She turned and eyed him with a casual flick of her hair. “Because there is one.” Nishani winked, and Rex uttered another chuckle.

  “I’m beginning to think you might be exactly what Colton needs. Good luck.” He looked down at his soaked clothing. “Guess our gardening didn’t pan out as intended.”

  Nishani laughed. For some stupid reason, she and Rex had agreed to help Maria with her vegetable garden. Only, their idea of gardening ended up in a water fight. “At least we planted some lettuce.” She held up the empty seed packet with a grin, unsure where the seeds had landed.

  “We’re hopeless.” Rex sniggered. “Time for a shower. I promised Lacey I’d take her to a movie. Want to come?”

  “Nah.” She shook her head and glanced down at her drenched dress. “Enjoy. I’m going up to shower too.” Nishani went back to fetch her sandals as Rex disappeared inside. Wringing the water out of her hair, she picked up her shoes and made her way toward the porch.