"Let's go back to my bungalow and discuss this," she suggested.

He shook his head, and the stray lock of hair fell out of place. His dark eyes pierced her. "If we get in private, I'll end up taking advantage of you."

She pushed the stray lock back into place. The mere act send shivers of delight through her. "I don't turn you on?"

"G.o.d no! That's the problem." He looked over his shoulder as if making sure no one could hear them. "You do turn me on."

"That doesn't sound like a problem to me."

"I'm not a man who's meant to settle down. I'm sorry. I can't give you what you want, Destiny."

She'd pushed him too far. It hurt that he wasn't ready. She didn't know what she'd expected. But she'd take what she could get. "What I want is to be in your arms one more time." The memory would be enough to last her a lifetime. "Just give me this last night. We leave back for St. Louis tomorrow. Back to our business relationship. I promise."

Back in Cayson's bungalow, he slid his hands up and down Destiny's generous curves. She'd unleashed a beast. He'd been open and honest with her, telling her he couldn't make a commitment. She'd given him permission to have one more night with him. And he meant to make it a night she would never forget. He hated himself for taking advantage of her, but he had to admit, he needed to be with her one more time too. Then, he would quit her cold turkey like he'd planned. Maybe he would finally get her out of his system.

He claimed her lips with a ferocity he hadn't known existed. He ravaged her mouth with wild abandon. He couldn't get enough of her. She wanted him? He'd give her everything he had. Not even the whimpers she made as he suckled her bottom lip stopped him. He needed to purge himself of her.

He dragged his lips from her mouth and licked and sucked the delicate skin of her neck. He didn't give a d.a.m.n if he put pa.s.sion marks everywhere. He was branding her as his conquest. He guided her onto the veranda. The glow of the half-moon illuminated her supple body.

The b.u.t.tons on her blouse jumped ship, abandoning the soft material and scattering on the floor as he ripped the material. Her voluptuous b.r.e.a.s.t.s sat high on her chest, supported by an intricate contraption of wire and lace that he soon pushed aside. He feasted on her nipples, sc.r.a.ping the hard buds and rolling them between his teeth.

She gasped. Then dug her fingernails into his shoulders. The pain drove him wild with desire. He thrust a finger under her dress and beneath her panties. Her p.u.s.s.y was warm and wet. His c.o.c.k instantly hardened in his pants. He came up for air.

"d.a.m.n, I love this p.u.s.s.y."

Destiny grinded her pelvis against his hand. The fact that he alone was responsible for her pleasure made his ego swell. He thrust back and forth, feeling her sweet nectar coating his fingers.

"Yes, yes," she purred. "Don't stop."

"Don't worry baby, I'm not stopping."

Wild horses couldn't drag him from her right now. He circled her sensitive c.l.i.t with the pad of his thumb. Destiny went wild, thrashing against his hand, moving her hips in a hedonistic rhythm. Within seconds, she'd reached her peak. She arched her back and came on his fingers, screaming his name.

He didn't give her time to catch her breath before backing her up against the exterior wall of the veranda and sliding the hard length of his d.i.c.k into her. Using the wall for leverage, he wrapped her legs around his waist and drove himself to the hilt.

She gasped, her hot breath teasing his ear. She clung to him, crossing her legs at the ankles and anchoring him deep inside her slick wetness.

b.u.mp!

b.u.mp!

b.u.mp!

Their bodies slammed against the wooden wall. He bucked hard, thrusting into her over and over. G.o.d, he hoped these walls were st.u.r.dy. The pa.s.sionate moans he made could probably wake the dead. But he didn't care. He was consumed with desire and l.u.s.tful inhibition.

He held Destiny's smooth a.s.s in his palms as he drove himself into her. Each stroke brought him closer to a cliff of ecstasy he'd gladly fall over. His heels dug into the concrete floor of the patio. The corded muscles of his thighs strained. His knees ached. The night breeze did little to dry the sweat rolling down his back and plastering his shirt to his skin. He couldn't stop. A magnetic forced drew him to Destiny as he pounded feverishly.

A white-hot friction rushed through his veins, igniting every nerve ending in his body. He was gripped by a pleasure so intense, he growled out loud. His o.r.g.a.s.m was raw, primal as Destiny drained every last ounce from him.

He buried his nose in the crook of her neck. "Destiny, Destiny, Destiny." That was all he could say. His legs shook like jelly in the aftermath. Spent, he crab-walked to the wicker couch on the patio, carrying Destiny with him. He collapsed onto the cushions, pulling her against his sweat-drenched chest. This primal release was what he needed. He was glad Destiny had been so d.a.m.n persuasive. He'd done this to give her a memory she wouldn't forget. But he was the one who would remember this night forever.

Destiny lay sprawled across Cayson's long limbs. Their chests heaved in unison as their breathing gradually slowed. They were so close, she couldn't tell where his thundering heartbeat began and hers ended. She nuzzled her cheek against his bare torso. His fingertips drew lazy circles across her back. She closed her eyes, relishing the feeling. She should feel depressed, knowing this was the last time she'd feel his touch. But she was fully satisfied. He'd blessed her with an earth-shattering o.r.g.a.s.m. She couldn't ask for more. She purred with contentment. This is what women meant when they said they were d.i.c.k whipped. s.e.x changed everything. Now that she'd given herself to Cayson, she wanted more of him. But she'd made a promise. Like it or not, it was one she had to live with.

Chapter 14.

The weather in St. Louis was seasonably warm, but it was no match for the tropical climate of The Maldives. Other than the temperature, nothing had changed. Cayson went back to his demanding work schedule. Destiny kept her distance, as promised. It was what he'd wanted, but without her by his side, he felt like a hollow version of himself. He was on automatic pilot. He'd been back for a week, and had barely seen her. He'd sent her a text message offering to give her a ride to work. But she declined. Her message was brief and impersonal. 'That is not required at this time.' Like a business form letter. He let it go, afraid that speaking directly to her would ignite the pa.s.sion he was struggling to keep at bay.

He sat at his desk trying not to think about her lush body or the nights he'd spent lavishing her flesh with kisses. No matter how hard he tried to put her out of his mind, her image invaded his every waking moment. He couldn't even find peace in his sleep. Twice this week he'd rolled over in the middle of the night and reached for her. Aggravated that she wasn't there, he ended up stroking his rock-hard erection. It wasn't the same as being inside her, but it was the only way to release his pent-up frustration.

Of course, he could choose from any number of the willing females who continued to throw themselves at him. But he had thoughts only for Destiny. She had completely corrupted him. He kept trying to pinpoint the moment it had happened. At first he'd convinced himself it was just because of the s.e.x. He'd initially balked at her inexperience. But now, the fact that she was a virgin was t.i.tillating. There was so much he could show her in the bedroomand she was a willing pupil. But what else could he offer her besides pa.s.sion? Was he ready to become a one-woman man?

"Good news," a feminine voice pulled him from his reverie.

Phaedra approached his desk. "Destiny's apartment came through. She'll be moving this weekend?"

Cayson's heart slammed in his chest. "So soon?"

"Yep. As soon as a spot opens up on the waiting list, it gets filled pretty quick."

He hoped his expression didn't give away the anxious churning of his stomach. "Good job, Phaedra. Thank you for all of your help."

"It was my pleasure. I feel like a fairy G.o.dmother helping Destiny turn from a duckling into a swan. Well," she corrected herself. "She was never a duckling. The woman is gorgeous."

No s.h.i.t. He nodded, taking a moment to put on his game face. "Yeah, she's a looker. I think you've got your fairy tales mixed up. The fairy G.o.dmother helped Cinderella. The ugly duckling is a separate story."

"Right you are." She beamed, her smile decidedly wicked. "And just like Cinderella, I have a feeling it won't be long before Destiny finds her Prince Charming. With her looks and her brain, she won't stay single for long."

He gazed pointedly at Phaedra. "She'll make some lucky guy a wonderful wife."

"And it will be a man who can settle down and appreciate the treasure she is."

Oh, that was not subtle at all. Phaedra was lecturing him! Cayson looked away, pretending to be occupied by an open file on his desk. "I agree," he mumbled. "Destiny deserves only the best."

When he looked up, Phaedra was gone. He let out an exasperated breath. Even Phaedra knew he was no good for Destiny. Everybody knew it. What had Destiny called him? A man-wh.o.r.e?

He sunk into his chair.

Now, Destiny would be gone forever. He'd only get to see her at work. Maybe some other fella would see what he sawand have the decency to act on it and treat her right. The thought angered him. Thinking of another man possessing her was too much to imagine. He didn't want her to leave. But he had no right to demand she stay. This apartment was the break she'd been waiting for.

Well, at least I won't have to worry about sneaking into her room at night.

The temptation will be gone.

Or would it?

Destiny added the last file folder to the collapsible cardboard box before putting the lid on it. She sealed it with clear packing tape and then slid it across the conference table to join several other boxes. She picked up a black marker and labeled the box indicating the contents were discovery items for a high profile case. There were still mountains of doc.u.ments she had to read through to determine what was pertinent and what should be trashed. Her responsibilities at JADE had increased in the two months she'd been here. Gathering doc.u.ments for court was one of the things she excelled at. She had a natural talent for research and fact-finding. Who knew being nosey would pay so well?

"Whoa!" Phaedra entered the conference room, her eyes wide. "It looks like a paper factory exploded in here."

Destiny smiled. "I'm sorting through the evidence for the GMO case. I should be done in a few days."

"Well, I've got bad news." Phaedra said, shaking her perfect curls.

Destiny's heart sank. "What is it? Am I getting fired?

"h.e.l.l no, girl. The bad news is you're going to be spending a lot more time sorting through this paperwork. The good news is you're doing such a great job, we're making you permanent."

Destiny squealed. "Thank you so much!"

Phaedra gave her a quick hug. "Don't thank me. You did all the work. Everybody took notice."

Her heart thumped in her chest. She was so excited she did the Tootsie-Roll.

Phaedra cracked up. "Oh, also, your apartment opened up. You can move in next week."

Destiny paused in the middle of her dancing. "Next week? That's so soon."

"I know. I'm so excited for you. I want to be your first houseguest."

She nodded, struggling with the apprehension that smothered her happiness. This meant she would be leaving Cayson soon. They'd barely spoken two words since they got back from The Maldives. It had to be like that. It was the only way she could keep her promise to him to stay strictly professional. If she spoke to him for any length of time, she would focus too long on the s.e.xy curve of his lips, wishing they were kissing her. She would stare into his hypnotic chestnut eyes, reveling in the way they devoured her. She would moan at the sound of his deep voice, hoping to hear sensual words from him. If they carried on any type of conversation, she knew she would end up begging him to make love to her. She would admit how she fantasized about him day and night. No, it was better to keep her distance.

"Does Cayson know?" she asked Phaedra.

"Yes, I told him earlier this morning."

Destiny busied herself with shuffling a stack of papers. So, he'd known for hours and hadn't bothered to congratulate her. She bit her bottom lip, forcing back the emotion that threatened get her off task. Maybe he truly was happy to be rid of her.

"Are you okay?" Phaedra asked.

"Yeah. I'm just jet-lagged," she lied. "I guess it's finally catching up to me."

Phaedra gave her a sympathetic pat on the arm. "Why don't you take off early? I'll give you a ride home. That way, you rest up and get a head start on packing this weekend."

"I don't have much to pack. It shouldn't take more than a few hours."

"Ooh, aren't you the lucky one?"

"Yeah," Destiny brooded. "Ain't I lucky?"

The next day was Sat.u.r.day. Destiny had all of her stuff packed. It was strange how much she'd acc.u.mulated in the span of a few months. Her clothes and shoes took up four large boxes. That would have been the extent of her packing if it hadn't been for Irene. The woman was sweet enough to deliver five shopping bags of brand new sheets, towels, and dishtowels. Destiny reminded Irene that she'd be the only one living there, but Irene said people could never have enough linens. Her husband offered to donate some spare furniture and to help her move in. Destiny was bowled over by their generosity. Everyone was so sweet. She'd hoped Cayson would have offered to help her move as well. But he hadn't said one word to her. In fact, she hadn't seen him in three days. When she woke up every day, he'd already left the house. He didn't come home until well after she'd fallen asleep. She guessed this was his way of breaking things off with her.

Each time she got emotional about it, she forced those feelings back down. She'd survived by using her instincts. She didn't have time for tears. Besides, they wouldn't resolve a d.a.m.n thing.

La'Treece called shortly after she'd finished her packing. It felt good to see her friend's number on the caller ID. The last time they talked, they hadn't parted on good terms. Destiny invited her to have lunch. She planned on surprising her with news about the apartment.

They met at Marcelle's, a trendy restaurant not far from the offices of JADE. Destiny had eaten lunch there once with some of her co-workers. She liked the decorcute little tables set up like a cafe in Paris. She would love to go to France one day. After talking with Kendra and Mark and learning they'd been there, she wanted to go even more. Kendra said she could get her a discount on airfare and a hotel. That was all Destiny needed to hear. Until then, this cafe would have to do.

Destiny saw La'Treece the moment she walked through the cafe's French doors. Her friend stuck out like a sore thumb, in a tight, red leather skirt and fishnet stockings. The canary yellow six inch-tall high heels she wore could have stopped traffic. She'd topped her outfit with a denim jacket rolled up at the sleeves. Destiny felt like a conservative old lady in her white pantsuit and open-toed pumps.

"Look at you," La'Treece c.o.c.ked her head to the side. "Extreme makeover. New haircut and everything."

Destiny's hand flew to her hair. She'd forgotten La'Treece hadn't seen her short style. It had been over eight weeks since they'd met face-to-face. "Phaedra took me to her stylist," Destiny said.

"Oh yeah? So, now you goin' to some rich b.i.t.c.h's hairdresser?"

Destiny sipped her gla.s.s of ice water. "Phaedra is not rich. She works hard for her money. Plus, she has no children, so what else is she going to spend her cheddar on?"

La'Treece smacked her lips. "Listen to you. She has no children," she mocked. "All proper and s.h.i.t. Sounding like Oprah or somethin'."

Destiny laughed through the discomfort. "Girl, stop teasing me. I'm starving. Are you?" She picked up her menu and studied the lunch entrees.

La'Treece gasped. "What happened to your nails?"

"It's too hard to type with my tips, so I cut them. Every second counts when I'm trying to meet a deadline."

There was a strained silence until Destiny looked up to find La'Treece staring at her. Her lips twisted into a knot.

"What?" Destiny asked.

"You talk different. You look different. What's really going on?"

"Nothing. I'm the same person."

"No, you ain't. You getting a little sadity."

"C'mon, La'Treece. You're trippin' now." Destiny sipped her water again, hoping it could calm the spark of irritation that La'Treece had lit. Destiny didn't like anyone insinuating that she was putting on airs.

Destiny was about to add to her statement when a familiar blonde from the office approached the table where she and La'Treece sat. It was Linda, a chubby temp who did a lot of the filing. "Hi Destiny," she chirped.

"Hi Linda." Linda always had a bubbly personality and a smile for everyone.

"How was your trip?" Linda asked.

"Not long enough," Destiny joked.

Linda giggled. "They never are."