Ice In His Veins Read online

  She braced herself on the wall of the shower, but Arik swooped her off her feet. He raised her high in the air and let her down slowly along his rough chest. She held onto his shoulders, her body threatening to catch fire with the pleasure of rubbing against him.

  Moisture gathered between her legs, and she spread them, wrapping them around his waist. He let her down just a little more, and the head of his shaft pierced her wet entrance. She cried out his name as his dick stretched her. Taking his time, he eased inside, pushing up. She gripped his shoulders tighter and chewed the inside of her cheek.

  He grunted her name and crushed her closer. “You’re so damn hot, Chevelle! You’re drawing it out of me.”

  She wiggled her hips to take him deeper. He tightened his grip to still her.

  “I want it all, Arik. You feel so good.”

  “Not yet. Slowly, or I’m going to come too soon. You don’t want that, do you?”

  “I want it.” She felt like she was out of control, always so eager when he maintained their unhurried pace. Wiggling around only made him hold her in an iron vise while he pumped into her and slid out. He arched his hips to push his shaft deep and then pulled back until he almost popped out. She whimpered and complained, but he continued to torture her.

  Her pulse went wild, and her core muscles contracted again and again. She tried to squeeze him with her walls and to hold him in.

  Arik reached up and tangled his fingers into her wet hair. He gave it a gentle tug until she raised her chin. He used the opportunity to lick and nip at the side of her neck. “I’m going to make you come. Just relax and give yourself to me.”

  “But—”

  He changed the angle of entry somehow, and now she felt him brush her G-spot. The sensations he created in her body went to a whole other level. She screeched in pleasure, holding onto him for dear life. He pumped harder and faster. She panted. He pounded into her moist center, drawing cry after cry to her lips. She couldn’t take it. It was too much.

  “Arik, I can’t…”

  “You can, and you will come for me.”

  Another protest rose to her lips, but it was too late. She came—violently. Her screams echoed around the bathroom along with the sounds of their bodies slapping together over and over.

  She collapsed with a cheek against Arik’s head, but he didn’t slow down. His breath grew frantic, and his body jerked. In the next instant, she knew he’d reached his release.

  Arik raised her up and set her on her feet. She knew from experience to wait while he pampered her, soaping the sponge and running it over her body. Afterward, she took it from his hands and did the same for him. He drew her near and kissed her until she was dizzy. The growing hardness between them told her he wasn’t done by any means.

  They soon left the shower, and Arik dried her off then wrapped her tightly in a towel. Rather than let her dry him, he ran the material roughly over his skin and preceded her into the bedroom.

  She grinned as he tossed the used towel aside and strode with confidence naked as the day he was born. Of course he had nothing whatsoever to be self-conscious about. Arik’s body had not an ounce of extra flesh. He didn’t know a lot about his heritage, but anyone with eyes could have seen before she met Reinhart that he was Scandinavian. Her lover stood at six foot four and looked so much like Reinhart. She wished she could have met his mother if only to compare features between the two—right after she made the woman sorry for abandoning her son.

  He’d turned and caught her expression. “What are you smiling about?”

  She didn’t miss a beat. “Nice ass.”

  He raised a single eyebrow and crooked his finger. “Forget mine. I’m more interested in getting my hands on yours as well as the rest of your body.”

  She pushed her soggy hair off her forehead. “If I don’t do something with this head, it’s going to look a hot mess in the morning.”

  He strode across the room, whipped her up over his shoulder like a damn caveman, and carried her to the bed. With no remorse or second-guessing his decision, he dumped her onto the bed and climbed up after her.

  “You can straighten it out later.”

  “Arik! We’ve been seeing each other long enough for you to know the chore my hair is, and you’re the one that always insists I never cut it.”

  He pushed her onto her back and spread her legs. The look of hunger in his eyes was her undoing. “And I’m the one that’s going to enjoy myself as much as I want with what’s mine.”

  She opened her mouth to argue. He slipped fingers into her softness, and she promptly forgot what the heck she was about to say. Her inner muscles clamped down on his fingers, working them, urging him to stroke. An arrow of pleasure brought her hips off the bed and forced her eyes closed. Anger and annoyance evaporated as she grabbed his wrist to hold him in place.

  “Arik, Arik,” she moaned.” Don’t stop. Yeah, like that.”

  He leaned over her and sucked a nipple between his lips. Almost cruelly he tugged, making her peak ache. When she couldn’t stand it, he let go and kissed the swelling around the tip. “I know how to please you.”

  She made a noise of agreement because she couldn’t speak.

  He licked her stiff nipple and tugged it between his teeth. A light nip made her cry out, and he moved to the other. While he worked the other breast, his fingers danced inside her, working that spot until she couldn’t keep still on the bed. He was rough sometimes, and yet, it was so good she thought she would lose her mind.

  His name echoed around the room as he brought his knuckles up to tantalize her bud. “I can’t come that deep again,” she managed at last.

  He whispered in her ear. “You will.”

  She tried to deny it, knowing her body. He knew better. His fingers had rehearsed how much pressure to give and where. Her back arched, and she brought her knees together, squeezing his forearm. It didn’t lessen the intensity or help her to feel like she had a bit of control. Her body caved, and she came again, harder than the first time. From head to toe, she shook, and he stayed with her until she was done.

  Later, she lay on her side of the bed panting and catching her breath. Arik had used another condom to satisfy his own needs. When he was finished, he rose, showered again, and left the room.

  “He might not love much, but he sure can wear me out.” The empty bed and room seemed to grow bigger. She sighed. Just once she’d like to be cuddled and for Arik to whisper sweet words of love in her ear. “Yeah, don’t hold your breath, girl.”

  Well, there was no use crying now. She had made her decision, and she was used to living with it. Arik would come to bed later, and she would curl up next to him. He’d hold her while he slept even if he didn’t mean to. That was their life—great sex and a lonely heart.

  Chapter 5

  Arik suppressed the tension he felt. No one needed to know how this meeting affected him. He would escort Chevelle to make sure she was protected, show the men he had no problem busting heads if need be when it came to her, and that would be that forever. This late in the game, he had no need of family. His life rolled along at the pace and direction he had set for it, and new cogs in the works wouldn’t be tolerated.

  Chevelle at his side was dressed as sexy as usual. She’d worn the dress she selected for the party, and really he didn’t control what she wore. His lover had excellent taste, and frankly anything she wore looked fantastic on her.

  Reinhart’s financial status was made clear as the house he’d bought was more of a mansion. Arik guessed it held at least ten bedrooms. What would he need with such extravagance? Arik wasn’t impressed. He had never chased after money but rather enjoyed the challenges of running his own company.

  A butler opened the front door, and Arik glared at him. The man stepped aside and swept an arm out solemnly. Classical music met Arik’s ears just beyond. The foyer they moved in to was bigger than his living room. Built as a sort of atrium that extended to the upper floor, it ended at the roof with a giant
skylight. Sunbeams illuminated the walls and reflected color from various glass pieces arranged on shelves.

  “I’m James,” the butler explained. “Please let me know if there is anything you need. This way, sir, madam.”

  James walked ahead of them along a hall, and Chevelle widened her eyes at him, a smirk on her beautiful lips. “I want a survey of how many butlers in the world are named James.”

  He flicked an eyebrow skyward at her.

  “What? You were thinking it. Wait, maybe that’s part of the agreement. Let your boss call you James no matter what it really is.”

  He suppressed a snort of amusement, but she saw it and elbowed him. When they reached a large open room that must be meant for parties, all thought of the butler left Arik’s mind. He stood in the doorway, ignoring the tables with food, the live entertainment, and the other guests.

  Reinhart stood across the room conversing with two men comparable in height and coloring. One of the men had his back to Arik, but he got a side view of the other. He wore an expression of uncontained irritation, and unlike the rest of the guests and Reinhart he had dressed down. Faded jeans and a button down shirt half tucked and a pair of scuffed loafers were all he’d bothered with before arriving. This one’s hair was long overdue for a cut, as it curled on the ends, but he parted it in the middle and tucked the strands behind his ears.

  “Let’s get this over with,” Arik muttered, and guided Chevelle forward.

  “Don’t be like that, Arik. I know you’ll love them.”

  He didn’t bother answering. Halfway across the room, Reinhart noticed them and said something to the other two. The music reached some type of dramatic lull when the man with his back to Arik spun around. Arik almost stumbled before he got a hold of himself because looking into this man’s face was like looking into a mirror. It unnerved him.

  “Oh, wow!” Chevelle said. “He’s your twin, Arik.”

  The man broke into a bright smile and jogged over to them. “Big brother, Arik! Damn, I feel like I’m looking at myself. Smile. Let’s see if you have my dimple.”

  Arik frowned instead. “There may be similarities in our appearances, but there’s no need to go overboard. Which one are you?”

  The man winced. “Ouch. Uncle Reinhart said you’re a little chilly. I’m Cael.” He stuck his hand out, but his gaze slid away to Chevelle, and the wolfish light in Cael’s eyes brightened. “And who are you, sweet lady?”

  “She’s not your concern,” Arik told him in a cold tone. There was a dimple on his brother’s cheek. Just one side. Arik didn’t have any. “Are you the youngest?”

  “Yup, I am, and the angry one right here is our middle brother Brand.”

  Arik shook his hand and then Reinhart’s. Before Brand could get more than a few words out, Cael seized control of the conversation and didn’t pause for a breath for several minutes. Arik took the opportunity to assess what kind of men his brothers were, but he wasn’t sure. He could make flip assessments from experience working with others, but it mattered little since he had no intention of seeing them again.

  “Big brother.” Cael slapped an arm around his shoulders. Arik discovered they were about the same height. “They’ve got some great wine here. You should grab a glass. So tell me what do you do? Did you know our uncle is rolling in it? Lucky break, huh?”

  “It’s not necessary to call me big brother. My name is Arik.” The truth was Cael calling him big brother made him feel odd, and he figured he’d better put a stop to it.

  Cael slapped him on the back and handed him a glass from a passing waiter. “Oh, no problem. I like it. Fun stuff.”

  Arik sighed.

  “Hey, Brand, get over here. It’s family time,” Cael shouted.

  Brand hitched his shoulders and wandered over with his hands stuck into his jean pockets. “Family time? We have the same blood, but we’re hardly family.”

  “Aw, don’t be that way.” Cael pushed a glass of wine in his hand. “Drink up. Big brother and me were about to toast to us brothers. You have to admit we look good together, right?”

  Brand shrugged. He didn’t appear to care any more than Arik, but there was something else Arik couldn’t put his finger on. Defiance maybe? No, Brand didn’t come off as immature.

  Chevelle moved in front of the three of them, glowing with excitement. “You guys look so amazing together. I’m taking your picture. Oh, by the way, in case you didn’t know”—she glared at Arik—“I’m Chevelle. It’s so great to meet Arik’s brothers.”

  Cael whooped and leaned toward Chevelle with his unrestrained grin. “Are you his girl because if you’re not and you’re available, I’m interested.”

  Chevelle laughed, not taking him seriously. Arik started to speak, but Brand cut him off. “Uh-oh, look at that. He doesn’t like you coming on to her, Cael. There are plenty of beautiful women here. Choose another one.”

  “Don’t worry about Arik.” Chevelle patted Cael’s arm. “I can already tell he likes you guys. So, a pic?”

  Arik clenched a fist in his pocket. There was no sense in arguing with her. She had already started to have fun, and Cael was harmless. Arik watched him as he chatted nonstop, laughing and joking with Chevelle and Brand. He allowed himself to be photographed, and his phone dinged. When he checked the screen, he discovered Chevelle had sent him a group shot of all of them and individual shots of his brothers. He figured he would save them since she would probably get a hold of his phone later and do it herself.

  Arik left his brothers chatting with Chevelle to grab something to eat. He had just placed prosciutto wrapped scallops on his plate when something soft brushed his hip. A slender curvy blonde stood at his side, head tilted up to him and deep rose lips pouty. He didn’t deny she was beautiful and sexy. Her dress was cut so low, he wondered if her breasts wouldn’t plop out at any second.

  “You’re Arik,” she simpered. “I’m Karina, a friend of Reinhart’s. It’s good to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” He put a foot of space between them since she seemed determined to brush against his side. Either she had no concept of being faithful, or her relationship with Reinhart wasn’t what he assumed.

  She ate up the space between them again, standing too close. Her voice when she spoke was throaty and sensual. The scent she wore was designed to seduce. “I’ve lived here in America for five years. I bet you can hardly hear my accent anymore.”

  Arik didn’t comment. They both knew she spoke with a heavy, if exaggerated, accent. She probably believed it added to her exotic impression and drew men to her like moths to a flame.

  “I attend UNC.” She waved long fingers with manicured nails. “I just love studying. Don’t you? Of course, I’m old now, twenty-six, but I went back because you can never learn too much.”

  Arik made a sound as if he was listening and looked above her head. He caught Chevelle’s gaze and noted the smallest touch of displeasure. Maybe it was his imagination, but he didn’t think so. There were always women who tried to get his attention. He never encouraged any of them after he made Chevelle his lover. One at a time was his policy since women could be a handful. Chevelle was no exception. Regardless, he knew her well. She didn’t like the blonde trying to wrap herself around him. He considered what he would do about it given that Chevelle lured him there against his will.

  Motivation escaped him, and he was glad when Reinhart strode over. “Arik, I’m glad you changed your mind about the party and meeting your brothers. They are interesting, no?”

  Arik ignored the question. “You’re just visiting, but you’ve bought this place?”

  Reinhart looked around with pleasure. “It’s good, isn’t it? Karina helped me with the decoration. She’s majoring in interior design.”

  So she was his lover, Arik thought.

  Reinhart gave him a look of significance. “She’s single and would make a man a great wife.”

  “You’re not insinuating… I don’t plan to get married.”

  “Don’t
be ridiculous. You must carry on the family name, Arik. I looked for you and your brothers because I want to build my family again. I lost my sister, and our parents are gone. The best thing to do is for you and your brothers to marry and have children.”

  Arik bared his teeth. “You’re not serious.”

  “I’m very serious.” He was arrogant and had no shame. Perhaps he was used to people bowing to his will because of his money. Arik wasn’t that type of man. He wouldn’t be manipulated by any person, least of all this man.

  “If you think you’ll just fly down here with a plan for my life, and I’m supposed to fall in line for it, you’re mistaken. I don’t give a damn about you or about them.”

  Karina’s mouth fell open. He started to move past both of them, but Reinhart laid a hand on his arm. Arik glanced down at the touch and back into the foolish man’s face.

  “You have two seconds to back off,” he threatened.

  Chevelle appeared out of nowhere and grasped his other arm. “Arik, it’s not that big a deal. Calm down.”

  He ignored her.

  “If it’s money,” Reinhart said, “I’ll give you whatever you want. In fact, the ideal situation is that you and your brothers move in with me. I can run things in Oslo from here and with my managers there. Also, I’m willing to make you a partner, Arik. I have plans to develop a branch of my company in the states. The legalities have to be worked out first, of course.”

  “Live here?” Cael whooped and scanned the room. “I’ve never lived in a mansion before.”

  Arik clenched his jaw. “You’re man not a boy, and surely you already have your life the way you want it.”