Jude's Salvation: This Love Series Read online

  "I'm joking, you'll love it. Come my beautiful Eden," he says and my previous feeling of nausea dissipates into a liquid heat searing through my body and landing right at my core. For some reason, the way he said come caused me to squeeze my thighs together. I take his offered hand and look ahead, knowing my cheeks are now flushed pink. Damn, this man makes me feel things I've never felt before, completely inappropriate and definitely at the wrong times. He squeezes my hand as though he has an idea of what I'm feeling and he likes it. This only heats me more.

  I gather my composure as he talks to the hostess. He has reserved us a table near the back of the restaurant. It is very secluded and warm, a fireplace is burning against one wall and the lighting is all shimmering chandeliers. The silk tablecloths are a dark burnt red and the black leather seats are soft and comfortable. Jude holds my chair out for me and I glance at him before taking my seat. I remove my sweater and the hostess hangs it for me. The table is small enough for our knees to graze each others when he sits across from me. He orders us a bottle of red wine and when the hostess leaves he holds his hand out for mine. I place my hand in his, keeping my eyes on him. He does the same, as though memorizing me the way I had him yesterday. I hope this doesn't mean he's thinking we may come to an end soon.

  "So tell me how your day went," he asks, breaking the silence. I smile and tell him what we did and where we went.

  "So you like London then? Do you feel safe here Eden?" he asks and I try to hide my reaction to what could be a very normal, uncomplicated question but I know it isn't as innocent a thing to ask. My paranoia surfacing. I look around the restaurant, at the patrons sitting near us. They all seem as though they belong here, no one stands out. Mostly couples I think. I bring my eyes back to Jude's. He’s watching me closely.

  "Tell me Eden, tell me what you're thinking," he asks sweetly but I know he’s ordering me to be honest with him.

  "It’s just that when I'm with you I feel safe and protected. That must sound crazy," I say, feeling embarrassed for even bringing it up. He looks surprised at first then a slow smile crosses his face.

  "What?" I ask, feeling confused by his smile.

  "Eden, I like that I make you feel safe and protected, you have no idea what that means to me but why do you ever feel unsafe and unprotected?" he questions, watching me carefully again, like he knows my answer even though I don’t. I am not going to go into my nightmares and paranoia with him, at least not here, not now. I smile at him and he knows I won't answer him truthfully.

  We place our order and nibble at appetizers. He manages to keep the conversation off him and he somehow had me talking about myself during the entire meal. He has skills and secrets that will take some determination to unearth. Throughout the evening he's touched me in someway, our knees grazing, one of his hands on my arm, my leg or holding my hand. His fingers even grazed my wrist at one point, causing me to stop mid sentence, my heart racing and my body aching for more.

  "Why don't you tell me a secret about you, something a little dark maybe," I ask, taking the heat off me. He grins and sits back. I love his grin, it shows me that he's playful and not so intense.

  "Are you sure you want me to answer that, I do have a few dark secrets my beautiful Eden," he said, even in the dim lighting I can see a glint in his eyes. His expression turns serious, his jaw stern and he looks unbelievably sexy but also threatening at the same time. I don't know if I want to reach across the table and kiss him or run for the door. My body decides for me, I lean in closer to him and he does the same, his lips are so close to mine I can almost feel them. He keeps his warm eyes on me. He watches me with his head held straight, not condescending or intimidating, he seems focused only on me and my answer. I shouldn’t be intrigued but I am. I want him to tell me anything. I want to know everything about him including his dark secrets.

  "Tell me something," I whisper. He doesn't take his eyes from mine and I shiver under his gaze.

  "Sometimes when I look at you, I picture you posed in a particular position lying naked, your wrists securely tied to my bed with soft leather tethers, those beautiful eyes blindfolded, your body writhing and a building moan escaping your lips from the intense pleasure I am giving you," he tells me, his voice deliciously deep and I can't move. I can't look away from him either. Is he teasing me or is he serious? I'm not sure which I want it to be. He watches my emotions, looking to read me and I think he knows my answer before I do. I want that.

  "That's kinda dark," I gulp, sitting back while the waitress decides to come at that moment to refresh our wine and clear the table. I take that time to control my breath but I know he's watching me. The entire evening has been almost too intense but now, after his sinful words I feel ready to combust.

  Once the waitress leaves us he leans over the table and kisses my forehead. I smile, blush even as I catch an older couple smiling at us. If they only knew we just met and the words he just said to me they might not be so approving.

  “You are even more beautiful when you’re embarrassed,” he whispers, smiling as though he has me exactly where he wants me. The predator with his prey within reach.

  “I’m not embarrassed, flustered maybe and a bit excited. It’s nice to have a handsome man lavish affection on me in public. I’m flattered I think,” I rattle on, looking back over at him. He seems serious suddenly, his smile gone.

  “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” I ask, needing to calm my beating heart.

  “No Eden, you didn’t say anything wrong, I'm just focused on one word you said, 'excited',” he almost whispers, gliding his tongue over his bottom lip. My breath catches and I glance down at my hands before daring to look at him again. I'm sure my cheeks are red, my body feels ten degrees hotter.

  “Let me lavish attention on you for the rest of the evening Eden. I am thoroughly enjoying your company," he tells me, commanding me but I am willing. I nod and smile. I know I will do anything he asks. His gaze washes over me and I feel another rush of heat. I have never felt like this before, nervous and excited simultaneously. When he speaks again I sink further into his world, needing only to listen to him.

  "I like it when you smile at me, I love the color of your cheeks when you're flustered, the shimmering green sparkles in your eyes, your smooth skin and those lips, absolute perfection,” his velvety voice wraps around me. I feel as though I’ve gone under a spell. A ‘Jude Everett’ spell and I never want to wake from it.

  “Let’s go,” he whispers and I nod, unable to speak.

  He entwined our fingers as he led me out to the awaiting car. His driver opened the door and I slide across, Jude moving in beside me. Before the driver gets back in Jude turns me to face him, gently, almost hesitantly.

  “Eden, if I promise to behave would you consider spending the entire night with me?” he asks, a sweet smile crosses his lips than an innocent pout. The brave girl in me moves forward and nips his bottom lip, the contact instantly feeling so good. His hands rise to my cheeks and he surprises me when he nips my lip back. I can’t help but laugh even though I want so much more from him.

  “Is that a yes?” he asks, with that melt watering voice again.

  "Yes," I whisper, nodding slowly, his hands still holding my cheeks. His lips land on mine, a sweet almost chaste kiss again, almost. I can feel his lips moving and my lips seeking to deepen it. In this moment I trust him more than I trust myself. He pulls away first and tells the driver, “Wiltshire Suite, please David.” I love his commanding yet polite manners and the way he speaks. He is confident. He is a master of his domain and he has me now at his will. What happens when he gets what he wants? Does he politely toss it aside? I want to ask why he’s interested in me, considering I’m a tourist, he knows I won’t be here long. There is no way we can be anything, but I don’t ask. It doesn’t matter. I only have two more days here until I’m gone. In this moment I want him to take what he desires. Later doesn’t matter in this situation. I’ve decided I can have this brief affair and no one will
ever know, aside from my friends. I’m not cheating on anyone. I haven’t even dated in months. I’m just a very worked up twenty one year old sleeping with a very handsome man while on holiday, just like Hawaii except this time I really like the guy and not just his body.

  When we stop out front his hotel, I grip my purse but before I have a chance to second guess my decision he wraps his arm around my shoulder and takes my hand in his free one. He kisses it as he leads me to the elevator. I look up at him, his eyes on me, taking all of me in.

  “I promise I won't tie you up, at least not tonight. I won’t let you go though,” he said, just above a whisper. His words echo my feelings. I don’t want him to let me go. I’m just not sure I want him to behave anymore. Once in his suite I excuse myself to the balcony to text Mariana.

  Me: Mariana, I’m spending the night at the Wiltshire Hotel Room 616 with Jude. He promises to behave I just don’t know if I can. I’ll text you in the morning. Let me know what the plans are. Thanks, love you all.

  Her: I know it’s been awhile for you, what since Tyler, that was over a year ago, wasn’t it? Just play safe, no babies, no itchy bumps on your pink parts. I’ll text you in the morning. Did you tell Jude you might have a nightmare? He should at least be warned.

  Me: Wow, way to ruin a mood Mariana.

  Her: Love you too, we all do.

  I close my phone, knowing she was just being the voice of reason. I decide to forget about the nightmares, at least for tonight. Her other comments make me nervous. I’ve been on the pill for years now, but the mention of itchy pink parts has me feeling more cautious. Jude could be a player. He could have a different chick every weekend. How would I know if he has something? I start to consider going back to the hostel again until he stands behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I can feel his body heat on my back and it feels good, so right and comforting. His plants a few soft kisses on my neck almost causing my legs to turn to jelly. I lean back into him slightly for support. How does he do that?

  “I’m so happy you’re here with me,” he breathes just above my ear, kissing me again. My skin tingles, butterflies dance in my belly. Butterflies? Yes, I have butterflies and love at first sight, or sound. I mean it was his voice I first fell in love with and maybe a bit of lust too. Okay a lot of lust. I turn to him, a smile on my face.

  "I'm happy to be here with you," I reply honestly. I don't really know much about him, this smart yet unbelievably sexy guy that makes me shake. I just have to forget about the distance between us and the brief amount of time we have left. I need to be here, in this moment now, taking all I can from him. If he can admit to being selfish than so can I.

  He takes my hands locking our fingers together and edging me closer to his body. We are almost chest to chest, although he is about four inches taller than me and I’m in heels. I can feel his warmth already. I am putty in his hands. He kisses me, slowly savoring my lips. I whimper very quietly but he hears, a slight grin forming before his teeth graze my bottom lip. His kiss goes deeper when I gasp. He did that on purpose opening my mouth more for him, I would have willingly. His exploration of me is slow and agonizingly seductive. I can feel every part of me coming alive in his embrace. My hands run up his shoulders and around his neck, drawing him closer to me. Touching him is even better than I had fantasized about all day yesterday. He knows what he is doing to me. I can feel his hands run down my ribs and wrap around my waist, brushing me up against his hard body. I moan quietly, more inward when he pulls away from my lips, his hands sliding to my hips. Both of us breathing in shallow breaths, feeling overwhelmed I glance back up to him wondering why he stopped. He takes my hands in his again and rests his forehead against mine.

  "I need to slow down or stop because I swear I won't be able to behave if I taste you any longer," he tells me in a husky, deeper voice. His words sent shivers across my skin. His voice turns my insides into a swirling frenzy as I realize he's letting me control how far we go. I have already decided that I will have him tonight. My gaze runs up from our joined hands, to his broad chest, till I'm looking up at his perfect lips, I'm sure he can see the longing in my eyes.

  “Jude, I don’t want you to behave. I want you, all of you for as long as I can have you,” I tell him, more brazen than I’ve ever been in my life. He doesn’t respond at first. I think he may be surprised and most certainly turned on. He’s holding me so close I can feel his hard length against my stomach. My thin shirt isn’t hiding his heat. I need him. I take a deep breath, waiting for him to respond to me. I’m worried he might actually deny us both this pleasure. His eyes close briefly and he releases my hands. I inhale sharply when he grips my hips then pulls me up against him. His lips brushing mine softly, then he speaks. My knees weaken.

  “I need you in the bed, naked, now,” he orders, his voice commanding and I obey immediately. I can’t help but shiver in anticipation. No man has ever spoken to me like this before and I am so turned on. My body tingling and my skin is hot as I unzip my dress, sliding it to the floor. I stretch out on his bed, feeling the soft, silky duvet below me. He enters the room, dimming the lights then stands at the edge of the bed. His shirt is off and his dress pants are hanging low under his sculpted abs. I can’t make out the tattoos on his shoulder and arm, the lights are too dim now. An ugly scar under his ribs catches my attention for a moment, his only imperfection. I can’t help but stare at him. I desire him even more. Seeing his darker side should frighten me but it doesn’t. I begin to sit up, wanting to touch him when he steps back. His eyes set on mine. He almost grins then looks serious again.

  “I said naked, all of it, off,” he orders again, waving his pointed finger up and down my body. Sliding to the edge of the bed, I roll my stockings down and then with shaking hands I unclasp my bra. Dangling it with one finger I let it fall to the floor. I sit there looking up into his hooded eyes, knowing my panties are all that’s left. His head slowly nods, encouraging me to follow his command. I stand in front of him. My fingers wrap around the lace, feeling vulnerable although incredibly aroused I slide them off. Once around my ankles I step out of them. He’s so close but not touching me. I swallow, watching him as he kneels down in front of me. He picks up my panties and lifts them to his lips, he seems to be inhaling and I tighten my thighs together, the gesture small but very erotic. Throwing them over his shoulder, his hands suddenly grip my thighs. His eyes begin to lower from my chest going down my body until he’s looking at me in my most vulnerable place. His eyes level with my aching, throbbing pussy. I haven’t been with a man in over a year and right now, I need it. I need him.

  One of his hands taps my inner thigh, silently commanding me to spread my legs apart. I am so excited, I can feel moisture dripping slowly down my thigh but I obey him. I would do anything he asked in this moment. Craving his touch is almost more than I can handle. I consider begging him to hurry. He’s tormenting me with the wait. My eyes close when I feel a warm soft kiss on my inner thigh. A whimper escapes my lips. A kiss has never felt so good.

  “Please Jude,” I whisper. He looks up, an incredibly sexy grin on his face. He knows the anticipation of his touch is making me so wet and needy.

  “Please what, Eden?” he asks. He’s going to make me say it.

  “Please touch me, I need you," I whisper again, begging him. My voice sounding foreign to me. He seems pleased with my response. His eyes look up at mine and I gasp when his long, probing fingers enter me, spreading me for him. His tongue is warm and soft as it grazes over my exposed skin. My hands reach for his hair, gripping him, unconsciously moving him closer as my legs begin to shake. He knows exactly where to touch me and his pressure is perfect. Within minutes I feel myself building. It’s been so long since a man has touched me and never with this much talent.

  “Oh, Jude, please, I’m so close,” I moan, my breaths short and rapid. I’m left cold and surprised when he stands, releasing me. I can't look away from him unbuckling his belt and lowering his pants. He quickly pulls down his bla
ck silk boxers and I can’t help but stare, my eyes widening at his length and girth. The man is definitely well endowed. I move to touch him, fascinated with every inch of him but he quickly grabs my wrists and walks me back to the bed. The backs of my knees hit the mattress and he lowers me down, moving me across the silky sheets until he can settle himself over me.

  “You were saying you’re close, I plan on bringing you over the edge baby, are you ready for me,” he asks as he rolls on a condom. His words cause me to grind my hips against him.

  “I'm ready for you,” I tell him, pleading for him to give me the release I so desperately need. My hands slide down from his shoulders, down his back and grip his firm, perfect ass. The man is complete perfection. His skin feels warm and smooth under my hands, I can’t let go of him. I arch my back when I feel his fingers enter me again, moving in and out, spreading my moisture to my clit, he presses down while sliding two fingers inside, his lips kissing me, his tongue moving over mine. I cry out in his mouth as the first waves of my orgasm rip through me. He doesn’t relent in his attentions, his fingers slide out and his hard ridged cock circles my entrance before he rocks into me. I think he’s going to be too gentle and I’m about to tell him not to hold back when he surprises me. He slams into me, my back arches more. He grips my hips with his hands and pulls me closer with each hard, fast thrust. My mind has left my body, all I can do is feel. Shocks, electricity, fireworks are flaring through me. I’m surprised that I’m building again. His fingers grip my hips tighter as he holds me up against him. I meet him with each deep thrust. I feel so full and stretched around him. His lips land on mine again and I kiss him back, the clash of our teeth, the suck of his lip, I can’t seem to get enough of him.

  “Oh God, Jude, I’m coming again, yes, please don’t stop,” I cry out, meeting each of his fast, pounding thrusts, our bodies sweaty and moving. Our breathing is quick and heavy. My head falls back as I cry out his name, transcending into a complete state of ecstasy.