I Spy a Wicked Sin

He chose to pursue the past-tense reference to her father later. Much later.

She remained perfectly still while he brushed her full lips. Her mouth was a little wide, generous, and he wondered what those lips would feel like wrapped around his cock. With any luck, he’d find out soon enough.

He found the shell of her ears, so delicate. Then he forked his fingers through her hair, delighted to find the tresses long and silky.

“My hair is jet- black,” she offered, anticipating his question. “Do you like what you see?”

“Oh, yes. Very much. But there’s still a couple of pieces missing from the picture,” he said, fingers trailing to her collarbone. Dipping to the vee of her blouse.

“Then why don’t you complete it?”

Taking the husky command at face value, he freed the buttons of her blouse one by one. Parting the material, he slid it off her shoulders and gently cupped her breasts. They just fit his palms, small, the pert nipples stabbing him insistently. With a half smile, he plucked them, loving her throaty groan. The way she scooted forward, arching into him.

“Do you always go braless, pretty Lily?”

“Most of the time,” she said, breathless. “I have little to put in one.”

“Mmm. I think you’re just right, and I like the idea of you bare underneath your clothing.”

“Then you’ll love the fact that I despise underwear.”

“Fuck, yes.”

“Please…”

He knew what she craved. Had known since he heard her cry out in her room, driven to self-pleasure. His fully revived cock throbbed in his jeans, begging to be loosed from its confines and buried deep in her pussy. Preferably from behind, with her long hair wrapped around his wrist, clutched in his hands.

Soon. For now, he wanted to satisfy her just enough to leave her writhing for more.

“Sit on the edge of your chair, sweetheart.” She did, and this time voiced no protest at the endearment. He figured it prudent not to point that out.

One hand continued to tease a tight nipple while the other sought the mound at the apex of her thighs. As she claimed, he found her absent of panties, and her sex…

“Christ, yeah,” he murmured, rubbing the tender folds, already slick and hot for him. “I’m a fan of naked skin, especially here. Triples the sensations.”

“Jude.”

Lily clung to his shoulder, moaning, her body vibrating under his attentions. So responsive. He swirled her clit, picturing her spread for him, pink pussy glistening, black hair cascading all around her. It was nearly enough to make him come without touching himself.

“I’d love to paint a portrait of you, posed just like this,” he said seductively.

She stiffened, grip on him tightening. “Oh, yes,” she panted. “Yes!”

He worked the nub relentlessly, tempted to penetrate her with his fingers. But a bit of patience would make the wait worthwhile for both of them.

“Oh, God!” She bucked, exploding, riding out her orgasm as a warm rush coated his hand.

“That’s it, honey. Take what you need.” When she went still, he lifted his hand and licked her essence from his fingers. “Delicious. Taste yourself.”

Lily took the initiative, much to his satisfaction, cupping the side of his face and pressing her lips to his. Her tongue darted into his mouth, tasting their combined flavors.

Incredibly erotic. Heaven.

Her slight frame felt so good against him, a heady combination of softness and strength. She dominated the kiss and for a few seconds he let her, intrigued by this tiny woman who would play the aggressor. Then his nature took over and he met her with fervor, the two of them coming together with such force he had to stop while he was able.

With reluctance, he broke the kiss and extricated himself gently. “Thank you, sweet Lily.”

“Thank me? All I did was enjoy. I could return the favor, though,” she suggested playfully.

“I’d love nothing more, but that was for you. Rain check?”

“Well… sure.”

She sounded so puzzled, he couldn’t help smiling. “I’ll look forward to it.” Rising, he abandoned the rest of his lunch and reached for his cane. “I’m going to spend some time in the studio this afternoon, then rest before tonight. Make yourself at home. Feel free to set up at the extra desk in the corner of my office.”

“Is the computer on that desk mine to use?”

“Yes, as well as everything on or inside it, including the BlackBerry for my appointments and such. Don’t worry about doing any real work today-just get your bearings and then relax, visit with Liam, maybe take advantage of the pool.”

“That sounds wonderful.” She paused, then said thoughtfully, “You were wrong about something.”

“What’s that?”

“You are a gentleman.”

He laughed. “Not hardly, dear Lily, as you’ll soon discover. By the way… the door connecting our rooms?”

“Yes?”

“It’s never locked,” he said, pitching his tone to make his meaning clear.

“Except when you’re entertaining a lover, like tonight?”

“Never.” Grinning, he turned and started for the door. “Like I said, I’m no gentleman.”

“Jude?”

He paused his steps. “Hmm?”

“I’m no lady.”

“Then I believe we understand each other very well, sweetheart.”

Shuffling out, he left her to chew on that for the rest of the day.

And to take care of the painful jackhammer in his jeans.

Four

Lily tidied the desk that was to serve as her work space for the next few weeks, arranging pens and Post-its, and playing with the snazzy little BlackBerry. Nice.

Next, she logged into her PA’s e-mail account Jude had set up for her and was dismayed to discover fifty-six messages in her in-box already. “Well, shit. Efficient bastard.”

Jude must have taken for granted that she’d accept the job, because it seemed everyone in the area had e- mailed her about something or other they wanted Jude to attend, a painting they were salivating to purchase, or a charitable contribution they coveted from his wallet.

Scowling, she was tempted to delete the whole list. But her “boss” might get his tighty-whities in a bunch if his new PA ignored all his correspondence. She was about to log out when her eye was caught by a familiar name in the From column-Devon Sinclair.

Curious, she opened the e- mail and read the brief message: Lily, Geneva and I look forward to the pleasure of your company next Friday evening. We also thank you for enticing Jude out of his lonely cave-the man needs a night out with friends. Best, Dev.

So, his buddy and benefactor was feeling her out. Fine. If he’d really been worried about Jude for the past few weeks, she couldn’t blame him.

Lily pondered the missive for several minutes before coming up with a suitable reply: Devon, how nice to hear from you. I understand I’m in for quite a dazzling evening. I can’t wait to meet you both, and to visit your lovely gallery. Until then, Lily.

There. Polite but not gushing. Logging out, she sat staring at the screen, thinking over Sinclair’s words, reflective of something Jude said at lunch.

Was Jude lonely? Did he honestly feel imprisoned, or had the heart-wrenching statement been designed by a