Tequila Nights Read online

  Natasha?

  When Curvy moved next to me and took Leo’s hand, I gathered she was Natasha.

  The floor cleared, the others having expected this to happen. I watched transfixed as the two took their positions, the unusual beat almost hypnotic. Natasha and Leo held each other tight, a lot closer than a salsa hold. Their bodies were molded together as if they were one and the same. Their arms were in a traditional position, his right thigh nestled slightly between her legs.

  It was intimate.

  It was hot.

  His left cheek touched her right as they started the routine. It was three steps with a hip flick on the fourth. They were magnetized. Whatever moves he did, she mirrored. His strength guided her moving across the floor, performing the sexiest dance I’d ever seen. Natasha’s curvy hips were on full display, the flick on the fourth step allowing her greatest asset to shine.

  “It’s sexy isn’t it?” A voice sounded next to me above the music. I turned to see a fellow student, one who was more advanced than the others. We’d never spoken other than in greeting. He seemed nice enough, my age with a stylish flair to him.

  “It’s beyond sexy. What is it?”

  “It’s called the Bachata.”

  “Bachata,” I repeated to myself.

  “The dance of love,” he continued. “Well, in actual fact, it’s more the dance of unrequited love and heartbreak.”

  I watched as Leo took control of the room, the words from my fellow student ringing true. It oozed everything love. There was a story being told, an undercurrent of tension marrying the words of the song and steps being made. When the song drew to a close, the audience erupted in an applause, me included. There was something about it. Something that both touched my heart and ignited a flame from deep within.

  Leo made his way through the crowd, his eyes trained on me the whole time. Without saying a word, he took my hand in his and led me through the front door of the restaurant. His car was already parked out the front, yet as he opened the door for me, I was struck with a thought. I knew Jase wasn’t there. “Who is going to lock up?”

  “Natasha is my manager. She’ll take care of it. Now get in the car.” His voice was low and gravelly. The urgency in his tone making me quiver. Under the intensity of his stare, I did as I was told.

  The trip was made in silence, but the anticipation hung thick in the air. In less than fifteen minutes, we were pulled into the driveway of a two–story house. It was softly lit up on the outside, the garden paths glowing. As soon as I opened the door I could hear the crashing sound of the waves close by. The salty air blowing in the gentle breeze.

  “This is your home?” I asked in awe. Leo lived in a prime location along the coastline in one of the most affluent seaside streets. His house was modern architecture, but still contained character that set it apart from the others.

  “It is, Bella,” he replied softly, his hand resting on the small of my back leading me to the front door. Once inside he turned off the alarm and flicked a switch that brought to life a series of lamps placed in various rooms.

  “You certainly have some style about you, Mr. Santiago.”

  Gripping my hips, he pulled me into him, my hands resting on his muscled chest. “I’ve been considering commissioning an artist to decorate my walls.” His cheeky smile returned to me. “You wouldn’t happen to know anyone would you?”

  “Oh, I might. I know she has a beautiful nude drawing of this incredibly sexy man who rocked up to her life class.”

  “Is that so?”

  “He’s very finely sculptured, muscles in all the right places and a huge—”

  I stood no chance.

  Leo hooked his hands under my arms lifting me off the ground. My back connected with the wall, a large body engulfing mine. His lips teased and lingered, barely touching.

  “Josie Marks, what have you done to me?”

  I didn’t know what he meant, but I knew it was good. My heart swelled at the possibilities and the effect I was having on him.

  “I want to do so many things to you,” he continued, his mouth grazing mine.

  A low growl reverberated in his throat, hands gripped my ass cheeks hoisting me high. Wrapping my legs around his waist, Leo carried me up the stairs, his mouth possessing mine.

  Only a few seconds had passed before I was lowered to the bed, Leo’s body over mine, elbows alleviating the weight. With my right knee bent, my dress gathered at the top of my thigh. There was a heat between my legs that was begging for satisfaction, my nipples tightening beneath the cotton fabric. Deepening the kiss, our tongues met, both groaning and silently demanding more. Pinning my wrists above my head with one hand, Leo used the other to slide down my exposed leg. His fingers worked a massaging effect down my inner thigh until his thumb grazed my panties.

  I was defeated.

  I wanted to be molded by him.

  I needed him to possess me in a way that promised no return.

  “Please,” I begged against his lips. He smiled before inhaling sharply, stealing any words from my mouth.

  With a tug, Leo ripped my panties and pulled the fabric away leaving me exposed and wanting. I was wet, my desire for him now on full display. Hooking his hand underneath me, Leo lifted me further up the bed. Drawing my ruined panties above my head, he tied the length of the lace around my wrists binding them together and then attaching them to the wooden bed post.

  “I want you to lie there and take what I give you.” His lips brushed my ear before travelling down my neck and between my collarbones. Closing my eyes, I relished in the sensation. Reaching behind my neck, he pulled the straps of the halter, drawing the material down until my breasts were revealed. Continuing his trail down, he cupped my breasts in each hand, taking turns at sucking both nipples into his mouth, teeth gently biting. Moaning and wanting more, my back arched in response, hands pulling at the restraints. My legs fell open wide as Leo slid a hand down the curve of my waist and between my thighs.

  Fingers grazed my pussy, teasing, sending my nerve endings into overdrive. Practically crying out, he understood my urgency. Sliding two fingers inside I fought the urge to explode. I was so turned on, just his simple touch was almost unbearable. Gliding in and out we found a rhythm together, my head lolling to the side, breath quickening. Slowly pulling out, his hands gripped my waist before his head lowered to my pussy. Leo’s tongue slid between my folds before sliding inside. I could take no more. I had an ache between my legs since the first night I saw him and now he was taking charge of my body in a way I craved.

  My orgasm hit me with a force I wasn’t expecting. As I cried out in ecstasy, Leo sucked, licked and plunged encouraging every last drop out of me. Lowering me back to the mattress, his lips teased my new sensitivity before making their way back up to my mouth. I could taste myself as he kissed me, yet strangely I found it even more erotic.

  “I need more of you,” my voice was raspy.

  “Bella, I plan to give you everything you need, want and desire.”

  Pulling away from me, he stood at the side of the bed. Keeping his eyes locked on mine, Leo unbuttoned his shirt before pulling it over his broad shoulders. Next he moved to unlooping his belt. His cock was straining against his pants begging for release. I needed to feel his length inside me. Unzipping his pants, he let them fall to his feet. Hooking his thumbs in the waistband of his underwear, he slipped them down until his impressive cock sprung free. Hearing my silent pleas, Leo moved between my legs, his hardness playing at my entrance. Gripping my chin with his hand, he claimed my mouth kissing me so passionately I couldn’t breathe. It was a distraction. As his tongue danced with mine, Leo pushed himself all the way in, his mouth never breaking from mine as I released a scream. My body jolted with the movement as he sunk his cock deep inside, his length pushing me to my limits.

  “Leo,” I whimpered, struggling against the pleasure and pain.

  Sliding almost the whole way out, he pushed back in encouraging another cry. “I love
seeing you beneath me like this. Vulnerable and wanting.” Grinding against my already swollen clit I could feel another climax building, all my senses alive.

  Increasing his tempo until I adjusted to his size, Leo’s lips traveled down my neck leaving me with withdrawals and panting for more. Pulling out, Leo sat back and wrapped his hands around my waist. Effortlessly, he turned me over onto my stomach. Closing my legs, he encased me, his hand bundling my hair and twisting it in his fist. Mixing gentle with force, his lips trailed a path down the back of my neck and down my spine. Immediately my body tingled, skin goose bumping. His free hand slid between my legs caressing my pussy before sliding between my ass. I had never experienced a man’s touch like this before and I wanted more of it.

  Lowering his taut body onto mine, his cock slid between my legs and deep inside me. As I cried out, Leo twisted my head to the side, his lips falling to mine. As he kissed me, he thrust faster, his free hand snaking beneath and rubbing my clit.

  “Leo, I can’t…I can’t take…”

  “Say it,” he demanded.

  “I…” I started to scream, but as I came, I couldn’t breathe. Instead, it was garbled. Leo pounded into me, taking me harder as I rode my orgasmic wave. Exhausted, I could feel Leo working to untie the panties from around my wrists. Freeing me, he slid his arms under my breasts, lifting me to my knees. His throbbing cock remained inside my swollen pussy as my back rested against his chest. I’d lost all muscle, all strength to remain upright. He held me tight as he moved slowly, teasing. Holding me against him, his free hand gripped my breast, squeezing my nipple between his fingers. Wrapping my arm around his neck, I let him kiss mine.

  “You feel and taste out of this world, Bella,” he murmured between nibbles. “I’m addicted to you. Feels so right and so wrong. No one should be allowed to possess the power you do.”

  Pulling out, Leo moved to the head of the bed, bringing me onto his lap, straddling him to let his hard cock hover at my entrance.

  Staring into his endless eyes, his hands snaked around my waist and up my back. Sinking onto him, I fell the whole way, taking him in until he reached my end. Sliding up and down, my back arched in pleasure as Leo licked and sucked each breast. Increasing my tempo, he ground his pelvis against mine. Knowing he was close, his cock swelling to the maximum, Leo cupped my face drawing my lips to his. Kissing through a wave of heat and passion his climax was strong and powerful. His urgent groans against my mouth were a turn on. A delicious sound I craved.

  Deepening the kiss, we remained still, caught in the glorious aftermath of post-orgasmic bliss. Pulling away, foreheads touching, our pants become in sync.

  “Josie Marks,” Leo began, “you had me curious after one glance. Now, tasting and feeling you, I’m hooked.”

  CHAPTER 14

  “That dance,” I said, staring up at the blank ceiling, my hand absently tracing Leo’s as we lay in his bed. “Bachata?”

  “Mmm,” he murmured.

  “I want to learn it. I know I haven’t mastered salsa yet, but there’s just something about it that I find so sensual.”

  “That’s because it is sensual. Two people fighting their feelings. Sometimes one feels more than the other. Sometimes it’s about the heartache of losing someone you love so much.”

  “Do you teach it?”

  “Not in class, however, I do believe that it’s the dance for you. I can teach you here.”

  Feeling the excitement bubble from within, I rolled off my side and stared at his handsome face. “Really? That easy?”

  He laughed at my skepticism. “Of course. You would be stunning performing those moves and it’s certainly a dance I’d love to share with you.”

  “Okay, great!” I was aware I sounded like a child offered a trip to the fun park, but I genuinely was excited. “When can we start?”

  “Wednesday nights after I finish at the restaurant.”

  “For real? You’re already busy enough as it is.”

  Leo’s face lit up and damn if I didn’t fall…hard. “Bella, you in my house, late at night, me giving you private lessons for the sexiest dance on earth? I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  ***

  The next day at uni I couldn’t think straight. I was far too excited for own good and my lack of attention was reflecting in my painting. Before arriving, I downloaded some Bachata music on my phone and had been listening to it ever since. I was addicted to the sound. I was mesmerized by the raw emotion. I couldn’t understand a word of it being all in Spanish, but it did nothing to quell the excitement. Now as the clock struck twelve on the wall opposite me, I put my brush in the jar of turpentine, swilled it around before wiping it on my cloth, the hog hair forming a perfect point.

  I needed to stretch. Although it hurt and I was tender in my most of tender spots, I was on too much of a high after last night with Leo to care.

  Just as I was walking through the studio door, I came face to face with Professor Lindsay. Her scowl told me she was already in a foul mood and nothing I said or did could change it. I accepted defeat before I’d even said a word.

  “Ms. Marks, your decision still has not been submitted.”

  Shit!

  I’d completely forgotten all about it. The last week had been crazy with Leo, that it had rarely crossed my mind.

  “I’m still working on it.” I sounded like a weak little mouse. She watched me with her owl eyes ready to hunt me down when I least expected it.

  “Tomorrow 5:00 p.m. No later.”

  And with that she left, leaving my earlier high plummeting rapidly toward earth.

  ***

  That afternoon, on the way home, I detoured to the hospital to give Mimi her art kit. She was still there, still not out of the woods and definitely not well enough to go home without medical supervision.

  Walking down the hall, I could see Jase on the phone, his back toward me. Knowing he wouldn’t mind, I entered the room and was rewarded by a beaming smile from one courageous little girl. Dark circles under her eyes were the evidence I didn’t want to see.

  “Hey beautiful girl,” I greeted as she struggled to sit up.

  “Josie!” she all but squealed in her raspy voice.

  “I bought something for you. To keep you busy while you’re in here.”

  “What is it?” Her gray eyes were alight.

  “Open it.”

  Handing Mimi the box, I smiled as she stared in awe at the pretty wrapping paper and bow. Carefully without tearing, she unstuck the sticky tape and unfolded the paper. When she saw what was inside, the paper stood no chance and ended up floating to the floor. With eyes wide in delight, she stared at all the vibrant colours of her water pencils and touched with fascination the thick, textured pages of the small drawing pad.

  “The paper feels funny,” she said, running her tiny fingers over the roughness.

  “That’s so that the paper doesn’t bubble when you put water on it. You can use the pencils dry or wet.”

  “Thank you, Josie.” Her sweet eyes met mine. “I love it.”

  “What do you love?” Jase’s curiously playful voice startled us both.

  “Daddy, look.” The adoration she had for her father was heartbreakingly touching. “Josie gave them to me.”

  Jase greeted me with a warm smile before claiming the single chair next to Mimi’s bed. “Well, aren’t you just a lucky girl?” He turned to me. “Thank you for thinking of her. It’s very sweet.”

  “I hope you don’t mind me popping in like this. I just thought Mimi could use something to help pass the time.”

  “It’s perfect. I can see why Leo speaks so highly about you.”

  A blush crept into my cheeks and he noticed. “Don’t be embarrassed. Leo doesn’t waste his time with just anyone.”

  That was music to my ears.

  “Thank you,” I looked to Mimi, who was beaming. “I should be going.” Jase nodded and stood. Wrapping his arms around me, he thanked me again. Leaning over the bed, I kis
sed Mimi on the forehead before leaving.

  It wasn’t until I was in my car that Jase’s words sunk in. My feelings toward Leo were mutual. I was happy. And better yet, I felt like I was where I needed to be.

  That’s what made the whole decision that much harder.

  ***

  Taking the stairs two at a time to the second level of my apartment, I could hear Nicole in her room. The Script was playing, the lyrics and her warbled singing filtering out through her open door. She too sounded happy.

  Leaning against her doorframe, arms crossed, I watched as she sat on the bed painting her nails, a glass of red wine on her bedside table.

  “Well,” I started, “you look pleased with yourself.”

  Gazing up at me through her long lashes, a wicked grin crept on her lips. “I am pleased,” her smile turned into a twist, “in a different kind of way.”

  “What does that mean?”

  Screwing the lid of the nail polish back on, she placed it on the dresser before grabbing her wine. “Sit,” Nicole instructed.

  “Spill. This sounds like an intriguing story.”

  “Right,” she began, sitting straight. “To set the scene, Brett brought Chinese food with him for dinner. We ate and watched a movie, flirted and enjoyed each other’s company.”

  “I sense there’s a but.”

  “Oh, there is a big but!” Nicole swallowed another gulp of red. “Actually that’s a poor choice of words as you’re about to discover. So we start getting a little frisky on the sofa—”

  “The sofa I also sit on?”

  “No genitalia touched the sofa,” she reassured with an impatient roll of the eyes, not realising the extent of my relief. “As things were getting heated, I led him up the stairs to my room and he fell on top of me la de da da. We kissed and suddenly the shy Brett I’d met at dancing became even shyer. So I took the lead, hoping he would relax a bit. Undoing his belt, I lowered his pants and went to reach between us to grab him.”