Bending the Rules

Chapter Five

Rex had a difficult time breathing. His dick was so hard it threatened to break off. Nat looked like some goddess he’d created in his own mind, and watching her take her pleasure, even under Jason’s tongue, had aroused him unbearably. The jealousy he might have expected to feel never manifested, because she’d included him in the scene.

Did he mind that she was here, playing with two “strangers” right before her date with him tomorrow? Not at all. But then, he’d never had normal appetites either. He hoped to hell she needed to get this raging lust out of her system, so she could be that other Natalie Wielder she wanted him to know. The normal, classy chick with a streak of mean she showed everyone else. Just like he wanted her to know the good son, the smart businessman Rex Samson he showed everyone else.

Once they got the basic introductions down, they could move on to the real them. The hidden needs they suppressed in the workaday world. He figured one layer at a time. No need to expose himself to her if she didn’t like the other him. But damn, both halves of himself liked her.

She didn’t pretend to command, she ordered. She demanded. And she took her pleasure, not letting it take her.

“J, why don’t you stand behind R. Let’s get him nice and ready to receive you, hmm?”

Jason chuckled. The bastard. He loved stringing Rex along, making the frustration that much worse…and his orgasms that much better. But tonight, Jason barely had to look at him to have Rex trembling. With Nat so close, he could do nothing more than respond to her presence. She made him so hard simply by being there.

Jason moved behind him, then prodded Rex to bend slightly. A slick finger eased around his rim while Nat stepped in front of him. Her nipples showed through her blouse—she wasn’t wearing a bra. He licked his lips, unable to look away. Even when J pushed a finger slowly inside him, Rex stared at Nat’s mouth, wanting to fuck her in the worst possible way.

“Get him nice and slick,” she told Jason, her husky voice arousing in the extreme. Then she shocked Rex by putting her hand around his cock. “While I see just what my boy likes.”

He couldn’t contain his moan, or the way he jerked in her grip.

“That’s a good boy. You let J get you ready. Then he’s going to fuck you while I play. You won’t come, will you?”

“No, Mistress. Not until you tell me I can.” He was half in love, amazed by how naturally she took charge. And how much he wanted to obey her.

Rex liked to be dominated, but he had to respect his partner. Jason liked to play and he was a nice guy. A hell of a lover who wanted nothing more than a physical relationship kept discreet. Rex’s perfect part-time lover.

But Rex wanted so much more with Nat—to know if she liked the same things he did. She captivated him just by being herself.

His breath hitched when Jason parted his cheeks and put the tip of himself at Rex’s hole.

“Yes, let me see how you respond, handsome.” She began to stroke him, her hand tight and warm around his flesh.

His voice was deep and scratchy when he answered, “I’ll come so hard for you, Mistress.”

She smiled. “Good boy. But not yet. Let me see what J can do.”

Behind him, Jason pushed deeper and slid his hands from Rex’s shoulders to his hips. Controlling his thrusts, Jason moved slowly, letting Rex feel every inch of the big man.

“You like that.” Nat stroked him faster, sliding her palm over his wet slit. “You’re a big boy, aren’t you, R? Big for Mistress.” She looked over his shoulder at Jason, who felt larger than he’d felt before. That cock reamed him as Jason pushed and pulled, and the exquisite pain stoked Rex’s desire higher.

“Yes, Mistress,” Rex groaned.

“How does he feel, J? Do you like all that heat around your dick?”

J grunted, fucked him harder, and answered, “I love it, Mistress. If it pleases you, I’ll move faster.”

“It pleases me very much.” She moved closer to Rex, then put her head next to his. “Kiss me, J.”

Jason swore and leaned closer. Rex heard them kissing, felt the desperation in Jason’s thrusts and Nat’s slick hand moving faster.

“Come for me, J. So deep,” she whispered as she pulled back. She watched him and Rex, and Rex wondered what she saw.

Her cheeks were flushed, and her breathing increased. Those hard nipples practically begged to be bitten. He could only imagine how she’d taste right now. So ripe and wet…

“Mistress, let me kiss you.” Rex looked down at her skirt. “Please, let me pleasure you.” Hard to think such thoughts when his body screamed to climax.

Behind him, J’s balls slapped his ass, faster and faster. “Mistress, I’m going to come. With permission?”

“Oh, please do.” Nat smiled, her lips shiny and plump. “Let me see your pleasure, J. But not you, R. Not yet.”

“Fuck. Yes, Mistress,” Rex answered, working hard not to explode.

Jason clenched his hips tight and hammered into him, then shuddered as he climaxed. “Mistress, yes. So damn good.”

Rex did his best to hold on. He closed his eyes, grimacing at how much he ached, especially because Nat continued to work him. Then he opened them, needing to see her.

“Beautiful.” She smiled at J. Then she glanced at Rex, and her smile faded. “So, pretty man, tell me what you need.”

“To please you,” he rasped, full with Jason’s cock, and on the edge.

She released him, and he nearly put her hand back on him, desperate to finish.

“Then come. Watch me take my pleasure, and take your own while J wrings it from you.”

She put a hand under her skirt and rubbed that full clit, spreading moisture over the taut bud. He wanted to taste her so badly as J reached around and jerked him off.

It took him no more than a few pulls before Rex roared, his release long overdue. He jetted, leaving a mess over the floor. But Nat’s sultry climax fueled a second, smaller jet of seed.

Her lips parted and she tilted her head back. Her eyes closed as she reached her bliss. After a moment, she pulled her hand free, tugged her skirt back over her sleek thighs and held out her hand.

He didn’t ask but took her fingers into his mouth, savoring her arousal. The woman had thoroughly bewitched him. Not only did he long to lie under her commands, but he wanted to turn the tables as well, to take her and show her how much he could pleasure her, which surprised him. Rex preferred to be on the bottom. But he wanted to take Nat in a number of ways. To get her addicted to him, then snare her tight.

She pulled her hand back with a smile, her breath shaky. “Oh, you two have been fun.”

“Thank you, Mistress,” Jason said as he withdrew from Rex and moved to dispose of the condom.

The loss of connection pulled Rex back to reality. “Thank you, Mistress.” She still hadn’t let him fuck her, or lick her. Just a small tease of her taste, no more. Pushing it, he said, “Would you like to watch more? J and I can make you scream with pleasure. Anything you command is yours.” His body hummed with anticipation, despite having just come hard enough to risk heart failure.

She chuckled. “Pushy sub, aren’t you?” She stepped closer and crooked her finger.

He leaned his head closer, and she tugged him by the hair and whispered into his ear, “You don’t get to suck me or fuck me yet. You haven’t earned it.” The exact same phrase she’d uttered over a week ago. Then she added, “But you’re getting closer.”

Nat pulled back to smile at him and graze his cheek with her knuckles. “You two have fun. I’ve got to get going.”

“Will we see you again, Mistress?” Jason asked.

Rex frowned. He didn’t like his buddy sounding so eager.

“Perhaps.” Her gaze moved from Jason to Rex and lingered. Was that warmth in her eyes? Did she favor him, perhaps? Could she tell who he really was?

Without saying another word, Nat turned and left them.

After a pause, Jason swore. “Holy shit. Did that really happen? I came so hard up your ass, man. Haven’t had a good Domme in years. Who the hell is she?”

Rex played dumb. “No clue, but I call dibs.”

“Dream on.” Jason studied Rex’s torso with a grin. “Dude, you made a big mess. Felt good, huh?”

“What do you think?” Rex let out a sigh, his body relaxed, his mind buzzing with questions. How had Nat felt about taking on the two of them? Would she want that all the time? Could he satisfy her needs, get her commitment and still play with others under her okay?

“I think you got off being fucked,” Jason murmured and stepped closer once more. “I think maybe once wasn’t enough.”

They both glanced at Rex’s front, and sure enough, he’d become half-hard again. Not quite there, but on the road to recovery with Nat’s taste imprinted on his mind.

“I think maybe you’re right.” But Rex didn’t want anyone but Nat.

Jason ran his hand over Rex’s chest, scraping his nipples. “Your turn.”

Though he didn’t want to fuck again without Nat there, he knew he owed Jason for tonight, showing up without question because Rex had needed him.

“I guess it is.” They both liked to be bossed around, and Jason had played the dominant earlier. “Tell you what, you little slut, why don’t you get on your knees and show me why I shouldn’t beat your ass red.”

Jason nodded, his eyes bright. “Yes, Sir. Anything you want, Sir.”

While he knelt and did his best to pleasure Rex, Rex tried to stay in the moment. But fantasies of Nat intruded while a warm mouth took him high once more, and he knew that sex with her wouldn’t be enough. Not with this woman.

The next night, he picked Nat up at seven on the dot. Dressed in casual jeans and a polo shirt, he felt ready for anything. He’d given himself a few pep talks about how to deal with Ms. Wielder—not Mistress.

When she opened the door in a denim skirt and pink top, he wanted to dive in and kiss her until neither could breathe. The sultry taste of her lingered, her scent imprinted in his memory.

She wore a hint of makeup and had her hair back in her trademark ponytail. He thought her the most erotic thing on the planet and waited to see if she’d recognize him, or if she’d admit to their previous encounter.

“Hey, there, Reginald. Right on time.” The cheer, the absence of seduction, told him he had more work to do. Nat wasn’t coming clean. Yet.

He groaned. “You call me Reginald again and I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“Very funny. You try anything and you’ll be singing soprano.”

“I bet I would, you ball buster,” he murmured, pleased to see the sly smile on her face. “Damn, Nat. Your eyes are just shining tonight. Emerald green and lusty for my company.”

She snorted. “Lusty. Right.”

“You ready for dinner and a movie?”

“Let’s go.”

He took her back to his place, not that she knew their destination, pleased that she continued to study him. Not even being subtle about it.

“What’s wrong?”

“You look so much like this guy I met.”

And destroyed, he wanted to add. Even after his amazing climax, he’d come again with Jason, his thoughts on Nat and the fantasies that should have played out. Would play out, given time.

Apparently she’d decided to dip her toe in the water, trying to get him to open up first. Nope. Not playing that game, honey. You might command me in bed, but out of it, I’m the master.

He blinked his innocence. “Some guy you just met? Are you trying to tell me I have competition?”

“No. It’s just…” She gave him a hard look. “Do you have any cousins?”

He’d told her he was an only child. “Nope. Just me. My parents were only children too. Alas, we charming Samsons are the last of our kind. Why do you ask?”

She frowned. “I know you were… Last night… Hell. Never mind.”

She’d made the connection, but she wouldn’t admit it. Because then she’d have to own up to her part as well. Then again, she might not be sure it was him. Probably couldn’t conceive of Rex Samson being such a pervert.

“Um, Rex?” She glanced at the large building they neared with confusion. “Where’s the restaurant? Are we parking and walking downtown?”

He shook his head and parked in the garage. “Nope. Dinner’s at my place.” The upscale condominiums had been built a few years ago in the city’s old cotton mill. He had an amazing view of the river and walking access to local restaurants and downtown shops. The perfect place to entertain. And hopefully, the next step in his seduction of Natalie Wielder.

“Is this where you offer to show me your etchings?” she asked drily as she got out of the car, once again before he could assist her.

“Now, Nat. Is that any way to talk to a man with a gift for turning a simple angus steak into a gourmet feast?”

She accepted his hand on the small of her back with a tiny start but didn’t tell him to remove it.

Like before, just touching her made his whole body tighten up. Their chemistry couldn’t be denied. He’d have to work that into tonight without giving up the ghost about his club identity. Not until she admitted to having been there first.

“So what’s on the menu?” she asked as they rode the elevator to the penthouse.

“Steak, corn and my blue ribbon potato salad. And of course, peach cobbler for dessert. Made by yours truly.”

She blinked. “Really? You can cook?”

“First the surprise I’m a fun guy, then shock that I can do more than boil water. What exactly have you been hearing about me, Nat?”

She flushed. “Nothing. Well, maybe there was a little talk at the office about you being a man whore and seducing women out of their panties with a flash of that grin.”

He put a hand to his heart, trying to block the image of seducing her out of her panties. “Man whore? You wound me. I’m nothing more than a sweet old Southern boy.”

She frowned. “One who more than knows how to show a girl a good time. Lacey Anderson is a fan, by the way.”

He paused, saved from answering by the chime of the elevator. They’d reached his floor. They stepped out into his hallway that led to two units, his and his elderly neighbor’s, who was currently spending her summer in Switzerland. He had the whole floor to himself. Just him and Nat. Alone.

“So. You and Lacey?” she prodded.

Damn. “Lacey’s a great gal.” He smiled, hoping like hell Lacey hadn’t said anything bad about him. The Southern belle had been utterly vanilla. She’d bored him to tears in less than three dates, and he’d done his best to be nice as he let her down easily. His reputation as a charmer had come in handy then. Now, perhaps, not so much.

“She sings your praises if anyone asks.”

He opened the door and ushered her inside. “So, you asked?” Pleased, he watched her walk around, studying his place.

“I did. Wanted to know what kind of snake charmer I’d agreed to a second date-that-isn’t-a-date with.”

“Ouch.”

“Sorry.”

“Then why are you grinnin’, sugar?”

She laughed. “All right, I’m not sorry. You’re a little too good to be true. Loyal, rich, handsome, pleasant to be around. I wonder what skeletons shake around in your closet.” Her penetrating gaze told him she knew some of them.

Say it, Nat. Ask me about last night. “I’m just a single guy looking for true love.”

She raised a brow.

“Or true lust,” he added. “I’m not picky.”

She snorted. “Not what I heard.”

“If I ply you with wine, will you tell me what you heard?”

“Maybe, if your wine is any good.”

He frowned. “Woman, don’t even think of insulting my taste in alcohol. I run S&F, you know.”

“Well then, how about a beer?”

The man had a lethal grin. And those eyes… Damn it. It was R. Rex and R, the same person. She was ninety-nine percent sure. But that one percent possible error tickled at the back of her mind. Not a good thing to be wrong about something like this.

She studied Rex’s eyes, the dark brown so deep she wanted to drown in them. He showed what he felt in his expression, no hiding his feelings.

He clearly liked her, and he wanted her. His approval made her feel good, made her feel cherished. An odd feeling for a woman used to being the one doing all the protecting. At work, with her parents, her siblings. Nat always took charge, and she liked it. So why, lately, did she want something a little different? Why couldn’t she figure out what that different might be?

She followed him through his expansive living room, with views to die for on two sides, into a gourmet kitchen.

The condo was all sophisticated charm, much like her host. No glass and chrome contemporary décor, but earthy finishings and comfortable furniture. The kitchen boasted black granite countertops, antique white cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances and an island complete with a prep sink and tray full of goodies.

“Cheese and crackers?” she asked, pleasantly surprised.

He nodded. “Had to let the brie set. Hope you like it.”

She did. She hadn’t expected he’d appreciate a sophisticated palate. “You seem like more of a beer and burger kind of guy. The cheese and crackers are nice though, don’t get me wrong.”

He brought her a beer and poured it into an S&F glass. She liked the squirrel and bird on the label, thinking it both catchy and cutting edge. The man knew how to market his product. A glance at him had her adding himself to said product.

Rex sure knew how to wear faded denim.

“I’m thinking you don’t know much about me at all, sugar. So tonight, we’re going to swap—”

“Spit?”

He stopped in the middle of his sentence. “What?”

“Swap spit. It’s all I could think of.”

He snorted. “Dirty mind. We’ll swap stories. Your childhood, mine. What you like, what I like. I mean, aside from me. ’Cause we both know we like me.”

“And there he is. Captain Ego to the rescue.”

He grinned, and that dimple winked at her again. So unfair. She took a large sip of beer, pleased with the light citrusy taste. “Hey. This is good.”

“Now that I know you like our Feather Gold label, I’ll make a note.”

“You do that. And while you’re at it, tell me how I should believe you’re only after friendship. Because this feels a lot like a date. How are you different from every other guy trying to wine and dine me into bed?”

“Well damn, sugar. How many are there?” He set the oven on broil.

Okay, maybe that had come out more conceited than she’d intended. “Not that many. But I like you, and that worries me. You were awfully chummy with Jessup a week ago.”

“I told you. He’s a friend of my parents. Ty and I brought some business into town, and he wanted to thank us. Nothing political. At least, not on my end.”

She didn’t want to believe him, yet she started to. “Well, then explain how at the gala everyone was singing your praises. Within five seconds of meeting you, even Evelyn Sharpe wanted your autograph, and she’s a full-time grouch. So who’s the real Rex Samson? Authentic nice guy, or snake oil salesman?” A question she should really know before riding the man up and down like a see-saw.

Rex sighed. “Sugar—Nat—” he corrected when she gave him a look. “I’m a simple man who wants to spend a quiet, entertaining night with a beautiful woman. As a friend. What’s so bad about that?”

“Oh, you’re good. Not that I believe a word you just said.” She drank more of her beer, deciding to grab a six-pack the next time she went shopping. The beer would last a good month or more, but she’d have it on hand and think of Rex when she drank it.

“Honey, there’s good and there’s great. Let’s not label each other until we open the door on those skeletons just dyin’ to get out.” He smiled, a challenge in his eyes. “Now how do you like your steak?”

“Medium.”

“Fine choice. Me too.” He pulled out a tray of fresh beef from the refrigerator and popped it into his oven. Then he fetched some corn cobs he set on boil, and followed up with his fabled blue ribbon potato salad.

Potato salad—her Achilles heel.

“Now how about I feed you, and you tell me what you’re really like under all that starch, Natalie Wielder.”

She stared from the potato salad to him, wishing and not wishing that he and R were the same man. It was hard enough to keep her distance from the charmer promising to satisfy her appetite. Should he also be able to handle her more carnal needs, she had a bad feeling she’d fall hard for this man. A man who just might hurt more than her career, but her fragile heart too.

She sighed. “All my starch, hmm? How about we talk about my week at work, my budgets, the trouble with the logistics on a few projects, and my nemesis, Josh Jessup? Then maybe you’ll understand why I’m wired all the time.”

“Do tell.” Darn, he had to go looking interested in a detailed list that had already bored her. She mentally added good listener to his attributes and did her best not to look besotted.

“You asked for it…”