NO STRINGS Read online

  "Good God, woman!" Cruz stepped out of his clothes as he reached for the box of condoms on the bedside table.

  She laughed when he put not one, but two over his penis. "That bad, huh?"

  "Oh, yes." He stretched out beside her. "I'd like to give a somewhat decent show of myself the first time. I was tempted to use three."

  Before she could utter a comeback, his lips covered hers. Allison melted into his kiss, laving her tongue with his over and over. He ended the kiss only to nip his way into another one. She longed to please him, yet was mindless to anything but the pressure rising in her body.

  She felt his hand drift downward and parted her thighs, more than anxious for his touch. One long finger parted her labia. She cried out and arched against him, wrapping her arms around his hard body. He flicked his fingers over her swollen clit. She responded with a low moan, clutching his dark head as his lips closed over her aching nipple.

  Allison lay beneath him, helpless to passion. She felt him shift, gently nudging her thighs apart with his own. Sighing, she wrapped her legs around his. Two fingers dove into her cunt. He hit her G-spot, massaging it hard.

  She arched her hips against him. "Oh...please...I need..."

  "This?" He danced his thumb over her clit.

  A hard orgasm rose, taking her breath away as it hovered there. She exploded into a wash of pure sweetness, floating in space. He thrust his thick cock deep inside, sending her further into the heavens. Long, sweet strokes built her up again. She dug her nails into his butt cheeks, trying to urge him on.

  A growl rasped out of him, yet still he took his time. She was going to come again. He knew it, too. Strokes shifted to hard grinding. His pelvic bone nudged her clit, begging for it to release her. She felt the tension in his muscles. God, what it had to take for him to hold on!

  "Oh...yessss..." She shuddered as she came.

  He thrust hard, paused, then gave up the battle. He pivoted into her. She clutched him close. Love overwhelmed her. She grabbed his face and kissed him hard, swallowing his cries as he came.

  They butted foreheads as they panted for breath.

  "That was marvelous," she managed to say. "Absolutely marvelous."

  "Sweetheart...you have no idea. But you will by the time this weekend is over."

  Chapter 4

  * * *

  The plush terracotta colored robe felt more like velvet than terrycloth. And leave it to Diversions to choose a color that reflected the desert rather than standard white. Allison loved how it felt on her skin.

  Cruz wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Hungry?"

  She sure was...hungry for him...again...still. "Dinner smells great, doesn't it?"

  "I'll let the lady know we're ready."

  Allison nodded then stared at the table setting while he walked to the patio for their server. It seemed too formal after what they'd just done. Or rather, just like any other time they'd ever had dinner. She wanted something different, something more intimate. She glanced at the black slate coffee table. Marty would have had a fit if she even suggested such a thing. Seemed the perfect excuse to do it.

  Cruz waved the young woman into the room ahead of him--always the gentleman. Her name tag identified her as Jill. Her blonde hair was tucked into a neat French braid. She wore mauve slacks with matching vest and a long-sleeved cream colored shirt. Most impressive was her smile. There wasn't a hint of animosity about them having kept her waiting. Her stride spoke of patience, professionalism, and grace. This was their moment. She was there to help them enjoy it.

  As she pulled out their chairs for them, Cruz stopped, tilting his head to one side.

  "Is something wrong, sir?" Jill's forehead wrinkled with her concern.

  He stared at the table. Allison felt joy building. He felt it, too!

  "It feels too...formal. It's very beautiful," he was quick to add. "Just formal."

  Jill smiled. "I understand. Would you prefer the patio? The hot tub? Service in bed?"

  Allison pointed toward the living area. "How about there?"

  The woman nodded. "A wonderful choice. The cushions are heavenly. You'll feel like royalty. Make yourselves comfortable and I'll move the settings."

  In no time they were tucked into a mound of sofa cushions soft as marshmallows. Nestled against Cruz, Allison raised her wine glass with his for a toast.

  "To us," he said.

  "Us."

  They clinked glasses.

  Allison nearly choked on her sip as he danced his fingers under her robe. Her thighs quivered with the caress. She giggled and indulged in a little play all her own. His dick was hard before she reached it. Thank goodness the table hid it from Jill's meticulous gaze.

  Toes played while they ate, talked, and laughed. The meal was delicious, although Allison could barely recall a single bite. Jill was attentive to their every need--well, almost every need--yet she maintained a discreet and unobtrusive distance. At times too discreet, especially when Cruz's hands started to wander again. Anxious for his touch, Allison parted her thighs on a sigh. The clink of dishes on the buffet reminded her they weren't alone.

  A devilish smile lit his eyes. "Jill, I think we're done for the night."

  "Without dessert?"

  Allison rubbed her stomach. "Goodness, I couldn't eat another bite."

  "I think you'll both enjoy this, though." Jill set a small platter before them. A crock was in the center with pieces of fruit pinwheeled around it. Long, slender forks lay on either side of what looked like paintbrushes. She lifted the lid. "Chocolate sauce. And just the right temperature. Compliments of Diversions. Your maid will retrieve it in the morning."

  At some point during their meal, Jill had slipped in a wheeled cart. Every dish and serving container was now neatly on it. She screwed a new bottle of wine into the ice bucket next to the sofa, then wheeled everything else out through the patio doors. Her last act was to draw the drapes before she shut the sliding door.

  Cruz peeled the robe from her shoulder. "You have the softest skin." He traced his tongue along the edge. "I've dreamed of holding you in my arms, loving you as a woman was meant to be loved, since the day I met you."

  Allison felt the hitch in her throat. Emotions overwhelmed her. She blinked back tears as she tugged open her belt then his. The robes dropped in a puddle around them.

  "I want to kiss you wherever he hurt you." His breath feathered against her neck a scant second before he kissed her there.

  "You would have to kiss me all over, Cruz." There wasn't a place Marty hadn't hurt her, inside and out.

  "I know, querida. I know." Cupping her wrist, he turned it palm up and dropped a kiss there. He dipped one of the brushes into the chocolate then twirled a design up her arm. He trailed with his lips and tongue, gently licking it clear.

  "Lay before me and let me love you," he asked in a raspy whisper.

  She was vaguely aware of nodding as she stretched out on the pillows. Cruz shoved the table back to sit beside her. She glanced down at his erection. How could she resist? Wrapping her fingers around the steely velvet, she stroked. He came to his knees, giving her better access. She cupped his testicles with her free hand. They were as hard and ready as his cock. She massaged them as she blew puffs of air against the head of his penis. Gulping through pants, Cruz braced his hands into the sofa.

  "You want to come, don't you?"

  He nodded quickly and reached for his dick. She gently pushed his hand away. "Dip your cock in the chocolate. I want to suck you."

  "Allison--"

  "And I want your mouth on my...my...pussy."

  He groaned and grabbed the pot. Long fingers pulled out a handful of warm, sensuous chocolate. He smeared it down her body, over her thighs, her tits, and her aching crotch. She spread herself wider waiting for him to do as she asked. Gazes locked, he clutched his erection, and pushed the head into the chocolate. Allison almost came watching him quiver. He pulled back. Chocolate dripped from the tip, like an orgasm gone wild. />
  "Hmm...." She clamped her lips over it.

  "Ahh..."

  Warm chocolate splashed to her stomach. She heard him fumble to put the pot back on the table. Already he pumped himself into her greedy mouth. He knelt astride her head. Holding her breasts together, he danced his tongue over her nipples. Soft cries drifted from her throat. She tickled her fingers around his balls, then found that oh-so-tender spot just beyond them.

  Cruz cried out and fell to his side. Grabbing her hips, he hauled her crotch to his mouth. Allison muffled a groan around his cock. His tongue tunneled deep into her, thrusting her there as his dick did her mouth. She found his tender spot again and massaged it. He jerked under the touch and she felt him surge. Then he seized her clit in a hard suck. She pressed herself against his mouth, riding wave after wave of delicious pleasure. Fingers worked his spot, circling it like a mini-clit. She felt him tense. Her body replied. Seconds later they came.

  As the sensations slowly subsided, he kissed her labia, her thighs, working his way up her body to stomach and breasts, then finally her lips. She tasted a combination of chocolate and her own juices on him. Without breaking contact, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the shower.

  In seconds, warm spray surrounded them. He pressed her against the shower wall and worked his way back down. She parked her fingers in his dark hair and let him have her. Slow sweeps of his tongue lifted her clit back to attention. When it was ripe for plucking, he sucked it between his teeth, flicking the swollen fruit rapidly with his tongue. Allison's orgasm sagged her into the shower. He gathered her in his arms and guided her over his erection now fully recovered and ready to take her. She blessed his advanced planning earlier when he'd scattered condoms throughout the suite.

  She seated herself on a downward thrust that arched his back against the tile. Hands braced on his shoulders, she pistoned herself onto his cock. His buttocks slapped the tile beneath him. Water bounced off his chest and beat at her back. His jaw clenched against the rush. Fingers dug into her hips as if holding on for dear life. She squeezed her vaginal walls tight, reveling in the cry she pulled from him. She did it again and felt him twitch deep inside her. Once more and he was finished. He held her in place and jammed hard.

  Minutes passed before they could breathe, much less move. After-love was spent soaping each other all over, rebuilding the passion more slowly. They patted themselves dry enough not to drip, then made their way to the Jacuzzi. Cruz poured two glasses of wine and slipped in beside her, tucking her into the cove of his body. Legs intertwined, they continued the sweet build up until she could bear it no longer.

  Allison knelt on the bench. "I need you." She handed him a condom then turned around, her round bottom facing him. "Please don't make me wait."

  He didn't. She shivered with anticipated as she heard the package rip open. He steadied her hips with one hand while the other guided his erection deep into her. She lifted her ass higher, sighing with pleasure as he slipped in deeper. His fingers pressed against her clit; each gentle thrust brought them to the edge of climax. And each time he'd stop there, wait until the moment subsided, then brought them up again.

  "Don't hold back," she gasped out. "Give it to me how you really want to."

  "I don't want to hurt you."

  She leaned up, pulling her face to his as she kissed him. "You sweet, wonderful man...you would never, ever hurt me. To be so loved, so cherished by you. Dreams and wishes do come true. I'm sorry, Cruz, but I love you. I love you so much. Love me how I know you want to."

  He pushed her back into place. Grabbing her hips, one hand shoved hard against her clit, and he pounded himself into her. Her orgasm surrounded her soul, wrapping in it the love she felt from his man, first her friend, now her lover. Then he came, shooting himself like an arrow as he arched into the release.

  And Allison damned the condom that kept them from truly joining.

  Finally sated, they sank back into the bubbly warmth. In the aftermath of the moment, Allison realized she'd done what she promised herself she wouldn't--she'd cornered him. Somehow she had to make this right. She wouldn't lose what they had because her mouth, her emotions ran away with her. She watched him resting against the hot tub, eyes closed as he absorbed the warmth. What in the world must he be thinking?

  "I meant what I said, Cruz. I do love you so much. But I also meant what I told you earlier. No strings. I would never tie you down."

  He opened his eyes on a naughty grin. "Another fantasy lost."

  "Oh...you. You know what I mean." She nudged him with her toe.

  Chuckling, he grabbed her foot and rubbed it. "Then all hope isn't lost."

  "I'm trying to be serious." She tried to kick free.

  He held her fast, then pulled her astride his lap. "Good. Then you'll know I'm dead serious when I tell you this." He fanned his hands over her ribcage. "I want those strings. I never want to wake up in the morning again without you by my side. I want to treasure you, adore you, worship you openly rather than hold that secret close to my heart. I want to have you by my side for the rest of our lives. I want to grow old with you, to watch our great-great-grandchildren run circles around us." He dropped his hand to her belly. "Yes, I want my child growing inside you."

  Tears trickled down her cheeks. She cupped her hands to his face. "I want those things too...with you...forever by my side."

  Chapter 5

  * * *

  Allison stretched her stiff muscles. The gold from her wedding band caught the light. What a wonderful weekend. He'd proposed Saturday morning during their sunrise trek to Diversions's oasis...right after they'd made love.

  They'd found a chapel in Palm Springs to get married in. A few calls to friends and they were married on Saturday evening. She didn't know she could be this happy. Even seeing Marty's sour old face this morning at the court-martial didn't faze her. She still wished they could get this over with. They had a ton of things to do--like get Cruz's things moved into her house.

  The door to the courtroom opened and Cruz stepped out. Zach leaned forward as Cruz sank into the chair beside her.

  "Well?"

  He rubbed at his temple. "Done. I think they're going to take a quick recess. I'm going to make a head call before they come out."

  "Sounds like a plan."

  The men took off to the restroom, leaving Claudia and Allison alone.

  "Actually, that isn't a bad idea," Claudia said.

  Allison snickered as she took off. With luck, she and Cruz would have a baby pressing on her bladder before the year was out.

  Seconds later, the door to the courtroom swung open. Members of the panel poured out, followed in quick succession by the trial counsel, defense counsel, and, finally, Marty.

  He stood before her, glaring. Allison remembered when that look would quake fear through her. Now...nothing. She met his glare with a look that told him how inconsequential she thought he was. Her defiance reddened his face. She was aware of his fist clenching at his side.

  "Did he fuck you real good this weekend?" he demanded to know.

  She smiled. "Actually, very good. Best sex I've ever had."

  "Goddamned little--" He grabbed her arm.

  Allison didn't so much as flinch, and she could tell it only made him madder. She didn't care. By instinct alone, she saw him raise his hand. She cut him off with an uppercut to his chin. Marty staggered back from the blow, falling into the rows of chairs behind him. She resisted the urge to kick him in his crotch. It was more mercy than he deserved, and certainly more than he'd ever shown her.

  The scuffle brought footsteps pounding their way. Zach yanked Cruz back before he could grab Marty.

  "What the hell's going on here?" Fury was evident in his tone.

  Marty glared up at her as he rubbed his chin.

  "Just settling an old score." Allison stepped over him and into Cruz's arms. She spared Marty another glance. "And, just in case I wasn't clear, don't ever touch me again."

  He sneere
d at them all. "Why? Gonna have your boyfriend beat my ass?"

  She smiled and laced her fingers through Cruz's. "I don't need my husband to beat your ass. I can do it myself."

  The respective attorneys squeezed to the forefront.

  "Let's get this trial over with." Marty's lawyer helped him to his feet, then ushered him into the courtroom.

  Trial counsel cupped his hand over Allison's shoulder. "Are you ready to testify?"

  Allison gave a quick nod. "More than ready."

  The man ducked into the courtroom behind the panel members.

  Allison squeezed Cruz's hand, and then gave him a wink.

  He brought her hand to his lips. "Way to go, slugger."

  The door to the courtroom opened. "We're ready, Mrs. Montoya."

  So was she. The monster was beheaded...it was time to finish burying him.

  Caitlyn Willows

  Caitlyn Willows is the pseudonym for award-winning author Catherine Snodgrass, who wanted to flex her writing muscles in the erotica genre. Readers will find the same quality from "Caitlyn" that they have come to expect from "Catherine," but the stories will be more over-the-top and more steamy. Sometimes the novels are written singularly, and sometimes they are a collaborative effort with award-winning author Paris Dixon. Always they will be action-filled...in more ways than one.

  Caitlyn Willows' email address is: [email protected]

  * * * *

  Don't miss Treasure Hunters, by Caitlyn Willows, available January 2005, from Amber Quill Press, LLC

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