A Surprise Favor – Chapter 7

I hustle to catch up to Takemo at the back door.

“Hey, we need to talk.” I grab his arm and maneuver him down the hall and into the library. “Right now.” Thankfully, no one is in the room, so I shut the door and lock it.

“What are you doing?” I ask, propping a hand on my hip.

“Going to bed,” he says, exasperated. “Was I not clear?”

“No, no, no. What are you doing with all this ‘we need someone like you’ business?” I keep space between us because I’ve been trying to deny this attraction for a few weeks, and if I get too close, something is going to happen. “There is no ‘we’ because you are not a part of my network.”

He’s quiet for a moment, assessing me, testing me.

“Let’s change that.”

I burst into a laugh. “Are you serious? You can’t be serious.”

When he doesn’t respond, I inhale and push out my agitation.

“No,” I say, definitively. “You have an empire of a business to run and a famous family to keep out of the gutter. You will not be throwing any of that away to join me.”

He smiles and softens. “This is why I want in. I have never met anyone who would push me away because they feared for me, not themselves.”

He approaches me, and I’m too stupid, too enraptured, too shocked to move.

“If I could go back and erase the awful things I said to you, I would. If I could disassociate myself from your mother, I would. If I could fix everything that’s gone wrong between us, I would. But only you have that kind of power.” He hovers over me and brings a hand to my cheek. “Please, let me in.”

I swallow and try to slow my pounding heart. “I… You said Liza had everything you wanted in a woman. ‘A good family, excellent taste, the right social connections, and a kind heart.’ That’s not me. You will never be happy with me.”

“That is you, Sky.”

He tilts my head up so I have to look him in the eye. “You are all of those things and more. And if you let me join your network, I promise I will dedicate myself to making it better for you, for everyone involved.”

I search his face for a clue to his sincerity, but I find nothing but determination and earnestness. This is a whole new side to Takemo. His words sink in, and I quietly nod my head in agreement, unable to deny him any longer.

I can’t. He haunts my dreams. He knows too much about me.

I need to keep him close.

My belly aches with the need to feel him.

“Okay. You can join my network, but only if you agree to meet certain conditions.”

“Mmm-hmm, conditions. Yes, negotiate, Skylar.”

The raw desire in his voice stops me. Finding my voice is difficult.

“First of all, no using our association as an excuse to get out of engagements with your family or business partners. I will not have them resent me for your lack of attention. Second, no taking advantage of anyone within the network — that means respect for everyone who is a part of it regardless of their rank or wealth. Lastly, no secrets between us. Ever.”

He smiles and his lips hover over mine. “This is the deal of the century.”

He leans in to kiss me, and when his lips meet mine, I resist the urge to push him away and hold on instead. Oh, good God, Skylar. What have you done?

Shut up, brain.

His hands move from my waist to the small of my back, pulling me closer until we’re pressed against each other. Mmmm. His lips are urgent and demanding, yet tender at the same time. He tastes like sweet honey, and I can’t help but moan into his mouth as he devours me. The heat between us intensifies, and I want nothing more than for this moment to last forever.

He pulls away and looks at me with a smoldering intensity that makes me weak in the knees. With one wicked grin, my insides melt.

Nope. This is not ending now with a kiss.

I don’t know what comes over me, but I grab him by his shirt and pull him down for another kiss. The sensation of his lips on mine stirs something deep inside me. It shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. I think I’ve wanted him from the first moment I ever laid eyes on him. His kiss is hot and exquisite as he explores my mouth with his tongue. He sends a ripple of pleasure down my spine, and I cling to him for dear life. My heart races as I give in to my desire to be closer to him. Closer, yes, closer.

We finally part, and I’m breathless and lightheaded. His eyes are full of passion and adoration, and it makes me feel wanted. Takemo wants me. This is what it’s like to conquer someone, have them conquer you.

He smiles down at me before brushing his thumb over my lip, sending shivers through me once again. “I guess I’m part of the network now?”

“You’re going to show me how much you want it, and once you do, there’s no backing out.”

His chest heaves with labored breaths before he looks around the room. The library is dark with only pin lights illuminating the surrounding shelves. I walk to the couch and reach down to pull the caftan up and over my head, leaving me only in my bra and underwear.

Takemo licks his bottom lip, and his eyes smolder as he approaches me.

“You love oral,” he says, and my gut clenches. He knows.

I draw in a long, shaky breath.

“It was always your top pick.” He puts a hand on my shoulder and gently guides me back to the sofa. “Now, let me show you how I do it.”

He hovers over me as he pushes me onto the couch. He starts by kissing my neck, and I close my eyes to savor the moment. I don’t want to admit that I’ve dreamed of this, but I have. This is a thousand times better. His kisses move lower and lower, and he keeps going until he’s made me orgasm twice.

My breathing is labored, and I huff and laugh to get it under control again.

He moves to hover over me, and I reach up to push his hair from his face. I’m naked, and he’s fully clothed, yet it’s not unbalanced.

It feels right.

“You’re the one for me. Thank you… for letting me in.” He raises an eyebrow. “No more sexbots for you.”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “Definitely not.”

He hands me my bra, and I sandwich it to my chest as I sit up. Oh, I’m a little dizzy.

“You’re honestly okay with going down on me and then leaving?”

He searches around for my underwear and finds it across the room. I don’t even remember it coming off.

“Oh, I want to fuck you blind, Sky, but I know the rules.”

He hands me my underwear, so I stand up and get dressed. When I pull the dress over my head, he reaches over and fixes the back. Sweeping my hair over my shoulder, he leans down and kisses the exposed skin there.

“I’ll have you soon enough.” His smile nearly knocks me over. “Good night.”

He kisses me, opens the door, and gestures for me to leave first.

I’m wobbly on my feet, and my hand snaps out to the wall to steady myself. He chuckles.

“Glad to see I have as much of an impact on you as you do on me.”

I stand up straight, clear my throat, and adjust my dress before striding forward. Takemo’s footfalls on the stairs retreat into the distance.

Outside, the party is winding down. Nisrine has gone to bed, and Lia and Carlos are snuggled together in a cabana. Amira and Kenzie are chatting with neighbors, and Declan and Saif are talking to Marcelo, so I head there first.

Play it cool, Skylar.

“Sorry to keep you all waiting.” I clear my throat. “It’s been a long day.” I chuckle as I sway. Kalvin’s hand grabs my elbow. “Looks like I’ll start the morning with a hangover.” I hold my hand out to Declan. “I’m glad we spent dinner together. I’m already looking forward to tomorrow.”

“Me too.” He lifts my hand and kisses the palm. I catch my breath at his tender lips and the way they hover over my skin. He’s delicious. “Come over whenever you’re ready.”

“Will do.” I turn to Saif. “Good night.” I reach up and kiss him, letting him know that he’s important to me, even if I’m trying to juggle four men at once.

“You okay?” he asks with a chuckle. “You’re flushed.”

“I’m grand, thanks.”

Kalvin raises his eyebrows at Saif and the two exchange a knowing glance. Whatever. I’ll fill them in tomorrow morning.

I take Kalvin’s hand and lead him on, waving to Amira and Kenzie on my way out.

“Night! Come by tomorrow for lunch!”

Kalvin is silent until we’re halfway up the stairs. “Do I dare ask what happened in the library with Takemo?”

“Nope. Ask me tomorrow.” I push him into my room and lock the door. “You know that dominance thing I mentioned earlier? Let’s do that now.”