Tonight You Belong To Me Read online

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  “I want you, Jilly.” If he didn’t hurt all over, he’d show her how much.

  She plopped onto the bed. “I can’t.”

  He sat beside her, slinking his arm around her waist. “I think your Momma would say, ‘can’t never could.’”

  She nudged her shoulder into his chest. “My Momma would’ve whooped my hide for staying in Sin City this long.”

  He had to make her trust him. “Look, Jilly, I should have insisted the club hire you in the first place. If they won’t have us both, I won’t play. But if you leave, babe, I might as well let them throw my carcass in the desert to rot, because success wouldn’t mean a thing without you.”

  “Really baby?” Sexy and sweet, she stared up at him.

  “I would’ve bought you an engagement ring. Sorry I blew it on 1Night Stand, but I had to get you back.”

  “You were really going to buy me a ring?” Her lips touched his tenderly then she winced in sympathy at his swollen mouth. “I guess I can stick around awhile. To make sure you don’t fall flat on your ass.”

  Her smile wound around his heart, warming it, bringing it back to life. “Where did you learn your Supergirl moves? I’m amazed.”

  “I have three brothers, remember? I can shoot a row of tin cans off a fence rail faster than any of them.” She sighed. “Besides, those goons interrupted us before you could finish.” She sashayed to the bathroom.

  “Incredible. You’re full of surprises.” Mental note: always make sure Jilly climaxes during lovemaking. He found himself grinning. No problem there.

  A cabinet door creaked. Bottles clinked on shelves. Hands full with cotton balls and bandages, she returned and set them on the night stand before selecting several tiny bottles of alcohol from the mini-bar.

  “Yes, I am.” She unbuttoned his shirt and slid it off his shoulders. “Now let’s take a look at you.” Grasping his shoulders, she lowered him to the bed. Wetting a cotton ball with vodka, she bent to apply it to his cuts.

  No wounded man had a more luscious nurse. Her scent mixed with his sweat, sent shock waves to his cock. Likewise her shapely legs, which in those heels went on forever. Or until the edge of the little blue dress, so thin her hip bones made silken ridges that invited his kiss. He ran his hands from her calves to her thighs and peered up at her. “Shouldn’t you take off your dress? You don’t want to ruin it.”

  Eyes flaring wide to search his at close range, she paused her hand, then slowly straightened. “You’re right.” One leg straight, the other swaying, she reached behind and unzipped, then slipped the dress over her head.

  At eye level with black lace panties, he snapped his mouth shut so he wouldn’t drool. He grabbed her hips to steady himself. Thumbs working inward, he let his lips move across the lace. “So you never came earlier?” He ended with a hot breath and chanced a look up.

  “No.” She caught her lip between her teeth, hair spilling around her face in tawny waves.

  “I could help.” Oh so gently, he grazed his teeth through the fabric and over her clit, then flicked his tongue across it. Its hardness spurred his cock to attention.

  Her breath hitched. “You’re sure you won’t hurt yourself?”

  He shrugged. “I already hurt.” He dragged the black lace lower, trailing his tongue after. “I want to make you come.” Again and again.

  She closed her eyes and sucked air through her teeth. “Yes.”

  After he tugged her panties below her knees, she stepped out of them. His knees easily pried her legs apart. The way she trembled, she’d need his support. “I’m going to give you the tongue lashing of your life.”

  “You better.”

  He heard the smile as she spoke. The easy teasing, like it used to be between them. She’d come back. And he wouldn’t let her go again. Once he was through with her, he hoped she wouldn’t want anyone else. He sure as hell didn’t.

  Drawing a steadying breath, he savored the moment and nuzzled his head against her belly. The tension in her hands as she stroked his hair signaled her demand for completion. All too happy to comply, he let his fingers do what his cock ached to. Moving with slow, rhythmic slides, he inserted one deep inside, pressing up as he drew it out. Leg muscles taut, she arched her back, matching the rhythm. Not breaking the stride, he used two stiff fingers. She moaned and clutched his head. His tongue met his fingers and flicked upward. Her legs trembled as she rocked her hips and whimpered, “Oh, baby.”

  Hearing her use the endearment sent his blood surging straight to the head of his erection. “Jilly. Come for me.” He suckled her clit.

  “Danny!” She bucked against him.

  Relentless, he sucked and twisted his fingers inside her until her knees buckled and she doubled over. He eased her down on the bed and climbed atop her. “Jilly.” His erection grazed her thigh. He wanted so much to bury it in her, but hesitated.

  Her hands around his penis sent prickles of excitement through him that collected in his cock and built to a pressure point when she ripped open another condom and sheathed him in it. Heat blazed in her eyes as she guided him. He thrust inside without waiting for her to move her hands. Her thighs clenched his, and desire blotted out everything but their slick skin slapping in perfect time, their soft breaths making a beautiful music only they could hear. Tremors racked him, and he thought he’d never stop shuddering. Then pain seared his skull.

  “Ah shit, I think my head’s going to explode.” He palmed his forehead.

  “Poor baby, I’ll take care of you.”

  Through the blinding pain, he laughed. “You will?”

  She swung up and kneeled over him, nipples teasing his chest. “’Course, sweetie. It’s the least I can do after you did double duty.”

  “You came again?” A first. But he’d have to remember the technique so he could give her double pleasure again.

  “Oh, yes.” She kissed his nose. “I’ll get you a cold cloth and some pain reliever.”

  Her smile was worth the pounding he took.

  Chapter Four

  Jilly squeezed Danny’s hand as they neared the manager’s office. “I’m so nervous.”

  “Don’t be.” He swung his arm around her. “We’re in this together. Remember?”

  A grin quirked her lips. “Yeah.” His tenderness through the night had touched her. His promises thrilled her. Yet part of her still held back, unsure. “I’ll be glad when this is over.” One way or the other.

  He paused outside the door marked Nate Hale, Manager. He pecked her lips. “For luck.”

  “We don’t need it. We have talent.” If she only believed it.

  When he threw open the door, she stepped through it with the aplomb of a star. The receptionist looked up and cocked a tweezed brow. “Yes?”

  He jingled the change in his pocket. A sure sign of his worked-up nerves. “We’re here to see Mr. Hale.”

  The woman’s head bobbed. “And you are?”

  “Jilly Jones and Danny O’Malley.” He winked at Jilly.

  So gallant, putting her ahead of him. Mr. Hale would never remember her.

  The receptionist waved them away. “Take a seat please.”

  “Isn’t he here?” Jilly asked.

  “Yes,” the woman said, bordering on a sneer. “But he’s already with someone. You’ll have to wait your turn.”

  Jilly stole a peek at the opaque glass insert in Mr. Hale’s office door. A silhouette moved, blurred but distinct enough to see a woman. An unhappy woman, judging by her gestures. Their voices rose and fell, subdued anger evident.

  Great. Put Mr. Hale in a wonderful mood. She sighed as she perched on the edge of a chair.

  Waiting. The worst torture in the world. She wished she hadn’t worn a short skirt. Danny insisted it would help convince Mr. Hale. Not the kind of fame she sought, but she went along. Momma always said to pick and choose which battles she most wanted to win. This didn’t rank high enough. And she wanted to please her honey.

  Poor thing. His left eye still swol
len like his bottom lip, he showed real determination. Mr. Hale might take one look at him and laugh them both out of his office.

  The door swung open. “You can go fuck yourself! You’ll never fuck me again.” Lace turned, halted at seeing them together, then seethed, “Assholes. You deserve each other.” Looking like she’d just swallowed a glass of bad moonshine, Lace stomped out.

  The secretary rose. “I’ll let Mr. Hale know you’re here.” It took about three seconds for her to return. “He’ll see you now.”

  Behind his desk, Mr. Hale rubbed his forehead. “Come in. I was about to call you.” He gestured toward the two chairs facing his desk, then caught sight of Danny’s face. “What the hell happened to you?”

  “A disagreement with a door.” He waited for Jilly to sit. “Why were you going to call?”

  With a heavy breath, Mr. Hale leaned his elbows on his desk. “I just fired Lace.”

  “Great,” he said, cheerfully.

  Mr. Hale’s laugh sounded soulless. “You think so?”

  “Yes. Because I have a partner. Jilly.”

  At Mr. Hale’s glance, Jilly straightened, an attempt to appear perky. The man didn’t seem impressed.

  “The show starts in five hours,” Hale said.

  “Right. Our set’s only twenty minutes. Jilly and I have sung together for years, so all we need’s a quick run-through.”

  Hale rocked his chair back. “With all due respect, Jilly, I’ve heard you speak.”

  She waited for him to explain further. When he didn’t, she prompted, “Yes?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t remember your singing voice as any better.”

  Danny leaned toward him. “She’s amazing. And we’re great together.”

  “I’m sure you are.” Mr. Hale’s bitter chuckle left no doubt as to what he referred.

  “Just listen.” He turned to Jilly. “Our song?”

  Her breath caught in her throat. She nodded. Not the first time they’d sung a capella, but she preferred his piano accompaniment.

  “On three.” He tapped on the desk then tapped again.

  Jilly concentrated on his long finger, and when it hit the third time, she joined him in singing Tonight You Belong to Me. She let the tune carry her, focusing on his sweet face, distorted though it was. Whatever came of this, she’d stick to him come Hell or high water.

  At the song’s end, she nearly forgot Mr. Hale. Silence filled the room.

  He hated it. She’d hit all the notes, but sounded girlish. She stared at her lap.

  Danny broke the void. “I told you we’re great together.”

  “Yeah, but I still don’t know.” Mr. Hale turned ashen as he looked past them to the doorway.

  Billy Benoit stepped inside. “You two are great together. Will you do me the honor of singing with me during my set?”

  Dumbstruck, Jilly gaped in delight.

  “Mr. Benoit.” Danny shot from his chair, hand extended.

  Shaking hands, Billy asked, “My my, what happened to you?”

  “Long story. Will you still have us?”

  “So long as it doesn’t affect your singing voice,” Billy said, “it doesn’t affect my decision.” He said to Jilly, “Of course, if you’d rather sing that song with me tonight, I’d be honored.”

  Although caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, Jilly needed no time to think about it. “I’m sorry, Mr. Benoit. I only sing that song with Danny.”

  He stepped up. “What she means is, we always sing it together.”

  What got into him? “Yes. It’s our song.” If he expected her to sing it with anyone else, he could forget it.

  Billy held up his hands. “I understand. I still look forward to tonight.”

  “Ain’t that the berries!” Thrilled, she squealed and hugged him. “You’re a scholar and a gentleman and an honor to your father and your forefathers before you.”

  Billy laughed. “I haven’t heard that in too long.”

  Danny moved closer. “Jilly has a Southernism for every occasion.”

  “Pay attention to every single one.” Billy winked at her and headed for the door. “See you tonight.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Jilly beamed at Danny. The world was her oyster now, and she intended to pluck its pearl.

  ***

  Candlelight reflected in the mirrored tile beside the Jacuzzi tub. Danny poured champagne into two flutes and handed one up to Jilly, who rested against him, wet and delicious. “How’s this for champagne taste? No more beer pocketbook for us.”

  Jilly reached up to clink her glass against his. “Cheers to that.” After a sip, she tilted her head against his shoulder to smile at him.

  His lips met hers, so warm and soft he pressed deeper. Her tongue gently probed his, and his cock responded. She giggled and grasped it, her strokes making him catch his breath.

  “I say we still need to make up for lost time.”

  “I agree.” He’d agree to about anything right now.

  She twisted to face him, kneeling so that his erection stood at attention along her belly. The tub left little room to maneuver. Maybe not a bad thing. Her breasts glistened with a thin film of soapy water. He massaged them, tweaking her nipples until they grew hard and plump.

  She raised her hips long enough to capture his cock inside her. Water sloshed as she rocked her hips. He pressed his thumb to her clit, and heat sparked in her eyes. She ground against it, eyes half-closed, lips parted. So fucking hot. He needed to see her come. Taking hold of her hips, he urged her faster.

  Head thrown back, her breasts bounced in time with her short bursts of breath. His cock aflame with her heat, he restrained his climax so he could come at the same time. Brows arched in pleading, she cried, “Danny!” As trembling overtook her, he shuddered in blissful release. She collapsed atop him, and he stroked her wet back until their breathing evened out.

  Lifting up, her lazy smile filled him with warmth. “Wow.”

  “Yeah.” Better than before. He’d never have believed it possible.

  Her smile faded. “Are you sure you’re squared away with that loan shark?”

  “I am.” The thugs waited for him after the show. He’d asked Mr. Hale for an advance, in cash, and thankfully, Hale had lent it, no questions asked. Probably not the first time he’d had to bail out an employee.

  She poked a finger at his chest. “And you promise never ever to do such a thing again? Ever?”

  He had to laugh at her scolding tone. “Believe me, I won’t.”

  “Good.” She cupped her palm to his cheek and leaned in for a kiss. “Because I don’t want to have to threaten to kick any more asses.”

  “It’s good to know I can rely on you if I need some asses kicked.”

  Turning, she slid her back to rest against his chest. “I’m particularly vicious when left hanging in coital relations.”

  “I noticed what a tigress you became.” And a little frightening. But he’d keep that to himself.

  “I’ve always been a tigress with you.”

  “No argument there.” He kissed her cheek. “Do you still want to leave Las Vegas?”

  She ran her hands along his leg. “So long as I’m with you, I’m happy.”

  Sometimes her vague answers had a way of backfiring. To be clear, he asked, “Guess that means we can sign the contract?”

  Tilting her head up, she pressed her lips together. “How will we bill the act?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Danny and Jilly?” she sing-songed. “Jilly and Danny?”

  Might as well spring it on her now. “How about Mr. and Mrs. O’Malley?”

  Water sloshed over the sides as she scrambled in the tub to gape in delight. “Oh baby, you make me as high as a Georgia pine.”

  “Does that mean yes?”

  She walked her hands up alongside him until her lips touched his. “Yes.”

  “Should we find a new song?”

  “Why? Every night is tonight. And
every night, you belong to me.”

  He ditched his champagne glass when she shifted herself to settle atop him. She made him high, too.

  She raised her glass again. “Oh, another toast.”

  “To?” Please not Billy Benoit. The way the crooner shone his spotlight smile on her made him want to sock his neon white teeth.

  “To Madame Eve. Without her 1Night Stand service, I’d probably be in Los Angeles, and you’d be here, crying in your beer.”

  “No doubt. To Madame Eve.” He touched glasses with her and drank, grateful to her, but also thankful he’d never need to use her service again.

  “Maybe we should send her complimentary tickets.”

  He doubted the mysterious madame would show. “How about if we dedicate the song to her next time we sing Tonight You Belong to Me?”

  She looped an arm behind his neck, her sultry Southern accent close to his ear, “How about if we start harmonizing right now?”

  Cupping her breast, his heart already sang. “My kind of duet.”

  ~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

  Multipublished, award-winning author Cate Masters loves stories with a dash of magic, mayhem and romance! Reviewers have described her stories as “so compelling, I did not want to put it down,” and “such romantic tales that really touch your soul.”

  When not spending time with her family, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company.

  Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com, Facebook, Goodreads and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.

  Cate loves to hear from readers. Email her at: [email protected]

  Other Stories in the Decadent 1Night Stand Series

  A Hard Day’s Knight by Cate Masters

  Some days, it’s best to lay low. Lance Knight finds out the hard way – when he encounters his longtime foe, witch Morgan le Fay, at Medieval Merriment. Her curse kept him wandering the world for centuries. When he also meets Gwyn McCartney there through a 1NS date, he’s struck by her resemblance to his true love, Guinevere. It gives him hope for the first time in centuries. First, he must face Morgan to break the curse, and he has only one hope: his sword, forged in the fires with Excalibur and imbued with magical powers by Merlin.