Play a Game With Me Read online

  At the end of the meal, Tess pulled her purse off the spindle of her chair and removed a small, gold-wrapped package from the inside. “Mrs. Westfield, happy birthday. I remembered the pin you had on at your garden party, so I hope you like this.” She handed the small box to Will to pass around to Millicent.

  “How nice. You didn’t have to bring me a present. Just seeing you here with Christopher is wonderful.” Millicent opened the box and lifted out a multicolored hummingbird pin. Its enamel surface and gold edging captured the light from the sun outside. “It’s lovely, dear.”

  “A friend of mine is a goldsmith here in Boston. When Christopher told me it was your birthday, I remembered this pin and hoped you would enjoy wearing it. You have a number of hummingbird feeders around your grounds, so I guessed they might be a favorite of yours.”

  “Thank you.” Millicent unpinned the brooch she wore and attached the hummingbird.

  “It suits your eyes, Mother, and is quite lovely.” Maximilian smiled over at Tess. “You’re a very observant woman, Ms. Medici.”

  “Maximilian, please call me Tess. Christopher’s told me so much about you, I feel I know you.”

  “Yes…well…of course,” he stammered.

  “Are you ready to head out, Tess? We have to be at James’ house by three,” Christopher said loud enough for everyone to hear.

  “Sure. It’s been a pleasure seeing you all again. Have a wonderful day, Mrs. Westfield, and many more birthdays.” Tess rose with the grace of an actress performing on stage. She took Christopher’s hand and followed him out of the restaurant.

  Chris chuckled. “That went really well. When did you have time to buy Aunt Millicent a present? It was gorgeous, by the way. You made the rest of us look bad.”

  “I had it in my apartment to send to my mother for her birthday. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give Millicent something nice. You know, brownie points.” She shrugged. “Who is James?”

  “Nobody. I wanted to leave. You are one ballsy chick. ‘Maximilian, please call me Tess.’ ” He mimicked her accent. “‘Christopher’s told me so much about you. I feel I know you.’ I almost peed my pants holding in my laughter. What did you think of Holly?”

  “If your aunt has anything to say about it, they’ll be engaged by the end of the summer. I feel sorry for Maximilian. Although if he doesn’t have the backbone…” She shrugged. “We need to be careful. Before you know it, your mother will have us married.”

  “Would that be so bad? I’d let you have a discreet affair with my cousin, and I would travel and have affairs of my own. You did say you’re not looking for a husband. It might solve both our problems.”

  Tess laughed. “Would we have two bridal showers?”

  “Not funny. I’m serious. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea.”

  “What about children?”

  “You can have as many as you like with Maximilian. They would look like Westfields, and I would claim them as my own. No one would ever know.”

  “Chris, you’re scaring me. Maximilian already thinks we’re not sexually compatible. I doubt we could hide the fact after we were married. Eventually, one of your lovers would blackmail you or spill their guts to a tabloid for money. Then you would be out of the closet, and I would be kicked to the curb with kids you really didn’t want, begging on a street corner to feed them. I might even have to turn to prostitution. My reputation would be ruined, and I would become desperate and throw myself off the top of the Prudential Center some Sunday when all the Westfields, except me of course, would be dining inside.” She clutched her breast with both hands like the actresses in the old silent movies.

  Chris couldn’t pull away from the curb, he laughed so hard. “My beautiful wife.” He picked up Tess’s hand and gave it a kiss. “I would never abandon my best friend. But you’re right. We’ll live together without children.”

  “Take me home. I have work to do. When I head to New York, why don’t you come down and visit the city while I’m there? We could take in a show, and I could introduce you to Julian. I think the two of you would hit it off.”

  “Sounds lovely. I need a break from all this family shit, although we might add fuel to the fire if we’re seen in New York together. Where do you stay?”

  “My mother keeps a small place in Soho for when she visits New York, which isn’t that often anymore. There are two bedrooms, so you don’t even have to get a hotel.”

  “How come I never knew about this place before now?” Chris pouted.

  “It’s not mine. I spoke to Mom the other day, and she told me I’m welcome to use it.” She shrugged.

  “Count me in. I’ll join you.” He pulled up in front of her apartment and leaned over to give her a peck on the cheek. “Who knows who I might meet.”

  “I’ll call this week,” she said as she waved goodbye.

  Chapter Five

  By eight o’clock, Tess had all the final touches done on the outfits she would ship to Julian for his show. She hung her silk robe that still lay on the floor and remembered last night. Max untied the belt and pushed it off her. The whole night was an endless session of one sensual delight after another. Her bottom still tingled from the spanking. All the talk about chemistry between them, yet when they sat across from each other today his self-control was iron clad. Ms. Medici. Tess snorted. Maybe he believed saying “Tess” would break down his barriers and he wouldn’t be able to control himself.

  Her phone rang. “Hello?”

  “I’m downstairs. Can I come up?”

  “Max?”

  “Yes. Please buzz me in.”

  She walked to her buzzer and pressed. A moment later her phone disconnected. She dropped it on the foyer table and checked the satin pajamas she’d slipped on a few minutes ago. No time to change. She straightened the pillows on the couch, glanced around to make sure everything else was in order then waited by the door. Her heart pounded so hard she hoped she didn’t pass out.

  She opened it on the first knock.

  Max stood transfixed. His fingers fisted together, and he scanned her body before he said, “May I come in?”

  She stepped out of the way, sweeping her arm in a welcoming gesture.

  “What brings you here, Maximilian?” She coughed to clear the tightness in her throat. He looked good in his polo shirt and black slacks. But a tad lost as he pressed into her apartment without taking his eyes from her face.

  “I found myself outside hoping the need to see you would pass. I wanted to convince myself that last night was a fluke, but now, when I saw you standing here, all thought of not being with you flew out the window. Damn, I want you.” He pulled her into his arms. He gripped her ass, crushing her against him as he claimed her mouth in a hard kiss.

  Tess buried her fingers in the waves of hair near the nape of his neck. She held his head so she could deepen the kiss he’d already started. His breath tasted of scotch, and she wondered how many glasses he drank trying to forget her.

  Finally, she broke away. “What are we going to do about us?”

  “Right now, I want to take you to bed.” He lifted her body in a bear hug, so her feet dangled off the floor. Walking them toward her bedroom, he placed kisses on her neck with each step. “Your silky pajamas are almost as smooth as your skin. But I prefer you naked.” He set her down and started to unbutton her top, fumbling with the buttons as his mouth tried to find her breast before her top finally fell to the floor.

  “God, woman, you’re delectable.” They went crashing down on the bed, and he stripped off her bottoms and groaned. “You’re commando.”

  Tess yanked his shirt over his head and batted his hands away so she could unzip his pants. He kicked them off along with his briefs, making sure he placed his condom on the nightstand. She smirked at him when he crawled back on the bed to cover her body with his.

  “Are you laughing at me?” He nipped at her neck and squeezed her breast, tormenting her until she stopped smiling.

  �
�Maybe a little. You made a production of placing the condom on the nightstand. I just wondered if you only brought one.” She raised her eyebrow at him.

  “No. There’s another one in my wallet, and I’m sure if twice still doesn’t satisfy us, we can dip into your stockpile.”

  “Max.” Tess stilled his hand and spoke with a serious tone. “Did you have sex with Holly before coming here?”

  “No. I’ve never had sex with Holly.”

  She leaned up and placed a quick kiss on his lips. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too. Where should we start? I enjoyed spanking you last night. Would you like to try something else?”

  “I have something I want to try.” She pushed him onto his back, sat up, and ran her hand down his trail of dark hair until it made contact with his rock-hard shaft. She leaned down, her breasts pressed against the side of his chest, and kissed the top of his cock. With quick flicks of her tongue, she savored his skin, marveling at the velvety sensation. She worked her way up to the tip and circled the top edge in a teasing motion. He tasted like the sea air. She sucked him into her mouth.

  “Oh fuck.” His moan sent waves of need through her body. She took what she could and with slow, steady strokes bobbed her head. Her bottom rested near his face, and he reached between her legs, stroking over her slick skin. Her moan of delight made him tremble under her hands. She matched the rhythm of his strokes, with the movement of her mouth on his cock.

  Max’s legs tensed and she lifted her head looking for the condom. She rolled it down in slow strokes. “You are impressive.”

  She pressed his fingers against her clit, riding them for a few seconds more to get as much pleasure as she could. With her need building, she straddled his hips.

  Gray eyes locked with blue ones and held her captive as she inched down on his erection until she sat up straight and pressed her wet heat against his skin. She flexed her muscles, and they both groaned. He filled every inch of her. Even moving a fraction sent tremors through her body. She looked at Max’s face from under her lashes and lifted up one sweet inch at a time. He squeezed her hips and pulled her down in a powerful slam.

  Max’s growl echoed off her bedroom walls, the sound an erotic plea for more. Tess picked up her pace and leaned forward to rest her hands on his chest. His hungry gaze focused on her breasts as they bounced with each thrust. With powerful counter thrusts, Max joined in on the movement. He gripped her hips and pounded into her, a wild man looking for release.

  “Oh shit, Max. There, right there.” Tess’s cry filled the space. Max thrust into her and froze. She crushed him with her muscles as he reached his own powerful climax.

  Tess fell forward, sprawled against his chest, her ragged breathing matched his. Her body tingled all over, and the touch of Max’s hands stroking her spine made her shiver.

  “You’re mine, Tess. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”

  She stiffened and rolled off of him, sitting up so he couldn’t pull her over against him. “You can’t say things like that to me. Before the summer is over your mother will have you engaged to Holly, and I refuse to be the other woman.”

  Max sat up next to her and stroked her hair, pushing it off to the side so he could nuzzle her neck with his lips. “I don’t want to lose you. We’ll work something out. For now, you’re mine. I’d kill anyone else who gets near you. That includes Christopher.”

  “I told you, Chris and I are good friends, nothing more. But Max, you have no claim on me. For now, I don’t want anyone but you. But I don’t share either. The moment you’re romantically linked to Holly or any other woman for that matter, we’re finished.” She locked eyes with his and held his frustrated look until he nodded slightly and broke the contact.

  “Fair enough. Let me get cleaned up. The night is young, and it will have to keep me satisfied until I can get away again.”

  “I suppose so.” Tess’s sad sigh hung in the air around them. “I’m feeling more and more like this is turning into an illicit affair.” She whispered the words against his chest.

  “Tess, if I had my way, you and I would be dating. But my mother has other ideas about my future, and at the moment, she controls my life.”

  “Why?”

  “It involves Westfield Industries. I can’t discuss the particulars, but I’m trying to work around her interference. Give me time. I’ll figure it out.” He walked into her bathroom and returned a minute later. He pulled her up to the middle of the bed from the edge where she still sat. He trailed soft kisses down her body, stopping to lick her breasts until she clutched his hair and wiggled under his mouth’s assault.

  “More, Max.”

  ****

  Tess woke the next morning tingling from Max’s aggressive finish last night. The third time had her screaming into her pillow as he shook the bed with his energetic banging. Wishing he were still here, her hand dipped below the covers and caressed the sensitive skin between her legs. Max had tasted every inch of her. His tongue and fingers had orchestrated one orgasm after another. She moaned from the lingering soreness. Her own touch made her lightheaded. She slipped out of bed and showered, hoping it would alleviate the feeling of need. Was this how a druggie felt? Max’s scent, his hard body, and hands, were her opium.

  Creating new designs always cleared her head, so she pulled out her drawings and decided to make a few new outfits she could wear. By four she got up, stretched, and changed to go for a run. Chris would be at work so she would stick to the park for a quick two-mile loop.

  After last night she had no doubt she would see Max again. When and where were the questions? If anyone got wind of their rendezvous, his sneaking out of her apartment in the early hours of the morning would be dangerous.

  By Wednesday the only thing she had to show for her efforts was one dress lying in shreds in front of her. No texts or quick hellos from Max. Nothing. This time, not even a thank you.

  The buzzer sounded from downstairs. She walked over to her door to answer.

  “Yes.”

  “I have a delivery for Tess Medici.”

  “I’ll buzz you in.” She pushed the buzzer and opened the door to watch the elevator. Who’d sent her something? She wasn’t expecting any packages.

  The young deliveryman handed her a gold-wrapped box, and she gave him a tip before she closed the door and set the box on the table. She opened the card and read, Play a game with me this weekend. Max

  He sent her a gift. He wanted to see her this weekend—but what kind of game did he have in mind? She opened the box, peeling back the delicate gold tissue paper. Nestled inside was a scarlet garter belt and black stockings. She couldn’t keep the huge grin from making her face ache. At least she had an idea of what he planned to play.

  Sewing came a little easier now that she knew she’d see him again. Focusing on what she was making instead of his hands seemed to be her mental roadblock.

  At five, another man delivered a larger package. She opened the card first. Its lengthy message read,

  Are you courageous? Every woman needs a little black dress. Wear this Friday at three when I pick you up. Nothing underneath except the other gift I sent you. The shoes you wore to the gala are perfect. A few simple rules for our weekend game. 1. You will bring nothing else with you. I’ll provide what you’ll need. 2. You will not speak once you are in the car. Although moaning with desire is acceptable. 3. Your safe word will be “blue.” If you say it during the weekend, I’ll take you home. If you agree to join me, just send me a text with the word yes. I can’t wait to fuck you senseless. Max

  Tess plopped down on the chair and opened the box. A slinky black dress with a wide scoop neck from shoulder to shoulder was folded neatly in the box. Without a bra, this dress wouldn’t leave much to the imagination. Where would he take her dressed like this? Asking her if she was courageous only baited her.

  She might not know Max as well as she thought. Was it safe to go with him? But thinking of his sexual mastery made h
er groan with frustrated need.

  He knew her aversion to backing down. Setting a challenge before her, he assumed her only answer would be yes. She pulled out her phone and looked at the keys. Yes or No?

  Bing. A simple? blinked onto her screen.

  An impatient Max.

  What would he do if she didn’t respond? Making him worry a little might be a good idea. She set her phone next to the dress and paced. A weekend filled with sex with Max in charge. He must have spent his last few days thinking of her. That was a good sign.

  Her phone binged again, this time with two question marks.

  Not allowing herself to think any more about it, she finally typed. Yes.

  Chapter Six

  Tess looked at herself in the mirror. She would have typed “no” if she’d tried the dress on first. Max was due in a few minutes, and there was nothing she could do about her appearance now.

  No way could she make it from her apartment to his car out front without dying from embarrassment. The soft material hugged her bare breasts, accentuating their 38C size. Thank goodness they didn’t sag. The fabric over her bottom left nothing to the imagination, and the hem barely covered the top of her stockings. His last message, sent yesterday with a small box, read use this. The deep-red lipstick made her feel like a hooker getting ready to go out on the prowl.

  Her phone buzzed, and she read the quick text.

  I’m out front. Leave your phone in the apartment.

  She made a quick decision, grabbed her rain coat, and slipped it on. If he wanted to see her that badly, he would have to put up with the coat.

  Exiting the building, Tess walked toward a black Mercedes sitting by the curb. Max hopped out of the driver’s side and came around the car. She gave him a questioning look when he opened the back door instead of the front. He stood waiting, not saying a word. Instead of the well-dressed man in a suit, he was badass in a black T-shirt and black jeans. His hair stood in sexy spikes, and he sported a stubbled jaw. The combination made her heart race.