Chapter 24

ZAINAB

The date with Griffith starts great. We’re laughing, relaxing, and enjoying each other’s company.

But just after we’ve placed our order, something we definitely didn’t order walks through the door.

My back goes ramrod straight, and Griff notices immediately.

“What is it, Zee?” he asks, looking around.

“Faisal is here,” I whisper, my eyes comically wide.

I have the worst luck in the world. How my brother and I chose the same sushi place on the same night is beyond me.

“It’s not a problem, Zee. Don’t worry. It’s just sushi.”

“With the guy who is supposed to be my bodyguard,” I hiss back.

My heart hammers as my brother spots us. A smile spreads over his face, but it quickly morphs into a confused frown when he approaches our table.

Griff isn’t in his usual security attire. He’s sitting opposite me. This looks very much like the date it is.

~Shit.~

“Nab! What are you doing here?”

I force a smile. “Just having some sushi.”

My brother stops right next to our table and looks between the both of us. “Together?”

His eyes drag over us, taking in how dressed up I am and how Griff isn’t in uniform.

“Uh yeah, Ben wasn’t available tonight, and I didn’t want to eat alone,” I lie quickly.

Faisal stares at me for a beat too long and then nods. “All right, cool. I’m here with a couple homies.” He jabs his thumb over his shoulder. “I’ll be over there if you need me.”

“Okay. Good to see you.”

My voice sounds strained even to my own ears. I only let out a breath when he walks away.

“That was close,” I murmur.

Even though Faisal is across the room, I’m very aware of his presence.

“Don’t be so worried. I think he’s high.”

My eyes go wide with surprise. “What?”

Griff shrugs. “Your brother. I think he’s high.”

Although I’m not pleased that my brother is under the influence in this fancy restaurant, a little tension drops out of my shoulders. Maybe this won’t be so bad.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks.

I smile to hide my warm cheeks as Griff catches me thinking dirty things about him. I duck my head and hope my brother isn’t looking in this direction.

“Nothing,” I reply vaguely and nod at his empty plate. “Was it good?”

“Amazing,” he confirms and smirks. “Best shrimp I’ve ever had.”

“I’m so glad you liked it.” My eyes dart over to Faisal’s table, but they’re all focused on each other. “Do you want to get a drink after this or head home?”

His eyes soften at the word “home.”

It’s a bit strange that we’re living together so early into dating, but right now there isn’t anyone I’d rather come home to.

“Let’s go home,” he says in a low voice that is full of promise.

I suppress a shiver. My eyes automatically seek out my brother again as I ask for the check. If only Faisal knew the things I am feeling for my sort of ex-bodyguard right now.

I give my brother an awkward wave as we leave the restaurant.

The moment we’re out of view and on the street, Griff takes my hand. He tugs me toward him, and I gasp as he kisses me brazenly.

“I hate having to act like I don’t want you,” he murmurs against my lips.

I hum in agreement. Tonight has been torture. Having him sit so close to me but not being able to touch…

I squeeze my thighs together on the drive home and grimace as I feel the wet patch on my underwear.

~How can he turn me on so much without even touching me?~

As bad as it sounds, I’m even more turned on because we’ve had to be on our best behavior tonight. Something about the forbidden aspect is really hot.

Griff helps me out of the car, even though he doesn’t need to. I might be wrong, but I think he likes having an excuse to touch me.

He stays close to my side, his arm draped casually around my shoulders as we head for the elevator. I love that he’s tall enough and I’m short enough for his arm to easily be on my shoulders.

There’s a hunger between us as we get into the flat and quickly take off our shoes and jackets. For a moment, we just look at each other before he closes the distance with one large stride.

“Your bed or mine?” he asks softly.

I lick my lips, excitement coursing through me. “Mine.”

He reaches out for me, but I step back, out of his reach.

“Can I…” I run my tongue over my top teeth. “Freshen up first?”

A smile plays over his lips, and he takes a seat on my bed. It strikes me how perfect he looks sitting there.

“Of course.”

I rush into the bathroom and clean my teeth. I use the toilet and wipe away the slick evidence that I was so conscious of earlier.

My hair is going to get in the way of what I have planned. It only takes a minute to throw it up in a tight bun. I make sure my eye makeup hasn’t smudged, and I dab on some lip balm.

When I come back to my room, Griff hasn’t moved from his spot. He breezes past me, his lips brushing over my cheek.

I let out a shaky breath as he goes into the bathroom, no doubt to clean his teeth too. I glance at myself in the mirror and wonder if I should change.

Before I can chicken out, I take off my clothes and replace them with a teddy from Victoria’s Secret that I bought a year ago and still haven’t worn for anyone other than myself.

It’s a bit racier than I remembered, with a garter belt but no underwear, so I keep my G-string on despite the fact that it’s a bit damp.

Griff suddenly reappears in my doorway. I’m still standing in front of the mirror, assessing my outfit.

I turn to face him, waiting in anticipation for his reaction.

First, his eyes widen a little. Then, he swallows thickly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Finally, his hands fist at his sides.

“You are…” His voice is hoarse as he searches for the word. “Incredible.”

His compliment means so much more when I can see how much he is losing control while staring at me. His pupils are dilated, his lips parted, his breathing shallow.

~He wants me as much as I want him.~

I give him a shy smile. “Thank you.”

I don’t move as Griff approaches me. He stops right in front of me, only inches between us. His ice-blue eyes scan over my face, dropping lower to appreciate my body once more.

I can see him undressing me with his eyes. I want to feel him undressing me with his hands.

I reach out and rest my hands on his chest. I gesture to his buttons.

“May I?”

He nods, standing completely still as I slowly undo the buttons on his shirt. With his chest bare, I can appreciate his enormous, muscular build.

He takes care of his trousers, boxers, and socks himself, leaving him entirely naked. I swallow a lump in my throat, my gaze locked onto the erection between his legs.

Griff’s hands are on my hips, pulling me against his hard chest. His hot mouth is on my neck, grazing over my collarbone and between my breasts.

He pushes the fabric of the teddy out of the way to pepper kisses over my breasts. Eventually, he tires of the fabric and pushes it down to reveal them. He sucks and bites my nipples, teasing me until my head falls back, my eyes closing of their own accord.

Suddenly I’m weightless, lifted up and placed on my bed. Griff continues kissing my upper body, while his hands remove my underwear.

He finds me wet and waiting. I buck against his hand as he teasingly rubs my clit. He has barely touched me, and I’m soaking in anticipation.

The sound of approval that he makes upon sinking a finger into me is the only encouragement I need. I whimper and dig my nails into his shoulders.

“More, Griff,” I plead.

He takes pity on me and adds a second finger, then a third, stretching me tight. His fingers hook and curl, rubbing against that elusive spot that I can’t seem to find by myself.

His thumb returns to my clit, building a toe-curling sensation with the steady circles it makes. He stops just seconds before my orgasm is about to hit. I let out a wail in protest.

I feel Griff’s chuckle as a puff of breath against my breasts. Burying my fingers in his hair, I tug to make him lift his head and look at me.

“Are you trying to kill me?” I whisper, moaning as he curls his fingers again.

“No, just edging you,” he murmurs.

His mouth clamps down on my nipple, sucking hard and following through with a bite. He presses his thumb against my clit. I writhe against it, trying to create some friction.

“So impatient,” he mumbles against my nipple.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” I snap impatiently. “Please, Griff, ~please~.”

“Please what?”

He lifts his head and looks into my eyes, a wry smile playing on his lips.

“Fill me.”

He wiggles his fingers. His eyes dance with amusement.

“I am.”

“Not with your fingers,” I reply huskily.

Lust takes over the amusement, thank goodness. My mouth goes dry as I watch him touch himself, stroking his impressive erection until he looks impossibly hard.

I’m nearly trembling by the time he finally removes his hand and replaces it with the head of his cock at my entrance.

His eyes meet mine, his words soft, “You ready?”

“Please, Griff,” I reply and pull my legs up toward my body, bending at the knees.

He clenches his jaw and then flexes his hips. His dick sinks into me at a glorious yet maddening pace. I’m slowly filled, my aching pussy quieting instantly now that it has what it wants.

He shudders above me and his head drops. I sigh with contentment as he presses his forehead to mine.

“Fuck, Zee. I think I just found my happy spot.”