Payne, Lillith - His Unconventional Woman (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  Linda and Jay Harris walked from the living room with Charlie. Dana didn’t miss the longing in her eyes as she looked toward Clay. Beside her, Jay slipped his arm around her shoulder, bringing her back into their conversation.

  “I’ve heard Jay just adores her. So much he hardly lets her out of his sight,” Mary said.

  Dana laughed lightly. “It’s a shame they reproduced. The poor child will never stand a chance with her as his mother.”

  “I saw her approach you earlier, what did the broad-hipped bitch want?”

  “Just offering her congratulations, however begrudgingly. I wouldn’t want to be Jay tonight when they get home. Something tells me she’s not going to be in a good mood.”

  “From what I hear, she never is. Just what she deserves for all the trouble she tried to stir up.”

  “It didn’t work, though, did it? If anything, her meddling brought Clay and I closer. We learned to talk openly and honestly right from the start. Her actions taught us to question what wasn’t in character. We’ve both grown from that. Sometimes I wonder if we don’t know too much about each other, but then he looks at me and I still get chills inside.” Dana shook herself from the emotional moment.

  Linda had started rumors, but none bothered Dana or Clay. They would talk over the gossip openly, laughing at the senselessness of it all. They even went so far as to repeat the rumors to key people, reinforcing the foolishness and nasty edge to the stories. Together, they had become stronger than Dana ever could have imagined. So much energy wasted, she thought. But their long talks had become ritual at the end of each day. Defeating Linda’s ploy, Dana had gained a strength she didn’t know she could ever possess. It came from fighting for your loved ones, she knew, from protecting her own. And she would continue to protect them, for the rest of her days.

  No one but Clay knew she had been keeping journals and diary tapes of the incidents that had occurred. All safely tucked away, insurance against the unknown. In the beginning Dana wasn’t sure she could live with the knowledge that at any moment something might happen to mar their happiness. She had come to realized it could happen at any moment, from any direction. Waiting for her life to settle didn’t suit Dana, so instead she chose to embrace it, wading through the day-to-day life she had begun to cherish.

  Having Clay beside her was the only thing that had mattered. Elizabeth had come along, bringing so much laughter and joy into their lives. It was hard to remember a time before she was born. Now she was ready to give him a second child. Already she loved it in the abstract, would protect it at all costs.

  As the thought crossed her mind, she was thankful she didn’t cringe at the word “precious” anymore. It had been Walker’s pet name for her and used to bring up bad memories. Now it was just a descriptive word for her child. Clay had shown her what love truly was supposed to be, beyond the mechanics that never truly satisfied her before him. He had a way of accepting her unconventional needs, thriving on them with her. In their time together some of his latent wished had surfaced, ones she was glad to fulfill with him.

  “Dana?”

  “Sorry, I was watching my family,” she said in a whisper. “Maybe I should go down and thank Linda for that.”

  Mary let out a hearty laugh at the thought of thanking Linda. Instead, Mary got serious. “You still have the tape, don’t you?”

  “Locked away in a safety deposit box. And that’s where I hope it will stay.”

  “As it should. Just remember, child, if you have to use it, don’t hesitate. Hopefully you’ll never have to.”

  “I’ll leave it as a legacy for Elizabeth. She’s already picking out printed letters and words. Maybe she’ll be a writer one day, and she can do our family history.”

  “Whatever she does, if she’s half as talented as her mother, she’ll have a good life. It’s time I joined Leo. Lisa will want to get us home and settled so she can have a rest.”

  “We’ll see you for lunch tomorrow. I suppose I have to head back downstairs.” Dana said with a sigh, wishing she could take Clay up to the attic for a few minutes.

  “I’m taking the elevator down.” With that, Mary disappeared into the shadows once more. She called back to Dana just before the elevator doors closed. “Dana, stay out of the attic tonight. You have guests.”

  She laughed openly as she started back down to the party, not surprised Mary could read her thoughts. She’d stay out of the attic until the guests were gone.

  Clay watched as Dana slowly descended the wide staircase, her hand barely dancing along the banister. She wore an ivory-colored gown, formfitting and feminine yet not revealing. The lace top just hinted at the roundness of her breasts. It was an antique she’d found carefully packed in a trunk in the attic and had restored.

  After the party, it would go on display in the museum. Wearing it tonight brought her closer to her ancestors and the house. The skirt swirled as she moved. She’d added a chiffon scarf the same color and wrapped it around her neck. His breath caught in his throat as he watched her. She was smiling as usual.

  Jeff moved beside him, watching, too. “She looks like our mom,” he told Clay.

  “She’s beautiful, but she’s all Dana.” The two friends shared a laugh together, having shared the ups and downs of the last thirty years together. Scanning the room, Lisa was talking to Uncle Leo, Adam’s hand in Leo’s.

  Lisa’s rounded belly announced to the world that their second child was only weeks from coming into the world. Clay watched as Lisa caught Jeff’s eye, giving him a seductive smile. He nodded back. Clay knew he wasn’t the only one who would get lucky tonight.

  Clay shifted Elizabeth from one hip to the other. Her one-year-old curls were the same color as Dana’s, as well as her chocolate eyes.

  “Mommy.”

  “That’s right. Mommy,” Clay told her. “She’s beautiful.”

  “Boot-u-ful,” she mimicked. Clay accepted her wet kiss as her arms went around his neck. Jeff reached over to Elizabeth, taking her from Clay.

  “Hey, peanut, want to come and visit Adam with me?” She clapped her hands and went willingly with her uncle. Clay watched them walk away before turning back to Dana. He met her at the bottom of the stairs, taking her hand in his, pulling her into the large foyer, his arms wrapped protectively around her. They danced to the background music as people milled around.

  “I’m supposed to be hosting the opening,” she reminded him, her arms locked around his neck.

  “Then you shouldn’t have worn that dress. It’s almost bridal, you know.” His sexy laugh caught her attention as he fingered the scarf.

  “Why, Mr. Hollister, to think you have a wife and child. Such thoughts!”

  He kissed away her words, dancing her into the atrium where it was quieter. Locked in his arms, she whispered, “Tell me more.”

  “Tonight, Elizabeth is going home with Jeff and Lisa. You and I are going to have a quiet evening alone.”

  “I like it so far. Go on,” she prompted.

  “I’ll let you think about that for a while,” he told her, dancing her into a darkened corner of the room.

  He remembered her on their wedding day, just twelve weeks after he had put the diamond ring on her finger. In the small stone family chapel, Jeff had walked her down the aisle.

  Dana had worn her mother’s gown, the ivory color setting off her coloring. Its long, straight lines were perfect, the minimal adornment totally Dana. Her hair was pulled back, several strings of pearls intertwined in it. Fresh flowers were tucked amongst the curls. With only immediate family present for the ceremony, it had been an intimate time for them before joining their guests for a celebration.

  Clay had been overwhelmed at the sight of her that day. She walked tall and proud toward him on Jeff’s arm. She had spoken her vows as strongly as he had, meaning the words they were repeating. When Reverend Frost pronounced them married, Dana had tossed her arms around his neck, and Clay lifted her by the waist, turning her in small circles until he
held her in front of him, their lips meeting for the first time as man and wife.

  If he had been breathless then, tonight he felt even more so. He had come to love her more each day. He was amazed how she managed to put together the wedding, get the mansion project started, and organize the renovation of their home. She truly was a miracle worker, he knew. With all that going on, she’d updated his family home to make it more comfortable for them to live in while the rest of the renovations were being handled. They’d had amazing times in that old house. Some that made him blush to remember.

  When Elizabeth had been born, Dana insisted she be named after Clay’s mother. She reasoned since she wore her ring, it was right. Clay had been thrilled. Now, a year later, the museum mansion was complete. Tonight they had thrown a party for the whole town, to thank them for their support and to see the end result.

  In that amount of time, Dana had managed to have the river house completed, and they were living there quite comfortably for almost a year now. Dana being pregnant had weighed heavily on the builder’s conscience, and he managed to get the project done just before she gave birth. Their goal was to bring Elizabeth home from the hospital to that house.

  The builder had been inspired, he had told Clay once. The way Dana would talk to him about the project, he’d realized it was a home she was building, not just a house. Clay figured it didn’t hurt that the man had a small crush on Dana. While she never acknowledged his longing looks, he knew their builder had fallen in love with her. Since his feelings were never returned, he’d gone on to marry a friend Dana introduced him to and seemed truly happy. Clay was just thankful their home was finished when Elizabeth was born.

  “What are you thinking about? You seem miles away.”

  “I was thinking how beautiful you looked the day we got married. But tonight as you came down the stairs, I realized you’re more beautiful today. God, Dana, how did I get so lucky?”

  “Clay, we earned each other. We work hard to keep each other happy.”

  “That you do, Mrs. Hollister. You work very hard to keep me happy.” He caught a hint of fire in her eyes, pulling back to study her. “What were you and Mary talking about?”

  “She was warning me to keep you out of the attic tonight.”

  “I was picturing a soft bed with a cozy fire, but the attic might be a start.” They both laughed, knowing they just might start there tonight. With Dana, Clay never knew. He did know that he was crazy in love with her. That was all that mattered, and the fact that she felt the same way about him. “What?” Clay asked. “I suppose I have to let you go be a hostess?” His lips brushed along her chin. He felt her breath quicken.

  “Well, there’s just one thing.”

  Clay raised one eyebrow at her. “Dana, you promised Gavin and Harry were staying in the guest house.”

  “They are.” Again he searched her face, trying to put together the pieces. “Still don’t get it?” She pulled back, laughing at the look on his face.

  “All I’m going to say is the attic was lucky for us with Elizabeth. I think it’s time to think about a little brother or sister for her.”

  Clay’s mouth formed a slow smile as his hands went to her waist, picking her up, spinning her in circles until he slowly slid her down along his chest. Eye to eye, they continued their dance.

  “I’m thrilled, Dana. Do you really want another child? I was afraid with everything you’ve got going another baby right now might be overwhelming.”

  “Let’s let Jeff and Lisa’s new baby have the spotlight. Besides, just because we want to start trying doesn’t mean a night in the attic will make it a reality.”

  “We’ll just have to keep practicing until we get it right.”

  “I just want you to know you’ve made me very happy in all ways. You always have.”

  “Thank you, Clay.” Dana tightened her hold on him. “And before you even start to let your mind wander, I’ve hired Mavis to run the mansion. I figured it would give me more time at home with our family. Flexible hours to go home and have lunch with my handsome husband, or for him to join me in the attic.” Her one eyebrow raised, she had that fire in her eyes again.

  “If I recall, we never did get around to food that day.”

  “No, but we made Elizabeth, and she’s better than any lunch could be.” Dana smiled at the memory, and Clay held her tight as he thought back. “Remember the last time we were up in the attic going through the old trunks?” His smile told her he remembered in vivid detail.

  “We’ve been lucky in that old attic.”

  Clay hugged her tighter. “Dana. You’ve made me very happy, sweetheart.”

  “And you’ve made me very happy, love.” Clay kissed his wife the way he wanted to, full-out, not caring who might see them.

  Dana was anxious to get rid of her partygoers and lock up the mansion. While she didn’t shoo people out, she made it clear the party was over and it was time to go home. After what seemed like hours, they were finally alone. Clay was making one last check of the building to make sure all the windows and doors were locked. She’d gone to the attic, laid out their makeshift bed of blankets and sleeping bags, and put the cold bottle of wine and two glasses within reach.

  She also laid out a few things she’d brought with her.

  When Clay finally made it up stairs to her, he found her standing in the middle of the room, naked except for the scarf around her neck. She turned and reached for his hand. “Any specific wants?” she asked.

  He surveyed the scene she’d set and noted the toys laid within reach. “I think I have too much clothing on.” He stripped without hesitation while she poured their wine. She held both glasses until he was naked. When she reached one to him, he smiled and took the scarf from her neck instead.

  “Take a sip,” he told her, and she did, putting one of the glasses aside. Clay took the second, drank from it, and put it beside hers. He was running the scarf material through his fingers when he asked, “Who’s in charge tonight?”

  “You are, of course,” she told him, her smile an invitation to continue.

  “Turn around,” he told her, and she did, automatically putting her hands behind her back. Clay used the scarf to tie her wrists. “Now,” he said, and watched as she turned to face him. Dana dropped to her knees before him and immediately took his cock to her lips. She didn’t know how long she sucked him, only that he was long and hard, hot against her tongue.

  “Dana, if you keep that up, I’ll come.”

  “What do you want instead?” She watched him take a step to the side, appraise the assortment of toys, and pick up the smallest of the toys she’d brought. When he dropped his hand before her she immediately began to suck it as if it were his cock.

  “Lay back,” he directed her. She slid to the floor and lay back. Clay came over her and propped a pillow under her so she’d be comfortable. His hand dropped to her pussy and stroked along her lips. “You’re hot and wet.”

  “I’ve been waiting all day for you.”

  “Wait a bit longer,” he told her, and easily pushed the toy in her pussy. She groaned and shifted to accept it. When he picked up a second toy she immediately took it between her lips, his hand controlling how much of it she swallowed and licked.

  “I want you to suck me a bit more, but first—” he said, taking the second toy and dropping between her legs. He took the smaller toy from her pussy and licked it before putting it aside. Then he pushed the larger toy inside her. His lips followed, locking around her clit, sucking while he maneuvered the toy in and out of her. Her groans matched her hip movements, jutting to take the dildo deeper.

  “Leave the toy and let me suck you,” she said, her voice a groan.

  “In a minute,” he said, grasping her hips and lifting her higher. He licked her clit to anus, the toy shifting with each of his movements. Clay grabbed the smaller toy and brought it to her lips. She sucked it greedily until he took it away and pushed it in her anus. He watched as her body accepted the dild
o. Finally he moved, kneeling beside her head. She arched forward until his cock was between her lips.

  “Damn, Dana, you are one amazing sight.” He leaned to grasp her breast, his fingers twisting her nipple. Each time he pinched, she’d use her teeth against his cock, letting them scrape along his skin.

  “Dana, I’m gonna come soon. Where?”

  “Not yet,” she told him. “Fuck me with the toys before you fuck me.”

  Clay reached over her, his cock still locked between her lips, and was able to reach the dildo in her pussy. By simply touching the end, it moved inside her and against the one in her anus. She groaned and swallowed his cock deeper. Clay knew she was close to coming and he was beyond holding back.

  “Dana,” he said, pulling his cock from her lips. “I want to fuck you. Where do you want me to come?”

  “In my pussy,” she told him, adding, “Forget the condom, Clay, let’s see if we get lucky this time again.”

  He laughed at her smile and moved between her legs. She groaned when he pulled the toy from her body and dropped to lick her pussy lips a few times before kneeling back. He grabbed her hips and pulled her legs high on his thighs, his cock just at her entrance. He left the toy in her anus and thrust his erection in her pussy, taking her to the hilt in one smooth, wet motion.

  “Damn, you’re tight without a toy in your ass, but tonight it’s like you’re a fucking virgin.”

  “Fuck me, Clay. Fuck me until you come inside me. Fuck me until I can’t come anymore.”

  “Your wish,” he whispered as he began the rhythmic push and pull of the act. In a moment of clarity, he pushed as deep as he could and used his hand to move the dildo in her ass. It was too much. Dana’s pussy muscles grabbed his cock and started to milk his cum. He let himself relax and enjoy the sensations. His breath was uneven when he pulled out, lying between her legs. He grabbed a clean dildo and pushed it in her pussy, sucking on her clit, making her come a second time.

  “That was amazing,” he finally said, resting with his head on her thigh.

  “I agree. It was amazing. What do you have planned for an encore?”