Chapter 1: Introduction
The New York City street scene played out below Maria’s penthouse hotel room, the rush of yellow from taxi cabs conspicuously announcing their swift descent through the arteries that made up the four-way intersection. Multistoried residential towers lined the other side of the road, dark stone facades of ancient money contrasting the vibrant fashion statements projected by their more contemporary counterparts. The hum of traffic undertoned the occasional honk - a soloist briefly jutting over the city’s rhythm.
Maria unfastened her ankle-strap heels and left them by the door. She glided over to the corner bar like a predator approaching prey and poured herself a tumbler of amber liquid, her eyes never leaving the reflection of the cityscape beyond the glass wall.
Moments later, a gentle knock at the door affirmed her guest’s arrival. She closed her eyes, allowing the briefest pause to anticipate before unveiling her mystery man. There he stood, dressed in a handcrafted tailored suit that perfectly adhered to his imposing figure.
Damien’s dark complexion sparkled under the soft glowing hallway light, setting off his magnetic smile. The otherwise reserved businessmen and socialites milling about outside the grand ballroom would have no inkling this man held the promise of fiery, carnal passion—but Maria did.
Her gaze dropped to the distinct bulge in Damien's pants, before settling between them. Those hazel eyes wasted little time as they locked onto his.
Suddenly, Maria’s seductive gaze became less of an invitation, and more of a burning desire—one she couldn’t possibly hide as her chest heaved in anticipation.
“I’m glad you came,” she murmured, not breaking the hypnotic connection between them. I just got off work and have to get home to my husband. She slowly raised her hand to her collarbone, running a scarlet fingernail down her torso, stopping just shy of her belly button.
“I couldn’t fucking wait any longer,” Damien admitted breathlessly, stepping into the room and pressing Maria firmly against the bar.
His hands roamed her figure possessively, while she savoured the sensation of his muscular thighs between her legs – a tantalizing promise of what was to come.
Maria's fingers traced down Damien's chest, feeling the power beneath his clothing as she unfastened his belt. Their shared anticipation edged on frantic, and she allowed the craving to overtake her. With a wolfish grin, she pushed him back onto a plush velvet sofa and quickly straddled his lap.
Her hands slid under his shirt to explore the landscape of corded muscles that lay beneath. Damien growled, grabbing her hips as he crushed her body to his.
"You're one sexy fucking woman, Maria," Damien panted, cupping her ample ass through the thin silk fabric of her designer gown. She moaned, biting her lip as his thick fingers slid inside her lace thong, tracing the wetness that had already gathered.
"You have no idea," Maria murmured breathlessly, her voice nearly drowned out by the sound of the bustling street below.
She pressed her lips to his, their mouths opening in a passionate exchange.
As Damien's tongue explored hers, a low, deep growl rose in his throat. He wasn't going to waste any more time. With rough, demanding hands, he tore at the thin silk of her gown, the fabric tearing away to leave her exposed and confident in her red lace lingerie.
His fingers slipped expertly over the wet fabric, stroking a rhythm that made Maria's head fall back in ecstasy.
She couldn't help but throw her head back and moan, the feeling of his steel-hard erection beneath her bringing her wildest desires to the fore.
"Oh, I think I have an idea," Damien said devilishly, leaning into her neck to taste the sensitive skin just behind her earlobe. He traced the delicate contours with his tongue, then gently nipped the soft flesh.
Maria gasped, tremors rocking through her core.
The sensation of Damien's tongue, tracing a moist path over her nipples, caused her muscles to constrict in pleasurable pain. She urgently needed his touch where she was already wet and swollen, begging for release.
"Fuck, you feel so good," Damien muttered, kissing his way down her stomach. One hand slid between her thighs, giving a long, slow rub to the lace-covered flesh. "Get this off," he demanded, tugging at her thong impatiently.