The Red Wife Read online

  Juliet rubbed her nose against the inside of Mariss' thigh and made an appreciative sound before her tongue found just the right spot. Mariss moaned, leaning her head back against Holden's chest. His fingers unclasped her bra, setting her breasts free so his large hands could knead them.

  Juliet's tongue flicked languidly up and down over Mariss' clit. She moaned as sensations thrummed through her. With Holden behind her and Juliet between her legs, she felt trapped, but in a most delicious way.

  Mariss dropped her head back as delight set each nerve in her body tingling. Juliet's tongue slipped inside her. Mariss moaned at the sudden intrusion. Her hips rocked against the counter and she leaned back, bracing herself on her hands so she could press closer.

  “Damn, she's responsive,” Juliet groaned. “This is probably the worst time to admit I have a bit of a crush on you.”

  “Everyone knows,” Holden chuckled behind her. “You're not the best at hiding it.”

  Juliets lips locked around Mariss most sensitive place and she cried out with surprise and pleasure.

  “Don't make her come just yet,” Holden said. His lips were pressed against her ear, his voice soft and low, his breath warm and gentle. “I have plans for her.”

  “Ooh,” Mariss moaned. She'd meant to make a witty remark, but the way Juliet's tongue flicked against her took the words out of her mouth. A moment later, Juliet's finger slid inside her.

  “I'm not sure if I can help myself.” Juliet worked her finger in and out of her at a slow, steady rhythm. Mariss writhed against her, wanting more. Needing more.

  “My turn.”

  Mariss turned to Holden, expecting him to take her on the counter with Juliet watching. Instead, he helped her down. He'd stripped down to his boxers, a cute pair with hearts that she'd given him as a joke for Valentine's Day.

  “We can go to the sofa if you want,” he suggested. “So you don't have to kneel on the tile.”

  “I think he wants that head now.” Juliet's voice was full of humor.

  “Of course, he does. Do men think of anything else?”

  Holden smacked her on the ass as she turned away.

  “If it's not head, it's pussy,” Juliet laughed.

  Holden sat down on the sofa and pulled Mariss onto his lap. His tongue invaded her mouth once again and he kissed her until her breath came in ragged pants. Mariss' body ached for Holden's, but he wasn't ready to give it to her just yet.

  All too soon, Holden pushed her away and to her knees on the floor infront of him. Juliet knelt on the other side of her. Together, they pulled his boxers over his hips and down his legs to pool on the floor at his feet. Holden sprang free and rested heavily against his thigh. Mariss hated to compare, but he and Sebastian were very nearly the same size. She grinned and took him in her mouth.

  “I want both of you,” Holden reminded, his voice a little strained.

  “Sorry,” she said with a wicked grin. “ I couldn't help myself.”

  “Greedy.”

  Mariss let her tongue caress his member this time instead of taking him in her mouth. Even with her eyes closed, she knew when Juliet joined her. Their tongues touched once or twice, but Mariss ignored it. Occasionally, she peeked up at her husband's face to find it twisted in pleasure, the corner of his mouth twerked up at one side.

  Finally, he stopped her with a hand on the back of her head.

  “That's enough,” he said. “I want you now.”

  Holden pulled Mariss onto his lap so she was straddling him. She gasped at the intrusion, so sudden and complete. He bumped hard against the end of her, and then kept going. It may have hurt, but it was a good kind of pain. The kind that made the pleasure that much better.

  Mariss rode him as hard as she could. Soft grunts escaped his lips, but he was otherwise quiet. Juliet sat on the other end of the sofa, touching herself. Mariss watched for a moment, fighting to ignore the deep desire that settled across Juliet's features while she watched Mariss fuck her husband.

  Before she realized it was happening, Mariss came. Her body rocked against Holden's as pleasure hummed through her. He lifted her, and turned her around so she was laying against the sofa, all without coming out of her. His body slammed down on top of her, over and over. Holden's hips worked in and out, in and out. Mariss writhed, her body on fire from the pleasure rolling through her. She cried out as a second climax shattered her into a million pieces. Holden's overtook him a moment later.

  “I love you no matter what,” he grunted as his body stilled over hers. He pulled back far enough to stare into her eyes, his own full of something she didn't want to accept.

  “You two are like a bunch of bunnies,” Juliet said, breaking the trance, but not killing the mood. “I think the roast is burnt. You two go shower while I try to salvage dinner.”

  “I'll take care of you when I'm done,” Mariss promised. Holden took her by the hand and led her to the stairs, heedless of the fact that they were still naked. In the large master bath, he started the shower and nudged her under the spray.

  Holden cradled her body against his in a tight embrace that suggested he didn't want to let her go.

  “Are you okay, baby?” Mariss asked.

  “I just want a minute,” Holden said. “Or twenty.”

  Mariss chuckled and turned in his arms. She pressed her chest against his and rested her head on his shoulder. With a deep sigh of contentment, Mariss decided that in Holden's arms was her happy place.

  CHAPTER TWO

  STEAMPUNK BASSY

  Mariss grabbed the back of her skirt and pulled it around so it was out of the way. It only covered her backside. The front of the “skirt” was possibly considered an ultra mini, but it fit more like a belt. She wore a skin-tight pair of pleather leggings with high-heeled boots that buckled up to her knees. Holden had specifically disliked that her stomach showed, but Mariss assured him that it was only a costume and if anyone tried to get fresh she'd break their nose.

  Three Red Wife authors had steampunk books debuting within the next few months. To promote them, Mariss, her staff, and the three authors decided to attend a steampunk convention in the heart of New York City.

  “You look hot, bitch,” Juliet told her as they worked to set up the display table. Contrary to what Mariss had first assumed would happen, things were not awkward between them since Juliet confessed having a crush on her three months ago in Mariss' kitchen while she sat naked on the counter.

  “I know,” Mariss joked. “That was the point. Brit should be here in a half hour with my authors.”

  “Would have been nice of them to help set up their own displays,” Juliet complained.

  “Yes, well, the three of them are divas, and when you put them together you have a whole senior class of mean girls.”

  Juliet laughed. “I can't believe you just said that!”

  “Why not? You know I'm a bitch.”

  “Yes, I know a side of you few others do, but that was hillarious. Mean girls.” Juliet shook her head.

  “We're early!”

  Mariss looked up at the excited announcement to find her other best friend, Brit, leading the three authors in question. They looked Mariss over like they couldn't believe she would dress so fantastically, and turned up their noses. Mariss reminded herself that she was not only getting paid for this event, but for the books being sold this weekend and in the future.

  “Hello, ladies.” Mariss made sure to keep her tone polite and professional. “We're just about done setting up your tables. Brit, when will the other girls get here?”

  “Not sure. They left before I did and I had to pick people up, so they should have been here by now. Did you check the room?”

  Mariss shook her head. “No, but I should have.”

  “I'll do it. I'll be back in a few.” Brit pranced off. She was always so upbeat.

  Mariss turned as someone behind her cleared their throat. She thought it might sound familiar, but when she looked up, her breath escaped her in a sil
ent, “Oh.”

  Sebastian was resplendant - as always - in his white dress shirt. A black tie tucked neatly into his vest which was, of course, topped by a tux coat. His dress slacks were also black and fit him better than anything she'd ever seen. A gold chain clipped to his vest and hung from his breast pocket. On top of his head was a top hat, complete with goggles and gold clips up the side. If he'd been wearing a monocle, she might have lost her shit right there.

  “Dear god,” Mariss gasped. “Steampunk is a good look for you.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Red.” Sebastian bowed at the waist, sweeping his hat across his stomach. “You look quite lovely, as usual.” A woman stepped up beside him and Mariss immediately recognized her. “You remember Officer Nora Copenhagen?”

  The police woman had been Sebastian's arresting officer when he was incorrectly accused of raping Mindy, the young woman in his office the day she'd gone to see him.

  “And, of course, the infamous Mindy.”

  Mariss nodded at the waifish blonde who stepped up on his other side.

  “Hello, Nora. Mindy. Nice to meet you both.”

  “Mindy is my assistant now,” Sebastian said, a touch of humor in his tone. “I had to let Rachel go.”

  “Juliet is here somewhere,” Mariss replied. “I'm sure she'd love to slap that gorgeous accent right out of your mouth.”

  Sebastian chuckled. The sound touched Mariss in all the right places, sending shivers of anticipation over her skin.

  “Bassy, have you seen my gun?” Mariss turned to retrieve the device they'd special ordered for the weekend and hefted it so she had it in both hands. She struck a pose and winked. It was longer than she was tall. “Doesn't even fit in my hands.”

  A lopsided grin split Sebastian's face. He slipped one hand into his pocket and tilted his head to the side.

  “Come here, then. I have something a little more manageable for you.”

  Mariss giggled. “You wanna hold it? Or are you too British?” she taunted.

  “If I didn't know better, I'd ask if you were drunk.” Sebastian let go of the pretty police woman hanging off his arm and reached for Mariss' gun.

  “We call it the Red Wife Gramma-tron 2000, but don't be fooled. This sucker has enough kick to knock you on your ass.”

  “Kick, huh?” Sebastian asked. “I have something you'd get a kick out of.”

  Mariss' body clenched low. She shifted her stance, crossing one leg over the other, hoping it would help relieve the pressure without causing attention, but the way her skin flushed would be a dead giveaway. This could not happen again. She would not cheat on Holden ever again. The guilt from the last time was already too much for her to handle. Building on it just wasn't a good idea.

  “That upset you.”

  Mariss blinked up into Sebastian's concerned eyes. “What?” He was far too perceptive for his own good.

  “Your face dropped just now. Your eyes turned sad. I thought we were joking. I didn't mean to upset you.”

  Mariss smirked. She couldn't help it. “Awfully close to an apology, there, Mr. Boa.”

  Sebastian smiled. “It won't happen again. Rest assured.”

  Mariss chuckled. “Why are you here, anyway?”

  Sebastian's eyebrow went up. “We're partners in business, remember? I'm here because you're here.”

  “You're stalking me, aren't you?”

  “Maybe a little.” His smile was shameless.

  “You're incouragible.”

  “That's what my mother tells me. But I really am here to make you look good, Mrs. Red.” He winked. “It's my job.”

  Mariss pursed her lips so she wouldn't laugh. “Sebastian, you're a mess. I don't need anyone to make me look good. I do that all by myself.”

  His smiled softened. “Yes, of course you do. I should get back to Nora. She is my date after all. I'll be around though, Red.”

  Sebastian touched her cheek. It was nothing more than an affectionate tap, but it sent heat spearing through Mariss' body.

  Having sex with him had been a huge mistake. She'd hoped it would get him out of her system, but it had only made things worse. Now she was paying the price.

  She needed it to be Sunday so Holden would be here. Sebastian was only here to see her, but she got the impression he didn't care whether he got laid or not. Had he changed that much? She couldn't imagine why.

  Despite her infidelity, Mariss' love for her husband was no less. In fact, it might even have been stronger for it. If only she had the courage to tell him the truth about what had happened, but she didn't want to lose him.

  “Sebastian,” she heard herself say. When he turned, his eyes were curiously subdued. “We're having dinner at the hotel restaurant later.” Why had she just told him that? “Bring your ladies.” Inviting his date and his new assistant did not make it okay. “Juliet will be there.” And that certainly wouldn't help.

  Sebastian nodded. “I'll be there.”

  With that, he walked away.

  “Are you doing the constume contest Sunday?” Juliet asked, popping up out of nowhere. Her face said she was glad to have hidden from Sebastian so well. “Before you say no, keep in mind that I already signed you up so you have no choice.”

  Mariss' best friend grinned at her.

  “Of course, I'm doing the costume contest!” Mariss said dramatically. “I'd be a fool not to!”

  “Great! We're all in, then. Talk Sebastian into doing it. I bet he'll win.”

  Mariss laughed. “He'll win as soon as it's announced that he entered.”

  “His girlfriend was looking good, though,” Juliet said in her feel-Mariss-out-to-see-what-she-thinks voice.

  “Yeah. Officer Nora Copenhagen. The woman who arrested and interrogated him six months ago.”

  Juliet gawked, but quickly wiped the look off her face. “No. I shouldn't be surprised. It's Sebastian, after all. How are you doing?”

  “Like when this weekend is over, you and I have to have an 'ice cream confessions' night.” Mariss shivered through the residual sexual heat caused by Sebastian.

  “It's scheduled,” Juliet said kindly.

  “I'm thinking Monday night.”

  “That bad huh?”

  Mariss nodded. “Do not let me drink tonight. Not until…dammit. We have the room party after dinner.”

  “Yeah. I'll take care of you. Promise. No worries. I won't let anything happen.” She paused for a moment. “That's what you want, right?”

  “Yes, of course!”

  “Right. Then I'm on it. I'll have a little talky talk with Mr. Sebastian too.”

  Mariss smiled. “You're the best friend an adulterous, cheating, married woman could ever ask for, Juliet.”

  “I know.” Juliet shrugged like it was no big deal.

  Dinner was fancy. Mariss had no idea why they were eating so expensive, but they were here now. There was no time to change, as they'd made reservations in advance.

  She didn't have a chance to hope Sebastian didn't really show up. He was there on time looking quite dapper in the same outfit he'd worn earlier, sans the leather gloves and top hat. She kind of wished he was still wearing the hat.

  His hair had grown out in the last few months. He had it styled back in perfect, touchable waves. Mariss clenched her hands between her knees under the edge of the table.

  “Nice of you to join us, Mr. Boa,” Brit said brightly. “You look absolutely delicious.”

  “Thank you, sweatheart.” Sebastian straightened his perfectly straight tie and sent Mariss a sidelong glance. Was he nervous? “What's the occasion?” he asked.

  “Just a fancy dinner. My boyfriend is supposed to join us soon. Have a seat. You must be Nora.”

  Brit greeted Sebastian's woman kindly.

  “Wow,” Mariss piped up. “Did the tension just shoot up or are my panties on too tight?”

  Sebastian looked at her startled. “Honestly. Are you drunk?”

  Mariss smirked. “Nope. I plan to stay sober all night. Un
til the room party. There, I will get absolutely smashed, if you don't mind.”

  “Not one bit. Nora?”

  Sebastian motioned for the other woman to slide in, but she just looked at him like he was crazy.

  “Don't you want to sit next to Mrs. Red?”

  “Let's dispense with the formalities. You can call me Mariss. I'm totally fine with that. And you can sit by me. I swear I won't bite.”

  Nora blinked at her.

  Mariss laughed. “What have you been telling her about me?”

  Sebastian shrugged. “I told her not to cross you because you fired one of your employees for having sex with me.”

  “Ha!” Mariss dropped her head back and laughed. “I fired Eloisa because she broke the girl code, and Bennett quit because she was mad at me for firing her sister.”

  Sebastian nodded and slid into the booth next to Mariss. “I see. And what is this 'girl code'?”

  “It's like the guy code. Bros before hoes? Chicks before dicks.”

  Sebastian laughed. “You'll be glad to know that Eloisa has found a job with a lawyer friend of mine. Sander Cadwell.”

  “Good for her,” Mariss said, and meant it. Despite what had happened between them, Eloisa had been a good friend. Up until the point where she let an evil woman trick her into betraying their friendship. “I hope that works out for her.”

  “He is quite the arse.” Sebastian caught her gaze and didn't look away. “He'll give her hell.”

  She smirked, a mean sort of satisfaction filling her. “And who gives you hell?”

  “You do, of course.”

  “As long as you know.”

  Sebastian's eyes burned with suppressed desire. Just being this close to him set Mariss' nerves on fire. The spicy, hot scent of his cinnamon body wash filled her lungs and his hellish blue eyes sparked with mischief, taking her breath away.

  “Damn you,” she muttered so he could just hear her over the din of noise in the restaurant.

  “What have I done?” His eyes were startled, yet amused at the same time.

  “You're just being you. Sometimes I can't tell if you're being self-aware or not.”