9781618856340TheTakingofClaraCrescent Read online

  Again, he said nothing.

  Say something!

  His lack of words made her more nervous.

  “Have you decided to back out? I understand if you found someone else to take my place. Looking at myself now I can’t imagine I’m much temptation.” She ran fingers through her hair, pulling a few strands out of the ponytail. “I’m sorry for snapping. This is just happening too fast. I purposefully didn’t have coffee because of this. I think I’m having a sugar rush. Everything is spinning.”

  Matthew reached over the table. He grabbed her hand within his. She stopped speaking and stared at him instead. The instant he touched her, she felt a deep calm settle all around her. “Take a moment and relax.”

  The moment he spoke all of her nerves went away. Up until that moment she’d been going out of her mind.

  “Now, what are you struggling with?” he asked.

  “I don’t know what to do. I’ve never done anything like this.”

  “Anything like what?”

  She licked her lips staring at his hands. His skin was slightly darker than hers. “I don’t know you that well. What kind of woman moves in with a man she barely knows or agrees to have sex with a man she doesn’t know?”

  The soda had been a bad idea. She should have settled for the coffee.

  “First of all, you do know who I am. I’m Matthew Johnson. For the last couple of years you’ve worked in some capacity in my building. I’m a Capricorn. My favorite color is green. I don’t like spicy food. My family don’t approve of my high flying life style. They want me to settle down with a woman and have a couple of children.”

  As he spoke her heart melted for more of him. He sounded perfect to her.

  “There are a few pointers about me, Clara. I don’t axe murder anyone or have any crazy ex’s in my past. I want you, whatever this is. There have been stranger things happen at sea as the saying goes.”

  She laughed at his words. “So, what you’re saying is to allow this to run its course?”

  “You don’t trust easily, do you?”

  Licking her lips, she stared past his shoulder. After everything she’d gone through with her father’s debts along with her mother’s medical bills, she struggled to trust. People were always trying to find ways to exploit her. “I’ve not had many people in my life who I could trust.”

  “Trust me, Clara. I would never do anything to hurt you.”

  Unable to look away any longer, she stared into his eyes. The sincerity in his gaze took her by surprise. A part of her wanted to run away. He would so easily control her. The power he held over her body startled her. She felt compelled to please him.

  She gripped his hand looking for the strength he provided her. For once she thought it would be nice to have someone else take control of her life. She grew tired of being the one responsible for everything that happened to her. Being a modern woman she should want to prove how she could live her life without a man. Staring into his eyes, she knew she was a goner. Being with him would take her over. A part of her wanted to be taken over.

  Clara wanted to be taken care of. She wanted to know that at the end of the day someone would be there to reassure her. Pushing away her doubts, she nodded her head.

  “Yes, I can trust you.”

  “Where are your suitcases?” he asked.

  She pointed in the direction of her bags. “I’ll get them.” He handed over a load of notes. “Pay your landlord for the next month while we get everything sorted out.” Clara took the money, hating the feel of notes in her hands. She didn’t want their contract to be about money. Instead of arguing she sorted things out with her landlady then followed him out to the car. He pushed two suitcases into the boot then the other two in the back seat.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  Clara took one last lingering look at her apartment with her old life before getting into the car beside him. “I’ve never been more ready in my whole life.”

  With her seat belt buckled she said goodbye to her past and looked forward to the future. “You’ll call your friend Tara when we get home. I want you to make sure you tell her you’re alright. I want you to be clear that you want to be with me,” he said as he got in the car. She watched him put the seatbelt on then he started the car.

  She had completely forgotten about Tara. What kind of friend was she to forget about her best friend?

  “She’s going to think I’m crazy.”

  “No, she’s going to think you made the right decision.” He turned the music on before she got a chance to ask him any questions. How did he know about her friend? She’d noticed he knew a great deal about her while she knew next to nothing about him.

  The world drifted by as he took her to his place. She was being taken by her boss. Her heart beat faster. The anticipation of what lay ahead was killing her. Clara wanted Matthew so desperately that words couldn’t describe her intensity.

  She looked forward to their time together.

  Chapter Six

  Matthew grabbed her suitcases then followed her inside his home. She stood on the threshold as if terrified to enter his home. He dropped her cases, took her jacket then shut the door behind them. Finally after two years of waiting he had her where he wanted her.

  She looked nervous as she rubbed her arms.

  “Follow me,” he said.

  He walked straight up stairs to the room he’d decorated for her. In time he hoped for her to live with him. For now he wanted her in his home where he could protect her. Opening the door he ushered her inside. “This is your room. I’ll bring your suitcases up. You can put your stuff away. Get yourself comfortable.”

  “This is my room?”

  “Yes.”

  “I thought I would be with you,” she said.

  “Asking for a physical companion was to gain your attention, Clara. I don’t want anything from you that you’re not willing to give,” he explained.

  “Wait, I’m confused. You don’t want a mistress or physical companion?” she asked. Matthew walked up to her. With each step he took she took a step back until the wall behind her stopped her from escaping. He had her where he wanted her.

  “I want you, Clara. I want you in my bed where I can keep an eye on you. I’ll have you when you’re ready.”

  “I’m here. I’m ready.”

  Matthew smiled. The need in her voice couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than being ready. Another Dom would have taken her at her word. He wanted more. Matthew intended to be patient with her. He fought his need to push her to the bed to have his wicked way with her. Being a wealthy man meant his patience level left a lot to be desired. He got what he wanted by going for everything without waiting. Matthew wished to possess Clara Baines.

  “Then your seduction will be so much sweeter.” He brushed his lips against hers. “I’ll see you downstairs in an hour.”

  He left to take her suitcases to her. Once he’d done that task he went to his office to make a call. The letter of negotiation with her father lay on his desk. He dialed the number, waiting for the man to answer.

  “Hello,” the mumbled reply came over the line.

  “I have your daughter. Your debts have been paid in full.” Matthew heard the sounds of a casino in the background. “Any more debts you make you take care of yourself.”

  “You have my daughter. Isn’t that going to buy me some extra money?” her father asked.

  Matthew chuckled. The man had no shame. “I can squash you like a bug. I wouldn’t care one bit. Any lost money comes off your own back. I’ve got what I want. You’re debt free.” He slammed the phone down. The guy didn’t deserve to be a father. He pushed the piece of paper under a pile of other forms. Her father had merely provided him the means to claim Clara. He’d been trying to get her attention for some time. When her father’s debts all but landed in his lap he found the perfect opportunity to get what he wanted.

  He heard her walking down the stairs and he followed her into the kitchen. He’d given
his housekeeper sometime off. They were alone together. He fixed them both a sandwich before he led her back out of the house. Clara needed to relax around him.

  For some reason he felt like going to the zoo. The zoo would be busy for a Saturday, which provided plenty of space for her to relax in his company. He paid money for their entrance then held her hand as they walked around.

  After some time she gripped his hand. Her other hand held the top part of his arm. She turned her body into him rubbing against him.

  “Will you have an ice-cream with me? My treat?” she asked.

  “Sure. Get me whatever you’re having.”

  She disappeared inside a shop coming out with two chocolate coated ice-creams. He took the one she offered. They continued walking around. She hesitated outside the reptile section. “Are you going to be a girl?” he asked.

  “I don’t like spiders or any reptile type thing. They’re gross.”

  “We’re not taking one home.” The reptiles freaked him out but he’d paid to see everything. Her grip tightened as they walked round the whole area. Matthew shuddered as he looked at the spiders in their cages.

  By the end of the day he bought them each a burger and then drove home. During the day they’d talked about what they liked. He knew they were getting to know each other slowly. He couldn’t wait to have his ring on her finger.

  When they got home they sat in front of the television. Clara sat in one corner as he sat in the other. Throughout the two hour long film she ended up with her head in his lap. Matthew stroked her hair where she lay in his lap. Each minute they spent together the trust between them increased. If he had to wait a whole year until she became his then he’d gladly wait.

  He saw her up to her room, kissed her goodnight before he went into his room. After a cold shower he read for a few minutes then turned his light out for the night. Sleep failed him. The day had him pumped up with so much energy he only knew of one way to expel it. He didn’t want any other woman. He wanted Clara in his arms and in his bed. The sound of his door opening him startled him. Clara stood at the opening to his room.

  “I couldn’t sleep,” she said.

  Without thinking he lifted up his sheet inviting her inside. She lay down next to him. Her hands under her head as she stared at him.

  “I enjoyed today.”

  “I did too.” He cupped her cheek feeling her smooth skin. She licked her lips. The sight of her tongue making him moan as he cock pulsed. He wore no clothes.

  She stared at him for several moments. Neither of them saying a word. “I like spending time with you.”

  “You’ve only spent one day with me.”

  “I know. This has been one of the most enjoyable days of my life. I never thought I’d enjoy the zoo so much.” She chuckled.

  “I enjoyed today as well.”

  “Can I stay here tonight?”

  “If you want to.”

  “I do.”

  Matthew wrapped the blanket round her. She snuggled close to his side. For several minutes he watched her sleep before going off into dream world himself.

  * * * *

  When he woke the following morning, Clara lay next to him with her eyes open, staring at him. Her beauty struck him at once. He couldn’t believe his arms were finally around her. He’d been dreaming of this moment for months.

  “Good morning,” he said. Matthew wanted to say more but he left the words to a simple, good morning.

  “Morning.”

  She reached out to touch his chest but she stopped. He held back the growl as he wanted her touch more than anything.

  “You can touch me,” he said. “I’m all yours to touch.” She didn’t reach out to him.

  “How does this agreement work out? Are you seeing other women?” Even after she asked her questions, Clara made no move to touch him. He rolled onto his side not caring if the cover rolled down his body. The fact she held back from him, bothered Matthew more than he liked to admit. Didn’t she know how he felt? Having her in his bed and in his life meant the world to him.

  “You have a lot of questions this morning. Didn’t you read any words in the document I gave you to sign?” he asked.

  “No, you were distracting me.”

  He waited to see if she’d ask again. Instead she gazed at him waiting. “There is no other woman. We’re not sharing each other. This is real for me. I only want you.” How could Clara even think for a second he’d want any other woman when she was in his bed?

  “Real in what way?”

  “Real as in you’re mine. You’re not going anywhere.” He leaned over to brush her lips with his. Her hand touched his chest as she kissed him again. The electricity from her touch almost undid him. Clara had no idea of the power she possessed.

  “Why would you want me?”

  Matthew leaned back staring at her. “Why wouldn’t I want you?” He hated how she viewed herself. Matthew would spend the rest of his life showing her how much she meant to him. The thought of forever with her filled him with joy

  “You’re going to keep me on my toes, aren’t you?”

  She caressed his cheek before he pulled away. He didn’t want to pull away but he needed to keep some semblance of control. Being a Dom meant he shouldn’t come apart so easily. With Clara, he didn’t react normally. He’d wanted her for so long that he now felt like a horny teenager, excited about getting his woman.

  “We’ve got breakfast along with another day of exploring. Come on.” He slapped her ass when she buried her head in the pillow. The slap on her ass made her yelp. He chuckled while he walked to the bathroom. The sound of the slap made his cock harden with new arousal. He wanted more than anything to spend the whole day in bed. If he did, he’d lose his mind in her sweet heat. He didn’t want to scare her away and part of him was afraid of admitting his feelings. Matthew knew he was in love with her. He’d never felt this way about any other woman. Clara consumed his every waking thought. Glancing at his reflection in the mirror, Matthew saw the depth of his feelings written in his gaze. His heart pounded inside his chest with the need to go out and tell her. She really didn’t have the first clue of the power she possessed.

  He listened as she moved around his bedroom. In his mind he saw her voluptuous body, walking around his room. He gripped the edge of the sink, stopping himself from going to her. When the sound of her moving faded, Matthew turned the shower on. He turned the water to cold in an attempt to get his raging erection under control. Between his love and his lust, Matthew was fighting a losing battle.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  Matthew pulled the curtain aside. The door to the bathroom remained closed. The sound of her voice made his cock thicken once again. The cold shower rendered useless from her speaking. Cursing his hormones Matthew called out he was fine.

  When she left, Matthew rested his head against his arm, which leaned against the wall. He really hadn’t anticipated the strength of his feelings for Clara. Being the hard-headed boss was getting harder and harder every day.

  After he finished cleaning up, Matthew climbed out of the shower then padded back to his bedroom. Clara was nowhere to be seen but her scent lingered.

  Chapter Seven

  For the rest of the week Clara never left his side. He took her on dates throughout the week. They ate lunch together. The nasty whispers at work ceased the moment he walked out of his office and kissed her on the lips for everyone to see. The moment his lips met hers felt like a true chick flick clip for her. When she called her best friend to tell her about what happened, Tara encouraged her. “Don’t you think we’re moving a little fast?” Clara asked.

  “Moving fast? Honey, it’s about time you moved anything. You’re twenty-five years old and hold one sexual experience. I like the sound of this Matthew. If he makes you scream in bed for all the right reasons he’s the man to have,” Tara said. “Call me with all the juicy details.”

  Matthew still hadn’t done anything other than give her an orgasm. She
shared his bed. Every morning he kissed her like he did at night. Clara wanted to go further. He made her ache in ways she’d never felt before.

  They’re relationship moved faster but she didn’t feel like it was a bad thing? He wanted her. She wanted him where was the problem? They were not hurting anyone.

  On Saturday evening Matthew left early to go to the office. He wore a business suit which never failed to make her wet.

  Clara watched him arrive back him. She saw him get out of his car then walk to the door. The sound of the door opening filled the room as he entered his home. Her body hummed with need for him. Since he left her to go to work, she’d wanted nothing more than his touch on her body all day. She wished she could have gone with him.

  She moved to the top of the stairs. He hadn’t noticed her. Taking a step at a time she descended the steps naked. Clara wanted him to take her. She couldn’t wait any longer. She wanted the passion he kept buried deep inside him. He said he would only take her when she was ready. She was more than ready.

  The step creaked and he looked up. His gaze froze her in her place. “Hi,” she said.

  Matthew didn’t say a word. She began walking down the stairs until she stood in front of him. His cock outlined through his trousers. Ignoring his length she removed his jacket for him placing small kisses along his jaw line. “Did you have a good day?” she asked.

  “It’s getting better.”

  “Good.” She opened the buttons of his shirt exposing his flesh for her to touch. “I missed you.”

  “I can tell.” The moment his shirt hit the floor he came out of his trance. Matthew took control. He picked her up in his arms then carried her back up the stairs to his room. She kissed his neck unable to not touch him.

  Matthew dropped her on the bed. She bounced then sat up to watch him remove his clothing. His cock stood out long, thick with the tip pulsing with pre-cum. She licked her lips. He crawled up the bed to her. Clara lay down opening her thighs as he kissed each of her legs. This is what she wanted. The pleasure from his touch threatened to ignite the passion between them. His hands skimmed up her thighs on the inside of her legs. She moaned when he laid the palm of one hand over her mound. His thumb slipped between her pussy lips to tease her clit. She cried out when he pushed two fingers inside her. The pleasure threatened to undo her.