The Billionaire's Carnival Baby (A BWWM Romance) Read online

  “I've wanted you,” he whispered as if she might have missed that.

  “It’s time to dance now,” she told him.

  “And later?”

  She let a musical laugh be her answer; it was a night for music, after all. Around them was a cacophony of sound, but rather that clashing, being raucous, it blended together. One party overflowed into the next, a samba became a salsa, and dancers poured from one street bar to the next. Audra found herself flowing into the muscular arms of this strong man, swept up in his obvious desire for her.

  ***

  There was nowhere in that section of town that was totally clear of people, no real privacy, but most people were wrapped up in each other. Couples were touching, making out in corners and doorways. The world around her was going crazy with lust. It was contagious, an unstoppable wave, and Audra was infected with it. From the bar dance floor her masked domino had brought her down a side street, running his hands over her body.

  “Where are we going?” she asked him.

  “I don’t know,” he answered. “I don’t care.”

  “I have a room.” Her words, heavy with her desire, slipped out. The danger of throwing herself into Carnival with no plan was not knowing where your boundaries were, or if you even wanted there to be any. Being caught up in the moment meant acting, not thinking, just responding to the calls of your body. She led the way and he followed eagerly, asking nothing. Then, in the doorway of an empty shop, he pulled her to him.

  “I can’t go any further,” he said, breathless and aroused. He held her tight and kissed her hard, letting his tongue explore her mouth.

  Audra was overwhelmed, her body aching with desire. She’d never been kissed that way, and when he fumbled with the scarf draping down her chest, she rested her hands on his and gasped when he bared her breasts. She was too weak to protest, too hungry to taste what came next to have any real impulse to stop his caresses.

  He put his hot, wet mouth on her neck as he fondled her breasts, then kissed his way down to one breast with agonizing slowness. She gasped when his lips closed over her hard nipple and he sucked it gently. He teased it and tendrils of pleasure burned their way through her, down to her core. She felt her slit grow wet immediately. When he released her nipple, he moved to the other side and repeated the exquisite torture. She heard laughter, giggles, and squeals of pleasure, then shouts, all coming from the shadows around them.

  The man brought his lips to hers again, but this time, as he kissed her, he hiked up her skirt and lifted her leg. The confident touch of his fingers between her legs shocked her—a shock of ecstasy. She moaned softly when his fingers entered her.

  “God, you are so juicy and deliciously wet,” he said, and she heard the delight in his voice.

  With her leg hooked over one of his arms, he used his other hand to pull down his pants and free his erect cock. She looked down and saw it—engorged, enormous, and wanting her. It was marvelous and she instinctively reached for it, taking the soft, rigid flesh in her fingers and savoring its heat.

  “Fuck me,” she cried into that mask, begging the wild man with the green eyes behind it.

  She’d never had sex with a total stranger before. Knowing she was about to be intimate with him, that he was going to penetrate her body with his flesh without her knowing who he was—or anything about him for that matter—only heightened her arousal. It made no sense, but this was no time for logic. A sudden thought of what she was doing, the irrationality of it, came too late, for he had moved into her. The second thought, the doubt, melted instantly as she held his cock and guided the bulbous head into her, working him into the moist flesh. With it just inside her, he paused to lift her other leg. She let go of him and fixed her eyes on his face, then, with her heart pounding, hooked her fingers behind his neck. He pressed his lips against hers, and she tasted blood as he pushed his hips forward, burying himself deep in her.

  “Oh my God,” she moaned. He burned inside her, and he was filling her with his thickness . His powerful hips moved, banging his body into hers in the doorway. She clung to him, feeling him penetrate deeper in her, sending shock waves of pleasure coursing through her body.

  People passed, not really seeing, and she cried out her pleasure in short moans. He fucked her against the door jamb and then, finally, she felt his body tense. He unleashed his seed inside her with a groan of pleasure.

  “Oh, shit, yes,” he grunted. “Better than I ever imagined.”

  They supported each other in the doorway while they regained their strength, then he casually pulled up his pants and tucked himself away. She waited, having no idea what would happen next. He had begun to play with her breasts again and she wanted more than that.

  “My room is close,” she breathed. He nodded, handing her the scarf, and she held it over her breasts as they walked together around the corner to her hotel. No one paid them the least bit of attention.

  Chapter Two

  Audra woke to the bright light of morning streaming over her bed wearing nothing but her mask. Her lover and she had both thought it exciting to keep them on while they made love. The man had been all over her, and the touch of his fingers, lips, and tongue had aroused her, bringing her to orgasm more than once.

  Several times one or the other of them had awakened, their passion aroused again. He’d woke her once to take her from behind; another time she had been the restless one. She’d reached for his flaccid cock, teasing it back to life with her fingers and lips. They had fucked as energetically as teenagers having sex for the first time, yet her domino had the stamina and skill of a mature lover.

  Her body still tingled.

  As she awoke, she realized that she was now alone. She rolled over looking for some sign of him, found his mask lying on the pillow, and sighed. She’d hoped he’d make love to her again before she had to go back to the ship, back to the workaday world. But it had been a fling—and what a fling it was!

  That she didn't know who he was made facing the day both easier and harder. With no way to contact him, she could throw away any thoughts of getting in touch; any way of finding out if there was more than just sexual chemistry between them. For this same reason their encounter left her feeling bittersweet. Shouldn’t such a powerful experience lead somewhere? She didn't know. She’d never even had a one-night stand before. How was she supposed to feel now? Part of her, steeped in tradition, wanted there to be more, but knew that would only complicate her life. It could derail her plans to further her education and move up in the world.

  The empty bed and the tactile memories of her mysterious lover left her slightly sad and mellow, yet somehow happy. As a way of stepping out of her life for a short time, of giving in to her wild side, the night had been a fabulous success. If this was what Carnival was all about, she was all for it. She’d never paid much attention to Carnival when she was back in New Orleans. A few friends got together, but the parties she went to weren't much different than those that happened at any other time. If she was around for it next year, she wouldn't be able to see it the same way. Never again.

  She stretched out and let the morning air caress her body like a lover’s touch. It aroused her, and she put her hands on her belly, then let them slide down to touch herself while imagining his hands on her. She recalled his warm breath on her skin as he kissed her breasts.

  Damn that man for not hanging around just a little longer, for not being there when she woke. The pulse of Carnival still resonated and she wanted him again.

  ***

  Myeisha Martin sat at the stern of the yacht eating a late breakfast and waiting. The ship was tied to a pier at the marina, and she faced the gangway. With her daily planner and expensive Cross pen on the table beside her, she was ready to start her day. Even though they were in Rio and it was Carnival, she wore her typical work attire: a modest business suit with a neutral silk blouse that was open just enough to show just the hint of her dark breasts and, between them, the delicate gold crucifix she wore around
her neck. Bruce had given her the necklace.

  “So you will think of me,” he’d said with a wink.

  Not that the cross was necessary—she thought of him all the time, and missed him terribly. He was on some battlefield, however, and she was in Brazil, ostensibly working. She intended to work if her boss ever showed up. Sooner or later she expected to see Kenneth Steele walking down the dock, headed back to the ship with a smug look of contentment on his face, and that’s when her day would start. Of course, there was nothing to let her know when that might be. After what had happened, with her walking off on him and asserting her independence in the process, he might want to remind her that he was still the boss by deliberately returning late, if at all.

  He might not even be awake yet. It was safe to assume that after she’d walked away to come back to the ship, he’d found some other girl, one more willing to treat him to his idea of a good time. He was predictable—a womanizer who was good looking and wealthy enough that he never had trouble attracting the opposite sex. He’d wanted her, though, and it would be like him to screw another woman and make sure she knew about it. Coming home late, looking dissipated, would be exactly like him. If he thought of it, he might even bring a woman back to the yacht.

  For some reason he seemed to think he had a chance with her, and that she found his attentions charming. Often he acted as if he thought he could make her jealous. If so, it wasn't working. In fact, things were getting to the point where she wasn't sure if she’d go on working for him. If she worked for his US-based company, she might consider filing a harassment suit against the man. Unfortunately, she was employed with his Panama division and she had no idea if sexual harassment was even a thing there.

  Okay, he wasn't nasty, she’d give him that. He was more inconsiderate. The truth was that Kenneth Steele cared for her in his own way. She thought it likely he thought he could persuade her to love him, or at least let him make love to her, but he was wrong and needed to learn to take no for an answer. She’d put up with it for two years now, and it was getting old. The problem was that, aside from his persistence, he was a great employer and she’d never made so much money in her life. Bruce didn't earn that much in the Army, and they both agreed they’d save all they could so that they had a nest egg to use when they got married.

  “Good morning, my beauty.”

  Surprised, she turned to see Kenneth coming out of the saloon. The man looked good; all smiles and goodwill. He smelled of soap and hair conditioner.

  “I didn't see you come back,” she said.

  “It was pretty damn early this morning,” he smirked. “But you know that. When did you get back?”

  “What do you mean?” she asked in confusion. “I came right back here when I left you. And how would I know when you came back?”

  He looked just as puzzled. “Because of the all night dancing we did in your room.”

  “What are you talking about? What room? I left when you tried to kiss me.”

  “But we… This morning… You were asleep and I left you to take a shower and clean up. I thought of asking you to join me, but thought you’d still be sleeping. You were rather dead to the world when I got up.”

  “What on earth are you talking about? What makes you think I’d join you in the shower when I wouldn't even kiss you, Kenneth?” she questioned with incredulity. “Don’t be absurd.”

  He looked taken aback. “Why is that absurd? After last night…”

  “Last night you were aggressive and rude. That’s why I left. I've made it clear all along that your attentions are unwelcome, yet you continue to push. I love Bruce.”

  “But…”

  “I think we should go over your schedule for what’s left of the day,” Myeisha huffed. “It would be nice if we accomplished some work before you go off to party again—as I’m sure you will.”

  “I… I don’t understand. I thought it was wonderful last night.”

  “I’m sure you did. You always think everything you do is wonderful,” she scoffed.

  “Not me, us,” he clarified. “I’m talking about how intoxicating it was dancing under the stars, that exciting interlude in the doorway…”

  “What dancing? And if you mean when you tried to kiss me… I'll repeat it again—I didn't appreciate that.”

  He looked confused. “But afterwards…”

  “After I left? Honestly, Kenneth, I don’t care what you did after I left or who you did it with. That’s none of my concern. I came back to enjoy a long soak in the tub with a good book and some of your champagne. I decided that you owed me that for your behavior.”

  Kenneth shook his head. “I don’t understand, Myeisha. That makes no sense.”

  “I’m certain it doesn't to you. It doesn't make sense to me that you persist in trying to seduce me.”

  “What happened? We were so good together last night. It was better than I ever dreamed possible.”

  “Last night? I have no idea what you are talking about, Kenneth.”

  “One of us is crazy,” he sighed.

  She laughed and rolled her eyes. “And I’m sure we each have our own idea who that is.”

  He sat and poured some coffee from the carafe. “I’m sure we do, although that makes no sense.” He sipped the coffee and scrunched his face. “It’s cold,” he sneered in disgust. Setting it aside, he reached for her hand and she pulled it back, putting it demurely in her lap. “And so is the weather in here, I see. A bit frosty, even.”

  “I haven’t encouraged you, Kenneth. Not ever.”

  The steward poked his head in from the saloon and asked, “Can I get you breakfast, Mr. Steele?”

  “And more coffee. Lot’s of strong black coffee,” Kenneth answered, then turned to Myeisha and sighed. “I give up.”

  “Give up?”

  “If last night didn't change things, we might as well get on with business.”

  Opening the day planner, she gave the priority items a quick glance. “Mr. Donner wants to know if you’ll approve the changes to the business plan that he’s suggested. Oh, and the home office needs approval on the budget the IT department submitted.”

  “Yes and yes again,” Steele muttered. A sudden surliness in his voice told her that whatever he’d been suggesting happened between them… he thought it was real. Had he gotten drunk, or maybe been drugged, and fantasized about being with her last night? That was possible. Whatever happened, it wasn't her concern. If his confusion over this little episode made him realize she had no interest in an affair with him, maybe they could start working together better. On the other had, she didn't like the pain she saw in his eyes. She didn't want to hurt him at all. She liked him. If he could learn to keep his hands off her and restrain his sexual fantasies, they could be a good team.

  The Captain, dressed in his formal whites as he almost always did, came out and stood rigidly at the table. “Might I inquire about your travel requirements, sir?”

  “Oh, yes, all that paperwork, right, Fred?”

  “Yes, sir. The manifests, crew lists, all that need to be in order.”

  Steele pushed back. “I’m going out again tonight. One more night of Carnival. I need to see if I can find… Well, I have some unfinished business.” He picked up Myeisha’s fancy pen and tapped on the table with it nervously. “Let’s plan on leaving in the morning around ten.”

  “For where, sir?” The man asked Steele, but he looked at Myeisha for the answer. He knew who did the planning.

  “Barbados,” she said.

  Kenneth smiled thinly. The spark had gone out of his eyes. “Fine. Barbados, Fred.”

  As the Captain left, the steward arrived with his breakfast, but Kenneth stood with a look of disinterest. “I apologize, Carter, but I seem to have lost my appetite. Have the coffee sent to my stateroom.” He glanced at Myeisha and added, “Is there anything else I need to do today, or can you get along without me?”

  She cringed at the sadness in his voice. “We covered the main things. I'll send
some documents to your stateroom that you should read before tomorrow.”

  “Fine.”

  As he left, she felt a sense of relief. Normally he would have asked her to bring them personally so he could touch her leg when she handed them to him. That was his usual tactic. Now she could send them with the steward.

  ***

  Audra ate her lunch in the cafe next to the hotel. From where she sat she could see the doorway where her mystery lover had taken her for the first time. The memories were vivid, tactile, and arousing. It had been amazing, making love to that man in public. She was glad it was so clear in her mind. You never recaptured the excitement, not that kind of excitement, again. This way she’d have it for a time, until the memories faded. She’d never see the doorway of a closed shop the same way again. The memories were too powerful, too gripping, too hot.

  She thought about what to do next. She had another twenty-four hours off and considered the idea of repeating her adventure. She could put on her mask, don same clothes, and return to the same bar at that same time. Maybe he’d be there again, but what if he wanted a different experience for the night? What if she found him with some other woman? It would be painful to see him with someone else and go back to that little room alone. It wasn't much of a room, after all. At the moment it was a pleasure palace to her, but if she didn't find him, or saw him going with someone else—maybe even fucking another woman in this or some other doorway—that would be agony, and it would ruin things.

  She couldn't imagine meeting another man and it being as wonderful as this one had been. You can’t step into the same river twice, and you can’t go to the same party or have the same erotic adventure twice. Any attempt at repetition would only mar the perfection of the experience, so it would be dangerous to try again. She risked destroying a now precious one-time event in her life. She’d given herself to the idea of Carnival, and it had paid off incredibly. Now, like a smart gambler, it was time to cash in her chips and go home—go back to the cruise ship.