A failed attempt

Aurora

Jaxon's expression morphed from pure shock to sheer disbelief. He blinked twice, then let out an awkward laugh.

"Sorry," he shook his head, rubbing under his nose with his index finger. "I must have misheard."

Awe. I didn't know Jaxon Blackwood could be cute too....

"No, you haven't. You heard exactly what I said, Jaxon." I leaned in, our lips almost touching. His muscles tightened; despite his self-control, he was still a man. "I want you to FUCK me," I emphasized.

He drew in a breath, his hands finally grabbing mine. His touch was electric, like bands of fire around my wrists and it awakened my primal urges, "Aurora..." he began, freeing his collar from my grip. I caught a glimpse of a tattoo peeking from his chest—his tattoos now extended to his chest and probably his shoulders, no longer just on his arms. "You need rest. Go to your room."

He sounded as if I were crazy, though his eyes and strained voice betrayed his desire.

I gripped his collar once again, this time harshly pressing him against the kitchen island. My entire body was against his—my breasts, stomach, and thighs. His muscles tensed, his body stiffened, and I could almost see his fists clenching at his sides.

He was trying so hard.... and it would only be a moment before he would be hard somewhere else...

"No, I don't need rest," I whispered, my eyes dark and intent as I gazed at him. I found him delicious, like a perfect meal. Being this close to him now, more than I had ever been in all those years of imagining him, felt incredible. His body heat, his scent, his gaze—it all made the idea of him taking me against this counter seem very appealing. "What I need is a good-looking, hot, sexy, and experienced man to fuck me. And you are the safest bet I see right now. So, FUCK. ME."

"You are out of your fucking mind, Poppet!" he exclaimed, using the nickname he had given me during his stay here. Hearing it again nearly made me lose control. I hadn't realized how much I missed hearing that name from him. It used to make me feel butterflies, and now it sounded sexy coming from a man like him, powerful, dominating and huge. It sent shivers down my body.

God, I never wanted anyone to take advantage of me, but now I did.

"No, I'm not," I managed to say, running the back of my fingers over his stubble, savoring the tickling sensation. I wondered how it would feel against my thighs. "I'm just straightforward about what I want and need. My mate cheated on me, and the best-looking men are at my club. But if the owner starts grinding on some random guy, it wouldn't reflect well on the place, would it? Besides, finding boys is easy, but finding a man... that's rare.  So here's the deal—you're my safest bet. If you fuck me, maybe I can get Ryan out of my system and avoid being just another heartbroken woman."

I pressed myself against him, the warmth of his chest melting against my own. His eyes flickered downward to my cleavage for an instant, drawn by instinct before he forcibly tore his gaze away, a flicker of discomfort crossing his features. With a deliberate swallow, he composed himself, before he cleared his throat.

"And what makes you think I'm the safest bet?" His tone was chastising, yet chillingly composed. It baffled me how he maintained such calm, regardless of circumstance—whether sad, angry, or in pain. "I'm your father's friend. And for fuck's sake, you're suggesting I should fuck his daughter because her despicable partner cheated on her? Get a grip and face the truth—there are more self-serving assholes in this world than you can think of, and Ryan proved to be one of them. You don't need another man to move on. Just remember what he did, and letting go will become easier."

"But it will be even more easier with another's man cock inside of me."

His jaw tightened at my words, his breath quickening. "And that other man wouldn't be me." It felt like he was trying to pierce holes in my resolve with his words, but I refused to back down. I fucking wanted it and I'd get it any cost.

"Why not? Am I not attractive enough? Too young?" I raised an eyebrow, my hands sliding to rest on his chest, feeling the solid muscles beneath his shirt, tempting me. "Do you prefer women in their 80s, with aching bodies, loose pussy and brittle bones?"

"What I prefer is none of your concern, but..." He grabbed my hands, though he didn't push me away. Despite my attempts to provoke him, he remained composed, in control. "I have no interest in being with a girl I've watched grow up. So, Aurora, don't. Jumping from one man to another won't solve anything. Time will pass, you'll—"

"I don't need your fucking advice, Jaxon," I snapped, pulling my hands from his grip, frustrated. "What I need is a distraction. Everyone has their own ways, and besides sex, alcohol is the only thing that can give me that, then so be it. Or would you prefer I drown myself in alcohol?"

"Poppet," he sighed in annoyance, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You've lost your way."

"Yes, now help me lose the rest by bending me over this counter and fuck me."

"I could practically be your father, Poppet. Can't you see that?" His tone was exasperated. "If I'd chosen a different path, I could have children your age. What are you thinking? Do you understand the consequences?"

"Firstly, no, you couldn't be my dad. By the time my dad adopted me, you still hadn't had any children for obvious reasons. Secondly, I've already told you what's on my mind. And thirdly, I know exactly what I'm asking for—I'm a woman with needs. I need a man who can satisfy me, no strings attached, no expectations, no pain—You don't have a mate, been single for years so you're the best option."

"Since you're using this as a reason," his voice dropped, low and dangerous, his dark eyes fixed on me. The tension in the room shifted, and I nearly took a step back, "What makes you think that there will be no pain?"

"There will be no strings attached, so no pain," I managed to say, though his low chuckle unsettled me.

"And what if I don't exactly treat women like a gentleman?" His chuckle deepened. "Would you still want me then?"

"I want you to fuck me, Jaxon. Not treat me like a queen and kiss my feet," I dared, stepping closer. "If you prefer to treat me like a whore, then so be it. Just give me what I want—fuck me so well that I forget Ryan ever existed."

He stared at me in silence, his clenched fists and tight jaw betraying his internal struggle. I wasn't naive; I could read a man's reaction. This closeness actually affected him despite the amount of self control he had. But I already knew, it wouldn't be that easy to break his restraints.

"Find someone your own age, Aurora," he said, turning to leave. "I'm not going to fuck my friend's daughter."

"I'm adopted, by the way," I yelled after him as he made his way out.

But he didn't respond. Moments later, the sound of his car speeding away filled the silence. I sighed in frustration, leaning against the counter.

That was a terrible failure...

I thought it would be easy, given how men had always eyed me. But this one? God, he was infuriating. A right pain. His self-control was intimidating, and breaking through those barriers would require considerable effort, if it was even possible.

As I headed out of the kitchen, presumably to drive off somewhere, I spotted my mum and dad walking inside the house through the front door. They hadn't been holed up in their room? They were out? Why?

"Where've you two been?" I asked, clocking them.

Mum started to reply, but then I saw Ryan strolling in behind them, and my body froze.

"We told him you weren't keen to see him, but he insisted," Dad said awkwardly.