Leo

  Contents

  Copyright

  Titles by Gemma James

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Up Next

  Also Available

  Playlist

  About the Author

  Leo

  Copyright © 2020 Gemma James

  Cover design by Gemma James

  All rights reserved.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  TITLES BY GEMMA JAMES

  The Zodiac Queen Series

  Aries (The Zodiac Queen #1)

  Taurus (The Zodiac Queen #2)

  Gemini (The Zodiac Queen #3)

  Cancer (The Zodiac Queen #4)

  Leo (The Zodiac Queen #5)

  Virgo (The Zodiac Queen #6)

  Libra (The Zodiac Queen #7)

  Scorpio (The Zodiac Queen #8)

  Sagittarius (The Zodiac Queen #9)

  Capricorn (The Zodiac Queen #10)

  Aquarius (The Zodiac Queen #11)

  Pisces (The Zodiac Queen #12)

  Condemned Series

  Torrent (Condemned #1)

  Rampant (Condemned #2)

  Fervent (Condemned #3)

  Vagrant (Condemned #4)

  Deviant (Condemned #5)

  Descent (Condemned #6)

  Devil’s Kiss Series

  The Devil’s Kiss (Devil’s Kiss #1)

  The Devil’s Claim (Devil’s Kiss #2)

  The Devil’s Wife (Devil’s Kiss #3)

  The Devil’s Spawn (Devil’s Kiss #4)

  Trashy Affair Series

  Trashy Foreplay (Trashy Affair #1)

  Trashy Conquest (Trashy Affair #2)

  Standalone Novels

  Epiphany

  Swallow Me Whole

  Chapter One

  July 23rd

  Click, click, click.

  Like the tempo of my red-sole pumps on the marble floor, my heart races to the same quick beat. Nerves have taken over my hands, leaving the palms sweaty. Too much adrenaline floods my veins. I’m worried I’m about to get sick, but I’m not sure if the roiling in my belly stems from the anal plug Vance inserted—a constant presence that borders on discomfort—or from the reality of who is waiting for me behind the heavy library door.

  I run my tongue over my bottom lip before grabbing the handle, but I stall. Impossibly, my heart seems to pump blood double-time. Why am I so nervous? Sebastian is no stranger. He’s touched me in ways no man ever has, save for one. But even the chancellor failed to do what the lion accomplished.

  Because Sebastian made me crazy in the head over him, and I’m not sure how to feel about spending an entire month under his rule. I won’t be under the protection of the House of Gemini this time, with two floors and a slew of obstacles providing a buffer. I’ll be in his house.

  In his bed.

  My ass is literally his now, and no amount of delaying will make the next few minutes easier to face. With a hard swallow, I turn the handle and push the door open. I can’t help but hold my breath—as if I expect him to pounce the instant he sees me.

  But the library is silent and still, the clock reading fifteen past noon, and Sebastian is nowhere in sight. I close the door before settling into a leather chair, all the while fighting the urge to squirm from the full sensation of the butt plug. The detour to the doctor’s exam room is the reason I’m late.

  But why is Sebastian?

  Unsure of what to do next, I wait, my fingers tapping the arm of the chair, legs crossed and foot swinging to a soundless beat as I watch the hands on the clock tick by in sadistic glee. Ten minutes later, Sebastian still hasn’t appeared. Disappointment slashes through my chest. I don’t know what I expected from him.

  Moody anger.

  Cocky seduction.

  Tender vulnerability.

  What I didn’t expect was for him to be a no-show.

  Unable to sit still any longer, I wander around the library and mentally scroll through my options. I can check his studio to see if he got held up with a client, but as soon as the thought enters my head, I discard it. The chance that he’s painting the portrait of a gorgeous woman is high, and I can’t stand another awkward confrontation like the first time I spied him working. I consider taking the elevator to his floor to see if he lost track of time, but my last two unannounced visits to the House of Leo didn’t go well.

  I’m about to take a seat again, prepared to settle in for who knows how long, when I spot a slip of paper sitting on the executive desk. There’s nothing out of the ordinary about that inconspicuous note, except that my name is on it. As I pick up the piece of paper, a cocktail of nervous anticipation burns through my stomach.

  Meet me in the gazebo.

  He signed it with his initials.

  My lips curve into a smile. He didn’t lose track of time or blow me off for a client. Mr. Sexy As Sin has something up his sleeve.

  I leave the circular walls of the Zodiac Estate on jittery limbs and head toward the gazebo. It’s in the opposite direction of the sea, at the back of the elaborate gardens. Following the path beyond the French doors that open into the ballroom, I eye the six-foot hedges cordoning off the gardens. There’s something intimidating about those walls of greenery, an unsettling sense of isolation after one ventures to the other side. For that reason, I’ve only explored the area once, preferring the openness of the cliffs.

  But now I grab hold of my courage and take the path less traveled. The gardens are as breathtaking as the sea, with their winding pathways made of stone and bright plant life inviting people to linger the day away during the warmer months.

  In the distance, I spot the gazebo. Each footfall takes me closer, causing my pulse to jackhammer as I approach the white stone pillars that make up the structure. It’s massive in design, an opulent space of seclusion in the thickening of elm trees. I climb the marble staircase, gaze roaming left and right in search of Sebastian. My heart drops, and just when I think he sent me on a wild goose chase, he steps out from behind a pillar by the entrance.

  His presence hits me harder than his absence did in the library, and I teeter on the last step as our eyes meet.

  “What took you so long?” he asks.

  Speaking will only mean stumbling over my words, so I don’t even try. Instead, I blink away my stupor and watch as he comes closer, his brows narrowing in understanding—as if he knows of my struggle. He grabs my hand and pulls me into the gazebo.

  Pulls me right into him.

  A yelp of surprise escapes me, but other than that, I don’t have time to react. He backs me into a pillar, the stone harsh and cold against my spine, and our lips collide. His hands are everywhere—in my hair, sliding over my bare shoulders, gripping my ass. Desperation and need fuel his actions, sending us both into a lustful fever, and I clutch his shirt as the taste of his kiss annihilates me.

  His arms feel like home, like belonging, and I don’t have the mind in this moment to feel guilty for the notion.

  “I was starting to think you ran for the hills,” he says, his hungry mouth trailing down my throat.

  “Sorry.” I try to catch my breath as he lingers at my collarbone. “Didn’t find your note at first.”

  “It’s okay. You’re here now.” He kisses his way to the top of my cleavage, and his thumb grazes my nipple. “In my arms where you fucking belong.”

  His declaration, his fervent touch…everything he says and does shakes the ground under my feet. The destruction leaves my world in a dizzying sense of chaos. He’s lighting me on fire, and I’m burning brighter than the sun. My chest heaves underneath his roaming hands, and when he palms my breast, I unravel, letting out a cross between a moan and a whimper that betrays me.

  “How long has it been?” he asks.

  “How long has what been?”

  “Since you got off.”

  I grab his scruffy cheeks. “I think you already know.”

  “If I knew, I wouldn’t be asking.”

  “The doctor honored the deal you made.”

  “Was there anyone else?” Something close to possessiveness strains his tone.

  “You were the last one, Sebastian.”

  “If I had my way, I’d be the only one.”

  “For the next month, you will be.”

  He inches back, his sea-blue gaze burrowing into me. “You’re mine now, princess.”

  A shudder tears through my limbs. I swallow hard, much too aware of the private setting that embodies the word tryst. “Why are we here?”

  “The library is crowded with history, don’t you think?”

  “I think the entire estate is.”

  “You’re not wrong.” He drags a thumb across my mouth, tempting my lips to part. “But I’ve always found this plac
e comforting. It’s quiet…secluded. No one comes back here much.” His attention wanders around the gazebo, and for the first time, I notice the zodiac chart carved into the marble floor. Ironically, we’re standing on the line between Cancer and Leo.

  “Did you and Lilith come here?”

  He frowns. “How about we leave the past where it belongs for now?”

  “The past won’t just go away. Lilith said as much at breakfast.”

  “Maybe not, but we can make it disappear for a while.”

  “How?”

  His gaze cuts to the gardens and the tower beyond. “What do you say we get the hell out of this place for a couple of days?” Stepping back, he holds out a hand.

  “What about dinner?”

  “Forget dinner. It’s not important.”

  I blink. “Are you serious?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Is blowing it off allowed?”

  “It’s my month, princess.” He grins. “We’ll call this little getaway my gift to you.” Enclosing my hand in his, he ushers me out of the gazebo and down a path I haven’t yet explored. We descend a steep staircase, clearing the cover of trees, and my eyes widen. Through the iron gate, a sleek black car idles on the road that winds down the hill on which the estate sits.

  “Wait,” I say, tightening my grip on his fingers.

  He glances at me over his shoulder, concern lining his gorgeous face. “You don’t trust me?”

  “It’s not that.” Embarrassment heats my cheeks as I let his hand slip from mine. “Vance did something.” I avert my gaze, and as he steps closer, his black and white sneakers come into view.

  “What did he do?”

  “He inserted an anal plug…to prepare me for…” I force my chin up. “I’m not sure when, or how, it should come out.”

  A ghost of a smile hovers on his lips. He closes the inches between us, his mouth lingering at my ear as he slides a palm down my spine. His caress taunts the warm, snug toy through my dress. “When we get to where we’re going, I’ll gladly take it out.”

  I let out a breath. “Okay.”

  “C’mon,” he says, his fingers entangling with mine once more.

  I follow Sebastian through the gate, and as we descend the final steps to the road, my brother appears from the vehicle. “Your getaway ride is ready.”

  “Did anyone see you leave?” Sebastian sends a cursory glance down the empty street.

  Landon shakes his head. “I don’t think so. No one will miss you until tonight.”

  Sebastian nods before gesturing for me to take the passenger seat. “I’ll be right there.”

  I settle in and watch them talk through the window. They end the brief exchange on a series of brotherly back pats, and then Sebastian slides behind the wheel.

  “Where are we going?” I ask.

  He shoots me a smirky grin as he puts the car into gear. “To make some new history.”

  Chapter Two

  I haven’t felt this free since my parents were alive. With the top down, wind in my hair, and Sebastian’s presence just inches away, I close my eyes and enjoy the ride. The island is bigger than I realized, and as he speeds along the highway at the opposite end of the estate, the ocean waves roaring in my ears, part of me wishes I’d explored this side of the island sooner, but I’m glad I’m seeing it for the first time with him.

  His hand settles over my knee, and I open my eyes to find his brilliant gaze on me. It’s only two seconds before he returns his attention to the road, but he steals my breath with that glance. Yearning pulls at me between the legs, the sweet tension hot and aching with need. I’m afraid to move or even breathe, because if he slides that hand up my thigh, I might die from wanting him.

  As if he knows what’s on my mind, he inches his fingers higher and slips them under the hem of my dress, giving my flesh a gentle squeeze. My breath quickens from his warm, possessive touch.

  “Are you hungry?” he asks.

  I shake my head, afraid to look at him. Afraid he’ll see how unhinged I am.

  Truth is, I’m only hungry for him.

  And he knows it. Muttering a curse heavenward, he presses on the gas pedal, and we lurch forward. All the while, his hand reaches higher until a finger disappears under the edge of my panties. Tilting my head back, I bite my lip to stifle a moan.

  It escapes anyway, and the verbal proof of my desire disappears in the wind as he finds out exactly how wet I am for him. My breasts rise and fall fast beneath the seatbelt, and though the sun beats a wave of heat onto us, I’m certain my cheeks flush hotter than the rosiest of sun-kissed skin.

  His attention remains fixed on the road, but he’s not impervious.

  Not even the slightest.

  Jawline rigid, he white-knuckles the steering wheel.

  “How much longer?” I ask, raising my voice an octave so he’ll hear me above the noise of the road.

  “A little impatient, are you?” His retort taunts me as he teases the length of my wet slit.

  “And you’re not?” I shoot back with attitude, despite it taking a massive amount of willpower to shove his hand away. I cross my legs and resist the urge to squirm. Damn him and his devious fingers.

  And damn Vance and his anal toy that’s making me achingly aware of what Sebastian plans to do.

  “Oh, I’m impatient,” he says with a grin. “But I’ve had plenty of practice at delayed gratification.”

  Great. I’ve had over a month of pent-up sexual tension building, and Sebastian decides now is the time to show off his impressive restraint. Letting out a breath of frustration, I force my gaze on the scenery. As we come down the rocky cliffs toward sea level, the sun arcs high in the sky, and there isn’t a cloud disturbing that vast cerulean canvas. It’s a beautiful day, with a hint of salt and serenity in the air. I’ve only felt this content a handful of times since I was a child.

  I peek at Sebastian again, unable to avert my attention for more than a few seconds. He’s difficult to ignore, when he’s sitting so close, his arm grazing mine every so often. Underneath his fiery hard shell, I sense the stillness in him, a modicum of peace settling in as freedom spans on the horizon. I’m not sure why, but something’s shifted between us. Maybe he needed to get away from that circular prison as much as I did.

  He tilts his head my way. “See something you want?”

  I startle to awareness, realizing how I’ve been staring for the past mile or so. His full lips twitch, threatening a cocky smile, and I remember the way they felt on mine—lustful, impatient, decadent. I’m dying to taste him again.

  “I was just thinking,” I say, still gawking at him. God, he’s beautiful.

  “About?”

  “Your mouth.”

  He raises a brow as the car slows. “A little elaboration would be nice.”

  “So would knowing where we’re going.”

  Making a right turn, he laughs. “Another minute and you’ll find out.” Slowing to a cautious speed, he navigates down a narrow drive. Tall trees offer privacy and shade as a storybook cottage comes into view. An arched door made of distressed wood provides the main focal point, surrounded by sandstone siding. The gabled roof is a steep pitch over the front door in an asymmetrical design, giving the place a fairytale feel. Behind the cottage, I spy the vastness of the sea.

  I look at Sebastian, brows arched in surprise. “Where are we?”

  “One of my family’s properties.” He shuts off the engine. “And before you ask, the answer is no.”

  “No?” I tilt my head, wondering what he thought I’d ask.

  “I’ve never brought Lilith here.”

  “Oh,” I mumble stupidly, my heart taking a tumble in my chest. I don’t know why that’s important, but something tells me it’s a significant admission.

  He pushes open the driver’s side door, and before he can round the hood, I slide out of my seat. Wordlessly, he takes my hand and leads me to the front entrance.

  “Wow, it’s beautiful.” The wooden door opens into the main living space, and though the exterior charms one into believing they’re entering a fairytale, the inside is cozy yet modern—a synchronous collision of sandstone flooring covered in throw rugs, seating areas of overstuffed furniture in muted shades of blue, and a prominent wall of windows facing the ocean.