Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban

THE clatter of dishes and shouting of staff in the kitchen was almost deafening. The chaos and cacophony were made that much greater in comparison to the calm, quiet atmosphere of the dining room just beyond the doors swinging behind the man dressed all in black. Surveying the white-clad figures and gleaming stainless steel, Sullivan Dunkel smiled. Dark Chocolate was an official success. Owning his own restaurant had been Sullivan’s dream since he was old enough to fix his first bowl of cereal. Tonight marked the one-year anniversary of the realization of that dream. As a young boy on the streets of urban Atlanta, he would never have guessed that the city would welcome his unique, upscale restaurant with open arms. It was generally held in fine-dining circles that the first year would either make or break a new restaurant. Sullivan wasn’t certain he had taken one deep breath in the past 365 days. The critics had blasted him for forgoing the lucrative Christmas season and opening with a gala invitation-only bash on New Year’s Eve, but as soon as they got a peek at the well-guarded interior and inventive menu, their criticisms had turned to praises: “Less flirty and more feisty” 2

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban and “Offers a meaty feast for the appetite and the eyes” were two of his favorite comments from recent reviews. Customers had lined up at his door in droves. Tonight, New Year’s Eve again, they were celebrating with a packed reservations-only crowd. Walking skillfully among the staff without impeding their progress, Sullivan sampled random dishes, patting shoulders and offering praise. No comment or touch he offered was false. If an employee received a commendation, he or she had earned it. Pushing through the doors at the opposite end of the kitchen, he entered the cooler corridor that led to the bathrooms and offices in one direction and the bar in the other. Making his way back toward the dining room by way of the bar, Sullivan collided with a group of chattering waitresses. “Did you see him?” “God, how could you miss that voice?” “I swear I melted into a steaming pile of goo.” “Fuck if Craig isn’t crowing over him being seated at his table. Bastard.” None of the excited women seemed to notice that their boss was standing dumbfounded in the middle of their group as they flowed around him as if he were a rock in a stream, completely unnoticed. “If you wouldn’t mind me asking,” he began in a controlled voice with just an edge of danger, one 3

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban amplified by his height, wide shoulders, and dark black skin, “exactly what has you all swarming and chattering like a gaggle of geese, and ignoring our customers?” If Sullivan expected that his question and deepest, disapproving tone would send them scattering back to their duties, he was mistaken. They turned on him like ants spying cake crumbs at a picnic, all talking at once, their excitement rising with each statement. “Quinn Lawrence is at table three.” “He’s here doing a limited run of A Streetcar Named Desire.” “It’s the New York cast.” “Did you see his eyes?” “Oh my God, it was like he could see right through me.” Sullivan stood, mouth hanging open, stunned as the women shifted seamlessly back into their own conversation, completely ignoring him and their jobs. He shook his bald head, his brows drawing together in confusion. He had specifically hired mature, level-headed, well-educated people at all levels to avoid this kind of giggling nonsense. Thank God Craig had the poor man’s table. He had served Brad Pitt two months ago and hadn’t even blinked. At that moment, Craig sailed into the hallway, flushed and out of breath. “Oh my God,” he squealed, hugging 4

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Marcy, who was closest to him. “How am I going to keep from drooling on his food?” So much for composure, Sullivan thought, throwing up his hands. On the verge of losing his temper, Sullivan spotted Sherri approaching. With gently guiding hands and a soft smile, she divided the gaggle, sending them all off to do their jobs. “How do you do that?” Sullivan asked his sister with an incredulous look. Turning the soothing smile on him, Sherri wrapped her hands around his arm, steering him toward the dining room. “It’s my job, Sully. You hired me because I’m good at it. I’m not going to tell you how I do it. Then you’d be able to get rid of me and train someone else to handle your staff. Now what has you so tense tonight, little brother? Not that you aren’t usually tense, but tonight I do believe you could bend steel,” she muttered, squeezing his clenched bicep through the expensive custom-tailored jacket and silk shirt. “I don’t know. Apparently someone named Quinn Lawrence has shown up and cast a spell on my staff. Tonight is not the night for this to happen,” Sullivan complained. “Quinn Lawrence? Is here? In Dark Chocolate? Tonight?” Sherri asked, her deep brown eyes bright.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban “Oh God, Sherri, not you too?” Sullivan looked like he was about to panic. “Who in the fuck is this guy?” “Oh Sully, don’t be stupid. Have you ever known me to lose my head?” Sullivan shook his head. “Good. Quit panicking, okay? If you’d ever stick your head outside this restaurant, you’d know who Quinn Lawrence is. He’s been in three or four major Broadway shows the past couple years, and even a couple movies.” Sherri emphasized her words by poking her brother’s shoulder with her finger. The pair paused at the archway between the bar and the main dining room. “There he is, right there.” Sherri nodded discreetly toward an elegant blond man dressed impeccably in a black suit and dark shirt. One hand was comfortably holding a glass of neat whisky and he was gesturing with it as he talked. Sullivan nodded slowly, his black eyes riveted on the man across the room. “They said he was here to do A Streetcar Named Desire.” “That’s what I heard. He’s the real deal: stage, movies, TV. He’s not just a pretty face.” Sherri gently propelled Sullivan into the dining room before checking the hang of her colorful sari against her dark brown skin. “Go make sure everyone is happy. I’m going to make a circuit through the back.” Sullivan continued to examine the man that had singlehandedly disrupted his precisely run business. He wanted to 6

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban glare at him, but instead he found himself fascinated by the way the cloth of the man’s jacket pulled tight over his toned body. The blond directed the conversation at the table like an experienced conductor. Everything about the man was alluring. The table broke into raucous laughter on cue and the actor leaned casually against the back of the booth he was standing beside, a satisfied smile curling the corners of his mouth. Looking up, his eyes caught Sullivan’s and he stilled, the amused look being replaced by more than a casual perusal. Seconds ticked past, neither man breaking the link between their eyes. Sullivan, glad his dark skin didn’t show blushes, moved first, tearing his glance away to focus on the table nearest him. With a smile and jovial greeting, he heartily patted the shoulder of the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback. Even though his back was facing the intriguing actor, Sullivan could feel his unrepentant appraisal. With an involuntary shiver, Sullivan forced his mind to focus. His single-minded determination had gotten him this far in a cut-throat business. It could get him through the night.

IT was close to three in the morning when the last customers were seated. The holiday evening was far from over, despite the hour. The kitchen was scheduled to prepare food until five, but it would probably be closer to seven. The 7

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban atmosphere of the dining room had subtly shifted as the serious party-hoppers moved on. Most of the remaining patrons were regular customers, tables that had finished their meals and were just staying to enjoy the ambiance. More comfortable with the remaining crowd and pushing twenty-four hours at the restaurant, Sullivan had lost his jacket and tie. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled back, revealing muscled forearms that belied the amount of time Sullivan hid inside Dark Chocolate. If it weren’t for his trips to the gym, he’d likely be a skeleton, with his fast metabolism. A burst of laughter came from the direction of Quinn Lawrence’s table. Sullivan had expected the theater group to be one of the ones that would move on to see and be seen at some of the more high-profile parties planned around town. He had a strict “no press” rule at Dark Chocolate that included all forms of camera equipment. What the restaurant lost in publicity, it gained back in devoted customers from all levels of society who could count on an uninterrupted dinner and complete discretion from the staff. Walking toward the bar, Sullivan snagged the everpresent mug of coffee the bartender kept fresh for him and headed down the hallway toward his office. A sonorous voice stopped him with a question. “May I ask you something?”

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Even before he turned, Sullivan knew the owner of that voice. He’d heard it dance at the fringe of his awareness all night. Sullivan rotated to see the actor leaning casually against the wall. “Of course, sir,” Sullivan answered, hiding his loss of composure behind stoic professionalism. “How may we help you?” One side of Quinn’s mouth quirked up into a lazy grin. “We?” “The staff of Dark Chocolate,” Sullivan clarified, as he tried not to look at the other man too closely. His light golden looks were very attractive to the restaurateur. “Ahh….” Quinn nodded like that explained everything. Pushing away from the wall, he prowled toward the restaurateur. Stopping well within Sullivan’s personal space, he pulled out a cigarette, lifting it to his lips and leaving it there while he searched his pockets for his lighter. The actor had divested himself of his jacket sometime during the evening. Sullivan had been assiduously avoiding staring at the blond man all night, something his eyes seemed intent on correcting now that they had the chance. Guessing the missing lighter was probably sitting snugly in the pocket of Quinn’s jacket, Sullivan reached into his own pants pocket and offered the other man his own. “You’re a godsend.” Quinn sighed in his relief. 9

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Somehow the little bit of tiredness made the man not only more human but a hundred times more desirable. Fuck. Sullivan shook his head in self-recrimination. He was as bad as the waitresses, but he still didn’t remind Quinn that the restaurant was a no-smoking establishment. Quinn’s voice resonated in Sullivan’s ear like a purring kitten. “This is quite a restaurant you’ve got here.” “Thank you. I’ve worked hard to make it special,” Sullivan acknowledged, silently pleased that Quinn had taken the time to find out he owned the place and wasn’t merely the manager. “It shows. This place has an elegance that matches yours.” Quinn leaned a shoulder against the wall again, crossing one foot over the other. His hands sunk into his trouser pockets, pulling at the fabric and clearly outlining a significant endowment. Sullivan swallowed, his eyes nervously skittering away from Quinn’s crotch. “Thank you again.” He shifted restlessly, wanting to escape, but not wanting to offend a customer. Quinn Lawrence did strange things to his insides, and Sullivan was not entirely comfortable with the result. It had been a long time since he had felt such an immediate visceral reaction to someone. He had forgotten how it made you feel uneasy in your own skin. “How’d you come up with the name?” Quinn asked, sounding genuinely interested. 10

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban “The idea came to me in the shower actually. It’s a play on my name, Sullivan Dunkel. Dunkel means dark in German.” Quinn smiled slowly, and it put an erotic picture in Sullivan’s head. His gut was screaming that he needed to learn more about the handsome man standing in front of him, because this attraction just wasn’t going to go away unless the man did. General wisdom might be that you should know someone well before you fuck him, but Sullivan’s experience had taught him to trust his gut. “That coffee smells great. You got more of it around here somewhere?” Quinn asked as he smoked his cigarette. Sullivan looked down at the cup in his hand like he was just remembering it was there. “Ah, yes, of course. Would you like me to have it sent to your table?” “No. I was thinking more about your office,” Quinn answered smoothly, straightening and walking past Sullivan and through the door marked “Private.” Cursing under his breath at the same time his pulse doubled, Sullivan followed the actor. That seemed like a pretty damn clear signal. Quinn’s back was to the door as he examined the pictures on the wall. Sullivan crossed to the desk, cracking the seal on the carafe sitting on his desk and filling one of the mugs next to it. He silently blessed his efficient staff as aromatic steam wafted up from the large mug. “Do you take anything in it?” 11

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Quinn turned, reaching out for the mug. “Black’s wonderful. I prefer my cream other ways.” He paused, green eyes twinkling. Seeing Sullivan’s discomfiture, he continued. “I sampled your crème brûlée tonight. It was sublime.” It had been a while since he’d participated in any serious flirting, but Sullivan still recognized it. Did it make him uncomfortable? Yes. Was it causing erratic fluctuations in his pulse? Yes. Did he want to take the gorgeous actor up on what he seemed to be offering? Oh fucking hell, yes! Moving closer than necessary, Sullivan allowed his fingers to linger around the warm cup as he passed it to Quinn. “It’s nice to know you have a discriminating palate. I’m picky about the mouths I indulge with my creations.” Quinn’s sapphire eyes glowed with mischievous delight and the golden flame of desire. They held a steady gaze, probing Sullivan’s black ones for a mutual understanding of where this was heading. Apparently finding what he was seeking, the blond began to lean forward slowly, giving the dark man plenty of time to retreat. When Sullivan didn’t move, Quinn cupped his face with both hands and kissed him. His tongue was hot, hard, insistent. He took immediate control of the kiss, his every touch focused on incinerating Sullivan where he stood. Methodically he worked his way down Sullivan’s neck, pulling the shirt out of the way to nibble on his collarbone and letting his fingers magically free the buttons down the 12

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban front of his shirt. He had no intention of giving Sullivan a moment to reconsider their direction. Unerringly, his mouth and teeth closed over the peaked tip of a brown nipple, only a shade darker than the smooth ebony skin surrounding it. Sullivan’s knees buckled and he stumbled toward the desk, gripping the edge for support. How had this gotten out of control so damn fast? His eyes focused on the mug of coffee he had just poured for Quinn, sitting innocently on the desk. On the verge of his consciousness, he remembered that they were in his office at the restaurant and the door wasn’t even locked. Most of his employees knocked first, but several of his most-trusted just tapped on their way in. He wound his hands into the thick blond hair, intending to call a halt to this insanity when Quinn dropped to his knees, weaving a path of open-mouthed kisses from the dark nipples down his hairless chest to the impression of Sullivan’s belly button. Sullivan wondered briefly if anticipation could drive you insane. The fingers poised to stop Quinn sunk deeper into the soft hair and pulled his tantalizing lips even closer. Quinn smiled against the firm abdomen under the waistband of Sullivan’s trousers. One hand slid up the expensive material, skimming the hard muscles of Sullivan’s calf and thigh until it settled with a squeeze over the hard ridge of the black man’s erection. The bald head tipped back with a raspy curse. “Fucking hell, Quinn. You’re gonna kill me.”

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Quinn defeated the belt, buttons, and zipper of Sullivan’s pants with the same ease as the buttons on his shirt. Sullivan’s thick, leaking shaft sprang forward, happy to be free of the confining cloth, but he ignored it for the moment. Sliding his hands inside the opening, Quinn gripped Sullivan’s hips, grasping his buttocks and pulling him closer to the edge of the desk, closer to the edge of orgasm. His lips grazed the tip of Sullivan’s cock. Sullivan couldn’t stop himself from crying out and tangling his fingers tighter in the silky, golden hair. It was either that or break his fingers from clutching the mahogany desk too tightly. Quinn didn’t take him in his mouth right away. Instead he sat slightly back, cupping Sullivan’s balls, stroking his length until he was groaning and throbbing for the actor’s touch. The blond kept his eyes fixed on Sullivan’s cock, as if fascinated with the deep, dark color of it, even swollen and hard. When he took a tentative taste, followed by a long lick from hilt to tip, Sullivan wondered if he had ever felt a sensation so intense before. The thought flew away the minute Quinn took him completely into his mouth, his hands still working their magic on his balls, his tongue and teeth sending him into a tumultuous descent of spinning need, whirling desire. Sullivan’s first thought was, Damn, I want this. Followed quickly by, Shit, I want him as much as everybody else. 14

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban And then, Oh hell, I want to come. Fuckin’ hell, need to come! “Gonna come,” Sullivan ground out, his body curling with the intensity of the pull from his groin. And when he did, Quinn swallowed every drop, soothing him back down with soft kisses and light strokes. Sullivan cradled Quinn’s head against his still-trembling body, losing what was left of himself in the texture of Quinn’s hair as it ran through his fingers. A sudden knock on the door intruded harshly, causing both men to jump guiltily. “Fuck,” Sullivan cursed, trying to stand and pulling at his clothing. “Sully? You all right?” Sherri called from the hall. “Yeah, yeah, Sherri. I’m fine. Just drifted off for a bit. Sorry.” Sullivan pushed Quinn in mock irritation as the older man interfered as he tried to straighten his pants. “O… okay.” Sullivan could tell from the tone of her voice that she wasn’t buying this for a minute. His sister always seemed to know all his secrets. Her suspicions probably explained why she had knocked and was still standing out in the hall.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban “People are beginning to really clear out. Several tables are hanging out to say ‘Happy New Year’ to you,” she added. “I’ll be right there.” Sullivan glared at Quinn who was busily unbuttoning every button he fastened. “Will you quit that?!” he whispered harshly. Quinn smirked, standing, and then shrugged. “What can I say? I like you better naked. All those yards and yards of gorgeous dark skin. Such a contrast to my own. Kind of like white and dark chocolate.” He winked. Sullivan groaned, pressing a firm kiss to Quinn’s lips and almost letting the actor lure him back into the intoxicating, lust-filled bubble they’d been inhabiting. “No!” He pushed away resolutely. “I’ve got to go back out there and help Sherri close up. And I’m sure your friends think you’ve been abducted by aliens,” he added as an afterthought. In truth, he hadn’t thought about anybody but Quinn since they’d stepped into his office. The man was more than a little mesmerizing. “So meet me when you’re done,” Quinn suggested, resignedly beginning to straighten his own clothing. “Come to my hotel.” “Tonight? Er… this morning?” “Yeah. As soon as you’re done.” Quinn’s clear blue eyes showed Sullivan he was serious.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban “I’m so tired what I really need to do is sleep,” Sullivan evaded. “So? You need a bed to sleep. I’ve got one of those.” The teasing, playful tone was back in Quinn’s voice and completely irresistible. “Okay,” Sullivan promised, silently cursing. What was he getting himself into? Quinn’s smile melted away all doubts and reservations. “Good. Room eighteen thirty-six at the Ritz-Carlton.

SULLIVAN stood on the sidewalk outside the hotel, looking up at the elegant building. Sherri had dropped him off. The sky was completely light now. She hadn’t asked one probing question, and he hadn’t offered any information. He knew that he’d get grilled later, but hopefully by then he’d have gotten some sleep and would be up to mentally dueling with her. Before he could change his mind, he entered the hotel lobby and strode purposefully toward the elevators. The doors to an empty car slid open silently as he approached, causing him to look around for a hidden electronic eye. Entering the elevator, he stabbed at the button for the eighteenth floor, keeping his eyes riveted on the floor. He didn’t want to see his reflection in the brightly polished 17

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban metal. If he did, he was bound to ask himself, What in the fuck do you think you are doing? The satiated bliss of several hours earlier had dissipated and in its place had formed recriminations. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on perspective, his body was demanding more and his honor was screaming about returning the pleasure the actor had so unselfishly given. So the chant had started in his head: Don’t think. Feel. Only a few more seconds. Don’t think. Feel. A melodious ping announced his arrival. The doors opened and Sullivan stepped out onto the well-padded carpet. The décor was elegant and nondescript in a way only fine hotels and high-quality offices seem to achieve. Walking down the hall, scanning numbers, Sullivan continued to chant Don’t think. Feel. 1836. Fuck. Sullivan stood immobile, staring at the door. He stooped to pick up the paper lying in front of the door, and squaring his shoulders, knocked. Quinn opened the door and Sullivan no longer had to tell himself to feel. Holy mother of God. The blond stood framed by the morning light, one hand gripping the door a little above shoulder level, the position of his arm flexing the muscles in his upper body. Sullivan swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Real cool, Dunkel. Drool all over the man, why don’t cha? 18

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Quinn had obviously gotten comfortable when he got back to his room. His dark tailored slacks fell in folds to the top of bare feet and his shirt hung untucked and open from his shoulders. The toned, tanned chest was covered with a smattering of almost white-blond hair and a leather thong holding a carved amulet of some kind hung from his neck. It looked like ivory or bone and Sullivan bet it would be warm to the touch. His hands clenched at his sides to keep from reaching out to stroke it. A quick glance at the still pristinely turned-down bed told Sullivan he hadn’t been to sleep. When his eyes returned to Quinn, a sly smirk told him that his furtive gaze had been followed. Quinn’s voice, rough from lack of sleep, too many cigarettes, and talking over a crowd all night curled into his ear. “I was wondering if you were going to stand me up.” Sullivan shook his head. “It always takes longer to close up than even I think it should, and I’ve been doing it for a year.” “Come in.” Quinn stepped back, inviting Sullivan into the room. He didn’t move quite as far back as Sullivan had anticipated, and his shoulder brushed the golden chest as he passed, causing a static-electric reaction to sizzle through him. Swallowing audibly, Sullivan handed Quinn the paper in his hands. “This was in the hallway.” 19

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban The blond tossed the paper carelessly toward the executive desk provided by the hotel. It missed by a good two feet, scattering on the floor. “I’m not much interested in anything outside this room now that I’ve got you here,” he growled, moving even closer. Sullivan took a step back, instinctively retreating from the predatory look in Quinn’s eyes. Heat suffused his body as he remembered those hungry green eyes looking up at him from between his thighs, and he changed direction, moving forward instead. The unanticipated change caused their bodies to collide forcefully. The extra energy seemed to spill into their kiss as Sullivan cupped the back of Quinn’s head, crushing his lips to the actor’s. Quinn tasted of coffee, scotch, and cigarettes. Pulling back slightly, Sullivan licked at Quinn’s lips, and asked, “Got any of that cream for my coffee?” Quinn smiled coyly. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that you shouldn’t pump your system full of sugar just before bed?” Sullivan raised one incredulous eyebrow. “Well you did say you needed to sleep,” Quinn replied innocently, eyes wide. “If you bat your eyelashes at me, I’ll put you over my knee,” Sullivan growled.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban “Not exactly a disincentive,” Quinn laughed. “You do look exhausted. I’ve been up all night, too. We could draw the curtains and nap for a bit,” he offered seriously. Sullivan stepped toward Quinn, causing the other man to step back to keep his balance. “I have every intention of using that bed….” He took another step. “So hard…,” another step, “that we may have to pay to replace it.” The back of Quinn’s legs hit the mattress and with a quick shove, he was falling backward. Sullivan crawled over him, pressing him down into the bed. “But when we’re done, I’ll take you up on that nap.” Quinn’s legs were still bent over the side of the bed. Sullivan straddled his thighs, running his hands over the bare chest framed by the open, silk shirt. “Fuck, you’re gorgeous,” he muttered, mostly to himself. Quinn’s hands quickly started on Sullivan’s shirt, pulling it out of his pants and tugging at the buttons. Sullivan laughed, brushing Quinn’s hands out of the way and unbuttoning his own shirt. “You were better at that earlier,” Sullivan teased. Quinn’s eyes darkened. “I didn’t have you in my bed, riding my body. It’s a bit distracting.” Sullivan moaned at the heavy roll of Quinn’s words. Fuck, if that voice got thicker with desire, he wasn’t going to make it to actually having sex; the man was going to talk 21

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban him to orgasm. Rocking forward, he rolled the hard length of his cock into Quinn’s, who hissed and arched up into the pressure. “Ah hell, feels amazing,” Quinn gasped. “Yeah,” Sullivan agreed, planting his hands on either side of Quinn’s head and grinding into him. Again and again. The rhythm getting faster and harder. “Ah fuck!” Sullivan cried, his head dropping back. He pushed his hips forward hard, maintaining the delicious pressure, but denying himself the movement so he could gather his control. “Clothes. Gone. Now,” Sullivan snapped when he was capable of speech again. Rolling off of Quinn, he quickly stripped himself, stretching out on the bed with one arm bent under his head. Quinn followed more leisurely, taking the time to watch Sullivan before dropping his hands to his own trousers. With a heavy clunk that told Sullivan he hadn’t emptied his pockets, they fell to the floor as soon as they were unfastened. Quinn’s hand reached for his shirt, but Sullivan stopped him. “Toss it here,” he requested throatily. At Quinn’s curious look, he added, “Please.” Quinn tossed him the shirt. Catching it with one hand, Sullivan buried his nose in the warm, scented silk as Quinn crawled onto the bed, running his hands over every inch of 22

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Sullivan’s skin he could reach. Kneeling to the side, Quinn began to sample and taste: a contracted nipple, a protruding hip bone, the line of muscle running diagonally from waist to pubic bone. Sullivan arched into the touches, the shirt falling unnoticed from his fingers to the floor. He tried to relax and just enjoy the feeling of Quinn’s lips on his body, but with every touch, his body wound tighter until he was writhing and pulling at the sheets until they came loose in his hands. “God, Quinn, stop,” he panted. “I can’t….” Quinn murmured his dissent against the inside of Sullivan’s thigh, the vibrations sending a shudder through the tall frame. Licking the sweet, musky crevice at the top of the long, tanned length of Sullivan’s leg, Quinn nuzzled the nest of wiry hair, his cheeks brushing against the sensitive sac hanging taut between the widespread legs. Carefully, he sucked each of the tender globes into his mouth, using his tongue to tease at the spot beneath them, just out of sight. Lying flat on his stomach, he spread Sullivan even wider, probing his tongue between the tight cheeks. Sullivan gasped, his hips rocketing off the bed as Quinn’s tongue brushed his entrance. A hungry whimper escaped before he could bite it back. The left side of his brain wanted him to pull away or at least protest, but the right side was still chanting Don’t think. Feel.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban What the fuck? Sullivan thought. He lives a thousand miles away. If I embarrass myself, I never have to see him again. With a wanton look, Sullivan rolled onto his stomach. “More.” The single word held more power than a stream of pleading, and he felt his balls draw up tight to his body as Quinn crawled closer to his body. Spreading the richly colored cheeks, Quinn took a quick bite of the meaty curve. Before Sullivan could pull away, Quinn’s tongue tasted his tight opening and he was pushing back instead. “Like that, do you?” Quinn chuckled, sealing his lips around the puckered flesh and sucking. “Gumph….” Sullivan buried his head in a pillow to stifle his cries. Quinn pulled at the corner of the pillow, tossing it to the floor as his tongue continued to lap and probe. “Want to hear you. Want to make you scream.” Sullivan moaned, rocking back and forth with the thrusts of Quinn’s tongue, his cock dragging against the rough surface of the woven blanket. “Fuck, Quinn….” “That’s it. Show me you want it.” “God, yes. Fuck me!” Sullivan yelled. Quinn thrust his tongue as deep as he could, fucking Sullivan’s hole until his ass and thighs were wet with his 24

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban efforts. Every time he thought he couldn’t go on, Sullivan would make a low depraved noise that Quinn just had to hear again. Quinn pulled back slightly and slipped a finger easily into the stretched opening, moaning when the tight muscle clenched around it. When the pressure let up, he curled it with dead-on accuracy, stroking Sullivan’s prostate lightly. He wanted to tease, not make him come. “Need… I need….” Sullivan tried to find his voice, but with every crook of Quinn’s finger all rational thought fled. “I know what you need. You need my cock stroking you right like this.” Quinn’s finger dragged slowly over the sensitive gland, causing Sullivan’s thighs to tremble. “Tell me you want it, and I’ll give you all I’ve got. Make you come so hard,” he promised. Sullivan’s nipples pulled into tighter buds until it was almost painful, his balls drawn close to his body and his cock lying in a wet spot on the bed. “Fuck me, Quinn. Please….” Sullivan’s pleas were cut short by two additional fingers joining the first and twisting. “Ahhh… fuck, yes…. Now, Quinn. Put your fucking cock in me now!” Sullivan ordered, pushing back onto the fingers, one hand tangled in the bedspread as he rocked back and forth on his knees. Quinn reached for the condoms and lube he had laid out, sloppily coated himself and pushed into the still-tight 25

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban channel with a series of steady thrusts. He was sheathed about halfway when Sullivan let out an abandoned groan and slammed backward, impaling himself. “Yes!” both men cried. Quinn’s fingers dug into Sullivan’s hips. He set a brutal pace, slamming so hard into Sullivan that their skin slapped together like obscene applause. There was no holding back. Quinn curled down over Sullivan’s back, biting into the fleshy part of his shoulder, marking the black skin with white indentations. “Touch your cock for me,” Quinn whispered next to Sullivan’s ear. “I want to feel you come so hard you see stars.” The touch was almost superfluous. Sullivan’s hand circled his cock, but he was coming before he’d made even one full stroke. The muscles surrounding Quinn tightened and clenched, increasing every sensation and triggering his release. “Fuck,” he growled, burying his face in Sullivan’s neck. Hot and sweaty, they both collapsed forward onto the disheveled sheets, skin sticking together like yin and yang, chests rising rapidly and pulses pounding in their ears. Neither of them seemed to notice. When he’d caught his breath, Quinn whispered against Sullivan’s still damp skin, “Happy New Year.”

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Sullivan shifted lethargically. “You know, around here, they say whatever you do on New Year’s Day is what you’ll be doing all year long.” “Really?” Quinn asked, quirking an intrigued eyebrow at Sullivan. “I think I could learn to like a tradition like that one.” “Yeah, Southerners use it as an excuse for making big pots of ham and black-eyed peas.” Quinn braced himself over Sullivan’s body, licking a broad swipe from groin to nipple, where he paused to suck enthusiastically at the tightening bud. With a playful nip, he drawled, “I think I can find something better to consume.” “Oh?” Sullivan asked. “Do share. Maybe we could add it to the menu at Dark Chocolate.” Quinn growled playfully, pulling Sullivan completely under him and pinning him with the weight of his body as he buried his face against his neck, continuing to nibble. “You don’t know me very well, yet, but I’m afraid sharing isn’t my strong suit.” Sullivan shivered as his new lover grazed a particularly sensitive patch behind his ear. “Don’t worry. That suits me just fine.”

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban QUINN watched as Sullivan made his way across the empty dining room of Dark Chocolate, a tray on his shoulder. Fuck, the man is gorgeous. His ebony skin was rich and warm, just like the name of his restaurant, and Quinn couldn’t get enough of the feel of it or Sullivan’s spicy scent. He’d thought Sullivan looked good last night, dressed elegantly in his deep plum-colored suit, but today dressed in pale blue jeans and a red shirt open halfway down his chest, sleeves rolled back to reveal strong forearms, he was fucking edible. Not that Quinn had any room left after all the food Sullivan had served. They had woken up in his hotel room late in the afternoon. Quinn had done his best to lure Sullivan into the shower with him, but the stubborn man had insisted on going back to his apartment to shower and change, saying that bathing didn’t do any good if he had to put last night’s clothes back on. From there, they had driven back downtown to Dark Chocolate so Sullivan could cook for him. Quinn had suggested they go back to the hotel and just order room service, but now that he’d sampled Sullivan’s cooking, he was very glad the other man hadn’t listened to him. Sullivan swirled the tray he was carrying from his shoulder to the table and efficiently placed a plate of fruit, cake, and other sweets in front of Quinn. A ceramic pot of melted chocolate followed. “What’s this?” Quinn asked, blinking in interest.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban “Chocolate orgasm,” Sullivan replied with a smirk, pouring a pitcher of flaming brandy into the chocolate and stirring before sliding into the booth beside Quinn and picking up a long fork. “Open up.” Quinn’s eyes narrowed. “The only thing I want in my mouth is you.” “Believe me, it’s worth it…,” Sullivan taunted, spearing a strawberry on the long fork and dredging it through the rich melted chocolate. Then he lifted the glistening piece of fruit to Quinn’s lips. Obediently, Quinn opened his mouth, his tongue slipping out to catch the dripping chocolate as his mouth closed around the fruit. A sound of pure bliss rumbled from his throat as his eyes drifted closed. His fingers dug into the muscles of Sullivan’s thigh to anchor himself. Sullivan chuckled, dark and low, pulling the fork back with a grin, tilting his head as he watched the other man enjoy the chocolate. “Yeah?” he asked, choosing a small chunk of brownie next, spearing it solidly. Quinn’s eye flickered open. “Holy shit, what is that stuff?” “Told you, chocolate orgasm. Specialty of the house,” Sullivan repeated, grinning as he dunked the brownie in the melted sauce and slid the morsel between his lips, sighing

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban happily. With his other hand he offered Quinn one of the long forks. “Help yourself,” he said. His light eyes darkening with want, the blond leaned close. “I think I like it better when you feed me.” Sullivan’s tongue darted out to moisten his lower lip. He stabbed a banana slice this time, dipping it in the chocolate and raising it to Quinn’s lips, watching avidly. Quinn put a hand against Sullivan’s chest and opened his mouth for the treat, this time keeping his eyes on his new lover as he savored the taste. Taking the fork from Sullivan’s hand, he speared a marshmallow and swirled it through the chocolate. Plucking it from the fork, he lifted it to Sullivan’s lips with his fingers. He wanted to see those thick lips smeared with chocolate so he could lick it off. Nipping the marshmallow away, Sullivan reached to grasp Quinn’s hand, holding it close while he slowly licked the chocolate from tapered fingers. He moaned happily. “This is the stuff,” he murmured, sliding his tongue over the pad of Quinn’s thumb. Quinn leaned close, licking at drops of chocolate on Sullivan’s lips. “Oh, I don’t know…,” he drawled. “I can think of some things that would taste even better covered in chocolate.” Nimble fingers unfastened the buttons of Sullivan’s shirt to his waist.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Raising one brow, Sullivan snickered. “Ah, this stuff’s pretty hot,” he cautioned, unable to stop his grin as Quinn pushed his shirt off. Quinn’s eyes raked over Sullivan’s chest and wide face, silently agreeing. Using a spoon to lift some of the thick chocolate from the pot, he laid it on a small dish, picking up a cut strawberry and rubbing the ripe fruit over one of Sullivan’s nipples. Sullivan’s eyes fluttered shut as the first cool chill of fruit was slathered over his skin. He groaned, sliding his free hand to Quinn’s shoulder, moaning in a pout when Quinn pulled away. Quinn lifted the spoon of chocolate and dipped his finger in the warm sauce and brushed it over both nipples, blowing against them to cool the chocolate even further before lapping it off with his tongue. “Now that’s the way to eat chocolate-covered strawberries,” Quinn purred. “Aww hell,” Sullivan swore, his head falling back against the leather booth. Quinn pulled one of Sullivan’s long legs up until his foot rested on the seat, knee bent, body facing him. “Now let’s see….” He rubbed his hands together. “Never had chocolatecovered plums before. Wonder where to start.” Sullivan chuckled. “I think we need more room.” Bracing his foot against the table, he pushed it out from the horseshoe-shaped booth slowly. “Wouldn’t want to spill the chocolate.” 31

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban “Oh, no. I’ve got plans for every last drop.” Quinn slipped to his knees, loosening Sullivan’s jeans and pulling them down. Strong hands ran up the muscular legs from ankle to hip, his thumbs teasing the tender patch of skin to either side of the cock lying hard and swollen against the dark stomach. Reaching behind him, the blond grabbed the small plate of fruit. Bananas and strawberries were crushed against Sullivan’s fat cock. Quinn’s fingers dipped into the dark chocolate, painting swirls and stripes on Sullivan’s erection, balls, thighs, and stomach, the chocolate mixing with the fruit juice and creamy liquid leaking steadily from the thick knob. Sitting back on his heels, Quinn admired his erotic masterpiece, barely holding on to the last shreds of his selfcontrol. “You look good enough to eat.” “So eat me already,” Sullivan rasped as he shivered. Sullivan was falling apart under his touch and Quinn loved it. He was certain that the other man was never not in control—especially here in the restaurant. Leaning forward, he licked a long swipe up the underside of the sweet length, touching him nowhere else. Sullivan’s hips arched up off the burgundy leather and a deep rumbling moan slipped from between his lips. “Like that, lover?” Quinn asked, his tongue seeking and cleaning every last drop of sweetness from Sullivan’s skin, leaving the chocolate-painted head of his cock for last. 32

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban “Fuck, yeah.” Sullivan’s fingers sunk deep into Quinn’s hair, cradling his head, encouraging, guiding, and even forcing Quinn to take more and more of him into his mouth. “Jesus….” Quinn pulled back again, his tongue flickering against the smooth head. “Bittersweet chocolate is my favorite.” “Quinn, fuck me. Holy hell, please…,” Sullivan wailed. “Not yet,” Quinn soothed, curling a hand around Sullivan’s hip and flipping him over. “I’m not. Quite. Done. With you. Yet.” Every word was emphasized with a nip on Sullivan’s ass. Mumbling incoherently, Sullivan pushed back into the touch. “More. Harder. Fuck!” Quinn’s tongue circled the tight ring of puckered flesh, just the tip of his finger slipping inside. “Is this where you want me, Sullivan?” Quinn asked. “God. Yeah. Yessss….” Sullivan’s head fell forward with a thunk on his crossed arms. Quinn reached for the chocolate again, and Sullivan’s hand caught his wrist. “No. Please. Too close.” “Never too close. Come for me, baby. Fuck my hand while I tongue-fuck your hole. Come for me, so I can have my chocolate cream,” Quinn ordered before lowering his mouth to the musky cleft. 33

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Sullivan wailed again as his body let go, sending streams of creamy white spattering over the dark leather. His volume decreased in proportion to the intensity of his aftershocks until he was humming with occasional little yelps as Quinn’s tongue continued to work his body. Turning his lover over gently, Quinn sat on the padded seat and pulled Sullivan into his lap. Sullivan briefly wondered when his lover had stripped off his own clothes but then a full, thick cock was pushing against his opening. Stretching. Breeching. And all rational thought fled. Quinn fucked him with slow, even strokes. He coated Sullivan’s nipples, shoulders, and neck with random smears of chocolate and then sucked them clean, purring the entire time. He cupped Sullivan’s ass, holding him open and pushing in deeper and deeper, sure he had never claimed anyone more thoroughly. As it went on and on, Sullivan’s body responded to the erotic torture, and his cock started leaving wet trails across their abdomens as it bounced between their bodies. Bending his legs so that his feet rested on the seat, Sullivan grabbed the back of the heavy booth on either side of Quinn’s shoulders. Flexing his leg muscles, he rose until he could feel just the head of Quinn’s cock still inside him and then dropped, impaling himself hard and fast.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban “Fuck!” Quinn screamed, arching up, his fingers gripping Sullivan’s hips so hard he was sure to have invisible bruises. “Sullivan!” Sullivan repeated the motion, his head falling forward, his teeth biting into the flesh of Quinn’s shoulder. Again. Again. Until they were both gasping and cursing. “Yeah, baby.” “God, right there.” “Again. Arhhh…. Fuck!” “So good. So tight. So fucking, fucking perfect.” “Fuck me! Harder!” Quinn slammed his hips up, bouncing Sullivan on his cock like a mechanical bull. “Gonna come!” Quinn warned, his hand circling Sullivan’s shaft, not to stimulate but to hold off, fingers firm and tight at the base. “Don’t come. Not yet,” Quinn moaned. “What? Why?” Sullivan was almost frantic as he fucked himself toward orgasm. “Hold on. Promise… promise, I’ll make it worth it,” Quinn panted. Growling, he pulled down hard on Sullivan’s shoulders, releasing all that he had in the tight, clenching sheath with a groan. “Oh God, yes… yes….” Quinn rocked in shallow thrusts, holding Sullivan close to his chest, his hands skimming all over his heated skin. 35

Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban When fingers brushed the head of his still-unsatisfied erection, Sullivan jumped, and Quinn’s cock slipped free. The blond arranged him silently, letting his hands give the instructions. Quinn had him kneel on the padded seat, his upper body supported by the high back of the booth. Quinn’s hands spread his legs wider until he had to bend his knee and plant his foot for stability. Nibbling lips ran up the back of his thigh as thumbs pried him open even further. Sullivan’s teeth sunk into his full bottom lip, his eyes fluttering closed. “Oh fu-uck….” Quinn’s fingers dipped into the quickly cooling chocolate and smeared it around the dark, stretched hole, mixing it with the come leaking from Sullivan’s body. “Oh God… you aren’t….” A hitching moan cut off Sullivan’s question as Quinn’s mouth sealed firmly over the chocolate-covered opening, sucking strongly. It sent Sullivan spiraling into orgasm, and he howled as he came hard, pushing back against Quinn’s mouth, his come trailing on the leather seat and his own belly. Sullivan sagged forward across the back of the seat, gasping for breath as Quinn finally lifted his head and kissed the back of his neck. “Jesus Christ, Quinn,” he swore in disbelief. “You said it was chocolate orgasm,” Quinn murmured with a grin, settling down in the booth and pulling Sullivan into his arms.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Closing his eyes and shaking his head, Sullivan leaned against the other man, just breathing. “You are really something,” he whispered into the warm skin of Quinn’s throat, his lips touching the skin there. Quinn smiled. “Yeah, well, I’ve got an eye for fine things. Food. Scotch. Football teams….” Sullivan snickered. “Men?” Quinn shushed him teasingly. “Restaurants… and I think Dark Chocolate has a hell of a lot of potential. Just like its owner,” Quinn said, leaning to kiss Sullivan lightly. Sullivan raised an eyebrow. “Well, thanks. But you’re not a critic.” “No, but I am always on the lookout for investments,” Quinn said, deliberately casual although he knew exactly what he wanted. “And I’m thinking I could stand to visit this place quite a bit more often.” Sullivan’s eyes sparkled. “Really?” he asked quietly, a grin pulling at his lips. “Really,” Quinn said with a nod, capturing that alluring mouth again.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban RHIANNE AILE has an unhealthy relationship with her computer, iced tea and chocolate. Growing up, she split her time between Oklahoma and Chicago, making her equally fond of horses, skyscrapers, cowboys and men in well tailored suits. Facilitating retreats for women and authors keeps her traveling enough to stay happy.

MADELEINE URBAN is a down-home Kentucky girl who's been writing since she could hold a crayon. A longtime science fiction and fantasy fan, she loves to mix those genres with romance to get explosive, satisfying results. She lives with a partner and two canine kids, visits Disney World twice a year, and still believes dreams can come true.

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban Selected titles from Rhianne and Madeleine…

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Dark Chocolate Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban

©Copyright Rhianne Aile and Madeleine Urban, 2008 Published by Dreamspinner Press 4760 Preston Road Suite 244-149 Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Cover Art by Dan Skinner/Cerberus Inc. [email protected] Cover Design by Mara McKennen This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press at: 4760 Preston Road, Suite 244-149, Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ Released in the United States of America December, 2008

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