Little White Lies Read online

  “Why do you know the lyrics to that song?” she whispered. “That was brilliant!”

  “My ten-year old niece played it over and over again when it first came out,” he said, giving her a wink. “I was stuck in a car with her for an hour when I took her to the Carley Rae Jepson concert.”

  He wasn’t kidding when he said he could improvise. Damn. Madalyn was going to have to step up to the plate.

  “You’re funny as shit, Royce,” JT said, chuckling and shaking his head while picking up his menu.

  Everyone studied the menu, anxious for the waiter to come take their order. He arrived a minute later, dressed within the spirit of “Uncle Sam” night, wearing a blue and white stripped vest with a red tie covered in white stars.

  “Glad you’re able to join us this evening, mates,” he nodded at Royce and Madalyn. “I’m Dale. May I take your order Miss? Or answer any questions you have on the menu?” He had a thick Australian accent. Madalyn loved it that the staff on the ship hailed from all over the world. They placed their orders and Dale moved on to the next couple.

  Madalyn turned to Royce with a broad smile. “I love deviled eggs but I’ve never tried it with lobster!”

  “Then you should have ordered it.”

  “You’re not going to share?” she asked, widening her eyes. Would it be bad if she ordered it in addition to the Ahi Tuna Tartare appetizer?

  “Nope.” He struggled to keep a smirk from lifting the corners of his mouth. “Please?” she begged, throwing out a pouty bottom lip.

  He leaned over and caught her lip in his teeth. “You don’t play fair.”

  “Hey … get a room you two!” JT teased.

  Madalyn blushed and sat back in her chair looking over at Jennie, and changed the subject. “So what’s the topic for tonight’s round of getting to know you?”

  “We picked the topic last night,” Jordan chimed in. “It’s Ben and Jennie’s turn to decide.”

  Madalyn began wringing her hands underneath the table despite the fact that they had prepared earlier in the day. She was beginning to seriously doubt she could pull this off. Yet Royce had proven himself to be a skilled actor. She hoped his skills were enough to pull them through it.

  Jennie paused and then turned to Paul. “What do you and Andrea like to do for fun?”

  Madalyn let out a sigh of relief and sank back in her chair. Royce placed his hand on her knee and she turned to smile at him. They had this one covered.

  “We’re both sports fans, so Andrea and I have been trying to visit all of the stadiums around the United States,” he said.

  JT lifted both of his brows in disbelief. “Wow. That’s quite an undertaking. There must be over 300 stadiums in the US.”

  “Yeah, no kidding,” Paul said. “We had to limit our adventure to the stadiums that can seat over 40,000 people. But we want to see both college and professional venues. So we still have a list of around 130 stadiums. Andrea’s keeping track on a map with colored pins—a different color for each sport.”

  “I love that idea!” Jordan said. “How many pins are on your map?”

  “Fifteen,” Andrea said. “It’s going to take a while, but we’ve got our whole lives right, sugar?” She grabbed Paul’s hand and smiled sweetly up at him. Her fingers barely reached the edges of his hand, yet the look he gave her made it clear he was completely wrapped around her finger.

  “Tell us your favorite stadium so far,” Ben said, leaning into the table.

  “Hands down, it was Wrigley Field,” Andrea said with a broad smile. “There aren’t many stadiums left with so much character. It dates back to 1914. I love the history of it.”

  “Amen!” Royce saluted with his wine glass. “We’re from Chicago.”

  “Well, if you love the history,” JT said, placing his arm around Jordan’s chair, “then you need to visit Michigan Stadium. It’s the largest stadium in the US with slightly over 109,000 seats. And it was built in 1927. It might become your new favorite.”

  “You guys are killing me!” Paul said. “History, schmistory. Without question it’s Gillette Stadium.”

  “You’re biased!” Andrea said, scowling at Paul. “I get the whole loyalty thing when it comes to cheering for your old team, but put that aside and let’s look at the actual merits of the stadium.” Paul stuck out his tongue at her and playfully shook her by the shoulders.

  “We love sports too,” Jennie said. “Georgia Dome all the way, baby! Only we’re couch potatoes and watch them at home on the 60” screen, usually with a large group of friends, and lots of food and beer!”

  Ben patted his stomach. “That’s the only way to watch sports.” He looked over to Royce. “So what do you two like to do for kicks?”

  “Sex,” Royce said. “And lots of it!”

  What? Madalyn punched Royce hard in the arm. That wasn’t what they had rehearsed! She couldn’t believe Royce had said that. At this rate, Madalyn wouldn’t need to wear blush anymore; the blood rushing to her cheeks supplied all the color she needed.

  “Ow!” Royce laughed and rubbed his arm while everyone broke out again into peals of laughter.

  “Amen to that!” Paul shouted.

  “No, seriously,” he said, looking at Madalyn with a gentle, loving smile. “We love to play Euchre. Are any of you up for the challenge?” Everyone nodded their heads except Ben and Jennie.

  “What’s Euchre?” Ben asked, his face scrunched up in confusion.

  “It’s a card game,” JT said. “You’ve never heard of it?”

  “Must be a Midwest thing,” Jennie said. “But if you can teach us, we’re happy to play. We love cards.”

  Dale arrived with their appetizers and the group hatched a plan to set up a Euchre tournament on the next “fun day at sea”. The meal was delicious and far exceeded all of Madalyn’s expectations. She had especially enjoyed the Baked Alaska for dessert. What a bonus that the group of newlyweds was fun and engaging. The plan was working so far and she couldn’t be happier. Royce stood and helped her from her chair. They bid farewell to the group and left for the evening show.

  • • •

  The Red Sea Theatre had three cascading levels of seating that spanned the full width of the ship. Madalyn’s gaze moved past golden pillars elaborately painted with ancient Egyptian jewels and pharaohs in her search for their friends. It was a daunting task. The main level overflowed with rows and rows of bench seating paired with intimate tables for holding drinks. Royce finally spotted them sitting in the middle section in one of the cozy half circle couches intended for parties of six to eight.

  “Thanks for saving us a seat,” Madalyn said. She slipped onto the couch next to Jason and waved hello to the others.

  Royce sat close and placed his arm around her on the back of the couch. She could feel the warmth of his leg pressing up against hers. A waiter appeared to take their drink order.

  “I’ll have what they’re drinking,” Madalyn said, pointing to the fruity concoction in front of the other ladies.

  “One Yellow Bird. And for you sir?”

  “Martini on the rocks with lime, please.”

  Susie leaned over and grabbed Madalyn’s hand. “I’m so excited. You’re going to love the show. It’s probably Las Vegas style. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?”

  “No, but I can’t wait for the show either,” Madalyn said and let out a little squeak of surprise when Royce poked her in the side. She turned to look at him. What did that mischievous glint in his eyes mean?

  “Have you forgotten our honeymoon already, my love?” he whispered as his eyes darkened, full of promise. “Perhaps you need a reminder this evening?”

  Her mouth dried up from the sudden heat building between them. How long was this show going to last? As soon as the waiter arrived with their drinks and placed them on the table, Royce grabbed his and took a gulp. She smirked at him and wondered if he felt the heat too and needed something to cool himself down.

  “Could you please bring me a spark
ling water?” Madalyn asked the waiter and then turned to smile sweetly at Royce. It took some effort but Royce was able to choke down his drink. Good thing too, because she wasn’t sure how she’d explain it if he had sprayed Jason and Susie with it. Two could play at this game.

  “Wasn’t dinner great tonight?” Liz asked from across the table. “Did you try the deviled eggs with lobster? They were fabulous.”

  “Yes. It was yummy! Royce ordered it but was kind enough to let me taste it.”

  Liz furrowed her brow. “I didn’t realize you two were seated together.”

  Oh crap. How had Madalyn let that slip?

  Royce squeezed her knee and chimed in, “Yeah. I was able to bribe the single guy sitting at her table to switch places with me.”

  “That’s so romantic,” Susie sighed and then slapped Jason on the leg. “Why didn’t you try that?”

  Jason glared at Royce with a thanks-a-lot-for-making-me-look-like-an-ass look.

  “I searched for all of you at dinner tonight,” Madalyn said. “I couldn’t seem to find you. You must be seated in the Golden Dynasty Dining Room.”

  Susie nodded her head. “It would be fun if we could all sit together,” she said just as the lights dimmed. They all turned towards the stage, ready to be entertained.

  • • •

  They followed the crowd out of the theatre after the evening show. Royce led the way with his hands behind his back, holding onto hers. Their rooms felt like an eternity away. Madalyn’s belly was tingling something fierce. Royce made a right turn at the corridor and pulled her to his side, slipping his arm around her waist. When they arrived at E32, he trapped her against the door and leaned down to place his forehead lightly against hers. She felt his breath caressing her lips.

  “How did you enjoy your sparkling water, baby?”

  “Delicious,” she whispered.

  She boldly produced the key to her room, allowing him to make his choice. He nodded his head as a grin slowly spread across his face. He ran his hand along her behind and pulled her into his groin, while his other hand caught the hair at the nape of her neck, pulling her face up to meet his. His mouth crushed against hers, his tongue desperately seeking entrance. Blood coursed through her veins and gathered in her nether region, pulsating relentlessly. She ached to be touched. There. His tongue continued its gentle assault and she allowed herself to imagine how it would feel slowly grinding against her sex.

  “Please,” she moaned into his mouth.

  He opened her door and guided her back into the room, pushing her up against the wall. The door shut with a resounding click. The glow of a single bedside lamp illuminated the large room, casting shadows in the far corners and entrance.

  “I want to kiss you everywhere, Madalyn,” he whispered, “to see if you taste as delicious as you look.”

  She gazed into his eyes and nodded her consent.

  “Turn around,” he commanded.

  She did as she was told, resting her hands against the wall for support while spreading her legs slightly. She caught her bottom lip in her teeth, her body trembling in anticipation of his touch. She felt his fingers catch hold of the zipper on her little red dress, pulling it past her bra and down to the small of her back. He leaned in and rubbed his hands slowly along her arms, breathing in her scent and nuzzling her neck with his nose. He trailed kisses along the base of her neck and tugged her dress over her shoulders, letting it fall to the ground. Madalyn felt his eyes devouring her nearly naked body, but he took his sweet time to savor every moment.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured.

  His breath tickled her ear and sent chills racing down her spine. His hand cupped her bottom then traced the lacy fabric of her thong to her inner thigh, snapping the garter holding up her lace top stockings.

  “Nice,” he moaned.

  His hand continued its torturous journey along her thigh, finding the moist entrance between her legs where his finger manipulated her with its slow relentless pattern. Round and round he circled, letting the pressure build slowly.

  “You’re so wet for me, baby,” he growled, turning her head to capture her mouth with his.

  She moaned in agony, throwing her head back on his chest, wanting this torture to end with his sweet lips and tongue touching her there.

  “Please,” she begged him.

  “Please, what?” he asked with a sly smile. He leaned in to capture her tongue once more, circling over and over it again with his.

  So this was foreplay. She had read about it, even thought she had experienced it. How stupid she had been! Madalyn was panting now, dying to find some release.

  “Royce, please. Let me feel your mouth on me.”

  “You’re a naughty girl after all,” he said, making his descent down her back, kissing and suckling his way to the top of her rear. He kneeled while massaging her behind, licking and nipping a path to her thighs. She was burning up, ready to ignite, when he grabbed hold of her hips and turned her in one quick movement, her back pressed against the wall. He suspended her right leg over his shoulder giving him free access and plunged his tongue in her warmth.

  She gasped in shock. It was such sweet torture. He showed no mercy. She could do nothing but grab his head and hold on as he continued to assault her with his soft, hot tongue. The pressure was building, bringing her closer and closer to the edge until she couldn’t hold it back any longer and burst into flames, her orgasm convulsing through her, bringing sweet relief with every shudder.

  “You taste so sweet.”

  The way he talked was so erotic. He stood and slid his finger into her while capturing her lips with his, reveling in his triumph over her body. She could taste herself on his tongue. She began unbuttoning his shirt wanting to feel his naked flesh against hers, and massaged her hands down the length of his chest, over his taut stomach, to the opening of his pants. She found him, rubbing her hand provocatively over his full length while placing her other hand around his bottom to pull him closer. She deepened the kiss and marveled at his moans.

  “Let me show you how naughty I can be!”

  Madalyn smiled at his sharp intake of breath. She began to slide down the wall, all the while keeping her eyes locked on his, drawing out the anticipation until she was kneeling before him. She watched his expression while undoing his pants; his eyes were fixated on her hands as though willing them to move quickly. With the zipper free, she pulled his pants over his rear until he sprung out allowing her to take his full length into her mouth with one quick motion.

  He threw his head back and let out a deep, guttural growl.

  Madalyn was relentless, sucking and licking, popping him in and out of her mouth. She felt empowered and sexy listening to his moans, knowing that she held the keys to driving him insane. It must have been too much because he yanked her upright, wrapped her legs around his hips in one smooth motion while sliding on a condom. In seconds, he plunged deep inside of her. “You’ve done that before,” he smirked.

  She giggled. “Yes, a few times.”

  He gazed into her eyes while he slowly pumped, holding her by her hips. Her back against the wall provided ample resistance. He continued to grind into her, filling her up and assaulting all her senses. He picked up speed, pounding faster and faster while his lips ravished her mouth.

  “Come with me, Madalyn!”

  She reached her climax, bursting yet again in a ball of flames before collapsing onto him, resting her head on his shoulder. Royce shuddered and then stood there breathing heavily for several seconds. Recovering, he carried her over to the bed, laid her gently down and climbed in next to her. He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her ear before placing soft kisses on her cheek.

  Her head was reeling in the aftermath. Holy hot sex! Who knew it could be like this, and with a stranger no less? All this time she had thought her sex life was good. But this was mind-blowing. She hadn’t known she harbored such primal, animal instincts. All of her previously conceived notions of sex bein
g the ultimate expression of love in a committed relationship were blown into tiny pieces scattered about the room. What just happened had nothing to do with love. It was raw, carnal sex. It existed!

  Madalyn peeked at Royce from under her lashes. “Hi.”

  “Hi, beautiful! How was that for a honeymoon night?”

  “That was hot!”

  “Yes, you are,” he said, his arms encircling her in a warm hug.

  Madalyn smiled shyly at him and confessed. “I wasn’t expecting that!”

  A deep laugh rumbled in his chest and he slapped her on the butt. “Shit, Madalyn. I think that’s my ego splattered all over your wall.”

  “That’s not what I meant,” she giggled and leaned up to nip at his bottom lip.

  “Explain yourself, woman!”

  “I’ve never had sex with a stranger, Royce.”

  His brow lifted at her confession. She could tell he wanted to say something, but he held back waiting to see if there was more to her explanation.

  Madalyn rolled back and leaned up on her elbow so she could look at him. Why did she feel the need to be truthful with Royce? If only she could embrace her new mantra and let Royce believe she was a naughty seductress. But her true nature won out and she completed her confession.

  “I’ve always thought sex was meant to be an expression of love between committed partners, and without the element of love, there would be no real pleasure in the sex.” She buried her face under the pillow and threw her arms over her head for good measure while he digested this. Her ears were on fire. She felt so naïve.

  “That’s a very sweet notion,” he said, pulling her pillow away. “And it fits so neatly within your black and white world.”

  Madalyn shot up onto her elbows and turned to him. “I’m not black and white! If I was, you wouldn’t even be here, Royce.”

  “That’s my girl,” he laughed, cupping her chin and leaning over to kiss her. His lips moved gently over hers, soft and feathery. He pulled back and caressed her cheek. “I’m humbled that you find me worthy of the honor to enlighten you on this subject.”