22 comments/ 41020 views/ 53 favorites Tip of the Ice-Berg By: MugsyB Tip of the Ice-Berg Ch. 02 Rosana blinked, hearing him but not understanding. Then his words sank in and a blush stole across her cheeks. She wanted nothing more than to lift her skirt and let him take her, upright against a wall or not. He was looking at her with heated focus and she could feel his arousal between her legs. She bit her lip and lowered her lashes while her fingers played with the hair at the back of his head. She wasn't an inexperienced virgin but Matt still managed to make her feel things that were new to her. Most of her previous boyfriends hadn't understood how to seduce a woman. Their idea of foreplay was to wrench the book out of her hands and grope clumsily at her breasts. In the end, when her reaction was less than enthusiastic, they accused her of being a cold fish, an ice queen, prude – the names went on and on. With Matt, even after such a short time of knowing him, she felt on fire for the first time in her life. At her hesitation, Matt relaxed his hold on her and she dropped her legs back onto the floor. Her knees wobbled and sweat was running down her back between her shoulder blades. Matt took another step back, just large enough to put a sliver of space between them. Without thinking, Rosana reached for him. She lifted up onto her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. His eyelids lowered and a devilish grin spread across his face. Something loosened inside of Rosana and gave her the strength to do what she did then. She leaned close and pressed a kiss to the skin beneath his left ear. "Upstairs. Second door on the right." Matt didn't need to be told twice. He lifted her off her feet and carried her upstairs. Rosana held on and a breathless laugh escaped when Matt cursed at stubbing his toe on the first step. Somehow they made it to her room and tumbled down to the bed together. What followed happened very fast. Rosana barely had time to drop her glasses on her nightstand as Matt knelt between her legs and yanked his jacket off. She laughed and then squealed when Matt wrenched her dress right up her body and over her head. With a groan, Matt crouched low and closed his mouth around her nipple where it poked up from under her bra. Rosana arched off the bed and sank her fingers into his hair. God, she wanted this, she wanted him to consume her. Even as she was thinking it, Matt was sliding his fingers under the elastic waist of her panties. In a flash, he had them off her legs and then he cupped her moist heat. "God, Rosana, you're beautiful." She had the fleeting thought that she wasn't altogether naked so he couldn't pass judgment but then he eased his fingers between her slick folds. Her head fell back on the pillow and she groaned, her fingers flexing helplessly in his hair. She heard the sound of a zipper parting but didn't care. Matt's hands and mouth were making it difficult to remember her own name. She felt him shift over her and the bed creaked as he moved between her thighs. His hips came right up against hers and she let her legs part more to accommodate him. "Rosana..." Matt rained kisses on her face as he caressed her body. Rosana twisted under his weight and panted as his tongue slid along the line of her throat. She felt his hands slide down her sides from her ribs to her hips and then he was easing her thighs further apart. His hands moved around to cup her knees and that was when she felt the rigid length of him pressing against her core. Her eyes flew open and she dug her fingers into his shoulders. Matt must have sensed the change because he lifted his mouth to hers. He kissed her, slipping his tongue inside her mouth and swallowing her moan. His hips pushed between hers and she felt his hot member pulsing against her. Instead of being startled and frightened by the swiftness of this intimacy, Rosana welcomed it. She lifted her hips off the bed in silent supplication and almost wept at the delicious friction as Matt eased himself into her. In spite of the frantic pace until that moment, Matt entered her slowly. He kept his mouth on hers and worked his body so deep inside she didn't know where she left off and he began. When he was sheathed, they both froze and stared in amazement into each other's eyes. Something flickered through Matt's expression that Rosana didn't recognize. Then he shifted and the move made them both groan. He did it again and Rosana's eyes fluttered shut. When he did it a third time, she arched, feeling the stirrings of an orgasm coiling in her belly. "Rosana, you're so beautiful..." She heard his words and felt the stroke of his tongue on her neck but wasn't aware of anything except the exquisite sensation of his body moving inside hers. She clung to his broad shoulders and pressed her head back into the bed, lifting her pelvis to meet his slow, deliberate thrusts. His hand slid down her hip and he squeezed her. She raised her knees, cradling him closer to her body. He lifted himself and braced his weight on his hands beside her head. She writhed beneath him as he continued moving against her, within her. He watched her through narrowed eyes, his breath coming out in sharp rasps, warm against her cheek. He touched her face and opened his palm over the erratic pulse in her throat. Then he slipped his hand down and palmed her breast. When he tweaked her nipple through the lace of her black bra, Rosana's breath caught in her throat and she jerked up into his grasp. Matt gave a low chuckle and lowered his head to brush a kiss on the bare swell of her breast over the lace cup of her bra. His tongue snaked out to slide beneath the fabric and Rosana twisted to meet the caress. She wanted more of what he was doing to her. But he was already moving on, his body still pumping with maddening patience against hers. His palm smoothed over her ribs, making her tremble and then he was grasping her hips on either side. He murmured something that sounded like 'unbelievable,' but Rosana couldn't be sure of anything at that moment. Then he jerked her hips right up off the bed and his pace increased. He groaned, long and low as he pumped against her faster and faster. Rosana opened her eyes to see him watching her with a fierce sensuality that made her gasp. He reached up with one hand to squeeze her nipple and she came apart with a wail. Her hips bucked up in his grasp and he growled low in his throat, thrusting harder. He drew out the fiery explosions of her climax until she was weak and whimpering beneath him. She clutched at his shirt, wrapped her fingers around his tie and drew his face back down to hers. As their lips met, Matt made another inarticulate noise and his thrusting grew more frantic. Rosana bit down on his lower lip and he groaned, his fingers digging hard into her hips. She did it again and then smoothed her tongue over the spot she'd bitten. She angled her hips up and hooked her leg around his thigh. Matt panted, his breath hot against her mouth, and his hold tightened along with his entire body. He froze for a microsecond before groaned as he climaxed. His entire body shook and he pushed hard into Rosana for what felt like an eternity. At last he slowed and then stilled, his body easing down over hers. She cradled him close, kissing his cheek and the side of his throat. With a groan, he rolled off of her and they lay side-by-side, their arms barely touching. Rosana didn't know why, but she felt disconcerted by his withdrawal. She knew she shouldn't be; they were still lying next to each other. She opened her mouth to say something but couldn't think of the right words, words that wouldn't make him think her a silly female. "Rosana?" She turned her head as he rolled onto his side, covering her body with one arm and leg. He grinned at her and stroked the outside of her bare arm with one rough, warm palm. The look in his grey eyes made her shiver and he squeezed her close, tucking her into the warmth of his body. "I'm sorry." Her eyes widened at his apology and she couldn't help but smile. "Why? I'm not." "Oh, I'm not sorry about that." He kissed her. "I'm just sorry that we'll miss dinner." Rosana rolled her head to glance at her clock. "It's early yet. There's still time to get to the restaurant." Before she'd even finished speaking, Matt let out a yawn. His eyelids fluttered and his grin turned sheepish. "I don't think I can make it." Rosana laughed and nodded. She reached around him with both arms and gave him a warm hug. "Sleep. You've had a busy couple of days. Restaurants will still be around when you wake up." Matt nodded, his eyes already drooping. They flashed open again before he faded altogether. "Will you be around too?" Rosana nodded, her heart stuttering and tripping within her chest. "Yes, Matt. I'm not going anywhere." With a satisfied smile, Matt drifted off. * * * * They never did get to dinner that night. Or the next night. Then Matt had a game, so almost a week passed before he managed to get Rosana out of the house and into a restaurant. He was also neglecting his brother but Malcolm didn't seem to mind. Matt, for his part, relished his time with Rosana. She was so sweetly passionate and fun to be around. When they weren't all over each other, they were talking on the phone or having their usual coffee chat. He was lucky enough to be in town when the first snow fell late in November. When he saw the evidence of the white stuff on his window, his first thought was to call Rosana, even though she was home next door. "I can't believe it's snowing already!" He laughed at her disgusted tone. "Relax, Rosana. It'll melt and we'll have another few weeks before it starts to stick." She made a noise that he took to be acknowledgment and he laughed again. "Maybe I should come over and cheer you up." "Don't you have a game or practice tonight?" "I had practice earlier and there's no game until tomorrow night. Oh, speaking of the game, you should come. I got a couple tickets and thought you and Malcolm could go." She didn't respond and Matt wondered if she'd hung up. "Rosana?" "I'm here." "Do you want to go?" She sighed and Matt didn't like the sound of it. "I don't know, Matt." "It's just a hockey game, Rosana. I'm not asking you to rob a bank with me." She giggled and he smiled, relieved. "I know. I'll come over and convince you in person." He hung up before she could protest. Matt hurried across the yards to Rosana's front door. As always, she was waiting with the door open, a shy smile on her pretty face. He swept her up into his embrace and buried his face against her neck, inhaling her scent. "I missed you." She giggled and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "You saw me yesterday." "That was yesterday." Her delightful giggle filled his ear again then turned to a sigh when he opened his mouth on her neck. For several long moments, he ran his tongue in swirls over her skin, holding her against his body and feeling her trembling as he caressed her. "Say yes." She lifted her head and blinked. "Yes?" He grinned and brushed her lips with a light kiss. "Yes. To come to the game tomorrow night." Her dazed look lifted and she lowered her lashes as she bit her bottom lip. Matt drew back and cocked his head as he looked down at her. "Don't you want to come?" He didn't want to think that she didn't care about his work but she was acting very strange about his invitation. "Is it because of Malcolm? I can make sure he behaves himself." She laughed and shook her head. With a smile, she touched his cheek and leaned forward to kiss him. "Malcolm's fine. I've just never been to a game before. I don't want to be a bother." "You wouldn't be a bother, Rosana. I'm inviting you." Still, she seemed reluctant. Matt released her and walked away, heading for the living room. "Matt? Are you angry with me?" "No." He shoved his hands through his hair as he came to a stop in front of her couch. "I just don't understand. Most people would love free tickets." Her dark eyebrows lifted as she followed him into the room and stood on the opposite side of the couch from him. "I'm not most people." "I know that." Rosana shrugged and moved to sit down. "I don't know why you're so upset. I just don't want to interfere with your job." Matt rolled his eyes and sat down next to her. "You won't be interfering, believe me. When I'm on the ice, I don't see anything but the other players and the puck." Her forehead wrinkled as he spoke, as if she couldn't understand the appeal. He'd had this problem with women before, their disinterest in his job. Sure, they liked the fact that he was an athlete and they liked that he had money but when it came time to support him at the arena, they were less than enthusiastic. He didn't think Rosana was like those women but he hadn't expected this underwhelming response to his offer. "I don't know, Matt." She drew in a deep breath and gave him a tremulous smile. "Isn't it kind of... rough?" Matt blinked, surprised. "I guess it can be." "I don't think I could watch you get hurt." A laugh escaped Matt before he could stop it. Rosana didn't even crack a smile. "I can't promise I won't get hurt, Rosana. It's just the nature of the game. It's fast and things can happen even when you're careful." She still looked doubtful. Matt stifled his frustration and leaned closer to her. "If it helps, I'll promise not to do anything on purpose that's rough or overly physical." That surprised a laugh out of her. She shook her head. "I'm not that clueless about hockey and you just said that anything can happen even if you are careful." "OK, then I'll just say I'll do my best to not go looking for anything rough." Her smile held for a second before slipping. She sighed and looked away. "I'd really like you to be there," he broke the silence when she didn't reply. She nodded. "All right, Matt. I'll come." That was not the reaction he'd been looking for. He leapt to his feet and started pacing. "If it's too much of an inconvenience for you, Rosana, then forget it." "Matt, that's not what I said." He pinned her with a scowl. "You didn't have to." "Don't put words in my mouth." She was starting to look upset now. "I said I'd come and I will. Why aren't you happy?" "Because you made it sound like I'm trying to take you... I don't know, streaking or something." The outrageous comparison made her laugh and Matt's shoulders eased a bit. "That's something I'd have to turn down, Matt." Matt stopped and studied her. "I want you to come to the game because you want to, not because you feel obligated." She fidgeted under his gaze before nodding. "All right. I'd love to come to the game." He stared hard at her for a second before giving a short nod. "Come sit down." He hesitated but sat down next to her. She reached for his hand and he let her clasp it in hers. "Please don't be mad." Matt blew his breath out and turned to her with a small smile. "I'm not mad. I'm a little surprised that you don't want to see what it is I do for a living." She returned his smile. "I do, Matt. I was just... surprised by the offer." Matt watched her as she spoke and had the feeling that she was keeping something from him. His natural instinct was to press for more from her, to keep asking questions until she caved. Even as they sat there smiling, holding each other's hands, Matt sensed a distance in Rosana. He didn't like it but if he'd learned anything about her over the past couple of months it was that she couldn't be rushed. For now, he leaned over to kiss her and cup her cheek in his palm. The subject didn't come up again that night. Later, it was the first time in their relationship that they went to sleep together without making love first. * * * * When he woke up, Matt felt disoriented. He could dimly recall their argument the night before and the unresolved questions he'd had. As he rolled over, he realized he was alone in bed and the spot beside him had long cooled. Where the hell was Rosana? Matt reached onto the floor for his discarded pants and pulled them on. He stood up and felt his way through the dark room to the door. There was more light in the hallway, pouring from an open doorway at the end of the hall. Matt followed the light and tapped his knuckles on the door before pushing it open. Rosana was curled up in her chair, a book tucked against her chest. Her head rested against the back of the chair and one leg dangled over the arm. She was wearing faded flannel pajamas and fuzzy slippers. Matt looked at her for a minute. She looked so peaceful and innocent, a stark contrast from earlier in the evening when she'd looked hurt and upset. He thought about the fact that they hadn't made love that night and his thoughts inexorably turned to memories of nights they had. His body stirred at the recollection and he swallowed around the thickness in his throat. God, he wanted her. He wanted her stripped and he wanted to feel every inch of her against his naked body. But he was hardly the type of guy to maul a sleeping woman. So he shoved his desires away and crept into the library. The book in Rosana's lap was a slim romance and Matt smiled as he pulled it out of her grasp. She shifted on the seat and let out a sigh that made him even harder. Still, he tamped down his lust and crouched next to the chair. His eyes roamed over her pink cheeks and fluttering lashes to the pout of her lips. Then he dropped his gaze to the book in his hands and grinned. There was a muscular, half-naked man holding a woman wearing clothing that was in complete disarray. Matt flipped the book open to a random page and scanned a few lines. 'Oh, I wish you wouldn't leave me, Rodrigo.' Rodrigo angled his head to regard the wanton maiden tucked against his side. They were slick with sweat from their lovemaking and the shadows lent a dusky quality to the room. Rodrigo slid his palm up Lenore's side and grinned when she sighed and curved to his touch. His body stirred at her sensual response and he couldn't believe that he was ready to sample her again. 'You know I must leave, Lenore. I cannot stay while the Royal Navy continues to hunt me.' She trembled at his words and he stroked her again, going lower this time and teasing his fingers through the coarse curls at the juncture of her thighs. 'I will pray for you, Rodrigo.' She lifted herself onto his chest as she spoke, so that her breath brushed across his face. He sneered at her words, wanting to snap that she could keep her prayers, for what had God ever done for him and his family? As though sensing his thoughts, Lenore touched his face and the gentle look in her eyes stirred his body yet again. Only for one reason would he ever pray to God – that he be allowed to seduce this woman again and again, until the last of his breath left his body. Matt didn't realize how fast his breath was coming as he read. He shifted to sit down on the floor beside the chair and continued reading. 'Don't think, Lenore.' His words were a whisper spoken against her swollen lips. 'Just feel. Feel me here, now, as I touch you.' He rolled over and pushed her legs apart with one powerful thigh. Reaching down, he cupped her moist center and stroked her. He watched her face as she responded to his touch, her hips rising off the bed to meet his questing fingers. She clutched at his broad shoulders, savoring the feeling of his sinewy muscles shifting beneath his tanned skin. How could this man make her feel such things? How could he rouse her to such passions and still leave her wanting more? It had only been two days since she'd first set eyes on him and already she could feel her heart tripping perilously close to the edge. As Rodrigo lowered his dark head to wrap his soft lips around one straining nipple, she gasped and squeezed her eyes shut. Tip of the Ice-Berg Ch. 02 Oh, this man. "Matt?" Rosana's husky whisper startled Matt so much that he dropped the book. He swung around to face Rosana with a sheepish smile. "Did I wake you?" She shook her head as she swung her legs down to the floor beside him. "No. Did I wake you?" "No. I woke up and you weren't in bed so I came looking for you." She smiled. "I'm sorry. I couldn't sleep after... well, I couldn't so I left you alone so you could rest." Matt got up to slide into the chair. He maneuvered her into his lap and held her close. "You didn't have to sit up alone, Rosana." She tucked herself against his chest with a sigh. "I know." Neither of them spoke for several moments. Rosana was the first to speak. "I'm sorry about before, Matt. I don't want you to think that I don't care about your work." "I know." "Your offer was a surprise, that's all." She shrugged one shoulder and glanced up at him. "And what if I don't like hockey?" Matt smiled. "Is that what you're worried about?" She shrugged again and her eyes skittered away. "Rosana, not everyone likes hockey and not everyone has to. I don't expect that you will but how do you know if you don't even give it a chance?" "Wouldn't it bother you if I don't like it?" "I don't know." Now it was Matt's turn to shrug. "If you don't, then I guess I won't offer you any more tickets." Rosana laughed as she dropped her head to his chest and hugged him. Matt held Rosana close and stroked her back, all too aware of the erection throbbing in his pants. "What were you reading?" Matt's face burned red in an instant at her question. When he didn't respond, she tipped her head back to look into his face. "Uh, whatever you had out." "Oh?" Rosana's blue eyes danced and she smirked. "Were you not enjoying it?" "No. I mean, no, it was fine. I just... uh..." She giggled, the sound short-circuiting his brain. She bent down and scooped the book off the floor. Matt glanced down as she opened it and relaxed when it opened to a different spot than what he'd been reading. "Hmm. Well, I don't know what has you blushing like a schoolgirl." Matt jerked his chin around to stare at her. She grinned and gave him a saucy wink before lowering her eyes to the book in her hands. She cleared her throat and started to read. Lenore took a step back as if to flee. But the man grabbed her and hauled her weaker, slighter body right up against his. He captured her chin in one big hand and forced her eyes to stare into his. His were dark, fathomless pools and she had the sudden irrational desire to sink into them. No man had ever made her feel this way. 'Who are you?' he demanded. When she couldn't respond, he shook her and a whimper escaped. She still couldn't look away from his face and she watched in part horror, part fascination as a wicked grin twisted his rugged features. 'I have ways of making women talk, petal.' His words sent a thrill through her body and Lenore shuddered, her eyelids dropping low. She couldn't possibly imagine how he made women talk but from the scars across his naked shoulders and on his powerful arms, she suspected it involved violence.' 'You will talk.' As he spoke this time, his grip on her arms loosened. He ran his fingers down one arm, pushing away the remnants of her torn sleeve. She shivered at his touch, so like a lover's caress. His eyes held hers and he took a step closer, obliterating the blue sky above his head from her sight. His hands traveled back up her arms to the wide collar of her dress. Then he smiled that wicked smile again before ripping her dress down the middle, leaving her standing before him in nothing but her corset and chemise. Matt grabbed the book out of Rosana's hands, torn between embarrassment and arousal. Rosana looked up at him with a surprised smile. "What?" "I think you've read enough." He was even more embarrassed when his voice came out much rougher than usual. It didn't help that he was sporting an erection. There was no way that Rosana couldn't have noticed. She gave him a sly smile and shrugged. "Suit yourself." Matt looked at her, saw the color high in her cheeks and noted the way her pupils expanded. So he wasn't the only one being affected by the story. That made him feel better. He looked away and opened the book, finding the page she'd been reading. 'What are you doing?' Lenore cried. She grasped wildly for the loose ends of her dress but it was no use. Far too much skin had been revealed by his actions. The man didn't answer her. He raked his dark eyes over her trembling form, his expression unreadable. At last he met her gaze and smiled. There was no longer any doubt in the smile he now bestowed upon her. He meant to ravage her. Instead of filling her with a feeling of dread, she felt something entirely different and wholly unexpected. Her breasts grew heavy and began to tingle at the tips as her nipples pearled beneath the remnants of her clothing. Heat slid through her body and pooled between her thighs. She didn't know what this was, she didn't know how he could make her feel so vulnerable and yet so alive. 'You are lovely, petal. I think I want to skip the niceties and sample your wares now.' 'M-my wares?' 'Do not pretend innocence, petal. I can see in your face how you want me, how you think I can take care of you.' Lenore shook her head feebly. She didn't know what he was talking about. Then he pulled down the front of her chemise, freeing her breasts to the cool air and before she could protest, he'd bent his head, capturing one nipple in his hot mouth. A sound interrupted Matt's recitation and he glanced down to see Rosana breathing hard. She met his gaze and her lips parted. Matt leaned down, running his tongue over her bottom lip before kissing her. Her hands went to his shoulders and she returned his kiss. Jeezus. If they both got this worked up over a cheesy pirate romance, then Matt was going to buy every one he could find. "Read more." Rosana's breathy request made Matt groan but he kissed her before turning back to the book. This time, as he recited, Rosana didn't sit still. She wriggled against him and pressed her face to his neck. Matt struggled to see the words on the page and tried not to sound like an imbecile as he read the simple words. At the first taste of her petal-soft skin, Rodrigo knew he had to have more. She was a succulent peach, begging to be split open. His loins burned and he surged against the front of his breeches. He grabbed the little minx up in his arms and carried her the few steps to his bed where she all but collapsed against the covers with a gasp. He gazed down at her, taking in the flush of her skin above the ruined clothing and in her cheeks. Slowly, he raised his eyes until he met her dazed stare. Holding her gaze, he drew his shirt off over his head and then loosened the ties at his waist. Matt had to stop again as Rosana moved on his lap. She shifted to one side so that she could squeeze a hand between their bodies. His breath caught when he felt her seeking fingers brush his aching erection through the fabric of his pants. "Don't stop." He opened his mouth to reply but the only sound he could make was a groan when Rosana slid his zipper down. "Keep reading." "Rosana–" "Lenore." She gave him an impish grin. "It's Lenore." Matt laughed and bent his head for a kiss. Who knew she'd be into role playing? "Rodrigo." The name made him laugh and break the kiss. "Rodrigo, please read more for me." By now, she'd worked her hand right inside his pants and he groaned again when her deft fingers circled his erection. "Keep reading." The words were a breathless, hot whisper against his throat and Matt shut his eyes for a moment before he could do as she asked. It was a wonder he could see words and letters at all with Rosana's warm hand doing such enticing things to his body. With some difficulty, Matt began to read out loud again. Rodrigo pulled the ties on his pants and let them fall to the floor. The woman's eyes swept down over his bare chest and he felt his blood catch fire when her pupils exploded as she took in the sight of his engorged flesh. He took a step closer and gave a wicked grin when she shimmied away from him across the bed. He heard her breath catch– Rosana's breath caught in her throat and Matt squeezed his eyes shut when her palm smoothed over the sensitive tip of his erection. "Rosana..." "My name is Lenore." Her husky whisper ignited Matt's lust. "Lenore," he growled and caught her up in his arms, the book squished between them. She made a sound of protest but Matt swallowed that sound, along with the breathless sigh she let out. He cupped the back of her head and kissed her hard, thrusting his tongue into her mouth. She parted for him with eagerness, her hands going around his waist to hold on as he bent her backwards. Somehow they slid down to the floor, the book still pressed between their bodies. Matt trailed kisses over her face and down her throat. She was breathing fast, her chest pressing against his and even through the fabric of her pajamas, he could feel the rigid nipples beneath. He lifted his chest just enough so that he could pull the book out. With his eyes on her face, he handed her the book and gave her a wicked smile. "Your turn." She blinked, as if not comprehending his words. Then she took the book from him and smiled. As she flipped it open to the page he'd been reading before, Matt reached for the buttons on her pajamas. She sucked in a breath at the first kiss he pressed to her skin just below her collar bone but managed to read in a shaky voice. 'I would taste you, petal,' he whispered and deftly slid his thumb between her lips. Her eyes registered surprise at the invasion and she closed her lips around his appendage in reaction. Rodrigo's eyes narrowed and he thrust a little with his thumb, mimicking the movements their bodies would be making shortly. Pulling his thumb from her mouth, he captured her chin in his big hand and kissed her. Ruthlessly, punishingly, parting her lips with his tongue and delving inside. Matt pushed open the sides of Rosana's pajamas and smiled at the sight of her breasts bared to him. Every time he undressed her, it felt new. Bending his head, he flicked his tongue over one taut nipple and savored the sound she made as he did. He opened his mouth wider and took the nipple in his mouth, swirling his tongue around the tip. Her recitation of the romance novel stopped and she arched into his embrace, her back coming right off the floor. Matt slid his arms around her waist, holding her close. After switching to her other breast and then back again, he lifted his head and grinned at her tousled appearance. "Lenore. You stopped reading." Rosana looked down at him with a cloudy look in her eyes. With trembling hands, she picked up the book again and started reading. Satisfied, Matt bent his head to her chest again, letting her ease back onto the floor. He kissed a trail down her abdomen and paused long enough to dip his tongue into her belly button. He could feel the tremors in her body as he did and groaned as his body leapt in reaction. Drawing back from their kiss, Rodrigo reached for the tattered remnants of her clothing. When the laces of her corset didn't give way, he growled inarticulately and reached for his knife. The minx cried out when she saw the glint of steel and shrank away from him. He only smirked and sliced neatly through the laces, watching eagerly as her body was revealed to him. 'Do not be so coy, petal,' he said to her, tossing the knife over the bed. He pulled the corset away from her body and tore through the chemise with his bare hands. With a growl, he lowered his head to her breasts, squeezing and caressing her body as he did. She cried out and pushed at his shoulders but he paid her no mind. His mouth traveled down her body, over the sweet swell of her breasts to the inviting curves of her stomach. He grasped her knees in each hand and pulled them apart, once again ignoring her whimpered protest. When he saw the inviting gleam of moisture on her feminine lips, he sneered and finally spared her a glance. 'You can no longer pretend, petal,' he growled as he lifted a hand to her soft, delicate folds. He parted her with two skilled fingers and toyed with her, watching her for a reaction. Her eyes widened and she gasped. He opened her further and pressed a kiss to the top of her thigh. She jerked at the contact and bit her bottom lip. 'You are mine now, petal,' he murmured and opened his mouth on her sweet core. She cried out and he thrust his tongue inside, his body clamoring to fill her entirely– Matt slid a finger between Rosana's sensitive folds and grinned when he felt the slick readiness of her body. He looked up when she stopped reading. "Why did you stop?" She shook her head, her breath coming fast and her body arching off the floor to meet his probing caress. "Lenore, I want to hear more." Matt bent his head to lick her once, from the bottom to the top of her delicate center. "Rodrigo wants to hear more." She gasped out a laugh and laid one hand against his cheek. Matt met her lust-hazed eyes and smiled. "I don't care about Rodrigo. I want Matt." Matt's body roared to life and he gave a low groan before lifting himself off of her. He moved away long enough to discard his pants and she all but ripped her own clothes from her body. When they embraced again, it was nothing but hot skin against skin. Rosana's arms went around his shoulders and she lifted her face for his kiss, making a sexy noise against his mouth when their lips met. Matt shoved a knee between her thighs and she parted for him. For a long minute, Matt just rubbed against her, letting her feel how turned on he was. She moaned and lifted her hips, begging silently for him to take her. He resisted for as long as he could, teasing her and drawing it out. "Please, Matt. I want you." She tossed her head from side to side, unable to keep still. Her breathless plea did him in and he reached between them to guide himself into her body. As he sank into her, their eyes met and Matt melted at the adoring expression in Rosana's dark blue eyes. She smiled and drew his face close for a kiss as he sank all the way in. Their lips met in a slow, sensual kiss and he began to rock his hips. He drew back almost all the way and then pushed in just as slowly as when he'd first entered her. She sighed into his mouth and lifted her hips to meet his steady thrusts. Their kiss deepened in seconds and Matt was lost in the frantic rhythm. Her body was so soft, so inviting; he pumped harder and faster. Out of nowhere, her body clenched around him and she wrenched her lips from his to cry out as her climax rippled through her body. Matt wrapped his finger around her jaw, forcing her mouth back under his. She bucked beneath him, lost in her orgasm and Matt savored every one of the wild noises she made. Reaching down, he cupped a hand under her knee and drew her leg alongside his body. Pushing himself up on one arm, he pushed harder, going deeper with the new angle. Rosana arched under him, pressing her head into the floor. "Rosana, open your eyes." It came out as a harsh command and her eyes fluttered open to meet his intense gaze. "Can you feel me?" She nodded, her lips parting on a sharp inhalation. "You feel so good, Matt." Matt's breathing grew ragged at her murmured words. He narrowed his eyes and pumped into her harder, faster, until he felt the familiar tension bunching low in his body. Then he exploded, stars blinking in his vision as he came. He bucked against her, pumping into her several more times before he was done. Rosana held him close as he settled his weight over her. She lifted her arms and legs, wrapping him in a full body embrace that made him shiver. After a few minutes, Matt lifted his head and smiled at Rosana. "Did I hurt you?" "Not at all." She ran her hands up and down his back and pressed a kiss to the side of his neck. They lay in silence for a few seconds more before Matt pushed himself up with a groan. He helped Rosana to her feet and embraced her when she threw her arms around his shoulders. Then he lifted her into his arms and carried her back to her bedroom. His body was already stirring again and he wanted to make love to her in a bed. When he told her as much, she gave him a stunning smile and kissed the corner of his mouth. "You can make love to me wherever you want, Matt." He intended to. * * * * After Matt left her the following day, Rosana called Malcolm to make plans for the game. Malcolm sounded excited about going and Rosana tried to allow some of his excitement to transfer to her. She wasn't sure what was keeping her from looking forward to it but she'd never had any interest in hockey and worried that she wouldn't enjoy it. She'd hate to have to lie to Matt about it if she didn't. Malcolm suggested they get dinner before the game and Rosana agreed. They ate at a restaurant in their neighborhood and Matt drove to the Wachovia Center after. Once inside the arena, Rosana felt the shift in the crowd surrounding them. The sounds and smells of the concourse hit Rosana like a tidal wave and she moved closer to Malcolm, feeling claustrophobic. He glanced down at her with a curious smile. "Are you all right?" "I'm fine." Even as she said it, she slid her hand through the crook of Malcolm's arm and stuck close to his side as the crowd pressed in all around them. Malcolm chuckled and patted her hand. "I get the feeling you don't do crowds very much." She shook her head and wondered if Matt had told him about the college party. "Not often, no. I prefer staying home and reading when I have free time." "That's boring! You're never going to forget the game tonight. Live hockey is like nothing else." Rosana rolled her eyes and gave him a good-natured elbow to the ribs. "You're Canadian. Aren't you all programmed to say that?" Malcolm shrugged. "I can't speak for thirty-four million people, but there's a lot of love for hockey in my home land, I'll admit it." He led the way to their section and Rosana sat down while he ventured back to the concession area for snacks and drinks. Left alone, Rosana fidgeted in her seat and stared around her with a mixture of fright and fascination. The section they were sitting in was about halfway up the lower bowl behind the penalty box. Rosana gazed at the ice and watched the workers move around, hauling the nets out of the way as the ice resurfacing vehicle rolled across the ice. Her eyes were drawn up to the big screen hanging over center ice and she watched the video that was playing. Her attention didn't remain in any one spot for long. She felt out of place and uncomfortable. The section around her filled rapidly with more orange jersey-clad fans and she wished for Malcolm to return. He appeared at her side in another five minutes and Rosana gave him a grateful smile before accepting her drink. The lights went down and the crowd started cheering. Rosana leaned closer to Malcolm who asked her again is she was all right. She shrugged. She was uncomfortable due to the fact that she didn't go out to crowded places a lot. She was nervous about seeing Matt play and worried that she wouldn't enjoy it as much as he wanted her to. As the spotlight shone on the players bench and the Flyers began to file onto the ice, Rosana squared her shoulders and told herself to get over it. It was just a game and if she didn't relax, she wouldn't enjoy herself at all. She had a good friend with her and a frothy beer in her hand. Even if she didn't understand the game or like it, she would still try to make an effort. Tip of the Ice-Berg Ch. 02 The players poured onto the ice and skated around their zones as loud music blasted from the sound system. Rosana watched them, looking for Matt but not recognizing anyone beneath the helmets and heavy gear. "He's number eighteen." Malcolm pointed to an orange-clad man circling close to them. Rosana's stomach lurched at the sight of him in his jersey and gear. He had a big 'C' on his chest, which Malcolm explained meant he was the team captain. She clenched her hands together in her lap and tried to calm the frantic pounding of her heart. So this was what it feels like to be infatuated with someone. Rosana pressed a palm to her chest as the players lined up on the blue lines for the singing of the national anthem. Now that she knew which one he was, she couldn't take her eyes off of him. His helmet was off for the anthem and his hair was curly and damp with sweat. He looked enormous in his gear and the reaction in Rosana's body was swift. She felt sweat bead between her shoulders blades and moisture pooled between her thighs. Since Matt had asked her to the game, her concerns had centered around whether she'd like it or not. Now, she knew she loved seeing him in his uniform. She had the brief thought that she was being rather shallow, but she reminded herself she already liked the man beneath it all. The anthem ended and the puck dropped and Rosana didn't think she'd ever seen anything so intense in her life. In between cheers and catcalls, Malcolm tried to keep her informed on what was going on. She nodded to what he said and tried to make sense of it but her eyes stayed on Matt almost the entire time, whether he was playing or not. When play ended for the first intermission, Rosana slumped in her seat, exhausted. She felt like she'd been the one skating back and forth and firing pucks at the goalie. Malcolm chuckled and nudged her with an elbow. "You going to make it?" Rosana laughed and shrugged. "Who knows? At this rate, I'll be in shock before we're five minutes into the next period." "You want something else to drink? Or maybe something to eat?" "No, I'm all right." Malcolm got up to get more for himself and Rosana watched the activity down on the ice while he was gone. She wasn't relaxed but she was surprised at how much she was enjoying the game. Granted, she'd been watching Matt for the majority of the period but her eyes had often followed the action on the ice. The visiting team was the New Jersey Devils and there were a fair number of Devils's jerseys scattered throughout the crowd. The atmosphere in the arena was invigorating and Rosana smiled, surprised again at how enjoyable the experience was so far. She couldn't wait to see Matt after it was over and tell him exactly how it had made her feel to see him all sweaty and focused on the ice. A secret smile touched her lips as she imagined his reaction and the intensity he would turn on her. Malcolm returned before the lights dimmed again and before Rosana could catch her breath, the second period was underway. She was on the edge of her seat for the first half of the period, choking back screams of outrage when some of the Devils got away with uncalled penalties more than once; of course, she was aware of that because of Malcolm's incensed yells. "I can't believe the officials missed that one." Malcolm slumped in his seat with a scowl. "It was so obviously tripping!" The Flyers players were getting mad as well. Some of them were getting sloppy, letting their anger cloud their judgment. Rosana cringed when Matt sailed into a Devil, crushing the other man into the boards when he was nowhere near the puck. The crowd leapt to its feet, cheering on their captain and Rosana could only watch in horror at what unfolded next. The Devil jumped up from the hit and shoved Matt hard from behind. Matt whirled around and shoved him back, stick held between both hands. Then the two men got into each other's faces and Rosana could see their lips moving. The Devil made a gesture at Matt and moved to turn away but Matt scowled and shoved the other man, hard. Then, in a flurry of movement, they threw their sticks down and their gloves came off. The two men grasped each other's jerseys and started swinging their fists. Rosana gasped and was on her feet before she knew it. Around her, the crowd was screaming and cheering on the captain of the Flyers. The two men twisted around on the ice. Matt swung his fist and it glanced off the other man's chin as he twisted away. The man retaliated with an uppercut and Matt gave his jersey a good jerk. It knocked the Devil off-balance and Matt started to swing furiously, not even giving the other guy a chance to retaliate. The crowd went insane, people jumping on their feet and screaming all around the arena. Matt kept swinging and in another few seconds, both men lost their footing, going down to the ice in a heap. Rosana could see Matt still trying to throw some punches but the officials moved in and broke up the fight. The men were pulled away from each other and escorted to the penalty boxes. Rosana watched Matt's face and he looked unhurt but he wore the fiercest scowl she'd ever seen. Rosana couldn't pay attention to the rest of the period. All she kept seeing was Matt swinging his fists at his opponent. Her dinner turned to ash in her stomach and by the time the second intermission began, she thought she was going to throw up. Malcolm noticed her discomfort. "Are you all right, Rosana?" She shook her head without speaking and Malcolm touched her arm until she turned to face him. "You're white as a sheet." He frowned and stood up. "Come on, I'll take you home." She swallowed and gestured with a limp hand at the ice. "The game..." "Forget the game. You look like you're about to pass out." He pulled her to her feet and they were out of the arena in minutes. Malcolm tried to talk to her on the drive back to Haddonfield but she only nodded or shook her head so he gave up. He walked her up to her house and made sure she was all right inside before leaving her alone. She sat in her living room on the couch for a long while without turning on the TV or reaching for a book. Eventually she lay down and drifted off to a fitful sleep. * * * * Matt was torn between frustration over the loss and disappointment when he listened to Malcolm's voicemail following the game. He wanted to call Rosana but it was already late, and if she was resting, he didn't want to disturb her. Instead, he drove home and stewed over the mistakes he'd made throughout the game. The team's downfall had started long before the moment he'd lost his temper and gone after Rob Parsons. But the jackass had been asking for it. Although his scrap had given a boost of energy to the crowd and team, it hadn't led to a victory and Matt was left feeling like an idiot. Neither of them were the usual ones to stir up trouble, which made him feel even worse. As he pulled into his driveway, Matt figured he'd feel better after seeing Rosana. He glanced over at her house and saw that all the windows were dark, which wasn't surprising considering she'd be resting if she wasn't feeling well. He'd have to satisfy himself with a call or visit in the morning. He didn't have practice tomorrow and the next game wasn't until the weekend. Inside his own house, his brother Malcolm was sitting up on the couch, the television turned to ESPN. "Hey, Matty." Matt wrinkled his nose and gave his brother's shoulder a light punch. "You know I hate that nickname. I've hated it since I was a teenager." Malcolm arched a brow at him and smirked. "Well, you were sure acting like a teenager tonight." With a sigh, Matt dropped onto the couch beside his brother. "I know. I felt like such a douche. Parsons was getting on my nerves." His brother chuckled and nudged him with an elbow. "Don't worry about it. Rosana will kiss your wounds and make you feel better tomorrow." Matt looked over at Malcolm, his disgust over the terrible game gone. "Is she all right? What happened?" "I don't know." Malcolm shrugged and lifted the remote control to mute the TV. "It was right after your fight, I think. I just looked over and she was white as a ghost. So I brought her home. She barely said two words the whole way." Matt frowned. It didn't sound good. He felt terrible for all but forcing her to come to the game. If she was feeling that sick, she might have felt like that yesterday and just hadn't wanted to say anything. He scrubbed a hand down his face and stood up. "I should get to bed. I'll call her first thing tomorrow." Malcolm nodded. "Good idea." Upstairs, alone in his bed, Matt went over and over the game in his head. It was his habit, picking apart his game as well as the other guys on his team, until he could figure out when and where they'd gone wrong. His mind drifted from the game to Rosana and he worried about her. When morning rolled around, he felt like he'd had no sleep at all. He rose, groggy and cotton-mouthed, to stumble down the hall to the washroom. After splashing water on his face he felt somewhat better and headed downstairs to eat breakfast. Malcolm was already out for the day and Matt's mind turned to Rosana as he munched on his toast and jam. Across the yards, her house was still closed up, none of the curtains or blinds open. Matt finished his breakfast and went back upstairs to shower. It was still morning when he called Rosana. She didn't answer the phone so he left it alone for a while. He figured she was just resting. He went out to run some errands and when he came back mid-afternoon, he tried to call her again. There was still no answer. Matt frowned at the phone as he held it in his hand and then he walked over to a window that faced her house. He could either keep calling her or he could just go over and check on her in person. He opted for the latter. Rosana didn't answer the door right away and Matt had to stop himself from knocking harder. After a minute, he saw a shadow move beyond the frosted glass of the front door. "Who is it?" "It's Matt." There was a pause before the locks opened and Rosana peered out at him. Her eyes were red and puffy and she looked thinner, which shouldn't be possible, since it hadn't been less than twenty-fours since he'd last seen her. "Hey." "What are you doing here?" Her question, instead of her usual invitation inside, startled Matt. He attempted a smile and shifted on his feet. "I wanted to see how you were doing. Malcolm told me you guys left the game early." "Yeah. We did." When she didn't offer anything else, and still didn't ask him to come inside, Matt got a sinking feeling in his stomach. "Is something wrong?" She shook her head and let out a shaky breath. "I'm tired. Was there something you wanted, Matt?" He frowned. OK, she might be sick but there was no reason for this attitude. "I was worried about you. I wanted to see how you were doing. Are you mad at me?" Her blue eyes lifted to meet his gaze and she shrugged. "Well, I'm sorry, for whatever it is I've done to make you upset." She let out a short laugh and shook her head. "That's such a typical guy response, apologizing and not even knowing why." "Then stop being a typical girl and tell me what I did wrong." Rosana's eyes snapped back to his face and she scowled. He glared back at her. "I really don't want to deal with you right now." Matt's eyebrows shot up. "'Deal with me?' What's that supposed to mean?" "It means I don't want to see you right now." When she tried to shut the door, Matt smacked his palm against it, keeping it open. She stared at him, all color draining from her face. Matt straightened but didn't take his hand from the door. He knew she might interpret the move the wrong way, but he didn't want to walk away with Rosana like this. "What did I do?" She narrowed her eyes and pushed a little on the door. When she realized he wasn't going to give in, she blew out a noisy breath and put a shaking hand on her hip. "Rosana, what happened? We were fine when I left here yesterday morning." A thought occurred to him. "Were you sick before you left home?" She pursed her lips but gave her head a brisk shake. "Did something happen at the game?" Matt narrowed his eyes as he considered the crowds and what her reaction might have been. Again, she remained silent. Her eyes stayed cold and her stance was one of defensiveness, as if he'd done something grave to hurt her. If she wouldn't explain, Matt didn't know what else to do and he was running low on patience. He took a deep breath and stepped back, trying to give them both some space. "I'm sorry if you didn't like the game. I'm glad you came and at least gave it a shot. However, I'm not going to apologize for what I do." Her eyes narrowed and she pursed her lips. "You won't apologize for what you do?" Matt drew back, startled by the anger in her tone. "No, I–" "You won't apologize for instigating a senseless fight?" "What? I didn't–" "You did!" Almost yelling now, her hand fell from the door and she stepped out onto the porch. "I was there! I saw the whole thing! You were losing and you got pissed off so you took it out on someone smaller than you." Matt gaped, shocked by her outburst. "For one thing, Parsons is not smaller than me." Rosana scoffed and waved a dismissive hand. "That would be your first defense. You obviously know you started that stupid fight. And for what? A penalty and then losing the game?" Matt winced. Everything she was saying was everything he'd already berated himself for. "I still don't understand why you're so upset." So he'd gotten into a fight and sat in the box for five minutes? That was no reason to avoid him for a day and to snap at him like this. "You wouldn't." He frowned. "Then tell me why." Rosana met his gaze and her fierce anger faded in a flash. He was startled to see tears shimmer in her eyes. "Rosana..." He stepped closer to take her into his arms but she pushed him away. "You... you're just like the rest of them." "The rest of who?" She shook her head, sniffling and hugging her arms around her torso. She shook her head and drew in a shaky breath before speaking again. "The other guys." Matt felt his stomach give a sickening lurch. "What guys?" "The guys I've dated." She gave a dismissive shrug and moved back to her open doorway. "They were all the same. Nice at first and then they showed their true colors." "Stop talking in circles, Rosana." She met his eyes again. "You're just like all the other bullies I've known." Matt reeled back a step, shocked. "You think I'm like those... frat boys who tried to hurt you? Or like that Nathan guy who tried to force himself on you after you broke up?" Matt knew his words had come out razor-sharp by the way Rosana winced and retreated another step inside her house. But he was too upset and beyond hurt to care. "You are alike. You're bullies who think you can get what you want by pushing other people around." "I am nothing like that!" Matt exploded. "It was a hockey game. Fights happen." "They don't have to." "And you didn't have to sleep with a jerk like Nathan either, but you did." The second the words left his mouth, Matt wanted to suck them back in. Rosana's face went white as a sheet and the tears that had been shimmering along her lower lids spilled over. Matt took a step towards her, hands lifted to reach for her. "Shit, Rosana, I'm sorry–" "Don't come near me." Her words were spoken barely above a whisper but Matt stopped short. "I don't want to see you anymore." Matt winced, the words cutting deep. "Please, Rosana–" "Good-bye, Matt." She shut the door in his face. * * * * For another day, Rosana avoided going outside. At last she ventured out when she knew Matt wasn't home. She had no idea if Malcolm was still staying with him but she couldn't stay inside any longer. For one thing, she needed to go to work and for another, all she was doing at home was crying and wishing she could redo her last conversation with Matt. Matt was supposed to be one of the good guys. After the way he'd swept her off her feet, never pushing for more than what she was willing to offer, she'd thought he was different. Then that game had ruined everything. For the next week or so, Rosana tried to ignore the sports highlights that showed in the bar she went to with Rhiannon, and she kept changing channels until she found something that didn't remind her of Matt. She tried to read, even revisiting her favorite books but nothing got Matt's words out of her head, or erased the look on his face from hers. After the second week, she began to wonder if she'd been wrong. She needed an objective third opinion and screwed up her courage during a lull at work one day. "Daniel?" The sous chef turned to her with a smile. "What's up?" Rosana lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "Do you watch hockey?" Daniel grinned. "Sure do. I'm a Devils fan all the way." "Really?" "Hell yeah. I was practically born on the steps of the Prudential Center." Rosana had to laugh at that. She didn't know a lot, but even she knew that the Prudential Center wasn't that old. "Can I ask you something?" "About hockey?" "Yeah. I went to my first game a few weeks ago." He cocked his head to one side, giving her a considering look. "You didn't like it?" Again, she shrugged, unsure of how to broach the topic. "It was all right. I didn't understand a lot of what happened." Daniel nodded and lifted the board he was working on to sweep the diced onions into a pan. "Hockey can seem pretty complex to someone who doesn't watch it regularly." Rosana had to agree with that. Malcolm had done his best to keep her in the loop but everything had happened so fast. "Yeah, but it was still fun." "What's your question?" "Well, there was a fight at the game I went to and it looked really bad." Daniel gave a short laugh and nodded. "Sometimes, yeah. Don't let the amount of blood freak you out. Head wounds bleed something fierce, even the smallest cuts." Rosana felt her mouth go dry at the mention of blood. To think that Matt could have ended up bloodied and bruised made her stomach turn. "Do they happen a lot? Fights, I mean." "Depends on who you talk to." Daniel reached for another onion and sliced into it. "But it's part of the game, for sure." That was almost the same excuse that Matt had used. "Why?" Daniel glanced at her before chopping the onion up. "Different reasons. Often it's to get the crowd riled up and into the game." "Why?" "Well, if the team is losing, sometimes the crowd isn't into the game. So a couple guys will have a fight, they might even ask each other first, and that gets the crowd going and then it gets the team going." "Really?" "Yeah. Sometimes the fights happen just because one guy takes a shot at the star, or the captain, and then another guy from that team retaliates." Rosana rolled her eyes. "Sounds juvenile." "It's hockey." Daniel sounded almost defensive, which surprised her. "It's the players taking care of business themselves instead of whining to the officials." "What do you mean?" Daniel shrugged and waved the knife in a figure-eight in front of him. "If a guy from one team gets hit or knocked down and no penalty is called, and especially if he ends up hurt, someone from his team might go after the guy who hit him." "To hurt him just as badly?" Rosana wrinkled her nose. "No, but just to let the other guys know that they can't get away with crap like that. I'm not saying I'd pick a fight with a guy in the street for the same reasons, but it's better than banning fights altogether. That could lead to harsher stick hits and more boarding, which can cause more serious injuries."