Alphas & Fairytales: A New Year's Eve Anthology Read online

  I grunted in protest, but he rose over me and pressed his cock to my entrance. Oh, yes. That’ll do nicely, too. Apparently, he was so eager to get inside me that he hadn’t bothered to even fully take off his pants.

  “Sorry, baby. I need to feel you coming around my dick this time. I want to see the satisfaction on your face while I’m making love to you.” Then he pressed his hips forward, and with a groan, sank his thick length inside of me. “So fucking tight,” he said hoarsely. He pulled all the way out and then eased inside me once more.

  Then he began pumping hard and fast, rocking his body into mine and hitting a spot inside me that sent sparks jumping in my nerves. A thin cry left my lips and I exploded, my inner muscles contracting around him and milking the orgasm from him. A guttural groan rumbled from his chest as he throbbed hot and hard inside me. A few more pumps and he stilled, holding his cock deep as he let himself go.

  Once our breathing returned to normal, we snuggled together under the sheet in the dark watching the midnight fireworks outside our hotel window.

  “Um, Brick.”

  “Yeah, baby.”

  “I think you should probably give Courtney a raise.”

  Brick smirked. “Why? You think it might keep her from suing me for child support?”

  I laughed. Okay, I deserved that. “I really am sorry for saying that. And don’t worry. I’m going to explain everything and apologize profusely to her first thing tomorrow morning. I feel terrible about all of it. But since she has a new baby on the way, I think a big raise would be a nice gesture to show how much you appreciate all she does for you. She obviously deserves it.”

  “That’s nice, Addy. I’m happy to give her another raise…and maternity leave, of course.”

  A thought passed through my mind that had me sucking in a deep breath. “Um, I might have to think about taking some leave from work myself soon, too.”

  “Baby, they won’t fire you for losing the Largo account. And even if they do, who cares? It’s not like we need the money. I have plenty.”

  I shook my head. “I’m not worried about that at all. I picked up a new client tonight that more than makes up for the one I lost. My boss will be happy.” I craned my neck to look up at Brick. “I’m talking about taking maternity leave.”

  He lifted his head off the pillow and gazed back at me. “What?”

  “Well, I probably should’ve mentioned this before, but I didn’t think about it until just now. I stopped taking my birth control pills two weeks ago.”

  A smile spread across Brick’s face. “Guess that means I might be a father soon, after all.”

  * * *

  Thank you for taking the time to read Close Encounters.

  About the Author

  To learn more about Alison Bliss, visit her website at http://authoralisonbliss.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter at http://bit.ly/1s14xf3 to keep up with her latest book news. You can also email her at [email protected] or connect with her on social media.

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  ABOUT ALISON BLISS

  Alison Bliss grew up in Small Town, Texas, but currently resides in the Midwest with her husband and two sons. With so much testosterone in her home, it's no wonder she writes "girl books." She believes the best way to know if someone is your soul mate is by canoeing with them because if you both make it back alive, it's obviously meant to be. Alison pens the type of books she loves to read most: fun, steamy love stories with heart, heat, laughter, and usually a cowboy or two. As she calls it, "Romance...with a sense of humor."

  Taking Greer

  BESTSELLING AUTHOR

  WINTER TRAVERS

  Copyright © 2016 Winter Travers

  Taking Greer

  Editor: Nicole Bailey

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  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduction, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) utilization of this work without written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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  Created with Vellum

  Greer

  My hand shook as I grabbed a champagne flute off the passing tray and took a small sip. I needed to calm my nerves, and Apollo Banachi wasn’t helping. He’s been watching me all night. His steely gaze never leaving me, even when he’s engaged in conversation with someone else.

  “I see someone hasn’t taken their eyes off you all night,” Kent murmured under his breath as he glided next to me. “Me thinks that strong, broody, hunk of man wants you, Greer.”

  I rolled my eyes and took another sip. I didn’t want Kent to be right, although I knew that he might be. “I think you need to get your eyes checked, Kent. Apollo Banachi is the last person in this room who would be looking at me right now.”

  “Oh, he’s not the only one looking at you, sweet innocent Greer, he’s just the only one who looks like he’s ready to take you right here in the middle of the dance floor.”

  “He is my brother’s best friend, Kent. I’m sure he’s just keeping an eye on me for Kane.”

  Kent rolled his eyes and grabbed my glass out of my hand. “I think he wants to keep something else on you besides his eyes.” Kent tossed back the rest of my glass and set it on another passing tray.

  “Hey, I needed that,” I scolded. Liquid courage was all I had going for me right now. I knew that it was only a matter of time before Apollo made his way over to me. He’s been circling me like prey the whole night, from the fight where he sat three tables over, to now where he was only ten feet away.

  “I think tonight you may want to have your wits about you, sweetheart. I believe that fantasy of yours where Apollo Banachi finally sees you is about to come true.” Kent wiggled his eyebrows at me and nodded his head over my shoulder. “Because here he comes.”

  “Don’t leave me,” I gasped as I grabbed his arm. I wasn’t ready for this. My mind went blank on everything, even what my name was. Poof, gone, all because Apollo was coming over. The man affected me like no other.

  Kent looked down at me. “I don’t think Apollo is into the same kink I am, sweetheart.”

  I slugged his shoulder and scoffed. “Not like that.”

  “You really think you should be hitting me in a dress like that? It’s not very ladylike,” Kent grumbled as he rubbed his shoulder. “You hit like a man.”

  “Leave me, and I’ll hit you again,” I threatened.

  Kent scowled, but he didn’t move. “I’m the token gay friend, Greer. You’re not supposed to hit the gay friend. I’m a damn unicorn, and you should feel damn lucky to be my friend.”

  “I am lucky you’re my friend, now be a good friend and don’t leave.”

  Kent gulped loudly, and he looked over my shoulder. “Kent,” Apollo greeted low and smooth.

  My body quivered at the one word, and I closed my eyes for a brief second. Thankfully my back was tur
ned to Apollo, and I needed to gather my wits.

  “Apollo. Good to see you.” Kent tried to pull out of my grasp, but there was no way I was going to let him go, not yet. My tight grip on Kent was the only thing between me standing and falling flat on my face. My legs turned to jello, and one wrong move would put me ass up on the ground with my Louboutin’s in the air.

  “I couldn’t miss the fight between The Ripper and The Bone Crusher.”

  “It was a good fight, but was there really any doubt that The Ripper wouldn’t win?” Kent followed MMA fighting, and he begged me to come along with him tonight. I was regretting my decision. I should have stayed home in Chicago and brought in the New Year with my two cats and a bottle of champagne. Simple, quiet and no Apollo.

  “Do you think I could have a word with Greer alone?”

  “Ah…” Kent’s eyes bugged out, and he looked down at me. “We were actually going to run to the bathroom.”

  “Together?” Apollo drawled. I could only imagine the smirk on his lips as he eyed up Kent. Apollo had a way about him and all it took was one look from him and you would be doing what he asked.

  I knew the second Apollo gave Kent the look that Kent was going to abandon me. “You’ll thank me for this, sweetheart.” Kent brushed a kiss to the side of my head and pulled his arm out of my grasp. “Trust me.” Kent nodded his head at Apollo and disappeared into the crowd.

  “Traitor,” I whispered under my breath. What was the point of having a wingman if they left at the drop of a hat?

  “Turn around, Greer,” Apollo whispered into my ear. His warm breath washed over my skin, and a slight shiver ran through my body. His hand slid around my waist and my back pressed against his body. “Please.”

  I never, in my fourteen years of knowing Apollo Banachi, heard him say please. It’s not that he was rude or an asshole, it was just that whenever he spoke, things got done. No please and thank you were necessary.

  I turned around in his arms but took a step back when we were face to face. His hand dropped from my side, and I took a deep breath that I desperately needed. “Apollo.”

  His eyes fell to my feet, and his gaze slowly traveled up my body. I thanked God that I had taken the time to actually shop for a new dress and not just pulled an old dress out of the closet.

  Kent and I shopped all day yesterday, looking for the perfect dress. When we walked into a small boutique on the strip, I instantly fell in love the second my eyes fell on the black and jungle green dress. It really wasn’t a secret to anyone that my favorite color was green, so the illusion neckline with black and green tribal embroidery panels with alternating sheer panels was a dress that was made for me. The dress hugged my breasts and hips and fell into an A-line to the floor that was stunning paired with my black slingback heels.

  “Green has always been your color, hasn’t it, Greer?” His deep, velvety voice floated over me as he reached up and brushed his hand down my bare arm. “Although I don’t think you could wear anything that could make you look less than gorgeous.”

  “Have you been drinking, Apollo?” I murmured. His words shocked me. Never had Apollo uttered a word like the ones falling from his lips.

  “I haven’t touched a drop of liquor all night, Greer.”

  I tilted my head and looked up into Apollo’s dark, mesmerizing emerald eyes. I couldn’t help but let a smile settle on my lips. If only Apollo knew the reason why green was my favorite color. His eyes were what my dreams were made of, and since the age of thirteen when I first met him, green became my favorite color. “Bump your head today?”

  Apollo shook his head and the same smirk that I’ve seen the past fourteen years graced his lips. “No drinking, and I haven’t bumped my head.” He grabbed my hand and laced his fingers through mine. “I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight. I have to say you were a surprise that I wasn’t expecting.”

  “It’s not really a surprise if you were expecting it, is it?”

  “I suppose not, but I’m not a fan of surprises unless I’m the one doing the surprising.” He squeezed my hand and tugged me closer. “I think you’re the only one I wouldn’t mind getting a surprise from.”

  “You see me back home, Apollo. I don’t know what the difference is from now to then.”

  His hand that was holding my hand wound around my waist, pulling my arm back and my chest arched into him. I stumbled forward, my legs tangling with his. “The difference is, I’ve tried to keep my distance from you, but this dress and those heels you are wearing are testing my restraint.”

  “Restraint against what?” I mumbled.

  “You, my sweet Greer. I’ve been trying to restrain from taking you for the past nine years.” He brushed my hair off of my neck and leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear. “Eleven years if I'm honest,” he whispered. “I’ve wanted you since you were seventeen, Greer.”

  A gasp escaped my lips. “What… why did… who…” I couldn’t form a coherent thought to save my life. Apollo Banachi has wanted me since I was seventeen?

  “Breathe, Greer. Is it really that much of a surprise to you? I only crave the finest things in life, and you are at the top of my list of things that I crave. Greer Cassidy, the thing I’ve always wanted, but knew I couldn’t have.” He pressed a kiss to my neck and his right hand glided up my body and cradled my head. He pressed his lips to my ear and a shiver ran through my body. “Until tonight,” he growled.

  I melted into Apollo, unable to hold back any longer. I’ve wanted this man for as long as I have known him and now I was wrapped up in his arms, exactly where I wanted to be. “If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up,” I whispered.

  “Come back to my room with me, Greer, and we’ll make both of our dreams come true.” He released the arm I had behind my back, and his hand spanned my lower back as he pressed me closer. “I need one night with you.”

  “One?” I wasn’t sure I could handle only having one night with Apollo. I didn’t think forever would be long enough with him.

  “I’m starting with one. But I’m sure there will be more,” he whispered into my ear. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you, Greer.”

  “I don’t think-.”

  “No, stop,” Apollo cut me off. “No thinking tonight, just feeling. Come with me, please, Greer.” He leaned back, and looked down at me, desire burning in his eyes.

  My words caught in my throat, and I slowly nodded my head. One, ten, or fifty nights with Apollo, I would never say no.

  Apollo

  I pulled her behind me through the crowded ballroom, wishing I had approached her sooner, so we didn’t have to battle through the crowd to the door. It was half past eleven, and everyone was crowding around the windows trying to get the best view of the fireworks that would be going off soon.

  I watched Greer all night, knowing that I couldn’t help myself anymore. It’s been eleven long years since I noticed Greer, and every day seeing her has been pure torture knowing that I couldn’t have her. Except for tonight, I didn’t give a flying fuck about all of the things that were keeping me from her.

  Our age. Seven years wasn’t that much.

  Her brother. Screw, Kane. I’d deal with him later.

  Work. Well, work wasn’t something I’ve entirely figured out, but Greer knew what I did. Her accepting it was something we would have to work through later. The Banachi’s were a family everyone knew about. The extent of what most knew was limited, but Greer knew more than most.

  “Apollo,” she gasped, “you’re going to pull my arm out of the socket.”

  I looked over my shoulder and saw her struggling to keep up with my long strides. “The shoes are hot as fuck, Greer, but they’re slowing us down.”

  Greer tugged on my arm to slow me down. “Waiting thirty seconds longer to get back to our room, Apollo, is nothing compared to twelve years. Slow down before I end up on my butt.”

  I slowed down, slid back next to her and rested her hand in the crook of my arm. “The only pla
ce your ass is going to end up tonight is in my bed, Greer. That’s a guarantee.”

  We finally made it to the end of the room and slipped out one of the side doors that led into a dark hallway. “Where are we?” Greer asked as she looked around.

  “Back of the house.” I pulled my phone out and sent a message to Trey to bring the car around to the back. “Two more doors then left.”

  “How do you know your way around?” Greer asked, bewildered. “I could barely find the restroom before.”

  “Always know your surroundings, Greer. You never know when you’ll have to make a quick escape.” I winked at her and opened the patio door.

  “Something makes me think that this wasn’t the reason you know how to get around.” Greer swept through the door, and I couldn’t help the grin that settled on my lips.

  “You always were too smart for your own good, Greer.”

  She scoffed and brushed her hair off of her shoulder. “I know that I should be scared of you and what you do, Apollo, but I never have been able to walk away from you. You and your cousin may run the underground of Chicago, but it doesn’t scare me. I’ve known you too long to think that you’re some evil man.”

  “You’re right, Leo is the evil one, I’m the good one.” I wiggled my eyebrows and Greer giggled. “Don’t tell anyone.”

  Greer looked me up and down and shook her head. “I still firmly believe that you’ve been drinking tonight, Apollo. I’ve never seen you like this before.”