Sinners and Saints

Sinners and Saints Chapter 30.4 - You're So Vain

One two three four – I thought that was him, or perhaps my own pulsing core – but it ends up being pounding on the walls and door as three pissed-off women all scream, “Are you finally done?” 

Drake chuckles and opens the door to the two bi’s, “Afraid not, ladies.  It appears that Claire is as insatiable as I am.  We’ll probably be another couple of hours – at least,” he laughs and shuts the door on them and turns to me, grinning. 

“It probably wasn’t a good idea to piss Lil off like that,” I tell him, but can’t suppress my own grin. 

“I’ve been in ‘screw-offs’ before,” he shrugs and shimmers slightly, “I haven’t lost one yet.”  His damp hair is perfectly groomed again and all traces of his sweat are gone. 

“That’s so unfair,” I grumble and stand over the air conditioner to dry off, “You look perfect and I’m a sweaty, sticky mess.” 

“You’re beautiful, Claire,” he smiles and steps next to me, rubbing my back, “Neither sweaty nor sticky, but glowing and radiant.  Like the last time I saw you in Miami.  Absolutely stunning.” 

His flattery unnerves me.  I want to believe him, but his pride is on the line as much as mine is in this stupid competition, “You don’t have to butter me up, Drake.  I know there are a lot more beautiful women out there than me.  Even Jojo has a better figure than I do.” 

Drake turns me around and bends me backward slightly so the A/C is blowing up my back and cooling my scalp beneath my hair.  He begins running it through his fingers as a stylist would, letting me cool off further, “Where is this insecurity coming from, Claire-bear?” he asks, one perfectly groomed brow arching, “Josephina is beautiful too – yes.  That doesn’t diminish your beauty any.  She has bigger boobs than you do and prettier eyes – so what?  She doesn’t have your long legs.  She doesn’t have your defiant ‘f- you’ spark.  Do you want to know why she can’t keep a man around?” 

“It’s because of who we are – what we do,” I tell him.  I don’t like where this is going.  Jojo is my sister, after all.  No matter how mad I am at her right now. 

“It’s because she’s a damn doormat, Claire,” he sighs, “She’s brilliant and funny and sexy as hell, but she’s not a fighter.  You may not have her physical assets, but you’re the one out here fighting and figuring it out.  Getting your lumps – certainly – but giving as good as you get.  She’s holed up with her library and her cats and her regular spin-classes.” 

“You need to stop, Drake,” I push him away, “Jojo is my sister, and no one is allowed to bad-mouth her.” 

“I’m not trying to bad-mouth her, Claire,” he takes my hands, “I’m just telling you what men see.  I adore Jojo – I really do.  And I’d do anything I could for her.  She would be grateful.  If I tried the same thing with you?” he chuckles, “You’d have my balls in a vice before I could say my first Hail Mary.  That’s what turns men on, Claire.  What keeps them around.  You are a challenge – a puzzle that we won’t ever solve, but we’ll happily try till our dying day.  Isn’t that what intrigued Morton so much about you?” 

I stiffen.  I’m an idiot.  He told me he’d talked to Jill – of course he would know about Jamie.  Probably more than I want him to. 

“You didn’t think I knew that you fell in love?” Drake asks and pulls me close, loosely encircling me in his arms, “That you love him still?  I may be relocated, but I still have my network, Claire.” 

This is all upsetting me and not really the kind of sex-talking I’m used to, “Are we done here?” I ask, anger masking my confusion and hurt. 

“Ah, my ever-defiant Claire,” he chuckles and watches me, “I got you riled up, didn’t I?  First with Jojo, and now with Morton.  Do you hate me now, Claire?  I don’t think so.  I think I dug a little deeper than you wanted me to, but I also think you know my observations are right – about all three of you.  And the madder you get, the sexier you are,” he smiles like Luc. 

Right up until I slap him.  Hard. 

I see him take it, but it doesn’t stop him.  He grabs my wrists – firmly, but not enough to hurt – and kisses me strongly, “I can take it rough too, babe,” he teases, “But I might slap back.  I’d love to spank that delicious ass of yours.”  

“Are you trying to piss me off?” I ask him, “Let go of me.” 

“Ah, ah, ah,” he grins and switches my wrists into one hand so he can fondle my nipple with the other, “I thought you liked to be restrained, Claire?” he asks before reaching down and pulling my pebbling nipple into his mouth.  I hiss, both at his words and his actions.  Despite myself, my body is purring at his touch, reminding me just how aroused I was – and apparently still am.  A low moan escapes my lips and my back arches further.