The Power Couple (Without Rules #3)

By Tyffani Clark Kemp

After the loss of her husband and her preterm baby, Mariss Red is finally starting to put her life back together. She's in a semi-stable relationship and her publishing business is doing well. None of that can fill the hole in her heart, but she's a survivor. Her newest obstacle? Maneuvering the hazy boundaries of an open relationship with a man who can't be bound by rules.

Sebastian Boa, The Man Without Rules, struggles to live an honorable life. Mariss meets and approves any woman he happens to bring home and things are going well, aside from the occasional miscommunication. It's bound to happen, since he's never been in a steady relationship before. But he knows Mariss is keeping something from him, and he knows it's probably another man.

A trip to Paris is meant to be a romantic break for the strange couple, but it ends up in disaster when Sebastian catches Mariss with her secret lover. Add a crazed fangirl trying to seduce Sebastian, a man who has found that rules just might work for him after all. If it means he keeps Mariss in his life. It seems The Power Couple may never catch a break.

Rules made to be broken may spell disaster for The Power Couple.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyffani Clark Kemp
• Release date: Sep 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310048722

Tyffani Clark Kemp

Tyffani Clark Kemp might be the quietest person in the room, but that just means she’s probably the biggest freak too. She is a multi-genre author with a gift for the written word and a desire to help all Indies reach their full potential. In 2012, she and her best friend Kimberly Fudge started SideStreet Cookie Publishing for authors who want to remain independent, but don’t have the time or the knowledge to do it all themselves. From the age of eleven she dedicated her life to writing and making sure she was good at her craft. Now, she passes that knowledge on to others. Her friends would describe her as determined and giving. She may be quite, but she always has a story to tell.

Book preview

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

Sebastian unbuttoned his suit jacket and pulled Mariss as close as their clothing would allow. Her stunning purple bandage dress had no straps and stopped just above her knees. She’d been wearing so much black lately and it was nice to see her in something that set off her beautiful tan skin. When she looked up at him, her brown eyes shone with a smile and something else he couldn’t quite pinpoint. With a hand at the small of her back, he pulled her closer.

The woman behind you has been eyeing me for the last half hour, he said, bending close to her ear so she could hear him over the pulsating music of the club. The Tea Room was one that he owned here in New York. He also had one in London.

Do you want her? Mariss asked, wiggling her hips against his. Sebastian grunted, trying to suppress the excitement that ran through him and straight to his growing erection. She turned so her perfect, round arse was pressed against him.

I thought we'd share, he hissed. If you're game.

So far, the open relationship was working. So far. But it had only been a few months, and for half the time they'd been apart on business. And the grieving, well, they were both still working through their losses, but Mariss was handling things better than he’d expected. She had dark days like two days ago when he had to force her out of bed, and then she had days like today when she was all the way at the other end of the spectrum.

Mariss turned back, resting her hands against his chest. For a moment, they just looked at each other. Sebastian smiled and she smiled back. I'm game. Let's do it.

He knew she was doing it for him, and that touched him in ways he still didn't understand. Sebastian also knew that there was a great possibility that moments like these could be considered self-destructive, so he made a mental note to keep a close eye on her until they were safe and alone in bed. He would keep her there if that wasn't as detrimental to her mental stability as letting her fuck her life away.

She had yet to bring home a man, or even mention a man that she might be interested in sleeping with. Or even sharing. Perhaps he should have pointed out the man a few paces away who'd been staring at her arse since he walked in half an hour ago, though he was sure she wouldn’t be interested. Her tastes seemed to gravitate toward physically fit men like himself.

Your arse looks fantastic, by the way, Sebastian said, keeping her against him for a moment longer. I'm not the only one who things so.

Maris grinned up at him a genuinely happy smile that he hadn't seen in a few days. I come by it naturally. Her hand snaked over his shoulder and behind his head to pull him down for a kiss.

Sebastian obliged, wanting her as much as her eyes said that she wanted him. Their lips met in a fiery kiss that had him moaning almost loud enough to rival the music. She tasted like Midori and sour apple thanks to the martini's he'd bought for her. But beneath that, he tasted her. It was enough to make his trousers tight. There were still a lot of things he didn't understand about the way he reacted to Mariss, but this was not one of them. He wanted her badly, and all because of a kiss.

Sebastian shoved his tongue into the depths of her mouth and she reciprocated with a feverish frenzy of lips and tongue and teeth.

Keep this up and I'll take you right here, Red.

She grinned against his lips. I’m not opposed to that either.

You’re drunk, he chuckled. Luckily for you, there are no traction machines here.

Mariss giggled. I still don’t remember that.

Around the time they started getting friendly, Mariss was struck by a car and put in the hospital, mainly to make her attackers believe she was really hurt. One night, she called him. She was so drunk that by the time he got to the hospital to make sure she was alright, she was swinging from the traction machine. It broke under her weight. That was the first time he realized he might feel more for her than lust.

Perhaps I can give you a rendition of sorts. He winked, giving her a smile that he knew would curl her toes. Mariss pressed her body against his, smooshing her breasts against his chest.

Are you trying to tell me you want to buy a sex swing?

Sebastian laughed loud enough to call the attention of those around him. No, sweetheart. I’m trying to tell you that I already have one. It’s never been used. Shall I dig it up?

Oh, yes please. Now, about this girl of yours. Which one is she? Mariss turned and made no attempts to be subtle.

Sebastian leaned into her ear and said, She’s that one there. In the silver dress. She reminds me of you a bit. She was built a bit like Mariss and about the same height with long dark hair hanging in waves over one shoulder.

I don’t see it. Mariss downed the rest of her drink and set the empty glass on a nearby table. Go collect her. I’ll meet you by the door.

Mariss sauntered away, apparently not drunk enough to need assistance walking. Sebastian approached the woman, who was now dancing with another man though her attention was elsewhere. He leaned in to her ear and said loud enough to hear, Did you want to come with us?

She looked up into his eyes. They were the same shade as Mariss’ and there was wonder in their depths, like she couldn’t quite believe she’d been invited to spend the evening with them. Sebastian motioned to the door with a gentlemanly jerk of his head. She gathered her purse and hurried that way.

Mariss pushed the door open and the three of them stepped out into the night to their waiting car.

What’s your name then? Sebastian asked as he settled between the two of them in the backseat.

Marie, she said hesitantly.

Well, Marie, you picked a great night to join us. Mariss is drunk and I’m especially randy. He winked. What do you do?

I own my own business, she said. I dye my own fabrics.

That’s interesting. Sebastian tilted his head to the side so he could see her better. She was quite a bit more reserved than Mariss. He wasn’t even sure Marie was her real name. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who dyes their own fabrics. Is there a lot of demand for that? He smiled down at her, more genuinely than he usually did. Her eyes widened for just a moment.

Marie smiled back. More than you’d think. Where are we going?

To one of my flats, he told her. We could have stayed at the club, I guess, but I thought you might be more comfortable if we went somewhere more private.

Is she going to join us? Marie asked, nodding at Mariss.

Sebastian nodded. Mrs. Red and I are out for the evening so anything I do she does with me. Is that going to be a problem? Marie shook her head, but he knew she was disappointed. Have you met Mrs. Red yet? Marie shook her head again. "Well, then. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the founder and owner of The Red Wife Media Group and my girlfriend, Mariss Red."

I’ll be here all week, Mariss said with a smirk. No, seriously though, can you order some food to the flat? I’m starving.

Sebastian chuckled. Would you like anything? he asked Marie as he took out his phone.

No, thank you, she said. Maybe some wine. If it’s no trouble.

Sebastian dismissed her with a wave of his hand. He retrieved his mobile from his pocket and dialed the number for a restaurant nearby. I always have wine. That’s no trouble at all. Yes, I’d like to order take away, he said when the man answered. This is Sebastian Boa. Yes, the usual to the usual place. Thank you.

It’s that easy for you? Marie asked. He couldn’t tell if she was impressed or disgusted.

Yes. Sometimes. He gripped Mariss’ knee. Not always. Mariss giggled.

You got what you wanted, she said.

Only after a lot of hard work and heartache, he said.

Hm.

Sebastian let them into the flat. The studio was small by all accounts, but it was upscale and nicely furnished with a sofa and bed in the far corner. There wasn’t really room for much else. There was a small patio as well. Marie looked around and he could tell that she wasn’t impressed.

This is where you live?

Oh, no, he chuckled. This is where we bring guests for the evening. What kind of wine would you like, sweetheart?

Anything red is fine. Marie sat on the sofa in a huff.

If you don’t like it, you can go. Sebastian raised an eyebrow as she turned to look at him. She swallowed hard like a chastised child. Mrs. Red and I are perfectly fine spending the evening alone. He popped the cork on the wine and set it on the counter to breathe. What’s it going to be?

Sebastian folded his arms over his chest and leaned his hip on the counter. Over Marie’s shoulder, he watched Mariss take a seat on the edge of the bed and kick off her heels.

Marie followed his gaze, her eyes lingering for a moment. When she turned back to him, there was a darkness behind her eyes that he didn’t care for.

Is there a problem? he asked. You know she’s my girlfriend. Mariss comes first. All other women come after her. He shrugged. That’s the way it is now. Mariss…

Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose as he watched her shimmy out of her lovely purple dress.

Hm? What? she asked. Oh. I’m hot.

Sebastian chuckled. He returned his gaze to Marie. What’s it going to be, sweetheart?

Marie reached for the wine bottle and poured herself a glass. Instead of sipping, she downed the whole damn thing. What do you have in mind? she asked.

Sebastian grinned. You see Mariss? He nodded in her direction. I suggest you follow suit and get naked.

He pushed himself away from the counter and sauntered into the main room with a smile on his lips. Mariss watched him come as if he was a lion stalking his prey. Sebastian kicked off his shoes and unbuttoned his suit jacket. Shrugging out of it, he draped it neatly across the arm of the sofa. Mariss reached up to help him with his shirt buttons. Her dainty fingers made quick work of them. She pushed the shirt over his shoulders and down his arms. Sebastian pulled it out of his trousers and laid it with his jacket.

Mariss’ hands smoothed over his stomach and chest. As they came back down, she grazed his skin with her fingernails. Sebastian pulled his lip between his teeth, biting back a moan at her touch.

These. Off. Mariss tugged at his belt. Her fingers fumbled as the alcohol in her system began to take stronger affect. Sebastian caught her hands with his and helped her with the belt.

I think you’ve had your fill of liquor for the night, he laughed. He unbuttoned his trousers. Leaning in for a kiss, Sebastian couldn’t help but smell the alcohol on her breath. Her lips pressed to his and that was all he cared about. Her fingers snaked into his hair, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss. Her tongue laved at his, spurring him deeper into passion. Finally, he pulled away. Did you forget we have a guest? he asked.

Mariss smiled and laid back on the bed. She slid her hand into her black lace panties. Her body arched as she touched herself, soft moans calling through the air. Just the sound was enough to make Sebastian’s dick harden almost painfully. She made it nearly impossible to drag his eyes away from her.

Marie stepped into his periphery. She stood there in just her matching pink underwear and sexy pumps. His eyes raked over her fit body appreciatively. She reminded him very much of Mariss, even with her clothes off, but there was something off about her. Something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Why don’t you get on the bed with her? he suggested.

Marie shook her head. She grinned, biting down on her lip, and turned to the radio. She flipped through the stations until she found something she liked. It wasn’t anything Sebastian was into…until she started swaying to the music, moving her hips like she was dancing on a stage at his club. He watched her dance until Mariss let out an extra loud moan. Her body arched as she brought herself to climax. Her skin flushed, her perfectly round breasts shook as her body convulsed through a little orgasm. Her hooded eyes blinked up at him and she smiled. Even drunk she knew what she did to him.

Arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him into a full-mouthed kiss. It wasn’t unpleasant, but he felt the beginnings of a competition starting in the intensity of that kiss.

Sebastian unwound her arms from his neck and pushed her gently away, far enough to see her face. Lay down on the bed. He made it an order with a look in his eyes that he knew she wouldn’t argue with. Next to Mariss. Go ahead.

Creases formed across her forehead, but she did as he said, moving slowly like she wasn’t sure if she wanted to comply, but didn’t want whatever the consequences might be if she didn’t.

Sebastian walked a few paces away to look at the two of them laying there side by side in the bed. Mariss’ skin was a little bit darker, her eyes a little bit browner. They both had the same hooded, fully aroused look in their eyes. Their hair was about the same length, splayed out across the mattress. Their noses were near identical.

You two are beautiful, he said in awe.

Great pleasure filled Marie’s smile from that comment. Something just wasn’t right here, but he kept his thoughts to himself for the time being.

I want your bras off. Panties too. He turned to the radio and found something a little less pop tart and a little more sexual. I can tell all I need to know by the color and style of a woman’s panties, he said, giving them both a sly grin.

No you can’t, Mariss giggled.

Sure, I can. For instance, your black lace thong let me know right away that you were planning to have sex with me tonight.

You’re so full of shit, she slurred. Her crooked, watery grin made him smile.

You, he said, indicating Marie. Pale pink cotton bikini’s. You’re very girly, but you’re trying to hide who you really are. You had plans to come home with me tonight, but you didn’t want to seem desperate. He winked. You didn’t want me to know, but I always know.

Marie smiled. That’s quite the party trick.

Sebastian shrugged. It is important to know who I’m taking to bed. Like you. He crossed the small space and palmed her breasts. They weren’t real, just like he assumed.

What about me?

What about you? Where would I be if I told you all of my secrets? He crawled up on the bed between them and laid on his back. One of you needs to suck my dick. He folded his arms behind his head.

I’m too drunk, Mariss slurred. I might get sick.

I guess that means you’re up, Marie.

The woman sat up. With a coy smirk, she straddled his knees and worked his trousers down his hips. When his erection sprang free, her eyes widened as she leaned forward. Her soft, velvety lips kissed the head of his dick. Marie took him into her mouth, opening wide to take his full width. She wouldn’t be able to take all of him in, but he didn’t mind.

Mariss leaned over him, kissing him passionately. One hand splayed over his chest. He pulled her closer with a hand on the back of her head. Mariss moaned into his mouth. The sound went straight to his dick and he jumped. Marie lost her hold on him and he sprang free of her mouth. Mariss grabbed him in her hand and squeezed just tight enough to make his hips buck. She chuckled against his lips.

I’m not that drunk, she said.

You’re smashed, he chuckled. What were you- Ah! Nails raked down his legs, just this side of painful. That’s enough of that, he gasped, but his dick certainly liked it.

Sebastian stared at the back of Mariss’ head as she, in turn, stared at Marie for just a moment. He could feel the tension rising as the women challenged each other with their eyes. He patted Mariss on the ass to get her attention.

Come here, he said. Let me taste you.

Mariss grinned and threw her leg over him, straddling his face so she could watch Marie.

You’re not sucking my dick, he told Marie before he buried his face between Mariss’ legs. Her sweet nectar on his tongue, her scent in his nostrils had Sebastian ready to burst at any moment. Marie’s mouth on him might have been his undoing if she hadn’t stopped.

Mariss moaned loud, her hips working back and forth on his tongue. Her body jerked, tiny muscles clenching around his tongue as he drove her toward another climax.

Marie hadn’t come back yet. Sebastian tapped Mariss on the thigh, signaling her to move. She slid over him, collapsing face first into the mattress as Marie attempted to straddle him.

What are you doing? Sebastian asked. He sat up and shot her a frosty look.

What I came here to do? Marie said it like a question, but her eyes told another story. She was jealous of the attention Mariss was getting.

First of all, I didn’t tell you to stop what you were doing. Secondly, never without a condom. Ever. You’re more trouble than you’re worth. I think it’s time for you to go.

Oh, shit, Mariss said softly. Apparently, she wasn’t unconscious yet. You just got dismissed.

Mariss, hush, Sebastian said firmly. She just giggled.

Marie stared at him like she couldn’t believe he would dismiss her. Sebastian, uncaring that he was completely naked staring down a woman who might not be one hundred percent right in the head, waited for her to get the hint.

You should go ahead and put your dress back on, he told her when it became clear that she wasn’t going to move. Or I can call building security and have you removed, dressed or not.

Marie’s eyes widened. I heard you were a sonofabitch, but I had no idea you were such an asshole!

Mariss giggled again. How could you miss that?

Marie growled. She slipped off the bed and snatched her dress off the floor in a fit of rage. It took her a second to wriggle back into it. She grabbed her clutch off the kitchen counter and stomped to the door.

Sebastian followed so he could lock it behind her. I am sorry the night turned out this way, he said, leaning against the door.

Oh, save it. I am completely humiliated. What am I supposed to tell people?

Tell them whatever you like, he said. I don’t care.

Her eyes cleared, like she was having some great enlightenment. No, I’m sure you don’t. You can have anyone in this city and you chose her.

Yes, I did. Though I wouldn’t really say I chose her. It was kind of inevitable for things to be this way between the two of us.

I don’t want to hear anymore. I hope you have a very happy life with…her.

Oh, I plan to. Thank you.

Marie all but screamed as she marched down the hall to the elevator bank. Sebastian watched to make sure she got on safely. Once she was in the elevator, she was no longer his responsibility. As she got on, a young man with take away bags got off.

Mariss, your dinner is here. The young man stopped halfway down the hallway, staring. What’s wrong? Sebastian asked.

The young man blinked, his eyes trained on Sebastian’s face. Sebastian looked down, remembering he was completely naked and not completely flaccid.

You’re naked, Mariss said, sauntering up behind him. She wrapped her arms around him. And I’m in my underwear.

Sebastian chuckled. I thought you were drunk.

So did that stupid bitch. Mariss grinned up at him. You go inside and wait. I’ll get the food.

It’s already paid for. Sebastian kissed her mouth and disappeared into the apartment. From the bed, he could see the whole interaction. He didn’t think the delivery boy got to see many breasts. He was nervous and uncoordinated.

Mariss closed the door and brought the food inside. Well, I was looking for a good three way tonight. What are we going to do now?

Eat. I could call around. Or you can just come to bed with me. We can arrange something for next weekend if you’re game.

Mariss smiled at him. Sure. But why don’t you come over here and fuck me. Then we can eat.

Sebastian didn’t have to be told twice. He pulled Mariss’ panties off, making her naked for the second time. He reached inside her bra and scooped out one perfectly natural breast, sucking her nipple into his mouth. He liked the way her breath sped up when he suckled her.

Why did you put your clothes back on again? he asked, around the breast in his mouth.

Delivery boy didn’t need to see it all, she answered, breathlessly.

Ah. Sebastian looked up at her. I should shower. Rinse off before I come inside you. She had me in her mouth.

Mariss smiled. You’re such a good boy. I’ll be waiting here. Can’t promise I won’t start eating though.

Sebastian winked. He slipped into the shower and bathed quickly. The scent of his cinnamon body wash filled the small apartment by the time he was done. He walked out to the main room to find Mariss asleep on the sofa with chopsticks in her hand. He chuckled.

Silly drunk woman, he said quietly, carrying her to the bed. Sebastian put the food in the fridge and turned out the lights before he joined her. This night had not quite turned out the way he’d planned, but when he was with her, he couldn’t complain much. He fell asleep with the scent of her hair in his nostrils and thoughts of her beautiful body dancing through his head.

CHAPTER TWO

PROPOSITIONED

Mariss woke with a dry mouth and a headache. It took her a second to remember that they were at the studio apartment and why. Sebastian wasn’t in bed but she heard him brushing his teeth in the bathroom. Good. She hadn’t missed the morning manchest.

Why didn’t you wake me? she called.

It was a moment before Sebastian poked his head around the corner. His hair was still a mess and he was indeed shirtless. She smiled.

I tried, he answered. You wouldn’t wake. He handed her a Bloody Mary from the kitchen counter. Drink this. You’ll feel better.

Thanks. She pinched her nose and drank the nasty drink. Mariss had never been a fan of tomato drinks, but as she drank it, she did feel somewhat better.

I took the liberty of picking out your clothes for the day, Sebastian said on his way back to the bathroom. I thought you might be a little hung over and I wanted to see you in that dress before we part ways.

Mariss chuckled. The dress he’d picked was a simple black sheath with geometric shapes lined in red down the front. Come here.

Sebastian changed directions and came to stand at the edge of the bed. Mariss ran her hands over his chest. She did it every morning, though she was usually a little more subtle.

I wish we had more time.

Sebastian grinned. I have an appointment I can’t miss, but I can come by your office for lunch.

Maris grinned. Yeah. I might need some illumination by then.

He chuckled. I think I can help with that.

Mariss rolled her eyes and shoved him away. I think I need a shower.

I’ll start it for you.

Things were going well for them. Since Britt’s wedding two months ago in May when they decided they wanted to try this open relationship thing, they’d been on a couple dates. If Sebastian had a woman he wanted to spend the evening with, he was quick to let her know. But he always came home to her. After a hot shower and a scrub down, Mariss was the one he slept beside each night. She was the one he woke to each morning.

She had the option to date, but she hadn’t met any men she was interested in enough to bring home. She’d never been that kind of woman, though she had to admit to finding the concept intriguing. She’d never thought about having multiple lovers. Sebastian was only the second man she’d ever been with sexually. Her husband Holden had been her first. And then there was B. She wondered if she should call him. They could have dinner, talk. She’d pushed him out after her baby died. That side of her was something he just didn’t need to see.

Mariss? Sweetheart? Are you getting in the shower?

Sebastian peered around the corner again, eyeing her with some concern.

Mariss smiled. Yeah. She pushed off the bed, aware that she was only wearing her black lace bra. What happened to that girl from last night? she asked.

She left, was all Sebastian said. You don’t remember?

It’s fuzzy. Something about not using a condom… Did you not use a condom? she gasped in shock and some disgust.

Sebastian frowned at her like she was a petulant child. You ought to know me better than that. You’re the only one I don’t use a condom with. Though, she did try.

She wants your baby.

I cannot have babies.

Mariss smirked. It really wasn’t funny, but she couldn’t help it. How many women have tried to claim that they have your child?

Twelve to date, he said. I took care of that problem at University before it could become a problem. No one will ever be pregnant with my child. Sebastian cast her a sorrowful look. Does that bother you?

She shook her head. No. I don’t think I could handle being pregnant with your child. Your fatherly instincts might kick in and I’d be confined to a bed in the tropics with six men doting on my every need, feeding me grapes by hand while you sit at my feet asking me, ‘Is it time yet?’ every ten minutes.

Sebastian laughed, but it wasn’t the reaction she expected. Denial, disbelief, yes. Not laughter.

I don’t know what would happen. With you, you might be right. Get in the shower. You’re wasting the hot water. It runs out easily here.

Sebastian unhooked her bra for her and Mariss got into the shower. May I use your soap?

Sure.

Mariss squeezed some of his body wash onto her loofa. For some reason, she had the feeling that this was going to be a very long day.

*****

After checking the clock for the hundredth time that morning, Mariss decided that it was about time for lunch. She took out her phone and pulled up Sebastian’s number

:I’m hungry and horny. Bring me food and your raging hard-on.:

His reply was quick in coming.

:I will be there in twenty minutes. Not a second later. ;):

Mariss grinned.

Mare, your eleven forty-five is here, Holly, the receptionist, said over the intercom. He’s in the board room.

Mariss gathered her notebook, a pen from Sebastian’s Tea Room, her phone, and her coffee.

Thank you, Holly, she said as she stepped out of the office. Mariss walked down two doors and entered the board room. Hello, Mr. Williams, she said with a smile. How are you this morning?

I’m well. And you? he asked. He stood and offered his hand.

Mr. Williams was a tall, older man, though probably not much older than Sebastian. Maybe five or six years, but he was at least forty. His eyes were blue, though not as remarkable as Sebastian’s, and his hair was graying at the temples. All in all, he had a very handsome, distinguished look about him.

I’m doing just fine today. One of my better days. She took a seat and opened her notebook. You mentioned you wanted to negotiate a business relationship, but you didn’t mention what kind. I’m curious as to what it is that you’re interested in doing with us, Mr. Williams.

He smiled. It’s not so much with your company as it is with you, he said. You have a special relationship with Sebastian Boa. I was hoping, wondering, if there was any way we could have the same kind of relationship.

Mariss stared, aghast. She was speechless for a long moment, unsure of how to respond. Had this man really just propositioned her? At work?

Mr. Williams, Sebastian and I are in a relationship. We live together. We go home to each other. I cook sometimes.

He nodded, taking in her words. I understand that, but I also heard that you have an open relationship. You date other people.

She frowned. "I’m not sure whether to be flattered or offended by you. If you wanted