TROTD Chapter Six: When You Hold Me Tight

“Liv, where were you?” Abby asked rushing up to her, “Were you outside? Your hair is a mess.”

“Yeah,” Olivia answered hesitantly, “I stepped out onto the deck for a second.”

“Oh, well come over here and meet Charlie,” she tugged Olivia’s arm, “He’s Fitz’s best friend.”

            Charlie smiled when he saw Abby approaching, “You found her.”

“Charlie, this is Olivia” Abby smiled back at him.

            Olivia extended her hand, shaking Charlie’s, “Nice to meet you.”

“Fitz tells me your show is going well” said Charlie noticing how much prettier Olivia was up close. Fitz had complained about her being so young and a relatively unknown and still getting her own show but he didn’t wonder why. Being beautiful and young in Hollywood could get you far and with the show set to premier in January it would be interesting to see if she possessed anything but good looks.

“I think it’s going pretty well” Olivia blushed, not because she was shy in front of Charlie but because talking about the show made her think of Fitz. And thinking of Fitz brought flashes of him touching her body and kissing her lips. She dismissed the thought and continued, “We have a really great team.”

“It’s a lot of fun” Abby added touching Charlie’s arm, “You should come visit me on the set one day.”

“Sure” he replied looking from Abby to Olivia. He saw Fitz walking in their direction, “Here comes our host now.” He and Fitz clasped hands.

“Charlie I see you met Olivia and Abby” Fitz gave a crooked smile. It was his smile that he used to charm the public, Olivia thought. It was handsome and carefree, like a schoolboy’s but it wasn’t the smile he wore with her. When they were alone his smile was warmer, more sincere, and devastatingly gorgeous.

“I did,” Charlie replied, “Abby and I have been able to talk quite a bit.”

“Are you ladies enjoying yourselves?” Fitz turned his attention to Abby and Olivia. He touched Olivia’s back gently. She instinctively moved into his hand, savoring the feeling of his palm on her bare skin.

“Yes” beamed Abby. She looked towards Olivia who wore a strange expression, “Are you okay?”

“Fine, yeah” Olivia stammered, “I’m having a really good time.” She turned to look up at Fitz who was clearly aware of the effect he was having on her. She wondered if anyone else noticed him touching her. She wondered if he cared. He kept his eyes on Olivia as he spoke, “Charlie, why don’t we go get these lovely ladies a drink.”

“Sure, we’ll be right back” Charlie started behind Fitz who didn’t break contact with Olivia until the last possible moment.

            When they were far enough away Abby turned to Olivia, “What was that?”

“What?” Olivia regained her composure.

“You and Mr. Hottie” Abby hissed, “The way he was looking at you. He’s got a girlfriend, you know?”

“Abby, I already told you he’s not my type,” Olivia scoffed, “He was just being polite, he may be a player but he’s not a Neanderthal.”

            She hated to say negative things about Fitz and she hated to lie to Abby but she didn’t even know how to begin to explain to her what was happening with Fitz. She just wanted to change the subject and enjoy the evening.

“So, you and Charlie, huh?” Olivia nudged Abby, hoping she would take the bait.

“He’s cute, and seems nice” Olivia gave a sigh of relief as Abby moved her thoughts to Charlie, “the only drawback is that he’s friends with Fitz, they probably tell each other everything.”

“Ab, he knows you two work together I don’t think he’d tell him any personal information about you” Olivia maintained, “He seems like he’d be a gentleman.”

“I’m not looking for a gentleman, Liv” laughed Abby, “I can’t remember the last time I was out on a date. A girl needs some fun from time to time.”

“Keep it in your pants there Slugger” Olivia smiled, “Are you going to ask him out?”

“Hoping he’ll ask me” she grinned, “but I’ll ask him if I have to.” Abby flitted off in the direction of the kitchen leaving Olivia alone. Olivia wandered into the living room, seeing lots of faces that she recognized. She felt like she didn’t fit in with the crowd at the party, movie stars and huge television stars, directors and studio owners. This was the inner circle of Hollywood. These were the people who Fitz vacationed with and dined with, this was so far outside of her world, she thought. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see a tall man with salt and pepper hair.

“Olivia Pope?” he asked. She nodded, shaking his hand, “I’m Cyrus Beene” when no recognition registered on her face, “a director. I directed the Apollo One movie earlier this year.”

“Of course, nice to meet you” Olivia said politely, “How are you?”

“I’m well. It’s so nice to meet an up and coming actress” he allowed his gaze to scan her up and down, “I’d love to have you in one of my movies.”

“I have a commitment to my television show, but I suppose if the schedule worked, “ she gave a slight smile, suddenly uncomfortable with his proximity.

“Let me give you my card,” Cyrus gave her his best smile, “I’d love to take you out sometime and discuss things.”

“Sure” she hoped he couldn’t hear the uncertainty in her voice, “I’ll give you a call.” She took the card and tucked it into her clutch. She started to walk away but Cyrus pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek. She felt his hand touch the bare skin of her back causing her to jump, “Excuse me Mr. Beene,” she straightened herself and walked briskly in the direction of the deck. When she was safely outside and alone she took several deep breaths, unsure whether she might cry. She was new to Hollywood and wondered if this was how it would always be. Would she always have to put up with being eyed by creepy directors? She wanted to prove that she could get ahead without using her beauty and she would never sleep her way to a role. After calming herself, she returned inside and again started mingling with the other guests.

            Fitz stood in the large kitchen chatting with several actresses. One, Mellie Young, had been his date to several events and had always seemed interested in more. He was only half listening as Mellie droned on about her recent auditions. He was focused on the beauty across the room. She was a constant distraction for him. He watched her shift her weight from one louboutin-clad foot to the other. The way her calf muscles flexed as she moved and the hem of her dress slid just slightly up her thigh. His eyes skimmed her ass, perhaps it was his imagination but did he see it flex in response? Then his gaze caressed the impossibly low back of her dress. She was nearly naked and every part of him wished that she was and that they were in his bed. He was shaken from his fantasy when he saw Cyrus Beene approach her. He saw red when he noticed the man ogle her and his hands fisted when Cyrus kissed her cheek and touched her back.  He saw her rush out the door onto the deck and moved to follow her but was stopped by Mellie.

“Fitz, would you be kind enough to pour me another drink?” she asked running her fingers along the lapel of his jacket.

“Uh, sure Mellie” he was obviously distracted. He poured her drink and handed it to her.

“Fitz, I’d love to see more of your house,” cooed Mellie, “I can’t believe I’ve never been here with all of the times we’ve gone out.”

“Take a look around if you’d like” Fitz murmured. He saw Olivia walk back towards the living room.

“Don’t you want to show me around?” Mellie ran her hand along the buttons of Fitz’s shirt, “I think it’s long overdue.”

            Fitz took Mellie’s wrist, removing her hand from his chest, “Excuse me Ladies, make yourself at home.”

            He moved through the crowd, leaving a stunned Mellie in the kitchen. He found Olivia talking to several actresses and smiled at her as he walked by. He wasn’t going to let her out of his sight. He needed to protect her.

X-X

            The last few party guests slowly trickled out the door leaving Charlie, Fitz, Olivia, and Abby.

“It’s getting late” Abby looked in Olivia’s direction, “I should be going.”

“I could give you a ride” Olivia watched Charlie’s hand touch Abby’s arm.  Abby smiled slightly and blushed.

“I can’t leave Olivia,” Abby nearly curled into Charlie then looked at Olivia expectantly.

“I can drive Olivia home” Fitz blurted at the same time Olivia said, “I’ll figure out a way to get home.”

            They both laughed as Charlie helped Abby into her coat.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Abby whispered to Olivia, “I’ll owe you big time.”

“Sure,” Olivia smiled, “But you owe me.”

“Man, are you sure you’re going to be okay with the Princess?” Charlie muttered to Fitz.

“I’ll drive her home, its fine” Fitz replied, “Just don’t be an asshole to Abby. I have to work with her.”

“You have my word, she’ll have nothing to complain about” Charlie gave Fitz a cocky grin then ushered Abby out the door.

            Olivia began collecting glasses and carrying them to the kitchen. Fitz stood and watched her for a moment before moving closer.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Helping you clean up” she smiled, continuing to pick up dishes. He grabbed her wrist, taking the glass from her hand. She felt her mouth suddenly go dry and her skin sizzle.

“The caterers will be here in the morning to clean up” his warm breath caressed her shoulder.

“Then I guess I better get home” she whispered concentrating on maintaining her composure.

“No” he ran his hand along her spine down to the curve of her lower back, “You don’t show up at my house in this dress and expect me to just drive you home.”

“Fitz,” she breathed, “I thought we were getting to know each other.”

            Fitz took off his jacket and tossed it over the back of the nearby slipper chair. He unbuttoned his cuffs and began rolling up his sleeves. Olivia felt his hands slide across her waist.

“What are you doing?” she asked turning her head slightly.

            His hands fisted her dress hiking it further up her thighs, “I’m getting to know you,” he whispered against the teeth marks he had left on her earlier in the evening.

“I thought you wanted to take things slow” her eyes were closed while she made every attempt to conjure her best excuses.

            His voice was low and gravely when he said, “I’ll go slow if you want me to Livvie”

            Every argument disappeared from her mind. His left hand moved to her breast, his right dragging a trail up her thigh. He traced his tongue around the angry red mark on her shoulder, he wondered if it hurt, if it had reminded her of him as she spoke to people at the party. He wondered if anyone had seen it. Then his mind turned to Cyrus Beene putting his hands on her and he wished he’d put that mark somewhere more conspicuous. He didn’t like another man’s hands on her and another man’s lips on her cheek. He wanted her body to know it belonged only to him.

            Olivia quivered under his breath and his hands. She hated that he could control her body the way he did. She normally hated losing control but she conceded  control to him so easily. She bit her bottom lip when she heard him offer to go slow. She reached her hands up to tangle in his hair. Even the feeling of his curls between her fingers lit her skin ablaze.

            He moved them closer to the couch, pulling her dress up around her hips. She reached back to unhook his belt and unbutton his pants. He hastily pushed his pants and boxers to his knees then bent her over the back of the sofa. His hands found the back of her hair and she braced herself against the cushions.

“I didn’t like seeing Cyrus touch you” he rumbled leaving deep finger marks on her hips, “I didn’t like the way he looked at you, Olivia.”

            The next thing she knew her thong was torn and his hands were searching out her bare skin. He dipped a finger into her wetness.

“Fitz” she whimpered. The sound of his name coming off her tongue in that tone further impelled his desire. He bent his chest against her back and continued close to her ear, “Olivia, I don’t ever want another man to touch this body.”

            The sound of his voice and the feeling of his rock hard cock urging into her completely distorted her senses. She felt like he was touching her entire body yet wanted more. She could hear him and smell him and feel him but she wanted to taste him and see him. She felt submissive and shy, liked having him take control of her body.  He reached his fingers covered in her juices to her lips and she gladly took them into her mouth, sucking gently. The harder she sucked the deeper he thrust into her, gripping her hip  then her hair with his free hand.

“I missed you Livvie” he pressed deeper into her each thrust bringing her closer to the edge.

            She didn’t speak, just sucked harder on his fingers. She didn’t think she could form words even if she tried. Every part of her was fixated on his touch. She tried to reach back for him but he pushed her hands back to the couch sending a renewed thrill through her. He pulled his fingers from her mouth causing a small whimper to escape her lips.

            Three months of being away from her body was too long. He had worked to control himself and respect taking it slow with her but seeing her tonight in that dress with every man at the party staring at her weakened his resolve. Seeing the pain in her eyes when Cyrus touched her, feeling like he failed to protect her. It was no longer that he wanted her, he needed her. He wanted their first time following the realization of his marriage to be special and romantic but all of that had flown out the window.  He needed to touch her, to be inside of her, to hear her say his name. The feeling of her hot mouth wrapped around his fingers, sticky with her juices, guaranteed he wouldn’t last. But this wasn’t about romance, it was about touching and feeling and easing the craving he had for her. He would make it up to her later but the sexual tension between them had to be quelled.  He picked up his pace, a louder moan rising from her. Her body seemed to remember his touch, the way she responded to him.

“Do you like that Livvie?” he breathed against the bare skin of her back.

“Yes” she managed to whisper, her face still buried in the couch cushions. Then she added, “Please don’t stop Fitz.”

            He gripped her hair harder, pulling her face closer to his and began nibbling her neck. He plunged deeper into her, setting a faster pace. His hand moved to her jaw, the front of her throat, holding her neck so he could have the access he wanted. His fingers dug into her flesh as his mouth sampled her supple skin. She pressed back against him, meeting his thrusts with her own. He suckled her neck and her earlobe with each thrust. They neared their peak, his thrusts and suckles harder, her cries growing louder. Her orgasm began at her core, quaking her from her very depths.

“Fitz” she whimpered when her body unraveled before him. That was all he needed, he hadn’t felt this since the last time they made love. He again sunk his teeth into her neck and allowed himself to let go completely, leaning into her back. They both stood breathless.

“Sorry” she felt his breath cool on her damp skin.  He moved so she could stand. She pulled down the hem of her dress. He pulled up his pants and boxers.

“Sorry?” she asked with a confused glance.

“I didn’t intend it to be like…”

“Don’t, Fitz” she stopped him.

“You just look so pretty” he kissed her fingers one at a time, “and this dress is amazing.”

“I indulged a bit” her gaze fell to her feet, “I wanted to look nice.”

“Livvie” he began kissing the fingers of her other hand, “You bought this dress for me?”

            He didn’t intend to put her on the spot but the thought that she was trying to impress him as he was trying to impress her was flattering. Perhaps he was making inroads with her. Maybe he really could have what he wanted with Olivia.

“No, not for you….” she faltered, still looking at her feet, “I just…since it was…”

            Fitz pulled her into him, “its cute” he smiled into her hair, “You’re cute. It’s sweet that you bought a new dress. I like it. I’m flattered.”

            Olivia’s face burned crimson. She finally took a chance and looked into his eyes. They were bluer than she remembered. There was more passion there and it was deeper, darker. His fingers touched her lips, like his hands were trying to memorize her. He caressed her jaw, then trailed down her neck. They stopped at the first mark he’s left on her, pausing there to trace its edges. Then he moved to the more fresh mark, it was a red-purple, a hue he’d only ever seen in the sky after a summer storm. The edges were jagged, like their breath after falling limp in one another’s arms. She pulled his hand to her lips, kissing his fingers.

“What is this?” she asked quietly, “Is this something?”

“Livvie, I think I could tell you a thousand times that this is something” he took her hand and led her to the kitchen, pouring them each a glass of wine then leading her upstairs to his bedroom. He began to unbutton his shirt, “or I could show you.”

           

            When his chest was exposed he turned his attention to the zipper of her dress. She stroked his chest as he lowered the zipper. His fingers traced a trail along her delicate skin behind the zipper. The dress fell to her feet. He bent to pick it up, removing her shoes, then draping the dress over the back of the chair in the corner. He reached to pull down the covers then lifted her onto the bed. She pushed his shirt from his shoulders, stopping at his biceps to enjoy their power. He quickly discarded his pants then took a moment to observe the stunning creature that lay before him. Her dark curls encircled her perfect face, her skin was flawless save for the marks that he had left upon her, and she bit her lip gently. He leaned his mouth to hers, pulling her bottom lip into his mouth.

“Don’t bite your lip, Livvie”

            He felt her grin on his lips then her tongue moved into his mouth. He took his  time, exploring every inch of her skin with his hands then his lips.  The contrast of their leisurely pace compared with the desperate nature of their earlier encounter made every touch of his hands and lips more sweltering.

            He took one of her hands then the other, moving them over her head. She relished feeling so exposed to him, so at his mercy. He returned his attention to her neck, leaving kisses along her collarbone then her jaw, finally finding her mouth and kissing her intensely. They kissed like that for an eternity, his hands roaming from her arms and down her sides. She quaked beneath him, a sigh dripping from her lips when he lifted her hips and pressed into her. Their lovemaking was slow, deliberate, they looked into one another’s eyes, watching the emotions that settled there. He stroked her face lightly as he moved into her peppering kisses along her jaw, on her cheeks, and lightly across her eyelids. She moved her hands to his hair, stroking gently, not pulling franticly.

“You are so beautiful” he whispered in her ear, “So soft. So perfect.”

“Fitz” she replied running her hand along his cheek.

“This is how I wanted it to be” he continued to leisurely move in and out of her, “I wanted to make love to you. Like this. In my bed, all night.”

            They spent hours kissing and touching, stroking and holding. It was leisurely and deliberate, healing their souls. Their bodies made promises and shared secrets without saying a word. As dawn broke they lay tangled together, a heap of sheets and blankets and limbs. They dozed on and off, her head on his chest. She traced her fingers over his muscular torso as his fingers tangled in her hair.

“Do you think this is something now, Livvie?”