LIKE A F*CKING LADY RUN THE WORLD SERIES
QUINN
CONTENTS Introduction Acknowledgments Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Epilogue Why Are Reviews Important? About the Author Also by Quinn LADY BALLS - Chapter Sample LADY BALLS - Chapter Sample THE PATH TO GRACE - Chapter Sample
Copyright © 2017 by Quinn All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. The stories in this anthology are a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real people, dream, place, or event is purely coincidental and not the intention of this collection.
Cover design: Cover Couture (www.bookcovercouture.com) Stock Photos: iStock ISBN: 978-0-9951506-8-3 ISBN: 978-0-9951506-8-3
For Charity
INTRODUCTION
Talia Newman and Theo Solomon first appeared in Like a F*cking Boss, a steamy, delicious contemporary romance. It is important that you read that book before you read Like a F*cking Lady to get the full sexy experience. It is available on Amazon, just click here: Like a F*cking Boss
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book wouldn’t have been possible without some of the best people I know. Charity Chimni, you’ll never get rif of me. Thank you for the giving me best line in the world! Emily Wilder, partner-in-crime, what would you do without me? What would I do without you? Amie Stuart, you inspire me every single time! Liz Durano, you are my self-publishing guru. To the Risqué Facebook group members, I love you all. Thank you for the support! To ARC reviewers and readers, thank you for your kind words. You all keep me going!
To my family, yes, I know the house is still not clean. I’ll hire someone eventually.
CHAPTER 1 TALIA
THE THINGS I do to get laid… I press a cloth strip on top of the wax as I read the instructions on my phone out loud before putting it aside and following through with what I’m about to do. The wax has gone from hot to tingly warm on my skin. I can deal with this, but note to self: have a standing appointment at the spa for epilation. I glance at my phone again and read the next step. “Grip the edge of the strip and pull very quickly.” I pout, letting shaky air push through my lips. “This is easy. Like taking off a Band-Aid.” When I exhale again, my breath falters. “If it fails, who cares if you peel off a chunk of your skin? It’s only skin. It will grow back. Right?” I look around like there’s someone else in the room with me. Realizing I’m
alone in the bathroom, I shake my head. “Get it over with. You nut job. One,” I start the countdown, licking my lips, “two…three.” The pain is instant. I scream and swear at the top of my lungs as I fall off the vanity chair and my ass hits the cold tiles. Staring at the bright red patch on my leg, I grit my teeth and blame Theo. “It’s all his fault. Damn, needy, sexy boyfriend.” Using my hand, I flap it over the painful spot, blowing at it and wondering if Theo would even notice if I didn’t wax my legs tonight. Maybe the legs he can bypass, but the jungle between my thighs is hard to miss. A rap at the door startles me. “You okay in there?” Stella asks from the other side of the bathroom door. “Yup. All good.” “You don’t sound sure. I’m going in.” At least she gives me a warning now before she comes in. It may have to do with her walking in on Theo and me taking a bath together one night. And we weren’t exactly just taking a bath. There was barely any water left in the tub when we were done. “Hey,” I greet Stella with an awkward wave. She takes note of the bathroom and the white bowl of brown gunk. “What’s going on here?” She leans
in, squinting at the bowl, and sniffs the goopy content. “Is that lemon and brown sugar?” “Yup,” I reply as I tap around the blotchy pink spots on my leg. Stella straightens, and one of her eyebrows pushes up. “Are you waxing your own legs?” “Yup,” I say again. She assesses the situation further. “Why?” I give up on the tingly strip on my leg and lean back, resting my hands behind me without flashing my roommate. “Theo just called. He’s on his way home.” “Oh.” “Yeah, and I haven’t exactly had time to get this taken care of.” “Hmmm…” She taps a finger on her chin then whips out her phone. Stella swipes away until she finds what she’s looking for and before I know it, she’s talking to someone on the line. “Hi, does Sandra have any availabilities tonight? It’s kind of an emergency.” I narrow my eyes at her. “Yes, that’s great for…” Stella throws me a glance and presses her lips together before saying, “Everything. Full legs and Brazilian.”
My eyes widen as I cross my legs, keeping them covered with my terry cloth robe. How did she know? “Perfect. Thanks…She’ll be there.” When she ends the call, she slips her phone back into her back pocket and offers me a hand. “C’mon. Up you go. You’re going to let the pros do it.” “Really? ‘Cause I don’t think I could have done it on my own around…” I wave my hands over my pelvic area. “I know.” We walk out of the bathroom right after I dump the bowl in the trash and cinch the belt of my robe tighter. “How did you know I need the works?” “I’m pretty observant, Talia. Last time Theo was here you fell asleep at the dinner table, and between his work trips and your school, I say it’s been a while since…” She let the words hang in the air. I hug myself, rubbing the soft pile of my robe. “God. Seriously and I soooo need a proper fucking right now.” “Well hurry on up. Get dressed and go see Sandra.” “Does she owe you a favor?” Stella is like a female
concierge for dirty deeds. “Sandra? No. She’s one of my colleagues.” “Really? She’s a Domme?” “She’s more a switch.” I give her an unsure look. “Never mind. I’ll see you downstairs in a few. Maybe I’ll pick up dinner while you get it done. Thai food okay tonight?” “I have to go straight to Theo’s afterward.” “Then take it with you.” “Sure okay. I will need the energy. Theo gets a little primal after a few dry weeks.” Stella pauses by the stairs and throws me a sly grin. “Oh, I know.” She waves her hands around. “These walls aren’t exactly thin.”
I’M STUFFED with pad Thai and red curry chicken. I have zero hair on my body except for my eyebrows and my hair. I have drowned the initial pain of getting waxed with a bottle of wine…okay, one bottle and a glass of wine, and still no Theo. I send a quick text to Stella thanking her again for the emergency wax appointment, which is going to waste.
Still not there? Propping my elbows on the island, I send a rapidfire text back. No. And when he gets here I’m going to kill him….after I get laid. I have my priorities after all. What time was his plane supposed to touchdown? Two hours ago. And he’s not answering his phone! Sorry, babe. I watch the little bubbles appear on my phone. It’s that easy to send someone a message, why can’t Theo take the time to do it? It’s fine. I’m gonna work on a couple of designs for school and go to bed. Okay then. I’m sure he has a good excuse. I’m sure he does. Good night, Stella. After she bids me good night, I head straight to Theo’s bedroom and strip off my clothes and hop into my pj’s. In my addled state, I manage to not trip on my way to the bathroom and find the right switches.
Stopping mid-way through my brushing, I catch myself in the mirror. My face is blotchy from the wine, and my hair is pulled up in a twisted messy bun. In his penthouse, a posh surrounding, I stick out like a sore thumb, wearing a ratty but super comfy shirt and cotton underwear. Not exactly sexy but I think Theo will still have sex with me even if I wear a potato sack. He’s been after me about moving in with him for a few months now. He says it only makes perfect sense. He’s made room for my clothes in his closet, and a drawer in the bathroom vanity. It would be convenient and even fun, but I’m not ready. People can call me whatever they want, but one thing for sure is that I learn my lesson after a huge mistake. With my ex, Derek, I got comfortable and kept my guards down, and he repaid that by cheating on me with various women. If Theo wants me in this house, he’ll have to make a promise of permanence. Hell yeah, I want a ring on my finger before I pack my shit up and move out of Stella’s house, but until then, I’m staying put. Unfortunately, there is no sign of that. Truth be told, there isn’t a clear direction where our relationship might go. In the meantime, I’m going to keep my promise to myself and not make a huge commitment until I see the signs.
I keep brushing my teeth, lean over and spit in the sink. And a nasty thought comes into my head… What if those signs never come?
CHAPTER 2 THEO
EVEN FROM THE HALLWAY, which the private elevator opens up to, the strong rays of the sun stream in. I catch a glance of my face in the mirror—I look like hell. I feel like I’ve been through hell the past eight hours. I call out, keeping my voice low in case Talia is still in bed, and huff out a relieved sigh when she doesn’t respond. Frankly, I’d like nothing more than to spend the entire Sunday in bed with her. I might even want to stretch that out until the next weekend. Upon entering the kitchen, I see an empty bottle of Merlot on the island with two wine glasses—one has Talia’s signature red lipstick mark and the other unused. Not a great sign. She’d waited for me all night. Shit. I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and down it in one go. What I went through wasn’t
as traumatic as it seemed, but my body tells me otherwise. As I strut to the master bedroom, I scrub a hand over the growth on my jaw before I unbutton my shirt, wincing at the acute pain on my left side when I shrug the shirt off my shoulders. I pause, catching my breath. The accident must have done more damage than I thought. I could have stayed longer to get X-rays done, but all I could think of was making it back to Talia. To get home to her. To hold her and not let go. The window treatments on the floor-to-ceiling windows provide shade from the morning light in the bedroom, and I immediately eye the almost empty second bottle of wine on the night table. I’m seriously screwed. Talia is a tiger on a regular day, but when she’s pissed off and drunk, nothing in the Animal Kingdom would compare to her fierceness. I drop my shirt on the floor and watch her chest rise and fall in steady breaths. Her hands are tucked under her cheek, and her lips are slightly parted. Peaceful. For now. Her thick curls spread on the pillow with a few stray strands snaking over her face. I reach out and tenderly move the curls back, careful not to wake her. When she stirs, I let my hand hover over her shoulder and wait. As she turns on her back, the sheet covering her falls lower on her torso and exposes her to me. Her pink nipples standing at attention, and I ache for an
invitation to touch them, trap them between my teeth and suck on them. My cock twitches. I unzip my trousers, my underwear and socks following after, and dump them next to my discarded shirt. After rolling my shoulders back, easing the stiffness that has started to settle, I lean down and press a kiss on her forehead. Again, I wait. She’s either going to wake up and scream profanities at me, or if I try to get into bed without her realizing, she could kick me in the balls. Both of which have happened before. A twitch in my jaw reminds me of that one night she threw a right hook, which prompted me to see my dentist the next day. Talia’s eyes flutter open, and I smile at her. “Theo,” she says in a sleepy voice. “Hey, baby.” Only then do I slip into bed with her, sliding my hand over her soft curves and burying my nose in her hair. My whole body aches but her warmth soothes me. “Sorry I made you wait.” She snuggles closer to me. “It’s okay. I took it out on your vintage collection.” “I saw,” I tell her with a smile against her neck. What I really want to say is what’s mine is hers. But from early on, I’ve discovered Talia doesn’t want any talk of that kind. She continues to assert
her independence, even though moving in with me makes perfect sense. Talia continues to argue otherwise. “Is it morning?” “Yes.” I continue to explore her under the sheets and nearly lose my mind when I reach heaven on earth. And it’s bare. I stroke over her sex; she moans. “I like this,” I whisper low and gruff in her ear as I circle her clit with my thumb. I’m hard and ready. Judging by the wetness of her pussy, so is she. “I thought you’d like it.” She nips at my lips while she lifts her back and pushes into my hand. I spread her slick heat over her folds and devour her mouth in a deep kiss as I push one finger inside. I want nothing more than to fill her with my cock, but it’s been quite a while since we’ve made love and I fear that as soon as I’m balls deep in her, it would be over too soon. She bucks when I add another finger. “I missed you.” Talia’s lips curve into a smile, and her eyes light up. “Me too.” She moans again as I thrust my fingers faster. I kiss along her neck, whispering against her smooth skin as I make my way down that I’ve
missed every part of her. All of her. Her fingers curl over my shoulders, pushing me, guiding me, urging me for more. Each of my movements cause me pain, and I groan, which she takes as a noise of appreciation. Any other time it would be. But I’m a man with a mission, and hell will have to freeze over before I let this moment pass us by. I must have her now, taste her on my tongue. Fuck her until she rolls her eyes back, and her toes are numb from pleasure. I push the sheets aside and groan again. Except this time, it is one of blinding lust. Her pussy, pink, bare, wet waits for me. “Have mercy,” I mutter under my breath. My dick hardens even more at the beautiful sight. I’ll take Talia any way, any how, but that bare pussy is my fucking kryptonite. Before I can delve in, her phone beeps on the table next to the bed. Talia’s knee nearly misses my face when she moves up. “Oh sorry.” “Don’t answer it, babe,” I beg. Everything is on pause. “Let me just check who it is. It might be Anya waking me up. We’re supposed to meet today.” “Talia,” I warn her, deepening my voice. My eyes narrowing at her. The minx just bites down her lip then smiles wide as she reaches for her phone.
“You asked for it.” I nudge her thighs back on the bed, spreading her legs and pressing them down with my shoulders as I settle between them. “Oh my God!” She jolts up and instantly cradles her head, keeping one eye closed. If I remember correctly, too much wine gives her a headache the morning after. Now, I know I’m good in the sack, exemplary even, but not enough to have her jumping off the bed. No, that’s not how it usually works. “What are you doing?” “I’m sorry, Theo. I have to go. I can’t believe I overslept.” Even before I make my case, she heads to the master bath. “I was supposed to meet Anya and Jen half an hour ago.” Frustrated, I lay on my back, rubbing my sore left shoulder and down my ribs. I wouldn’t be surprised if by tonight, even my tattoos won’t cover my bruises. “Can’t you call them and say you won’t be long?” I look down at my cock, standing at attention. “Honestly, I won’t be long.” At my state, I’d be surprised if I last after two thrusts. I’d be embarrassed if I didn’t just have a hell of a night. She doesn’t reply. All I can hear is the water running from a faucet and the whirring of her electric toothbrush. I steady my breath. Talia is
determined to succeed in her program, even though Ingrid has told her time after time that she’ll have a position at ARC, Industries the day she graduates, with or without flying colors. Strong-willed and stubborn, Talia’s reply has been and will always be that she doesn’t want to get the job of her dreams because she’s fucking the company's CEO. Can’t argue with that logic, but there are times, like now when I want to wave the white flag and tell her she’ll have nothing to worry about. That I’ll take care of her, for as long as she lets me. “I’ll make it up to you,” she says after returning from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body, keeping all my favorite things hidden under a thick pile of terry cloth. She walks to the bed with a wicked glint in her eyes. “Tonight. I promise.” Leaning down, she rubs her lips against mine, and I breathe in the minty flavor before she kisses me deep. My tongue slips into her mouth, and she sucks on it, a clear sign of what her promise means. Her fingernails graze over my chest down my abs. Then she wraps her hand around my shaft, moving up and down. I release her mouth and look in her eyes. “You’re the devil.” Talia waggles her brows at me and kisses me quickly before straightening and walking to the
closet. Before she disappears, she throws a glance over her shoulder, “I know. That’s what you get for making me worry.” Settling back in bed, I try to stretch and ease the ache. The last thing I want is for her to worry. She’ll be busy all day, which means I have time to visit a doctor and get the X-rays I need. Then I can tell her tonight what happened when I have a clear answer from the doctor how severe my injuries are. Even then, I won’t want her to worry about me, but I know Talia will. My concern is that revealing the truth will open doors I want locked—things about my past that could be detrimental to our relationship. It’s not just about the accident. It’s about the person I was with. With Talia’s previous relationship ending the way it did, I fear she’d be less understanding if I tell her everything.
CHAPTER 3 TALIA
THE DARK CIRCLES under Theo’s eyes are enough to tell me he’s had a difficult night. I could have pressed more, and I’m sure he would have answered each of my questions truthfully, but he needs rest, more than anything. If I didn’t have to work on this major project that could potentially boost my career, I would stay in bed with him. Care for him. And yes, ride him until the next morning, but I also can’t help feeling that he’s keeping something from me. It’s not unlike him. He’s not like me who says whatever the hell flutters my mind. I have no filter, while Theo is similar to a sieve covered with thick clay. After I finish taming my hair into a messy bun and applying gloss on my lips, I step out of the bathroom, expecting to see him spread-eagled on
the bed, tempting me to stay. I gotta say it’s not the first time he’s done that, and each time, it worked well. Not only has he left the bedroom, but he also made the fucking bed. I slip into my runners, which are never used for running, and call out for him in the penthouse. “Theo, do you have ibuprofen? My head is killing me.” When I find him in the kitchen, half-naked, wearing a sexy ass grin and the Superman PJ bottoms I gave him for Christmas, I get major female woody. Each time those cotton pants come out of the dryer, they shrink. This is what I get for buying my millionaire boyfriend a cheap-ass pair of pajamas. But hell, the way they look on him right now, snug in all the right places, curved over his tight ass, and barely restraining his junk, I’d buy a whole lot of them again. Forget the headache meds. I found something I’d like to swallow instead. He lifts a glass of water and opens his palm, offering me two pills. “Thought you might need them. And I made you coffee.” He nods to the island, and my whole heart warms at the sight of my Hello Gorgeous! travel mug filled with the essence of sanity, aka coffee with a splash of cream and a teaspoon of sugar—just the way I like it. “Thank you.” I peck at his cheek after taking the
pills with a chaser of cold water. For luck—because I’ll never know when I need it—I run my fingers over his abs and up his chest. He groans against my ear, and I about combust in my leggings. “Stop delaying me.” “I can drive you wherever you have to go.” “No, it’s fine. You need to rest. I can see it in your eyes.” I swing both hands over his shoulders and gaze at him, feeling horrible that I can’t stay. “Sleep. I’ll be back before you know it.” I give him one last deep kiss and a grope on his ass before I grab my stuff and leave.
“YOU GIRLS HAVE to be quiet just in case he’s still asleep,” I warn Anya and Jen as I press the button for the penthouse. It’s getting late, and we’re running out of time on our project, but I’m starving. We’re all students, which also means we are constantly broke. Since I wanted to concentrate on finishing my program, I had to cut my hours at Theo’s company and work part-time. I make enough to pay my rent with Stella, food to sustain me and anything extra goes to school. I’m lucky to be able to take advantage of ARC’s scholarship program, which also means I cannot slack off with my marks.
The last thing I want is people to think is that I get money for sleeping with the boss. Yeah, I shouldn’t care, but there are people, like the wicked witch of the East’s uglier sister, Lyra, who would do anything to sully my name. And Theo’s by association. Hell no, I’m not going to let that happen. She’s got some personal vendetta against me ever since finding out I’m dating Theo. Being away from the office has the advantage of not seeing her sour face everyday for hours. The elevator dings and I find myself suddenly nervous. I’ve told Anya and Jen about Theo, but I never once mentioned how fucking rich he is. I may have told them he has a huge cock, but that’s the usual thing you throw in any conversation, because why the hell not? As soon as the doors slide open to the posh hallway, I hear their collective gasps. “This is where you live?” the Russian beauty, Anya, asks when she steps off the car. “I don’t live here. My boyfriend does. This way.” I lead them to the living room, where the lights turn on automatically, and their jaws nearly unhinge from gaping at the incredible view of Chicago’s night sky. Theo’s penthouse has a 180 unhindered view of Lake Michigan, Millenium Park and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s breath-
taking during the day, but it’s almost too surreal at night. I’ve stopped counting the times he and I have had sex against those windows. “Who’s your boyfriend? Oprah’s brother?” This comes from my friend, Jen—a short Asian girl with an attitude that rivals mine. I send her a grimace. “Does she even have a brother?” Jen shrugs, not bothering to look at me. They both walk right to the windows and awe at the view. I let them bask at it for a moment while I check on Theo. “Let me see if he’s in bed. Be quiet. And don’t break anything.” I’ve sent Theo a few text messages the whole day, including letting him know that Anya, Jen and I will have to continue our work at his place. I didn’t receive any replies. My only hope is that he’s been asleep this entire time and hadn’t decided to go into the office to work. When I open the door to the empty bedroom, an uneasiness takes over me. The next room I check is the home office he rarely uses, and I look around for a note, or anything for that matter, that will tell me where he is. My heart begins a quick tattoo. Something’s off, and I can’t put my finger on it. As I make my way back to the girls, I hear the elevator doors open. I breathe a sigh of relief when he calls my name.
Breaking out into a jog, I get to the living room in time to see Anya and Jen greet Theo. But I don’t pay attention to the adoration in their eyes, which I have seen on any warm-blooded woman who meets him for the first time. The sling wrapped around his left arm catches my gaze, and the uneasiness returns. “What the hell happened?” I stop in front of him, afraid to touch him. “I got into an accident,” he answers, his tone dismissive in a way that tells me he would rather not talk about it in front of strangers. Like hell, I’ll let him get away with just that. “I’ve been texting you all day.” “I lost my phone last night.” He lifts the box in his hand. “I just got this one today.” “You should have called me from the hospital or wherever you were. How did this happen?” “Talia, babe—“ he turns to me, lowers his head and presses a quick kiss on my lips. “We have company. We’ll talk about this later, okay?” My eyebrows draw together, and I want to act like a petulant child and stomp my feet or hold my breath until I get answers, but I can also see the determination and the lingering exhaustion in his
eyes. I huff, “Fine.” And face my friends. “Anya and Jen. Theo,” I say, waving my hand around. From my peripherals, I see Theo shake his head before smiling at them. “Hi, welcome. Nice to meet some of Talia’s friends from school.” I roll my eyes at his words. “I have friends everywhere. We got kicked out of the library, and we’re not done with our stuff. Do you mind if we do it here?” “Not at all. Let me get rid of this.” He raises the box again. “Everyone hungry? I can make pasta.” “I’m starving,” Anya says, fluttering her big blue eyes. Jen follows with, “I love pasta.” I’d be perturbed by their reactions, but Theo is fucking hot. Besides, these girls both have almosthusbands. “Do you need help? Can you even move with that?” “Yeah, we can totally help,” the girls say in unison. “All good. Do your thing. Dinner will be ready in no time.” Before he leaves, he kisses me on the forehead, then on the cheek, whispering, “I’m fine.” Yeah, for now, he is. Until I get my hands on him
for not telling me right away.
CHAPTER 4 THEO
“ALL RIGHT, Barry, I’ll have my assistant find something next month.” I’ve said this five times, trying to get the most mind-numbing human being off the phone. I had a mistake of picking up the call when I thought it was the private investigator I hired in New York City. Barry Barrenstein yammers on about his most recent golf trip to Barbados, and I am contemplating on jamming a fountain pen on my thigh to ensure I’m not living my own personal nightmare. I perk up when I hear Talia laughing with her friends. I dodged the bullet earlier. I couldn’t tell her about the incident until I have a clear idea of what happened. Coward.
Time is ticking. I hear them moving around the condo, toward the elevator. This would be a good chance for me to excuse myself from this prick on the phone. “Hey, listen, Barry. I need to go.” “Yes, yes of course. By the way, let me know when you want to take that offer on the Turks and Caicos deal. You know the real investment there isn’t easy to see, but you have a good eye…” he carries on. Would he even notice if I set the phone down? At times like this, I think about what my father would do. The great Andrew Solomon would have braved this. He’d say everything is an opportunity. And this is exactly what Barry and this mind-numbing one-sided conversation is—an opportunity. He owns half of the hotels in the Caribbean and part of Asia and Europe. I’ve received news from sources close to him that he’s thinking of renovating some of his hotels, and it would be great to have that portfolio under ARC. Struggling to keep my eyes open, I make agreeable noises. A few beats later, Talia peeks her head in my office. You okay? she mouths. I nod and wave her in. As soon as she does, whatever minimal attention I’ve been paying Barry melts away. Talia’s in one of my dress shirts, with buttons only halfway done, and since she’s being quite sultry with her walk toward me, I can’t tell if there’s anything else underneath that shirt. It’s a classic
male fantasy, but a fantasy nonetheless. I don’t move in my seat even as she stands in front of me and bends down to lick my lips. When she sets a knee between my legs, I am nowhere near listening to what Barry has to say about the next great business venture. Her heat burns me through my denim jeans as she pushes her knee forward, pressing against my growing erection. Talia straightens and fingers the buttons on her shirt; then she slides one hand under it. I shake my head and call her a bad girl. While covering the speaker on my phone, I tell her, “I’m on a call, darling.” “I know. Keep talking,” she says quietly with a glint of mischief in her eyes. Talia removes her knee from between my legs, and takes my free hand and slips it under her shirt. My fingers make contact with soft, warm skin, and yes, nothing else. I know what she wants, but I want her to say it, to beg for it. I cup her pussy, pressing my palm on her clit. My dirty girl rotates her hips and grinds against my hand. She hasn’t taken her eyes off of me while alternating from biting down on her bottom lip or sticking the tip of her tongue out to lick her lips. With her next hip rotation, I invade her wet heat
with a finger. A strangled moan escapes from her lips as she throws her head back. I watch her fingers moving in a circular motion under her shirt, and I want so fucking bad to touch her that way. Pinch her hardened nipples until she’s at the edge of pain then soothe them with my tongue. “Make me come.” Her words come out in a groan. The noise on the phone becomes just that—noise, easily ignored when I’d rather concentrate on my woman. I add another finger in, thrusting them madly. Talia grabs hold of the desk beside her and widens her legs, asking me silently for more. And I fucking give it to her. When I get the third finger in, my hand’s immediately soaked. I want to tear my sling with my teeth, needing to touch her more, feel her body tremble. I slowly pull my digits out of her and Talia wastes no time to grab my hand and lift it to her mouth, sucking at each of my fingers, licking off her own juices. Fucking sexy as hell. She’ll be the death of me. The phone begins to slide off my shoulder and Talia catches it in time, giggling as she returns it between my ear and shoulder. “Barry, I have to go. Something came up.” Talia smiles wickedly before she goes down on her knees, and before I hear Barry Barrenstein start another conversation, she unzips my jeans, frees
my cock and wraps her mouth around it. I end the call—or I think I do; otherwise, Barry’s about to hear nothing but pornographic sounds for the next hour—and practically throw it across the room. I rip the sling off me, ignoring the sharp pinch in my chest and shoulder. I gather her hair in my hand, pushing her curls off her face so I can watch her swallow my dick, gagging on it as she tries to take the whole damn thing in. Her eyes lift, and she winks. “You’re such a dirty girl.” Her eyes light up as she smiles through them. She grasps the base of my cock and slides her mouth and tongue all the way up. “Lean back, baby. Let Momma do the work tonight.” A chuckle rumbles in my chest. Sex isn’t just sex with Talia. It’s fun. It’s an experience. It’s mindblowing. Who am I to argue when she tightens her grip around me and brings her head back down? I lean back as I’m told, but I keep my gaze on her, watching intently as she devours me whole. I twist her hair in my hand and with a push and a tug, I urge her to go faster until I’m a steel rod in her hot mouth, feeling the buildup.
“Fuck, Talia!” I spread my legs, and she goes on, knowing I’m close to exploding right in the back of her throat. I release a gruff groan and fist her hair, keeping her still for a moment or two until I’m done giving her all I can, and she’s done taking it. I want to keep watching her, but the sensation can be too much—the temperature of her mouth, the smoothness of her tongue, everything—it can be too much for one man. My eyes shut close, but I can still see her, my beautiful sexy as fuck woman. Mine. All mine. Talia wipes a finger on the corners of her lips before she tucks my half-mast erection back in my jeans. I release her hair and let it fall over her shoulder. Then I reach for her hand and let her sit on my lap. “I was worried about you,” she says when she kisses me softly. I can still taste her and me on her lips. It’s almost enough to drive a man wild. “What happened?” Her playfulness is gone, and concern takes over. “I was on my way to the airport when an SUV slammed into my car.” “Oh my God.” She covers her gasp with a hand. I turn my head to her and kiss her neck, finding
comfort in her subtle perfume and the thrum of her pulse. “It hit the passenger side.” “Were you driving?” “No. I talked to the driver this morning. He has whiplash and some bruising on his left shoulder from the seatbelt. He’ll be off work for a bit, but he’ll recover well with some physiotherapy.” “How about you? What’s with the sling? Do you have fractured ribs?” “No. Just badly bruised. I had ultrasound and X-ray done. No broken bones, internal organs are unaffected. And as you already now, my cock is still in one piece.” I lift my head and smile at her, but she doesn’t smile back. “I’ll bounce back in no time. I can’t go to the gym for a couple of days, and you might have to go on top for a night or two.” “Is that all you care about?” I let a frown appear on my face. “You’re right, I do have my…what do you call it again? Oh right, skillful tongue.” Talia nudges my chin with her knuckle. “You're a pervert.” “Hmmm yes. Now, why don’t we go to bed so you,
the college student, can ride this perv?“ “You package it so nicely. How can I resist?”
CHAPTER 5 TALIA
“WHERE THE HELL are my shoes? They’re not in the bedroom.” I’m about to lose my shit. The last thing I want is to go to my class late, and expect to do my presentation in a white silk blouse, navy blue pencil skirt and purple and green runners. But if I don’t find the stilettoes I brought with me, I won’t have any other choice. One point goes to moving in with Theo. If all my shit are here, I won’t be panicking. Theo downs his post-work out shake and approaches me with a smirk on his face. “You’re holding onto them.” With his only ambulatory hand, he takes them from my grip. “Fuck! I’m going to mess this shit up. I just know it. Maybe I’ll call in sick, and they’ll let
me present it another day?” Without hesitation, Theo gets down on one knee and places my stilettoes by my feet. He skims his palm over one of my legs and taps once. “Lift.” He slips my shoe on as soon as I raise one foot, while I hold onto his strong shoulders for support. “You’ve got this. I heard everything. You’re more than ready.” I can’t help but whine. “You’re just saying that because I gave you good head last night.” “Not good.” I squeeze his shoulder. “Way to kick me while I’m down.” He stands and fixes the collar of my top. “It was the best I’ve ever had.” “Sounds like you’ve had tons.” “Well…” he shrugs his right shoulder and without thinking, I push at his injured arm with the heel of my hand. He hisses. The word sorry plays at the tip of my tongue. Then he fucking morphs his face into his panty-dropping smile. “Nothing as memorable as the one from last night.” I glare at him at first, then melt under all his raw sexiness. “That sounds better.”
“Now, are you sure you don’t want me to drop you off at school?” “No. Please don’t. The commute will help me settle my nerves.” “And I don’t?” I hook my hand around the back of his neck and pull him in for a deep kiss, not caring that he’s about to destroy the perfect lips that took me five minutes to shape with liner, lipstick, and gloss. “You know what you do to me. But I better leave soon, or I’ll for sure be late. Anya and Jen will kill me if I don’t show up on time.” “Are you sure?” Theo snakes his hand around my waist, pulling me closer, nuzzling the sensitive skin under my jaw. “Give me half an hour. I can get rid of all that tension. It’s a promise. Money back guaranteed.” He speaks low and gruff against my ear. Heat pools in my core. I close my eyes, humming at the intoxicating sensation. The man knows which buttons to push. If I let him, give him a chance, I have no doubt he will make me forget everything, even my own name. My body’s already vibrating by the time, he reaches up, buries his fingers in my hair and tugs, enough to tilt my head back so he can explore more. If his other hand wasn’t constricted by the sling, I’d be naked by
now—my blouse torn open, my panties but a few pieces of lace on the floor. He untangles his hand from my hair and walks his fingers along my spine. Even with clothes still on, I can feel the fire of desire and lust from every single one of his touches. He grabs a handful of my ass and squeezes. I’m lost in him. Ready to surrender to his superpowers. Fuck the presentation. Fuck the internship. He’s about to lift the hem of my skirt when the video intercom on the wall rings. Everything stops, and I’m whipped back from lust land to reality. Theo and I look at each other before I remember that Anya told me she’d commute to school with me. “That’s Anya,” I tell Theo, disengaging from him and trying and failing to get my top into shape. It’s hardly professional when my silk blouse screams I was groped. Theo answers the call, and sure enough, the doorman announces Anya waiting at the lobby for me. “She’ll be down in a minute.” He turns back to me and stuffs his hand in his pants, adjusting himself. “I guess we’ll have to continue that later.” I huff a frustrated sigh and let go of my top. Not only am I nervous about my presentation, but I’m also about to explode from horniness. I run my fingers through my hair and wipe underneath my lips. “I’m good as I’ll ever be.”
Before I leave, Theo grabs my hand again and tilts my head up so I can look at him straight in the eye. “No matter what happens, you know I’m proud of you. You’re smart, beautiful, sexy, stubborn, and determined. That’s just a few things I love about you.” He presses his lips on me one more time and walks me to the elevator. When the door closes, and I’m alone in the car, I catch the surprised look on my face on the mirrored walls. I step back, catching my breath as I lean against the wall. The son of a bitch does know how to take my mind off this presentation but saying the ‘L’ word for the first time.
I HEAVE over the porcelain one more time, even knowing that nothing will come out. We made it. I survived! Either the nervous anxiety or adrenalin rush remains even after Anya, Jen, and I stood in front of our professor, the entire class and a few representatives of Sol Media. There are forty students vying for the internship, most of them are younger and more vibrant than me. In the meantime, I have to return to work. After washing up and reapplying my lip gloss, I walk back to my desk and find Ingrid sitting on my chair. “How did it go?” Hands clasped, she throws me a
hopeful look. I half-shrug, shooing her off my chair. “We did our best.” “When are you going to find out?” “They said they’d email us tomorrow.” My stomach grumbles and I lay a hand on it. I haven’t been able to eat much since I’ve started fretting over the presentation. Even Theo’s mouth-watering homemade pasta last night didn’t entice me, although I force myself to eat. “I’m sure you’ll get in. You learned from the best.” Ingrid grins and brushes a hand on her shoulder. “Your humility astounds me.” She smiles wider. Ingrid looks around and lowers her voice. “Did you tell him yet?” I turn to my computer and bring it to life. “Nope.” “You need to tell him.” I sigh, letting my shoulders drop. “I’ll tell him if I get in.” Theo knows about this big project but what he doesn’t know is that it involves the internship, which means I’ll have to quit my job. It’s only for a couple of months. I’ve already made arrangements with Stella about rent. But I’ve managed to keep it from Theo. I’m ninety-nine percent sure he’s going
to force me to move in with him. His schedule’s already packed with business trips and meetings, and I can only guess what mine will look like. But the little slip this morning has me pedaling backward. It’s not that I don’t love Theo; I’ve been in love with him since I met him. But it’s a little too soon. What if he didn’t mean to say it this morning? What if he said it like the way he’d say he loves working out or the splashes of color in the sky during dusk? Am I overthinking this? Or not thinking enough? Ingrid snaps her fingers in front of me. “You still with me?” I wave her hand away. “Yeah. I’ll tell him. There’s no sense of talking about it if I don’t’ get in. Now, will you leave so I can do some work?” “Okay. Someone’s sensitive.”
THE NEXT DAY, I jump off my seat, my hands shaking. “Holy crap!” I’m giddy. Thrilled. Anya came in a second ago telling me, and Jen, who’s choking on the piece of fricassee she’d just put in her mouth, that we’re the chosen group to join the prestigious Sol Media for the internship.
“I just got the email. Check yours!” Anya waves her phone at me. After making sure that Jen’s not gonna die on a piece of curly leaf, I pull everything out of my bag, dumping them on the table to rummage for my phone. Only realizing too late that I’d stuffed it in my back pocket before I sat down for lunch. When it vibrates, I facepalm myself. Sure enough, there’s an email from our professor about the presentation. Jen does the same with her phone. “Scroll down, don’t give a crap about the technical BS,” Anya suggests, and I do just that. “We received the highest marks and won the competition. What! What!” Anya and I break into our spastic dance celebration, bumping our hips together, and shaking our asses. Our triumphant celebration gets cut short when Jen orders us to stop. “Did you read the rest of the email?” “Who cares? We won!” I say, holding my fist up for a fist bump. She ignores it and purses her lips. “No, you won,” she says. “We were the best group, but they’re only taking one intern, and you stood out the most.” Talk about awkward. I want to scream and party
some more because I’m about to be offered an opportunity of a lifetime, but what about Anya and Jen? “That’s not right. We all worked on this together. We put our hundred percent on this.” “Yeah well, they just want you.” Jen’s a perfectionist and gets straight A’s without trying. I stare at her with my mouth open, looking like a trout out of water. “I just lost my appetite.” She picks up her barely eaten salad and throws it in the trash. When she says bye, Anya and I nearly miss it. “Maybe we can talk to Timothy?” I turn to Anya, who thankfully isn’t as upset as Jen. She spoke more eloquently yesterday during our presentation. I fumbled a few times, but as always, I managed to turn it into a comedy show. “Prof Stick-up-his-bum’s not gonna do anything about it.” For some weird reason, she’s the one who’s consoling me, rubbing my back to soothe me, while she reads the entire email. “Looks like the decision came from Sol Media. They liked you, girl.” “I can turn it down.” “Don’t do that. I’m gonna punch you on the boob if you do that.” After hearing her threat, I cross my
arms over my chest. “You were great. Your presence is what they’re looking for, obviously. It’s a great opportunity. You’d be stupid not to take it.” “I can decline.” “That’s insulting.” With and eyebrow raised, she stares me down. “What?” “You worked super hard on this. Yeah, we did too, but it’s not like the end of the world for us. Jen will get over it. I’ll find something else. Besides, your hot boyfriend told us we could apply at his company when we’re done.” That’s just it. I have a secured position at ARC Industries. Anya and Jen are extremely intelligent, and their talents are incomparable, but there’s still a huge competition to get into design firms. “I could talk to my new boss at Sol Media. Maybe they can shorten my internship and give the rest of it to you guys.” “Would you relax, Talia? What happened to the confident woman I know and love?” I press a hand on my forehead, feeling a headache coming on. Anya is right. I got this. I’m hot shit, and I’m as good as anyone in our program because
I work my ass off. But then that also means, I’ll have to tell Theo I’m leaving his company.
CHAPTER 6 TALIA
TWO WEEKS PASS before Jen returns to her normal self. She even went out to celebrate my internship with me, Anya, and my friends from work, Ingrid, and Bryde. Theo, once again, left for a business trip. But before his flight, we celebrated in our own way, involving a bowl of strawberries and an even bigger bowl of fresh whipped cream. He wasn’t even upset about me quitting ARC, and surprisingly, the topic of me moving in with him didn’t pop up. I should also say he has been a bit distracted since his accident, telling me he has extra energy since he can’t do his full workout. I put that to a challenge. I could have used his unique way of calming me this morning, though. It’s my first day at Sol Media. Even before I finished my first coffee, I’ve
received enough encouragements from friends. School’s over for the Holidays, and I only have two classes for the next semester, giving me a chance to do my internship full time. Not having to worry about my GPA, assignments, and projects for at least two weeks is a great chance for me to concentrate on acclimating myself to the new office. When I reach the security desk, a rep for Sol Media comes down to great me. Jilliana reminds me of Ingrid, except for the olive skin tone and dark, thick hair. But man, I don’t doubt her whole closet can compete with Ingrid’s. “You can call me, Jill, I’m Mr. James’ personal assistant. You’ll be working mostly under him, so I hope you’re prepared.” Her sweet smile spreads naturally on an already pretty face while we wait for the elevator. “Mr. James?” “Yes, don’t worry. He’s friendly.” The extra emphasis on the word friendly makes me think of this Mr. James as some old, rich fart, who makes a hobby of groping his female staff. Jill waves her hand when the elevator doors open, and I step on with her. I place a hand on my belly. I haven’t been nervous since the first time I met
Theo. Then again, it was for a different reason entirely. I pat the outer pocket of my purse, feeling for my phone, hoping it will vibrate when I receive Theo’s text before I go into my first day. It unsettling that of all the people to greet me good luck today, I haven’t received one from him.
SOL MEDIA ISN’T what I expected. It occupies the south wing of the 25th floor. Instead of the shiny, modern or contemporary designs I’m used to seeing in offices, Sol Media is bright and colorful. I mean, there isn’t a spectrum of color left out of the entire place. Aside from a few offices and a large boardroom that I can see right at the back of the floor, there aren’t any walls or cubicles separating their staff. There aren’t even desks or office chairs. Off to one side are lines of one-piece curved loungers, barn wood tables, and funky bar top chairs are grouped together right in the middle and to the right is a twenty-foot cement block island which separates the sleek kitchen from the rest of the space. Damn. I look down at my legs. I’m wearing another tight-fitting skirt. There’s no way I’m getting on any of those loungers without fear of flashing someone, and the barstools will be tricky to get on and not slide off. When I raise my head, Jilliana is quietly
observing me. “We tend to do casual Fridays every day.” I shoot her a weary look. “You’re not casual.” I point at her mute tangerine skinny pant suit and stilettoes. Thankfully she laughs. “I work for the boss, and I have an office with a desk and a real chair.” She shrugs. “You get an office, too. You’ll eventually figure everything out. We all work for different parts of Sol Media—tech magazine, fashion and beauty, pop culture. The D and D, design and décor group shares an office sometimes with fashion and beauty. Mr. James came from Italian Vogue, so his focus is in the arts and design. “Let me get you settled at your new desk. Any questions so far?” “Sure. Any great taco restaurants around here?” Jilliana laughs, with the gracefulness that speaks of old money. “I happen to know a great one. Remind me later.” Taken aback by her answer, I press my lips together and slowly let the smile filter through. I think I’m going to like it here if all the staff is anything like her. All I have to charm now is the old boss man, Mr. James.
WE’RE all gathered in the conference room, talking about work, but everything feels too relaxed. I imagine ARC would be like this if we don’t have Lyra around. I snicker quietly at myself when someone sits on the empty chair beside me. Dude smells good. With a slight turn of my head, I glance his way, but he’s already staring at me with a devilish smirk. “Hey, you’re new,” he says. Though I can classify his clothes closer to casual than business, it doesn’t take away the fact that he looks damn good and I bet all the tacos in the world that everything he has on—from his white sneaks, ripped jeans and printed chambray shirt—is designer. His lips are enviably full and pink. He ruffles his thick hair with a hand, and I see him wearing a damn beaded bracelet. My first thought is that he’s definitely part of the arts and design team. “I am new. I’m the intern, Talia Newman.” My name piques his interest. Not paying attention to the speaker up front, he props his elbow on the table and turns his whole body toward me. “Talia Newman. Talia the Intern.” His gaze drops to my boobs, but they don’t linger, they keep going all the way down to my pumps. I fidget, tugging at my skirt. “And you are…?”
Right away, he brings his head up and says proudly, “Carter. I work here, too.” I nod, not knowing what to say. Then he continues, “It’s great to finally work with a gorgeous woman around here.” Excuse me? My mouth parts and I surreptitiously look around. The room is full of gorgeous women, some much younger than me and almost all of them are at least six sizes smaller than me. I smell a player. I squint my eyes at him. “Carter, it’s nice of you to finally join us,” the man at the front catches my attention. Carter doesn’t take his eyes off of me right away, making me fidget even more in my seat. From the side, I can see him raise his hand. “Morning, everyone. Sorry I’m late…again...” Everyone except me laughs. “I was at a party last night.” “Wow,” I mutter to myself. If this is the type of staff they hire, then I shouldn’t worry much with my internship. I can dance circles around this guy. “Would you like to take over?” Dude up front says. He never introduced his name. Why would he? But did he say take over? Carter finally turns away from me and sighs as he slowly stands. “I guess since I’m the boss.” Everyone laughs again, and this time, I feel my cheeks pink. So much for an old farty man. I should
really stop making these dumb guesses as they’re never true. Mr. Italian Vogue himself looks down at me. He leans forward. “I’m looking forward to the two of us getting to know each other and working really really close together, Talia the Intern.” When he stands to his full height, he smirks, popping a dimple I missed earlier and winks before he walks around the table and addresses the whole room. Flashes of red alert blare all around me.
CHAPTER 7 THEO
MY PHONE LIGHTS up on the scratched Formica table, alerting me to another text message from Talia. She’s given me a play by play of her first day at Sol Media. I glance at it but don’t read the message. My attention is focused on the man in front of me, giving me facts, and angering me each minute. Walden Lynch isn’t the type of man anyone associates with on a regular basis, much less someone like me. Frankly, I consider him more trustworthy than anyone I’ve met. He’s ten years my senior, but experience and what he does for a living have taken a toll on him, although he’ll never admit it. He shifts his gaze over my shoulder then out the window and back to me, observing in quick seconds, taking snapshots of scenes in his head.
“How long has this been going on?” I ask, reaching for the cup of coffee I wouldn’t serve to my worst enemy. But it’s something to do—gripping the white cup that’s probably as old as the diner we’re in—better than me throttling someone’s neck. Lynch doesn’t hesitate. “Three years planning, two years in play.” A piece of egg flies out of his mouth when he answers. A harsh swear rolls out of my mouth as I eye the stack of paper to my right. Some information that can possibly ruin me is laid out on them. Right on top is a copy of the police report of the car accident I was in. In plain view, it’s any other collision that can happen anytime, with anybody. Something didn’t feel right since it happened, and I’ve since then asked Lynch to investigate. He followed the rabbit down the hole and discovered a sinister plot to take me down. Luckily, it doesn’t seem like it has reached my Chicago firm, yet. And Talia for that matter. Thoughts of her getting pulled in this mind fuck have me clenching my jaw. I punch the table. Lynch’s plate and our cups clatter. He doesn’t stop chewing and doesn’t throw me a curious glance. Calmly, he takes a sip of his crappy coffee and signals to our waitress for a refill. She hustles to us, and I wave a hand when she offers to fill my cup.
Lynch wipes his mouth with the paper-thin napkin, bundles it and throws it on his half-finished meal. He leans forward, talking in a low voice. “Just say the word, and I can make it go away. Nothing will be connected to you.” Rubbing a hand on my jaw, I shake my head. For years, I’ve been brutal in business, known as the big bad wolf of New York City. I’ve run and done business with the worst kinds of people—the greedy, selfish, narcissistic monsters. But I’ve long turned my back on that, on them. The last time someone crossed me and hurt the people I love, I nearly killed a man, but I didn’t think twice of destroying his career and everything he had touched. The accident is a warning. It’s just a beginning of retaliation for the past I’d rather forget. My future doesn’t belong in New York City. My future doesn’t live here. She’s in Chicago, striving to be the best woman she can be, without accepting a handout or help from anybody, not even from me. My past can come at me and destroy my holdings and firms in this city, but if they touch a hair on Talia, I might consider taking Lynch’s offer. But one thing always comes to mind, will those actions help me remain as someone worthy of Talia’s love and affection? I’ve immortalized my past actions in
my tattoos—the ones only Talia has been able to see and touch—each one a reminder of the man I used to be, of the man I no longer am. But I will strive to protect what is mine. Hell can come at me; I will fight for Talia.
CHAPTER 8 TALIA
IT’S TGIFUCKINGF. I’ve survived my first week of internship. While I mind my own business, filing my nails because there’s no real need for me today other than making a coffee run for the Arts and Design staff, Carter James swaggers into our shared office. No one pays him any mind. I try not to; I have been trying not to from the start, but I’ve turned into his personal pet project, telling me I’m a key to the company’s success. “There’s my favorite intern.” Mr. Italian Vogue oozes with charm. I drop the nail file into my purse and pretend I’m typing. “I’m your only intern.” He ignores my little jab and sits on the edge of my desk. Dude doesn’t believe in personal space.
“What time am I picking you up tonight?” I stop pretend-work, my fingers hover over the keyboard. “Picking me up?” There’s never a day that he’s not asking me inane questions, trying to get into my psyche, aka, putting his nose where it doesn’t belong. Surprisingly, he’s never asked once if I’m in a relationship. He’s not exactly annoying. Who doesn’t like getting attention from the hot boss? I enjoy a good dose of flirt every now and then, but my heart belongs to one man, the other, much hotter boss. “For the party. You’re not gonna say no to me, Talia. I want you to come.” I squirm at the way he says the word “come”. Heavy innuendo and all that. “No one told me about a party. Is it for work?” “It’s for you,” he says simply like that’s enough for me to know. I look up at him. His arms are crossed over his chest, and the short sleeves of his white shirt are tight around his muscular biceps. It’s easy to see that he’s fit under all the designer clothes, but he’s no Theo. Carter’s hair is mussed in a natural, yet appealing way, and his full lips spread into a wicked grin. I don’t say a thing. He’s already made his decision about me. Tough for him, I’m a one-man woman. “We are celebrating your first
week of internship.” “Right.” I go back to pretending I’m working, but he doesn’t relent. Not that I think he ever does. “You have to be there. You can invite your friends. Maybe they’d like to network with this bunch.” He follows that with a nudge of his head, referring to the group of talented people I work with/get coffee for. What the hell? This time is as good as any. “Can I bring my boyfriend?” His smile widens, and if I’m not wrong, his eyes fill with even more mischief. “Absolutely. The more, the merrier.” Carter winks, which puts an emphasis on what he means. Theo’s coming home tonight from New York City but I’m not sure what time his plane touches down. There’s been a lack of communication on both our parts. On my second day here, Jilliana gave me a phone I’m only allowed to use when I’m at work, or when I’m talking about work. My personal phone stays off in my purse. Despite the little need they have for me, I’m still expected to stick around just in case anyone at A&D requires my assistance. After my second day here, I made a joke to Stella that they should rename the internship to unpaid gopher. Each time I talk to Theo, I only give him
good news. He’s been sounding more stressed, preferring to call me rather than reply to my texts. The other night, I tried to initiate a playful phone sex, but he’s not having any of it. I’d ended the call confused and feeling dirty, and not in a good way. “Where is it?” Carter takes his phone out of his back pocket and taps at a speed of light. My work phone buzzes on the desk. “Sent it to you. Pick you up at 9 or is your boyfriend going to take you there?” I check my phone and see the name of a club I’ve wanted to check out with my friends. “I’ll see what he says.” “Do that.” Carter leans in. “I’m looking forward to meeting this boy-friend.” “Very mature.”
I WALK in the club already regretting the dress I’m wearing.—a second-skin dress I had no right to wear during winter, without a coat. Peer pressure won out when I couldn’t decide what to do. I headed straight home after work and had dinner with Stella before she left for work. Then after messaging Anaya and Jen about the party, it would be rude for me not to go. I’ve also called Ingrid.
This whole situation with Carter has me on high alert. Like a bomb is about to explode. At least now, my friends will be with me the whole night, and I’m hoping their excitement will rub off on me at some point. If not, there’s always tequila. Theo hasn’t responded to any of my messages. I’ve long ago been done sitting on sidelines, sulking and waiting for my boyfriend to call me. If he wants me, he knows how to get a hold of me. “This club is amazeballs!” Anya yells over the pulsing music. She’s baring her flat stomach and her long, thin legs. What she lacks in the boob area, she makes up for on her booty. While Jen on my other side has the tiniest faux leather dress on, perfect for her petite body. Her hair is straightened and sleek, and her makeup is fierce. She resembles a miniature dominatrix, complete with spiky heels and a ‘don’t fuck with me; I know martial arts’ expression. They had a fabulous time going through my closet, even more fun when they found the drawer full of expensive lingerie Theo bought me. I’m strutting in a little black dress and a thick crystal necklace that captures the variety of lights in the club. Pushing my hair off my face, I look to my right and see Jilliana waving me over. I grab my girls by the hand and lead them to the group from Sol Media. She immediately shoves a martini my way, before I can
even introduce Anya and Jen. “Oh, my…” Anya grips my arm and shakes it. “Check out my next boyfriend coming this way. Hello, baby. Come to Momma.” I turn toward the direction she points at, and sure enough, Carter James is coming our way, with his charming smile on full display. “There she is. Hey there, gorgeous.” Carter snakes his hand around my waist and kisses my cheek. I stand, awkward and stiff like a statue, pulling away from his touch. All I can smell is the scent of hard liquor on his breath. Before I can step away from him, I flash from a camera blinds me. “What the hell?” I say, blocking my face with my arm from the continuous onslaught of bright lights. “Smile, sexy. We’re a media company.” He throws his arm over my shoulders, but I shake him off. I catch Anya and Jen’s questioning glances. How do I explain my handsy boss to them? Deciding not to introduce Carter to them, I ignore his rambling and face my friends. “What’s up with that?” Jen asks, her face pinched. “Has he ever heard of sexual harassment?” Anya
adds. So it’s not just me. Obviously, the charm of Carter James wears off quite easily. “Is he always like this?” I keep my lips pressed. “Not this touchy. Let’s grab a booth.” I nod toward the empty booth. The girls are only too happy to follow me.
I MISS YOU. My finger circles the circular button on my phone, as I ready to send the text to Theo. Sighing, I lean my head on the back of the cab without sending my message. Anya and Jen decided to stay, having met the rest of Sol Media’s staff and finding real connections. Surprisingly, Carter left me alone the rest of the night, but my mind has been off somewhere. To Theo. My chest ached every time I checked my phone and saw that I didn’t receive anything from him. It was starting to feel like when our relationship began. I thought we were past this. I lean forward in the cab and give the driver a new address. I can’t know when he’ll be home, but I want to be there when he does.
When I get to his penthouse, I notice the lights in the living room are on. A smile slowly spreads on my face, and a warmth fills my belly. And not the kind that’s alcohol-induced. I stopped after my second martini. I drop my purse on the hallway table. Before I can step in the room, I hear the low rumble of Theo’s voice. Pausing at the threshold, I ruffle my hair and adjust my boobs. With the confidence I know has existed in me forever, I walk into the living room, my heels tapping quietly on the floor. His voice gets closer and closer, and I’m filled with excitement and longing. “It just one week…I don’t know…Around Christmas? Sure. Sure.” He stands in front of the window with a hand flattened on it, and the other hand holding the phone to his ear. I marvel at the breadth of his shoulder, strong and firm. Still in his trousers and an untucked white shirt, he shifts his weight from one leg to the other, yet he still doesn’t turn to face me. The tone of his voice lowers more, and it causes me to stop. It sounds too…sweet. “I’ll come see you as soon as I get there…Who?” A pregnant pause and his shoulders stiffen. “Talia? No, she can’t know, not about what happened…I know Eliza, but it’s not the right time like I told you before I left.”
Eliza? I’ve heard the name before. His ex-fuck buddy. Who lives in New York City. I shake my head and hold onto the back of a lounger, feeling faint. This is all a coincidence. There’s an explanation. We’ve moved past this. Knowing about my trust issues because of my cheating exboyfriend, Theo has more than once begged me to believe he’d do no such thing. Theo lifts his head. As soon as he sees my reflection on the glass, he tells Eliza he has to go and slowly turns to me, his face hard. Bitterness and anger fill me. A number of things enter my mind, and I have trouble figuring where I should start. “I didn’t know you’d be home.” Letting go of the lounger, I cross my arms over my chest. “When did you get here? Were you even going to let me know? I’ve sent you messages.” Theo rubs the back of his head. Yeah, ass, it’s uncomfortable when you’re caught. “I was about to call you.” “But you had to call your ex first, right? The one you were just with. So what is this? You couldn’t tell me? So much for ‘I will never hurt you, Talia’.” I want to stop but I can’t. Every time Theo opens his mouth, I carry on. “You mocked my ex and called him names. But here you are… You don’t even have the balls to tell me we’re over. You’re
waiting for the right time?” I uncross my arms and spread my hands in a challenge. “Well, here you go, Theo. This is the best time.” I’m angry and hurt, but I manage to keep my voice level. I did this to myself. There have been signs. The radio silence when he’s away. The far off look on his face. He’s been slipping away from me, and I didn’t notice. “Talia…” “Don’t bother. I’m gonna grab my shit and go.”
CHAPTER 9 THEO
I SEE the hurt in her eyes. She’s holding back tears, braving the pain I’ve caused. “Talia, it’s not what you think.” What a pathetic thing to say. I reach out to her, but she steps away. A humorless laugh comes out of her mouth first. “Do you know how many times I’ve heard that shit?” “Damn it, Talia! I’m not your ex. I’m trying to—” “Well, at least Derek had the balls to tell me the truth when I caught him! And you—” She jabs a finger on my chest. “You asked me to trust you. Told me you’d never hurt me. And I fucking believed it. Now you’re throwing this shit at me? Giving me that pathetic excuse—not what I think
—” She scoffs and raises a palm as she backs away again. “What I think is that you’re full of shit, Theo.” “Will you let me explain?” “No. I’m done with this shit. I’m never going through that again.” “Talia, stop. Just sh—” “No, you...you stop! You and your fucked up promises.” I want her to give pause and listen so I can tell her I’m trying to protect her, but she keeps going, cussing me, getting more irate by the second. I can’t think of anything to do to stop her, enough to let me talk. I grab her hand, drag her to me and kiss her. Deep and hard. She struggles from my tight hold and bites down on my lip. Incensed by this, I walk her backward and press her against the wall, holding her hands down on her sides. “Let me talk.” “Let me go, asshole.” “Talia, let me fucking talk or so help me…” “What? You’re going to hit me?” she challenges. “I’m not going to…what are you saying? You are
an irritating woman; you know that? Stop accusing me of bullshit and let me say what I want.” Determined to win this standoff, she tilts her chin up in defiance, her lips flattening in a straight angry line. I let her hands go, but I don’t allow her space. Both of us are vibrating as I trap her with only the hardness of my body. Our breaths come out in pants. When I look straight in her eyes, I see a threat of tears. She’ll never let the dam break, not in front me. She’ll brave this till the end. I pinch the bridge of my nose, close my eyes and take a deep inhale— letting my senses drown in everything Talia. “I’m trying to protect you.” I open my eyes and hope she sees the truth in them. I’m afraid to lose her. I’m afraid she’ll get hurt by those trying to destroy me. “I don’t want you getting involved.” She chuckles drily. “Let me save you the bother then. I’ll get the hell out of your way.” “Talia!” I slam a fist on the wall, blocking her path. A frustrated groan rumbles in my chest. “You’re a trying woman; you know that. Stubborn as shit. Difficult as hell. But I fucking love you, and I don’t want you hurt because of me.” My words give her pause. Her eyes widen a little at the word ‘love’. Her lips slightly part, but her expression remains
unrelenting. “I’ve made enemies when I didn’t give a shit about anyone other than myself. But I’ve also made enemies from protecting others. People are after me. They will do anything to take me down and destroy me. These people will stop at nothing. They’ll use anything and anyone to get their revenge.” Her face smoothens a little, a crack in the stubbornness. I flatten my hands on the wall beside her face and burrow in her neck, in her hair. To comfort. To sanity. “If they do anything to you, hurt you to get to me, I will never forgive myself. They’ve already tried with someone I care about.” My warm breath fans on her skin as I skim my lips on the column of her throat. I press my whole body against her. Her chest pushes up against mine with her measured breaths. “Eliza was in the car with me during the accident.” Her body stiffens, and she sucks in air. “Is she—“ “She’s fine.” “That’s not my concern. I don’t care about her. I don’t know her. Is she back in your life?” Her tone is accusatory. I jerk my head up and hold her gaze. “She’s a
friend. She’s a business associate. She’s been a part of my life in different ways, but no, she’s not back in my life the way you think she is.” “Why didn’t you tell me you were with her?” Her voice only wavers at the end, but she raises her chin, trying not to let all her emotions show. “I sometimes see her when I’m in New York, mostly for business meetings. Sometimes as longtime friends. We talk. She knows about you. She knows how I feel about you. There’s nothing else between us.” “Still, you didn’t tell me.” “Because I knew how you’d react.” “How?” she snaps, with an eyebrow raised. “Like how you are now.” “So this is my fault?” “No, I didn’t say that. We barely see enough of each other as it is. I don’t want to spend it talking about other people. I want our time together to be about us.” When she opens her mouth again, I expect another question, but she doesn’t say a thing, and cocks her head to the side, training her eyes on something else.
After a few intense beats, she brings her hands up over my chest without touching me. “I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” I don’t move. I wait for more, something that tells me she understands how important she is in my life. I try one last time. “I will give anything I own, let my enemies destroy what I’ve built for years to protect you. If it means you’ll stay safe, untouched and mine.” She returns her gaze to me, her eyes softening each time. I shove my fingers in her hair, tug them, and her lips part as her chin lifts. My lips touch her nose first, then slowly I drag them down, past her lips, down her neck, and back up again, where I can claim her. She tastes sweet with a slight hint of alcohol. I delve in deeper. Get lost in her. Forever passes until she finally gives in, meeting my needs, touching me, telling me she’s mine. Letting go of her hair, my hands ghost over her shoulders, and I cup her face for a moment, pausing to look at her. “I love you,” I say before kissing her again. I don’t wait for her to say it back. I don’t need to hear the words. I just need to feel it, feel her. When I lift her, she wraps her legs around me. I don’t let the subtle ache in my ribs and shoulder stop me. Stop us. As I carry her to the bedroom, she holds onto me and rests her head on my shoulder,
kissing my neck as we go. I lay her on the bed, looming over her while explores my torso with her hands, dragging fingers over my skin. I trap her hips between legs as I sit up, looking down at her under moonbeams, admiring her beauty.
she her my the
She licks her lips and props herself up on one bent elbow and reaches for my shirt with the other. I watch her, mesmerized at every move of her fingers. I feel like a teenager about to lose his virginity. And I turn just as impatient. After stripping out of my shirt, I unbuckle my belt, unzip my pants and push it down only enough to let my hard cock spring out. I need her now, this very second. I need to feel her, to have her pussy walls tightening around my cock. “Lie down, babe. I need to fill you with this.” I stroke down my shaft with one hand and reach under her dress with the other. She listens, obeys, squirming under me to adjust her legs. Her moans and pants are intoxicating as I destroy her lace panties with one tug, and I fuck her with my fingers. Lust and desire swim in her eyes. And want. She wants me. She arches her hips off the bed, meeting each one of my assaults. “Keep your hands above your head.” I nudge her legs apart with my knee, and I lower myself,
hovering over her, resting one hand beside her. “I’m gonna fuck you first, then I’ll make love to you, okay?” I don’t wait for a response, sliding into her in one hard thrust, allowing her only a moment to inhale and adjust to my invasion. Then I plow into her relentlessly. I cover her lips, swallow her moans and pants. And I fuck her until I feel her pulsating around me. Gripping her thigh hard, I lift it and adjust my pose, straightening my back and throwing that leg over my shoulder, kissing the softness of her skin. Her heel digs into my back. The whole time, she keeps her eyes on me, even when I know she’s about to go over the edge. My thrusts are harder, more punishing until she’s crying out my name and her whole body writhes under me. “Fuck. Fuck fuck—” I draw out the last word as I empty my come inside her, every last bit. My heartbeat hammers in my chest as I pant and recover, moving her leg down slowly without disengaging. I want us to stay connected. With elbows bent beside her arms, I lower myself again and kiss her, every part of her that I can until I feel myself getting hard again. As promised, this time, I make love to her, rolling my hips. When I roll us over, and she’s on top of me, she sits up, grinding her pelvis on me. She takes off her dress and her bra. I cup her breasts, feeling their heavy weight in my hands. I push up to suckle on a
nipple, rolling it in my mouth, between my teeth. With my other hand, I reach down and find her clit, keeping a thumb over it as she bounces on top of me. For a second, I see her in the moonlight, clear as day. Her beauty—her strength. I run my free hand through her hair, pushing some off her face. She pauses and traps my face in her hands. With sincerity in my eyes, I tell her, “I love you, every part of you. Each infuriating, beautiful, strong, stubborn part.” She regards me in a different light. Her lips pursing, her face softening. “I love you, too, Theo. I’m yours. All yours.” I hold onto her until we both reach a climax, which for me is more satisfying, more out of this world than I have ever experienced.
CHAPTER 10 TALIA
THEO and I spend the whole weekend together ignoring our phones, ignoring the rest of the world. We’ve found our version of paradise, and we don’t want to leave it. He opens up to me about a lot of things, about his past with Eliza, how they’d both treated their relationship like it was a business transaction and nothing else. Theo then offers to tell me about the people he feels he’d wronged, but I don’t care about any of it, about any of them. Knowing who he is now—far from the vicious man he used to be —how different he runs his empire now are all that matter to me. I love him, and his past doesn’t matter in so many ways. But he does tell me that he suspects someone in ARC is a mole for one of his competitors.
“I had something brewing with Barry Barenstein. No one else knows about his multi-million renovation plans for his hotels. When I was about to go on a meeting with him about it, his firm canceled, saying they’d found someone else.” To think that someone at his firm, his own company is not trust-worthy can screw with a man’s head. He says he’s got someone investigating it, and soon, he’ll know the culprit. What’s even more worrying though is the accident he was in. “It wasn’t an ordinary accident. I hired a PI to look into it, but I think someone had paid the driver to collide with us.” It brings me to tears, knowing there’s been a threat in his life. But Theo assures me he’d stop this individual before they do anything else. “It’s okay, darling. I’m fine. Eliza’s okay. Even our driver is recovering. The other driver is in bad shape, though. I’m still waiting to hear more about his condition.” He leaves it at that and holds me, soothing me and trying to convince me that he’ll take care of everything.
WHEN WE FINALLY EMERGE OUT OF the penthouse, every muscle in my body is sore. Delightfully sore. I think we may have done positions that don’t exist in the Kama Sutra.
Naturally, this puts me in a good mood even as I enter Sol Media. Jilliana meets me at my desk with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Hi. Happy Monday?” I say, unbuttoning my coat. Winter’s in full effect. “I need to talk to you,” she says in a low whisper, nodding her chin toward the door. “Bathroom.” “Okay.” I remove my coat and sling it over my chair before I follow her to the modern bathrooms. “What’s going on?” She raises a hand to stop me. An unease swims in my stomach. “Wait.” Jill checks each stall, making sure we’re alone before she faces me again. “How much do you know about Carter James?” “What? Carter?” My eyebrows draw together, and I eye her curiously. “Not much other than he’s our boss. Why? What’s going on?” “I don’t know. I’m not sure.” She presses her hand on her stomach and regards me with deep concern. I understand that feeling as it mirrors mine. “Have you seen what’s on our site?” “No.” Each morning we are expected to read the latest news that the writers of Sol Media report. Normally, I read it on my way to work on the train. “I didn’t think of it. I was about to but I woke up
late, and my boyfriend gave me a ride here.” “You have a boyfriend?” “Yes.” “Who?” She asks it in a way, unlike some people who couldn’t believe I’m lucky enough to be loved by someone. “Theo Solomon.” The lines between her eyebrows deepen. “He’s the CEO of ARC Industries.” Her expression changes and she pales. “Oh shit.” “What? What is it, Jill?” She averts her gaze and shakes her head. “I don’t know, yet, but…” Jilliana bites down on her bottom lip. “I’ll have to get more proof. Knowing that now makes the post this morning a little suspect.” “Post? What post?” Jill pulls out her phone and slides her finger on the screen. When she finds what she’s looking for, she shows it to me. My jaw drops. I grab her phone and zoom at the photograph that’s on the front page of our online newspaper. “What the fuck? Media ingénue, Cater James, gets cozy with a new woman?” I yell as I read the byline and I look down at Carter and me on the screen. If
people don’t know any better—and with that byline —it’s easy to believe that we are getting nice, cozy, and comfortable. What should have been an evil look that I’ve thrown at Carter, it appears more sultry, a seduction. “This is not—where the hell is he?” My tight fist flies to my hip. “Where’s that pompous ass?” “He’s getting ready to do a news conference upstairs with Barrenstein.” “Baren—who? Wait…Barry Barrenstein?” “Yes.” “That son of a bitch!” I shove the phone back to Jilliana and storm out of the bathroom. I’m jabbing at the elevator button when she comes hurrying by my side. “Talia, what are you going to do?” “I’m gonna knock his teeth out, that’s what.” “Talia, wait.” She manages to grip my arm before I step into the elevator as its doors open. “Think about your future.” “I am thinking about my future. Now please let go of my arm, Jill.” I say it with enough conviction. She lets go, and I grit my teeth as I press the button for the thirtieth floor. It houses the future offices of
one of Carter’s business. Although I’ve never been invited to go up there, I’ve been told about it. Supposedly, part of my internship is to work on the designs of this new company. Well, fuck Carter and fuck his company. The elevator doors slide open to a massive space, and I immediately feel the tightening in my stomach. Anger boils in me. There’s nothing to fix here. The whole place is done, complete. I’ve been lied to. I’ve been used. I think of Theo and our conversation this weekend. This internship is a fake. It’s a ruse to get information from me about ARC. I suppose Carter had a plan B. Whoever he’d worked with at ARC gave him the information he needed. When I get my hands on whoever that is, I will throttle them until their eyes pop out of their sockets. I enter through a large glass door. I zero in on my target—Carter James. He’s standing by an old geezer in a white suit and a fedora hat. Carter sees me and throws me a smirk. My stride is quick. My hands fist at my sides. I stop right in front of him, and I gnaw at my teeth. “You bastard! How dare you use me!” Carter doesn’t seem perturbed for a second. His smile only widens as he looks around the room. I ignore the murmurs of reporters behind me. He
turns to the old man. “Barry, excuse me for a minute.” The man nods and doesn’t pay me any mind. Carter grabs my arm and drags me to the side. “Let go.” I pull my arm away. “You really want to do this here, Intern?” He says the last word like it’s a synonym for something lowlier than dirt. “You used me. You used me to get to Theo,” I spit at him. The jerk chuckles and leans in. “What else do you think? You have no skills. You have no talents. You’re only good for one thing, and it’s not your work ethics.” My eyes narrow. I’m filled with rage. My hands shake, and before I can stop myself, my fist raises, and it makes hard contact with Carter’s jaw. I shake my hand from the instant pain, but I don’t focus on it. I want to beat the shit out of this dick. But I’m pulled away from him, hands gripping my arms as I’m dragged by security. I’m kicking and screaming as the guards pull me to the elevator. “You’re not going to get away with this. You can’t break him! You’re not even half the man Theo is! You’ll never win, Carter!”
Neither of them lets me go until we’re in the elevator. I press the button for Sol Media offices. “What are you doing? You can’t go there,” one of the guards say. “I’m grabbing my coat and my purse. You can watch me if you want.” Thankfully they don’t argue. They follow me right to my office, watching my every move. I see Jilliana right away with full concern on her face. She mouths ‘are you okay?’ at me and I give her a subtle nod. I grab my coat and my purse. When I pass by Jill, I give her Sol Media’s cell phone. “Thanks,” I tell her, and to my surprise, she hugs me and tells me to take care. I flag a cab as soon as I’m out of the building, turning to give the guards a fuck-you salute before I get in the cab. I reach ARC Industries in no time, but I get stopped by this building's security. “What the hell?” I say, confused. “Do you have an appointment?” One of them asks. I look over his shoulder and try to find someone I know, someone who’ll pay attention, but ARC is empty, except for a new receptionist sitting at her desk, not bothering to glance my way. “No, but I’m here to see someone.”
“Sorry, ma’am, can’t let you in.” “Don’t ma’am me. I work here,” I tell the guard. He looks at me up and down. “Can we see your badge?” “My what?” “Your badge, ma’am.” “I don’t have a badge.” “All employees of this company have been issued badges. We need to see yours,” the other man pipes up. “I…Okay I used to work here. I don’t anymore, but I have something important to tell Theo Solomon. You have to let me pass.” I take a step forward, and they block my way. “Fine. Be that way.” I fish my phone out of my purse and dial Theo’s number. I ring him several times, but they all go straight to his voicemail. The next number I dial is Ingrid’s, but she doesn’t pick up either. I go through my list of contacts and try each number that’s associated with ARC. Then there are movements behind the guards, past the reception. Two other security guards are escorting Lyra out. Behind them the entire staff of ARC Industries watches. Much to everyone’s
surprise, Lyra doesn’t seem to be fighting anyone off. I’d always thought the day she gets fired someone would be pulling her by the hair, dragging her out. The guards blocking my way ask me to step aside as one of them calls for the elevator. When Lyra and I lock gazes, I see nothing but an evil sneer. And everything makes sense. “You, bitch!” I yell, reaching out to grab her hair, hoping to pull her down so I can slap her until everything that’s fake about her falls off. But for the second time this morning, I am pulled back by security. Only when the elevator closes, do the guards let go of me. “You’ll have to leave the premises, ma’am.” “I swear if you call me ma’am one more time—“ My threats are interrupted by Theo’s voice. “Let her pass,” he says, his voice tired and hoarse. The only readable expression on his face is anger. Resisting the urge to stick my tongue out at the security, I shrug my purse over my shoulder and follow Theo to his office. “I can’t believe it. Lyra,” I start. “But it’s not really a surprise. I just didn’t think she’d do that to you, to the company. She’s worked here for so long.”
I stay standing as Theo rounds his desk and sits on his chair, not saying a thing, his expression not changing. “How did you find out?” He looks directly at me, then down to his desk, where he picks up a photograph and slides it on his desk. I step closer, weary of him when I see the image; I finally understand why he seems angry at me, too. I hold the photograph of Carter and me that Jilliana showed me earlier. “This is nothing. You know that.” I walk around his desk and stand in front of him. “You know it’s nothing. You believe me, right?” He doesn’t answer. I throw the photo back on his desk. “Theo…say it. Say you believe me.” Theo rubs a hand over his face twice and massages his temples before he reaches for my hands. He pulls me to his lap, and I almost die of relief. “I know it doesn’t mean anything. But it’s how we found out Lyra is Carter’s mole. I hired someone to install a monitoring software to search our computers this weekend. IT didn’t find anything at first. Lyra was careful but not too careful. They found an email from Carter this morning with photographs of you and him. We had to wait until she came in to get her phone. It belongs to the company, so we were allowed to ask for it and
search it. We found messages between Carter and Lyra going back four months.” “Four months?” “I think it must have been going on longer than that. If we didn’t find those photographs, we wouldn’t have checked her phone.” “So…you’re not mad at me?” Theo’s eyes soften when he smiles. He tenderly tucks my hair behind my ear. “Why would I be?” “Because of the photos.” “They’re just pictures. Why didn’t you tell me you worked for Carter?” I throw my arms around his neck. “I didn’t think it mattered. It was a short internship, and you were going through some stuff. Which officially and unofficially ended today.” Theo cocks his head to the side. “It did?” “Yes. I found out Barry Barrenstein signed with him for the hotel renos.” I bite down on my lip, gauging his reaction before I continue. “When I found out, I confronted Carter and punched him in his pretty face.” Theo’s jaw drops, then he throws his head back and
laughs. “You did not.” “I did.” I show him my sore fist. “Asshole has a hard chin. Good thing I’m wearing this big ass ring today.” Theo hold my hands and pats my knuckles; then he kisses the back of my hand. “I’m sure you caused enough damage.” “I hope so.” I snuggle closer to him. “So what’s gonna happen now? You gonna fight to get Barry back?” Theo contemplates for a moment. “Nah. Sooner or later, one of them is going to do something dumb. I’m more concerned about our safety. Your safety. It’s not past Carter to file charges.” “Fine. Let him have me arrested. It’s just gonna up my bad ass points.” “I’m not going to let him do that.” “What about Lyra?” He sighs deeply and lets it out in a huff. “That’s going to get handled by my lawyers. She’s a pawn. They’ll figure out what to do with her. So, now you're free to come back to me?” “I guess. Do I still have a job here?” “Well, Lyra’s position needs to be filled if you’re
interested.” A smile slowly spreads on my face. “Does this mean I’ll work right under you?” Theo shrugs. “Under me, over me. Up to you.” I plant a kiss on his lips, drowning myself in his allmale scent. “I’m never opposed to that.” “Good.” Theo lifts me off his lap only to pull me back down, with my legs astride his. “Then you’re hired.”
AFTER A WEEK of waiting for Carter to come at me with an assault charge, nothing happens. I’m back where I belong, working at ARC alongside my friends, Ingrid and Bryde and my bad ass boyfriend. In the long run, I declined Theo’s offer of getting Lyra’s position. I have better plans for me after I graduate from my program. The position was offered to Penny, Lyra’s assistant, instead. Theo’s PI later reports that he got the driver who crashed into his car to admit the truth about the paid job. Following the transaction paper trail, he found out that Carter James had hired the man. The next day Carter is arrested and thrown in jail for conspiracy to commit murder.
When I ask Theo about the history behind him and Carter, it leads to the discussion about Eliza. “They dated for a while. There’s something you should understand about her. Eliza is…not like a lot of women. Everything is all business to her. Their relationship was quite similar to what we had except, Carter had the tendency to use women as punching bags.” He pauses, letting me absorb this information. “Eliza…she fought back which angered Carter more. When he was done with her, she was barely breathing. When I found out, no one could stop me from pounding him to the ground. Not only that, I destroyed his company, too.” “So all this was a personal vendetta.” “Personal. Business. Sometimes the lines blur. He never spent a day in jail, and I imagine he’d spent ten years trying to exact his revenge on Eliza and me. We were riding in her car. If she’d been alone, she would have died.” “Do you think he’ll ever stop?” Theo doesn’t answer me this time. He circles his arms around me and pulls me in a tight embrace. He kisses the top of my head. Maybe he knows the answer and doesn’t like it. Maybe he doesn’t know it at all. But what I do know is that with him, I feel safe. And I think to Theo, it is all that matters.
EPILOGUE TALIA
I CANNOT BE HELD responsible for the shit I get into when I’m drunk, horny and alone. This isn’t how I wanted to spend my first Birthday celebration with my sex-god boyfriend. It’s really unfair. Life, I hate you right now ‘cause you’re a massive bitch. Raising the fifteen-year-old scotch bottle, I shake it and squint to see how much more I have left to drink. A little more than a quarter…I think. Oh wow. I drank all that? Did I mention I’m alone? And horny? So horny. I haven’t been stuffed since Theo left for his business trip a week ago. Tilting my head up and taking another swig of the scotch, I curse the coffered bedroom ceiling. “Fuck you, where’s my Birthday orgasm?” I mutter while
the liquid burns down my throat and warms my empty stomach. I stumble on the bed and flop around like a seal on the beach, trying not to spill the Scotch and trying even harder to rip the red leather corset I have on, courtesy of my lovely Dominatrix friend and former roommate, Stella. It’s pointless. I can’t get it off without my other hand. I sit up, chug the rest of the amber liquid and place the low ball glass on the night table. Then I reach around for the laces holding the corset together. Halfway through unlacing the damn thing, I admit defeat and lie back down on the bed, sweating from all the useless exertion. Time for plan B. I turn on my side before scrambling off the bed again and walking back to the kitchen to grab a pair of scissors, which I then take back to the bedroom. Swinging my hair over one shoulder, I stand in front of the full-length mirror. “Damn I look hot!” I tell my reflection, throwing my hands on my hips and pouting my lips. “I’d fuck me.” But, sigh…I have to get out of this corset because Theo is not coming home tonight. He called from the airport an hour and a half ago telling me his flight has been delayed because of a snowstorm. I’ve said it before, and I say it again, Mother
Nature can be a bitch. “Well, here goes nothing. Sorry, Stella.” I turn at an angle, one hand with the scissors over one shoulder and the other on the side holding onto the corset. I start cutting the laces, and the whole thing comes apart quickly. It’s that easy to get me naked. Finally, I can breathe and move properly. My tits felt like they were in a vice grip with that thing. Before dropping the leather corset, I graze over the details. It’s pretty. Stella guaranteed I'd get fucked properly with it on. Too bad I’ll never find out. Not tonight at least. Alone with my drunken thoughts, I look around the closet. I’ve officially moved in with Theo. I figured we’d been through so much shit in such a short time, we were practically married. After graduating from my program with honors, I accepted an offer as an associate designer at ARC, working alongside Ingrid and all the other talented interior designers. Theo’s busy schedule hasn’t changed much, which is fine, but he tries not to be away for more than three days. To be honest, I do enjoy having a day or two at the penthouse to myself. I watch Romantic Comedies and Shaun of the Dead on the big screen. This latest trip has something to do with Carter James’ arrest. I’d asked if he wanted me to come, but he was insistent that he would be fine.
I walk around the closet, leaving the scissors on top of the drawer which holds some of Theo’s clothes, then I graze my hand against his button-up shirts. Taking one off the hanger, I press it to my nose. It smells of Theo. God, I miss him. We could be having great sex by now. I jut my bottom lip out. Then I get an idea. He’s sticking around the airport to see if any flight will open. We’d been texting for an hour, while I’m downing his favorite scotch. I had to stop when even I couldn’t understand my own messages. He’d asked me to go to sleep and promised that he’ll do whatever he can to get here first thing in the morning. Just because we are miles apart doesn’t mean we both have to be miserable. I’m creative and resourceful after all. Taking his shirt with me, I jog to the kitchen. I have to down a few glasses of water to get my mind focusing. I grab the bowl of vanilla frosting meant to go on the cake I baked— yes, I am now a domestic queen—and a can of whipped cream. Set the stage for seduction. I take a wooden spatula out of the drawer. Running to the closet, I remove my thong, reapply my lipstick and bring my sequined stilettoes with me to the kitchen. I’ve only used these shoes once for a Halloween
costume. No sexy nurse is complete without sixinch platform stiletto silver sequined heels. Cleanliness before horniness, I pull out a tea towel and place it on the island before I push myself up and get myself over. Not an easy feat when I’m drunk, but I get on my spot. “Damn, my phone!” Noticing a little too late, I jump off the island and grab my phone from the bedroom. Back on my spot, I slip the shoes on and wear Theo’s white shirt, leaving it unbuttoned. I am a sexy vixen tonight. Sexier even once I get the frosting and whipped cream on me. I hope Theo is ready and not around too many people because what he’s about to receive is the epitome of NSFW. The frosting is cool on my boobs. And I must say, it tastes delicious. I make a cute bikini out of frosting and add dollops of whipped cream along my belly, circling around my navel before I add more frosting over my pubic area. I adjust my position and reach for my phone. Lips pursed, eyes sultry, I take a sexy selfie. Or several in different positions, hollering at myself for being so silly, but it’s my birthday so who cares? I’m scrolling through the pictures, licking frosting off the wooden spatula, when I hear the elevator in
the hallway. I panic, dropping my phone on the kitchen floor and watch the screen break. Great! The penthouse is getting invaded, and I’m covered in whipped topping. Fuck my life. I hold on tight to the spatula. Whoever the hell is trying to rob the place is going to get the beating of a lifetime. “Talia?” “What the—Theo?” It doesn’t take him long to appear in the kitchen and once he takes me in—frosting, whipped cream, slutty shoes and his shirt—he grins. “Hi.” He leans against the wall, looking at me like I’ve grown a second head. “I wanted to send you a selfie. What are you doing here? I thought your flight was delayed?” I throw the spatula over to the side. “Uh-huh.” His eyes fall to the ground where my phone crashed. “I chartered a private plane. I wasn’t going to miss your birthday.” He pushes off the wall and struts to me. “I am hungry.” His eyes darken, and he works a hand over his jaw, making it difficult for me to see his mouth and tell what he thinks of my cockamamie idea. Then he rakes his gaze all over me, and I can almost feel
him taking every inch of me, in the nude, covered in fluffy icing. My body trembles under his scrutiny. When he moves his hand off his chin, he sticks his tongue out and hums. This gives me the push I need…not that I need a whole lot. “You like what you see, baby?” A rough, low growl comes out of him. I’m so turned on the heat of my body is melting the frosting and cream off me. I have to act fast or the next growl he releases will be the cause of my orgasm. Adjusting my arms a little on the side, I lean on one elbow and use the other hand to lift my left boob closer to my mouth. I give the icing a little lick and enjoy the smirk on Theo’s face. Then I form a small ‘o’ with my lips and suck my nipple in between them. Theo visibly shivers, and I about come from the way he seems to want to jump me. He steps forward, but I’m not done playing. I release my breast and press my heel on his chest when he takes another step. Shaking my head, I tease, “Not yet, baby. It’s my Birthday, and I get to have dessert first.” He hesitates. He grips my leg, lifts it and kisses just over the bone on the inside of my ankle. The surprisingly wicked sensation shoots straight to my pussy. When he slowly brings my foot back on the island, I struggle not to shake.
My man knows how to play this game. He’s the king of foreplay. But sometimes the king needs to take some time off and learn from his queen. I continue my show, licking the whipped topping off my other nipple. As I tug at the hard peak with my teeth, a current zings through my body. I want to throw my head back, arch my body to Theo and have him fuck me mercilessly, sticky whipped cream and all. Instead, I switch to the other elbow, leaning on it while I use my other hand to snake down the middle of my chest and stomach, taking the combination icing and whipped topping to my mouth every now and then. By the time I reach just above my clit, Theo has his zip down and his hand in his boxer briefs. I push up a little, adjusting my tush on the cold marble. “Is that my present? My huge package?” “You know it, babe.” He pulls out his cock and grips the head with his fist before working down the shaft. I can’t help but lick my lips. I’m thirsty for him, hungry for his cock. For Theo. “Looks like someone wants a taste.” He teases me back. Damn him. And he grins while continuing to fist his length. “You want some of this, Talia?” “Fuck yeah,” I breathe out, pushing up to sitting, and ready to get off the damn marble island and get on my knees and have him bury that monster in my
mouth. But Theo raises a finger, stopping me. I open my mouth to protest, but he tilts his head down a little and gives me that “You better behave or you won’t be walking tomorrow” look. The one that I love so much. I whimper a little and relax back on both elbows, waiting for his next move. Theo pushes his trousers and underwear down while he makes his way to me, keeping that fierce gaze directed at me. “You have to learn to share.” Theo dips a finger on the melting whipped cream over my mound and sticks it to his mouth. “Hmmm, vanilla. I love vanilla. My favorite.” “I know.” “If you let me have a taste; I’ll let you have a taste.” He nods toward his cock. “Sounds like a fair deal.” “Something’s missing.” “Yeah?” I watch him bend down and pull a blue jewelry case out of his pants pocket. “Can’t have icing without ice.” Theo opens it, and I gasp as the string of diamonds catches the overhead lighting, making it sparkle and dance right in my
very eyes. “Theo, that’s beautiful, but it’s too much.” “Shhhh…you deserve this and more.” He takes the diamond necklace out of the case and reaches around my neck to clasp it. I touch it with trembling fingers. “Thank you.” He kisses my forehead and smiles. When he steps back a bit, Theo spreads my legs wide and plants my heels on the island before he lowers his head. He doesn’t just lick the cream off of me, but he fucking devours it like he hasn’t eaten in days. Well, he hasn’t had pussy in a week. Stars shoot across the room when he flattens his tongue and drags it from my clit down and up again, over and over. When he closes his mouth, he takes my clit between his teeth and nips on it, enough to make my legs and feet numb one second and shaking the next. “Oh fuck, baby.” He mumbles something over my pussy lips, and the vibration causes an eruption inside me. I come all over his mouth and tongue, and Theo takes it all, licking and biting and sucking until I can’t feel my face or my whole body. I’m panting, coming down hard from that high when he stands and sheds his
shirt, chucking it to the ground. “Not done,” he says, sounding more like a warning. Theo runs his hands along my thighs, holds on them as he leans over and licks the rest of the cream from the top of my pussy all the way to my chest. He shoves his face between my breasts, licking and lapping at the sticky cream. When he raises his face, he’s covered in it. I laugh, reaching up for him and wiping his face with my palms. “Best dessert you’ve tasted?” I ask in a teasing tone. “Absolutely.” He holds my jaw in one hand and tilts my chin up. “I’m going to kiss you now, Birthday Girl.” “’kay.” His first kiss is soft, a subtle pressure on my lips, a way to remind me he’ll take care of me, and love me. “Happy Birthday.” He looks straight into my eyes with nothing but adoration. His next kiss claims everything. I am his. But at the same time, it tells me that he is mine. He continues this all the way down my neck and inhales my scent when he gets to the hollow of my throat. He licks along my collarbones, from one tip of my shoulder to the other.
When he grabs my hips, he pulls me closer to him, and my legs automatically wrap around his waist. I reach down, between us, finding his cock standing at attention. I keep my eyes trained on him as I guide the head of his cock in. His fingers dig into my flesh when he slides into me. His eyes momentarily close but he opens them right away, as though he doesn’t want to miss any minute of this, of us. His movements aren’t hurried. I take him all in, and when he glides out, my skin breaks out in goose bumps when he thrusts again, harder and harder each time. “You’re so fucking sexy, Birthday Girl.” “Ditto.” I wrap my arms around him and kiss his neck, nipping at his jaw. He groans and his thrusts turn into a frenzy. “Get down, and turn around.” He pulls out of me and helps me off the island. I turn on my heels as he removes the shirt off me. “Bend over.” I do as he says, stretching my arms over the top of the island and pressing one cheek on the cold marble. “Spread your legs.” He nudges my foot with his, and I adjust my stance. “Wider.” When I look over my shoulder, I catch his mischievous gaze. The fucker has his phone in his
hand. When did he get that without me noticing? “Are you taking a picture?” “It’s for my personal collection.” “You’re just a dirty old man,” I joke. “Hmmm, yes I am.” He places his phone down, and with a predatory look, he steps closer to me, rubbing my ass, massaging them with his strong hands. I feel the head of his cock at my entrance. “Ready?” “Always.” I press my cheek back down on the marble and gasp at the sudden invasion of his cock in my pussy. I tighten around him and all too soon, I feel my core filling with hot, wet lust. He holds me down against the island as he plows hard into me. All the while he’s telling me how good I feel, how beautiful I am, how much he’s missed me and how much he loves me. Some people would call it lust, but I know what’s real between us. I spread my arms on the island until I find the edge and hold onto it. I push back, meeting each of his thrust. Until we’re both panting, moaning, groaning and screaming each other’s names out. We both collapse on the floor. We’re sticky. We’re spent. I’m almost sober. Theo wraps his arms around me and pulls me on
top of him. I finger the necklace around my neck. “Do you like it?” His voice rumbles in his chest under me. I look up to him. “Yes, it’s gorgeous.” “Good. We’re all sticky. You wanna get in the bath with me?” “I’m never going to say no to that.” We get up, and before I start walking, I ditch the slutty shoes. In our bathroom, he dims the lights and turns on the music, while I fill the tub with water and bath oil. I’m buzzing, possibly from all the sugar, but most definitely from Theo. I watch him as he scratches the growth over his jaw. “I should shave.” “I can do that for you.” He catches my gaze in the mirror. “Perfect.” He pulls on one of the drawers and takes out his shaving cream and a straight razor. “Now? With that?” I point at his razor. “Yes.” “I’ve had a bit to drink. I might end up nicking your
neck. Next thing you know, you’ll end up bleeding on the floor.” The corners of his eyes wrinkle. “You have quite an imagination. It’s gonna be fine.” I shrug. “You asked for it.” I grab the bathrobe hanging on the wall and wrap it around me. “What are you doing? I thought we’re getting in the bath?” “Yeah. But you want me to shave you.” “Do it in the bath.” “Then all your little hairs will get in the tub.” He shrugs. “I’ll grab a bowl.” When I return with the bowl, Theo’s already in the tub. I fill the bowl with warm water and settle behind him, sitting on the wide lip of the tub. I set the bowl on a stool beside his shaving cream and razor. I concentrate, careful with my breath and my movements. Theo leans his head on my thigh, his eyes closed. His face is relaxed. As I cradle his head in my hand, I am suddenly struck with overwhelming emotion. I can see myself doing this for years. Be with Theo. Take baths, have wicked sex in the kitchen, him trusting me with a sharp
instrument close to his neck. I can do this. I can do forever with him. I can’t help but smile, and that’s when he opens his eyes and sees me watching him. I lean down and press a kiss on his lips. “I love you.” Theo reaches up with one hand and threads it through my hair, so our lips meet again. Then he leans his head back on my lap, and I quietly proceed. Once I’m done, I slide into the water with him. He turns around and asks me to face the other way. I don’t question him. Then I feel his hands kneading the muscles of my shoulders. Only then do I realize that I’m still wearing the necklace. When I’m about to remove it, Theo stops me, asks me to keep it on. I drop my head back and let him work my muscles. “Hmmm.” I can stay here all night.” With a nip on my shoulder, Theo laughs. “I’d love too, but I have other plans for us tonight.” “Yeah?” “Yes. All night.” I sigh. This is it. Love. This is us, just Theo and me, trusting each other, loving each other. I could get used to this.
WE GET out of the tub, even after a bit more whine from me. He drags me to bed, but I’m worried about the mess we left in the kitchen. Telling him I won’t be long, I wrap myself in my robe and return to the scene of fantasy. It takes me no time to clean up, and once that’s done, I pick up Theo’s clothes off the floor. I grab my phone as well and cuss as I see the crack on the screen. I’ll have to deal with it tomorrow. As I’m about to put it on the counter, something else falls on the floor. Another blue box. I stare at it for a moment. It can’t be what I think it is. Kneeling down, I grab it. Sure enough, it’s a fucking ring box. My heart leaps to my throat. I look up and pay close attention to any sounds in the penthouse. I don’t hear Theo. Curious as a cat, I open the box and gasp at the ring. Without thinking, I take it out of the box and raise it to the light. “Talia, you coming back to bed?” Theo’s voice coming from the living room makes me jump, and I shove the ring into my robe pocket with the case. “Yeah.” I stand, feeling dizzy all of a sudden. With a few cleansing breaths, I walk out of the kitchen and almost jump out of my skin when I bump into Theo as he’s about to turn. “I’ll take those.” He reaches for his clothes, and I let go, still shocked from my discovery.
Then I realize. What if he finds out the ring isn’t in his pocket. I assume it had fallen out of his pants. Maybe he won’t check tonight. Maybe I can distract him. Come on, Talia. Think! He heads straight to the walk-in closet, taking his clothes with him while I pause by the bedroom door, figuring out what to do. I shove my hand in my pocket and feel the ring and the box. As soon as I take them out, Theo returns from the closet. “So?” he says, and I grasp the lapel of my robe. I clench my fist around the box and the ring. “Hmmm, what?” Theo, in his Superman pajamas, round the bed. He stops in front of me, his brows furrowed. “Are you going to let me ask you the question before you keep the ring?” “What?” My voice squeaks. He reaches for my hand, and I open my palm. Even in the dim lighting, the ring sparkles. “Talia Newman, will you be my wife?” “No fucking way.” “I beg your pardon?” My other hand flies to my mouth, slapping it closed before I say something else stupid. I nod my head.
Theo presents me the ring and chucks the box to the bed. “You’ll have to remove your hand. I can’t understand you.” I drop my hand. “I mean yes. Fuck yes. I’ll be your wife.” His grin spreads on his face. “Excellent. Now you may keep the ring.” He gives me a wink and slips the ring on my finger.
The End.
WHY ARE REVIEWS IMPORTANT?
Dear readers of steamy romance, I’d like to thank you for reading Like a F*cking Lady. Allow me to take you through an author’s thought process. Five months ago, the first book, Like a F*cking Boss, came out into the world. Since it was my first foray into Steamy Contemporary Romance, I didn’t know how it would be received, but to my surprise, readers like you loved it. You loved it so much you asked for more of Theo and Talia. I have to be honest, I writing another story have cameos within SERIES books. But in Happily Ever After.
had no intentions of ever starring them. Sure, they the RUN THE WORLD my mind, they have their
But through reviews, you kept asking for more… and more. During a chat with my good friend, Charity, I began talking about Theo and Talia. Lo and behold —a sequel was born! I understand that this book isn’t the same style as the first one. We have Theo’s POV in here after all and like what I’ve told Charity, Theo is as moody AF. So I appeal to you, lovely readers, please post a review of this book and any book you read, because there are authors like me who read them and (sometimes) listen to requests.
Thank you for your support! QUINN Please read on for the first chapter preview of LADY BALLS, the next book in this series, and THE PATH TO GRACE, a Wilder-Quinn collaboration and the prequel to a new series, Saint Brothers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Quinn is a writer of romance bestsellers, according to her parents. However, they’ve never read her dirty books. Her stories are full of humor, sass, drama or angst. But guaranteed, they are filled with steamy scenes with hot Alpha heroes. She has a healthy obsession with reading and writing romance, and an unhealthy addiction to red wine, bourbon, and dark chocolate with sea salt. She doesn't people until after coffee. When Quinn is not scribbling Erotic Romances, she loves to curl up with her puppy and watch foreign films. Quinn lives in a house that never stays clean, no matter how much she wishes it would. She also writes sweet, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and chick lit under a different pen name. Sign up for her NEWSLETTER for updates, sales and bonus works! QUINN’S NEWSLETTER Connect with her: RomanceAuthorQuinn www.quinnauthor.wixsite.com/quinnromancebooks
[email protected]
ALSO BY QUINN
RUN THE WORLD SERIES Like a F*cking Boss Lady Balls Miss Chief
RED INK SERIES Red Ink: A Billionaire Alpha Romance White Lies: A Secret Baby Romance Golden Heart: A Second Chance Romance
SAINT BROTHERS (A Wilder-Quinn Collaboration) The Path to Grace - Prequel (Appearing in Hunks to Rescue box set) Noah’s Temptation
READ ON FOR PREVIEW CHAPTERS
LADY BALLS - CHAPTER SAMPLE RUN THE WORLD SERIES
Author’s Note: The following chapters are unedited, unproofed version. Thank you! Eliza Oshiko, the Ice Queen of the Business World, thinks love and forever aren’t for women like her. Will a sexy private chef, who chooses to live a simple life while still working on reaching his goals, show her it’s possible?
Chapter One Eliza The smell of stale beer and desperation smacks me right on the face as I enter the hole-in-wall bar. Any other time, I’d gag at the scent, but not tonight.
Tonight, it’s exactly what I need. Well, not stale beer. Desperate men. The floor is covered with unknown substances, sticky, crunchy, gross. Every step I make is an adventure for my thigh high boots. My fuck me boots, because that’s what my body is aching for…a good fucking. I make it to the bar without tripping on anything or anyone, hike up my already too-short skirt and perch my ass on a free stool. The bartender smiles wickedly at me and asks, “What can I get you, sugar tits?” How endearing. I lean forward, my cleavage spilling over the red halter top I have underneath my half-zipped leather jacket. “I’ll have a Stella, handsome.” His smile widens and he winks at me. I watch him grab and open a bottle, place it on a cocktail napkin and push it to me. “This one’s on the house for a pretty lady.” He bites down on his lip as he blatantly undresses me with his eyes. And they say chivalry is dead. I raise the beer at him before taking a small sip. I hate the taste of beer, but I doubt this bar stocks my favourite Bordeaux. Too bad for him, I have to be in and out of this bar or I’ll explode. Every minute I spend in here is a risk. A couple of guys wave him over, and as much as he probably prefers to eye
fuck me the entire night, he pushes away from my section of the bar and does his job. I stroke the bottle, running a finger over the label. Every move I make is calculated. Step one: find a seat, check. Now for step two: find a man. The bar isn’t full, but busy enough with men to tip the scales to my favour. Thankfully, this place uses that trick to make the place appear bigger--hanging an old mirror behind the bar--and I have a good vantage point from where I’m seated. Over to my right, two men by the pool table check me out. I flick my straightened hair over my right shoulder, and send a surreptitious glance their way, letting them know I’ve noticed them too. As entertaining as it would be to see them fight over who gets to take me home, I don’t need that complication tonight. And I don’t do doubles. Tonight is all about simple fun. A tete a tete. To my left, a group of men in “uniform” of buttonup pastel shirts, rolled up sleeves and designer jeans laugh. Only two of the five men are available, judging by the way the three girls with them are hanging onto their partners, staking their claims. Well, they can keep their men. The other two might be too close to my regular life. I’m indistinguishable in my get-up but if any of them read The Wall Street Journal or Forbes Magazine in this century,
and get closer look at me, I’d easily get recognized. Can’t risk that. So I move on. The two guys by the pool table have ended their game and are making their way to me when someone takes over the free stool to my right. My nipples tighten at the sight of him. Plain white long-sleeve tee, dark jeans, utilitarian boots. He doesn’t fuss over his hair even when the longer part falls on his forehead. He taps his short nails on the bar. When he’s gotten the attention of the bartender, he pulls his sleeves over his arms, displaying a long script on the outside of his left arm and a stylized knife on the inside of his right arm. My pussy swells at the thought of those arms wrapped around me. I follow the tip of that knife tattoo to his palm…large, the best tool for spanking. I instantly wet my panties. Step three: seduce. I deliberately slow my actions, unzipping my jacket, letting the sleeves fall off my shoulders before pulling the sleeves off my arms. The icing on top is when I have to stick out my tits as I take off my jacket, and then I fold it over the bar beside my beer. I’m so excited at the possibilities of this night that I’m shaking. From the corner of my eye, I see my (no doubt) lover for the night look my way and I gather my long hair over to my left shoulder and
smile at him. It’s not a toothy or polite smile. It’s a smile that says it’s his lucky fucking night because I will rock his world. He takes me all in. His gaze follows the line of my neck, to the tip of my shoulder (one of my best features). If the light hits me at the right angle, he’ll see the smattering of freckles on my exposed upper back. Yes, you can kiss me there, I send him a vibe, rubbing a hand over the side of my leg. The movement forces him to look down at my thighs; my skirt has hiked up enough to have him guessing if I’m wearing underwear at all. The bartender returns with a beer for my bar friend, who I didn’t even realize had ordered one. “Tough day, brother?” the bartender asks, and I swallow a hiss at his intrusion. Hot dude turns to him and accepts the beer, taking a long pull before answering. “Nah. Tomorrow’s going to be tougher.” I take little sips of my beer while I eavesdrop, keeping my focused on the mirror behind the bartender, but having trouble steadying my legs. “Right. You start that new job,” the bartender continues his conversation. “Yup.” Hot dude takes another pull from his beer, but his head angles a little toward me. This is a
good sign. I’ve achieved interest. I can play this two ways, continue with my seduction—slow and sexy—or I lean over and tell him that we need to get out of this place. Right the fuck now. I decide to play a little bit longer. It may have been two months since I’ve had a cock in me, but I don’t mind a little foreplay for orgasmic enhancement. Hot dude seems capable. There’s no exact science to this and I have been far too disappointed in the past by previous one-night lovers than I care to admit, but I am fucking horny and tomorrow is a start of a new empire. The build-up has reached its highest potential. I will self-combust if I don’t get laid. Properly or not. The green bottle is slick under the pads of my fingers and I stroke it, up and down. I circle my thumb and an index finger around the bottleneck before grasping it hard and tipping it to my lips. This time, I don’t just take a tiny sip. I wrap my red lips around the mouth of the bottle and let the cool liquid flow into my mouth and I swallow. Once. That’s all it usually takes. A tiny drip escapes at the corner of my mouth, and I stick my tongue to it and lick. I’m pretty sure I hear a groan beside me. Oh baby, I’m not done. Using two fingers, I wipe the same spot and then bring my fingertips to outline my lips.
Without looking around, I’m aware that I have more than one audience for this, so I pin Hot dude with a direct gaze as I leave my lips parted. A welcome invitation. He turns his body to me, stretching his hand out. “Seth.” What a sinful name and I don’t doubt that it’s his real name. He looks like a Seth, a dirty, sexy Seth. Seth with dirty blond hair, tattoos, and even under the dimmed lighting, blue-green eyes that shine. I turn my head, looking over a rolled shoulder, through thick lashes, before I raise my right hand, palm down so he knows to kiss my knuckles instead of shaking my hand. He takes the hint--smart boy-and places a soft kiss on my hand, all the while keeping his gaze pinned on me. My flesh singes at the contact, at the simple touch of his lips. “Elle,” I say, choosing a simpler name for the night. If I deviate too far from my real name, I might make a mistake at some point and forget it. Seth seems like the type of man who can make me forget many things. He lifts his hea, his eyes hooded. Yes, he felt it too. The tingle that shoots from that quick connection straight to my clit. Seth doesn’t let go of my hand right away and I fight the urge to bristle under that direct, heated gaze. The bar is full of multifarious
people, talking loudly over the even louder music pumping through the speakers, which gives me the chance to offer Seth a glance of my boobs as I lean over to him when he asks, “What brings a beautiful woman like you in this dive?” How sweet, he thinks I’m beautiful. By the end of the night, he’ll think I’m a goddess. I maneuver my right leg to the side, showing off more skin, just in case he missed it, but I don’t reply. Instead, I stroke the length of his denim-clad thighs, stopping short of cupping his crotch, and squeeze, digging my talons on his jeans. Then I straighten, withdrawing my hands and as I reach for my beer, I smile at him —wickedly, leaving no doubt in his mind. I tip it up, chugging the rest of it, quenching a physical thirst. Seth stands, pulls a bill out of his wallet and throws it on the bar. When I slam the bottle on the bar, Seth holds my jacket out for me. He doesn’t say a word. He doesn’t have to. His searing look is enough to soak my thong. My heart is thundering and my legs are a little shaky as I get off the stool and slip my arms through my jacket sleeves. Seth doesn’t wait for me to zip it up before grabbing my hand and leading me out of the bar. There are times when I love a man who takes charge.
LADY BALLS - CHAPTER SAMPLE RUN THE WORLD SERIES
Chapter Two Seth I’m one fucking lucky guy. I head out to the nearest, not my favorite, watering hole to celebrate my most recent accomplishment, not realizing that I’ll get even luckier. I meet Elle, a name that’s easy enough to remember. I doubt it’s her real name—it doesn’t fir her exotic looks, those sultry light brown eyes, her silken hair, and the radiance of her skin-but I could give a fuck right now. All I want to know is if her pussy tastes as sweet as pure honey and how many times I can make her scream my name. As soon as we hit the sidewalk, I flag down a cab. The trained gentleman in me lets her in first, but the
devil licks his lips at the sight of her ass, tightly encased in a skirt that should be illegal, as she steps into the cab. She’s wearing boots that go up and over her knees, the heels thin and dangerous enough to stab someone with. But fuck, it’s a sexy look. I think I’ll tell her to keep them on as I fuck her against a wall, or while her legs wrap around my neck as I lick her pussy clean. “Where to?” the cabbie asks. Fuck. I can’t exactly invite her to my place while my younger sister is currently crashing on my couch. I run names of hotels nearby… “Concord hotel,” Elle tells the driver before I come with something. I stare at her and she meets my gaze, sticking her tongue out to lick her full bottom lip. I didn’t think she’s a tourist. Not with what she’s wearing. Her choice of hotel tells me that she’s here for business. And pleasure, judging by how her hand slinks up my thigh again, like how she did in the bar. This time, she doesn’t stop, she palms my groin, and I thrust my hip forward, letting her feel my growing hard-on. I lean forward and Elle tilts her head to one side, inviting me to kiss, lick or bite her neck. I do all. Her scent, a mix of vanilla and flowers, is
intoxicating. I pepper the smooth skin of her neck with staccato kisses, and follow it with a long lick of my tongue. And a nibble here and there. She continues to grapple with my erection over my jeans. I snake a hand around her waist and bring her closer to me, while my left hand slides up her leg and finds the soaked fabric covering her pussy. Elle moans in my ear as I tease her folds with my fingers, pressing my thumb over her clit. Her own fingers find the button of my jeans and she undoes it, and she continues to slide my zip down, only a bit, enough to access the tip of my cock. She moans again, and I know it’s one of appreciation. I’m a whole lot more than the average size. Yes, babe, this big one is going deep inside you. I loom over her, trapping her on one side of the backseat, not giving a fuck that the cabbie’s most likely watching us through the mirror. I work one hand under her jacket and slip one breast out of her top—she’s not wearing a bra and I enjoy how her nipples almost poke through her top at the bar. With my lips and tongue continuing to explore the length of her neck, the curve of her ear, the smooth skin of her jaw, I push the tiny fabric away from her pussy and spread her juices with two fingers before spearing her with one long finger. Elle makes the most delightful sounds as I slowly finger-fuck her
inside the cab. I throw a quick glance out the window and realize that we are getting closer to the hotel. When I slip my finger out of her, she releases a frustrated groan. I smile at her, not the “I’m a good boy” smile. No, it’s the “I’m going to fuck your brains out” smile. Then I watch her pupils dilate as I slip my middle finger between her mouth, letting her taste herself on me. Her hungry mouth takes it all, her tongue licking every bit of her juice off that single digit. Fucking sexy. Fucking dirty girl. I take my finger out and replace it with my mouth and tongue. She tastes exquisite. Fuck honey. This woman has flavors that are out of this world. The cab driver clears his throat when neither of us makes a move that says we’ve notice we’ve reached our destination. I sit back and reach for the cash in my jeans pocket, and when he’s too busy counting, I zip and button my jeans back up, sending a side-glance at Elle who doesn’t bother adjusting her skirt. “Keep the change,” I tell the cabbie before I unfold myself out of the cab. I run to the other side and open the door for Elle. Taking the hand I offered, Elle stretches her long legs out of the taxi. This time, she leads the way.
I let go of her hand, and I snake an arm around her waist, keeping her body glued to me. I’m buzzing. Intoxicated from the sampling of her delicious flavors. High from what’s about to happen. I don’t make it a habit to pick women up at bars, and even though Elle might look the part, I don’t peg her for an escort. There’s a confidence in the way she walks, how she seems to own the room, in the subtle way she raises her chin, which tells me she’s used to attention. Although no warm-blooded man would miss how fucking sexy she is in her short skirt, high boots, and huge tits spilling out of her top. We take the next available elevator and Elle presses a button on the panel. I want to devour her against the sleek wall, prop her long leg over the rail and fuck her until she goes blind, but a niggling conscience—one that reminds me that I do respect women—advices me to wait until I have her alone and avoid giving the elderly couple sharing the elevator with us heart attacks. But holy fuck, Elle makes it difficult when she nips at the underside of my jaw and cups my crotch. “Behave,” I growl, low enough that only she can hear. Elle sucks in her bottom lip, between rows of teeth possibly straightened by braces, and peers at me
under her lashes. My eyes get pulled lower, to her cleavage, when she presses them on my chest. I could spend hours between those tits. When my mind recalls how hard her nipple gets when I take it between my teeth, the elevator dings. “Come on.” I drag her out of the elevator and before the doors close, I turn back to the elderly couple and say, “Enjoy your night.” “You too, son,” the man says, winking at me. I guess Elle and I aren’t that subtle. “Where’s your room key?” I ask Elle after I place a quick kiss on her lips and I press open palms on her ass, bringing her hips closer to me. She tucks a hand in the pocket inside her jacket and flashes me the key. I take it from her and she says, “1622.” I grip her hand hard and we practically jog to her door. When I find her room, my head is buzzing, my cock is painfully engorged and I can smell Elle’s arousal on her warm skin. We slip inside the room--a lamp left on in the corner--and even before the door clicks closed, I’m down on my knees, hands pushing up her skirt to expose that delicious, wet pussy. I press my nose on her crotch and inhale her
intoxicating, heady scent. Elle juts her hips forward, and I bite her clit over the fabric of a lace thong. “Ahhh…” She tangles my hair between her fingers, tugs and pulls hard. Looking up at her, I push the lace aside and I wait for her to open her eyes and watch me cover her mound with my mouth. “Fuck,” she groans out, lifting a leg and propping it over my shoulder. Take more, she urges me silently, so I do, delving in between her pussy lips and sticking my tongue in and out. With one hand I reach up to pull down the neckline of her top and show me one of her heavy breasts. I pinch her hardened nipple and she cries out louder. When I add a finger to invade her pussy, she goes mad, keeping hold of my hair and shoving my face into her crotch. She fucks my tongue, mouth and finger hard until I feel her inner walls tighten and she comes all over my tongue. Sweet. Lush. Delectable. I rest there for a while, letting her come back down form her climax before I stand and devour her mouth.
I pull away but Elle has my bottom lip trapped between her teeth. “Condom?” I mumble. Elle lets go of my lip and takes something out of her jacket pocket. She splays her hand and shows me six condoms. I chuckle. “Someone’s prepared,” I say, taking one of the condoms, and she lets the rest of them fall on the floor. She doesn’t blush or smile shyly like other women would. Elle smirks. “Always,” she says with pride in her voice. Always. Now there’s a loaded response. Does she always do this? Does she always go to dives and pick up random strangers to fulfill all of her dirty fantasies? “Always?” I can’t help but ask. Elle’s eyes darken, and she presses both her palms on my chest, drags her nails down my abs and tugs at the waist of my jeans. “Shut up and fuck me.” Fuck. How the hell do I say no to that? I raise both hands in surrender and let her release my dick out of my jeans. While she works the button and zip, she walks me backward until the back of my legs hit the bed. Elle pushes me and my
back hits the mattress. Bending forward, one hand already milking my cock, Elle takes the condom out of my hand and rips it with her teeth. This woman knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to get it. Something in my head signals a red flag but my testosterone takes over. She straightens, slips her thong off and nothing else, and climbs on top of me. Without another word, she sheaths me with the condom first then with the sleek, wet walls of her pussy. She’s tight around me and it is a wonderful surprise. Elle lolls her head back, the ends of her hair reaching my jeans. I sit up to pull her jacket off of her. I realize belatedly that by doing that I get deeper inside her and she moans and mumbles something incoherent. Harshly, I tug at her jacket and I fist her hair. Her mouth opens to me. Elle bounces on my cock, and I fuck her mouth with my tongue. “You’re such a dirty girl, Elle,” I mutter over her lips. “Yes, I am. Fuck me harder.” Her words have a certain effect on me. My dick gets even harder. I grab tight hold of her and flip her on her back. With her knees flexed, her ass lifted, I thrust deeper, harder. Her face pinches and
I’m afraid I’ve hurt her but after a few pants, her eyes and lips smoothen. I give in to dark lust, thrusting harder, deeper. “Fuck yes!” she screams, arching her back, pushing her chest to me. I lean down and take one of her tits in my mouth as I surge into her, punishing her with my cock. “More please. Give it to me, Seth.” I want to laugh and ask her if she’s sure. I could destroy her with more, with even harder and deeper, but it’s what she wants and it’s what I give her. Thrusting and jerking on top of her, I fuck her tight little pussy. She grabs hold of each ankle, spreading her legs wider, opening her hips more to me so I can sink in more, even though I think it’s ultimately going to be her end. I shift and prop my hands on her sides and watch her. Fuck, she’s quite a sight with her long auburn hair spread all over the mattress, her lips red and swollen from my kisses, the tips of her tits glistening from my licks and nips, her wrists tightly circled around the ankles of her black boots. I pull back, but not all the way out, resting the head of my cock at her entrance before I surge in again, yes, harder and deeper than before. Elle keeps her eyes trained on me, her caramel gaze focused on me fucking her, giving her what she wants. She tightens around my cock and I continue to piston
into her until her eyes shutter and she’s screaming nothing else but my name. Over and over. “Fuck, yes, come for me, Elle.” She screws her eyes and her lips press into a tight line, but when she explodes around my cock, those brown eyes pop open and finds me. Her lips part and her breath releases in shudders. I didn’t think it was possible, but Elle is even sexier when she climaxes, and when she grips my ass, pushing my hips to her, my cock jerks twice inside her before I spurt everything I’ve been supressing into the condom. My arms begin to shake the instant I come down from my release, and I fall on top of her. Elle’s body begins to tremble under me and I hear a surprisingly sweet tickle of laughter from her. “You’re really heavy.” “Oh shit. Sorry.” I push up, slip out of her and roll on my back, tugging my jeans back up, before I get up to rid of the condom. My head swims and my step falters, but I recover and walk to the bathroom. When I return with a washcloth for Elle, she’s rearranged her clothes back to how they’re supposed to be, but I spot her lace thong on the floor. I hand her the washcloth and she gives me an
intrigued look. I shrug and she takes it. She struts to the bathroom and a few seconds later, I hear the shower running. That could be a bad thing or a good thing. Since the last time I had a one-night stand was when I was in my early twenties in college, I have no fucking clue how to proceed. I wait, sitting on the edge of the mattress, looking around the room for any clue as to who this mysterious sexy as hell woman in. There’s no sign of a luggage anywhere but it doesn’t mean it’s not in the closet. I also realize that Elle wasn’t carrying a purse with her, which I find fascinating. I’ve never known a woman not leave home without a purse. Everything she needed, including six packets of condoms, were in her jacket pockets. Wondering what else I could find in that jacket, I get up, and as I’m about to slip a hand in one of the pockets, the door to the bathroom opens. I drop the jacket back on the floor. Elle doesn’t say anything, but her gaze falls on her crumpled jacket by my feet. She’s gathered up her hair into a bun on top of her head and she’s completely naked. “Grab one of those and join me in the shower,” she says, no…she orders, nodding her head at the condoms.
I give her a smirk and grab two of the packages before following her into the glass-enclosed shower. Yes, I could go for rounds two and three, and if we don’t destroy each other afterward, maybe we can use all of the condoms she’s brought with her.
Lady Balls is the next book in the Run the World Series. To receive update on release date, please consider joining my newsletter! QUINN’S NEWSLETTER
THE PATH TO GRACE - CHAPTER SAMPLE SAINT BROTHERS SERIES PREQUEL
Author’s Note: The following preview is unedited and uncorrected proof. Thank you for reading.
Prologue
MATTEO
For years, I watched her from a distance. And I watched her close enough that I could smell
the sweetness in her hair. I watched her, and adored her, and prayed she would become mine. But I was a part of her life she didn’t want. She would refuse to become a part of mine. Until I was given the chance to prove myself, To prove I was worthy of her heart. Without her, I would forever be doomed. Without her, I could never be saved from the hell that was my life.
Chapter 1 CARINA
The napkin on my dinner plate was folded into a rather pitiful semblance of a swan. Mama would have a fit if she were here and saw it. A quick glance around the restaurant revealed that Mama would have a fit about almost everything in the
place. The table cloths weren’t all evenly spread over the table surfaces, the chairs weren’t squared up, the forks and knives weren’t uniformly placed in the table setting…Mama would’ve had a stroke within minutes of walking into the place. She could be rather particular about such things. I was thoroughly convinced that she didn’t realize we now lived in the 1980s and not the 1950s. It didn’t seem to register to her that I didn’t need to marry into the Family and have lots of babies these days to be considered a woman. “Carina? Are you listening to me?” I caught myself before I let out the growl of irritation. I flicked my eyes over to the man sitting across from me and forced a smile that I definitely wasn’t feeling. “Of course! I’m sorry, it’s been a long day and I’m tired.” That was a lie and I fought against the wince that came with that realization. Honestly, I just didn’t want to be at dinner with him anymore. But that wasn’t something I could just blurt out. Social lies weren’t a punishable offense, were they? I made a mental note to ask Father Scalpini the next time I was at confession. With a sigh, I forced myself to pay attention to the conversation.
“So, I told him, you can’t use that as a tax deduction. Mistresses aren’t something you can write off with the IRS!” he finished and threw his head back with a laugh, amused at his response to some client he dealt with. I could only blink at him in confusion and wonder how I’d ended up on this date with him. Then I remembered; I wanted to go out with someone ‘normal’, not in the Family. I really only had myself to blame for the sheer level of boredom and distaste that I was currently experiencing. I knew Johnny Tosto from the church where I went to mass every week. I didn’t go to the one that the rest of the Family went to. The fact that a blind eye was turned during every misdeed made the sanctuary distasteful for me and I refused to step a foot in it. Instead, one could find me at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the other side of the city every Sunday. Johnny was a nice guy. Not a ‘wise guy’ like I’d grown up with. He was an accountant at a midsized firm downtown and did alright for himself, based on his clothes, car and choice of restaurant. He was an attractive man, with dark hair and eyes showing his Italian heritage. He was also about as exciting as curdled milk.
I glanced at my watch and saw that we’d only been here for just over thirty minutes. It felt like an eternity and we hadn’t even gotten through the first course of dinner yet. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get through several more hours of this. “You sure you’re okay?” he asked me with a frown. “You haven’t said much tonight.” That was mainly because he hadn’t stopped talking long enough for me to get a word out. It would be rude, however, to point that out. I just flashed a thin smile and gave a small shrug. “I know. But I’m really enjoying listening to your stories anyway.” Before I could finish speaking, a huge smile stretched across his face. That’s it. I was going to Hell. No way would God let me get away with that level of a lie. Luckily, I was saved from further condemning my soul by the waiter arriving with our first course. My stomach was far from being able to eat, but it was a welcome distraction. I gave him a grateful smile as he set the salad in front of me and picked up my fork, ready to fake an appetite I didn’t have. It was then that the small slip of paper discreetly tucked under the plate caught my attention. With a frown I tugged it free and glanced at it...and felt my heart thud to a stop.
Leave now. Go out the back door. ~Matteo
Just as quickly as my heart stopped, it started again, pounding painfully in my chest. Panic and annoyance battled within me. Matteo. It figured. I just wanted one normal night, away from The Family. Matteo was a cleaner that my father used on occasion. His father was one of Daddy’s captains, but his mother was definitely not Italian. Therefore, Matteo wasn’t exactly well-received in our circles. He had worked his way up the ranks of the soldiers and was now able to operate on his own. He was tall, dark, brooding and sexy, with the way that his suit would hug his strong muscled body and… Yeah. I might have noticed him every once in awhile. I’m a woman and he was a gorgeous man. It was inevitable. The issue, however, was that he was here, while I was on a date. Not only that, but he was telling me to leave. I quickly looked around and made sure that the exits I’d already identified when I came in to meet Johnny for dinner were still visible and
clear. I might be a woman in The Family, but we were all taught to do certain things without even thinking about it. Seeing that everything seemed copacetic, I nonchalantly slid the note into my lap and covered it with my napkin. A peek at Johnny from under my lashes showed that he was involved in getting his salad ready to eat and hadn’t seemed to notice my preoccupation. With a sigh of relief I set about eating my food, determined to enjoy myself.
I most definitely did not enjoy myself. As I watched Johnny pay the check, it took everything I possessed not to grab the credit card receipt and sign his name myself. I was desperate to get out of the restaurant. Ever since the note had arrived, I’d felt antsy and agitated, like I had ants crawling all over me. My gut told me we shouldn’t be there, but I kept knocking it back into the background. Now, a feeling of dread was skittering over me, almost like a clammy sweat. Johnny stood up from his seat and tucked his wallet into his suit jacket before he headed over to my chair. Like the gentleman that he was, he helped me from my seat and took my arm to lead me out. We were supposed to go see a show tonight. But as we made our way to the front door, my stomach
just kept churning on itself. Johnny held the door open for me, chatting the whole time about some inane topic that I couldn’t even begin to and reply to. I was distracted and had no clue what he’d been saying the whole way out of the restaurant. I stepped out into the cool evening air and immediately started searching the area for any possible threats. A person who looked out of place, a car that didn’t belong, anything. I was so caught up in my mission that I missed the final step out of the entryway and stumbled. I frantically swept my arms out to catch myself and barely managed to get my hands in front of me before I face planted onto the city sidewalk. As I lay there, dazed and wrists and elbows throbbing from the impact, I heard it. Most people wouldn’t even register it. But I’d grown up around the sound and it was as loud as a firecracker to me. Pop. It was the sound of a silenced pistol at close range. Muscle memory kicked in and I launched myself up and toward the line of vehicles in front of me. I threw myself in between two of the cars parked at curb and hunkered down, stopping and listening to what was going on around me. A scream rang out and it was then that I realized Johnny wasn’t with
me. My head swiveled around and that was when I saw why. My breath quickened and my heart raced, pounding in my ears when I saw that Johnny was laying back on the sidewalk. The bright red spot that grew and spread over his white dress shirt told me more than anything else could. Someone had killed him while I was right next to him! Panic clawed at me from all directions, but I knew I needed to keep a clear head. “Stay down and don’t stop moving,” my bodyguards had always said. I couldn’t stay where I was, I had to get away from there. There could be more of where that bullet came from. I stood slightly from where I was hunkered down and almost screamed when a hand clamped down on my wrist and pulled. I almost landed on my ass from the force, but managed to keep my balance in my heels. Just as I opened my mouth to shout a warning, I saw who it was and clamped it shut. “I told you to leave out the back door, dammit, Princess!” Matteo growled. He didn’t give me a chance to respond before he was shoving me in front of him and toward a dark sedan that was parked nearby. By this time, more cries had started and I could hear someone shout
for the police to be called. I started to stop and turn, but Matteo shoved me forward. “Move it!” he ordered while looking around. Just as I was about to let him know he had no business talking to me like that, the passenger mirror of the car shattered into a million pieces. I looked at it in disbelief. Someone had just shot at us!
The Path to Grace will be released in June as part of Hunks to the Rescue Box Set. To stay in the know, subscribe to my newsletter or join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaintBrothersSeries/
