EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2018 Sam Crescent

 ISBN: 978-1-77339-580-7

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Karyn White

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal.  No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

CONVICT

Curvy Women Wanted

Sam Crescent

Copyright © 2018

Chapter One

Ryker wrapped his arm around the curvy woman and felt her ass against his dick. Damn it, this wasn’t supposed to make him think of sex, or taking her hard. He’d not had a woman in a very long time, but then being incarcerated for murder would do that. The only evidence that would have been able to save him had been destroyed, or at least the men who framed him thought it had. Everyone had been working against him, and he’d been way too foolish to trust those that he thought were there to help him.

“Please don’t kill me,” she said.

Even her voice sounded so sweet to him. He’d always been a sucker for curves, and this woman was so soft and fuckable. She was his key to getting away. He couldn’t stay here, and he hoped to God that she lived far away from the cops. No one had paid them any attention so far, and that was exactly how he wanted it to stay.

“Do what I say, and don’t try anything funny, and I won’t kill you.” Right now, it was the last thing he wanted to do. His dick was really happy to be next to her.

“O-okay.”

“Good, put the groceries down, and I want you to climb behind the wheel. Don’t make a single sound, or even let anyone know that you’re upset. I will kill you before anyone even gets here to help you.”

She nodded her head.

At the count of three, he told her to do it.

She placed the grocery bag in the back of her car, lowering the trunk. He walked toward the passenger side, and they climbed into the vehicle together. Her hands shook as she started up the motor. Leaving the small grocery store, he watched as she smiled at a few passing people and gave them a wave.

“Do you want me to drive you somewhere?”

“Where do you live?”

She nibbled her lip and glanced toward him.

Waving the gun in her face, he shook his head. “I don’t have all day.”

“I live near the forest.”

“Alone?”

She opened her mouth, then closed it.

“I’ll know if you’re lying. Come on, little girl, tell me. Do you live alone?”

“I’m not a girl, and yes, I live alone.” She shot him a glare. “Will you please put that damn gun down? It’s not doing me any favors right now, and no one’s around for miles.”

“You’ve got a bit of a mouth on you.”

“I’m not the one asking for favors here.”

“Be careful,” he said.

“Then kill me,” she said.

“Just a second ago you were telling me not to kill you.”

“Well, now I’ve changed my mind. We’re heading to my home, and I’m not going to have you threatening me, pointing a gun at me. It’s rude.”

He stared at her, a little shocked by her sudden outburst and her backbone.

“You’re insane.”

“You’re not the first person to tell me that, and I’m pretty sure you won’t be the last. Be thankful. Half of the women in town would have screamed their heads off at being shown a gun.”

This made him watch her. She hadn’t screamed or shouted for help. Her gaze had been wide as she looked at him.

“Why didn’t you?”

“You’re not the first guy to point a gun at my face.”

He saw her hands grip the steering wheel even tighter, and he didn’t like the way his gut twisted.

“I take it you’re a criminal? On the run?”

“Yes.”

“You know how this story ends, right? They hunt you down, find you, and put you back where you came from,” she said.

“Not this time.”

“You’re going to outsmart the law?”

“That’s what I’m going to do, and I’m going to prove that I’m innocent.”

She shrugged and kept on driving.

“You’re not going to ask me why I was in jail?” he asked.

“Don’t know, don’t care. It’s not going to help me any, is it?”

“What’s your name?” He didn’t like not knowing her name, or what to call her.

“Scarlett. What’s yours?”

“Ryker.”

“Nice to meet you.”

This made him chuckle. “You’re just full of surprises today.”

“Have to be. You’ve got to live every single day as it comes.”

She pulled off the road and started to take a short, narrow road. They entered a bunch of trees, and must have driven for over two miles before she came out, and there sat against the forest backdrop was a large, cabin-style house.

“It’s not a lot, but it’s home. I’ve got electricity, Wi-Fi, and a working bathroom.” Without waiting for him to say anything, she climbed out of the car, went to the trunk, and picked up her groceries.

He got out of the car and watched her, not sure what to say or do. One moment she’d been scared, and now it seemed normal to her to see a gun.

She didn’t wait around for him, entering her home without closing the door. A large Labrador came out. The dog walked up to him, gave him a sniff, then seemed to see he wasn’t much of a threat and walked off.

As he entered her home, the scent of lemon hit him hard. It wasn’t offensive to him. Closing the door behind him, he saw the sitting room, which had one sofa, was neatly kept. There was a television, but she had more books than anything else. He counted six bookshelves that were filled.

Heading toward the noise, he found Scarlett in the kitchen. She hummed to herself as she put her groceries away.

“You don’t have a husband?”

“Nope.”

“A boyfriend?”

“Nope.”

“A kid?”

“Nope. I’m just me, and you’ve got nothing to be afraid of. Unless of course someone is after you, in which case, have a bath. I’ll make you some food, and you can be on your way.”

She brushed past him, and he followed her up a set of stairs, through one door. “Here’s the bathroom. Pass me out your clothes when you’re done. Are they even yours?”

“No. I took them from the guard.”

“Well, hurry up.”

Stepping into the bathroom, he began to remove his clothes, keeping the gun close. She really was crazy.

****

Scarlett washed the convict’s clothing, and every now and then she caught a glance of her reflection in the mirror. She shouldn’t be helping him, and yet when she finally looked him in the eye, she saw the desperation there. He’d wanted to get out of whatever trouble he found himself in, and, being the kind of person she was, she couldn’t just let it go. She knew what it was like to be trapped in a situation that she couldn’t get out of.

With his clothes now being washed, she made her way back toward the kitchen and began making them both a sandwich. Buttering each slice of bread, she watched the door for when he would enter.

She didn’t have to wait long. With a towel wrapped around his waist, Ryker appeared. Every time he looked at her, he seemed a little more confused.

“You can take a seat,” she said.

She was somewhat surprised to see that her hands were indeed steady. All things considered, she imagined she’d at least be nervous when faced with a man intent on using a gun.

This is why you’re weird, and no one wants anything to do with you.

“You know, this wasn’t how I imagined this would go,” he said.

“I’m sure there are a lot of things you’ve imagined over the years that have taken you by surprise.” She cut his sandwich into triangles and put it in front of him. “Enjoy.”

Taking a seat opposite him, she was able to glance at his body and stare at the many tattoos that covered him. They were just marks, ink woven together in large black lines. His muscles stood out as well, even though he had them covered by the ink. She ate her sandwich and watched as he did the same, only the look of rapture on his face intrigued her.

“You’ve not eaten in a while?”

“Let’s say it has been a long time since I’ve had a nice sandwich. Food on the inside leaves a lot to be desired.”

She didn’t respond, and kept on eating her food until her plate was clear, once again, moving from one thing to the next. Food done, dishes done, and normally she found something to clean, or weed in the garden. With Ryker here, she didn’t really know what to do, so trying to ignore him, she moved toward the sitting room. Picking a book off the shelf, she sat down, put her feet up, and began to read through the many pages without seeing a single word.

This was her life. Cooking, reading, cleaning, cooking, going to town, and rarely doing anything else.

Ryker entered the room, and out of the corner of her eye she saw him head to the fireplace and begin looking at each of the few photographs she kept up.

“Why does each one have a part missing?” he asked.

She looked up.

He held a single picture in his hand, his index finger pointing to the missing piece.

“Because … I don’t want that person in my picture.” Now her hand wobbled on the book, and she stood. “I’m going to go and see if your clothes are done.”

Leaving the room, she made her way into the washroom. Leaning up against the counter, she closed her eyes and counted to ten.

Scarlett placed a hand on her chest in an effort to calm her nerves, but still, that didn’t work.

“I didn’t mean to worry you,” Ryker said.

Forcing herself to relax, she turned to him, and his arms were folded, casually leaning against the doorframe as if he had a right to be there.

“You didn’t.”

“That looked to me like you were having a panic attack.”

“It was nothing.”

The washing had finished, and she pulled it out, placing it in the dryer.

“You have a nice home.”

“You can’t stay here,” she said.

“No one in town cared that you had a strange man in your car. In fact, they barely looked your way, putting their hand up in a single acknowledgement,” he said.

Once again, she didn’t speak and made her way out to the kitchen, and when that sinking feeling came, which felt like someone was clawing at her chest, trying to get out, she opened the back door as her dog came rushing in. He brushed past her, and she stroked his long back, making her way outside and taking in several deep breaths.

The town didn’t want to know her.

She was a reminder of what they’d failed to see.

Ryker didn’t get the hint that she wanted to be alone, and he followed her outside. She hated that she felt him. Men meant nothing to her. She never wanted to be near them, and until she’d seen him, nothing had changed.

What made him so different?

“You said you’d had a gun pointed at you before, and you made it sound so casual, as if you’re used to it.”

“I was.” Rubbing her arms, she finally allowed herself to face this man that had broken out of jail.

In a matter of hours, he seemed to care a little more about her than anyone who’d known her for years. When he looked at her, he saw her. There was no passing glance, no apology, nothing. He merely stared, and when he did, she couldn’t hide. She couldn’t escape, even though he’d been gone for years.

“Who’s the man in the picture?” he asked.

“You shouldn’t be asking questions.”

“I’m guessing not a lot of people have paid all that much attention to you,” Ryker said. “I could kill you now, and no one would know about it for weeks.”

No one would ever find her because they refused to come up here and see her, unless it was her father who made the trip whenever he felt like it, which wasn’t often. She didn’t tell Ryker that.

“I’m just a passing stranger, Scarlett.”

“Then why do you care?”

“I’m curious,” he said.

“The man in the picture was my stepfather. I’m used to having a gun pointed at my head because for years after I turned ten, he’d use it to rape me every single night. He’d make sure my mom was passed out on drugs so no one would interrupt him.”

Chapter Two

Holy shit!

Ryker watched as she made her way into the forest. The Labrador rushed out, and started to follow her. He didn’t know what to do, so he simply watched her curvy ass disappearing.

Sitting on the back step, he ran a hand down his face, and he had so many questions. Her stepfather? Where was he now? She’d cut every single memory of him away, and she lived here, far away from the town.

He’d noticed the way people offered her more of a passing wave without much enthusiasm. He figured she was the weird girl in town as most places had them. Someone would always take pity and be their friend.

Scarlett was different. She was living proof that someone got away with hurting her, over and over again, and no one paid any attention.

She was their living guilt.

He stayed, waiting for her to come back. The day faded and night fell, and still he waited.

When there was movement toward the edge, the back light came on, and he saw her appear with her dog at her side.

“Do you often go wandering the woods alone?” he asked.

“Why are you still here?” She stopped several feet from him.

“I need clothes, and I don’t know how to work a dryer, don’t worry, I figured it out.”

“I thought they taught you that stuff on the inside.” She glared at him, and he had to admit, she looked really cute when she did it.

“They taught us a lot, but drying clothes wasn’t one of them.” He lied, and it was easy to. He wouldn’t be bested by a dryer

She sighed, and once again brushed past him. He followed her, being sure to close the door after her dog entered. Flicking the lock into place, he did the same with the front door, and found her ironing his clothes, which were already dried.

“Just because you’re running away doesn’t mean you have to do it looking a mess.”

She finished his pants and handed them to him. He pulled them on, removing his towel, and he noticed that she paused in what she was doing to look at him.

“Like what you see?”

Scarlett didn’t say anything, and went back to ironing his stuff.

“I take it … he was put away?” he asked.

He noticed she tensed up.

She shook her head. “My dad … I used to go and visit him, and he saw the change in me. He rarely saw me, but he was the only one to see the scars, the bruises.” She took a deep breath. “He … erm … shot him. There was a big scandal, but he killed my stepdad and had my mother arrested. For a long time, I lived with him, and then I came here. I found this place, and knew this was where I wanted to stay.”

“Was this the home where it all happened?” he asked.

“Nope. It was in town. The house has never been sold, and no one wants to buy it.” She shrugged. “It’s in a pretty little street that is supposed to have a lot of memories, and not a lot of bad ones. I don’t even know why I’m telling you this. You’ve got to leave.”

“Sometimes it’s easier to tell a stranger something bad than someone you’ve known for years,” he said.

She shook her head. “I don’t talk about it at all.”

“Did you go see someone to talk to?”

Scarlett laughed. “Yes, I went to see someone, and I was forced to talk about it. For six years my life was a nightmare, and they thought with someone to talk to, they’d be able to understand what was going on. I was repeatedly raped, and people found it hard to understand that I didn’t want to talk about it. That all I wanted to do was to get on with my life, and keep on going because that is the easiest thing to do. Talking about it wouldn’t change what happened.”

He watched her. She finished ironing his clothes and walked toward him, placing them on his chest.

“You can leave now.”

“It’s dark out,” he said.

“Not my problem.”

He watched as she headed upstairs, not even bothering to see if he’d leave. Ryker smiled. It was going to take a lot more than that to get rid of him.

Removing his pants, he left his boxer briefs on, and made his way upstairs. He heard the shower running, so he lay down on her bed, making sure there was enough space at the side of him for her to lie down.

He didn’t have to wait long. She was dressed in a pair of shorts and a large shirt.

“You’re not going to leave, are you?”

“Not yet. I’ll leave someday.” He patted the bed. “Come on, it’s time to get some sleep.”

She rolled her eyes.

He was surprised she didn’t argue as she lay down. She didn’t turn away from him, but he watched as she grabbed a book, ignoring him as she began to read.

“You know that’s rude.”

“So is outstaying your welcome, but I can’t do anything about that.”

He chuckled. “You don’t want me to leave, not really.”

“Would it even matter if I did want you to leave?”

He shook his head. “Nope.” Ryker liked her.

She tutted. “Then I will continue to be rude, in the hope that maybe you’ll leave me alone and I can have some peace.”

This, once again, made him chuckle.

“You’re a lot more fun than any roommate I’ve ever had.”

“Just keep on reminding me that you’ve been inside, and that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.” She rolled her eyes, and he watched her read. She was a beautiful woman, and he liked to watch her.

It was refreshing to feel this relaxed near a woman.

****

One week later

Ryker, The Convict, as Scarlett kept referring him to in her mind, still hadn’t left. Sitting on her back porch step, she watched as he mowed her lawn. She’d been heading to do that this morning, but when she got to the job, she found he’d already started. In fact, over the past week, she’d noticed he did a lot of jobs around the house, and she wasn’t ungrateful for it either; far from it.

She could afford to get anyone to come and repair her place. All it would take was a call to her father and someone would be there. That was the kind of relationship she had with her father. He didn’t want to have to deal with anything else, but he liked throwing money at her when she needed it. She didn’t mind as it kept him out of her business. She’d never been close to her father, and hadn’t wanted to start. Of course, he would randomly stop by when he felt like it to see her. The visits were always short, which was why she didn’t mind them.

Oh, well.

It had taken her a great deal of time, but she lived with what happened to her. No one wanted anything to do with her, and she was more than fine with that.

Ryker stopped, and she watched as he lifted his arm up and wiped some sweat from his brow. The way his body looked with his thick, inked muscles, Scarlett was a little startled by the sudden pull within her. Her pussy grew slick, and need coursed through every single nerve inside her. She didn’t know what to do as nothing like this had ever happened before. She’d never been sexually attracted to anyone.

He left the mower and walked toward her. “This for me?”

Words failed her, and she simply nodded.

This man had gone to prison.

He still should be in prison.

No one had come for him, not that she imagined they would. A lot of people ignored her, and chose not to come anywhere near the forest. This was one of the reasons she’d picked this place. The previous owner had said if she was looking for a social life, then she needed to find somewhere else. This cabin home was for people who didn’t like the outside world, and she was more than happy with that.

She’d been part of it, and had gotten burned by it. The last thing she wanted was to stay there. People always looked at her like she was some kind of victim, or like she was going to snap at any minute.

Living with her real father had been a nightmare as he had a guard with her at all times just in case she wanted to try something. There was nothing she ever wanted to try. All she really wanted to do was live her life and forget about the past.

“It’s really hot today,” he said.

“Yep. Last days of summer.”

She sipped at her drink, more aware of him every passing second that he stayed by her side. Biting her lip, she tried not to think about how good it would be for him to hold her. He didn’t frighten her. She didn’t know his life story, and to be honest, she really didn’t care either. If her own experiences had taught her anything, it was that people only saw what they wanted to. They rarely looked for the truth.

“You have a lovely home,” he said.

She smiled, turning to look at him. “Is that why you’ve not left yet?”

“You could just kick me out. Nothing stopping you from doing that.”

“Nope, you’re right. Nothing is stopping me from doing that, but then I’d have to mow my lawn, and fix the few roof tiles, and paint the porch. I don’t suppose you’re trying to earn your keep, are you?” she asked, nudging his arm.

“Not at all. Just trying to be useful, and it looks to me like you could use a man around this place.”

Her smile died a little, and she averted her gaze. No man would ever want her.

Gripping her glass a little tighter, she watched as her dog lay out, rubbing his back along the grass.

“What are your plans for when the winter comes? Snow falls, and you can be trapped up here for weeks, Ryker. It’s not a good place to be if someone is hunting you, or if you want to get as far away from here as you can.”

“I didn’t make plans for what would happen after.”

“Who framed you?” she asked.

“My boss.”

“And you really know how to clear your name?”

“Yep, and all it will take is a visit to a safety deposit box.”

“In a bank?” she asked.

“That’s the one. I got one opened, and that’s where I placed the security tape with my name on it.”

She frowned. “Why didn’t you tell anyone else about it?”

“I didn’t have anyone on my side. He made sure that my case was rushed through, and that they had all the necessary ‘evidence.’”

Scarlett rubbed her temple. “Do you have any plan on how you’ll clear your name with this tape?”

“Yes. I intend to upload it, and show the world that I’m innocent, and while that is happening, I’m hoping my name will be cleared.”

She sipped at her drink, and thought about it. “You’re going to need help.”

“Yep, I am, but I can’t go straight away,” he said.

“Why not?”

“It’s right in the center of the city, and if I’m caught, my ass is thrown straight back into jail, and I’ll do even more hard time for leaving.”

“What do you want to do?” she asked.

“Whatever I have to. I need to stay here for a couple more weeks, a month, maybe two. Enough time for people to think I’ve skipped the country, and then by the time they realize I’m still very much here, I’ll unleash the video, and I’ll be free.”

“I’ll help you,” she said.

“You will?”

“Yes. I don’t like it when people’s lives are ruined by the actions of others.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ll help you, Ryker.”

When he wrapped his arm around her, and she felt so safe within his arms, she closed her eyes and hoped she didn’t lose herself in the process.

Chapter Three

They found a routine together. Ryker shared his meals with her, did odd jobs around the house, and at night, he sat with her watching television while she read, or vice versa. He loved her books, but he just loved spending time with her.

Scarlett was a nice woman; a gentle woman. In the few short weeks that he’d been with her, he found himself caring about her more and more. There was no way to hide from the feelings she evoked within him, from her smile to watching her sleep, and he did watch her sleep as they shared a bed.

Of course, she spent most of their time together ignoring him. She either read a book or just curled up and went to sleep.

That was how he found himself one Sunday morning; watching her sleep. When they fell asleep, she was always turned away from him, but she must have moved in the night. Her hands were clasped together, resting beneath her head, and she looked so peaceful. Reaching out, he pushed a small curl off her face and simply watched her sleep.

His cock tightened, but he ignored the need to touch her. The last thing he wanted to do was to scare her.

A sigh left her lips, and she opened her eyes. She smiled at him, and his heart leapt within his chest.

“Morning,” she said.

“Morning right back at you.”

“Have you been watching me sleep for long?” she asked.

“Nope. Just a few minutes. Maybe half an hour.”

She rubbed her eyes. “That’s not creepy at all. I must look a fright.”

He couldn’t resist, and he touched her face, running his thumb across her bottom lip.

“I think you look so beautiful. No one could ever be more beautiful.”

He saw that he surprised her, but he didn’t care. This woman was so many different things. He wasn’t used to women who cared about others, and every time he looked at one of the pictures she kept, he knew she had a dark past. One filled with more horrors than he could ever imagine.

The gun he’d pointed at her, he’d gotten rid of and wrapped it up, placing it in a box in her basement. He’d never point anything at her, and only when he needed it, would he ever get it out again.

“You shouldn’t do that,” she said.

He didn’t stop touching her. He didn’t want to ever stop touching her. She was such a beautiful woman. “Why not? Do I scare you?”

“You don’t scare me.”

“What is it?” he asked, worried that he made her think of that piece of shit.

“You make me want things I really shouldn’t want.”

Okay, now his dick was thinking all different kinds of things. “What do you want?”

“I want you, and I shouldn’t want you.”

“Why shouldn’t you want me?”

She chuckled. “The obvious one, you’re a convict.”

“I was falsely imprisoned.”

“And second, you don’t look at me like I’m going to break.”

“I know you’re not.”

“I’m a freak, Ryker.”

“You’re not a freak. You’re a fighter. A woman who has survived so much, and deserves to have some happiness. A lot of happiness.”

“You don’t see an abused woman when you look at me?” she asked.

The tears in her eyes would stay with him forever. “No. I don’t.” And now he was going to take a risk. “I see a beautiful woman, Scarlett. Not only do I see a beautiful woman, but the things I want to do to you, you should kick me out right now, and call me the asshole that I am, and stay away from me.”

“What do you want to do to me?”

She didn’t heed his warning.

Slowly trailing his fingers down her neck, he teased across her pulse and went toward the edge of her crop top. She wasn’t wearing a bra, and he saw the outline of her nipple. Stroking his thumb across her bud, he watched her gasp.

“I think about you naked. How these gorgeous tits would look, and what they’d taste like. I think about fucking you, and I want to drive my cock so deep inside you that you scream my name, begging for more. I never want to stop, and I always want to hear the pleasure in your voice, always. Not a moment goes by when I don’t think about how good your tight cunt would feel wrapped around my cock.”

He didn’t know if he was going too far, but he decided when it came to Scarlett, he’d always tell her the truth. He wouldn’t try to spare her.

He’d be the one to help guide her, to show her that she had someone to catch her when it got a little too hard.

“I’m not an innocent virgin,” she said.

“They’re kind of overrated,” he said. “You’re reading way too many books.”

Her gaze drifted to his lips, and he watched as she licked hers, almost as if she was imagining what it would be like to taste him.

“Kiss me, Ryker, please.”

He didn’t need to be asked twice. Pressing his lips against hers, he cupped her cheek and tilted her head back.

Lightly at first, he explored her mouth, and closed his eyes as his cock grew even harder. Her hands went to his chest, and if she pushed him off, he wouldn’t push. She didn’t try to get him away from her. Her hand fisted his shirt, tugging him closer.

Her lips were firmer as they pressed against his, and seeing that she wasn’t going to run away scared, he didn’t hold back.

Licking her lips, he took advantage the moment she gasped, plunging inside to taste her.

****

Scarlett’s pussy was so wet, her nipples really tight. She wanted him, couldn’t resist him. The moment Ryker’s lips touched hers, it was like he created an inferno inside her. She didn’t know any other man’s touch, but she wanted his. The hand on her cheek moved down, and he cupped her tit.

He pinched her nipple, and she gasped, breaking from the kiss, arching up. Ryker shoved her shirt up, exposing her chest, and she gasped as he took her into his mouth, biting down on the hard bud before sucking it.

“That feels amazing,” she said. “Don’t stop.”

He trailed his tongue toward her other breast, and he did the same, showing attention to each one. She was on fire. Pressing her thighs together, she tried to relieve the pressure, but it wasn’t enough.

Ryker moved her, shoving out of the way the pillows she’d used to create a wall between them, and he got her to the center of the bed.

Spreading her legs, he moved between them, and she felt the hard ridge of his cock pressing against her stomach.

His lips were once again on hers, and she moaned into his mouth, needing his touch more than anything.

“Yes, yes,” she said.

He kissed down her neck, taking her nipples again, and down he moved, pulling her shorts from her body.

She wasn’t wearing any panties, and Ryker wouldn’t let her hide, not that she wanted to. His gaze told her so many things, along with the outline of his cock pressing against his boxers.

His hands rested on her knees, and he spread her legs wide. When she went to touch herself, he shook his head. “No, I want to see your pretty pussy.”

She placed her hands beside her legs and waited. She didn’t know what she expected. His fingers traced across the fine hairs, and when he slid between her slit she gasped, arching up.

He touched her clit, running his finger across the swollen nub, making her gasp. She’d caressed her pussy many times before, but she’d never felt this. Biting her lip, she tried to contain her moans as he slid a finger within her.

When a second finger was added, she thrust up to meet him.

“Don’t treat me like I could break. I won’t. I promise.”

“I’m not. I’m just watching what drives you crazy. Watch as I touch you.”

Staring down between her thighs, she saw his fingers within her as well as feeling them. His thumb pressed against her clit, sliding back and forth. The dual pleasure was almost too much.

“I love how tight you feel, baby. So fucking tight.” He groaned. “I need to taste this cunt.”

His fingers pulled away, and she whimpered.

The fire didn’t dull within her as she watched him lick the cream from his fingers.

“You taste so fucking perfect,” he said.

He moved down to the bed, capturing her hips with his head poised above her pussy. He opened her pussy, and she didn’t look away even as his tongue began to attack her clit.

The sensation was out of this world. She thought she’d experienced everything, but the moment he touched her, it was like nothing she’d ever felt before.

She wanted more.

She didn’t want him to stop.

“Please,” she said.

“I’ve got you, baby. I’m not going to let go of you.”

As he stroked her clit with his tongue, his fingers moved within her and began to pump inside her.

The fire began to build, and she felt her orgasm heading toward that peak. She’d never been so aroused in all of her life, and when he toppled her over the edge, she screamed his name, driving her pelvis up against him.

She didn’t want him to stop, but then the pleasure became too much, and the moment it did, he eased up.

It was like he knew her body even better than she did.

He placed a kiss to her clit, and when she opened her eyes, which she’d closed during her orgasm, he was over her, licking his lips. “I’m going to warn you now that I’m going to want to do that more often. You’re so tasty.”

She covered her cheeks, feeling them heat. “Should you be saying things like that?”

“I’m a guy that likes to show his appreciation.” He dropped a kiss to her lips.

When his cock touched her, she felt how hard he was, and she touched his chest. He still wore a shirt, but that didn’t deter her. Running her hand down his body, she slipped her hand inside his shorts, and she gripped his shaft.

He groaned, and his hand was suddenly there, stopping her. “You don’t have to do that.”

“You’re rock-hard.”

“I can take care of it.”

She tilted her head to the side but didn’t pull away. “Are you taking care of it because you think I can’t?”

His grip on her hand loosened, and she ran her hand up and down his length, watching the pleasure flash in his gaze.

“No, I know you can take care of it.”

“Then what’s the problem?” she asked.

“I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want.”

She smiled. She couldn’t help it. He was a convict, and yet he had to be one of the sweetest people she’d ever known.

Pushing him to the side, she straddled his lap, shocking him as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I can promise you, Ryker, I no longer do anything that I don’t want to do.” She teased the hairs at the back of his neck. “And right now, I’d very much like to take care of your problem.”

She placed one of her hands between them and gripped his cock. Going from the root to the tip, she began to slide up and down his length. She felt empowered knowing that she’d caused this.

“And I hope you won’t stop me.”

Chapter Four

Ryker only had so much control, and with her hand on his dick, he didn’t see a problem with her helping him at all. So long as she knew that it was him, and no one else. He watched her face as she touched him, her hand moving up and down his length, driving him crazy already.

There had been many times in the past few weeks that he’d taken care of his hard-on. His cock had been hard as fucking rock, desperate to be inside her, and he’d spilled his cum into the shower, watching the milky strands disappear down the drain.

All of his fantasies were the same, and they were all focused around this woman.

She was so fucking beautiful, and she tempted him in ways that drove him crazy.

When her tongue flicked across her lips, he knew what she was thinking, and he didn’t have a problem with that, not in the slightest.

“I want to taste you, like you tasted me.”

“Only if you want to.”

She slammed her lips against his. “I don’t do anything that I don’t want.”

Scarlett moved off his lap, and he gripped the sheets beneath him, watching her stare at his length. He reclined a little, and watching her lick the tip that already had pre-cum spilling out was fucking incredible.

Her tits hung down, and the only thing he was missing was a mirror so he could look at her cunt and ass.

He was addicted to her body.

Every single curve was a temptation to him.

Ryker moaned as her lips took the head of his cock, sucking on it. She pulled away, and the next time she took more of his cock. Her hand moved from the root going to her lips then back down again as she pulled off his dick.

The pleasure was intense and instant, and he didn’t want her to stop.

He had to grit his teeth to stop himself from moaning, or from startling her. This was all Scarlett, and the last thing he wanted to do was force her, or to make her uncomfortable.

She swallowed more of him down, and he closed his eyes, counting to ten.

When he hit the back of her throat, and he felt her swallow, he nearly blew right there.

“I’m not going to last much longer, Scarlett. If you don’t want to be … ugh, have my cum in your mouth, you’re going to have to stop.”

She didn’t stop. She sucked him down and bobbed her head.

“Oh, fuck,” he said, finding his release.

He expected her to jump back, to be afraid, or something.

She didn’t.

Scarlett swallowed him down, taking every last drop and milking him for more.

When he couldn’t take anymore, she eased off, sitting back and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “I didn’t … scare you, did I?” she asked.

He chuckled. “You couldn’t scare me. I was worried that I … brought back bad memories.”

The smile on her lips didn’t reach her eyes. “It was a long time ago. I’m twenty-eight years old. My dad stopped everything on my sixteenth birthday. I’ve done all the counseling and everything. I just … don’t treat me like I’ll break, or like that matters.”

“Do a lot of people treat you that way?”

“A lot of people refuse to forget, or just treat me like I don’t exist.”

“Why move to the town where everyone knows you, and they know what happened?”

Scarlett tilted her head to the side. He liked that she hadn’t tried to hide her body from him. Her tits were exposed. Her hands rested on her knees, and she looked so relaxed, so calm.

There was a flush to her skin, and he wanted to touch her. He didn’t want to stop touching her.

“I like it here. Why should I have to live somewhere else?”

“If you ever want to get away from people looking at you like you’re damaged.”

She shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I like it here. This is my home, and you should be a little thankful. Not a lot of people come up here, and a lot of people treat me like a stranger anyway. They don’t like the thought of getting their fancy cars stranded.”

“You drove up here really well.”

“That’s because I’m used to it, but if there’s a heavy rainfall, I have to walk. Snow keeps me up here as well.”

He reached out, cupping her cheek. “I know you want me to leave, but I don’t want to go, not yet.”

“I don’t want you to leave. I’m going to help you, Ryker.” She pressed her cheek against his palm, and fuck it if that didn’t make him feel a whole shit load of things.

He was falling for this woman, and now that he’d had a taste of her, he knew he wasn’t ever going to be able to walk away.

Ryker didn’t doubt that his name would be cleared. He had all the evidence, and some of the men he’d met on the inside had warned him that he had to make sure people thought he was either dead or in a different country.

She pressed a kiss against his palm. “I’m going to take a shower, and then I’ll make us some breakfast.”

He watched her climb off the bed and walk away.

Her ass captured his attention, and collapsing to the bed, he rubbed at his eyes. “You cannot fall in love. You cannot fall in love.”

Even as he kept on speaking those words to himself, he knew he was already doomed. There was something about Scarlett, and it wasn’t because she’d had her mouth on his dick, and swallowed his cum. It was something more.

He wanted to protect her, to chase away the bad memories, and be the one guy that never let her down.

His life had just become a lot more complicated.

****

Ryker chopped the salad while she cooked up the marinated chicken. Every now and then, Scarlett kept looking at him, wondering if he thought about this morning. She couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Did he enjoy it?

She knew he did because he’d come, but she wondered if he was regretting it.

When he moved past her, he placed his hands on her hips and kissed her neck before grabbing something out of the fridge. He’d been doing that all day. Touching her, finding a reason to be near her, and she wasn’t about to turn him down.

Scarlett adored his touch, craved it even, and she certainly didn’t want it to end.

When the chicken was cooked, she placed it on the platter and focused on the next thing she wanted to do. Tomorrow’s dinner was steak, and once again, she was using all of her seasonings to create even more flavor. She loved spices and experimenting in the kitchen, even if some things were awful.

He grated up some cheese and tossed the salad together with the dressing ingredients. He liked a lot of garlic, and she didn’t have the heart to tell him that she hated it raw and wouldn’t enjoy it. Still, she loved watching him when he tried something.

Prison couldn’t have been fun, especially prison food.

The pleasure on his face at each little morsel of food was a testament to that.

Chopping up the chicken that had rested, she placed it on top of their salad, and they took a seat at the table.

After their time together in the bedroom and after breakfast, Ryker had been repairing some loose floorboards, while she’d been going around removing her pictures, replacing them with different images.

“I was wondering if you’d start a small fire in the barbeque pit,” she said.

“Sure thing. Why? You want to have some grilled food?” he asked.

“No. I want to burn those pictures.” She didn’t know why she’d kept them. Cutting that evil bastard out of each picture had been freeing, but now, they were just a reminder that she really didn’t want or need.

“He was in your life for a long time?” Ryker asked.

She paused with a piece of chicken near her mouth. “He got into my mom’s good graces, and then she wouldn’t get rid of him.” She shrugged. “In the beginning he wasn’t all that bad. It was later, and I don’t want to talk about it.”

Talking was something she’d done enough of.

He reached out, grabbing her hand. “I’m here.”

“I know.” She looked at him. “He’s never coming back.”

“Your stepfather?”

“Yes, he’s dead.” She didn’t elaborate any further on what her real dad had done, nor did Ryker ask for more.

Her father had killed him, and saved his daughter. There was nothing more to be said. Afterward, no one sent her father to prison, but that was because he handed her the gun once he’d done it, and told her that she didn’t have to be afraid anymore.

She told the cops that she couldn’t take it anymore, and reported the years of abuse.

It had all been wrapped up nice and tight.

She pushed some of her salad around her plate, and Ryker chuckled. “You know I’m not a monster, right?”

“I know.”

“So, why didn’t you just tell me that you hated garlic?” he asked.

“You love it.”

“But I also saw that every time a recipe calls for raw garlic, you cross it out, and it has the word ‘yuck’ next to it.”

He got up from the table, and she watched as he pulled another plate from the fridge. She’d been so lost in her own little world that she’d not seen him serve up three people. “Dressing without garlic.” He winked at her. “Enjoy.”

Okay, now that had to be one of the sweetest things she’d ever seen. “You knew?”

“I knew, but I was hoping you’d tell me. I love all food, but I need to know what you love and hate if we’re going to make this work.”

“Make this work?”

He took a deep breath. “I want to make us work.”

“Us?”

This time he laughed, and she joined him. “You keep repeating everything I say.”

“I’m sorry.”

He took her hand, and she stared down at his much larger one. “When my name is cleared, I want to come back here. I want to live with you, and to stay with you. I’m hoping you’ll give me a chance, and us a chance.”

“You want a relationship?”

“Yes. I’m not promising it will be easy, but I like you, Scarlett. I enjoy living here. The peace, the quiet, and I love watching you sleep.”

“Is that what won you over?” she asked, feeling her cheeks heat. She loved it when she woke and he was there, watching her.

He made her feel safe and warm. She didn’t want to lose that feeling.

“That and the fact you don’t fart or snore.”

She pulled away, covering her cheeks. “Oh, my God, I can’t believe you just said that.”

He laughed. “I’m being serious here, Scarlett. I like you, a lot. I want to make this work.”

She leaned in close and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Then I want you to make love to me, and I don’t want you to be afraid.”

“You want that?”

“Yes, I do.” She placed a hand on his chest. He was so warm, always so warm. “Is it wrong that I want you?”

“No, it’s not wrong.”

“I’m fat,” she said, blurting out the words.

She saw the frown on his face. “Okay, I don’t agree with that.” He held her hip. “I don’t think you’re fat.”

“He told me I was that I was lucky to get his attention because no one wanted a fat chick.”

“That man is lucky he’s dead otherwise I would be committing murder.”

“Don’t, please, don’t see me any differently,” she said.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not broken, Ryker. I’m fine. I’m healed, and I want this. When you look at me, please don’t see him.”

He cupped her face with both of his hands, tilting her head back. “I’d never do that. When I look at you, Scarlett, I only ever see you. No one else matters to me but you.” He leaned in close and pressed his lips against hers.

Chapter Five

Ryker carried Scarlett upstairs. He ignored every single one of her protests, and placed her gently on the bed. His cock was rock-hard, and he wanted inside her more than he wanted anything else in the world.

Removing his clothes, he kept his gaze locked on hers.

For the past couple of weeks, he’d been thinking of this moment, hoping she felt the attraction that had been building between them for a long time.

She sat up and began to remove her clothes. He couldn’t resist watching. Each layer showed off her body to perfection. He loved her tits, her ass, her curvy hips. Her thighs were also amazing to him.

Right now, he wanted them wrapped around his hips as he plowed into her. When they were both naked, he pulled her off the bed and held her close. He didn’t want to lose a single moment with this woman. How the hell could he have fallen in love so quickly? And yet, there was no other word for it. He had fallen in love with her. She was his entire world. From waking up in the morning to going to sleep, and every single moment in between. When he lay awake in prison, having his revenge had been the only thing he could think about, whereas now, it was about being with her.

Slamming his lips down on hers, he sank his fingers into her hair, holding her head in place as he ravished her mouth. She moaned, her hands moving up his chest to circle his neck, and his cock pulsed with another spill of pre-cum leaking out of the tip.

Turning her back to the bed, he trailed kisses down to her neck, cupping her large tits. Sucking each of her nipples, he watched her moan. Each gasp was sweet music as he moved down her body. She dropped to the bed when he gave her a little push, and he moved her so that her thighs were spread open, and he got a good look at her dripping pussy.

She was soaking wet, and he slid a finger between her slit, bumping her clit before gliding down and plunging inside her.

His cock was going to be inside her, and he wasn’t going to be wearing anything that would numb the sensation of being within her. That shit was never going to happen. Spreading the lips of her pussy, he slid his tongue from her entrance up to her clit, sucking the swollen bud into his mouth. She tasted like heaven, and he couldn’t resist dipping down and fucking her cunt with his tongue.

It wasn’t enough though. When it came to this woman, nothing ever felt enough.

Touching her clit over and over, he listened as each stroke brought her closer to her orgasm. Before he took her, making her his, he was going to listen to her scream his name.

“Please … don’t stop.”

“You love this, baby?” he asked.

“Yes. It feels so good.”

He smiled against her pussy but didn’t stop, sucking her clit into his mouth. Even though with every passing second it was driving him crazy with need, he kept on licking her. Slowly, he watched her build up to that peak, and when he had her perched on the edge, he waited until he finally threw her over, and she came with such fierceness. He swallowed down her cum and teased her until there were tiny little aftershocks of sensation. She wanted more, and he wanted to give it to her.

Ryker didn’t stop, and he brought her to a second orgasm, which wasn’t his intention, but the moment he started, he didn’t see a reason to stop.

She came for him, and as she screamed his name, he replaced his lips with his fingers, stroking her.

Moving her up the bed, he slid between her thighs. When she could no longer stand him touching her, as she was sensitive, he gripped his cock and placed it between her slit. She was soaking wet, and as he moved his cock through, she got even more aroused.

Staring into her eyes, he eased the head of his dick within her. Slowly, inch by inch, he filled her, wanting to watch her eyes as he did. With only a few inches left, he took hold of her hands, locking their fingers together, and pressing them either side of her head.

On that last final inch, he thrust inside her. Not only did he claim her with his body, he claimed her with his heart. There was no going back now, and he didn’t want to. She was all his, and he’d never let her go.

He’d fallen in love with this woman.

Pulling out of her body until only the tip remained, he began to thrust within her, going slow at first, giving her time to get accustomed to the feel of his body. She began to arch up, meeting him halfway, and taking what she wanted.

It had been a long time since he’d been with a woman, and even then, it hadn’t meant anything to him.

This meant something to him.

She belonged to him, and he felt completely taken over.

Holding her hands, he claimed her lips and rode her hard. She melted against him, and she didn’t fight his touch, not that he wanted her to.

She was his in every single way.

Ryker came, filling her body with his cum, basking in the feel of her surrounding him.

“You feel so fucking amazing,” he said. “You’re mine now, Scarlett, all mine.”

****

Scarlett ran the tips of her fingers up Ryker’s chest, and she couldn’t stop smiling. Her body was on fire, and even though he’d made love to her twice more, she wanted him again. This … thrilled her.

She never for a second thought that she’d ever be able to have a relationship. That her past would always hold her back, and yet, she’d taken Ryker three times, and not only that, she wanted him again.

He stroked her arm, and she closed her eyes basking in his attention.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

She smiled, and glanced up at him.

“I know that look,” he said before she even got a word out.

“You do?”

“Yes.” His hand cupped the back of her head, and he claimed her lips once again. She loved his mouth on her. The way he kissed her, it was unlike anything she’d ever read about in her books.

“But, I don’t want you to be … on top. I want to be.”

“You want to ride me?”

“Yes.”

The smile on his face let her know before his words that he was more than okay with that.

He moved so that he was sitting up. “I’m all yours.”

His cock wasn’t rock-hard, but she saw that he was ready to go again.

Tucking her hair behind her ear, she moved to straddle his legs. His hand gripped her hip and helped to guide her as she sat on his lap.

The hand on her hip moved up, cupping her tit, but he didn’t linger.

Before he could take charge, she leaned forward and took possession of his lips. She loved kissing, and she wasn’t sure if it was her favorite thing to do, or her second favorite. Either way, she loved it.

Their kiss went on for a long time, and as it did, she felt him begin to stir between her thighs.

“Fuck, baby, do you have any idea what you do to me? What you make me want?”

She smiled against his lips. “Do you want to fuck me?”

“More than anything. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.”

This made her pull back. “What about your freedom?”

“I’m here with you. That’s freedom enough.”

He pulled her back down, and she relented, consumed with her need to feel him. Sliding her hand down his chest, she reached between them, gripping his cock. She worked his length, stroking the pre-cum into his flesh.

He moaned, and didn’t push her hand away.

Within seconds he was hard as rock. Placing him at her entrance, she broke the kiss as she slowly began to sink down onto his length. She closed her eyes as the sensation of him gliding within her felt almost too much.

His cock was so hard and thick.

She released a little whimper, but didn’t give up.

Ryker held her hips, guiding her over his dick, making her take all of him. Once he was seated to the hilt, she placed her hands on his shoulders, feeling every inch of him pulse.

One of his hands moved from her hips, going between her thighs, and he began to tease her clit, stroking her.

“Come on, Scarlett, fuck me. Fuck your man.”

Her man; she liked that. She more than liked that.

“I don’t want to let you go,” she said.

“I’m not going anywhere, Scarlett. You’re mine. I’m not going to leave you. You belong to me now.”

She rode his cock, taking him as deep as she could, and he brought her to orgasm as she did. His touch set her on fire, helping her find her peak, and pushing her over the edge into oblivion. There was only one man she wanted, and he was right here.

When he groaned, he held her hard to the point that she knew she was going to bruise as he filled her.

Wave upon wave of his cum spilled inside her. She wasn’t an idiot; she knew what their unprotected sex meant.

She could get pregnant.

She hoped she did.

More than anything, she wanted his baby.

She wanted a reminder that no matter what happened, she’d had these weeks of absolute bliss, and that meant the world to her.

Afterward, Ryker picked her up and they both headed toward the bath. He pulled out of her pussy, and she was aware of his cum spilling down her leg.

He ran them both a bath, and it was moments like these when he seemed to care so much for her.

Ryker took his time, adding some bath salts before helping her into the water. Even though he hated the salts, or even anything scented, he always made sure she got what she wanted.

He helped her inside the bath and followed her in, moving behind her so she could rest against him.

“You always take such good care of me,” she said.

“I’ll always take care of you.”

Silence fell between them, and not for the first time she wondered what he was thinking.

“I’m going to clear my name,” he said.

“I know, and I’m coming with you to help you.”

He took hold of her hands. “No, you’re not. It’s way too dangerous. I won’t let you hurt yourself.”

She sighed. “What happens then?”

“The moment my name is cleared, I’m coming back.”

“What if you don’t come back?” she asked.

“I’ll fight my way back to you, Scarlett.” He leaned forward, and she turned to look at him, ashamed that tears filled her eyes.

“Okay.”

She doubted it though. No one, other than her father, had ever fought for her, certainly not like the way Ryker was promising.

He kept on gazing at her, wiping away her tears. “Don’t cry, I promise I’ll come back. There’s no way you’re ever going to get rid of me.” He paused for several seconds. “I love you, Scarlett.”

“What?”

“I love you. It’s why I’ve got to do this. I could stay, but you deserve more than waiting for the off chance they’d find me. I’ve got to be a man for you completely.”

He claimed her lips, but still, her heart was broken. She didn’t want to lose him.

Against all odds, she loved him, too.

Chapter Six

Ryker watched her sleep. He’d placed his shirt on a pillow and put it in her arms. Yes, he was turning into that guy, but he didn’t care. He had to go now, as otherwise he never would. Waking with her in his arms always gave him an excuse to wait one more day. Time was ticking, and he didn’t want to risk a moment.

If he left now, he knew he’d be back in time.

Placing the letter on the bed, he forced himself to step out the door. When he could no longer see her, he turned his back and made his way downstairs.

Her dog was lying at the bottom of the stairs. Getting down on one knee, he stroked the dog’s hair. “You’ve got to take care of her for me, buddy. Keep her safe, and attack anyone who comes close, got me?”

The dog stared at him, but Ryker was sure in some weird way, they were both on the same page.

Scarlett’s protection.

Letting himself out of her house, he found the car that he’d first taken her. In his bag was also the gun that he’d stored in the basement.

Climbing behind the wheel, he stared back at the cabin.

“Keep on moving, Ryker. You can’t stay here. You’ve got to try and fix this.”

His heart pounded as he turned over the ignition. With the car running, he pulled out of the garden and headed down toward the town. Once he was there, he moved toward the beaten roads and started the long trek toward the city.

With each mile he took and the gap between him and Scarlett increased, he felt sick to his stomach.

All of his life he’d used women, tossing them aside when he was done.

“She’s yours now, Ryker. No one can take her away from you. No one.”

Even as he thought it, he couldn’t stop the sick feeling that consumed him. If he was anyone else, he’d have just stayed with her, waiting for the day that the cops came to take him away, or he got too comfortable and lost his touch.

Either way, he refused to live with that darkness hanging over his head. Even though he didn’t want to leave her, right now, it was for the best.

One day, he’d make it back to her though.

He didn’t have a choice.

She was his home, and there’s no way he’d settle for anything less.

****

Heavy snowfall was forecast over two weeks later, and with it, Scarlett had no choice but to take her mother’s old car and make her way into town. Her dog wouldn’t let her leave, so she took him with her. Grabbing her keys and bag, she stopped near the fridge and stared at the letter that she’d woken up next to.

Tears filled her eyes, and she pressed a hand to her stomach as a wave of sickness washed through her.

He’s promised to come back, that he loved her more than anything, and yet, it had been nearly a month.

She could just check the internet or turn on the television, but she was afraid of what she’d see. Whenever she watched the television now, she used it to watch movies and nothing else.

“I love you,” she said.

At the bottom of the page, he’d penned three I love yous back at her.

Forcing herself away from the fridge, she made her way into the car and started the engine.

She’d not been into town since that day he’d pointed a gun at her.

“You see, that’s what makes me weird,” she said, looking at her dog. “Every other woman would have screamed, but not me. No. What did I do? I took it, didn’t I, like a loser. I didn’t scream, and he didn’t even force me, not really. Ryker’s many things, but a killer isn’t one of them.”

She pulled away from her house and made her way down toward town. All of her supplies were nearly gone. She’d declined an offer to spend the winter with her father. He tended to spend most of their time together asking if she was all right, which then always made her angry.

Of course she was all right.

Right now, though, she wasn’t all right. Feeling sick in the morning, and the scent of coffee making her want to throw up, gave her a bad feeling. So not only would she be stocking up for the first snowfall, she also intended to get a pregnancy test.

If that stick came back positive, she was going to have to do some serious planning, and even consider her father’s offer.

Pregnancy came with risks, which were great even when the partner was present.

What if Ryker had been caught before he proved his innocence?

She didn’t know what happened, and there was nothing she could do to help. She’d hoped to wear him down, so he’d take her with him. The last thing she wanted was to wake up with her arms wrapped around a pillow that he’d covered in his shirt. Ryker gone, and a letter that made her sick with wanting.

“I’m a loser. L.O.S.E.R!”

The dog barked at her, and she smiled. “I bet he told you to take care of me.”

She reached out, stroking his head, and sighed. “We’ll be okay. I’m always okay.”

Parking in her usual spot, she climbed out of the car, leaving enough of the window down for her dog.

Humming to herself, she came to a stop when Billy, the town’s sheriff, stopped her.

“It’s been a long time since we saw you, Scarlett,” he said.

“I’ve not needed to come down for a long time.”

It wasn’t unusual for the sheriff to stop her. He always had guilt over not believing her story.

She’d tried to tell him long before her father took matters into his own hands.

“New car?” he asked.

She looked at the car she rarely used. It was her mother’s old one, and she rarely touched it. Ryker had taken her car, not that she minded. Well, of course, now she did.

“No. It was my mom’s car. Anything else, Sheriff?” she asked, watching him visibly pale and shake his head.

There he went again with all of his judgment, but she ignored him. She ignored everyone, not even bothering to smile. She selected all of her groceries, paying careful attention to the frozen section so she could stock her freezer once again. She had a back-up generator in case of emergencies.

With everything selected, she made her way toward the pharmacy section, and selected a pregnancy test that was guaranteed to not only be accurate but estimate how far along she was. She didn’t care about that. Yes or no was what she was looking for, but she didn’t want to get anything wrong. After a few hours of shopping, she was fully stocked, and she left the supermarket, stocking her trunk once again.

When she climbed behind the wheel, her dog licked her face, and she found she could laugh again.

“You silly old boy.” She rubbed his head. “Let’s go home.”

Driving home went without a single hitch. Every second on the road, she was reminded of Ryker and the last time she’d been driving back home. He had a gun, and she’d found it somewhat amusing that he thought she was scared.

Wow.

She should have known she’d be the weird one and actually fall for a convict or an ex-convict.

Either way, there was nothing she could do about it now.

The moment she came to the clearing where she saw her home, she came to a stop, the brakes squealing as she stared at the car she hadn’t seen for a long time. There was no sign of Ryker, but the car was there.

Feeling sick, she drove forward and parked up in front of the car. Climbing out, she let the dog go, and she went to the back of the car, opening up the trunk.

She pulled out two sacks, and was heading toward the door when she stopped. There on her porch stood Ryker. He wore a pair of worn jeans and a shirt, and he looked … good. There was also a smile on his lips, and she dropped the groceries, not caring in that moment that they were supposed to get her by during the first snowfall.

When she ran into his arms, he picked her up and swung her around.

“I’ve missed you. I’ve missed you so fucking much,” he said.

“You came back?” She squeezed his arms. “I’m not thinking this. You’re actually here, in the flesh?”

“I’m here, baby, and I’m hoping that with that big old smile, you’re happy to see me?”

“I’m happy to see you. So happy.” She ran her hands up and down his arms. “You’re back?”

“Yes, I’m back, and I’m not going anywhere.” He stroked her cheek. “I’m here to stay if you’ll have me.”

“Do you want to stay?”

“Of course I want to stay. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

She gasped as she watched him go down on one knee. “Scarlett, I’m a poor man, and even though my record is now clear, I’ve done time.”

“I know.”

“But I love you. These past few weeks have been torture, but knowing I’d be back here, name cleared, I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

Tears filled her eyes as she nodded her head. “Yes, yes, I’ll marry you.” He got to his feet and she kissed him.

She’d been so desperate to feel him, and now that she had, she didn’t want to lose him.

Wrapping her arms around him, she held him tightly. “I didn’t think you were coming back.”

“I was always going to come back. This is where my heart is. You’re my home, Scarlett. No, you’re my heaven, and there was no way I was ever going to give you up. They can take everything else from me, but they cannot take you away.”

“What happened? What? Your name is cleared?”

“I’ll tell you everything. Let’s get this stuff inside. I know we’ve got some bad weather heading this way. It’s why I couldn’t wait another moment.”

They cleared the food from the trunk of the car, and once she was inside, she started to put all the groceries away.

He helped her, and she couldn’t stop smiling, not even for a moment. Her man was back home, and everything felt right again.

“What’s this?” Ryker asked, coming back into the kitchen from the pantry. He held the pregnancy test in his hands.

“Erm, you know what it is.”

“Do you think you are?”

“Does it change anything?” she asked.

“It doesn’t change anything, but we’re going to get married at the first opportunity.”

“And if I’m not?”

“Then we’ll be able to wait and have the wedding you always wanted,” he said.

“I’m not the kind of girl that plans a wedding.”

“Well, you’ll be planning our wedding.” He stared down at the test. “I think we should take this.”

“Okay.” She reached out and took the box, noticing that her hand shook a little. “I’ll just go and check this.”

He didn’t leave her alone. He followed her up to the bathroom, but gave her privacy as she peed on the stick. Her heart hammered, and as they waited the time necessary, she felt … scared.

“Do you want kids?” she asked.

“Yes, I want all of them. I want to fill a house with them.”

She smiled. “I want them, too. I want lots of kids.”

“Good.”

The alarm on his watch beeped, and when she checked the answers and looked at the stick.

“I’m pregnant.”

Chapter Seven

Ryker kissed her. The woman of his dreams was going to have his child, and he fucking loved that. She was his in every single sense of the word.

Pulling her against him, he gripped her ass and felt complete. Since leaving her he’d felt empty, lost. Each day had been harder than the one before. Nighttime and mornings were the worst, as he lay in bed, staring at the empty space beside him, wanting her.

“You’re free?” she asked.

“Yes, I cleared my name.”

“Did you upload it onto social media?” she asked.

“No, I took it to my lawyer. I laid low as he got everything verified. He said that just because I handed it in, people would want to make sure that it’s legit. He asked me about what I’d been doing. There had been a search out for me, but they couldn’t find me and assumed I’d skipped the country some way.” It had been the longest few weeks of his life. His lawyer had put a rush on everything. “The moment he knew the tape was legit, he started the ball rolling.”

“Did you go back to jail?”

“They remanded me into custody while they completed their investigation. The tape was all the evidence they needed. My old boss is now going to have a nice time in jail. I reckon orange will bring out the murder in his eyes.”

“You’re free?”

“Yes, I’m free, and now I’m all yours.”

“Why did it take so long?”

“These things take time. My lawyer said it actually it went by rather quickly. He’s had cases like these that have lasted years.”

He pushed some of her hair off her shoulder. “The moment I was cleared, I came here, and of course you weren’t.”

He’d missed her smile, her scent, everything.

Leaning in close, he pressed his face against her neck, breathing her in. Kissing her neck, he felt her shiver.

“I want you, Scarlett. It has been too long.”

“Then take me, Ryker. I’m all yours.”

Lifting her up, he carried her over to the bed. She wrapped her legs around him and he followed her down, moving over her as he settled between her thighs.

She wore a long skirt, and she shoved it out of the way and placed his palm against her pussy. She cried out, and he relished the sound.

Tearing her panties from her body, he touched her soaking wet pussy, sliding a finger inside her, feeling her cunt squeeze him. This was what he wanted to come home to, and he’d not wanted to waste a moment.

As he pumped his digit in and out of her, his cock pulsed within his jeans. When touching her wasn’t enough, he moved down, taking her pussy with his mouth. He licked her clit, sliding down to fuck her with his tongue, before drawing it back up and sucking on her again. She screamed his name, and he was desperate for more. He didn’t want her to stop. She came on his face, shouting his name, and he smiled. Rearing back, he opened up his jeans. Easing his cock out of the tight confines of his clothing, he ran his fingers from the root up to the head then back down again. Pre-cum spilled out of the tip, and staring down at her pussy, he felt primal, ready to fuck. Not only that, he felt possessed with a need to claim her, to make her his once again.

She carried his child, and now wore his ring.

He wanted the world to know that she belonged to him.

Taking her lips, he slid his cock between her slit, bumping her clit as he coated his cock in her cream.

When he was slick once again, he eased the tip inside her. It had been too long, and he didn’t wait for her to get accustomed to him. Holding onto her hip, he slammed to the hilt, feeling every ripple, every pulse, and relishing her moan.

“I’ve missed you. I’ve missed this.”

“I’m not going to leave you again. Where I go, you’ll go.” It was safe now.

Pulling out of her tight heat, he slammed inside her, going to the hilt once again. His name was a constant moan as it came from her lips, and he made love to her. When he couldn’t take it anymore, he fucked her hard, the bed hitting the wall with the force of their thrusts.

“Yes, please, I love you, Ryker.”

“I love you, Scarlett.”

He took hold of her hands, keeping her down on the bed as he took their pleasure to the next level.

She came on his cock, calling his name, and he filled her with his cum, relishing every second. This was what he’d been dreaming about, and he was never going to give this up. Afterward, he collapsed on top of her, wrapping his arms around her, feeling her close. Breathing in her scent, feeling complete.

“I love you,” he said.

Scarlett chuckled, wrapping her arms around him, running her fingers up and down his back.

“I’ve been so lost without you.”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m sorry for pointing a gun at you, and for scaring you.” He pulled away to look into her eyes. “I never want to hurt you.”

“I wasn’t afraid of you, Ryker. I don’t know what it was, but I was never afraid of you.” She cupped his cheek.

“You know you’ve got to marry me as fast as we can now that you’re pregnant.”

She giggled. “That was a quick change of topic.”

“I don’t want to dwell on the bad stuff forever. You forgive me, so now I want to give you every single reason to keep on loving me.” He didn’t care how sappy he sounded, or lovesick.

He fucking loved her. It was the memory of her that kept on driving him to get back home to her.

“Ryker, you have me, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“You promise?”

“Yes, more than anything, I’ve never been so happy.”

****

The first snowfall didn’t last very long. The moment they were able to drive to the airport they did. Once they hit Vegas, her father was waiting for her. Scarlett should have expected that, seeing as she called his secretary and asked for her to book their flight. He looked Ryker up and down, and he didn’t look impressed.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I called him.” Ryker spoke up, taking her hand, locking their fingers together.

So it hadn’t been her father’s secretary to spill the truth.

“Why?”

“Believe it or not, sweetheart, he wanted your dad’s approval,” her father said. “And he wanted me to give you away, seeing as it is my right to do so.”

She hadn’t thought about her father, and she glanced up at Ryker, hoping he saw that she didn’t care if he approved or not.

Her father stepped forward, and he held her shoulders. “I know I’ve not always been there for you, Scarlett. I’ve failed you in a lot of ways, and I’m sorry for that, but I also won’t let you marry someone unless you’re going to be happy to do it. Now, do you want to marry him?”

“Yes.” She didn’t even hesitate.

“You know that he’s been in prison, that he’s an ex-convict?”

“I know all that, and I don’t care. He didn’t do it, and I want to marry him.” She took Ryker’s hand, and placed it on her stomach. “We’re going to be a family. I’m the happiest woman in the world.”

He didn’t look happy, but Scarlett made him look at her.

“Dad, I’m happy. I don’t want to be without him. I love him more than anything else in the world. Please, be happy about this.”

Seconds passed before he finally nodded, then looked at Ryker. “I better never see her upset or sad, you hear me? I want her to be so fucking happy that she can’t even think what sadness is.”

“You’ve got it, sir.”

She smiled, knowing her father would love the “sir” touch.

“Fine. Let’s do this. I’ve already bought you a dress, and everything is set up ready for you.”

It didn’t take long for her to be whisked away to the church, and there was a woman waiting to help her into her dress.

Once she was ready, her father was there, and he stared at her. She saw the tears in his eyes, and smiled at him.

“I’m in love, Dad.”

“Does he know?”

“He knows everything, and he still loves me.”

“There’s no way he couldn’t love you, baby.” He moved toward her and hugged her tightly. She closed her eyes, enjoying the hug before finally pulling away. “Are you going to give me away?”

“No father should ever have to go through this torture.”

She giggled. When she stepped into the main aisle, the moment she caught sight of Ryker, there was no turning back. Even with butterflies in her stomach, she kept on moving forward. Each step she took, she knew deep in her heart it would take her closer to happiness.

Her father gave him one final warning before handing her over.

Holding Ryker’s hand, standing before the priest, she spoke her vows, listening to Ryker’s and falling even more in love.

When the time came to kiss the bride, she went into his arms willingly. There was no way she wouldn’t.

The moment his lips fell on hers, her life felt complete. She had Ryker, she was his wife, and pregnant with his child.

The prospect of the future filled her with happiness.

“I love you,” he said.

And staring into Ryker’s eyes, she didn’t doubt him for a second.

Epilogue

Ten years later

“It’s a snow day!” Laurie said, screaming.

Scarlett laughed from the kitchen window as her little girl collapsed to the ground and started making snow angels. Their new dog barked like crazy but wriggled in the snow. Ryker, unable to resist the snow, joined their daughter, and it wasn’t long before Rafe and Tristan joined them, too.

Finishing up their favorite white peppermint chocolate with cream and marshmallows, she carried their drinks outside, being careful to wrap up warm. The temperatures had plummeted, and seeing as it was the last couple of days of school, they’d been told to stay at home, do homework, and they’d see them in the New Year.

“Chocolate,” all of her kids said, getting to their feet and rushing toward her.

Seeing the snow clinging to their coats, Scarlett was more than happy she’d put a pot roast in the oven. They were going to freeze otherwise.

As she placed the hot drinks on the table, the kids crowded around and took their cups. Seeing that Ryker was in the snow, she made her way over to him.

“Don’t you want a hot chocolate?” she asked.

He reached up, taking her hand. She gasped, as with a yank he pulled her down so that she lay across him with snow all around them.

“See, you always were my snow angel, baby,” he said.

“I’m a very heavy snow angel.”

“No such thing. Angels are all light as feathers.”

“I’m a very heavy feather.” She was pregnant with their fourth child, and they had the confirmation a few weeks ago.

Ryker wrapped his arms around her, and she felt the hard press of his cock. “Do you think that feels like someone who is bothered by your weight? I’ve warned you before, Scarlett, I love your body and your curves. Nothing’s going to change.”

She couldn’t help but smile. “It’s been ten years,” she said.

“I know, and I still want you like I’ve not had you twice this morning already. Do you still want me?” he asked.

“Always.” The love she had for Ryker only got stronger. She didn’t want to give him up for a second, and never intended to. “Still, I’ll ask you in another ten.”

He laughed. “You can ask me every single day of the week, and guess what, baby, it’s always going to be the same. You’re my woman, and I will love you for the rest of my life.”

Again, she loved hearing him say this.

There, with the snow all around them, she claimed his lips, ignoring the kids as they made grossed-out noises.

“I love you, wife,” he said, breaking the kiss.

“I love you, husband.”

“Let’s snowball our kids.”

She gave him enough cover to grab a snowball, and rather slyly they stood up. On the count of three, the snowball fight began, and Scarlett held her husband’s hand throughout it all. There was no tearing them apart, and when another ten years passed, his answer was the same, as was hers.

The End

www.samcrescent.com

Other Books by Sam Crescent:

www.evernightpublishing.com/sam-crescent

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Rough and Ready by Stacey Espino

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BONUS SAMPLE CHAPTER

BRED BY THE BILLIONAIRE

Breeding Season, 1

Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino

Copyright © 2017

Chapter One

“Where’s my fucking coffee?” Tobias Bennett sifted through the files on his desk. He was getting too old for this shit—late nights at the office and staff who couldn’t follow simple instructions. At this point in his life, he’d imagined living on a private island, a mojito in one hand and The Wall Street Journal in the other. But he was still running the family business with no sign of slowing down. He’d been termed a perfectionist, and probably a lot worse, but he strongly believed wealth was the measure of success.

A couple minutes later, one of the interns set a mug on the corner of his desk. She scurried out of his office, nearly breaking into a jog. Was he that much of an asshole?

Tobias scrubbed both hands over his face. He knew exactly what had been driving him crazy lately. His parents were riding him hard for an heir, another Bennett to carry on the family empire. The problem—he wasn’t looking for a wife. His bachelor life suited him just fine, and even at forty-five, he wasn’t ready to settle down. He would have told his aging parents to back off, but they had a point, one that kept crowding his thoughts.

Morgan peered in his office. “Why are you still here?”

“Work.”

“Go home. It’s Friday night, for God’s sake.” He’d gone to university with Morgan, and hired him to work on the Bennett Corporation legal team over a decade ago. Morgan was the only man who dared to speak freely with him.

“I’ve got that big bid on Monday. I need to be prepared,” said Tobias.

“We’ve already got it covered. Everything’s in order.”

“It has to be perfect.”

Morgan exhaled, then shook his head. “Well, I’m heading out.” Then he added, “Don’t push yourself so hard.”

“See you Monday.” Tobias leaned back in his leather chair and gave his friend a mock salute.

Once alone again, he pondered Morgan’s words. Yes, he pushed himself. It was life as a Bennett. His parents expected perfection from day one, and he’d always delivered. The company was strong, profitable, and dominating the stock market because he didn’t fuck around. He always put a hundred percent effort into everything he set out to do, and demanded the same from his staff. If one of his employees couldn’t meet the mark, he didn’t think twice about showing them the door. He had no room for weakness.

After another couple of hours, he packed up his paperwork and flicked off the lights to his corner penthouse office. As he stood in the darkness, the lights of the city sparkled with life beyond the floor to ceiling windows. He grabbed his briefcase and walked over to the window, looking down from one of the highest vantage points. It was one big party below, a city that never slept.

He’d put the Bennett Corporation on the map, made his father’s business into something multi-national, but what happened next? What would happen when he died? The legacy he’d built would die along with him, all his hard work and sacrifices for nothing. The business might continue with the family name, but without the blood of a Bennett, it would be a soulless enterprise, nothing more than dollars and cents.

“Mr. Bennett?”

Tobias snapped out of his reverie, turning to see a silhouette in the doorway of his darkened office. “Yes?”

“Would you like some company tonight?”

He narrowed his eyes as he strode to the door. “Aren’t you one of the new analysts we just hired?” Tobias had thousands of employees, so couldn’t remember many names and faces. He only allowed minimal staff on the penthouse floor of his skyscraper. He remembered this woman from the new staff tour yesterday morning, and only because she’d worn a short skirt.

“Yes, sir.”

“And why are you up here?”

“I wanted to offer my company.” She ran her finger along the low collar of her blouse. Was she actually trying to seduce him? “I have many skillsets beyond analyzing, and I thought you’d like me to show you some.”

He scoffed. “You thought wrong, sweetheart. If you’d actually done any digging, you’d know I never mix business with pleasure.”

“But—”

“Stay on the fifth floor. I don’t want to see you up here again.”

She sulked off, clearly not expecting him to reject her. Tobias wasn’t hard up. He had a long list of women he could call for a hook-up. None of them meant a thing to him. They were available for sex, and that’s how he liked it—until now. If he wanted a kid, he had to find a decent woman to be the mother. Unfortunately, most of the women he fucked were gold-diggers, and he didn’t want any baby drama. He just wanted the heir, nothing more.

He could already envision it, a life similar to his own childhood. His son would be raised by a nanny, go to boarding school, and be trained to be the best at everything. Tobias knew parenting wouldn’t take much effort on his part—he’d rarely seen his own mother and father growing up.

Tobias took the elevator down to the parking garage, trying to push thoughts of babies and legacies out of his head. This responsibility shouldn’t have fallen on his damn shoulders. He’d been the younger brother—until he turned sixteen. Maximus had been nineteen when he died of a heroin overdose. Of course, his parents made sure the real cause didn’t hit the media, appearances being more important than the truth. Tobias had seen it coming. He’d done nothing. Unlike him, Maximus wanted more, wanted the love and warmth he’d seen in other homes. Their father said he was weak, he couldn’t cut it, and that’s why he killed himself. No one ever mentioned Maximus, like he never existed.

The elevator dinged, and Tobias stepped out into the secure garage. He dug the keys to his Mercedes out of his pocket, turning off the alarm system. Once behind the wheel, he tossed his briefcase onto the passenger seat and squeezed the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. Reflecting on a past that couldn’t be undone was pointless, and like his father taught him, emotions were for pussies. He needed to block that shit out, forget about the brother taken from him too soon. Trying to imagine an alternate reality would only break down his carefully maintained exterior.

He turned on the radio, hoping the music would drown out the noise in his head. Right now, he wished he could have fucked that blonde bitch over his desk to release the tension, but he refused to get involved with women in the office. Nothing was worth risking the reputation of the family business, certainly not a piece of ass.

Tobias hit the gas as he drove, the streetlights and bright signage disguising the fact the sun had set hours ago. At least leaving late thinned out the downtown traffic. His condo was only ten minutes from the office in one of the waterfront condos owned by the Bennett Corporation. There wasn’t much they didn’t have their hand in.

He nodded to the doorman as he walked to the elevator. Normally, he’d go out for a drink on Friday, maybe choose who he wanted to take home with him for the night. Today, he just wanted to crash. He’d pour himself a scotch on the rocks and drown out all the insecurities. Friday meant he could sleep in tomorrow, so he’d drink enough to keep all his nightmares at bay.

****

Adora Garcia had three major assignments due in the next two weeks, so her desk and laptop were going to be her best friends for a while. She’d been studying all morning, empty coffee cups and balls of scrunched up paper hiding her cellphone. When it began to ring, she remembered the promise to pick her mother up from work while her car was in the shop.

She drove out to the waterfront where her mother worked cleaning Tobias Bennett’s condo three days a week and every Saturday. Adora hated driving in the downtown core, but it was the least she could do for the woman who raised her single-handedly, working her fingers to the bone to provide the basics.

“Can I help you?”

Adora had been wandering around the massive lobby of the condo, admiring the modern architecture, use of glass, and difficult angles. The security had apparently had enough of her presence. She was used to being questioned in stores when they assumed she was stealing something. Her absentee father had been a blue-eyed, white businessman who’d used and dumped her mother twenty years ago, leaving her alone and pregnant. Although Adora didn’t have her mother’s skin color, she had many of her Latin American features, including her long dark hair.

“I’m looking for Tobias Bennett,” she said.

The security guard sauntered over, his thumbs hooked in his pockets. He looked her up and down. “Is he expecting you?”

She was going to give him the whole story, but decided to keep it simple. “Yes.”

He tilted his head. “You’re not his usual type, but who am I to judge? Top floor.”

Adora bit her tongue and hit the elevator button. She’d grab her mother and get the hell out of this overpriced neighborhood. It was hard enough getting by without all the judgmental stares and stereotypes.

She wasn’t one of Mr. Bennett’s whores.

Her mother had told her all about the old bastard’s weekly escapades. There wasn’t enough money in all the world to pay Adora to sleep with him—not that he’d want her. She imagined a man in his position could have whoever he wanted. It made her sick thinking of all the beautiful young women who gave themselves to him in exchange for money or status. That would never be her. A degree in architecture would be her way out, a chance to make a real life for herself.

When she reached the penthouse suite, she softly knocked on the door. When no one answered, she turned the handle. She decided to slip inside and find her mother for herself. If she knocked too loudly, she could wake Mr. Bennett. Adora was used to finding her mother on the job. When she was younger, she’d helped her clean the condos and offices so they could get home sooner.

The condo was huge, and not what she expected. She knew he had money, but nothing like this. Adora whirled around in slow circles as she admired the vaulting ceilings, massive windows, and impressive collection of artwork. She couldn’t even imagine living like this. It would be like stepping into a fairy tale. Mostly she craved the security that money could offer, not the luxuries. When she was a kid, she’d pretend to live in the homes her mother cleaned, role-playing and escaping into her imagination. Now she was an adult, and knew the only way she’d get ahead was working her ass off.

She studied the streets below from the massive floor to ceiling window, the people and cars scurrying about like tiny ants, when a throat cleared behind her. Adora paled, slowly turning to the sound. She swore her heart stopped when she saw a man standing there wearing an open robe. He wore navy pajama pants underneath and no shirt, an empty coffee mug dangling in his hand.

It couldn’t be Tobias Bennett. She’d already envisioned exactly what her mother’s boss would look like, and it was nothing like the man in front of her. This man wasn’t haggard with sweaty palms and balding head. His chest was hard, with a light sprinkling of dark hair, and chiseled abs. A thin trail of hair led down into his low waistband … she averted her eyes. Adora swallowed hard, waiting for the shitstorm. She didn’t want her mother to get fired because she was uninvited in Mr. Bennett’s very expensive condo.

He didn’t say a word, just stared at her, like a predator planning its attack. Should she say something? Apologize? Explain the situation? No words came out of her mouth, even when he started to walk closer.

“You’re not Maria.” His voice was deep, a hint of teasing, but no malice.

“I’m just picking her up. I’m sorry if I startled you.”

He wet his bottom lip and moved to the side to get a better look at her. She felt as if she was on auction. This was exactly the reason she was enrolled in college, so she’d never be at the mercy of a man. She could only imagine the horrors her mother had to deal with over the course of her life, especially speaking minimal English.

“Do you work in the building?”

She’d kept her head down, but dared to look up into his eyes. “No. I’m her daughter.”

He smirked, realization softening his features. His hair was still damp from a shower, and his dark, musky scent suited him perfectly. “You know, Maria’s worked here for what? Ten years? I never knew she had a daughter.”

“Did you ask?”

“My Spanish isn’t the greatest.” He held out his hand. “Tobias.”

This was actually Tobias Bennett? One of the wealthiest men in the city? She wasn’t sure how she felt about him now that she’d seen him in the flesh. Her mother had a job because of him, but Adora had always associated money with everything debased in society. From her experience the wealthier the person, the higher they expected you to jump.

She shook his outstretched hand. “Adora Garcia.” His grip was firm, and he didn’t allow her to pull away. She looked down at his hand, and hers was tiny in his grip. Her body coiled tight, a wash of need taking her by surprise. When she glanced up to see his intention, her breath caught.

“Such a pretty name,” he said. His words were slow and deliberate, mesmerizing her.

Then she thought better. He was a renowned playboy, and she had no intention of being his next victim. She pulled her hand back, which only served to amuse him.

“Have you seen my mother?”

“I don’t know what I’d do without her. She knows exactly how I like things, and half the time I don’t even know she’s here.” He ran the backs of his fingers along the length of her hair. She’d left in such a rush, she hadn’t pulled it back into her usual ponytail. “I can see her in you.”

She instinctively flinched away from his touch.

“Are you afraid of me?” he asked.

“I don’t know you.”

He moved toward his open concept kitchen, setting his mug on the counter. Tobias flicked on his coffee maker and then leaned over the counter, using one curled finger to beckon her closer. She took tentative steps, making sure to stay on the opposite side of the granite island. “How about we change that?”

“Change what?” she asked.

“I want to get to know you, Adora. Can I take you to dinner?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Really? Why would you want to take me to dinner?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

She scoffed. “Where would I start? You know nothing about me. What if I’m already dating someone?”

Tobias poured his coffee, then left it aside. He walked around the island to where she stood, bracing a hand on each side of the counter, caging her in. “Are you?” he asked.

Adora forgot how to breathe. He was so much taller than she was, his shoulders blocking out the rest of the room, making her feel small and feminine. He had such a commanding presence, and she imagined he got everything he wanted.

“Cat got your tongue?”

“Yes, I have a boyfriend,” she lied. For all she knew he had another one-night stand still sleeping in his bed. Adora decided it was best to put up a wall to protect herself from this shark. If she rejected him flat out, her mother could lose her job. A boyfriend was a safe answer, an easy out.

He shook his head, his dark eyes stripping her layer by layer. “You’re a terrible liar, little one.” He ran the pad of his thumb along her lower lip, making her bolt back, hitting the counter. Tobias still wouldn’t let her escape. “I’ll bet all my shares in the Bennett Corporation that you’re a virgin, too.”

She gasped.

He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. “I didn’t get this far by not being able to read people.”

“Where’s my mother?” she repeated, looking side to side for an escape. This stranger had unraveled her in just a few minutes. She felt so exposed, so deliciously violated. He had to be over twice her age, so why did he affect her like this? She wasn’t used to watching all her control slip away.

“Relax, baby girl. I’m just playing.” He stepped back, running his hand through his dark hair, a bit of grey at the temples. Everything about him was composed and deliberate. “I’m just asking for one date.”

“I don’t think I’m your type,” she said. “I’m not interested in a good time, and I can’t be bought.” She stood firm on her beliefs. No way would she be used and discarded. Not for all the money in the world, no matter how tempting he may be.

But a part of her, deep down to the marrow, wanted to be his. Wanted to be taken and claimed. Was she dealing with daddy issues? Was she sick for desiring a man exuding power and control? He was everything she tried to steer clear of, but she was inexplicably drawn to him. That one touch made her desperate for more, but she had to resist her twisted desires. Adora was convinced her DNA was against her, leading her to follow in her mother’s footsteps. She wanted more from a man, demanded more from her life.

“Everyone has a price,” he said.

She pushed away, finally able to breathe once she put space between them. His scent was addictive, pulling her under his spell. Adora turned around once at a safe distance. “Maybe in your world. Not mine.”

“Then prove me wrong. One date.”

It took all her willpower to refuse him. “Sorry, I’m not interested.”

End of sample chapter

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