He ran his tongue through the seam where her thigh met her leg. On one side and then kissed over to the other.
Thensweet baby Jesus, thank youhe finally pushed her thighs wide.
She was a feast.
Thats really all there was to it. Raven was a lush bounty and he couldnt seem to stop himself from binging. Her mouth, dear god, that mouth, so delicious. It certainly didnt hurt that her lips were swollen from his cock. Her skin tasted just right. Like nothing hed had before. But he wanted it. Wanted more. Those pierced nipples had done him in. So fucking hot.
And now he stared at the ring nestled between her labia.
Your clit is pierced. Holy fuck.
Not my clit. The hood.
Her words were slightly slurred, slow and lazy. Good.
His cock wanted him to be aware that it was just fine and ready to go again. He wanted inside that glistening cunt.
But first he was going to eat her until he made her come really, really hard.
He leaned in close and breathed her in. Then he licked. So. Fucking. Good.
Hot.
The appeal of the piercing wasnt something he could deny. He tugged gently at first. But her moans deepened when he increased pressure, so he tugged harder.
He reached down to grab her ankles, shoving her feet up and back, spreading her open wide and utterly at his mercy.
More of this womans bounty to take.
And he did. Licking and sucking, fucking her with his tongue. He wanted this to last.
Her clit was swollen and hard. Each time he licked over the piercing she gave a long, shuddering sigh. Probably mimicking the one in his head. Over and over. She was so amazingly responsive to his touch. So he just kept touching.
It was the way he sucked her clit into his lips, licking the underside after hed tugged on that damned ring, that finally pushed her over. Her back bowed, muscles seized and she groaned long and hard as her taste filled every part of him in a hot, slick rush.
He found the muscle control to reach for the nightstand.
She opened her eyes and stretched lazily, grabbing him with her thighs and holding on. Where you goin?
He held the foil package up for her to see. Just a quick intermission.
Her smile made him even harder.
Roll over. Ass up. Head down.
She complied so easily he had to take a deep breath and count to ten before he touched his cock to put the condom on.
Goddamn, youre like a work of art.
He lined up at the notch of her cunt and pressed in, the breath leaving him. So hot she scalded him through the latex. She pressed back, taking him in deep and he slapped her ass without thinking. Then he snatched his hand back, unable to tear his gaze from the rising, red handprint hed created.
But she didnt punch him or recoil in horror. Instead her cunt gripped him tighter, so tight he nearly saw stars when he had to close his eyes to get his control back.
I decide the pace.
All right.
He rewarded her with a hard thrust and she gave him a moan that shot through his system.
Her skin was beautiful and pale. The mark he made only spiced the edge of his hunger. He wanted to see a bite mark, or the bruise from his thumb. Wanted to know shed wear the evidence of the way hed been in her, long after shed left his house.
Greed for her seemed to rush through him. Desire so deep he struggled against it until he realized there was no way out and simply gave in. Shed been different from the first moment hed spoken to her. Hell, even before that as hed caught sight of her at the edges of the few events theyd both been part of.
He ran his hands over her curves, over the nip of her waist, the bumps of her vertebrae, the sweet flesh of her ass.
And he gave it another slap. Again, harder than hed imagined.
It burned. The pain, for long moments, had roused her from that lazy pleasure at the way hed felt when hed worked his cock into her pussy. And then the burn spread. Slow and delicious. Tingling.
And then . . . hed told her he controlled the pace. Hed ordered her around, and for the first time in her life, instead of reacting and pushing back, she let him. And it had been . . . really, really good.
So she let it be.
Hed given her an orgasm from his mouth that had pretty much devastated the memory of every other damned orgasm shed ever had. And her sex life had been really healthy and awesome. So really, what was the point in arguing when he clearly delivered on the promise to make her feel good?
His cock was fat. Filling her just right. His hands had settled at her hips, fingers digging in to control her movement as hed begun to fuck her in short, hard digs that sent her tits brushing against the blanket beneath her. Sending slow waves of pleasure through her when shed just come moments before.
He had game all right.
Jonah fucked her at his pace. Just like hed said. Slow and hard. A fairly irresistible combination. Shed fallen into a place, a dreamy sort of consciousness, floating on the pleasure, flatteredinsanely sothat he so clearly found her desirable.
One hand let go and he got closer as he reached around her waist and down, finding her pussy. She sucked in a breath as he tugged the ring and then squeezed her clit. He played awhile, seemingly testing her to find what she liked best. And then he worked it, over and over and over, until she was coming again and he grunted a strained curse and pushed in deep.
They fell to the mattress. He disappeared for a few moments and came right back, putting an arm over her waist and then pulling her close.
When I regain the ability to move again, I have ice cream in my freezer.
Youre going to propose some sort of Faustian bargain, arent you? She mumbled this into the hard muscle of his biceps. I mean, awesome sex, great food and now ice cream? Will I have to give you my soul?
He chuckled. Maybe.
And she still didnt run.
4
He really couldnt have said why he found himself standing in front of Written On The Body just three days later.
Which was a total lie. The reason lay just inside. Jonah hadnt been able to get her off his mind. Her voice, the way she smelled. The feel of her body against his own. Shed lodged herself under his skin, drawing his attention. And he didnt care to fight it.
That night at his home hed wanted her to stay over but shed refused. Politely enough. But when hed woken up alone and hard, it had only underlined how much more he craved from this woman.
She stood at the counter, grinning up at Brody Brown. Jonah frowned. Oh, he knew there was nothing romantic between them. Not anymore.
Just the evening before hed seen Levi and Daisy at an art event in town and hed opened himself up to so much trouble when hed pumped Daisy for information about Raven. Hed never hear the end of it. From Daisy and from his brother.
He knew though that for a time, many, many years before, Raven and Brody had been a thing. That Brody had been in love with her, or had thought he was, and shed never wanted to settle down and had been with someone else. Daisy had been careful to underline, though, that Raven, by all reports, had been clear with Brody that she wasnt monogamous. It had meant something to know she hadnt cheated.
But the two were close to this day. Daisy had indicated that there was trouble when Brodys wife, Elise, had first come onto the scene, but the two women had worked things out, and that she was extremely connected to Brody and Elises daughters.
He knew she wasnt seeing anyone seriously. Again, Daisy had underlined her lack of wanting to see anyone seriously. Which Jonah thought was bullshit. If anyone deserved some seriously, it was Raven. She needed a man to cherish her. To anchor her. He was old enough to understand this thing he felt about her was way more than infatuation. There was a lot of getting to know each other to be done. But he knew what he wanted, and he got what he wanted.
He wanted Raven.
She turned her head at the sound of the bell at the door and her smile changed when she recognized him. She was touched. And he was doubly glad hed come by.
Hello, Jonah. What brings you here? She moved around Brody to him and triumph heated his gut.
He took her hands, linking his fingers with hers, tugging her into a hug. She went willingly, kissing the side of his neck as she did.
You bring me here. Are you free for lunch?
I have a piercing coming in in five minutes. After that Im free for a few hours.
You do piercings too?
She smiled as he released her and she stepped back. I do. Why? You got something you want me to pierce?
Maybe later.
She laughed.
So how about I hang out for a few and we can head out when you finish? Is that all right?
She shrugged. Sure. Or you can pop over next door and grab a coffee or something and Ill collect you when Im done.
Can I watch you work? Or is it a piercing in a place I cant see?
Its an eyebrow piercing so you can watch from this chair here. My station is there. She pointed.
He grinned. All right then.
Her client came in and he didnt fail to notice the more-than-friendly kiss the woman planted on Ravens mouth.
An ex. But really ex. Brody stretched out in the chair next to Jonah.
Am I that obvious?
Brody laughed. Nah.
I know there are women in her past too. Im not shocked or anything. If he couldnt hold her attention, it wasnt that he was male. He knew enough about their chemistry to understand it was more than that for her anyway.
Brody sucked in a breath and began to speak, but held back.
What?
Shes a lot more than she appears to be on the outside. I know youve been asking around about her. Shes abrasive sometimes. Blunt. But shes not as tough as you might think.
Im not out to hurt her.
Thats good. Because shes had enough of that in her life. Just dont go thinking shes someone you can tame. That way lies madness. Heartache.
Well, Jonah tended to think that shed find the right person one day. There was vulnerability there, just beneath her surface. That was the Raven that so fascinated him.
I like her. She likes me. Its a good start. And how did you know I was asking around?
Brody laughed. I suppose I should let you know that nothing stays secret for long in our group. Gillian is very protective of Raven. She knows from Daisy, who is one of her besties. And then Erin found out and told Elise, who then told me. They wanted to know about you. If you fuck her over, it wont just be my foot in your ass. Youll have a gaggle of pissed-off women to be scared of.
Jonah knew enough of Daisy to truly understand that threat. The women who his brothers lady love surrounded herself with were strong and fierce as well as hot. I thought she and your wife had a strained thing?
Brody snorted. At first, yes. But that was years ago. Raven is really special to me and Erin. Shes good to my kids. Shes good to my wife. Once she lets you in, theres a whole different side to her.
And you?
Raven has repeatedly been there for me when I needed her to be. Without having to be asked. She moved up here more permanently after Alexander was born to be with Erin when Erin needed her. She is a friend in the deepest sense of the word. Shes my family. And if you fuck her over, I will fuck you over right back.
Raven finished up and turned back, raising a brow when she caught him talking with Brody. She took payment and waved as her friend left.
Whatever are you two talking about? She came to stand in front of Jonah, holding her bag.
I was telling him that youd do a great job on his tattoo. Brody stood and Jonah did as well.
Ready to go? He held out an arm and Raven linked hers with it.
Sure.
Know any good places nearby?
The café next door is good. Erin owns it and still works there a few days a week.
I wont have you to myself, will I?
Probably not. Im totally irresistible, you see. Everyone loves me.
He put an arm around her shoulder to pull her closer. She wore snug jeans and boots with a really fantastic red sweater that hugged her curves. I certainly think youre irresistible. And you smell really good.
My goodness, I already let you see my boobies. Youre being awfully nice.
Im a nice guy.
Youre pretty nice. And you eat pussy like a champion.
He paused, swinging her to face him. Its a beautiful pussy. He kissed her quickly and released, pulling her back to his side as they kept walking.
Theres a little Thai place just ahead. I like it. The food is decent.
Some tea would be good.
The place was packed, but after a five-minute wait they got a table and settled in.
He pulled her chair out and to his surprise, she allowed it. But when he sat, she put the napkin on his lap.
They ordered. She waited for him to lead, which . . . affected him and he wasnt entirely sure why.
But she was sure to order tea for them both and when it arrived she poured it out. Do you take sugar?
He took her hand instead, kissing her palm. I like it that youre taking care of me. That you know Im capable of it but you do it anyway.
She smiled. Oh. Well. Thank you.
Shy fit her well. He loved her boldness, yes, but this side to her was alluring as well.
He let go. Reluctantly. Sipping his tea, he took her in.
What?
Do I make you nervous, Raven?
You know you do when you do that look thing youre doing now. She sipped her tea. And. You like it.
He laughed. I guess I do. Are you having a good day?
Much better now that a handsome man swept into work and took me to lunch. How about you?
I had a hearing this morning. Went to a charity board meeting up here, thats why I was in the neighborhood.
Which charity?
Its one of my mothers favorites. Created Families. A program that gives support to foster parents. Its a tough thing. Half a million kids are in the foster care system. They dont get the support they need and weve essentially just been writing off generations of kids. And the families who are in the program struggle. They have good intentions but often get lost in the system.
She stiffened and he put his cup down, concerned.
Everything all right?
She took a deep breath. Yes. Fine.
Liar. Is it the foster care stuff?
I am not opposed to foster care. She said it so carefully, so very stiff.
You sure you didnt go to law school? That answer was pretty classic. These kids need help. There arent enough homes for them. No one should have to spend their childhood bouncing from place to place.
No, they shouldnt.
Then he got it. You were in foster care?
She looked down at her plate for long moments and he was sorry hed followed up because while he wanted to know her, he didnt want to cause her heartache.
I was, yes.
The food arrived and she busied herself dishing things up, asking him what he wanted and how much. It seemed to smooth them both a little.
Im sorry. I didnt mean to upset you.
She waved it away. I was in and out of foster care from four to seventeen. So I know firsthand that kids shouldnt bounce around from place to place. Its nice that youre trying to help.
He wanted to say more but the look on her face told him she was done talking about the subject.
So how about you come over Friday night? For the first tattoo installment. I promise you dinner and well-made martinis.
She pulled her phone out and checked her calendar. In some women hed have suspected it was an affectation made to appear busy, but he saw plenty of things written down. And then got annoyed that she didnt say yes right away.
Which then annoyed him that hed expect something like that.
Friday works. I can come over at eight thirty.
Good. Do you have days off?
Yes, usually one weekend day and one weekday. It gives Brody time with his family if I spot him on the weekends. Why?
She used her chopsticks like an expert. He liked the grace with which she moved. And the way she seemed to step in and help her friends.
Come spend the day with me. We can go see the leaves. Drive up north a bit, have a nice meal, drive back. Do you like jazz?
I like most kinds of music. Especially live.
Theres a place. In SODO. Big band jazz. We can stop off at the house and then go for a drink and some music.
Her face lit and he was glad hed suggested it.
Yes. Id love that.
All right then. I have some work Saturday, but I have Monday off.
Okay then.
He wanted to push it a little. You should wear red. I like you in red. And your hair down.
She looked him over as she ate for long moments. All right.
Raven liked how he backed off after shed told him about being in foster care. She liked how hed opened her door and pulled out her chair. It had been . . . odd, yes, odd the way a thrill had rushed through her when hed told her to wear red and leave her hair down.
If another man had said the same thing, in the same bossy tone hed used, shed have gotten up and left the restaurant. But he wasnt another man. And her pussy seemed to really like it when he got bossy with her.
Probably something she should get therapy for, like everything else in her life, but a girl needed a few issues, right?
He insisted on paying and she let him. It was thirty bucks anyway. He insisted on walking her back, her hand in his as he spoke about this or that, nothing serious or heavy.
He shielded her body with his own, walking on the outside, moving in front of her if a crowd came walking from the opposite direction. It was courtly. Gentlemanly.
No one treated her that way. But he did.
It shouldnt have mattered. It was just manners. But it did. And she wasnt sure if she wanted it not to matter more than she liked that it did.
At the door to the shop he paused, pulling her out of the doorway. He pulled her close and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Thanks for sharing your time with me.
Im glad you came out. I know its not exactly near your office.
He shrugged. My office is in the north part of downtown. Its really only about ten minutes away. And. He paused, bending down to kiss her, warmth rushing through her system at that contact. I like seeing you.
Like fried food.
Confusion washed over his features. Hm?
I really like it. But its super bad for me. And yet, I cant get enough. Youre like egg rolls.
His confusion was replaced by a rather rakish grin. Im way less fattening.
Ill keep that in mind. See you Friday at your place, then.
He let her go, hauling her back once more for another kiss before finally opening the door.
Just gonna watch you walk away. Your ass is spectacular. He said it quietly, his breath brushing against her ear and sending a shiver through her.
5
Raven looked up from the client shed just finished working on to catch sight of Erin coming through the door with Alexander on her hip.
When he saw Raven, his face lit up and he clapped. Auntie!
The thing about three-year-olds was that they didnt judge you. Oh well, they did, but for stuff like not having Goldfish crackers in your cabinets. So she always was sure to have Goldfish in her cabinets, because hello.
Shed never understood this about children before Alexander had been born. Raven had always tended to avoid them before that. But when hed come along, shed fallen in love nearly instantly.
Alexander, like his mother, was simply impossible not to love. And so shed given up trying to keep any walls around her heart and it had been one of the best decisions shed ever made.
Being with Alexander was always so awesome because he accepted her. The way she was. Not the way he thought she should be. There was something comforting in that.
She thanked her client, a guy shed done work on for nearly ten years, and moved to where Brody had intercepted Alexander, swinging him up high and then bringing him in close for a hug.
He giggled, joy simply radiating from him. Bo, Bo, Bo! Yo.
Raven laughed at what a big old softie Brody was.
Erin grinned up at her brother, watching the way Alexander crawled up that chest with absolutely no fear.
Hes going to give me a heart attack. Hes not afraid of anything.
Brody snorted. Welcome to my world. You and Adrian aged me at least fifteen years, and youre both still around today. Uncle Brody isnt going to drop this kiddo.
No way, Bo! Alexander kissed his uncles chin, tugging his beard.
He wouldnt, Raven knew. He was just that sort of man.
Its probably also that his dads are so gigantic he has no idea thats not the norm. Raven put her head on Erins shoulder a moment as they watched Alexander.
Could be. How are things?
Not bad at all. Seems to be my week for visits from people at the shop, so I cant complain. You?
Groovy. Want to come to Red Mill with me and the young master? He sat straight up in bed this morning and shouted, Rings! I took that as a suggestion we come grab you for a lunch date.
Brody handed him over to Raven and he latched on, hugging her neck and giving her sloppy kisses. She squeezed him back, loving his weight and the way he trusted her to hold and not let go.
Erin kissed his elbow. What say you, baby? Can Auntie come along for burgers and rings?
He let go enough to lean back and look up into Ravens face. He grinned, showing a neat row of straight white teeth. Sure. Yes!
Awesome. Its a date then. She swung him to her hip and he held on, playing with her hair as she checked her appointments. Im free for another few hours.
I wish it wasnt so cold already or we could make a picnic of it.
Ah well, its always a picnic when were together. She kissed Alexanders forehead.
They walked, as it wasnt raining and they werent in a hurry. Once she put him down, Alexander held her hand on one side and his moms on the other.
Howd it go? With Jonah, I mean.
Raven rolled her eyes at Erins failure to sound so casual when she was really just digging for info.
He came in to take me to lunch yesterday. Im starting his tat tomorrow night actually. You should see his house. View of the lake. Huge. Lots of art all over the place. He can cook pretty well too.
Well aware of Alexanders awesome ability to mimic and repeat any and all manner of things, Raven knew Erin was dying to ask about sexytimes but couldnt. This amused her greatly.
Gillian says he asked about you. Through Daisy and Levi, of course. It was nice, dont get that look.
Hes the type who wants to know everything.
Erin laughed. Hes going to be so frustrated with you. Then again, Im going to bet he finds the mystery hot.
Hes bossy. Im sure he thinks its simply his due to know everything about me.
Erin sent one raised brow as Raven opened the door at Red Mill.
Rings. Rings. Rings! Alexander did a little dance as they waited in line.
I feel you, kid. She gave her order quickly and efficiently. They didnt mess around at Red Mill. You didnt talk on your cell phone when you got to the counter or theyd send you to the end of the line. They didnt have a twenty-eight-page menu. But everything they did, they did to perfection, including the green chili chicken sandwich and rings she was going to stuff down her gullet in just a few minutes.
It was late enough that they found a table and squeezed in. Alexander tapped and sang as Erin blew on the freshly made rings so he wouldnt burn his tongue.
Her friend was an awesome mother. Alexander would never have even a moment in his childhood when he doubted how much he was loved. It meant a lot to Raven to know that on his behalf. Meant a lot to know that Alexander would grow up to be an adult who lavished love and attention on his children too.
And it also meant a lot to Raven to know she could love this child and prove to herself that she wasnt so broken she was incapable of being a mother herself. If she ever wanted to, which she wasnt sure about.
But Alexander helped her put a lot of perspective between herself and her history.
Youre coming for Thanksgiving, right?
Raven sighed. I dont know, Erin. I usually travel at the holidays.
But things have changed now. Erin tipped her chin in Alexanders direction.
Will Adrian be there?
Gillian will. And Poppy. And Miles and Rennie and Martine. And Alexander.
Alexander waved an onion ring round. I be there.
Thats always my favorite part, bud. She smiled his way before looking back to Erin. Youre really sneaky and underhanded. Erin knew Raven couldnt resist things if Alexander was part of them.
I totally am. Which is ultimately part of my charm. Lets be real.
Its sad you have such deep self-esteem problems. Im not a holiday-with-the-family person. You know that.
The people you were born to dont deserve you anyway. What I know is that Im your family. And I love you and this monkey right here loves you and Gillian loves you. Brody loves you. Rennie adores you. Even Adrian has softened because that baby of his thinks youre the best thing ever. Please? Youre often gone during the holiday season and I dont want you to be alone. I want you at my table eating turkey.
Youre not going to be satisfied until I agree, are you? Not that Raven really wanted her to be disappointed. Knowing someone wanted her at their table meant something.
Heck no. Erins grin showed no guilt.
Alexander patted her hand. Heck no. Theres turkey!
Raven kissed Alexanders temple and he shoved a piece of grilled cheese sandwich in his mouth.
Fine.
You need to always give in to my requests. Things would be so much easier that way.
Raven rolled her eyes and Alexander told her about his new preschool class before they finished up and walked back to the shop. Pausing for bird sightings and to take a few turns on the swings.
It had been a very nice two-hour break.
Its good you have an in with the boss to take such long breaks. Erin winked at her as Alexander strolled over to watch his uncle work.
Erin owned the café next door so Alexander had spent a lot of his childhood not only there but in Written On The Body as well.
Kids got a fascination with ink. At least he knew people whod give him great work when the time came. Or hed end up a tattoo artist.
Hes lucky enough to be able to watch two of the very best in the world on a regular basis. Erin waggled her brows. We need to get together for drinks so you can give me all the dirty details about Jonah, she added in an undertone. Youre coming to Delicious on Sunday, right?
Raven shifted, uncomfortable. Mary, the woman who ran the supper club, came up once a month to host it for their friends and family. The food was wonderful, but it was exhausting to put out all the effort everyone expected of Raven.
Erin looked to Alexander, who had hopped up next to Brody, watching intently. She asked if you were coming. Mary likes you. Its a fun adult thing and I so rarely get that. I want you there. I know its selfish of me. But we can have some wine and you can tell me about Jonah.
Or I can write you an e-mail or you can call.
Erins expression told Raven that her friend wouldnt let up until she agreed. Everyone is so nice. Im not one of you.