Hed demand her gaze when it was time.
For then, her body surrounded his in a hot, wet embrace. The weight of her body against his kept him aware of her curves.
You make my mouth water. So lush and sexy. Goddamn.
Her smile was a little shy. She was touched. The hesitance there only served to dig in under his skin even more.
Slow. I want this to last a while.
She pouted then and he laughed.
Someone doesnt like to wait.
I have instant-gratification issues.
He tugged on the cuffs a little and she swallowed hard, her head falling back.
Hed thought he was being smart, but all hed done was render her even more attractive. The long line of her neck offered up along with her tits. The window behind the chair let in moonlight and it caressed her skin.
He growled, unable not to. He leashed his impulse to thrust up hard and fast just to see her tits jiggle. Though he would the next time.
He wanted to savor this. So he did. On and on as he drew closer and closer. His orgasm built, filling him bit by bit, more and more, until there was nothing else to do but let it take over.
But before he did, he wanted her with him.
He moved his free hand to her clit where he squeezed it between his fingers. Fingers hed gotten wet in her mouth. Hot, hot, hot.
I want you to come all around my cock.
She shifted to look down her body at where his fingers played against her clit. He watched her watch him. Orgasm bore down on him. His balls crawled up close to his body and he came on a snarled curse. But he kept his fingers squeezing over and over until, just a few seconds after hed begun to come, she did as well.
It drew his climax out longer, the tight grip of her inner walls around his cock. Wave after wave until it felt like there was nothing left in his body.
He unclipped her wrists and gently helped her stand, leading her to his bed before darting to the bathroom to get rid of the condom and returning to her.
She watched him as she stretched. Wow.
He grinned. Why, thank you. Back atcha. He watched her carefully, so carefully that she cocked her head.
What? Did I do something wrong? Im not . . . well, this was new for me. She blushed so prettily he couldnt help but lean down to kiss her.
You did everything right. I just want to be sure youre with me all the way. What we did was good. Really good. I want you to be good with it too.
She smiled, sliding her fingers through his hair. Yeah? I dont know what to say to you sometimes.
Thats got to be novel for you.
Her laugh relaxed him.
Thats pretty true, as it happens. I get the feeling this is normal for you. No, not normal, thats a judgment word as Erin would say. Regular? I guess I figured you just said what needed to happen and that was that. Your lifestyle? I dont know, Im saying it wrong.
He understood right at that moment that Raven Smith hated to be uncertain about things. Liked to be in charge.
That she was willing to be off balance with himfor himmeant quite a lot. More than he wanted it to, but it was too late to feel anything else for her but the way he did. That he hadnt known her very long was pretty irrelevant at that moment.
I resist terms like lifestyle because playing golf is a lifestyle, gardening. Whatever. To me, this isnt a lifestyle. This is how I like to have sex. Other people may say differently and thats how the world works. Regardless, Id be a prick to do things with you, especially when you were bound, that you didnt like as much as I liked doing them.
Oh. Yes, I liked them. You should do them more.
He laughed, pulling her close. Gimme a few minutes to recover. Youre hell on my cock, gorgeous.
Thats probably one of the best compliments Ive ever received.
8
I cant believe I let you talk me into this.
Erin laughed as she hooked her arm with Ravens and steered her toward the front door of Tart, the home of Marys supper club, Delicious.
It was, of course, already full of the people who made up the whole extended group of friends and relatives Erin was part of.
Mary had to stop doing the public one after it had become so well known she was involved with Damien Hurley, uber big rock star. But she still did them for her friends on occasion.
And I cant believe you didnt tell me Jonah Warner was a kinky motherfucker. Jesus, you totally hold out on me all while telling me you love me?
Erin said it in an undertone so no one else could hear, but Raven felt the heat of a blush anyway. Damn it, she did not blush!
I told you yesterday. Im sorry. I figured it would scar Alexander for life to hear his mother and Auntie talk about how Aunties man loved to whip her with a slapper while she was blindfolded and tied up.
I love it when they blindfold me. Makes all my other senses come alive.
Theyd actually not been able to get into the whole Jonah discussion too deeply the day before either, as theyd run into Elise and Rennie while they were out shopping and had ended up spending the afternoon together.
Hes so hot. My god. Erins grin made it impossible not to grin back.
Like this was news? The man messed with her head. Made her break all her rules. He was a tornado in her life.
I agreed to be monogamous while we were together.
Erin turned, her brows flying up. Get out! Really? Damn, he must make you come so hard.
Well yes. Didnt I already say that? He demanded it. And I like him and it seemed silly to argue. Im too busy to fuck anyone else right now anyway, and this will burn out in time and Ill move on when were done. Im a big girl, I can do it. She chewed her lip. I think.
Erin cocked her head.
God, what if I mess it up?
Erin put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. Youre not going to mess it up. She took a drink from the table and handed it to Raven, clinking her glass to it. It had to happen sometime. My baby is growing up.
Raven snorted before she took a sip.
And then she heard him.
Well now, Im extra glad I came tonight. Jonah walked straight to her as if no one else was even in the room. He took her free hand and kissed her fingertips. Hello.
She knew she did one of those cartoon gulps but she really couldnt help herself. Hi. Fancy seeing you here.
I called your place, actually. To ask you to dinner. But you werent there and Levi bugged me to come here and I was hungry. But this makes everything so much better.
He made her skin tingle. His voice did things to her nipples. Flashes of how he felt deep inside her as he fucked her kept running through her memory.
Hey, Raven.
She tore her gaze away from Jonah to catch sight of Daisy approaching wearing a big smile.
Hello, Daisy.
We saved you a seat. Next to Jonah, I mean. She fluttered her lashes at Raven, who managed to wrestle her left eyebrow into staying put.
Jonah did some fancy thing with her hand. He turned as he put her hand on his arm, his own hand firmly over it, keeping her at his side as he walked her over to their table.
Erin simply moved their things down to that end of the table. That was pretty nifty there.
Jonah gave Erin a look, but she wasnt the type to be scared off by a big alpha male face, as she had two of her very own anyway.
That little spin as you directed her, I mean. So how have you been?
Todd sat on one side of Erin and Ben the other. He kissed Erin quickly. Smooth. You totally could have been a CIA agent with your sneaky skills.
Im not sneaky. Hes smooth. Im not waterboarding him or anything.
Jonah leaned in closer to Erin, clearly amused. Would you?
I dont know. I might. Have you done anything worthy of being waterboarded?
Not yet. I dont think.
Raven cleared her throat. Just ask him whatever youre going to ask him already. She turned to Jonah. You need to give in now. She wont give up. Shes like one of those little dogs. Shell bark and nip at your ankles until you submit. Its her way.
Erin laughed, clearly delighted. Im just getting a feel for him. If he wants to take my daughter out, I should know his intentions.
Raven couldnt help but laugh. Im a big girl, Mom.
Shes concerned. He put a hand over hers briefly. I promise not to despoil her. And to have her back by ten.
What if I like being despoiled?
I tell you, you walk away from a table filled with these people and you return to talk of despoiling.
Mary shooed her fiancé, Damien, to the table. Sit. Dont get any ideas.
I can help you in the kitchen. He mooned over her, which Raventhough shed never admit it out loudthought was sort of sweet.
You are not my helper tonight.
I am. So back off, buster. Daisy sent him a lovely smile that sort of ruined her gruff words. You get her all the time. Its not enough that you stole her away to Oregon? You get to be in her kitchen every day. You need to learn to share.
That sounded sort of dirty. Can we watch? Adrian leaned back in his seat, his arm around Gillians back.
Only if you want me to poke your eyes out. Levi sipped his drink. If anyone gets to watch, its me. And Damien I guess, if hes nice.
Raven breathed a sigh of relief when the conversation moved past the grilling of Jonah. Oh, she knew people thought she loved being the center of attention and none of them mattered enough for her to correct their misperception. But she didnt like it.
Erin leaned closer. So we need to continue our discussion later.
Jonah slid his hand up her spine, stopping to cup the back of her neck. She shivered and Erins eyebrow slowly rose as she took in Ravens response.
Yes. Later.
Oh, is it a secret? Whatll I need to give you to let me join in? Jonahs words were playful, but his grip on her neck made Raven tingly.
Todd laughed.
Erin sniffed but wore a grin. This is what Im trying to get her to tell me. What you give her, I mean.
Raven knew this was her payment for being so provocative with all her friends. Now Erin was going to be merciless.
So whats on the menu tonight? She grabbed the card on her plate to look it over.
Jonah turned to her, amusement in his gaze. He tipped her chin up with his fingers. Are you trying to change the subject?
She leaned in close. May as well get him as worked up as she was. Ill tell her all the details later. When were not surrounded by fifty people. Dont worry, Ill be sure to tell her how hard you make me come.
He laughed, kissing her quickly. Good to know. I have a reputation to uphold.
Levi looked sideways at his brother and Jonah sent him a raised brow. Levi shrugged, but Jonah knew hed have to have a long talk with him about Raven.
But for that night, he wanted to be with her. It was clear by the way the others seemed to react that Raven hadnt brought dates around. Then again, he never had either.
He stroked the smooth skin at the back of her neck.
So I hear most of the outlining is done on your back piece. Brody spoke this time.
Yes. Its looking good. Hes a champ. I worked on him for several hours and he never complained.
Jonah snorted inwardly. He had a high pain tolerance and really, she was so good and he was so distracted by everything else that had been going on between them that hed barely noticed.
Itchy today though.
Means its healing. Thats a good thing.
My mother says he has superhuman healing powers, Levi added.
Levi and I used to beat the fuck out of each other. I always healed first.
Daisy sighed. Youre supposed to unite and beat other people up, not your brother!
Hes the one who hauled me out of bed and made me finally see reason and grovel to you. Levi smiled at Daisy, who softened immediately and sent a look to Jonah.
Yeah? Well, I guess its okay that you may have punched him over that.
Jonah laughed. Well, to be fair, we always united against anyone who tried to hurt our family and friends.
Thats what family does. Daisy shrugged and flounced off to help Mary in the kitchen.
Raven looked down at her hands.
He kept stroking her skin.
Erin glanced his way and then back to Raven. The storm had passed and Raven pulled her gaze from her hands and back up to Erin.
Brody spoke again. Make sure to take photographs of the back. Step by step. For the book.
Raven nodded at Brody. I did.
The book?
Raven is being featured in a piece about tattooing. Theres a short film with it too. Anyway, theyre using some of her bigger pieces. From her design for you, I think it would be a good one.
You saw it?
Of course I did. Brody gave him a look that told him he was dumb for thinking otherwise.
Jonah didnt quite know what to make of the closeness between Brody and Raven. It was totally and utterly clear Brody Brown adored his wife. They had a connection so strong, so tangible, it was nearly a physical thing. Brody was protective of Raven. Like he was of Erin in many ways.
But it rankled that she had this history with another man.
Stupid. He had an ex-wife he had a kid with. It seemed hypocritical when Raven didnt seem overly bothered by his ex. But there it was. Jonah figured he wasnt entirely reasonable when it came to Raven.
I show all my work to Brody. Hes a great sounding board. He tossed out a few of my sketches so you should be thankful.
Im sure they were just as amazing as the others.
Brody raised one brow and Elise blinked, hiding a smirk behind her hands.
Shes a pretty amazing artist. Im sure all the designs were good. Im sorry I didnt see them all.
Brody sipped his drink, clearly taking Jonahs measure. All around them pockets of laughter and conversation rose and fell, ebbed and flowed. These people, all of them, had a deep connection to one another. He liked it. Wanted a place in it. But he had to deal with this man sitting a few seats down, who clearly saw himself as Ravens protector. Jonah wanted that job.
She is. I agree. But its a process. Design, I mean. Some ideas dont make the cut.
Raven put her hand on Jonahs arm. Some of the designs he tossed out, as an example, would have been too large on your back, or too small. Because youre doing black and gray, the balance is really important. Youre too . . . elegant . . . No, thats a feminine term, I think . . . Anyway, all that ink wouldnt have fit you. Not your personality or your body type. Its why I bounce ideas off him. Hes been doing this longer than I have. Hes better at it.
On one hand, he liked that she explained. On the other, he hated that she was defending another person to him. That shed feel she had to, that he was being a pissy fool, that shed said anyone was better than her.
Youre the best. He kissed her again and she sighed.
Youre going to ruin my reputation as a hard-assed bitch, she murmured against his mouth as he pulled away.
Youre not a hard-assed bitch.
She laughed. I am. Thank you for the compliment. I am good at what I do. But its okay to admit hes better. Hes like . . . hes amazing. Gifted. Youre born with that potential. Im good, Im not gonna lie. But hes in another league.
I dont want you to put yourself down.
She paused, looking at him for long, quiet moments. Im not. This is real life, Jonah. There will always be people who are better than you at things. Richer people. People with nicer houses. Skinnier people. Whatever. Thats life.
He softened, smiling at her. All right. You have a point.
The first course came out and he leaned back as he ate, watching her interact with the others. She was open with Erin and Brody. Open with Gillian. But with the others less so. She was friendly, yes. Asked questions here and there, but it was clear she was uncomfortable on some level.
That bugged him.
His phone rang and he saw it was work related.
I need to take this. Ill be back shortly. He paused to kiss her temple and then moved outside to answer.
He was not happy with me. Brody grinned at her like a total loon.
He didnt like it that she said you were better than she was. I thought it was sweet. Elise patted her husbands arm.
Shed never had anyone like him. He touched her. A lot and not in a creepy, hey-lets-fuck-all-the-time way. He touched her like he couldnt not touch her. Like he wanted people to know they were together. Which was odd. He was possessive but in the best sense.
And then he was mad when he thought shed been putting herself down. That made her nervous. She knew how to deal with people who liked her well enough to have sex and hang out. But this was more. He was more.
I noticed that.
You are better than I am at tattooing.
Ah, but he reacted like a man protecting his woman reacts.
Im no ones anything.
Brody shook his head. Youre wrong about that. This guy is going to show you just how wrong.
If youll let him, Erin interjected. And you should. Hes gorgeous. And he digs you.
Raven scrubbed her hands over her face.
To her surprise it was Ben who spoke next. Leave the poor woman be. He smiled Ravens way and she shoved back her impulse to snarl. He was being nice and she really should learn how to accept kindnesses from people. Plus he was Alexanders dad and she never wanted to give them any cause to get in the way of her seeing that boy.
Creeps me out when everyone is nice to me. Like Im sick or something, Raven mumbled, getting up and heading to the ladies room.
Erin watched her friend go. Be back.
Brody nodded her way and Elise leaned into him, understanding as well.
Erin knew Raven was nervous. She hadnt wanted to come to Delicious at all, but Erin had pushed it. Knowing. No, wanting her to understand these people could be better friends if she just let them in. Wanting them to know Raven was so much more than what she appeared on the surface.
Erin caught up to her just inside the bathroom. You all right?
Raven broadcasted her annoyance in her stance and the look on her face. But Erin had known her a very long time and it didnt put her off. Raven could be fierce, of course, but she was all façade when it came to Erin and Brody and those she let inside.
Just had to pee. Been a long time since I needed an escort for that.
Dont be a bitch. I know this is a little much. I admire your restraint. You havent snarled at a single person. The sex must be really good to keep you so calm.
Raven groaned as she turned to wash her hands. Im fine. Im not going to punch anyone. Yet anyway. Stop provoking me.
I live to provoke you. God, stop being a joykiller. Let me have my fun. She softened. Hes nice.
Sometimes. Raven looked confused by that. Other times hes bossy and he likes to tie me up and use a slapper on my ass. She blurted it and looked quite vexed that she had.
Erin tried not to smile but it was impossible. I like the slapper. She shrugged. I like being tied up too.
Dont you think its weird that I do? Am I that fucked up that the first guy who does this to me gets me all hot?
Erin wanted to hug her, but she also knew it would have made Raven really uncomfortable and on the verge of losing her shit, which she clearly worked so hard to keep together. So she kept her distance.
You think it makes you fucked up to like being tied up? I guess Im in big trouble then. Does he do it against your will?
No! Do you think Id stay with someone who did something I didnt want done?
Nope. Which is why I dont think youre fucked up. Or, well, I do, but in the way that everyone is fucked up somehow. So why do you think that? Because adults who should have protected you when you were a kid didnt means you shouldnt like a little rough-and-ready fucking? Puh-leeze. Thats bullshit. That was abuse. Is he abusing you?
No. You said it yourself, hes a nice man. Mainly. Hes also bossy and annoying. Hes nosy and in my business and doesnt like being told no. Hes very stubborn.
Thank God or hed have dumped your grumpy ass by now. No matter how cute it is.
This is a mistake. You know that.
Why? Because he likes you on a deeper level than how you look? Because he demands your monogamy? Because he touches you like he thinks youre precious? You dont think its obvious to anyone with eyes? Im checking him out, wanting to see how he is with you and hes . . . enchanted by you. He listens to you when you talk. Hes got that super alpha male thing where he touches you to be sure everyone in the room knows youre with him. But not in a douchey way like he owns you. Tell me please, how that is a mistake? Unless being with someone who wants you for longer than five minutes and a few orgasms is a mistake? God, do you have so little value in yourself that youd think those jerkwads you banged in the past were better than this?
Fuck off.
Whatever. I know you. No one else but a guy like him would work out. Because he wont let you put him off with that attitude of yours. Erin allowed herself a touch of Ravens hand then. He values you. Like you should let someone value you. Its about time you let someone in who isnt me or a kid. She went into the stall.
This is all bullshit. Hes a dude Im fucking. Thats it. Were not getting married or anything. Its just a few weeks.
Erin sighed, annoyed. Once she finished up she came out and sneered at Raven before she started washing up. You be quiet. Im not one of those people who cant see past your crap. This is already different. Youre not eighteen. This isnt the first man, or woman, who made you come. Some stuff just is. You can walk around it and say its new, and it clearly is. But that doesnt change what it is. Sometimes you just know from the start. She turned to Raven as she started to leave. And youre not a coward, so stop running away from it.
9
Jonah hit the button to have the car answer his ringing phone. He was on his way over to Ravens to pick her up. Hed tried to coax her into sleeping over and shed refused.
He didnt get to where he was by taking no for an answer, but he knew strategy well enough to understand Raven had deeper reasons for not wanting to sleep over than how much she liked her own bed. And he was beginning to know her enough to detect the edge of something hed have to be careful about getting her to reveal to him.
It was Levi, his voice coming through the car speakers. You have the day off? Its a Monday. Are you sick?
Nope. Taking a vacation day. Is there a problem?
I was going to see if you were free for lunch. I have to be at the courthouse downtown in a few hours.
Raven and I are heading up to look at leaves and have lunch.
Levi got quiet and Jonah wished his brother could see how hard hed just rolled his eyes.
Okay, well, I guess Ill see you this weekend at dinner. You going to bring her?
Are you suggesting shes not good enough? Considering how much Levi had gone through with Daisy hed be surprised if his brother could have the balls to take any other tack with Raven than acceptance.
No. Im suggesting shes not . . . bring-home-to-Mom material.
I dont plan to bring her around until weve got some more time under our belt. Not because shes not bring-home-to-Mom material, as you say. But because shes going to need some preparation before I expose her to the Warner household.
So this is serious?
Jonah sighed again. Yes. I didnt think it would be when I first met her. I thought she was beautiful. I wanted to bed her and get a new tattoo. But its more. I cant explain it all. Im still processing it really.
Why so suddenly now? Why her?
Agitation rode him. I cant do this while Im driving and Im coming up to her block anyway. But shes different. Theres so much more to her than you see at first glance.
Im not attacking you. Im on your side so dont take that tone with me. Im trying to understand.
So am I. He didnt bother trying to find a parking spot. It was nearly impossible in that part of town and he had no intention of calling her and meeting her at the curb as shed suggested.
Lets have drinks on Wednesday. After the board meeting.
Sounds good.
He found a pay lot and then headed across the street and down the block to her building.
Fifth floor, corner. The place wasnt bad at all. The building was safe enough, though hed have preferred a doorman.
He tapped on her door and moments later she opened it up with one brow hiked.
Ready? He breezed past her into her place and she closed the door behind him. At least she wasnt going to push him out and slam it in his face. He knew he was being pushy. Knew it was out of her comfort range too.
I dont know that I would have pegged you as this tidy.
Tidy was an understatement. The place was organized. Everything in its place. Her shelves . . . Are these organized by color?
I told you Id meet you outside. She took a book from his hand and put it back and he grinned before hauling her close for a kiss.
I wanted to come in to get you. I am not the man who will honk at the curb.
Mm.
Not just color, but alphabetically and by color. Im impressed by this level of obsessive detail.
I like things in order. She grabbed her jacket and a bag. I have snacks. Shall we go?
Wait. Give me a tour.
She gave him a very fine side-eye as she sighed. Its a studio. This is pretty much it.
He moved around, peering at her shelves. What are these?
Sketchbooks. Books. Photo albums. The usual.
He pulled one out and she shifted, clearly uncomfortable. May I look?
She licked her lips, chewing on her bottom one a moment. Sure. Theyre just sketches, nothing special.
But they were special. Page after page of drawings. Sometimes they were of people or landscapes. Sometimes they were clearly ideas for tattoos. But they were all amazing.
Youve got a great deal of talent.
Im okay.
Prolific too. He indicated the multiple shelves.
This is all of them. You know, since I was twelve or so. Some of the earlier ones . . . they didnt . . . I didnt keep those.
How long have you been drawing? He led her to the sliders and then out onto the deck. The traffic in the distance was a hum, but not annoyingly so.
Since I was six or so. We should go.
Your only appointment is me. And Im right here. Youre my only appointment. No rush. Why werent you able to keep the ones from before you were twelve?
They didnt let you bring a lot. When you moved to a new place. Later I started keeping them at school, or in my great-grandmothers shed. But I didnt know much the earlier years.
He touched her then, sliding a hand through her hair, which shed left loose around her face. Awfully young to have to learn stuff like that. Did you lose her then? Your great-grandmother?
She lived until she was a hundred and one. But sheher voice thinned but didnt quite breakshe couldnt care for me after I turned three. She had several strokes and she couldnt get around well.
Im sorry. Your mother?