Tempted Read online

  “I said she will. Anything else?”

  After a chorus of “no”, I dismiss them all and push my chair back. I have something important to tend to in my room. E grabs my hand before I can leave, and I drop back in my chair with a groan. “Let me guess…you wanna talk?”

  “I do.”

  “When did we become bitches? You wanna have a sleepover and braid each other’s hair?”

  “Shut the fuck up.”

  He waits until everyone else is out of the room then looks me right in the eyes.

  “What are you doing?” He asks, concern in his voice.

  “What do you mean?”

  “With Raven.”

  “What does it look like I’m doing?”

  “It looks like we might be getting a First Lady.”

  First Lady? He must be out of his fucking mind. The whole world knows I don’t do old ladies. “What? Fuck off, E.”

  “No? Then what? I don’t want to see her get hurt.”

  “I’m not going to hurt her, and she’s not your concern.”

  He leans back with a cocky grin and a glint in his eye. If he wasn’t my best friend, he’d be on the receiving end of a throat punch right now.

  “Like I said…First. Lady.”

  “And like I said…fuck. Off.”

  I walk away to the sound of his laughter. Dickhead. First Lady, my ass. I’m seriously in to her, but I’m still not looking for an old lady. On the way to my room, Ron stops me and hands me Raven’s phone and jacket. “You took care of her friend?”

  “Yeah, boss.”

  “Good.”

  I bump into Chopper coming out of my room and raise a brow at him. What the fuck was he doing in there? “Pop?”

  He closes the door quietly and narrows his eyes at me. Yeah, he’s about to drop some “fatherly advice” on me.

  “That girl in there? She’s not the type you play with, son.”

  “I know.”

  “So, you plan on keeping her around then?”

  “Maybe.”

  He places a firm hand on my shoulder and holds my stare. I haven’t seen Chopper this intense in a long time. Since he stepped down as president, he’s been doing the whole retiree and grandpa thing. Even though he still attends church, he rarely speaks and only gives advice when I ask for it. For him to offer it up on his own is serious business, so I listen carefully.

  “Consider this. She just shot a man, almost took a bullet for you and she’s in your bed right now. She didn’t run for the hills, or worse, to the cops.”

  He gives my shoulder a squeeze and leaves me in the corridor. He’s right. She didn’t have to do what she did. Afterwards, she could have told me to take her home and fuck off, but she didn’t.

  I open the door and the sight before me stops me in my tracks. This is definitely some shit I never expected to see – a woman asleep in my bed. I close the door and approach her quietly. She’s curled up under the blanket, her face peaceful and absolutely beautiful. I contemplate going to sleep in E’s room but I don’t want to leave her alone, so I undress and slide under the covers. I lie there for about two minutes before I give in to the call of her warm body. I need to feel her. I curl my arm around her waist and pull her against me, her back to my front. She sighs in her sleep and settles into my arms. Jesus, she feels amazing. I close my eyes and drift off to E’s words swirling in my mind. First Lady.

  CHAPTER 2

  ***Raven***

  I wake up tangled with someone else’s body and something hard poking my stomach. A solid wall of man slowly comes into focus when I open my eyes. My forehead rests on Gage’s hard, tattooed chest and his scent fills my nostrils. I savor the sight, smell, and feel of him until the gravity of the situation hits me. I slept in his bed. All. Night. Shit. I carefully detach myself and slide off the bed. Baby Jesus. Even this early in the morning, he looks utterly fuckable. I shake it off and head to the bathroom. I seriously need to pee.

  I wash my hands and face and eye his toothbrush longingly. Why the hell not? We’ve already swapped spit. I walk back into the room with minty-fresh breath. He’s still asleep, so I climb back into bed. The moment I do, his eyes snap open. Surprise. That’s what I see. I guess he’s not used to waking up next to anyone. But then he relaxes and pulls me toward him with a smile.

  “Good morning, doll.”

  “Good morning. Sleep well?”

  “I did.”

  “You sound surprised,” I mock him, remembering our little phone sexcapade.

  “I am.”

  He rolls onto his back, taking me with him. I lay my head on his chest and throw my leg over his. It connects with his morning wood.

  “Shit. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

  He returns from the bathroom a few minutes later with a smile and a noticeably absent bulge. After sliding under the covers, he pulls me back into his arms.

  “You used my toothbrush.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Of course not. Use anything you like. Including me.”

  “That last part sounds good.”

  “Yeah?” He smirks. “Come here. I need a proper good morning.”

  Excitement courses through my veins as I lean in and press my lips to his. He sucks on them, biting into the bottom one and pulling on it before sliding his tongue between them. Fuck, this man can kiss. I moan as he pulls my head back by my hair and sucks on my neck.

  “My T-shirt looks good on you,” he mumbles, his breath causing goosebumps to pepper my skin.

  I was so sleepy after he left me last night, I knew I wasn’t going to get farther than his bed. I don’t know why I did it but I searched his drawers, changed into his shirt, and climbed right back under the covers.

  “Mmhmm…wanna wear mine?” I all but swallow a giggle when his palm connects with my ass. “Ow!”

  “Fuck, babe! You’re not wearing any clothes?”

  I am wearing clothes. Well, his T-shirt and my panties. “I’m not naked.”

  “Fuck.”

  He crushes my lips beneath his and grabs a handful of my ass, squeezing hard. Just like last night, we tear at each other’s lips, caught up in a frenzy. I reach down and as I’m about to grab his dick, there’s a knock at the door. He lets out an angry growl and rips his lips from mine.

  “Fuck off!” He yells.

  He turns back to me but whoever it is knocks again. I giggle at his annoyed expression.

  “I said fuck off!”

  “Sorry, boss. The sheriff is here,” the intruder says from behind the door.

  “Fuck. Stay here. Don’t need him seeing you.”

  He drags on his jeans and shirt from last night and closes the door behind him. A few minutes later, I hear his voice. I peek through his window, which gives me a perfect view of the courtyard, and I see him talking to the sheriff.

  “Got reports last night of two men on motorcycles chasing and shooting at a car,” the sheriff addresses Gage.

  “I can assure you, Sheriff, neither I nor any of my men were chasing or shooting at any cars.”

  “For once, I believe you.”

  Gage scoffs. “Oh, really? Why?”

  “Description of the car being shot at matches your Mustang.”

  Oh, shit. I look closely at Gage. He’s super cool, showing no signs of fear or even anxiety. He’s great under pressure. His actions last night proved that.

  “I don’t see how that’s possible. Car’s been in the shop, getting some more modifications done.”

  The sheriff doesn’t look convinced. “Where you were last night around eleven?”

  “I was at Chiquita’s. Two of my guys were with me and can verify that. Along with everyone else who saw me there.”

  “Mind if I take a look at your car?” He jerks his chin toward the trailer. “Or maybe just what’s in that trailer there.”

  Oh, no. If I remember anything from last night, it’s that the car, along with two dead bodies, are in that trailer.

  “Yo
u got a warrant?” Gage asks.

  “You got something to hide?”

  They stare each other down until Gage chuckles and shakes his head.

  “You know what? Since we’re such good friends…”

  The way he said “friends” indicates they’re anything but friends.

  “...I’ll do you a favor,” he continues. “I’ll let you look in my trailer, without a warrant, just to ease your mind.”

  “Appreciate it,” the sheriff replies dryly.

  Gage motions to one of the guys who then springs into action and moves toward the trailer. I hold my breath. Dear God, I’m about to go to prison for murder. I watch as the guy climbs into the trailer and some others attach a ramp to it. Seconds later, the Mustang comes rolling down, looking like it just came off the lot. What the fuck? How did they fix it so quickly? The detective walks to the trailer and peers inside. He turns back to Gage with a not-so-pleased look. I can tell he knows he’s been duped. Damn, these guys are good.

  “Well…thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Hunter. Have a nice day.”

  “You, too, Sheriff Renley.”

  He takes one last look around then climbs into his patrol car and drives away. I let out the breath I’ve been holding. That was close. I turn away from the window and see my jacket and phone sitting on the chair in the corner. I hit the big, red punching bag as I pass by, grab my phone, and climb back onto the bed. His room is neat but pretty basic – the bed, a chest of drawers, a nightstand. There’s also a flat screen TV mounted on the wall. Lying on my stomach, I check my messages. Just a few calls and texts from Chrissy. I better call her back.

  “Ray! Where the hell are you?” She answers in a panicked voice.

  “I’m fine. I’m at the clubhouse.”

  “Oh, shit! Did you stay there last night?”

  “Yes…”

  “Oh, my God! Did you –”

  I quickly cut her off. “No! Nothing happened. We just slept.”

  “In the same bed?”

  “Yeah…”

  “Girl, you have nerves of steel. I woulda tapped that.”

  “Yeah, well…no one’s tapping anything.”

  “Yet,” she says with a giggle.

  “Whatever. I need a favor.”

  “Sure. Anything.”

  “I need some clothes. And clean underwear. And shoes…oh, and my phone charger.”

  “No problem.”

  “I’ll ask Ron if he can pick you up. I think I saw stars in your eyes last night when he whispered in your ear,” I tease.

  “Oh, Lord, Ray…he’s gorgeous! I’ve had a crush on him since forever.”

  “Did you give him your number?”

  “Of course.”

  “Great. I’ll have him call you and you can work out pick-up. You remember where the spare key is?”

  “Yup.”

  “Lonnie won’t be home for hours, so you don’t have to worry about her.”

  “Great! I’ll see you later.”

  “’Kay.” I stop her before she hangs up. “Chrissy? How is he?”

  “Not good. Locked himself in his room and won’t come out.”

  “You think he’d talk to me?”

  “Just give it some time. He’s hurt and angry. He needs some time to cool off.”

  “You sure?”

  “I’m positive.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ll see you in a bit.”

  I hang up and bury my face in the bed. I’m a horrible, horrible person. If I had listened to Gage, I would have broken up with him a long time ago. Even if I wasn’t going to be with Gage, I knew I wasn’t that into Chris. Instead, I made him fall in love me.

  “Jesus Christ, woman! Where are your clothes?”

  I look up just as Gage slams the door. “Clothes?”

  “Clothes!”

  He motions toward me and I look down. The shirt rode up and my ass is out. My lace boy shorts don’t exactly cover much. “You’re scared of a little skin?” I smirk at him.

  “You’re the one who should be scared. Do you realize where you are?”

  I tug on his hand until he falls onto the bed. He pulls me to him before he even stops bouncing. “Whatever. You’re not gonna do anything.”

  “I’m not, huh? Just wait. I’m gonna fuck that smart mouth right out of you.”

  “You think that’s the answer to everything, don’t you? If you don’t like something, you’re going to fuck it out of me?”

  “Absolutely. Or just shut you up. You won’t exactly be able to use that smart mouth with my dick in your throat.”

  “Oh, God! I may have a smart mouth but you have a dirty one. Clean it up with Orbit.”

  “You love my dirty mouth. We both know how wet it gets you.”

  “Really? How wet?”

  “Dripping wet…soak-your-panties wet.”

  I draw a ragged breath as I feel that exact thing happening. Goddamn it but he’s right.

  “Maybe you should teach a class. Panty Wetting 101.”

  “The only panties I’m interested in getting wet are yours.” He says, licking his lips.

  I swallow hard as I stare into his eyes. “Yeah? Why don’t you see if it’s working?”

  “Raven…”

  I ignore the warning in his voice and straddle his hips, sitting directly on his growing erection.

  “What are you doing?”

  I adjust my position and discover the wonderful thing known as friction. I don’t know if it’s the roughness of his jeans or the hardness beneath it but whatever it is, it’s awesome. I rock my hips and he grabs them, steadying me.

  “Don’t,” he commands.

  I cover his hands with mine and slide forward then back. He closes his eyes, the internal struggle evident on his face. He wants me to stop, but he also wants me to keep going. I want to keep going. I roll my hips, grinding my pussy against his crotch. He groans and his fingers dig into my hips. I place my hands on his chest, grabbing at his shirt as the sweetest sensations flow through my body.

  “Gage...”

  He opens his eyes and I lean forward, sucking his bottom lip into my mouth. He takes over, deepening the kiss and pressing down on my hips. With the angle and him controlling my movements, I feel like I’m about to come any second. I moan, moving faster and faster as I feel my orgasm approaching.

  “Fuck, babe.”

  He rolls over, putting me beneath him, then tries to pull away. I wrap my legs around him and keep him in place as I grind on him. He is not denying me this. “Gage, please…I’m almost there.”

  “Fuck.”

  He adjusts his hips and presses down on me harder. When he begins to move with me, it intensifies everything. I grab his shoulders and clench my muscles, too far gone now to stop. “Gage!” My legs tremble and my whole body shakes beneath him. I thought my fingers were good but holy hell, I may never use them again. I smile up at him as I try to catch my breath.

  “Wow.”

  He lays his forehead on mine and mumbles, “You’re the one who should be called Reaper…’cause you’re killing me slowly but surely.”

  CHAPTER 3

  ***Raven***

  Damn. Where did that come from? I raise my lips to his and kiss him softly. “That was sweet.”

  “Sweet?” He scoffs and drops down next to me, supporting his head on his palm. “It’s sweet that you’re killing me?”

  “No, of course not. It’s sweet of you to admit that I affect you, too.”

  “That’s what you call it? ‘Affect’?”

  He takes my hand, presses it to his crotch, and I curl my fingers around what feels like a steel pole. Does he always get this hard? Or is it just with me? I’d like to think that, but I highly doubt it.

  “You feel that?” He asks. “You turn my dick into a fuckin’ brick wall. All I want to do is fuck you until you come, screaming my name, then change positions and start all over. So, yeah, you ‘affect’ me.”

  I swallow hard, sliding my
fingers up and down his dick. We stare into each other’s eyes until something snaps inside him and he grabs my hand.

  “I know it’s your favorite color and all, but I don’t need the blue balls. You have any idea how much that shit hurts?”

  “Well, I can’t experience it but I know it involves pain and fluid congestion in the testicles, so it can’t be pleasant.”

  “The fuck, Raven?” His eyes widen in shock. “How the fuck do you know exactly what it is?”

  “I told you, I read a lot.”

  “And why the fuck are you reading about balls?”

  I raise a shoulder in a shrug and drop my gaze. It’s not like I had a mother to teach me anything. Daddy would never talk about that stuff with me and Lonnie barely talked to me at all. How else was I going to learn? “I didn’t really have anyone to talk to, ask questions. I turned to books instead.”

  I hear him take a deep breath before he pulls me into his arms, cradling my head on his chest. I throw my arm and leg over him and settle in against him.

  “It’s okay, doll. You have me now.”

  I haven’t felt as at peace in a long time as I do in this very moment. I have him. I have him, and that means I’m no longer alone. I have him. He holds me in his arms and we lie there for a long time, not saying anything, just being together. That is until my growling stomach interrupts our quiet companionship.

  “Hungry?” He asks, and I can hear the smile in his voice.

  “Starving. What’s for breakfast?”

  “I wish it was your pussy.”

  “And Mr. Dirty Mouth is back.”

  “He never left, baby doll. I’m gonna take a shower then get you something to eat.”

  “Okay.”

  He adjusts himself as he walks to his chest of drawers. As I watch him choose boxers, the scene between him and the sheriff replays in my mind. I have so many questions about last night and this morning. Why were those men chasing us? Who were they? Are there others? Will they come after us, too? Where did the bodies go?

  “Gage?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Who were those men from last night?”

  “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”

  “What happened to the...the bodies?”