Sexy Scoundrel: A Cocky Hero Club Novel

by Greywood, Raisa

  “You should have said something,” I replied. “I’ll take you home.”

  “We can keep dancing. Something slow and easy might help get the kinks worked out.”

  Leaning down, I whispered, “I think I’d rather work the kink back in. Antonio is spending the night with Mr. and Mrs. Dennison, so I can make you scream with pleasure all night long without anyone hearing.”

  The demon on my shoulder egged me into the words. That was my story and I was sticking to it. She bit her lip, and when her face darkened into a blush, I braced myself for another slap. It wasn’t my preferred way to end an evening, but I had it coming.

  Instead of slapping me, she sighed and shook her head. “Giorgio, as tempting as you are, it isn’t a good idea. I work for you and I owe you a shitload of money. If we start a relationship, I’ll feel like a—”

  “If you say that word, I’m going to turn you over my knee and spank your cute ass right here,” I said. “You don’t owe me a fucking dime.”

  “How do you figure that?” she asked, arching a brow. “I don’t know exactly what you’re doing to my house, but it’s well beyond renovating the kitchen and one bedroom.”

  I wracked my brain trying to think up a response she might accept. The drapes covering the front of her house couldn’t hide the new roof line. She wasn’t going to miss that. “Well,” I finally said, “Pictures of the renovation went out in our catalogue last week and I had to hire two more architects to handle all the new projects coming in. I’d say I owe you a commission for the increase in my business, but I’d rather just call it even.”

  Grinning, I led her off the dance floor and pulled out a chair for her. It wasn’t even a lie, well, not entirely. Her remodel had brought in new business, but I needed the extra manpower for The Katie Project, too.

  “Seriously?” she asked. “People care about stuff like that?”

  “Absolutely. Historic renovation is big business and your house is one of the best we’ve done. The cost for yours is nothing compared to some of the bid requests we’ve been getting. Besides, I’ve already rolled it into advertising expense, so if you pay me back, there will be all sorts of nasty little tax issues.”

  She blinked and her lips parted. “You’re not kidding, are you?”

  “Not even a little bit. I’ll show you the financials if you want to see them, but I’d like to wait and see what happens when we can put the finished house into the portfolios we send to prospective clients. That’s when the real money will come in.”

  “I had no idea. I’m really glad for you, Giorgio. That sounds amazing.” Giving me a wry smile, she added, “Makes me wish I was a little better at building stuff. I can’t even put together furniture from Ikea.”

  “Nobody can,” I replied. “Now, let’s get back to the matter at hand. There’s no debt between us. I have a beautiful woman who’s already promised to let me unlace her corset and an empty house. Are you still tempted?”

  “I—”

  “You can say no, Carlina. I won’t force you. But I would very much like to make you come again. I want to show you all the things I talked about this morning.”

  She looked down, her long eyelashes resting against her cheeks. After a moment, she lifted her head and said, “Show me.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Carlina

  What was I doing? The minute the words came out of my mouth, I wanted to take them back, but it was too late and most of me didn’t want to stop whatever Giorgio had planned. I wasn’t sure I could admit it to myself, but I wanted what he was offering, even if it had no future. Giorgio helped me stand, wrapped an arm around my waist and made for the door, with one detour.

  My feet barely touched the floor as he walked me to Jeremy and Hunter. “I’m taking Carlina home,” he said. “We won’t be needing your services again tonight.”

  Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed my wrap from the cloakroom, then took me outside and then pushed me against the wall next to the door. “You’re a fucking tease, Ms. Pérez,” he said, his hoarse whisper sending a chill down my spine. “I don’t know if I want to spank you or fuck you.”

  “I’m not—”

  He kissed me, his lips crashing into mine as he pushed a hand into the updo that had taken two hairstylists to achieve. His thick cock rubbed against my belly, hot through the gossamer silk of my dress, and I whimpered into his mouth.

  “Every man in that room was staring at you,” he hissed into my ear, giving me a stinging nip. “Did you wear that dress to torment them with what they can’t have?”

  “What? No!” I pushed him away, a trickle of fear making my guts clench. I didn’t think he’d hurt me, and certainly not in public, but I couldn’t help my reaction. “It’s the only one Eduardo had that didn’t need alterations.”

  He allowed me to slide from his arms, but caught my hand and tugged me toward the parking lot. A wry smile creased his face, and he shrugged. “I should have known there’d be a more prosaic reason behind you wearing a corset dress that makes you look like a goddess, and had every man in that ballroom wanting to unlace you.”

  “I think that was just you,” I muttered, absurdly pleased at the compliment.

  The valet brought around a racing green vintage Jaguar and another opened the passenger door with a flourish. I wiped my hand on my dress, then gently petted her with two fingers, cooing in appreciation. I might not care much about material things, but this car… Oh, she was a sexy beast, and I suddenly wanted to…

  “Would you like to drive, Carlina?” Giorgio asked, a smirk playing over his generous lips.

  “No, I—”

  “Liar, pants on fire.” He led me around to the driver’s side on the left, and opened the door. “Get in. I have no doubt you can drive her.”

  “This car has to be worth a fortune!” I said, spinning to face him. “I had a glass of champagne. What if I wreck it?”

  Lowering his head, he nibbled my lower lip, then kissed the tip of my nose. “That glass of champagne is already gone from your system. It’s the only thing I have that’s put a smile on your face, aside from my brother. Drive the car.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He swatted my ass hard, making the valet blush and turn away. “Get in the car, Carlina. Now.”

  “Bossy,” I muttered, resisting the urge to rub the sting from my butt. Gathering my skirt in one hand, I slid into the posh leather of the driver’s seat and caressed the walnut dash. It was real wood, not molded plastic. I waited until he got in, then started the engine, letting out a happy sigh at the throaty purr. Sliding the car into gear, I let her putter away from the valet stand, getting used to the brakes and accelerator.

  The Jag was incredibly responsive, letting me know I’d have to be careful. Getting arrested for felony speeding wasn’t on my agenda for tonight, but lord, I wanted to open her up and see what she could do.

  I was okay until we got to the onramp for the interstate. She whispered to me about speed and smooth rides, and secret agents, and I let my foot press harder on the accelerator, whooping with glee when she shot forward.

  Giorgio tightened the lap belt around his hips. “Why, Carlina Pérez, I’d have never guessed you were a car girl.”

  Heat rose in my face and I eased off the gas. “Sorry. I’ll be more careful.”

  “No, you’re fine. I’ll keep an eye out for the CHP, and we’ll go to Bonneville next summer.”

  “Oh,” I breathed, imagining myself putting this pretty girl through her paces across the famous salt flats. “That would be fucking amazing. Are you sure the highway patrol won’t bust me?”

  “Promise. I donate to California Highway Patrol charities.”

  “Of course you do.” I settled my speed to something reasonable and glanced over at him. “Thanks. This is amazing.”

  “Better than meeting Joss Whedon?”

  “Way better.” I licked my lips and downshifted to pass a slower vehicle. “My uncle Carlos was a mechanic in Santa Barbara
. I’d watch him work when we visited, and sometimes he’d take me for test drives in cars like this one. I always felt like a princess, but I’ve never gotten to drive one before.”

  I risked a glance at him and put my hand on his knee. Instead of watching the road for pesky state troopers, he had his eyes locked on my face. “Thank you.”

  “You can drive it whenever you want,” he replied. “Or anything else in my garage. There’s an old Indian in there if you can ride a motorcycle. Nobody’s driven it in years.”

  “Damn, Giorgio! Do you know what those things are worth?”

  “Not really.” He grimaced, then said, “I collected a bunch of stuff when I first started making money. It’s yours, if you want it. I never learned how to ride.”

  “Thanks, but no. We’re even now, according to your questionable accounting. Let’s keep it that way.”

  Easing off the gas, I took the exit toward home. I wanted to keep driving, but there was an empty house, a hot man, and all sorts of naughty adventures to share. My heart beat faster and heat pooled between my thighs at the thought of living some of the scenes from my books for real. Our time together wouldn’t last, but I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip through my fingers.

  “The lights in the guest house are off,” he said, helping me out after I’d parked. “That means we don’t have to stop in and let Antonio see you dressed like a princess.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  He wrapped an arm around my waist and helped me inside. “Antonio wanted me to take pictures of you so he could see you all dressed up. He said you looked beautiful.”

  When we reached the door, he put his hands on my shoulders and kissed me gently. “I happen to agree,” he murmured. “But I think you’re beautiful in muddy jeans and t-shirts, so my opinion doesn’t count.”

  Coño. I was so going to sleep with Giorgio Acardi and the thought didn’t terrify me like it should have. Mark had demolished my trust in men. I freely admitted it and I hadn’t had a real relationship in years.

  Maybe I was making a mistake and this would blow up in my face.

  But maybe it wouldn’t. He was right about the sparks of attraction between us. I went up in flames every time he touched me and it had been all I could do to hide my desire. I’d had to purposely keep my mind off all the things he’d said when he made me come. I was nervous, but I’d be lying if I said that stuff didn’t make me wet.

  Giorgio had been home every night since I moved in and I was almost positive he wasn’t hiding another woman from me. He hadn’t pushed me to do more than I was comfortable with, and frankly, I had fun spending time with him. We both liked the same silly, kitschy movies, we both loved Antonio and Leonard, and I adored cooking for someone who appreciated my food.

  I owed it to both of us to give things a chance.

  “Do you have condoms?” I asked.

  Giorgio

  I swept Carlina off her feet and took her inside, then kissed her to quiet her squeak of surprise.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Taking you to bed. And to answer your question, I do have condoms. I think. God, I hope so.”

  I’d never felt so graceless and awkward with a woman. At this rate, I’d be lucky if I didn’t trip and break both our necks.

  Setting her on her feet would probably be safer, but I wasn’t willing to let her go. Thank God my bag of tricks was stashed in my closet, fully stocked with everything I’d need to make her speak in tongues. I hadn’t used it in years, and even if I didn’t have condoms, there were enough toys in the leather duffle bag to make up for it.

  Pushing my bedroom door open, I stepped inside, then spun around, hoping she didn’t see who was sprawled on his back snoring in the middle of my bed. Wasn’t he supposed to be with Antonio? “We’re using your room.”

  “Stop right there.” She laid a hand over her mouth and giggled softly. “You gave Leonard a ramp so he could sleep with you? I thought he spent the night on his couch.”

  If that oversized furball cockblocked me… “No idea what you’re talking about. He moved that piece of wood by himself.”

  “Shh.” She tugged my hair, then kissed me. Damn, I loved it when she pulled my hair. “It’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. Put me down and go get those condoms.”

  I set her on her feet, then tiptoed into the bathroom, hoping there were some under the sink. I never brought women here and since I hadn’t had a date in months… “Thank fuck,” I whispered, finding an unopened box behind a few rolls of toilet paper. Detouring to my closet, I grabbed my bag.

  I couldn’t believe she was finally letting me share her bed. Who knew all it would take would be the right words? The problem was, I never knew what the right words were. No, it was more like I’d never cared to figure them out with other women. It was infuriating and aggravating, but I liked it. When I was with her, I liked myself. Carlina coming into our lives had been a bigger blessing than I deserved considering my history.

  I couldn’t wait to show her my plans for The Katie Project, but it would have to wait until construction started. Showing her an empty lot with some equally empty promises wouldn’t fly.

  When I returned to Carlina, she took my hand and led me down the hall to her bedroom. I turned lights off behind her, then followed her inside and locked the door. The dim illumination from the lamp on the bedside table made her glow, turning her skin to golden amber.

  A pulse beat in her throat, and I wanted to kiss it. Taking a careful step toward her, I set the bag down and pulled the pins from her hair, allowing it to trail to her hips in a shimmering curtain. Unable to help myself, I petted it, letting the silk trickle across my fingers.

  “You have the most beautiful hair,” I whispered. “Curly or straight, it’s gorgeous.”

  “Thank you.” Little spots of color blossomed on her cheeks and she shivered.

  “Are you cold?”

  “No.” She smiled, a little twitch of her lips upward, then added, “I think I’m nervous.”

  “We don’t have to do anything tonight, Carlina. I can go back to my room, or we can cuddle up and watch television.” Taking her hand, I kissed her knuckles. “It’s your decision, and we’ll go at your speed.”

  Fuck, it would kill me if she refused, but I’d deal. I wasn’t about to push her faster than she wanted to go.

  “Kiss me again and I’ll think about it.”

  Lowering my head, I did as she asked. It was no hardship. Kissing Carlina Pérez was about the best thing I could think of and I’d happily spend hours at it. Reminding myself to be gentle, I put my arms around her, careful not to jostle her sore ribs. Hurting her was the last thing I wanted.

  With a stern reminder that I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, I petted her back, then moved down, desperate to feel her lush ass in my palms. I couldn’t wait for her to heal up. I was desperate to turn her over my lap for a spanking

  She rubbed against me, and I bit back a groan. If I wasn’t very careful, I was going to nut like a teenager. Working all day had kept my arousal in check, yet having her in my arms and knowing she was into what I was doing brought it all back.

  Although I’d touched her before, it was different now. We had all the time in the world to explore, and I needed to know what made her scream my name.

  “You kiss like a god.”

  Dropping my jacket to the floor, I reached behind her to undo the knot holding her bodice together. “You’re so fucking beautiful. Turn around so I can get your corset undone.”

  “Thanks.” She flushed and obeyed, making my cock ache. “So are you.”

  I spread the edges of the corset apart, revealing the smooth golden skin of her back. She had a small tattoo of a dragon just above the curve of her ass, and a desert wildflower on her shoulder with Katie’s name in elegant script. Lowering my head, I kissed it, then pulled her close, my heart twinging as I breathed in the scent of her citrus perfume.

  Carlina let the dress slide over her hips to
the floor and turned to face me, revealing her gorgeous curves. Cupping her cheeks, I kissed her. Sweet and spicy, she tangled me in knots and I had to get a grip before I threw her on the bed and ravaged her like a caveman.

  “Are you going to get undressed?” she asked.

  “No, not yet.” Laying my hands on her shoulders, I pressed down gently until she sat on the bed, then traced a finger down her breastbone. I’d get to her stunning breasts later. “Lean back, gorgeous.”

  She obeyed, resting her weight on her elbows. Her beautiful brown eyes flickered with desire. “What are you planning?”

  Instead of answering, I dropped to my knees. Spreading her thighs apart, I lowered my face to her sex and inhaled, her sweet, musky scent making my head spin. I’d been dying to taste her for months, and I hadn’t gotten nearly enough before.

  I wanted to tease her first. She deserved it for being entirely too gorgeous and delectable. Dark curls, trimmed short, glistened with wetness and I slid my tongue up her delicate flesh, then traced circles around her clit. To my delight, it swelled, the little bundle of nerves peeking out from its hood.

  “Giorgio!” Carli bucked and quivered under me before burying her hands in my hair, wordlessly demanding more.

  Even though I loved her hands in my hair, I wanted to bind her to the bed so I could take my time with her. I was sure I had something in my play bag that wouldn’t make her uncomfortable. Using my thumbs, I spread her open, my mouth watering for another taste. I ate her slowly, licking her sweet pussy while I teased her clit with my fingers.

  Tugging her gently, I repositioned her hips closer to the edge of the bed so I could get at her beautiful ass. I lapped at the liquid heat trickling from her core, sucking her like candy as I made my way down to rim her asshole.

  She shrieked, the sharp cry cutting off as she scuttled away. Smirking, I let her go, then spotted her scarf on the dresser. I might not be able to tie her properly with boiled hemp rope and spreader bars, but I could definitely get her hands out of the way.

  “How are your ribs doing?” I asked, getting up to fetch the scarf.