Seduce

by Marie Tuhart

  “Yes. I prefer to keep it quiet, but in this case, I think it’s appropriate.”

  “For anyone who hasn’t been inside Mr. Kline’s store, I encourage you to visit. It’s not some sleazy place as Congressman Chesterton tries to characterize it. It’s a very tasteful store. Mr. Kline’s store also runs a local book club every month that has become quite popular.”

  “He does,” someone in the crowd yelled. “I love it.”

  “It’s great,” another voice said.

  “Thank you,” Potts said. “So as you can see, Mr. Kline is a good citizen, and I am glad he’s part of our town.”

  “What about his toy-making business?” a female reporter yelled. Tessa recognized that voice.

  Damon squeezed her hand before going up to the podium. “I have several degrees in engineering. I make adult toys for those who choose to use them. I don’t sell to anyone under eighteen, and before you ask, I do that by asking for ID that shows age, but not only that, they must pay by credit card in their name. Not many under eighteen have credit cards.”

  “Mr. Kline, why did you pick adult toys and store?”

  “Because it’s time for adult sexuality to come out of the closet, so to speak. We’re all human beings, and we are—for the most part—sexual beings as well. It’s our own business how we explore our sexuality, but I would prefer to be open about it.”

  There was a small cheer, then the mayor came huffing up the stairs. “I, as mayor, and the town council”—the mayor waved his hand—“stand behind Mr. Kline. I believe Congressman Chesterton is trying to stir up trouble where there is none.”

  “He’s taking my daughter down a sinner’s path.”

  “Oh, for goodness sake.” Tessa marched up to her father. “Quit with all the preacher talk. Maybe you should remember what happened when I was sixteen.” With that, she turned to Damon. Reporters started yelling questions.

  Damon took her hand and raised it to his lips. Tessa smiled, and they walked away.

  * * * *

  “I’m dying of curiosity here, what did your father do when you were sixteen?” Sierra asked as all of them were at Damon’s house celebrating.

  “I caught my father cheating on my mother.” Tessa’s mother knew and had forgiven her father, but Tessa never really had. “Hearing him today with all his bluster and crap, I couldn’t take it anymore.”

  Her cell rang; it was her mother. “I need to take this.” Tessa stood up and walked outside on the patio. “Hey, Mom.”

  “I’ve left your father.”

  Tessa wobbled on her feet. “Oh my God, Mom. If what I said had anything to do with it—”

  “It wasn’t what you said, my darling Tessa. I’ve been fed up with your father for a while now. That’s why I put my foot down when you wanted to get your master’s. Why I encouraged you to move away and take my maiden name. What he intended to do and has done to you and your nice young man was the last straw.”

  “Mom, what are you going to do?” Tessa was worried. Her mother had married straight out of high school. She’d always been a wife and mother and in politics and the public eye.

  “I’m going up to New Hampshire to live with my sister for a while. I wanted you to know because the crap is going to hit the fan. I didn’t want you caught unaware.”

  “Thanks, Mom. Call me when you get to Auntie’s house.”

  “I will, baby. Maybe once everything is calmed down, I’ll come out to Washington to visit you and your young man.”

  “That would be great, Mom.”

  “Love you, baby girl.”

  “Love you too, Mom.” Tessa went back inside. Damon was at her side in a second.

  “Is everything okay? You’ve got that stunned look on your face.”

  “My mom is divorcing my father.” Tessa smiled. “Life is grand.”

  * * * *

  It was after ten when everyone finally left. Tessa helped Damon clean up and then Damon led her into his bedroom.

  “It’s been a long week, hasn’t it?” he said as he began undressing her.

  “It has.” Tessa let Damon do this for her. He’d been so supportive, so there for her. “I love you so much, Damon.”

  “I love you too, my Tessa.”

  “I am yours.”

  “And I belong to you.” He stared at her. “On the bed, I have a surprise for you.”

  Tessa did as Damon asked, wondering what he had planned. She kept her gaze on him, and when he turned from the closet, she burst out laughing. “Oh no, the big bad wolf, are you going to eat me?

  Damon had on the wolf mask from the Valentine’s Day party. “Why yes, my dear. I’m going to eat you in a way that will give you pleasure.”

  He pounced.

  Thank you for reading Seduce the third book in the Wicked Sanctuary series. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or wherever you prefer, and know that it would be greatly appreciated.

  For new release information and news about Marie Tuhart, please join her newsletter.

  If you enjoyed Seduce, Ravish will be released in summer 2021.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Marie Tuhart lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She loves to read and write, and when she’s not writing, she spends time with her two dogs, Tommy and Trina, family, traveling and enjoying life.

  Marie is a multi-published author with The Wild Rose Press and Trifecta Publishing, and is self-published. To be alerted to her new releases, you can join Marie’s newsletter or check out her website: www.mairetuhart.com

  OTHER BOOKS BY MARIE TUHART

  Her Desert Prince (Desert Destiny)

  Her Desert Doctor (Desert Destiny)

  Her Desert Horseman (Desert Destiny)

  Her Desert Protector (Desert Destiny)

  Highland Dom (McMillan Passion)

  Bound & Teased

  Claimed by the Sheikh

  Billionaire’s Cowboy’s Conquest

  More of You (Club Crave)

  Reflections of you (Club Crave)

  Bound to Love You (Club Crave)

  Hot for You (Club Crave)

  Tempt (Wicked Sanctuary Series)

  Entice (Wicked Sanctuary Series)

  Summer 2021 – Ravish (Wicked Sanctuary Series)

  Winter 2021 – Possess (Wicked Sanctuary Series)

  PREVIEW OF RAVISH

  Lara Meyer rolled her eyes as she made her way out from behind the counter of her cafe Sweet and Savory. Her brother Keith, and her ex-husband, Walter stood near the bikers having lunch.

  “Keith, Walter, stop bothering my customers and leave.”

  Both men turned to her. “They’re nothing but scum and thieves,” her brother said.

  The bikers stiffened. “Oh grow up.” She got between her brother, ex and the bikers.

  “These men,” her brother sneered, “will get you closed down faster than rats.”

  “The only rats I see are the two standing in front of me.” Damn she had no idea why her brother and ex seemed to hate the bikers.

  “We’re not the ones making trouble,” Walter said putting a hand on her shoulder.

  She stiffened, trying to tamp down the instant fear that swept over her. It’s okay. She reminded herself. He couldn’t do anything here. Lara stepped away so her ex’s hand fell away. One of the bikers stood up and Lara feared there would be a fight. “Enough.” Lara pushed her brother and ex in the chest making them fall back two steps. She turned her head. “I’m okay, Monty,” she told the biker. He was a big guy.

  “Fine, but if you need us, yell.” He sat back down.

  The door to the cafe opened and Lara almost let out a groan. Colby Durham, owner of Durham’s Leather shop, strode in. His raven hair mussed and his green eyes assessing. The bikers frequented his shop and most of the time then came to her cafe for food. She hadn’t been sure of the group in the beginning or of Colby’s shop, but the past few months had improved her business and there’d never been a lick of trouble un
til now.

  Not that Lara minded the increase in business, but every time she saw Colby her heart sped up a little. She didn’t have time for men, especially ones that made her think of all the naughty things they could do to each other.

  “Problem?” Colby asked as he strode over to her.

  “Nothing that I can’t handle.” Lara huffed. She didn’t want him involved. Her brothers and ex were always in here making comments, but this was the first time they did it with a table full of bikers. The last thing she wanted was a fight to break out.

  Colby nodded, then took a seat with the bikers.

  “Time for you two to leave,” Lara said.

  “Not until they do,” her brother said.

  Lara swore silently. “They are having lunch, while you two are doing nothing but making a scene.” She fought her temper down, it wouldn’t do to lose it in front of all her customers in the café.

  The door opened again. Who called the police? She looked over at the counter where her employee, Eve, nodded. At least one of them was thinking straight.

  “See, the police are here to arrest the riff-raff,” Keith said.

  “The only riff-raff is you,” Lara shot back.

  “Officer Logan Wolfe, what seems to be the problem.”

  “The problem is those bikers,” Walter said waving his hand at them.

  “Officer Wolfe, the bikers are not the problem. These two are.” She pointed her finger at her brother and her ex. “They’ve come into my cafe making accusations about customers just minding their own business, and they won’t leave.”

  “I see.” The officer looked over her brother an ex. “Gentlemen if you’d please come outside with me.”

  “Do you know who I am?” Her brother puffed out his chest.

  “Actually, I do, Mr. Meyer.”

  Colby stood up and looked at the officer. “Officer Wolfe, if you need a witness, the two men here were harassing the bikers when I came in.” Colby’s voice was calm and Lara found herself relaxing for the first time since her brother and ex walked in.

  “Of course there is and you’re part of it,” Keith said. “Your leather shop is bringing in a criminal element.”

  “Oh for goodness sake, Keith. These men are not criminals and neither is Colby.”

  “I don’t think you realize,” Keith went on ignoring her completely. “I can ruin you all.”

  Lara’s temper flared. She hated it when her family flaunted their wealth. That was one of the reasons she had very little to do with them. “You might, but do you have enough money for all the lawsuits that will be coming your way. Especially the one from me?”

  “All right,” Officer Wolfe said. “That’s enough. Outside Mr. Meyer, and you too.” Office Wolfe pointed at Walter. “Now.” His tone hard.

  Keith glared at her. “Very well.” He turned and marched to toward the door.

  “This isn’t over,” Walter muttered as he followed.

  Lara clasped her hands together so no one would see them shaking. She hated confrontation. But she wasn’t about to let her brother and ex drive away her customers. She turned to the bikers.

  “I’m sorry guys.”

  “Not your fault,” the biker who stood to defend her earlier said.

  “Please stay as long as you want, and I’ll have Eve refill your beverages,” Lara turned and Colby was right there.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, his green eyes filled with concern.

  “I’m fine. Just angry.” Angry and scared. Confrontation wasn’t her strong suit, but she wasn’t about to let anyone harass her customers. She marched away and went behind the counter. She saw Colby grab and empty chair and sit down to talk to the bikers. “Eve, please refill their drinks and see if Mr. Durham wants anything. On the house.”

  “Sure thing.” Eve sauntered out from behind the counter.

  Lara kept a smile on her face as customers began to show up and order. At least this had happened before the lunchtime rush or the entire town would have seen what happened. She almost laughed, since she was sure it was already making news on the gossip tree.

  She glanced out the front window of her cafe to see Officer Wolfe talking with Keith and Walter. Yep, she was pretty sure her aunt Tammy would hear all about this before long.

  Lara kept smiling for customer after customer. Office Logan walked back in and talked with Colby and the bikers, then came to the counter. She explained her side of the story, and he told her not to hesitate to call if she needed them.

  A little while later, she did see the bikers left. Colby switched to a smaller table as Eve hustled over to the now empty table to wipe it off. It was hardly necessary. Those guys always cleaned up after themselves.

  It was after one when the lunch rush started to subside and Lara could draw a deep breath. You’d think she’d be used to it, but today it seemed busier than normal. Maybe it was time to get more help in here. Well, she did have Megan, her other employee. Time to see if they could work out a better schedule.

  “I’m going to do refills on coffee,” Lara told Eve as she picked up the two carafes. One regular, one decaf and she made her way around the cafe refilling cups as needed. That’s when she saw Colby sitting at a table by the window.

  “More coffee?” she asked.

  “Yes, please. Regular.” His deep voice sent a shiver of awareness over her skin.

  She poured his coffee and was about to turn away when he spoke again.

  “Thank you for protecting my friends.” He paused. “Who were the two idiots.”

  “My brother and my ex, and you don’t have to thank me. The bikers are good guys.”

  “I’m a good guy, too.” He grinned at her.

  “Jury is still out on that.” She walked away, but a smile teased her lips. While Colby might raise her blood pressure in a good way, she didn’t need a man in her life.

  The cafe door opened, and Sierra and Max breezed through the doorway. “Lara,” Sierra called out making a beeline for the counter. Max saw Colby and walked over to him and sit down.

  Sierra and her friends, Crystal and Tessa came to the cafe all the time. Heck Crystal stopped by here most mornings for coffee and breakfast.

  “Hi Sierra, what can I do you for you today?”

  “Do you have a minute to chat?”

  “Sure.” The lunch rush was gone so she had a little time. “Eve, I’ll be right back.” Lara slipped out from behind the counter and led Sierra over to an empty table. She couldn’t help but glance over at Max and Colby. A rush of heat filled her veins. Two different, yet alike men. They both had that...dominant...that was the only word that fit. A dominant air to them.

  “What did you want to talk about?” Lara asked turning her attention back to Sierra.

  “I was wondering if you’d be willing to cater an event at the club?”

  Lara stared at Sierra. She was aware, as was most of the town about Wicked Sanctuary. After the press conference two weeks ago involving Tessa and Damon it was all people were talking about.

  “It depends on what level of catering you’re looking for.” Most of her food was for quick lunches and snacks.

  “Nothing big. Mainly appetizer and desserts.”

  Lara pulled her phone out of her pocket and brought up the note pad. “That’s doable. Do you know what you’re looking for?”

  “Your Mac & Cheese bites for sure, I would say at least two or three more appetizers or like that, then for desserts, how about brownies, cookies and those lovely mini cupcakes.”

  She made notes. “Would you like some fruit cups for those who don’t want sweets?”

  “Oh yes, that would be nice.”

  “How many people?”

  Sierra frowned. “I’d have to ask Max for an exact count but I would say at least fifty, maybe seventy-five.”

  “Okay. I gel chafing fuel to keep the food warm.”

  “We have a strict fire code at the club.”

  “I understand. I’ll make sure it’s safe.” She r
an items through her head. Big metal pans to hold the food, holders, fuel, tongs, plates, napkins. “Is there electrical outlets in the club?”

  “I think so.” Sierra let out a sigh. “I’ve never really looked.”

  “I’ll make a note to ask Max. I have a couple of hot boxes that I can keep extra food warm in. This way we don’t have to worry about anything going bad.”

  “Makes sense.”

  “When is this party?”

  Sierra dipped her head. “Ummm, Saturday.”

  “It’s a good thing today is Monday.” Gave her time to order what she needed and Saturday to get it all ready.

  “Sorry. Max decided on the small party just yesterday.”

  “No worries. I’ve worked with less time.” Lara smiled. She’d been curious about the club for a while now, so at least she’d get to see the inside of it. Lara glanced over at Max and Colby. She wondered if Colby played?

  What was she thinking? She was aware of the lifestyle and even dabbled a bit when she was in college, but since coming home... She’d been to a munch or two, but nothing else. When the club opened, she’d just married Walter. “Bad mistake,” she muttered.

  “Sorry, I missed that,” Sierra said.

  Lara shook her head. “I was thinking out loud. Once I get a firm number of people I can do some number crunching for you and let you know about the costs. Then I can get a standard contract drawn up for Max to sign.”

  “That sounds good.”

  “What sounds good?” Max asked striding up to the table.

  Lara watched Colby open the door to leave, but at the last second he looked back. Their gazes met and he winked. Lara lowered her eyes as her face grew warm.

  “Lara agreed to do the party. She’ll get a cost for us and if we agree, then a contract.”

  “Perfect. Thank you, Lara.”

  “Not a problem. Who were you using for catering before now?” Lara did a little here and there, but she always like to hear who was her competition so to speak.

  Max pulled out a chair and sat down. “Usually we don’t cater our parties. We might have some fruit and veggies, but that’s about it.”