by Beth Mikell
A small laugh escaped her lips, “Ninja sex?”
The grin that split his face, glowed up through his eyes, making him...stunning, “Yeah, you know, fast and quick with no sound.”
She continued to smile, looking down at her watch, “Mmmm, tempting but I have a meeting in twenty minutes and Tony will be back soon.”
Savannah reached for her report that had fallen to the floor, only to be captured from behind by Mr. Gorgeous, she gasped. With his hands at her waist, Hex bent close to her ear, his hard body pressed up against her back reminding her of what he could manage within a few seconds of being in his arms.
His hot breath blew over her ear, nuzzling her flesh, “Have dinner with me tonight, princess. Nothing fancy--just you and me.”
Savannah bit her lip as fire punched her stomach at the thought of being with him again…she wanted to say no, but…she was too curious for more. “When?”
“Eager are you?”
Mortified, she closed her eyes, fighting the inner hussy slave to his mastery, “Is that a turn off?”
He let her go and spun her around, his blue eyes warm with promise of unspoken things to come, “Don’t worry, I'm a sure thing. I’ll pick you up at the hotel at seven. See you then?” And he brushed his lips across hers.
Damn him, he was good. Too good. “I have a room upstairs, by the way, Room 1401. See you then.” She was too shaken to say more than that.
After Hex left, Savannah wondered why she hadn’t blown him off like a hurricane wind he deserved. The man exuded the gift of persuasion, knocking her on her ass every time she came within an inch of his stimulating body. He unsettled her. She never allowed a man to do that to her, why this guy? Of course, she wouldn’t know about the whole relationship thing because she hadn’t had one. She came close to it once in college, but decided men and her ambition for career couldn’t be balanced so why bother. Turning her attention away from thoughts of her biker god, Savannah left her office for her meeting with the VP of Finance at Merrick Industries downtown office, but the thought of anticipating her evening out with biker god weighed checks and balances by far.
~~~
It was nearly six-forty five when Savannah returned to Sherrod Towers Hotel, her meeting had taken most of the afternoon squabbling over her budget and justifying each movement of the renovation taking place downstairs. She understood the necessity of the conference, but her mind hadn’t really been focused. She remembered Hex said to be casual. No time for a shower, so she changed into a fresh pair of designer jeans, black cowl knit shirt and black leather jacket from Milan with her favorite pair of black, high-heeled boots. A few quick shots of perfume, she shook out her long blonde hair that reached past her breasts in natural waves and touched up her makeup before the doorbell rang.
She opened the door and found Hex leaning against the doorframe...she swallowed her tongue. The word gorgeous didn't do him justice. He'd changed into a nice pair of jeans, gray pullover and bomber jacket, yet she was convinced he could wear sackcloth and still remain sexy, dammit.
He gave her a steady once over with a half-smile, his blue eyes ardently filled with titillating promise, “Ready princess?”
His deep voice made her insides contract in heat and her breath clogged in her throat before she cleared it, “I-I should get my purse.” He stopped her with his hand on her arm, his warmth burned through her jacket and shirt, flushing her cheeks rosy pink.
“You won’t need it. Come with me.”
Still, she grabbed her door card from the side table, shoving it in her back pocket, allowing Hex to draw her out into the hallway. Even in her heels, he had a good four inches on her usual above average height. “Where are we going?”
Hex drew her up to the elevator pushing the down button before slipping an arm around her waist underneath her jacket, his hand splayed over her hip--sensual and breath stealing. He leaned forward to kiss her neck with light feathery strokes. A shudder ran over her body and she couldn’t control the sigh that escaped her lips. Oh yeah, he was definitely illegal.
“Just a little place I know a few blocks from here.” He pulled back as the elevator arrived. The door opened with a little elderly couple standing to one side, peering at them with wide eyes.
Savannah smiled politely at them as Hex continued to guide her into the elevator and gathered her flush against his chest. He reached his arm around her, pushing the lobby button with ease before returning to the delicious delight of her neck with his lips, ignoring the all-embarrassing looks from the older couple. She blushed against the onslaught despite her rather open nature with her body, PDA wasn’t high on her list, though it didn’t seem to affect Hex one bit…or slow him down.
The elevator reached the bottom floor and the elderly lady turned to Savannah with a small smile, “Be careful dear, this one could burn a hole right through you,” she pointed out and patted her arm before exiting with her husband.
Hex laughed softly, “She knows me well, I think.”
Savannah smiled, her dark eyes narrowing suspiciously, “Should I be worried? You’re not going to take me off and kill me are you?” Maybe she should rethink the whole date thing, yet had he wanted to murder her, he could have done so last night and she would have been none the wiser no thanks to Mr. Tequila, the jackass.
He continued to laugh as they exited the elevator. “Too messy, I prefer a more sensual killing, princess, even if you have no memory of it from the previous night. I’m a lover, not a hater.” He drew her hand up, placing a soft kiss over her skin.
Oh my. Savannah licked her dry lips, “Good to know.”
Hex’s arm remained locked around her waist as they exited the hotel, only to be greeted by Trent the bellhop with an atrociously keen smile on his lips as he handed Hex his keys. “Here you go, sir.”
Nothing but a motorcycle sat in front of her, she nearly fainted. A bubble of laughter escaped her lips. “A bike? Seriously?” She gloated inside her accurate assessment of his biker persona after all.
His beautiful mouth widened, “Unless you’re opposed, princess. I thought it would help stimulate closeness between us…not that it seems to be a problem.”
An elegant dark brow went up, “So you are a biker?”
He laughed outright at her question, “Not card-carrying, but I do enjoy the freedom of a crotch rocket nestled between my thighs, if that’s what you’re asking.” He leaned down to brush a soft kiss over her lips before standing back to hand her a helmet.
“Oh, you’re good with the easy comebacks.”
Hex’s tongue flicked out to run over his bottom lip, “I’ve been known to have a few now and again. Let’s get this on you.” He placed the helmet on her head and fastened the strap under her chin securely. He zipped up his jacket, reaching for his black helmet, climbing on his motorcycle.
Savannah wasn’t sure what planet she fell on recently, but somehow wanted to continue the journey. Maybe it was her lack of bad boy experience, but the man called to a deep, inner point within her soul she wanted to explore.
Hex flashed a smile before starting the engine, “Come on.”
Holding onto his back, Savannah swung a graceful leg over the back of the bike and found herself snug up against his backside. She reached out to embrace his torso and the position felt…really nice. Her insides rejoiced at the contact, melting within the folds of his hard body in a pleasurable sigh of welcome.
Seconds before the motorcycle roared to life, Hex turned his head, “Hold on.”
The sun disappeared behind them within the Georgia twilight of late March. He drove with ease—all smooth and powerful down through the streets and traffic. Savannah couldn’t help but smile. She'd never been on a motorcycle before, but it was more than an upsurge for her--a woman who could take a vacation to South Korea by herself and go bungee jumping on Jeju Island wasn’t scared of a bike ride. Thrills and adrenaline rushes were a normal life decision for Savannah and she loved the taste of freedom, and the hard contours of
Hex’s body under her hands felt amazing. She decided to enjoy the evening, wherever it took her…bad boy and all.
Roughly twenty minutes later, Hex pulled up in front of restaurant called, Gimpy’s Churrascaria, authentic Brazilian cuisine. They got off the motorcycle and Hex helped her out of her helmet.
“Have you ever eaten Brazilian barbecue? It’s very delicious.”
Savannah shook out her hat hair, “No, but I missed lunch, so I hope I don’t embarrass myself by eating too much.” A half smile, but she really wasn’t joking.
Hex reached for her hand, placing a kiss across her knuckles, “Your honesty is refreshing, Savannah. Just be yourself.” He winked and took their helmets in one hand, while slipping his other arm around her waist to guide her into the restaurant.
They were met by a very short, olive-skinned man with dark hair and wide smile. He grabbed Hex’s helmets, turning to give them to a woman standing behind him before embracing Hex and placing a kiss on either side of his cheek.
“Ah, Mr. Hex, it is so good to see you, my friend. I wondered when you might be back. I thought I might have to send out a search party,” the man said with a friendly grin.
“Ricardo, forgive me for being a bit MIA, but work seems to be the death of me lately, as you know.”
Ricardo's eyes twinkled with amusement, “That I do,” he said turning to Savannah with a pleasant smile, “You are so welcome here. This man is the best and I have never found a better friend in all my life. Please follow me. I have the most wonderful table for you.”
Their host led them through the restaurant decorated in ethnic tribal arts of the Amazon with clay pots and handicrafts adorning the walls, very Brazilian. Tables covered in red and white cloths and candles burning lightly in the center. Waiters carrying large skewers of meat thread through the tables, cutting large chunks of meat onto their patrons plates. The ambience was very stunning to Savannah’s eyes, but it was her stomach that growled against the delightful smell of delicious meat wafting through the air. Ricardo seated them in a semi-private corner overlooking the house fountain. They ordered their drinks and salad before settling into their places and turning towards to each other.
Hex reached across the table and took Savannah’s hand up into his, stroking her skin with slow circular movements. His touch spread warmth through her belly and she smiled off her nervousness. “This place is great.”
He nodded, “Yes, Ricardo is great too. We actually met each other on a job site a few years ago. He had just emigrated from Brazil, struggling to make ends meat for his family. MK Steel kind of took him under their wing and helped promote his idea for a real Brazilian restaurant. We’ve been friends ever since.”
“MK Steel seems to be into many causes for people. That is admirable.”
He watched her through lazy azure eyes, a half-smile played upon his lips, “You could say that, princess. But, I think the owner of MK Steel just really admires the plight of the less fortunate and strives to help. Honestly, it should be a required law to look after those in need. Most people drag ass day and night with little to show for it. I'm just happy I can participate in the success stories.” Hex lifted her hand to place a kiss upon her skin before the waiter arrived with their meal…and scrumptious skewers of meat.
They ate in companionable silence between smiles until Hex offered his fork of succulent beef up to her lips, “Try this…” he whispered, his eyes hooded and smoldering.
Startled, Savannah looked at the presented fork and her dark brown eyes met his in a burning wave of heat. She debated on whether or not to open her mouth, but instantly decided why the hell not. She already had his tongue on hers a couple of times earlier that day…and last night….so the complexities of germs and whatnot fled out her mind, but the sensual act of eating from his fork provoked a familiarity she wasn’t intimate with. Couples-sharing was as foreign as texting upside down on a roller coaster.
She opened her mouth.
"Wider." Hex slid his fork between her lips and the meat filled her mouth. He held her wide-eyed gaze, thumbing her bottom lip. “Damn, I'm out of practice, princess,” he murmured.
She nearly choked at his sentence, coughing despite trying to be elegant and smooth. She grabbed for her glass of tea and took a deep drink before looking at him. “So, what you mean is…you've done this before. Nice dimly lit restaurant, hot stealth moves on a chick mingled with a little fork swapping?”
Hex sat back in chair, shifting his large body to the side in an easy, laid-back position and smiled, “Well, I wouldn’t call them stealth moves, princess, but I’m no monk. I find you very, very attractive and to be honest, you intrigue me. And believe me…I am not easily swayed.” What an understatement! She fascinated him, unnerved him, and fucking enchanted the hell out of him.
Savannah rolled her eyes, “I’m hardly that intriguing…I’m just a regular girl.”
He pursed his lips in thought for a moment studying her closely, “In designer clothes that just happens to be the sister-in-law of Sean Merrick with a degree in advertising who traded brands for a hardhat? You’re not a regular girl, princess. Not even close”
The blood drained from her face and she stared at him a few seconds too long, contemplating how she would respond, “Pete.”
Hex nodded his head, “Seems Pete has elected himself president of your fan club, though I think Tony may like meet him after school to fight over the position. Boys and their toys…”
“They mean well, but Pete has a tendency to over share. I’ll have to speak to him about that. It’s not something I like to advertise…no pun intended.”
None taken, but still intrigued. “Why?”
Savannah shrugged, “Because I like to earn my merit, Hex and I believe I have more than accomplished that in the last year as construction manager. Having my guys throw my family connections around like an after school special blows a hole in my credibility and I would rather not be known for that. I’m good at my job and Sean knows that.”
He held up both hands defensively, “Don’t worry—your construction cred is still intact. I got the feeling your guys are proud of you.”
Right. “Or bored.” Savannah wasn’t comfortable with the deep end of their conversation, resigned to switch gears. "I was wondering...is Hex your actual name?”
His blue eyes crinkled with amusement, “No, I’m breaking it in for a friend.” He continued as he saw her smile, “My name is actually Hexon, but Hex stuck as a nickname when I was a kid.”
Her brown eyes glittered with amusement, “I bet that was tough.”
“Brutal. But, after I filled out with a bit of muscle, there wasn’t much left for them to laugh at.”
She too admired his lithe, honed body. “I can imagine.” The man was rock solid and beautiful, yet she discovered more underneath his cool exterior. He wasn’t just biker god with a great body and he really seemed to care about people, but before she could ask another question, Ricardo arrived with two steaming cups of Brazilian espresso and cleared their dinner dishes away.
Savannah took a sip and nearly had an orgasm from the divinity of the flavor, rich and smooth. “I think I’ve died and gone to caffeine heaven.”
Hex smiled, reaching out to link his hand through hers—unable to withstand a loss of physical connection, though unnerved, he wanted more of her. “Like that do you?”
She leaned forward, reaching up to push her blonde hair back over her shoulder. She enjoyed the warm caress of his hand over hers—somehow being with him made her feel comfortable and safe. Yet, the feeling was too foreign and complicated for deep thought. “Coffee is synonymous with rebirth in my humble opinion, one can never have enough.”
His brows lifted in amusement, “Have you ever considered group therapy or coffee anonymous?”
She nodded, “Possibly. I may be a candidate, but as my drug of choice, I’d rather live with the depths of my pleasure.” She laughed, taking another sip of the warm liquid, yet his touch warmed her more...se
t her on fire.
A smirk tilted his beautiful lips and he leaned his head to the side, “I’m sure we can explore other ways as well.”
Loaded statement! Despite the cool air of the restaurant, Savannah blushed. The man oozed lethal potency and he knew it...she craved it! She cleared her throat, “And here I thought you were only after my mind.” With a wink, she tried to pass off the sexual innuendo with flirty banter.
“I never said such a thing.” He gave her a sexy smile before squeezing her hand and reaching for his own cup. “Shall we finish our espresso and head out of here? I would like to show you something--that is if you have time?”
“Where am I gonna go? You’re my ride and my bankroll for the evening.”
Hex chuckled. "I’ll remind you of that later.” He stood, offering his hand, drawing her up snug beside him.
The heat of his body rolled over Savannah, tightening her stomach in a fast clench. He smelled divine like warm spice and dark chocolate—sensual with a dash of ‘oh my’ god. As much as she tried not to be impressed with him, she couldn’t help herself—between his criminal good looks, rough and tough body and easy manner, she drowned each time.
For one thing, she didn’t really know how to analyze her own feelings after one day with the man. Besides, she wanted to build a cabinet of interesting facts upon Hex instead of his penchant for alcohol and hot sex with complete strangers.
Viewing him respected through Ricardo’s eyes gave her the impression there was more under his azures and hard muscles than met the eye…and that was the man who intrigued her. Though everything was all so new, part of her was afraid to get burned by the fire emanating off him.
In some ways, Hex found the key to the portal of her soul and she wasn’t sure if she liked that or not. Games were one thing, but beyond casual, she drifted in unchartered waters. The asskicker was…she had only known him one day! Yet, for her sanity’s sake, she decided to play it cool.
They exchanged smiles and walked hands linked to the front of the restaurant, met by Ricardo, who insisted they would not be paying for their meal. Savannah watched the easy banter between Hex and his friend, an observer to the man of mystery. After a few minutes and their helmets in hand, they left the restaurant and readied themselves to go.
