by Beth Mikell
“So, where are we going?” Savannah pulled her hair back and placing the helmet on her head, while Hex reached up to secure the strap under her chin.
Even by the artificial light of Gimpy’s sign, Hex’s smile hid a promise he wouldn’t share. He shook his dark head to reiterate his negative response. “No way, princess. Surprise.” He swiped his index finger off the end of her nose. “Hop on,” he finished ending the inquiry before it even began, turning the key on the motorcycle making it roar to life.
Once again snuggled up behind his lithe body, Savannah held on and allowed his warmth to seep into her chilled body.
The March air of Georgia had turned cooler without the sunshine and despite her jacket, she felt cold. Hex maneuvered through the streets with expert ease and she realized they were leaving the downtown area into the rich space of countryside and upscale homes, which was probably beautiful in the light of day. Hex’s motorcycle roared down the quieter roads, laying claim to the peaceful night they traveled within.
Before long, Hex pulled up in front of a large wrought iron gate and leaned over to punch in a code on a sophisticated keypad. The gates opened and they continued down a paved road until they came up to a two-story modern house, boxy, chic with large expanse of glass teasing and brilliant. He stopped the motorcycle beside the front door and cut the engine. With ease of a man used to road travel on a motorcycle, he swung his large body off, taking care to help Savannah and hang both their helmets on his bike.
She immediately liked the house, but wondered why he brought her, trying to choke down a measure of so-called relationship fear floating on the wings of what-the-fuck. “Sooo, you are really a serial killer and I’m about to be murdered, right? Can you possibly give me a few minutes head start run time? I mean I am wearing heels and all that…and as far as my dead body, will you chop and bag or will you just dump in a shallow grave? Yeah…I’m thinking shallow grave because at least I may still look like me when they find me.”
Hex chuckled, “Relax princess…God…one would think you’d never been to a guy’s house before.” Her pained expression surprised him. “What? Never?”
Savannah fidgeted, looking away from the dancing gleam in his blue eyes, “Not exactly. I’m more of a…my-space-and-your-space-is-off-limits kind of girl.”
“Hence the hotel last night,” he concluded with a wry twist of his beautiful mouth.
She couldn’t help but nod in agreement, “And about that, I’m not in the habit of picking up random strangers for a booty call. I was very surprised to wake up with you this morning.”
A grin split his face that would hang the moon and stars, but he gave it all to her, “I promise I am a respectable kind of guy.” He rolled his eyes. “Okay, except when I find hot blondes in night clubs…then anything goes.”
Her mouth dropped opened, she punched him lightly in the arm, “Watch it. I have a black belt in karate. And I know how to use my high heels as a weapon.”
Hex threw up his hands in the air, looking to the sky in theatrical drama, “Nice…there goes the whole kill-her-and-dump-the-body scenario! Now, will you relax and follow me, princess? I just thought you might like to get away from the hotel scene.” Hex took her hand and led her towards the house.
By Savannah’s estimation, the house was stunning--very modern with clean lines with jagged artistic hunks of metal woven into the walls. Nearly sci-fi in appearance, but somehow clever in innovation and definitely not a house she would have expected him to have. Truth be told, he seemed more of the bachelor pad, messy apartment kind of guy. As they entered, the mod design continued within the décor with white and black furniture, glass chandeliers and with a touch of Chartreuse green and blood red accents throughout the downstairs floor--no empty pizza boxes or empty beer bottles.
The living room boasted an awesome entertainment system, an ingenious array of storage for books and tons of music. There was a mini bar and double glass doors leading out to an Olympic sized pool lit up by soft lights. His architect alone must have made millions on the plan and Savannah was blown away to say the least.
“And you’re just a metal subcontractor?” She walked around the living room, noting a Picasso on the wall and her brow went up. Mystery surrounded biker god, but she was still feeling her way through the murky depths to call him out on it.
Hex headed over to the mini bar, removing his jacket as he went, laying it over the back of the sofa. He poured them each a brandy and he chuckled at her question, but didn't offer an immediate response. He came back over to her and handed her a snifter, “I am a man of many diversities.” His blue eyes narrowed at the corners in devilish expression—tight-lipped without divulging his secrets.
Savannah took the proffered glass, swirled the brandy, and then sniffed the aroma...expensive. “Don’t think you can ply me with alcohol tonight. I’m wise to you now.” She offered a cheeky wink, saluting him with her glass before taking a sip of the brandy--just like him—sleek and smooth cascading down her throat with warm sensual pleasure. She wanted to sigh against the sultry taste, but pulled in the reigns of restraint.
He feigned a forlorn expression, “I’m crushed princess, but in all honesty, I was just as hammered as you last night. I apologize for being an ass. I'm not into one night stands—so call us even, huh? That’s why I brought you here for a little less focus on the hot and heavy, but of course…I’m never opposed.” His voice rolled some kind of sexy as he clinked his glass against hers.
He led her over to the sofa and sank down beside her, though he wasn’t touching, his intense body heat radiated into her. “An honest answer can get you into a lot of trouble," she murmured.
“I agree. Not to sound cliché, but honesty is the best policy, but insanity is the best defense.”
Savannah tried not to laugh, even a little, but his sense of humor shimmed towards hers and she found herself seemingly happy with his quick wit and charm. More than she should allow herself to indulge in. “Maybe you should have been an attorney…seems you can justify anything.”
Hex tilted his dark head to the side as if contemplating that very thing, “Hmmm, I considered that, but I’m more of a ‘hands on’ kind of man and hate being cooped up in an office for long periods of time.”
Savannah wisely ignored the hands on comment and opted to change the subject for her own sanity’s sake, too acutely aware of the man’s dark sensuality to banter on the topic of sex. “So, I’m a captive audience. What did you have in mind?”
“Besides burning up the bed sheets?”
She smiled and placed her glass on the coffee table. “Yeah, we seriously need to work on our people skills, especially if it involves alcohol and forget me sex.”
He leaned forward, inches away from her face, “I didn’t forget anything, princess,” he whispered, before brushing his lips across hers but he pulled back just as suddenly. “Do you play cards?”
Her lips tingled from the light kiss, “In theory. Why? Do you have a hankering for Old Maid?” She teased, flashing him a smile.
He placed his glass down and reached for an intricate metal crafted box. “Not even close. How about a little strip poker?”
Chapter Three
What would men be without women? Scarce, sir...mighty scarce. ~ Mark Twain
Savannah’s elegant, dark brow arched in disbelief and her eyes widened at his suggestion. “Would that before or after we slow down on the pot ‘o lust?” Her stomach flip-flopped within her at the thought of undressing under his cool, blue gaze, but she gave him sexual commendation, the man knew his way around the female seduction train and her body wasn’t protesting. In fact, her inner hussy leaped towards every chance to be claimed by him.
Hex shrugged one shoulder, flashing a disarming smile as he flipped out the deck of cards into his large palm. “I’m a betting man and strip poker definitely stirs the pot, wouldn’t you say?”
She wanted to smile, but controlled it, unwilling to boost his ego with excitement. Savannah reac
hed for the deck within his hands, which he handed over without hesitation. “Five Card Draw?” Not waiting for a response, she rallied on. “I’ll deal. I’m not sure I trust you. Perhaps you’re a cheater.”
Hex leaned forward, reaching up to caress her cheek with the back of his hand, “I don’t need to cheat, princess. I’m just damn good.”
She nodded in stride, shuffling the cards with skillful movements, “Until you’re sitting in your whitey tighties.”
Hex feigned innocence. “Who says I even wear underwear?”
His question knocked the breath right out of her and the cards scattered in a bad version of a fifty-two card shuffle. His laughter bellowed forth and he helped her gather up the dispersed lot all over the coffee table, sofa and floor.
“Are you trying to kill my mojo?” A giggle escaped through her lips as they picked up the cards and her hands bumped into his. Warm heat skipped up her arm, blitzing her composure, which normally ran along the lines of collected and serene—but hell, not with him. He simply shot her a glance or gave a harmless caress and bam--she fell apart, damn him.
“I want all the advantage, princess…not that I’ll need it, of course.” His arrogant confidence abounded in spades.
“You’re such an ass.”
Hex reached out, gently yanking a strand of her hair that lay over her breast, “And if you play your cards right, you may just get a view of it.”
“Oh, I so walked into that one…” Savannah said in a bored wispy tone, rolling her eyes.
As he adjusted his position on the sofa to await her deal, Hex’s chest rumbled with amusement, “And then some.”
She moved to sit opposite him over the coffee table, deftly reassembling the cards and proceeded to shuffle all the while stealing glances at him through her dark lashes. He looked really beautiful, relaxed and a man of heightened sexuality who knew his body and wasn’t embarrassed by it. “Any rules other than the loser shucking off one item of clothing at the end of each hand?”
“High card wins.”
Savannah cast him a sultry glance as she dealt the first round, her first hand didn’t suck--four of a kind. Not bad. A quick observation up at Hex revealed a pensive man, without any tells. She shifted her cards in her hand, to make it seem like she wasn’t sure of herself and then took out the low card.
“Just one card for me.” Not that she needed it (maybe), but the next card was an Ace. Talk about luck…and she tried not to smile. “Give me two, princess.”
She slid two over and waited, her nerves stretched raw as her heartbeat in her throat at the thought of losing. “Throw down.”
His blue eyes met hers in a clash of fire over their mutual game and his lips moved up into a sexy half-smile. He showed his hand, a full house. “Beat that.”
Savannah smiled, laying down her hand, “I think four of a kind wins…plus an Ace in the hole for backup.”
“I see I didn’t kill your mojo after all.” He winked and flexed his arms out in front of him before standing up and hooking both thumbs in his jeans pockets. “What shall I remove first, princess?”
Holy hot much! He looked sexy-incredible with all his clothes on, but Savannah swallowed hard recalling him naked earlier that morning, her body flushed hot. She sat back comfortably on the sofa, tapping a finger against her chin. “Mmmm….shoes? Nah…shirt. Come on bad boy…give it up.”
His hand ran over the hem, pulling it up and down in a teasing display, “I usually charge for this kind of exposure.”
“Well, I don’t have any money with me or I’d request a lap dance.”
Hex chuckled with a surge of rich, deep laughter, “You first, princess,” he said, imaging her sexy moves over his body. He proceeded to pull up his shirt up over his neck…the fabric caught and he moved it side to side in a gesture of ribbing. He tossed the shirt at her, flexing his muscles, his body hard and rugged.
Sweet. Hallowed. Hell. Savannah’s heart lurched through her, stealing her breath, her blood boiling hot. Not that she was surprised because she'd seen him naked before, and there wasn’t an ounce of fat on his cut, lithe body—just cords of muscle with only a sprinkling of dark chest hair disappearing into the waistband of his jeans. His tattoos announced his powerful, virile chest like an outline or map within all his glory. God…sweat beaded her brow.
When she remained staring, Hex lifted a brow, his eyes glimmering with entertainment, “You can take a picture if you like….”
Sheesh. She cleared her throat, embarrassed, a rosy blush climbing her cheeks. “Zip it.”
“I’d never deny you, princess.”
Good to know. Savannah reached for the deck of cards, preparing for the next round. “I’m not the least bit affected.” She looked down at the cards, hands trembling and wanted to die from mortification.
Hex took his seat on the sofa, rewarded with her gaze back on him and leaned forward, “Liar.” He whispered, his eyes boring hot into hers.
“And you said you were damned good? Shall I make you eat your words?” With a half laugh, she tried not to look at his naked chest of rippling muscles, though she had the crazy hunger to run her hands over each pronounced curve, inner hussy happy danced. Maybe even follow-up with her tongue? The room spun in a haze within her fantasy and her awareness hit, Hex knew exactly what he was doing when he suggested the game.
“Deal ‘em and we’ll see,” Hex said with ease.
The next round went out, but Savannah soon realized she might be struggling. Two pair was not what she was hoping for, but discarded three cards and hoped for the best, though luck flew out the window with nothing to up her rank. And to make matter worse, Hex only asked for one card with a sexy grin on his face, his confidence brimming, damn him.
“Well, princess? Care to share?”
She blew out a puff of air and laid down her two pair, hoping he bombed out, but as he revealed his Straight….she knew she lost. He sat back and folded his hands up behind his dark head in victory. “What shall it be? Shoes or…jacket?”
Her lips drew in a flat line and her heart tripled in speed, though she came to her feet, arching a dark brow at him, waiting for his request.
“Jacket.”
Savannah turned her back on him and took a deep composing breath to settle her raging desire fluttering through her stomach, crap! Her hands fumbled with the knot at her waist as her mind plowed through images of his naked body. She was screwed and what was worse…the hussy in her wanted him to forget the game—and kiss her until she screamed for more, the strumpet! Alcohol couldn’t be blamed this time…yeah…she was nailed by her wantonness in more ways than one.
“Would you like some help princess? I’m good with clothing removal.”
Startled, she turned to flash him a hard look, her long blonde hair falling in a cascade of silk in the air. “Only if you want to test my karate moves?”
He just smiled, waiting.
Savannah turned around to face him making short work of the buttons, her dark eyes meeting his as she shed her jacket, tossing it over the back the sofa in a rush. The cool air caused her nipples to pucker and stand out visibly underneath her black knit shirt. She wanted to cross her arms out in front of herself, but refused to bow to her shaking nerves—wishing her weakness away under his acute stare.
“Is it everything you dreamed of?”
Hex wasn’t smiling now…in fact his eyes narrowed--glittering with fierce desire, but he didn’t answer her question. He leaned forward and gathered up his cards, tossing them over to her side of the table. “Again,” he said gruffly.
But, she lost once more.
Hex pulled off a Flush…flushing her hopes at winning. She stood up to receive her next strip tease request, her eyes glowing with tight nerves as she eyed him.
“Boots baby…and shuck ‘em both, please.”
With playfulness despite her shaking body, Savannah came around his side of the coffee table and hooked a leg up on the tabletop. His eyes bore hot into the back of her ass
, but she wanted to push his buttons…two could play his seduction game. She reached for the zipper, and slowly pulled it down, taking off her black boot, before handing the other with the same drawn out ceremony. Savannah turned to find his expression remote, a red flush riding high over his cheekbones and his blue eyes dilated. Satisfied she gave him a saucy wink and she primly took her place back on the opposite sofa to gather the cards for the next hand.
“I think you are enjoying this too much. Maybe I should have suggested Go Fish.”
She shrugged, watching him closely, “All’s fair…”
Hex only cleared his throat, shifting in discomfort from his erection pressing against the seam of his jeans and took his cards with a sexy smile.
Yet, her next hand wasn’t fair…in fact it sucked big rocks and then some. She had nothing…not even two pair. Fate was not on her side now, but she found she rather enjoyed shedding her clothes in front of him. She noticed Hex’s shallow breathing alone excited the rush of sensual awareness within her body. Oh, yes…strip poker wasn’t for the faint of heart.
She waited anxiously for his next request.
“Shirt baby…” He whispered, visibly swallowing, leaning forward with his usual cool control shot to hell.
Savannah smiled, but didn’t move to take her shirt off immediately, moving around the sofa, trailing a fingertip over the top until she came to his naked, tattooed shoulder. Her skin made contact, slipping her whole hand down over the scorching heat of his chest. Her body liquefied to her core at the feel of his skin under hers. She dragged her hand over his male nipple, raking her fingernail gently over his sensitive flesh, rewarded with the hiss of his indrawn breath.
She bent forward close to his ear, “It’s quite the adventure, isn’t tough guy?” She slipped her tongue out to trace over his earlobe, before suddenly moving away as he reached for her.
