by J. L. Beck
“I’m working as an assistant at a law firm right now while I finish up my degree.” Marie shrugs like it’s not a big deal, but she’s working at one of the top firms in the city—and probably the state. If she’s not going to volunteer the information, though, I won’t force her. She’s never been one to boast about herself or what she has or doesn’t have.
“That’s awesome, Marie.” Fallon gushes, “You probably get to see all kinds of crazy people. I don’t have nearly as fun of a job, but I do get to see my man everyday, so that’s a perk, and well, he’s the boss too so…” Her cheeks turn pink as she trails off, and I know she’s thinking about those “perks.”
Marie laughs, nodding her head as she tells us, “Oh yes. You wouldn’t believe some of the people who come in for appointments. Most of what the lawyers do is criminal defense, and they get everything from accused murderers to people got caught streaking across the field at a football or baseball game.” Her grin widens as she continues. “We just had one of those last week. He offered to show me pictures so I’d know why it shouldn’t have been considered a criminal offense. The guy even said his running around naked was something all women should consider a privilege.” Laughter bubbles out of me, and I cover it up by taking a sip of water
Mel snickers, nudging Fallon with her shoulder. “That so sounds like something one of the Winston brothers would say.”
“Oh definitely,” Fallon agrees. “Not so much Reed anymore, but I can definitely see Ryker or Remy saying something like that.” The two women laugh, but a sourness coats my stomach when I think about how well Mel seems to know Ryker. Did she have a relationship with him? Obviously, I know he wasn’t a virgin when we had sex the first time, but just the thought of being near someone he’s slept with makes me want to throw up.
I almost ask, but there’s no way I actually want to know. Knowing for a fact Ryker slept with someone I can see myself being friends with would absolutely ruin my night, and I don’t want Fallon and Mel to think I’m a jealous harpy.
The conversation at the table turns back to Fallon, Reed, and their new baby. My relief is almost palpable, and I throw myself into the conversation eagerly. “What’s Reed like as a dad? He’s always so serious at work. I mean, he’s just so intimidating. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be his child…or his child’s mom, for that matter. I’d always be afraid he was going to think I was doing it wrong.”
Fallon gives me a sweet smile as the look on her face turns dreamy. “Reed is the best daddy. The best almost husband too.” Sighing, she rests her chin in her hand and carries on, “Seeing Reed hold Maverick, I swear, it’s the most amazing thing ever. He’ll cradle him in his arms, holding him close to his chest as he sways back and forth. Every time I see him do it, I want to jump him, even though I know we can’t yet. I swear, seeing the man as a daddy is going to have me knocked up again as soon as the doctor says we can have sex.”
Her attention turns to me. “Ryker is a great guy too, you know. He likes you so much, and I know if you give him a chance, he’ll make you happy.” The way she’s looking at me makes me squirm in my seat because I get the feeling she knows more than she’s letting on. Her eyes are focused on me, and even though I can tell she’s tipsy, she’s so focused on me it’s unnerving. Then she continues, saying, “And, if Ryker doesn’t work out, there’s always Remy. She giggles, and her words make me relax a little, because there’s no way she can know I’m pregnant if she’s recommending Remy as a backup option.
Mel frowns at Fallon’s offer, but before I can think too hard about it, Fallon’s whole face lights up and a huge smile spreads across her lips. “Reed!” she shrieks, stumbling into his arms as she tries to get off her stool. He laughs, wrapping his arms around her waist and bending down to kiss her lips. My heart squeezes at the obvious affection between them, and I’m so focused on them, I don’t notice Ryker walking up behind me until his lips touch my cheek.
“Ava,” he growls, his voice deeper than normal. I turn to look up at him, and the look in his eyes is intense as he studies my face. “How much have you had to drink?”
I shake my head. “None. Just water.” I lift my glass to prove it, completely forgetting I’ve been shoving drinks at Marie all night until she jabs me in the side. Crap. I look around the table, hoping Fallon and Mel didn’t notice my oops, but Fallon is still attached to Reed’s mouth, and Mel is staring at Remy like she’d like to eat him for dessert instead of the cheesecake forgotten on her plate.
When Reed and Fallon finally come up for air, she introduces Marie to the guys. “This is Ava’s friend, Marie Duchesne.” She keeps talking, telling Reed about how we met and her job, but I can only focus on the way Reed is staring daggers at my friend. Tension seems to rise between them.
Marie’s glaring back at him, and when I look over at Ryker, he’s staring at Reed too, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. As much as I want to ask her what that’s all about, I know now isn’t the right time. There’re secrets that need to be exposed, but not here. I will be cornering her later though. It’s beyond time to find out what’s going on with her and the Winston brothers.
Reed finally tears his dark gaze away from Marie, and when he looks down at Fallon, his whole expression changes. Instead of the dark, pissed-off look, his eyes soften and he smiles softly at her. She’s sagging against him, and he tightens his hold on her before looking at both of his brothers. “I think Fallon’s had enough. I’m taking her home and tucking her into bed.” Fallon perks up at his words and stretches to whisper something in his ear that makes his hands fist at her waist and his expression turns almost feral.
Ryker and Remy both laugh but don’t make comments.
Instead, Ryker turns to me and asks, “Can I take you home?”
I start to tell him it’s not necessary because I came with Marie, but before I get the words out, she’s grabbing her purse and telling me, “I’ve got to go. I just remembered something I need to do.” She doesn’t elaborate, and when I meet her eyes, the freaked-out look in them has me worrying about her even more.
“I’ll be fine,” she reassures me, squeezing my hand before she walks away. I know I should follow her and order her to tell me what’s going on, but I can’t. As badly as I want to know, I can’t force her to talk to me.
“Something is going on with her,” I tell Ryker. He makes a humming noise in his throat in agreement, but doesn’t say anything else. I know he’s still waiting for an answer about taking me home, and with a sigh, I nod in agreement.
What’s the point in fighting with him? I’ve already left him alone in bed twice, and I can only run from my problems for so long before they catch up with me.
I feel Ryker’s breath at my ear, and it causes me to shiver. “I’m glad you agreed because we have a lot to talk about. A lot.”
He has no idea what he’s saying, not yet...
I follow Ava into her dark apartment. I’ve been waiting for this moment since I woke up last weekend, alone, with her side of the bed cold, and tonight I’m done playing games. I’m done wondering if she wants me like I want her. I’m going to make her admit it to herself and to me that this, me, is what she wants.
The second she shuts the door, closing us inside, I pounce. I push her up against the heavy wooden door and flick the dead bolt into place. Ava’s gaze widens, but it isn’t fear I see in those whiskey-colored depths, it’s excitement.
“I’ve woken up twice after sex with you to a cold bed, wondering what the hell I did wrong to make you run off.” My words are harsh, and I can see her flinch, but I don’t let it stop me. “Do you know what it’s like? To wake up, expecting to see the person you fell asleep next to there beside you, only to find yourself alone? It’s a fucking horrible feeling and one I’d rather not repeat again.”
Her eyes drop from my mine, and I know the turmoil swirling in mine is causing her pain, but she needs to see what she’s doing to me. “You have me so fucked up, Ava. You leave me, you freeze me ou
t at work. I’m not sure what I’ve done to make you act that way, but it would be fucking fantastic if you’d clue me in.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispers, the excitement absent from her voice now. I wasn’t planning to jump on her the minute I got her alone, but I can’t keep all this anger inside me anymore or I’ll go insane. I’ll literally lose my fucking mind if I have to go another second withholding all the truths that want to slip past my lips.
And while I appreciate her apology, it’s almost too little, too late. She looks back up at me, and the sadness in her eyes makes me want to apologize, but I refuse. I start to say something, though I have no idea what, but before I can, her hands grip my shirt and she comes up on her toes to press her lips to mine.
The sudden change has me unsure what to do, but as soon as her tongue prods against the seam of my lips, all my anger fades away. I’m consumed with need for her, and it feels like every bit of blood in my body rushes to my now rock-hard dick. The rage inside me simmers, and I unleash it, pressing her harder against the door, taking over the kiss.
My hand tangles in her blonde hair, gripping it hard and moving her so I can claim her mouth. Ava gasps in surprise, and I take advantage of that open mouth of hers, pushing my tongue inside to wrap around hers.
She has no fucking clue the power she holds over me. The way she makes my body hum with need when she’s nearby. I’m tethered to her, and I have fucking clue how or why.
“Ryker…” My name spills from her lips on a whimper as I pull away for a second, giving us both a much needed moment to breathe. I can feel my heartbeat pounding in my ears, my lungs burning as air enters them, and yet, that one kiss wasn’t enough. I can feel it. This compelling need to be near her, as if she’s my beginning and end. She owns me, and I want to own her the same way she owns my heart.
“You’re mine tonight. Mine. And when I take you to bed and tuck you into my side, you’ll remain there all night.” I press my forehead against hers, feeling this feral need fester deep inside me. I won’t take no for an answer. Not now, not ever. She had her chance to run, her chance to say no, but she didn’t. Now she’s mine, all fucking mine.
“I want you.” She whispers it so softly, I almost don’t hear it, and the words are music to my ears. Everything fades away, leaving just Ava and I. The whole world could be burning to the fucking ground and I wouldn’t care right now.
“Good, because you’re going to fucking get me,” I growl, picking her up and forcing her legs around my hips. Her lips press against the pulse throbbing in my neck, and I swear my knees go weak with need. God, this fucking woman. She owns me. It was only a few months ago I was afraid to admit something like that, but today, today I feel like I can scream it from the rooftops.
I head down the hall, my cock straining against my slacks painfully. I need to get all these clothes off us, so we can do all the talking we need to with our bodies. I pass one door, then another, unsure of which room is hers.
“It’s the last door on the right,” she murmurs huskily into the shell of my ear before her teeth start nibbling on the lobe. I know we need to talk. I know we do, but I need to be inside her. It’s like my fucking life depends on it.
“We have so much to fucking talk about, but I have to have you first,” I growl, opening the door to her bedroom and closing it behind us. I release her, and she falls back onto the mattress, looking like a siren of sunshine with her blonde hair fanned out. She’s so beautiful it almost hurts me to look at her and think that she is mine.
“Yes,” she agrees, reaching for me greedily as if she feels the same burning need flowing through her veins. Buttons fly, and clothes crumple to the floor. There isn’t anything sweet about the way Ava and I come together. It’s always primal, soul searing, and body shaking. In seconds, were both stark-ass naked, and I find myself on my knees, pulling her ass to the edge of the bed so I can get a taste of that sweet pussy of hers.
She whimpers, looking up at me with doe eyes. “I’m going to taste this sweet pussy. You’re going to be dripping with need before I give you my cock,” I hiss, almost losing it when I part her legs and see the glistening arousal that she has for me dripping down her thighs. Pushing her legs back against her chest, leaving her pussy vulnerable, I dive in like I’m starving, which isn’t far from the truth. I am starving…for her. Her body, her heart, all of her.
“Ryker,” she cries out as my tongue licks her from her asshole to the top of her pussy, causing an explosion of need to slam into me. My fingers dig into her skin, holding her in place while I flick my tongue against her needy clit. She owns me, but tonight I’m going to show her just how much I own her too.
“Who do you belong to?” I ask, my words vibrating between her soaked folds.
“What?” She gasps as I suck on her clit before alternating between licks and bites. The change in my attention keeps her from reaching her orgasm, and her head starts thrashing back and forth against the pillows.
“Who do you belong to?” This time my voice is unhinged, and I enter her with two fingers, scissoring them apart and causing her eyes to roll to the back of her head. Her body bows with pleasure, and I pull out of her, bringing my two drenched fingers to my lips.
“Please,” she begs, her whiskey eyes pleading with me to let her come.
“Beg me all you want…” I smirk down at her, loving the way she begs. “I won’t be letting you come until you admit you’re mine.” Fire flickers in her eyes as she watches me lick my fingers clean, the sweet taste of her cream making my cock harder than steel.
“I don’t belong to you, Ryker.” She states it matter-of-factly, and I snicker, slipping the two fingers back into her with ease.
“You do, sweetheart, even your body knows it’s true.” I start thrusting those two fingers inside her, stretching and fucking her as if it’s my cock. She thrashes against the sheets, her nails digging into my arms as she moans wantonly with pleasure.
“Ahhh…” she cries out in frustration as I pull my fingers out once more, then slip them back in slowly, ending the relentless pace. “Ryker…” I can tell she angry, frustrated, and I’m glad. For once she knows exactly what it’s like to feel my pain.
“I’ll let you come, but only if you say you’re mine.” I lean in, pressing a hard kiss to her lips. She shakes her head no, and I start moving my fingers inside her again. Her eyes drift closed as her body tightens like a rubber band that’s about to snap.
“Say it,” I order, and she shakes her head once more, her perfectly white teeth sinking into her plump bottom lip. I up my thrust and rub circles against her clit, bringing her right to the very edge.
“Give it up, baby…” I feel her channel tighten and know she’s right there on the edge. “Say it or I’ll stop again.” Ava whimpers once more but releases her lip, her eyes opening and shining bright as she stares up at me with amazement.
“Fuck,” she moans. “I’m yours, Ryker, I’m yours. Please, let me come, please.”
I sigh inwardly, thanking fuck she finally admitted it, and then I finally let her come. Her body lifts off the mattress, and her sweet, sweet cream gushes from her pussy, making my hand slippery. I scissor my fingers again, prolonging her orgasm, and watch as the flush enters her cheeks and her eyes roll to the back of her head.
“You’re beautiful as fuck when you come, and now that you’ve admitted that you’re mine, I’m going to claim you once and for all.” Something inside me snaps, and I pull my fingers out of her drenched pussy so I can grip her ass and move her up the mattress. She’s still looking up at me, but this time with a dazed expression.
“Wait,” she whispers, as I climb over her, taking my cock into my hand and centering it at her entrance. I couldn’t stop myself now if I wanted to.
“Whatever it is, it can wait. I have to have you, Ava,” I growl, my cock slipping against her entrance as my lips press against her collarbone. She mewls, melting into my touch. I swear I feel heaven when I finally sink balls deep inside her
.
She’s so tight, so perfect, and our bodies come together as if we were the missing puzzle pieces to each other’s lives.
“Oh God.” Ava huffs, her chest rising and falling faster and faster with each hard thrust. I grip her hips, holding her in place, and fuck her like there’s no tomorrow. In seconds, she’s coming, her pussy tightening around my cock, squeezing me so hard I get light-headed.
“If I could live inside you, I would,” I tell her as I worship her body with my cock. I want to devour every fucking inch of her, but there isn’t enough time in the day for that. Ava pulls my head down, and I crash my lips into hers, kissing her with all my might, wanting her to feel what I feel and praying she feels it too.
“I… I lo…” Her words cut off before they’re fully said, but that’s fine, because I already know what she’s going to say, and that pushes me forward. The tightening in my balls tells me I’m close, and I need Ava to come with me one last time.
“Come for me, baby, come all over my cock,” I pant, each stroke pushing me closer to the edge. I need Ava with me, so I rub perfect circles against that tight little bundle of nerves to push her right the fuck off the edge.
In seconds, I’m falling with her, my toes tingling and my body shaking as I empty every single ounce of who I am inside her.
I sag against her, resting on my arms before pressing a soft kiss against her nose.
Mine. All fucking mine.
I adjust us so that she’s tucked into my side. Then I pull the covers up over us and relish in the feel of her skin against mine.
“You were made for me, Ava, and nothing you do will ever change that,” I whisper into her sunshine blonde hair.
She mumbles something I don’t understand before burrowing into the pillows and letting me hold her tightly against my chest. I smirk, planning like hell to prove her wrong.
