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Wilde Rapture
ISBN #978-0-85715-860-4
©Copyright Taige Crenshaw 2012
Cover Art by April Martinez ©Copyright January 2012
Edited by Rebecca Hill
Total-E-Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.
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The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2012 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.
Warning:
This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-sizzling and a sexometer of 2.
This story contains 43 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 8 pages.
Wilde
WILDE RAPTURE
Taige Crenshaw
Book two in the Wilde Series
Nia Hudson is looking for a momentary escape when she steps into an alcove during a wedding reception. At least until the most captivating man joins her. They share an interesting conversation. When the man takes his leave, he tells her he will be waiting for her to come and find him. It isn’t until he is gone that Nia realises she hadn’t even got his name. When she does follow up, she not only finds him, she finds...the man who will change her life.
Darius Wilde is not about to let the fascinating woman get away. She tests his formidable control, and tantalises all his senses. His Garlven side is on high alert. And the man in him wants to lay her down and have her. She is skittish and will let him have her body, but he wants so much more. With a soft touch and melding himself into her life, he will have it all or nothing. He wants her to join him and embrace...Wilde Rapture.
Dedication
To Aliyah Burke for laughing…supporting me as I wrote this book. To all the readers who asked for more books about the Wildes, this is for you. And stay tuned for more Wilde books to come.
Trademarks Acknowledgement
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:
Google: Google Inc.
X-Men: Marvel Comics
Chapter One
“Why do people lose all sense at a wedding?” Nia Hudson stepped deeper into the alcove she had found, away from the madness.
“Makes them want to grab on to their singlehood and appreciate it as much as they can. Personally, I like weddings,” a deep, masculine voice said from her right.
Nia backed away, hand automatically going to her side. She cursed silently, realising she didn’t have her gun. No wonder she felt naked. She resisted yanking up the bodice of the bridesmaid’s dress she wore. The amount of cleavage it showed was ridiculous. The man stepped a little more into the minimal light the alcove offered.
She categorised his description as a cop would. Age about late thirties. Height approximately six feet four. Weight approximately one hundred and ninety pounds of lean muscle. No visible scars. Sun-kissed skin, hair inky-black, eye colour blue. Facial description—broad forehead, narrow nose, sharply defined cheeks, slightly rounded chin and full lips.
Nia the woman appreciated the way his skin looked so soft, lickable, and biteable. All his features put together made for a compelling man who should be marked, ‘Danger—get ready to ravish’. Thick, black, curling lashes and heavy eyebrows made his blue eyes—more like cerulean—seemed almost celestial. They made you think he was an angel…but the look in those eyes was pure devil. His hair was braided and rested over one broad shoulder, down to mid-chest.
He moved with a fluid grace that screamed confidence and a seemingly old-world charm. The man leaned against the wall of the alcove, leaving enough space that she didn’t feel crowded. A small grin spread across his full mouth. It made her want to kiss him, sink her tongue between his lips to see how he tasted.
Snap out of it. This is not like you.
Something about this stranger made her imagine lowering her guard and having him every which way and in any place they could think of. The long lines of his body made her wonder how strong and flexible he would be in bed. Nia pushed the thoughts away and took a step towards the entrance to the alcove, intending to escape.
“Don’t flee. I’ll go. Leave you to your privacy.” His sensuous voice in the semi-dark held her still.
Biting her lip, Nia stifled a moan. She straightened her shoulders. She was a cop…a homicide detective, for Christ’s sake. Some man…a stranger…would not make her run.
Being a cop isn’t the issue. It’s the woman who wants to jump him and tell him to take you now—and to hell with the people around who might find you.
Nia gulped. She wasn’t one for public sex. Privacy, where you could take your time and explore, was more her thing. Blowing out a soft breath, she moved back into the alcove and stood next to him. His scent surrounded her. She couldn’t place the fragrance. It reminded her of something wild, untamed, and mysterious. She glanced at him. Sort of like the man himself. He was watching her, those blue eyes delving deep to see all she was.
Nia shook off the fanciful notion.
“Why do you like weddings?” she asked.
“Shows you what finding your other half can bring. Happiness and contentment.” He smiled.
“Heartache and pain,” she countered.
“Ah…a cynic.”
“Not cynicism. Realism. Most people hide things—things relevant to a relationship. That leads to hurt, pain, and misunderstanding…then, eventually, divorce and bitterness.” Nia shrugged.
“Sometimes things about a person can’t be revealed so easily. It takes trust and a closeness of souls.”
“By the time you’re committed to each other, ready to walk down the aisle to pledge yourself to someone, you should already have shared those things,” Nia stated firmly.
“If I was ready for that, I would share them…then pledge myself to her.” His voice was intense.
She stifled a shiver. “You’re a romantic,” she mocked.
“Yes. And, although you might hide it, so are you. You believe in love, but try to convince yourself that you don’t,” was his calm reply.
Nia stiffened. “You don’t know me.”
“Not yet. But I plan to.” His reply dripped arrogance.
“We don’t always get what we want,” she said.
“Usually, I do. When you’re ready to explore, come find me.” The man straightened.
Nia bit back a gasp. His frame towered over her own full-figured, six-foot body. He raised a hand to the side of her face. Nia waited to see what he would do. She could feel the heat of his palm, but he didn’t close that miniscule distance to actually touch her. He lowered his hand. She could imagine the feel of his long fingers on her body. Her pussy clenched, then dampened. He raised his head and inhaled deeply. Nia was grateful there was no way for him to smell her arousal through all her clothing.
“I’ll
be waiting for you.” He walked backward, away from her, his eyes locked on hers.
Only the blue of his gaze was visible for a moment, then his lids closed over his eyes. Instinct told her he was gone. Shakily, Nia leaned on the wall. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, she tried to control the shakes she was having. She raised her hand and touched the aching tips of her nipples. Glancing up, she noted that the party was still in full swing. No one seemed aware of the encounter she’d just had.
“There you are, hiding in the corner. You’re a bridesmaid. No hiding allowed,” said a melodious voice with a lyrical accent.
Nia quickly lowered her hands.
“I’m not hiding, Gabe,” she said defensively.
She had been—at least until the intriguing encounter with the man. Nia scowled, realising she didn’t even know his name.
How the hell am I supposed to find him if I don’t know his name?
Nia bit the inside of her cheek. Nope. She wasn’t going to try to find him. Men like him were trouble. They never understood that her job came first.
“You are. Now make room for me.” Gabriella Kane scooted in beside her.
Nia laughed at her friend’s antics. Gabriella leaned next to her. She plucked at her dress. Most of the bridesmaids’ dresses were pale yellow with a sweetheart neckline and lots of flounce. As maids of honour, Gabriella’s and Nia’s had the sweetheart neckline, but were A-line, complementing their full-figured frames. When they had been asked to be joint maids of honour, they had pointed out that usually there was just one. Then they’d each tried to convince the bride that the other would be better suited to the role. Gabriella and Nia were anti-social. They both preferred hanging out at one of their apartments and watching TV, reading, or chatting. Only one person could have talked them into being part of a wedding party. Nia glanced at the bride and groom dancing on the floor a little distance away.
“Carmen looks so happy,” Nia said.
“One of the Three Vs is married. Can you believe it?” Gabriella mused.
Nia continued to study the radiant woman dancing with her new husband. One of the three ‘voluptuously sexies’, as Carmen had dubbed them.
Carmen Johnson—now Thompson—was their closest friend. They had all met when they’d started their jobs at around the same time, about twelve years ago—Gabriella as a medical examiner, Carmen as an assistant district attorney and Nia as a new cop. They had all been twenty-five at the time.
Nia smiled, remembering walking into a bar in her neighbourhood for a drink after her first shift. She’d taken a seat at a table. A woman had come in, got a drink, then wandered over to her, asking if she could have a seat. Leery, Nia had hesitated, but the woman—who had introduced herself as Carmen—had taken one anyway. Carmen had mentioned that she had spotted Nia in the neighbourhood, then later at the precinct. Nia found out they actually lived in the same private house, which had three apartments. She hadn’t met her other neighbours yet, having moved in only a few days earlier.
While they were talking, another woman had come in, and Carmen had waved her over and introduced her as Gabriella. On being told what Gabriella did, Nia had commented that Gabriella seemed young to be a medical examiner, since she looked around their age. Gabriella had responded that she had started early, was a little smart, and was years ahead of where most people in her profession would be. Gabriella’s accent had fascinated Nia, and she’d asked where she was from. Gabriella had told her she was originally from St Thomas, in the United States Virgin Islands.
They had talked, bonded, and become friends. Their friendship had spanned all the ups and downs each had encountered in their chosen profession, like when Gabriella had almost been shot removing a body from a crime scene. After that, Nia had taught Gabriella and Carmen how to handle a gun, and how to disarm someone when one was held to your head. They had all been there when Carmen had been taken hostage in a courtroom and got out, thankfully, unhurt. Gabriella and Nia had stayed with Carmen for a few days afterwards, and the nightmares had been vicious. Gabriella and Carmen had been there when Nia had shot and killed her first perp. Any killing, no matter how justified, stuck with you. Their bond of twelve years, of going through all those things together, was what made them the women they were today.
Carmen said something to her new husband, then headed straight towards them.
“Shit. She must be part bloodhound. How the hell did she know where we are? Now she’s going to pull us back out there. I’m tired of being groped,” Gabriella moaned.
“You know, Carmen is part witch. That’s the only explanation for how she always finds us hiding in whatever corner we end up in everywhere we go. Don’t worry. Someone will distract her, and she’ll forget all about us. As for groping, I’ve had my share. Knee them in the groin like I showed you.” Nia pushed her shoulder against Gabriella’s.
“I can’t do that,” Gabriella insisted.
Nia could imagine the scandalised look and slight blush on Gabe’s caramel-coloured face.
“Why the hell not? If they’re getting grabby, then do it. I promise, it will feel good and dissuade any other yahoos from doing the same,” Nia said.
Neither she nor Gabriella had problems attracting men—their problem was keeping them away. In Nia’s case, she just didn’t want to be bothered. Gabriella, on the other hand, was extremely shy and quiet around anyone she wasn’t comfortable with. Strangely, they both had been instantly comfortable with Nick Thompson, Carmen’s new husband. Nick was a wonderful match to Carmen’s outgoing nature. He had a wicked sense of humour that made his light green eyes sparkle. Not to mention that he was gorgeous.
“Crap. Here she comes,” Gabriella said.
Nia laughed, returning her attention to Carmen. Carmen waved at the people trying to get her attention, but kept coming towards their hiding place.
“I wonder if there’s some way out of here. Make her hunt for us,” Nia said gleefully.
“Let’s go,” Gabriella readily agreed.
Nia turned to go with her.
“Stop right there. Don’t make me kick off my shoes to chase you,” Carmen said in her southern twang.
“You move too damn fast,” Nia huffed.
“Have to keep up with you,” Carmen said.
Nia turned back. Carmen’s nut-brown face, framed by dark brown ringlets, was radiant.
“I hate you for looking so good,” Nia teased.
“Please. Next to you two, I look like day-old rice.” Carmen slapped her on the shoulder, then linked her arm through Nia’s.
“Don’t make me hit you,” Gabriella warned.
Nia glanced around Carmen at her. Carmen had linked arms with Gabriella, too.
“What? You think you have to hold on to us so we don’t run?” Nia said.
“You all might,” Carmen said.
“Maybe,” Nia agreed.
She laughed, and Carmen and Gabriella joined in. Then they sobered and stood in the alcove, watching the guests enjoying the reception.
“I love this hotel. They did a good job,” Carmen said.
“I’ve heard the Wilde Hotels are the best in New York—and internationally, too,” Gabriella said.
“It’s all right. They’re doing their job to get your money. Money talks.” Nia snorted.
“You’re such a cynic,” Carmen teased.
Nia’s mind filled with arousing blue eyes.
“What’s the look about?” Gabriella asked.
Nia focused on her. “Umm…nothing.”
“Uh-uh. We haven’t seen that look before. Now spill.” Gabrielle disentangled herself from Carmen and hurried around to Nia’s left side.
“Isn’t it time to go back to the party?” Nia took a step.
Carmen’s hold on her arm stopped her. Gabriella put her arm around her. They pulled her back between them. Nia lowered her eyes. Carmen’s pale grey gaze and Gabriella’s hazel eyes would make her spill all.
“You know you’re going to tell us.” Carmen squeezed her
arm pointedly.
“Or suffer the Two Vs,” Gabriella said.
“That’s Three Vs,” Nia said.
“Since it’s me and Carmen trying to get your hard-headed self to spill, it’s two. Now I know math isn’t your subject, but even you can add one and one,” Gabriella teased.
“She’s got jokes,” Nia huffed.
“And you’re avoiding the subject,” Carmen pointed out.
She was. Nia glanced from one friend to the other, then spilt the details of her encounter with the mysterious man. Carmen looked contemplative.
“Maybe Nick knows who he is. Let’s go ask.”
“I don’t want to know,” Nia said as Carmen dragged her behind her.
Carmen stopped, giving her the look that made her a formidable DA. “It is my contention, Your Honour, that Nia Hudson is afraid. What say you?”
“I agree,” Gabriella said.
“Since when are you a judge? You’re an ME. Nick is a judge.”
“Fine. Then I’ll take my case to him,” Carmen said.
She pulled at Nia again. Nia resisted, but Gabriella joined in, and they led her forward.
“This is so wrong. Don’t you have wedding guests to attend to?” Nia asked.
“That can wait. Honey?” Carmen called.
Nick turned to his new wife. His look was amused and indulgent. Nia groaned. Nick was already used to their antics. Hell, he participated more than anything else.
“I don’t want to know,” Nia said firmly.
“It would be better if I know what you don’t want to know.” Nick lips twitched.
“Your wife is cuckoo. Crazy. Why did you marry her?” Nia worked her arms free of the other two women.
She stumbled, and Nick caught her. He brushed her hair away from her face. His green eyes twinkled. The look was the one he got before he did something outrageous.
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