ROMEO

by Ruby Rowe

  He’s rougher than I could’ve imagined, and along with his mouth, his fingers are unyielding, pressing into my thigh and wrists as he holds them tight.

  Zeroing in on my clit, he tongues it until I’m moaning shamelessly and unraveling against his mouth. I begin sliding down the wall, so he stops me while I fight to catch my breath.

  We’re in one immense cloud of steam, and as if he read my mind, he lowers my leg and releases me to shut off the water.

  “Fuck, I don’t have a condom.”

  “I’m on the pill, and I was tested after my ex cheated. What about you?”

  “I’ve always worn a condom.”

  “Then fuck me.”

  Without hesitation, he picks me up. I wrap my legs around his waist, and pushing me back against the wall, he brings me down onto his cock.

  “Holy shit,” I breathe before I bite hard on my lip from how deep and thick he feels inside of me. I feel the stretch before he lifts me and brings me down again.

  “You. Feel. Incredible.” One word is exhaled between each bounce, and while he holds me up against the wall, I admire his strength and ability. He’s taking what he craves, and I’ll give it to him and then some. I’ve never wanted to be fucked like I do right now.

  I’m clinging to his neck, but he gets a hold of my arms again and pins them above me before he presses his head to my chest and comes forcefully inside of me.

  Everything about the moment is erotic: the feel of his cock pulsing inside my pussy, our wet, sultry skin stuck together and our ragged breaths. I can say with certainty that this one fuck is not going to be enough.

  Carefully lowering me to the floor, Griffin cradles my face and kisses me passionately. He nips at my lower lip and presses his lips along my cheek to my earlobe, where he nibbles on it, too.

  He works his mouth down my neck and back up my throat before he gazes into my eyes. “That was the furthest from sleepy sex.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Nothing,” he mumbles.

  “So, did you get me out of your system?” I play coy while tilting my eyes up at him.

  “What do you think, lady? No, don’t answer that. The sexual innuendos between us can’t continue, and neither can this.” Sighing, he presses his head to mine. “Fuck, I want it to, but I’ve broken all the rules with you. I can’t do it again and keep you safe at the same time.”

  “I don’t understand why.”

  “You couldn’t, but doing both won’t work.”

  I sigh next and push against his chest.

  “It’s been fun, Mr. Scott. An unforgettable good time.” I walk out of the shower, not bothering to get a towel. I thought it would be an easy thing to do, to sleep with him once and not look back, but I was wrong. So damn wrong.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Griffin

  “I’m going to murder this man when I find him,” I say to Kellen through gritted teeth after opening the package Romeo left at the gate.

  “I’m sure the police will find him. You shouldn’t make this personal.”

  “Don’t tell me what I should or shouldn’t do when this psychopath keeps getting closer to Ms. Lane.”

  His words hit a nerve with me, and it’s probably because I’m ashamed for making this personal, only hours ago, when I had my tongue and dick in Ava’s pussy. “I can’t believe Romeo was ballsy enough to show his face at the gate.”

  Fans of Ava’s made a shrine at the entrance of her estate, leaving flowers, cards and gifts for her. The news blew the incident up to something much worse than it was, so now the public believes she’s injured.

  “Let’s comb over the camera footage to see if anyone who was at the gate resembles the man at the restaurant. Even though they didn’t get a shot of his face, maybe we’ll be able to connect them by their build,” I add.

  I stare at the hardback of Romeo and Juliet with the fiery red heart on the cover. Ava was right in her assumption that the poison bottle she received hinted of Shakespeare’s play, although this story would have a much different outcome if he tried anything.

  It would be a tale of me shooting his ass and saving her. What the hell is he thinking? Does he plan to poison her and stab himself?

  He’s more delusional than I thought if he believes she’s going to harm herself for him. I place the book in a large baggie and remove my gloves.

  “We’ll see if the police can get prints off this.” My phone rings, so I pull it from my pocket, and as soon as I see it’s Ava, my heart pumps faster.

  “Hello.”

  “I want a word with you when you get a chance,” she says.

  “I can walk over now.”

  “I’m on the veranda.” She hangs up on me. Great. She’s going to be pissy like the women were at Dungeon Six once I rejected them. The difference with Ava is that I deeply care how she feels.

  I can’t stop thinking about our time together in the shower or how it only made me crave her more.

  I told her to beg, and she did it.

  I restrained her, and she didn’t object.

  I was rough, and she moaned like she wanted more.

  I’m strong, but she’s my weakness. Ava Leoni is becoming my poison.

  Ava

  “Yes, Mother. I promise I’m fine. Why don’t I come over for tea this afternoon so you and Daddy can see for yourself? No, I’m not being sarcastic. I miss you and want to visit. Yes … OK … I’ll see you soon… Love you, too.”

  Ending the call, I rub my forehead. It’s only ten o’clock in the morning, and I need wine.

  Janelle comes out to serve me fruit and a bran muffin.

  “Thank you. Could you please make me a mimosa, too? It’s one of those days.”

  “Yes, Ms. Lane.” As she strides away, I pick up my newspaper.

  “Shit, we’re on the front page,” I say.

  “We’re on all the news channels, as well,” Griffin replies, startling me. He adjusts his tie and sits at the other side of the table.

  “I better give a statement. I’ll contact Holly when I’m finished with breakfast.”

  Janelle returns and sets down my mimosa.

  “Oh, Ms. Lane…” She covers her mouth with her hand. “Did you hurt your wrist in the accident last night?”

  I glance down at my hands, and both of my wrists are bruised, one of them a much darker shade of grey. I think about what could’ve happened, and then it hits me. Griffin … the shower. My eyes dart to his, and he’s staring at my wrists, too.

  “Oh, it must’ve been from the guards trying to get me back in the car. No worries; I’m fine.” The wrinkle in her forehead lightens, and she smiles at Griffin.

  “Mr. Scott, would you like something to eat or drink this morning?”

  “No, thank you.” Even after Janelle leaves us alone, Griffin stares at my wrists.

  “They don’t hurt,” I say before I bring them down to my lap.

  “You didn’t give me permission, so I shouldn’t have done it.”

  “No, but I didn’t stop you, either.” His lips purse. “Griffin, it’s really fine.”

  “No, it’s not.” Looking up at me, he narrows his gaze. “What did you need?”

  “I want an update. Have the police found him?”

  “No, but their working on it.”

  Taking a drink of my mimosa, I nod.

  “I need to visit my parents at 2:00 p.m., and I’d prefer to have Kellen and another guard escort me.”

  “Why?”

  “After last night, I think it’s best for you to only supervise the staff and work with the police on finding Romeo.”

  “I’m not a detective, and I have no desire to only supervise. I was hired to be your personal bodyguard, and that’s what I’m going to do. If that wasn’t my plan, I’d already be fucking you again this morning.”

  My mouth parts and stomach tightens, his words arousing me in an instant, but they also piss me off.

  “Don’t talk about fucking me unless you plan to do it. We’
ll leave at 2:00. Now, please go.” Grabbing my paper, I lift it up and open it, hiding my face.

  Grumbling something unintelligible, he slams the door. Sexy asshole.

  Griffin

  Harold’s holding the door open for Ava when I reach the car at ten minutes before 2:00.

  “Leaving without me?” I ask.

  “No. I was going to have Harold drive me down to the gate so I can tell everyone I’m OK.”

  “You were going to do that alone?” I think the veins in my neck may burst.

  “Yes. There are guards stationed at the gate.”

  “They’re only to keep someone from trespassing. They’re not trained to be by your side in case someone tries to hurt you.”

  “Relax. Romeo would know better than to stand outside the gate. Holly said I need to make a statement, so that’s what I’m going to do.” She slides into the backseat, and I take a long, deep breath before I get in on the other side to deal with her stubborn ass.

  “Your stalker was already here and left a package. Kellen brought some of them up on his way in this morning, and one was from Romeo.”

  “What did he leave?”

  “A copy of Romeo and Juliet.”

  “Well, maybe it was a gift from a fan. I mean, he doesn’t know that’s the nickname we gave him.”

  “There was a note.”

  She leans her head back against the seat and sighs.

  “What did it say?”

  “ ‘ Tempt not a desperate man.’ ”

  “Shakespeare … that’s unnerving.”

  “Yes, and it’s why you’re not stepping foot outside this car at the gate. You can lower the window for three seconds to give a quick wave, and then Holly can make a statement on your behalf.”

  “Fine, Boss.”

  I think about her bruised wrists that are now covered in bracelets. I’m trying not to dwell on it since it only makes me feel like shit. I lost all control in that shower, and it’s not like me. I’ve never left marks on a woman without her permission.

  I’ve always shown great restraint, but I can’t where Ava’s concerned. I’m not in control of my mouth, my temper … my craving for her. When she’s around, restraint damn near vanishes.

  We reach the gate at the end of the long, paved driveway, and I count the seconds Ava has the window down before I roll it back up.

  She huffs and scowls at me. “You’re ridiculous sometimes.” When I don’t respond, she crosses her arms and leans her head back against the seat. In silence, we take Wilshire Blvd. and ride to her parents’ home with paparazzi tailing us.

  My phone rings, so I pull it from my suit jacket and see that it’s my uncle Dominic. Shit, this is horrible timing, but I know why he’s calling, and if I don’t answer, it will only make matters worse.

  “Hello,” I say.

  “Nephew, I want you to come over right now.”

  “I can’t; I’m working until Wednesday.”

  “That’s not acceptable. I saw you on television, and we need to discuss your reckless decisions.”

  “Like I said, my next day off is Wednesday. I’ll come over then.”

  “Noon. Don’t be late.” He hangs up on me, and once I put my phone away, Ava shuts the partition.

  “I never thought to ask, which was stupid of me, but are you seeing someone?”

  I grimace. “No, and I wouldn’t have touched you if I was. Besides, it’s near impossible to be in a relationship with this job, so I don’t waste my time trying.”

  “Well, that has to suck. I mean, for getting laid. Wait, do you make it a habit of sleeping with your clients?”

  “You’re the first, so stop making assumptions. That was my uncle who called, and how I satisfy my sexual needs is none of your business.”

  She turns her head to look out the window, and I feel shitty again. I’m angry over wanting something I can’t have. I also don’t like how she’s trying to make me an asshole like the other men who’ve screwed her over.

  I did send her mixed signals, but ultimately, I walked away last night. She was the determined one.

  We pull up in front of the Leoni home, and Kellen and I scope out the area before I help Ava out of the car.

  “I’m going to check out the rest of the property,” Kellen says.

  “You know my father has a sophisticated security and surveillance system. No one is here who doesn’t belong.”

  “No disrespect, Ms. Lane, but this stalker is no amateur,” he replies.

  “Check it out,” I say.

  Ava rolls her eyes. “Why do I speak?”

  “Because you’re a difficult woman,” I whisper, leaning my head down to her ear.

  “I think you like it, Mr. Scott.” The purr in her voice makes my dick ache, and I realize I instigated the banter yet again.

  She knocks on the door, and I’m caught off guard when Teddy Leoni opens it. He glances at me for only a second before he steps aside for us to enter.

  “Baby doll, how are you? I just came in from playing tennis.”

  “I’m well, and I came over to show you that in person.” After hugging him, she steps back. “See, I’m beautiful as ever.” Ava’s modest, so I know she’s only trying to comfort her father. “Dad, this is Griffin Scott, my personal bodyguard. Frank retired.”

  “Mr. Scott, I’m Teddy Leoni and the protective father of my daughter here. Care to explain what went wrong last night?”

  “Daddy, stop. Griffin got me out of there before total chaos ensued. Some of the paparazzi were even covered in blood. It was pandemonium from what I heard.”

  “Your mother is in the sunroom. I’d still like a word with Mr. Scott.”

  “Fine, but be nice. Griffin, if you don’t mind, will you bring my father up to speed on the situation?”

  “No problem.” Leaving Ava, I follow Mr. Leoni down a wide hallway and into a study. A Persian rug covers most of the cherry hardwood floors that rest below a tall ceiling. I notice the bookcases against the left wall and his desk sitting to the right.

  “Close the door please, Mr. Scott. Would you like a drink?”

  “No, thank you. I don’t drink on the job.”

  “Good answer.” He pours himself a scotch and motions toward two wingback chairs near the windows that are covered with shutters.

  We both sit, and I feel the heat from the sun filtering between the wooden slats. Once he takes a sip, he sets his glass down on a small table between us. “What really happened last night?”

  “I take full responsibility, sir. The restaurant and event coordinator assured me they had security covered, but I didn’t know about the condos above the restaurant.

  “There was a side entrance no one was watching, so the suspect got in that way. I should’ve had my team secure the place.”

  “I appreciate your honesty, but don’t let anything like that happen again. I picked you because I’ve watched videos of you protecting clients. I thought you were the best, and I know your father felt the same.”

  “I won’t let that psycho near Ms. Lane.”

  “Good, and when are you catching him like you promised me you’d do?”

  “The police are gathering camera footage from businesses near the restaurant. I’m hoping that will be enough to find him.”

  Teddy picks up his drink. “Do whatever it takes. If you need money so that Ava doesn’t learn of our arrangement, come to me. There’s no doubt she’d be angry if she discovered I hired you, so this must remain a secret.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Ava

  “I don’t know about you taking those treatments,” I say to my mother as I sit next to her on a brown wicker loveseat. She has a small extra cushion below her bony bottom. I hate how frail she’s become.

  “The infusions are helping,” she struggles to say.

  “Not if you get pneumonia afterward. Let’s try some alternative treatments again.”

  Mom’s dainty teacup shakes in her hand as she brings it to her dry lips. My fat
her’s mouth tells his every thought without consideration, whereas my mother’s silence tells hers.

  “We’re past that now, but I feel like I’ve put up a damn good fight.” Knowing it’s not what I want to hear, she smiles to lighten the mood.

  The lines around her lips have deepened and so has her acceptance of this debilitating illness that is a cancer of its own.

  I don’t know how long her body can keep up with the treatments for her multiple sclerosis or how long I can keep pretending it will.

  I have to find a way to thin out the clouds hanging over us so the sun can shine inside this room. Setting my cup down on the table in front of us, I do the same with hers and squeeze her hand.

  “I have a special day planned for us tomorrow.”

  “What are we doing?” she asks before gracefully pushing back her grey hair that still reveals how she was originally a blonde.

  “Since Angel gave us no time to prepare for the wedding, we need to find dresses. I thought while we’re out, we’ll indulge in some pampering and get massages and lunch. I need to show the public I’m well, so what do you say?”

  She looks at her tan slacks and picks at them.

  “That’s too long a day for me.”

  “We’ll take the wheelchair, so you won’t have to walk.” Giving her hand another light squeeze, I smile. “Please…”

  “What are you pleading about to your mother? I know you’re not needing gas money,” my father says before chuckling. I look right past him to Griffin. He’s already looking at me, too, and I don’t like how eager I am to see him.

  “I’m trying to get Mom out of the house tomorrow. We need to get dresses for Angel’s wedding.”

  “Ah, yes, our trip to the circus. It should be entertaining.” He turns to Griffin. “Mr. Scott, will you be joining us in New York later this month?”

  “Yes, sir, and so will other guards from Ms. Lane’s security detail.”

  Father grips his hips, and I smile over how cute he looks in his white tennis shorts and matching socks that come up to his knees.