“Madison?”
“Yes?”
“Are you going to taste your wine?”
She looked down at the glass, then sampled it in a hurry, like she’d been chastised for doing something wrong. The warm liquid tickled her throat all the way down. She pushed the glass aside then, finding the courage to face him again. Nothing seemed to penetrate his steely resolve. Not her attention, and definitely not her smiles.
“Should we bypass all the bullshit?” he asked. “We can’t deny the red-hot attraction between us. And I’m a simple man. If I like a woman, I naturally want to fuck her. I can’t promise you romance, but I’ll make you scream all night.”
He didn’t… No man had ever… And she knew her face reflected her feelings of shock and awe. The rumors were all true. Ramsey De Wolfe was trouble in pants. In uniform. In the flesh sitting next to her. And she didn’t know what to say. Her instincts screamed run. And her proper upbringing demanded that she slap his face or splash him with the rest of her drink. That’s what a true lady would do, walk away annoyed and deeply offended. But her legs were rooted to the floor like trees stumps. And the rest of her body—especially the spot between her thighs, alive and kicking.
He reached for her hand and lifted it to his mouth. That one kiss undid all her training. It toppled her defensive walls like a cannon ball, leaving her open and vulnerable to his advances.
“I-I don’t know what to say.”
“Yes for starters.”
“Excuse me?”
“Say yes. Leave with me tonight.”
“But I have another set in thirty minutes.”
“Nothing I can’t handle,” he said with confidence. “Anzio is a personal friend, we grew up together.”
He had answers for everything. “That aside,” she said. “My conscience is still playing catch up at the moment.”
“Why? Do you feel guilty for wanting sex? You shouldn’t, it’s instinctive.”
And incredibly naughty and carnal. Sleeping with a man you just met made no sense. Not to her. But she’d convinced herself weeks ago that anything she did to get close to Ramsey was excusable, all in the name of research. If she could land that interview and fill in the gaps in her historical documentation on his family, she’d likely get a promotion at work. She imagined what that prestige and respect would feel like.
Her boss, Carl Gentry, would stop assigning her trivial tasks like taking inventory in the warehouse.
She scrutinized Ramsey’s features, his high cheek bones, chiseled jaw, and those deep-set, predatory eyes… Words couldn’t describe how handsome he was. His shoulders were broader than most. His long-sleeved dress shirt couldn’t hide the definition in his strong arms, or the massive chest underneath. Yeah, she could picture herself writhing underneath him while he pumped inside her. So much so, she actually jerked.
“Madison?” He cupped her cheek, the heat from his hand all the convincing she needed.
“Yes,” she said.
“Yes, what?”
“I want you to fuck me.”
CHAPTER THREE
The second Ramsey touched Madison’s sweet face, all his tension melted away. That never happened. Though he tried to make the most of the time he spent with a woman, it didn’t venture beyond the physical. That no romance rule had been integrated into his daily life like carrying his badge and gun. It’s what he did. Questioning it wouldn’t change anything. Instinct drove him. But something had happened here. Something very different.
Her disapproving look vanished and turned into something softer, maybe appreciation for their mutual fascination. That’s what he’d blame it on, off-the-chart attraction. The sooner he got her in bed the better—he’d find relief and move on.
“You understand exactly what I’m offering, Madison?” He wanted to be sure. “I won’t wine and dine you. No flowers. No broken promises. Just you and me in bed. And once we finish, I’ll drive you home. I don’t want your phone number. Just your body and those sweet lips on mine for a few hours.”
Sensing her hesitation, he finished off his watered down drink.
“Do you always treat women like disposable wipes? Use one, then throw it away?”
He eyed her curiously. “Is that what you think?”
“Yeah.” Her pretty, pink tongue flicked nervously along her bottom lip. “Maybe I’m not the droid you’re looking for tonight. I’ve never done this before, Mr. De Wolfe. I’ve always invested time in a relationship before I opened my legs for a man.”
“I won’t judge you, sweetheart. I just want to worship that little body, and give you something to remember.”
She took a long sip of wine, again thinking too hard about something so simple.
“Do you want references?” he asked.
She snickered, clearly not amused. “That’s the most pretentious thing I’ve ever heard.” Madison’s green eyes narrowed. “And who would you direct me to if I said yes?”
Ramsey rubbed his chin, scanning the room for one of his conquests. Of course several were within shouting distance. “Emma the bartender, or Tara if you prefer, is sitting over there.” He pointed. “I assure you both women have no regrets, and neither do I.”
She let out a breath, her smile returning. “I believe you. Lord knows why, but I can’t say no.”
Ramsey wouldn’t have let her. However much convincing she required, he’d work it hard if he had to. “If you’ll give me a few minutes to take care of business, I’ll meet you by the front door.”
He stood, waiting for her reply.
“Okay.”
Ramsey nodded, then headed for the front of the club where Anzio’s office was located. Before he knocked on the closed door, he waved for one of the bouncers to come over.
“Everything good, Mr. De Wolfe?” Andrew asked.
“Perfect,” he said. “Please keep an eye on Madison Blake until I’m done talking to your boss.”
“Sure thing.”
Ramsey tipped him a twenty, satisfied he’d chosen the right woman to spend the evening with. He knocked on Anzio’s door.
“Come in.”
Ramsey stepped inside, greeted by a smile.
“Ramsey, I didn’t expect you tonight.”
“I left the annual fundraiser early—elections are around the corner, and the chief was slinging shit better than most.” Ramsey massaged the back of his neck. “Everyone wants something for nothing these days. And I’m not happy about the way the department throws my family name around. Bastards should rely on their service records to garner support.”
Anzio opened a drawer and pulled out a crystal decanter. “You’ve been doing this for how many years?”
“Thirteen.”
“Ever consider not showing up?”
Ramsey claimed the guest chair in front of his friend’s desk. “If I didn’t, they’d drag my father out instead. The old man needs to stay home where he belongs.”
“Still in pain?”
Ramsey’s father was shot five times three years ago, ending his thirty year department career. One of the bullets grazed his lower spine, weakening his legs. Thank God no major organs were hit, but his father still had difficulties walking. “The physical therapist shows up three days a week. He’s gaining flexibility and strength little-by-little.”
“Glad to hear it.” Anzio offered him a glass. “To the De Wolfes and everything your family means to this city.”
They tapped glasses, and Ramsey drank greedily. “Madison Blake…”
“Hell no,” Anzio said. “Tell me you didn’t fuck with the entertainment.”
Ramsey grinned. “Guilty.”
“She’s a good girl, not the type you typically target.”
“Target? That’s a bit harsh.”
“Is it?”
“What can I say?” Ramsey crossed his legs. “Maybe you shouldn’t hire such a delectable song bird.”
“Sarah Patterson is in the crowd tonight. Let me throw in a bottle of my best champagne.�
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“You look like you need another drink.”
“Maybe I do.” Anzio poured himself another shot. “Of all the girls, why’d you have to choose her?”
“Don’t tell me you’re interested?” Now it made sense, Anzio wanted Madison for himself. “Say the word, I’ll back off.” And he would, their friendship meant more to him than a one-night-stand.
“Jesus Christ.” Anzio held up his left hand and pointed to his gold wedding ring. “Forget about my wife? She’d cut my junk off if I had an affair. Dirty minded bastard. Madison’s eldest brother is a friend of mine. I promised to keep an eye on her.”
“What if I take care of her tonight? She’ll be perfectly safe with one of Opposition City’s finest.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” He sighed. “She’s twenty-five, so I can’t exactly tell her what to do...”
“Is that a yes?”
“No,” he said. “But I’ll forget we ever had this conversation and cancel her third set. Go on asshole, get her out of your system.”
They fist bumped and Ramsey walked to the door. “Is she really the assistant curator at the museum?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“It just surprised me.”
“She’s smart and focused on her career. God knows why she didn’t have the sense to send you packing.”
Ramsey waited by the entrance of the club for fifteen minutes before Madison finally joined him. She’d changed into a blue skirt and white tank top, a backpack slung over her left shoulder. He liked her in leather better, but this style complimented her curves, too. Her long blond hair was loose now, cascading over her shoulders. His gaze stopped on her feet, surprised to find black combat boots.
“Your footwear clashes with your skirt.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re a cop and fashionista?”
He laughed. “Hardly—let’s just say I appreciate the finer things in life. A pair of Jimmy Choo’s resting on my shoulders turns me on. Not Doc Martens.”
“I’ll take them off.”
She’d be taking off more than those boots… Ramsey held the glass door open for her. “Is your car in the parking lot?”
“I don’t own a car.”
“How do you get around town?”
“Public transit or my bicycle.”
Another surprise… Madison Blake just seemed to be full of them. “Is that by choice?”
“Of course, silly. Opposition City is one of the best designed, walkable communities in Kentucky. Imagine if thousands joined me, how many tons of particulate matter emissions would be eliminated from the environment.”
He respected people who made personal sacrifices for what they believed in, even if he didn’t agree with or find their beliefs feasible. He stared down at her, growing more intrigued. “Are your clothes made from recycled materials?”
“I think you’re teasing me, Ramsey.”
“Maybe,” he admitted.
“No, I bought my outfit at Old Navy.”
So he was going to sleep with an environmentalist who wore combat boots, refused to own a car, trusted public transit for late night use, worked as an assistant curator at the local museum, could sing better than Adele or Janis Joplin, and had never let a man pick her up at a bar. More information than he’d ever required from another woman. And, one of his best friends was closely linked to her family. It complicated things a bit, but the need for sex overrode his common decency.
Wolves in the wild could go days without feeding. Not Ramsey—he craved soft, warm flesh every night. Just the scent of the woman in a crowd gave him an erection. Madison made him rock hard with a look. Even if he’d never seen her face, her effervescent voice seized him. And for possessing that kind of power, Ramsey planned on punishing her with endless kisses, tongue lashes, and fucking her senseless.
Charlie drove his Porsche up to the curb and climbed out. “Here’s the keys, Mr. De Wolfe.”
Ramsey deposited Madison in the passenger seat, then rounded the back of his car. Charlie flashed a thumbs up before he climbed in.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Maybe,” she said, giving him a tentative look. “Are you a materialistic man?”
He revved the engine as he shifted gears. “Define materialistic.”
“Greedy.”
He merged with traffic. “Yes, Madison, I most certainly am.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Leave it to Ramsey De Wolfe to live in a luxury condominium resort overlooking Liberty Lake. His residence matched the Rolex on his wrist, his perfect car, and expensive clothes. No wonder he’d teased her about her shoes. The man had exquisite taste. As soon as he opened the passenger door, she slid out and stared up at the five-story building. Each unit stood independently, with a two-car garage and fenced yard. Ramsey’s place faced the water, the footpath to his front door branched off and ended at the private pier a hundred yards away.
She admired the top three levels, all arched windows with multiple balconies. She imagined the sunsets were breathtaking from upstairs. “Beautiful place,” she said.
“Thank you. The view is amazing from the observation deck on the top floor. Let’s have a glass of wine.”
She followed him inside, removing her Docs before she continued up the stairs.
The first and second floors had guest bedrooms and bathrooms. The third floor contained the kitchen, dining room, and massive living room. The fourth, his bedroom and master bath, the fifth, the observation room complete with a telescope and wrap around balcony. That’s where he left her while he went to grab a bottle of red wine. Madison didn’t hesitate to gaze through the lens pointed at whatever constellations Ramsey liked to look at.
He returned fifteen minutes later wearing shorts and a T-shirt, carrying two crystal flutes and the bottle of wine in his hands. He walked over to the bar in the corner and grabbed a cork screw from a shelf. “Did you find Orion?”
“Is that what I was looking at?”
“Yes,” he said, opening the bottle. “Not a star gazer?”
“I love watching the nighttime sky, but I must admit, I didn’t do very well in high school astronomy.”
“That’s okay,” he said, joining her at the windows with her glass. “I’ll teach you whatever you want to know.”
She took a sip. “Why Orion?”
“Because he proclaimed himself the greatest hunter in the world, even above the gods.”
Madison had never been so turned on by arrogance. “Are you a great hunter?” Oh dear Lord… The words escaped before she had a chance to think. She knew her cheeks were flushed as she stared at him waiting for his response.
“I am,” he said, plucking her glass from her hand. “You’re here, aren’t you?”
He set his own flute aside on a nearby table, too, then turned back to her. His dark eyes travelled slowly down her body, then back up. “You’re a delectable little rabbit, Madison.”
And before she could complain about being called a bunny, he yanked her to his chest with so much force she couldn’t breathe. His hungry lips found hers, and she opened up to him, letting his tongue mate with hers. It lasted much longer than she expected, and Ramsey coaxed her down the steps to his bedroom, careful to keep her from tumbling to her death as his hot tongue probed and explored the depths of her mouth.
Oh the man knew how to seize control, how to brainwash her into thinking he was indeed a Greek god set in the sky for the world to remember.
She only had a second to catch her breath as he gently pushed her through his open bedroom door on the fourth floor. His bed dominated the space, more of a playground than a place to sleep. He grabbed a remote control off a nightstand and clicked a couple buttons. A soft light came on near the fireplace, followed by the crackling sound of a fire. The womanizer had everything on preset.
He returned, looming over her, all six feet something inches of his muscular frame. Practiced hands slid up her arms, massaging and chasing away any fears and doubts she had about m
aking love to a stranger. But Ramsey De Wolfe really couldn’t be called a stranger. She’d been up to her elbows in information about his family for years. And his face outshined those of his family members. She’d always wanted him, even if it remained a fantasy she masturbated to in the shower.
“Your skin is flawless,” he said, lifting her tank top over her head.
She let him strip her slowly. He cast her shirt aside, then circled her, his fingers following the lace seams of her bra. Her nipples hardened on contact, begging for his touch and the feel of his wet tongue. But he intended to make her wait. She could tell by the way he stalked her. Even though she stood completely prone and ready in front of him, Ramsey obviously enjoyed the chase as much as the kill.
He stopped at her back and unhooked her bra, sliding the straps down her arms. Chills swept up her body, and no matter how much she knew about his salacious history with women, she wanted to be the only one for him. Delusional, she knew that, but it intensified the desire sparking to life within her. She’d fucked three men in her lifetime, boys she met in college. But Ramsey… There was no comparison.
His tongue spiraled down the back of her neck, and he reached around and cupped her breasts at the same time, his big thumbs circling over her areolas, then her painfully sensitive nipples. She sucked in a ragged breath, afraid to release it.
“So sweet,” he whispered near her ear. “So fucking sweet.”
He spun her around then, dropping to his knees in front of her, hiking her skirt above her hips, so her lace panties were in his face. He rested his cheek against her core, then breathed in her scent, his tongue sweeping across her pussy.
“I’m going to suck that clit until I hear you scream, Madison.” He yanked her panties down to her ankles. “Step out of them.”
She did, one foot at a time.
Then he relieved her of her skirt. The only article of clothing left on her body was her fluffy lavender socks. He took one look at those and chuckled.
Never Cry De Wolfe--World of de Wolfe Pack Page 2
