Red Hot Lovers: 18 Contemporary Romance Books of Love, Passion, and Sexy Heroes by Your Favorite Top-Selling Authors

by Milly Taiden

  I’m officially an accomplice.

  *

  Out in the ballroom, Maddie is pouring a variety of colorful drinks for Celia, showing off her skills. I join them at the bar where they both eye me with anticipation.

  “He said sorry.”

  Maddie’s face brightens and Celia’s eyes widen. Great, I’ve got two of them to answer to now.

  “Don’t overthink it,” I say. “Either of you.” I climb onto a white barstool, clutching my purse in my lap.

  I’m watching the bartending action when Maddie freezes mid-pour and almost overfills a shaker. She stares behind me, so I assume it must be Devon again. Instead of turning around, I get Maddie’s attention instead. “A little heavy on the tequila, don’t you think?”

  She pulls the bottle upright as Celia reminds her the entire house will be filled with celebrities on Saturday.

  Maddie reassures us both. “I’ll have it together by then. I promise.”

  It thrills me that I have more restraint than her right now, but then a firm hand grazes my shoulder and trails down my arm, and I can’t even hide the chill it sends through me. Devon leans in close, and I feel his breath on my ear. “Thank you,” he says. His hand continues down my wrist, over my fingers, and to my purse, where he opens it and retrieves the envelope. He straightens up and crosses his arms, hiding the envelope between his forearm and abs. Lucky envelope. “So, this afternoon. You in?”

  Me? On? I’m turned on, if that’s what he means. Oh wait, the yacht. “Yeah. Sure.”

  “Good. I’ll be back later.”

  I watch him leave and turn back to see both Maddie and Celia staring at me, an incredulous look plastered on their faces. “What?”

  Maddie raises an eyebrow and looks down at my purse. “Want to tell me what that was about?”

  “I’d love to.” I smile. “But it’s a Devon Stone secret.”

  ***

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  By the time my workday is coming to an end, I’m ready to think up any excuse to not go out with Devon tonight. This morning’s euphoric high has worn off, and now I keep picturing myself acting stupid on a boat in front of Devon and his friends.

  I could tell him I’m not feeling well. Or I can tell him I have too much to do to get ready for his party. Or...

  Maddie and Devon come at me in opposite directions. “Ready to go?” they ask in unison.

  “Um...” I look at Maddie who’s looking at Devon who’s looking at me. “Devon, I—”

  “Where’re you two heading?” Maddie asks.

  “He...uh...invited me on his yacht for the evening.” I pull my keys from my purse, clutching them tight. Quick. Think of a getaway.

  “Oh. Fun!” she says while I plead with her through my desperate glare to help me think up an excuse to get out of it. “I’ll need those.” She plucks my keys from my hand, knowing damn well she’s going to leave me stranded so I have no other choice. “You guys enjoy yourselves.”

  “Maybe you can come with us?” I say. I’m sure Devon won’t mind one more friend. “There will be a group of us, and—”

  “Next time. I have to work tonight.” She gives me a wicked smile and disappears out the front door, leaving me alone with Devon.

  He holds his hand out to me. “Let’s go.”

  Whatever attempt I was going to make to convince myself to stay away from him... All that reasoning vanishes as I reach out my own hand, and our fingers interlock.

  After a short drive to a secured marina, we’re walking up to a dock. A massive boat awaits and my heart quickens. We could sink. I could fall overboard and drown. I could get seasick and throw up in front of Number Three. I think that covers the worst that can happen.

  “It’s about time, Stone,” says a guy with shaggy blond hair and an eyebrow ring. A girl in the tiniest bikini possible is dangling from one of his arms. They match our pace as we walk by and head toward the water.

  “Shut it, Mac,” Devon says. “I was waiting for my girl to get off work.”

  His girl? Since when? Oh well, I’m not correcting him.

  Devon steps onto the back of the boat and turns to face me. I hesitate. Running away right this moment would make me an even bigger ass, so there’s definitely no way out of it.

  “What are you waiting for?” he says, holding his hand out for me to grab. Our fingers intertwine as his hand encases my own, and the next thing I know, I’m standing on the deck of the colossal structure Devon so casually calls the boat. It towers over me and every inch is pristine. Solid, dark wood, polished silver, and Stone Label logos inlayed into nearly everything.

  And the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on is staring at me with the same level of wonder and interest.

  “You know how to drive this thing?” I ask Devon.

  He laughs and tilts his head forward to motion behind me. “We’ve got a private crew for that.”

  I turn around to see two men in sunglasses briskly approaching the yacht. “You’ve got drivers for everything...”

  “I think they prefer to go by Captain and First Mate, but...yeah, it’s nice to let others take the wheel so I can...enjoy the scenery.” His eyes are locked on the sheer, black halter dress I’m wearing. His gaze travels up to the straps and across my collarbone. This evening heat is feeling extra hot.

  “Come on. You haven’t seen anything yet.”

  And my god, he’s right. We go into a room he refers to as the ‘lower lobby’. It’s bigger than my entire apartment. It’s more like a luxury hotel than a boat. I could curl up on one of the couches—they look so plush—and just sleep here until tomorrow. But Devon keeps ahold of my hand and leads me up a set of stairs. I watch him from behind, feeling dazed that this is even happening. I catch a glimpse of another lobby—this one twice the size of my home. He keeps going up to a third level, and the space up here is breathtaking. Couches and a bar and windows lining every wall. I can see the setting sun through the panoramic glass surrounding us.

  “How many people can hide in this thing?”

  He smiles and answers. “I’m not sure. You’d probably never find them all.”

  I laugh as Devon’s friends take their places around the bar and start setting out glasses and bottles and random other ingredients to start mixing drinks. It’s like they own the place, and as overwhelming as this thing is...I can’t help but feel myself relax as we pull further away from land. It’s like I’m traveling to a new world, living somebody else’s life—and that somebody is damn fortunate.

  Devon hands me a drink, and I take a sip. Fruity and a little too strong. But I’m on a luxury vacation. I’m going to enjoy every moment.

  His own drink in hand, Devon finishes it in seconds and goes for a refill. I sit on one of the window seats staring out at the horizon. It’s phenomenal—the sky a canvas of oranges and pinks leading us toward the ends of the Earth.

  “You know, the view’s even more spectacular outside.” Devon sits behind me, not leaving much space at all between us. He speaks quietly into my ear, sending a tingle down my spine. “Want me to show you?”

  “I’m okay here. You don’t have to.”

  He places his lips on the back of my shoulder, and his hot breath caresses my skin. “I want to.”

  I want to too. But my mind is far from the sunset when I look back at him. “Okay.”

  I take a gulp from my drink, and set the glass on the bar, letting Devon lead the way again. Another flight of stairs, and we’re greeted by the open air. “You do understand how ridiculous this boat is, right? Like the friggin’ Titanic.” Oh, Olivia. Stupid comment. This is why you shouldn’t speak.

  Devon doesn’t miss a beat and seems to find me endearing instead of awkward. “Only much smaller and above sea level. Come see this.”

  We’re on the sun deck, and he pulls me toward the front of the boat—the bow, he explains. I’m learning so much, maybe I can have my own yacht someday...See, I can make jokes.

  The front of the deck is t
iled with thick cushions. Who needs lounge chairs when you can drop to the ground and be immediately comfortable? A dozen people could sleep on this...easily. Pillows line the edge as though to keep everyone contained. Come to think of it, very kinky things could happen here...and probably have.

  I look straight out toward the setting sun and step closer to it like I could touch it. My shins hit the edge of the cushions. I sit down, still staring. All the luxury inside couldn’t possibly compare to the natural beauty out here. “Devon. Wow, this is just...” There are no words.

  He sits behind me again—his body almost flat against mine. I feel his mouth on my skin, and I can’t help but close my eyes. I lean forward as his soft kisses trail along my back and up my neck. My entire body feels electric—alive.

  Devon gently nudges my arm to get me to turn around. I scoot back to one of the propped up pillows. Yes, it’s all as comfortable as I assumed. I could live here forever. Staring up at Devon, I want him closer. Maybe it’s the atmosphere. Maybe it’s the liquid courage I was just drinking. But for the first time, I’m not afraid to act on my feelings.

  So I do.

  ***

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  I clench the fabric of his shirt in both my fists and pull him down to me. Without hesitation, his lips meet mine. Not soft and slow this time, but quick and with force—like two young lovers about to be caught. He tastes like liquor, and my own light-headedness makes me briefly wonder if this is the right time. I made such a big deal about how we hardly know each other and accused him of wanting only one thing. Yet here I am. A hypocrite. But I’m sick of the push and pull between us. The strange interactions. The stupid arguing. The obvious spark igniting every time we’re near each other. Devon kisses my neck, and I stifle a moan. I want more where this came from. Who cares what we think tomorrow? I just want tonight.

  I let my hands travel the terrain of his bare chest—my fingers making their own paths along the crevices and smooth plateaus of his toned body. I can feel his pounding heart against the palm of my hand. Oh Devon? Mr. Calm and Cool. You’re giving your excitement away. And not just through his quickening pulse. I can feel him growing harder against the inside of my thigh, and I move below him to encourage whatever he wants to do next.

  Devon’s hand moves down the side of my breast. Down the side of my stomach. Down to my hip, where his powerful fingers grip my flesh as though I’d float away if he let go. I’m locked in place as he presses against me harder. His lips and tongue send electrical shocks wherever they touch—my fingertips. My temple. Behind my ear. My throat. I lick at his lingering taste on my lips as he moves lower. He kisses the skin exposed at the top of my dress. He kisses at the hint of cleavage just above the fabric. He kisses my breast as he hovers over my body, still making his way down.

  I’m more alive right now than I’ve been in years, and it’s been a long time since I’ve been with a guy—not to mention a lifetime since I’ve been with a guy like Devon.

  Just for one night. I’m letting go.

  Oh, and I do. Devon kneels in front of me and kisses my bare knee with the lightest touch, as though it’s breakable. I use my other leg to hook him from behind and force him closer.

  He reaches up with both hands, finding a place for them on either side of my hips. In his firm grasp, I squirm, wanting to beg him for more.

  He moves one hand away and a single finger teases the skin at the hem of my skirt. I’d like to rip the whole dress off to make it easier on him, but let’s not hurry things. I bend my free leg to run it along his torso. His skin is becoming slick with sweat. I press my foot in between his thighs, rubbing the length of his hardness. I want him in me.

  He pushes the fabric of my skirt up, and his fingers meet the silky edge of my thong. I’m exposed to the entire world, and it’s exhilarating. I try to focus on steadying my breathing, but each inhale catches as fire sneaks its way through the depths of me.

  Without hesitation, he moves up, his mouth just over the thin fabric of my panties. His hot breath cuts straight through to my skin, and my muscles involuntarily stiffen. I’m no longer in control as my hips move forward pleading for him to touch me. To taste me.

  He looks me straight in the eyes—his pupils black stone—as he leans down and kisses the silk covering my clit. A moan escapes me, and he grins as he uses his tongue to massage me in slow circles.

  I throw my arm over my mouth knowing if he keeps at it, things could get...loud.

  His hand runs along the outside of my panties, and I feel myself growing wetter with each stroke. He slips his thumb through one side, and pulls the fabric away. Just as the night breeze hits my bare skin, I hear something.

  No.

  Footsteps come stomping up from the lower deck, and I jump up to straighten my dress.

  No. No. No. No.

  Dammit! We were so close to...to something.

  But Devon isn’t discouraged. He continues to tease me through my dress.

  “Hey, someone’s coming up here.”

  “It’s okay.”

  I gulp. “Devon. People are coming. You have to stop.”

  He obeys, smoothing out my skirt and returning to my side.

  “Sorry,” I say, as though I told his friends to interrupt.

  Devon meets my gaze, his eyes wide and intense. The sun’s been replaced by a pitch-black sky sprinkled with stars. Even in the dark, I can see him clearly. He sits up straight and kisses me, softer this time, and the gesture ensures me I have nothing to be sorry about. I wish his friends would leave—go back inside, jump overboard, whatever. But they’re settling in their own spots on the lounges that line the rest of the deck. They’re too close which means our moment is officially over.

  I’m disappointed as Devon takes my hand, tracing his fingers along my own while I try to join our intruders’ conversation.

  “So Olivia. Our man, Devon, might have convinced you he’s a hotshot, but—”

  “Don’t be an ass, Mac,” Devon butts in.

  Devon turns to me to see if I want a drink. I’m good, thanks. He gets up to help himself at the bar up here. This yacht has everything.

  “So what sort of secrets is he hiding from me?” I ask, knowing his friends are probably drunk enough to divulge. The aching in me is tapering off as I find myself returning back to the real world, but I watch Devon at the bar and am tempted to thank the stars above that I agreed to come out here with him. This could be the new normal. I can do this. We could be together.

  Devon’s friend Mac speaks up again. “You should ask him about the Audi story.”

  “The what?”

  “The Audi story. It’s his best one. Never mind, watch this.”

  Devon rejoins the group, sitting next to me while his friend brings up this supposedly epic story of Devon’s past.

  “Just tell her about it.” Mac—who’s proving to be sort of a jerk—turns to me. “And if he tries to make you think he wasn’t arrested too, he’s full of shit.”

  I nod. Arrested? Is this what I’ve been avoiding in the tabloid articles?

  “It’s nothing,” Devon says. “Me, Mac, and Lucas...” He points to his other friend who’s been mostly silent all evening. “...We borrowed a car, and it had to be returned.”

  “Have you gone soft, Dev?” Lucas has a mischievous grin that could compete with Devon’s. He’s attractive, and his dark eyes and the tattoos on his arms and chest make him look intense. “So one night, we go by Austin’s—he’s the guy who used to hook us up with good shit, if you know what I mean.” I don’t. “So Devon always prepaid Austin to keep the supply steady. Plus, the guy didn’t talk to the paps, so he was secure. But on this night, Austin doesn’t pull through. He’s got nothing. So a coked up Devon here decides his money’s not to be wasted, and steals his car as retribution. We’re following behind the stolen car and stop for some cigarettes a few miles down the road. Devon ends up getting caught with it right in the damn parking lot. Only while Mac and I were inside, he and
Kennedy decide to get busy like a couple of fucking rabbits, so he’s caught bare ass naked in the backseat.”

  Lucas is laughing like this is the funniest story ever. My stomach is twisting in a knot. I can’t even bring myself to look at Devon who’s not even bothering to stop his so-called friend from telling me all this.

  Mac takes over and finishes the tale. “But Lucas and I were dipshits and walked back to the car like it’s ours anyway. We don’t bother to acknowledge the police cruiser parked behind it, and we get snagged up just as quick. Fortunately, your boyfriend has connections, so it ended well.”

  I nod my head slowly, not looking at Devon. Stolen car. Public sex with his ex. Getting arrested. Cocaine. Ended well?

  I don’t know what part of all this I like least.

  “I think I’ll get that drink now.

  ***

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  I stand up before Devon can offer to get it for me. I’m not sure what to think right now. Instead of stopping at the bar out here, I find the stairs and head back inside to the lobby. I just need to be alone for a minute.

  God, I’m such an idiot. I knew I should’ve stayed away, and I was dumb to think I could be with him. I throw some mixture of juice and vodka into a glass. I’m tempted to smash the bottle of liquor against the wall. Or maybe against Devon’s head. I knew he was hiding something. Why would I get on a boat with a guy I don’t know? Everything about him has screamed that he’s trouble, and I followed him around like it could just be ignored.

  This room is quiet—peaceful—and I make myself comfortable on one of the plush couches. At some point, the Captain must have turned the boat around because I can see the coastline growing nearer.

  After several minutes, I wonder if it’s possible Devon could’ve forgotten about me. I kind of wish that were the case.