Shaking his head, he briefly licked his lips. “I didn’t mean to say it like that.”
“Ohh-kay.”
Eyes boring into hers, he took a step toward her. “But there’s a good reason I said it.”
“Know what? We don’t have to make this moment any weirder. I’m just gonna… uhm…” She stepped further away from him as she brought her phone up to her face. “Make the call—ya know, protocol after an accident.”
“Sure, but…” He dashed forward, grabbed her arm, and yanked her inward, drawing a startled gasp from her.
Behind her, a car zoomed by, music booming in its wake.
“…try not to get hit in the process.”
She lifted her head and was seized by his dangerously sexy gaze. Pressed against him, her face mere inches from his, something happened. Something wonderful and frightening at the same time.
Chapter 4
That Brand New Smell
Naturi blinked away the memory as she watched Luca stumble short of the exit.
He turned back to Naturi, his expression fixed in a state of utter rage.
Uh-oh!
“Aye, Naturi!” came a sharp call from Connie. Holding her bat, she leveled it toward the door. “You need to go handle your men, or I will! If they get to fighting again, I’m calling the cops this time.”
Oh my Gawd! Again?! When the hell did they fight the first time?
“Dammit.” Disregarding the plethora of eyes locked on her, Naturi rushed across the bar and shot out the door. By the time her high-heeled boots came down on the concrete outside the bar, Luca was in Raven’s face, his nose mere inches from his.
While Luca was boiling in fury, Raven looked unbothered, as always. Shedding his expression of indifference, he smirked at Luca with the stick of a lollipop poking from the corner of his mouth. Surely that added gasoline to the flames of rage storming through Luca.
Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest.
It was no secret that they didn’t care for each other. Luca made it very clear he didn’t like Raven. And although Raven never uttered a bad thing about Luca in her presence, she knew he didn’t like him either. For the most part, they avoided each other. That wasn’t the case today.
“Guess it’s time for round two then,” Raven said smoothly, amusement lacing his tone.
Luca made a sudden move. With one foot braced back and his arm raised, it looked like he was about to cock his fist and punch Raven.
“Hey-hey, what the hell…?” Prying them apart, Naturi wedged her body between the two of them, her back to Raven.
Despite the close proximity, neither one of them wanted to move.
She planted her palms on Luca’s chest and shoved him back a few steps. “You assholes really gonna do this shit on my first day back? Seriously?!”
“Why is he here?” Luca growled, his glare still pinned on Raven.
“You already know why I’m here.” Raven’s strawberry-scented breath fluttered against the side of her face and teased her senses. “I’m here for my girl.”
A shudder shot down her spine. Goosebumps along her skin followed. Her eyelids fluttered and her breathing increased. Raven’s closeness was throwing her off. Flush against him, she could feel his heartbeat through her back. It was smooth and steady, even though the moment was anything but that.
A snarl laced Luca’s voice when he spoke again. “Muthafucka, I wasn’t talking to you!”
“Luca!” His friend Fay screamed from the passenger seat of his car. “Take me home right fucking now!”
Ignoring her, Luca advanced toward Raven as if Naturi wasn’t standing in front of him.
Naturi threw her hands out. “If you’re coming for him, you’re coming for me. You need to chill.”
“Wow,” Luca huffed, now searing her with his hot glare. “So it’s like that? You gonna throw hands at me over this dude?”
“You’re acting crazy. Just walk away.”
“Step aside, Nat,” Raven whispered in her ear, trying to nudge her out of his way. “This isn’t a situation you should stand between. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
She grounded her stance. “Raven, don’t make me slap you. You stand right there and don’t say another word to provoke him.”
Ain’t this some shit. Her first day back in town and her best friend and ex were about to go to blows.
Luca started to pace before them, his muscles bulging with his anxious movements. “So this is what it is?” He looked like a raging bull, ready to attack. “You dropped me so you can be with this faggot and now you’re posing for this dude, protecting him and shit. You really want a nigga to pop off, huh?”
“Listen, we’re not doing this ghetto high school bullshit today, Luca. Connie said she’s gonna call the cops. Why don’t you just take your lady friend home before shit gets outta hand?”
Connie came out the door, bat in one hand, phone in the other. Three large, bearded bikers joined her.
“Do we have a problem?” Connie asked, her glower shifting between Luca and Raven.
“No, we don’t,” Naturi replied, focused on Luca. “You need to bounce, like now.”
A glaze of sadness and hurt washed over his eyes. Jaw drawn tight, he shook his head. “Know what? Fuck you, and fuck you. Fuck both of y’all.” He got into his Lexus, reversed with a screech, and shot onto the main road, nearly hitting another car in the process.
She didn’t want it to go down like this. More so, she didn’t want Luca driving while he was worked up on booze, but he had to leave. Her chest tightened and her mouth went dry. The defeated look in his eyes imprinted her mind. That was the first time seeing him like that. Yeah, he’d gotten a little rowdy in the past after a couple of drinks, but he’d never gotten violent before.
Lord, please watch over that fool.
“My hero,” Raven teased behind her. “Even though you know I don’t need protecting, you just couldn’t help yourself. I feel special.”
Naturi spun around to face him with a mouthful of curse words waiting at the edge of her tongue. But the second, she made eye contact, everything she wanted to say flittered from her mind. The fiery desire in his gaze stunned her into silence. Her lips quivered, her heartrate rose. The kiss they shared the last time she saw him surfaced in her thoughts. The memory sent a vibration coasting through her body. It lingered between her thighs.
His inky, hair was drawn up from his pretty face in a man-bun; the sides and the back were shaved down in a clean, trendy cut. A chain-like choker hugged his neck. Ear cuffs designed like dragons covered the shell of his ears. One small silver loop hung from his right earlobe. A loose-fitting shirt with a picture of Prince on it breezed over his toned muscles and taut chest, hanging past his hips. Ripped black jeans covered his legs, offering teasing glimpses of his thighs and knees, and a pair of buckled boots adorned his feet. Per usual, his slanted light brown eyes were framed in a dark liner. His tantalizing lips were glossed to perfection.
He pulled the lollipop from his mouth with a loud slurp and blessed her with that seductive smile. “Naturi Ross.”
She cleared her throat, struggling to find her voice. “Raven Chan.”
“Back by popular demand, I see.”
Pursing her lips, she gave him a sidelong glance as she tried her damnedest to stave off the heatwave he’d induced inside of her. “Sounds like you’ve been getting into some shit while I was away.”
Face fixed in false shock, he gasped. “No way, not me. I’m always a good boy.”
Still posted at the entrance with the bat in hand, Connie breathed out a loud disparaging sigh. “Don’t claim innocence because your girl is standing there, pretty boy. You’re lucky I like you. Otherwise, I’d be kicking your ass off the premises.”
He whipped his smile Connie’s way. “I replaced the tables and chairs that were broken, gave you and your boys a two-year VIP membership for Legion Wings, AND sent you tickets to Disney World. What else can I do for you, Harley Quinn?”
Connie let out snorting laughter and sashayed back into the bar. “Good to see you, Naturi!” she called out over her shoulder. “Make sure you keep your eyes on him this time.”
If I could take my eyes off of him, I wouldn’t be in the predicament I’m in now.
Realizing she was really close to him, she took a step back. Everything in her wanted to wrap her arms around him, but…
Raven reached out, took her by the hand, and pulled her against him. Her breasts pressed into his chest and her face found the crook of his neck. The scent of his spicy cologne wafted up into her senses. Without a word, he folded his arms around her and squeezed.
For a second, all thoughts left her. Surrendering to his embrace, she melted against him. The incredible sensation of his strong, hard body pressed to hers was almost too much to bear. It made her heart flutter and her blood run hot. The pulsation between her legs intensified.
“Raven…” she breathed out.
“Shhh,” he hushed her, hugging her tighter. “Been needing this for three weeks. Let me enjoy this moment a little longer.”
He wasn’t the only one who needed this embrace. God, I would’ve killed for this. She would never admit it out loud though. At least not until she got her turbulent feelings in check. Ugh, I’m such a mess.
The thought of the hurtful things she said to him the last time he held her like this came forth. Tears welled. Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry… She didn’t mean it. She didn’t mean any of the crap that spilled out of her mouth that night.
She slipped her hands around his waist and clutched his back, wanting so badly to lift his shirt and feel his smooth skin.
This man… Jesus. He had the ability to muddle everything logical. He made her desire things she considered taboo—his touch, his body, his kisses, his love. The throbbing in her core grew into searing pressure. She clung to him, bunching his shirt into her fists. Why did he always do this to me? He made her horny beyond belief, ravenous. It’d been this way since the day he crashed into her life.
A moan hid behind her lips as she pressed them against his neck. Her tongue extended and whipped across his flesh.
What started as a whimper turned into a chesty groan. It soared through him and vibrated against her breasts. He shuddered and breathed out, “Nat?”
If I don’t stop this now… if I don’t… I’d let him fuck me right here.
Naturi gently pushed away from him. “Miss you too,” she said on a strained whimper.
Raven touched his neck, where her lips and tongue had branded him. A knowing smirk curved his lips. “I can tell.”
Naturi cleared her throat as she attempted to stifle the need to kiss him. “Where’s my bike?”
“At my place.”
She glanced behind him at the shiny new Rolls Royce Phantom. “What’s this?”
“A car,” he responded with a smile.
“I see it’s a car, smart guy.” In the two-and-a-half years she’d know Raven, she’d never seen him drive a car. He was a two-wheeler type of guy. “When did you start pushing cars?”
“I didn’t.” He took her hand and guided her around the fancy vehicle to the passenger side. “Just doing a favor for Remi.”
“Which means he’s doing a favor for you.”
He offered a sexy smirk as he pulled the car door open. “You finally realize how my brother operates.”
Naturi slid onto the leather seat. “Ooo noice.”
That brand-new smell was rife in the air. While the exterior was a classy combination of grey and black, the interior screamed in orange and black, with orange being more pronounced. Raven’s brother was obsessed with expensive cars. Raven shared that obsession. Only difference was, Raven’s passion was motorcycles.
Listening to the heaviness of her exhales, she watched Raven as he sauntered around the car to the driver side. His swagger was always so cool and dazzling, like there was no need to hurry. The world spun at his pace.
“Alright,” he sighed, once he’d slid his sexy ass behind the steering wheel with that damn lollipop poking from the corner of his mouth. He slipped on a pair of designer shades and started the engine. “Let’s ride.” He pulled out of the parking lot and set out on the road. His posture was relaxed, his knees parted. His teeth crunched on the strawberry-scented sweet. He drew the stick from between his lips, minus the candy.
Sitting in the car next to him took her back to the day he tried to ram his bike up her ass. A giggle hid behind her lips. He was funny, endearing, breath-taking and highly flirtatious. The second she let him sit in her car, she knew she was in trouble.
Chapter 5
A Porn Star
Two and a half years ago (after the accident) …
Naturi stared down at her phone and then glanced back at the gorgeous, leather-padded stranger.
He lifted his bike and moved it onto the grassy verge, out of the road.
Her mind was telling her to dial 9-1-1, but her fingers wouldn’t move. Hovering around the rear of her car, she accessed the damage. A sad little dent looked back at her. “Aye… uhm, listen…” She approached him, clutching her phone. “This isn’t worth the phone call and the flashing lights, is it? I mean, how’s your bike? Is it bad?”
“The front wheel took the brunt of the impact,” he said with a sigh, looking his two-wheeled companion over.
Helplessly, she watched him, her eyelids fluttering, her breathing uneven. His profile was perfect, just like the rest of him. Those thighs… The muscles within bulged against the leather as he bent over. And that ass… Lawd, baby boy had a body on him.
“I don’t think it’s ridable. No worries though. I know someone who can fix this.” He motioned to the dent on her bumper with the slight tilt of his head. “I’m sure he can fix that as well.”
“Good. Then there’s no reason to call the cops.”
“You sure? I did just rear end you. My fault entirely. Maybe you should get a police report for your insurance company.”
“Nah, I’m not gonna involve my insurance company for a barely noticeable dent, just so those assholes can raise my premium. Besides…” Her gaze drifted down his frame. The slight bulge in his crotch gave her pause. Yeah, he was definitely working with something nice beneath all that leather. “No need to get this little bump-n-grind put on your record.”
Smiling, he chuckled. “Bump-n-grind, huh? I like your style.” He offered his gloved hand. “I’m Raven, by the way.”
She curled her hand around his, gifting him with her own warm smile. “Naturi.”
The magnetic current that surged between them earlier arose again. This time, it coursed through her entire body. Her grip tightened. So did his. They gazed at each other, neither one of them saying a word. Many seconds ticked by with an occasional passing car breaking the silence, but not their eye contact. Felt like he was boring straight into her soul and she helplessly welcomed it.
Jesus… where did this man come from?
“Nice to meet you, Naturi,” he finally said. He retrieved his phone from his pocket while still holding onto her hand. “I’m gonna call someone to get my bike.”
“Okay, I’ll wait with you.”
A look of surprise crossed his face. “That’s sweet but not necessary. I would hate to hold you up…”
“Don’t worry about it. I don’t have anywhere to be.” That was a big ass lie! She was already stretching her lunch break. Why would she do that for this guy, a perfect stranger? And why the hell was she still holding his hand?
Something wet dripped on her nose. She looked up to see tears falling from the large cloud passing over them. Small spots of wetness scattered over the pavement.
She smoothed her hand over her bob-styled wig. It was just drizzling, but she’d just bought this hair. Getting it wet wasn’t an option. “I’m gonna wait in the car.”
He nodded, though made no attempt to let her go.
Reluctantly, she slipped her hand from his grip.
Dude was
hanging onto her like he knew her, like she was his boo-thang, and she let him do it. That shit was weird.
As soon as she got in the car, she sent a text message to her manager, letting him know something came up and she wouldn’t make it back to work. Luckily, her manager was relaxed about that kinda stuff. After she got that out of the way, she called Zion back.
“What happened? You okay?”
“A unicorn rear ended me.”
Zion let out a snorting snicker. “Bitch, what?”
“This guy...” Naturi said in a hushed tone. “You should see him, Zion. Fuckin’ gorgeous.”
“Yeah?”
“Like not so much in a manly way. He’s—it’s hard to explain. Like I said, he’s a unicorn.”
“Show me a picture or he doesn’t exist.”
The rain started coming down harder. She looked up in the rearview mirror. Raven paced behind the car with the phone to his ear.
“Z, let me call you back.” She reached across the console and rolled the window down. “Aye, the weather is only gonna get worse. You can come sit in the car!”
He looked her way with a smile. Tremors leaped on her as he opened the door and slipped into the passenger seat. A downpour ensued.
“Right on time. Thank you,” he whispered. Twisting in the seat, he set his helmet in the back. “Not sure of the street name. Just track my location using my phone…”
Naturi allowed her gaze to drift over his body, yet again. Although, he exuded feminine beauty, he had the posture of a man. He sat with his knees wide and his body relaxed. When her gaze moved back up to his face, she met his eyes.
She’d got caught scoping him out. Dammit! Heat rushed to her face.
A smirk played on his glossy lips as continued speaking to the person on the phone. “A little fender bender.” His smooth croon sailed through her body like a forbidden caress. “Front wheel took a hit. Not too bad though. Could’ve been worse…”
Clearing her throat, she ripped her eyes away. Suddenly nervous as hell, she tugged on the hem of her suit jacket and squeezed her knees together.
Raven's Seduction Page 3
