Storm
Page 23
“Pay attention,” I point at the enormous flat screen on the wall. “This is history happening.”
“This is bullshit,” he says, and reaches for me again.
I put my glass on a side table and let him tumble me on the huge bed. He crawls until he’s next to me, and grumbles when he can’t lie on his side and touch me at the same time.
He’s so funny when he’s grumpy. Funny and sexy. I roll, pushing him onto his back, and bend over to kiss him. We kiss and kiss, and he groans in my mouth, clutching the back of my head with his good hand. He’s growing hard between our bodies, and I suck in a sharp breath at the pang of desire.
I lift my head. His eyes are dazed, his mouth half-open. His hand slides from the back of my neck to my shoulder and down to my breast. He cups it, squeezing it through the fine white lace, his gaze darkening to near black. I roll my hips over his cotton-clad cock and he moans, head falling back, jaw going slack.
Scooting back, I drag down his black briefs, freeing his long, hard cock, and take the head into my mouth. His taste explodes on my tongue—salty, bitter, perfect.
He stills, breath caught, muscles going taut in his legs and stomach. Then I take him in deeper and he groans, his back arching off the mattress. “Fuck.”
I love how he can’t hide his body’s reactions. His good hand fists in the covers, his knees bend, his hips jerk. He growls deep inside his throat when I suck on the head, pants when I lick the underside of his cock.
He gasps when I cup his sack and roll his heavy balls in my hand.
His cock twitches, more saltiness seeping out of the small slit. He’s close. I lick at him, and he curses, fist thumping on the mattress.
“Ray.” He fumbles for something. His wallet for a condom, probably.
I reach for it, pull off the foil and rip it open. I pull the condom over his cock and lift myself, then sink down on him, taking him deep. I gasp as he pierces me and bend over him trying to catch my breath.
“Oh fuck, Ray…” He rocks up into me, swelling bigger. His teeth grit. “Shit.”
Pleasure floods my core. I’m close, too, so close, I just can’t… Can’t stop myself from tightening and clenching, and I shudder, the heat bursting, shooting up my spine, spreading to my limbs until I moan out loud.
He cries out, abs clenching tight, and he comes inside me in hot spurts I can feel through the thin rubber. His hips jerk a couple of times with aftershocks, then he finally relaxes, head rolling.
I lift myself off and he reaches down and holds down the condom as he slips out of me.
“Fucking hell,” he says hoarsely. “Damn.”
I grin as I help him take it off and hop off the bed to carry it to the trash. Then I’m back, crawling next to him and curling so I can lay my head on his shoulder, content.
“Damn, I thought I could last—”
I lay my fingers over his mouth, stopping the words. “Rest.”
He bites lightly at my fingers and I pull them away. “I want to make you come again and again. I wanna see you, taste you, smell you as you come.”
Heat curls in my belly. “Later.”
“When?”
“After you rest.” I settle more comfortably, closing my eyes. “We have time. All the time in the world.”
“Ray.” He swallows thickly, and I open my eyes.
“What is it?”
“Now you’re free from the triad… are you staying?”
I didn’t expect this question, this doubt. He always seems so sure of himself.
“If you still want me.” I wrestle with my own insecurity. “If you haven’t changed your mind.”
“Change my mind? God, never.” And just when I thought I couldn’t love him more, he says “You’re everything to me, Ray. Never forget that.”
From the start he told me this. Put me first. I didn’t believe it then, didn’t understand it.
Didn’t realize he needs me, too. That we hold each other up, complete each other. Love each other.
That this is our story, this is my man, and this is where despite all odds, we get our happy ending.
A FEW WORDS FROM JO RAVEN
Hi! My name is Jo, and I’m a romance addict. I love writing about sexy, tortured boys and the girls who save them. If you like those things, too, then we’re besties!
It’s been more than a year that I began this endeavor—a year since I started writing and publishing romance—and it has been an exciting ride. I have my readers to thank for encouraging me, buying my books and spreading the word, for making this work. You all rock!!
My first two series, Inked Brotherhood are Damage Control, are edgy contemporary romance dealing with characters on the threshold between teenage years and adulthood with all the important decisions it entails. All the firsts, work, college, relationships, sex, leaving the family nest, finding your own path. Plus, they aren’t rich. I like the fact they are (most of them) struggling to make ends meet. That strikes a chord with me.
Now, STORM is not poor, as you know—quite the contrary—and it’s a bit of a departure from my usual style. It is New Adult Romantic suspense, which means a lot more action, bullets and explosions. Quite a lot of sex, too, but that’s typical of what I write. I like rewarding my poor, suffering characters with hot, sexy times.
Let me tell you a few words about STORM and why I wrote this story (which, typically, has turned into a series): when I start writing a story, inevitably I create more characters than the two leading ones. All these minor characters have their own stories, which I want to tell.
Now, if you happened to read the Inked Brotherhood series, and in particular book 5 (RAFE), then you know that Raylin was the roommate of Megan, Rafe’s girl. Raylin doesn’t actually appear in RAFE; from the start she is absent, and then she leaves a note and disappears, leaving Megan with her cat Horatio and the rent. Later Rafe finds out there’s an ex-con after Raylin, which is probably why she split.
(If you haven’t read RAFE, you can find the purchase links here: http://joraven.com/books)
At the end of RAFE I promised to tell Raylin’s story. When I sat down to do so, Storm’s character came to me, and with him, his two friends, Hawk and Rook. I realized this series would be much more fun and action-filled than my other series, and I welcomed the change. Change keeps a writer sane…
And thus was STORM born. I hope you liked their story.
Like with all my series, every book in the Sex and Bullets series will be a standalone novel. Look out for HAWK’s story sometime soon.
Meanwhile, if you haven’t read the Inked Brotherhood and the Damage Control series (the latter still ongoing), then you can find the links to the books below.
▶ If you liked the cover of the book, featuring the very handsome athlete and model Craig Gierish (photographed by FuriousFotog), then check out these two trailers he made for the book, starring as Storm!
Version 1 (Craig’s take on Storm): https://youtu.be/wcDM-NjO8E0
Version 2 (My take on Storm): https://youtu.be/P19qW5Pcjto
▶ One more thing—a treat for those of you who have read RAFE (Inked Brotherhood #5) and would like to witness the reunion between Raylin and Megan… Here you go—enjoy!
Epilogue
MEGAN
I’ve just finished wiping down the last table in my section when Rafe walks into the coffee shop. I straighten and just watch him for a long moment, my heart tripping like every time I see him. His broad shoulders fill the door, his presence fill the room, and then he looks up and grins, and my breath stops.
“Meg.” He winds among the tables, his golden mane catching the overhead lights, his cat-like eyes glinting. Without even checking if anyone is looking, he grabs my hips and crushes his mouth to mine.
“Missed you, too,” I whisper, laughing, when he finally pulls back.
“You did?” One golden brow lifts, and he presses himself to me. “Me, too.”
I shake myself when I feel him hardening. “I noticed.”
&n
bsp; His grin is totally unrepentant.
“Wanna catch a movie?” I smile up at him. “And some dinner?”
“Or I could catch you and eat you for dinner. He waggles his brows.
“Sounds…”
“…good?” he suggests.
“I was gonna say…” I trail off as two people enter the coffee shop, both vaguely familiar. I frown and move around Rafe to see better. “What the hell?”
“What is it? Is there a problem?” Rafe’s fists clench, jaw set. Ready to fight for me, like always.
“I know them. I know…” I tilt my head to the side. “Raylin?”
“Your roommate? The bitch who vanished and left you her cat and the rent to pay?” Rafe’s eyes narrow and his voice is low and tight. “That the one?”
“It’s okay.” I pat this arm, the corded muscles straining under the skin. “I’ll talk to her.”
He follows me, a menacing six-foot tall shadow trailing after me.
It’s really her. Raylin. And yet she’s unlike the Raylin I knew. Her long hair is shiny, brushed up in a ponytail, her eyes sparkle. Her dark jeans and lacey blouse, her boots and her coat, they all scream new and expensive. She seems apprehensive, but also happy.
The tall, handsome man accompanying her puts a hand to the small of her back. His left arm is in a sling. Why do I think I’ve seen him before?
“Hey,” Raylin whispers, gaze flicking to Rafe behind me. She pales a little. “Megan.”
I’m angry with her. She left me during one of the worst times of my life. But I can’t help myself. I step forward and put my arms around her. Because my relief is greater than my anger.
“You’re all right,” I whisper on her shoulder. “God, I was so afraid something bad happened to you.”
“I left you a note,” she says, her voice choked.
“I know. But it wasn’t like you to run, and then Rafe found out you had a stalker and… I was worried.” I pull back. “So glad you came to see me.”
Rafe harrumphs.
“How’s Horatio?”
It takes me a moment to figure out what she’s talking about. “The kitty? He’s fine. His name’s Raf now.”
“Raf.” Her lips twist as if not sure whether to smile or not. “Oh God… I’m so sorry I left like that. I’m just…” She waves a hand, presses it to her mouth. “I was out of options. The Chinese mafia were after me, and if I stayed, you would’ve been caught in it.”
Jesus. I hear Rafe’s sudden intake of breath. He wraps an arm around my shoulders.
“What happened? Are they still after you?” His low raspy voice holds a hint of threat.
“No, they’re not.” She sniffs and nods at him. “Who are you anyway?”
“Rafe Vestri.” I lean into him. “My boyfriend. And who’s the hottie with you?”
The hottie in question snorts. God, his eyes are so blue. “Troy Jordan. Storm for friends.” He flicks her a quick smile. “Her boyfriend.”
He makes it sound like a question, so I’m not surprised when she nods as if in reply.
How odd. But also how touching, when he takes her hand and tangles her fingers together, then lifts it to lay a kiss her knuckles.
“Wait a minute…” A laugh escapes me, because nah, this can’t be true. No way. But he did say… “Troy Jordan? Jordan Enterprises? The guy mentioned on the news yesterday? They said… Oh my God!”
“I saw that, too,” Rafe mutters. “A secret organization in Baltimore. They offed your parents and your uncle. They were after you.”
He says nothing, just stares back at Rafe, shoulders tense.
“That’s over now, right?” I ask, worried again. “Culprits taken to prison and all that?”
“All over,” Raylin says, though her voice is soft. “Which is why we thought it’d be safe to visit you.”
“And you live now in Baltimore?”
“I live where he lives,” she whispers, and he smiles. “He saved me, protected me, made me believe. He’s everything to me.”
“That’s beautiful,” I say, because that’s just how I feel with Rafe.
Her boyfriend looks away, and strange thing is, his eyes seem bright with tears. He hauls her to him, tucking her to his side. “My girl.”
God, the way they look at each other, the way they cling to each other… Sometimes I can sense things, and this one rings loud and clear:
It looks like true love to me.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This has been an amazing journey, and I have so many people I would like to thank for their help, advice, support and friendship.
Without the help of my wonderful editor this story wouldn’t be readable. Any remaining errors in the text are my fault as I tend to change things last minute.
Huge thanks to Nathalie Aynié for the constant help and support, and for the brainstorming sessions. She rocks bears in tutus!
Also huge thanks to Kia Zi Shiru for her support and help, and to 5 Times Formatting for the great formatting.
I also want to thank very much my author friends J.A. Beard, Alison Foster, Cindy Borgne and Alison Foster who helped me with suggestions and advice throughout, and to Stephanie Troeth for her advice regarding the synopsis.
Can’t forget my amazing support group Dragon Authors for always being there for me.
A big shout-out to author Jade West and my PA Tracy Smith Comeford for giving me courage whenever I was down and talking shop with me in the most entertaining way. Extra hugs for Leah Joslin and Kerry Fletcher for leading my readers group and making Facebook such a fun place to be.
Huge thanks to my cover model, athlete Craig Gierish (http://www.risetoalpha.com), for his enthusiasm and support. He not only kept in contact in spite of his busy schedule—he also agreed to make the trailer for the book and a banner and… I am so humbled by his kindness.
Many thanks to my great reader and review teams for their amazing energy and commitment—love you ladies!—and to all the bloggers and reviewers who send me messages asking to feature my books and spread the word. I owe you.
Finally I want to thank my readers. Your messages, emails and Facebook posts telling me how much you like my stories motivate me, keep me writing and put a smile on my face. You are all amazing and I love you all.
AUTHOR BIO
Jo Raven is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her series Inked Brotherhood and Damage Control. She writes edgy, contemporary New Adult romance with sexy bad boys and strong-willed heroines. She writes about MMA fighters and tattoo artists, dark pasts that bleed into the present, loyalty and raw emotion. Add to that breathtaking suspense, super-hot sex scenes and a happy ending, and you have a Jo Raven® story.
Find all my books here ▶ http://joraven.com/books
Be the first to get your hands on my new releases & offers, giveaways, previews, and more by signing up here ▶ http://bit.ly/1CTNTHM
Meet me online—on Facebook ▶ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoRaven, chat with me on Twitter ▶ @AuthorJoRaven, and join my readers group for sneak previews of my covers and stories ▶ http://on.fb.me/1K2LvzO.
REVIEW TIME!
If you like my books, please think to leave a review on amazon or any other site. It would mean the world to me, and it helps me get paid advertisements and get the word about my books out there.
What comes next?
▶ HAWK (Sex and Bullets #2)
Bad boy heir to the Fleming Group empire, Jamie ‘Hawk’ Fleming, at your service.
Here’s the breakdown: my father has been thrown behind bars on murder charges, and my mother as accessory. That was three months ago, and since then everything has been a downhill ride.
The only thing keeping me sane right now is Hot Body. Her name is Layla, but that all that matters is that she’s gorgeous, sexy, and great in bed.
Until one morning I wake up tied up and gagged, Layla standing over me. Sounds promising, huh? A pretty girl, hand cuffs, maybe a whip?
Only the look on
her face – and the pissed-off men at her side – tell me she’s not in a kinky mood, or at least, not the pleasant kind…
On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26790057-hawk
Table of Contents
Front Page
Prologue
PART I: SEX
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
PART II: BULLETS
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
A few words from Jo Raven
Acknowledgments
Author bio