Ryder gives off a little laugh and looks over at me. “My view is quite beautiful too.”
I feel my cheeks flush. He just doesn’t stop. “What exactly do you want with me, Ryder?”
“Your time,” he smiles.
“Oh, is that so?”
“Why is that so hard to believe?”
“I told you, all of you pretty boys are the same,” I smirk.
I feel him grab onto my waist and tug me closer to him. His hands find my shoulders and they slowly slide down my arms as he backs me against one of the buildings. I feel him take my wrists in one of his hands as his face nears mine. His lips engulf mine and that dizzying, confusing feeling washes over me as his tongue rolls over my own. I can barely keep my balance as I let out a moan into his mouth.
He pulls away and smirks once he’s sees what he’s done to me. “I already told you…man, sweetheart, man…I don’t play little boy games.”
I feel my body shiver as I try to comprehend what’s just happened. I’m out of breath and dazed. Damn him. My poor brain is in such a haze that I can barely think, let alone come back with a one liner. I look up at him and lick my lips. I can’t move, I don’t want to move.
He shoots me that sly grin again. “Want more?”
I lick my lips and give him a nod. We’re in the middle of the busy street. People are all around. I’m vulnerable. And he…I let out another breath and finally nod. He releases a little laugh and his lips consume mine once more. I let out a soft moan as he moves a hand to my hip and yanks my body closer to his before sliding the hand around to my ass. He quickly squeezes my ass, hard, making me squeal into the kiss.
He pulls away looking even more satisfied with himself. “Do I need to remind you that I’m a man again?”
If he keeps kissing me like that, he can keep reminding me that he’s a man all day and all night. I’m rendered speechless and he licks his lips in approval. He releases my wrists slowly and fixes my hair that’s become messy. I feel my cheeks flush and he smirks. “That is quite the color on you. I think I like it.”
Color? What color? I’m a fucking mess. I’ve never had a man turn me into a puddle before but it seems Ryder Preston is pretty damn good at it. I lick my lips and take a deep breath. At this rate we’ll never get down to Serendipity. He pulls away and offers me his arm again, “Need a hand?”
This time I am quite unstable and grab to his arm for support. I’ll give him one thing, Ryder is good at what he does.
“You’ve been hurt badly,” he says, looking over at me, “haven’t you?”
I shake out of my post kiss haze, “why do you say that?”
“Because of how you are,” he tells me. “I can tell, someone hurt you and I’m willing to bet that you’ve sworn off all men. Your current situation was just some friend with benefits, but it went sour because you started feeling too much. When he was a dick you decided that love is bullshit, all men are assholes, and left it at that.”
Does he have mid reading powers now? I glance over at him in disbelief. “I told you last night that my story is a long one.”
“I wasn’t lying when I said that I want your time, Mercy. I’d be willing to listen.”
I let out a little sigh. I’m not one to just talk about my past and I certainly don’t just open up to people. Which is why I’ve been a booty call for the last year pretty much. It’s not in my nature I guess. I’m just hardwired wrong. I’m not like most women. In all honesty, there’s probably something wrong with me. “I’m not the type who just-”
He immediately interrupts me, “who just opens up to people. I get it. Believe me, I get it.”
I stare at him again, unable to speak. “Something like that. Besides, I guess I’m just not sure where this is going.”
“What do you mean?”
“What direction are we heading in?” I question. “Am I your new booty call?”
He lets out a husky laugh. “If you were my booty call, sweetheart, I wouldn’t be taking you to dinner.”
Alright, he has a point there. God knows I know that’s the truth. “So, what are we doing?”
“Well, right now I’m taking you out to dinner in hopes of getting to know you.”
I’ll admit that I have trust issues and right now I don’t know that I trust him yet or not. It’s difficult for me to trust any man and not just because of assholes like my dad and Trenton. There are much bigger fish I’m still frying. Ryder stopping in front of Serendipity is my savior. I’m not quite ready for all this small talk and since I’m out of my comfort zone as it is I need to pace myself.
Ryder opens the door for me, I step inside, and he follows behind me. He takes my hand and walks me over to a booth in the back corner. Seems Serendipity is one of his hang outs. I slide in the booth, place my purse next to me, and let out a sigh. After all of this I’ll need a good stiff one tonight…and I’m not talking about dicks either.
“So, what about you, mister I’m from a family of lawyers and I became a cop instead?”
He lets out a little laugh. “My mother is high strung. My father is pretty much the same. They had me tagged as successful lawyer the day I came out of the womb.”
“They made plans for you without your permission,” I laugh.
He gives me a nod. “Got that right. So, when I graduated high school and turned down Stanford for the academy, I was pretty much disowned for five years.”
“I’m sorry,” I tell him softly.
“It wasn’t until I really started moving up, showed them I was born to do this and not sit behind a desk all day.” He releases a little laugh, “I wanted to be the man who put the bad people behind bars, not defend them in a courtroom.”
“Wow, that’s actually…really noble of you.”
“Here I am, busting the bad guys.” He smiles, “what about you?”
“I love two things in life. Books and coffee. They’ve always been there for me and never hurt me, so I combined the two,” I laugh. “I didn’t know at the time how much of a success Tangled Web would be.”
“Because it’s a great shop, good people, great atmosphere. Not to mention the coffee is the best in town.”
“What did I tell you about sweet talking?” I laugh.
“And what did I tell you? I don’t sweet talk, I tell the fucking truth.”
“So, your ex,” he says, “was I right?”
I let out a deep breath. Jesus, I don’t do this part well. I don’t share…feelings. Finally, I nod. “Pretty much hit the nail on the head.”
“I’m willing to bet that you thought you were saving yourself a whole lot of heartache.”
I give him a nod. “Got that right…I was wrong, but then again I usually am.”
“Which is why you’re afraid to get close to me…” He winks.
I laugh again. “Look at you. I know your type, Ryder and I have been there and done that.”
“You’ve had some bad luck, haven’t you?”
“Now that is probably the understatement of the year.”
“Look, we don’t have to go into all this banter right now. For now, let’s enjoy a burger and some fries.”
I let out a breath and finally nod. At this point, what else have I got to lose?
By the time we actually finish up at Serendipity it’s damn near closing their closing time. Austin has closed Tangled Web and right now I am remembering just how little sleep I got last night. I honestly have no idea how Ryder is still kicking. The man has got to have an endless supply of energy or something.
When we reach Tangled Web I thank Ryder for dinner and the good company before heading to my Jeep. No sense in dragging things out and honestly, I have no idea what he and I are even doing besides fucking.
“Mercy, why don’t you head to my place with me, have a night cap?”
I look at him dumbfounded. We couldn’t have slept any more than a handful of hours, I’m running on fumes, I agreed to dinner, and he wants to have drinks at his place.
&nbs
p; I let out a little laugh. “A night cap, huh?”
“Why not? We can play hooky off work tomorrow,” he winks.
“I don’t play hooky, I haven’t played hooky since I was fourteen.”
“Come on, you can follow me in your Jeep if you want.”
I don’t know that I like this. I don’t like what he’s doing to me. I’m damn near exhausted but yet I still want to go. I hate feeling so conflicted like this. I hate not knowing why he’s making me feel like this. I shift my weight from one foot to the other and finally nod. “Alright, I’ll come to your place with you, but I’m riding with you because if I’m drinking I’m not driving home.”
“At the rate we’re going you can just bring some clothes and leave them at my place.” He teases, walking me to the passenger side of his truck.
There’s the cocky bastard. I knew he was in there somewhere. I let out a little laugh and climb into his truck. Right now I don’t see myself getting into trouble, I already am in trouble.
No surprise to see that his apartment is still spotless. It feels like I was just here. Oh, wait, I was. I remove my blazer and place it on the back of his couch as I look around.
He smiles, “kick off the heels too if you want, your feet have to be killing you.”
Well, there’s one thing that he has right. My feet are killing me and I’m dead tired. I certainly have no issues listening to his command and I step out of my heels and leave them just behind his couch.
“What will you have?” He asks, loosening his tie, and taking off his suit jacket.
“Let’s stir things up a bit, gin and tonic.”
“Coming right up,” he tells me, moving behind his bar.
“Alright, I have to ask, what’s up with having a fully stocked bar?”
He lets out a little laugh. “I’m a detective, sweetheart. My bad days consist of seeing dead people and finding their killers. Some days are really bad.”
I gasp. I suddenly feel like an asshole. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” he says, making eye contact, “I bartended before the academy. This just helps me keep up my skill level.”
“Your job must be really hard…” My voice trails, now seeing Ryder in a different light. I hadn’t taken in account for him being a detective and just what the job description meant for him. Makes sense why sometimes I’d see him at the Salted Brim having a whiskey, straight up.
He begins walking over to me with a glass in his hand. “I wanted to help people. I wanted to protect. I wanted to serve.”
“And that’s what you’re doing,” I smile, taking the glass from him.
“Trying to anyway,” he tells me. “Some cases aren’t as easy as others.”
“I can’t imagine.” I have a sip of my drink and let out a little laugh. “And all I do is make coffee and sell books.”
“Hey, my guys get their coffee from you.”
“Tell them to let me know, coffee is on me from now on. You guys need to be alert to stay safe.” I smile and have another drink.
“Does that include me?”
I feel my cheeks flush as I nod, “that includes you. Can’t have you getting hurt, now can we? Your drink mixing skills are top notch and you can make me come in three minutes,” I tease.
He licks his lips. “I just know what I’m doing.”
And the cocky bastard comes out again. I let out a little laugh. “I guess it takes a real man to take care of a woman like myself, huh?”
“You’ve been with these pretty boys too long, you need a real man to take care of your needs.”
“And I suppose you think that you’re the man for the job?” I smirk. I admit, it’s quite fun making this side of him come out and play.
He shoots me that sly grin. “Like I said, I won’t stop until your legs are shaking, you can’t get out of the bed, and the neighbors know my name.”
I feel heat rush to my face and goosebumps rise on my arms. Here we go again. I should have known better. Like I said before…I’m not getting into trouble, I am in trouble. And trouble’s name is Ryder.
I feel my heartbeat increase as he takes my drink for me and places it on his coffee table. “You’ve been playing with these little boys for too long,” he tells me, grabbing onto my hips. “They don’t know what they’re doing…” His hands trail from my hips and straight to my ass. “You see, these little boys don’t know how to appreciate a woman like a real man does. I know that you deserve to come first, every time. I know that you deserve to come multiple times. I know that it’s not just about me.”
“You sound so sure of yourself.”
“Tell me that I’m wrong,” he says, “look me in the eyes and tell me that I’m wrong.”
I lick my lips and swallow hard. He’s doing it again. That thing where he makes my head feel hazy and my stomach tumbles.
“Look me in the eyes and tell me that’s not what you want.”
I swallow hard again and I feel like I’m breathing funny. I can hardly think straight let alone answer his questions.
“You don’t want a man to take care of you financially, you can do that for yourself.” He gives my ass a hard squeeze and I uncontrollably let out a little squeal. “You want a man to be able to make you come and then go make you breakfast while naked. You want a man to be able to love every side of you, even the crazy. You want a man to stand up and be a fucking man.”
My mouth opens. I truly am at a loss for words.
“You’ve been doing it all for yourself too long,” he says, “I can see it in your eyes.”
If he can get all of that from my eyes I’m nowhere near as good as I thought. I release another breath and lick my lips that have gone completely dry all of a sudden.
I feel his hands move to the buttons on my shirt. He carefully undoes each button and pushes my shirt open to reveal my turquois bra. “You want me to be that man and it’s scaring you, isn’t it, sweetheart?”
I give him a little smirk as I reach for his tie carefully undoing the Windsor knot and yanking it from his neck. I toss it on the couch with plans of saving it for later when I turn to his shirt. “This isn’t your favorite shirt…is it?” I ask coyly, batting my eye lashes.
“I have others…” His voice trails off as he stares at me, confused.
“It wasn’t expensive…was it?” I ask, licking my lips as I run my fingertip around one of the buttons.
He gives his head a little shake.
“Good.” I smile as I grab onto the shirt and rip sending the buttons flying all over his living room floor.
He gives me that sly grin. “Now, we talked about littering.”
“Oh damn,” I sigh, “it must have slipped my mind.” I yank his shirt off his body and toss it to the floor. I take a step back and remove my shirt slowly, tossing it to the floor. I reach behind me and unzip my skirt allowing it to slowly slip down my legs and land in a heap on the floor. “You better get a good look, detective, I have plans for you.”
“Don’t you worry,” I says, “I’m looking.”
“See, I think you need a real woman. I think you need a woman who can take care of herself financially. Who swears like a sailor,” I give him a little smirk as I reach for his belt. “I think you need a real woman who can fuck like a champ, suck your cock just how you like, and ride your face.” I yank his belt off in one movement and throw it on the floor. “I think that’s why you keep coming back to me. I’m a package deal.” I reach for his pants and get them unbuttoned and unzipped quickly. Ryder doesn’t waste a spare moment and moves quickly to get his shoes and socks off. “Am I right, Ryder? Is that what you want? What you’ve been waiting for?”
He steps out of his pants and reaches for me, pulling me to his body. His hand immediately latches on to my ass. “I’ve said it before but, we’re either a match made in heaven or a match made in hell.”
“I’ll let you know if I figure it out first.” I tell him, pushing him back and onto his couch.
“Looks like you
have plans,” he smirks.
I do. I absolutely do. He really has no idea what he’s getting into with me. I grin and reach for his tie that’s lying on his couch.
“What do you plan on doing with that?”
I run the silky fabric over my hands and study the print for a moment. I look up and give him a sly, little grin. “Having fun.”
“What’s in it for me,” he questions, kicking back on the couch.
“Use your imagination.” I say, stretching the tie out in a long band.
He gives me another smile. “Looks like you know what you’re doing.”
“Oh, I know exactly what I’m doing.” I tell him, using the tie to cover his eyes, wrapping it behind his head, and tying it in place. “Don’t…move…” I whisper in his ear.
He smiles, “whatever you say, Mercy.”
I plant a little kiss on the side of his cheek as he settles into the couch. I leave a trail of kisses from his cheek, down to his neck and chest. He releases a little breath as I run my finger nails down his chest to his abs. I trace around his belly button with a fingertip very slowly. His hips buck slightly and the bulge in his dark boxer briefs is beginning to grow. I smile in approval as I run my hands back up his belly and to his chest once again. His skin is surprisingly soft and smooth. He releases another little noise as I drag my nails along his chest.
I lean down to his ear, “tell me what you want, Ryder.”
“What I want?”
“Mhm,” I hum, “tell me what you want right now. I’ll give you anything.”
He looks in the direction of my voice and smirks. “I want that beautiful pussy of yours…on my face. I want to make you come like you deserve, Mercy.”
I feel heat wash down my body. Something inside of me tingles. I let out a deep breath that I have been holding. The thought alone makes my entire body erupt with excitement. I give him anything he wants and he chooses to please me. He really is good. I step back off the couch and stand in front of him. “You want my pussy…I give you the choice anything you want and you choose to taste me…”
Have Mercy (Merciless Book 1) Page 6
