Seduction's Stakes

by Claire Ashgrove

  Something had changed between them when he'd given her the jewelry. Riley couldn't put his finger on exactly what, but he felt it. When he touched her, it jolted through his fingers. When she looked at him, it lingered in her eyes. Whatever it was, it thrilled him. Made him feel warm inside, like everything had finally fallen together as it was meant to be.

  He supposed, perhaps, he'd fallen in love with her a little more.

  A bony hand clamped around his shoulder, and he turned his head to find Harvey Weatherson grinning behind him.

  "Harvey, have a seat.” As Riley shook his hand, he nodded to Maddie's empty chair. “I didn't know you were here tonight."

  "Pearl and I just got here. I told her I didn't pay three hundred dollars a piece to sit on my ass and listen to an auction or eat country-club food. She was content with dancing, and the drinks pacified me. Though I'd rather have just donated the money to the Jockey Club as opposed to putting on this fancy get up.” He hitched a finger in his bowtie, pulling on it.

  Riley's laughter joined with the Sheikh's. For racehorse owners, the charity event expected their attendance. But Riley had yet to meet a man who looked forward to attending. The women, however, seemed more than happy.

  "Well, I'll be damned,” Harvey exclaimed in a quiet voice. “I swear that little piece of pie just gets better and better every time I see her."

  Riley bristled, but asked, “Who?"

  "McCleery, that's who. Don't pretend you haven't noticed her,” Harvey slapped a hand across Riley's back.

  The Sheikh turned partly in his chair, looking toward Maddie as well. As he moved, the two bodyguards bookending him also turned to look. “Ah, McCleery. She is a pretty piece. Compellingly lovely. She always knows how to dress for a man. I wish my wives would do the same."

  Harvey rasped with laughter. “We've all been saying that. Damn, what I'd give to be forty years younger. I'd risk Pearl's wrath to unwrap that package."

  Riley agreed, but hearing the other men talk about her only set his nerves on edge. He certainly didn't mind if they looked, but he didn't care to hear their thoughts. While he couldn't necessarily justify being upset with Harvey's remarks given the man hadn't been around since the Derby, the Sheikh's open appreciation chafed him. Ramana had just dined with Maddie and him.

  Taking another deep swallow, Riley let the strong Scotch roll across his tongue.

  "We'll never know, boys. That precious piece of pie won't look twice at anyone involved with racing. She leaves it to our imagination. Can't even catch a good spot of gossip about her, shall we say, skills.” Harvey cackled again, and lifted his glass in a mock toast.

  Riley's gaze settled on Maddie again, and she looked over her shoulder. Their eyes locked and his pulse jumped in response. Her soft mouth curved into an intimate smile, and he took another drink.

  "That precious piece of pie is off the market, boys,” he remarked in a low voice as he dragged his eyes off her.

  Harvey's watery blue eyes filled with amusement as he reached across and patted Riley on the shoulder. “She finally told you to stop sniffing at her skirts, eh? Don't worry, there's plenty of others who can share your misery."

  Annoyed, Riley decided a little of Harvey's bluntness would effectively convey his point. “No,” he answered casually as he motioned to the waitress for another drink. “She moved into my bed."

  Harvey spit his drink back into his glass and spluttered. “You're shitting me, right?"

  From the corner of his eye, Riley noticed the Sheikh's mustache twitch with humor. At least one of the men got the message. Riley didn't bother to answer Harvey's question. Instead, he leaned back a little in his chair and admired the way Maddie moved across the dance floor to embrace Pearl.

  "That's a good one, Jennings,” Harvey cackled. “You had me going there for a minute. Little rat bastard, remember my ticker isn't as good as it used to be."

  Riley looked away from her long enough to hold Harvey's gaze with a blank expression. “Then I don't suppose you'd believe I intend to make it a permanent arrangement?"

  A swish of blond alerted Riley to Maddie's approach, and he smothered a smirk by sipping from his glass.

  Harvey drained his vodka, and let loose another raspy cackle. “Keep dreaming, son. I admit it's a great fantasy. But that's as close as you're gonna get to tasting what she has to offer."

  At that moment, Maddie passed behind Riley, and he reached out to catch her wrist. She stopped, and set her hands on his shoulders, leaning over one with curious interest.

  "Hey, angel,” he said with a smile. He gave her elbow a little tug and brought her closer, brushing his mouth over hers in a soft kiss.

  When she drew away, her fingers squeezed his shoulders. “I'll be back in a few minutes, honey. I want to talk to Dirk.” She gave his cheek a quick peck, and disappeared again.

  "Little rat bastard,” Harvey muttered.

  Sheikh Ramana's laughter rumbled through the air.

  Riley set his smirk free. He reached out and set his hand on Harvey's shoulder in a friendly gesture. “I think I've heard enough about Maddie's finer qualities, old friend.” He punctuated his polite reprimand with a wink, hoping to erase any unintentional embarrassment.

  "Jesus Christ, Jennings. How the hell did you manage that?"

  With his involvement now revealed, Riley relaxed, and his smile widened. “I have no idea, but I'm damn sure not going to question it."

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  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  Riley's arms slid around Maddie's waist and his fingers toyed with the exposed skin at the small of her back as he swayed with the music. The ends of her hair brushed over his knuckles, and he took a deep breath. Today had been too much. Too much teasing and not enough touching, and he wanted her desperately.

  She lifted her head from his shoulder, turned those green eyes up to him and discreetly pressed her hips a little closer, molding herself against his straining erection. The shock of pleasure that rolled through his veins sent his heart slamming into his ribs. It took enormous effort not to dip his hands over her bottom and crush her into him.

  "Riley?” she asked in a whisper.

  "Hm?” It was all he could manage, his mouth was so dry.

  Leaning in to press a kiss against his throat she whispered, “I want to make love to you so badly I'm not sure I care if anyone sees us."

  He exhaled in a rush of air that hissed through his teeth. So she'd finally tired of the game too. Thank God. But her confession so shook him, all he could do was lose himself in those sparkling green depths.

  She danced her nails across his cheek and trailed one fingertip over his mouth, with the quiet request, “Take me home."

  He gave her a slow nod, and stepped back, sliding hand into hers. “We should say our goodbyes."

  She hesitated, looking off the dance floor and out across at their gathered friends, then shook her head. “Let's just disappear."

  Understanding, he tightened his fingers around hers and wove a path through the people as they headed for the door. Outside he paused, debating whether to indulge in kissing her. Then decided against it. The moment he made contact with those lips he wouldn't want to stop.

  That deep, awe-inspiring feeling flooded through him as he held her back against his chest while they waited on their reserved car. Standing in silence with her, he let it engulf him, let it seep into his soul. It felt more intimate than any caress. He'd hinted at it with Ben, but tonight he'd said it, told Harvey Weatherson he intended to marry this woman. With a little luck, he'd find the balls to ask her. He'd much rather go buy the ring, give it to her, and let her infer all the rest.

  Either way, he wanted his last name firmly attached to hers so he'd never again have to listen to another man discuss Maddie like a menu-item desert again.

  The sleek black car pulled up, and Riley opened the door for her.

  * * * *

  Riley's mouth found Maddie's the moment their hotel suite door clicked
into place, and she melted into him. It wasn't the demanding kiss of a hungry man, despite how much she knew he wanted her. Instead, it was slow and deliberate, meant to entice. She got lost in the velvety feel of his tongue brushing hers, the rich, lingering taste of Scotch and the quiet sound of his breathing.

  As he maneuvered them into the bedroom, her hands dipped inside the lapels on his coat, sliding up to his shoulders, to ease the jacket off. It fell to the floor, forgotten.

  When the back of her knees brushed the mattress, Riley's fingers plied at the zipper near her waist, tugging it open and a cool breeze drifted across her exposed skin. His hands slid beneath the material, cupping her bare bottom and gathering her close. With a ragged gasp, she let the sensations engulf her, winding her arms around his neck as he pulled her up his body, to rub his cock against her sensitive nub.

  His mouth dropped to the crook of her neck, teasing with a flick of his tongue before his teeth nipped at her skin. His breath danced over her shoulder as he whispered, “I need you out of that dress, darlin'."

  God, she didn't want to step away from him long enough to do what he asked. But with a little sigh of regret, she backed up, gathered the material at her waist, and pulled it over her head. His hands found hers, tossing the gown away, then sliding down the length of her arms, along her sides, to settle around her waist.

  His eyes burned dark as he sought her mouth again.

  Distantly, she remembered she had other plans for him tonight, and set her hands against his chest, stopping him. She plied at his tie as she instructed, “Go start the tub. I need a few moments. I'll join you shortly."

  With a little murmur of protest, Riley did as she asked, leaving her alone in the bedroom. Her smile widened as it occurred to her, he hadn't noticed the glowing fire or the bottle of champagne standing in ice in the sitting room. The concierge hadn't failed her request.

  Pulling a two-piece negligee from her suitcase, she fingered the flimsy black lace. She slipped it over her shoulders and tied the tiny string that closed the front. No longer than her last rib, it fell away in a reverse ‘V', exposing her belly, and really only curtained her breasts. She stepped into the panties, more wispy shorts than anything, and glanced in the mirror. The loose lace fabric brushed the tops of her thighs, rising no higher than her hips. There wasn't much to the little garment, but Riley preferred classy over anything, and what it hid, it did with allure.

  She reached for her necklace, then decided to leave it on.

  Stifling down a giggle as she envisioned his expression, she pulled a small bottle of chocolate syrup from her bag, grabbed a blanket from the bed, and went to the sitting room.

  In the minibar's refrigerator she pulled out a basket of strawberries—another request she'd made before they left—and found two wine glasses hanging above her head.

  Humming a soft tune, she spread the blanket on the ground in front of the fire, and lay down, lifting on her elbows to drizzle a small amount of the sticky syrup over her stomach. One of the first nights she spent in Riley's house, he'd teased about a night like this. And as she picked up one bright red strawberry and plopped it on her stomach, she couldn't help but wonder if he'd remember how she'd fed him the same fruit their first night together. Positioning a few more berries, she set the last on the blanket between her legs, then leaned back, waiting.

  After a few minutes, the water shut off in the bathroom, and Riley called out, “Angel?"

  "I need some help out here, Riley, I'm sorry,” she called, swallowing down a laugh.

  She heard him mutter, listened to his feet pad across the carpet, and held her breath.

  Stark naked, he froze in the doorway, his breath hissing through his teeth. As she watched, his cock twitched. His eyes raked along her body, fastening on hers, and Riley wet his lips with the tip of his tongue.

  "God, Angel...” he croaked out.

  "Desert?” she asked with an innocent smile.

  He moved, rather stalked, toward her, his intention clear, and dropped to his knees at her side. Bending over her belly, he raked the tip of his tongue through the syrup, spreading goose bumps through her body. She let out a little gasp of pleasure, caught off guard by the unexpected sensation, and felt moisture pool between her legs.

  Riley bit into one of the strawberries, and the juice dripped over her stomach, shockingly cold. Then, he leaned toward her, offering her the fruit with his teeth. When she bit in, her lips brushed against his. She shivered. She'd never thought she might find something like this erotic, had intended only on tantalizing him. Instead, she quickly discovered she'd become a victim of her own game.

  He let her have the solitary berry and dipped his head to retrieve his own. He took his time to suckle at the chocolate before he bit into another and leaned back on his elbow, holding her gaze as he chewed. Maddie squirmed, craving his touch, anxious to have the whole thing over so she could feast on him as she longed to do.

  As if sensing her discomfort, Riley reached across his body and plucked at the string across her chest. The top fell open, and he slid his hand beneath the flimsy lace, stroking her nipple beneath his thumb. “Patience, angel. Serves you right after this morning."

  She closed her eyes with a deep breath, searching for her strength. Two strawberries left, not counting the one between her legs. She could last that long. Hopefully.

  Riley's fingers danced downward, dipping into the thin trail of chocolate and painting it across her stomach with lazy strokes. His touch sent electric shocks of pleasure coursing through her veins. God, this was torture.

  His mouth came back to taste his way up her belly and settle over one of her breasts, swirling his tongue around her hardened nipple. Her breath caught, and she arched her back, craving more. He kissed his way across her chest, drawing the other between his teeth with a little tug.

  He leaned over her, so close she could feel the warmth of his body radiating against hers, and yet he did not touch. She fluttered her lashes open to find him smirking at her, but behind the amused twitch to his mouth, his eyes spoke promises she wanted fulfilled. Now.

  With a soft chuckle, he brushed his lips across hers, but before she could wrap her arm around his neck and draw him into a deeper kiss, he disappeared. Back to her belly, where his tongue worked magic across her sensitive skin.

  As he tickled his way closer to her side, his hand slid between her legs, cupping her mound. The enticing weight brought her hips against his palm seeking his caress. He didn't stir a single finger. Merely seemed content to hold her as he nipped at her belly button. She lifted her hips again, longing to soothe the growing ache between her legs, and his teeth sank into her side.

  Her startled cry faded into a gasp as he pressed his fingers against her sensitive center, and massaged her clit, using the ball of his hand in a circular motion. She rubbed against him, biting down on her lip to stop the wave of pleasure that threatened to command her senses. But the way he teased her belly button with her tongue, the way the sensations pulled at her gut made it impossible to hold on to her thoughts. She surrendered, welcoming the building desire, digging her hands into the blanket as she brought her hips hard against him.

  When his hand fell away, along with his mouth, she choked back a disappointed cry.

  "Paybacks are hell, darlin',” he murmured near her ear.

  Oh, damn. Not this. Surely he didn't intend to tease her. Didn't he understand that as much as she'd taunted him today, she'd made herself crazy as well?

  She opened her eyes and swallowed.

  Propped up on one elbow once more, he gave her a devilish grin.

  "When do we open the champagne?” he asked as he licked the chocolate off his fingers.

  That was it. This was her seduction, not his, and he was taking it entirely too well. Forgetting about the last remaining fruit on her belly, she rolled up on her side, and supporting her head with one hand, reached between them and wound her hand around his cock.

  His smile vanished, the intensity
in his eyes deepened. As she slid her fingers up his swollen length, his lips parted. She squeezed a little harder and he let out a little groan. Much better. Time to remind him he had needs too.

  Before she could blink, she found herself on her back, Riley straddling her waist and his mouth crashing into hers. The kiss was quick, deep and full of unquenched desire. It seared through her, joining with her own, setting her body on fire with need.

  His hand found her waist and tugged the panties down her hips. She lifted a foot, pushing them off her ankles. With one knee, he nudged her legs apart and settled between her legs, his erection pressing against her swollen flesh. He held her gaze, hesitating only a moment before he eased his way inside her with a prolonged thrust that left her gasping. Inch by inch he pushed his way deeper, each slip rocking her with pleasure.

  "God, Maddie...” His voice was husky. Buried to the hilt he didn't move. Instead, he inhaled a ragged breath as if he tried to hold on to his control.

  "Let go, Riley,” she instructed with a roll of her hips.

  He shuddered, stirred inside her, but shook his head. “Don't want...” He took another deep breath and closed his eyes. “This to end."

  The simple phrase was the most emotion she'd ever heard from him, and it struck her with such force, she couldn't have stopped herself even if she wanted. Her body arched up to meet his, her arms wound around his back, and she sank back to the floor, taking him with her, drawing him into a demanding kiss.

  He withdrew, sliding out almost all the way, then with a hard thrust buried himself once more. She gave in to a soft cry of pleasure. In response, his hips drove a little faster. She knew the moment he surrendered his control, gave in to the magic of their bodies. With a tremble, he withdrew, then plunged once more, the fierceness of his mouth matching the driving rhythm of his body.