by Tina Donahue
She glanced at it. “No.”
Well obviously.
“You’ve locked up?” she asked. Her attention drifted to the front of the parlor.
“Yeah.”
She lifted her face to the ceiling. Romantic strains from the guitars flowed out of the speakers. She swayed to the sounds then stopped as though she’d realized what she was doing. “The music’s still on.”
He nodded absently. The sparkles on her tee reflected the overhead light and drizzled faint blue color onto her neck. The bluish tint matched the delicate veins on her throat, causing her skin to seem even paler, more fragile. It wouldn’t take much for a kiss to leave a stain there…for a man to mark her with his passion.
Dante inhaled deeply. Lauren’s scent swirled around him, the fragrance more pronounced in the narrow hall. Swallowing hard, he met her gaze. For once, she held his.
Longing, and something else, played across her sweet features. His shaft stiffened in response. His balls began to hurt. When she didn’t say anything, Dante wasn’t certain he should. She might shut down and take off. At last, he murmured, “What?”
Lauren sucked her lower lip.
Adorable didn’t begin to describe how she looked. He wondered if she was going to ask him out. If that’s what Jasmina had been alluding to. Dante smiled inwardly at the thought.
Lauren cleared her throat. “I…” She didn’t continue.
Feeling playful, he smiled. “You what?”
“Don’t know how to say this,” she mumbled.
Her uncertainty shifted something within Dante. He had an overwhelming urge to protect Lauren, hold her close, tell her everything would be all right. Hell, he was onboard with whatever she wanted. Not that his sentimental feelings made him any less mischievous. “Want me to help?”
Lauren gave him an odd look then frowned.
He hadn’t expected that. Usually he was damn good at reading women. Not tonight. “Just say what you want to say,” he coaxed then softened his voice even more. “I’ll listen.”
She looked doubtful.
“Come on.” He smiled.
Her attention moved to his mouth. Color stained her cheeks and throat. She swallowed then blurted, “I don’t want you dating any of our customers.”
It was a moment before Dante understood what she’d said. His grin felt stupid. He killed it. “Excuse me?”
Lauren backed away then moved forward as though reconsidering her retreat. “You’re getting too friendly with the clients. The female ones,” she added quickly. “There’s too much horsing around. All that laughing and those giggles.” She rolled her eyes. “They’re not even dressed. Good god, this isn’t a brothel, it’s a legitimate business.”
Her delicate nostrils flared with her harsh breathing. The ends of her hair seemed even blonder against her reddened cheeks. She parted her lips as though she had something else to tell him.
“Go on,” he said quietly.
Lauren hesitated at his mild tone then squared her shoulders. Dante doubted she knew how that thrust out her chest. If her nipples got any harder, they’d poke through her stretchy top, possibly killing him with desire.
“I don’t want a lawsuit,” she said. “So your female clients have to stay fully dressed at all times.”
“While I ink them through their clothes.”
“Of course not.” She glared. “You uncover the part, and only the part, that needs to be inked.”
“What if that’s their entire body?” He murmured, “Want me to use a blindfold? On me, not them.”
Her jaw tightened. “You know what I mean. No one’s come in here yet wanting a full-body tat. If a guy does, you can ink him from the top of his head to the tips of his toes with my blessing.”
“Lucky me.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I own the place now, so I have to do what’s right for it.”
“And that would be?”
“What I’ve already said.” She lifted her chin. “You can’t have half-naked or fully naked women in your station. You can’t date any of them. Ever.”
“Uh-huh.” She sounded really jealous. That encouraged Dante to move closer.
Lauren froze for a moment then stepped back. Dante followed. Surprise, and what seemed to be irrepressible yearning, passed over her face. Her ass and shoulders hit the wall. She glanced over to it then back at him.
Dante planted one hand on the wall next to her head. He leaned close enough to smell her perfume and the shampoo she’d used. Peaches, he thought. A light female scent that did indescribable things to him. “You don’t want me screwing any of the customers after hours, is that it?”
She stared at his mouth. “Uh-huh. It’s the new policy.”
“I see.” He edged a bit closer, driven to kiss her beauty mark, to run his tongue over her lips. His pulse pounded with desire. His body tensed with need. “Then who exactly would you like me to fuck?”
Lauren stared as if she couldn’t believe he’d asked that. Her mouth opened then closed. She glanced to the side, her expression pensive as though she were determining what to say or do.
Dante didn’t move. Hell, he didn’t even breathe.
Lauren turned back to him.
He waited.
On a longing sigh, she ran her fingers through his hair and brought his mouth down to hers.
Chapter Four
This was beyond foolish, totally stupid and so damn needed, Lauren didn’t want to consider the consequences.
She pressed closer, craving Dante’s heat, scent and mouth. His lips were ungodly soft, his cheeks so bristly the stubble scoured her skin, intensifying his masculinity, heightening everything female about her. For the first time in her life, Lauren felt dainty. She cupped his head in her hands and drove her tongue deeper into his mouth.
Growling, Dante not only participated, he fucking claimed her, slipping his arm around her waist, holding her tight enough that Lauren knew she wasn’t going anywhere.
Oh hell yeah. She moaned wantonly. He delivered more pleasure, his tongue pushing hers aside so his could slip into her mouth. The scent of coffee lingered on his breath. His skin smelled clean and musky. Lauren sagged into him.
He got all protective and possessive, tensing his arm to support her weight. With his free hand, Dante cupped her boob, his passion matching hers. There wasn’t a bit of hesitation or tenderness, only pure hungry male as he squeezed the soft swell of her breast then thumbed her nipple, making the tip so tight it hurt. The ache felt good. Needed. Lauren opened her mouth even more, her tongue dancing with his. She ground her pussy against his cock.
They made hungry, shameless sounds that fueled their desire, their kiss going from out of control to beyond anything Lauren had experienced with another man. She dragged her fingers over his shoulders, down his biceps then around to his back, greedy to touch as much of him as she could. Dante was the same, his hands roaming everywhere, not content to settle on one part of her.
Finally, he pulled his mouth free and lifted his face to the ceiling. His chest pressed against Lauren’s as he gulped air.
She stared at his Adam’s apple, transfixed at the way it bobbed with his hard swallow. The shadow of beard on his throat was hotter than sin. Lauren licked those short dark hairs and suckled his neck.
A lewd noise rumbled from Dante, mingling with the music. The Spanish guitars were gone, replaced with a sultry Cuban beat that spoke of tropical nights, fevered kisses and balmy air scented with sex.
Lauren’s ears buzzed. She pressed closer.
Dante whispered something in Spanish that she didn’t understand. Didn’t matter. His actions spoke volumes.
He cupped her ass and pulled her into his rock-hard cock that surely demanded a soft, heated pussy. The ends of his hair brushed her neck as he trailed kisses from her cheek to her temple then to her ear. After licking her lobe, he snuggled his tongue inside.
A shock of desire tore so ruthlessly through Lauren she wilted against Dante, wanting every intimate and carnal
act that he’d be willing to share with her.
For now, he concentrated on her throat, suckling it. Ohhhh. Bursts of heat and crazy good sensations had her gasping in pleasure. Gripping his tee, she twisted the stretchy fabric in her fists, wanting to tear it from him.
Dante pressed his mouth to her ear and whispered, “You all right?”
Too lost in the moment to speak, Lauren nodded.
“Good.” Far more swiftly than she would have imagined, he pulled her away from the wall and slung her over his shoulder.
Lauren yelped and gripped his ass for support. His solid muscles flexed beneath her fingers. She let out a crude, wanting moan.
Despite her weight, Dante strode down the hall easily, heading toward the backroom. Visions of melting Dove bars filled Lauren’s brain. She murmured, “What are you doing?”
“Nothing.” He ran his hand over her ass, his thumb on her cleft. “Yet.”
Her pussy got even wetter. She dropped her head and bit her lip at the sweet scent of his tee and the fragrance of pure man beneath.
His steps slowed when he reached his workstation. He carried her inside, kicked the door closed then set Lauren on her feet.
Unsteady, she staggered back. Dante gripped her wrist to keep her from falling.
She stared at him. He stared at her. This was really happening. The thought was so welcome and outrageous the room lurched.
Dizzy, Lauren lowered her face.
Dante threw the lock on the door then stroked her wrist. “You’re sure you’re okay.”
She’d never be that way again, not after knowing him. Thankfully, she’d have some dynamite memories once this was over, which it would be. Lying, Lauren nodded.
Dante released her wrist.
She felt the loss of his touch and heat immediately, wanting it back. Lifting her chin, Lauren spoke in the firmest voice she could muster. “I’m ready for anything.”
Bring. It. On.
“Oh yeah?” His smile turned wolfish. “Get naked.”
A rush of heat hit Lauren with the force of a slap. She sensed her face and throat had flushed scarlet.
Dante didn’t seem moved or deterred by her blush. Leaning toward her, he murmured, “Now.”
She tried to swallow but couldn’t. All the spit in her mouth had dried up. With his arms crossed over his chest, Dante propped one shoulder against the door and waited for what Lauren guessed was her coming striptease.
Painfully aware of her physical shortcomings, she offered a better suggestion. “We’ll undress together.” Couldn’t take him long. He wore nothing except a tee, jeans, possibly briefs and sandals. His long toes were as incredible as the rest of him.
“Uh-uh.” He raked his gaze down her, loitering on her boobs and mound. “In here—in this—you’re no longer the boss. I am. I demand. You obey. If you’re bad, and I’m sure you will be, I’ll have to discipline you.”
Her legs went watery. “Huh?”
“Don’t tell me your boyfriends have never punished you.”
Lauren hadn’t dated that many guys. The ones she had never wanted her as Dante seemed to. For some reason, he desired her tonight. Possibly only tonight. “Not a one.”
“So you’re a virgin at that.” He smiled lazily. “Trust me, it’s fun.”
Lauren had no doubt of that. For two weeks, she’d fantasized about him spanking her. Still, she didn’t want to come off as too easy. Hell, she wanted to play with him as he was with her. “If I say no?”
He studied her closely. Shameless lust flared in his eyes, revealing his naked need. Beneath it was a flash of mischief, which added to his irresistible charm.
The Cuban piece ended. Muted trumpets replaced it, the throaty strains encouraging base pleasure.
Dante’s eyes and complexion darkened with desire. He stepped away from the door and spoke with authority. “Say no then. I want to hear it.”
Lauren struggled not to shiver with delight. She arched one brow, feigning confidence.
Dante’s expression said he knew better and that he’d won this battle. He crowded her as he’d done in the hall. This time Lauren didn’t step back. She couldn’t move, breathe, think.
“New policy,” he said, taunting her with what she’d blurted to him earlier. “When we’re alone, you’re mine to use, pleasure and discipline as I want. You’ll always be available for me and fucking wet or there will be hell to pay.”
He cupped her mound.
She shot to her toes with his brash touch. Her pussy was practically dripping.
He knew. She saw it on his face, the way he stroked the denim covering her cunt.
“Agreed?” he murmured.
She gasped, “Hell yeah.”
Smiling, Dante dropped his hand and stepped back. “Strip. Now. Slowly, so I can take all of you in.”
Uh-uh. Lauren was horny, not crazy. “Or what?” she goaded him. “You’ll tear off my clothes?” Please?
Dante shook his head. The ends of his hair skimmed his shoulders. “I’ll paddle you later for disobeying me. Right now, I intend to watch.” He hitched his thumbs in the front pockets of his jeans. “Go on. I want you to strip no matter how long it takes. I have all night.”
Lauren cheeks were so hot they stung. She didn’t know how to begin or if she could go through with this. It was one thing to have him ripping away her tee, jeans and underwear. The frenzy would keep his attention on the prize, which was his cock snuggled within her cunt.
It was another matter to have him scrutinizing her nudity. She wasn’t built like Jasmina or a high-fashion model. She actually had hips, thighs and an ass. An ancient culture might have worshipped her voluptuous figure. In this sorry one, she’d always been the plump girl.
That Dante seemed to want. For the moment.
Go on, do it. This may be your last chance. Tomorrow, everything could change.
Cold, hard reality got Lauren moving. She toed off her sneakers then kicked them aside.
The rubber soles made brief tapping sounds but didn’t pull Dante’s attention from her nipples that were so erect they were beginning to feel uncomfortable yet also good. She lifted the hem of her tee.
“No,” he said huskily. “Lose the jeans first. And your panties.”
He wasn’t going to make this easy. Lauren really liked him for that and giving her the kind of night she’d never have again. Her hands trembled with tension and excitement. She slipped her jeans button through its slot and lowered her fly. The rasp of the metal sounded loud even with the trumpets wailing away in the instrumental.
With as much poise as she could manage, Lauren pushed her jeans past her hips to her knees. The garment fell with a soft whoosh to her ankles.
On a faint moan of embarrassment, she regarded Dante.
His long fingers tapped the tops of his thighs as he studied her partial nudity. He didn’t frown or show any sign of disappointment as she’d feared. If anything, the bulge between his legs seemed to have grown bigger and harder. Goose pimples rose on her skin. Lauren was so wet, she could feel the cold breath of the air conditioner through her panties.
“Go on,” he ordered.
More confident now, she braced herself against the convertible chair he’d used to ink those naked babes. The furniture was still in a full reclining position, long and wide enough to use as a bed. Him on top of her and inside.
Breathless with need, Lauren stepped out of her jeans and pushed them aside with her foot. She ran her fingertips over the lace waistband of her panties. Thankfully, she’d worn a nice pair today. A bikini cut in pale blue, pretty and feminine.
Dante’s impatient expression said he wanted to see skin, the delicate curls between her legs, his first glance at her juicy cleft.
Lauren tried to swallow and couldn’t. She eased her panties down, coaxing them past her knees to her ankles then lost her nerve and remained crouched over.
Dante allowed only a few seconds to pass before he cleared his throat.
Gathering s
trength, Lauren straightened and presented herself to him.
His lips parted. He stared at her dark-blonde curls, damp with arousal, the same as her panties, the crotch wet with her readiness for him…every fucking thing he wanted to do.
Wearing the expression of a man possessed, Dante moved closer as Lauren stepped out of her panties. He grabbed them immediately and held the delicate fabric to his nose, inhaling deeply of her scent.
Her heart turned over at his pleased smile, how intimate he’d made the moment. Liking her fragrance. Desiring her.
Without further direction, Lauren pulled off her tee and tossed it. Dante looked over, watching her top sail to one of the chairs. She unhooked her bra, hesitated for a moment, then went for broke and pulled the damn thing off and dropped it at her feet. Her nipples constricted even more at the rush of cool air pouring from the ceiling vent. Nude except for her scant makeup and socks, Lauren faced Dante, wanting his full approval, still warning herself not to hope for it.
His face lit up with his broad grin. “Damn, you’re awesome. More beautiful than I’d imagined.”
She stared. He’d actually fantasized about her? Stunned, Lauren spoke without thinking, “You like big women?”
Dante’s smile turned into a quick frown. “What are you talking about? You’re not big. You’re just right.”
“Are you kidding?”
“Quiet,” he ordered. “Leave on the socks. I like them.”
She stopped easing off the right one and straightened again.
“Face the mirror,” he said.
Lauren looked over even as she avoided her reflection. No matter what he’d said, she wasn’t that brave yet. The mirror took up most of the wall. When it was in an upright position, the chair swiveled toward the glass, allowing the ladies to see the magic Dante created as he inked their breasts, tummies or legs. If they’d requested a tat on their asses or back, they were out of luck as far as a good view went. However, when it came to him touching them…
“Where do you intend to be?” Lauren said then asked, “Undressing?”
“Nope.” He went to her. With his hands on her naked shoulders, he turned Lauren around so she could see her full-frontal nudity. A flash of it registered before she watched his hands snaking down her chest to cover her boobs. A thrum of pleasure rolled through her.
