Love & Seduction: A Forbidden Love Suspenseful Standalone Romance: A Love & Ruin Novel (The Love & Ruin Series Book 7)

by J. A. Owenby

  “Take your time, but I know you’re it for me. I’m not going anywhere.”

  I kissed him fiercely, and all the darkness that had haunted me slipped away. The weight I’d carried around my neck, whispering what a worthless piece of trash I was, broke free. For the first time in my life, I really understood what it meant to breathe, to have my heart given back to me.

  “What are you doing to me?” I asked, breaking our kiss and wiping my tears.

  He bent his head down and whispered, “Loving you.”

  I gasped as we followed the maître d to our table. A beautiful chandelier cast its soft white light across the room. Windows graced the far side, allowing for a gorgeous view of Spokane in all her glittering evening lights. A cream-colored linen cloth covered the table, and the burgundy chairs accented the space.

  I’d rummaged through Sutton’s closet and borrowed a form-fitting navy-blue dress for the evening. The plunging backline was perfect for the warm weather, and the dark color made my eyes a bolder green. I’d also grabbed a string of pearls and matching earrings. While I was getting ready, I longed to share the moment with my sister—to have her fix my hair and help me pick out something beautiful to wear. She would have wanted to see me happy.

  “I ordered when I made the reservations. I hope that was all right.” Vaughn held out my chair for me, and I sat down across from him. The table was a round two top and perfect for our evening. A black grand piano was nestled in the corner of the room, and several full bouquets of red roses graced the tabletops, the soft fragrance permeating the room. Vaughn wasn’t kidding when he said he’d rented the space for just us. There were no other people in the room.

  “You have great taste, so I’m sure the food will be fantastic. Thank you.”

  “Champagne, ma’am?” Startled, I raised my hand to my chest. No one had ever called me ma’am and offered to open my alcohol for me before. This time, there weren’t any sideways glances from other people or concerns about the company I was with. Tucker had always been fond of opening his beer with his teeth. It was a wonder he’d not broken them.

  I kicked that asshole out of my head. No one was ruining our night. Right now, I only had space for one man in my thoughts, and he was right in front of me in all his glory. His mismatched eyes twinkled, and a lopsided grin eased across his face as he smoothed his navy-blue tie. I’d not told him what I was wearing, but apparently, we were already linked, and he’d intuitively known what color to wear.

  A low chuckle rumbled through Vaughn. “Yes, for both of us, please.” Vaughn sat down, his gaze lingering on mine.

  The man bowed slightly and quietly left the room.

  Vaughn took my hand in his. “You take my breath away.”

  I cursed the heat and flush that rose up my neck. I was pretty sure I could have lit up the city all on my own. This man had a way with words that obliterated all of my self-control. I was putty in his hands.

  “Thank you. You look amazing yourself.” I grinned and took a drink of my bubbly. “Wow. That’s really good.” I picked up the bottle and read the label. “Veuve Clicquot.” I giggled. “I just butchered that, didn’t I?”

  Vaughn threw his head back and laughed.

  “Glad I could entertain you tonight.” I covered my mouth and contained my laugh. “My French sucks.”

  “It’s vove KLEE-kou.” The name rolled off his tongue beautifully.

  I leaned forward, engrossed in him. I wanted to roll off his tongue, too.

  “Do you have a college degree?” I asked, suddenly wanting every detail he was willing to share with me. And even then, I didn’t think it would be enough. I wanted to crawl inside him and experience every beautiful and tragic thing about him, to see the world through his eyes, touch his pain, and kiss it away.

  “I do. I finished my bachelor’s degree in two years after I came home from the Marines. I continued with my master’s.”

  “That’s right. I almost forgot you were in the military. I don’t know how I didn’t remember. Sutton said you guys served at the same time, but you were stationed in different places.”

  Vaughn nodded. “I saw a lot of shit. I came home a changed man, but that’s another story for a different day.” He took a drink and set the glass down. “I have a master’s degree in business. Pierce wants me second in command soon. He trusts me to run the entire operation for him.”

  “Wow. That says a lot about your friendship. I have to admit, I guess since I’ve only known you as a bodyguard. I’m surprised.”

  “I’m not sure business is the direction I’m interested in now, but when the government pays for your education, you take it.”

  “Where is your heart?” I folded my hands in my lap.

  He leaned forward slightly. “I’m looking at her.”

  Butterflies scattered in my chest, leaving me breathless. I diverted my gaze, unsure how to respond. If this was what they meant by being swept up in the romance, I was a lost cause.

  Soft music filled the room, and Vaughn stood and extended his hand to me. “Dance with me.”

  I bit my lip, suddenly shy. “Okay.”

  “Maps” by Freya Ridings played, and I glanced up at the speakers, confused. Vaughn brought me flush against him and slid his arm around me, leading us in a slow, graceful dance in the middle of the floor.

  “I might have found your playlist on Spotify.” A grin spread across his face, then his handsome features grew serious. His eyes darkened with desire, and I leaned into him while the breathtaking lyrics wrapped us up in a cocoon.

  “Are you stalking me, Vaughn Reddington?” I tilted my head up, our gazes locking.

  He laughed, then surprised me as he began to sing to the music. His tenor voice left me gasping in awe while goosebumps dusted my arms. His hand held mine while he guided me across the floor. I was swept up in the moment, losing myself to him with every word that escaped his lips. Tears welled in my eyes as he tore down the walls that had surrounded my heart for so long.

  In the past, I’d been afraid to love—afraid to feel anything—but he was worth taking a chance on. He’d proven to me ever since I’d met him that he valued and respected me. Now his expression was filled with so much affection that I wasn’t sure I could remain standing. The sheer beautiful force of it consumed me.

  Breathless from the intensity of my feelings, I was almost relieved when “Holding On” by Arctic Lake began to play. Vaughn gracefully led us across the dance floor, and I followed him. We were rhythm on fire, connecting to each other from the deepest places inside ourselves. When the song ended, Vaughn wrapped his fingers around the back of my neck and tilted my head up. His lips met mine, and his tongue swept across my mouth. He tugged at my bottom lip, eliciting a soft moan from me.

  The door to our room opened, and the waiter cleared his throat, pretending he wasn’t interrupting the best minutes of my life. “Dinner is served.”

  We returned to our seats, and the maître d lifted the metal lid. My mouth salivated as the smell of fresh lobster and steak tickled my nose. He placed our plates in front of us, then disappeared.

  Over the next half hour, we savored each bite and continued to divulge our secrets to each other. With every part of himself he shared, I did the same. Ben Rowley’s “Rain” played softly while we talked. As each minute ticked by, the rest of the world slipped away, and this man took another piece of my heart and cradled it gently.

  Once our food was cleared and the champagne was gone, Vaughn leaned across the table. He took my hand and kissed my sensitive palm, sending delicious shivers down my back.

  “Are you ready to go home?” His voice was low, gruff, and filled with so many promises.

  “Yes,” I whispered. For the first time, I understood what he meant. It wouldn’t be just sex between us; it would be so much more. A tiny voice nagged at me, though. Was I ready to give this man everything?

  15

  Vaughn opened the front door of his house and ushered me in. “It didn’t feel rig
ht taking you to Pierce and Sutton’s.”

  “I agree. I’m glad you have your own place.”

  Vaughn removed his black suit jacket and tossed it on the couch. “Hang on. Don’t move.” He kissed me softly, then disappeared down the hall. My heart thundered in my chest while I took in all the details of his living room. I slipped out of my heels, my bare toes cooling against the hardwood floor. My mind reviewed the blissful events of the evening. A huge smile spread across my face as “Far Away” by Jeffrey James played softly through the speakers in his house.

  Vaughn reappeared a few minutes later, his tie gone and his white button-down shirt open, revealing his washboard abs. Wordlessly, he extended his hand to me. I took it, trusting him implicitly as he led me down his hallway. His eyes connected with mine before we reached his bedroom door. When he nudged it open, I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth. More candles than I could count flickered with a soft flame. Rose petals were scattered across the floor and also made a heart in the middle of his bed.

  “You did this for me?” I asked, stunned that he would go to all this trouble to make it perfect.

  “Yes.”

  I walked into his room, taking in all of the beauty. He stepped behind me and gently moved my hair over my shoulder, placing kisses along the nape of my neck. I leaned against him, savoring every beautiful thing about him—his broad shoulders, his muscular chest and arms, and most of all, his heart.

  Even though I’d had sex more times than I could count, it was just sex. No emotion involved. This was different, and my nerves hummed beneath my skin.

  “Relax,” he whispered, as if reading my thoughts. His fingers danced down my bare back, and I moaned. He slowly slid the sleeve off my shoulder, giving every inch of my skin attention with his soft kisses. My core throbbed, longing overtaking me while he continued to undress me. Once my dress was on the floor, I wore only my black lace thong. I sucked on my bottom lip while he dropped to his knees, his tongue dancing across the sensitive skin directly above my ass cheeks. He turned me around to face him. His breath grazed my stomach while he pulled my thong down my long legs. He groaned while I stood naked in front of him.

  “Lay down on the bed,” he ordered.

  Without question, I did as he asked. I sank into his plush mattress and watched while he stripped down to his boxer briefs. I bit my lip while my attention landed on his hard cock. I already knew what I had in store with him, but he wouldn’t just be stroking my pussy. He would touch every part of me that I’d kept tucked away and hidden.

  “Spread your legs.”

  Chills traveled up my spine. I definitely appreciated take-charge Vaughn in the bedroom. He didn’t waste any time as he made love to me with his mouth. With every lick and touch, I melted into him. Breaking a record, he had me writhing on the bed, screaming his name.

  He stood, dropped the remainder of his clothes, and rolled on a condom. His erection bobbed against his stomach, and he crawled onto the bed, hovering over me. I reached up and touched his cheek.

  “You’re right—this is so much more,” I whispered. “So much more.”

  He guided his cock to my entrance, then placed his hands on either side of my head. “Are you ready?” he asked with a gentleness I’d not expected.

  “Yes,” I replied.

  He entered me slowly, our intense gazes locking while he filled me. He remained still, his emotions running rampant in his expression.

  “Baby,” I whispered.

  He pulled out and thrust inside me. My nails dug into his comforter as he claimed me as his own, and I willingly gave myself to him. My eyes closed. Nothing I’d ever experienced before him could have compared.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, slowing his pace.

  I looked up into his gaze. “Yes,” I replied breathlessly. “Yes.”

  He groaned at the base of his throat before his lips crashed down on mine. I wrapped my legs around his waist and lifted my hips, our bodies in perfect sync with each other. Waves of pleasure washed over me, and my core tightened around him while my hands grabbed his ass. I rocked up to meet his movements, my desire continuing to build.

  “Vaughn,” I gasped, digging my nails into his back.

  His pace continued to pick up, reaching the deepest places inside me and unlocking every door in my heart.

  “Claire,” he whispered. His thrusts quickened, pushing into me a few more times before he came, his head buried into the pillow beside me, his guttural groan muffled by the fabric. My core clenched around him, and my back arched off the mattress as I released with him.

  Breathless, we lay in each other’s arms, relishing the precious moment we had. After another minute, Vaughn pulled out, and my body immediately cried out for him. I bit my lip in order to stay quiet. He stood and disappeared into the bathroom to dispose of the used condom. He crawled into bed beside me and kissed my cheek. I looked at him and touched his face.

  “Thank you,” I said softly.

  He laid his head on the pillow next to mine, his attention focused on me. “Was it worth making it a special night?” He smoothed my hair, and I rolled over on my side, wrapping my fingers around his wrist.

  “Yes, it was definitely worth it.” I rose slightly and kissed him.

  We made love two more times before we collapsed in each other’s arms and drifted off to sleep. Spent and satisfied, I allowed my dreams to sweep me away while I was safe next to him.

  The door banged open, and a scream ripped from my lips.

  “What the fuck, ZW!” Vaughn tossed the covers over me, covering my breasts, and jumped out of his bed. He stepped into his boxer briefs and charged at Zayne, pushing on his chest. “What the hell?”

  Zayne threw up his hands in surrender as Vaughn backed him down the hall. When they were a safe distance away, I scurried out from under the blankets and closed the door. I collected my clothes and dressed quickly. Rushing down the hall, I dashed into the living room, prepared to break up a fight.

  “Sutton has been trying to call her all night. Both her and Pierce were scared shitless something had happened to her, then I find her naked in your bed. It sure as hell didn’t help that you didn’t answer your phone, either. Goddamn you, Redd.”

  “Shit.” I ran over to the couch and rifled through my purse for my phone. “Dammit, ten missed calls. Vaughn,” I said, my voice hitching.

  “Go, call her back and tell her you’re okay.” Vaughn placed his hands on his hips and released a heavy sigh, his expression twisting with worry.

  “I can’t tell her the truth, though. What am I going to do? I don’t want to lie to her.”

  Zayne stood and paced across the small space. He ran his hand over his dark hair, his green eyes flashing with anger. “I’m fucking pissed, but I won’t give you two up. For now. Tell her you got drunk at Gemma’s place and slept there and that Vaughn’s phone broke and he’s getting a new one today. It will at least buy you some time, but when they get home, you gotta fess up. I won’t cover for you forever.”

  I nodded. “Thank you.” I glanced at Vaughn. Neither of us had wanted Zayne to find out like this.

  “Go, babe,” Vaughn said, his heart on his sleeve.

  I ran back to the bedroom and sat on the bed. My pulse skyrocketing, I held the phone in trembling hands. I gulped, forcing down the disgust with myself for hiding the truth from the few people who had always been there for me.

  “Claire!” Sutton practically yelled into my ear when she answered.

  “I’m so sorry,” I choked out while my sobs wrecked me. “I was at Gemma’s, and we stayed up late and drank. I didn’t realize my phone was on silent. I’m okay.” Guilt stabbed me in the chest. What had I done?

  “Zayne found you?” I could hear the relief in Sutton’s voice.

  “Yeah. I didn’t mean to scare anyone. I’m so sorry.”

  “You’re really okay?” Sutton’s voice shook. “Promise me.”

  “I promise. I just feel like shit that I scared you.” I
made my way to the bathroom, noting how clean and orderly it was. I grabbed some tissue, wiped my nose, then whispered, “How are you?”

  “I’m fine now. Mom tried to call yesterday, too. She’s worried sick about you.”

  I shook my head. Had my iPhone really been on silent?

  “I never heard it ring. I’ll check the setting and call her when we’re done.”

  “I think she needs to hear from you. Dad, too. The bodyguards are in place again, and it’s rattled them to their core. Please, stay close to your phone.”

  “I will. I swear. When are you coming home?”

  Sutton released a heavy sigh. “It will be a few weeks, unfortunately. If you need me, though, just say the word, and I’ll fly home.”

  “I’m fine. I swear. Gemma and Mac have kept me company, and I really like them. We’ve talked a lot.” That was an understatement. Gemma had caught Vaughn and I together. Now two people were covering up for us. I wasn’t sure how much of this I could take. I wasn’t a liar by nature, and we weren’t trying to keep it from them. All we wanted was some time to make sure this was something real, but last night told me it was. There was no more guessing for me. “You have my word that if I need you, I’ll tell you.”

  “All right. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Sutton.” I ended the call and immediately called my parents.

  Twenty minutes later, I returned to the living room. My nose was stuffy and my eyes were swollen. How could everything have been so perfect and effortless last night, and a shit storm this morning?

  “Hey, how did it go?” Vaughn stood and pulled me against him, kissing the top of my head.

  “It’s okay for now. Sutton and Pierce will be gone for a few weeks, so it will give us more time.” I peered up at him. “I can’t lie to them. When they get home, we need to tell them the truth.”

  Vaughn tilted my chin up, his lips brushing against mine. “Okay.”

  Zayne cleared his throat.