During their walk back to Agatha’s, Ruin managed to shove aside his adrenaline-laced hunger. Good thing too, otherwise he might be damaged for life. Discovering their bikes in one piece, he couldn’t decide if he was disappointed or not. While Charity made quick work of paying Sam, Ruin double-checked the bikes. By the time he finished, Sam was darting into the night, fist clutched around his payment. Charity came over, and he finished checking the fuel lines before straightening.
She gave him a cheeky grin, the heat from their earlier exchange lingering in her bright eyes and glowing cheeks. ‘Can I say it now?’
Oh, he knew exactly what she wanted to say, but he was willing to play along. ‘Say what?’
She bounced on her toes, put her hand on his shoulder to brace, then leant in and whispered, ‘I told you so.’
Before he could retort, she spun away as her grin grew wider and straddled her bike. Her teasing brought a strange, but not uncomfortable twinge to his chest. He absently rubbed his knuckles over the ache as she kicked her bike to life and added a twist to the grip for a bit more fuel. He didn’t miss her quick wince as the grip rubbed against her scrapes.
She released the throttle, shook out her palm and gingerly replaced it. When she caught him watching, her expression turned rueful. ‘It’ll be fine until we get back and I can grab a shower.’
The images crowding his brain rocketed straight to his dick. Which, based upon her obvious amusement, was the evil woman’s intent. ‘Dammit, woman,’ he muttered over her chuckles. ‘Teasing a man before he gets on his bike is just cruel.’
‘Aww, poor baby. I’m sure you’ll survive.’ With that, she began walking her bike back.
He carefully mounted his bike while she waited. They headed to the Lodge and made it back without incident. A fact Ruin was grateful for since his focus continually drifted to the woman riding next to him and how he planned to fill the next few hours. Approaching the gate, he lifted a hand to Kayvao and the gate began to roll back, letting them in. The resounding thumps as the last of the gate’s heavy locks fell into place merged with the fading rumbles of their engines. Late as it was, a couple of curtained windows were rimmed in light, but no-one lingered in the courtyard. Their bikes stashed for the night, they headed towards their room, walking side-by-side, so close their arms brushed continually. Neither one spoke, but the air between them sang with erotic awareness.
At their room, he unlocked the door and cleared the interior while she leant against the doorjamb. He didn’t bother with words, simply took her hand, pulled her inside, and closed the door behind her. A lone lamp gave the front room a cosy cast, but it was enough illumination to watch her face as he crowded her against the door.
She retreated until her back hit the door, her chest rising and falling, her hand coming up in a lame attempt to hold him at bay, her eyes bright with unmistakable lust. ‘Whoa, buddy. Shower, remember?’
He braced his hands on either side of her head, trapping her without touch. ‘Mmmm.’ He dipped his head, nuzzling just below her ear. ‘Not sure I want to risk you changing your mind.’
Her lips parted and a soft moan escaped. Against his chest her fingers curled, tangling in the t-shirt, tugging him closer. ‘Who said I would?’
He nipped along her delicate jawline, following each tiny sting with a soft brush of lips. ‘Better safe than sorry.’
She tilted her head, baring her neck and causing his beard to rasp over her skin. Catching her full body shiver, he grinned. Oh yeah, he wasn’t the only one revved and ready to go.
Her gaze drifted to his lips as she drew her free hand up his arm and over his shoulder. She kept going until her fingers curled in the gathered hair at the base of his neck. Giving in to her tandem tugs at his t-shirt and the pressure at his neck, he met her lips with his. Just in time to capture her husky, ‘Knew you were smart.’
Her mouth caught his, drawing him into the scalding heat and there were no more thoughts. He gave in to the delicate brush of her tongue, giving her access. As if it was the signal she was waiting for, she grew bolder, adding in teasing forays and taunting nips designed to drive him out of his fucking mind. It worked like a charm. Caught in her spell, he let her lead, for now, curious to see how far she’d take them both. Her taste. Damn, it was better than any whisky and dangerously addictive. Not enough to stop, though.
Falling deeper and deeper into the inferno, he barely registered when her head fell back and a feminine gasp escaped. ‘Ruin.’
Since words were difficult to come by, he growled, kissing along her exposed neck.
‘Ruin, shower.’
Her words buzzed against his hunger. Only when her hands drifted to press against his chest, did they penetrate. He lifted his head to find her face flushed, her gaze dark and slumberous.
‘Shower?’
He watched her lush lips form the word. ‘Right, shower.’ His body ached and it didn’t help that her hands kept moving, down his chest, then lower. He groaned, his stomach muscles contracting in anticipation. Instead, he covered her hands with one of his, pressing her palms flat against his stomach. He rested his forehead against hers. It was the perfect position to watch the intriguing rise and fall of her chest. It was fucking beautiful to watch.
‘Ruin?’
He caught the traces of laughter in her voice. ‘Yeah?’
Under his hand, hers flexed, but he refused to let her go. ‘You with me?’
So much it hurt. ‘Yeah, just trying to decide if it’s worth it.’
She stilled. ‘Worth it?’ Feminine outrage added a bite to her question.
Unable to help it, his lips twitched. He lifted his gaze to hers. ‘If moving is worth the risk of damage to my dick, darlin’.’ He straightened slowly.
Answering humour lit her eyes. ‘Will it help if I promise to kiss it better?’
The idea of her lush lips wrapped around his cock just about sent him to his knees. He groaned. ‘You’re a cruel, cruel woman.’ Grabbing her wrist he began leading her down the hall to the bathroom.
Her soft laugh ran down his spine and seeped under his skin.
Once in the small space of the bathroom, he got the shower started, toed off his boots, ripped off his t-shirt, and unbuttoned his jeans before turning back to find Charity way ahead of him. Her shirt was gone, leaving her in nothing but a cropped, thin camisole and skin. Her boots were by the door, and her head was bent as she undid her pants. Not wanting to lose a chance at unwrapping her himself, he reached out and brushed her hands away, taking over.
Easing the zipper down, he loosened the material enough to slide his hands in. Heat and whisper-soft cotton met his touch. Slowly sinking to his knees, he drew her jeans down with him, his attention riveted on what he exposed. Itty-bitty pieces of material rode over luscious curves, highlighting taut muscles and acres of skin begging to be tasted. It was the ultimate in temptation and he sure as hell wasn’t strong enough to resist. Not that he wanted to. He leant in and pressed a soft kiss just above the edge of her panties. Teased by a hint of cinnamon-spiced honey he followed with a delicate swipe of his tongue. Mmm, warm and sweet.
Her hands sank into his hair, pulling it free. ‘Focus, Ruin.’
Her husky reprimand combined with her tug on his hair brought his head back and his gaze wandered up and caught hers. ‘I’m so fucking focused.’ Without breaking eye contact, he drew his hands up those toned legs until he could capture the globes of her ass and pull her close. Then he leant in and drew his tongue along her stomach, going higher, his ultimate goal unmistakable.
Her hands slipped from his hair and dropped to his shoulders. He took his time tasting her as he headed towards her tits, relishing the soft sounds she made as she kneaded his shoulders. He enjoyed her touch, letting her play while he indulged. Passion coloured her face and left her lashes at half-mast. Her chest rose and fell with her elevated breathing, visceral evidence she was caught in the rising storm. When that damn tongue of hers darted out just before her white teeth caught her lower lip in a vain attempt to stifle her hungry sounds, he was lost.
Using his hold on her ass, he pulled her in close until her knees buckled and she slid down. The feel of her, hot and soft, left his dick demanding freedom. He forced his hands to release the plump curves and dragged his palms over her spine causing her to arch closer, pressing her gorgeous chest against his. She rubbed against him, causing them to groan in unison.
He dragged her thin camisole up and off before bringing his hands around to cup her breasts. Feeling the warm, luscious weight against his palms, he gave in to the temptation making his mouth water. His thumbs brushed the sides, coming perilously close to her sensitive tips. He bent down and captured one berry-coloured nipple with his mouth and fed.
Her fingers tunnelled into his hair and gripped. ‘Ruin.’ Her husky groan was music to his ears. But making out on the bathroom floor wasn’t going to cut it. Not when his body was straining at the bit.
He curled his tongue over her nipple for one more taste, then lifted his head. Staring into her dazed expression, he noticed the glistening drops of sweat on her brow. It made him realise the room was filled with steam from the damn shower. Right, focus. He growled, ‘Shower.’ He didn’t give her a chance to respond, simply stood, bringing her with him. He turned and reached over to open the door of the shower. ‘Get in.’
She swayed against his side. ‘You joining me?’
‘Hell, yeah.’
Her hand caressed his ribs and went lower, then curled over the edge of his waistband, opening his jeans. ‘You forget something?’
He stifled a groan as his stomach muscles contracted with the teasing touch against his bare skin. ‘Nope, just making sure you get that damn shower you want.’
She gave a sexy smile. ‘Now who’s teasing?’
Her devious fingers dipped further until the feel of her burned like a brand, as if it would forever be seared into his skin. Strangely, the concept didn’t bother him. Instead, it felt right.
Her fingers began to explore, and he lost his train of thought. Every synapsis fired, frying his focus until all that was important was more of her touch. His hips surged forward in demand. The feather-light brush of her touch seared straight to his dick. It took an insane amount of effort to fight free of the lust-filled fog taking over his brain. He gave her ass a sharp slap and grinned at her undignified squeak. ‘Get in.’
With a huff, she gave him her back and stepped in. He made quick work of his jeans, grimacing a bit when they snagged on his cock, but finally, he was naked. Charity still had her back to him and was undoing her braid as he stepped in, crowding against her in the tight confines. Water fell over them both, doing nothing to ease the fire between them. He grasped her hips, pulling her back against him. The feel of her ass against his dick made his eyes cross in sheer delight. ‘God, Charity, you make me ache.’ He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her so close not even air could get between them.
Her hands went to his wrists, her head lolling back against his shoulder. It gave him the perfect view of her chest, as water slid down her beautiful curves and beaded over her tightly furled nipples. He shifted his grip, dragging his hands up until he could capture her breasts. He played with her until she was undulating against him, her hands locked behind his neck leaving her vulnerable to whatever he wanted to do. It ratcheted his hunger to a new level, erasing thought and leaving behind only sensation.
She let him stroke her for a few heart-pounding minutes before she turned in his arms, blinking water-tipped lashes. ‘My turn.’
As if he’d argue. She began her exploration with butterfly tracings that soon escalated to a more tactile mapping. Every nerve ending ignited as she learned what made him tick, and she was a damn quick study. It wasn’t long before she wrapped her hand around his dick. He groaned, his hand going to hers, showing her what he liked. She followed his lead, but leant in and began to lick and nibble at his chest adding to his torment.
As enjoyable as that was, he wanted more. He buried his hands in her hair, exerting slow pressure to get her luscious lips where he wanted them. When her wicked mouth covered the head of his straining dick, his knees almost buckled. She played her tongue along his aching length, teasing and tormenting with relentless pleasure. It was all he could do not to drag her to the floor and gorge on what she offered. Not wanting it to end in the next few seconds, he breathed through the ravaging hunger and carefully pulled her off him. He ignored her disappointed whimper and drew her back to her feet. ‘Bed.’ The one word was all he could manage when all he could focus on was his need to sate his hunger.
Her head tilted back, and he captured her mouth in a kiss that rivalled the heat of the falling water. Her hot little hands left his straining dick and began running over his bare chest. It took a tremendous amount of restraint to free her lips and lift his head. He breathed through the storm of brutal lust and reached out to turn off the water. She took advantage of his inattention to press a series of open mouth kisses at the base of his neck. Her unerring accuracy left chills dancing over his skin.
She caught his reaction and tipped her head back with a wicked smile. ‘You like that.’
Instead of answering he shoved open the door, grabbed the towel hanging to the side and wrapped it around her. If he didn’t get them out of here, he was going to fuck her against the tiled wall. ‘Out.’
She followed his command and stepped out. He snagged the other towel, did a quick pass and then stepped out. He dropped it and in front of him, she did the same. Sweet words fell by the wayside as he barrelled down the road in the wake of sensual temptation. He closed in. ‘Up.’
She followed his command, bracing her hands on his shoulders as he cupped her ass and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around his hips and used her new position to tease her wet warmth against his dick. The feel of her just about blew the top of his head off and he groaned. He felt her smile even as she continued to kiss him.
She gave him no mercy. Her mouth and hands were busy driving him nuts as he moved. Despite his determination to make it to the bedroom, it hurt to walk, but with the end goal in sight, it was worth it. As soon as he reached the bed, he bent forward, one hand holding her against him, the other braced on the mattress. She didn’t let go as her spine hit the bed and he followed her down. With her sprawled out like some decadent feast, he paused, taking in the image of her lying there, watching him as avidly as he watched her. She didn’t hide her anticipation and need. Her hair, turned dark from the water, spread around her. Her lips were swollen, her skin rosy with heat.
Giving in to instinct, he leant in, his hair falling forward, shutting them into an intimate cocoon. He watched her face as he brushed his thumb over her lips and when a sweet vulnerability drifted over her features, his heart clenched. For a moment the raging lust was lulled by an unknown peace. In the strange quiet, they traced each other’s face, their gazes locked, and unspoken words flowed between them. Her hands came up and cupped his face, bringing him closer. Just before the familiar hunger began to reclaim its position, he sealed their unexpected moment with a gentle kiss. As their lips touched and clung, the stunning realisation hit that despite the ache and burn of his body, this, with her, would not be satisfied with a one-time thing.
Lifting his head, he stretched out beside her, glorying in her heated gaze as it devoured him. Lying on his side, he propped his head on one hand and began smoothing his other hand over the feast before him. She turned to mirror him. His imagination hadn’t even come close to reality. His palm drifted over one leanly muscled leg as it flared into a mouth-watering curve that led to a tucked in waist. Tempted by the enticement, he continued his exploration, brushing teasing fingers through the neatly trimmed patch at her core. As he played, her legs shifted restlessly, granting fleeting access.
She wasn’t a passive partner, something he was extremely grateful for because the feel of her hands roaming over his body stoked the fire to a combustible level he never imagined. Determined not to miss his chance, he left her wet heat and continued upward, over her trembling stomach to the straining tips of her tits.
Cupping her, he dipped his head down as he brought her flushed flesh to his mouth. As he licked and sucked at her sweetness, her fingers pulled his hair free and dug in, holding him close even as she arched back. Low cries encouraged him, and he kept up the assault, unsurprised when she pushed him to his back.
She straddled him, her heated core pressing against him. Unable to resist, his hips surged up until he could slide his dick through her damp, welcoming centre. His hands tightened on her hips. Their groans sounded in unison. Her nails bit into his chest.
‘Fuck, Charity.’
His plea was met with a mischievous grin. She leant down and nipped his lips. ‘Please do.’
Needing no further encouragement, he grabbed her waist and reversed their positions. One more hard kiss to keep her distracted, then he reached over her to the table by the bed and fumbled the drawer open. ‘Yes!’ He snatched one of the condoms conveniently supplied by the Lodge and held it up.
Charity grinned, took it, and wasted no time covering him. ‘We owe the maids a huge ass tip.’
Recapturing her wicked hands and locking them in place by her shoulders, he took her mouth again. She shifted restlessly against him, and he lifted enough so she could widen her legs, letting him in. He released her hands and drew her thigh over his hip so he could tease them both. She bent her other leg, bracing her foot against the bed as her hips rose and fell. Releasing her leg, he used his hand to position his cock at her centre. Slowly, with deliberate intent, he dragged his aching length along her wetness.
Her spine bowed, trying to bring him in.
‘Patience, baby.’ It was sweet torture to deny them both, but if he let the leash slip, he wouldn’t last long.
‘Maybe next time.’ Her frustration was evident in the bite of her response. She gripped his arms and flexed her hips in feminine demand.
It was too much. He caught her mouth with his, tongues tangling in a heated frenzy, and plunged forward.
Their mouths broke apart as she cried out and he groaned as they came together in a flash of fire. The feel of her so tight and hot, wrapped liked living flames around him burned all thought away. Caught in the wildfire and unable to slow down to enjoy the journey, he could only tumble head first into the storm she encouraged. They moved together, racing towards the looming peek at breath-taking speed. Her soft cries mixed with his groans as their bodies strained for more. As the fire raged razing the world into a white-hot inferno, they crested and broke, free falling into a beautiful oblivion.
Hunger briefly sated, Ruin was already looking forward to the next go around. With the clawing need held at bay, this time he would go slower, spend his time delving into the fascinating spell of the woman still trembling beneath him. Being with her, like this, felt familiar and right. He couldn’t find the strength to worry about why that should alarm him. Instead, he just wanted to spend the night indulging in his brand-new addiction, Charity.
Ruin woke with an arm full of feminine curves and a smile on his face. Charity was sprawled across his chest, blonde tresses clinging to his beard. He curled one silky tendril over his finger, unwilling to break the quiet.
Lying there, he admitted the truth he hadn’t wanted to face. He was in trouble here. Somehow, someway, Charity managed to sneak in and carve out a soft spot in his heart. At the thought, he stifled a groan. Vex would laugh her ass off about this—him being done in by a blonde bundle of trouble in such a short time, yet he couldn’t rouse much concern.
Charity was unique. Behind her guileless blue eyes and blonde hair existed layer after layer of fire, spice and a bit of deviousness. The woman was a never-ending puzzle. Each time he figured out a piece, she revealed another clue that drew him deeper, until she sank into places he hadn’t known existed. Ripping her from those spots would leave scars. Not to say keeping her wouldn’t cause more, but even knowing her loyalty lay with a woman Ruin wouldn’t dare trust, couldn’t stop what was happening.
What would it be like to be that important to someone? That depth of commitment was admirable and enviable. Granted, the Vultures would always have his back, but having a woman like Charity at his back wasn’t a bad thing. In fact, it was one of the many reasons he was so attracted to her.
Yeah, she could lie with the best of them, but for the most part, she played it straight—no bullshit. Nor did she take his, which was refreshing.
A demanding pounding at the door interrupted his self-analysis.
He frowned. Who the hell was at their door? Next to him Charity shifted and woke. ‘Who is it?’
‘Don’t know, babe,’ he murmured, untangling from her. Grabbing a knife from the nightstand, he strode naked and barefoot out the door, stopping by the bathroom to snag a damp towel to wrap around his waist. Another pounding demand from the door meant someone was impatient. Since they were in the confines of the Lodge, there were only a few people who could make it passed the gate, but he wasn’t stupid. He stopped well away from the door and snapped, ‘What?’
A soft rustle from behind had him looking back to find Charity, a blade in one hand, the other tugging his t-shirt down over her hips.
‘Ruin, man.’ Kayvao’s voice was muffled by the door. ‘Got a message for you.’
‘Hang on.’ He crossed the remaining distance, grateful that Charity stayed close, but not too close.
He opened the door. The bigger man tagged Ruin’s present state of undress and caught sight of Charity behind him, and smirked. ‘Sorry to interrupt.’
‘Bullshit.’ Ruin’s retort held no heat. ‘What’s up?’
Kayvao handed over an envelope. ‘Delivered by some kid named Sam, said you’d want it.’
Ruin frowned and took the note, feeling Charity come up behind him. He handed her his blade so he could open the letter. He scanned the three lines, while Charity did the same. He looked up and met her gaze. ‘Well, damn, that changes my plans.’