Mia: A Standalone Romantic Suspense: A Luke Fletcher and V Mafia Crossover Novel (Luke Fletcher Series Book 4)

by Karice Bolton

  “He had a bad breakup and hasn’t been the same since. Drinks a lot and tries to put himself in harm’s way, or at least that’s how it feels.”

  She looked into my eyes, and my heart tumbled a few stories.

  “Relationships are complicated.” She sighed and ran her finger down my chest. I stiffened so she didn’t feel my body shudder from her touch. “That’s why I tend to stay away from them.”

  She smelled so good, a mixture of roses and soap, and it made me want to strip her out of her clothes and . . .

  “Why are you smiling?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.

  “Just love being here.”

  A few seconds passed.

  “With you,” I added.

  “I’m glad you’re here too.” She glanced toward the family room. We’d never moved from the entry of her apartment. “I don’t think you understand what you did for me that night.”

  “I wish I could’ve done more.”

  “You did plenty.” She looped her fingers through mine and pulled me into the family room. She obviously wasn’t worried about entertaining large groups of people, because the entire room had been transformed into an art studio. Then I saw the piece, the one she texted me. Words couldn’t even describe what I saw.

  “That’s insane,” I said, stopping to look at her work.

  The emotion rolling from the piece was impossible to miss.

  “That’s the dress from that night.” She let go of my hand and sank onto the white couch. “I knew I’d never wear it again, so at least it’s not going to waste.”

  “These sequins are from that dress?” I asked, surprised. “I can’t even imagine the work that involved.”

  “It was therapy, cutting up that dress.” She grinned and crossed her legs underneath her. “I’m not much of a talker, and it was probably cheaper than a shrink.”

  I laughed and glanced at the empty spot on the couch.

  “I don’t bite,” she chided. “Unless you ask for it.”

  “It’s too bad you’re going back to Cali.”

  She stretched her hands toward the ceiling and wiggled her fingers. “I’m not much for being cooped up. I can’t wait to get back to the sunshine and the beach. Apartment living isn’t for me.”

  “Well, maybe if you quit picking out such small ones,” I teased, taking a seat next to her.

  She turned her body to face me and leaned against the armrest.

  “So what kind of work do you do that you can cover for your brother so easily?” she asked.

  “My family owns Wolf Industries. My brother was meeting with a potential client who had an interest in our services.” She could read right through me, and it was unnerving.

  “Did you seal the deal?” Her brows rose.

  “You could say that.” I nodded.

  “So what kind of services do you provide?” She scooted closer to me, and it was difficult to concentrate as she placed her hand on my thigh.

  “All kinds. We dabble in a lot of things.”

  “Curious. I’ve never met a dabbler before.”

  I laughed, and her hand shifted, flooding my body with desire to take her right here.

  “She must have been some girl,” Mia said, her brow arching.

  My breath caught, and I bit the inside of my lip to stop from telling her everything.

  “I’d imagine you’d all bounce back from heartbreak just fine. Not that I’ve met your other brothers, but . . .” She shrugged. “You don’t strike me as someone who lets go like that.”

  I let out my breath slowly and nodded.

  “His situation was a little more complex. He was in love with my sister’s best friend, and she broke up with him.”

  “I didn’t know you had a sister,” she stated, surprise filling her voice.

  I swallowed through the unexpected tightness in my throat. Things were getting too personal.

  “She’s not here anymore. She passed away.”

  Mia’s hands flew to her mouth with a loud gasp following right behind. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea. I never would’ve—”

  I reached for her hands and cupped them in mine.

  “You have nothing to apologize for. You couldn’t have known.” I shifted, bringing her hands to my lap. “Dating her was like his last connection to my sister. After my sister’s murder, their relationship changed, but he didn’t see it. The rest of us did, but he was trying to hold on to something that wasn’t meant to be. When Volkovs finally fall, we fall hard. My parents were married for twenty-five years before my dad passed.”

  Mia’s eyes glistened with dampness, and my eyes darted to the painting. Her empathy for others was what made her paintings come to life.

  “Have you ever fallen?” she asked, almost bashfully.

  “Never,” I answered quicker than I realized, and she laughed, easing the mood. “I’m not cut out for it.”

  Until I met you.

  “Me neither.” She rolled her eyes. “So will you make good on your promise to show me the city tomorrow?”

  “I get a second chance?” I asked, circling my hand along her waist to bring her forward.

  “Don’t blow it,” she breathed.

  “Wouldn’t dream of it.” I moved her on top of me and wrapped my arms around her waist.

  Mia giggled and stared into my eyes. She looped her arms around my neck but didn’t make a move.

  “So you and Alex . . .?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “I was a bit of a dabbler myself, but he just doesn’t do it for me.”

  “Does your brother know?” My brow arched.

  “He would kill him.”

  “I’ll have to remember that in case Alex gets in my way.”

  She laughed and rested her forehead against mine.

  “This worries me,” she whispered.

  “What worries you?” I asked, my hands sliding along her back.

  “Feeling this comfortable.”

  So she felt it too.

  “Maybe it’s because we know it won’t amount to anything,” I answered, and she nodded, biting her lip.

  “Has to be it,” she whispered, her eyes filled with desire.

  “Has to be,” I repeated.

  “You’ve got some paint right here.” I ran my thumb along the blue streak across her cheek, and her body trembled before her lips crashed to mine.

  She wet my lips with a stroke of her tongue, and I immediately ached for her. I needed to be inside her, to possess her fully.

  My lips parted, and her tongue filled my mouth with sweetness as she worked her fingers through my hair. Tasting her was like heaven on Earth, and I knew my life would never be the same.

  My core clenched with a burning need to have all of Mia. I stood up, her legs wrapping around my waist as her mouth found mine. Her kisses only made me crave more of her.

  “Bedroom?” I whispered, and she nodded, her eyes hooded with want as she pressed her mouth back on mine.

  When we reached her bedroom, she unwrapped her legs from my waist and stood in front of me. I tossed my phone and wallet on the end table and she grinned.

  She slowly worked her fingers under my shirt, and desire rushed over my body, demanding so much more as she slowly unbuttoned my shirt, taking care with every movement.

  I unsnapped her coveralls, and they dropped to the floor and she giggled.

  “It’s not every day a girl wears those,” she teased, and I smiled, peeling her shirt from her skin.

  My fingers gliding over her skin as I slowly undressed her was more erotic than anything I’d ever experienced. It made no sense why such a simple act would rock my world so much, but it did. Her hand slid along my chest and down to my abdomen. It wasn’t until her fingers wrapped around me and she stroked me gently that I knew I was completely at her mercy.

  My breath caught once she found her rhythm, and I could barely stay upright. I’d never felt pleasure like this before. She was so in control, her eyes never leaving mine. She licked her lip
s, my legs barely able to keep me steady as she grabbed my hand with her free one. She placed my hand on her hip, and I moved my fingers along her front.

  Her ivory-colored lace panties were damp with desire for me. Mia pulled me into her, our lips connecting once more. Our kisses were more intimate than anything I’d ever experienced, putting me in a near trance. She tore her lips away from mine and took a step back.

  She looped her fingers along the strings of her panties and moved them lower as she wiggled her hips toward the bed.

  “Not yet,” I whispered.

  She gave a sly smile and sat on the edge of the bed before sliding backwards, ignoring me.

  I climbed over her, my eyes taking in everything about this beautiful woman underneath me. I worked my hands down her bare skin and her firm breasts, feeling every curve and dip of her body.

  I moved my mouth slowly up her stomach. Her nipples hardened with the caress of my tongue, and her moans left me needing so much more.

  Kneeling over her, Mia’s eyes moved to my boxers. I saw the surprise flicker through her gaze, and I hid my grin as I worked them off.

  She pulled me back down to her, feeling the same greediness that was consuming me. My lips ran along her bare skin, scattering goose bumps wherever my mouth left, finally leading back to her mouth. I gently nudged her knees apart and slowly moved between her legs, feeling her softness next to me.

  Mia bit her lip as her eyes welcomed me in. Feeling her tighten around me was ecstasy in itself, but as I worked deeper, hearing her breath hitch with anticipation nearly sent me over the edge.

  Her fingers dug into my back, and she held on, wrapping her legs around my waist, moving her hips as I moved deeper into her.

  This wasn’t casual. It felt like she was giving me everything she had, but I felt I had no right to take it from her.

  She pulled me into her, softly nipping my lip, and the earth underneath literally shook as she let out a low moan. I pushed into her again, her fingers digging deeper into my skin.

  Having sex with women was always about control. I controlled everything, but within seconds, Mia had disarmed me in every way possible. I was at her mercy as she arched into me, teasing me with her tongue and making me nearly beg for more.

  Ecstasy washed over Mia as her body shuddered and she fully gave herself to me. Emotion flooded through me as I fell into her, feeling so much more as I released, her body still rocking into mine. She cried out again, and I knew my world would forever be hers.

  Her breathing was ragged and her eyes fluttered open. I traced my finger slowly along her cheek, and she smiled, looking intoxicated.

  The way I felt.

  I’d never planned on spending the night. That wasn’t how it worked, but as she silently turned into me and nestled under the covers, I knew I’d never be able to turn down Mia.

  “Maybe New York isn’t such a bad place,” she whispered, snuggling her naked body into mine.

  I never stayed the night with other women, but the idea of leaving Mia was completely off the table. For the first time in my life, I was feeling something good, and I didn’t want to screw that up.

  I felt her breathing change as her body stayed tucked into mine, and for once, I drifted to sleep without a care in the world.

  I didn’t know how many hours I’d been out, but my phone buzzing woke me up with a start.

  I glanced at Mia, afraid it would wake her up, but she was sleeping hard. I slipped my free hand over to my cellphone and glanced at the text.

  We’ve got a location on L.F. I’m sending Devin to oversee and take care of our problem this weekend. Hopefully, our brother will redeem himself. But first, we’re doing a family dinner at Mom’s tomorrow. Blake’s in town. See you there.

  Hiding a groan, I turned off my phone and set it back on the table. Timing was never right in my world.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Mia

  Light cascaded into the bedroom in sprays of gold and pink through the curtains, and even though I was in the heart of the city, I swore the birds were chirping and an orchestra was playing outside.

  Last night was, without a doubt, the best sex I’d ever had, but I knew it wasn’t just sex, and that had me extremely concerned. I’d promised myself this was nothing more than an insanely strong and intense physical attraction between the two of us. That if I’d just get him out of my system, I’d be able to move on like I’d always done in the past.

  I was wrong.

  Learning his sister had been murdered made my stomach churn in disgust, and hearing the love he has for his family only solidified that he wasn’t the horrible man my brother painted him to be. I felt my pulse climb just thinking about my predicament. I liked Drake. I wanted to see more of him.

  Drake’s arm was tucked under my head, his chin resting in the crook of my neck, my body backed into his.

  I was spooning.

  I didn’t spoon.

  Yet, I was spooning with Drake, and it felt completely right.

  I felt safe.

  I felt protected, and I didn’t want to leave.

  Ever.

  “You up, baby?” he asked.

  Even his morning voice was sexy.

  I was doomed.

  I nodded and wiggled my hips in affirmation, which led to a deep growl from Drake before he spun me over. The sheet tangled between us and he smiled.

  “So I don’t know how you’re going to top today’s tour after last night, but I’m game to try.” I smiled and messed up his hair with my fingers, and he laughed.

  “I’ll certainly give it a shot.” He flashed his devilish grin, and I was completely at his mercy.

  Yeah, I was doomed.

  My cell rang as Drake stood up from the bed, and I groaned. Now wasn’t the time I wanted to hear from Ginger.

  Or worse, Alex.

  I shoved the thought out of my mind and watched Drake stretch, my eyes raking in every single inch of his chiseled body. I didn’t even know men could be so sculpted, and I’d seen my fair share of naked bodies in art class.

  “You going to answer that?” he asked, turning around, noticing my eyes on his ass.

  My eyes blinked shut, and my cheeks flamed red from being caught.

  “It’s not what you think,” I muttered, pulling the sheet over my head. “I was just analyzing you because of what I do for a living. Plus, I had something in my eye.” I rolled over, reaching for my phone as Drake came back onto the bed and ran his whiskers along my back, sending a surge of desire through me.

  “What’s your professional opinion about what you saw?” he asked, knowing full well how good he looked.

  The phone went to voicemail, and I turned over to see his gorgeous blue eyes waiting for a reply.

  “I’d say you missed your calling.”

  His grin deepened, and I tangled my fingers through his hair.

  “I mean, who wakes up looking as good as you? I don’t even think that’s fair.” I pulled my hand back, but he caught it in his and pinned it over my head.

  “Well, the view from here is pretty incredible.” He nipped along my neck, and my entire body lit up.

  “Do you always know the right thing to say?”

  He shook his head. “Seldom, if ever.”

  “Doubt that.”

  “I’m gonna go back to my place to shower and change, and I’ll be right back to start our day.”

  “The walk of shame?” I asked in a hushed voice.

  “I’ll call my driver. I wasn’t expecting to stay the night, so . . .” He flashed an incredible grin and crawled over me.

  “New to you?” I teased.

  “Actually, yeah.” He pulled his pants on, and I suddenly wanted to forget the tour of the city and spend all day in bed. “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  “You’re so transparent, Mia,” he teased, and my heart filled with the affection in his voice.

  “I was just thinking this had better be a damn good tour of the city,” I lied. />
  “Oh, it will be.” He winked, and my stomach fluttered. Was it true he never spent the entire night with women he slept with? What worried me was why did I care?

  I giggled, and he slipped his shirt on before coming over to sweep a kiss on my cheek.

  “I’d really kiss you, but . . .”

  “Always the gentleman.”

  “Be ready in thirty?” he asked, glancing at his phone.

  His expression fell, and the muscle in his neck tensed.

  “Everything okay? Is it your brother? Is he all right?” My heart rate spiked, worried he’d gotten in some trouble again.

  He let out a deep breath and slid the phone in his back pocket.

  “It’s just business, but I’m not going to let it ruin our day. Not this time.” His eyes held something different after seeing whatever was on his phone, and it was unsettling. “I’ll be back in thirty.”

  He bent down and kissed me again, this time on my forehead, before walking out of the bedroom.

  “I’ll be ready,” I called after him.

  Within a matter of seconds, I heard the front door click shut. I tugged the sheet off the bed and wrapped it around me to make my way to the door.

  I dead bolted the door and let out a deep sigh. Being with Drake was out of this world. I’d never been brought to the edge so many times, and the connection . . .

  I groaned as I shuffled to the shower and waited for the water to warm.

  Something about the way he looked when he talked about his sister told me regardless of how much time had gone by, the emotions were as raw as ever. I didn’t know if it had been months or years, but the pain was real, and maybe it guided his choices.

  I took a quick shower, dressed, and dabbed on some mascara and lip gloss before checking my phone. Apparently, while I was in the shower, I’d missed another call.

  The first call was from Alex. The second one from Luke.

  Wonderful.

  I listened to Alex’s voicemail informing me that he knew Drake never left last night, and if I wanted to keep that knowledge away from Luke, I’d better call him in the next ten minutes.

  Obviously, I missed that deadline. Phone in hand, I wandered into the family room and sat on the couch. I wasn’t ready to listen to my brother’s voicemail, but I had no choice. Drake would be here soon. I pressed the speakerphone, and Luke’s voice echoed into the room.