Ride Me

by R. G. Alexander

  He shrugged. “I’ve no doubt you would have come back eventually. But that could have taken years.”

  And she might not have met Rousseau.

  “Fine. I get it. Everything happens for a reason. Now that we know why I’m here, why are you?”

  He used a much nicer cane than hers to pull himself up, placing a straw hat that seemed to appear from nowhere at a rakish angle on his head. “Just helping out a friend. You have another question.” He wasn’t asking.

  A wave of realization washed over her. This wasn’t just a dream, and the old man was no figment. “Mambo Toussaint’s charm. I put it under my pillow before lying down after my bath. Is that why you’re here?”

  “You have a million questions, I know. Sadly, I only have time for one.”

  Allegra scowled. After everything she’d learned, all that she’d been through she was finally standing in front of someone who could have the answers to life itself and he only had time for one question?

  He pointed his finger at her. “You know what you want to ask me. Not out of selfish desire, but because you care. Because you know what it’s like not to have control over your body or your life. I can see it, already formed in your mind.”

  So could she. She was just afraid of the answer.

  “Is there a way to free Rousseau from Bone Daddy?”

  “There it is.” He laughed, loud and long, making Allegra smile in spite of herself. “You know there’s not many women alive that would ask that question and mean it. Never doubt how special you are. Or that your soul belongs with young Celestin’s.”

  “That is not an answer.”

  He took a breath, looking up to the sky and stretching his back with a groan. “As with most things, when you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way to get it. Especially if you have something the other party wants in exchange.”

  The old man turned as if to go and Allegra stood up, thoroughly confused. “Wait. What do you mean? I need to exchange something?”

  He looked over his shoulder, dark eyes sparkling with good humor. “That’s two questions, and you’ve reached your limit. But you’re a smart girl. You’ll figure it out.”

  “That’s what they keep saying.” She sighed. “I can’t help but wish the powers that be were a little more specific.”

  “Where’d the fun be in that?”

  Allegra’s lips quirked. “Thank you. What did you say your name was?”

  “I don’t believe I mentioned it. But you know me, Allegra Jarod. You always have, just as I’ve always known you were on your way. Don’t worry. We’ll meet again. Next time I’m hoping it’ll be someplace a little more comfortable. I’m fairly certain I have splinters in unmentionable places.”

  He disappeared between the trees, whistling. The wind picked up and Allegra glanced down at the fire just in time to see the flames shoot up into the air, whirling toward her as if aiming—

  She gasped, nearly tumbling out of bed as she scrambled backward. Bed. She was in her bed in the living room. She concentrated on slowing her breathing, listening to the soft sounds of music coming from Michelle’s bedroom, telling Allegra that she was home.

  She lay back against the cushions with a groan. She must have fallen asleep right after her bath, her muscles totally relaxed, her mind still in turmoil. She slid her hand beneath the pillow and pulled out the small sewn pouch. What did the dream mean? And who was that old man?

  An exchange.

  According to Mambo Toussaint, Ben and Michelle, this particular Loa only wanted one thing. Sex.

  Rousseau was her only obstacle to that. He obviously didn’t want her to call Bone Daddy. He was the one she wanted. Would she destroy his desire for her if she defied his wishes and asked anyway?

  What if that wasn’t the answer? What if Allegra called on Rousseau and his rider, and it didn’t go her way?

  She closed her fingers over the buttery fabric of the charm. Last week she didn’t believe in Loa or psychics. Now she was planning a sexorcism.

  She smiled. A girl had to do what a girl had to do.

  Chapter 6

  “You sure about this, Legs?”

  “You’ve spent weeks talking me into it, are you chickening out now that we’re here?”

  Ben leaned back in his chair at their private outdoor table at Rousseau’s café, lifting his face to the sun for a moment before shaking his head, a wicked smile curving his lips. “No way. I just want to make sure you know what you’re getting us into.”

  “I don’t, but I’m doing it anyway.”

  “Remind me to thank Mambo Toussaint for that gris-gris she gave you.”

  Allegra raised her eyebrow knowingly. “I don’t think she meant it for you at all. In fact, I’m sure of it. I have a feeling she sees you as perfect son-in-law material.”

  Ben flinched. “Sadly, I’m afraid her matchmaker skills are off when it comes to her daughter. I’m the last person in the world Michelle wants. She’s told me often enough.”

  Not “I don’t want her” but “She doesn’t want me.” She’d been right. He had a thing for her best friend. Maybe she should have left him out of this. She just wasn’t sure she could work up the courage to do it without his help. “Are you positive you want to do this with me?”

  He reached for her hand, catching her gaze with his own. “Are you kidding? You are a fascinating woman, and Rousseau is the best guy I know. Plus, I think you need a spotter.”

  She started to choke, pulling her hand from his to reach for her bottled water. Ben’s expression of innocent concern wasn’t helping. “A spotter?”

  “Like in gymnastics? A spotter is there in case someone takes a tumble.” He shrugged at her disbelieving expression. “What? My mother loves the Olympics. The point is, we trust each other enough and like each other enough to turn BD on and drive Rousseau crazy. I’m actually the star of this plan, so you can’t ditch me now that it’s getting interesting.”

  “How exactly are you planning to drive him crazy?”

  “Don’t look now, but it’s already working.”

  Allegra turned her head to glance through the café window. Rousseau was untying his apron, motioning the last of the female stragglers out the door, his angry gaze never leaving hers. “Uh-oh.”

  She watched, her heart in her throat, as he strode out the door, rounding the corner until he was standing beside them. “We’re closing early today. I’m going to need to take the table inside.”

  “I’ll help.” Ben started to stand up, but Rousseau’s look froze him in his seat.

  “It’s the middle of the afternoon. You two always come in the morning. What are you doing here?”

  Ben shrugged lazily, his expression so relaxed Allegra wondered if he’d ever taken any acting classes. He had skills.

  “We’re here for a—” He glanced at Allegra, who nodded adamantly. “Yes, I do believe we’re here for a threesome. Is the café closed for that?”

  “Don’t start this. Not today.” Rousseau stepped closer to Ben, fists clenched at his sides as his friend got to his feet.

  “Sorry, man. It’ll never happen if I leave it up to you. You’re too scared to go after what you want.” Ben’s words made Allegra groan.

  “And you never think about the consequences. How do you think Allegra will feel when she realizes you’ve been holding a torch for her roommate for years?” He lowered his voice. “How do you think this is going to end, Ben? If you cared at all—”

  “I want you, Bone Daddy.”

  Allegra slapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide as Rousseau whipped around to face her. She’d said it. She’d wanted them to stop fighting and the words came tumbling out.

  “Allegra.” His tone was disappointed, but his handsome face lit with an excitement he couldn’t quite conceal. “Who told you?”

  “Not you.” She lifted her chin stubbornly. “Do you want me to take it back?”

  “No, damn it. Ben, get her upstairs. Fast.”

  She saw th
e golden cast to his eyes and her heart started racing. Ben picked her up in his arms again and headed inside, ignoring the growl they heard behind him.

  She leaned her head on his chest, trying to catch her breath and worrying about what happened next. “This is getting to be a habit.”

  “I’d carry you anywhere, Legs. And that’s a fact.”

  “Why didn’t he come with us?”

  “I think he wanted to give you a chance to prepare.”

  He slid open the loft door with one hand, carrying her into the large room and setting her down on a narrow kitchen chair. “Or maybe this is where I’m supposed to tell you that Bone Daddy doesn’t only want one thing. He craves it. It’s like food to him, and each bite he has makes him hungry for more.”

  “Like food?” Oh, God, it was only sex he wanted, right? She’d known how he got his energy, she understood it was a sexual exchange, but the knowledge that it would be sex with a being straight out of fiction made all the terrifying things she’d ever seen or heard about voodoo flash through her mind. What if the more he wanted was brains for his zombie army? Or the souls of innocent children? Or her blood?

  That rich, sensual chuckle filled the air, and Ben took a step away from her to give her a clear view of the man leaning against the door frame. Bone Daddy, she thought, a little hysterically, an image of a pile of skulls popping into her head.

  “What an imagination you have, cher. Morbid, but amusing. I don’t make zombies or steal souls.”

  Allegra glared over at Ben when he let out a surprised laugh.

  Bone Daddy ignored him. “And blood isn’t what I want to taste on my tongue, to soak my fingers in when I touch you. I’m not that kind of animal.”

  He could hear her thoughts. What was it with this city? Two psychic men prying into her mind and emotions was a little too much for her to take. But it didn’t take a psychic to understand his graphic words. He fed off sex.

  “Not just sex, Allegra. Satisfaction. And today, it is your satisfaction I crave. Rousseau and I may be in true accord for the first time since we met. Neither one of us can wait to make you come. To finally experience it in the flesh.”

  He strode toward her, his motions confident, predatory. He was a jungle cat stalking his prey, eyes golden and dangerous. What was it like, she wondered, to live underneath someone else’s skin? What was the draw that kept him tethered to Rousseau?

  Allegra was still as a statue on the tiny wooden chair, clinging to it as he reached behind him and pulled his white T-shirt over his head.

  Beautiful.

  “Thank you.”

  The muscles in his arms and abs rippled with leashed power as he reached for his belt. Every inch of skin revealed made her heart beat that much harder, that much faster. Made her mouth water in anticipation.

  “You wonder why I stay, but you know better than anyone how delicious life can taste. You’ve sought it all your life. The thrill of blood rushing through your veins. The aches and pains that prove you survived another day. Hunger. Need. People take these things for granted, but until you know what it’s like to exist without them you shouldn’t judge me so harshly.”

  She swallowed, her mouth going dry with desire and panic. He was mesmerizing. Convincing. Determined.

  Maybe she’d overestimated her abilities. Her willpower.

  Maybe this was a bad idea.

  “Too late to back out now, cher. He tried to keep me away from you. To give you a choice. But you made it months ago, didn’t you?”

  “Before I knew about your identity crisis.”

  Bone Daddy threw back his head and laughed, his khaki pants falling to the floor to reveal him in all his glory. His thick, hard, fully erect—Oh, dear Lord.

  “Did it matter all those mornings you spent in the coffee shop, pretending not to follow Rousseau’s every move? Or all those days you watched us from your window? Rousseau knew you were there. I told him. He watched you, too. Watched and felt an ache of longing at the sight of your sweet little body. The ache that you made that much worse when you came for us yesterday.”

  She caught movement from the corner of her eye, saw Ben’s expression change to one of true surprise. Clearly touching her hadn’t told him she was a peeping pervert. But Bone Daddy knew. Rousseau knew.

  Her face heated, but in spite of her embarrassment, she couldn’t stop her gaze from lowering to his erection. She’d felt it against her, seen it at a distance, but up close his cock was larger and profanely beautiful. Ridged and veined for pleasure. Hers.

  Hot and restless, she shifted in her chair. A sharp twinge in her leg brought her back to herself with a start. She hadn’t been with anyone since her accident. She hadn’t even considered that hiccup. What if she couldn’t—

  “We can’t have that,” he interrupted her worrying. “I’m not about to allow anything to distract you. Not now that you’ve finally called my name. I’m greedy for all your attention, Allegra. At least, until we are done.” He knelt down beside her, his rough palm smoothing over her left leg, from hip too knee.

  Her skin was on fire. She jerked in the chair and pressed her lips together to hold back her scream.

  “Legs?” Ben sounded frantic.

  “Breathe, cher. It’s gone.”

  Allegra gasped. The pain. It was gone again. Her leg hadn’t stopped hurting once in over a year, until the other night at the club, and then yesterday... Bone Daddy, with a single touch, had made it disappear. How had he done that?

  Her shock must have shown in her expression, and he gentled his eternally wicked smile. Repeating the words that had echoed through her mind the day before, he said, “Don’t think, Allegra Jarod. Just feel.”

  He kissed her. Bone Daddy. Rousseau. It didn’t seem to matter at the moment. This was the man she wanted, and his lips were just as soft as she’d imagined, just as warm.

  He pulled back enough to look into her eyes, his own flickering like a golden flame. “Benjamin, since you’ve taken it upon yourself to be our third, I’ll ask you to make yourself useful.”

  “I’m on it, BD.” She heard Ben’s footsteps taking him farther away, wondering at her confidant, masculine friend’s instant obedience, but she quickly forgot him as Rousseau’s mouth pressed against hers once more.

  He had a way about him that clouded her mind. He was a walking aphrodisiac. It wasn’t fair.

  “Life isn’t fair, Allegra. Isn’t it exciting?”

  He ate at her mouth, biting at her lips, then soothing the pain with tender licks. She felt him tug her dress down once more, willingly lifting off the chair long enough for him to sweep it away completely, along with her brand-new pair of pink lace underwear.

  Her inhibitions shed along with her clothes once again. His taste, the feel of his smooth skin burning beneath her hands was addictive. She needed more.

  Focus.

  She was only human, she thought as she wrapped both her legs around his waist to pull him closer. “You’ve talked a good game, BD,” she said saucily, using Ben’s nickname for the Loa. “Can you deliver?”

  He growled, standing with her in his arms. “I knew you’d be like this. You’re made of fire, head to toe. You’ll burn us all and we’ll beg for more.”

  He walked across the living room toward the large platform bed against the wall, Allegra holding on tight. “Rousseau thought you a hothouse flower, delicate and fragile. He didn’t think you’d be able to take what we wanted to give you. All the depraved and wicked things we wanted to do to you.”

  “Was that why you danced with me at the club? To show him?”

  He stopped, looking down at her with a surprisingly uncertain expression. He hadn’t expected her to make that connection. “That was my plan, yes. But he’s still concerned and it occurs to me he might not be wrong. You crave tenderness as well, I can feel it. Your pleasure is why I’m here. Should I turn Benjamin away, and cover you with rose petals? Grope you carefully in the dark beneath the covers? Is that what you want? Tell me now.”


  “No.” She didn’t try to lie. “That’s the last thing I want.”

  “Then what?” He moved forward again until his knees hit the side of the bed, his gaze alert as he studied her. She could see the Loa, but she was starting to see Rousseau in there as well. Two distinct entities, both waiting to hear her answer.

  She meant to sound confident, sure, but her voice came out in a whisper. “All the depraved and wicked things you want to do.”

  Ben groaned, making her jerk in surprise. “Good girl, Legs.”

  He dropped a handful of condoms, a small bottle of lubricant, and what looked like a wooden bowl filled with dark liquid on the bedside table. Her eyebrows rose.

  Rousseau’s golden eyes sparkled dangerously. “No, Benjamin. Bad girl. My bad girl.” Without warning, he tossed her on the bed.

  Allegra laughed, a carefree, joyous sound that she’d almost forgotten she could make. This was what she wanted. No pity, no careful touches and no more platonic fuck buddies. Fun and fire. Heat and passion. All for her.

  They stood over her like two opposite sides of the same heart-stopping coin. Ben with his blond, all-American good looks, and Rousseau, darkly handsome and irresistible. The only thing they had in common was the approval in their eyes as they studied her naked body on the bed.

  She slid her legs against the cool sheets, loving the freedom of motion, loving how their attention followed her every move. Her hands caressed her thighs, uncaring of the small ridges scattered over her skin. The ones she’d been so insecure about every time she looked in the mirror.

  It was impossible to ignore their admiration, their desire. Her scars didn’t bother them at all. And suddenly, they didn’t bother her either. Instead, they were proof of life. Of survival.

  “You are a warrior woman.” The harsh voice growled in Rousseau’s throat. “In my world, you would be a queen.” He motioned to Ben, who’d unbuttoned his linen shirt, revealing broad shoulders and a well-defined chest. “We will not share her this first time. Neither of us can allow it. But you may watch.”