Bad Duke_An Enemies to Lovers Romance

by Emily Bishop

  I chuckle at that. She thinks my insecurities stem from not being able to make a pie crust?

  That’s the least of my problems.

  “I appreciate the sentiment, but I’ll never feel bad about my inability to cook. That’s not something I’ve been into, anyway. I was thinking more about my time in prison.”

  She doesn’t respond. This might be a sensitive subject for us, but if she runs away from me again over this topic, I’ll eat my hat. She has to know by now I’m on her side.

  “Everyone always assumed that I would be a great leader. My father ran a conglomerate. Surely, that would run in the family, right? When I got to prison, I was at the bottom of the hierarchy. The fact that I came from money made me an even bigger target, and I had to learn how to defend myself in ways I never thought possible.”

  “That sounds awful,” Rayne says in a small voice. She spreads the crust pastry over my metal pie tin then reaches for the eggs.

  “It was. I think a lot of what I learned about leadership came from those dark days. I had to learn how to get people to like and trust me. I had to earn that right. It couldn’t be bought. Up until that moment, I’d never had to worry about such things.”

  “What about with the heists? Weren’t you leading those?”

  Her tone isn’t judgmental, merely curious. It encourages me to confide in her.

  “That was more of a partnership. I never led anything. I provided the right information, and sometimes hung out with the team after to enjoy the victories. The one time I decided to join in was the time we got busted. Figures.”

  Rayne’s fingers graze the back of my hand, and I glance up. Her eyes are moist with unshed tears.

  Great job, Lorn.

  “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. That your dad couldn’t see how amazing you were, and are. You didn’t deserve to be treated that way.”

  I clear my throat, which is a little choked up. “Yes, well. Thank you, but I’m fine now. I suppose I’m stronger for it, in the end.”

  “We’re all stronger for the battles we face, whether we choose them or not.”

  She stirs the eggs and scoops a handful of cheese into them then pours the mixture over the pastry and sets it in the oven to cook. When she turns to look back up at me, her expression is expectant.

  “Now what?” she asks.

  “How long will that take?”

  “About an hour,” she replies.

  “Hmm. What are your thoughts on dessert first?”

  She grins up at me and crosses her arms. “I’d say that’s one of the best ideas I’ve heard all day.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Rayne

  I can’t stop grinning when I look up at Lorn. He is so sweet and kind, and he’s taken so much care to look out for me. The hurt in his voice as he talks about his father’s disdain, his time being punished for that lack of love in his life behind bars, it simply makes my heart hurt. I want to wrap him in my arms and make it all OK again, though I’m not sure one person could ever perform that kind of magic.

  I am only one woman, after all.

  What does he have in mind for dessert? My gaze lands on some strawberries and apples.

  “Are we doing healthy dessert tonight?” I ask.

  He sees the direction of my gaze and reaches back behind him. In his hand is a half full bag of milk chocolate chips.

  Perfect. I love chocolate. Especially on fruit.

  “Have you checked the expiration date on those bad boys, before I get excited?”

  Lorn’s face falls. Clearly expiration dates are not something he’s ever had to deal with. That probably makes sense for people who live on a mountain and eat the food they get as it comes in. Or super rich kids who never wonder where their food is coming from anyway.

  I think I can officially say I also have fallen into both of those categories. Lucky for me, my time as a baker has provided such knowledge for these types of things. I reach over and grab the bag from his hand. When I turn it upside down, I see that we’re in luck, and I hold up the bag to him.

  “Ah, see? We have four months left. Better use them now, or we may never get our chance.”

  Lorn beams down at me, and his smile is radiant. I try to remember what he looked like without the beard. I’ve seen pictures of Lorn. We may have even attended the same party a time or two. My mind simply can’t picture him without that beard adorning his face.

  I don’t want to picture it. I like Lorn exactly as he is now. This is who he wants to be, and it’s my job to support him in every way I can.

  Wait, no, it’s not. It’s not my job to do anything except be grateful to Lorn for all his help. Otherwise, we’re trekking into girlfriend territory, and I don’t want to go there yet. Not when I have no idea how Lorn feels. Besides, he wants to hide from the limelight forever. It’s something I’ve never minded. Could I give up my whole world to stay in the back woods with this man?

  Digging too deep. Stop thinking that far ahead. Focus on fruit.

  Lorn’s expression is curious, and I’ve been standing there staring at him like a lovesick idiot.

  God, get it together Rayne. You are not the woman who drools over a man. Not even Lorn Hart.

  “Uh, let’s get this chocolate melting,” I mumble. I turn away from him, because if I keep looking at him I may go blind, like I’m looking into the sun.

  I reach for a microwave-safe bowl and dump the chips in, then melt them a little at a time, stirring after each session in the microwave.

  “I’m surprised someone like you uses a microwave at all. Don’t you usually heat things nice and slowly over the stove?” Lorn asks from behind me.

  I shrug, but I don’t turn around.

  Focusing on the chocolate here. Not thinking about spreading it on Lorn’s chest and licking it off. Definitely not thinking about that.

  The mixture is ready, and I turn my attention toward the fruit. Lorn watches me from behind. I’m not sure if I’m imagining the heat from his body, or if he is standing close enough for me to feel it. Once the stems are cut from the strawberries and the apples are cored and sliced, I move the bowl over to give Lorn some space.

  “OK, now we dip.”

  “Skippy dip or regular dip?”

  I laugh. “That question does not apply to this situation. Now stop being dirty, and dip the fruit,” I command.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he says, but there is no repentance in his voice. He likes making me think about sex. Does he think about it as often as I do? If he craves me like I crave him, he does. Our fingers brush as we dip the fruit and twist it to keep the chocolate from dripping. We set each piece on a plate, then move to the next, and it’s quick work with the two of us.

  “Do we have to wait to eat this?” Lorn asks.

  I grab the plate and walk over to the kitchen table. “Of course not. Chocolate waits for no woman or man.”

  I notice that Lorn brings the leftover chocolate bowl with him. He sets it on the table and takes the seat next to mine. We’re sitting so close I can inhale the sweet scent of his skin, and my senses tingle.

  What is it about this man that is so intoxicating to me? He’s like a drug, and I can’t stop getting my fix every chance I get.

  I lift a strawberry, but Lorn swipes it out of my hand.

  “Hey!” I protest. When my gaze meets his, though, my protest melts away.

  There is desire there. Lust. Passion. Mischief. All the things I like to see in Lorn’s eyes. There is a promise in them that I hope he keeps.

  He holds the strawberry out to me, and I can’t help but grin and lick my lips as he moves it forward. When it’s within biting distance, I wrap my teeth around the succulent fruit and bite down. The combination of chocolate and strawberry teases my senses, and I am aroused instantly. I scoot my bottom along the chair as my pussy comes to life with a small pulse.

  Only Lorn could get my heart beating so fast I can feel it between my legs.

  As he picks up another one,
an image of Larry Corker invades my hazy mind, and my shoulders tense as I sit back.

  Lorn’s brows crease as he looks at me. “What is it?”

  “I just…” I fumble. “I forgot for a moment how much danger we’re in. Do you think the police will be able to be here early in the morning?”

  Lorn sets the strawberry down and looks sternly into my eyes as he grips the back of my hand.

  “Rayne, we have done everything we can to ensure that you are safe. The police will join us as soon as they can, but until then it falls to us to not let Larry ruin our lives with every thought we give him. I will never let down my guard fully. I will always have an eye on the door. I am keeping you safe every minute you are here.”

  He squeezes my hand, and the stress melts back out of my shoulders.

  ”You are protected. Let yourself be safe. Let yourself relax.”

  He reaches back down for the strawberry and lifts it back to my lips. Lorn is the only thing that keeps me sane in this insane situation. With him, I am finally calm. I can release my fears and simply be myself.

  I smile up into his eyes as I take another bite. Lorn swipes at my lip with his thumb, and when he pulls it back, there is a small bit of chocolate there. He sucks on the digit while his gaze rests on mine, and that heartbeat starts to pulse in my jeans once more.

  “My turn.” I lift a chocolate-covered apple and hold it up to him. When he bites into it, he still looks into my eyes, and that connection is intoxicating. He’s making silent promises. He issues silent requests, desires easily translatable from the look in his eyes.

  I am beyond happy to help fill those requests.

  He finishes with his piece of apple and lifts another strawberry to my lips.

  “Don’t eat this one,” he says. “I feel like doing a little painting.”

  My heart flutters as he holds the tip of the strawberry to my lips and traces them with the chocolate. I want to taste them, I want to press my lips together, but Lorn’s expression tells me that is not what he wants me to do. He wants to taste them himself, and I know I’ll get the flavor much better that way.

  Once he finishes tracing, he pulls the berry back and captures my chin with his finger. He draws me closer until we’re close enough to kiss, and he takes my lips hungrily with his own. He sucks the chocolate off, and when his tongue delves into my mouth, I can finally taste it for myself. I pull back as I enjoy the game we’ve initiated.

  “Me next.” I dip my finger into the melted chocolate and lean close so I can trace Lorn’s mouth with it. His eyes are fire as he watches me, and I can’t stop a grin from escaping as I sit back and admire Lorn’s delicious-looking chocolate lipstick.

  “You look great,” I tease. He pulls my chair out and in an instant, I am sitting on his lap, his erection pressing against my ass through our jeans.

  “Lick it off,” he says.

  Don’t have to tell me twice.

  I tilt my face to meet his and, rather than kiss him, I stick out my tongue and lick every inch of his lips. By the time the chocolate has disappeared, Lorn pulls me to him and delves back into the reaches of my mouth, kissing me nice and deep.

  The combination of chocolate and man is enough to get my panties soaked once more. I shift in Lorn’s lap until I’m able to straddle him, and my feet still don’t quite reach the floor, so I wrap them around the chair as much as I can, looking out for my hurt ankle.

  Lorn breaks off the kiss and reaches back behind me for another berry. He kisses my neck, and my skin heats and tingles in anticipation. With one hand, he deftly unbuttons the front of my shirt, revealing my black lace bra in the process. He stares at my breasts. He cups them with his hands, toys with them as he explores. I watch him discover me. I enjoy the look in his eyes as he plays with my body.

  It is his for the taking.

  He brings the berry forward again and traces a small line of chocolate down my chest. When he reaches my bra, he tugs it down to reveal a pair of pink, hard nipples.

  He circles the strawberry around one nipple, coating it in chocolate. He moves onto the next and coats it, too. When he glances back up at me, his expression is famished.

  “Time for dessert,” he breathes. Then his mouth captures a nipple, and I moan.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Lorn

  The taste of chocolate paired with Rayne’s sweet skin is beyond delicious. I suck every last drop of chocolate sauce from each of her nipples with gusto. I take my time, reaching every nook and cranny with my tongue as Rayne writhes on my lap. My cock springs to action against my jeans, but I ignore the discomfort because I’ll get relief soon enough.

  More than relief. Absolute mind-blowing pleasure.

  That’s what Rayne brings me, every time. I’ve always enjoyed sex, obviously. I’m a man. It’s what we do. With Rayne it’s so different, though. So much better. I reach around her back and fumble with the clasp on her bra until it’s free, the strawberry still dangling from my fingertips.

  “I want to feast on you,” I growl.

  Her legs are wrapped around me, so I pull them apart and lift her onto the table as I shove our plates to the other side. I now have a topless Rayne in front of me, ready to be eaten.

  I love dining on Rayne.

  I salivate at the thought as I lay her all the way back so that her feet dangle off the table. I set down my strawberry for a beat while I unzip her jeans and slide them down to the floor. She’s wearing a black set of panties to match her bra, and beneath the thin lacy fabric, her glistening jewel beckons to me.

  I’m coming for you, little jewel. Don’t you worry.

  I look up at Rayne. From between her breasts she gazes down at me, her eyes glassy with lust as she watches my every move. I’m happy to give her a show. I keep my eyes on hers as I sink my thumbs between her underwear and her hips and slowly slide them down. They land on top of her jeans, and I’ve already forgotten them.

  Before me, naked on my kitchen table, is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Her green eyes are begging me to take her, and even though I can hardly wait, I want to take this nice and slow.

  I already know from experience that nice and slow drives her wild.

  I pick up the chocolate-covered strawberry again and lean over her. I trace a chocolate line from beneath her breasts as I make my way farther south. I twist and turn the line until it lands right at the top of her pussy. I set the berry down again and follow that trail. I don’t touch any other part of her body as my tongue laps up the chocolate. I make a sensual path farther south as Rayne arches her breasts into the air, and I feel the urge to suck on them again.

  I don’t stray from my path, though. I continue down until all the chocolate is cleaned up. Her pussy is dripping wet. The heat radiates off it, and my dick is uncomfortable in my pants.

  We’re getting to it. Don’t worry, my friend.

  I grasp Rayne’s knees and pull them up then spread them apart so her slit is presented to me, nice and juicy. I capture the strawberry between my fingertips. I can’t help the wicked grin that spreads my lips.

  “A little more chocolate, shall we?” I ask.

  Rayne doesn’t answer. Her gaze is riveted on me, and I lick the tip of the strawberry before I bend down and crouch in front of her pussy. I take the delicious little berry and I press the end against her opening, then insert it a little bit.

  Rayne shifts and moans.

  I pull the berry back out, then slide it in again one more time. A little bit of chocolate mixes with her juices, and I can’t wait to take my own bite. I set the strawberry back on the table and delve my tongue deep into her pussy. The combination of the chocolate and Rayne has my senses swirling, and I lap nice and deep as I work to suck down every drop.

  My tongue reaches deep into her, and Rayne’s hips arch to meet me. I grasp her ass between my palms and hold her down as I lick her cunt, the chocolate dissolving with each lick of my tongue.

  “I’m going to come if you don’t fuck m
e now,” she gasps.

  I don’t respond. I’m too busy. She’s told me she’s close, and I want to get her off as many times as I can. It’s kind of my thing. I slide my tongue up to her clit and circle around it. I place my fingertip at her opening and press inward. My finger slides one delicious inch at a time until I can go no farther. I face my palm upward and set a rhythm with my finger. Her hips try and arch, but my other hand still has her pinned.

  “Lorn… I… oh, god!”

  My tongue dances along her clit as I beckon forth an orgasm with my finger. My fingertip glides along her smooth interior, so tight, so ready for my cock. I’m tempted to do as she originally asked when she screams out and she comes with a shudder.

  I plant a gentle kiss on her clit and sit back. Her eyes are glazed over as she stares up at the ceiling. Her breasts rise and fall with her harsh breathing, and I’m not finished with her. I stand and my fingertips fumble with my zipper. I slide my jeans all the way off as my dick happily springs free. Rayne’s knees are still up in the air and nicely spread.

  I can’t wait anymore. I grasp my dick and give it a few strokes, and then I press it against her slick, wet opening. Rayne gasps at the sensation, now sensitive, and I press in without hesitation. I slide in up to the hilt and fill her. I regain my grip on her ass, pull back out, and slide back in, setting a pace for myself as she thrusts her hips against me, happy to take more.

  I might be in love with this woman.

  I reach forward and grasp one of her nipples between my fingertips. She follows suit and grasps the other breast in her hand as she bucks against me, a meal meant for a king. Together we stimulate her breasts as I fuck her brains out on my table. I stand back upright and pull her closer to the edge of the table then spread her legs farther so I can go deeper.

  Rayne submits to me fully. She closes her eyes, and her head thrashes from side to side as she takes each thrust with a moan and a whimper. I know her clit is sensitive, but now it should be ready.

  “Stroke your clit,” I say.