by Zara Teleg
“Hunny, you weren’t answering your phone. The Ridge had, um, an incident. I was worried and wanted to check on you. Then I saw the flashes, heard the shots and screaming.”
Kai grabbed me, his face still looking panicked. He tugged me into his chest, giving me a squeeze before picking me up. He sat on the couch, placing me on his lap, and threw the blanket over my bare legs.
“I thought…I thought something had happened to you.” He buried his head between my head and shoulder. His strong arms wrapped around me.
I did not want to move. I did not want to breathe. I just wanted to stay frozen at that moment. In my entire life, I had never once felt as safe as when I was with Kai. He was like my own personal superhero. I stayed there silent, still, inhaling him slowly, and filling my need with just the sheer closeness.
“I can’t believe you were just watching a movie.” He leaned back on the sofa, keeping me against his chest. He reached for the remote and hit play. “You can’t miss the end.”
I just nodded and snuggled into him. We watched the final ten minutes. I immediately had a movie hangover, and the Hurricanes were taking effect.
He looked at his phone, which had buzzed a second time. “Looks like the guys have The Ridge under control. Everyone is okay.” He texted with one hand and placed the phone next to the gun on the table.
Turning me to face him, he asked, “What made you pick this out of the hundreds of movies?”
“I saw the title and couldn’t imagine you had a romance film.” I giggled softly. “Boy, was I surprised.”
His fingers ran over the moisture that was streaking down my cheek. “And what did you think?”
“I think it might be my new favorite movie.” I sniffed, my throat still hoarse from crying so hard. “It was deep and passionate.” I looked away from him, still sniffing. “It’s the type of love everyone deserves to have once in their life.” I could feel the liquid filling my eyes again. A finger slowly lifted my chin, forcing me to look at him.
“Have you ever been in love, Tink?” His voice was low and serious.
“I thought I was once in college. I’ve never felt like Clarence and Alabama, though. The type of love that crashes into you and takes over your mind, body, and soul. The type you would give up your life to save theirs. No, I’ve never felt like that.” I let out a breath, realizing something. “Not like Rage and Juliet. It’s obvious how much they love each other. Rage would take a bullet for her, wouldn’t he?”
“Without a second of hesitation.”
“She’s lucky. I know that will never happen for me. How about you? Have you, the Stained Souls’ biggest playboy, ever been in love?”
His face changed. He was silent for a moment like he went off somewhere.
“Oh my God, you have.” I threw my head back. “I can’t believe it! You, the man with a different woman or two in your bed every night?”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Tink.”
“Uh-huh. Sure.” I poked his ribs. He squirmed.
“Oh, I think I just found your tickle point.” I poked the area again.
“Oh no, you didn’t.”
He started an all-out tickle war. Before I knew it, I was straddling him, then he flipped me over on my back, straddling me. We were both running out of breath from laughing so hard. My pigtails were falling out from squirming. Some of my hair was now covering my face as I continued to choke-laugh. Kai swept the hair away and lifted me slightly.
My eyes grew wide as I felt the hard length of him pressed against my stomach. My core heated as an aching sensation took over. The courage of the alcohol had me pushing my hips into him wanting to feel more of him.
Kai’s hands captured my face, pulling me to him like a magnet. The touch of his lips against mine made the whole world disappear. My body came alive. His kiss deepened and his hand slid up and down my thigh, sending ripples of heat through my entire body. My panties were getting soaked with anticipation as his fingers moved higher.
I hooked my finger through his ponytail, pulling out the band that kept it in place. I loved the way my hands felt running through his long hair, tugging on it as I kissed his neck.
His hands skimmed under my shirt and unhooked my bra. Warm palms cupped my breasts, his fingers caressing my nipples. He pulled my shirt over my head and tossed it over Mr. Nibbles.
“I can’t...with...that...watching.”
He pushed me back on the sofa. The hunger in his eyes was insatiable. My tongue trailed down his throat. I tugged his shirt over his head, my lips dragging down his hulking chest. I nearly climaxed at the sight of his rippled muscles covered in glorious ink. This man was a work of art. Kai’s body laid over mine, his pants straining against me. My nails traced up and down his back. I didn’t want this moment to end, yet all my body wanted was to feel him inside me.
I moaned as he took my breast into his mouth, flicking his tongue over my nipple, sending little shock waves to my core. My hand reached down, unbuttoning his jeans. Sliding my hand under his boxers, I gripped him firmly, this time it was him moaning with me. Every part of me ached for him to be inside me.
“Tink,” he breathed my nickname into my ear. It was the single best sound I had ever heard.
I arched my back as Kai’s hand dipped into my sweat shorts, under my panties, and slid inside me. My body tingled at the feel of his long fingers gliding through my flesh. My fingernails dug into his back as he pumped in and out. I couldn’t take it another second. Every inch of my body wanted him.
I yanked at his jeans, desperate to remove them. He stepped back and removed them himself, his boxers tented by his hard cock. He was gazing at me with a look I had never seen. Kai’s eyes were wild, like a tiger about to devour his prey. There was nothing more in this world that I wanted right now than to be devoured by him. I wanted his tongue everywhere. I wanted him to fill me and take everything I had to give.
I wiggled out of my shorts before crooking my finger to tell him to come back to me.
“You are fucking gorgeous,” he said as he knelt on the sofa, caging me with his arms, his eyes never leaving mine. I spread my legs around him, my heartbeat quickening with anticipation.
My arms looped around his neck as I kissed him, desperate to taste his lips again. The urgency in the kiss said more than words could. There was nothing gentle about it; it was passionate and full of need. His fingers sent little sparks to my skin as they roamed down my body. A wave of intense pleasure soared through me as he pressed against me. I reached down for him, taking his warm flesh into my hand, and squeezed.
His fingers were magical. I cried in pleasure when they entered me again, my orgasm building fast.
“Baby, you are so fucking drenched.”
His dirty words pushed me over the edge.
“Oh, Kai. Oh my God, please don’t stop.”
I felt drunk on pleasure as he removed his finger and began sliding my panties down. His kiss intensified. He sucked my neck and then kissed down my belly.
“I’m not done with you yet.”
My hands gripped the sofa as his lips and tongue touched me. I didn’t think anything would feel as good as his fingers, but his tongue, oh God. I could feel the next orgasm rolling through me.
“That’s it, baby, let go.”
“Now, Kai, I need to feel you now.”
He picked up his jeans, pulling out a condom from his wallet.
Then the music began playing from the phone on the table, RAGE lighting up the screen. Kai’s face changed, ruining the moment. He ran his hands through his hair. He looked down at me, guilt plastered on his face.
“Tink, what are we doing?”
“Please stop talking and touch me,” I said, placing his hand between my thighs.
“Tink, I’m sorry. We shouldn’t. I shouldn’t. I can’t…”
“What are you talking about, Kai? This is what I want.”
He stood, tossing the blanket over me.
“Tink, you’
re just a kid. You don’t know what you want,” he said, shaking his head.
“Fuck you, Kai. I’m a grown-ass woman who knows exactly what I want.” I pushed the blanket off, forcing him to look at me again.
“I can’t.” He turned away from me, reaching down for his jeans. “Tink, you will be glad we didn’t tomorrow.”
His jeans were low on his hips, exposing his delicious, deep V.
“Don’t look at me like that, Tink. I’m doing the right thing for once in my life. We drank too much, got caught up in the moment.”
His phone rang again.
“Jesus.” He threw his head back, running his hands through his hair. He gathered his clothes and started walking to the door.
“I really am sorry, Tink, but this can’t happen, it just can’t…” He opened the door halfway, looking over his shoulder with a pained expression before closing the door.
It only took a few minutes to go from feeling the most pleasure I had ever felt in my life to the sting of rejection. Rejected by the human sex machine who would fuck anything that moved. I screamed my frustration into the pillow.
I felt a mixture of embarrassment and shame. For weeks I wanted nothing more than to have Kai notice me. Me, not Juliet’s baby sister who needed protection. I was done being everyone’s charity case. Done being the nice girl. Done being looked after. There was a tiger inside this kitten, and I was ready to release her. Fuck Kai and fuck Juliet! I was done being what everyone else wanted or expected me to be.
Kai
“Yeah,” I answered Rage’s third call. I walked outside the building and lit a smoke. Guilt filled my veins as Rage asked, “How’s Paige?”
I cleared my throat and was glad he couldn’t see my face. “Dude, she’s fine. She was watching a movie. How’s Sully and The Ridge?”
“Those fuckers left a mess. Sully has a shiner, but he’ll be fine. Tracy cracked one of the Devil’s over the head with a bottle, knocking out the fucker who hit Sully. His brothers dragged his ass out before we got there, but they left a message.”
I breathed out a long line of smoke. “Yeah, what’s that?”
“They left a Joker card with a knife through it on the door. I think they are lost without the sick fucker. Joker was the one who did their dirty work, and they’re pissed that we took him out. You got to make sure you keep an eye on Paige. I don’t want her scared, but I also don’t want her to get mixed up in this shit.”
“Rage, if I shadow her, she will know something’s up. Maybe you should have someone else look after her. I got shit to do, and babysitting is not at the top of my list.” I took another drag, coughing a little. “Maybe you could put a prospect on her?”
“A prospect?” He growled his annoyance. “I thought you liked Paige, cared about her and shit?”
“I do, but I got to get back to my life at some point. I don’t mind her living here, but I can’t be responsible for her.”
“Is this about your dick? Kai, you are such a selfish motherfucker. Don’t worry, I’ll put someone else on her. Just go back to fucking whoever you were fucking.”
The call ended without another word. I pounded my head against the wall.
Fuck.
I needed to put distance between Paige and me. I couldn’t let her get close. Last night fucked me up good. Touching every inch of her skin, the need in her eyes, the taste of her sweetness—I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Sex was sex for me—dirty, hot, fun, but never with feelings. Every part of me wanted her.
I laid on my bed and stared at the ceiling. “How could I let this happen?”
Last night, when I saw Paige crying over True Romance and then heard the way she talked about love… She broke something in me and I couldn’t help but be drawn to her. Paige was certainly not like anyone I’d ever met. She was a special girl who deserved a hell of a lot more than me.
I had to convince her that last night meant nothing to me, that it was just a drunken mistake. She needed to believe that. I didn’t want to hurt her, but keeping her away was the kindest thing I could do for her. I saw that look in her eyes.
I picked my phone off the floor as the idea blossomed and scrolled to Angelica’s name.
“Kai?” she answered on the second ring.
“Angel, I heard what happened last night. Are you okay?”
“Uh, yeah. Those guys were scary as fuck, but I’m okay. Luckily, I was in the back when most of the action happened.”
“Why don’t you come over, have a drink with me later?”
“Kai, you know it’s only 3 pm, right?”
“So, you coming or not?”
“I’ll be there soon.”
“Good, doll, good,” I said and hung up.
Now I just had to make sure Paige saw Angelica here. It might hurt, but she would be better off for it, and so would I.
I took a long swig from a bottle of whiskey before stepping in the shower. I hated washing off Paige’s scent, which still stained my skin and my heart.
Once Angelica got here, I tried to entertain her while I kept my eye on the time. Paige would be getting back from The Ridge soon. I thought Sully would cancel the day, but he was a tough old bastard who didn’t fuck with routine or tradition.
There was only one problem with the plan—Paige fucked with my head real good.
“Kai, I don’t understand. You called me. You are always in the mood. I’ve seen you nearly passed out and still able to perform.” Angelica narrowed her eyes at me. “What’s going on?”
She stood there in her black-and-pink lace bra and matching panties, looking as if she just stepped out of the pages of a magazine. No matter how perfect this angel was, my dick only wanted one woman.
I rubbed my temples, trying to come up with a reason. “I think it must have been something from last night. I felt off this morning. I thought maybe you would be able to do the trick.”
“I see.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Kai, no matter how much I like our fun nights together, you are wasting my time.” She began to pick up her clothes. I couldn’t let her leave before Paige got home.
“Wait, let’s order a pizza and have a beer. You don’t have to go yet, do you?”
“Do you think because I’m blond, I’m stupid?” Her arms folded, pushing up her breasts.
“What? Where the hell did that come from?”
“Kai, I’m a woman. Women know when something’s up. Now spit it out, or I’m leaving right now.”
Damn it. I needed to think quickly. “Alright, alright. I do need something, but you have to keep it between us. Can you do that?”
“A secret?” Her eyebrow raised. “Okay, I promise. Now spill.”
“Well, you know how Paige has been living in the building?”
“Yes.” She dramatically rolled her eyes.
“Well, I have been keeping an eye on her for Rage and her sister, Juliet. And, lately, it seems she may have a little crush on me.”
“Kai, you are so conceited. But fine, what warm-blooded woman would not want to spend a night with you?”
“Yeah, but it’s just complicated and I don’t want to hurt her…”
“And…?”
“And I thought maybe if she saw you here, she might get the hint.”
“Men. You are all cowards. I think I’m going to start dating women only.”
“So, you won’t stick around?”
An evil smile crept across her face. “Are you kidding me? I’m a bitch, and I’m not fond of Little Miss Innocent who thinks she can get whatever she wants. I’ll stay and make sure she gets the hint.”
“Angel, I didn’t say be a bitch. She’s my friend. I just don’t want her thinking I will go there.”
“Relax, Kai. I got this. Now, where’s the pizza and beer?”
It took Paige a little longer than I expected to get back. We both were ready when we heard Paige’s truck pull in. Angelica purposefully misbuttoned her shirt, mussed up her hair, and smudged her lipstick. She carried her sh
oes in her hand as she walked out the door at the same time Paige was coming up the stairs.
Louder than necessary, she said, “Kai, thanks again.” She pulled me into the doorway, giving me a long kiss. “You never disappoint.” Her giggle was a mix of sexy and evil.
My heart ached at the look on Paige’s paling face as she watched us. She hurried up the stairs but couldn’t pull her gaze from us.
“Angel, you better get out of here before I don’t let you leave.”
“You’re so bad.” She placed her hand on my crotch and bit my ear, whispering, “Bye, Kai.”
Paige’s door slammed. Guilt crashed heavily on my chest. This needed to be done. I couldn’t have her in my head; I was no good for her. Paige could be my kryptonite. I remember all too well what the pain of falling for a woman and having your heart destroyed felt like. Nope, that ain’t ever happening again.
Paige
I prayed my shift would be canceled. I thought with Sully being hurt and the damage to the bar, he would close. Nope, not Sully. He would not disappoint his customers. They were his family.
“Ms. Conti.” Officer Jones tipped his hat. He looked so different out of uniform. His dark hair was gelled into place, and his collar was left open enough to show a glimpse of the ink on his chest. He seemed too straightlaced to have any ink.
“Officer Jones.” I smiled warmly, showing him to his table.
“I was glad to see you were not working last night during the commotion. Looks like you were safe somewhere else.”
“I was home, thanks for asking.” Home with a dangerous man who made me orgasm over and over. I shivered just thinking about it.
“Ms. Conti?”
I was still holding the menu of specials, not letting go.
“Oh, sorry. I must be more tired than I thought.”
“I can’t imagine you get much sleep living in Kai’s house. You seem too nice of a girl to live with those criminals, not that I’m judging.”
“I sleep just fine, thanks.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean—”
“Don’t,” I cut him off. “I’ll be back to take your order in a few minutes.”