by Reana Malori
With a sudden flutter of her hands, she looked around the lobby, as if she’d forgotten what her own office looked like. Flashing a smile in his direction, she nodded. “Yes, my office. This way.”
Passing by the reception desk, she called out to the young woman still staring at him. “Close your mouth, Rebecca. Something’s gonna fly in there. Oh, and let Tim know I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Shaking his head at her bluntness, Tristan couldn’t help but appreciate her no-nonsense approach to things. Camille was unlike any woman he’d ever dealt with before. He found he was looking forward to the challenge.
Once they made it to her office, he wasn’t surprised to find the masculine feel of her space. Dark wood, clean lines, sturdy furniture. There were pictures of her and her family on walls, along with her degrees and other certifications.
It seemed the more he learned about the woman Camille was, the more he wanted to know.
“So, what brings you to my door? Especially since we’ve talked almost every night.”
Her voice was made to drive him crazy with desire. Every time he heard her speak, his mind conjured up visions of her underneath him. Her voice moaning out his name as he stroked inside her body. His cock thickened in his pants as he conjured up a vision of her body naked and covered in sweat.
“Go out with me,” he demanded.
She smiled. One of those smiles meant to calm down psychotic men who pressed too hard for a date or catcalled at them in the street.
“Um…Tristan, I—”
He knew she was going to refuse. Something he couldn’t allow.
Stepping closer to her, he repeated his request. “Go out with me, Camille. I tried to stay away from you. Wanted to stay away. I thought our phone calls would help me resist coming to you. I really did want to give you space. Hell, I couldn’t even make it through a week.” He looked down at her hands, which she held in front of her, before he grabbed them within his own. His thumb rubbed along the roughened skin. Tristan smiled. His future woman was no wilting violet. “Sweetheart, I’m not the kind of man you need in your life. If I were a good man, I’d leave and never come back. But I’m not a good man. I go after what I want. I may not be the one you need, but I’m damn sure going to make sure I’m the one you want.” He laughed under his breath after he said the words because Tristan knew he wouldn’t let this chance slip by. “There’s something about you. I can’t seem to walk away. Give me one night to show you just how good things could be with us.”
“My dad told me I needed to be careful when it came to you. I usually try to do what my father says.”
Capturing her gaze with his, he nodded. He knew the words her father said were true. She needed a man who worked a job with regular hours. One who didn’t require bodyguards, special alarms on his house, or who had the blood of so many on his hands. Yes, her father was right to tell her to stay wary of him. But even with that knowledge of the truth, there was no way he could stay away from her.
“But you still want to go out with me,” he nudged. They both knew it was true. His attraction was not a one-way street, and he wouldn’t let her deny it. He saw the way she looked at him.
Stepping closer, he came within inches of her body. While he stood in his impeccable, tailored to fit suit, she was the total opposite of him with her dust and dirt-smudged face and dirty work jeans. Yet, no woman had ever enticed him more. Her natural, soft scent was just noticeable under the smell of oak and cedar.
It took everything in him to not grab her up by the arms and bring her body flush against his. Tristan wanted her to know how she affected him. On the other hand, Camille wasn’t some young groupie he could treat like she wouldn’t matter the next morning.
This had to be done the right way. If he made the wrong move, it could ruin all the plans he’d created over the past few days.
“But…” she smiled up at him. That one word came out in a soft, breathless tone. She wasn’t as immune to him as she wanted him to believe.
“In this situation, I need you to take a chance. Since the day I saw you, I’ve wanted you. My mind is telling me I should leave you alone. Stay away from you. On the other hand, other parts of me are telling me if I don’t do my damnedest to make you mine, I’ll regret it. So will you.”
She didn’t move back from him after that bold statement. If anything, she leaned a bit closer. “Is that a threat?”
“It’s a promise,” he responded.
“And what makes you think I’m interested in you? Maybe I’m already dating someone. Have you ever considered the possibility I’m not available?”
Using one arm, he grabbed her around the waist. Her wood dust coating her clothing no longer a thought in his mind. So fucking what if his suit got dirty? The press of her body against his was worth the dry-cleaning bill. Her soft form against his released something inside him.
“Come on, Camille. You and I both know there’s no one else. You would have told me if there was during one of our phone calls this week.” Looking at her a bit closer, he shook his head. Raising one hand to her face, he rubbed his thumb across her soft cheek. She didn’t flinch or pull away from him. No, his little minx did the exact opposite. Biting her lip, she leaned closer. “Even if there were someone else, he’d be gone after today.”
Her brow scrunched up in a frown, and she pulled back to stare at him. The fire in her eyes turned him on, and his dick pleaded with him to bend her over the desk and make her scream his name.
“A little sure of yourself, aren’t you? You don’t know me that well,” she snarked.
“Don’t try to deny it, Camille. You want me as much as I want you.” Reaching his other hand up, he grabbed her behind the neck. Pulling her even tighter against him, he brought his head down. His lips were within inches of hers. “Tell me you aren’t intrigued? Tell me you don’t want to explore what’s happening between us right now?”
She whimpered, her lips falling open as her breathing increased. His cock pulsed in response. If only she were making that sound as she lay naked beneath him.
“I like my life.” Her whispered words told him she was affected by him as well. He wasn’t alone with his feelings.
“Life with me can be better.”
Her eyes glanced down at his lips as he spoke. Her tongue came out, swiping at her own lips as she held her body close to his. Not once trying to escape his hold.
“I’m a simple woman. My life is calm. Peaceful.”
“Peace and calm can be wonderful things. Personally, I think they’re underrated by the masses. Living a simple life is something I want, too.” Glancing down at her lips, he pulled her a fraction closer. “Kiss me, Camille.”
After a pause, she looked into his eyes, “Why?”
“Because if you don’t kiss me, I’ll be tempted to drag you out of here, drive you to my home, tie you to my bed, and not let you up until I kiss every inch of your beautiful body. I want you screaming my name as I fuck you so hard, your body won’t know how to function without me inside you. When you go to sleep at night, I want to be the person lying next to you. When you wake in the morning, I want your body, mind, and heart craving me. I’m willing to wait for you to catch up, baby. But to do that, I need you to give me one thing.”
Camille’s breathing was harsh. He knew his words affected her deeply. He could feel her hardened nipples as they pressed into his chest. Their bodies were aligned perfectly. When they finally came together, he knew they’d burn hot and bright. But he needed her to give him the opening. Allow him to do this the right way.
“Wh-what is it you need from me?”
Bringing his head down, he brushed his lips over hers. They were soft, feather-light. “Kiss me, sweetheart. Give me a taste of what’s coming. Let me know what I have to look forward to.” His lips curled in a smile as his eyes roamed her face. “Just one kiss to hold me over.”
Indecision showed all over her face. It may have only been a couple seconds, but it fe
lt like years. A soft smile lifted on her lips then she pressed her mouth closer to his.
Heaven.
Tristan took over the kiss as soon as she acquiesced. Grabbing her tighter within his grip, he pressed his tongue against her mouth, breaking the seal as he took the kiss up a notch. This wasn’t going to be some soft kiss between new friends. That’s not what he wanted from her, and he had to make his intentions known.
Grabbing her ass with one hand, he practically lifted her body from the ground as the kiss deepened. Moaning met his ears, and he knew the sound was coming from Camille. Her lower body was flush against his thick cock, and he couldn’t resist jerking his hips against hers. A gasp escaped her lips, her eyes popped open in shock, and then the most amazing thing happened. She moaned again, melting into him as her arms wrapped around his body, her hands splayed across his back.
Fuck yeah, this woman was meant to be his.
CHAPTER 4
Looking at herself in the mirror, Camille couldn’t believe how nervous she was about tonight. She was going on a date with Tristan. So what? He was a man, just like any other. It didn’t matter that when he looked at her with that dark chocolate gaze, her knees got weak. Or that when he’d leaned down to kiss her the other day, all she could think of was tearing her clothes off. And his, for that matter.
Just thinking of him, wondering what the night would bring, had her body heated. She’d always known who he was. From the time she was a teenager, his name had been in the air.
He and his family were talked about in hushed tones. Everyone wondered about them. Are they really the ruthless killers' everyone believed them to be? Did they run the criminal underworld with an iron fist? Were the state politicians’ really in their pockets?
Turning away from the mirror, she questioned again why she was willing to go out with him. No, that was a stupid question. She knew precisely why she’d said yes to his invitation.
Not only was he one of the most handsome men she’d ever come across, something about him called to her. Drew her in, even as she swore to herself that she would pull away. His eyes devoured her. Mouth tantalized her. Voice made her crave for more.
She’d been a goner from the first moment they’d met. She hadn’t felt that type of pull in a very long time. Unfortunately, her last long-term lover hadn’t been able to handle the kind of woman she was. Not many men could.
Sure, she could clean up nice and wear a little black dress with the best of them. Case-in-Point, her body looked damn good in the svelte, knee-length dress and four-inch sapphire blue heels. She’d decided to wear her hair loose and curly along her back. No, her looks had never been the issue, but she wasn’t a vain woman. She’d seen enough of the world to know that beauty was in the eyes of the beholder. Looks faded. It was inevitable.
What mattered to her was hard work, dedication, loyalty, family, and friends. Did she want what her parents had? Of course. Did she think it was going to be easy? Hell no.
Her parents were a different breed. Their entire generation was. To have what they had, she’d have to kiss a few frogs to find her prince.
Not that she was expecting anything from Tristan, other than a nice dinner, and maybe a hot night in bed. There was no way in hell he’d want more than that. From everything she knew about him, he was a confirmed bachelor, a playboy to the max. He had a different beautiful woman on his arm each week. Even after he dumped them, moving on the next lucky lady, they praised him and his prowess in the bedroom. Oh yes, the man had a reputation that preceded him. If she were lucky, she’d get to find out firsthand.
Looking at the clock on the wall, she noted the time and smiled. If she could have one night with the Death Bringer, she’d jump at the chance.
When he’d asked her out, she knew what her decision would set in motion. Being with him would either be an unforgettable moment in time, or she’d regret her decision for the rest of her life. But she couldn’t say no to him.
Her brain told her to walk away, to deny him.
Her body, and her inexplicable desire for him, overruled all reason.
Would she walk away unscathed? Probably not.
Did she care? Not if he was able to deliver the goods the way she hoped.
Touching up her lipstick, she smiled when she heard the doorbell. Right on time.
Looking out the decorative side window near the front door, she saw Tristan waiting for her. Opening the door, she smiled at him as he took in her form from the top of her head to the bottom of her shoes.
“Hi,” she said softly.
“You look beautiful,” he responded. Stepping closer to Camille, he wrapped one arm around her waist. “May I?”
The scent of his cologne mixed with his natural scent washed over her, and she almost sagged in his arms. “Yes,” she gasped.
Lips descending, he captured her mouth in a slow, sensual kiss. His teeth nipped and pulled as he deepened the kiss. Moans filled the air as she felt proof of his arousal against her stomach.
Raising her arms, she grabbed his biceps with her hands, intent on bringing him closer. Pressing him to give her more. One hand trailed down her body, gripping her plump ass in his large hand. The other hand wrapped around the back of her neck, at the nape of her hair, controlling her movements as he continued overwhelming her senses.
Fuck dinner. Camille was ready for dessert.
Just as she was ready to kick off the god-awful heels and invite him to her bedroom, he pulled back. Releasing her lips with a soft peck, Tristan whispered her name. “Camille.”
“Hmmm?” Her eyes remained closed. She didn’t want to let go of this moment. It felt too good. If she stayed right here, she could hold on to this feeling a while longer.
“Look at me, sweetheart.”
Opening her eyes, she stared at his face. Where have you been all my life? She dared not voice that question out loud. He’s not the type of man who’d want something long term with someone like me. Maybe tonight will help me make the leap and really begin to look at dating seriously.
As a plethora of emotion came over his face, shock, mirth, confusion, and something akin to anger, Camille took a step back. Moving her body out of his arms, she was about to ask what was wrong when he spoke instead.
“Why wouldn’t I want something long-term with you?” His voice was calm, but she knew instinctively that he was very interested in her answer.
Wait! “Um, how did you…. Oh, shit. I said that out loud?” Damn, Camille. You and your mouth!
Nodding, he reached out to her, pulling her back toward his large frame. “You did. You also asked where I’d been your whole life.”
Camille dropped her head back, looking at her ceiling. She prayed to God above that she was having a delusion. There was no way she’d said that out loud. Tilting her head up, she looked at him.
He stood there with a smirk on his face, “I’m glad you realize we’ve both been waiting for each other. But I’m still confused about why you think I wouldn’t want something long-term with you.”
Did she really want to go into all the cultural and familial reasons why they’d never work? Him, Italian. Her, African American. Him, next in line to run a criminal enterprise. Her, a goody-two-shoes, tax-paying citizen. Okay, maybe the goody-two-shoes part was a bit too much. But still, the concept was sound.
No, that conversation would be too heavy for a first date. Plus, she still wanted to have her dessert after dinner. And from the feel of Tristan’s thick length pressed against her hip, she would be in for a treat.
Consequences be damned. She wanted him, and she was going to have him. Even if only for one night.
Pasting a smile on her face, she dodged the question. “Well, I must have been caught up in the moment from your kiss. You, Tristan Lucarelli, know how to make a woman feel special.”
Giving her a hard look, he didn’t speak for a few seconds. They both knew she was avoiding the question. He only had to decide if he’d go alo
ng with it. “Yeah, that must have been it.” Releasing her body, he stepped back to put some space between them. “Ready to leave?”
Taking a deep breath, she mentally put on her big girl panties and decided to play with the big boys. “I am. Let me grab my purse and shawl.”
Exiting the house, they walked to the car awaiting them. Tristan’s hand rested on the lower part of her back. Warmth traveled through her, spreading from the spot where his hand rested, to every pleasure point in her body. Looking over at his profile, she couldn’t help but notice the firm set of his jaw, and pursed lips.
His gaze swung from side to side, looking for what, she could only guess. He nodded to a man standing next to a black SUV across the street. She could tell he wasn’t just out for a friendly drive. She remembered that vehicle, and the man, from the other day when Tristan had been picked up at the café.
That helped her remember just who he was. What he was.
Tristan wasn’t some average guy who worked a nine-to-five job in the heart of Capitol Center. He didn’t push numbers all day, then go home to his apartment to watch sports all night. She’d do well to remember this wasn’t someone who went through life unnoticed, without enemies, and without blood on his hands.
Had she become so caught up in her desire for him that she’d forgotten the danger that surrounded him? She’d better remember exactly what the purpose of tonight was supposed to be. Primarily, it was about fulfilling her commitment to go on a date with him. Didn’t matter that she had her own plans for a night of mind-blowing sex. Other than that, those girlish fantasies of having anything more with him needed to disappear into the night air.
Once Tristan helped her into the back seat of the sleek black vehicle, the driver pulled off. He reached over and grabbed her hand. Heat simmered just under the surface. She wanted to continue where they’d left off in the house. Considering how she’d just lectured herself to remember who he was, she knew her brain was overheating from need, desire, and glee that her year-long drought could be over in a matter of hours.