Temptations: A Limited Edition Contemporary Romance Collection

by Blue Saffire

  “It was great, I typed the end!” I gush.

  My exclamation is met by a chorus of cheers. Parker holds up both his hands for Isaac and I to give him five. Isaac slaps his hand, before doing a little dance in his seat.

  “Go, Mommy,” he sings. “We have to get you gold stars like I get when I do good at daycare.”

  I roll my lips and nod my head at him. He is too adorable. He looks to Parker for confirmation and beams when he receives a sage nod of approval.

  “We’ll have to do something special this week while I wait on edits,” I smile at him.

  “First, you have to eat what we made you,” he replies excitedly.

  I look down at the bowl in front of me. It looks great. The sauce is not too runny and not so thick it looks like mashed potatoes. Everyone thinks they can make curry, but not many have a clue.

  I peek out of the corner of my eyes to see Parker peering at me through his glasses. Just to be snarky, I reach for the cornbread first. Breaking off a piece, I pop it in my mouth.

  The flavors that burst in my mouth take me on a journey through my childhood. Church dinners, barbecues, celebration dinners, they all flood my senses. I moan, sagging into myself. All I need is a warm fuzzy blanket and I’d be thrown back in time, when Mama would make me soup and cornbread to make me feel better.

  “I think she likes it,” I hear Isaac whisper, causing me to realize I’ve closed my eyes and gone into my own world.

  “Amazing, you must have made it,” I tease.

  “Nope, it was all Uncle Parker. I helped stir the curry chicken and poured the coconut milk in the rice and peas. You have to taste it too,” Isaac says anxiously.

  I quickly lift my spoon and dig in. I take my first bite and it’s delicious. The right note of everything. My mouth salivates for more even as I chew.

  “I think we impressed her, Buddy. You won that ice cream,” Parker chuckles.

  “I told you we would,” my son says with his chest puffed up.

  “I couldn’t have done it without you,” Parker reaches to ruffle Isaac’s curls.

  “Ice cream will be my treat,” I chime in.

  They both cheer, bringing me to a fit of laughter. It’s then that I notice the stress is gone. I haven’t felt it since last night. I think Parker might be good for us. Yet another reason I’ll have to handle Toni sooner rather than later.

  18

  Lakia

  I’ve been on cloud nine for the last two weeks, but today is hitting me so hard. While others are out having fun at barbecues, this day brings me so much pain. I was flooded with memories of my brother from the time I woke up.

  I didn’t think a simple holiday would dredge up so much hurt. I can still recall the laughter in my brother’s voice the last time we talked. He’d been teasing me about my lack of adult life.

  Myles knew I loved to spend time with my books. I can get lost in them for days. When it’s not my books, it’s my son. I rarely go out. I never bothered to date, I just don’t have time for it.

  I remember Myles’ promise that day. He laughed his butt off when I told him I spent my twenty-eighth birthday at Chuck E. Cheese’s with my son. It took almost two full minutes for him to calm down.

  “Sis, when your big bro gets home, he’s going to teach you how to have a life. I’m going to drag Parker’s ass to Texas and we’re going to show you how to live. You had a kid, Kia. You didn’t die,” he chuckled.

  Another tear slips free as I play the conversation in my head again and again. I know today must be hard on Mama. She came for Isaac last night, but it dawned on me this morning that she did it as a distraction. I should have known when she kept going on and on about the plans she had for them.

  I’m glad my son can give her the reprieve she needs. I’ve found my way into a bottle of wine. Okay, I may have found myself in the bottom of a few bottles. They have been my solace in the midst of my hurt.

  I’ve picked up my phone to text Parker a hundred times, but I’ve cut myself off from sending a drunken text each time. I’m still focused enough not to want to embarrass myself. Although, it stings that I haven’t heard from him today.

  I look out of the window from my perch on the bench seat. The lights are all off in my house, I haven’t moved since the sun went down. However, I can see the lights are on in Parker’s place.

  “What are you doing in there?” I wonder aloud.

  I blow out a breath, no longer wanting to be alone—and I mean that in so many ways. Decision made, I get up to stumble to my room to freshen up. I change out of my jean shorts and tank top, into a strapless sundress. I look in the mirror and start to feel a little self-conscious.

  Before Isaac, I was a slim thick chick. Over the years, I’ve become more curvy thick, with some extra cushion. I don’t mind. Although Toni has made comments before about me letting myself go. I frown at that thought and stick my tongue out at my reflection.

  I love every inch of me and the next man to have the privilege of all of this, will do the same or he can kick rocks right along with Toni. I giggle at my thoughts sounding more like Dean than me. Her sassy New Yorker vibe tends to wear off on others.

  I brush my hair back into a ponytail, letting my twist out, and create a bushy bun on top of my head. Parker has seen it all. I don’t have anything to hide from him. I grin when that thought enters my mind.

  Forgetting everything else, I move quickly to get up to Parker’s apartment. I don’t stop to think about what I’m doing. I’m knocking at the front door before I know it.

  When he doesn’t answer right away, I knit my brows and turn to see his truck is in the driveway. My heart sinks, I never thought about him already having company. I mean, we’ve never discussed being exclusive or anything like that. I guess I’ve just been assuming, with the amount of time he spends with me and my son.

  I drop my head and turn to leave. Before I can get in two steps to lead me away, a large arm snakes around my waist, pulling me back into a warm firm body. I exhale and sag into the warmth of him.

  “Darlin’, I’m more fucked up than usual today,” his voice gruffly greets my ear. “I started not to open up, but I think I need you.”

  I can smell the alcohol on his breath. I guess I’m not the only one that found comfort in a bottle today. I turn in his arms; his eyes are red and his glasses are nowhere in sight.

  He’s still the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. I push my fingers through the front of his hair. He captures my palm, pressing his lips to it. My eyes flutter closed while my entire body starts to hum. The butterflies in my belly lift off into a wild frenzy.

  I feel more than see when he wraps his arms around my waist, tugging me into the apartment with him. The door closes behind me, just before my back meets hard with the mahogany. My eyes flutter open to find him staring down at me.

  “I hope your brother can forgive me for this,” he murmurs, just before his lips lock to mine in a searing kiss.

  I feel my heart open up to him and pour out all my secrets in just a single kiss. My toes curl in my sandals. My panties are soaked to the point of ruin. I’m crazed for this man, I crave him with everything I am.

  I know it’s clear we are both aching inside, but I won’t be stopping to point that out. We need each other. I want to get lost in him for a few hours, or days if I could. I want to be the one to help him with the demons I know are riding his back.

  I know he wants the same as I feel his hands everywhere, as if he hasn’t decided where he wants to touch more. My breasts ache for his touch. I almost cry out with joy when he tugs down the top of my dress and strapless bra in one swift motion.

  My breasts bounce free, Parker has broken the kiss to watch the action. His big hands rise to cup my mounds, pinching my hardened nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. I shiver and whimper at the sweet torture.

  My heart races and my throat becomes dry when I see the lust and hunger in his eyes. I reach to push the dress the rest of the way down, but he grasp
s my hands and shakes his head. Releasing one hand, he lifts my chin with his fingertips. “I’ve wanted to undress you for so long. Let me savor this.”

  I nod, reaching for his belt instead. His lips return to the sweet torture he’s creating, as he sips from my lips. I manage to tug his belt free and unzip his pants, while releasing moans of anticipation and pleasure.

  Parker’s lips move to my neck as his hands slowly skim over my skin, pushing my dress from my body. He leisurely squats down in front of me, hooking his fingers into my panties, peeling them from my body.

  I shyly rub my thighs together, as I shift beneath his hot gaze. I can feel my slickness coat my legs. Parker uses his hand to pry my limbs open at the juncture encasing my secret place. I convulse when his hot hand brushes my folds.

  I open for him, spreading my legs. Parker surprises me. In a quick move, he spins, placing his back to the door, sitting on his backside, and grasping the front of my thighs. Gently, he moves me forward. A hand slides around to the back of my thigh, gliding up over my butt cheek, then carefully bending me over at the waist. My ass is now fully in his face.

  “Parker,” I cry out, when his tongue takes a slow trip through my juices.

  I clasp the backs of my calves, peeking up at him through my own legs. His hooded eyes peer down at me. It’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. He opens his mouth wider and begins to really feast on me.

  I relax my body and start to slow wine on his face. I dance to the rhythm he has set with his fingers, tongue, and lips. He plucks my body to the perfect crescendo, sending me gushing all over his face.

  My legs weaken, my hands grasp his thighs beneath me. His arm bands around me, bringing me down into his lap. I feel him press against my folds and start to rock on instinct. I can feel his heat searing through his boxers.

  I catch my breath, while he kisses my neck and kneads my breasts. His hand clasps beneath my chin turning my face to his. He thoroughly devours my face just like he did my pussy. I nearly come again from the kiss alone.

  I can taste myself on his lips and tongue. He makes sure of it, leaving no corner of my mouth untouched. He searches my cavern with precision.

  I want nothing more than to remove the fabric separating us and ride him until I can’t anymore, but my inner freak has other plans. She feels challenged by Parker, and who am I to tell her not to claim what’s hers.

  I break away from the kiss, reaching to free him from his boxers. He lifts his hips to help me push them down and away. That’s when I feel his body stiffen. It’s as if he’s just realizing what he’s done.

  I understand right away. His left leg has scar tissue running up the side and along some of the front. The man I’ve seen as perfect from the first time I laid eyes on him in the flesh, is actually flawed.

  My mind goes into overdrive. As hot as it gets in Texas, Parker always has on a long sleeve shirt. If he rolls up his sleeves, it’s never on the left side, only on the right. I’ve never seen him in shorts.

  My heart aches. I get the feeling this all came from that last mission he was on with my brother. I dip my head to kiss the scarred flesh. I know in my heart that he earned them, while trying to keep my big brother safe.

  Tears try to spill over, but I fight them back. I continue to kiss a trail back up to his thigh. He starts to relax with each kiss.

  I think I surprise Parker this time. I lift my body, while staying bent in half. Almost the same position I was in when he devoured my core. I use my legs and arms to support me as I walk up the wall behind him, positioning my face over his shaft.

  “Fuck, Baby,” Parker hisses into my folds.

  I lower my mouth onto him the same time his arms collapse around my waist and his face buries into my weeping center. I take on the challenge of Parker’s thick hardness. He has a nice length and girth. I want to giggle out loud when I think of how pissed Toni would be to know he’s totally been out done—and that’s saying a lot.

  Instead of allowing those foolish thoughts to distract me, I bob like my life is counting on it. I soak his dick with each pass, slurping and licking. I get bold and deep throat him a couple of times. Gagging, but too crazed with lust to care. He tastes so good, I want to suck the flavor off of him. I know, it shows when he throws his head back and groans, his arms tightening around me.

  “Shit, Lakia, I’ve never…ah, fuck,” he growls.

  I bet he’s never and never will again from anyone but me. I suck his dick like I own it. Even when my arms fail me and start to tremble, I keep going. I can feel him about to come in my mouth, but Parker flips the tables on me once again.

  He slaps my ass, hard. His erection pops free of my mouth, as I yelp. It happens so fast, one minute I’m straddling him, ass up, face down, sucking away. The next minute he’s driving into me in one deliciously rough thrust.

  I cry out, my back bowing, sending my breasts thrusting forward with a bounce. Feeling him inside me takes this all to a new level. They say to be careful what you ask for.

  19

  Parker

  I’ve been having a pity party for one all day. It started with me drowning in memories of my fallen brothers. Then, my vision started to go in and out. Hours began to go by and I couldn’t remember how so much time went by.

  I wanted to go to Lakia hours ago, but I kept getting in my own way. Forgetting what I planned to do or not being able to see clearly. I still haven’t told her about the extent of my disabilities. I haven’t figured out how. I hate talking about it all out loud.

  However, when she didn’t run from me screaming after seeing my scars, I wanted nothing more than to claim her completely. She’s mine, whether she knows it already or not. I have no questions about it.

  I can still feel my spine tingling from her sucking my cock, like it’s a prize-winner sucker at a fair. I was ready to come, but I needed to get inside of her, to feel her in every way. I just didn’t know that meant entering her would be allowing her into my soul.

  From the moment I slid into her wet warmth, I could feel the connection. Even now as I guide her hips over mine and pump up into her, I feel the stirring in my chest. I reach a hand up for her ponytail, tugging her head back.

  My eyes search her face. She’s stunning, riding my cock with a look of pure ecstasy in her cola brown orbs. Her lips are parted, allowing her sweet breath to fan back into my face. I inhale her, driven by the need to taste her wine flavored mouth.

  “You’re mine,” I hiss out, thrusting up harder and harder.

  “Yes,” she whimpers, rocking me to the core.

  My fingers bite into her hair and her hip. I can feel her dripping in between my legs. My balls are soaked with her essence. I lick my lips to search out the flavor that came from that same pussy that’s drenching me. I groan when I find it. No longer able to hold back, I take her full swollen lips.

  She cries my name into my mouth, but I swallow it. Needing more, I release her hair and shift our bodies until she’s on all fours. Never once do I break our connection. My eyes remain on her ass jiggling around my stiff shaft. Her cries become louder, calling to something deep inside me.

  “You like that,” I bite out. “You’re going to come for me again.”

  It’s a command not a question. I plow through the rippling sensation her pussy is creating around my pulsing length. The foyer fills with her cries, and the slapping of my hips against her thick round ass. I splay my palm over her belly, feeling that fleshy skin.

  “So damn sexy,” I groan.

  I roar with pleasure. I love a woman with curves and a real body I can hold onto. Thoughts of filling her belly hit me hard. A child made from love.

  You love her.

  Yes, I do. I think I’ve known that for a while now. This is just another way for me to express it. I pound into her from behind, as if each stroke can drill my love into her. When I feel her tense up, ready to explode all over me, I can’t hold back any longer. Her first gush forces my seed from my body right into hers.

&
nbsp; “Don’t move,” I breathe heavily. “I’ll get us to the bedroom as soon as I catch my breath. Don’t move an inch.”

  “Wasn’t planning on it, soldier,” she whispers sleepily.

  20

  Lakia

  “It was a routine sweep. One minute we were all laughing and joking around, the next bullets were flying everywhere. Redding was with me after the first blast. He took a bullet to the leg, but we were together. It was the second blast that sent everything to complete shit.

  “I was so amped I didn’t know I was on fire. I was trying my best to locate your brother,” he pauses to swallow hard. “Can’t remember much else. Just waking up in the hospital, charred and fucked up in the head.”

  I close my eyes as the tears flow. I’ve been wanting so badly to know what happened out there. I wanted to know what my brother’s last moments were like, but now that I know, it hurts so much more.

  I bury my face into Parker’s chest. His arms tighten around me. We’re both silent at first, while I try to smother my sobs. I sob for Myles and for Parker. I still think he’s holding back some, when it comes to the extent of his injuries.

  So much is making sense. There are times when I’ve noticed him start to limp out of the blue. This man beneath me is so strong. He’s been through so much, but acts as if he’s not struggling with not only his recovery, but the losses he took that day.

  “Baby,” he says tightly, stroking my hair. “Maybe you should go back to your place. I’ll come by tomorrow.”

  I lift my head to look down at him. I know my disappointment registers on my face. I thought we formed a bond tonight. I had no idea he would toss me out after. Rejection starts to form into rage. I open my mouth to tell him off, but the smirk on his face gives me pause.

  “I love the way your eyes light up when you’re pissed. It’s like a bomb about to go off,” he chuckles, lifting to take my mouth in a deep kiss. When he breaks the kiss, he runs his thumb over my lips. “I wasn’t tossing you out of my bed. I was giving you an out. I’m not much good company at the moment. You’re welcome to stay with me as long as you like if you can handle it.”