Inked Temptation (Inked Series, #1)

by Maree, Kay

  “Justin!” I call out but he doesn’t say shit, he just keeps on walking.

  “Fuck!” I spit.

  He looked like he was ready to kill someone and I wonder again what the fuck is going on. I should probably go and see if he’s okay, but knowing him, he won’t say shit until he’s ready. I would just be wasting my breath.

  “I better get going,” Ally mumbles breaking into my train of thought.

  The rain which has been threatening all day, begins falling lightly.

  “Let me give you a lift,” I say.

  “It’s okay, I don’t live far away. I’m good to walk.”

  She leans over and grabs her bag off the seat, but I’m not taking no for an answer. I grab her hand and entwine her fingers with mine.

  This time I tell her, “I’ll give you a lift.” Not waiting for an excuse, I head back towards the shop with her hand firmly gripped in mine.

  “Xavier, where are you taking me?”

  “My truck is back at the shop. We’ll grab it then, I’m taking you to dinner.”

  “Um.. excuse me?” She tries to pull her hand free, but I’m not letting go.

  “You need to eat,” I say simply, not giving an inch.

  After a few seconds I feel her hand soften in mine. “Fine, but only because I’m hungry and I don’t feel like two-minute noodles.”

  Laughing, I squeeze her hand, bring it to my lips and brushing a kiss over her knuckles. I love the feeling of having her close to me. When I look down, I don’t miss the smirk which kisses her lips before she turns her face away from me. I feel a slight tremor race through her hand.

  We take our seats at The Dockyard along Honeysuckle. We decided to sit outside so we can take in the view. There is only one fucking view I need, but I’m getting the feeling, Ally likes to be outside. After placing our order and she huffed and puffed about the fact I wouldn’t let her pay, I made sure she was comfortable before taking my seat. I immediately realise, I don’t like the table distance between us so, getting to my feet I move to the same side as Ally and seat myself next to her.

  “What was wrong with the other seat?” She squeals when I reach under her chair and pull it so it’s butted up to mine, there is now no room between us.

  Satisfied I smile at her, not bothering to answer her question.

  “How’s the tattoo?” I ask before taking a sip of my beer.

  She looks at me for a moment, seeming lost in thought before she blushes and turns to look out at the harbour. The sun is low in the sky and I’m thankful for daylight savings as the sun bounces around her.

  “It’s good. Don’t get me wrong, it hurt like a bitch but I love the outcome and I think it might be addictive.” I hear the smile in her voice as she speaks.

  “I know exactly what you mean.” I chuckle and look over all my ink. “If you ever want any more, let me know. I enjoyed popping your cherry.” I finish speaking as she lifts her coke to her mouth and takes a mouthful.

  She chokes on the liquid when I say cherry which has me chuckling. I pat her back to help her catch her breath and after a few minutes she gasps. “What?!” He eyes are wide and I have to bite back a smile as the blush I have come to know and love creeps up her neck.

  “Ink babe. Your Ink cherry.”

  “Right.” She nods but her attention is on her finger as she runs it across the wood grain on the table. Needing her eyes back on mine, I reach over with my free hand and run my fingertips under her chin before lowering them. I start to apologize but can’t get the words out. I’m lost in the depths of her green eyes and the gold hue which surrounds her irises making them sparkle.

  Fuck, being this close to Ally and smelling her sweet apple scent is driving me fucking crazy. I lick my lips and watch her lips part. When I look back to her eyes, they seem brighter, hungrier. I look over the curve of her small nose and note the small smattering of freckles across it. The natural sight turns me on even more. When I return my gaze to her lips, I realise how much closer we are as we lean into each other.

  I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. A quiet moan leaves her and if we hadn’t been so close, I wouldn’t have heard it. She licks her lips again and my control is splintering by the second. Fuck it, I need a taste. As I begin to close the inch between us, the waitress comes over and places our meals on the table.

  Ally jumps back like she just touched fire and got burnt. I can’t help the irritation I feel at the interruption.

  “Fuck,” I growl low.

  Looking towards the waitress, I nod and say a quick, thanks. I don’t miss the way she eyes me up and down. I hear Ally mumble something and she cuts her eyes to the chick who’s still standing and staring at me.

  “Thanks,” I grunt again.

  I hope the waitress gets the message. I’m dismissing the chick and finally, she seems to snap out of whatever fantasy she was living in long enough to nod before walking away.

  “She was cute.” Ally mumbles as she picks up her knife and fork.

  “Not interested. There is only one woman I want and she’s sitting right next to me.” I don’t mean to sound so gruff, but fuck, I’m hard as stone. Having her so close to me and not being able to touch her is pissing me right the fuck off.

  “Xavier....”

  I hold up my hand to stop her from speaking because I have a feeling I know what she is going to say.

  “Sweetness, you could dangle one hundred women in front of me right out of the pages of Playboy and none of them would ever compare to you. You are going to test my patience and control, but I know in the end when I finally crack you open it will be worth it. And trust me when I say, you will be mine.”

  I hold her eyes with mine, not letting her look away. I see the moment she hears the truth in my words and lets out a breath she must have been holding. I wink to break the tension which seems to have fallen around us. I pick up my burger and take a bite before I clear this whole fucking table and take a bite out of her. Eyeing her out of the corner of my eye I watch as she cuts a piece of her chicken schnitzel and takes a mouthful.

  Throughout dinner, the conversation is more laid back. I learn she works at the library down the road from my shop and that’s where she met Cynthia. I tell her about the shop and explain, I don’t really do much else except for hitting the beach with Beau and Justin. I tell her about when my dad used to be a firefighter and how he gave it up when my mum got sick. I watch as she takes all my words onboard and how her eyes glass over when I talk about my mum. My heart does some flip flop shit again. When I ask her about her family, she seems to close down. I don’t push but fuck if I’ll let it go. This is only the first date in the million we are yet to share, I’ll find out sooner or later.

  By the time we finish eating, it’s almost 8 o’clock. The sun has set and I probably should take her home. As if on cue, she places her hand across her mouth and yawns which makes me chuckle. Strands of her hair fall in front of her face with the action. Reaching over, I tuck it behind her ear. Not being able to stop myself, I run the tips of my fingers down the side of her face. My fingertips caress her soft cheek and she gasps. She looks up at me from beneath the veil of her thick lashes and as a shy smile curves her plump lips, I find myself wanting to bite them.

  “We should go.” Her breathing is slightly erratic, almost as if she’s fighting her emotions. After a moment, she pulls back and my hand drops.

  I blow out a deep breath and wait as she gets to her feet. I run my hands down my thighs, willing my cock to settle down. It’s no fucking use. Gritting my teeth, I push to my feet and adjust myself as discreetly as possible before wrapping my arm around her waist. I refuse to allow her to get too far away from me.

  Her body tenses at my touch, but she softens and moulds against my side. I smile, lean over and inhale the sweet scent of her hair as I plant a light kiss to her scalp. I then lead her back to my truck

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Ally

  Leaning my back against the stacks in the libra
ry, I blow out a deep breath. Reaching up, I run my fingers over my lips. They feel like fire ants are marching across them from Xavier’s kiss last night. I swear when I came into work today they were still puffy and tingling. Leaning my head back against the shelves, I close my eyes and recall everything that was said during dinner and when he dropped me home.....

  Xavier’s arm wraps around my waist and I tense at the contact. His fingers trace small circles into my hip and I can’t help melting into his touch. It feels so right and it’s like I’m where I am supposed to be. I resist the urge to close my eyes at the sensation for two reasons - one we’re walking and I don’t want to trip over and two - I still don’t know what this is or even what it means. I have never felt so shy and uncertain in my life and it scares the shit out of me.

  What would happen if I let this man in? I’m not stupid, I know there are no certainties in life, but damn - having this temptation constantly in my face is starting to weaken my resolve to stay away from him. The way he was speaking to me while we were eating, wanting to crack me open so I could be his.... Damn I wish those words didn’t give me goosebumps and I sure as hell didn’t expect the flutter of hope in my heart.

  Coming to a stop at Xavier’s truck, I come out of my head. I feel the weight of Xavier’s hand against my lower back and hate to admit that it feels good. Reaching forward, X opens the door for me and a smile curves my lips at the gesture. I don’t think anyone has ever opened doors or, waited for me to sit before them. It feels nice. I feel special.

  Damn why does everything feel so good with him?

  “Come on, Sweetness, let’s get you home.” X holds the door open and grasps me with his free hand so I don’t fall while trying to get into his truck. The bloody thing is huge but, I like it. It suits him.

  “Thank you.” I smile up at him while fastening my seatbelt. Before he closes the door, he throws another one of his winks at me and a smile curls the side of his lips. Like the last time he smiled at me, I watch a small dimple pop. Even though it’s hard to see through his five o’clock shadow, I know it’s there. I find for the millionth time today that I have to suppress a moan.

  Trying my hardest to stay quiet, I suck my bottom lip into my mouth, look down and pick at my nails. I hear the door being pushed shut and closing my eyes, I take a deep breath in. My body comes alive as his fresh, clean intoxicating scent runs through every cell in my body.

  Shit. Shit. Shit. I need to get it together.

  When he slides into the truck, I open my eyes and stare at his profile.

  “You’re a temptation I shouldn’t want,” I blurt out before slapping a hand over my mouth. I can’t believe I said that out loud.

  Reaching over, he rests his warm hand on my thigh and I swear a tingling sensation sears through my skirt.

  “Sweetness, you are the embodiment of temptation and I can’t wait for you to accept how mine you really are because when you do, we’re going to set the world on fire.”

  I stare at him wide eyed, not sure exactly what to say. Do men actually talk like this or is Xavier a different kind of man who I’ve been completely blinded to. Everything he’s saying should scare the shit out of me or, even piss me off. But it doesn’t, it has the opposite affect and I’m not sure what I should do with that little revelation. I guess I’ll pin it in the corner of my brain to reassess later when I no longer have his smell invading every one of my senses or his deep voice wafting around me, causing my head to spin.

  I glance through the passenger side window to get my bearings before turning back to face front and explain where I live. I’m not sure how I feel about him knowing where I live, but it’s late and I really don’t want to walk. I guess I’ll have to trust that he won’t abuse the power of knowing my address.

  He eases the truck into the curb in front of my building, I release the seatbelt and reach forward to open my door but Xavier is already there. Damn, how the hell does he move so fast? I didn’t even hear him get out of the car. I note the flutter in my heart has returned.

  “Thank you,” I whisper as he takes my hand and helps me to step out onto the path. I think he’ll now let go of my hand, but he doesn’t. Instead, he maneuvers me out of the way, shuts the door and I hear the beep of the locks engage. He turns and guides me to the front door of my building. We pause at the glass entry door. I’m not sure if I should ask him up, but I think better of it. I need distance so I can get my head on straight.

  “Thank you for dinner, it was lovely.” I look up at him through my eyelashes, notice the hungry look in his eyes and my stomach does somersaults.

  Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulls me into his hard chest and I feel every hard ridge of muscle through his singlet shirt. He sucks in a deep breath when my hands land on his shoulders and I flex my fingers. My nails bite into the hard muscle causing him to growl low in his throat, it vibrates straight through me causing my nipples to harden and heat to pool low in my belly.

  Holy shit, what is this man doing to me? His hand cups my jaw, drawing my face up to his. Without thinking, I close my eyes and lean into his touch.

  “So fucking hot,” he growls.

  Opening my eyes to lock with his, I see the moment his control snaps and his lips land on mine. I thought it would be hard, demanding, it’s anything but. It’s agonizingly slow and controlled to the point where I can’t help myself and run my tongue along the seam of his lips, craving a taste.

  He opens his mouth on a growl and runs his tongue along mine. A slow moan escapes this time and it’s like fuel to a fire. I’m pushed up against the concrete wall of my building and X lifts my leg, locking my knee into place by his hip. His other hand grips my hair, tangling his fingers in the strands at the top of my head. In this position, he holds all the control. It should freak me out, but it doesn’t. Instead, I claw at his back, taking everything he wants to give me as he pushes forward. The hard ridge of his cock pushes against my aching clit and I moan again.

  Xavier groans greedily, sucking down every noise I make. After a moment, he pulls back, his breathing heavy. I concentrate on catching my breath as he rests his forehead against mine.

  “Fuck Sweetness, I need to stop. I’m about two seconds away from stripping you bare and taking what’s mine.” His voice is raspy and he breathes in short gasps.

  My mind starts to spin at his words. Licking my lips, I see if I can still taste him and hum at the tingling sensation running through them.

  “Inside now babe, before I change my mind.”

  I nod and he eases my leg back to the ground where I struggle to regain my balance as my legs won’t stop shaking. Shit, he has literally kissed me legless. I always thought that was some fiction crap only written in romance novels.

  Damn.......

  Turning towards the glass door, I grab the keys from my bag. When X’s hand closes over mine, I realise how much I’m shaking.

  “Let me Sweetness” putting the key in the lock he pops the lock and pushes the glass door open handing back my keys he leans down and pecks my lips before spinning me around and giving my ass a slap.

  “See you tomorrow, Sweetness.”

  I nod and take a few steps away. I turn at the sound of his voice and find him slouched against the still open door, lust flashing in his eyes. I grip the banister to the stairs, my entire body feels like it’s melting and if I don’t hang on, I’ll end up a puddle on the damn floor.

  He straightens up and crosses his arms over his chest. “Next time you kiss me like that, babe, I don’t care where we are - I will have your ass naked and bent over the nearest flat surface, feeding my cock into you so hard and fast you’ll be begging for more.”

  The click of the lock on the door echoes around the small entryway as he walks away. I suck in a shaky breath.

  “Holy friggin shit,” I whisper as I watch him through the glass door, heading towards his truck.

  “Ally!”

  I snap out of my memories from last night when I notice Cynthia in fr
ont of me laughing.

  “What?” I turn my face away, knowing I must resemble a tomato. I can feel the heat coming off me in waves from the memories.

  “I’ve been calling your name for the last five minutes,” she huffs playfully.

  “I’m sorry, I was caught up in my head.” I place the book I was holding onto the shelf behind me.

  “I could tell. I wanted to let you know it’s three o’clock and time for lunch. Be warned, when you get back I’m going to insist you give me all the details to whatever has had you drifting in and out of your head today and causing those creamy white cheeks of yours to turn bright red.” Cynthia laughs when I duck my head, feeling embarrassed to be caught out.

  “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” she reassures me.

  I nod, not knowing what to say.

  She smiles and heads back to the desk but not before I notice it’s the forced smile she has been giving me all day. I hate that she feels she needs to hide from me. I guess we all have our stories to tell and when she’s ready, I hope she’ll open up and tell me hers. I hope one day, I’ll feel confident enough to open up to her.

  Sighing, I push the trolley back to the desk and grab my bag, Cynthia is reading some paperwork. She’s barely said anything today and I might not know her very well, but I do know it’s not normal.

  “Do you want me to grab you anything on my way back?”

  Cynthia doesn’t even glance up from the papers in front of her. “No thanks.” She shakes her head.

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah, I’m good thanks.” She still doesn’t look up from what she’s doing.

  “Okay,” I mumble as I throw my bag over my shoulder and head for the door. I’m worried about her but I don’t know what to say. I’m sure if she wanted to talk, she’d say something.

  I’m not paying attention as I push through the door and smack straight into a hard chest. A pair of hands steady me which is lucky, otherwise I would have ended up on my ass.