She burrowed into his chest and held him tight. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. But the fact is, if it wasn’t me and Pierce wasn’t a Ridell you never would have gotten such a stiff sentence. The punishment didn’t fit the crime. I’m not convinced that your useless public defender wasn’t a friend of my father’s. Who recommends a plea on a case like that? Especially in light of my statement.”
He brushed the hair from her cheek and remained silent. A sick look washed over her face as she pushed away from him and sat up.
“Tai? What aren’t you telling me?”
“I don’t know how to tell you this, Chris, but there was no statement.”
“Of course there was a statement. I had to recite it to the policeman twice to make sure he got it all. They made me sign it.”
Tai shook his head, tugging her back to him gently. “I don’t know who that man was, but he wasn’t a police officer. When I was being interrogated, the police told me that no one else backed my story and it would be better if I just confessed to attacking Pierce out of jealousy. I tried to argue for so long, but they wore me down. The public defender swore I’d do less than six months if I pled. My mom and I decided it was the only option, so I did. When the sentence was handed down we were stunned.”
The horror on her face spoke volumes. “This was my father’s doing. I knew it was bad, but I never would have thought he was capable of this. He’s dead to me.”
“Hey, let’s not do this, okay? There’s a lot to digest and I know it hurts. But I’ve been living in the past for so long now. Let’s be selfish, focus on here and now and me and you, just for a little while. We’ve wasted ten years. All I want is to make up for some of that time.”
“Anything you want. The fact that you are even willing to give me another chance after what knowing me has cost you means everything to me.”
He thought carefully before he spoke the words on his tongue, letting loose when he felt the absolute truth of them. “It was worth it. If I had to do it all again to have you with me like this, I would.”
She stared at him for a long moment as tears filled her eyes, then pulled back and punched him in the gut. “I finally stopped crying and then you go and say something unbearably sweet and totally unreasonable like that. I love you so much, Tai.”
She dove on top of him, wrapping her arms and legs around him the best she could while she sobbed against his neck.
He squeezed her tight, reveling in the warm sense of fullness in his chest as his heart settled back into its rightful place. “I love you too, doll.”
She lifted her head and pressed a damp, salty kiss to his mouth. The taste of her tears made everything in his body clench in protest but a moment later, she nipped his lower lip and pulled back.
“Cheer me up,” she demanded with a trembling smile. She bent to him again and kissed him, tongue and all. His body responded instantly, his cock standing at attention.
“Let’s take it into the bedroom this time,” he muttered before rolling her off him and standing. He bent low and scooped her up into his arms.
Her eyes twinkled as the tears dried. She let out a delighted laugh. “Aren’t you the romantic?”
“After last time, it’s the least I can do. I acted like a real asshole.” He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers.
She laid a hand on his cheek. “It’s okay. No more blame, no more guilt. Just be with me.”
“Always.” He strode into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. She was gorgeous in the late-afternoon light and he ran a finger over the neckline of her shirt. “I can’t wait to look at you.”
“You too.”
He set to work on the buttons of her blouse, each one revealing another inch of creamy skin. Her nipples peeked through the white lace of her bra and he bent low to clamp on to one, tugging with his teeth.
“Mmm,” she groaned as she slipped her fingers into his hair, pressing him tighter to her breast. He sucked hard, pulling on the firm peak, until she began to fidget beneath him, wordlessly begging for more. He backed away, unclasping the front of her bra. It fell open, leaving her heaving breasts bare to his gaze.
“Hips up.”
Christa complied and a moment later her pants and underwear were off. A cool rush of air caressed her overheated skin.
“Amazing,” he breathed, his eyes hungrily sweeping her from head to toe. His gaze narrowed on her pussy and he bent at the waist, pressing a firm kiss to her pubic bone. She arched forward helplessly, aching for his mouth.
“Oh don’t worry, doll. There is nothing I want more in the world than my mouth on your pussy. Let me get out of these clothes.”
He straightened and yanked the shirt over his head in one motion. His abs were glorious. “If you keep looking at me like that this is going to go way faster than either of us want it to,” he warned, issuing a pained laugh.
He unbuttoned his fly and slid out of his jeans then stood, buck-naked. His cock stood at attention, thick and long, just begging for her mouth. She rolled to her side and hoisted herself up on her elbow.
“Come closer,” she whispered.
He groaned and took a tentative step toward the bed, just close enough for her to flick the head of his cock with her tongue. She reveled in the warm, musky taste, going back for another long lick.
“Fuck,” he growled, then stepped in, bringing himself more fully into her mouth. She moaned around him, working her throat muscles to suck his swollen cock deeper. He speared his hand into her hair, urging her on. Power and desire pulsed through her, her clit aching with need. She worked him over and over with her lips and tongue until he jerked away. His cock pulsed and quivered as his harsh breathing echoed through the room.
“I want to come in your mouth so bad, but that pussy is calling me. Lay back,” he demanded, closing a hand over his cock and fisting himself as she complied.
“Spread your legs.”
She did. Her nipples grew impossibly tight, the heat of his gaze setting her aflame.
He moved to the foot of the bed, never taking his eyes off her. Leaning forward, he traced a path from her ankles to the inside her thighs, grunting when he connected with her pussy.
“So wet, Jesus, Chris, you’re killing me.” He climbed onto the bed between her legs, positioning his elbows by her hips. For a long moment, he just stared. When he finally dipped his head down and put his mouth to her, she nearly bucked him off but he held her hips captive. He dragged his tongue over her crease, then traced around her clit with just the tip.
“Tai,” she whispered urgently, arching upward.
He growled and he closed his lips over the swollen knot and began rubbing rhythmically with his tongue. She shuddered and her muscles strained as her body hurtled toward release. She threaded her fingers into his hair, willing him to finish it, to make the ache go away. Despite her insistence, he kept the same, slow, gentle rhythm. With a whimper, she writhed, desperate for him to ease the pressure building tight, tighter in her belly.
His hand slid over her hip, down her thigh, then between, teasing her creamy folds. “Yes, yes, yes,” she chanted.
Two fingers nudged her entrance, pausing, then thrusting deep.
Her world became a pinprick and he was the center. Her back bowed at the exquisite invasion even as he closed his lips over her clit for a firm suck that sent her headlong over the edge. She came hard, twisting and grinding against his face as his fingers drove in and out.
Her body was still quivering when she finally came back to earth. Tai rained gentle kisses on her thighs and hips, slipping his fingers from her pussy.
“That was so beautiful. Better than Christmas. That’s how I want to wake you up every morning,” he whispered.
“I’m so into that idea,” she gasped, still reeling.
“But first, roll over. I want to take you from behind.”
The need she’d thought was quenched came back in a rush. She flipped onto her stomach, the feel of his hot gaze encouraging
her to take her time, pose a little for him. She rose onto her knees and leaned forward until she was resting on her elbows. He must have liked the view because he let out a muffled groan. She gave her bottom a wiggle and peered over her shoulder to see his gaze locked on her.
“What are you waiting for?”
He shook his head as if to clear it. “Hell if I know,” he said with a pained smile. He knelt behind her and closed his big, strong hands over her ass. He spread her wide, pressing his thumbs into the delicate tissue between her cheeks, and she moaned.
“That sound is making me nuts. I want to take it slow but I need you so bad right now.” His voice was harsh, as if he’d walked miles in the desert without a sip of water. All she wanted to do was slake his thirst.
“I don’t want it slow. Don’t make me wait, Tai,” she pleaded.
He bit out a curse and then his hands slipped lower, massaging her pussy from behind, spreading her wide. The thick head of his cock probed her slit, up and down, spreading her slick juices around her overheated flesh. Unable to take any more teasing, she flexed back against him, taking him deep. He tipped his hips forward until he was flush against her. For a moment, she forgot to breathe. The fullness was a double-edged sword. It was so sublime she almost wept, but at the same time it was torturous, turning want into a blaze of white-hot need.
“Please,” she panted.
He didn’t answer, choosing to respond with his body. He pulled back then arched forward, filling her again in an erotic slide. He repeated the motion, working in and out in slow, measured thrusts. She clutched the blanket in her hands as he took her higher, luring her closer to the precipice.
“Stop,” she groaned. “I don’t want to come like this. I want to see your face.”
He pulled out and flipped her onto her back in one fluid motion. She was still catching her breath as he slid a knee between her legs and pressed forward until she could feel the insistent length of his cock again. She reached between them and closed her hand over it, marveling at the satiny feel.
“I’m on the edge. Don’t toy with me unless you want a sticky stomach,” he muttered.
She barked out a laugh and pressed him to her entrance. “Maybe later. Right now I want you, Tai Madsen, my man, inside me again.”
He thrust forward, burying his cock deep in one drive. Then he rode her hard. Deep, steady strokes that had her toes curling. He shifted, lifting her legs, until every lunge ground the root of his cock hard against her aching clit. The sensation roared through her, like a train at full speed.
“I’m going to come,” she groaned.
He encouraged her with murmured words, quickening his pace until the wave slammed into her, wrecking her. Her body felt as if it were made of light as the tremors shook her. She dimly heard Tai calling her name.
“That’s it, take it. Fuck, that pussy’s tight.” On a shout, he tumbled after her. His cock pulsed deep inside her and she held on tight as his body quaked above hers.
Pure satisfaction coursed through her as he toppled heavily onto her. His heart beat a rapid tattoo against hers and she smiled.
When they were both able to breathe, he rolled to her side. “Delicious,” she groaned with a satisfied stretch.
He nodded and gave her hip a squeeze. “Let’s take a nap, then head out, okay? I hate to break up the party here, but I want you in my bed tonight. Plus, we need to go put Gigi out of her misery. She’s probably a wreck. What do you say we pack up your stuff and move you onto the Man Bus?”
She pulled back and grinned, tears of happiness threatening. Maybe fate was on her side after all. She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve this second chance, but she was grabbing it with both hands.
“Absolutely. Now that me and Gigi are on board, we’ve got to rename that bus. I’m thinking something feminine like Lily. Or maybe Louise.”
“So not going to happen.” He flipped her on her back and she squealed. As he pressed his mouth to hers, the scent of honeysuckle enveloped him.
Nothing had ever felt so right.
Keep reading for ore steamy goodness by Savannah Skye! The Switch:
Kaitlin Pepper has been crazy about Rick Blade since they were kids. She’s got one more night to make her move before he leaves for med school. If only his cocky, biker brother Mike would give them some space, maybe she’d have a shot…
Michael Blade has always thought of Kitty as the annoying girl next door, but when she mistakes him for his twin and shows up at his house wearing only a trench coat and a shaky smile, he starts to reconsider.
The Switch
Kaitlin Pepper has been crazy about Rick Blade since they were kids. She’s got one more night to make her move before he leaves for med school. If only his cocky, biker brother Mike would give them some space, maybe she’d have a shot…
Michael Blade has always thought of Kitty as the annoying girl next door, but when she mistakes him for his twin and shows up at his house wearing only a trench coat and a shaky smile, he starts to reconsider.
Chapter 1
Kaitlin swallowed the last bite of her bagel and stared at the coffee mug in her hand through gritty eyes before letting out another, long yawn.
Nine AM and she still hadn't gotten her first wind yet. She had a long-ass day of landscape planning to do and it was going to be brutal unless she managed to wake the hell up.
The sound of chipper whistling sailed through the open kitchen window along with the warm breeze. Instead of cheering her, though, the sound made her want to spit nails.
She set the mug down on the granite island hard enough to send the liquid sloshing over the sides and pushed herself off the stool she'd been sitting on.
Enough was enough. She'd kept her lip zipped last Sunday—her only day to sleep in—when he'd decided six AM was the perfect time to mow his grandmother’s lawn. And she hadn't made a peep when he'd kept her up until two AM the week before with what sounded like a frat party over there. But pulling into the driveway on his Harley at three this morning without a single care for people like her who didn't have the luxury of working whenever they felt like the height of selfishness.
If she bit her tongue any harder, she'd chew it clean through.
She stalked toward the door, both barrels locked and loaded. When she’d agreed to house sit for her mother while she took a trip abroad for the holidays, Kaitlin had never imagined she’d wind up living next door to the Blade brothers again. It had been good and bad. Great to see Rick and catch up, and she was excited to work on her grandmother’s home to bring the property back to its former glory, but Michael Blade had finally worked her last nerve. As much as she'd rather spend the rest of the holiday season avoiding him at all costs, she’d had it.
She threw the door open and made her way across the lawn, rounding a fat evergreen wrapped in cheery Christmas lights to find the man in question sitting on his front porch leafing through a pile of mail, still whistling.
The anger that had been bubbling beneath the surface like a witch's brew turned to shock as she took stock of the man before her.
He was dressed in a pair of worn, faded jeans slung low around his lean hips.
And nothing else.
Christ on a cracker, who walked around like that, in December, no less? Granted, it was Southern California and the weather had been unseasonably warm at that, but still...
Her cheeks flamed as she tried to tear her eyes away, to no avail. His body was ridiculous. Wide shoulders, tanned from the sun. Stomach, flat and muscled, even when he was sitting. And those arms, covered in ink and with biceps that didn't even need flexing to show off their good side.
As if suddenly aware of her presence, he stopped his whistling, looked up and locked gazes with her. The words she'd been muttering to herself on the short walk over died on her lips.
Lord, he was handsome. Take a girl’s breath away kind of handsome. His hair was freshly washed, an inky, tousled mess. His face was at once stark and sensual. His cheekbones, tw
o slashes of marble, his jaw square enough to measure by, but a mouth that managed to look both firm and commanding and quick to smile.
His dark, soulful eyes seemed like they could see right through her and sent a sizzle of feminine awareness through her, which only served to irritate her even more.
Obviously, those feelings had nothing to do with him. She didn’t even like him. Her brain was just confusing her attraction to Rick with Michael. Which made sense, since they were nearly identical, besides the ink.
Oh, and except for the fact that Rick was sweet and kind and smart and funny. Unlike Michael, who was currently smirking at her, one eyebrow raised in question.
"Good morning, Kitty. What can I do for you?"
The childhood nickname sent another blast of annoyance through her and she gave him a chilly glare, refusing to remind him for the fifth time in the past few weeks that no one called her that anymore.
"Is that a rhetorical question, or do you really want to know?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
He cocked his head, seeming to consider the question, before giving it a quick shake.
"Nope. You're right. I actually don't want to know." He rolled to his feet and stuffed the mail he'd been holding into his back pocket and gave her a half-hearted salute of dismissal. "Happy Friday."
Arrogant prick.
He'd turned to go, giving her an unimpeded view of his muscled back and making it up two of the porch steps before she found her voice again.
"It might be a happy Friday if you hadn't woken me up at three in the morning with that god-awful monster of a bike. I couldn't fall back to sleep and have been up ever since. Maybe you can try to get home a little earlier during the week when people have to work the next day."
She knew she sounded like a priggish shrew, but somehow he seemed to excel at bringing out that side of her.
Hard Sell: A Bad-Boy, Rock Star Romance Page 51