Tempt Me (The Temptation Duet Book 1)

by Roxy Sloane

  I want more than that. I want everything.

  Bruiser hits me hard again, and I stumble to the ground. I brace myself for the killer series, but he just lets out a snort of disdain and drops his fists. “I’m calling it. Fuck. This isn’t even close.”

  “Come on, hit me!” I’m panting hard, but I refuse to quit.

  “Yeah right. Crushing you’s no fun like this.” Bruiser peels off his gloves. “When you pull your head out of your ass, let me know.”

  He leaves me there in the ring, just as frustrated and angry as before. I want to break something. Boxing is my release. My escape. My way to prove I’m on top. But he’s just taken me apart in two minutes flat because I’m so strung out on some girl that I can’t see straight.

  Goddammit.

  My anger crystalizes in a sharp flash. Didn’t I just say I refuse to quit?

  So don’t.

  Fuck Max Mainwaring and his twisted plans. I’ll come clean to her all on my own before that asshole has a chance. I don’t let anyone stand in the way of what I want, and I’m not about to start now. I want Chloe, and I’m sure as hell going to take her—naked and begging, the way God and nature intended.

  Not just for tonight, either.

  I want this girl for good.

  19.

  CHLOE

  I wish I could fast-forward today straight to winding up back in Jase’s bed again, but there’s still work for me to do: my big open house at the new penthouse listing. It’s the first time I’ve handled something like this on my own, and I don’t want to screw it up.

  “Flowers, check. Leaflets, check. Lights, room freshener, cookies: check.”

  I pace the floor, going over every last detail before the doors open and the first clients arrive. I plump cushions, turn on tasteful music, and say a small prayer to the real estate gods.

  Let me get an offer today!

  I know I shouldn’t be worried, the apartment sells itself, but you can never be too careful. It’s a gorgeous top-floor apartment in the hottest neighborhood in town, with amazing views of the river and a kitchen to die for. Some lucky person is going to be very happy here. I dream of living in a place like this one day, but right now, it’s about seven figures out of my price range.

  Although, if I manage to get it into contract, I’ll get a commission that would clear my credit card debt, and maybe let me trade my subway pass for a beat-up old car.

  A girl can dream.

  Right on the stroke of 2:00 p.m., the buzzer goes. I take a nervous breath and go open the door. “Welcome to Mercer Heights—” I start.

  Marcie swans in. “You could use more signs out front,” she says, looking around. “And in the lobby, too.”

  “Marcie.” I try to smile. “Thanks for stopping by.”

  “This is an important listing,” she says, still scanning the room. “I need to make sure you’re not letting down the company name.”

  Gee, thanks.

  I wait for more criticism, but she pauses. “Hmm, looks good.”

  Faint praise, but I’ll take it. There’s no time to answer before the first prospective buyers start flooding off the elevator and streaming into the lobby.

  “Welcome, hi, great to meet you.” It’s a whirlwind of activity that doesn’t let up for an hour. I do my best to show everyone around and meet all the agents, but luckily, everyone seems to love the place.

  “Which way to the cookies?” Jase’s voice makes me startle. I turn, surprised to find him standing in the entry—and looking way too good in a smart button-down and pants.

  “Jase!” My stomach curls just to see him. “Hey, I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “And miss your big day?” Jase smiles. His voice lowers. “You know, when I see you in that skirt, it makes me want to bend you over and spank that sweet ass.”

  I flush and back away, checking if anyone heard him. But we’re alone—the latest set of buyers off with Marcie in the next room. “Jase . . .”

  “What, am I making you blush?” He grins, wicked. “You weren’t blushing this morning with my cock drilling eight inches deep.”

  Damn, he makes me hot. “I’m working,” I warn him, but I can’t help but grin.

  “So why don’t you show me around?” Jase suggests.

  “You want to see the place?” I ask. “Sure. Through here’s the living room—”

  “Nah,” Jase stops me. “I want to see the more . . . private places. Which room has a lock on the door so I can fuck you right now?”

  I gulp. He can’t be serious. But when I look in his eyes, Jase has a dangerously sexy glint. I bite my lip. I shouldn’t. Not here.

  But damn, I want to.

  I feel a naughty thrill. “We can’t. I have clients . . .”

  “So I’ll just have to fuck you quickly.” Jase says it casually, his voice low. Marcie glances through the doorway, but to her, it looks like I’m just chatting with a client. “And you’ll just have to keep quiet. Do you think you can do that?” he asks, challenging me. “Keep that pretty mouth shut while I’m fucking you senseless?”

  Oh my God.

  Before I can say a word, Jase grabs my hand and yanks me towards the storage closet, just off the hall. Holy shit, he’s really doing this. Luckily, nobody’s there to see as he drags me inside after him, the door closing behind us with a click.

  “That’s better,” Jase murmurs, pushing me back into a shelf of cleaning supplies. “God, I’ve been waiting to touch you all fucking day long.”

  He kisses me hard, his hands already all over my body. I can feel him rigid against me, his cock pressing hungrily into my hip. I don’t hold back. I don’t know what’s come over me, but there’s a need coiled tight inside me, and it only wants one thing.

  Him. Now. Inside me.

  I fumble with his belt and yank down his pants. Fuck, he’s commando—nothing to stop his cock leaping at my touch. I close my fist around him and he groans. “Fuck, Chloe.”

  He yanks my skirt up, then spins me around. God, he doesn’t even take my panties off, just shoves them to the side as he bends me over a stack of boxes. I gasp, surprised—and turned on like crazy at his rough touch.

  “This is how you want it, baby.” Jase nudges my legs wider, sliding one hand down between my thighs to stroke my swollen clit. “Every inch, isn’t that right?”

  “Yes,” I gasp, and hear him chuckle.

  Jase positions himself behind me, then fuck, he’s sliding in. Deep. Hard.

  Oh God, he feels so good. I moan, loving the feel of him.

  “Shh,” he cautions me. “You don’t want anyone to hear. Or maybe you do,” he murmurs, bending over me and pistoning in again. “Maybe you want them to open that door and find you like this: begging for more with my cock pounding deep in that juicy cunt.”

  I have to bite my lip to keep from moaning out loud. He’s right—there are people just a few feet away. I can hear them in the hallway, so close, and it only makes me hotter.

  I thrust back, needing more. “That’s right, darlin’.” Jase fills me up, stretching me to the limits. I can feel him, the thick, surging force of his cock. “You were made to take my cock. Any way I want it, every time I choose. You can’t fight it anymore. This pussy is mine now. Mine.”

  He fucks me deeper, faster with every stroke. It’s all I can do to grip the boxes and hang on for dear life as the heat builds inside. Tighter. Hotter. I can’t help but whimper, and then Jase’s hand is over my mouth, gagging me into silence as he fucks me hard. Riding me, relentless.

  “The neighborhood couldn’t be better.”

  Oh my God, there are voices right outside the door! I freeze, trying to pull away, but Jase keeps me pinned in place. He thrusts into me again, so good I moan into his hand. Fuck!

  “Everything’s upgraded.” I hear Marcie’s voice. “Top of the line, perfect finishes.”

  Jase chuckles. “How about that, baby?” he whispers in my ear. “Are you ready for your perfect finish.”

&
nbsp; He slows his pace, teasing, and I strain against him. I can’t believe it, but I’m close. The illicit thrill of knowing they’re all just a few feet away . . . it’s intoxicating. Dirty as hell.

  “More,” I gasp softly. “Fuck me harder.”

  “That’s my filthy girl.” Jase grips my hips and pounds into me, invading every inch, and God, I can’t hold back. Pleasure shatters through me and I come, biting back a scream. I feel Jase shudder, and then he collapses on me, breathing heavily.

  Wow.

  Holy shit.

  Jase then lifts himself away. He smooths my panties back, and tugs my skirt down. “There you go,” he murmurs. “Good as new.”

  Good? I feel better than ever. My heart is racing, and my body is still flooded with pleasure. “I can’t believe we just did that.” I straighten, unsteady.

  “Believe it, baby.” Jase lands a kiss on my forehead. “And there’s more where that came from. Much more. I’ve got plans for this ass tonight.”

  I shiver with happy anticipation. “I really need to get back to work,” I whisper. “Marcie will be on the warpath if she can’t find me.”

  “OK, you go first.” Jase gives me a slap on the ass, then cracks the door. He looks out. “All clear.”

  I slip out. The hall is empty, and I quickly check my reflection in the mirror to straighten up my clothes. My cheeks are flushed, but thankfully, there’s nothing to say I’ve just been fucked senseless in the closet.

  It’s our dirty little secret.

  I head into the living area, and I’m immediately accosted by Marcie. “Chloe! God, where have you been?”

  “I was just—”

  “Never mind. You can’t leave clients alone like this. You need to be selling! And where’s your fiancé? I haven’t seen any of the Mainwarings or their friends.”

  “No . . .” I gulp. “Actually, I haven’t—”

  “Miss Archer?”

  I turn. Jase is walking in, somehow looking impeccable despite the fact I can still feel the imprint of his cock. “Yes, hi,” I answer, feeling my cheeks flush under his teasing gaze.

  “Can I help you?” Marcie interrupts with a syrupy grin. She pushes in front of me. “Please excuse my assistant here. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about my listing.”

  Her listing?

  My mouth drops open, but Jase just sends me a wink. “Actually, Miss Archer has been very helpful,” he says. “She gave me a thorough tour.”

  “That’s great.” Marcie is thrown. “Well, just let me know if you need anything.”

  “No, I’m good.” Jase looks around. “I’ll take it.”

  What?

  “I . . . wonderful!” Marcie exclaims, shocked. “I’ll submit your offer to the sellers immediately.”

  “No need.” Jase looks past her. “Chloe here is taking care of everything for me. She’s the one who convinced me to get it.”

  “Oh.” Marcie looks at me, and for the first time, I swear she looks impressed. “Great job. Can I ask what made your mind up?” she asks Jase.

  He smirks. “I’ve looked at a lot of places, but I guess this just feels right. Great storage,” he adds with a wink.

  I wait until Marcie’s gone. “You shouldn’t have said that,” I tell him. “I know you only wanted to help, but she’ll be pissed when the contract doesn’t go through.”

  “Who says it won’t go through?”

  “But . . . you can’t be serious?” I frown. “This place costs the earth.”

  “And I told you, I have the budget.” Jase seems amused by my reaction. My head spins.

  “I know, but . . . this is a big deal.”

  “Why not? You like it here, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I mean. But . . .”

  “So, I’ll fuck you in every room.” Jase grins, then kisses me. “Are we on for tonight?” he asks, changing the subject like it’s nothing at all. “There’s something I want to talk about.”

  “Yes. I have dinner plans with Amanda, but I can come over after?”

  “Perfect.” Jase smiles. “I’ll see you then.”

  20.

  CHLOE

  I finish closing up the open house and head home. I still can’t believe Jase is making an offer, but we started the paperwork, and there’s no going back now. Whatever business he’s in, clearly it’s booming.

  I realize again how little I know about him. Our relationship has been all about the physical side of things so far, and we haven’t had a chance to get to know each other yet, but I’m hoping there’s more time to talk, starting tonight.

  Talk, and have more incredible sex.

  I shower and change. Amanda texts that she’s on her way, so I put on my favorite dress and pin my hair up. I’m in the mood to celebrate, and I’ve got my commission to spend.

  There’s a knock at the door. “Did you forget your keys again?” I call, going to let Amanda in. But it’s not my roommate outside waiting.

  It’s Max.

  I gulp. Damn. I knew I would have to talk to him again, I just wanted more time to prepare. “Hi,” I say, nervous. “How was your trip?”

  “Like you give a shit.”

  I take a step back, surprised by the scorn in his tone. I expected he might be hurt by the breakup, but Max is sneering at me with a look I’ve never seen before.

  “I’m sorry,” I say, staying calm. He deserves an explanation from me. “I wanted to do this in person, but you were out of town. Do you want to come in?”

  “Sure, why not?”

  I stand aside, and Max saunters into the room. “You’re all dressed up,” he remarks. “Hot date?”

  I blush. “Just dinner with a friend.”

  “Uh huh.” There’s sarcasm there, and I pause.

  “I didn’t cheat on you,” I tell him, regretful. “I’m sorry how everything went down, but I swear, I didn’t go behind your back.”

  “Oh yeah?” Max smirks. “Not even with Jase Banner?”

  I freeze. “How do you know . . .?”

  “About your British friend?” he snorts. “How do you think? I hired him.”

  “What?” I stare at him, confused. Max laughs.

  “God, you really are a dumb bitch. Banner’s a private investigator. I hired him to get the dirt on you so I could break things off. And then when that didn’t pan out, I paid him extra to fuck you. Thanks for being such an easy lay.” He winks. “Maybe if you’d given it up that easy with me, I would have let you stick around.”

  I shake my head. This doesn’t make any sense. “I don’t understand,” I whisper, my heart aching. “You know Jase?”

  Max smirks. “Sorry, darling. Your new lover is a cheap whore, just like you. He was happy to take my money and spread your legs.”

  His words cut through me like ice.

  “No. I don’t believe you.” My voice trembles.

  “Believe it.” He takes a file from his jacket and throws it down. It spills open, revealing pages of information and surveillance photos of me. I flip through in horror. It’s all there: my work, routine, everything.

  All with J. Banner Investigations at the top of every page.

  And just like that, it makes sense. The way Jase appeared in my life out of nowhere—and why he wouldn’t just let me go the first time I turned him down. He couldn’t walk away, not when he was getting paid to win me over.

  Humiliation floods through me. This was a setup? All along, he was lying to me. Playing me. Laughing as I surrendered to his sick games and turned my life upside down—for him.

  “Why?” I ask Max, pleading. “I don’t understand. Why would you do this to me?”

  Max shrugs. “I changed my mind about getting hitched, and I needed the rock back. Thanks for dropping it off, by the way. It’s good to have it back in family hands.”

  I can’t believe how cold he’s being. All those sweet things he said to me, he never meant a word.

  “Get out,” I tell him, on the edge of tears.

  “A
ww, was it something I said?” Max smirks at me, and I wonder how I ever found that smile attractive. Who is this man standing in front of me? I don’t recognize him at all.

  But I thought I knew Jase, too. And look how wrong I was.

  “Get out!” I yell, louder, trying desperately to keep the tears back. “You got what you came here for. Now leave me alone!”

  Max smirks. “You would have been lucky to have me,” he says. “Enjoy your whore, you deserve each other.” He turns and stalks out.

  I gulp for air, but I can’t hold back the tears. Jase lied to me. They both did. But somehow, Jase’s betrayal cuts so much deeper.

  I thought our connection was real. But every time he touched me, every time he kissed me—it was all a lie.

  I rush to my bedroom and grab a bag. I don’t know what I’m doing, or where I’ll go, I just know, I have to get away. Sobbing, I throw clothes into the case, then grab my keys to leave.

  Suddenly, my phone buzzes. Jase is calling, right now. Just the sight of his name on the caller ID cuts me to my core. I still want him so badly, it makes me ache. Imagining his hands on my body and the way he feels, thrusting deep inside.

  I want him.

  But you can’t trust a single word he says.

  I pause, agonizing. It feels like I’m torn in two. The phone keeps ringing, and even though my heart is broken, every instinct in my body is telling me to pick up. Don’t throw this away. There has to be some kind of explanation.

  But all the explanation I need is in that file. He betrayed me.

  And I still want him.

  What am I supposed to do now?

  TO BE CONTINUED . . .

  What will Chloe decide? And will Jase find a way to win her back?

  The sexy, seductive duet comes to a close in TEASE ME (THE TEMPTATION: BOOK 2). Order now!

  Want more of Roxy’s alpha heroes and sexy, page-turning reads? Check out the SUBMISSION SERIES – available now!