Steam and Ink: Two Novels of Ink Plus Two BONUS Short Stories

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  Did he just fucking say that to my face?

  “Mikey, watch it.”

  “I look at it as another body part to be decorated. Chill the fuck out. I know she’s yours.”

  “As long as we’re clear on that fact.”

  “Crystal.” He stood to leave.

  “Mikey,” I said, stopping him in his tracks. “I wouldn’t trust her in anyone else’s hands. You did well.”

  “Means a lot coming from you, Joe.” He slapped me on the shoulder and gave us a moment alone.

  “You’re not feeling sick are you?” I asked. She looked flushed.

  “Perfect. I thought it would hurt more than it did, though. I want to get the other one done eventually.”

  “It takes a while to heal. You’re still riding the adrenaline high, but you’ll be sore for a long time. Thank fuck you still have one nipple I can touch.”

  “Oh, just touch?” She smirked. I closed the door and locked it. I had time to kill, and Suzy sat before me with her breast exposed and a look of want in her eyes. “What are you doing?” Her eyes twinkled—she knew exactly what I had in mind.

  “We’re going to have a chat about my text you didn’t respond to, and then I’m going to fuck you bent over that chair.”

  I loved her surprised face. “What text?”

  “Look at your phone.” I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for her to read it.

  “You want to move in together?” Her eyes grew wide and her mouth hung open.

  “Yes, sugar. We spend every night together, so why should you have to make a house payment when I have a place of my own?”

  “Don’t take offense, City, but your place isn’t really my taste. The man cave, barren walls, and cottage feel. Can’t do it. You can move in with me, though.”

  “Whatever makes you happy. As long as I have you in my bed and my bike in the garage, I’m a happy man.”

  “So that’s it? We’re doing it?”

  “Oh, we’re doing it. Undress, sugar. You’re not leaving here until I’ve erased any scent my brother left behind and my cock is satisfied.” I started to unzip my pants, and watched her carefully as she began to undress. Her nipple was red and slightly swollen from the piercing, and I’d have to remind myself not to touch it.

  “Grip the headrest, ass out.” I stroked my cock as she kept turning her head to see what I was doing. I liked to make her wait.

  When she turned back around, I smacked her ass, causing her to jump and yelp. “What was that for?”

  “Next time, ask before you change your body forever. I won’t say no, but I’d just like to be clued the fuck in. I would’ve given that nipple a little extra attention before you took it off the market for a couple of months.”

  “Yes, sir.” She smiled and rested her forehead against the leather.

  ***

  Packing up my house didn’t take long. We decided I would move my things during Thanksgiving break. I didn’t put my house up for sale. It was paid off and I didn’t see the need to get rid of it. I loved the land that the small farmhouse sat on. I bought it for that reason, and thought that someday I’d build my dream house on the property.

  I moved my clothes into her spare room. She bought a small drawing table for me to use in the evenings, and I decorated the space with my work and my Harley memorabilia. I didn’t want to invade her space. Moving in together was a giant step, more of a leap of faith.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to put your clothes in my closet?” she asked, leaning against the doorframe in a tiny purple silk nightie.

  “No, sugar. My things are just fine in here.” I unpacked the last box of clothing, sliding them in the dresser drawer that she’d emptied for me. “You need your space, especially your walk-in closet.”

  She sighed as she pushed her body away from the door and walked toward me. “Be patient with me.”

  “Sugar, come here.” Holding out my hand to her, I pulled her in my lap. “Don’t do anything different because I’m here. I’m easy to live with. I don’t require too much. Your body is the only thing I’m impatient about. It’s mine.”

  Her eyes twinkled and her smile widened. “It’s yours, City.”

  “Whenever I want?” I raised my eyebrow, giving her a sly smile.

  “Yes.” She giggled as I grabbed her by the waist, lifting her ass on the dresser. “What are you doing?”

  “Taking what’s mine.” My hands drifted up her legs, spreading them, and raised the nightie to her abdomen.

  The smile fell from her face and all giggles disappeared as I licked her clit. Her body relaxed, resting against the wall, as a small moan escaped her lips. My dick ached to be buried inside her, straining against my track pants. Her breath hitched as I dipped my tongue inside her. The sweetest nectar didn’t compare to the taste of Suzy, and I always wanted more.

  Her legs tightened around my head, as her breathing grew shallow. Her thighs began to tremble underneath my grip. I sucked harder, flicking her clit with my tongue to drive her over the edge. Her hands fisted my hair as she pushed my face deeper, and I growled, relishing in the prickling sensation of her tugging my scalp.

  “Oh, fuck. City,” she screamed as I sucked harder, drawing her entirely in my mouth. Her body twitched, and she shook under my tongue as she came on my face. I could never get enough of her. She gasped for air, swallowing with wide eyes as she looked down at me. The grip on my scalp lightened as she grew limp and her back collapsed against the wall. Her nightie had slipped off her shoulder, exposing her breast and the small silver hoop that I’d been dying to touch, but couldn’t.

  Adjusting my dick as I stood, I kissed her lips, sucking the last bit of air she had into my mouth. “I’ll never get enough of you, sugar.” Our tongues tangled, her juice mixing with her saliva. She drove me wild. The feel of her small hands on my shoulders, gripping toughly, her nails digging into my flesh, made me rock fucking hard.

  “More,” she whispered against my lips.

  “Insatiable.” I pulled her body forward as I opened the top drawer, pulling out a condom.

  I fucked her hard and fast. The wooden dresser slammed against the wall, thumping with each thrust. I prayed it didn’t collapse from the abuse. Her legs rested on my shoulders as I gripped her ankles, pumping inside her. Each thrust forced a moan from her lips. My balls tightened as her pussy clamped down on my shaft. Her eyes drifted closed as I tipped over the edge, spiraling into an orgasm so intense my legs almost gave out.

  My chest heaved as I tried to catch my breath. Her eyes fluttered open, and her cheeks were redder from the second orgasm.

  “That’s how to start a day.”

  “Promise.” She smiled at me, running her hands down my bare chest.

  “I’d fuck you all day, but we wouldn’t get much accomplished, sugar. Your pussy is fucking addictive.”

  “Ha, your cock isn’t so bad either.”

  “You know what your dirty mouth does to me.”

  “No, we have too much to do, big boy.” She pushed against my chest before hopping off the dresser.

  I grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back to me. “I’m not done with you yet, sugar. I own your ass,” I whispered in her ear.

  “I love you,” she said, as her eyes grew wide and she covered her mouth.

  “What did you say?” I tried not to smile, but the corner of my mouth twitched; I was unable to hold back my happiness. As her hand fell from her lips, I gathered her face in my hands to look her in the eyes.

  “I love you, Joey.”

  “Sugar, I love you more than I thought I could ever love another woman. I’ve wanted to say those words to you, but I didn’t want you to freak the fuck out.”

  “I do, City. I love you for everything you are. You’re everything I wanted and the only one I think about. You’ve invaded my heart, and I can’t go another day without saying the words to you.”

  “Say it again,” I said as I brushed my lips against her mouth.

&nbs
p; “I love you.” The whisper of her words on my lips warmed my body and sent a shock through my system.

  Christmas Blessings

  Suzy

  The transition of having someone live with me again had been easier than I thought. After Sophia and Kayden moved out, I didn’t think I would ever allow someone else to live with me. Not because they were such a problem, but because I didn’t think I’d find someone I could get along with. I know I’m not the easiest person in the world, and it’s a fact that I’d always accepted. We talked about moving into a bigger place, but I didn’t think we could afford it. My place was perfectly adequate.

  It had only been a couple of weeks, but it had been wonderful. My house was small, but everything seemed to fit okay—with some adjustment on both our parts. I was thankful that it was Christmas break and that I’d get to spend the holidays with City and his family. My parents decided to go on a Caribbean cruise and leave me behind this year, and my sister had her fiancé’s family to be with. If it weren’t for City and the Gallo family, I’d be the third wheel at Sophia’s apartment.

  City had spent the morning making a special breakfast for us before heading to his parents’ house. He told me that his mother always made panettone French toast every Christmas, and he wanted to treat me to his mother’s recipe. It had been the best Christmas morning since my childhood.

  I still hadn’t mastered cooking, and stuck with the few dishes I could make edible. His mother had shown me some of her techniques and made notecards for me to follow, but it was useless. She would say, “No worries, love, you’ll get the hang of it. It just takes practice.” It was nice of her, but I knew that either you had it or you didn’t—and I clearly didn’t.

  “Ready to go, sugar?” City asked from the bathroom doorway as I finished applying my lipstick. He looked handsome in a black pair of jeans and tight gray sweater. I wanted to unwrap him like a present.

  “Just about, Joey. Do I look all right?” I turned to face him, and watched as his eyes traveled up the length of my body before he stared into my eyes.

  “Always beautiful.” He grabbed my face and kissed my lips, and the familiar want filled my body. I didn’t know if I’d ever lose that feeling with him. I hoped I never did. “No time for what you’re thinking, sugar. We can’t be late today.”

  “I can wait. I’m not a total fiend.” I laughed. “Did you load all the gifts?”

  “Just waiting on you, sugar.”

  “Okay, I’m ready.”

  He held my hand and stroked it with his thumb as he drove. He looked happier than he did when we first met. He didn’t look sad back then, but the happiness didn’t radiate off him. It made me happy to know that I had put it there.

  His parents’ driveway was packed with cars as we parked on the curb. “Looks like a full house.”

  “Sugar, Italians do it big. My mom cooks for an army and invites all the neighbors to dinner.”

  “Oh, that’s nice of her. I didn’t get presents for everyone, though.” A panicky feeling overcame me. I had met his family a couple of times and just started to feel comfortable, and now I’d have to sit in a room full of strangers.

  “We do our gift opening later, after everyone leaves. Stop worrying—everyone loves you as much as I do.”

  City opened the door to a house of people; it looked to be bursting at the seams. His mom came toward the door with a smile on her face. She had on reindeer antlers and a cheery Christmas sweater. She looked like a mom, and one that any child would’ve been lucky to have.

  “Suzy, love, merry Christmas.” She enveloped me in a hug. City cleared his throat, and she chuckled in my ear and ignored him. “I’m so glad you came.”

  “Thanks, Mrs. G. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It smells amazing in here.”

  She held my shoulders and looked at me. “I made all the classic Italian Christmas dishes. Got to fatten you up, my dear.” She rubbed my shoulder and stopped on the bone that sat below the skin.

  “Not too much, Mrs. G, but I’ll have some of everything.”

  “I knew I loved you, and yes, we do. Someday you’ll be carrying my grandbabies.” She smiled at me and made a face at Joey.

  He choked and wrapped his arm around her to pull her off me. “Ma, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

  “Just looking toward the future, Joseph. I want little ones running around. I’m too old not to have at least one. Try and make me happy for next Christmas, will you?”

  “In time, Ma. Just give me a hug and we’ll talk about it another day.” He made eyes at me over her head, and I knew he was embarrassed, but I thought his mom was cute. Her words scared the piss out of me, but it was something nice to think about. I wanted him all to myself as long as possible.

  “Come in and grab something to munch on before dinner’s ready. Joseph, go introduce her to everyone.”

  “Yes, Ma.” He wasn’t always the most patient man, but that changed when he was around his mom. The reverence that was paid to a mom in an Italian family was something to watch. No one fucked with her or went against her word.

  We walked around, and Joey introduced me to the family members that flew from Chicago for a warmer holiday, and the friends of the family. In my family, handshakes were the norm, but here hugs were expected. There was a warmth in the house and love could be felt in the chatter of the guests. I felt at home.

  “Suzy,” Izzy yelled above the crowd, and I could see her hand waving in the air.

  “I’m going to go say hi to your sister. I’ll be back,” I said as I reached up and kissed his cheek.

  He smiled at me with loving blue eyes. “I’ll join you in a minute,” he said before turning his attention back to the neighbor. They were discussing football and the possible Super Bowl teams. Boring didn’t even begin to describe how I felt about the topic.

  Izzy looked amazing, like always. Her long, flowing black hair framed her face perfectly. She had on a skintight dress that hugged her curves and showed off her beauty.

  “Hey, Iz, it’s good to see you.”

  “Merry Christmas, Suzy. I’m so happy you made it. How’s my brother doing?”

  “They’re talking about football. Thank you for rescuing me.” We both laughed and looked over at the two men waving their hands as they spoke.

  “Boys and their sports. Did you guys exchange your gifts yet?” The look on her face told me that she knew what City had bought me, and she couldn’t wait to get my take on the gift.

  “Not yet. Do you know what it is?” I squinted at her. I never liked surprises, and maybe I could get it out of her.

  “Oh, I know, and my lips are sealed, babe. City would be pissed if I spoiled his surprise.”

  A surprise. That means it was something big, and not a frilly dress or casual gift like we’d agreed on. I had purchased clothes and a cross pendant for him, along with new leather riding gloves. He was impossible to buy for, but I threw in some ultra-sexy lingerie that would have to wait until tonight.

  “I hate surprises,” I grumbled.

  “This one you won’t, trust me.” She smiled and giggled, and my heart began to pound in my chest.

  We hadn’t discussed marriage, and I didn’t know what I’d do if he bought me a ring and asked me in front of his family. Breathe—you can do it.

  “Hey, big brother, merry Christmas.” She wrapped her arms around Joey and they whispered in each other’s ears.

  The clinking of glass caused everyone to turn toward the kitchen. His mother stood, her antlers shaking with each stroke of her hand. A hush descended over the crowd as she began to speak. “I want to thank everyone for coming today. It wouldn’t be Christmas without my family and friends. Dinner’s served—feel free to help yourself.”

  “Your mother is really adorable,” I said to Joey as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

  “Yeah, she loves the holidays. Anytime she can get people to eat, she’s a happy woman. Hungry?”

  “I just ate a ton of appetize
rs, but I don’t want her upset so I’ll figure a way to eat more.”

  “Better get used to it, sugar. Food’s the name of the game in this house,” he said as we moved toward the kitchen.

  A line had already formed, and he stroked my back as we waited to grab a plate. Every granite countertop in the expansive kitchen had a dish of some sort filled with food. The woman should’ve opened a restaurant with her culinary skills. Every type of pasta dish, braciole, chicken Parmesan, and meatballs were waiting to be consumed.

  We found an open space on the lanai and chatted with the table guests until we couldn’t eat any more. I kept eyeing the bottles of wine on the table—Gallo Family Vineyard. Gallo was a common Italian name, and I was sure out of pride they chose this label above the rest. I could hardly move. If they celebrated every holiday with this much food, my waistline would be in serious jeopardy.

  The ladies cleaned the kitchen, and I was told under no circumstances was I allowed to help. His mom wanted me enjoy myself, since I was a guest, while she and her sisters did the dirty work. I dozed off on Joey’s shoulder during the chitchat and screaming at the football game on the television, but was woken up for the next round of eating—dessert.

  The guests left a couple of hours later, after coffee was served and the football game ended. After the last person walked out, his mother yelled from the foyer, “Who’s ready for gifts?”

  “Anthony, get your ass in here,” Izzy yelled from the floor.

  His mother sat down next to the tree and waited for everyone to take a seat. “I love you all, but I miss Thomas. I wish he could’ve been here with us this year.” The smile on her face faded as she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. I knew little of Thomas, and he was the only sibling I hadn’t met. “He called this morning and spoke to your father and I. He promises he’ll be here next year.” She cleared her throat. “I’m thankful that Suzy could join us.”

  She pulled a gift from under the tree and held it out to me. “For you,” she said.

  I placed it on my lap and looked around, noticing that all eyes were on me. “What?”