"So let’s just get ready over at my house. I'm sure Mom and Aunt Patty will be so happy to meet you all." Sarah swung her sacks into the back of the car.
"Sounds good. We'll just follow you over." Pan tossed her bags in the back and hopped in the front seat.
As much as she hated going out, she hated even more that her sister loved every minute. And then it got ten times worse when she cranked up the stereo.
Thankfully, the ride wasn't that long. When they pulled in front of a cute little bungalow, Iris wasn't really sure what to think. It wasn't anything like she expected. Everything about Sarah just seemed so larger than life. She almost expected it to be bright pink with neon flashing lights. Not the very normal house they had pulled up to.
Pretty white flowers raced along the sidewalk. The house itself was white with a light yellow trim. Everything about it was storybook. Was there a witch inside who would try and bake them?
A plump middle age women greeted them at the door. Wisps of mousy brown hair fell into her eyes, and she tried to tame the tresses.
"Hello, dear. You're mother isn't home yet, but Jake should be bringing her home soon." She glanced at Iris and Pan with an open smile.
"That's great," Sarah said as she stepped through the door. "These are my friends Pan and Iris. We're going to get ready for tonight together."
"Sounds like fun. Just go on upstairs and make yourself at home."
"Nice to meet you and thank you for opening your home to us." Iris thrust her hand out.
Patty reached out and patted her cheek. "Good heavens, this one sure is wound tight." She gave a wink to Sarah. "You are very welcome, hun. I have a feeling you could use a night out."
Pan burst out laughing. "I like you."
Patty shifted her sharp gaze to Pan. "Ah, a kindred spirit. Word of advice, don't bury yourself too far in that shell."
Pan froze where she stood, clearly shocked.
"Well now, on that note, let's go get ready," Sarah said and led the way up the stairs to her room. “Kay, let’s get started.”
Iris grabbed her clothes and headed for the bathroom. Once inside, she leaned on the sink.
“What am I doing?” she whispered.
She struggled with her role in life. For so long, she had been the one to take care of Pan. Her uncle had been a perfectly nice man, but someone who lives by themselves for seventy years doesn’t suddenly become a man that deals with family crap. But she was just happy to have a place to go. It had been a worry that they might have to go to a foster home or worse, be split up. Having to live with Uncle Byron was the easiest solution.
The two had learned the ropes at the shop and tried to stay out of trouble. Maybe Pan a little less but regardless, there had never been any law involved, and she had at least graduated high school. Iris, on the other hand, well, just didn’t do much of anything. Most of her time was spent studying or in the shop.
She sighed. There was no way she was equipped to take on Luc. The man seeped testosterone out of every pore. Not to mention all the issues. She just couldn’t understand why he would even go through all the surgeries or why he would even think he needed to. The scar wasn’t him. The event that caused the scar certainly was a part of him, but the scar was just the physical proof of his service to his country. Her heart twisted at the cruel way he was rejected.
She traced on her face the line of his scar and shivered when she pictured touching him. It had been nice. Not that she had many experiences to compare it to but, well, it had been way more than nice. Before he jerked away, she had been so very close to seeing stars. Something nibbled at the back of her mind. What had she been doing just before he went running? Her hand stopped mid-trace. She had touched the scar.
Iris stared at her reflection. He had rejected her before she could reject him. The sensitivity from the scar must have reminded him of everything Victoria said.
The smile that broke out on her face couldn’t be mistaken. Luc liked her. Liked her enough that he felt he had to distance himself from her. Her heart raced at the thought.
For once, she was caught up in something, and she’d be damned if she let him slip away. Luc was about to meet his match.
Iris quickly put on the matching bra and panties set she had bought, zipped the leather skirt and slipped on the blouse. She did a little turn in the mirror and liked the result, but her hair and makeup were all wrong. Too much stern librarian, not enough va va va voom.
The girls were startled when Iris burst through the bathroom door.
“If I’m doing this, I’m going to need some help with my hair and make-up.” The other two stared in shock. She furrowed her brow. “I want him putty in my hands.”
“I’ll be damned.” Sarah popped up off the bed, already dressed and ready to go. “Well, we’ve got some work to do.”
***
“Well now, don’t you all look…” Sarah’s mother searched for the right words. “Exciting.”
“Exciting, yup, that’s about right, isn’t it, Iris?” Sarah giggled as Iris glared daggers at her.
Jake coughed at their exchange.
She had to admit, though, they were pretty exciting. Not quite all the way biker but close enough. And hot enough to melt ice-cream in Antarctica. They had decided on a smoky eye shadow that gave her these great “bedroom eyes,” as Pan had called them. The deep ruby lipstick seemed to stand out, but she liked it. The outfit and make-up made her feel sexy and that was something.
They had tried several things with her hair. Pan insisted that it be down since Iris typically had it pulled back. In the end, they had left it down in long, loose twisted waves. It did have a certain just rolled out of bed look, but Iris wondered if it would be too hot at the bar, so she had secretly slipped a hair-tie in her purse.
“We had better shove off. Still have some things to set up before the band gets in.” Jake stepped in front of Iris and looked right at her. “Yup, he is in a world of trouble.” Then turned and walked out.
“Pan and I will follow,” Iris said. “Thanks again for letting us get changed here, and it was wonderful to meet you both.” Iris beamed at Sarah’s mother and aunt.
“You too, honey, and any time.” Sarah’s mother waved them off. Iris felt a twinge of longing. This was something they missed with their own mother.
She climbed into the car and shut out those thoughts. Tonight was about fun, and she fully intended to have some.
***
Luc could spot her a mile away. Wasn’t hard with the way she was dressed. It nearly caused him to fall over when the outline of her breasts was silhouetted by the spotlight at the back of the bar.
He groaned and felt his dick get stiff. It was bad enough he’d been fighting a hard-on for most of the day just remembering their earlier encounter, but then he had to see her like this. Like she was begging him to take her home and do all the things he had been thinking about.
Luc sighed. He just had to make it a few hours without jumping her or being an ass. This was something he could do. Just wasn’t really sure how he was going to manage. At least the place was packed, so he could get lost.
“Luc!”
Fuck. He turned to see Jake waving at him from the table.
Luc walked like he was on his way for a root canal.
“What the hell took you so long?” Jake pushed back a chair with his foot.
“Guy brought in a bike last minute and threw a fit about it not being done first thing in the morning.” He slumped in the chair.
“Well that doesn’t seem right.” Iris’s sweet voice forced him to look up. Irritation marred her lovely face. He wanted to apologize for his behavior in the morning, but there was no way he would with everyone around.
“Yeah, it’s not. Guy just got the bike and broke it because he doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing. Of course, try telling him that.” Luc ran a hand though his hair and stopped when he caught her eying his hand.
This just wasn’t what he had been expecting.
Anger, hurt, loathing, anything but the desire he saw burning in her.
“Another round!” Pan slapped the shots on the table in front of the girls along with lemon and salt.
“’Kay, but this is seriously the last one.” Iris scrunched up her nose.
Luc leaned over to Jake. “How many have they had?”
“Not near enough, lover boy.” Pan gave him a pointed wink.
Great, they all knew. Luc gripped the table a little tighter.
Jake held up four fingers. Damn, the girls were more than just a little buzzed.
The band had taken the stage and started to strum some very loud rifts.
He didn’t know what Sarah considered biker music, but he’d always considered that to be The Stones. This band was not the Stones.
When he turned back to tell this to Jack, he became entranced with the sight of Iris licking her hand. Deep in concentration, she sprinkled the salt and held the lemon in that same hand. She bent to lick the salt and looked directly at him as she did. He squirmed in his seat to create more room in his pants. Beads of sweat rolled down the side of his neck. Iris kept his attention as she downed the shot and popped the lemon in.
Watching her all night was going to be hell. Quickly, he turned his attention back to the stage.
“Yowza!” Sarah’s voice could just barely be heard over the racket on stage. “I say we get our butts up and do some dancing.” She started to slide off Jake’s lap, but he pulled her in to whisper something in her ear. When she leaned into him and whispered back, a frown spread on his face. She had obviously won that debate.
The other two quickly rose and walked to the floor.
That was when he saw it. A barely there skirt, miles of bare legs and four-inch heels.
“What the hell is she wearing?” Luc shot up out of his chair.
“She’s wearing a skirt and tank. What the hell are you doing looking at my woman?” The twinkle of amusement was not lost on Luc.
“Not her. She just…they just can’t go out there like that.” He started to follow when he felt Jake grip his arm.
“They will be fine. Anyone fucks with them and not only will Pan beat the shit out of them, but you and I will get seconds on that.”
Luc slammed into the chair. Just what the hell did she think she was doing?
Iris loved it. The music sucked, and she wasn’t too keen on all the smelly men, but the look on Luc’s face was priceless. If she could get him that pissed, maybe there was a chance.
Pan and Sarah danced around her but always tried to keep a view of the table. The two seems to be having entirely too much fun watching the vein in Luc’s neck pop out every time Pan and Sarah put their hands on Iris. To them, it was just fun dancing, but she could see he was clearly in pain. She kept goading him with her eyes, hoping he would come out and slid his hands on her, but no such luck.
Then there were two left dancing. Iris spotted Pan as she made her way across the floor to Emilio. She couldn’t help but laugh. Pan was persistent if she was anything. Who knew, maybe tonight would be the night.
Suddenly, she felt a new pair of hands on her waist, a pair of very male hands that didn’t feel the need to just stay on her hips. She squirmed to see who it was. He was a nice enough looking guy, but not who she wanted. She glanced over to the table, but Luc was nowhere to be found. Iris wiggled away and waved off the man as she slipped toward the bathroom.
No, that was not what she had expected. He seemed okay, but he was not Luc. She freshened up her make-up and ran a paper towel along her neck.
It was a good thing she had decided to bring her hair tie. Might not look the best, but it was better than being a sticky mess. Instead of her usual tight pull-back, Iris left the front loose, with little wisps of hair framing her face.
She smiled at her reflection. The result kept the soft sexy look she had wanted.
When she came out, she was surprised to find Mr. Grabby hands.
"Thought you might like to dance some more." He gave her a large, toothy grin. The small hallway leading to the bathroom suddenly seemed a million miles long and narrow.
"Oh well, I wasn't really planning to—"
"We were just getting ready to leave." Luc stalked up the narrow hall, his frame dwarfing the already small space.
"Night." The toothy man tipped his head toward her and slunk past Luc.
They both watched him disappear around the corner. Luc turned and eyed Iris. His eyes narrowed and before she knew what was happening, she was being directed toward the back.
"Where are we—"
Luc whirled her around and pressed into her, his soft lips seeking out entrance to her tender mouth. He licked the seam and Iris moaned. Luc took advantage and plunged in. Both of his hands tangled in her hair as he angled for a better kiss.
Iris placed her hands firmly planted between then, caressing the firm planes of his chest. She slid them down and felt his muscles contract from the touch. The ridges of his stomach caused her to shiver. Once again, her hands were on the move. This time she didn't stop until both hands met the bare skin of his neck.
Franticly, his hands roamed her body until he reached the skin on the back of her thigh. He gruffly yanked her thigh up to his hip and pressed against her.
Iris moaned and rocked against the hard length. He felt amazing. She knew this was getting a little out of hand, but she be damned if she stopped now. After spending the day in a state of frustration, she was going to find release before he decided to back away again.
Luc placed a hand on the wall behind her to steady himself. If she kept grinding on him like that, he was going to come before he even got the chance to taste her sweet pussy.
Nudging her back a bit, Luc cupped her mound over her panties. He stared at her as she threw her head back and hitched her leg up higher. Meticulously, he worked his fingers over the silky thin material. When she started bucking to meet his strokes, he moved his hand away. Iris flicked her eyes open and gave a huff of frustration.
Luc chuckled at the display but turned to a groan as he slipped his hand under the material only to meet bare skin. Iris stared him in the eye, as he flicked his finger over her clit.
She gasped as the feeling coursed through her. Her eyes when wide when he slid one long finger into her wet opening. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against his. Warm puffs of air mingled between them and increased as he started to work in and out of her. Iris leaned forward and drew him into a searing kiss. She nipped and licked his bottom lip, encouraging him to go faster.
Luc pressed her firmly into the wall as he increased his pace.
Iris broke the kiss and placed her head on his shoulder and turned her mouth to his ear.
“Luc,” she groaned.
When he added a second finger, she was panting. Between the feel of her and erotic sound of her breathing in his ear, Luc didn’t know if he’d be able to stop once she found release.
He faltered when he felt her tentative hand pull at his zipper and slip inside.
“Oh God, Iris.” He couldn’t stop the words as she released him from his jeans and started to stroke him. When he sped up, she did as well. In unison, they were drawing the other to the edge of release.
Iris loved the weight of him in her hand. The thick vein at the bottom pulsed like it was close to releasing all over, and the thought of this excited her to no end. She loved that this was for her. When she brushed her thumb over the slit, Luc returned by brushing his thumb across her clit. Both surged forward, moving at a frenzied pace to meet their pending orgasms.
Iris was the first to fall, clenching his fingers inside her. When the waves had settled, she pulled him in for another kiss and stroked him with long, firm strokes. As the first jets of his come hit her hand, Iris slid her other hand up and gently ran a finger along the scar. He stilled his kiss but groaned when another stream shot out of him.
Worn physically and emotionally, Luc slid his fingers out of her and tucked himself away. He nearl
y chocked when he saw her slide her panties down and slip them in her purse.
When she caught him looking, she shrugged. “They were soaked.”
“See, this is the problem,” Luc growled.
“Oh?” Iris crossed her arms in front and pushed her perky nipples into plain sight. “And what problem would that be?”
“You know what you do to men. Don’t play innocent.” Luc paced back and forth in front of her like a caged animal. “You come in with your see-through top, almost nothing skirt, showing so much leg that a man has trouble not imagining them wrapped around his waist. And then you top it off with the soft hair and four-inch heels.”
“And this is a bad thing?”
“Yes! Don’t you know what you’re inviting in dressed like that?” Luc stopped in front of her.
“What I’m…?” Iris couldn’t even think she was so flipping mad. “Let’s get something straight. If I want to dress sexy, then I’ll do exactly that.” She poked him in the chest. “This is un-fucking believable! For once, I wanted to feel amazing. Wanted to catch someone’s eye…” She looked at him. “Your eye,” she continued. “I just don’t get you. Once second you are giving me the best orgasm I’ve ever had, and the next you make me feel like trash.” Iris stooped to pick up her purse she had dropped. “You know what, fuck this and fuck you. When you decided to grow a pair and act like an adult, I’d love to continue this but until then, I’m done.”
Luc watched as she swept out of the back.
Chapter Five
Iris stormed over to the table where Sarah sat in Jake’s lap, whispering in his ear.
“Have you seen my sister?” she shouted over the music.
Both shook their heads.
“Damn it.” She slammed her purse on the table.
“What’s going on?” Sarah stared at her with worry.
“I’m just…” She sighed. “I just need to go home.” Her voice shook with pent-up emotion.
“Oh, honey, what happened?”
“We just—”
Holding On (Road House Series) Page 3