Broken Wings (The Broken Series Book 3)

by Ruff, K. S.

  Rafael sank his fork into the dessert. “A Saudi prince. He has his own bodyguards, but he wanted to add someone to his security detail who knows DC. I would have assigned somebody else, but he insisted on me.” A grin spread across Rafael’s face as a mischievous look sparked in his eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ve still got you covered.”

  I peered at him over the top of my coffee cup. “What do you mean you have me covered?”

  He reached for his coffee and relaxed back into his chair. “I have two other security guards assigned to watch over you while I work this assignment. I’m going to take a wild guess that this doesn’t sit well with you, but I’m not convinced that the people who are after Michael won’t still come after you.”

  I narrowed my eyes as I lowered the coffee cup. “These men won’t be sneaking into my house?”

  Rafael shook his head. “Not unless they have good cause and clear it with me first.”

  Our waiters arrived with yet another dessert. This time they came bearing dark chocolate mousse.

  I took a bite of the rich chocolate mousse and sighed contentedly. The mousse was heavenly, perfect when chased by the smoky notes in the coffee. “Well, if I have to choose, I’d rather have people watching over me than have a repeat performance of what happened in the water fountain.” I shuddered, remembering the crazed look on the man’s face as he tried to drown me.

  Rafael rubbed his warm hand up and down my arm. “Me too,” he whispered as he kissed the top of my head.

  I felt like another change in topic was in order. “There’s another question I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

  “Hmm?” Rafael responded as he ate a bite of the chocolate mousse.

  My eyes narrowed as I studied his face. “Did you send me roses on Valentine’s Day?”

  A smile spread slowly across his face. “Yes. I had them delivered to your school.”

  I reflected on the note he had written and never signed…

  If only the world would stop moving long enough for me to capture you in my arms. I would chase all the pain away and heal your broken heart. What I wouldn’t pay for the world to stop, for you to finally know you are my heart’s greatest desire. I would make you mine, Kristine, and never let you go.

  My breath caught as his eyes met mine. “Does this mean the world has stopped?” I whispered breathlessly.

  Rafael lowered his lips until they were nearly touching mine. “Not yet, love, but I think it’s at least moving in the right direction.”

  He captured my lips as the air rushed from my lungs. My eyes slid closed as I breathed him in. I melted into the chocolate and coffee laced kiss.

  Rafael groaned. “We need to leave. Now.” He nodded toward the waiter, who promptly brought the check.

  I looked longingly at the unfinished dessert.

  “I’ll feed you the rest in bed,” he whispered playfully. He handed a credit card to the waiter, then added, “We would like to take our dessert home.”

  My entire body clenched at the thought of Rafael feeding me dessert in bed. “Um, as nice as that sounds, I have a job interview in the morning.”

  Rafael slid the keys to his car toward me before signing the receipt. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re so exhausted you sleep through the night.”

  I shook my head. “I can’t drive your car. I’ve had too much wine. Can I have a rain check?”

  Rafael laughed as he pulled me to my feet. “You can have a rain check on the Ferrari but not on the rest of the night. Now, let’s go home so I can show you the proper way to eat chocolate mousse.”

  Rafael made me hold the dessert as he drove back home. I tried not to panic as my mind played an endless reel of erotic images involving the dessert. Rafael didn’t say a word as he pulled into his garage. He took the dessert when he helped me out of the car. Then he made me walk in front of him as we made our way upstairs.

  The stairs led into a kitchen that looked nearly identical to mine. I didn’t see much of anything else because Rafael picked me up and threw me over his shoulder as we entered the house.

  I squealed. “Put me down, Rafael! I can walk.”

  Rafael continued hauling me toward a second flight of stairs. “Nope. You’re too nervous. You’ll run. You’ll probably run the wrong way, and I’m not taking the chance that you’ll end up breaking something… like your neck.”

  “But it’s our first date,” I whined.

  “Wrong again. Our first date was at the café.”

  I stopped wiggling. “It was?”

  “It was… and you’ve known me for nearly a year now… and we’ve already had sex. Care to drum up any more excuses?”

  “I’m allergic to chocolate?” I offered half-heartedly.

  Rafael laughed. “You are not allergic to chocolate, and I’m about to prove it to you.” He threw me on his bed before setting the dessert on the nightstand.

  I stared totally transfixed as he slid his jacket off, unbuttoned his shirt and pants, and let his clothes fall to the floor. His muscular frame tipped the scales from breathtaking to completely intimidating.

  His eyes held mine as he slowly stalked me on the bed. “You should leave these on,” he said as he eyed my red heels, “but this is coming off.” Rafael slid his hands up my dress, inching it up slowly until he pulled it over my head. He eyed my black lace bra and thong. “These go too.”

  My bra had a clasp in the front, which Rafael insisted on opening with his teeth. He eased my thong over my heels. Then he reached for the dessert.

  I tried scrambling out of bed.

  Rafael laughed as he caught me by the leg and dragged me back over the dark gray comforter. “I’m not about to miss dessert, Kristine.”

  This time he straddled me, effectively pinning me in place.

  My eyes widened as he scooped the dessert out of the white cardboard box. I yelped as he smeared the cold mousse over my breasts.

  He set the box back on the nightstand and linked his hands in mine. He pinned my hands over my head as his tongue swiped through the mousse.

  “Oh, God!” I gasped as his warm tongue cut through the mousse and glided across my chilled skin.

  Rafael carved a figure eight through the mousse with his finger. Then he brought his finger to my lips. His mouth latched on to my breast as I took his finger in my mouth. I couldn’t help but moan. His warm mouth on my breast, the taste of the chocolate, his finger teasing my tongue, and the feel of his body hardening against mine made my entire body hum.

  Rafael licked every last bit of mousse from my chest before scooping up another handful and smearing it between my legs.

  I bolted upright. “Rafael! You cannot be serious!”

  He grunted irritably as he pushed me back down.

  I lost all ability to speak as began lapping up the mousse that was now drizzling between my legs. Pleasure pulsed through me with every swipe of his tongue. I was on the verge of begging him to take me when he suddenly stopped.

  He climbed up my body until his lips met mine in another chocolate infused kiss. “Your turn,” he said with a wicked grin. He handed me the box before he rolled onto his back.

  I stared at him for three or four heartbeats. He looked entirely too smug as he tucked his hands behind his head. I shook my head and laughed as I climbed on top of him. I couldn’t wait to wipe that smug look off his face. I slathered the mousse over his chest, then slowly licked it off while admiring the deep lines that defined his pecs. Rafael’s eyes slid closed as I twirled my tongue around his hardened nipples. I scraped my teeth over each one, then sucked. I smiled as the smug look slid from his face.

  I scooped more mousse from the box, filled his belly button, and slowly lapped it up. I was completely enthralled by the hard lines that formed his abs when his stomach clenched. I smeared the remaining mousse along his hardened shaft. I knelt between his legs and licked every last bit of mousse off before pulling him inside my mouth.

  Rafael moaned. “All right… that’s enough.” He
flipped me over and immediately pinned me beneath him. His lips met mine in a dominating kiss before he rose to his knees. He placed both of my ankles on either side of his broad shoulders. He caressed my calves as he licked and nipped at my ankles.

  I was surprised to see my heels were still on… my glossy red heels and the red, black, and silver beaded bracelet with the thick black bow.

  Rafael’s eyes met mine as his hands ran up and down my thighs. I gasped as he lifted my hips and buried himself inside of me. I gripped the comforter and tried to breathe through the pain. He slowly pulled back, then thrust a little deeper. His hands slid down my legs. He nudged my hips a little higher, then caressed my breasts as he began to rock deep inside of me. “Let go, Kristine. Just relax into the bed.”

  I slowly released the breath I’d been holding. I forced my legs to relax as I relinquished my hold on the comforter. The pain disappeared as soon as I let go. I ran my hands up Rafael’s well-muscled arms and shoulders before releasing his hair from the leather band. His hair tickled my breasts as he leaned down to kiss me.

  He bent my knees against my chest. My entire body clenched, then trembled with desire. He slowly released my legs. My eyes fell closed as he drove into me in long, slow strokes. He pressed his lips to my ear. “That’s it, baby. Don’t think, just feel.”

  He held my face in his hands as he traced my lips with the tip of his tongue. Then he delved deep inside my mouth. He claimed every crevice. Stole every breath. He nibbled at my chin, then all along my jaw line before scraping his teeth down the side of my neck.

  My back arched when he consumed my breast in long, hard pulls. He maintained a slow, seductive pace as he latched onto the other breast. I moaned, now mindless with need. I clamped my legs around his hips and pulled him into me, desperate for release. “Rafael,” I pleaded. “I need… more.”

  Rafael’s eyes held mine as he tucked his hands under my shoulders. He pulled me into his body as he slammed deep inside of me. I cried out as the first wave of pleasure rolled through me. My entire body shook, just on the edge of release. He pulled back and thrust with unconscionable force. We both screamed. Every muscle in his body pulsed as he filled me. The searing heat drove me over the edge. The orgasm bent me back and pulled me from his arms.

  Rafael remained buried deep inside of me as he rolled over and settled me on top of his chest. We were both still trying to catch our breath. I smiled as I nestled into his warm body. “That was hands down the best dessert I’ve ever had.”

  Rafael’s laughter vibrated deep inside of me, making my body clench. I slid my knees over his hips as I sat up. I braced my hands against his chest as I rocked against him. His eyes darkened with desire.

  My eyes slid closed as I savored the feel of him inside of me. Rafael’s hands took control of my hips. I reached for his thighs and let my head fall back as I relinquished control.

  Chapter 3 – Not over you

  A soft caress pulled me from sleep. “Hey, my beautiful angel, it’s time to wake up.”

  I grudgingly opened my eyes. The room was dark. I was still naked and draped over the top of Rafael’s body. “No,” I groaned.

  He chuckled as he ran his fingers through my hair. “I have a prince to guard, and you have a job interview, remember?”

  I propped my chin on his chest so I could peer into his eyes. “Can’t we just stay like this forever?”

  Rafael rolled me underneath him. He nudged my legs open as he fit his hips to mine. “I would much prefer we stay like this.”

  My body surged to life as he pushed just inside of me. “I don’t know,” I teased. “I think you need to go a little bit deeper if we’re going to stay like this for all eternity.”

  Rafael’s hair formed a curtain around our faces as he lowered his lips to mine. “Hmm. I think you may be right.” He pushed just a little bit deeper. “How’s this?” he murmured against my lips.

  “More,” I breathed. I tried to pull him in as I wrapped my arms and legs around him.

  His tongue skipped teasingly along my lips as he eased inside of me a tiny bit more. “Does this work for you?”

  “No. This is not working for me,” I complained irritably.

  Rafael laughed.

  My eyes widened. “Oh! Now that works for me.”

  He collapsed on top of me and laughed even harder. It was one of those deep, rich belly laughs, the kind you hear when people don’t hold back.

  His laughter warmed every part of my body as it rolled through me. I stared at him in amazement. His laugh was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard. I ran my fingers through his hair. “I love your laugh,” I whispered.

  His face grew serious as he looked into my eyes. “I love you, Kristine Stone.”

  My heart stumbled against my chest. I pulled at the nape of his neck until his lips met mine. Then I poured every last hope I had into a kiss.

  Rafael reached for my hands. He linked our fingers together as he pinned my hands above my head. He pushed deep inside of me as he took control of the kiss. He thrust inside of me with long, determined strokes.

  I knew he was trying to make sure I wouldn’t forget him over the next three days. I didn’t want to forget, so I wrapped my legs around him and welcomed every blow. We were slick with sweat by the time he pushed us both over the edge, to that place where our bodies pulse in time. We rode out the waves, then collapsed in each other’s arms.

  I lingered in bed while Rafael took a shower. I knew if I followed him in there, we’d both miss our appointments. I stretched out and let my mind drift aimlessly, lulled half in and half out of sleep by the sound of the shower. The falling water sounded like a soft summer rain. I felt relaxed, oddly content, and something else… something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

  A smile spread across my face as Rafael began to whistle. He sounded happy. Maybe that’s what I was feeling. Happy. I had been struggling with sadness and grief for so long, I wasn’t sure I knew what happy felt like anymore. Sure, there had been fleeting moments, like during the Great Urban Race, but that hadn’t felt like this. This I could feel deep inside my bones. My smile widened. I slipped out of bed and poked my head inside the bathroom door.

  Rafael was just reaching for a towel. “Do you want me to keep the shower running for you?”

  I smiled as I made my way toward the shower. “Sure.”

  He grabbed my arm and pulled me in for a passionate kiss. “I’m going to run over to your place to get you some clean clothes, so you don’t have to wear your dress back home. What should I grab?”

  I backed into the shower. “Yoga clothes. Second drawer on the right.”

  Rafael towel dried his hair before tying the towel around his waist. “You got it.” He sprayed some deodorant on and ran a comb through his hair before disappearing into the bedroom.

  He returned a few minutes later, fully dressed and carrying my clothes. He gave me a quick kiss on the lips, but he backed out of reach when I tried to pull him into the shower.

  I tried pouting.

  He laughed. “I wish I could take you up on that offer, but I have to go. Good luck with your job interview this morning. I brewed a pot of coffee. There’s cereal, yogurt, and power bars in the kitchen if you’d like something to eat. If you have time, check out the gym. It’s at the end of the hall. You’re welcome to come over and work out while I’m gone. I slipped a key onto your keychain already. It’s blue.”

  I smiled, then blew him a kiss. “Thanks! Good luck with the prince. Stay safe. I’ll be thinking of you.”

  Rafael grinned as he lingered just inside the door. “And I’ll be thinking of you… just like this… hair wet… soap streaming down your breasts. You know I’ll be having mad fantasies about taking you in that shower. You’ve got a rain check on the car… I’m taking a rain check on this.”

  I pinned my legs together and groaned. Now I was going to be having mad fantasies about the shower and the car.

  Rafael winked, then disappeared from si
ght.

  I quickly finished washing and conditioning my hair. I rinsed off, toweled off, then tugged on the yoga clothes. Rafael’s bedroom still smelled like chocolate mousse, so I pulled the comforter and sheets from the bed. I separated the duvet from the comforter and shoved it inside the washing machine with the sheets. Conveniently enough, his washer and dryer were located in the same spot as mine.

  I rifled through the linen closet, searching for a fresh set of sheets so I could make the bed for Rafael. I went to check out the gym when I finished making the bed.

  The gym held a couple of benches, punching bags in all shapes and sizes, and a ton of free weights. A large black mat lie in the center of the floor. The walls were painted charcoal gray, except for the one that was completely covered in mirrors. I took one look at the mirror and promptly added the weight room to my list of fantasies.

  The color scheme for Rafael’s bedroom was black, gray, and red. I wandered through the rest of the house to see what it looked like. The guy clearly favored black. All of his leather furniture was black. His dining room table and chairs were also black. His coffee table and end tables were chrome and glass. He had a minimalist approach to his décor. His only artwork appeared to be black and white photographs.

  I eyed the new key on my key chain and suddenly realized I didn’t know how to set his alarm. I shot a quick text off to Rafael. Is your alarm the same as mine? Do I need to set it before I go?

  Rafael quickly called me back. “You have your own security code on my alarm. It’s the name of the café where we first had coffee together. You can set and disarm the alarm with that code. I can also set the alarm remotely if you don’t want to hassle with it. Just text me when you’re coming and going, so I know when to activate and disable it.”

  I pulled my purse over my shoulder and gathered up my dress. “I don’t want to bother you when you’re working, so I’ll just use the security code. I remember the name of the café. Thanks again for last night. I had a wonderful time. Oh, and I really like the gym… your whole house actually.”