“I can do that. I know your body, Derek. You know mine. Let’s remind each other of that, then learn the rest.”
“I can do that.” He leaned down and kissed her again, needing her taste, then slowly, oh so slowly, he entered her. Her heat, tight, wet, and perfect for him. As soon as he was fully seated, she lifted her hips, squeezing him even more, then gasped.
“Move, Derek. I need you to move.”
“For you? Always.”
And he moved.
They kissed, touched, and arched for each other until she came around him, and he followed soon after. He didn’t stop touching her even as they lay together before going for another round, this one slower, and somehow, even hotter.
He had his Olivia, the woman of his dreams, the woman who had been the center of his nights and what he looked forward to each month for far too long, and he knew he’d want for nothing else.
She was his everything, and he couldn’t wait to learn more of her in the coming days, over the coming nights.
Because she was truly his, just as he was hers.
And despite the rules he’d given himself, he’d learned her and would learn more. He’d have more than a single night a month, and he’d make all the promises in the world.
And in the end, he’d keep them.
For her.
His Olivia.
His promise.
His future.
His.
Epilogue
Olivia brushed her hair back from her shoulders, missing the long length, but enjoying her new inverted bob. It took less time to deal with in the mornings, and with everything going on in her life, she needed that time.
With a smile, she took a sip of her martini and looked around the hotel bar. There were a few businessmen around, mostly keeping to themselves, but there were a few giving her looks, as well. She ignored them since she wasn’t here for them.
No, she was here for him.
And herself, of course.
It wasn’t just for him that she’d put on a slinky wine-colored dress and heels that would hurt her back later, but thankfully, she wouldn’t be keeping them on long. Of course, if he didn’t get here soon, she might just have to slip them off her feet soon, but she wasn’t going to do that quite yet.
There was still time.
“Is this seat taken?”
Again, that deep rumble of a voice sent shivers down her body, and she crossed her legs to keep her lady parts in check. They seemed to have a mind of their own when it came to a certain man and his voice.
She couldn’t blame them, however.
She turned to see a very sexy man with longish hair and a beard she knew he kept clean and conditioned with a special beard care routine. In fact, he’d used the kit he received for Christmas on it that morning so it would smell of sandalwood and be soft against the inner silk of her thighs.
The man always took care of her by taking care of himself.
“You’re welcome to sit,” she said with a smile, “but I won’t be here for long. I need to go upstairs.”
His whiskey-colored eyes darkened. “Let me walk you then,” he said, low, his voice so husky she squeezed her thighs together.
“Thank you.”
She ignored the looks any others might be giving them and put her hand on his outstretched arm before going with him to the elevators. They were the only ones in their cab, but she didn’t move closer, didn’t brush her body against his even though she desperately wanted to. When they made it to the room at the end of the hallway, he took a key out of his pocket and pressed it against the sensor.
Then they were inside. The door closed behind them, and only the sound of her deep, ragged breaths filled her ears.
“You’re so fucking sexy,” Derek growled.
“You fill out those pants just fine,” she said with a wink. “Is that your cellphone in your pocket, or are you happy to see me?”
He grinned, then winced when the cellphone in his pocket buzzed. “Shit, I need to take that. And, yeah, my cock is also hard for you, but still.”
She just shook her head and went to sit on the bed, waiting for him to take the call. It wasn’t his mother’s ring, and even then she wouldn’t have minded if it was his mom. She had been doing better over the years, but still needed to talk to her son every once in a while. Olivia knew the need and understood it, even if her relationship with the other woman wasn’t exactly warm. It wasn’t strained either, though, and Olivia counted that as a win.
“Yeah, she can have the purple drink. It’s sugar-free, but she doesn’t know that. And it’s okay you called, that wasn’t on the list, and if she’s insistent, it’s always better to call. Yeah, thanks. See you tonight.” He hung up, and Olivia rolled her eyes.
“Stacey wanted the purple drink?” Their daughter was sweet and quiet and did her best to mind her manners, but she was in the middle of a purple phase, and that meant she wanted to eat and drink everything purple. The babysitter hadn’t known that since it was a new thing, so the phone call made sense.
“She wouldn’t drink anything else, and Kendra was worried.” He set his phone on the table next to where she’d put her purse. “I was going to say, ‘where were we,’ but did that just kill the mood?”
She shook her head, her hair flowing around her face. “We’re parents, husband of mine, we’ll make do. Now, why don’t you come to bed and show me exactly what’s in those pants of yours?”
He chuckled and leaned over her, kissing her softly. “Since you asked so nicely.”
Then he showed her, twice, and she fell in love with her husband, the love of her life, all over again. They didn’t always get to play strangers like they were tonight, but every once in a while, their date nights were versions of what they had been before, and she loved it. She loved this man and all his facets and layers. He was her everything, and she knew that she was so damn blessed to have him in her life.
He was hers. Her Derek, her husband, her everything. He’d given her a baby girl who made her life even brighter. Olivia had inked butterflies down her back and sides that he kissed nightly. He knew her inside and out, and she knew that she’d cherish this time with him always.
Once, they’d only had nights. Now, they had forever.
She’d broken her rules, and she would always be grateful that she had.
She’d fallen in love.
She’d made her commitment.
And she’d told him everything.
Because he was her everything.
And now, as he held her close, she knew those nights had only been the beginning. Their inked nights to come would bring more heat, more love, and more of them.
For this night of the month, and every one to come. Finally.
* * * *
Also from 1001 Dark Nights and Carrie Ann Ryan, discover Wicked Wolf, Hidden Ink, and Adoring Ink.
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Adoring Ink
A Montgomery Ink Novella
By Carrie Ann Ryan
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Holly Rose fell in love with a Montgomery, but left him when he couldn’t love her back. She might have been the one to break the ties and ensure her ex’s happy ending, but now Holly’s afraid she’s missed out on more than a chance at forever. Though she’s always been the dependable good girl, she’s ready to take a leap of faith and embark on the journey of a lifetime.
Brody Deacon loves ink, women, fast cars, and living life like there’s no tomorrow. The thing is, he doesn’t know if he has a tomorrow at all. When he sees Holly, he’s not only intrigued, he also hears the warnings of danger in his head. She’s too sweet, too innocent, and way too special for him. But when Holly asks him to help her grab the bull by the horns, he can’t help but go all in.
As they explore Holly’s bucket list and their own desires, Brody will have to make sure he doesn’t fall too hard and too fast. Sometimes, people think happily ever afters don’t happen for everyone, and Brody will have to face his demons and tell Holly the truth of what it means to truly live life to the fullest…even when they’re both running out of time.
* * * *
Wicked Wolf
A Redwood Pack Novella
By Carrie Ann Ryan
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The war between the Redwood Pack and the Centrals is one of wolf legend. Gina Eaton lost both of her parents when a member of their Pack betrayed them. Adopted by the Alpha of the Pack as a child, Gina grew up within the royal family to become an enforcer and protector of her den. She’s always known fate can be a tricky and deceitful entity, but when she finds the one man that could be her mate, she might throw caution to the wind and follow the path set out for her, rather than forging one of her own.
Quinn Weston’s mate walked out on him five years ago, severing their bond in the most brutal fashion. She not only left him a shattered shadow of himself, but their newborn son as well. Now, as the lieutenant of the Talon Pack’s Alpha, he puts his whole being into two things: the safety of his Pack and his son.
When the two Alphas put Gina and Quinn together to find a way to ensure their treaties remain strong, fate has a plan of its own. Neither knows what will come of the Pack’s alliance, let alone one between the two of them. The past paved their paths in blood and heartache, but it will take the strength of a promise and iron will to find their future.
* * * *
Hidden Ink
A Montgomery Ink Novella
By Carrie Ann Ryan
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The Montgomery Ink series continues with the long-awaited romance between the café owner next door and the tattoo artist who’s loved her from afar.
Hailey Monroe knows the world isn’t always fair, but she’s picked herself up from the ashes once before and if she needs to, she’ll do it again. It’s been years since she first spotted the tattoo artist with a scowl that made her heart skip a beat, but now she’s finally gained the courage to approach him. Only it won’t be about what their future could bring, but how to finish healing the scars from her past.
Sloane Gordon lived through the worst kinds of hell yet the temptation next door sends him to another level. He’s kept his distance because he knows what kind of man he is versus what kind of man Hailey needs. When she comes to him with a proposition that sends his mind whirling and his soul shattering, he’ll do everything in his power to protect the woman he cares for and the secrets he’s been forced to keep.
Adoring Ink
A Montgomery Ink Novella
By Carrie Ann Ryan
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Holly Rose fell in love with a Montgomery, but left him when he couldn’t love her back. She might have been the one to break the ties and ensure her ex’s happy ending, but now Holly’s afraid she’s missed out on more than a chance at forever. Though she’s always been the dependable good girl, she’s ready to take a leap of faith and embark on the journey of a lifetime.
Brody Deacon loves ink, women, fast cars, and living life like there’s no tomorrow. The thing is, he doesn’t know if he has a tomorrow at all. When he sees Holly, he’s not only intrigued, he also hears the warnings of danger in his head. She’s too sweet, too innocent, and way too special for him. But when Holly asks him to help her grab the bull by the horns, he can’t help but go all in.
As they explore Holly’s bucket list and their own desires, Brody will have to make sure he doesn’t fall too hard and too fast. Sometimes, people think happily ever afters don’t happen for everyone, and Brody will have to face his demons and tell Holly the truth of what it means to truly live life to the fullest…even when they’re both running out of time.
* * * *
“You look good.”
It had come out as a growl, and her eyes widened.
“Uh, thanks. You look good, too.” She smiled softly, and he relaxed marginally even as his cock hardened. Yep, this might be a mistake, but it could be a mistake worth making.
“So, I thought we could go on a ride around the quarry so you can see the lights and experience how it feels to be on the back of the bike. Then we can grab something to eat if you want.”
She licked her lips, and his gaze went straight to them. Shit. “That sounds good.” She let out a breath. “I know this is crazy, but I just really wanted to do something different, you know? And I never just go out with random guys, especially ones I just met, but the others know you, so I felt, I don’t know, safer.”
He smiled then and held out his hand. “I’m not going to hurt you, Holly. I want to make sure you get to do the things you want but might be too scared to do.” He knew all about being too scared, and he didn’t want that kind of life for her.
She slid her smaller hand into his. “This is so weird, but I honestly can’t wait.”
He laughed and pulled her toward him on the porch. “I’ve been called weird before so that’s okay.”
She winced. “I meant the situation. Not you. I mean, you could be weird, and I just don’t know it. That’s not okay. And that’s why I’m about to get on the back of a motorcycle with you even though I have no idea what I’m doing. Because today has been one crazy day.”
“Tell me about it. Lock the door,
and let’s get to it. I have a feeling once you have the wind on your face and the feel of a bike beneath you, all those worries are going to go away.” At least, that’s how it worked for him.
“I hope so.”
As soon as she’d locked the door, he headed them both toward the Harley. “Let me help you with your helmet.” She nodded as he made sure it fit correctly and the straps were tightened under her chin. “Feel good?” Another nod, and he handed her a pair of special night glasses that would help with the glare and protect her eyes from the wind. “Now I’m going to get on, and you’re going to put a hand on my shoulder and swing your leg over so you straddle the bike behind me.”
She did as he asked, and he had to hold back a groan at the feeling of her warm body pressed against his. This ride just might kill him.
“Now, wrap your arms around my waist.”
She did so and laughed. “Well, if this isn’t a way to get girls to hold you close, I don’t know what is.”
He winked over his shoulder and patted her hands. “You know it, babe. I really just wanted you pressed against me.”
She rolled her eyes, and he laughed. “Whatever, Brody.”
He explained where they were going again as well as a few other things she needed to know.
“Hold tight,” he said with a grin, but he was serious. She squeezed him, and he held back another groan. Yep, this woman was going to kill him, and he just might like it. He started the bike, and she let out a little gasp but didn’t sound alarmed.
Inked Nights Page 10