by Mia Madison
Jessica’s attention shifted behind me, her smile dying. “Shit. How did he find us? I only told Genna where we were going. I swear, if she told—”
I looked behind me and my heart thumped against my ribs as Tim scanned the bar, his brows pulled down. He didn’t look happy at all. He spotted me and walked in my direction.
“You don’t have the time to return my calls,” he said, his voice hard and rough. “But you have the time to go out and party?”
“It was a last minute thing.” Wait! What was I doing? I didn’t owe him an explanation. I tipped my chin up in defiance. “And there is a reason I’m not returning your phone calls.”
Jessica slid her body between ours, her eyes dark. “That’s polite talk for fuck off.”
“It’s okay, Jess.” I moved her to the side, not wanting to make a scene. I had hoped the two guys chatting us up might step in but apparently, chivalry was dead. “I’m just going to talk to him. It’s fine, really.”
She eyed me suspiciously, but didn’t stop me. Tim followed me out of the bar and I was glad we didn’t have to do this in front of a crowd. I had a feeling our conversation was going to end up as a screaming match with me being K.O.’ed. I pressed my back against the brick, feeling vulnerable. I wished I had brought my shawl with from the car.
“Why are you ignoring me? I apologized profusely,” Tim started. “They meant nothing. It was just sex.”
As if reminding me of what he’d done would make me feel better? I sighed and looked to the side as he ranted about me not communicating with him. Whatever. I wasn’t in the mood for his excuses and explanations. Come to think of it, he hadn’t really apologized. He’d tried to explain what he done and why he’d cheated but it had sounded to me as if he were trying to shift the blame onto me. As if I’d done something to make him cheat. I wasn’t going to be with a guy like that.
“I’m sorry, Tim but just because you’ve apologized, doesn’t magically fix everything,” I said, cutting in. “I think it’s best we go our separate ways.”
He made a gasping sound as if I’d said something unreasonable. “What is your problem? What do I have to do to make you understand? I mean, look at you! How do I know you haven’t gone behind my back and fucked other dudes? You look like a slut!”
I gaped at him. He’d never come out and said that word before though he’d implied I was promiscuous before. I opened my mouth to respond, but reversed direction. I wasn’t going to do this with him anymore. No matter what I said it wouldn’t change what he’d done or who he was. I puffed out my bouncy boobs with pride and proceeded to walk on by him.
“I’m not done with you,” Tim hissed and grabbed my arm, his fingers bruising. The look in his eyes scared me. He’d always been a little pushy but he’d never hurt me before.
I was terrified that was all about to change.
Chapter Four
Ruben
Today was turning out to be a test of endurance. First came exhaustion from managing countless employees and aggravation from dealing with one headache after another. Then arousal from seeing the woman of my dreams followed by resignation that I couldn’t have her. And to wrap up the evening, a big dose of rage.
I’d been surprised when Priscilla had walked into the bar with her friend. She’d looked every bit a grown up woman in a slimming black dress. It was some sort of chiffon, the fabric clingy. And her shoes… Good God, but I had a thing for a woman in high-heels. She hadn’t seen me and I’d hidden in the corner, silently watching and wishing I could get her out of my mind. I had resigned myself to observer status, unable to help from smiling as she laughed with her friend. She had no idea how beautiful she was, her heavy make-up only bringing out what was already there. I figured I’d hide until she left then go home and relieve myself with a little one-handed special. As some fuckwad walked up to her and she visibly recoiled, I knew my evening wasn’t going to be as peaceful.
I had only intended to make sure he didn’t pressure her into going home with him but I figured she wasn’t so stupid as to go outside with a man she didn’t know or trust. I found them standing at the corner of the bar on the edge of the alley. His tone was raised and his words were harsh. Judging by the conversation, she knew this man and he had hurt her. If I hadn’t heard a word of their exchange, I’d know from her tone—it was filled with pain. That would have been enough to set me off but when the asshole grabbed her arm and yanked her back, all I saw was red. My father had been handsy with Mom too but as soon as I was old enough, I’d taken care of that.
I said nothing as I marched up to them. I wrestled Priscilla out of his grasp and guided him toward the wall and out of the view of curious onlookers. My only regret was that Priscilla would see this.
“Mind your fucking business, grandpa—”
Putting my strength into it, I lifted him off his feet by his neck and slammed him against the brick. His breath punched out of him and his eyes went wide as I jabbed my thumb into the fleshy part under his chin, effectively cutting off any protests. With his skull firmly against the wall, he couldn’t open his jaw without sending my thumb deeper into his throat.
“Here is what is going to happen,” I said coolly and pushed my thumb deeper, letting him know I was serious. He groaned. “You’re going to apologize to Priscilla for being a prick. I don’t care if she called you a dickless douchebag in front of your buddies or some other obvious on-target insult. You don’t put your hands on women. Then you’re going to be a gentleman and pay for the drink she didn’t get to finish. After that, you are going to leave. You will never speak to her or touch her again. Do you know what a blade feels like when it cuts into you? The metal is so cold and shocking… For your sake, let’s hope you never have to find out. Comprende?”
I let him down and he rubbed at his neck, his lids peeled back as he watched me. He craned his head to the side and croaked a weak apology to Priscilla who stood with her hands covering her mouth, the mascara around her eyes running a bit. I grabbed the back of his neck in a friendly gesture.
“Is that how we apologize?” I could feel him shaking under my palm. He was like a lot of men—tough, until someone stood up to them and showed them the cowards they were. It was men like him that went on to beat on women and I would be damned if Pricilla would be his punching bag so that he could feel better about himself.
“I’m sorry,” he said more clearly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you and if I did I’m sorry.”
“Good boy. Now go on and pay for her drink. I don’t want to ever see you again.” The asshole couldn’t leave fast enough, his feet tangling on themselves as he rushed to get as far away from me as possible. Sighing, I offered Priscilla an apologetic look. “Are you okay?”
She blinked at me with wide eyes, the blue of her irises vivid like a vast ocean. She took her hand away, her ruby-painted lips parted. They worked for a moment as if she didn’t know what to say or do. I was sure I’d scared her enough that whatever crush she might have on me died a sad death. It was for the best, though. A good girl like her didn’t need to get tangled up with a man like me.
“He never did that before,” she said. Her throat shifted and she tried not to cry, but her face scrunched up. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. You don’t have anything to be sorry about. Come on, I’ll give you a lift home.”
“No!” She shouted and wrapped her arms around her body. “I can’t go home. Mom and Dad will know something happened. And I can’t go by Jessica’s because she’ll boast about how she was right about him all along. Can I crash at your place? I won’t bug you, I promise.”
I gritted my teeth as I took in her small frame encased in dark fabric. No. Absolutely not. It was a bad idea, but how could I say no? I understood her reasons for not wanting to go home, but being close to her in the privacy of my home was a very bad idea. But I couldn’t leave her to wander the streets. For her sake, I could closet my lust. It would only be for one night, right?
I held my hand out
and she took it, her palm cool and shaky. And… I shouldn’t have done that either, because one touch and I never wanted to let go.
Chapter Five
Priscilla
I looked all around Ruben’s giant, luxurious penthouse. The ceiling was tall and the majority of the walls were made of windows, granting me a view of the city lit up. The carpet under my bare feet was almost as soft as my parent’s. I came to stand at the glass and looked down at the sky-scrapers, feeling a little woozy. “Wow, we’re so high!”
“Yeah. Bought it because of the view,” Ruben said and undid his shoes. Heat rushed to my face as I shamelessly stared at his ass cupped by perfectly-fitting slacks.
Was I really in his place? Had he just saved me from Tim’s wrath? Holy shit, had he seriously threatened to kill my ex? And how the hell had he known that I was at that bar? I narrowed my eyes on him, all the questions congesting my brain. I was overwhelmed by everything that had happened, but I felt comfortable here. Safe. Biting my lip, I recalled Ruben throwing Tim against the wall and lambasting him for hurting me. I had to admit, Ruben protecting me had reached the instinctual core of my being and fulfilled some primal female need. I liked that he was strong and fearless; that he would do harm on my behalf—not that I actually wanted him to hurt Tim.
Ruben popped the second button of his dress shirt and a hot thrill went through my body. Though I knew it was benign and a habit to unwind when coming home, it was exciting, as if I were seeing him in a private manner. He seemed to realize what he was doing and redid the button. “Why don’t you go to the bathroom and get cleaned up? I’ll grab us something to drink then pull out the bedding.”
I didn’t respond, and locked myself in the bathroom. When I looked at my reflection in the body-length mirror, I gasped in horror. I was a total mess and utterly unattractive. My mascara had run from my tears and my lipstick was smudged. I filled the basin with warm water and washed my make-up off, feeling embarrassed. Running my fingers through my tangled hair, I did my best to look decent but was unhappy with what I saw. Eventually, I rejoined Ruben in his kitchen and slipped my butt onto the stool. He smiled at me and slid a cup of hot cocoa my way. I inhaled, the scent of chocolate loosening me.
“My mother used to make it for me whenever I was feeling down. Old habit,” Ruben said and sipped at his own mug. “Even in summer, hot cocoa is the bomb.”
I grinned, the warmth soaking into my fingers. “I can’t argue with that.”
His licked his lips, his tongue pinker than I would have thought. And the way the lights above caught the moisture on his mouth… I squeezed my thighs tight.
“Are you okay?” he inquired, his tone stern as if he wouldn’t accept anything less than the truth.
Nodding, I looked into my cup, the liquid a few shades darker than his skin. I wondered if he would taste just as sweet. Stop it, I thought. Thinking things like that would only make it worse. Maybe coming here wasn’t the brightest idea. He was too tempting and after pulling a knight-in-shining-armor, I was afraid of going where I knew we shouldn’t. But why not? So he was older? Big deal. I’d always been attracted to older men and I was tired of dealing with insecure, petulant little boys like Tim. I’ve decided I wanted Ruben but doing something about it eluded me. I wasn’t shy, but he was on a totally different level.
“Thanks,” I said and took a sip of the cocoa, the liquid smooth down my throat. “For coming to my rescue. And for giving me a place to stay. I always knew you had a heart of gold.”
He chuckled and the sound went right to my pussy. I hadn’t drunk that much so I knew this wasn’t some alcohol-induced lust. I wanted him and I was pretty sure he wanted me. “Can I ask why you were at that bar?”
“I usually hang out there to unwind after work. It’s where your father and I first shared drinks,” Ruben said and leaned over the counter, his face becoming clearer. “It’s the very place where our friendship was forged.”
“I didn’t know that. Jessica wanted to check it out.” I licked the sweetness from my lips and his intense eyes dropped as if he liked what he saw. Did he want to kiss me? A rush of confidence filled me. The dance had been fun but it was time for the finale. “Do you live in this big place all by yourself?”
“Currently, yes,” he murmured. “I suppose that is why I spend so much time at work. A big empty place is… big and empty.”
I nodded slowly, biding my time. I was glad there was no one special in his life though it was a little sad that he was alone. We stared at each other and I got the feeling he was undressing me with his eyes. I’d seen that look countless times and it was thrilling knowing that he found me attractive. I leaned over the counter and his attention dropping to my breasts as they nearly spilled out of my dress. The lust in his expression was obvious and knowing he wanted me flooded my pussy.
“I should find that bedding,” he rasped but didn’t go anywhere, his chocolate eyes lingering on my chest. He made me feel sexy in a way I never had before. Tim had never looked at me like this; I’d never seen such hunger in his face. Ruben’s jaw ticked as if he were grinding his molars. He looked dangerous like this, as if he were a wild animal that had found its prey.
Biting my lip, I came around the marble island to stand in front of him. He watched me with intense focus as I shakily popped the first button of his shirt. I parted the lapels and traced the beginnings of a tattoo. He hissed as if I’d burned him and took my hand, his grip tight, but gentle. His eyes flared and I looked up at him in silent pleading. I’d never been overly seductive so I was hoping he would see what I wanted. His thumb traced a circle around the inside of my wrist, the stroking mesmerizing. With my other hand, I undid another button and gaged his reaction. He didn’t stop me as I undid the next. Slowly, his hard chest covered in a white tank, was revealed to me but it wasn’t enough. Pressing my palm to his abdomen, I traced every stark ridge of his abdominal muscles, surprised by how hard they were. His breath left him in a growl.
“You’re playing a dangerous game here, Priscilla,” he warned, his voice like whiskey.
“Who says I’m playing?” I countered.
I saw the instinct of a wild beast flash in his dark eyes before he covered my lips with his, the kiss possessive and overwhelming. I moaned into his mouth as he surrounded me with strength. This close, he smelled like coffee—a rich, dark roast. His tongue breached my mouth and commanded my own, every sweep and lick going right to my pussy until it throbbed. If he could do this to me with one kiss, I wasn’t sure I’d survive us fucking.
Ruben made a feral sound and lifted me onto the counter. A fruit-basket went flying, the oranges and apples rolling across the floor. He split my legs with his hips, his body warm and solid. He repossessed my lips and I did my best to keep up, his tongue a demanding thing. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I clawed at his back and shoulders, needing him closer, needing so much more—
The sound of my phone ringing startled us both and he backed away.
“It’s probably Jess,” I said. “I forgot to tell her where I was going. She must be worried.”
I scooted off the counter and rushed to pick up the call. “I need to call you back later—”
“Where the hell are you? Please tell me you’re safe and for the love of God, please don’t tell me you went home with that asshole. He just dropped twenty-bucks in my lap then took off—”
“I’m at Ruben’s house,” I said.
“Oh,” Jessica muttered. “Ohhhhh… right. I’ll be expecting a call from you tomorrow with all the juicy, sexy, dirty details.”
I hung up and took a deep breath, knowing I would have a lot to tell my best friend. I turned around to rejoin Ruben in the kitchen, but he wasn’t there. Instead, he was digging through a linen closet. He set a mound of blankets on the couch along with a pillow.
“I’ll drop you off at home in the morning,” he said. He didn’t even look at me.
I didn’t say anything as he left me alone. I felt foolish and disappointed
and confused as to why he had stopped. Maybe my breath smelled like old beer or I looked like a hot mess? What had I been thinking? Maybe Tim was right… Numb, I padded to the couch and bundled myself under the blankets, wanting to cry.
Chapter Six
Ruben
One week. Seven days. One-hundred and sixty-eight hours of agony.
I nursed my whiskey silently, the silence of my spacious place closing in on me. Priscilla Harmon had ruined me with a single kiss. I couldn’t stop thinking about her and the way she had responded so sweetly to me. I could still remember the way her lithe body wrapped around mine and the sound she made as I took her mouth… and fuck! The way she smelled. All woman with an undertone of light floral perfume. I was a dead man, because I knew if I didn’t have her I would wither away.
And it was all my fault. I should have never brought her home.
I was tired of being by myself and my loneliness left me desperate. When I was young and had turned my attentions on my career, I had told myself there would be time for a woman and kids. And where did that leave me? Forty-seven and alone. I supposed that I didn’t feel worthy of true happiness with a good woman and a family. But the way Priscilla had looked at me, as if she thought I was worth the trouble of her father finding out about us; that my past might not matter… It made me want to break all the rules and claim her. I’d been so close until her friend had called. I was both pissed and thankful about that.