Текст книги "Tempted"

Автор книги: Alana Sapphire

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***Gage***

She watches me intently, her head tilted to the side. I’m anxious to see just how she’ll absorb that piece of information. Her face is betraying nothing, though, so I have no idea what’s going through her mind.

“So…there’s no one else to come after you now?”

“Yeah. Well, no one from that crew.”

She nods, chewing on her bottom lip. I watch her as she mulls it over in her mind, not looking at me.

“Okay,” she finally says.

“Okay?” I raise a surprised brow. “That’s all you’re going to say?”

“What do you want me to say? You were in danger, and you took care of it.”

“It doesn’t bother you?”

“I’m not saying it doesn’t, but…you’re safe. That’s all that matters.”

It’s like the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. All the shit that was dragging me down before I got here seems light-years away. I’ve certainly never done anything in my life to deserve a woman like this, but here she is. Everyone needs someone who can handle their dark side. I’m as dark as they come and she’s handling it like a champ. There’s only one thing to do when you find a woman like her – you keep her. No doubt about it. I’m going to make her my woman. She’s mine.

“Come here.”

She eagerly presses her lips to mine. I pull on the knot holding her robe together and push the sides apart. She lets out a little whimper as my tongue touches hers. God, I’ve never tasted anything sweeter than these lips. I could kiss her all day, every day, and tell the world to fuck off. I slide my hands up her thighs and she quivers. Her skin is like the finest silk; I just want to touch every inch of her. I think back to yesterday and the sensation I got from feeling her coming under me. I can’t wait for the day she comes around me when I’m deep inside her.

She pulls away and rests her forehead on mine, her breaths coming in little puffs.

“I have…a favor to ask you.”

“Anything,” I say, while trying to bring her lips back to mine.

“Next weekend is Chrissy’s birthday.”

She whimpers when I snag her bottom lip and pull on it.

“Could you just stop for a second?” She moans.

“Okay, okay.”

I stare at her lips, swollen from my kisses, and make small circles on her thighs with my thumbs. Her eyes glaze over.

“You’re…you’re distracting me.”

“Chrissy’s birthday?”

“Oh…she…she wants to go dancing.”

“Mmhmm.”

I trail my nose up her neck, inhaling her sweet scent. “You smell good…like…cinnamon and apples.”

She shivers, her head falling back as I kiss along her carotid. Her thighs tremble underneath my fingers as she slides hers through my hair.

“Dios…”

I chuckle against her skin. Despite the fact that my dick is trying to burst through my jeans, I can’t help but find it funny how easily distracted she is.

“Dancing, baby doll.”

“Mmhmm…at your club.”

“Okay.”

She pulls my head back by my hair and shakes her head as if to clear her thoughts.

“I was hoping you could get me in…since, technically, I’m not eighteen yet.”

“That’s all?”

“Yeah. What did you think I was going to ask for?”

I don’t know…shit women usually ask for – money, jewelry, to go shopping. Then again, this is the girl who got excited over a few books. I should have known better.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

“Cool. Now…your lips were doing something right about here…” She motions to her neck, “...that felt really good. So…continue.”

“Is that an order?”

“No. Just a strong request.”

I smile as she bats her lashes, feigning innocence. The words slip out before I know what’s happening. “Come home with me.”

“Back to the clubhouse?”

“No. To my place. I just need to hold you.”

“Okay. I’ll get my stuff.”

Her words lift my spirit even higher. More than anything in the world, I want to fall asleep with her in my arms. Maybe it’s the shit day I’ve had, but she makes me forget. That’s just what I need. To forget everything that’s bad and wrong in my life. Everything that’s dark. I need her innocence. I need her to make me not feel like an evil motherfucker. I need her to...fuck it.

I just need her.

CHAPTER 7

***Raven***

G: Don’t have too much fun without me.

I get the text while I’m doing my makeup, getting ready to go to Scythe with Chrissy. I tap out a reply and set the phone back down.

R: You don’t dance, so you’re just going to have to deal with it.

G: As long as no one touches your sexy ass, I’m good.

R: So only ass is off-limits?

I can just imagine the vein in his forehead popping out. The man takes jealousy to a whole new dimension.

G: RAVEN.

R: Ooooh...all caps. You know I’m just playing! All this sexiness is yours.

I add the little smiley with his tongue out and hit send. He replies right away.

G: Damn straight. Text me when you need me to pick you up.

R: K.

I finish my makeup and slip into my mini-dress – a teal bodycon with a deep V neck and spaghetti straps, which matches the new streaks in my hair. I finish with black, caged platform heels. I check my reflection in the mirror. Damn, I look good. Thanks to Gage. Or Papi Chulo, as Chrissy now calls him. He even paid for her outfit, too, as a birthday present. After a few spritzes of perfume, I grab my clutch, jacket, phone, and the twins’ gifts, then head outside to wait for Ron. I pass Lonnie sitting on the couch, watching TV. I don’t know what’s got her at home tonight.

“Where you off to all dressed up?” She asks.

“Out.”

“Out?” She raises a brow.

“Don’t pretend you care.”

“I don’t.”

“Good.”

“Heard you been spending a lot of time with the prospect.”

“You heard right.”

I don’t need to explain anything to her, especially about Chrissy’s love life. Having had enough of this conversation, I turn away, but her voice stops me again.

“You got condoms?”

“What? I don’t –”

“I don’t want you bringing any babies in here.”

I’m tempted to tell her to go fuck herself, but the lights pulling into the driveway catch my attention. I leave without a word. The nerve of the bitch. Ron whistles in appreciation when I slide in next to him, and I forget all about Lonnie.

“Goddamn!”

“You like?” I ask with a grin.

“You look hot! Prez would shit bricks if he saw you right now.”

“Well, luckily he isn’t here.”

“Lucky for you.”

“Whatever. Let’s go.”

We pull up to Chrissy’s house and Ron checks his phone. “I texted Chrissy to meet us outside, but she didn’t answer.”

“I’ll get her.”

I grab the gift bags and walk up the driveway to the door. The lights are on, so I know Mr. and Mrs. Contreras are still up. I ring the bell and wait for someone to answer. The door opens and I come face to face with Christopher. I don’t know what to do or say. I haven’t seen or spoken to him since that night.

“Hi,” I say awkwardly.

He steps outside and closes the door behind him.

“Hi.” His eyes travel the length of my body before he meets my gaze. “You look…beautiful. As always.”

“Thank you. Happy birthday.”

“Thanks.”

“I got you something,” I tell him, handing him the gift bag. “It’s not much…just wanted you to know I was thinking of you.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

He looks down at the bag and an uncomfortable silence stretches between us. One of us needs to say something. “How are you?”

“I’ve been better, but I’m getting there.”

“Chris –”

“It’s okay. I’ve been thinking and Chrissy’s helped some. I know you love me…just not the way I love you. There’s nothing I can do about that. I just wish I’d lost you to a better man.”

I know there’s no use in trying to defend Gage, so I don’t. Besides, that would just be rubbing salt in his wound. “I know we can’t be friends, but…I don’t want you to hate me, either.”

He takes a deep breath and cups my cheek, stroking it with his thumb. “I could never hate you, Raven.”

I throw my arms around him before the look in his eyes reduces me to tears. Real, raw love that everyone searches their whole lives for – that’s what I saw there. The little tinge of hurt behind it grabs my heart, squeezing like a fist. Will Gage ever look at me like that? Or will his four-letter “L word” forever be “lust”?

“I’m here for you, Raven…if you ever need me.”

“I don’t deserve it, but thank you.”

The door opens and we release each other. Chrissy and three other girls stand in the doorway uncomfortably.

“Are we interrupting?” His sister asks.

“No. We’re good,” Chris answers.

He smiles at me and steps back inside. We’re good. It’s more than I could have ever hoped for, so I’ll take it.

“You ladies have fun.”

Chrissy takes my hand and gives it a little squeeze.

“You okay?”

“Yeah,” I reply. “You ready?”

“Yup.”

“Happy birthday. You look awesome.”

Her black and gold sequined, chevron dress clings to every curve of her body. As a matter of fact, they all look awesome.

She pulls me into a bear hug and rocks side to side. I return her embrace, thinking she’s more of a sister to me than Lonnie’s ever been. She takes the gift bag and places it inside then introduces me to the other girls – Morgan, Rachel, and Brandi. We cram into the Charger and Chrissy pulls Ron to her, planting a wet kiss on him.

“Happy birthday, gorgeous. Fuck, you look amazing.”

“Thanks. Now, let’s go raise some hell!”

There’s a line around the block when we get to the club. Ron pulls over at the curb and tells us to wait for him while he parks. The name of the club shines in red neon above the door, the “S” a double-edged scythe.

“You sure we can get in?” Morgan asks. Apparently, I’m not the only one under eighteen. I look to Chrissy, hoping she hasn’t told them exactly how we’re getting in.

“I told you, Ron talked to Gage. We’ll be fine.”

Thank God. They still look apprehensive but accept her explanation. Ron returns and hooks his arm around Chrissy’s neck.

“How the fuck I get so lucky? Five gorgeous ladies on my arms.”

The other girls giggle and I roll my eyes. “Let’s go, Casanova.”

He ushers us to the front of the line and the security guy moves aside. Another guy stamps our wrists with a skull and crossbones symbol that glows in the dark. Ron explains that it indicates we can’t be served alcohol. He disappears to get us drinks and we head straight to the middle of the dance floor. The club reminds me of the Mustang – black and red, reapers and scythes all over. The strobe lights flash red and machines cover the floor with smoke. In the middle of “Touchin’ Lovin’,” the DJ scratches the record and the song stops.

“Chrissy, where you at?” He shouts. “Come on up!”

She turns to me wide-eyed, hopping with excitement, then screams and grabs my hand, pulling me up to the DJ booth with her.

“So…today is this lovely lady’s birthday. Everyone wish her a happy birthday!” The DJ says.

Noise erupts from the crowd, and Chrissy waves at everyone enthusiastically. When the noise dies down, the DJ hands her an envelope.

“Courtesy of Scythe…a year’s free admission and unlimited, non-alcoholic drinks from the bar.”

She screams again and jumps into the DJ’s arms.

“Oh! I need to give stuff away more often!”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She squeals.

“Next song…your pick, baby girl.”

“Nicki Minaj, ‘Anaconda’!”

“You got it.”

She launches herself at me, laughing excitedly.

“Ray, did you do this?”

“Nope. I had no idea.”

“Shit. You’re gonna have to give Papi Chulo some head on my behalf.”

“Whatever. Come on.”

She drags me back to the dance floor, demanding twerking lessons. I did promise her and it is her birthday, so I give in. I pull up my skirt a little, bend my knees, lean forward, and shake my ass. It’s not long before the others join in. Two strong hands grab my waist and pull me up against a hard crotch. For a second, I think it’s Gage but then he starts to move. Definitely not Gage. Before I can push him off, Ron shows up and gets in the guy’s face. Dude backs off and Ron takes my hand. He leads me away from the crowd and up some back stairs.

“Where are you taking me?”

“You’ll see.”

He opens a door and motions for me to enter. Once I’m inside, he closes it behind me. What the hell? There’s a dim light at the door shining down on me, but the rest of the room is in darkness. I can make out a desk and someone sitting behind it. Behind him, there’s a glass wall I bet gives a view of the dance floor.

“Who’s there?” I ask nervously.

“Turn around.”

Fuck. Gage. What’s he doing here? He told me he wouldn’t be here. I can hear the strain in his voice. He must have seen or heard about what just happened.

“Gage –”

“Turn. Around.”

I swallow hard and turn my back to him.

“Put your hands on the wall.”

My breathing accelerates at the tone of his voice. It’s that voice. I drop my clutch on the couch next to me, place my palms on the wall, and wait.

“Legs. Spread ‘em.”

I shuffle my feet apart until he tells me to stop. My body trembles with uncertainty. What’s he going to do to me? It’s quiet. He doesn’t make a sound, but I can feel him getting closer. He stops behind me, his body flush against mine.

“What did I tell you?” He growls in my ear.

A shiver runs through my body. “About what?”

He grabs my ass, squeezing the cheek as his breaths come hard and heavy in my ear.

“Tell me why I shouldn’t flay your ass right now.”

“What did I do?”

“First, you show off your sweet little body in that dress, and then you let some fucker touch what’s mine.”

Diosmio. I knew it.

“Gage –”

He smacks the words right back down my throat. I cry out, more from shock than pain. He’s threatened me before, but I never thought he was serious. Does he really think he’s going to spank me? His palm crashes into my other cheek. My ass stings as if he’d met bare flesh.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I rub my cheeks, trying to soothe them.

“Don’t. Move.”

Damn him and that fucking voice! I place my hands back on the wall and he slaps me across the backs of both thighs.

“¡Puta madre!”

He leans in, his lips at my ear once more. “Let’s get this straight. You…are mine. You pull some shit like that again, I’ll use something worse than my hands.”

“I was about to push him away –”

“But you didn’t.”

“Jesus! Why are you so jealous?”

“Jealousy is envy of others’ possessions. I’m protecting what’s mine.”

He grabs my wrist and spins me around to face him. There’s fury in his eyes, but my eyes aren’t focusing on that. His hair is combed, he’s freshly shaved, and he’s wearing slacks and a white, long-sleeved dress shirt. Baby, teenaged, and adult Jesus.

“Fuck…you look…” What’s the word to use? Damn. “...yummy.”

I slide my fingers down his chest and feel his body relax. He wraps his arm around my waist, pulls me against him, and crushes my lips beneath his. He picks me up and takes me to his desk as his tongue unleashes a tornado of sensations on my body. I wrap my legs around him, pulling him to me, moaning as his hard dick connects with my pussy. One hand squeezes my thigh while the other fists in my hair. He trails kisses down my neck, lightly sucking at the base.

“Oh, God. I need you, Gage.”

He sinks his teeth into my shoulder with a growl. “Who do you belong to?”

“You! I’m yours.”

“Never forget it.”

He plunders my mouth once more, and I whimper helplessly. I reach down and he groans as I run my fingers down his bulge. I grip it and for a second wonder how I’m going to manage all of it. The next second, I desperately want to find out. I tug at his belt, but he steps out of my reach. He drags his hand over his face and turns his back to me. Once again, he’s shot me down.

“You know what? I’m done,” I state resolutely.

He spins around, forehead scrunched in confusion.

“The fuck does that mean?”

“It means I’m not begging anymore. From now on, I decide if or when we have sex.”

“If?”

“Yes…if. Pretty soon, you’ll be the one begging me.”

His lips curl up in amusement and he places his hands on his hips.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, Mr. Hunter. Exactly so.”

He steps closer, and I try my best to look disinterested. I hope I’m succeeding.

“There are no ifs, buts or maybes, Miss Alvarez. When the clock strikes midnight on your birthday, I will be inside you.”

Fuck. “We’ll see about that.”

“Yes, we will. Have you been taking your pills?”

“No.”

“Why the hell not?”

“Next week. Dr. E said it becomes effective immediately if I start on the first day of my period.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Are we all done here? I’d like to get back to celebrating my best friend’s birthday.”

I hop off the desk and pull my dress down back to where it sat, just above mid-thigh.

“Fine. But I’m watching you.”

“Great. I’ll make sure to twerk a little harder just for you.”

“Don’t make me come down there,” he warns.

I turn to him with a smirk when I get to the door. “Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, papi.”

I grab my clutch and close the door behind me, deciding to make this as painful for him as possible. No more whimpering female. It’s time to turn the tables on the prez.

CHAPTER 8

***Gage***

I take a drink of my beer and impatiently tap my fingers on the bar. I’ve been so antsy these past few days, and I can only attribute it to the fact that I haven’t seen Raven all week. She’s been avoiding me, making all kinds of excuses why we can’t meet up. I know it’s all a part of her plan to make me beg. Fuck if it ain’t working. A ruckus from the boys draws my attention, and I look to the door to see Ellen walking in.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“Excuse me, big brother, but I grew up here, too.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. You know you’re always welcome. Where’s Mikey?”

“With a sitter.”

“What sitter?”

“Jeez…I swear you’re worse than Daddy. He’s with Raven. Stop worrying.”

At least I know where she is now. Jesus. I’m like a crack fiend. I need to see her. I slip away quietly and ride out. The closer I get to Ellen’s, the better I feel. This isn’t me. Maybe I do need some time away from her. She’s sucking me in deeper and deeper, and I haven’t even fucked her yet. I should turn around, go back to the club. I should. So why am I pulling into Ellen’s driveway?

I let myself in and find her curled up on the couch with Mikey, watching cartoons. They haven’t noticed me yet, so I take advantage of the opportunity and watch them. She seems so comfortable with him. He’s asking a million questions, and she answers each one with patience and enthusiasm. She’d be a great mother. I make my presence known and she stares at me, surprised.

“Unca!”

Mikey runs to me and I pick him up as I walk to the couch. “Hey, buddy. What you doing?”

“Cartoon.”

The word comes out sounding like “cawtoon”.

“Yeah? Can I watch with you?”

“Yes! Watch cartoon.”

I sit next to Raven and she folds her hands in her lap, keeping her eyes on the TV.

“Hello, Raven.”

“Hello.”

“Unca, I like Waben,” Mikey whispers.

“Yeah? I don’t blame you, little guy.”

He sticks his thumb in his mouth and gives the TV his attention.

“Why have you been avoiding me?” I confront her.

“I haven’t. I’ve just been busy.”

“Is that why you can’t look at me?”

“Of course not. I’m watching TV.”

“If you say so.”

We sit quietly for a while. I watch the images on the screen, not really paying attention. My entire being is attuned to her; I can’t focus on anything else. She finally turns her head but not to look at me.

“He’s asleep. You should go put him down,” she says.

I take him upstairs and gently place him in his crib then turn on the baby monitor. He looks so much like Eddie. It’s all my fault that he’ll grow up without his father. His is the only death I’ve ever felt guilty about. Mikey may not have his father, but I’ll be damned if I won’t be the strong, male role model he’ll need. I kiss his forehead and head downstairs. I find Raven in the kitchen with a bottle of Advil.

“Are you sick?”

“¡Dios! Why do you keep sneaking up on me?”

“Answer me.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Then why are you taking pain pills?”

“Honestly, Gage…there are things that a woman just doesn’t need to explain.”

“Is it your period?”

“That is one of them.”

She walks past me, and I follow her back to the living room. She picks up the remote and starts flipping through the channels.

“When did it start?”

She mumbles in Spanish but doesn’t answer my question. “Well?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“You’re my business.”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Trust me, doll. In a few months, I’ll know your cycle better than you do.”

“I doubt that.”

“Every man dreads that one week where he can’t get no pussy.”

“That’s what this is about? You want to mark the week when you can’t get any sex?”

“Yup.”

I bring up the calendar on my phone and wait, but she’s still not forthcoming with the information.

“Fine. Let me put it this way. When did you start taking the pills?”

She sighs and shakes her head in resignation. “Tuesday.”

“Good.” I put the phone away and pull her to me. “Now, come here.”

She lays her head on my chest and her hand on my stomach, taking a deep breath. My soul settles. This is just what I needed.

“I missed you,” she whispers.

“Were you trying to make me miss you?”

“Did you?”

“I missed you in my bed.”

“That’s not what I asked you.”

She runs her fingers along the patches on my cut. Another first. No woman has ever been allowed to touch my cut. The mere fact that I can allow and do all these things with her without even thinking about it confuses me a little. I’m in unchartered territory here. This whole thing is going to be a challenge but not one I’m going to back away from.

“Yeah, doll. I missed you.”

***

A tap on my shoulder wakes me up and I open my eyes to Ellen’s confounded ones. She jerks her head toward the kitchen and storms off. I carefully untangle myself from Raven and settle her into the couch, then head to the next room to face my sister.

“What the fuck are you doing?” She whisper-shouts.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? She’s seventeen years old!”

“I know that.”

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

“We were watching TV…fell asleep. That’s all.”

“Don’t feed me that bullshit.”

I take a deep breath and pull her to the breakfast table. “Sit,” I say as I take the chair next to her. “You’re gonna find out soon anyways, so I guess you should hear it from me.”

“Oh, God.”

“I swear nothing’s happened. But in a few weeks, she’ll be eighteen, and we’re going to start seeing each other.”

“Seeing each other?” She raises her brows in curiosity.

“Dating…if that’s what you wanna call it.”

She leans back and regards me carefully. I can see the wheels turning in her head and puzzle pieces clicking into place. Finally, she smirks.

“You’re falling for her.”

“What? No. I like her, I’ll admit, but that’s it.”

“Mmhmm.” She’s not convinced and frankly, neither am I. “How much longer?”

“A month.”

“Be careful, Gage. I don’t want to see you in prison over this.”

“That’s not gonna happen.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Don’t worry. And don’t say anything to anyone.”

“Goes without saying.”

“Thanks.”

“I’m going to check on Mikey.” She looks down at the watch on her wrist. “Take her home. And pay her…sixty dollars.”

“Okay.”

She’s still asleep on the couch. I kneel in front of her, then trail my fingers down her cheek and whisper her name. Her eyes flutter open, and she smiles up at me.

“Wake up, doll.”

“Shit. I can’t believe I fell asleep,” she says while sitting up.

“Come on. I’m taking you home.”

“Ellen’s back?”

“She’s upstairs with Mikey.”

I pull her up and she staggers, grabbing my arm. “You good?”

“Yeah…just still waking up.”

“Here.”

I hand her the money and she shoves it into her pocket then sags against me. “I got the bike so you gotta wake up, doll.”

She grumbles incoherently, and I realize that I’ll either have to carry her or we walk to her house. I tuck her under my arm and we make our way outside and up the street. By the time we get to her door, she’s fully awake. She buries her face in my chest and groans. Her hands slide under my cut and up my back, then she drags her nails over my T-shirt.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ugh. What’s not wrong? I’m horny and frustrated and I want you and I’m on my period. Pick one.”

“We’re on the home stretch now, babe. Not much longer.”

“God, I love how you smell. I just wanna eat you up.”

She reaches for my crotch and I pull away, taking a few steps back. “Whoa.”

“You should let me.”

“Let you what?”

She moves toward me, biting into her bottom lip. Jesus. Why does she have to be so tempting?

“Eat you up.”

“Fuck, Raven. Don’t talk like that.”

“Why not? It’s not like I haven’t done it before.”

Rage overtakes me. Just thinking about it makes me want to kill someone. “The fuck, Raven? Who the fuck had their dick in your mouth? Was it the boy?”

“No, it wasn’t Chris. My ex back home.”

“That’s what you meant when you said you’ve done things? Did he touch you?”

“No. It was a compromise. He was ready for sex, I wasn’t. He got tired of hand jobs.”

“I’m gonna fucking kill him.”

He’s dead. That motherfucker better start picking out caskets. Never mind caskets; there won’t be anything left of him to bury when I’m done with him.

She pats my chest then takes the sides of my cut in her hands.

“You don’t talk like that.”

“Why not? I’m serious.”

“That’s just it. Coming from anyone else, it might sound like an empty threat…but not you.”

“What do you expect? I have to live with the thought of you sucking some other dude’s dick.”

“Forget about it. I have. I can’t even remember what it looks like…just that he was nowhere near your size.”

Her eyes twinkle with mischief and just like that, she levels me out. “Not many men are,” I say.

“I’ll take your word for it, monster dick.”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

“I liked it, you know…seeing his face while I was doing it. I can’t wait to see yours.”

She leans into me, and I have to take deep breaths to calm my body. All I can see is her on her knees with her lips wrapped around my dick.

“You gonna come in my mouth, Gage? You want me to swallow?” She asks in a low, gravelly voice.

Jesus Christ. I think I can hear my balls turning blue. “Raven –”

She winks, stands on her toes, and gives me a quick peck on the lips.

“I’m going to get some sleep. Call me tomorrow?”

“Yeah, babe.”

“Dream about me.”

“You dream about me,” I tell her.

“Always.”