THEBILLIONAIRE’SFLORIST
Romance on the Go ®
StaceyEspino
Copyright©2023
Karlee
Karleereachedblindlybetweenthemanicuredshrubsinsearchofhercellphone Thethornsfromtherosebushscraped herbarearmasshepulledback. Fuck.
“TellmewhyI’mdoingthisagain?”Shehoistedtheoversizedbagsofsamplesbackoverhershoulderwhilebalancing herphonebetweenherchinandshoulder.Karleecontinueddownthelong,windingwalkwaywiththemidafternoonsunbeating downonher,andsheknewthehumidityhaddoneanumberonherhair.
“Becauseyou’reonemissedrentalpaymentawayfrombankruptcy,”saidStella “Thanks,butIwaslookingforsomethingalittlemoreinspiring.”
The mansioncame into view around the nextbend inthe path Karlee nearlydropped her cell phone again Itwas a modern-daypalaceliftedstraightfromoneofherchildhoodfairy-talebooks.
Stella’s voice kept breaking up The reception this far fromthe city was proving unreliable at best “What’s more inspiringthanthat?Justdowhatyoudobest,andyou’llbefine.”
Thesheersizeofthepropertybroughthernervesanddoubtstothesurface.“Idon’tknow,Stella.Thisjobmightbetoo much”Sheexhaled,questioningherdecisiontobecomethefloristforsuchamassivewedding Thedollarsignshadbeentoo temptingto turndownwhenshe was onlya breathawayfromlosingher flower shop. She still didn’tunderstand whythey hadn’tcalledoneofthebignamesintheindustry Karlee’slittlebusinesswasn’tevenonthemap,andshehadn’tupdatedher websiteintoomanymonthstocount.Whatifshecouldn’thandleit?“Inevershouldhaveagreedtotakeit.”
“Stopit.Ifyouneedextrahelp,youknowwhereIam.Now,womanupandmakethisdealhappen.Thenexttimeyou callme,Iwanttohearyourgoodnews.”
“You’reright.Ihavetodothis.Idon’texactlyhaveachoice.”Aftersayinggoodbye,shestuffedhercellintoherpurse. Itwastimefor her poker face Theydidn’tneedtoknow thenitty-grittyofher situation,justthatshecouldcomethroughfor them.
Herheelsclickedontheslatetilesasshewalkedupthemainstairstothehouse Thedoubledoorsonthewraparound porchweredecoratedwithintricatelycarvedglassinserts.Everythingscreamedmoney.Partofheralreadyhatedthewell-todocouplewhogottoliveinthispieceofparadise,butitwasjustherownjealouslybubblingup.Karleewantedtobetheone towakeuplikeaprincesseveryday,butCinderellastorieswerefictionanddidn’tcometrueforrealwomenlikeher.
Sheswallowedhardbeforetentativelypressingthedoorbellencasedwithinabrasslion’shead,whichseemedlikea bitofoverkill Withinseconds,oneofthedoorsflungopen,exposingameleeofcommotioninsideagrandfoyer Itwasastark contrastfromthepeaceandserenityofthegardensandfieldssurroundingthehouse.
Ratherthanabutlerwiththeblacksuitandwhitehairsheimagined,abeautifulwomanwithlongwavesofbrownhair andatightreddressstaredbackather.
Shewasmomentarilyatalossforwords,feelingcompletelyoutofherelement.“Hi.”Backinthecityshelivedinthe modest bachelorette apartment above the store she rented. Designer clothing and upscale home decor were not in her wheelhouse.Comparedtothiswoman,shefeltshort,frumpy,andveryoutofplace.“I’mKarleefromtheflowershop.”
“ThankGod!Comein”
Karleefollowedheracrossthewhitemarblefloors.Therewerepeopleeverywhere asmallconstructioncrewinthe midstofremovingawall,andawomanwhoappearedtobetheweddingplannerconversingwithchefs,maids,anddesigners Theydidn’tstopuntiltheyreachedtherearofthehome.ThewomanpushedopenasetofFrenchdoorsandsteppedout ontoalargeopendeck.Therewerealreadywhitetents placedoutbackandanelaboratearchwherethevows wouldlikely takeplace Shecouldenvisiongreenvinesandwhiteliliesentwinedaroundthewroughtiron Herimaginationwasalreadyon overdrive.
“This is where it’ll happen I only get one chance to make this right, so it must be absolutely perfect” She turned around to face Karlee. The sun highlighted her blue eyes and the delicate lines at the corners of her eyes. She’d make a beautifulbride
“I’lldomybest.”
No pressure.
Shesmiled,takinganaudiblecleansingbreath “I’msorry Wherearemymanners?Myname’sElizabeth Asyoucan see,thingsareabitcrazyaroundherelately.”After shakinghands,shepointedtotheweddingplanner attheendofthelong hallwaybackbeyond the openFrenchdoors “Robertasked for youpersonally Isabel’s nottoo happyaboutnotmakingthe choice,butignoreher.She’sallbark.”
Theywalked around the area, gettinganidea of what Elizabethwanted for her dreamwedding ApparentlyRobert Black left most of the creative planning to his future bride, price not an object. Karlee mentally calculated her costs and wondered which suppliers carried the exotic flowers requested. She didn’t want to overprice her services and lose the contract,butsheneededtomakeadecentprofitfromsuchabig,demandingjob Thisweddingwashersavinggrace,andshe
couldn’tblowit.Maybeitwouldputheronthemapandbecomethebeginningofarealchangeinherlife.
“Doyouhaveabudgetinmind?”
“Robertsaidwhateveryouthoughtwasfair”
Wow,shewasusedtomostofherclientstryingtocheapout.Thiswasuncharteredterritoryforher.
Beforeshecouldrespond,twoyounggroundskeepersapproached “Ms Shaw,wejusthadanabandonedwrecktowed It’sthereasonthecateringtruckcouldn’tgetintheseconddriveway.”
“Perfect TellIsabeltoshowthemtotheextrafreezersinthekitchen We’realreadybehindschedule”
Karlee processed what the manhad said. She’d parked inthe second drivewayand hadn’t seenanythingout of the ordinary.Surelyhewasn’treferringtoherSUV.Itmayhavebeenabitbeatup,butitranwellenoughandwasheronlymode oftransportation
“Whatdidthewrecklooklike?”sheasked,keepingheremotionsincheckasshespoke. Please not my truck. Please not my truck
“AnoldBlackExplorer.”
Herheartplummeted “That’smine Youtowedmytruck?”
Themanshrugged.“Peopledumpstuffouthereallthetime.Honestly,itlookedlikescrap.”
“I’mreallysorry,butyou’llhavetoexcusemeforaminute,”shesaidtoElizabethbeforerushingoffaroundtheoutside ofthehouse Maybetheywerestillchainingittothetowtruck Maybeshestillhadtimetosalvagethisclose-to-shitday As sheran,oneofherheelssnappedoffinthestonewalkway,leavingherlopsided.Sheignoredeverydistractionexceptgetting tohertruck,hobblingalongasfastasshecould
Whenshereachedtheendoftheseconddrivewaywhereshe’dparkedherSUV,therewasnothinginsightbutthegentle swayoftheweepingwillows.Theruralroadwaywasclearfrombothdirections.Eventhechatterofthewildbirdscouldn’t putasmileonherfacenow.Shesatheavilyonalargedecorativerockandburiedherfaceinherpalms. Why can’t I catch a freakin’break?
Karlee wouldn’tcry She prided herselfonstayingstrongand persevering After discoveringher degree increative writingwasmorevaluablebeingfashionedintoorigamithanacareer,shestilldidn’tgiveup.Shestartedworkingatalocal flowershoptopayoffherstudentloan,discoveringsheenjoyedthecreativeoutletandworkingwithcustomers Afteralotof overtime,sacrifices,andplainluck,shemanagedtoopenherownlittleshop.Itwasadreamcometrue,butunfortunately,like for mostentrepreneurs, business suffered whenthe economybeganto crumble. People didn’thave time to thinkoffrivolous thingslikefresh-cutflowersandbasketarrangementswhentherewerebillstopay.
Angerbegantobubbleuponceherpitytripwounddown. Who tows a truck without asking around first? Shewasn’t theonlyoneatthehouse Someoneneededtogetonthephoneanddemandhertruckbereturned Withouttransportation,there wouldbenoflower deliveries.Withoutflower deliveries,therewouldbenobusiness.Withoutabusiness,Karleewouldbe broke and homeless bythe end ofthe month These people mightbe stinkingrich, buttheycouldn’tbe allowed to playwith people’sliveslikeagameofchess.
Shemarchedbacktothehouseandbangedonthefrontglass doors withoutapology.Screw thatfancydoorbell.This timeshehadtowaitforacoupleminutesbeforefinallycatchingashadowapproachfromtheothersideofthefrostedglass “CanIhelpyou?”
The man’s voice was deepandauthoritative He wore darksuitpants anda pale-blue shirtpartiallyunbuttoned The color flatteredhis blackhair andtancomplexion.Nottomentionthe bluesteyes she’dever seen.Buthe was nobutler.The manhadacommandingpresence,likeheownedtheworldandeveryoneinit includingher “Miss?”
Karlee snapped backinto reality, hopinghe didn’trealize she was sizinghimup fromhead to toe. Broad shoulders, trimwaist,andstrongthighs “Karlee KarleeJones”
TherewasnosignofElizabeth.
“Mygirlfromtheflowershop”Hesmirked,justenoughforhertonotice Themanhadevileyes,toosexytobeholy Shesquirmedonthespot,feelingthefullintensityofhisstare.
“You’reRobertBlack?”
Shereallyhopedhewasn’tthegroombecauseshedidn’twanttogawkatElizabeth’sfuturehusbandwithsuchX-rated thoughtsswirlinginherhead.Hiswordsstilllingeredinhermindbecausetheysoundedsoperfect.She’dgiveanythingtobe his girl
“IrememberedyoufromafunctionIattendedafewmonthsback.IdecidedthenI’dbeusingyourservicesassoonasI hadaneed You’reverytalented,younglady”
“Great.That’s…great.”Asshestoodthereawkwardlytwiddlingherthumbs,sherememberedthereasonshe’dcome backtothehouseinthefirstplace.“Oh…mytruck.Someoneinheretowedmytruck.”
“That would be me, I’m afraid.” He clucked his tongue. “I noticed it from my bedroom window. We can’t have deliveriesdelayedwithonlydaysuntilthewedding.”
“Andyounaturallyassumeditwasanabandonedwreck?”
Heshruggedwithanapologeticliftofaneyebrow.Herbloodwasboiling,butshehadtokeephercool.TheserichAholesthoughttheycouldgetawaywithmurder
“We’re inthe middle ofnowhere. Ihave to have mytruck. Canyoucall the towingcompanybefore theygettoo far away?” The richdidn’tseemto realize thatreal people were luckyto make itfrompaycheckto paycheck She needed her damnedtruck.
“Iheartheyhaveverystrictpoliciesaboutreleasingvehiclesthesameday Alotofredtapeinvolved I’dbehappyto driveyoutotheimpoundlottomorrow.”Howcouldhespeaksononchalantlywhenshewasfranticontheinside?Sheswore herheartwouldbeatrightoutofherchest.
Tomorrow?Whatwouldhappentohertonight?“Idoubtyouhaveabusroutewayouthere,sotomorrowisn’tgoingto workforme.”
“You’llstayhere Ihaveplentyofspareroomsnotbeingused”
He held the door openwider, encouragingher to enter the house. Whatchoice did she have? Her bestfriend Stella didn’t evenhave a car of her own, and there was no one else she could call for help Karlee stepped backinto the white marblefoyerwiththevaultedceilingsandRomancolumns.Everybeautifuldetailonlyincreasedherdispleasure.Itwasonly oncetheair-conditioningbegantoclear her headthatsherememberedwhatamessshewas.Sheimmediatelytriedtoadjust herhairandstandstraightwithonebrokenheel ThensherecalledthatRobertBlackmightbejaw-droppinglygorgeous,buthe wastaken.Asingettingmarriedintwodays.
“Howmuchwouldataxicostwayouthere?”
“You’restayingthenight,Ms Jones That’snotdebatable”
Her jaw dropped, but she said nothing. He took her bags and set themdown against the wall. There was such an authoritativeairabouthim Itmadeherpussytingleinwaysshe’dneverknown Hescrubbedahandacrosshislightlystubbled cheekandchin,assessingherlikeaproblemtosolve.
“Okay…”SheimaginedamanlikeMr.Blackgoteverythinghewanted,whenhewantedit.Themerethoughtaroused her Did he want her? Stop it, Karlee! Just as she forced her inappropriate thoughts away, Elizabeth approached fromthe kitchen.Shewantedtoburyherheadinthesand.
“Thereyouare,”shecalledout “Youhadmesoworried,Karlee” “Sorry…mytruck…”
Elizabethbrieflykissedher fiancé onthe cheekandthenlookedatthe bags stackedagainstthe wall IfKarlee hada manlikeRobertBlack,shewouldn’tfeelgoodabouthavinganotherwomanunderherroofeither.Hewasirresistible.
“I’msureeverythingwillgetsorted.You’llhelpher,won’tyou,Robert?”
“Ofcourse I’lltake very good careofher”Whydidheseemtolookintohersoulwhenhesaidthoselittlewords?His fiancéewasstandingrightthere.
OnceElizabethhadwalkedoff,Robertcamecloser Hekeptcominguntilshewasforcedtobackupagainsttheclosed glassdoors.Whywasshebeingtested?Theguywasatwo-timingloser,yethestillhadauniquemagneticpull.
“What’reyoudoing?”shemanagedtosqueakout.
“Hush.” He reached out and tucked some of her unruly locks behind her ear. The touch sizzled right down to her marrow. “Youcan’t imagine how good it feels to have youhere. I watched yousettingup the displays at mylast business conference AllIcouldfocusonwasyou thehighlightsinyourhair,thewayyoumoved,thecurveofyourass IknewIhad toseeyouagain.KnewIhadtohaveyou.”
What the hell? Washeforreal?Sheswallowedthelumpinherthroat “Didn’tyourparentstellyouthatyoucan’thave everythingyouwant?Therearesomethingsmoneycan’tbuy.”
“That’salie,”hesaid.“Iwantedyou,andyou’rehere.”
“ThenI’manunsuspectingvictim.Icameheretosellflowers,notmybody.”
“You’reright.You’llgivemethatforfree.”Hesmiled,notallowingheranypersonalspace.“Tellmethere’snospark betweenus,anddon’tlie”
Shekeptsilent.
“Soundslikefatetome,”hesaid
OfcoursesherememberedRobertBlack.Howcouldshenot?He’dstarredinmostofherbedtimefantasieseversince they’dfirstmet.Shewasn’tsurehowshecouldforget.“It’sallacoincidence.”
“Therearenocoincidencesinlife,Ms.Jones.Fateisn’tsofickle.”
Fate?Asinthetwoofthemtogether?Whatgamewasheplaying?Didhethinkshe’dreadilyopenherlegssohecould haveonelastfling?Wasshepartofhislastbachelorhurrah?
“Well,Idon’tgivemyselfawayforfree,andIcan’tbebought,nomatterhowmuchIneedthisjob.”
“Thejobisalreadyyours,Ms Jones That’snotinquestion Andpleasedon’tmistakemeforamanwhoneedstotake without permission.” He leaned inclose enoughthat his subtle cologne tickled her senses. “And I canbe verypatient,” he whispered.
Heabruptlypulledback,noddedonce,andwalkedawayfromher,turningacornerandmovingoutofsight Shefeltan oddsenseoflossafterhewasgone.Hadshewantedhimtocontinue? You’re sick, Karlee. Sick, sick, sick.
After collectingher thoughts, she soughtoutElizabeth IfKarlee was trapped atthe mansion, she mightas well start planningforthewedding.Andsheneededaseriousdistractionfromherunwholesomethoughts.
Itwastimetogettowork She’dneedtoknowexactnumbersandflowertypessoshecouldgeteverythingorderedin time. Withonlytwo days’notice, she reallyneeded to get backto her laptop at the shop. This delaycould cost her if her suppliers couldn’tcome throughina bind. She was a hotmess ofstress and unexplainable pent-up desire. Whatshe really neededwasabigglassofwine Maybethewholebottle
Shefoundthebride-to-betalkingwiththeweddingplanner.WhenElizabethsawherapproach,sheexcusedherselfand metherhalfway
“Karlee,dideverythinggetworkedout?Ifeelterribleaboutyourtruck.”
“It’llbefine,”shesaid,feelingguiltybecauseElizabethwassodamnnice Whydidshehavetobesonice?“Mr Black saidhe’ddrivemetotheimpoundlotfirstthinginthemorning.Youdon’tmindifIstaythenight,doyou?”
“Of course not. Whywould I mind?” Elizabethsmiled and touched her arm. She was so graceful, so ladylike the exactoppositeofKarlee Nowondershehadironcladconfidence
Onher bestday,Karlee was coveredinsoil stains andanassortmentofscrapes andbruises.Runninga flower shop wasnotaprimandproperwayofliving.
“Idohavetomeetwiththedressmakerthisafternoon,though Thelistofflowersisonthetableintheupstairshallway I’mopentosuggestions.FeelfreetostartplanningwhileI’mgone.”
“I’lldothat”
The bride-to-be rushed off, leavingher alone. Karlee wandered around the mainfloor, admiringthe architecture and artwork Mr Blackhadmoremoneythanheknewwhattodowith,whileshewasbarelymakingendsmeet Ofcourse,she’d gladlytradeplaceswithElizabeth,soshecouldn’tgripetoomuch.
Sheslippedoffherbrokenheelsandpaddedupthewindingstaircasebarefoot.Thepolishedwoodbanisterfeltcoolin her too-warmpalm Whywere her nerves shot? Anuneasyanticipationmade her entire bodyfeel hotwired She wanted to avoidMr.Blackasmuchasshecravedtomeetupwithhimagain.No,forthesakeofhercontractandherverysoul,shehadto keepherdistancefromthatdark-hairedtemptation
Karlee prided herself on hard work and old-fashioned values. She wasn’t impressed with this new side of herself peekingthrough, and she wouldn’t allow Elizabeth’s fiancé to sweet talkher into anythinginappropriate evenif it meant losingthejobandwalkingbacktothecity.
Shemadeittothetopofthefairy-talesquestaircase.Amassivecrystalchandelierhungfromthevaultedceiling,anda longOrientalrunnercoveredpartofthehardwoodinthehallway Karleesawthetableinquestion Itlookedlikeapriceless antique,thedarkmahoganybringingouttherichnessofthegrain.Uponreachingit,shecaughther reflectionintheoversized mirror above the table Damn, she looked like shit Her eyeliner was even running She leaned closer to the mirror and attemptedtomakeherselfhalfwaydecent,usingafingertoremovetheexcessmakeup.That’swhenshefelthispresence. “Don’tworry,youlookbeautiful.JusthowIrememberedyou.”
Karleewhirledaround.Nowhe’dadded liar tohislistofoffenses.“Iseriouslydoubtthat.”
Hehadthissexylittlesmirkthatmeltedherfromtheinsideout.“Ididn’texpecttofindyouuphere. By yourself.” “I-Iwaslookingforalistofflowers”Shepawedbehindher,feelingforanythingpaperlike “Yourfiancéetoldmeit wasokaytocomeupstairs.”
Hefrowned “Myfiancée?Andwhowouldthatbe,Ms Jones?”
Enoughwasenough.“Yourfiancée Elizabeth.Haveyouforgottenaboutheralready?That’shardlyfairtohernow,is it?”
Hetouchedhershoulder,runninghishanddownherarmsoshewasforcedtostopfiddlingwiththetablebehindher. Onceherarmswereathersides,hetiltedherchinupsoshe’dmeethimeyeforeye.
“Elizabethismylittlesister Iofferedtheuseofmyhomeformyniece’swedding”
Sister? Sister!
IfRobertBlackwasn’tgettingmarriedandhadnoringonhisfinger,thatmeanthe’dbeenflirtingwithher Andshe’d beenpushinghimaway!Therewasnothingkeepingthemapartnow,nothingimmoral orscandalous.Herbodyseemedtoput twoandtwotogetherbeforeher,arushofheatanddesiremakingherentirebodyflush
“Oh,Isee…”
He chuckled. “Did youreallythinkI’d disrespectmyfuture wife? Ipromise there isn’ta manmore loyal thanIam. Familymeanseverythingtome”
“I’msorry.Ididn’tmean ”
He braceda handonthe hall table ateither side ofher body,pinningher onlyinches fromhis hardchest “It’s okay, little one. Iwon’tbite.” He tilted his head slightly. “Is thatwhyyou’ve beenresistingme? Iwonder how youfeel aboutus now”
She couldn’t slow her breathingno matter how hard she concentrated. Her chest was heaving, her pulse racing. He smelled so damngood. Beingtrapped feltuniquelytitillating. IfRobertwas ananimal, he’d be able to scenther arousal. It grewmoreintensebythemoment,likeanactivevolcanobuildingpressurebeforeaviolenteruption
“You’rewet,aren’tyou?”
Howdidheknow?Hisvoicewasbarelyaboveawhisper deepandmenacing Theheatofhisbreathtickledthefine hairs alongher neck. Withher hectic schedule at the flower shop, she had no time to consider relationships. Robert Black remindedhershehadneeds.Majorneeds.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”shestammered,notwantingtothrowawayallprofessionalism.Yet.
“Iknowyou’reyoung,Karlee,butyou’restillawoman.Ican’tbetheonlyonefeelingthepullbetweenus.”Hishand wasontheswellofherhipnow Hehadafirmtouch,andthosestrongfingerswereonlyinchesfromherpressurecenter She didn’tevenknowthisman,yetherbodydemandedshesubmittohiswill.Hemadeherfeelsafe whetheritwashisage,his wealth,orsimplythewayhecouldcontrolherwithasingleword shewasn’tsureanddidn’tcare
“Whatdoyouwant?”
“Itoldyou,IalwaysgetwhatIwant.Andrightnowthat’syou.”
Herbreathhitched.She’dhateherselfinthemorning,butshecouldn’trefusehimnow thatsheknew hewasn’ttaken. There was nothing she wanted more than to have this dark, muscled god claimher, to fuck her hard enough to leave her pleasantlysore the nextday She couldtell he wouldn’tdisappointher Everythinghe didwas a success,andjudgingbythe hardlengthpressedagainstherstomach,he’dgetahighscoreinthebedroom.
“Youwantme?”Shesoundedmoreinsecurethanshefelt
Thesoundofnumerousmuffledvoicesechoedupthestairsfromthefoyerbelow.Heleanedcloseandwhisperedinher ear.“Iwanttofuckyou,Karlee.”
Shegasped,liquidheatslippingdownherinnerthigh.Whathadshegottenherselfinto?SheneededStella’sadviceon hercellphoneSTAT.Wassheactinglikeaslut?Shouldshetellhimtokeephishandstohimself?Hewasloadedwithmoney andprobablyhitonhalfhisstaff Theideaofbeinganothernumbersickenedher,yetthethoughtofbeingnakedwithhiminbed wastootemptingtoignore.
Whenshesaidnothinginreturn,hecontinued,“Takeyourclothesoffforme”Hiswordssnappedherbackintoreality likeasplashofice-coldwater.
“What?Where?Here?”
“Righthere Rightnow”Hesteppedbackandcrossedhisarmsoverhisbroadchest Hisblueeyeswereadarkocean now,impossibletoread.
“Butthere’repeoplerightdownstairs Lotsofthem Whatifsomeonecomes ”
“It’smyhouse.Nobody’scomingupherewithoutmyconsent.”
Shewantedtoargueandremindhimshe’dcomeupstairswithouthisknowledge,butkepthermouthshutinstead “But ”
“Karlee,I’mnotplayinggameswithyou.Iwantyounaked.Iwanttofeelyourtitsinmyhandsandseeyourpinklittle pussywhenIspreadyourlegsonthistable” Hewaited.
She lookedtoeachside,her pulse racingfromthe fear andtitillationofgettingcaught God,she was goingtoregret this,butsheplannedtoenjoyeverysordidmoment.Karleestartedwithherskirt,unzippingitfrombehindashewatchedher everymove Itfellheavilyaroundherfeet,leavingherinherblackpanties “Continue,”hesaid.
After another deepbreath,sheliftedher shirtover her head.Shewas soarousedthatshesworeshe’dspontaneously combust Karleewasinabillionaire’shallwayinnothingbutalacebraandpanties How couldsomethingsowrongfeel so
right?Shewashesitantaboutgettingcompletelynakedeventhoughshewantedthispartytocontinue.
“Very nice.Youhaveabeautifulbody,Karlee.”
She was desperate for his approval Eachtime she complied his tone became less harsh, spurringher to obeyeach command.Shit,whatkindofissuesdidshehavebottledup?
Karleeunfastenedherbraclaspbutheldthematerialtoherchestbeforeitcouldfallaway She’dneverdoneanything likethisinherlife.Shewasn’tsurewhoorwhattoblameforhersuddenrashbehavior.Maybeitwasthestressfromworkand finances or due to stifling her sexuality every day of her adult life But Robert Black unleashed something within her that refusedtobehave.
He shookhis head indisapproval as he stepped forward. “Don’thide your bodyfromme.” Robertgentlypried her armsaside,allowingthebratoslipdowntothefloorwithherotherclothing Hegotdownononekneeandcoveredherareola withhishotmouth,suckinginhersensitivenipple.Shecriedout,tossingherheadbackasshegrippedhishairasananchor.
Histonguewasmagicalashepaintedcirclesaroundhernipples,alternatingfromonetotheother Withhishandsfree, he removed her panties, the lastarticle ofclothingbefore she was completelynude. He cupped her bare ass, squeezingthe fleshymoundsashefeastedonherbreasts Hisslightstubblescrapedhersensitiveskin,increasingherarousal Herlegswere gettingweak,herkneesshaking.
Whenhe finallyrose backuptohis feet,he toweredover her,his shoulders twice as wide as hers.She instinctively tuggedathisshirt,wantinghimjustasnaked Themanwasmassive,andKarleewantedtoseeandfeelthehardmusclesshe knewwaitedbeneathhisexpensivedesignershirt.
“Ah-ah ”Hecluckedhistongueasheseizedbothherwrists “Patience,sweetthing”Theninoneswiftmotion,hehad her sittinguponthe antique hall table,the decorative vase andflowers purposelybrushedtothe floor.The ceramic crashed intopieceswhenithitthehardwood.Shegasped,herbodyjoltingfromthesuddennoise.
“Mr. Black? Is everythingokay?” The female voice originated fromdownstairs. Whatifshe was caughtwithouther clotheson?Thetaboonatureoftheiractonlyaddedtothetwistederoticism.
Heignoredtheunseenvoice,unzippinghis dress pants as hepositionedhimselfbetweenher spreadlegs “Touchmy cock.”
She looked downathis huge erectionnow juttingoutfromhis zipper The manwas thickand hard, builtlike a stud horse.She tentativelyreacheddown, buthe gripped her hand and showed her exactlyhow he wanted her tohandle him. He wassoforward,soconfident.Shelikedit.
“Mr.Black?”Thesoundoffootstepsbeganatthebottomstepsofthewindingstaircase.Karleetensed.
“Doyouwantthisinsideofyou?Canyourlittlepussystretchenoughforme?”Hesmoothedhishandsalongherinner thighs,stretchingherwideenoughthatshefeltthepullinhermuscles Whenhepressedthefullnessofhisthumbintohercunt, herentirebodyshook.
Amuffledgaspbrieflystolehisattention
“DoIlooklikeIwanttobedisturbed?”Hisvoicechangedfromsexytothreateninginthespanofasecond.
Karleelookedtotheside,Robert’sthumbstilldeepinsideher,herlegswide.Theweddingplannerstaredwithamix ofshockand awe before rushingbackdownstairs IfIsabel hated her before, she wasn’tsure whatshe’d thinkofher now She’dprobablygossiptotheentirestaff,includingElizabeth.Sheshouldcare,shouldbeembarrassed…horrifiedeven.But allshecouldthinkaboutwasthedeliciousmanwhodidn’tappearfazedbyanythingoranyone
“Shouldwestop?”sheasked.
“Myhouse,myrules It’sbadenoughI’vegivenmysisterfreereinofthemainfloorandgroundsfortheweek Upstairs isofflimits.”Hepulledacondomoutofhisbackpocketandbegantosheathhisreadycock.
ChapterFour
Is this really happening? MenhadignoredherinUniversity.She’dalwaysbeentheshy,awkwardone.Theoutgoing flirtswithbigboobsandlonglegsalwaysgottheguys ItstilldumbfoundedherthatRobertBlackwenttosomuchtroubleto getherinhisbed.Ifonlyhereallywantedher,butshewasn’tdeludedenoughtobelievehe’dchoosealow-classnobodyas hisforeverwoman Butshecouldstilldream
“Youhave no idea how badlyIwantyourightnow.” He guided his erectionather moltencenter, workingall those thickinchesinsideherwillingbody.Sheclosedhereyes,allowingthecascadingrelieftotricklethroughhersystem.Thiswas exactlywhatsheneeded
Karleeexhaledoncehewasfullyseated.Hewasbig,stretchingherwallsinalusciousnewway.Shereachedupand grabbedhimbytheshouldersforsupport Themanwashard,noextrafatonhisbody Evenwiththethinmaterialofhisshirt coveringhim,shecouldtellhewouldberipped.
Whenhebegantothrust,theresultingfrictionmadehercryout Everystrokebroughtherbodytolife,themultitudeof sensations settling deep in her cunt. Her clit was swollen and throbbing, warning of an impending orgasm. She’d never expectedtoachieveoneatthehandsofamanratherthanabattery-operatedtoy.ButRobertalreadyhadhersoaringtheclouds andshewasn’tcomingdownanytimesoon
Herhumanityandsenseofdecencyslippedawayasherdormantferalsideemerged.Shewantedsex dirty,andalot ofit
“You’reridiculouslytight,Karlee.”Hiswordswereslurredwithhisfocusonfuckingher.Hehadherbythehipsashe pumpedinandoutofherpussywithundyingstamina.Thewoodentableknockedthewallwitheachthrust,thesoundofrough sexechoingthroughoutthehouse.
“Sorry...”
“Ifuckingloveit You’reperfect”
Shecouldn’thelpbutsmiletoherself.ShewantedRoberttolikeher.Whowasshekidding?Karleewantedamanlike RobertBlacktoloveher Allheradultyearshadbeenspenthidingfromrelationshipsoranythinginvolvingrealemotion Now thatshe’dbeengivenasample,sherealizedjusthowunfulfillingherlifewas,andnotbecauseshewasstrugglingfinancially. Whatsheneededwasloveandcompanionship,ashouldertocryon,andamanwhocouldmakeeverythingbetter.
Butshewasn’tafooleither.Athisage,RobertBlackwouldhavealreadysettleddownwithawomanbynowifthat’s what he wanted out of life. Tonight was about sex. One night. Billionaires didn’t choose people like Karlee Jones, so she neededtoenjoyeveryminuteofthisrareexperience Itwouldbesomethingtorememberduringthoselong,lonelynightsabove herflowershop.
Whenshereachedtheheightofarousal,everythingaroundherseemedtodisappearasshefocusedontheblossoming orgasm.Itwasabeautifulthing,aplacewhereshe’dlovetolinger.Butjustbeforeshecouldreachthatperfectpeak,Robert abruptlypulledaway.
“Ithinkweshouldtakethistothebedroom.”
Shecouldscarcelycatchherbreath,herbodycoiledlikeaspring.“What?But...”
Roberthadbroughthertoablindingpeaksoeffortlessly Shewonderedwhathewascapableof,givenanentirenight Hescoopedher upasifsheweighedafew poundsandcarriedher totheroomrightacrossthehallway.Hekickedthedoor shutoncetheyentered Thebedroomwasdecoratedinanarrayofredswithgoldaccents Fabricswathswoundaroundthefour woodenbedposts,andthebeddinglookedtootemptingnottodrownin.Eventhesmallestdetailswerememorable.Theamount ofmoneyhehadtoburnwasmind-boggling.
“Don’tworry,beauty LikeItoldmysister,I’lltakegoodcareofyou I’llhaveyoucominghardandfast It’llbeworth thewait.”
Shereacheddowntotouchherself,herpussythrobbingwithneed ButRobertwouldn’thaveit Hesetherdownonthe cloud-likeduvet,thesoftmaterialenvelopingherbody.Thenheproceededtopullhisleatherbeltfromtheloopsinhispants, usingittocreatemakeshifthandcuffs Shewatchedinfascination Withinminuteshe’dexpertlysecuredherwriststoonepost, hernudebodysprawledoutdiagonallyacrossthemassivebed.
Karlee tugged ather binds, feelingincreasinglyapprehensive whenshe realized he wasn’tplayingand she was tied tightly Thiswasanewlevelofkink Infact,itwastheonlynaughtythingshe’deverdoneoutsideofherimagination Didshe trustRobertenoughtocontinue?Shewasabouttofindout.
“Youlookgoodonmybed,”hesaid,standingnearherside Robertbegantounbuttonhisshirt Itwaslikewatchinga giftbeingunwrapped,theanticipationkillingher.Whenhefinallypeeledthelayeroffthoselinebackershoulders,sheheldher breath Themanwasbuiltforherpleasure hardandcut Hehadtheoutlineofasix-packpeekingthroughhistrimabsandan erotictrailofhairleadingtothehugebulgeinhispants.Herpussyweptbecausesheknewpreciselyhowhiscockfeltdriving inandoutofher.He’dleftherhangingonabeautifulprecipice,notallowinghertotakethatfinalleap.Karleeneededtocome intheworstway
“Whatareyougoingtodowithme?”sheasked.
“I’mgoingtoeatyourpussyuntilyouscreammyname.ThenI’mgoingtofuckyouuntilyou’refilledwithmycum.”
Shewasatalossforwords Hewassoforward,noholdsbarred Thebillionairewasactuallygoingtogodownonher afterthey’dalreadystartedhavingsex?Sheassumedhe’dbetoogoodforthat,butshesupposedamanwasaman.
“Doesthatworkforyou?”heaskedashecrawledoverherbody Themusclesinhispecsandarmsflexedasheheld hisweightoverhernude,pronebody.
Karleenoddedrapidly,readytoindulgeinanythingthatinvolveddirtysexwithRobertBlack “Don’t move now.” He winked. She couldn’t move if she tried, her arms secured above her head. Robert traveled downherbody,spreadingherthighswide.Karleefeltsoexposedandvulnerable,thegentlecurrentofairintheroomteasing hermoistpussy WhenRobert’shotbreathwarmedherclit,sheknew shewouldn’tlastlong Histonguelappedatherfolds, sinkingdeeperashepassedhercunt.Shewasdelirious,starsandlightsdancinginhervision.Theroomwasdim,litonlyby theglowfromthehallwayunderthedoorandthemeageramountoflightfrombehindhisheavycurtains
Hesuckledandlicked,eatingher likeamanwithonlyoneintentinlife.Shearchedher back,certainshe’ddieifhe continued,butneedingsomuchmore
“OhmyGod!”shecried.Theheatinhercuntbuiltandbuilt.Shetuggedfranticallyatherbinds.Anyminuteandshe’d explode.Anyminute...
Hestoppedhisministrations,leavingherwanting “You’reclose Good” “Hey!That’sthesecondtimeyou’veleftmehanging.”Shefeltdesperateandangry,readytobeg.“What’swrongwith you?”
Hesmirked,anadorablelittletiltofhislips.God,shewantedhim.Robertleanedoveranduntiedherwrists,running hispalmsoverherbreastsandhipsashepulledback.Hemadeherfeelbeautifulwithjustatouchorlook.
“Sorry,baby.Promiseitwon’thappenagain.”Hewastednotime,plungingintoherwetheat,hiswarmchestpressed againsthertits.Robertbegantoworkherbody,butitfeltsomuchmoreintimatewiththeirbarebodiesentwined.Theywerein hisbed,movingasone,bondingonasexual level Shewrappedherfreearmsaroundhisneck,holdinghimclose Emotions bubbledupinsideher,alittlevoicetellinghertoneverletgo.
HowcouldmenlikeRobertmovefromwomantowomanwithoutfeelingthedeep-seatedconnectionnowdrivingher mad?Theintimacyofsexwashardtodistinguishfromgenuineloveandaffection.
“Robert...”
“Good girl,”hegroaned,asexualsoundthatbroughtherarousalupanothernotch.“You’reallmine.”
Hispubicbonebrushedhersensitivecliteachtimehecamedown.Hehadthestaminaofajackhammer.Themanhada hugecock,hissizealonebringingherrelief Hefilledhertooverflowing,hissteelyerectionbetterthananythingshecouldbuy inatoystore.Thefinalthrustthatpushedherovertheedgecameunexpectedly.Onemomentshewassavoringthesweetzone, dreamingupimpossiblefairytales,thenextshewasjoltedbacktolifeasherentirebodyrockedwithcontractions Shecould feelherpussymilkingRobert’scock.Hegrowled,grippinghertighterashefinallyexperiencedhisownrelease.
Theywerebothsweat-slick,panting,andexhausted.They’dhadaminimarathonofsexualexploration.Withinminutes oftheirmutualorgasm,theyfellasleepineachother’sarms
Karleeawokewithastart,sittingupsofastshehadaheadrush.Shewasconfused,rippedfromherdreamsbyaloud, unfamiliarbang Where am I?
“It’sokay,”Robertcooed,hisvoiceinstantlysoothingherfrayednerves.
She looked to her side He was nextto her, comfortablyunder the lushblankets Everythingcame rushingback the touching, the teasing, the fucking. Evenafter a full nightofsleep, his hair disheveled and sleep lines onhis cheeks, Robert Blacklookedamazing.Shewantedtowakeuplikethiseveryday.
“Theconstructioncrewlikestoshowupearly”
“Oh,right,theweddingplanning.”
Robertonlysmiled,pullinghercloser “Ican’twaituntilit’soverwith Ilovemyniece,butIalsovaluemyprivacy”
Karlee laybackdown, tuckingthe blankets up to her chin. She felt like she was twelve years old again, her father walking out on themSaturday morning while she watched cartoons He’d fallen for a woman at the factory he worked at, decidingshewasmoreimportantthanthefamilyhe’dcreatedwithher andher mother.Hecouldturnoffhisemotionslikea light switch, as if she’d never mattered at all. His love had a price and she’d never be enough. That same vulnerability, desperation,andemptinessstruckhernowoutofnowhere
Why was she comparing her childhood trauma to a one-nighter? She really needed to grow up and stop overcomplicatingthings Robertwasprobablylikeeveryotherman,likeherfather,butitwasuptoherhowshereactedtohis rejection.Shedidn’tneedtobecomeavictimagain.
Shestudiedhisface thebluenessofhiseyes,thebeautymarkonhisjaw,andthesprinklingofgreynearhistemples. Hewasperfect.Couldtherehavebeenmoretohimthanjustgoodlooksandmoney?“Don’tyouevergetlonely?”
Robertlookedtakenabackbyherquestion.Hetookawhiletoanswer.“Ihaveplentytokeepmeoccupied.”
Hetookasectionofherhairandtwirleditaroundhisfingerabsently
“Afterthebusinessdealsareoverandyourstaffaregoneforthenight,it’sjustyouinthisbig,emptyhouse.”
Heshrugged “Whataboutyou,littleone?”heasked,changingthesubject “Iknow nothingaboutyououtsideofyour floralcreations.Tellmesomething.”
“There’snotmuchelsetoknow.”Thefactherentirelifefocusedonherbusinessmadeherlifefeelempty.She’dnever traveled,hadn’tevenseentheattractionsinherowncity.Lifewaseighttosix,andeveningswereamixofNetflixandbroken dreams.Butshewastrappedwithnowayout,soshetrudgedonlikeeveryoneelse.
“Nomaninyourlife?That’shardtobelieve”
“IfIhadaman,Iwouldn’tbeinyour bed.”
Heleanedforward,closingthesmall spacebetweenthem,andsurprisedherwithakissonthelips Kissingchanged everything.Shewasfallingandcouldn’tstopit.
“Well, you are here. Maybe I’ll keep you.” He was just teasing, but she probablywouldn’t protest. The thought of walkingoutofhishouseandhislifelikenothinghappenedweighedheavilyonher.Shefeltlikeateenageragain,innocentand inlove.Butitwasallsmokeandmirrors.Hewasplayinggames,nothingmore.
“Sure Youcanaddmetoyourcollectionofconquests”
Hetuckedalockofhairbehindherear.“Somethingwrong?”
She exhaled and shook her head “Nothing I’mjust feeling sorry for myself” And I’m an idiot Karlee wanted to cuddle up into his arms and allow himto fend offthe world. She craved the love and securityanolder manlike himcould provide.ButRobertwasnolessaplayboythanthegaggleoftestosterone-riddenmeninhercity.
“Why,sweetheart?You’reyoung,beautiful,andamazinglytalented Whatmorecouldyouwant?”
“Iguesseveryonewantswhattheycan’thave.” Except you, shethought.Hesaidhe’dhaveher,andhedid.Wheredid thatleaveher?Sherolledawayandbegansearchingforherarticlesofclothing Thisone-nightstandneededtoendbeforeshe wasirrevocablydamaged.Herdaddyissueswerefuckingwithherhead.
AsmuchasKarleewantedtostaywithRobertBlack,sheknewshehadtogetaway Everyminutewithhimmadeher fallmoreinlove.Shewasaddictedjustbylookingattheman.
Karleestruggledtodressandtameherhairsimultaneouslyasshemadeherwaydownthehallway.Robertcalledfrom behind,butshe ignoredhim She didn’tneedhis pity,payoff,or lies She was a biggirl,andshe’dgetover their little onenighter...eventually...maybe.
“Karlee,wait!”
She never looked back. Karlee hitched a ride with one of the linen trucks and managed to get her SUVout of the impound lot herself Now she was almost three hundred dollars in the hole Hopefully she still had the job handling the weddingflowersforElizabeth’sdaughter.Butshemostdefinitelywouldn’tbedeliveringorsettinguppersonally.Stellawould havetodoitforher.TherewasnowayshecouldfaceRobertagain toseeandnothave.Nottomentiontheweddingplanner andentirestaffprobablythoughtshewasaworld-classhooker
Thatnight,afterclosingtheshopandturningoutallthelights,shetrudgedupthedarkstairwelltoherapartmentabove the store. It was nothinglike the Blackestate. She was sure his ensuite bathroomrivaled her entire place insize. Karlee droppeddownonhersofawithabagofchips Shestaredupattheceiling,wonderingwhatRobertwasdoing Washethinking of her? Had he already moved onto his next target? Maybe the coffee shop girl or local dog walker. He seemed to like slumming Her stomachturned justimagininghimlookingatanother womanwiththe same mockaffectioninhis eyes Why couldn’tithaveallbeenreal?
Karleewouldjustpretendithadbeenreal,likesomekindoftragicromancenovel
Orshe’dblackitoutofhermemoryforever.Shewasgoodatthat.
Maybeshe’djustgetacat.
Herphonerang ItwasStella Shealmostdidn’tanswerbutneededtofacewhathadhappened Adistractionfromher thoughtswasalsowelcome.
“Wherehaveyoubeen?I’veleftlikeamillionmessages”
Shewasn’tgoingtosugarcoatit.“IsleptwithRobertBlack.”Shetookabreath.“Itwasamistake.Bigmistake.Butit’s overandI’mputtingitbehindme”
“Holdon.What?”
“Itwasgood,thesexImean,butwhatever.”
“Howdidthishappen?”Stellaasked
Karlee wasn’ta partygirl andcertainlydidn’tsleeparound ever.Her friendwouldbe understandablyina state of shock
“Hewasreallygoodatwhathedoes.”
“Andthatis?”
Karleeexhaledinexasperation.“Aplayer.He’saplayer,Stella.Theguy’sabillionaire,gorgeousashell,andhunglike afuckinghorse.Hecouldlegithaveanewwomaneverynight,soIknewwhatIwasgettinginto.”
Therewassilenceontheotherendoftheline “I’mnotconvinced”
“Ofwhat?Thatithappened?Icanhardlywalk,doesthatcount?”Karleesaid.
“You’renotbrokenbythis?Youbelievedhislies,didn’tyou?”
Tears builtup inher eyes and a frogburned inher throat. Yes, she’d beenstruckbythe not-so-fictional love atfirst sight.ShewouldhavegivenanythingforRoberttoreciprocateherfeelings,butluckhadneverbeenonhersidewhenitcame torelationships.
“No,I’mfine,”shelied.
“Doyouwantmetocomeover?”
She shook her head, holding herself together by a thread. “No, silly. I’mjust watching some Netflix. I’ll call you tomorrow”
Onceshehungupthephone,shecriedaloud,allherdisappointmentcomingoutinawaveofsadnessthattookherby surprise.
Thefactshewasincapableoftrustingmenwaseitherasavinggraceorherdownfall,buttherewasnothingshecould doaboutit.ThisentireRobertBlackfiascohadtiltedherworldoffitsaxis.Itmadehercravesomethingshehadnorightto. She was a realist more thanshe was a dreamer, life had done that to her, so she’d pushonand dismiss the fairytales that foreverseemedoutofreach.
One Month Later
Karleehadjustfinishedputtingouthersidewalkfloraldisplayswhenthesmallbellsclangedagainsttheglassdoor It wasunusualtogetcustomersthisearly.Sheturnedaroundtofindatallmaninanexpensivebusinesssuit,hisfaceobscuredby thelargestbouquetofrosesshe’deverseen.Atfirstshethoughtitwasaregulardelivery,butshehadn’torderedanythingfor todayandtheflowerswereartfullyarrangedwithbaby’sbreathandaccentflowers.
“Hello?”
The bouquet lowered, revealing the one man she’d tried to forget over the past month Butterflies fluttered in her stomachasshelookedintothosefamiliarblueeyesagain.
“It’sgoodtoseeyou,”hesaid,hisvoicesober
Shewhirledaround,pretendingtobebusytidyingupthecounter.Shedidn’twanthimtoseethewarofemotionplaying onherface.Shewasclosetocrumbling.Forcingherselftobestrongthispastmonth,failingtoforgethim,andnowseeinghim again in the flesh was too much Way too much “What are you doing here?” Did he require more floral services with mandatorybonussex?Therewasnowayshecouldputherheartthroughthatagain,evenifthesubtlescentofhiscolognehad alreadyunraveledher
“Ihadtoseeyou,Karlee.”Hehandedhertherosesassoonassheturnedaround.
“Andyoubroughtmeflowers?”Sheliftedaneyebrow “Iownaflowershop,youknow?”
“Yeah.IguessIdidn’tthinkthatonethroughtoowell.”Hechuckled,andshecouldn’thelpbutsmileback.
Hetriedtoreachoutandtouchherface,butshesteppedbackbeforehemadecontact.Hewastoyingwithher,usingher emotionsagainstheragain
“Don’t.Please,justdon’t.”
“Why?Why’dyourunoutonmelikethat?DidIdosomethingwrong?”
Karlee exhaled indefeatand beganplacingher new arrangementinto anoversized vase, her backto him. “Itwasn’t you,”shesaid “Ijusthadmyexpectationssettoohigh Itseemstobeafaultofmine I’moverit,though”
“Canyoutell me how Ifailed to meetyour expectations?” He spunher around and secured her byeacharmso she couldn’ttwistawayagain.ItwasoddhavingRobertBlackinher littleflower shop.Hewaslarger thanlife,all male.Itfelt liketwoworldswerecolliding therealityandthefantasy Partofherwasconvincedshewasstilldreaming,abouttowake uptothealarmclockatanyminute.Buthewasreallyhere,andshewasn’tsurewhattodoorfeel.
“Youdidn’t,okay Look,I’mnotthekindofgirltojumpintobedwitheverymanwhoasks Youcan’tjustshowuphere foraredowheneveryoufeellikeit.Whatwedidmeantsomethingtome.Honestly,I’mstillnotoverit.”
“Really...”
“No,I’mnot.So,ifanothernieceornephewisgettingmarried,you’regoingtohavetofindadifferentflorist.Despite thecrumblingbrickandmortaroutsidemyshop,there’snopricehighenoughtogetmetoworkforyouagain.I’msorry.”
Helookedtakenabackforamoment “Wow Iwasn’texpectingthat”Roberttiltedhisheadslightly “Youknowyou’re theonewhowalkedoutonme,right?”
“Itwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeyoudidthesame Iknowyourtype rich,powerful,andyouthinkcanownanyone oranything.Youtoldmeyourselfyoualwaysgetwhatyouwant.”
Now hefrowned.“That’snotfair,Karlee.Ifeltsomethingbetweenus,somethingdeepenoughthatIwantedtogetto knowyoubetter.Butyourushedoutofmylifeandrefusedtoreturnmycalls.Ileftyoudozensofmessages.I’vebeenazombie attheoffice.Everythingremindsmeofyou.Ikeepreplayingthatdayoverandoverinmyhead,wonderingwhatthehellIdid topissyouoffsobadly”
Karlee didn’tknow whatto believe. She never returned his calls because she knew the second she heard his voice she’dbecomeweak,andshedidn’twanttohaveherheartbrokenalloveragain Thelastmonthhadbeenbrutalforher “Trust isn’taneasythingforme.Idon’twanttogethurt,”shesaid.“Sometimesit’seasiertorun.”
Heloosenedhisgriponherupperarmsandtuggedhercloser.“You’rejudgingmeunfairly.Just…givemeachance.” “Youmakeitsoundverysimple”
“Itcanbe.”Roberttookadeepbreathatherneckline.“Mmm,Ilovethewayyousmell.”
Hisvoicewasdeepandgravelly,hisbreathhotagainsthersensitiveskin
The door chimed again. This time witha real customer. Before she could respond, Robertwhirled partwayaround. “She’sclosed!”
“Hey!Thatwasacustomer,”shesaid.
“Hush.”Heleanedinandkissedherintosilence.Itwaspurepassion,possession,andaclaimshecouldn’trefute.She closedhereyesandsavoredthefeelofhislipsandtongue She’dmissedhimevenmorethansherealized “I’vebeenwanting totellyousomething.Youaskedmeaquestionthatnight,andIdidn’tansweryouhonestly.”
“Whatquestion?”sheasked “YouaskedifIevergotlonely.”
Sheswallowedhard.Histonehadchanged.Therewasnohumorinhiseyesnow,noplayfulnessorteasing.“And?”
“Iam lonelyinthatbig,oldhouse.Muchmoresoaftermeetingyou.Youmademerealizewhat’simportant,whatIwant outoflife Whenyoudon’tfollowyourfate,youcanneverbetrulyhappy”
Hetouchedherhairasifshemightbreak,studyingherfeatureswithwhatappearedtobegenuineaffection.Coulditbe true?Herheartbegantoraceassheprocessedallthepossibilities
“Youcouldhaveanywomanyouwant.”
“Thatdoesn’thelpmeifIonlywantone”Heeffortlesslyhoistedherupontothecheckoutcounter,exactlyashehadon hishallwaytablebackathishome.Hisbrutestrengthastoundedandarousedher.“Partyingandfastwomendon’texciteme, Karlee. Youdo.” Once he’d takenup residence betweenher legs, he beganhis seduction. He trailed kisses alongher jaw beforelickingalongtheshellofherear Hereyeslolledbackinherheadashererogenouszonescametolife
“Robert…”
Heleanedback,lookingherintheeyes “I’vehadmyfun,Karlee TrustmewhenItellyoumoneycan’tbuyhappiness Notreally.NotthekindIwant,”hesaid.“Iwantwhatwehadtolastmorethanonenight.”
“Liketwo,three,aweek?”
Hechuckled,adeeplymasculinesound.
“Okay,Ihaveaproposition,Ms.Jones.ItseemsI’minneedofafull-timeflorist.”
Shescoffed “You?Youneedastaffflorist?”
“Ireally loveflowers.”Hetuggedherhairbackslightly,exposingherneck.Sheletoutalittlegaspfromtheslightbite oferoticpain Robertgroaned,thesoundofamanonthevergeoflosingcontrol “All I’vethoughtaboutthispastmonthare flowers.”
“Whatifyoutireofthem?Eventhemostbeautifulroselosesitsfragrance.”
“Oh,no…I’mnotayoungman,Karlee.I’mnotfickle.IknowexactlywhatIwant.”
Shesmiled,wrappingherarmsaroundhisneck.“Andwhatyouwant,youget.”
“Precisely”Hegaveherawink
Theykissed again. This time things felt different. Or maybe she’d changed. Karlee was allowingherselfto trust, to dream
“Howaboutyouclosefortheday?”
“Ijustopened,”shesaid.“Well,kindof.”
Heexhaled.“Howaboutyouopenanhourlate,then?I’llmakeitworthyourwhile.”
“ItoldyouIcan’tbebought.”
“WhatI’mtalkingabouthasnothingtodowithmoney”
Aflushof heat traveled up her bodyas the realizationset in. She knew exactlywhat he could do to her body. She slippedaway,scribbledsomesemi-coherentwordsonapaper,andtapedittothefrontglassdoor Thenshelockedup
Hehadawickedsmileonhisfacewhenshereturnedtohim.“Youhaveabackroominthisfloralshop?” “Ido.”
Robertnoddedthoughtfully “Caretogivemeatour?”
“Sure.”Sheledthewayintoher littleprivateworkandstorageareainthebackroom.Her coolers heldavarietyof popularflowersandsomecustomordersshewasworkingon
Shewatchedhis reactions ashestrolledaround,takingeverythingin.Itmustbesmall andinsignificanttoamanlike him Butshewasproudofwhatshe’dcreatedcompletelyonherownwithamixofloans,blood,sweat,andlotsoftears “Nice.Verynice,”hesaid.
Shenarrowedhereyes.Asmuchasshewantedtoaccepthimonhisword,hersuspicionsalwaysgotthebetterofher. “Areyoumockingme?”
He stopped and turned, his face stoic. “Iknew youwere difficult, butyou’re reallygoingto make me workfor this, aren’tyou?”
Before she could respond he turned her around to face her stainless-steel arrangement table, shackling her wrists behindher His breathwas onher neck,hotandtitillating He pushedher forward,pressingher upper bodyagainstthe cool table.
Heusedhisfreehandtoslipunderherskirtfrombehind.Robertslidtwofingerspastthethinmaterialofherpanties andimpaledthemdeeplyintohercunt Shemoaned,sinkingdownontohisfingers,needingsomuchmore
“Eventuallyyou’regoingtotrustme,Karlee.IalreadytoldyouIcanbepatient.”Hefinger-fuckedheruntilshethought she’dspontaneouslycombust,thenslidhismoistenedthumbintoherasshole Shegasped,butheheldherdownfirmlysoshe couldn’tescape.“Youdon’ttrusteasily,you’rewaryofmen.I’llmakesureyouhavezerodoubtswhenitcomestome.Whenit comesto us. ”
Shelovedthesoundofthat.
He released her wrists and flipped up her skirtover her hips, stompingher panties downto her feet. She heard the
metalofhisbeltclangandthenhiszipper.Shebracedherselfforwhatwascoming,whatshehopedwascoming.
Robertteasedhersensitivefoldswiththewideheadofhiscock overandoveruntilshewasbegginghimtofuckher. Whenhe finallyimpaled her pussyfrombehind, she letouta silentgasp She feltso full, so completelydominated byhim Karleereachedoutforanythingtoanchorherashepistonedinandoutofherfrombehind.Themanwasamachine.Several itemsfelltotheground,butthetablewasboltedtothefloor,givinghimtheperfectleveragetofuckherhardandfast
Hereachedaroundandexpertlytoyedwithherclit.Thedualstimulationwasmakinghernearlydelirious.Therewas nowayshe’dlastlong,nottoday Notafterseeinghimforthefirsttimeinamonth
“Comeforme,baby.Iwanttofeelyoumilkmycock.”Whenhegrowled,ananimalisticsound,itpushedheroverthat finaledge.Shescreamedoutloudaswaveafterwaveofpulsingheatrockedhertothecore.Hiscomfortingcoowascloseto herear,easingherbackintothepresent
Shepushedupandturnedaround,brushingherhairoffherface.
“Whatwas that?” she asked, almostbreathless Now thatshe’d givenin, again, she reallyhoped this wasn’ta onenighterrepeat.ShehadzerowillpowerwhenitcametoRobertBlack.
“Thatwasmeclaimingwhat’smine”
Karleethoughtaboutitforasecond,thennodded.“Icanlivewiththat.”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her atop the head. “Dinner tonight? We have a lotto talkabout. This time no games Andnorunningaway”
“Icloseatsix.”
“ThenI’llpickyouupatseven PackabagbecauseI’mtakingyouhomewithmeafter”
“ShouldIevenbothertoargue?”sheteased.
“Ineedmyfloristoncall24/7.Seemsshedoesn’tonlyhavemybusiness,butalsomyheart.”
“Whateveryousay,Mr.Black.I’mallyours.” TheEnd
www.staceyespino.com OtherBooksbyStaceyEspino:
www.evernightpublishing.com/stacey-espino JoinStaceyandSam’sFBPlayroom: www.facebook.com/groups/295030114286077
WITNESSPROTECTION
StaceyEspino
Copyright©2019
SampleChapter
Menranupanddownthehall outsideherbedroom,theirheavyfootfallsmakingtheglassinherwindowsrattle Her fatherwouldbepissedtonight.Hehatedwhenhismenletbusinessgettooclosetohome.Sheexpectedatleastoneofhishired gunswouldbeexecutedtomakeanexample,toinstillfearintheothers Alwayswiththefear.
Sophiacouldpracticallyhearhisspeechalready Whatwasworsethaneverything,wasthefactshe’dbecomeimmune totheviolence.Itwasingrainedinherlife,andherfatherdidlittletohidehisbusinessfromher.Hebelievednotteachingher hisnativeRussiantonguewouldbeenoughtokeepherinthedark,butshewasn’tsonaïve.
Abarrageofgunfirerangoutdownstairs Sophiadidn’tflinch.
Shesatonthewindowbenchinherbedroom,lookingdownatthecarsdrivingby,wishingshewasbeingwhiskedto someplacefar,faraway.But,no,shewashere,practicallyadamnprisonerinherownhome.
Sophiahadeverythingmoneycouldbuy Ifonlytherewasapricetagonherfreedom Shewalkedovertoherdresser andpickedupaframedpicture,runningafingeragainsttheglass,smilingatthememory.Itwashergraduation,andherfather hadprideonhisface,hisarmaroundhershoulders…God,howshemissedthosedays.
Itwassoonafterthepicturewastakenwhenthingschanged
Once she started maturing, he grew distant, saying she looked too much like her mother. He was convinced she’d becomeawhorelikeherandbeganaccusingheroftryingtosleeparound Menonhispayrollwhoshowedtoomuchinterest suddenlydisappeared,nevertobeheardfromagain.
So, most of her time she was home, under careful watch, unable to embrace her independence. She lost herself in reading, studies, and her passion had always been painting. One corner of her roomwas a mess of canvases, easels, and unfinishedprojects.
Attwenty-four,shestilldidn’tknowwhatthefuckreallifefeltlike Somedaysshewishedshe’dneverbeenborn,that she’dbeenslaughteredalongwithhermother.Takingherownlifehadinfiltratedherthoughtsmoreandmoreovertheyears.It bothdisturbedandfascinatedher Herimaginationwastheonlythingkeepinghersane
Shesetthepicturebackinplace,nexttooneofhermanyRussiandolls.Wheneverherfatherbecameespeciallycruel, he’dbringheranewonethenextdayassomekindofpeaceoffering.Hercollectionwasgrowing.Itseemedguiltwasstronger thanlove.Nomatterhowbeautifulorpriceless,thecollectiononlyrepresentedthepainitwasmeanttocoverup.
Moregunshots.
Sophiarolledhereyes
Maybeastraybulletwouldendhermisery.Wouldherfatherregretbeinganassholeonceshewasdead?
Herdoorburstopen Shegaspedandwhirledaround
“Come!” Hawkmotionedfor her totake his hand.He was outofbreath,a sense ofurgencyinhis voice she’dnever heardbefore.Hewasoneofherfather’senforcersandthebabysitterwhoconstantlykepttabsonheractivities.
“Whatisit?”
“We have to go. Rightnow, Sophia.” He tooka couple briskstrides into the roomand wrapped his hand around her wrist,yankingher alongwithhim She stumbled,halfprotesting The scentofgunpowder stungher nose whentheyemerged intothehallway.Heswitchedhands,holdingherwristwithhislefthandsohecouldpulloutaGlockwithhisright.
“Tellmewhat’sgoingon,”shesaid “Hush.”
Henavigateddownthehallwaytowardthemassivewindingstaircase.Thestairsalwaysremindedher offairytales.
Whenshe’dbeenyounger,shewouldpretendtobeaprincesstrappedinacastle. Todaywasmoreofanightmare.
Abodylaysprawledoutnearthefinalsteps,bloodpooling,drippingdownlikeamorbidwaterfall Sheboltedtoastop,digginginherheels.
“Notnow,Sophia Yourfatherwantsyousafe Let’sgo,”saidHawk,hishandstillshacklingherwrist Therewasno wayshecouldescapefromhim.Themanwasbuiltlikeabrickshithouse,solidmuscleandcoveredinink.Oneofherfather’s topenforcers Butshewasn’tafraidofhim,eventhougheveryoneelseseemedtobe
Asmuchasshewantedtoprotest,sheallowedhimtoleadherdownthestaircase.Hekepthisgunattheready,aiming ateverynewangleastheydescended.Anothermanlaydeadinthefoyer,andseveralofthestained-glasspanelshadshattered, colorful shards of glass scattered over the white marble There was commotion coming from the back kitchen, garnering Hawk’sfullattention.Heopenedthecoatclosetinthefoyer.“Getinthere.Don’tmoveuntilIcomeback.Ihavetofindyour father”
Shecroucheddown,andthenheclosedthedoor,blanketingherindarkness.Itdidn’ttakelongfortheairtoturnstale. Her legs begantocramp Sophia imaginedthatshe was one ofthose dead bodies, her blood soakingthe marble Her father wouldprobablycursebecauseshe’dstainedtheporoustiles.Whenshewasakid,heforevergavehershitwhenhecaughther paintinginthefoyer.Butshelovedhowthestained-glassmadeherskinturntorainbows.
Timeseemedtostandstill
Howlonghadshebeeninsidethecloset?
Thesoundofherownbreathingdrownedoutallthesounds,claustrophobiasettingin Sophiaopenedthedooraninch toletinsomefreshair.Shetookadeep,cleansingbreath,savoringthecoolairfillingherlungs.
That’swhenshesawmovementinthelibrary.
Thedoubledoorsflungopen,andamanshe’dnever seenbeforedraggedher father outbythebackcollar ofhissuit jacket.Likeadog.Herfather’snosewasbloodied,andshe’dneverseenhimsoafraid.Now thatshethoughtaboutit,she’d neverseenfearinhiseyes
“This is the end ofthe road, Vasily.” The manpressed the muzzle ofhis gunto her father’s head. “No more playing God It’stimetomeetyourmaker”
Hepulledthetrigger.
Thesprayofbloodwassurreal,thebodycollapsingheavilytothefloor.Sophiagagged,herstomachroiling,hervision blurring.Sheletgooftheclosetdoorknobanditswungoutwards,thehingesmakingtheslightestsqueak.Themurderer’shead whippedtotheside,theireyesmeeting.Herjawdropped,andshefroze,tooterrifiedtomoveorthink.
Heonlymanagedtotakeonestepbeforebulletscameflyingathimfromthebackofthehouse Themonsterdidn’tseem fazed, still staringat her withthose evil eyes. He lifted his gun, pointingit directlyat her. She held her breath, everything seemingtoplayoutinslowmotion
Abulletgrazedthegunman’sface,andhebroughthisfreehanduptocuphischeek.Hecursedandranoutofthefoyer justbeforeHawkandVladimirracedoutthefrontdoorafterhim.
Heradrenalinerushmadeherdizzy Shestillcouldn’tmove,andonlygaspedsmallmouthfulsofairasthebloodfrom Vasily Morenov’s body slowly spread out toward her like spilled paint. She wondered what colors she’d have to mix to recreate the crimson hue Her mind began to fracture, the room slowly spinning So many images flooded her mind, a kaleidoscopeofmomentsnowlosttomemories.
He can’t be dead
Her father was the onlyfamilyshe had. He was invincible. She should be horrified … but somehow, she onlyfelt numb.
“Sophia!”Thevoicewasmuted,asifshewerehearingitfromunderwater Wasshedrowning?Itfeltlikeeverythingin herlifewasbeingwashedaway.Whenherbodywashoistedintotheair,realitycamerushingback,alongwithall thesharp sounds shouting,cardoors,alarms “Sophia,snapoutofit!”
Hawkcarried her throughthe hallwayto the backofthe house. She wrapped anarmaround his neckto hold on, her bodybouncingupanddownashejoggedtherestoftheway Sheslippedinandoutofreality,oldmemoriesmergingwiththe present.Itwas Hawkwho’drushedher outinhis arms onher eighteenthbirthdaywhenthe FBIraidedthe house duringher party.
Herfatherhadhandledeverything,likehealwaysdid Nowhewasdead.
Usinghis shoulder, Hawkrammed openthe emergencydoor, and sether onher feetnextto one ofthe blackBMWs “Getin,”hesaidbeforehelpingherfastenherseatbelt.Itseemedsotrivial.Worryingaboutaseatbeltwhensomanymenhad justlosttheirlives.Howmanyotherdaughtershadlosttheirfatherstonight?Hadanybecomeorphanslikeher?
Hawkslidoverthehoodtogettothedriver’sside.HecheckedtheclipofhisGlockbeforereplacingitinhisshoulder holster.
“Copsarecoming,”saidVlad,standingintheopendoorway. “Dealwithit.IneedtogetSophiasomewheresafe.” “Anyideawhoitwas?”
Hawkshookhishead.“He’salonewolf.There’snocontractonMorenov’shead.Iftherewas,I’dalreadyknowabout it”
“Howthehelldidsomenobodytakeoutthatmanymen?”
Hawkranahandthroughhishair,pacingbackandforth “Fuck!Ishouldhavebeenthere” “Whatthehellhappened?”askedVlad.
Hisjawtwitched.“HetoldmetoprotectSophia.LastIsawhimhewassafe.”Hawkpoundedhisfistontheroofofthe car,makingherjumpinherseat “Ican’tbelievehe’sgone”
“We’llfindoutwhoeverdidthis.Whereyoutakingthegirl?” “Ihavenofuckingclue”
Hawkbackedoutofthedriveway,thenspunaroundonceontheroadway,thetiressquealingwhenheflooredthegas Hestillwasn’tsurewherehewasheading.Hismindwasafuckingmess. Vasilywasdead.
Thatmanwastheonlyfatherfigurehe’deverknown Nowhehadnothing VasilyhadtakenHawkinwhenhewastenyearsold,raisedhim,taughthimtofight,toprotecttheMorenovEmpire.He owedeverythingtoVasily,andhehadnocluewhatwouldbecomeofhislifenow Hewasthirty-two,andhe’dneverhelda legaljob.Allhe’dknownwasalifeofcrime,hisfocusonprotectingthefamily.Hawkwasoneofthefewmenhisbosstrusted withhisdaughter.She’dbeenhisfull-timewardsincesheturnedeighteen.
Herememberedhispassenger,lookingtothesidetocheckonSophia.Herfatherwasdead.Nothinghecoulddowould bringhimback.Nothinghecouldsaywouldfixthisshit.
Onethingforcertain,he’dneverletanythinghappentoVasily’sonlydaughter He’ddieprotectingher “Sophia,talktome.”
Shestaredstraightahead,notmoving,notspeaking Hereyeswereglazedoverasifamillionmilesaway “Saysomething,goddammit.”
Nothing.
Heswervedtoanalcoveonthesideofthehighway,puttingthecarintopark.Hawkshiftedinhisseat,andcuppedher facewithbothhands,givingherajostle.“Sophia!”
Heneverknewwhattoexpectfromher Somedaysshewastoughasnails,allstrength,evenchallengingherfather,and othersshe’dcrumblejusthearingacarhonk.Growingupinoneofthebiggestcrimefamiliescouldreallydoanumberona person
Her lipsparted,andsheslowlyfocusedonhiseyes.Hisheartwentouttoher.Shewasanorphanlikehimnow,and fragilelikeachinadoll.Hehalfexpectedhertoshatterinhishands.
“Hawk”
“I’mhere, baby. Iwon’tletanyone hurtyou. Ipromise.” She was inshock. No tears, no fear, no panic. “Did he see you?Themanwhoshotyourfather,didheseeyou?”
Sheswallowed,makingeyecontactagain.Sophianodded. Fuck.Intheirworld,witnesseshadaseriouslyshortshelf life Thatbastardwouldcomelookingforher Hewouldn’tstopuntilshewasdead Hawkhadtogethersomewheresafeuntil hecouldfigurethingsout.
“Okay.Noproblem.”Heturnedaroundandtappedhis fingers onthesteeringwheel.Nowaywouldhefreakher out andtellherhowmuchdangershewasin Hehadtokeepcool
Hidingoutatoneoftheirmanypropertiesaroundthecitywouldn’tbesmart.Thatgunmanhadjusttakendownnearlya dozenofthecity’smostrenownedkillers Morenovonlykeptthebestclosetohome He’dhavetousecashandgetthemina high-risehotelunderafakename.Hepulledbackontothehighway,headingforthecitycenter.
“He’sdead,right?”
They’dbeendrivingforawhile.Hewassurprisedtohearhervoice.“Yes.” “Areyousure?”
ConsideringVasily’sbrainsweresplatteredalloverthefuckingfoyer,therewasnodoubtinhismind “I’msorry,”he said.“Fuck,I’msosorry.”
“Thiscan’tbereal Howcanthisbehappening?”
“It’sallmyfault.Ishouldhavebeenthere,”hesaid.Ifhedidn’thavetoprotectSophia,he’dprobablyhaveswallowed abullettoendhisownguilt.“Aftereverythinghe’sdoneforme,Iwasn’ttherewhenheneededmemost.”
She returned to her trance, not disagreeingwithhim. He didn’t deserve her forgiveness, and he doubted she’d ever offerit.
Hawkdrove.
Whentheyarrivedatthehotel,heheldSophia’shandandleftthecarwiththevalet.TheMorenovprincesswasusedto thebest,sotheycouldn’tjuststayatanydive Hepushedthroughtheglassdoorsandheadedtothecheck-indesk Themassive chandeliersoffereddimlightingtothespaciouslobby.
“Ineedaroomforme andmywife”
“How many nights will you be staying with us?” The man at reception looked to be late twenties with an English accent
“Idon’tknow.Atleastaweek.Ineedsomethinghigh.Somethingprivate.”
Theguynodded,lookingathiscomputerscreen.Sophiaheldhishandinadeathgrip.“Issheokay?”
HawklookedoveratSophia Shewaspaleasasheet “She’snotfeelingwell Canwespeedthisalong?”
“Doyouhaveacreditcardforourfiles?”
“No Ihave cash” He reached into his inside jacketpocket, careful notto reveal his gun, and pulled outa stackof hundreds.Heslappedthemonthecounter.“Considerthismysecuritydeposit.Ineedakeycard.”
Hawkhadbeenraisedina worldwhere moneyandpower talked Itwas ingrainedintoeveryfiber ofhis being He wasusedtogettinghisway,nomatterthecost.
Bythetimetheelevator stoppedonthetopfloor,Sophiawaswobblingonher feet.Hescoopedher upintohisarms and carried her downthe hall to their penthouse suite Once inside, he kicked the door shut and brought her straight to the bedroom.Helaidherdownontheking-sizedbed,removedherflats,andtuckedherin.
“Getsomerest,”hesaid Hawkgaveherakissontheforeheadandclosedthebedroomdoorbehindhim Oncealone, heexhaled,wishingthiswasallanightmarehecouldwakeupfrom.
Hebegantopace,rubbingbehindhisneckashetriedtofocus.Onlyhoursago,he’dbeensittingbackinoneofVasily’s customleatherchairs,enjoyingaCubancigarastheyshottheshitaboutanupcomingdistributionmeeting.Hecouldstillhear Marcolaughing,andrememberedEnontellingthemhiswifejusthadababy.
Theywerealldead
Hawkbraceda handonone ofthe floor-to-ceilingglass panes,blowingoutanother breathas he staredatthe streets below, the people rushingaround like ants He didn’t know what he was dealingwith, so couldn’t be too safe Hawkstill wasn’tfoolishenoughtobelievebeingfortyfloorsupmeanttheywereuntouchable.
He’donlycaughtaglimpseoftheshooter.Darkbrownhair,shavedatthesides,longontop,andatattoocrawlingup hisneck.Hehadtobearound6’4”,wearingblackjeansandadarksweater.Still,notmuchtogoon.
AllVasily’stopmenweredead.TherewasjusthimandVladimirleft.Theotherhiredgunsdidn’tliveinthemansion because Vasilydidn’ttrustthemenoughto be under the same roofas Sophia And theyprobablydidn’tgive a shitthattheir bosshadjustbeenassassinated.Therewasnosecondincommand,noplanofactionifMorenovwastakenout.Hawklikedto thinkofhimselfasason,butthathadalwaysbeenhisownwishfulthinking HepulledouthiscellandcalledVlad. “Yeah.”
“Whathappenedwiththecops?Youfindoutanything?”heasked “Everything’sbeendealtwithfornow.Thecleaningcrewiscomingforthebodies.Where’dyoutakethegirl?” “Don’tworryabouther Whatabouttheshooter?”
“I checked the security footage. He’s professional, all right. Maybe a private hit? Something personal? No fucking clue”
“Okay.Callmeifyouhaveanythingnew.I’mgoingtolaylowuntilweknowmoreaboutthisfucker.” “Watchyourback.”Vladendedthecall.
Heputoutthe“DoNotDisturb”signandlockedthedooraftercheckingoutthehallway Hewasfuckingparanoid At leastSophiawassafe.Hawktookoffhiscoatandholster,droppingthemonthekitchenisland.Heopenedthecrystaldecanter onthebarandpouredhimselfaglassofhardliquor,knockingitbackinoneshot Thiswasnothowheplannedhisday Hawkpeeredinthebedroom,thenslippedinside.EverythinghadtorevolvearoundSophianow.She’dalways been her father’s number one priority;now she had to be his He satona chair near the side ofthe bed, staringather inthe dim lightingassheslept.
Shewasfuckingstunning.
Asleepingangel
Andhewasasickbastardtoeventhinkit.
Herlong,blondehairspilledoverhershoulderandpooledonthemattressasshecuddleduponherside Thegentle riseandfall ofher chestcalmedhim.After themoststressful days,avisitwithher alwayssoothedhisbeast.He’dbeenher bodyguardforaslongashecouldremember.Oncesheturnedeighteen,Vasilyinsistedshebewatchedtwenty-four,seven.He became obsessed that his daughter would humiliate him, become some kind of ragingwhore. But Hawkknew Sophia. She wasn’tanythinglikehermother,orherfather.Buttheoldershebecame,themorehesawthelifeinhereyesebbingaway.The
sadness was there evenwhenshe smiled, butitwasn’this place to questionanything. The lastthinghe needed was for her fathertobecomesuspiciousofhim,too.
Itwasbettertokeephisthoughtsanddesireslockedaway Nowthatherfatherwasdead,she’dprobablyhatehim He wasn’tsurehecouldeverpreparehimselfforthat,buthedeserveditnonetheless.
Hestoodtoleave,butSophiareachedoutherarm “Don’tgo”
Hawksatontheedgeofthebed,themattressdipping.“Ithoughtyouweresleeping.”
Sherolledtoherbackandlookedupathim “Idon’twanttobealone”
Hebrushedthestrayhairsfromherface.Herlipswereslightlyswollen,buttherewerenotearsinhereyes.“I’mnot goinganywhere.”
Endofsamplechapter
www.evernightpublishing.com/witness-protection-by-stacey-espino
