(Wicked_Lovers_3)_Black,_Shayla_-_Delicious.epub-Amazon Kindle

Delicious
BookJacket
Series:WickedLovers[3]
Rating:
EDITORIALREVIEW: **Savorthis:thenewcontemporaryeroticaintheWickedLoversseries,fromtheauthorof*Decadent*** Luc’sentirefutureisplannedout-butthereisoneverysexyobstacleinhispath:Alyssa,astripclubownerwithwhomLucrecentlysharedonenightofwildabandon.ItleftLucterrifiedbyhislossofselfcontrol-andAlyssadesperateformore.ButLucisnottheonlymandesperatetohaveAlyssa…andthat’sjustoneofhersecrets-secretsasdarkandmysteriousanddeliciousasherfantasies.
ShaylaBlack
TableofContents
TitlePage
CopyrightPage
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwentyShaylaBlack
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ShaylaBlack
PRAISEFORTHENOVELSOFSHAYLA
BLACK
Decadent
“Wickedlyseductivefromstarttofinish.”
—JaciBurton,nationalbestsellingauthor
“Alustypage-turnerfromtheget-go,Decadentlivesuptoitstitle,
grabbingreadersfromtheveryfirstchapterandnotlettinggountilthevery
endwithashudderingclimaxworthyofanykeepershelf.”
—TwoLipsReviews
WickedTies
“Awicked,sensualthrillfromfirstpagetolast.Ilovedit!”
—LoraLeigh,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“Notabooktobemissed…Justbesurethatyouhavesomething
coldtodrinkwhilereadingit,andhopefullysomeonethereafterwardto
easeawaytheache.”
—ARomanceReview
“Absolutelytookmybreathaway…WickedTieswounditselfaround
meandrefusedtoletgo.Fullofpassionanderoticlovescenes.”
—RomanceJunkies
3
ShaylaBlack
StripSearch
(WritingasShelleyBradley)
“Packsahellofawallop…anexciting,steamy,andmagnificentstory
…IfIhadtoratethisbookoutoften,itwouldcertainlygetafifteen!
Twists,turns,titillatingandexplosivesexualchemistry,andmemorable
characters—readerscan?taskformore.StripSearchishighly
recommended!”
—TheRoadtoRomance
“Blewmeaway…agreatread.”
—FallenAngelReviews
“Anexcitingcontemporaryromancewithsuspensefulundertones…
thelovescenesareparticularlysteamy.Thisbookwouldbeperfectfor
readerswhoenjoytheirromancewithahintofsuspense.”
—CurledupwithaGoodBook
“ThetwistsandturnsinStripSearchmakeforanintriguingclimax…
Bradleyisamasteroftyingloveandmysterytogether.Ihighlyrecommend
thisbook.”
—MyShelf.com
4
ShaylaBlack
BoundandDetermined
(WritingasShelleyBradley)
“Thisstoryexploresoneofmyfavoritefantasies…adesperate
heroinetakesahandsomealphamalehostage.Muchsexyfunishadby
all.Especiallywhentheyummycaptiveturnsthetables!”
—AngelaKnight,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“SteamierthanaFloridanight,withcharacterswhowillkeepyou
laughingandhaveyoupantingformore!”
—SusanJohnson,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“Asearing,frolickingadventureofsuspense,love,andpassion!”
—LoraLeigh,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“Willhaveyougrabbingforthenearestfan(orman)!”
—JessMichaels,authorofTaboo
“Aflawlessstorythatgripsreadersfrompageoneanddoesn?tletup.”
—TheRoadtoRomanceReviews
5
ShaylaBlack
TitlesbyShaylaBlack
WICKEDTIES
DECADENT
DELICIOUS
TitlesbyShaylaBlackwritingasShelleyBradley
BOUNDANDDETERMINED
STRIPSEARCH
6
ShaylaBlack
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ShaylaBlack
ThisbookisanoriginalpublicationofTheBerkleyPublishingGroup.
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseither
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Copyright?2010byShelleyBradley,LLC.
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PRINTINGHISTORY
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ShaylaBlack
ChapterOne
I’Mgoingtosinkinsideyousodeeply,youwon’teverforgetIwas
here.
AlyssaDevereauxshudderedatthememoryofthatgrowledpromise,
asshe?dbeensurroundedbytautmusclesandmaleneed.
LucTraverson.Evenhisnamecausedheattostabherbellywithwant.
He?dkepteverybitofthatpromise;she?dneverforgottenhimfora
moment.
Thenighthe?dspentinherbedhadbeenamazing,magical.
Consideringshe?dlongagogivenuponfairytales,thatwassaying
something.BeingenvelopedinLuc?ssteelystrengthhadbeenparadise.
Underhisstarethatnightshehadn?tjustfeltlikeadesirablewoman,but
liketheonlywoman.Theintimacy…oh,God.Sizzling.Waybeyond
makinghertoescurl,he?dgivenherawholenewdefinitionofpleasure.His
endlessdarkeyeshadburnedashe?dslammedherwithpowerfulstrokes,
hislong,midnighthairdrapedaroundtheirfaces,cuttingoffallrealitybut
hiswhispereddemandsandroughbreathingasherodeherfromone
orgasmtothenext.
He?dbroughtherbodytoafeverpitch—toplacesshe?dneverbelieved
amancouldtakeher.Hehaddoneitagainandagain.Forsixhours.Never
tiring,neversatisfied.Greedy,rapacious,andamazing.
She?dhadenoughsexinherlifetoknowthey?dsharedsomething
more.
Thenextmorning…gone.Nonote,noexplanation.Afewdayslater,
he?dsentflowerswithanapologyforanydiscomfortorpainhemighthave
caused.She?dbeenpissedoff,abithurt…butnotterriblysurprised.
Still,shewasn?twillingtogiveup.ForthechancetoseeLucagain,
Alyssahadbrokenherownruleandcalledhim.Twice.He?dneverreturned
hercallspersonally.Instead,hisassistanthadcalledmerelytosaythathe
wouldkeephistermsoftheirarrangement.Nothingmore.
She?dbeennothingtohim.Yes,she?dknownbeforetheirnight
togetherthathedidn?trespecther.They?dfirstmetwhenshe?dstrippedat
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hisbuddy?sbachelorpartyafewyearsback.Somehow,she?dhoped
openingherselfcompletelytoLucwouldchangehismind.
Stupid.
Still,hewaseverythingshe?deverwantedinaman:attractive,
successful,capableofdeepcaring,sensitive,sexy…Shewasn?tgiving
himupwithoutafight.
“Afternoon,bosslady.”TylerMurphysentheralong,lowwhistle,his
staretakingameanderingpathdownherbodyassheemergedfromthe
backoftheclubandstoppedbeforethestage.“You?relookingveryfine.”
“Tyler,”shegreetedthesandy-hairedgiant.“Yourjobistowatchthe
patrons,notme.”
“Sincewe?renotopenyet,there?snooneheretobounce.Besides,I?m
notintooglingdrunkenfratboysorhornymarriedmen.Whatcolorareyour
gartersunderthatlittleblackskirt?”
Herbouncerwasformerlawenforcementofsomevariety—he?dnever
saidwhichkind—collegeeducatedwithadegreeinengineering.Tylerhad
alotgoingforhim.Whyhe?dtakenajobhereasabouncerwasanyone?s
guess.Butinthefewmonthshe?dbeenwithher,he?dprovenhimself
indispensable.Thereweredaysherbusinessneededhim.
Itwastoobad,really,thatherheartdidn?tneedTyleraswell.
Frombeneathherlashes,shesenthimachidingstare.“I?llnevertell.”
“Aw,c?mon.Throwaguyabone.”
Alyssaglanceddownathiscrotch.“Lookslikeyou?vegotyourown.”
Tylerwinkedandsentheraflirtygrin.“Allforyou.”
Hewasgood-looking,builtlikesomethingonthefrontofa
bodybuildingmagazine,smart,funny,dependable.Butafterlongdaysof
runningSexySirens—Lafayette,Louisiana?s,mostnotoriousstripclub—
andtryingtostartupanewrestaurant,bythetimeshefellintohersolitary
bedatnight,itwasn?tthoughtsofTylerthatmadeherache.Thathonor
wasreservedsolelyforLucTraverson.
Andafterabitmorethanthreemonthsapart,hewouldbeheretoday.
Feelme.Yessss.You’resotight,sogood.That’sit,sugar.Comefor
me.Again.
Luc?svoice,sinwrappedinvelvet,dippedinhoney,wouldn?tleaveher
head.Eventhememorymadeheatriseinsideher.Thoughtsofthatnight
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alwayshadthepowertodazeandstunher.Shewanteditagain.Him
again.
“Hello?EarthtoAlyssa.”
Tyler.Oops.“Sorry.Therestaurantisweighingsoheavilyonmymind
thesedays.”
Hestaredatherfromgreeneyesthatsawtoomuch.“Socleanplates
andmenusgiveyouthatflushed,wanna-get-fuckedlook?”
“Gofindsomedrunkenslobstoroughup.”
“I?dratherbewithyou.”
Tylercrossedhisarmsoverhiswidechest.Hisbicepsbulgedunder
hisbody-huggingblackT-shirt.Hereallywasgorgeous.Andhewanted
her;he?dmadenosecretaboutthat.Shecoulddoworse.
“What?shisname?”Tylersighed.
“Who?”
“Themanwhoputthatneedylookonyourface.Idon?tknowwhetherI
wanttobusthimuporshakehishand.”
“There?snooneinmylife.”Which,technically,wastrue.Otherthan
herhookupwithLuc,shehadn?thadsexinyears.
“Liar.”
Atthispointintheconversation,Tylerusuallyteasedthathe?dbe
morethanhappytobethatsomeone.Thisafternoon,heseemedtosense
somethingwasdifferent.
“You?retoogoodtobealone.Thegirlsallworshipyou.Youtreat
everyonefairlyandworkdamnhard.You?resweeterthanyougiveyourself
creditfor.Youhaven?tresortedtomurderwhenthatassholeCouncilman
Primptoncomesaround,makingtrouble.”Hesentheraconsideringstare.
“You?vehadittoughlately.Youdeserveabreak.”
Ifshewasn?tcareful,hiscaringwouldmakehercry.Apitypartywould
bemarvelouslyeasytoindulgein—andanutterwasteoftime.
Alyssaanchoredherhandsonherhips.“Notinthecards.”
“Maybeyoushouldpostponetherestaurantopeningforafewweeks.”
“Why?”
RestraintleftTyler.Hereachedouttoher,caressinghislargehand
downherarminasoothinggesture.“Yourmamahasonlybeengonetwo
weeks.”
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ShaylaBlack
Shetensed.“Ihadn?tseenherinfourteenyears.”
“Doesn?tmatter.You?restilldealingwithherloss.”
She?ddonesowithmixedfeelings.Anger,grief,sadness,rage,aneed
torailatthewomanwhohaddonenothingtohelporunderstandher.Pity
thatshe?dbeensoself-absorbed.
Andbesidehergravehadstoodtheblackheartedreasonfortherift
betweenthem:Joshua.Evenafteradozenyears,beyondahundredfeet,
andthroughapairoftwo-hundred-dollarsunglasses,therewasno
mistakingtheboyish-facedbastard.Atleasthehadn?tseenher.Ifhehad,
Lordknewwhathewouldhavedone.
Sheshookoffthethought.
“Tyler,thanksforyourconcern,butI?veputtoomuchtimeandenergy
intothisopeningtoputitoff.Ineedtogetitoffthegroundforcash-flow
purposes.Besides,whatgoodwouldwallowingaboutmymomdo?”
Hecuppedhershouldersinatendergesture.“Youlefthereatthree
thismorning,andSadietoldmeyouwerebackbyeight.Baby,you?vegot
tosleepandgiveyourselftimetogrieve.”
She?drathernot.
Leaningforward,sheplacedasoftkissonhischeek.“You?regoingto
makesomewomanagreathusbandsomeday.”
“Youaskingme?”
Alyssasnorted.“DoIlooklikethewhite-picket-fencetype?Getyour
assbacktowork.”
“Yes,ma?am.”Hesalutedherandturnedaway,onlytoturnback
again.“Oh,Iforgottotellyou,someguyisheretoseeyou.Somechef.”
“LucTraverson?”shebreathed.
“Yeah.Hesaidyoutwohadanappointment.Hedidn?tlooktoohappy.
Ishethedudedoingtheguestchefgigthisweek?”
Tyler?squestionregistered,butshedidn?tanswer.Instead,she
glancedaroundTyler,totheclub?sfrontdoor.
Boom!Therehestood,allsixfeetplusofhim,hiselegant,rangybody
tense.Thesightofhimwaslikeavisceralblow.Sheswallowed…andlet
herhungrygazeeathimup.Inkyhairhangingaroundhiswideshoulders,
jeanshugginghiminalltherightplaces.Thosedark,burningeyes.Ahot
flushsweptupherbody.Herheartdidn?tjuststartracingfaster;itcareened
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ShaylaBlack
outofcontrol.Farmorethanherpalmswentdamp.Sheswayedindizzy
excitement.
Tylercaughther;hisbeefyhandsslidaroundherwaisttosteadyher.
ThenheglancedbacktoLuc.“You?vegottobekiddingme.Him?”
Oh,yeah.Definitelyhim.
“Shutup,Tyler.”Shepulledawayandtookadecisivestepforward.
LucTraversonwashere.Finally.Shedidherbesttohideaslysmile.
Therewasnowayhewasgoingtoignoreheranymore;she?dmakecertain
ofthat.
UNTILAlyssaDevereaux,hadheevergottenstonehardjustby
lookingatawomanfromacrossaroom?Lucdidn?tliketheanswer.
Hedidn?thavetowonderwhatwasunderthatlittleskirt;heknew.
Sleekthighssurroundedbygartersinsomecolordesignedtodriveaman
wild.Alacythongthatwouldrevealfarmoreofherassetsthanit
concealed.Andunderthat…Thefeelandtasteofherslick,swollenfolds
dive-bombedhismemoryandrevvedhimup,asifhe?dinjectedrocketfuel
inhisbloodstream.
Andnowhehadtoworkbesideherforaweek.Hell.Howwashe
goingtopreventarecurrenceoftheeventhewantedtoforget—yet
couldn?t?
You’reaprofessional.Cookandkeepyourhandstoyourself.Besides,
itwasn?tasifhehadnothingelsetothinkabout.Negotiationsforhiscable
TVshowwerenearlyatanend.Hehadabitofeditingtodoonhislatest
cookbook.Therewouldn?tbethatmuchdowntimethisweek,butwhatlittle
there?dbe,hewouldfill.
Clearly,Alyssahadawaytofillhertimeaswell.Thehugeslabofman
athersidewhosecheekshe?dkissedamomentagoworeaSexySirensTshirtstretchedacrosshisenormouschest.Abartender?Abouncer?
Whoeverhewas,theguyslantedapossessiveglanceatAlyssathatLuc
couldn?tmiss,thenglaredathim.
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Tampingdownhisirrationalanger,LucremindedhimselfthatifAlyssa
wantedtofuckherhiredhelp,thatwasherbusiness.
Theviolenturgetodismemberheremployeewouldpass.
AlyssatookasteptowardLuc,thenanother.
“MistressAlyssa,”afemalecalledoverthespeakersinasaucyvamp
voice.“Yourturn!”
Shestopped.Closedhereyes.Sighed.Bracingherself?
Then,asifthehesitationhadneverbeen,sheflashedhimacoolblue
gaze,pointedatachairinfrontofthestage,thenturnedawayandstrode
backstage.Luccouldn?thelphimself.Hewatchedherwalkaway,thesway
ofthosecurvyhipsasirencall.Damn.
Iftheyhadbeenalone,therewasnowayLuccouldhaveprevented
himselffromtouchingher.Period.
Unlesshewantedanotherbrushwithhisuncontrollablewildside,he
neededtoforgethisrecklesspromisetoherandgetoutofthisjob.Now.
Reluctantly,Lucsaunteredtothefrontofthestageandsatinthechair
Alyssahadindicated.Assoonasshefinishedwhateverthehellshewas
doingandtalkedtohim,he?dtellherallbetswereoff.Hell,he?dpayherfor
herinconvenience.
Becauseifhestayed,hisdickwouldgethimintotrouble.He?dhave
hernakedandbebetweenherlegsintwominutes.Orless.Andthatwould
bebad.HewaslookingforMrs.Right,someoneuncomplicatedwho
wantedchildrenasmuchashedidandwouldhelphimkeephisbeastat
bay.AlyssaDevereaux,stripperdivine,wasdefinitelynotthatwoman.
Suddenly,musicpoundedthroughthespeakers,blaringwitha
naughtybeat,awickedslideofhorn.Everynotesuggestedsex—thehot,
sweaty,no-boundariesvariety.
Thetypehe?dhadwithherandwantedagain.
Pullinghislooseshirtoverhislaptocoverhiserection,Lucwatched
asAlyssastruttedontothestage.She?dpiledherstraightplatinumhairinto
somewildarrangementontopofherheadanddonnedasequinedbolero
jacketinred.Hewasdyingtoseewhatsheworeunderneath.Thewayshe
movedwasaninvitation…andapromise.
Sheplantedherstiletto-cladfeetinfrontofhimwithadecisivestep,
thenswungherhips,makingasensualcircle.Sheflattenedherpalm
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acrossthebareskinofhertannedabdomen—andbeganloweringit.She
reacheddown…sodamnslowly.Luc?sbreathcaughtinhischestuntil,
finally,shetouchedherself.Oh,hell
Herfingersglidedbetweenherlegs,andshetossedherheadbackas
ifshewereinutterecstasy.
Lucswallowed.Andstartedtosweat.
Withajerkofherhead,Alyssasnappedhergazebacktohim,her
eyeslikefocusedbluelasersjoltinghimtohistoes.
Damnit,hisnineweeksofdatingchurchsecretaries,interior
decorators,andelementaryschoolteachersshowed.Notoneofthemhad
incitedanerection.Duringthattime,he?dawakenedinthemiddleofthe
nightmorethanonce,sweating,hisdickinhishandandAlyssa?snameon
hislips.Now,afterlessthanfiveminutesinherpresence,hefeltreadyto
explode.
HehadtothinkabouttherightFwords—futureandfamily.
Unfortunately,withAlyssanear,theurgetofuckheragainkeptkillinghis
goodintentions.
Inthenextmoment,shereleasedthesoftstrandsofherhair,which
huggedhershoulders,clungtoherbreasts,flirtedwithherwaist.Thenshe
peeledoffthelittlejacketandleftitcarelesslyonthefloor,exposingatiny
halftopLuccouldswearshowedtheshadowsofherareolas.Shestepped
overthejacketandstruttedtowardthepoleinthecenterofthestage.
Whenshegrippeditwithbothhandsandundulatedagainstit,pressingitto
thejunctureofherthighs,Lucdamnnearchoked.
Andstillshecontinuedtostareasifshedancedjustforhim.
Themusicswelled,wailingwithsensualityandsuggestion.Alyssa
uppedhergame,stickingafingerintothewetcavernofhermouthand
sucking.MorebloodrushedtoLuc?scockatthememoryofhermouth
aroundhim,hertongueslickacrossthehead,incitingasizzlethatburned
hiswholebody.Evenmonthslater,hecouldfeelthelashofhertongue,the
hotsilkofhermouth.Heshuddered.
Withakittenishsmile,Alyssapoppedherfingerfromhermouthand
drewthedampfingertipdownhercleavage.Thenherpalmtookover,
smoothingherrightbreastwithaninvitationtopuresinonhergorgeous
face.
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DearGod,nowondershe?dbuiltherselfalittleempireherein
Lafayette.Thewomanwasawalkingwetdreamanddidherjobwell.No
red-blooded,heterosexualmalecouldwithstandsuchintenseteasingand
staysane.
Outofthecornerofhiseye,LucsawAlyssa?semployee,theone
she?dtouchedearlier,sidleclosertothestage.Withaquickturnofhis
head,LucquicklysawthatthemountaininthetightblackT-shirtwas
tense,panting,andsportingabulgethatsaidhewantedtogetbusy.
Lucwishedhecouldsaythatdidn?tpisshimoff.Buthe?dbelying.
Then,asLuc?sstarereturnedtothestage,hedamnnearforgothis
ownname.
Alyssaturnedherbackonhimandbentatthewaist,staringathim
overonemostlybareshoulderwithafuck-melookthatstunnedhim.Luc
grippedthearmsofhischair,willinghimselftostayinit,notchargeupon
thestage,layherflat,andgetinsideheragainthisinstant.
Thespaghettistrapofherlittletopwasfallingdownherarm.Andthat
indecentskirt…Withherbentover,thehintofthebareasscheeks
flashedfrombeneaththeblacksilk.Hergarterswereacome-hitherred.
Herthong—hecouldseeonlyascrapofit—matched.
Softfingersteasedtheirwayuphershin,herthigh,anddisappeared
underthatlittleskirt.Hereyeshalfclosed,hersultrymouthpartedona
silentmoanofseemingself-pleasure.Hisentirebodytensed.
Hehadtogetthehelloutofthere.
Herhandssweptupherundulatinghips,gatheringtheskirtwiththem.
Shetuggedatthelittleblackgarment,anditflutteredtothefloor.The
tannedhalvesofherbackside,bisectedbyabitofredlace,crashedfresh
lustintohischest,makingitdamnhardtobreathe.
Alyssahadagorgeousass.Buthe?dknownthat.Lucsqueezedhis
eyesshutsothevisualtemptationofherbarefleshdidn?ttaunthim.
Memoriesoftunnelingintoherasspoundedhiminstead.Herperfect
willingnesstotakehimanywayhe?dwanted.Thetightnessofherdamp,
muskybodyclaspinghim.Thesweatdrippingoffofthemashe?dthrust
deep.Hermoans.
Christ,theburninglusthadtostop—atleastlongenoughtotellher
thathewouldn?tbestaying.
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Prayingthetorturewouldendsoon,Lucopenedhiseyes.Andsucked
inabreath.
Alyssaflashedhimanaughtysmileofinvitationassherippedher
smalltoprightdownthefronttorevealareddemibrathatbarelycovered
hernipples.Hardnipples.Pink,melt-in-his-mouthnipplesheremembered
alltoowell.
Lucsquirmedinhischair—andnearlywentofflikeateenageboy.
Beyondaroused,hiscockwassosensitive,thefeelofdenimsliding
againsttheheadnearlyhadhimcoming.
Hehadtoleave.Forgetthepoliteconversation;he?dsendheranemailwithanexplanation.Becauseifhestayed,hewouldshovehislongtermgoalsasideandfuckhersenseless.
Ashestood,Lucmentallyreviewedalistofchefs—femaleones—he
couldpaytoassistAlyssathisweek.Ashortlist,butafewdurablenames.
He?dsendidiotproofrecipes…
TheredbradroppedtothegroundatAlyssa?sfeet.
Herlargebreastswereasgoldenastherestofherbodyandswayed
gracefullywithhereveryundulation,everystep.Thosenippleshe
rememberedsodamnwellbeckoned,Tasteme
Turnaway!hedemandedofhimself.
Hislegsdidn?tmove.
Alyssadancedherwaydownthestairs,holdingherbreastsupin
offering.Sheprancedpastherarousedemployeeandshotthemana
mirthfulsmileasshecaressedthesideofhisface.Luctensedwhenthe
beefyguytriedtosnatchherupinhisarms.ButAlyssawastoofastand
spunoutofhisgrip,towardLuc.
Thedampspotatthefrontofherthongkickedhiminthegut.He
clenchedhisfistsasshedancedcloser,closer…
Shedroppedtoherkneesbeforehimandlookedup.Theirgazes
locked.Shepanted.Hard.Despitehisjeans,herhotbreathscaressedhis
cock.Releasebroiledinhisballs,andhehadn?ttouchedheronce.
Therewasnowayhecouldstophimselffromreachingouttotangle
hisfingersintoherhairandbringinghermouthcloser.Exceptwhenhedid,
hegrabbedair.Alyssahadalreadystruttedaway,thatgoldenbodyofhers
burnedintohisbrain.
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Themusicboomedonefinaltimeassheartfullyfelltothestage,her
bodysprawledwithlegsparted,kneesbent,handshalfcoveringher
breasts,herbackarched…asifshewerereadyforhimtocoverher,take
her.
Luctookasteptowardher.Thenheforcedhimselftostopand
breathedeep.
Self-destructionwasn?thisbag,andhewasn?tgoingtogetcaughtup
inthetrapnow.
Besidehim,thebeefybouncerclappedwildlyandwhistledlikeaman
possessed.“Thatwashot,bosslady.Damn!”
Alyssastoodandsmiled,herarmsfallingtohersides,asiftotally
unawareorunconcernedthatshebaredherbreaststoheremployeeand
herguestchef.
Shedidthisforaliving,heremindedhimself.Shedisplayedherbody
forstrangers—anddidwhoknewwhatelsewiththem.Whyshoulditmatter
toherwhosawhertits?
“Thanks!I?vebeenworkingontheroutineforawhile.”
“Towardtheendthere,ifyouneedtofallatsomeone?sfeet,I?ll
volunteer.”Herbouncerwinked.
“I?llkeepthatinmind.”
Shereachedforthebolerojacket,thrustherarmsintothecapped
sleeves,thencoveredherbreastswiththelapels.Sortof.Thegarmenthad
nofrontclasp,soithungopen,flashingcleavageandthegenerousswells
ofherbreastsasshemadeherwaydownthestairs.
“Mr.Traverson,goodtoseeyouagain.”Sheheldoutherhandtohim.
Sheexpectedhimtotouchherinabusinesslikefashion?Lucsteeled
himselfagainsttheelectriccurrentthatbuzzedthroughhimanytimehe
touchedthiswoman.Butnoamountofbracingdilutedthejoltthatshocked
himwhenhetookherhand.
“Ms.Devereaux.Weneedtotalk.Istheresomeplacequieter?More..
.”Lucglancedoveratthebouncer?scurious,intrusivestare.“Private?”
“Tyler.”Shesnappedherfingers.“Backtowork.It?sfour,right?Open
thedoors.”ThensheturnedherstarebacktoLuc.“Followme.”
Asifhecouldhaveresistedwhensheturnedthatgorgeousassinhis
directionandprancedaway…Impossible.
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Hefollowedherbackstage,thendownahallthathadbeenpainted
black.Redlightsshinedoverhead,givingthebackaGothfeelthat
contrastedwiththepublicarea?swarmth.Thentheyduckedintoaroomat
theend.White.Soothingwithblack-and-whitephotosonthewall.Splashes
ofredcolorinsilkflowersandadeskchair.
Alyssaheldthedoorwide,thencloseditbehindhimoncehe?d
entered.Herealizedthatnoneoftheclub?sothersoundscouldbeheard.
Hecockedhishead,listeningtothecrispsilence.
“Soundproof,”sheconfirmed,perchingherhipontheedgeofthedesk
inarelaxedposethatsomehowmanagedtoscreamsex.“Hardashellto
bebookkeepingattwointhemorningwiththePussycatDollsblastingout
yourears.”
Thatmadesense,buthadnothingtodowiththismeeting.“Listen,I—”
“Beforewegetdowntobusiness,canIaskyouropinionofmy
number?Ihaven?tdancedaroundapoleintwoyears.I?moutofpractice.”
Shehadn?tdancedaroundapoleintwoyears?Wow…Hedidn?t
frequentgentlemen?sclubs;hefoundnothinggentlemanlyaboutthem,so
hehadnothingtocompareherto.Butifshethoughtherperformancewas
outofpractice,Lucdecidedhe?dlikelyhaveaheartattackifeverhesaw
Alyssainwhatsheconsideredtobeprimeform.“Whyaskme?”
Shefrowned.“OtherthanTyler,wholikesanythingIsayordo,you
weretheonlymanwatching.Ineedamaleopiniononthis.Diditworkfor
you?”
Andthensome.“Um…Itwasgood.”
“Good.”Alyssasighed.“Ineedittobegreat.Damn!TonightisSexy
Sirens?fifthanniversary,andIpromisedtoperform.Idon?treallydoit
anymore.ButI?lltryharderwhenItakethestagelater.Thanksforthe
opinion.”
Ifshetriedanyharder,she?dinciteinstantorgasminhalftheaudience
inthefirstthirtyseconds.
“Sohowhaveyoubeen?”Hersmilelitupherwholeface,thewhole
room.Hell,hiswholebody.
“Fine.Verybusy.You?”
“Oh.”Sherolledhereyes.“Crazybusy!Ihadnoideatherestaurant
businesswassotough.You?dknowallaboutit,ofcourse.ButI?mstill
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learning.Anyway,I?mgladyou?rehere.I?vebeenlookingforwardto
watchingyouinaction.”Hersmilewasateaseinitself.“Inthekitchen,of
course.”
Hisbodytemperaturewentupagain.Ifhedidn?tleavesoon,she
wouldseeactioninthekitchenandanywhereelseshewouldconsenttolet
himfuckher.Buthowcouldhesaythiswithoutupsettingher?Hedefinitely
owedher.
“Ihearyourcousingotmarried,”shecommented.
Luctriednottowince.“Yes.DekeandKimberweremarriedacouple
ofmonthsago.”
Alyssapaused,cockedherhead,assessedhimwiththosecoolblue
eyes.“Youokaywiththat?Iknowyouhadarelationshipwithher,too.”
Yes,onethathadendedwiththeneardeathofhisgreatestdream.
He?dengagedinawildménagewithKimberandhiscousin,knowingthat
shelovedDeke.Still,Luchadhopedtomarryher,thatDekewouldgether
pregnant,andtheywouldallliveasahappyfamily.Alltoosoon,they?d
pairedoffandlefthimalone.Possiblyhislastchancetoraiseachildwith
evenadropofhisbloodwalkedoutthedoorwiththem.
Hehesitated,thenhedged.“She?sstillspecialtome.”
Itwasn?talie,butnotthecompletetruth,either.KimberandDeke
didn?tneedanyonebuteachother,andLuchadonlybeenintheirway.
He?dacceptedthatbecause,whilehe?dadoredKimber,hehadn?tloved
her.Hehad,however,wantedtheonethingtheycouldhavegivenhim,
wanteditsobadsometimesthatyearningclawedadeepcrateroflonging
outofhischest.
Hewantedachild.Andhecouldn?tfatherone.
“Youallright?”Alyssaasked.“CanIgetyouadrink?”
No.Whathehadtodowasgetoutofherebeforehelethisdicklead
himtostupidacts,likeforgettingthefactthatheneededtofindan
acceptablewomanwhowantedachildasbadlyashedid.Alyssa…She
wassexy,determined,allwoman,givingandmind-blowinginthedark.But
shewasn?tanyone?sidealmothermaterial.Ifheendedupgoingthe
adoptionroute,caseagentswouldtakeonelookatherandrunscreaming.
Evenifshewantedchildrennow—andwhywouldshe?—hedidn?tthink
she?dagreetodashtothenearestspermbankorsitthroughroundsofin
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vitrofertilization.She?dwantamanwhocouldfatherhisownchildrenthe
normalway.
Atthirty-five,Lucshouldbewaybeyondthisblindingsortof
adolescenturgeforsex,thekindthatobliteratedalllogicalthought.Alyssa
wasn?tgoingtohelphimobtainwhathemostwantedinlife.Somehow,he
hadtogetthenewsflashtohisdick.
Hell,he?dneverbeforewishedhewereimpotent,ratherthansterile.
Herewasafunfirst.
“No,thanks.Alyssa,Ican?tstay.”
“Rightnow?I?msureyou?retired.Noproblem.I?llgiveyouatourofthe
restaurantandkitchentomorrowmorning.It?sjustafewblocksfromhere.I
orderedallthefoodyourassistantindicatedand—”
“Imeantthisweek.Ican?tdoit.”
“Anothercommitment?”Hersharptonewouldhavetoldhimshewas
pissedoff,evenifherstarchyexpressiondidn?t.
Lucwantedtolie,buthewasalreadybailingonher.Lyingwouldadd
insulttoinjury,andshedeservedthetruth.“It?swhat?sbetweenus.”
“Wehadsex,andnowyoucan?tcookforme?What,exactly,doesone
havetodowiththeother?”
Lucshiftedhisweightfromonefoottotheother.Shit,thiswasn?tgoing
well.“Look,I?msorryforwhatIdidtoyou—”
“You?resorryformakingmeorgasmsomanytimesIlostcount?I?ve
gottohearthereasonforthis.”
Howthehellcouldshenotgetit?
Rakingastiffhandthroughhisshoulder-lengthhair,hegrowled,
“Damnit,Iwasinafrenzy.Iplowedintoyou.Icouldn?tpossiblyhavebeen
gentleorconsiderate.AndIapologize.I?msureIdidn?taskyourpermission
beforeI…”God,hecouldn?teventalkabouthavinganalsexwithher
withoutgettinghardasconcreteagain.“Itjustwouldn?tbeagoodideaifI
stayed.”
Alyssapulledthelapelsofherlittlejackettogetherinauselessattempt
tocoverherbreasts.Allshedidwasprovidebettershotsofcleavage.And
givehimahardercock.
“DidIseemlikeImindedthatnight?”
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ShaylaBlack
Heswallowed.“Don?tyouunderstand?Youprobablybeggedmeto
stop.AndIdidn?t.Idon?trememberhearingyou.IfIstaythisweek,Ican?t
guaranteethatIwon?tlosemyheadagain.Idon?twanttohurtyou.”
“I?mnotmadeofglass,”sheassuredhim,herwhispershiveringright
downhisspine.
“There?ssomeoneelse.”Sortof.
Threedatesdidn?tconstitutearelationship.LookingatAlyssa?slush
featuresandcenterfoldbody,LuccouldnotsummonupavisionofEmily?s
facetosavehislife.Buthewasgoingtomarryher.Orsomeonelikeher.
Alyssasimplywasn?tthekindofwomanhecouldseewillinglyplaying
mommywhenhefinallyfoundawaytobecomeadad.
“Kimber?Stillhavingménageswithyourcousinandhiswife?”
No,andhe?dnevergodownthatpathagain,butadmittingthatto
Alyssawouldonlymakehermoredetermined.“Doesitmatter?”
Sheshookherhead.“Whoeversheis,Ihopeshecanunderstandthat
you?reheretodoajob.Icanputthepastbehindmeandfocusonworkif
youcan.”
Luc?shungrygazeskimmeddownherbody.“Youhaven?ttouchedme,
andI?malreadyunfocused.”
Hestormedacrosstheroom,grabbedherhand,andfitteditoverhis
achingcock.Instantly,itwasbetter—andworse.God,hewantedherto
moveonhim,striphimbare,puthiscockinsidehermouth,herbody.
Beforehegotcarriedaway,hepulledherhandaway.“You?reavery
sexywoman,andIamnotmyselfaroundyou.Ican?tstay.”
Alyssadrewinadeepbreath,andherchestexpanded.Hell,hedidn?t
needtoseethat.Buthecouldn?twalkawayassheslippedofftheedgeof
herdeskandsidledcloser.“First,foryourconcerntobevalid,I?dhaveto
sayyestosexwithyou.Today,Ihaven?t.Don?tassumeIwouldtomorrow,
either.Second,youcametomethreemonthsago,remember?In
exchangeforhookingupwithyouandyourcousin,you?dcookforme
duringopeningweek.EventhoughDekeleftbeforethingsgothot,Ilived
uptomyendofthebargain.”
“Youmorethanliveduptoyourend.It?sonereasonIcan?tnotthink
aboutyouandsexinthesamesentence.”
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InanattempttoshowhiscousinDekethathisnow-wifewasthe
perfectwomanforthem,Luchadarrangedathreesomewithhimself,his
cousin,andAlyssa.IthadbackfiredonLuc.Dekeleftbeforetheparty
started,whichLuchadexpected.Whathehadn?tanticipatedwasneeding
everysortofsexhecouldthinkofwiththestripclubowner—repeatedly.
“I?msorry,”hemurmured.“I?llsendyousomeoneelsewho?stotally
qualified.”
“I?vealreadypublicizedthefactyou?llbehere.Ihaveayear?sworthof
workandmyentiresavingsridingonthisplace.I?drathernothavethis
restaurantfailandforcemetodancearoundapoleagainforaliving.You
gavemeyourword,andItrustedyou.Areyoureallygoingtobailonme?”
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ShaylaBlack
ChapterTwo
MUSICpoundedthroughLuc?sears.Astheclosingnotesthumped
andAlyssastruckasuggestiveposearoundthestripperpolewearinga
thong—andnothingelse—Luc?ssteel-hardcockstiffenedagain,now
borderingonpain.
Themomentthemusicdied,theall-malecrowd,squeezedintothe
upscaleclub,eruptedintothunderousapplause.Lucgrittedhisteeth.Every
manintheroomhadahard-onforthewomanhewasdyingtogetintobed
again.Andagain.Thewomanheshouldn?ttouch.
AfterafulltwominutesofstandingO,thepatronsfinallysatagain.
Wearingamischievoussmile,Alyssagrabbedthemicrophone,
halfheartedlyslappingthatlittleredsequinedjacketonsothatitcovered
hernipples—barely.
“Thankyouforcomingtonight,y?all,”shebreathed,stillpanting.“Your
enthusiasmforthepastfiveyearshasmadeSexySirensatrulyspecial
place.I?mthrilledyoucametospendyoureveningwithme.”
Shebattedherblacklashesoverherbabyblues,workingthecrowd.
Lucwantedtovomit.No,thatwasn?ttrue.Hewantedtopickherup,throw
heroverhisshoulder,andforbidhertoeverreturnhereortakeherclothes
offinpublicagain.
Hesighed.ThecavemanthingwasDeke?sstyle.AndAlyssawasn?t
his.Neverwouldbe.
Whythehellhadheagreedtostayhereandcookfortheweek?Oh,
yeah.Guilt.Shehadagreedtohelphimthreemonthsago.Itwasn?ther
faulthehadn?t—andstillcouldn?t—keephisdickundercontrol.Alsonother
faultthatDekehadwalkedawayandleftheralonewithLuc?sregrettable
darkside.Givenhowmuchofherlifeandsavingsshehadtiedupinher
newrestaurant,he?dbesevenkindsofscumtoskipoutonhernow.Her
amazingbreasts,hersharp,sugar-dippedquestions,andhiscombustive
memorieshadallworkedagainsthim.Hehadn?tstoodachanceinhellof
leaving.
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Aftermakingafewmoreannouncements,shesashayedherwayoff
thestageandintoawaitingthrongofmaleadmirers.Tyler,herbouncer,
pulledoutachairforherandhoveredprotectively.Witharmscrossedand
amenacingexpression,helookedeveryinchabadass.Still,thatdidn?t
deterherardentadmirers.Theyfawnedclose.Someslippedbillsrightinto
herthong.Sheslappedhandsawaywithanaughtysmile…butthatreally
didn?tstopthem.
AguyinanLSUshirtshovedhiswaythroughthecrowdtoAlyssa?s
sideandplantedakissrightonhermouth.Shedidn?tpullaway,justplaced
gentlehandsonhisshoulders.Afewsecondslater,Tyleryankedtheguy
offher,shovedhimtowardthedoorwithameanmotherfuckerlook,then
hoveredevenclosertoAlyssa.Hisstancescreamed,Mine!
Refusingtowatchasecondlonger,Luccursedandswallowedabitter
truth.He?dbeensuckered.Thenighthe?dspentwithAlyssa,she?dsworn
shehadn?tletamaninherbedorherpussyfornearlytwoyears.Atthe
time,he?dbelievedher.Shehadbeenincrediblytight.
Facedwiththisfoaming-at-the-mouthcrowd,hedidn?tseehowitwas
possiblethatherbedhadbeenemptyforeventwodays.
Itdidn?tmatterifshesleptwithherbouncer,allofhercustomers,and
mostofLouisiana?smalepopulation.Hehadmadeanagreementwithher,
andhewouldhonorit.Furthermore,he?dkeephishandsoffofherforthe
week,nomatterhowalluringshewas.Hehadafuture—Godwilling,awife
andachildsomedaysoon—tothinkabout.
THREEinthemorning.Withthedoorstotheclubshutandthe
dancersandwaitstaffclearedout,sheandLucwerealone.Finally.
Shetookamomenttosavorthefactthat,ifallwentwell,she?d
performedherlastpoledance.Neveragainwouldshefillherbellyby
exposingherbody.She?ddoneittosurviveforthepastfourteenyears.The
restaurantrepresentedherfuture,herpathtoabetterlife.She?dworkhard
forasuccessfulopeningjusttoavoidshowingcompletestrangershertits
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again.Lucwasabigpartofherrecipeforsuccess.ThankGodshe?d
convincedhimtostay.
Forherrestaurant?ssake—andherown.
Besideher,hestoodtall,andsotenseshecouldhavebounceda
quarteroffhim.Alyssasmiled.Thescrumptious,skittishchefhadnoidea
whatwasabouttohithim.
“Yousureyouwanttotourtherestaurantnow?”sheasked.
Henodded.“Seeingyoursetupwillallowmetoplanstations,feelthe
flowofthefood.TomorrowIneedtomeetyourstaff.I?vespokenonthe
phonewithyoursousandpastrychefs,aswellasyourassistantmanager.
They?veallcompletedthetrainingIsentalong.Wehavetheweek?smenu
set.YousaidsomeonepurchasedthequantitiesofsuppliesIrequested?”
Alyssanoddedandcasthimasaucyglance.“Youhaveexpensive
taste,Mr.Traverson.”
“You?llmakeyourmoneyback,Ms.Devereaux.”
Ofcoursehe?dmakethatpromise.Hewantedtobesurehedidn?towe
heradamnthingwhenhewalkedoutthatdoor.Andshewasdead
determinedotherwise.Attheendofaweek,Alyssasworeshe?downhim,
body,heart,andsoul.
Inseparatecars,theydrovethefewblockstohernewendeavor.She
refusedtolookatthefactthathe?ddeclinedtoridewithherasasetback.
Oncetheyarrived,Alyssatookthekeysfromherpurseandunlocked
thedoor.Justinside,shewalkedaroundthecornerandflippedonthe
lowlightsoverhead.Therewasabrighterset…butwhykillthemood?
Alyssalookedoutoverhercreation.Simpleelegance.Awalloffloorto-ceilingwindows.Darkwoodaccentedbywallsoftaupeandearthygold,
splashedwithaccentsofburgundyandchocolate.Theopenspaceheldan
expectantair,asifwaitingforguests.Chairsandcrisplydrapedtables
abounded,afewoutfittedwithchina,linennapkins,andcrystalsoshe
couldseetheeffect.Theunderstatedletteringonthefoyerwallread
BONHEUR,andthesightfilledherwithanxiousprideeverytimeshecame
here.
Outofthecornerofhereye,shecastaglanceLuc?sway.Arms
crossedoverhischest,hescannedtherestaurant,hisgazeassessing.Her
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heartbeatfasterasshewaitedforhisresponse.Itmadenosense,wanting
hisapprovalsobadly…butthatdidn?tstopheranxiety.
“Well?”shebreathed.
“Bonheur,”hemurmured.“That?sFrenchfor?happiness.?”
“Ithoughtitwasfitting.Patronsshouldbehappyhere.”AndIpray
owningmakesmehappy,too
“Ilikeit.Finediningforlargeparties?Couples?”
“Either.Both.”
Heglancedoutacrossthetablesagain.“Ifyou?rehopingtobeahot
spotforromanticdining,youhavetoomanytablesforpartiesoffourto
eight,particularlyinyourcozycorners.Thepartitionbetweenthebarand
thediningroom…”Hepointedhalfwayacrosstheroomtothehalfwall
thatseparatedtheeatingpatronsfromthemerelydrinkingones.“It?stoo
shortandtooclosetothebar.Itwillbehardtogetanyambianceifpeople
laughing,smoking,anddrinkingalotarevisiblefromthediningroom.
Raisethattotheceiling.Doyouhaveventstopushthesmokebacktothe
bar?”
She?ddebatedthat,hatingtocloseofftheroom.Buthewasright.
“There?snosmokingatall.”
Hehesitated.“Eveninthebar?Thatwillcostyoumoney.”
“It?sworthit.Iwanttomakemymoneyfromthebarbecausepeople
areorderingdrinkswiththeirfoodorwhilewaitingfortheirtable,not
becausethey?reskippingdinnerandloiteringoverascotch,hopingtofinda
dateforthenight.I?vegotonebar;Idon?tneedanother.”
Lucnodded,butdidn?treactotherwise.Shemadeamentalnoteto
dragmoreofthesmallertablesoutofstorageandcallhercontractortofix
thewallinthemorning.
“Where?sthekitchen?”heasked.
Bitingherlip,sheledthewayaroundacorner,flippingonmorelights.
Teasingandseduction,sheunderstood.Therestaurantbusiness…That
washisareaofexpertise,andnowhewasallbutton-downassurance.
Alyssawasgratefulforit.She?dtriedhardtomakeBonheur?skitchen
optimal,aplaceachefofLuc?scaliberwouldbeproudtocookin.
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Windingdownthehall,shewasconsciousofLuc?seyesonher.His
gazebrushedhershoulders,huggedthecurveofherwaist,lingeredonher
ass.Shecouldfeeltheburn.
“Thekitchenisn?tvisiblefromthediningroom.Goodlayout.”
Whentheyreachedthelarge,mostlystainlesssteelroom,sheflipped
onthelights.“I?veheardpeopledon?tlikeseeingthekitchenwhenthey
eat.”
Again,Luccrossedhisarmsoverhischest,lookingfromoneendof
theroomtotheother,noddingslowly.“Verynice.Butcher-blockpreparea
iswellplacedandlarge.Twelve-burnerstove.Gas?”
“Ofcourse.”
Hisapprovalshowedonhisface,warmingher.“Afairnumberof
industrialovens.Foursinks.Goodplacementofutensilsalongthewalls.
Warmers?”
Alyssapointedtoshelvedspaceunderthecountersandanotheratthe
pass,whereplateswouldbeassembled.
“Good.You?vegotplentyofrefrigerationspace.”Heglancedaround
anothercornerandopenedthedoor.“Greatfreezer.Amplestorage.”
“Youcanneverhavetoomuch.”Shesmiled.
“Hmm.”Helookedasifhewasfightingtheurgetosmileback.“What
sortofflooringisthis?”Hestompedabootonthesurface.
“Cork.Neverslippery,easytosweeporreplace,andprovidesnatural
cushionforeveryone?sfeet.”
Hefinallyturnedtostareather,thefactthathewasimpressed
warminghisfeatures.“Youplannedallthisbyyourself?”
“Mostly.Abitofhelpfrommycontractor.SexySirenshasafew
customersintherestaurantbusiness,andIaskedtheiradvice.Therest…
Ididmyhomework.Iwantedeverythingtoberight.”
Somethingonhisfacechanged,closed.Hisbodytensedashisdark
gazeskitteredaway.“Yousucceeded.”
Damn!Whathadcausedthewarmthonhisfacetochill?Themention
ofSexySirens?Dekehadtoldheroncethatshewasn?tLuc?stypebecause
hewaslookingforalady.Didhisavoidancemeanhesawherasonesmall
stepupfromawhore?
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Sheraisedherchin.Alyssaknewmen.EvenifLucwasloathtoadmit
thatshewashistype,sheknewshemadehisdicktwitch.Itwasastart.
Nowhewasallbusinessagain.“Whattimecanyouhavethestaff
heretomorrow?”
“Noonworkforyou?”
“Perfect.”Heturnedaway.
“You?vealreadyapprovedthemenus.Anythingelseyouneedtosee
tonight?”Shegrippedthekeysinherhand,wonderinghowtorecoverthe
moodthey?dsharedjustminutesago.
Patience,shewarnedherself.Sticktotheplan.Thenightwasstillyoung.
LUCfollowedAlyssatotherestaurant?semptyparkinglot.Theample
lightingwouldmakepatronsfeelsecure.However,theilluminationpissed
himoffbecausehecouldseeeveryswayofherenticinghipsasshe
sashayedtohercar.Itmadehimhard.Again.
He?ddrivenhisSUVfromthestripclub,mostlysohedidn?thaveto
shuthimselfinaconfinedspacewithher,evenforthreeblocks.Hedidn?t
thinkhecouldberesponsibleforhisactionsforeventhatlong.In
Bonheur?skitchen,thethoughtoflayingheracrossoneofthosegleaming
stainlesssteelcountersandfuckinghersenselessgrippedhimbythe
throat.HeshouldthankherforbringingupSexySirensandthefavors
she?dlikelyhadtogiveherloyalcustomerstoobtaintheiradvice.The
thoughtmadehimgrithisteethandhisdinnerchurn.Histempersoar.
Alyssawasastripper,forfuck?ssake.Notthesortofwomanwhowent
withoutsexfortwoyears.He?dbeenanidiottobelievethatwhenshe?d
whisperedthetremblinglieashe?dtumbledherintobedthreemonthsago.
Shewasinthebusinessofleadingmenaroundbytheirdicks.Andshewas
goodatit.Hecouldn?tbeangrywithherforbeingherself;she?dnever
pretendedtobeanythingdifferent.Buthecould—andshould—befurious
withhimselfforcaring.
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Despitethelotbeingcompletelyempty,he?dparkedthreespotsfrom
her.Ashepressedhiskeyfobtounlockthedriver?sdoor,hewatchedher
dothesamewithherblacksportscar.Lucfistedhishands.She?dgohome
now,losethatlittleblackskirt,whitetank,redbra,andfuck-meshoes.
Eventhoughsheplayednopartinthefuturehecraved,heitchedtofollow
herhome…helpheroutofeverygarment,sinkdownintothatperfect,
tightbody.
Heswallowed.Keepyourdickinyourpants.Cook,shutup,andget
thehelloutofLafayette.Sevendays.Thinkyoucanfindsomeself-control?
Afeminineshriekzippedacrossthelot,shatteringhisthoughts.
Alyssa.
Luc?sheartstuttered,andhenearlyleaptoverhiscarasherushed
acrosstheasphalt.Shebackedaway—rightintohischest.Hesteadied
her,palmscuppingherbareshoulders.
“Whatisit?”hedemanded.
Alyssadrewinashudderingbreath.“Bastards!”
Beforehecouldaskherwhoorwhatshemeant,shereachedintothe
interiorandyankedonsomething.Amomentlater,sheproducedalong,
serratedknifewithapieceofpaperattached.Underthestreetlamps,it
gleamedthewordWHOREinbrightredlipstick.
Shockcrested,thenquicklymorphedintomoltenfury.Itwasironic;
he?dbeenthinkingsomethingsimilaronlymomentsago.Buthewould
neverhavesaiditaloud,muchlessstabbedittothefrontseatofher
convertible.
“Whowoulddothistoyou?”Hisvoicevibratedwithrage.
Shetossedtheknifeintoherfrontseatandcasthimawarystareover
hershoulder.“Whoknows?”
Lucturnedhertofacehimandclenchedhisjaw.“Who.Did.This.To.
You?”
Histonetookheraback.“Look,it?snotnew.Shithappensallthetime.”
Allthetime?Thatonlyinfuriatedhimmore.Lucdrewhercloserasa
thunderousfrownstoleacrosshisface.Shewasn?tafraid,andhewas
scaredashellforher.“Whathavethepolicesaidinthepast?”
“Police?”Sheshookherhead.“Thisisjust…aprankorapissed-off
customerwhothoughtIdidn?tpayenoughattentiontohim,mostlikely.”
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Andwhoeverdidthiscouldalsobedeadserious.Thatbladewasno
laughingmatter.“Whatifsomeonereallysickwantstohurtyou?Howlong
hasitbeengoingon?”
“LikeIsaid,ithappens.It?sbeenawhilebut—”
“Getinmycar.”Hewasdoneallowinghertostandlikeaconvenient
targetinashadowyparkinglot.Hedidn?tprovidepersonalsecuritydetail
likehiscousinDeke,buthe?dspentenoughtimewiththemanandhis
businesspartner,JackCole,toknowthatremainingoutintheopencould
bedeadly.
“What?”Shelookedincredulous.“I?mnotleavingmycarhere.”
“I?mdrivingyouhome.You?recallingthepoliceandreportingthecrime
sotheycaninvestigate.”
Alyssahesitated,thensoftened.“Luc.Yourconcernisreallysweet,
but—”
“Getinthefuckingcar.”
Sheblanched,andhecursedunderhisbreath.Heneededtoget
controlofhistemper.Butthesoaringsexualfrustration,coupledwithhis
alarm,hadhimonedge.Whothoughttheyhadtherighttomalignand
scareher?Fistscurled,Luccravedachancetopoundtheasshole.
Alyssasighed,andLucreadiedhisnextargument,butshestrolled
towardhisSUV.“Fine.”
Heopenedthedoorforherandwatchedherslideinside,thestrands
ofherplatinumhairsettlingoverhershoulders.Shelookedsomewhere
betweenplacidandreserved,despitethefactthatshe?djustbeen
threatened.Wassheoutofhermind?
Shakinghishead,hedashedaroundtothedriver?sseat.Whenheslid
inside,shewasalreadyonthephone.
“Sorryit?slate,Remy.IthoughtmaybeIshouldcally?all.Someone
messedwithmycar…”
Quicklyandunemotionally,sherelayedtheirlocationandtheevent.
Lucheardmurmursoftheotherman?sconversation,histonemoregoodol?-boythanconcerned,andhefrowned.Didn?tanyonetakethisseriously?
Hegrabbedthephonefromherandspitoutanintroduction.“Dustfor
prints.Shetouchedtheweapon,butyoumayfindothersetsonthehandle.
Whoeverdidthisbrokeintohercar.”
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ShaylaBlack
“Doubtitwasmuchmorethanaprank.Boysdownheregetalittle
rowdyfromtimetotime—”
“Andstabtheword?whore?intoherseat?That?sfunnyhow?”Remy
clearedhisthroat.“It?snot.ButIdon?tthinknoonemeantnoharm.”
Lucgrittedhisteethtogether.“Doyouusuallysolveallyourcases
beforeyouvisitthecrimescene?”
Finally,Remygotserious.“I?llinvestigate.”
“Thoroughly.”
Alyssagrabbedthephone.“Thanks,honey.Iappreciateit.”
Whenheendedthecall,Luccouldbarelyunclenchhisjawashesped
awayfromtheparkinglot.“Honey?Themandidn?tevenwantto
investigate,andyoucallhim?honey??”
Sheshrugged.“It?saLouisianathing.You?llcatchmoreflieswith
honeythanvinegar.”
“Yeah?”hechallenged.“Orisita?he?s-my-customer?thing.Didhe
watchyoustriptonight?”
Sheswallowed.“Iaskedallthelocalenforcementtocome,including
thesheriff.Keepsdownthepossibilityofrowdiesgettingoutofcontroland
trashingtheclub.”
Lucgrippedthewheeltighterashepeeledoutoftheparkinglot.“So
that?sayes.”
Fightingtheurgetohitsomethinginanunusualshowoftemper,he
tookadeepbreath.Thenighthe?dspentwithher,ithadbeeneasyto
pretendshehadnootherlover.They?dbeenalone,herhousequiet.No
phoneringing,nocustomersnearby,nopsychosleavingmenacing“gifts”
inhercar.Justthetwoofthem,andhoursuponhoursofpleasure.God,
he?dbeensodamngullible.
Shenodded.“WhydoesitmatterifRemyandtheboyswerethere?”
Theshortanswerwasthatitshouldn?t.
“Ifyoushouldbeworriedaboutanything,”shewenton,“it?syourhotel
room.Atnearlyfourinthemorning,Homerhaslikelygivenyourroomaway
tooneofthosetouristscomearoundfortheartsfestivalthatstarts
tomorrow.”
Hefrowned.Aftereverythingthathadhappenedtonight,shewas
worriedabouthim?“Iguaranteedthatroomwithacreditcard.”
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ShaylaBlack
AMonaLisasmileplayedatthecornerofhermouth.Thatquickly,she
madehisdickhardagain.Damn,howdidthewomandoit?
“Doesn?tmeanadamnthingtohim.I?msurewhenyoudidn?tshowup
aftertheclubclosed,hefiguredyourroomwasfairgame.Butifyoudon?t
believeme,callhim.”Shepunchedafewbuttonsonthephoneand
handedittohim.
“Youhavethemotelowneronspeeddial?”Hecouldthinkofonlyone
reasonwhy,andithorrifiedhim.Didsheturntricks?
Hell,hewasgoingtothrowup.
“Out-of-towncustomersoftenneedtosleepofftheiralcohol.Homer
usuallyhelpsmeout.”
Luclikedherexplanationmuchbetter.Butstill,hewondered.Didn?ta
lotofstrippersearnextracashontheside?
Asthephoneranginhisear,LucturnedtoAlyssa.Herfacewas
goldenunderthestreetlightsshiningthroughthewindowsasheraced
downthequaintredbrickstreet,towardaneighborhoodofolder,still
eleganthomes.Oddthatherememberedexactlyhowtofindherhouse,
despitethefacthe?dbeenherejustonce.Theimageofthelittlecraftsman
withtheZeninteriorwasburnedintohisbrain.
Homeransweredamomentlater,mutteringhiswords.Clearly,he?d
beenasleepandsoundednonetoohappyaboutbeingawakened.
“ThisisLucTraversoncallingtoadvisethatI?llarriveinafewminutes
tocheckin.Youstillhavemyroom?”
Themanontheotherendclearedhisthroat.“Well,whenyoudidn?t
show,Ithought…”
Lucwaited,histemperrisingagain,forthemotel?sownertofinishthat
thought.“Thoughtwhat?You?dgivemyroomaway?”
“Iwaiteduntiltwothirty.Yousaidyou?dbeherebeforemidnight.Some
road-wearyfolkscameinwithlittleonesand—”
“Doyouhaveanotherroom?”Heclosedhiseyesandpressedthe
phonetohisear.
“Bookedup.Firsttimeinawhile,butthisfestivalalwaysbrings?emin.
Somegreatzydecobandsplayin?thisyear.”
Lucresistedtheurgetocounttoten.“Andtomorrownight?”
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ShaylaBlack
“Don?thaveafreeroomuntilTuesday.Gotacoupleofthoselousy
chainhotelsafewmilesdowntheroad…”Homersaidwithobvious
distaste.“Betthey?rebookedup,too.?Sides,Iwouldn?tletmydogsleep
there.Theydon?tcleannothin?.”
Hisheadwasgoingtoexplode.Lucwasaccustomedtotravelingto
cosmopolitancities.HestayedatHoteldeCrillonwhenhetraveledto
Paris,theDorchesterinLondon,thePeninsulainTokyo,theBeverly
WilshireinLosAngeles.Thefacthe?dbeenstiffedonaroomatHomer?s
CajunHavenatfourinthemorningcrawledonhislastnerve.
Hehittheendbuttonontheconversation.Insteadofgivingintohis
urgetothrowthephone,hestifflyhandeditbacktoAlyssa.
“Youwereright.”
“ThoughtI?dsaveyouthedriveoutthere,sinceIknowHomertoo
well.”
Andsincehewas,nodoubt,anothermanwhohadseenAlyssa
naked,Homerknewherawfullywell,too.
Lucsighed.Hehadtostopcaringwho?dseenherbare.He?dwantto
riptheheadsoffmostofthemalepopulationofthistownforthenextweek
ifhedidn?tgethimselfundercontrol.He?dfuckedherforonenight.What
she?ddonebefore—orafter—wasnoneofhisaffair.
Sowhydiditbugthehelloutofhim?Andwherewashegoingtosleep
tonight?
“Ihaveanextraroomatmyplace,”Alyssaofferedquietly.“It?sclean
andquietand—”
“Icouldn?timpose.”Becauseifhedid,he?dgetinsideheragain.
Lasttimehe?dspentthenightinherbody,he?dbeeninsatiable.Forsix
hours.Nothinghadbeentoosearing,toodepraved,toointimate.She?d
wrenchedthesortofdesirefromhimthatburnedhim,shamedandelated
himatonce.He?dtakeneverythingsheoffered,thenmore—thencome
backagain.He?dfuckedherineverywayamancould,repeatedly.
Bareback.Somethinghehadn?tdoneinmorethanadecade,exceptwith
Kimber.
AndthememoriesofthatincrediblenightwithAlyssawerefrayinghis
self-control.
“Noimposition.Ihavetheroom;youneedabed.”
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ShaylaBlack
Shelaidasofthandoverhisasitgrippedthegearshift.Hertouch
seizedhimcleardowntohisballs,ignitinghisblood.
“Besides,”shemurmured.“Maybe…you?reright.Ifwhathappened
tonightisn?taprank,thenI?dfeelbetternottobealone.Doyoumind?”
Yes.Verymuch.Buthe?dbeeverykindofabastardifhesaidno.
Hesentheratightsmile.“Itwillbemypleasure.”
HEwaslyingthroughhisteeth.Thenagain,sowasshe.She?dpaid
HomerveryhandsomelytogiveLuc?sroomawayandshedoubtedthat,
despitetheprank,anyonewouldtrytohurthertonight.
AsLuc?sSUVwhippeddownLafayette?sdarkstreets,exhaustion
shouldhavebeenweighingonher.Instead,shewasfilledwithanticipation.
Shewasfinallygoingtobealonewiththemanshemostwanted,inher
house,wherehe?dmademadlovetoherbefore.ToobadLucwasn?t
happyaboutit.
Hewasapuzzle.Thelustinhiseyeswasunmistakable.Hell,every
timehelookedherwayhedamnnearburnedher.Buthiscontemptwasn?t
hardtopiecetogether.Sohisangerthatsomeoneelsethoughtshewasa
whoreintriguedher.
“Ifit?snotaprank,whowouldstabsuchanotetotheseatofyour
car?”
Sadly,thelistwaslong.“Luc,let?swaitandseewhatRemycomes
backwith.”
“No.”Heflashedheranimpatientstare.“Ifwhoeverdidthisdropsby
whileyou?resleeping,I?dliketohavesomeideawhoI?llbedealingwith.”
“Don?tworrytoomuch.IfIthoughtIwasinseriousjeopardy,I?dcall
Tyler.OrJackCole.Heandyourcousinarethebest,andhe?sanold
friend.Becauseofhim,thehousehasatop-of-the-linesecuritysystem.”
Lucgroundhisjaw.Hisknuckleswerewhiteonthesteeringwheel.“I
saidI?dkeepyousafetonightandIwill.Answerthequestion.”
Hewasn?tlettingthisgo,andthatgaveAlyssahope.Maybehecared,
atleastabit.Evenifitwasagainsthisgoodsenseandhiswill.
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ShaylaBlack
“First,justaboutanyjealouswifeorgirlfriendwhodoesn?tlikethe
amountoftimehermanspendsinmyclub.That?scommon.”
“Knivesaren?tusuallyawoman?sstyle.”
No.She?dhadhertiresdeflated,herhouseegged,moreuglynotes
thanshecouldcount.Scornedwomenusuallyannoyedandrarely
disturbed.
“Whataboutpastlovers?”Hepinnedherwithaburningstare.“Current
ones?”
Sheclosedhereyes.Naturally,he?dassumethereweremanyofboth.
She?dbeendownthisroad;itshouldn?thurt.Butdamn,itdid.“Thenight
youspentwithme,Itoldyoutherehadn?tbeenanyoneintwoyears.
There?sbeennoonesinceyou.”
Lucshookhishead,lookingasthoughahundreddifferentthoughts
blazedthroughit.“Alyssa,youcouldbeindanger.Ineedyoutobe
completelyhonest.”
Jerkingaroundinherseat,shefacedhim,tryingtokeepalidonher
temper.“Ihavebeenhonest.Justbecauseyoudon?tbelievemedoesn?t
makemealiar.”
“C?mon,”hegrowled.“Notacustomerwhowantedjustabitmoreafter
seeingyourgorgeousbreastsnaked?Notacontractorwhodidyouafavor
andwantedsomethinginreturn?”
Angerseizedher,grippingherchestinasteelyfist.“Idon?trollthat
way.”
Hehesitated.“Soyoudidn?tagreetofuckmethreemonthsagoso
you?dhaveaguestchefthisweek?”
No,IwaswillingtosayanythingbecauseIwantedyousobadly…
andhopedyou’dwantmeback.Andnotforanythingwouldshewearher
heartonhersleevenow.He?dleftherbeforedawnandpawnedheroffwith
flowers.Nowhe?dallbutintimatedshewasawhore.
Butiftherewasonethingsheknew,itwasmen.Hefeltsomethingfor
her.Hermissionwastomakeitmore.
“Youweredifferent.”
“Ofcourse.”Hesnortedashestoppedataredlight.
Alyssahadhadenoughofhisshit.Shegrabbedhischinandturned
himtofaceher.“MaybeIwassimplystupidenoughtobelieveallyour
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ShaylaBlack
Southerngentlemancharmandwantedtoknowwhatitwasliketohave
sexwithsomeonewhodidn?tseemeasaprostitute.Sillyme.Youwere
definitelymorehard-corethananyoneI?vehad,waymorethanyourwhitebreadexteriorsuggests.
Yourolloutthatsortofredcarpetforevery
woman?”
Hetoreawayfromhergripandclutchedthesteeringwheeleven
tighter.Heexhaledharshly,clearlytryingtorestrainhistemper.Sohis
behaviorthatnightwasasorespot?Maybehehadn?twantedtowanther
andwasmortifiedthathehad.Andstilldid.
“Iaskedyouaboutlovers.I?lltakeyouatyourwordthatyouhadn?thad
oneintwoyearspriortome.”
“Butyoudon?tbelieveme.”
“Whataboutcurrentlovers?Tyler?”
Noneofhisfuckingbusiness.Asfarasshewasconcerned,this
conversationwasinthetoilet.Logictoldhertoretireherstupidhappilyever-fantasiesaboutLuc.Hehadn?tmadelovetoherwithsuchfervor
becausehefeltthepullbetweenthem.He?ddoneitbecauseshe?dbeen
hisfirstrealwalkonthewildsideandbeingbadflippedhisswitch.They
probablyshouldjusthavesexandnotbotherwithemotions.
Butherheartdidn?twanttogiveup.
“Tylerwouldnevertrytokillme.Whoeverdidthistonightisn?t
someonewho?sbeeninmybed.It?ssomeonewho?spissedatme.”
Hesentheraconsideringshrug,thentookoffasthelightturned
green.“Likewho?”
“Thekidwhobargedthroughthecrowdtonighttokissme.Peter.I
don?tevenknowhislastname.Hestartedcomingaroundaboutsixmonths
ago.Realregular.Daddyisrich,andhedropsalotofmoneyattheclub.
Seemstothinkthatentitleshimtospecialperks.”
“You?veadvisedhimotherwise?”EvenLuc?svoicewasdangerously
tense.
“Absolutely.Tylerhasmadeitperfectlyclearaswell.We?vekickedhim
out,lethimknowhisadvancesaren?twelcome.Butnothingfazesthiskid.”
Lucgrippedthesteeringwheeleventighter.“Heevercallyoua
whore?”
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ShaylaBlack
Alyssashookherhead.“He?susuallyrealgraphicaboutwhathe
wants—nasty,dirtyshit—buthasneverresortedtonamecalling.That?s
CouncilmanPrimpton?sspeed.”
“Acitycouncilman?Anelectedofficialcallingyouawhore?”
Howna?vewasLuc?“Ofcourse.Hisvotingbaseisveryconservative,
soifheshutSexySirensdown,he?dbetheirhero.Evensomemiddle-ofthe-roadfolkswouldbethrilledtoseemego.That?sbeenPrimpton?s
missionsincehegotelectedeighteenmonthsago.Theattemptsstarted
small,butwithhisreelectioncomingup,he?sbeenapplyingmore
pressure.”
“How?”
“Protestinginfrontoftheclub,scathingeditorialsinthelocalpaper
aboutthedenofsininthecity?sbackyardandthe?trash?whorunsit.
Recently,hecollaboratedwithareportertowearawireandsolicitmefor
sex.”Shesnorted.“Icanshovealotoffour-letterwordsinto?no.?”
Finally,theypulledupinfrontofherhouse.Shehoppedoutand
motionedforhimtowaitinthecar.Jugglingherkeys,sheunlockedthe
frontdoor,unsetthealarm,thenranaroundtothegaragedoorandhitthe
buttontoopenit.Lucdrovein,thenclimbedoutofthecar,duffelbagin
hand.Helookedtenseandnervous.
“Ithoughtitwouldbebetterifyouparkedinthegarage.Don?twant
anyonevandalizingyourSUVorwaggingtheirtongues.Comein.”
Henodded,hisstaregluedtoher.Alyssaclosedthegaragedoor
behindthem.She?dgiveanythingtoknowwhatLucwasthinking.Histense
demeanorandunflaggingerectiontoldheritwasprobablywaystoavoid
havingthesexwithherheknewheshouldn?twantbutdesperatelydid.And
aftertonight?sinterrogation,shewasinthemoodtomakehimsuffer.
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ShaylaBlack
ChapterThree
LUCshutthebedroomdoorbehindhim,breathinghard.Itwasn?tthe
climbupAlyssa?sstairsthatcausedhisrespiratorydistress;itwaswatching
herinfrontofhim.Theshortblackskirtthathuggedherass.Thosesexy
redgartershehadaflashofnowandthen.Thehintofherbarecheeks
visiblewitheverystep.
Damnit,hewantedtofuckhersobadlyhecouldhardlyseestraight.
ButmessingwithAlyssawaslikedabblinginrecreationaldrugs—stupid
andpotentiallyaddicting.
Lastweek,he?dhadhisthirddatewithEmily,afirst-gradeteacherat
thelocalelementaryschoolinTyler,Texas.Ithadgonewell.Sweet,hazeleyed,anddimpled,shelikedcountrymusic,couldn?tstandprofanity,and
hadgreatrelationshipswithherfamilyandpastor.Aperfectwife.Aperfect
stay-at-homemother,justlikehisown.That?swhathewanted.Heneeded
tostayfocusedonher—andstayawayfromAlyssathisweek.
Thenneverseethesexystripperagain.
OnceinsideAlyssa?sguestroom,hedrewhiscellfromhispocketand
thumbedhiswaydownhiscontactlist.Emily?snamewasthere.He
desperatelyneededthefortificationofhearinghersweet,high-pitched
voice,butitwouldberudetowakeherupatfourthirtyinthemorning.
She?daskquestionshecouldn?tanswer.Insteadofturningthe
conversationtowardherschoolkidsorheractivitieswiththechurch,Luc
fearedwhathe?dsay.Alyssahadscrapedhimsoraw,hedoubtedhecould
exercisetheverbalcontrolnecessarytodeflectEmily?squestions.The
demandsofhisdarksidejuicedhisbloodstream.Everythinginsidehim
screamedforahard,poundingfuck.
Sohewasonhisown.
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ShaylaBlack
Shower.Heneededonedesperately.Hotwaterdousinghisskin,
spraypeltinghisbody,deepbreaths…comingdownoffthelusthighso
hecouldsleep.
Andnotthinkaboutthesexyvixenlyinginherbedlessthanfiftyfeet
fromhim.
Grabbinghispajamapantsfromhisbag,hemadehiswaydownthe
hall,towardthedarkenedbathroom.Softlightspilleddownthehallway
fromherbedroom.Ignoreit,hetoldhimself.Butwhenheturnedforthe
bathroomandgropedfortheswitch,hecouldn?tresistapeekoverhis
shoulderatAlyssa?sslightlyajarbedroomdoor.
Andherveryvisible,delectablelegbathedingoldenlight.
Lucsuckedinabreathasamillionimagesofherinthatbed
bombardedhim.Herarmsandlegswide-opentohim,herhuskytauntsand
whisperedencouragementsdrowningoutlogic.God,hermouthonhiscock
hadbeenthemostamazingexperience…untilhe?dworkedhiswayinto
hertightpussyanddamnnearlosthismind.Thenshe?dtoppedthatby
allowinghimintothatdelectableass,andhe?dsunkintoherwithbarely
leashedabandon,amazedbythefitandfeelofher.Andthefactshe
openedherselfcompletelytowhateverhewantedforsixundividedhours.
Noonehadeveraffectedhimthatmuchbefore.Orsince.
Sobeinginthehousewithhernowwasasdangerousasbathingin
gasolinebeforedancingaroundabonfire.
Suddenly,shetwistedonthebed.Theperfectviewhe?dhadchanged
asshemovedherlegtotheside,allowinghimanunimpededviewofher
tautcalfandinnerthigh.
Afewinchestoherleftand,ifshe?dditchedherpanties,he?dsee
everyspectacularbitofherwetflesh.Evennow,hismouthwateredashe
rememberedtheaddictingtastethathadkepthimcomingbacktoher
againandagain.
Alyssamoaned.Thenthrashedagain.
Holyshit,isshe—?
“Yes!”shecriedout,thengaspedtocatchherbreath.
Masturbating.Hell.
Gointhebathroom.Shutthedoor.Staythefuckaway.Thelitanyof
goodadviceranthroughhishead,andhesuckedinaharshbreath,trying
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ShaylaBlack
toforcehimselftohearitoverthepoundingofhisheartandtheblood
rushingtohiscock.
“Oh,yes!”
Herhoarse,brokenwhisperfriedhisbloodinhisveins.Hehadtosee
her.Hadto.Yes,shewasbadforhim,andhedidn?twanttobeoneofthe
manyinherbed.Butthewomanwastemptationpersonified.He?dnever
seenanotherwomanmoreequippedtoleadamanintosin.
Justonestep
Luclefthispajamapantsonthebathroomcounterandmovedcloser
toAlyssa?sbedroom,wincingwhenhisjeanschafedhiserection.Butone
stepwasenoughtobringonlyherhipintoview.Lovely,buthewantedto
seeherself-pleasure.Howshewasdoingit,howseriouslyshepursuedit,
howherbodybowedwhenecstasyhit.
Damn,hefeltlikeasickbastard,butnowaycouldhestop.
Anotherstepcloser,thenathird,untilhewashoveringjustbehindthe
crackinherdoor.
Thenhegotaneyefulthatlithimonfire.Alyssawearingnothingbut
herredgarters,sheerhose,andfuck-meshoes.Shegrippedherbreastin
onehandand,withtheother,doveintoherverywetfolds.
Lucstaggeredback,grippingthewallbesidehimforsupport.Andhe
stared.Flamesengulfedhisballs,lickedhiscock.Fuck,fuck,fuck
Alyssa?sfingersflutteredaroundherclit.Moisturegushed.Herthighs
tightened,herbackarching.Hepanted,gluedtothesight.Seared.
Shethrashedagain,spreadingherlegswider.Thensheplungedher
fingersinsideherdrenchedopeningandbucked,whimpering.
Lucclutchedthedoorknobtighter.God,howbadlyhewantedtogoin
thereandgiveherrelief,puthismouthrightoverherachingclituntilshe
cameacrosshistongue,thenplungedeepinsideherpussywith
unrelentingstrokes.Onceshe?dcomeahalfdozentimesandtakenthe
edgeoffhishunger,thenhe?dturnheroveranduseallherdelicious
lubricationtoslideintoherbacksideandlingerthere,thrustingslow,hard,
deep.
Hermutteringsuddenlybrokeintohisthoughts.Shewhispered,and
hecouldn?tmakeoutherwords.Hewantedto—desperately.Neededto
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ShaylaBlack
know.Whatwasshethinkingwhileshefuckedherself?Whomdidshe
thinkof?
Turningoffthevoiceinhisheadthattoldhimhewasstupidtocourt
danger,heshovedthedooropenanotherfewinchesandeasedinsidethe
shadowedcorner.Herlittlebedsidelampspilledlightacrossherbody,
illuminatinggoldenskin,thepaleblondstrandsofhershininghair—andher
nearlybarepussy.
Again,shemutteredsomething,andhestillcouldn?thear.The
suspensewaskillinghim.Theanxiety.WouldTyler?snamefallfromher
lips?Someoneelse?s?
“Fuckme…”shecriedsoftly.
Damn,hewantedto,so,sobadly.Hescrubbedahanddownhisface,
thenfastenedhisgazeonAlyssaagain.Hecouldn?tstayaway.Simply
impossible.Shewashisweakness.Hisdrugofchoice.
Lucswallowedagainstthelust.Hehadtobestrong.Oncehemarried
Emily—orsomeonelikeher—hecouldn?tthinkaboutAlyssa,onlyaboutthe
wifewhowouldmakehiseverydreamcometrue.Hehadtokeephisdick
outoftheequation.
Stepback.Shower;sleep;forgetAlyssa
Grittinghisteethforstrength,Lucliftedafootandsetitbehindhim.
Butstillhecouldn?tleave.Shehadincreasedthetempoofherfingersover
herclit.Nowherhipsthrashed.Herskinwasflushed,andtheairsmelled
likearousedfemale.Perspirationbrokeoutbetweenherbreasts.Shewas
themostbeautiful,sexualcreaturehe?deverseen.Andeverwould.How
washesupposedtowalkaway?
“Fuckme.Yes.Yes!”Shemoanedlongandloudasshecame.“Luc!”
Shegaspedhisname?Shockburnedhim.Christ,hewasaboutto
comeinhisjeans.
Alyssafloppedbackonthebed,eyesclosed,breathingheavily.Luc
stoodstill,transfixed,dickaching,heartracing.
Thensheliftedherheadandlookedrightathim.Heatarcedbetween
themforaheartbeat,two.Suddenly,anaudacioussmileshapedherlush
mouth…justbeforesheraisedherhipstohiminoffering.“Please…”
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ShaylaBlack
Firespearedhim.Leaveorfuckhernow—hisonlytwooptions.
Fuckingherwouldbesublimelyeasy.Andwoulddoabsolutelynothingto
helphimachievethefutureheyearnedfor.
Withacurse,hewhirledoutofherbedroomandracedintothe
bathroom,lockingthedoorbehindhim.Heleanedagainstit,everybreatha
harshsawoutofhischest.Buttheimageofherself-pleasuringwasburned
intohisbrain,hisnameonherlipsreverberatinginhishead.
Howcouldhewantsomeonesomuchwhowassobadforhim?
Shakinghishead,hestartedtheshower.Onewayoranother,he
neededreliefnow.IfhewasgoingtobesmartandresistAlyssa,itwas
goingtohavetobebyhisownhand.Otherwise,hewouldneversleep.And
befartootemptedtostalkintoherbedroomandhavehereveryway
knowntoman.
Quickly,hedroppedhisclothesandsteppedundertheslowlywarming
spraywithoutcheckingthewatertemperaturefirst.Hehissedatthecold,
buthisbodywastoooverheatedtocare.
Herolledhisshouldersunderthespray,thengrabbedhiscock,trying
topictureEmily—lightbrownhair,hazeleyes,apple-pieappeal.Heknew
shewaskindandoptimisticandeagerforafamily.Butwhatwouldshe
looklikewithoutclothes?Whatkindofloverwouldshebe?
Luccouldn?tpicturehersexuallyatall.
Butsexwasn?teverything.Heenjoyedhersenseofhumorand
friendship,hersweetnessand…Theideaofsexwithherboredhim.
AvisionofAlyssaburstacrosshisbrain.Hiscockjumpedinhishand,
andhestrokediteagerly,hungrily.
Whyher?Ofcourseshewassexy.Amanwouldhavetobeblindnot
tonoticeherbeauty,theeasyswayofherhips,thoseblueeyesthatcould
temptamantosin.ButtodayhadshownhimsidesofAlyssahehadn?t
known.
Shewassmartanddetermined.Bonheurprovedthat.She?ddonea
greatjobbuildingtherestaurant,despitenotknowingalotaboutthe
business.Andshewasbrave—maybetoomuchsoforherowngood.That
knifeaprank?Hedidn?tthinkso.Butshe?dtakenitinstride.Nodrama,no
tears,nohysteria.Shewasonecoolcustomer.Andsheunderstoodthe
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ShaylaBlack
peoplearoundher.Remy,Homer,Tyler,eventhegirlsatherclub.She
seemedtoknowexactlywhattosayformaximumresults.
Allthatonlymadehimdesirehermore.Writingheroffhadbeeneasier
whenhe?dassumedshewasjustagoodlay.Now…sherevvedhimup
onawholenewlevel.Damnit
Hestrokedfaster,tinglesleapinguphiscock.Heswipedathumb
acrosstheheadandhissedinpleasure.Histhighstightened,andhe
clenchedhisjaw,picturingthewayAlyssahaddancedatrehearsalthis
afternoon,asifdancingforhimalone.Heenvisionedhermasturbating,
fingeringherwaytoorgasm,thenliftingtohimininvitation.
Inhishead,heagainheardherbeghimtofuckher.Pleasuresoared.
Hishandmovedfasteronhisturgidflesh,hisrhythmandholdalmost
brutal.Needclaweditswayfromhisballs,uphisdick.Orgasmwasn?tfar
behind…andthoughtsofEmilywerelonggone.
Inthatmoment,pressurebuiltandheated.Itburst,Alyssaatthe
centerofthestorm.Clampinghislipsshut,hegroanedasorgasm
slammedhim,clenchinghisballs,crampinghisstomach.Semenspurted
intotheporcelaintub,thenwashedwiththewaterdownthedrain.
Lucleanedagainstthetile,morerelaxed,butvaguelyunsatisfied.Yes,
he?dgottenoff,butneedstillkeyedhimup.Hishandwasalousysubstitute
forAlyssa.
Hedroppedhisgripfromhiscockandturnedofftheshower.Damn,
hefeltworsenow.Nothighonlustanymore,butconfused.Depressed.
Whatthehellwasthematterwithhim?
Youwantsomethingyoucan’thave,thevoiceinhisheadtauntedhim.
He?dtellittoshutup…butitwasright.
Grabbingtheshowercurtainwithanimpatientfist,Lucthrustitback.
Tohisshock,Alyssastoodthreefeetaway,hipleanedagainstthevanity,a
towelinherhand.Shelookedfurious—andhurt.
“So,wasthatgoodforyou?”
44
ShaylaBlack
ALYSSAwasstillfurioussixhourslaterasshepoundedonthe
punchingbaghangingfromtheceilinginhersparebedroom.Withagrunt,
shekickeditonce,twice,thenfollowedwithameanrighthook.
WhatwasLucthinking?She?dofferedherselftohim—somethingshe
neverdidforanyman—andhe?dself-pleasuredintheshower.Ofcourse
hethoughtsheofferedherselftoanyonewithaYchromosomeanddidn?t
understandthatshe?dinvitedhimalonebecausehewasspecial,because
shethought…maybetherewassomethingmorebetweenthemthan
fabuloussex.
Stupid.
Anotherkick,anotherpunch.Sweatrolleddownherbody.Itwasn?t
relievinghertension.
Beforeshe?dguiltedLucintostaying,he?dmentionedthathewas
datingsomeoneelse.Thethoughtofhimwithanotherwomanmadeher
stomachtighten.Insecurityblindsidedher.WasLucsleepingwiththis
woman?Didhewanthisnewgirlfriendmorethanhewantedher?Washe,
Godforbid,inlovewithher?
Shehadtoknow.Throwingherselfatamanwhoseheartbelongedto
someoneelsewasbothpointlessandembarrassing.Forawhile,she?d
beensureKimberwasitforhim,butthenDekehadmarriedher.Then
AlyssahadheardthroughthegrapevinethatLuc?sinvolvementwiththe
couplewasover,andshe?dhadfreshhope.Now…shedidn?tknowwhat
tothink.
Lyingonthetableagainstthewindow,hercellphonerangshrilly.With
onelastpunchofthebag,shesteppedacrosstheroom,toreoffaglove,
thengrabbedit.ThedisplaytoldheritwasTyler.
“Hey,Iwasjustthinkingaboutyou.”
“Yeah?”Hesoundedreallyhappyaboutthat.
“Punchingthehelloutofmybagandpretendingit?syourhead,”she
teased.
“Funny,”heintoned.“Look,Iknowit?searly,butyoushouldcometo
theclub.”
Alyssafroze.“Whathappened?”
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Tylerhesitated—somethingheneverdid.Thatmanwasasstraightup
astheycame.Shetrustedhimwithherlife,sowhenhehedged,itcouldn?t
begood.
“Justcometotheclub,”hesaidfinally.
Somethingwasabsolutelywrong.“Shit.Givemeanhour?”
“Thesooner,thebetter.”
Shehungup,cursingasshemadeherwayoutofherexerciseroom
andintothehall.SheransmackintoLuc.
“Sorry.”Shebackedawayfromhim.Itwaseitherthatorjumponhim.
Shehadn?thadthepleasureof“themorningafter”lasttime,andAlyssa
tookonelookathim,hairsoftlyrumpled,eyesslumberous,andrealized
she?dmissedsomethingspectacular.
Herbloodheatedalloveragain.
“Goodmorning.”
Thewordswerepolite…butlackedthepassionshewantedtohear
whenhesaidthosewords,hisheadonthepillowbesideher,justbeforehe
kissedherthoroughlyandtheywelcomedthedaytogetherwithpleasure.
Wasn?thappening.Grimly,sherememberedlastnight.Ratherthan
depressherselfagain,sheshookthethoughtaway.
“Yeah.Ihavetorun,grabashower.”Sheheldupherphone.“Tyler
called.ItoldhimI?dbethereinanhour.Ifyouneedmoretimetogetready,
I?llhavehimpickmeup.”
“I?lltakeyou.”
“It?snoproblemforhimto—”
“Isaid,I?lltakeyou,”hesnapped,hisstareroamingherflushedface
andsweat-dampT-shirt.
WashestillpissedaboutlastnightorwasthisaboutTyler?
“Fine.I?llmeetyouinthekitcheninthirty.”
Shespunaway,wantingthesanctuaryofherbedroom,theprivacyof
ashutdoorsoshedidn?thavetoshutawaythepainofhisrejection.
Lucgrabbedherarmandheldherback.“Aboutlastnight…I?msorry.
Ididn?tmeantospyonyou.Theopendoorwas—”
“Notaninvitation,”shelied.Thetruthwouldjustgethisbackup.“Just
liketheguestbathroomdoornotlockingproperly,mybedroomdoor
doesn?tshutalltheway.It?sanoldhouse.ButIappreciatetheapology.I?m
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sorry,too,forbarginginduringyourshower.Ionlymeanttomakesureyou
hadatoweland…”
Hegrimaced.“Look,I?mnotgoingtolie.Weshareamazingchemistry.
Youturnmeonmorethananyoneeverhas.”
Lucdidn?tlookatallhappyaboutthatfact.
“Butyou?renotintome,justmybody.Gotit.”Andithurtlikehell.
Hisgriponherarmtightened.“That?snotit.Yesterday,Idiscovered
greatqualitiesIdidn?tknowyoupossessed.”Hesighed,rakedahand
throughhislonghair.“It?sthat…whatIwantisn?twhatIneed.SoifI?m
crankyandirritablethisweek,it?sbecauseyouhavemetiedupina
thousandsexualknots,andI?mtryingtodotherightthing.”
Therightthingbeingnothavingsexwithher.
DidLucthinkitwasimpossibletohaveanemotionalattachmentto
someonewhoownedaclubwherewomentookofftheirclothes?
Whatever.Shestillwantedhim.Wantedhimtowanther.Burnforher.
BecauseeverythinginsideheryearnedforLuc,hissultrysmile,histalent,
thewayhe?dmadeherfeelmorespecialinonenightthananymanever
had.Shewasn?twillingtogiveup.
“Doesthishavesomethingtodowiththewomanyou?reseeing?”
“Yes.”
Damn,howcouldonewordhurtsomuch?
“Ifyoupickedher,I?msureshe?sagreatgirl.”Shetuggedherarm
free.“I?dbettergetready.”
Asshedarteddownthehall,Lucgavechaseandpushedheragainst
theshadowedwall.“Sheis.Andthat?snotareflectiononyou.You?rejust
different.”
Inotherwords,she’snotastripper
“Sure.Fine.Seeyoudownstairsinthirtyminutes.”Sheeasedoutfrom
betweenthewallandhishardbody,allbutrunningtoherbedroom,and
slammedthedoor.
Onceinsidethebathroom,sheshutthatdoor—lockedit—thenleaned
againstit.Andclosedhereyesastearsspilled.Sheswipedthemaway
withanangryfist.
Fuckinghopeless.Shesuckedatrelationships.No,strikethat.She?d
neverreallyhadone.Fromagefifteenon,herlifehadbeenastruggleto
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makeendsmeet,putfoodinherbellyandaroofoverherhead.She?d
learnedhowtoreadpeopleovertheyears,butnotinaromanticcapacity.
Asfarasshecouldtell,Lucwasbeinghonestwithher.Therewas
someoneelsehethoughtwasbetterforhim.
Howthehelldidshecompetewiththat?Shouldsheeventry?
Probablynot,butsomethinginsideherkeptscreamingthatsheneeded
him.
Lucadmittedtowantinghermorethananyone.Itwasastart.Maybe
theyhadmorethangreatchemistry,andthiswashisbody?swayofsaying
so.Itwaspossiblethisotherwomanwas“better”forhimbecauseLuc
knewher.Withjustonehotnightbetweenthem,Alyssarealizedhewasn?t
familiarwithherasaperson.
Sheneededtokeepenticinghim;thatwasagiven.Usingher
advantagewascritical.Butshealsoneededtolethimreallyknowher.Not
easyforher,lettingdownherwalls.Trustingeneralwasanexpensive
luxury—andafoolishone.ButunlessshewantedtoloseLuctothisbetterthan-herbitch,Alyssamustfigureouthowtolethimdeepinsidemorethan
justherbody.
THEsilenceintheSUVwaschoking.Alyssakeptbitingherlowerlip.
Hersunglassesprotectedagainstthemorningglare—andpreventedLuc
fromreadingherexpression.
Whatevershewasthinkingshouldn?tmatter.Butitdid.Thoughshe?d
betrayedalmostnoemotionwhenhe?dmentionedhisrelationshipwith
Emily,hesuspectedthatthewordshurt.Andhefeltlikeshit.Hewantedto
saysomething…butwhy?Hewasleavinginsixdaysandwouldprobably
neverseeAlyssaDevereauxagain.Itwasbetterthisway.
Except…she?dwornanothershortskirt—whitewithsomecurlicue
patternonit—andblackgarters.Hersheerblackhosewithasexyseam
downthebacknearlymadehimswallowhistongue.Theredshoeswere
purefuck-me,aswasthematchingtanktopthathuggedhergenerous
breastsandtrimwaist.
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Rightnowhecouldn?tevenrememberwhatEmilylookedlike.Andhe
wasprettysurethatinthefaceofsomeonestabbing“whore”intoher
driver?sseat,shewouldscreamhystericallyandcry.
Lucsworeunderhisbreath.
“Withyourjob,youmusthavetraveledallovertheworld,”Alyssa
offered.
Ashecruisedtoaredlightandstopped,helookedherway.She?d
ponderedalongtimebeforeaskinghimthatquestion.Wherewasthis
going?“Yes.”
“What?syourfavoriteplace?”
“You?reseriouslyaskingmeabouttravel?”Notourchatinthehallway?
Shebristled,easedbackinherseat,lookedaway.“Justmaking
conversation.”
Butwhy?Shewasn?tatalk-for-talk?s-sakesortofwoman.
“Andyoureallywantmythoughtsontravel?Nothingelse?”
“Nevermind.”Alyssaturnedherheadtolookoutthepassenger
window.
Hewinced.Maybeshe?dextendedanolivebranchtoshowthatshe
hadnohardfeelings.Ifso,he?djustsquashedherofferingwithoutthought.
Hecouldn?taffordtobesexualwithher—buthedidn?thavetobeunkind.
“Barbados.Ilikewarmweather.Theirbeachesaregorgeous.
Swimmingwiththeturtlesismind-blowing.”
Noreply.
“IwenttoculinaryschoolinParis.It?sagreatcity.Wintersareabittoo
coldforme.Butthere?snothinglikethestreetcornercafésandtheculture.”
Shesenthimatightsmile.“I?lltakeyourwordforit.”
Whensheturnedawayagain,hefrowned.Whatdidthatmean?Travel
conversationwassuddenlyboring…orthatshehadn?tbeentoParis.The
truthhit,andhesentheralingeringstarebeforetrafficforcedhisattention
again.Howoftendidstripperstraveloverseas,especiallyoneswhoowned
theirownclubs?AndnowshehadhersavingstiedupinBonheur.
Sowhyhadshestartedthisconversation?Hedidn?tthinkithad
anythingtodowithtravel,really.Wasshetryingtogettoknowhim?
Afterthewayhehadfuckedherblind,lefther,apologizedwith
impersonalflowers,anddistancedhimselffromheragainjustminutesago,
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shecouldhavebeenaravingbitch.Mostwomenwouldhave.Alyssahad
simplyaskedaquestion.
Nowhefoundhimselfintenselycuriousaboutthesexpotonhisright.
“Tellmesomethingaboutyou,”hedemandedsoftly.
Sheshrugged,straightplatinumhairslidingacrosshersmall
shoulders.“Youknowthepertinentfacts.I?mtwenty-nineandopeninga
restaurant.”
“You?reabitdeeperthanthat.DidyougrowupinLouisiana?”
Hergazewhippedtoherlapsuddenly.Shebitherlip,lookingpensive.
“No.YougrowupinTexas?”
Heshookhishead.“ClearwaterBeach,Florida.Youdidn?tsaywhere
youwerefrom.”
“Ididn?t,”sheagreed.
Lucwantedtoprymore,butthey?darrivedattheclub.Andheknewa
closedsubjectwhenheheardone.Whythehelldidn?tshewanttotalk
aboutherhometown?
Assoonasheputthecarinpark,Alyssajumped,race-walkingforthe
club?sbackdoor.Thelate-morningsunglaredonthechippedblack
surface,framingTyler.Thebouncerlookedtense.Heglaredwhenhe
caughtsightofLuc.
“What?sgoingon?”sheaskedhimassheapproachedandtriedto
brushpasthim.
Tylergrabbedherarmsandpulledheragainsthisbody.Thenhe
cuppedherfaceinhishand,hismouthhoveringabreathabovehers.
EverythinginsideLucrailedatthesight.Hismindscreamedanorder
forTylertotakehishandsoffAlyssa.Twofactshithim:First,shewasn?t
Luc?s,sohehadnosayinwhotouchedher.Second,shewasn?tfighting
Tylerintheleast.
HewhisperedsomethingLuccouldn?thear.Inreturn,shenodded
anxiously.Tylerhesitated,kissedherforehead,thentookholdofherhand
andreachedforthedoor.
“What?sgoingon?”heaskedthebouncer.
Tylerglaredathimoverhisshoulder.“I?mresponsibleforhersafety,
andItakeitveryseriously.Gobacktoyourfryalator.”
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Ifhe?dhadanylesscontroloverhistemper,Lucwouldhavecharged
thebastard,despitethefactTyleroutweighedhimbythirtypoundsof
muscle.Lucwassurehewouldhavegotteninatleastafewgoodswipes.
Butwhygivetheassholewhathewanted?
“Yougiveupyourstand-uproutinebecauseyousucked?”
Alyssajumpedinbetweenthem,angertighteningherface.“Couldyou
twostopit?Luc,someonebrokeintotheclubbetweenlastnight?sclose
andTyler?sarrivalattenthismorning.”
Lucwentdeadcoldinside.Purecoincidencethatsomeonehad
stabbedherseatwithaknife,thenherclubhadbeenbrokenintomere
hours—orminutes—later?He?dspentenoughtimewithJackandCousin
Deke.Coincidencesmadethemuncomfortable,andLucagreed.
“Theybargedinthroughanupstairswindow.Remyandtheboyscame
over,butsofaritdoesn?tlooklikeanythingwastaken.Tyleristryingto
figureouthowsomeonebypassedthesecuritysystem.I?llhavetocallJack
andhavehimfigureitout.”
“DeketoldmethatJackandMorganarevisitinghermotherin
California,”Lucsupplied.
Tylerclenchedhisjaw.“Shit.”
“I?llcallDekeandseewhenhecandoit,”Lucoffered.
Herwaryblueeyesflittedhisway.“Thanks.”
Beforehecouldrespond,Tylerdraggedherinside.Eeriequiet
reigned.Nooneelsewasinside.Lucdidn?tliketheinterior?svibe.
“Maybesomeonewhocamefortheanniversarycelebrationlastnight
hidupstairsandletabuddyinafterhours?”Alyssasuggested.
Tylershookhishead.“Wealwaysdoathoroughsweepbeforelocking
up.Andevenifsomeonemanagedtoeludeus,openingawindowfromthe
insidewouldtripthealarm.”
“Didyoufindanythingoutofplace?”Lucasked.“Any…messages?”
“Luc,Idoubtthey?reconnected.”
“Butyoudon?tknowthattheyaren?t.”
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JUSTbeforeeleventhirty,AlyssafollowedLucbackoutsidetohis
SUVandtheyheadedtoBonheur.Thecloudy,muggyOctoberdaymade
theinteriorshadowyandstuffy.Shehitthelightsandstartedtheoverhead
fans.ThensheturnedtoLucexpectantly.
“Thecontractoriscomingattwotofixthewall.Sayshe?llbedoneby
sixish.Whatnext?”Shemadeherwaytothekitchen,flippingonthose
lights.“Youwanttotalkaboutopeningday?sspecials?Tomorrowiscoming
fast.”
Lucfollowed.“Whywouldsomeonebreakintotheclub?”
Shesighed.“Idon?tknow.Sometimesdrunkfratboysgetoutofhand.
Ican?taffordtoputtoomuchenergyintothinkingaboutitnow.That?s
Tyler?sjob.Yoursistomakeopeningdaysuccessful.WhatelsedoIneed
todo?”
“Takethisthreatseriously.”Hegrabbedherbytheshouldersandspun
heraround.
Alyssaraisedabrowathim.Helookedagitated,hisbreathcoming
fast.Sheblinkedslowly,gettingalonglookathiserectiononthevisual
journeydown.Definitelyaroused.Sherepressedasmile.
“I?dliketo,butIcan?taffordtoignorethependingopeningtofocuson
afewoddevents.Howdidyouphraseitearlier?WhatIwantisn?twhatI
need.”Shesmiledathim,crossingherarmsunderherbreastsandpushing
hercleavageabovehertank?sneckline.
Predictably,hisgazefollowed.Heswallowedhard.
“Don?tignorethedangerbecauseyou?reangrywithme.”
Alyssawonderedwhyshematteredtohimatall.Interestingquestion
“I?mnot.Juststatingfacts.”
Withthat,shepulledawayfromhisgripandspunaround.Shehada
suspicionthatLucwasusedtobeingincontrolandgettingthelastwordin.
Hewouldn?tlikeitifsheturnedherbackonhimnow—especiallyiftheview
includedherskirtclingingverylowonherhipsandexposingtherosetattoo
onherlowerback.
Withaswayofherhips,sheprowledtowardtheneareststainless
steelcounter,strokeditssleeksurface…andwaited.Shebarelyheard
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himcoverthehandfulofstepsseparatingthembeforehefistedherhairin
hishandandforcedhergazeuptohis.
“Stoppissingmeoff,”hegrowled.
“Stoptellingmehowtoreact.”
Luc?smouthtightened,asdidhisgriponherhair.Alyssamerelysent
himachallengingstareandamatchingsmile.
Somethingaboutthisargumentwasgettingtohim,revvinghisblood.
ThegentlemanlySouthernchefhadanastyside,andshewasmakinghim
feelit.
“Damnyou!”Hismouthcrashedoverhers.
Heshovedheragainstthecounterashepushedpastherlips,intothe
hotcavernofhermouth,andinhaledherallatonce.Histonguewas
everywhere,possessing,tasting—branding.Inaninstant,herbodyburned,
bloodtingling.Sheclutchedathisstarchedwhiteshirt,grabbingthecollar
topullhimcloser.
Lucwaseverythingsheremembered—fulloffinesse,power,steel
coveredinsilk,insistent—andmore.Neverhadaman?skissalonemade
herwetandaching,madeherlongtobeclosertohimineveryway.
Sheranherhandsdownhisbody,feelingeverybulgeofhis
shoulders,everyrippleofhischest.Herpalmflitteddownhissix-pack—
andkeptdescending.Oh,soslowly,shedraggedherhandoverhis
erection.Hehissedinashockedbreath,breakingthekiss,andhardened
beneathhertouch.
Smiling,shereachedforhisfly.
Hegroaned.“Alyssa,we—”
Shepalmedhimagain,squeezinghiscock,thenflickedthebuttonof
hispantsopen.Hiszipperwentdown,abareraspintheotherwisequiet.
Thensheranherthumboverthesensitivecrest.
“DearGod.”Hesuckedinabreath.“Weshouldn?t…”
Shesaidnothing,butsimplysanktoherknees.
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ChapterFour
BEFORELuccouldstopAlyssa,she?dpushedhispantsandbriefsto
hishipsandtakenhiscockinherhand.
Tobefair,hedidn?ttryveryhardtostopher.
Themomentherpalmwrappedaroundhiserection,hesizzled,jolted
asifhe?dbeenpumpedfullofathousandvolts.God,everythingabouther
waspotent,overwhelming.Hewasdrowning—thefeelofhertightgrip,the
silkinessofhergoldenhairinhishands,thegut-punchingsightofher
lickingherlips.
“Alyssa,”hehissed.
Shit.Hehadtostopthis.Buthow,whenhewantedhersobadly?
He?deschewedsexforweeks.AfterhisnightwithAlyssa,he?dpinned
allhishopesforachildonKimberandDeke,single-mindedlybeddingthe
girleverybitasoftenashiscousin.Buthe?dbelyingifhesaidAlyssa
hadn?tlingeredinhisthoughts.BeingwithKimberhadbeenabsorbing.He
realizedlaterithadbeenthesituation…notthewoman.Afterthat,he?d
pushedasidehissexdriveinfavorofafuture,awifewhowouldbethesort
ofdevotedmomhisownwas.
Nowthewomanhe?dachedforsincethatwild,darknightwasonher
kneesinfrontofhim,andGodhelphim,hedidn?thavethewillpowerto
stophimselffromurginghermouthclosertohisthrobbingcock.
“Youwantthis?”shewhispered.
“Yes!”hebellowed,strugglingforcontrol…andfailing.“Yes.”
Sheopenedhermouth,startedtoeaseforward.Thenshestopped.
“You?resure?”
Nowshewastauntinghim.Thatteasingallurehadbeenhisundoing
threemonthsago,turnedwhatshouldhavebeenanormalnightofsexinto
anunforgettablemarathoninwhichhe?dbeendeterminedto…Healmost
didn?thavewordsforhisurge.Putsomesortofstamponher.Leavehis
mark.Ifshewasn?tcareful,shewasgoingtogetthesametreatmentinher
veryownkitchen.
“Suckme,”hedemanded,hisvoicelowandharsh.
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Alyssasenthimanotherofthoseplayfulsmiles.“Yes,sir.”
Herwordssethisbloodonfire.God,shewasgoingtodestroyhim.
Thiswasn?tsmart,andheknewit.Atthemoment,hedidn?tfuckingcare.
Hehadtogethermoutharoundhim,hadtofeelhertonguelashhim,see
hersubmissiveathisfeet.
Whynow?Whythiswoman?
Shemovedin,partedherlips.Lucwidenedhisstance,bracinghimself
forthefirstelectriclick,hiswholesystemjackeduponlustandneedto
possess.ThenAlyssaexhaledonthesensitiveheadofhisdick,andhe
shivered.Sensationrioted,andheheldhisbreath.Trembled.
Hertonguepeekedout.Itwasthemostfuckingeroticthinghe?dever
seen.Closer,closer
“Hello?”awomancalledfromthediningroom.“Anyonehere?”
Herheelsclickingacrossthehardwoodfloors,towardthekitchen,
finallyregisteredinLuc?slust-saturatedbrain.Shit!
Alyssarockedbackonherheels,thenstood.Shecastaregretful
glancedownathiscock,thenbrushedasofthandacrosshisface.
Evenherhandonhischeeksentsparkscollidinginsidehim,andhe
cursedandpulledaway,tuckinghimselfbackintohispantsandrightinghis
shirt.
Aspainfulasthiswas,maybeheshouldbegratefulforthereprieve.
Whoeverhadarrivedhadjustsavedhimfrommakingaterriblemistake.
Becausenowaywouldhehavestoppedatablowjob.
RegretsoftenedAlyssa?sface.“Luc—”
“Seewhoitis,”hebarked.
Shesighedandmadeherwayoutofthekitchentointerceptthenew
arrival.Lucstoodbehindacounter,panting,willinghiscocktostanddown.
Hecouldn?tbemeetinghisbrigadefortheweekwithanerectionlikethis.
WhydidAlyssadrivehimtorecklessactsheknewweren?tgoodfor
him?Whydidhelether?
Momentslater,shereturnedwithoneofthesouschefs,Misa.He
rememberedherrésumé,andsheseemedbothcompetentandexcitedfor
thejob.Alittlestarstruck,whichalwaysmadeLucshakehishead.Despite
havingalotofbestsellingcookbooksandasolidreputationintheculinary
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world,hefoundthewhole“fame”thingodd.Thankfully,thepetiteHispanic
womangotoveritquicklyandtookdirectionwell.
Therestofthestaffappearedinthenextfewminutes,andLuctalked
themthroughtheprocess.Heassignedduties,andtheycookedafewof
thespecialsasateamtoensurethateveryoneknewwhattodoandthey
workedoutanykinksbeforeopeningtheirdoors.Tomorrowwouldbetheir
mockservicenight,sothey?dbeopenonlytopeopleAlyssahadinvited,
whohadagreedtoprovidefeedback.
Sheexcusedherselfamomentlatertoconferwiththewaitstaff
gatheredinthediningroom.Asthesmellsofthekitchenwaftedaround
Luc,andhelookedaroundatthesmart,proficientteamofchefsAlyssa
hadassembled—withouthishelp—hewasimpressedalloveragain.She
wasadamnsmartwoman.
Andadmiringherwasonlygoingtoscrewwithhisheadmore.
Already,hewantedhersobadlyhecouldbarelyconcentrate.Likingmore
thanherbodywouldonlybeadoubledoseofstupid.Buthefeareditwas
alreadytoolate.Whatwouldhappenafterhereveningattheclub,when
theywenttoherlittlehouse—andtheywerealone?
MEETINGSconcluded,AlyssaclimbedintotheSUVbesideLucin
Bonheur?sparkinglot.Theheavysilencebetweenthemjangledhernerves.
He?ddefinitelyputoffthevibethathedidn?twanttocontinuewhatMisahad
interrupted.Buthiserectionhadrisenagaintheminutetheywerealone,
unmistakableandunflagging.
Shetappedhertoe,thinking.Everythinginsideherwantedtothrow
herarmsaroundhimandenticehimagain.Theotherhalf…Well,theoffputtingvibewasstrong,andshewasn?tdumb.Hewasclosetothe
breakingpoint.Aftershegothimintobed,shehopedhe?drelaxand
conversationwouldfollow.Untilthen,allshecoulddowascontinueto
teasehimanddenyherownneeds.
Shereachedout,touchedhisshoulder.“Themeetingswentwell.The
staffseemsveryexcited.Thankyouforstayingthisweek.”
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Lucjoltedathertouch,thenrelaxed.“Ineededtoliveuptoour
bargain.Youhadeveryrighttocallmeonit.”
“Actually,I?msorryaboutthat.Ifeelstronglyaboutnotforcingpeople
tobewheretheydon?twantto.”Thetruth,butitmadeherwince.Prayto
Godhedidn?taskherwhy.“IfIhadn?tadvertisedthefactyou?dbehere
openingweekandhadsomuchofmysavingsintotheplace,Iwouldhave
letyouwalk.”
Heturnedtoherwithapuzzledscowl.“AfterthewayI—Afterthat
night,Idon?tdeserveyourcompassion.IknowIwashardonyou.”
“Luc,I?mnotahothouseflower.”
“No,”heagreedimmediately.“You?refarstrongerthanIsuspected.
Butthatdoesn?terasethefactIwasn?tgentlewithyou.I?mnotproudofthat
night.I?m…sorry.”
“Ilikedit.I?mnotsorryatall.”Herwordscameoutinapassionate
rush.“Don?tyoudarebesorry,either.”
Hedidn?tcomment.Instead,heseemedtomullheranswerover.
“WhatifDekehadstayedthatnight?Wouldyouhaveregrettedthat?”
Wherewasthatquestioncomingfrom?Lucwasfishingforsomething.
Howmuchshouldshereveal?
Finally,sheshookherhead.“Istillwouldhavebeenwithyou.”
Luc?sjawdropped.Thenheclosedhismouth,shakinghisheadashe
speddowntheroad.“Youbarelyknewme.We?dmet…what,twice
beforethatnight?”
Threetimes,actually.Butthefirsttime,she?dbeenworking—takingoff
herclothes.Theyhadn?tbeenformallyintroduced.Theothertimeshad
beencasualgatherings.“Isuspectedrightawaywe?dbegoodtogether.I
wasright.”
Pastingonasmile,Alyssaturnedaway.Hopefully,Lucwouldn?tdig
anyfurtherintothattopic.She?dhavetokeepplayingitcasual.Hewasn?t
readytohearthathe?drockedhertohercorethenightthey?dspent
together,thatshe?dlovedhistoe-curlinglyintimateconversation.
Nowomanhasevergivenmesuchpleasure.Icoulddrowninyou
forever.Touchme,sugar.Yeeessss…
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Astheyapproachedtheclub,Alyssafiledthememoryaway.In
silence,Lucstoppedthecarandshoveditintopark.Shereachedforthe
doorhandle,andhegrabbedherwrist,stayingher.
“We?regoodtogethersexually,Godknows.Butthat?sit.”
Adozencomebacksranthroughherhead,mostonthethemethathe
couldn?ttrulyknowhisstatementtobefactbecausetheyhadn?ttried
anythingbeyondsex.Butcontradictinghimwouldonlymakehimmore
resistant.Andthatwascounterproductive.Shehadtokeepplayingher
trumpcard.
“IneversaidIwastalkingaboutanythingbutsex.”
Beforehecouldrespond,shejerkedfromhisgraspandexitedthe
SUV.Sheburstintotheclubthroughthebackdoor,Lucatherheels.
“WhydoIgetthefeelingyou?renotbeingcompletelyhonest?”
Refusingtoallowherselftoberattled,shekeptwalking.“Ican?t
answerthat.NordoIhavetimetotry.Ihaveabusinesstorun.Ifyou?dlike
togobacktothehouse,I?llhaveTylergivemearidehomewhentheclub
isclosed.”
Justthen,herbouncerapproached,wearingtwodays?growthof
beard,akhakishirtwithBettiePageinabikiniandfishnetstockings,anda
mischievoussmile.Hesteppedupbesideher,slunghisarmaroundher
waist,handcaressingherhip.Thenheburiedhisfaceinherneckand
inhaled.
“Mmm.I?llbemorethanhappytogiveyouaride,baby.”
AlyssaraisedabrowatTyler.Butthisshitwasparforhiscourse.
Lucgrittedhisteeth.“I?llwaitforyouandtakeyouhome.”
SinceshowingannoyanceatTyler?sdisplaywouldnotdeterhim,she
simplysmiled.“Great.Ineedtomakesureeveryone?sgottheright
costumesandprops.Lastnightwasamess.ThankGodmosteveryone
wastoodrunktonotice.”
Tylerwrappedhisarmaroundheragain.“Wait.Icamebackhereto
tellyouthatyourleastfavoriteassholeisoutsidewithhisfriends.”
“Primpton?Awwww…”Shesighed.“Whatdoeshewantnow?
Obviouslyattention.What?shiscausedujour?”
“Theusual.Shuttingyoudowninthenameofmorality.”
“Thisisthecitycouncilman?”Lucasked.“Heprotestsyourbusiness?”
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“Withrevoltingregularity.”Sheleanedagainstthewallandshuther
eyes.Asifshedidn?thaveenoughtoworryabout.Therestaurant?smock
servicewastomorrow.Lucwassurprisinglyedgy.Shehadtobeatthetop
ofhergametogethisattention.Whatshedidn?tneedtodaywasPrimpton
givinghershit.
“Whatdoyouwanttodo,baby?”Tyleraskedsoftly.
Heknewthiscrapbotheredher.He?dcaughtheraloneandcrying
onceafterPrimptonhadpubliclycalledhersomereallyuglynames.
“Ignorehimandhopehe?llgoawayorriskhimswayingthepublicto
boycottBonheur?”
“That?sthebigquestion.”Tylersmiledgrimly.
“Whatexactlydoeshedo?”Lucasked.
“He?sjustanass.”ThelastthingshewantedwasforLuctoseean
electedofficialcallingherawhore.Itwouldcementthatastruthinhis
mind.
“It?sworsetoday,”Tyleradmittedgrimly.“Hebroughtthelocalpress
withhim.”
Damnit!Fatehaditinforher.“He?stryingtoscarepeopleawayfrom
therestaurant?sopening.”
“Thatwouldbemyguess.”
“Hehasn?thadanyluckinshuttingdowntheclubyet,”Lucpointedout.
“Maybenooneislisteningtohim.”
“He?sgothisfollowers,andhe?sgainingpower.EverytimePrimpton
stagesoneoftheseprotests,ithitsmeinthebankaccount.Themarried,
over-thirtycrowdisoneofthemostlucrative,andI?mguessingthatmen
who?vegottenanearfulfromtheirwivesstayaway,atleastforawhile.I
recovereventually,butIworrytherestaurantcouldbedifferent.I?dbeen
hopingforcrossoverbusiness,butnow…”
“YoumeanfrommenwhomighttaketheirwivestoBonheur,hopingto
seeyou?”
Luccaughtonquick.
“Meorsomeoftheothergirls.Severalofthedancershaveelectedto
giveupthestageandwaittables.”
“Isn?tthatapaycut?”
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“Absolutely.Butsomeofthemaresmartenoughtoknowtheycan?t
dancearoundapolefortherestoftheirlives,sothey?rewaitingtablesto
makeendsmeetandgoingtoschoolduringtheiroff-hours.”Sheshrugged.
“It?stough,butdoable.IfIdidit,anyonecan.”
SurprisecrossedLuc?sface.“Youwenttocollegewhile…dancing?”
God,didhethinkshehadnootheraspirationthantotakeoffher
clothes?Sheliftedherchin.“Doublemajor.Businessadminand
communications.Lastyear,IfinishedanMBA.I?mnotjustapoledancer,
Mr.Traverson;I?mabusinessowner.Itbehoovesmetoknowwhatthehell
I?mdoing.Now,I?mofftodiscouragePrimpton.”
Alyssaturnedtowardthestairs,bristling.Sheshouldn?tbesurprised
thatLucdidn?tseebeyondhersexyfa?ade.Thefirsttimethey?dmet,she?d
beenwearingaG-stringandpasties.She?dhadlittleopportunitytoimprove
herimagewithhimsince.
“Isn?tthecitycouncilmanoutside?”Luclookedconfused.
“Yes,butdoyouthinkI?mgoingtomeetthemanvilifyingmeinamini
andgarters?”
LUCwatchedAlyssa,fixated,thefrontofhisjeansexpanding,asshe
disappearedtotheprivateupperlevelofSexySirens.Hisheadwas
spinning.
Adoublemajor?Andamaster?sdegree?Tosayhe?dhadnoidea
wouldbeacolossalunderstatement.He?dsuspectedthatbehindthe
woman?ssharpblueeyeswasalotofintelligence.Theambitionsurprised
him.Businessownerornot,thatwasalotofeducationforastripper.
Butnowshewasalsoarestaurantowner.
WasBonheurpartofsomelifechange/self-improvementplan?And
whataboutherwaitstaff?
Thoughitchafedhim,LucturnedtoTyler.Thebouncerstaredatthe
emptystairs,histonguevirtuallyhangingoutofhismouth.Lucknewthe
bouncerwantedher.Hell,despiteAlyssa?sprotests,hewouldn?tbe
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surprisediftheywerelovers.ButTyler?sexpressionsaidheadmired
Alyssa,hadfeelingsforher.Wasitmutual?
AsuddenpangofjealousysmackedLucrightbetweenhispectorals.
Hefistedhishands.Couldsheactuallylovethemouthyslabofbeef?
Itdidn?tmatter.Hehadquestions…andTylerhadanswers.Whether
TylerandAlyssawereburningupthesheetsorhavinganaffairoftheheart
wasnoneofhisconcern—evenifitbuggedthehelloutofhim.
“WheredidAlyssagotoschool?”
“Whythefuckdoyoucare?”
Lucshrugged,playingcasual.“Curious.”
“LSU,Lafayettecampus.Shegraduatedwithhonors,too.She?ssmart
inawaythat?ssofuckingsexy.It?shardnottothinkwithyourdickwhen
she?saround.”Tylerpiercedhimwithalaserstare.“Isn?tthatright?”
Alltootrue…“AndthewaitstaffatBonheur?Aretheyallinschool
andelectedtowaittables?”
“Most.Everyfewmonths,Alyssagathersthegirlstotalkaboutlife
afterthepole.Iftheywanttogetaneducation,shehelpsthemfindtuition
assistanceandapplyforscholarships.Sheencouragesthemtomakemore
ofthemselves.Acoupleofthegirlsjustwanttokeepbetterhourssothey
havemoretimewiththeirkids.”
Wow.Hehadn?tseenthecaringsideofAlyssa.Thisnewssurely
broughtherintoawholenewdimension.“Couldn?tthesewomenmake
moremoneystrippingand…takingcustomersontheside?”
“Turningtricks?”Tylerraisedabrow.“You?redamnluckyAlyssadidn?t
hearthat.She?dskinyoualiveandboilyouinoil.Thatshitdoesn?thappen
here.Period.?Courseshecan?tstopadancerwillingtoentertaincustomers
afterhoursandoffpremises,butsheusuallyendsupfiringthemsince
they?reoftentrouble.”
TheanswerflooredLuc.Educatedandprincipled?Hadhefailedto
seepasttheirscorchingsexandhershortskirtstothewomanunderneath?
Asmuchashehatedtoadmitit,yes.
Butdiditmatter?Asmuchashewantedher,hecouldn?ttakeher.She
wasn?tamommycandidate.Hecouldn?tevenseeherassomeone?swife
Alyssawouldbeimpossibletotame,andLucwantedawomanwhowould
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becontenttostayhomeandfocusonchildren.Hedidn?tseeherasthat
type.
Buthervalueswentdeeperthanhe?dbelieved.Sheworkeddamn
hardanddeservedabreak.
“YousaidPrimptonisoutfront?”
Tylersmiledtightly.“Withallthelocalpress.Someoneneedstostop
thisprick.Shedoesn?tneedhim,especiallynow.”
“Becausetherestaurantisopeningsoon?”
“That,andhermother.Alyssajusthasn?tbeenthesamesincethe
womandied.”
Died?“When?”
“Twoweeksago.Damnshame.”
ThoughtheystilllivedinFlorida,andLucdidn?tseehisparentsoften,
theytalkedfrequently.Helovedthemverymuchandwouldbedevastated
ifsomethinghappenedtothem.Certainly,he?dbeinnoshapetoopena
newbusiness.
“Theywereclose?”
“No.”
Tyler?sanswerwasbothautomaticandadamant.Andhisfacesaidhe
refusedtosayanymoreonthesubject.
“SoPrimpton?slateststuntisoneshedoesn?tneed.”Tylergrittedhis
teeth.“It?sgoingtobugtheshitoutofher.”
NotifLuccouldhelpit.
Afewminuteslater,Alyssaemergedintoweaksunlight.Themuggy
Septemberairhadanoppressivefeeling,andshewasgladshe?ddecided
toforgocurlingherhair.Inthishumidity,herdowouldbeundoneinnotime
flat.Plus,thesedateFrenchtwistlookedclassy.
Withahandaboveherbrow,sheshieldedhereyesandscannedthe
sidewalk.There.Primptonandhisoh-so-moralfollowersstoodonthe
sidewalkmerefeetawaywithsignsandangryexpressions.Amonghis
followersweretwomenwhohadwatchedheronstagelastnight,thenpaid
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Sadieforaprivatelapdance.Shearchedabrowatthem.Theylooked
away—buthelduptheirhatefulsigns.
Ofcourse.Outsidethewallsofthisclub,shedidn?texistasareal
person.Justawhore.
Flashbulbswentoffandachorusofvoicesspokeoveroneanother,all
shouting.Shefrownedandlookedattheclusterofpeople.Reporters.Then
shegasped.
TheywereallgatheredaroundLuc.
Primptonyelledatthepress.“There?sthejezebel!Takeherpicture.
TellthegoodpeopleofLafayettenottoglorifyawomanwhorevealsand
sellsherbodytostrangers.”
Alyssasighed.Moreofthesamespiel.Didn?tthismoroneverget
bored?Orgiveashitaboutfacts?CustomersnevergotlaidatSexySirens.
Atthecouncilman?sshout,camerasswunginherdirection.Shutters
clicked.Alyssahidbehindhersunglassesandopenedhermouthto
addressthereporterswithherpreparedpressreleaseinhand.
Instead,Lucspoke.“Thankyouforcomingtoday.I?mexcitedtobethe
guestchefatBonheur.IhavenodoubtitwillbecomeLafayette?spremier
fine-diningexperience.I?vepersonallyoverseenthisweek?smenu,infusing
itwiththeflavorsfrommybooks.You?llbeinforarealtreat.Fromdécorto
foodandwine,it?stopnotch.”
“HowdidyougetinvolvedwithBonheur?”calledonereporter.
Alyssabitherlip.Ofallthequestionsthepresscouldask,thatwasn?t
onehecouldanswerhonestlywithoutmakingherbadpublicopinion
worse.
“Ms.DevereauxandIhavemutualfriendsandhavebeenacquainted
forsomemonths.Shewaskindenoughtoassistmewithamatternotlong
ago.Whentheopportunitytorepayherkindnessarose,Ihappilysaidyes.”
“Whatsortofmatter?”shoutedonereporter.“Wasitsexual?”
“Itwasafamilymatter,actually,”Lucliedsmoothly.“Shehelpedme
settlesomethingbetweenmycousinandme.She?squitesage.Andthat
showsineverythingshe?screatedatBonheur.ThemoreI?vebeeninvolved
withtherestaurantanditsstaff,themoreimpressedI?vebecome.”
Alyssablinked.Lucwassmooth.Andthathe?dsaidsuchthings,press
orno,amazedher.
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“Whatdisheswillyoumakefortherestaurant?sopening?”another
reporterasked.
Wow,withalittlecharmandsomemisdirection,thepresshad
suddenlyfocusedonsomethingbesidespubliclybrandingherawhore.Of
course,havingacelebritylikeLucintownwasnewsforLafayette,butstill.
“Whocareswhathecooks?”Primptonshouted.“She?swhoringfor
him,andhe?sallowinghimselftobeleddownthesinner?spath.Prayfor
him;there?stimetosavehisimmortalsoul.Buther!”Primptonspeareda
meatyfingertowardAlyssa.“Condemnthedevil?smistresswho?sinfiltrated
thegoodtownofLafayetteandseekstocorruptourcommunityandits
morality!”
“I?llbecookingsomenewdishesI?mveryexcitedabout,”Luc
continuedasifPrimptonhadneverspoken.“There?saneggplantravioli
appetizerthat?stodiefor.Ihaveapan-searedfilletwithpearlonions,feta
cheese,andarichburgundyglazethatwillmeltinyourmouth.Dessertisa
surprise.Thewholemenuisamazing,andIurgeyoutoattendinthenext
weekandseeforyourselfhowspecialBonheuris.Youwon?tbe
disappointed.Thefirsthundredtableswillreceiveasignedbookletwiththe
week?srecipes.”
Alyssadidadoubletake.Booklets?Thatwasgenerousofhim.
ReportersshoutedmorequestionsatLucafterthat,buthemerely
turnedonthedazzlingcharm.Thenhelookedherway.Withhisfirst
glance,hiseyesnearlypoppedfromhishead.
Hmm.Wasthepencil-slimskirtandwhitebutton-downblousewith
classicpumpstooridiculous?
ThoughLuc?sexpressiondidn?tanswerherunspokenquestion,he
recoveredquicklyandgesturedtoher.“Here?sthelovelyladywhocan
answerallofyourquestions.AlyssaDevereauxhasworkedincrediblyhard
tomakeBonheurareality.Idon?twanttostealherthunder.Whydon?tyou
tellthemallthewonderfulthingsaboutyournewplace?”
Somethingstunghereyes.Tears?Damnit!Buttheretheywere.Luc
haddonesomething…niceforher.Andthepresswastransfixedbyhim.
Shewasnodifferent.Alyssablinkedawayhertears.
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Outofthecornerofhergaze,shecaughtPrimptonandhisfollowers
fuminginsilence.Rejoicinginside,sheapproachedLuc,burstingwith
gratitude.Fornow,allshecoulddowasmouth,Thankyou
Later,she?dshowhimexactlyhowmuchhissupportmeanttoher.
LUChadaheadache,onethatemanatedfromhisclenchedjawand
poundedinhistemples.Itclawedupthebackofhisneckandmadehis
eyebrowsthrob.Thesourceofthepainstoodnotfivefeetfromhim,
dressedagaininasaucy,up-to-thereskirtandacome-hithersmile.
AfterPrimptonleftindefeat,theactionatSexySirensstarted
swinging.NowAlyssasmiledatagroupofmalesallcrowdingaroundher.
Luccouldn?theartheconversation,buttherewasnomissingthewayshe
crossedthoselonglegsslowly,rubbingoneagainsttheother,then
perchedontheedgeofherchairwithacoyglance.Themen—ofall
ages—nearlyswallowedtheirtongues.SodidLuc.
Tylerhoveredbehindherchairprotectively.Thatwashisjob.Butone
oftheotherguysedgedtooclosetoAlyssaandtriedtostealakiss.Ina
blink,thebouncergrabbedhisjerseyandshovedhimback.Beforetheguy
finishedstumbling,TylerhadhishandrestingpossessivelyonAlyssa?s
shoulder.
“Notouching,boys.Youknowtherules.”Tylerlookedonlytoohappy
toremindthem.
Thatdidn?tdeterAlyssa?saudience.Oneguydroppedtohisknees,a
breathawayfromherthighs,andgotaneyefulofherlegs—andtookthe
scenicroutetoherbreasts.
Nowitwasn?tjustLuc?sheadthrobbing,buthisbloodaswell.The
assholewascompletelyobjectifyingher,staringatacollectionofherbody
parts.Whatthefuckdidheknowaboutherasawoman?
Haven’tyoubeenguiltyofthesameoffense?Lucshovedthevoicein
hisheadaway.
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AsTylerdraggedthetrashatAlyssa?sfeetupright,thebiggestofthe
youngermenbentclose.Hebracedonehandagainstthebackofthechair
andwhisperedinherear.
Shelookedtrappedagainstthechair.Tylerwasstillscufflingwiththe
otherscumbag.AndLuchadseenenough.
Suppressingagrowl,hestompedtowardAlyssa,readytobustheads.
ButTylergottherefirst,knockingthewould-bewhispererbackwitha
snarled,“Youknowtherules.Backthefuckoff,Peter.”
Peter?Theguyshe?dmentionedafterthey?dfoundtheknifeinher
car?
ThenTylerliftedAlyssa,satinherchair,andsetheronhislap.His
handrestedhighonherthigh,theotheronherwaist.Andthebouncer?s
fingersweren?tstill.Theyroamed,histhumbbrushingthecurveofher
breast,hisotherpalmdisappearingunderherskirt,overherhip.
Alyssadidn?tblink,muchlessfighthimoff.
Thisintimacydidn?tlookasifitwaspurelyforshow,sinceAlyssa
seemedentirelycomfortablewiththeasshole?stouch.Theylookedlike
lovers.
Lucglancedathiswatch.Shit.Itwasonly9:00.Hecouldn?tseethis
foranotherfivehourswithoutpuking.Orhittingsomeone.Orgrabbingher
andstakingaclaimhecouldn?tkeep.
Thephoneinhispocketvibrated,andLucgrabbedit,thankfulfor
anythingtodo.Deke.
“Whereareyou?”
“Hitoyou,too,Cuz.I?vehadagreatday;thanksforasking.”
Closinghiseyes,Luctriedtogetahandleonhistemper.“Sorry.Just
edgy.IthoughtyouwerecomingtodaytolookatAlyssa?ssecuritysystem.”
“Nearlythere.Ineedtotalktoyouforafewminutes.Meetmeatthe
backdoor?”
Dekewasn?tthetalkingtype.He?dalmostrathercuthistongueout,so
hisrequestthumpedintothepitofLuc?sstomach.Whateveritwascouldn?t
begood.
“Onmyway,”heansweredgrimly,gladtobeoutofeyesightofTyler
maulingAlyssa.
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Withinminutes,Dekepoundedafistonthebackdoor.Itwasalmost
impossibletohearwithMuseblastinginthebackground,butLucswung
thedoorwideforhiscousin.Dekeenteredtheclub,alltensemienand
watchfulgaze.Youcouldtakethemanoutofthemilitary,but…
“What?sup?”Lucdemanded.
Withanuneasyglancearound,Dekeasked,“Istheresomeplacewe
cantalk?”
Luchesitated.“Comewithme.”
Circlingbackacrosstheclub?sfloor,Lucwasgratefulthatthecrowd
aroundAlyssahadswelleduntilhecouldnolongerseeTylertouchher.He
keptheadingtowardthefront,thenpausedatthebar,slidingafifty-dollar
billacrossthesurface.
“GivemeasmanyHeinekensasthisbuys.”
Thebartender,whomLuchadmetonlyinpassing,shruggedand
depositedthemoneyinthetill,thenslideightlongneckbottlesacrossthe
smooth,well-wornsurface.
Luchandedthefirstfourtohiscousin,thenpickeduptherest.“Come
withme.”
DekeraisedabrowbutsaidnothingashefollowedLuctoAlyssa?s
private,soundproofedoffice.Luckickedthedoorshut,slammedthebottles
onAlyssa?sdesk,andtoreoneopen.Hedrankthewholethinginthree
swallows.
“Jesus!”Dekestaredinshock.“Youokay?”
Howthehelldidheanswerthat?“Crappyday.”
Dekesetthebottlesinhishandsdown,thenloweredhimselfintoa
chair.Helookednervous.Damnnervous.Lucinstantlyregrettedhis
behavior.Dekeclearlyhadsomethingweighingonhismind,farbeyond
pettyjealousyforawomanwhowasn?tevenhis.
“Itwillpass.Whatdidyouwanttotalkabout?”
Dekegrabbedabeer,openedit…stalledfortime.“Man,Idon?tknow
wheretostart.Imeanttobeoutheresoonertoday.”Heswallowed.“But
insteadwedroppedinonKimber?sfamilythismorning.”
Longdriveforanimpromptuvisit.“Iseverythingokaywithherfather?”
“Yeah,Edgingtonisatougholdbastard.”Deketookalongdragonhis
beer.
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Lucfeltreadytoscream.WhatthehelldidDekeneedtotellhimthat
hedidn?twantto?“Hunter?Logan?”
“Kimber?sbrothersarefine.Wejustthoughtweowedthem—Damnit.”
Dekeleanedforwardinhischair,sethisbeeraside,andshotLucadirect,
apologeticglance.“Iwantedtotellyouface-to-face.Myself.”Heswallowed.
“Kimberissixweeks?pregnant.”
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ChapterFive
“WHAT?Swrong?”AlyssaaskedasLucspedthroughthenight,toward
herhouse.
Threea.m.wasn?tthebesttimeforaheart-to-heart,butheexudeda
fuck-offvibelikeshe?dneverfeltfromhimbefore.Somethinggrimrolledoff
himinchokingwaves,andthoughsheknewhewouldn?twelcomethe
conversation,shefelthispainandcouldn?tremainquiet.
“Nothing.”Hebitouttheword.
“Soyoualwaysrunredlightsforthehellofit?”
Luc?sbodytensed.“Shit.Sorry.Iwasn?tpayingattention.”
“DidHe-Mansaysomethingtoupsetyou?”
Hishandstensedonthewheel.“Dekeisstilllookingatyoursecurity
system.He?llcallinafewwhenhe?sdone.”
Anon-answer.Lucwasgoodatevasion.Thenagain,maybethishad
nothingtodowithhiscousin.
“Look,ifyourfoulmoodhasanythingtodowithwhathappenedinthe
kitchenearlier—”
“It?sover,it?sdone,andit?snothappeningagain.”
Likehell.Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Igottatellyou,Chef,Idon?tthinkyournewgirlfriendiskeepingyousatisfied.”
“Keepheroutofthis.”
“Ifthere?sonethingIknow,it?smen.Andifyouwerehappy,today
wouldn?thavehappened.”
“Nothinghappened.”
“Somethingalmostdid.”
Lucwasquietforlongseconds.Alyssacursedunderherbreath.She?d
pushedtoohard.Maybetomorrowwouldbeabettertimetotalk.
“Wehaven?tbeenseeingeachotherlong.Wehaven?t…Sexisn?tthe
pointoftherelationship.”
Translation:Hehadn?tsleptwiththiswoman.AssexualasLucwas,
seriously?Alyssawashappieraboutthatthansheshouldhavebeen.
“What?YoutwoplayScrabbletogether?”
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“Justdropit,”hegrowled.
Fornow.“Allright.ThankyouforhelpingmewithPrimptontoday.I
didn?tgetachancetotellyouhowmuchIappreciateyoudefendingme.”
“He?sadisingenuouspricktryingtostiruptroubletoeitherelevate
himselforhisbullshitcause.Iwouldhavedefendedanyonehetrashed.”
Maybethatwastrue.ButifLuchadnothingbutcontemptforher,he
wouldn?tbother.Hemusthavesomeotherfeelingsforher.Shejusthadto
figureoutwhatandhowtogrowthem.
“Whichispartofthereasonyouattractme,”shesaidsoftly.“Youhave
agoodheart.”
“Alyssa—”
“Yeah,Iknow.Iwasagoodfuck,andnowyoudon?twanttotalkabout
it.”
Damnit,sheshouldhavebeensubtler.Shehadtokeepcontrolofher
emotionsanduseherhead,orhewouldbolt.
Silentminutesslidbyagain;thenhesurprisedherbyasking,“What
happenedtoyourmom?”
“Whotold—?”Shesighed.“FuckingTyler.Hedoesn?tknowwhento
shutup.”
“Twoweeksisn?tlongtogrieve.”
Alyssahesitated.Answerhimandopenupapotentialdoorofpain?
Shuthimoutandendtherapportandanotherchancetoshowhimthatshe
wasarealwomanunderthegarters?
“Weweren?tclose.Herabsencedoesn?taltermyday-to-daylife.She
wasmyblood,andIknowIshouldfeellikepartofmeismissing…andin
away,IguessIdo.WhenIfirstheard,Iwentthroughtheshockanddenial.
Angerconsumedmeforafewdays.NowIjustfeel…numb.”
Hisgazesoftened.“You?restillprocessing.”
“Iguess.I?veneverreallylostanyonebefore.”Shewrappedherarms
aroundhermiddle.
Whenshethoughtofhermother?sdeath,atightemptinesscramped
hergut.Butshecouldn?tmanagetocry.Maybetoomanyyearshadgone
by.Maybeshewasstilltooangry.
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“Allergicreaction,”shemurmured.“Mymotherwasviolentlyallergicto
peanuts.Somehowatraceofthemmadeitintoherfoodand…shedidn?t
getmedicationintime.”
“I?msorry.”Hereachedacrossthedistanceseparatingthemand
grabbedherhand.
Shesqueezedit.Nowthatshewastalkingabouthermother,itwasn?t
thathard.“Ithinkwhatbothersmethemostisknowingthat,becauseshe?sgone,wecan?tresolvewhatwaswrongbetweenus.Itcanneverbefixed.”
“Andyouregretthetimeyouspentapart?”
Big,toughquestion.“Yesandno.Iwishthingscouldhavebeen
different,buttheycouldn?t.”
Lucreleasedherhandtofocusondrivingagain,andshefeltthe
withdrawalofhistouchlikeapang.Whydidshecravethismanwho
wantedherfarmorethanhelikedher?Andway,waymorethanhe
respectedher?
“Iknowit?snoneofmybusiness,butdidshe…disapproveofyour
career?”
Alyssasenthimabitterlaugh.“Dancingaroundapoleisn?tacareer;
it?sawaytomakeendsmeet.Andno.Shedidn?tknow.Iappreciateyou
listening,butthere?snothingyoucandotochangethefactwe?llneverhave
thechancetospeakagain.”
“Isyourmomoneofthereasonsyouhelptheotherdancersimprove
theirlives?”
“No.Iimprovedmyselfformeandmealone.Idon?tgiveashitwhat
otherpeoplethink.Butifthesegirlshavethedrive,Iwantthemtobetter
theirownsituationsbecausetheywantmoreforthemselves.They?llneed
thefortitudetomanageagruelingschedule.”
Lucnodded.“Soundslikeeighteen-hourdays.”
“Often.”
Hesentherameasuringstare.“Butyoudidit—morethanonce.”
“AsIsaid,I?mabusinessowner.AndIhaveambitions.”
Alyssasawthemomentheunderstood.
“That?swhatBonheurisabout.Youwant…what?Normalcy?
Respect?”
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Lucwasgettinguncomfortablyclosetothetruth,anditwouldprobably
makehimlaugh.Likelyhethoughtherchancesforrespectabilityhaddied
whenClintonwasstillpresident.
“It?sjustarestaurant,”sheprotestedweakly.
“No.Bonheurisyourhappiness.”
Sheswallowed.He?dguessedthatquickly,butshewasafraidtoadmit
hewasrightaloud.Wouldhelaugh?Whatiftherestaurantfailedandshe
hadtocontinuedancing?Whathappenedwhenshegottoooldforeven
that?
“I?mnotashamedofmyself,”shesnapped.
Heunderstoodher,butnotcompletely—andshecouldn?tallowhimto.
Shewantedtofeelhisbodyagainsthers,hisheartbeatingwithhers.She
wantedhislove,andyes,hisrespect.Hecouldbeassexuallydemanding
ashewanted,buthehadnorighttoexpecthertojusthandhimhersoul
onasilverplatter.Hewasprobingintoapastsheneverdiscussed.With
anyone.Blabbingaboutitwasn?tgoingtochangeadamnthing.Andwho
neededthepainofdredgingitupwhenitdidnogood?
Lucturnedtoher,hisexpressionstartlinglysolemn.“I?msorryforyour
loss.Ihopeyoufindthehappinessyoudeserve.”
WHENtheyreachedthehouse,Alyssahoppedfromthecarbeforehe
couldgetherdoororsayaword.Shewashidingsomething.Lucwas
beginningtounderstandher…yettherewasawholechunkofherhe
didn?tgraspatall.Itshouldn?tmatter.Hewasn?tstaying,andhecouldn?t
againbeherlover—eventemporarily.
Thenwhydidhefeeladrivingurgetofigureherout?
Thepain.Thatnoteinhervoice,thetighteningofhersultryfeatures.
Thepast,hermother—somethingbeyondnormalgrief—hurther.Pridehit
anoteinthere,too.Despiteherpole-dancingways,she?dtakenthetimeto
thoroughlyeducateherself.Shehelpedotherswiththedrivetodothe
same.
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Whatthefuckdiditsayabouthimthat,inthismoment,hewantedto
slayherproverbialdragonsforher?
Lucstormedinthehouse,justafewstepsbehindher.The
conversationshouldbedone…buthewasn?treadytoendityet.Hehad
moretodecipher.
Butthephoneinhispocketvibrated,andhepulleditoutwithacurse.
Deke.
Hepressedthetalkbutton.“Talktome.”
“Itain?tgood,man.Sophisticatedshit.Someonewhoknewathingor
tenaboutsecuritysystemstamperedwiththesensorsinherupstairs
windows,thenriggedthecontrolpaneltoautomaticallybypassthatzone.”
Sotheculpritwasn?tadrunkfratboyoraprankster.“Shit.”
“I?vefixeditagainandputatriggeronit.Ifanyonesomuchas
breathesonthedevice,itwillsoundanalarm.WhenJackgetsback,I?ll
havehimlookatit,too,seeifthere?sanythingelsewecandotokeepthis
placetight.”
“Thanks.”
“KeepacloseeyeonAlyssa.Someonewantedtogettoherbadly
enoughtoscrewwithatop-notchsecuritysystem.That?sexpertiseora
shitloadofmoneytobuytheexpertise.Makesmewonderjusthowhard
thisprickisforher.”
Lucwonderedthesamethingandcursed.
“I?llstayclosetoher,especiallyuntilJackreturns.”Wouldn?tthatdo
wondersforhisrestraint?Buthecouldn?tworryaboutthatnowwhen
Alyssa?ssafetymightbeinjeopardy.
“Needsomehardware?”
Gunsweren?thisfavorite,butDekehadmadesurehewasefficient
andaccurate.Lucwasn?tregisteredtocarryinLouisiana,butthesituation
wastooserioustoworryabouttechnicalities.
“That?sprobablyawiseidea.”
“Givemeadayorso.I?llbebackwitheverythingyouneed.”
“Iappreciateit.”
Dekehesitated.“I?ddoanythingforyou,man.”
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Exceptallowhimtoplaydaddytothiscomingbaby.NotthatLuc
shouldexpectit.Ordeserveditafterthewayhe?dmanipulatedKimberand
hiscousin.
“Samehere,”hesaidfinally.
“Youokaywiththebabyandeverything?”
No.ThenewsofDeke?spendingfatherhoodhadnearlystaggeredhim
tohisknees,lefthimunabletobreathe.DekenowhadeverythingLuchad
everwanted.Kimberandhiscousinhadbarelytriedtoconceiveand…
Lucsighed.Hewasthrilledforthem.Forhimself,hedespaired.
Andhedidn?twanttotalkaboutitagain.Thinkaboutit,even.Hisown
failureasamanwassharpenoughwithouttherehash.
Thisweekhecouldn?tdoadamnthingtomoveclosertohisdream.
Untilhereturnedhome,hehadtofocusonhispromisetoAlyssaandnow
onkeepinghersafe.
Atthetopofhislisthadtobefiguringoutwhoherstalkerwas.His
bestsuspectswerePrimpton,anutjobifhe?deverseenone.OrPeter,the
fratboywhohadmoneyandapparentlyhadn?tlearnedthemeaningofthe
word“no.”
ButwhataboutTyler?Wouldthebouncermanufactureterrorsothat
Alyssafeltitnecessarytobeclosertohim?Hewasshiftyenough,butafter
tonight?sdisplayattheclub,Luccouldn?tseewhyhe?dhaveto.Tylercould
touchheranyway,anytime,hewanted.
Finally,LucansweredDeketheonlywayhecould.“Youdeservetobe
happy.I?mthrilledforyouboth.”
“Maybeyoushould…gettestedagain.It?sbeenawhile,right?”
Years,butnothingwouldchangethefacthehadaridiculouslylow
spermcount.Enduringthehumiliationofjackingoffintoaplastictube
againmadenosense.“Thereareotherways.I?vereadrecentlyabouta
surgerythatextractssperm.I?malsolookingintoadoption.OrmaybeI?ll
findsomeonewithsmallkidsor…Thereareoptions.”
“Absolutely.Allgreatones.”
“I?llworkitout.Inthemeantime,takecareofyoursweetwifeandgive
hermyregards.”
“Willdo.”Dekesoundedreluctant,buthedroppedthesubjectand
endedthecall.
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AssoonasLucpocketedhisphone,hesworeanddidhisbesttopush
asidetheturmoilbrewinginhisgut.Hehadmorepressingproblemsnow.
HeshouldhavecheckedthehousebeforelettingAlyssaburstin.If
someonehadbreachedhercarandherclub,itseemedlogicalhemighthit
herhousenext—andperhapsmaketheattackmorepersonal.
ThankingGodthatnothinginthehouselookeddisturbed,Luc
boundedupthestairstwoatatimewithapoundingheart.Hereachedthe
landingquickly.Lightspilledfromherbedroomdoor,andheeasedinside.
Arumpledbed,feminineknickknacksscatteredacrossthedresser,a
bookonthebedsidetable.Nothingoutofplace.
Butatrailofclothingsnaggedhisattention.Strewnacrossthe
gleaminghardwoodfloor,hertanktop,filmywhiteskirt,silkyhose,black
garterbelt,andlacybralayasteportwoapart.Heartbeatingevenharder,
hefollowedthepiecestoherhalf-openbathroomdoor.Abarelythere
thongwitharhinestone-studdedGODDESShungfromtheknob.Luc
leanedtotherightandsawinside.
Andlosthisabilitytobreathe.
Alyssahadpinnedherhairatopherheadinahaphazardtwistand
filledherjettedtubwithbubbles.Sheleanedbackandsensuouslysoaped
hergleamingskinwithapinkloofah.Closinghereyes,shesighed.
Instantly,hegothardenoughtopoundsteel.
Luchadascertainedthatshewassafeandnoonehadbrokenintoher
house.Heknewneededtobackthehellawaynow.Butlikelastnightwhen
he?dwatchedherbringherselftoorgasm,hecouldn?tseemtomakehis
feetmove.
Suddenly,sheliftedhersultrybluegazetohim.“Needsomething?”
Aloadedquestion.Yes!Infact,hefearedhe?dgonebeyondwanting
hertoneedingher.
Lucdrewinashakybreath.No.Hejustneededtogetlaid.Hissex
drivehadfinallyreasserteditselfafterKimberandDeke?sdecisionto
becomeacouple—andexcludehim.Alyssajusthappenedtobethefirst
femaleinafifty-footradius.
Except…ifhe?dmetheryesterdayandshelookedlikeshe?dbethe
sortofmotherhehadinmind,hewouldhavehustledherintobedandinto
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arelationshipasfastashepossiblycould.Hedidn?tjustwanther;hewas
beginningtolikeher.Andthatmadeherallthemoredangerous.
Nordidherprettypinknipples,hardandbobbingonthewater?s
surface,helpclearhisthoughts.
“Alyssa,don?tdothistome.”God,hebarelyrecognizedhisownvoice.
“Please.”
Sheraisedabrowathim,draggedtheloofahacrossonebreast,over
hernipple,lickedherlips,andletloosealittlewhimper.Lucstaggered
back,grippingthedoorknob.Thesilkthathadrubbedagainstherpussyall
dayfilledhishand.Shewaseverywhere,fryinghisbrain,searinghisblood.
Thishadtrainwreckwrittenalloverit,andhiscravingforherwasaboutto
jumpthetracks.
“Dowhat?You?reinmybathroom.”
Hefistedhishandsandcountedtoten,eyesclosed.“Shutthe
goddamndoornexttime.”
“I?musedtolivingalone.Ifyoudon?tliketheview,don?tcomein.”
Shewasbeingintentionallyobtuse.
Swearing,heopenedhiseyes.“Ifyoudon?tstopteasingme,youwon?t
likewhathappensnext.”
Becausehefeltlikeapressurecookerabouttoexplode.Whathe?d
donetoherthelasttimehe?dspentthenightwithherwouldlooklikegentle
hand-holdingcomparedtotheneedchargingthroughhisbloodstream.Ifhe
unleashedthatonher,Godhelpthemboth.
Alyssamerelysenthimacalm,consideringglance.“Thenleave.”
Heexhaledroughlyandstaredattheceiling.“I?mtrying.”
“Letmehelpyou,”Tyleroffered,hisvoicemereinchesbehindLuc.
AsLucturned,thebouncershoulderedhiswayin,driftingfartherinto
thelittlebathroom.HemoanedappreciativelyatthesightofAlyssabathing.
“Damn,youlookgorgeous,baby.Where?sacamerawhenIneedit?”
“Whatthefuckareyoudoinginhere?”Lucdemanded.“Getout!”
Tylerglaredoverhisshoulder.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“I?vebeenstayingheresinceHomergavemyroomaway.”Luc
crossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Howdidyougetin?”
Thebouncersenthimagloatingsmile.“Ihaveahousekey.”
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ThosefivewordsjoltedLuc.Yes,he?dsuspectedtheywerelovers,but
thissealedthedeal.
IfAlyssawasgoingtoletTylerbargeinandstay,Luccouldn?tremain
here,knowingtheywerefucking—orworse,hearingthem.Gettingoutwas
hisonlyoption.
Yethecouldn?tmakehimselfwalkoutandleavehertoshareherbed
withTyler.
Theothermanreachedaroundhimandgrabbedatowelofftherack
andhelditup.“Outyougo.Ineedtoseeyou.”
Alyssaspearedhimwithanimpatientglare.“Now?”
Tylernodded.“ItriedtocallandtellyouIwasonmyway.”
“IthinkIleftmyphoneinLuc?sSUV.”Shesighed.“Can?tagirlget
somepeace?”
Despiteherprotest,Alyssastood,watercascadingdownhergolden
skin,nipplesbeadedanddripping.ThesightchargedLuc?sneedforher
again.Turbo-juicedandonfire,hissexdriveoverloadedhisgoodsense.
“Let?sgo,”Tylerdemanded.
“Shestayswithme,”hesnarled.
Shakingherhead,Alyssasenthimasmileofapology.“Thismustbe
urgent.Hopefully,TylerandIwon?tbetoolong.”
Whatwasurgent?Tyler?sneedtofuckher?Couldn?tbemoreurgent
thanhisown.
Damn,Luccouldn?tbelievethatAlyssahadchosenthebeefycaveman
overhim.Aftershe?dbeenrelentlesslytormentinghim,nearlygivinghima
blowjobmerehoursago?Aftermorethanhintingalldaythatshewanted
him?ShewasgivingTylerherattention.
AlyssasteppedoutofthetubandallowedTylertowrapthetowel
aroundher,drawherbodyagainsthis.Heslurpedwateroffofhersoft
shoulderandgroaned.
Motherfuckingsonofabitch!Lucgrabbedthedoor,barelyresisting
theurgetopunchTylerintheface.
Whyhitthemanbecausethewomantheybothwantedhadchosen?If
heshouldbeangrywithanyone,itwashimself,forwantingherinthefirst
place.
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“Dowhateverthefuckyouwant.Lookslikeyou?regoingtoanyway.”
Lucslammedthedoorandstalkedoutintothenight.
NOTatallproudofhimself,LucstoodacrossthestreetfromAlyssa?s
darkenedhouse,whiskeybottleinhand,andwaited.He?dbeenherefor
thepasthour,andnowthatitwasnearlyfourinthemorningandhewas
wellonhiswaytodrunkandangrierthanever.
She?dchosenTyler.Evennowtheywereinsidefuckinglikemadwhile
hewanderedthepark,hisproverbialdickinhishand,wishinglikehellthat
hewasinTyler?splace.This,afterLuchadturnedherdownmorethan
once,fuckingidiotthathewas.
Tomakemattersworse,he?dpickedupamessagefromEmilyearlier.
Insteadofbeingrelievedtohearhervoice,thehigh-pitched,happy-happy
tonehadbeenlikeared-hotsteelrodshovedthroughhisbrain.She?d
invitedhimtoachurchpicnicnextweekend,andhisfirstreactionhadbeen
dread.
Whatwasthematterwithhim?
AlyssaDevereaux.
IthadtakenTyler?sintrusion,Alyssa?ssubtlerebuff,andhisown
intoxicationtorealizethatmaybethebestcourseofactionwastofuckher
andgetheroutofhissystem.Ofcourse,thatoptionwasn?tavailablejust
nowsinceshewasotherwiseoccupied.
ThankGodhe?dboughtthisbottlefromAlyssa?sbartenderafter
Deke?svisit.
WhatdidTylerdoforherthatgotheroffsosatisfactorily?Washean
oralgod?Washeexceptionallywellhung?Lucmadeafaceatthethought
ofTyler?smanparts.TheonethingheverymuchdoubtedwasthatTyler
couldsurpasshisstamina.Lucknewhehadthebouncer—andjustabout
anyoneelse—beatatthatgame.
Notthathe?deverbeenproudofthefacthesometimeswentintoa
sexualfrenzyanddidn?temergeforhours…anddidn?taskaloverabout
hercomfortorpleasure.Hetookandgavetoherrelentlesslyuntilshewas
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aslavetotheclawingneed.Inhisalteredstate,helivedforherfingernails
inhisback,herbreathypleas,andaboveall,herscreams.
Suddenly,Alyssa?sporchlightflippedon.Thefrontdooropened.Tyler
steppedoutside,andsheemergedbehindhim,wearingapalesatingown
thatflirtedwithherbarethighs,herhairspillingdownherbacklikea
shiningbeacon.
Thebouncerreachedthedoorofhistruck,thenturned.Hecupped
Alyssa?sshoulders,broughtheragainsthisbigbody,strokedthesoftcrown
ofherhair.Shelaidherheadonhisshoulder,lookingperfectlycomfortable
inhisarms.
Luclookedawayandtookanotherswallowofwhiskey.Theliquid
crashedtothebottomofhisstomach,burning.Orwashisgutonfire
becausehekeptplayingthevisionofTylerfuckingAlyssaoverandoverin
hishead?
Noavoidingthetruthnow.Lucwassodamnjealoushecouldhardly
seestraight.Wasn?tironyabitch?
Alyssastraightened.Tylermurmuredsomething,thenkissedher
forehead.Shenodded—thensteppedback.
Lucfrowned.Ifthey?dbeenburningupthesheetsforthepasthour,
wouldn?ttheypartwithalingeringkiss?
Finally,theothermanhoppedintohissleekblacktruckanddroveoff.
Alyssawatchedhimturnthecorner.Thensheclappedeyesonhisown
SUV.
“Luc?”
Fuck.Heshouldhaveleft,drivenoffsomeplacesohedidn?thaveto
seeherwithTyler—andhaveherknowthathe?dbeenwatching.Butno,
he?dbeentoobusydrowninginalcoholandjealousytothinkstraight.
Withasigh,hepushedawayfromthetree,hisgazegluedtoher
slenderform,thebreezerustlinghersilkyhair,hernipplespokingthefront
ofhershimmeringlow-cutnegligee,thesatinclingingtoherhips.
Tylerhadprobablyjustcrawledfrombetweenherthighs,anddamnif
Lucdidn?twanttocrawlbetweenthemhimself.Hewantedhersobadly,he
didn?tgiveashitifhegotsloppyseconds.
Hewasinsofuckingdeep.
Finally,hesteppedintothestreetlamp?spooloflight.
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Alyssagasped,thensmotheredthesoundwithherhand.Shepeered
downatthebottleheclutched.“You?redrunk.”
Lucwishedthatweretrue.Heshookhishead.“Notforlackoftrying.”
“Comeinsidethehouseandlet?sgetsomesleep.”Sheturnedforthe
frontdoor.
Hedartedafterher.Justinsidethefoyer,hegrabbedherarm.“You
havenothingelsetosay?”
Shesenthimasharpglare.“Nooneaskedyoutoleave.”
“SoIwassupposedtowatchhimmaulyou?”Lucslammedthedoor,
enclosingtheminshadowysilence.Thensomethingterribleoccurredto
him.“Oh,hell,no.Didyouwantusbothtofuckyou?Together?Never
goingtohappen.Imaynothaveexclusiverightstoyou,butIwon?t
voluntarilyshareyoueveragain.”
Alyssawrenchedherarmfreefromhisgripandslappedhim.
“Goddamnyou!I?msotiredofyoufindingeverysnide,roundaboutway
possibletocallmeawhore.Justgrowtheballsandsayit.C?mon!You
thinkIfuckeverythinginpants.”
“Didn?tyouhavesexwithTylerjustnow?”
Hermouthtightened.Paincrossedherfaceforamoment—untilfury
tookover.“Sinceyouleft,you?llneverknow.”
Shesteppedintothelivingroomandturnedforthestairs.AndLuc
couldn?tstandit.Heshouldlethergo;thisconsumingsortofangerwasn?t
normal,wasn?thim.Buthecouldn?tdoit.
Helungedandgrabbedheraroundthewaist,haulingheragainsthim.
She?dknowinstantlyhowhardhewas,butwhatthehell?Hewas
perpetuallyhardaroundher.Andifshehadn?tfigureditoutyet,hehad
morethanalittleclueforher.
“Didyoulethimfuckyoutonight?”
Damnifhisvoicedidn?tbreak.Lucdidn?twanttheanswertomatter,
buthewaswaypastpretendingitdidn?t.
Shestruggledtogetfree,butheheldfirm.Whenshegaveup,he
turnedhertofacehim.
“Didyou?”hedemanded.
“Youdon?tknowadamnthingaboutme,andthatquestionprovesit.
EvenifIgaveyouthetruth,youwouldn?tbelieveit.YouwanttohearthatI
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wentdownonhiminthebathroom,thenwemovedtothebedroomsohe
couldsuckmytitswhileIrodehim,thenafterareversecowgirl,hefinished
meofffrombehind.Thatenoughdetailforyou?”
Lucclosedhiseyesagainsttheimageherwordspainted.God,hewas
goingtothrowupJackDanielseverywhere.
Hetightenedhisgriponher.“Isthatthetruth?”
“Wouldn?tthatmakeyourlifeeasier?Youcouldquicklywritemeoff.
Oh,fuckmefirst,ofcourse.Everyoneelsedoes,right?Butthenyoucould
walkawaybecauseI?mnothingmorethanawhore.Well,youknowwhat?
Fuckyou.”Alyssaelbowedhiminthestomach.
Lucgruntedanddoubledover,clutchinghismiddle,asheglaredat
herretreatingback.
“Damnit,Alyssa!I…”
“Youwhat?”
Whathadhebeenabouttosay?Diditreallymatter?He?dinsultedher
utterly—andhestilldidn?tknowifhewasright.Hejustknewthathehada
terriblefearthatifhelethergoupstairsandintoherbedroomalone,he
mightneverhavethechancetotouchheragain.
“Idon?tknow,”hefinallyadmitted.
“You?reright!”shescreamed.“Youdon?tknow.Youdon?tknowshit
aboutme.Didyoueverthinktherewasawomanunderallthismakeupand
provocativeclotheswhohadrealfeelingsthathadnothingtodowithsex?
DidyoueverthinkthatmaybeIwantedyoutoseemeassomethingother
thanastripperandaneasylay?Thatmaybeyoumeantsomethingtome?”
Sheshookherhead.“Ofcoursenot.”
Alyssasniffed,thensobbed.ThesoundtorethroughLuc?schest.
Jesus,henevermeanttohurther.“I?msorry.”
“Forgetit.Itdoesn?tmatteranymore.”
Herwordsincitedapanichecouldn?tfight.“Wait!I—”
“No.”Shesteppedback,awayfromhim.“Forgetit.Idon?tgetmycar
backfromRemyuntilWednesday,butI?llhaveTylerdrivemearounduntil
then.I?llgetyouaroomwithHomerinthemorning.Shouldn?tbetoohard
sinceIpaidhimtogiveawayyourroomtobeginwith.”
Oh,dearGod.Thebottomdroppedoutofhisstomach,andhefinally
understood—toolate.She?dwantedhimtobewithher.Spendtimewith
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her.Seewhatwasbetweenthem,sexuallyandotherwise.Andhe?dtreated
herwithsilentcontempt.Likedirt.Butevenifhemagicallyfellinlovewith
hertomorrow,shedidn?tfitintohisfutureplans.
Luctookanotherlongswigfromthebottle.“I?m…sorry.”
“Igetit.Inyourhead,we?refromdifferentworlds.You?veputmeinmy
place,andIwon?toverreachagain.”Shestiffenedherspineandheadedfor
thestairs,thenturnedbacktohim.“Fortherecord,Tyler?svisitwasabout
thebreak-inattheclub.Attonight?ssweep,hethoroughlyinvestigatedthe
entireupstairs.Seemsthatmystalkerleftmeanotherknifeand?lovenote?
embeddedinthepillowofmybedroomattheclub.Andthisonenotonly
calledmeawhore;hesaidhe?dputastoptomeforgoodverysoon.”
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ChapterSix
ALYSSAmarchedupthestairs.Onefootinfrontoftheother.Getto
yourbedroom.Shutthedoor
NodamnwaywassheshowingLucTraversonhertears.She?d
alreadygivenhimtoomuchpowertohurther.Andhe?dusedit
thoughtlessly.
“Whatdidyousay?”hedemanded.Amomentlater,hedartedupafter
herandgrabbedher,spinningheraroundtofacehim.“Thesamepervert
whobrokeintoyourcarbrokeintoyourclub?”
“Andthreatenedme.Noneedtotroubleyourselfwithmysafety.That?s
Tyler?sjob,whichiswhyhecameheretonight.Now,ifyou?llexcuseme..
.”
ShetriedtojerkfreefromLuc?sgrasp.Hisheatandmuskyscentwere
gettingtoher.Thoseburningeyes,histautlymuscledbody,weremaking
herweak-kneed.
Neverhadshethoughtofherselfasoneofthosestupidwomenwho
stayedinadestructiverelationshipwithsomeonewhoheldmorecontempt
forherthanaffection.Apparentlyherheartwasassusceptibleasanyone
else?s.
Itwasabitterpill.
“Luc,letgo.”
Heshookhishead,tookherfaceinhisgrasp.“Ican?t.”
Ontheshadowylanding,Alyssasawtheintentinhisglitteringeyesa
momentbeforeheloweredhishead.God,shewantedhiskisssobadly.
Muscle,bone,blood,allstrainedforwardtojoinwithhim.Touchhim.Give
himanythinghewanted.
Whydidhesuddenlywanther?
BecausehefearsTylerjusthadyou
Sheturnedaway,bitingtheinsideofhercheekagainstthepainof
denial.Adebilitatingpangsettledinherchest.Ashislipsfelltohercheek,
tearsstabbedhereyes.
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“Don?tdothis,”hebeggedinherear,pullinghersotightlyagainsthim
shesmelledthepark?sfreshlycutgrassonhisclothesandthewhiskeyon
hisbreath.Histouchwasriddledwithdesperationashewipedhertears
away.Alyssafeltherselfweakening.
God,howcouldshewantamansobadlywhoheldherinsuchlow
regard?Shewassupposedtobetoosmartforthatgame.
“Youcan?twantmeonlybecauseTylerdoes.”Shesobbed.“I?mnota
sexualtrophyinsomefuckingcompetition.Just…letmego.”
Shetriedtowrigglefree,mentallyflayingherselfforthestupidhope
thathadencouragedhertoseduceLucinthefirstplace,tolurehimclose
withthesillyideathathemightfallforher.Heprobablywantedsomeone
likeKimber:wholesome,withabrightfutureandasqueakycleanpast.
Someonewithoutastringofformerloversandarésuméinthesextrade.
Ifthatwaswhathewantedinawoman,Alyssawascompletely
doomed.
Hecuppedhercheeksandbroughtherfacebacktohis.
“You?renotatrophytome,Iswear.IknowIhavenorighttotellyou
whattodo.”Hebroughtherevencloser,andeveninthedark,shesaw
paincontorthisface.“Iwasjealous.Sofuckingjealous,itwaseatingme
alive.ThethoughtthatyougavehimwhatIsodesperatelywanted.”
Jealous?Maybehecaredalittlebit…
“Iofferedmyselftoyou—morethanonce.”Thewordscameoutlikean
accusation.
“Itriedtobegentlemanly.Smart.Usemyrestraintandnotravageand
plunderyouagain.Ididn?twantyoutothinkIwasacavemanora
madman.Ididn?twanttolosecontrol.Ihaveaspecificfutureinmind,andI
don?tseehowwefittogetherinthatpicture.But…”Painlacedhisvoice;
thenheexhaledraggedly.“Ican?tignoreordenywhatIfeelanymore.I?m
worriedashellaboutyou,yes.I?mterrifiedatthethoughtofthissickstalker
gettinghishandsonyouandhurtingyou.I?lldowhateverittakestokeep
yousafe.”
Whateverittakes.Hesoundedasthoughshereallydidmatter.Yes,it
hurttohearthatshedidn?tfitintohisfuture,butfortherighthereandnow
..Hiswordstuggedatherheart,brokedownthedamholdingheremotions
in.Shewasmomentsfromafloodoftears.“Luc—”
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“Ican?tliveanothermomentwithouttouchingyou.Ineedyoumore
thanmynextbreath.”
Rawhonestyrippedacrosshisfeaturesasheleanedinagain,thumbs
brushingherjaw.Histouch,likehisstare,pleaded.Alyssadidn?thavethe
willtorefusehim.
Shethrustherhandsintohishairandpulledhimtoher.Theirmouths
metinarush,agasp,ameldingoflips,amoan.Thetangofalcoholand
needburstacrosshersenses.Lucthrewhisarmsaroundherandliftedher
againsthim,asifhecouldsuddenlymakethemone.
Instinctguidedhertowrapherlegsaroundhim.Hewasthereto
supportherwithahandbeneathherassandanotherblisteringkiss.
Hesankdeep,desiresearinglyevidentinthewayhefusedtheir
mouthstogether.Nothinghadeverbeensointimate.Hekissedasifhe
wantedtosavoreverybitofher,memorizeher.Alyssakissedhimback
withthesamefervor,thoughshe?dmemorizedhimlongago.
InherheadsheknewthisembracemightnotmeantoLucallitdidto
her.Clearly,hewantedher—atleastfornow.Butwhatdidhereallyfeelfor
her?Anything?
Wasn?tshetoofargonetocare?
Tomorrowwouldcomesoonenough,andwithit,aloadof
recriminations.Butfromnowuntildawnwaspurelyaboutpleasure.About
connectingagain.
Lucslantedanotherkissacrosshermouthandsteppedtowardher
bedroom,everymovebrushingtheirbodiestogether.Alyssasuckedina
breathattheincrediblefriction.Hewasreallyhere.Withher.Sheheldhim
closerandmoanedagainsthisthroat,stringingkissesuphisneck,across
hisfive-o?clock-shadowedjaw,untilshemethismouthagain.Hewas
waiting,openandvoracious.Shemeltedunderhisonslaught.
Momentslater,herworldtilted;thenthebedwasatherback,andLuc
wasaboveher,proppedonhisarms.Breathinghard,helookeddownat
herthroughthemoonlight.
“I?vewantedyouagainsincethesecondIwalkedinyourclub.”
Shemethisgaze,whichglowedwithrawpassionandtruth.Hemeant
everyword,despitewhatelsehebelievedabouther.Despitewhathe
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thoughtshehaddonewithTylertonight.Despitetheemptymonthssince
they?dlastjoined.
“Me,too,”sheconfessed.
Infact,she?dyearnedforLucsincewakingupalonethreemonthsago,
aching,andrealizinghewasn?tcomingback.
“I?vemissedyou,”sheblurted.“Youprobablydon?twanttohearthat,
andIknowyouhavesomeoneelse—”
“Nottonight.Rightnow,it?sjustus.”Hestrokedherhairawayfromher
face.“I?vethoughtaboutyousooften…FromthesecondIgotyou
beneathmeallthosemonthsago,you?vebeenafeverIcan?tshake.”
Notadeclarationoflove,butshe?dtakeit.Hedidfeelsomethingfor
her.Andhonestly,shecouldn?tnameherfeelingsforhim.She?dneverhad
ayearningtobeinlove…untilshe?dmetLuc.
“Bewithme,”shewhispered.
“Nothingcouldmakemeleavenow.”
Luctookhermouthdeeply,longingineverycrushofhislips,every
swipeofhistongue.
Longminuteslater,heliftedhimselfawaytounbuttonhisshirt.Alyssa
caughtonquicklyandhelped,herfingersbrushinghissilk-on-steelskin.He
blastedheat.Intheshadows,shefoundtheintriguingtrailofhairthatled
downfromhisnaveltohiscock.Sherememberedtracingitwithhertongue
andmakinghimmoanandshiver.
Shedidn?teventrytoresistnow.Instead,shepressedhermouthto
him,lowonhisabdomen.
Hestiffened,thenhissed.“You?replayingwithfire.”
Acoysmiledriftedacrosshermouth.“Iliketoburn.”
Withamoan,shelickedherwayuphistreasuretrail,savoringthe
spicyflavorofhisskin,thehintofsweat,hisuttermalenessonhertongue.
Soaddicting.
Tensing,hethrusthishandsinherhairandpressedhercloser.“The
firsttimeyoudidthattome,itnearlymademeinsane.Thistime,Iwant
yousomuchmore.DearGod…”
Shesmiledagainsthisstomach,thennibbledherwayuptowardhis
chest,unfasteningtherestofhisshirt?slittlewhitebuttons.Finally,she
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reachedhisbrownnipples,smallandmale,alreadyhard.Sheeyedthem
greedily.
“Don?t,”hewarnedgently.“Myself-control…I?mhangingonbya
thread.”
“Letitgo.”Sheinfusedallherwantintothewhisperandbackeditup
withahotstare—justbeforesheclosedhermoutharoundhisnippleand
sucked.
Hecriedout,thesoundbothbrokenandharsh.
Encouraged,Alyssascrapedhisnipplegentlywithherteethand
suckeditagain,evenasherhandsmadetheirwaytotheflyofhisjeans.
Hegrabbedherwristsandleanedaway.“Don?tdothatunlessyou
wantmeontopofyou,insideyou,inthenexttenseconds.I?matimebomb
withaseriouslyshortfuse.”
“Iwouldlovetohaveyouinsidemenow,”shesaidhonestly.“I?ve
thoughtaboutyou…Ournighttogetherwasincredible.Ineedmoreof
thatfeelingnow.”
Lucexhaledraggedly.“Idon?twanttohurtyou.Lasttime,Iwastoo
rough,toodemanding—”
“Tooperfect.Doitagain.”
Hestilled.Somethingcrossedhisface.Acceptance?Eagerness?
Whateveritwasmadeherheartpoundinherchestinacrazedrattle.
Easingback,hesteppedoffthebed.Shesatup,andanxietyclawed
throughher.Hadshemisreadhim?Washeleaving?
Instead,heshruggedoutofhisshirt,exposingmilesofgorgeous
bronzedshoulders,lean,ripplingmuscles,andasix-packthatmadeher
gasp.God,hewas…everything.Sensual,intense,sosmartand
engaging,nottomentiontalented.Andhewantedherrightnow.
Luctoreopenthebuttonathisfly,jerkedthezipperdown,andshoved
hisjeansandunderwearawaywithbrutalefficiency,thenstoodnaked.
Fistsathissides,hischestheavedashefusedhisstaretohers,piercing
herwithadesirethatsetherbodyablaze,madeherpussyache.
NomanhadeverdonethistoherbutLuc.
“IfIhurtyou,youmustfindawaytostopme,”hesaid.
Andthatwasanotherreasonshehaddeepfeelingsforhim.Whether
hewantedtocareornot,hedid.Hersafetywasalwaysaconsideration.
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Hemighthavetakenherprofessionandlifeatfacevalue,buthenever
treatedherwell-beingasinconsequential.
Thewomanwholandedhisheartwouldbecompletelytreasured,and
Alyssalongedtobeher.
“Youwon?t.”
Ahardglintenteredhischocolateeyes.“Standup.”
Shivering,herinsidesajumbleofanticipationandneed,shedid.Luc
benttoherandcaressedhiswaydownherlegs,fingerstracingasensitive
linefromthecurveofherassallthewaytohercalves.
Justhavinghishandsonhermadehertremble,buthistouch,fullof
softdemand,madeherkneesweak.Herlongingandimpatiencesurged.
“Luc…”
Withoutwarning,hegrabbedthehemofhernegligeeandpulled.A
tearateachshoulderwasheronlywarningbeforethegownslithereddown
herbody,topoolinasoftcirclearoundherfeet.
Suddenly,shestoodnaked.
Atabrushofthecoolnightair,hernipplespeaked.Orwasthat
causedbythesightofhisrapacioussmile?Herbellyquiveredashecurled
hishandsaroundhercalvesandurgedthemapart.Hismouthfollowed,
workinghotandopenmouthedoverhershins,theinsidesofherkneesand
thighs,untilshewasbreathinghard,reachingblindlyforhishair,her
fingersitchingtofeelitssoftness.
Herosetohiskneesandkissedtheflatofherbelly.“Onyourback.”
Shecompliedasheliftedherandstoodinasinglemotion,apparently
tooimpatienttowait.Shegrabbedhimtightlywhenhecrushedhermouth
underhisandkissedwithademandthatrobbedherofbreathandthought.
Thenhelaidheracrossthebedandlookeddownather,naked,his
cockheavywitharousal.Thosesinfuldarkeyesboththreatenedand
promisedpleasureunlikeanythingshe?deverknownashisgazelatched
ontoherface.Slowly,hisstarelasereditswaydowntoherbreastsand
lingered,beforescrapingdownherbellyandfixatingonherpussy.
“Spreadyourlegs.”
She?dseenhisdominantsidebefore.ButAlyssahadafeelingshe
wasgoingtoexperienceitonawholenewlevel.Hisdarktonemadeher
shiver.Thecommandinglookonhisfaceconfirmedthegravityofhis
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words—andstoleherbreath.Herchestcouldbarelycontainthechugging
ofherheart.Butshedidasheasked,partingherthighsafewinches.
“More.”
Hisexpressiondemandedthatshemakeherselfopenandvulnerable
tohimineveryway.Alyssahadnodoubthewouldtakeeverythingshe
waswillingtogive,then,likelasttime,coaxmorefromheruntilshewas
hoarseandsoreandsublimelysatiated.Sheeasedherthighsfartherapart.
“More,”hegrowled.
Breathcatching,shehesitated.Butdespitehertrepidation,shecould
refusehimnothing.
Shepartedherlegsagain,untilthemusclesofherinnerthighs
strained.Needwasapoolofheatshimmeringandundulatinginherblood.
Emptinessthrummedinsideher.Everythingcriedouttobefilledwithhis
cock—andalltheblazingpassionthatcamewithit.
Hegrabbedherhips,thenslidhishandstothesmallofherbackand
pulledup.Athissilentcommandshearchedforhim,bendingherknees,
thrustingherbreaststowardhim.
“Perfect,”hemurmured,thenperchedhimselfaboveherbody,the
raspofhischestrakinghers,makinghertingle.
Ahardpressofhislipsagainsthersmorphedintoaswelteringlineof
kissesdownherneck,collarbones,thenstraighttoherbreasts.Ashe
cuppedone,hedevouredtheother,hismouthahotshocktohersystem.
Hesuckedhardonhernipple,andshefeltthedrawallthewaybetween
herlegs.Hethumbedtheothersimultaneously.
Moaning,sheheldLucclosetoher,wishingthenightwouldnever
end.Already,themanmadeherfeelfarmorethananylover.More
feminine,morenatural,morereadyforeverything.
“Ilovethese,”hemurmured,switchinghisattentiontotheotherbreast.
“IrememberhowswollenyournipplesbecamewhenIsuckedthembefore.
Weretheytenderafterward?”
“Yes,”shecriedoutatthememoryofhisoraldevotion—fornearlyan
hour—stillfreshinhermind.“Istillfeltyoutherethenextday.”
“Iwantyoutofeelmehereagaintomorrow.”
Quivering,shenodded.“Please.”
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Lucmoanedashedraggedhernippleintohismouthoncemoreand
gaveahardpull,gentlyscrapingherwithhisteeth.Anelectricwantsurged
throughherbody.Hebithiswaydownthesideofherbreast,thennibbled
overtotheotherandrepeatedtheprocess.
Hewasharsherthanbefore,moredemanding.Alreadythetipswere
growingtender,andhedidn?tshowanysignsoflettingup.Evenifshe?d
wantedtoaskformercy,shesuspectedhewouldshownone.Shesensed
thatheneededtofindsomewaytobrandhertonight,provetohimselfthat
hehadsomepartofherTylerdidn?t.Ratherthanassurehimthathehad
everybitofher,sheembracedhim,encouragedhimwithamurmuredplea.
Hisfreehandroamedoverhershoulder,downthecurveofherwaist,
acrossherhip…towardherpartedthighs.
Shenodded.“Youwet?”
“Aconstantstatewhenyou?rearound.”
Hisfingersflirtedwithherbellybutton,butthatthumbdrewlittlecircles
againstherskin,sonearherclitshewantedtoscream.
“Touchme,”shecried.
“Mmm,definitely.I?mlookingforwardtosinkingintothatsweetpussy.
Youweresotightlasttime,yougrabbedme,milkedme.Yourarmsaround
me,youscreamingmyname…Sofuckinghot.Unforgettable.”
Alyssacouldonlywhimperasshewaitedforhimtofinallytouchher
wheresheneededhimmost.Instead,hetoyedwithher.
Herachemultiplied,soared.Arousalgatheredinhercore.Shefelt
swollen,needy,readytobegifitwoulddoanygood.Buthesimplybrushed
hisknucklesoverherfolds,givingherclitthebaresttouch.
Alyssagasped.“Luc…”
“Iwanttohearyousaymynamealottonight.Myname.Noone
else?s.”
Shedidn?tthinkshecouldevenrememberherownnamerightnow,
muchlessanyoneelse?s.
“Yes,”shesobbed.“Yes…”
Forendlessminuteshecupped,laved,andstrokedherbreasts.He
tuggedontheirtips,suckedthemhard,murmuringhisappreciationasthey
swelled,reddened,peakedevenmore.Hernipplesweresohard,herwant
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sosharp,thatshefistedherhandsinhishair,usinghimasherlifelineas
shedrownedinneed.
Swipinghisthumboverthetautbeadofone,thentheother,he
steppedbackandswallowed.“Sotenderandworked.Gorgeous.”
Nowwithouthistouch,Alyssacravedmoreofthesensoryoverload
andstrokedherownbreasts.Butitwasn?tenoughtoeasetherelentless
gnawingofherhunger.Sheslidherhandsdownherabdomen,towardher
wetfolds.Relief.Sheneededtocurbtheache.Now.
Beforeshereachedherdestination,Lucgrabbedherwrist.“No.Isay
howandwhen.It?snotbyyourhandtonight.”
“But—”
Alyssaneverfinishedthethought.Hecrashedhismouthagainsthers
andprowledinside,possessionevidentashetookthekissdeeper.Without
warning,hisfingersslidintoherwetcleft,andheplungedinside.Shecried
outherpleasureintohismouth.
“Damn,”hebreathed.“Youfeelsogood.”
Hisfingersplayedherperfectly,asifherememberedherbodyand
exactlyhowtomakeherscream.Hisdevilishtouchskiddedacrossthat
sensitivespotinsideher;thenhealternated,pressingandrubbing,his
thumbalsostrummingherdistendedclit.Fireconvergedinside,outside,
tugging,drawing,swirlingandgrowing.Againhesmotheredhercrieswith
hiskiss.Shedughernailsintohisshoulders,andhehissed.Thenhesent
herapredatorysmile,aflashofsexualpromiseandwhiteteethinthedark.
“That?sit.Readytocome?”
Hedidn?tneedtoask;heknew.Buthewantedhertosayit.Lucliked
makingherconfessherdesire.Atthemoment,shehadnowayof
concealingit.
“Yes!Please…”
Insteadofsendingherover,hewithdrewhisfingersandrakedthem
throughherslit.“Veryswollen.You?llgripmesotight.”
Heeasedcloseruntilhecoveredher,hischestpressingherdeeper
intothemattress,histhighspartinghersevenmoretoaccommodatehis
hips.Hishandsurgedherwiderstill.
TheanticipationsuffocatedAlyssa.ShewantedLucdeep,sodeep
he?dneverrememberanotherwomanandneverimagineleaving.
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“Tonightyouwon?thavetimetothinkaboutanyonebutme,”he
vowed.
Sheneverdidanyway,buthedidn?tunderstandthat.Yet.
“SomanysinfulthingsIwanttodotoyou,but…”Hecradledher
headinhishands,andshemethisstareinthedark,drowning.“Ihaveto
beinsideyou.”
Alyssatriedtonod,butheheldhertootightly,pinnedbeneaththelush
heatofhisbodyandherowndesire.Shepanted,wanting,waiting…
“Lookatme,”hedemanded.
She?dclosedhereyes.Shewasn?tsurewhen.Didn?tmatter…Now
sheopenedthem.Bing!Theirgazesconnected,andherheartfollowed.
Thatwildsenseofconnection,ofbelonging,slammedher.Shecouldno
moreescapehisglitteringdarkeyesthanshecouldherowncravingfor
him.
“Ialreadyfeelyouallthroughmybody.Howisthatfuckingpossible?
Again?”
Hedidn?tanswerhisownquestionanddidn?tlethertry.Shemerely
marveledthathefeltitaswell.
Thenshethoughtnothingashegrabbedherhipsandsurgedforward,
buryingasmuchofhiscockinsideherashecould.Shegruntedatthe
deliciousintrusion.Already,shefeltfullwithhimandknewhewashalfway
in—ifthat.Hisbackstiffened.Hecursed,wrigglinghiships.
“Alwayssotight,”hegroaned.“God,you?rekillingme.Yourelaxedfor
me,sugar?”
Hisgazewaslikethedarkestsyrup,sweeteningher,meltingher,
coveringher.Shefocusedonlooseningup,lettinghimin.
Heeasedback,thensurgedinagain,thistimeabitfarther.She
gaspedathissteelypenetration,atherpleasure-pain.
“That?sit.”Voicestrained,Lucgrippedherhipswithbitingfingers.
“Relax.It?sgoingtofeelsogood.”
Alyssasensedhewasontheveryedgeofhiscontrol.Andshe
couldn?twaitforhimtoloseit.
Beneathhim,shewrithed,liftedup,takinghimafractiondeeper.After
monthswithoutsex,itburned…butfeltohsogood.Noonehadever
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madeherlovesexlikeLuc.Nooneelsehadevermadeherfeelherheart
duringtheact,either.
“Yessss,”hehissed,grippinghertighterstill.
Finally,hesliddeeplyandcompletelyinsideher.
Thefeelofhimburiedinherbodyunleashedafreshsurgeofneed—
andafloodofwarmthinherchest.Astheirgazesconnectedagain,she
flashedbacktotheirfirstnighttogetherandarushofmemoriesswamped
her—alldrippingpleasure.
Butashenearlywithdrewfromherbody,sheclungtohim,tonight
tooksensationtoawholenewlevel.
LuceasedhisarmsunderAlyssa,upthelengthofherback,hands
curvingoverthetopsofhershoulders.Thenwitharoar,hethrustdeep.
Once.Twice.Thenshelostcount.
Thesensationlitherup,thenexplodedthroughherbody.She
absorbedthepowerofhissurgebymovingwithhim,openingtohim
completelywithacry.
Morewarmthfloodedherchestastheachebehindherpussy
converged.Herlegswrappedaroundhimasshetriedtogriphimtighter,
keephimcloser.Hegroaned,panted,sinkingdeeper,thendeeperstill.
Lucpickedupspeed,settingahardrhythm.Hisstaredrilledintoher
ashiscockdid,neverwavering.Everythoughtandsensationflowedfrom
hisbodytohers,thenbackagain.AndAlyssaknewhecouldreadher
everyfeeling,too.Assoonasareactionhitherbody,headjustedtotake
advantageofit,deepenit,exploitit.
DearGod,shewasbeginningtounravel.Thefortitudeandpain,
cautionandfear,thathadheldhertogetherforyearswerecomingapart.
Yes,she?dcomeforLucbefore,butthis…thiswasreachinginsideherto
clawoutsomethingsheneversharedwithanyone.Hewasgoingtotake
thepleasurefromher,stealitrightoutofhersoulwithoutpermissionor
apology.
Shetensed.Couldshegivethatmuchofherselftohim?
“Luc…”Alyssasqueezedhereyesshut.
Toointimate.Tooreal.Toodeep.Hewaseverywhere.Whyhadn?tshe
hadaloverinthemonthssincehim?Orintheyearsbeforehim?Because
nooneelsemadeherfeelasifsexwasanythingmorethanacross
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betweenanobligationandabodilyfunction.Evenifshe?dletevery
customerwhocametotheclubhavehiswaywithher,Lucalonecouldtake
herapart,fillherwithsomethingsopersistentandsweetandyearning,
thenremakeher.
“Lookatme!”hedemandedundertherelentlesspoundofhisbody.
Andthatcompellingvoice…Nowayshecouldignorehim.
Bitingherlipandbracingfortherushoffeeling,Alyssadidashe
asked.Sheconnectedwithhisprobingdarkstarejustasherammedhome.
Energyshifted,gathered,turnednuclearinsideofher.Thenshe
exploded.
ClawingatLuc,screaminghisname,sheburstintoamillionpieces,
herheartbeatingforhim,hersoulscatteredutterlybymind-bending
pleasure.Herodeherthroughtheorgasmfromcresttoblast,pullingback
asitcoalescedintoatenderachethathadhersobbing.
Thistime,likelast,Lucusedthatashiscuetocontinueplunderingher
intotheultimatepleasure.
THEmorningsunsoakedthesheercurtainsandhardwoodfloors.
Gaspinginaraspybreath,LucpulsedupintotheheatofAlyssa?spussy
againassherodehim.Shemoanedandclungtohim,hernailsrakinghis
chest.Abovehim,shelookedlikeasensualnymph,nubile,striking,built
forpleasure.She?dlongagosearedthroughhisrestraintandgood
intentions.Again,he?dlosteveryshredofcontrol,andashedrownedagain
inthefiercerampfrompleasuretoorgasm,hewascaughtinhertrap.And
hehungeredforit.
Hermussedpalehairswungaroundher,someendsclingingtoher
waist.Theshorteronesaroundherfaceflirtedwithherhardnipples,which
hestillhadn?tbeenabletogetenoughof.Evennowtheybeckoned.
Throwinghisarmsaroundher,hepulledherclose,thenanchoreda
handathernape.Theotherclutchedthesmallofherback,controllingthe
arch.Yes…Rightthere.Again,hehadthetemptinglittlenippleonhis
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tongue,histeethscoringitjustenoughtosting.Shehissed,thentightened
onhiscock.
“Comeagain.”
He?dbeendemandingherpleasureallnight,andshe?dbeengivingit
withutterabandon.Itwasneverenough.Heneededtoseeheragainnow,
desirepartingherlipsandmakingherwhimper.Hecravedthefeelofher
clampingdownonhimandhearingherscreamhisname.
She?dgrownhoarsehoursago,herfleshswollentothepointthat
everythrustwaswork.Luchaddrivenhertoorgasmsomanytimes,he?d
lostcount.He?dfallenoverthecliffintoafierypitofpleasurethreetimes,
saturatinghereverytime,revelingwithaprimitiveneedtomarkherthat
he?dstoppedquestioning.Anoddreliefpouredthroughhimeachtimehe
spilledhimselfdeepinsideher.No,hecouldn?tgetherpregnant,but
damnedifhewouldn?tfillherupanyway.
“Luc.”Alyssasobbedhisname.
Triumphspikedthroughhim,followedbyanotherinsaneurgetomark
her.Helavedoneofhernipplesagain,thentheother.Herpussybecame
sublimely,blisteringlytight.Thefactshewassocloseurgedhimon.
Hefithismouthoverhers,forcingherlipswideunderhis,andsankin
asfaraspossible.Thecadenceofhiskissmatchedtherhythmofhis
thrustsastheystrainedtogethertowardacataclysmsopowerful,itwould
likelydevastatethemboth.
Hepursueditwithrecklessabandon.
Hisbodywasabouttogiveout,andhewasfurious.Hoursuponhours
he?dspentdelvingher,buthehadn?ttastedhercreamwithhistongueuntil
shecriedoutinsurrender.Norhadheworkedhiswayintothattight,
perfectass.Tomorrow.No,latertoday.Hewoulddoboth.Buttonight,once
he?dgottendeepwithinherwetfolds,he?dsingle-mindedlysubmerged
himselfandwatchedhercomeapartinhisarms.
“Comeagain,sugar.Forme.”
Hetiledherhipsuntiltheypressedcompletelyagainsthis,thenrubbed
herupanddownhiscock,forcingfrictiononherclit.Alyssaundulatedwith
him,hergroansbecomingwhimpersthatturnedtoaplea,then…
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“Luuuucccc!”Shescreamedhisnameasifitwereatwenty-syllable
wordashercuntclampeddownonhim.Heusedallthestrengthinhis
armsandthighstokeephermoving.
Thepleasurewasexcruciating,scorching,beyondanythinghe?dever
experienced—orimagined.Thesensationsroilingaroundinsidehim
meldedintoatightacheinhisballs.Then,primed,theorgasmbeganto
explode.
Lucgrabbedhertighter,clutchingherhair,throwinganarmaroundher
waist.Oh,fuckinghell.Thiswasgoingtobringhimtohisknees.Destroyhim.Itswelledandbuiltandconverged,bigasamountain,powerfulasan
earthquake.
“Alyssa,”hegasped.“Oh,God.Shit.Ican?t…Oh,my—”Tomerge
withherineverywaypossible;itwashismostbasicinstinct.Heslammed
hismouthoverhersanddoveintothesweetheat.
Theorgasmflattenedhim.
Aseverythinginsidehimcrashedaroundhisheart,heheldhertighter,
buryinghisfaceinherneckwhilethestormragedinsidehim.“Yes!Lys,
yes…”
Hisheartbeatthunderedinhisears,andhefeltnothingbutblinding
ecstasy.AndAlyssa.
Longminuteslater,exhaustionpoundedhim.Bitterrealityroaredin.
Shewasstillastripper,likelywithanotherlover.Hestillneededtofinda
suitablewife.Andhewantedhermorethanhe?deverwantedanywoman
inhislife.
Slowly,heliftedhisheadasAlyssastrokedhishairandtriedtocatch
herbreath.
“Lookatme,”hedemanded.
Shebitherlip,thenglancedathim,herfaceflushedwithsatisfaction.
Hisgutclenched,evenasadruggingcalltosleeprolledthroughhis
veins.“Whatarewedoing?”
Hermouthtightened.Hereyesgrewguarded.“Justfucking.”
Werethey?Really?Becauseforlongminutes—hours—he?dforgotten
everyotherwomanintheworld.He?dwantedtograbthisoneandneverlet
go.
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Alarmbellswentoffinhishead.Lucknewheshouldsaysomething..
Beforehecould,exhaustionclaimedhim.
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ChapterSeven
“AREyougoingtotellmewhatthehellhappened?”Tylerbarked.
I’mfallinginlovewithsomeonewhocan’tlovemeback.
Alyssawincedatthethought.Lingeringovertheactofdrawingback
theblindsatBonheurtoletinthemiddaysun,shetriedtodecidewhatto
say.
Finally,sheturnedtohim.“Nothing.”
Itwasahugelie.Themostshatteringlypleasurablenightofherlife
reducedtoonetriteword.Ifshehadn?tbeengoingtohellalready,thelie
wouldhaveputherthere.
Hearchedatawnybrow.“Theshadowsunderyoureyeshavebagsso
largetheycouldpackforatriptoEurope.AssoonaswegottoSexy
Sirensthismorning,youshutyourselfintoyourbedroom.Ifuckingheard
youcry.Idon?thavetobeageniustofigureoutthatsinceyouspentlast
nightwiththatshort-orderloser,maybesomethingwentdown.”
“Tearsarenobigdeal.”ExceptLucdidn?tloveher.Theywerejust
fucking,andshe?djustchargeddownthepathtoabig,ol?heartachewith
noideahowtobackpedal.
“Youdidn?tcryforyourmother,butyoucryforthisprick?Baby,c?mon.
Younevercallmeateightthirtyinthemorningunlessit?sanemergency.
Whileyouweregettingcoffee,Ipeekedinyourguestroom.Thebedwas
perfectlymade.Onlyotherbedinthathouseisyours.”Tylercrossedhis
armsoverhischest,hisglarepurepissedoff.“Giventhat,youcallingme
notlongafterthecrackofdawnissignificant.Nowdoyouwanttotellmewhatthehellhappened?”
Thebastardwastooobservant.“No.”
“Youhadsexwithhim.”
Amazing,relentlesssex.Whyconfirmtheobvious?
Alyssamovedtothenextwindowandfocusedontheblinds.
“Goddamnit!”Tylerspokethroughclenchedteeth.“Didhehurtyou?”
“Tyler,justleaveit.”
“Hell,no!Ifhehurtyou,ifheforcedyou,I?llbusthimup—”
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“No.Weweremutuallyconsentingadults,andthatistheendofthis
conversation.”
Suddenly,Tylerwasacrosstheroomandhisarmswerearoundher.
Hereallywasherbestfriendthesedaysanditwouldbesoeasytoleanon
him.Butsounfairtohim.
“Youdon?thavetobestrongallthetime,”hewhispered.“Tellme.I?ll
helphoweverIcan.”
Shecuppedhischeekinherhand.“Youcan?t.ButIappreciateyou
morethanyouknow.”
Hesighedandtightenedhisgriponher,leaningintoheruntilhis
foreheadpressedagainsthers.Itwouldbeeasyenoughtoslideintobed
withTyler,seeifhecouldhelpherforgetheroverwhelmingfeelingsfor
Luc.Alyssahadneverplayedthatgamebefore,butshewasprettysureit
wouldbepointless.
“Baby,yougottagivemesomethingmore.I?mdyinghere.”
Beforeshecouldreply,therestaurant?sfrontdoorslammed.Gasping,
Alyssawhirled,readytotelltheinterloperthattherestaurantwasn?topento
thepublicuntiltomorrownight.Butitwasn?tastrangerwhostoodthere.It
wasLuc.
Helookedfuriousenoughtospitnails.
Tyler?spreservationinstinctmustbenonexistentbecause,insteadof
backingoff,hetightenedhisarmsaroundher.Shepushedagainsthis
chestandnudgedhimaway.Reluctantly,helethergo,mutteringavile
curse.
“Whatthefuckareyoudoinghere?”Lucaskedhim.
Crossinghisthickarmsoverhiswidechest,Tylerlookedpumpedup
onfury.“Myjob.You?”
“SincewhenisyourjobtryingtogetintoAlyssa?spanties?”
“Sheonlywearsthongs,actually.”
Alyssagasped.“Tyler!”
Lucgroundhisjaw,fistsclenched.Thissituationwasheadedforthe
toiletunlessshediffusedit.
“Stopit,bothofyou.Tyler,canyouleaveusaloneforafewminutes?”
“I?mnotbudgingifthere?sanychancehe?llhurtyou.”
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Spinestiffening,Lucstalkedacrosstheroom.“I?dneverhurther.Ever.
You,I?dpoundjustforfun.”
“Bringiton,asshole.”
“Nomore!”Alyssayelled.“Wehavethingstodotodaythatdon?t
involveyoutwobeatingtheshitoutofeachother.”ShelookedatTyler,
eyespleading.“I?llbefine.Please…You?dbedoingmeabigfavorif
you?dpickupmydressfromthetailor.”
Tylerclenchedhisteethandseethed,rippinghiskeysfromthepocket
ofhisjeans.“Ifyouneedanything,ifheharmsonehaironyourhead,callme.YouknowI?mhereforyou.”
Shenodded.Hisdevotionnearlybroughthertotears.Whycouldn?t
shelovehimthewayhewantedhertolovehim?Lifewouldbesomuch
lesscomplicated.
Buteasywasneverherlot.
“Thankyou,”shemurmured.
Hedrewcloser,hisfacesolemn,communicatingbothhisdedication
andconcern.Thenhecuppedherfaceinhishandsandplacedatender
kissonherlips.Asecondlater,hewasgone.
NowshewascompletelyalonewithLuc.Thesilencewasdeafening.
“You?rehereearly,”shesaidtobreakit.“Theothershavealready
donemostoftheprepworkinthekitchen,soyoushould—”
“Stopit.”Hestalkedtoher,unnervinglyclose.“WhenIwokealone,I
worriedaboutyou,butyouleftbeforethebedwasevenfuckingcoldsoyou
couldruntohim?”
Alyssapacedacrosstheroom.Howdaredheimagine,afterwhat
they?djustshared,thatshecouldpossiblyjumpfromhisarmstoTyler?s?
Hereshewas,terrifiedthatshe?dlostherhearttoamanwhomightnever
beabletotrulyloveherback,andheimaginedshe?druntoanotherlover.
Thataloneconfirmedthat,nomatterhowintimatelastnighthadseemed,
nomatterhowmuchherfeelingshadgrown,hishadn?tchanged.Shecould
notloseherhearttosomeonewhodidn?trespecther.Someonelikelyto
leaveherinfivedaysandneverlookback.
“Aren?twejustfucking?”shechallenged.
Hestalkedafterherandgrabbedherarm.“Goddamnit,answermy
question.”
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“YouthinkI?mcapableofjumpingfromyourbedtohis?ThatI?mso
insatiable,whatwedidlastnightandthismorningwasn?tenough?”
Lucdidn?tsayanythingforalongmoment,juststaredwithblazing
eyes.“Idon?twanttothinkthat.God,woman.Yousingedmyskinoff.It
wasamazing.Ilookedforwardtowakingupthismorningandhavingyou
again.Butyouneversleptnexttome,didyou?Irolledoverafewminutes
ago,andyouweregone.NowIfindoutnowyou?vebeenwithTylerforthe
last…”Heglancedathiswatch.“Threehours.Iwalkin,andhe?sholding
you.Hekissedyou,forfuck?ssake.”
“Afriendlypeck!”sheargued.
“Friendly,yeah,”Lucgrunted.“I?msureeverythingonhismindis
platonic.”
“Idon?tcontrolhisthoughts,justmine.What?sonmymindisplatonic,
whetheryoubelieveitornot.”
“Givemeareasontobelieveit.”Hisdarkeyesbeseechedher.“You
lookexhausted.ThefirstwordsIhearoutofhismouthareapleaforyouto
givehimmorebecausehe?sdying.Whichimpliesthatyouweregivinghim
somethinginthefirstplace.”
Alyssaclosedhereyes.MaybeitwasLuc?sjealousytalking—atleast
inpart.Theotherpart…Hewasjustnevergoingtochangehisopinionof
her,andnomatterhowmuchshecared,howsincereshewasin
expressingherfeelings,howchasteshewaswitheveryotherman,he?d
neverbelieveshewasanythingbutawhore.
“Icanstandhereinperfecthonestyandsaythatinthelastthree
months,I?vehadsextwice,bothtimeswithyou.Canyousaythesame?”
Lucpaused,swallowed.Hisdarkeyesflashedwithguilt.Hissilent
answergougedherwithpain.Bitternessfloodedhermouth.
“Threemonthsago,Iwasinarelationship.”
Helpinghiscousinfucktheman?sprettywife.Itburnedhertoknow
thatLuchadjumpedfromherbedtoKimber?sandneverlookedbackuntil
DekehadcutLucfromtheaction.
Suddenly,Lucpaused,thenfrowned.“AreyouandTyler…dating?”
Itdidn?tmatterwhatshetoldhim.He?dneverbelievethetruth.“Tell
youwhat—yougivemeallthedetailsaboutyourrelationshipwithKimber,
thenI?llspillmysecrets.Deal?”
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Hisfaceclosedup.“There?snothingtotell.”
Alyssadidn?thavetoknowthewholestorytoknowhewaslying
throughhisteeth.
“Soyoudidn?tfuckherafteryouleftmybed?”
Lucclosedhiseyes,theuneasytighteningofhisfacemakingher
insidesbleed.
“Thisisn?taboutwhatIdidordidn?tdowithKimber.”
“ThenwhyisitaboutwhatIdidordidn?tdowithTyler?”
“Threemonthsago,wedidn?tmakeanypromisesordemands,”he
pointedout.
“Wedidn?tmakeanylastnight,either,”Alyssaflungbackathim.“A
nightofsexdoesn?tentitleyoutothedetailsofmyrelationshipwithTyler.
Andafterthischat,spendinglastnightwithyouwasamistakeIwon?tbe
repeating.”
Hiseyesflaredwithfury,andhestompedacrosstheroom.“Likehell.
Forwhateverreason,youwenttoalotoftroubletoseduceme.Mission
accomplished.Justbecauselastnightisoverdoesn?tmeanwe?redone.”
Luc?swordswerespokenlikeavow,andAlyssa?sinsidesquivered.As
muchasshestillwantedhim,theycouldn?tcontinuelikethis.Evenlast
nightshe?drealizedthatthelongershestayedinhisarms,themorelikely
hewouldbreakherheart.
Formonths,she?dbeenromanticizingtheconnectionbetweenthem.
Shewantedhimformorethansex.Nowsheknewbeyondalldoubtthat
theyearningdidn?trunbothways.
“Wrong,Romeo.Lastnightwasgreat,butyou?realreadyinanother
relationshipandIdon?t?fitintoyourfuture.?”Sheshrugged.“Itchscratched
Movingon.”
“Nowayinhell,”hesnarled.“Areyousayingthatyouhaveanewitch,
thisoneforTyler?Isthatwhatthismorningwasabout?”
Alyssagothowhemightthinkthat.Ifamanhaddisappearedso
quicklyoutofherbedandshe?dfoundhiminanotherwoman?sarms,even
ifitwastobeconsoled,she?dbeconfusedandhurt.DespiteLuc?sjealousy
andwhateverfeelinghehadforher,itdidn?tadduptoanythinglasting.
Andifshekeptsharingherbodywithhim,she?dnevergetherheartback.
Anythinglessthanfullreciprocationonhispartwouldcrushher.
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“Thisisn?taboutTyler.Yes,Ispentalotofefforttoseduceyou,but
yousaidwhenyouarrivedthatsexbetweenuswasn?tsmart.Allowmeto
admitthatyouwereright.”Shecheckedherwatch.“Misawillbeherein
fiveminutesandshe?llbeexpectingdirection.Therestofthestaffwill
arriveinanhour.You?llneedeveryminutetoprepare.We?reexpectinga
fullhousetonight.”
Amomentlater,sheheardacardoorslam.Tylerwasbackinrecord
time.ShebreezedpastLuc,headedfortherestaurant?sfrontdoor.
Hegrabbedherbythearmandpulledherclose.“Whereareyou
going?”
Shejerkedfreeandlungedforthedoor.Lucdidn?twanther…buthe
didn?twantanyoneelsetohaveher.Alyssarefusedtoplaythatgame.
Hopefully,dishingbacksomeofhisownmedicinewouldputsomedistance
betweenthem.
Smilingtightly,shequipped,“MaybeitistimeIletsomeoneelse
scratchme.”
THEmockdinnerservicewaswindingtoamercifulend.Theevening
hadbeenflawless.Themuggyafternoonhadgivenwaytoacooler
evening,andAlyssahadthrownopenthedoorstothepatio,bringingthe
outsidein.Thefoodhadbeenimpeccable,thehelpshe?dhiredperfect.Not
ahintofanundercookedsteakorovercookedvegetables.Thewaitstaff
hadbeendeferentialandefficient.Patronsallaroundsmiled—andBonheur
hadsecuredlotsoffuturereservations.
Professionally,Luccouldn?tbehappier.
Personally,swallowingnailswouldbelesspainfulthanforcingdown
thefuryinsidehim.
Hestoodjustoutsidethekitchen,loiteringinthehall,lookingfora
certaingorgeousblonde…There.Shedriftedfromonetabletothenextinagracefulsway,herelegantblackdresstastefullydrapinghergorgeous
body.She?dsweptupherhairinsomethingclassicandfeminine.
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Understateddiamondswinkedatherearsandherwrist.Sophisticated,
refined.Aperfectmatchforheratmosphere.
Andshestillgavehimaragingerection.
Smilinggraciously,Alyssapausedatthenexttable,visitedwith
guests,acceptedahugfromacouple.Theirtoddlerfistedherhandsinto
thelongswayofAlyssa?shair,andshesmiled,kissingthelittlegirl?s
forehead.
ThesightofheraffectionategesturejoltedLuc.Heswalloweddowna
sensationhecouldtermonlypurelonging.God,whatanimpossiblewish.
JustbecauseAlyssalikedthatchilddidn?tmeanshewantedanyofher
own.Orwouldbethesortofdedicatedmotherhisownhadbeen.Besides,
evenifsheendeduphavingahugematernalstreak,shewasn?twhathe
needed,andtheroadtoparenthoodwithhimwouldn?tbeeasy.
Besides,Tylerwasscratchingheritchnow.AndLucwasalone—trying
nottofeeltheconfusionandpaincrushinghisguts.
Amomentlater,Alyssadriftedoutside,undertheexternallighting,
pausingtogreetanoldercouple.Notfivefeetfromher,Tylerwatchedher
unblinkingly.
Whathadtheyspenttheafternoondoing?IfitwaswhatLucfeared,
thatwashisfault.Hadhepushedherawaywithhisaccusationsand
behavior?Whythehellhadn?ttheyjustenjoyedtheirtimetogetherandhad
aweekofuncomplicatedsex?
Becausenothingbetweenthemwasuncomplicated.Hecouldn?ttouch
Alyssaandfeelnothing.
Thatscaredtheshitoutofhim.
Someonewavingcaughthisattention,andhelookeduptoseeKimber
standingwithahesitantsmileandanupraisedhand.
Pregnant.
Resentmentjabbedhim.DekewaslivingthelifeLucwantedwitha
wonderfulwifewhowouldneverrefusehimherbodyortellhimthatshe
hadsomeoneelsetoscratchheritch.SheunderstoodDeke?shang-ups
andbeenpatientuntilhelearnedtoovercomethem.Alyssa…What
wouldshethinkifsheknewhecouldnotfatherchildren?Wouldshe
shrug—orthinkhimlessofaman?
Withasigh,LucmadehiswayovertoKimberandhiscousin.
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Dekestoodandheldoutahand.“Goodwork.Foodwasincredible.
Youalwayscookedfinemealswhenyoulivedwithme,butyououtdid
yourselfonthis.”
“Superdelicious,”Kimberaddedwithadimpledsmile.
LucshookDeke?shand,thenslippedanarmaroundKimber.“Thank
you.Andcongratulations.”
HeforcedhimselftolookatKimberandmeanthewords.Hewas
happyforher.ForDeke.Somehow,someway,he?dfindthisidealfuturefor
himself,andmaybehecouldgetoverthechokingenvy.
“Thanks,”shemurmured.“We?rethrilled.”
“Asyoushouldbe.”
Dekebeamedwithjoy.
“I?lldomybesttobeaverycommitteduncleandspoilthetykelike
mad.”
KimbersmiledandhuggedLucclose.“You?resuchawonderful
person,Ihavenodoubtyou?llsucceed.”
“Areyoudonecooking?”Dekeasked.
Lucnodded.“Thelastticketwentoutabouttenminutesago.”
“Good.Sit.We?vegothardwaretodiscuss.”
“Onthatnote,I?llruntotheladies?room.Ialreadyspentthreehours
lookingattheequipmentonthetripover.Nicestuff.IhopeAlyssawillbe
okay.”
Withoutthought,Luc?sgazesoughtthewomaninquestion.Shewas
windingherwayacrossthepatio,thenightbreezestirringthepaletendrils
atherneck.Makinghimacheforher.
Buthehadtogethismindbackonthepresent.
Asiftheirsexlifewasn?tfucked-upenough,Alyssahadsomeprick
threateningher.Inthatrespect,LucwasgladTylerwasdoinghisjobso
diligently,evenifhedidn?tlikethattheothermanwatchedherasifshe
weredinneranddessertallinone.
Dekelookedathim,thenAlyssa.Hebroughthisgazeback.“What?s
upwithyoutwo?”
Lucstartedtoevadethequestion.Buthestopped.Avoidingthis…
thingbetweenhimandAlyssawasn?tmakingitgoaway.Anditneededto;
heknewthat.Whycouldn?theworkitout?
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“Idon?tknow.She?s…”Herubbedhisforehead,searchingforthe
rightwords.“Undermyskin.”
“Thatguyherbodyguard?”DekenoddedatTyler.
“Ofsorts,yes.”
Dekeraisedhisbrows.“Helookslikehe?dliketodomoretoherbody
thanguardit.”
“I?mprettysureTyleralreadydoes.”Whyelsewouldsheallowhimto
kissher?Haveahousekey?Seehernaked?Touchherinpublic?
Leaningin,DekestaredatLuclongandhard.Heswallowed,certain
hiscousincouldseerightthroughhim.
“UnlessImissmyguess,you?vehadanencoreperformancewith
Alyssarecently.”
Thatobvious?“So?”
“Soyoudon?tcareifshefuckshim,too?”
Lucfistedhishandsinthetablecloth.Heknewitwastelling,buthell,
Dekesawthroughhimanyway.“Itinfuriatesthehelloutofme.I?vehad
momentslatelywhereIwantedtobreakeveryboneinhismiserablebody.”
“She?smorethanafucktoyou?”Dekesoundedsurprised.
AsmuchasLucwantedtoavoidansweringthequestion,hecouldn?t.
Infact,he?dbeenaskinghimselfthesamething.
“Idon?tunderstandit.She?severythingIdon?tneed.Shadyprofession,
totallackofmodesty,sodamnindependent.Probablymultiplelovers,”he
snarled.“Ican?tseeherbeinghappywitharockonherhand,kidsintow,
livinginsuburbia.”
“Butyoudon?tknowthatforafact?”
“No,”headmitted.
“Letmeaskyousomething.Wereyoueverjealouswatchingmein
bedwithKimber?”
Lucpaused.Buttheanswerwaseasy.“No.Thoughyoutwohada
bond,foralongtimeIfeltcompletelyinvolvedintherelationship.”
“Icouldn?tstandwatchingyoutouchher,”Dekeadmitted.“Everytime
youdid,Ithoughtitwasgoingtofuckingkillme.Howisthatdifferentfrom
howyoufeelaboutAlyssabeingwithTyler?”
“Iknewyouweren?tgoingtohurtKimber,”Luchedged.
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ButdidhereallybelievethatTylerwouldhurtAlyssawhenhewas
tryingsohardtoguardher?
“Okay,forgetthisguy.WhataboutJackCole?IfMorganwasoutof
thepicture,wouldyoushareAlyssawithJack?He?sastand-upguy,and
I?mprettysureitwouldn?tbethefirsttimehe?dhadsexwithher.Sure,it?s
beenafewyears—”
“Shutthefuckup,”Lucgrowled.
TheimageofJackColeunleashinghischainsandcuffsand
commandsonAlyssawaslikerunninghisgutsthroughameatgrinder.
Truthwas,hedidn?twantanyoneelsetouchingher.
“Okay.”Dekehelduphishands.“Buttakemywordforit.Whenyou?ve
gotfeelingsforawoman,jealousycomeswiththeterritory.”Hestoodas
hiswifeapproached.“Especiallywhenthewomanisbeautiful.Everything
okay?”
“Great.”ThenshefrownedatLuc.“Youallright?”
No.LeaveittoDeketothrowthefacthefeltmorethanlustforAlyssa
inhisface.Whatthehellwashesupposedtodoaboutit?
“Fine.”Hedidhisbesttosoundsincere…andknewhefellshortof
themark.
“Ihavemynextdoctorappointmentinafewweeks,andDekewillbe
outoftown.Canyoutakeme?”Kimberasked.“Howmuchlongerwillyou
behere?”
Apityinvitation,andhewasdesperateenoughtograbit.Anysmall
involvementwithDekeandKimber?sbabywaslikelymorethanhe?dever
haveforhimself,especiallyifhekeptignoringEmilyandchasingAlyssa
likeaschmuck.
BlessKimberforcaringhowhefelt.Hebroughthercloseforalong
hug.“I?dloveto.I?monlyhereuntilThursday.”
“Oh,justafewdays,then.”Shesmiled.“That?sgreat!”
Dekeclappedhimonthebackandsenthimameaningfulstare.“Make
themostofthem.”
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JUSTaftermidnight,AlyssashutthedoorstoBonheur.Aweightlifted
fromhershoulders.Theeveninghadbeenahugesuccess,andeveryone
who?dcometonightsaidthefoodandservicewerespectacular.Allwanted
tocomeback,andshefinallybelievedshehadafuturecomprisedofmore
thantakingoffherclothesforstrangers.Theeveningreallycouldn?thave
gonebetter.
ExceptwatchingLucwithDekeandKimber.
Tosaythatthesexychefstillhadfeelingsforhiscousin?sbeautiful
wifewouldbestatingtheobvious.He?dhuggedher,lookedintohereyes.
Themomenthadn?tseemedsexual,buttheywereinpublic.AndDeke
supposedlydidn?tshareanymore.Still,theembracehadunnervedAlyssa.
WastheotherwomanthereasonLuccouldn?tgivemoreofhimselftoher?
“Youreadytogo?”Tylerasked,hoveringnearherashehadallnight.
“I?lltakeherhome,”Lucsaid,appearingbehindher.
“It?smyjob.”Tylercrossedhisarmsanddonnedhisbadassmienas
tightlyashewouldleatherpants.
Lucignoredhim.Instead,heturnedtoher,facesolemn.“I?dliketo
takeyouhome.Weshouldtalk.”Shehesitated,andhepressed.“Please.”
Whatdidhewant?Ifshewent,sheriskedfurtherheartbreak.Butif
sherefusedhim,she?dneverknow.Whatifhewantedtorenewtheirearlier
argument?Orjusthavesexagain.Shewinced.
“Allright.”SheavoidedlookingatTyler.“Ipackedupyourthings.
They?reinmyfoyer.Homerisexpectingyou.”
Atthat,Tylersmiled.ShealsoreadthehurtonLuc?sface.Forher
sanity,shehadtosidelinehimtoHomer?s,butsheshouldhavedoneit
whentheywerealone.
“Fine,”hebitout.
Tellingherthatitwasn?tfineatall.
“Yousureyouwanttoridewithhim?”Tylerasked,clearlylookingfor
anyreasontogetoneuponLuc.“Icanfollowyou,makesurehedoesn?t
giveyouanyissues.”
Sheleveledhimwithano-nonsensestare.“He?sachef,notaserial
rapist.I?llbeallright.We?lltalktomorrow.”
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Scowling,Tylerdriftedcloser,reachingforher.Lucwasfasterand
closer,wrappinghisarmaroundherwaist.SheignoredTyler?snot-so-silent
curse.
Outside,shelockedtherestaurant?sdoorandletLucleadhertohis
SUV.Histouchlingeredatherwaist,andshetriednottonoticeher
quiveringknees.
Oncetheywereontheroadandthebeautifulnightairsiftedthrough
herhair,sheturnedtoLuc.“Spillit.Whatdidyouwanttotalkabout?”
“Everything.”
AlyssahadthisnigglingsuspicionthatLucwasgoingtotrytotalkhis
waybackinherbed.Andwherehewasconcerned,shewasso,soweak.
Thoughsheshouldgivehimbrowniepointsforfacingtheconversation
head-on,shereallydidn?tknowwhattosaythatwouldn?tleadtoher
admittingshehaddeepfeelingsforhimandthemundressedandentwined.
“I?mexhausted,andit?slate,”shebeggedoff.“Can?titwaituntil
tomorrow?”
“Itshouldn?ttakememorethanafewminutestoapologize.”
Shewhippedhergazearoundtohim—anddidn?tsayaword.
Heswallowed,hislong,darkhairwhippingaroundinthenightwind.
Helookedgorgeous,socapableandsensitive.Shefellforhimabitmore.
“Don?tlookshocked,please.I?vehadafewhourstothinkaboutwhat
happenedearlier.Iwaswrongtojumpdownyourthroataboutyourleaving
thismorningtobewithTyler.It?snoneofmybusiness.Youhavealoton
yourmind,andheworksforyou…”Lucshrugged.“Iwon?tlieandsayI
likethewayhelooksatyou.Ihavenodoubthisthoughtsaretotally
unprofessional.Ialsowon?tlieandsaythethoughtofyouwithhimdoesn?t
makemecrazy.”Lucgrippedthesteeringwheeltighter.“Butthat?s
betweenthetwoofyou,andIhavenorighttointerfere.”
Sohewaspasttheangerandknewhe?dpissedheroff,and
accordinglywheeledoutanapology.But…“Inotherwords,it?snoneof
yourbusinessifIfuckTyler,butyoustillthinkIamandwilltrynottogrowl
atmeaboutit?”
“Itdoesn?tmatterwhatIthink.It?syourlife,andIhavenorighttotell
youhowtoliveit.Ihavefourdaysandsomechangelefthere.I?drather
spendthetimeenjoyingyouthanfightingwithyou.”
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“Solet?sputalltheemotionbehindussowecanfucklikerabbitsfor
fourdays?”
God,whydidn?thejustslapherinthefaceinsteadofslowlystabbing
herintheheart?
“Imeantthatyou?reright.Ihaven?tbeenamonksincewefirstgot
together,andit?swrongofmetoexpectthatyouhavenootherlife.Idon?t
knowwhetheryouandTylerhavesomethinggoing.I?mnotpassing
judgment.AllI?msayingisthatI?dratherspendtimewithyou,whateverwe
choosetodo,thanargue.”Hesighed,andshotanenigmaticdarkstareat
her.“You?reafascinatingwoman.Iwanttoknowyoumore.”
Goodguyorplayer?Thatwastheproblem.Shedidn?tknowLucdeep
down.Eitherhewasgenuinelyapologizingforallowinghismisplaced
jealousytogetthebetterofhimorhewassayingwhathethoughtshe
wantedtohear,hopingthatshe?dbemotivatedtoshedherclothesand
spreadherlegs.Eitherway,he?dsaidnothingemotional…butthiswas
thefirsttimehe?dpursuedher.Coulditleadsomewhere?
“WhatIreallywantedtohearwasthatyoubelievedIdidn?thavesex
withTylertoday.”
Lucshrugged.“Youdon?towemeexplanations.”
“Idon?t,”sheagreed.“ButIwanttoknowwhatyoureallythink.”
Itwasprobablypointless,butshecouldn?tstandhimthinkingshewas
thekindofwomanwhosleptaround.
Hepaused,seeminglylostinhisthoughts,sortingthroughthem.
“You?retoodedicatedtoyourfuturetofuckawaytheafternoontheday
yourhappinessopensitsdoors.”
Tearshitherinstantly.Hegotit.Hegother!Itwasastart.
Alyssabitherliptoholditin.Damnexhaustionwasmakingher
weepy,andtheshithadtostop.
Shetookadeepbreathtocomposeherself.“Exactly.”
“I?msorryIputextrastressonyou.”
“I?msorryIdisappearedthismorning.Ishouldhaveleftanoteor
something,explaining…”
What?Thatshe?dbeentoooverwhelmedbytheirtimetogetherand
hadlostherheart?
“Thatyouweretookeyedup?”heguessed.
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Itwasasgoodanexcuseasany.Shenodded.
“Iunderstand.”Heslantedaconcernedfrowntoher.“Didyougetany
dinner?”
Shesortedthroughherevening?sevents,thenshookherhead.
“Lunch?”
No,she?dbeentoobusymakingsureherappearancetonightwas
perfecttoworryaboutfood.“Iskippedit.”
“Breakfast?”Hesoundedincredulous.
Alyssawinced.She?dbeencurleduponherbedatSexySirens,crying
hereyesout.
“Damnit!You?renottakingcareofyourself.Didyousleepatall
today?”
BecauseLordknewLuchadmadecertainshedidn?tgetanysleeplast
night.
Again,sheshookherhead.
Amomentlater,theypulledupinfrontofherhouse.Hehoppedout
andrushedaroundhisSUVtogetherdoor.
Nowthatshe?dbeenstillforabit,wearinesscreptuponher,andshe
stumbledoutofthevehicle—intohisarms.Hebroughtherclose,andshe
allowedherselftofeelsafetyandwarmth,pretendthatshereallymattered
tohim.
“That?sit.”Hesoundedfedup.“Iknowyou?reeagertothrowmeout,
butyouhavetoletmeintotakecareofyou.”
Ifshedidthat,she?dwindupnakedwithhimagain,lettinghimdeep
insideherbody,deeperinsideherheart.
“Luc…”
“You?renottalkingmeoutofit.Keys?”Heheldouthishand.
Alyssawavered.HownicewoulditbetoletLuctakecareofherfora
fewminutes?Shewasalwaysinchargeofeverything—hadbeensincethe
dayshelefthome.Rightnow,givingoverherresponsibilitytohimsounded
likearidiculouslywonderfulfantasy.
Fearingshewouldregretthedecisionbuttootemptedtocare,she
droppedherkeysinLuc?spalm.
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ChapterEight
ASsoonasLucclosedthekeysinsidehisfist,hebentandswepther
intohisarms.Sheclungtohisneck,andthemasculinescentsofpine,
musk,andsoaphithersystem.Itwasagoodthingheheldherorher
kneeswouldhavegivenwaycompletely.
“Wh-what?”shesputtered.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Heunlockedthedoorwithonehand,shoulderedhiswayin,and
stoppedherbeforetheburglaralarmsoshecoulddisarmit.Afterthe
beepingstopped,hewalkedpastherkitchenandsteppeddowntotheden,
depositingheronthedowny-softsofa.Heliftedthequiltsheusuallykept
acrossthebackforchillymorningsanddrapeditoverherlegs.
“Youokay?”
“MoretiredthanIthought…”shemumbled.God,shewasn?teven
sureshecouldstayawakelongenoughtodisrobe,eventhoughsleepingin
thisdresswouldruinit.
Groaning,shetriedtopushtoherfeet.Luceasedherbackdown.
Lackingthewilltoresist,shesettledbackintothecushionswithamutinous
expression.
“You?renotgoinganywhere.”
“Ihavetochange.Takeoffmymakeup.”
“Notrightnow,youdon?t.Givemefiveminutes.Justsitherethatlong.
Ipromisetomakeitworthwhile.”
Shehadnoideawhathewasuptoandwastootiredtoargue.“?K.”
Ashereyesslidshut,sheheardhisfootstepsretreat.Thenextthing
sheknew,Lucwasgentlyshakingher.
“Alyssa?”
“Hmm.”She?dfallenasleeponthecouchwhilehe?d…what?
Watched?
Thenthesmelloffoodhither,andherstomachrumbledinresponse.
Sheopenedhereyestofindeggsandtoastandsomefruitinyogurtona
platebesideher.
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Beforeshecouldask,hepulledtheplateintohislapandsenthera
sternglance.“You?regoingtoeat.Furthermore,you?renotgoingtogoa
wholedaywithouteatingorsleepingagain.Now,openup.”
Luclookedasifhemeantbusiness.Secretly,shewastouched.Was
themantryingtomakeherfallevenmoreinlovewithhim?EveninTyler?s
mostsolicitousmoments,hewouldnevercookforher.Hebarelycooked
forhimself.Andyes,thiswasLuc?sprofession,butthefacthe?ddoneit
aftergettinglittlesleephimselfandbeingonhisfeetalleveningmeltedher.
“Icanfeedmyself.”Shereachedforthefork.
“I?msureyou?vebeendoingitsinceroughlyyourfirstbirthday.ButI?m
atleastpartiallytoblameforyourexhaustionandhunger.Letme.”
Shedidn?tagreewithhisassessment.Shecouldhavehadsomeone
attheclubfixherasaladorcouldhavefoundafewminutestocloseher
eyes,ifshe?dreallywanted.Shewasabiggirl.YetLucinsistedon
shoulderingtheblame.
Someday,hewouldmakesomewomanseriouslyhappy,andthefact
itwouldn?tbehernearlymadehercry.
“Alyssa?”
Tootemptedandtiredtoargue,sheopenedhermouth.Fluffyeggs
withcheeseandsomethingspicyhithertongue.Oh,thenonions,
tomatoes,andmushroomssoperfectlycookedtheymeltedinhermouth.
Hefollowedwithabutterypieceoftoast,thenafewspoonfulsoftheyogurt
andberrymix.Pureheaven.
“Why?”sheaskedbetweenbites.“You?retired,too.Guilt?”
Hepaused,thenloweredtheforkandlookedintohereyes.“I?msorry
ifIupsetyouandruinedyourday.Buttakingcareofyouisn?taboutguilt.”
Insidioushopesearedher.Alyssaopenedhermouthtoaskquestions.
Heplacedhisfingeroverit.“Shh.Nottonight.We?llsortitout
tomorrow.”
Lucwasright.Theyweren?tgoingtosolvetheirproblemsorfigureout
whatwasbetweenthemwhiletheywereboththisclosetoexhaustion.It
wasn?tinhernaturetoputoffuntiltomorrowwhatshouldbedonetoday,
butshesawhislogic.Andwantedtoliveinthisfantasyjustamoment
longer.
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Nodding,sheopenedhermouthagain,andheplacedthenextbite
inside.
Onceherplatewasempty,hebrushedherhairbehindhershoulder,
anchoringitbehindherear.“Stillhungry?”
“Whataboutyou?”
“Iatebeforethedinnerservice.I?mfine.”
Frustratingmanwouldn?tletherworryabouthim,butinsistedontaking
careofher.Itwasaguiltypleasure.Likeeatingicecream,whichshecould
neveraffordifshestillwantedtofitintoherclothes.Butonce…justthisonce,itwassodamndelicious.
“Didyougetenoughtoeat?”heasked.
Alyssaputherhandtoherstomach.“Full.”
Hesmiledtenderly,andherheartflipped.Howeasyithadbeentofall
inlovewithhim…Howfoolish.
“Good.”Luchelpedhertoherfeet.Whenshewobbled,helooked
downatherfeetandfrowned.
“What?”sheasked.
Shakinghishead,Lucbenttoherandremovedhershoes.Ahhh
Thereliefwasnearlyorgasmic.Shehadn?trealizedhowmuchherfeet
hurt.Newshoesweretheworst,butshe?dgottensotiredlaterinthe
eveningthatthepaininherfeethadceasedtoregister.
“Thatbad,huh?”Lucsworeandliftedheragainsthischestoncemore.
“Icanwalk,”sheinsisted.
Hestaredather,andhergazewassnaredbythosedark,inscrutable
eyes.“Yes,butyoudon?thaveto.Now,setthealarm.”
Astheypassedthekeypad,hestoppedandallowedhertoinputthe
code.Onceitwasarmed,heensuredthedoorwaslocked,thenmadehis
wayupthestairs.
“I?mtooheavyforthis,”sheinsisted.
Lucscoffed.“Ioncespentasummerhaulinghundred-poundbagsof
grainupanddownaloadingdock,onebagoneachshoulder.Carryingyou
aroundisabreeze.”
Sweetliar.Shesmiledandclosedhereyes,savoringhiscloseness
andcaring.God,thisfeltsogood.Butshehadnodoubtshe?dpayforit
tomorrowwitheverylastbitofherheart.
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LUCshifted,sinkingdeeperintoasublimelycomfortablebed.
Somethingsmelledgood,likepeachesandcinnamon.Hmm.Andawarm
femininebodyrestedbesidehim,laxinawayonlycompletetrustallowed.
Experimentally,hemovedahand—andencounteredalushhipunderhis
fingers.
Hismorningerectionjumpedfrompromisingtodemanding.
Heopenedhiseyesandtookinthepalewalls,sheercurtains,
shadowsoflatemorning.Gorgeousplatinumhairandsoft,rhythmic
breathing.
Alyssa.
Everythinginsidehimtightenedwitharousal,anxiety,andconfusion.
Whatthehellhadhappenedyesterday?Afterthey?dhadmind-blowing
sex,he?dcrashed,thenawakenedabruptlyoncehe?drealizedAlyssa
wasn?tinbedbesidehim.She?dneverpickeduphiscallstohercellphone,
andhisanxietygrew.Whenhe?dtrackedherdownatBonheurhourslater,
he?dfoundherinTyler?sarms.Theswitchforhispossessiveinstincthad
flippedoninabigway.He?dbeennearlyberserkwithjealousy.
Lucdidn?tunderstandtheinstinctforseveralreasons.First,hehadn?t
liedwhenhe?dsaiditseemedunlikelyAlyssahadallowedherbouncerto
fuckherthatafternoon.IthadtakenLucawhiletoreachthatconclusion,
butheknewitwastrue.AlyssawastooambitioustoriskBonheur?s
openingforapieceofass.
Thatstilldidn?teasehisaggravationbecausehedoubtedtheir
relationshipwasplatonic.Tylerwouldn?tstickaroundifhewasn?tgetting
any,solikely,onanyotherdaythebouncerwouldhavehadAlyssanaked
andspreadoutforhispleasure.
Tighteninghisgriponhersleepingform,hetriedtopushtheimage
away.
WhatLuccouldn?tfigureoutwaswhyhecaredwhoAlyssafucked.
Thinkingbackthroughallhisrelationshipsinthelastdozenorsoyears—
mostofthemménage—he?dneveroncefeltanurgetograbthegirland
keepheralltohimself.Nowhecouldhardlytampdowntheimpulse.
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Whenyou’vegotfeelingsforawoman,jealousycomeswiththe
territory
Feelings,Dekehadsuggested.AndLuchadonlyafewdaysleftto
figurethemout.Yesterday,she?dpulledaway.He?dactuallyfeltherputting
distancebetweenthem.Thatrealityhadinfusedhimwithavaguepaniche
didn?tunderstand.Afterthisweek,he?dlikelyneverseeAlyssaagain.How
couldhefitherintohislifewhenshedidn?tfitintothefuturehe?d
envisioned?Nothingaboutthewayshelookedorbehavedsaid“mother
material,”especiallyherrelationshipwithherownmom.Andifhepursued
Intracytoplasmicsperminjectionortheywenttoaspermbank,getting
pregnantinherprofessionwouldbethekissofdeath.Yes,shealsohad
Bonheur,andshecouldbepregnantandrunarestaurant…butshestill
spentalotoftimeatSexySirens.Besides,onelookatherandartificial
inseminationwasthelastthingthatcametomind.Hedidn?tseeanyother
optionexcepttofuckheroutofhissystemsothatwhenhereturnedtoEast
Texas,hecouldfocusonEmilyandhisdreamsoffatherhood.
Problemwas,heactuallylikedAlyssa.Asawoman.Asaperson.And
whatevertheyhad,itwasn?tjustsex.
Worse,lastnight,he?dgottenthisoddpleasureintakingcareofher.
Sheworkedsodamnhard,fulfillingtheneedsofherbusinessesandher
employeesbeforeseeingtoherown.
Oncehewasgone,whowouldtakecareofher?
Tyler.
God,eventheman?snameburnedlikeacidinhisgut.Hesqueezed
hiseyesshut.Whythehellshouldhebesojealousofanothermanwhen
hewastheonelyingnakedbesideher?
Becauseit’snotgoingtolast
Shovingtheuglythoughtaway,heproppedhimselfupandlookedat
Alyssa?sclock.Teneighteen.Wow,they?dbothbeenexhausted,sleepinga
goodninehoursplus.
Suddenly,sherolledoverslowlyandopenedhereyes.Herlashes
battedslumberously,hermakeupsmudgedbeneathhereyes.Ratherthan
resemblingaraccoon,shelookedvulnerable.
Onceshesawhim,Alyssaglancedaway,vaguepaniconherface.
“Whathappened?”
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ShaylaBlack
Damnit,shewaspullingawayagain,andallhewantedwasthat
trustingwarmthagainsthimagain,herarmsaroundhim,herlipsraisedto
his.
Hestrokedhershoulderwithasoothingtouch.“Nothing.Youwere
hungryandexhausted.Doyouremembereatinglastnight?”
Immediately,sheflushedandnodded.“Youfedme.”
Asmiletouchedhismouth.“Yes.ThenIbroughtyoutobed.Youfell
asleephalfwayupthestairs.”
Shecoveredherfacewithherhands,thenpeekedoneeyeout.
“Seriously?”
Lucnodded.“Deadasleep.Youmumbledsomethingaboutnot
wantingtoruinyourdressjustbeforeyouconkedout,soItookitoffand
tuckedyouin.”
Alyssawriggled,blinked.“Youtookeverythingoff.”
“Ididn?tknowwhatyouusuallysleptin…andIlikeyouthisway.”
Sighing,sherolledhereyes.“Whattime—Oh!”Glancingattheclock,
shecursed.“WeshouldbeatBonheuraroundtwelve.Ithinktheotherswill
betherebytwo.”
“Good.Thenwehavetime.”
“Forwhat?”Hereyesnarrowedsuspiciously.
Herbodywaspressedclosetohis;shecouldn?thaveanydoubtsthat
hewantedherbadly.Butherexpressiontoldhimthatsexwasn?tfirston
herlist,andhesupposedshestillhadquestionsaboutyesterday.
“Aproperbreakfast,foronething.”Histonescoldedher.
“And?”
“Whateverelsehappens.”
Shesatupinbedandwrappedthecoversaroundher.Thesheethid
herlushcurves,evenasitmoldedtothem.Lucfeltnearlydizzywithwant.
“Intheinterestofsavingtimeandbullshit,justansweronequestion.
Whatisgoingonbetweenus?”
Thatwasdirect.Lucactuallyadmiredherforhavingthegutstoask
whatshereallywantedto,fornottakingtheeasywayout.
“Idon?tknow,”heansweredhonestly.“Ilikeyou,Iwantyou,andthe
thoughtofyouwithTylerripsmetoshreds.That?sallIknow.”
Shepaused.“Unchartedterritoryforyou?”
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Lucnodded.Herealizedthat,inallhis“relationships,”he?dnever
takenthetimetoreallyknowawomanunlessitsuitedhispurpose.Ifthere
wasanendtoachieve,hefiguredthewomanoutenoughtomanipulateher
responseinhisdirection.WithAlyssa,hewantedtoknowherbecauseshe
fascinatedthehelloutofhim.
“Me,too.”Sheadmitted.“Idon?t…dorelationships.”
Hefrowned.“Youdon?tgetemotionallyinvolved?”
Alyssaraisedherkneestoherchestandcurledherarmsaround
them.“Trustishardforme.Idon?tusuallyletmenintomypersonalspace.”
Shetossedhimapointedglare.“ThishouseissupposedtobemyZen
retreat,hencethepalewalls,theblack-and-whitenaturephotos,andwater
features.Icomeheretoescape,notfuck.”
Ifhewastranslatingherright,shewasclaimingthatshe?dnever
broughtanothermanhere.WhataboutTylerandhishousekey?For
protectivepurposesonly?Thefactshe?dbrokenherruleforLuctwicesaid
somethingaboutherfeelings.Theansweringleapinhischestscaredthe
shitoutofhim.
God,couldhereallyfuckheroutofhissysteminfourdays,orwould
hejustfallincompletely?
“FriendswithbenefitsisasfarasIevergo.Sotoactuallygiveadamn
atallisweirdforme.”
Soshegaveadamnabouthim.Itwasn?thugeemotion,butitwasa
start.Questionwas…wherewasitleading?Hehadnoclue.
“Anyreasonyoudon?tgetemotional?”Heknewfromexperiencethat
emotionmadethesexricher.Itwasonereasonhealwaystriedtofeel
somethingforhispartners.
“Idon?tneedcomplication,andhappily-ever-afterisbullshit.Every
night,Iseelotsofmarriedmenwhowouldgivetheirrightnuttofuckmeor
oneoftheothergirls,wifebedamned.”Shesenthimasadsmile.“You?re
herecheatingonagirlfriend.I?mnotstupid,Luc.Idon?tsetmyselfupfor
heartache.”
Hadthatbeenwhysheleftyesterdaymorningwithoutaword,
becausehe?dgottentoheremotionally?Andwhydidhelikethatthought
somuch?
“Wheredoesthatleaveus?”hewhispered.
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“Ifweweresmart,we?dendthisnow.”
Notuntilhewasgoodandready.Asmiserableasshelooked,he
didn?tthinkthatwaswhatshewanted,either.
Soheleanedcloserandbrushedhismouthoverhers.“Idon?tthinkI
canbesmartwhenitcomestoyou.”
Shegaspedunderhiskiss,andhebrushedhislipsdownherneck,
lettingthesoundrollthroughhim.
“Luc…”Alyssaputahandtohisshoulder.
Hewascertainshemeanttopushhimaway.Instead,shegrippedhis
hairinherfistandpulledhimcloser,herlipsfeatheringacrosshisjaw,her
teethnippingathisear.
Ashiverrackedhim.God,whatwasitaboutthiswoman?Aroundher,
hecouldn?tkeephishead.
Or,hefeared,hisheart.
Alyssaraisedtoherkneesabovehimandpushedhimtohisback.He
wentwillingly,groaningwhensherippedthesheetawayfromhisbodyand
fellontopofhim,hermouthsearingitswayacrosshischest.Shedidthose
wickedlittletrickswithhisnipplesagain,anddamnifhewasn?talreadyso
hardhecouldn?tstringathoughttogether.
Whenherhanddrifteddownhisabdomenandherfingerscircledhis
cock,hecriedout.
“Youlikethat?”sheasked,allcoyvixenasshestrokedhislength
roughly.
“Fuck,yes.”
“Everyoneelsethinksyou?recontrolled.AgreatSoutherngentleman.”
Shelaughed.“You?resonotgentlemanlyinthebedroom.”
Again,shestrokedhimupanddown,hergrasptight,herpace
blistering.Whenherthumbbrushedthecrestofhiscock,hisbackarched
andhiseyesflewwide.Jesus!
Alyssaredefinedpleasureforhim.Virtuallyeverydropofbloodinhis
bodyhadpooledbetweenhislegs.Thepressurewasintense,andevery
strokepiledsensationontopofsensation.
Thensheslidherwaydownhisbody.
“Notagoodidea,”hecroaked.
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Buthishandsdelvedintoherhair,holdingherbetweenhislegs.He
guidedhertohiscock.
Atthefirsttouchofhermouth,needspiked.Hegrittedhisteeth.“Oh,
God.”
Watchher;hehadto.Lucdidn?twanttomissamomentofhermouth
onhim.Shebattedherlashes,herblueeyesaliveandelectric,shocking
himdowntohiscore.Thatsweetredmouthopened,theplumplowerlip
theperfectrestingplaceforhisdick.Hertonguepeekedout,swipinghis
headasifshelickedalollipop.Thenshemoanedandlickedherlips—and
helosthismind.
“Suckit,”hedemanded.“Putmycockinyourmouthandsuckhard.”
Instead,sheraisedabrowathim,thenlickedhisballs,runninga
thumbupthelengthofhisdick.Differentsensations—onesthatwerelike
addinggasolinetothefuneralpyreofhisrestraint.
“Idon?ttakeorders.IfIsuckyou,itwillbewhenandhowIwant.”
Hisfiststightenedinherhair.Thewomanwastauntinghim.Bad,bad
move.Hiscontrolwasshot,bodytaut,teethclenchedashetriedtogetit
together.Butshedrewhertongueuphislengthagain,grazingthe
sensitivecrestwithherteeth.Hehissedinsizzlingpleasure.He?dnever
beenoneforthepainfuledgeofdesirebefore,butthewayAlyssa
deliveredit…Damn.
Takinghimselfinhand,heguidedhiscocktohermouth.
“Suckitnow,”hesnapped,hisvoicetight,strained.He?dapologize
later.Rightnowhereallyneededtofeelthewetsilkofhermouthheating
hiscocktoafever.
Themomenthertonguecradledhisdick,Lucsuckedinasharp
breath.Therushofsensationblistereditswaythroughhim,dartingdown
hislegs.DesiresearedhisentirebodyasAlyssa?sheadbobbedupand
down.Gorgeoussight.
Shetookhimtothebackofherthroat,theneasedoutwithasuction
sostrong,Lucnearlylosthismind.Hertongueflirtedacrosshisheadas
herfingernailsdugintohisthighs.Desireswelled,rapidlypushingthelimits
ofhisenduranceandcontrol.Ithadtakenhermaybethirtysecondsto
bringhimtotheedge.Fuck!Hisbreathingshort-circuited.Hefistedhis120
ShaylaBlack
handsinherhair,tryingtoslowherdown.Everyflareofsensationand
searingtingleworkedagainsthim.God,hecouldn?tlastlonglikethis.
No,hewasn?tcominginhermouth.Herpussy.Ithadtobethere.Very
quickly,thathadbecomehisfavoriteplace.Asmuchashelovedher
mouthandcouldn?twaittoexploreherassagain…heneededtobedeep
insidethemostfemalepartofher,poundingherthroughmultipleorgasms
beforehefinallyletgo.
Butfirst,he?drepaythebrazenwitchforherteasing.
Liftingheroffhiscock,heheardanaudiblepopwhenhelefther
mouth.Shereachedforhimagain,whimperinginfrustration.
“Iwasn?tdone,”shegrowled.
“Youarefornow.Myturn.”
Anticipationscorchedhissystemashewrappedhisarmsaroundher
andliftedheruppasthiships,overhisabdomen,raisingherabovehis
shoulders—andsettlingherthighsoneithersideofhisface.
“Luc!”sheprotested.
Hedidn?tbotheransweringher.Thescentofhermuskytangpierced
hissystemandrevveduphisdesire.Bloodsizzledinhisveinsashe
grabbedherhipsandliftedhishead,swipinghistonguethroughthewet
foldsofherpussyuntilhereachedherclit.Wet,swollen,hard.Perfect
Whenhesuckeditintohismouth,shereleasedahigh-pitched,ragged
gaspandclutchedtheheadboardasifsheneededserioussteadying.Luc
smiledandrantheflatofhistongueoverhersensitivebundleofnerves.
“Oh,my—Oh…Luc,”shepanted.“That?sso—Damn!It?sfast.I
can?t—”
Hescrapedhisteethoverherclitgently…withjustenoughpressure
toprovetoherthat,infact,shecould.Rightthatinstant.
Alyssascreamedinpleasure,anditwasthesweetestsound.Her
releasefilledhimwithprimalneedandasatisfactionunlikeanyother.He?d
alwaysinsistedonleavingpartnerssated,butthiswasbothgratifyingand
frustrating.Incredible…butnotenough.Notnearly.
Creamflowedfromherbody,andhewasthrilled.She?dneeditlater,
nodoubt.Butnowhewantedmoreonhistongue.Muchmore.
Holdingherinplacewithonehandatherhip,herantheotherupthe
insideofherthigh,thenpressedafingerinsideher.Herheatenveloped
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ShaylaBlack
himinstantly,herfleshclinging,stillripplingwiththeaftereffectsofher
climax.
“Nomoreplayingaround.Justfuckme.”
Notuntilshewasgoodandready.Notuntilhedismantledwhatever
wallshe?derectedbetweenthem.Notuntilherbodyhadcompletely
surrendered.
Lucdidn?tbotherwithwords.Instead,heslidtwofingersintoher
pussy.Tight.God,everytimehegotinsideheritwasadeliciousstruggle
healwayslookedforwardto.Todaywouldbeevenbetterbecauseshewas
stillswollenfromtheirlastencounter.
Withatwistofhiswrist,hefinallysubmergedhisfingersinsideher.A
fewsecondsandabitoffondlinglater,hefoundthatsensitivesmoothspot
thatdrovehermadandrubbedunmercifullyashesethismouthbackon
herclit.
Shegasped,grabbingthesheetsaroundher,herbodybowingasshe
triedtoabsorbthesensations.
Againsthisfingersandtongue,hecouldfeelherfleshgrowmoreslick
andswollen.Herbreathbegantocatch;thenshemoaned.
“Luc.Oh,Luc.Please…It?stoomuch.Toobig.Oh!”
Inthatmoment,hewantedtodeliverthekindofpleasurethatwould
devastateher,breakherwilltoresisthimeveragain.
Herolledherclitaroundonhistonguelikecandy,swipingitfromtopto
bottom,sidetoside.Hersleekthighstightened,herfistsontheheadboard
grewmorefrantic,andherfoldsswelledsobeautifully.Lucpulledhis
mouthawayforamomenttolookather.Yes!Herfleshthrobbed,anangryredthatdemandedfulfillment.
Shebreathedamomentofrelief—untilthatitchy,achyfeelingcaught
uptoherandmadeitsdemandsknown.
Thenshewhimpered.“Luc!”
“Don?twantmetostop,doyou?”
“No.Please,no.”
Thatwasallthecueheneeded.Grinning,hesettledhismoutharound
herclitoncemoreandsuckedin.Withteethandtongue,heworkedher,
scrapingherwithpleasureuntilherwholebodytightened,thenpulsed.She
keenedoutareleasethatstrippedherthroatraw.
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SatisfactionspikedthroughLuc.God,helovedajobwell-done.
Buthewasn?tthroughwithheryet.
Heurgedherdownhisbody,spreadingherlegswiderwithhisknees,
holdinghiswaitingcockupwithhisotherhand.
“Wait!”Shesoundedasthoughshewastryingtocatchherbreath.
“Condom?We…forgotlasttime.”
He?dbeentoobusyandoverwhelmedtothinkofit.
Luchesitated,thenfinallysaid,“I?mclean.”
“Iam,too,butnotonbirth—”
Surgingup,hecoveredhermouthwithhis.Noneedtoletherfinish
thatsentence.Didn?tmatter,andhedidn?twanttothinkaboutit,muchless
confesshissterility.Heprobablyshouldwearacondomwithher…but
takingAlyssabarebackwasasublimeexperiencehecouldn?tforgo.
Forasecond,shestruggledagainstthekiss,buthepersisted,
devouringherinaslowfirethatsoonhadhermeetinghim,meltingagainst
him,hermoutheverybitashungry.
Burningupinside,hepushedherdownthelastfewinches,ontohis
erection.
Theslideinwasabiteasierthistimethanlast.Stillastruggle.Still
everybitashotanddevastatingashe?dcometoexpect.Thefrictionmade
himcross-eyed,rippedamoanfromhisthroat.Hegrittedhisteethtohold
himselftogether,especiallywhenshegaspedandgrabbedhishair.
Stavingoffallthesensationbecamedoublydifficultwhenshewrithedon
topofhim,ensuringthattheheadofhiscockbumpedhercervix.He
couldn?tbeindeeper.
Itwasamazing.No,fuckingamazing.
“Thatgood,sugar?”
Alyssawhimperedheranswer.Hesmiled.Thenliftedherinaslow
withdrawal.
Ashethrustintohisfirststroke,pleasureburnedhisgut,grippedhis
cock.Totallyoverwhelming.He?dwantedthistobeyearningand
unforgettable.Nowshe?doverloadedhimondesireandhejusthadtohope
hedidn?tbecomeabatteringram.Shemustcomeagain.Despitehis
skyrocketingneed,thatwasn?tnegotiable.
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Tighteninghishandsonherhips,hebegantofuckherindeep,hard
strokes,hisentirebodytightening,sizzling,withthefeelofherallaround
him.Onethrustafteranother,comingfaster…faster.Hecouldn?tget
enough,feelenough.Beingwithher…Thesexwassomuchmorethan
justsex.Intense,incredible.Holdingbackthepleasuregotmoredifficult
witheverylungeinsideherlushbody,especiallyasshetightenedaround
him,gaspingandmewling.
“Yes!”shecriedinhisearasshebroughtherbodyflushagainsthis.
“Luc…Oh,God!”
Hearingherscreamhisnamewaskillinghisself-control.Hewantedto
lavishpleasureonherforhours,days.Buttheheatwascombustive,
burninghimupwithliquidfire.Thepressure,theneed,gnawedathis
composure.Still,hevowedtotakeAlyssawithhim.
Herbreastbobbedinfrontofhismouth,andhetookitstendertipin
andsucked.Shearchedherback,pressinghernippleagainsthistongue.
Againstherflesh,hewhispered,“Comeforme.”
“Yes,”shesobbedandclampeddownonhiscock.
Hecouldn?tholditinanymore.Thebaseofhisspinetingled.Hisballs
tightened.Thankfully,Alyssawaswithhim,grippinghimtightwithher
pussy,thenmilkinghimwithhardpulsesanddesperatekissesacrosshis
face,herarmstightaroundhisneck.Lucclungtoherwhilehesurged
insideherasdeepaspossibleandnudgedhercervix.
Foragreedy,unguardedmoment,heimaginedAlyssawearinghis
ring,besidehiminbedeverynight,intheirhouse,withhischildswellingherbelly.Thethoughtburstthedamnofhisself-controlandorgasm
crashedoverhim.Thevisionstilldancinginhishead,heexplodeddeepin
herbody.
Afterthelastshudder,hisbrainkickedin.Whatafuckingridiculous
fantasy—forsomanyreasons.
AssoonasAlyssacaughtherbreath,sheslumpedagainsthim.
Thoughheshouldn?t,Lucreveledinthefeeloftheirheartbeatschugging
againsteachother,thelax,trustingdrapeofherbodyoverhis.Hebrushed
ahandupanddownherdampback,soothing.
“Youokay,sugar?”
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ShaylaBlack
Herheadsnappedup,andsherolledoffhimtositattheedgeofthe
bed.“Fine.”
Shesoundedmoreexhaustedandconfused,andhecouldn?tquite
forgetthatthelastwordsoutofhermouthbeforehe?dseducedherwereto
endwhateverwashappeningbetweenthem.
Fatchance,especiallynow.Lucwasn?tdonewithher.Shewasn?tout
ofhissystem.Thatsneakyvisionofhisfantasyfutureprovedit.Ifanything,
shewasburroweddeeper,tellinghimthathe?dhavetoworkhardertoget
overherinthreedays.Already,hismindturnedwithideas.Hejustprayed
theyworked.
INSIDEBonheur,thekitchenstaffbustledwiththeendofthedinner
service.Allevening,Alyssahadwalkedeverysquareinchofthedining
roomandpatiotoensureeverythingwasperfect,herguestssatisfied.She
glancedatherwatch.Lessthantenminutesbeforethedoorsclosedonher
firstreal—andverysuccessful—nightofbusiness.
LessthantenminutesleftforLuctokeeppokinghisheadoutofthe
kitchen,trackingherdown,andmurmuringconcernedquestionsabouther
well-being.Hiscaringwasgoingtobethedeathofherheart,andifhekept
pushing…Alyssadidn?tknowwhatshewoulddo.
Sheneededafewminutestoherself.Thenshecouldfacehimagain,
armorinplace.Shehoped.
Closingthedoortoheroffice,sheflippedonthelightandexhaled.Luc
justoverwhelmedher.Everythingabouthimwasso…intense,
demanding.Hehadagentleside;she?dseenit.Butsomethingwasriding
him.Hewaspushinghard,butforwhatshedidn?tunderstand.
Sighing,shemadeherwaytohernewdesk.IfBonheurdidwell,she?d
moveallherbookkeepingoverhere,herlaptop,herfiles.She?delevate
oneofthedependabledancerslikeSadietomanagersoshecouldspend
moretimehere,withherhappiness.She?dworkedhardforsuccess,to
changeherlife.Thethoughtofneverhavingtotakeherclothesoffinpublic
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ShaylaBlack
againwasdeeplysatisfying.Andifshesucceeded,shecouldsayshe?d
doneitonherown.
Foramoment,Alyssawonderedwhathermotherwouldhavethought
ofheraccomplishments.Thenrealizedthatshewouldhavelivedindenial
aboutSexySirensandthestripping…andeverythingthathadcome
beforeit.Goodol?TrishahadalwayshadthatBeverlyHillshousewife
knackforburyingherheadinthesand,especiallyifconfrontedwith
anythingtawdrybeforehertena.m.mimosa.
Anditdidn?tmatter.Hermomwasgone,andherfuturewasontrack..
.mostly.Lucaside,Bonheurhaddoneagreatbusinessthisevening.It
wasapromisingstart.
Hopetwistedinsideherasshepulledherchairawayfromherdesk,
glanceddown—andscreamed.
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ChapterNine
WHORE.Thewordjumpedoutatherinbigredlettersonastarkwhite
pagestabbedintotheseatofherleatherofficechair.Shit!
Morewordsleaptoffthepage,swimmingintohervision.Trembling,
sheleanedin,carefulnottotouchanything,andread:
You’refornicatingwithyourchef.Withthisblade,Iwillensurethat
younevertemptamanagain.
Sheshook.Thesickobehindthismeantbusiness.Nomorepushing
thatfrighteningfactaside.Thispersonwasalsoeerilywellinformedabout
herrelationshipwithLuc.Ascornedwomandidn?tusuallyusethesescare
tactics.So,iftheculpritwasn?tajealousfemale…whowoulddothisto
her?Andwhy?
Amomentlater,Lucrushedin,tookonelookatherface,andgrabbed
hershoulders.“Whatisit?”
Shepointeddowntothechair.Hisstarefollowed.Amomentlater,his
expletivesfilledtheroom,andsheshuddered.Violencesuffocatedtheair
inthesmall,windowlessspace.Someonehadsneakedintoherofficethis
eveningtothreatenher.Forthethirdtimeinasmanydays.Luclooked
readytokill.
“We?vegottogettothebottomofthis.Whoeverisresponsibleis
gettingmoresadisticandbrazen.”
Agreed.“I?llcallRemy.”
Lucscowled.“Ishedoinganythingtostopthiscreep?Makingany
headwayintheinvestigation?”
“Theydon?tevenhavetheresultsfromtheirinvestigationofmycar
yet,so…”
Withanotherexpletive,helookedbackattheemptydoorway.“What
aboutTyler?”
“Hedoesn?thaveanytheories,either.”
“No.Imean,haveyouthoughtthat,maybe,hemightbebehindthis?”
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What?She?dhiredTylertobouncepeopleoutoftheclubandprotect
herwhileshewasthere.He?dalwaysgoneaboveandbeyondthecallof
duty,hoveringoverprotectively,puttingoffapossessiveboyfriendvibe.It
hadworked,too.SinceTylerhadcomeonboardafewmonthsago,the
incidencesofwalkingintoherofficeorbedroomattheclubandbeing
surprisedbyanakedmanorawould-berapisthaddecreasedtoalmostnil.
“Tylerwouldn?tdothis.”
“Whoelsewouldbethisjealousofourrelationship?”
InLuc?smind,weretheyhavingarelationshiporjustfucking?
Let’ssee…He’safamouschef,and,tendercarelastnightaside,
you’rebasicallyawhoretohim.Whatdoyouthink?
“Anynumberofpeoplecouldhavedonethis,”shepointedout.“Like
Primpton.You?veseenwhataheadcaseheis.OrPeter.Iheardheasked
aboutmeattheclublastnightandwaspissedwhenhelearnedIhadn?t
come.ApparentlyhedemandedthatsomeonegetmedownthereASAP.”
“Didyouseeeitherofthemheretonight?”
Sheshookherhead.“ButIdidn?tseeeveryonewhocame.Oritcould
besomeoneI?veneverdealtwith,who?sjustblendedintothecluband
madeupsomesickfantasyinhisheadthatIbelongtohim.Ithasn?t
happenedtome,butI?vetalkedtoothersinthebusinesswhosayit
happens.”
“Ithinkweshouldruleoutthemoreobvioussuspectsfirst.”Luc
swallowed,afierce,determinedexpressiontighteninghisface.“IswearifI
getmyhandsontheassholedoingthistoyou,thepolicewillbeluckyif
there?senoughleftofhimtoidentifybydentalrecords.”
Alyssastared.Lucwasthatoutragedonherbehalf?Granted,he
wouldn?tliketoseeanywomanthreatened,but…
“Thisiscrappy,buthehasn?tactuallydoneanythingbutthreatenso
far.Hopefully,heneverdoes.”
Luc?smouthpursed,andhesentheragrimstare.“Iwouldn?tbeton
that.He?scomingforyou.Soon.CallRemy.Heneedstomakethisa
priority.”
Tylerskiddedtoahaltinthedoorway.“Sorry.Iwasinthecan.”His
gazebouncedbackandforthbetweenthetwoofthem.“Whatthefuckis
goingon?”
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ShaylaBlack
WasitevenpossibleTylerhaditinforherbecauseshe?drefusedto
sleepwithhim?Washeweirdlyobsessed?
Alyssadismissedthethoughtalmostinstantly.He?ddonenothingbut
helpher,seetohersafety.He?dhadamillionopportunitiestobealonewith
herandhe?ddonenothingtohurtorendangerher.
Butwhoelseknowsforcertainthatyou’rehavingsexwithLuc?
“Seeforyourself,”shefinallysaidtoherbouncer,thensteppedaway
fromthechair.She?dwatchhisexpression,seeifhelookedsurprised…
ormenacing.
Heroundedthedesk,lookingslightlyuncomfortableandoutofplace
inawhitedressshirtpartiallyunbuttonedandalooseburgundytie.He?d
ditchedhissuitcoatlongagoindeferencetotheheat.
Tylerpeeredintothechair,stiffeningwhenhesawthenote.He
scootedclosertoreadit,thensworeprofusely.“I?mgoingtokillthissonof
abitchifIgetmyhandsonhim.”
“YouandLucboth.Great.You?llbothgotoprisonforvigilantemurder
andleavemealonetofacethenextscumbucket.”
Herchefandherbouncerlookedateachother,clearlyhard-pressed
tobelievethey?dagreedonanything.
“GetRemyonthephone,”Tylerdemanded.“Iwanttotalktothatlazy
Cajun.”
“Doeshealwaysfailtodohisjob?”Lucasked.
AlyssaansweredbeforeTylercould.“He?snotusedtothismuch
troublefromme.He?sbigintostoppingdrugs,gangs,andvandals.People
hecanpound.He?snotsogreatwithinvestigating.”
“I?mgoingtofixit,”Lucdeclared,reachingforthecellphoneinhis
pocketasheheadedfortheofficedoor.
“Whoareyoucalling?”sheaskedafterhim.
Hedidn?tanswer.
Mutteringunderherbreathaboutdifficultmen,shefollowed.
“Whereareyougoing?”Tylerdemandedofher.
Apparentlyinterestedintheanswer,Lucturnedandstared,blocking
thedoorway.
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ShaylaBlack
Thetestosteroneoverloadinthelittleroomcouldseriouslygotoher
head.Shecouldbottleitandwomeneverywherewouldpayoodlestofeel
thisridiculouslyfeminine.
Shakingoffthethought,shepeeredaroundLuc,downtheshadowed
hallway,frustratedatthelackofview.“Ineedtosaygood-byetothelastof
myguests,seethemtothedoor,thankthemforcoming.”
“I?lldoit.”Luc?sofferwasmorelikeademand.“Stayhereandcall
Remy.”
“They?remyguests!”
“Theyatemyfood.I?mnotplayingatsemanticswhenyoursafetyison
theline.”ThenheturnedtoTylerandthrewameanglarethebouncer?s
way.“Keepherhereandguardher.IsweartoGodifyouruffleahairon
herhead,Iwillsplityourskullintwoandflambéyourbrainwhileyourheart
isstillbeating.”
Tylergrunted.“NoticehownoneofthisshithappenedtoAlyssauntil
youshowedup?Everythingwasfairlypeacefulbeforeyouleaptintoherlifeandfuckeditallup.”
“Yougettoojealous?Can?tstandtoseemewithher?”Luc
challenged.
Oh,dearGod.“Canyoutworefrainfrombeatingthecrapoutofeach
otherforthenexttenminutes?Let?sgetthedoorsclosedandlocked.
Whentheparkinglotisempty,youcangooutthereandhaveyourpissing
match.”
Luc?sgazetouchedher;thenheglareddarklyatTyler.“I?llbeback.”
Whenhe?dgone,Tyler?sdisapprovalreverberatedthroughthe
resultingtensesilence.“Idon?tgetit.Ifyoupushhimoutofthefucking
door,thethreatsgoaway.”
“Maybe.Maybenot.”
Heshookhishead.“Probably.Butyoulethimstay.Inyourhouse.In
yourfuckingbed!I?veonlyworkedforyouafewmonths,butit?snotlikeyou
tostartaflingorwearyourheartonyoursleeve.Doyou…lovehim?”
Thequestionblindsidedher.WhenhadTylereverreallytalkedabout
feelings?Almostnever,atleastbeforeLuccametotown.Washeactually
jealous?
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ShaylaBlack
Alyssahesitated.Shethoughtoflying.Butifhewantedtohurther,
punishher,whyhadn?thedoneitalready?
Finally,sheforcedherselftolookhimrightintheeyeandwhisper,
“Yes.”
LUCplasteredonhismostwinningsmileashehelpedthelastof
Bonheur?spatronsoutthedoor.Henodded,smiled,signedautographs,
inchingthemeverclosertotheexit.Finally,atjustpasteleven,heshut
themoutandlockedup,thenpalmedhisphone.
Withouthesitating,hedialedhiscousin?snumber.Dekepickedupon
thefirstring.
“What?swrong?”
“Howdoyouknowsomethingis?”
Dekesnorted.“You?dnevercallthislateifeverythingwasgreat.”
Goodpoint.Nothingwasgreatrightnow.
Lucsighed.“WhoeverbrokeintoAlyssa?sclubhasthreatenedher—
morethanonce.Tonight,hebrokeintoBonheurandthreatenedheragain.
Thelocalsseemeitherincapableorunwillingtogettothebottomofthis.I
needyourhelp.”
“I?mleavingonanassignmentdayaftertomorrow.I?llstopintomorrow
withJack,sinceIhavetoconferwithhimnowthathe?sback.I?llseeifIcan
bringKimber?sbrotherwithme.”
“Whichone?”Lucsworeunderhisbreath.Neitherhadapprovedofhis
briefrelationshipwiththeirsisterandhiscousin—andmadenoeffortto
hideit.
“Hunter.”
Lucsworeagain.Logan,theyounger,wasameanbastardwitha
temperamilewide,buthecouldbereasonedwith…eventually.Hunter
wascold,calculating.Crafty.Andascommunicativeasabrickwall.There
wouldbenotalkinghimoutofhisdislike.
“JackandIaretryingtoconvinceHuntertoleavethenavy.Wecould
usesomeonelikehimonourteam.”
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ShaylaBlack
“Whatcanhedohere?Ineedsomeoneabletoinvestigatewho?s
behindthesethreats.”
“Hunterisoneofthebest.Trustme.Youdon?thavetolikeeachother,
justknowhe?sgoingtosolvetheissue.”
Fromeverythinghe?dheard,whenHunterwasonamission,hewas
relentlessandcagey.“WhateverkeepsAlyssasafe.”
“We?llbetherebeforenoonsoyoucanbriefus.”
Lucdisconnectedthecall.Alyssawouldnotlikethis;Deke,Jack,and
Hunterwouldinsistoncontrollinghersurroundingsandrestrictingher
movements,butLucwantedhersafe.Period.
Whenhereturnedtothelittleoffice,TylerwasreamingRemyanew
assholeonthephone.Lucalmostlikedhimforit.
Alyssalookedupathisreturn.“Makehimreleaseme.”
Sheheldupawristshackledtoadeskdrawerbyhandcuffs.
LucturnedtoTyler.“Youcarrythoseonyou?”
Thebouncersmiled.“Shewasgoingtoditchoutandsaygoodnightto
herguests,thenheadtoSexySirens.”
“Likehell!”Lucexploded.Didshehavenoconceptofthefactthatif
thissickbastardgothishandsonher,he?dlikelyrapeheratbest,or
perhapstortureandkillher?
“IwasgoingtotakeTyler,atleastuntilheturnedtraitoronme.ButI
havetogettotheclub.Sadiecalledandoneofthegirlsshowedupstoned.
Noonecanfireherbutme.Besides,it?sSaturdaynight,ourbusiestnight
oftheweek.Thegirlscanhandlethingsforonenight,butnottwoinarow.”
Lucsawherpoint,butherbusinesswasn?tasurgentashersafety.
“Theonlyplaceweknowthisfreakhasn?tinvadedisyourhouse.Youneed
tobethere.Callthegirlwho?susingandfireheroverthephone.Tylercan
headoverthere,beyoureyesandears,butyou?renotputtingyourselfin
danger.”
“It?smyclub.Ican?taffordtoshirkmyresponsibilitybecauseyoudon?t
likeit.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“You?renotgoing.”
IfAlyssahadhadbothhandsfree,Luchadnodoubtshe?dtearhis
headoff.“You?renotmyhusbandorboyfriend.Yousaidyourselfthatwe?re
justfucking,soyou?renotgoingtostopme.”
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ShaylaBlack
“I?mnotarguingthis.WhatdidRemysay?”
Tylerfilledhiminonaconversationthatwasawholebunchofblah,
blah,blahasfarasLucwasconcerned.Bottomline:Legallyspeaking,
otherthansomevandalismandalittleB&E,theculprithadn?tdone
anythingarrest-worthy.
Luccouldn?tcontainhiscurse.He?ddealwiththelazysherifflater.For
now,hehadabouttwelvehourstokeepAlyssasafe.ThenDeke,Jack,and
Hunterwouldshowupandnailthispsycho,andhecouldconcentrateon
provingtoAlyssatheyweremorethanfucking…evenifhedidn?tyet
knowwhat.
“TypicalRemy.”Alyssashrugged.“Sinceyoupea-brainedmenare
goingtosidelinemefromrunningmybusinesstonight,willyouatleastlet
mehitthebathroombeforeweleave?Ineedtochangeoutofmydress.”
LuclookedatTyler,wholookedbackathim.Thesilentcommunication
onbothpartsseemedtoaskwhereshecouldpossiblygowithoutacar.
Certainly,shewasn?tdumbenoughtowalkthesixblockstoSexySirens
nearmidnightwithastalkerchasingher.
“Sure.”Tylerfinallygottohisfeet,fishedthecuffkeyoutofhispocket,
andreleasedher.“Nothingfunny.”
Alyssashookherwristandglaredatthemboth.“Waithere.”
FIVEsilentminutespassed.Lucgrewantsy,butwomenandchanging
clothes…Heknewfromexperiencethatwasn?talwaysashortprocess.
Especiallysomeonewhoworestockingsandgartersandthosefuck-me
shoes.Italltooktime.Besides,heandTylerhoveredneartherestaurant?s
frontdoorwithaneyeonthebathroomhallway.Alyssahadnowhereto
elsetogo.
ButTylerstartedtappinghisthumbononeofthechairs,lookingas
jumpyasLucfelt.
“Ifyoubreakherheart,I?llfuckingkillyou,”Tylerproclaimedsuddenly
intothesilence.
“What?sbetweenAlyssaandmeisnoneofyourbusiness.”
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ShaylaBlack
Tylerstood,risingtohisfullheight,perhapsahalfinchtallerandthirty
poundsheavier.“Yeah?What?sbetweenAlyssaandmeisnoneofyour
fuckingbusiness,either.”
Lucgrittedhisteeth,loathtoadmitthattheothermanwasright.
“Andwhenyou?regone,”Tylerwenton,“I?llstillbehere.Withher.
Everyday.Everynight.Youmaybetheshinynewtoynow,butshe?llget
overyou.I?llhelpher.”
Thoughhewasn?tsurprisedbyTyler?swordsintheleast,theywere
likeastabintheheart.Tohearhissuspicions—fears—aboutthebouncer?s
relationshipwithAlyssaallbutspelledouthurtlikehell.
HeswallowedTyler?sassertion,digestedit.Inanotherfewminutes,
Sundaywouldbegin.LuchadtoleavenolaterthanThursdaymorningso
hecouldbeinL.A.onFridaytoconcludefinalnegotiationsforhiscable
cookingshow.Healsohadacookbookpastdue,andhiseditorwas
probablywonderingwhythehellhewasn?tansweringhise-mails.
Butevenifhecouldstay,whatwouldhesaytoAlyssa?
Nomatterwhatroutehetooktofatherhood,hecouldn?tachieveit
withoutawomaninthepicture.EvenifAlyssasupportedhisdecisionto
adoptorundergosurgeryorvisitaspermbank,she?dhavetoagreetogo
throughtheprocesswithhim,perhapscarryachild.Andthey?dhavetofind
awaytomaketheirpassionate,difficultrelationshipwork.
Whatkindofmotherwouldshebe?Certainlynotlikehisown.Andthat
presumedsheevenwantedtohavechildren.Aftertryingtowarnhimthis
morningthatshewasn?tonbirthcontrol,Lucwasfairlysurethat
motherhoodwasn?tonheragendaanytimesoon.Thatdidn?tchangethe
factthefeltsomethingdeepandnewforher.
Sofuckingcomplicated.
Still,hecouldn?tjustleavehertoTyler.“I?llbedoingmybesttomake
sureshecan?tgetoverme.”
Tylergrowledathim.“Areyouthatfuckingselfishthatyouwanther
heartbrokenafteryou?regone?Doyoulikethethoughtofseeingher
unhappy?”
No.ButLucdidn?tthinkAlyssahadmanyfeelingsforhimthatweren?t
tiedtoorgasm.Andhehatedthethoughtthatshelikelyhadthesame
feelingsforTyler.
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ShaylaBlack
“Wherethehellisshe?”Lucchangedthesubjectandpaced,wishing
hecouldholdhernow.Heneededher,like,fiveminutesago,couldn?twait
togetherbackintoherbigbed,slideintoherbody,andforgetabout
everythingthatwassowrongbetweenthem.
Tylershrugged.
Lucglancedathiswatch,thenthebathroomdoor.“Fifteenminutesto
changeclothes?”
Thebouncerglancedathiswatch,too,hisangermeltingintoafrown.
“It?sbeenthatlong?”
Yes.Andheknewpreciselywhy.“Isthereawindowinthebathroom?”
Tylerhesitated,bodystill,mindracing.“Fuck!”Hebrokeintothe
bathroomwithashouldertothedoor.“Shebolted.”
LucranoutBonheur?sdoor.Behindhim,Tylerdidthesame,barely
takingthetimetolockup.
“Goddamnher.Iswear,shedoesn?tknowthemeaningoftheword
?spanking,?butshewillwhenI?mdonewithher,”herbouncersnarled.
AndwhenLucwasdone?She?dknowbetterthantoeverdisobeyhim
againwhenhewasfeelingedgyandprotective.
Afewminuteslater,Lucstormedintotheclub,Tylerrightbehindhim.
Alyssawasn?tsurprisedthey?dfoundherquickly.Shewassurprisedby
howincrediblypissedLuclooked.
“You?vegottrouble,”Sadiepointedout,noddinginthemen?sdirection.
Thoughitwashardtotakesomeoneseriouslywearingathongand
pasties,Alyssacouldn?tdiscountthedancer?sobservation.Herheartraced
asifshe?ddancedtwohoursstraight.
“I?llbeupstairs.Ifeitherasks,directthemtomyoffice.”
“Tylerwillknowbetter,butokay.”Mouthcurlingupinaplayfulsmile,
Sadienodded.“Youknowthey?reonlygoingtobemoreangrywhenthey
findyou.”
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ShaylaBlack
Alyssashrugged.“It?sgoingtobeascreamingmatch,nomatterwhat.
ThanksagainforpickingmeupatBonheursoIcouldletacidheadJessica
gobeforeshemadeamessofheract.”
“Causingmayhemamongthemalepopulationisalwaysmypleasure.”
Tonight,Alyssacouldn?tdenyshe?ddonethat,too.Sneakingupthe
stairs,sheeasedherselfintoherbedroom,changedoutofherdress,intoa
shortskirt,halfshirt.Shetuggedintothigh-highstilettobootsinred,
wonderingifthey?dbelikewavingacapeinfrontofabull?sfacewhenLuc
foundher,butshesensedshedidn?thavetimeforstockingsandgarters,
sothiswouldhavetodo.
Beforeshecouldleaveandmakeherroundsdownstairs,Tylerkicked
inherdoor.ShelookedbehindhimforLuc.Buthewasalone.So,Sadie
hadbeenright.Luchadbelievedtheotherdancer,whileTylerhadn?t.
Troublewascominginaone-twopunchtonight.
“Goddamnyou!”Hestormedacrosstheroom,andshestoodtomeet
him.
Atthefuryboilinginhiseyes,shebackedup.Whateverthis
expressionwasonhisface,itwasbeyondnormalconcernandannoyance.
Hisentirebodywastaut,wiredtoexplode.Aquickdipofhergazeproved
hewashardeverywhere.
“Tyler,”shetriedtoreasonwithhim.“Stopthere.Youknowyou
can?t—”
“Youcan?t!Don?thiremetofuckingkeepyousafe,thenrunoffby
yourselfwhenthere?sdanger.”
“Sadiepickedmeupanddrovemeoverhere,”sheplacated.
Diffusinghisangerwascritical.Andhewashavingnoneofit.Hekept
comingforward.Prowlingtowardher.Alyssastoodherground,refusingto
backupanymore.
Suddenly,hewasagainsther,pantinginherface.Hegrabbedherby
thehairandtugged.Furyanddesirewerestampedalloverhisface,and
herheartstopped.
“Tyler,n—”
Hislipscrashedoverhers,smotheringherprotest.Shetriedtoturn
away,butheonlytightenedhisgriponherhairandnudgedherlipsapart
withherown.Histongueslippedinside,andstillsheresisted.
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ShaylaBlack
Air.Andsanity.Sheneededbothnow.Damnit,sherefusedtobe
mauledbysomeonesheconsideredafriend.Shehadtofindawayto
piercehisanger.
Afterexaminingherlimitedoptions,shebithistongue.
Hebrokethekissandbackedaway.“Fuckme!”
“Nottoday,”LucgrowledandchargedtowardTyler.“Getyourfucking
handsoffher!Areyoutheonethreateningher?”
“That?sit.I?mpoundingyourpansyassforaskingsuchastupid
question.”
Alyssasteppedbetweenthem.Theywouldnotfightinherbedroom.
“Stopit.Now.”
Tylerlookedather,thenLuc,beforesettlinghisgazeonAlyssa.“We?ll
talkaboutthislater.”
“Wewill,”shevowed.Hecouldn?tpossiblythinkthatbehaviorwas
acceptable.He?dneverlashedoutather,neverkissedherlikethat,against
herwill.Whatthehellhadgottenintohim?
Jealousy.ThesameexpressiondominatedLuc?sface.Hergorgeous
chefbarelysparedTylerascowlasthebouncerlefttheroom,slamming
thedoorbehindhim.
ShuttingheralonewithLucintheroom.Hereachedoutand,witha
singleclick,lockedthedoor.Thenhetookonelookathercleavageshovedtogetherbythetightwhitetop,barelyheldtogetherbyalittlewhitebutton,
andcursed.Hisglancescrapedoverhershortblackskirtandsexyred
boots.Freshfurycrossedhisface.LikeTyler,hisbodywashard—
everywhere.UnlikeTyler,ifLuctouchedhernow,she?dgoupinflames.
Andnowaywasheusingsextomanipulateherorcurbherindependence.
“Iwascompletelysafethewholetime.Iwouldneverendangermyself.
IhadaridefromSadie.Iknowsomeself-defenseandhavepepperspray
inmypurse.”
Lucsnorted.“You?dneverbesafeagainstamanwhocoulddothis.”
Oneminutehewasstandingthreefeetinfrontofher.Thenexthewas
invadingherpersonalspace,pickingherup,shovingheragainstthewall,
andslamminghismouthoverhers.
Alyssawantedtobestrong.Really,shedid.ButLuchadthemost
amazingeffectonher.Shecouldn?tstopherselffromopeningtohim.
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ShaylaBlack
Theflavorofhiskiss,theintensity…Shedidn?tfeelassaultedwhen
heravagedhermouth;shefeltdesired.Whenhecuppedherjawand
groaned,shefeltneeded.Whenherippedthetopfromherbodyand
wrenchedawayherbra,shefeltshiveryandoutofcontrol.Andshefelthis
possessivenessdowntohermarrow.Noneofthatshouldhavemadeher
eagerorwet…butthiswasLuc.Everythinghedidmadeherwanthim.
Assoonashertorsowasbare,hebenttoherbreastsandsucked
themintohismouth,oneaftertheother,hard.Shearchedtowardhim,
buryingherfingersinhissilkydarkhair.Underhisonslaught,hernipples
spikedashefeverishlyworshippedthem.
Bloodhummedinherbody,andsheshiftedherhipsrestlessly,
pressingagainsthim,invitinghiminside.WithLuc,shehadnoshame;
neverhad.Whateverittooktoenticehim.Yes,shewasfurious.Andshe?d
readhimtheriotactlaterandmakeitcleartherewasnowayshe?deverlet
amancontrolher.Butshecouldn?tstophimnow.Hisneedmatchedher
own,asiftheybothsensedeventsspeedingoutofcontrolandtheirtime
togethertickingaway.
“Nomoreevadingme,”hegaspedashetorehismouthaway,hislips
harshandopenashebreathedroughly.“NomorebeingalonewithTyler.”
“Hewouldn?thavehurtme.”
SomethingflaredinLuc?seyes.“Maybenot,buthewouldhavefucked
you.Andgoddamnit,Idon?tshareanymore.AslongasI?mherewithyou,
youdon?tgivethatsweetbodytoanyonebutme.”
Thewordsrolledaroundherbrain,bothpleasinganddisturbing.
Beforeshecouldprocessherfeelingsandrespond,Lucfelthiswayunder
herskirtandrippedherthong,tossingittothehardwoodfloor,thenrubbed
afingeralonghercleft,rightoverherdistendedclit.
Sensationspoundedherimmediately,makingherweak-kneed.God,
whatthismandidtoher…Momentsaftertouchingher,sheturneddizzy.
Herfistsclaweduselesslyatthewall.Anuncomfortable,undeniableneed
tosubmitrolledthroughher.Asmuchassheresentedhispoweroverher,
shecouldn?thelpit.
“That?sit,”hecrooned.“Sowet.Alwayswet.”
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ShaylaBlack
Lucplungedtwofingersintoherpussy.Forhim,shewasalways
ready.Despitebeingswollenfromalltherecentactivity,shemelted,
completelyreadyforwhateverhedemandedofher.
Hecouldn?tpossiblyimagineshewasthisreadyforanyoneelse.
“Tylerdoesn?t—”
“Notanotherwordabouthim,”Lucroared,penetratingherdeeplywith
athirdfinger.
Shegaspedatthefullness,thenagainwhenherubbedherG-spot
mercilessly.
“NomoreTyler,period.Iwatchedhimkissyou…”Hedrewinadeep
breath,asiftryingtogethimselfundercontrol.
“Luc…”
“No!AslongasI?mfuckingyou,damnit,youdon?tfuckhim.”
Hiswordsfinallypiercedherhazeofpleasure.
“Whatareyousaying?Icanresumemytorridaffairwithhimassoon
asmydoorhitsyourass?”
Moredeepbreaths.Hischocolateeyesdarkenedtosomethingnearly
black.Dangerous.Hischeeksflushedandhisexpressiontightenedashe
grabbedherhipsinabitinggrip.Furiousandaroused,helookedlikea
warriorreadytofight,tostakehisclaim.
God,shewishedhe?dstakehisclaimonherpermanently,notsimply
trytohoardheruntilheleftinthreedays.Wassheanythingtohimbeyond
agreatlay?
Hedidn?treply,justslantedhismouthoverhersagainandkissedher
withaferocitythatstoleherbreath.Alyssatriednottoloseherself,buthe
pressedagainstherandhermindjettedawayinastreamofrelentless
desire.Amomentlater,hebentandscrapedhernipplewithhisteeth.She
archedandcriedout.
“Spreadyourlegs.”
Alyssahesitated.Sheknewwherethiswasheaded…butshealso
knewtheirtimetogetherwaslimited.Herfantasiesofmakinghimfallfor
herinaweekhadbeenwishfulthinking.Hewasleavingsoon,andshe
couldn?tstophim.Thebestshecouldhopeforwastostoreupmemories.
Closinghereyesagainstbittersweetdesire,shecomplied.Henipped
atherotherbreastwithhisteeth,thenscoopedupherlegs,oneineach
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arm,andpinnedherfirmlytothewall.Aninstantlater,hiscockprobedher
folds.Shebarelyhadtimetowonderwhenhe?dunfastenedhisslacks
beforeheplungeddeepinsideher,pastswollentissuesandresistance,
guidedbyherwetneedandhisseeminginstincttoconquer.
Heprobedherfortorturousmoments,slidinginwithtoe-curling
friction.Panting,Lucfinallyworkedhimselfballsdeepinsideher.Nowthat
herwetfleshsurroundedhimandhehadcontroloftheirencounter,he
trappedherwithawrenchingglare.
“Godknows,Ican?tstopyoufromfuckingTyleragainonceI?mgone,if
that?swhatyouwant,butnow…You?reallmine,andI?llmakesureyou
knowexactlywho?smakingyouscream.”
“Idon?tfuckhim,”sheconfessedinagasp,doneplayingcoygames.“I
neverhave.Ihiredhimforprotection.That?sit.”
Lucsuckedinabreath,lookingtorn.Thenheshookhishead.“It
doesn?tmatter.”
Becausetheywereonlyfucking.Right…Hisrefusaltocareabout
herwasn?treallyaboutTyler;herbouncerwasjustaconvenientexcuse.
Thatfactcrushedsomethinginsideofher.
Atthesamemoment,hesentherbodysoaring.
Reachingunderherthighs,hecurledhishandsaroundherhipsand
pushedup,thenplungedbackdownsofastanddeep,hernailsbitintohis
shoulders.
“Luc!”
Electricneedsizzledacrossherskin,bubbledinherblood.Heseta
lightning-fastpacethathadhergasping.Hishipspressedagainsthers,
creatingafrictiononherclitthatblewawaythoughts,objections,regrets.
Assoonasthefeelingfloodedherclit,theramofhiscockthroughher
sensitivechannelsparkedherdesireagainuntilshecouldnolongercatch
herbreath.
Theexplosionhitherbloodstreamlikedynamite—suddenand
devastating.Shescreamedhisname,thenbitintohisshoulder,clamping
downonhimlikenothingshe?deverfelt.
“More,”hedemanded,notmissingabeat.
Thenhepressedhismouthintohersagain,sinkingintoanendless
kissthathitherintheheart,amatingofmouthsthatovertookher
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completely.Shedidn?tknowwheresheendedandhebegan,andshe
didn?tcare.Shejustknewthatshe?dgivensomepartofherselftohim
irrevocably.
Andhe?dbeleavinginahandfulofdaysandwouldneverlookback.
Thethoughtskitteredawaywhenhejerkedawayfromthewall,
holdingherbodyagainsthim,thenturnedtowardthebed.Hebenttoease
herontothemattressandslammeddeepinsideher,allinonemotion.
“Spreadwider.Bendyourknees.Takemedeeper.”
Hisvoicewasalmostanunrecognizablegrowl.Hegavehernotimeto
complybeforehewrappedhishandsaroundherthighsandopenedherto
himevenmore.Shemoanedashesankdeeper.God,perfect.Lucalways
knewexactlyhowtostealhercontrol.
Herlimbsheavy,herthoughtsscattered,deliciouspleasurebuiltinher
bodyagain.Urgentpressurefilledherclitagainashecontinuedto
penetratedeepwitheverylong,hardstroke.Soonshewasgasping,
constrictingaroundhim,nearlyburstingwithfeverishneed.
Hetookherhipsinhishandsandpushedherdownontohiscockas
hethrustup.Hard.Directlyatthemouthofhercervix.Hishipsground
againsthersand,oh,dearGod,thegatheringstormswelledinsideher,
growingbeyondherabilitytoabsorbit.
Beforeshecouldrelease,hewithdrew,flippedhertoherhandsand
knees,thenrammedhomeagain,barelymissingabeat.Hesmackedher
ass,leavingbehindahotstingthathadhergasping.ThenLucdrapedhis
dampchestoverherandwrappedonearmaroundherbody.Thenhe
begantotormentherclit.
“DoesTylerdothisforyou?”hewhisperedagainstherearasthe
explosionbrewinginsidehergathered,lengthened,multiplied.
Hisfingersleftherclit,andshecriedoutinprotest.Henippedather
neck,easedaway,thensankhiscockintoherpussyatthesametimehe
plungedhiswetfingersintoherass.
SensationssparkedasLucsworeandplungedintoheragain.Alyssa
pushedbackagainsthim,counteringeachpoundingthrustwithherown
demand.
Amilliontingleslitheruplikealightningstorm.Orgasmshotfromher
clittohertoes.
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“Oh,God.”Alyssafistedherhandsinthesheetsandwhimpered.
Lucmoanedashisclimaxneared.Thesoundvibratedthroughher,
makinghernipplestingle,herbodyshudder.Hisfingerstwitched,hiscock
pulsed,pushingherovertheedgeagain.Rapturecrashedandwrithed,
rippingawayhersanity,asthecataclysmcoalescedinsideher.She
screamedwithapleasuresobrutalhermindemptied,herthroatwent
numb,andherworldnearlywentblack.Amomentlater,hisseedsplashed
hotlyinsideher.
Damn,they?dforgottenacondomagain.
Alyssaclosedhereyes.Shecouldn?tthinkaboutitnow.Shecouldn?t
thinkaboutanything—exceptthefactLuchadruinedherforanyotherman
andhecontinuedtoallowhernonexistentrelationshipwithTylertodrivea
convenientwedgebetweenthem.
Shehadtobetheonetostopit.Now.Alyssacouldn?tkeep“just
fucking”him.He?dshatterherheart.
Withoutwaitingforhimtomove,shewriggledawayand,onwobbly
legs,stood.Withoutaword,shecrossedtheroomandsearchedher
drawersforafreshbraandnewshirt,allthewhilefeelingLuc?sintentgaze
onher.
Andthemoreshethoughtaboutthisencounter,theangriershegot.
Gettingoutofthisroomnowwasn?tachoicebutanecessity.Shehad
tothink.Alone.Beforehecloudedherthoughtsandmadeheryearnagain.
Rightnow,shefeltlikeastupid,spinelessbimbo.Howcouldshelethim
havesuchcontroloverherbodywhensheclearlymeantsolittletohim?
Whattheysharedwaslikealivingflame,hotanddestructive.Shecouldn?t
standinthemiddleofthefireandnotexpecttogetburned.
Turningtohim,sheclutchedhercleanclothesoverherchest,teeth
gnashed.“That?sit,Luc.That?s…”Shebrokeoff,refusingtocryinfrontofhim.“Nomore.”
“Alyssa,I—I?msorry.IwasangryandI…”hecroakedintothe
silence,standinganxiouslywithpantsfastenedandshirtbuttoned.“DidI
hurtyou?”
“Youthink?”shetossedbacksarcastically.“Thisisjustacontestto
you.Tylerdoesn?tdoanythingtoorforme,andyourefusetobelievethat.
Notthatitreallymatters.Youdon?twantmeforyourself,butyoudon?twant
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himtohaveme,either.You?vechosentomakemethebonebetweentwo
snarlydogs,notbecauseI?mmeaningful,butbecauseyoudon?thaveto
dealwithwhateveryoumightfeelformeifyoucanconvinceyourselfthat
I?mawhorewho?sbangingsomeotherguy.Iwon?tputupwiththisshit
anymore.”
“That?snottrue.YoumakemefeelthingsforyouthatI…”
Herakedhishandsthroughhishair,lookingforwords.Excuses,she
thought.Nomore.
“Canit.Idon?tfuckingcare.I?llhaveSadiebringmehomearoundfour.
You?dbetternotbethere.SinceBonheurandSexySirensarebothclosed
onSundays,don?tmakemelayeyesonyouuntilMonday?sdinnerservice.
Eventhen?Don?ttalktome.Anddon?tevertouchmeagain.”
Lucdidn?tsayawordasshedisappearedintothebathroom.His
silencebrokeherheartalloveragain.Tearsstunghereyeslikeaciddrops.
Sheknewwhatshe?dsaid,butapartofherwishedhecaredenoughto
fightforher.Apparentlynot.Ridiculous,wishfulthinking.She?dlearned
fairytaleswereshitatfifteen.Howhadsheforgottenthatvaluablelesson?
Aftercleaningup,shedraggedonanewthongandbrushedherhair,
marvelingattheflushed,swollen-lippedwomaninthemirror.She?dfinally
falleninloveforthefirsttimeinherlife.Whatamiserablefucking
experience.
Turningawayfromthemirror,shebreezedpastLucandheadedfor
herbedroomdoor.Hestoodinherway.
“I?msorryifIhurtyou.Don?tdothis.”Abattleragedonhisface,andhe
lookedbothuncertainandcontrite.
“Dowhat?Besmart?Didyouplantoeverseemeagainafter
Thursday?”
Guilttightenedhisface.Helookedaway.“No.”
Painswelledinsideheralloveragain.“I?vebeenthroughtoomuchto
beyourdoormat.Sinceyou?resoeagertocastmeintheroleofslut…
forgettingmeshouldbeasnap.”
Withthat,sheslidpasthimandstompedoutthedoor.Assoonasshe
clearedthebedroom,thetearsbegantofallinearnest.Neveragain.After
heleft,shecouldneveragainlayeyesonthatman.Bealonewithhim.
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He?dalreadycrushedher,andshe?dcrumbleathisfeet.Begforhis
affection.
Damnit,sherefusedtoputherselfinapositiontobetemptedto
grovelforanything,especiallyfromsomeonewhodidn?tvalueher.
Shebarreleddownthehall,tothestairs,hidingbehindthewallof
propsasshemadeherwaybackstage.
“Alyssa?”
SheheardSadiecalltoher—andshecouldn?trespondnow.Sheheld
upahandandrantoherofficewheresheopenedthedoor,slammedit,
lockedit,thenflippedonthelights.
Closinghereyesagainsttears,shefeltherwaytoherchairand
collapsedinit.Amomentandasnifflelater,sheopenedhereyestoreach
foratissue.
Peterstoodthere—andhelookedbeyondpissed.
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ChapterTen
LUCstaredatthecloseddoorofthebedroom.Hecouldstillhearthe
slamreverberateinhishead.
Herangerhadbeentangible—andwelldeserved.
Swipingahanddownhisface,hefeltexhaustionseepintohisbones.
Yet…deepinside,heitched,wanted,yearned.Ithadtakeneverything
insidehimtobehonestabouttheirfutureandletherwalkaway.
SeeingTyler?smouthonAlyssa?shadwrunghisgutsinsideout.The
beastinsidehimhadscreamed,lurchingtolife,demandingherbodyand
submission.Andanythingelseshe?dgivehim.Hecouldn?tevenputa
nametoeverythingheneededfromher.Butitwasn?tgood-bye.
Yes,she?dletTylerkissher,butLucknewthat,ofthetwoofthem,
he?dfuckedupmore.Aftertonight,afterlosingcontrolwithher,he
deservedwhatevershethrewathim.
NowthatAlyssahadgone,hehadtoconfrontthemostbasicquestion
rollingaroundinhishead:Whydidjealousygetthebestofhimwhenever
hethoughtforamomentthatshemighthaveanotherlover?Hecouldn?t
stay.Whydidhetakehisfrustrationoutonhersexually?
Becauseyou’refallingforher,andthatscaresthehelloutofyou.
Hestaggeredtothebed,thensankdown.Wasthatevenpossible?
Couldhereallyhavefallenforherinamatterofdays?
Theyhadasmanyargumentsastheydidsexualencounters,both
heated.ButAlyssawassomuchmore.Determination,grit.Kindtothe
othergirls.Smart.Pragmaticandunafraid…exceptthatvulnerableside
she?dlethimglimpseonlyonceortwice.Therewasapartofhershekept
hiddenthathewasdyingtoknow.Everythingaboutherfascinatedhim.
Despitebeinginaflashybusiness,Alyssawasso…real.Morerealto
him,infact,thananyofhispreviouslovers.
Butshedidn?tfitinthefuturehehadplanned.
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Sinceshewasn?thisexclusivelyandneverwouldbe,hehadtostop
actinglikeajackass,evenifitkilledhim.She?ddemandedthatheleave
herinpeaceuntilhedepartedLafayette.Somehow,hewould.Itwasfor
thebest,andheowedherthat.He?djusthavetofigureouthowtoforget
her.Orlearntolivewiththeopenwound.
Amomentlater,someonepoundedonthedoor.Wincing,hetrudged
acrosstheroomandpulledthedooropen.Tyler.
Luchadnoideawhattothinkabouttheman.Ontheonehand,he
actedwiththefamiliarityofAlyssa?slover.Theguyhadtobeoneofher
friendswithbenefits,right?ButAlyssahadswornthatTylerwasn?t.Luc
wantedtobelievehersobadly.
“Whereisshe?”Tylertookattherumpledbed,atLuc?sdisheveled
appearance,atAlyssa?srippedgarmentsstrewnacrossthefloor.Thenhe
grittedhisteeth.“Goddamnit,didyouhurther?Wherethefuckisshe?”
Howthehelldidheanswerthat?“Ididn?thurtherphysically.”
“Butyoubrokeherheart,yousanctimoniousbastard.”
Tylerhauledback,makingameatyfist.Lucsawitcomingamileaway
anddidnothing.Therightcrosswasakiller,andhisheadslammedback
andpainseareditswaythroughhishead,rattlinghisbrain.
HerubbedhissorejawandglaredatTyler.“Ifit?sanyconsolation,the
minutesheleft,itwaslikebeinghitbyasemi.Shebarreledoverme,andI
feellikeroadkill.”
“Good.Alyssaputsonadamngoodfront,butdeepdown,she?s
fragile.Shedoesn?tshowheremotionstoanyone,butsinceyoucame
here,she?sbeenwearingthemalloverherface.Andshelooksfucking
desolate.”
Luchunghishead.He?dtreatedherlikeawhore,hadsexwithherto
getheroutofhissystem,accusedherofsleepingaround.He?dbeen
astoundedbyherintelligence.Ithadneveroccurredtohimthatastripper
couldcompleteadvanceddegrees.Withanyotherwoman,hewouldsimply
haveadmiredheraccomplishments,notbeenshocked.He?dallbutforced
hiswayintoherbodyandtriedtopushhiswayintoherheartwithnointent
tostayaroundandgivehimselfbacktoher.
Hedeservedeverybitofhisbrokenheartandmore.
“Itwon?thappenagain.”
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“Damnstraight!”Tylersnarled.“Ilovethatwoman,andyoushitonher.
Doyouknowhowhardit?sbeentostandbackandwatch?”
Incrediblydifficult,Lucwascertain.Hehadn?tlikedTylerkissingher,
butifhe?dbeensidelinedwhilebeingforcedtowatchanothermanseduce
andmistreather,hewouldhavegonecompletelyinsaneandrippedthe
bastard?sheadoff.Suddenly,headmiredTyler?srestraint.
“Atthispoint,IcanonlysayI?msorry.I?llcookandkeeptomyselfuntil
IleaveThursday.”
“Dothat.ButnowwehavetofindAlyssa.Sadiesawherrunning
backstageafewminutesago,bawlinghereyesout.”
Lucclosedhiseyes.He?dthoughthecouldn?tfeelworse.Wrong.
Knowinghe?dhurther—again—waslikedraggingasharp,rustyblade
throughhisheart.
Tylergotinhisface,clearlynotfinishedwithhistirade.“Andafterwe
findher,it?sopenseason,asshole.Ifyoucauseheranotherinstantofpain,
I?mgoingtoenjoyrippingyouapartwithmybarehands.”
Normally,Lucdidn?ttakethreatswell.This…Hejustnodded.
“Whensheleft,didshesaywhereshewasheaded?”
“No.”Shehadn?tsaidanythingatall.
Tylerhesitated,jawclenched.“Peterwasintheguestareaaroundthe
stagefifteenminutesago.Hedidn?tleave;he?snotinthejohn—buthe?s
MIA.SoisAlyssa.”
FearjoltedLucfromhisstupor.Heboltedtowardthedoor.“Weneed
tofindher.”
Givinghimacurtnod,Tylersprintedoutoftheroomanddownthe
stairs,Luconhisheels.
“CouldSadietellwhereshewasgoing?”
Thebouncershookhishead.“She?scheckingsomeoftheguestareas
now,tomakesureAlyssaisn?tmingling.We?llcheckheroffice.”
Shewouldgothere,Lucrealized.Upsetandteary,she?dwantprivacy,
asoundproofroom.Adoorwithalock.
Luchadabadfeelingaboutthis.
“Run!”heshoutedatTyler.
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Secondslater,theystoodatthedoorofheroffice.Closedandlocked.
FearclenchedLuc?sheart.HeandTylerbothpoundedonthedoor,
shoutinghername.
Nooneanswered.
“WHATareyoudoinghere?”Alyssademanded,standing.
Eveninherredstilettoboots,shecouldn?tequalPeter?sheight,but
shewasn?tabouttogivehimthepsychologicaladvantageoflettinghim
toweroverhersittingform.Still,thefratboywasabruiser,atleastsix-two,
probablyagoodtwohundredthirtypoundsofmuscle.Younganddrunk
andhorny.
Andshe?dleftherpursewithherpeppersprayinherbedroom
upstairs.
Calm.Reasonwithhim
Peterjustlaughedandstartedshuckinghisshirt.Helookedatherwith
alasciviousviolencethatmadeherfleshcrawl.
“Gettingsomeofthatassyou?reconstantlyflashinginfrontofme.
You?realwayslettingthatbouncerputhishandsonyou,andIknowyou?re
puttingoutforthatchefwho?sbeenyourshadowthisweek.Nowit?smy
turn.”
Alyssa?seyeswidened.“YouknowaboutLuc?”
Hadhebeentheonewritingthenotes?
Peterscoffed.“Hell,yes.Thewayyoutwolookateachother,it?s
obvious.Besides,Iwasupstairs,rightoutsideyourdoor,twentyminutes
agowhenhewasgivingittoyougood.Baby.”Hesmiledandunfastened
hisjeans.“I?llfuckyoubetter.”
Fearanddisgustmadeherstomachturn.Butshehadtostaycalm.
Getherselfoutofhere.Shewouldnotbehisvictim.
“Iamnothavingsexwithyou.Idon?tfuckcustomers,especiallynot
snot-nosedfratboyswhothinkthey?reentitledtowhatevertheywant.So
turnaround,openthedoor—”
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Hechargedher,grabbedherarm,andtwisteditbehindherback.“I?m
manenoughtomakeyoucreamandscream.Idon?ttakeordersfrom
women,especiallyslutslikeyou.Soshutyourfuckingmouth,openyour
prettythighs,andmakeyourselfuseful.”
Alyssa?sstomachjumped,andadrenalinechargedhersystem.She
wriggledtogetfree,butPetertightenedhisgriponherarmandhe
wrencheditupbehindherback.Wincing,shesteppeduponhertiptoes.If
heforcedtheappendageupanymore,he?dpullhershoulderfromthe
socketorbreakit.Shit!
“Niceboots,”hecommented.“They?lllookhotwhileIfuckyou.Now,
what?sunderthatskirt?”
Usingherarmtoholdherinplace,Petershovedherforwardand
pushedherfaceontoherdesk.Painexplodedacrosshercheekwhenshe
hittheunyieldingsurface.Anotherjabslasheditswayacrossher
midsection,ontherightsideofherribcage,asthecornerofherdesk
stabbedher.Shegaspedforhernextbreath.
Whileshewasstillreelingfromthepain,Peterusedtheopportunityto
flipherskirtup,exposeherthong,andgropeher.Sheshuddered.
“Nice.Thisisprime,grade-Aass.Iknowyou?regoingtomakethewait
worthit.”
Herippedherthongoff,andthecoldairhithernewlyexposedskin.
Sheshivered.
Thiswashappening.Reallyhappening.God.Oh,God.Shehadto
stopit.ShewouldnotbePeter?svictim.Shehadtoelbowhisribsorstomponhisinstep.Something…Hehadherimmobilizedwithhisthreatto
breakherarm,andshe?dratherlethimthansubmit,butifshewasgoingto
sacrificetheuseofalimbinbattle,shehadtomakesureheraction
counted.
Peterbentoverherbody,curlinghisfistinherhairandsmashingher
sorecheekagainstthedeskagain.Finally,hereleasedherarm,butkeptit
wedgedbetweenthemwithhisbody.Still,itwasanopportunity,andshe
neededtouseit.
Hishandlandedonthesmallofherback;thenheranafingerdown
thecrackofherass,lingeringonherbackentrance.“Evertakeaman
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here?Yeah,I?llbetyouhave.Whoreslikeyouloveitkinkyandraw.I?m
goingtofuckyouhereforsure.”
Sheheardslurpingnoises;thenPeterwaspressingawetfingerinto
herass.Sheshuddered,tryingtoblocktherealityout,butthebitingpain
didn?tallowthat.Thiswasgettingserious.Fast.
“Ah,yeah.That?sfuckinghot.Ican?twaittogetbackhereandgofora
hardride.”Heextractedthefinger.“ButIgottaseethosetitsfirst.”
Alyssaexpectedhimtoturnheroveronherback,giveheran
opportunitytogetherarmfree,giveherlegsmorerangeofmotion.
Instead,heclenchedhisfistinthethincottonatthebackofherneckand
rippedthegarmentdownandoff.Toherhorror,heacedone-handedbra
removal.Onceheyankedthegarmentoutfromunderher,herbare,sore
nippleshitthecolddesk.Shehissed.
Hepinnedherwristbetweentheirbodiesagain,andshefeltherbra
wraparoundit.Thenhegropedaroundfortheother.Damn,hewasgoing
tobindherwithherownclothing.Hell,no.Never!
Notcaringifhebrokeherarmorslippeditfromitssocket,she
reachedback.Hehadherfaceturnedright,andherlefthandwasfree,so
shecouldn?tsee.She?dhaveonechancetoscoreonthis.ThankGodshe
keptherfingernailssharp.
Shereachedback,aiminghighanddeadcenter.Onthefirsttry,she
grabbedhisballs.Andsqueezedmercilessly.
Hegruntedandtriedtobackoff,butsheheldtight,edgedoffthedesk,
andturnedtohim.
“Youbitch!I?llfuckinghurtyouforthat.”
Alyssastoodoverhiscrouchedform,angerpoundingher.“I?llhurtyou
first.”
Shejammedherheelintohisinstep.Thoughheworetennisshoes,
shefiguredshe?dmadeabull?s-eyewhenhehowledandbeganhopping
ononefoot.Then,justforfun,shetwistedhisballs.
Hescreamedlikealittlegirl.Andshesmiled.
Suddenly,herearedupandroared,hisfistcomingatherlikea
barrelingsemi.Shefeintedoutofthewayandreleasedhim,runningforthe
door.Hewasonherbeforeshecouldtakeastep,pullingherbythehairto
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facehim,thenshovingherdownagain.Thebackofherskullhitthedesk
withanaudiblecrack.Painexplodedthroughherhead,andshegasped.
Thatwasn?tenoughforPeter.Hemadesureherheadbangedthe
concretefloorashedraggedhertoit.Anachingbandofabusednerves
throbbedacrossherskull,inhertemples.Shefeltsick.Butthenhe
grabbedherhandandtookherforearmintheother—andjerked.She
heardasnapandfeltpainblastdowntoherhand,radiatethroughher
wrist.Shecriedout,andhesmiled.
“Thatwasforgrabbingmyballs,bitch.Now,liestillandtakeitlikethe
slutyouare.”
Roughly,hegrabbedherarmsandrestrainedthemaboveherhead.
Shewhimperedagainstthepain.
Psycho.Hewascompletelymental.Andshehadnoideahowshewas
goingtogetfreeashepinnedherbodytothegroundandworkedhiships
betweenherthighs,hishardcockbarebetweenthem.Oh,God
Alyssaknewthenightmareshewasabouttoendure.
Despiteknowingherofficewassoundproofanditwoulddonogood,
shescreamed.
Petertookhiscockinhishandandpushedagainstherswollen
opening.“That?sit.Ilikethescreamers.You?llscreamalotformebefore
I?mdone.”
Amomentlater,sheheardpoundingonthedoor,andPeterstilled.
“Fuck!”
Shakinghishead,herearedbackandtriedtostabhiswayintoher
body.Amomentlater,thedoorburstopen.
TylerandLucchargedPeterlikemadmen.Herbouncergrabbedhim
bythehairandtheassofhisjeansandthrewhimacrosstheroom.Lucran
afterhimandkickedthefratboyintheribs,thenfollowedwithferocious
punchesthatmadePeterscream.Tylerjoinedin,grabbinghishairand
slamminghisfaceintotheconcrete.
Shedriftedoutforamomentuntiltwosetsoffeetskiddedtoastop
besideher.
“I?mcallingnine-one-one.”
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Lucsoundedconcerned.Andangry.Shefrowned.Why?Hedidn?t
reallycareabouther.Thenagain,hewasn?tmean.Hewouldn?tliketosee
peoplehurt.
Afraid.Andcold.Asmuchasshehatedtoadmit,Alyssaknewshe
neededhelp.Someonesheknewcaredabouther.
“Tyler,”shecried,hervoicebroken.
“I?mhere,baby.”
Carefully,Tylergatheredheragainsthiswarmbody.Shechoked
againstthepainwhenhejostledherwrist,butfinallyhestilled.Ah,warmth
“Paramedicsareontheway,”Lucassuredher,holdingthephoneto
hisear.“Police,too.Peterisoutcold.”
“Tellmewhat?swrong,”Tylerdemandedsoftly.
“H-he…”Shewasn?ttalkingcoherentlybetweentears.“Rape—”
“Ah,damn…”Tylerpressedhisfingertoherlips.“Don?tthinkaboutit
now.It?sover.”
“Notagain.”Hervoicetrembled,herinsidesshreddingatthe
memoriesofPeterhoveringoverher,overpoweringher,forcinghisway
insideher.“N-neveragain.”
IdenticallooksofshockandhorrorcrossedTyler?sandLuc?sfacesas
theedgesofherconsciousnessbegantoturnblack.Thetruthdawnedon
Luc?storturedface.Sheclosedhereyes,hatingthefacthenow
understoodhereternalshame.
LUCpacedtheemergencyroom?swaitingarea.Threelonghours,and
notaword.Overandoverinhishead,hesawPeterrestrainAlyssa?s
strugglingformwithhislargerbody,thepromiseofviolenceonhisface.
Forthehundredthtime,Lucchastisedhimselffortreatinghersobadlyand
lettingherwalkoutofthebedroomalone.Nomatterhowangryshe?dbeen,
howcrushedhe?dbeen,heshouldhavefollowedheruntilshewassafe.He
hardlyneededTyler?sglaretotellhimthat.Instead,Peterhadgottentoher
and—
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ShaylaBlack
Lucsankintoanuncomfortablegreenchairandburiedhisheadinhis
hands.God,whathadhedone?Becauseofthewayhe?dbehaved,she?d
runfromhim—andstraightintoPeter?strap.
IntheanxiousdinoftheER?swaitingroom,theautomaticdoors
whooshedopen,andinwalkedthreefamiliarfigures.
“Deke.”Lucroseandacceptedhiscousin?shandshakeandhug.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“AfterIgotyourcall,IfiguredIwascomingtomorrowanyway.I
thoughtyoucouldusethesupport.Jackinsistedontaggingalong.”
“Thanksforcoming.”LucstuckhishandouttoJack.“Especiallyat
threethirtyinthemorning.”
Jackshookit.“Alyssaismyfriend,too.”
Andprobablyaformerlover.Luccouldn?tletthatmatternow.Jack
washappilymarried.Alyssa…Lucknewshewantednothingmoretodo
withhim.
Takingadeepbreath,heturnedtothethirdman,Kimber?solder
brotherHunter.TosaythesoldierhadneverbeenafanofLuc?swasa
grossunderstatement.
“Howareyou,Hunter?”Hestuckouthishand.
HunterEdgingtonstaredpointedlyatLuc?soutstretchedhanduntilhe
droppedit.“Fuckedupanotherwoman?slife,huh?”
Lucsuckedinabreathandclosedhiseyes.Hunterwasrightandhad
neverbeenonetopullhispunches.
DekeslappedHunterontheback.“Comeon,buddy.Now?snotthe
time.”
Mercifully,Hunterdroppedthesubject.“Whowantscoffee?”
Jackwasfirstwithan“Amentothat.”DekeandLucbothaccepted,
andHunterleftthemtotheirconversation.
“Anynewsoutofthedoctorsyet?”Jackasked.
Lucshookhishead.
“Tellmewhathappened.”Jackbegantopace.
“Thisbastardwho?dbeenstalkingher,leavingherterriblenotes,got
heraloneinheroffice.Heattackedher.Wedon?tknowifhesucceededin
rapingher,too.”
“Sonofabitch,”Dekespat.
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“IhopetheyputhiminCounty.”Jacksmiledevilly.“Iftheboysdown
therefindouthehurttheirfavoriteentertainment,there?llbehelltopay.”
MaybethatshouldhavecomfortedLucsome,butitdidn?t.Hecouldn?t
shakeaquestionthathadbeenhauntinghimforhours.
“HowlonghaveyouknowAlyssa?”heaskedDeke?sbusinesspartner
andself-proclaimedDominant.
Jacksighedasheclearlysiftedthroughhismemories.“Aboutten
years.ShestarteddancingatSexySirenswhenitwascalledsomething
elseandownedbythisbitchnamedMarquessa.Youshouldhaveseen
Alyssa.Eventhen,shecouldlightuparoom.Iwasstillinthearmyandon
leavewhenwemet.I?dbeenhelpingabuddytrackdownthedrug-dealing
scumwho?dbeensellingtohislittlebrotherinmiddleschool.Apparently,
helikedtodrophismoneyonstrippers.WhenAlyssaheardwhatIwasup
to,shetrackedmedownandvolunteeredtohelp.Iknewshewasgood
peoplethen.”
Yeah,thatsoundedlikesomethingshewoulddo,championingthe
underdog,helpingwhereshecould.Herlifewasfarfromperfect,butshe
stillfoundwaysandmeanstoassistothers.Sodamnadmirable.Why
hadn?thefocusedonthat,ratherthanonherprofessionandwhoelse
mightbewarmingherbed?
Lucswallowed,wishinghedidn?thavetofindawaytogetthenext
wordsout.“Whenwepulledthisassholeoffher,shewassobbing?not
again.?Whenwassherapedpreviously?”
Jackrecoiled.“Rapedpreviously?Notinthelasttenyears.Alyssaand
Iaretight.Shewouldhavecometome,andevenifshehadn?t,Iwould
havefoundout.Iknoweveryonedownthere.Someonewouldhave
spilled.”
HorrorwashedoverLuc.“Tenyearsago,shewouldhavebeen,what?
Eighteen?Nineteen?”
Jackgrimaced.“Yeah.”
“Shit,”Dekemuttered.
SomeonehadrapedAlyssaasateenager.
ThescenewithPeter,herinpainandhelpless,playedoverandover
inhishead.Goddamnit
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ShaylaBlack
Lucfelttwoinchestall.He?dtreatedherlikedirtandjudgedher.All
thistime,he?dbeenthinkingthatshedidn?tfitintohisfutureandmaynotbe
goodenoughtoplaymotherto“his”children…Truthwas,hewasno
goodforher.
MaybeTylerhaditright;noneofthisviolenceagainstherhad
materializeduntilheappeared.Godknew,hehadn?tlookedpasther
fa?adetoreallyknowthewomanunderneathuntilitwastoolate.
“Who?sfamilyhere?”theERdoctor,thirtysomethingandharried
looking,askedinano-nonsensetone.
“Noone,”Tyleranswered.“Shedoesn?thaveanyfamily.Ibrought—”
“Webroughtherhere.”Lucracedacrosstheroomandcutin.
Tylershothimahardlook,thennodded.“Webroughtherin.”
Sadie,Jack,andDekecrowdedaround.Thedoctorbarelyglancedat
thestripper?sbriefsilkrobeandabundanceofmakeup.
“Ms.Devereauxsufferedamildconcussion,multiplecontusions,two
crackedribs,andabrokenwrist.”
Witheverywordoutofthedoctor?smouth,LucwantedtothrashPeter
alloveragain.Howdidthatrichlittleprickdarethinkhewasentitledtohurt
Alyssa?
YetLucwonderedhowhe?dbeendifferent.Hehadn?thurther
physically,buthe?dtreatedherasifherprofessionmeantshehadnoheart,
nofeelings.He?dtrampledalloverher.LikePeterhad.Hewasfucking
slime.
“Shewentintoshockintheambulance,”thedoctorcontinued.“But
we?vestabilizedher.Nothinglifethreatening.Shewillfullyrecoverwith
time.She?ssleepingnow.Wewanttokeepherovernightforobservation.
She?llneedafewdaysofbedrest.”Hehesitated.“She?srefusedarape
kit.”
“What?”IftherapekitwouldputPeteraway,hewantedhertotakeit.
“Shecan?tdothat,”Tylerputin.
Thedoctorcutastareinhisdirection.“Itriedtotalkherintoit.The
vaginalareashowsconsiderablesignsofpenetrationandacursoryexam
foundtracesofsemen.”
Oh,shit!Lucclearedhisthroat.“Couldbemine.”
“Youhadunprotectedsexwiththevictim?”
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ShaylaBlack
Lucdidn?tlookatTyler;heknewthebouncerwasreadytohithim.
Instead,hejustnodded.“Abouttenthismorningandagainaroundeleven
thirtytonight,justbeforetheattack.”
“Thatcomplicatesthings.Unlessshestartstalking,Ican?tsaywhether
she?sbeenraped.”Thedoctorrakedahandthroughmussedbrownhair.“If
shechangeshermindaboutthekit,I?mguessingthepolicewillwantyouto
leaveasamplesowecanruleoutyourDNAandseeiftherearetracesof
thesuspect?s.”
Lucdidn?thesitate.“Ifshedoes,I?lldowhateverIcantohelpnailthis
bastard.”
“Well,he?sgothisownlaundrylistofinjuries,includingabrokennose.
Hewon?tbehurtinganyoneforawhile.”
Luccouldn?tfeelmuchtriumph.Abrokennose?Thatwouldn?tkeep
PeterfromcomingafterAlyssaagain.Onlyputtinghimbehindbarsfora
longwhilewould.Allthosenotesthebastardhadleftherbeforeattacking
herwouldhopefullyhelpputhimawayfortentotwenty.
“CanIseeher?”Lucasked.
Thedoctorsenthimanapologeticstare.“Wegaveherasedative,and
she?sasleep.Beforethat,sherefusedallvisitors.”
Ofcourse.Shepreferredtosufferinsilence.Andwhywouldshewant
toseehim?
Tampingdownthepain,heturnedtoTylerandSadie.“Whileshe?s
recovering,canyoukeeptheclubgoing?She?llworryherselfsickunless
sheknowsit?sbeingcaredfor.”
“Ofcourse,”saidthewell-endowedbrunette.
Tylernodded.“Partofmyjobdescription.”
“I?lltakecareofBonheurthroughWednesday.She?lllikelybebackon
herfeetbythen.”HeturnedtoJack.“Canyoumakesureshestayssafefor
me?”
TheCajunfrowned.“Youmakeitsoundasifyou?releaving.”
“I?mleavingheralone.”
“Thehellyousay!Sheneedsyounow.”
Luclaughedbitterly.“No.I?mthelastthingsheneeds.”Hespotted
Kimber?sbrotherreturningwithatrayfilledwithcoffees.“Askhim.He?lltell
you.”
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ShaylaBlack
Clappinghiscousinontheback,Lucturnedandspottedatriagenurse
leavingherposttohelpawomaninlabor.Hesneakedinthedoorjust
beforeitclosed,thenwandereddownthehall.Temporaryroomswereset
upinacircleallaroundthenurses?station.Awhiteboardinthemiddleof
theroomlistedallthepatientsandtheirroomnumbers.FindingAlyssa?s
roominthecornerwaseasyenough.Sowasduckingin.
Inside,thethindrapehadbeendrawn.Hecouldseeheroutline,but
nothingmore.Shedidn?twanttoseehim,andherespectedthat,sohe
didn?ttearitaway,asheyearnedto.Damnhard.Lucwantedtoseefor
himselfthatshewasokay,unharmed.Butshe?dmadeherwishesclear.
Nowwouldbehisonlychancetosaygood-bye.
Behindthedrape,heheardthebeepofmonitors,thepumpofoxygen
intohersystem.AnIVstandabuttedthewall,onlypartiallyconcealed.He
swallowed,wantingtoseeher,takeherhand…something.
Shewantednothingtodowithhim,andithurtsofuckingbad.
Wishingshewasn?tasleepandwouldhearhim,hesighed,hisbreath
rufflingtheuglybluedrape.“I?msodamnsorryaboutsomanythings.I—
Aroundyou,IturnedintosomeoneIdidn?tknowhowtocontrol,andyou
wererighttodismissme.”Hegrabbedthecurtain,forcinghimselftokeepit
inplace,nottorushpastittoherbedsideandwakeher,takeherinhis
arms.“I?msorrythatmybehaviordroveyouaway,intoPeter?sclutches.So
sorry.Youdon?tknowhowcloseIamtofallingcompletelyinlovewithyou.
Clearly,it?sbetterforusallifIleave.”
Themomentwasuponhim.Oneword;thatwasallhehadtosay.
Good-bye.Thenhecouldleave,letherresteasierandeventuallygeton
withherlife.
Luccouldn?tforcethewordout.Instead,heclenchedhisfiststoholdin
whatfeltsuspiciouslyliketears,thenleftthehospitalroomforgood.
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ChapterEleven
“LUC?”
Heturnedtowardthefamiliarvoice,swallowingbackhisannoyance.
Emily.Sheapproachedhimonsensiblepumps,lookinglikesomethingout
ofaLands?Endcatalogwithcrispkhakipants,asmartwhiteblouse,anda
littleredcardigan.Thecolorssuitedherpalecomplexionanddarkhair.
Shewasstylishlyaccessorized,thelookmodest,understated.Whenshe
smiled,theexpressionreachedallthewaytoherhazeleyes.Shereally
wasperfectinsomanyways.
Thesmilehesentinreturnfeltmorelikeagrimaceashewavedher
over.
Glancingathiswatch,hewasrelievedtoseethebooksigningand
cookingdemonstrationwouldendinanothertenminutes.
Doinghisbesttomeetandgreet,poseforpictures,andanswerfans?
questions,hewasconsciousofEmily?spresencejustbeyondhisleft
shoulder.Heglancedbackather.Damn,shewaswearingherpurposeful
look.
Whenhe?drunoutofbooksandtimewasmorethanup,hestoodand
walkedtotheportablekitchenareaandgrabbedthemicrophone.“Thank
you,everyone,forcoming.Iappreciatethesupport.Haveagreatevening.”
Afteraheartyroundofapplause,peoplebegantofileout.Areporter
ortwomilledaround,butstorepersonnelescortedthemout.Lucbraced
himselfandturnedtowardEmily.
Everythinginsidehimrecoiled.Shewaslovely,cultured,educated,
kind.Shelovedchildren,hadbroadlyhintedthatshe?dwelcomeamarriage
proposal,andwantedtostartafamilyrightaway.Lucevenhadtheringin
hispocket,asimpletwo-caratteardrop-shapeddiamond—herfavorite,
accordingtoher—onathingoldband,justwaitingfortherightmoment.
Shewaseverythingheshouldwant.Buthe?dbeenwaitingforthat
rightmomentforthreeweeks,andtheringwasstilltuckedawayinitsbox
inhissuitcoat.
Hesighed,thenclosedthedistancebetweenthemtokisshercheek.
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“Youlooknice.”Itwasn?therfaultthathewasdyingtoseeanother
womaninasexyshortskirt,garters,andasaucyattitude.
Damn!He?dneverseeheragain,andLucknewheneededtogeton
withhislife.Todayhe?dturnedthirty-six.Tonightwasasgoodasanyto
startembracinghisfuture.Ifhewantedtohavechildren,heneededtotry
startinghisfamilysoon.Itcouldbeayears-longprocess,butEmily,twentyeightandready,wouldbesupportive.
Lucfeltguiltilyrelievedthathavingchildrenwithherwouldn?trequire
sex.Shewaslovely.Andawonderfulperson.He?dfeeldesireforher…
someday.Maybe.
Emily?ssmilewidened.“Youlooknice,too.AndnowImusttakeyouto
dinnerforyourveryhappybirthday.Whereshouldwego?”
Luctriedtomusterenthusiasmfortheevening.“Whatsoundsgoodto
you?”
Slowly,hersmilefell.“Anotherheadache?Haveyoubeentothe
doctoryet?”
SincereturningfromLafayettesixweeksago,he?dfabricated
headachestoexplainhislackofinterestintheirdatesandhisneedtocut
eveningsshort.Hehatedlyingtoher.Emilydeservedbetter.Eitherhe
neededtoactuallycommittotryingtobuildafuturewithherorwalkaway.
Hisheartvotedforthelatter.Logicaskedhimwhatthehellhe?ddo
abouttomorrowifheleftEmily.Alyssawasgone,behindhim.Nomatter
howmuchhewishedotherwise,thisseparationwasherwish—andthe
wisechoicehehadn?thadthefortitudetomakeonhisown.
Hepastedonasmile.“I?mfine.”
Emilyfrowned.“You?renotfeelingdepressedaboutyourbirthday,are
you?”
Notinthewayshemeant,butitwasagoodexcuse.“Perhapsalittle.”
“Thenit?smyjobtocheeryouup!”Shesmiled,flashingdimples,and
reachedforhishand.
Thisandchastekisses.Inthelastmonth,he?dmanagednomore
contactwithherthanthat.Howcouldhegetthroughaweddingnightwhen
hecouldn?timagineeverhavingsexwithher?Worse,whatwouldhedo
whentheneedhestillfeltforAlyssaclawedthroughhisskin,demanding
somethingonlyshecouldgive?Wouldhisresolvetoleaveherinpeace
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waverthen?Wouldhedisregardhismarriagevows?Orwouldheendurein
silenceuntilhegrewtoresentEmily?
“Youdon?thaveto.”Hegatheredhisutensils,notebook,andpens,
thentookalongtimearrangingtheminhisbackpack—givinghimselfmore
timetoschoolhisfeaturesanderasehishungerforAlyssa.
“Luc.”Shetouchedhisshoulder.“Iwantedtowaituntilwewerealone,
but…Youhaven?tbeenthesamesinceyoureturnedfromLouisiana.I
didn?twanttopush,but—”
“Thendon?t,”hesaidquietly.“There?snothingyoucando.”
Theperpetualsmilefinallyslippedfromherface.“I?magoodlistener.”
“Iknowyouare,Emily.Ihavetoworkthisoutalone.”
“Ifyou?renolongerinterestedinmeandthesortoffuturewe
discussed,justtellme.”
Heclosedhiseyes.Clingtothepastorforceoutthelie?
“Luc.”
Heheardanotherfemalecallhisname,thisonefartheraway.Buther
familiarvoicezippedacrosshissenseslikeanelectricchargethroughhis
body,spreadingchillsacrosshisskin.Hadhemissedhersomuchhe?d
dreamedher?
Hewhirledaround,hopespikinginsidehim.Andacrosstheroomshe
stood.
“Alyssa?”Shocksucker-punchedhim.Lucnearlycouldn?tbreathe.
Thelasttimehe?dseenher,she?dthrownhimoutofherclub.Outof
herlife.Whywassheherenow?Wassheokay?Hadshemissedhim,
evenabit?
Hedrankinthesightofher.Despitesixweekspassing,Alyssastill
tookhisbreathawayasshecautiouslydrewcloser.She?dfastenedhalfof
herlongplatinumhairathernapeandlettheremainingstrandstraildown,
stoppinglowonherback.Wornjeansclungtohersmallfigure,looserthan
heremembered.Somehowtheblackstilettosmadeherlookmorefragile.
SheworeatightSexySirensT-shirtwithredletteringthatinvitedCome
LiveYourFantasyrightacrossherbreasts.Sheworealmostnomakeup.
Evenso,hereyeswerehauntinglyblue.Andshelookedexhausted.
Whenshestoodafewfeetaway,AlyssaglancedatEmily,thenlooked
backathim.“Yourgirlfriend?”
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“Yes,”Emilyansweredquickly.
Witharaisedbrow,Alyssasenthimacoldstare.“I?llcontactyouata
bettertime.”
Sheturnedandwalkedoutthearchway,intothemainspaceofthe
departmentstore.Lucdidn?tthinktwice.Hedodgedaroundthe
demonstrationtableandchargedafterher.
Justbeforehisapproach,shewhirledtohim,frustrationalloverher
face.Lucstoppedinhistracks.Hewantedtotouchhersobadly…but
she?dtoldhimnevertotouchheragain.Evennow,herexpressionwarned
himaway.
“Don?tleave.”Heheardthepleadinginhisvoice.
God,he?dmissedhersomuch.He?dsayanything—doanything—just
tospendfivemoreminuteswithher.Inthatmoment,Lucfearedheknew
why.
He?dfalleninlove.
ShecutaglanceovertoEmilyacrosstheroom.Lucdidn?thaveto
lookattheotherwomantofeelherconfusionandhurt.Somefoolishside
ofhimrejoiced.Emilymustbeseeingwherehisheartwas.Somucheasier
thansittingherdownoveracivilizeddinnertocrushherpicketfence.
“Yourgirlfrienddoesn?twantmehere,”Alyssapointedout
“Iwantyouhere.Don?tgo.”Hefastenedadesperategazeonherand
willedhertounderstand.
“Istheresomeplacewecantalk?Iwon?ttakeuptoomuchofyour
time.”
“Takeallyouwant.”
Alyssabitthatlushlowerlip,thenlookedupathimthroughtheveilof
herdarklashes.Itwasanervousgesture—sexyashell.Butheworried…
Shelookedthinner,paler,morevulnerable.
“Areyouallright?”Hebarelystoppedhimselffromwrappingalight
handaroundhershoulder.
Shebitherlipharder.“Nothere.”
Someplaceprivate.Right.“Waitjustamoment.”
Lucjoggedbacktothedemonstrationroom,tryingtothinkof
somethingtosaytoEmily.Hecameupblank.“Ihavetogo.”
“Whataboutyourbirthdaydinner?”shescreeched.
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Whataboutit?Heopenedhismouth,butnowordscameout.Finally,
heshookhishead.
Emilyexaminedhisfacewithintelligenthazeleyes.“She?swhat
happenedtoyouinLouisiana.”
Perceptive.Hesuckedinabreathandtooktheplunge.“Yes.”
ThewomanglancedoveratAlyssa.“She?sincrediblybeautiful.”
“Insideandout.”
“Ineverstoodachance.”Emilytriedtocoverhershockand
disappointmentwithatightsmile,butshechokedonherwords.
Damn,latelyitseemedthathehurtpeoplewhereverhewent,buthe
hadtostartbeinghonestwithEmily.Itwasunkindofhimtocontinuethis
charadewithher.Hewouldnotmakeheragoodhusband.AndthoughLuc
didn?tknowwhyAlyssawashere,itdidn?tmatter.Ifshewasenteringhis
lifeagain,evenforamoment,aslongashehadthepossibilityofbeing
withher,hewouldgrabitwithbothhands.Maybethehotflameoftheir
passionwouldburnout,buthedidn?tthinkso.Eitherway,theyweren?t
done.Ifshelethiminherlifeagainandcametotrusthim,he?dtellher
abouthissterility—andletthechipsfall.
“Youloveher,”Emilysaidsoftly.
Itwasn?taquestion,andLucrefusedtoinsultherwithalie.“Yes.”
Herfacecrumpled.“You?renotgoingtocallmeagain,areyou?”
Luctookherhandsinhis.“Wouldyoureallywantmeto?”
Sighingasafattearrolleddownherface,sheshookherheadand
pulledherhandsfree.“Iknowit?sbestifyoudon?t.Forwhatit?sworth…Ilikedyouverymuch.”
Damn,hefeltlikesuchaprick.“You?reawonderfulwoman,and
someday,someonewillmakeyouveryhappybecausehelovesyou,not
theideaofyou.”
Hebentandkissedhercheek.Thenwithatightnod,sheracedoutof
thelittleroom,spearingAlyssawithaglanceassheexitedthedepartment
storeandouttothecrispautumnafternoon.
Themomentshewasgone,LucreturnedtoAlyssa?sside.She
steppedbackasheapproached,lookingdistressed.
“Ididn?thearanythingshesaidexcept…it?syourbirthday?”
Lucsmiledencouragingly.“HavingyouhereisagiftIdidn?texpect.”
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“Iruinedyourevening.”
No,she?dsavedit.“Notatall.Let?sgrababite,andwecantalk.”
Lucexpectedhertorefuse.Alyssahesitated,thensenthimanervous
nod.
Pleasantlysurprisedatheragreement,heledhertohiswaitingcar,a
newJaguarhe?dpurchasedaftersigningthecableTVagreementtwo
weeksago.
Astheyapproachedthevehicle,aphotographerrace-walkedacross
thesidewalktoreachhim,cameraflashing.LuctriedtoshieldAlyssawith
hisbody,thankfulthatshe?ddonnedsunglassesthathidhalfherface.
“EmilyAdamsleftaloneintears.Isthisyournewgirlfriend?”the
photographershouted,snappingpicturesallthewhile.
Ouch!“Nocomment.Pleasestop.”
Astheynearedthecar,thephotographerfollowed,andLuccursed
andran,urgingAlyssaalong.
“Ishouldfollowyousoyoudon?thavetodrivemebackhere…after,”
shesuggested,keepingpacewithhim.
“Idon?tmind,”heinsisted.
Shesenthimabrittlesmile.“Youwill.”
Whatdidthatmean?HadPeterstartedmisbehavingnowthathewas
outonbailandawaitinghistrial?Jackhadn?tsaidaword,damnit!He?d
talkedtoDeke?sbusinesspartnernearlyeveryday.
“Ifwewanttomakeaquickexit,itwouldbebestifyoujusthoppedin
thecar,”hepressed,unlockingitwithhiskeyfob.
“Iinsist.”
Stubborntoafault.“Okay…Twoblockseastthere?saquietlittle
Italianplace.Idon?tthinkthephotographerwillfollowusthereifwe?re
quick.”
“Theyhoundyoulikethatalotnow?”
Hewinced.“JustsinceIstarteddoingthetalkshows.Ikeephoping
they?llgoaway.DoesItaliansoundgood?”
“Sure.”Theworditselfwasenthusiastic,butthetonewasvery
whatever
Lucgnashedhisteeth.Thesuspensewaskillinghim.Nowheadded
worrytothemix.Somethingwasdefinitelywronghere.
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Aftersheagreedtofollowhimtotherestaurant,hewaitedforherto
pullaround.Thephotographerranafterhimuntilhecouldn?tjogfast
enoughtochasetheircarsanymore.
ThedrivetoGeorgio?swasthelongestfiveminutesofLuc?slife.Why
didAlyssaassumethathewouldmindbeingwithherafterdinner?What
thehellwasgoingon?Whydidshelooksothinandtired?WasBonheur
weighingonher?Hadshecometohimforadvice?
Finally,hepulledintoaparkingspotintherestaurant?slot.Theone
besidehimwasempty,butsheparkedfartherdowntherow.Damn.If
Alyssawanteddistancebetweenthem,whywasshehere?
Sheremainedsilentuntiltheywereseatedinaquietcorner.Itwas
earlyonSaturdayafternoon,longpastthelunchrush,butwellbefore
dinner.
“HowisBonheur?”heasked,hopingtoenticehertolifthernoseoutof
themenuandtalktohim.
“Fine.Iwaspleasedwiththefirstmonth?stally.Thismonthislooking
evenbetter.Thankyouforyourhelp.”
Lucsmiledforher,thoughthemysteryofhervisitchafedathim.“The
hardworkwasyours.Ijustprovidedalittlenamerecognitionopening
week.”
“Andthensome.IsawyouonEllenlastweek.”
Hewinced.“StillgettingusedtotheTVthing.”
“Youdidwell.”
“Thanks.Thenetworkhasarrangedalotoftheseappearances.They
wantmaximumexposurebeforetheshowactuallylaunchesinJanuary.”
Thewaitercamebyandtooktheirdrinkorders.Heorderedacabernet
sauvignon.Sheaskedforwaterandrefusedacocktail.Hefrowned,and
askedthewaitertoreturnlaterfortheirdinnerselections.
“Let?sordernow.”
Thisinstant?Wasshehungry…orjustdidn?twanttobeinthesame
roomwithhimanylongerthannecessary?
Ofcoursethelatter.Youtreatedherlikeawhore
Reluctantly,Lucagreed,andtheyplacedtheirorders.Thewaiter
finallyleftthemalone.
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LucturnedtoAlyssa,willinghertosaysomething.Hewantedtotouch
hersobadly,butnotagainstherwishes.Heowedheratleastthatmuch.
Shesatinsilenceforlongmoments,fidgetingnervously.
“IsthisaboutPeter?”hepromptedgently.“Jacktoldmehedidn?trape
you.Iknowhe?sfreeandawaitingtrial.TheDAhasasolidassaultand
attemptedrapecharge.”
Shenodded.“Peterstillinsistshedidn?twritethenotes.Idon?tthink
we?lleverknowthetruth.Butthat?snotwhyI?mhere.”
Heleanedforward,gettingacloserviewofjusthowpaleandshaky
shewas.Hisworrydeepened.“Whatisit?Youcantellmeanything.”
“Hellofabirthdaypresent…”Hereyesclosed.Herfacetightenedas
shepressedherlipstogether,asiflookingforstrength.Thenshestaredat
himwiththedeepestregret.“I?mpregnant.”
Lucrecoiled,blinked,stared.“Pregnant?”
Whytellhim?Wasshetryingtoclaimthebabywas…his?
“Areyousure?”
Slowly,shenodded.“Imissedmyperiodafewweeksagoandthought
maybeitwasstress.Butdayswenton,andInoticedchangesinmybody.”
“Like?”Hebarkedthequestionather.Maybeshe?dmadeamistake.
Evenifshehadn?t,thischildwasn?this.
Afterahorrificteenageillnesswithadecimatingfever,Luchad
learnedfromhisdoctorsthathe?dbeenleftwithaverylowspermcount
thatmadethelikelihoodofhimimpregnatingsomeonestatistically
insignificant.He?dbeenseventeenthen,andhisreactiontothenewshad
beenmixed,avaguesadnesswithawhoopingcheerthatheandhis
girlfriendofthemomentwouldneverhavean“oops.”
Thegreenlighttosexinhislateteensandearlytwentieshadgiven
wayeventually.He?dreturnedtohisdoctortohaveaphysicalforinsurance
purposesattwenty-seven,andhe?daskedtobetestedagain.Despite
havingbeeninvolvedinménageswithDekeforafewyears,he?dbegun
wonderingif,maybe,hecouldfindtherightwomanandhaveafamilyofhis
own.Hisdoctorhadquicklysquashedthatpossibility.Luchadeventaken
aprescriptiondrug,clomiphenecitrate,forafewmonthstoseeifhissperm
countmightimprove.Furthertestingrevealedhischancesoffathering
childrenwereslightlybetter…butstillvirtuallyimpossible.
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Hehadn?tbeentestedsince.Whybotherrepeatingsomethingso
humiliating?Sodevastating?
ButAlyssaeitherthoughtthechildwashisorwantedhimtobelieve
so.Hedrummedhisfingersagainstthetable,asurgeofjealousanger
joltinghim.WithoutknowingLuc?ssecret,sheprobablythoughttherewasa
fifty/fiftychancehehadfatheredherchild.Butapparently,thathonorwas
Tyler?s.SowhytrackLucdowninTexastogivehimthenews,ratherthan
nameherbouncertheexpectantfather?Becausehe?dbeenonEllen?
Becausehe?dsignedasweetcabledeal?Thatdidn?tsoundlikestubbornly
independentAlyssa,buthecouldn?tthinkofanotherreason.
Damnher!Aslieswent,thisonehurtsobad,hisinsideswereaboutto
implode.Thepainofherrejectionsixweeksagohadhurtlikehell,andshe
waspayinghimbackinspades.
“My…breastsbecametender,”shecontinuedintothesilence.“I—I
feltlikeIhadtheflu.Allofasudden,Icouldn?teatspicyfoods.Iwas—
am—tiredalot.Isawmydoctoryesterday.I?mpregnant.”
Notbyme…Anddidn?tthatrealitytastebitter?Hedrummedhis
fingersonthetableagain.Whatthehelldidshewanthimtosay?
Congratu-fucking-lations?
“I?m…um,dueJuneseventh.”
Luchadtogivehercredit.Themathworkedinfavorofthechildbeing
his.Thoughclearlyshe?dbeenfuckingTylerthatweekaswell.
“And…you?reherebecauseit?smine?”
Sherolledhereyes.“Whetheryoubelievemeornot,youaretheonly
manI?vehadsexwithinnearlythreeyears.Soyes.”
Lucresistedtheurgetolaughhysterically.Itwaseitherthatorswallow
therealitythatanothermanhadimpregnatedthewomanhelovedandshe
nowliedtohisface.Hisbloodpressurerose,andhedrummedhisfingers
faster.
Lucopenedhismouthtotellherthechildcouldn?tpossiblybehis.
Thenhestoppedcold.She’shavingababywhoneedsafather
Heswallowedhard.Histhoughtsraced.Whatif…hedidn?trefute
her?Theremustbesomereasonshe?dchosentopinthisonhim.Didthe
whymatter?
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Once,he?dbeeneagertomarryKimber,despitethefacthehadn?t
beeninlovewithher,sohecouldbeafathertotheunbornbabyshe?d
thoughtshewascarrying.WhenEmilydepartedearlier,yetanotherchance
atfatherhoodhadwalkedoutthedoor.NowAlyssawasdropping
opportunityrightintohislap.Andshecamewithabonus;unlikeEmilyor
Kimber,hehaddeepfeelingsforher.Morethanhe?deverfeltforany
woman,liesandall.
Suddenly,heknewexactlywhathewanted.Healsoknewthatafter
thewaythey?dlastpartedinLafayette,hehadtoplaythiscarefully.
“Saysomething,”shechoked.
Luchesitated,thinkingthroughhisstrategy.“Haveyoutoldanyone?”
Shefrowned,thenstartedscootingoutofthebooth.“Ifyou?reworried
I?mgoingtomessupyournewimageorscrewupyourrelationshipwith
yourgirlfriend,don?tbe.Idon?twantanythingfromyou.IthoughtI?djustbe
adecenthumanbeingandinformyou.Dutydone.”
Interestingtacticonherpart.Reversepsychology?
Lucbeatheroutoftheboothandblockedherpath.“That?snotatall
whatImeant.Iwantedtoknowifyou?dtoldanyoneinLafayette.”
Alyssabristled.“LikeTyler?Why?There?szerochancethisbabyis
his,sono.IthoughtIowedyoufirst.WhenIdotellTyler,he?llprobably
comeupwithsomesillyschemetogetmarried…”
Luc?sgutsfellsomewherearoundhistoes.AlyssamarriedtoTyler?
Thebouncerplayingfathertothisbaby?Overhisdeadbody.
“NowthatI?vetoldyouaboutmypregnancy—”Shepushedagainsthis
chest.
Herefusedtobudge.Finallyrealizingthathewasn?tmovinganinch,
shefloppedbackintoherseatandglaredathim.
“NowthatIknow,weshoulddiscussouroptions,”hesaid,sitting
again.Luctriedforcalm,buthisheartraced.
“Options?”sheallbutshrieked.“Icametoinformyouinperson,
insteadoftakingthechickenshitwayoutandphoningyou.ButI?mhaving
thisbaby.Youwon?tpushyourmoneyoffonmeandpersuademeabort—”
“That?sthelastthingIwant!”Thethoughthorrifiedhim.
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“Oh.”Shelookedaway.“Look,I?mnotaskingforanything.It?dbegreat
forthekid?ssakeifyouwantedtobeinvolved,butifnot…”Sheshrugged
“Plentyofsinglemomsdoit.”
Shewasindependentanddeterminedenoughtogoitalone.He
admiredhertenacity,evenashewantedtoshakeher.
Lucchosehiswordscarefully.“Soyouwouldn?tmarryTylerifhe
asked?”
“Ihaven?tgivenitmuchthought.Hehasn?tactuallyasked;I?mjust
guessinghemight.”
Fairlyaccurateguess,inLuc?sestimation.Tylerlovedherandwould
latchontoanyreasontomakeherhis.Besides,themancouldarguethe
childwashis.Andhe?dberight.Lucwasn?tgoingtoallowTylerthat
chance.Hewantedthisbaby.Anddespitethelies,hewantedAlyssa,too.
Somuch,thecravingwasnearlybeyondhiscontrol.Somepartofhimwas
evenperverselypleasedwiththisoutcome.
Thistime,he?dbebettertoher.He?dneverletanothermantouchher.
He?dnevergivehercauseforregret.
“SomethingagainstTylerormarriageingeneral?”
Alyssafrowned.“Tyler?sbeenmyrocklately.Idon?tknowmuchabout
hislifebeforeheshoweduponmydoorstep,wantadinhand.Buthe?s
solid.Marriage…Idon?tthinkitworks.I?veseenguyswhoseemlikethe
mostdevoteddadscomeinforaweeklylapdance,lookingforsomething
extraontheside.”
“Noteverymancheats,”Lucchidedher.
Alyssaraisedagoldenbrow.“Most.”
“Some,”hecorrected.“Womencheat,too.”Howwouldshereactto
thatstatement?Withguilt?
Shejustshrugged.“Idon?tseetheminmyclubeverynight.”
Thelineofquestioninghadnettednothing.Timetochangetactics.
“Cheatingaside,wouldyougetmarried?Forthebaby?”
“ToTyler?”Shehesitatedalongmoment,thensighed.“Maybe.”
Lucsiftedthroughtheinformation,stilldrumminghisfingertips.While
shedidn?tseementhusiasticabouttheidea,Alyssahadn?tsaidno.Hehad
tocrushthatquickly.
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“Ididn?tcometoruinyourbirthday.Ijust…thoughtyoushould
know.”Sherosefromtheboothagain.“I?llcallyouwhenthebabyisborn.”
“Wait!”Lucblurted,cursingthatshemightbeplayinghimlikeafiddle.
Hestilldidn?tknowwhatshewanted,buthehadtotiphishand,sayordo
whatevernecessarytokeepherandthisbabyinhislife.“Don?tgo.I?m
thrilledyou?repregnant.”
“Really?”Shefrowned,lookingunconvinced.“You?rehappy?”
“Ecstatic.Thebestbirthdaypresentever.”Heclenchedhisfiststo
keepfromreachingouttoher.“Idon?twantyoutocallmewhenthebabyis
born.I?dliketobeinvolvedinthischild?slife.Iwanttobethereeverystep
oftheway—firsttooth,firstword,firstcrush,firstdate.Ialsowanttobe
thereforyouduringyourpregnancy.”
Hereyeswentwide.“Wha…whatdoyoumean?Youwanttogoto
mydoctorappointments?”
“Yes.Iwanttobepartofthewholeexperience.I?mreadytobea
father.Agreatfather.”Understatementofthemillennium.“Iwillnotletyoudown.”
Luchesitatedbeforesayingmore.Wouldhisenthusiasmlureherin?
Ormakeherrunintheotherdirection?Acalculatedrisk.Shewasafraid,
andhehadtobecareful.
“Okay.”Shenodded,lookingslightlyshocked.“Thanks.Thatwouldbe
…helpful.”
Heplannedtobefarmorethanhelpful.
“Youknow,thereareadvantagestobeingmarried,”hepointedout.
“Financial,ofcourse.Butchildrenarealotofwork.Havinganothersetof
handswouldlightenyourload,especiallywhenthey?resickorupallnight,
oryouneedtoworklate.Andwhataboutsafety?It?sbeenaconcernfor
youlately.Havingahusbandaroundwouldaddprotectionforyouandthe
baby.You?dresteasier.Thebabywouldhavethestabilityofatwo-parent
family,alastname.Theloveofbothamomandadad.”
Alyssafroze.“YouwantmetomarryTyler?”
Damnit!Timetostopthisverbalpokergameandthrowhiscardson
thetable.
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Lucstoodandleanedtowardher,riskingallandtakingherfaceinhis
hands.Hergazebounceduptohis,andhefeltthezingofthatpoignant
blueallthewaytohistoes.
Whenshe?dwalkedbackintohislife,he?dneverimagineditwouldbe
tolietohim.Evenso,hestillwantedhersobadly.
“No.Iwantyoutomarryme.”
“…SOthat?swhat?supwithme.”
ItwasnearlyfourinthemorningatSexySirens.Theclubwasclosed
now,andAlyssafacedSadieandTyler,nervesjitteryinherstomach.
“Thefuckergotyoupregnantandleft?”Tylerscreamed,histense
bodyleavingnoquestionthathewasreadytohitsomething—preferably
Luc?sface.“Whereishe?Iwannaknowrightnow.”
Alyssasighed.“Hedidn?t?leaveme.?Hesayshewantstomarryme.I
don?treallyknowwhy.Thebaby,Iguess.”
Tylersnorted.“You?regorgeous,smart,kind—andyou?regoingto
havehiskid.Whythefuckwouldn?thewanttomarryyou?”
“HealsothinksI?mawhoreandmayevenbelievethisbabyisyours.”
“Iwish,”Tylermutteredunderhisbreath.
Still,Alyssaheard.Couldshefeelanyworse?“Hisproposalshocked
me.”
“You?rethinkingofaccepting,eventhoughyouthrewhimoutonhis
asslasttimehewashere?Aftertheshittywayhetreatedyou?”
Alyssabitherlip.She?dbeenthinkingthroughthat.BeingLuc?swife
andhavinghisnameonthebirthcertificatewouldhavebenefits.Stability.
Money,ifanythingeverhappenedtoher.Thoughitmightbeold-fashioned
ofher,she?dprefertoraiseachildwithtwoparents.
Tylerraisedagoodpoint,though.Allthevolatilityandmindgamesshe
andLuchadplayedlasttimecouldn?thappenagain.Ifsheacceptedhis
proposal,theymustbeonthesamepageaboutthat.
Butattheendoftheday,thoughitmightmakehertwentykindsof
stupid,shelovedLuctoomuchtosayno.
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“I?llhandleit.”
“How?”Tylersnarled.“Hepracticallyranyourheartoverandleftyour
fordeadlasttime.”
“IsaidI?llhandleit.”
ThepossibilityoflosingLuctohispicture-perfectsuburbangirlfriend..
.Coldchillsdidn?tbegintodescribethefeeling.Utterfear.Panic.Jagged,
achingsadness.
“Thisisshit,”Tyleryelled.“Givenhowbadlyhetreatedyou,whatkind
offatherwouldhebe?”
“Ithinkhe?llbeagreatone,”Alyssaanswered,goingwithhergut.
“Oncehegotovertheshockofthepregnancy,heseemedreally
enthusiasticaboutthebaby.Claimedhewantstobeveryinvolved.”
“Maybethatwouldbeenoughforhim,”Tylerargued.“Without
marriage.”
“Andmaybenot,”Sadieputin.“Ilearnedthatthehardwaywhenthe
courtsletmyex,Kenneth,takelittleBenfrommebecauseofmypast.”
“Youcan?tmarryLucbecauseyou?reafraidofwhathemightdo.Hell,
I?llmarryyou.I?dloveto.”
Alyssaclosedhereyes.She?dsuspectedthosewordswerecoming,
andsheshouldrejoice.HavingTylerathersideastheotherhalfofa
parentingunitwouldlookgoodtothecourts,ifitcametothat.
Butshecouldn?tdenythateventhoughLuc?sproposalhadbeen
practical,ithadfilledherheartwithahopeshewishedshecoulddeny.
Tyler?sonlyfilledherwithregret.
True,shecouldwaitandseeifLucwasvindictiveorpossessiveofthis
baby.Ifhewas,thenshecouldalwaystakehimorTyleruponhisoffer.
Butifshewashonestwithherself,she?dachedforLucinthelastsix
weeks,asifsomeonehadrippedawayapartofhersoul.Therewasa
recklesspartofherthatwantedtoseeifshecouldstillhavethatpicketfencedreamshe?dbeenclutchingtoherheartsinceherworldhad
shatteredatfifteen.Andhavethosedreamswiththemansheloved.The
onlythingthatcouldmakeitbetterwasifhefellinlovewithherinreturn.
Iftheyhadtheirwholelivesaheadofthem,ratherthanjustaweek,
maybesomeday…Ifnot,theyhadachildtoraise,andthathadtobeher
firstfocus.
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“Iappreciatethat,Tyler.ButIdon?twantyoutosacrificeyourlifefor
me.”
“Itwouldn?tbeasacrifice,”hesaidsolemnly.“Itwouldbeanhonor.”
“Youshouldfindsomeonewholovesyouandwantstohaveyour
children,”shesaidgentlybutfirmly.Tylerhadtounderstandthatshewasa
deadendforhim,especiallynow.
Shetossedbacktherestofherwater,thenstood.
“Whereareyougoing?”Sadieasked.
Alyssa?sgazefellonTyler,whowasclenchinghisjawandjudiciously
notlookingather.She?dhurthim,andguilthammeredhertothecore.Why
couldn?tshelovehim?Hewasalwaysthere,alwayskind,funny,interesting
…Abuddy,butnotalover.Lucwassophisticated,complicated—every
othersortof–atedshecouldthinkof.Theyshouldn?thaveanythingin
common.
Except…itwashisfocus.Alyssafeltspecialwithhim.Tohim.
They?dhadtheirshareofarguments,butwhenhetookherinhisarmsor
turnedonhistenderside,somethinginsidehertoldheritwasright.
ShecaressedTyler?shardshoulder,asilentapology.
“I?mgoingtocallLuc.”
“Atthistimeofnight?”Sadielookedatherasifsheneededherhead
examined.
Alyssashrugged,tryingtotampdownherridiculousgiddiness.She
maycometoregretthisdecision,butatthemoment,sherefused.Notonly
didshehaveababytothinkabout,butthiswasherlastchanceatthefairy
tale,andshewasseizingit.“Hesaidtocallanytime.I?mthinkingifwe?re
goingtogetmarried,Ishouldtellhim.”
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ChapterTwelve
LUCstraightenedhistieandwaitednearthewallofBonheur?s
windowsasthesunstreamedingoldenandbrightonthisNovembernoon.
Thesmellofrosesandstargazerliliesfilledtheair,slightlycloying.Atthe
otherendoftherestaurant,Alyssaemergedfromtheshadowedhallwayin
white,lookingethereal,elegant—andverynervous.
“Areyousureyouwanttodothis?”Dekewhisperedinhisear.
OntheothersideofLuc,Sadie,dressediniceblue,shushedhim.
Yesandno.Hewasstillthrilledaboutthebaby,butstandingbeside
thejusticeofthepeaceasAlyssawalkedtohimthroughthehush,ithithim
that,ashusbandandwife,theyweren?tgoingtohavetomerelytreateach
otherwithcivility,asshe?ddemanded.Theymustalsogetalongdayinand
dayout.Balancelives.Findcommonground.Getaccustomedtosharing
spaceandprioritiesandfeelings.Becomegoodspousesandparents.To
makethiswork,theywouldhavetobuildtrust.
Couldtheydothatwithamarriagebasedonabiglie?Heswallowed.
Onthegroom?ssideoftheroom,inthefrontrow,hisparentssat,still
holdinghandsafternearlyfortyyearstogether,lookinguncertain.They?d
bothtalkedtohimaboutcommitment,compromise,honesty,and
communication.HeandAlyssamightbecommitting,butsofar,they
suckedattheotherthreevirtues.
Whenhe?dcalledtotellhisparentsthathewasgettingmarriedinsix
days,he?dleveledwiththemabouthisreasons.Sinceyesterday,his
motherhadtriedtotalkhimoutofthis—twice.Hehadn?tbudged.Now,
somehow,hehadtomakethiswork.
“I?mgood,”hewhisperedbacktoDeke.
BehindLuc?sparentssathissistersandtheirfamilies,ahandfulof
aunts,uncles,andcousins,Deke?swife,Kimber,alongwithherbrothers,
LoganandHunter,afewofLuc?sclosefriendsandcolleagues.Hissideof
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theroomwasfulltobursting,andhecouldhaveinvitedmore.Alyssa?sside
wasvirtuallyempty.
Tylersatinthesecondrow,scowlingasifhe?dliketokillsomeone.
Whythemanhadn?ttriedtostopthiswedding,demandedparentalrights,
orevenapaternitytest,puzzledLuc.MaybeAlyssahadaskedhimtostep
aside,andTyler?spridekepthimfromfightingforher.Evenso,Lucwasn?t
surehowtheguywasrestraininghimself.Hewouldn?t.Thenagain,maybe
Tylerhadn?twantedtoshouldertheresponsibilityforhisbaby.
JackandMorganColesatbehindthebouncer.Someoftheother
dancersandrestaurantstaffwerescatteredinvariousrows,dressedin
theirSundaybest.Thefirstrow,usuallyreservedforfamily,satempty.
Untilnow,hehadn?tthoughttowonderifherfamilywouldbecoming.
Thefactnonehadmadehimhurtforher.AtthehospitalafterAlyssa?s
attack,Tylerhadclaimedshehadnofamily.Seriously?Notonesingle
bloodrelationwhocaredenoughtoseeheronherweddingday?
Lucrolledhisshouldersandstaredathisbride.God,thatsounded
odd.Butsheactuallylookedbridal,hairupswept,pearlsdanglingather
ears,sheertulletrimmedinsparklingbeadsfallingsoftlydownherback,to
herhips.Herdresswassimple.Capsleevesclungtohershoulders.AVneckhintedatcleavage,andtheruchedsilkcuppedhergenerousbreasts.
Sparsebeadingencircledhersmallwaist.Therestofthegowncascaded
downtoherfeetinagentlefall,averyshorttrainbehindher.Intrembling
hands,shecarriedasmallbouquetofbabyredrosesthatmatchedher
lipstick.
Besidesbeautiful,Alyssalookedpaleandscared.Lucclenchedhis
jaw,resolvingtodohisbesttoputtheliesbehindthemandbegoodtoher.
Shehadgivenhimagifthe?dneverexpected.Despitetheenormityofher
deception—andhis—apartofhimstilllovedher.
AsAlyssaneared,heheldouthishandtoher.Shestared,herblue
eyespale,red-rimmed,andswollen.Shehadn?tsleptandshe?dbeen
crying.Clearly,secondthoughtstorturedher.Orwasthatguilt?Everything
insidehimtensed.
Lucforcedhimselftosmile.Shetookabreath,finallyputtinghercold
handinhis.Hergazeaskedwhatherlipscouldn?tinfrontofallthese
people:Whydidhewanttomarryher?
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Answeringwaspointless.Thetruthwouldservenopurposeexceptto
exposehishumiliation,tearthemapart,andsendhertobacktoTyler?s
arms.He?dbearthesecret.Andifthechildemergedlookinglikeher
bouncer…Lucclenchedhisfist.Nothingtodobutcrossthatbridgethen.
Thebeststrategynowwastocalmhisbrideandbegoodtoherfortherest
oftheirlives.
Beautiful,hemouthedtoher.Asmilewobbledacrossherface.
Thenthejusticeofthepeacebegantheceremony.Thewordswere
short,ablur.Herespondedwhenprompted.Alyssadidthesame,hervoice
thinandhighandshaking.
Thencametimefortherings.
HeheldouthishandtowardDeke,wholeanedinandwhispered,“You
reallysure,man?”
Lucmerelywiggledhisfingersimpatiently.Withasigh,hiscousinset
theringinthemiddleofhispalm.ThenheturnedtoAlyssaandbeganto
slideitonherfingerasherecitedhisvows.
Love.Honor.Cherish.Untildeath.Couldtheymakeitwork?
Asshelookeddownatthering,shegasped.Andhesmiled.
Earlierintheweek,she?daskedhimifhewantedone.He?dsaida
bandwouldbefine.Apparently,she?dassumedhe?dgetherthesame.But
whenhe?dgonetoreturnEmily?sringandfindsomethingelse,thishad
caughthiseye.Threestonesmeanttorepresenttheirpast,present,and
future.He?dseenitastheirnewfamily.Themiddlegemwasnearlytwo
carats,thestonesoneithersideacaratontheirown.Setinplatinum.No
baguettes,nochannelsetting,nofiligree.Simplesparklingsplendor.So
Alyssa.
“Doyoulikeit?”hewhispered.
Eyeswide,shenodded.Astupidlypleasedfeelingslidthroughhisgut.
Thismarriagemightbeatrainwreckdowntheroad,butthismadeherfeel
special.Fornowitwasenough.
ThenthejusticeofthepeacepromptedAlyssa.Stillshaking,she
slippedaringonhisfinger,abrushedplatinumband.Stylishbutnot
fussy—exactlywhathewouldhavechosenforhimself.
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“Withthisring”—sheswallowed—“Itheewed.Tolove,honor,and
cherishfromthisdayforward,forbetterorforworse,insicknessandin
health,forsakingallothersuntildeathpartsus.”
Alyssatookadeepbreathandmethisgaze.Herusuallyself-assured
expressionwasgone.Shelookedshaken,anxious.Wassheworriedhe?d
discoverherlie?
Tampingdowntheironicsmile,hetookherhandsinhisatthejustice?s
prompting.Theoldermanpausedandsenthimaweightystare.
“Kissyourbride.”
Now,thiswassomethinghe?dbeenwaitingforsinceshe?dsuddenly
reappearedinhislifelastSaturday.Sincethatmoment,they?dtalked
weddingdetailsbyphoneande-mail,thetoneinfuriatinglybusinesslike.
Earlierthisweek,he?dhadtotakeadamnPRtriptoNewYorkandhadn?t
returnedtoLafayetteuntilyesterday.Thesimpleceremonyhadn?trequired
arehearsal,sohe?darrangedaquietdinnerwithhisparentslastnightso
theycouldmeether.Hehadn?tbeenalonewithAlyssaforasingleminute
thisweek.Hehadn?ttouchedhersincethatdisastrousnightinherbedroom
abovetheclub.
Hewasdyingtokissher.
Luccuppedherfaceandleanedin.Alyssaclampedherhandsaround
hiswaist,asifhewereheranchor,andwaited,breathless.Slowly,he
pressedhislipstohers.Soft,abrush.Asharedsigh.Helingered,slanting
hismouthoverhersagain,afirmerpress.Hungercrashedthroughhim,
sharp,fresh,demanding.Beneathhim,Alyssawentpliantandopenedto
him.Lucwassotemptedtosinkdeepintoher,drown,guestsbedamned.
Later.Nowwasabouttheirfirstkissashusbandandwifewithfamily
andfriendslookingon.Later,she?dunderstandexactlywhathewanted
fromherandhowbadlyhewantedit.
Aftersavoringthemeetingoftheirmouthsamomentmore,Luceased
backandstareddownintoherflushed,goldenface.Shesenthima
nervous,tentativesmile.
“Ladiesandgentleman,”thejusticesaid.“Mr.andMrs.Lucas
Traverson.”
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Theirguestspolitelyclappedasthecouplewalkedbackdownthe
aisle.JackColereachedouttoshakehishand.Kimberkissedhischeek,
whispering,“Behappy.”SadiehuggedAlyssa.Tylerstillscowled.
Thephotographer,afriendofLuc?s,awaitedthem.Hesnappedafew
pictures,posedthemclosetogether.SomethinggreedyleaptinsideLuc
whenthemansuggestedtheykissagainsohecouldgetashot.
Restraininghimselfthistimeprovedmoredifficult.Thefirsttastehad
merelywhettedhisappetite,madethehungrybeastinsidehimroartolife.
Whateverlaybetweenthem,this—touchingher—wasalwaysgrippingand
exquisite.Tohavetherighttodoitwheneverhewishedwasheady.
Therestoftheluncheonpassedinquietfestivity.Theycutthecake
he?dmadeearlythismorning.Simpleandallwhitefondantwithbeadsof
frostingdecoratingtheedgeofeachofthethreestackedtiers.White
ribbonsoffondantranalongthesides,soitresembledanelegantpackage.
Freshflowerscircledthecakeonthepristinewhitetablecloth.
HeandAlyssahadn?ttalkedspecificsafterhe?dvolunteeredtohandle
thispartofthereception.NowLucwasoddlynervousthatshe?dhad
somethingelseinmind.
“Youmadethis?”Hervoicewasbarelymorethanawhisper.“It?s
gorgeous.”
“AmarettowithSwissbuttercreamfilling.Ihopeyoulikeit.”
Togethertheycutthecake,andflashbulbswentoff.Gently,hefedher
apieceandshemoaned,tohissatisfaction.Then,withshakingfingers,
shefedhimaswell.Thedesireinsidehimsurged,tearingathisrestraint.
Lucwasstillgrapplingforself-controlwhenDekeroseandtoasted
them.“Afteroneofthemostinauspiciousmeetings,you?veelectedtoshare
afuturethatIhopewillbefilledwithloveandallthebestlifehastooffer
Congratulations.”
Holdinghersparklingwater,Alyssaleanedtohim.“Hecouldn?t
possiblyhavewrittenthatonhisown.”
Luclaughedforthefirsttimetoday.“I?msureKimberhelped.”
ThenSadierosetomakeherowntoast.“Toagreatboss,friend,and
humanbeing,who?salwaysthereforheremployees,whetherthat?slending
ashouldertocryonorahelpinghand.Youdeservegreathappiness.Luc,I
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haven?tknownyoulong,butI?mhopingyou?llbeastrong,positiveforcein
herlifeandwillloveherassheis.Toalongandhappylifetogether.”
Momentslater,thesoftinstrumentalmusiche?dchosensoundedover
therestaurant?sspeakers.LucroseandextendedhishandtoAlyssa.She
bouncedasurprisedgazeuptohim.
“Dance?”
Shebitherlip,thenstood.Theguestsweredeadsilentasthey
watchedhimtakeherinhisarms.Shefeltgoodagainsthim,toogood.
Hungerkickedupanothernotch,andLucburiedhisfaceinherneck.Her
peachesandcinnamonscentmixedwithalightperfume,drivinghimmad
withtheneedtoholdher,stripher,takeher.
“Ithoughttheceremonywaslovely,”shemurmured.“I?msorry…I?m
sureyourparentswouldhavepreferredafancierwedding.”
Onethatwasn?trushed,inwhichthebridewasn?tapregnant
stripper—Lucheardregretinhervoice.Heliftedherchinwithhisfinger.
“Theywantwhatevermakesmehappy.Proposingwasmychoice,andI
don?tregretit.Sadiewantsustohavealongandhappylifetogether.Let?s
startitbylookingforward,notback.”
LUC?Searlierwordsonthedancefloorechoedinherhead.Couldthey
reallylookforwardwithoutthepastcomingbacktohauntthem?
“WhatamIdoing?”AlyssaaskedaloudasSadiehelpedheroutofher
weddinggowninBonheur?sbathroom.
“Youaskedmethisquestionwhenyouwereputtingonyourwedding
dressearlier.Theanswerisstillthesame.”
“IknowI?mprovidingamorestablehomeforthisbaby.”Shesighed
intoherhands,regretcrashingthroughher.“ButI?mgoingtofallforLuc
completelyandutterly,andI?llneverbemoretohimthanthegreatlay
whoseegghappenedtomeethissperm.”
“Youdon?tknowthat.Whenhelooksatyou,Iseesomethingmore.”
“Annoyance?”
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ShaylaBlack
Sheknewthatwasn?ttrue,butshedidn?tunderstandwhyhe?dmarried
her.She?dbeenperfectlywillingtoallowhimwhateverparentalrightshe
wanted.Luchadgivenhersomereasonsforthewedding…buttheyall
benefitedher.Whatwasinitforhim?
Andtheuncertaintyonhisparents?facesconcernedher.Itwasn?t
disapproval…yet.Butwhatifthatcame?Whatifherjob,herlife,her
past,becameaboneofcontentionbetweenLucandhisfamily?Or
betweenLucandherself?Therewasawholelotaboutherhedidn?tknow.
AndGodwilling,heneverwould.
Sadieshookherhead.“Annoyance,no.Seriouslust,totally.ButIthink
it?sevenmore.”
AlyssawasafraidtohopethatLuchadgenuinefeelingsforher.
Pushingitaside,shesteppedoutofherweddingdress,thenturnedher
backtoSadie.“Canyoutakethisoff?”
Herfriendhesitated.“No.Thatwhitecorsetishot!You?llknockLuc
deadwithit.”
Bitingherlip,Alyssawonderedifthatwasagoodthing.She?dtasted
thedesireinhiskiss,feltasurgeofherown.Hell,shedidwheneverhe
wasinthesameroom.Inthesamezipcode.Buttheyhadtostartbuilding
theirmarriageonsomethingmorethansexandthecomingchild.They
couldn?tdothatifhekeptseeingherasastripper.
“I?drathernot.”
“Butit?syourweddingnight,”Sadiereminded.
“Yeah,neverthoughtI?dhaveoneofthose.”Hoped,maybe,butafter
fourteenyearsofpureshitromanticallyspeaking,she?dlearnedtomistrust
men.They?ddoorsayanythingforsex.Sowhyhadshetiedherselfto
someonewho?dlikelybecomealyingbastardandruinherlife?
Becauseyouweredumbenoughtofallinlove,andyou’restillhoping
thatthebabywillroundouttheperfectfamilysoyoucanalllivehappily
everafter.Yeah,right
Inamillionyears,she?dneverimaginedthatonemanwouldgetunder
herskinandthatshe?dbetemptedtokeephimforever.Butshewanted
Luctoomuchtorefuse.Whatifherealizedthatshelovedhim?Whatifhe
movedon?
“Don?tyouwanttomakeanimpressiononyourweddingnight?”
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ShaylaBlack
Alyssawasprettysureshe?dalreadymadeit.“Justtakeitoff.”
Sadieharrumphed.“You?dbetterhavesomethingsexierinmind.”
“Totally,”shelied.
Withacackleofglee,Sadietoreintothecorset.Alyssapulledthe
boningawayfromherbody,thenthankedherfriendasshewavedand
exitedcarryingherdressinitsprotectivebag.
Sheshovedthecorsetintoherbag,thendonnedawhitelacebraand
amatchingthong.Fromahangershe?dleftonthewall,shedrewona
chocolatesuitwithasimplewhiteblouse.Afterchangingshoes,removing
herveil,andpackingup,shemarchedoutside.
Luctalkedinhushedtoneswithhisparentsnearthedoor.Thefew
remainingguestsmilledaroundoutsideBonheur?sdoors.Beyondthe
sidewalk,shesawLuc?snewJaguar.
Atherapproach,helookedup,andherbellypulsednervously.When
she?dmerelywantedhimsexually,she?dbeensofullofconfidenceand
swagger.Snaringamanforanightwaseasy.Keepinghimwhenherheart
wasontheline…Allherself-assurancehadvanished.Whatthehelldid
shedonow?Tomorrow?Andeverydayafterthat?
Takingherbaginhishand,Lucguidedherbacktohisparents.They
lookedsomewherebetweenreservedandresigned.SheknewLuchadtold
themaboutthebaby—andsuspectedhe?dtoldthemaboutSexySirens.
ButAlyssacouldn?taffordtobeembarrassedorapologize.Whatwouldit
change?Everythingprobablylookedworsebecauseshehadnofamilyat
thewedding.Theylikelyassumedherfamilyhadshunnedher.Inaway,
shesupposedtheyhad.
Whatwouldhermotherhavethoughtifshe?dbeenheretoday?
Alyssashovedthethoughtaway.Whilethewomanwhohaddiedjust
afewmonthsagohadgivenbirthtoher,theyearsandissuesseparating
themhadmadeheravirtualstranger.
“Thankyouforcomingalongwayonshortnotice,”shesaidtothem.
“I?mthrilledyoucouldbewithustoday.IknowitmeanttheworldtoLuc.”
Luc?smother,Clarissa,lookedupathisfather,Anthony,whosenther
avaguelywarmsmile.“WewishyouandLuceveryhappiness.”
Itwasn?texactlywelcometothefamily,butitwasastart.
“Thankyou.”
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“Whattimeisyourflighttomorrow?”Lucasked.
Inafewshortmoments,hemadearrangementstopickthemupfor
lunch,thenseethemofftotheterminal.Huggingandkissingtheirson,they
shookherhandpolitely,thenleft.
Shelookedaroundtheroom.Theguestshadallgonenow.Inside
Bonheur,dirtylinensneededwashing.Certainlytherewasastackof
dishesinthekitchenshedidn?twanttothinkaboutnow.Thefloorswerea
messandwouldhavetobecleaned.She?dtackleallthatinthemorning.
First,sheandLuchadaweddingnighttogetthrough.
“Readytogo?”heaskedsoftly.
No.God,no.WhatdoIknowaboutmakingamarriagework?
Alyssadrewinashakybreath.“Absolutely.”
LUCclearlywasn?tdrivingbacktoherhouse.Asheheadedwest,
beyondLafayette?scitylimits,Alyssahesitated.Thesilenceinthecarwas
thick,expectant.Shehatedtobreakit,but…
“Wherearewegoing?”
Hesentherablack-eyedgazethatscorchedhertohertoes.Lateafternoonshadowslentanexpectant,intimatefeeltothecar?sinterior.
Alyssacaughtherbreath.
“It?sourweddingnight.”
Meaninghehadsomethingplanned?“I—Ithoughtwe?djustgotomy
house.”
Lucshookhishead.“Weshouldcelebrateourfirstnightashusband
andwife.”
Theyhadn?ttalkedaboutthis.BeingalonewithLucforawholenight—
ashiswife?Nervesclenchedherstomachintoabigknot.They?dhavesex;
thatwasagiven.Buthemadethissoundlike…more.
Thenagain,he?darrangedtheirromanticweddingdance,madethe
cake,boughtherthishugeandtotallyunexpectedring.Why?Whatdidall
ofthismeantohim?
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Ofcourse,he?dmarriedher,atleastinpart,forthebaby.Andforthe
sex,too?Ifso,sheknewexactlywhatwouldhappenoncehetiredofit.
Shesawthosemeninherclubeverynight.Sowhyplansomethingspecial
tonight?Theweddinghadbeenashowforhisparents;sheunderstood
that.Nowthattheywerealone,whatwaswithalltheromance?
“Youkeepstaringatyourring.”
Hisobservationstartledher.“It?sbeautiful.”
Lucpaused.“Itremindedmeofyou.”
Alyssatriednottolethiswordsmelther.“Thankyou.Youdidn?thave
to—”
“Yes,Idid.Iwantedtoand,whileourmarriagewasquick,thatwasno
reasonnottohavesolidsymbolsofourunion.”
Shebitherlip.Lucsaidalltherightthings…butsomethingtroubled
her,somehintofanger.Ormaybeitwasjusthernerves.
“Wherewasyourfamilytoday?”heasked.“Iknowyourmotherisgone
…”
God,wherehadthatquestioncomefrom?“I?manonlychild,andI
haven?tseenmyfathersinceheleft.Iwasfour.”
Lucfrowned.“Aunts,uncles,cousins?”
Sheshookherhead.Intruth,shehadn?tthoughtabouttheminyears.
Shehadn?tdaredcontactthem.Hercousinswerelikelymarried,had
children.HerauntAnnawasprobablyretiredfromteachingschool.
“None.Couldwedropit?”
Helookedreadytosaysomething,thenclosedhismouth.Along,
silentminutepassedbeforehefinallysaid,“Ifyoueverwanttotellme
aboutyourfamily,I?dlovetolisten.”
“Yousaidyourselfweneededtolookforward,notback.Ithinkthat?s
anexcellentsuggestion.”
Sighing,Lucgrippedthewheel.“Areyouhungry?Youdidn?teatmuch
lunch.”
No,butshewasstartingtofeelweak.Sincebecomingpregnant,she?d
noticedthatshecouldn?tskipmealsthewaysheusedto.Andmostdays
untilabouttwo,shelivedoncrackersandapplejuice.
“Ishouldeat.”
Hesmiled.“I?lltakecareofit.”
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ShaylaBlack
Likehe?dtakencareofthingsthisweek.Mostmenwouldsimplyhave
askedwhentoshowup.Instead,he?darrangedtheinvitations,luncheon,
cake,rings,photographer.She?dbarelymentionedthethingsonherto-do
listbeforetheyweredone.Alyssacouldn?tfaulthistaste.Everythinghad
beenelegant,likelychosentopleasehisreservedparents.She?dhadonly
tobuyadressofftherackandorderflowers.
Shenibbledtheinsideofhercheek.She?dfeelsomuchbetterifshe
couldjustfigureoutwhyhemarriedher.Justforthebaby…orsomethingmore.
“Wehaven?thadachancetoreallytalkaboutthebaby.”Hebrokethe
silenceagain.“Howhasthepregnancybeensofar?”
Asafertopic.“Otherthanbeingreallytired,notbad.Thevitaminsare
finallyhelping.I?mdoingbetteraboutgettinginmyfruitsandvegetablesat
dinner.Can?teatmuchtherestofthedaysofar.Idon?thavemorning
sickness,butfoodsoundsbaduntillaterintheafternoon.”
“You?lltellmeifthatchanges.”
Itwasn?taquestion,butshecouldn?tmisstheconcerninhisvoice.
Sheshouldpullbackandprotectherself…butthatvoicewarmedhertoo
much.“Iwill.”
Afewminuteslater,theyreachedabed-and-breakfastinanearby
town.Thesunwassettingonthegrandoldbrickhouseandthe
surroundingcottagesthatstoodinthedistance.Itwasgorgeous,
reminiscentofabygoneera.Romantic.Herheartcaught.
Theirswasamarriageofconvenienceandunrequitedlove.He?ddone
somuchalreadyandbroughtherhereforarealweddingnight…The
manoverwhelmedher.Whichwasstupid.Hewasprobablyjustmakingthe
bestoftheirsituation.Still,tearsstunghereyes.
Shebreathed,tryingtosuppressherfeelings.“It?sbeautiful.Thank
you.”
Lucparkedinthedriveway.“Waithere.I?llberightback.”
Whenhereturned,itwaswithabigbrasskeyring;thenhedrove
downthedirtroadbehindthemainhousetoalittlebluecottagewitha
quaintlittleporch,completewithrockingchairs.Thesignonthedoorread
SWEETSURRENDER.
Alyssa?sstomachcurleduptighter.Herpulserocketed.
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Heunlockedthedoorandpusheditopen.Beforeshecouldpeekin,
Lucsweptherupintohisarms.Sheshrieked.
“Tradition,”hechided,thencarriedherin,kickingthedoorshutbehind
him.
Inside,thecottagehadahomeyfeel,braidedrugsoveraged
hardwoodfloors.Wainscotingandcheerfulpaintcoveredthewalls.Quilts,
lacydrapes,andcountry-stylefurniturealladdedcharm.
Hesetherdownonadistressedleathersofa,thenknelttoremoveher
shoes,hispalmslingeringonhercalves.Sheshiveredattheheatinhis
eyes.
“Icantellyoudidn?tsleepmuchlastnight.Rest.I?llfixdinner.”
NoonebutLuchadevertakencareofherlikethis,anditwasheaven.
Sheshouldbalk,insistondoingforherself.Butthisspecialtreatmentlikely
wouldn?tlast,andleaningonhimwassotempting.
“Closeyoureyes,”hedemanded.
Finally,shecomplied.Ifthepastwasanyindicator,she?dneedallthe
energyshecouldgetforlater.
Minuteslater,shewokewhenhesetchickenpastaandasalad
brimmingwithvegetablesinfrontofher.Aswitheverydaythispastweek,
bydinnertime,shewasfamishedanddemolishedeverybite.“Thatwas
incredible.”
Lucfinishedoffhisownplate.“Ihavedessert,ifyou?reready.”
Amazing…“Whendidyoumakeallthis?”
“Thismorning.DekeandKimberdelivereditearlier.”
He?dthoughtofeverything—andgonetheextramiletomakeit
special.Again,theever-presentquestionslammedherbrain:Why?
Withoutwaitingforherreply,heroseanddisappearedtothelittle
kitchen.Hereturnedmomentslaterwithabottleofchampagneandone
flute,poppedthecork,andpoured.Shesupposedhewasdrinkingwithout
her,sinceshecouldn?thavethealcohol.Beforehetookasip,he
disappearedagain,thenreturnedwithtwoheapingcupsofchocolate
mousseandatrayofchocolate-coveredstrawberries.
“Thatlooksscrumptious.Youdidn?thavetogotothismuchtrouble.”
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“SinceIonlyplantobemarriedonce,Idid.”Helookedsolemnashe
pickeduptheglasstotoasther.“Toabeautifulbrideandthebeginningof
ourlivestogether.”
Askorleaveitalone?
“Doyoureallybelievethat,Luc?OtherthanthefactI?mcarryingyour
child,wehavenothingincommonbutgreatsex.”
Lucraisedadarkbrowandfingeredtherimoftheglassforalong
moment.“WhenyouweredrivingtoDallaslastweek,wereyouatall
excitedtoseeme?Hadyoumissedmeevenabit?”
Alyssahesitated.Butwhyliewhenshesoughtthetruth?“Yes.”
“I?dmissedyou,andwhenyouwalkedthroughthedoor,Iwasdamn
gladyouwerethere.There?s…somethingbetweenus.”
Herbreathcaught.Hoperose.Wasitpossiblehecouldsomedayfall
inlovewithher?
Whatarethechances,really?
Hopecrashed.Italmosthurttoomuch,butshecouldn?tshakethe
fear.Likeasplinterinherpsyche,itfestered.Whenhadanyoneever
wantedherbeyondthebumpandgrind?
Shehadtostopborrowingtomorrow?stroubleandliveintoday?s
moment.Despitehisvowsandwordstothecontrary,alltoosoon,hecould
begone.
Lucraisedhisglassandtookasip,savoringthechampagne.Thenhe
frowned.“Thiscouldbebetter.”
“Inwhatway?”
Hissensualmouthliftedinasmile.“Itwouldtastebetteronyou.”
ThatwasallthewarningAlyssagotbeforeLucdippedhisfingerinhis
glass,thentracedtheliquidoverherlips.Shebarelyhadamomentto
smellthetang,feelthetickleofthebubbles,beforeLucroseoverher,eyes
ablazingblack,beforehedevouredherinascorchingkiss.
Airleftherbodyinarushofsizzleandneed.Sheswayedtowardhim,
andhepulledherintighter,slantinghislipsoverhersagainandsinking
deepintoher.Sodeep.Itwasasifthelastsevenweeksofseparationhad
neverhappened.Herbodyknewhim,dampened,ached,opened,yearned.
Moaning,Lucpressedcloser,conqueringthelastofherresistance
andwitswithhisferventkiss.Withoutconsciousthought,herhandsfound
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theirwayintohishair,tiedneatlyathisnape.Sheneededtoburyher
fingersinitthesamewaysheneededtoburyhersensesinhisscent.
Suddenly,hepulledawayandtracedmorechampagneonherlips.
Nowtheytingledandtrembled,andshecouldn?twaittofeelhismouthover
hersagain.Lucdidn?tdisappoint,tastingher,drinkingfromherasifhe?d
nevergetenough.
Alyssawonderedifsheeverwould.
“Ineedmoreofyou,”hedemanded,peelingoffhersuitcoatand
attackingthebuttonsofherblouse.“Now.”
Hisgazeremainedrivetedonher,asearingpromiseofecstasyto
come,asilentdeclarationofhisintenttosatisfyheruntilshewasboneless
andwhimpering.Alreadyshetrembled.Desirethrobbedbetweenherlegs.
Bloodscaldedherveins.Shecouldn?twaittofeelhimskintoskin,surging
deepinsideheruntilsheknewnothingbutthepoundingpulseofdesire
andthewildsurgeofclimaxovertakingherbodyandinhibitions.
Next,hetoreintoherbra,yankedawayherskirt,andshreddedher
thongwithhishands.Nowcompletelynakedandatthemercyofaman
whoappearedtohavenone,Alyssathrobbed.
“Undress,”sherasped,reachingforhiscoat.
Heshookoffherrequest,thenreachedforachocolate-covered
strawberry.“Open.”
Arguingwiththatforcefulcommandseemedimpossible.Assoonas
herlipsparted,heplacedthesweetfruitonhertongue.Flavorburstacross
hersenses,andshebitintoitssucculence,meltingmostofthechocolate
onhertongue.Sippingchampagne,Lucwatched,hisgazesmoldering.
Thesecondsheswallowed,hewasalloverheragain,hismouth
forcinghersopenunderthecrushofhis.Thechocolatemetthebubbly
wineonhertongue.Theflavorsentwinedtocreatesomethingirresistible.
Pressingcloser,sheateathismouth,needingmore,andhegave,delving
intoherendlessly.Shegasped.
Momentslater,hewasgone,reachingforthenearbytable.“Mousse?”
Panting,unabletoanswer,AlyssastaredasLucpickedupacupand
spoonedabiteintohermouth.
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Oh,dearGod!Thatmancouldcreatethemostamazingflavors.She
closedhereyesandmoaned.Whensheopenedthem,hewasswallowing
anothersipofchampagne—andswoopingdownforanotherkiss.
Thistime,sheanticipatedtheflavors,therich,lingeringtaste,now
creamyandsmoothandaddicting.Everytimehistonguebrushedhers,the
flavorofthebubblywineaddedtheperfecttangtothesweetdecadenceof
thedessert.
Shegrabbedhisshoulderstoridhimofthejacketandpullhimcloser.
Heedgedaway,thengrabbedthemousseoncemore.
Hetossedthespoonaside,anditlandedwithaclatteronthetable.
Alyssaflinched,butthesounddidn?tregisterwithhim.Hesimplyshoved
twofingersintothesmoothconfectionandscoopedsomeout.
“Wha-whatareyoudoing?”
Dizzy,overwhelmed,shecouldbarelycatchabreath.He?dkissedher,
strippedherbare,andalreadyshewasindangeroflosingherhead
completely.Andshedidn?tcare.Nowshejustneededmoreofthisvolatile
ridetopleasureonlyhecoulddeliver.
Lucspreadheroutonthesofa,thensmearedthemoussebetween
herswollenfolds.Shegaspedattheicy-hotsensationofthedessertand
warmskinagainstherandstruggledtokeepherhead.
Hewashavingnoneofthat.Hegrabbedthebottleofchampagneand
tippeditaboveher.Cold,bubblyliquidsloshedoverherbreastsand
abdomen,pooledinhernavel…drizzledintoherpussywithasensation
thatmadehergasp.
Wearingadevilishsmile,Lucstaredatherwetbodyandchocolatecoveredclit.“Havingdessert.”
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ChapterThirteen
HISownpersonalsliceofheaven.Lucspearedherpussywithhis
tongue,chocolate,champagne,andAlyssa?snaturaltasteaflavorthat
instantlyhookedhim.Kneelingbesidethecouch,helungedforheragain,
spreadingherthighswiderwithinsistenthandsandwedginghisshoulders
inbetween.
Ashetastedheragain,Alyssa?shipsbuckedasherbodythrashed.
Shecriedout,andthesoundsdrovehimup,higher.Closertothatplace
wherehe?dlosecontrol.
Tonight,hedidn?tcare.
Anothertemptingtasteofher,anotherlavingofherclit.Shegasped
andfistedherhandsinhishair.Thestingonhisscalparousedthehellout
ofhim.
Hegrabbedthemoussefromthetablebesidehimandspoonedmore
rightontothehotfleshofherfoldswithhisfingers,thenpouredmoreofthe
champagnerightoverthatdistendedbundleofnerves.Herbreathcaught,
ajaggedinhalationthatthrilledhim.Thenheswoopedin,takingherhard
budinhismouthandsucking,andshovedtwofingersinsideherweeping
entrance.Shescreamed.
Herbodyclampeddownonhisfingers,hungry,demanding,andhe
couldn?tstopimaginingexactlyhowshe?dfeelonhiscockwhenhegot
insideher.Everythingaboutthiswoman,hiswife,madehimfeelhedonisticandrapacious.Fuckapologizingforitanymore.Sheincitedhimlikeno
other,anditwasn?tsomethinghecould—orwantedto—stop.
Asherorgasmhighsubsided,hesmearedabitmoreofthemousse
onhisfingers,thenspreaditoverhernipple.Ashelavedit,thensucked
deep,shegroaned.
“Luc!Oh…”Shepanted,herfaceandchestflushedandglowing.
Damn,shelookedbeautiful.Ashetoreoffhisclothesandthrewthem
haphazardlyoverthebackofthesofa,heglancedatherlefthand,atthe
sparklingdiamondonherfinger.Shewashis
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ShaylaBlack
Easinghiswayupherbody,Lucreachedoutforthechampagneflute
andtippeditover,abovethevalleybetweenherbreasts.Shegaspedashe
coveredherchestwithhis.Theliquidheatedbetweentheirbodiesasthey
slidsensuouslyagainsteachother.Hegrabbedastrawberryandplacedit
againstherlips.
“Eatthis,”hislowvoicecommanded.
Alyssastaredwithwideblueeyes,sparklingwithexcitementand
curiosity,andhefelthimselffallforherabitmore.Shepartedherlushlips,
hertonguepeekingouttowetthem,beforesheacceptedhisoffering.Luc
settheberryinhermouth,chocolatefirst.Asshebitdown,shemoaned.
Hereyesslidshut.Hiscockjumpedasimpatienceandneedthrummedin
hisblood.Hewasdyingtogetinsideher.
Asshechewedthechocolatyfruit,hetossedbackthelastofthe
champagne.Themomentsheswallowed,heconsumedhermouthina
greedykiss,tastingthesharpswirlofflavors,savoringthewaysheopened
tohim,acceptedhimdeepinsidehermouth.Hewantedtobedeeper.
Clutchingherhipsinhishands,heprobedherslick,creamyfoldswith
hiscock,thenbegantopushhiswayin,straighttothehavenhe?dmissed
andyearnedforoverthepastsevenweeks.
Tight.Sodamntight.Healwayshadtofighthiswayin,andtonight
wasnoexception.Oneshallowthrust,another,athird…Eachtimehe
easedinabitfarther,hersnugwallscreatedasinfulfrictionthathadhim
hissinginabreath.Teeth-grittingpatienceanddestructivepleasure—both
nearlyundidhim.
Finally,hesheathedhimselfcompletelyinsideher.Withaneager
moan,Alyssaroseuptomeetbothhistongueandhiscock.Whatwasit
abouther?Solush,soperfect,so…whateverthathecouldneverget
enough?
Underhim,herbodygrewtaut.Herfingernailsdugintohisshoulders,
andherlegsrosearoundhiships.Shecaughthisrhythm,andshewrithed
beneathhisincreasinglyharshthrusts.
Herbreath,hotonhisneck,featheredoversensitiveskin.Anicy-hot
shivernearlyundidhim.SexwithAlyssawasalwaysmoredazzling,more
mind-blowing,thananythinghe?deverexperienced.Buttonight,knowing
shewashisineveryway,waskillinghiscontrol.
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“Yes,”shemurmured.“God,yes…Luc!”
“Fuck,youfeelsogood,sugar.You?reshaking.”
“I?mclose…”
Afacthecouldn?tmiss.Shekepttighteningaroundhimwithevery
second,andhehadtoanchorhishandsonherhipstopushhiswayin.
Everythrustbecamearichslideintoecstasythathadhimpanting,
growling,needingtoemptyhimselfinsideher.
“Comeforme,”hedemanded.“Now!”
Shetensedevenmore,gasped.Thenthemomentwasonher,and
hereyesflewopen.Astheirstaresmet,thenakedconnectionsmacked
him,grabbinghimbythecock,tuggingatsomethinginhischest.Hedidn?t
standachanceinhellofresistingher.
Pleasureseizedhiswholebodyastheclimaxboiledinsidehim,then
burstwide.Heshouted,shuddered,buriedhimselfdeep.Thesensation
wassoperfectLucneverwantedtoleave.
Ifhehadanythingtosayaboutit,heneverwould.
Theyweremarriednow.Officially,ineveryway.Timetoputthebaby?s
parentageasideandmakethiswork.Attheleast,hewantedtoearnher
trust,beherbestfriend,themansheturnedtoforanything.
Butdeepdown,Lucknewhewasfoolinghimself.Hewantedmuch
more.Everythingshehadtogive.Hewouldn?trestuntilshewashis
completely.
MOONLIGHTstreamedthroughthewindowsasAlyssastretched,her
bodyachinginamilliondeliciousplaces.Shemarveledathowtreasured
andsatedshefelt.EverynightshespentwithLucendedinmind-blowing
passion,butthisone…Shecouldn?thelpbutsighinbliss.
Afterallbutravagingheronthecouch,she?dnearlyfallenasleep.Her
untimelyinsomniathenightbefore,coupledwithstressandpregnancy,had
shutherbodydown.He?dsaidnothingabouttheinterruptiontothe
weddingnighthe?dsocarefullyplanned.Instead,Luchadcarriedhertothe
cottage?shugeclaw-foottubandsetherinhotwatertosoak.Withinfinite
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care,hewashedherbody,herhair—evenwhenshe?dinsistedshecould
performthetaskherself.
Shemayaswellnothavewastedherbreath.
Afterward,he?dcombedherhair,evendriedit,thenurgedherontothe
mostinvitingbedshe?deverseen,firmyetplush,withpillowsandfluffy
quiltsbuiltforcomfort.He?dslidherbetweensoftsheets,nakedastheday
shewasborn,thenfollowedherdown,kissingherlipsgently.Alyssahad
fallenasleepthemomentherheadhitthepillow.
Now,afewhourslater,she?dawakened,comfortedbyLuc?sdeep,
evenbreathingbesideher.Butthenshesmelledhim.Tempted,shecurled
upagainsthisbodyheatandtentativelysmoothedherpalmdownthehard
chest,tracedhisribbedabdomen,guidedsoftfingertipsoverhisgrowing
erection.
Flashesofhispassionandcarebombardedher—theromantic
weddingnightshe?dneverexpected,thefeelofhimfillinghermouthand
bodyatonce,hissoothingtouchashe?dbathedherfromheadtotoe.
Tearsfloodedhereyes,closedherthroat.Andhereshethoughtshe
couldn?tlovehimmore,buttonighthiscarehadexpandedherfeelingsuntil
theynearlydrownedher.Alyssadidn?tkidherself.Evenifthismarriage
endedbadly,Lucwouldalwaysbeinherheart.
Fromthemomentshe?dmethim,she?dbeenfascinated.Hehad
intelligence,coupledwithakindnesssherarelysawinhercustomers.
WhensheandLuchadfirstmet,he?dwantednothingtodowithher.He
hadn?tbeenrudeordisrespectful,butmerelystayedaway.
ThencametheunexpectedSundaymorninglastsummerhe?dcalled
herwithanoutrageousproposition:thefavoroffuckinghimandDekein
exchangefortheculinaryfavorofherchoice.He?dknownofherrestaurant
openingsoon,justashe?dknownshewouldn?tbefoolishenoughtoturn
himdown.Acceptinghadfeltabitlikeprostitutingherself,butgivenher
pastandhowmuchcredibilityhe?dlendtoheropening,beingsqueamish
seemedsilly.
Thatwildevening,Dekehaddepartedwithouttouchingher—andLuc
hadbeeninsatiable.Incredible.Buthe?dnevertreatedherlikeawhore.In
fact,he?dactedasifhe?dneverbeensoenthralledwithsex,neverwanted
awomansomuch.Godknewshe?dneverburnedforanymanthewayshe
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hadforLuc.Thenextmorning,she?dawakenedachingforhimagain…
onlytofindthebedempty.
Deepinherheart,she?dhopedthattheirastoundingnightmightlead
tosomethingmore.Soshe?dbelyingifshesaidhisdesertionhadn?thurt.
She?dalsobelyingifshesaiditwasunexpected.
Forweeksafterward,she?dtriedtothinkofsomethingtolurehimback,
hopingthatthememoriesoftheiramazingsexwouldgiveherafoundation
tobuildon.Butshe?dseenhimagainonlywhenshe?dforcedhimtoliveup
tohisobligation.Thefacthe?dresistedheradvancesandhadanew
girlfriendhadbeenanaxtoherheart…butinsteadofgivinguponLuc,
she?dseducedhim—onlytorealizeheassumedshewasfuckingTylerand
thoughtherlittlemorethanawhore.
SodespiteLuc?s“explanation,”hisinsistenceonthismarriagestill
didn?tmakesense.Shewasthesamepersonwiththesameoccupation
andthesamebouncerLucbelievedwasherlover.Theonlydifference?
Shewaspregnant.Yes,he?dclaimedtomissherintheweeksthey?dbeen
apart…butenoughtomarryher?
Andnowshewasindeeper.Lastnight,withhispassionand
tenderness,he?dshatteredher.Nootherwaytodescribeit.He?dbegun
tearingawaythewallssheneverletanyonebehind,destroyingher
defenses.Whetherhe?dmeanttoornot,he?dmadeherirrevocablyhis.
Alyssahopedthat,maybe,atleastinpart,Lucwashers,too.
“You?rethinkingtoohard,”Lucmurmuredandrolledtofaceher.
Hisinkyhairtumbledoverhisshoulder,theendsflirtingwithhis
pectorals.Hisbedroomeyeslookedblackandsmokyintheshadows.Her
pulsepickedupspeed.
Itwouldbesoeasytofallintohisarms,andletwhateverwasgoingto
happenbetweenthemsimplyhappen.Butshe?dneverhadtheluxuryof
wearingrose-coloredglasses.AlyssaneededtoknowwhyLuchadmarried
her.Askingwhyhadgottenhernowhere.Ifshewantedtoknowifhe?d
marriedhersimplyforthebabyorthesex,shehadtochangetactics.
“Alotonmymind,”sheansweredfinally.
“Yesterdaywasabigday.”
Shenodded.“Gettingmarriedishuge,andwereallyhaven?tknown
eachotherlong.Imean,we?vespent,maybe,fivedaystogethertotal.”
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Lucbrushedthehairbackfromherface.“Itdoesn?tsoundlikealot,
but…somehow,betweenus,itis.”
Alyssaunderstoodexactlywhathemeant.Everymomenthadbeen
fullofdiscoveryandgravity,bringingthemtogetherwhentheywereattheir
best,pittingtheirtempersagainsteachotherwhentheywereattheirworst.
“Ineed—”God,herstomachrevolted,andithadnothingtodowith
pregnancyhormones.WhatifLuclaughedorscoffedorbecameangryat
herquestion?
Thenyou’llknow
“Needwhat?”heprompted,tracinghisfingertipsoverherbare
shoulder.Sheshivered.
“Howdoyoufeelaboutme?”
Herquestionclearlysurprisedhim.Luchesitated,thenresumedhis
brushingcaress.“That?sadirectquestion,butIexpectthatfromyou.”
“I?mpragmatic.”
“That,youare.”
Shebristled.“I?vehadtobe.”
Ashecuppedhercheek,hisfacesoftened.“I?mnotjudgingyou.In
fact,it?spartofwhatIadmireaboutyou.”
Thatwarmedherabit.“Soyouadmireme?”
Likeachildcaughtwithahandinthecookiejar,Lucsmiled.
“You?resmartandtoughandtenacious.Jacktoldmethewayyou
reboundedafterPeter?sattackevenimpressedthehelloutofhim.”
Great,butnoneofthataddeduptolove.Thoughshehadn?texpected
more,disappointmentcavedinonher.
Alyssafoughtoffthefeeling.Maybeherlovewouldbeenoughforboth
ofthem.
Thenshesighed.Sheknewnothingaboutrelationships,butdoubted
one-sideddevotionwouldwork.Afterlastnight,sheneededtopullback,
doherbesttorebuildthewallsaroundherheart.
“Thankyou,”shemuttered,rollingaway.
Hegrabbedherarmandturnedherbacktohim,fittingtheirbodies
together.“Whereareyougoing?”
“Getdressedandgettowork.IleftBonheuramessafteryesterday.”
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Hepressedherbacktothemattress.“Therestauranthasbeen
cleanedfromtoptobottom—dishes,linens,theworks.Today?sfoodis
alreadypreppedfortonight?sopening.”
Hermouthgapedopen.“Whodid…?Howdoyouknow?”
“Icalledafewpeopleandtookcareofit.”
Likehe?dtakencareofeverythingelse.Shejustkeptfallingoverand
overforLuc,withnoendinsight.“Thankyou.”
Hewassothoughtful,goodatanticipatingherneedsandseeingto
them.Didthatmeanhemaybemorethanadmiredher?Orwassheletting
stupidhopetalkherintomakingmoreofthegesturethansheshould?
“Youworktoohard.”Histhumbtracedthearchofherbrowashe
stareddownintoherfacewithanexpressionshecouldn?tread.“LikeIsaid,
Iadmireyou,butIworry.”
“Admirationinamarriage…”Isn’tenough.Shechokedthewords
down.“Ithelps,I?msure.”
Luctookherfaceinhishands.“Ididn?tsaythatwasallIfelt.”
Alyssa?sheartskippedabeat.Hisarmencircledherwaist,andhe
urgedherthighoverhiship,openinghertohim.Hepressedakisstoher
mouth,nibbledatherneck,breathedinherear.Tinglesandgoosebumps
skitteredacrossherskin.Herbodysnappedtoattention,asifitknewits
lordandmaster,andreadieditselfinanticipationofhispossession.
Butthewayhelookedathermadeherbreathcatch.Hisexpression
saidshemattered.Verymuch.
“Oh,”shebreathed.
“Nowthatwe?remarried,wemustbehonest.Communicatebetter.”He
slantedhismouthoverhersagain,andAlyssahadtofighttofocusonhis
wordswhenhepulledbackenoughtowhisper.“Thetruthis,I?veneverfelt
foranywomanasdeeplyasIfeelforyou.”
MorethanKimber,even?Thump,thump,thump.Herheartthreatened
tojumpfromherchest.
“Youlookshocked.”
“Iam.Iknowyou?vebeeninrelationshipsbefore…”
“They?rebehindme.”Heproppedhisheadonhispalm,hisgaze
delvingdeep.“Howdoyoufeelaboutme?”
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Soridiculouslyinloveitscaresthehelloutofme.“Icare,too.More
thanIthoughtpossibleafterafewdays.”
Alyssadidn?tdareconfesstomorethanthat.Tellinghimtoomuch,
beingtooopen,sheknewfromexperiencegaveamanexactlywhathe
neededtomakehervulnerableanddrophertoherknees—rightathisfeet.
“Good.”Lucsmiled,hisexpressionsointimateinthedark,hertoes
curled.“It?suptoustomakethismarriagework.”
Andwhatdidsheknowaboutthat?“Agreed.”
“Whatdoyouneedfromme?”hewhispered.“Whatareyouseekingin
ahusband?”
Intruth,she?dnevergivenitanyrealthought.“Someonewholikesand
respectsme,whounderstandswhatmakesmetick.I?veenjoyedthefact
you?vetakencareofmethesepastfewdays,butIdon?texpectit.Ineed
youtobelievethatIcanstandonmyowntwofeet.”
Hebrushedathumbacrossherlips,thentookpossessionofthemina
lushbutbriefkissthatmeltedherevenmore.“Ibelieveyoucando
anythingyousetyourmindto.”
Pridefilledher.“Thankyou.I?mnotalwaysgoodatsharingwhatI?m
thinking.I?velivedandworkedalonefortoolong,Iguess.”
That,andbarelysurvivingtheultimatebetrayalofherfeelingsand
trust.Buthedidn?tneedthosegorydetails.
“Don?tbesurprisedifIaskyoualotofquestions.Ilikeknowingwhat?s
goingonwithyouandbeinginvolvedinBonheuroranythingelseyouhave
goingon.I?llhelphoweverIcan.Youhaveonlytoask.Iwon?tstepinthe
middleofyourbusinessunlesssomethingseemsdangerousorwrong.I
knowyou?vemanagedjustfineformanyyearswithoutme,andI?dnever
presumetothinkthat?schanged.”
God,justwhenshethoughtthewallsaroundherheartcouldn?t
crumbleanymore…“Thankyou.”
“IfyouthinkI?veoverstepped,we?lltalk.Inreturn,I?llaskonlythree
thingsofyou.”
Wasthisthecatchshe?dbeenlookingfor?“What?”
“First,nomorestripping.ThemalepopulationofLouisianadoesn?t
needtoseemywifenakedanymore.”
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“Done.”Thelastthingshewantedtodowastakeherclothesofffora
bunchofdrunk,slobberingstrangersagain.Thefacthecaredaboutwho
sawherbodywarmedherheart.
“Good.Second,Ineedyourtrust.AfterPeter?sattack,itbecameclear
thatsomeoneoncerapedyou.Idon?tneeddetailstodayortomorrow.ButI
wantyoutoknowyoucantrustmewithwhateveryouwanttotellme.”
She?dfiguredhe?dcometosomefairlyaccurateconclusions,butthe
facthewasn?tgoingtopushher?Herreliefwasalmosttangible.She?d
heardenoughfromtheotherdancerswhosecavemenhusbandsthoughta
pieceofpaperentitledthemtoknoweverythingtobeafraid.Alyssadidn?t
thinkshewaswiredtoshareherselfthatdeeplyagain.
“Iappreciatethat.”
“Hmm.”Lucexhaledacrosshershoulderandpressedhismouthtoher
collarbone.“Iappreciateyourskin.”
Ashispalmdrifteddowntoherbreast,shecaughthiswristand
stoppedhim.Yes,shewantedhimagain,feelinghimdeepandstrongand
demandinginsideher.ShewasagluttonwhereLucwasconcerned.But
thisconversationwastooproductivetostopnow.
“Andthird?”
Hefroze,exceptfortheclenchingofhisjaw.“Completefidelity.”
Stingingasifshe?dbeenslapped,sheyankedaway.“YoustillthinkI?m
awhore.”
Lucwasrightonher,curlinghisarmaroundherwaistanddragging
hercloser.“No.Youdon?tturntricksorfuckcustomers.BeforeIgotto
knowyouasaperson,Ibelievedthestereotype,thatawomanwho?dshed
herclothesformoneywouldalsobewillingtospreadherlegsforit.But
that?snotyou.”
Alyssapushedbacktears,thereliefwassoprofound.Thenshe
noticedthatherhusband?scarefullycraftedreplyhadn?tincludedTyler.
She?dgivenLucadozenreasonstoassumethatsheandherbouncer
werelovers.Tylertouchedheropenlyinpublic,hadakeytoherhouse,
sawhernakedoften…InLuc?sshoes,she?dassumethesamething.
InsistingagainthatTylerwasonlyherfriendwascounterproductive.Luc
wouldlearnthetruthsoonenough.
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“Idon?tknowalotaboutmarriage,butIbelievefidelityisimportant.If
you?regoingtodemanditofme,Iwantthesameinreturn.Whenyougoto
LosAngelestotapeyourshowsnextweek,don?timagineit?sokaytohook
upwithwhateverbrainlessstarletplopsinyourlap.”
Luclaughed.“Notinterestedinbrainlessstarletsploppinginmylap,
bed,oranywhereelse.I?mcompletelyenthralledbyyou,andbeingwith
you,insideyou…”
Hisvoiceloweredanoctave,hisgazeturningdarkandforceful.Intent
narrowedhiseyes,andbeforeshecouldthinkorbreathe,Lucprobed
betweenherthighsandpushedinward.
Hispenetrationsearedherswollenfolds.Notsurprisingly,shewaswet
forhim.Hernipplesbeaded.Hetookoneinhismouthandnippedwitha
stingingpleasure-painasheforcedhiscockhigherinsideher.Alyssa
partedherthighswiderandliftedherhips,desperatetohavehimasdeep
ashecouldgo.Hepressedatherwalls,strainingherabilitytotakehim.
Acceptingallofhislengthandgirthinonestrokewasimpossible.Theramp
uptofeelinghimdeepinsideherwasdeliciouslymaddening.
Herfleshstung,andtheburningbehindherclitnearlydroveher
insane.Luccontinuedtoworkhernipples.Theywerealreadyslightlysore
fromlastnight.Nowtheystooduphardandstraightandrespondedtothe
smallestlick,eventothefeelofhisbreathonthem.Butwhenhesucked
theminhismouthandbitgentlyasheplungedtherestofthewayinside
her…
Shescreamed.
“Yes,”hepurred.“Beinginsideyou,makingyoutakeeveryinchofme
inthistight,hotpussy.Ilovesexwithyou.I?maddicted.”
Hewithdrewslowly,soslowly,shewhimpered.Ashelingered,his
thumbsbrushedhertightnipplesbeforehebitatherneckandplunged
deepandhardtothehilt,makinghergaspagain.
“WhenIdon?tgettofuckyou,I?mshakyandstrungout.Iache.
Ican?tthinkaboutanythingbutgettingyounakedandworkingmycock
insideyou,allgrippingandscalding.Andbare.Alwaysbare.Idon?tever
wantanythingbetweenus.”
CondomshadalwaysbeenawayoflifeforAlyssa.She?dnever
allowedanymantohavesexwithherwithoutadequateprotection,but
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whatLucdidtoher…God,therewasnodescription.Evenhiswords
madeherhottotakehimconstantlyanddeeper.
“Yourworry,sugar,shouldn?tbewhatI?mgoingtodowhenI?mnotin
yourpussy,buthowyou?reevergoingtobeabletokeepmeoutofit.You
makemedamnhot,soexpectthatmealswillsometimesgetcoldbefore
you?lleatthem,thatyourshowerswon?tbesolo,thatyoumaynotoftenget
afullnight?ssleep.Iloveyouswollenandwetandready,andIplantokeep
youthatway.”
Everywordoutofhismouthmeltedherintoaworthlesspuddle.When
menhadtalkedtoherlikethatinthepast,she?dfeltsleazy.Butsomething
aboutLucandthewayhewhisperedtoher,almostreverentandamazed,
madeherfeelbothneededandspecial.
AsLuccontinuedtodraghiscockthroughhersensitivechannel,blood
heatedherskin,rushedtoherclit.Sensationfloodedherashedrewback
withstunningfriction.Shemewledashepushedbackintohersoslowly,
shedughernailsintohisback,triedtopushherheelsintohisass.He
refusedtoberushed.Infact,herefusedtoallowheranysayatall.
“Badgirl,”hemutteredthicklyinherear.“Impatiencewillonlyearnyou
aslowerfucking.”
Beforeherscrambledbraincouldregroupsothatshecouldfigureout
whathemeant,Lucwithdrewandturnedherover.Thenplungedindeep
again,hisstrokesmaddeninglyunhurriedandtorturous.
“Please.Faster.”
Lucleanedoverherbackandkissedthesideofherjaw,thebackof
herneck.“Whatdoyouwantfaster?”
God,hewasgoingtomakehersayit.They?dplayedthisgametheir
firstnighttogether,monthsago.She?dresisted,andhe?dwrungevery
beggingadmissionfromhereventually,thenfulfilledadozenfantasies.
Thathemightdothesamenowmadeherbloodthickenlikelavainher
veins.
Alyssaclenchedherjawtoholdthewordsin,buthisunhurriedstrokes
wereundoingher.Thenheaddedhisfingerstoherclitandtoyedwiththe
distendedbutton.
“TellmewhatIwanttohear,andyouknowI?llgiveyouwhatyou
want.”
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Yes,hewould,buthe?dalsotakesomuchpowerfromher.She?d
alreadyhandedhimherheart.This…wouldbeasignthatshe?d
surrenderedthelastofherindependence.Hersoul.
Hisfingertipsdraggedovertheexposedheadofherclit,andshe
gasped.Henippedinherear.“Icoulddothisallmorning.You?resowet,
andIlovetokeepyouonedge.Youswellandswell,grippingmesotight..
Mmm.”
Pleasurerippedthroughherbody.Herstomachclenched.The
pressurebuiltuntilitburnedandtightened,likehotclampssqueezingat
herresistance.
Anotherdraggingwithdrawal,anothersheet-fistingglidebackinside
untilhebumpedhermostsensitivespotandpressed.Shecouldn?tbreathe.
Dizzinessencroached.Lucfingeredherneedylittlebudagain.
“Luc!”Thedemandingshoutwasmorelikeasob.
“That?sit,sugar.Yeah.Keeptighteningonme.”Heclutchedher
shoulderanduseditasleverageashecontinuedtosawinandoutofher
bodyatamolassespacethatmadeherinsane.“Tellmewhatyouwant.I
can?tgiveittoyouuntilyoudo.”
Hewasplayingher,daringher.Givinginwentagainsthergrain…
butLuchadbecomesoeffectiveatstrummingherbodyforhispleasure.
Thestaggeringachekeptcrashinginonheruntilshehadnomore
defenses.
Shesobbedagain.“Please…”
“Tellme.Openthatprettymouthandtellmewhatyouwant.”
“Faster!Fuckmefaster!”
Stillhehesitated,hishot,heavybreathsonthebackofherneck
makinghertremble.“Faster?IfIdothat,whatwillyoudoforme?”
Hewantedsomething,andAlyssahadnoideawhat.Ifshe?dbeenin
herrightmind,shewouldhaverefused.Whopromisedsomethingbefore
knowingwhatitwas?
ButAlyssawasinnoframeofmindtobargain.
“Anything,”shegasped,tryingtopushbackonhiscock.
Lucclutchedher,preventinganymovement.“Justanything?”
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Thepleasurewascoalescinginsideher,turningthickandsharpand
tight.Theslightestmovement…Sheneededit.Now.Hermindwasabout
tosnap,herbodyalreadyhisslave.
“Anything.”
“WhatifIwanteverything?”hegrowled.
Alyssacouldn?tfindherbreath,soshegavehimashakynod.
“Saythewords,mylittlewife.”Hisfingersretreated,tracingthesoft
padoffleshaboveherpussy,denyingherthatonetouchtoherclitthat
wouldsendherintothestratosphere.
God,shehadnothinglefttofighthimwith,nowaytokeepevenan
ounceofherselfhidden.Shearchedtohim,andheslidabitdeeperinside
her.Andstillitwasn?tenough.
“Everything!”Hercryresonatedinherears.
Likeapredatorsensingblood,Lucmovedinforthekill.“Absolutely
everything?”
“Yes,”shebreathed.“Please,God,yes!”
“That?sexactlywhatI?lltake,”hevowedinasnarl,thenpoundedinto
herwithdeep,mercilessstrokes,fastenoughtomultiplythefrictionandstill
slowenoughtosavorthemountainofpleasureburyingher.
Hepressedslickfingersontoherclitagainandrubbedintinycircles.
Herbloodboiledover,hersanitysnapped,andthepleasureburstthrough
her,seeminglybiggerthanherwholebody.Itrewrotethedefinitionof
amazingsex,becamethestickbywhichshemeasuredencounterswith
everyotherman.Theyallcameupwoefullyshort.Andstilltheecstasykept
pilingontopofher,aragingdelugeshegladlydrownedin.
She?dbarelycaughtherbreathandrememberedherownnamewhen
Lucstruckagain,thistimecirculatinghisslickfingersaroundtherosetteof
herbackentrance.
Oh,God.Hewasn?tjusttryingtotearawayherdefenses;hewas
tryingtodestroyher.“No.”
“Yousaideverything,”hereminded,hisfingers,wetwithlubrication
stillcirclingthesmallhole.
“It?stoomuch.”Alyssaheardthepleadingnoteinhervoiceandno
longercared.
“DidIhurtyoulasttime,onourfirstnight?”
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Heknewbetter.Asoftenasshe?dcomeforhim,hemustknow.But
likeeverythingelsetonight,hewantedheradmission.
“No.”
Hepressedtwofingersdeep,histonguelavinghershoulder.“I?m
goingtomakeitgood,sugar.Sogood.”
Ofthat,shehadnodoubt.
Alyssagaspedashisfingerswentdeep,deeper,ashiscockstrokedin
andoutofherpussy,bringingbacktolifenerveendingsshe?dbeencertain
wereoverwroughtanddead.Theydidn?tjustflicker,butflared,leapt,raced,
throbbed.
Shewasstilltryingtoadjusttothechangewhenhewithdrewfromher,
thenangledhisbodyhigheroverhers.Hebeganpressinghiscockintoher
smallbackentrance.Thestretchingborderedpain,andshehissedatthe
riotofneedsflaringtolifeagainasheshovedpastherresistance,then
pushedinaseeminglyendlesstunnelinsideheruntilhisbodypressed
completelyagainstherbackandshesworeshecouldfeelhimeverywhere.
“Fuck,yes!”Heclutchedhershoulders,tracedherwaistwithhis
palms,thengrabbedherhipsinabrutal,desperategrip.“Rubyourclit.
Thisisgoingtobehardandfast.”
Smallmercyafterallthistime,andsheshouldprobablytellhimshe
wasn?tfollowinghisdirectives.She?drubherclitifshewantedtoandnot
before.Buthe?dalreadymadeheritchy,edgy,needy.
Assoonasshetouchedherself,Lucsetapoundingpacethatstole
herbreath.Inseconds,heoverwhelmedher.Sensationsshehadn?tfeltin
months,wroughtbytheawakeningofgreedynervesandajacked-up
libido,demandedmore.Shetouchedherself,draggeduphigherandhigher
byhisferociousstrokesintothedeepestrecessesofherbody,ignitingthe
darkestofherfantasieswhereLuctookherexactlyashewanted,foras
longashewanted,makingherclimaxforhimatwill.
Ashepinchedhernippleandtunneledbackintothetightchannel,he
pantedatthebackofherneck,“Come!”
Herworldexplodedlikeasupernovaagain.Tearsofreliefandrelease
burstforth.Luchaddevastatedher,scrapedherraw.Andstill,hekeptat
her,thickandhardanddemandingastearsstreameddownhercheeks,
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untilshepossessednomorebuffersbetweenherhusbandandher
batteredheart.
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ChapterFourteen
THESundayfollowingtheirwedding,Alyssaleanedagainstthe
doorjambofthemasterbedroomandwatchedLucpackthelastofhis
suitcase.She?dlivedaloneforadecadeormore.Solitudehadalwaysbeen
acomfort.Luchadmovedintoherhousethedayaftertheirwedding.Itwas
logical,giventhat,betweenhisupcomingTVshowandhisappearances,
he?dbetraveling,whileshewastiedtoLafayettebytheclubandthe
restaurant.Buthimlivinginherpersonalspace,hermakingroominher
closet,bathroom,anddrawers,allseemedweird.Hewasneaterthanher.
Andheironed,whichwasabigbonus.Butforthefirstfewdays,she?dfelt
invaded—home,body,andheart.
Now,watchinghimpreparetoleave,Alyssahadtoswallowdown
sadness.ShewasgoingtomissLuc,probablymorethansheshould.
She?dgrownaccustomedtoseeinghiminBonheur?skitchens,watching
overherduringSexySirens?weehours.Twodaysago,hispublicisthad
releasedthenewsoftheirwedding.Sincethen,Luchadwhiskedhertoher
careachnight,tightlyholdingheragainsthisside.She?dgottenusedto
himfixingheralightsnackbeforebed,hiscomfortingpresencebesideher
assheslept,inevitablywakingtohisdelicious,addictingtouchandtheway
hekeptheronorgasmoverload.
Allthatwouldbegoneforthenexttwoweeks.Ofcourseitwasn?tthe
endoftheworld,butsomehowbeingawayfromhimmadeherjitteryand
anxious.
“I?llcallyouwhenIgetin,”hepromised.
“Thanks.”
“You?refeelingokaytoday?”
Alyssanodded.“Alittletired,butthat?snormal.”
“Don?tworktoohard.Sadie?swatchingyouforme.”
“She?satattletale.”Shecrossedherarmsoverherchestinamock
pout.
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“WhichiswhyIchosehertokeepmeinformed.”Luczippeduphis
suitcaseandsetitonthefloor.“I?llbebacktospendThanksgivingweek
withyouandgotoyourdoctorappointmentthefollowingweek.”
Thefirstmeetingwithherobstetrician.Thefirsttimetohearherbaby?s
heartbeat.“Iappreciateyoubeinghereformetoleanon.”
Hecrossedtheroomandtookherfaceinhishands.Determineddark
eyesboredintoher.“Iwouldn?thaveitanyotherway.”
God,whenhespoketoher,inthatvoice,withthatconcernonhis
face,heabsolutelymeltedher.Hemustknowthat.
“BeforeIgo,Ihavesomethingforyou.”
Shestared,allfrownsandconfusionasheturnedawayandpulled
somethingoutfrombehindhisbriefcase,whichleanedagainstthewall.It
wasaboxroughlythesizeofaloafofbread,wrappedinthickfoilpaper
thatshimmeredwithsmallsilverscallops.Anelegantwhitebowtoppedthe
gift.
Luchandedittoher.“It?sabelatedweddinggift.”
“Agift?Youdidn?thaveto—”
“ButIwantedto.”
Swallowingdownalumpofemotion,sheremovedthebowandtore
throughthewrappingpapertorevealaplainbrownbox.Afterwrestlingwith
thecardboard,shepulledoutthecontentsandgasped.Insidewasa
pictureframeintheshapeoftwosilverringsentwined.Ontheleft,apicture
ofherinherweddingdress.Ontheright,apictureoftheirweddingkiss.In
themiddle,wherethetworingsoverlapped,he?dhadtheirfirstnamesand
theirweddingdateengraved.
“It?sgorgeous!”
Shealmostchokedonamixtureofgratitudeandlove.Theirmarriage
wasn?tperfect.Theywerestillgettingtoknoweachother.ButLucwas
trying.Shewasstillholdingback.Thenagain,sometimesshecaughthim
staringather,sometimeshethoughttoolongbeforeheansweredher,and
shesensedthatmaybehewastoo…
“Youlikeit?”
Tearsthreatened,andshetriedtoblinkthemaway.“Iloveit.Thank
you.”
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Luctookitfromherhands.“Ithoughtmaybeyoucouldputithere,on
thedresser.”Hesetitonthelong,rectangularpieceonthewallopposite
thebed.“Thatway,whileI?mgone,youcouldlookatit.”
Andthinkofme.Hedidn?tsaythewords,butAlyssaheardthem.Why
wouldheaskunlesshecared,atleastalittle?Howcouldsherefusehim?
“That?sperfect,”shemurmured,makingherwaytohissideand
wrappingherhandaroundthesteelystrengthofhisbiceps.
Heturnedherintohisarms.Softly,hekissedhermouth,andlike
everyothertimeLuctouchedher,shefoundherwilldissolving.Hemade
herwarmandweak,enthralledhercompletely.
Withagruntoffrustration,hepulledaway.“IfIdoanymoreofthat,I
won?tmakemyflight.IcanjustseemetryingtoexplainthatImissedthe
firsttapingbecauseIcouldn?tmanagetostopfuckingmywife.”
Shelaughed.She?ddonesolittleofthatinyears.Lucwasone
incrediblysexyman,butlivingwithhimnow…shewasbeginningtoseea
wholesideofhishumorthataddedadimensiontoherattraction.
Everyday,shefellabitmore.Sodamndangerous,thisbottomlesspit
offeeling.Andstill,shecouldn?tstop.
“Idon?tneedanyoneblamingmeforanythingelse.I?vealreadygot
halfthewomenofLafayettepissedatme.Don?tstartdraggingCalifornia
bigwigsintothesnakepit.”
Lucsmiledvaguelybeforehisexpressionsettledintosomething
serious.“IhavetosaysomethingbeforeIgo.Peter?sbeenquietsincehe?s
beenoutonbail.”
“Ihopehisdaddyhasatightleashonhimnow.”
“Ifanythingscaresyou—anything—don?thesitatetocallme.”
“You?llbetwothousandmilesaway.I?llmanage.I?mwearingmybiggirlpanties.”
“Forbig-girlpanties,theyalwaysseemvery…small.”Heleered,
brushingahandupunderherskirtandcuppingherbarecheek,then
sighed.“AndIknowyou?reself-sufficient.Photographershavebeenalittle
annoyinginthelastfewdays,butI?msurethey?llfollowmetoL.A.,rather
thanstayheretohoundyou.Still,ifyouhaveanytrouble,callme.”
“Yes,Daddy,”shemocked.
“AmIbeingoverprotective?”Hewinced.
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“Atouch.”
Hesighed.“I?lltrytobackoff.But…callmeifyouneedto.Orwant
to.”
“Iwill.ButI?llbefine.Thebabywillbefine.Bonheur,SexySirens…
fine.It?sonlytwoweeks.”
“Right.”Heranhishandsthroughherhair,thenpalmedhernape.
“Missme?”
Likemad.Hehadn?tleftyet,andhisabsencewasalreadyagaping
holeinherheart.
Alyssadidn?ttrusthervoice,didn?ttrustthatshewouldn?trevealtoo
much.Shesimplynodded.
“AndI?llmissyou,”hewhisperedagainstherlips.
Then,afteranall-too-briefkiss,hewasgone.Shewasleftstaringat
hisincrediblegiftthroughherstinging,waterygaze,almostafraidtobethis
happy.Whatifitdidn?tlast?
BYWednesdayatfoura.m.,shewasfrazzled.ThecrowdatSexy
Sirenshadbeenunusuallyrowdytonight.She?dfendedoffmoremale
octopithanshecaredtocount.HertwoblessingswerethatTylerneverleft
herside,andPeter,who?dstartedlurkingaroundtheclubagainon
Monday,hadapparentlybeenpickedupforaDUIearlythisafternoonso
hewasbackinCounty—andoutofherhair.
Nowhome,shedraggedherselfthroughthefrontdoor.Afternot
sleepingwellsinceLuc?sdepartureandthebabysappingallhervitamins,
sheneededagoodeighthours?sleep.Butdamn,itwascoldinhere.She?dhavetoturnontheheaterpronto.
Whensheturnedtodisableherburglaralarm,shesawithadbeen
smashedwithasledgehammer.Therewasnothinglefttodisable.
Plasticpieceswerestrewnacrossthefloor.Wiresdangledfromthe
panel.Theairinherhousefeltviolated,justlikeherclubandofficeat
Bonheuroncehad.WhythehellhadsheinsistedtoTylerthatshedidn?t
needhimtoescortherhome?
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Shedidn?tdaregoupstairsalone.Infact,sheneededtogetoutofthe
housenow.
Steppingbackoutintothedarkmorning,Alyssareachedforhercell
phone.Tyleransweredonthefirstring.
“What?swrong?”
“Someonebrokeintomyhouse.”
Tylerswore,anuglystringofcursesthatmadeherwince.“I?mstillin
mytruck.I?llbethereinlessthanfive.Callthepolice.Now.”
Whisperingheragreement,shehungupthephone,andshiveredin
theNovemberchill.Ithadgottentoocoldforhershortskirts,andshe
wishedshe?dbroughtacoat.Shehadwonderfullywarmclothesinher
closetupstairs…butshe?dratherfreezethanriskgoinguptherealone.
The911dispatcheransweredquickly,andAlyssagavehernameand
address,anddescribedthebreak-in,atleastasmuchassheknewabout
it.
ShouldshecallLucnoworwaituntilamorereasonablehour?Itwas
twointhemorninginL.A.,andhistapingalwaysbegansoearlyeach
morning,he?dbesoundasleep.
Beforeshecoulddecide,Tylerpulledintoherdrivewaywithagrowlof
hisengineandthrewthetruckinpark.Heclimbedoutandgrabbedher
shoulders,draggingheragainsthim.“Areyouallright?”
“Shaken.Nothurt.”
“Andcold.”
Swearing,hereachedinsidethetruck,thenwrappedhiscoataround
her.Alyssasighedatthesuddenwarmth,butherreliefwasshort-lived.
“Showmewhatyoufound,”Tylerdemanded.
“Shouldn?tweletRemyandtheboysinthereforalookfirst?”
Honestly,shejustdidn?twanttoseewhatelsetheintruderhaddonetoher
house.
“Youmeanpreservethecrimescenebecausethey?resuchfabulous
investigators?”Razorbladeshadnothingonthesharpnessofhissarcasm.
“Iwanttoseethesceneformyselfbeforetheyfuckitup.”
“Didyouusedto—?”
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“Yeah.Iwon?thavetimetoexaminethescenecloselybeforethey
bargein,butIcanlook.”Hepulledoutapairofleatherglovesfromthe
truck.“Let?smakethisquick.”
Alyssa?sinsidesshookassheledTylerbackinthehouse.The
questionsabouthispastcouldwait.
Insidethediminterior,sheflippedonthefoyerlight,asshe?ddone
whenshefirstenteredthehouse.Tylerlookedatthealarmpanel,studying
itwithaclenchedjaw.“Fuck.Wasthisasfarasyougotinthehousebefore
leaving?”
“Iwastooafraidtostay,incasethepissed-offintruderwasstillhere
withhisfriend,Mr.Hammer.”
“Especiallyifhealsobroughtotherfriends,likeMistersKnifeorGun,”
Tylermutteredgrimly.“Goodgirl.”
Fromthebackofhiswaistband,Tylerpulledoutanasty
semiautomatic.Alyssastared,wide-eyed.
“Wheredidyougetthat?”
“Mytruck.Idon?tmakeaproductionaboutthefactIhaveit.Stay
behindme,”heinstructedashemadehiswayupthedarkstairs.
Heshoulderedopenthefirstdoorontheleft,theguestroom,and
flippedonthelight.“Anythinglookdisturbed?”
Alyssapeekedoverhisshoulder.Everythinglookedexactlyasshe?d
leftitthatafternoon.Infact,ithadavaguelystalesmell,asifnoonehad
openedthedoorinweeks,whichwastrue.
Tylerextinguishedthelightandrolledhisshoulders,asiftryingtoget
calm.Hecrepttowardherexerciseroom,gundrawn.Thedoorwasstill
wide-open,asithadbeenaftershe?dfinishedhermorningworkout.
Inside,hegropedaroundforthelightswitch.Amomentlater,soft
overheadlightilluminatedthespace.Everythingwasthesame:punching
bagdanglingfromtheceiling,stairclimber,freeweights.Eventhe
remnantsofthismorning?sbottleofwaterremainedonthewindowsill.
“Nothing,”shemurmured.
“Good.”Hesighedasheswitchedoffthelight,clearlytryingtofindhis
calm.
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“Maybewhenthealarmwentoff,hesmasheditinfrustration,then
tookoff.”Butevenasshesaidthewords,sheknewthatsomeonehad
beenuphere.Shefeltit—andtheresultingfear.
Tylerjustgrimaced,asifhedidn?twanttoscareherwiththetruth.
Shechewedonherbottomlipnervously.“Idon?tknowwhyitdidn?t
alertthepolice.”
“I?mgoingguessthisassholesnippedyourphonelinebeforehebroke
intoyourhouse,cuttingyourconnectiontothepolice.”Tylersoundedgrim.
“Ifyoudon?thavedetectorsonyourwindows,heprobablycutaholeinthe
glassandclimbedin.”
“Whichiswhyit?ssocoldinthehouse.”Nauseaslidthroughher.
“Exactly.Thenheprobablydisabledtheaudiblealarmsysteminyour
attic.Thatway,nomatterwhathedidnext,heneverhadtoworryabout
alertingyourneighbors.ThenI?llbethepoundedyouralarmpaneljustfor
fun.”
“Wouldarun-of-the-millburglardoallthat?”
Heshookhishead,thenturnedtotrekdownthehall,towardher
bedroom.“Theyusuallyprefersomethingsimpler.Openwindowsarean
engravedinvitation.Butthat?snottosaytheywon?tdowhatevernecessary
togetpastyourfancyequipmentiftheythinkyou?vegotsomethingofgreat
value.”
“B-butIdon?t.Ineverbotheredtobuyaflat-panelTV.Mylaptopisat
Bonheur.Idon?tkeepcashinthehouse.Idon?thavemuchjewelry.”
“Andyou?vebeenwearingyourweddingrock,soitwasn?tlyingaround
thehouse.”
SoTylerhadnoticedherring.Andhisgrousingvoicedidn?tsound
thrilledintheleast.Thenagain,shewasn?tsurprised.
AsTyleropenedthemasterbedroom,hepaused.“Lightswitch?”
“Onthewalltoyourright,closertothebathroom.”
Hehesitated,thenshookhishead.“Toofarinthedark.Justincase..
.”
Edgingawayfromherbedroom,hebacktrackedtotheguestbathroom
inthehallwayandswitchedonthelittleroom?sbrightlights.Thebeamof
illuminationdriftedacrossthehardwoodfloorofthehallwayandcastgray
shadowsjustinsidethedoorwayofherroom.
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ShaylaBlack
“Waithere.”Tyler?svoicemadeitclearthathisdemandwasn?tupfor
negotiation.
Terrorpulsedinherstomach.Shehadtheworstfeelingthatwhatever
shefoundwasgoingtocrushher,scareherinawaythatthenotesaffixed
withknivesneverhad.Heartracing,shepressedherlipstogethersoshe
didn?tpantandalertTylertothefactshewasrightbehindhim.
“You?renotfollowingdirections.”
Alyssaignoredhimuntilhethrustoutanarm.“Fuckingwaitoutside
thedoorway.Andgetoutofmylight.”
Reluctantly,shesteppedaside,peeringaroundthedoor.Amoment
later,Tylerflippedthelighton.
Herevealedcompletedisaster,andshescreamed.
Luc?sclotheshadbeenpiledinthemiddleofthebedroom,tornto
shreds,thendousedinredpaint.Thelinenshadbeenyankedfromthe
mattressandstrewnacrossthefloor,againrippedinafitoffuryand
drenchedincrimson.Itwasalloverhercarpet,herbedroomwalls.She
couldfeeltherageofwhoeverhaddonethis.Theacthadbeendeeply
personal,hissilentactofwar.
“Whowoulddothis?”Hervoiceshook,andsheclutchedherstomach,
wonderingifshewasgoingtoloseherdinner.
“Peterwouldbemyfirstchoice.”
“He?sinCountyrightnow.”
AgrimfrowncrossedTyler?sface.“Primpton?”
“Hejustwantstoshutmedown.Forthat,heneedstopubliclydiscredit
me,notscareme.Invadingmypersonalspacedoesn?taccomplishadamn
thing.”
“Maybehe?sjusthopingtorunyououtoftown?”
“I?msurehe?dlovethat,butheshouldknowbetteraftereighteen
monthsofbitching.”Sheshookherhead.Primptondoingthisdidn?tfeel
right.
“True…buthe?stheonlysuspectwe?vegot,unlessyoucanthinkof
anotherslightedcustomerwhowouldbethispissedatyou.”
“No.”
Alyssakepttakinginthedevastationintheroomwithhermouth
agape.Herperfumebottleswereeverywhere,mostbroken,andtheroom
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ShaylaBlack
smelledlikeahorrificmixofflowersandchemicalsthatnearlymadeher
sick.He?dpiledabunchofherlingerieinthemiddleofthenakedbed,and
assheapproachedit,thesightgotevenmorerevolting.
“Oh,myGod.Th-that?ssemen.”
Instantly,Tylerwasatherside,staringatthethickwhiteejaculate
somesickfreakhadsprayedalloverherlingerie.
Alyssaputahandoverhermouthandturnedaway.Nowshereally
wasgoingtothrowup.
Buthereyeslandedonsomethingsilveronthecarpet,barelysticking
outfromunderthecomforter.Fearanddenialturbochargingherheart,she
rantoitandreachedouttograbit.
“No!”Tylergrowled,thenpulledherbackbeforeshecouldclutchthe
object.“Youcan?ttouchanything.Letme.”
Gingerlywithhisthumbandforefinger,heliftedthedownycomforter
enoughforAlyssa?sworstfearstobeconfirmed:Someonehaddestroyed
Luc?sweddinggifttoher.Thephotooftheirweddingkisshadbeenripped
intolittlepieces.Theterribleintruderhadsplashedredpaintonthepicture
frame.Itdrippeddowntheengraving.Shesobbedandreachedoutforit,
wantingtheframerestoredsobadlysheached.
Tylerwrappedhisarmsaroundhermiddle,forcingherarmstoher
sides.“Youcan?t.”
“B-butLucgavethistome.”Sick,shuddering,shakingsobspoured
forthandshedoubledover,unabletolookatthedevastationanymore.
Tylerpulledherbackagainsthischest,hispalmoverherabdomen,
hislipsatherear.“It?sokay.We?llfixeverything.Honey,don?tmake
yourselfsickoverthis.It?snotgoodforyou.”
Orthebaby.Sheknewthat,buttheshockandfearcrashingthrough
hersystem,combinedwithexhaustionandthenoxiousscents,hadheron
overload.
“Shh,”hesoothed.
Shejustshookherhead.“Ican?t.”
“Youhavetogetittogether.Remyandtheboyswillbeheresoon.
Let?sgo.”
Alyssagavehimamiserablenod,andTylerdraggedhertoherfeet.
Herkneesnearlydidn?tsupporther,butsheforcedherselftostayupright.
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ShaylaBlack
Tylerdroppedthecomforter,slightlyawayfromtheruinedpicture
frame,revealingthelastandworstofthehorrors.Thepictureofherinher
weddingdresshadbeenrippedfromtheframe,andhe?dlefthera
messagethatmadeherscreamherselfintoablackabyss.
ALYSSAwasmissing.PacinghisLosAngeleshotelroombefore
dawn,Luctriedherhouseandcellnumbersagain.Noanswerateitherand
novoicemailattheformer.Sadiehadbeenunabletolocateherat
Bonheurortheclub.RemycouldonlytellhimthatAlyssahadmadea911
callandreportedthatsomeonehadbrokenintoherhouse.Andthatbythe
timethesheriffandhisdeputyarrived,hercarwasthere…butshewas
nowhereinsight.
Hadsomeoneabductedher?WhatifsomeoneotherthanPeterhad
leftthosethreateningnotesandtakenher?
Theterm“coldsweat”hadawholenewmeaningforhimasheshoved
thelastofhisbelongingsinhissuitcase.
Anhourago,he?dcalledJackCole,whohadimmediatelystartedthe
huntforAlyssa.Jackhadcalledafewminutesagotosaythat,sofar,he?d
foundnothing.AndLucfelthelplessinLosAngeles.IfAlyssawasmissing.
..Thetapingoftheshowwasimportant,butnotmorethanfindingherand
thebaby.
Theonlyotherpersonhiswifeknewthathehadn?tspokenwithyet
wasTyler.Alyssawouldgotohim;thebouncermadeherfeelsafe.But
whatelsedidhemakeherfeel?Wouldshereallyfuckthebaby?sbiological
fathermerehoursafterLucturnedhisback?Hedidn?thaveananswer,but
LucknewTylerwouldbeonlytoohappytohaveAlyssainhisbedagain.
Still,thejealousclenchingofhisgutwasbetterthanthinkingamadman
hadgottenhishandsonher.
Butbothoptionssucked.
Swearing,LucgrabbedhisphoneagainandcalledJack.“Anything
new?”
“Sorry,man.”Jack?svoice.“Icheckedthehospitals.Nothing.”
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ShaylaBlack
Closinghiseyes,Luctampeddownpanic,fearingthat,onewayor
another,he?dlostAlyssa.“Keeplooking.Please.I?monmywaytothe
airport.I?llcallSadieagain,seeifshecantrackTylerdown.I?llcatchthe
firstflightbackIcan.”
AftermoremurmuredsympathyfromJack,hehungupandmadethe
calltoSadiehedreaded.Sheansweredrightaway.
“IcheckedwithBrandy,”thedancersaid.“Shehasn?theardfrom
Alyssa.”
Lucpinchedthebridgeofhisnose,fightingofftheheadacheheknew
stemmedfromlackofsleep.Whenhehadn?tbeenabletoreachhiswifein
theweehoursofthemorning,he?dbeenunabletogotosleep.Noway
he?dbeabletorestuntilheknewwhatthehellwasgoingon.
“WhataboutTyler?”
“Icalled.Noanswer.I?ddrivebyhisplace…butIdon?tknowwhere
helives.He?sneverbeeninterestedinsocializingwithanyonebutAlyssa.”
Socializing?Lucbarelyheldinagrunt.IfTylerhadAlyssa,Lucbetthemanwasdoingsomethingfarmorepersonaltohiswife.
Thankingthedancer,LuchungupandcalledJackagainashe
grabbedataxitotheairport.“Canyoufindanaddressforaguynamed
TylerMurphy?He?snewtoLafayette.”
“Alyssa?sbouncer?Yeah.GivemeafewandI?llcallyouback.”
GratifiedthatJackwasonhisside,LuctriedAlyssaagain.No
response.Heleftamessageonhisproducer?scellphone,indicatingthat
hiswifewasmissingandhewasonhiswaybacktoLouisiana.
Trafficwaslightbeforesixa.m.AssoonasLuchittheairportand
clearedsecurity,hisphonewasringing.Hisheartstopped.Hopewasa
nastyspikeofadrenaline.Untilhelookedathisdisplay.Jack.
“Talktome.”
“There?snorecordofaTylerMurphylivinginLafayette.Atleastno
onewithadriver?slicenselivingintheareabetweentheagesoftwenty-five
andforty.Checkedthesurroundingareas,too.”
Luc?sbloodrancold.“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“EitherMr.Murphyhasn?tupdatedhislicensesincemovingtothe
area,whichhe?ssupposedtodowithinthirtydays,andasaformercophe
shouldknowit.”
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ShaylaBlack
“Yeah,he?sbeenthereaboutfourmonths.What?sthe?or??”ButLuc
fearedheknewtheanswer.
“Orthemanisn?twhoheclaimstobe.”
Fuck!MaybeherbuddyTylerhadbeenthreateningherallalong.
Gettingherpregnantwasprobablyjustanaddedkickonhissickfreak
agenda.
AsLucboardedtheplane,hetriedAlyssaonemoretime.Noanswer.
Lucdidn?twanttothinkthisbut…whatwashegoingtodowithouther?
Thatquestionhauntedhimforthenextfivehours,alongwithchilling
regret.Inthatmoment,he?dtakebacktheanger,hissnidecomments,
crosswords,anythingthathadmadehercry.Hereplayedtheirfinalnight
atSexySirens,rightbeforePeter?sattack,inhisheadandwonderedhow
thefuckhecouldhavebeensuchaprickwhilehe?dcookedforBonheur?s
opening.She?dbeennothingbuthonestaboutthekindofwomanshewas,
andhe?dtreatedherwithcontempt.Allbecausehe?dbeentooafraidto
admithowmuchhelovedher.Becausehe?dfearedhewasformingan
attachmenttosomeonewhowouldmakehimchoosebetweenhisheart
andhisdreams—andhe?dpunishedher.
AshisplanetoucheddowninLafayette,Luchadtorestrainhimself
fromchargingoutofhisseatastheytaxiedtothegate.Quickly,he
checkedhiscellphoneformessages.Nothing.
Butonethoughthithimlikeatonofbricks:Notonceduringthelong
planetriphadhethoughtofthebaby.Hiseverythought,fear,andprayer
hadbeenforAlyssa.
JACKmetLucatthebaggageclaim,Hunterintow.Acoldsweat
flattenedhim.Hadtheycometotellhimtheworst?
“What?sgoingon?”Lucdemanded.
“Nothingnewhashappened.”Jackstuckouthishand,andLucshook
it,tremblingwithoverpoweringrelief.Alyssamightnotbesafeyet,butat
leastshehadn?tbeenfounddead.
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ShaylaBlack
“We?restillfollowingclues,”Hunteroffered.“Thesheriffhereisan
idiot.”
Kimber?sbrotherlookedasthoughhemighthavethawedtowardLuc.
Maybe.InhisassessmentofRemy,Lucagreed.
“Wecametopickyouup.”Jacklookedatthebaggagecarousel.“Got
bags?”
“Carriedon,”hetoldJack.“Youdidn?thavetocomehere.Ihavea
car.”
Jackraisedadarkbrow.“Sleepanyinthelasttwenty-fourhours?Able
togetyourmindoffofAlyssaatall?”
Lucsentthemanabullishglare.Hell,no,andbothheandHunter
knewit.“Thentakemetothehouse.Iwanttoseeit.”
Thetwomenglancedateachother.Lucsawinstantlytheywere
againstthatplan.
“Unlessyouhaveastrongstomachandcanabsolutelysayyouwon?t
flyintoarage,Idon?trecommendthat,”Jackfinallysaid.
Thefirst…usually.Thelatter,no.Hewasalreadypissed.
“Layitonmestraight.Didtherelooktobesignsofastruggle?Remy
wouldn?tsayadamnthing.”
“No.AtleastIdon?tthinkso.Butthepsycho?spartingshotdidn?tleave
mewithawarmfuzzy.”
Luc?sheartstopped.“Partingshot?Heleftsomethingbehind?”
Jackgrimaced.“Alyssa?sweddingphotocoveredinredpaintwiththe
wordsDEADWHORE.”
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ShaylaBlack
ChapterFifteen
HOPINGtofindAlyssa,Tyler,orsomeonewhoknewsomethingabout
either,LucpersuadedJacktorunhimtoSexySirens.Itwasalongshot,
buthecouldn?tleaveanystoneunturned.
Assoonastheypulledupinfrontoftheagedbrickbuildingwithits
flashysign,Lucnoticedagroupformingoutsideandgroaned.
“Primpton?Fuck.”JacksoundedaspleasedasLucfelt.
Damn,thissanctimoniousbastardreallypissedhimoff.Todaywasnot
agooddaytosteponhislastnerve.
“Andhe?sgotthepresswithhim.”Luccursed.“Whatthehelldoeshe
want?”
“Besidestoshutdownyourwife?sclub?”Jackstatedtheobvious.
“Attention,”Hunterdrawled.“Prickslikehimcrawlonothers?backs
withtheir?lookatme,lookatme?mentality.He?saboyinaman?sbody
whowantstobeGodwhenhegrowsup.”
Jacknodded.“Yeah,themoralitypolice.Fucker.”
Assoonasthecarstopped,Lucjumpedout.He?dhavegonearound
backtoavoidPrimpton,buthedidn?thaveakeytothebackdoor.Alyssa
hadgivenhimonetothefront,incaseofemergencies.Thisqualified.
Asheapproachedtheclub,Primptonblockedthispath,hiscurlygray
hairfrizzinginthehumidafternoon.Hisjowlsshookashesteppedinfront
ofLucandwaggedafingerinhisface.
“Stop!Thinkaboutyourimmortalsoulbeforeyouenterthisplace
wherethedevilisatwork.Wheresinisking.”
Luchadtoclenchhisteethandrestrainhimselftokeepfrompounding
thejerkintothepavement.“Thinkaboutthefactyou?reloitering,andifyou
takeanotherstep,you?llbeonprivateproperty,andI?llhaveyouarrested
fortrespassing.”
Primpton?srheumyblueeyeswentwide.“That?sdevil?swhorehas
swayedyoutothesideofsinandfornication!”
“It?snotfornicationsincewe?remarried.”
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ShaylaBlack
“Apatheticmask!Asecularunionlikeyoursdoesn?tchangewhatshe
is.”
“Don?tyoudaretalkaboutmywifethatway.She?sataxpaying
businessmemberofthiscommunitywhohasneverliftedafingeragainst
you.Whatgivesyoutherighttojudgeher?”
Thecouncilmanpuffeduphisnarrowchest.“It?sthejobofallofGod?s
truebelieverstoleadotherstothepathofrighteousness.”
Vomit.Lucdidn?thavethetimefornarrow-mindedasses,andtoday
especially,helackedthepatience.
“ThenyoushouldbepleasedtoknowthatAlyssaisretiringfromthe
stage.Shewon?tbeperformingagain.”
Primptonperkedup.“She?sclosingtheclub?”
“Didyourmarriagehaveanyimpactonyourwife?sdecisiontostop
performing?”areportershouted.
Thepress.God,didn?ttheseleechesevergettiredofhoundingpeople
fornonexistentstories?
No.Butinthiscase,hecouldgivethemarealone.“Yes.She?s
devotingmoreofherselftotherestaurantbusiness,withmyblessing.
We?reexcitedaboutthenextchapterofourlife.Butlastnight,someone
brokeintoourhouseandvandalizedit.Terrorizedmywife.She?snow
missing,andIneedyourhelptofindher.”
“Yoususpectfoulplay?”shoutedanotherreporter.
“It?saveryrealpossibility.”AsLucsaidthewords,hetriednottothink
aboutwhathe?ddoiftheyweretrue,ifsomemaniachadactuallykilledher.
Itwasallhecoulddonowtokeephiscomposureandnotpanic.
Thepressaskedafewmorequestions,andLucprovideddetailsabout
whenandwhereAlyssawaslastseen.
Satisfiedhe?dmadethebestofabadsituation,Lucturnedandstalked
towardthedoor.Again,thecouncilmanblockedhisway.
PrimptonsniffedandwhisperedforLuconly,“Ifsomeonereturnedher
tohermaker,it?snomorethanshedeserves.”
Lucfistedhishands.Itwasallhecoulddonottostrangletheshithead.
ThefacthefeltthatwaymadeLucwonderifPrimpton?sinvolvementwas
morethanjudgmentalgloating.
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ShaylaBlack
“IfIfindoutyouhadanythingtodowiththebreak-inatourhouseand
mywife?sdisappearance—”
“Me?”Theoldermanhadashockedlookonhisface,yes.Buthe
lookedeerilyexcited,too.
Luc?sskincrawled.
“IfyouthoughthurtingAlyssawouldfurtheryournarrowagenda,I
knowyouwouldn?thesitate.You?dsayGodtoldyoutodoitorsomesuch
crap.IfIfindoutyou?vebeenresponsibleforharmingorterrorizingherin
anyway,I?ll—”
“What?”Primptonbarkedsmugly.“Whatwillyoudotome?”
TheassholewantedLuctothreatenhim.Lucrefusedtorisetothe
bait,nomatterhowbadlyhewantedtotellthebastardhe?dlovetoriphim
limbfromlimbanddescribeitinagonizinglygorydetail.Butherefusedto
givethebastardammunition,especiallybecausehemighthaveAlyssa.
“I?llmakesureyou?reprosecutedtothefullestextentofthelaw.AndifI
canproveyouwereinvolved,youwillneedGod?shelptosaveyou.”
Thereportersoutfrontleft,andJackcalledoneofhisbuddiestofollow
PrimptonandseeifheknewanythingaboutAlyssa?swhereabouts.The
guywasonit…butwhoknewhowlongbeforehehadanyanswers?
Luctriednottobedisheartened,butworrywasanever-constantdrag,
gnawingathisstomach,hollowandknotted.Whatif…hedidn?tfindher
alive?
Shortlyaftertheyleft,Remycalledtosaythey?dreleasedthecrime
scene.Analysiswasunderway,andLuccouldenterthehouse.Jackmade
aphonecallandarrangedforthecleaningserviceheknewwelltomeet
thematthehouseinthirtyminutes.
ThenDekecalled.He?dfoundacontactwhomightbeabletohelp
themlocateTyler.Herefusedtosaymuchsinceheneededafewhoursto
workit.
Fidgetinginthepassenger?sseat,Lucfeltreadytoexplode.
“Iknowwhatyou?regoingthrough,”Jacksaidquietly.
Lucsnappedhisgazearound.“Becauseyoufuckedmywifeonce
uponatime?”
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ShaylaBlack
Assoonasthewordswereout,Lucwishedhecouldtakethemback.
Whateverwasbetweenthemwasancienthistory,andJackhadbeen
nothingbuthelpfultoday.
“Don?tbeadumbass,”HunterdrawledfromthebackseatoftheSUV.
“JackistotallydevotedtoMorgan.”
“It?sokay.”Jackgrippedthesteeringwheel,thenvisiblyrelaxed.
“Alyssawasmostlyforshowoncases.”
Mostly,butnotcompletely.Lucdidn?tmissthatdistinction.
“Itdidn?toccurtomethatyou?dworryforasecondaboutshitthatwent
downyearsago.Sorry,”Jacksaid.“I?mtotallymarried,man.Shooting
straight?Youknowaboutme.”
ThefactJackColewasawell-knownDominant,whohadbondage
downtoafineart?“Yeah.”
“AlyssaandIweren?t…compatible.Wefiguredoutveryquicklythat
wewerebetterfriendsthanlovers.”
Jackcouldn?tbeanymorehonest,andLucknewheneededtoget
overwhateverAlyssahaddonewiththeothermanbeforehe?dmether.
Hell,LuchimselfhadfuckedKimberafterspendinganincrediblenightwith
Alyssa,soifanyonehaddonewrong,itwashim.
“Thanks.Sorry.”
“Iunderstand.”Jacksmiledruefully.“Ialwayswanttoriptheballsoff
ofanymanwhoevenlooksatmywife.ImeantthatIunderstoodyour
concernabouthersafety.AfterMorganwasshot,IthoughtIwasgoingto
die.Literally,likesomeonehadopenedupaholeinmychestandtornout
myguts.”
ThatdescribedLuc?sstatewell.Herubbedahandacrosshisface.
Closinginonthreeintheafternoon,andhefearedinformationwouldstart
todryup.Nowwhat?
Theyarrivedatthehouse,andLucvaultedupthestairs,despite
Jack?srenewedwarnings.Thedestructionhesawinthemasterbedroom
madehimseemoreredthanthepaintcoveringthewallsandfloors.Alyssa
hadwalkedintothis?
Slowly,hewanderedaroundtheroom,blinking,hardlyabletotakeit
allin.Hisclothesandthebedsheetswerenegligible,easilyreplaced.The
damagetothewallsandcarpetwasalsofixable.Buttherest…Alyssa?s
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lacy,racyunderthingsallpiledonthebedwithsomescumbag?scomeon
themsentafreshbladeofpanicthroughLuc.Hisweddinggifttoher
destroyed.Thebeautifulpictureofherinherweddingdress,looking
elegantandwearingaMonaLisasmile,desecratedwiththebrightred
threatwasanotherpunchtothestomach.
Whoeverhaddonethiswasserious.AndhemighthaveAlyssainhis
clutches.
Lucdidn?tknowifthisbastardhadalsowrittenhertheWHOREnotes
withtheknivesweeksago.Possible,thoughthisfeltfarmoreangryand
serious.Eitherway,wheneverLucfoundhiswifeandwhoeverwas
responsiblefortheviolationoftheirhome,hehopedhegottenminutesof
qualitytimewiththisasshole.
“Ididn?tthinkyoushouldseethis.Youlooksomewherebetweenready
topukeandreadytocommitmurder.”
“Bingo.”
“We?llfindAlyssaandgetthismotherfucker.”
Nottrustinghimselftospeak,hesentJackahardnod.
Amomentlater,thedoorbellrang.Withinafewminutes,they?d
escortedthecleanupcrewtothemasterbedroomandinstructedthemto
tosseverything.Lucdidn?twantanytraceofthecrimetoremindAlyssain
casehegottobringherhomesafely.
“Intwohours,you?llhavenoideathishappened,”asaltyolderwoman
withperoxidedhairassured.“Ifyou?vegotsometouch-uppaint,we?llbein
business.Freshsheets,alittlebitoftreatmentonthecarpets…goodas
new.”
Aftershowingthecrewwheretofindwhattheyneeded,Lucfollowed
Jackdownstairs.Hunterawaitedthem,pacingthekitchen.
“Imadeafewphonecallstosomefriends,”Kimber?sbrothersaid.
“They?reworkingonapsychprofileoftheperp.Butataglance,I?dsay
you?redealingwithsomeonewho?sobsessedwithyourwife.Yourwedding
seemstohaveinfuriatedhim,sincehesteppeduphisgameshortly
thereafter.”
SomeonelikePrimpton?OrTyler,whohadarealreasontobe
jealous?
“Ifit?sthesameguyasbefore.”
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Hunterraisedatawnybrow.“Howmanystalkerscanshehave?”
“Youeverseenmywifeonstage?”
Hunterhesitated,thengrimaced.“Goodpoint.”
Pushingasidethethoughtthatyetanothermalehadseenhiswife
closetonaked,hefocusedinsteadonwhattodonext.“Ican?tsithere.I
needtoexhaustallpossibilities,andthatmeansfindingTyler.”
Butwherewasthebastard?
Intothepensivesilence,hisphonerang.Deke.“Findsomething?”
“I?vegotabuddywhoknowsaguywhoworksfortheelectriccompany
thereinLafayette.He?sdoneacross-referenceofthenameTylerMurphy
tocoincidewithaninitialservicedatebetweenMayandJuly.Wehave
threepossibilities.There?saMurphyTaylor,aT.PatrickMurphy,andaT.
S.Murphy.I?me-mailingalistoftheiraddressestoyourBlackBerryright
now.”
ThankGod.Maybetheyweregettingsomewhere.LucprayedtoGod
he?dfindhiswifesoon.Hehopedshe?dsimplybeenscaredandgoneto
theclosestpersonwhomadeherfeelsafe.That,heunderstood.
Reluctantly,yes,but…Ifshehadsimplybeenshaken,whyhadn?tshe
calledinallthesehours?
ThethreehoppedbackinJack?sSUV,agreeingtohitMurphyTaylor?s
housefirst,sinceitwaslessthanamileaway.Lucdartedoutofthevehicle
astheyrolledtoastopintheman?sdrivewayandpoundedonthedoor.A
prettybrunetteanswered.Aftertheyidentifiedthemselves,shesaidthat
herhusbandwasintheUKonbusiness.Herprettybrowneyessoftwith
sympathy,sheshowedthemapictureofherhusband,justtobecertain.
DefinitelynottheTylertheywerelookingfor.
Cursing,hisstomachtwisting,theypulledoutandheadedtoT.Patrick
Murphy?sresidence.Itwasanapartmentonthenorthwestedgeoftown.
Again,Lucknockedimpatientlyonthedoor.Amomentlaterayoungman
answered,maybealloftwenty.Tall,lanky,andexhausted.
Afterblessingthemoutforwakingsomeoneinthemiddleofhissleep
whoworkedgraveyardshifts,themenmutteredtheirapologiesandleft.
Luc?sstomachsank.Onemorepossibility.Lucdidn?twanttothinkabout
whathewasgoingtodoifthelastleadwasadeadend.Italmostcertainly
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meantshe?dbeenabducted,andhecouldn?tthinkaboutAlyssabeing
afraidorinpainatthehandsofamadman.Ordead.
Ingrimsilence,thetriomadetheirwaytothesouthwesternedgeof
town,toanupscaleapartmentbuilding.Itlookednew,gleaming.They
drovepastasleeknewswimmingpoolthatlookedmorelikeatropical
oasisthanaman-madewaterhole.Multiplespas,joggingtrail,Wi-Fi
included.DefinitelymoreupscalethanTylercouldaffordonabouncer?s
salary.
Luc?sheartsank,andgivenJack?sandHunter?sgrimfaces,theyhad
donethemathaswell.Buttheycontinuedonuntiltheyreachedapartment
314andknocked.
Ascuffleandagruntandalongminutelater,thedooropened.Tyler
stoodthere.Shocktransformedhissquareface.“Whatthehellareyou
doinghere?”
“Doyouknowwheremywifeis?”
Tylerraisedabrow,thensmiled.“Followme.”
ReliefcrashedLuc?ssystem.“She?shere?Issheallright?”
Thebigtawnybouncerthrewaglanceoverhisshoulder,his
expressionsomewherebetweenconfusedandannoyed.“Ofcourse.”
Bitingbackhisimpatience,LuctrailedTyler,thenregisteredthefact
theothermanwaswalkingdownthehallofadesigner-decorated
apartment…tothebedroom.
Attheendofthehall,Luccametoastomach-lurchingstop.There,
Alyssalaysprawledoutacrosstheman?sbed,curledupwithhispillow,
wearingoneofhisT-shirtsthatrodeuparoundherwaist,athong,and
nothingelse.Shewasoutcold.
Wasthisreallywhatitlookedlike?
Whatelsecoulditbe,idiot?Ifshe?dsimplybeenscared,whyhadn?t
shecalledtotellhimwhereshewasandthatshewassafe?Whydidshe
needtogetundressedandintoTyler?sbed?
Betrayalslammedhim,sodeephealmostcouldn?tbreathe.Thesight
ofhersorelaxedandtangledinanotherman?ssheetsgougedhisheartout
ofhischest.Forafleetingmoment,heacknowledgedthatherinfidelitywas
betterthanherdeath.Butthey?dbeenmarriedlessthantwoweeks.What
thefuckdidhedonow?
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“YoulooklikeItookabatteringramtoyourstomach.”
Lucwhippedaglarearoundtotheotherman.“Didn?tyou?Howdid
thiswork?Shecamehometofindthehousevandalized,andcalledyouto
protecther,givingyoutheperfectopportunitytohelpheroutofher
clothes?Ordidyouhitthehousetoscareherandhopeshe?dcallyou,
thenletyoufuckheragain?”
“Man,youjustdon?tgetit.”
Whatisthereto“get”exceptthefactmywifeisfuckinganotherman?
Tylershookhishead.“Takeherhome;makesuresherests.Andget
thehelloutofmyface.”
Hiswordsweredismissive,asif…well,asifTylerknewhe?dsee
Alyssa—andhaveher—again.Wheneverhepleased.Lucgrittedhisteeth.
Heoughttoleaveherherewithherlover.He?dbeenstupidenoughtofall
forher—hard—andnowhewasgoingtopaytheprice.He?dmarriedher
becauseshecarriedthisman?schild.Nowhewasgettinganinsidelookat
whatithadtakenforthesetwotoconceive.Anddidn?tithurtlikeabitch?
Butifhe?dmarriedAlyssaforthisbaby,thenbydamned,hewasgoing
totakeherhomeforthisbaby.ShemightshareherbodywithTyler,but
Lucplannedtodigoutaplaceinherheartandmakeithis,findsomeway
tomakehercaresothathereverybetrayalbecamearendingacheonher
conscience.
Grittinghisteeth,Lucapproachedthebedandliftedhissleepingwife
intohisarms.Shebarelystirred.“Whatthehelldidyoudotoher?”
“Nothingoutoftheordinary.She?sjustexhausted.”
MeaningTyleroftenfuckedherintoanearcoma?Thebastardwas
tryingtopisshimoff.
LucjerkedAlyssaclosertohischest.Andhecouldn?tlie—even
knowingwhatshe?ddone,hewasgladthatshewassafeandwholeand
close.“Staythefuckawayfrommywife.”
“Youleaveher,thenyou?releavingsomeoneelsetotakecareofher.
Andwhateverneedsshehas.”
Bullshit.Luchadlovedherfuriously,desperately,themorninghe?dleft
forLosAngeles.Couldshereallyhavehadneedssooverwhelmingin
threedaysthatshe?dturnedtoanother?Ordidshehavesuchfeelingsfor
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TylerthatLuc?sabsencemadehoppingintheotherman?sbedbothmore
convenientandanecessity?
Hecouldn?tstayhereandlistentoTylersayanotherwordorhe?dturn
homicidal.Luccouldfeeltherageboilingupinhisgut,startingtobubble
over.AsmuchasLuchatedhim,Tylerwasn?tworthprisontime.
Thenagain,ifAlyssawasvoluntarilyfuckingherbouncersosoonafter
theirwedding,neitherwasshe.
“Fuckoff.”
JackandHunterbackeddownthehallquickly,leavingapathforhim;
thentheyexitedTyler?sapartment,emergingintothelate-afternoonsun.
LucclutchedAlyssatohischest,purposelyavoidingthepityinglooksthe
othermenshothimasheclimbedintothebackoftheSUV.
AshesettledAlyssaintohislap,hewondered,nowthathe?dfound
her,whatwashegoingtodowithher?
ALYSSAwokewithaheadacheandamoan.Herlimbsseemedto
weighathousandpoundseach.Hermouthfeltstuffedwithcotton.Putting
twothoughtstogetherinhersluggishbrainwasn?thappening.
Gingerly,sheliftedherlids,stunnedtofinditnearlydarkinthe
shadowedroom.Herroom.
Everythinginsidehersnappedtoattention.Howhadshegottenhere?
Andwhen?God,ithadtobe…what?Fivethirty?Almostsix?IfTylerhad
broughtherback,heshouldknowthatsheshouldhavebeenatBonheur
hoursago.Withagasp,sherolledovertopeekattheclock.
Instead,shefoundLucsittingontheedgeofthebed,stonestilland
silent.Ifhissuddenappearanceheredidn?ttellhersomethingwas
dreadfullywrong,hisfacesaiditforhim.
“Luc?”Shescrambledtositup…andrealizedshewaswearing
Tyler?sT-shirt.
Infact,nowthatshelookedaround,everythinghadchanged.Thelast
timeshe?dseenthisroom,ithadbeenallbutdestroyed.Nowthebedwas
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madewithfreshsheetsandblankets.Itsmelledfaintlylikepaint.Themess
wasgone.“What—what?sgoingon?”
Helookedgrim,andshehadthedistinctimpressionhewasholdingin
hisfury.“Ithinkit?stimeIaskedyouthatquestion.Someonebrokeinthe
house,andyoudidn?tcallme.Youcallednine-one-oneandTyler,then
disappearedfornearlytwelvehours.Younevercalledtotellmeyouwere
alive.Youneveransweredyourphone.”
“Iwasafraidand…ImusthaveleftmyphoneinTyler?scar.I—”
“Iassumeyou?vebeenwithhimallthistime.”Hefiredthequestionat
her,likeawell-aimedlaser.
Herstomachpitchedandrolledwhensherealizedhowthismustlook
toLuc.
“Yes.But—”
“Inallthattime,youneverthoughttocallmetoletmeknowthe
psychowho?dbrokenintothehousehadn?tabductedyou?Oh,that?sright.
..”Hesnapped,thesarcasmthickandbiting.“Youweretoobusyletting
Tylerfuckyourbrainsouttotellyourhusbandwherethehellyouwereandthatyouwerealive.IwokeJackupatanungodlyhour,walkedawayfrom
thetapingofmyshowtohopaplane,andflewacrossthecountry.Itold
thepressyouweremissing.AndwheredoIfindyoubutTyler?sbed.”He
stood,fistsandteethclenched.“Goddamnyou!”
Alyssaclosedhereyes.Yes,Lucwouldjumptothisconclusion.He
musthaveretrievedherfromTyler?sapartment.Fromhisbed.Shewinced.
Butwhycouldn?thegetitthroughhisthickheadthat,despiteher
“profession,”she?dneverstepoutonhim?
“It?snotwhatyouthink.Letmeexplain,”sheimplored.“I—”
“You?readdictedtohiscock?”
“No.”Shesighed.“Luc—”
“You?reinlovewithhim?”
Sheblanched.“No!”
“Thenyoujustgetasickkickoutofcheatingandmakinganassof
me?”
Howcouldhebelievethatforasecond?Itwasprobablyhisangerand
residualfeartalking,but…
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Alyssatookadeepbreath.Thenanother.Hadn?ttheyhadthis
conversation—oroneremarkablylikeit—beforeLuchadleftLouisianaand
she?ddiscoveredshewaspregnant?Yes.He?daccusedherofbeing
Tyler?smainsqueezeandfuckbuddyfornearlytwomonths.Couldn?tLuc
seethatshelovedhim?Granted,she?dneversaidthewords,butGod,
she?dgivenherselftohimineveryway,lethimintoherlife,herhouse.Let
himplanthisseedinherbody.Beenthrilledtoknowshe?dalwayshavea
partofLuc.Andhejustkeptinsistingthatshewasawhore.
Shecouldn?tkeeplivinglikethis.
Rollingawayfromhim,Alyssafoundtheedgeofthebedandstood,
makingherwaytothedoor.
Lucglaredather.“Wherethehellareyougoing?”
Damnit,shewantedtostranglethemanforbreakingherheart.“Fuck
you.”
Asshestormedoutthedoor,hishandclampedaroundherbicepsand
hehauledherbacktothebed.“Oh,youfuckedme.Totally.You?vegotme
comingandgoingsomuchIdon?tknowmynamehalfthetime.I?mtwisted
andtiedupinyou,sogoddamnaddicted.Andyouknowthesadpart?If
youtooktheotherman?sT-shirtoffyourgorgeousbodyrightnow,I?d
stupidlyfalltomykneesandberidiculouslygratefulforthechancetofuck
youagain.”
Hiswordshitherlikeasledgehammer.Luchadfeelingsforher,buthe
wasterrifiedtotrusther.Becauseofwhoshewas.Whatshe?dbecome.If
shetoldhimnowthatshelovedhim,wouldheembraceherandtellher
thathelovedher,too?Orjustlaughinherface?
Shewastooafraidtofindout.
TearsflaredatthebackofAlyssa?seyes,stinging.Sheblinkedthem
away,refusingtocryoverthismanagain.“No,thesadpartisyoumarried
mebelievingtheworstaboutme.Youneverletmetellyouwhathappened
today.Andnowitdoesn?tmatter.Iagreedtothismarriagebecauseyou
seemedtohavefeelingsformeandclaimedtowantthisbaby.God,I?mso
stupid.YouprobablyeventhinkthebabyisTyler?s.”
Hisdarkeyesdrilledherwithanguishandfury.“Isit?”
Twowords,andshefeltasifhe?dpunchedherinthestomach.This
wasn?tgoingtowork.Ever.She?dalwaysbelievedrose-coloredglasses
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werepointless,butwhenshe?dagreedtomarryLucshe?dwornthem.At
thecostofherheart.
Shewrenchedherarmawayfromhisgrip.“LikeIsaid,fuckyou.”
Alyssastormedoutthebedroomdooranddownthehall.Beforeshe
reachedthestairs,Lucgrabbedherfrombehindandslungheragainsthis
chest.Heswattedherasswithabroad,hotpalm.Fireranacrossherskin,
downherlegs.Why?Evenwhenthemaninfuriatedher,insultedher,her
bodystillresponded…
“Sinceyouasksosweetly,”hegrowledthroughclenchedteeth.
Beforeshecouldabsolvehimofthenotionthatshewasgoingtoget
nakedwithhim,hedroppedhertothemattressandrippedTyler?sshirt
fromherbody.Nowtheonlythingstandingbetweenhimandhisangrylust
washerlacethong.
AsLuchadalwaysdonewithherbarriers,herippedthisoneaway,as
well.Thethongfelltotheground.
“Youwantmetofuckyou?”Hisvoicecroaked.“I?malloverthat.”
Hiscontrolwasunraveling.Andsheknewwhatwouldhappenthen.If
shewasgoingtostay,theyneededtalknow,notsex.Shemustconvince
himthatthebabywasn?tTyler?s.ButLuc?sdemandingstare,theonethat
toldherhewasgoingtofuckherineverywaypossible,bemorethorough
thanever,dissolvedherarguments.Instead,heatsparkedlowinherbelly.
Abreathlessneedtotouchhimconsumedher.
“Idon?twantthisnow.”Shesaidthewords,buttheytrembled—just
likeherbody.
Lucignoredher,trailingapairoffingersdownherabdomenand
draggingthemoverherhardclit.Shetensedandtriedtopushhishand
away.Butshewasnomatchforhisdetermination.
Hisfingerssankdeepintoherpussy.
“Aswetasyouareforme,”hemurmuredagainsthertightnipple,“I
thinkyou?relying.”
Damnit,heknewherbodytoowell.Hetookhernippleinhismouth
andpumpedherfullofhisfingers.Sensationsparkedimmediately,and
againstherbetterjudgment,Alyssaarchedtohim.Sheshouldn?t,but…
ThiswasLuc.
“Weshouldtalk.”Everywordcameoutstrained,betweenpants.
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NowaywasLucgoingtotakeherseriously.
Helavedtheheavycurveunderherbreast;thenhisteethnippedat
thehardtip.“Afteryoucomeforme,andIremindyouhowhoteverythingisbetweenus.”
Asifshe?deverforget.Beforeshecouldprotest,heplungedhis
fingersdeeperandsoughtoutherG-spot.Inseconds,Lucbegantoplyit
mercilessly.Oh,my…Yes!Grabbingdesperatehandfulsofhisshirt,shemoaned.
“That?sit.Feelme.Youwantmore,don?tyou?”
Sheshouldn?t.Theyshouldbetalkingabouthisassumptionthatshe
wasfuckingTyler,hadbecomepregnantbyhim.Butdamnit,Lucwas
overwhelmingher,herbodywasonfire,andshelovedLuctoomuchto
sayno.“Yes…”
LucagainrubbedherG-spot,nowthumbingherclit.“Whodoyou
want?”
“You,Luc.Alwaysyou.”Shebrokeoutinadampsweat,panting,
mewlingformoreaspleasurerampedupinherbelly.Needburned
betweenherlegs,multiplying,building.
Howcouldhealonedothistoher,shovehersoquicklytotheragged
edgeofrestraintandsanity?
Heshimmieddownherbodyandbenttoher.Alyssa?santicipation
soaredasshefeltLuc?shotbreathsalloverherwet,swollenflesh.Yes,
please.Now.Soonerthannow
“Onlyme?”hedemanded.
“Onlyyou.”
Hisdarkeyesblazedacrossherface,angerwarringwithlustand
possessioninatanglethatmadehercatchherbreath.“Makemebelieve
it.”
Hesuckledherclitintohismouthwithahungrysnarl,puttinghis
shoulders—hiswholebody—intoit.Fromhisfirstlick,pleasureseizedher
unlikeanythingshe?deverfelt.Hisclevertongueruthlesslydroveherup,
alongwiththoselong,probingfingers.Hepushedhertothebrinkof
orgasmwithlong,liquidswipesofhistongueonherclit.Thenhedrewit
intohismouthandsucked.
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Alyssaarched,grabbedthesheets,andscreamedasecstasy
coalescedandexploded,settingherentirebodyonfire.
God,onlyLuccoulddothistoher.
Whileshestillpulsedwithaftershocks,hepartedherfoldswithhis
thumbsanddelvedinsideagainwithhistongue.Shegasped,spreadher
legswider.Lucknewexactlyhowtomakeherneedhimagain.
Hefastenedonherclitoncemore,blowinghermind,rampingherup
towardanotherorgasmthatshouldn?thavebeenpossible,butwasinstead
imminent.Theslopeupwasfaster,steeper,morewrenching.
Shewasdrenchednow,dripping.Soswollen,shecouldfeelher
nipplespuckering,herfoldsengorging.Butthistime,Luckeptheronthe
knife?sedge,orgasmjustaheartbeataway.Arching,wriggling,shetried
everythingtomakehiswickedtonguesendherstraightintobliss,buthe
anchoredhertothebedwithahandonherhip.“Isaywhen.”
Everythinginsideherclenchedindenial.Sheneededit—needed
him—now.“Whatareyoudoingtome?”
“Makingsureyouknowyourbodyismineandminealone.”A
determinedglintsmolderedinhisdarkeyes.
Shewasnoman?spossessionortoy.But…desirerackedher.Ithad
becomeeloquenttortureknottingherbellyasheplungedhisfingersinside
heragain.Alyssacriedoutasheteasedherclitwithhistongue.Theman
wantedhertolosehermind.Andhewasabouttosucceed.
Whenhereplacedhisfingerwithhisthumbandeasedhisdrenched
digitintoheranus,sheclenchedaroundhimandmoaned.
“Youaresofuckingsexy.”Lucpumpedhisfingersintoher
simultaneously.Thewildsensationscorchedher,andeverynerveending
beggedforclimax.
Hesuckedonherclitagain,thistimeharderthanthelast,evenashis
fingersfilledherup.Anditwas…Oh,God,amadnessofpleasurethat
threatenedtoimplodeher.Wherewasherdeterminationtoleavenow?Her
willtoresisthimuntiltheyworkedthroughtheirissues?Liketheperfect
storm,demandragedinsideher,fueledbyanger,fear,love,need.Itgrew
intoafathomless,suckingswirl.Hiseverytouchsizzledlikelightning.
Ecstasy,pureandwhite-hot,wasuponher.Alyssa?seyesflewopenwide,
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connectingwithLuc?scommandinggaze.Wideshoulders,insistenthands,
hauntedeyes.
Mine,hisstaresaid.
Yours,hersoulsilentlyanswered.
Thefloodgatesofpleasureburstopeninatorrentialflood.As
satisfactioncrashedoverher,shefeltdizzy,couldn?tbreathe.Blackspots
dancedattheedgeofhervision.Shecriedout,thighstense,womb
pulsing.WhatLucgaveherwasbrilliantandendless.Andshouldgivehim
absolutelynodoubtthatheownedher.
Damnhim.
Andassoonasheletup,easedaway,shealsorealizedthatwhat
he?dgivenherwasone-sided.Ashestoodandtoreintohisownshirt,
Alyssaknewthat,inhismind,theywerenowhereneardone.
Nowthattheneedtocomewasn?tpressingdownonher,shesawthat
he?dderailedtheirdiscussionandsoughttocontrolherusingsex.
Oh,hell,no
Shegrabbedthesheetandwrappeditaroundher.“Stop.Wearenot
doingthisnow.There?stoomuchtodiscuss,andI?llbedamnedifyou?re
goingtoaccusemeoffuckingTylerinonebreath,thendemandingIfuck
youinthenext.”
“YouwanttoputmeoffafterIjustfoundyouinanotherman?sbed?”
hesnapped,straddlingher,flatteningherbacktothemattress.“Likehell.”
ThenherippedTyler?sT-shirtintolongstripsofmaterial,wrapping
themaroundherwristsandknottingthemsecurely.
Whatthefuckwashedoing?Washe…No!
“Luc,letmeup!”Fearzippedthroughherbloodstream,alongwitha
sickspikeofadrenaline.“Letmego!”
“You?regoingtostayherewithmeuntilyourememberwhothehell
you?remarriedto.Thenwe?regoingtotalkuntilIgetthewholegoddamned
uglytruth.”
Scowling,hedraggedherwristtotheheadboardandgrabbedthe
edgesofthecottonbracelet,knottingitaroundtheiron.
Hemeanttotieherdown.Putherathismercy.Oh,God
“Luc!Don?tdothis…”Icypanicassailedherasshewrithedand
buckedbeneathhim.Hedidn?tbudge.“Pleasedon?t!”
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Hecompletelyignoredher.Hisbodywasananchorpinninghertothe
mattressashereachedforherotherwristandtiedthematerialtothe
headboard.Shestruggled,butLucwasahundredtimesstronger.
Alyssabegantosweat.Coldfearagaincrashedtoherstomach,and
shefearedshewasgoingtothrowup.Ashesecuredherotherwrist,
immobilizingherarms,pureterrorscrapedhersystem.
Alyssathrashedandscreamed,“Luc,please!Don?tdothis.Don?t…”
Shetriedtoholdinhersobs,staycalm,butwitheachsecondshewas
immobileandathismercy,terrorgrew.
“Don?twhat?Makesureyoustayherelongenoughtobehonestwith
me?Youcan?tspendthedaywithyourlover,worrymesick,thentellmeto
fuckmyself.Refusemeyourprettybodythatdrivesmeinsanewithneed
everydamndayandnight.”
“Tylerisnotmylover!Heneverhasbeen.Iknowyoudon?tbelieve
me,butplease…”Thatfact,alongwithheredgeoffear,crushedher
defenses,crackedherheartopen.“Justletmeup.Letmego,”shesobbed.
“BacktoTyler?No.”
Alyssaforcedherselftolookupintohisfaceandflinchedwhenshe
sawthebarelyrestrainedwrathandbleakdeterminationtightenhisangular
face.“Wecan?tstaylikethis.Letmego.Please.”
Herpleasdidn?taffecthim.Hiseyesburnedherface,traileddownto
herbreasts,restedonherabdomen.Whenhisstarereturnedtoherface,
heseethedwithpossessiveangerthatmadeherpulsejumpwithdread
andfear.
“Ican?t.”Hewrappedhisfingersaroundherwristsandswoopeddown
towardher.“You?remywife,damnit.That?sgoingtomeansomethingto
you.”
What?Thathecouldforcehertohavesexanytimehewanted?“Luc,
no!”
Alyssabarelygotthesoundoutbeforeheslantedhismouthoverhers.
Histongueplundered,hislipscrushinghers,andshetastedherselfonhis
lips.Desperation,fury,intentallswirledinhiskiss.Hewantedher.She
fearedhewouldn?ttakenoforananswer.
Hishandstightenedonherwrists,hisgripbitingashetookthekiss
deeper.
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Thedefensesshe?dbuiltupoverthemonthsandyearstoblockout
theworstofhermemoriesfelloutfromunderher.Shewasfifteenagain,
tootrusting.Tooinnocenttounderstandthatherlifewasabouttochange
forever.
Sheshiveredandstruggled,doinganything,everything,tothrowthe
hardmaleweightoffher,smotheringher,hurtingher.Theagonywas
coming,sheknew.God,howwouldshesurvivesomethingthathorrificall
overagain?
Panicchillinghertohermarrow,AlyssabitLuc?slip.Hepulledaway,
clutchinghismouth.
“No!Don?tdothis.Please,God,don?tdothis.Ican?t—”Thenagainst
herwill,shedissolvedintosobs.“Don?thurtme.”
Herpleasbrokethroughhisrage.Lucleaptoffherinstantly,alllust
gonefromhisface.Concernreplacedit.“Hurtyou,sugar?”
Tearsstunghereyes,scaldedtheirwaydownhercheeksasshe
turnedherselfonherside,asmuchasherboundwristsallowed,and
curledherlegsuptoherchest.“Pleaseletmego.”
Shehadn?tevenfinishedthepleabeforeLuc?sfingerswereatthe
knots,releasingone,thentheother.Andshewasfree.
Shootinghimastarefullofaccusation,andpain,sherantothe
bathroom.
“Alyssa!”heshouted,concernurgentinhisvoice.
Whenshedidn?trespond,sheheardthefrighteningrushofhis
footstepsbehindherandkeptrunning.
Finallyreachingthebathroom,sheslammedthedoorbeforehecould
bargehiswayin,andshelockeditbehindher.Safe…forthemoment.
Whatwouldshedoifhedidn?tgoaway?
Leaningagainstthecoldwood,shepanted,herpaststillflashingin
herhead,remindingherofhorrorandpain.Butthiswasanotherday,
anotherman.WouldLucreallyhavehurther?
Maybeshe?doverreacted.She?dcertainlyshownhimherweakness.
Andifhehadn?talready,he?dquicklyfigureoutjusthowdamagedshewas.
Slidingdownthedooruntilshehuddledagainstit,Alyssaputherface
inherhandsandsobbed.
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ChapterSixteen
SHEwascrying,andnotsimpletears.Notwithmereguilt.Everysob
soundedasifitrippedanewpieceofherheartout,asifeverydreamshe?d
everhadhadbeencrushedforever.
Luc?sstomachcrashedtohistoes.
“Sugar,”heimploredwithasoftknock.“Openthedoor.I?msosorry.I
lostmytemper.Ididn?tmeantoscareyou.”
Noresponse,justmoreoftherendingcriesthatclawedhisgutwith
fearandregret.Feelingtwoinchestall,heleanedagainstthedoor,hands
pressedtoit,wishinglikehellthathecouldreachthroughandcomforther.
Howcouldafewinchesofwoodseparatethemsocompletely,asifa
continentofpainandregretstoodbetweenthem?
“Talktome,Alyssa.”
Underthedoor?scrack,hesawhersittingonthefloor,huddled,and
ranafrustratedhanddownhisface.Whatthehellhadhedone?
Jack?slifestylewasn?this.Luchadneverfelttheneedtotieupa
woman,especiallyinanger.WhatevershemighthavedonewithTyler,
Alyssahadbeenhurtbefore.Raped.Theterroronherface,theflashback
toherpast,hadbeenabitterslapofareminderforLuc.Thefactshecould
evenmentallyputhiminthesamecategoryasthemanwhohurtherwas
theworstsortofpain.Hefeltlikeathoughtlesssnake.Damnit.
“Sugar,please.Iwon?thurtyou.Iwon?ttouchyou.Justcomeoutso
wecantalk.”
Silence.Thenasniffleandashuffle.Shegottoherfeet.Hisheart
leapt,andhopeseizedhimthatshewouldopenthedoor,hearhimout.
Thistime,he?dlistentoherexplanationabouthertimewithTyler.Evenifit
wasexactlywhathethoughtitwas,hedoubtedAlyssameanttohurthim.
Shehadnoideahelovedher.Maybeheshouldconfess.Maybetheycould
talkthroughtheirproblemsandsalvageeverything.
Insteadofremovingthebarrierbetweenthem,shewalkedawayand
startedtheshower.
Heknockedagain.Noanswer.
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Longminutespassed.Thesprayofwaterwasloud…butnotenough
todrownoutthecontinuedsobsthatsplittheairandtoreathisheart.
Callingtoherwasn?tdoinganygood,andallthiscryingcouldn?tbe
goodforherorthebaby.Herhomehadbeenviciouslyinvadedandshe?d
beenscaredoutofhermindbothbyanintruderandherownhusband.He
hadtofocusonthat,hadtoreachherandpersuadehertolethimhelp.
Anotherjaggedcrysoundedoverthewater.God,shecouldhardly
catchabreath.Thesobswerecomingfasternow,eachsoundingmore
wrenchingthanthelast.Luccouldn?ttakeitanymore.
ThankingGodforDeke?sinsistencethatheknowformsofselfdefense,includingmartialarts,Lucgatheredhisenergy,centeredit,then
kickedthebathroomdoor.Withacrashandasplinteringofwood,itgave
in.
Behindtheshowercurtain,shegaspedasthedoorlurchedonits
hingesandcrashedagainstthewall.
Onceinside,Lucdidn?thesitate.Heyankedbacktheshowercurtain.
Inside,Alyssasatontheshowerbenchunderscaldingwater,steamrising
aroundher.She?dcurledherkneesuptoherchest,herteethchattering
viciously.Shelookedupathimwithhauntedblueeyes,mascararunning
downherface.
Thesightkickedhiminthestomach.
Swallowinghisnerves,heclimbedintotheshower,clothes,shoes,
andall.Hotwaterpeltedhim,plasteringhishairtohisshouldersandneck.
Hebarelynoticed.Instead,heliftedhiswifeintohisarms.ThankGod,she
wentwithoutafight.
LucsatontheshowerbenchandsetAlyssainhislap.“I?msosorry.”
Sheclosedhereyes,stiffened.“Icamehomealittleafterfourthis
morningtofindthehousehadbeenbrokeninto,callednine-one-oneand
Tyler.Ididn?tcallyou.ItwastwointhemorninginLosAngeles.Therewas
nothingyoucoulddo.”
Hermonotonevoicesoundeddead.Lucachedalloveragainforher.
“I?mlistening.”
“TylerexaminedthecrimescenebeforeRemygotthere.WhileTyler
waslookingaround,Igotsick,passedout.”
“What?”Luctightenedhisarmsaroundher.
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“Thepaintfumesandperfumeandshock,Iguess.WhenIcameto,I
wasinTyler?scarandhewastakingmetotheemergencyroom.Itoldhim
Ididn?tneedtogo.Ijustneededsleep.”
“Didhetakeyouanyway?”Lucaskedhopefully.
Alyssashookherhead.“Ipleaded.HeinsistedthatIeatsomething,
andhecan?tcook.Sowewenttothateggplacenotfarfromtheclub.After
I?deaten,Istartedcramping.”
“Likeyou?deatensomethingbad?Itusuallytakeslongerforfood—”
“No.Likemenstrualcramps.”
Luc?sheartcametoascreechinghalt.“What?”
“Iwenttotherestaurant?sbathroom.”Shebegansobbingagain,nearly
uncontrollably.
Hecurledheragainsthischestandkissedherforehead.“Please,take
adeepbreath.Thisisn?tgoodforyou.”
Finally,shemanagedtobreathedeeply;thensheswallowedback
tears.“Ifoundblood.”
Oh,JesusChrist.Hisstomachwentintoafreefall.“Didyougotothe
emergencyroom?”
Again,sheshookherhead.“Iwasafraidwe?dhavetowaittoolong.I
calledmynewobstetrician.Sheagreedtomeetmeatherofficebefore
hours,soTylertookmethere,waitedwhilethedoctorexaminedme.”
Andhe?dmissedallofthis.Lucstrokedhershoulder,pressedanother
kisstoherforehead.Notonlyhadhemissedit;he?dheapedmoreshiton
her.
Whythefuckhadn?thelistenedinsteadoflettinghisjealousydothe
talking?
“Areyouokay?”Lucwasalmostafraidtoaskthequestion.“Whatdid
shesay?”
“Thatit?snotuncommontospotifyou?reonyourfeettoomuchor
undertoomuchstress.”
Withoutadoubt,Alyssasufferedfromboth.
“Thebabyisokay.Butshetoldmetorest.Sleep.Icouldn?tcome
here,andTylerwantedmesomewherehecouldprotectme.Soheoffered
mehisplacetocrash,butwhenwegotthere,Iwastookeyedupand
couldn?tsleep.Ididn?twanttoworryyou.Youweresofaraway.Iwastoo
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ShaylaBlack
shakentorealizeyoumightbeworried.I?mnotusedtohavinganyonecare
…”
“Sugar,anywhere,anytime,anyplace,youcallme.”Lucwantedto
growlthewordsather.Shewassodamnindependent,andithadprobably
gratedhertoevenaskTylerforhelp,muchlesscallsomeonehalfway
acrossthecountry.
“Anyway,Tylercalledthedoctoragain,askediftherewasanything
shecouldgiveme.Thoughshenormallywouldn?tdothisforsomeone
pregnant,sheprescribedmeasedativebecauseofmystressandfatigue.”
“Andyoufellasleep.”InTyler’sbed
Shenodded.“IknowIshouldhavecalled.Everythinghappenedso
fast.”
Ofcourseshe?dbeenmoreworriedaboutmakingsurethebabywas
okaythansoothinghisjanglednerves.Itwasn?therfaulthewasajealous,
distrustingbastard.
“I?msosorryyouwentthroughallofthatwithoutme.Thatsomeone
brokeinthehouse.Thatyouspotted.ThatIscaredyou.”Heheldher
close.
Thewaterbegantocool,andLucreachedouttoturnitoff.Leaning
outofthetub,hegrabbedhertoweloffthebarandwrappeditaroundher
smallframe,dabbingitacrossherfaceandremovingthemascara,
squeezingthelongstrandsofherhairinsideitsfolds.
Shestooddocile,almostunmoving.Itwasn?tlikeher,andheworried
untilitwasableedingholeinhischest.
Quickly,hethrewoffhiswetclothesandlefttheminthebottomofthe
shower,thenreachedforhistowel.Hedidn?tbotherdrying,andhishair
drippedthickstreamsofwaterdownhisbackandshoulders.Instead,he
wrappedthetowelaroundhiswaistandhelpedheroutoftheshower.
Alyssadidn?tsayawordashesteadiedherovertothebed.Onthe
way,hegrabbedtheirrobesfromthebackofthedoor.Hehelpedherinto
hers,beltingitforherasifshewereachild,thenshruggedintohisown.In
silence,hetoweledmoremoisturefromherhairandstudiedherface.He
stilldidn?tlikeherexpression.Somewherepastshock,itwasalmostblank.
Lucswalloweddownhisfrustration.Whateverwasgoingonwithher
wasmorethansomeonebreakingintothehouse,morethanthefacthe?d
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ShaylaBlack
beenangryenoughtotiehertothebed.Andhehadtogethertoopenup,
letitgo,ifhecould.
Hepulledherintohislap,gratifiedthatshewenttrustingly,restingher
headonhisshoulder.“Alyssa,sugar.TellmewhyIscaredyou.”
Herheadjerked,jolted,untilitfinallybecameafull-blownshake.“It?s
nothing.”
“Please.”Hegrabbedhertighter,thenforcedhimselftoletgo,afraid
he?dscareheralloveragain.“Someonehurtyou.”
Sheclosedhereyes.Atearrandownhercheek.
Itnearlykilledhim.“Someonerapedyou.Ididsomethingtoremind
youofthat,right?”
“Itwasalongtimeago.Justforgetit.Ihave.”
Lucbarelyheardherwhisper,butheknewitwasalie.Shewasn?t
overit,andhearingthechockedadmissionheapedindenialcrushedhim.
“Youwereateenager.”
Foralongminute,Alyssasaidnothing,butstaredatthewallonhis
right.Finally,shemurmured,“Fifteen.”
DearGod.Notevenoldenoughtodrive.Barelymorethanagirl,and
someassholehadforcedhiswayintoherbodyagainstherwill?Rapewas
oneoftheugliestofcrimes,butagainstonesoyoung?
Stomachturning,Luchesitated.Hehadtokeepaskingquestionsthat
wouldallowhertorevealtheordealabitatatime.Shewasn?treadytojust
spillherentiresecretinonebreath.
“Wereyouonadate?”
Herwholebodytensed.“No.”Thenshegaveahystericalsob.“I
wasn?tallowedtodate.MymotherexpectedmetobeavirginwhenIgot
married.”
Hewasn?tsurehewantedtohearthis,truly.Buthehadto.Without
thisknowledge,Lucsensedthathecouldn?ttrulyunderstandhiswife.
“Andyouwereavirginwhenthis…?”Hetensed,swallowed,
somehowhopinglikehellshe?dsayno.
Butshenodded.
Luchadneverbeennauseousandangryatonce.Hewantedto
smashthisbastard?shead,makehimfeeleverybitofthepainAlyssahad
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ShaylaBlack
clearlyfelt.Buthekeptittohimself.Nosuddenmovements,noswearing,
nomakingfists.Instead,hesoftlystrokedherhair.
“Aboyfromschool?”heventured,hisvoiceasgentleashecould
makeit.
Alyssaopenedhermouth,thenclosedit.Hesitated.Thensheroseto
herfeet.Lucwantedtokeepherinhislap,safeandwarm,wherehecould
holdherandsootheherattheslightesttremor.Buthedidn?tdareholdher
downagain.
Shepacedtothebathroomcounterandbracedherselfonit.“Not…
exactly.It?sancienthistory.Notreallyimportant.”
Lucstoodandslowly,givingherplentyoftimetobackaway,
approachedher.Reliefpouredthroughhissystemwhenshedidn?tpull
away,sohelooselyplacedhishandsonhershoulders.
“Ithinkit?sveryimportant.Ifyoudon?twanttotellme,Iunderstand.I
haven?tdoneagoodjobearningyourtrusttoday.Orforthepasttwo
months.I?vebeenslowtolearn,butIwanttodobetter—withyourhelp.
Please,Ineedtoknowwhat?sgoingtofrightenyousoIdon?tdoitagain.”
Alyssabitherlip,sighed,lookedattheceilingasifprayingfor
strength.“N-nobondage.Ican?t…”Sheshivered,wrappingherarms
aroundherself.“Ijustcan?t.”
RealityhitLucintheface.WhathadJacksaid?HeandAlyssahad
realizedquicklytheyweren?tcompatible.Thatmadecompletesensenow.
“Notunlessyou?reready.Ifthatdaynevercomes,I?llunderstand.”
Shegavehimajerkynod.“Thankyou.”
Caressinghershoulders,Lucbroughtheragainsthisbody.She
wantedtoleavethestorythere.She?dbeenfifteen,avirgin,andhadbeen
raped.Buthesensedthestorywasonlybeginning.
“Itwasn?taboyfromschoolwhohurtyou?”
Alyssawrappedherarmsaroundhermiddleandshookherhead.“I—I
don?tknowifIcantalkaboutthis.Ihaven?ttoldanyonethissincethenight
afterithappened.”
She?dkeptthistoherselfforfourteenyears?“YounevertoldJack?
Tyler?Atherapist?”
Asadsmilecrossedherfacebeforeitdissolved.“Jackwouldhave
huntedhimdown,andthat?sthelastthingIwant.Tyler…IfIthinkmypast
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ShaylaBlack
iscomingbacktohauntme,I?lltellhim.Nevercouldaffordatherapistuntil
Iworkedthroughalotofthisonmyown.”
Whythehellwouldn?tshewantJacktohuntthisassholedown?
Personally,Lucwasdyingto.Butshedidn?twanttohearthat,andhe
couldn?tjeopardizetheconversationnowthatshewastalking.
Hehuggedherbacktohischestagain.“Whodidthistoyou,sugar?”
“Joshua.”Sheshuddered,closedhereyes.“He?sm-mystepbrother.”
Sickfuryassailedhimonceagain.Someonewhowassupposedlya
partofherblendedfamilyhadviolatedhertrustandbody?Asmuchas
hearingthiskilledhim,hehadtogetthefullstory.Buthedidn?tknowwhat
questionstoaskfromhere.
Swallowing,hedecidedtosimplywingit.“Yourmotherremarried?”
Shenoddedslowly.“WhenIwastwelve.”
Please,pleasetellmethiscreepdidn’tstarttakingadvantageofher
then.“Diditstartthen?Touching?Fondling?”
“No.Atfirst,hewasmybestfriend.Mymomremarriedsomeonevery
wealthy.Wemovedfromourmiddle-classneighborhoodto…Lifestylesof
theRichandFamous.Istartedanewschool.Ididn?tknowanyone.Iwas
shy.Ihadahardtimeadjusting.”
AndthisprickJoshuahadusedherinsecurityagainsther.“Sohesaid
he?dbeyourfriend?”
“Yes,andhemadesureIhadallthecoolestfriendsinschool.Andhe
keptotherguysawayfromme.WhenIwasafreshman,therewasa
junior—oneofJosh?sclassmates—whodecidedhewantedtonailmeata
party.Hegotmedrunkandcorneredmeinthebathroom.Joshuaand
someofhisotherfriendspickedthelockandstormedin.Joshuabeatthis
guyruthlessly;thenhecarriedmeout.ThenextMonday,hetoldeveryone
weweredatingandnottofuckwithme.Ithoughthediditformy
protection.”Shegruntedindisbelief.
“Hewantedyouforhimself.”Luchadnotroublepicturingthat.
“Yeah.He?dflyintoarageifheeventhoughtanyonewaslookingat
me,orifhesuspectedIlikedsomeone.Shortlyafterthatincident,he
startedsneakingintomyroom,saidhewantedtomakesureIwassafe.”
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Whenshelaughedbitterly,ittwistedhisstomach.Safe?Theasshole
hadtakentotaladvantageofher.Howcouldhecouchthatasprotecting
her?“Didhestartkissingyouorjustattack?”
“Oh,therewerekisses.Lotsandlotsofthose,andIstupidly
encouragedit,thinkingthathereallycared.ThatstartedwhenIwas
fourteen.”
Andthisfuckingrapisthadbeen…what?Sixteen?Seventeen?Old
enoughtoknowthathewasusingayoung,innocentgirl.
“Whendidhestarttouchingyou?”
“RightbeforeIturnedfifteen.Thatsummer.”
ThewayshesighedraggedlytoldLucsheneededtopause.Hestood
silentlybehindher,caressingherarms.Itwasonthetipofhistonguetotell
hertheycouldstophere,talklater.Certainly,itwouldbebetterforhis
stomachandtemper.Butheknewgettingherbacktothisplacewouldbe
difficultandpainful.Bettertogetitalloutnow.
“Whendiditbecomemore?”
“Ifoundoutthathe?dbeensleepingwiththisgirlinhisEnglishclass.I
was…sostupidthatIeverbelievedthathewantedtomarryme
someday.Inmyfairy-tale-mindedhead,Ithoughthewaswaitingforme.
Youknow,togrowup,soourfirstexperiencecouldbetogether.Hetoldme
thatofcoursehehadtofuckothergirls.Ourparentscouldn?tknowabout
usyet.They?dhavefreaked.SoJoshuasaidhewaskeepingup
appearances,lettinghisdadknowhehadahealthyinterestinother
females.”
“Scumbag,”Lucmuttered.Thatwasactuallyalotmilderthanwhathe
wasthinking,butwiththatpronouncement,she?dknowheempathizedbut
wouldn?talarmherwiththeviolenceofhisfury.
“Thenhesaidthatallthewaitingformehadbeentoughonhimand
thathe?dhadtohaveotherpussyorhishumanpressurevalvesgottoo
tight.”Shescoffed.“SoItoldhimtogoaway,thatIdidn?twanthim
anymore.Istoppedspeakingtohimforweeks.”
“Andheturnedviolent?”
“Yes.Justaftermysophomoreyearstarted,hecametomyroomone
night,tiedmedown,andsaidhefeltcheatedthathe?dwaitedaroundand
hadn?tgottenany.Andhe?dsobeenlookingforwardtobeingmyfirst.He?d
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ShaylaBlack
evengonesofarastoplanthiselaborateschemeto?popmycherry?formy
sweetsixteen.”
Luc?snausearosetonewlevels,asdidhisneedtowipethisasshole
offthefaceoftheearth.Hewasn?taviolentman,butthis…Unforgivable.
“I?msorry.”Hewantedtosaysomuchmore,butatthispoint,words
wouldonlyplacatehim.Herdamagehadbeendone.Heonlyhopedhe
couldhelphealher.
“Oh,Godithurt…”Herbodytrembled,seizedup.Thesobsstarted
again.“H-hetookmeeverywayamancantakeawoman.”
Joshuahadrapedheranally,too?Anotherblowtotherestraintaround
Luc?srage.Hegrabbedthecountertoponeithersideofherhipsand
lookedatherbowedheadinthemirror.Herhauntedeyes,squeezedshut
tight,dominatedhertense,fragileface.
“Sugar,I?msosorry.”Hekissedthebackofherhead.Hedidn?ttrust
himselftotouchhergentlyinthatmoment.Toomanyviolenturgesrunning
throughhisbody.
“Wh-whenitwasover,Iwassobbingandbleeding.Hewasangryand
saidhewonderedwhyhe?dbothered.Iwasjustanotherwhoreafterall.”
Fistsclenched,shedrewinashudderingbreath.“I…Iwantedtokillhim.”
Lucunderstoodthatfeelingwell.
“Inretrospect,Ishouldn?thavebeensurprisedbyJoshua?sbehavior.
Allthesignswerethere.”
“MyGod,youshouldn?thavehadtoknowthesignsatthatage.You
toldyourparents,right?”
Herbodywiltedthen,asifshehadnomorefight.“Itoldmymother.”
Bitingbacktheurgetoprompther,Lucwaitedwhilesheclosedher
eyes,gatheredhercourage.
“Shedidn?tbelieveme.”
“Whatthehell?Certainlyshecouldsee…Therewasevidence.”
Alyssashookherhead.“Iwasstupid.Ipanickedandcleanedup.
Today,I?dhavemarchedmyselfdowntothehospitalanddemandedarape
kitandprosecutedthesonofabitch.Butatfifteen,allIcouldthinkabout
was?gettingcaught.?
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“Thedayafterithappened,Joshuawasviletomeatschool,told
everyonehe?dnailedme.Hecalledmehisconvenientpussyandsaidhe
wasgoingtogetmorethatnight.Iwasterrified.”
JustwhenLucthoughtthisprickcouldn?tgetanylower,Alyssa
revealedanotherfactaboutherstepbrotherthatenragedhimallover
again.
“Soafterdinner,Ipulledmymomasideandtoldherwhathad
happened.Sheaccusedmeoftryingtoruinherlife.Iwasjustbeing
petulantbecauseJoshualikedgirlshisageandlyingbecauseIresented
herhappiness.”Alyssasniffed,pressedherlipstogether.
Havingyourownmotherstabyouinthebackthedayaftersuffering
theworstphysicalandemotionaltraumaofyourlife?Luccouldn?teven
imaginetheanguish…AndknowingthatAlyssahadneverresolvedthis
betweenherandhermother?Nowonderthewoman?sdeathhadbeen
confusingforher.
“Yourmother?sbetrayalhurtworstofall.”Itwasn?taquestion;he
knew
Shestaredatthemarblecountertopandnodded.
“It?snotyourfault;noneofthiswas.Yourmothershouldhavestood
besideyou.Shewassupposedtoprotectyou.Iunderstandwhyyouboth
lovedandhatedher.”
Alyssawhippedhergazeoverhershoulder,clearlysurprisedthathe?d
figuredthatout.“Yeah.ButaftershemarriedRichard,shebecamea
differentperson.Absorbedinhim.AndIknewhe?dbenohelp.Joshua
coulddonowronginhiseyes.Heprobablywouldhaveapplaudedhis
son?sbehavior.Hewasamisogynistwhoobjectifiedallwomen.”
AndJoshuafollowedinhisfather?sfootsteps.
Lucdidn?tunderstandeitherthepointofvieworthehorrificlapsein
parenting.ButhecouldtellfromAlyssa?sdemeanorthatshestillhadmore
totell.
“AfterItalkedtomymom,itwaslate.Nearbedtime.IknewJoshua
wouldcometomyroomagain.Iaskedtospendthenightatafriend?s
house,butMomsaidno.Ipackedabag,tookthehundredbucksIhadina
drawer,andsnuckoutmywindow.”
“Oh,dearGod.Wheredidyougo?”
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“Atfirsttoafriend?shouse,butwhenmymomcalledinthemiddleof
thenightlookingforme,sayingI?drunaway,herparentsdrovemehome
andtoldmenottocomeback.Mystepfatherhadapparentlythreatened
themwithcriminalandcivilaction.Hewasabig-timelawyer.
“Iwenthomethatnight.Mymomgroundedmeandsentmetomy
room.Theonlysavinggracewasthateveryonewasawake,andJoshua
couldn?tsneakintomyroom.Thenextday,insteadofgoingtoschool,Iran
awayagain.Thistime,ImadeitasfarasHollywood.”
HorrorzippedthroughLuc.“Didyouknowanyonethere?”
Sheshookherhead.“Itwasonlyacoupledozenmilesfromhome,but
itmightaswellhavebeenaworldaway.”
Afifteen-year-oldgirlinHollywood?Alone?Shewouldhavebeen
preyedupon,unabletosupportherselfunless—Lucdidn?tevenwantto
considerhowshe?deatenandkeptaroofoverherhead.
“Youlookedforajob,”heguessed.
“Fast-foodplaceswouldn?thiremeuntilIwassixteen,andeventhen,I
hadtohaveparentalconsent.Sixteenwasstillninemonthsaway,and
evenifIcouldaskmyparents,theywouldneverhaveapproved.”Alyssa
grippedthecountertighter.“Youcanguesswhathappenednext.”
Oh,no.Thatcouldn’tbe.“Sugar…”
Shebitherlip,thenspokequickly,withoutinflection.“Thefirstfew
timeswerehard.IclosedmyeyesalotandpretendedIwassomeplace
else.ThankGodnoneofthemenwerecreepyordangerous.Justrun-ofthe-milljohnslookingtogetlaid.”
Lucwasspeechless.Fifteenandreducedtoprostitutionbecauseher
familyhadhurtherineverywaypossible.Forcedtofendforherself
becausetheyweretooselfishandhadallbutabandonedher.
Amillionthingsclickedintoplace:thereasonshewassotouchyabout
peopleassumingshewasawhore,thereasonsheinsistedthatthegirls
whoworkforherbetterthemselves,thereasonshehatedtorelyonothers
unlessforced,thereasonshewasn?twoundupaboutbeingnudeinpublic.
She?dlearnedearlythatherbodywasacommodityandthatonlyeducating
herselfwouldimproveherlot.She?dclearlyalsofiguredoutthatherselfworthhadnothingtodowithhercareer,butherinnercore.
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Inhishead,Lucthoughthe?dknownthather“profession”hadn?tfazed
her…buthehadn?tbehavedthatway.Ithadbeenabigdealtohim.Nowitseemedsostupid.He?dbitehistongueoffbeforeheeversaidanything
thatmadeherfeellikelessthanaladyagain.
“Didyouevergohome?”heaskedquietly.
“Ithoughtaboutit.ThefirstChristmaswithoutfamilywashard.Ispent
italoneinanalleywithacandybarandacampfire,hopingthatnoone
wouldattackmeinmysleep.Buttheweekbefore,I?dseenJoshua.He
camelookingforme,flashingmypicturearoundandtellingalltheother
girlsthatmymomwantedmebackfortheholidays.Mostprotectedmeand
playeddumb,butoneoftheolderwomenthoughtshecould?save?meby
snitching.Igotawaywith,maybe,threeminutestospare.”
“AndsinceJoshuaknewwhereyouwere,youcouldn?tstay.”
“Ihadsomemoneysavedup.Iboughtabusticket,toldthewoman
behindthecounterIwantedtogosomeplacewarm.Joshuaalwaysmade
funofSoutherners,calledthemstupidrednecks.SoIthoughtheadingto
theSouthwouldbeagoodidea.”
Sheshrugged.“Busticketbroughtmehere.AwomanItalkedtofor
partofthetrippromisedthatstrippingwasbetterandnearlyaslucrativeas
…”Sheblewoutabreath.“IgotafakeIDwithafakenametoblendin.”
“Alyssaisn?tyourname?”ShewassoAlyssatoLuc.Hecouldn?t
imaginecallinghersomethingelse.
“It?smymiddlename.MyrealnameisLindsey.”
Itdidn?tsuitheratall.Lindseywasagirl.Thiswomanbeforehimwas
tough,asurvivor,worthyofanamewithabig,sexysoundlikeAlyssa.She
astoundedLucwithherstrength,herresilience,hernever-say-dieattitude.
She?dwalkedthroughhellandfire,andemergedontheothersidea
womanofsteel.Asmuchasheachedforwhatshe?dendured,hewas
proudofher.
“ThenIknockedonSexySirens?door,”shesaid.“Itwascalled
somethingelsethen,butMarquessa,whileabitch,savedmylife.Shelet
meliveattheclubuntilIgotonmyfeet,workedaroundmyschool
schedulewhenIstartedstudyingformyGED.Herboyskeptthelocals
fromhittingonmetoomuch.Ikinda…grewupthere.”Sheshrugged.“I
neverwenthomeagainuntilmymother?sfuneral.IsawJoshua—froma
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distance.Hedidn?tseeme,thankGod.Andtothisday,hestilldoesn?t
knowwhatbecameofme.Ifhehadanyclue,Idon?tknowwhathewould
do.”
Lucknewwhathe?dliketodototheasshole,butAlyssaneededhis
understandingandcomfortnow,nothisfury.He?dlookupthispricksoon
andtakehimdownapegortwenty,butthismomentwasabouthiswife.
Guiltcreptinthathisbehaviorhadcausedhergriefandforcedherto
spillhersecretstohim.Ontheotherhand,gettingherstoryoutinthe
open,himhearingit,wasperhapsoneofthebestthingsthatcouldhave
happenedtothem.
“I?msosorryIupsetyou.Accusedyou.Scaredyou.”
AndletTyler’ssmugfacedigundermyskinwhenheansweredthe
door.Inretrospect,Lucknewherbouncer/bodyguardwasinlovewithher
andprobablyenjoyedwatchinghimdrawtheworstconclusions,drivinga
wedgeintoAlyssa?snewmarriage.Hedidn?trespecttheguyforit…but
heunderstood.
Shebowedherhead.“Thefunnythingaboutyouaccusingmeof
sleepingaround?Untilyou,Ineverreallyenjoyedsex.Imean,atfirstitdid
nothingbutbringupbadmemories.WhenIgotolderandfiguredoutthatit
wasn?tmyfaultandJoshuawasnothingbutslime,Itriedtodate,triedto
havesex.Itjustalwaysseemed…uncomfortableandembarrassing.You
actuallycaredaboutmyexperience.”Shegrimaced.“Untilyou,Ineverhad
anorgasmthatwasn?tsolo.Untilyou,Ineverunderstoodhowsex
connectedpeople.”
Seriously?Lucwasstunnedsilent.She?dneverenjoyedthelush,
sensualintimaciesofsexuntilhim?Thenagain,howcouldshewithsuch
terriblememoriesattached?
AndwheredidTylerfitintothispicture?Hadshesleptwithhimas
someformofpayment?No,shewouldn?tdothatanymore.So,hadTyler
beenanexperiment?Clearly,shetrustedthemanorshewouldn?thave
takenasleepingpillandfallenintohisbed.Didsomepartofherlovethe
bouncer?Lucdidn?tknow.Hedidknowthat,despiteherprotestationsthatshe?dneverhadsexwiththeman,TylerhadtohavefatheredAlyssa?s
comingchild.
Whateverreasonshehadfordenyingthatfactthey?dtacklelater.
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Lucwrappedhisarmsaroundhiswife,whorelaxedagainsthim,
leaningbackintohisbody.Safe,treasured,his.Atleastinpart.Atleastfornow.
Hestillhadtofigureoutwhowasterrorizingher.Forawhile,he?d
assumeditwasTyler,but…themanhadhadathousandopportunitiesto
hurtAlyssatoday.Instead,he?dtakenhertothedoctor,givenuphisown
bed.Granted,hehadn?tcalledherhusband,butsincehewantedherfor
himself,whywouldhe?
Peterhadbeeninthecountyjailwhenthehousehadbeenbroken
into.Whodidthatleave?Primpton?Hadthethreateningvandalismbeen
hiswork?Orsomeoneelseentirely?
Clutchinghiswife,LucliftedAlyssaagainsthim,carryinghertothe
bed.Hesethergentlyonthesheets.“Rest.”
Shegrabbedhisarms.“Staywithme.”
Hopesurged.Thefactshewantedhimnearherwasagoodsign.
Withanod,Lucloweredhimselftothebed,stretchingoutbesideher,
strokingherdamphair.
Theirgazesmet.Tellingthisstoryhadstrippedhersouldowntoits
coreandleftherbare.Everybitofthatpainandfearwasinherblueeyes.
Heachedtomakeallthatgoaway.
“Luc?”Alyssabreathed,herplatinumhairfloatingaroundher
shoulderslikeatemptress.Butlookingathersweetovalface,rosycheeks,
andswollen,impossiblyblueeyesonlyremindedhimofthegirlwiththe
scarredheartthatlayunderneaththattemptress.
“I?mhere.Alwayshereforyou,”hevowed.
“Touchme.Please.”Sheshookassheunbeltedherrobe.“Bewithme
…”
Herrequestshockedhim.Hewantedto,Godknew.Herwordsfilled
himwithjoy,madehiscockweepwithneed.But…“Sugar,you?vebeen
throughalottonight.Idon?tthinknowisthebesttime—”
“Itis.”Sheshruggedherrobeoff,revealingeverybitofhergorgeous
goldenskin.“IhavetoreplacethememoriesofJoshuawithsomething
wonderful.Withyou.”
Howcouldhesaynotowipingawayherworstmemories?Howcould
hefightsomethinghewantedsodamnbadly?
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ShaylaBlack
Lucroseuponallfoursoverher,givingherplentyofspacetomoveif
sheneeded,andkissedherbelly.“Areyousure?”
Alyssareachedup,curledherarmsaroundhisneck,andbroughthis
mouthdowntohersforalingering,desperatekissthatpleaded.
Unnecessary.She?dhadhimat“Touchme”
“Completelysure.”
Luctoreoffhisrobeandloweredhimselfoverher,cradlinghimself
betweenherthighs,takingholdofherhips.Herainedkissesoverher
cheeks,herneck,theswellsofherbreasts,andshesoftenedinhisarms.
Forlongminutes,hebrushedhispalmsoverherskin,andfinally,she
sighed.
Needingtoknowshewasreadyforhim,Lucreachedbetweenthem
andmassagedherclit.Shedrewinasweet,shudderingbreath,anddesire
grippedhimmercilessly.
Cockinhand,healignedtheirbodies.“TellmeifIhurtyou.Scareyou.
Ineverwanttodothatagain.”
Sheswallowed,hersolemnbluegazefastenedonhim,andLucfelt
herpainandneedsliceclearthroughtohisheart.“Iwill,butyouwon?t.Just
…bewithme.”
Thefactshewantedhimanywherenearhernowmadehimfeel
honored.She?dgivenhimagift.Andheintendedtotreasureit—andher.
Shelinkedtheirfingerstogether.Theconnectionwaselectricand
shuddereddownhisspine.Alyssa?sdesiretobeclosertohimtouchedhim
deep,strippingawayhisanger.Havingheraskforhim,surrendertohim,
wassomuchsweeterthantyinghertothebedlikeacaveman.He?dregret
thatforeverandhopedtomakeituptohernow.
Slowly,Lucbegantopushinsideher.Hestopped,retreated,easedin
again—asoftglide,aslowdance.Asalways,sheburnedhim.Luc
squeezedhiseyesshut,focusingonmakingthistenderforher,makingthis
good.
Witheveryinchhesubmergedintothescaldingclaspofherbody,she
searedhim,especiallywhenAlyssabracedherfeetonthemattressand
raisedherhipsuptomeethim.
“Luc.Yes!”
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Damnit.Withtwowords,shenearlyunraveledhisself-control.Shefelt
sogoodthatithurt,boiledhisblood.Asneedrocketed,hebegantosweat.
Luctriedtobreathedeep,re-engagehisbrain.Butheneededhertouch,
neededtoknowthatdespiteallthathadhappenedtoday,shewasstillhis.
Lucdrewback,thenthrustforwardtothehilt.“Youfeelsoperfect
aroundme.Iwanttomakeyoufeelgood,too.”
Alyssadidn?treply,justpressedhermouthtohisforaslow,blistering
kiss.Hetastedherneed,herhealing.AsdifficultashearingaboutJoshua
hadbeenforhim,Lucwoulddoitathousandtimesoverifitwouldease
herpainandallowhertofeelclosertohim.
Hepulledback,herbodyclingingtohim.Unabletoresisthersweet
mouth,hekissedheragain,deeper,slower,inrhythmwithhisthrusts.
Alyssatightenedherarmsaroundhisneck.
Lucswallowedashethrusthisfingersintoherhair,histhumbtracing
herjaw.Hereyeswereclosedinimpendingblissandshelookedbeautiful.
“Alyssa,”hiswhispered,hisvoicehusky.
Slowly,hereyesflutteredopen,revealingdilatedpupils,andshemet
hisstare.Satisfactionhummedinsidehim.Nowheknewthatshewas
utterlyawareofwhowasdeepinsideher.
Hisheartjumpedashedrovehomeinonesmoothstroke.She
gasped,tighteningherslickwallsaroundhim.
“Thankyoufortrustingmewithyourstory,”hewhispered.“Yourbody.”
Alyssanodded,hergazeneverwaveringastearsfilledhereyes.Her
trustandtheexquisitefeelofherweredentinghisself-control.Hehadto
findthewill,makethisabouthealingher,notaboutstrokinghispossessive
instinct.Frighteningherwasthelastthinghewanted.
Loweringhishandstoherhips,hetiltedhertowardhimandeasedinto
heragain.Pleasuretransformedherexpression.Hermouthgapedopen,
eyesgoingwide.
“Comeforme.”
“Y-yes.”
Thecatchinhervoicedrovehimdeeperinsideher.Hedrownedinher
blueeyesanddarklashes.Hedidn?tblink;hedidn?twanttomissamoment
betweenthem.
Suddenly,herbodytightened,andshewhimpered.
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“Luc!”Alyssadughernailsintohisshoulders.
Heheldthepacesteady,sweatbeadingacrosshisbody.Seconds
latersheclampeddownonhimandcriedout,releasing.Satisfactionroared
throughhimasshekeenedoutherpleasure.
Hispleasurespiralednearlybeyondhiscontrolasherfacerevealed
herbliss.Andtrust.Shetrustedhimtocareforher.Nothingwasmore
gorgeousorhumbling.
Heclosedhiseyes,tryingtogetagrip,butneedshutdownhisbrain.
Graspingforself-controlwasawasteoftime.Andifhewasgoingover,he
wantedtotakeherwithhimagain.
Withthatinmind,hepliedherwithoneunrelentingstrokeafter
anotherandbegantorubherclit.
“Luc!”Shecouldbarelyfindherbreathnow.“Ican?t—”
“Youcan.Forme.”
Inthenextmoment,sheclampeddownonhimagain,herexplosionof
pleasuremeremomentsaway.Andstillsomethingdrovehim.
“Who?sdeepinsideyou?”hedemanded.
“Youare,Luc.”
“That?sright.Always.”Andherbodytoldhimshewassecondsfrom
orgasm.“Whoismakingyoucome?”
“Luc!”
Shebuckedandscreamedbeneathhim,andhesworehewaseven
deeperinsideherthanbefore.
Damn,itstillwasn?tenough.Buthiscontrolwasfraying,hisbody
screamingforrelease.
Ashepushedbackinsideherswollensexwithasteady,urgentstroke,
Luccouldneverrememberfeelingclosertoanywoman,ever.Alyssarose
uptomeethim.Herstarelockedwithhis.Hergrowingpleasureandrising
needkilledthelastofhisself-control.
Sweatbrokeoutacrosshisback,hisforehead,ashepushedhisway
insideheragain.Thenshewaschantinghisnameandclimaxingsohard,
hecouldbarelymove.Andclingingtohimineverywaypossible.Lucfell
deepintoherasthelastofhisresistancegaveway,andhesoaredintoa
pleasuresointense,itrattledhiscore,thenremadehim,cementinghis
loveforher.
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Slowly,theirbreathingrecovered,andLucwrappedherupinhisarms,
tanglinghislegswithhers.Inthatmoment,hefeltpeacewithher.Withhow
farthey?dcometogether.Heonlyhopedthatallofthedifficultywasbehind
them.
“Feelbetter?”heaskedsoftly.
Shebitherlip,hesitating.“Doyouwishyouhadn?tmarriedme?I
mean,aftereverythingItoldyou…”
“Don?teverthinkthatI?djudgeyouforwhatyouhadtodotosurvive.
AsmuchasIhatewhatyouwentthrough,I?mincrediblyproudofwho
you?vebecome.”
Hersmilewasasbrightasabreakingdawn,andLuc?sheartbrokeall
overagain.
“Areyougoingtoselltheclub?”hewhispered.
Hehadn?tevenfinishedaskingthequestionwhenshebeganshaking
herhead.“Toomanymemories.Toomanyotherpeoplewhomightletthe
wrongthingshappenunderitsroof.I?llturnovermanagementtoSadie,if
shewantsthejob.ButI?mmovingforwardinlife,hopingthattherestaurant
allowsmeafreshstart.”
Itwould.Lucwouldseetothat.Hehadthetalent,connections,and
influence.
Hekissedherforehead.“Closeyoureyes.”
Sheshookherhead.“Notyet.Sinceitseemstobethenightfortruth,
whydon?tyoutellmeyoursecret?”
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ChapterSeventeen
LUCcouldn?thaveheardherright.“What?”
“Whateveritisyou?renotsaying.I?vesensedit.”
Howhadsheknownhehadasecret?
Heshookhishead.Thehonestyoftheirmomentwassoreal,andthe
truthsatonLuc?stongue.Buthestopped.First,Alyssahadendured
enoughtoday,andwiththebleedingscare,theissueofthebaby?s
parentageandtheinevitableargumentswerebestleftforanotherday.
Second,whatwouldtellingherthatthebabycouldn?tpossiblybehis
accomplishexcepttotearthemapart?
Inthebackofhishead,hewonderediftherewasapossibility,evena
remoteone,thatthebabycouldbehis.ShekeptswearingsheandTyler
weren?tlovers.Lucunderstoodhiswifenowinawayhehadn?tuntiltonight.
Alyssawasn?taliar.Whatifhis“virtualimpossibility”hadindeedbecome
possible?
Hecouldn?tknowtheanswertothatquestionunlesshevisitedhis
doctorandsubmittedtothehumiliatingbatteryoftests.Again.Forherand
theirmarriage,hewould.Butthismiraclehedidn?tdarehopefor.He
wantedto—desperately.Butlikely,itwouldleadonlytodisappointment.
Therewasprobablyanotherexplanationforherpregnancy.MaybePeter
hadactuallyrapedherwhenhe?dattacked,andAlyssahadblockedoutthe
trauma?Perhapshermemoryoftheeventhadbeenmuddledbyher
concussion…
ButuntilLuchadanswers,hemustavoidthisdangerouschasmofa
topic.He?dtellherthetruthsoon,whentheywereabitstronger.Whenhe
couldsaythathedidn?tmindthatanothermanhadplantedhisseedinside
herandnotwanttoripthebastard?sheadoff.
Todaywasn?tthatday.
“We?vehadabiglifechange,sugar.Neitherofusforesawgetting
married,memovinghere.ThenewshowandBonheurareaddedstress.
Thebabyandyourhealtharealwayshugeconcerns…IfI?vebeen
distracted,I?msorry.”
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Alyssagavehimadoubtfulstare,butletitgo.“Ifthere?smore,andyou
wanttotellme,Iwanttohearit.”
Luctightenedhisarmsaroundher.“I?mfine.Sleep.I?llbehereaslong
asyouneedme.”
ASMondaybecameTuesday,itwasanunusuallyrowdyweeknightat
SexySirens.Theholidayswereofteninsane,andwithThanksgivingright
aroundthecorner,theweatherhadturnedtoobriskforoutdooractivity—so
alltherowdieshadcrowdedunderherroof.Luckyher.
“Everyone?sgone.Doorsarelocked,”Tylersaid,peekinghisheadin
heroffice.
“ThankGodwemanagedtofinishthenightwithoutafull-outbrawl.”
“Copythat.Doyouneedmeanymore?I?mbeat.”
“Goahead.Hunterissomewherearoundhere,obsessivelychecking
everydoorandwindow,mostlikely.”
Tylerlaughed.“Lucgotyousomerealhard-corebodyguards.ButJack
andDekelookdownrightrelaxedcomparedtoHunter.He?samean
motherfucker.”
Shewinced.“Sorryifhe?sinterferedwithyourroutine.Ijust…With
LucbackinL.A.taping,Iknowhe?llfeelbetterifIcooperate.Probably
betterforme,too.”
“Probably.Ican?tfaulthimforwantingtotakecareofyou.I?ddothe
sameinhisshoes.”
Alyssasoftened.Tylerhadfeelingsforher,andhedidn?tgotomuch
troubletohidethem.Andshefeltguiltythatshecouldn?thavereciprocated.
Hewasagoodguywhodeservedawomanwholovedhimmadly.
“Seeyoutomorrow,”Tylercalled,thenclosedthedoorbehindhim.
Amomentlater,Hunterseemedtomaterializeoutofthinairfroma
shadowedcorner.Shejumpedinherchair,slappingahandtoherchest.
“Oh,my…Youscaredthehelloutofme.Howlonghaveyoubeen
standingthere?”
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ShaylaBlack
“LongenoughtoassureyouthatI?vealreadyobsessivelycheckedthe
doorsandwindows.Twice.”Hunterneverworeemotiononhisface,but
Alyssathoughtshesawahintofasmile.“I?mtouchedbyyourbuddy
Tyler?sopinion.?Meanmotherfucker?isactuallykinderthanmostpeoples?
descriptions.”
Alyssahadnotroublebelievingthat.“Iprobablyneedtobehere
anotherhourorso.Booksareamess.Sorry.Iknowit?slate.”
Heshrugged.“I?mhereforaslongasyouare.”
Yes,he?dbecomeoneofherthreeshadows.BetweenDeke,Jack,
andHunter,someonehadeyesonhertwenty-four/seven,atleastuntilLuc
returnedonFridaynight.
Hehadn?twantedtoleaveherandresumetapinghisshow,butshe?d
insisted.Thisshowwastooimportanttohisfuture.He?dfinallyagreedto
go—ifsheagreedtohissecuritydetail.
“Thanksforunderstanding.”
Hunterdrilledherwithaflatstare.“Idon?t,actually.IfIwasinLuc?s
place,you?dbeinasecurefacilitywithatleastdoubletheguards.I?dnever
letyououtofmysight.”
Sheraisedabrow.“Atadparanoid.”
“Cautious,”hecorrected
“IthinkIcanmanageatriptothebathroomonmyown.”Oneofthe
downsidesofpregnancy.
“I?llfollowyou.”Hismatter-of-factexpressiontoldherthatwasn?tupfor
discussion.
Alyssasighedandswallowedaquipabouthisdemeanorscaring
womenaway.Justaguess,butHunterwouldenjoytheverbalsparring.Or
hemightjustlookatherwiththatdeadstare.Shewasn?tinthemoodfor
either.
Theclickofherheelsontheconcretefloorsbackstageechoedinthe
eerilysilentclub.Shewassousedtothewallsthumping,themusicblaring,
thepatronshowling.Beingherealone—ormostlyso—oftengavehera
shiver.
“YoucouldstepacrossthehallsoI?malittlelesssureyou?llhearme
pee.”
Again,thatghostofasmileappeared.“Icould.”
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Buthewouldn?t.Shepitiedthepoorwomanhefellforsomeday.He?d
dighisteethintoherandneverletgo.
Rollinghereyes,sheshutandlockedthesqueakydoor,thenset
aboutherbusiness.
Herheadwasfillednumbersandstacksofreceiptswhenshehearda
thumpingnoise.Asshewashedherhands,soundsoutsidethelittleroom
weremuffled.Sheshutoffthewater,andheardHunter?svoiceclearly.
“Tyler,whatthe…”Anotherthump,thenascuffle.“Fuck!”
Thenagunshot.Startling,deafening,heart-jolting.
Completesilence.
Shit!Someonewasinherclubwithagun.Andhemusthaveshot
HunterorshewassuretheNavySEALwouldbebustinghereevennow
andgettingherout.
Mostlikely,shewasonherown.
Tampingdownherfear,shelookedaroundforescape.Thebathroom
hadnowindows,andiftheshooterdidn?tknowwhereshewasalready,it
wouldn?ttakehimlongtofigureitout.Andshe?dlefthercellphoneather
desk.
Stupid!
“Whereareyou,mytemptressofsin?”
Thatfamiliarvoicescrapeddownhersenses,leavingbehind
disquietingfear.Primpton?Withagun?
“Youmayaswellcomeout.Bothofyourmenhereareincapacitated
andwon?tbecomingtoyourrescue.Ihaven?tkilledyourbouncer.Yet.I
mightsparehimifyoufacemeliketheJezebelyouareandpayforyour
sins.”
Hehadn?tkilledTylerbutwould?DidthatmeanHunterwasdead?
Likelyso,orhewouldhavetakenPrimptondown.Oh,God
Bitingherlip,sheheldinacryofpanic.Therewaseverychancethat
thezealotwouldkillTylernomatterwhat,butmaybeshecouldbuyTyler
enoughtimetogetthetwoofthemoutofhere.Rightnow,itwasherbest
hope.Shecouldn?tsneakout,evenifthesqueakydoorlether,andleave
Tylertodie.
Slowly,shepushedthedooropen.Predictably,thecreakingalerted
Primptontoherpresence.Hewhippedhisgazearound.Thegunfollowed.
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ShaylaBlack
Thecouncilmanstoodnearthebackdoor.Tylerwaslodgedjustinthe
opendoorway,flatonhisback,hisentirebodybonelessandlax.Washe
passedout?HadPrimptonhithimonthehead?Druggedhim?
Nottwofeetaway,Hunterlayonthefloor,bloodpoolingunderabullet
woundinhisshoulder.Theredpuddleseepedacrossthefloor,spreading
acrosstheblueT-shirtthatstretchedacrosshiswidechest.
Feargrippedherthroat,chokedher.DearGod,she?dalwaysknown
Primptonwaswhacked,butamurderer?He?dtrulycomeheretokill,and
shewasatthetopofhishitlist.
“Thereyouare,lookingasfetchingasalways.You?rethedevil?sown,
putonthisearthtotemptmentosin.ButImuststopyou.I?mashamedto
admitthatI?vetakenmyownfleshinhandwiththoughtsoffornicatingwith
you.ForthataloneIwouldpunishyou.Butnow…”
Blech.ThementalimageofPrimptonmasturbatingwhilefantasizing
abouthernearlymadeherill.Wait!Hadhebeentheonetobreakintoherhouseandejaculatealloverherlingerie?
Likely,butnotimportantnow.Howmanystepstoheroffice?Could
shemakeitandlockthedoorbeforehegotdownthehall?Whatwouldhe
dotoTylerifshetried?Whatwouldhedotoherifshedidn?t?
“Now,”hewenton.“Youmustbestoppedbeforeyouruinmoregood
Christianmenanddestroytheirmarriages.”
Alyssaeasedastepclosertoheroffice,andpoppedoutahip.
Predictably,Primpton?sgazefollowedthemotion.Shetossedherhairover
hershoulderandcrossedherarmsacrossherchest,plumpingupher
cleavage.“Meaning?”
“MyGod-fearingassistant,Randall,hasspentsomuchtimehereand
lustedafteryousoimpurelythathiswifehasfiledfordivorce.Youledhimastray.”
Randall.Theonewhopaidtopdollarforthenastiestlapdancesevery
Saturdaynight,thenattendedchurcheverySundaytorepentforhissins?
Leaningyetclosertoheroffice,shegaveapoutyshakeofherhead,a
moueofdisagreement.“Godgavethesemenfreechoice.”
“You?rethetemptationnomancanresist.Icannotallowyoutokeep
luringthemintosin.”Heraisedthegunabithigher.
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ShaylaBlack
“You?rejustgoingtoshootme?Here?Now?”Sheranahandupher
thigh,liftingherskirtafractiontoshowoffherredgarters.
Primptonchoked.“Iwon?tfornicatewithyou,whore!”
Hiserectionmadeitclearthathisurgeshadotherideas,and
somehowshehadtousethatagainsthim.
Shedroppedoneshoulder,andthestrapofhertankfelldownher
arm,revealingherblacklacybrastrapandadditionalcleavage.Aninstant
later,hisgazewasfusedtoit.“Iwouldneveraskyoutogoagainstyour
principles.AndI?mamarriedwomannow.”
“Asham!I?dstakemylifeyoufornicatedwiththatbouncerofyours
andprobablythisone,too.”HepointedatHunter.
Primptonwasfuckingdelusional,andshehadtogettoherdamn
phonefast.Hunterwaslosingbloodeverysecond.
Alyssaedgedclosertoherofficedoorundertheguiseofshiftingher
legs,stickingoneoutforhisvisualfeast.Itcreepedherouttohavethe
psycholeerather,butshe?ddoneworseinthenameofsurvival.
“You?reflauntingyourself!”heaccused.
“I?mstandingherewhileyouholdagunonmeandIpleadformylife.”
Immediately,heshookhishead.“Thisclubneedstoend.Youmust
die.ThesearethemissionsGodhasgivenme.IamhisChristiansoldier.”
Hewasgoingtostrike—atanysecond.Alyssawouldhavelikedthe
chancetomoveabitcloser.Asitwasnow,shehadtohopehehadno
abilitytosprintandcouldn?thitamovingtarget.
Behindhim,thewindhowledandthebackdoorflappedopen,
crashingagainstthewall.Primptonwhirledtothesound.Usingthe
distraction,Alyssadashedtoheroffice,runningmuchfasterthansheever
hadonstilettos.
Justbeforesheshutthedoorandthrewthedeadbolthomewith
shakinghands,sheheardPrimptonyell.“Godwilldamnyou,whore,for
trickingme.He?lldamnyoutohell,andIamtheswordbywhichyouwillbe
consignedtoburnforeternity.”
Withthatpronouncement,heshotthedoorknob.Thehandlejiggled,
wiggled—somethingclinkedontheothersideofthedoor.Hadhe
dismantledthehandleontheotherside?Carefully,sheapproachedthe
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doorandexaminedthehandle.Ithunglooseandshecouldseeacrackof
lightthroughtheholeitleftinthedoor.
Thenheshotthedeadbolt.Sheleaptawayfromthedoor,herheart
thumpingerratically.Ascratchingsoundreachedherearsnext.Ascrape,
followedbyhismaniacallaugh.Whatthehellwasthepsychoupto?
Beforeshecouldbegintofigureitout,sheheardPrimpton?srapid
footstepsasheprowledupanddownthehall,heardafaintsplashing
sound.Liquid?
Whatthe…?
Frowning,oddlyterrifiedwiththedoorseparatingthem,shepanted.
Moreofthesplashingshe?dheardearliersoundedagain,thistimecloser.
Thenthesmellofgasolinehit—strong—awaveofpetrolthatburned
hernose,herlungs.
“You?llburn,whore.Rightnow!”Primptonshouted.
Inthenextmoment,sheheardanominouswhoosh,thesoundof
startingfire.Thebastardmeanttofryheralive.
Heartkickingintooverdrive,shetriedtoopenthedeadboltand
escapetheroombeforethelickingflamessheheardgotanyhigher.It
wouldn?tbudge.Itwasjammed.Disabled.Something.Howthehellwas
shegoingtogetout?
Alyssagrabbedthedanglingdoorhandle,butthemetalwasalready
turninghot,andsheyankedherhandsaway.
Shetriednottopanic.911.She?dcallthem.Hercellphonewasonher
desk.Hopefullythey?dgethereintime.
Butwhensheturnedtoherdesk,herphonewasnolongerthere.
ALYSSAwokebydegrees,tooafraidtoopenhereyestothepounding
headachecrashingbetweenhertemples.Shewassomeplacethatsmelled
likerubbingalcohol.Whatevershewaswearingtwistedaroundher.The
bed—clearlynothers—hadscratchysheets.Everymuscleinherbody
screamed.
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Shetookadeepbreath—andimmediatelystartedtocough.Herlungs
burnedasifshe?dsmokedawholecartonofcigarettesinaday.
Hereyesflashedopeninreflex.
“Easy,”Tylerwhisperedashereachedouttotakeherhand.
“What…?”
God,wasthatcroakhervoice?
“You?reintheemergencyroom.You?vebeenhereafewhours.”
Shefrowned,tryingtosortthroughscatteredmemories.Itwasa
jumbleofpanicandhaze.
“Thebaby?”Shecoughed.Damn,herlungsburned.
“Fine.Doccheckedyououtrightaway.You?refine.Babyisstillin
there,growingandwell.”
Oh,thankGod.Reliefdousedher,andshemeltedintothebed.
“What”—shecoughed—“happened?”
“You?rebeingtreatedforsmokeinhalation.Doyouremember
PrimptonbeingatSexySirens?”
Thenitclickedintoplace.Theclub.Thegun.Hunterlyinginapoolof
hisblood.Thecouncilmanthreateningtokillher.Thefire.
“Huntermakeit?”
“He?sfine.AfterPrimptonknockedmeout,Hunterfoundmepassed
outinthedoorway.HekneltdowntoseeifIwasokay,andthebastard
shothimfromthealley.Superficialshoulderwound.Helostblood,butthe
paramedicsgottohimintime.Hissisterisdownthehallfussingoverhim
now.”
Sherelaxedagainstthebed,releasingthebreathshehadn?trealized
she?dbeenholding;thenanewfeargrippedher.“Theclub?”
PleaseGod
“Gone.”Heshookhishead,regretsettlingintohisexpression.“I?m
sorry.Thefiredepartmenttried…”
Anguishgushedthroughherblood,likesizzlingaciddestroyingher
veins.Herclub,herrefuge,theplacethatrepresentedherbrokenpastand
itsbridgetoherstrongerpresent,nomore.Allbecauseofonecrazy
zealot?sdelusions.
No,SexySirenswasn?tgoneforever.Notifshehadanythingtosay
aboutit.
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“Youokay?”
Heheldupbothhands,stoppingherconcern.“Bumponthehead.AsI
openedthedoortoleave,theassholehitmeontheheadwiththebuttof
hisgun,knockedmeout.Afterhestartedthefire,hedartedouttheback
door.IcametoandsawPrimptonwasgone,andHunterhadhiseyes
open,assessingthesitch.Igrabbedmycell,dialednine-one-one,and
handedittohimwhileIgothimonhisfeet.Iwenttogetyou,andthestupid
SEALfollowedmeinsteadofgettingout.”
“Theplacemusthavebeenaninfernobythen!”Andthey?dboth
stayedtohelpher?
“Smolderingwoodfallingfromtheceilingeverywhere…He?djammed
rockintoyourdeadbolt?scasing,butIgotitout.Iwasn?tleavingwithout
you.”
Tearsstunghereyes,andsheheldoutahandtohim.“You?rea
wonderfulfriendtome.”
Painrippedacrosshisfeaturesasheshotheratightsmile.“That?s
me,arealpal.”
Ithadbeenthewrongthingtosay,sherealized.Helovedher,andshe
hatedinsomewaysthatshecouldn?treciprocate.Butshe?dgivenherheart
toLuclongago,probablybecauseshe?dknownfromtheirfirstmeetingthat
hewasthesortofmanwhowouldn?tcareaboutawomanbecauseshe
lookedhot.Hewouldfallonlyonceheknewherdeepinside.
WasthereanychanceLuchadactuallyfalleninlovewithher?Allhis
concern,histenderness,constantphonecalls,businesshelp,fabulous
home-cookedmeals,andeverythingelsehadtobebasedonmorethan
thefactshewaspregnant,right?
“You?regoingtomakesomegirlwildlyhappysomeday,”she
murmuredtoTyler.
“Iwantedittobeyou.”Hisjawclenched,andhegrimacedwithpain.
“I?mnottheone,butyou?llfindher.”
Thenursebrokeinandcheckedhervitals,askedherifsheneeded
morepainmeds.Alyssashookherhead.Allshewantedwasoutofhere.
“DidsomeonecallLuc?”Shedidn?twanthimtoworryunnecessarily,
especiallyafterthedramaofherlast“disappearance.”
“Kimberdid.He?sonhiswayback.Shouldbehereinafewhours.”
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Ofallpeopletocallherhusbandbuthisformerlover.Shewinced.And
wouldn?ttheproducersofLuc?sshowbethrilled?He?dbeenbackforallof
twodays…“Heshouldhavestayedthere.”
Tyler?smouthdroppedopen.“Areyouserious?ThoughIwishhehad.
AtleastthenIcouldmaketheargumentthathedidn?tgiveashitabout
you.”
Stilldidn?tmeanhe?dcomebackforher.Thebabyhadtobeonhis
mind,too.
“DidthecopscatchPrimpton?”Alyssachangedthesubject.Anymore
emotionalconversationaboutLuc,andshewaslikelybreakdownand
cry—andrevealjusthowscaredshewasthatherhusbanddidn?tloveher
thewayshelovedhim.
Atthat,Tylersmiled.“Copsnailedhimaboutfifteenminutesafterhe
fled.Hewashomewithhiswife,tryingtopretendhe?dbeensleepingthe
nightaway.Buttheyfoundhisclothesandshoeswithtracesofgasoline,
alongwithhisgun.”Tyler?ssmiledied.“Baby,theyalsofoundanookinthe
backofhiscloset.Itwaslike…ashrinedevotedtoyou.Sickbastardhad
fantasiesofmakingyouhissexslave.Hehadallkindsofpicturesofyou.”
SomethingcrossedTyler?sfacethatseizedherheart.“Pictures?”
Heshuddered.“Somehe?dclearlyPhotoshoppedsotheylookedlike
picturesofyoubleedingunderhiswhip,bowingathisfeetwithhands
cuffed.”
Everythinginsideherrecoiled.
“Hehadpicturesofyouthenightyoustrippedfortheanniversary
bash.”
“Pig.”
“He?dwrittenWHOREinredpaintalloverthewalls.”
SheshudderedathisdelusionandthankedGodthathe?dbeen
caught.“Guessweknowwhowroteallthosenotesandbrokeintomy
house.Fuckingbastard.”
Tylernodded.“That?sthepolice?stheory.Mine,too.They?regoingto
runforensics.”
Atechnicality,mostlikely.Alyssarealizedhowluckyshe?dbeen.She?d
nevertakenPrimptonveryseriously,failedtoseehimforthetruewhack
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jobhewas.Underestimatinghimcouldhavecostherbothherownlifeand
thebaby?s.ThankGodforTylerandHunter.
AndnowthatPrimptonwasbehindbars,maybeshecouldresteasier,
stoplookingoveroneshoulder,losethefearofbeingattackedagain.
Tylertappedhisfootonthetilefloor,andsherecognizedthegesture
asanervousone.“What?”
“Yououghttoknow…HehadpicturesofyouandLucinyour
bedroomattheclub.Itlookslikehetookthemthroughthealleywindow.”
Alyssagasped,shockblanchingherwithachill.“Werewe…?”
“Oh,yeah.Thelookonyourface…”Tylerlookedaway.“Lucknow
howmuchyoulovehim?”
Shepressedherlipstogether.Damn,Tylerwasperceptive.Andno
onehadeveraccusedhimofbeatingaroundthebush.“No.It?sthat
obvious?”
Hescoffedinanswer.“Thatyou?rewearingyourheartonyoursleeve?
Yes.”
Great.Shesighed.“Idon?tknowifhefeelsthesame.”
“Idon?tknow,either.Hewantsyou.Bad.”Tylershrugged.“Ithink
there?smorethere,butI?mnottheexpertonguys?feelings.”
“Usedtobeingtheheartbreaker,nottheheartbroken?”
Asheepishsmilecreptacrosshismouth.“Somethinglikethat.”
“Ihaveafeelingthat,deepdown,you?reareallybadboy.”
“Knock,knock.”
Alyssaturnedtothesoundofthefemalevoicecomingfromthe
doorway.Kimber.Shewasverynice,butAlyssalookedattheyounger
womanwithherauburnhairpulledawayfromhersweetovalfaceina
wholesomeponytailandtensed.Luc?sformerloverhadalong,leanbody,
whichshowedonlyahintofababybumpsofar.
KimberwaseverythingLuchadwantedoutoflifeandlosttohis
cousin.Yeah,ontheirweddingnight,he?dtoldAlyssathathe?dneverfelt
moreforanyotherwoman.Butwhoknewifthatwasreallyhishearttalking
orjusthisattempttomaketheirmarriagework?
Resentmenttowardtheotherwomanflared,andsheswallowedto
forceitdown.
“Comein.”
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Kimberdriftedin,gracefulinanathleticway,asifcomfortableinher
skin.“Mybrotherwantedmetocheckonyou.Youokay?”
Andcaring,too.Sheprobablysmiledwhilegivingtheperfectblowjob,
keptagorgeousgarden,hadbeenavirginforherhusband,andwas
lookingforwardtoPTAmeetings.
Alyssareleasedashudderingsigh.Shecouldn?tbeunkindjust
becauseherowninsecuritieswereeatingather.Shelookeddeliriously
happywithherhusband,Deke,andnevergazedatLuclikealover.The
problem,Alyssarealized,wasallher.
“Fine.Thanks.How?syourbrother?”
Sherolledhereyes.“Machoasalways.Theywheeledhimoutof
surgerytoremovethebullethalfanhourago,andhe?salreadywantingto
leave.Idiot.He?llbefine.”
“Hecameintosavemewhenhecouldhaveleftmetoburn,andI?ll
alwaysbegrateful.”
“SaintHunter,huh?”Kimbershookherhead.“No.Ifthere?san
adrenalinerush,mybrotherwillruntoit.Burningbuilding?Bigfun!”
Thesarcasmwasthick,andmadeAlyssasmile.Shecouldactually
pictureHunterthinkingthataninfernowasbetterthanahipparty.
“Hey,Iresemblethatremark!”Tylerprotested.
“Yeah,”Alyssashotback.“Andwe?llhavewordsaboutitlater.”
Hisexpressiontoldhershe?dbewastingherbreath.
KimberturnedtoTyler.“Canyougiveusaminute?”
Alyssafrowned.Whatcouldtheotherwomanpossiblyhavetosaythat
Tylercouldn?thear?
Herbouncerlookedbetweenthetwowomen,thenshrugged.“Sure.I?ll
seeifthedocisaroundtoexamineyousowecangetyououtofhere.”
“Thanks,”shemurmured,herattentionfocusedonKimber.
ThewomanmovedintotheroomtooccupythechairTylerhadjust
vacatedandclenchedherhandsinherlap.“IknowI?mnotyourfavorite
personandthatit?snoneofmybusiness,butIwantedtothankyoufor
whatyou?redoingforLuc.”
Alyssahesitated,filteredthroughKimber?sstatementafewtimes,then
frowned.“WhatamIdoing?Idon?tknowwhatyoumean.”
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“Youknow…Marryinghimandlettinghimplayfathertoyourbaby.
HewassocrushedwhenIwasn?tpregnantafewmonthsago…whenhe
wasstillwithDekeandme.Luchaswantedababyforyears,andknowing
hecan?tfatheronehasnearlykilledhim.Butyougivinghimthis
opportunity—”
“What?”Lucunabletofatherachild?Thatdidn?taddup.Ofcoursehe
could;shewaslivingproof.ButKimber?sexpressionmadeitclearthatshe
absolutelybelievedeverywordcomingoutofhermouth.“That?snottrue.”
Kimberraisedherbrows,thensentherasmilefullofpity.“Youdon?t
havetopretendforme.Luchasknownfornearlytwentyyearsthathecan?t
havechildren.He?sbeenlookingforalternativemethodstofatherhoodfor
thelastfew.That?swhyhewasinvolvedwithDekeandme.Hedidn?tlove
me,youknow.Hejusthopedthethreeofus…Well,thatDekewouldget
mepregnantsoLuccouldbeadaddy.”
Alyssablinked.Blinkedagain.Stoppedbreathing.Thatwaswhyhe?d
beeninvolvedinménages?Lucgenuinelythoughthewassterile?Oh,my.
..IfKimbercouldbebelieved—andwhywouldshelie?—thatmeantLuc
“knew”shewasn?tpregnantbyhim.
Coldnausearushedallthroughher,andshesetaprotectivehand
overherbelly.“ThisbabyisLuc?s.Ihaven?t—”
“It?sokay.”Kimbersmiled.“Luctoldmehowgratefulheisthatyou
turnedtohim,insteadofTyler.I?msureitwouldhavebeeneasiertomarry
thebaby?sfather,butLucneededthissobadly.”
“Hetoldyouthat?”sherepeatednumbly.He?dtoldKimberthathe
believedhecouldn?thavechildren,buthadn?ttoldhisownpregnantwife?
Painstabbedherinthechest.Betrayalrippedacrossherheart.It
fuckinghurt.Howcouldhedeceiveherlikethis?Keepsuchamonumental
secret.She?dknownhewaswithholdingsomethingsincetheymarriedand,
evenwhenshe?dasked,he?drefusedtoshare.Goddamnit!Howcouldhe
marryher,believingthechildwasanotherman?s,andplayalongso
masterfully?
Howcouldhebesowrong?
God,shewasgoingtobesick.
Kimbernodded.“We?resothrilledforyouboth.Lucseemssomuch
happiernow.IfeltguiltywhenDekeandIpairedoffanddecidedtomarry
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andraiseourownfamily.Knowingthatyou?regivinghimwhatheneeds
meanseverythingtous.Lucisawonderfulguyandhe?llmakethebest
fatherever.Ihavenodoubt.”
Right.Alyssasuddenlyhaddoubts—manyofthem.Firstandforemost
thathegaveashitabouther.Hell,she?dbaredhersoultohim,toldhimthemostpainful,intimatepartsofherlife,giveneverybitofherselftohim.He?d
repaidherwithdeception.
Tearsthreatened,andsheblinked,holdingthematbay.Notuntil
Kimberwasgone.Notuntilshecouldgrievealone.
Joshuaandhermomhaddrilledintoherheadthatshecouldn?ttrust
anyone,nomatterhowclosetheties.Luc?stenderness,hotlovemaking,
jealousy,protectivestreak—allbullshit.Allmanufacturedliestokeepher
deludedandbyhisside.
Fuckingbastard.
Justthen,thedoctorknocked,Tylerintow.
“Oops,that?smycuetoleave.”Kimberhoppedupfromherchair.
“Goodluck.Callmeifyouneedanything.Wecanswapbabystories.”
Thewomanleftwithagiggle.Asifshehadn?tdroppedanenormous
bombshellonAlyssathatshookthefoundationofherverylife.
Luchadmarriedherforthischild,whichshe?dknown.She?dhadno
fuckingcluehegenuinelythoughtthechildwasTyler?s.Orsomeother
man?s.Hisinitialreactiontothenewsofherpregnancynowmadesense.
And…you’reherebecauseit’smine?
She?dheardthedoubtinhistoneandmisunderstoodit,writtenitoffto
hisbeliefthatshewasawhorewhosleptaround.Whichhestillmust
believe.
Butithadn?ttakenhimtoolongtosingadifferenttunewithher.
Thebestbirthdaypresentever.Idon’twantyoutocallmewhenthe
babyisborn.I’dliketobeinvolvedinthischild’slife.Iwanttobethereeverystepoftheway…
Shesnorted.Itallmadesensenow.Ifhethoughthecouldn?thavea
babyandwouldacceptanother?sashisown,thenmarriage,evenifhehad
tofakefeelingsforhisnewwife,wasthepriceoffatherhood.
Anewwaveofnauseahither.Fromstarttofinish,thismarriagehad
beenaboutthisbabyandplacatinghersothatshe?dsharethechildwith
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him.He?dliedtoherwitheverywhisperedword,everytouch.Allthat
jealousy?Perhapsfeignedtomakeherbelievethathecared.Ormaybehe
hadn?twantedanyonetouchingthewomanhe?dgivenhisnametoor
endangeringthechildtowhomheplannedtodevotehimself.
She?dbeenusedforalotofthingsinherlife,butneverherwomb.
Somehow,thisfeltliketheworstviolationofall.
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ChapterEighteen
LUCarrivedbackinLafayetteasthesunset,tearingintotheir
drivewayandbarelyparkinghisSUVbeforeabandoningitandsprinting
throughthedoor,towardthestairs.HehadtoseeAlyssanow,knowshe
wasallright.Whenhe?dreceivedKimber?sphonecall,hishearthad
stuttered,thenthreatenedtobeatfromhischest.Primptonnearlyroasting
heralive?
ThankGodthey?dfinallycaughtthesickfreakharassingher.He?d
knownthecitycouncilmanwasn?tdippingbothoars,butwouldneverhave
suspectedthatthedivorceofoneofhisfollowerswouldputhimoverthe
edgeandincitehimtomurder.
ButAlyssawassafe.Lucneededtoseeherunharmedandinone
piece.Holdher.Tellherthathelovedher.
Insidethefoyer,hestumbledoversomethingunexpectedandtripped,
barelyrightinghimselfwithoutfalling.Helookeddown.Hissuitcases.They
werepacked.
Couldthatpossiblymeanwhatitimplied?
Hisworldtiltedupsidedown.Achillwentthroughhimasheskirtedthe
luggageandboundedupthestairs.“Alyssa?”
Noanswer.
Joggingdowntheshadowedhall,hestoppedinthedoorwayofthe
masterbedroom.Thereshesatinbed,hairlooseandlong.Herwedding
ringwasn?tonherfinger.SheworeabiggrayT-shirtandstaredoutthe
windowtoherright.Shelookedamillionmilesaway.No,shelooked
defeated.
Alarmprickledalonghisskin.Alyssawasafighter.She?dsurvived
traumathatwouldhavecrushedmost—andshe?dcomeoutstronger.The
womanmentallyescapingoutthewindow…Thatwasn?ther.
“Sugar?”
“You?reasmartman,Luc,”shesaid,withoutlookinghisway.“Idon?t
wantaconfrontation.Justtakeyourthingsandgo.”
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Hisgutsseizedupintoaball.Hisbreathstopped.Shockenoughthat
he?dbeenawakenedtothenewsshe?dbeentrappedinaburningbuilding
andhadescapedonlywithTyler?sandHunter?shelp.Butnowshewas
kickinghimout?Sayingtheyweredone?
“Whateverhasupsetyou,wecanworkitout,sugar.I?msorryIwasn?t
heretoprotectyou.Icamebacktocheckonyou,bewithyou…What
happenedthatwouldmakeyoupackmybagsand—”
“Idon?twanttoargueaboutit.”
Luccrossedtheroom,approachedthefarsideofthebed,andsaton
theedge,besideher.Stillshecontinuedtolookpasthimtothewindow.
Frustrationrose,buthepusheditdown,focusingonhisconcernforheras
hetookherhandinhis.Itwascold.
“Thatmakestwoofus.Solet?stalkinsteadoffight.Youtellmewhat
happened,andwe?lltalkitthrough.Ifyou?reangrythatIwasn?therewhen
thatbastardPrimptonattackedyou,believeme,noonecouldbemore
upsetthanme.”
Sheshookherhead,thenfinallylookedawayfromthewindow,down
toherlap.“Youhadajobtodoandyouweredoingit.Wetalkedin
advanceaboutthefactyouneededtobeinLosAngelestofulfillyour
contractualobligations.”
Hervoicesoundeddead.Asthesunlighthithercheeks,hesawthe
silverymarksofdriedtears,andtheywrenchedhisheart.Uponcloser
inspection,herredeyesandnoseindicatedshe?dcriedhard.Nowshehad
noemotionlefttogive.Thatrealizationkickedhimbreathless.
Beatingbackhisfear,heclutchedherhand.“I?mnotworriedaboutmy
contractualobligationsrightnow.I?mworriedaboutmywife.”
Alyssasqueezedhereyesshutandshookherhead,platinumhair
brushinghershoulders.“You?reworriedaboutthebaby.”
“Ofcourse.”Whywouldthatbebad?
Finally,shelookedathim.Thefuryandresolvehesawtherestunned
Luc.Hisheartlurched.Whatthehellhadhappenedsincetheattack?Had
Tylertalkedherintoleavinghimsomehow?
“Atleastyou?rebeinghonest.Finally,”shesneered.
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Apartofhimrejoicedathershowofemotion.Theotherpart…Dread
injectedanewtrepidationintohisconcern.Hecouldthinkofonlyonething
he?dbeenlessthanhonestabout.
Oh,God,pleaseno
“Whatdoyoumean?”Heforcedthewordsout,hearinghisownvoice
shake.
“Imean,Ifiguredyou?dbeconcernedaboutthebaby.Ijustnever
cluedinthattheconcernstoppedthere.You?realwayssotenderand
attentive.”Sheshookherhead,scoffing.“I?msodamnstupidthatIfellfor
it.Ikeeptrustingthewrongmen.”
HadshejustlumpedhimintothesamecategoryasJoshua?Fuckif
thatdidn?tmakehisstomachclenchandroll.“Alyssa—”
“Ishouldhaveaskedmorequestionsaboutyourreasonsformarrying
me.”Hertonewasaverballashtoherownpsyche,andhearingitdamn
nearkilledhim.“Iknewyou?dproposedbecauseofthebaby.Deepdown,
I?dhopedthatyoucaredforme,but…Ineverimaginedthatyouactually
marriedmebelievingthebabywasn?tyours.”
Lucclosedhiseyesashisworldimploded.Someonehadtoldherhis
secret,hisshame.Someonehadgivenhertheinformationandletherdraw
theworstconclusions.Sinceonlytwopeopleknew,andDekewouldnever
spill,heknewexactlywhohadrevealedthetruth.
Kimberhe?ddealwithlater.NowhehadtotalktoAlyssa,makeher
understandthathisreasonsforbeingmarried—stayingmarried—had
everythingtodowithher,notjustthebaby.
“I?msorrythatIdidn?ttellyouaboutmy…condition.Thefactthe
babylikelyisn?tminedoesn?tchangeanythingforme.Icareaboutyou
everybitasmuchasIcareaboutthisbaby.”
Finally,sheflashedblueeyesthatspitfireathim.“Areyougoingtotry
toconvincemethat,sinceourmarriage,I?vecometomeansomethingto
you?”
Lucgrabbedhershouldersandforcedhisgazedeepintohers.“You
meantsomethingtomeevenbeforewemarried.Iwassoelatedand
relievedtoseeyouthedayyouappearedatthedepartmentstore.Iwas
readytodroptomyknees,sayanything,justtomakeyoutalktome.To
becomeengagedtoyouthatnightwasmorethanIeverdaredtohopefor.”
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Sherolledhereyes.“Stop!Behonest!Iappearedwiththeanswerto
yourfertilityproblem.ThenImattered.Awomanyouliketofuck
convenientlygotpregnant.Hallelujah!Andevenifthebabyisn?tyours—I
guessthat?saminordetailinyourhead—whynotsuddenlyheapadoration
onherandpersuadehertomarryyou?”Everyworddrippedscorn.“Why
notbecomeherhusbandunderfalsepretensesandencouragehertobear
hersoultoyou?She?sjustafertilewomb.”
ThebarrageofaccusationspeltedLuc,andhewinced.He?dhaveto
answerherquicklyifhewantedtodiffusethissituation.Clearly,he?dhurt
hermuchworsethanhe?dimagined.Shefeltused.That,he?dneverseen
coming.Damnittohell.
“Thatisnottrue.I?msorryIdidn?ttellyouaboutmysterility.Inthismoment,Iregretitmorethanyouknow.Yes,youdidcometomewitha
convenientsolutiontomyproblem,butwhatIfeelforyouissomuch
more.”Hebroughthercloser,willinghertounderstand.“Imissedyouwhen
wewereapart.Beingseparatedfromyoufeltlikeapartofmyselfwas
missing,andIhadagapingholeinmychestwhereyouusedtobe.I?dlove
morethananythingforthisbabytobemine,but…theoddsareagainst
me.”
“So,Sherlock,whosebabyisit?Tyler?s?”
Itwouldbesoeasytolietoher—andsowrong.“Iassumedthatat
first.Iknowhowhefeelsaboutyou,andthewayhetouchesyouisso
familiar,asifhe?sdonethat—andmore—athousandtimes.Butyou?vesaid
thatyouaren?tlovers,andI?vecometoknowyouwellenoughtoknowthat
you?renotaliar.”
“WishIhadthatsamesenseofsecurityaboutyou,”shehurledathim.
“So,atthetimewemarried,youassumedTylerwastheluckysperm
donor.Sinceyou?vefiguredoutthat?snottrue,whodoyouassumeI
whoredmyselfto?Randomcustomersattheclub?”
Hecuppedherfaceinhishands.“Ofcoursenot.EitherPeterraped
you,andyoudon?tremembertheevent—”
“Iremembereverythingperfectly.Heneverpenetratedme.Thisis
yourchild.”
“Hisattackwastraumatic,”Luchedged.
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Alyssawrenchedawayfromhistouch.“Ididn?tblockitout.IfIcanstill
rememberthesmellofthechlorinebleachonmysheetsandthefactmy
childhoodteddybearstaredmeinthefacewhileJoshuaforciblytookmy
virginity,IthinkIcanrememberwhetherornotPetersucceededinraping
me.”
DearGod.Lucfoughtanurgetoclutchheragainsthim,andhis
stomachturnedinsideoutatherwords.ShesoundedsocertainthatPeter
hadn?tsucceededinviolatingher,whichmeant…Wasitreallypossible
thathe?dmanagedtogetherpregnant?
“Or?”shesnapped.“What?sthe?or??”
“Or…mydoctorwaswrongabouttheseverityofmycondition.”
“Someonegetthemanaprize.”Sheboundedoffthebed,awayfrom
him.
HegrabbedAlyssaandpulledherbackintohislap.Shestruggledand
squirmedtogetfree.Heheldherfirmly,butnottightly.Hewantedherto
listen,notbefrightened.
“God,Iwishmorethananythingthatmydoctorhadbeenwrong.I?d
lovetoknowthatthelifegrowinginsideyounowisonewecreated
together.Butunderstandthat,afteryearsofbeingtoldthatwouldbemore
orlessimpossible,it?shardformetocomprehend.”
Herangerslippedintoamaskofresignation.“Iunderstandthat.Ifa
doctortellsyousomethingisimpossible,youbelieveit.Iwould.Idon?t
blameyouforthatatall.”
ThankGod.Maybetheycouldworkthroughthismess.
Thensheworkedfreeofhisgripandboltedacrosstheroom,fists
clenched,andscreamedthroughgrittedteeth,“WhatIcan?tstandisthe
goddamndeception!”
Herdemeanorshouted,“Staythefuckaway,”andLucrespectedit.
Tryingtocomfortherwouldonlybecounterproductive,andhewantedher
toworkthroughheranger.Shewasdefinitelyentitledtoit.Certainlyhewas
questioninghisdecisionsnow.Hadnottellingherthetruthbeentrulybeen
keepingthepeaceormerecowardice?
“Icanonlytellyouthat,whenyouinformedmeyouwerepregnant,I
wantedyouandthebabysobadly,Idon?thavewordstoexplainit.Every
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ShaylaBlack
nerveinmybodyscreamedatmetomakeyoumineforever.Ididn?tthink
thattellingthetruthwouldserveanypurposeexcepttotearusapart.”
“Thetruthistearingusapart.”Sheshookherhead,facetense.Tears
threatenedtospill,andLuchatedthathe?dputthatlookonherface.“When
wemarried,itwasenoughformethatyouwerethefatherofmybaby.I
thoughtIlovedyouenoughforbothofus,andthatsomeday,youmight
cometoloveme,too.”
Shelovedhim?Theelationheshouldhavefeltdiedaquickdeath,
strangledbyfear.Alyssahadspokeninpasttense.
“Youdon?thavetohope,sugar.Iloveyou.I—”
“Convenienttosaynow.Doyoureallythinkthreewordswillmake
everythingbetter?”
Lucstood,swallowingdownhisdread.“No,andthat?snotwhyI?m
sayingthemnow.Iknowitwilltaketimeformetoproveittoyou.Butit?s
thetruth,andI?mrelievedtofinallysayhowIfeel.”
Alyssaturnedherbackonhim.“HowamIsupposedtoeverbelieve
you?”
Hedidn?thaveaneasyanswerexcepttrust—theonethinghe?d
shatteredbetweenthem.“Please…Iswear.I?mtellingyouthetruth.”
“Thesamesortoftruthyoutoldwhenyouledmetobelieveyouknew
thebabywasyours?”Shelaughed.“They?rejustwordsandtheydon?t
meanadamnthing.”
“That?scrap!FromwhereI?mstanding,theymeaneverything.”Luc
rakedahandthroughhishair.Howtomakeherseethathisfeelingswere
deepandwideandwentonforever?“Wemarriedbecauseyouwere
pregnant.You?restillpregnant,andIstillwanttobeahusbandandfather.
Thiscouldhavebeenanyothermarriageofconvenience…exceptwefell
inlove.Love,sugar.It?stoogoodtojustthrowaway.Wehavetocome
togetherandworkthroughthemisunderstanding,evenifittakesawhile.”
“It?snotamisunderstanding;it?salie.Youcan?tusethosethreelittlewordstoputaverbalBand-Aidoverthefactthatyouapparentlyhaveso
littlerespectforme,youimmediatelyassumedthebabywasanother
man?s.Youkeptcriticalinformationfromme,seducedmeintobelieving
youcared—”
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“Idocare,goddamnit!Haveyoubeenlistening?I.Love.You.Inever
reallyknewwhatthatmeantuntilyou.”
Alyssashothimadisbelievingglare.“Youlovemesomuchyounever
toldmethetruth,neverbotheredtogetasecondopinionaboutwhether
youcouldpossiblyfatherachild,justincaseyourdoctorwaswrong—”
“Actually,ImadeanappointmentonFridaytoberetestedataclinicin
L.A.I?mhopingthesecondopinionwillbedifferentandthisbabyismine.”
“ThisnewdoctorwilltellyouwhatIalreadyknow:You?recapableof
siringachild.Ihavenodoubtyou?llbeanincrediblefather,andI?llnever
takethischildawayfromyou.Heorsheishalfyouandshouldknowits
father.Butnoneoftherestofthisshitmatters.Forus,yoursudden
confessionand?Iloveyou?saretoolittle,toolate.Good-bye,Luc.”
THEdayafterThanksgiving,andLucstaredoutthewindowofhis
Tyler,Texas,homeattheblustery,grayday.Hehadreasonstobe
thankful,hesupposed.Feelingitwasimpossiblewhenhewasnumbto
everythingbuttheterribleemptinessinsidehim,anemptinessheknew
couldbefilledonlybyhiswife.
AndAlyssawasn?ttalkingtohim.Atall.
He?dlefttheirhouseinLafayetteaftertheirargumenttogivehersome
space,sometime.Intheensuingtwelvehours,she?dchangedthelocksat
bothherresidenceandtherestaurant,aswellasherhomeandcellphone
numbers.Thenextnight,he?dwaitedinBonheur?spackedparkinglotlikea
damnstalkerforhertolockupandheadhome,justsohemightstealafew
minuteswithher,trytoexplainagainthathewassorryandhelovedher.
Instead,Tylerhadrushedhertohercarandcurledhisarmaroundher
protectivelythesecondthey?dseenhimnexttohercar.Tylerhadshoved
himawayjustlongenoughtoallowAlyssatoescape.Thebastardhadpaid
forit;Lucknewhehadameanrightcross.Butitwastoolatetoexchange
evenawordwithhiswife.
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Thenextnight,she?dcalledhimfromtherestauranttoreiterateher
pleatoleaveheralone.Beforehecouldsaymuchmorethanhewassorry
andthathelovedher,she?dhungup.
Thathadbeenalong,miserableeightdaysago.Earlierthisweek,
he?dgonebacktoL.A.andfinishedhistaping.Hecouldonlyimaginewhat
thoseepisodeslookedlike,sincehe?dbeenonautopilotthewholetime.No
doubthe?dgetacallbacktoreshootsome.
Yesterday,he?dlikelyruinedDekeandKimber?sThanksgivingholiday.
TheyhadsomuchtobethankfulforandhadinvitedallofKimber?sfamily.
Luchadtriedtofadeintothebackground,butHunterhadstaredwiththose
knowingeyesashe?dshakenhisheadandmuttered,“Stupidfucker.”His
youngerbrother,Logan,hadconcurred.
“AnythingfromAlyssa?”Kimbertiptoeduptohim,lookingsocontrite
thathecouldhardlybeangrywithher.She?dmerelyassumedthat,since
Alyssawashiswife,he?dbeenhonestwithherabouthis“condition.”
“No.”
“I?mso,so—”
“Iknow.”Luccouldn?thearherapologizeagain.Itonlyremindedhim
ofeverythingthatwaswrongandwouldn?tchangeadamnthing.He
gougedtheheelsofhispalmsintohiseyes.“Whydidn?tIlearnthefirst
time?Besidesbeingmycousin,Dekeismybestfriend.Ikeptthetruth
fromhim,too.Italmostcostmeourfriendship.AndIstilldidn?tfucking
learn.Iwantedherandthatbabysobadly…”Hesighed.“Icheckedmy
ethicsatthedoor.”
“Youthoughtshewaslyingtoyouaswell,right,aboutwhothebaby?s
fatherwas?”
“Yeah,andatthetime,that?showIjustifiedmydeception.Butdamnit,
toquoteacliché,twowrongsdon?tmakearight.”
“True.”Kimbersighed.“Whatareyougoingtodo?I?veneverseenyou
thismiserable.”
“TherearesomethingsIshouldbeelatedabout,youknow?Ayear
ago,whenIfirststartedhearingfromthecablenetwork,theshowwasa
dreamcometrue.Forthattoactuallybearealitynow…It?severything
I?veworkedfor,oneofthegoalsinthebackofmyheadwhenIstayedup
untilallhourscookingthesamedishforthetenthtimethatdayand
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ShaylaBlack
changingjustoneingredienttoseeifIcouldmakeitbetter.It?soneofthe
reasonsIbrokemybacktomakesomanypersonalappearances,putout
thebestpossiblecookbooks.Iwantedthisopportunitytoreachavid
foodiesandsharemyloveofsophisticatedSoutherncooking.”
“I?msuretheshowswillbegreat.Yourpersonalitywilldrawviewersin.
Ijustknowit.”
Heshrugged.“Maybe.Thingis,I?mnotsureIcarethatmuch
anymore.”
Kimbersqueezedhishand.“You?rejustupset.God,ifI?dhadany
idea—”
“Don?tblameyourselfformywrongdoing.IfIhadn?tmarriedherunder
falsepretenses,Iwouldn?tbeinthismess.”
“Iknowyou?rehurtingnow,buttherearethingstobethankfulfor.
You?llfindtheloveofyourshowagainonceyou?reinabetterplace
emotionally.Youhaveyourfriendsandfamily,agreathouse,alotoftalent.
Youhaveyourhealth.”
Hishealth.Luclaughedbitterly.Hehadmorethanthat.
“Dr.Kimjincalledmethismorning.”
Dekeenteredtheroomandstoodbehindhiswife?schair,acasual
handonhershoulder.“IshethedoctorwhotestedyoulastweekinL.A.?”
Lucnodded.Theman?swordsstillranginhisears.
“And?”
“Inhiswords,meimpregnatingAlyssaisn?tvirtuallyimpossible.He
classifieditaschallengingbutnotimpossibleatall.Apparently,inthelast
nineyears,mybodyhealedsomeonitsownandmyspermcount
increasedenoughtomakemychancesofimpregnatingsomeonemuch
greater.Hewasstillsurprisedwe?dmanageditwithoutfertilitydrugsor
surgicalintervention.ButheaffirmedwhatI?dalreadyfiguredout:It?s
entirelypossiblethebabyismine.Infact,I?msureitis.”
“That?sgreat,man!”Dekeenthused.“Wow.”
“Dr.Kimjinsaidthatifmypreviousphysicianhadn?ttoldmeitwas
possiblemybodycouldheal,he?ddonemeadisservice.”
“AndItakeithedidn?ttellyou?”hiscousinasked.
“Notaword.IwishtohellI?dseenanotherdoctorandgottentested
sooner.”
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“Butnowyouknow.”Kimber?sfacesoftened.“Areyougoingtotell
Alyssa?”
Lucscoffed.“How?She?schangedeverylock,everyphonenumber.
Evenhere-mailaccount.Shewon?tseemeortalktome.Afterputtingher
trustinalyingscumbagwhenshewasyoungerandexperiencingahorrific
outcome,I?mnotsurprisedthatshewantsnothingtodowithsomeoneelse
sheseesasabetrayer.”
“Butyouloveher,”Kimberargued.
Yeah,hedid.Somuchthatheknewhe?dneverbewholewithouther.
Buthisfeelingsdidn?tchangeadamnthing.
Justthen,thedoorbellrang,andKimberjumpedup.“I?llgetit.”
Inherensuingabsence,Dekestared.“Man,yougottogetittogether
andgoafterher.Thelongeryoustayaway,theeasieritisforherto
convinceherselfthatshewasrightandyoudon?tgiveashitabouther.”
Lucjumpedtohisfeet.“Whatthefuckwouldyouhavemedo?The
lasttimeIwasthere,Ipracticallystalkedherjusttoseeherface.Ididn?t
evengettotalktoher.”
Dekescratchedthebackofhisneck.“Didyousendherflowers?”
Giventhefacthe?dsentthemtoherwithapolitenoteafterthefirst
nighthe?dspentwithher,theoneinwhichhewassupposedtoshareher
withDeke?“She?dseeitasakiss-off,notaromanticgesture.Besides,I
toldherIloveher.I?mnotsureshedoubtsthatasmuchasshedoubtsthat
Iwanthermorethanthebaby.”
“Doyou?”Deke?sraisedbrowsconveyedhisshockwithoutaword.
Lucnoddedwithouthesitation.“Forthelastfewyears,Iknewmylife
wasincompleteand,notknowingwhatwasmissing,Iassumeditwas
fatherhood—theonethingI?dneverexperience,right?AfterDr.Kimjin?s
call,ItriedtofigureoutwhyIwasn?tmorethankful,morerelieved.Allthese
yearsIspentassumingthatbeingafatherwouldcompleteme,fillthevoidI
wasphysicallyincapableoffulfilling.It?shumannaturetowantwhatyou
can?thave.”
“Butyourealizedthatwhatwasmissingwasjustasignificant
someonewithwhomtosharetoyourlife.”Dekedidn?task;heknew.
“Yeah.HowfuckingstupidcouldIbe?Fatherhoodwillbegreat,andI?ll
alwayslovethisbabywithallmyheart.ButI?llloveitsmotheruntilthedayI
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die,andit?skillingmethatIcan?tseeheronemoretimeandtrytoconvince
herthatshe?smyeverything.ThepersonI?vebeenseekingforyearsandI
justdidn?tknowit.”
“Luc,there?ssomeoneatthedoorforyou,”Kimbersaidsoftly,thenbit
herlip.“Itriedtotellthemyouwerebusy,but…he?sinsistinghetalkto
you.”
“Reporter?”
Hergazeskirtedaway.“No.”
AlarmskitteredthroughLucasheputonefootinfrontoftheotherand
madehiswayoutofthekitchen.Thewalkseemedtotakeforever,andhe
fearedwhatawaitedhimatitsend.Ifthiswasasimpledelivery,Kimber
wouldhavehandledit.Hell,shewouldhavemethisgaze.
Hereachedthedoor,hismovementsseeminglyinslowmotioneven
thoughhisheartwasracinglikeamaxed-out,turbochargedengine.Finally,
hepulleditopenandstaredattheclean-shaven,fortysomethingsuit
standinginfrontofhim.Theman?sfacewassomewherebetween
businesslikeandgrim.
Lucswallowed.
“AreyouLucTraverson?”themanasked.
Unabletofindhisvoice,Lucjustnodded.
“I?vegotsomepapersforyou.Pleasesignhere.”Hethrustaclipboard
atLuc.
Papers.Ominous.Hefearedheknewwhatkindofpapersthesewere.
God,hecouldn?teventhinkaboutthem,muchlessacceptthem.
Shakinghishead,Lucsteppedback.“Whatkindofpapers?”
“I?mnotprivytothatinformation,sir.Myjobissimplytodeliverthem.”
“No.”Lucdidn?twanttoknowwhatwasinsidethethickwhiteenvelope
tuckedundertheman?sarm.
“Sir,youhavetotakethepapers.”
Luccouldn?tgetagriponhisbreathing.Hisheartskittered,stuttered.
Heshookhishead.
Dekeapproachedhimfrombehindandclappedhimontheshoulder.
“Sign,buddy.We?lldealwithwhatever?sinthere.Ipromise.”
WasthatevenapromiseDekecouldkeep?Lucwasn?tsurehecould
dealwithit.
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“Sir,please.”Themessengerthrusttheclipboardinhisdirectionagain.
“It?sokay,”Dekewhisperedinhisear.
No,itwasn?t,butburyinghisheadinthesandwasn?tgoingtomakeit
goaway.Damnit.
Withnumbfingers,hegrabbedtheboardandpen.
“Signhere.”Themanpointed.
Luc?sheartsankashedidandacceptedthebigwhiteenvelope.
Somehow,hejustknewhislifewasover.
Faintly,heheardDekemuttersomethingpoliteandshutthedoor.
Dekegrabbedhimbytheelbowandhauledhimup.“Let?sgobackto
thekitchenandsitdown.”
Lucwasstunnedtorealizehewasonhisknees.Literally.
Ashestumbledtohisfeetagain,Dekeguidedhimbacktohischair.
Thecorneroftheenvelopecutintohispalm,andthefeelingthathe?dlost
everythingwoundthroughhisbloodlikepoison.ThepityonKimber?sface
wasanarrowtohischest.Theyallknewwhatheknew.Lucclosedhis
eyesaspaindismantledhimonecellatatime.
Finally,helurchedintohischair.Dekepulleduponebesidehim.
“Openit.”
“No.”Itwouldhurttoofuckingmuch.
“Thismaybesomethingfromthenetwork.”
Lucshookhishead.“They?dcontactmyagentfirst.”
“Maybeit?sawrittenreportfromDr.Kimjin.”
“Hejustreceivedtheresultsthismorning.Besides,whynotjustfax
them?”
“Youstillhavetoopenit.”Deke?sgravellyvoicegratedonhisbrain.
“Wouldyoufuckingopenitifyouwereinmyshoes?Ifyouwerepretty
suretheenvelopecontainedtheendofyourmarriageandyourhappiness,
wouldyoureallyjustlaunchintoitlikeitwasanyotherpieceofmail?”
Dekeshothiswifeaglance.Hiscousin?sfacewasrifewithlove,andit
almostpainedLuctoseethemsohappy.Hewantedthebestforthem,but
ifevenfucked-upDekehadfiguredouthowmuchKimbermeanttohim
andmanagedtosharealifewithher,Lucwonderedwhythehellhadn?the
figuredoutsoonerthathewantedthesamewithAlyssa.Thathewantedit
allwithher.
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ShaylaBlack
“I?dprobablydownabottleofJackfirst,butI?dfacereality.TheLucI
knowwould,too.”
Lucscoffed,tryingtoholdtearsatbay.Hedidn?tsucceed.Thelittle
dropswerelikeapickaxtothebackofhiseyes.Histhroattightened.“I
hateJackDaniel?s.”
“Well,sinceyouhaven?tbeenaroundmuch,wehaven?tkeptanyof
yourfancycabernetsauvignononhand.It?seitherJackorsober.”
“Fuck.”Releasingashudderingbreath,hegrippedtheenvelope.
“Sober.”
Withdreadsinkinghisheart,Lucedgedhisfingersunderthesealed
flapofthethickenvelopeandtoreitopen.Hisfingersshookashe
withdrewthethickdocumentinside.Bigwordsinafancyscriptjumpedout
athim,stabbinghimintheheart.
Endinghishopesofhappinessforever.
“Whatdoesitsay?”Kimberwhispered.
Heswallowed,buthisvoicewasstillscratchyandunevenasheread,
“Petitionformaritalannulment.”
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ChapterNineteen
ALYSSAenteredherhousewithatiredsigh,avoidingherbarering
fingeranditsmeaning,andlookedatherwatch.Nearlyonea.m.Luc
shouldhavereceivedtheannulmentpapersbynow,likelyhoursago.
She?dhalfexpectedhimtocallBonheurtonightanddemandtotalktoher.
Silence.Orbewaitinginherdrivewaywhenshearrivedhome.Noone.
Nibblingonaraggedfingernail,shewonderedwhatthatmeant.Wouldhe
goalongwiththeprocessandgrantherthelegalendoftheirmarriage,as
ifithadnevertakenplace?
Shehopedso.Sortof.Well,thatwaswhatsheshouldwant.He?d
deceivedherandmaynevercareaboutherthewayshecaredabouthim.
Granted,his“notcaring”alwaysmadeherfeelspecial,butshehadnoway
ofknowingifhistendernesswasanact.Andshedidn?twanttoblindlytrust
him,thenwakeuponedayandrealize—toolate—thatshe?dputherfaithin
someonewhowouldripherworldapartandstabherintheheart.
SomeonelikeJoshua.
TellingLucaboutherpasthadbeencathartic.Andthoughdifficult,it
hadseeminglybroughtthemclosertogether.Thefactshe?dmisjudgedthe
situationonlymadehermoredeterminedtoendthingsnow.Ifshestayed,
she?donlygetindeeper,andthatmistakecouldbecatastrophic.
Thoughithurtdamnbad,itwasbetterthisway.Orwouldbesomeday,
shesupposed.Now,drawinganotherbreath,puttingonefootinfrontofthe
other,washell.Alyssawasn?teatingaswellassheshould.Whatlittleshe
managedtochokedownwasforthebaby?ssake.Andsleep…Itjust
wasn?thappeningwithoutLuc?shot,protectivebodynexttoher.Alyssa
knewshewasburninghercandleatbothends,runningherselfragged
tryingtogetarestaurantofftheground,dealwiththeinsuranceadjusters
andcontractorstorebuildSexySirens…whiletryingtoforgetLuc.Butthe
lifegrowinginsideherwasaconstantreminderofherhusband.Even
withoutthebaby,shedoubtedshe?devergetoverhim.
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Afterlockingthefrontdoor,sheturnedonanearbylampthatprovided
justenoughgoldenglowforhertotrudgeupthestairs.Herheelsclicked
onthehardwoodfloorsintheshadowedhallwaytoherbedroom.
Allatonce,sherememberedthatheralarmhadn?tsoundedwhen
she?dwalkedinthehouse.Hadsheforgottentosetitthismorning?And
herbedroomdoorwasclosed.Alyssafrowned.Thelackofsleepand
nourishmentmustbecatchinguptoher.Otherwomentoldherthat
pregnancyhadawayofmakingagirlforgetful.
Still,shenevershutthatdoorwhensheleft.Shealwayswantedto
knowwhat—orwho—awaitedherinherroombeforeshewalkedin.
SomethingelseJoshuahadtaughther.
WasitpossibleLucwaswaitingforherontheothersideofthedoor?
Hehadawayofmeltingherdefenseswithhissurprises.
Thepossibilitypumpedherfullofexcitement.Theyweresupposedto
beendingtheirmarriage,butshe?dbelyingifshesaidshehadn?tmissed
himwitheverybreathshetook.Shewasn?tsurehowhe?dgottenintothe
house.Afterall,she?dchangedthelocks.Thenagain,heknewJackand
Hunter,andthosetwocouldbreakintoArea51,wrappedinsideFortKnox,
surroundedbytheWhiteHouse.
Withasighandastomachtighteninginknots,Alyssapushedthedoor
open,hopingtoseethatLuchaddecoratedthebedroomlikeafantasy
honeymoonsuite.
Butno.Instead,ropeshadbeentiedtothebedpostsateachcorner,
leavingloopsattheendsforwristsandankles.Shegasped,bilerisingin
herthroat.
Blinking,herbreaththin,Alyssastaredinhorror.Whatthehell?Luc
knewbetterthanalmostanyonethatshecouldnotendurebondage.Why
onearthwouldheputherthroughthis?Toprovethatshecould,infact,
trusthim?Ifhewantedtoreconcile,threateningtotiehertothebedwasn?t
thewaytopersuadehertogivetheirmarriageanothertry.
Angersetin.Wherewasthesonofabitch?Inthebathroom?Closet?
Hidingbecauseheknewshewasgoingtotakeastripoutofhishidefor
thisshit?
Assheturnedtowardthebathroom,acidnearlydrippedfromher
tongue.Thenshecaughtsightofwhoawaitedher.
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Itwasn?tLucwholeanedagainstthewall,jacketstrippedoff,tieloose,
smirkfirmlyinplace.
Shescreamed.
LUCpulledupinfrontofthehousehehadsharedwithAlyssa.
Parked.Stared.She?dbeathimhome,basedonthesoftlyglowinglampin
thelivingroom.Damn.Wouldsheevenanswerthedooratthistimeof
night?
Duringthelongdrive,hequestionedhimselfahundredtimes,his
thoughtsanendlessloopoflogicthatalwaysdrewhimbacktoone
conclusion:Hehadtotalktoherface-to-face,trytoreconcilewithher
again.Hewasn?tlettingAlyssagowithoutafight.Somehow,hehadto
makeherbelievethathelovedherandwouldneverdoanythingtobetray
hertrustagain.
Armedwithhisconviction,heturnedoffthecar,steppedouttothestill
nightandchillyNovemberwind.Hispalmsweresweatingashe
approachedthedoor.
Afaintfemininescreamofterrorburstacrossthenight.Thesound
seareditswaydownhisspine.Itwasn?ttheTV.Itwasrealandhuman—
andfamiliar.
Alyssa!
Runningtothedoor,hegrabbedtheknobandwrenchedit.Butitwas
firmlylocked.
“Fuck!”Windows?Otherdoor?Alllocked,heknew.Jackhadwired
herhousetight.Whichbeggedthequestion:Whohadgottentoherand
howhadtheybrokenin?Later.Hecouldn?tworryaboutdetailsnow.
Lucwouldalsohavetobreakin,somehow.Hehadtomakesome
decisions—andfast—orAlyssacoulddie.
Nine-one-onewasthefirstlogicalchoice…exceptRemydidn?tdohis
jobwellanddidn?thavethemeanstogetintothehouse.CallingTyler
mademoresense.
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Rippinghisphonefromhisbelt,hehithisspeeddial,thankfulhe?d
filchedthenumberoffofAlyssa?scellphonejustaftershe?dgone“missing.”
Tyleransweredbeforethesecondring.“What?”
“It?sAlyssa.There?ssomeoneinherhouse.Icanhearherscreaming,
butIcan?tgetinsinceshechangedthelocks.”
“Don?ttrytobullshitmejustsoyoucanseeheragain.”
“God?struth.”ThenAlyssascreamedagain—loud.
“Shit!”Herbouncercursed,andhisdemeanorchanged.“I?matleast
tenaway.You?regoingtohavetogetinandhandlethisuntilIgetthere.I?ll
getyouinside.”
“How?”Theywerelosingtime.Everysecond,anotheropportunityto
keepAlyssafromharmwaslost.
“Gothroughthegate,aroundtothesideofthehouse.Inthesideyard,
there?sadoorthatleadsintothegarage.Ontherightofthedoor,there?sa
hollybush.Behinditisatinyfilmcanister.Itshouldbehalfburied.”
Lucsprintedaroundthesideofthehouseandwasnowdirectlybelow
Alyssa?swindow.Heheardherscreamagain,andthesoundcrampedhis
gutwithfearanddread.Whycouldn?thejustbreakthefuckingthingdown
andsaveher?Heneededherinhislife,damnit.
“Toodamndarktoseeanything.”
Frustrationmounting,heranbacktohiscarandpulledouthis
emergencyflashlight.Whilethere,healsopulledoutthesemiautomatic
he?dforgottenwasinhiscarandtuckeditintothewaistbandofhisjeans,
atthesmallofhisback…justincase.
Thesecondsbacktothesidedoorseemedtotakeforever,buthe
quicklylocatedthecanister,extractedthekey,andshoveditintothelock.
“I?minthegarage.”
Thestuffyairwasdustyandsmelledfaintlyofgrass.Lucdidn?tdare
turnonalight,butatleastheknewhiswayaround.
“Shutandlockthatdoorbehindyouincasetheassailantisn?tworking
alone.Noneedtoalertanyonetothefactyou?rethereyet.Theycouldkill
herbeforeyouhaveachancetosaveher.”
“Right.”Hedidasinstructed.
Edgingaroundherlawnequipmentandthefrontofherlittle
convertible,hesidleduptothedoorthatledintotheden.
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“Standinginfrontofthedoortothehouse.”
“Youcan?tuseit.Itshouldbelocked,andIdon?tknowwhereshe
keepsakey.Andifyouopenit,thealarm,ifit?sengaged,willmakea
soundandalertherintruder.Youneedtogothroughtheattic.”
“Gotcha.”LuceasedbackaroundAlyssa?scarandpulledonthestring
hangingfromthegarageceiling.Asetofstairsemergedintotheempty
spacebesidehercar.Heclimbedup,flashlightleadingtheway.
Insidethespace,hefoundChristmasdecorationsinboxes,tax
recordsboxedupneatlyandarrangedoneyearafteranother,andvirtually
nothingelsebutemptyspace.Impatienceandfeargnawedathim.
“Iseetwosmalldoors.Theyopentocrawlspaces?”
“Right.Neverknewhelpingherfixhercableonedaywouldcomein
handy,”Tylertriedtojoke,butthequipcameouttersely.
“Theoneaheadseemslikeitwouldleadoverthelivingroom.”
“Exactly.Taketheonetoyourright.Onceyou?reinsidethecrawl
space,itwillangleup.Theexitisattheend,inthehalljustoutsideher
bedroom.”
“Iknowexactlywhere.”He?dnoticedtheatticentranceashe?d
traversedthehall.
Lucmadehiswaythroughthedoorand,onhandsandknees,crawled
upintotheraftersofthehouse.
“Thiswilltakeafewminutes.It?slongandnarrow,butyou?llkeepthe
elementofsurprise.”
AsmuchaseverysecondapartfromherchafedLuc,heagreedthis
wasthebestplan.
“Anyideawhothefuckwe?redealingwith?”Tylerasked.
“Noclue.”
“PeterwasextraditedtoFlorida.Hehadapendingsexualassault
chargethere,soit?snothim.ButfuckingPrimptonmadebail.”
“Youthinkhe?sthatstupid?”
“He?sthattenacious.Andheain?trightinthehead.”
Luccouldn?tagreemore.
Tylersighed.“There?ssomethingelseIshouldtellyou,justincasethis
assholeisourproblem.You?veprobablyguessedthatI?mnotabouncerby
trade.”
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“Yeah.”Luc?sgutsseizedup.Whatthehellwasthemansaying?
“I?mfromCalifornia,Alyssa?shomestate.”
Shit.Lucdidnotlikethesoundofthis.“Whatthefuckdidyoudo?”
“IusedtobeavicedetectiveforLAPD.NowI?maPI.Iwashiredat
theendofAugustbyarealwealthypricktofindAlyssa.Iwasgivena
teenagepictureofherandtheinformationthatshewassomewherein
Lafayette.Theassholetoldmeitwashismissingsister.”
Lucwentcoldallover.“Joshua.”
“That?shim.”
“Whydidn?tyoutellmesooner?Ortellher?”
“Soshecouldthrowmeoutofherlifecompletely?No.IthoughtIhad
thesitchundercontrol.”
“SoyouthinkJoshuacouldbeinside?”
“Idon?tknow.”Hesighed.“AssoonasIfoundAlyssaforhim,hewired
mepayment.IflewbacktoL.A.togivehimherinformationand
photographicproof.Sonofabitchaskedmeamillionquestions,likedid
shehaveahusbandorlover,hadIfuckedher,wasIawareofanyone
fuckingher.Hewasobsessed,man.”
Luc?sgutknotted.“Damnit,weallassumedPrimptonwasthethreat.”
“Thecouncilmanisunhinged,butIdon?tthinkhe?seagertouphis
prisonsentencewiththisprank.Youalmostthroughthecrawlspace?”
“It?stightinhere,butI?mclose.”
“I?maboutfiveaway.”
Foronce,Tyler?spresencewouldbeahugerelief.“Onceyoufigured
outthatJoshuawasascumbag,youstayedinLafayettetoprotect
Alyssa?”
“Yeah.Icouldn?tbreachtheconfidentialityofmyclientbytellingher
withoutriskingmylicense.ForallIknew,hejustwantedtoknowwhere
shewasandtobeatofftoherpictureeverynight.Thenwhenthingsstarted
togethot,Icouldn?tprovewho?dlefthertheknivesandthethreats.SoI
stayed,calledbuddiesbackhomeperiodicallytocheckuponthebastard,
makesurehewasstillinL.A.,andIdidmybestnottoletheroutofmy
sight.ItwouldhavebeenashitloadeasiertosafeguardherifI?dbeenher
lover.Nothingliketwenty-four/sevenprotection.”
JealousybeltedLuc.“That?snottheonlyreasonyouwantedAlyssa.”
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“Oh,hell,no.I?vebeeninlovewithyourwifealmostfromdayone.”He
sighed.“Butshe?salwaysbeenintoyou.Ineverhadachance.”
“Youledmetobelievemorethanoncethatyouwerefuckingher.”
“Ikepthopingyou?dgetpissedoff,goaway,andgivemeachance.
Butyouweretootenacious,damnit.”
Andsothetruthcameout.Tylerhadneveroncesleptwithhiswife.
Alyssahadn?tbeenlying.Lucgrittedhisteeth.He?dbeensofuckingstupid
tolethisjealousygetoutofhand.
“NoramIlettinghergonow,”hevowed.“Thetrapdoorthatleadsout
ofthecrawlspaceisrightinfrontofme.Itlowersfromtheceiling.DoIjust
pushdownandthestairslower?”
“Should.Butyou?llhavetobeveryquiet.Thewoodenstairswillclatter
onthehardwoodfloorifyoudon?tlowerthemslowly.”
Alyssascreamedagain,thistimeaclear,plaintivewail.“No!Don?t
touchme!”
“Doyouhearthat?”Lucgrowledinlowtones.“Idon?thavetimefor
slowly.”
“Youdon?thaveachoice.Igotacallthreehoursagofrommyoldvice
partnerthatJoshualeftL.Aafewweeksago.”
“Afewweeks?”
Tylersighed.“Ididn?tthinkafterallthesemonthshe?dsuddenlymake
amove.Iwasn?tcheckingupasoften…Myfuckup,Iknow.Anyway,
Joshuatoldhiswifehe?dbeonbusinessinLondon,butTSAsayshenever
leftthecountry…Ifthat?shiminAlyssa?sbedroom,he?sgoingtowantto
messwithherforawhile.He?sgotoveradecadeworthofhard-onfor
Alyssa.Ifheintendstokillher,itwon?tbequick.Takeadeepbreathand
findsomefuckingpatience.”
Tyler?swordsateathim.Anxietyscrapedhimraw.Heswallowedit
becausethePIwasright.
“Yougotawaytofighthimoff?Anyweapon?”Tylerasked.
“I?mlicensedforaconcealedweaponinTexas,soIhaditinmycar.
It?stuckedinmywaistband.”
“Slightlyillegal,Traverson.”
“Hadmoreonmymindthantechnicalities.”
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“Rogerthat.Wehavetoendthiscallnow.You?llneedbothhandsto
lowertheladder,andonceyouopenthetrapdoor,he?llbeabletohearyou
talk.”
“Yeah.”Lucgrippedthephone,tryingtocalmhiserraticbreathingand
racingheart.Thiswasit.HemustsaveAlyssaordietrying.
DekehaddonealottoprepareLucforthis.Hand-to-handsparring,
karate,anearoverdoseoftargetpractice…Butthefactwas,Lucwasa
chefand,otherthanhelpingTylerdismantlePeterinAlyssa?soffice,Luc
hadneverhadtomopupanattackerandrescuesomeone—especiallynot
someonehelovedmorethanhisnextbreath.
“Youcandoit,”Tylerassured.“Keepcalmandquiet.Usetheelement
ofsurpriseifyoucan.Ifnot,justblowthemotherfucker?sheadoff.I?m
callingRemynow.Thecavalrywillbethereinlessthanfive.Dowhatever
youhavetodotokeepheralivethatlong,andwe?lltakecareoftherest.”
“Thanks.”LucmaynotbeaswelltrainedasTyler,buthe?dbedamned
beforeheletwhoeverthiswaskillhiswife.AndifitwasJoshua…Luc
wouldbefuckingthrilledtoexorcisethisghostforher—forgood.
ALYSSAblinked.Blinkedagain.Herworstnightmarehadcometo
life—andnowstoodinherbedroom.
“Hello,Lindsey.ThoughIguessnowIshouldjustcallyou?whore.?”
Run!Herbraincouldn?tmakeherbodyobeythecommandsasshock
overwhelmedhersystem.Shesteppedback,feargrippingherlungsasshe
screamed.
“Quietnow.I?velookedalongtimetofindyou.Overadecade,infact.
NowthatI?vesucceeded,timetoremindyouwhoyoubelongto.Andyes,
theropesareforyou.Oldtimes?sake.”
Herbodytrembled.Butwhenshesawtheblack-handledserrated
knifeinhishand—thekindthathadbeenstabbedintoherbelongings—her
worldshook.
“You’vebeenstalkingme?”NotPrimpton?
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Hiseyessparkledwithsickmischief.“Ienjoyedscaringyouwithall
thosenotes.Trashingyourbedroomwasfun,too.Butyouweren?tas
terrifiedasIwanted.I?mputoutthatyou?renotthesamemeekvirgin,
Lindsey.”
Shewasn?t.Butinthatmoment,itwasasifshewerefifteenagainand
stunnedthatherbestfriendwasnowherworstnightmare,causingher
immensepainashestrippedawayherinnocence,oneforcedthrustafter
another.
“Don?tdothis,Joshua,”shepleaded,willingtodoanythingtolivefor
herbaby?ssake.
“Ah,soyoudoremembermyname.Howjuicythatyouhaven?t
forgottenyourfirst.Let?sseewhatelseyouremember.”
“You?regoingtokillme.”Itwasn?taquestion.Sheknewtheanswer
deepinherbones.
Hedidn?thesitate.“Ofcourse.I?dkeepyoualive,butIdon?tlikethe
ideaofsharingyouwiththatchefyoumarried.Besides,mywifehatesmy.
..littletoys.”
Hiswife?Sheflinched.Whatheplannedwasbadenough,butto
desecratehisweddingvows,too?Thenagain,itdidn?tsoundlikethefirst
timehe?dstrayed.
Joshua?seyesflaredwiththepromiseofpainashestalkedtowardher
withatwistedsmile.Shebackedaway.“Leavemealone.”
“Ican?tdothat.Afteryouleft,Iwasalaughingstockamongmyfriends.
Theyribbedmethatyou?dhatedfuckingmesomuchthatyoulefthome.”
Idid!Butsheknewconfirmingthatwouldbeunwise.
“Ibegantowonderifmyfriendswereright.Itmighthavebeenabit
painfulatfirst,youbeingavirgin,butIwassureIfuckedyougood.”
He?dthoughtterrorandanalbleedingweregood?“That?sallinthe
past.There?snothingbetweenusnow,Joshua.”
“I’mtheonewhodecidesthat.Whenyouleft,youtookthatcontrol
fromme.Thenyousharedyourbodywithothermen.Gotmarried!”He
pressedhislipstogether.“Veryunwise,butthankfully,verytemporary.”
Withhisimpliedthreat,angerboiledtothesurface,rollingoverthe
fear.“Don?tyoudaretouchLuc!”
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“He?snextonmyagenda.Now,bethegoodstripperyouareanddrop
yourclothes.”
Thetimefortalkwasover.OnceJoshuadecidedthathewanted
something,nothingdeterredhim.Hecouldbemethodicalandpatient,ifhe
foundthegameandsportworthhiswhile.Therestofthetimehewasa
greedybastard,wantingwhathewantednow.
Alyssarefusedtoplayalong.
Shehadtofindawaytodefendherselfandgetoutthedoor.Ifshe
turnedandran,he?donlycatchher.Shewaswearingstilettos,andhe?d
beenatrackstarinhighschool.Nocontest.Findingawaytoeventhe
oddswascritical.
Backingawayfromhim,towardthedoor,sheriskedapeekoverher
shoulder.Thefirstthingtocatchhergazewasshinyandsilverand,she
knewfromliftingit,heavy.
Thankyou,Luc,fortheweddinggift.
SheturnedherbacktoJoshuaandlungedfortheframe.Asexpected,
hedartedafterher.Andshewasready.Whenheapproached,she
clutchedtheheavy,scarredphotoframeandswungwithallhermight,
clockingJoshuaintheface.
Hestumbledback,staggeringintothewall,clutchinghisrighteye.
“Bitch!You?regoingtofuckingpayforthat.Youdon?tknowhowmuchI?ve
learnedaboutthefineartofmakingafuckinghurtinthelastfourteen
years,butI?llbedamnhappytoshowyou.”
Alyssadidn?tstaytohearhisdisgustingtirade.Shekickedoffher
shoesanddartedforherbedroomdoor.ShestoppedshortwhenJoshua
managedtograbafewstrandsofherhairinhisfist.Thenhebeganto
yankback.
Ifshelethimdragherbackintothatbedroom,shewasasgoodas
dead.Shemightdieanyway,butdamnit,shewasn?tgoingdownwithouta
fight.
Turningherheadonedirection,sheyankedwithallhermightinthe
other.Painsearedacrossherscalpasthestrandstorefromtheirfollicles,
butshewasfree.
Knowingshewasasecondorlessaheadofhim,shedartedoutthe
door,intothedarkenedhall—andcrashedintosomeone.
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Shegasped.DearGod,hadJoshuabroughthelp?
“Shh,”hewhispered.
Luc!
Shewantedtoaskamillionquestions,buttherewasnotime.Joshua?s
footstepsresoundedonthehardwoodfloor.Lucshovedherbehindhim,
thenbackedthemagainstthewall,outofJoshua?spath.Alyssaprayedthat
inthedark,hewouldn?tseethemrightaway.
CurledupagainstLuc?sback,shewassorelievedtoseehim—and
worriedforhimatthesametime.Joshuawantedtokillhim,andAlyssahad
nodoubtherstepbrothermeantit.
LucpressedherdeeperintoshadowasJoshuaapproached,hispace
slowing.Shecouldalmostfeelhismethodicalgazesweepingthedarkened
hallwayandheldherbreath,prayingsheandLucwouldcomeawayfrom
thisalive.Somehow.
SomethinggougedAlyssainthestomach—hard,cold.Shesqueezed
ahandbetweenthemandfeltaround.Luchadagun!
Hetensedasshetouchedtheweapon,thengaveheraninfinitesimal
shakeofhishead.Alyssafrownedandletgo.Gunsweren?therfavorite,
buthopefullyLuchadaplan.Wonderingwhatthehellitmightbeashe
pressedheragainstthewall,Alyssapanted,herheartthumpingina
staccatorhythmsoloudshefearedpeopleinthenextcountycouldhearit.
Joshuacreptpastthem,thenstoppedatthetopofthestairswhen
sirenssplittheair.
Thepolicearecoming!ThankGod.
Atthesound,Joshualiftedhishead,thengrowled.“Fuckingbitch!
Whereareyou?I?dhaveheardyourundownthestairs.Andnowthe
fuckingcopsareontheway.Someonecutmyfunshort,damnit,butI?m
goingtoendyoubeforetheygetwithintenfeetofsavingyou.”
Withoutwarning,heflippedonthehallwaylight.Andhehadagun
pointeddirectlyatLuc?schest.
Joshualookedtakenabacktoseeherhusband;thenhesmiled.“Well,
talkaboutanopportunitytokilltwobirdswithonestone.”
Alyssacouldn?tbreathe.Luc?sgunwasstillbehindhisback.He?d
neverhavetimetopullitfreeandshootJoshuainreturn.Herstepbrother
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wasonetriggerpullawayfromkillingLuc.AndsheknewJosh—he?ddoit
withoutremorse.Hell,he?dprobablylaugh.
Thatcouldnothappen.IfshenolongerhadLuc,she?dcrumble,crack
…die.
SheleanedaroundLuc?sleftshoulderandglaredatJoshua.“Leave
himalone.It?smeyouwant.I?llgetinacarwithyou.Youcantakeme
whereveryouwant,dowhateveryouwant,ifyou?llleavehimalone.”
“No!”Lucrailed.“Absolutelynot.”
Forasecond,hopesparked.Maybe…Thensheremembered.His
concernwaslikelynotforherbutbecauseshewaspregnant.“Iknow
you?reworriedaboutthebaby.You?llfindsomeoneelseandhaveanother.
Iknowyouwill.”
“Baby?”Joshuashouted,takingamenacingstepforward.“Youlethim
fuckingknockyouup?”
Luceyedthegun,butotherwiseignoredhim.“I?mnotthinkingabout
thebabynow.I?mworriedaboutyou.Ifyougowithhim,I?llneverseeyoualiveagain.Forme,there?llneverbeanyoneelseI?lllovehalfasmuchas
you.”
Hiswordswarmedher,pouringoverhershiveringskinlikemelted
chocolate.Forthatonemoment—possiblyoneoftheirlasttogether—
Alyssahopedhemeantthatand,asidefromtheircomingchild,she
matteredtoLuc.
Damnit,whydidshehavetorealizethattherewasachancehis
feelingswereeverybitasrealashersjustwhentheirtimetogetherwas
ending?
No.Joshuahadtakeneverythingfromheronce.Neveragainwould
shebethisasshole?svictim.Ifanyonewasgoingdownthistime,itwas
him.
Luchadagun,andshehadgumption.Timetouseboth.
“I?mgoingtobesick,”Joshuasneeredashestalkedcloserand
closer—untilhepressedtheguntoLuc?sforehead.“Timetoendthis
lovefest.”
Alyssa?sheartstopped.
Thesirenswerescreaming,comingcloserwitheverysecond.She
sawthepaniconherstepbrother?sface.Hewasabouttodosomething
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rash,reckless,andgiventhefacthecouldshootLucpoint-blankatany
moment…irrevocable.Therewasnowayherhusbandcouldreachhis
gunandfirequicklyenough.She,however,mightbeabletousethe
elementofsurprise.
“You.”JoshuapointedhisgunatLuc,thenwavedittotheleft.
“Lindseyismine.She?salwaysbeenmine.Fortouchingher,you?lldie.”
“It?sAlyssa,asshole,”shesneered.“AndIhateyou.Rotinhell!”
Whilehestaredatheringrowinganger,shegrabbedLuc?sgun,then
shovedhimaside.Vaguely,sheheardhimstumble.Joshuawasdistracted
bythecommotionlongenoughforAlyssatogriptheunfamiliargun,point,
and…
Bang!
Asthesoundcrashedthroughherears,Joshuaslappedahandtohis
chestandstaggeredback.Whenhepulledhisfingersawayfromhiswhite
shirt,theycameawayred.Acrimsonstainbeganspreadingacrosshis
shirt.
“Bitch!”Joshuamuttered,thenstaggered.
Toherhorror,herightedhimselfandraisedhisgunagain.
Lucjumpedinfrontofherandrippedthegunfromherhands.Before
shecouldprotest,he?dplantedhisbodyinfrontofhers,aimed,andfired.
Theloudshotreverberatedthroughthelittlespace,ringinginherears.
Joshua?sheadsnappedback.Ashefelltohisknees,bloodoozed
fromthewoundrightbetweenhiseyes.
Alyssajumpedashedroppedintoanoisyheaponherhardwoods.His
gunfelloutofhislaxhandandskitteredacrossthefloor.
LuckickeditawayfromJoshua,untilitrestedathisfeet.Nevertaking
hiseyesoffofherstepbrother,hesteadiedhisowngunandpointedit
againatthesickbastard.
AlyssatookasteptowardJoshuaandbent.
“No!”Lucinsisted.“Itcouldbeatrick.”
“Thencoverme.”Sheswallowed.“Ineedthis.”
Anddamnit,shewasn?tatallshakenbythethoughtshemighthave
helpedkillherstepbrother.Infact,shewasholdingherbreath,hopingshe
had.Ifso,she?dthrowafuckingparty.
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Downstairs,theyheardacommotion,thenaloudthumpasthefront
doorhitthefoyerwall.Footstepspouredinside,poundingupthestairs,just
asAlyssabenttoJoshuaandputherfingersonhiscarotid.
“Well?”Lucprompted.
“Youokay,Ms.Devereaux?”Remyasked,standingonthestair
directlybehindJoshua.
“Mrs.Traverson,”LuccorrectedRemytersely,thenturnedbacktoher.
“Sugar?”
Shestoodandsmiled—reallysmiled—forthefirsttimeinfourteen
years.“Thesonofabitchisdead.”
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ChapterTwenty
THEblisteringlyclearFridayafternoongustedthroughLafayette.
Alyssawatchedoutthelivingroomwindowasshepaced,waiting.Halfan
hourbeforeshewasdueattheobstetrician?soffice.Luchadbeggedherto
lethimaccompanyhertotheappointment.Nosignofhimsofar.
Shesighed.Whatwasupwiththatman?
“Youhavethat?I?mthinkingaboutLuc?lookonyourface,”Sadie
teased.
Alyssarolledhereyesatherownridiculousness.She?dtakenstepsto
endhermarriagetoLuc,yetshecouldn?tstopthinkingabouthim.This
morning,she?dfondledherweddingring,sorelytemptedtoputitonjustto
feelclosertohim.
“Idon?tunderstandLuc,”sheconfessed.“It?sbeenalmostaweek
sinceweshotJoshua.”
“AbastardmoredeservingofapineboxI?venevermet.”Sadie
grippedherhand.“Honey,whydidn?tyoutellanyofusaboutyourpast?”
Becauseithadbeenhershame,andshe?dburieditruthlessly,usingit
tofortifyherironheartsothatshe?dnevergettooclosetoanyoneelse
again.Luchadmeltedherdefensesandfilledhersoul.Nowshefelt
incompletewithouthim.
Forme,there’llneverbeanyoneelseI’lllovehalfasmuchasyou
Asshenibbledonafingernail,thosewordsranthroughAlyssa?shead.
HadLucreallymeantthatorhadthepossibilityofherandthebaby?s
deathspromptedhimtosaythosewords?
“Ijustwantedtokeepitbehindme,”Alyssasaidfinally.“Besides,I
neverimaginedthatJoshuahadseenmeatmymother?sfuneral,
recognizedme,hiredsomeonetohuntmedown…”
“YoumadatTyler?”
Thequestionrattledaroundinherhead.“Notmad.Hewasdoinga
job.TylersaidthatJoshuadidn?tactcreepyorobsessiveuntilafterhe?d
locatedmeandturnedovertheinformation.Heactuallyputhislifeonhold
toprotectmebecausehefearedtheworst.”
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“Andbecausehewashopingyou?dgivehimthetimeofday.”
Alyssagrimaced.“That,too.”
“Didhesaywhathe?sgoingtodonow?”
AfterhoursonMonday,he?dinsistedonseeingherhome,makingsure
allwaswellandsafesinceLuchadleft…
Whatdidyouexpectamanyouservedannulmentpaperstodo?Stay
soyoucouldthrowhimoutmorecreatively?
“HewantstoremaininLafayette.Sayshelikesithereandhadnoreal
tiesinLosAngeles.JackandDekeofferedhimajob.Apparently,they?ve
beenturningawaybusinessbecausethey?reshort-handed,andDeke
wantstospendmoretimewithKimbersincetheyhaveababyontheway.”
“Youdo,too,girlfriend.Whenisthatappointment?Shouldn?tyoube
leaving?”
Stomachclenching,Alyssaglancedatherwatchandwinced.“I?llgive
Lucfivemoreminutes;thenifyou?restillgame…”
“Absolutely,I?llgowithyou.Agirlneedsmoralsupportforthese
things,”Sadieoffered,thensmiledsadly.“ThoughIknowyou?dratherhave
Luc.”
Alyssacouldn?trefutethat.AfterJoshua?sattacknearlyaweekago
andaftersheandLuchadansweredallofRemy?squestions,she?d
expectedhimtostay,confrontherabouttheannulment.Atleastvoicean
opinion.Buthe?donlystolenakiss,toldherlovedherandpleadedtogoto
herdoctor?sappointment,thenleftforTexas.Midweek,hercuriosityhad
gottenthebetterofher,andshe?dcalledLuctoaskhimthemillion
questionsfloatingthroughherbrain.Again,he?donlytoldherthatheloved
herandwouldbethereonFridaytopickherup.Shetriedtoputhimoutof
herheadandfocusonthemyriaditemsonherto-dolist,butnoluck.
Sadieglancedatherwatch.“Whydon?tyougetyourpursetogether?
I?llmeetyouinthecar.I?mparkedoutfront.”
AlyssatriedtostifleherdisappointmentatLuc?sno-showlongenough
tosmileforherfriend.“Sure.Thanks.”
AssoonassheheardtheclickofthedoorbehindSadie,Alyssafelt
peskytearsstinghereyes.Damnit,shehadadoctortosee,ababyto
conferabout.IfLuchadsuddenlyembracedtheannulment…well,maybe
itwasforthebest.Atleastshetriedtotellherselfthat.Thelastweek
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withouthim,she?dcometorealizethatshewouldneverbecompletely
happyorcompletelywholewithouthim.
Butshealsoknewthatshecouldn?tbemarriedtoamanshelovedthis
ferventlywhoremainedonlytobewiththechildhe?dalwaysdreamedof
having.WithoutLuc?slove,sharingahome,abed,andalastnamewould
behollow.Eventually,itwouldtearthemapart.Ifhedidn?ttrulyloveherforher,betterthatsheknownow—notwhenthechildwascrankyfora
nighttimefeeding…orwhenheorshebegankindergarten…orwhen
theyhadtheirfirstsportingevent,firstcrush,firstheartbreak…orwhen
Lucfinallyfoundthewomantowhomhecoulddevotehisheart—andleft
heranempty,brokenshell.
Eventhoughshewassavingherselfmorepainlater,itfuckinghurt
now.
Swallowingbackthetears,shegrabbedherpurse,setthenewalarm,
andcarefullyshutthedoorbehindher.Afterlockingit,sheturnedtoward
Sadie?scaratthecurb.
Exceptitwasgone.
Whatthedevil?Shakingherhead,shefollowedtheLofherwalkwaytothedriveway.
TherestoodLuc,lookingathiswatch.
Herbreathcaught.Herheartstopped.He?dmadeit.
Why?
Thoughtsracing,shetooktentativestepsforward.Luclookedup,saw
her—anddartedherway.
Hecuppedhercheekandplacedagentlekissonherlips,overalmost
assoonasitstarted.“Hi,sugar.I?vemissedyou.”
Thosechocolateeyeslookedsoearnest,sohonest.God,whywashe
doingthistoher?Ifhestillwantedher,whydidn?thejusttellherhedidn?t
wanttheannulment?Ormaybehedidwantit?Shewassoconfused…
“Hi.Thanksfortakingmetotheappointment.”
“Iwouldn?tmissitfortheworld.”Heopenedthepassengerdoorand
helditassheslidinside.
Sowashisaffectionforhermerelythatofforthemotherofhischild?
Ashehoppedinthedriver?sseatandglancedherway,therewas
somethingonhisfaceshe?dneverseenbefore.Theheatwasstillthere.He
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wantedher,noquestion.Thatexpressionsaidhewantedtodevourher
now—andtokeepdoingitforhours,days.Itwastemperedbysomething
warm,likesweetsunshinehoney.Somethinglike…affection.Evenhope.
Hissmileseemedtosaytherewasnoonehe?dratherbewith.
Howmuchofthatwastangledupinhisfeelingsforthebaby?
HegrabbedherhandandbackedtheJaguaroutofthedriveway.She
knewsheshouldreleasehim…butshecouldn?tfindthestrengthtoletgo.
“HaveRemyortheboysbeenouttoquestionyouagainorgiveyou
moreinformationaboutJoshua?sattack?”heasked.
“No.OnceRemyclearedusofanysortofhomicidecharge,Ijustdidn?t
wanttotalkaboutitanymore.”
“YoumustberelievedthatJoshuaisgone.Yourpastcan?tcomeback
tohauntyouagain.”Hesqueezedherhand.
Shetookstrengthinhiscaress.Thiswasn?tatopicshecoulddiscuss
withanyone…buthim.Hereallyknewherinawaynooneelsedid.Forthat,shewasgrateful.
“IstillwishIcouldhavereconciledwithmymother,butmaybethat
wasimpossible.Shedidn?twanttobelievemebecauseitmadeherlifetoo
difficult,andIhavenorespectforthat.”
“WhatJoshuadidtoyouwasterrible.Tragic.Whatshedidwas
worse.”Luc?swarmgazewrappedherinasoftblanketofcomfort.
Itwouldbesoeasytosinkin…getlost.Andsopainfullater.
“Iworkeverydayonforgivingher.It?saday-by-daything.”
“Everythingthathappenedmadeyouwhoyouaretoday—strong,
independent,savvy,pragmatic.Iwouldn?tchangeathingaboutyou.You?re
thewomanIlove.”
Herheartseized.Howbadlyshewantedtobelievehim.“Luc…”
“Shh.”Hepulledupinfrontofthehospitalcomplex.“Let?sseethe
doctornow.Later,we?lltalkthroughthis.”
Damnit,shedidn?twanttoputitoff.Alyssadidn?tdealwellwith
shovingunpleasantthingsaside.Whynotjustgetitoverwith?Butthey
couldhardlydiscusstheirmaritalissuesinthewaitingroom.Shesighed.
Withinminutes,theobstetrician?snursecalledthembackandshe
greetedthepleasantfortysomethingwomanwhoexaminedherwhileLuc
satinthechairbehindherandheldherhand.
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“Wouldyouliketohearthebaby?sheartbeat?”
“Please.”Shesmiled.
“Verymuch.”
Alyssacouldn?tseeLuc?sface,butshecouldhearthesincerityinhis
voice.
Thedoctorappliedacoolgeltoherabdomen,thenaplasticwandand
Whoosh,whoosh,whoosh.Alittlebeatingheart.Thesoundfilledthe
room,young,tenderyetremarkablyhardy.Amiracle.
Tearsfilledhereyes.“Oh,myGod.”
Lucsqueezedherhandevenharder.“I?veneverheardanythingso
amazing.”
Sheheardthetearsinhisvoice,too.
“Verystrongandhealthy,”thedoctorpromised.“Ontheslowerside,
whichcouldindicateaboy,butwe?llknowforsurewhenwedothe
ultrasoundaroundweektwenty.”
Aboy?Alyssa?sheartclenched,thenpitter-pattered.She?dloveaboy.
Oragirl.She?dlovethischild,nomatterwhat.Andshelovedthat,no
matterwhathappened,itwouldalwaysbepartofLuc.
Finally,theotherwomanmeasuredherabdomen,chattedabitabout
whattoexpectoverthenextmonth,thensentheronherway.Asthey
settledwiththereceptionistandexitedthebuilding,Lucgrippedherhand.
Theyreachedhiscar,andhestoppedher,turninghertofacehim.
“Thankyouforsharingthatwithme.Iwillbeforevergrateful,nomatter
whathappensinthefuture.I?dlikefifteenminutesmoreofyourtime,if
you?llsparethem.Then,ifyoustillwanttoproceedwiththeannulment,I
won?tstopyou.”
Denialandfearslammedheratonce,andshetriedtoblockthemout.
Theannulmentwas—ultimately—agoodthing,right?Sowhyshould
everythinginsideherrebelatthethoughtthathewouldn?tfightit?
Shejustlovedhimtoodamnmuch.
“Allright.”Hervoiceshook.
Withoutanotherword,theyreturnedtoherhouse,andsheshowed
himintothelivingroom.Theysatonthesofa,lessthantwofeetapart.
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Funny,howtheirrelationshiphadbasicallystartedhere,onthispiece
offurniture,whenhe?darrivedwithhiscousinDekelastsummerfora
seductiveménagethathadquicklymorphedintoanexplosivepairingwhen
Luc?scousinleft.Woulditendhere,too?
“Doyouwantsomethingtodrink?”Whatwasonhismind?She
neededtoknow…yetfearedit.
“No,thankyou.”Hepulledathick,foldeddocumentfromhisjacket
pocketandhandedittoher.“Thisisyours,regardlessofwhathappens.”
Thegravityinhistonecrashedtoherhollowstomach.Shetookdeep
breaths.Withshakinghands,sheunfoldedthecrispwhitepapersand
scanned.
“It?s…”Sheblinkedonce,twice.Seriously?“Acustodyagreement?
You?regivingmesolecustody?”
“Ifyoudecidetoproceedwiththeannulment,I?veaskedforoneweek
ayearandeitherThanksgivingorChristmas.Ithinkit?simportantforany
childtoknowhisorherfather.There?safinancialsupportagreementas
well.Itooktheattorney?srecommendationforanannualsumandadded
fiftypercent.Ihopeyouthinkit?sfair,butwecantalkifyouneedmore.I?ll
nevertellyouhowtoparent.I?llnevergetinyourway.I?llneveraskyouto
sharemoreofthechildthanthisandanoccasionalphonecall.”
Tearscameagain.Notjusttears,butsobs.Thefoundationofherlife
wasfallingoutfromunderneathher,crumbling,andthepainwas
paralyzing.Lucwaslettinghergoandgivinghercontroloverthelifethey
hadcreatedtogether—thechildsheknewhewantedmorethananything.
“Why?”shemanagedtogetout.
Heclosedhiseyes,jawclamped,ashefoughthisowntears.
“BecauseIloveyou,andIwantyoutoknowthatnoonewilleverbemore
importanttomethanyou,notevenourchild.”
“Butyou?vewantedababyforyearsand—”
“Ihave,sobadlyImanipulatedpeopleIlove,deceivedthem—without
eventhinkinghowtheywouldbeaffected.AndIregretthatsodeeply.I
neverwantyoutobelievethatImarriedyouonlyforthechild.Iwasstupid
whenIdidn?ttellyouthatIbelievedthebabytobesomeoneelse?s.Ican
onlysayI?msorry.Iknowbetternow.”Hesighed.“IrealizedIwasn?t
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lackingababy,butsomeonetosharemylifewith.Someoneamazingand
strong,smart,ambitious,andwonderful.Myotherhalf.”
Alyssasobbedharder.Hemeanther?Hewantedhermorethantheir
child?
Luceasedoffthesofaandontoonekneeatherfeet.“Ineedyou.”
“Andyou?rewillingtogiveupcustodyofthebabytoproveittome?”
Henodded,andtheagonyonhisfacehurtherinreturn.“Nostrings
attached.Iwanttostaymarriedtoyoumorethananythingandbeafamily
inthetruesenseoftheword,butnotifyou?llalwayshavedoubtsabout
howimportantyouaretome.”
Oh.My.God.Neverinamillionyearshadsheexpectedhimtogiveup
thechildhe?dsoughtandschemedfor.Andtodoitforher.
“Thinkonit,”hecommandedsoftly.“IfIdon?thearfromyoubeforethe
annulmentisfinalinthenextfewmonths,thenthismaybethelasttime
youseeme.AndI?llmissyoulikehell.I?llloveyou.Always.”
Hekissedhermouthgently.Itlastedforonlyaheartbeat,feltlikea
gossamerbreath,butitimpactedherheartlikeabatteringram.Thenhe
wasgone.
ALYSSApacedherlivingroom,wringingherhands.Anyminute
AfterLuc?sdepartureFridaynight,she?dlongedtocallhimback
immediately.Thescaredgirl-womaninsidehershoutedforcautionand
prudence.She?dstayeduplateandreadtheentirecustodyagreementhe?d
proposed—andsigned—thenleftinherhands.He?dbeenmorethan
generousandlefthimselfminimalrights,savethosehewouldexercisein
theeventofheruntimelydeath.He?dalsoaddedaclauseforreversionof
custodyintheeventsheremarriedtosomeonewhoturnedouttobe
abusive.
Thefacthe?dtakenherexperiencetohearttouchedher.
She?dspentasleeplessFridaynightknowingshehadonlytwo
choices:Endthemarriageandraisethechildalone,alwayswonderingif
she?dmadethebiggestmistakeofherlifebyleavingthemansheloved,or
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embracethefutureanddoeverythinginherpowertoensuretheirmarriage
grewstrong.
Lucsaidhelovedher.Sincehe?dhandedherthiscustodyagreement,
Alyssafinallymorethanhoped—shebelieved—thatwastrue.Sheloved
himsomuch,gettingthroughadaywithouthimfeltunbearable.Nights
wereevenmorehellish.
Still,experiencehadtaughthertobecautious.She?dspentallday
Saturdaythinkingaboutheroptions…andcomingbacktothesame
conclusion.HowbleakwouldherfuturebewithoutLuc?Hecouldn?thave
apologizedmoreeloquently,beenmorecontrite.Itwasn?tasifshe?dnever
screwedup.
Besides,she?dgoneintothemarriagetentativeandafraid.Failingat
lifelongcommitmentwasinevitablewithoutgivingbothheartandsoul.She
hadn?tdonethat.Yes,Luchadwithheldhis“sterility”fromher,butshe?d
withheldherpastwithJoshua.IfLuchadn?taccidentallyscaredher,would
shehaveevertoldhimhersecret,ever?
Shewinced.Probablynot.
Didn?tsheoweittothemtotrythismarriageforreal,holdingnothing
back?
She?dcalledhimearlythisSundaymorningandaskedhimtocome
backtoLafayette.Hehadn?taskedquestions,andshehadn?toffered
information.Theybothknewthatwhateverhadtobesaidshouldbedone
inperson.
Thechimeofthedoorbellinterruptedhermusings,andshesmoothed
ahanddownherblackwrap-aroundblouse,holdingapalmtoher
tremblinginsides.Takingadeepbreath,sheopenedthedoor.
Lucstoodontheotherside,expressionpensive.“I?mgladyoucalled.”
Alyssanodded,tryingtocalmherrunawayheartbeat.“Comein.”
Whenshesteppedback,heentered.Buthiseyesneverlefthers,asif
hehopedtoreadherdecisiononherface.Shelookedawayandwalked
intothelivingroom.Lucfollowed,andAlyssacouldfeelhimatherback,so
achinglyclose—yetstillsofaraway.
PleaseGod,letthisturnouthappily
Onthetablebesideherrestedtwodocuments.Shepickedupboth.
“I?vereadyourcustodydocument.”
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Hehesitated;thendisappointmentcrashedoverhisface.Heclenched
hisjawandfinallynodded.“Doyouhaveanyobjections?”
“Haveyoureadtheannulmentpapers?”
“Yes.”
Histonegavehermorehope.“Youspitthatoutlikeabadword.”
Lucanchoredahandaroundherwaist,thenbroughtherclosertohim.
Theirbodiesnearlytouched…butnotquite.Thenhelayhisforeheadon
hers,hisbreathtightlycontrolled.“Itis.EndingourmarriageisthelastthingIwant.”Hetookadeepbreathandsteppedback.“ButI?llrespectyour
decision,whateveritis.”
Helefteverythingtoher,putthepowerinherhands.Ifhecaredonly
abouthimselfandhischancetobecomeaparent,he?dneverdothat.Ever.
He?dpushandcoerce,threaten,cajole…anythingbutlethermakethe
ultimatedecision.
“Iloveyou,”shewhispered.
Thenextsplitsecondofsilenceterrifiedher,especiallyasbothhope
anddisappointmentmingledonhisface.Whatwashethinking?
“Iloveyou,too.SomuchI…”Lucsighedandcuppedhercheek.“I?m
emptywithoutyou.”
Toothers,itmightsoundlikeagreetingcard,butsheknewexactly
whathemeant.He?dhelpedtohealherpastwounds,fillinhertomorrows.
Luchadmadeherwhole.Ifshedidthesameforhim,she?drejoiceand
holdhimclosefortherestofherdays.
“EndingthismarriageisthelastthingIwant,too,”sheconfessed.
Toproveherpoint,shegrippedboththeannulmentpetitionand
custodypapers,thenrippedthembothinhalf.Shedroppedthemtothe
groundbetweenthem.
Lucglancedatthetorndocuments,thenupather.Hiseyesflared,
burningfiercely,ashegrabbedherandkissedherasifnothingwouldever
meanmoretohim.
Notopeningtohimwasimpossible,andhesankdeepintohermouth,
theburnbetweenthemhisownbrandofpossession.Thoughithadbeen
lessthanamonthsincesheandLuchadsharedabed,theacheracing
throughherafterthisonekissmadeherfeelasifithadbeenforever.She
neededthis,neededhim
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ShaylaBlack
Tearsburnedhereyesashislipsworshippedher.Therewouldbe
importanteventsintheirlivestogetherundoubtedly,theircomingchild—
andmaybeotherssomeday—butAlyssaknewdeepinhergutthatnothing
wouldevermeanmoretoherthanthismomentandtheirlove.
Whenheliftedhishead,shelookedathimandmelted.
“Ineedyou,”headmittedhoarsely.“Toloveyou.Asmuchasyou?ll
giveme.Ineedtofeelthatyou?rereallymine.Pleasesayyouwantthat,
too.”
Alyssanodded.“Ido.”
Caressinghischeek,shepressedherlipstohisandsweptintohis
mouth.Whenherewardedherwithaslowkissfullofdevotion,she
trembled.
Notevenliftinghishead,helaidheracrossthesofa,herbackwarmed
bythebutteryleatherashecoveredherbodywithhisown,wrappinghis
armsaroundher.Shefeltsafe,loved,asshesighedagainsthim,desire
growing.Hecompelledhertotouchhiminreturn—hisface,neck,taut
shouldersandback.
Softdemandfilledhisnextkiss,seemingtoreachdeepinsideofherto
embraceallofher,eventhebrokenparts.LucbroughtlighttotheplacesinhersoulthathadbeendarksinceJoshua?sattack.Hemadeherwhole
again.
Hisnextkissstartedlikegossamer,thengrewmoreurgentwithevery
brushoflips,everyswirlofhistongue,untilitwasdeep,hard,burning.
Alyssacouldn?tbreathe,couldn?tthinkofanythingbutLucandthesilent
promiseofdevotionbetweenthem.Sheopenedtohimandgavehim
everythinginsideher,securethattherewerenomoresecretsbetween
them.
DrowninginLuc?shungrykisses,shetrembledasheslowlyremoved
hertop,herjeans,herfrillyunderthings,thenspreadkissesalloverher
body.Hesuckedherachingnipples,palmedherhip,strokedherneedyclit.
Sheburned.Lucalwayshadthateffectonher.Fromthemomentthey?d
met,Luchadimpactedherasnomanhad.
Alyssawasdyingtohavethesameeffectonhim.
Withagentlenudge,shepersuadedLuctorollontohisback.Without
aword,sheremovedhisshoes,hisshirt,hispants,andeverything
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ShaylaBlack
beneath.Thenshewasstaringathisgorgeous,nakedbody,masculine
shoulders,ripplingabs,andhard,imposingcock.Sheshivered,andher
mouthwatered.
Kneelingbesidehim,shethrewherhairoveroneshoulderandbentto
him.Luctensed.Whenhertonguecurledaroundhisdick,shetastedhim,
harshandhotandsosaltymale.Thenshetookhimdeeperwithamoan.
“Sugar,yeah,”hehissed,filteringhisfingersintoherhairand
anchoringagainstherscalp.“Damn,you?reincredible.”
Sowashe.
Alyssasavoredhim,reacquaintingherselfwithhisbodyandthe
pleasuresoffeelinghimhardinhermouth.Hearchedhiships,sinkinghis
stifffleshdeeper,andshegladlytookeverylonginchofhisurgentthrusts,
lovingthefactshecouldmakehimsohot.
Momentslapsedintolongminutes.Hisneedgrew,andhebeganto
shuttleintohermouthwithdeeper,fasterstrokes,writing,moaning,
needing.Hepulsedagainsthertongue.
Thensuddenlyhecursedandstopped.
“No.”Heliftedherawayfromhimsuddenly,andhisexpressiontold
herthatherefusedtotakepleasurefromher,butinsistedonsharingit.“I
wanttobeinsideyou,sugar.”
Yes.Thesooner,thebetter
Whenherosetohiskneesandeasedhertoherback,shewentmore
thanwillingly,partingherthighsforhimwithouthesitation.Lucgroaned,
thenleanedoverher,ontopofher.Butshehesitated,holdinghimback,
pressingahandtohischest.
Theyhadonemorebridgetocross…
“Wait.I—Itrustyou.”Herwordstrembled.
Hisdarkgazecaressedherwithgratitudeandlove.“Iwouldn?thaveit
anyotherway.”
Ashetriedtoenvelopherinhisembraceagain,shestayedhimonce
more.“Luc.Itrustyouwitheverythingthatusedtoscareme.Curemeofit.
Replaceitwithsomethingbetter.”
Foramoment,histhoughtsraced;thenunderstandingdawned.
“Sugar,areyousure?Wedon?thavetodothisnow—oreverifyoudon?t
want.”
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ShaylaBlack
Alyssadidn?thesitate.“Iwantto.Please…”
Lucreachedforhisbeltandpulleditthroughtheloopsofhispants.He
secureditaroundherwristsandpulledtight,thentiltedherbodydownto
looptheotherendunderthelegofthesofa.
Herbreathcaught.Therestraintwasmoresymbolicthanbinding,but
forher,forafirststart,itwasenough.
“Areyouscared?”heasked.
Shesenthimatremuloussmile.“Notwithyou.”
“I?velovedyouforsolong.Iwouldneverhurtyou.Ever.”
Hiswhisperedvowmadeherheartbeatevenharder.“IthinkIfellin
lovewithyouthatfirstnight.AfterDekeleft,andyoumadelovetomefor
hours…Iknewtherewassomethingspecialaboutyouthatwasmeantfor
me.”
Hislipsskatedacrosshercheeks,herlips.“Iprobablyfellforyouthat
night,too.Iwasjusttoodamnscaredtoadmitit.I?msogladyouforcedme
toliveuptomyobligation,canceledmyhotelroom,andseducedme.I?m
sogladthatamiraclehappenedforus.”
Ashecaressedthetinybabybulgejuststartingtogrow,shesmiled.
“Me,too.”
Inthenextmoment,Luclodgedhimselfinthecradleofherthighsand
begantoplungeinsideherslowly,deeply.Shewaswet,eagertotake
everyhardinchofhimnow.Buthesurgedinbydegrees,maddeningly
slow,andshegaspedashiscockscrapedeverysensitivepartofherflesh
untilhefinallyburiedhimselftothehilt.
Itwasimpossibletohavehimsodeepinsideherandnotfeelpleasure
soextreme,italmostdefiedwords.Andwhatpassedbetweenthemnow
wasevenmorebreathtakingforitssheerhonestyandtenderpassion.He
unleashedafirestormofneedwithhisslowthruststhatquicklyhadher
gaspingandtighteningaroundhim.Lucbrushedherlipswithhisown,then
meldedtheirmouthstogether.Initsownway,havingherwristsboundand
beingcompletelyhelplesstoLuc?stouchwasfreeing.
She?dneverfeltmorealive.
Alyssadidn?tjustfeelLuc?spassion,buthissilentpromisetobethe
besthusbandpossibletohereachandeveryday.Itcamefromhissoulas
hedroveintoherwithmeasured,relentlessstrokesthatquicklybroughther
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ShaylaBlack
tothebrinkofablinding,breathlessorgasmthathadhertighteningher
legsaroundhimandbuckingbeneathhiminexquisitepleasure.Shouting
hername,hefollowed,emptyinghimselfdeepintoher.
“Pleasedon?teverleavemeagain,”hepantedagainstherlips.
Never.“Whateverhappensinthefuture,we?llworkitout.Ipromise.”
Lucunbeltedherwrists,thentookherhands.“Thankyouforyour
trust.”
“Thankyouforhealingme.”
Histhumbscaressedacrossherfingers;thenhelookedatherhand
andfrowned.“Where?syourweddingring?”
Aglancetoldherthathe?dnevertakenhisoff.Shebitherlip,then
fishedaroundthefloorforherjeans.Whenshefoundthem,shereached
intothepocketandpulledoutthelarge,sparklingdiamond.
Hetookitupfromherwithshakingfingersandasmile.“Mrs.
Traverson,wouldyoudomethehonorofremainingmywife?”
Asheslidtheringbackonherfinger,tearsofjoyfelldownhercheeks.
“Iwill.Always.”
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ShaylaBlack
ShaylaBlack
Theauthorofmorethantwenty-fivesizzlingcontemporary,erotic,
paranormal,andhistoricalromances,nationalbestsellingauthorShayla
Black(whoalsowritesasShelleyBradley)liveswithherhusband,her
munchkin,andoneveryspoiledcat.Inher“free”time,sheenjoysreality
TV,reading,andlisteningtoaneclecticblendofmusic.
Shehaswonorplacedinmorethanadozenwritingcontests,
includingPassionateInk?sPassionatePlume,theColoradoRomance
WritersAwardofExcellence,andtheNationalReaders?ChoiceAwards.
RomanticTimeshasawardedherTopPicks,aHistoricalK.I.S.S.Hero
Award,andanominationforBestEroticRomanceoftheYear.
Awritingrisk-taker,sheenjoystacklingwritingchallengeswithevery
book.
Visitherwebsiteatwww.shaylablack.com.
LOOKFORSHAYLABLACK?SSEXYNEWBOOK
SurrendertoMe
COMINGSOONFROMBERKLEYHEAT
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(Wicked_Lovers_3)_Black,_Shayla_-_Delicious.epub

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