6. Audrina
6
AUDRINA
His words
The gruffness in his voice.
The way his eyes penetrated mine, the racing of my heart that I can’t slow down, even now, tells me all I need to know.
All day I’ve been on tenterhooks, trying my hardest to concentrate on everything Luna was showing me, but my head was somewhere else. And then there’s the embarrassment I felt after realizing that West was telling the truth.
I fear I probably look stupid now in his eyes. And I don’t know what came over me; I just saw red. Or should I say green? Green with envy because I thought Cherise had shared his bed and I wanted it to be me.
I so badly wanted it to be me.
It has been so long since I felt the warmth of a man’s touch. A man who desired me. I’ve also never had a man who was so possessive of me and my body that he wouldn’t want anyone else to even look at me. I feel all of that with him. After what happened at the café with the shooting, everything changed. I saw him in a whole different light. Long gone was the happy-faced, handsome man that I called my boss, only to be replaced with a badass, brawling protector called Hustler. And I can’t stop thinking about it.
Even when Eli takes my hand as we cross the road toward Faux Paws, I’m still thinking about it. The way his deep, dark voice rumbled through his chest as I digested his words. Words whispered, so nobody else could hear. The relief I felt knowing that he hadn’t slept with her surprised me. This only proved to remind me why not taking the lead can be a bad thing. Sometimes men are just clueless. Then again, I definitely don’t want a repeat of my ex-husband either; not that I want to bring him up, but I’ve got nothing to compare other men to. John is all I know; correction, all I used to know.
“Can we pet all the puppies?” Eli asks enthusiastically.
“I think the puppies might be going to sleep for the night,” I say, hoping that will suffice as an explanation. “But we’ll see when we get there, okay, sweetie?”
“Okay!”
Eli is an easy kid; then again, he’s a little older than Ade and Caprice. It’s always nice when you can hold a conversation. Eli loves to tell me all about his day and what he’s been doing. He’s a very bright child, loves to paint, and uses his hands to make things. It reminds me of Asher at his age, though my son broke every limb in his body from jumping off things when my back was turned. We had more trips to the ER than I can poke a stick at. According to him though, he had the best childhood ever.
Lucie greets us inside. Thanks to the MC, who injected a lot of cash into helping the organization, the place looks amazing. They did a complete overhaul with the help of Deanna, and now people come from far and wide to adopt instead of shopping. I’ve always liked the idea of getting a dog, but I’ll admit, I wanted to wait until I got my own place. I don’t want to invite a dog into my son’s house, even though I know he’d be fine with it, and I also wouldn’t want to leave a puppy by itself while I go to work.
“Who have we got here?” She puts her hands on her hips, and Eli gives her a mighty wave.
“I’m Eli!”
“Hi, Eli, my name is Lucie.”
“Can we see the puppies?” Are the first words out of his mouth.
She smiles. “I’ve only got a couple at the moment, and we’re having an open house this weekend, so all of the dogs will be getting baths this week and groomed,” she tells us. “Not that some of them are thrilled about the bath part.”
“That’s great news!” I say. “If you need a hand, I don’t have anything on this weekend; Luna mentioned it to me earlier.”
“Any help would be amazing,” Lucie says. “We have more dogs arriving from across town, so all hands on deck to get as many adopted as we can.”
“That’s fantastic!” I beam.
“Maybe Dad will let me get a puppy?” Eli looks up at me with bright eyes.
I ruffle his hair. “Well, I don’t know about that, but it’ll still be nice to see all the dogs and cats go to good homes.”
Lucie hands me a key. “I’m so grateful you’re able to lock up for me.”
“It’s no problem at all.”
Behind us the door jangles, and we turn to see West walk in. Eli is already over at one of the cat cages, poking his finger in.
“Careful,” I tell him. “Don’t want him to nibble that finger.”
“Hello,” Lucie says warmly.
“Hi,” West says, then points to me. “I’m with them.”
“Oh, sorry. I was just thanking your wife here for helping out in a jam, saved my bacon.”
West goes to open his mouth, and I can’t deny the thrill that runs through me when I hear her words. Your wife.
He doesn’t correct her. He doesn’t freaking correct her!
“Oh, he’s, uh, a friend,” I garble.
Lucie’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh.” And I know what she’s thinking as I drink West in.
You have a friend who looks like that?
Out of work he looks larger than life, and he’s now wearing his MC cut with his riding boots. Talk about bad ass. His lopsided grin is infectious as Lucie smiles back. Uh, huh. He has that effect on all women.
“Hey Eli!” West calls.
“Hi Hustler!” Eli calls back.
“Lucie, this is West, also known as Hustler with the NOLA Rebels MC.”
“Pleased to meet you.” She beams.
He smiles back, but his eyes flick to mine. “Anythin’ you need me to do?”
I don’t know why he’s asking me; it’s not really my jurisdiction.
“Um, Lucie just said we need to lock up soon and just make sure everything’s secure,” I say. “Is there anything else?”
“Kylie had to leave earlier, and I couldn’t quite get the large dog food bags from out back where the driver delivered them, would you mind?” Lucie is giving him her own version of puppy dog eyes, and I’m starting to realize that West will attract flirtation no matter what. He just has that aura about him, and that handsome face seems to make all women swoon.
“Of course,” he says. “Happy to help.” He shrugs off his cut, and I almost crumple into a heap when he hangs it on the back of a nearby chair, and he’s only wearing a tight short-sleeved Henley. I’ve seen his array of tattoos before when he wore short sleeves, and that one time his shirt was wide open, but there’s something about the way the material clings to his body.
My libido, once again goes into overdrive, and I’m powerless to stop it.
“Do you need a hand?” I blurt.
He turns to look at me over his shoulder. “I’m good, thank you.”
I try, and fail, not to drop my gaze to his ass as he walks away.
I don’t have to pay women to sleep with me.
I was going to invite you up...
The only woman I’m interested in is you.
His words penetrate my force field, not that I ever had one, not where he’s concerned, but my actions today only proved to myself — and him — that I’m in deeper than I thought. I don’t just like the fact he’s not into women in their twenties; I love it. I want to swim in that feeling that’s washing over me right now and never let it go. I feel giddy, like a teenager all over again.
I can’t even imagine going up to his place. Was he really going to invite me upstairs? I’ve never been up to his apartment, and while he has been to my son’s house and had dinner with us, it’s always been a family occasion when the club members are over, or Priest and Bella and little Jack.
“I’ve got about ten minutes before I have to go,” Lucie says.
“If it’s okay, I’ll just give West a hand?” I reply.
She nods. “Sure, I’ll keep watch on the little guy.”
“Thank you.”
I head out after West. The back area is larger than it looks from the front, and there’s a decent amount of storage. Sure enough, on the step at the backdoor are large boxes of goods for the dogs. West lifts one with ease over his shoulder, his muscles rippling as I try not to stare. I mean, I knew he was in good shape, but this is ridiculous. The man is a machine.
His gaze meets mine as he moves into the pantry. “Do you need a hand?” I ask, knowing that there’s no way I’d be even attempting to lift a bag that big by myself. I could maybe drag it across the room.
“I’m good, sweetheart.”
“Are you sure, they look heavy?”
His lips twitch. “I lift at the gym; this is nothing.”
“I’ve been thinking about taking up classes at the gym,” I tell him.
“Oh?”
“Pilates, I do it at home on my yoga mat, but a couple of the girls from the club go to reformer class; it looks complicated.”
“Some of the equipment can look a little intimidating.”
“And the bodybuilders that insist on standing in front of the mirrors, grunting.”
He laughs. “Grunting?”
I roll my eyes. “It’s like they have something to prove.”
“They probably do, aside from their own egos.”
“What do you do to stay in such good shape?”
He’s onto his third haul, and he’s not even breaking a sweat. “I hate cardio and think it should be outlawed. I use a medicine ball, do my own squats and lunges with free weights, and use machines like leg curls and bench press. I like to mix it up.” His biceps bulge as he passes me with another load. “You know, I don’t know how the girls lift these heavy boxes normally; I may need to volunteer my time so nobody gets hurt.”
I smile. “Tag is usually the go-to guy for lifting.”
“Huh.”
“But I’m sure the more, the merrier where volunteers are concerned. I’m going to volunteer my time; who knows, I might even find a furry companion.”
He stops after the fourth box lands on top of the last. “You’re thinkin’ of gettin’ a dog?”
I shrug. “It’d be good, I think, but maybe not a puppy because it wouldn’t be fair with my job and I couldn’t be home all the time to take care of him or her.”
“What you need is a lap dog then, or a cat; they’re low maintenance,” he says.
My heart races at our close proximity. “Did you mean what you said earlier?”
He cocks a brow. “Which part?”
“Never mind.” Why am I being so forward?
“Audrina.” I like how his voice rumbles my name.
“Not paying for women, and inviting me up to your place and...” I trail off, realizing I’m babbling.
His voice dips. “Do you like the idea of me only bein’ attracted to you?” Holy shit, he’s flirting, and he’s oh, so good at it.
I bite my lip, nodding. “Yes,” I breathe.
He reaches out, freeing my lip as he moves closer, his hand gripping my chin. “You’ve no idea what that does to me, My Little Peach.”
My eyes go round. “Your...”
“ Little Peach, ” he breathes. “I think it suits you.”
“Why do you think I’m a peach?”
He grins, moving to the side of my neck, his breath tickling my skin as I shiver. “Why do you think?”
“Uh, because peaches are sweet? I guess...”
“Holy fuck, Audrina, what I’d do to your peach, baby.”
My blood feels like lava in my veins—red hot and about to boil. My nipples pebble, and I feel the dull ache.
My mouth is dry and I can barely form words, except to gasp, “Language, West.”
He chuckles. “You pretend you don’t like it, don’t you, sweetheart? But I’d bet you’d enjoy some of my dirty talk.”
I swallow hard. Yes. Yes, I would.
“I’m also glad I’m back to bein’ West again,” he goes on. “Though, I can be Hustler when you need me to be.”
I run a hand up his bicep because it is just begging for attention, as is the pulsing between my legs that knocks me off guard. I’m lusting for him. I need him like I need oxygen. I need to see and feel exactly what he’s going to do to me and my peach... Jesus, this man isn’t real.
“Where would I need you to be Hustler?” My words feel foreign, like they belong to someone else.
And his voice... it’s so dark and captivating. So raw. It sends tingles down my spine when he says, “In the bedroom, Audrina, exactly where I want you.”
I grip his bicep, and his mouth hovers close to mine. I breathe him in; all of him and I let out a small mewl when he cups one side of my face. “That’s... direct.”
He chuckles again. “I’m through dancin’ around this. We’ve been playin’ this game for a while now, haven’t we? And I know I need to communicate better, so this is me doin’ just that. We connect on an emotional level, but also a physical one, too. I want you, Audrina, not just as a friend. I want you in my bed.”
My entire body could set alight as my cheeks flush with embarrassment and I drop my gaze. Immediately, I feel his fingers lifting my chin back up, so I’m forced to meet his eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
I shake my head. “Nothing.”
He does that one eyebrow-raising thing, and it’s so freaking hot. “Honesty, remember?”
I take a breath, his warm touch sending tingles all over my body. “I... I haven’t been with another man since my ex-husband.”
“I kinda figured.”
I sigh. “Am I that transparent?”
His lopsided grin is sexy as he shakes his head. “No, but you’re not like any other woman I’ve ever met; that’s why I like you.”
“This is a bad idea.”
His finger traces along my jaw and down my pulse point as I practically melt into a puddle on the floor. “Why?”
“We work together,” I whisper.
“So? It could be our little secret.”
“You really didn’t sleep with her, did you?” I can barely get the words out, but I need to be sure.
His eyes are sincere when his eyebrows knit together. “Not even close, sweetheart. I also don’t lie. I’m embarrassed to admit I’m behind on my housework, and I usually clean myself, but she was after some extra cash and?—”
I put a finger up to his lips to stop him from talking. “I believe you.”
He moves his head slightly, the tip of my finger between his lips as they part and he bites down gently. I feel it between my legs. I feel all of him. I need to be touched. The need is embedded so deep inside I’m almost dizzy.
“Have you ever let a man taste you?” he breathes.
Oh... what does he mean? As in... orally?
“I— uh.” I look down. “West, I can’t answer questions like that.”
This makes him smile. “You’re right, I should take you out to dinner at least three times before we even get into sexual innuendo.”
“It’s the polite thing to do; loosen me up with a glass of wine before I spill all my secrets.”
He’s still toying with my finger as it slips into his mouth and he sucks. I stare at him dumbfounded. He grins when he pulls it out. “I’ll look forward to hearing some of them. How about I cook you dinner?”
“I’d like that,” I say, far too quickly.
“What do you like to eat?”
Uh, you?
“I like anything really, but I don’t eat a lot of meat.”
“Oh, I’m sure we can change all of that.”
My eyes go wide again, and I slap his arm playfully as he laughs. “You just love shocking me, don’t you?” My cheeks heat imagining West’s perfect penis; there’s no doubt it would be because the rest of him is. Then imagining it in my mouth almost sends me into a spin.
“I admit, I get a thrill out of it,” he says.
“You like teasing me?”
“I do, but I’m not going to kiss you right now.”
“Why not?” I know I’m practically panting, but I’m past the point of caring.
“Because we’ve not gone on a date yet, and despite what you may think, I can be a gentleman.”
The next words out of my mouth surprise me. “What if I don’t want you to be?”
His gaze darkens, his eyes dipping to my mouth. “Don’t tempt me, Peaches, because I might just bend you over that bench and show you what you’ve been missin’ out on all this time.”
My lips part. He.Did.Not.
I don’t even know who I am anymore. Lust swirls around me like a dust storm, ready to engulf me as I fall under his spell. I know he’s seducing me, and I really don’t mind one little bit.
My nipples pebble, imagining him doing exactly that, taking me from behind as we screw like maniacs. Me because I’m deprived, and West because he can’t get enough of me.
It’s not lost on me we went from zero to a hundred and now we’re talking about sex out in the open. I mean, we are adults after all. I’ve clearly never had a relationship based on sex, and I’m opening up to the idea as every minute passes. Then again, I’ve known West for over a year. I feel comfortable with him. I’m attracted to him, and yes, I like his filthy mouth.
“Are those your parting words?” I tease.
He presses his forehead against mine, and I wish he’d close the gap and just kiss me already. I need to feel what his lips feel like against mine. If his beard is soft or rough. If he uses tongue or not...
“No, these are.” He dips his head once more to my ear. “If you trust me with your body, Audrina. I will take you to heaven and back. Do you hear me?” My Little Peach.
I like this side of him. I like him domineering, in control, but also gentle at the same time.
I nod, unable to squeak out a response.
“Are you wet?”
Oh, my... we can’t... we can’t talk like this!
“So wet,” I all but groan.
“I want those fuckin’ panties, and I’m gonna own them the next time we’re alone together.”
My head spins with his dirty talk. He wants my panties? It occurs to me that my panties may be a trophy to him, but I’m past the point of caring about that. Imagining me and West in bed together does things to me that shake my soul to the very core. I want it to be with him. I want him to be the one to drag me out of the no-sex slump I’ve been in the past two years.
I bite my lip again, and this time he looks like he’s about to devour my mouth, but he winces as we both hear Lucie’s voice calling out. “Hey, guys! I’m just about to get going...”
We spring apart, and West runs a hand through his hair as I step back. “Coming!” I yell back. I don’t miss the lopsided grin West gives me, full of innuendo.
“When?” I breathe. “When am I coming to dinner?”
He grins. “Tomorrow night too soon?”
I shake my head. Not soon enough. “Sounds like a date.”
“If you stand me up, I know where you live.”
“Oh, I know you know where I live.”
His eyes twinkle, and I have no idea how I manage to keep standing. This man makes me weak at the knees. “I like to make sure you’re safe.”
My heart feels like it’s going to explode out of my chest, the blood pounding in my ears, that I may need a cold shower when I get home. “It’s you, isn’t it, that idles by the curb?”
He taps his nose. “We better get out there before Lucie comes looking for us.”
He never answers the question, but I know it’s him, just like I’ve always known this moment would happen.
And now it finally is.