Chapter 26
Robyn
I close my laptop and push it to the side of my desk. I roll my shoulders a few times.
I check my cellphone for the tenth time in the last hour, and there are no missed calls or messages. My shift is over.
Where the hell is Ridge?
Is he even coming back?
He might have changed his mind.
And honestly, who could blame him?
It would be for the best. This arrangement is risky. I won’t say that I’m not disappointed because I am, but it’s better this way. He probably gave it some thought and decided to step away. I hope he doesn’t get into trouble.
I stare at the dark screen of my phone for a few moments longer. Then I put it in my purse.
I sigh and start gathering my things. Lastly, I grab my jacket off the back of the chair and walk out.
Carla is still at her desk, typing. She looks up when she hears me coming, and her eyes move past my shoulder to where Brutus and Smoke are following me. They’re both nice enough and professional, but I’m already sick of having two shadows everywhere I go.
Smoke goes to the elevator, waiting for me, and Brutus lags behind, giving me some space. They’re both trying to be discreet, but it isn’t really working.
“And?” Carla asks. “Have you heard anything?”
I shake my head.
“Not a word?” She’s asking about Ridge. I told her what happened earlier, in a hushed five-minute summary in the supply closet.
“Nope.” I shake my head. “Nothing.”
She wrinkles her nose. “Do you think he’s still going to excuse himself?”
I shrug. “I have no idea, and it’s not something I’m going to dwell on, either. I’m going home. You should go too.”
“I’m right behind you. Just getting this order ready for your signature in the morning.”
“Okay, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You know it.” She smiles up at me, and her face softens. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I wave a hand, and I mean it too. I am absolutely perfect. I just want to know what the deal is, that’s all. I want to know where I stand. I hate being in the dark. “See you tomorrow.”
“Okay…bye. You’ve got this,” she says after me. “Have a nice evening. You too, Brutus and Smoke.”
I look back, and she’s waving at the guys.
Brutus waves back as he passes her desk.
The guys fall in behind me. At least the protests were peaceful today. There were smaller crowds and less commotion.
I get into my car and pull out of the lot. The black SUV pulls in behind me. Brutus is driving, with Smoke in the passenger seat.
They stay right on my tail until I pull into the underground garage of my building. I park.
The SUV pulls into the bay beside mine.
I get out.
Brutus jumps out of the driver’s side and heads for the front of the building. Smoke comes around the back of the SUV and follows me, trailing a little behind.
I turn to look at him. He’s taller than Brutus by half a head.
“Surely you guys should be done for the day?”
He looks at his watch. “I still have just over an hour left of my shift.”
“And have you had any word as to who is replacing you?”
“No, ma’am. I will wait for orders.”
“Okay, then.”
I push the elevator call button, and we go up to my floor.
I walk down the hallway, and Smoke follows me. I unlock my door and turn to face him.
“Thank you. I’ve got it from here.”
“I’ll be right here, if you need me, Dr. Keller.” He smiles at me.
“Good night.” I nod, and I push the door open and step inside.
I drop my bag on the side table and kick off my shoes, leaving them where they fall in the entryway. I walk through the apartment, turning on lamps as I go.
In the bedroom, I take off my work clothes, put my hair into a bun on the top of my head, and jump into the shower. I get out, towel off, then I pull on a pair of soft pajama shorts and a thin cotton tank, leaving my hair up.
I’ve just seasoned a few chicken pieces and stuck them in the oven when my doorbell rings.
I look at the clock on the wall. It’s more than likely Smoke’s replacement, and he wants to introduce himself to me. Or maybe he wants to use the bathroom or something.
I wipe my hands and walk to the door.
I take a step back when I see Ridge filling my doorway. He’s in his suit sans a tie. He has this shadow of stubble on his face. His jaw is set, and his eyes are smoldering.
He looks angry. His whole body is tense.
For a second, I forget how to speak.
“Hi,” he says. “Are you going to let me in?”
Shit!
“Um…of course. It’s just that I’d almost given up on you,” I tell him. “I’m a little shocked to see you.” I try to look outside. “Is Smoke still here?”
“I sent them home. I’m on duty.” He glances back. “I thought we had an arrangement.” His voice is rough. “One I plan to make good on.”
I lick my lips and step back.
He steps forward and kicks the door closed behind him without taking his eyes off mine. Then his hands are on me, one at my waist and one at my jaw, and his mouth is on mine, hard and hot.
I groan, grabbing onto his shoulders and then sliding my fingers into his hair. He grabs my ass in both his hands and pulls me against him.
His fingers find the hem of my tank, and he tugs. I lift my arms so that he can pull it over my head.
He goes still for a second. I watch his eyes drop to my chest, and his whole face changes. A growl rolls out of him, low and short, and it does something to me at the back of my knees.
There is this throb that has started up between my legs. I feel myself go a little wet.
“So, we’re really doing this?” I ask.
“Oh, yes,” he says. His voice is dark. “Would you like me to fuck you in your bedroom, on the dining room table, bent over that sofa…” He nods in the direction of the living room. “Or right here on the floor?”
“We can start on the table and go from there.”
“Perfect, since I plan on eating you out.”
My pussy floods. It’s probably a good thing I’m not wearing panties.
“Bareback, or would you like me to wear a condom? I came prepared this time. Then again, you do have a box of banana-flavored condoms.” He throws me a half-smile that makes my brain short-circuit for a moment.
“Um…” I give a silly giggle. “I’m good with bareback, if you are?”
He growls and picks me up, walking me over to the table. His eyes are on mine; they’re a stormy green.
“Your eyes change color; did you know that?” My face heats. “Of course you know that. Sorry, I…I think it’s interesting. I’ve never seen anything like them…that’s all.”
He puts me on the table.
“Lift your ass.”
I do as he asks, and he peels my shorts off.
“I got them from my mother. My eyes, that is. She had them too. Lie back and open wide for me.”
I do as he asks, and he goes straight for gold and suckles on my clit. My back bows, and I make this noise from deep in my throat.
I’m not going to last.