Page 131 of Awakened by Sin

“And you have experience with this?”

“I don’t have time for relationships, which only leaves one-night stands or friends with benefits.”

“Which do you prefer?”

He looked up. “Friends with benefits.”

She considered him for a long minute. “I’m open to that.”

“Good because that’s what I can give you. I don’t have time for a relationship.”

“I’m not looking for one.” That was the last thing she needed while she was trying to put herself back together.

“Then maybe we can help each other out.” He spread her legs and stared down at her bare pussy. “You’ve been playing hell with my concentration at work.”

He leaned down and licked her. She groaned and reached up to grip the cabinets as his tongue slid through her folds. He went deep, and her head kicked back. She thought she was having a visit from God, but it was just the blinding track lights.

“Marcus,” she moaned.

He straightened. “You want me to get a condom?”

“No.”

He captured her lips as he slid inside her. He watched her, green eyes burning and bright.

“I’ve been craving you,” he husked.

“Crave away,” she panted.

His tongue slid into her mouth, and she clutched him as he overloaded her senses. When he pounded into her, she couldn’t concentrate on the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight. His head tipped back as he came. He slumped against her, and she took his weight.

“I’m loving this friend thing,” she said.

He let out a breathless laugh and kissed her neck. “Me too, but I have to go to work.”

They cleaned up the kitchen, and he showed her how to use the security system. She went into the bedroom with him and cleaned up while he morphed into the slick COO of Pyre Casinos. She slid beneath the covers and eyed him appreciatively.

“I’ll tell Frederick or Mickey to get you clothes for tomorrow,” Marcus said.

“You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” She yawned.

He kissed her forehead. “You’ll stay here?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I want to know you’re safe.” His hand slipped beneath the cover and smoothed over her naked skin. “You need anything, you call me.”

“I will.”

He kissed her and left. The smell of classy sin hung in the air. She turned on her side and hugged his pillow to her chest. Everything would be okay. It would all work out. For the first time in years, she caught a glimpse of her future, and it looked promising.

17

“What the hell, Carmen?”Lyla demanded.

“Hey, girl, what’s up?”

“What’s up?” Lyla repeated in a dangerous tone. “What’s up is you haven’t been answering my calls for three days. What’s up is Gavin told me you took out the leader of a biker gang, and Angel got shot.What’s upis you’re now a target. What the hell?”