Page 40 of Color of Love

“Of course, where are my manners?” she sighed, and at her change of attitude, he narrowed his eyes warily. She went over to her desk and sat down, putting plenty of distance between them. She opened her bottom drawer and pulled out the magazine she kept in there and started flicking through it. She refused to look at him for the rest of the session.

The room was silent, so silent she could hear the rasp of his beard as he ran his hand over his jaw. She waited him out, right until the end. When their session was over, she expected him to leave but he surprised her by getting up and strolling over to her, so slowly, lazily, like he had all the time in the world.

He didn’t stop until he was uncomfortably close, but she refused to move back or acknowledge him. He bent down, and out of the corner of her eye she saw he was looking at her magazine. It was only then that she realized she had flicked onto a lingerie page.

He shifted next to her and then he was at her ear, his lips closing around the lobe, running his teeth over it. She gasped in pleasure, unable to hold back and he chuckled, the sound smothering her, drowning her in desire. His big hand flattened on her magazine, his finger tapping the orange bra and panty set displayed.

“That’s what I want to see you in when you give yourself to me. Because you will, Justine,” he said, his voice hoarse, the sound reverberating through her bones. He nibbled her ear again and then before she could respond he was walking out the door, whistling like he hadn’t a care in the world.

*

She needed to get laid, it was as simple as that. It was the only way to forget about Blake and to be able to move on and treat him properly and effectively. The only way to get him out of her damn head. If she got rid of her virginity, then she wouldn’t need to make a deal with him so he would have to open up and let her treat him, right?

In their group chat, Taylor mentioned there would be another Ladies’ Night on Friday, which Justine couldn’t be more grateful for. She was so relieved she could go and find a man to throw herself at, beg him to take her to bed if necessary. She cringed at how desperate that seemed, but she was desperate because she needed to get Blake out of her mind, so she would stop aching for him. The man who was all wrong for her yet seemed sooo right.

Ever since he came to town, she had struggled with naughty thoughts and dirty urges. Watching him strut around in his leather jacket, with that damn beard, his stupid, big muscles and perma-frown constantly on display, like the rebellious bad boy he was, took its toll on a woman. There was only so much more she could take.

She was so close to giving in. She had avoided him since their session on Wednesday morning, knowing that he only needed to breathe in her direction, and she would scream “TAKE ME!” Which was why she found herself pulling up at the Rusty Bucket Inn on Friday night, ready to meet a man. Come on Mr. Right, hurry up, I’m begging you!

She reapplied her lipstick, peering in her rear-view mirror, brushing her long hair until it crackled with electricity. She looked down at her outfit, giving herself another once over, her orange crop top and dark blue jeans looked casual but nice. She was ready. She got out of her car and started walking towards the bar. The evening breeze teasing her skin, the scent of pine trees drifting by. She inhaled deeply, the scent calming her. Wait a minute, pine trees and…spices?

“What are you doing here tonight, Justine?” His deep voice, right in her ear. She yelped in surprise and spun around, her hair tangling around her face in the breeze. She came face to face with Blake, his silver eyes glittering down at her in the moonlight, promising her countless wicked nights. She looked around before glaring back at him.

“Are you stalking me?” she demanded.

“Just following up a lead,” he shrugged.

“And what lead is that?”

“Police business,” he said, his mouth kicked up on one side and drew her attention. His lips looked so soft, surrounded by that dark beard that would abrade her skin so perfectly. She scowled. This was exactly why she was here tonight. The plan was to find a man, have sex, forget about Blake. Three steps, very clear, very simple, very doable. It was a solid plan.

“See you later, Blake.” She spun on her heel and marched towards the bar. She felt his heat before his touch. He wrapped his hand around her arm.

“Don’t set foot in that bar, Justine.”

“Don’t tell me what to do, cabrón! I’m a single woman and I will do whatever the fuck I want!” she shouted at him.

“Fine, I’m not telling you, I’m…” he gritted his teeth and looked away. “I’m asking you.”

She glared up at him.

“Come with me,” he said, dragging her around the side of the bar and away from prying eyes. He pushed her against the wall, bringing his arms up and caging her in.

“What are you doing?” she spluttered.

“Stopping you from making a huge mistake,” he murmured, peering down at her, every inch the devil in disguise.

“I’m a big girl, I can make my own decisions. I manage it just fine on a daily basis without needing you to step in,” she countered.

“This is a decision you would have regretted, trust me.”

“Oh yeah, because you know me so well from all our in-depth chats,” she replied tartly.

“I know what you want, and I know I’m the only person who can give it to you. I can give you what you need,” he taunted her, teased her. Offering her paradise like the snake offered Eve the apple.

“Say yes,” he whispered. Her eyes flew to his and for the first time she saw the need banked in them. He was on the edge, could he want this as much as she did? She thought he was just playing a game but now she wasn’t so sure.

“I can’t, you know I can’t and there’s nothing you can do to convince me,” she gritted out. She immediately knew she said the wrong thing as determination lined his hard features.

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