Page 630 of Hell Hath No Fury
“I’ll take that as a yes,” he says with a wide grin.
I wet my lips and dart my eyes back up to his. Words don’t form immediately because I’m speechless for the first time in—well, ever. “You’re cocky,” I blurt out after a brief pause.
“Nah.” He sets his glass down and scoots closer to me. “I just know when there’s an attraction brewing.”
I stare at him for a moment, then follow his lead, closing the last bit of distance between us. “Is there?” I smugly question.
My hand goes to my hip as we stare into each other’s eyes. We stay this way for a long moment as if we’re challenging each other to be the first to cave.
I win.
Kareem takes a deep breath around the laugh he’s trying hard to hide by turning his head.
“What brings you here alone? By the number of drinks you’ve had, I’d say a man has pissed you off.”
My brows raise, and I tilt my head at this statement. “Very observant. But yes, I have a sexist asshole for a boss. Why are you here alone?”
“Ooo, he must have struck a pretty big nerve,” he says, then answers my question. “I’m new in town and don’t know anyone. Well, I hope that changes tonight.” Kareem’s eyes travel the length of my frame.
I don’t know what overcomes me. I certainly didn’t come here to hook up with someone, but Kareem changes things. Now I’m contemplating crossing that bridge.
Is that his angle—picking up a pissed-off and lonely woman at the bar? Does batting those thick eyelashes and flashing thatyes, I’ll have your babiessmile always get him what he wants?
See!
Alcohol,him, and the wrenching desire to do dirty, dirty things are a potent combination. So, I’ll leave. Yep, that’s it, or I’ll definitely make bad decisions tonight.
I thank him for the drink and close out my tab. I’ve been here long enough, and if I stay any longer, I’ll need help to stand. After paying and tipping, I stand and pass him a polite smile, and turn on my heel for the exit. Kareem grabs my wrist, gently twirling me to face him again.
My chest crashes with his as his hand snakes around me and rests at the small of my back. The fluttering of my heart has to be noticeable to him because I hear every beat in the hollows of my ears. Our mouths are so close I smell the whiskey on his breath.
“Come home with me. Allow me to work out whatever frustration you’re feeling right now,” Kareem says while licking his lips and gazing into my eyes.
Unable to respond with words, I fight through a gasp.Maybe he’s right?It’s been a while since I’ve had that kind of pleasure. I press my lips together and nod at his invitation. Kareem grins, and I can’t help the surge of arousal flooding my veins when he does.
God, I’m going to regret this,I think to myself.
“Do you need to say goodbye to anyone?”
I shake my head.
Kareem’s gaze drops to my collarbone, where he runs the back of his hand along my neck’s curvature. “All right, let’s go.”
Before I can answer, he leans in, taking my face between his palms and devouring my mouth with his. A soft moan sneaks out of me, and he smiles against my lips. We separate only long enough for him to take my hand and pull me toward the exit. I keep up with his strides, working to settle the excitement building in my gut.Or is it my nerves?Either way, I make a mental note to ping my location to my friends.
* * *
Kareem
If I’d known I’d get this lucky, I would have moved to town ages ago. I watched Rylan from across the lounge, desperately wanting to talk to her but unsure if she’d be interested. She seemed to be in deep thought, and her body language screamed tense. But when she failed to get the bartender’s attention, I saw that as my shot, and I’m glad I took it.
The Uber pulls up just in time, and I hold the door open for her. I slide in next, wanting to kiss again, but not like this. I’ll have my time to cherish her beautiful plump lips, and besides, once I start, I won’t be able to stop.
And even though we just met, I’m stingy with the things I want, so I’ll be damned if this random-ass driver gets a free show. Plus, the way she carries herself, with her head held high and the stylish yet sophisticated clothing, tells me she’s too classy for that. But I make no mistake in reading the lust behind her eyes. Rylan may be a lady, but there’s undoubtedly a side many don’t see often.
We arrive in front of my building in downtown Atlanta, and I waste no time rushing us to the front entrance and over to the elevator. Rylan skips alongside me to keep up with my long strides. She’s a petite woman, the top of her head stopping just under my chin. I love my women short. There’s nothing sexier to me than looking down into her eyes.
The moment we’re safe behind the walls of my one-bedroom condo, I get to work. We don’t even make it all the way in before I pull her flush to me and press her back against the door. My hands roam her body as her arms wrap around my neck.
