Page 30 of Tempted

I don’t know…shit women usually ask for –money, jewelry, to go shopping. Then again, this is the girl whogot excited over a few books. I should have known better.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care ofit.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

“Cool. Now…your lips were doing somethingright about here…” She motions to her neck, “...that feltreallygood. So…continue.”

“Is that an order?”

“No. Just a strong request.”

I smile as she bats her lashes, feigninginnocence. The words slip out before I know what’s happening. “Comehome with me.”

“Back to the clubhouse?”

“No. To my place. I just need to holdyou.”

“Okay. I’ll get my stuff.”

Her words lift my spirit even higher. Morethan anything in the world, I want to fall asleep with her in myarms. Maybe it’s the shit day I’ve had, but she makes me forget.That’s just what I need. To forget everything that’s bad and wrongin my life. Everything that’s dark. I need her innocence. I needher to make menotfeel like an evil motherfucker. I needher to...fuck it.

I just needher.

CHAPTER 7

***Raven***

G: Don’t have too much fun without me.

I get the text while I’m doing my makeup,getting ready to go to Scythe with Chrissy. I tap out a reply andset the phone back down.

R: You don’t dance, so you’re just going tohave to deal with it.

G: As long as no one touches your sexy ass,I’m good.

R: So only ass is off-limits?

I can just imagine the vein in his foreheadpopping out. The man takes jealousy to a whole new dimension.

G: RAVEN.

R: Ooooh...all caps. You know I’m justplaying! All this sexiness is yours.

I add the little smiley with his tongue outand hit send. He replies right away.

G: Damn straight. Text me when you need me topick you up.

R: K.

I finish my makeup and slip into mymini-dress – a teal bodycon with a deep V neck and spaghettistraps, which matches the new streaks in my hair. I finish withblack, caged platform heels. I check my reflection in the mirror.Damn, I look good.Thanks to Gage. Or Papi Chulo, as Chrissynow calls him. He even paid for her outfit, too, as a birthdaypresent. After a few spritzes of perfume, I grab my clutch, jacket,phone, and the twins’ gifts, then head outside to wait for Ron. Ipass Lonnie sitting on the couch, watching TV. I don’t know what’sgot her at home tonight.

“Where you off to all dressed up?” Sheasks.

“Out.”

“Out?” She raises a brow.