Spirit of Seduction Read online

  Ryan immediately shifted his focus to Emily. He got her untied then tried to rouse her. She moaned softly and he knew she’d make it. Holding her in his arms, he called nine-one-one and cradled her until the emergency personnel arrived minutes later.

  * * * * *

  “I’m glad Arnie’s dead,” Ryan told Emily as he helped her into his truck outside the Emergency Department of Raleigh General Hospital. He’d insisted she let doctors check her out even though she’d awakened feeling fine.

  “Me, too. Now Becky can rest.” Pink and orange stripes filled the morning sky as the new day broke, filling Emily with hope, but she had no idea if Ryan would forgive her for believing that he’d killed Becky. She glanced across the seat at him and offered up a prayer that the kindness he’d showed her through the night would last.

  He caught her staring. Silently, he reached for her hand then brought it to his lips and kissed it softly. “You okay?” He pulled out of the hospital parking lot into the empty street.

  She nodded, suddenly too choked up with emotion to speak.

  “You’ll have to direct me to your place.”

  She held her breath, waiting for him to broach the subject of their relationship but he didn’t say anything. “I’m on the north side, off Creedmore Road.” She told him where to go, turn by turn until they arrived at her building.

  She led him inside. Her stomach churned as she followed him through the small apartment since he insisted on checking it out for her safety. They ended up in the bedroom.

  “This is nice.” He swept his gaze around the room. “Cozy.”

  “Do you mind waiting while I take a shower? I’m still kind of nervous to be alone.”

  He furrowed his brow then pulled her against him and wrapped his arms around her. “Who said anything about leaving you alone?”

  She allowed herself a measure of relief.

  “I could go for a shower, too. Mind if I join you?” He captured her stare and his eyes turned smoky with desire.

  Hot need suffused her insides as he rubbed his hands up and down her back. She took a step away and threaded her fingers through his. “Come on.” Pulling him behind her, she strode to the bathroom and turned on the faucet.

  Ryan’s gaze singed her skin as she stripped off her clothes and dropped them to the floor. He followed suit then took her hand as they entered the shower.

  She grabbed the soap but he took it from her.

  “Let me.” His hard arousal pressed against her belly as he washed her shoulders and back, sliding his soap-slick hands over her skin.

  She shut her eyes and gave over to the luxurious sensations. A sweet ache started in her core as he sluiced sudsy water over her hips, down her legs then back up to the juncture of her thighs. She moved her legs apart a little, just enough to allow him entry.

  He slid a finger inside her and she started rocking against him, riding his hand. He kissed her mouth, tasting and exploring. She melted into a mass of joy.

  He stroked and rubbed as if he lived in her head, knew exactly how, where and when she needed him. She teetered on the brink of ecstasy, held her breath until she fell into the depth of pleasure. Delicious pulses of bliss went on and on. Weak with euphoria, she’d have slid to the floor were it not for Ryan’s support.

  The waves subsided, leaving her weak and delirious.

  “I’m not done with you. Not by a longshot.” Ryan’s voice was a growl against her ear. He shut off the water then yanked the bath sheet off the rack and wrapped it around the two of them.

  She’d never felt so totally taken care of. She could easily get used to the luxury.

  Ryan helped Emily from the shower then lifted her into his arms.

  She laughed, a musical sound he couldn’t get enough of. “What are you doing? I’m not a damsel in distress. At least I’m not anymore.”

  He ignored her protest and brought her to the bed, set her down on the soft blue comforter. “You might still be weak from the drugs Arnie gave you.”

  A cloud of tension passed quickly over her features at his mention of Arnie. “I’m not, I’m fine. If I’m weak, it’s from…you know, that incredible orgasm you gave me.”

  He grinned. “I hope you can handle more because I plan to spend the whole day in bed with you.” He straddled her then lowered himself over her, making sure their bodies connected at all the right points.

  “Mm.” She wriggled beneath him as he trailed his tongue along her clavicle, kissed his way to her shoulder, neck and ear.

  Her flowery scent drove him wild with longing. Her lids shuttered over and her dark eyelashes fluttered. Need coiled even tighter inside him. He cupped her breast, licked the peak of the other, savoring the clean taste of her skin.

  She writhed, arched toward him, urging him on. Later he’d take his time, make love to her long and slow. But holding back now was akin to torture for him and apparently for her, too.

  He plucked the hard point into his mouth and heard her hiss in a breath. He rolled his tongue around her nipple, sucked and nipped.

  Emily lifted her hips, slid her moist sex back and forth over his length. She reached to the nightstand and grabbed a box of condoms.

  Ryan took it from her, plucked out a single packet and sheathed himself. He parted her legs with his knee then slipped inside her heat. Inch by inch, he took his pleasure and gave the same to her.

  He stroked as she danced her fingertips over his back. They moved in perfect rhythm. He fought for control until she exploded in convulsive gasps. She sank her nails into his flesh and he finally allowed himself to let go.

  He thrust hard and fast until he detonated in delight, gulping for air. A sweet flood of bliss overtook him, swamped him in perfect gratification. He closed his eyes and was gone.

  * * * * *

  Ryan woke at the sound of Emily’s voice. He peeled open his eyes then shaded them from the sunlight. Checking the clock, he realized he’d been asleep a couple hours. He followed her voice into the living room but didn’t go near her when he saw her sitting cross-legged on the wingback chair.

  “I miss you, too, Mama.” She swiped a tear off her cheek. “I’m sorry I haven’t been more in touch. But I plan to change that. Something happened recently that…that made me realize how important family is.” She nodded. “Christmas would be perfect. I’ll call you soon, I promise.”

  Ryan backed through the doorway into the bedroom, not wanting her to shorten her conversation because of him.

  “Is it okay if I bring someone with me? He’s special to me.”

  Ryan swallowed back a golf ball size lump in his throat.

  “I love you, Mama.”

  He climbed back into her bed and waited for her to come in.

  Moments later, she joined him under the covers, sliding into the crook of his arm where she fit as if she was made for the spot. “Hey.”

  “Hey.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “I know I’m making a lot of assumptions here, but how would you feel about coming to New Orleans with me for Christmas? We can check out the French Quarter and—”

  He touched a finger to her lips and pulled her closer. “Yes.”

  She widened her eyes.

  “I’d love to go. I have no family holding me here for the holidays so a trip would be great.”

  He gave her a soft kiss. “I want to be where you are.”

  Her expression relaxed and she snuggled against him. “I want that too, Ryan.”

  “Now that that’s settled, I think we should concentrate on getting to know each other better.” He propped himself on one elbow, facing her and stroked a finger over the curve of her shoulder. “Beginning right now.”

  About the author

  Wynter Daniels lives in Central Florida with her husband of more than twenty years and their two nearly grown children. They are all the slaves of two very demanding cats. After careers in marketing and the salon industry, Wynter’s wicked prose begged to be set free. She loves to hear from readers, but
only if it’s good!

  Find Wynter at her website or on Facebook.