Den Of Desire Read online

  Better than anything had in a long time.

  The sound of the phone ringing made her frown.

  She was on a roll.

  She wasn't going to stop.

  But when she heard Lexi's voice on her answering machine, she bolted across the room to grab the receiver.

  “Lexi?”

  “Hey, girl, did you forget that you were meeting me for breakfast this morning?” she chided.

  Mara's gaze flew to the clock. “Shit!”

  “Exactly. Look, meet me at Pere Antoine's in half an hour and I'll forgive you.”

  “I'm sorry. I'll be there. I promise.”

  After throwing on some clothes and doing a quick makeup job, she headed over to the restaurant. Lexi had already chosen a table by the window. She waved when Mara came in. Mara fell into the chair across from her.

  “I already ordered some coffee for you,” Lexi explained.

  “Thanks,” she replied, a little breathless from the walk.

  Lexi's eyebrows rose as she pinned Mara with an inquisitive stare. “So?”

  Mara avoided her gaze. “So, what?” she asked.

  Lexi let out a huff of aggravation. “So, what happened to you last night? I looked all over for you.”

  She ran a hand through her hair. “I'm sorry. I decided to leave a little early.”

  Lexi wrinkled her nose. “Did you freak out?” she inquired.

  Mara couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her mouth. “No, I didn't freak out,” she assured Lexi.

  Lexi leaned across the table to stare at her, her eyebrows drawing together. “So?”

  She hesitated for a minute before answering. “I had fun.”

  Lexi's eyes narrowed. “Fun, huh?”

  The waiter appeared at their side, but Lexi waved him off.

  She frowned. “Why did you do that?”

  Lexi leaned back in her chair, her gaze focused on Mara. “Because we're not going to eat anything until you tell me what happened.”

  Mara felt color rush into her cheeks. “I had a good time. That's all,” she muttered.

  “A good time? Mara, a lot of people have been to the club, and I doubt that any of them would describe it as simply a ‘good time,'” she chided.

  She tilted her head to the side, her eyes boring into Mara's.

  Mara shifted uneasily in her chair.

  Lexi's eyes widened. “Come to think of it, you look like a woman who recently had sex.”

  Mara flushed.

  Lexi leaned across the table, her eyes widening. “You did have sex!”

  She took a sip of water, nearly choking as it stuck in her throat. “It's not a big deal, Lexi,” she protested.

  Lexi's mouth fell open. “Not a big deal? Spill it now before I beat it out of you,” she ordered.

  Mara let out a sigh. “Okay, I had sex last night,” she admitted.

  “With?”

  “Joe Gates. Are you happy?” she spat.

  Lexi's smile stretched across her face. “Ecstatic! How was he?” she asked, her eyes lit with excitement.

  Color crept into her cheeks. “Lexi, I don't think he would appreciate me telling you every detail,” she reminded.

  “Well, it's your choice. But I have to warn you that if you don't give me details, you don't eat.”

  “What?” Mara choked.

  Lexi held up her hands. “Look, I don't make the rules,” she joked.

  Mara shook her head at her friend's weak attempt at humor. “Fine. What do you want to know?”

  Lexi's eyes sparkled. “First, where?”

  “In the back hallway,” she divulged.

  Lexi's eyebrows rose. “The back hallway. So, it was the ‘I can't wait. I've gotta have you right now’ kind of sex. Yummm,” she said, her gaze drifting off for a minute before returning to Mara.

  At Mara's stoic silence, she continued.

  “Well, how was it?” she prodded.

  “It was fine.”

  Lexi wrinkled her nose. “Fine?” she mimicked.

  “What?”

  Lexi's laugher made her frown. “Honey, if there's one thing a man doesn't want to hear about sex, it's that it was fine.”

  Mara rolled her eyes. “Fine! You win! It was the best sex I ever had. Happy?” she demanded, her temper flaring.

  Lexi's devilish grin let her know that she had given her exactly what she wanted. “Not as happy as you obviously were last night. So, if it was great, then why the attitude?”

  She sighed heavily. “Because afterward I took off like an idiot,” she blurted out.

  Lexi's low whistle didn't make her feel any better about the situation. “Ouch!” She leaned in. “Well, look on the bright side. I'm guessing you were definitely memorable.”

  “Right. Memorable, as the girl who ran out like a fool,” she said sarcastically.

  Lexi waved the waiter over.

  Mara's eyes widened. “I've earned food?”

  One eyebrow arched. “After last night, you need sustenance,” she instructed.

  After quickly ordering, the waiter scurried away. Mara's face fell into her hands. “Oh, Lexi, why am I so bad at this?”

  Lexi leaned over to give her hand a firm pat. “Look, this is completely fixable,” she assured.

  Mara dropped her hands to give her a look of disbelief. “How?”

  Lexi chewed the inside of her lip for a moment before straightening in her chair. “You go down there and offer to make it up to him,” she replied with a satisfied nod.

  “And just how do you propose I make it up to him?’ Mara challenged.

  Lexi's eyebrows wiggled. “An encore performance?” she suggested.

  She rolled her eyes. “Cute. You have a one-track mind.”

  Lexi giggled. “Always. But what a wonderful track to travel.”

  The waiter arrived with their food.

  Lexi took a bite of her pancakes before looking at Mara. Her eyes twinkled.

  “Well, I'm sure that when you see him, you'll think of something.”

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  * * *

  Chapter 5

  The next morning, Mara made the lonely walk back to the club. She wasn't very good at saying she was sorry, but she owed him that much after running out. A part of her secretly hoped that he wouldn't be there, so she wouldn't have to face her humiliation just yet. She knocked on the door, crossing her fingers behind her back.

  In a few seconds, it opened, and she was face to face with the man she had run from. The harsh scowl on his face was quickly replaced with surprise. His broad chest was covered by a black t-shirt that stretched across his muscles.

  Damn, he looked good.

  “Mara?”

  She offered him a tentative smile. “Hi,” she replied.

  His eyes bore into hers, and she knew that he was waiting for an explanation.

  “I'm sorry,” she admitted, pulling her lower lip beneath her teeth. “Can we talk?”

  He stared at her for a minute before pulling the door wide to allow her entrance. She followed him into the corridor. Mara couldn't help but glance at the spot where they made love the night before as she tried to keep up. Once inside his office, he shut the door behind her, coming around to stand behind his desk. The rich mahogany wood was deep and lush. Bookcases lined the walls, and it appeared every space was filled with a hardback book. A couch with plump pillows sat to the right of the desk.

  His gaze told her that he wasn't going to help her out.

  It was up to her now.

  “I'm sorry I ran out that way the other night,” she confessed.

  His lips formed a grim line. “I have to admit that it was a surprise.”

  She took a deep breath before plunging ahead. “I know. I'm sorry. I just didn't...” she stumbled.

  He walked around the desk to lean a hip against the side of it. “Didn't what?” he asked, his voice sinfully low.

  She sighed heavily. “I don't usually do things like that. I mean, I don't even
know you.”

  Reaching out to grab her hand, he pulled her closer. He stood, his hands sliding up her arms. “What do you want to know?” he asked, his mouth dangerously close to her ear.

  A delicious shiver crept up her spine at his nearness. She tried to focus, but at the moment, rational thought was slipping away. She struggled to find a question. “Um, where do you live?”

  “Garden District,” he replied, his voice husky.

  His lips trailed over her neck. When she felt his tongue snake out to taste her, she leaned into him. She felt his mouth open over her ear, his breath teasing the sensitive skin. Her eyes fluttered closed.

  She was losing this battle ... quick.

  “What else, Mara?” he prodded against her ear.

  “What?” she asked, her tone breathless.

  She felt his chuckle against her skin. Her nipples puckered under her shirt, silently demanding attention. He answered their silent request by pulling her shirt over her head. He teased her nipples through the lacy material of her bra.

  “What else do you want to know?”

  Dear God, he still wants to talk?

  “Oh. Have you ever been married?” she managed.

  His hands came up to frame her face as his mouth took possession of her ear. Her clit swelled, and she felt her arousal dampen her panties. She bit her lower lip in an attempt to contain the moan that was sure to come out soon.

  “Not yet.”

  His hands glided over her breasts, his fingers tweaking her nipples through her bra.

  “How old are you?”

  “Thirty-four.”

  His hands slid into her pants, molding her buttocks into the palms of his hands. She barely contained her sigh of pleasure when his fingers curled under, coming dangerously close to her pussy. Unable to think clearly, she asked the first thing that came to mind.

  “What do you want from me, Joe?”

  He eased back so that he could look into her eyes. “I think you know. And you want it too.”

  Her lips parted on a sigh, and his head descended. His mouth covered hers, his tongue exploring. She joined him, her tongue tangling with his in a sensuous dance. Her hands delved into his hair. She clung to him, wanting more, wanting everything he had to offer.

  He pulled back, his gaze meeting hers. “Take off your pants.”

  She wasn't sure why she complied. Maybe it was because he sparked something inside of her that longed to be set free. Within seconds, her pants were on the floor. His green eyes darkened. He knelt down, his face dangerously close to her mound. He grabbed her panties, easing them down her legs. As he bent over, his tongue stole a taste of her.

  She moaned.

  He stood up, his hands guiding her. “Get on the desk.”

  She eased herself onto the cool surface mere seconds before he buried his head in her lap. His tongue flicked over her clit, making her cry out. She leaned back on her hands. She had never felt anything this exquisite before in her life. Joe Gates had a wonderful mouth, and he definitely knew how to use it. She jerked against him involuntarily as she felt the waves of her first orgasm. His hands gripped her hips, not allowing her to draw back from him. His tongue thrust into her, and she let out a cry of pleasure as ecstasy washed over her body.

  He stood up, and she pulled him against her, her mouth fusing with his. She began to hastily pull at his t-shirt. He answered her plea by leaning back to pull it over his head. Her legs wrapped around his waist, savoring the way his erection ground against her. Oh God, she wanted him there. Her mouth blazed a path down his neck to his chest. When her lips covered his nipple, he groaned. He reached around her for the clasp of her bra and released it with a flick of his fingers.

  His hands cupped her face, and his mouth met hers. Her hands traveled lower to cup him. He released a muffled sound against her. He retrieved a condom from his pocket before pushing his pants and briefs down his legs. She wasn't sure what it was about this man that made her want to drop her clothes every time she saw him, but once she did, it was so good. When she felt his erection press against her drenched folds, she let out a sigh of contentment.

  He drove into her, his cock filling her completely. Her legs gripped him tighter, pulling him deeper. He grabbed her arms, pushing her down on the desk. Mara was about to protest, but then he began to move, and all thought was replaced by sensation. He gripped her hips as his cock slid in and out of her. She looked down. Her body was completely bare, her breasts full. Her nipples reached out to him, begging for attention.

  She watched as his cock plunged into her. The erotic sight made her muscles tighten around him as she felt another orgasm begin to claim her. He reached up to pinch her nipples, and she cried out as pleasure swept through her body. She watched him throw back his head, letting out a shout of satisfaction, as his body went rigid inside of her.

  Her last conscious thought was that if this was sin, she wasn't sure she was going to make it into heaven.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  * * *

  Chapter 6

  What the hell had he been thinking?

  His big plan to talk to her had ended up with her spread out before him on his desk. He still couldn't believe it. But one look at her in those tight jeans had short-circuited his brain. That and the way those pretty lips puckered when she couldn't find the words to describe what they had done. In a matter of minutes, his noble intentions had disappeared, and he had all but bent her over his desk to have his way with her.

  He pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. He was going to have to get a handle on his attraction to Mara Templeton before he took stupid to a whole new level. He reached over to push the button built into the side of his desk. The picture on the wall disappeared into the ceiling to reveal a wall of television monitors. With the latest technology, he could see all areas of the club from the solitude of his office. He searched each frame but couldn't locate the face he was looking for.

  His offer to see her tonight was for practical purposes only. He had to sate his passion and sate it well, before this thing between them got out of control. Commitment was not in the cards for him. Maybe it never had been. He had tried it once and failed miserably. He would see Mara until he tired of her, which he hoped would be soon. As intriguing as she was, he couldn't have her forming any romantic notions about him.

  It was better this way.

  He would fuck her until he had his fill, and then he would move on. The thought should have made him feel relieved, but it didn't. He felt a presence in the room and knew instantly who it was.

  “Cal. How are you?”

  “As well as I can be,” he answered, walking across the room to take a seat in front of Joe's desk. His gaze latched onto the screens to the right. “You?”

  “I can't complain.”

  “How's business?”

  Joe's gaze returned to the television screen. “Good, as you can see.”

  Cal stood up, walking over to get a closer look. His eyes fastened on the pretty blonde in the hall. Her blue dress clung to her curves lovingly. Her gaze darted back and forth as if she was searching for someone.

  Searching for him.

  Joe tensed as he watched Cal study her.

  Cal turned to look at him. “New member?” he inquired, his interest clearly piqued.

  His jaw clenched. “No, she's just here for research.”

  Cal's head snapped around to pin him with an arctic stare. “And you offered the club?” he demanded.

  Joe shifted in his chair. “It was a favor to Lexi,” he explained.

  Cal shook his head. “Joe, we don't need this now. You, of all people, should know that,” he reasoned. “After everything that happened, I don't need this.”

  His lips formed a thin line. “Your investment is safe, Cal. You don't have to worry. She won't be here long. Besides, she writes erotic romance, not articles for a newspaper,” he chided.

  Cal sighed heavily as he returned to his chair. “Afte
r everything that happened, we can't afford any more trouble. If anyone ever found out...”

  “They won't. We dodged them then. We'll dodge them now.”

  Cal nodded. “Still, two dead members and one in jail isn't exactly a great advertisement. Right now, more than anything, we need to lay low.”

  Joe's gaze traveled to Mara. Jesus! Even now, he could feel his cock getting hard. It was a good thing he was sitting down. “I know. She won't be a problem,” he said, hoping it wasn't a lie.

  “Good. Because trouble is the last thing I need right now.”

  He leaned back in his chair to study his friend. “How is the family?” he inquired.

  Cal's look gave him the answer he sought. “The family is the same pain in the ass that they've always been. Dad is worried about reelection. Sarah is out of college and already giving my parents ulcers. As if that wasn't enough, Matthew finally knocked up his girlfriend, so now they're staying with me until he gets the balls up to tell the old man. If my parents ever found out that I'm an owner...”

  Before he could finish the sentence, Joe cut in. “They won't. I promise.”

  Cal smiled. “Thanks, man. I guess I'm wound a little tight right now,” he admitted ruefully.

  Joe motioned with his hand to the television screen. “You know, you could always work off some of that tension here,” he suggested.

  Cal glanced over at the screen. Joe felt his gut tighten as he watched his friend's gaze center on Mara. “Maybe you're right. I mean, you did say she was here for research, right?”

  Joe's grip tightened on the arms of the chair. “She's naïve. She doesn't know what she wants,” he answered in a dismissive tone.

  Cal turned back to face him, his grin widening. “Maybe I can help her figure it out,” he prodded.

  Joe gritted his teeth in an attempt to keep his mouth shut, but deep down he wanted to tell Cal to back the hell off. The tension radiated off his body. He opened his mouth to answer, but Cal held up a hand to stop him.

  “Relax, dude. I'm not going to step into your territory.”

  Joe's eyebrows furrowed together on a frown as he straightened. “She's not my territory.”

  Cal's laughter made his jaw clench painfully. “Buddy, for someone who says she isn't your territory, you sure as hell have the property lines drawn.”