We Shouldn't (The Raven Brothers Book 2) Page 8

  “Isn’t that hard to live with? Carrying all that misery with you all the time,” Kade asked.

  “You’ll have to forgive him, he hasn’t grown up yet,” I said, giving him a look that said back off.

  He ignored me.

  “I wouldn’t say my clients all live in misery, but I’ll admit, sometimes, it’s hard to let go of all the sadness I feel at the pain they carry.”

  I looked at her, thinking I’d done right by not telling her my deepest, darkest secrets. If she had a hard time letting go of the pain of her regular folks, my pain and misery would certainly make her comatose.

  “Maybe you can tell me why all your brothers think you’re immature?” she said.

  Sara hid her smile behind her water. I laughed a loud spontaneous laugh, something I hadn’t done in a long, long time.

  Kade, to his credit, didn’t look too offended. “I’m the baby, didn’t Hunter tell you?”

  “Do you like that role?” she asked.

  I could still hear the teasing in her tone, but Kade had about hit his limit.

  “You psychoanalyzing me?” he asked.

  “Just making conversation,” she said, sipping her wine.

  I leaned a little closer to her, inhaling her sweet scent. “I think you’ve probably already realized that I’m not the only Raven who needs therapy.”

  “Therapy isn’t bad,” Sara said, and I hated the ghost of pain that swept through her young face. She’d had therapy because of me.

  I shifted away from Grace and downed my drink.

  “No, it’s not bad,” Grace said, setting her hand on my thigh. I looked down and then at her, wondering what she was doing. The tenderness in her eyes told me she was aware that I was upset, and she was comforting me. I didn’t want her comfort, and at the same time, it felt fucking good to have someone be there for me without being in my face.

  By the time dinner arrived, the conversation had moved away from therapy to plans for Sara's baby, unusual things to do in New York, and whether the Giants would have what it took to reach the playoffs next season. It was a surprise to discover that my little librarian-looking therapist liked football.

  As dinner ended, Sara yawned.

  “I can take you home,” Kade said. “I’ve got something to leave for Chase if that’s okay?”

  “Yes, of course,” Sara said.

  I was glad Kade stepped up. I knew James would look out for her, but when she was on her own, I always tried to provide back up. It was why I’d showed up at Kade’s restaurant that night. But with Kade offering additional backup, I could focus on Grace.

  We walked out together, with Kade and Sara saying their goodbyes to us as they got into the car driven by James.

  Grace pulled out her phone, presumably to call a car.

  “How about a drink?” I asked her. I was filled with questions about her and didn’t want the night to end until I had them all answered. Not all of them were sexual in nature, either, although a fair amount were.

  “It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

  I saw interest in her eyes, but also guilt. Like she felt bad about what happened in the office. My conscience played a tug of war. I didn’t want to make her feel guilty about breaking her ethical vow, and yet, I couldn’t let her go.

  Being the asshole that I was, I pushed her. “We just had dinner together. The line was already crossed.”

  She arched a brow. “That wasn’t planned. It’s not the same as going out for a drink.”

  “Did you learn something about Kade tonight that gives you insight into me?”

  She looked at me quizzically like she was afraid I’d asked her a loaded question. “Maybe.”

  “Then think of how much more you’ll learn if we go to one of Ash’s clubs.”

  “Won’t I get in the way of your…game?”

  I frowned, hating that she knew about my promiscuous ways. I didn’t give a shit what people thought about it before, so why did I care what she did?

  “I haven’t done that for two weeks,” I said.

  This time, her quizzical look was more in line with her therapist face. I wanted to kiss it off of her, but then, I realized I could use it to my advantage.

  “I guess I haven’t mentioned that. If you like, you can ask me about it over a drink,” I said.

  “I shouldn’t.”

  That wasn’t a no. “You know what they say about all work and no play, Doc. Come on.” I waved my hand and my driver jumped from the waiting car and opened the door. I ushered her toward the car, laying off before urging her in. I wanted this, but I wasn’t going to force her.

  On her own, she got into the car. “One drink. And you have to tell me why you’ve changed your nightly prowling.”

  I got in beside her and told my driver to take us to Levitation, Ash’s bar that had a raised VIP area and cool holographic dancers.

  When we arrived, I was immediately ushered to the VIP area, and a bottle of champagne I texted that I wanted from the car was brought to us.

  “Champagne?” She eyed me suspiciously.

  “It’s a celebration, right? I mean, changing my ways is a milestone.”

  Her seriousness broke, and she laughed. “I suppose it is.”

  I handed her a flute of the golden bubbly. She sipped, and I could see she enjoyed it. Then she looked down through the glass floor where people were dancing and gyrating below us. It was always a great spot to look for a woman to bring home, but tonight, I didn’t see any of them.

  I guided her to the railing.

  “You must feel like a God up here,” she said as she watched the people below. Her body bounced slightly to the loud music. I could see that she moved with grace, which I supposed was fitting considering her name.

  I stood close to her, wanting to touch her, but not wanting her to shy away because of her professional concerns. “Do you want to know why I haven’t prowled in weeks?” I asked using her word.

  “You lost your interest in sex?” she asked. I wasn’t sure if she was being serious or teasing like she had with Kade.

  It didn’t matter. My answer would be the same. “No. Since I’ve met you, it’s grown. But now, I take care of that need at home.”

  Her eyes narrowed like she knew I was telling her I was jerking off but not why.

  I decided to make it clear. “None of those women hold my interest. You do, Doc. I take care of my needs thinking of you.”

  She gasped.

  I smiled, liking her response. “If I’m a God up here, then you’re a goddess because you put them all to shame.”

  “You’re a bastard,” she said as she tossed her drink in my face.

  12

  Grace

  Friday

  The minute my hand made the motion to throw my champagne on Hunter, I regretted it. It wasn’t only unprofessional, it was aggressive. That wasn’t me. But my anger and humiliation got the best of me. At least now I knew how he might feel when he lost control of his emotions.

  Up until that moment, I’d been having a good time that evening. Better than I should have been. His words were a reminder that I didn’t belong in his world. He wasn’t just too rich and handsome, he was ruthless and willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted. Including say things like I was the most beautiful woman in the room. I’d been soaking up the attention until he said that. I knew he was just playing me for some reason.

  His expression was surprised, and if I wasn’t mistaken, there was a hint of amusement. He reached toward the table grabbing a napkin to wipe the champagne from his face.

  I should have apologized, but I couldn’t find the words.

  “So let me get this straight.” He tossed the napkin back on the table. “You’ve had no response to all the times I’ve I suggested we fuck, but the minute I say you’re the most beautiful woman in the room, then you get offended?”

  Hearing it out loud like that, I knew it sounded crazy, but it really wasn’t. All the times he talked about sex was to push
my buttons. His kissing me was too, and unfortunately, I’d let myself succumb to it. But I knew how I looked. I wasn’t ugly, but I didn’t compare to the women he normally went after.

  “There’s a difference,” I said lifting my chin to let him know I wasn’t going to back down even though he deserved an apology.

  “Really? Perhaps you could enlighten me.”

  “One, your MO behavior around women is sexualized.” Except for Sara, which was why I wondered if maybe he didn’t love her even though I had a new area to explore in terms of guilt over her kidnapping and losing her child. “Two, your constant innuendo is done simply to get a rise out of me.” I was proud of how I’d never risen to the occasion, until now. “Three, I’m not an idiot. I know what I look like. Telling me I’m a goddess is cruel, even for you, Hunter.”

  His head jerked back and eyes widened in shock. “Cruel? The truth is cruel?”

  I scoffed. “Stop toying with me.” I wanted to wring his neck. “I’m not a goddess.”

  His brows drew together, and he stared at me with his hands on his hips. “You think I’m being untruthful?”

  I gave him a curt nod.

  He moved closer to me, and I steeled myself for his anger or worse, his manly scent and sexiness. “There are many bad things about me, Grace.”

  It was the first time I could remember him using my name. Heaven help me, I loved the way it sounded on his lips.

  “But I’m not a liar,” he finished. He continued to stare at me for a moment. “I’m not lying that I’ve spent nearly every night jerking off to images of you. And I’m not lying when I say that of all the women in this club tonight, you’re the only one I’d like to take home and fuck.”

  There was something seriously wrong with me that his words turned me on instead of offending me.

  “Do you need another glass of champagne to throw on me?”

  “No. I should apologize for that. But you desiring me when there is a room full of women you could have below us, women you’ve probably had, I don’t buy it.”

  He laughed then. “Turns out I’m not the only one needing a little attitude adjustment.”

  I didn’t respond, because he wasn’t wrong. I probably did need to see myself in a better light. But I knew I didn’t compare to the women below, not just in beauty but in experience, which of course, he didn’t know about.

  He stepped closer again, and the heat of him made me swoon inside. Damn hormones.

  He ran the back of his fingers down my cheek. “I love your eyes, Grace. They change colors, did you know?”

  “Depends on what I wear,” I said, now wishing I had my champagne because my mouth was dry.

  “When you’re angry, they turn green. And when you’re turned on, they turn even greener.”

  I swallowed.

  “You probably think your glasses are nerdish, but they’re sexy. Like cat eyes.”

  Cripes.

  “Your professional skirts hug perfect hips for holding during fucking. When you lean forward during our sessions, I see the lovely, creamy swells of your tits.”

  God, I thought I might come from his words.

  “Your mouth, God, your mouth. It tastes divine. You have perfect lips,” he said running his thumb over them. “I imagine you sucking me off, and I come so hard every time.”

  My breath hitched.

  “Too much?” he asked.

  Yes, because I was his therapist. But I couldn’t get the words out.

  “How about we dance. Enjoy the night. No pressure. Just two people who need to let off steam and could use a good time.”

  I nodded because I was pretty lost to do anything else. He rewarded me with a rare smile. He took my hand, the large, warmth of it engulfing mine.

  At first, I was self-conscious. I hadn’t done much dancing in my life, at least not in public. I only did it when doing chores or in the privacy of my home. But the all-controlled Hunter let his body move, his hand on my hip to help me stay in sync with him.

  Women around us called his name and some sidled up close, but except for a nod to them, he kept his attention on me. He pulled me closer, his body pressed to mine, and I couldn’t help but imagine us moving together sans clothes. God, how I wanted that. And God, how wrong that thought was.

  I looked around the dance floor. What if someone knew me? What if someone knew he was my client? My career could be ruined.

  “You look thirsty,” he said.

  I nodded.

  “I’ll be back. Why don’t you go up to our table?”

  I nodded again, feeling like an idiot that I’d lost all my communication skills. He left me as he headed to the bar. I started toward the stairs to our table, but finally, away from his captivating eyes and intoxicating presence, reality returned. This was wrong. So wrong. I needed to stop it, now. So I bypassed the stairs, trying to work my way to the door. It was rude, but he had a way of making me forget myself, so I couldn’t risk telling him I was leaving.

  I’d just made my way past a couple necking when I ran into a solid wall of a man. I jerked my head up and saw Hunter’s angry and maybe even hurt expression glaring down on me.

  “Come with me,” he said, putting his arm around my back and guiding me to a hallway.

  “Hunter, this is—”

  “Don’t, Grace.” He opened a door. “Give us a moment, would you?” he said to the man sitting at a table surrounded by screens of various areas of the club.

  “Yeah, man.” The guy stood and left.

  Hunter locked the door. “I’m not going to hurt you, Grace.”

  He must have noted the concern I felt at his locking us in the small space.

  “Why are you running from me? Are you afraid of me?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “No, but this is wrong. I’m your therapist.”

  “Not tonight you’re not,” he said, stepping closer to me. He didn’t touch me, and I got the feeling he was gauging my response. I appreciated that if I was firmly saying “no” or asking to leave, he’d let me. The question was, why wasn’t I stopping this? Because I was powerless to my attraction to him. Oh yeah.

  When I didn’t stop him, he wrapped his arm around my waist and tugged me closer. “You can’t believe this is fake,” he said grinding his hard length against me. “You do this to me. I’ll go home and rub and tug, but I’d rather have the real thing, Grace. I want it so bad, I can taste it.” His head dipped, his mouth capturing mine in a hot kiss that sent my blood rushing to my center.

  He trailed his lips along my jaw. “You can tell me you don’t want this, but then you’d be a liar.”

  “It’s not a matter of want—” I gasped as he slid his hands up my thighs, pushing my skirt up like he’d done at the end of our session.

  “Tell me you want me,” he whispered in my ear as he maneuvered me against the desk. “Because I want you, Grace. So fucking bad.”

  “Hunter.” I needed to stop this. Now. But the ache in his voice echoed what I felt in my body. I wanted him so fucking bad.

  He lifted me onto the table. “When you left my office earlier, I sucked your pussy juice from my fingers.”

  I groaned at his erotic words.

  “You tasted so good. I’ve been thinking of going down on you all night.” He sank to his knees tugging my panties down. “I jerked off in my office, and it wasn’t enough, Grace.” He pushed my thighs open. “Look how wet you are. God, let me eat you.”

  My brain screamed “no,” but my body was screaming “yes” louder. “Hunter.” He took it as I meant it. He had my consent.

  “Thank fuck.” He ran his hands along my inner thighs as he leaned in, and for the first time in my life, a man used his tongue on me. He licked the entire length of my center, and I almost came out of my skin, the sensation was like an explosion to my body.

  “Oh, God.” I put my hand on his head, wanting to make sure he stayed there.

  “You taste so fucking good, Grace.” His hands slid under my buttocks and tilted the
m. “I’m going to make you come so hard.”

  It wasn’t going to take long, which embarrassed me but not enough to stop him. His tongue flicked over my hard nub and my body writhed. Then he thrust his tongue inside my body, and I felt like I was going combust from the inside out. Pressure built and built until I thought I’d explode into a million pieces.

  “Oh God,” I continued to chant as need coiled tighter and tighter.

  “Come on my tongue, Grace. I want to drink your juice.” With that, he sucked on my clit and shot me to the stratosphere. I cried out and my whole body went taut as pleasure blasted through me.

  “So fucking good,” he said as he continued to lick and lap at me until I was whimpering from the constant onslaught of sensation.

  He stood and was doing something, but I was too lost in pleasure and trying to catch my breath to figure it out. That is until he stepped up to me and pressed himself to my entrance.

  Clarity came in an instant. I opened my mouth to warn him, but before I could get the words out, he thrust in. I cried out from the flash of pain as he broke through my barrier and filled me. He stilled, and I bit my lip as embarrassment washed over me.

  13

  Hunter

  Friday

  Oh fuck. That was the first thing that came to my mind when I thrust into Grace, hit and then blasted through her barrier. She was a virgin.

  Aside from the fact that it seemed impossible that a beautiful twenty-something woman would be a virgin, was the guilt I felt at her first time being with me. I wasn’t worthy. But the deed was done, so the next thing to do was figure out if I should withdraw and she could pretend it never happened, or do my best to make it good for her. Being an asshole with a cock harder than steel, I decided on the latter.

  “Don’t move, sweetheart,” I said, gritting my teeth because she was so tight and felt so fucking good. It took every ounce of control to not start fucking her.

  I held her hips close to me with one hand, and with the other, I held her cheek and kissed her. “You’re going to like this, I promise.” God, I hoped I could get her off again.

  As I kissed her, I used my master skills in single-handed unclothing to unbutton her blouse. She had a front clasp bra that I undid. I was right, she had fantastic tits. But this wasn’t about me now. I held one, rubbing my thumb over the nipple, watching her face as I did. She sighed and closed her eyes. Good, she liked it.