Sweet Tooth Read online

  Only she spoke up. “Sometimes, when I’m playing with myself, it helps to not see so I can imagine someone else.”

  “We’re going to discuss your fantasies. I’ll make every last one come true.” As long as it didn’t involve being a billionaire, but he didn’t expect that from her.

  “Right now, my fantasy is to blindfold you and make this the best night of your life.”

  He reached up, winding his hand behind her neck to pull her down for a kiss. “Already is, beautiful.”

  Another giggle, this one full of disbelief. She leaned back to place the blindfold and surprised him with how tight she managed to get the cloth. The silk would slip sooner or later, but he wasn’t about to complain.

  “Now lie back at the top of the bed,” she commanded.

  He scooted up when she moved off his lap, but she crawled beside him. The bed dipped as she leaned away and turned on soft, throbbing music he’d never heard, but could imagine playing in a club. Then he jumped at the tickling along his lips.

  “What—” he began.

  Her hand covered his mouth as she straddled his chest and bent to whisper in his ear. “Quiet, Isandro. No questions.”

  This woman was going to make him explode if she kept taunting him. Not that he’d mind, but feeling the wet cloth covering her heat left him parched. He needed her nectar on his tongue. He licked her palm, eliciting a happy moan.

  “You want to taste me?” she asked, tentative but eager.

  He nodded, sucking the flesh covering his mouth.

  “I won’t…uh…I’m not…going to smother you?”

  Isandro grabbed her wrist, pulling it away. “You won’t. Come here, sit on my face, let me show you.”

  “Blindfolded?” she squeaked.

  “I know your body, Arianna. I crave your taste on my tongue. Trust me.”

  “You trust me?”

  He nodded.

  “Are you clean?” she whispered.

  He sucked in a breath. It had been months since the last woman he’d been with. He’d been checked. “Yeah. You?”

  “Uh-huh, and I’m covered for birth control.” Her voice wavered and he knew her confidence was draining.

  “Okay.”

  “And I’ve never gone without. I-I didn’t trust him. I wish someone had told me.”

  “Shit, Arianna, I’m not him.” He gentled his tone, taking her hand. “I’m not asking you for anything you aren’t willing to give.”

  She tried to move away, and he caught her hips, urging her up.

  Her soft sniffle tore at his heart. “I ruined the moment.”

  “Then let me get us back on track,” he murmured.

  She moved up awkwardly. “Now what?”

  He got his hands on her ass and shifted that lacy strip of fabric to the side to run his tongue through her slick folds.

  “Oh God, Isandro!” she cried out, her hands hitting the wall or headboard. He wasn’t sure, but it moved her clit to the right spot.

  His name on her tongue urged him on. She writhed over him, taking her pleasure, her embarrassment forgotten as she climbed toward release.

  “Please, Isandro, please,” she begged.

  He gently bit down on her clit, and she came hard. The primal sounds coming from her drove him higher. He was tempted to flip her over and drive into her pulsing pussy. Instead, he continued the assault until she rolled to the side, gasping for air.

  He turned to her, pulling her against his body. She wrapped her arm around him, snuggling close.

  “I’m not done…with you…gotta catch…my breath,” she managed while panting for air.

  He smiled against her skin, kissing and sucking until she pushed him back and straddled his stomach. She was still drenched and rubbed herself over his abs with a whimper.

  Fuck, that was sexy.

  “Don’t touch,” she warned and brushed something soft across his chest, circling one nipple, then the other.

  A breath hissed between his teeth as his hips jerked. “Christ, Ari.”

  “Like that?” she murmured, rocking a little harder.

  His head pressed back as his hips thrust, seeking her core, though she wasn’t low enough. He gripped the comforter, her noises becoming erotic and incoherent.

  Her hand wrapped around his cock, her grip coming up over his head that seeped pre-cum. “Close?” she breathed.

  He nodded, afraid to say anything.

  She scooted down, guiding his crown into her. He gripped her ass, urging her faster. Arianna pushed his hands away, swirling her hips over him.

  “Oh fuck, Ari, please,” he begged.

  She threaded her fingers through his as her weight shifted back. He tried to hold off but there was no way in hell he could resist with the way her body took his in. He came with her, her walls rippling, pleasure rolling through his body until he saw explosions burst across the back of his lids as she collapsed on top of him, her mouth sucking and kissing up his neck to his lips.

  His hands caressed up her arms and down her back. She pulled the blindfold off. She wore a sheepish smile as she stared down into his eyes. “I got greedy. I meant to make it last.”

  He laughed softly. “I was about to come before you decided to let me in.”

  “Next time I won’t climb on top of you and maybe I can tease you longer.”

  “Don’t need to tease me longer, as long as you let me have you whenever I want.”

  Grinning, she trailed her fingers down his chest. “Anytime, Isandro.” Her eyes fluttered shut, and he held her against his body, loving the way she molded to him.

  Chapter 8

  Beautiful day? Check.

  Amazing morning? Double check.

  Ready to work? Uh…Arianna would have made love the whole day, but she didn’t have someone working in the shop after Christine went away to college.

  Arianna parked behind the building and strode to the back, smiling to herself. She let herself in and locked the door, making her way to the front, then stopped dead in her tracks.

  The window by the door was shattered. Blood had dribbled on the floor. She followed the path with her eyes. Back to her office.

  Gulping, she walked to the hall and examined the lock. Didn’t look like anyone got in there. Sliding down the wall, she pulled her phone from her purse. Something was jammed in the keyhole. She dialed 911 and explained someone had broken into her building, the address, and then pushed herself to her feet while she waited for someone to get there.

  Behind the counter, she settled on her stool and closed her eyes, plotting out what calls needed to be made to get a new window, fix the door, and change the locks to her office, again.

  She’d done it back when she dumped Derrick the last time. He was acting fishy, too interested in getting in the office. She made sure to get better locks and upgrade her security system. Clearly, it wasn’t enough. At least Ella had a great security guy. It was time to suck it up and hire O’Neil Security.

  Her phone buzzed and she brought up the text. Hey, beautiful. Miss me?

  She gulped and replied. You busy?

  He replied quickly. Nope. What’s going on?

  Need you. She sent, then winced. Your support.

  At the shop? He replied.

  Yeah. If you aren’t busy. A tear tracked down her face.

  On my way. Fast as I can.

  Two police officers walked up to the door. Marissa and Brian. She didn’t want to face Isandro’s sister without him, but she had no choice.

  Arianna made her way to the front door, avoiding the blood, and let them in. “Hey, Officer Cortez, Officer Cox.”

  “Marissa is fine.” She offered a smile.

  Brian nudged Arianna’s shoulder. “Yeah, we’re on a first name basis. Now what’s going on?”

  Pointing to the window, she sighed. “Someone broke in. Cut themselves.” Keeping her finger outstretched, she led them to the office door, following the track of blood. “They jammed the lock. Don’t think they managed to
get in.”

  “Have surveillance cameras?” Brian asked.

  She nodded. “The feed is kept off sight at the security office. My copy is on my laptop in my office.”

  “Anyone you can think of who would do this?”

  She wrapped her arms around herself. “One, but I don’t want to believe he’d do this.”

  Marissa’s eyes narrowed. Anger practically radiated off her. “Who?”

  “Derrick Dubois. He had this fascination with my office about six months ago. Kept wanting in there. I dumped him and changed the locks. I just—I didn’t trust him.”

  “Oh.” Marissa’s expression softened. “I thought…”

  “Thought what?” Arianna insisted, then her mouth fell open. “Isandro?”

  Glancing away, Marissa nodded slightly.

  “Of course not. I can’t imagine Isandro robbing a place. Why would you assume that?”

  “Assume what?” Isandro asked from behind her.

  Arianna jumped and spun around.

  Marissa cleared her throat. “I thought she might think you broke in.”

  Isandro glared at his sister. “Do you have to assume the worst of everyone?”

  “Part of the job,” she muttered.

  Arianna held up her hands. “If you need me, I’ll be over here. Tell me when I can call the locksmith, or make arrangements to replace the window.”

  “I’m sorry,” Marissa said.

  She shrugged. “I get it. My family is known for being judgmental.”

  Isandro shot a look at Marissa then followed Arianna to the counter, taking her hands.

  Arianna blinked up at Isandro and managed a sad smile. “Thank you for coming.”

  “You needed me.” A sappy smile lit his face. “Wanted to be here.”

  She wound her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder. He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head.

  Marissa cleared her throat. “Can I have a word with Arianna?”

  Isandro stepped back. Arianna let him go. She watched him walk over to Brian and closed her eyes.

  Marissa stepped closer. “That was rude of me. I should know better.” She glanced back at her brother and smiled as she turned toward her. “What are you doing Friday evening?”

  Arianna blushed. Isandro had already invited her to the barbeque. “Depends.”

  “He asked, didn’t he?”

  She nodded.

  Marissa smiled in amusement. “He really does like you. Come over Friday. Get to know us. Maybe I can get over being around your oldest sister too much in school.”

  “Wish I could.” Arianna glanced over at Isandro. “What should I bring?”

  “Oh, I have that covered.”

  “I want to bring something. Maybe dessert?”

  Marissa’s face lit up. “What kind of dessert?”

  “Anything you like.”

  “Chocolate and you have me sold.”

  “I can handle that.”

  “Now, back to the case. Call whoever will be fastest to get me access to the video. Then we can go from there.”

  “The security company would take longer. The locksmith is down the road. I saw Rod’s truck on the way in. He can get us in my office and you’ll have the video feed.”

  * * * *

  Hand in hand, Isandro walked Arianna down to Lakeridge Tavern for lunch. They were only a few blocks away, and until the window guy could come, there wasn’t much more they could do.

  The video showed a man in all black with a ski mask and baseball cap. The blood was being analyzed but that would take time. They had only found partial prints where he took off the gloves.”

  “You think it was Derrick?” Isandro asked.

  She shrugged. “I don’t have a clue who else it could be. They didn’t go for the cash register. They went for the office. I don’t leave money in the register, and Derrick was the only one who knew that. I mean, sure, probably a lot of businesses don’t, but wouldn’t most check there first? It’s right in the front of the shop. They went straight for the office like they knew.”

  Isandro nodded. Sounded plausible. Besides, the crime rate in town mostly consisted of accidents, reckless driving, and irresponsible kids doing stupid things. Some drugs. Lakeridge was a typical suburb.

  He pulled Arianna closer and put an arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry this happened at all. I wish I had answers. ‘Cause if it was Derrick, I’d knock him into next week.”

  She giggled. “I’d rather have him arrested than have him press charges against you. I’m surprised he didn’t try last night.”

  Isandro smirked. “They do call me the Bulldog. There’s a reason for that. I never started a fight, but I always finished them.”

  “Oh, I remember. And you always stood up for the little guy.” Her eyes sparkled. “I remember when Damon Wells was being picked on and you stepped in, took the punch meant for him, then knocked Derrick out.”

  He winced. “Well, Derrick was bigger, and Damon hadn’t done anything to deserve his foul mood.” Though it had felt good to deck the weasel. It wasn’t even the last time Isandro stopped Derrick from being an asshole to someone, and it seemed like it wouldn’t be the last. Sooner or later he was going to convince the prick to leave Arianna alone for good.

  She nudged him. “I always wondered about you. Other than the one time you asked me out, you really haven’t come onto me. I mean, there was mild flirting, but not enough for me to believe you wanted anything more.”

  “You were busy with someone else.” He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

  “Part of my problem is I never believed I was worth anyone’s attention.”

  His teeth ground together. “Of course you are.”

  “Took a long time to realize that.” She leaned closer and slipped her hand into his pocket. “I’m so used to hearing all the negative shit, it’s hard to get past. And there were plenty of times I wasn’t with him that you could have said something.”

  Sighing, he looked away. “Almost did a dozen times, but then you’d take him back. Hence, the other morning, I left, figuring it was all a fluke.”

  “Well, I’m done, truly. But why give up before you take a chance?”

  “Remember what happened to my parents?” He opened the door to the bar, and she walked past with a scrunched brow. She made her way to a booth in the corner and took a seat. He sat down across from her and set his hands on the table, not making a move for hers because this was a story he wasn’t fond of telling.

  She shook her head. “I know they both died. That there was some big scandal around it, but I never did hear the whole story and the gossip was crazy.”

  He snorted. “Wasn’t crazy. Most of it hit the mark.”

  Her smile faded. “I blew most of it off. What happened?”

  Closing his eyes, he drew a deep breath.

  “You don’t have to tell me if it’s too painful.”

  His eyes flipped open, meeting her stare. “My father was a horrible man. I can’t recall a single good thing about the bastard. He yelled and screamed at all of us.” Isandro shook his head. “Used to hit my mom. I’d get in his way when I could. Started hitting back when I got big enough he didn’t knock me on my ass.”

  “I didn’t know,” she whispered.

  “He left a dozen times. Mom always begged for him to come back, no matter how often she caught him cheating, or how many times he left me with a black eye or a bloody lip.” He snorted. “Didn’t matter how bad he hurt her, me, or anyone else. No matter how much we begged her to leave, she wouldn’t.”

  “Why didn’t she listen?” Arianna whispered.

  Shrugging his shoulder, he dropped his head. “She loved him—I guess. Shit, I don’t understand. He was a raging asshole who didn’t love anyone but himself.”

  Her voice made him jump. “How did they die?” She watched him, horror on her face.

  “One night he’d been drinking. He came home. Shot my mother. He sat there,
watching her die. I came in, and he looked up at me before he blew his brains out.”

  “Oh, Isandro, I’m so sorry. You were only sixteen.”

  He nodded. “Yeah. Marissa was in college. I was in high school. Estevan and Enrique were in kindergarten. We all banded together and made it through. Supposedly my aunt was taking care of us, but she never was around.”

  “Why?”

  He shrugged. “Too busy living her life to worry about us. Marissa and I took care of the twins, and we got through school. We worked our asses off, but learned a lot from it.”

  “You fixed my first car.” She grinned. “I remember when the radiator broke and we had to take it to Val’s Auto Repair. You never said anything, but I came by after school the next day to watch you under my hood.” Her cheeks colored as she licked her lips.

  “Didn’t think you noticed. But I wanted to do something for you, even if you never knew. Derrick was already treating you like shit. I saw you crying the day before, after he walked away from you. God, I had this card I picked out, wrote in a poem, asking for a chance.”

  “I never saw the card,” she whispered.

  “Yeah, well, I saw you making out with Derrick in the courtyard the next morning, so I threw it away.”

  “I finally learned my lesson.” She took his hands. “And I get why your sister doubts me. I’ve been a fool. Probably reminds her of your mother.”

  He nodded. “But people can change. We can learn.”

  “I have.” She squeezed his hands, then pulled one up to kiss his palm.

  “I didn’t say you haven’t.” He licked his lips. “I’m the asshole who didn’t listen when you told me you were done the other morning. I saw the spark in your eye, but I felt like a fool when I saw that asshole standing there.”

  “With your history, what else would you think?”

  “That’s not fair to you. You weren’t begging for him to come back. He kept crawling back to you. You gave him the benefit of the doubt. Not the same as my mother.”

  “Stupid hope. Kept wishing he’d change.”

  “What about now?”

  “Gave up on him.” She smiled. “One night and you treated me better than he ever had. No looking back, only forward. Even if you get bored with me, I’m never taking Derrick back.”