Payback (Dueling Devils 2)

“Don’t worry babe, I’m going to give you what you need. Trust that I always know how to take care of you.” He popped the button on her shorts and slid his hand down into her panties.

The feel of his calloused fingers on her bare parts had her spreading her legs.

“That’s it baby. You let me take care of you.” He dipped his fingers into her entrance and retreated, circling her clit. “So wet for me already.” He plunged two of his thick fingers inside and she bit her lips to muffle the cry threatening to explode from her lips. “Knock that shit off. I want to hear it. Every sound you make when I’m pleasing you.” He bit the back of her neck, hard. His stubble brushed her skin, pushing her closer to the edge. “I don’t give a shit who hears.”

“B—but the kids.” She struggled to maintain some sense of propriety as lust clouded over her brain.

“Are out back with the boys, now let me hear it.” He adjusted his angle, thrusting hard and fast.

She moved with him, savoring every ounce of pleasure he created with his talented fingers. Resistance worn down she gripped the arm wrapped around her waist for leverage and rolled her hips.

“That’s it, baby, let go.”

Heat swept through her body. Her stomach muscles tensed. Breath stuttered in her lungs and the bomb he’d disarmed detonated. Her pussy tightened around his fingers as she came apart in his strong arms.

Removing his hand, he cradled her to his body while placing gentle kisses on her cheek. “I got you, Ardy. I will always have you.”

Her brain began to function properly once more and she caught her breath. “Why?”

“Why what baby?”

She tilted her head up and peered into his dark brown eyes. “Why me? Why now?” She shrugged.

“ ‘Cause from the moment I saw you, you’ve been all I can think about. You treat my kids like they’re your own and you fit me seamlessly. At this point, I can’t remember what life was like without you. I never believed in that bull shit about the one. Not even with Natasha. I wifed her because she was the mother of my child. You were different. That shit is fireworks, magnetism and possession. From the minute that rich fuck tried to push up on you, I knew I was a goner. I just didn’t want to admit it. You don’t belong here. You should be living in some cookie cutter house with some hack, working a nine to five and doting on you every chance he gets. Luckily, for both of us I’m not a good man. “

“You’re the man I want.

He grinned and for a moment, she saw the hint of a dimple in his right cheek. “Make sure it stays that way.”

An expression she couldn’t place moved into his eyes, then it disappeared. Is he worried I’ll change my mind? Guilt about her previous thoughts flooded her. She reached up to run her hand over his scruffy cheek. Seeing a glimpse of the vulnerability, that lie beneath his hardened exterior pulled her deeper under his spell. “I think I know why they named you Demon.”

He snorted. “I doubt it, but let me hear your theory.”

“Because you get people to make deals before they know what they’re really offering up and then you hold tight and guard their treasures.”

His lips twitched. “Only treasure I ever been worried about was yours.” He bent down, connecting their lips.

Ardy released a moan. A fresh flood of moisture turned her underwear into a pool.

Demon pulled away and released her. “Stop looking at me with those eyes, baby. We don’t have the time. I need to get you to my place and then get back on the streets.”

His word brought back the situation at hand. “Right—just let me freshen up.”

A wolfish grin lined his lips and he sucked his fingers into his mouth and groaned. “I’m not washing this off. I want to take a little bit of you with me.” He smacked her ass. “Get the lead out, we leave in ten.”

Slightly dazed, she watched him walk out, marveling at his ability to turn her life upside down and then right it in the same moment.

Chapter Three

Demon watched the kids play in the early morning sunshine with Ardy and his heart turned over. The woman was healing shit he didn’t realize had been splintered. His heart hadn’t been in it with Tasha, but his trust sure had. With one single, completely unselfish act, Ardy changed that. How did you thank a woman who literally risked her life for that of your children?

Laughter rang out as Ardy pushed the tire swing, allowing Rocket to help push his sister.

She’s a fucking natural. He leaned against the porch railing and allowed himself a moment of rest. He’d been on the go since he woke up and as close as he’d come to getting shit set up, it wasn’t close enough. His phone vibrated in his pocket and he turned away from the picturesque scene. When this is over, I’m taking a fucking vacation.

Gia’s name flashed on the screen. He clicked the green button and brought it to his ear. “Tell me your about to make my day, Gia.”

“I tracked down Miracle. She’s soberish and realizes the severity of the situation. She’s willing to spill her guts in exchange for a pardon.”