Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

My key still works, but when I open the door, a loud beeping sounds. Pierce punches a few digits on the keypad and it stops.

“You should punch in the code after you open the door in case you feel danger. The same with the keypad on the inside.”

“I’m not sure I’m a fan of you taking over my security. This place has been fine so far.”

“Fine is great, but you being here in the dark doesn’t sit well with me.”

“I have Runner.”

“The guard dog that would rather shake hands than attack?”

At the mention of his name, and seeing that my dog has now met Pierce a handful of times, Runner jumps up on his hind legs and goes full frontal with him. It takes a full three seconds before he starts licking the underside of Pierce’s chin.

“My point is made. Runner is a lover.”

“I don’t know. I think he’ll come around if anyone ever attacks me,” I argue, throwing my hair up and reaching for my apron.

“He won’t need to come around because I’ll be the one to attack.”

His statement causes my head to snap up from tying the apron strings, and I’m met with the Pierce Kendrick glowing blue eyes that could bring a woman down.

“Stop,” I whisper, losing a little of my balance.

“Not a chance.”

“What exactly are you doing here?”

“Giving you the run-down of the new security system, making sure you are safe, and in a few minutes, I’m gonna fuck you on that table.”

A shiver runs up my spine, and my thighs clench as a flood of heat rushes south. “I’m working.” I try to sound strong, but it comes out breathy.

“Do you always dress like that for a day of baking?”

“No.” I prop my hand on my hip. “Today is Mrs. Asley’s retirement luncheon, and Mom demanded I deliver the desserts.”

“After we christen that table, I’ll help you make up for the lost time.”

“Don’t you have a job?”

“Yep.”

“Shouldn’t you get to it?”

“I have lots of jobs. The most important this morning is you. The rest can wait.”

“Pierce, you are insane. Go to work.”

He works his lower lip through his teeth and searches my shelves. “Where would I find the caramel sauce you put on your brownies?”

“It’s a chilled sauce.”

He goes to the large fridge and yanks it open, reads through the dozen labels, and grabs a random bottle, setting it on the table. “This will have to do.”

“Have to do for what?”

This time, when he meets my gaze, his eyes have transformed into liquid blue pools of lust and desire. Each step he takes closer, my skin tingles under the intensity of his stare.

“Why did you want the sauce, Pierce?”

“It’s going on my breakfast.”

“That’s a double raspberry chocolate mixture, and you hate chocolate.”

“Not anymore.” He stops in front of me, his hand curling around my neck, his fingers sifting into my hair. “Chocolate was my addiction for a long time.”

My breath hitches as he pulls me gently to him, sweeping his lips across mine. That fluttering in the pit of my stomach goes into overdrive, sending a tremor through my body, the double meaning behind his words winding around my heart.

“Addictions can be a very dangerous thing. Maybe it was time for a break,” I whisper into his mouth.

“Worst mistake in my life was giving it up. I never stopped craving my chocolate.”

“Maybe you should take it slow. You don’t want to get sick of it.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

The air around us thickens with sexual desire, and my knees threaten to give out.

“Darby,” he rumbles.

“Hmm?”

“Get naked now.” His hand slides slowly along my neck, over the exposed skin of my back, until he reaches the zipper and slowly draws it down. “On second thought, maybe I want you in this dress.”

The seriousness of his tone tells me he’s not kidding, and I move, slashing the knot out of the apron tie, yanking it over my head, and let the dress and apron fall to the ground. His eyes grow heated at the sight of my bright teal bra and hipsters that match the outrageous jeweled flip-flops.

“Breathtaking,” he murmurs, right before he pounces and I’m off my feet.

The metal is cold against my skin, but I shiver for an entirely different reason. Pierce is studying me. His tongue runs along his bottom lip, and his gaze rakes up and down my body in a way I know he’s memorizing it all.

“You got the honors last night. Today, it’s my turn.” He steps behind the table, the pads of his fingers skimming over my shoulder blades before he unclasps my bra and pulls it down over my shoulders and arms. The cool air hits my breasts, my nipples tingling as they instantly pebble. That’s exactly where his eyes land when he rounds back. He grins, cocking an eyebrow. “I think we’ll start right here.”