In Blood and Worth Loving 2: Lost Without You Read online

  Conner placed a hand on the back of his neck. “All kidding aside, Jayvyn, it’s probably time to let another woman have a crack at what’s left of your heart.”

  “Even if she happens to be human?”

  Conner sighed and then shrugged. “Marrying Brandi has made all the difference for Adrian. I’ve never seen him so happy. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t do the same for you.”

  “Except that Eliza already owns what’s left of my emotions that are worth having.”

  “Does she really? I seriously doubt that. What male, even a vamp could really fall for a woman who feels the need to screw around like she does? I sure as hell couldn’t and I doubt you could either, but we’ll see. In the meantime, join me for a moonlight ride tomorrow night?”

  “Thanks, but I have plans already, old man.”

  Conner laughed. “I’ll just bet you have. What’s her name?”

  “Who?”

  “This woman Rayna has picked to be your blood.”

  “I’ll pick my own blood!”

  “We both know how well that thinking worked for Adrian.”

  “Look, Conner—”

  “What’s her name?”

  “Cayenne Pepper.”

  “Is it now? Interesting. Give her my regards and tell her when she tires of your ass, I’m available.”

  “Don’t hold your damned breath,” he said and walked out of the living room with the sound of Conner’s laughter in his ears.

  He went up to his suite to change into jeans and a tee-shirt before he went to his workshop. It was located in a large brick building he’d built behind the house. He’d built a walkway between it and the house since Rayna often came to watch him work in the middle of the night if she couldn’t sleep.

  He worked for several hours on a custom-made built-in wardrobe he was making for a customer before he showered and went to bed. Even after several hours of manual labor, he thought about Cayenne for far too long before he finally fell asleep.

  Chapter Five

  “So what are you wearing tonight?”

  Cayenne and Desiree sat over lunch the next day in her kitchen. “I’m not going out with him.”

  “What?” Desiree put down her fork and stared at her. “Oh, come on, Cay. This is getting ridiculous.”

  “How is my not going out with him tonight ridiculous?”

  “You’re driving his new car.”

  “He insisted on leaving it and he took mine so it’s not like I have much choice,” she said.

  “Oh, girl, please!”

  Cayenne compressed her lips.

  Desiree glanced at the two dozen roses that had arrived that morning. “The car aside, he’s attractive, attentive, and so romantic he’s spent a fortune on red roses and he sings to you! And he clearly has the hots for you. What more can you possibly want in a man?”

  She shrugged. “Well, maybe I don’t have the hots for him.”

  “Then what was all the grinding going on last night?”

  “Okay, he’s sexy and he got me hot, but I think he’s all show and no go.”

  “Oh, no! Are you sure?”

  She nodded. “Yes. I never once felt anything and believe me, he was aroused.” Desiree sighed. “Well, there are other ways he can get the job done—even if his equipment is a little on the Desiree sighed. “Well, there are other ways he can get the job done—even if his equipment is a little on the small side. I don’t think that’s a reason not to see him tonight. Maybe he has a very talented tongue to atone for his other shortcomings.”

  She shook her head. “Oh, no. If he ate me, he’d expect me to eat him.”

  “Sounds fair to me.”

  “That’s not happening.”

  “Why not?”

  “There’s no way I’m sucking any man’s cock.”

  “Have you ever tried it?”

  “No and I’m not going to.”

  Desiree traced her lips with the tip of her tongue. “Then don’t knock it. I admit it takes some getting used to but when you’re really into a man, it can be a real turn on. I can’t believe Michael never wanted you to—”

  “Who says he didn’t?”

  Desiree arched a brow. “You mean he wanted you to and you didn’t?”

  “That’s exactly what I mean. So you know that if I didn’t do it for Michael I sure as hell am not going to do it for anyone else.”

  “Michael didn’t deserve it, but maybe your sexy Cherokee might and that’s all I’m going to say about it. Now let’s talk about what you’re going to wear tonight.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not going out with him tonight.”

  Desiree sighed. “I wish you’d reconsider and I think you would if you were aware of how your eyes sparkle when you talk about him.”

  She stared at Desiree. “They don’t.”

  “Trust me, Cay. They do.”

  She glanced away. “I didn’t say being with him wasn’t exciting. I’m just saying I really can’t go for him. Hell, for all his flirting, he’s not that into me either.”

  “How can you say that when he gave you a car that costs more than we both make in a year?”

  “I can say it because he didn’t even try to kiss me. If I’m going to risk losing Michael for good, it’s going to be for a relationship with a man who’s so filled with lust for me that he can’t keep his hands off me. And unfortunately, that’s not Jayvyn Redwolfe.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know.”

  * * *

  After Desiree left, Cayenne called Rayna and asked her to tell Jayvyn that she couldn’t have dinner with him that night. To her surprise, Rayna made no efforts to change her mind. “If you’re sure you want to cancel—”

  “I am.”

  “Then I’ll tell him unless you want to tell him yourself. Do you have his numbers?”

  “No, I don’t have them and I’d rather not talk to him. Tell him I’ll leave his key fob in my mailbox.”

  “I’ll let him know and I’ll see you on Monday.”

  “Thanks, Rayna.”

  With the call made, she felt restless and uncertain how she’d spend her night. She overcame the urge to call Michael and decided to go out and pick up Chinese and then spend the evening reading. She would not worry about Jayvyn’s reaction to her canceling their date. After all, he hadn’t actually asked her. He’d told her. He had no one to blame but himself.

  * * *

  Jayvyn and Macarik were in his workshop stripping an antique dining room set Rayna had found in a thrift store she wanted to replace a more modern one in her Center City condo when she walked in.

  “Hi handsome,” she smiled and waltzed across the workshop to link her arms around Macarik’s neck.

  “Hey, gorgeous.” He bent his head and kissed her quickly on the lips.

  She gave Macarik’s ponytail a tug before coming over to him. “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you, Uncle Jay.”

  He looked up. “What wrong?”

  “Cayenne just called and asked me to tell you she can’t see you tonight.”

  “Cayenne just called and asked me to tell you she can’t see you tonight.”

  “What?”

  She put a hand on his arm. “I think she needs some time, Uncle Jay.”

  “To do what? Sleep with her sleazy ass ex?”

  “I don’t know, but I do think she might really need a little time. I know you haven’t suppressed her will in any way, but you’re still a vamp. You give off vibes even when you don’t think you are.” She kissed his cheek and left the workshop.

  “So? Are you going to give her some time?”

  He looked at Macarik. “Yes. She has as long as it takes me to shower, change, and drive to her house. Then her damn time is up.” He tossed the tool he’d been using aside and stormed out of the workshop.

  Macarik followed him up to his suite. “Are you sure you shouldn’t give her some breathing room?” Jayvyn quickly undressed. “When you take
care of business with your own woman then you can give me advice on handling mine.”

  Instead of getting annoyed, Macarik arched a brow. “So now she’s your woman?”

  “Fuck off and see yourself out, you overbearing prick!”

  “Fuck you, Jayvyn!”

  He stormed into his bathroom to shower.

  * * *

  At four o’clock Cayenne felt so tense, she decided to take a long soak. She had just settled into the warm water with a semi-circle of lighted and scented candles when her doorbell rang. “Oh, hell.” She reluctantly got out of the bath and put on her robe. Pushing her feet into her slippers, she hurried to the door.

  “Who is it?”

  “Jayvyn.”

  Her heartbeat increased. Oh, hell! What was he doing there? She moistened her lips and leaned against the door.

  “Didn’t you get my message from Rayna?”

  “Open the door, Cayenne.”

  She shook her head. “You got me out of the bath. I’m not dressed and—”

  “Open the door.”

  “I’m not opening the door, Jayvyn.”

  “Open the damn door right now or I’ll open it from this side.” The implicit threat pissed her off. Who the hell did he think he was implying he’d kick her door in? She jerked upright, unlocked, and then pulled the door open. Before she could say a word, he’d slipped inside, and was leaning against the closed door, staring at her.

  Aware that he could see her cleavage, she tightened her robe. “Your key fob is in the mailbox. You can put my car keys on the table.”

  “I didn’t drive your car.”

  “Well, you can still take yours. I can take the train to work.”

  “I’m not here to discuss any damned car, Cayenne. I’m here to discuss our date.”

  “I called Rayna so you wouldn’t drive all the way over here just to find out we’re not going out tonight.”

  “The hell we aren’t.”

  She stared at him. “I’m not going—”

  “I’m not in the mood to play games. Go get dressed, Cayenne—unless you want me to dress you.” She shook her head.

  “You were warned.” His hands shot out and she stood nude in front of him before she could react.

  He stared at her breasts and pussy before he raised his gaze to her neck. “Go get dressed before you get me aroused and trust me, this time I won’t be a gentleman.”

  “Don’t I get a say in whether or not I want to have dinner with you?”

  “The only thing you get a say in is if you want me to fuck you now or later. Take your pick. If it’s now, keep standing in front of me naked. If it’s later, go get dressed. I’ll wait.” She stared at him. “You can’t make me go if I don’t want to.” He leaned close to speak with his lips against her ear. “You’d be surprised what I can make you do.” He slipped his arms around her and palmed her rear end. “Get your ass in gear unless you want to be fucked right here and right his arms around her and palmed her rear end. “Get your ass in gear unless you want to be fucked right here and right now.”

  She jerked away from him, hesitated, and then slapped him. “You’re not touching me now or later, Jayvyn!” He stared at her in silence, his eyes narrowed, and his lips compressed.

  Something in his gaze urged restraint when she would have slapped him again. She turned and ran down the hall to her bedroom. She locked the door and then sank down onto the carpet, trembling.

  “Get dressed!”

  She jerked in shock at the sound of his voice on the other side of her bedroom door and bolted to her feet.

  Would he kick in the door? She moistened her lips. “Stop it, Jayvyn!” She hit her fist against the door. “Please!”

  “Open the door.”

  “No.”

  “I’m not going to hurt you. Open the door.”

  She pressed a hand against her lips and then opened the door.

  As soon as she saw the softened expression in his eyes, she pressed her cheek against his shoulder.

  He put his arms around her and held her close with his lips against her ear. “I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”

  “How can I not when you threaten to kick in my door?”

  “I won’t ever willingly hurt you, sweet. Never.” He kissed her neck and slid his palms down to cup her ass.

  She trembled at the feel of his hands on her bare skin, but didn’t pull away. She couldn’t.

  He turned and pressed her back against the wall by the door.

  She parted her lips to tell him no, but her throat locked.

  He stepped back and stood staring at her nude body.

  Cayenne moistened her lips but made no effort to cover her body. Although closer to forty than thirty, she exercised regularly to keep her weight under control. She had large, natural breasts, a flat belly, and legs most men found sexy. And she already knew what he thought of her butt.

  He stroked a hand between her breasts, over her belly, to rub his thumb over her clit.

  She moaned, instinctively closing her legs on his hand.

  He leaned close to touch his mouth against hers.

  She parted her lips, touching her tongue to his.

  In response, he pulled her tongue into his mouth and eased her back against the wall. Rubbing his thumb over her clit, he kissed her until her pussy flooded and she shook with need. When he lifted his head, she clutched at his shoulders and parted her legs.

  He kissed a slow, cool path down from her neck to her breasts. Caressing and massages her ass cheeks, he licked, sucked, and nibbled at each of her nipples until she felt as if she were on fire.

  Then he trailed his cool lips down her body, over her belly, and kissed her slit.

  “Oh, God!” She reached down and curled her fingers in his hair.

  Using his tongue, he skillfully parted her nether lips and found her clit.

  She pulled his head closer.

  He kissed and licked her clit several times before he thrust his tongue into her pussy.

  She moaned, tossed one leg over his shoulder, and then dragged his head closer. “Jay…oh, Jay!” He ate her with a slow, skillful expertise that filled her with a powerful lust that he expertly quenched. When she exploded, he tightened his hands on her ass and lapped at her pussy while she gushed against his lips.

  Finally, she slumped against the wall, her knees shaking.

  He rose and kept her on her feet with the weight of his body pressed against hers. Tipping up her chin, he bent his head and kissed her with a slow enjoyment so intimate and sexy, her pussy flooded again.

  Powerless to resist the desire he stirred in her, she sucked his tongue into her mouth and rubbed herself against him.

  Keeping his mouth pressed against hers, he reached between their bodies and fingered her pussy and clit until she moaned, and came again.

  Lifting his mouth from hers, he held her until she stopped shaking. “Damn, eating your pussy leaves the sweetest taste in my mouth.”

  She trembled.

  He kissed her neck and slapped her ass. “Take a quick shower and then get dressed, sweet. I’ll wait in the living room.” He stepped away from her.

  She gave him a weary look. “What about you?”

  He reached out to caress her cheek. “Don’t worry, sweet, I don’t expect you to suck my cock—at least not on a second date.”

  She blushed.

  He laughed.

  Damn him. It would serve him right if she slapped him. “I meant you smell like…”

  “Pussy?” He nodded. “I’m sure I do. What should we do about it? Shower together?”

  “I’m not showering with you!”

  He brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. “You’re an ungrateful little minx,” he said. “You come twice and I can’t even get a shower?”

  “No. Not with me.”

  “I could change your mind.”

  There was no doubt about that.

  “Or I could go home to shower and change.”


  “Please shower at home, Jay.”

  “All right.” He gave her a pointed stare. “But don’t get any ideas, of either leaving before I return or thinking you’re not letting me in. You are having dinner with me. Clear?” She compressed her lips before she nodded.

  He leaned down to kiss her neck and finger her pussy. “Damn, I want you.” She bit her lip, only just managing not to grind herself against his fingers.

  He lifted his head. “I’ll see you soon, sweet.”

  She nodded and kissed him on the corner of his mouth.

  He turned his head and they shared a long, heated kiss that went on until he stepped away from her. “You keep kissing me like that and I’m going to expect a fuck.”

  She shrugged. “Doesn’t mean you’re going to get one—at least not from me.”

  “You’d prefer I fucked someone else?”

  “No,” she admitted.

  He slapped her hard on each ass cheek. “Then don’t give me any shit when I return. Be here and be ready or there’s going to be hell to pay, Cayenne.”

  “You don’t have to issue threats, Jay. I’ll be here.”

  He sighed, cupping a hand over her cheek. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been out with anyone like you. Be gentle with me, sweet.”

  He sound so vulnerable, she slipped her fingers in his hair and pressed a quick kiss against his mouth.

  “Do you want me to stay?” he asked, brushing his mouth against hers.

  “Yes. No!”

  He laughed, slapped her ass, and walked out. “I’ll lock the door on my way out,” he called back to her.

  She closed her eyes. Oh, Cayenne, what have you gotten yourself into?

  * * *

  Jayvyn was so horny when he left Cayenne, he called Toni and asked her to meet him at his condo. He fucked her three times before his sexual tension and frustration felt manageable enough for him to trust himself around Cayenne.

  He allowed Toni to shower with him before he dressed.

  She lay on his bed watching him. “Who is she?”

  “No one you need to know,” he told her.

  “You can say that when you reeked of her pussy when you arrived?”

  “I’ll tell you for the last time that I don’t owe you any explanations.”