CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Marcus left the next morning for Chatham after dropping his bombshell on Billy, leaving her and Ransom to enjoy the day with her grandparents. Neville took Ransom on a tour of the vineyards while Billy spent time watching a Lifetime holiday movie with Porsha. Huddled under blankets, they discussed how realistic it was for the heroine to fall in love with Santa Claus. Billy managed to repress Marcus’s information and be present for Porsha.
“Billy, I’m going to blame advanced age for the reason this slipped my mind,” Porsha announced ruefully. “Somehow, I forgot to mention that your grandfather and I were invited to spend Christmas in Italy with one of the company’s investors. We’d love for you to join us! It’s a spacious villa, so there’s plenty of room for you to enjoy your privacy when you need it.”
To say Billy was disappointed was an understatement. It was her favorite time of the year. She didn’t care about receiving presents. It was all about the holiday spirit for her. Billy loved decorating trees, baking, caroling, and watching cheesy romantic Christmas movies. She’d been looking forward to spending Christmas with her grandparents, Marcus, and possibly, Angela. Or at least with Angela. Kent would be gone, but would he even be around if he didn’t go on his family’s trip? Things were so rocky between them that Billy was unsure. Guess it was just her for Christmas then. Maybe she’d go into San Francisco and treat herself to a stay at a hotel and indulge in some spa therapy.
“No, that’s fine. I’ve got stuff to do around my place and will just use the time to research our next theater production.”
Porsha was troubled by the thought. “I don’t like the idea of you spending the holiday by yourself, Billy. I’ll speak to your grandfather about it. We can go another time.”
“Absolutely not!” Billy stated adamantly. “Your plans are finalized, and I refuse to let you change them! Go and have a good time.”
“Why don’t you spend it with Ransom and your father then?” Porsha suggested.
Because I’d rather not have anyone feeling sorry for me, argue with Marcus, or have Lorelai staring all upside my head, Billy thought to herself. “Nope, I like my plans.” She turned her attention back to the movie. “Ewww! Did she really just kiss Santa and cop a feel in front of her kindergarten class?”
***
“Sir, don’t worry; she’s in good hands. Thank you for having me at your lovely home. I enjoyed myself.” Ransom shook Neville’s hand before hugging Porsha.
“Don’t you be a stranger,” Porsha lectured him, returning the hug.
“Take care of my granddaughter, Ransom,” Neville added gruffly.
“Of course, sir.”
Ransom patiently waited while Billy said her goodbyes, and then they were off, leaving Neville and Porsha alone in their driveway.
“Admit it; you like him,” a delighted Portia accused Neville, who harrumphed and blustered, despite the slight smile on his lips.
“There’s certainly more to him than meets the eye,” Neville was willing to acknowledge. “He’s an interesting individual. That young man has lead a life of purposeful hardship, which gives him character, but still, he wants more than that. Ransom has good taste clearly as he’s dating our granddaughter, but we were able to have a discussion on wines, and he held his own during a tasting. He was even able to identify notes in my latest wine that I’ve yet to bottle!”
“Which wine?” Porsha asked with interest.
“It’s something I’ve been working on. A California pinot noir combination of grapes from Monterey, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara. He was spot on in calling it ‘smooth and zesty’.”
Neville chortled to himself while Porsha looked askance at his receptiveness for Ransom. “He actually commented that its cherry and strawberry notes blended well with the vanilla spice! Would you believe that?” Neville slapped his thigh in delight. “Called it ‘dry on the palate with a lightly sweet, round finish!”
“Where do bikers talk like that?” Porsha wondered.
Neville clapped his hands together with joy. “Precisely, my dear! I think it’s time we expose him to more than that biker life. He’s clearly up to the challenge. And so is Marcus! He’s got an inquisitive mind that is obviously being wasted in that dreary little town.”
“I’ve created a monster,” Porsha sighed to herself as her husband continued his plotting.
***
Her father was an undercover government agent.
It was all Billy could think about when she was supposed to be having the time of her life with Ransom as they cruised up the winding Pacific Coast Highway on his Harley. With the deep sapphire blue ocean rippling alongside them, the waves crashing forcefully against the cliffs, and the wide-open road ahead of them, Billy should have felt carefree and happy with her arms wrapped around the man she loved. Instead, anxiety and dread were ripping her insides to shreds.
When they stopped at Pismo Beach to view the magnificent scenery of thousands of vibrant orange and black patterned Monarch butterflies clustered in the limbs of the grove of Eucalyptus trees, seeking shelter for the winter, all Billy could think of was county jail orange uniforms and black balls and chains around the ankles of criminals.
Then it was on to San Simeon to tour Hearst Castle, the former residence of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Billy imagined major headlines splattered across newspapers of The Immortals, a notorious biker gang taken down in a sting operation by the ATF, headed by her father and Lorelai.
While Billy smiled, laughed, and posed for pictures with and for Ransom, her heart was torn and on the verge of breaking. She was happy that Marcus felt he could confide in her and expected her not to break his trust, but Billy also knew he expected her to do what he considered to be the right thing: break up with Ransom.
On Elephant Seal Boardwalk, as the biting wind whipped around them, Billy huddled deeper into her bomber jacket and pulled her emerald green fuzzy beanie lower over her ears. Despite the sun shining and cloudless, blue skies, it was freezing. Billy covered the lower half of her face with her gloved hands to ward off not only the stinging cold air but the reek of the animals. Although a spectacular sight, the seals smelled enough to sour her appetite.
She watched with amusement as Ransom navigated his way closer to where the giant seals nested. He was determined to capture some memorable shots of them. One bull took offense at his nearness and, waving his large, bulbous nose at Ransom, challenged him with a deafening, guttural call. When Ransom remained in place, the huffing elephant seal lobbed his massive form in his direction, issuing a war cry.
Taking the hint, a grinning Ransom backed away slowly. Mollified, the seal let out a cry of victory and went about his business. Billy’s heart swelled with a fierce protectiveness and love for him. She was a good judge of character and wanted to confide in Ransom but what would that mean for Marcus?
“Damn, I think he wanted to fight me, fancypants!” Ransom called to her and Billy gratefully took the diversion from her troubled thoughts.
She laughed at him. “And the big, bad enforcer wanted no part of that action, huh?”
Ransom slung his Nikon FM2n/T-strap over one shoulder as he reached her and pulled her into his arms, swooping his head down to kiss her. He fucking loved how she opened up and let him in. With the number of people milling around, the kiss was meant to be sweet and brief. Except, per usual, it flourished, turning heady and gluttonous as Ransom greedily devoured her sweetness. They were completely caught up in one another. Only when people started clapping and whistling did they finally break apart. They cheered, even more, when Ransom took a bow and encouraged a flustered Billy to take one too.
“Think we should charge them, baby?” he joked, draping his arm around her shoulder. She wrapped hers around his waist, huddling into his body for heat as they walked back to where his bike was parked. “I don’t think they could afford us, though.”
Billy took huge gulps of the icy fresh air and her appetite returned with a vengeance. “You’re shameless and I’m starving.”
“Let’s get my fancypants fed then.”
They rode to a mom and pop restaurant on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. It was a popular tourist destination known for its seafood, and they had to wait twenty minutes for their table. They killed time in the small country store next door, where Billy insisted on buying picture frames for the photos he’d later develop. She smiled to herself because Ransom looked ready to pitch a fit at her paying, but Billy was prepared to throw a bigger one if he didn’t chill out.
Ransom requested a window table overlooking the ocean, and the view was breathtaking. The midday sun reflected on the tranquil waters, creating a shimmering reflection as seagulls and pelicans circled the sky and dove for their own seafood lunches.
“Can we interest you in our house wine?” their server offered as Ransom pulled Billy’s chair out and removed her jacket. “If not, we have a fine selection of award-winning wines and liquors that you might prefer instead?”
“No, thank you. I’d like a kiwi lemonade, please,” Billy replied, and Ransom ordered the same. Their server left them to view the menus as he fetched their drink orders. Brow furrowed, she asked, “Do you not drink? I thought bikers guzzled beer like it was going out of style.”
Ransom smiled as he played with her fingers before threading his through, and holding and drawing circles on her palm. Gravely, he informed Billy, “I do drink, but not with you or while you’re on my bike, fancypants.”
No, he didn’t need or want to drink in her presence. Just being with Willamina “Billy” Stanton was dangerously intoxicating. The level of happiness she elevated him to always made Ransom feel like he was drunk as hell and high as fuck in the best ways possible.
“I appreciate that.” Billy studied their entwined fingers, shivering when he released her hand. He flipped it face up and smoothed his fingers over the center of her palm, lazily drawing a cylindrical pattern all over it. Even with the tattoos covering most of his skin, Billy could see the scars on Ransom’s hands. Faded white marks mixed with newer puckered ones. Was she crazy, Billy wondered, to think that the evidence of the brutal aspects of his biker life only heightened the beauty of the man?
“You’ve been busy.” She traced the new scars with a heavy heart. Billy wanted to ask questions but was now fearful of answers and which side of the law they were on. Fucking Marcus.
“Comes with the territory.” Ransom’s smile was lazy, but his eyes were watchful, gauging her reaction. “Job security is something I won’t ever have to worry about in my line of work, fancypants.”
Billy didn’t quite know how to respond to that without freaking out on Ransom, so instead, she changed the subject. “Are you enjoying your time here?”
He lifted her hand and kissed it. “I am. California’s plenty different from Chatham. Just being this close to the ocean, when all I’ve known is desert, is wild!” Ransom’s green eyes were contemplative. “I spent some time with our northern chapter, and they asked me to stay.”
Billy leaned forward with anticipation. If he stayed, at least he wouldn’t be caught in the middle of anything if shit went down in Chatham. “What did you say? Are you at least considering it?”
She was trying to contain her excitement, but the dancing in her seat gave it away. If he stayed, they’d be together far more than if he returned to Chatham, which was over a thousand miles away. Raze was a good prez and had none of the friction that Slade constantly emanated. But the position required him to be present with the club, and while he hadn’t encountered any open racism, this chapter certainly wasn’t progressive. A few ignorant ass comments had assured Ransom there would be a body count if Billy ever got disrespected.
Then there was Claudia. He wasn’t entirely sure if she’d be okay without him around. Harley’s departure left her clinging a little more to Ransom. As it was, he’d have to sell his soul and go all out for Christmas to make up for missing Thanksgiving.
“As much as I’d love to see your gorgeous face every day, I don’t know if I can,” Ransom finally admitted. “There’s so much to do back home.” Her face fell, and Ransom clutched Billy’s hand in both of his and kissed it again. “Gimme some time to work shit out, alright?”
“I trust you. Let’s check out these menus.” He released her hand, and Billy reigned in her disappointment at his answer and picked up a menu. As she blindly scanned it, her mind was whirling. Ransom had an opportunity to move west but was on the fence about it. Clearly, incentives were going to be needed to make that happen.
They ordered bowls of clam chowder garnished with crumbled fried pancetta, and for entrees, Ransom chose the spicy fried lobster bites with lemon aioli and French fries, while Billy opted for king crab enchiladas covered in a green chile seafood sauce.
“I could eat like this every day.” Ransom popped a succulent piece of lobster in his mouth, closing his eyes with exaggerated pleasure that made Billy laugh, as he slowly chewed. “Even though it’s fried, you can taste the freshness of the seafood. It’s not something I get much of back home.”
Billy dipped a fry in the aioli and with a sweet smile, held it up to his lips. “Well, isn’t that a coinky-dink! I could cook like this daily if a certain someone lived here.”
With a slow smile, Ransom widened his lips and accepted the fry. “I bet you could. I had double helpings of everything on Thanksgiving. Where’d you learn to cook like that?”
“My mom. Holiday meals were her specialty. We’d have these huge neighborhood block parties, and it was a great way for everyone to get together and catch up. After Mom died and I moved to Santa Barbara, we had one last big hurrah to send me and Mom off properly. Sometimes, I miss that sense of community and the kids I’d grown up with. It gets a little lonely at school, especially now that my roommate left and…”
Kent. Ransom’s lips tightened as Billy’s voice trailed off. Despite her explanation of the kiss and her reassurances that she wasn’t even remotely interested in more than a platonic relationship with Kent, Ransom was jealous, territorial, and ready to split a motherfucker’s head wide open if he or anyone else attempted to pursue Billy.
“You still haven’t talked to him?” he asked coolly. “When you do, let him know that I’m dying to meet him.”
His razor-sharp grin earned him a censorious look from Billy. “No, but his family is away on their annual holiday vacation in Cabo. Hopefully, it’s given him time to put things in perspective.”
Holiday vacations in Cabo. Ransom snorted his irritation. Jesus Christ. Porsche Carreras, vineyards, estates, designer things. These things were considered normal in Billy’s world. Growing up, his family took one vacation a year. Slade didn’t believe in wasting money on frivolous, unimportant shit like his family’s happiness. When he learned that Ransom wanted to go to college and how much it would cost, Slade damn near had a heart attack. He’d refused to use club money and forbade Claudia from going to her family for the money. Not that it cost him a damn thing. Ransom loved school and excelled at it. His full-ride scholarship was a reward to himself and a middle finger in Slade’s face.
“You’d better not be sitting over there judging people, Ransom Lawson,” Billy warned him, a scowl settling on her lovely face. “I’m sure you get judged as much as the rest of us, appearance and lifestyle wise. Exactly how much value or appeal do other people’s opinions matter to you?”
“I didn’t say shit, wildthing,” Ransom answered blandly. She wouldn’t get it but why should she? Billy was able to navigate different worlds effortlessly without changing her appearance. He’d seen it in firsthand in Chatham. But she wasn’t like her prick of a friend, flaunting her wealth. Hell, she’d even given up the car that belonged to her mother. “Shit! I wondered about you before we reunited; now, I’m going to worry about you being alone in your place all the time.”
An image of Carmelita Wilson flashed through Billy’s mind. The campus was still reeling from her gruesome, violent murder. Famon was a peaceful college town acclaimed for supporting liberal arts. The crime rate was limited to jaywalking and students streaking on campus. Since Carmelita’s murder, Billy had purchased a door security bar, installed a deadbolt, and slept with her revolver in the nightstand next to her bed. She’d also approached Dominique about moving in with her next semester.
“I can take care of myself. If anything, I’m more worried about you and the work you’re doing for your club,” Billy added lightly, tapping his hands to emphasize the fresh scars. “You’re the one walking on the wild side, searching for trouble.”
Ransom’s face was expressionless and with a nonchalant shrug of his broad shoulders, he casually informed her, “It comes with the territory, fancypants. Don’t worry about me, though. I’m good at my job.”
“Which one? Working with cars or beating the shit out of people?”
His sharp bark of laughter turned heads their way, but Ransom was focused exclusively on Billy. “Both and staying alive. Does that satisfy you?”
“What satisfies me is you staying on the right side of the law,” she retorted. “You should know that I won’t lie for you or do conjugal visits. Ever.”
Ransom leaned forward to stare deeply into her eyes, his anger, even some hurt, at her words evident. “I would never put you in a position to do either of those things, so you’ve got nothing to worry about. Anything else?”
Billy fiddled with the cuff of her charcoal gray thermal top. God, there was so much more to say, and her loyalties were divided. In the end, she simply said, “Just be careful. I imagine that in your line of work, it all narrows down to money, power, and strength. Who has it and what others are willing to do and sacrifice to acquire it.” She glanced out the window, willing herself to stay calm. Turning back to him, with a pleading face, she implored, “Can you really trust everyone you encounter? Ransom, please keep your ears and eyes open. I need you safe, sound, and in one piece, babe.”
Ransom’s anger softened at seeing her so torn up. He grabbed his fork and cut into her enchilada then placed the forkful at her lips. “Eat up and quit borrowing trouble. No matter where I go or what I do, you have my word. I’ll always come back, Billy. To you. Always.”
Billy accepted the bite. “I’ll hold you to that. How’s your family doing?”
Was ‘dysfunctional as always’ an appropriate answer? Ransom pondered. “Ma and Slade are the same, and Harley took off with Pitch. He left about a month ago, and we haven’t seen or heard from him since.”
“Did you guys have another falling out?” Billy recalled that volatile incident at Inferno between Ransom and Pitch. He’d looked furious enough to kill the smaller man. Then there were his warnings about staying away from his brother. Harley himself was not wrapped that tight in her opinion.
Airing his family’s dynamics and dirty laundry was not how Ransom intended to spend the day with his woman, but the time for shielding her had come and gone. It was a done deal when she said yes to being with him. He could trust and be himself with Billy. Secrets couldn’t exist.
“In our club, the firstborn Lawson son has always been president. From my great-grandfather to my father, that’s the way it is. It’s the same in Shakes’ family, to be the Vice Prez, and when Blaze steps down, his only son Shakes, better be ready to step up. Harley is older, so the right goes to him.”
“But he’s only older by some minutes, and that would make him president instead of you?”
“That’s the way it goes. Slade is my president, and he does fine by the club. The father and husband department are his fuck-up areas of expertise. He went extra hard on us, growing up. Me? I didn’t have two fucks to rub together and keep me warm, waiting for any kindness from him. But Harley…he just couldn’t hack it,” Ransom muttered, thinking of his murdered pet rabbit. “Slade hated having to pass his title down to the son he considered a weak link.”
“The two of you were just children!” Billy vehemently protested.
“Slade isn’t someone you should ever reveal weaknesses to, babe. Remember that. He’ll use that shit against you if he sees an opportunity. Harley couldn’t take his mental abuse. The mind games made him edgy, yet he still sought Slade’s approval. We used to be real tight, and I was so protective of him, but recently, he made some choices that I refused to see eye-to-eye with, and they damaged our relationship.” The chill in his green eyes made Billy shiver, despite the cozy warmth of the restaurant’s fireplace. “Remember what I told you about staying away from him?”
“You ever seen that movie “Old Yeller”? About the loyal dog that was the best in the world until he got bit by that rabid wolf?”
Ransom smiled his approval at Billy’s slight nod. “That’s good, Billy. Don’t ever forget it. God knows I love him, but I don’t trust him, and I certainly don’t trust him around you. Pitch either. Where Harley is all emotion and physicality, Pitch uses his brain for anything but the greater good. Always has in order to get what he wants. Pitch can’t be trusted; he’s got his own agenda.”
“Slade wants you to be president, doesn’t he? That’s why he went so hard on your brother? To make him quit?” Billy guessed, feeling her dislike, for the man who’d managed to set off all her red flags during their only meeting, intensify.
“Yeah, he wants me to take the title.” Ransom smiled bitterly at her perceptiveness. “He went hard on both of us, but Harley has no impulse control and always responds before thinking things through. Without trying to lose face and buck tradition, our bastard of a father knew it was only a matter of time before Harley slipped up enough to give him an out. The last straw for Slade came the day you left Chatham. Harley defied Slade in front of another club’s president and, most likely, fueled rumors that there was dissension in our club. Slade informed him of his decision to make me the next president, and Harley bounced.”
“Do you want to be president?” Billy searched his inscrutable face for answers but found none. “Don’t shut me out, babe.”
“I want what’s best for The Immortals,” Ransom avowed. “They’re my family and deserve a strong leader. Someone who is going to put their needs before his own. I can do that, unlike Harley.”
“Oh, believe me; I know you can. That’s why you let me go, right? Because the club comes first,” Billy replied sarcastically.
“It doesn’t for me anymore,” Ransom retorted, giving her a pointed look. “Everyone thinks they have a choice, but that’s pure bullshit. Choices don’t really exist. Your heart always knows what it wants; your mind just needs to be convinced.” Ransom leaned across the table, his fingers grazing her cheek. “You come first and should have from the beginning. That’s why I came back, remember?”
Billy’s fire extinguished under the love in his eyes and sincerity in his voice. She believed him wholly, but how was Slade going to feel about their rekindled relationship? Billy grabbed his hand from her face and squeezed it. “I do, babe.”
“Fancypants, we got each other, and that’s more than what most people have. We can handle whatever gets thrown our way as long as you trust me.” Glancing down at the table, he noticed that they’d eaten everything they’d ordered. “How about some dessert?”
Releasing his hand, Billy wiped her lips with her napkin, shaking her head no. What she wanted for dessert couldn’t be found on any damn menu, unless there was a photo Ransom naked on it. Demurely, she murmured, “No, thank you. Unless you’d like something?”
Yeah, some honey, peaches and cream, Ransom groaned internally, watching Billy reapply her lip gloss. He imagined the wand she used to coat her lips was his dick and Billy was spreading his excitement all over her mouth before she licked it away. Ransom shifted uncomfortably in his chair as his erection lengthened with Incredible Hulk-like strength. It’d been too long, and he would wait until she was ready, but he’d be gone soon. Remaining faithful wasn’t the issue. Ransom needed to be inside Billy. His body demanded that he claim and ravage her with some mind-numbing, multi-orgasmic sex that had headboards banging then breaking and her neighbors ready to call the cops on his ass.
“I dare you to follow through on those thoughts with some action, Lawson,” Billy purred, leaning forward on her elbow, chin in her hand, and dark eyes dancing impishly in the golden afternoon light. Underneath the table, her legs intentionally trapped his between hers. Yeah, she had him dead to rights.
Eyes lasered on her, Ransom motioned for their server, who quickly appeared. “I’ll take the check now, please.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
She was going to be the death of him, Ransom thought as they zipped along the PCH. Billy’s hands were driving him out of his mind. They stroked his abdomen, thighs, and rigid shaft as she pressed herself into the hard planes of his back. Above the wind, he could hear Billy’s ragged breathing in his ears and knew she was just as affected. When they finally made it back to her place, Billy led the way, holding on to Ransom’s hand while he followed behind, content to be led by her. His eyes were hypnotized by the gentle sway of her hips and ass, his cock throbbing to their rhythm.
The campus was quiet tonight, most of the students gone for Thanksgiving break. Billy reached into her purse and dug out her keys. As she inserted them into the lock, Ransom covered her hand with his, and Billy shot him a questioning look. He leaned down, pressing his forehead to the side of hers. “Don’t do anything you’re not ready for. If you let me in, we’re fucking. We’re fucking until my dick is broken and you can’t walk. I need you to be very sure about this, fancypants. We clear?”
Billy tilted her head up and bit Ransom’s bottom lip, soothing the sting with a swipe of her tongue. She tugged his bottom lip between her teeth and gently worried it. “Promise?”
Ransom swatted her ass sharply and a startled Billy released his lip with a surprised laugh that earned her a wily grin from him. “Thought you’d like that. Don’t worry; I’ve got some for your other cheek too. Now, answer the question, wildthing.”
“Are you questioning my timing, Lawson?” Billy quizzed with a serious expression. “If so, you of all people should know timing’s a fickle bitch. It’s also everything we may or may not have, so I think I’ll choose to live in the present with you. But if you have a problem with me wanting to get naked for you—”
Ransom nipped the side of her neck, smacked her ass again, and was rewarded with her whimper. “Why the fuck are we still standing out here, Billy?”
She unlocked the door and pulled him into her cold flat, hitting the lights and turning the heat on as she led him down the hallway to the living room. Ransom felt his erection die and his balls shrivel up like raisins and fall off in the ultra-feminine setting. It was an explosion of varying shades of pink, ranging from blush to vivid hot pink, gold and white, accented with floral, preppy stripes, and polka-dots. The most masculine thing in this setting, other than himself, was the carpet and television.
“Do you like it?” Billy tried containing her mirth at Ransom’s horrified expression. One would think he walked into a homicidal crime scene. “The style is ‘modern eclectic’, mixing modern with whimsical, preppy, and bohemian.”
“I have no words for it…” Ransom mumbled, gaping dumbly at his surroundings. “Other than it’s sooo fucking pink. And whyyyy? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in pink, except for that frilly pair of panties that drove me so crazy. I ripped them off of you.”
“You did that a lot, punk!” Ransom winked at her, and Billy tried to maintain a serious face but couldn’t hold in her laughter for long. “You’re right; it’s not me. I like a laidback monochromatic aesthetic. This was my grandmother’s gift to me. She and my granddad wanted me to have a nice environment to thrive in, so she hired a decorator. It made her so happy that I didn’t have the heart to change it.”
“Awwww, you’re such a good granddaughter. You make them so happy, baby.” He closed the brief space between them and enveloped her in his arms. “They’re not the only ones either.” Staring into her wide eyes, Ransom slowly lowered his head, giving her time to accept or decline his kiss. Billy’s eyes closed, her mouth parting in invitation for him, and that was all the encouragement Ransom needed.
“Baby, I want you so bad, I fucking ache from it,” he groaned against her lips. Billy could hardly hear him over the deafening beat of her heart as their hands moved in unison to each other’s clothing.
Between unbuttoning, unzipping, and kicking shoes and socks off as clothes flew every which way, they eagerly sought more kisses. Billy’s body was already primed and tingling with anticipation for his thorough lovemaking skills. The sensations were overwhelming her, and Billy felt like she was combusting for him. Ransom’s cock sprang back to life with a vengeance at the sight of Billy in nothing but a bronze thong. Again, his memories did her no justice. A goddess dipped in nutmeg with flared hips, endless legs, and those full tits…How had he lived so long without her? No, he hadn’t lived. Just
existed aimlessly. Ransom was so fucking ready that he could go off half-cocked at any time, so he kept his boxers on. “C’mere, wildthing.”
He knocked Billy’s hand away when she went for the waistband of his boxers. “First things first.” His fingers hooked into her thong and peeled it away. Billy stepped out of it, revealing that she was now fully bare. Holy shit.
Billy cried out as he ran his fingers over her sensitive, overheated pussy, and she widened her stance when he nudged her thighs with his own. Ransom’s long, thick fingers found their way into her wet heat and gently thrust inside of her, and Billy sobbed her pleasure. She tried sucking in air, fighting to breathe while her body convulsed with need for him. Ransom curled his fingers against her G-spot, and his thumb teased her clit while he devoured her lips, and she rode his hand frantically. Soon, currents were flowing through then overtaking her body. He swallowed her frenzied wail as the climax rocketed through Billy’s body and drowned his fingers.
Slowly, he withdrew them, and while she clung to him, Billy watched Ransom hold the glistening digits up to his nose and inhale deeply, an appreciative look on his face. His eyes, filled with a primitive hunger, were unwavering as he opened his mouth and sucked them clean. Ransom’s eyes closed, and he groaned his appreciation at the heady, sweet taste of her. It was the sexiest damn thing Billy had seen in a while, and she wanted to return the favor.
She pushed him back against the wall and fell to her knees in front of him. Billy eased his boxers down to reveal his beautiful dick. Just seeing it and knowing what he could do with it made her pussy pulse. The broad, smooth head was coated in precum, and the veins, running over it were satiny smooth to the touch. Billy wrapped both hands around the base and stroked his heavy length up and down. Ransom’s face was a harsh mask of desire and concentration as his hand entangled in her hair as he guided it to her lips. Billy pulled back with a stern expression.
“I’m running this show,” she lectured. “All you need to do is enjoy it, babe.”
Before Ransom could respond, Billy wrapped her plump lips over him and suctioned him into her mouth. At last. Reunited and it felt way too good, Billy thought as her tongue lapped up his precum. Ransom cursed his pleasure and damn near bit a hole in his lips as he struggled to restrain himself from ramming his dick down her throat. Billy’s fingers delicately feathered his balls as she slid her mouth up and down on his shaft, deep-throating him as far as she could. Her tongue swirled round and round until inching forward, she rested her head against his abdomen. Ransom growled and bucked, fighting to resist the pressure building in his balls. Brazenly, Billy’s lips slid up and down on his dick, inhaling him vigorously while fondling him mercilessly and raking her nails across his firm ass and the backs of his muscled thighs.
“Goddamn, that’s so fucking good babe! Just like that,” Ransom hissed through clenched teeth as he stroked her hair. “Shiiiiit, don’t stop, wildthing!”
Ransom fucked her mouth with increasing speed, and Billy took it all, slurping, licking, and caressing him, her eyes locking with his until he could bear it no more. The pull of her pillow-soft lips, wicked tongue, and talented fingers hurled him to the brink of sexual insanity and threw him over with embarrassing speed. Head flung back, eyes closed, and corded muscles in his neck pronounced, Ransom hoarsely shouted her name as his cum spurted down her throat, and Billy swallowed every drop with a victorious smirk.
“Jesus, baby! What am I gonna do with you?” Ransom wondered aloud, voice raw from exertion as he unsuccessfully tried to focus on her with glazed eyes.
With a giggle, Billy released him and rose to her feet regally. Ransom hoisted her high into his arms, inhaling a nipple into his hot mouth and rolling the plump bud between his teeth. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held his head to her breasts. “How about fuck me? Love me?” Billy moaned. “Mmmmm. And never let me go?”
“Yes, yes, and hell yessss.” Ransom laved the pebbled bud before curling his tongue around it and gently biting down. Billy’s fingers smoothed his hair away from his sweat-dampened brow, mewling her pleasure. He repeated the action with her other breast and buried his face between them, licking her perspiration away. “Bedroom, baby?”
“D-Down the hall, second door on the right.” Billy arched into him, greedy for more of his ministrations, and Ransom complied as he walked to her room
“I love you, fancypants.”
“I love you too, Lawson.”
Billy hit the switch by her bedroom door when they entered, and the room was encased in the soft glow of her bedside lamps. Ransom managed to pull himself away from her well-loved nipples to assess the room and what mattered most. Thank fuck, the bed was at least a queen. He knew everyone babied her, himself included, and just knew that Porsha had installed a twin bed for her precious Billy. The room was wallpapered in one muted pink floral pattern. There were art deco accents, including framed posters, vases, and bed set done in red, green, gold, and white.
“Does this room meet your approval, Lawson?” Billy stroked his dark hair and dropped a languid kiss on his waiting lips when Ransom redirected his attention back to her.
“Yeah, but you don’t have a headboard, baby,” Ransom slyly remarked as he walked them to the bed. “After tonight, you might wanna rethink that.”
Ransom moved to the side of the bed and still carrying Billy, he lay down with her above him. Billy squealed as his hands spanned her waist and he shifted her up over him, so she was staring at the wall in consternation, her sex hovering directly above him. She glanced down at a smirking Ransom framed between her brown thighs. “See your dilemma now?”
“Ummm, yeah, I’m beginning to. How about we try this-Oooohh!” Billy broke off with a cry as Ransom blew on her bare, slick pussy.
“Not my problem, fancypants,” he gleefully replied with another smack to her ass. “Now, shut up and feed your man a good meal.”
Booty stinging, Billy gripped her thighs and lowered her throbbing pussy tentatively onto his sinful mouth. Ransom’s powerful hands caressed the back of her thighs before sliding up to grip her ass, firmly holding her in place. Billy trembled in anticipation as she felt his cool breath on her weeping slit. Then she felt the barest flick of Ransom’s tongue running along her seam, and nearly collapsed, certain she would die from his exquisite brand of torture.
Ransom shoved her down and speared his skilled tongue deep into her drenched heat. He alternated between tongue-fucking her and nibbling on her clit and puffy, tender lips. Billy palmed her breasts and rode his face with shameless abandon, her bones liquifying from the dizzying pleasure spiraling through her body. Moaning in ecstasy, she released her breasts to claw at the wall as Ransom’s beard rubbed against the inside of her thighs. While his mouth reacquainted itself with her pussy, his fingers deftly slid between her ass cheeks, spreading them apart and stroking her French star with each undulation of her hips.
A finger dipped into that forbidden territory as Ransom curled his tongue around her clit and bit down, satisfaction rushing through him when he achieved the desired result. With a scream, Billy fractured apart, pounding on the wall under his masterful onslaught. The framed posters rattled under the impact as Ransom inhaled every last drop of her nectar while finger fucking her through the orgasm.
The pounding on the other side of the wall made Billy jump, causing her to clap Ransom’s ears with her knees. “Ooompf! Shit, fancypants!”
“Hey! Keep it down over there!” There were muffled laughs, but Billy was too spent to be mortified. “Or at least let us join in the fun!”
“I’m so sorry! You good, babe?” Billy giggled. Satisfied for the time being, she slid down his body until they were face-to-face. “Hey there.”
Ransom shook the ringing from his ears until he was able to focus on Billy’s beautiful face. She was flushed and looked sated, but he was far from done with her. He brought her face to his and kissed her thoroughly, allowing Billy to sample just how fucking delicious she tasted. He rolled them over and caged her in, his hair falling around them while making love to her mouth. Billy’s hands drifted down his back as they exchanged slow, languid kisses and his dick slid between her velvety nether lips.
He bit her chin lightly. “I’ll be right back. I need to grab some condoms.”
Billy pinched his ass, causing Ransom to flinch and rub his dick against her clit, creating a delicious friction that excited her even more. “Mmmmm! Hurry back, please.”
He was back in record time to familiarize himself with the rest of her body. Ransom licked, sucked, massaged, and nibbled all over her flesh. He hit all Billy’s pleasure zones, making her climax several more times before rolling her onto her stomach and handing her one of several foiled packets. With his cock nestled between her ass cheeks, Ransom’s fingers played in her pussy as he sucked on her earlobe and whispered filthy delights to her. Weak and panting, Billy fumbled to open the condom, so he could give them what they both craved. Finally, she got it open and practically threw it back at him.
Ransom’s laugh was dark and devious as he shifted to his knees and rolled the latex over his engorged shaft while Billy found the strength to rise on her knees and put her ass in the air invitingly, keeping her top half pressed to the mattress. Ransom lined himself up with her core, pausing to study his hands that gripped the smooth full globes of Billy’s perfect ass. He felt a wealth of territorial primal satisfaction surge through him. His tattooed hands looked like proprietary stamps, signifying what Ransom and Billy already knew. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have assumed such a submissive position.
She belonged to him.
They both cried out as he sank into her, both in agreement that it had been too long since they’d both experienced such unparalleled ecstasy. Ransom rode her body like a man possessed, unleashing a series of long, deep, forceful strokes that pummeled Billy’s sex and made her ass dip and ripple. It was like she was custom made for him the way they fit so fucking perfectly together. She spasmed violently around his dick while swiveling her ass back to meet his thrusts. Her tight pussy was a fucking magical drug that made Ransom lose all control of his senses and act a fucking fool for her. He drove her down to the bed, shoving one of her legs up to bend at the knee, which granted him deeper access. Billy’s wanton moans were her sure sign approval of his dominating actions.
“Fancypants, you’re so fucking beautiful, and my pussy’s so good to me,” he hissed, his tongue gliding along her neck and making Billy’s eyes cross and her toes curl. “You’re so fucking wet, and I love it.”
“Yes, Ransom, it’s soooo good! I don’t want it to end, baby.”
Billy felt like a fish out of water, gasping for air as Ransom put it on her. She struggled to breathe through the vortex of his lovemaking. She’d awakened his beast, and it was so goddamn earth-shatteringly good that all Billy could do was hold on to the edge of the bed and pray he never stopped fucking her like this. But already she could feel the tingling in her toes and the tension expanding through her body as Ransom discovered and unlocked that spot only he had prior knowledge to. Billy’s orgasm crashed over her in tsunami-sized waves, sweeping her up and away like a cyclone. She was marveling surviving it as the next orgasm snuck up on her when Ransom slipped his hand under her and between her sticky folds to strum her overly sensitive clit.
“Ransoooom!”
Ransom wrapped a hand in her hair, directing Billy’s face to his, and inhaling her cries of carnal delight. He devoured her mouth while plunging harder and deeper into her, rocking Billy’s body as he tunneled through her increasingly tightening pussy. Ransom made the bed rock and creak against the wall in a relentless rhythm as her neighbors cheered them on from the other side. The vice-like clamp Billy’s sheath put on his dick during her final orgasm triggered a release so visceral, Ransom almost passed out as he poured what felt like his soul into her. He only had one thing to say as his muscles turned to lead.
“Shiiiiiitt, you’re gonna kill me, fancypants.”
But what a way to go. Ransom’s body hummed with contentment. Reluctantly, he withdrew from her pliant form, rolled over, and tucked her into his side. Billy was already passed out. Ransom lifted her and slid her under the comforter before leaving the bed. He got dressed and left to grab his stuff from his bike. Once back inside, he gathered their strewn clothes, turned off the lights, and secured the place before coming back to bed and slipping under the covers with his baby. He pulled Billy close to him and she snuggled into his side. It wasn’t long before sleep also claimed him.
***
“You were a cute kid.” Ransom was flipping through one of Billy’s family photo albums that were stacked on her bookshelf when she reentered her bedroom with a takeout pizza box, napkins, paper plates, and individual bottles of apple juice. “Even with a mouth full of metal, you were adorable.”
She stopped short at the sight of him lying naked and looking mouth-watering all rumpled in her bed. He looked right at home, and Billy approved wholeheartedly. “Oh hell no! I know you’re not trying to clown me, pretty boy.” She held up the box. “Behold, I bring you manna from the pizza gods. Giuseppe’s Deep Dish. Sorry, it’s not a homecooked meal, but I think you’re going to like it.”
“Woman, you just cooked me a feast! I’ll eat whatever you put in front of me.” Ransom’s grin was full of bad intentions that made Billy flush as his eyes slowly perused her body in the clingy peach jersey cotton robe. He closed the photo album and carefully set it aside. Ransom helped her plate the pizza before she shed her robe and slid back under the covers with him. “Babe, your fridge is three levels below empty. Why don’t you have any food in it? What are you eating? Do you need money?”
Billy laughed at his twenty questions but was flattered by his concern and offer. “No, thank you, Ransom. I normally grab something from the cafeteria to and from classes. Knowing I wasn’t going to be here during break, there was no need to go to the grocery store and stock it.” She held her slice of pizza to his lips, and he blew on the steaming gooey, savory slice of pie. “Taste it.”
Ransom took a big bite, enjoying the thick, rich, buttery crust, layers of fresh mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and savory sausage topped with a chunky basil-oregano tomato sauce. “Damn that’s good! Lemme get another bite, wildthing.”
Billy complied, and they munched happily on pizza, famished after another steamy round of lovemaking while watching some reruns.
‘What the hell is this show about?” Billy asked, wrinkling her nose at the television.
“I can’t believe you don’t watch “Highlander,” Ransom gave her a mournful look. “How are we supposed to be together if you’re not into sci-fi?”
She stuck her tongue out at him playfully. “I bet you only watch the show because they call themselves ‘immortals’ too. You know what you need in your life? A little Malik Yoba and Michael De Lorenzo!”
At his blank look, Billy rolled her eyes and grabbed the TV Guide. She flipped through it until she found a picture of the two actors and showed him. “Hellooo! “New York Undercover”! It’s the hottest show out right now. Be nice to me and I’ll educate you on it.”
Ransom took one look at the good-looking black actor and his equally good-looking Hispanic counterpart and tossed the magazine aside with a grim face. “Fuck no! We’re not watching this. Something tells me women don’t watch that show for its superb acting skills.”
“Sorry, I don’t know what you mean,” Billy feigned ignorance, eyes dancing with mischief.
Ransom’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, and he grabbed her around the waist. “Bullshit.” Billy squealed with laughter as he tickled her mercilessly, fingers creeping toward her armpits. “Confess!”
“N-Not the a-a-armpits! I-know-nothing!” She was laughing so hard, she could barely get the words out. “The-the food is getting cold!”
“I’ll let you live this time, wildthing.” Ransom kissed her throat softly before releasing her.
They finally decided on an episode of “ER”, followed by a “Martin” rerun and finished eating. Ransom easily demolished three-fourths of the pie by himself. When they were done, he cleaned up the mess while Billy took a quick shower and brushed her teeth. Then it was Ransom’s turn. When he was done, they lay on their sides, facing each other in bed. The moon shone brightly enough to cast a bright light into her room.
Ransom reached out and traced her soft lips with his thumb. “Hey, baby.”
Billy caught his hand and held it to her face, lacing their fingers together and reveling in his strength and warmth. “Hey yourself. Still having a good time?”
Ransom grinned and, despite his muscles and tattoos, it made him look boyish. Gone was the hardened biker in sight, and in his place, a relaxed, carefree man in love. “How could I not with you? If I wasn’t here, I’d just be working at the shop or handling shit that needs straightening out. Any free time I have, I like hopping up and disappearing with my camera.”
Billy stuck her tongue out at him. “I still can’t believe you kept that a secret from me! I want to see all of your work, Ransom.”
“I could show you something if you’re nice to me. I’m talking extra nice, like you were earlier,” he joked, wiggling his eyebrows at her, his eyes drifting down her body suggestively. Ransom wondered what she’d say when she saw all the photos of her he’d taken. He kept them under his bed in a locked box.
“I guess I could do that,” Billy gave a long-suffering sigh, giggling as Ransom leaned over and gently bit her ass through the bed sheet then settled back on his elbow.
“What do you do in your spare time, fancypants?”
“I used to divide it between spending it with Kent and my roommate, exploring the city, but since she left, I devote my free time to the children’s cancer wing at Fresno Medical.. Which reminds me that I need to go to the bookstore and get some holiday books for our next storytime session.”
“Kids, huh? Never adults? Are you okay doing that?”
“It breaks my heart to see them in a hospital bed, but there’s such a strength and resilience about them, Ransom! You should see how determined they are to not let their circumstances get them down.” The passion in her voice made his love for her only expand, and Ransom wondered how
Billy yawned and pressed closer to him, seeking more of his warmth. Ransom’s arm curled around her, his hand splayed against her bare back, massaging her satiny skin. Billy cuddled sleepily against Ransom, full of pizza and relaxed from fan-fucking-tastic sex. “They’re my role models. I just couldn’t do adults anymore. The first woman I encountered was my mother’s age. She had three little kids and a husband. I hated the way they came every day, watching her wither away, already accepting her death. It was too much for me. I struggled with volunteering, but I didn’t want to be a quitter. I almost didn’t go back, but I overheard some nurses discussing the children’s ward, so I inquired about it.”
Ransom drew her to him protectively. “Have you been checked, Billy?”
“Yes, I have,” she assured him, smiling faintly at the relief in his eyes. “Don’t worry about me. I’m not going anywhere. Love you, baby.”
“I love you too, fancypants.” Long after she slept, Ransom continued to watch her. Her even, steady breathing filled the room, the shadows from the moon shone against her skin, and her luscious lips pressed together as if begging for his kiss. She was so fucking adorable and all his. Ransom was relieved to see she no longer cried in her sleep. The thought of losing her to the same deadly disease that took her mother was a debilitating one that caused his chest to tighten and his throat to thicken with fear. Noisily, he cleared it as he shifted her to cradle her against him, vowing to himself that nothing bad would ever happen to Billy on his watch.
***
Billy crouched down to read the display tag of the painting in front of her and read it aloud. “Birch at Hart Lake.”
She meticulously studied it. A watercolor of a bare tree done in varying shades of gray, white and black. It looked bleak and dismal to her. “Hmmm…”
“It’s a Zoltan Szabo piece,” a man’s deep voice informed her. Billy looked to her left and saw black dress shoes, which automatically eliminated Ransom who’d gone to the restroom. She stood up to see Nick Olente standing there in a black suit with a black tie. He flashed her a charming smile that lit up his handsome face. “Szabo was born in Hungary where he attended art school before migrating to Canada then here to the United States. He’s best known for his fluid lines and watercolors and even authored and illustrated some watercolor instruction coloring books.”
Billy smiled politely at him. “Hello, Nick. That’s good to know, thank you.”
Nick smiled back at her, his eyes sliding over Billy, attired in her cranberry velvet blazer over her long, black silk dress paired with her favorite black stiletto boots, with frank admiration. “You’re certainly a sight for sore eyes, Billy. I didn’t know you were an art lover.”
They were standing in Eclipse East & West Art, the town’s new art gallery, and today was the grand opening. After finally leaving her bed in the early afternoon, Billy and Ransom walked the short distance into town to see “Interview With A Vampire”. They both liked it and agreed Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt played off each other nicely. Ransom noticed the grand opening sign and suggested they check it out. They’d just spent the last hour and a half exploring the gallery, and Billy was starving and so not in the mood for Nick’s bullshit. Bluntly, she challenged him, “Why would you know that or anything else about me?”
He wasn’t deterred, just amused by her blunt question. “Probably because I’m trying to make it my business to know everything about you.”
“Why?” she demanded, crossing her arms as she regarded him suspiciously.
Nick shrugged casually. “Why? Because Professor Higgins had nothing but great things to say about you. I watched the theatrical productions, and your design team had a flair for the scenery. In addition, I read your notes and reasoning as to why you made the choices you did, and your logic made sense. I could use people with your attention to detail. As an independent film director, I have a small budget, but it’s not as meager as the school’s, so I know your team could work with it and make a little extra money. Lastly, if it works out, you guys would get production credit for it as well. I figure it’s a win-win, yeah?”
It sounded like it could be, but Nick’s spiel didn’t distract her from the personal interest vibe he was giving her. “So, you’re interested in speaking with me, Dominique, Simon, and Callie, just to name a few members of my crew?”
His grinned at her response, remaining unflappable at her challenge. “I’m saying get your people together, and I’ll gather my folks, and we can sit down and talk. Is that cool with you, Billy?”
Before she could reply, a strong arm surrounded her waist as Ransom joined them. “Sorry to keep you waiting, love.”
Billy bit back her smile when the grin slipped from Nick’s face as he sized up Ransom and the proprietary arm around her. “Not a problem, babe. This is Nick Olente. Nick, this is my man, Ransom Lawson.”
Nick held his hand out. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Ransom was entertained but approving of her introduction, complete with an exaggerated flutter of her pretty eyes at him. What he wasn’t crazy about was the way this asshole was staring at Billy like she was the cure for cancer. Even from across the gallery, Ransom could see that Olente was transfixed with her. The only thing he was going to be cured of if he tried anything with Billy was being disrespectful. The cure would be administered in the form of a fucking beatdown that he might not recover from, courtesy of yours truly.
Ransom didn’t like Olente’s smooth demeanor or that he looked more suited for Billy than he did. With his good looks and expensive clothes, the asshole looked like the kind of guy her family might approve of.. He shook the offered hand with a curt nod and snorted. Soft and manicured. Pussy.
“Nick was telling me about a possible position for our theater group designers on his next project,” Billy explained to him lightly, aware of the tension between the two men. Ransom looked ready to take Nick’s head off.
“I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how talented Billy is. I could really use someone like her,” Nick stated cryptically to Ransom, with another smile for Billy.
“You think so?” Ransom’s smile was serial killer worthy, and the sinister aura he now exuded, tangible. He didn’t care for the calculated look in the bastard’s eyes. Not even Billy’s soothing touch on his back could defrost the glacial menace in his eyes that dared Nick. Ransom shifted his stance, so his feet were planted in a wider stance for easy maneuvering.
Try me, motherfucker. Please allow me to introduce myself.
The other man smiled uneasily with a slight shake of his head, a decline of Ransom’s silent invite. “I should get going. Please reconsider my offer, Billy. Enjoy your evening.”
He left them, crossing the gallery to join a large, boisterous group of people but keeping leery eyes on Ransom.
“Likewise,” Billy murmured before turning back to Ransom with a raised eyebrow. “Well, that was interesting.”
“Are you honestly considering his offer?” Ransom scoffed as he directed her toward the entrance.
“I haven’t even heard the offer in its entirety,” Billy pointed out. “He mentioned a meeting to lay out all the details, but that was as far as we got. I’d at least like to hear it if he’s even still interested.”
“Oh, that motherfucker’s interested in you, Billy,” Ransom assured her darkly. “And it’s not all work-related. I don’t like it, and I hope you won’t agree to it either.”
Billy halted in the middle of the gallery to look at Ransom. He didn’t try to hide the anger etched in the hard planes of his face. Ransom was seriously pissed about Nick and really wanted her to say no to whatever it was that he was offering. Unfortunately, Billy was going to give him one more thing to be mad about.
“Be the pilot of your destiny, baby,” Melody urged weakly as a hacking cough overtook her frail body. Her life was literally draining away in front of Billy who pressed the bedside button to summon a nurse, praying they could ease some of her mother’s discomfort.
Wiping the perspiration from Melody’s forehead with a tissue, Billy pleaded with her, “Get some rest, Mom. We can talk later.”
Yet, Melody persisted. “Don’t be the passenger. Never overvalue the opinions of others more than your own, Billy. That’s how the plane crashes and burns. You do what’s right for you.”
She slipped her hand into his. “I don’t speak for everyone in my group. It wouldn’t be fair to them for me to make a choice that affects us all. I’m going to run it by them, and we’ll take a vote.”
“Sonofabitch.” It was lethally whispered, making the people closest to them shift uneasily as they sent him alarmed looks. Glaring savagely, Ransom confronted them. “You got a fucking problem?”
“Don’t let your mood dictate your manners, Ransom Lawson,” Billy responded coolly, releasing his hand as the onlookers scattered. She headed toward the entrance, leaving him to follow or not. Billy didn’t care at this point since he was acting like a jackass.
Once they were outside and away from the gallery, she rounded to confront him on the cobblestone sidewalk. Ransom’s confidence normally rolled off him in waves. He was always in control, and it was unsettling to see him ready to unleash Armageddon on anyone in his path. “What’s up with the trust issues?”
“We don’t have any trust issues because no one is coming between us!” Ransom gritted through clenched teeth. “But that doesn’t have shit to do with the fact that Olente isn’t trustworthy, Billy. You need to recognize that fact. He’s trouble. Don’t work with him.”
“Fine, I won’t.” She went to press the cross-walk button and waited under the lamppost for the ‘don’t walk’ sign to change. “When you get back to Chatham, you’re quitting your club and moving here. It’s my choice and not up for discussion either.”
“What are you talking about?!” Ransom balked in consternation. “Why the fuck would I quit the club???”
Billy feigned a look of confusion, though her tone was acerbic, and her dark eyes flashed dangerously, warning Ransom that he was treading on thin ice. “Well, isn’t that how relationships work, Ransom? I quit something I haven’t tried because you demand it and expect me to do so without using my brain to make my own informed choices. Since we’re all about reciprocity, I demand the same respect from you.”
The last was said so scathingly, Ransom’s face and ears were flaming with embarrassment at his Neanderthal behavior. His anger deflated and was replaced with contrition. He pulled her stiff form into his arms and nuzzled her neck, breathing in the floral notes of her perfume and the scent that was uniquely her. “I’m a dick.”
“A big, jealous dick,” Billy corrected heatedly, and Ransom growled into her neck.
“Fine. A big, jealous dick,” he amended gruffly. “I’m sorry for my disrespectful behavior and if I embarrassed you.”
Mollified, Billy relinquished her remaining irritation. Pressing her lips together, to suppress her smile, she imperiously ordered, “Take me home now. I demand to see this big, jealous dick in action.”
Green eyes gleaming with the promise of carnal delights, relief, and love, Ransom pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Your wish is my command, fancypants.”
***
Later in bed, Billy cradled Ransom’s head on her chest and played with his hair. She stared at their shadows slow dancing on the wall in the dim room, lit only by an amaranth and jasmine candle.. Their time together was coming to an end, and the anxiety and desperation could be found and felt in each touch and kiss they exchanged. His hands massaged the back of her bare legs and thighs, hoping to ease the tension from her body. They’d made love twice already and Billy’s body should have been supple and relaxed instead of the opposite. If she grew any tenser, Ransom could snap her in two.
“What time will you leave?” Billy kept her voice to a hush, afraid that anything louder would reveal her distress and ruin the mood.
“I’ll leave after you go to class. Don’t try to sneak out either if I’m sleeping.” Ransom lifted his face, and Billy’s heart flipped. Even in the shadows, the severe somberness was reflected in his handsome face. He cupped her nape, drawing her face down for another of his potent kisses. It was slow, drugging, and in it, Ransom tried to convey how much he loved her and that everything was going to be okay. Billy understood. She threaded her fingers through his damp hair and became the aggressor. Exploring his mouth thoroughly, she tried to commit his taste to memory until they were reunited again. Ransom shifted so that he was stretched over her once more, bracing his weight on his elbows. Cock hardened again, it brushed against her slick sex and they shared an intimate laugh at what was inevitable between them.
They needed this and each other like their next breath.
Ransom brushed her hair away from her face and buried his face in her neck. He refused to let her see how fucking rattled he was at having to leave her. Ransom didn’t want just the damn weekend with her. He wanted the weekdays too. Forever. “Shit, what you do to me! I love you, baby.”
“I love you too.” Billy wreathed her arms around his neck and held him close. This wasn’t like last time, she told herself. The separation is only temporary.
Ransom lifted his head and brushed her lips with another kiss. “We haven’t talked about Christmas. I know that your grandparents are going out of town, but you haven’t mentioned it. Why is that?”
Her shrug was listless. “I think Claudia would kill me if you weren’t present because I begged for you to come here again. Spend time with your family. We can meet up during spring break?”
“No. That’s too long, babe.” Ransom lightly traced her lips with his tongue then lowered his head to kiss her neck, before dipping lower to bury his face between her breasts, and inhaling her delectable fragrance. Ransom loved the way she smelled but especially after they made love. Billy smelled like herself, but he could smell himself on her as well. “I can’t deny any part of your statement about Claudia, but if it makes you feel better, she’d kill me too for wanting to go. How about you come to me this time? Spend your winter break in Chatham. We’ll have Christmas and New Year’s together.”
She didn’t want to go to Chatham. Billy didn’t want to see her father and Lorelai running game on everyone who lived there, and feel like a bigger fraud than she already was. “No, I was thinking of spending a quiet break here—”
Billy broke off with a strangled cry as Ransom drew her nipple between his lips and tormented it with his tongue. Raising his head, he allowed Billy to see the triumph and desire glowing in his moss green eyes. Ransom reached over and grabbed a condom from the nightstand and tore it open. Using one hand, he sheathed himself then slowly pushed into Billy’s silken heat, groaning ferally as she enveloped him. Ransom didn’t stop until he was buried to the hilt. Voice guttural with need for her, he flexed his hips and commanded her, “Say yes.”
Billy’s legs curled around his thighs and she pulled his head down to hers, hungry for more of her man’s kisses. She clung to Ransom, shuddering as he unwrapped her leg from around his, and lifted it over one of his shoulders. Ransom withdrew his shaft to the tip then surged back in, flexing deeper and reveling in this new angle as Billy’s arousal drenched him. “Say. It.”
Eyes glassing over in ecstasy, Billy obeyed. “Yeeessss.”