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  Grabbing his jacket up from the chair, he pulled out his wallet and threw a bunch of twenty-pound notes on the table.

  ‘It won’t be that much!’ Ruby said as he clasped her hand and led her through the crowd to the exit.

  He looked over his shoulder at her flushed face, the lips red where he’d all but devoured her on the dance floor. ‘You want to wait for the change?’

  She gave it a moment’s thought, before her full lips spread into a smile. ‘Chantelle’s going to get extremely lucky tonight.’

  He laughed, the sound strained. ‘I certainly hope she’s not the only one.’

  The still evening air did nothing to quell the heat as he showed Ruby to his car. ‘Where do you live?’ he asked as he yanked open the passenger door.

  ‘Tufnell Park.’

  He slammed the door, then skirted the car and leapt into the driver’s seat. Firing the engine, he shifted into gear.

  ‘I live on the south end of the Heath.’ The powerful hum of the engine was nothing compared to the driving need in his gut as he roared away from the kerb, then had to brake at the traffic lights on Camden High Road. He glanced at his passenger, fisting his fingers on the steering wheel. ‘My place is closer.’

  The smile got bigger. ‘Excellent point.’

  Leaning across the steering wheel, he plunged his fingers into her hair and hauled her close—unable to wait another moment to taste her again.

  Her lips softened, her tongue tangling with his as he claimed her mouth.

  The blast of a car horn forced him to release her as every last ounce of blood surged south. ‘My place it is, then.’

  She nodded, looking as dazed as he felt.

  He stamped his foot on the accelerator. The screech of burning rubber as they shot away from the intersection made him jerk his foot off the pedal.

  Get a grip, Westmore. It’s sex. Not life or death.

  He eased out a breath, holding his car under the speed limit as he made the series of turns through the backstreets of Hampstead then drove up the hill past the Heath.

  By the time they reached the Victorian mansion block, he’d managed to get his breathing back under control, just about. He adjusted his trousers as he climbed out of the car to ease the pressure. Ruby stepped out the other side, her lush breasts pressing against the thin bodice of her dress. He extended his hand, but, instead of taking it, she clasped her bag to her midriff and a flicker of uncertainty crossed her face.

  ‘Is there a problem?’ he asked, more curtly than intended.

  If she changed her mind now, it would probably cause him a serious injury.

  She cleared her throat. ‘Two things.’ She clutched her bag tighter. ‘Firstly, I don’t have protection with me tonight. I wasn’t expecting this.’

  The relief that coursed through him almost made his knees give way. He locked them. ‘I have protection,’ he said. He would have used condoms anyway, he always did. But he had to give her points for foresight and practicality, especially as he knew she was as blindsided by lust as he was if her shallow pants were anything to go by. ‘What’s the other thing?’

  ‘This feels a bit rushed,’ she said, her voice trembling. ‘And rushed doesn’t really work for me.’

  ‘I beg your pardon?’ Clearly the loss of blood to his head had damaged his brain cells because he didn’t have a clue what she was talking about.

  She huffed. ‘We’re obviously very attracted to each other.’

  Great, so what the hell is the problem?

  ‘Agreed,’ he said, damping down on his frustration. Whatever the problem was, it would be better to let her say it. He wasn’t going to risk scaring her off.

  ‘But I’ve never done this before.’

  The bold statement, delivered with obvious bravado, made him feel even more clueless. He frowned, his frustration all but strangling him.

  ‘What exactly is this?’ he asked carefully. If she was about to tell him she was a virgin, he was going to be exceptionally annoyed with himself. How could his radar have been so spectacularly off?

  ‘This is a one-night stand. I usually date a guy for a while before I consider going to bed with him.’

  Relief coursed through him. Relief and something else, which he decided not to examine. So she didn’t jump into bed with every guy who took her fancy. So what? Why should her sexual history matter to him? He’d always considered the double standard when it came to sex completely illogical. If a guy wanted a woman and acted on it, he certainly shouldn’t hold it against her if she did the same.

  ‘So what’s your point?’ he asked. And wished like hell she’d hurry up and get to it.

  ‘The point is …’ she began, her gaze darting away from his.

  Finally.

  ‘I’m not the sort of woman who has spontaneous orgasms to order.’ She rushed the words as she met his gaze, her lips flattening into a firm line and her cheeks flushing a becoming shade of pink. ‘So I’d appreciate it if you didn’t rush things,’ she finished.

  His lips twitched at the defiant tone.

  She was actually serious. The guys she’d dated had to be idiots.

  He tried to keep a good firm grip on the amusement tightening his chest. Honestly, he did.

  Maybe it was the extreme sexual frustration that made him lose it, or more likely the sight of her full lips pouting adorably as she laid down the law about how she expected to be made love to … But whatever it was, he was powerless to stop the rumble of laughter rising up and bursting out of his mouth.

  ‘What’s so funny?’ she said, her voice ripe with exasperation.

  He grasped her wrist, hauled her into his arms. ‘Why don’t I take it from here, Ruby?’ He continued to chuckle as she struggled against him.

  ‘You see, this is exactly the problem,’ she said, her eyes flashing, her indignation not abating one bit. ‘You don’t know me and yet you’re assuming …’

  He silenced her with a kiss. Hunger quickly overwhelmed the hilarity, and she stopped wriggling. So he took his time. Hearing the sharp intake of breath as he traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. Revelling in her soft little moan as he nipped her plump bottom lip. He explored in slow, determined strokes. Breathing in her scent, he tasted the delicious mix of lemon and vanilla—a cocktail of flavours that were both sweet and intoxicating. His erection swelled painfully as she writhed in his arms, her fingers threading into his hair and her tongue duelling with his in a sensual dance that made him ache.

  He cradled her face in his palms as he touched his forehead to hers, listened to her ragged breathing.

  ‘I’m not going to rush you,’ he murmured, the humour gone. ‘I’ve been waiting to get my hands on you the whole damn day. So believe me, I intend to savour every single second.’

  His lips quirked as he lifted his head and took in her dilated pupils—and the little crease of consternation on her forehead.

  ‘I know what I’m doing,’ he added.

  ‘Yes, but you don’t—’

  ‘And I don’t need instructions,’ he interrupted, grinning. Damn, but she was persistent. ‘I find it ruins the spontaneity.’

  She moved out of his arms, propped her hands on her hips, the little crease turning into the Grand Canyon. ‘I should have guessed you’d be difficult about—’

  ‘That’s enough talk.’

  ‘Excuse me?’

  Stepping forward, he whipped her bag out of her hand.

  ‘Hey, give that back.’

  Ignoring the astonished protest, he grasped her wrist with his other hand, bent over and hefted her onto his shoulder.

  ‘What are you doing?’ she yelped, although he figured it was fairly obvious as he marched to the front door of his block.

  ‘I like talk as much as the next guy,’ he said conversationally as he keyed his code into the security panel. ‘In fact, I make a very decent living at it.’ He kicked open the door. ‘But even I have my limits.’

  ‘Put me down!’ she yelled, wriggling a
nd kicking now as she got her wind back. ‘This is absurd.’

  He elbowed the light switch.

  ‘And probably illegal.’ The protest came out in pants, her midriff rocking against his shoulder blade. ‘I’ll sue.’

  Adrenaline surged through him as he climbed the stairs, two at a time.

  ‘Go ahead and try.’ He dropped her to her feet—and chuckled at her mutinous expression, and the flush of arousal on her cheeks. ‘No judge would convict me.’

  Her chin took on a mulish tilt, her colour rising. ‘She would if she was a woman.’

  ‘Wanna bet?’ He reached into his pocket, palmed his key and slid it into the lock. Opening the door, he took hold of her hand and pulled her inside.

  ‘Has anyone ever told you you’re remarkably arrogant?’ she announced as he slapped his palms above her head, caging her against the wall.

  ‘Yes. You.’ He buried his face against her neck. ‘And more than once now.’

  Her quickened breathing gushed out against his cheek. His lips at her pulse point, he heard the soft sob of surrender. He lifted his head, traced his fingers along the elegant line of her neck, over her collarbone, then ran his hands down her curves. She bucked, her body quaking as his thumbs circled the tight buds of her breasts through her clothing.

  ‘And you’re remarkably bossy,’ he murmured, his hands settling on her hips. Why did he find that so incredibly sexy?

  Her big brown eyes widened as he pushed his body hard against hers. ‘Which makes us even.’ Capturing her wrist, he led her down the hallway towards his bedroom.

  Her heels clicked on the polished wood floor as she raced to keep pace with him. But for once she didn’t have a comeback—which made him feel invincible.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  RUBY had never been so grossly manhandled in her entire life. Unfortunately, she’d never been so turned on, either.

  Had he actually carried her up the stairs? Like Rhett Butler to her Scarlett O’Hara?

  Of course, she didn’t find his domineering behaviour romantic in the least—because it wasn’t, in the slightest, she told herself staunchly. But there was definitely something exhilarating about a guy who could heft her up two flights of stairs. After all, she wasn’t exactly light as a feather.

  And then there was the feel of him to consider, pressing against her belly as he gave her one of the biggest love bites of her life. She was so excited, her pulse points weren’t just throbbing any more, they were dancing a jig. And her nipples were so erect she could probably drill for oil with them.

  As he propelled her into the bedroom she took in the terraced doors that opened onto a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the Heath. But she barely had a chance to register the dying sun turning the trees on Parliament Hill a brilliant orange before the hiss of her zipper had her whipping round.

  She clasped her sagging bodice to her chest. ‘Now wait a minute!’

  Oblivious to her outrage, he placed a finger on her shoulder, and gave a gentle shove. The backs of her knees hit the bed, and she toppled unceremoniously onto the pale blue duvet. She scrambled up, abandoning her grip on the bodice, which promptly fell to her waist revealing her red lace bra.

  ‘I told you, I don’t like to be rushed.’ She heaved out a breath, her insides going molten at the wicked glint in his eye as he knelt on the bed.

  One strong hand clamped around her ankle.

  ‘Who said anything about rushing?’ The rough murmur vibrated across her nerve-endings as his hand tightened.

  Slipping off her shoe, he flung it over his shoulder. Then dug his thumb into the tight muscles of her instep. She groaned, her body bowing back, as heat shimmered up her calf and made her thigh muscles quiver. He massaged with strong fingers until the muscles went liquid, then transferred his attention to the other foot.

  Her heart lurched into her throat as he lifted her foot to his lips, those emerald eyes locked on her face, and bit into the arch.

  She gasped, astonished to realise he was discovering erogenous zones she hadn’t known existed as his callused fingers trailed up her legs, stroking and caressing with purpose. Butterfly kisses followed in their wake, distracting her as he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties.

  She raised her bottom as he drew the scarlet lace down, welcoming the slight breeze from the terrace as he lifted the hem of her dress, bunching the skirt round her waist. She glanced down, and realised on a surge of horrified excitement that she was completely exposed to him.

  ‘What are you doing?’ She shuddered, so breathless, her lungs felt as if they were about to explode.

  He looked up, the deep green dark with appreciation. ‘Savouring you, remember.’

  ‘But you can’t … I’m not …’ Her protest got lodged in her throat when his tongue swirled across the inside of her thigh. She didn’t even recognise the low, guttural moan of longing that echoed in her ears as her own. Her head dropped back on the pillow as she surrendered to the delicious torture of his open-mouthed caress.

  ‘That’s a good girl.’ The satisfied chuckle should have annoyed her, but she couldn’t think, let alone protest as his tongue licked and delved, in tortuously slow circles, taking an eternity to get closer and closer to the centre of ecstasy.

  He grasped her hips, holding her open to him as her whole body quaked beneath the onslaught of his lips, his tongue, his teeth—poised on the edge of oblivion.

  ‘Please …’ she begged, the plea raw with desperation, not caring any more who was in charge, who had control, as long as he didn’t stop.

  Then, at last, he teased out the swollen nub and placed his lips on it. The pleasure built with staggering speed as her whimpers of need cut through the muggy silence.

  She strained towards that glorious oblivion, so tantalisingly close and yet out of reach.

  ‘Can you …?’ She began, but her directions cut off when one long, blunt finger entered her, his mouth still feasting on her swollen clitoris.

  His finger stretched her, then pressed, twisting until he touched a spot deep inside and caressed. The monumental release triggered, sweeping through her like a firestorm.

  Ruby shrieked, arching off the bed, the waves of orgasm shattering her into a billion glittering pieces.

  ‘So you’re a screamer.’

  Ruby blinked as he propped his elbow beside her head and stared down at her.

  ‘Good to know,’ he added, looking smug, but she was still far too stunned to utter a single word, let alone respond to his teasing.

  What had he done to her?

  She’d never had an orgasm that intense before. Not even close. And she’d certainly never been a screamer. Until now.

  ‘I like to show my appreciation,’ she murmured, getting enough of her faculties back to know it would not be wise to mention he was the first man to hit that particular jackpot. He was looking far too pleased with himself already.

  ‘Duly noted,’ he quipped, placing a light kiss on her nose.

  His gaze roamed over her and she struggled to control the desire to cover herself. Her mortification was complete when a blush fanned out across her chest.

  How much more exposed could she be? She was sprawled on his bed, her half-naked body still flushed with afterglow, having had the most titanic orgasm of her life. And she hadn’t had to give him a single instruction. Plus, she was pretty sure she’d begged.

  He dipped his thumb under the thin lace of her bra, and her nipple tightened to his touch. His eyes locked back on her face as he delved behind her back.

  ‘Let’s get you naked,’ he murmured.

  She heard the sharp click as he unhooked her bra with one hand and then pulled the garment free, the slow seductive smile ripe with suggestion.

  ‘You’re gorgeous,’ he muttered, cupping her breasts and then licking at the tip.

  She thrust her fingers into his short silky hair, shocked to feel the renewed bolt of heat arrowing down to her core and the strange tug of emotion beneath her breastbone.r />
  ‘I want you naked too,’ she managed to moan, the rasp of his stubble on tender flesh sending her senses reeling.

  He lifted his head, grinned. ‘That’s one instruction I’m happy to obey.’

  Sitting up, he tugged his shirt over his head with undisguised haste, the buttons popping.

  Ruby took the opportunity to scramble out of her dress as he grappled with his belt.

  She’d analyse all this later. Her unprecedented response to him had to be a fluke of chemistry—and the result of his considerable proficiency in the bedroom. The man had said he was talented. He hadn’t lied.

  But then the mattress dipped as he knelt on the bed beside her, and her gaze devoured the lean musculature of his torso. He was even more gorgeous naked if that were possible. The slight sprinkle of hair defined well-developed pecs and bisected an awesome six-pack. He must work out. A lot. Her gaze followed the arrow down and then stopped dead. The unfamiliar blush burned across her cheeks like wildfire.

  Oh, my goodness.

  The massive erection stood out proudly from the thatch of dark hair at his groin as she watched him sheath himself. Her jaw went slack. While she was coming to appreciate Callum Westmore’s talents, she hadn’t expected him to be quite that talented.

  ‘Wow,’ she said, before she could think better of it.

  The deep rumble of laughter sounded both self-satisfied and amused—and she realised she’d given him the upper hand. Again.

  Holding her waist, he shifted her neatly beneath him. ‘I’m glad you approve.’

  She braced her hands on his chest, felt the muscles quiver like a stallion ready to mate. ‘No need to look so full of it,’ she quipped, trying to regain ground while her sex ached with need. ‘Don’t you know size doesn’t matter?’

  He chuckled, brushed her hair back from her face, then nipped her ear lobe, sending a shaft of heat to her core. ‘Luckily for us both, then,’ he whispered, ‘I also know exactly what I’m doing.’

  She couldn’t help it, she giggled, the audacious comment making her abdomen tremble with anticipation.