RUTHLESS GAME

Chapter 2: Perfect Stranger

Ruby

There I was in a stranger's hotel room, about to sleep with him. Julian and I were in a lip-lock that had me weak in the knees, and about to melt into an aroused puddle at his feet. If anyone told me before tonight that I'd be in this position, I would have called them all kinds of crazy.

As the self-proclaimed queen of the puritans, I'd never even thought about doing so something so risque. But Julian me intrigued. Utterly hooked.

He had me pressed against the door, devouring me with his mouth. He pulled away to gaze down at me. "Are you sure about this?"

It was gentlemanly of him to ask since I was the one who had pretty much propositioned him. Briefly, I wondered if I should take the out, because hooking up with someone I just met was insane.

However, that life-changing decision that I had to make came to mind. Tonight might very well be my last chance to live life on my terms. Pulling in a deep breath, I tipped on my toes, laced my fingers in Julian's inky black hair, and pressed my lips to his. I was certain I wanted to do this.

Just like that, we got swept away in the same consuming passion that almost has us tearing each other's clothes off in the elevator earlier. Julian deepened the kiss, alternating between ravenous and gentle, exploring my mouth until I moaned with anticipation. It was like he was giving me a prelude to what was to come, and I couldn't wait for the rest.

Without breaking contact, we made our way to the bed in the center of the room. Eventually, Julian broke the kiss. It was then I got to really see the room. It was hella swanky.

When he'd led me into the Hilton, I hadn't expected what looked like a penthouse suite. I gathered he was well-off when we met, but I didn't think to this extent. I wondered who Julian was. The thought fled as soon as he tugged my t-shirt over her head. This was happening. My heart jolted and my breathing quickened when my jeans disappeared next.

Julian paused to give me a slow appraisal. I pursed my lips and embraced the heat that seared my cheeks. If I had known I'd be hooking up with a hot stranger, I would have worn sexier underwear. Unfortunately, I had on the drabbest pair of white cotton panties and matching bra. I bit back a groan as my subconscious self keeled over and died of embarrassment.

"I…uh…wasn't expecting to do something like this so I didn't wear the proper…" My nervous babble trailed off and I imagined I blushed from the roots of my curly mane to my purple painted toe nails. Awkward Ruby was back. Why couldn't she just stay away?

Julian's lips quirked at the corners. "I think sensible underwear is sexy."

I met his gaze with wide eyes before my lips stretched into a smile. Then I covered my hot face and laughed. "I'm sure you just said that to be kind, but thanks."

He pulled my hands away from my face. "I say what I mean." His gaze dipped to the swell of my breasts. "I find you…alluring."

Our gazes connected and some kind of strange current moved between them. Julian frowned and then pulled away as if burned. I was confused too. What the hell was that all about? My eyes darted from side to side, wondering if I should say something flirty or sexy to get us back on track. I was the worst at flirting and not the smoothest around super hot guys, so I had nothing.

As if snapping out of his moment of amazement, Julian undressed. Noticing that he was down to his boxers, I figured I should finish getting naked too. I reached up to unhook my bra.

"Don't," Julian said.

I froze, my gaze flying to him in askance.

"I want to be the one to remove every stitch you have on," he explained. He gave me another once over. His eyes virtually left trails of fire on my skin. Did he look at every woman with that heated intensity? Admittedly, I was a little jealous. For some reason, I wanted to be the only one he looked at like that. It was a foolish thought, considering we wouldn't go any further than tonight.

"You look angelic in your white cotton," he said, snapping me out of my crazy thoughts. "Now all I can think about it corrupting you in ways you'll like."

He hit me with the lazy grin that I couldn't get enough of since we met. That smile had almost melted my panties off at least four times in two hours. I felt so out of his s****l league right now, it was ridiculous.

I pulled my lower lip between my teeth and nibbled nervously. Hopefully, Julian didn't pick up on my inexperience. He'd probably laugh if I told him I was a virgin.

Still wearing his smirk, he walked over to an open suitcase that rested on the floor and took something from the top. When he came back, he tossed a box onto the bed. I eyed the box of condoms, slack-jawed.

"What?" Julian shrugged. "A one-night stand doesn't mean I get to have you just once."

My eyes bulged. But, as I admired him in just his underwear, I felt up for using the entire box. Julian was perfection. His toned body looked like it was carved with care by Michelangelo. Anticipation curled in my gut as he came closer. Eyes locked with mine, he slowly unhooked my bra and allowed it to fall. He took his time peeling my underwear down my legs until his eyes were level with my mound.

My knees almost gave way again. Having him so up close and personal left me feeling vulnerable.

Julian lifted an eyebrow, eyes still glued between my thighs. "So, the angel prefers a full Brazilian. Interesting."

My face caught fire for the hundredth time tonight. Julian had a gift for making me blush.

He glanced up at me and I studied him through my lashes, my chest rising and falling rapidly. Then his eyes settled back between my legs.

"I don't usually do this with women I just meet, Ruby," Julian said. "But you are pure temptation." He grasped my hips and practically threw me onto the bed. Dropping to his knees, he pulled me closer until my legs were draped over his shoulders.

"I bet these lips are just as sweet as that delectable mouth of yours," he practically purred.

Propped on my elbows, gawking at him, I began, "You don't have to―"

I swallowed the rest of my protest the instant his tongue touched my flesh. My gasp rang with pleasure when he took his second taste. I fell back, hips moving with each stroke of his tongue. I almost catapulted through the roof when he took my bud between his lips and gently sucked. My hands found his hair and tugged as I arched my back in a silent plea for more.

It wasn't much longer before every muscle in my body went taut and my cry of release pierced the air. He held my quivering body still and lapped up my nectar with a satisfied moan. "Delicious," he whispered.

I was still too high from pleasure to respond.

Slowly, Julian licked his way upwards to my abdomen, and further until his breath fanned my chest, making me shiver. He took one n****e between his teeth to give it a nip, just hard enough to make me gasp. With a teasing chuckle, he swirled his tongue over the flesh to soothe the sting.

The sensation was surprisingly pleasant. "Again," I breathed, clutching his shoulders.

Obliging, he repeated the process and moved to the other side, delivering pain and pleasure that soon had me writhing again.

"I had no idea I would like that," I whispered.

He abandoned my globes and kissed his way upwards until we were eye to eye. "There are many things I can do that you'll like, Ruby."

Showing me what he meant, he slid a hand between us, and his fingertips found my center to slide back and forth, gently teasing the moist flesh he'd just feasted on. I pulled in a breath as he slid two fingers between my folds.

My breathing that had just steadied became ragged again. Julian was wreaking sweet havoc on my body. I'd never reached these heights of ecstasy before, and I wanted more. My eyes must have widened to the size of saucers when he expertly found my sweet spot and stroked until my legs shook.

"No one's ever done that before," I panted. Until now, I swore the g-spot was a myth. "How do you know where…" I let out another moan.

Julian's lips curled into a smug smile. He had every right to be smug. He was incredible with hands and his mouth. Clearly, he knew how to please women. My inner muscles clenched around his digits. I was close to another orgasm.

"Please. I need you now," I pleaded, my fingernails digging into his shoulders. I ached to feel him inside of me, and I wasn't even ashamed to beg. "Please."

"Not yet." He lowered his head to claim my mouth while he continued his moderate strokes with his fingers. "Do you taste yourself on my lips, Ruby? You're delicious. So sweet. I'll call you sweet Ruby from now on."

This was just too much. I just might die from pleasure tonight, but what a way to go. "You're incredible," I told him. I was beyond caring that I'd turned into a wanton creature. All modesty and had flown out of Julian's hotel room window. I might as well let go of all inhibitions and enjoy myself. It wasn't like I'd see Julian again after tonight.

He grinned and murmured, "I have to make sure you remember this night for a long time, sweet Ruby."

I met his gaze. "I won't likely ever forget."