Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven

4. Chapter 4

Chapter four

Raven

W hat the ever loving fu…...

Soft lips move against mine, and even in my surprised state, my body immediately reacts. The hand that rests on my waist tightens as his tongue slides between my lips, commanding that I open for him. It’s powerful, toe curling, and absolutely insane that I’m indulging in this complete stranger. This extremely hot stranger. Letting my logical thinking merge between us, I pull back and gasp up at him. He’s not smiling. Not even showing any emotion. But his eyes. The golden honey color almost looks like it’s changing. Swirling.

I clear my throat and step back. I wasn’t the kind of woman who melted for any man. Especially one I just met five seconds ago.

Running my hand down my jeans I let out a light laugh.

“Thanks for that.” I tilt my head in the direction where the two men disappeared. “I think they bought it.”

His eyes access me before darting to the sidewalk. “Did they hurt you? Say anything or threaten you?”

I shake my head. “No. They were probably just college guys passing through but can’t be too careful.”

He steps to me again, his hand reaching out to land on my shoulder. “Did you know them?”

“No. Never seen them.” A sudden warmth spreads across my skin at his touch.

It’s like being given a shot of oxytocin. It almost makes me lightheaded. You would think I would be more upset, but after what I’ve witnessed in my lifetime, a couple of creepers should be a walk in the park.

There’s a deafening moment of silence. The only thing buzzing between us is the pathetic sign above Chang’s and the pounding of my heart. The adrenaline rush hadn’t stopped yet. I convinced myself it was from the closeness of danger. Not the kiss. Not the kiss that made every previous kiss I had ever experienced seem mediocre. Childish.

“Anyway. Thanks for playing the part…...” I step away, unsure of why I’m feeling a drunken buzz as I lift a brow, fishing for his name.

He holds out a large palm. “Locke.”

I extend my hand, placing it in his. Goose flesh spreads along my skin as our hands connect, sending a bolt of electricity up my arm. Cliché as fuck.

His jaw clenches and his eyes flare. “Your name?”

“Raven.” I swallow at the intensity of his voice. It’s deep and smooth. Like a well aged whiskey.

He dips his chin, and I pull back.

“Where’s your car, Raven?” He asks.

I motion to my Subaru that’s parked up the sidewalk. “Just up there. The black SUV.”

Stepping away from him, I adjust the strap on my purse. “Thanks again for saving my ass. Have a good night, Locke.”

With a subtle shake of his head, he goes to put his helmet back on. “I’ll follow you.”

“Follow me?” I question.

“I’ll follow you home. Make sure you get there safely.”

“It’s just a few blocks,” I dismiss. “I’ll be fine.”

He shoots me a look, his helmet resting on top of his head. “I wasn’t asking. Get in your car, Raven.”

He shoves the helmet on his head and swings a leg over his bike. I hesitate, then he grips the handlebars and revels the engine. I jolt, cursing under my breath.

“Presley.” I wave a hand in the direction of the building. “I can’t leave my friend.”

“Call her," he says but it sounds muffled by his helmet.

If I wasn’t the one to drag him into this situation, I would have told him to kick rocks by now.

I cross my arms. “I don’t know you.”

He flips his visor up. “I just had my tongue down your throat. We’re acquainted enough. Now call her.”

Glaring at him I swivel around and quickly walk to my car, slipping inside the driver seat before I close my door. My phone is in my hand in seconds, a text typed out to Presley to come out front.

With a deep breath, I crank the ignition and wait. Three minutes later a confused Presley is dropping in my passenger seat.

“What’s going on?” She glances behind me as I pull out to see Locke following us.

"Crap. The bill. I didn't' pay." I press the breaks.

“Don't worry.” She tosses her hair over her shoulder. "I have a tab. Dad pays it every month."

"You have a tab at a Chinese restaurant?"

She shrugs. "It's my favorite place to eat." She peeks over her shoulder. “Who’s the dude on the bike?”

“Long story,” I mutter.

We begin the drive back to the apartment. It’s quick, but Locke stays just behind my bumper the entire way. Presley looks to me for answers as I pull into the parking lot and park next to her car, but I keep my eyes off of her until I push open my door.

When I step out, Locke slowly idles up to the curb. I can’t see his face because of the helmet, but I feel his eyes on me.

“You can go ahead,” I tell Presley.

She bounces her eyes between us before she reluctantly heads to the entrance. I don’t miss the wink she throws me as she prances up to the door and punches in her code. Once the door is shut, I move towards Locke.

“Thank you. That wasn’t necessary,” I tell him.

“I disagree.” He removes his helmet. “I wanted to see for myself you got home.”

I chuckle. “You make sure all the women who stop you on the curb get home safely?”

His eyes pin mine with a look I can’t decipher. Curiosity mixed with attraction? There’s no doubt we are attracted to each other. It was evident in the kiss. It’s like a visible fragrance lingering in the air. Potent.

Slowly he reaches out to toy with the hem of my hoodie.

“Where did you come from?” His question is a low murmur, almost like he’s asking himself and not me.

“New York.” I tilt my head. “I just got to town.”

When he doesn’t reply, I take a few steps away. This tension is intense. Too fast. “See you around, Locke.”

When I make it to the building, I turn to give one last look, but I gasp when he’s just a step away. He crowds me against the brick, his arms landing on the wall behind me, caging me in.

We stare at each other. Like we can have a complete conversation without speaking.

Do you feel this too?

Am I crazy?

Are you about to lose your mind?

My breaths turn quick. My legs clench, and for the first time in three months I actually feel something. It may be lust, or just plain raging hormones, but I know one thing for sure in this moment. I want this beautiful stranger to ease this ache. His glowing eyes swirl again as his palm slides down the curve of my waist, then around my lower back.

“Can I make you an offer you can’t refuse?” I ask as I let my own hands lift, then land on his solid chest.

I run the tip of my finger down his sternum and stop at the button of his jeans. I can feel the flex of his abs and when I glance down, I don’t miss the sudden bulge that is almost resting against my stomach.

“I’m pretty positive I would take anything you had to offer," he rasps just as he leans down, taking my earlobe between his teeth.

“Come inside?” I offer.

“Inside what?” I can feel his smirk against my skin.

“The building.” I push him back lightly, keeping his t-shirt caught between my fingertips. Raising up on my toes, I whisper. “We’ll see about the rest.”

Something bordering a growl sounds in his chest as he laces our fingers together. “Lead the way.”