****
Typing the last few sentences, Judi rubbed the back of her neck working out the kinks. She’d been staring at her computer screen for the last couple of hours, and she was feeling the strain on her eyes. Ripper still hadn’t left. Lexie and Devil phoned her earlier to make sure she was okay. They told her to get her assignment finished before returning home.
“Are you done?” Ripper asked, suddenly appearing behind her.
She’d been aware of two boys pointing and giggling hours earlier, but something must have happened because they left the building looking pale.
“Yeah, I just finished up.” Judi stretched out, her muscles moaning. Pressing the necessary keys she stood up going to the printer. She would have to read through it before sending it back to her tutor. Filing the assignment away, she pushed some hair out of her face then closed the computer down. “I’m so tired.”
Her stomach chose that moment to growl.
“Hungry as well,” Ripper said, chuckling.
“Are you laughing at me?” She tensed, feeling her cheeks heat at the noise her body made.
“No, I’m not laughing at you. It’s a good job I’ve got plenty of money to feed you.” He took her hand as she placed the strap of her bag on her shoulder. Before she said anything he was leading her out of the room toward the diner opposite the library.
“Are you always this bossy?” she asked, getting annoyed at him taking charge.
Not annoyed, turned on.
Cutting the thought off, she followed behind him with no choice as he held her hand. They were seated in the back of the diner and looking over the menu within seconds.
“Yes, I’m bossy. I like shit done my way. Besides, what would you have done for food?” he asked.
“I’d have gone home to eat.”
“Yeah, probably waited until dinner and survived on a piece of fruit. Women, f**king lunatics.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” she asked. Her anger sparked at his condescending attitude.
“We live one life, and you’re always so fussy about what goes in your mouth. Food is f**king food. Enjoy it and relish it.”
“It’s easy to say coming from a guy who can eat whatever the hell he wants.” She folded her arms, glaring at him.
“I take great pains to keep my body in shape.”
“Fucking every woman you come across, I’m surprised you’re not anorexic.” There was a time before Lexie when she’d been slender, underweight even. Now she had curves in all the wrong places.
“Are you jealous?” he asked. There was a wicked smile on his face. She hated him.
“No, I’m not jealous. You’re a walking, talking advert for sexual diseases.” She picked up the menu, lifting it in front of her face so she didn’t have to look at Ripper’s smug looking bastard face. In that instant she hated him and everything he stood for.
Ripper quickly moved, sitting beside her. She was trapped against the wall and his hard body. “What’s the matter, baby? Do I get you all hot?” He placed a hand in between her thighs right against her pu**y.
She gasped. The heat of him landed where she most needed him. “What are you doing?” she asked, glancing around the diner. No one was paying them any attention. No one would even know his hand was on her mound.
“I’m looking at your menu. I shooed the waitress away. There’s only me and you.” He didn’t move his hand away.
Closing her eyes, she tried to focus on something that wasn’t him. “This shouldn’t be happening.”
Her panties were soaking wet against her skin. She was sure of it. The torture of his hand was driving her insane. His lips were so close to her neck.
“I love your curves, Judi. You were too f**king thin when we first met. This is much better. I will boss you around because it’s fun and I enjoy it. I imagine there is going to come a time when you will, too.”
Suddenly his hand was gone, and she was left alone where he had sat once before. Licking her lips, she tucked some hair behind her ear as the waitress approached. Mia smiled at each of them. “What can I get you both?”
Ripper ordered for both of them. Smiling, Judi closed the menu and waited for the woman to leave.
“Why did you do that? Was it some kind of control thing?” she asked.
“I did it because I wanted to.”
“You know Devil would kill you if he knew,” she said, not knowing why she brought him into their conversation.
“Any time you want to tell I’ll be ready.” He didn’t avoid her gaze but looked directly at her.
“Don’t you care?” she asked.
“I care. I shouldn’t be touching you or be anywhere near you.”
Tears filled her eyes at the dark look in his eyes. “Then why are you?” She was so confused.
“I can’t stay away from you.”
Biting her lip she looked down at the table in front of her. Her stomach growled, but she ignored the need to eat. “Have you tried to stay away from me?”
“More than you know.”
She stayed silent as Mia brought food to the table. Judi had never felt happier at having a reason to eat. The conversation was scaring her a little. Ripper was a good friend to her, and she didn’t want any hurt to come to him.
“I won’t say anything to Devil. I don’t even know why I said anything. Just ignore me.” She picked up her burger and started eating.
Neither of them spoke. Ripper looked tormented as his gaze stayed on her. Her cell phone buzzed, and she placed the burger down to answer.
Lexie was calling.
“Hello,” Judi said, answering. She tried to sound happy as she spoke to her friend.
“Judi, how are you doing?”
“I’m fine. I’m eating lunch with Ripper.” She wasn’t going to lie.
“Good. I wanted to let you know Devil is taking us out and wanted to know if you wanted to come. He’s driving us out to a spa for a couple of days.” Lexie sounded so excited.
“No, I’m going to pass. I’ve got a lot of work planned to catch up on.”
“Are you sure?” Lexie asked.
“Yeah, I’ll stay at the house. Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can take care of yourself. Are you sure? We can have some fun.” If Devil was taking Lexie and the kids to a spa, Judi knew he had every intention of them being looked after while he spent hours making love to her. There was no way she was going to be cramping his style.