When You're With Me (5 page)

His eyes lit up. “God, I want to see you, babe. You’re beautiful.”

Ramon’s heavy-lidded eyes crinkled at the corners and a slight bit of colour darkened his stubble-covered cheeks. He leant forward and rubbed his nose against her neck, teasing her skin and giving her a glimpse of his scent—woodsy and masculine.

Jude allowed herself a tiny moan.

“Yes, sweet girl. Tell me this is real.” Ramon grasped her hips to rub his cock with her crotch. They moved together slowly, building hungry need. He sighed and nipped her neck.

Although she wore the bra, she felt completely exposed in his arms and like she could get lost there forever…

Ramon felt like he had come home. The desire to reveal his real name, to hear
Drew
slide off her tongue, made it hard to concentrate. Ramon Decker existed on paper and nowhere else. Damn the operation. He slid open the sides of her shirt, revealing two perfect breasts with taut, rosy pink nipples, and couldn’t help but grin. Jude shied away and wriggled. Worry clouded her eyes. Did she think he wasn’t good enough? No, he saw her apprehension—she was waiting for him to put her down or cast her aside because of her job or her looks. Ramon wanted to beat the hell out of the bastard who had made her believe lies like that.

“Everything about you is an asset. Never hide your assets.” He needed to touch her body and explore. She was every bit as he’d imagined, maybe more. Flames of desire licked his body from within.

The shirt fell away and pooled at his feet. She wasn’t naked, but he thought she should be. Naked and in his bed… He groaned and she shivered. He looked into her ice-blue eyes and opened his mouth to ask if he could touch her face, but instead he paused. Images of forever flashed through his mind. Jude saw through to his soul.

Ramon cupped her face gently in his hands and blurted, “Jude Nelson, you deserve better than a dive like this.” He wanted to sound alluring—instead the words sounded fatherly and tight.

She shrank back from his touch almost as if he’d slapped her. She looked small and helpless, all because of his unintended coarseness. What was running through her mind? Probably the urge to escape the man who was acting like all the rest.

The need to protect her surged through his system. She had to be at least six or seven years younger than his thirty-six. The hurt in her eyes made her seem tough, but she couldn’t hide the vulnerability. None of that changed the fact that he wanted her—not as Judy, but as Jude, the real woman. What if he could unleash her wild side? Jude slid off his lap and covered her breasts. “Your time is up. I need to go.” Her face was ashen and she averted her eyes. Ramon noticed her chest quake.

His chances to gain her confidence dwindled. He held out his hand. “Jude, stay. I asked for this because I wanted you and no one else.” He didn’t want to let her go. She fascinated him and he felt drawn to her body. Ramon shoved the distracting thoughts aside, praying she wouldn’t leave.

Her eyes darted from his to the floor. He could get lost in her eyes, no matter what storms brewed there. He wondered what was going through her gorgeous head. Would she bolt or call the bouncer? He didn’t want her to throw him out.

“I’ll never force you to do something you don’t want to do and that’s a promise, Jude.”

Instead of running, she sat back down on his lap, straddling his heat. Her fingers laced with his. “You’ve got me, Ramon,” she whispered, “for now.”

Ramon grinned but felt a strange sensation beneath his ribs. He didn’t want her for only right now. He wanted her for… No, he couldn’t say it. He didn’t want to ruin it like everything else, especially not with the severity of the undercover operation gaining steam. “Then I’ll count the minutes until I can kiss you, sweet girl.”

Her eyes widened and her lips parted. There was a definite catch in her breath before she leaned into him. He loved that he could make her melt so easily and wondered if she would for anyone. Her eyes closed and a tiny sigh escaped her luscious lips. “Kiss me, Ramon.”

Ramon cupped her face in his hands and brought her lips to his. She had to know how he needed her—wanted her. It was a quick kiss, but it seared his lips instantaneously. The combination of lipstick, mouthwash and Jude nearly knocked him out. Her tongue grazed his lips and he sucked her into his mouth—tasting…enjoying her.

Jude paused one more moment. He could tell she liked it…a lot. She touched his chest with shaking fingers. A groan erupted from her throat and she rubbed against him. Heat radiated from her pussy on to his lap.

“Woman, you’re perfect for me,” he murmured.

“I’m…just me.” Jude fumbled for words and piqued his interest. Ramon assumed she didn’t hear words like that very often. Most women pushed the envelope—Jude exhibited clumsy inexperience. Even with the sexy bra and thick makeup, he could see the little girl inside. This was a woman who had been forced to make hard decisions in order to survive. She had class.

“I want to take you home. I need to.” Ramon rubbed her ass—so smooth against his skin and just the right size for his hands. Soft, supple and perfect.

“You can’t take me home. I’m not supposed to date clients.”

He brushed his thumb over her supple bottom lip. “Ah, but you’re wrong. I’m the new bouncer.”

She chewed the corner of her mouth. “I shouldn’t.”

Ramon could see the wheels turning in her mind. She probably didn’t believe him. He wanted to give her satisfaction for a long time. “Why? Our working together is the perfect time to get to know each other.”

Jude shook her head, making her breasts jiggle. “My common sense is telling me your idea isn’t a good one. I need to go.”

A lock of silky mahogany hair dipped in front of her clear blue eyes, making his cock strain against his jeans. The feeling in his heart went beyond superficial lust. The horny but protective cop in Ramon took over. He brushed the lock of hair from her face, relishing the texture in his fingers. She was cautious…good girl. “Ross did my background check. I’m clean.”

She cocked her head. “Why me? I’m the total opposite of most of the other dancers.” There was a hint of unabashed curiosity in her voice that sent a jolt through his body. Ah, the reckless streak again—no experience, but willing to try with the right man. “I’m a sucker for blue eyes and long dark hair.” He cupped her chin. “I find sincerity and honesty a turn-on as well. Give me a chance. I’ll prove I’m worth your hassle.” God knew she was worth far more than a moment’s hesitation.

The corner of her mouth crooked up and her eyes softened as she searched his face. “I’m not easy, you know.”

Ramon chuckled. “Good. I like a girl who’ll give me a run for my money.”

All night long.

Chapter Three

Jude bit her lip and toyed with the hem of his shirt. She rubbed the pads of her fingers on his palm. Ramon grinned. One touch, one taste of this woman wouldn’t be enough. Hell, one night with her wouldn’t suffice. And, for a man who didn’t get caught up on women, especially those he hardly knew, he was in dangerous waters. But he’d be damned if he didn’t like it. He liked her too much for his own good. She’d seeped into his veins and made him want to be a better cop…to end the drug ring, and give her a future.
Oh man
.

“What would you like me to do?”

He brushed a feather-soft kiss over her lips. Another taste only whetted his appetite for her. He nibbled on her jaw, drawing deep from her natural perfume, a mix of rose and woman. “Ah, sweet girl, just let me touch you.”

She threaded her fingers through his hair. “Touching isn’t what I’m here for, but I can’t think of a better idea.”

Ramon cupped her jaw. “I want to touch you everywhere and thirty minutes isn’t enough.” Her eyes widened. Maybe that reminder hadn’t been his best bet… “I wish I’d requested a private dance before now. You’re addictive in all the right ways.”

She opened her mouth to answer him, but a knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Jude sprang into action, picking up her shirt and turning towards the door. Tiny poked his head around the steel barrier. “Didn’t mean to interrupt, but we need you out on the main floor, Ramon. Andre and Gavin can’t restrain a drunk. Ready for action?”

Ramon grasped Jude’s hand. He needed more time. “In a moment,” he growled.

“Always a girl or a fix.” Tiny chuckled and stepped away from the door. His mirth disappeared in an instant. “Two minutes or I fire your ass. Both of you.”

Jude clutched Ramon’s shirt and pressed a kiss to his mouth. The flicker of her tongue on his lips branded him like a constant reminder of her interest and what they shared. “You’re dangerous, but he means every word,” she said and slipped out.

Ramon leant back in his seat. He ran his fingers through his rumpled hair to digest the situation
. Dangerous
. This could be the start of something spectacular. His heart screamed yes, but the upcoming sting operation pummelled his brain. She came with strings—girls like Jude wanted to get married and have children. Would she want to stay with him? According to the file, Jude was an art student putting herself through college. He could only assume she coveted her independence. Was he man enough to be an equal in her life?

She had a power over him that scared and excited him at the same time. Somehow she’d touched him in places he’d long assumed were dead. He felt like she’d awakened the unfeeling zombie and reminded him that women could be soft. It was like she knew he needed time and a steady love—he needed a family of his own. No way he’d let her get away.

With kisses like that, I’ll do my best to keep her.

Moments later, Ramon strolled out of the private room in search of Tiny’s office. He ducked back through the main door to the bar room and glanced at the stage. A redhead with the tattoo of a fairy gracing her stomach writhed for the crowd.

“Like what you see?”

Ramon closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. Why did Carlie insist on connecting during this mission? He could do without her interference. “Not yet.” He opened his eyes. “Can I help you?”

Carlie—as Goldie, in a gold bra and thong combo—grinned. “I’m Gold Dust Woman, but most people call me Goldie. Tiny told me to give you a tour.” She held out her hand and linked fingers with his. “You look good with scruff,” she murmured. “I like blonds. What’s your name?”

Ramon directed his gaze over her head, back to the stage. Jude stepped into the spotlight. Tendrils of desire licked his body. The feeling of Jude in his arms stayed firm in his mind. No woman had ever sent such waves of heat through his system until Jude.

Goldie tugged the sleeve of his shirt. “If you work here, you can’t gawk at the talent, but you can get your kicks for free.”

Kicks for free
? Ramon frowned. Trust Goldie to expect more than any man would give. He turned his attention to the stage. Damn, he could stare at Jude forever. He nudged Goldie to the side of the room and groaned to cover the lust in his voice. “You asked a question. Let’s talk while we walk.”

Goldie huffed and pointed to a hallway with a bright cobalt-blue door. “That’s the dressing room. The bouncers aren’t allowed in unless a catfight breaks out or he’s invited.” She wriggled her eyebrows. “Want to investigate with me? We have showers and everything.”

Through his peripheral vision, Ramon noticed Jude on stage. She clutched the bright white dress shirt to her breast and bent to pick up the money at her feet. A smiled tugged the corner of his mouth. He wanted to run his fingers through the curls cascading around her shoulders.

Goldie stepped into his line of vision and glared. “You never gave me your name! Don’t make me hurt you.”

Ramon groaned. Why ruin a perfectly good show with insipid chatter? “Ramon Decker. Now where’s Tiny’s office?”

She tossed a lock of bleached blonde hair over her shoulder and span on her stiletto heel. “This way.”

Ramon followed behind. When Goldie stopped short, he ploughed into the back of her. “What the…?”

Goldie turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I see you like Judy. Well, we can’t let you waste your good looks on one woman. I want my turn with you.” She stood on her tiptoes and forced a kiss to his lips. “I’m not finished with you.”

Ramon grasped her shoulders and put distance between them. Goldie tasted of cigarettes and beer, not his favourite combination. She smelt of smoke and perspiration. He gagged. The song blaring over the stereo system segued into a frantic metal song. He glanced at the stage. This time, a svelte woman with hair the colour of coal sashayed around the silver pole and removed a jewel-encrusted bustier from her enhanced breasts

Tiny appeared from behind another patron. “Enjoying the show, Ramon?”

Goldie cackled and hooked her fingers into his belt loops. “See? Judy Blue Eyes doesn’t even know you’re not interested. I can make you so interested.”

Tiny slapped Goldie’s ass. “Run along. You’re the next dancer up.”

Ramon rubbed his forehead with the pads of his fingers and sighed as she scurried away.

“Yeah, she’ll try your patience if you don’t speak blunt with her.” Tiny lit his cigar and blew smoke rings over his shoulder. “Not many men would walk away from Goldie in favour of Judy. You’re wise and foolish at the same time. Every man on staff has tapped Goldie at one time or another, but no one’s gotten close to Judy. Are you game?”