Sins of a Bad Boy (The Original Bad Boys Book 1) (18 page)

“What about Charles? He’s part of society more than you, and you’re close to him.”

He didn’t answer her. Charles was a subject he didn’t discuss with anyone. 

Suddenly she asked, “Do you trust Charles?”

“In this life, you can trust no one.”

“Is that what you really believe?” she asked tentatively.

William was expecting the common response of what a foolish notion that was.

However, she surprised him with her addition, “I agree.”

With that comment, his eyes flew open and he stared at her in amazement. 

In the space of a few agonizing heartbeats, time was suspended while they heatedly watched one another, having found some common ground.

Then her hand drifted downward. “William,” Ivy’s husky voice drawled. “You’re hard...” The pad of her thumb circled the head of his cock. She touched him with the same hunger he felt in his soul.

A low growl escaped his lips, and before he knew it, he was on top of Ivy to unlock her cuff, throwing the key in the nightstand drawer and rolling to his back again.

Ivy scooted closer to him, exploring the dark line of hair leading to his cock.

“Make me come, Ivy.” He let out a deep, guttural groan when she pumped his shaft.

“The skin’s so soft,” she said dreamily while watching her own movement.

“Faster.” William’s eyelids fell shut again as she increased her speed.

When she lay her head on his chest, his stunned gape settled on the top of her head. But then he was diverted by her ruthless strokes that sent his senses careening through the ceiling. He drove himself up into her hand, his breath coming harsh and fast. 

William couldn’t help but rest his palm on her back, descending to dig his fingers into her ass while she jerked him off. He could feel the climax rushing down on him, and then he exploded superbly. He came with a gratifying shudder, and she slowed her pumping until he released the last drop, still touching his cock as she presumably watched how he shot his load onto his stomach.

Neither of them moved. An undercurrent of miscellaneous emotions afflicted him.

How did she manage to turn the tables so quickly? Promptly, William remembered how sly Ivy was. 

She was forced to move off him when he wanted to get up to clean himself in the bathroom.

And when he returned, she was on her side, both hands tucked beneath her cheek.

Still fatigued by the entire week, he lay next to her on his back.

For a second time, he found himself spooning Ivy during the night, drawn to her body heat. She was becoming a desirable furnace in his usually cold bed.

CHAPTER 19

William’s bed was often cold; he preferred it, or so he thought. But he’d never slept as soundly as last night.

There was a soft body wrapped against him from behind. Her breath tickling his neck. An arm locked around his middle. A leg thrown over his hip. A pussy rubbing against his ass. Somewhere during the night,
she’d
spooned
him
. Ivy’s body heat, which was scorching, was a warm blanket that had managed to give him a good night’s rest.

“I know you’re awake,” William said; he could tell from her breathing.

She moved away from him and took all the heat with her. 

William planned to leave before she commenced talking. 

As usual, she beat him to it, touching on a random subject. “I heard Charles mention that the girls aren’t safe in Sins; that men cross boundaries.”

William faced her in a quick motion with his brows hitting his hairline. 

Apparently, she stripped her dress after they fell asleep because she was completely naked with the sheet around her waist. Those beautiful breasts caught his eye.

Ivy merely shrugged. “It was too warm.”

She was entirely unpredictable. Although it was obvious that she observed everything around her, he wouldn’t have guessed she had the audacity to meddle in his business. And he was right; she didn’t meddle, just gave her two cents. 

She mused aloud, “I’ve seen the girls scream in passion. I’ve even done that. I mean, scream ‘stop’ when you actually desire a man to continue.” Ivy looked straight at him. “What you need is for the girls to have a signal when it’s too much, or when a client is going too far, and he hasn’t paid for it.”

“A signal?” That wasn’t a bad idea.

“Yes, so that the client knows when to stop, or so that Silk and the other guards know when to intervene,” she elaborated.

“Or perhaps another word, not ‘stop’, but a random word, since a signal would be difficult to give if they’re all tied up.”

“Exactly, something to ensure their safety. I can’t imagine you want a club with abused women – your employees will all quit.”

That was true, yet he didn’t confirm her statement. “A stop word of some kind.” He was impressed with how her mind worked and wanted to deliberate with Charles immediately.

Ivy nodded and turned to her side to absentmindedly stroke the chain tattoo on his forearm. She liked to touch him. The hairs on his arm rose from her gratifying caress.

William cupped the back of her head to press his lips to hers once. “That’s actually a good idea. I’m going to wash and tell Charles right now.”

“Can I come with you?” she asked softly.

“No.”

Disappointment clouded her features, and she turned her head, glower pointed toward the ceiling. 

He took her chin, fixing her dirty look on him. “I’ll be back tonight. I’m taking you to the masquerade in the gambling club.” 

Dejection was replaced with dampened joy. At least she knew she wouldn’t be kept in the apartment the entire day, which clearly relieved her.

***

William smiled when he saw heels next to the sofa in Charles’s apartment that smelled of freshly brewed coffee. Coffee that William knew wasn’t made for Charles; Charles preferred tea.

That smile became a wide grin when he passed the dining table that was filled with breakfast: orange juice, strawberries, eggs, bacon, toast. Charles had the maid working hard this morning, thankfully, because William was famished. So he sat down at the head of the table and filled a plate with scrambled eggs. Then he opened the newspaper to scour for information on the missing Ivy Ravensdale. He found none.

Down the hall, a door opened and soft voices drifted out to William. He loudly clanked his fork on the plate to let Charles know he was there.

And Charles understood it. “Wait here. I need to get rid of my annoying partner, who is probably eating our breakfast.”

A female voice answered, “Okay.” 

And they were definitely kissing now; the silence spoke volumes, until he heard Charles stomping toward the living room.

“Get your arse out of my chair!” was all Charles said, wrapping his velvet robe closed.

William lowered the newspaper and arched a brow. “Well, well, look who finally bestows us with his presence.” Folding the paper, he shoveled a large forkful of eggs into his mouth. “I actually came to run something by you, then I’ll leave you two lovers alone.” He winked as Charles poured juice. “What we need in Sins is some kind of stop word for the girls. A word that will let clients know when to stop or let Silk know when to intervene.”

Charles frowned. “One word for all employees?” And he took a sip of his drink.

“Yes. A word we tell them to use when they need a client to cease.”

“I like that idea. When did you come up with this?”

“It wasn’t entirely my idea. Ivy suggested it this morning.”

Charles’s eyes widened in surprise. “Did she? Why were you discussing our business with her, William?”

“I wasn’t. She overheard you yesterday in the office and relayed her thoughts right before I came here. And while we’re on the subject of Ivy. There’s still no information in the press regarding her vanishing.”

“Not even in today’s paper?”

William shook his head.

“Do you still need me to press the matter with Alfred?”

In reality, William didn’t want that. No, he wanted her with him just a while longer, so he replied, “No, let’s not push our luck. She’s being well-mannered right now, and I’m not completely agitated by her presence. Don’t go to Alfred. Let’s go back to our initial plan and wait until he contacts you. Let’s make him desperate. Has he been gambling in the club?”

“No, which is a good sign. He’s too preoccupied with handling his personal business, trying to find his daughter,” Charles answered. 

“Then let him search, until his search leads him to us.” William rose to his feet and popped a strawberry into his mouth, then pointed toward the bedroom. “Go entertain your woman. I’ll see you tonight at the masquerade.”

CHAPTER 20

The gambling hall echoed with the sounds of roulette wheels, laughter, and the occasional moans of defeat as William was rolling up his sleeves while he and a dressed-up Ivy roamed around the room. One of William’s employees was told to purchase a beautiful gown for Ivy, and she did as instructed. A shimmering gold fabric, embellished with tiny copper crystals that sparkled under the lights, hugged Ivy snugly from shoulder to hip as she walked beside him. She wore a golden mask to match her dress, and her hair was worn down, as William had ordered, and adorned with little gold roses in the curls. He didn’t want her to wear jewelry, finding her most exquisite without the sparkle of jewels. He also forbade her to wear underwear.

William wore his customary black pants with a white dress shirt, black suspenders, and golden-colored bow tie. He hadn’t worn a mask, and his hair was styled back.

“Ivy, I expect you to stay with me at all times.”

“Okay, I will,” she answered, feasting her eyes on the outrageous gilded decorations, which were exactly the kind of extravagant decor William detested, but every once in a while, this party was needed to keep the haute monde satisfied.

Employees from Sins and whores were allowed in the gaming area tonight, so every inch of the club was filled with writhing bodies and people gambling away their money. There were no restrictions tonight.

As they passed the seating area in the middle of the hall where the chess boards were located, the men eyed Ivy’s beauty. William clearly saw who was interested in her while he walked behind her.

She rewarded them with a smile, which irked William, so he braced his hands on her hips and kissed the side of her neck, glaring at the men, silently warning them to steer clear of her.

Ivy covered his hands with hers and groaned when he sucked her earlobe.

Then he spoke in a low voice. “Don’t fucking dare smile at one of the other men in here again.”

She craned her neck at him in shock.

He arched a brow insolently, daring her to defy him.

For a moment, he was positive she wouldn’t be able to bite back a retort. Still, she was smart and simply nodded. She realized that if she chose to fight him now, he’d just as easily lock her in his bedroom and continue this night alone.

William steered Ivy toward one of the roulette tables that still had a vacant stool.

Several women were now making eyes at William, gazing hungrily at him, so he expertly handled the excessive flirtation, winking just when Ivy deliberately turned to watch his reception of their blatant behavior.

Her lips were set in a thin line – she’d caught the wink.

Ivy hissed, “So, should I just stare at you constantly while you smile and flirt with every woman in here?”

William smirked, but he didn’t take her bait. He circled his finger in the air, gesturing to her to keep moving.

With a displeased sigh, she soldiered on.

My god, if she only knew how he ogled the sway of her hips and just winked at the women because it was part of his job – nothing more. Fucking Ivy hadn’t resulted in the decline of his lust for her. In fact, it only increased with each passing day. And to make matters worse, her attitude surprised him, and her retorts allured him. Sometimes he even enjoyed her continuous chattering. But he only needed to play with her a little longer, then he was sure that this fixation with her would dissolve. Obsession wasn’t a trait he found attractive in himself, and ordinarily, no woman could hold his attention for long. Yet with Ivy, he felt like he needed to fuck her longer, rougher, and more often.

When they reached the roulette table, he pressed himself against Ivy as she positioned her hands on the edge of it.

“Mr. Kade,” several gentlemen greeted.

He dipped his chin, recognizing most of them, even with their masks that covered half of their faces.

William rubbed his palms up Ivy’s arms, but he could feel her discontent, so he sought to appease her. “All I desire is to fuck you tonight. No one else.”

She shot him a fleeting look of utter disbelief that made him chuckle.

“Please, spill your poetry on her.” She waved her hand at a brunette across the table that gawked at William. “
She
might believe you;
I
know you. It doesn’t work on me. I’m just the girl you’re holding hostage until you get your money.”

Okay, so that didn’t work. William kept laughing, spiking her irritation. Positive that taunting her would do the trick, he whispered, “Oh, but you’re enjoying being my hostage a bit too much.”

She tensed, still sneering at the woman.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell your father of our adventures.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “Now kiss me.”

Knowing Ivy, he was sure she wanted to. If only to one-up the brunette.

And he was right.

Ivy made an entire display of it. Her back bowed, one arm hooked behind her around his neck, and she forced his mouth on hers. The punishing pressure of their lips lit a fire that rose to terrifying heights. An awakening of his senses.

His palm sidled up to her cleavage, then up the curve of her throat as her tongue danced with his. His arm secured around her waist to mold Ivy against his body, her ass pressing deliciously against his groin.

William broke the kiss before his hand drifted to cup her breast right there in front of everyone and spoke against her lips. “Stop pushing your ass against my cock or I’ll fuck you here on the table.”

A coy smile tilted her lips.

She
did
know him. Ivy understood that she wasn’t in any danger of being fucked in public, because she knew he didn’t do that.

Especially not with her.

He pushed the errant thought aside, aspiring to enjoy the evening to its fullest.

William snapped his fingers to the croupier, and told him to give Ivy some coins.

“I can play?” she wondered out loud.

“Yes. Have you ever played this?” He kept one hand on her hip as they stood pressed together.

“No, only blackjack.”

“Okay, choose a number or an array of numbers by placing coins on the lines. And choose whether the ball will land on black or red if you want to double your bet.”

She pursed her lips as the croupier said, “Place your bets, please.”

William surveyed the room and nodded at Charles who was cruising around. He also distinguished a couple swiftly looking away from him and Ivy. Since many clients watched him, he perceived nothing out of the ordinary and focused back on Ivy who had won after betting a ten on black.

“I won!” she cheered, and it pleased him.

What didn’t please him was the fact that other men were trying to get her attention.

William claimed the stool next to them and pulled Ivy down onto his lap. Then he ordered champagne from a passing waitress.

Ivy was immersed in the game and the jazz music and appeared to love William’s thoughtfulness, speaking about her upcoming moves. All the while, William was growing agitated with the two men in wrinkled brown suits across from them that were now focused on Ivy’s cleavage as she placed her bet.

An unfamiliar possessive urge rose inside him. His eyes narrowed, and theirs widened slightly as he glowered at them. Yet they didn’t cower. So William stroked a finger down Ivy’s neck and over her shoulders, and she shivered, turning her head to frown at him. Then he stole a kiss as he lifted her skirt under the table, tracing her thigh.

“Hmmm.” Ivy rested against him, and he reveled in the fact that everyone could see that she was his, completely.

Her legs parted in unspoken invitation, and his fingers teased the edge of her pussy without entering. Ivy strained her hips against his hand, desperate to feel fulfilled. He delved a finger inside her. In and out, while she tried to hide her pleasure.

“Don’t writhe,” he said, lips against her cheek.

William was burning up inside as he felt her becoming wet. When she leaned forward to place another bet, his cock was straining in his pants. She spread her legs wider and looked at him over her shoulder, biting her lip to refrain from moaning.

Need slammed into him, and he cursed his weakness for her.

Angling toward Ivy, he added another finger and roughly pressed his thumb against her clit, trying to hold on to his threads of sanity, to no avail.

“I need to be inside you,” he whispered.

Without waiting to check to see if she’d won, they melted off through the crowd.

William was absolutely on fire, determined to feel her heat right now. So, hands clasped with Ivy’s, he dashed outside, toward the deserted alley next to the building.

Ivy breathed soft sighs of freedom when the cool night’s breeze hit her cheek. He’d forgotten that it was her first time outside in a week.

But she was also entranced by him. When he pushed her up against the brick wall, she crooked one leg over his hip and gripped his hair as their mouths crushed together. Then he tugged off her mask.

“I want you,” she moaned while William dragged his lips down her throat and to the swell of her breasts as he cupped them both.

Biting and kissing his way down her body, he hurriedly bunched up her dress and draped her leg over his shoulder. He fisted the fabric and licked her slit, once, twice. Then he devoured her pussy, eagerly taking what he’d longed for all night. What other men also wanted, but was his.
For now.

“You always taste so good,” he groaned in between licks.

Ivy mashed her pussy against his tongue, panting, purring his name over and over, and making lusty noises.

Small gold clips of roses tumbled from her hair as her head fell back against the wall.

William’s tongue savored every drop of her wetness, but he wanted her to come on his cock. He burned to feel her when she climaxed.

One more time, he feasted on her folds, and she screamed unashamedly before he reared up to spin her around, holding the dress up over her hips with one hand and kicking her feet apart.

Deftly, he unfastened his pants and freed his erection, sliding it against her pussy, coating his cock, then up to her ass.

“You have no idea how badly I want to drive inside your ass. I bet it’s incredibly tight, I’d have a problem holding back.”

“Just fuck my pussy now, William,” she begged, pressing back against the head of his cock.

“Oh, I was planning to, baby. Place your palms on the wall,” he directed, and she did so instantly.

He fitted his cock inside her body and covered her hands with his, tangling their fingers.

She met his thrusts as he pistoned into her, arching her back to take him in deep. Skin slapped together frantically. A drop of sweat fell down William’s forehead.

God, her ass was luscious and full and felt good against his skin while he plundered her pussy, her hot channel that clamped around his cock like a vice.

Their entwined fingers tightened painfully, and William bent to nibble the spot where her neck and shoulder met, branding her. Marking her without thinking as he energetically rolled his hips.

“Come all over my cock, Ivy.”

He pushed her toward that precipice with deliberate assault.

She reached her peak first. Shudders rocked her as she struggled and wriggled, circling her ass against his crotch, prompting his pleasure to build until it crested into a magnificent outburst. It curled through his blood, settling low in his groin as he spent inside her pussy.

They could barely take in air. Breathlessly, they stood together with their palms against the wall. And his cock still pulsing inside her.

Ultimately, he slid out and fastened his pants.

The fabric of Ivy’s dress fell down over her hips, and she turned to slump against the wall with a satisfied gleam.

His dark gaze held hers.

Whatever had gotten into him to fuck her so recklessly outside?

He’d even removed her mask.

In this moment, William realized that she’d started to get a hold over him like no other woman ever had.

Instead of going back in right away, William reached out to comb back the curls that were stuck to her cheek, but her blue eyes abruptly enlarged.

“William!” she shrieked.

A splintering pain shot through his head, and a black hole swallowed him.