Hard as Rock Read online

  “If you want to wear heels, I could buy them too and then carry you around.”

  “Hush, Daddy Warbucks.” Meline slapped his bare chest, making him grin.

  “I don’t know if John got one of the spare rooms set up, so you can sleep in my room tonight.” He led Meline through his bedroom to the bathroom.

  “Jesus, Roc, your bedroom is almost as big as my whole condo. I love this bathroom. The marble is gorgeous. Ooh, look, a swimming pool!”

  “I guess it is big enough you could take a swim, but it’s not a pool, it’s just a jacuzzi tub.” He chuckled at her.

  “I know, I was teasing,” she added with a wink.

  “Maybe you’d like to take a lap anyway.”

  She grinned. “That would feel good on my muscles.” Longing filled her gaze as she stared at the tub and rolled her delicate shoulders.

  “You relax and I’ll go get your bag.”

  “Thank you,” Meline called out as he left the bathroom and headed for the foyer.

  “Looking for this, sir?” John greeted him in the hall holding her suitcase.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “Will the lady be all right?”

  “Yes. But I can’t let her out of my sight. Do you recall why we left Madrid?” Roc growled.

  He’d told John a ring of art thieves were plotting to break in, but had suspicions that wasn’t the case. It was the only other time, at least since John had been with him, that he had to pick up and leave in the night. This modern era was a blessing, but with the internet it was making it harder for his kind to hide.

  “Not those people again,” John scoffed in disgust.

  “I don’t think it’s the same people, but the motives are just as vile. I really don’t have more than a symbol to hunt them down.”

  “Describe it for me.”

  “I found a gold pin with the open bloom of a rose set in the middle of a compass.”

  “I’m on it straight away, sir, you leave it to me.” John nodded and headed for his study.

  If anyone could find information about this group, it was John. He might not be able to see but he had the latest technology, and even some that wasn’t on the market yet.

  Roc carried the suitcase back to the bathroom and knocked on the door.

  “Roc,” her voice echoed through the door, but he could also make out the violent rustling of fabric.

  “I’m just going to set your bag inside.” He cracked the door and slid the suitcase in.

  “Um, Roc, wait. God, this is so embarrassing. I need your help,” she said, her words muffled.

  “I’m coming in.”

  He swung open the door and froze. His gaze panned up Meline’s bare calves, to her creamy full thighs and round hips. She wore a tiny lacey pair of panties that did little to hide the tuft of hair on her mound. His gaze shifted higher, and he burst out laughing as he realized what was wrong.

  “Don’t laugh. I’m stuck.” Meline struggled as she tried to tug her dress the rest of the way over her head.

  “Stop squirming, you’re going to fall,” he said, mostly because it was making her ass shake. Any more and he wouldn’t be able to repress the hard-on straining in his pants.

  He grabbed the dress, ignoring the way his knuckles grazed her ribs as he worked it up over her breasts. It was a test in patience keeping on task as he revealed her bra. It was a lacy bit of nothing. Her ruddy areolas were just peeking over the top of the cups.

  Sainthood, that’s what I deserve, he groaned.

  “I know, it’s tight,” she commented at the sound he made.

  Roc closed his eyes. The woman just had to say that word, tight, conjuring a host of thoughts in his head, none of them good. He got the dress over Meline’s shoulders and swiftly released her, backing away.

  “I think that did it.”

  With the way his gums and canines ached, he could barely speak. He desperately wanted to sample her flesh. Just one kiss, as if his life depended on it. And yet somehow he knew one kiss wouldn’t be enough. He headed for the door before he pounced on her like a beast in heat.

  “Thank you.” Meline’s voice was no longer muffled but she sounded funny.

  He glanced back to find her bent over the tub, checking the water temperature. Seeing her heart-shaped ass stuck up in the air had the hard-on he’d been fighting instantly throbbing.

  The woman’s going to kill me. Roc shoved at his cock as he quickly shut the door.

  7

  Meline

  Oh, that’s nice. Meline groaned as she slipped into the churning hot water. So embarrassing. Too much whiskey.

  The way she was acting, stumbling and getting caught up in her dress, you’d think she was totally shitfaced.

  You should’ve seen that coming when you had to pour yourself into the dress to begin with.

  It had been one thing after another this evening. She rolled her head from one side to the other, working the kinks out of her sore muscles. That awful man had done a number on her.

  “It could’ve been so much worse,” she repeated like a mantra, not sure if it was calming her nerves or making things worse.

  Maybe she shouldn’t have been so quick to forgive Roc for his part in all this, and there was still something about him she couldn’t put her finger on, but she kept coming back around to that moment in the hotel. She was beside herself, totally freaked out and without a clue of what she was going to do, then she looked up and there he was. An inexplicable sense of relief cut through her fear. Which was ironic considering he was dressed like the king of demons.

  And he has the hots for me. Meline grinned, recalling his shameless flirting, while she reached for the bottle of shampoo.

  “Oh shit,” she cursed as the bottle slipped out of her hands and fell into the water.

  Okay, so maybe I’m a bit more than tipsy. She fumbled around in the water till she captured the bottle, flipped the lid closed and placed it back on the ledge. Well, I guess I don’t need any more soap, she snorted.

  She ducked beneath the water and scrubbed her head. She came up for air and mopped the suds from her eyes.

  “Oh fuck. No, no, no!” she yelped at all the suds bubbling up in the tub. The jets mixed with the spilled shampoo, turning the tub into an out of control bubble bath. “Shit, where’s the switch?” She scrambled, looking for the button as the suds spilled over the rim.

  “What’s wrong?” Roc asked in concern as he threw open the door. “Are you okay?” He peered around the door when she didn’t instantly answer.

  Roc froze, his jaw dropping open. He shook off his surprise, rushed over and hit the button, halting the jets.

  Jesus, why am I a total mess around this man?

  “I thought since I was staying for free the least I could do was clean up a bit to earn my keep,” Meline joked to cover her embarrassment, then sank into the mountain of suds hoping to hide.

  “Is that so?” He laughed as he knelt and began scooping suds back into the tub.

  “Here, let me. I’m the one that made this mess.” She leaned out next to him to help. “Never drop the shampoo if the jets are on. I can’t believe this,” she prattled on.

  “Meline!”

  “What?”

  “Your bubble bikini is slipping.”

  She glanced back to see the suds covering her were sliding into the tub, revealing her bare ass. Her cheeks heated, and her gaze swiveled back to find him a breath away. His gray eyes met hers and she was instantly ensnared. They looked like swirling quicksilver the longer she stared. Meline always believed what they said about the eyes being windows to the soul. Roc was the ultimate enigma, yet in his eyes she saw a tempest of emotion. But it was the fierce longing and desire that struck her the hardest.

  She pressed her mouth against his. Roc’s lips were full, broad, and warm, like the man, so strong and hot-blooded. But they were also smooth, unlike his stubbled jaw or his hands, that were rough from work. The man was a host of contradictions.

&nb
sp; Suddenly she realized he wasn’t kissing her back and pulled away in horror. Maybe she’d read him wrong.

  “I’m sorry,” she started to say.

  Roc growled when she tried to retreat, and his hand shot out, tangling in her hair. He gripped the back of her head and smashed his lips against hers again. Meline sucked in a deep breath, surprise and desire coursing through her. He took advantage of the opportunity, his tongue spearing into her mouth. There was something about the way he tasted that struck her as deeply satisfying. A strange tingling sensation spread through her mouth and down her spine. Her tongue delved into his mouth, seeking more. She couldn’t believe how turned on she was, and he was only kissing her. She was ravenous, and bolder than she remembered ever being. Her tongue dueled with his, tasting, exploring.

  “Meline,” he rumbled. The erotic sound made her shiver with need. “Meline,” he repeated.

  She pulled back and saw the barely restrained passion twisting his rugged features.

  “You are so damn sweet, Meline. You don’t even have a clue how sexy you are, do you? The way you blush, laugh, and the funny things you do and say. From the moment I saw you, you had me turned inside out. I wasn’t feeding you a line when I said I wanted to do unspeakable things to you. So, angel, this is your chance to turn tail and run.”

  No one had ever said such things to her. The way he flattered her made her feel just as sexy as he claimed, but also nervous. Roc was such an imposing man, and if the desire burning in his eyes was any indication, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to withstand the kind of passion he was threatening. Meline found herself nodding anyway.

  “I gave you fair warning.” His lips twisted into a cocky grin as he leaned in close to her ear. “If you had run, I would’ve chased you. And I always catch my prey.”

  She gasped, her mouth dropping open in surprise when he scooped her out of the bath like she weighed nothing at all. He didn’t bother with drying her off, just headed straight for the bedroom. She stared up at his dark rugged face. The horns and enormous black wings arching over his head captured her attention. She was about to say something about removing the costume, then thought better of it. It would take too long, and—well—she found it sexy.

  The ultimate bad boy.

  She grinned wickedly as she leaned in and nibbled his neck. He made a delicious sounding groan, so she nipped him harder.

  “I’m not that sweet,” she whispered when she reached his ear.

  “I think you are,” Roc husked and released her.

  A shocked squeal burst out then turned into a laugh as she hit the springy bed. Her laugh died when Roc came down on top of her, his weight pressing her into the mattress. God, the man was positively massive, hunched over her. He gripped her wrists, stretching her arms above her head as he kissed her neck.

  “In fact, I’m going to see just how sweet you are.”

  His voice rough with passion, the salacious suggestion and the way he dominated her were overwhelming enough, then he began sampling the skin at the base of her throat. His kisses were hot against her cool wet skin, and goosebumps pebbled her flesh. Her heart beat hard and fast as Roc kissed an agonizingly slow path between her breasts. Her nipples were so stiff they ached, begging for attention. She was going to die from the anticipation.

  With his free hand, Roc grabbed something draped over the headboard and she felt silky fabric graze her wrist.

  “Roc?” she exclaimed when she saw the blue and yellow necktie, and what he was debating dawned on her.

  He cast her a rogue smile, showing a hint of fang, and her breath sped up. She didn’t have a lot of experience with a man like Roc or a situation like this, and she’d certainly never been tied up. A frisson of excitement and trepidation shot through her. Her fingers itched to stroke his muscular shoulders and corded arms, but Roc had her pinned. This was sheer torture, she couldn’t imagine withstanding it all night.

  “I—you—I,” she sputtered, not knowing what to say.

  He stared at her for what seemed like forever. The expressions crossing his face reflected a fierce debate waging within.

  “All right, angel.” Roc relented and tossed aside the necktie. “Like I said…” he kissed the tip of one turgid nipple, making her draw in a sharp breath. “So sweet.” Roc kissed the other breast, then pinned her with those mercurial eyes. “But if you prove naughty, I’ll be forced to restrain you. Maybe I will anyway,” he husked the illicit promise.

  Meline was stunned speechless, her mouth agape. The breath she was holding burst out when his raspy tongue circled one areola then swiped at her nipple before sucking it into his hot mouth. Her back bowed as he took a long, deep pull before switching to torment the other needy bud. The sensation coiled around her, making every cell in her body scream. She rubbed her thighs together as her pussy cramped in response. That caught Roc’s attention and he glanced up again.

  “Am I neglecting something?”

  Before she could reply, he reared back, snagged her ankles and splayed her legs. There was hardly enough time for her to be embarrassed about being totally exposed. Her eyes widened when Roc growled and dove for her pussy. His large palms shoved at her thighs, forcing them wider to make room for his broad shoulders. But it would’ve taken the splits to accomplish that.

  “You’re so little,” he huffed impatiently.

  Roc wrapped his arms beneath her knees and hoisted her legs over his shoulders. It was convenient the way his folded wings cradled her calves, holding them put. Meline was stunned by the ravenous way he struggled to reach the most intimate part of her.

  “Oh yeah,” he took a deep breath and groaned as his face burrowed between her thighs.

  Such a personal act usually gave her pause, but his reaction made her forget her reticence. She reveled in the way his large fingers kneaded her fleshy hips, not minding that his grip was nearly bruising. Staccato breaths heaved past her lips at feeling his hot breath caress her slick folds. A surprised sound burst out when Roc’s tongue met her heated flesh. She was so incredibly sensitive and aroused she nearly orgasmed right then and there. Her panting turned labored when he found her eager clit and laved it like he had her nipples. It throbbed harder with each slow concentric circle, till he reached the swollen peak. Her pussy spasmed, sending a flood of moisture leaking down her cleft.

  The demi-god wedged between her thighs rumbled in pleasure, vibrating her clit. Meline bit her lip to repress the needy sounds fighting to get free. He hummed, and the vibration got stronger. Unbelievably she felt it not only in her clit, but deeper.

  “Roc!” she cried, when two thick fingers pressed into her wet vagina.

  Her hands shot out for him, clamoring for something to hold onto, as he curled his fingers, aiming for her g-spot. Meline found the two horns and gripped them tight as she bucked her hips. It was a shock she didn’t pull them clean off his head.

  A savage sound erupted from Roc and it was like he snapped. He latched onto her clit and sucked ravenously as his fingers began thrusting into her, stroking mercilessly at her g-spot. The pleasure assailing her was pure insanity, making her writhe.

  roc

  Roc knew it was selfish, but he rarely let women touch him, for obvious reasons. But Meline wasn’t just any female. Although maybe he should’ve tied her up. Her mere touch did things to him, made his blood boil. Not only were his canines throbbing but so were the talons that tipped his wings. It was a completely foreign sensation. If he were human, he’d say he was sick, but that wasn’t possible. All he knew was that he needed to touch Meline, needed to feel her, taste her and everything in between. He’d let her do anything, just as long as she didn’t flee his bed. And since she’d been reticent, he didn’t bind her wrists. What harm could it do? She already saw everything, though she did think it was a costume.

  The first taste of Meline was like heaven. Her sweet nectar was better than anything he’d ever known. The gasping squeaks coming from her pink lips turned him on even more. He was positive
ly evil for using the subsonic hum to make her come undone, but couldn’t help himself. Then she grabbed his overly sensitive horns and he was the one who lost all control. He really should’ve tied her up.

  The heady scent of her desire was overwhelming, actually made him dizzy. With every pump of his fingers, her silky pussy spilled more desire. It was shocking how wet she was, spurring him on. He ravenously lapped up the offering in between sucking the pearl of flesh straining from her folds. The way he feasted on her, you’d think he’d never gone down on a female.

  “Roc. Roc. Roc,” she chanted his name, her pitch getting higher and needier with each word.

  His cock jerked, and Roc snarled against her swollen clit, realizing, frustratingly, that he still wore pants. Meline’s legs tightened around his head and her fluttering pussy locked onto his fingers, his growl driving her over the edge.

  “Fuck,” Roc cursed. He wanted to be buried balls deep in her sweet body when she finally came.

  He couldn’t complain, though, Meline’s warbled cry was music to his ears. And she was beyond gorgeous, her breasts thrust out as she arched off the bed.

  “No more,” Meline gasped as she wedged her fingers between his face and her pussy, attempting to halt his still stroking fingers.

  “Hardly, angel, I’m just beginning.” He was so turned on, he hardly recognized his own voice.

  Roc pulled his fingers free of her body. She shuddered and collapsed against the mattress, her legs sliding off his shoulders. He impatiently gripped his fly and tugged it open, releasing his cock. The languid spent look on Meline’s face shifted, her brow furrowing as she stared at his arousal. Roc realized Meline was having second thoughts as she opened her mouth then speechlessly closed it again. Maybe he should ease back, but something in him wouldn’t allow it. He needed to make her his.

  Get control of yourself!

  meline