Chapter 46

Tara

I have no clue what happened to Ryker three nights ago, but he's different. There's a goofy smile on his face that won't quit. He's talkative. Happy. Relaxed.

As much as I'd love to take credit for this shift in him, not even my pussy has that much power.

Yesterday we fucked in a room full of mirrors. The day before that, he taught me tricks on a spinning circular bed positioned in the center of a big voyeur room. No one was there to watch us, but I enjoyed imaging we had a full house. Maybe I have an exhibition kink I should explore more.

I've been straddling his lap all morning in his office, feeling content as a house cat while he clicks away on the computer.

The Monarch is heaven on earth. I never want to leave. "You know, I thought thirty days as the Butterfly was a little overkill."

He tips his office chair back and rocks us. "Oh yeah?"

"That's a long time to be with someone."

"Are you saying you're sick of me, Miss Reed?"

On the contrary. "No, I'm saying I thought it was overkill, but now I don't think it's long enough."

We haven't discussed what will happen once my time here is up. I haven't had the courage to discuss it until now.

Ryker's jaw ticks as he stares at me. "Do you want to stay?"

I'm not sure how to take his tone. "Do you want me to stay?"

"Answer my question first, Tara."

That's not a yes or a no. He's making me claim what I want for myself first.

My stomach knots. We were supposed to be temporary. This wasn't meant to last. We started this with a negotiation, but I can't wheel and deal with the terms anymore. This isn't a contract, it's love.

Fuck it. I'm going for what I want and damn the consequences. "I want to stay."

"Good, I was afraid I'd have to handcuff you to my bed like my prisoner to keep you."

Be still my fluttering heart. "I mean… no one's stopping you from still doing that."

He flashes me a brilliant smile and smacks my ass. "You keep saying all the right things."

I'm just being honest.

"So…" I arch my brow at him. "Are we a thing now, Mr. Hudson?"

"We're definitely a thing." His hips jack up and he grinds against me. "We're a big thing."

"You're insatiable." And my panties are soaked again. "My god, that dick of yours is going to snap off from overuse."

"I'll just fuck you with my tongue if it does. I'm ready to accept my fate." His cell rings, breaking our spell. "Yeah?" Ryker stares at me while the person on the other end talks. "Perfect. Thanks." He hangs up and dials another number. The sexy smile on his face transforms into a bigger, broader one. It makes him look younger. "It's yours, Knox."

All kinds of loud screaming blasts out and Ryker holds the phone away from his ear. He laughs so hard his face turns red and eyes water.

That kind of happiness hits me square in the feels.

"Alright, alright. Yeah, I'll them ‘em." Ryker rubs his forehead, still chuckling. "Let me ask the boss first." He tugs my hair playfully. "Can we go out to dinner tonight?"

"We can do anything you want every night."

Ryker's eyes twinkle. "She says yes, but you gotta make that fondue I like, or she won't join us." He belts out another laugh and hangs up. Tossing his phone on the desk, he rocks back, grabbing my ass again, still smiling.

"Are you going to tell me what's going on, or is it secret Monarch business and I'm just your means to cheese fondue?"

"I just bought Knox's club for him."

Wait. What? "How, I mean…" There's no way he can afford to do that. "I thought you didn't have the funds to help him and also get Greene Street."

"I don't." His smile gets even bigger. "I'm not bidding on Greene Street anymore."

I'm so confused. "I thought that property was important to you."

"It was." Ryker slides his chair away from the desk and lifts me up. My legs wrap around him like a belt. "But I'm tired of clinging to my past when I can grip better things."

"Like my ass?" I joke, because I have no clue how to handle this news.

"Like a future with you." He sets me down on his desk. The clanking of his belt unbuckling makes my pussy clench.

"A future with me sounds really nice."

"Fuck yeah it does." He pulls his shirt off my body. I'd put it on this morning because it still carries his cologne, and the scent comforts me. "Do you think you can put up with me for longer than thirty days, Butterfly?" He pushes his dick into me, and it slides right in with how wet I am.

"Maybe," I say, breathless from his thrusts. The papers under my ass crinkle and some fall to the floor. "But it'll cost you."

"Name your price, Miss Reed."

"Forever." I clutch his shoulders to stay upright. "My price is you forever."

"Done." He smashes his mouth to mine and slams into me harder and harder until we're both screaming through our orgasms. When we sink back into reality, I wait for him to joke around and back-peddle.

He doesn't.

Neither do I.

"We've got a few hours before the Monarch opens." Ryker squats down and spreads my legs. "Anything special you want to do, baby?"

Nnnnope. Especially not when he drags his tongue along my pussy and eats me like I'm pudding. "God, Ry, you're gonna kill me."

Laying back on the desk with my feet perched on his shoulders is a great way to die, though.

"Poor Butterfly can't flutter anymore." He shoves two fingers into my cunt and rubs my g-spot. "Ohh, maybe she can."

He drives my lust higher and higher until my soul lifts from my body and hovers over us. My orgasm is hard and messy and exhausting. I'm going to need a nap before dinner. "You keep fucking me up like this, I won't have the strength to walk tonight. I'll be crawling on my hands and knees to dinner with you and Knox."

Ryker groans. "Fuuuck, Tara. Do not remind me of that day. You looked so fucking good like that, and I'm not giving Knox another view of your spectacular ass again. I learned my lesson."

I grin. "Well, maybe I'll just crawl for you here before we leave."

"Fuck, woman." He kisses me so hard our teeth clack. Holy shit, his intensity has no limits. I love it.

"Where is dinner tonight?"

"Knox's underground club."

Nice. "What do you want me to wear?"

"Whatever you want, Butterfly."

Again, he's giving me a chance to be myself. I don't have to dress to impress his friends, which is different for me considering I have an entire section of floral prints for when I meet with my stepfather.

"I have the perfect outfit." I've only worn it once, but it made me feel like a million bucks.

"We can go get it from your house in a bit. I just have to finish a few more orders and sign invoices. Shit, I can't forget to make sure the kitchen's—"

"You stay here." I shove him back into his chair. "I'm just gonna grab it and a couple other things, then come right back. I won't be more than an hour."

???

You know what love is? It's blasting songs on the radio with the windows down, while wearing your man's t-shirt, a set of cotton shorts, and a goofy smile on your face. It's breaking speed limits so you can hurry up and get back to him. It's laughing for no reason other than you're insanely happy.

Wow. I can honestly say I've never felt this level of elation before. Not with anyone.

I can't help but think I've made a difference in Ryker, just like he's made one in me. That deal I made to be the Butterfly has turned out to be the best negotiation of my motherfucking life.

Yeah, we both have a long way to go with our personal issues, but this is a great start.

Opening the door to my apartment, I'm distracted by my cell ringing. With a sweet sing-songy tone, I answer. "Yes, Mr. Hudson?"

"Is it pathetic that I miss you already?"

"Very." I giggle. "You're positively obsessed." I love that for me. "You need an intervention."

"Are you there yet?"

"Just walked in." I drop my keys on the table and head to my bedroom. "I should only be like fifteen minutes." I rip open my underwear drawer to grab a few lacy ones. My heart stutters with confusion. Holding a pair of silk panties up, my mouth runs dry. "Shit."

"What's wrong?" Ryker's aggressive tone funnels into my ear.

"I…" There's no way I can tell him someone has cut out the crotch to my underwear. All of my fucking underwear. Each one I pick up has been shredded. "Oh my god."

"Tara," Ryker growls. "What the fuck's wrong?"

Fear floods my system. My mouth runs dry. My heart stops.

I turn around and drop my phone.

Garret's sitting on my bed with a knife in his hand.