Read Online Raw by Jo Davis - Free Book Online Page A

resist the explosion of his release as he continued to thrust through it. And only when the warmth oozed along his cock did he realize his mistake.
    He hadn’t worn a condom.
    â€œJesus Christ,” he croaked. “Anna.”
    â€œMmm?” She kissed his neck.
    â€œI didn’t use protection. I’m so sorry.” Shame engulfed him as she froze, drew back, and stared into his eyes.
    â€œI—I didn’t think of it, either.” She swallowed hard. “You’re clean, right?”
    â€œYes! I’m totally healthy. You?”
    â€œYes. I have papers to prove it.”
    â€œMe too. But I trust you.” That was true, he realized. In every respect.
    Too bad he had to finish his investigation.
    â€œI trust you, too,” Anna said quietly.
    You shouldn’t, about some things.
But he couldn’t confess. Not yet. Taking her in his arms, he carried her to his bed. Snuggled her against his chest, his heart brimming with his love for her. “Comfortable?” he asked as he settled her with her head resting on his shoulder.
    â€œVery. You make a good pillow.”
    He loved her warmth against his side. She felt so right there, he never wanted her to leave. “I aim to please.”
    â€œThat you do.” She toyed with the light sprinkling of his chest hair, gave him a kiss above his nipple. “Thank you for everything these past few days. I don’t remember when I’ve had so much fun with someone I care about. And Sterling is such a doll, I can’t imagine what I ever did without him.”
    â€œHe’s a cutie,” he said with a smile, thinking about the kitten. And her ecstatic reaction to the ball of fluff. “I’m glad you like him.”
    â€œI adore him. I’m kind of crazy about the man who gave him to me, too.”
    â€œSame here,” he said quietly. “I’m crazy about his owner.”
    â€œOh! I should get home.” Her voice was worried. “He’s been alone too long, the poor baby.”
    â€œWhy don’t I go get him, bring him here for tonight? Then you can stay here all warm and cozy.”
    â€œAnd naked.”
    â€œThat, too.”
    â€œOkay, if it’s not too much trouble.”
    â€œNot at all. I’ll just need your key.”
    She yawned. “In my purse, side pocket.”
    That had almost been too easy. She trusted him with the key to her place, to go in alone. A guilty woman would never have offered him or anyone unrestricted access to her home. More proof of what he already knew, but he had to follow the case to the conclusion.
    Please, let us survive what’s to come.

4
    Anna’s mother arrived Friday, a force of nature all on her own.
    Refusing Anna’s offer to pick her up at the airport, she’d hailed a cab. Anna let her mother in and was immediately wrapped in a strong hug.
    â€œI’ve missed you, baby! Let me look at you!” Pulling back, she studied her daughter critically. “Have you lost weight, Anna Marie? Are you eating?”
    She couldn’t help but laugh. “I own a five-star restaurant. Of course I’m eating. But I have to watch it or I’d be as big as a house.”
    â€œHmph. More meat on the bones is always healthier, my grandmother always said.”
    â€œThat’s not what you told me before, when you were always on me about my figure.”
    â€œWhen you were
twelve
, honey. I don’t think I harped more than any other parent does at a preteen who snacks too much.”
    Her mother was right. “Well, your lectures paid off. I’ll be sure to eat plenty of good things tonight. Here, let me put your suitcase in the guest room.”
    Taking the handle, she rolled the luggage down the hall and put it in the room across from her own. When she returned, her mother was running her hand over the sofa, the tables. Anna expected her to make a critical remark to join the one about the lack of pounds on her