Read Online Ruby Ink (Clairmont Series Novel Book 1) by L.J. Wilson - Free Book Online Page A

meant to make her cry.
    “It’s tough for any man to live up to a ghost,” she whispered. “Don’t you think?”
    Aaron didn’t know what to say to that. His mind flashed to a vivid scene: The news of Rowen’s death, full military honor guard, a folded flag being handed to his sister. Aaron couldn’t imagine what was flashing through hers. Maybe they’d had their own lakefront beach somewhere. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought him up, mentioned his name.”
    “Why? It’s not going to make Rowen any less dead.” Delicate on the outside, her grittiness ran deep. It had seen her through her fiancé’s funeral and her own brother’s messed up life. “Really, it’s fine, Aaron. I get the question. Things with Stefan… well, they haven’t taken that kind of romantic turn—not yet.”
    “Are you positive?”
    “For a while I did think there was more. You know, a look that lingers for a second too long, maybe a hand grazing my arm in a way that doesn’t say ‘strictly business…’ But Stefan’s never even asked me out for coffee, not unless it was to discuss how many entrées he wants on the dinner menu.”
    “So what? Is he nuts or gay?” Aaron was being completely contradictory, but now he disliked the slick suit for not taking a romantic interest in his sister. Honor laughed. At least he’d reversed the frown.
    “Look, Stefan’s an unusual…” She shrugged. “ Attractive addition to Nickel Springs. Let’s leave it at that.”
    Aaron wished he could read her better, but he didn’t possess that kind of connection. Not like Jake, who seemed able to read Honor’s mind. He supposed it was the twin thing they did have in common. Aaron was left to draw his own conclusions. His sister appeared to trust Stefan. And it could be that Aaron was too jaded to judge. Besides, if he took the job—which he did need—he’d have a chance to form a real opinion about the benevolent Stefan. If Honor was right, and the guy was heaven sent, he could quit—for his sister’s sake. With that plan in mind, Aaron slowly exhaled. “What time’s the meeting?”

The blindfold was a necessity, a basic prop that enhanced imagination. And silk ties that bound her wrists to the wrought-iron bedframe… Well, that was an award for good behavior. He’d left the leather cuffs back in the city. Stefan didn’t mind, on occasion, rewarding good behavior. From his looming position, he observed Vanessa’s delicate wrists. Even so, they looked red and a little raw. But she’d submitted willingly, not even hinting at any safety word.
    That’s what Stefan loved most about Vanessa—not that he really loved anything at all. Despite their intense business dealings, this was a unique interpersonal relationship—nothing more. Consensual kink wasn’t always how things happened between them. But admittedly, Stefan’s found sexual moments like these to be most satisfying.
    He was awed by their ability to remain on the same page, keep priorities in order. Right now he was truly awed by Vanessa’s ability not to come—just as he’d instructed. Straddling her, Stefan glanced at his Oyster Bracelet Rolex. He did have an early meeting the next morning. He looked back at Vanessa. Her devil-red hair fanned the pillow in some come-fuck-me fashion, teeth sinking into a pouty lower lip. What was it about redheads? They always heightened his urge to play. Her chin was tipped slightly… listening… waiting… anticipating.
    Stefan’s gaze combed her upper half, which took a while since Vanessa stood nearly six-feet tall. Languishing breaths rose and fell from her torso. Small breasts but huge, currently erect, nipples, told Stefan he had her at the brink, and he marveled at her anticipation. Then he checked his watch again. Reality said it was time to move things along. His hand slid between her legs, cupping her damp mound as she responded, urging her whole body into the palm of his hand. Amazing what you could tell about a