and then continued. “It was a very long time ago. I left Italy to explore the world. I wanted adventure. The boat took me here to New York. I made my way down to New Orleans where some of my cousins were. I fell in love with…all of it—the women, the music, the booze. That’s where I met Cassius and Lux. We went into business together and ended up back in New York some years ago. Not too exciting.” He winked.
“Were you always in the restaurant business? Forgive me if this is rude, but I can’t imagine you making billions of dollars on just a couple of restaurants and one winery.”
He leaned against the tree and crossed his arms casually. “No. You are correct. We have other ventures. And I don’t think you are rude in the slightest. I think you are beautiful and sexy.” His gaze flickered with mischief and fire. It stirred a tingly sensation in my belly and all the way down between my thighs.
It also made me nervous. He was being open but holding back. I could hear it in his voice. There were things he was leaving out. Sugar coating a story that was most likely steeped in danger and intrigue. He didn’t trust many people.
“How many women have you….” I couldn’t finish.
“Have I fucked?” A smirk turned up the corners of his lips.
“Have you brought here? To your house?” There was no doubt in my mind that he’d slept with half of New York but how many women he’d gotten close to was a mystery.
Ozi ambled toward me in a slow sexy swagger. “I have had a few but never in the main house. And never overnight. You are the first, Raven. I don’t know why you’re different, but you just are.” He towered over me, taking my face between his hands. My heart raced. His full lips moistened as he stroked a finger down the side of my cheek. “Maybe it’s because you don’t want anything from me.”
I swallowed hard as the space between us was closing. “I don’t know what I want most of the time,” I murmured. His fingers locked behind my neck and then crept down my spine as he began lightly kneading them into my shoulder blades. “I think I want…you. Nothing from you. Just to be with you.”
Desire flashed in his eyes and he tugged me closer. His lips smashed down on mine, wet and hungry. I whimpered slightly as his tongue explored mine, like a waltz. The taste of salt and maple syrup filled my mouth. I kissed him back with a passion matching his own. I couldn’t get enough. I wanted more of his flesh.
Last night he took control, but now it was my turn. I didn’t know what was coming over me or who this new person was that I was turning into but it felt amazing. Maybe this was who I was always meant to be and I just needed Ozi to show me.
I came up for air and stepped back. He licked his lips as he admired me. Without any worry or fear who might be watching, I pulled my sweater up over my head and then removed my bra. I let out a sweet shudder as the wind tickled my breasts.
Ozi sat down on the grass and leaned back against his elbows. “Take off the rest.”
The stiff muscle between my legs throbbed at the sight of her bare breasts. The way the slightest breeze hardened her nipples. With the sun shining behind her and her dark wavy hair cascading around her naked flesh, she looked like a goddess.
Raven slid out of her jeans and panties. And for fuck’s sake, I almost came right there. She was a vision. She trembled with nerves but the fierce look in her eyes told me she was determined to perform for me. I eased back on the grass and waited for her command.
She stood over me, strong and beautiful, then lowered herself down to the grass beside me. She pressed me down flat and began unbuttoning my shirt, pleased with what she was seeing. This woman was going to be the death of me. Every touch led to a shiver. I wanted to consume her with an appetite that was insatiable. Even just her scent threatened to send me over the edge. I had to fight with every ounce of strength in my soul to not take her against that tree. I wanted her to think