Dangerous Stranger - Piper Stone Page 0,18

was following me with his eyes.

I allowed myself a moment of celebration that I’d actually walked away from his smooth lines and buff body. Hallelujah. Perhaps I’d broken the ugly pattern after all.

Then why was my mouth dry yet my pussy remained wet, staining my inner thighs? Why was my heartrate soaring, my skin covered in goosebumps? I hadn’t spent time with a man in so long I’d almost lost myself, the need and desire mixing together in an explosive state.

There was something about Rafael that was overtly ominous and controlling, as if he’d never been forced to take no for an answer. Maybe I did crave that kind of passion, unbridled in every way, but it was something I couldn’t handle.

No, I refused to tolerate any kind of man who believed I would succumb to his domination.

I walked outside, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, glaring up at the sky, my entire body trembling. How had a few brief minutes created such an intense connection?

The rain had just started, large drops spilling across my face as I headed toward the flat. Within seconds the volume increased, creating a chilly feeling coursing down my arms and legs. I knew before I reached the apartment building that I’d be soaked. Nothing a long, hot bath couldn’t cure. I picked up my pace, trying to stay as close to the buildings as possible.

Then I felt a hand wrapping around my arm, my body pushed against the solid brick. My reaction was shift, smashing my fist into the assailant’s face then realizing in the dim street light that I’d hit Rafael. “What do you think you’re doing?” I demanded.

“Exactly what you want me to do, what you’ve craved every night while sleeping alone,” he said, the same damn husky voice flowing over me like the softest blanket. Even his dark eyes twinkled as drops of rain cascaded down his face, accentuating his chiseled features and full lips.

I suddenly couldn’t feel the effects of the rain, only the combustible heat that continued to build. How had he seen through the layers of protection I’d placed around myself? How had he grabbed onto the hungers buried deep within me? I had to fight the attraction, to push him away. I didn’t want this.

I couldn’t want this.

Yet I did.

“Like hell I do.” His haughtiness was off the chain, as if I could want him. Rearing back, I was prepared to punch him again when he grabbed both hands, shoving them against the ragged brick.

“Trust me, beautiful flower, I always do exactly what I want.”

Before I had a chance to react, Rafael crushed his mouth over mine. I pushed hard, doing my best to jam my knee into his crotch, but within seconds, he had full control, his massive body grinding against mine as if he owned me. There was no way to get away from him, nowhere to run.

Shivering, I struggled in his hold, undulating my hips. My God, the feel of his very hard, throbbing cock pushing against my belly was incredible. My body was responding to his, my anger at his audacity slipping away, as if all he’d need to do was take me. Sweet Jesus, electricity soared between us, crackling as if a live wire dancing in the rain. Desire roared from the depths of my being, his swagger and control overwhelming.

Tempting me.

Driving me.

I was lost to the pleasure as he slipped his tongue inside, filling my mouth. His scent was more than just intoxicating, filling my nostrils, smashing against every cell. He was all male, more dominating than I’d anticipated.

And he was taking what he wanted.

As the rain began to pour, I allowed myself to fall prey to the heat of his body; strong arms and a virility that my body refused to deny.

Perhaps he was the darkness that would ignite a fire I’d long thought dead, allowing freedom.

If only for a few precious moments in time.

Or perhaps the demons had found me once again, refusing to forgive.

Refusing to allow me to live.

Chapter Six

Rafael

Darkness.

Danger.

I hadn’t lied to the luscious American woman who’d captured not only my eye but my full arousal. I was nothing but a monster prepared to snag her very soul.

Structure.

Organization.

Those were my mottos and ones I’d lived my entire life. I was unforgiving of everyone who dared break my cycle, including myself. Here I was smashing every rule I lived by.

All for a woman.

She was even more beautiful than I’d remembered, her flaming red hair fitting her