Ruby Rose Read online

  Evan wasn’t about to give her the pleasure. “To be honest, she’s never mentioned you. Believe it or not, the world doesn’t revolve around you, Maxine.”

  Maxine laughed, attempting to sound sarcastic, but failed. She slammed her drink on the bar, spilling the liquid all over. She glared at Evan, lip quivering. “You think I need you? If you haven’t noticed, I’m doing just fine on my own.” She lifted her arms and motioned at the bar around her. “I get invited to just as many of these gigs as you. And I have men begging to master my body.”

  “I’m happy for you. It’s what you wanted to begin with. You’ve always been an attention whore.”

  “This is how you treat me, Evan! Have you forgotten everything we once shared?” Maxine screeched. She took a moment to regain her composure and smooth down her wild hair.

  “That short-lived relationship is over,” Evan replied, never releasing her from his glare.

  Maxine returned the stare with her bloodshot eyes. She was clearly coming off a high from the night before. “You still want a Domestic Discipline relationship, don't you? I can give you that.”

  “No you can't, Maxine. This is all a game to you. A sexual kink. For me, it's different, and you know that.”

  Maxine casually crossed her arms against her chest and gave an alluring grin. “So take me in hand then. Discipline me when I'm bad.” Maxine took a long pause as she scanned her eyes along the full length of Evan's powerful build. “Show me who's boss.”

  Evan's jaw locked, and his expression grew fierce. “Maxine, you will never truly get Domestic Discipline. And even if you do, I'm not the man for you. I need more, and you will never be the woman who can give that to me. Please face that fact.”

  “Face what? The fact that you will never find this fantasy of a woman? You're crazy to think that this whole Domestic Discipline is anything but a sexual fantasy. Women can tell you what you want to hear, but the truth of the matter is, the only woman who wants the lifestyle actually just loves to be spanked. It is a kink whether you want to admit it or not. We were good together, Evan. Power, control, ecstasy – our sexual need was always met… in all ways. Is this the life you want to leave for some unrealistic expectations?” Maxine took a few steps closer toward Evan. “You can't possibly think that bartender is the woman of your dreams?”

  Evan clenched his teeth, holding all his fury within.

  Maxine smiled. “She's fascinated with your fame and your sexual reputation.” Maxine released a soft but evil laugh. “I'm sure you think you can convince her of your DD beliefs. We'll see.”

  “What I do from now on is none of your concern. I've asked you to back off and leave me alone. I will not ask again.”

  “Go to hell, Evan!” She began to storm off. After only a few steps, she stopped and turned around. “And don’t flatter yourself. You don’t have to worry about me speaking to you ever again.”

  “Thank you.”

  With that, Maxine spun around and walked away in a huff. All things considered, it had gone a lot better than Evan had hoped. He walked out of the bar feeling an enormous weight taken off his shoulders. He desperately hoped his problems with Maxine were over.

  ****

  Evan looked forward to the photo shoot for a new BDSM magazine. He hadn’t hung out with the guys alone in a while. He needed some good, quality bro time. They took photos, laughed, and goofed around. Even though the shoot was technically work, they always made things fun.

  Evan had just finished the last shot with Adam and Gage when he saw Maxine rush toward him, looking very determined.

  “Can I talk to you?” she said.

  Evan walked over to the makeup table to remove the pound of cosmetics on his face. “Go ahead.”

  “I mean alone.” She glanced at Adam and Gage. They both turned to Evan, who shrugged.

  “We’ll be over here, Evan.” Adam pointed. They didn’t go too far, choosing to sit at a table nearby.

  “How dare you dismiss me just like that?” Maxine crossed her arms and stood in front of Evan, forcing him to stop. “As if I never meant anything to you.”

  Evan bit his tongue, not wanting any more drama, but he had Ruby to think about. “Maxine, I’m seeing someone now. I can’t be dealing with you.” Evan waved his hand up and down in front of him. “With all this craziness.”

  “Did you know she’s never been in the scene before? She's faking, just to get close to you.”

  Evan laughed, though he didn’t find this conversation funny at all. “Trying to dig up dirt, I see. Don’t you have better things to do with your time?”

  “That’s what everyone is saying. I’m surprised you haven’t heard. She had never even been in a club like this before.”

  “I don’t pay attention to petty gossip.” Evan did everything he could to control his temper.

  “I don’t mean to hurt you, Evan. I just thought you should know.”

  The inflated attempt to sound sympathetic infuriated him. The blood curdling in his veins made Evan want to scream.

  Evan glared at her. “You could never hurt me, Maxine. I’d have to care about you for that. You know nothing about Ruby, so mind your own business.”

  Maxine shrugged. “She’s using you. She’s using you for your fame.”

  “Using me like you?” Evan asked.

  “There was something special between us. I didn’t use you.”

  “Bullshit!” Evan spat. “There was never an us, Maxine. And you know it. You made up all that crap to try to gain notoriety.”

  The tears welled up in Maxine’s eyes. Evan rolled his eyes and backed away. “Stop with the dramatics. Don’t play the abused victim card. You manipulated me far too many times. I see through you now.”

  Evan turned and began to walk toward Adam and Gage.

  “You lusted after me, you asshole! We had sex, over and over again! We made love into the morning hours!” she yelled. “Don’t you remember that?”

  Evan’s stomach churned. He spun around and charged toward Maxine. Evan could see her eyes open wide in alarm, but Maxine stood her ground. Evan walked right up to her face and spoke through his teeth just loud enough for Maxine to hear, but his words were strong and cutting. “We never made love. We had sex: cold, meaningless sex. That’s what happens when you get me drunk and then take advantage of the situation. You knew what you were doing. We had one drunken mistake! You used me, you took advantage of me, and then you tried to play games with me. I’m done, Maxine. Stay the hell away from me.”

  With her mouth half open, she stared at Evan. “I hope your vanilla girlfriend makes you happy. Because when I’m done spreading the news, your career will be over. I'm going to say that you are manipulating her and forcing her to submit. I'll say you are actually abusing her. People won't want their names tied to you. I'm going to make you look like an abusive ass, and no one wants that around. How’s the public going to take hearing that you beat women?”

  “Blackmail won’t work either, Maxine. But nice try.”

  “Fuck off!” Maxine turned and hurried away, face red with fury.

  Evan took a deep breath and walked back slowly toward his friends, ignoring the whispers and staring faces of everyone who had just witnessed the scene. He was sure it would show up in the news within the hour.

  Gage shook his head. “It’s about time you told that bitch off.”

  Evan nodded, still feeling a little shaky. He hadn’t intended to get in a fight. It wasn’t his style, but he couldn’t take another minute of her. Evan stood there, still reeling from what Maxine had threatened to do about Ruby. He didn’t want his friends to notice that Maxine had gotten to him, but he couldn’t even force a smile.

  Adam seemed concerned. “Are you okay?”

  Evan shook his head. “She said that Ruby is faking her interest in DD.”

  “Ruby? Is she?” Gage asked.

  “You and her are a couple, right? Maxine’s a lying bitch,” Adam said.

  “Ruby's new to the lifesty
le. She's never tried it before me,” Evan explained, still feeling slightly beaten by the fight.

  Gage shook his head, eyes closed. “Ah, Evan. You know how trying to force someone to embrace DD usually turns out. Her experimentation is going to end up hurting you. You should know this by now.”

  Evan shook his head. “No, it’s not like that. It’s different between us. Ruby and I have fallen in love. It’s more than just sexual curiosity.”

  Gage paused before speaking. “I hope so. I like Ruby a lot and she seems to make you happy. I just hope this doesn’t end up destroying your heart.”

  “And screw Maxine! Who cares what bullshit she comes up with?” Adam added.

  Evan eyed them both. His buddies had a way of always making him feel better. He could act as tough as he wanted, but deep down he needed their strength in his life. Feeling exhausted, the only thing he wanted right now was to be in Ruby’s arms.

  Chapter 14

  An evening at Evan’s home was exactly what Ruby needed. She had fun at all the clubs and bars, but she really missed the peace and quiet. When Ruby and Evan got to his place, Evan walked Ruby to the couch and threw his keys and phone down on the coffee table.

  “I’m dying for a drink.” Evan walked toward the kitchen. “Would you like a glass of wine?”

  “Yes, that sounds really nice.”

  Evan walked to the kitchen and grabbed two glasses out of the cupboard. The open floor plan of the loft allowed Ruby to watch his every move. She loved watching the way Evan carried himself. He had a level of domination mixed with casualness that made every action alluring.

  “How was your photo shoot?” Ruby asked, still watching Evan as he opened the bottle of red wine.

  Evan shrugged. “The actual shoot was a lot of fun. I like doing things like that with Gage and Adam.”

  “But? I get the feeling you had a rough day.”

  Evan poured the wine into the glasses and walked back to the living room with one in each hand. He handed the wine to Ruby before saying, “Maxine showed up.”

  Ruby stared at him. The words stung.

  Evan sat down next to her and slouched back against the leather couch, placing both feet on the coffee table to relax. “I’d already talked to her last night when you were at work, telling her to back off and leave me alone. I called her out on the stupid games she’s been playing. I thought that would be the end of it,” he said. “But I should’ve known better. Maxine has to make a bigger deal out of everything.”

  Ruby turned so she could search Evan’s eyes to see if there was more to the story.

  Evan took a sip of his wine slowly and then sighed. “She made a scene after the shoot.”

  “A scene?”

  “A classic Maxine move. She loves the limelight.” Evan hugged Ruby tightly with a heavy sigh and pushed her back gently on the sofa. “Ruby, it’s nothing. I wouldn’t have even brought it up, but I didn’t want you to hear about it from someone else.”

  “What did she say?”

  Evan tried kissing her, but she pulled away. “Ruby, let’s not do this again. Seriously, the only thing that matters is that I straightened things out and she won’t be bothering you or me anymore.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, she’s taken up entirely too much of our energy as it is. I’m not going to let her antics get in the way of us. Maxine is out of our lives.”

  Ruby stared at him for a moment, hoping he was right. “Okay.”

  Thankful the conversation hadn’t turned into another dreaded discussion like the night before, Ruby moved forward and buried her face in Evan’s neck. Ruby pressed herself against the warmth of Evan’s chest. She smiled and calmed a bit. Being this close to Evan made her heart do flips. Ruby grabbed both glasses and placed them out of the way on the table. She moved forward so she was inches from Evan’s face and softly kissed him.

  Ruby gasped as Evan's mouth crushed passionately against hers, taking over control of the kiss. She clung to Evan’s shoulders, pulling him closer. Opening her mouth to the smooth feel of Evan’s tongue, she ached to feel Evan’s bare skin against her own.

  A shudder rippled through her as Evan’s hand gently caressed her breast. Evan continued to ravish her mouth as his hands explored every part of Ruby’s now exposed chest. She moaned as a hot surge of hunger rushed through her. Ruby joined in by running her hands across Evan’s chest, softly moaning as her fingers stroked Evan’s nipples.

  Evan pulled her closer than Ruby thought possible. The heat between their bodies aflame, he groaned, “God, I want you. I need you.” Placing hot, wet kisses along her collarbone, Evan whispered, “I’ve wanted you all day. I’ve needed you. I hate being without you for even a second.”

  Ruby clung to him, panting for air. The heat of the moment, the fervor between them, was almost too much. Her mind spun and her body pulsated.

  “I’m taking you right here, right now. I can’t fight this any longer. I want the taste of you against my tongue.”

  Ruby looked into his blazing eyes and nodded. “Yes… yes. I don’t want you to stop.”

  In an instant, Ruby found herself lying beneath Evan on the soft leather of the couch, both completely nude. Evan kissed his way down Ruby’s body inch by inch until his lips made contact with Ruby’s yearning sex. Ruby arched her back as Evan eased her legs further apart. Little by little, he began to place soft kisses along the inside of her thigh, gradually making his way to his ultimate target. Ruby tensed as Evan’s tongue flicked the sensitive bud, causing her to moan in pleasure.

  A wavering burst of intensity slid into her stomach. Evan continued to suck and lick pleasure to Ruby’s very core as he used his fingers to part the folds of her sex, heightening her bliss, bringing her closer to complete ecstasy.

  Ruby tensed again. Wary of letting go completely, she tried to fight the wave of passion threatening to overcome her entire being. Having Evan in such an intimate position battled against her insecurities.

  Evan continued to circle his tongue along the outer edges of her moist entrance. With a thrust of his finger deep within Ruby’s heat, Evan whispered, “It’s okay. Let go. You’re safe with me. Trust me.”

  Evan’s soothing words, mixed with his sensual ministrations, brought Ruby over the edge. Light flashed, heat conquered, and hunger satisfied. Ruby could do nothing but release a heavy gasp.

  With greedy need and a mischievous smile, Ruby managed to roll Evan onto his back so she could trace a hungry trail down his body. She kissed, she licked, she tasted her way down to the hardness waiting between Evan’s legs. Ruby moved her way lower and lower until the tip of her tongue touched the tip of Evan’s cock.

  With Evan’s hips rising to meet her seduction, Evan moaned, “I want to feel your mouth wrapped around me.”

  Ruby followed his command and took his cock past her lips, and gently sucked, swirling her tongue in small circles as she took in the scent of Evan’s intoxicating desire. Evan’s groan, his shudder, and the way his hands grabbed at Ruby’s hair only drove her need to please even higher. She worked her lips up the slickened skin, then drove them back down in a rhythmic motion. She pushedherself to meet Evan’s demands. Licking lightly, Ruby worked Evan’s body, intensifying his pleasure. Slowly up, then plunging back down, she worked until Evan’s control snapped. His breath hitched and his moan reverberated through Evan’s entire body as he climaxed in Ruby’s mouth.

  The moment ebbed, satisfaction blanketing them both. Evan pulled her in close as Ruby wrapped her arms around him and clung. She was Evan’s. She would always belong to Evan.

  A knock on the door had them both jumping up and scurrying for their clothes.

  “Just a minute!” Evan called out.

  Ruby quickly buttoned her shirt and pulled on her pants. “Were you expecting someone?”

  Evan pulled the last of his clothes on. He leaned over and placed a quick peck on Ruby’s lips. “I’ll get rid of them.”

  Evan opened the door to Gage and
Adam standing with beer and hot wings in hand.

  “Are we interrupting something?” Adam chuckled.

  They both walked past Evan in the doorway and went straight to the kitchen. “Did you forget about the game tonight?” Gage asked.

  “Ah, shit. I forgot.” Evan turned to look at Ruby apologetically.

  Ruby nodded and smiled. “It’s fine,” she mouthed to Evan.

  “Hi, Ruby. You look… glowing right now. It’s a good look for you,” Adam laughed, continuing the tease.

  Ruby tried to fight back the blush threatening to conquer her face. She couldn’t help but laugh. “Hi guys.”

  Gage grinned. “If we are interrupting something, we can leave.”

  Ruby stood up and walked to the kitchen. “No worries.” She opened the box of wings to see how many they had brought. “As long as you don’t mind me crashing your party.”

  Adam had already grabbed the remote from the table and was flipping through the channels. “Help yourself.” He looked back at Evan. “Come on, grab a beer and settle in. Tonight’s going to be a good game.”

  Evan glanced at the TV and then at Ruby. “Are you sure?” he whispered.

  Ruby winked at him and nodded. “It’ll be fun.”

  Evan and Ruby grabbed some wings and made their way back to the couch. They settled down, snuggling close. Ruby had never really been into sports before, but she tried to follow along as best she could. Though Evan didn’t make it easy, with all his continual kissing and groping.

  Ruby pulled away giggling from Evan’s ear nibbling. “Evan, I’m trying to pay attention. You’re distracting me,” she laughed.

  “Cut it out. You two are like a Hallmark card over there,” Gage ribbed.

  Before Ruby could counter, her cell phone rang. She reached for her purse in a hurry. “Sorry, let me silence it.”

  “It’s fine, sweetheart. Go ahead and answer it,” Evan offered, placing a soft kiss on Ruby’s cheek.

  Ruby waited to answer the phone as she walked toward Evan’s bedroom so as not to disturb anyone. The men in the other room cheered loudly, and she started to cover her free ear to try to hear better, but by the time she got to the room, the call had already gone to voicemail. It was Harold, reminding her that her first draft of the article was due.