Ruby Rose Read online

  Evan stopped and stared at her. He furrowed his eyebrows and sat up straight against the seat. “What are you thinking, Ruby?”

  She smiled and cleared her throat. “I think you might have something here. I agree with everything you’re saying.” Did she? Or was she saying it for the sake of her undercover mission?

  Evan looked shocked. He leaned forward and asked, “You do? This doesn’t seem odd or chauvinistic to you?”

  “Nope, it sounds like a good idea. It sounds… right,” Ruby blushed and shyly said, “Honestly Evan, it also sounds sexy.”

  Evan paused and looked slightly uncomfortable for the first time since Ruby had met him. He fidgeted in his seat for a few moments before taking a deep breath to control his demeanor again. Ruby watched in curiosity of his confession.

  “It's not just sexual for me. It's more than that,” Evan confessed.

  “Well I don’t see what is so wrong with that. I think a take-charge type of man is sexy.” Ruby blushed the minute the words left her mouth. She was flirting and she couldn’t help it.

  Evan smiled so big that wrinkles formed around the corners of his eyes and a slight dimple formed in his cheek. “So you’d like a take-charge type of man?”

  “Yes, yes I think I would.” Ruby continued to flirt.

  For a moment, Ruby and Evan stared deep into each other’s eyes again. Ruby searched for some further explanation. She searched for some clarity as to why she felt so incredibly turned on by what he just confessed to. Evan sat on the other side of the limo refusing to break the stare. Silently letting Ruby know he was dead serious. He has, and would continue to spank the love of his life. Ruby broke the stare first. She looked down at her hands and felt his glare burn her already red-hot skin.

  Taking a moment before looking back into Evan’s stare, Ruby asked, “So you are a take-charge, no nonsense, alpha male who spanks to get his way?” She couldn’t help but giggle.

  He laughed. “You just described me to a T.” He reached across the seat and grabbed Ruby’s hand into his. “I’m strong, but I’m soft as well. I protect, I nurture, I care, and I love. I like to be in charge, but my number one goal would be to make my woman know she is loved every minute of every day. That is what I want.” Evan removed his hand, sat back, and shrugged. “So that’s why I’m not married. I haven’t found someone who wants the same things.”

  “I find it hard to believe that with the crowd you hang out with you haven't met a woman who wants the same.”

  Evan frowned. “They want to play. They want the fantasy. They want the erotic vision they have in their head. I want it for real. I expect more than anyone can give.” Evan paused and looked directly in Ruby's eyes. “So, did I answer your question?”

  Ruby nodded as his stare sent a chill down her spine. “Yes, you did.”

  After driving up a winding street to the top of a hill, the limo turned into a dead end and parked. The moon was bright, and the Puget Sound went on as far as Ruby could see. The view of the boats floating in the distance stole her breath.

  Ruby stared out the window in amazement. This was the first time she’d gotten to really take in the city she now lived in.

  Evan reached for her hand and opened the door. “Follow me.” He got out of the limo, gently assisting Ruby to do the same.

  Ruby kept her hand in Evan’s as they walked to a stone wall. She could see the waves crashing into the rocks below. They walked a little further to a space with benches and a grassy sitting area with flowers planted in brick flower beds. Ruby took it all in with awe. She turned back to Evan.

  “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

  “This is my favorite place.”

  “I can see why. It's nice to see this side of Seattle. All I've seen really is the bar and clubs.” Ruby stepped closer to the wall and gazed out into the Sound. The lights on a couple of ships and some small boats shined brightly against the blackness of the water. It had rained earlier, so the ground was still wet, but the sky had mostly cleared. Evan walked up behind her and placed his hands on top of the water-soaked stone, enclosing Ruby's body between his arms. Evan's body heat against her back warmed her skin, contrasting to the nippy weather outside. Evan rested his chin on her shoulder next to her ear, taking a deep breath. Every move he made exuded confidence. He never hesitated or seemed unsure. Ruby closed her eyes as her body tingled all over. Taking her own deep breath, she tried to quiet her escalating nerves. Ruby found it unbelievable that she was here, doing this, with Evan… a man she felt as if she already knew.

  “I love the way you smell,” Evan murmured, his breath hot against Ruby's neck.

  “Thank you.” They were the only words she could squeak out.

  They stood there for a few minutes in silence, his breath searing against Ruby's soul. Finally, Evan spoke. “Can I ask you something?”

  The question made her nervous. “Yes.”

  Evan tightened his arms around her body more.

  “Why do you seem so anxious around me? Do I make you uncomfortable?”

  Ruby went stiff. She thought she had been doing so well keeping her emotions hidden. “I'm just not the best in new situations. I can be shy, I guess.” Even her explanation seemed anxious. She was making it worse.

  Evan placed his hands over Ruby's shaking ones on the wall. “There's something about you that I really like, Ruby. Am I crazy, or do you feel the connection, too?”

  Ruby squeezed her eyes shut for a second. Shit, I’m in this for the story. She didn’t want to tell Evan that. She didn't want Evan to know. Why? Why hadn’t she mentioned she wasn't a believer or participant in Domestic Discipline? For some reason, she wanted Evan to think she was. Why?

  “I'm not sure what I'm feeling.” She felt confused. She had never been interested in anything of kinky nature. She had always been very vanilla with men. But for some reason she stood here in Evan's arms, not stopping it.

  “I want to see where this takes us.”

  Ruby braced herself, not knowing how Evan would feel about her after she confessed. Was she leading him on? Had she made Evan believe she was interested? The bigger question being… was she interested in Evan?

  She turned around, but Evan never let go of the wall, keeping her encircled in his hold. Evan's eyes seemed darker somehow, sultry. Evan looked straight at her, waiting.

  “What do you mean?” Ruby's heart pounded. Overwhelming confusion clouded her brain.

  “Are you seeing anyone?” Evan’s eyes remained fixed on hers.

  She shook her head. “No.” And I've never been with anyone who spanked, she wanted to say.

  “Good.” Evan smiled. “Then you're free.”

  Ruby’s eyebrows shot up. “Free for what?” She could feel something, an intensity she’d never felt before from anyone. Evan stood so close to her, Ruby could feel every breath he took.

  “To explore this connection.” Evan dropped his hands from the stone, and placed them around Ruby’s waist. With her heart pounding against her chest, Ruby swallowed hard, wondering if Evan could see how he affected her.

  “Can I kiss you?” Evan asked in a soft whisper.

  Ruby nodded, unable to say a word. Evan didn't hesitate and gently placed his lips against hers. They were soft and warm, softer than any kiss she had ever had. Evan explored her mouth slowly, with the most delicate touch. He tightened his grasp around Ruby's waist with one arm, and brought the other one up to caress her cheek. With a velvet stroke, Evan's hand wrapped around her neck, pulling the kiss even deeper.

  With Evan's body pressed strong against hers, Ruby was surprised to feel his broad chest up against her own. Evan's tongue moved faster, with more passion, and with more need. Ruby had never kissed liked this before. This kiss was new, exciting, tantalizing, and burned to her inner core. Never had she kissed with so much passion and sensuality. Never had she longed to explore beyond the kiss so much. Never had she imagined a kiss could pull out such strong emotions.

  It was too much. The
passion grew, the breathing turned to pants, gasps turned to moans, and Ruby panicked. She pulled away, burying her face into Evan's hair.

  Caressing Ruby's back, Evan took a moment to soothe her before backing away slowly. He looked deep into Ruby's eyes. “Let's go sit down.”

  They walked over to a wooden bench underneath a huge tree. They both sat down, turning so they faced each other.

  Evan stared at her and smiled, highlighting the sexy scar near his lip. “You really are pretty, you know that?” He leaned forward and placed a very soft peck on Ruby's lips. “So, you said you’re from San Francisco. Why did you decide to move here?”

  Ruby straightened up a little, suddenly feeling on edge. Talking about reality was popping the wonderful fairy-tale bubble she had been in. She didn't want the moment to end. “I haven’t exactly moved here. It’s just temporary.”

  “Why is it only temporary?”

  Ruby shrugged. “Just staying for a while to figure out my future… I guess.” She glanced at Evan, hoping they could move on to another subject. She wanted the bubble back.

  “How long do you plan on staying?”

  Ruby looked out into the Puget Sound and just shrugged again. “I'm not sure. Just playing it by ear.”

  Evan was silent for a moment. He examined Ruby, eyes full of questions.

  “Is there anyone back home to go back to?” Evan asked.

  “My sister died not that long ago, and that left me with no surviving family. My sister and I were raised by our grandma, so I've always had a really small family. Now, I just have some acquaintances and my really close friend Harold. He's the closest thing I have to family right now. He's been in my life for a long time. But we’ve never been anything more than friends, as crazy as that might sound. People find it hard to believe men and women can just be friends. It also helps that he's gay.”

  Ruby noticed how intently Evan watched her when she spoke, as if he didn’t want to miss a single word.

  “I don't think it sounds crazy at all. I have women friends. I also have gay friends. Friendship doesn't always have to involve sexuality.” Evan looked at her thoughtfully and put his arm around her waist. “Well, until you leave, I'd still like to explore this connection we have. That kiss only confirmed my feelings that you and I may have something.”

  Ruby stared at him, speechless.

  Evan smiled. “Let's not think of the future and you leaving anymore. Let's focus on right now.”

  Evan's lips were on hers again. Ruby allowed herself to close her eyes and just take in the moment. She allowed the feelings of passion, desire, and need to rock her body. She didn't fight the emotions with any doubt or confusion. She allowed the kiss to be just that. An amazing, affectionate, and life-altering kiss.

  Chapter 5

  Ruby couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so alive. Soaking in the bath with the warm water blanketing her body, she thought of Evan as she lathered her skin. The feelings rushing through her scared her as much as they thrilled her. This was Evan, the famous Evan Steel that she'd heard so much about. This was a man known for spanking his women. This was a man who hadn't left her thoughts since last night.

  Her body quivered at the memory of the kiss. So gentle, yet so passion-filled. Evan's lips and tongue were softer than then any kiss before. His touch was more tender and sensitive. The kiss tantalized and seduced her very core. Never had she imagined kissing someone would stir up so much intensity. Confusion mixed with desire as she sat and fantasized of what was yet to come.

  The first thing she did last night when she got home was call Harold. Ruby had told him everything, not wanting to leave anything out, especially about the kissing. Harold hadn’t been surprised at all that Evan was interested in Ruby. He was happy she sounded so excited, but warned her to take it slow, although it seemed in overdrive. Harold had told her not to overthink everything and not make it more dramatic then it needed to be. Kissing did not make an instant future. Harold always had a way of calming Ruby down.

  She climbed out of the bath and dressed. After getting ready, she walked into the kitchen to find Melanie sitting at the table, eating her morning cereal and drinking coffee.

  “Where are you going so early?” Melanie asked, looking shocked to find Ruby already ready to go.

  Ruby’s cheeks reddened. “Evan's coming to get me.” She tried not to blush any more.

  Melanie’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped. “Oh really?”

  Ruby nodded, unable to hide the smile. She walked over to the coffee pot and poured herself a cup of coffee with Melanie staring in disbelief. “I can't believe you're going out with Evan again. Details, details!”

  Ruby sat down at the table across from her. She didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. The more she made out of this now, the harder it would be if this all turned out to be nothing or if she was just another girl to Evan. A small amount of pain attacked her heart just thinking about it. But she knew it was a definite possibility.

  “Nothing much to say,” Ruby said. “I'm trying not to overthink the whole thing. It is what it is.”

  Melanie rolled her eyes. “Please. Don't give me that line of crap. I know you well enough to know when you're withholding the full truth,” she said.

  “Melanie, we hung out one night. There's nothing to this.”

  “I’m telling you, there is. You're in uncharted territory. Does he know you're working on the article?”

  “No. I don't see why that matters. We just hung out.” Ruby could feel herself getting defensive.

  “I think you haven't said anything because you're interested in Evan and you’re pretty sure he wouldn't go for it.” Melanie smiled. “I don't blame you.”

  Ruby shrugged and took a sip of coffee. “Well, like I said, this is no big deal—”

  “Yet,” Melanie interrupted. “We’ll see how quickly you guys get serious.”

  “What makes you so sure we’ll be getting serious? You yourself said he’s never had a girlfriend. And have you forgotten about his kink?”

  It was almost a rhetorical question. She didn’t really want to hear the answer. Melanie made this too stressful. It was way too soon to start worrying about what Evan really wanted out of all of this.

  Melanie leaned back in the kitchen chair and crossed her legs. “We'll see. Mark my words, you guys will be a full-blown couple soon. Whether you’re into DD or not, Evan is going to have you naked over his lap in no time.”

  Ruby almost choked on her coffee. “Melanie! Jesus!”

  “I’m just saying.” Melanie laughed.

  Chapter 6

  Evan pulled up to the house and was getting out of the car when he saw Ruby come out the door. Immediately, Evan smiled like a silly schoolboy. He couldn't hide his excitement to see her. Ruby was dressed casually, so different from all the other women he had ever been interested in. Everything about her seemed natural and pure. Evan liked the simplicity in her beauty.

  Her eyes were a brighter brown in the sunlight, so brown that Evan couldn't take his gaze off them as Ruby walked down the porch to the sidewalk. Evan rushed to meet her and took her hands in his. He loved the feel of Ruby's soft and delicate hand intertwined with his more masculine one. Evan wanted to kiss her, but he worried it would be too forward and too quick. Something about Ruby made him want to take his time. His control, however, wasn’t strong enough to fight off the urge to at least hug her, so he did, closely, intimately. He almost moaned, feeling Ruby's hair tickle his face, breathing in everything about her.

  Grudgingly, Evan finally pulled away and let her go. Evan kept his hand still fastened to hers as he walked Ruby to the car and opened the door.

  Once Evan started the car and drove off, he found it impossible to keep his hands off her. They made small talk, but every chance Evan got, he caressed her leg, her arm, her face. He couldn't shake the feeling that she belonged to him. That he belonged to her. The connection and the bond pulled at him with a full-strength intensity. He couldn't
fight the urge to bring Ruby's hand to his mouth and kiss it. He had no idea what was happening. This was unlike him to be so affectionate and so attentive. Could Ruby possibly feel the same? Evan tried to control himself before he freaked Ruby out by acting too intense, but he couldn't help his actions. The only saving grace was it didn't seem like Ruby minded, and at times she even caressed him in return. She seemed to welcome his touch.

  Evan was excited to take her someplace quiet and private, somewhere different than the clubs and bars. He wanted to talk to her, get to know more about her, more about who this woman who overpowered his entire being. He wanted to get closer. He wanted more. For the first time in Evan's life, he wanted Ruby and only Ruby. It was fast, impulsive, and downright crazy, but he knew Ruby was special and he didn't want to play around with the typical games. Evan knew it was risky acting too fast and pushing too much, but not riskier than denying the way he felt and letting her walk away.

  Evan had packed a picnic lunch and planned to take her to a grassy park area overlooking the city skyline. He hoped Ruby enjoyed the place as much as he did. Evan smiled when he looked over at Ruby gazing out the window, admiring the amazing views.

  “My god, this place is remarkable! You can see the entire city from here,” Ruby gushed.

  Evan liked seeing her enthusiasm. No matter how many times Evan came up here, he always found it as awe-inspiring as the first time. He took a moment to admire the view before turning to Ruby. The view didn't measure up to the beauty sitting next to him. Ruby truly was the most attractive woman he had ever seen.

  “I have a picnic for us. I thought we'd enjoy the peace and quiet.”