You’re The One That I Want Read online

  “Let’s get you home,” he murmured against her ear.

  She shivered and nodded, and amidst the clapping he grabbed her shoes and they ran out of Faraday’s pub and into the cool night. Sasha was barefoot and giggled like a school girl as they raced to the river front. She barely noticed the streets were empty as they passed the pier. The steamboats stood silent and docked in the black water until a new day started and they would continue their tours.

  They stopped in a little alcove where the air smelled sweet with magnolias and was still thick with the summer humidity. The trees with moss and honeysuckle vines made a canopy around one lone bench. It was a heady mix that heightened her senses even more. In the midst of all of it there was Adrian, who was the most potent of all.

  Their eyes locked, and with each step forward he took, she took one step back until she felt the wall against her back. Her hands were behind her back, and she felt the rough texture of the handmade bricks against her fingertips. He bent low until their lips met in a kiss that sent heat through her body in waves. Sasha gave a soft cry when he pulled her hard against him, and he groaned low in his throat. Adrian sank his tongue into the depth of her mouth and lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing. He strode toward the bench and sat with her legs straddling each side of his lap. It rode her dress high up to her waist, and she was pressed intimately against the bulge of his arousal in his pants. Unable to resist, she rubbed against him, and the friction made her moan into his mouth. She wanted him. Everything about the night was pulling her to this moment, and she was caught up in a force that she couldn’t deny.

  “Just one taste.” His voice was husky with desire when he spoke.

  He pushed the straps of her dress down her shoulders until she felt the heated breeze against her skin. Vaguely she heard the calls of the nightingales in the dark silent night, but she lost all reasoning when his calloused hands cupped her breasts and brought her erect nipples to his lips. His mouth closed over one of the tight beads, and her head fell back in pleasure. Adrian sucked the nipple hard into his mouth, and his tongue flicked over her nipple in gentle strokes. He moved to the other, giving it the same attention while she writhed in his arms.

  “More,” she begged wantonly.

  “Sasha, any more I’m going to end up taking you right here,” he growled. The Irish in his words was even more pronounced. “I’m trying to be a gentleman here.”

  “Who said I want a gentleman?” She met his heated gaze. “Been there, done that. I don’t want a man who’s afraid to take what he wants.”

  “You struck me as the type who needed a strong man.” She felt him comb his fingers through her hair and then grip the strands. “I’m not the asking type. I’m going to fuck you, hard. Do you want it here? Will I make you mine right on this bench?”

  “Oh yes, oooh yes!”

  Sasha sank into his kiss with relish. She was so tired of men playing it safe around her. She was not the kind of girl who had one night stands, especially in the middle of a small alcove. But from the moment she met Adrian, she knew he was the type who would be able to handle her in every possible way. She was a woman who followed her instincts, and her instinct was telling her he was the one she wanted. His hand squeezed the firm skin of her thighs before reaching between their bodies and pressing his palm against the mound of her pussy. His other hand traced the line of her panties past her hips to the rise of her ass.

  “Lord almighty, thongs?” he whispered against her lips.

  Sasha giggled. “You sound surprised.”

  “Pleasantly so.” He cupped her face and his next kiss was gentle. “A thaisce.”

  “What does that mean?” she asked. She was floored by the sudden affection she felt from him.

  “My treasure,” he told her.

  “I like that.” She bit her lip, and she felt the ball of his palm rub against her clit. Pleasure bubbled to the surface, and she arched against him to increase the pressure.

  “Do you like this?” His voice was a deep timbre.

  “Yes.”

  “I can feel your heat though your panties.” He kissed her. “Next time I’m going to taste you.”

  She didn’t even know what to say. Words didn’t form in her mouth anymore as she felt his fingers slip between the thin lace of her undies to touch her. She was wet, and his moan showed he approved of what he found. He used his finger to tease her clit until she was trembling. Only then did he sink a long digit into her pussy. She muffled her cry against his shoulder as her hips undulated to the rhythm he started using his hand. He added another finger inside her, and with each entry into her wet snatch, he went deeper and harder. She could feel the amazing peak of her orgasm in reach, and she went after it with zeal. She rode Adrian’s fingers like it was his cock. His lips were at her breast playing with her nipples. She came hard. Her body shook in his arms, and he held her tight to him, being her anchor in the pleasurable storm. Instead of her desire abating, it became more intense. His lips were hard and hungry, and she met them with a fever of her own. She worked the buckle of his belt and jeans with trembling rushed fingers until he stilled her hands with his own and took over the job himself.

  “Hurry, Adrian. I want you inside me so badly.” Her words were said in a rush.

  He was so strong he levered himself up with her on his lap, and she only had to shift for him to get his pants down to his knees. He pulled her onto his rigid cock, and she wanted to scream from the feeling. He was thick, and she stretched deliciously. He groaned into the valley of her breasts and thrust upward and set himself deeper inside her. She loved the feel of him and moved to meet his thrust. But Adrian wanted to be in control, and when he put her hands on her hips and impaled her onto his cock hard in quick succession, she let go and gave into him willingly. The heat of the night made her body slick with sweat, and as she climbed to another release, he was right there with her. She came with a soft cry, and he called her name. She felt his release and held him to her while her body shivered with delicious aftershocks. Minutes passed, and they shared gentle sensual kisses. His cock was semi-hard inside her.

  She sighed and finally climbed off him to try to make herself somewhat decent. “I really need to get home and clean up.”

  “Are you sending me away?” Adrian asked. He stood and pulled his pants up before buckling his belt.

  She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m not a one night stand kinda girl. I say let’s see where this might go, Adrian Faraday. We can start with this, you can come home with me.”

  He bowed low and kissed her hand. “Thank you for your kindness, fair lady.”

  Sasha laughed. “There’s nothing fair about me. Come on, let’s walk to my apartment. I need to get up before two p.m. tomorrow.”

  “Do you have to do some research for your thesis?” he asked. He wrapped his arms around her protectively as they made the steep climb from River Street

  onto East Fourth.

  “That and I have a flash mob to plan,” she replied.

  Adrian laughed. “You are an enigma, Sasha Caroway. I like that.”

  Sasha had to admit that stopping on impulse into the Irish Pub was one of her better instincts. Now she had the new unknown land called Adrian Faraday to conquer.

  * * * *

  With a kiss and then another for good luck Adrian walked down the narrow street away from Sasha’s loft. It was one of the older historic buildings with black ornate metal as a balcony. For a moment he stood outside the wrought iron fencing that kept people out of the back yard. Adrian grinned remembering the night loving that had taken place behind those walls and made a mental note to make love to her on that balcony and any other places he could think of. She was exactly what he needed, a breath of fresh air and fun in his life that had become way too serious lately. His phone rang and cut him off in mid whistle. He pulled it out of his pocket and frowned at the number. So much for fun and all that.

  “Yeah?” he said in a clipped vo
ice.

  “Did you forget why you’re here, Irishman?” the caller snapped. “You’re out cavorting with some girl and not thinking.”

  “You don’t have to remind me of my job,” Adrian replied smoothly.

  “See that you don’t forget, Irishman, because I can think of a few things to do with that little number you had last night. Fulfill your uncle’s part of the bargain and walk away. Until then you’re on my clock.”

  Just hearing the unveiled threat to Sasha made anger flair in Adrian so fierce he clenched his hand around the keys in his pocket. “You even look at her funny, I’ll rip your eyes out of your head. You will get what my uncle promised you and nothing more.”

  The caller laughed, and it grated Adrian’s nerves. “See you remember that…. Irish man. I might have to send someone to make sure the job is taken care of the right way.”

  The phone disconnected with a soft click. Adrian sighed and dialed another number. After a few rings he heard the familiar voice on the other end.

  “Yeah, I just got the call,” Adrian said. “Everything is going pretty much as expected. There might be a new player involved. I don’t know for sure, but I’ll keep you informed.”

  That was all he had to say so he hung up right after those sentences. It was best to keep the conversations as short as possible. He was playing a game that was started by his uncle, and he now had to finish it. One thing was for certain, he was not going to give up on seeing Sasha for either side. She was his treasure and he made sure to keep people he cared for close

  Back at his own place right on River Street

  and over his bar, Adrian grabbed his gym shoes and went for a run. It was still early which meant the humidity was not at its worse. This was the perfect time to work out before the heat practically drained the liquid from his body. He learned that quickly after moving here. He was accustomed to summer where the air could stay as cool as the sixties with a good wind coming across the sea. He found that he loved this new atmosphere and the new life in Savannah. The only black mark was his uncle’s underhanded dealings, but soon enough he would have that dealt with. Just a little more time before… Adrian knew he had to keep her in the dark about everything. It could cost Sasha her life, and that was not a risk he was willing to take. He had one woman’s blood on his hands, and he vowed it would never happen again.

  His mind went to their night of immense pleasure. Every moan, every touch was imprinted on his memory. She was like molten lava in his arms, but there was so much beauty to her that was more than just looks. An innocence, a zest for life that was in every smile and laugh. He wanted to immerse himself in her. Crazy, he couldn’t help the grin that crossed his face while he ran. From the time she sat on that bar stool he felt the pull of attraction. Taking her in the tiny alcove with the smells of Savannah around them, Adrian knew he would never give her up after that. If another man dared look at her, he probably would end up smashing his face in with a fist. His level of dominance and wanting to keep her for himself surprised him. A woman had never affected him this quickly.

  He retraced his steps without even breaking stride, and by the time he got back home he was soaked with sweat. The summer heat was well on its way to becoming a scorcher. He turned on the TV on the way to his bedroom. The weather man was predicating record temperatures and warning everyone to be careful. He showered in lukewarm water just to cool his body and threw on a pair of jeans and a tank shirt to head down to the bar. Today drink orders would be filled and beer stock would be coming in. He had a pot of Brunswick stew and clam chowder to make along with original Sheppard’s pie before the restaurant area opened for lunch. He was appalled to see what his uncle was serving and calling food in a bar with their heritage name on it. He set about to change it soon after coming, and now they were known for the traditional Irish food they served.

  He whistled as he went downstairs to the kitchen. His bouncer was sitting at the metal cooking counter drinking his coffee. Tom was his best friend and made the trip across the sea with him. Now the big brute was making girls swoon and knocking sense into the drunk and disorderly for the pub. It wasn’t a big change since it was the exact same thing he did in Ireland. Except now he decided to join the Savannah police department as well. He would make a good cop. Adrian had known Tom all his life, and if there was anyone with exceptional character, it was him.

  “I saw you leave the bar with dancing girl last night,” Tom commented.

  “You saw me do what eh?” Adrian said while pouring his coffee.

  “Don’t ask like you don’t know, boyo.” Tom grinned. “The girl with skin that looks like chocolate. Luckily you got to her before I did. I would’ve seen if she tasted….”

  “Oy, don’t go there, Mr. Shea, or we’ll be tussling on the floor.” Adrian pointed at Tom.

  Tom gave a bark of laughter. “You just got a memory resurgence all of a sudden?”

  “She’s taken, so don’t even look,” Adrian practically growled out.

  “Look at you ready to put up fists over a woman.” Tom laughed. “I never thought I’d see it happen again. What are you going to tell her about this whole mess Fergus got you into?”

  “She’ll know nothing of it,” Adrian snapped. “The less she knows the better for her.”

  “I don’t think so. Get it out in the open now before she gets hurt, or so she can walk away,” Tom said and took a sip of his coffee.

  “No, and that’s the end of it,” he said with a voice that meant the discussion was over.

  Tom shrugged. “Who am I argue with you? Any new updates?”

  “Nothing new. The bastard called to do his usual threatening. Seems he was watching me last night,” Adrian said. “Did you see him in the bar?”

  Tom shook his head. “Of course not. I’d of given you the heads up if I did.”

  “Well then he put a new player in place to watch me. He said he was going to, but maybe that person is already here.”

  “I’ll keep an eye out for any non regulars,” Tom replied.

  Adrian tied an apron around his waist and began prepping for the meals he needed to make. “Tonight you’re in charge. Put Leland at the door, and you stay behind the bar.”

  Tom raised an eyebrow. “Oh and where are you going to be while we are busy slaving away? As if I didn’t know.”

  Adrian snorted as he diced carrots and celery. “Yeah, it’s such a hard ship for you to be behind the bar with eligible women fawning over you. I’ll be courting Sasha the right way. Last night… well never mind. All you need to know is expect to see more of her around.”

  “Treat the lass right, or you’ll be leaving an opening for me,” Tom teased.

  You have nothing on me when it comes to charming the ladies. Remember I taught you,” Adrian shot back.

  The ribbing continued back and forth while he got the food cooking, and the staff started coming in. It was a different atmosphere from when he first arrived. They were accustomed to Fergus’s low pay and bad treatment, and for awhile all the employees were wary of him. He gave them all raises and treated them with respect. He’d found his uncle’s dirty dealing right off the bat in the ledgers her kept. It was confirmed when John Cochran came in and told him he would be settling his uncle’s debts. Adrian agreed but had a better plan in the works. He knew men like John would never stop, and it would run his family name into the ground. He brought Tim into the loop and his friend on the police force. Now a sting was planned to put John Cochran in jail. All he had to do was to keep Sasha out of the fray, and then he would explain it all to her. He wondered who this new player was who had eyes in his pub. Tim would sniff them out, but until then he would play it close to the vest.

  By seven the pub was busy with customers and the live band was coming to get set up. It was Saturday night, and he could hardly believe it was only a few hours ago he met Sasha. He ran upstairs to change quickly knowing he left the bar in Tom’s capable hands. In about ten minutes he was out the door and in his car. Sasha h
ad pointed out her car while they were walking home the night before. As he passed the parking spot it was empty so she had to have picked it up during the day. He felt kind of disappointed she didn’t stop in the pub just to say hey. He could have fed her lunch. She seemed to be such a whirlwind that her day was probably packed with things she needed to so. She was an energy bundle packed in a small body.

  He parked down the street from her apartment in the only spot he could get that was big enough to fit his humvee. Walking up the street he could hear the ghost tour coordinators talking as the trolleys rolled by.

  “This is the house where Mary Windsor and her lover was killed. He happened to be a white man, and in those days a relationship like that was frowned upon. It’s said that they were caught in a lover’s embrace by some of the men in town who strung them both up from the eves under the balcony. Some people say they can see her up there sitting by herself and hear her hum. Or sometimes they see her and her lover sharing a kiss before they disappear.”

  Adrian couldn’t help but listen while the trolley was stationary as the tour guide spoke. He was a sucker for a story, and the history of Savannah was rich with pirates, ghosts, and more. A gasp and a small scream from someone had Adrian looking up. On the balcony sat a woman in white. The dress she wore was sheer and blew in the wind. The dark lighting made everything look like it was a specter come back from the grave. He held back a laugh because the serene face was that of Sasha. Cameras flashed, and people murmured. Some even chuckled because they knew it was all an act. For a moment though he knew they had been caught up in the thrill of seeing an actual ghost. They paid for the experience and came in droves to the city for things like this. The trolley moved on, and Adrian quickened his pace to get to see Sasha. He pressed the buzzer to her door and grinned when she opened it. She played the part of a ghost well, down to the makeup on her face that made her chocolate skin look pale.