Shattered Puppet (Rag Doll) by Ava Catori Read Free Book Online Page B

hard and shrugged. “Sure, why not?”
    “Wow, I’m feeling special. You have such a way with words,” he teased. He stepped in closer, into her personal space. His breath was warm on her skin as he stood only inches away. Carter looked into her eyes; he needed to check. He needed to know she meant it. “Are you sure?” His whisper was soft.
    She nodded in response, slowly. Her voice was barely audible. “I think so.”
    Carter reached out for Cree. He pulled her into his naked body, feeling the material of her clothes pressed to his skin. “You should really be naked for this,” he whispered as his lips found hers. His fingers laced through her hair and for one fleeting moment, she was lost.
    “Do you think this is a good idea?” She pulled back for a second. “I mean, it’s not like you’re sticking around. I can’t promis e you anything.” Her voice got colder. “Like love. If you’re looking for love, you can just forget it. I don’t do relationships.” She talked faster. “And if you think I’m going to fall all over you and tell you how incredible you are in bed-”
    “Shh, just relax. Let’s just take it one step at a time, okay?” He could tell she was nervous. The odd thing is it had nothing to do with the sex. She was a prostitute. He wasn’t a fool. It was the emotions that scared the hell out of her. She was afraid to feel anything. He sensed it. He wanted her to let go, relax, and enjoy their time together. Or was this all a mistake? What future would they truly have? And he’d have to go home eventually. Was it fair to play with her emotions like this? He didn’t promise forever, and she sounded like she didn’t want it, but still… Great, now I’m over thinking .
    “I’m sorry,” she started. “Listen, I really want to do this. There’s a part of me that hungers for a warm touch, to feel something inside, but I’m afraid I’ll be let down. I’m afraid I’ll want more than I’ll actually feel. And what if I feel nothing? What if I’m a cold hearted bitch for the rest of my life? I like to believe that at some point I’ll feel something. I’m just afraid what it will be.”
    “You don’t know if you don’t try, right?” He suggested.
    “I have so many crappy memories tied to sex. It’s amazing I’m not drawn to women. Men have been assholes to me all my life.” She hated how the sexy, heated moment was gone. All that was left were her insecurities.
    “Not every man is an asshole. You may have met a few, but there are good guys too.” He tried to understand her fears, but his body wanted things too. His body wanted to feel her, be inside of her, and taste her. Urges, he had strong urges. His erection bobbed, but was losing steam with the conversation change.
    “Are you one of the good guys, Carter? Or do you break hearts everywhere you go?” It wasn’t really directed at him. She was already lost in thought. She turned away and went to curl up in a chair. The moment had passed.
    Carter closed his eyes. Reaching down, he stroked himself for good measure. He was ready. She was almost there. Could they get there again? “Come touch me,” he said, leaving no question in his voice. “He more than wanted her.”
    Cree stared at him. They were locked in a heated exchange. Finally, she stood. Her voice cocked. “Is this what you want big boy? You want me to get all hot and bothered for you?”
    “I want you to knock off the bullshit and make love to me.”
    She stood, fixed. The words. Her guard dropped. Exhaling with effort, she pushed the breath out. Her gaze never left Carter’s.
    “Kiss me,” was all he said before his lips were on top of hers.
    Cree ached, her mind churned, but she pushed the thoughts away. Don’t. Don’t ruin this. This feels right. Just try to let go. Don’t let your past own you .
    His hands were back in her hair, raking through her long, dark tresses. She was a beautiful woman and he wanted nothing more than to claim her for his