Chapter 22: High Stakes

Rick's POV

The softness of her lips—it’s a drug. My own drug. One I'm about to get obsessed with…and that's not good.

I knew I shouldn't be here with her like this. Every second I spend with her puts her in harm's way, dragging her into a darkness she has no business fighting. But her scent—an intoxicating mix of mint, liquor, and a distinct, feminine sweetness and softness of her body that I couldn't quite place my hands on—was drawing me in.

I was completely at the mercy of my attraction towards her.  

She was kissing me with so much raw hunger that the last of my control just snapped. I had to give in.

Give the girl exactly what she wants.  

What's the worst that could happen.

I rubbed my tongue between her lips seeking access and when she opened her mouth for me, I plunged my tongue deep into her mouth, completely abandoning my restraint. A low, ragged moan tore from the very back of my throat, vibrating against her lips. "Mmhh... so good..." 

 She shifted, moving to sit comfortably over my lap, her thighs framing my hips. 

The sudden, uninhibited heat of her sent a jolt of pure fire straight to my gut. Panting heavily into the kiss, I pulled her ass hard into me, forcing her to feel the undeniable effect of her closeness—exactly how hard and hot I was for her. I cupped her backside, squeezing the soft curves beneath the silk, before my hands slid up to grip her waist, anchoring her to me as I kissed her deeply, desperately.  

By the time we paused for a fraction of a second to catch our breath, we were both breathing incredibly hard, our chests heaving against each other. The cool air of the living room hit us, and I couldn't miss the sharp hardness of her nipples pushing through her thin silk robe.  

Get a fucking grip Rick.

But Samantha wasn't letting me go. She leaned in to kiss me again, her fingers tangling tightly in my hair, pulling it in the most sexiest way possible to force my gaze up to hers.  

Then, she looked straight into my eyes and declared, "I love how you make me feel. I've never felt this way just from kissing someone and..." Her voice trailed off into a breathless whisper as she looked up at me. "...I want more."  

The words hit me like a physical blow. More. More meant emotions. More meant ties. More meant putting her life on the line. I knew this was going to lead to too many emotions on the line, so... I had to put a stop to it.

"Samantha look, I..."  

"Shhhhh." She shut me up instantly, pressing a warm finger gently against my lips. "Don't say it”

Slowly, she let her hands down, the rejection already clouding her features. 

 "I'm sorry," I said, feeling like a total dickhead.  

"Don't apologize. You don't want me and that's okay. I can't force you," she said, her voice dropping into a quiet, guarded tone that cut me deeper than any blade could. She began moving away from my body to stand.  

I stood up with her instantly, my body protesting the sudden loss of her warmth.  

That was the biggest lie of the century. I wasn't going to let her believe it. I took her hand and placed it firmly right at the heavy, rigid bulge in my pants.  

Samantha swallowed hard, her eyes widening as she felt the absolute truth of how much I wanted her. "Rick... what are you doing?" Her voice was shaky with need, her breath hitching.  

"I want you more than I've ever wanted any woman in my life," I growled, my voice dropping into a rough, low confession, my heart hammering violently against my ribs. "I've wanted you for a long time, Sammie. But I can't risk your life."  

"Rick, I'm fine. What are you talking about?"  

"My life is dangerous, and dangerous people would rather hurt the people I care about than hurt me. I can't make you a target."  

"Rick, you're confusing me. You keep saying this," she pleaded, her voice thick with a mix of need and frustration. "What dangerous people?"  

I looked at her, holding her gaze for a long, agonizing moment, my breathing still shallow and ragged. I couldn't tell her the truth. I couldn't let the shadows of my world touch her.  

Stepping back just enough to break the suffocating tension, I reached onto the counter and grabbed my keys. I leaned in, planting a lingering, fierce kiss right on her forehead. "I'll text you."  

"Don't text me," she snapped, sounding completely grumpy. She crossed her arms, trying to look furious, but she was just so damn cute I could barely take it.  

"I will."

I turned toward the door, my chest still tight with unfulfilled desire. But as my hand hit the doorknob, the memory of her lying to me about Marcus earlier flashed in my mind, turning my blood icy cold. I stopped.  

Slowly, I turned back toward her, my voice dropping into a low, gravelly rumble that vibrated through the quiet room.

"If Marcus ever touches you again, he'll lose those hands," I said, the words heavy and absolute. "Don't lie to me again, Samantha."  

I didn't wait for her response. I opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, closing it firmly behind me.  

The moment the lock clicked, two massive, imposing figures stepped seamlessly out from the dim shadows of the corridor. They stood tall, completely alert.

"Don't fucking leave her side," I ordered, my voice dropping into a low, lethal murmur that left absolutely no room for error.

"Understood, boss," the lead guard replied, bowing his head slightly.

Without another word, I walked out, heading down the stairwell with long, heavy strides. I exited the building, reached my motorcycle parked at the curb, and swung my leg over the seat. I revved the engine until the roar echoed through the empty street, driving away into the night as the cool wind hit my face.