The grin she gave him melted away the remnants of his bad mood and matched the goofy smirk he had on his face.He stroked her hair.“Do I need to worry about those guys in there?”
“No, they’re harmless.Another guy who thinks I need help that I didn’t ask for.”
“Those guys suck.I know how much you love being given help you didn’t ask for.”
“Thanks for understanding,” she squeezed his hand.
“You don’t have to thank me for that.Are you worried about your rent going up?”The icy rain fell harder and Ares wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.
“I think Carter is just blowing off steam.He had an idea; it didn’t work but I think he’ll respect the agreement we have.I might have hurt his feelings.”
“Poor man baby.”The guy made Ares want to punch something.But if Josie felt the situation was handled, he’d trust her until Carter gave him a reason to interfere and a part of him hoped the guy would.
“Now what?”she wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Come home with me, Josie.”
“Will you tie me up?”She tilted her head to the side and peered up at him under her long lashes.
“If you want.”The way all his blood went straight to his cock was at odds with how nonchalant he made his tone.
“I want.”Her fingertips trailed down along his chest, stopping above his belt buckle.“And I want to suck you.”
“Keep talking to me like that and I’m going to tear your clothes off right here.”
“I think you can contain yourself.”
“You’re wrong, baby,” he growled.His hand cupped the back of her neck and brought her back to him again.His mouth crashed against hers, tasting her again, deepening the kiss as she whimpered against him, her breath hot and making his cock jump against his zipper.He needed this woman with him, every second of every day.
Ares slung his arm through Josie’s and walked her to her car.“Stay right behind me all the way home.The rain is picking up.”
“I’ll be fine,” Josie gave him a quick peck on the cheek and unlocked her car.Ares held the door open for her, making sure she buckled up.
“I can’t wait to spend the night with you.I’m texting the people I live with to make sure they keep their clothes on.”
Josie’s cheeks brightened, and her laugh eased his worries.“Good idea.”
Ares closed her door, gave her a wave, and before he started his car, he fired off a text.
I’m bringing Josie home.Please keep your activities to your room.
[Xander] Are you telling me what to do in my own house?
Yes.
Irritation swarmed up in him, making him tense.His brother could be such an asshole.His phone chimed a minute later.
[Xander]: Fine.Logan is out on painkillers.We’re watching a movie downstairs.Clothes will be on.
Good.
[Xander] Go get her, brother.
Ares laughed despite himself.He had to trust that Josie meant what she said, and she accepted how things were between him and his brother.That she accepted his world.Well, what she could know about it anyway.For now, that was good enough for him.He couldn’t wait to give her another night she never forgot.
18 JOSIE
Assoonasthegates closed behind her and Josie parked, her palms sweated on the steering wheel.All week she had been longing for Ares to text her, to call her and showing up in person, even coincidentally was way, way better, so why when she was about to go inside his house did she feel shaky?
