Free Lady Viper by Marteeka Karland Page A

ice water with lemon,” she said sweetly.
    Again, the image of her body naked and beaded with sweat flashed through my mind. This had to happen. It would happen if I had anything to say about it. She wasn’t drinking alcohol so she was definitely looking for something. I’d watched her habits enough to know she never drank when she was looking to hook up.
    “What’s on your mind?” I asked boldly. I half expected her to play coy. Most women would have, but that wasn’t her way.
    “You know my game,” she said, never taking those incredible eyes from me. “Just as long as you know I never go for seconds. One night only.” Next to me, Justin coughed and spluttered as he choked on his own water.
    “I know your game,” I replied, kicking Justin under the table, warning him to be silent. “But I’m willing to bet you enjoy yourself so much you come back for more.”
    One delicately arched eyebrow rose. “You’re not the first man to say that, Bennett. I see no reason why you should be any different than every other man.” How the fuck did she still look so sweet and innocent while discussing sex? It was her eyes. Had to be. They were large and dark, wide and so pure with emotion I could almost feel her need. If her responses seemed innocent, her words told the true story. “There’s a reason I never go back to the same man twice. I don’t give second chances. And I’ve not been with as many men as everyone thinks, but it suits me to give everyone that impression.”
    “A woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to take it,” I answered, holding her gaze. “I like that.”
    “So, how do you propose to convince me you’re the man for me?”
    And that was when the inspiration hit me. “Because you don’t need a man. Perhaps you just need to…” I glanced at Justin, unable to suppress the grin trying to split my face. “…stretch yourself a little.”

Chapter Two
     
    It took me a moment to realize what Bennett was proposing. Then it took me another couple of moments to realize he wasn’t joking. With that knowledge, my face flooded with heat, and I was certain I’d pass out from mortification. Bennett Gray knew there was no way I could do this. He’d been my best friend my entire life, knew I’d rarely ever even kissed a girl, and any sexual experiences I’d had were...well, forgettable. Was I proud of that? No. But it was surely a sign Ben was getting me in over my head. The bastard was probably giggling with glee on the inside.
    “Ben--” I began, but he cut me off.
    “You give us one night. We’ll show you more pleasure than any one woman has ever experienced.” How could Ben sound so confident knowing there was no way I could please a woman like her? Was this all some ploy to get Piper to sleep with him? Because it sounded like she’d already made up her mind to do it anyway. What did he need me for?
    “The two of you?” Did her eyes widen? Oh, God! She was excited! “Together?”
    “I thought you might like that,” Ben said smoothly. What I wouldn’t give for even a quarter of Ben’s smoothness with women. Not because I wanted to get laid or anything so crude. I’d just like to be able to carry on a conversation with a female without blushing to the roots of my blond hair.
    Piper glanced at me, a shy smile gracing her features. God, the woman was beautiful! What man wouldn’t be beguiled by her air of sweet innocence? Certainly not me. The three of us had grown up together, though Piper had been a couple years younger than me and Ben. Hell, I’d watched her for years, secretly wondering what it would be like to kiss her sweet lips, her lush body. She was my own personal walking, talking, wet dream come true. Besides that, she was funny. Quick. And she’d always intimidated the hell out of me.
    But what if…
    “I confess, I never thought I’d have this opportunity. For one, there aren’t many men I’d trust enough for sex with multiple partners.” Piper spoke