Free When You're With Me by Wendi Zwaduk Page A

“I know the rumours and I know what the other girls do. Tell me the truth.”
    Ramon felt like she’d stabbed him in the heart. She’d cut him right to the bone with her blunt question. The orange glow of the setting sun silhouetted her body.
    “I know you want sex.” She swayed back and forth, twisting her fingers. “I want to know how you feel and what you’re planning to do. I don’t see why you’re trying to make me feel like I belong. I’m nobody.”
    “We’re here for you to rest.” He patted his thigh with his right hand and held his left hand open. “I wanted to see you because I like you. I never expected anything else. If we have a relationship, then wonderful—if not, no problem. I refuse to push you into doing anything you’re unsure of. And no, you’re not a nobody.”
    No problem? No pushing? Leaving Jude alone would be a huge problem. One taste just wasn’t enough. To win her trust—and, ultimately, her heart—Ramon would wait forever. “Why don’t we talk? Just talk…about whatever’s on your mind.”
    Worry etched Jude’s beautiful face, but he could see her body relax a bit more. Was she considering his suggestion or devising a plan to escape? “Promise?”
    Ramon nodded “Cross my heart.”
    Jude dropped onto the bench next to him. Her arms stayed tight against her body while her eyes scoped out the scene, never totally allowing herself a chance to breathe. “What do you want to know?”
    Ramon propped one foot on his knee and toyed with his jeans cuff. “Why are you afraid of Tiny?”
    “Because he’s not afraid to hurt people for sport. Slade wasn’t like the other guys. I think he was a cop. He carried himself differently, with more…stature. He cared about the girls and made a point to talk to all of us. When Tiny found out about him and Astra, he had a meltdown. We never saw Astra or Slade after that. I never heard what happened, other than they ran off to Vegas together. But… I doubt it.” She stared at the glittering water. Ripples shimmered light across her face. “I know—you probably think I should have a better job. I’ve heard the argument before.”
    Ramon dropped his chin to his chest. More confirmation concerning Randy. Fuck . “I haven’t heard your rationale. Tell me.”
    She chuckled. “I’m not the prettiest girl there. Goldie gets that award. I’m not the most coordinated either. That’s all Andie. So, for me, it all boils down to studio time.”
    He hooked his fingers under her chin and closed the gap between them. “Look at me, sweet girl…please? Studio time for what?”
    Her gaze vacillated between his eyes and his lips. “I’m studying to be an artist. I have about two months to go and I’ll have my degree in studio art—unless I have to miss a lot of classes. Finding the time some weeks, when Tiny’s being an asshole, is tough and I hate it.” She worried her bottom lip. “The best time to get into the studio is the early morning. No one’s around. Most students wait until late at night. I work the opposite so I can have time to myself, usually.”
    Ramon slid his hand along her jaw, rubbing his thumb over the bone. “You could do more…” She looked away. He inched closer to her, cupping the back of her head. “But you’re doing what you need to in order to survive. No one can take that away from you.”
    Her lips parted and her eyes widened. Ramon leant forward, not about to miss the opportunity. He swallowed her whimper. She wound her arms around his neck. He twined his fingers in her hair, savouring the silky texture.
    Jude groaned. She straddled his lap and snuggled closer to him. “You love to surprise me, don’t you?”
    “Among other things.” Ramon wrapped his arm around her waist. Blood pounded in his ears and surged to his groin. This woman would be the death of him and he welcomed the challenge. He wanted to taste her, drown in her. He needed to re-learn every inch of her.
    Jude grasped his shoulders and