from her gaze.
“Lily, you know the busses stopped running an hour ago,” Mr. Stone said, speaking up. “We spent tonight working out property rights, and I think we’re finally all settled on that. She’s keeping the house, the kids need that, and I’ll be keeping the condo. I’m heading out there tonight, and I have to drive right past your place. Why don’t I just give you a ride?”
“I don’t mind… really,” I whispered, drawing away from his devastating eyes.
"You live on the other side of town! I'm not letting you walk home this late at night!" Ms. Stone replied, frowning. “We’re not going to take no for an answer young lady. Devlin, help her with her things.”
"You’re both too kind..." I said quietly.
"I insist." Devlin said sternly. "A young girl like you walking home alone? That's just asking for trouble. Do you have any idea what could happen to you out there? What a man might do to you on a dark night like this?”
I looked up. Was he... Smiling?
I'd fantasized about Devlin for years, and I'd dreamed of a moment like this, but now that it was here I didn't know what to do. I just smiled, and nodded.
"Ok... Thanks."
Ms. Stone spent some time removing Devlin’s house key from the ring before throwing the rest of them toward us. The attitude she was giving off was a bit triumphant. This house must have cost a small fortune, and it was hers now. I was surprised they were able to remain so civil in the face of what must have been an ugly situation. I guess they held it together for their kids…
Devlin said his goodbyes, stopping to collect a few of his possessions before we stepped out into the cool air, heading for his long and low jaguar. He walked around the passenger side, opening my door for me, and I thanked him as I slipped down into the soft black leather seat. Devlin joined me, the engine roaring to life. He smiled as he reached down, sliding the car into gear, the smooth power accelerating us out of the driveway and into the dark night.
"Thanks for taking me home..." I said, almost whispering. Music pulsed out from the stereo system, the steady beat vibrating my body. Devlin didn't answer right away, he just kept driving, the car lurching its way forward, pushing us around corners with speed and precision.
"I'm not taking you home." He finally replied, the smile still on his face.
"Mr. Stone... Where are we going?" I started, his voice cutting me off as a thick hand clasped over my thigh. I shivered, a light sensation of fear tingling up my spine, along with something else... Something... Primal.
“No Lily… You don’t need to play games anymore. Why don’t you fucking cut it out with the Mr. Stone bullshit? I have to be so polite and calm while the woman in that house eats me alive. We’re out here together, and I think it’s about time you start calling me Devlin.”
I couldn’t look at him, I couldn’t breathe…
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “Mr. Stone… I…”
His hand gripped my thigh tighter, a faint jolt of pleasure between my legs making me release a little squeal.
“You don’t call me Mr. Stone. Not anymore. What’s my name?”
I didn’t know what to do. My body was railing against me. I could feel the slick feeling between my thighs, the heat building in my core. I wanted him. I wanted this man more than anything I’d ever wanted in my whole life.
“Devlin,” I breathed, the sound barely escaping my lips.
“That’s better baby,” he said, releasing the tension on my thigh. A little tingle went up my spine. “Where are we going, Devlin?”
"You'll see." He whispered, pressing his foot down harder on the gas pedal. I was pushed back into my seat, his hand still gripping my thigh, fingertips stroking along the inside ever so lightly.
"Um... I..."
"Not another word." Devlin said, his hand tightening on my delicate thigh once again. "Not
Frankie Rose, R. K. Ryals, Melissa Ringsted