His Judgement Page 6

  “Well, I’m certain it’s a nickname, but yes. Sexy. Huh?”

  “Sounds, well crazy to me. Who goes by that name? A serial killer?”

  Her previous thoughts drifted into her mind. “I don’t think so. There’s something very familiar about him, like I’ve met him before.”

  “Have you?” Miranda asked as she leaned further in.

  “Eat. That’s why you’re here. I don’t know. I can’t place him, but he’s pretty dynamic.”

  “How did you meet?

  “A biker bar,” Joelle admitted.

  Coughing, Miranda grabbed her tea and took a gulp. “Are you serious?”

  “I followed him in. He was riding on his Harley and stopped at this bar so I decided to follow him inside.”

  “You’re insane. Jesus. You’re a prosecuting attorney for Christ’s sake. What are you doing following some stranger dude who rides a bike into a sleazy bar?’

  “It wasn’t sleazy, well maybe a little, but it was early enough I wasn’t nervous. Besides, I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself,” Joelle huffed, her thoughts drifting back to the kiss.

  “You’re blushing. Did something happen?”

  “Something?”

  “Shit!” Miranda exclaimed then slapped her hand over her mouth. Darting a look over her shoulder, she lowered her voice. “What happened?”

  “A kiss. Some fondling in the bar. The usual.” Joelle laughed and winked.

  Miranda sat back, a stunned look on her face. “When I said go for it, I didn’t mean forgetting everything you’ve learned from practicing law. That’s insane.”

  “You know? Maybe, but I’ve never felt so alive in my life. Our connection is electric enough to light up all of Baltimore. He’s powerful, dominating and knew exactly what I want as a woman. He saw right through my conservative persona into the woman strangled inside. I wanted to go with him on his bike, spend the night with him. I would have done so, but he stopped us before we went too far.”

  Miranda opened her mouth twice before speaking. “Wow. Points for him for stopping the insanity. This is serious here. I’ve never seen you like this before. Ever. Why him?”

  “I’ve never been like this before and honestly, I don’t know. The draw, the extreme attraction is amazing. I want more, much more.” Joelle laughed and wiped a bead of perspiration from her upper lip. “He’s powerful.”

  Miranda chewed on her food and looked away.

  “Say something. Anything.”

  “What am I supposed to say?” Miranda asked.

  “You know me. You’ve known how unhappy and unsatisfied I’ve been for years. Years. Jesus. I want that connection. I want incredible sex. I need to feel safe and secure, treasured in a way only a dominating man can. What’s so wrong with what I want?”

  “Nothing’s wrong honey. I just want you to be careful.”

  Joelle pushed the food away and folded her hands. “I’m a big girl. I’ve been around the block dozens of times. I want to explore, see where this goes.”

  “What’s stopping you?”

  “I don’t know his last name, his phone number, where he lives or what he does. That’s what.” Joelle groaned. She was an idiot.

  Miranda tilted her head and tapped her finger across her mouth. “But you do know where he drinks. Right?”

  “Yeah. So? There are thousands of bars in the city.”

  “Most men frequent certain establishments that they feel comfortable in, to relax and drink, unfettered by the rest of the world. This Craze person will go back there. Harley and all.” Miranda winked.

  “So you’re condoning my involvement.” Joelle grinned.

  Raising a single eyebrow, Miranda exhaled. “You’re stubborn. You’re going to do what you want to do anyway. There’s nothing I can say to stop you and yes, I’ve encouraged you to yank your sorry ass out of your comfort zone. You’re doing that. My only suggestion is that you use that prosecutor head of yours and find out as much as you can about him. Every man has a story, some more secretive than others.”

  “Sounds ominous.”

  “Meant to. Now eat.”

  Joelle stared in the mirror, studying her reflection. “You are out of your mind.” Maybe she was, but she hadn’t been this excited in years. She gave a nod of approval and grabbed her keys. If Craze wasn’t at the bar, she’d have one drink, find out what she could about him and leave. No harm. No foul.

  She managed to find her way, but drove up and down the street twice before finding the courage to park. She sat in her car for a solid ten minutes, staring at the flashing sign as if the damn thing was going to give her a sign. “Get out. Now.” She rolled her eyes and exited the vehicle. One drink and information. That was her goal. Well, one of her goals.

  When she walked inside, she received the same looks as she had before. There were only three women in the joint and she suspected they were regulars. She took a glance around the perimeter, her anticipation creating a lump in her throat. Craze wasn’t there. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She shook her head and walked toward the bar, grateful at least the same bartender was tending. She eased onto a stool and tried not to pay any attention to the men who were suddenly way too close.

  “The lady returns,” the bartender said as he moved in front of her. “Red wine?”

  “Chuck. That’s your name?” she asked quietly.

  “You remember. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting you.” Chuck held out his hand.

  She shook and gave him a half smile. “Joelle.”

  “Well, Joelle. How about a nice merlot on the house? I had a feeling you might be back so I purchased a few bottles just in case.”

  “That would be lovely.” Great. Now the bartender had figured her out.

  Chuck tapped the bar and turned to fill her drink order.

  Joelle exhaled and took another look. He was definitely not in the bar. Why had she come here? She must be nuts. She grumbled and fidgeted with her keys in her pocket. One drink.

  “I assume you’re looking for Craze?” Chuck asked as he slid the wine in front of her.

  “That obvious?”

  He laughed. “You two seemed to hit it off the other night. I assumed you’d come in here together at some point.”

  “No. I didn’t find out anything else about him. Except he’s a good kisser.” She gasped when she heard her admittance.

  Chuck folded his arms on top of the bar. “Hey, what goes on here stays here. Keep that in mind. He hasn’t been here since the other day, but I expect to see him at some point.”

  “A regular, huh?” She ran her finger around the base of the glass.

  “A friend of mine.”

  Joelle lifted her head. “A friend. Interesting.”

  “Craze is a good guy, a bit tortured on the inside, but all in all, a man you can trust.”

  “Sounds like he coached you.”

  Laughing, he pointed his finger at her. “You’re an intelligent woman. He might have mentioned that if I saw you again to let you know he’s not a serial killer.”

  The words gave her a smile. She shook her head, lifted her glass and took a sip. “Very nice merlot and I’m glad to hear. I think he’s an interesting man.”

  “Seriously. He’s a great man. He’s just never found the right girl.”

  “Have you known him for long?”

  “Almost all my life. He and I grew up together.”

  Joelle opened her eyes wide. “Really?”

  “Yep. The slums. We were trouble with a capital ‘T’. I was surprised at the career path he chose. Me? Owning this bar isn’t so bad.” Chuck grabbed a towel and began to wipe down glasses.

  “So, I can trust him?”

  “He saved my life on more than one occasion. He’d give you the shirt off his back, as long as you don’t cross him,” Chuck said as he laughed. “Seriously, you bet you can trust him.”

  “Huh.” Joelle eased back, tension slipping away. Maybe she could take that chance after all.

  “Let me
know if you need anything.”

  “I will. Thank you.” She half smiled as she thought about the other day. Craze was handsome, articulate and determined to get what he wanted. Few men wore an air of confidence that they could pull off. He was such a man. If he’d grown out of nothing, then perhaps everything he achieved or acquired was extremely precious. Including women.

  Sighing, she twirled her glass and envisioned all the nasty yet delicious things they could do together. Sex. Domination. Discipline. He’d peeled away her outer layer. Even she had to wonder what was hidden underneath. She held the glass into the dim lighting and wondered if she’d ever see him again.

  After a few sips, she checked her watch. She had an early day ahead of her. What was she doing sitting in a bar waiting for a boy like a teenager? She heard the door open and swallowed before casually looking over her shoulder, anticipation bursting through every cell. The haggard man entering was certainly no Craze and never would be.

  Joelle laughed and motioned for Chuck as she tugged a twenty out of her wallet.

  “Would you like another?” Chuck grinned.

  “I better get home.”

  “This one’s on the house, pretty lady. I’m quite honored to have such a beautiful woman in my establishment. Come back any time.”

  “Why thank you, kind sir. I might just take you up on that.” She patted her hand on the bar and slid off the barstool. Suddenly the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She blinked twice and noticed Chuck’s smug smile. “He’s here.”

  Chuck nodded and grabbed a bottle of wine, pouring her a full glass. “Another one as requested.” Winking, he moved toward the end of the bar.

  Don’t look. Don’t you dare look in his direction. Her mouth dry, she eased back onto the stool and looked everywhere but to her left, but she sensed his presence. His scent was the same as before, an exotic blend of earthy spices and testosterone, the perfect specimen of a man. Inhaling, she resisted moaning. Had he noticed her? Should she care?

  While she half expected him to walk over, reacquaint himself, the other and more knowledgeable half knew better. He’d laid down his rules. She’d have to come to him. Debating something of this nature was mind boggling. After all the wretched dates and unsuccessful relationships, she had doubts she was even desirable any longer.

  “What are you drinking tonight, Craze?” Chuck asked, perhaps a bit louder than necessary.

  “Bourbon. Beer chaser.” The rich tone was sultry, husky and laced with intensity.

  She risked a quick look. Craze appeared much the same as he had before, tight blue jeans, boots, unkempt and sexy. Wine. She needed more wine to boost her courage. When her hand touched the glass, she knew instantly the crystal was going to tip over. A groan slipped past her lips as she fought to keep the inevitable from happening. While successful, she heard Craze chuckle.

  Great. He was making fun of her. She brushed her hand through her hair, refusing to acknowledge the man. Damn her little voice for egging her on. Entanglement she really didn’t need. So, he was a good guy. So what?

  “Make sure what the lady is having is on my tab, Chuck,” Craze stated as if every command was followed without question.

  “Not necessary, Chuck. I pay my own way,” Joelle countered.

  “I pretty much do what the boss says,” Chuck said as he inched closer, his expression one of amusement.

  She gave him a heated look. “Chuck, if you ever want me to come back into your fine establishment, you’ll do as I say.”

  Craze chuckled again. “Better do as she says.”

  Chuck held up his hands and backed away, winking as he held a smirk.

  Counting to five, she snapped her head in Craze’s direction. No matter that he was a sexy beast, the game they were playing pulled out the inner bitch. This was the kind of behavior she was used to. Little boys playing sandbox games. “Yes, he better.” She took a gulp of wine. If Craze wanted her, he was going to have to play his hand.

  She rose to her feet and headed for the bathroom. Space. Cold water. Maybe she could come to her senses. As she walked by, she could feel his eyes, could tell what he was thinking. She’d come to his bar on her terms, just as he’d anticipated. However, the ball was in his court.

  Craze narrowed his eyes as the voluptuous blond passed by. For some reason, he was more turned on than he’d been in years. Granted, few women pushed his buttons on purpose. Joelle was one ballsy chick. Why had she followed him into a biker bar in the first place? He’d seen the look, albeit briefly, on her face when he’d parked the bike. A second look confirmed the woman was intrigued. She had guts going into a hardcore joint.

  Now she was back. While he’d issued the words, tempting her to take a chance, he hadn’t anticipated she’d have the guts. Yet, here she was.

  “She likes you,” Chuck said in passing.

  He raised an eyebrow and eyed his friend. The man knew more about him than perhaps anyone. “How so?”

  “You’ve either lost your touch, my friend, or you’re getting old.”

  Craze lifted his hand, giving him a three-finger salute. “Very funny. I don’t see you with a hot date.”

  “You don’t know what goes on after hours.” Chuck grinned.

  “True enough.” He took a sip of his bourbon and looked toward the hallway.

  “There’s nothing wrong with taking a chance, my friend.”

  “Yeah? She doesn’t know what I need.” Craze had never said truer words.

  “Maybe neither do you.”

  Craze turned and stared into Chuck’s eyes. The man was right. He was no longer certain of anything. What he did know is that the feisty woman was intriguing and he wanted more.

  The flaxen haired beauty was more like a wild mare, one who needed training. One who needed to be yanked over his lap, skirt up and panties down, and her ass tanned. He rubbed the stubble on his chin, vile thoughts swirling around in his mind. She was all but begging for attention, her needs evident by her body’s reaction to him alone. Then again, his cock ached like a son of a bitch, so who was he kidding?

  There was something about this woman in particular, an electric connection. His needs were rocket high and red hot. They were strangers, knowing nothing about each other, but he wanted to taste her, take her hard. No, he wanted nothing more than to own her.

  After leaving Anastasia’s condo, he’d shoved that part of his life in a box. He had a difficult decision to make and needed to focus, concentrate on doing the best thing, the right thing for the city and for himself. He’d grown weary of nights alone and he was no further ahead in his decision whether to run for office. One afternoon off had turned into a few days. Avoiding his office, the press and the constant phone calls would have to end soon, but not tonight.

  He shook his head and polished off his beer, sliding the bottle all the way down the bar toward Chuck. What he was thinking was not only out of the ordinary but if seen, could garner him a nasty story in the news. He realized he didn’t care. The connection to this woman was extraordinary.

  “You’re dead on, my man.” Giving his old buddy a quick grin, he moved toward the darkened hallway leading to the bathrooms. He waited in the shadows, his desire increasing with each passing second. When Joelle exited, he moved quickly, pushing her against the wall and placing both palms on either side of her head.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” she huffed, her eyes wide as saucers.

  “Exactly what you need, what you’ve been craving and what you deserve.” Lowering his head, he captured her mouth, crushing his lips against hers. The kiss was forceful and he pushed his tongue past her lips into the back of her throat, exploring the hot recesses. The taste of her was amazing, and the way her breasts pressed against his chest brought out his animal instinct.

  A strangled moan floated past the kiss as she beat at his chest with her fists, her body undulating.

  Craze broke the moment of passion and snarled before wrapping his hand around the back of her neck, in
tertwining his fingers in her long locks. “Don’t fight me, sunshine. You know you want this and I’m going to taste all of you tonight.”

  “How dare you!” Joelle exclaimed, but her voice was decidedly low.

  “How dare I? You want nothing more than for me to drag you out of here. Don’t deny the electricity between us. You came here for a reason.”

  Joelle managed to slap him.

  Hissing, he snagged her hand, wrenching her wrist, before yanking her forward, tugging down her hair until her back arched. The kiss becoming more barbaric, he cupped her ass with his other hand, squeezing as he rubbed his groin back and forth.

  While she continued to fight, her actions grew slower, her sounds of discord switching to moans. She wiggled, trying to kick out, both hands slapping at his forearms.

  Craze continued the kiss until she stopped moving then bit her lower lip as he growled.

  Panting, Joelle dug her nails into his arms. “No… no, no.”

  As he released her tender skin he cupped her jaw, the grip firm. He held her in place and took a step back. In their struggle buttons had loosened, exposing her lace bra. Using the pad of a single finger, he brushed down from her neck to her chin, tracing zigzags as he moved to the swell of her breasts.

  Her breath sounds were ragged, her eyes blinking rapidly. “You can’t.”

  “Yes, I can and will. You want nothing less. Imagine what I will do to your sweet, voluptuous body,” Craze whispered as he eased his finger to the thin lace edge of her bra. “Think about when I fill your mouth with my cock.” His breath skipped along her cheek.

  “Um…”

  “Fill your pussy.” Dipping his head, he licked across her breastbone.

  Shuddering, she bent her knees a few inches as she licked her lips, her eyes closing.

  “Fuck your tight ass.” Using his teeth, he peeled away the lace covering, exposing her nipple. “I’m going to take everything I want.” His movements forceful, he took her rosy bud into his mouth, sucking as he swirled his tongue.

  “Oh God.”

  The feel of her, the way she responded told him how much she wanted to let go, to have a powerful man dominate her. He couldn’t resist touching all of her. “Are your panties wet?”