Whatever It Takes by Marie Scott

who tried to stop him. The idea was both scary and enticing.
    The show lasted only a few minutes before Mason spun around
and headed toward Laurie, carrying two heaping plates of food. He slid onto the
empty stool and started to hand one plate to her then pulled it back, narrowing
his eyes.
    “You better not be a damn vegetarian.”
    He asked the question in a harsh voice but Laurie laughed.
    “No.” She held up the second cup of coffee she’d brought
with her. “I’ll trade you.”
    Mason looked at the cup and grinned. He set the plate in
front of her and accepted the coffee.
    “I like a woman who knows how to negotiate.”
    “I like a man who knows how to cook.”
    They both laughed and dug into their breakfast.
    Laurie’s anxiety eased as they ate. The conversation was
friendly and light. They discussed books, movies and favorite hobbies. She
couldn’t help but feel the whole situation was a bit surreal. Not that she had
much experience with drug dealers, but she was willing to bet most of them didn’t
cook breakfast for their customers. Even more disturbing was the realization
that he was easy to talk to—not to mention smart and funny. Over the course of
their conversation, he became a real person to her and she realized his sex
appeal wasn’t the only thing that drew her to him. She actually liked him. Oh
fuck.
    They finished eating and Mason cleared the dishes. When he
came back he stopped directly behind Laurie and spun her stool around to face
him. He gave her a serious look and then sighed.
    “I know you hate this part, Angel, but it has to be done.”
    Laurie had a moment of confusion but then she understood.
She closed her eyes and sighed, giving a yielding nod. She reached for the
bottom of her shirt but Mason surprised her by brushing her hands away. He
pushed her knees apart and stepped into the space between her legs. She leaned
back until she felt the bar behind her. He stood so close she could feel the
heat of his body, and his scent settled over her like a warm blanket. Her mind
was reeling. Holy shit. No, no, no. This is not a good idea. Tell him to
stop. Damn, he has nice arms. I’m so screwed.
     
    Mason reached for the top button on her shirt and tugged it
open then moved to the next button. He continued from button to button, keeping
his eyes locked on hers. When he had her shirt open, he looked down. He held
his breath as he took in the sight of her smooth, bare skin. She wore a more
modest bra than the last time she was there. It was pink and sturdy and somehow
even sexier than the red one. He gazed longingly at her supple breasts. His
eyes widened, as her nipples hardened and poked against the fabric of her bra…just
like last time…as if they were inviting him to have a taste. His mouth went dry
as he considered leaning forward, taking one of them into his mouth and sucking
it through the thin layer of fabric. He thought of moving lower, finding her clit
with his tongue, tasting her tight little pussy. Somehow, he knew it would be
tight and sweet.
    He rested his hands on her shoulders and trailed them down
her chest. Her soft skin felt amazing beneath his fingertips. He slipped his
fingers under her bra straps and trailed down to the top of the cups before
slipping them out and moving down, and she bit her lip. His thumbs lightly
brushed her erect nipples through her bra. She released a shaky breath. He trailed
his fingers down her ribs. Her muscles tightened as his fingers brushed over
her firm belly and stopped just above the button of her pants.
    Leaning back against the bar with her arms spread out, she
gripped the edge behind her. The position gave him a nice view of her whole
torso and made it seem as if she was an offering, ready for sacrifice. Thoughts
swirled in his head and he fought to control himself.
    Damn it, why isn’t she wearing a skirt? I could already
be balls-deep in her if she was wearing a skirt. He bit his lip and looked
back to her face. All he needed was a