Page 23 of Stryker's Ruin
He stands. “Enough of this. We’re going to the park for a picnic lunch. Wear what you want and bring your book. You’ll have time to read and relax.”
We drive to the same place he took me before, only this time there’s a guard at the gate who lets us in. He nods as we drive through. At the spot where Stryker took me before there’s a blanket already laid out with pillows, a picnic basket and wine in a bucket of ice.
“How did all this happen?” I ask.
He smiles and shrugs. “I told you this is a private park. I know people who know people.”
He pours each of us wine while I open the basket flat to discover an artfully arranged display of cheese, meats, spreads, breads and crackers, as well a selection of fruits slices and berries. “It’s almost too beautiful to eat.”
Grabbing a slice of cheese and pepperoni, he pops them in his mouth. “Umm but too good to waste.”
We eat in silence until we’re both full. Packing the leftovers back in the basket we stretch out on the blanket and watch the clouds roll past.
He clasps my hand and brings it to his lips before rolling to his side, leaning on his elbow and looking down at me. “I need to kiss you.”
“Need?”
“Yes.”
I nod and his lips are on mine before I can think. Gentle and warm against mine. He cups my cheek and kisses one eyelid then the other, the tip of my nose before once again pressing his lips to mine. He groans and tickles the seam of my lips with his tongue, and I open for him. The thrust of his tongue, his hunger takes my breath away.
Kissing a trail down my neck to the hollow of my throat as he slides his palm from my cheek, over my shoulder and gently cups my breast.
Groaning, he rests his forehead between my breasts. “You are so beautiful, so smart, way too good for me.” He raises his head and meets my gaze. “I’m not a good man, but I could be good to you. Love you, care for you, worship you. You deserve someone clean and wholesome like you. But I can protect you and keep you safe. I’d level this town for you.
“I have no right, but I want you Ruin. Can you want me too?”
“Yes, Stryker. I already want and trust you.”
A dog bark shocks us apart seconds before a sleek red dog launches into Stryker’s chest.
“Down boy, down. Settle.” Stryker laughs as we both sit up. I glance across the open field to the other side of the park. An older man, with pure white hair, about the size of Stryker stands in the tree line, hands shoved in his jean pockets and stares at us. As I study him back, a smile tilts his lips before he gives twosharp whistles. The dog licks Stryker’s face before running back toward the man. Dog and man disappear into the woods.
“Do you know that man and dog?”
“It’s a small private park. Most people who come here are friendly. Especially the dogs.” He glances at his watch. “We need to head back so you have time to get ready.”
CHAPTER 15
Stryker
My phone rings as we walk into the apartment. It’s Vince. “Hello.”
“Let me talk to her.”
Handing her the phone, I mouth ‘Vince’.
“Hello.”
I can hear his obnoxious commands from next to her. “Be dressed appropriately and don’t speak unless spoken to. You better not embarrass me. This is your last chance to do the right thing. You owe me and the family.”
“Yes, sir.”
He disconnects and she hands me the phone. “I’m going to shower and get dressed.”
Standing outside the bathroom I hear her sobs. I fist my hand on the door frame. This is it. I won’t let them hurt her anymore. After tonight she’s mine. I’ll take her somewhere safe. The DEA can deal with this shit themselves.
She walks out of the bedroom wearing a simple navy dress with a scoop neckline, fitted waist and flared skirt. She takes mybreath away. She’s pulled her thick hair up with the clip and it cascades down her back. She looks like a million bucks. Her innocent beauty is like a beacon. Every asshole that sees her is going to be drawn to her like bugs to a light.