Chasing Bad Boys 7_A Bad Boy Romance Series Read online

  Once she got home, she flopped down onto her couch and rubbed at her temples in aggravation. Her body was already beginning to test her, and she really didn’t know how she would make it through the rest of her night. Wherever they were going, she really hoped that there would be copious amounts of alcohol there.

  Stephanie rose with a sigh and decided to make use of her time. She briefly arranged her apartment, making sure that it was organized the way she liked it. After about an hour, she reluctantly decided to begin the process of getting ready for her evening and the meeting with Chris.

  Stephanie moved over to her closet and began sorting through her selection of clothes. She was briefly worried that she wouldn’t be able to find anything suitable for the evening. Thankfully, close to the back of her closet, she came across a small, black dress that she had purchased for some occasion or other, but hadn’t ended up actually wearing. So, she decided that was what she would wear tonight.

  Stephanie dressed in a matching black thong and bra and then moved in front of her mirror to brush some makeup on her face. She decided on some smoky eye makeup, and a dark red lipstick. She arranged her hair on the top of her head and pinned it securely. She gave herself a good once-over in the mirror and then sighed once she decided she was satisfied.

  With her makeup done, she slipped into the dress and slid on a pair of black heels. She smoothed out the soft satin of the dress, making sure there were no wrinkles. She collected the black clutch that she had used at the party, and made sure it held essentials such as extra lipstick and mints and some money just in case. She also collected a black leather jacket and headed out the door.

  She left her apartment and headed for her car. Once inside, she felt a familiar buildup of nerves and excitement. She took a deep breath, and tightly gripped the steering wheel as she drove. She hoped on one hand that she could somehow maintain her composure for the rest of the evening. On the other hand, she hoped that the evening would escalate beyond her control, and she would get yet another taste of Chris’s skillful touch…

  Stephanie shook her head and ground her teeth. She could feel her blood racing and her heart pounding. This was certainly not the ideal way to start off what was sure to be a trying evening anyway. Stephanie focused on her breathing and made sure that it was even, trying to calm both her mind and her body. By the time she arrived at Chris’s house, she felt that she had regained most of her control.

  Stephanie got out of the car in the garage, feeling much calmer and stable. She gave herself a close look in the window of the Bentley. She then moved over to the door to the kitchen, and went ahead and let herself in.

  “Hello?” she called as she stepped into the house.

  “Hey!” she heard Chris respond. Shortly thereafter, he rounded the corner into the kitchen, and Stephanie tightly gripped the edge of the island to keep her knees from buckling.

  While Chris always made a point of looking immaculate, tonight he looked even better. She could tell that his jet black suit was of the highest quality, and had been made to fit him perfectly. His white shirt was crisp, and his cuff links held a stone that she imagined was most surely a diamond. He wore a black vest beneath his jacket, and a dark red, paisley tie was tucked into it. His blond hair was carefully combed, and his blue eyes twinkled at her.

  “You look stunning,” he said softly, and Stephanie shivered pitifully at his words.

  “So do you,” she breathed out the compliment.

  “Only for you, of course,” Chris said, and winked at her, a playful smile on his lips. “Come on, let’s get out of here. We don’t want to be late for dinner.”

  Chris crossed the room and offered her his arm. Stephanie hesitated for a moment, and Chris raised his eyebrow at her.

  “What’s the matter?” he asked.

  “Oh, nothing,” Stephanie shook her head. She raised a shaking hand took his arm. Chris smiled down at her pleasantly and proceeded to lead her back out to the garage and toward his car.

  He led her to the passenger’s side and helped her into the car. Then, he got in on the driver’s side, and they both buckled their seatbelts. Chris opened up a compartment in the car and withdrew a pair of sunglasses. He offered a pair to Stephanie, but she declined. He shrugged, and put them back in the compartment. He then proceeded to back the car out into the driveway, and they were off.

  Chapter Twelve

  Chris began to fiddle with the radio, and soon, soft music with a low, smooth beat filled the car. Stephanie watched as Chris leaned back in his seat and began to steer with one hand. He seemed very secure, even more so than usual. He exuded a quiet confidence, and she could tell he was a good driver. She decided not to comment on it, and she looked out her own window.

  “You seem quiet,” Chris noted, glancing over at her.

  “Do I?” Stephanie asked, working to make her expression seem uninterested.

  “Yes,” Chris said plainly. “Is there something on your mind?”

  “Not really,” Stephanie lied. In all reality, she was concentrating on keeping her body from reacting to his nearness.

  “Well,” Chris sighed. “I actually have a confession to make to you.”

  Stephanie turned toward him then and raised an eyebrow.

  “And what might that be?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

  Chris looked over at her and frowned a little bit.

  “I actually lied to you,” he said, regret plain to hear in his tone.

  Stephanie blinked and frowned.

  “About what?” she asked, crossing her arms.

  “About this event tonight,” he answered softly, his jaw tightening as he looked out into the road in front of him.

  “Event?” Stephanie raised her brow. “I thought you said this was a meeting.”

  “Like I said,” Chris sighed, rubbing at his jaw with his free hand. “I lied.”

  Stephanie blinked several times, a feeling of anxiety pooling in the pit of her stomach.

  “Chris,” she said slowly, trying to remain calm. “Where are you taking me right now?”

  “Don’t worry,” Chris comforted her. “I really am taking you to a nice dinner. But after the dinner, instead of a meeting, we’re going to a car race.”

  “Like… Nascar?” Stephanie asked, confused.

  “Not quite,” Chris chuckled.

  “Look, this isn’t funny,” Stephanie snapped, half irritated and half afraid. “You need to explain to me what the hell is going on right now, or you need to stop this car.”

  Chris looked over at her and pursed his lips.

  “Okay, you’re right,” he sighed.

  Stephanie felt the car reduce in speed, and Chris began to pull over to the curb. Stephanie felt her heart rate decrease a little as the car came to a stop, and Chris turned in his seat to look at her.

  “Alright,” he sighed, and took off his sunglasses so that he could look over at her. “I lied because I didn’t think you would come if I just invited you without it being a work obligation.”

  Stephanie frowned and crossed her arms.

  “So you thought that lying to me was the better option?” she raised her eyebrows.

  “Well, it worked this far,” he gave her a smile, and Stephanie huffed her aggravation.

  “Take me home,” she said simply. She was somewhat relieved that her anger at his actions was keeping her body from responding to his proximity.

  “Look, Stephanie,” Chris leaned forward. “I would really like for you to come with me. I think you will really enjoy the evening if you just let yourself.”

  “Maybe I would have if you had just asked me,” Stephanie bit out with irritation. “I would have said yes.”

  “I don’t like to take chances,” Chris said, his voice suddenly serious. Stephanie felt her stomach flutter, and she swallowed drily at the remark.

  “Look,” he sighed. “I really am sorry, and I know I shouldn’t have gotten you here this way. But I really did want you to come. I know I’m jus
t your boss, but I really do enjoy your company…”

  Chris leaned over and rested his hand on her knee, and Stephanie worked to contain a gasp at the sudden rush of sensation that coursed through her body. She jerked away from his touch, and he released yet another sigh and withdrew his hand from her.

  “I’m really sorry,” he said softly. Stephanie felt a rush of sympathy course through her at his tone. “I’ll go ahead and take you home now.”

  Chris restarted the car and began to turn as if to drive in the opposite direction.

  “Wait,” Stephanie said softly.

  Chris stopped driving off and turned to face her. He looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to speak. Stephanie took a deep breath and looked at him sternly.

  “I still don’t appreciate the manipulation,” she said slowly, and Chris made to protest, but he closed his mouth after she shot him a stern look. “But I can tell that you really would like me to go with you, so I will go.”

  A broad smile spread across Chris’s face.

  “But,” Stephanie said firmly, holding up a finger. “Only on the condition that from now on, you are honest with me about outings like these. I want your word, right now.”

  “I give you my word,” Chris said solemnly. “Are we good to go now?”

  “We’re good to go,” Stephanie nodded, and Chris smiled widely again as he pulled back onto the road.

  For the rest of the way, they were quiet. Stephanie’s heart beat hard after their interaction. She was surprised at her own boldness, and she was glad that he had reacted so positively. In all honesty, she was mostly just curious at this point to see what the night entailed. Soon, though, her questions would all be answered, and she had only to wait until such a time as they arrived at their destination.

  Soon, they pulled up to what appeared to be a large warehouse, in an open area of land quite a ways away from the city. There were a number of other people arriving as well, all of them in formal dress, in very nice cars. It seemed that people were only arriving in couples, a woman for every man and vice versa.

  Chris pulled up to a space and pulled in. In front of the spot, apparently waiting for them, was Michael, the bouncer from the party. Stephanie felt a bit of anxiety creep up inside of her as she wondered what they needed him to be there for.

  “Don’t worry,” Chris said softly, seeming to sense her unease. “I’m a Senator, remember? It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

  Stephanie relaxed a little. He was right, of course. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment, trying to make herself let loose and relax.

  Chris promptly got out of the car and moved over to the passenger’s side to help Stephanie out of the car. She took his arm as soon as she was out, and she stayed close to his side. He led her toward Michael, and he regarded them both with the same stony expression that she had first seen him wear.

  “Stephanie, you remember Michael,” Chris said pleasantly.

  “Of course,” Stephanie smiled up at the large man. “How do you do?”

  “Very well, thank you,” he said in his low voice, offering her a smile. Again, Stephanie was increasingly glad for his presence there, if only just a precaution.

  Having been reintroduced, the three of them approached the door of the place, and a man stood there, looking very intimidating, much like Michael. Chris and Stephanie hung back as Michael approached the man, and handed him a piece of black paper with silver engraving.

  “Senator Skii and Miss Stephanie Roberson,” Michael announced them simply. The other man looked the two of them over and gave them a simple nod, stepping away from the doorway he had been blocking.

  “Thank you,” Chris gave the doorman a smile. Stephanie managed a smile as well as she was led inside the warehouse. As soon as she stepped inside, her jaw dropped.

  It looked like she had stepped into a mix between a car show and a grand ball. People were dressed in fine clothing, and there were servers milling around with flutes of champagne, as well as various small delicacies. In one area, there were small tables set out, and waiters and waitresses were taking orders for food.

  Michael departed from them, but lingered at a distance, looking over at them every so often. Chris, meanwhile, led Stephanie toward the restaurant type area. He did not wait to be seated, simply sitting down at a table. Sure enough, a waiter soon came to their table.

  “Hello,” he greeted them. “What can I do for you this evening?”

  “Let us have two glasses of your cabernet,” Chris said easily. “And two of your steak dinners, both medium.”

  “Very good, sir,” the waiter nodded. “Anything else for you?”

  “Actually,” Chris said, looking across the table at Stephanie for a brief moment. “Make those glasses a bottle.”

  The waiter nodded, and with that, he left. Stephanie looked across the table at Chris and eyed him suspiciously.

  “Well,” Chris said. “What do you think?”

  “It looks spectacular,” Stephanie said honestly.

  “It’s a bit underground,” he explained. “But it’s mostly, so we don’t get media attention.”

  As he spoke, Stephanie couldn’t help but notice that people were looking in their direction, and some were even whispering. Chris noticed where she was looking, and he reached across the table to place his hand over hers.

  “Relax,” he urged her. “I’m a bit of a celebrity here. I’m known for bringing the prettiest women. But to be honest, I really outdid myself this time.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Stephanie couldn’t tell whether to be offended at being one of his many women or to be flattered that he thought she was the best of them. Fortunately, she was saved from having to respond when the waiter returned with their wine and poured them each a glass. Stephanie immediately took hers up, draining half the glass.

  “Whoa there,” Chris chuckled at her. “At that rate, you’ll be passed out before the night is even begun.”

  Stephanie wondered vaguely if that wasn’t exactly what he wanted. It seemed, though, that Stephanie couldn’t help herself. She was becoming increasingly nervous and served herself glass after glass. Their meals came, and Stephanie had an easy time eating the delicious meal. She was finally loosening up, and by the time they were both finished, and the bottle of wine empty, she was finally feeling open to just about anything.

  “Come on,” Chris said as he rose and extended a hand to her. “We’re about to start.”

  Stephanie did not hesitate to take his hand. She swayed a little on her feet, and Chris placed a hand on the small of her back to help her get her balance. He laughed lightly and so did Stephanie.

  “Well, you seem to be enjoying yourself,” Chris said, keeping his hand on her.

  Stephanie could not respond. Her skin was practically vibrating where he touched her, and she found that her body was beginning to respond to him. In her intoxicated state, she was feeling even less inhibited than usual. She worried that if she spoke now, her voice would reveal the intensity of her desire.

  So, she remained silent and allowed Chris to lead her through the warehouse, past the array of vehicles and people looking them over, and then outside of it, where a small arena seemed to have been erected. There was a grandstand, with cushioned chairs, that overlooked a lineup of shiny cars. Stephanie could not recognize them by brand, but she was certain that they were all very expensive.

  “Mine is the third from the left,” he said.

  Stephanie looked where he indicated to see a very sleek black and blue car.

  “It’s a Bugatti Chiron,” he said, murmuring softly into her ear as he led her to sit down in one of the cushioned chairs. “I’ve obviously selected it as the winner.”

  Stephanie was much less focused on his words than the sensation of his breath brushing against the shell of her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

  “We commission drivers to come race them for us,” he explained as they both sat down. Stephanie leaned
in close to him as he explained the game to her. She felt herself sway a bit, and she placed a hand on his thigh to steady herself. She felt the solid muscle there, and she barely held back a whimper that threatened to escape her lips.

  “This is the final round. There have already been four races before this one. I have the best car, as well as the best driver,” Chris explained, his hand moving to rest on her back and slowly rub up and down. “I’m set up to win. Plus, I always win.”

  Chris’s hand came to linger at her neck, and Stephanie let out a shaky breath as her stomach clenched. She looked up at Chris’s face, and her nipples hardened as she saw the hunger that had appeared in his blue eyes. Suddenly, though, the cars revved, and both of their attentions turned to the starting line.

  Chris’s hand lingered at her neck, and he traced small circles there with the pads of his thumbs and fingers. Stephanie could barely contain the urge to squirm in her seat, and her breath began to feel labored as she struggled to calm herself.

  “It’s just a one-way race down this straight here,” Chris explained softly. He whispered into her ear, and Stephanie’s grip on his thigh tightened as his lips brushed against the shell of his ear.

  Again, the engines of the cars revved, and Stephanie watched as a bright red flag was raised, by a barely dressed woman, and then suddenly lowered. In an instant, the cars all took off. Stephanie felt Chris’s grip on her neck tighten as his car took the lead, and every muscle in her body tightened. She felt wetness pool between her thighs.

  No sooner had the race started than it was over. There was a murmuring among the crowd. An official approached them, and much to Stephanie’s relief, Chris released her neck to stand and face the other man.

  “Congratulations, Senator Skii,” he said, his tone nearly bored. “You can go and collect your winnings at the table.”

  “Thank you,” Chris said, his tone also very bored and flat. Stephanie could sense the tension between them, but for the most part, she was still overwhelmed with the sensations coursing through her body.