Mad Valentine: A Bad Boy Romance (Mad Valentine Trilogy Book 1) Read Free

looked me in the eyes. He smiled and bit his lower lip. I unbuttoned his shirt, listening to him breathing heavily. I laid my hands on his chest and paused for a moment, enjoying the sight of his tanned torso. He really was beautiful—golden tan and all muscle, the iconic California surfer guy. I bent my head and bit into his pectoral muscle over his heart—not too hard—and he groaned with pleasure. I pushed the shirt over his shoulders and it dropped to the floor. I kissed my way back up his neck, and when I reached his mouth, he kissed me deeply, pushing hard against me while his tongue searched the inner recesses of my mouth.
    Warren’s hands moved down low, lower—and then they were lifting up the hem of my skirt. His fingers scraped the skin of my thighs as he pushed the material up. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms under my ass and lifted me off my feet. I wrapped my naked legs around his waist and he turned, carrying me easily to the overstuffed red leather couch. We dropped onto it, still kissing, and he reached a hand into his pocket.
    “Oh, shit,” he said, his lips still against mine.
    I pulled away. “What?”
    “I didn’t bring a condom.” Warren looked annoyed and apologetic. “I’ll have to go get one out of my room.”
    “Oh,” I said, pushing myself up from under him. I leaned against the arm of the couch. “I’m sorry, I think I’ve got one but my purse is downstairs.”
    “Yeah, it’s okay. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.” He left the couch and went looking for his shirt.
    But something inside me had deflated.
    “You know, Warren, it’s okay. I think I should get going anyway.”
    “What?” Warren looked up sharply, his arms frozen in the act of putting on his shirt. “Why?”
    “I…” I faltered. I didn’t really know why. “I’m just kind of tired. First day of school and all.”
    Warren looked scandalized. He’d never seen me turn down a free ride because of tiredness before.
    “Are you sure? Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?” He looked so concerned I had to laugh.
    “Yes, I’m sure! Nothing is wrong and you’re great, as always. I just don’t have the mojo tonight, I guess. Please don’t take it the wrong way.”
    Warren still wasn’t convinced, but after a moment he seemed to give in and shrugged.
    “All right, I guess,” he said, buttoning his shirt. “It’s a shame I didn’t get to make the most of that skirt.” He looked wistfully at the grey material that was still bunched up at my hips.
    “I will wear it again some day, I promise,” I said, standing up and straightening myself out. I cleared my throat. For some reason I had had enough and just wanted to go home. I looked at Warren again, who was leaning with his hand on the doorknob, looking at me with questioning eyes. I walked to him and rumpled his already rumpled hair.
    “Sorry, buddy,” I said. “Rain check?”
    Warren gave me a half-hearted grin and shrugged again.
    “Whatever you say, buddy.” He opened the door and I walked out.
     

IV. Victor
    On Thursday morning, I arrived a few minutes early to creative writing so that I could have my pick of seats. I wanted to avoid the Gorgeous Guy with the Tattoos, because I was pretty sure he thought I was a privileged, smart-mouthed asshole. I also didn’t want to offend anyone else if I could possibly help it, so I had made a mental note to keep all clever comments to myself.
    I chose a seat in the second row a little to the right of center. I was wearing indigo-wash skinny jeans cuffed at the ankles to reveal strappy leather sandals and a plain white boat-neck shirt. A good, sensible outfit for a good, sensible day of school.
    As I sipped my coffee, the class filled up. Then, a binder dropped onto the desk next to mine and a tall male figure slid into the seat.
    Oh, my god. It’s him.
    I took a furtive glance over. Yup, tattoos, and a strong-looking hand that was playing with a pen.
    Oh, for crying out loud. I came to class