Speed Dating: An Original Tale of Desire

Anonymous

EROTIC STORY

PART ONE

Jack had already endured four forgettable rounds when the chair across from him scraped back. The woman who claimed it moved like she owned the entire room and simply tolerated its current occupants. Pale skin caught the low light in stark contrast to the dramatic sweep of black liner that winged her eyes, lids smoked in deep charcoal and finished with a matte black lipstick that made her mouth look dangerous. Long dark hair fell in a straight, glossy sheet past her shoulders, one side tucked behind an ear to reveal a silver spiderweb earring and a delicate onyx drop at her throat. Her fitted black top clung to full breasts before tapering into a sleek, high-waisted skirt that flashed a silver buckle at the hip; a black choker studded with small metal rings circled her neck, and more dark jewelry glinted at her wrists. She was striking in the way a blade is striking—beautiful and unmistakably sharp.

"Raven," she said, voice low and amused, as if she already knew the name would linger.

"Jack."

She leaned forward, elbows on the tiny table, the motion drawing his eyes briefly to the generous curve of her chest before he caught himself. "So, Jack. Everyone else here seems to be offering résumés. What about you? What would you actually do for a woman you were genuinely attracted to?"

The question landed like a fingertip dragged down his spine. The other women had asked about jobs and weekend plans; this one asked for surrender. Heat flared low in his stomach. He met her lined eyes without looking away.

"Anything."

Raven's black lips curved. She studied him for one long heartbeat, then tilted her head.

"Bark for me."

Jack's pulse kicked. Around them the soft murmur of other tables continued, unaware. He hesitated, felt the ridiculousness of it collide with the sudden, sharp want her demand had lit in him. Then he leaned in, lowered his voice just enough to keep the sound private, and gave a short, clear bark.

Raven's smile widened, slow and approving. "Good boy."

The two words hit him harder than he expected, warm and electric, settling somewhere behind his ribs and lower. The air between them thickened. Her gaze flicked over his face, reading the flush he felt creep up his neck, and satisfaction gleamed in her dark eyes. She reached across the table, one black-nailed finger brushing the back of his hand in a touch so light it shouldn't have felt like a promise.