Ravish Read online

  RAVISH

  Marie Tuhart

  https://www.marietuhart.com/

  Table of Contents

  Cover Page

  Copyright

  Blurb

  TO MY READERS:

  ACKNOWLEGMENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Epilogue

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  OTHER BOOKS BY MARIE TUHART

  PREVIEW OF POSSESS

  Ravish, Copyright © 2021 Marie Tuhart

  All rights reserved

  Print ISBN: 978-1-954847-00-2

  Digital ISBN: 978-1-954847-01-9

  Cover design by Designed by D

  Editing by Red Quill Editing LLC

  Learn more about Marie Tuhart and her books at www.marietuhart.com. And for up-to-date information about releases, please consider joining Marie’s mailing list.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, opinions, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the author. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author and not encouraging piracy of copyrighted materials. To obtain permission to use portions of this text, other than for review purposes, please contact [email protected]

  QUALITY CONTROL: We strive to produce error-free books, but even with all the eyes that see the story during the production process, slips get by. So please, if you find a typo or any formatting issues, please let us know at [email protected] so that we may correct it.

  Thank you!

  He wants nothing more than to ravish her for the rest of their lives.

  Easygoing leather store owner and whip-maker Colby Durham embraces whatever life throws at him. Now, he wants café owner Lara Meyer bound to him in every way possible. When Lara’s hired to cater an event at Wicked Sanctuary, Colby finally gets his chance. He’s tired of being alone and has wanted to start a relationship with Lara for a while. But will she understand the need for kink in his life?

  Lara’s world has been filled with wealth and status, not that she cares. She broke away from her controlling family years ago and defied them again when she opened her café. When Colby enters her life, Lara finds herself entranced by this unusual man. He dresses leather, owns a leather shop, and knows and occasionally rides with bikers. But as much as she might want to get into a relationship with Colby, her family won’t leave her business and love life alone. If they discover what’s going on between her and Colby, it could ruin her chance at future happiness.

  Together, Lara and Colby must negotiate a bond that can stand the test of outside forces.

  TO MY READERS:

  This book contains elements of the BDSM lifestyle that are only true to life in this book. There are various relationship dynamics in the lifestyle, which are decided between the people involved. While I have researched and talked with people in the lifestyle, this is my take on how my characters choose to live.

  If you decide to explore the lifestyle yourself, please remember to always be safe. Never go home with someone you don’t know. Attend a munch or a small get-together first to see if this is something you want in your life. Reading and living are very different.

  There is no mention of the coronavirus that exists in our world right now. I purposely left it out. This is a place for you to escape.

  Enjoy.

  ACKNOWLEGMENTS

  There are several people I want to thank for supporting me through this book:

  Laurie, thank you for reading the book more than once and all the brainstorming help.

  Nia, Isabel, and Susannah, thank you for all our sprinting sessions.

  Red Quill Editing team, you are the best team to work with.

  Publisher’s Note: This book contains a dominant male, spunky heroine, sexy situations, and food.

  Chapter 1

  Lara Meyer rolled her eyes as she made her way out from behind the counter of her café, Sweet and Savory. Her brother Keith, and Walter, her ex-husband, stood near the bikers who were having lunch.

  “Keith, Walter, stop bothering my customers and leave.”

  Both men turned to her. “They’re nothing but scum and thieves,” her brother said.

  The bikers stiffened.

  “Oh, grow up.” She got between her brother, her ex, and the bikers.

  “These men,” her brother sneered, “will get you closed down faster than rats.”

  “The only rats I see are the two standing in front of me.” Damn, she had no idea why Keith and the ex seemed to hate the bikers.

  “We’re not the ones making trouble,” Walter said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

  She stiffened, trying to tamp down the instant fear that swept over her. It’s okay. She reminded herself. He couldn’t do anything here. Lara stepped away so Walter’s hand fell away. One of the bikers stood up, and Lara feared there would be a fight.

  “Enough.” Lara pushed her brother and ex in their chests, making them fall back two steps. She turned her head. “I’m okay, Monty,” she told the biker. He was a big guy.

  “Fine, but if you need us, yell.” He sat back down.

  The door to the café opened, and Lara almost let out a groan. Colby Durham, owner of Durham’s Leather shop, strode in. His raven hair was mussed and his green eyes assessing. The bikers frequented his shop and, most of the time, would come to her café for food. She hadn’t been sure of the group or Colby’s shop in the beginning, but the past few months had improved her business, and there’d never been a lick of trouble until now.

  Not that Lara minded the increase in business, but every time she saw Colby, her heart sped up a little. She didn’t have time for men, especially ones who made her think of all the naughty things they could do to her.

  “Problem?” Colby asked as he strode over to her.

  “Nothing that I can’t handle,” Lara huffed. She didn’t want him involved. Her brothers and ex were always in here making comments, but this was the first time they did it around a table full of bikers. The last thing she wanted was a fight to break out.

  Colby nodded and took a seat with the bikers.

  “Time for you two to leave,” Lara said.

  “Not until they do,” Keith said.

  Lara swore silently. “They are having lunch while you two are doing nothing but making a scene.” She fought her temper down; it wouldn’t do to lose it in front of all her customers.

  The door opened again. Who’d called the police? She looked over at the counter where her employee, Eve, nodded. At least one of them was thinking straight.

  “See, the police are here to arrest the riff-raff,” Keith said.

  “The only riff-raff is you,” Lara shot back.

  “Officer Logan Wolfe, what seems to be the problem?”

  “The problem is those bikers,” Walter said, waving his hand at them.

  “Officer Wolfe, the bikers are not the problem. These two are.” She pointed at her brother and her ex. “They’ve come into my café making accusations about customers who are just minding their own business, and they won’t leave.”

  “I see.” The officer looked over Keith and Walter. “Gentlemen, if you’d please come outside with me.”

  “Do you know who I am?” Keith puffe
d out his chest.

  “Actually, I do, Mr. Meyer.”

  Colby stood up and looked at the officer. “Officer Wolfe, if you need a witness, the two men here were harassing the bikers when I came in.” Colby’s voice was calm, and Lara found herself relaxing for the first time since her brother and ex walked in.

  “Of course there’s a problem, and you’re part of it,” Keith said. “Your leather shop is bringing in a criminal element.”

  “Oh for goodness sake, Keith. These men are not criminals and neither is Colby.”

  “I don’t think you realize,” Keith went on, ignoring her completely, “I can ruin you all.”

  Lara’s temper flared. She hated it when her family flaunted their wealth. That was one of the reasons she had very little to do with them. “You might, but do you have enough money for all the lawsuits that will be coming your way? Especially the one from me?”

  “All right,” Officer Wolfe said. “That’s enough. Outside Mr. Meyer, and you too.” Office Wolfe pointed at Walter. “Now,” his tone hard.

  Keith glared at her. “Very well.” He turned and marched to toward the door.

  “This isn’t over,” Walter muttered as he followed.

  Lara clasped her hands together so no one would see them shaking. She turned to the bikers.

  “I’m sorry, guys.”

  “Not your fault,” the biker who stood to defend her earlier said.

  “Please stay as long as you want, and I’ll have Eve refill your beverages,” Lara turned, and Colby was right there.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, his green eyes filled with concern.

  “I’m fine. Just angry.” Angry and scared. Confrontation wasn’t her strong suit, but she wasn’t about to let anyone harass her customers. She marched away and went behind the counter. She saw Colby grab an empty chair and sit down to talk to the bikers. “Eve, please refill their drinks, and see if Mr. Durham wants anything. On the house.”

  “Sure thing.” Eve sauntered out from behind the counter.

  Lara kept a smile on her face as customers began to show up and order. At least this had happened before the lunchtime rush, or the entire town would have seen what happened. She almost laughed, since she was sure it was already making news on the gossip tree.

  She glanced out the front window of the café to see Officer Wolfe talking with Keith and Walter. Yep, she was pretty sure her Aunt Tammy would hear all about this before long.

  Lara kept smiling for customer after customer. Officer Logan walked back in and talked with Colby and the bikers, then came to the counter. She explained her side of the story, and he told her not to hesitate to call if she needed help.

  A little while later, she saw the bikers had left. Colby had switched to a smaller table as Eve hustled over to the now empty table to wipe it off. It was hardly necessary. Those guys always cleaned up after themselves.

  It was after one when the lunch rush started to subside, and Lara could draw a deep breath. She thought she’d be used to it, but today seemed busier than normal. Maybe it was time to get more help in here. Well, she did have Megan, her other employee. Time to see if they could work out a better schedule.

  “I’m going to do refills on coffee,” Lara told Eve as she picked up the two carafes, one regular, one decaf, and made her way around the café, refilling cups as needed. She paused at the table where Colby sat by the window.

  “More coffee?” she asked.

  “Yes, please. Regular.” His deep voice sent a frisson of delight over her skin.

  She poured his coffee and was about to turn away when he spoke again.

  “Thank you for protecting my friends.” He paused. “Who were the two idiots?”

  “My brother and my ex, and you don’t have to thank me. The bikers are good guys.”

  “I’m a good guy too.” He grinned at her.

  “Jury is still out on that.” She walked away, but a smile teased her lips. While Colby might raise her blood pressure in a good way, she didn’t need a man in her life.

  The café door opened, and Sierra and Max breezed through the doorway. “Lara,” Sierra called out, making a beeline for the counter. Max saw Colby, walked over, and sat down.

  Sierra and her friends Crystal and Tessa came to the café all the time. Heck, Crystal stopped by here most mornings for coffee and breakfast.

  “Hi, Sierra. What can I do you for you today?”

  “Do you have a minute to chat?”

  “Sure.” The lunch rush was gone, so she had a little time. “Eve, I’ll be right back.” Lara slipped out from behind the counter and led Sierra over to an empty table. She glanced over at Max and Colby. A rush of heat filled her veins. Two different, yet alike men. They both had that...dominant—the only word that fit—air to them.

  “What did you want to talk about?” Lara asked, turning her attention back to Sierra.

  “I was wondering if you’d be willing to cater an event at the club?”

  Lara stared at Sierra. She knew, as did most of the town, about Wicked Sanctuary. After the press conference two weeks ago, involving Tessa and Damon, it was all people were talking about.

  “It depends on what level of catering you’re looking for.” Most of her food was for quick lunches and snacks.

  “Nothing big. Mainly appetizers and desserts.”

  Lara pulled her phone out of her pocket and brought up the note pad. “That’s doable. Do you know what you’re looking for?”

  “Your mac and cheese bites for sure and at least two or three more appetizers. For desserts, how about brownies, cookies, and those lovely mini cupcakes.”

  She made notes. “Would you like some fruit cups for those who don’t want sweets?”

  “Oh yes, that would be nice.”

  “How many people?”

  Sierra frowned. “I’d have to ask Max for an exact count, but I would say at least fifty, maybe seventy-five.”

  “Okay. I use gel chafing fuel to keep the food warm.”

  “We have a strict fire code at the club.”

  “I understand. I’ll make sure it’s safe.” She ran items through her head. Big metal pans to hold the food, holders, fuel, tongs, plates, napkins. “Are there electrical outlets near where you want the tables, or will I need to run extension cords?”

  “I think so.” Sierra let out a sigh. “I’ve never really looked.”

  “I’ll make a note to ask Max. I have a couple of hot boxes that I can keep extra food warm in. This way we don’t have to worry about anything going bad.”

  “Makes sense.”

  “When is this party?”

  Sierra dipped her head. “Ummm, Saturday.”

  “It’s a good thing today is Monday.” It gave her time to order what she needed and Saturday to get it all ready.

  “Sorry. Max decided on the small party just yesterday.”

  “No worries. I’ve worked with less time.” Lara smiled. She’d been curious about the club for a while now, so at least she’d get to see the inside of it. Lara glanced over at Max and Colby. She wondered if Colby played?

  What was she thinking? She was aware of the lifestyle and even dabbled a bit when she was in college, but since coming home... She’d been to a munch or two, but nothing else. When the club opened, she’d just married Walter. “Bad mistake,” she muttered.

  “Sorry, I missed that,” Sierra said.

  Lara shook her head. “I was thinking out loud. Once I get a firm number of people, I can do some number crunching for you and let you know about the costs. Then I can get a standard contract drawn up for Max to sign.”

  “That sounds good.”

  “What sounds good?” Max asked, striding up to the table.

  Lara watched Colby open the door to leave, but at the last second, he looked back. Their gazes met, and he winked. Lara lowered her eyes as her face grew warm.

  “Lara agreed to do the party. She’ll get a cost for us, and if we agree, a contract.”

  “Perfect. Thank
you, Lara.”

  “Not a problem. Who were you using for catering before now?” Lara did a little here and there, but she always liked to hear who her competition was, so to speak.

  Max pulled out a chair and sat down. “Usually we don’t cater our parties. We might have some fruit and veggies, but that’s about it.”

  “Then why now?” Lara was curious.

  “We wanted to try something new. A members only party with food. I do have some pretty strict rules about where the food can be.”

  “Understandable.” Lara started running the menu through her head.

  “Also I’ll need you to sigh an NDA for the club,” Max said.

  “Oh?” That was a surprise.

  “Yes, as I said, strict rules,” Max smiled.

  “Can you email it to me?” Lara asked.

  “Will do. Anything else you need to know?” he asked.

  They talked for another ten minutes. Lara got the information she needed about the electrical outlets and the number of people. She gave him a rough idea of the cost. Max told her to just email him the contract; the price wasn’t an issue. He also advised her to arrive a little early on Saturday so he could show her the area where he wanted the food.

  After they left, Lara began cleaning off tables and wiping them down. Eve left at two-thirty, and Lara was putting things away when Colby walked back in.

  “Good, I caught you before you closed for the day,” he said, striding up to the counter.

  “What can I do for you?” She almost rolled her eyes at her own question.

  “I wanted to know if you’ve had any trouble with the bikers?”

  Lara tilted her head. “No, they’re all really good customers. Never a problem. Is this about this morning?”

  “A little. I was worried, not so much about the guys from this morning, but that other bikers might be causing you trouble, and if so, I’d talk with them.”