Rendered Speechless

By Marilyn Faith

He loves sex.
She is trying to avoid the male species.

He never cares who he sleeps with.
She is cautious.

Monogamy is a bad word to him.
Monogamy is what she wants.

With her mind saying one thing, and her body saying another, she finds herself wanting to know just what makes this sexy male the attraction women can’t resist.

Just when they thought they reached a common ground, both their pasts resurface, adding complication to the mix of confusion.
Will they have what it takes to survive the storm brewing?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marilyn Faith
• Release date: Nov 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370454211

Book preview

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Epilogue

About The Author

Thank You

Chapter One

RIVER

Two nights ago I was so deep inside Tammy’s pussy I almost lost myself. She was screaming ‘Fuck me River; fuck me harder.’ Her cat-like claws dug deeper into my ass wanting me to fuck her harder as if I wasn’t already. I flipped her on all fours and gave her what she wanted. I fucked her until she had carpet burns all over her body. It was almost comical when she had started crawling to get away from my pounding. After I fucked her ass into oblivion, I left feeling a void I’ve never felt before. God, that was a good night.

I’m standing in front of the window of my condominium overlooking the view below— so quiet and calming after coming home from a long day at the office.

Today has been one of those days; so I need to do what I do best . . . unwind. I leave my briefcase on the desk of my home office, walk over to the bar and pour myself some aged bourbon.

I live in one of the towering buildings in downtown Chicago, where the lower levels are occupied by bustling retail stores, restaurants and offices, with a couple hundred residential apartments on the top levels with spectacular views across the city. My unit has more than thirteen thousand square feet and five bedrooms perched high on the eighty-ninth floor. I chose this location because of its height. It gives off the illusion of living on top of the world—a luxury I relish in.

The view from up here is one of the best parts of my day, well . . . other than me wrapped up and sinking balls deep between my flavor of the night’s legs. Up here, I can let all pretenses go and just be myself: River Liam Callahan.

I roll my shoulders back to release the tension, trying in vain to stretch out the kinks that have taken my muscles hostage. My job proves to be overly taxing most days. Opening my mouth, I throw back the bourbon; the smooth texture and exquisite taste warms my throat as it makes its way down to my stomach.

It’s Friday, and I have the liquor portion covered so far. Now all I need to relieve the week’s stress completely is to fuck my way through the weekend.

I head into my bedroom and free myself of the constricting suit I’ve been wearing, swapping it for a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Now, time to find myself some action that I can get lost in for a while.

Jay wanted me to hang out with him and a few of the guys from work tonight, but I declined. I wasn’t in a very social frame of mind to hang out with them. He works with me at R. Callahan and Associates and he’s my best friend. Though I own the company, he’s one of the best business people I know, and I have every intention of making him a partner.

I’m in the process of showing him just how valuable he is to me and to the future of my company. I appreciate his contributions and dedication for helping me make the company one of the top investment companies in the country.

Jay met his wife Beth during our junior year at Harvard, and they got married after graduation. Now he feels it’s his duty to find someone to shackle me to by any necessary means, but the problem with his not-so-brilliant idea, is that commitment is his thing, not mine. I have no intention of binding myself to one person for all eternity. Nope. Not happening. There are too many women out there for me to conquer than to tie myself down to only one person. That would be an injustice. So, until the time comes when this cum-slinging hellion of mine stops standing at attention to the female population and only rises for one woman, then the answer is a hell no. Monogamy is not for me.

In my opinion, monogamy is fucking around without being busted, because how does anyone really know if the person they’re with is actually faithful? They don’t, at least, not until something happens, right? Because let’s face it people, their partners are only faithful until they find out otherwise. People live in utter bliss until they find out that the utopia they’d built was only their ignorance at its finest. So until my theory is proven otherwise, I’m going to fuck my way through the female population until I’ve had my thirst quenched.

I find myself twelve blocks over at The Blue Dolphin Lounge. I push open the swinging doors and walk into the familiar cozy interior. I have one thing on my mind—okay, maybe two. First, I need another drink, and second, I need to get laid. Maybe not in that order, but regardless of the sequence, I have every intention of accomplishing both.

I must admit, life is good. Is it possible for it to get any better than this? I have to pat myself on the shoulder because I’m one lucky bastard. I have a successful company, a best friend who is the only other person other than myself I trust, and let’s not forget my condo is in the Torrance Tower with the best view imaginable. And last, I get as many pussies as one man can take in any given moment. Yes, I conclude, life is fucking good.

This place is like a cesspool for the rich. It’s where people come when they’re looking for their next conquest— without the sleaziness that goes on at the other bars. The Blue Dolphin Lounge is high end; it’s the place the corporate sluts come when they’re looking to get laid without feeling the pressure to hide behind what is expected of them.

Be patient, River. See how the night plays out before getting between a set of beautiful legs. Your time will come when you can fuck the stress away. You just have to wait and play the game.

I take a seat over on the far side of the bar away from the door. This location gives me a wide scope of my surroundings without the need for me to twist constantly to see who comes through.

Let the hunt begin, I think, making myself comfortable. Just then, I see a very determined, ‘I need to be fucked’ blonde heading in my direction. Her eyes are glued to mine, sizing me up as her next prey, no doubt. If only she knew what she was getting herself into. Then again, the women I pick up know what’s expected before I sink into what they offer.

The blonde traces her hand over my back as she passes. I turn around slightly to see her gazing back at me, licking her lips as she walks to the restroom.

She’s just my speed. My night just got a little better.

I’m taking in the action that’s buzzing around me, happy with my decision to come here tonight when my cell buzzes in my pocket. Muttering a curse, I take it out and note the name on the lit up screen before sending it straight to voicemail: Melisa.

Now, Melisa was a woman worth remembering. She had a mouth no Hoover would dare compete with.

I settle myself a bit more comfortably on the barstool, a smile gracing my lips. My mind wanders as I reminisce about my one encounter with Melisa, the little minx, while I wait for the bartender to tend to me. I sense the heated stares from across the bar.

I glance up, spotting a woman who was vying for my attention when I first walked in. She tosses her shoulder length red hair as she leans against the counter on the other side with no shame while she eye fucks me across the bar. From her exterior, I would say she’s about twenty-five and eager to be ridden. She’s wearing a black, tight fitted dress that hugs her curves like a second skin. Damn, she’s as attractive as she is voluptuous. In all the right places too.

My eyes travel slowly up her body in no hurry to end their journey. I stop when I meet her ‘come fuck me’ stare. Yeah, she’s hot. She’s holding an almost empty glass. This won’t do. Deciding to fix the problem, I’ll ask to have another one delivered to her. Then, after refreshing her drink, if she doesn’t make her way over here, I’ll approach her and start a conversation. I’m about one hundred percent certain she’ll take me home so I can get lost in her for the night—after I get her off a few times, that is. Can’t go without making sure the woman I’m with is blissfully and completely spent before finding my release. I might be a dick, but I’m not a selfish dick.

I’m still thinking about what my night might entail when I look over to see a woman walking out from the bar store room. I don’t know what it is, but just her presence renders me fucking speechless.

She comes over and stands before me.

What’s your poison going to be tonight? she asks innocently.

I sit there taking her in, thinking to myself that the blonde and the redhead from earlier couldn’t hold a candle to this chick. With this new development, my night has just made a one-eighty turn for the better.

I snap out of my daze only to see the beauty standing before me, irritation now marking her features. Her brow is arched while she stands with her arms folded under her chest. Big mistake. It only amplifies her generous, luscious breasts. She’s definitely not pleased to see me checking her out like a piece of meat to be devoured. The way my body is reacting to her irritation is questionable, but I’m glad I’m sitting instead of standing, where she would be privy to the dilemma going on in my pants. I get the feeling she’d kick me out on my ass.

Sir, can I get you something to drink? she asks, her voice matching her icy glare.

Fuck me sitting. This girl is beyond hot and gorgeous.

Heineken, I answer, holding her gaze, giving her one of my most charming smiles.

Sure. One Heineken coming right up, she remarks, pivoting away from the counter to get my beer. As she walks away, I take the opportunity to see more of her loveliness exposed from behind the counter. She is one fine example of a woman. A masterpiece on legs.

Her eyes are dark, black as night, paired with her long black mane that reaches down to her ass is beyond exotic to me. She’s average height, with light olive skin, and an ass that would give J-Lo a run for her money. When she turns around, I take the time to get a better view of the curves of her breasts. The t-shirt she is wearing has ‘I’m Yours’ printed directly across the front. Those babies are perfect; not too big, yet not too small. They look to be the right size that would fit perfectly into my hands and be even more perfect for my mouth.

Hmm, a moan escapes my lips as I watch her. I try to play it off, but I think she hears me because her lips tilt up in a small smile. When our eyes collide her smile drops.

Shit. She’s giving me attitude; trying to play hard to get. I should move on. But, I’ll be damned if her attitude doesn’t make me want to peel away her irritated layers even more. She comes back over, setting down the Heineken before me, and I give her another, what I hope to be a panty wetting smile. The one I know works on all the women. But not on this beauty apparently. She stands there staring at me as though she wants to say something. But what?

She leisurely licks her lips. My cock reacts to her stare and roaming tongue.

This is good; she’s feeling me too.

She rests her arms on the counter, leans closer, and whispers, I think you’d best be giving that ‘I want to get in your pants smile’ to the blonde down at the other end who’s shooting daggers into my back as we speak.

Not the answer I was hoping for.

I glance over to where she’s indicating to see that the blonde from earlier looks none too pleased with the woman leaning on the counter talking to me. I guess her running her hand on my back earlier was her way of letting me know she was mine for the night. And I had every intention of following up on that offer too—before my eyes landed on this barmaid.

Not interested, I respond to what appears to be a brush-off from the barmaid, as I lift my beer to my lips and take a long swig.

I don’t think she got that memo. But she does look to be an easy conquest tonight. Maybe you should try your luck again.

I chuckle at her jab. Is this girl for real? If she knew what I have in mind for tonight had nothing to do with the woman she referred to, she wouldn’t even be talking to me right now.

Why would you say that? I ask, wondering why she’s trying to hook me up with that girl. It’s not as if I need her help.

When I came out here earlier, I noticed that you were looking at her like you were planning on doing more than ordering her another drink. And she seems to be someone who’s never uttered the word ‘no’ before. She proceeds to shrug her shoulders as if it were no big deal to say the shit she said. Not that her observation is wrong, but for her to voice it out loud; that’s something else.

So you admit that you were checking me out earlier? I ask, putting her on the spot.

She ignores my query, Well, I can’t say I blame you. She’s stunning, she says while nodding towards a group of men now hovering over the blonde. Also confirmed by the attention she’s getting from your male counterparts over there. So don’t sit here and act like you’re any different.

Not able to come back with an immediate response to her statement, I keep my mouth shut and finish my beer before ordering another. Her boldness is refreshing. I’ve never had a female talk to me like that before. I’m so used to them coyly sizing me up, flirting, trying tentatively to make their intentions known, while waiting for me to make the first move.

I come here a lot, and I’ve never seen you before, I say changing the subject, lifting the beer to my mouth.

That’s because I started working here a little over a week and a half ago. If you haven’t been in here for a while, then you wouldn’t have seen me.

Oh, I’ve been here quite often, honey. I also know why you were hired: Jerry.

I know Jerry the owner pretty well, maybe more than well, because I’ve fucked her on more than one occasion since she took over this place from her father. Jerry is a sexy woman. But, she’s just a willing participant and a warm body. She knew the score, and we both enjoyed our little arrangement. What can I say? I’m a repeat offender.

But after she got a little too attached, I had to cut the cord before shit got out of hand. She was showing signs of jealousy when I was with other women, and she fired some of the girls I used to fuck who worked here. There are still a few she never got wind of, though, so they got to keep their jobs. But Miss Bold and Beautiful over here need not know that bit of information, now does she?

This girl’s refreshing attitude has me intrigued, the attitude that says, ‘I’m immune to your good looks, and smooth talk.’ That type of rebuff puzzles me. I’m used to women throwing themselves at me, sometimes being too easy, if you ask me. I’m used to them playing the game, ‘I’m hard to get, but please come and get me. I’m ready and waiting.’

Indecent thoughts run through my mind. And all these scenes have one person in common, the beauty before me as my co-star. I’ve visualized her in every sexual position my mind can drum up in just the few short moments I’ve known her. Some of these positions I’m not even sure are possible, but to hell with it. I’m willing to try all possibilities before I admit defeat. Shit, I’m sitting here, my mind buried in my fantasy, with my co-star standing in close proximity.

The barmaid flashes me a smile as she turns away, flipping her hair over her shoulder. Let me know if there’s anything else I can get you, big boy. With one last glance back at me, she moves on to the guy that has been gawking at her assets.

Before I can let her know that there is something else she could get me, she’s out of range where she can hear me, and I don’t feel like yelling over the noise. I want to say, ‘You could get on your knees if you wanted to do something for me,’ but that inappropriate thought was squashed. So, I opt to watch her while she tends to the other customers. She’s flirting with the guy she’s helping, who’s been ogling her ass all night. He’s eye fucking her in a crowded bar, and I’m not feeling too pleased about that.

All I wanted to do was to come in here, get some drinks and find someone to fuck my frustrated week out on, but now things seem to have flipped the fuck out on me.

Just as I’m about to get up and head to the bathroom to piss out the beer that is running through me, Miss Sexy as Hell bends over, giving me an exclusive and inviting peek at her alluring ass.

Holy shit, I’m totally fucked.

Chapter Two

RAINE

I take the order from the creep who’s ogling me across the counter, but I pay him no mind and focus on getting his Hennessy and Red Bull. All the while his eyes are stripping me bare and I’m sure his dirty mind is conjuring up all sorts of dirty things about me. I suspect I’m right from the way his face reddens when our eyes connect.

Tonight is going on my second week working here, and so far, it hasn’t been too bad. I came here to Chicago, hoping to escape my life. To escape all the bullshit I was expected to swallow politely without making waves back home. When I left home, I’d grabbed as many things as I could get my hands on and got the hell out of dodge, leaving behind everything that once gave me the false sense of completeness.

The sound of people calling out their orders across the bar snaps me out of my reverie. I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn’t see the bar getting crowded. I turn to help two snobby looking females with their orders.

Crap! It’s not like me to jump to conclusions about other women. I need to get it together.

Are you going to help us, or do you still need time to continue staring into space? Blonde One snaps at me.

Blonde Two, her sidekick I assume, adds as she’s rolling her eyes, We won’t tip her for making us wait.

Is today blonde bitch day? Guess my first impression wasn’t wrong after all. Yep, I was right on the mark.

Normally I would cuss these two hussies out, but I need this job, and unfortunately, they are right. Not about being snobs, but the part where I was lost inside my head at work. That was unprofessional of me.

I finish making the ‘fruity knock-you-on-your-ass drinks,’ they order, adding cherries per their request, and place the glasses in front of them. Snob #1 sets thirty bucks on the counter. I pick up the money, ring both drinks up, and hand her the change. Holding to her sidekick’s earlier suggestion, Snob #1 takes the change, turns around and walks off. Okay, that went well.

Ah, here comes my personal creep-o-rama. After taking his order, I hand him his drink, tell him the price, and he hands over his payment. I can feel his eyes digging into me with my back turned. When I look up and catch his eyes stripping me, he doesn’t even try to hide it this time.

I place his change down before him when he says, That’s yours.

Thanks, I reply picking up my tip. Before I can move my hand out of the way, he grabs it.

What time does your shift end? I glare at his hand, wanting to snatch my hand from his. I have to remind myself that flirting is a part of the territory if I want to get decent tips, so I leave my hand where it is.

Smiling sweetly takes great effort, considering smiling is the last thing I want to do with this guy, but I do before answering, I’ll be here for a while. It’s not a great idea to give him a specific time because I don’t want him waiting around for me. I remove my hand from underneath his and move along to the other customers that have approached, still feeling his stare on my ass.

After finishing up with the customers at the counter, I make my way back over to Mr. Sexy, lifting my chin towards the empty bottle in front of him. Would you like another?

Why were you flirting with that guy? Mr. Heineken asks, looking peeved.

Huh? I’m stunned at the question. Surely that’s not jealousy I’m sensing?

Why are you so concerned who I’m flirting with? I counter his question after I get my bearings back.

Not concerned, just observant, he replies quickly.

Just in case you haven’t realized where we are, we’re in a bar. I’m a bartender, hence the flirting, I kindly inform him. What is it to him anyway? What an ass.

He may be an ass, but there’s something about him that draws me in. Maybe it’s the confidence that oozes from his pores. It could be the way my stomach does flips when I hear his voice or see his smile, that makes my heart flutter. This stranger is the epitome of a walking, talking Adonis, sex in boots, an orgasm waiting to happen. He looks to be about a few inches above six feet, with a body that could make you lose focus and fumble your words. His shoulders are wide; muscles stacked under his shirt where I can see their bulge. His eyes, wow, they remind me of liquid silver, and believe me when I say they have gold dust lining them.

My eyes continue to travel over his face, taking in his smooth skin where a light dusting of a beard is coming in. His skin is as smooth as if he’s wearing foundation, though I know he’s not. He has a strong jaw, and his nose has a bump on the bridge, as though it has been broken before. And his lips are succulent. Yes, I said it. Succulent lips. Magnetism radiates off of him, sending chills all over my body. He has an exotic look to him. I know exotic is usually used to describe women, and there’s nothing even remotely feminine about him, but it’s the only word that I can use to describe him adequately.

My eyes roam over the parts of his body I can see over the counter. From where I’m standing he’s all male with a capital M. He’s just beautiful . . . beyond how I think a man should look. I could get lost gazing into his eyes, dreaming of the freedom and passion they represent. That’s the only way to describe the promise his eyes hold, with lashes a runway model would kill to have.

His gaze is intense as he follows my every move, making me feel even more unsettled in his presence. I take out the towel from underneath the counter and begin to wipe down the bar, needing something to distract myself from how this man is making me feel; feelings I have no business entertaining. So I do what I do best. I ignore it and make myself busy.

I guess your tip was well worth it then, he states.

His remark insults me, but I give nothing away. I shrug, hoping he doesn’t see my discomfort from his comment.

A generous tip is all it takes, huh? he jabs again, smirking.

What the hell did he say? I hope he’s not suggesting what I think he’s suggesting. Who in the hell does this guy think he is? I open my mouth, ready to lay into him when I hear footsteps behind me. I glimpse over my shoulder to see Jerry, my manager, reaching under the counter for a glass. Crap. I swallow my words. I’d better play nice before I get fired for cussing out a paying customer.

As soon as Jerry sashays herself beside me, I see Mr. Heineken slouch uncomfortably in his seat before he gets up and leaves the bar without another word.

What the hell was that about?

RIVER

I had finished up at the office the night before and grabbed the folder with some account information I needed to take home with me so I could work on it over the weekend. There were a few accounts I needed to go over and straighten out before Monday.

It’s Saturday morning. I get up, go to the gym, and after I leave the gym I run some errands. In the late afternoon, after showering and taking a catnap, I fetch a beer and get down to work, taking care of those accounts. Three hours later, I stretch my back, needing a break. My eyes are exhausted from staring at the computer for so long, and what better way to take a break than to get some liquor flowing through my system.

I get dressed and head straight to the bar. I haven’t been back to the Blue Dolphin Lounge in a week, and I’m dying to see the dark-eyed beauty again. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her. No matter what I do, I can’t seem to shake her out of my head. Since meeting her, she has consumed too many of my waking moments, along with my sleeping ones.

What is this attraction all about? I’ve never felt this intensity towards anyone. Not even . . . well, that’s another story. I feel kind of shitty leaving without saying goodbye to her after I saw Jerry. It wasn’t one of my proudest moments, but I was trying to avoid making it awkward with Jerry standing there. But I’m sure the way I left I’ve accomplished that anyway. I knew how Jerry operated, so I got out of there as quickly as I could.

I enter the Blue Dolphin, and make my way over to the seat I occupied the last time I was there. I find myself looking around, hoping to spot my now favorite barmaid. Normally the second in command is the one who works the weekend and not Jerry, so I don’t have to worry about bumping into her.

I’m hoping the person I want to see is working. It’s not my usual MO to seek a woman out, but what the hell. I need a break and wanted to see her. Call it killing two birds with one stone, if you like.

Facing the front of the bar, after scanning the crowd for any familiar faces, I’m left with disappointment. The only familiar face is Camille, another girl who works here. And she and I have tangled a few times when we both needed to blow off steam.

Hey stranger, what can I do for you tonight? Camille smiles, and I know what she’s asking.

Heineken for now, I answer.

Well, lookie here. I never thought you’d be back so soon after you damn near broke your neck to get outta here a week ago.

I turn to see dark eyes glance at me before she walks by. Just the person I came in here to see. She’s not only sexy, but feisty too. My cock stirs as I watch her, which makes sitting on the bar stool rather uncomfortable. As my feisty vixen heads to the back, I get a glimpse of how well those skinny jeans hug her tight ass, making me jealous of a fucking pair of pants.

I’m tempted to ask Camille the hot lips’ name, but I don’t want to bring attention to my interest, so I refrain from asking, hoping I’ll find it out soon enough.

I feel like a fucking teenager for Christs’ sake.

After willing my body part to cooperate with me, it only half listens as I sit watching my new obsession until she walks over and hands me my beer. I can’t hold back any longer. I need to know her name.

Hi, I’m River, I introduce myself, waiting for her to tell me hers. I smile as I wait out the long pause, thinking she isn’t going to reciprocate.

But then she takes a breath and says, RJ. She watches me intently as she says her name.

Nice meeting you, RJ, I answer, still smiling. I wonder what the initials stand for. I won’t ask tonight, but I plan on finding out . . . and soon.

I saw you here a week ago, so this is not our first meeting, she remarks before walking away. She couldn’t just introduce herself and leave it there. Nope. That would be too much to ask.

***

RAINE

Unable to help the jolt I feel when I’m near River, I put some distance between us. River. Now I have a name to go with that sexy face of his— a name that matches the person. River is a walking orgasmic tsunami. He has a swagger about him that I can’t ignore, and the man repellant stance I thought I had down pat isn’t working. Ever since I laid eyes on this man, I haven’t been able to get him out of my mind, and that bothers the hell out of me. It’s not as if I haven’t been attracted to a guy before, because I have. It’s just that this attraction to River is so intense; it makes me want to ignore my ‘No man rule.’

***

Lying in bed after showering, having washed the night off my body, I try my best to relax, but thoughts of River plague me. What is it about him that has my stomach twisted in knots?

Hey girlie, how was your day? Devon my friend asks as he leans casually against the door frame. I jump up off the bed and rush over to him.

Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in forever. I throw my arms around him, happy to see my roomie.

Remember I told you about that new project I was bidding for in Denver?

Yes—oh my God, you got it?

Hell yeah, I got it. That’s what held me up a few more days than I had planned, he smiles, looking tired as hell.

"That’s great Dev. I knew you would. That means