Page 22 of Ride Me

“Words of wisdom, Mambo.” The three women glanced up, startled by Ben’s sudden appearance at their side. “My ears were ringing, so I thought I’d stop in and see what sort of mischief The Mamas were cooking up.”

Elise unfolded herself from the couch and offered a cheek that her son dutifully kissed, his attention lingering curiously on Allegra. “I didn’t expect to find you here.”

“She had a visitor since she saw you last.” His mother patted his chest affectionately. “And your ears should never stop ringing, since we were talking about what we always talk about. Babies.”

Annemarie chortled as Ben grabbed her up off the couch and lifted her off her feet for an enthusiastic hug. “Put me down, you rake. Babies. As in, if you don’t give us some soon, we’re gonna get desperate and stick a fertility bundle beneath your bed.”

“Don’t blame me, Mambo. I’m trying to follow my marching orders. I keep propositioning women, and they keep turning me down.”

Elise sniffed in disbelief, but her eyes were twinkling. “That’s your problem, Benjamin. You proposition when you should propose.”

“I propose we change this subject.” He sent Allegra a wink and she couldn’t help the laugh that escaped, hearing a touch of hysteria in the sound.

Did she mention this was a lot to take in?

“I think she’s had her fill of us for the day, dearest. You should walk Allegra home so we can continue planning the end of your bachelor days.” She smiled graciously down at Allegra. “I know you’re anxious to get home now and sort everything out. Time is flying.”

She sensed more than heard the urgency in Mrs. Adair’s words. And it was true, she needed to think about all she’d learned here today.

They thought she could what—perform an exorcism on Rousseau? She could barely walk around the block on her own. Hell, she couldn’t even get the man to ask her out on an actual date.

“Ready when you are.” Ben was smiling patiently, holding out his arm for her to take and bowing like an old-fashioned courtier.

“Thank you.”

“I live to serve. You wouldn’t want to get hitched so my mother can finally sleep at night, would you?”

Allegra rolled her eyes. “I should say yes just to spite you. At least I know I’d get Elise in the bargain.”

“Did I mention that I liked her?” She heard Elise ask Annemarie as they walked out the door and onto the busy sidewalk.

“That is high praise, you know,” Ben started conversationally. “My mother’s gift has made her understandably standoffish with strangers.”

“I can imagine.”

Ben kept her close to the shops, his body shielding her protectively as she limped at a slower pace than the rest of the crowd. “What did they tell you?”

She huffed. “Something Michelle was trying to tell me. Something you should have told me a lot sooner instead of pushing me in the deep end without letting me know there were piranhas in the pool.”

Ben winced. “You wouldn’t have believed me. You had to experience it yourself.”

He knew her so well. “You’ve been reading me this whole time, haven’t you? You and your mother could go on the road with that telepathic parlor trick.”

“It’s not a trick, Legs. I can sense what you’re thinking and feeling, but only if I’m touching you. My mother’s family has always had the touch.” He grimaced. “It isn’t always pleasant, but it gives me an upper hand in business, and it lets me know when people aren’t telling me the truth.”

“It’s rude.”

“I know it and I’m sorry. Some of the time.”

“Sounds like being a human lie detector is a skill I could use right about now.”

“I’ll tell you everything I know. Nothing but the truth. Rousseau sure as hell isn’t going to do it, the stubborn ass.”

Allegra looked up, frustration nearly making her growl. “That’s my first question. Is the stubborn ass actually interested in me? Or is it the spirit?”

“Easy first answer.” Ben’s smile held a touch of relief. “Bone Daddy is interested in sex, period. Rousseau wants you. I’ve never seen him so attracted or so protective over anyone.”

“Protective?”

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