Lust

an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body

Two left feet didn't even begin to describe Rick's inability to keep a rhythm. It was a truth he learned to accept and one that was never held against him. But as his blue eyes followed her every move on the dance floor, the regret swallowed him whole.

From the moment she walked into the room, all his senses were suspended in awe. Her tight, red dress demanded his full attention. Her carefully styled locks swayed like a curtain adorning her perfect face. Her dark eyes were steady, measuring the entire room with an unassuming gaze. Her flawlessly sculpted nose gave way to the most exquisite pair of lips he'd ever seen. They were plump, heart-shaped, and revealed a sly smile that made his stomach flip in longing.

Her enticing neck led down to shoulders he yearned to spend the entire night kissing in adoration. Her seductive cleavage was on full display demanding to be noticed. Her tiny waist led to the most delicious thighs and ass to have ever graced the room. His hands burned with a need to run them down her luscious curves. Her toned legs led to a pair of tall, strappy heels he could imagine wrapped over his shoulders.

He bit his lip as he watched her. Surrounded by two friends, she danced carefree, swaying her hips to the loud beat of the song surging from the speakers. Her perfect ass kept in time with the hypnotizing tune, her lithe body expertly rocking to the suggestive lyrics.

The regret he held at agreeing to tag along with his buddies to the club melted into aching desire as he sipped at the potent whiskey from his glass. His studied her like a fine piece of art. She had no idea how many eyes she had attracted. Jealousy would have been his normal reaction but he felt strangely calm. It was an unexpected self-assurance that she'd be in his arms by the end of the night.

She must have felt his gaze because her closed eyes opened to steadily hold his eyes, swaying with the music. Her eyebrow slightly arched at the look he was giving her.

Her curious eyes roamed over his body, taking in the entire package. The tight, button-up shirt accentuated the lean yet solid build of his body. It promised a never-ending night of fun. It screamed stamina. And his confident bow-legged stance assured her that he knew exactly what he was capable of doing to her. The jeans and boots added to the fantasy of him giving her an unforgettable ride that would have her bucking in mind-numbing pleasure but it was his face that sealed the deal.

His hunger for her was evident in his unwavering gaze. If any other guy gave her that look she would have dismissed him immediately but he was different. That look. That beard. She could already imagine the soft tickle of it between her legs. She wasn't into facial hair but the thought of his scraping against the inside of her thighs sent tingles down to her toes.

And fuck. Those lips. Those lips were pure sin. She wanted to taste them. She wanted them on her skin, sucking, kissing, and whimpering her name. She bit her bottom lip, imagining them glossy from the juices now soaking her thong. She gave him a coy smile before she turned and swayed her hips at him. He'd be hers by the end of the night.

Or maybe even sooner.

She felt a tap on her arm. She looked down at the two fingers against her bicep, slowly dragging her gaze up. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. She brazenly took him in with her gaze, daring him to make the first move. He offered his hand. She accepted it without hesitation, waiting for him to take the lead. He pulled her close, skimming his fingers down her shoulder. Her skin prickled with goosebumps. She searched his intense gaze. The world faded away. Their bodies were magnets, drawn to each other until the space between them was nonexistent.

They breathed each other's breath, inebriated by each other's essence. The music slowly edged its way back into the moment, filling her with the need to move. She gracefully whirled around, turning her face to the side, wanting to keep him in sight. Her hips began swaying and he reached for her waist. Keeping a whisper of space between them, they spent the rest of the night in each other's arms.

He followed her lead as she instructed him in the art of dancing and he instructed her in the art of desire.

An appropriate way to end a Richonne version of Cardinal Sins, don't you think?

I know there were a few stories in here that had the potential to grow and who knows, maybe I'll find the time and energy to expand on one or two one day.

I truly hope you enjoyed this humble little series! I've loved hearing all your feedback! Thank you with all my heart. I love you all so much!

Your ever-grateful writer,

semul