Staking Their Claim

by Rebecca Airies

  She ran her hands over his back. The tremors slowly subsided. His weight settled on her.

  She licked at the wound and then brushed her lips over his neck.

  “Thank you, peaches. Are you all right?” He brushed her hair back from her face.

  “Yes, I’m good.” She drew in a slow breath and looked to the door. No Dawson. Her stomach clenched.

  “Hey, sweet Penny, why don’t I see if Dawson’s busy?” He smiled. “You can get in the shower. If he’s busy, you can interrupt him after you get out.”

  “I could go.” She looked to the door.

  “You could, but why don’t you let me. A shower will help soothe you.” He slowly rose off her.

  She grimaced. He was right. She was a little sweaty. “All right, I’ll shower. If he’s not busy, send him my way.”

  “I will.” He pulled her up.

  She strolled into the bathroom and turned on the water, sticking her hand in. The overhead rain showerheads cascaded water down, while pulse sprayers jetted water along the back. Whenever they talked about a new house or building a house, they should keep this in mind.

  After she finished, she was going after Dawson. Ready or not.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  She eased under the steaming water. The warm water splattered against her face, washing away some of the tension. She tipped her head back and sighed. Shower first. Dawson next.

  “Hey, peaches, I heard you were looking for me.” Dawson’s voice echoed in the confines of the bathroom. “I understand searching the room, but you’re doing a very thorough job of it.”

  She turned and laughed. “I needed a shower before I tracked you down.”

  “Hmm, well, I can help you with that.” He stopped outside of the shower.

  He took off his shirt. Muscles in his arms and chest rippled as he flicked open the button to his jeans. Her breath caught. Damn, so gorgeous. He kicked off his shoes. His boxers slid down his thighs when he pushed down his jeans. He tugged off his socks and then stepped into the shower.

  “Now, let’s get you clean.” He adjusted the temperature and plucked the pink puff off a little hook. “Why don’t you do your hair since you’ve already started and I’ll work on your body.”

  “You know I liked that temperature.” She put a hand on her hip.

  “You shower in near boiling water. Not my idea of fun.” Dawson shook his head.

  She grinned. Yeah, she liked her showers hot. A lot like the three men in her life. They definitely heated her without fail.

  “All right, mister, better get washing, because by the time this shower is over, I’ll want to climb you.” She trailed her fingers over his chest. If she didn’t do it before they finished.

  “I’m starting, peaches.” He reached for her body wash, a vanilla scent.

  He poured a dollop onto the puff and put the bottle back on the shelf. He swirled the sponge over her arms. That should keep him busy for a little while.

  She grabbed the shampoo and worked some in her hair. He swept the puff across her chest in large circles. The slightly abrasive mesh dragged across her nipple. She groaned. The bud tightened. He drew the puff across her stomach and then back up to her other breast.

  “I need to rinse this off.” She glanced over at him.

  “Go ahead, peaches. I’ll keep working.” He smiled.

  She frowned, but shook her head. That smile held a little too much anticipation. The man was up to something. She shrugged. He had the sponge and it was nice and sudsy. He knew she was on edge. What trouble could he get into?

  She stepped under the rain head, tipping her head back and closing her eyes. The puff swirled across her chest, dragging across both of her nipples. Tingles blazed over her skin. She shivered and gritted her teeth. Apparently, he could get into a lot of trouble with just a bodywash puff.

  She ran her hands through her hair, trying to rinse the soap out. His hand eased down in big arcs to her stomach. An electric sizzle pulsed through her. Her muscles tightened.

  He drew the soapy mesh over her thighs and then her pussy. Anticipation heated her blood. She shivered. He swept the sponge over it. The mesh skimmed over her lips, back and forth. Tingles sparked and ricocheted through her. She braced one hand on the shower wall and bowed her head. Damn, he’d kill her.

  “Better keep rinsing, Penny. You still have some soap there.” He reached up and tugged at a lock of hair. “I need to wash away soap here. I have soap in places I don’t want to taste it later.”

  He reached for the spray attachment. She blinked and opened her mouth. A jet of water hit her pussy. She stiffened. Oh, my God.

  “Dawson.” She put her hand on his arm.

  “Peaches.” He lifted his head. The spray pelted the lips and a few jets struck her clit.

  “What are you doing?” She dug her nails into his arm.

  “I’m rinsing you off. You have some soap here, peaches.” He tilted the spray. It jetted across her pussy. She trembled.

  “You’re torturing me. Damn, if you keep this up, I’ll drown in the freaking shower.” She shook her head.

  “No, you won’t. I wouldn’t let you.” He swiped the spray across her nipples.

  She bent her head beneath the flow of water from the overhead rain head and scrubbed. Have to get the last out, before he goes wild and drives me crazy.

  “All right, your hair is soap free. Don’t you need to use conditioner and let it set for a little while?” He picked up the puff again and added another drop of body wash.

  She eyed the soapy mesh in his palm. Would she make it through his teasing before she lost control? She took a step out from under the falling water. What did he intend to do with that?

  “Yes, I need to put in the conditioner and let it sit.” She glanced up at him through her lashes. Much more of his torture and she’d jump him.

  “That’s good. You get the conditioner in without distractions.” He smiled.

  She shifted on her feet. There was too much expectation in that expression. She poured a dollop of the creamy conditioner into her palm, massaged it into her scalp, and paid special attention to the ends of her hair. What kind of torture was he planning?

  “Are you done?” He squeezed the puff.

  “Yes, I’m finished until time to rinse off the conditioner.” She stared at him.

  Maybe she should have thought of something else to do. He probably intended to restart the torment and she wouldn’t last long with it. The hum had just begun to settle within her.

  “Good. Why don’t you step back to the wall?” He took a slow step forward.

  “Going to tease me again?” She blinked at him, but edged back to the wall.

  “Why would I do that?” He eased over to her.

  As if she’d believe that denial. She rolled her eyes. His hand rose and drew the puff across her stomach.

  “Haven’t you already washed my front? Shouldn’t you be working on my back?” She raised her brows. At least there, he wouldn’t have so many sensitive spots to torment.

  “I still have some places to go over, but I can do your back first.” He shrugged. “Turn around and put your hands on the wall.”

  She turned to face the wall, before casting a glance over her shoulder. “You know I could lift my arms one at a time.”

  “I know you could, but it will be just as easy for me to do it this way.” He swept the sponge over her back.

  She looked straight ahead. Just breathe. It’s only my back. The slightly rough puff circled over her back. Tingles danced over her skin as the slightly abrasive mesh glided over her. She shivered. His hand dipped down to her buttocks. She tensed. Fuck. Her back had never been this sensitive before.

  His free hand slipped around her front and cupped her breast. She took a deep breath and gulped. Was he determined to drive her wild?

  “Dawson, keep that up and you won’t have a nice kitty on your hands.” She glanced over her shoulder.

  His lips curved upward. “I’m app
ropriately scared.”

  Which meant the big man didn’t take her seriously at all. She smirked. Well, he’d have to face the consequences. It was his skin that would be scratched up.

  She twisted toward the wall again. His hand skimmed down to her stomach. The sponge drifted over her ass and then down her right thigh. She trembled as it traced small circles over the skin.

  The puff drifted down to her knee. She turned a little. His arms weren’t that long. He knelt behind her. The hand on her belly lifted and pressed against her back.

  “Face the wall, peaches, this will take longer if you keep twisting and turning.” He patted her ass.

  She shook her head. He was up to something. His free hand settled on her stomach. If he kept this up, they wouldn’t make it out of the shower before she climbed his tall body and took him.

  He drew the soapy sponge down her inner calf. His other hand lowered. It drifted over her hip and then her thigh. She drew in a shaky breath. He cupped his fingers over her mound. Fuck. Her inner muscles clenched.

  “With all this water pelting down over us and your body wash, I can’t quite tell if you’re hungry for me.” Dawson pushed two fingers into her.

  “You know I am.” She rocked back against him.

  “I need to be certain. Face forward again.” He tapped her pussy with his palm.

  Fire jolted through her. Her body stiffened. Shivers rolled up her spine. Frustrating man.

  He again pressed two fingers between the lips. A throbbing ache built in her clit. He had to touch it or she’d go crazy. He rubbed his finger over the taut nub. Her hips bucked forward.

  “That’s what you’re looking for.” He pressed a kiss to her hips.

  She leaned her head against the cool tile, trying to stay still. He drew circles around her clit as his other hand slid the puff over her inner thighs. Tremors shook her. She rocked into the touch, riding his fingers as the pleasure built within her.

  “Tell me, peaches. Is this what you want?” He nipped her hip.

  She blinked. He wanted to talk now? “Give me more.”

  His hand fell away from her. She shook. Too much. He couldn’t leave her hanging like this.

  “More of what, peaches? I’m not sure what you’re asking for.” He drew his hand over her hip.

  Son of a bitch. She whipped around and pressed her hands against his chest. A wide smile kicked up the corners of his lips. Triumph glittered in his brown eyes. He’d wanted this.

  Her nails dug into his chest. He turned slightly and took a step backward. She bared her teeth. He wasn’t getting away before she satisfied her hunger.

  With a final step back, he bumped into the tile. She narrowed her eyes. Now she had him. She pushed her hands against his chest. He wrapped his fingers around her wrists.

  “Is something wrong, peaches?” He chuckled.

  “Laying down, standing up, or sitting down.” She slid one of her hands up to his shoulder.

  “What do you mean, Penny?” He raised an eyebrow.

  No one was that dense. She dug her nails in a little. “Do you want me to take you while you’re laying down, standing up, or sitting down?”

  “I wasn’t aware we were to that point yet.” He curved an arm around her.

  She ignored that. They could go over what he was aware of and what he missed later. The fucker.

  “We’re there.” She slid her hand down and grasped the thick shaft of his cock.

  He chuckled. “Well, I’m ready.”

  “Make your choice while you still have it because I can always use the opportunity to ride someone tonight.” She stretched up and drew her hand over his neck.

  His arm tightened. “Standing, baby. I want you to take me as I’m standing.”

  She grasped his shoulders. Her heart pounded in her chest. He lifted her and stepped away from the wall. She clasped her legs around his hips. He guided the head to her pussy. A raging fire slammed through her. She lowered onto him.

  His thick cock pushed into her, stretching her. Shivers rolled over her. Have to have him. His jaw clenched, and he pulled her down until he was deep inside her.

  She gripped his shoulders and slowly rose. His shaft slid from her. Her inner muscles clenched, trying to hold on to the fullness. He groaned.

  “Come on, peaches. Ride me.” Dawson gripped her hips.

  He urged her back down on him. She drew in a breath and slowly rose on him. His cock slid from her. She sank back onto him. Heat blazed through her. Her nails dug into his shoulders. So good. She couldn’t stop moving.

  Mine, he’s mine. She would make sure he and everyone else knew it. He pulled her down on him, grinding her against him. A jagged bolt of lightning tore through her at the pressure on her clit. She gasped and trembled.

  She rose on him once again. Her body burned, the ache throbbing and building with every move. He slid one hand to her ass, squeezed, and lifted her again. She moaned.

  “I’m so close.” She nipped his shoulder. Not close enough though. Her gums burned, but her canines hadn’t pushed through.

  “Show me I’m yours, peaches. No one will know unless the mark is there.” He ground her against him. “I won’t be sure unless you do it.”

  She growled and shoved down against him. One of her hands clutched at his shoulder. The other moved over his back. She lifted and her inner muscles clenched.

  He knew. She pumped against him. He nipped her hard and swirled her hips. She gasped. Pleasure exploded through her, leaving her shaking and clinging to him. Sharp canines burst through her gums. She bit.

  He hauled her down against him as his hips bucked. She rode the waves of sensation that rippled through her with every thrust. He groaned. His hands held her tight as he reached his peak.

  “That’s so damn good, peaches.” He hugged her tightly to him. “Finally.”

  “You pushed.” She glared up at him. Out of control had not been the plan.

  “Yes, I did.” He stroked his hand down her back and stepped under the spray.

  “Why?” She frowned at him and tugged his hair.

  “Because I didn’t want nice and polite.” He gripped the hair at the back of her neck. “If my mate claims me, then she’ll claim me with all the fierceness inside her.”

  “He’s special that way.” Ethan stopped outside of the shower. “Griffin says your cakes are done and waiting to be frosted.”

  “Good. I’m still in the mood for something sweet.” She unwrapped her legs from around Dawson’s waist.

  “Do you plan to wait until after dinner to feast on that cake?” Dawson slowly lifted her away. She groaned and sighed. Ah well, she could have more of them later.

  “Of course. It needs to be filled and frosted. Then it will be good until after we eat.” She shook her head and slipped back under the spray.

  “Do you need any help, peaches?” Dawson slid his hand over her shoulder.

  “No, I want to get out of here within the next thirty minutes and you’d drive me wild. I’ll handle it this time.” She shook her head.

  “Too bad. You’re missing an opportunity.” Dawson grinned and washed his body.

  “I’ll make sure I grab it next time.” She laughed. “Especially if that pain in the ass keeps being trouble.”

  Chapter Thirty

  The stalker remained a threat, but the man wouldn’t rule their lives. Griffin drove Penny to the store. She needed a little normal. They’d take as many precautions as necessary to give her a little freedom.

  The sun shone brightly. The golden beams broke through the clouds, slightly warming the chilly day. Cars lined the parking spots in front of the large store. Should be plenty of people to discourage an attack. He’d even park closer than he usually would.

  “So what are you doing with all the steaks we’ll be getting?” Penny glanced over at him as he pulled into a spot just a few slots away from the first.

  “You’ll see when we use them. Now, is there anything you think we need?” He cut the engi
ne.

  “Well, since I have no idea what we’re doing, a dessert, maybe some wine or something to drink.” She waved her hand.

  “Beer and wine, good idea, peaches. Maybe something a little lighter, too. I’ll keep a lookout for just the thing. Was there anything that you’re craving or want while we’re here?” He opened his door, but didn’t hop out.

  “I know it’s an affront to fish, but I get hungry for those breaded fish planks. I like to eat them for lunch.” She lifted her shoulder.

  “My sister, right?” Griffin grinned. That was so Maggie. “Those things are all right and we’ll certainly get you some, but I can pretty much guarantee once you’ve had my mother’s fish, you won’t crave the stuff from the store very often.”

  “Yeah, it was your sister, but then she’s also the one who prefers sandwich cookies to homemade cookies.” She grinned and pushed open the door. “Ready to brave the store?”

  “Let’s go. We’ve got steak and other things to pick up.” Griffin pulled out his phone. Now that she’d mentioned it, they’d need something without alcohol.

  Griffin: Come up with ideas and ingredient list for nonalcoholic cocktails.

  They’d need it with her friends coming. At the very least, Chloe wouldn’t be drinking, but Leslie would probably join the not drinking alcohol group soon. Maybe if they were lucky, Penny would take up a position there, too, but only when she became ready.

  Dawson: Okay. Don’t let her know who’s coming.

  “Do you have an actual list to shop from or is this all in your head?” She glanced over at him.

  “Actually, a little bit of both.” Griffin slid out of the car. “I did make a partial list and Dawson will be sending me a list, too. There’s also some stuff I didn’t put on there, because I’m sure I won’t forget.”

  “Famous last words, honey.” She strolled over to his side and they headed into the store.

  “I like that.” Griffin put his arm around her and squeezed.

  “What?” She glanced over at him.

  “Honey. I like it when you call me that.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek.