She didn’t even have to think. His touch fueled her actions, left her wanting more. She shivered at the petal-soft caress of his lips traveling across her jaw and down the side of her neck. The scrape of his teeth brought another tremor. His touch blanked her mind, straining her ability to think. All she could do was wonder at the sensations he drew forth and how much she wanted him.
His hands tightened around her, and she felt the sensation of weightlessness.
“You enjoy toting me around like a box of bath bombs.”
“It makes me feel manly.”
She bounced on the mattress, and he loomed over her.
“Take off your underwear. Let me see you in the light.”
“You want to ogle me.”
“Guilty. You’re so pretty. I love ogling your muscles.” She stared at him while he pulled his underwear down his long legs. She admired his muscular thighs and the hair she knew would feel a little tickly against her own limbs, but in a good way.
He tugged his beard, a rueful gesture. “I keep telling you I’d be even prettier without this scruff on my face.”
“Are you fishing for more compliments?”
“I can’t wait to shave off the bloody thing. I’d much rather talk about something other than undercover operations.”
“I thought it might rain today. From what I hear the local farmers are hoping for the same thing.” Sorrel tried but failed to restrain her grin.
“People have had their bottoms smacked for less.”
Her grin widened, an impish mischievousness springing to the fore. “They were discussing spanking at the lab this afternoon. I think I’ll learn a lot of interesting things there.” This could backfire. Already embarrassment crept into her face, making her skin prickly and hot.
“We’ll explore them,” he promised.
“All of them?”
“If that’s what you want.”
“Yes,” she said slowly, liking him so much in that moment she struggled to take her next breath. Freedom was a heady thing. She stretched out her arms, silently asking him to join her on the bed.
He was at her side in an instant, his naked body covering hers. Their lips met and the laughter and teasing faded away. His lips were soft, and a hungry little sound escaped her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and let the passion sweep her under.
She’d half expected him to hurry the process because she knew he’d have to leave soon, but he didn’t. He gentled the kiss, the lazy stroke of his tongue teasing. A row of kisses down her neck shouldn’t feel so decadent, nor should the skim of his hands as he touched and caressed her shoulders. His fingers dipped close to her breasts, then darted away. She let out cry of frustration, desperately wanting him to tug her nipples again, to taunt and tease her to a point shy of pain.
“Tell me what you want.”
“You know what I want.”
“Tell me,” he prompted again, his husky voice sending a shiver through her.
She chewed her bottom lip, her earlier bravery deserting her. The last thing she wanted was to sound silly.
“Sorrel.” He lifted his head to study her. “I like your new confidence. I enjoy the way you’re smiling more. The sound of your laughter—it makes me happy. Tell me what you want me to do next.”
Sorrel sucked in a quick breath for bravery. She knew what she wanted. All she needed to do was get out the words. Another breath inflated her lungs. She exhaled, ordering her thoughts then started. “I want you to touch my breasts. Suck them into your mouth. Bite my nipples and soothe them with your tongue.”
“I can do that. Anything else?”
“I want you to kiss and tongue my private parts. Then I want to try out the vibrating condom.”
Jake barked out a laugh, but she sensed he was surprised and pleased by her requests. “Sounds like a perfect plan to me. Let’s get started.”
The pulse at her throat beat a tattoo, an indication of the exhilaration flying through her. His warm lips charted a path down her throat, alternatively nibbling and soothing. She was never sure whether she’d feel the nip of his teeth or the delicate stroke of his warm tongue. The sensations bled into each other, her pussy clenching, as if hungry for the act to come.
“Jake.” Soft, needy sounds spilled from her mouth, her body arching as his lips encircled one nipple. She felt the sharp tug bungee downward, springing back, reverberating. Each of his touches was an erotic assault, and she quivered, desperate for more.
When he lifted his head, satisfaction curved his sensual mouth. “I’m doing a good job.”
“Yes, you are.”
Through her heavy fog of desire, she watched him kiss his way down her body, dipping his tongue into the indent of her navel. His lips skimmed the jut of her hipbones. His teeth scraped the tender skin of her inner thighs. Automatically, she parted her legs, allowing him free access to her body. Approval flashed across his face, a captivating smile blooming, followed by a wink. Then he lowered his head again, sliding his hands beneath her butt, lifting her.
The first stroke of his tongue took her by surprise, the wet warmth of it. The delicate lap down her folds. She caught her breath, desperately wanting him to repeat the move. How else would she know what she liked best? The thought made her smile, but the second stroke brought a frisson of pleasure. One long finger pushed inside her, filling her before she’d even realized that was exactly what she’d craved. He feasted, each added intimacy turning her breathing shallow.
“Jake.” It was a request for him to move faster, and thankfully he seemed to understand. He focused on her clitoris, circling the hard nub with his tongue, sucking with his mouth. She moaned, sparks of light exploding behind her closed eyelids. His finger plunged deep, caressing a tender spot, and hot, sensual flames licked across her skin. His lips teased, tongue delicately massaging while the pressure within her grew hotter. More. And then she was exploding, taking flight from her body while he maintained constant contact.
Gradually she returned to herself, the tension fading from her limbs. She sighed.
“Good?” He removed his finger from her, licking away the juices that made it glisten, watching her all the while.
“Better than good.”
“Where are the condoms?” He lowered his hand, his dark eyes gleaming. All over again, she felt the heat of desire strike at her, her pulse race for what she knew would come next.
“In the red-and-white-striped bag, the one sitting on the floor in the corner of the room. The vibrating condoms are the ones in the red packaging.”
He retrieved the condom, scanned the instructions and rolled it onto his cock. Moisture pooled between her legs, the scent of her desire and his, heavy on the air. Joining her again on the bed, he took the time to brush his fingers across her cheek, his expression soft before his lashes shielded his thoughts.
“Jake, please.” She wanted to feel him plundering her body.
“Patience, sweetheart.” Jake moved between her parted legs, guided his cock to her and pushed inside.
She sighed at the welcome pressure, the closeness she felt to Jake in this moment. Fully embedded, he paused, letting her body adjust to his size. He bathed the puckered tip of one breast with his tongue before he withdrew and glided inside her again. He paused for a second, reaching down to push on the power switch on the condom. The vibrations lined up with her clit, dragging a startled moan free.
A muttered curse escaped him, a grunt that was half laughter. “That’s different.”
“A good different,” she said.
And it was. His hard, almost forceful strokes filled her, and each time he plunged inside her, the vibrations connected with the base of her clitoris, rekindling her excitement.
Jake increased his speed, his large body trembling as she wrapped her arms around him. This felt so right, so perfect, and there was nowhere, no one she’d rather be with.
Her climax broke over her on his next stroke—long, languorous pulses that seemed to go on forever.
Jake’
s breathing was loud in her ear, a rough growl vibrated in his chest and he stilled. She glanced up at him, seeing the tautness of his face, the closed eyes. They opened without warning, and she was trapped in his gaze, the fierce joy and satisfaction. Still the vibrations of the condom continued, almost painful against her tender clit.
“What say I get rid of this thing?” An edge of humor lurked in his raspy voice.
He withdrew to remove the condom and returned to her side. Their skin stuck together, clammy and uncomfortable, yet she cuddled closer. Languid and lazy, after her orgasm, already sleep pulled at her. Her last thought as she drifted into sleep was that she’d miss Jake when he returned to his soldiering.
Yeah, she’d miss him a lot.
Chapter Twelve
Brother Rick sat at a cafe table near the window and glared at the woman crossing the road. Brother Tyrone was right. He had seen Bitter in town the other day.
His eyes narrowed as she entered Kellie Anne’s Ladies Wear, hate writhing through him like a parasitic worm. It was all her fault. She’d driven him to take this path.
If only—
He broke off the thought. Wishing things were different would yield nothing. No, it was a self-destructive direction, and he knew better. He was cleverer than that, which was why he was the leader of Children of Nature.
The stupid bitch had no idea Brother Samuel had wanted her to take over the leadership role. And she hadn’t even offered an argument when, on Brother Samuel’s death, he’d seized control. The takeover had been simple and getting rid of his father even easier.
Now, everything was falling apart. He needed money, damn it. Despite the ideals of Children of Nature, it was ludicrous thinking one could get through life without cash.
Money was everything.
Money was king.
He’d made a serious error. Now, he needed to get Sister Bitter back to the compound and under his control. His mouth pulled tight over his teeth, and the small child at the table next door started wailing on seeing his expression. If he’d known she held the key to him getting the Children of Nature money, he wouldn’t have expelled her from the compound.
Fuck, he hated making mistakes.
No, he had to get her back and by the end of the week.
Sister Bitter left the shop, a shopping bag in her left hand and a happy smile on her face.
Brother Rick stood and left the cafe. He strode across the street, waiting impatiently for a car to pass before he could get close enough to speak with Sister Bitter.
“Bitter.”
Her steps faltered before she recovered. Her shoulders stiffened but she kept walking.
Brother Rick started running to catch up. He grabbed her arm and yanked her to a stop. “I’m talking to you, Bitter.”
She was shorter, but she still managed to look down her nose at him. Her snooty glare jerked his temper.
“My name is Sorrel. You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”
Brother Rick took note of the changes in her then. Her hair—it was a different color—and the new clothes. His gaze dropped to her breasts and the deep cleavage between. “You have breasts.” He snapped his mouth shut, appalled at the comment. Fuck, he sounded like an imbecile.
Sorrel tugged her arm free and stalked away. Once again the differences in her assailed him. She was thinner, bustier. How the hell had she managed the transformation from plain to outright sexy?
“Wait.” He grabbed her again and forced her to face him. “You have to come back to the compound.”
“No.”
A car pulled up alongside them. An elderly woman wound down the window. “Sorrel, I’m going to the factory. Want a lift?”
“Harriet, thank you.”
Sorrel pulled from his grasp and darted away. She jumped into the passenger seat of the vehicle before Rick could protest. He cursed under his breath and swore again as the car pulled away from the curb.
He’d done a good job of alienating Bitter from Children of Nature. Too good. She hated him, and it was obvious he’d have to find another way to get her under his control. She’d sign the bloody document the bank required to let him withdraw the deposit if it was the last thing he did.
He’d worked hard, and by damn, he was going to take the money as reward. Bitter wasn’t going to muck up his life any longer.
* * * * *
Children of Nature Compound
The roar of motorbikes split the air, drowning out the dinner bell. Birds roosting in the nearby trees took flight with squawks of indignation.
Inside the compound, Brother Rick stilled, a sliver of fear sliding down his spine. Shit, this wasn’t good. He had to get Bitter soon.
Failing wasn’t an option.
And meantime, he’d just have to bluff it out.
“They’re here,” Brother Felix said.
“Remember, I told you I thought they’d send someone. That’s what I’d do in their position. We’ll have to stall them until we regather Bitter.”
Brother Felix frowned. “I thought she refused to return.”
“She did, but there’s a reason I’ve been following her around and getting to know her routine. Tomorrow we’ll grab her. I’ll force the bitch to sign the document then get rid of her.”
“Murder?” The color fled from Brother Felix’s face. “You can’t…I can’t… No.”
Rick made a sound of disgust, deep in his throat. “Not murder, you idiot. I thought I’d give her to the leader of the Rebel Brothers. He has a weakness for women. He’ll take her off our hands with no questions.”
“But I’ve seen their women…the drugs…” Brother Felix trailed off.
“Don’t go weak on me now, Felix. We need to stick together and sweat this out or we’ll lose everything.”
Felix sighed and gave a curt nod, acting more his normal self. “You’re right.”
“Excellent. Let’s go and greet our visitors and show them how good our hospitality is out here in the country.”
Rick strode from the office he and Felix had holed up in to discuss what should be done. Of course, there was little doubt in Rick’s mind as to the solution to their problem, but it didn’t hurt to maneuver Felix onside. He couldn’t do this alone, needed Felix’s help. He aimed for confident as he stalked to the compound entrance.
Outside, the sound of motorbikes faded, replaced by chatter.
“Open the gates,” an imperious voice shouted.
The two elderly men on security looked to Rick.
He nodded. “Please open the gates and let our guests enter.”
The gates groaned as the men unlocked them.
“About time.” The man at the head of the bikers revved his machine.
Brother Rick curved his stiff lips into a welcoming smile. Despite his words to Felix, worry churned his gut. He wanted to tell them to leave, but he wasn’t stupid. He held his hands behind his back in an effort to hide his tremors.
“Welcome to Children of Nature, Elijah,” Rick said. “Good timing. Dinner is ready.” The last of his words were drowned out by the roar of motorbikes. They sped past him, ten in all. Not good.
Pulling confidence around him like a cloak, Rick glanced at Felix and walked in the direction of the gang members. Ten Rebel Brothers. The rest of his day promised excitement, if he lived to tell the tale.
* * * * *
“Luke, something is going on here at the compound.” Jake scanned his surroundings. “Ten members of the Rebel Brothers have turned up. I’ve no idea why they’re here, but Brother Felix is green around the gills. Brother Rick is harder to read, but even he is uneasy.”
“Interesting. The Rebel Brothers were into drugs and weapons when I worked in the city. I need to chat with my contacts. Can you keep me posted? Keep a low profile. I’ve heard rumors of people disappearing after involvement with this gang.”
“I’ll try.” Jake hung up and tucked his phone away, double-checking it wouldn’t fall from his pocket at an inopportune moment. The condom
fiasco had taught him a valuable lesson.
Jake hobbled into the dining room, keeping his head low and his shoulders slumped. He joined the line of people waiting to collect food, sneaking a peek at the visitors in his peripheral vision.
They were loud, their guffaws ringing out in the large room. By contrast the cult members remained quiet, and Jake could smell the stench of fear and uncertainty wafting on the air. Frankly, he thought them smart to worry. The arrival of gang members didn’t bode well.
With his meal in hand, Jake scanned the tables and limped over to one near the visitors in the hope of eavesdropping. Hopefully, he’d learn something of interest to help Luke discover why they were here and what it meant.
“I’m waiting for one of the signatories to arrive back from holiday.” Brother Rick spoke calmly, but Jake saw the underlying tension in the man. “I told you on the phone.”
“And I’m fine with waiting,” the man sitting next to Brother Rick declared with a jovial smile.
Jake knew the type. Big and rough in appearance, he relied on fear to keep challengers at bay.
“We wanted to see the setup. No point in a partnership if the compound is crap.”
“Partnership,” the woman sitting next to Jake muttered, horror coating her tone. “What partnership?”
Jake got it. “Shush,” he murmured in warning. He didn’t want anyone to get hurt. “We can discuss this later.”
Cattle rustling was the least of Luke’s problems.
“How long are you intending to stay?” Brother Felix asked. “We’ll need to organize accommodation and food for you.”
“And drinks,” one of the men called. “I deserve something stronger than lemonade to wash down my meal.”
“Lemonade is for pussies,” another snarled.
“There is a pub in town,” Brother Rick said.
“Good. Organize some rum and a few beers,” the man who seemed to be the leader ordered.
“Of course.” Brother Rick never missed a beat. “You’re our guests. We want you to feel welcome.”
“I wouldn’t mind a woman.” The man scanned the room.
Jake tensed, his gut twisting with foreboding.
“That, too, can be arranged,” Brother Rick said smoothly.
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