Speed King (Men of Action)

by Ahren Sanders

  “Oh, fucking…” she pants loudly, her nails now digging into my shoulders.

  My balls tighten and signal a warning of what’s coming.

  “Your pussy is fucking soaked. My piercing scraping against your walls, feeling you throb.” I bite softly on her nipple and move to the other, repeating the action.

  “You can’t… need you…”

  The desperation in her voice tells me she’s almost there. “Come for me, baby.”

  She moans a no.

  Her body is strung so tight it quakes.

  The knot at the base of my spine unravels in one last warning. I stop massaging and flick over her clit until her walls clamp hard and she screams out my name. That’s all it takes and I explode, my dick pulsating with each stream it shoots into her until spots fill my vision and I’m forced to release her nipple to catch my breath.

  “Shit, Jesus. Fuck me.” I hammer up into her a few more times, feeling the heat and slickness of our mixture. “Never fucking get enough.”

  “Hmmm,” is all she replies, her head hitting my shoulder.

  When our breathing evens out, I lay her back, keeping us connected. “Say it again.”

  “I love you.”

  “It never gets old.”

  “Over the years, I wanted to blurt it out, hoping it would make a difference, but I was terrified it would scare you even farther away. It wasn’t worth the risk.”

  “I knew you would own me if I ever got my shot. Fate gave me a chance at something incredible and wrecked me in the best possible way.”

  “What if you become unwrecked?” Self-doubt creeps into her question, turning my gut.

  “I’ll never become unwrecked. You know the man I am, and even if I didn’t always have a clear plan, everything I’ve done has been for us. You’re getting everything you want in life.”

  A shiver rolls through her right before she begins to tremble, moisture building in her eyes. “I told you before, all I want is you.”

  “You have me, and I’m working on a way to make sure we can wake up every day like this.” My hips buck, and the shine in her eyes sparkles with approval.

  “Does this have anything to do with why you, the guys, and Mr. Whitman took off yesterday afternoon? Or the intense conversation around the fire pit last night?”

  “The conversation was an attempt to keep me from pounding the twins.”

  “Your jealousy is outrageous. Sam and Drake are harmless flirts—“

  “Don’t fucking care.” My fingers sift through her hair, rolling it into a thick knot. My mouth goes to her ear and trails along the column of her neck, down her shoulder, and across her collarbone. “But we aren’t talking about them in this bed.” Her skin heats against my lips and she drops her head, arching her chest and giving me exactly what I want. I skim my mouth over her hardened nipple at the same time I surge upward.

  She gasps, rocking with me. “You can’t still be hard.”

  “Not exactly, but I don’t have to be for what I have planned.”

  Her eyes light with curiosity.

  “You mentioned never playing ‘just the tip’.”

  I brace over her and slide out, leaving only the crown in her slick folds. “Now I want to play.”

  “It’s a little late, considering what we just did.”

  “It’s never too late, especially when I demonstrate why I pierced my cock with you in mind.”

  Her eyes sparkle with approval. “I love demonstrations.”

  14

  Harley

  “Will you sit down?” Jewls complains, inspecting her freshly polished nails.

  “I’m can’t sit.”

  “Your nervous energy is exhausting me.”

  She’s got a point. Since the guys took off on Friday morning, I’ve had a nervy knot taking over my stomach and tried everything to keep busy. Achilles warned me it was unlikely he’d be able to call, which turned out to be true. Tom mentioned he wanted to take the weekend off, and I jumped on the chance to pick up the bar shifts on Friday and Saturday night. Jewls offered to work with me last night, and we didn’t get back to my place until after three a.m. I filled the rest of the time cleaning, grocery shopping, taking a double Pilates class yesterday with Ginger, and then spending two hours with Erik discussing marketing and promotions. Achilles was less than pleased with my decision to pick up the shifts, so it did not surprise me to see a flood of familiar faces at the bar, including my dad and Hal. I’d stayed busy, but it didn’t keep me from checking my phone every chance I got.

  “If you don’t slow down, you will not have the energy left to bang your boyfriend when he gets back.” She snorts at her own joke, falling back on my sofa.

  “Don’t be crass.”

  “Don’t play stupid. It’s the truth. Anyone around within ten miles can feel the sexual pheromones coming from you two.”

  “You’re ridiculous.”

  “Nope, seriously. I’m pretty sure the moms made predictions last weekend when the first baby is coming. Amanda looked like she won the lottery.”

  “You’re kidding!”

  “Not at all. Ace rarely takes his eyes off you and doesn’t hide what he’s thinking. You two don’t know the meaning of the word discretion.”

  “We’re not talking about my sex life.” I scrunch my nose and try to shake the idea of my parents knowing.

  “Why not? At least you have one.”

  “Is that jealousy I detect?” I tease, running a dust cloth over the picture frames on my shelf for the second time.

  “Yes! Who in the hell would have thought I’d be envious of your sex life? You’d never even been to third base and now you’re a freaking minx.”

  “Minx? Should I take offense to that?”

  “No, own it with a badge of honor. Many women would give anything to be in your position, and I’m one of them. Fully fucking worshipped by a hot man who thinks you hung the moon. Not to mention, he’s a man in uniform.”

  “Are you saying you have a thing for men in uniform?”

  “Don’t make this about me.”

  “Why not? You and Major aren’t fooling anyone with this little dance.”

  “It’s not a dance.”

  “What is it then? He also doesn’t hide the way he looks at you.”

  “A full roadblock. He’s got me spinning in circles, and I’m not sure I like it. He may look at me like he’s interested, but his actions say different. His choice is staying in the friend zone.” There’s an edge to her tone that sends a wave of familiarity through me.

  I drop my cloth on the shelf and go to the sofa, poking her hip until she scoots enough to make room for me. “You know these men are intense, Jewls. They’re not like the guys we’ve dated.”

  “I am aware, but I don’t want to wait ten years.”

  Her words sting, but they weren’t meant to intentionally hurt me. “I don’t want you to wait ten years, either.”

  “I’m not interested in playing games, Jay, but I can’t get him off my mind. It’s not only his looks, but his complete personality. He’s funny and smart, protective and loyal—all of it is a great package.”

  I bite the inside of my cheek to hide my surprise. Few people get to see this side of Major. It seems like Jewls has been holding out on some serious details about their friendship. I did not know their spark had even hit the ‘talking’ stage. Silently, I make a mental note to pay more attention to my best friend.

  “Maybe he needs a nudge.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know, but we’ll think of something.”

  “Why do men have to be difficult?”

  “Wish I knew.”

  “At least you had the whole virgin thing going for you.”

  “How did we jump back to me?”

  “Because men think that’s hot.”

  “Need I remind you that Achilles didn’t know I was a virgin until I was practically humping him in a stripper bikini in his hot tub?”

  Her
face twists in a disgusted scowl, and she shudders dramatically. “I’m glad you didn’t do it in the hot tub. That would have made last weekend awkward.”

  I press my lips together and hold in my laughter until it bursts out. She’s right. It was awkward enough to sit with the moms in the Jacuzzi knowing that I’d rubbed up against Achilles like a dog in heat.

  “And don’t even get me started on your damn rug. Everyone who’s seen any kind of porn knows a rug in front of a fireplace screams bow-chicka-bow-bow.”

  My giggles grow louder and I fall into her, cackling until tears are dripping down my cheeks. “That’s… not… why… we…”

  “Oh, please, you’re totally going to pound town on that thing.”

  “Stop!”

  Her own laughter turns into snorts, and we’re both gasping for air when the two-second tune for ‘Bad Boys’ sounds from the ottoman. I jump so fast, my butt slips, and I hit the floor, wincing as my ankle twists and my hip slams into the ground. Even in pain, my heart flips, knowing Achilles is finally in contact.

  We have a late meeting but should drive in around ten.

  I read the text with my giddy mood slipping. The first question that comes to mind is what kind of meeting would keep him four hours later than he expected? The second thought is, why so impersonal? I shake it off and quickly respond.

  Okay, sweetie. I’ll wait up for your call.

  I think for a split second and add, Missed you! Before I can press send, the phone rings with his picture.

  “Hey,” I cringe when another pain shoots through my hip as I move my legs in front of me.

  “What’s wrong?” he barks out harshly.

  “Well, hello to you, too.” My attitude kicks in.

  “Baby, I have about forty seconds here. What’s that noise?”

  “If you must know, I fell off my sofa trying to reach the phone. Jewls is laughing at me.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Of course. Are you okay?”

  He blows out a loud sigh. “I’m fine, ready to get the fuck home and back to you.”

  It’s embarrassing how quickly my girly side perks up with his statement. “You want me to come over when you get home?”

  “I want your ass in our bed when I get home.”

  “Achilles, won’t it be weird for me to be there when you’re —”

  I’m cut off by a loud yell in the background and a rustling on the line. “Baby, pack your bag and get to the house. The code on my private entrance will automatically unlock the door and disable the alarm.”

  “Maybe you could call me when you’re close and I can meet you there.”

  “We all have the security monitoring on our phones, and I can re-alarm it when you get inside.” He ignores my suggestion.

  I don’t scare easily, but the thought of being in his house by myself in the dark sends a chill over my skin. Even knowing they have a state-of-the-art security system doesn’t help. Plus, it feels weird being there without him.

  He picks up on my quiet anxiety. “Take Jewls with you so you’re not alone. I’ll be there as soon as possible. God, I fucking miss you.”

  Something’s off in his voice. Exhaustion, irritation, worry… all of it mixing and sending a fresh chill slithering uneasily through me. “If you want me there, I’ll be waiting.”

  “I want you there all the time, and we’re talking about that soon. Not going through this shit again.” There’s a finality in his words. The emotions from his previous statement vanished. I don’t have time to reply when the unmistakable sound of a siren blares in the background, followed by Major shouting his name.

  “Gotta roll. Get over there soon so I can lock it down.”

  “I love you, too, babe. I miss you, too, babe,” I say sarcastically to the dead air and drop the phone into my lap.

  “Uh-oh, trouble in paradise?” Jewls tsks.

  “That was possibly the oddest call I’ve ever had in my life. Ace is getting a lesson in phone etiquette when he gets home.”

  “That should be interesting.”

  I stare at my lap with our conversation rolling over in my brain. He did say he was ready to get back and wanted me in our bed.

  “I can already tell where this is going. Get out of your head and let’s get you packed.” She heaves herself off the couch and yanks me up.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I heard most of what was said and am not letting you internalize it to the point of ridiculousness.”

  “If you heard what he said, then you know he was bossy, short, and direct enough to be on the verge of demanding.”

  “Clue in, Jay, the man sends people to observe when you work a night shift at a low-key bar. He’s possessive, protective, and borderline Neanderthal. Of course, he was bossy. Think about where he is. Not playing golf with the guys. He’s at an active drill weekend with the Marines. He had something to say, said it, and moved on. You need to do the same.”

  She drags me into my room, waving her finger in a circular motion for me to ‘get moving’. It doesn’t take long for me to pack the few items I need and for her to gather her bag from last night.

  “I’m totally down for hanging at the Club tonight.”

  A cool breeze hits my skin before strong arms lift me as I nuzzle closer. My eyes feel like lead, but I pry them open and find Achilles staring at me. “You’re home.”

  “Finally.”

  “What time is it?”

  “A lot later than I wanted. Go back to sleep.”

  “What about Jewls?”

  “Major’s got her. He’ll get her to a bed.”

  “I hope it’s his bed. She’ll love that.”

  One side of his lip curls into a half-grin, and his eyes flick over my shoulder. I don’t have to turn to know Major’s behind us.

  “We fell asleep watching a movie,” I explain unnecessarily.

  “I got that.”

  “We made you guys quesadillas.”

  “We found them.”

  “Is everyone here?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, I’ll sleep better now.”

  I inhale deep, and the scent of his soap fills my nose. “You showered without me.”

  “I was filthy.”

  “But we always shower together.”

  “I’ll take another one in the morning.”

  “That’s good because I love it when we—“ His mouth closes over mine, shutting me up.

  “We have an audience,” he whispers to my lips.

  The soft chuckles fade away as we move, and I’m too tired to be embarrassed. The feel of his soft sheets and warm body curling into mine puts me right back to sleep.

  Sometime later, I wake to sweat trickling down my neck and back. Achilles’ arms are like bands of steel, and his thigh is thrown over mine, cocooning me so close his body heat is blistering into me. His heart is racing, but his breaths are shallow and steady against my throat. I wiggle slightly, trying to pry loose and get one arm free enough to toss the covers to the side. The cool air hits my damp skin, and an uncontrollable shiver travels through my body.

  “Am I suffocating you?” His voice is deep and drowsy.

  “No.” YES!!!

  “Liar.” He unlatches his grip and gives me a few inches of space.

  “Is everything okay?” I find his hand in the dark. “You’re burning up.”

  “My adrenaline crashed. It was a long weekend.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Not much to say except, mentally and physically, my body went through the wringer.”

  “Is that normal?”

  “Sometimes, but never this bad.”

  He doesn’t have to say it for me to understand. “You worried about me.”

  “I worried about you,” he agrees.

  “Because of Tom’s?”

  He doesn’t answer, but his hand clasps mine tighter.

  “You can tell me,” I urge him gently.

  “Last
time I told you I didn’t like you working there, it didn’t go well.”

  “Last time you tried to dictate my life, blew off the grid, and I didn’t know you loved me. Let’s try to have the conversation again.”

  He rolls to his back, bringing my hand to his mouth and running his lips across my knuckles. “It wasn’t only Tom’s, even though I fucking despise you getting off work at three o’clock in the morning on the weekend shift. Me being away didn’t help that.”

  This does not surprise me because he told me before he left, so I wait for what’s coming. “I want you here all the time but know that’s impossible. For my sanity, I’m asking you to stay here next time I have a drill weekend.”

  “Why?”

  “Because this place is secure and safe. One of us gets an alert if even a raccoon crosses the motion detectors. Knowing you are locked up tight at night in our bed gives me peace of mind.”

  I don’t remind him I’ve lived alone for years and never had an incident, nor do I point out that he’s been gone for a long time and I can take care of myself. “Okay, but the guys have to agree.”

  “Already done.”

  “Then I’ll stay here next time. To me, it’s overkill because my place is safe, but we’ll compromise. You won’t lose your mind when I work late, and I’ll come back here.”

  His chest vibrates with a rumble, but he doesn’t comment.

  “Compromise, Ace. I’m not giving up my job at Tom’s.”

  “Not yet.”

  “Never if you don’t lose the attitude. I’ll be his longest-running employee.”

  He grins against the back of my hand, and I scoot closer, laying my head on his shoulder. “I’ll have to get your drill schedule in my calendar in order to make sure Jewls is available to be my weekend buddy. This place is kinda scary to be here alone.”

  “That can be arranged, but babe, I got to warn you. When we walked in tonight, we got less than three minutes of whatever shit you girls were watching, and Ford is having the channel removed.”

  “He can’t! It’s the Hallmark channel in October! Next month is the countdown to Christmas, and there are forty new movies airing.”

  “You’ll find something else to do.” I pick up on a hint of insinuation, right before he hauls me on top and shifts so I can feel every hard inch of him. “Since you’re awake, why don’t you finish telling me more about what you love when we shower?”