by Wilder, L.
Riggs stepped up to grab a crate, and as he lifted it, he looked over to Blaze and said, “As I recall, he was supposed to win the lottery ... was gonna use the money to buy him a yacht just like this one.”
“You’re right.” Blaze nodded with a snicker as he turned to T-Bone. “Let me guess ... You never bought a ticket.”
“Nope.” I grabbed a crate, and as I placed it with the others, I heard T-Bone boast, “But when I do, I’m gonna win that motherfucker and get me a yacht just like this one. You’ll see.”
“Mm-hmm”
The guys continued to joke back and forth, riding each other as they finished stacking the rest of the crates in various storage compartments. Once T-Bone and Blaze made sure that everything was secured, we headed back to the trailers. While Murphy wrapped things up with Ronin, Rider and I took a moment to walk the mares around for a bit before loading them back into the trailers. By the time we had them secured, Murphy was ready to roll and we were on our way. I hadn’t had a bite to eat all day, so I was relieved when they pulled off at a roadside diner for a late lunch. Not wanting to draw any unwelcome attention during the run, none of us were wearing our cuts as we entered the small café, but we still got plenty of stares as our large group made our way to the back of the restaurant. Once we were seated, a waitress came over to get our orders. She was in her late twenties, maybe early thirties, with bleach-blonde hair that was pulled up on top of her head and makeup that was a shade too dark, making her look older than she really was. While she was attractive, it was clear from the scowl on her face that she wasn’t in the best of moods. She feigned a smile as she said, “Hi, guys. I’m Layla, and I’ll be your waitress. What can I get for you today?”
In typical T-Bone fashion, he looked up at her with a smirk and said, “You could get me your number.”
“How about I get your drink order instead?”
“How about both?” Clearly unfazed by her soured expression, he continued to smile as he told her, “I’ll make it worth your while.”
Ignoring him, she turned her attention to the rest of us and said, “We have tea, soda, and beer. What’ll it be?”
We each gave her our order, and once she was gone, Blaze glanced over at T-Bone and said, “You don’t ever give up, do you?”
“Never have. Never will.”
The corner filled with laughter as the brothers started giving T-Bone a hard time for being turned down once again. They kept at it until the waitress returned with our food. As soon as the plates hit the tables, the group fell silent as we all began stuffing our faces. We were just about to finish up when Riggs leaned over to me and asked, “You still looking for a place?”
“I guess you could say that. I really haven’t had much time to look.”
“Well, there’s a house that just came up for sale a few streets over from me and Reece. Heard the husband got a new job out of town, so they’re eager to get it off their hands.” He took a quick drink of his tea before continuing, “It’s got a fenced-in backyard, so you’d have a place for Duchess if you decided to keep her.”
“You got the address?”
“Yeah, I’ll text you all the info, but don’t wait around. I got a feeling it’s gonna go fast.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll see if I can go by there tomorrow.”
“Good. I hope it works out for you.” He cocked his eyebrow and added, “If today’s run was as good as the last, you should have plenty for a down payment on whatever house you want.”
Before I could respond, Blaze stood up and announced, “It’s getting late. We better get a move on.”
He tossed a couple of hundred-dollar bills on the table—more than enough to cover our bill and a healthy tip for our sullen waitress, then started towards the door. Knowing better than to keep him waiting, we all got up and followed him out to the parking lot. Even though we had a long ride in front of us, the run had gone off without a hitch, and spirits were high as we all headed home.
It was late when we made it back to Memphis, and by the time we got the horses and trailers put away, it was even later. We were all exhausted, and I was relieved when the guys decided to skip drinks at the bar and head on home instead. I hoped it meant that none of them would need me in the middle of the night, and I would have a chance to get more than a couple hours sleep. When I got to my room, my entire body was aching from the ride, so I decided to take a hot shower, hoping it was ease the pain. Thankfully, it did the trick, and by the time I got out, I was able to walk without being in agony. By the time I’d dried off and put on a pair of boxers, it was almost midnight. Since it was too late to call Landry, I decided to just call it a night and crashed.
The following few days were pretty much a blur. Word had started to get around about Darcy and her expertise in custom painting, and orders were beginning to pile up, which meant we all had to bust our asses to keep from getting behind. But on a good note, the guys were so busy at work, they had little time for anything else, leaving me with a small amount of free time—something I hadn’t had much of since I’d started prospecting. Knowing it wouldn’t last, I made the best of it and spent as much time as possible with Landry. I even took her to see the house that Riggs had told me about. I enjoyed every second I spent with her, especially those times when we were alone.
“You’re going to have to stop looking at me like that.”
Landry was sitting at the edge of the bed, and she looked all kinds of sexy in my old Vols hoodie. She twirled a strand of her hair around her finger as she smiled and asked, “Like what?”
“Don’t play innocent with me. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“Are you saying you don’t like the way I’m looking at you?” With her eyes trained on mine, she stood up from the bed and pulled the hoodie over her head, revealing her black lace bra and panties. “Because I can stop if you want me to.”
“Never said I didn’t like it.” I let my eyes drift over her curves as I growled, “And no, I don’t want you to stop ... Not now. Not ever.”
“Good.” She held my gaze as she reached her arms behind her, slowly removing her lace bra. A mischievous smirk crossed her face as she sassed, “’Cause I can’t seem to help myself whenever you’re around.”
Between the sexy-as-hell smile and the provocative tone of her voice, I could barely keep it together, and it certainly didn’t help matters that she was standing just inches away wearing nothing but her lace panties. Damn. I wanted to play it cool, but the woman was killing me. It was all I could do to keep myself from losing it right then and there. I stepped towards her, dropping my hands to her waist as I slowly lowered her onto my bed. Impatient for more, her hands quickly dropped to her hips. Her eyes never left mine as she slowly lowered her panties, inch by inch, down her long legs. She lay there, her naked form sprawled across the bed just waiting to be taken. As I let my eyes drift down her body, I couldn’t believe such an incredible creature was mine. Her delicious curves called me as I lowered myself down onto the bed next to her. “Damn, woman. Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”
I watched her squirm beneath me as I began to trace the slope of her breast with my fingertips. “Just looking at you makes me fucking hard.”
I lowered my mouth to her neck, kissing and nipping at her soft skin as I made my way down her collarbone to her breast. I nipped and sucked her delicate flesh as my fingers worked their way across her abdomen. Heavy pants and low moans filled the room as I made my way further down between her legs; my fingers grazed across her center, circling her, teasing her. Unable to contain herself, she rocked her hips forward, pleading for more. Fuck. Seeing her so worked up had my cock throbbing for attention.
I wanted to make her come undone. I wanted to hear all of her little gasps and whimpers again and again as I pushed her to the edge of her release. Damn. Everything about her had me burning for more. I eased my fingers inside her, searching for the spot that drove her wild. Her hips jolted forward, letting me know the secon
d I’d found it. Landry’s breath quickened as her hands dove into the sheet, twisting them tightly in her fingers as her orgasm surged through her body like a bolt of lightning. “That’s it, baby. Come for me.”
Panting, she muttered over and over again, “Oh, my God.”
Hearing her pleasured moans filled me with need, and I couldn’t wait a moment longer to have her. I stood up and removed my jeans and boxers before slipping on a condom. A flash of desire crossed her face as I eased down on top of her and raked my throbbing erection against her. “Do you see what you do to me, Landry?”
“Clay,” was the only word she could muster.
I knew right then that I would never get tired of hearing her say my name in that breathy, wanton tone like she wanted me just as much as I wanted her. She pressed her lips to mine in a possessive, demanding kiss as she used her legs to pull me forward, and I felt her tremble beneath me as I slid deep inside her, giving her every aching inch of my cock. Fuck. She was so tight, so warm and wet. After pausing for several breaths, I started to move, slowly rocking against her. I watched as she started to writhe beneath me, her neck and chest flushed red with desire, and her eyes clenched shut. Seeing her so lost in the moment was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen. Hell, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.
Our fingers laced together as I pulled back and thrust inside of her again. I lowered my mouth to hers, kissing her deep and rough before placing my hands on her hips and rolling her over onto her stomach. I lifted Landry up, positioning her on her knees, and relished in the sight of her perfect ass before driving into her once again. After several slow, steady thrusts, I started to increase my pace. Needing to be deeper, I placed my palm on the small of her back, pushing her down slightly to adjust her angle, and she moaned in pleasure when I buried myself inside her once again. She tilted her head back, and I reached for her hair, gently tugging it as I drove into her again and again with a hard and relentless rhythm. The headboard pounded against the wall as she rocked her hips back. Landry wasn’t holding back. Instead, she met my every move with the same fevered pace, letting me know without words exactly what she wanted.
When she started to tighten around me, there was no question that she was getting close. I could feel the pressure building myself, forcing a growl from my chest. Unable to resist, I began to drive deeper, harder. I couldn’t wait to see her orgasm take hold once again, to hear those little sounds she made over and over. “I’m going to keep fucking you until you come all over my cock.”
Her body grew rigid, and she started gasping for air as the muscles in her body grew taut and her climax took hold. After a brief moment, her muscles began to quiver and a rush of air escaped from her lungs. With my impending release quickly approaching, I continued to drive into her with the sounds of my body pounding against hers echoing throughout the room. With one last deep-seated thrust, I buried my cock inside her as I found my own release.
After several deep breaths, I lowered myself down onto her chest and rested there for just a brief moment, then rolled onto my back, slid off the condom, and tossed it in the basket by my night table. When I pulled her over to me, she rested her head on my shoulder with the palm of her hand on my chest and a satisfied smile on her face. After a few moments of recovery, I was pleased to see that Landry was more than willing to have another go, and then another. In fact, we spent the entire night tangled up together, and would’ve continued on even longer if my burner cell hadn’t started to ring.
Landry
I couldn’t believe how good everything was going. The Coburn case was finally about to go before the courts. I’d been working day and night, trying my best to be prepared. My major concern was Katie. After all she’d been through, the kid deserved to find a little bit of happiness, and after seeing her with her new foster family, I truly believed she’d found it. I just hoped that after reviewing all the charges against Mr. Coburn, the judge would allow Katie to stay there with them. Things were also great with Aniya and the kids. The last time we’d talked, Aniya seemed to be in much better spirits, especially where her new job was concerned. The hours were much more tolerable, and the pay was better than she’d ever expected. Fiona and Joseph were both on the mend from their colds, and they were both loving the new after-school daycare at the church.
As well as things were going at work, they were even better with Clay. Unlike when we’d first started dating, the two of us were actually getting to spend a bit more time together, and I was loving every minute of it. He had a way of making me feel so beautiful and adored. It wasn’t a feeling that I was used to, but it was growing on me. In fact, everything about Clay was growing on me—his smile, his touch, and his protective nature. I knew it was much too soon to be falling for him, but as I curled up next to him in bed, I simply didn’t care.
The sun was just starting to peak through the blinds when I leaned over and kissed him softly on the cheek. “Good morning.”
“Morning, beautiful.” He yawned, then gave me a quick squeeze. “What time is it?”
“From the sounds of it, it’s time for you to get moving.”
Confusion marked his face as he mumbled, “Huh?”
“Your cell phone ... It just went off again.”
“What?” He shot up in bed and reached over to grab his phone off the side table. “Damn, I didn’t hear it.”
“It’s only gone off a couple of times.”
As soon as he looked down at the screen, he groaned and pulled himself out of bed. “Damn it!”
“What’s wrong?”
“The alarm is going off down at the garage.”
“Someone was trying to break in?”
“Doubt it.” Clay grabbed a t-shirt out of his bag, and as he put it on, he explained, “Riggs checked the cameras and didn’t see anything, but since I’m closer, he wants me to go check it out.”
“Okay.” Trying not to sound too hopeful, I asked, “Will you be coming back?”
“I wish I could, but I’ve got a crazy day ahead.” He slipped on some socks and a pair of jeans, then started pulling on his boots. “But I should have some time later. You good with that?”
“Yes, I’m definitely good with that.” Once he was dressed, he looked down at me with an odd expression. Having no idea what he was thinking, I asked, “What?”
“Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to leave here when you look so damn good lying in that bed?”
“I’ll have you know, it’s no easier watching you go.” I smiled. “But, I’ll see you later tonight.”
“That you will.”
He leaned down and gave me a kiss, but not just any kiss. It was one of those kisses that sent a spark of desire burning through my entire body. Just as I was about to reach that point of no return, he took a step back to release himself from my lips, leaving me all kinds of hot and bothered. When he caught sight of my flushed cheeks and neck, a sexy little smirk crossed his face. “I saw that!”
“What?” he asked innocently.
“You know exactly what!” I teased. “You did that on purpose!”
He was still sporting that same sexy smirk as he put on his cut and started for the door. “Maybe ... you can get me back tonight.”
“You can count on it!” I laughed as he and Duchess headed down the hall.
Moments later, I heard my front door open and close, letting me know they were both gone. I lay there for a few minutes and tried to fall back asleep, but failed miserably. Giving up on the idea of more rest, I got up and started getting ready for work. After a quick shower, I got dressed and fixed my hair and makeup, then went into the kitchen for a bite to eat. As soon as I filled my tumbler full of coffee, I tossed a protein bar into my bag and headed to work.
It was still early when I made it to the office, too early for most, so I used the quiet time to drink my coffee and go over the Coburn file. Once I was completely certain that I was ready to testify, I put the Coburn case to the side and started going over a few of my other ca
ses. When I came across the Strayhorn file, I couldn’t help but smile. They’d come such a long way since my first visit, and I took pride in knowing I’d helped make a difference in their lives. I just needed to make sure everything was still going well so I could update Aniya’s file. I grabbed my things and started out to my car.
I could’ve just called Aniya instead of driving out to the house, but I was hoping I might get to see Fiona and Joseph since it was a school holiday. When I pulled up to their house, I spotted an old Ford pickup in the driveway that I’d never seen before. I thought it might’ve belonged to someone in her family or maybe a friend who’d dropped by. I’d soon discover it was neither.
Completely oblivious that I was about to find myself in a precarious situation, I went up and knocked on the door. Just as I’d hoped, Fiona opened the door. She looked absolutely adorable in her purple leggings and unicorn sweatshirt. Her corkscrew curls were pulled back out of her eyes, so there was no hiding the expression on her face. Unlike the times before, she didn’t look happy to see me. Instead, she seemed completely terrified and didn’t even speak. She just stood there with a panicked expression when I said, “Hey there, sweetie. How are you this morning? Are you feeling better?”
I was hoping for a verbal response, but she simply nodded. Sensing something was terribly wrong, I asked, “Fiona, is everything okay?”
“Who’s at the door!” a man’s voice roared.
Fiona’s breath quickened as she glanced over her shoulder and whispered, “He’s back.”
“Who’s back?”
Before she could answer, the man shouted, “I asked a goddamn question, and I expect a fucking answer!”
I could hear the loud, storming thud of footsteps approaching, and Fiona’s little brown eyes widened as a large man with overgrown curly hair and a thick beard came up behind her. He was a fierce creature, tall with bulging muscles and tattoos covering his body, and his eyes were cold and menacing. I could hear the fear in Fiona’s voice as she glanced up at him timidly and muttered, “It’s Ms. Dawson.”
