by T. L. Reeve
Scarlett tucked her bottom lip between her teeth as he pulled up to the building and put his car in park. What did she say? Of course, he'd made bold statements about making her his, but what did that mean in the grand scheme of things?
“Would you like me to walk you up?”
“S-sure,” she said. “I'd like that.”
They'd departed from the hotel before the gala officially ended, to be sure Maisie wouldn't see them. After the incident with the bartender, she'd been paranoid, to say the least, even if he didn't seem like the type to rat her out.
“You're acting like a skittish newborn foal.”
She laughed. “I suppose I am.”
“You worried about what I have intended for you tonight?” The way his blue eyes swirled with intention and lust stole her breath.
“A little, if I'm being honest.”
“Don't be. I won't do anything you don't want me to do.” Dave opened the door to his car then got out. He came around the vehicle and opened her door. “You're always in control and you can always tell me no.”
“What if I don't want to?”
“Then we'll see where this takes us.” He took her hand and escorted her inside. The small security light illuminated the area for them as they walked up the stairs to her apartment.
Tension radiated between them. Her heart pounded and her stomach clenched. Getting down and dirty with Kenny had been one thing, it happened. There were no pretenses or thoughts. No questions or understandings. The sex between them was dirty and fast. It was also amazing sex. Looking at Dave as they crested the staircase, she wondered if they could do the same.
You've been friends for years, it might be awkward. And, therein lie the problem. They'd known each other for a long time. Since they were ten. Since she'd had her accident. She should have been comfortable with him, yet a bit of her worried about what would come next. “Have—have you done this before?”
They stopped outside her apartment. “Sex? Sure. You?”
Heat filled her cheeks. “You know I have.”
“I did. I enjoy seeing your cheeks turn a rosy shade of pink though when you're bashful or embarrassed.” He wrapped his arm around her middle and tugged her close. “I can also see the worry and concern in your eyes. You're thinking about our friendship.”
She dipped her chin.
“None of that,” he said, lifting her face so she had to stare at him. “I've loved you since the minute I saw you. Scar and all. This just seems like a natural progression.”
“You love me?” She cocked a brow.
He nodded then kissed her. It started sweet, simple. Nothing like Kenny's powerful hunger. Then Dave deepened it. He consumed her. His big body loomed over her as their tongues tangled together. She moaned into it, wrapping her arms around his neck. How two different kisses could set her on fire, she'd never understood.
Dave pulled back then, breaking the kiss. “We should do this inside. Not out here. Not where we can get caught.”
She let out a shaky breath and nodded. “I agree.”
The minute they were inside her apartment, Dave had her pinned to the door. He placed her legs around his waist, surprising her. The muttered curse falling from his lips turned her on. Both men, Kenny and Dave acted as though they'd been starved of her. Like they couldn't get enough, and it confused her. How did she earn this kind of devotion from them?
His hands slid up the outside of her thighs, pushing the flowing gown out of the way. The cool air of the room licked across her exposed flesh and goosebumps were left in its wake. She moaned, burying her face in the crook of his neck. He palmed her ass, squeezing and kneading the round globes until she thought she'd go insane.
“Bedroom,” he muttered.
“Down the hall,” she said, pointing in the general direction.
He didn't put her down, instead carried her where she pointed. He also didn't let her go as he put her on the bed. Instead, he ground his hips against hers and let out a muffled curse. She ached for him. In this position, he had to know how wet he made her. How stiff her nipples were and how her pulse hammered at her throat.
“Dave...” she whispered.
“I know,” he replied. “I feel it too.”
He stepped away, removing his clothes one piece at a time. She lifted her trembling hands to do the same and he stilled her, with a shake of his head. She stared up at him as he pulled down his pants. The black boxer-briefs outlined the thick stalk of his erection along with the wet spot at the tip of his cock. He cupped himself and groaned. She'd been entranced as he stroked himself through the barrier. The length of his dick grew with each pass until she thought he'd burst from his underwear.
“Take off your dress, leave your stockings and garter on.”
The corner of her mouth kicked up. “How do you know I have panties on at all?” Knowing full well he'd felt it when he palmed her ass.
“Don't toy with me right now,” he grunted. “I've waited for this moment for a long time.”
She gasped, shocked by his words. She quickly worked to undo her dress then slipped it off. The coolness of her room caused her nipples to become painfully tight buds. She squirmed on the bed while he took his fill of her. She lowered her gaze to his groin and noticed the small dot had grown larger.
“Don't worry, all that's for you,” he said as if reading her mind.
Dave joined her on the bed then, covering her exposed body with his. He kissed her once more and she melted into him. She tingled from head to toe with anticipation, but if he had an inkling of going faster, he didn't express it. He'd been content to tease and touch her. She ran her fingers through his perfect dark-blond locks as he dipped his head and kissed a path between her breasts. As he slid down her body, she noticed the contrast in the color of their skin. Where she'd been a deep shade of brown, his was lightly tanned and fit. It was obvious, between his work as a lawyer, he'd found time to work out and she appreciated it.
“Where'd you go?” he murmured, nipping her hip. “You got this faraway look in your eyes.”
“I was appreciating your body,” she said.
A cocky grin tugged at his lips. “Were you?”
Heat filled her cheeks. “Yes.”
“Good to know.” He tugged on her panties until they ripped free. “Now that's what I'm talking about.” He buried his face between her thighs and moaned. “So good.” His tongue lashed at her throbbing clit and her ass came off the bed. “Sensitive. I fucking love it.”
Scarlett rode his face while gripping his hair. He drove her insane, pushing her toward cataclysmic orgasm. It built, twisting her insides into one giant pleasure-filled ball. It expanded until she thought she'd go insane. He teased her though, perched at the brink of orgasm while he ran his tongue along her slit and inside of her, but not once did he draw the taut bead into his mouth.
“Come for me,” he muttered against her pussy. “Let me taste you.”
He pushed two of his broad fingers into her at the same moment he latched onto her clit. She screamed his name as everything inside of her shattered. Nothing had ever felt as exquisite or as painful as the release racing through her system. Her back bowed, her hips rocked and every muscle in her stomach twitched and jerk. When she came down and could draw in a breath, she shook. The simple act had turned her inside out and left her dazed. His masculine chuckle, sent a bolt of lust through her still trembling body and a new wave of need built low.
“My turn.”
He shoved his briefs off and covered his body with hers. In the next second, he filled her. The thick stalk of his cock stretched her in the most delicious ways, pushing her into a small, yet still powerful climax.
He stilled and groaned. “You're so fucking tempting.” He pulled out and stroked himself a few times before grabbing his pants. “Make me forget my senses.” He withdrew a small grey disk then ripped it open. He rolled the condom over his length and dear God, even watching him do such a mundane task, turned her on.
&nbs
p; By the time he entered her again, she was on edge. He stole her ability to reason or control the situation. She kissed him, trying to express the desperate way he made her feel, and Dave returned it with the same amount of vigor. She burned for him, swore she'd combust before they were finished and then enjoyed the idea of dying in his arms because the sex had been fantastic.
“Dave,” she whimpered digging her nails into his shoulders.
He shuddered, his hips faltered. “Shit, don't say my name like that. You got me at my limit already.” He retreated and slammed into her twice more.
She cried out, clinging to him. Everything inside her was poised once more the impending orgasm building. It was too much. Too good. He'd ruin her. She knew it. “Please!” She'd never sounded so desperate in her life. Never so out of control. Only two men had left her witless and insane and Dave was one of them.
“I love it when you beg me. Gets me so fucking hard and ready.” He licked his thumb before pressing it to her clit. She bucked against him. “Fuck my dick, Scar. Give it to me.”
He continued to manipulate her clit while she rolled her hips, more so jerking over him as each thrust touched all the sensitive places inside her. Her mind fractured and her eyes fluttered closed seconds before she came apart in his arms. It was so powerful; her breath had been lodged in her throat and her body had gone tense.
He was right there though, milking her clit while he fucked her in hard uneven thrusts and when she could finally draw a breath, she flew. The warmth of his body covering hers, added to the sensations bombarding her as she rode the waves of her release. The sounds he made when he thrust twice more then still, added to euphoria fueling her pleasure. Nothing compared to being in his arms. She didn't think anything would either. Dave gathered her in his embrace and groaned as he slowly pulled from her. “God...” He pressed a kiss to her temple as she snuggled into his warmth and closed her eyes.
“Wow,” she murmured, not able to move, even if she wanted to. Had anyone told her earlier in the week, she’d end up in bed with Dave and had sex with Kenny as well, she’d have said they were crazy.
“I know, I felt it too.” He placed another kiss to her temple. “I know.”
Bone-Deep exhaustion overtook her, and she could feel herself drifting. Maybe she should rest for a bit before they had to get back to work. She realized on the way home, after everything they learned at the gala; they'd face more challenges before things would finally settle down. But, for tonight, she just wanted to be here in the moment with Dave. “Don't leave me.”
“Not going anywhere, Scar. Promise.”
Chapter Five
The next morning, Scarlett woke up alone. Disappointment filled her. She shouldn't have been, after all, there were no promises made while in the silent interlude before she and Dave began again. She also couldn't say the sex hadn't been amazing. Because it was. It curled her toes, melted her heart and made her wish for things she had no business wishing for—like Dave still in bed with her.
Oh well, it's for the best anyway.
Scarlett slipped out from under the rumpled covers and sat up. She glanced at the clock and frowned. It was a little after six, and according to Dave, Timothy would be there by eight. She ran her fingers through her bed-tangled hair and frowned. The area looked like a bomb had gone off in it. Her dress lay in a heap by the door, presumably where Dave had thrown it. Her stockings and garter were haphazardly thrown over her bedside lamp. Before she could take a shower and begin her day, she'd have to clean up. No way in hell, she'd want Samantha to see her room in such a state.
Once she was finished and the room looked somewhat presentable, she took a shower then dressed. Her curly hair had gone frizzy, so instead of leaving it down as she normally did, she twisted it into a severe knot at the nape of her neck. The smell of coffee wafted from her kitchen as she stepped out of her room moments later, and she frowned. She hadn't smelled the brew when she woke, which meant someone had to have been in her apartment, right? She strode down the hall and came to an abrupt halt when she saw Kenny and Edward sitting at her small table in the alcove by her kitchen. Both sipped on their cups while reading a newspaper. Both were also acting as if their presence was normal. The timer on her oven, she hadn't even realized was on, dinged announcing whatever they'd made was ready.
Edward got up from his seat then paused when he saw Scarlett staring at both of them. He tapped Kenny's shoulder, who glanced up at her as well. A cheerful smile tugged at his mouth, crinkling the corners of his eyes.
“Well, good morning,” Kenny said while Edward continued to the kitchen. “Did you sleep well?”
Scarlett frowned.
“What are you guys doing here?”
Kenny closed the paper in his hands then folded it like it was the nineteen-fifties. “Dave called us earlier, said something happened at the office and had to leave you. He asked if we could come over, so you weren't alone when you woke.”
“And breakfast?” she asked, still not sure if she accepted his answer or not.
“Most important meal of the day,” Edward said. “Or, at least, that's what my mom would say.”
“Dave said he'd call you later because he knew you'd have your hands full with Timothy and the forensic stuff. He also said something about getting in touch with a couple of friends about the pictures we captured last night.” Kenny motioned to the chair beside him. “Sit, you look like you're about to jump out of your skin.”
“Wouldn't you be, if you found two men in your apartment acting like they owned the place?” She sat down beside him and blew out a breath. “So, I suppose you also know what happened between Dave and me last night?”
“You boned,” Edward said. “If it was any indication by the heated looks you were giving each other on the way home, it was nasty as hell.”
Heat filled Scarlett's cheeks. “Well...”
“You don't have to tell us,” Kenny reassured her.
“Yeah, you do.” Edward brought her a mini quiche along with sliced fruit and a roll on a small plate. “I want to make sure I can satisfy you like Kenny and Dave can.”
She choked.
Kenny smacked Edward on the back of the head. “Idiot.”
“What?” He rubbed where Kenny hit him and frowned. “I don't want to disappoint. If I'm lacking, I better get to studying.”
Scarlett stared at Edward for a second. “How would you know if you're lacking?
He shrugged. “Not sure, but I think checking out some porn will help bring my game to a whole other level if I know what Kenny and Dave can do for you.”
She laughed. “You're one weird guy.”
Edward grinned. “Can be at times. Eat up.” He pointed to her plate. “You have a full day in front of you.”
Kenny cursed as he glanced at his watch. “Time for us to get going. If you need anything, you know where we are.”
She nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. “Yep. I doubt I'll need you though. I think I got this.”
“Perfect. Don’t forget, Dave said he'd call later.” Kenny stood then and came over to where she sat at the head of the table. He leaned down and placed a kiss to her lips then motioned for Edward to follow.
Except, the younger man didn't. He went straight to Scarlett and brushed his lips over hers. It was a feather-light kiss, but it made her lightheaded all the same. Edward winked at her as he followed Kenny out of the apartment. She couldn't believe him. Between Kenny and Dave, Edward was the most timid, yet he also had a quiet strength to him she admired. She glanced down at her breakfast he made for her and dug in. The savory mixture of eggs, bell pepper, ham, and cheese, melted in her mouth. A happy, content sigh passed her lips as she took another bite. Edward would have to teach her how to make the quiche, she could become quite addicted to them.
After taking her final bite of the egg mixture, she moved on to the fruit and roll and noticed Kenny had left the morning paper on her table. The front page was an article about the gala and how much money was
raised for her sanctuary. She was applauded for her hard work, but also demeaned for her reclusive ways. Little did anyone know, she'd been there, just not where she'd be seen.
The quote from her sister had been a bit pretentious and ironic as well. “The funds raised here will go to new exhibits and make sure each big cat has a free and loving environment for the remainder of their days.”
Scarlett snorted. If only the public knew the truth. She finished off her coffee then grabbed her plate and mug then carried them to the sink. Once she'd rinsed them, she put them into her dishwasher to start later. She only had a few minutes to get to her office before Timothy showed up. The last thing she wanted to do was tip off her sister they were on to her.
She grabbed her bag from the hook then her keys out of the bowl next to the door, thankful Dave had put them away for her. She strode down the hall to the offices facing the sanctuary. When she first picked her space, she knew, if she couldn’t be with her animals, she'd be close enough to look at them throughout the day. Even though it'd been a long time ago, she yearned for the day she'd be able to go back into the enclosures and see her friends without feeling like she'd die from heart palpitations.
Scarlett stepped into her office and turned on the lights. She pulled back the curtain on the window and gazed out over the property. She belonged out there. She belonged with her feline friends. The idea her sister didn't feel the same as she did about the cats who called their property home, irritated her. They were depending on her and Maisie to protect and shelter them. To love them. She spotted Kenny and Edward dropping off food for each of the cats. The way they interacted with each one, like the guys knew the felines on a personal level, warmed her heart.
A soft knock came at her door and she turned around. There in the doorway stood a man a good three inches taller than Dave. He had jet-black hair and almond-shaped obsidian eyes. He lifted his hand in greeting before stepping inside Scarlett's workspace.
