Enigma, Maine, Bundle 2

by Iris Abbott

  Scarlet slowly lifted her hand and timidly caressed the swollen organ. A strangled groan was ripped from his throat. She touched his erection from tip to base before branching out to explore other parts of his body.

  Mitch gritted his teeth and endured Scarlet’s touch. Her fingers left trails of fire behind. It was a test of his great inner strength that he didn’t throw her down and ravish her on the spot. Finally, he reached the limit.

  “Enough,” he demanded in a voice much harsher than he intended. He stretched out on top of Scarlet, meshing his hard flesh against her softer, curvier body. His wolf bristled just beneath his skin, fighting to get out. His body ached with the need to claim her. He couldn’t wait much longer. His wolf was losing patience. It wanted to come out and play, but Mitch couldn’t allow it, not yet anyway.

  He knew Scarlet was oblivious to his wolf’s desire and the inner turmoil raging inside him. She pressed closer to him, and the kiss deepened. One of his hand’s cradled the back of her head, and the other moved to her neck.

  She raked her nails down his back. Mitch captured her much smaller hands in his much larger one and pinned them to the bed above her head. Scarlet trembled in his hold, but her eyes begged him for more.

  Mitch dragged his lips across Scarlet’s mouth to her neck. He sucked and nuzzled her for several minutes until she verbally begged him for more. He smelled her arousal and felt the dampness of her body against his skin. Mitch knew she was as ready for him as he was for her. He let go of her hands so he could explore her body. The fingers of one hand went straight to the small swollen pink bundle of nerves above her feminine core.

  She writhed beneath him. “Yes! Yes, that’s it,” she encouraged his touch. He rewarded her enthusiasm by sliding a thick finger past her nether lips and into the warm moist heat she offered. Scarlet bunched her muscles and rocked her hips forward in time to the movement of his finger. “More,” she managed to get out in a strangled whisper.

  Mitch used a knee to nudge her legs further apart and slid his body between hers. He guided the head of his engorged erection to her waiting entrance and pushed inside. He was aroused almost to the point of madness, and the silky warm heat that engulfed the tip of his sex was enough to send him over the edge. He tightened his grip on her hips and lunged forward until he was entirely sheathed inside her welcoming warmth.

  Her tight, silky flesh surrounded his hardened sex. His body tensed, coiled tight. It was a delicious feeling, and tingling sparks shot through his body. Mitch set a steady rhythm of thrusts, and she jerked her hips upwards to meet each and every one. His mouth closed over a tempting nipple, and he applied enough pressure to make Scarlet jerk in response.

  Her eagerness and responsiveness added to the sensations that bombarded his body. She returned the favor. She lightly caressed his nipples between delicate fingers. Mitch growled his approval, and she intensified the exploration of his body.

  His coiled muscles raced toward the breaking point. He was so close, almost there. Scarlet wrapped her arms and legs around his body to hold him closer. The movement deepened his penetration. She screamed his name, and he thrust harder. Her hands fell away from him, and he immediately missed her touch. The pressure inside him built. His body was like a pressure cooker ready to explode.

  She thrashed her head back and forth and screamed his name. Her muscles tightened and pulsed around him. He was on the edge, close to ecstasy.

  He moved both hands under her to help increase the intensity of her answering thrusts. He drove himself inside her harder and faster. His mouth returned to her neck and nuzzled the vulnerable spot where neck met shoulder. He bit down hard. A crescendo of lights exploded behind his eyes. Mitch stilled and erupted in a release that seemed to go on forever.

  She didn’t seem to notice the bite that bonded her to Mitch. Her body froze beneath him for a split second before it shook in a spasm of never-ending fulfillment. She closed her eyes, and his name slipped from her lips right before she passed out.

  FOUR

  Scarlet woke up alone. She listened for some kind of sound to prove she wasn’t by herself. She only heard silence. She stretched her body which felt refreshed after the best sleep she’d had in months. Sunlight fought its way through the small space between the curtains.

  She realized it was reasonably late probably close to noon. Even though she needed the rest, Scarlet couldn’t believe she slept so late. She had so much to do and needed to get her day started.

  Scarlet returned to the red room. She took a quick shower and changed into light cotton pants and a long sleeved cotton top. She would be in front of her laptop for most of the day. Scarlet wanted to be comfortable while she worked.

  She looked around the room, but couldn’t find her laptop bag anywhere. It wasn’t with her suitcase. Scarlet knew she had it with her when she left the cottage. She had to locate Mitch and ask him where he put it.

  She wandered down the stairs, taking in the surroundings. She never got the tour he promised. She would ask Mitch to show her around later. Maybe they wouldn’t get sidetracked the next time. Scarlet’s face heated at the thought of how they spent their time together last night. Instead of exploring the house, they studied each other. She didn’t regret one minute of it either.

  She retraced her steps from the night before until she stood in front of Mitch’s office. The door was open, but he wasn’t alone. She raised her hand to knock. Her heart jumped in her throat when Mitch and the redhead he was deep in conversation with turned around. The woman was gorgeous, and she and Mitch looked mighty comfortable with each other.

  Scarlet couldn’t help the fit of envy that assailed her. She gave them a nervous half smile. “I’m sorry for interrupting, but I need my laptop. I’ve got a couple of project deadlines looming on the horizon. I can’t afford to slack off.”

  Her insides warmed when Mitch offered her a broad smile and beckoned her forward. Scarlet felt all of her doubts fade away. She joined Mitch. He greeted her with a warm kiss that curled her toes.

  “Good morning, sleepyhead. You have a visitor.”

  He motioned toward the redhead. “Scarlet, this is Brittany Sheldon. Um, make that Brittany Justice now. She was one of the brides at the wedding you almost interrupted when you first came to town.”

  The two women gave each other curious but friendly looks before they shook hands. “I invited Brittany over to meet you. She teaches self-defense classes to women and children at a studio in town, but I don’t think it’s safe for you to be out and about yet.”

  Scarlet thought of her stalker and shuddered. “Probably not,” she sadly agreed.

  “Luckily, I recently helped her and her friends with a security issue. We’ve gotten to know each other quite well. That being the case, she’s volunteered to give you a few lessons in my home gym.”

  “I would have loved a trip into town.” She gave him a narrow-eyed look. “How long do you expect me to stay here?”

  Mitch held her gaze and didn’t blink. Scarlet stared him down for as long as she could. She sensed he liked strong women and she didn’t want to disappoint him.

  “For as long as it takes!” Mitch’s authoritative voice interrupted her internal musings. “It’s not safe for you to leave here without Justin or me at your side until we’ve caught your stalker. That being said, I’d feel much better if you knew some basic self-defense moves just in case you ever need to use them.”

  Scarlet was practical, and she wasn’t going to argue his point. He was right. If she’d been able to protect herself in Boston, she might not be in such a mess now. “Okay. You’re right about one thing. I need to be able to protect myself. I can’t always have a bodyguard by my side.”

  She looked from Mitch to Brittany. “Thank you for offering to teach me. When can we start?”

  The doorbell rang, and Brittany smiled. “Well, how about right now?” the redhead asked. “That’s probably my friends Selena and Julie. They’re going to help me show you a few moves. We can
spar with each other later to help you practice.”

  One of Mitch’s security experts came to the office door with a resigned look on his face. He was followed by lots of giggling. “Mitch, you have visitors.” The man made a quick escape, and Scarlet could hear him muttering as he went. “This place is never going to be the same again.” Apparently, the three other women heard too because they burst into laughter.

  Mitch gave Scarlet a quick kiss on the lips before going back to his desk. “I’ll leave you in their skillful hands. Ladies, make sure you take care of Scarlet. She’s very special to me.”

  Her face heated. Scarlet was sure she blushed all the way to the roots of her hair.

  Brittany took charge and hustled everyone into the hallway. Once outside of Mitch’s space she swiftly introduced her friends to Scarlet. She led them down the hall to a back room. “Mitch showed me the space earlier. He and Justin converted it to a home gym several years before,” Brittany explained.

  Justin and a couple of other men left as they arrived. They were dressed in workout clothes. Sweat poured from their bodies.

  The women stepped inside, and Brittany looked around the room before giving a satisfied nod. “They can listen well enough when they want to. Everything’s ready for us, ladies.”

  Scarlet glanced at the space. It was a large rectangle filled with workout equipment on one side and a wall of mirrors on the other. It was empty except for the padded square mat on the floor.

  The other women walked to the mat. Scarlet followed. “Thanks once again for agreeing to help me. I hope Mitch didn’t bulldoze you into it. He can be quite persuasive.”

  The dark headed one who was named Julie chuckled. “Mitch can be akin to a large piece of machinery at times, but he means well. He and my husband Alessandro are close friends, and he handles all of the security for my family. My husband comes from old money, ancient money. We have lots of security issues,” she confided.

  Selena cocked her head. “That reminds me. The three of us are hosting a masked ball for Valentine’s Day. It’s going to be held at Julie and Alessandro’s castle. Of course, Mitch’s company is handling the security. Make sure he brings you with him,” she invited. “I think we’re going to be fast friends, especially after spending time on the mat together,” she added with a saucy wink.

  Scarlet couldn’t get past the security issue. “Why does a Valentine’s Day party need the high caliber of protection that comes from Gannon Security?” Scarlet wondered out loud.

  “Um, well,” Brittany cleared her throat before throwing her friends a pointed look. “Our husbands are all high-powered and wealthy businessmen,” she shrugged. “They’re also very prominent citizens of Enigma. Unfortunately, as Mitch can tell you, the kind of wealth and power our men possess didn’t come without gaining a few enemies along the way.”

  She clapped her hands. “Let’s get to work. I want you to know the basics before we’re done today. We’ve got a lot to do! We’re going to make sure there is never a repeat of what happened to you in Boston.”

  Her chest tightened, and she swallowed. Scarlet’s gaze lowered to the ground. Her face, neck, and ears felt impossibly hot. “How much did Mitch tell you?” she questioned.

  Brittany touched her shoulder. “Not any details. He’s discreet like that. I just know you have a stalker who attacked you in Boston and followed you to Enigma. I also know if he ever gets near you again, you’ll kick ass!”

  Her rushed breathing and rapid heartbeat slowed. She looked up and met the gazes of the other three women. “I’m ready!” She rubbed her hands together and prepared to learn everything she could about self-defense.

  ****

  Scarlet effectively removed herself from a stranglehold using the outward thrusting movement of her arms just as Brittany taught her. She fell to the mat in an exhausted heap. She closed her eyes and took stock of her aching muscles. Brittany worked her and the other ladies hard for about four hours. She perked up, and her eyes popped open when she heard applause coming from the doorway. She turned spotted Mitch who casually leaned against the door.

  “Great job ladies. Thank you again for helping with Scarlet’s security.”

  “You’re welcome, Mitch. She’s great. It wasn’t a chore.” Brittany turned her attention to Scarlet. “I’m glad Mitch thought to bring us together. I’m thrilled we got to meet and spend time together.”

  Julie and Selena agreed. Scarlet knew she’d made her first friends in Enigma.

  “If you ever get tired of hanging around here and Mitch and the other men are too busy to escort you to town let us know. It would be enjoyable to have a lady’s day out,” Brittany offered.

  Scarlet smiled. She knew from the moment they met that she was going to hit it off with the trio of ladies. “I’d like that. Now, if everyone will excuse me. I better go take a hot bath, or I’m not going to be able to move tomorrow during our second round of lessons.”

  The other three women hugged her before she left the room, pleasantly surprising her. Scarlet was happier than she’d been in a long time. The blossoming romance with Mitch was beyond her wildest fantasies. New friends who she knew were going to be an essential part of her life didn’t hurt either.

  ****

  Brittany turned on Mitch as soon as Scarlet was safely out of earshot. He’d been expecting it.

  “I can’t believe you, Mitch Gannon,” she said in exasperation. Brittany narrowed her eyes and propped her hands on her hips to emphasize her point. “I saw the mark on her neck.”

  “We all saw the mark on her neck,” Julie and Selena chimed in together.

  Mitch shrugged. “Not trying to hide anything. The more people who know she’s mine, the better.”

  “So why haven’t you told her about Enigma’s paranormal population and the fact that you’re a wolf shifter?” Julie wanted to know.

  “That poor woman has no idea what she’s getting into. You can’t leave her blind for long,” Brittany warned.

  “Yep, I agree,” Selena added. “The fact that you are a wolf shifter and also alpha is not something you want to keep hidden from your mate for long. It’s asking for trouble!”

  “Trust us when we say it’s going to come back to bite you in the butt if you don’t take care of it soon,” Brittany advised.

  Mitch wished he could argue with them, but he knew they were right. He thrust a hand through his hair. “I’ll tell her soon, but she has enough to deal with right now with this stalker business. I want him taken care of first. Then I’ll worry about the rest.”

  ****

  Scarlet shivered and snuggled into Mitch’s side when he pulled her closer. He didn’t seem to be affected by the cold she silently observed. She was covered almost from head to toe to combat the cold Maine winter. Yet she could still feel the chill in the air.

  “I think my toes are about to freeze, but it’s certainly gorgeous.” The rain from the night before turned to ice thanks to a drop in temperature. The woods glistened, resembling a winter wonderland.

  “We’ll go back soon,” Mitch promised. “And we’ll spend more time out here in late spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. But I needed to show you this alternative path. It leads straight from my back door to yours. It might come in handy one day, you never know.”

  Scarlet smiled. “I love wildflowers. Sounds like a delightful spot for a picnic.”

  She shuddered. “As long as you know where you’re going and we don’t get lost. I’ve done that before. It was ten years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday.”

  She gave him a shy look from beneath lowered lashes. “That reminds me. Have you ever seen any wolves in these woods?”

  Mitch’s face became blank. “There have been a few sightings over the years. Biologists believe that the occasional wolf travels down from Canada. I suggest you don’t come out here on your own, at least not until the weather is better and you’re more familiar with the area.”

  Scarlet entwined her gloved fingers with
his and stopped moving. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”

  She pointed with her free hand. “Look! I can see a slither of the cottage through that gap in the trees.”

  Scarlet briskly rubbed her arms. “I’m freezing! Let’s go back to your house and lounge in front of the fireplace in your bedroom.”

  Mitch squeezed her hand and abruptly turned back toward his house. “That’s the best offer I’ve had in forever,” he growled. The growl sent a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold weather. “How fast can you walk?” he asked before setting off at a very brisk pace.

  Scarlet almost had to run to keep up, but she didn’t complain. She couldn’t wait to be held in Mitch’s arms once again.

  FIVE

  Scarlet quickly inserted the key into the lock of the cottage. She didn’t have much time. She inadvertently left her business journal behind, and it had notes she needed for a couple of projects she was trying to finish. She planned to grab the journal and run back out to the car, five minutes tops. Mitch would never have to know about their little side trip.

  She looked back at the car where Brittany, Selena, and Julie waited for her and waved. On the way back to Mitch’s after lunch in Enigma’s town square, Scarlet cajoled them into stopping by the cottage. The outing was a much-needed break from Mitch’s smothering overprotectiveness. She’d been cooped up in his house for five days. The invitation from her new trio of friends could not have come at a better time.

  Mitch was incredibly busy running his business. Even though she had work of her own to do, Scarlet was going stir crazy in his house. Mitch hadn’t updated the cottage’s security yet. She had a sneaky suspicion he kept putting it off on purpose to keep her at his place. Not that she minded.

  She loved being with Mitch. As a matter of fact, she loved Mitch. Over the past few days, she slowly accepted the depth of her changing feelings for the dark, dangerous, and dominating security expert. She thought he felt the same way about her, but other than the stormy passion that brewed between them he kept his emotions well hidden.