by J. A. Owenby
“I better be. I don’t want to get fired.” She laughed and gave me a lame punch in the arm.
My mouth brushed against her lips and she wrapped her arms around my neck. My mouth parted, and her tongue caressed mine.
“Mm, I missed you today.” I nipped at Sutton’s lower lip and trailed my fingers down her side.
“That makes me happy,” she responded between kisses.
My hand slipped beneath her shirt and grazed the curve of her waist, up her side, and to her ample breast.
“Lace.” I sucked on her earlobe, imagining it was her clit.
“Black,” she said, arching her neck to allow me better access.
“I have a meeting in a few minutes.”
“Aww, you’ll need your office back, then.”
In one quick movement, I pulled her out of the chair and placed her on the edge of the desk. I tugged at her yoga pants, and she lifted up while I yanked them over her hips and legs. Tossing them on the floor, I flipped the button of my jeans open. Sutton’s tongue darted across her lower lip as her focus fell on my torso. My jeans dropped to my ankles and anticipation coursed through me. She was ready. So. Was. I.
“A quickie in the boss’s office. That could get me fired.” She flashed me a devious grin. “But I’ll take my chances.”
I grabbed Sutton’s hips, brought her to the edge, parted her thighs, and guided myself inside her a little at a time.
“Jesus,” I said, my fingers gripping her hip for leverage and the other on the desk.
She tilted up to meet me and wrapped her legs around my waist. Her hand moved under my shirt, and my abs tightened while I moved back and forth. “I’ve wanted to make love to you all day. You’re all I think about, Sutton.”
Raw desire swirled in my lower belly while the realization that I could be with her anytime we wanted dawned on me.
“I love you,” she whispered and planted little kisses along my neck.
“I love you, times infinity,” I replied.
I thrust deep, then slowly pulled back. Pleasure rippled through me with every move. Sutton’s wet core tightened around me while she ground against me.
My eyes slammed closed. “Sutton,” I said breathlessly. I buried my face in the side of her hair, and we clung to each other.
“Baby.” She cupped the back of my neck, digging her fingernails into my skin.
Her mouth crashed upon mine, and our bodies rocked together on top of the desk. Pushing her laptop out of the way, Sutton leaned back on the cool surface. I placed my palms on either side of her and picked up the pace.
“That’s it.” A cry escaped her as she released.
I released a low growl, my gaze locking with Sutton’s. “Don’t you ever mistake who you belong to. Ever.”
Intense waves of pleasure shot through me as I came, my body tensing with sheer ecstasy.
“Mine,” I repeated with a final slam deep into her.
I lay on top of her and smoothed the hair from her cheek. “I think I like you working here.” I gave the tip of her nose a little kiss. “I could get used to having breaks together.”
“Mm, I like the sound of that.” A satisfied smile eased across her face. There was no place on earth I’d rather be than with her.
A few minutes later, we were composed, and I was ready for the meeting. Sutton grabbed her laptop and headed out.
“Love you,” I said as my phone rang.
“Love you, too.”
The smell of freshly baked bread reached my nose around seven that night, and my stomach growled in response. Shit, I’d been so immersed in my files I’d not realized what time it was.
The longer I stayed, the more I was falling in love with the penthouse.
“You ready for some food?” Redd asked me as I entered the kitchen.
“I’m starving.”
“Sutton said she’d join us in a few minutes. She’s wrapping up her work.”
I suspected this would be typical moving forward. One of us would either not be home, or we’d eat dinner separately. Our schedules wouldn’t always align. A pang of sadness pierced me. As crazy as it was, I missed her already, and it had only been a few hours.
I hopped up on one of the barstools. “What smells so damned good?” I asked, peering at the stove.
“Fresh bread, green salad, and prime rib.” A proud grin spread across his face.
“Whoever marries you will be one lucky woman,” Sutton said, rubbing her tummy and joining us. “You can cook, clean, do your laundry, crawl through glass, take a bullet, and take someone down. You’re the full package.” Sutton winked at him.
“If only I had time to settle down. Besides, I’m only twenty-five. I have so many more fun nights ahead of me. Ya know, to dip my toe in the many beautiful waters that are available.”
She rolled her eyes at him as he set a plate in front of her. I stood and dished my own food up. I didn’t need Redd serving me.
“Are you bored being my security and never going anywhere? I mean, my entire life is within these walls. I’d love to go shopping or … something, but work has taken over lately.” Sutton took a bite of her prime rib and moaned. “Oh. My. God.” She dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “It’s official. Pierce will have to share me with you. I mean a girl can love two men, right?”
“Fuck that,” I said, shooting her a look. I realized Redd and ZW were tight with Sutton, but she didn’t need to flirt with him. In front of me. A slow burning irritation bloomed inside me.
Redd’s face blanched, and heat traveled up Sutton’s neck and cheeks.
“Babe, I was just kidding because the man can cook.”
The logical part of me knew she was joking, but I suddenly found myself territorial and wasn’t too crazy about the extra attention she was giving Redd.
My phone rang. Grateful for the distraction from the brewing argument, I answered.
“Hey,” I said.
“We have a lineup for Claire. Do you and Sutton want to come down?” Brian’s voice came through the line.
Holy hell, this had the potential to be really good news. “On the way.” I ended the call and shoved my phone in my back pocket. “Grab your purse. Dinner will have to wait.”
Redd shot me a concerned look. “What’s going on?”
“Claire’s at the police station,” I said.
Chapter 36
I was acting like an ass.
Sutton, Redd, and ZW had been like my siblings for years, but the second I heard that come out of her mouth, I almost saw red. No way in hell would I share her with anyone. She belonged to me and no one else. I cleared my throat in order to get ahold of my emotions. I’d never been the possessive type before, and I wasn’t interested in being that man, but I’d just gotten her back, and I’d guard our relationship the same way I protected my clients. With everything I had.
“What do you mean she’s at the station?” Sutton jumped off her barstool and grabbed her purse from the kitchen counter. “Is she all right?”
I took her hand in mine and headed for the door. Redd and Jeffrey followed on our heels.
“They have a lineup they want her to look at. I thought you’d want to be there with her.”
Her face lit up with excitement, and my petty jealousy dissolved immediately.
We all stepped into the elevator. “Thank you. And I’m sorry I upset you, I was just playing. I’ve missed you all so much,” she said.
“I know, but I lost you for way too long. If anything came between us again, I think it would be my complete undoing.” I glanced at her, studying her reaction to what I’d said. For some stupid reason, I thought a man was weak when a woman owned his heart and balls, but honestly, I never felt stronger. Even with the loss of Dad and my universe spinning upside down … there wasn’t any problem I couldn’t get through as long as she was by my side. I’d do whatever was necessary to keep and protect her. She was the most important thing in my world.
The guys remained quiet a
nd minded their own business. I almost laughed, recalling the times my clients had intimate conversations in front of me. Funny how things had changed, and I’d just done the same thing. At least I could trust my guys to keep their mouths closed.
The elevator whooshed open, and I escorted Sutton to the car. I intertwined my fingers through hers and stroked the back of her hand with my thumb.
“I’m sorry I got irritated with you and Redd. I’ll get used to us all together again.”
“It’s okay. I’d never want to give you the wrong idea, and we’ve always teased each other.”
“This might be the break we’re looking for,” I said, changing the topic. I’d apologized, and we had bigger things to deal with.
Sutton peered at me, hope filling her eyes, but I didn’t miss the lingering fear as well.
“If any of the girls can identify even one of the men that took them … hang in there, babe.”
We remained quiet for the rest of the ride.
Sutton hustled up the stairs and through the entrance when we arrived at the police station. I hurried to keep up with her. It had always amazed me that she could outwalk any of the guys even though her legs were shorter.
“Sutton,” a female voice called.
“Claire.” Sutton darted toward her, and they embraced. “Mom, Dad …” She hugged them, and I hung back, allowing them their space.
“Pierce.” Mr. Forrester approached and extended his hand out to me. “I wanted to thank you again for everything you’ve done for my family.” His forehead creased the same way it had when Sutton and I were in high school and he’d grown serious about whatever he was saying at the time. He wasn’t pretending with me, he was sincere.
“I hope this is it, sir. I do. If Claire or one of the other girls can give a positive ID, it could be the break in the case the police are looking for.”
Mr. Forrester patted me on the back and guided me a few steps away from the group.
“Sutton’s happy, Pierce. Even with all the hell we’ve gone through, there’s a joy in her again. I love my girl. She’s smart, pretty, and strong. I’d never want anything but the best for her.” He paused and our gazes locked. “Are you the best for her? Are you that man now? Or are you going to leave soon and break my little girl’s heart again?” He adjusted his glasses on his nose and peered at me over the top of the rims. “You almost broke her last time. I understand people grow up, but some don’t, and I need to know—man to man—are you leaving when this is over? Because I have to be prepared to pick up the pieces behind you.”
In high school, not many people had earned my respect, including Sutton’s parents. But he just had. More than anything, this man loved his family and would go to any length to support them. But I felt the same way about his daughter.
I contemplated what I was about to say while my attention scanned the police station, then back to him.
“Sir … I owe you … I’m sorry. Not only was I young and inexperienced, but I also handled things very poorly after Connor was killed. In my mind, leaving was the only way to protect Sutton. Now that I’ve gained some life experience and wisdom, I realize I should have dealt with it very differently. Please accept my deepest apology for the damage my actions did to your daughter and family.”
Mr. Forrester’s mouth went slack with shock while he stared at me speechless. “Maybe you’ve grown up more than I’ve given you credit for. With that said, I still need to know what your intentions are with my girl.”
I took a deep breath. “I’m not leaving her again. In fact, I’d like to ask —”
“Claire Forrester,” an officer called through the hallway.
“Let’s get this done, and we can talk more later,” I said.
Reading the policeman’s badge, I respectfully approached him. “Officer Palmer, I’m Pierce Westbrook of Westbrook Security here in Portland. I’ve also been working with the FBI. My men and I are the family’s security, and I’d like to go in with her if I may?”
Officer Palmer’s attention bounced from me to Claire, Jeffrey, and Redd. “You can go, but everyone else has to wait here. No one can persuade her one way or the other.”
“Thank you,” Claire said.
“Are you ready?” I asked, frowning. She looked like hell, and her body trembled where she stood. “I’ll be with you. You’re not alone anymore.”
“I know.” Her voice quivered with her response.
We followed the officer to the end of the hall and into the viewing room. Claire eyed me nervously, and I took a few steps back. There was no way I wanted to be accused of persuading her if she was able to identify someone in the lineup.
“Claire.” Office Palmer said. “Take your time.”
Lights filled the small room with the line of men. Claire immediately stepped backward, running into me.
She stammered, “So sorry,” and hurried forward.
I wanted to console her, but the only thing I could do was be there with her. She stilled, fear radiating off her while she stared at the men. Her finger flew up. “Barkley.” Her voice shook.
“Which one?” Office Palmer asked her.
My pulse spiked. She’d done it, and a swell of pride rose inside me. The officer asked her some additional questions, then it was over. Claire spun on her heel and wrapped her arms around me while she sobbed against me.
“I’ve got you,” I whispered and smoothed her hair. “You’re safe.”
Claire’s cries calmed down, and she wiped her face with the sleeve of her black shirt.
“Thanks.” Claire bit her bottom lip as a dusting of pink covered her prominent cheeks.
“Do you need to talk?” I asked, guiding her out of the room.
She nodded.
“Let’s tell your family first, so they’re not worried, and we can grab some coffee alone. How does that sound? Maybe a snack instead? I guess it’s sort of late for coffee.”
Claire flashed a sad smile at me. “That sounds good.”
A large stack of pancakes was placed in front of me. Claire and I had ordered a late-night breakfast at one of the diners downtown. She pushed her empty plate to mine, and I speared a few and gave them to her.
“I love pancakes,” she said, shoving a forkful into her mouth.
“It’s good comfort food,” I agreed. “You did great back there. I’m proud of you, Claire. What you went through … it will take time, but you can come out on the other side of this.”
“I can tell you why I was specifically taken.” Her eyes darted around the restaurant, then she placed her fork down.
Claire had my full attention. I folded my hands on top of the table and waited for her to continue.
“I cheated on Tucker.”
“Dammit,” I muttered. That alone, in the Sons of Chaos’s mind, would be enough to get rid of her.
“There’s more.” Her eyes traveled from her plate to mine. “I cheated on him with Don Colbert.”
I leaned back in my seat, shocked with her confession. Why in the hell would she sleep with that sleaze ball? He wasn’t even good looking, and not to mention he was married.
“Why?” I asked her pointedly. There was no reason to beat around the bush.
She peered up at the ceiling and swallowed hard. “I was struggling in his class for a while, and he offered to tutor me. Within no time, I held the top grade. He was nice and never inappropriate. We met in the library and stayed in public. Then … I thanked him for all of his help, and that I felt like I could keep my grade up on my own.”
That motherfucker.
“He told me that if I didn’t sleep with him, he’d fail me. I panicked. If I failed, I’d lose my scholarship and full scholastic ride. Even though Mom and Dad haven’t said anything, I realize since I’ve been in college they’ve been struggling financially. I’m so ashamed … the entire shit storm spun out of control so fast. I cried the entire time he …” Her words cut off. “I thought … I thought Tucker would be pissed, but I had no clue he’d do this t
o me. I understand I cheated. I screwed up, but are you serious? You’re going to tell someone to kidnap and sell me?” The pain twisted her expression while she folded into herself and sobbed. Under the circumstances, I didn’t want to sit next to her and wrap an arm around her. It was too difficult of a situation, and I needed to make sure I was appropriate with her.
“It was Saul who arranged your kidnapping, but Tucker didn’t do anything to stop him. I thought you might want to know the whole story.” I allowed her to absorb what I’d said before I continued. “Can you talk to the police? Don is already in custody, so adding this information … it needs to be shared if you can. And I’m guessing you weren’t the only one he did this to.”
“Mom and Dad told me he’d been arrested thanks to you.” A shy smile spread across her face.
“I do my best. He’s a slimy bastard with no spine. A guy that goes after women and children is nothing but a piece of shit. He doesn’t deserve to be called a man.”
“Yeah. I’ll talk.” She picked up her fork and took a bite of food. “How long will we have security?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I’d like to stay longer and see how the arrests play out. Are you all right with ZW, Murphy, and Sully around? I know it can be suffocating with someone following you all the time.”
“No, it’s good. I feel better.”
“Good.” We grew silent and ate our food.
“Are you going to be my brother-in-law?” she asked.
I grinned at her abruptness. She and Sutton were more alike than I’d realized.
Chapter 37
The late afternoon sun rays glistened off the wet tree leaves that lined the sidewalks. The clouds had cleared in time for Sutton and Redd to leave the penthouse and meet with Dick at his home office. Sutton was excited to see what Dick had been working on, and I was as well. In some ways, she was my eyes and ears.
I utilized the time to check in with Mrs. Colbert and see how she and the girls were doing. She sounded much happier than the last time I’d spoken to her, which told me I’d made the right choice.
