Branding & Saving Lily Box Set: Books 1 & 2 (Jacob and Lily's Duet)

by Gracin Sawyer

  The heat from her flared my desire and I couldn’t stop my hips from rocking faster. I needed her. “Lily,” I cried out, wanting her to know she was the only woman for me. Forever, it would only be her.

  Mounting pleasure erupted and pure bliss drenched my soul as momentary blindness took over. My cock pulsed as I came inside of her. Damn fucking condoms. I hoped she wouldn’t be against birth control soon, because I couldn’t do this without feeling her too many more times. It was the last barrier between us. There was something about the thought of my cum spilling out into her that had me throbbing again. I thrust one last time wanting to keep us connected and she writhed underneath me. The hottest wetness soaked around my length and I knew she had come for a second time.

  I collapsed to her side, my dick still buried inside of her.

  “Jacob,” she breathed heavily.

  I lifted to gaze into her eyes only to drown in their deep pools of heated desire. Sex looked amazing on her, lying sated and well fed.

  “That was amazing.” She blushed, but didn’t hide it from me.

  I took her hand and brought it to my face. Her palm was warm against my cheek. Pulling it down, I kissed her fingers. “Everything with you is amazing.” I kept kissing her hand, working my way to her palm.

  “At first I was afraid I wouldn’t be enough for you. That my inexperience would turn you off.” Her cheeks grew brighter. “But, I don’t think anyone else could ever feel what I just felt.”

  I grinned. Damn if my insides didn’t tremble knowing I had given her so much pleasure. Knowing it was me who filled her with rapture and a reason to thrash on the bed in agonizing ecstasy. “Lily, what I feel is much more. I love you, but it’s even more than that. You’re my breath, my life, my soul.”

  “Cardosa, you took the words from my heart.”

  “You’ve taken so much of me, I don’t even belong to myself anymore.” And nothing in the world would make me want it any other way.

  Chapter 24

  Lily

  Being in Vegas wasn’t my ideal vacation, but having Jacob with me this time almost made the memories go away. I stretched and got up. I was a little sore from last night, but definitely in a good way. I lost count how many times he made me come. And his stamina throughout the night was impressive. I was still new to everything we did, but I knew enough from sex ed and high school that most men couldn’t do it that many times in a row. But then again, Jacob wasn’t most men.

  I stood at the window, completely naked and unashamed. No one would see me this high up anyway. The only eyes on me were Jacob’s. Down below the street was nearly empty. Morning was like Vegas’s midnight. Everyone was sleeping.

  I crossed my arms over my chest and shuddered. As much as I wanted killing Knox to fix everything, I knew Angel was out there. It didn’t matter how fearless or courageous I had been, it was still a bit scary wondering if we’d find him before he found me.

  “I’ll have breakfast brought up. It shouldn’t be long before everyone starts knocking on our door anyway,” he laughed and rolled out of bed.

  It was hard not to watch his perfectly sculpted backside as he slipped into the bathroom.

  It didn’t take long and breakfast arrived, along with all my newly acquired brothers, and a grandfather. It was a good thing I had dressed and ran a brush through my hair first.

  Jacob ordered enough food to feed an army but after the men grabbed what they wanted I was lucky there was anything left. I shook my head and smirked. They really were brothers. I grabbed a bunch of grapes and a bagel and then curled up on the sofa. Jacob joined me and I tossed my legs over his as I finished my breakfast. He sipped on a cup of coffee and something that looked like a cream filled donut.

  “Well, word on the street is that Angel is here,” Fox said, his mouth stuffed full of toast.

  Diesel took a swig of orange juice. “Yeah, but like usual, no one has seen him to confirm anything.”

  I picked at the bagel. “So we need to draw him out.”

  Jacob raised a brow at me. “No, we aren’t doing anything.”

  Diesel nodded. “Yeah, it’s too dangerous for you to be showing yourself around here.” He looked at me knowingly. “I refuse to follow through any promise right now.”

  I rolled my eyes. “For the love, do you guys hear yourselves? I am not a fucking puppet. I’m not a doll. I refuse to spend the rest of my life living this way. Either I’m with you,” I glanced at Jacob, “or I’m not.” I tossed the bagel to the plate. “Look, yes, I’m a woman, but if I’m going to be doing this right alongside of you, then you better stop treating me like I’m a china doll.” I sat up straight, leaving Jacob’s comfort. “Jacob and I already agreed that we do this together. I’m part of this world, in more ways than any woman should ever have to be, but I’m not leaving. So what do you say?”

  Carter whistled and plopped down beside me. “Rabbit, I wouldn’t want to do this without ya. But remember, if you break, it isn’t just Jacob who has your back.”

  Bear and Jax nodded. Diesel just stared at me, our silent bond speaking for us. Fox shrugged, “Heck, I’m still new here so I’m not sure I get much say in this, but I’ve seen you with a gun. I’d like to have you on our side.”

  Doc grunted. “Being family doesn’t depend on time spent with us. You saved Lily with Red, that makes you family and you get a say in it.”

  “Agreed.” Jacob took another sip of coffee. “Lily’s right. She’s a part of our family now. And while my order still stands that nothing happens to her, as she will be my first priority always, we have to let her live too.”

  I mouthed a thank you to him. He winked at me and my insides heated.

  “Fine,” Jax settled in a chair and chowed down on scrambled eggs. “So what do you want to do?”

  “I think we draw him out. Let him see me. We need to flip it so we have the upper hand.” I saw the pride in Jacob’s eyes as I kept telling them my plan. “So, that’s why I think Jacob and I should go out. Just the two of us, like a date,” I giggled.

  Jacob had eyes only for me. “Oh, honey, if a date is what you want, then a date you shall have.”

  “Seriously, didn’t you guys get enough time last night?” Fox’s sarcasm had everyone laughing, but I blushed.

  “Okay, so you two go out, we follow.” Bear nodded. “Sounds easy enough. And there’s enough of us to protect you should something happen.”

  I wanted to say something about not needing protection, but remembered that they always protected each other. They hunted together, like a pack, a family. I nodded. “Yes. If Angel shows his face then you’ll know it.”

  The day went by so slowly. I was finally getting to go out on a date with Jacob Cardosa. We were way past dating, but it still excited me.

  Jacob went downstairs to grab something and came back up with two boxes. He handed it to me and left the bedroom part of the suite to let me open it alone. Curiously, I lifted the lid and gasped. A royal blue dress filled the box. I pulled it out and held it up. It had an asymmetrical hem and a belted waist. The round neckline scooped over like a halter leaving it completely sleeveless.

  I set the dress down and picked up the second box, finding black strappy heels. I grinned so wide my cheeks hurt. It really was a date. I squealed and clutched my new outfit to my chest, darting to the bathroom. Donning the dress, I sighed in contentment. It fit me like the seamstress made it just for me. I stared at myself in the mirror and couldn’t believe the woman staring back was me. When did I get those curves? And my hair… I touched the soft tresses and smiled. Somehow, during all of this, I had grown up. I was a woman. I was Jacob’s woman. Holy shit. I couldn’t wait until he saw me in this.

  Leaving the bathroom, I didn’t have to wait long as he stood at the window, dressed in tight pressed jeans that he filled out completely and a white button down shirt with his sleeves rolled a quarter of the way up. My breath caught in my throat.

  Even from across the room I could see him stop breath
ing. “Lily.” It was so quiet I barely heard him. In three swift strides, he was across the room and had me in his arms. His mouth crashed down on mine. I smiled and broke the kiss.

  He took my hands and pushed me out to twirl me. Admiring me. All of me. If ever I felt like a woman, it was then.

  “You are so damn gorgeous. Honey, there ain’t a guy in this city who won’t think I’m the luckiest bastard in the world.” He twirled me again for good measure.

  I batted my lashes. “Why, Cardosa, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to undress me with your eyes.”

  He growled and twirled me to him. I crashed to his chest where I was met with hard muscle. “If you don’t stop teasing me, I’ll undress you with more than just my eyes.”

  A knock on the door broke our fun little banter. It was probably a good thing because I was ready to let him keep me here and have his way with me.

  “Your limo is here, sir,” the doorman said before accepting a tip from Jacob.

  “Limo?” I asked, descending the stairs to the lower level of the suite.

  He grinned shyly. “Well, my girl wanted a date.” He held his arm out for me. “Ready?”

  I was never more ready for anything.

  Chapter 25

  Jacob

  I couldn’t stop staring at the woman across the table from me. Hell, I still couldn’t believe that woman was mine. The way she smiled. Her laugh. Damn, even her voice. Everything about her had me enthralled. I loved hearing her stories of when she was younger, before Knox took her. We stayed away from those years. Tonight, while not the perfect date, was about us. I couldn’t wait until I could take her out on a date and not to be bait.

  The waiter came by and asked about dessert. Lily shook her head, but I ordered a decadent chocolate dessert. Seeing her eyes twinkle after taking the first bite was worth a million dollars. “Mmm, this is so good.”

  I chuckled and wiped my mouth on the napkin. “I think I’d like a taste.” She grabbed her fork but I held her hand down and came around the table. I leaned over capturing her mouth with mine and sucked gently before letting my tongue taste hers.

  “Jacob,” she whispered against my lips. “People are watching.”

  I stood up and walked back to my seat. “Good. Then they know you’re mine and you are well loved.”

  I loved the blush that crept up her face. I couldn’t get enough of her. Unfortunately, the kiss wasn’t just to taste my dessert. I needed to move to confirm my gut feeling. I knew we were being followed but I wanted to see who it was and by how many.

  I held my hand up for the check so Bear could see the three fingers. I’m sure he already saw them, but I needed to let them know I was indeed being followed.

  I smiled at the waiter and gave him my card to pay for dinner. Lily stood and I wrapped my arm around her. My shoulder was starting to kill me. I would have to slow down with it and let it heal a bit more before I used it too much.

  The waiter brought my card back and I signed the receipt. Leaving the restaurant, the night air hit me like a brick. Being this warm at night was not something I liked. The mountains of home cooled every night even in the summer giving me a break from the heat of the day.

  “Let’s walk,” Lily said, ignoring the limo.

  The lights of the strip were quite mesmerizing and it was her date. I shrugged and told the driver we were done for the night.

  “I love the energy. It feels so alive.” She held my hand and pulled me along the strip. Fountains called to her and she stopped to watch the show, but all I wanted to watch was her. She had no idea she was more beautiful and intriguing than anything this world could show her.

  “Hey,” I pulled out my cell phone. “There is something we are missing.” I wanted to capture this moment and hold it forever.

  “Oh yeah, what?”

  “A picture. A selfie more accurately. Everyone does it.” I stood next to her so our backs were toward the water fountains spraying high and held the phone up capturing our picture on the screen.

  She snagged the phone and curled her lip. “Ugh, seriously? We can do better.”

  I laughed. She held the phone out and just as she snapped the picture she turned to kiss me on the cheek. “There, now that is better,” she said handing me the phone back.

  “Come on,” I held my hand out for her. The hotel wasn’t far and we made it without the three men striking.

  Inside, I spotted Jax in the corner. His arm was around a pretty lady and they laughed. His head gave me a slight nod and knew his scouting had gone well. He cocked his head, letting me know where to look. It was amazing how well oiled our routines were. He knew how to blend in, that part was certain. No one would think he was spying. Hell, no one but me knew he probably paid the woman to stand there and act like they were happy.

  We walked through the casino on our way to the elevators. The way Lily looked, she was lucky we were being followed or I’d find a place to hide and hike that dress up and bury myself in her. I could imagine how she’d look on a table, her dress still on, with me pushing her panties just off to the side to thrust into her. How wet she would be. How incredibly sexy.

  I hit the button for the elevator and tried to not think about it. If I kept it up I'd be hitting the stop button and holding her up against the glass walls, cameras be damned.

  We were the only ones in a usually crowded lift. The doors almost shut when a hand stopped them from closing. I pushed Lily behind me. The three men entered the elevator and closed the doors.

  Angel sure picked his bodyguards to look the part. The black suits and dark glasses were a dead giveaway. Especially when they wore them indoors. “Angel wants to meet with you.”

  “I’m sure he does,” I drawled.

  To Lily’s credit she didn’t look surprised. Actually, her face held a completely stoic expression, not showing any kind of emotion. I smirked inwardly. I’d have to teach her how to play poker one day. The boys would love that.

  I kept Lily’s hand tightly in mine and followed the men to one floor under ours. We kept pace easily enough and I wondered if they knew they were also being followed. I had no doubts that my men had eyes everywhere we were right then.

  They opened a door and held it open for us. Once Lily and I were inside, they closed the door and waited outside. Well, whatever Angel wanted to talk about, he didn’t want an audience. Interesting.

  His room wasn’t as lavish or large as my suite, but it wasn’t the worst room in the building. Reds and blacks orchestrated a variety of shapes and color around the room. It wasn’t soothing or calm, but quite the opposite. And exactly what I pictured for a man like Angel. Not that I’d ever met him in person. Hell, not many had. He was elusive and kept to himself, using his guards to do his work for him.

  “Come on in,” Angel said swirling a glass of what looked like bourbon or whiskey. He stood to greet us from his oversized chair, setting the drink down on the table.

  Lily clenched my hand and I gave her a gentle squeeze back, hoping to let her know everything would be okay. I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

  “Angel,” I presumed and stopped about five feet short of his outstretched hand.

  He was a tall man, but not scrawny. He had a neatly trimmed goatee and vividly blue eyes. Eyes as blue as… Oh fuck.

  “Jacob Cardosa.” Angel smiled and assessed me then slowly let his gaze roll over Lily, his smile fading. “Lily.”

  “What the fuck do you want, Angel?” I held my stance and watched for any signs of danger, just in case.

  Angel glanced back at me. “I’m glad you found her. You know, when I had Jose call and warn you about your woman, I didn’t know it was Lily. If I’d had known that, she never would have left here. I would have kept her safe.”

  I scoffed. “You? Keep her safe? I’m confused.”

  Angel sat back down and gestured to the sofa. “Sit. I promise, neither of you are in danger here.”

  Lily took the first step forward which
brought a grin to Angel. I kept her glued to my side and placed her on the other side of me so I was between her and our host.

  He picked his drink up and took a sip. “I’m sorry. How rude. Would you like a drink?”

  “No thank you,” Lily answered for both of us.

  “So, like I said,” Angel cleared his throat, “when Knox had some girl he was claiming was Cardosa’s I didn’t know it was Lily. But I decided to use that as leverage. And I thank you, by the way. It was a very uneventful week.” He swirled the liquid and took the last swig. “After I found out the girl was in fact Lily and she had been sold to Red, the only thing I could do was wait. And hope you found her in time.” He glared down his nose at me. “You did find her in time, yes?”

  What the hell did it matter to him? I glared back. I was not one to be intimidated. “Angel, why are we here?”

  “You know, I had men ready in case you failed. I wasn’t about to head to Mexico myself just yet, but I had a back up for her safety.”

  Angel was pissing me off. I was in no mood for a bedtime story.

  He continued. “I have a question for you, Cardosa. It will help you solve this little riddle. Who did Red work for?”

  What game was he playing? I needed to figure it out. Too many things bounced in my head, each one fought for a way to keep Lily safe. “Red didn’t work for anyone.”

  “Wrong!” Angel stood up and paced. “Everyone works for someone. Even you, Cardosa. You work for the people. You do your saving the women shit. So tell me,” he slowed down to enunciate each word, “who did Red work for? There is always someone higher up.”

  Shit. Angel was fishing for information, but why? For what? There was something I was missing.

  “How about another one.” Angel picked up his glass and walked to the bar with a glass carafe filled with the amber liquid and poured himself another drink. “Why do you think Garcia faked his daughter’s death?” The way he spit out Garcia’s name was nothing but poison. There really was a deep rift between them.