“Schultz, I can do this on my own,” Julia said, leaning against the counter of the sink. She was holding her bloody hands away from her body and he caught sight of the tremors in her fingers. It was there in his as well.
“Don’t you know we don’t ever have to do anything on our own that we don’t want to?” Schultz asked, turning the handle on the shower and allowing the water to warm as he undressed himself, throwing his clothes into a pile. They would be collected for evidence. After all they weren’t salvageable, and honestly, he didn’t want them around as a reminder. What he needed at the moment was to wash Julia with that shower gel she loved and submerge them in the fragrance of the lavender scent to wash away the stench of spent gunpowder and copper leftover from Don’s blood. “Here.”
Schultz drew Julia’s shirt over her head and then went to work on her shorts. She didn’t stop him but her blue eyes followed every movement. She appeared to be more concerned about him than herself. He finally pulled her into the walk-in shower and allowed the water to wash away the red stains that would show up in their nightmares for many nights to come.
“I still don’t understand,” Julia said, watching as he drizzled the shower gel onto her hands. He went to work, wanting to do what he could to rid her of the reminder that she’d almost taken a life with her firearm. “Don has been one of my agents, for the most part, for the last year. Why would he blackmail me? Why would he do this to us?”
“He panicked,” Schultz said, wishing he could make it sound better than what it was. The man was weak and had made poor choices to compound the wrongs he’d committed. “Don had gotten to know you rather well and he was probably aware that you would have paid the extortionist rather than take the chance of your past hurting me. What he hadn’t counted on was Jon and the fact that I would discover what happened.”
“How did you know before he came to the door?” Julia asked, rinsing the purple tinted suds from her hands and then holding them out to him once more. Both of their hands were now clean, but it wouldn’t be clean enough…not for a long while. “Did your contact figure it out that quick?”
“Actually no, Jon did,” Schultz admitted, not really wanting to talk about this right now when they would have to rehash every moment when they gave their statements later today. He washed them both once more before putting the bottle of shower gel back on the small ledge. Once the hot water had rinsed them clean, he pulled Julia back into his embrace and just held her. It could have been five minutes…it could have been thirty. He just took the time to cherish her and give thanks that she was alive and well. They’d both made it through a harrowing ordeal and he didn’t want it repeated any time soon…never, in fact. “You know, even in the military…men and women know when to take orders. You should have done as I asked.”
“Don’t start with me,” Julia replied, her lips moving against his chest. He smiled when she lightly pinched his hip in retaliation. “He would have gotten off that shot and you know it. I will take a thank you though. I make a pretty good partner, if I do say so myself.”
“Oh, will you now?” Schultz asked, smiling tenderly when she remained strong. She wasn’t the wilting type and she wasn’t prone to theatrics. He’d seen many men and women become somewhat dramatic during these times—not that it wasn’t their right to do so. Julia wasn’t like that though and she marched on like the true heroine she was. She would have been an asset to many of the missions he’d undertaken in the past. “How about this…thank you, Julia Melina, for being my partner, my lover, and my future wife.”
“You’re about to make me get out of this shower, aren’t you?” Julia murmured, wrapping her arms tighter around his waist. The steaming water was streaming down both of them, creating a cocoon of warmth. He kissed the top of her head, not wanting to leave this sanctuary either. “How long will this take?”
“A while,” Schultz said truthfully, their night of planned lovemaking being delayed. They had the rest of their lives to make up for it though. “I’ll be by your side the entire time, but I’ll give you something pretty to look at.”
“I only need you, Mr. Jessalyn.” Julia pulled back and looked up at him with blue eyes brighter than the sky. “I’ll be by your side, holding your hand the entire time. An engagement ring is only a symbol…our love is much, much more.”
Schultz released her, letting her grab a towel and get ready for the long evening ahead. He stayed underneath the water a few moments longer, contemplating the events of the day. He’d asked for her hand in marriage on the same day a rogue agent was willing to resort to their murder. Their future was bright while another person’s had gone pitch black. Good versus evil. Balance.
Julia would have that ring on her finger before they left this apartment. She was his balance and he wanted the world to know. She was his light in the darkness. She was his everything.
Chapter Eight
TWO WEEKS LATER, Julia entered an apartment full of packed boxes scattered in every room. She smiled at Ken as she closed the door, leaving him at the entrance with two of Schultz’s agents. Ken had been extra sweet to her, going out of his way to make sure she had everything she needed. It was as if he also felt guilt for not realizing that Don had slipped past the mental point of no return. Everyone’s radar had been off on that count. From what she’d heard, he didn’t feel too much regret over what he’d put them through—he was too busy feeling sorry for himself over his wasted career and lost freedom. Schultz had made her promise that she wouldn’t spend too much time worrying about him, but she couldn’t help but feel they’d failed him somehow.
Julia placed her laptop case on the entryway table, finally noticing the music that came through the speakers. This was their last night in this apartment and Schultz apparently wanted it to be memorable. They’d found a townhouse at Potomac Cliffs in Arlington that both of them were in love with and the former owners had needed to be out rather quickly for a new posting abroad, which couldn’t have worked out better. Both she and Schultz had the next week off to concentrate on their new living arrangement, although their friends had been inquiring about a wedding date. What they didn’t know was that Schultz and Julia had gone to the courthouse for an intimate ceremony and they would make that announcement publicly at the housewarming party they intended to have in a month or so.
“Schultz?”
“Right here.”
Julia yelped when he wrapped his arms around her, not expecting him to be right behind her. She’d thought he was in the bedroom since there were lights coming from that direction. Taking another look, the lights appeared to flicker and she realized they were candles. Arousal shot through her at the implication. She tilted her head back for his kiss.
“Well, isn’t this a nice bon voyage.”
“I drew you a bath. There’s a present waiting for you on the bed when you’re done. You have thirty minutes.”
Julia laughed when he pushed her toward the bedroom door with a pat on her behind. She would have turned around to get a better look at him but he gently kept nudging her until she gave up and did what he asked. Sure enough, candles were lit in the bedroom and the bathroom, creating a sensual intimate atmosphere. She took her time undressing, wondering what was in the box on the bathroom counter. She couldn’t wait until she was done with her bath because the curiosity would have killed her. Her breath caught when she saw the most beautiful lingerie in a pale blue color that matched her eyes. She searched the box but found no panties. The thought of what waited for her outside of this bathroom had her quickly stepping inside the bathtub where she found it hard to relax with all the arousing thoughts swirling in her mind.
Twenty minutes later, Julia was taking out her hair clip and allowing her hair to fall around her shoulders. The blue lingerie was trimmed with white lace, although it only came down to the middle of her ass. She searched the box one more time but there wasn’t anything for her to wear on the bottom half.
Taking a deep breath and not wanting to wait any longe
r than necessary, Julia opened the bathroom door. Her heart skipped a beat at seeing Schultz standing by the bed, his dark eyes caressing every part of her body as he took in the sight of her. He was only wearing his cotton pajama pants that he only ever wore on Sunday mornings when he would make them breakfast. His contoured chest shimmered in the candlelight and she would have given anything to run her hands over his muscles, but he had other plans from the look in his eyes.
“I found something while packing up some things in the bedroom today,” Schultz said, his smooth voice like the fine rare scotch he liked to drink. Those beautiful butterflies swirled in her stomach at the toy he now held in his hands. It was the butt plug he’d purchased that they hadn’t had a chance to use. She’d always wanted to know what one felt like and it appeared that tonight was the night. “I don’t think you had a chance to look at it quite yet.”
Julia took a few steps toward him, her eyes on the toy. He held it out for her and she took it from his hand, amazed by the weight of it. It appeared to be made of solid opaque glass, although she was sure that wasn’t the case. It didn’t look too big, no more than the size of his thumb…although slightly wider in the middle. It looked like a small teardrop that tapered at the base, where she was sure would curve to her crevice. Rotating it in her hand, she saw that the base was beautifully adorned with a rather large solitary round-cut sapphire and she had to wonder who made things of this nature.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Schultz asked, studying her like he did when he was pleasuring her. He always watched her for signs that she was uncomfortable with something they were doing, but they each loved trying new things and this was just another one in a long list. “It will be even more attractive when it’s seated snug inside of your heart-shaped bottom with that sapphire winking at me from behind.”
Julia could have sworn her cheeks puckered, but the flush on her face was what caught her attention. She laid a cool hand on her cheekbone and her movement caused him to smile. She returned his grin, loving that devilish glint in his brown eyes.
“You look stunning, Mrs. Jessalyn,” Schultz said, using a finger to indicate that he wanted her to turn around. Julia’s entire body felt alive as she turned on her heel, now understanding why he only gave her the top portion of the lingerie. He would want her to do the same twirl when the plug was inside of her. “Let’s complement to your beauty, shall we?”
Schultz sat on the edge of the bed, patting his knee. Julia raised an eyebrow, not sure if she liked the position he was proposing. He waited patiently for her to make up her mind and it was the bottle of lubricant that was by his side that made her finally decide that she wanted this. She wanted to experience the toy he’d bought her, especially when the mere thought of it going into her ass made her wet. She took a couple of tentative steps but eventually came to stand beside him.
“Lay over my knees and place your palms flat on the carpet, as well as your toes,” Schultz said softly, the tenderness in his voice giving her the courage to try something she’d always wanted to. She trusted him and knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would never hurt her. She did as he asked, feeling vulnerable and yet secure. Her mind was having trouble with the contradicting emotions so she gave up her pleasure to her husband. “I want you to stay relaxed. Don’t tense and just breathe deeply when I tell you to.”
Julia almost broke out into a fit of giggles, but that reaction soon faded when she felt something cold touch her anus. She immediately tensed, but she eventually loosened her muscles when Schultz didn’t do anything else but gently rub his other hand on her lower back.
“You’re going to feel full as well as the coolness of the plug, but it won’t be too much due to the small size of the toy. We’ll use larger ones later, but this will be good for now and for extended wear.” Schultz continued talking while gently pushing a little harder and sliding the toy inside of her. He was right. It made her feel full and yet somehow the sensation was very stimulating. Her desire ratcheted higher and she hung her head, accepting the pleasure he was giving her. “That’s right, sweetheart.”
Schultz didn’t continue pushing the toy inside of her but instead played with her a bit. He would only thrust an inch inside of her and then pull it out, almost as if he were making love to her ass. The more he did it, the more aroused she became. Other parts of her body were feeling neglected and she started to shift on his leg, wanting some kind of contact with her clit. It was then that he pressed on the plug and tried to slide the wider portion inside of her.
“Oh!” A burning sensation started to spread unlike anything she’d ever felt before. It wasn’t the sweet burn she got when she adjusted to his width inside of her pussy, but almost a sharp burn that had her toes curling into the carpet. “Stop, it hurts.”
“Does it?” Schultz asked, continuing to push the plug inside of her until she thought she’d split in two. She’d taken one hand and grabbed his pants, holding on with every intention to try and sit up when she realized that the plug was now seated inside of her. “Breathe, Julia. Allow your body to get used to the plug before you decide whether or not you want it to remain inside of you.”
Julia closed her eyes and concentrated on Schultz’s voice, using the deep tenor as her anchor. He continued talking to her while rubbing her buttocks, a distraction from the slight discomfort she was experiencing. It was hard to even call it pain, because she wasn’t technically hurting. It was just a sensation she wasn’t used to and yet when she stopped to really listen to her body…it had awakened in every sense of the word and she found she wanted more.
“I—I need…something,” Julia whispered, experiencing magic by his hand. Schultz helped her to stand and that only made her desire for him deepen. She would have straddled him had he allowed it, but he shook his head and held her at arms length. “Schultz, I need more of your touch.”
“And you will,” Schultz confirmed, determined to have his way first. He held up a finger and made a circle in the air. “Turn and let me see you. I want to see what you’ll look like under your skirt with no panties on…say while you’re shopping.”
Moving shifted the plug and sent shockwaves through her buttocks and into her pussy. How was it that one simple toy could make her need an orgasm so desperately? Julia slowly twirled, wondering what he thought of her in this state until she faced him once more. There was a hunger in his dark eyes that answered her very question and he stood, removing his pants and quickly picking up the condom that had been next to the bottle of lube.
“Put your palms on the edge of the bed and separate your legs,” Schultz ordered, his hoarse tone causing goose bumps to spread on her skin. Julia quickly got in position, grabbing the comforter and planting her feet shoulder width apart. His next words almost triggered her release before he even had the chance to enter her. “I want to be able to touch your toy and move it while we make love. I want access to you anytime as I admire your jewelry.”
Julia’s nerves were wound tighter than ever before and she could feel her cream that had dripped to her inner thigh. She had to bite her lip to keep from hurrying him along. He finally tossed the used foil aside and rested his hands on her hips.
“We’ll go slow at first,” Schultz said in a warning she didn’t understand.
“You don’t have to,” Julia said, wanting more than anything to have him slam into her hard. Her pussy was throbbing and needed something to fill it full up. Had she known a plug could rouse this type of stimulation, she wouldn’t have waited so damn long to try one. “Take me please, Schultz.”
His laugh was strained and when he slowly started to work his cock inside of her…she was enlightened. It was as if he’d doubled in size and if she had trouble accepting him before it was twofold now. It wasn’t painful but it took some getting used to. He drove himself into her ever so slowly, one delicious inch at a time. They both paused to catch their breaths once he was seated deep within her.
“Are you okay?” Schultz said, his fingers digging into
her hips and basically preventing her from moving. She would have started gyrating had he not had such a good hold of her. She needed to move. She needed to come and he was holding her back. “Julia, you need to get accustomed to having two things filling you at once.”
“I am,” Julia cried out, resting her forehead against the mattress. Her body was going to shatter whether he moved or not. Her impending orgasm was one stroke away and she needed it more than she needed to breathe. “Just move, Schultz.”
His laughter filled the room, but she sighed with relief and screamed his name when he finally gave her what she wanted. He drove into her over and over, his cock sliding over that sweet spot with twice the pressure. The plug shifted with every thrust and she exploded into an orgasm that was beyond anything she’d ever felt before. Her anus was contracting around the base of the plug, the continued burning only prolonging her pleasure. She didn’t want it to stop and Schultz somehow managed to hold out for her, wringing every last contraction from her pussy as one orgasm seemed to become multiple.
Julia practically fell onto the bed and Schultz joined her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She wasn’t sure what prompted it, but she broke out into a fit of laughter until he finally joined in. She had to catch her breath before she could speak.
“We need bigger ones,” Julia announced happily and very satiated, wanting to try various plugs. “I think there are even vibrating ones. Can we get those too?”
“Whatever your heart desires. Once we are in the new house we can outfit an entire playroom,” Schultz said with a smile, pulling her off of the bed regardless that she tried to stop him. “We need to get you clean. Plus, you’re going to be sore if you don’t soak in the tub for a while, which means taking out your plug.”
Hot SEALs: A Mission of Love (A Hot SEALs / CSA Case Files Crossover) (Kindle Worlds) Page 6
