Fallen Ink: A Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Novel

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  When he ran around to the driver’s side and hopped in, she rested her head back on the headrest and let out a sigh.

  “I’m sorry I’m grumpy. Thank you for driving me home and helping me deal with my car. I know it’s raining and yucky and you’re being amazing. I’m just growly.”

  Mace reached over and squeezed her hand before turning the ignition and pulling out of the spot. “You’re not grumpy or growly. Not really,” he added when she snorted. “Your car wouldn’t start, and you didn’t kick the tire or anything, so that’s progress.”

  She couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face as she looked over at him. “I kicked my tire once, and that was because I was annoyed with Joe.”

  “Your ex was a douche, so you should have kicked his tire instead of yours, but then that would have been a misdemeanor.”

  Mace wasn’t wrong that Joe was a douche, but she hadn’t even seen the other man in over a year. She blinked, her mouth going dry.

  Over. A. Year.

  “Oh my God,” she whispered. If she hadn’t seen the man in over year, that meant she hadn’t had sex in over a year. Over three hundred and sixty-five days of only having an orgasm because she knew how to rub her clit and had a very nice bag full of toys.

  Oh. Dear. God.

  Mace turned to her sharply before looking back at the road. “What is it? Shit, I thought I was going to hit something.”

  She winced. “Sorry. At least you didn’t swerve.”

  “What’s wrong? You’re pale and look like you’re going to be sick. Do I need to pull over?” He started looking to the side, and she reached out and patted his arm.

  “I’m fine. Really. I uh…just thought about something alarming and, well, it surprised me, that’s all.”

  He kept his eyes on the road as the rain started coming down harder, but she saw the confusion on his face. She usually told him what she was thinking, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to tell him this.

  Ever.

  They sat in awkward silence as Mace made his way to her house, and she tried to figure out how she’d let her dating and sex lives lapse as they had. She’d been busy working on setting up the new shop and working double-time at her old place to save up before she quit, so that was an easy excuse.

  Still, though, she wasn’t quite sure how it had happened.

  Mace pulled into her driveway, and the rain around them came down in sheets, the wind slamming into his truck hard enough to rock it on its wheels.

  “You can’t drive in this,” she said over the roaring wind. “It should die down soon, but at least come inside for a bit while you wait. You know how this area floods. Your parents have Daisy, right?”

  Mace turned off the engine and nodded. “Yeah, they’re at my house since we don’t have our system down yet.”

  “Then come on in for a bit and wait for the wind to at least die down.”

  The truck rocked again.

  “Sounds like a plan,” he said as he met her gaze. Then, they were both running through the wind and rain, laughing as she tried to get her key into the lock. They tumbled into her house together, his hands on her upper arms, keeping her steady as they slid across the hardwood floor and slammed the door behind them.

  “That was crazy!” she laughed, shaking her head, watching the water drops fall from her hair as if she’d just gotten out of the shower.

  He squeezed her arms, letting her go, and a chill slid over her. She assumed it had to be from the wet rain that was slowly turning to ice outside.

  “Came out of nowhere. Hopefully, Ryan’s okay at the shop.”

  “He should be fine. I mean, these storms never last for long. Not without snow anyway. Want a towel?”

  He nodded and followed her back to the master bath. She handed him a fluffy bath sheet then took one for herself. “So, you going to tell me what you were thinking about?”

  She froze. “Uh…”

  “Just tell me. You got me all curious.” He ran his towel through his hair, and she couldn’t help but watch the way the muscles in his arms bunched at the movement. Her best friend was damn sexy and, apparently, she needed to get laid because she couldn’t keep her mind off him.

  Nothing good could come from what she was going to say next, nor the directions of her thoughts but, apparently, the cold had rattled her brain.

  “I was thinking that I haven’t had sex in over a year.” She paused, but he just looked at her, his eyes wide. “And that it’s been so long, that you’re looking really hot all wet and bearded.”

  He didn’t say anything, his gaze on hers. She was really afraid she’d just fucked everything up. All she had to do was laugh it off and make it a joke. Tell him that she was just kidding and wanted to make him squirm.

  But she didn’t say anything.

  Couldn’t say anything.

  And he didn’t say anything either.

  Instead, he tilted his head, making her feel like she’d ruined everything.

  And then he kissed her.

  Hard.

  Chapter 4

  Mace was making a fucking mistake, and he didn’t care. Adrienne tasted like sin and seduction, and he knew if he stopped kissing her, he’d let his mind wander to what the hell he was doing, and he’d fuck up everything even more.

  So, he kept kissing her.

  And then he took it deeper.

  His fingers tangled in her hair, and she slid her hands up his chest, digging into his flesh. Their moans were lost in the wind and rain outside as it beat down on the bathroom window, and he couldn’t help but explore her mouth.

  He’d thought about doing this countless times; thought about tasting her, having her. He’d imagined himself licking up her neck and down between her breasts before devouring her everywhere else. He’d thought about how she’d arch into him as he plunged into her, and they’d both come, panting and sweaty.

  He’d thought about all of it because he’d been attracted to Addi from day one, but had never wanted to hurt their friendship. That was still the case because she was the most important adult in his life, the strongest relationship he had with another person besides Daisy.

  So why was he still kissing her?

  Mace was about to pull back when she leaned in closer, her breasts pressing into his chest. And when her hands slid around to his back to cling to him, he knew there would be no getting out of this mistake just then.

  They’d deal with the consequences later because that’s what they did. They were strong enough to deal with anything, and right then, all he wanted to do was bury himself inside his best friend and never stop.

  So, he didn’t.

  He licked and nibbled up her jaw, loving the way she arched her neck for him in response. He couldn’t reach all of her shoulder, and he wanted nothing more than to taste every inch of her skin, so he pulled back and tugged on the bottom of her shirt. She blinked up at him with wide, lust-filled eyes then helped him strip the garment over her head.

  That still left her in a tank, where he could just barely glimpse some delicate lace that made his mouth water.

  “Why the fuck are you wearing so many clothes?”

  “Because if I wear this bra under just a cotton shirt, you can see all the bumps from the lace, and I’m really not in the mood to deal with dude bros trying to wonder what the hell is all over my tits.”

  He shook his head and pulled her tank off quickly before leaning down and sucking one lace-covered nipple into his mouth. Her head fell back, and she moaned, her hand in his hair, pressing him closer to her.

  “Now I’m the one all over your tits,” he teased then moved to her other breast.

  She gave a laugh that ended on a groan as he slid her bra down slightly so he could bare her breast.

  “That was hor—“ A lust-filled gasp. “A horrible joke. Like the worst, ever.”

  “Then let me make it up to you.” He sucked on her other breast, reaching around her back to undo her bra clasp with one hand.

&nb
sp; “Take off your shirt. That could help.”

  He grinned, leaning back to do as she asked. Well, demanded, but he didn’t mind just then, especially if she ordered him around like that. As long as they were about to be skin-to-skin, he’d do whatever she wanted.

  “I freaking love your ink,” she whispered. “Like, I know that I got to do the work on your legs, but your old artist who did all of the ink on your chest and arms? Fucking talented.”

  His entire chest and arms were covered with an array of ink that was not only interconnected, but each meant something to him in a different and personal way. His artist had done it over a period of ten years at his old shop before he moved away. Adrienne had then taken over his ink, and since his entire back was tattoo-free, he knew she was ready to play with that canvas.

  But not right then.

  He kissed her again before going back to give more attention to her breasts. “You know you can have my back when we finish the design.”

  “You’ll be on your back soon, Knight, so just keep that in mind.”

  He straightened then crushed his mouth to hers. “I think you’ve got that the other way around.” He slid his hands down over the soft curve of her hips, then moved one around to her belly before dipping beneath the waistband of her jeans.

  Her eyes met his as his fingers slid into her panties and then over the heat of her. “Mace.”

  He gently flicked his finger over her clit—a feat not easily done as her jeans were fucking tight, but the limited room to work gave them both a sense of urgency he knew would keep them on the edge.

  “You’re already so wet for me, Addi. Your panties are fucking damp, and I’m just now putting my fingers in your pussy.” He pumped one finger in and out of her, just a bare graze as he couldn’t move as much as he wanted, and watched as her pupils dilated and her breaths came in pants. “You going to be a good girl and come on my hand with your pants still on? You do that, and I’ll lick this wet pussy of yours. I’ll lick and suck, and eat you out until you come on my face. Then I’ll fuck you hard until you break over my cock and leave scratches on my back. What do you say?” He entered a second finger, and her tight cunt pulsated around him. “You think you can do that? Can you come on my hand?”

  They were standing in her bathroom with the rain slamming into the window, yet all he could do was move his fingers in and out of her with shallow, desperate strokes as she watched him with wide eyes.

  “Addi? Can you come?”

  In answer, she cupped her breasts and arched into him, her gaze never leaving his.

  Then she came.

  He’d known she was beautiful, had seen it every damn day, but he hadn’t known the wonder and breathtaking radiance that was Addi when she came.

  Her pussy clamped down on his fingers, and a stunning blush spread across her skin. “Mace.”

  At the sound of his name on her lips, he kissed her again, his fingers still moving in and out of her slick sheath. She was so wet, and the sounds they made together caused his cock to harden beyond reason. He was actually worried he might come in his jeans like a damn teenager, and if he weren’t careful, he wouldn’t be able to fuck her hard like he wanted.

  So, he pulled his fingers out of her, looked right into her eyes, and licked her sweetness from the two fingers that had made her come like a fucking goddess.

  “Jesus Christ, that’s like the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  He winked. “You haven’t seen my cock yet.”

  When she rolled her eyes, he couldn’t help but grin. “Ego much?”

  “Made you come with just my fingers, didn’t I?”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now put your mouth where your fingers were, and then we’ll see.”

  There was a reason this woman was his best friend, and that mouth of hers was just part of it. He kissed her again, this time going slow so he could savor their time together because he had a feeling once they both left this haze of sex and bad decisions, they’d never touch each other like this again.

  When he pulled way, he quickly pulled her jeans down along with her panties. Any other time, he’d have loved to use that lacy excuse for panties to play with her ass and her clit, but he didn’t have the patience for that. She let out a surprised squeal when he lifted her up by the hips and set her down on the bathroom counter. Then, he pulled her to the edge, spread her legs, and licked her pussy in one quick set of movements, just to watch the way her body tightened.

  “You’re going to make me fall off this damn thing,” she warned. “This isn’t the sturdiest of counters.”

  “Then hold on,” he growled and went back to eating her out. He licked between her folds, his hands holding down her thighs so he could spread her open and spear her with his tongue. She kept her hands on the edge of the counter so she wouldn’t fall, but he knew it was damn close because her whole body shook as he licked and sucked and ate.

  When her breaths came in tiny pants and her thighs shook under his hands, he sucked on her clit again and looked up her body to her face.

  “Mace.”

  And then she came again. He lapped her up, aware that if he didn’t get inside her soon, he’d burst right then and there. He stood up quickly and undid his pants, thankful that they’d both taken off their shoes at the door since they were drenched. When he stood between her spread legs and wrapped her hair around his fist, she smiled up at him, the look in her eyes one of a woman drunk on lust, and he knew his likely mirrored hers even though he hadn’t come yet. He crushed his mouth to hers, his need for her intensifying to the point where he wasn’t sure he’d ever come back from it, at least not whole.

  “Spare condoms are in the drawer,” she panted, her legs wrapped around his waist, her pussy wet and hot against his stomach. He was damn glad she’d remembered a condom because she was so fucking sexy right then, he’d almost fucked her bare, and that wasn’t something either of them was ready for. Hell, he wasn’t sure that was something they’d ever be ready for.

  “Spare?” he asked, fumbling for the drawer beside them. He quickly found the box of condoms, ripped open the container, then did the same to the packet before sliding the rubber over his length.

  “I have more in the bedroom. These are in here in case I run out in there. I mean, it’s not like I want to run from the bedroom to the bathroom for a condom, you know? Breaks the mood.”

  He really didn’t want to think about another man fucking her at the moment, so he pushed those images from his head. “Thankfully, I’m going to fuck you right on this counter, so that works.” He kissed her hard then pulled back so he could look into her eyes as he slid into her, inch by aching inch until he was seated to the hilt inside her wet heat.

  “You’re so fucking big,” she whispered, laughter dancing in her eyes. “And I can’t believe I just said that out loud.”

  He grinned, pumping his hips slightly so he moved in and out of her. “Well, a guy needs those kinds of compliments. And you’re really tight. Perfect combination.”

  She lifted her hips slightly from the counter, bringing him deeper, and they both moaned.

  “Fuuuuuck,” he growled. “Hold on tight, Addi.”

  “As long as you make me come, I can do that.”

  He kissed her again. “Done.”

  Then he moved.

  He had one hand on her hip, holding her so tightly to him that he knew he’d probably leave a bruise. The other was on the back of her neck so they had their heads together, their gazes down, watching his length move in and out of her. It was singularly the most erotic sight he’d ever witnessed, and as his balls grew tight, he knew if he didn’t make her come fast, she’d make a liar out of him with her sweet pussy.

  Mace kissed her again then moved his hand from the back of her head to play with her clit. “Come, Addi. Come on my cock.”

  “Demanding.”

  He flicked her clit. “Needy.”

  “Fuck, yeah,” she whispered and then broke apart as she came again. Her cu
nt was like a vice on his dick, and he came with her, swallowing her scream with his kiss as he thrust in and out of her with frenzied need on the wave of their orgasms.

  Soon the sound of their breathing was the only noise in the bathroom, and he looked at the window, noticing that the rain had all but died down, and the wind was no longer making the house rattle.

  Then, the reality of the situation hit him.

  He was late picking up his daughter because he’d spent the past thirty minutes fucking his best friend in her bathroom. He still had his damn cock inside her, and neither of them had said anything since they both came so hard he was pretty sure he’d see stars for the next hour.

  They’d made a huge fucking mistake, and as he looked into her eyes, he knew she knew it, too. But instead of kissing her like he should and telling her everything would be okay, he pulled out of her and disposed of the condom. How could everything be okay when neither of them had spoken a word to each other about what they were doing? This…need for each other might have always been there, but their acting on it had come out of nowhere.

  “I have to go pick up Daisy.”

  Adrienne blinked and then closed her legs, covering up her breasts as much as she could with one arm as she nodded. He was a fucking bastard, but he had no idea what he should say to make everything okay.

  He was ruining his best relationships because he was so far out of his depth, yet he had no idea how to fix it.

  “Go, she’s probably wondering where you are.” There was no censure in her tone, no hurt, but the lack of emotion spoke volumes.

  “I’ll pick you up in the morning?” he asked, pulling up his jeans. “Are you going to call Carter tonight.”

  She nodded, her hands still covering herself, though he’d tasted every inch she now hid from his sight. “I’ll get it done.” She cleared her throat. “Uh, see you tomorrow.”