by Tory Baker
“Thank fucking Christ. I like my dick attached, and if it gets much colder, that shit won’t happen. I’d probably get frostbite,” he mutters while driving. His wrist is on the steering wheel, showing off his forearm. His other hand hasn’t left mine yet.
“That would really suck,” I joke.
“No doubt. You ready for a long-as-hell road trip and sleeping in hotels along the way?” he asks.
“With you? I’m ready for anything.” I return my eyes to the road, not sure if I want him to see just how much he means to me already.
Leo’s phone ringing saves me. I tune out who he’s talking to. Not like I could figure it out between the grunts, the nos, and the we’ll sees. The quiet hum of Leo’s vehicle along with the tree-lined roads and rain hitting the windshield as we drive on the interstate lulls me into a semi-calm state, my whole body relaxes along the way. I don’t have any doubts about the long-distance trek we’re about to make. What I’m worried about most is the repercussions Leo and Nighthawk Security could face. It makes me think things through, plot a couple of things out, and come up with a plan in case my father does something vile. And let’s face it, he’s never truly been the affectionate and doting parent. For that matter, neither has my mother, but something tells me this will cause all kinds of grief for everybody.
“Tinsley?”
“Hmmm,” I murmur, lost between a dream-like state and reality.
“Slade is sending me a contract. Can you sign it? We’re covering our bases. We’re putting it under that you hired us. But let me tell you this now, I am not charging you and neither is Slade, okay?” Leo states. I can hear it in his tone. He’s adamant about this.
“I’ll sign on one condition.” My voice is firm. There’s no way I won’t contribute in some way.
“What’s that?”
“You let me pay half for everything along the way, even when we get there.” I take my hand away from his, my pinky finger out, letting Leo know I’m not taking no for an answer.
“Sweetheart, I know you have money set aside. Save some of that. Who knows how long this shit is going to last. I don’t want the stigma of cash between us. Slade’s not charging and neither am I. You want to help with food every once in a while, I’m okay with that, but for the most part, I’ve got you, I promise.” Leo still takes my pinky in his.
“I don’t think you realize how much I’ve been saving up, Leo. It’s a lot. I mean, like, a lot. I’ve been putting money aside since the day my granddaddy died. He put a bug in my ear, and I listened.” I untangle my pinky finger from his, reluctantly. Leo needs to know what we’re working with. I packed two bags, one with clothes and one with this. It’s nothing pretty, but it was well hidden, and no one knew where it was.
“It’s been five years in the making.” I unzip the bag and show Leo.
“Holy fuck,” he breathes out before veering the truck onto the shoulder, slamming the truck in Park.
“Does anyone know you had that this entire time?” There are stacks of twenty-dollar bills, a few hundred-dollar-bill stacks. Everything bundled nice and neat. My obsessive-compulsive disorder definitely kicked in with this.
“No, should they have?” I ask, not understanding.
“Not sure we should be traveling across the country with that much cash on you. New change of plans. We’re driving as much as we can. Only stopping to eat, go to the bathroom, and sleep. That stays in your view or mine at all times, and Tinsley?”
“Yes, Leo?” I respond while nodding.
“That’s your money. You keep it. It’s your backup if something goes wrong.” His hand finds mine again after I zip the bag back up, placing it on the floorboard.
“Do you think something is going to happen?” I ask, my voice tinged with worry.
“Not if I have anything to do with it.” He brings my hand to his mouth, kissing my knuckles before placing it on his thigh. Leo’s hand on top of mine, holding it there as he gets back on the road and we head to our destination for the day.
Seven
Leo
Jesus, I can’t believe Tinsley has that much cash in her bag and carrying it around like it’s nothing. There must be close to forty grand in cash, no fucking lie. It puts a crick in my plans at finding the cheapest of the cheap motels. I’ll really have to look for a semi-decent one.
This just proves to me that Tinsley is more than meets the eye, more brains than beauty, but her fucking beauty already has me on my knees, ready to worship the ground she walks on. Tinsley doesn’t even know the effect she has on people around her, the way men would openly leer at her when she was walking in and out of her classes. How I had to put Dumb and Dumber in their place, to let them know she was off fucking limits. Holding a gun to Matt’s head while David looked on probably told them I was not screwing around. Shit, if Slade were here monitoring me on this case, I would have been in the same damn position as those two rent-a-cops.
“Might have a slight change of plans. We’ll more than likely travel through the night, sleep for a few hours at a hotel or truck stop, then get back on it. Your father hasn’t caught on yet, but he will as soon as you don’t show up to that event tomorrow evening, and I’d like to get as far away as we can. You okay with that?” I ask Tinsley. My only thoughts now are getting her back to my place. All of us who work at Nighthawk Security have the top-of-the-line alarm systems, thermal motion sensors that let us know if someone’s on the property, without night goggles. Keeping Tinsley safe is my number-one priority, even if that means hiding her from the Suttons.
“I’m good with whatever. We’ll need food soon though. I’m running on empty, and I’m definitely in the need-caffeine department.” She dances in her seat while she talks about breakfast and coffee. It’s a routine for her as soon as her feet hit the floor. I’d be in the sitting room waiting for her, she’d come out fully clothed, grumbling, ‘If were at my apartment making breakfast. Pajamas would be allowed. Not like when you’re in the Sutton household.’ Tinsley isn’t the dressed-up person if she doesn’t have to be.
“We’ll stop at a drive through soon. Looks like if we can make good timing, we’ll be in Virginia in about three days, four max. It’s not going to be very scenic though, lots of interstate driving.”
“That doesn’t bother me. This will give us time to get to know each other. If you want me to, I can drive. I know you’ll probably say no, but the offer is there.” I hate like hell she’s going through this. I see the brave face she’s putting on, and it makes me pissed as hell at her parents. No child should have to go through this. If my parents knew what Tinsley was going through, they’d swoop down and give her all the love she could handle. For that matter, so would everyone and their spouses at Nighthawk, including Bridger’s sisters.
“Tell me about Drake and Braxton?” It’s like she’s reading my mind.
“Drake was in the service, got out and partnered with Slade at Nighthawk along with Bridger. He and Giana are happy and living their best life. Braxton just bought a shop that services and repairs cars. He’s living and breathing it right now. Something all of us are keeping our eyes on. Though, to be fair, once we all set our eyes on our goals, we stop at nothing until it’s firmly in our grasp.” I take my eyes off the road to look at Tinsley, letting her know in more ways than one that I’m not going anywhere and that she’ll be mine.
“It sounds like you Martinez men know what you want. Was it the same way when your parents met?”
“Oh yeah, my dad took one look at her when she was sixteen, he was eighteen, and he was gone for her. He’d just moved into the neighborhood, was washing his car, and my mom was staring the entire time. They started talking and became inseparable. When Mom got pregnant with Drake, they got married, and here they are, all these years later, happy as clams. They travel more than they are home now, so it’s rare for us all to be together. Drake says the same thing happened to him with Giana when he woke up in the hospital after his shoulder surgery. She was the first person he saw
, and he said he knew the minute they met. Braxton is still single, though from what I hear, if Bridger’s sister has anything to do with it, he won’t be for long,” I tell her.
“That’s sweet. I wish I could say the same thing about my parents. My granddaddy didn’t want them to get married for anything in the world. My mom saw the last name—apparently, the Sutton name is one of those old names that had deep pockets. Mom was oblivious to her surroundings and only wanted Dad for his name, the old money side of things you hear about. Not the working till you make money and a name for yourself, I guess. They lived within their means, invested wisely. She didn’t see that though, not Cynthia. Robert somehow schmoozed his way into her life, all too aware of the family money my granddaddy had. It’s ridiculous though, honestly. I mean, they are meant for each other. Evil attracts evil. Neither of them knew that granddaddy left the trust in my name. Cynthia doesn’t get one red cent. Ever since they found out on my eighteenth birthday, it’s like they keep me around for convenience. I’m not dumb though. Things may seem like everything’s copasetic. If Dad doesn’t get this design out though, they’ll be on the verge of bankruptcy. Dad likes to gamble and Mom likes to shop. It makes for an expensive habit.” In the past few weeks, we’ve talked, but nothing like we have in the past twenty-four hours, and I have a feeling she wouldn’t have opened up to me like she is right now if things didn’t escalate last night. Tinsley was bold as ever too, and I love that she teased me, getting me to the point of not giving two shits about her parents.
“That’s interesting. You think they could be coming up with some sort of plan?” I ask, already knowing the answer, and that will definitely be on my to-do list when we get back to Virginia. I told Slade that except for daily check-ins, we’d be going dark. It’ll be less for everyone to worry about if Robert decides to play hardball.
“As hard as it is to admit, nothing would shock me. It hurts to know your parents could be so deceitful, but after my granddaddy died, shit really went downhill.” Tinsley is lost in her thoughts, and I leave her be. She needs to process this. I can’t imagine what she’s going through right now or how she’ll continue to handle things if my hunch is right about Robert Sutton, and I’m never wrong when it comes to my gut feeling.
Eight
Tinsley
We drove for fourteen hours today. Let me rephrase that, Leo drove for the entirety of today. He was going to drive through the night but thought better of it, saying we got a lot of miles between us and my father.
Now, we’re inside our hotel for the night in a no-name town in Montana, close to the South Dakota border. Leo mentioned it would be a hole in the wall most times, but from the looks of it, this place is normal, nothing elaborate. Not that we need anything like that. A shower and some sleep, then we’ll be doing the same thing again tomorrow. Leo’s hoping we can make the forty-three-hour trip in less than three days. I somehow doubt that is going to happen. I mean, he won’t even let me drive.
“Why don’t you grab a shower, then I’ll take one when you get out,” Leo offers. I can see the tiredness in his eyes, the weariness in his voice.
“You can get in before me. I feel like I’m barely pulling any weight. The least I can do is let you shower first, order some food, and let you rest,” I counter.
Leo’s sitting on the edge of the bed. I’m standing in front of the dresser with the television humming low in the background.
“Come here, Tinsley.” I go towards him, stepping in between his thighs. Leo’s hands slide under the edge of my shirt, holding my hips in his firm grasp. My hands delve into his hair, massaging him as I move my fingers through it.
“You okay?” I ask.
“I think I should be asking you that. I practically kidnapped you from your parents, uprooted your life, and we’re basically on the run,” he says, trying to hide his need for sleep.
“I’m okay, I promise.” He pulls me in, wrapping me up in his arms. His head lands between my breasts, and he holds me. I’m not sure if it’s for my sake or his own. I bask in this moment, both of us being still. Not a word is spoken, nothing needs to be said. We stay like this for a few minutes until Leo lifts his head.
“Why don’t we do one better, you wash my back and I’ll wash yours.” He wiggles his eyebrows, causing me to laugh. The heaviness that was on his face moments before has all but disappeared.
“That was the worst. Who uses that anymore?” I question while trying to get my laughter under control.
“Your man,” he grunts, standing up. Leo picks me up, hoisting me over his shoulder and marching towards the bathroom.
“I guess we’re showering together? Saving water and all that?” My hand uses his ass for purchase and maybe to feel him up a little bit. I mean, it’s only fair, right? His own hand is on my ass, practically doing the same thing.
“Damn straight.” Leo slides me down the length of his body, allowing us both to feel each other, every slope and curve of my body. When I feel the bulge of his length, it makes me long to feel it deep inside me.
“Leo.” My breath leaves me. He cups my cheek as he kisses me. Leo isn’t slow and tentative, oh no. He devours me, as if he’s wanted me as long as I’ve wanted him, from the moment I first laid eyes on him in my father’s study. I knew then Leo was the one for me, even with the weight of the world falling down on my shoulders.
“I feel you, baby, but I’m not taking you yet. When I do, you’ll be in my bed, naked, writhing beneath me, and I’ll take you all fucking night long.” His words make the ache inside me build higher while also plummeting my hopes that tonight will be the night.
“Okay.” I step back from him, ripping my clothes off, knowing that Leo really needs the rest, but also, I really want us both to find pleasure.
“Slow down, Tinsley. We have time, and I want to watch as you show me every inch of your body. A body that I’ve been fantasizing about more than I’ve ever had the right to, until now.” My shirt is over my head, my leggings long since discarded. I’m in nothing but my matching bra and panties. It’s the one thing I splurge on for myself. All of them have to match, no matter if it’s cotton, lace, satin, or silk.
I nod and slow things down, taking my hair out of its messy bun, letting the long tresses fall around my shoulders.
“Your turn,” I respond. Now that he’s asking me to hold on, I want to take everything in that is Leo Martinez. He pulls his shirt over his head, giving way to his warm skin tone, muscular build, and hair that’s sprinkled across his chest. My gaze never leaves his hands as he unbuckles his belt and then the button of his pants. We both stepped out of our shoes the moment we entered the room, or this could have really gotten awkward.
My breath hitches when he lets his pants fall to the ground. Last night, he was in shorts when we went to bed. Tonight, he stands in front of me sans clothes, and he’s definitely not wearing boxers or shorts. My eyes home in on his slight happy trail that leads to the small thatch of hair giving way to his hard length. The way it’s pointing towards his navel, long and thick, has my mouth salivating.
“Don’t even think about it, Tinsley.” He’s reading my thoughts plain as day. My knees are threatening to buckle. I want to lick, suck, and taste Leo’s cock.
A whimper sounds. I don’t realize it’s coming from me until Leo stalks towards me, like I’m his and only his. I don’t move. It’s not until the water is raining down on our slick skin that I realize we’re in the shower. My bra and panties are still on, the fabric becoming translucent. Leo’s eyes are devouring me, all of me, the curves, the softness in my midsection, and by the way he’s looking at me, it’s as if he couldn’t want me more.
“God, Tinsley. You’re fucking beautiful.” His voice is like a prayer. When Leo’s lips land on mine, I immediately open for him, wanting to savor his flavor as our tongues twine together, both of us giving what the other wants. The palm of his hand curves around my breast. I’m thankful that this is a lace set, so I can feel the heat of him through the f
abric.
“Leo,” I moan. He takes his mouth away from mine. I feel his tongue lapping along the way to where he sucks on that spot, that very spot that has my hips searching for the friction I so badly need. Leo loves to tease my collarbone. It sets off something that’s explosive deep inside of me.
I want his mouth on my breasts, so I reach behind my back for the clasp as his mouth makes a path to my aching chest.
“Yeah, beautiful, show me what you want,” he groans against my skin. I drop my arms, and the lacey scrap of fabric drops to the floor. My hands reach for the band of my panties, wanting to slide them off, when Leo’s lips land on my nipple. I look down, watching as he watches me. It’s the highest of highs.
His tongue lashes at one nipple then moves to the other, his hands roaming my body, leaving my flesh warm and tingling. My hands gravitate to his shoulders, finding purchase as one of my legs hooks around his narrow waist, needing to feel him even if he won’t take me tonight.
“More,” I croon. Leo grabs my thigh, pulling us as close as we can physically get. The scrap of lace hindering me from feeling him completely.
“I’m going to give you more, but first I’m going to kiss, lick, and suck these pretty nipples. Then I’ll get down on my knees, my face in your pussy as I taste you. And, Tinsley?” The heat in his eyes tells me he means every bit of what he says.
“God, Leo. I want that so damn much.” Leo does what I least expect—he grinds his cock against my mound, causing me to arch further into him.
“I’m going to make you come again and again.” Then I feel his warmth leave my body. I open my eyes, wanting to see what Leo is doing. He’s down on his knees before me. Those calloused hands of his against my smooth skin leave a searing path of heat. My panties are being peeled off my body until they hit my ankles. I step out of them, kicking them to the side. I’m standing in front of him, the man who has become the only person I could ever depend on or lean my head on his shoulder when I need someone to just be there with me. That’s who Leo is. Not all of him—there’s no way he could ever be one dimensional, not with all the facets he’s shown me along the way.
