by Em Petrova
With a shimmy of her hips, she had his cock nearly bursting. He groaned and stilled her. But she refused to remain in place and eased down his body with a private smile and a glitter in her eyes that told him he was in… so… much… trouble.
“Elise,” he rasped when her lips hit his abs and skittered down into the short tangle of hairs cushioning his cock. She mouthed the root of his shaft, and he damn near lost it there and then.
He felt the veins in his neck bulge with the effort of retaining his control as she slid her mouth along his cock to the tip. Her warm breath enveloped him for a split second before she swallowed him.
“Jesus Christ.”
She made a noise that could have been a giggle and did something with her tongue that had his hips coming off the bed. Hell, at this rate, he’d be glued to the ceiling. The woman knew how to give head.
He couldn’t drag in air around the groan he was releasing. Speaking of releasing…
Pre-cum leaked onto her scorching-hot tongue and he had no idea if he was going to stave off his impending orgasm.
“Stop.” He gripped her shoulders and yanked her up.
Her smile spread across her beautiful features, and he couldn’t stop staring at her. Or at her ripe lips swollen from sucking his cock.
“I’m going to finish you off,” she said.
“I’ll take you up on that. But not today. Reach over the side and grab a condom from my wallet, would you?”
“I’ll do better than that.” She leaned forward and opened her nightstand drawer.
His eyes bulged when he saw the number of condoms there. “Please tell me you don’t have those for anyone besides me.”
She just gave him a small smile and ripped open a packet. He was mesmerized by her fingers as she rolled the rubber over his cock. Then she arched her back, thrusting her breasts forward.
He caught them in his palms and swished his thumbs over her distended nipples as she poised her pussy over his erection.
“Slide down on me, cher. Take what you want.”
Her eyelids fluttered as she eased down over him inch by slick inch. Heat spread through his groin, and his balls tightened. He kneaded her breasts and jerked his hips upward, his cock buried so deep that he couldn’t think of where his body separated from hers.
Then she started to move. Slowly at first, with small rolls of her hips. Each movement growing faster, more and more out of control, until her throaty moans echoed off the flowery wallpapered walls. He grabbed her hips and guided her, up and down, faster until she let out a scream that hit him like an air strike.
His orgasm rushed up and overflowed, jets spurting from him rapid-fire.
“Oh my God,” she whispered and collapsed on his chest.
Her silky hair spread across his chest, and some of it caught on the stubble of his jaw. He didn’t move. Couldn’t move. And she seemed content to lie there and recover.
Stroking his fingers up and down her spine raised goosebumps in his wake, and damn if he didn’t feel good about that too. He loved how reactive she was to his touch.
After long minutes, she eased off him, mindful of the condom that had to be about to burst from all the cum he’d shot into it. She rolled onto the mattress and he leaned over to brush his lips over hers. “I’ll just take care of this.”
He got up and went to the first door off her bedroom. Her giggle followed him. “That’s the closet.”
He grabbed the first lacy thing he saw hanging and came out dangling it on one finger. “You should put this on.”
She laughed again and shook her head. He set aside the lacy dress and then found the bathroom. It only took him a minute to clean up—he wasn’t wasting a minute of his time with her. Especially when he had no idea when he’d be called out to duty again.
He emerged from the bathroom to find her sitting up, the blankets tucked under her armpits. Her dark hair tumbled over one sexy shoulder.
“Damn, you look fine.” He ran the few steps to the bed and dived onto the mattress, making her giggle and bounce into his arms. He drew her against him and she flipped the ruffled covers over his shoulder.
Another laugh escaped her. He stared at her.
“What?”
“I’ve never seen you so carefree,” he said, in awe.
“Well, I’ve never seen a man wear ruffles so well. I don’t know how, but you look even more manly.”
He cocked a brow and gave her a crooked smile. “It’s the tattoo, isn’t it?”
Her gaze flicked down to the eagle clutching a rippling flag in its talons inked across his chest. She nodded. “I think it is.” She raised a hand to the tattoo and just her soft touch against his skin had him hard again.
The covers tented around his erection, and she tugged the blanket back to peek. “Seems we have a problem, Knight.”
“Mmm. I can see a couple myself.” He stroked her hardened nipple through the sheet.
Her eyes grew serious as she stared at him. “First, you have to promise that if you get called away for a mission while I’m asleep that you’ll wake me and tell me.”
His heart gave a hard thud of emotion at her words. Leaning in, he pressed his forehead against hers, breathing in her sweetness. “Promise. But you’d better not be the type of woman who wakes from a sound sleep swinging a fist.”
She chuckled but looked a bit worried. “Who does that?”
“My sister Tyler.”
“Oh yes, I’ve heard of her.”
His brows shot up. “Tell me it’s not because she’s dating some jarhead.”
“You don’t want her with a Marine?”
“Not if I can help it. I’ve known too many Marines.” His mind went to Elise’s ex and how a man like Hawk would never, ever lay hands on his sister. Because Sean would take pure pleasure into smashing each digit into bone pulp.
“What does that say about you?” Elise asked.
“I’m different. Ask anyone.”
“Hmm.” She didn’t sound so convinced, and there was only one way to get her off the topic. He lowered his head and kissed her with a slow intensity that left them both gasping. He skimmed a hand over her bare hip, up to her narrow waist. Things quickly heated, and in minutes, he was sporting another condom and thrusting his cock high and deep into her tight pussy.
Looking down into her eyes, he said, “I’m good for you. Tell me you don’t feel it.”
She closed her eyes and let out a rasp of pleasure.
He grinned. “I’ll take that.”
Chapter Seven
The breeze rippled through the trees, making the Spanish moss sway on the branches and stirring memories in Elise. She shifted on the edge of the dock, feet swaying, and one bare toe swished the water, causing ripples. Each ring spread out wider and wider until they enveloped her and Sean’s fishing lines.
“What’s that sigh for?” His deep voice bathed over her. She couldn’t decide if his presence or the sun on her shoulders made her feel warmer.
She looked to him. “Did I sigh?”
His smile spread over his ruggedly handsome features. His beard had sprouted even more in the Louisiana humidity and now couldn’t be called stubble. It was definitely the beginnings of a yummy beard.
“Yes, you sighed. Are you frustrated we’re not catching any catfish?”
When he’d asked her to come with him for an afternoon of fishing, she had jumped at the chance. “That’s not it. I learned patience in this hobby.”
He dropped his jaw. “Hobby? This is a sport, cher.”
She chuckled. “That’s what my grandpére would say. I was thinking of him when I sighed, actually.”
While working such long hours together, she’d discovered one of the things she liked most about Sean was how he could sit so still and quietly, waiting for her to say what was on her mind. Totally the opposite of Bo, who wanted to know and wanted to know now. She’d gotten used to Bo’s ways, but she had to admit she preferred Sean’s.
“My grandfather
used to bring me catfishin’ as a little girl.”
“He’s gone now?” he asked softly.
“Yes. Four years ago. He was a great man in my life. The only man, since my father ran out on us. The old, I’m-going-to-the-store-for-cigarettes trick.” She gave Sean a sideways glance.
“Damn, that’s harsh. The least he could do was come up with something original.”
That brought a laugh from her, so unexpected and genuine that she warmed toward him more. He put his arm around her, one hand still gripping the pole. They were more likely to get a hundred mosquito bites out here than a catfish, but she didn’t want to spoil the mood by telling him he was going at it all wrong. Just sitting on the dock with him felt nice.
Actually, it felt like a departure from her life and a trip back in time all at once.
His intense gaze fixed on her. “Can I ask you about your roots? I’m curious what flavors went into making such a beautiful woman.”
A hot flush climbed her cheeks. Men called her beautiful, sure. And more than one Marine had tried to get in her pants. But when Sean complimented her, she felt it deep in a part of her that had never been touched before, not even when Bo had told her when she’d walked down the aisle.
“I have the typical Creole on my father’s side and if you’re wondering if I have a voodoo priestess in my family tree, you’re correct.”
His brows shot up.
She nodded. “Great grandmére. My mother remembers sitting with her and hearing her curse people under her breath.” She giggled, and they shared a laugh.
“So that’s where you get your demeanor.”
She shoved at his shoulder, hoping he fell into the water, but he didn’t even rock. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I don’t have to tell you that you’re tough and ruthless if need be.”
Now his compliment gave her a new sensation. She’d always prided herself on her abilities, whether it was the mental dismantling of codes nobody was supposed to crack or hand-to-hand combat. The fact that Sean saw her so clearly gave her a thrill.
“Maybe you’re right.”
“And your maman?”
“Moved to Florida.”
“You don’t sound happy about that.”
“I always felt she…” She paused, unsure whether she should voice something she’d never admitted aloud to anybody. “Is it terrible I thought her weak for wanting to run away and never getting over my father leaving?”
He shook his head. “Your feelings are valid, whatever they are, cher.”
She dragged in a deep breath and released it, considering his words. “She needed a fresh start, and after I joined the forces, she got it. She’s living with a man quite happily these past few years.”
“That’s good then.”
She looked into Sean’s eyes, seeing more about her own life through his vision. “Yeah,” she said, surprised, “it is.” Until then, she’d always wondered if her mother’s choices had been the right ones, but it was obvious they were. Anything that gave a person happiness was worth fighting for.
“I’m sorry about the men in your life, Elise.”
She held her breath, hearing what he wasn’t saying about the men in her life. He was so curious about Bo, and if she was sleeping with him—and she most definitely had many times—he deserved to know.
She inclined her head toward his line. “You’re not going to catch a catfish on that bait.”
He chuckled. “I know. You may not know this about me, but I’m the king of catfishin’. I can pull more out of the water in an hour than you or I would want to deal with. This way we get a chance to talk, get to know each other.” He leaned in to brush his lips over her cheekbone.
She turned her mouth into his, the kiss sweet and lingering. A boy meets girl kind of kiss, from a romantic movie where the couple figures out they actually might have a future together.
Except, she wasn’t snowing herself over by thinking she and Sean would end up together. More than likely, she’d have another Bo in her life—a buddy. But as soon as she tried to take that step toward a real relationship, she’d realize what she had about Bo—that they weren’t suited. Maybe she wasn’t suited to settling down with anybody, but she was fine with that.
He drew back from the kiss, eyes warm and bright, melting her insides. “I love being with you, Elise.”
“I…” A private smile stretched her lips. “I’m glad we came here.”
“You’re glad you came. And came. And came. And came. And—”
“All right.” She laughed and nudged his shoulder with hers. “I’m glad we did that too.”
He cracked a smile that was a portrait of cockiness if she ever saw one. But he didn’t need her to tell him that he was a great lover. The man knew his skills in bed and in the field.
“Sean.” She spoke hesitantly.
His expression grew serious. “What is it?”
“I know you want to know more about Bo.”
She saw the change come over him.
“I admit I’m curious about your odd relationship.”
“Odd?”
“Surely you must know most divorced people aren’t best friends after the split-up.”
She nodded, chewing her lip a bit. “Yes. It’s just that we were way better friends than we ever were anything else. We just didn’t realize it until we’d tried the other path.”
He nodded as if he understood, but she wondered if he really did.
“You don’t have anything to be jealous over, Sean. Bo and I… we were through before we started. We mistook a deep bond of friendship and a working relationship for love. He is invested in what happens to me, and I am too.”
“You interfere in who he sees?”
“No, not that. In fact, I don’t want to know anything about his conquests. But he’s there for me in any way I need him.”
Sean issued a low sound in his throat that had her leaning close to catch his gaze. He slid his stare to hers. “I don’t like it.”
“Why not? I already told you he’s not a love interest.”
“Because I want to be there for you in any way you need, and he can keep his interfering ass out of it.”
Excitement speared her, a hot spike through her heart and into her core. His words roused something she hadn’t considered when first jumping into the sack with Sean. The idea that he might get attached, want more… No, she must be misreading what he was saying.
A man like Sean Knight couldn’t be telling her that he wanted to be there for her in all ways, like a man who loved a woman was. Sean was too tough for such emotions.
And so was she.
* * * * *
The banging on the front door followed by a string of dings from Elise’s phone could only mean one person had come to visit.
“Bo,” she groaned.
Next to her, Sean bolted upright. His hair stood out in several directions and the stubble on his jaw had gone from dangerous to dastardly.
“Tell me that fucker’s not at your door right now,” he grated out. He jumped out of bed, looking about to reach for his weapon and clear the perimeter.
She glanced at the clock. 1:00 a.m. She scrambled to her feet and grabbed for her robe as she circled the bed. The place looked like a war zone, with clothes and shoes strewn across the pale carpet. He jerked on his jeans.
“Sean, hold on.” She pressed a hand to his chest. His heart was racing—an adrenaline rush. Nobody liked being woken from a deep sleep let alone with such alarming urgency. Bo beat at the door again, and her phone rang with several more text messages.
She snatched it off the nightstand and looked up into Sean’s eyes. “Let me handle Bo.”
“Like hell.” He started to move around her, and she stepped into his path.
“No, really. I got this.”
“What could be so urgent that he has to do that?” He pointed at the front of the apartment as more pounding ensued.
Bo called out, “Elise! Open the d
oor. Now.”
Sean’s mouth hardened, and she saw the steel in his demeanor—what made him a warrior—or maybe a Knight. He pushed past her and strode into the living room. She ran out and jumped between him and the door.
“Sean, I’ll handle this. Just… go make a pot of coffee.”
“He’s not fucking ordering you around.” He didn’t look at her as he said this, just glared at the door as if he could drill through the wood and into the man on the other side.
At her back, the door vibrated with Bo’s extreme pounding. If he kept this up, he would get her kicked out of the apartment building.
Sean reached for the handle, and she gripped his wrist. Raising the other hand, she cupped his jaw. He must have seen the determination on her face to win this round because he stepped back.
“Fine. But I’m not leaving you alone with him.”
She gritted her teeth. Having two alpha males vying for her attention—even for different reasons—was not up there on her comfort scale.
And now she was going to have to deal with Bo walking in to see Sean wearing only his jeans and her in a state of dishevelment that could only mean she’d been pleasured well into the night.
She took a breath and opened the door.
Bo pinned her in his stare and dropped the fist he had poised to beat down her door again. “What took you so long?” He stepped past her and stopped dead as he and Sean faced off.
Oh fuck.
She couldn’t let them fight. This was stupid and there was no reason for either of them to have a problem. If she was going to keep Sean in her life, she needed them to come to this conclusion.
“I fucking knew it.” Bo’s tone came out in that flat way that she knew all too well. She’d heard it enough on operations. It was his I’m-going-to-make-you-wish-you-weren’t-born tone.
Sean cocked a brow. “What the fuck do you need, Hawk?”
“It’s not a cup of coffee. I need Elise.”
A vein bulged in Sean’s temple.
Elise got between them. “Guys, take it easy, okay?”
Part of her realized whatever Bo had come here for was urgent. He wouldn’t be blowing up her phone and tearing down her door if it weren’t.
