"Over by the coffee stand. Is Cara missing?"
"No. She probably went home. I'll find her. I'll call you."
Standing by the ladies bathroom, he peeked in. The bathroom was empty. He called Cara's name. No answer.
Walking as fast as he could, he headed back to the cabin. The sound of a snowmobile had him turning around. The vehicle passed him then turned around to stop in front of him.
"Sir, need a ride?"
The driver was the medic he met when he went searching for Cara at the Devil's Jump. The cabin was just walking distance from the town center. But if he could save a minute from riding the snowmobile, why not. “Yes."
A few yards away from the cabin, the medic received an emergency call. Lucas understood. “I can get off here. Thanks, man."
"No problem.” The medic turned the snowmobile around with its siren on and took off.
The only part of the house that was lit was the receiving room. He remembered turning all the lights off. So someone was inside. Instinct had Lucas checking the tracks on the fresh snow. Two sets of boot prints were visible. Cara wasn't alone.
Did she leave the center without telling anyone because she and whoever was inside planned to rendezvous here? Impotent rage and jealousy had him kicking the hard snow. It hit and knocked one of the dwarves his mother placed on the walkway. He bent to straighten the dwarf when he glimpsed movement. Stepping closer to the window, he saw Karsen with his gun pointing at Cara. What the fuck! The adrenalin to charge in, to smash Karsen's face with his fist, surged in his body. There was the slim chance Karsen would miss Cara, but he wouldn't take it. Years of training had him using his good sense instead. He circled the cabin and used the side door. Using his Dyno Kwik lock pick he carried in his pocket, he managed to open the door without making a single noise.
Lucas kept his eyes on Karsen. He listened while Karsen talked. The fucking pig was Rivera's runner. When he told Cara to turn around, he made a quick decision. He moved in, gun drawn, pointing at Karsen.
"Drop your gun, Karsen.” Damn, damn. He'd been in a situation like this before, but never, not even once had he felt like this—scared. So many different scenarios started running in his head. What if he hadn't noticed her gone? She'd be dead by now. Focus, Lucas. She's still here. Focus. “I'll blow your fucking empty head off to feed to the pigs, Karsen. Lower your gun."
"Ah, the dashing hero. Good, two jobs in one night. This'll be good. You, dickhead, are the one going to lower your gun. But if you don't want to see her pretty face anymore then don't."
"No Lucas. He'll shoot you."
"You okay, Cara?"
"I am fine Lucas. He's not. He's shallow and evil and not even handsome."
"Shut the fuck up.” Karsen aimed his gun higher. The barrel pointed directly at Cara's heart.
"Take it easy, Karsen. Let's talk. You shouldn't do this. Testify against Rivera and I promise you protection and less time in jail."
"Ha! Couldn't get anything from Rochelle? Isn't that why you're clinging to her like a leech hoping to suck out information from her? Oh yeah. You're not a slick Agent, you know. Rochelle told us everything she knows about you in exchange for a hit. She's a fucking cocaine addict. Now throw your gun on the floor, Lucas. I am done talking."
"No! Lucas, don't do it. Hey, cabbage head. Have you seen Paris in winter? Take a look."
Before he could understand what Cara was about, she grabbed the snow globe sitting on the table and threw it at Karsen. But she wasn't quick enough. Karsen fired. The sound of Karsen's gun and his reverberated around the cabin, shaking the glass windows and rattling the chandelier.
Karsen's body crashed on the coffee table breaking the glass bowl of nuts. Cara remained standing, her face pale and eyes wide staring at him. “Cara, love.” He rushed to her side in time before she hit the floor. And then he felt something sticky. Cara's blood.
"Lucas,” Cara mumbled his name and then closed her eyes.
Lucas felt the moment Cara lost consciousness. Her body sagged. “Oh my god, Cara. Cara!"
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Five
* * * *
Stars glittered like sequins on the dancer's dress while the moon shared its subtle glow illuminating the water down below. Cara stood outside the veranda with her arms around her midriff as she listened to the sound of water kiss the snow covered shore. The Puget Sound looked mysterious at night, like a black charcoal painting hiding its meaning.
Her arm itched again. A sign that her small bullet wound was healing. She couldn't believe it was only two days ago when she was close to dying. Lucky. Yeah, that she was. Karsen's aim had shifted when Lucas shot him on the right shoulder. If he hadn't...Well, no need to dwell on a nightmare. Karsen wouldn't follow her again and with Rochelle locked up she had nothing to worry about. She hoped the DEA could flush Rivera out and stop his drug and prostitution trafficking.
She couldn't believe Rochelle would hire someone to have her killed because of love. Love. Such simple word and yet powerful enough to weaken even a man, to blind anyone to do things deemed stupid, like throwing a snow globe at a man holding a gun. Stupid or not she'd do it again. When she saw Lucas lower his gun a fraction, she acted. She would have taken Karsen's bullet rather than see Lucas get shot. She loved him that much.
Too bad though, she never got to thank him. At the hospital, Amy told her Lucas couldn't see her because of the investigation. Her parents, who flew back from Italy, drove her back to Seattle. Although they insisted they stay with her, she refused. She had enough coddling to last her a lifetime. Now here she was, alone on Christmas eve.
Like last year and the year before. The cold wind blew, nipping her skin. She decided to go back inside. She was closing the sliding glass door when two quick raps sounded outside her door. Cara looked at the clock. It was eleven thirty at night. Who would come knocking at this hour?
Please don't tell me Rivera sent another hoodlum to kill me.
Holding her breath, she looked through the peephole. Lucas stood on the other side wearing a Santa hat.
"Are you going to open the door or are you going to just stare at me through the peephole."
Cara opened the door wide and stood aside when Lucas walked in carrying a shopping bag. “What are you doing here? It's late."
"I know. Nice pajamas."
Cara groaned. If she had known he would stop by she would have worn her nightgown instead of an old oversized gray t-shirt that reached the middle of her thighs. “Thanks. My favorite. Really comfy."
"I bet. Cold in here."
"I was outside a minute ago. Love the hat."
"Thanks.” He opened the Nordstrom shopping bag. “Here, got to wear your own."
"Raindeer's antlers. Way cooler.” Cara put on the headband. “How do I look?"
"Good. I bet you'll look better if you add this. Come here."
Cara took a step forward then stopped when she was an arm length away. But Lucas grabbed the front of her shirt and gently pulled her closer. Obsession. This close she could smell the faint scent of his cologne. She stared at Lucas and waited.
Lucas took out a piece of small red foam with a small incision. Smiling, he attached the foam on the tip of her nose. “There. Perfect."
Before Cara could say anything Lucas's mouth covered hers for a hard kiss. He kissed her with a hunger that belied his outward calm. “Cara,” he breathed her name and wrapped his arm around her for a tight embrace.
For a while, they stood that way. Lucas's hands moving up and down her back, smoothing her hair. His nearness gave her comfort so overwhelming she wanted to cry. Cara buried her face against his chest and listened to his heart beating loudly against her ears.
"Tell me you're real, love. Tell me you're here with me."
Cara lifted her head to look at him. “I'm here. Why wouldn't I be?"
"I thought I lost you."
"No. You haven't. I'm still here. In flesh and blood."
"You're on
e silly woman to think you could face a man pointing a gun at you with a snow globe."
"I'd do it again if I could prevent you from getting hurt. I love you that much."
Almost violently, Lucas gathered her into his arms for another tight hug. “You have no idea how I longed to hear you say that."
"What about you? Why did you consider lowering your gun? I saw it in your eyes Lucas."
"Need I tell you, Cara? You're my world, my life, my love. Because of you, I fought to stay alive when death was close. I love you more than life itself."
Her heart sang with delight. Hearing him say that he loved her cast away the shadows across her heart. “I am so sorry, Lucas. For hurting you. For being stupid. For realizing what you were trying to tell me—why you didn't call and why you were with Rochelle—hours too late. You could have been killed. I—"
"I didn't. We're both here. You don't have to explain anything, love. Amy told me why you went out with Rick. And she told me, too, that she wished to become an auntie next year. Would you help me make her dream come true?"
"What are you saying?"
"Marry me."
Cara merely stared at Lucas, tongue-tied. Did he say marry me? Oh god, did he just propose to me?
"We don't have to right away if you want to wait. We could get married next year or the year after. Just say yes."
Still shocked from his abrupt proposal, she could do no more than nod her head.
"Yes, you will marry me? Or yes we'll wait till—"
Finally coming out of her stupor, she covered Lucas's mouth with her hand. “Shut up. Yes, I will marry you. Now, tomorrow, later. I love you, Lucas McLeod and yes, I'll help make Amy an auntie."
With a shout of joy, Lucas picked her up and spun her around. Gently, he lowered her on the floor. “You're beautiful."
"Even with a red nose and antlers?"
"Yes. By the way, I'm answering your wish.” Lucas fished a small piece of paper out of his pocket.
"Oh! How did you know that's mine?"
"I watched you hang it on the tree."
"Did you notice if Amy was still there? Ours were the only two hanging way up high."
"No. Yours was the only one there."
"Oh dear. Amy had wished for the same thing."
Lucas let out a loud hoot. “That brat wished for a wicked night, too?"
"I wonder who took her wish."
"Who is he? He must be as tall as I am. But I'd better not find out who because I'll kill him."
It was Cara's turn to laugh aloud. “You are one possessive brother."
"That I am. But within the bounds of reason.” Lucas sighed, running his fingers on her cheeks. “A wicked night before Christmas. Tsk, tsk. Silly woman. What am I going to do with you?"
"Grant my wish."
"With me, you'll have more than one wicked night."
"Promise?"
"I don't make empty promises, love. You ask for a wicked night, wicked night you'll get."
"I can't even imagine what a wicked night could be. Like last time?"
"Yes, love. I will kiss every part of you. Suck your breasts, your clit, until you're wet and ready. No missionary position tonight. We'll fuck without inhibitions. This night, baby, will be unforgettable.
With those words, excitement pounded the blood through her heart and chest. Her pulse quickened from anticipation while heat slowly spread from the center of her human being to fan out, to reach all parts of her body. She shivered from wanting to be touched, to be loved.
Lucas kissed her hungrily as he wrapped his arms so tight around her she thought her bones might break.
Cara responded with a low moan. She had dreamed about him coming to her in the middle of the night to take her once again. Now it was finally happening. Giving herself freely to the passion of their kiss, she opened her mouth to let his insistent tongue in. He tasted of red licorice. Cara sucked on Lucas's tongue when he thrust it in again. The simple act created a strong current of hot electricity all the way down her body. It centered in between her legs where she throbbed.
Lucas swept her, as if she weighed nothing, into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. “Cara, I missed you.” His body followed as he laid her gently on the bed.
"I missed you, too."
Reclaiming her lips, Lucas crushed her to him. His kiss was urgent, demanding, drugging. Cara felt the hunger in his kiss all the way to her toes. Lifting his mouth a fraction so their lips were still touching, he whispered, “You made me burn so fast, so quick."
His hand lifted her blouse exposing her breasts. Lucas's fiery hot palm caressed her sensitive breasts until her nipples screamed to be touched. “Lucas."
"Hmm, want this?” Lucas's tongue flicked one hard nipple. He repeated the mind shattering action on her other breast before finally trapping one between his lips. And then he sucked her.
Cara's back arched, her fingers dug deep into his scalp. “Don't stop."
"I won't, love.” While he tantalized her nipples with his tongue, his hand slid across her belly and gently down to the swell of her hips.
Cara squirmed beneath him. Each lick, each touch served as a torch burning her body, liquefying her bones. Lucas felt so good on top of her with his erection pressed against her pelvis bone. But she wanted his bare skin touching hers. Gripping the edge of his shirt, she pulled it up.
Lucas released his lips from her nipple, removed his shirt then shucked his jeans. “Eager to have me, huh?"
"Better believe it."
"We'd better get rid of your shirt, too, then."
As soon as her shirt landed on the floor, Lucas gave his attention back on her breasts. After a couple hard sucks, he slid down her body. His tongue made a wet path down her ribs to her stomach. Cara lay panting, waiting for Lucas to kiss the part of her that had been throbbing and begging for his attention.
Lucas planted open kisses on her body. When he reached her pubic mound, he nuzzled her nest, then looked up at her. “You're beautiful, Cara. And you're mine. Open your legs for me, love."
Cara licked her lips as she slowly, without shame, spread her legs to make room for his shoulders. “I love you, Lucas."
"I love you, too.” He lowered his head and licked her clit.
A moan of ecstasy escaped her lips. “More Lucas, more."
"Yes, baby. I'll give you more.” Using his fingers, he spread her lips then ran his tongue up and down her seams. “Hmm...so good. You're so wet and still tight. His two fingers buried deep inside her pussy joined them together.
Cara grabbed the bed sheets when pleasure took her higher. She thrust her hips, meeting Lucas's fingers, urging him to go deeper. Lucas answered by pumping his fingers.
"Like it, baby? How about this?"
Before Cara could give him an answer, he sucked her clit. Cara's lusty moan turned into panting. She was sure anytime soon she'd shatter into million pieces. She wanted to come, to reach her orgasm. Now. “Lucas, this is so good."
"It's good for me, too.” Using two fingers, Lucas gently separated her labia. “Ah, you're weeping honey. Fucking beautiful.” He massaged her clit with the tip of his tongue until Cara thought she'd go crazy.
"Yes! Like that. Oh my god.” She tangled her hands in his hair, pulling his mouth closer.
Lucas's mouth breathed hot fire on her pussy, fanning her already burning body. When he captured her clit and sucked it relentlessly, Cara burst into flames.
Grinning like a satisfied wolf, he scooted off the bed and stood in front of her. Cara watched him shuck his jeans and boxer briefs. His cock jutted out, long and thick and wet on the tip. He looked so magnificent. All muscles from the hard training required by his job. God, she'd never tire looking at him. Just the sight of his lithe athletic form was enough to arouse her again.
"I need a condom.” Lucas fished a condom from the back pocket of his jeans, tore the foil with his teeth and made a show of putting it on.
"Don't want a baby yet?"
"Not too
soon, love. I'm possessive remember? I'm not ready to share your breasts with anyone."
Leaning forward, he touched her still tender folds, making her whole body quiver. Lucas replaced his fingers with his mouth and kissed her pussy the way he would her mouth. He worshipped her, loved her, and made her head spin from another tide of passion swiftly consuming her body.
* * * *
"Lay down on your belly, love.” His hands gripped her hips helping her languid body turn. “Now, lift your sweet ass and scoot back toward me. That's it, baby. Ah, you have the sweetest cock-rising ass."
"I want to come again, Lucas. Badly.” Cara presented her ass, spreading her legs wider offering what was his to take.
Now he realized how selfish his other girlfriends had been. They had taken and had never been this generous. Lucas would show her how good their nights were going to be, how it should be between couples. This was Cara's second time to have sex, but she was more eager than the women he'd met who boast expertise in bed.
He glided his fingers through the slick folds of her pussy and touched her clit. He wanted to tease her some more, but he was quickly losing his control. Standing directly in front of her ass, he rubbed his dick on her cunt.
Cara hissed and raised her ass higher. “Take me now, Lucas. I can't take this anymore."
"Me, too. Enough foreplay. Now we fuck.” Holding his shaft, he eased his engorged head inside her waiting pussy. “Good god.” Her slick and once tried tunnel gripped him so tight he nearly ejaculated. And he was just half way in. Taking all his strength to keep his control, he thrust inside her.
Lusty moans muffled by the bed urged him to do it again. One slow stroke followed by another and another. With each thrust, Cara rocked back to meet him, taking all of his length.
"Good girl. Yeah, that's it. Fuck me, love. I'm all yours.” He licked his fingers, then touched her clit with them. “Come for me again. I want to feel you come."
His sac made erotic smacking sounds as he pounded Cara harder. Lucas could feel the beginning of his orgasm. But he willed himself not to let go. He wanted Cara to climax while he was buried deep inside her. Licking the same fingers that he used to touch her clit, he spat saliva on the tips then rubbed them on her.
Wicked Night before Christmas Page 6
