Harbour of Refuge

by Aliyah Burke

  Her moan of approval flowed like electricity over him and he would swear his body hummed. She splayed her hands against his bare chest as he threw the shirt off to land somewhere. When she sat up and reached for his waistband, he inhaled sharply.

  “Off.” Her command was breathy.

  He didn’t want to release her. Still, he did and shucked off his jeans in record time. Her eyes widened as she stared at his erection, highlighted by his boxer briefs.

  “Your turn,” he said.

  Her tongue sneaked out and dampened her lips. “Oh, I like focusing on you.” She reached out and gripped his hips.

  “Don’t think so, sweetheart.” He nudged her onto her back and lowered himself to lie partially on her. The way her curves fit against him had him striving for control. He had no wish to embarrass himself before he even got inside her.

  With care, and a few prayers for patience, he tugged down her panties and dropped them off the end of the bed. His cock pulsed as he studied her naked body. Dips and curves, she was a lush female form.

  He trailed one hand down her body, over her breasts, belly, then down to the patch of neatly trimmed black hair between her legs. She parted them with a sigh, her eyes locked on his.

  Her scent filled his nostrils and he shifted closer. He slipped two fingers between the lips and he found her slick. He rubbed one against her swollen clit and sank the other into her.

  His eyes nearly crossed at the way her body gripped him. In and out he thrust, her hips matching his pace as moans slid free from her parted lips. He watched his finger move, the roll of her hips, and the way her breasts jiggled. Dear Lord, he wouldn’t last long at all.

  Halyn grabbed his wrist of the hand between her legs and held him there.

  “Do you like that?” he asked.

  “More.”

  Was she begging? Yes, I believe she is. That worked fine for him. He added a second finger and put his thumb against her clit. Just watching her had him sweating and his balls drawing tight.

  “Look at me, sweetheart.”

  Unfocused eyes met his and she ground against his hand. “Mu…need…more…”

  “Watch me and I’ll give you more. I’ll give you what you want.”

  “Enzo.”

  “Right here, sweetheart.” Christ, if she kept looking at him like that with those pouty lips and passion-drenched eyes, he would be finished before he’d really got started. “You’re so wet and tight. I want to be inside you. But first, come for me, come on my fingers.”

  Her lids fluttered as she did. Back bowing and a cry escaping her lips, she came hard. Her cream covered his fingers, her internal walls rippling around them.

  “I…want…more…inside…me.”

  He agreed profusely. After withdrawing his fingers from her body, he paused to suck them clean before pushing down his boxers. His cock sprang free, turgid and ready. She released a small mewl and curled her hand around his length.

  Enzo leant down and kissed her. He speared her with his tongue and shared her own taste with her. She fisted his cock as he deepened the exchange. Teeth scraped against each other and their lips mashed as the kiss went on.

  “Inside,” she muttered, tugging slightly on his shaft. “Now.”

  He grabbed a condom and covered himself, then he lowered his body back over her. Connecting their mouths, he nudged her with the broad head of his cock and slowly sank inside.

  Shit! It was unlike anything he’d experienced. She’d been tight around his fingers, yes, but this…around his cock…was indescribable. He struggled to hold still and allow her to get used to his size.

  “Halyn?”

  She gripped his shoulders and shifted around on the bed. “I won’t break, Enzo.”

  That was what he’d been waiting for. He began to move and very nearly lost his cool.

  Halyn moaned in pure bliss as he stroked inside her. He was so large and thick, and it had been so long since any man had been in her bed. Or she in his.

  She wanted to close her eyes and enjoy the feel of him, yet she couldn’t find the wherewithal to tear her gaze from his. He watched her with such intensity it made her insides tremble.

  Back and forth he moved. She could feel him everywhere. And she wanted more. Craved more.

  Wrapping her legs around his waist, she angled her hips and took him deeper. Oh dear Lord, this was a way to go. He wrapped a hand in her hair before tugging and slanting his mouth over hers.

  “I love your hair,” he growled. “I’m going to have fantasies about your hair.”

  “Faster.”

  “Not slow?”

  He teased her and she shook her head before kissing him again. She loved his kisses. Curling her arms around his shoulders, she held him tight.

  “Faster.”

  “Your wish is my command.”

  He put a hand on the bedspread by her ear and began to move quicker. Deep strokes, hard thrusts and driving jabs. She writhed under him, her breath coming quicker and sharper.

  The bed moved beneath them, creaking and banging against the wall behind. More! Her mind and body screamed it even though she couldn’t find the ability to verbalise the word.

  Undulating, she fought for more. Needing just a bit to reach that pinnacle she sought so hard. It had been so long since anyone had made her feel anything remotely close to what he was. Okay, no one had, but she wanted it.

  “Please… I… More!”

  “Demanding?” He rasped the word against her ear.

  He smelt so good. Man, sweat and sex. Turning her head slightly, she bit his shoulder. Not hard but enough so he grunted.

  Enzo paused, leaving only the head of his cock inside her. She moaned her disappointment. He slammed home and she cried in raw pleasure. Yes! That was what she wanted.

  “Oh God, yes!”

  “Not God, sweetheart.” He punctuated his statement with three more deep thrusts. She tightened her muscles and he groaned. “Evil woman.”

  “More, damn you!”

  He tightened his fingers in her hair. “Is that what you really want?”

  “Yes! Yes!”

  It happened so fast she didn’t even see it coming. Enzo withdrew from her, flipped her over on her hands and knees then drove back into her with a single stroke, landing balls deep.

  She arched her back and cried out in bliss. He pounded relentlessly into her, gripping her hips, holding her in place. Deeper. Harder. Faster.

  Shaking with the pleasure that flowed over her, she came with a loud scream. Enzo delivered two more thrusts before a roar echoed around her and he collapsed on top of her, pressing her body into the mattress.

  Goodness, she had no energy to move. Not even a little. It didn’t matter he was on top of her and heavy. She liked him there. Sweaty and heart pounding against her back, it felt right.

  “Fuck!” His word was guttural.

  She couldn’t have said it better herself. He’d fucked her. Good and proper. She moaned slightly when he pulled out of her and climbed off her body.

  Halyn lay there and tried to slow her breathing as he rejoined her on the bed. He adjusted her so she lay mostly upon his chest. His arms banded around her, as if to anchor her to him. Not that she had any intention of attempting to go anywhere. And it would be nothing more than an attempt, for she was drained.

  Enzo didn’t speak. He brushed his hand along the side of her face before kissing her temple. She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply. Even the part of her brain that took great pleasure in reminding her of her foolishness had been silenced. Apparently it had needed a good fuck as well. Sure, there would be the usual self-deprecation for sleeping with a stranger but right now, she didn’t give a damn. It had been amazing and she wouldn’t change it even had she the capability. With a smile on her face, she fell asleep.

  * * * *

  When she woke at four-thirty, muscles she’d forgotten she had ached. She slowly rolled out of bed and fumbled through the darkness for her discarded clothes. It took a
bit, but she found them and managed to dress.

  Enzo had taken her numerous times throughout the night, always seeing to her pleasure before seeking his own release. Definitely a night she wouldn’t forget. Digging in her pocket for a hair tie, she pulled her mussed hair back and rolled her shoulders to try to get them to loosen up.

  “I could give you a massage if you think it would help.” Enzo’s voice spilled from her left.

  How the hell could he see her? It didn’t matter, for in the next second a light turned on and she could see him. He lay on his side, head propped up on one arm and the pale blue sheet bunched at his hips. His bare chest—the one she’d eaten chocolate sauce and some whipped cream from—called to her.

  A moan threatened to escape as she stared at him. She really wanted to go back over there and let him massage her. Not to mention seeing where it would go after.

  “Thanks for the offer, but I think it best I go.”

  He rose, and damn if her gaze didn’t drop immediately to his shaft, which twitched and stiffened beneath her stare.

  “Are you sure?” The question was pure seduction.

  Was she? No. Not at all. She would love nothing more than to crawl back in that king-sized bed with him and go for round five…or was that six?

  “Yes. I need to get back to my hotel room and pack to go home. And I’d really rather avoid the press, if I can do so.”

  He moved towards her, unashamed of his nudity. Not that she blamed him—if she were a man with a body like that, she’d be proud as well.

  “Are you sure?” He reached for some of her hair and twisted it in his fingers.

  Stay strong. She nodded, stepping closer to him. Twining her arms around his neck, she stared at him. “I’m sure. Good luck with the rest of your racing.” She pushed up on the balls of her feet and brushed her lips over his.

  He didn’t let her get away with a brief exchange, instead he cradled her head with his large hands and held her to him. He slashed his mouth over hers again, tongue surging between her lips as he took what he wanted. Not that she minded giving. By the time he ended it she was trembling with need and had to lock her legs to keep upright.

  She licked her lips to get the final, lingering taste of him. With incredible slowness, she unlocked her arms from his neck and slid them down, allowing her fingers to trail over his pectorals.

  “Goodbye, Enzo.”

  Without giving him another moment to distract her, she turned on her heels then went to the door, opening it.

  “I want to see you again.”

  The words stopped her just as effectively had he slammed the door in her face. “What?”

  “You heard me. I want to see you again.” He approached and reached past her, closing the door. Probably good, given he was naked as a jaybird. “Meet me when we get to Oregon.”

  “You’re serious.”

  He frowned. “Of course I am.”

  That surprised her. She sidestepped him and went to the desk. Picking up the pen, she jotted her cell number down. Enzo moved up behind her and pressed against her. She could feel his thick erection against her ass as he leaned over her. Her body readied for him, as it had each time he’d touched her. She thrust back into him before she could think about what she was doing.

  He gripped her hips as he ground into her. She whimpered and knew she wasn’t leaving, not just yet. He knew when she surrendered and lifted her before carrying her to the bed.

  “Get naked.” The order fell as he fisted his large cock.

  Why argue? She could leave later. Maybe just not fold her clothes, instead merely toss them in her case. With a catlike grin for the man before her, she did as he’d commanded.

  Chapter Four

  Enzo climbed out of his vehicle and stared up at the large house before him. The day was overcast but it in no way detracted from the beauty of the area. He could see the allure to living here. Slamming the door behind him, he pocketed his keys then walked up the steps to the door.

  He pressed the doorbell and waited. It wasn’t a long wait before he found himself staring into a pair of hazel eyes.

  “Enzo!” His brother’s smile was good to see.

  “Giovanni.” They shared a hug before entering the house, which was surprisingly silent. “Where’s Jaydee? And the babies?”

  An affectionate smile lifted his brother’s lips. “She’s out on her bike, enjoying some time to herself. The kids are asleep”—a relieved sigh—“finally.”

  Soon they were drinking some coffee at the kitchen table.

  “So, what brings you here?” Gio asked.

  “Offshore racing.”

  Gio’s brow furrowed. “I know I’ve been busy with the triplets, but you don’t race for at least another week. So I’ll ask again. What brings you here? You’re early.”

  He fiddled with the spoon in his mug. Why couldn’t he just spit it out?

  Somehow his brother knew. “What’s her name?”

  Enzo expelled a breath. “Halyn.”

  “Interesting name. Where’d you meet her?”

  That was it. No snide remarks about him and his need to be with a woman every time the race took him to a different port. His sibling sure had changed.

  “Monte Carlo.”

  Gio sipped some drink. “That was months ago. You’re still wanting to see her?”

  See her. Kiss her. Hold her. Make love to her.

  He nodded. “I can’t explain it, Gio. She’s always in my thoughts. Always.”

  “How much time did you spend with her?”

  “I met her when she and her friend came for autographs. I invited them to a party and…and took her back to my hotel room.”

  Enzo truly expected his brother to laugh aloud at that. It didn’t happen. Gio stared at him with solemn eyes, waiting. For what? He wasn’t sure.

  “Say something,” he said.

  “Like what, Enzo? I told you how it was with myself and Jaydee.” He stretched out his legs. “Have you seen her yet?”

  “No. Her number is burning up my phone but I haven’t called. She just told me she lives in the state. I don’t know where, exactly.”

  “Call her.”

  Logical. Was he ready to? What if she ignored his call? Cripes, here he was mooning over a woman and compiling scenarios, which might not even happen. When had he become such a pussy? Apparently his brother thought the same thing and voiced a similar question.

  “I will. Trying to get rid of me already?”

  A baby’s cry spilled from the monitor on the counter. Gio smiled at him. “Nope. I’m all for having help to get them up.” He got to his feet. “Come on.”

  Enzo didn’t hesitate—he followed his brother up to the second floor and the room that had three cribs in it. Peering over the top of one was his niece, Cynzia Toni. She was the youngest and the smallest of the triplets. Michael Giuseppe—named after Gio’s best friend who’d perished in an unfortunate plane accident and Enzo’s father—was the first born and the largest. Then came Dante Gianni, middle child. Both boys were still out, but Cynzia whimpered.

  “I’ll get her,” he told his brother. “Hello, sweetheart.” He lifted her free of the crib.

  She’d stolen his heart the moment he’d first laid eyes upon her. Despite him not being known to her, she hadn’t cried, she’d just curled up into him and breathed soft little puffs against his skin. Her trust humbled him. The same happened now. Her cries stopped as he held her to his chest.

  “She wet?”

  “Yes. I’ll let you get that,” he said with a grin.

  Gio muttered something impolite in Italian, which had him smiling. By the time Cynzia had been put into a clean, dry diaper, the others had woken, and the men worked together to get them all downstairs, where they put them in the walkers and allowed them to find their way around.

  Jaydee came home a while later and he met her with a smile. “Hello, Jaydee.”

  A slight smile lifted her lips as she turned from her husband to him. “En
zo. Good to see you.”

  He knew he wouldn’t get a hug unless he instigated it, so he did. She returned it, then stepped back. He didn’t take any offence—he knew Jaydee wasn’t someone who showed much affection to anyone other than her children and husband. Oh, and Lexy.

  “And you, you’re looking amazing.”

  His compliment went unheeded. She just wasn’t into them. Regardless, he loved his sister-in-law, quirks and all. Her emotions became visible when she saw her children and pressed kisses to them all.

  “How’s she doing?” he asked Gio.

  “She’s good. Settling into motherhood.”

  “And you?”

  Gio gave a short bark of laughter. “I was wrong when I thought I didn’t get any sleep as a pilot.”

  Despite the laugh, Enzo picked up on the pain. “How are you handling it?”

  No answer was forthcoming, so he glanced to his brother. Gio’s expression said it all. “I’m okay. I won’t lie and say I don’t miss it, but I wouldn’t change what I have now for anything at all.”

  He’d bet not. Despite the way his brother had looked when he’d talked about his flying, as both a fighter pilot and a test pilot, Enzo had never seen Gio look as content as he did when the man gazed at the woman he loved more than anything, or any of their children. Still, it had to be hard for a man who’d dedicated his life to serving his country to no longer be flying.

  “Family life looks good on you.”

  “Feels good. Now, enough about me, tell me more about Halyn.”

  Jaydee walked by, not even pausing to ask who Halyn was. Another of her quirks—she didn’t do small talk.

  “Not much to tell.”

  “Really?” Gio’s tone told him of his disbelief.

  “Really. I just don’t know that much about her.”

  “You call her. I want to meet her. I’ll give you some privacy.” Gio walked off.

  Heaving a sigh, Enzo walked to the couch and lowered himself to the smooth leather. Phone in hand, he scrolled down until he located the number she’d left for him at the hotel.