Forged (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 3)

by Piper Stone

  She purred, the sound soft and angelic as her eyes misted over, a string of his pre-cum remaining on her lower lip.

  Reaching down, he took her hands and yanked, allowing the momentum to pull her body off the floor. He slid his arm under her ass, keeping her aloft as she wrapped her legs around his hips. Impaling her pussy with every inch of his shaft, he captured her mouth, the kiss unbridled, full of desperate need.

  Moaning into the kiss, Laney locked her feet together as he pumped, moving in and out in fluid motions. She wrapped her arms around his neck, crushing her breasts against him, wiggling as she raked her nails across his skin.

  She was so wet, so tight that he became the crazed animal, his hunger driving him until he was fucking her relentlessly. He turned in a full circle, taking long strides toward the dresser. Eyeing their reflection, he eased her down, turning her swiftly and kicking out her legs. Wrapping a hand around her hair, he leaned down, gazing at both of them in the mirror. “I want you to watch as I fuck you, as I fill you with my cock.”

  She licked around her lips and moved up onto her toes then gripped the edge of the dresser, pushing back until she was in a slight arch. “Yes, sir.”

  The words fueled the man inside, the almost dangerous hunger. Gripping her hips, he shoved the entire length of his cock inside. Grunting, he shook and held still, glaring into the mirror. The reflection told no lies. He was no longer the man he thought. A smile curled across his lips as he pulled out, driving into her again. And again.

  She met every hard thrust, remaining on her toes even as the force pushed her hard against the wooden edge. Her hair hung down, strands falling into her eyes. Pushing back, she smiled as he continued thrusting, hard and fast, the sound of skin hitting skin floating between them.

  Crack! Pop!

  He smacked her ass with his hand and with every slap, she squeezed her pussy muscles, pulling his cock in deeper.

  Whap! Crack!

  Undulating, she moaned as her eyes danced in the dim lighting, “Oh!”

  Garcia cupped her breasts, squeezing as he continued. Leaning down, he pressed his face against her neck. “Come with me, baby. Come.”

  Laney blinked several times, her eyes locked onto his, and moaned. “Oh…”

  His entire body tensed as the orgasm rushed from his balls. He held back as long as he could until he saw the look of rapture on her face. “Yes!” As he clung to her, pulling her against the heat of his chest, he realized for the first time what love could be like. Love. He closed his eyes, willing the incredible moment to continue. “Laney, I’m falling in love with you.”

  When he opened his eyes, he could only see one thing.

  The look of paralyzing fear.

  Chapter 9

  Love. Honor. Trust. Obey.

  The words were chilling, exactly everything she wanted in a relationship, a marriage. But she wasn’t one of the lucky ones. She could never have the white picket fence and the forever life. She also didn’t want to drag anyone into her nightmare. “Garcia.”

  “You don’t have to say anything,” Garcia whispered.

  Laney could feel the love shared between them, one of those roaring sensations that hit only once in a lifetime, that rare moment when your breath is literally ripped from your body. She also knew extraordinary fear, the very moment when you knew your life was hanging in the balance. The fire had taught her that every second was precious. The chase had taught her how to protect herself. The two men at the restaurant had to be on his payroll, the fucking monster still controlling her life.

  She held his arms, refusing to let him go as his expression changed, going from adoration to hurt. “No. Don’t.”

  “I’m sorry. That was presumptuous of me,” he whispered as he tried to pull away.

  “That was beautiful. Everything we’ve shared together is spectacular. I want you to know that. You’re amazing and I feel at home with you.”

  “At home. Right,” he mumbled. “But you don’t want to be with me.”

  The tone of his voice had already moved into resignation, his steel mask being yanked back into place. “Garcia. That’s not what I’m thinking.” She turned to face him, resting her head on his chest. “All my life I’ve wanted to be in love, but my job or my family got in the way. I don’t want that to happen any longer.”

  “Then don’t. I’m not going anywhere. I might not be certain what I’ll do tomorrow or the next day, but I will be here. I’ll be by your side, if you ask me to be.” He held her head, his hold tight as if she’d run away.

  The scent of him, so all male and full of testosterone gave her such comfort. She’d never experienced this level of desire, letting go until she was unable to think clearly. This man, this sexy and funny, caring and handsome man had weaseled his way into her life so easily. “What you said earlier about danger being everywhere is so very true. I never understood as a child. My parents protected me. Now, I find out too much so.”

  Kissing the top of her head, he took her hands into his, pulling her toward the bed. “Are you close with them?”

  She shook her head and concentrated on removing her fluffy pillows and easing the comforter down. The concept of being in his arms, held until she fell asleep, was perhaps the best one she’d had in so long. To have a lover in her bed, let alone her house, was a glorious fantasy fulfilled. “I haven’t seen them in years. I miss them.”

  “Where are they?” As he pulled her down, yanking the covers over them, he gave her a curious expression. “You can’t, no, correction, you won’t tell me.”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Which is why you haven’t committed to anyone.”

  She nuzzled against his chest, rubbing the tip of her finger back and forth. “One reason. Yes. The other reason is I haven’t found anyone who could put up with me.” Giggling, she pinched his nipple. The last thing she wanted to do was alter the mood, sharing with him her fears.

  “Oh yeah? Well, I know how to handle a girl like you, one who is misbehaving.” Garcia tossed back the covers, sat up straight and pulled her over his lap.

  Smack! Crack!

  “Ouch!” she whined and kicked her legs up and down.

  “Be still and take your punishment like a good girl.”

  Crack! Pop!

  Laney continued to struggle, moaning into the pillow.

  Whap! Pop!

  “Every day. I told you. A woman does much better with regular spankings.” His tone of voice was teasing.

  “I’m good!”

  Smack! Slap! Crack!

  As he continued peppering her naked ass with hard slaps, the mischievousness eased, peace washing back in. The smacks were hard, much harder than an erotic spanking and she fell into a zone, tension slipping through the cracks and crevices. This man, his instincts as well as his heart had knocked down every layer, every burden, allowing the shriveled flower to blossom.

  “If you were mine forever, you’d never have to worry.”

  Smack! Pop!

  “I’d make certain you have everything you need, including discipline.” Garcia’s lilt had changed, becoming darker, more serious.

  She believed him and knew in her heart he could protect her, at least as well as anyone could. As the spanking continued, she allowed the tears to flow.

  Smack! Whap!

  “You’ll learn,” he whispered, his voice now faraway.

  “Yes, sir. I can.” Had the words left her mouth?

  Crack! Pop!

  “Yes, I know.” Garcia’s words were barely audible.

  Whap! Crack!

  One after the other, he peppered her ass.

  The pain was significant, but the powerful aphrodisiac left her infused with tingles. However, the tears continued to flow.

  “I think that’ll do for now. Don’t you?” Garcia rubbed her back and ass, his fingers kneading. Leaning back against the pillow, he continued rubbing, humming as she sniffled. “I resigned today.”

  “What?” The words were so
out of place, so odd that she lifted her head, searching for him to joke, to laugh just to break the mood. She could see nothing but truth in his eyes. “Why?”

  “Because I’m a different man. Because I just can’t trust my instincts.”

  Laney crawled into his lap, kissing his lips. “Are you certain?”

  “That’s what my captain asked. I’m no longer certain of anything.”

  “Don’t quit. That’s not you. I might not know you very well, but you can’t just leave something you love and you’re good at. Think about this decision. Don’t run away. I understand that far too well.”

  “Laney, whatever is going on, you have to talk to someone.”

  She opened her mouth to retort, to say anything when her phone rang.

  Buzz! Buzz!

  Bristling, she shrunk back.

  “Who do you think is calling?”

  “I don’t know. That’s the problem,” she whispered. “There’s never anyone on the line.”

  Garcia eased her away and threw back the covers. “I’m going to take care of this.”

  “No!”

  Ignoring her, he stalked toward the sound, moving swiftly into the living room.

  The ringing stopped.

  She moved to the edge of the bed, her heart racing. “I will guarantee you it’s an unknown caller.”

  He brought the phone back in with him, his face pinched. “Have you tried calling it back?”

  “Several times. Sends me to a bogus site or a person who I assure you has never heard of me before.” A strangled laugh bubbled up from her throat.

  “A spoofing site.” He looked down at the phone, running his fingers across the screen. “What is going on?”

  “Something from my past. A job I had to leave. Okay?” She thought about the details, the limited amount she could get away with telling him. She knew enough about Garcia to realize he’d keep trying, prying into her life. The less he knew the better.

  “Okay. That’s a start,” Garcia said as he padded back toward the bed, sitting down on the edge. “Whatever you experienced, you shouldn’t have to be frightened.”

  “I know. I had to leave town. There were… issues.”

  “Issues. That sounds like you were forced out.”

  “I just…” The words trailed off again.

  Buzz.

  Hissing, he looked down at the phone. “As I said, I’ll take care of this.”

  “No!”

  “Who exactly is this? Before you answer, you should know that I’m armed at all times and I am taking care of her. Am I clear enough for you, asshole?”

  She watched as Garcia narrowed his eyes, fury covering every inch of his face. Grabbing a pillow, she hugged it to her chest, her mind reeling, thoughts shifting to the years before.

  “Asshole. I’m talking to you. Call her again and I will hunt you down.” Garcia ended the call and tossed the phone on the bed. He rubbed his eyes, a long exhale pushing past his lips. When he twisted, taking her hands into his, his expression had softened. “What. Is. Going. On?”

  Laney looked into his gentle eyes, eyes that she could melt into and closed hers. Shivering, she eased off the bed and grabbed a robe off the back of the door. “I worked for a man who I’d been with since I was eighteen. I loved working for him and I was paid very well. I was able to buy a little house and take care of my parents. I thought I’d be there for the rest of my life.”

  “What happened?”

  “After almost three years, I found out that he was a criminal. I’m not going to say any more. I didn’t know what or who I was dealing with. I ignored what he was doing until one day I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror any longer.”

  Garcia walked toward her and rubbed his fingers across her skin. “What did you do?”

  “I went to the police. I had no idea how much my information was going to blow up. His criminal activities had… connections. I was so naïve. So stupid.” Slapping her hand on the pillow, she rocked forward and backward, the memories so harsh and so very fresh. As tears slipped past her lashes, she rubbed them with fury. “I had no idea what he was involved in. I swear to God, I didn’t. The police didn’t believe me at first and it ruined us. My parents lived in a little town close by and they had to move. They had to move because of what everyone thought about me!”

  He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in. “It’s okay, honey.”

  “No, nothing is okay. When I finally convinced the police I was not involved, they pressured me to become a witness in their prosecution. Everything after that happened so fast. I just…” Choking back the tears, her entire body began to shake.

  “Jesus. I hope the motherfucker is in jail.”

  A bitter laugh bubbled out as she sniffed, wiping away the tears. “Are you kidding me? One of his goons took the fall. It was such a nightmare. By that point, I had few friends and you know what? I’m glad. I convinced my parents to leave the state for a little while. I think that’s the only reason they lived during the trial.”

  “So, you testified?” Garcia’s voice sounded far off.

  His words run in her ears. “I did. That’s when things got ugly.”

  “That’s why you ran?”

  “In a manner of speaking. I built a new life, more than once and every time, I got scared. I managed to learn a new craft. I love teaching. I’d taken college courses while I worked for him, even getting a degree, and now, I’m glad I did. You see? I don’t want to give up this beautiful place, the wonderful kids. I’m tired of running, tired of fighting.”

  Garcia pulled her hands away from her face. “You aren’t going to run away. I won’t let you.” He held her face in his hands and kissed her lips.

  Shivering, she savored the touch, the kiss and his conviction, but she was already figuring out in her mind where to go to. What state would be safe from him? From the monster?

  “Who is threatening you?”

  “I honestly don’t know at this point. I don’t know if he found out or had one of his legal team find me or his goons. I have no idea.”

  “Interesting. Tell me his name.”

  “No. That’s not safe and I refuse. Do you understand why I can’t be around you? I refuse to have you hurt because of me.” Just saying the words made her realize how useless her life had turned out.

  “Fuck that. If you go, I’ll follow you. Do you hear me, Laney Cavanaugh?” He gripped both sides of her face. “Do you?”

  His words came out in raspy sounds, anger fueling him. “Yes.”

  “Everything is going to be all right. That, I promise you. Trust in me.”

  “I do, Garcia, but you don’t know this man and what he’s capable of. If he knew where I was, he’d stop at nothing to kill me and anyone I ever cared about.”

  “Are your parents safe?”

  “The last time I checked they were fine. It’s been long enough I’m hoping they’ll be left alone, but I don’t want anything to happen to them.”

  “I understand, and it won’t. Now, pack your things. You’re coming to stay with me until we can figure this out.” Garcia stood quickly.

  “No!” She grabbed his wrist. “Listen to me. I am not going to allow this freak to interrupt my life. Don’t you see why I can’t?”

  “Laney, your life may be in danger.”

  “I don’t know that yet. Okay? Just let me be alone tonight. Just to think.”

  “That means you’re going to run.” Garcia pulled her to her feet. “There is no way I’m going to allow that to happen.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not running. I don’t have anywhere left. Even my parents think I’m dead.”

  He cocked his head. “An accident. This monster is supposed to believe you’re dead.”

  Nodding, she inhaled. “From a fire that he set. He wanted me dead, so I stayed dead. Even my parents think I’m dead. They had a funeral for me. A funeral.” She dropped her head into her hands, unable to fight the tears any longer.

  “Dear God, wh
at you must have gone through. Fuck the asshole.” Holding her, he kissed the top of her head until she quieted. “We can do this together, keep you safe.”

  “I wish I believed that.”

  Garcia took a step back and paced back and forth. “Do you have a contact from before?”

  “I do, but I don’t know if he still works at the Miami Police Department. I haven’t had the need to contact him since I moved here. I thought I was safe.”

  “Call him. Find out if there’s anything going on. Promise me that and I’ll leave you alone tonight.” Reaching over, he grabbed her phone and took her back in his arms.

  Laney had no idea what to say. What Garcia suggested was plausible, but she remained on edge. “Okay. I’ll try. I’ll see what I can find out.”

  “Will you call me in the morning? If you don’t, I’m coming here, and I won’t take no for an answer. I mean it, Laney. We’re not playing games.”

  At that moment, she knew she’d fallen head over heels in love with the only man who might be able to save her very soul. “I promise.”

  Garcia looked away for a minute before lowering his head, pressing his forehead against hers. “I’m not going to lose you when I just found you. Period.”

  “I’ll be here waiting for you.”

  He kissed her lips, her cheek and neck before whispering in her ear. “I do love you.”

  “I love you too.” The words were easy to say.

  When he walked out the front door and she heard his engine, she realized she’d never felt so alone before. “I’ll find you again, Garcia. I promise. No matter what I must do, I’ll find you.”

  When Garcia pulled out of the driveway, her phone rang again. She stormed toward it, her hand shaking. This time she answered with a vengeance. “Let me the fuck alone, you freak. Just leave me alone! I will kill you!”

  Garcia rolled over in bed and stared out the window. The snow continued to fall, ever so lightly. He studied the flakes falling past the glass and held his breath, his thoughts remaining on Laney. Her story was terrifying, if not surreal. He could only imagine what she’d been through. No wonder she’d been leery of him when he’d met her.