Claimed

by Jaymie Holland

  Rick looked at the man as if calculating his next move. His face was impassive, no expression that she could decipher. “Let her go,” Rick said. “And I’ll let you live.”

  “I do not believe you.” The man behind her trembled against her back. He tightened his arm around her throat some more and she clawed harder at his arm. “I saw what you did to my brother and my friend.”

  “I will let you live,” Rick repeated as he took a step forward. “Put the gun down.”

  “Don’t move!” The man swung his gun around and pointed it at Rick who was now only about three feet away.

  Leslie kicked the man hard in the shin with her heel. It was enough to distract him and he took his eyes off of Rick who took two long steps toward them. Rick easily kicked the gun out of the man’s hand who then lost his grip on Leslie. Rick drove him to the floor and gripped him by his throat before slamming his fist into the man’s face. He screamed.

  Rick raised his fist again but went still as voice shouted, “Police!” accompanied by the sound of guns being cocked. Leslie and Rick snapped their attention toward the doorway.

  “Put your hands behind your head,” a man in a uniform shouted in English. “And get to your feet. Slowly.”

  Four men stood just inside the doorway, all in Mexican police uniforms, all with guns trained on Rick.

  He did as he was told and slowly rose. An officer tossed the towel that had dropped on the floor to Leslie and she wrapped it around herself with shaking hands.

  One of the officers jerked Rick’s hands behind his back and cuffed him. Another officer cuffed the man on the floor and dragged him to his feet.

  “Wait.” Leslie looked at the officer that looked like he was in charge and she gestured toward Rick. “He saved my life. These other men were robbing me and were going to rape me. They also threatened to kill us both.”

  “We will determine if your statement is true or not.” The man in charge gave a nod toward her closet. “Put on some clothes. We are taking you to the police station.”

  Leslie did as she was told, hoping they weren’t stepping farther into a nightmare.

  “I already told you everything.” Leslie felt exhausted as she spoke to the police officer. What had started out as a wonderful morning had turned so very wrong. “We’re tourists. Those men broke into our suite. You know the rest.”

  She had wondered at how fast the police had reached the hotel and their room. One of the officers explained that one of the housekeepers had recognized the men and saw them break into Leslie and Rick’s room. The men had not seen the housekeeper and she was able to notify the hotel manager who contacted the police.

  Leslie looked in the direction they had taken Rick when they’d been escorted to the station. “Where is Rick?” She hadn’t seen him since they had arrived and her stomach churned at the thought of what could be happening to him.

  The officer frowned and opened his mouth to speak when another officer caught his attention and spoke in rapid Spanish.

  “We spoke with our contact in the United States.” He lowered his voice and continued in Spanish, but Leslie could hear and understand the man. “This Rick Pierce is a Navy SEAL and an American hero. If we cannot prove that he did wrong, we must release him.”

  The officer who had been grilling her stood, suddenly looking nervous. “I believe the woman is telling the truth. Release Señor Pierce.”

  Leslie slumped with relief. With all of the horror stories she’d heard about people getting caught up with the Mexican authorities she’d been so afraid that this was going to end up even worse than it already was.

  The officer had called Rick an American hero. Was that what they considered SEALs to be? It certainly was to her. Or could it be something more?

  Whatever was said on the phone call certainly worked. The attitudes of the Mexican police changed. She was told that Rick’s paperwork was being processed and he would be released shortly. Her passport was returned to her as she waited for him.

  It seemed to take forever, but finally Rick came into the room she was in. She practically ran to him and threw herself into his arms. “I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to see anyone in my life,” she said and brushed away a tear that rolled down her cheek.

  “Are you okay?” He gripped her by the shoulders and studied her. “They wouldn’t tell me what they had done with you.”

  “All they did was interrogate me.” Over and over again. “I’m fine.”

  “It’s a damned good thing.” He kissed her hard.

  “Thank God you’re all right.” She put her head against his chest. “I was so worried about you.”

  “Nothing to worry about.” He kissed her again. “Let’s go.”

  She nodded and he looped his arm around her shoulders.

  “They said they found out that you’re an American hero.” She looked up at him as they walked. “They released you in a hurry after that.”

  Rick shrugged. “I guess being a SEAL carries some weight in some places and with some governments.”

  “They said specifically ‘American hero’,” she said.

  “Whatever it takes to get me out.” He pushed open the door, leading them into the sunshine. “They just wanted to get me free.”

  “Well, you’re a hero to me.” She rested her head against his chest. “Thank you for saving me from God knows what.”

  “I’m just grateful you’re okay, honey.” He kissed the top of her head. “It scared the hell out of me to see those men with you.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone look as calm as you did,” she said.

  “I never had a doubt I’d get to you before they could hurt either of us,” he said. “But seeing you like that—I never want to see that again.”

  She sighed. “That makes two of us.”

  When they reached the hotel, they went to the front desk. All of their bags had been moved to a new suite after the investigation and clean up.

  It was already evening. The ordeal had taken the greater part of the day. After Rick unlocked the door, she tossed her purse onto the couch.

  “I need a bath.” She was still trembling as she turned to Rick. “A nice, long hot bath.”

  He brushed his lips over hers and it helped to calm her. “Mind if I join you?”

  She managed a smile. “Your tub or mine?”

  With a gentle smile he said, “Which would you prefer?”

  Without hesitating she said, “Yours is just fine. I’m still shaking.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. “I’m here, and while I’m here, I won’t let anything happen to you. Do you understand?”

  She loved the strength of his hug and the safe feeling it gave her. She had never met anyone like Rick.

  He kissed her then took her hand and led her in the direction of his room. “I’m ready for that bath.”

  The rectangular jetted tub was huge and had backrests on both side of it. She ran the water until it was almost hot, stripped out of her clothing, and eased into the tub. She sighed as her body sank into the warm water and closed her eyes.

  The water sloshed and she looked up to see that Rick had ditched his clothing, too, and was climbing into the tub. He sat across from her and looked as pleased to be in the hot water as she was.

  “Furry little seals love water, don’t they?” she said with a slight smile.

  “As do big SEALs.” He gave a groan that told her he was very happy to be in the tub with her.

  “Mind if we stay in tonight?” She played footsies with him in the water and he grabbed one of her feet. “I think after today I would like to just relax.”

  “Agreed.” He started rubbing her foot. “We can order room service.”

  She sighed with pleasure as he massaged her foot. The gentle massage helped to relax her. Between that and the warm water, she wasn’t trembling as much.

  “Oh, that feels so good,” she said. “Please don’t stop.”

  He smiled and a
fter a moment picked up her other foot and started massaging it. She closed her eyes and reveled in the feeling of his touch.

  The water had cooled by the time they decided to get out. He grabbed one of the thick, fluffy towels and dried her off. She was happy to stand in front of him and let him towel dry her. He made short work of drying himself and then tossed the towel aside and led her into his bedroom.

  She looked at the bed. “I think I could happily pass out right now.”

  “Lie down.” He gently pressed her toward the bed. “On your stomach.”

  She climbed onto the bed and obeyed him. He straddled her and started massaging her neck and back.

  “That feels sooooo good.” Her muscles started to relax and she felt as if she could melt right into the mattress. “You are an amazing multi-talented man. Did anyone ever tell you that?”

  He leaned over and kissed the back of her neck. “You are so beautiful, Leslie.” She turned over as he moved off of her. He sat beside her and stroked her cheek. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”

  She caught his hand in hers and held it to her cheek. “You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever known, too.”

  He eased down so that they were lying side-by-side and he leaned close and kissed her. With a soft moan she kissed him back, loving his taste, loving the feel of his body close to hers. His naked body was warm and hard beneath her touch as she moved her palm down his chest to his abs and then up to his shoulder again.

  His hands were callused and rough as he stroked her softer skin. His touch was amazing, making her body feel alive again. He gently palmed her breasts, and she sighed as he rubbed his thumb over first one nipple and then the other.

  “Make love to me.” She moved her mouth to his and kissed him. “Make love to me.”

  He shifted his body and then his body was in between her thighs. She gasped at the feel of him inside of her.

  She wrapped her legs around his hips, drawing him closer. His movements were slow and easy as he began taking her. She moaned with pleasure as he eased in and out of her.

  She arched her hips, encouraging him to increase the tempo. He started moving at a faster pace as he looked down at her and their gazes locked.

  The moment stretched on as he pumped in and out of her. She gasped and cried out to him. “Faster, Rick. Please, faster.”

  He started moving at a faster rate and she felt an orgasm starting to rise within her. It came closer and closer, filled with the promise of something extraordinary.

  Perspiration broke out on her skin and her breathing increased. His body felt heated against hers and she felt his sweat mingling with hers.

  He never took his eyes from hers and when she felt like she couldn’t hold on any longer he kissed her hard.

  Her orgasm rocketed through her and she cried out against his mouth. Her body shook and trembled as fireworks exploded in her mind. She had never known what that meant or what it was like until this very moment.

  His strokes became stronger, harder, as her body vibrated with her climax. Just when she thought it was over, another one took hold of her and she cried out again.

  With a groan his body shuddered against hers. She felt his cock throb inside of her, drawing out her second orgasm.

  When he came to a stop, he pressed his hips tight against hers and held it for a long moment. And then he rolled them both onto their sides facing one another.

  “You know how to relax a girl don’t you, Rick Pierce. Thank you.” She smiled and caressed his cheek. “That was beautiful.”

  He took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles then drew her into his embrace.

  Chapter 7

  Leslie adjusted her black latex corset as she looked into the mirror of her bedroom in her home in Maryland. She had promised Rick that she would dress up in some of her favorite fetish wear just for him.

  She turned and looked over her shoulder in the mirror and checked the smooth lines of the tight black latex pants that went with the corset. Latex molded her ass just right. After fixing her hair, she pulled on a pair of four-inch heels.

  After their ordeal, they had still enjoyed the last of their weekend in Cabo. The beach, sun, drinks, and good food, helped take her mind off of what had happened.

  Dinner had arrived fifteen minutes ago. She wasn’t crazy about cooking but she had nimble fingers for dialing the phone and a pile of menus from places that delivered. Tonight they were having Thai.

  The doorbell rang. Her heels clicked on the hardwood floor as she headed along the hallway, down the sweeping staircase, and to the front door. It was the first time he had been to her home since they had known each other. Before she answered, she looked through the peephole to see that it was definitely Rick. He was so hot looking that her mouth watered. He was holding a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine.

  When she opened the door, she wanted to just stand and take him in. He wore a dark blue shirt that was snug on his muscled body along with Levis. His short, dark hair looked so hot on him and his tawny eyes were warm and inviting.

  She crooked her finger, telling him to come toward her. “Come in, said the spider to the fly,” she said in her most sultry voice.

  “Damn.” Rick shut the door behind him and she saw the appreciation in his eyes. “You look unbelievable. Turn around. Let me look at the back of you.”

  Leslie took a few steps, turned, and pivoted around on her heels as if modeling on a runway. Then, with her hand on her hip, she stood and looked at him with her most sultry look.

  “Now, turn around again and stop,” he said. When she showed him the back she heard him whistle. “That is as hot an ass ever poured into pants like that. I love the shiny tight latex and how if forms to your perfect ass. Just amazing”

  She faced him then walked toward him. “Let me take those before you drop them.” She almost grinned at the distracted look on his expression. From the sound of it, he definitely loved the way she looked.

  “Oh.” He looked at her again and handed her the colorful bouquet that he was holding. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to keep my mind on anything but you.” He shook his head. “Not that I’ve been able to stop thinking about you at all.”

  Something in the way he said the words made her feel almost shy. “I want to put these in water.” She turned away from him and headed for the kitchen and felt the burn of his gaze on her backside.

  When they reached the kitchen she set the bouquet on the counter and heard the thump of the bottle of the wine as he set it down. She turned to look at him and he brought her into his arms and kissed her.

  She gave a soft moan from the exquisiteness of his kiss and the way it made her feel deep inside. The way he kissed nearly curled her toes. He moved his palms up and down the smooth latex covering her body and his hands seemed to burn through the latex to her skin.

  He drew his head back and smiled down at her. “No matter what you’re in, you look amazing.” He stepped back enough to take a look at her up and down. “How hard is this to get out of?”

  She laughed. “If you’re worried about access, don’t. Special zippers and Velcro are in strategic places.”

  With a grin he kissed her again. “I’ve always been good at special missions.”

  While she put the flowers in water, he uncorked the bottle of chardonnay and poured a glass for each of them.

  “That will go perfectly with dinner.” She opened one of the paper bags filled with Thai food.

  “Smells terrific.” He peeked into the second bag then moved his gaze over her, taking her in from her head to her polished toenails. “My stomach is growling, but I still think I’ll have a hard time doing anything but look at you.”

  The table was set for two and all they had to do was carry out the food containers and sit down and eat.

  While they enjoyed their dinner, she teased him by leaning down to tug on one of her high heels, moving so that he got a good view of her cleavage. While they ate she did her best to find ways to taunt him s
exually, wanting to make him as hot as she was. She touched his hands whenever possible and brushed her knees against his.

  In turn he ran his fingers along her arm and placed his hand on her thigh, close to her mound.

  He cleared his throat. “So what kind of mission am I going on tonight?”

  “A top secret mission.” She whispered the words as if someone might hear.

  His expression heated her through. “My favorite,” he said.

  “It involves going into dangerous places.” She gave him her most serious look. “Places you might not make it out of.”

  He smiled. “I’m up to the challenge.”

  She leaned back in her chair. “I’ll bet you are.”

  After they cleaned up and she tossed empty food containers, Rick left the room. She put the vase with the bouquet of flowers on the table then left the kitchen for the living room.

  Just as she walked through the door from the kitchen he grabbed her, startling her into crying out. She was standing one moment and the next she was on her back with him on top of her, straddling her, her arms pinned over her head.

  He started tickling her and she broke out into giggles as she tried to get away from his hands. She laughed so hard that she could barely catch her breath when he finally stopped.

  “So much for my dominance over you,” she said between breaths.

  He kissed her and she sighed into his mouth. The man was the most amazing kisser. When he raised his head he smiled as he looked down at her. “What’s our mission tonight?”

  “If you’ll let me up,” she said, “we’ll deploy.”

  “I’m well trained and ready for anything.” He gave her a quick grin and helped her to her feet. She took his hand and led him up the staircase.

  “You have an incredible home.” He looked around him with interest. “This place must have been here since colonial times.”

  “It has.” She nodded. “My family tree is deep in New England and has roots as far back as the Mayflower.”

  “It’s impressive.” He looked down at her shoes. “How do you manage these stairs with those heels?”