Stark September (Stark Trilogy Book 1)

by C. D. Bradley

  Smugly Holt held the door for her to leave. “The best things come to those who wait.” He replied with a sly smile and watched Abbey leave. “Now Kira seriously, come out with us. You remember Cody from Dunker training he will be going too. Maybe you have a friend you want to bring. Just friends going out for a beer, it’s not like I’m asking you to marry me.”

  You’re being silly. She thought. He’s trying to be your friend and you’re acting like a bitch. But she really was tired. She had been so very excited when Stark said he was coming home. For two weeks she had barely been able to sleep. “Ok maybe just a drink. I really do need to unwind.” Kira patted him on the shoulder as she walked out to head home.

  “So do you want me to pick you up?” He asked unable to mask his excitement as he followed her to the parking lot.

  “No I can meet you there. Where do you want to go?” She asked nonchalantly.

  “Let’s meet at Jack Quinn. Say 8:30? But really I don’t mind to pick you up at your apartment or if you’re not staying there.” The words slipped out before he could stop himself.

  Kira froze for a split second a chill running down her spine. Then she continued walking as if nothing had happened. “Oh no there’s not that much room in your car and I want to bring a couple of friends”. Her voice remained calm and relaxed though inside she was trembling like and earthquake. Shit! How does he know I’m not staying there? Is he following me? Does he know about Stark? Fear and panic coursed through Kira’s veins. She couldn’t back out now but she knew this was trouble. “Ok then see you tonight.” She said as she climbed in the Jeep. Once the door was shut she let out a long deep sigh. What the hell am I going to do? She turned the ignition. As the jeep roared to life Kira knew what she had to do. Though it would be painful and she was going to have to swallow any shred of dignity she had left she reached for her cell and made the call. Fuck Me!

  * * *

  It was 8:45pm. Holt was growing restless. She was late! He would not be able to tolerate her constant tardiness. Jesus! Does she not have a watch? Holt sat Fuming and looking back and forth from his iphone to his watch. He was starting to tap his foot in the most annoying and persistent way.

  “Will you chill the fuck out?” Cody said laughing. “Its only 8:45. That’s practically early girl time. They won’t be here for at least another 40 minutes.” He motioned for the sexy blond bartender to get them another pitcher. “I’m not sure why you’re so hung up on this girl. She’s not that into you.” Then he really laughed hard. “Oh wait now I see. She doesn’t like you. That’s why you’re so obsessed.” Cody continued chiding his friend as he flirted with the bartender. She had long blond hair streaked with brown. She smiled knowingly as she brought the pitcher.

  “Is there anything else I can get you?” She asked with a half grin.

  “I’ll have to get back to you on that.” He answered playfully. Then turning sharply he kicked his friend under the bar. “Will you quit tap tap tapping that damn foot. You’re starting to make me nervous.”

  Holt stopped but he wasn’t listening. His eyes were glued on the door of the bar. In walked Kira and her two friends. Kira’s dark hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders and down her back. Her dress was a simple black sheath dress with spaghetti straps. She had intended to have an understated look just simple but the way the fabric clung to her small frame and curvy hips was anything but understated. He couldn’t talk.

  “Now what’s…….wrong?” Cody started to ask but trailed off as he followed Holt’s gaze to the door and saw the three women walking towards them. Holy Hell! He leaned over to Holt and whispered. “Is it too early to do a wing man victory dance? Shit I thought I was going to get stuck with some hobbit in a skirt. This rocks!” Cody’s whispered voice was laced with excitement and trepidation. The redhead was exquisitely beautiful. Her bright green eyes were spellbinding. She seemed to be gliding as she walked toward him. Equally as exotic the last girl had raven black hair and almond eyes. Here Asian features were flawless like she was a doll. A 50’s rockabilly doll with more tattoos he noticed that he had seen on a woman up close before. Her eyes took mischievous to a whole new level and instantly made him uneasy but very excited.

  “Hey guys.” Kira said casually. “Captain Holt, Captain Bryson, this is Paige and Zoe.”

  Holt nodded in their direction. He sat a little dumbfounded. He had engineered this little date to further his chances with Kira but the other two women were very distracting. Cody nearly knocked him off his bar stool to greet the girls. He grinned ear to ear and patted Kira on the shoulder. “Nice to see you again.” He said genuinely. He remembered that she was not a hugger from the training trip.

  “Good to see you too. Do you guys want to grab a table?” Kira smile was bright but apprehension lurked just beneath the surface. They found a table that could hold all five of them. It killed Kira to have to call Paige for help but she didn’t know what else to do. Holt was potentially a very serious problem for her and Stark. Cody and Zoe sat on one side and Kira and Paige sat on either side of Holt. They set about getting to know each other and making initial small talk while looking at the menu. Zoe was already getting quite comfortable with Cody, sitting very close and she crossed her legs so that the left leg came across rubbing his thigh as she gently tapped her foot. Paige on the other hand was sitting very close to Holt. Every gentle glide and accidental touch of her hand was very distracting.

  Kira looked up to ask Paige if she wanted to share some sushi but when she caught her eye Paige looked like she had seen a ghost. Her eyes were wide with panic but only for a second. Kira turned quickly to follow her gaze but she didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Just then her cell phone buzzed in her purse.

  Having fun tonight? I miss you.

  It was Stark! Why now she thought? She discretely wrote back.

  Not much. I miss you to. When are you coming home?

  She was a little aggravated first he said he was coming home then no word at all for two weeks.

  You look like you’re having fun. In fact you look damn gorgeous.

  Kira’s heart stood still. She could have died in that moment. He’s here! Pure elation and joy was followed by panic. Oh god he’s here and I’m here with Holt! While she had absolutely no intention of dating Holt she had to figure out what was going on. She wanted desperately to run into Starks arms.

  Where are you?

  She typed knowing damn well he was in the restaurant somewhere. Paige had to have seen him. That would explain Paige’s fleeting moment of panic.

  Close enough to smell honey and jasmine.

  Her heart leapt. She could feel the rippling effect of his words deep inside. Kira looked around frantically. She had to see him, touch him. She couldn’t wait another second. Before she could do anything she got another text.

  Tell them you have to go to the bathroom.

  Eagerly, she obeyed. “I am so very sorry but I need to go to the restroom. Something I ate today is suddenly not agreeing with me.” Kira politely excused herself as Paige gave her a knowing look. Holt started to get up. Paige by proximity was able to block him from getting up very quickly.

  “Are you ok? Do you want me to drive you home?” He asked concerned.

  “No no no. I’ll just be a minute or two.” She said over her shoulder scampering off before anyone else could stop her. Kira made her way back toward the bathrooms. As she made her way down the dimly lit hall a firm hand grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the entrance to the wine cellar. Kira was spun around and was face to face with Owen Stark!

  “You crazy, wonderful, sexy shit of a man, I was so worried! You said you would be home and then..” He cut her off with a deep kiss. As his tongue gently took control of her mouth he wrapped her so tightly in his arms. Kira felt her body melt in his embrace. It had been so very long since she had seen him. All the nights spent dreaming of this moment. His beard and hair were as unruly as the first day she had met him. She closed her eyes and dra
nk him in. She could taste the sweetness of his favorite whiskey. The intoxicating scent of his cologne danced and swayed with the aroma of the many bottles of wine that surrounded them.

  He paused for a moment and looked at her keeping her wrapped tightly in his arms. His lips brushed across her cheek and down her neck. Then he stopped and looked deeply in her eyes.

  “Where have you been?” She asked almost tearfully.

  “I’ve been to hell and back, but I’ve always been here.” He said placing his hand gently over her heart. The warm of his hand resting on her breast stole her breath away. “You are mine you belong with me always.” His voice had become heated and needy.

  “About Holt it’s not..” She started but he kissed her passionately again. Her head was reeling the room was very, very warm.

  “Kira,” he breathed, “I’m not worried about Captain Candy Ass. I know you; you are a part of me. I trust you enough to know better.”

  This time as his lips found hers Kira surrendered completely. No longer was she worried about the table of people waiting 50 feet away in the restaurant. She didn’t care about anything but being in this moment with this man. She had waited for seemed like an eternity for him to return to her. His kiss enveloped her pulling her into him as his hand clasped around her thigh and slid upward pulling her dress with it. He reached her ass and held her tightly pulling her to him. The pressure of his immense cock thrilled her longing clit. She gasped and her breath caught as he pulled her close again. Suddenly he picked her up she wrapped her legs around his waist. Still kissing her fervently now, he easily carried her over to the wine tasting table and sat her on the edge. The cold hard wood on her back side was startling. Her dress was hiked up around her waist at this point from being carried. He slid his hands up and down her thighs in a slow hypnotic motion each time getting closer to the lace hem of her panties. His finger reached her skimming back and forth over the silky fabric sending exquisite sensations through her overly sensitive flesh.

  “Kira I have to have you now. Right now.” He growled slipping his fingers past the delicate fabric and finding the sweet slick opening. “Oh God Kira you are so wet. I want to make you cum so hard you will never forget that you belong to me…only me.” He slid two fingers deep inside her and found her now swollen clit with his thumb. When his expert fingers found their mark he began working and grinding her clit and g-spot between his fingers and his thumb in a tantalizing swirling dance that unraveled her completely. Her breaths began to come in short excited pants. He supported her with his other arm as she became so enthralled with his touch she could not hold herself up right. She surrendered fully allowing him to manipulate and caress her body the way only he could. The fury between her legs built like an inferno awakening and exciting every nerve ending. “That’s it my love,” he commanded, “I want to feel you cum.” His words were her undoing and Kira cried out softly as she came digging her nails into his shoulders. He gently laid her back on the table. He put his put his fingers in his mouth and tasted the juices of her explosion. “Mmmm” He growled. “You taste amazing. Now I want to taste you for real. For months I have been dreaming of the way you taste.” He leaned into her, gingerly removed her panties and placed them in his pocket. He kissed softly up her thigh. Kira was still spinning from her orgasm. Her tender flesh was so sensitive she struggled to stay still on the table. His tongue found her, lapping at first licking the juices of her climax before finding her clit. He nibbled and sucked in and expert ballet holding her thighs firm to the table so that in her ecstasy she would not fall off. The warm sensation grew again building, sending spasms of pleasure clenching through her.

  “Lets go home.” He said sternly.

  “What about everyone out there?” She asked through the muddled post orgasmic haze.

  “Let them enjoy their dinner. I want to enjoy you. I want to take you home and Fuck you and make love to you and make up for lost time.”

  “I have to go tell them we I mean I am leaving” She said more alert and with genuine concern.

  “Ok go tell them.” He said smiling shrewdly.

  “Can I have my panties back please?” She asked as she stood up and straightened her skirt.

  “Oh no,” he said, his smile widening, “These are mine.”

  “You have to be joking. I’m not going out there without my panties.” She was horrified.

  “So come with me.” His voice implored her to give in. But Kira was not going to give in that easily.

  “Fine. Commando it is.” She said defiantly and walked out the door. She walked into the dining room of the restaurant and approached her table. As she stood there with all eyes on her feeling the juices of her little escapade trickling slowly down her panty-less leg, she suddenly wished she had gone with Stark.

  “Kira are you ok?” Holt asked alarmed at her disheveled appearance. If Kira could have seen herself in a mirror her panties would be the least of her worries. Her hair bore the resemblance of having been in a wind storm. One of her spaghetti straps hung loosely on her right shoulder. And her lipstick had found its way to places it had no business being.

  Trying to keep her composure despite the horrified and bemused looks of those at her table Kira said, “I’m sorry guys I had lunch at Frank’s Franks and frankly I don’t think they like me very much. I’m going to have to go.” Her flushed cheeks helped to sell the story.

  “Let me take you home” Holt insisted.

  “No, no you guys stay and have fun. I’m gonna run. I’ll see you later ok?” With that Kira turned on her heels and went out the door before any one could say anything.

  Holt started to follow her but Paige caught his arm. “No need to rush off.” She said smiling I’m sure we can find some trouble to get into.” Her wicked smile bewitched the two soldiers. The men exchanged glances. Captain Bryson had an excited grin. Holt was irritated but definitely was going to need an outlet for this. The saucy tramp beside him would do just fine he thought. Paige and Zoe exchanged looks also. This would be fun, very fun. The poor guys had no idea what they were in for.

  Kira knew she should go back. She knew Holt would be furious. She knew there were a hundred reasons she shouldn’t be doing this. But none of that mattered now. She wanted only him. She followed Stark to the jeep and they took off into the night.

  * * *

  Kira shrieked out loud when she caught a look at herself in the rearview mirror. Holy Hell! I went out there like this! Kira’s already red cheeks ignited when she saw her deranged appearance. God knows what they are thinking right now! Well I know what Paige is thinking. She thought and laughed out loud at her self as she drove, her heart racing to follow Stark home. He had said “Let me take you home” Home! She knew he was just referring to his house but the way he said it implied so much more. He’s Back! Safe and Mine! Kira’s heart was bursting so with joy and anticipation she didn’t notice the car following her. Her eyes were focused on Starks tail light. All she could think of was jumping into his arms when they got home! She stopped almost suddenly at the red light. She had been so lost in her thoughts she had almost ran it. The car behind her slammed on their brakes and skidded barely missing her rear bumper. Kira looked apologetically in the rearview mirror but couldn’t see the drivers face. “Sorry!” She said out loud as if they could hear her. She took a minute to straighten her hair and put on lip gloss just before the light turned green. Kira’s heart lept. Just a few more blocks and she would be home.

  Kira pulled into the drive and turned off the jeep. Stark was at once beside the door opening it and lifting her out. He couldn’t help himself. He spun her around and kissed her hard in the night air. He kissed her for all the lonely nights he spent dreaming of this moment. He kissed her and savored the sweet aroma of honey and jasmine. Lost in his massive arms her tiny feet dangled off the ground. She could taste herself on his lips. The thought excited her as she remembered where those lips had just been. Stark carried her to the door.

  “I can walk.”
She said laughing.

  “Not tonight.” He said sternly. “I’ve been waiting four months for this. I don’t want to let go of you for a second.” He didn’t know how to express the ache and deep sadness of war to her. Right now he didn’t want to think about any of that. Right now all he wanted was to hold her and feel her for real. She was the most beautiful and joyful distraction in his life.

  She could tell by the intensity in his bright eyes that he meant every word. He opened the door with one hand and they were nearly knocked down by the frantic and very excited Mags. “Looks like I’m not the only one who missed you!” She said giggling.

  Stark set her down and began hugging and petting Mags. She was wagging her tail so hard her entire back half was wagging with it. Four months was a long time for all of them. Stark sat on the porch for a moment petting Mags and staring up at Kira. Tenderly she smiled back at him and couldn’t help but feel things were complete.

  As they disappeared into the house they were so absorbed in each other they didn’t notice they had an audience. The stranger smirked at the touching scene and almost felt sorry for what would happen. Almost but not quite enough to stop from yanking the false bottom out from under her happy little life. In the darkness a car started and drove off without alarming anyone.

  Once inside Stark took time to feed and water Mags then turned his attention back to Kira. “You are mine.” He said sweetly. “I want to take you upstairs and remind you why you missed me.” His sweet voice became darker now oozing sex.

  “Who says I miss you?” She asked innocently “Were you really gone that long? What was it like a week?” She smirked and looked up at him licking her lower lip and grinning.

  “Are you testing me?” His eyes danced wildly. “You think taunting a desperate man is a wise move there princess?”

  “I’ll take my chances.” She said coyly, stepping closer to him and tracing her finger down the buttons on his shirt. She stopped just at the edge of his jeans and looked up again staring into his eyes.