Taming the Alpha

by Mandy M. Roth

  The light from the stairwell and the streetlight outside were more than enough for him to see her. He ran his fingers through her short hair. “You cut it.”

  “Yeah.” She gave a self-conscious laugh. “Colored it too.”

  “I like it,” he told her. “It’s sassy, like you.”

  “Your hair is longer.” She threaded her fingers through his, rubbing his scalp. “I like it,” she parroted his words, making him smile.

  “I missed you,” she whispered. Then she scooted back on the bed and reached for the zipper on her jeans. The rasp of the fastener opening sounded overly loud. Tobias couldn’t take his eyes off her as she peeled the denim down her thighs and kicked it away.

  Her panties matched the bra she’d been wearing. Silky green fabric covered her mound. His mouth started to water. He wanted to see her, taste her.

  “Finish it,” he told her.

  Kansas hooked her fingers under the lacy waistband of her underwear, lifted her hips and pushed them down. Like a man caught in a dream, he moved closer and pulled her panties all the way off.

  He brought them to his nose and inhaled, scenting her musky arousal.

  The bed covers rustled as Kansas stretched out.

  God almighty, she was gorgeous. Her legs went on forever, her hips flared out and her waist tucked in. Her breasts weren’t overly large but they were perfection.

  His chest rose and fell faster as his breathing quickened.

  “Well, what are you waiting for?”

  What indeed. Tobias tossed her underwear aside and lowered himself over her.

  Chapter Three

  Kansas held her breath as Tobias covered her. He was still half dressed and she was fully naked, but that just added to her arousal. He held the bulk of his weight on his forearms, making the muscles in his upper arms bulge. She traced the Celtic knotwork that circled each bicep.

  “When did you get these?” She was certain he hadn’t had these the last time she’d seen him.

  “About a year ago.” He kissed her and she knew he didn’t want to talk about the time he was gone. That was fine with her. She didn’t care what he’d had to do in order to survive, only that he had and was now home, with her.

  She lost herself in their kiss. It felt sinfully wicked to be naked while he was still partially dressed. The rough denim of his jeans abraded the soft skin of her inner thighs as he pushed them apart and made a place for himself there.

  His thick erection pressed against her core and she couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped her lips. There was so much she wanted to ask him, so much she wanted to know about his life. But that would come later.

  Because if he thought he was leaving her again without explanation, he was sadly mistaken. Tobias was wild, a free spirit, but whether he understood it or not, he needed a place to come home to. He needed her.

  She’d given herself a hundred, no a thousand, lectures over the past couple of years. She’d convinced herself she was done waiting. That she was over Tobias. And she’d been lying to herself all this time. That had become very clear the moment he’d stepped out of the shadows tonight looking badass and dangerous and her heart had soared at the sight of him.

  There was no getting over Tobias Slater, not for her. Not now, not ever.

  She wanted to curse him for it, but it wasn’t his fault. He was simply being who he was. Tobias was her kryptonite, her weakness. She had no trouble being tough in every other area of her life, but when it came to him, she was a marshmallow.

  He lifted his head and stared down at her. She wished she knew what was going on behind those eyes of his but he was very adept at hiding his emotions. She imagined he’d had to bury many parts of himself in order to survive his undercover mission.

  “You’re safe here,” she assured him. “With me.”

  He went very still and she wondered if she’d made a mistake in reminding him of where he really was and who he was with. She dug her fingernails into his shoulders. He wasn’t getting away without a fight. She couldn’t go on like this any longer. They had to settle what was between them once and for all.

  Then he groaned and buried his face in the curve of her neck. She gasped when he nipped at the sensitive area where her neck and shoulder met. He laved the small hurt with his tongue and then worked his way downward, kissing and licking her skin until he reached her breasts.

  He made a low rumble of pleasure that reached into her core and stroked it like a physical caress. She made an inarticulate noise and rubbed her pelvis against his groin.

  “I’m going to touch every part of you,” he promised. He cupped one breast and circled the nipple with his thumb. The skin puckered and the tip became more pronounced.

  She clutched at his back and ran her hands over the flexing muscles. He was so big and strong, and she loved it.

  Tobias lowered his head and sucked on her nipple, drawing it into his mouth. Kansas gripped his head and held on tight. He laughed, pulled away and blew on the distended tip. The warmth of his breath sent a shiver through her.

  She reached for the waistband of his jeans. Time to even things out. “You’re still half dressed,” she complained.

  He caught her hands and pushed them down by the side of her head. “And I’m going to stay that way a little longer.” He shook his head before she could protest further. “My control is hanging by a thread.” He held her hands a little longer. “Okay?”

  She nodded. “Okay.” Whatever he needed, she’d give him. Of course, that would only last so long. She intended to pay him back in kind before this night was done.

  “Why does your quick agreement make me uneasy?” he asked.

  “Because you’re a smart man.” She smiled and said no more.

  Tobias groaned and then gave a half laugh. “I can see I’d better keep you incapacitated with pleasure so you can’t enact whatever revenge you’re planning.”

  She slid one of her hands out from under his and skimmed her fingers down his chest. “You sure you don’t want to know?”

  He caught her wayward hand and pushed it back down onto the pillow. “Maybe later.”

  She only smiled and waited to see what he’d do next. And he didn’t disappoint. Tobias kissed his way down her ribcage and circled her bellybutton with his tongue. He settled between her spread thighs and brushed his fingers along her inner thigh.

  She held her breath, almost afraid to move. She was wet and more than ready for Tobias but she didn’t want him to stop, not now. It wouldn’t take much to make her come. She’d been in a sexual drought for a long time now. He wasn’t the only one on the ragged edge.

  ***

  This was better than any dream Tobias had ever had. The reality of Kansas was more vibrant, more beautiful and sexier than anything he’d ever imagined. He ran his fingertips over the slick folds of her pussy, marveling in how wet she was. And it was all for him. Damp curls covered her mound, beckoning him to touch.

  He explored every pretty pink inch of her, loving the way she gasped or groaned when he stroked a certain spot. He avoided her clit and pretty soon she was moaning and arching her hips, silently asking for more.

  “Payback is a bitch. Remember that, Slater,” she warned on one deep groan.

  He laughed out loud. Not a social laugh or a contrived one but one that came straight from his soul. Kansas made him happy.

  “I’ll remember that, Fielding.” He eased one thick finger into her core and she sucked in a deep breath. “That better?”

  “Getting there.” The words were no more than a whisper, a breath.

  He withdrew his finger and this time added a second one when he pushed inward. Kansas was tight and he was stretching her. Not that she seemed to mind if her moans of pleasure were any indication.

  Tobias had to make her come, had to watch as she lost herself to her passion. With that goal in mind, he leaned down and captured her clit between his lips and flicked the hard nub with his tongue.

  Kansas cried out and arch
ed her hips upward. His name fell from her lips like a prayer. Or maybe it was a curse. It was hard to tell.

  He started to pull his fingers out and she clutched his hair so hard his scalp stung. “Don’t you dare stop.” He could hear the desperation in her voice and knew she was close.

  “I won’t,” he told her. “I promise.” Her grip eased and some of the tension left her.

  Determined not to disappoint her, Tobias doubled his efforts, teasing her clit with his tongue and lips. The little bundle of nerves was alive with sensation and each time he stroked it, Kansas cried out her pleasure.

  He continued to work his fingers in and out of her core. He curled his fingers as he pulled them out and her entire body went rigid. Her pussy rippled as he thrust deep once again.

  She yelled his name and then she was coming, her inner muscles clutching hard at his fingers. He almost lost it but managed to hang on by pressing his dick against the mattress. The metal teeth of the zipper dug into his shaft and the pain gave him some control.

  The scent of her cream, the feel of her wrapped around his fingers, the sheer reality of being here with Kansas was almost more than he could handle. He’d dreamed of this moment, both while awake and sleeping. She’d haunted him day and night for years. But being with her was far more potent than anything he’d ever imagined.

  He withdrew his fingers and climbed off the bed. It wasn’t an easy thing to do with his cock about ready to explode from the pressure. It only took him seconds to shuck his boots and socks. Then he undid the button of his jeans and slowly released the zipper. His cock sprang free, as he wasn’t wearing any underwear. The relief from the release of all that pressure was short lived.

  Kansas propped herself up on her elbows and his gaze went straight to her breasts. The nipples were firm and damp from his earlier attention. She laughed and he glanced at her and shrugged. Her face was flushed and her eyes half closed. She pushed up onto her knees and crawled to the edge of the bed.

  Tobias swallowed hard when she reached out and gently ran the tips of her fingers over his hard length. She leaned closer until he could feel the heat of her breath against his shaft.

  “Remember what I told you earlier?” she asked.

  Remember what? He couldn’t even recall his own name with her lips so close to his dick.

  She smiled at him and it was a combination of mischievousness and intent that had his balls pulling up tight.

  “What?” One word was all he could manage at the moment. He’d always had complete control of his body and himself. Everyone he’d been around for the past few years were always bitching about his control. Kansas made a mockery of it.

  “Payback is a bitch.” Then she wrapped her hand around his shaft.

  ***

  Her body was still humming from the most amazing orgasm. It would be easy to simply lie back on the bed and bask in the afterglow, but she wanted Tobias to feel the same way she was, to understand what it was like when someone who cared about you put your pleasure first.

  She wrapped her hand around his erection. It was long and thick, the skin velvety soft but very hard beneath. His shaft pulsed against her fingers, a silent demand for more.

  Kansas scooted closer to the edge of the bed. Tobias was still wearing his jeans but they were wide open with his cock spearing outward. He looked rumpled and sexy as hell His eyes were mere slits but she could feel him watching her every move.

  She licked her lips and he groaned.

  Anticipation gripped her as she lowered her head. The plum-shaped tip of his erection was damp and she licked it, getting her first taste of him. He was salty and musky and all male.

  She gave a hum of pleasure and circled the head with her tongue, paying special attention to the ridge at the base.

  Tobias groaned and bucked his hips against her mouth. “Kansas.”

  She took pity on him, opened her mouth wide and took him deeper. He sucked in a breath and gripped the sides of her head to hold her to him. She cupped his balls in her hand and gave them a squeeze, a gentle reminder that she was the one in charge at the moment.

  She worked her other hand up and down his shaft while she continued to take him deep into her mouth. The tension built between them. Having her hands and mouth on him, tasting him, feeling his growing need fired her own. Even though she’d already orgasmed, she felt empty. She wanted his cock inside her.

  She’d been waiting her entire adult life for this moment.

  Tobias stepped back and his cock gave a wet popping sound as she released it. He shucked his jeans and flipped her over onto her stomach. She pushed up and looked over her shoulder as he knelt on the edge of the bed behind her. He reached down and grabbed his jeans and fished something out of the back pocket.

  A condom. Thankfully one of them had thought about protection. He ripped open the foil packet and slid the condom on in the blink of an eye. Then he turned his attention back to her.

  “I love your ass,” he told her. He speared his shaft through her slick folds as he plumped the mounds of her behind in his hands. His cock rubbed against her clit, wringing a groan of pleasure from her.

  He pressed the thick head of his shaft against her opening. “I can’t wait any longer.”

  “Do it. Now.” She didn’t want to wait any longer either. She expected him to thrust hard and fast. Was prepared for that. Instead, he pushed forward one slow inch at a time.

  She couldn’t speak, could only moan as he forged past the initial resistance of her body. She curled her fingers around the comforter and hung on as he seated himself completely.

  Her pussy rippled and stretched to accommodate him. She took a deep breath and then another. Tobias wrapped his arm around her waist and his big body covered hers. She was filled and surrounded by him.

  “You okay, babe?” The deep rumble made her contract her inner muscles and he groaned as her core tightened around his shaft. “Yeah, you’re better than okay.”

  He began to thrust, keeping the rhythm slow and easy until she bucked against him. He picked up the pace and fucked her harder, his motions getting quicker until his hips were slapping against her ass.

  The sexual tension swelled and Kansas was poised on the brink of orgasm once again. His cock slid home over and over, filling her body and soul. He gripped her hips in his large hands and slammed home one final time. His cock rippled inside her and she knew he was coming. She wished he wasn’t wearing a condom. She was strung out, on the edge but not quite there yet.

  She groaned with frustration and Tobias slid one hand down between her legs and stroked her clit. That was all it took. She cried out and came, her pussy clenching him hard. He yelled her name and pumped his hips several more times before they both collapsed facedown on the bed.

  Kansas tried to suck air into her lungs. With the combination of her mind-blowing orgasm and Tobias’s weight crushing her, it was almost impossible. He swore and then moved, carefully pulling away from her.

  She rolled onto her back when he strode from the room to dispose of the condom. She began to worry. Would he leave? Had he made love to her from behind because he hadn’t wanted to see her face? Was he pretending she was someone else? That thought made her chest tighten and her stomach hurt.

  The toilet flushed and she heard his footsteps in the hallway. He paused just inside the doorway. “What’s wrong?”

  That was the problem with knowing someone for so many years. They understood your moods all too well. She shrugged, not trying to hide her trepidation. “I was just wondering what you were going to do now?”

  He strode to the bed and pulled the covers out from beneath her, prodding her until she was under them. Then he climbed in beside her. “Right now, I’m going to get some rest.”

  She didn’t resist when he pulled her into his arms. She settled her head on his chest and listened to the heavy thud of his heart. “Sounds good to me.” They had a lot to talk about, or at least she thought they did. Maybe this didn’t really mean anything to
him.

  She couldn’t believe that. He wasn’t that kind of man.

  Kansas ignored the little voice in the back of her head that pointed out that she really didn’t know him that well anymore.

  ***

  Tobias knew the second Kansas drifted off to sleep. Her entire body went boneless and the tension that had invaded her disappeared.

  What the hell had he done? He’d slept with his best friends’ sister. He’d made love to Kansas after years of restraint. Why now? He stared up at the ceiling looking for answers that weren’t there.

  Maybe it was because he’d come close to dying so many times over the past couple years. Maybe it was because he was tired of trying to pretend he didn’t want her.

  He combed his fingers through her short, sassy locks. Bright cherry red. He shook his head even as he smiled. He felt more relaxed, more at home than he had in years, maybe even forever. The tension that had kept him alert and alive while undercover was nowhere to be found.

  He didn’t know whether he should celebrate or be concerned. No one, no woman had ever had this kind of power over him. It should worry him more than it did.

  He had no idea what in the hell he was going to do tomorrow. Sleeping with her put him in a hell of a spot.

  Kansas deserved the best and he certainly wasn’t that. He was a burned out DEA agent who didn’t know what the hell he was going to do with the rest of his life. Yes, he had a job offer but he didn’t know how long that offer would be on the table once Reno and York found out he’d slept with their baby sister. And they would find out, he had no doubt about that.

  She snuffled in her sleep and curled closer, tucking herself tighter in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes.

  He’d deal with the fallout tomorrow. Tonight, he was living the dream. He had Kansas in his arms. He’d gotten really good at living moment to moment. A part of him wanted more, wanted something permanent, while another part of him wasn’t sure he could ever settle down after everything he’d been through.