He shuddered.
Swirling her tongue along the velvet softness, she took more of him in. Worked her mouth up and down his cock in a slow torture until she thought she would go insane. Her sex burned and throbbed for his touch, yet she had set the rules and would stick with them. When she moved her hand between her thighs, he reached for her.
She stopped and gave him a glare. “Hands, mister.”
“Wicked,” he hissed. “I can’t keep myself from touching you.”
“I promise you can touch all you want, later.”
He was quick to tuck his hands under his head.
13
This female was going to be his undoing. Derrick dug his fingers into his own scalp to keep from touching her. The way she worked her mouth over him was nothing short of sheer bliss. No way did he want it to stop. When she moved her hand between her thighs and began touching herself...
He nearly came unglued.
“Damn, love,” he breathed. “I’m not sure if I’m in heaven or hell right now. You are the most blissful torture I’ve ever endured.”
She moaned around him and increased her pace. Brought him to the edge and he fought toppling over. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He couldn’t stand not touching her a second longer. With a snarl, he pulled her free, tossed her to her back, and pushed inside her until he was so deep he swore he touched her soul. He stilled and stared into her eyes. Watched them fill with molten desire. Desire for him. Only him. He kissed her. Plundered her mouth the same way he took her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and dug her heels into his back while she ran her fingers through his hair. He reached between them and pinched her bundle of nerves until she melted beneath him. Her sex heated and squeezed until his own release overtook him. Digging his fingers into her hips, he arched his back and experienced one of the most intense orgasms of his life.
Halee came again and he swore she just kept milking him. He clung to her, not wanting to let go. His body like rubber, he finally pulled free. Rolling to his side, he brought her to him, still not ready to let her go. Her back pressed against his chest, he kissed the back of her head.
“That was––”
“Incredible,” she finished.
“I don’t even think that word does what just happened justice.” If he kept thinking about her lips wrapped around him, he would soon be hard again. Instead, he rose.
“Shower with me?” He extended his hand.
She rolled to him and accepted his help in rising to her feet and allowed him to lead her to the bathroom. He pulled her dress over her head and tossed it.
“We’ve never showered together.”
He reached in and turned on the water, making sure the temperature was adequate before he helped her in.
“We’ve never spent the night together before either.”
She smiled. “Well, I guess this is a night of firsts for us.”
He forced his muscles to relax and keep his feet planted. The urge to run became overwhelming.
“Are you okay?”
Damn it. She must have sensed his anxiety. “I’m fine.” Already he was lying to her. What a fucking ass he was.
She stepped closer, placed her palm on his chest. “I promise, one of these days I’m going to earn your trust.”
Yep. Grade A asshole. That's what he was. He wanted to give Halee everything, but he was smart enough to know this entire situation was a ticking time bomb.
Tick-fucking-tock.
Halee stepped under the warm spray of water while Derrick soaped her back. His touch so gentle it caused a shiver. When he reached around and caressed soap across her breasts––turning her nipples into hard painful peaks––she moaned. He continued washing down her stomach then along the inside of her thigh. Her breaths increased until she was panting. There was no getting enough of this man, and apparently, he felt the same because his long hard length pressed into the seam of her backside.
He stopped teasing her, and she missed his hands on her skin. Before she knew what was happening, he was working shampoo into her hair.
“I’ve... No man has ever washed my hair before.”
“I like that I’m the first, then,” he whispered into her ear. Lord help her. She was heading into territory that could very well get her heart broken. She was falling for this man, and in the back of her mind, she worried. How did she stop her stupid heart from getting involved? Yes, she wanted a chance with Derrick, but could she prove to him that he had to stop running? That she was worth running to and not away from?
When he turned her to face him and ran his fingers through her hair to rinse it, he nibbled her chin. Kissed her neck and slid his fingers through her slickness.
“So hot and wet.” He nipped the lobe of her ear.
“It’s your fault, now what do you plan to do about it?” God, he was driving her wild with need. He responded by dipping his head and sucking a nipple into his mouth. Teeth grazed the hard tip.
Gasping, she arched into him. Gripping his shoulders, she whispered, “Take me. Now.”
“As you wish, darlin’.” He pressed her against the tile. Lifted her until she was spread for him and slid home.
“You are a wicked man, but I love it.”
He responded by pounding into her. The coolness at her back helped balance the heat that threatened to burn her alive. Moments later, they both shattered into oblivion. Halee’s body was tired and sated when Derrick helped her from the shower and dried her off.
“A girl could get used to this,” she sighed.
“I said I would give this a chance.” He winked. “I never do anything half-ass.” Then he picked her up and carried her to bed where he gently laid her down before crawling in beside her. His brow furrowed.
“I suppose I should ask, will I need to move to another shift now? I don’t recall anything in the rule book about it.”
“No. Not unless you want to. We don’t require anyone in a relationship to work away from each other unless we see a problem.”
The furrow deepened. “I’m pretty sure Kadin will be an issue.”
“You let me worry about big brother. He won’t bite.” The look of terror that passed over him had her feeling a bit guilty, but she burst into laughter. “I’m kidding!”
“Not funny since I’m sure he can bite my head off. Literally!” The corners of his mouth twitched, and Halee swore for the first time there was a twinkle in his eye that had never been there before.
Halee fell into a deep sleep, her body tucked into him, and he would be a fool not to admit how nice it was to lay here with her while she slept. But he was a fool. Who did he think he was kidding? He couldn’t pull off a relationship. How was he supposed to give Halee what she needed? What she deserved, when he would be terrified of losing her the entire time. If death didn’t take her, his fears would cause her to walk away. Already he feared going to sleep, knowing his nightmares would send him into a fit. He knew he lashed out. What if he accidentally hurt her? He would never be able to live with himself. Instead, he held her close and tried to shove all of his anxiety into a tiny box and lock it away. He wanted this. Was desperate to be normal again and he wanted Halee. To say he was sick of his life the way it was would be a severe understatement.
He had been alone for too long and wanted a change. Wasn’t that why he had moved here? As he stared out the bank of windows and watched the stars fill the sky, he realized this was his fresh start. He had left his old life in the city. Moved to where the air was filled with the scent of pine and the call of wildlife.
His new start was curled into him. She was warm soft curves and willing to take a chance on him. Shouldn’t he as well? He pulled in the scent of her hair. She smelled like him, and he smiled remembering her in his shower. It was a sight he could get used to and it was then determination set in. He would give this a chance. They both deserved it.
As her warmth spread over him, he fought to keep his eyes open. Failure was imminent. He’d not been this relaxed in a l
ong time. Sleep finally swallowed him, pulling him under.
Halee stretched and opened her eyes. It took her a minute to realize she was staring at an amazing man. Derrick appeared so peaceful as he slept. His breathing slow and deep and as much as she wanted to reach out and touch him, she didn’t want to wake him. She was pretty sure he didn’t sleep well.
Slowly, she scooted out of bed and tiptoed to the bathroom. After relieving her bursting bladder, she found a toothbrush still in the pack and brushed her teeth. With that done, she snuck back out, happy to see him still sleeping. She scooped up a T-shirt he had tossed to the floor and pulled it on. It hung like a dress on her, but it smelled like him. Sin and leather, her favorite new scent.
She snuck from the room and down the stairs, cringing when a step creaked. Making her way to the kitchen, she hoped he had coffee. Otherwise there would be hell to pay. A Keurig sat on the counter. A good sign, and even better there was a rack of K-cups next to it. Opening cabinet doors, it only took her two tries to find the mugs.
“Seriously?” she muttered. The man had no skills when it came to organizing a kitchen. Seconds later, she had a steaming cup of coffee, and her first sip made for a very happy woman. She padded to the patio door and stepped onto the deck. The sun painted the sky with its pastel brush and a loon called in the distance. This was always her favorite time of day. Something she often missed by living in town.
The door opened behind her, she turned and swore a look of relief had swept over Derrick’s face before it was gone.
“I thought you left, except your clothes were still on the floor.” He slid in next to her. “I... Did I wake you at all last night?” He looked perplexed as he scratched his jaw.
“No. Why would you wake me?”
He tilted his head, his brows drawn down. “Are you a sound sleeper?”
“I’m a shifter and have superior senses. What would I have missed?” She set her mug on the railing and slid her arms around him. “You okay?”
“I didn’t have nightmares. I never woke up in a sweat.”
Suddenly realization hit. “You have nightmares about that night, don’t you?” His muscles went stiff, and she thought he might flee or evade her question. “Talk to me. I want to help.”
Seconds ticked by in silence, but then he spoke. “Yes. I always see that night, and then I see Sarah’s grieving face. I wake up in a sweat, usually thrashing.” He squeezed her to him. “I was afraid I might hurt you and had intended to stay awake.”
She looked up at him. “Maybe you just needed someone with you.” She worked her bottom lip. “Did you accept counseling?”
“Yeah. The station had someone come in and talk to everyone as a group. I don’t know if anyone went into private therapy.”
“What about you? Did you go?”
“I went a few times. She told me I needed to recognize my feelings and acknowledge them. I even wrote a letter to Sarah then tucked it away in a box.”
“You didn’t send it?”
He shook his head then pulled away. “I need coffee. Want another cup?”
There was that avoidance again. “Sure. I’ll come in with you.” He opened the door and waited for her to step inside before he followed. Once they were in the kitchen, coffee made, she weighed her next words carefully.
“Derrick. I’m going to say something, and I hope you won’t be angry with me.”
He looked up from his cup. “What?” Voice laced with dread.
“Maybe you should consider mailing that letter to Sarah I’m not a therapist, but it seems to me not sharing whatever is in that letter with her might be keeping you from moving on.” His lips pressed into a thin line. Okay, so maybe that was pushing it. Time to change the subject. She stepped into him and slipped her hands to his waist.
“At least consider it.”
He gave a curt nod.
“Good enough. Now, how about we go back to bed?” She nipped at his naked chest.
“Now that’s the best idea I’ve heard yet.”
14
Halee had left Derrick’s place after breakfast in bed and headed back to town. She felt like they had both taken a step in the right direction. Now to confess to big brother. When she finally reached her house, a text came through.
Daughter, your mother and I will be in town tonight.
Wow, she hadn’t been sure if her father would come, but she should have known better. She had left a voicemail saying she needed to speak to him about an important matter. One thing about her father, he doted on his daughters. As she got out of her truck, she dialed Kadin. Three rings later.
“This better be good.”
“Grumpy?”
“I’ve spoken to Mason. I’ll be there in ten.” The line went dead, and she stared at her screen.
“Fucking great. The beast has risen.” Well, she was a grown woman and the big bad wolf––or in this case the big bad dragon––didn’t scare her. Much.
She had barely gotten into the house and changed when a pounding came at the door. No sense in making him wait. She flung open the door and waited as he barreled through.
“What is wrong with you?” he questioned, pinning her with an icy glare. “Mason is the perfect mate.”
She was feeling feisty. “Then you mate with him.” Then stormed past him, stopping halfway across the room. Spinning, she crossed her arms over her chest. Face off time.
“You know I love you, but sometimes I wonder about your common sense.”
Oh, he did not. “You need to stop meddling in my life. I’m a grown woman and I will make my own choices.”
He snorted. “Fine. I can understand Mason might have been too close to our family to be considered. There are plenty of other good men––”
She held up her hand. “Yes, and I’m already dating one.”
He relaxed. “Why the hell didn’t you say so? Who’s the lucky man?”
“Derrick Taylor and I are seeing each other.” Now to wait for the fireworks.
He tilted his head. Tapped his palm against his skull as if to clear the debris. “I don’t think I heard you clearly.”
She tipped her chin up. “You heard me and so help me if you lay one hand on him, I will never forgive you.” She leaned forward. “Ever!”
“Fine. Get him out of your system. I should have considered you’d want to try a human out of curiosity.”
Her blood pressure reached critical. She picked up the nearest object and launched it at him. “You’re such an arrogant bastard!” The vase whizzed through the air. Kadin reached out and caught it as if it were nothing.
“I only want what’s best for you, Halee.” He was surprisingly calm.
All the pressure was finally too much, and she broke. Tears rolled down her cheeks. “No. You want what’s best for our people, not for me. You have no idea the pressure you put on me.”
He crossed the room in four steps and had her in his arms. “Jesus, Halee. I never meant to hurt you like this.”
She gripped his shirt and let the years of pressure release in wrenching sobs.
“Why didn’t you tell me how you felt?”
“I tried but you refused to listen.” She sniffed then pulled back enough to stare up at him. “You can be a beast.”
“For the love of our ancestors, please don’t cry.” He sighed. “If Derrick is your choice, then I will honor it.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. But if he hurts you then I will not be responsible for my actions.”
She relaxed her grip. “Stay out of it, Kadin,” she warned.
He shook his head. “No. You are my sister, and any man who hurts you or Bella will have to deal with me as well as Gaelen. It is who we are.”
Derrick had spent the day working at the lodge. There were some things that needed fixing, and it helped take his mind off his life. He was taking a big risk, he knew that. Somehow, he needed to move on. Desperately wanted to but it was hard to make the ghosts of his past stop screaming at him. It
wasn’t just the loss of Jeremy. That had been the final nail in his emotional coffin. He watched his mother waste away until the cancer finally took her. He and his father had talked on the phone before the man had lost his life in an explosion that had sent the structure down on several men. Derrick knew kids lost their parents. It was part of the cycle of life. But he had started to feel like karma was paying him back for something, and he wished he could figure out what it was.
Then there had been Jenna. She was a halfling that had come as a paramedic to the Dallas station. He had been attracted to her like most men would be, but she had led him to believe there was mutual interest there. Turned out she had simply run away from her previous life and commitment.
Wasn’t that what he had done?
He pulled on his tee, grabbed his gear, and headed out the door. It was time to put the past where it belonged. Thirty minutes later, he parked in the station’s lot and headed in for his shift. The toilets were probably an intentional mess. Derrick grinned; he liked his new crew and soon he would be showing them how much when he unleashed his first prank. He stepped through the door and removed his sunglasses. Kadin posed a menacing figure at the end of the hall.
“Taylor. My office.”
Shit. He had a feeling the brotherly chat was about to happen. He strode down the hall and into the office. Gaelen sat on the edge of the desk, Kadin stood behind it. This was not going to be good. He shut the door behind him then proceeded to take a seat.
Kadin wasted no time. “You hurt my sister and I’ll rip your head off.”
Gaelen turned to look at his brother. “Jesus, a little tact?”
Derrick well imagined Kadin could indeed follow through on his threat. “That is not my intention.”
Gaelen held his hand up to stop Kadin from speaking. “Look, Halee is a big girl and can make her own choices. I for one am happy she has decided to stand up to the beast behind me.” He shot a side-eye at his elder brother. Daring him to say something. “What we really called you in here for was to let you know you have our blessing.”
Rescue Me (Sparks Of Desire Book 2) Page 10
