Taming Two Fires (Hearts of Heroes Book 1)

by Rayne O'Gara

  “I would love to see the kitten, is he okay?” Wiggling out of his arms and away from his body, I try to see the animal he spoke of. Roman shifts his body and I notice his front passenger side door is open. Taking a couple steps up to the car, I see the cutest little black and white kitten, ever. So tiny it couldn’t have been weaned yet, poor baby.

  “Oh poor guy, where’s his momma, do you know?” I ask Roman with concern.

  “It’s actually a little girl, and I haven’t seen a momma around here. Just this little thing by my tire, shivering up a storm and trying to hide.”

  “Is it okay if I hold her?” I ask, already reaching slowly for the sweet kitten.

  “Yeah go for it, I already called the vet about her and I’ll drop her off on my way back to the station.”

  Stroking the tiny fur ball who’s held close to my chest, I snap my eyes up from the cat to Roman. “You’re leaving? Do you not like to dance?”

  Running a hand through his short black hair, Roman gives a sigh, “I was thinking about heading out, but maybe I’ll stay for a little while longer. As for dancing, no not much. I’m a big guy so I’m not too graceful.”

  While talking to Roman, my body shows me just what it thinks of him. I realize I have been slowly making my way closer to him and now I’m almost in his arms again. Holding the kitten tighter to my chest I look up to see Roman lick his lips while staring at what I thought was the cat until a “Lucky fucking cat” comes out his mouth so softly I am barely able to make out what he’s saying. Gasping out his name, his eyes snap back to mine and he steps closer, pushing me against the side of his car. Bringing his right hand to rest against the vehicle next to my face, he has me trapped between two solid immoveable objects, one metal and the other man. His hard erection digging into my soft stomach, I feel it throb against me making my pussy flood with my excitement. Breathing heavy, I stare into his eyes as he brings his free hand up to cradle my face. Leaning down slowly, oh so slowly, moving his mouth closer to mine. Yes, kiss me. I want his mouth on mine so much I can already feel the weight of it against mine. Heart racing, trying to thud out of my chest, my eyes slide closed as I wait for a taste of Roman.

  “Caitie-bug! Where are you, girl? The music is starting up.” Sofie’s shout makes my eyes pop open and Roman freezes oh so close to his goal.

  “Fuck!” Breathing heavy, Roman leans his forehead against mine for a split second before moving back a step or two. Holding out his big hand he asks in a gravelly voice, “You want to hand me the kitten and I’ll get her comfy and settled?”

  Looking down I realize I still hold the fuzzy bundle of cuteness and pass her back into his waiting hands. My fingers graze his as I look up into his eyes, my body still on fire and angry it missed out on something that I’m pretty sure would have been epic. Like bursting into flames epic. Good thing he is a firefighter, huh?

  “Are you still leaving?” I ask him, not wanting him to go but not wanting him to stay either. Damn, girl! You need to pull yourself together and figure out what you want.

  “I think I might stay for a bit longer, things have taken a turn for the better I think. You have a dance with Alex later, right? He’s looking forward to it. Make him work hard on that dance floor, baby, don’t let him slack,” he says as he smiles and gives me a quick wink.

  I join his smile with one of my own. “Okay, I will.”

  “You better get going before your friend yells down the whole damn park looking for you. I’ll see you again soon, I promise you that, Cait.”

  I pause in my leaving with shock written all over my face, “You know my name?”

  That half smile comes back to play as he looks me up and down again, “Yeah, Alex told me after you two met. Oh and Caitriona, I asked him about you. Now get going, baby, Alex is anxious to dance with you. He can’t wait to have you in his arms. Go make him happy.”

  Walking away from Roman, I hear a muffled “Fuck” and a groan come from behind me, I shake my head in confusion. Okay, Roman wants me, obviously, if that hard-on was anything to go by, but he just pushed me into another man’s arms, literally! He wants us to dance? I don’t get it… First thing I do is tell Alex about Roman. God I don’t want to come between these two but fuck, I’m not in a good position here, I want them both. On another note, whoa, two incredibly hot guys want me! Overweight, plain me. Whatever you do, don’t buy the ruby slippers, because I do not want to go back to Kansas, Toto!

  Coming around the cars, I head straight for Sofie. With questioning eyes, she takes in my appearance of flushed cheeks and rapid breathing. Pasting a smile on my face and trying to steady my heart rate, I ask, “So the music’s started? Great! The dancing should be fun. It was a great idea to come today, thanks, Sofe, for bringing me.” Some part of me is genuinely happy I’m here, I just think I left her with Roman saying ‘give me more, baby, more!’ Now the half I’m left with is the ‘oh I want to hide’ part, but I can’t let Sofie see that. Dear sweet mother hen would want to analyze everything and I do not want to tell her what just almost happened with the massive fireman against his car. Smiling at me, she slings her arm around my shoulders and we start walking over to the covered dance floor that was put together while I was with Roman.

  Chapter Four

  Cait…

  I watch Sofie and Rob dance slowly from my seat at one of the foldout tables set in a corner of the tent. Swaying slightly, I close my eyes as I let the music flow over me. I love these slow romantic songs. Feeling someone bumping the table my eyes open and land on Roman setting down two plates filled with food onto the table. Sitting and sliding in his chair, he gives my flabbergasted look a wink.

  “You haven’t eaten anything today, you need to eat.” Simply said, he digs into his own food.

  “Roman…what…?” Not able to get a complete sentence out, I just gape at him. Okay, I am pissed he thinks he can order me around like that! He doesn’t even know me! But then again, it is sweet he wants to take care of me. Oh God he just ties me into knots, dammit!

  Roman swallows the mouthful of food, sips his drink, and continues to confuse the hell out of me. “I figured I would keep you company till Alex gets over here. He’s a little, um, tied up talking with Carl right now.” Pushing my plate closer to me, he takes another large bite of his burger and starts to watch the dancing couples.

  What the fuck?! Emotions running all over the place, I try to get my thoughts in order but this is just not understandable, unless? No, Roman is probably just trying to stake his own claim on me but also giving his buddy a chance…right? I feel him shift his chair a little closer to me and his thigh rubs against mine, sending sparks straight to my pussy. I try not to look at him, he doesn’t need to know how much he affects me even though it’s written pretty boldly across my forehead. So looking over at Sofie, I catch her staring at me and Roman almost snuggled together in the shadows. A small smile tilts her lips then proceeds to turn away from us to focus all her attention on her husband.

  Roman pulls me away from watching Sofie when he reaches his arm to rest on the back of my chair. His arms are so long I feel his fingers trail a path down my arm as his body relaxes. Inhaling the scent that is Roman my heart gives a little flutter.

  “You need to eat something, baby.” With his head tilted close to mine, I feel his hot breath against my ear and neck. He’s so close. Turning my head slightly toward his body our noses almost touch. Fuck! Staring in each other’s eyes, our breath mingles. Fuck this! I can’t wait anymore, I’m just going to grab him and kiss the ever living daylights out of him. Do it, girl, I need to feel his mouth on me.

  “Sorry it took so long, sweetness.”

  Hearing Alex’s laughing voice I jerk out of mine and Roman’s trance and spin around to look at a smiling Alex.

  “I’m glad you were here keeping our girl company while I dealt with that issue,” Alex says while looking at Roman, his smile still in place.

  “Oh it was my pleasure, enjoy your dance.” A chuckling Roman pul
ls his arm off the chair, grazing my back with his large warm hand. Giving me a smile, he digs back into his food. Alex, looking at me, raises his brows, reaches out his hand, and asks, “Are you ready for our dance, honey?”

  Nodding and reaching out my hand, I stand on wobbly legs and walk with Alex onto the dance floor. The feel of Alex’s hand on my hips turns my knees to jelly.

  “This is nice, but it’s my turn to have you in my arms.” With that said he wraps me fully into his embrace where from chest to hip we’re connected.

  “Mmmm, you feel wonderful in my arms,” Alex’s chest rumbles against my ear. It does feel good in his arms, just as good as in Roman’s. Dammit, I was hoping I wouldn’t still feel this much with him. Alright, buck up, buttercup, tell him.

  “Alex…I, I’m really confused right now, I like you, but I also like Roman and I don’t want to lead either of you on, I am just not like that. This has never happened to me before. I’m sorry.” I try to pull out of his arms but he tightens them around me, keeping me locked against his hard body.

  “Oh, sweetness, who said you had to choose just one of us?” Warmth floods my body at his whispered question.

  "Whoa…both?"

  “Yes. Why not both?” His hot breath seeps into my skin as he brushes his soft lips against my exposed neck. Oh God…I must have said that out loud. “I…I…bu...but…” I stutter out. The feel of his hands on my hips combine with his nuzzling mouth has me speechless. Moving with the slow beat of the song we become swept away.

  He’s right, why not both? Oh God, I’ve gone crazy, I can’t believe I’m thinking about this. It’s never worked with just one man what on God’s green earth makes me think for one millisecond why two would? But…exactly, the ‘but’ encompasses a lot. Maybe that reason right there is why it never worked out. Maybe, just maybe, I was meant for two. No more hiding, Cait. Do what Sofie said. Grab the bull by the horns and enjoy the ride. Oh geez.

  Alex lifts his head and his green eyes blaze into mine. I want these men more than I’ve ever wanted anything before. Stomach quivering with butterflies, I close my eyes for courage. Inhaling a deep breath, I look up at Alex and whisper, “Okay. Both.”

  A beautiful smile lights up his face bringing his dimple into play as he brings his head down closer to fix his lips to mine. Before our lips could find purchase, I feel a vibration from our fused bodies following an annoying ringtone. Oh great time for a phone call. Pulling back from him I notice the alarm ringing all around me. Oh no, it must be their fire alarm.

  “Shit, time’s up, honey, we gotta go. Kiss for good luck?” Giving Alex a slight nod I stretch my body up his to meet his lips for our first kiss. Soft but firm lips press against mine in the sweetest kiss. It was over too quickly. Just like that he looks down at me, cradling my face in one strong hand. “I’ll call you after my shift, okay? Roman! Let go!”

  Pushing Alex aside, Roman steps up to me. “One sec, it’s my turn for some luck.” Wrapping me in his giant arms and looking into my eyes, he says, “I’ve been waiting all day for this, baby.”

  Feeling his erection digging into stomach, I’m pretty sure I just let out a whimper. Roman crashes his mouth onto mine. Gasping at the power behind his kiss, he takes advantage and thrusts his tongue into my mouth, tasting every part of me. Moaning into his powerful kiss, I can’t stop my body from reacting to the taste of him, like dark chocolate. Pulling himself away I find myself clinging to his wide shoulders plastered against his hard body trying to get as close as possible.

  Both breathing heavy, Roman runs a hand through his short locks sending them into spikes. “Fuck, baby, you make a man want to forget his responsibilities, we will be seeing you shortly.”

  “Be careful,” I whisper to them, not wanting them to get hurt. Giving me a wink and Alex giving me a smile, they both turn away to jog over to the waiting fire engine already lit up with flashing lights. After the last fighter gears up and jumps in, the truck races around the corner with a deafening wail.

  As I watch the truck disappear, I bring my hand to my mouth, reliving the two very different kisses I just received, when Sofie joins me.

  “Um…did they, both, just kiss you goodbye?”

  “Yeah, both.” That’s all I can say, not able to come up with a reasonable explanation. Turning to look at Sofie, my hand drops from my lips. With wide eyes, I gasp at my longtime friend.

  “What in the holy fuck did I just do?!”

  *****

  Bad Guy…

  Glorious.

  Mesmerized by the glowing flames as they lick their way across the blue outside siding of the one story house, I cannot look away. Beautiful. I join the crowd of people hypnotized by our masterpiece, and I take in a contented breath. See how they all stare? They cannot look away. They love what we do. Yes, I agree, they do indeed. Elation and proudness swells through my body. I knew people would love our artwork. Hearing the crackling from the smoldering wood frame sends a shiver of excitement down my spine.

  My ears catch the sound of wailing sirens, making my face fall in disappointment. I hoped I would have had more time to appreciate the beauty of what we’ve done before they showed up. They always ruin everything we work hard for.

  Lights dance down the darkened street as the fire truck pulls closer to the blaze. Seeing the fire fighters jump out of the truck in an organized yet chaotic scramble, I grit my teeth. Them! Always them! Turning away, I start to walk down the street to where I have my car parked and ball my hands into tight fists at my sides. Always the same ‘heroes’ who fuck with our plans. I will not stay here and watch them destroy our art to ashes and mud. Don’t worry, we will give them their just rewards. I give a satisfied grin at that comment. “Yes, yes you are right. They. Will. Pay.”

  Chapter Five

  Cait…

  Stretching out, snuggled under the comforter, I roll over to check my clock. Seven a.m. Oh wow, so early, I feel so well rested though, finally falling asleep around three this morning, I should be zonked out. Wonderful dreams swirl in my head making my body even more warm and fuzzy. Eyes widening, I remember what kept me up so late and in turn, what fueled all my dreams last night. Alex and Roman. Up all night working through my impulsive decision, not understanding how this would all work. Apparently my subconscious had no qualms. Dream after dream of the way these men would take me made my inner core throb and instant wetness seemed to seep, making my panties damp and not at all a comfortable position to be in. Sofie was no help, last night while watching the truck race away she was shocked that they both claimed me, but a small smile crept onto her lips and, giving me a quick nod, said breathlessly, “Well okay then, both. Wow.” Not another word about it came up all the way home, just her humming to herself while she drove.

  Laying in a haze while the visions swam around the erotic thing that happened in my dreams, my hands slowly, softly, make their way down my body. Fingers trail across my nipples as I replay my dreams. Alex lapping at my nipples as Roman watches us from my vanity chair, a whimper catches in my throat. Sliding my hand farther down I brush the soft curls that hide my wet heat in a tease meant to rev my body higher. I see in my mind Roman’s hands teasing me, telling me how much he wants to taste me, feel me, fuck me, before diving his tongue deep into my drenched hole. Would he talk dirty to me in real life? Rubbing my fingers across my nub, circling around and applying the perfect pressure against my clit, I squeeze my breast and shove two fingers deeper into my pussy and shatter into orgasm, feeling the contractions against my fingers, wishing for something harder and bigger. God! If I come this hard with a fantasy, I’ll die with the real thing. Maybe I need to invest in a toy. Yeah a B.O.B. Might be a good thing because I’m not going to get the real thing. Yeah they showed interest but this is the morning after. In the harsh light of day the promises they made won’t ever come, I’m easy to forget. Stop it! You will not think of yourself that way anymore! Just because some hot guys toyed with you doesn’t mean you’re not worth it. No longer in my p
ost orgasm haze, I head into my walk-in shower. Spraying the hot water on full blast, I close my eyes and enjoy the heat.

  Hearing my ringtone go off I hurry and finish washing. With my fuzzy towel barely wrapped around my body I snatch up my phone and check my missed call. Huh, I don’t recognize it, oh well, leave a message. I set my phone back down and get to work on drying my long wet hair. Bent at the waist with my hair flipped down, brushing free the tangles, my phone goes off again. I recognize the same number as the missed call, I hit accept and speaker phone so I can continue to brush my hair.

  “Hello,” I answer cheerfully.

  “Wow, you sound sexy in the morning. How was your night, sweetness?” Alex’s voice comes over the phone and I drop my brush. Like my brain function dropped so much I couldn’t remember how to grip anymore. His voice is still orgasm-inducing even over the phone.

  “H-hi, um, how did you get my number?”

  “I told you we’d call you today, I got it from Sofie, we went through the best friend so we’re good.”

  I can hear his smile over the phone and a hysterical giggle escapes me. He actually called…oh crap! Roman said he would see me today. Looking around franticly for clothes, I ask Alex, “Um yeah you did say that, right. Um, Roman also said something similar but he said he would see me. He, he’s not like on his way to my house is he?” Gulping hard I start tugging on the nearest clothes I can find. Laughter found my ears as Alex came over the line.

  “No, he’s not on his way, sweetness…yet.” Another chuckle from the phone and I freeze in my frantic dressing to take a huge breath of relief. Grabbing up my phone and heading into the bedroom, I collapse onto my bed.