“And when were you going to tell me?” he whispered roughly in her ear.
She gave a startled gasp at feeling him behind her. He pressed up against her, relishing the feel of her body. It had been way too long. They stood like that for several moments. They both watched the flames move as if a wind had brushed their tips, and she gave a sad smile.
“Controlling anger and sadness is one thing, Jagger. What you want me to control is something else, and we both know what happened. I won’t place you in danger that way. Don’t ask me to.” Reese slid around him without making eye contact and left the room.
Jagger cursed under his breath as he watched her leave. Slamming the mug down on the coffee table, he walked over to the kitchen counter to retrieve his cell phone. Punching in the numbers, he barked, “Tell me you have something.”
“It hasn’t even been an hour. Don’t you think I need a little more time than that?”
“Theo, don’t mess with me right now.” Jagger rubbed his forehead to ease the tension that was building there. “You and I both know what you can accomplish in twenty minutes. How did they find her?”
Theo was a Watcher. His ability to read minds by being in a place his subject had been was so fine-tuned, he likened it to watching a million movies a day. The target didn’t even have to still be in the vicinity for Theo to grab a hold of their thoughts.
“I was able to reach the outskirts of the Rogue’s camp.”
“Do you know who the Rogue is?”
“Oh, yes. And so do you,” Theo replied with a warning in his voice. “They bought the best.”
“Don’t be vague with me, Theo. I’m strung too tight right now. Just tell me.”
“Cane Latcher.”
“Cane? He’s a Tracker, Theo. There is no way he got her scent. We flew her in personally. Is it possible they have a Reader and you aren’t picking him up?”
“No. It’s definitely Cane.”
“Cane would never turn on his own, Theo. He’s as proud of who he is as you are. He would die before he went to work for the Fray. If you remember, he was also on my list of targets the government wants to acquire for testing. They had a profile written up on him.”
“All I know is he’s doing very well at hiding his agenda or why he’s working with them, because he knows I’m here and only giving me glimpses of his thoughts. He’s giving me pieces of information, but everything else is useless.”
“Can you see how he was able to catch her scent?”
“Animals. Somehow, he retrieved her energy from the animals. Either by sense or smell. Not being a Tracker, I’m not sure how it works. If I were to guess, I’d say the Fray has hundreds of agents scouring every secluded area in the world because they know she’s not around civilization, and Cane got lucky. As to the reason why he sold out, he’s treading very carefully and not thinking of it. So the obvious step is to make sure she doesn’t give off her energy right now.”
“Easier said than done, my friend,” Jagger replied, remembering the movement of the fire.
“Maybe easier than you think, if you weren’t injured tonight. Think about it. During the entire flight to your compound, she didn’t cause any false readings on my dash. Only means one thing, my friend.”
“That she has full control,” Jagger finished saying what Theo was thinking.
“Are you okay with what we talked about?” Theo asked, his voice deepening.
“I saw her reaction when you touched her. I know you care for her and kept things platonic for the very reason I’m in my predicament now. Seeing her fight her response to you means she’s ready to face her feelings, even if she doesn’t know it yet. So yes, if you think she can handle us sharing her, then we go for it.”
“I know it’s not what you imagined. But I can’t live without her, Jagger. Both of us loving and protecting her will only give her more of a chance to live out the life she was meant to,” Theo urged, emotion thickening in his voice.
“I’m in agreement,” Jagger concurred.
“I’ll touch base tomorrow.”
Jagger disconnected, tossed his cell phone on the counter and leaned down, bending his head. Theo was right. Loving and protecting her together was the only way they could keep Reese safe. It was only a matter of time before Cane found them. No one knew where they were, this haven he had created, but Cane was the best Tracker in the Noble species. He would find them soon.
Chapter Three
The following evening, after waiting all day for Theo’s call, Reese finally got the hint. Jagger had set her up. He never intended to let Theo take her out of here today and now she was stuck here because a snowstorm that had hit mid-afternoon decided to take Jagger’s side over hers. That meant Theo was siding with him, too. Since when did Theo not back her up?
Reese stood facing the fire while Jagger sat in the chair looking out at the snow piling up on the windowsill. She was afraid to turn around and see the wanting in his eyes. He walked around the house, not bothering to cover up the bulge at the front of his jeans. What had Jagger been thinking, keeping her here knowing what might happen? She could already feel her grip on desire loosening just thinking about his touch, let alone actually feeling it. She could feel the desperation building and felt panic at not knowing where to turn.
“You knew I wouldn’t let you walk away,” Jagger said, breaking the silence as if he knew where her thoughts had gone.
“What I know is you have a death wish.”
“I might as well be dead if I can’t touch you.”
“Stop it,” Reese whispered forcefully. “You’re making me feel things that should best be left alone.”
“Really? Just leave it alone? Is this really how you want to live the rest of your life? It’s time we faced the past, Reese. Look at me!”
Reese turned to see him standing in front of her and was terrified of the emotions he was wrenching out of her. “Do you want to die?” she questioned harshly. “Is that really what you want? Because I am this close to losing it.”
“I want you to be honest. I want you to face reality.”
“Reality? Fine, let me tell you my reality. I love a man that I almost killed. Is that what you want to hear? That I love you?”
“It’s a start,” he replied, taking a step closer.
“Don’t.” Reese held up her hand as if to shield herself. “Don’t you see? It changes nothing. I’m dead inside no matter what I choose, Jagger. If I let you touch me, that is how you’ll die, and I’ll be left with nothing. If I walk away, I’m leaving you my heart and will have nothing to live for but the knowledge that you are here on this earth.”
“Why is it black and white? Let me touch you. Show me you want me as much as I want you. Your love for me will not let you hurt me. Have faith in us, Reese.” Jagger closed the distance until her hand was on his chest and his palms cupped her face, causing her eyes to close at the contact and her breath to tremble.
“I couldn’t stop it before,” she reminded him. “You were dying and there was nothing I could do to stop it.”
“I let it go too far last time,” Jagger admitted, his breath caressing her lips. “I felt your energy. I felt the waves and didn’t do anything to stop it, hoping you could control it. You are not the only one to blame, since there were two of us in that bed.”
He tilted his head until his lips hovered over hers.
“Control it, Reese.”
His lips covered hers, silencing any words she was about to speak. Warmth spread over her body, and air was no longer needed as his moist tongue entered her mouth. She felt the silky heat slip past her lips, and his tongue slid against hers, sending sparks of desire down her spine. Unable to help herself, her hands ran up his solid chest and into his thick hair, holding him in place, knowing she’d never get enough of his taste.
Not releasing her, he slowly guided her to the couch and gently laid her down. Reaching between them, he unbuttoned her shirt and pulled it off her shoulders, only then breaking from her
mouth and running his tongue down her neck to nip at her shoulder.
“How did you protect me, Reese?” he asked in a low voice. “In the cabin, how did you protect me?”
“Jagger—”
“Tell me!”
Reese knew he wanted her to say it aloud. “I create a bubble! All right? I close myself off.”
“Then do it know. I can feel the energy starting to radiate off your body.”
“Stop,” she cried, panic spreading through her. “Get off—”
“No.” He took her face back into his hands until she looked directly into his eyes. God, he was beautiful. “We’re not going to stop. Control it. You have full control of it now. Don’t let your fear stop you.”
He leaned down and reclaimed her mouth, not giving her an inch. His hands quickly rid her of her shirt and then continued to do the same with her bra, not giving her a chance to speak. He all but forced her to enclose him in her bubble and protect them.
Her waves of energy slowly receded. She looked up at Jagger to find him looking down at her with a small smile. “We’ll do this together, okay? I won’t let you slip this time.”
Reese knew her apprehension was apparent, but he kissed her deeper until she felt the wetness of his tongue slide across her lips again and all thought left her mind. He slowly guided his tongue inside and lightly touched hers, asking her to play. She responded, skimming the tip of her tongue over his. In swift movements, he had both their clothes off and was covering her body with his, warming her with his heat.
“What if—”
“No more talking,” he whispered, need evident in his voice. “I’ve waited a lifetime for this. To touch you, feel you, taste you. It’s all I dream about, day and night.”
His tongue trailed down her neck, to that soft sensitive curve near her shoulder. She was helpless as he went lower and grazed her nipple with his tongue, circling the peak he created. His hand curved around the other breast, and he lightly pressed his fingers together over her nipple, creating just enough tension to send nerves dancing all the way to her womb. Gradually, he increased the pressure short of pain and her breathing turned ragged.
Jagger pulled back up and stared down at her with his captivating green eyes, baring his soul while his fingers tightened and pulled her nipples, making her shiver in anticipation. Her breathing labored, she couldn’t get enough of him and arched herself against his fingers, hoping his hand would travel lower. She really needed to feel his touch down there. The sharp tightening of his fingers sent tremors through her body that made her gasp. “Jagger, please,” she cried desperately.
“We have all night, sweetheart,” he whispered, sending trails of kisses from her lips to her ear, using his tongue to circle the inside. Finally, ever so slowly, he moved his mouth lower to hopefully replace his fingers.
“I need to feel every inch of your skin. I need to taste you.”
His hand grazed lower to her mound as his mouth closed over her nipple. She cried out as his teeth held her nipple hostage while his tongue skimmed over her tip where his demanding fingers had been, the contrast sparking a craving for more. His hand cupped her while his palm put pressure on her clit. Time stood still as both sensations stole over every part of her body, and somewhere in the back of her mind, she realized her protective sphere had grown wider. She had complete control. She tried to tell him, but the words got caught in her throat when his teeth released her sensitive pebble and his lips trailed over her stomach and down to replace his hand.
He used his thumbs to separate her silky folds, nipping her nub with the edge of his teeth and then soothing it with unhurried licks. He traced the outside of her labia and then speared his stiffened tongue through her pussy, moving in and out, showing her what he wanted to do with his cock. Her pussy creamed, and he lapped it up. There wasn’t a part of her body that didn’t feel electrified, and when his finger slipped inside to replace his tongue, ecstasy claimed her, and she felt her muscles clamp down to keep his finger in place. Bliss overcame her, and nothing else existed but the two of them in this moment. Reese knew she was moments away from orgasm and was suddenly afraid she would lose hold of her control. What if the bubble burst? She started to struggle when he pulled away and climbed up her body.
“You’re beautiful,” he sighed into her ear. “You taste like fresh honeydew.”
Reese opened her eyes to find him above her, love and adoration shining in his eyes. He positioned himself between her thighs. His green eyes were captivating. She couldn’t look away as he gradually slid inside her, seeing them darken with desire. Her earlier panic receded as she stared up at him, witnessing the depth of his feelings. She couldn’t break away while he slowly thrust in and out, making her juices flow more freely, her cunt gradually adjusting to his penetration. When he could push in without resistance and with enough lubricant to make his thrusts graceful, he flipped them so that she was on top of him, looking down.
Grasping her hips lightly, he let her lead, so Reese used her knees to rise above him, feeling the glide of his cock along her walls. Jagger had put a condom on at some point, and she found herself mourning the loss of his velvety skin. Regardless, the thickness of his cock stretched her to the point of a continuous burn that added to her pleasure. Seating herself back down on his rod, Reese found she needed more and moved her hips in circles, causing friction on her clit from his groin. Perfect, she thought, soaking in the pleasure. Rocking back and forth, she set the pace that steadily got faster until Jagger’s hands lifted her hips and slammed her down. They had both been climbing a rope and with that shift of movement, it snapped and suddenly gave way into freefall. Her head back, hair band long gone, she rode the waves and relished his cry of her name.
When they both came down from the pinnacle, Jagger pulled her down and tucked her against his body. She felt him grab and cover them with a throw blanket, nestling them deeper into the couch. Had she ever felt like this, so satisfied and complete? Reese marveled at the protection she had created around them, but as always, there was still a twinge of doubt swirling around her brain.
“You’re going to ruin the moment, aren’t you?” he asked, a smile evident in his voice.
“For a human, you have pretty good instincts. Maybe a Reader?” She felt the vibrations of his chuckle, and that feeling of contentment grew stronger. Was this how it could be? Reese had never seen such a relaxed Jagger.
“I’ve always told you I was a force to be reckoned with.”
“So you did.” Tilting her head, Reese looked up at him with happiness. “Nothing broke. At least, on the inside of the house.”
“Nothing on the outside either.”
Reese jumped at the sound of Theo’s voice and grabbed tighter to the afghan Jagger had placed over them, pulling it away from his body. What was Theo doing here? He was supposed to be elsewhere, securing her transportation away from this fortress. Oh, that’s right. They had tricked her.
“Theo! What are you doing? You can’t just walk in here unannounced!” Reese exclaimed in disbelief, pulling the cover more securely around her breasts, ignoring the surprised thrill she got at seeing desire in his blue eyes. This was Theo, she reminded herself. Not Jagger.
“Actually, I invited him,” Jagger corrected her, carefully moving her aside so he could stand up, apparently not having a shred of modesty.
“What are you doing, Jagger?” Reese whispered loudly, confused and feeling completely out of her element. He stood there naked as the day he was born, appearing as confident as Reese had ever seen him. She had been on her own for a year, and now Jagger and Theo were making decisions for her that she wasn’t aware of. It was starting to make her mad.
“He’s stepping aside for a moment while you and I discuss a few things,” Theo informed her while walking across the room. His presence made the room shrink, as his stride was predatory. What happened to her easygoing friend, the one who always made her feel at ease? She certainly wasn’t feeling that now, seeing a steel det
ermination glittering in those blue eyes.
Reese scrambled to her feet, making sure she kept the blanket wrapped tightly under her arms. The look on Theo’s face was causing her alarm, and she averted her glance to see Jagger slip on his white briefs. He wasn’t even semisoft, and the used condom was still in place. His cock was bulging, and her pussy was answering by dripping cream down her thigh. Bringing her attention back to the Noble who was standing in front of her now, she started to shake.
“Breathe through it, Reese. If you can control your energy while we made love, you can control it now,” Jagger instructed sharply, taking a step closer to them.
“Then stop whatever it is you two are doing. You’re both making me nervous. Theo, we’re friends,” Reese said a little desperately. “This is between Jagger and me, no one else.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, my favorite Noble. You’ve ignored what’s been between us because I’ve let you. I saw the agony you went through when you couldn’t control your power and almost destroyed Jagger, so we decided to let you get stronger before—”
“Wait a minute,” Reese cut in, holding her hand up to Theo’s chest, but not actually touching him. She grabbed a hold of her anger like it was her lifeline. “Let’s get a few things straight. You didn’t let me ignore anything, because we are friends and that’s it, nothing more. As for ‘we’ deciding something without me, please let me know what that something might be, because I have a feeling I’m not going to agree.”
“You’re going to deny you feel something more for me? When I touched you—”
“When you touched me yesterday, I was overly sensitive,” Reese frantically explained, feeling her control start to slip. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been around people, and I’m not used to touching.” Theo was her friend – the only one she’d ever had – and there was no way Reese was going to allow him to change that now. He never pushed her like this on his monthly visits, so why now?
Noble Desire [Nature's Nobles 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 3
