Hands cupped her breasts and rubbed the lotion into her tender skin. Fingers tightened on her pebbled nipples, and she cried out as her pleasure level went out of the stratosphere. Never had her body been so receptive, or felt such keen awareness of every breath against her skin, every subtle touch.
In unison, Jack spread her legs and sucked on her nub and Sahale suckled her breasts. She screamed as hot lava poured over her nerves and the most exquisite orgasm shook her body.
“Take me.”
Jack plunged in to the hilt. He moved fast, sending her higher and higher. Sahale kissed her lips and caressed her sensitive breasts.
Jack pulled out. She cried, “No.” He ran his finger across her swollen nub and sent fire chasing across her skin again. Now he moved in slowly.
Sahale lay to her side, whispering loving words in her ear.
Jack’s hands rubbed her nipples as his speed increased. She raised her hips, taking him deep, and his pulsing cock drove him and her into another shattering crescendo.
She gulped for breath while delicious waves of the most radiant feeling continued to flow until they gradually had her sinking into a soft cloud of sleep.
* * * *
“She’ll rest until it’s time to go.” Sahale kissed her temple. “The lotion was a good idea.”
“Yeah, for us and her. She’s relaxed now.” Jack rose and went into the bathroom.
Sahale pulled her into his arms and lay enjoying the soft feel of her against him. Her light breath fluttered across his neck. He closed his eyes to be more cognizant of his heightened sensations whenever he was close to her. Love for her swelled in his heart. They’d marry her and have a home, whether or not it included children. She was a gift either way.
He hoped if her former husband mentioned his children, she wouldn’t be hurt too much. Maybe after this afternoon, seeing his and Jack’s love for her, the blow wouldn’t hit as hard.
Jack came back, his hair wet from the shower. He pulled on a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt, then sat to put on his shoes. “She still sound asleep?”
“Yes. I’m going to shower, and we’ll look over our maps and plans again.”
“Right, we can’t make one mistake. I’ll make coffee. Bring the other guys with you when you come.” Jack left the room.
Sahale moved slowly so as not to wake Ellen. He took a quick shower, dressed, and left the door cracked in case she woke and called out.
He strode across the large living room and knocked on the adjoining door. He asked the others to come with him.
“Ann, Ellen washed her hair. She’s sleeping now, but you’ll need to wake her in time to redo her hair and makeup.”
“I don’t imagine she managed to mess up my creative work all on her own.”
He grinned and held up his hands. “What can I say? I’m guilty.” She laughed and shooed him on his way.
Jack was studying the map when they joined him in the study.
* * * *
A knock on the door woke her. Ellen opened her eyes, completely awake in an instant, feeling refreshed and calm.
“Time to get ready,” Ann said. She looked at her head. “We have some work to do on that hair and your makeup.”
“Give me a moment.”
“Sure. I’ll be back in five.”
Ellen didn’t want Ann to see she was naked, although she was sure they all knew what went on behind the closed doors.
She ran to the bathroom and showered. Then she put on a pair of jeans and one of Jack’s old shirts. Ann returned as she finished dressing.
“The car leaves at six thirty. We have a little over an hour to get you ready.”
“What about Jack and Sahale?”
“You must have been sleeping soundly. They’ve dressed for the evening.” She sat Ellen on the stool in front of the mirror in the dressing room and began to work on her face. “This is your big night. I’ll have you looking gorgeous. We’ll do your makeup first, then put on your dress and do your hair.”
Chapter Fourteen
Ellen couldn’t believe it was her. The subtle changes to her face and the makeup made a difference. They’d been right. No one who knew her before, in Washington, would suspect she was Brian’s divorced wife. Her gown was a soft pink that fit snug at the top and had a flowing skirt. Thin chains of diamonds encircled her neck and wrists. Diamond studs were in her ears, and a diamond pin held her long hair back on one side. She’d chosen to wear pink, low-heeled slippers. They were pretty and comfortable.
“It’s time to go. Are you…” Jack’s words stopped. He walked around her. “You’ve always been beautiful, but dressed like this you look like a princess.”
“I second that.” Sahale stepped in and closed the door.
Their loving looks warmed her heart and steadied her insides. Both of them looked way too handsome in tuxedos.
“I’m glad you two like my new outfit. Every woman in the room is going to be looking at you two and drooling.”
Sahale laughed and a slight blush covered his cheeks. “What we really like is the person inside that dress,” he reminded her. “But we have to go. No time to unwrap you.” His smile made her melt.
“And don’t look at him that way tonight, or the others will think you’re cheating on me with your bodyguard.”
“I’ll remember.” She patted Jack’s cheek. “As soon as I go out of this room, I become Crystal Linear, and you are my adoring husband, Hank.”
They hurried into the elevator and out to the waiting limousine. Ellen found herself sitting snug between her two men with two more bodyguards in the front.
“Make an excuse to go to the ladies’ room if anything upsets you too much,” Jack said.
“I’m all right. I’ll do this, and enjoy helping bring down Mr. Garraloga and Brian.”
Jack gave her leg a squeeze. “We’re here. You’ll be fine.”
The car drove up to the front of another fancy hotel. The doorman opened their door, and Jack helped her out. The overhead lights shone on his golden-blond hair. His broad shoulders were emphasized by the tux jacket. When Sahale got out behind her, two women stopped in their tracks, staring at her men.
Ellen took Jack’s arm and moved close against him. The side of her breast brushed against his arm. She heard his hiss and his whisper. “Wait till we get you home.”
“Promises, promises,” she teased as they walked into the lobby with Sahale right behind. They followed the crowd into a huge ballroom. Tables had been set around the dance floor, and a podium had been placed in the front to the right side. Each round table held ten people. Jack, or Hank—she had to start thinking of him in those terms—glanced at his invitation.
“We’re seated at table four. Hmm, right in the middle in the front line. Brian arranged our seating. His secretary called with the table number.” Jack took her hand and led her around couples standing in groups. When they got to the front, he maneuvered his way to their table. Several women sat talking. The men were obviously somewhere mingling in the crowd.
“Linear, over here. Join us.” Garraloga waved at Jack.
“Honey, do you mind if I leave you alone for a moment?”
“No, go right ahead.” Ellen smiled at the ladies. “I’m Crystal Linear.”
“Who’s your handsome bodyguard, Crystal?” A brunette, wearing a bright-red gown with an extremely low top, nodded at Sahale.
“His name is Paul.” She glanced back and smiled at Sahale, who was looking very formidable. “He keeps my husband and me safe.”
“Have you been threatened?” One of the other women spoke up.
“Rich men and their families are always vulnerable. Hank doesn’t believe in being unprepared.”
“I love your gown.” The soft-spoken blonde woman put out her hand. “Welcome to Washington. I’m Pat Garraloga.”
Her name hit Ellen unexpectedly, even though she’d known Brian’s wife would be at their table. She forced herself to shake hands with the woman who’d taken her hu
sband away. But not really. Be honest with yourself, Ellen. He was gone long before she came onto the scene.
Pat Garraloga was not what she’d expected. She had kind, light blue eyes. She’d guess Pat wasn’t over five foot three, and she appeared dainty. Her blue gown had a modest neckline, sophisticated in a manner that fit her quiet demeanor.
“Thank you,” Ellen said in reply to her compliment. She hoped she hadn’t hesitated too long. Thank goodness none of the other women were paying her much attention. Their eyes were on Sahale, standing behind her, and Jack, headed in this direction followed by the other men.
Mr. Garraloga stopped for a split second on seeing her, and then sidestepped several others to come directly to her. “I believe I saw you yesterday.” He stared at her breasts.
Nausea churned in her stomach, but she forced herself to give him a slight smile. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember.”
Garraloga shot her a quick, heated glance. “You were coming in the hotel from outside. Your bodyguard,” he motioned toward Sahale, “was with you. If I’d known you were Hank’s wife, I would have stopped and spoke.”
She gazed lovingly at Jack. “I was expecting my husband to be back, or to be returning soon. I’m sure my mind being on him was the reason I didn’t notice anyone else.”
“Let me formally introduce you, darlin’. Mr. Garraloga, my wife, Crystal.” Jack sat by her and took her hand in his.
“Nice to meet you,” Garraloga said gruffly. “The woman sitting across the table, dressed in blue, is my daughter-in-law, Pat. My son, Brian, is standing behind her chair.”
Ellen hadn’t noticed Brian come to the table. He had changed. He was about sixty pounds heavier, and had thinning hair. “Nice to meet you both,” she said.
Everyone found their seats in time for the welcome from the speaker. While they listened, it gave Ellen time to regain her composure. After the short speech, waiters began serving the tables, and the sound of conversation flowed around the room.
Jack leaned close and whispered in her ear. “Are you doing all right?”
“Don’t I look all right?”
He chuckled. “You look great. Still, seeing all the family at once would be trying for anyone.”
“They aren’t my family. Thank goodness.” She patted his cheek, giving the impression they were making loving comments. When she gazed around the table, most of the women looked at Jack and her with envy in their eyes. Pat’s expression was one of sadness. Strange.
Garraloga asked Jack more about his various businesses. Ellen was impressed with how well versed he was in his role. None of the wives spoke, but nodded several times in agreement whenever their respective husbands spoke.
The food was good. Ellen concentrated on enjoying the meal, trying to ignore Brian, his wife, and his father.
When the incident happened, it appeared minor. Ellen only looked up because Pat actually said something.
Brian had made a statement. Pat, obviously without thinking, corrected him on a minor detail. The sudden silence and stiffness of the other women’s expressions surprised Ellen. Pat’s face was as pale as the white tablecloth.
“I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Pat said, a tremble in her voice.
Brian’s face flushed an angry red. “Apologize for being rude to the others, dear.” His words shot out like hard bullets. No one else noticed, or at least they pretended not to, but Ellen saw Pat grimace in pain and noted Brian’s hand next to her was under the table.
On impulse, Ellen knocked her tea glass over, sending ice and tea flowing across the table and toward her gown. She jumped up to escape ruining her dress.
“Talk about clumsy. Look at me.”
Jack stood immediately. “I am looking, darlin’. You look great. No problem. The waiter will get this cleaned up in no time.” He gave her a loving smile and brushed her lips with his mouth.
“I’m going to go to the ladies’ room. Would you come with me, Pat? We both need a break.”
Pat glanced at Brian and said yes when he nodded in agreement. Ellen took her arm as though they were old buddies and headed out of the room. They were directed down a hall to the left. The ladies’ room was large, with a sitting area where you first entered. Ellen sat and motioned for Pat to join her.
“Are you okay?” she asked the tiny, pale woman.
“Yes.”
“He hurt you, didn’t he?”
Pat wrung her hands and looked down. “No, no, he’d never do anything to hurt me.”
“I’m glad I was mistaken,” Ellen said. But I don’t believe Pat, not for one minute. Brian has become a bully and mean like his father.
“You knocked your tea over to take the attention off of me,” Pat said, looking directly at her now. “Why would you do that for a stranger?”
“I don’t like men who bully or hurt their wives.”
“All men lose their tempers occasionally.”
“Mine doesn’t, and a lot of men don’t. You have choices. You can leave him.” What the hell am I doing, interfering in this woman’s life? But I couldn’t watch what was happening and not try to help.
“Are all the men at the table the same? Is that why the women don’t comment, out of fear?”
Pat stiffened. “I think we’d better return to our table. Brian will wonder what’s keeping us.”
“And he might beat you when the two of you get home.”
“You don’t know him, or me.” She walked to the door and left.
Ellen hurried to catch up with her. “I’m sorry I interfered.” Pat gave her a weak smile and continued to walk briskly toward the dining room.
Brian looked suspicious when they returned. Ellen feared in trying to help, she’d only made matters worse.
Jack stood and pulled back her chair. Brian didn’t move. Pat smiled at him and quickly took her seat. Brian stared across at Ellen. He gave her a brief, contemptuous glance. She hoped Jack and Sahale didn’t notice, but they had. Sahale stirred behind her, and Jack started to open his mouth. Ellen squeezed his leg. He took a deep breath, gave her a look, and settled back to eating.
There were several more speeches after the meal, and then the dancing started. Ellen hadn’t realized what it would feel like to be held close in Jack’s arms while gliding across the dance floor. The mixture of his cologne and his own special scent ignited the flame of desire that never seemed to go completely out. She glanced at his face. His eyes mirrored how she felt.
“You’re incredibly handsome in a tuxedo, plus you smell good.”
“If you keep looking at me like you are now, I may forget my role and carry you off.”
“I’ll try to behave. It doesn’t appear to be fashionable to be too in love with your husband. At least not in this crowd.”
“I’ve noticed the same paradox. The women hang on their husbands’ words at the table, yet when dancing their eyes are on other men.”
“Mostly you.”
He laughed heartily. “I know. I’m afraid not to keep you close to my side. They may attack me.”
“You’re going to get much too big a head from this adulation. I’ll have to work on bringing you back to reality.”
This brought another laugh. Ellen noticed the envy reflected on some of the women’s faces. The music stopped. Jack put his hand on her lower back to guide her toward their table. Brian stepped in front of them.
“May I have the next dance with your wife?” he asked. Pat sat at the table, looking in their direction.
Jack darted a glance at Ellen. Her heart beat so fast she got dizzy for a second. She took a deep breath and gave him a smile and tiny nod.
“Yes, if I can ask your lovely lady to dance.”
“Sure.” Brian shrugged. “Help yourself.”
She’d hoped for a fast dance, but it was another slow one. The whole moment was surreal. Brian put his arm around her and clasped her hand with his. He still wore the same cologne. Her mind whirled back to the past, flashes of scenes she�
��d buried deep. She shivered.
“Are you cold?”
Forcing herself to look at his face, she smiled. “No, the air conditioner just blew across my shoulders for a minute.”
Her voice came out low and husky.
“You’re very beautiful.” His glance narrowed to her breasts, then back to her face.
He turned his head to the side. She remembered he had made the same gesture in the past when he was considering something.
“You remind me of my first wife. I’m not sure why. She wasn’t beautiful, and didn’t have a sexy voice. You aren’t related to Ellen Simmons, are you?”
She pretended to think about his question. Her heart almost jumped out of her chest at his words. “I don’t believe I’ve ever heard the name. Where is she from?”
His harsh laugh raked across her skin. “A hillbilly from Tennessee. Of course, I’m from there, too, but I moved away when I went to college.”
“She must have had some redeeming features, since you married her.”
“I was young, stupid, and horny. I lived to regret it.”
“Ah, well, we’ve all made mistakes when we were young.” She tried to think of another subject to change the direction of their conversation. She glanced to the side and saw Jack talking with Pat as they danced.
“Your present wife is lovely and sweet.”
“A jewel of a wife for a politician, but no challenge for a real man.” His tone dismissed her as though she were his servant.
Ellen knew she ought to keep her mouth shut, but he’d irritated her beyond belief. “What is your definition of a real man?”
His eyes flashed with lust. “A real man knows what he wants and goes after it. When he gets it, he knows what to do with it.” His hand tightened on hers almost to the painful point.
“I assume ‘it’ is a woman. To me, your definition is of a bully. My definition of a real man is my husband.” With that, she turned and walked off the dance floor, leaving him to follow.
Sahale, or Paul, she must keep his fake name in her head, leaned close as she came to her chair. “What did he say?” Fury was evident in his voice and posture.
Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Seduce Their Woman [Wyoming Warriors 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 13
