by Cathryn Fox
“Jeremy,” she said, lowering herself into the seat directly across from him.
His eyes lit when he saw her. “Em,” he said. “Play.”
“Of course.”
She moved a pawn and looked her brother over. At first she hated the idea of putting him in here, but after her father’s heart attack and Jeremy’s increased aggression, she knew it was the best and safest place for him. He looked healthy and happy, and here he made many friends. No one stared or whispered names under their breath when he walked by. Even though externally he looked like a healthy twenty-seven-year-old, he really only had the mind of a child and sometimes his frustration came out in the form of violence.
Jeremy moved a piece and then began clapping. “I’ll beat you,” he said.
Emery laughed. “You always beat me.”
They both made a few more moves, and Jeremy was surprisingly good at the game. After a while she let him beat her and he began clapping. A few of his friends came over, and they started rubbing his head and congratulating him.
With Jeremy distracted, she climbed from her seat, dropped a kiss onto his forehead and said, “I’ll be right back. Next time I’m going to beat you, though.”
“No way,” he said. “I beat you.”
Emery walked across the room and stepped up to one of the nurses. With her back to her brother, she spoke quietly to the nurse.
“How is he doing?” she asked.
“Emery, so nice to see you.” Holding a clipboard to her chest, she looked past Emery’s shoulders and smiled. “I see Jeremy beat you again.”
“Always,” Emery said, laughing. She lowered her voice even more. “Is the change in medication working?”
She touched Emery’s arm. “The outbursts have calmed down, but he’s been suffering headaches, which increases his anxiety.”
Emery folded her arms, her heart heavy. She and her father used to take Jeremy on many outings, but with her father’s failing health they could no longer remove him from the center and risk an outburst. The staff didn’t like for her to take him out alone because there was no way to subdue him herself if he acted out.
“I’d really love to take him for a drive, just to give him a change of scenery.”
“I know, but I don’t think it’s in your best interests. He’s strong, Emery. As strong as any grown man, but he doesn’t know his strength or how to control it.”
Emery nodded. She wasn’t hearing anything new, but it still didn’t change the fact that her heart ached for her big brother.
“Oh,” the nurse said. “Looks like he’s found a new friend to beat at chess.”
“What?” Emery spun around and her throat nearly closed when she spotted Luke sitting across from him. The big smile on Jeremy’s face had her heart squeezing to the point of pain. “Luke,” she whispered under her breath. “What the heck?”
“Is he with you?” the nurse asked.
With her throat so tight, all she could do was nod.
“Oh, my.” She nudged Emery playfully. “You’re one lucky girl.”
She watched for a moment longer, watched the way Luke interacted with her brother, like he knew exactly what he needed. In that moment her thoughts raced back to Trent and how he handled him. Luke was really good with people. He knew just what to say, what to do to get them to respond to him. She was no exception.
As if feeling her eyes on him, Luke angled his head, and that old familiar half-cocked grin, the one she hadn’t seen since he’d first offered to help her with her melons, curled up the corner of his mouth.
Heart pounding, she walked back toward them and tried to keep her voice light, casual when all the while her insides were nothing but a mixed bag of emotions.
“Watch him,” she said to her brother as she pointed an accusing finger at Luke. “I think he cheats.”
“Cheater, cheater,” Jeremy said, mimicking Emery and pointing his finger at Luke.
He grinned, one eyebrow shooting up. “If I was cheating I’d be winning wouldn’t I?”
Jeremy laughed and rubbed his head. “I always win.”
Emery lowered herself into a chair and her heart swelled as she watched them. They continued to play, game after game and Jeremy continued to win. When the bell jangled, indicating that visiting hours were coming to an end, Luke pushed back in his chair.
“Okay, that’s it. I give up. You’re too good.”
Emotions pressed against her chest when Jeremy jumped up and started clapping. There was nothing Emery could do to wipe the grin from her face as she climbed to her feet. She gave her brother a big hug and promised she’d be by again soon.
He waved her goodbye, and Luke stepped up beside her, his body close. They walked out together, silence hovering over them but she was so aware of his nearness, and the way her body was reacting. Sparks arced between them, and she was sure if someone lit a match they’d both go up in flames.
She was feeling breathless when they reached his bike. He grabbed his spare helmet and put it on her. The rasp of his fingers on her flesh turned her knees to liquid. He angled his head, his eyes on the clasp, and when his warm breath fell over her neck, her throat dried. She just stared at him, neither saying a word. He finished her buckle, and clicked his own as she climbed on. She watched his arms flex, the muscles along his back ripple. There was a new intensity about him, a dangerous kind of energy. It trickled along her flesh and raised the hair on her arms.
He started the bike, grabbed her hands to wrap them around him, and left the parking lot. She leaned into him, breathing in his scent as he drove her home. He pulled up in front of her townhouse and killed the ignition. She climbed off, her body a bundle of nervous energy, wondering if he would want to see her in again and what might happen if he did.
“Thanks,” she said, her fingers fumbling slightly with the clasp. He watched her, his penetrating eyes sweeping over her features in a way that made her tremble.
Without speaking, he took off his helmet and climbed from the bike, leaving it parked on the sidewalk. He grabbed both helmets, then reached for her hand. Remaining silent, he held it tightly and guided her up the walkway.
When they reached her front door, she opened it. He stood there for a moment, his breathing a little heavier, his body a whole lot tenser.
“Did you…did you want to come in?” she asked, nervous and excited and needing him in her bed in the most inexplicable way.
He slipped a hand around her neck, and fisted her hair. “If I do, there will be no turning back this time,” he finally said.
“What do you mean?”
“If I come in, I’m going to fuck you, Emery.” His hand moved to her waist, pulling her up against him. His cock pressed against her stomach, letting her know in no uncertain terms what he wanted. “I’m going to tear your clothes off, put my hands and mouth all over your body, and then I’m going to take you. Hard.” A wheezing sound escaped her lips. “So tell me, do you still want me to come in?”
As she found herself excited by the prospect, he stared down at her, his expression so dark, so hungry, she quaked from head to toe. Fearing her voice would fail her, she pushed her door open wider, broke the hold he had on her and stepped inside.
He tilted his head, his questioning eyes never leaving hers. Reaching out, she grabbed his T-shirt and pulled her in with him. A loud groan sounded as he followed her in. Standing in the entrance, he pushed her up against the wall, slamming and locking the door behind him.
His mouth crashed down on hers, hard, as he kissed her with a heat and passion. Grabbing her hands, he pinned them above her head and forced his knee between her legs to widen them. Longing ripped through her and she moaned—a deep, guttural sound that seemed to unleash something in him.
His mouth left hers and kissed along her neck. Warm hands ran down her sides, sweeping his palms along her breasts and stopping when he reached her hips. He pushed his knee harder against her pussy, shifting it back and forth, stimulating her clit in the most deli
cious ways.
“Oh, God,” she murmured, her head falling to the side. Blood pounded through her veins and she wrapped her hands around his head, running her fingers through his hair as he kissed the hollow of her throat.
Fueled by need, she raked her nails over his back and wiggled her hips, shamelessly rubbing her sex against his thigh, wanting more…so much more.
“Fuck,” he murmured.
Their bodies rocked against the wall and she tore at his shirt, wanting to touch and taste him all over too. A growl ripped from his lungs. He grabbed one of her legs and drew it around his waist, then slipped a hand around her ass to draw her up.
“Get on,” he ordered.
She wrapped both legs around him and he pushed against her, caging her between the wall and his chest. She couldn’t decide which was harder.
Her entire body flushed hotly as every nerve sizzled. Sexual heat flooded her nether region as her body became pliable in his capable arms.
He tore his mouth from her neck and looked at her. His nostrils flared as perspiration broke out on his forehead.
“I need you naked. Now.”
“My bedroom—”
“Too far.” He carried her to the closest room, which happened to be her living room, and sat down on the coffee table with her still straddling him. She tightened her legs around him as he worked the buttons free on her blouse. He hissed air as he pushed it off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor behind him. “You’re perfect.”
Her heart raced, loving the way he was looking at her, like she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Through the lace material of her bra, he ran his thumb over her nipples, and they hardened almost painfully. She arched into him, and with one hand he reached behind her back and expertly released the clasp. Her bra fell away and a tortured look moved into his eyes as her breasts spilled free.
His jaw muscles twitched. “So fucking beautiful,” he growled, then swiped the soft blade of his tongue over one nipple, then the next. His wet heat felt like fire on her breasts, pulling a moan from deep within her.
Her thoughts whirled, unable to focus on anything but Luke and the way he was savoring her nipples. He sucked deep and twirled his tongue over her buds so hard and fast that she could feel the pull deep between her legs.
She raked her nails through his hair and held his mouth to her breasts as heat reverberated through her blood. Her thighs hugged him tighter and she shifted restlessly, needing him to touch her…there. Before she realized what was happening he was laying her out on the carpet in front of the hearth. His mouth slid downward, his tongue trailing a path over her quivering flesh. She listened to him breathe in her scent, and mumble curses under his breath.
He reached her pants and unhooked the button. A quiver moved through her at the hiss of her zipper as he lowered it. A second later, he jumped to his feet and made quick work of his own clothes.
Her heart raced as she took in his beautiful nakedness, all hard sinewy muscles that her fingers itched to touch, her mouth watered to taste. She looked at the sexy tattoo scrolls on his shoulders, then her gaze settled on his thick cock, so hard and ready. She loved how comfortable he was with his body and it secretly thrilled her to know how much he wanted hers.
Once naked, Luke sank to the floor and he moved between her legs. Dark eyes met hers as he began shimmying her pants down her hips and legs, leaving her in nothing but her panties. He tossed the pants away and pressed his mouth to her pussy, licking her through the slip of material.
“Luke,” she cried out, and when she spread her legs in a silent invitation, his growl of pleasure thrilled her. “So good.”
Taking her by surprise he grabbed the lacy band and tugged, ripping her panties from her hips. She gasped, but it quickly turned to a moan when he pressed a kiss over her pussy, dragging his tongue from bottom to top.
She caught the raw ache of lust in his voice when he said, “You’re the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted.”
His thumb circled her clit, teasing, torturing, driving her deliciously mad. She shifted, trying to force him to touch her, and when she heard his soft chuckle she moaned, understanding he was purposely playing with her.
“Luke, please,” she begged.
“Please, what?”
“Touch me.”
His thumb skated over her clit. “Is this what you what? What you need so badly that you’re willing to beg me for it?”
“Yes,” she cried out and lifted her hips.
He placed his hand over her stomach to hold her down, then applied more pressure to her clit. It quivered and swelled, his deft touch sending shockwaves through her body. He gripped her legs and spread them wider and shot one last look at her before he lowered his head and buried his face in her pussy.
Never, ever in her life had a guy made it this good for her. She tossed her head from side to side, concentrating on the delicious pleasure between her legs.
He plunged two fingers inside her and pressed his palm hard against her clit. She nearly came off the floor, the pleasure so intense, so damn incredible she could barely catch her breath. Honestly, she never knew it could be this good. Luke was clearly as skilled in the bedroom as he was at his job.
She began trembling from head to toe, pressure building inside her as he took her higher and higher. Her body began tingling all over and her breath caught in her dry throat. She was close, so damn close, but he kept her hovering there, like he wasn’t quite ready to bring her over.
“Feel with me,” he said, taking her by surprise.
She lifted her head to find him looking at her, his gray eyes so dark and penetrating, her entire body trembled in response. He took her hand and gave a tug. She propped herself up on one elbow as he place her other hand on her clit, dragging her index finger back and forth, back and forth, ever so slowly. She’d never touched herself in front of a man before, but oddly enough she didn’t feel embarrassed. In fact, it felt…erotic.
Their gazes remained locked and he said, “Feels good, huh?”
His sexy voice made her toes curl. She nodded and nearly sobbed with pleasure.
“No. Show me.”
“Luke,” she practically cried out as he plunged in and out of her, all the while rubbing her finger quickly over her clit. She grew tighter, slicker with each stroke, her body pulsing and throbbing as her climax approached.
“Oh, God,” she cried out, her other hand gripping the carpet beneath her as everything inside her came to a peak.
“That’s it, sunshine. Show me how good it feels.”
Her muscles clenched hard around his fingers and he growled as she tumbled into orgasm. A second later he was between her legs, his tongue on her, in her, tasting her, drinking her in and prolonging the pleasure.
White-hot desire claimed her as he licked her and her muscles contracted harder, a whimper of sheer pleasure rising from her throat.
“So fucking sweet,” he said before moving out from between her legs. He was about to climb up her body, but she reached between them and grabbed the hard length of his cock, desperate to touch him. She squeezed gently and dipped into the precome on his crown.
“Oh fuck that feels so good,” he growled.
She ran her hands over his impressive length, reveling in his silky texture as he balanced on his arms. Her mouth watered. Never in her life had she wanted to taste a man as much as she wanted to taste him. Truth be told, she never really enjoyed giving oral sex before, but for some unknown reason, she couldn’t wait to put him in her mouth, to lick every inch of his hardness.
She gave him a little nudge and he fell onto the carpet beside her.
“Emery,” he whispered, as she settled between his legs, her long hair spilling over his stomach. “Baby. What are you doing to me?”
She circled his crown with her tongue and he powered upward, his hands crushing her hair as she indulged in his body.
“Fuck.”
She smiled inwardly, loving that she could make him feel t
his good. She angled her head to see him. Propped up on one elbow, he pushed her hair from her shoulders, like he wanted to watch her.
Turning her attention back to pleasuring him, and wanting to give him something to watch, she straddled one leg, rubbing her pussy on him as she took as much of him into her mouth as she could. When his crown hit the back of her throat, she cupped his balls for a slow massage and began sliding him in and out of her mouth. He grew impossibly bigger, stretching her lips as she devoured him.
She stayed between his legs, savoring, licking, tasting and never, ever wanting to stop, but she could feel his mounting desire and knew he was struggling to hang on. Soon his cock tightened and pulsed, and he gripped her shoulder to pull her off.
His eyes were clouded, his jaw rigid as he grabbed her. “I need to fuck you.”
She sat watching as he grabbed his pants and pulled out a condom. Her body quaked with excitement, every nerve alive with anticipation as he tore into the package and slipped it on.
He lowered her to the floor and followed her down, bracing his hands on either side of her head as his mouth found hers. He settled his weight on top of her and she widened her legs even more, welcoming him to her body. The second she felt his crown breach her opening, she closed her eyes and ran her nails over his shoulders, anticipating the hard thrust.
“Look at me.”
Her lids sprang open.
“You know what I’m going to do right?”
She nodded. “You’re gong to fuck me. Hard.”
“Yeah, sunshine,” he said, the hunger in his dark gaze turning her inside out. “I’m going to fuck you hard.”
His body fell over hers as he drove all the way into her. She gasped, but he swallowed it with a kiss. His mouth moved over hers, and he bit down on her bottom lip as he drove impossibly deeper. She circled her arms around him and began moving, pressing against him as he stretched her open.
“So good,” she murmured between heated kisses.
He pulled almost all of the way out then impaled her again, slamming into her with such a force she thought they were going to go through the floor. But it didn’t matter, because she loved every second of the way he was taking her, loved his intensity, his need, and the way he gave his all to everything he did.
