Bundle of Brides

by Kay Thorpe

  Clive Marshall glanced at the coffee swirling in his cup and felt a weight shift from his chest. He’d glimpsed a look in Tyler’s eyes that a man didn’t have the right to witness.

  It might take a little while, but his girl was going to be OK. Stubborn, like her mother on occasion, he qualified. Tyler wouldn’t have her fall easily into his arms. But she’d go willingly enough. And if Tyler had enough sense, he’d never let her out of them.

  A slight smile caught the edges of his mouth. Unless he was mistaken, Lianne didn’t have a chance.

  It was after dark when Tyler eased the Porsche from Chris’s driveway and headed towards Brighton.

  ‘Hungry?’

  Lianne spared him a sideways glance. ‘Not particularly.’ All she wanted to do was go home, take a shower, have an early night and catch up on some sleep. Tomorrow brought a return to work.

  ‘We could stop off and pick up a pizza.’

  ‘With lashings of mushrooms, onions and cheese?’

  ‘Capsicum and pepperoni?’

  ‘Done.’ She knew just the pizzeria, and directed him to a small Italian family-run shop not far from her apartment.

  It was great to kick off her shoes and ease the pressure on her bruised toe, shrug out of her jacket, and sit eating pizza out of a box at the kitchen servery.

  Total relaxation after a hectic weekend, and she said so. ‘This is the best.’

  Tyler spared her a quizzical glance. ‘Are we talking pizza?’

  ‘That, too.’

  It was good to see her eat after having her pick at her food all weekend. ‘Another slice?’

  Lianne shook her head. ‘I’m done.’ She slid off the chair and crossed to the sink, washed her hands, then she filled the coffee-maker.

  She’d been supremely conscious of him all day. The way he’d leaned close when she pointed out something of interest, at the cottage, during the flight home. As for last night…let’s not go there.

  ‘I’ll go unpack.’

  A simple task which she completed within minutes, followed it with a shower, then dry. She pulled on sleep-wear and added a thick towelling robe before returning to the kitchen.

  Tyler had discarded his jacket, undone a few shirt buttons and turned back the cuffs.

  He’d dealt with the pizza box and two steaming mugs of coffee sat on the servery.

  Lianne extracted painkillers from a high cupboard, filled a glass with water and swallowed the tablets down.

  ‘Is that lump on your head bothering you?’

  ‘I’m fine.’

  Sure she was. He recognised the edge of pain evident in her eyes, the pale features. ‘Why don’t you go to bed?’

  ‘I want to look over my notes.’

  ‘They can wait until tomorrow.’

  They could, easily. Except she wouldn’t have time before she left for work, and she wanted to be able to hand Michael Sloane senior a report soon after her arrival at the office.

  Lianne picked up her coffee. ‘I’ll take this in the study and drink it while I skim my notes.’ She spared him a determined look. ‘Fifteen minutes, tops.’

  Tyler let her go. He needed to access his laptop, update his electronic diary and make a few calls. He also required to log on and check emails, which required accessing the cable connection in the study.

  He checked his watch, decided to shower, made the requisite calls, then he checked the study and discovered Lianne still seated at the desk.

  She glanced up as he entered the room, saw the laptop in his hand, and indicated the connection. ‘I’ve almost finished.’

  Tyler crossed to the desk and removed her reading glasses. ‘You’re done.’

  His voice was a silky drawl and she looked at him carefully as she tamped down the swift rise of anger at his high-handedness.

  ‘Give them back.’

  He calmly collected her notes, put them in her briefcase, slid the reading glasses into their case and added them to her notes.

  ‘You look like hell. Go to bed, before I put you there.’

  ‘Bite me.’

  ‘Try me much further and I just might oblige.’

  ‘So who’s a hero?’

  ‘Five seconds to get out of that chair.’

  Without thinking, she picked up her empty coffee mug and threw it at him.

  Tyler caught it neatly and carefully placed it back on the desk, then he leaned forward and scooped her into his arms.

  CHAPTER NINE

  ‘PUT me down!’ She bunched a fist and sank it against his shoulder as he strode out of the study and walked into her bedroom.

  ‘Damn you.’

  ‘So—bite me.’

  She did. Literally, by sinking her teeth into solid muscle.

  Tyler strangled a husky oath and slid her down on to her feet.

  For interminably long seconds they glared at each other, anger uppermost, shielding something that went much deeper and infinitely more dangerous.

  Lianne’s breathing came thick and fast, and she could feel the pulse thudding at the base of her throat. The electricity between them was a potent, almost tangible force, and there was a stillness apparent in his stance, a waiting, watching quality she found vaguely frightening.

  She stood mesmerised as his hands closed over her shoulders, then his head descended, angled in to hers as he took possession of her mouth in a kiss that punished as it demanded, seeking something from her she was reluctant to give.

  Then the choice was taken from her as her body reacted of its own accord, driven by a primeval force as sensuality unfurled from deep inside, spiralling until it totally consumed her, and hands that attempted to push him away slid up to link at his nape, holding him there as she edged the tip of her tongue to explore his, tentatively at first, then with a passionate fervour that blew them both away.

  He slid one hand down her back and pulled her in against the heat of his arousal, then he fisted the other in the silky length of her hair and went in deep, caught the groan that rose up from her throat and eased back a little, softening the kiss until his lips brushed hers.

  Her breath hitched as his mouth sought the sensitive cord beneath her ear and traced it down to the hollow at the edge of her neck.

  Every nerve-end quivered at his touch, and she made no protest as he pushed the towelling robe from her shoulders.

  Her own fingers were busy seeking hard flesh beneath the hem of his T-shirt. She heard his husky groan as she explored his rib-cage, and felt his body jerk a little as she teased each male nipple.

  Then it was her turn to gasp as his hands slid beneath her nightshirt and cupped each burgeoning breast, then with an impatient gesture he dispensed with the nightshirt and pulled her high so she straddled him.

  His eyes were dark, so incredibly dark she felt she might drown in their depths, and a choking sound escaped from her lips as he lowered his head to her breast and took its peak into his mouth.

  Acute sensation arrowed from deep inside, radiating until it consumed her body, her mind…her soul.

  With one fluid movement he drew off his T-shirt and she shuddered as he dispensed with his briefs and positioned her against the length of his arousal.

  Oh, God. She could hardly breathe as he urged her into a gentle rocking movement, and she arched back, giving him access as he began to suckle, taking her to the edge between pleasure and pain so she cried out, begging him to ease the ache deep inside.

  He reached forward and threw the bedcovers aside, then he took her down on to the bed with him, gently rolling her on to her back as he trailed his mouth down to her navel, savoured there before tracing her belly, edging low until he reached the sweet heat bathing her highly sensitised clitoris.

  All it took was one sweep of his tongue and she went up and over, almost crying out against the exquisite sensitivity he was able to evoke.

  It became an emotive tactile invasion that sent her towards a explosive climax, and her fingers dug into the mattress as she held on, wanting more, so much m
ore.

  Now she wanted him inside her, plunging deep to ease the convulsing aching need. Except he seemed bent on tantalising her almost beyond endurance, and she beat his shoulders, begging him to desist.

  Almost as if he knew she’d reached breaking point he rose up and claimed her mouth with his own, soothing with a gentleness that brought silent tears as her body shuddered with need.

  It was then he entered her in one long thrust that wrought a silent gasp as silken muscles stretched to accommodate him.

  She could feel the tenseness in that powerful body, was aware of his control as he withdrew and plunged in deep, beginning a rhythm that consumed them both as he took her high, held her at the brink, then tipped her over in a shuddering climax.

  Passion at its zenith, wild, all-consuming, primitive.

  She didn’t think she was capable of moving even the tiniest muscle as she cradled him close, absorbing the fast beat of his heart against her own, exultant in his strength as his heartbeat matched hers in a gradually slowing pace.

  His mouth found hers in an open-mouthed kiss that was so incredibly gentle she found it hard not to cry, then he rolled on to his back, taking her with him, and cradled her close.

  Gentle fingers traced the indentations of her spine, caressed the silken skin as she buried her face in the curve of his throat.

  This, dear heaven…this was where she was meant to be.

  She didn’t want to think of the why of it. Just the here and now.

  Slowly she began to drift as sensual exhaustion took its toll. As she slept Tyler carefully rolled on to his side and curved her in against him, holding her close through the night.

  Lianne was lost in a hauntingly vivid dream where she lay wrapped in Tyler’s arms, content, sated and in a pleasant state between sleep and wakefulness, not quite able to separate the dream from reality.

  It seemed so real, for she could swear she felt the heat of his body curled round hers, the steady beat of his heart against her back and his warm breath stirring her hair.

  She was almost afraid to move, unwilling to disturb the delicious sense of inertia. There was a lingering sensitivity deep inside, and she clung to it, loving the sensual ache of remembered intimacy.

  A faint groan rose up in her throat. Any minute she’d wake and discover she was alone and the dream had merely been the result of her subconscious mind.

  Then she froze as light fingers traced a path over one hip and spread over one thigh.

  ‘Almost awake, hmm?’ A deep drawl sounded close to her ear and she gave a startled yelp.

  Tyler. Memory flooded back in an instant, the night, the argument…the loving.

  She tried to move and failed miserably as he held her firmly while he reached out and switched on the bedside lamp.

  Lianne was acutely aware of him, the look and feel of him, the warmth, the heat…and his potent arousal. His eyes were impossibly dark and slumbrous, his sensual mouth curved into a gentle smile.

  Her eyes were wide, their depths explicit with a mix of consternation and disbelief. ‘Let me go. Please,’ she added with quiet desperation.

  It was the please that did it, and he let his hands slide up over her shoulders to cup her face, then he angled his mouth over hers in a kiss that was so incredibly gentle it was all she could do not to cry.

  Lianne scrambled from the bed as soon as he released her, and she fled into the en suite bathroom, turned the dial in the shower on full and stepped beneath the warm water.

  Oh, dear heaven. How could she have let Tyler…?

  A strangled sound emerged from her throat. She’d not only let him make love to her, she’d actively encouraged him. Had begged, she admitted in consternation. And had exulted in every moment.

  She closed her eyes against the vivid image and groaned aloud in despair as she picked up the soap and began lathering her body.

  Her breasts felt tender, their peaks still tingling from his touch. There were a few faint pink patches on her skin where he’d bestowed teasing love-nips, and the heat that still lingered deep inside from his possession.

  Lianne became extra vigilant with the soap, lifting her face to let the water spray course over her body, only to give a startled yelp as the shower door slid open and Tyler stepped in to join her.

  ‘What do you think you’re doing?’

  He spared her an amused look. ‘Sharing your shower.’

  He took the soap from her nerveless fingers and turned her round so he could wash her back. Then he caught hold of her shoulders and lowered his mouth to her nape and bestowed a lingering kiss to the sensitive pulse beating at the side of her throat.

  ‘Don’t.’

  It was a defenceless plea he failed to heed as he trailed a hand over her belly, seeking the intimate heart of her in a wicked stroking that had her groaning out loud.

  Lianne turned in his arms, linked her hands together at his nape and held on as she angled her mouth to meet his in a kiss that tore the fragile tenure of her control.

  In one single movement she rose up, wound her legs over his hips, and held on.

  Tyler’s breath hitched as she slowly slid up against his arousal, then down again.

  ‘You want to play, hmm?’ he queried thickly, and did some playing of his own, aware he was driving her as crazy as she drove him.

  ‘Now.’

  Her aching cry almost undid him, and he obliged, positioning her to accept his length as he thrust into the silken heat, then he shuddered as her inner muscles enclosed him.

  Their coupling was wild and incredibly primitive, a passion that went right to the marrow of her bones and left her incandescent with a sensual joy so intense it was all she could do to bury her face into his throat and hold on.

  For a while he simply cradled her close, letting the fingers of one hand trail gently down her back as he pressed light kisses into her hair.

  He sought the sensitive curve of her nape and wrought a gentle massage, then he placed a hand beneath her chin, tilted it and brought his mouth down to hers, swept his tongue softly into the sweetness and lingered.

  It was a while before Tyler closed the dial and, towelled dry, they emerged into the bedroom to dress.

  Lianne caught sight of the time and saw she had fifteen minutes in which to don clothes, fix her hair, apply make-up, gulp down coffee and leave.

  ‘I’ll go organise coffee.’

  She spared Tyler a grateful glance as she pulled on fresh underwear, then she moved quickly to her wardrobe.

  It was after eight when she entered the kitchen to discover cereal and fruit in a bowl and a cup of steaming coffee waiting for her.

  ‘I haven’t got time,’ Lianne began as she reached for the coffee.

  He’d tugged on fitted jeans and a black T-shirt that moulded every taut muscle on his powerful frame, and he looked, she decided, incredible.

  ‘Five minutes.’

  She ate standing at the servery, swallowed the coffee and caught up her laptop. ‘Got to go.’

  ‘You forgot something.’

  Lianne looked askance at him in silence. ‘What?’

  ‘This,’ Tyler drawled, and pulled her in. He lowered his head, bestowed a brief hard kiss and released her.

  ‘I’ll see you this afternoon.’ At her puzzled frown he added, ‘I have an appointment with Michael senior at three, remember?’

  She raced out of the door, took the lift down to basement car park level, and battled traffic into the city.

  Tyler. Tyler, a tiny voice echoed as she eased to a halt at yet another intersection.

  What had she been thinking?

  OK, let’s pass on that one…she hadn’t been thinking at all. Instead, her body had reacted of its own accord in recognition of an emotional force stronger than the dictates of her brain.

  Where did that leave her now?

  Sexually satisfied, a tiny imp prompted. Sure, and that was really such a help! Her body still tingled from his lovemaking…as it would for the rest of the da
y after several months of celibacy.

  Had he remained celibate?

  Another thought occurred simultaneously. He hadn’t used protection.

  Dear Lord in heaven.

  The implications screamed through her brain. She’d stopped taking the contraceptive pill within days of leaving him. What if…? She did rapid calculations and almost breathed a sigh of relief. Almost.

  Lianne spent the morning in a state of turmoil. Anger at her actions headed the list, with Tyler coming a close second.

  She’d been a fool to let him stay in the apartment…not that he’d given her much choice.

  If he thought they could slip back into a convenient sexual relationship…she wasn’t going to let it happen.

  Work intruded and she did her best to focus, cutting short her lunch-hour in order to keep pace with numerous phone calls and following up data.

  Tyler’s appointment drew close, and she was a mass of conflicting emotions by the time he walked into the office suite.

  Cool professionalism, Lianne determined as she buzzed Michael senior and ushered Tyler into the huge book-lined office where the senior Sloane presided.

  Tyler had, she determined, made up his mind and was determined to deal…on his terms.

  Lianne didn’t imagine they wouldn’t be met. He had the wealth, business nous, and astute negotiating skills to make anything happen.

  The meeting lasted less than half an hour, and she escorted Tyler from the mezzanine level to Reception, indulged in polite conversation, not a word of which she could recall within seconds of seeing him into the lift.

  All she remembered was his musing smile as the lift doors closed.

  Did he realise how confused she felt?

  Without a doubt, she decided a trifle wryly.

  What she needed was a diversion. No sooner did the thought occur than she picked up her cellphone and connected with Zoe via speed-dial.

  ‘Coffee, darling? After work tonight?’ Raucous music sounded in the background. ‘For God’s sake, turn that thing down.’ There was a brief pause. ‘Sorry about that. My assistant interprets muted as loud. Now where were we? Coffee. Can do. Usual place? Five-thirty?’

  ‘Done.’