She pulled away and licked her lips, sending a jagged bolt of lust up his spine.
“Mercy,” Finn said. “I surrender.”
Skye laughed and showed him the condom packet. She ripped it open with her teeth and rolled it down over him with a firm hand, making him gasp as he bucked into her touch.
“Now let’s see if I can make you scream.” Skye straddled him and rose up, caressing the tiny hairs at the back of his neck. She pressed her lips to his as she slowly, slowly lowered herself down onto him.
Finn growled, unable and unwilling to play anymore. He gripped her hair again and kissed her hard, thrusting his tongue into her mouth in sync with his hips rising and falling. She began to shake and shiver in his grip, giving up control.
He took it. He took it all, one hand sliding between them and into her wet folds, unerringly seeking out the exact spot he knew would push her over the edge again.
Skye pulled away, her eyes wide and unfocused. “I… I can’t…” The whispered cry only pushed him onward, driving him crazy.
“I think you can. Let’s see who’s right,” he said before taking her mouth again.
She whimpered and began to shake around him as he increased the pace, the tension at the base of his spine building up beyond anything he’d ever felt before.
Finn gritted his teeth, almost at the breaking point.
He flicked his index finger against the tiny bud before pressing hard and holding it there, hoping it’d be enough.
Skye shrieked into his shoulder as she broke, the tremors drawing him over the edge.
…
Finn sat, his racing heart the only thing reminding him he was still alive. He looked down at the woman lying against him and dropped a kiss into her dark hair.
She stirred and stretched out her legs from where they’d been curled around his waist.
“Let’s take this to your bed.” He hated to move, but he knew they’d both pay for it tomorrow if they slept on the floor or even the small single bed.
She sighed as he draped her arms over his shoulders.
“Hold on.” It was an effort to get to his feet, Skye’s arms tight around his neck, but he managed.
She whimpered as he slipped free, her legs tangling up with his again.
Finn chuckled and cupped her ass as he stumbled toward her bedroom.
…
Skye woke the next morning to slow, lazy circles being drawn on her skin. She shivered, remembering the pleasure those very hands had given her only a few hours earlier.
A glance at the digital clock on her bedside table told her it was six in the morning, her internal clock having set its own alarm.
She spoke in a whisper, hating to break the silence with the harsh reality driving into her dream. “I have to be at the Watleys’ at eight. If I leave soon, I can also get in a fast visit at the hospital, see how Robby’s doing.”
The body pressed against her stirred, his hold tightening on her waist. Something nudged her spine, and she smiled, relishing the effect she was having on him.
“Good idea. You may not be able to get another chance to get in today, depending on how our discussion goes,” Finn said.
Skye reached back and took hold of him, stroking from root to tip. His hips bucked against her at the touch, his cock swelling to fill her hand as she continued to play with him.
Finn let out an annoyed huff. “You keep doing that and we’re not going anywhere.” He dropped light kisses along the back of her neck. “Just remember payback’s a bitch. When do you finish?”
She gave him a quick squeeze before letting go. “Edward comes in at noon, usually with Annie. She keeps him company for the rest of the day until they close at five.” The weight of their shared reality settled on her shoulders, displacing the pleasure. “I guess you’ll want to talk to them after my shift’s over?”
Finn’s voice changed from softness to a cool, businesslike tone. “Yes. There’s no use disrupting their daily routine—let them go to church and worship. I’ll come to the truck stop and talk to them with you, convince them to take a vacation and leave you in charge of the business. Tell them to lock up like usual at five and leave for Vegas from the store.”
“What about the diner, and my late-night cleaning?” It was surreal, lying in bed naked with a man and discussing how to take down a biker gang.
Finn nuzzled the back of her neck, making it hard for her to focus on leaving. “You know them better than I do, know what you can handle. Your call.”
She nodded, running her schedule through her head. “I’ll make it work.”
Finn gave an affirming rumble. “If we need to close the store because neither of us is available, we close. The important thing is to get those security cameras recording what’s going on at night.” Finn rolled away. “Shower?”
She turned and smiled as Finn stood up, showing off his handsome, naked form. “Thought you’d never ask.”
…
Finn resisted the urge to have her again in the shower, his lack of condoms helping firm his resolve. He did make it hard for her to focus on getting dressed, the two of them teasing each other with caresses and stolen kisses until she slapped his hand away and rushed to finish putting her clothing on.
“Are you sure the gang’s using the truck stop?” Skye asked as she checked herself in the bathroom mirror. “The Watleys are good folks. I’d hate to think they were being terrorized by Smith. I’ve never picked up on anything odd going on.”
“Silence and intimidation is how these people work. Mr. Watley wouldn’t say anything to you because he’s afraid to say anything to anyone. The way he acted when I asked him about bikes in the parking lot—I’ve seen that look before. Scared silent, and for a man with his battle experience, it’d have to be something big to keep him quiet. I can’t think of anything else that would fit the bill.”
“If you say so. I don’t want anything to happen to them or their business if it’s at all possible.”
“We’ll do our best.” Finn tucked his T-shirt into his jeans. “It’s a good spot to meet the drug mules and make the exchange. If I were in that line of work I’d consider it.”
“Speaking of your line of work…” She hesitated. “About that.”
Finn flinched. This wasn’t the type of morning-after discussion he was used to.
Skye turned and faced him. “I enjoyed last night.” Her tongue flicked out to wet her lips, and Finn felt himself stir again, the simple gesture stoking his desire.
“I’m not given to one-night stands,” she continued.
“Neither am I.”
She smiled at him, her searching stare holding him in place. “I didn’t come to the Devil’s Playground looking for a man. But it seems I’ve found one.”
He nodded, letting her have her say.
“I can’t tell you I didn’t think about you this way almost from the first time we met. I’m not sure what we’re going to do when it’s all over and you have to leave.”
Finn slipped his thumbs through the belt loops on his jeans. “Can’t say I didn’t feel the same thing when I saw you at the bar, sipping that club soda.” He scratched his chin, trying hard not to think about how sexy she looked, standing all tall and proud. “We can ride this as long as you want to. And when this job’s over, we can look at where we’re at and see what we want.”
Skye stepped up and put her arms around him, nodding her agreement. “I like the ride. Let’s see where it takes us.”
“I’m more than good with that.” Finn put his hands on her waist and pulled her tight against him, enjoying her wide-eyed response to his now raging arousal. “I’m reconsidering my previous display of self-control in the shower.” His grip increased. “Might be interesting to explore the possibilities.”
His phone buzzed, snatching his attention away from the erotic thoughts crowding his mind.
He picked it up from the counter and cursed under his breath.
“It’s Trey.” Finn looked at Sky
e.
“Too bad. Wouldn’t mind exploring some of those ideas with you.” She winked, sending his imagination into overdrive. “But you’ve got work to do. See you at noon.” She didn’t hesitate before giving him an open-mouthed kiss that stole his breath away. “Don’t be late.”
“I won’t.” Finn opened the connection. “Hold on a second.”
“Right,” Trey answered.
He put the phone down and walked Skye to the door. “Remember, don’t give any indication we’re going to talk to them later. I don’t want to spook them more than we’re going to when we show up on their front doorstep.” He grabbed her and swung her around for one last fast, hungry kiss. “Be careful.”
“Always am.” She smiled and walked away, swinging her purse in the air in a good-bye wave.
Finn returned to his phone. “I’m back. What’s up?”
“Your little birdies have finally come home to roost. I had to wait until they hit the spot a few times to make sure it wasn’t a random stop,” Trey said. “I’m sending the map coordinates now to your laptop. It’s a small building not far from the Rest ‘n’ Relax, almost halfway to the clubhouse.”
Finn’s mind snapped away from thinking of Skye as he heard the clicking of Trey’s keyboard. “Good. ’Bout time those paid off.”
“It’s an abandoned flea market area, turned into one of those rental storage unit places.”
“Makes sense.” Finn sat down on the couch and started up his computer. “The bikers get the car at the truck stop and go to the storage area where they process it. Same thing in reverse—they hide the car when it’s not in transit to keep it out of sight. Having it in a rental facility is a good idea—probably got another name on the paperwork, and it’s unlikely to have anyone hanging around.” He studied the map. “Right. I’m on my way there. If it checks out, I’ll place another drone so we can get a video feed.”
“Roger that.” Trey hesitated. “You okay? You sound a little…off.”
“Off?”
“Cheerful.” There was a trace of laughter in Trey’s words. “Never heard you so happy to be going out on recon.”
“I’m fine. Just got a lot on my mind.” Finn cleared his throat. “We’re meeting up with the Watleys and taking over the truck stop later today. As soon as we get access to the store, I’ll send you a picture of the security system so you can courier over one of your black boxes.”
“Roger that. Don’t forget to call me when you’ve got the second drone activated. Later.” The phone went silent.
…
Skye had worked at the Watleys’ truck stop for almost a year, enjoying the short drive out to the edge of town and the quiet time spent watching the store. Now she saw the business in a whole different light, the association with the biker gang tainting it forever. No longer was it a simple gas station; it was now an overnight home for drug dealers and criminals.
Edward was a good man, but there was no way he could stand up to Mick Smith and no way she could ask or expect him to.
You protect the ones you love.
Skye got out of her Jeep and rolled her shoulders, feeling her muscles ache—in a good way. She’d always been in good condition, and working multiple jobs had kept her in shape, but last night’s lovemaking had exhausted her mentally and physically.
She caught herself grinning as she walked up to the front door. It was already unlocked, Edward not passing up a chance to make sure the store was clean and tidy before he left for church.
“Good morning.” Edward Watley stood behind the cash register, dressed in his usual dark blue Sunday suit. “You look happy today. Did Robby wake up?”
“No, no. I just came from the hospital. He’s doing well.” Skye fought back the surge of guilt at the mention of her brother. “He’s still in a coma, but the doctors say every day he’s alive is a good sign.” She went up to the counter. “Annie waiting ’round back in the car?”
“As usual.” He handed her the keys. “We’ll see you at noon.”
“Thank you. Have a nice time at church.” Skye smiled as the senior headed for the door.
“We always do. Nothing like a few hours with friends, worshiping the Lord. Take care, and we’ll send up a prayer for you like we always do.” He gave her a wide smile. “And we’ll put in extra for Robby. Don’t you worry, the Lord’s got plans for him and for you. You may not know it yet, but He does.”
Skye flinched, thinking about the upcoming discussion. She moved behind the counter and settled herself on the old wooden stool.
She watched the dark brown sedan drive slowly by the front so she could wave at Annie, and then they headed back into town.
Skye braced her arms on the counter, studying the rows of chips and snacks.
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.
Doing a full inventory was a good way to spend the time.
And it’d keep her from thinking about Finn.
Chapter Fifteen
Finn turned right and slid the truck into an empty parking spot by the curb. Sunday in Whistling Willows was quiet—almost zombie-apocalypse quiet. He was still a few blocks from the storage facility, and that was fine with him. He didn’t need to be close to place the tiny drone.
He opened the drone case, revealing the one he had left.
He admired the hand-sized black plastic gadget. Trey had modified these drones so they could be used for a variety of tasks, including packing small explosives if they needed a distraction.
Here, all Finn needed was surveillance on the front of the storage facility for their records. He turned the small camera on with a flick of his fingernail. It immediately flashed up on his cell phone, feeding back a picture of himself as he activated the small engine.
“Let’s go see what’s happening,” Finn said as he placed the drone atop the roof of his truck.
The small disk rose into the air as he worked the small joysticks.
Finn studied the images on his cell phone as he directed it over the buildings.
There.
The storage facility was an L-shaped building with a large parking lot in front of it. Finn found it easy to imagine the former flea market, the tables set up to display and sell everything from comics to old vinyl records.
He directed the drone to a higher altitude, seeing plainly the dark marks on the asphalt leading into one specific unit. He aimed for the other edge of the complex, trying to get a good angle on the entire front of the building. Unlike what he’d done at the clubhouse, this one would be better suited going for the long range. It took only a few more minutes to settle the unit atop the far end of the building, aimed across the parking lot at the doors.
Finn hit the button, starting the transmissions to Trey. He tested the zoom function, clearly picking up the two club members hanging out at the front of the orange metal door, smoking and talking as they stood guard.
Mission accomplished.
…
Skye mopped the floor, wondering what Robby would make of Finn. He’d probably like Finn, having always respected the military.
He might not like that she was sleeping with him, though.
They’d deal with that when Robby woke up.
She strained out the mop and started to wheel the bucket to the back to dump the water.
A movement caught her eye, and she glanced out the windows.
A trio of motorcycles sat in the parking lot, the riders laughing and gesturing to each other as they refilled their tanks.
Including Mick Smith.
Skye’s throat closed up as she stared at the bald man leaning against his ride. She’d seen him around town before, but only at a distance.
And as a man, not a monster who had tried to kill her brother.
Go get the shovel from the back.
The fantasy coalesced in her mind as the men filled their tanks.
Kick the door open and go at him, use the element of surprise. He’ll never see it coming.
His men would be shocked into
silence for a few seconds, watching her beat their glorious leader.
Then they’d kill me. Or Smith would, if he survived.
Skye took a step back, jolting herself out of the scenario.
She shook her head.
No.
She rolled the bucket to the back room where she dumped the dirty water into the sink. The mop went into the corner to dry along with the bucket.
When she came back out, Mick was at the counter. Black tattoos crept up his arms like evil spirits, Celtic wolves tangling around each other, with flashes of pale skin trying to escape. The leather vest rested on his shoulders like a ceremonial robe, loose and flapping on his slender frame. The dark black goatee reminded her of the old horror movies where the devil appeared, pitchfork at the ready.
She steeled herself and headed to the cash register as if nothing was wrong.
The gang leader picked out a candy bar before letting out a large belch, the likely result of chugging back most of the bottle of soda he held in his free hand. He looked at her with a leer, daring her to react to the rudeness.
“Sorry for making you wait. I was in the back room cleaning up,” she mumbled, keeping her eyes down.
It was hard not to stare at him, or scowl at the dusty boot prints on the freshly mopped floor.
But it wasn’t worth it.
Not yet, anyway.
He gave her a stone-cold glare before dropping a pile of bills on the counter.
She managed a smile and a nod as she worked the cash register and gave him his change.
He strolled back out and said something to the men, the trio breaking into laughter.
She drew a deep breath and took a step back from the counter, moving out of sight. The cigarette cartons pressed against her back as she waited for the roar of the engines signaling their departure.
…
“It’s set up and ready to go,” Finn said into his phone. He’d driven to a nearby park before calling Trey, getting some distance between the storage units and himself. “How’s the image quality?”
“Clear and crisp. Just the way I like it,” Trey replied. “Glad you paid attention during those courses I gave you. I’ll call if there are any issues. I’m sending a few spares with the equipment for the truck stop, in case something goes wrong.”
Hard Run (Delta Force Brotherhood) Page 10
