Jericho

by Nini Church

  Shit-kickers hitting wide plank floors was a warning booming down the back hallway. Abe was his fucking world and nothin’ and no one was gonna stop him from having what he wanted now that he was sure Abe wanted it too. Or at least as sure as a male could ever be with his female. What really counted was him remaining in complete control with Abe – who the fuck was he kidding? – not gonna happen.

  Never in a million years would he ever have guessed a one hundred and twenty pound female, standing only a little over five feet to his six foot five, would own him. He only wanted what was best for Abe and he was more than sure that meant right here with him.

  He opened his office door and strode in just as his father’s desk and his before that collapsed on one side and slid to the floor, wood groaning and tearing. Papers flew through the air, some sliding into the bookcases. “If you insist on ruining the furniture, I’ll have you removed." His cold and uninviting imperious tone made its way directly to the diminutive woman with her back to him.

  She whirled around, her old-fashioned long beige skirt flashing out as she swiped her hand through the air. Long sleeves and high bib shirt covered her from head to toe in drabness. “I am Giaa, Annabelle’s mother.”

  Mousy brown hair in a tight bun did nothing for her as her intense green eyes swept past him, fury emanating off her when Abe didn’t follow him into the office. Petulantly Giaa demanded, “Where is Annabelle? I demand you bring her to me at once! Do you hear me?”

  “Loud and clear. We’re right here and none of us is deaf as far as I know. I won’t be polite and ask you to sit. What do you want?”

  “My daughter! Bring her to me now!”

  “She isn’t a fucking object! Abe ran away from you – why is that?” His deep blue eyes swirling with purple flecks spoke volumes. “In case you missed it, she isn’t a child any longer and she has rights. Rights you seem to deny her. I forbid it. It’s against Jinn law.”

  “It will sully her…”

  Abruptly, Jericho cut her off. “Sully? Who talks like that anymore? Don’t deny you were trying to make her into something she's not and stealing her life away by trapping her." Jericho shook his head.

  Giaa came in closer while shaking her fist inches from his face. “How dare you judge me! Give her to me. There is much at play that you could never reason through.”

  “I’ll take that as an insult to my intelligence. Now, Abe-”

  Shrilly, she screamed in frustration. “I don’t care if you take it as an insult. And, don’t call my daughter Abe, I don’t like it. Her name is Annabelle.”

  “As you’re well aware, Abe is here under my protection. Now unless you wish to talk sense, take your leave. Abe doesn’t want to see you. In fact, she’s frightened and you’re the one doing it. I won’t have that. You’re in my domain, I hope you understand the term, and I give the orders around here, not you.”

  “You’re a stupid, foolish man.” It spilled out in a rush of exasperation as Giaa started waving her hands in the air.

  Zulu stepped up to Jericho, having joined the group along with Conn and Cal. “Looks like nothing, but hands make patterns.”

  Jericho barked loudly, “Giaa, if you wish this discussion to continue put your hands down now. You’ll only get one warning.”

  Startled, hands wavering above her head, she slowly lowered them.

  “You think me human?” Jericho smiled cynically, eyes boring into her. “You’d be the stupid fool then. I am Jinn.”

  Realizing she wasn’t going to get her demands met on an instant basis, her voice held a note of resignation. “Yes, I’ve heard about you. Impressive. Royal to your toes or so they say. A good leader, a fine politician and a champion of race rights too. Surprised?”

  Jericho shrugged his broad shoulders. He didn’t give a rat’s ass what she thought about him even if, technically anyway, she was going to be his mother-in-law sure as shit.

  “Do you always dress this well?” She asked snidely, staring directly at his chest.

  “I was busy when you dropped in unannounced.” He didn’t add, with your daughter and deliciously so. Mind-fucking-blowing so. “Our business is done here.”

  “If you won’t let me have her then I at least want to speak to her. Privately.”

  “Abe’s not ready. When she is, we’ll contact you. Until then she stays under my protection. As you’re well aware, it’s formidable.” Both black brows rose and he waited for her to go into her demand and wail routine again.

  Instead, she stalked regally from the office with Reno hot on her heels to usher her right out the warped front door.

  As Jericho made his way to the command center, there was a flurry of activity at the front of the house and he turned to head in that direction.

  Elron snapped a metal tape measure across the front door. “One of the dining room doors will fit for now.”

  Conn swept his hazel eyes over Jericho and grinned widely before heading into the dining room.

  Matty sauntered out of the kitchen, shifting past Conn taking a door off its hinges. A mug of tea cupped in her hands – the kitchen was a great vantage point to hear any comings or goings in Jericho’s office as one end of the big room was open to the back hall.

  Matty wondered what else was going on as Jericho spoke to Reno who seemed ready to laugh his head off – his lips kept poking up at the corners. Only when Jericho turned did she see the fun side with Abe’s stamp all over it.

  Laughter rolled out. The more perplexed Jericho became the louder Matty laughed. It was hilarious. “You haven’t had that on all this time have you?”

  He tilted his head – Matty could run to crazy, he had seen it a time or two. “Fuck, Matty, not now.”

  “Looks good on you.” She flounced back into the kitchen, wishing Abe would come downstairs. It wasn’t likely with her mother storming in and out, treating everyone like a servant meant to bow and scrape at her feet, which Elron had taken to doing the moment she entered the house. It was pitiful.

  “What the fuck’s going on? Mommy dearest also made a comment about how I’m fucking dressed! It’s all black – it ain’t rocket science.”

  Elron cleared his throat, dead serious, he firmly stated, “It’s not really appropriate if I may say so, sir.”

  A ripping snort erupted from Reno. “My man, you are never gonna live this down. Check out your t-shirt.” With a big white grin, he nodded sagely.

  A belly laugh tore out of Conn, then another.

  Cal came over the house speakers, mimicking Reno’s voice, “You got that on vid, Cal?” Then answering in his own voice, “Roger. Copy that, Hollywood.”

  Everyone started bellowing – even Elron who soon realized Jericho had no idea what was on the front of his t-shirt.

  Jericho glanced down, the stubble on his chin catching on some kind of sticky shit. Grabbing the bottom of his t-shirt, he fisted it and peered down to read: I See Dummies in bright fucking pink. He lifted his head and blinked, then blinked again as gales of laughter rang around him.

  Who? Would? Dare? Fuck? With? His? Clothes?!

  Then he chuckled and finally threw back his head to join the laughter before softly whispering, “Oh, you’re going to get it for this.”

  As everyone settled down and laughter died back, Elron stepped forward to solemnly reveal, “Sir, you are aware she’s a practical joker are you not? I beg of you, please don’t encourage her whatsoever.”

  Jericho never heard a word Elron said as he tore up the stairs, shit-kickers taking them three at a time. He wasn’t angry – not really – but Abe didn’t need to know that. In fact, he was eager to get back to the business at hand; the real meat of the matter – Abe’s first lesson in pleasure. He tore the t-shirt off, crushing it in his hand before he pushed open his bedroom door.

  With her shoulders hunched and head low, Abe paced back and forth like a caged animal. Glorious breasts swaying with each step, he couldn’t tear his eyes away as they bobbed up and down. He trembled with rage and de
sperately needed to hold her safe in his arms forever – never let anyone frighten or hurt his female again. Ever.

  She stopped pacing to look up at Jericho paused in the open doorway, black t-shirt balled into one fist, shoulders hard and unforgiving, abs on full display inviting her eyes lower to where they needed to be.

  Her skin sizzled.

  Again and again, she wanted to touch him, watch as pleasure softened his features, listen to his moans and generally practice some more with him. Not a hint of those stray thoughts showed on her face for him to read.

  Indeed, he looked furious – black brows now one hard line across his forehead and deep blue eyes drilling into her. Unbelievably, they kept straying to her chest when her breathing deepened. His eyes always seemed to wander there with regularity as if he couldn't help it. Was he breast obsessed?

  Power came off him in waves, engulfing her. Had she traded one jailer for another? Jericho was an overwhelming male.

  He stalked towards her after slamming the door closed.

  “It didn’t go well with Mamam?” She backed up a few steps.

  “Your mother will be contacted when you’re ready to talk and not before. She frightens you and I don’t like it. Whatever time you need, take it Abe, before you speak with her. And, it will never be in private.”

  “Okay. So what’s wrong?” She inched back again and slipped to the side two steps. Jericho kept coming. Dashing to the bed, she leapt onto it and bounced to the far side, biting back a stupid nervous giggle.

  “You know very well what’s wrong. You’ve been fucking around with my clothes. I See Dummies?” Jericho worked hard on his glare, wanting her to appease him – let him have his way so he could lick and pleasure her until she screamed his name.

  A burst of giggles came out and Abe bit on her tongue to stop. “I’m sorry, it was probably inappropriate for the grand poohbah...”

  The bed bounced as Jericho landed in the middle, reaching out one massive arm to link his fingers securely around her wrist. “Abe, leave my clothes alone from now on. Don’t go fuckin’ mix it up.”

  In all innocence, she smiled agreeably. After all, the dirty deeds were already done and in place and also dirt cheap too at only twenty bucks a pop. Abe ordered a dozen and Matty had too. That meant two dozen shit ass t-shirts floating around. No giggle escaped nor even a smirk.

  Pulling her into his arms, he let them fall sideways into the pillows. Even before she knew it, her t-shirt was gone, breasts perking up, free to bounce about and joust with his chest.

  He loved the feel of her creamy skin against his rough hands.

  “Jericho, I’m not taking my pants off. I haven’t changed my mind about mating you.”

  Deliberately, he unbuttoned the top button of her jeans, flicking it open with his thumb and forefinger. Brushing her skin, he ran his thumb over her soft belly and with the other grazed her nipples. He wanted to nibble on them with his teeth and then gently draw them into his mouth. A soft moan escaped her

  “You started this, Abe, jumping in and taking over. My plan was to go slow and let you have a few real nice orgasms.” One long index finger drifted into her jeans glancing across the top of her hairline, avoiding her clit, then dipping down – panties damp his cock shifted into overdrive – he stroked her hot sweetness once. Her body reacted immediately, wet juices saturating her panties.

  Mouth suckling one breast, he nipped gently, laving her nipple, tongue swirling back and forth as he cupped her right hip in one strong hand to pull her in close.

  With a flick of his finger, her zipper slid further down. Technically, for now, he wouldn’t take her pants off – even if they did find their way down around her ankles – she still had them on. He wanted to taste her wet heat, imprint her spice on his soul for all time. Abe was his and nothin’ but.

  To be honest, he admitted to himself that he meant to have her here and now. With that thought, he tore her lacy pink panties at her left hip, letting the torn edge drape across her crease as his finger drifted between her sweet lips, then lightly brushed the hard nub of her swollen clit.

  Abe moaned with pure pleasure, spreading her legs slightly as he took the opportunity to shimmy her jeans down a little more so he could at least see her.

  He tore her panties at her right hip and pulled them away. Again, he slipped his finger over her clit pressing as hot juices flowed, her thighs glossy, telling how ready she was. Her musky scent drove him mad. Still, he needed to hold back, draw it out, extend her first pleasure. He tweaked one nipple between thumb and forefinger, rolling it back and forth to gently ease the small sting.

  Abe pushed her mound against his hand and writhed on the bed.

  He cupped her ass and breathed deep. This was gonna be tough. She was all fucking female, soft, wet and ready for him. He controlled himself with a couple of deep breaths and then lifted his head to kiss her swollen lips.

  She moaned deep in her throat as his hand drifted down, spreading her legs wider to slick two fingers along her wetness before pinching her clit and then swirling them over and around it. A long low groan erupted, telling how much Abe was enjoying his touch. “You like that? Hmmm?”

  “Feels fantastic. On the edge of…” Eyes closed, Abe ground out a low groan and opened her legs wider. It made him rock hard. As his fingers coaxed more from Abe, her sweet opening weeping hot juices that ran over his hand drove him to distraction. When his thumb brushed her clit, she rose off the bed every time.

  He leaned in to lave her breast, reveling in the feel of it filling his mouth. His teeth needled her tender nipple and he slid the tip of his finger inside her. She stilled, groaned with pleasure and pushed so his finger slid in a little deeper. He smiled. Abe wasn't timid when something felt good.

  He pulled his finger out to circle her hot opening, then back in, muscles clamping as his cock bobbed with eagerness. She was so ready, swaying and pushing against his strokes. As he switched breasts, he looked up, seeing it in her hooded emerald eyes that always captured him. Her nipple popped out of his mouth as she arced upwards. “Abe? How you feeling?”

  She only groaned and pressed hard against his hand, nipples brushing his chest, her lips swollen from kissing. She was right on the edge, but he wanted to take her a bit further. His hand soaked with her juices, he lifted two fingers to his mouth and licked them. Abe gasped and then squirmed, her body telling him not to stop. One last lick and he dropped his hand back to her waist and pulled her jeans down to her ankles.

  Hands sliding up the outside of her legs, he cupped the inside of her thighs and spread them wide to run his fingers up and down her hot inviting slit, pressing down as he passed her clit. Slower on the next pass, he just brushed it ever so briefly and Abe came up off the bed, seeking his hand.

  It pumped him that she was enjoying this so much.

  “So eager, myn lykyng. I like the way you respond to my touch, Abe. Let me pleasure you.” He stroked long fingers up and down, her juices acting as lubricant as he eased a finger into her tight channel again. Firmly, the pad of his thumb stroked over her clit and Abe moaned long and low, her body tensing, emerald eyes wild with need. His finger slid further into her tight heat, he wanted to feel her first orgasm.

  Gently, stroking in and out, the pad of his thumb feathered over her clit. Feverishly, her hips thrust upwards as he continued stroking her hard nub when her first orgasm hit with powerful force and she came in his hand. A shout of sheer pleasure as she rocked her hips, driving against his hand, his finger penetrating deeper – but not enough to break the barrier.

  That was next.

  He continued to lightly play with her clit while his finger glided in and out of her wet heat. “Stay with me, myn lykyng, there’s more.”

  Abe’s eyes flew open. “Yes?”

  Jericho chuckled. “We’ve only just begun.” The way her body responded as he continued stroking her gently was amazing. The sweet scent of her pleasure filled him as he watched her eyes, seeing them grow wide as de
sire once again took over.

  He kept his mouth on one breast and then the other, tweaking and pinching her nipples. Jericho dropped his head to her belly, his lips working downwards, kissing and licking the edge of her blonde hairline before darting the tip of his tongue over her swollen clit and along her sweet slit. On the way back up, he took her throbbing clit into his mouth, but released it instantly.

  He kissed and licked her thighs, only once stroking her wet slit, ignoring her swollen rosebud, making Abe groan with pleasure and frustration.

  "Myn lykyng, I want your next orgasm on my tongue."

  Startled, Abe peered at him. "Huh? Yes!"

  He lapped at her, the broad side of his tongue playing and one hand pressing her mons hard to keep her still. He ran his tongue around her clit, laving and teasing as his finger slid into her sweet channel, gliding in and out as he took the swollen beauty into his mouth, sucking and swirling his tongue across her engorged nub.

  Abe exploded in his mouth, her thighs clamping around him, her body rocking and twisting as she mewled with pleasure. His cock – caged in his low riders – wept with eagerness, pleasure driving him to the edge that she enjoyed the oral part of making love so much. With her, it was gonna be a favorite pass time of his.

  Gently, he lapped up every drop as pleasure made Abe tremble after each stroke before he moved to take her in his arms. “You okay?”

  “Mmhmm. Really okay. Now I know why its sweaty and hot.” She nuzzled into his chest, letting out a long sigh.

  Was that regret he heard? Was she gonna stop now? Jericho couldn’t let that happen. “What? Abe, tell me.”

  She hesitated, knowing this wasn’t really the best timing – that she should have spoken to him about this way before now. “If we mated I’d want more from you than sex. Sometimes you’re so distant and cold it scares me.”

  Jericho said nothing while keeping his big body from tensing up, giving away the subject made him real fucking uneasy – as a male he automatically avoided deeper emotional issues. For him it was pretty straight forward – they would mate and once done it couldn’t be undone. It was that simple.