by Lise Fuller
He pulled his torso away from her. “We have longer than that if you let it,” he croaked.
She bit her lip to keep the tears at bay. “Take me, Jake. However you want. I want to always remember this about you.”
His gaze penetrated her deepest desires. His lips consumed hers as he encircled his arms around her and held her tight. He slipped inside her pussy. His cock filled her void, rocked her in more ways than one. With each thrust of his powerful hips, she soared higher. Her eyes closed. She wrapped her legs around his ass and pressed her hips against his crotch. He exhaled harder. She relished the sound. His thrusts rotated against her sex. “Oh God…” Beads of perspiration formed between their flesh. Their slicked bodies eased the friction but intensified the erotic tension.
“I love you, Marie.” His husky voice skimmed her ear as he laved the lobe.
Jake did things to her, things no other had ever done. He pushed open her deepest desire, delved into her personal secrets. The thought of that made her wanton, needy for him. He plunged hard into her again. She caught her breath as his final penetration put her over the top then she cried aloud as she heard him groan, knowing he’d climaxed within her.
She’d never felt this satisfied. Marie latched onto him, held him tight, knew at some point she would have to let him go.
Jake lifted his head and gazed at her. The blues in his eyes swirled with emotion. “I want you always, Marie.” His fingers threaded through her hair.
She pressed her lips together. “I know.” She swore she wouldn’t cry. Instead she fingered his rich mouth. “I…”
He brushed his thumb over her lips. “Don’t say it,” he murmured against her skin. “Like you said, tonight’s for us. Let’s worry about everything else tomorrow.”
She nodded and hoped to abate the moisture that rimmed her lashes. Wrapping her hands around his neck, she pulled him to her and brushed her lips over his mouth. “I love you, Jake. I always will.”
His dark gaze probed her. “We’ll work through it, Marie. I swear it.”
She nodded as a wayward drop escaped and ran down her temple.
—
Jake wiped the salty bead from her soft face and watched as she teared once more. She was so vulnerable. He wanted to slay whatever demons haunted her yet there was nothing he could do until he knew more. But he didn’t want to mention that now. He’d pushed her enough for one night. He didn’t want to break the spell of the moment.
Instead he kissed her again and savored the tender heat of her lips, the ardent entwining of their tongues, the sheer taste of her, how her warm, supple body molded against his, how her skin grew hot yet felt like velvet. How her breaths quickened as he stroked his fingers against the tender inside of her thighs.
His erection had gotten rock-hard again from watching her. She was so damn beautiful when she writhed in ecstasy. It took all the patience he’d learned through the years to hold back. Yeah, he had wanted one night, too, he thought. The night he’d fantasized about before he’d put a face, a name, to the woman of his dreams, and if anyone would’ve asked, fact was, he wanted more than one. Contrary to what she might think, now that he found her, he wouldn’t let her go. He swore a silent promise to himself and to her. He would find whatever was wrong and fix it.
He pressed his lips together to seal the thought then kissed her sweet lips and indulged in his most ardent fantasy.
The one that said Marie was his.
She shivered. He held her close. “You cold?”
Marie nodded. He straightened and tugged down the blankets of the bed then lifted her and set her on the sheets and covered her back up. “By the way, I can do the traditional missionary, too—us in the bed with me on top, if that’s what you want. I promise.”
She giggled in her hand. Her happiness warmed the cold part of his heart.
He went to the hearth and opened the flue then broke some small pieces of wood and put them on the grate. In a few minutes, he had the fire roaring.
Jake glanced at Marie. She had the covers pulled over her. Strands of her long hair hung over her shoulders and across the quilt. She sat in the bed and watched him, his movements, as if she memorized every detail. Fear gripped him. There was only one reason why Marie would do that. Would she have left tonight?
Probably. Jake had thought to give her some space when she moved her stuff to Katie’s. He thought she needed it. Now a large part of him was relieved that the incident tonight happened. The fight had stopped her from leaving him entirely and allowed him to get to her before she took off for good.
Jake couldn’t let her flee. It would kill him and just hurt her more.
He came to her. Crawled under the covers with her. “Warmer?”
She nodded. Her eyes were still shinier than they should be. The quilt slipped below her breasts. Tresses of her hair fell against her white skin. Her rosy nipples peeked out between them, as if asking to be kissed. He bent to one of them. Pressed his lips against the tender nub. An exhale eased from her mouth, a sensual hiss that pleased him. She arched her back to greet his touch.
“Oh Jake.” There was desperation in the sound.
No, his mind screamed. He wouldn’t let her go. Somehow he had to keep her here. But he was running out of time. “Marie, promise me something.”
“What?” She brushed her fingers over the side of his face.
Jake wanted to tell her to let him prove himself but he knew she still didn’t trust him enough. “Maybe I should say instead that I believe in you. Please believe in me too. Not just that I love you, but that I’ll protect you—from whatever it is.”
The corners of her mouth quivered. “I know you would.”
Jake pressed his lips together, grim. He would get to the root of this whether she liked it or not. “Good.” He laid the plan in his head. He knew what needed to be done. But for tonight he had her, and he would take as much of her as she was willing to give.
He kissed her, took her lips with his and tasted her once more. “I’ll fix it, Marie, whatever it is,” he said with more conviction. She wouldn’t like what he’d decided to do but he assured himself that he would be doing the best thing for both of them.
“I know you’d try.” Her fingers caressed his face.
Jake took her in his arms. Held her. Kissed her neck and pressed small, slow pecks along her jaw to the crook of her neck. Her vein pulsed under his mouth. She stirred him, was an integral part of him. Even with his first wife, he’d never felt a connection like this. For once, he finally understood what Gramps had had with his great-great grandmother. They were one, Marie and him. And the more they made love, the more a part of him she became. She just didn’t realize it yet.
He let his fingers drift over her soft skin, across her breasts to her waist. He kissed the other side of her neck, nibbled on her earlobe. Her chest heaved with her breaths. This time her exhalations not only aroused his flesh but strengthened the ties inside that bound him to her.
Her tender hands caressed his chest and played with his nipples. Her fingers tantalized his skin, slipped below his waist to his cock and fingered him.
“You know, woman, you’re going to be the death of me.”
“Pffff.” She giggled again. “All I know is you’re getting harder. You are a randy man, Sheriff Colder.”
Damned if he wasn’t. Jake smirked. “Must be the woman in my arms.” He kissed along her jaw to her lips again. “Because I don’t think anyone else could have this effect on me.”
Her lips curved upward.
“Does that please you, Marie?” He touched the tip of his nose to hers.
“Very much,” she murmured in that sultry way of hers.
“Good.” He took her lips with his. “Because you’re the only woman I want in my life and in my bed.”
He liked the way her smile broadened. His dick stiffened more. He wanted her.
She stroked him again, used her thumb to caress the head of his cock. He closed his eyes and groaned. “God, w
oman.” Jake kissed her again. “I want to make slow love to you.”
Marie giggled. “Missionary style?”
He knew a gleam of lust probably shone in his face. “If you want. I told you I’d do whatever it took to keep you with me, although I have this feeling you like being on top.”
She sputtered. “How would you know?”
Jake shot her a sly grin of his own. “You’re my woman. I can tell.”
Marie bit off a laugh. “Is that a bit of investigative procedure or is it learned from your vast experience with other women?”
He pretended to wince. “Maybe both.”
“Hmm, as I thought.” Her gaze softened. “You’ve been with a lot of women.”
Jake frowned, not liking the gist of this conversation. “I’ve been single a while. A lot? I guess that’s a matter of opinion. Yeah, maybe. Not as much as some.” He threaded a hand through her hair. “Now that I’ve found you, I don’t want anyone else.” He stared long and hard in her eyes. “I can promise you that.”
She nodded. Her eyes became glassy. “I believe you,” Marie whispered in that sex-ridden voice of hers.
Jake kissed her. He wanted her. There were no words to describe how he felt. Instead, he took her hand away from his cock and slowly pressed his tip to her wet center. “We’re one now, Marie,” he murmured against her lips as he eased inside her. “You’re mine now. And I’m yours.”
Her lashes flickered closed. He rolled her on her back and covered her with his body. Her soft exhalation brushed his mouth. Jake closed his eyes and kissed her, rocked her with his rhythm. She bent her knees to open her hips and took him inside her, took all of him. He thrust into her. Slow. Until the waves of passion increased in them again.
“Jake…” Need resounded in her voice. She exposed her neck to him and raked her nails down his back.
God, how he wanted her. He nipped the tender skin she offered. His tempo increased. He ground into her. The huskiness of her sighs grew heavier. The pulse in her neck beat faster. He could feel the thrum as he tasted her with his tongue.
She whimpered again. He savored the sound as he beat harder into her. Their sweat-slicked bodies ground together. The pitch of her voice rose.
She screamed as she came. The small muscles in her vagina clenched him, grabbed and wouldn’t let up.
He groaned. Heard his own voice in his ears. She’s mine, dammit.
And he wouldn’t let anyone take her away.
—
Marie gazed at the fire Jake had built in the bedroom hearth. The logs spit softly, the wooden embers glowed red from the low burning flames. Jake slept next to her. She smiled at his handsome, serene face. She had never felt like this, warm, safe.
Loved. She’d belong here if not for her troubles.
Gently, she fingered his cheek, knowing this was how wedded bliss would be with him.
He stirred. “Woman, you’re supposed to be asleep.” The deep timbre in his voice soothed and stirred her at the same time.
“I know.” She snuggled next to him. “I couldn’t help myself.”
“Couldn’t help yourself?” A wicked glint shone in his eye.
“No.” She brushed her lips over his. “Jake?”
“Hmm…” He cradled her to him and closed his eyes.
“I love you.”
He opened a lid. The lines around his eyes wrinkled. “I love you too, Marie.” He sat up on an elbow and caressed her cheek. “But you’ve about wore me out.” He held her chin and peered into her face. “I meant what I said. I want you to be with me always. I want you to marry me.”
She bit her lip.
A corner of his mouth turned downward. “Just tell me you will if we can get you out of whatever you’re in.”
She held his fingers and kissed them with the desperation she felt. “Yes, Jake. I’ll marry you, if you still want me when this is over.”
His frown deepened. “You need to tell me, Marie, so I can help you.”
She pressed her lips together, unwilling to reveal more. How would he feel if she told him he had to take her in?
A smirk twitched his lips. He lay back on the pillow. “All right. Have it your way.” He ran pulled her to him then ran a hand through her hair. “I won’t ruin tonight by asking more.” He lifted her chin. His look bore into her. “But I want an explanation in the morning. We can’t go on like this. Even if you go to prison, I’ll be there for you.”
A pang of anxiety hit her. Did he know? Then she schooled herself. He couldn’t, otherwise she wouldn’t be in his bed at this moment.
She reminded herself to enjoy every minute. And not just the sex. It was the way he held her, the way he cherished her. He loved her. And that emotion she wouldn’t get again, may not ever have from him if he found out what happened. A pain flickered in her. She could tell him something, hope that when he found out more that he would believe she didn’t have anything to do with the scam to her clients and the Back to America Movement. “Jake, I didn’t do anything wrong but it might seem to other people that I did.”
His eyes narrowed. His lips mocked a smile. He nodded at her. “Glad to hear it. Then the chances are good we can start spending our lives together a lot sooner.” He covered her lips with his. “I don’t want to have to wait too long for you. I will. But I don’t want to. I want to start our lives now.”
“Yes, Jake.” She brushed his cheek and kissed it lightly then cuddled next to him.
“In the morning then.” He turned her face to him. His look brooked no argument.
“Yes, Jake.” She bit her lip, knowing she needed to be gone in the morning. Sadness arose in her and would have swamped her good feelings but she submerged them as fast as they came. Tonight, she would pretend she was Jake’s, and he was hers.
He held her to him. Marie watched as he fell back to sleep.
It seemed like hours had passed before Marie closed her eyes. She brushed her lips over his then rested in his arms. She absorbed every bit of him, committed to memory the look of his face, the warm feel of his embrace, the musky scent of their lovemaking.
Tomorrow she’d tell him a partial truth, just enough to satisfy him, then she would leave for good. After tonight, she had to.
Biting back her tears, Marie fell asleep, haunted by what the daylight would bring.
—
Bill Martin stood at the window of his cheap motel room. Being stuck in Cheyenne didn’t get the job done. He was still too many hours away.
Wind and snow blistered outside as he turned and paced the tattered carpet. Fuck, he hated delays. His “nonstop” flight ended in Denver due to the gale-force blizzard, miles short of his intended destination. He’d rented a white 4X4 in the nick of time and made it to Cheyenne before the state troopers turned him back and closed the Interstate. Now everything west of there was socked in, shut down by the raging snowstorm.
The only lodging left had been this dinky motel room. The desk clerk had insisted he’d gotten lucky.
“Damn it.” He stomped to the small picture window and pounded his fist on the frigid metal ledge. The stupid clerk told him this was the worst storm Wyoming had seen this early in sixteen years. He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. He couldn’t sleep. Not when he was this close.
He rubbed his head and looked through the glass pane. The wind howled again and beat the blinding snow against the window. “To hell with you,” he yelled at the wintry fury and glared at the ice that formed outside. “Fuck this storm.”
Growling, he marched to the bed and lay down then turned on the dilapidated television set to a late-night action flick. He pulled his mock picture of Marie from the bag he’d sat on the edge of the mattress and fingered the image with reverence. His internet search for her had taken him to the Wyoming server but the call from a cowhand named Slim led him directly to his woman. “Nice picture,” the man had commented. Bill studied it a little longer and nodded his head. It was nice. Very nice.
He was supposed to meet th
e man at Fort Bridger tomorrow, an old Texas cowboy who looked for a few extra pesos. Bill scoffed. He’d give the man the money—and more.
Bill put the picture away. He’d finally hit pay dirt. Breathing a little easier, he relaxed and leaned against the thin, scratchy pillow.
Another day or so was all, mere moments until he reaped his reward.
Chapter Eleven
The ringing resounded in the near empty house. Jake heard the echo down the hall and bolted upright. He ran a hand through his hair and glanced at the clock—5:26. Who the hell would be calling him at this hour? Marie stirred against him. He didn’t want to get up. But this early? The caller could be only one “who”—the department.
He gazed at Marie. Her hair fanned over the embroidered pillowcase. Her moans of ecstasy came back to him. He loved the taste of her, the smell of her arousal. He didn’t think he’d ever pleased a woman more.
He bent to kiss her then the phone rang again. Jake grumbled as he rose and stumbled across the hall to his room. He yanked up the phone. “It’d better be good.” His voice sounded rough.
“Jake, where’ve you been?” The voice of his youngest deputy, Kyle Thornsen, registered in his brain. “We’ve been trying to get ahold of you for over two hours.”
Jake flinched. “I’ve been otherwise occupied. What do you want?”
Kyle cleared his throat. “I won’t ask. You look outside yet?”
Jake gazed out the window. The thickly clouded sky looked ominous and at least two feet of snow covered the ground. The drifts were even higher. “Oh hell.”
“Yep,” the deputy agreed. “John’s got all the four-wheelers out looking for the dumb and stranded. You want me to send a truck for you?”
Jake sighed. “Yeah. Tell ’em to make it quick but careful. We don’t need any more accidents. How many do we have so far?”
“Fifteen. Most of ’em on the Interstate. Ten valley folks still missing. Not sure how many are stuck on the byways.”
Jake cursed under his breath. “Why can’t the damn folks stay home when the weather gets bad?”
“Don’t know, boss.”
