by Aliyah Burke
Don’t forget panty-wetting.
He stood in her bedroom doorway, a white shirt hanging from his fist. His eyes held her prisoner—that intense blue pinned her to the spot, it was as if she’d grown roots.
Hunger. That was the only word she could think of to explain what she saw in his face. Raw, animalistic hunger.
Then he moved. Flowed towards her with intent and single-minded purpose. He tossed his shirt to the side with a flick of his wrist and never slowed as he bore down on her. He grabbed her upper arms and jerked her so her breasts brushed his naked torso. She felt no fear, only arousal.
“One chance to say no,” he rumbled.
That was the furthest word from her mind. Hell yes, now, and take me were much closer to slipping free.
She had wanted him since she’d first seen him at Laila’s house. And, true, it wasn’t that far back, but she knew sometimes a person just had to follow their gut.
For an answer, she pulled free from his hands, reached up and wound her arms around his neck. “Yes,” she whispered.
He cupped her face then kissed her. Man, did he kiss her. His lips covered hers and his tongue delved into her mouth. She moaned at the invasion, arching closer. He stroked her tongue, coaxing it to tangle with his. He tasted like man, she didn’t know to put it any other way.
He took control of the kiss and increased its intensity. Her legs shook and she dug her fingers into the back of his head and one shoulder. Sam broke the kiss and reached for the hem of her shirt. She stood still as he pulled it off. Her skin felt on fire from the heated way he stared at her. Clad in her black bra and the jeans she’d worn in the afternoon—and a pair of socks—she still felt naked.
“Beautiful,” he said, reaching out to trail his index finger over the exposed swells of her breasts.
He traced both of his hands down her sides, the tuck of her waist and joined them at the button of her jeans. She wanted to rush him, but she held still and tried to wait. He pulled her jeans down her legs and she lifted each foot when he tapped the ankles. His warm breath fanned her belly button and lower. Her stomach clenched with her anticipation.
“So beautiful.”
He trailed his hands up her legs until he regained his feet and held her hips. Sam watched her from behind hooded eyes. He freed her breasts and swiped his thumbs over her taut tips.
“Ohh,” she said with a shudder.
Those damn eyes flashed from her breasts up to her face. And he did it again. And again. Wetness soaked her panties as he continued to knead her breasts.
When he lowered his head and drew a nipple into his mouth, she arched her back, crying his name. He suckled hard and she pressed his head closer as with each lave of his tongue or nip of teeth, she felt a corresponding tug on her clit. She didn’t know how much more she could take. And they both still had clothes on. Not many, but some.
“Sam,” she gasped, rocking against him, needing something else.
He stood up and raked his burning gaze over her again. A bit light-headed, she licked her lips and reached for his waistband. She captured her lower lip in her teeth while she slid his pants down and he stepped free of them, leaving him exposed in his navy blue boxers. They couldn’t hide his erection.
Her pussy contracted. She anticipated having him deep inside her. She reached out and cupped him—his hips bucked, pushing more of his length into her palm.
Shit. He is large. Not to mention thick. She nearly had her tongue hanging out of her mouth as she panted. Going slow was no longer an option for her.
“Strip, Marine.”
He wasted no time and removed his boxers. She was transfixed on his cock rising from a thatch of black hair. Her eyes fluttered with her increased heartbeat. He gripped himself and slowly stroked his shaft during the time he stared at her.
“Lose them.”
His voice was gravelly and trailed along her skin like warmed crushed velvets and silk. Goose bumps popped as she hooked her thumbs in the band of her panties and shimmied free.
Approval and increased hunger spread across his face. She blinked and he was there. Holding her. Kissing her. Laying her back upon the bed.
His hard, muscled body covered hers, the mattress cushioning them. She widened her legs, allowing him to settle more firmly between her thighs. Good Lord, he felt perfect there.
In and out his tongue moved as he positioned the head of his cock at her entrance. She whimpered and wriggled beneath him, desperate for him to be in her.
Finally. He slowly filled her. Electricity spiked throughout her and she gasped. It had been so long and he felt so damn good.
He drew back and stared down at her, holding still. She knew he wanted to make sure she was okay, the question in his eyes in place of words on his lips. She slid her arms up under his and gripped his shoulders.
“Move, Sam.”
A low rumble left him as he began to thrust. She undulated with him, legs aiding in her motions. Back and forth. In and out. Faster and faster he powered, only to slow—pulling her back from the cusp only to begin all over again. He never spoke and she didn’t mind.
Her mewls and groans danced around them along with the sounds of their bodies coming together in the age-old dance. He nibbled her collarbone and stimulated her tight nipples. Flames burst throughout her.
“Oh…Sam…I…so…” She tossed her head on the sheet, back arching to take him deeper.
He shifted an arm under her left leg, hitching it higher. The added angle allowed him even more penetration. His face was set in a mask, jaw clenched and sweat upon his brow.
Thrust after thrust sent her catapulting towards the cliff. Closer and closer it raced. Bearing down on her. She tightened her internal muscles and watched pleasure ripple across his features.
She closed her eyes and embraced the rush. Jumped headlong into the euphoria awaiting her. He powered into her three more times before his low roar filled the air. His seed erupted from his cock, bathing her pussy. His release triggered another of her own and she came again, milking his cock and screaming his name as he continued to piston his hips.
Sam slowed and pressed a kiss to her temple. If she had the energy, she would have stretched and purred like a cat. She didn’t. Their slick bodies lay intertwined. She closed her eyes while he rose up from her and withdrew from her heat. Instantly cooler, Roxi refrained from reaching for him.
He got up and she bit back any words and her hurt of his leaving. There had been no promises. No words of love. Hell, there’d been barely any words at all.
Grow up, Roxi. With slitted eyes, she watched Sam draw on his boxers and walk from the room. She didn’t know how to explain the emotions racing through her. Her tongue sneaked out and licked her lips as she fought back her shock at the realisation they’d not used a condom. Shit. What the hell do I do or say now? She wasn’t ready to think about carrying a child.
The hall light went dark and she released a sigh. Tomorrow was time enough to deal with the possibility of being pregnant. She wriggled her way under the covers, feeling chilled without Sam’s added body heat and the lingering sweat on his body pressed to hers. The click of her bedroom door had her lowering lids snapping open—she’d thought he’d left her for the night. No sound and yet she knew he was there. Sure enough, a bit later the bed dipped beneath his weight and he joined her below the blankets.
He trailed one hand up her arm and over her lips. Her body prepared for more.
“Where’d you go?” she asked, reaching for him, thrilled to find him hard and naked in her bed once again. “I thought you were leaving.”
His lips found hers and he kissed her as he slipped one hand between her thighs and teased her clit. She widened her legs, inviting more. Craving more.
Moments later the broad head of his sheathed cock filled her and she moaned in pure bliss. Once he sat fully embedded in her, he nuzzled her ear.
“Locked up. I’m not finished with you yet, not even close. I also grabbed some condoms. I shoul
d have had one last time, I’m sorry.”
Damned if it wasn’t the longest sentence she’d ever got from him. Her reply turned into a groan once he began to move. It didn’t matter. All that did was he was here with her. Condom, no condom, she didn’t give a damn right about now. He flexed his hips again and she gave herself over to all that he could give her.
* * * *
Roxi stirred slightly, her internal clock going off. In seconds she realised a few things. Sam was still in her bed with her, he was asleep, and she was sore. In a very good way.
Sam lay pressed against her, his face in the crook of her neck and one arm draped across her midsection. Opening her eyes, she listened to his deep, even breathing during the time she adjusted to the dark. Content, she had to remind herself a few times to move.
She extracted herself slowly and carefully, not wanting to wake him. He didn’t strike her as a man who got a lot of sleep. Swiping the clothing she’d set out last night to wear, she slipped from the room and shut the door behind her.
After a quick shower in the other bathroom, she was dressed and in the kitchen by the time Laila walked over to join her for their morning walk.
Chapter Four
Sam went from dead to the world to wide awake in the space of a single heartbeat. His heart pounded and he struggled not to panic. It had been so long since he’d slept so deeply. He calmed as it came to him.
Roxi’s house. But more than that, better. Roxi’s bed. Where he’d spent the night. Blissfully.
He reached for her, only came up empty. Sitting in bed, he glanced around for her. She wasn’t even in the room, not just not in bed. Late autumn morning sun streamed in, lighting the area. Resting back against the wall at the head of her bed, he took in her personal space. Honestly, he’d not thought about looking around when he‘d entered last night.
Her walls were done in a mint green with chocolate trim. The colour scheme matched the furniture and bedding. Not a lot of clutter. He smiled as another memory of last night and early this morning travelled through his mind.
His cock tented the sheet and, groaning, he reached down, wrapping his fingers around it. She’d been so wet and so damn tight, he’d barely managed to withhold from erupting the very instant he’d pushed into her. He moved his hand up and down as he closed his eyes and relived the ecstasy of being deep in her.
Roxi had taken what he’d given and had asked for more. There had been no hesitation on her part—she’d not been shy about telling him what she liked or wanted.
He stroked his hand faster, tightening his grip until he came with a low grunt. He didn’t move until he’d finished, then he padded to her bathroom and cleaned up. For a brief moment, he dwelled on the thought he’d not used a condom that first time. Then he shoved it aside—it had happened, couldn’t change it now. It had been a mistake and not one he’d be making again. The lack of a condom, not the sleeping with Roxi. That he definitely planned on doing again.
Finished dressing, he opened her door only to freeze as he heard Laila’s voice.
“Where’s Sam, Roxi?”
He closed the door almost completely, not sure Roxi would want Laila to know he’d been in her room with her all night.
“In bed? I don’t know, Laila, I was walking with you, remember?”
Swivelling, he repositioned himself to see up the hallway. Roxi stood at the end, leaning there. He felt himself stir and took his time digesting what she wore. Low-riding grey sweats and a white shirt.
“He doesn’t sleep much and is usually up by now.”
Laila was right. He could see her now, by Roxi. There was no way he’d make it to his room without being spied. Not with where Laila stood.
“So perhaps he’s allowing himself to sleep in.”
Laila scowled and crossed her arms. Roxi huffed and shrugged.
“You got me, Laila,” she said in a dry tone. “Sam spent the night with me, in my bed. We fucked like bunnies all night long. I wore him out and left him sleeping in my bed.”
Roxi told her? Sam wasn’t sure he believed it. Laughter made him realise Laila didn’t believe it either.
“You and Sam? Oh, Roxi, that’s a good one. Why didn’t you just say you hadn’t any clue?”
Sam caught the slight tensing of Roxi’s body, even from this distance. Apparently Laila didn’t. Her laughter bothered Roxi. Why?
“I did tell you, Laila.”
Laila’s smile grew. “So you did. I just…” More laughter. “… Oh, God, you and Sam?”
“This is funny to you?”
Laila sobered. “That’s a good one. I don’t mean to laugh, Roxi, but…”
“But you are. I get it, Laila. I get it.” Roxi walked towards the kitchen, each step breaking his heart a little more.
He’d never seen Laila so callous before.
Laila peered down the hall again as if unsure, then she headed in the direction Roxi had gone. He sneaked to his room and grabbed his shoes, only to creep out and do a short jog. The house was quiet when he got back. He paused in the entryway and listened for any voices. Nothing. Alert, he cautiously made his way in. Peering in the kitchen, he noticed a figure at the table.
He had to be honest. Seeing Laila wasn’t what he’d expected. She sat there, leafing through a magazine as she drank coffee—judging by the smell.
“Laila?”
Her head snapped up and a grin crossed her pretty face. “Hey. Where have you been?”
“Running.” He lowered his head and looked over his sweaty body.
Her fingers flexed around the mug as if she waited for him to say more. Or had the wish to say something herself. When she didn’t speak, he turned and headed to his room. He was aware she followed him but didn’t stop until she touched him. The feel of her fingers upon him did nothing sexually for him, however he did halt. Silent, he rotated to see her with worry in her expression.
“Everything okay, Sam?”
He’d detected honest concern in her tone. “Yes.”
“I know this hospitalisation isn’t easy on you.”
“Not easy on anyone.”
“I know that, but it’s harder on us than many.” She squeezed his arm then released him. “I’m sorry I didn’t stand up to Dean and the others for you to stay with me.”
“It’s fine.”
She wrung her hands and when her lower lip trembled, he knew he was screwed. He’d always hated seeing her cry. He drew her close and hugged her. She easily returned the hug, despite him being sweaty from his run.
“You’re coming for Thanksgiving dinner.”
“Of course.”
“I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have you to fall back on, Sam.”
He brushed his lips along her forehead. “You’ll never have to worry about that, Laila, we’re family.”
She nodded against his chest and held him tighter.
To his right, movement caught his eye and he saw Roxi step from her room, her hair drawn back and loosely captured at the base of her neck. She’d dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved Seattle Sounders shirt. The smile she gave him almost had him stepping from Laila’s embrace to her own. As she walked by and up the hall, he was mesmerised by the sway of her ass and the booted heels she wore.
“Roxi?” Laila said from his embrace.
“Yeah?” She peered back.
“Want to do dinner tonight? For all?”
Sam caught the tensing of Roxi’s jaw. “Sure, we can do it. Your house, just let me know what time. Preferably by lunch, so I have time to make something.”
“Great.” She stepped away from Sam and reached up on tiptoes to give him a quick kiss. Nothing new for Laila to do, yet this time he never took his gaze off Roxi. “I’ll see you later, then. Both of you.”
When Laila captured his face in her hands, he glanced at her.
“Have a good day, Sam.”
Then she was gone. He took a quick shower and came out to find Roxi measuring the doorway to her laundry area. He watc
hed her in silence, waiting for her to notice him. She stared at him before shrugging.
“Measuring. I have to run to the building supply store anyway and figured I may as well get a door while I’m there.” She answered his non-verbalised question.
“Door won’t fit in your Tribeca.”
“I know. I’ll have it delivered.” She wrote the measurements down on paper then shoved it in her pocket.
“I’ll do it.”
She blinked and shook her head in confusion. “Do what?”
“Bring it for you. I have a truck.”
“No, I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You’re not. I have to finish up at Second Chances then I can go.”
Roxi looked at him a short time before she walked to him. She slid her hands up his arms. Their gazes locked. “Okay, you want to help me. I’ll help you. Let’s go to Second Chances and we’ll stop at the store on the way home.”
Home.
There was that word again. He swallowed, unused to the emotions bombarding him.
Her fingers danced along the back of his neck. “Unless you don’t want me in your truck.”
Lust hit him. “I want you.” The words were deep and raspy. Didn’t make them any less true.
Her eyes heated with passion. “Good.” She stepped back and walked off, crooking her finger at him.
He willingly followed.
* * * *
Three hours later, he was under one of the sinks at Second Chances. Roxi was busy finishing up the painting. She’d been all smiles when the children arrived. The staff had got some as well. While Roxi never forced him into any conversation, she always made him feel included.
“How’s it going?”
His entire body stiffened at the sound of her voice. Willing his hard cock to give him a break, he replied, “Okay.”
“Wonderful. I’m going to get the paint cleaned up and I’ll be back to help you.”
