She blew out a frustrated breath. Caleb meant to get the story, even at the expense of a good hard-on. Oh well. She had complete confidence that he’d not disappoint. “Yes. And there isn’t much more to tell. A colleague of mine helped with the divorce papers, but only as a distraction. It bought me the time I needed to secure a new identity for her.”
“You didn’t do that alone.”
“No.” She couldn’t outright lie to him. “But, I’ve learned a few things from Alec over the years. And before you ask, no. He didn’t help me.” Still not lying. “I was careful. Carlotta’s life depended on it.”
“This new identity, where’d you get it?” His brow furrowed, as if he was drawing his own conclusions.
Damn it.
She debated how much she could say without incriminating Amanda. Unfortunately, not a lot. “From a trustworthy source,” she hedged.
Hoping to move him away from the subject, she hurried along. “It was the chance she needed to start over. New name, new town. I set her up bank accounts with enough cash to last her at least a year—if she lived modestly, of course.”
“You gave her your own money?”
She’d dipped into her trust fund, which had been set up by her grandfather. The same trust fund her father had tried so hard to steal from her. Using the money to help Carlotta had been Samantha’s own personal fuck you to the man who sired her and then tried to destroy her.
“I’ve got everything I need. She didn’t have anything. Not much of a decision, really.”
“Where’d you send her?”
“Caleb. I can’t answer that.”
“You mean you won’t.”
“Don’t make this a thing. I gave my word. Don’t ask me to break it.”
The silence that brewed between them wasn’t as amicable as before. As uncomfortable as it was, Samantha wasn’t in any hurry to speak. As far as she was concerned, his next response would set the tone for how they moved forward. She wouldn’t be with a man who bullied her for what he wanted. Even temporarily. Been there, done that. So, she’d give him all the time he needed to think things through.
“There’s something I don’t get. Why you? They don’t even live here. Why not hire some fancy, big city attorney back in New York? And that isn’t a slight against you or your work, so don’t take offense.”
Releasing the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, Samantha relaxed a little. Maybe he wouldn’t press her for more. “Duly noted. And I’m not sure. Vincent has businesses here and, from what I understand, Carlotta traveled with him a great deal. I assume she came to me because they were in Austin when he’d beat the shit out of her. Maybe she’d had enough and didn’t want to wait to get back to New York.”
“Maybe.”
“Your brow crinkles in the most adorable way when you’re working something out. What are you thinking?”
He shook his head and slid down in the bed, wrapping his arms around her and crushing her to his body. He took her mouth in a heated kiss that left them both breathless. “I’m thinkin’ that it’s time to get started on naked Sunday.”
“Is that right?” She licked her lips, anticipation brewing in her sex. She bit back a moan as he cupped her shoulders and pushed her lower.
“You ready for breakfast, sugar?” he teased.
“I’ve been ready, but someone wanted to talk.” Samantha moved between his knees. She bent to place kisses on his stomach, arching her back to keep her ass high in the air.
Tiny hairs tickled her lips as she kissed and nipped his tanned skin. She’d had a quick taste of him the other night and it hadn’t been near enough to satisfy her. She wanted his flavor on her tongue, to have him feed her his pleasure.
His hips arched as she squeezed his erection between her breasts. She ducked her head and licked the moisture that seeped from his tip, the woman in her delighting in his tortured groan.
“You know what I want, Samantha. Put your mouth on me.”
Samantha purred like a cat. She felt every bit the temptress as he watched her beneath hooded lids.
“Keep your eyes on me,” she instructed him. “Don’t look away.”
His tongue darted over his bottom lip. “Not a chance. Go on. Do it.”
He arched his hips and she took his engorged cock into her hand, turning her head to maintain eye contact. She didn’t want to miss this. She wanted to remember how he looked the moment she took him into her mouth.
Placing a wide mouthed kiss to his tip, Samantha savored the taste of him. And she wanted more. She wanted to wring every last drop until he begged her to stop. Opening further, she surrounded his swollen cock head with her lips. Fiery steel heated her mouth as she closed around him and sucked hard.
“Jesus, Samantha.” Caleb grunted as his hands caressed her cheeks. “Keep going, sugar. Take it all.”
His encouragement warmed her. The knowledge that he wanted her, that she could give him even a spark of what he needed, filled her with feminine pride.
She hummed, knowing the vibration would add to his pleasure, before taking him in as far as she could.
Arousal burned in his gaze and he began to move in a slow, steady rocking motion, fucking her mouth in a way that had her juices flowing. Samantha broke eye contact in order to take him deeper. She wrapped a hand around the base of his shaft, worked it in tandem with her mouth. She cradled his balls with the other, gently massaging the sensitive underside until his legs tensed and twitched.
“Unless you want me to fill that tempting mouth of yours, you’d better stop.”
Caleb tried to move, but she held on tight. No way he was taking this from her. She tightened her grip on his sac and tossed him a look that promised retribution if he tried.
She curled her tongue around him, felt his body tense and shake. He cursed, tangling his fingers in her hair as his hips jerked and the first shot of semen hit her tongue. She didn’t let up. She worked her throat, swallowing every drop until his knees went lax around her.
“Damn, Samantha,” he panted. “That was…” He shook his head as if words weren’t enough to explain it. He reached for her. “Come here.”
Climbing over him, Samantha snuggled against his side and placed her hand over his rapidly beating heart. He wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. “I’ll take that as a good sign.”
“That you killed me?”
With his taste still in her mouth, Samantha decided there were worse ways to go. “That you enjoyed it.”
He pressed his lips to her forehead. “Best ever, sugar. Your mouth is pure sin. But, don’t go gettin’ all comfortable. I plan to return the favor, in spades. In fact, as soon as I catch my breath, I’m going to spend the rest of the day showing you what my mouth can do.”
* * *
“Where’s Sam?”
Amanda shoved a bag into his arms and before he could blink, wormed her way past him. Caleb followed her to the kitchen and set the bag on the counter.
“What’s all this?” It looked like she’d brought enough food to feed an army.
She craned her neck, clearly looking for something. “You missed Sunday dinner and I didn’t want you to starve.”
He bit back a smile. She’d have to look a little harder if she was going to find Samantha, who was currently taking a shower in his bathroom. He was sure it was the last place his dear baby sister would imagine her to be.
Amanda slid onto a stool and crossed her arms over her chest. Her long blonde hair, secured in a ponytail, made her look like the little girl he remembered. Her eyes, though—her eyes betrayed that look of innocence. Behind the shimmering emerald burned knowledge of pain and loss. Things he’d wished he could’ve protected her from. Should’ve protected her from.
Hers were the same eyes that stared back at him when he looked into the mirror. Their father had been the one with the blue eyes. Their father, and Alec.
And when Amanda looked at him like that, as if she were trying to figure him out, she looked
so much like their mother it made his gut clench.
“And yet, I’m able to feed myself every other day of the week.” Caleb’s mouth watered at the spread she’d brought. Containers of fried chicken—his favorite—mashed potatoes, and pan gravy made him groan with pleasure. Yes, he could cook. And yes, he fed himself just fine, but there was nothing better than his sister’s home cooking. Something else she’d inherited from their mother.
“Cut the shit, Cay. Where’s Sam? I know how you two get. Is she okay?”
“How we get?”
Her lips pursed as she considered him. His fierce little cherub. “Did you kill her?”
Caleb fought to school his expression and nodded somberly. “I did. Then, I dumped her in the lake. Of course, I had to weigh her feet down with cinder blocks first, her being so light and all. Wouldn’t do to have her floating around for someone to find, right? You want some chicken?” He held the container out to her. “No?” he shrugged. “More for me.”
“Not funny, Cay.”
He laughed. “Well, what did you expect me to say? Of course I didn’t kill her. In fact, I’ve been the perfect gentleman.” Unless, of course, she counted the time he’d pushed Samantha’s head into his lap and buried himself in her mouth. Or the time he’d shoved his fingers into her wet heat and brought her to climax—twice—while he’d feasted on her breasts. Or the time —
“What is that look? What’s going on around here?”
Caleb shoved his libido back into neutral. He was pretty sure Alec knew he’d been sleeping with Samantha, but his sex life wasn’t up for discussion with Amanda.
The last few days had been a revelation. He was relaxed, at ease in his own skin for the first time in a long while. He almost felt … content.
It was Samantha.
Buried deep in the heaven of her body, Caleb could almost see himself through her eyes. And he liked what he saw.
A man worthy of a woman as smart and intelligent as her. A man who could protect and take care of her. And that’s exactly what he would do.
He hadn’t been there when his parents had died. He couldn’t help Amanda with her grief once he’d returned home. He’d lost his men in Columbia, almost lost Amanda last year. He’d failed so many people in his life.
He would not fail Samantha.
Each time he’d gotten up at night, Samantha had been there. No amount of encouraging or browbeating would get her to leave him alone. And lord knew he’d tried. But, instead of letting him work out his frustration on the treadmill, she’d challenge him to a video boxing match and go until he couldn’t hold his arms up, or she’d coax him back to bed, giving her body to him until they fell from exhaustion. Alec had been right about one thing; the woman had more stamina than most of the Marines he’d worked with.
She didn’t pry, didn’t bombard him with a thousand questions, or expect him to talk.
She waved off his gruff moods and refocused his attention.
And he was utterly amazed by her.
He could feel his life changing even as he lived it. All because of one sexy redhead. Samantha was fiercely independent and challenged him at every turn. But, when he got her naked, holy fuck, she’d shown him a side of her he hadn’t known existed. A soft, sensual side that drove him crazy.
She’d given him everything. He knew it. He felt it.
He just didn’t know what to do about it.
He didn’t know if it was about him, or if it was just … her. Samantha wasn’t one to do anything half-assed. Did she treat all her lovers the same?
Christ. Thinking about her with another man made his knuckles itch for a fight.
“Caleb!” Amanda slammed her palms on the counter.
Desperate for something to do with his hands, Caleb stacked the containers with the intention of putting them in the fridge. “Jesus, kitten. Chill out. Samantha’s fine. She’s in the shower.” Washing all traces of him from her delicious body.
Temporarily.
“How are you doing?” She indicated to the discoloration on his arm.
“Nothing to worry about. I’ve had worse.” Much, much worse. “We’re both fine, I give you my word.”
“Thank you, Cay.”
The sincerity in her voice pulled on his heart. “Thank me for what?”
“For looking out for Sam. You set aside your feelings because you know she’s important to me.” She shrugged. “I appreciate it, that’s all.”
His mouth tugged into a frown. Samantha had said the same thing. Regardless of what had happened in the past, his reasons for keeping Samantha safe had nothing to do with Amanda.
“I can take her off your hands now,” Amanda continued. “She can come stay with me and Joe.”
Over his dead body.
“She’s not some dog you have custody of.” His irritation grew. “You make it sound as if her staying with me is the worst possible thing for her. I doubt she’d share your opinion. No. She stays, for now. She’s safe here.”
Amanda looked as if he’d insulted her. “She’ll be safe with us.”
“As safe as you were?” he barked.
Blood reddened her cheeks. “That’s not fair, Caleb. What happened to me last year has nothing to do with this. And let me remind you, I did a pretty good job of taking care of myself before Joe got there.”
“Hey, hey. What’s all the yelling about?”
“Sam!” Amanda jumped up and hugged Samantha tight.
“Can’t. Breathe. Wanna ease up a little?”
Samantha met his gaze and mouthed, “What’s this?”
“She was worried I’d killed you.”
Samantha laughed and pulled out of Amanda’s embrace. “Aw, come on now. You know I’m irresistible. All it took was a little forced co-habitation and a lasagna to convince Caleb to put up with me.”
“It was a damn good lasagna,” Caleb confirmed, watching the women closely.
Amanda snorted. “Be that as it may, I want you to come stay with me.”
He bit his tongue. Telling Samantha she couldn’t go would be the fastest way to get her to leave. She had to make her own decision. And if she made the wrong one, well, then he’d pack a bag and go with her.
Either way, he wasn’t leaving her side. Samantha may want to believe their association had an expiration date, but the more he thought about it, the more he thought it was a crock of shit.
They’d never be able to avoid each other, and he’d never be able to sit back and watch another man touch her. It was as simple as that. He wasn’t sure where that left them, but he sure as hell wouldn’t find out if she took off with Amanda.
“I’d like you to stay,” he said. “But of course, it’s your decision.”
Samantha cut him a glance. “Actually, for once, I agree. We made a deal, and I’ll stick to my end of it. I love you, Amanda, but I need to stay here a while longer.”
It chapped his ass that she’d brought up that stupid deal they’d made, but if that’s what she needed to justify staying with him, then so be it. He’d address her little comment about needing to stay here later.
Amanda’s gaze darted back and forth between them. “Why don’t we go have some lunch and talk about it?”
Caleb shook his head. “I don’t like the idea of you two out there alone right now.”
“Yeah?” Amanda shot back at him. “Well, get over it. Sam and I need to talk.”
“I am going a little stir crazy, and lunch sounds great.”
“You don’t have a phone.” He felt obligated to point out she’d have no way to contact him if something happened.
She squared off with him and he felt a familiar stirring in his pants as she planted her hands on her hips.
“Well, whose fault is that?” Her gaze softened slightly. “You can’t keep me locked up forever, Caleb.”
Why did she keep acting like staying with him was such a hardship?
Amanda grabbed Samantha’s arm and dragged her toward the door. “We’ll be fine, Caleb. Joe
’s waiting downstairs and will be with us the whole time.”
“See? Nothing to worry about.” Samantha winked and blew him a last minute kiss over her shoulder as they walked out. “Later, horseman.”
Caleb stared at the door and wondered—not for the first time where those two were concerned—what in the hell had just happened.
Chapter 10
“Is Joe really waiting downstairs?”
Amanda laughed. “Not exactly, but I’m not a complete idiot. He’s close. I’m supposed to call him when I’m done, and he’ll come pick me up.”
Samantha wasn’t too sure about this. “Amanda —”
“Don’t worry, we aren’t leaving the building. I figured the best we could do is the cafe in the lobby. That okay with you? I’ve given the security guys a heads up and they were more than happy to keep an eye out for us. Caleb’s lived here a long time.”
Samantha hugged her. She wouldn’t feel right about leaving, especially if Joe wasn’t with them. She’d given Caleb her word, but since they weren’t technically going anywhere… “Perfect.”
Relief pushed the air from her lungs as she squeezed her friend. There were very few people she could talk to, and she was desperate. This thing between her and Caleb was confusing, irritating, and amazing. He’d made her feel things she’d never felt before.
He commanded her body with ease; her senses tuned into his every move from the moment he walked into a room. Words had become unnecessary. A gesture, a look … that’s all it took to make her putty in his hands. Whether it was mundane tasks like cleaning up after dinner or more pleasurable pursuits in the bedroom, they moved together with such fluid grace, it scared the hell out of her.
What would she do once they moved on?
She’d totally screwed up. There was no way she could stick around and watch as Caleb found someone else. The thought of sharing Amanda’s dinner table with him and another woman made her sick.
What if he got married?
The thought gripped her heart and squeezed. Nope. She definitely couldn’t stick around for that. Jesus, by sleeping with Caleb, she’d probably cost herself everyone she cared about.
Shadow of Sin (The Martin Family) Page 11
