JARED: The Justice Brothers Series

by Taylor Lee

  Later Jared would marvel that he’d been the one to pull back. But before he did, and knowing that he was minutes away from flat out taking her, he allowed himself a few seconds of blissful exploration. Groaning, he ran his greedy hands across her taut stomach and reached for her full breasts. Cupping them, he groaned in delight at their lush softness. It didn’t take her sobbing shriek to know that her nipples were hard aroused nubbins begging to be sucked. And God, was he willing to suck them! Instead he somehow pulled back, unwinding her fingers from his hair, fighting against his need to attack her breasts, suckle them, and when he’d brought her to a screaming orgasm, move on to her weeping pussy.

  Standing next to the bed, Jared shook his head and expelled a deep sigh, shoving his hands into his jeans’ pocket. He held her gaze with a fierce glare.

  “We’re not done with this, Valley Girl. Not by a long shot, little rookie. You deserve to experience a guy who wears boots—not tasseled loafers or worse flip flops. A guy who knows how to make love to a woman, not a Barbie doll. Soon, little rookie, you and I are going to tangle. And, Honey, when we do, I’m going to take you places you and your beach bum buddies never knew existed.”

  Jared stared at her for a long moment knowing that he was the cause of the confused dismay streaking her beautiful face. He sucked in a deep breath and said. “Best you know, Angel Face. As the youngest of four arrogant brothers I learned from the best. I’ve made a life-long habit of getting what I want.” He added with a gruff snort, “And, Sugar. I want you.”

  He reached down, and gently pinched Hailey’s cheek, then headed for the door.

  Chapter 6

  The warm sunshine streaking through the latched windows above her bed nudged Hailey from a deep slumber. For a minute, she struggled to remember where she was. The jolt of pain she felt when she moved her ankle made last night’s unbelievable events brain shatteringly real. Gingery lifting her foot she acknowledged that her sprained ankle was the least of her worries. Struggling to drag herself up to a sitting position, Hailey glanced around the room then slammed her eyes shut as if she could reorder the overwhelming sight. But it was not to be. There was simply no way she could change her location or her predicament.

  She groaned remembering the damning sequence of events. It was bad enough that she’d compromised her very first op with Lt. Justice by getting injured and outing his undercover sibling. Her carelessness had forced her boss to sequester her overnight in the Justice’s family home—where to her horror, she’d slept in the bed of her commander’s brother. It didn’t take the blanket rasping across her sensitive nipples or the tell-tale scent of arousal suffusing the tangled sheets to remember the man who’d laid her in this amazing bed and then crawled in beside her. When he’d kissed her in a way that she had never been kissed, he did what she never could have done: He stopped.

  Remembering Jared standing beside the bed, naked lust gleaming in his emerald hard eyes, Hailey was shocked at the surge of electricity that sparked through her groin. Dear God, the least she should be was embarrassed. But, knowing she’d have the rest of her life to regret what she’d done, for a stolen moment Hailey gloried in the memory of the sexiest man she’d ever known coolly telling her that he always got what he wanted. And that he wanted her.

  Glancing at her phone, Hailey saw to her dismay that it was after nine o’clock. Hoisting herself to her feet, relieved that she could put weight on her injured ankle, Hailey hobbled into the bathroom. A quick glance in the mirror confirmed that she looked as disheveled as she felt. Gazing longingly at the mammoth designer shower Hailey admonished herself. No matter how much she needed it, a shower was not on the agenda this morning. No, her mission was to get as far away as fast as she could from this overwhelming house. Her narrow hope was she could avoid meeting anyone as she fled.

  On the bathroom counter, Hailey saw the clothes she’d worn in last night’s torrential rainstorm. Her uniform had been cleaned and pressed. Even her underwear was folded neatly on top. Next to her clothes, Hailey was surprised to see designer jeans and a classy vintage t-shirt that seemed to be precisely her size. For a moment she wondered how the hell Jared could know her sizes, then shrugged. Of course, he would. Why not? She was hardly the first woman who’d sneaked out of his bedroom in the morning who needed fresh clothes. She snorted in disgust. Undoubtedly her arrogant caretaker had a closet full of women’s clothing in various sizes.

  Knowing that she had to get to her apartment, and not wanting anyone to recognize her as a cop, Hailey yanked on the jeans and t-shirt. Taking advantage of the toiletries on the vanity, she brushed her teeth, washed her face, and worked her tangled blonde hair into a respectable ponytail. Shoving her swollen ankle into her regulation work boots wasn’t gonna happen. Instead she carried her boots and uniform and headed to the doorway in her stocking feet, praying that she could find a back exit somewhere in the daunting mansion.

  A deep voice from the bottom of the stairwell shot her prayer to hell.

  “Well, well, I wondered when Sleeping Beauty was going to wake up.”

  Hailey looked down the stairs to see a tall, white-haired man peering up at her. His pressed trousers, tailored shirt and vest revealed his ramrod frame, confirming that the elderly man had maintained his military bearing. Introductions weren’t necessary. Clearly the ruggedly handsome, green-eyed man was Jared’s grandfather, James Justice, the patriarch of the Justice family. From the abbreviated history she knew of the Justice family tragedy, the octogenarian eyeing her with a frown was the man who’d raised his grandsons after his son and daughter-in-law died in a tragic boating accident. Swallowing hard, Hailey prepared to tell the imposing man who she was and why the hell she was creeping down his stairs when he continued.

  “Hmm, you must be Officer Michels. I understand you were hurt in the mission last evening. I’m glad to see that you can walk.” He added unnecessarily. “I’m James Justice. You may call me Judge. Everyone else does.”

  Before she could protest, the big man took her uniform and boots in one big hand and offered his other to her. Helping her down the last steps, he studied her thoughtfully then shot her an appreciative smile.

  “Hmm, I can see now why that arrogant grandson of mine left a list of orders this morning for Margarite and Gregory. Not only were they to clean and press your uniform, but to provide an alternative outfit as well.” Sweeping his approving gaze over her, he nodded. “Apparently our overworked staff followed his orders explicitly.”

  Hailey tried to hide her distress but couldn’t keep from stammering. “I…I don’t know what to say, Sir. I would have worn my uniform…I…I didn’t ask him to—”

  Judge Justice put up his hand, stopping her protest. “First, please call me Judge. I stopped allowing people to call me Sir when my ill-mannered grandsons started saluting every time they said it.” He added, “One thing you should know, Officer Michels, when that incorrigible grandson of mine gives an order, we all jump. Especially, Gregory and Margarite, who have been caring for him for nearly thirty years. Moreover, they are so thrilled that he has returned they would crawl over glass on their hands and knees to do his bidding.”

  Mortified, Hailey glanced longingly at the front entrance, wishing that she could sprout wings and fly away. The astute man confirmed that he understood her beleaguered expression when he winked at her and smiled.

  “Unlike the servants, I don’t always follow Jared’s orders. For example, I’m not going to encourage you to stay here through lunch, or even insist that you have breakfast. Instead, I’ve asked Gregory to bring the car around and take you to your apartment where I’m sure you will be more comfortable.” He hesitated then added carefully, “I understand from Jared and Jake that you are aware of Jared’s undercover status?” His expression hardened when she nodded in affirmation. His voice was soft, but the underlying threat was clear. “I trust you know how important it is that no one else knows this. We have planted the rumor that I have serious health issues which is the rea
son Jared has returned to our fair city.”

  Hailey was stunned that he thought for even a second that she might expose Jared. How stupid did they think she was? “I understand, Sir, I…I mean Mr. Justice. I promise you, I would never reveal Jared’s undercover role.” Realizing that he thought she couldn’t be trusted, that she was just a blonde ditz, she added coolly, “I’m a police officer, Sir. And…and I would never do anything to hurt Jared.”

  Judge Justice eyed her narrowly as if considering, then nodded in agreement.

  “Yes, Officer Michels, you are a police officer and according to Commander Justice, you are a damn good one.”

  As he walked her out to the town car in the driveway, the solemn man concluded, “Do know that in addition to Jared’s list of commands, Lt. Justice, your boss, ordered you to take the day off and keep your ankle elevated. He indicated that one of his sergeants would be stopping by to see that you have everything you need, or want.”

  Hailey breathed a grateful sigh of relief when she was safely inside the luxurious town car. When she started to thank Judge Justice, he shook his head. “No need, Officer Michels. It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope I see more of you, and that your ankle heals quickly.”

  Judge reached into his vest pocket and took out an envelope. Handing it to her, he said, “I almost forgot. Among his litany of orders, Jared indicated that I should give this to you.”

  As he closed the door he smiled at her and nodded as if in agreement.

  “Yes, Officer Michels, I do hope to see you—often.”

  Bolstered by his gentlemanly and seemingly sincere wish, Hailey waited until Gregory had maneuvered the impressive automobile onto the street before opening the envelope. Willing her hands to stop shaking, she removed the single sheet. Neither the bold handwriting nor the crisp, authoritative warning surprised her.

  “Just to confirm what I said last night, rookie. We’re not through. No, Angel Face, you and I have barely begun. J.”

  ***

  Hailey put the bottle of white wine and three glasses on the coffee table and said apologetically to the stern woman sitting on her sofa, “Sorry, Mitzi. This is all the alcohol I have.”

  Remembering what she’d done the night before after she’d had her first glass of hard liquor, Hailey figured it was just as well that she only had white wine. At the memory Hailey felt her cheeks flame. Fortunately Sgt. Olson and her fellow officer, Tara Peterson, didn’t seem to notice. They were too eager to hear about her last evening’s escapade. Hailey went over the details one more time wondering what the two veteran cops would think if they knew what actually happened. Retelling the story that she and Lt. Justice had agreed to, she explained that she’d gotten lost in the rainstorm and that Sgt. Solberg and Lt. Justice had found her and brought her home.

  After taking a big swig of the Sauvignon Blanc, Mitzi shook her head in disgust. “Jesus, girl. You need to get yourself some real booze. And while we’re discussing the ridiculous, how the hell can anyone get lost in the rain?” The hefty woman snorted, “Nothing like acting like the blonde bimbo you look like.”

  Tara jumped to Hailey’s defense.

  “Jeepers, Mitzi. Can’t you see how bad she feels? Look at her ankle?! You think she tried to get hurt? And just so you know, not all of us grew up in the woods like you and the Justice family. Some of us grew up in towns and cities where they have streetlights and don’t depend on the moon to see at night.”

  Mitzi put up her hands and agreed. “My apologies, rookie. I forget how green you are. And I’m sorry you got hurt. That is one righteous sprain you have.”

  Emptying her glass in one large swallow, Sgt. Olson poured herself another full glass and turned to Hailey her eyes bright with excitement.

  “But, girl, you are hardly the news around here. The big news, and I do mean big news is that Lt. Justice’s brother, Jared, is back in town.”

  Tara eagerly picked up the tale. You don’t know him, Hailey, but Jared Justice, the youngest of the Justice Brothers, hasn’t been back to town since he left the military.”

  Mitzi glowered. “You mean since he got booted out of the Army for God knows what outrageous things he did!” She added conspiratorially, “Which is why we shouldn’t be surprised that now the Justice bad boy has up and declared himself to be a member of the Dragon’s Curse. Can you fucking believe it? He’s even sporting their ugly tats. Word is that he and his brothers aren’t speaking.” She shook her head and quaffed another hearty swallow of the wine. “He always was the badass of the bunch, but this is unbelievable. Looks and brains, but no character. It must break the Judge’s heart, him being sick and all.”

  Tara nodded but couldn’t hide her excitement. “You’re right, Mitzi. Jared really is the black sheep of the family. But….”

  Turning to Hailey, her bright eyes gleamed. “You know how gorgeous Commander Justice is, right, Hailey? Wait until you see his baby brother. I’m telling you, there isn’t a woman who grew up in this town who isn’t spilling her juices knowing that Jared Justice is back. If anything the tats will make him even more dangerously handsome.” At Mitzi’s outraged shout, Tara flushed then tossed her head and giggled. “C’mon, Mitzi, admit it. The women he’s screwed can hardly wait to be done again and the few who haven’t are lining up like at Disneyworld.”

  Hailey swallowed hard and filled her wine glass to the brim. She decided that as soon as her friends left, she was heading to the liquor store. It was time that she invested in some real alcohol—the kind that could get her drunk enough to forget what a fool she was.

  Chapter 7

  Jared yanked a chair from the table and parked himself next to Janko. Ignoring Brittany, the tatted Goth babe who’d fought her friend for the chair on the other side of him, he nodded to the wide-eyed waitress.

  “A bottle of Jamesons, sweetheart. Glancing around the table at the glowering DC members and their hangers on, Jared qualified. “On second thought, honey, make that two bottles. My friends and I are celebrating.”

  Janko grunted in agreement. “Yeah, man. It’s about time you showed your ugly mug.” He snorted a harsh laugh. “Fuck, Jared, you’d think Jesus fucking Christ had climbed down from the cross.” He surveyed the room and snorted. “Look at ’em. There isn’t a cock sucking motherfucker in the room who isn’t pretending they don’t see one of the righteous Justice Brothers sittin’ at the DC table. Fuckin’ A. Makes me right proud to be with such a celebrity.”

  Jared laughed. “C’mon, Janko. You always were a celebrity. Of sorts. The bad sort, that is. Hell, there wasn’t a father in this town who didn’t lock up his virgin daughters when you sauntered in.”

  Janko ripped the cap off the bottle the frightened server carefully placed in front of him, and grinned at Jared as he handed him a full glass of the odiferous liquid.

  “C’mon, bro. Admit it. After you turned fifteen there wasn’t a virgin left in this town worth fucking. Hell, if I remember right, even the nuns at St. Mary’s kept a light on for the youngest Justice Brother. It was only when I got as big balls as you had that I gave you a run for your money.” Wrapping a big arm around Jared’s shoulder, he said, “But seriously, Bro, I’m glad you’re here.” Janko’s expression darkened and he lowered his voice. “We have some shit-kicking business to discuss.”

  Jared glanced at the men who were studying him then turned back to their leader and said quietly, “That we do, Janko. That we do.”

  One hour and three bottles of Jamesons later, Jared allowed himself to look over at the table where Hailey was sitting with a group of women. He’d seen her the minute he’d walked into the packed bar. Make that, he’d felt her. Hell, like a fucking animal in heat he could swear he’d actually smelled her. His cock had reacted to the presence of the gorgeous woman as though it was heat-seeking missile securing its target. He looked up, noting that Janko saw him looking at Hailey. Jared pointed his chin in her direction and shrugged.

  “I admit, Janko, that I know most of the babes in this
rowdy place.” He added with a smirk, “Like you, Bro, I know more than a few of them in the biblical sense.”

  He joined in the raucous laughter, then nodded to Hailey shaking his head.

  “But I sure as hell don’t remember that particular piece of ass. Who is she? And which centerfold did she star in?”

  Janko guffawed. “Yeah, man, given her ‘assets’ she coulda been in all of them. Don’t want to shock you buddy, but that particular piece of ass as you rightly called her is a member of the Duluth PD.”

  Jared frowned. “What? You mean she works for the City—”

  Janko interrupted him with a snort. “No, Dude. Believe it or not that babe with the righteous rack works for your fucking brother. She’s a pig, Jared.”

  Jared reared up in mock surprise and whistled. “Well, I’ll be goddamned. Leave it to Jake, the politically correct asshole, to hire Miss Sweden to fill out his ranks.” He shook his head and frowned. “I wonder if he’s doing her. I’ll admit that’s not his M.O. But holy Christ, if anyone could tempt him to break his ‘nobody fucks with the help’ rule it would be that sweet young thing.”

  “Tell me something we don’t all know.” Including the other men at the table in his threatening glare, Janko grunted, “I got a few rules of my own. I’ve warned my guys that they’ll be chomping on their peckers for breakfast if they ever dare to fuck a cop, even one with tits like that one has.” Janko sniffed in disbelief. “Believe it or not, the word around town from the assholes who went after her, and anyone with a dick and two eyes has tried, she’s as innocent as she is hot.”

  He leaned in and spoke softly for Jared’s ears only. “I dunno, Bro, after we consummate our deal how ’bout we celebrate with a little ‘barely touched’ meat? Hell, we could do her together like we used to do the St. Mary’s cunts. Dammit Jared, remember those little plaid skirts and the white cotton panties they wore under them?” Staring at Hailey, Janko shook his head thoughtfully then smacked his lips and grinned.