It Was Always You

by Aliyah Burke

  “Now,” she muttered against his mouth.

  All the previous raging desire slammed him again, shoving away any thread of control he may have discovered.

  “Pull me out and put me in that pussy of yours,” he ordered.

  She balanced on the edge of the seat and he stared at her face while she listened. She pumped his shaft a few times, smearing the pre-come over the broad head. The moment she lined him to her opening, he thrust his hips forward, pushing into her pussy, sinking into the velvet heat awaiting him.

  “Holy fuck,” she uttered.

  “Shit.” His comment fell immediately on the heels of hers. “You’re so fucking snug around my cock.”

  Her head fell forward to his shoulder and her teeth bit his skin. He pumped his hips, driving into her. The taut muscles rippled around him as she came. Her entire body shuddered and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, inching forward so he supported more of her weight.

  Zane buried his face into her neck and worked his hips, fast and deep. He couldn’t get enough. Her pussy held him like it had been made for him and only him. Her cream smoothed over his dick as he worked it in her, keeping the motion smooth.

  Her cries, muffled from his shoulder, filled his ears as she came again, her pussy milking him. He slid an arm around her waist and pressed her back to lie on the seat. The angle difference had him grunting as he continued to power into her.

  He came inside her with a low roar. It may have been his imagination but he swore she called his name as she crested the cliff with him. He pulled back and took her lips.

  “I’m not done with you yet,” he swore.

  He lifted her, still buried deep inside of her, and walked them away from his truck. At the back door, he opened and swiped a blanket he had on the seat. Tossing it down on the ground, he laid her on top of it.

  Taking her breast in his mouth, he sucked it hard as he slowly drove into her as his cock thickened again. As they lay beneath the moon, Zane took her over and over again until they both fell to an exhausted slumber.

  He woke alone, covered by part of the blanket. A quick glance at his watch told him it was five. A thick fog covered the ground and almost the shadow of his truck.

  “Zoë?”

  No answer. He rose and tugged on his jeans. He called for her a few more times with the same disappointing result. She wasn’t there. He opened his truck door and saw her shirt no longer lay on the seat.

  He checked the steering column but didn’t find a note from her there. Not that she had paper with her.

  He hadn’t any clue where she went. Or if she was hurt somewhere. A frustrated curse fell from his lips. Striding back to the blanket, he thought about turning her over his knee when he found her. He bent for his shirt and tugged it on. Shoving his feet into his boots, he wadded up the blanket then jogged back to the truck.

  As he slipped behind the wheel he realized he’d slept well without nightmares for the first time in many months. I just should have stayed away from her. That’s all there is to it. He drove home making sure to swing by the garage. Her vehicle was gone so he figured she just ran. Short of banging on her parents’ door, he hadn’t any way of finding her. He didn’t know where she lived, if it was with her folks or not, nor did he have her phone number.

  Something that was definitely going to have to change.

  He strode in the house, meeting Cade who was just coming down the stairs.

  “Morning, bro. Where have you been?”

  Zane swung the door shut behind him. “Out.”

  “Breakfast is in the oven, I was about to call you. I left that bag in your truck, can I go grab it?”

  “Sure. It’s open.”

  He jogged upstairs and stepped into his bathroom. Within moments he stood beneath the hot spray of the shower. He longed to go back to sleep but this was a working ranch and if his brothers were up, then he would be as well. He dried off and stepped into his bedroom. As he dressed, he stared at his reflection in the mirror.

  His scars stopped him and he wondered if she hadn’t liked feeling them against her skin. She’d been so smooth and he…wasn’t. Zane tugged on a shirt and toweled off his hair once more before returning the damp item to the shower rack.

  He returned to the first floor and joined his brothers in the kitchen. Cade had a shitty grin on his face. Zane looked between both men. “What’s going on?”

  “Cade was telling me you were out late last night with a girl.”

  “How does he think he knows this?” Zane fixed a plate of food and sat at the table. “I didn’t say anything to him other than I was out.”

  “I went to your truck,” Cade reminded him.

  Zane shrugged. “And?”

  His brother lifted one hand and dangling from his finger was a red thong. “I’m guessing this isn’t quite your size.”

  Zoë must have forgotten her panties in his truck. He forced himself to remain seated. “Put those down, Cade.”

  “Who was it?” he asked.

  “Leave him alone, Cade,” Nate interfered. “He’s not answerable to you. If he wants to go out he can without getting the third degree from us.”

  Zane didn’t respond, aware if he did, Cade would latch back on like a leech. He finished his food in silence, drank the rest of his coffee, then took his dishes to the sink. As he left the room, he snatched the panties from his brother and walked to his room where he put them in his hamper. At the door, he rested his head against the wood.

  I need to stay far away from her. I’m anything but what she needs in this world.

  Even as the words tumbled through his mind he was trying to figure out a way to see her again.

  ***

  Zoë scowled when the darkness in her room gave way to brilliant light, waking her from the dreams that replayed her night in Zane’s arms. Squinting, she spied Cora sitting on the edge of her bed.

  “Why are you in my room?” Her question was raspy and she touched her throat, knowing exactly why she sounded like a frog. I guess screaming Zane’s name to the heavens will do that to my voice box.

  “Because I want deets as to why I had to come pick you up twenty miles out of town when your car was at the garage. Not to mention what you were wearing and looking like someone ravished you.” She waggled her eyebrows. “In a deliciously good way.”

  Aware her roommate wouldn’t leave until she answered, Zoë stretched and sat against the headboard. “I fucked Zane.” She shoved her hair away from her face with her deadpan remark.

  Cora snorted. “You wish.”

  Zoë merely blinked.

  Cora’s gaze widened. “Shit…Nawh… You did? Oh my God!” Her final word fell from her lips in a screech. She reached for Zoë and squeezed her arm. “I can’t believe it. How did it happen?” Zoë cocked a brow and Cora amended, “I know how that happened. I meant the hooking up.”

  Zoë’s body screamed in protest each time she moved. Muscles unused in far too long had gotten one hell of a workout last night. And this morning.

  “He found me at Traders. Got all, Me-Tarzan-You-Jane and kissed me.” Her nipples drew tight at the memory of his touches. “I didn’t say no. I didn’t want to.”

  Cora’s blue eyes twinkled. “You shouldn’t have. You’ve had a thing for him since school. The opportunity came and you took it.” She sat back. “So why did you leave him?”

  “It’s not like we’re a couple. I finally showed skin and it worked—like you said it would—so I had my night with the unforgettable Zane Kendrick. Now I can go back to wearing my comfy baggy clothing. So don’t tell me to dress like that again.”

  Cora held up her hands. “Nope. I know it’s not your thing. Me? I love it but you prefer your big, baggy clothing. Nothing wrong with that. I said do it to snag his attention, I’m guessing that was a success. Especially since you did this as a trial run, so to speak. Then again, since it was and you had such a fantastic time…”

  She wasn’t going to address that statement. “I
shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Yes you should have.” She stood. “Come on, we’re going out for lunch since you slept the day away. Go shower the scent of Zane off you and get dressed.”

  Alone, Zoë whimpered as she encouraged her sore muscles to move and allow her to get to the shower. Fifteen minutes later, she left her bedroom adjusting the waistband of her cargo pants. “Ready,” she called out.

  “Good. I’m starved.”

  Together they strolled to Cora’s Nissan. As they typically did, they ended up at Bethany’s. Cora’s expression had Zoë lifting an eyebrow as she drank some Henry Winehard Root Beer.

  “What?”

  “You’re moving so gingerly.” Cora cackled. “It’s fucking hilarious.”

  Zoë flipped her off before closing her eyes and leaning her head back. Cora was correct, her muscles still ached. The shower helped but hadn’t solved her soreness. Good thing it’s my day off.

  “Here you two go.” Megan served them their order. “Cripes, Zoë, you look like crap. Haven’t you been sleeping?”

  “Not last night,” she said opening her eyes with a small smile. “I was out late but Cora didn’t want to eat alone, so she woke me.”

  “Nap, honey. You need a nap. Or two.” Another smile and Megan left them alone.

  Cora rested her arms on the table. “Are you going to see him again?”

  “I highly doubt he came home from the Army to join me in bed.”

  Cora ate some mashed potatoes and pointed her fork. “Perhaps not but he’s home now.”

  “Nope. No way, Cora. I’m not going there.”

  Cora shook her fork once more before muttering under her breath and attacking her food. Where Zoë had been hungry, now food held no appeal for her any longer. So she merely toyed with it, pushing it around and taking small bites.

  “If you’re going to ignore me because you’re thinking about the dick you got last night, why did you come along?”

  “You’re the one who woke me. It’s not like I begged to come along.” She dropped her fork, jumping slightly at the clatter. “I’m sorry, Cora. What were you saying?”

  “Just whining about my shift. I understand, it’s okay.” She lifted her glass “Here’s to being related to me some day.”

  That brought out a laugh. Grateful for her friend, Zoë clinked glasses with her. “Still after Cade? I thought you had a man.”

  “He’s the place holder. Hell yes I’m after him. I saw him the other day, during the summer, swimming.”

  Zoë flicked her straw around in the glass. “Swimming?”

  A faraway look graced Cora’s expression. “In his birthday suit and oh lawd”—she fanned herself—“that man is blessed in that department. From the way you’re walking I’m betting it’s a family trait and Zane is as well.”

  Her pussy pulsed at the reminder of being filled by his thickness, stretching her muscles.

  “So you want him because of the size of his cock?”

  “That and the rumors,” she replied unrepentantly.

  Zoë pursed her lips. “Rumors?”

  “Girl, if you would pull your head out from under a greasy car every now and then you’d know.”

  “No thanks. Ewww. He’s like my brother.”

  She raised her brows. “So what about Zane?”

  “Not the same,” Zoë insisted immediately. “He’s been out of my life for eighteen years. And to be fair I’ve never felt anything remotely brotherly toward him.”

  “As I haven’t toward Cade.”

  True. “I also have to say, if I didn’t have my head there you’d be paying someone a lot of money to maintain that car—which you are hard on—running like a gem as I do.”

  “And I appreciate…”

  Her eyes widened as the words fell away.

  “What’s wrong, Cora?”

  “This ought to be interesting,” she muttered.

  Zoë turned toward the door in time to see none other than Zane and his brothers swagger into the diner. Oh hell.

  Chapter Four

  Zane spotted her the moment they entered the diner. Many of the folks fell silent before calls welcoming him home erupted. His brothers grinned and smacked him on the back. In truth all he wanted to do was take Zoë out of here and find out why she left, but he responded as they walked to an empty booth.

  “I see Zoë and Cora are here,” Cade stated.

  Zane remembered Cora. He said hi to a few more people as they passed their seats. He climbed into the side so he could see Zoë. She determinedly avoided his gaze. No way her conversation is that exciting.

  “Hey beautiful,” Cade called out. Cora gave Cade a look that nearly melted Zane’s boxers, just from viewing it. “Not even saying hi, Zoë?”

  “Just recalling manners and how rude it is to yell across a diner, Cade,” she called back with a mock glare. Cade just laughed, not at all perturbed. Then again, Zoë didn’t seem concerned, either, for hollering to his brother.

  Look at me. She didn’t. Instead, she went back to speaking with Cora and eating. Her hair hung down her back in a loose braid. He shifted on the seat as memories bombarded him of those very strands trailing over his own skin.

  “Right, Zane?”

  “What?”

  His brothers looked at him. “Were those Cora’s panties in your truck?” Cade asked.

  “No,” he replied immediately. “I haven’t touched her.”

  Cade grunted while Nate just shook his head, obviously amused.

  “See you don’t.” Cade’s tone was dangerous.

  He ignored it, nodding at the waitress who delivered water and menus.

  “Welcome home, Zane,” she said.

  He flicked his gaze to the dark haired woman’s name badge. Alison.

  “Thanks.”

  She chuckled. “Alison Greer.”

  Dawning hit him. “Good to see you again.” She’d been in his class, dating the captain of the basketball team. She’d put on some weight but carried it well.

  “Still gorgeous as ever. Give me a call. Or swing by.”

  Nate arched an eyebrow at him. Zane grunted again. Across the diner, Zoë and Cora had finished their meal.

  Alison laughed and walked away. In his periphery he noticed the added swing to her hips. Cade waggled his eyebrows. The man would bed anyone.

  “Adding her panties to the collection, Zane?”

  “Grow up, asshole.” There was no heat in his tone.

  “Hey, Zoë,” Nate said as the women neared.

  “Nate.” A smile lifted her lips and Zane’s cock hardened at the simple act. “Cade. Zane.”

  Cade winked at her. “How are you? Cora.”

  The woman damn near simpered. Nate greeted her as well.

  “Hi, Cora.” Zane put his gaze on the woman he’d bedded last night. “Zoë.”

  “Zane.”

  No shyness or anything. Her reaction to him the same as it had been in the shop. Nothing special.

  “What are you doing, Zoë? Day off?” Cade tugged her down to perch on his leg, arm causally around her waist.

  An ugly anger unfurled in Zane’s gut. He had an insane need to rip her away from his flirtatious younger brother. It roared over him much like the fighter jets streaking over the desert. Fast. Loud. Dangerous.

  He exhaled slowly maintaining his calm. Cade and Zoë were closer in age than he was to her. She relaxed against Cade and patted his hand.

  “Sure is. Cora and I are off to do some things.” She flicked her gaze over him with a causal motion, including him yet not.

  “Are you swinging by later?” Nate questioned, pulling at the napkin holder.

  Her brow furrowed. “Shit. I forgot. Yes, about eight work?” Another brief brush over him before she refocused on Nate.

  “Eight’s fine,” Nate assured her.

  “You bringing me dinner?” Cade asked.

  “Hell no. I ain’t your woman. I ain’t cookin’ for you.” She rolled her eyes. “Surely you
know a woman who will do such things.”

  “Zane does,” he said.

  “Cade.” Zane’s warning fell softly like drops of fire.

  Zoë smiled, amazingly. “Really? Who would that be?”

  A growl formed in Zane’s throat when Cade tightened his hold on her.

  “No clue. He won’t tell us.”

  Her brown eyes latched onto his. “Some secret, Zane?”

  A slow smile filled his face. “Yes.”

  “She left her thong in his truck,” Cade chortled.

  Cora snickered and Zoë merely blinked.

  “Cade’s mad because I won’t tell who they belong to.” Challenging her, Zane waited.

  Zoë made a small moue, not the least bit perturbed. “Perhaps she doesn’t exist, Zane, and you put them in there. You know, just because.”

  He cocked a brow. “You think I have to resort to trickery and can’t get a woman?”

  Cora pulled up a chair as Zoë shrugged. “No clue what to think. Don’t know you.”

  “I’m sure you know more than you think.”

  A chuckle left her. “Doubt it. All you Kendrick men are more mysterious than I care to think about.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely,” she said, sliding away from Cade. Zane’s anger soothed in a heartbeat. “Nate, I’ll see you later tonight.”

  Zane knew his brother replied to her but the words meant nothing to him. Her departing figure was blocked by Alison returning with their food. He fought his crazing to peer around the woman to stare at Zoë’s dark gray clad ass.

  This Zoë was the complete antithesis of the woman who’d been in the bar. He found it didn’t matter in the slightest. He still wanted her with a ferocity that rivaled the need from last night. Seeing her in that light had kickstarted the embers that had begun burning the moment he saw her again.

  The press of her curves against his. The scent of her skin. His pants grew uncomfortably tight. He kept up these thoughts and he’d shame himself.

  He focused on the food before him, even while he plotted how to get her alone tonight when she was at his house.

  ***

  Cora burst into laughter as they rounded the corner. Zoë sagged against the brick wall, legs unable to hold her upright one second longer.