by Martha Woods
“Is he strange? You know, have you noticed any bizarre behavior?” He kept his eyes on the menu.
Skylar threw down her menu. “Alright, what gives? Why are you so interested in Mr. Conway? If we’re going to chit chat about him all night, I’m leaving.”
“Whoa, easy. I was just trying to show interest in your job. Don’t you women like when men pay attention to your lives?”
She laughed and let out a breath. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. I’ve just got a lot going on.”
“It’s okay. I know.”
“You do?” She eyed him from beneath her lashes.
Cayden nodded. “You’ve been a bit distracted lately, on edge it seems.” His eyes bore into hers. “I pay attention.”
She waited for him to question her about her behavior. But all he said was, “I figured if you wanted me to know what was going on, you would tell me. Not that I’m not concerned but I don’t want to pry.”
Skylar let out a breath. Thank God. The last person she wanted to tell about her father was a cop. She remembered what her father had said. If she involved the police, he would be dead. Her last payment to the nameless mob boss - she’d finally found out what kind of criminal her father owed money to - had kept things quiet for a while. She assumed - no, prayed - that her father was still alive. The mob boss said he was but hell, could a freaking mob boss be trusted?
“And there you go again, off into another world,” Cayden said softly. “You can talk to me, Sky.”
She swallowed. “It’s nothing major, just some drama with my father. I’ll work things out soon. Alright, let’s quit wasting time. I’m starving.”
By the time they left the cozy little restaurant, it was dark. They had stopped at the only bar in town, danced and had a few drinks. Well, Cayden had stuck to water and she’d had two drinks with minimal alcohol and had somehow managed to get tipsy. Skylar held on to Cayden’s hand as they walked back to his truck. She felt like a giddy school girl. Thanks to Cayden, and a bit of alcohol, she had forgotten her troubles for a while. She let go of his hand and twirled. “It’s such a beautiful night.” She attempted another twirl and tripped over her feet.
Cayden reached out to steady her. He chuckled. “I can’t believe you’re drunk after two drinks. There was barely any alcohol in them.”
“I don’t drink. I’m a bit of a light weight.” She giggled. “I’m not drunk. I just feel…nice.”
“I bet.”
“I really had a great time tonight, Cayden. I haven’t had fun like this with someone in a while.” She leaned against his truck, allowing him to move closer until his body was pressed against hers. He was going to kiss her and she welcomed it, tilting her head upward. His warm mouth grazed hers, a contrast against the cool night air. The kiss gradually deepened and she grasped his jacket, pulling him closer.
“Come home with me,” he murmured against her mouth. Stunned, she pulled back and glanced up. “I know we haven’t know each other but long but-”
“Okay.”
Skylar hadn’t really thought things through but once they pulled up in Cayden’s driveway, she was starting to have second thoughts. Maybe two months was too soon for her to sleep with him. And was he the man she really wanted to give her virginity to? Would he laugh when he found out she was a twenty-four year old virgin?
He led her into his house, already feathering kisses along her neck. Deep down, she knew that she was having second thoughts because of another man. Liam. That infuriated her to no end, so she found Cayden’s mouth and kissed him back with renewed fervor. What was the point in pining over a brooding, miserable man who didn’t want her when she had a perfectly good one right in front of her showing major interest?
She was lifted and instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, their lips never parting. She was aware that he was moving but didn’t know where they were going until he pushed open a door that turned out to be his bedroom. Her heart jumped. She was really doing this. Skylar landed on his bed and she propped up on her elbows to see him back off his jacket and then pull his shirt over his head.
Panic rose up. She couldn’t do it. No matter how hard she tried to stay in that moment with Cayden, her mind kept drifting back to Liam. “Cayden, I can’t.” He froze, disappointment evident on his face. “I’m sorry. I’m not a tease. I swear. I just can’t.”
He let out long breath. “It’s too soon, isn’t it?”
She nodded. “And I’m uh… well, I’ve never had sex before.”
His eyes widened. “O-oh. Oh, wow.”
Skylar fell back onto the mattress and covered her face. “You think I’m pathetic, don’t you?” She peeked up at him through her fingers.
Letting out a laugh, he shook his head. “Why would I think that?” He ran a hand over his face. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have rushed things. Do you want me to take you home?”
“Please don’t apologize. I was with you all the way until -” she sighed. “I mean, I like you, Cayden but -”
“I like you too.” Their gazes clashed. “You can stay. We don’t have to - I wouldn’t mind if you stayed. I’ve been alone for a while now and I enjoy your company.”
There was a slight tinge of red coloring his cheeks and he averted his gaze. But she saw the sadness in them.
“I can stay.”
And she did. She dozed off wrapped in Cayden’s arms, taking the comfort that she hadn’t received since she lost her mother and got dragged into her father’s mess. It felt good.
Chapter 9
His eyes jumped to the clock for about the millionth time. It was well past one am and she still wasn’t home. Maybe she wasn’t coming home tonight. Maybe she was in bed with that man. Liam swept the clock off his nightstand in rage.
Another man had taken what was his and he had no one to blame but himself. He had all but ignored Skylar since they got back from New York and she had moved on. He couldn’t blame her. Of course she assumed he wasn’t interested. But seeing her hop into that man’s truck had driven home the fact that he had lost her. She had looked so happy, going out on a date like a normal young woman. He couldn’t give her happy or normal. He couldn’t give her what she deserved. And that was why he had kept his distance.
He let out a mirthless laugh. It was funny how the thought of Skylar in another man’s bed had so quickly driven his family issues out of his mind. He leaned back against the headboard of his bed and massaged the bridge of his nose. Cayden. The man’s name echoed in his mind and he snarled, his canines lengthening. It turned out the man was a new deputy in the town. God, how he hated him right now. Liam didn’t trust the man one bit. He’d stood at his office window and watched Cayden Benet when he had come to collect Skylar. The man had been too watchful. What had he been searching for and why had his radar for danger gone on high alert? Was Skylar safe with the man? His mind raced with question after question until he thought he would go mad.
With a growl, he sprang up and strolled to the open window. He leapt out, landing on his feet and set off in a run, shifting as he picked up speed. He needed to feel the freedom of running wild tonight.
* * *
Skylar smiled and rolled over. She felt warm and relaxed. She would have liked to remain in her peaceful slumber but the light filtering in through the curtains forced her eyes open. Something heavy was draped over her. She looked down to see an arm and frowned. Her eyes flew upward to see the owner of the arm. Brown eyes were fixed on her, studying her intently.
“Good morning,” Cayden whispered.
She smiled and stretched. “Morning.” Easing up, she glanced around. “What time is it?”
“Fifteen minutes to nine.”
Skylar gasped. “Oh, shit!” She scrambled out of bed. “I’m going to be late. You have to take me home, now.”
Cayden got up and eyed her with amusement. “Calm down. I’m sure your boss won’t kill you if you’re a bit late.”
“You don’t understand. I’m his personal
assistant. I have his schedule, everything. If I’m late, he’s late. I can’t lose this job. I can’t. Come on Cayden, hop to it. Let’s haul ass.”
She already had on her jacket and was heading to the door. Cayden’s lips twisted as he wondered how she could be so full of energy as soon as she woke up. He glanced back at his bed longingly before following Skylar out.
Cayden’s truck came to a halt in front of the mansion cabin. Skylar opened the door and moved to jump out, but turned back and planted a kiss on his lips. “I’m sorry about last night and my mad rush this morning. Maybe I can make it up to you.”
He smiled. “Maybe.”
“I’ll see you.”
He watched her sprint to the front door, wondering when he would find the time to arrange another night like last night. For now, it was time to throw his attention and efforts back into finding the shifter that killed his father.
Skylar rushed into the kitchen. “Is he up yet?”
Farah cast her a glance. “Mhmm.”
“Damn.”
“And why are you just arriving home?”
Skylar rolled her eyes as Farah gave her a disapproving look. “I spent the night with Cayden, of course. Sue me.”
Farah sighed. “I didn’t see that one coming. Things are not going the way they’re supposed to,” she murmured while she reached into the refrigerator.
“What are you carrying on about?”
She glanced over her shoulder. “Never you mind, dear. You should get yourself together and get to work. I think he’s angry.”
“Of course he is.” Skylar groaned and disappeared into her room.
She made her way up the stairs ten minutes later after a quick shower, carrying a cup of coffee as a peace offering. With a tentative knock on the door, she waited anxiously.
“Come in, Sky.”
Liam didn’t sound too pissed. That was good. She entered his office, wearing a small smile. “Good morning. I know I’m late and I’m sorry.”
He sighed. “It’s fine. Things happen.”
She let out a relieved breath and placed the cup on his desk. “I wasn’t sure if you had your coffee yet.”
He was inspecting her with narrowed eyes and she felt like a specimen under a microscope. “Okay then, let’s get started.” She reached for his lap top. “Remember that you have a video conference with your friend, Alexander. You also have to call the Gerald’s about that property you have up for sale and then -”
She stopped and snuck a quick glance at him. He was still staring at her.
Skylar threw her hands up in the air. “Will you stop looking at me like that? You said it was alright that I was running a little late so what’s with the killer stare?”
Of course, she regretted her outburst immediately. What was she thinking talking to her boss like that? Maybe she could plead temporary insanity if he decided to fire her.
Liam’s brows creased. “I’m not upset with you, Sky. I’m just thinking.”
“Well your thinking face is a bit scary so please stop,” she grumbled, taking a seat at her usual spot on the very comfortable couch. She flipped his lap top open.
“His smell was all over you when you got back this morning.”
She looked up. “I beg your pardon?”
“I might have to kill him,” he hissed.
Setting the computer aside, Skylar eyed him cautiously. “Liam what are you talking about? Who are you going to kill?” Was he losing his mind? Come to think of it, he didn’t look too good. Studying him more closely, she asked, “Did you sleep last night?”
“No,” he growled.
“Okay. Who might you have to kill?”
“The man you spent the night with, Sky. I want to kill him. You were supposed to be mine!”
Stunned silence followed his outburst. Skylar didn’t know whether to laugh because she was sure it was all a joke or run because of the murderous look on his face. She had never seen him look so dark and dangerous. Her eyes drifted to the door and she calculated how many seconds it would take to reach it. Clearly, if Liam wasn’t teasing her, he had gone mad.
“For two months I kept my hands off of you because of professionalism, because I wanted to keep you safe. But I can’t sit down and watch you with someone else, damn it.”
Slowly standing up, she held both hands out. “Now Liam, I want you to calm down. You’re not making any sense. I think you’re having some kind of breakdown. Stay right here and I’ll get Farah.”
Liam laughed and wiped a hand roughly over his face. “For God’s sake, Skylar. Will you listen? I’m not going crazy - well, maybe a bit since meeting you - I’m telling you that I’m jealous of you and him.”
Oh. She gaped, not sure what to say or do. Her heart fluttered but she dared not get to excited.
“Aren’t you going to say something?” He asked. “You always have something to say.”
He was right. But for once, she was speechless. “I, uh… you never said anything. Why did you spend the last month pretending like I didn’t exist?”
“Like I said, I wanted to protect you. You’re so young and innocent. It would be unfair of me to drag you into my world. Yet I can’t fight my attraction for you anymore.”
She took a step closer to him. “There you go again, not making any sense. What do you mean your world? As far as I can see, you have a pretty charmed life.”
“Yes, as far as you can see.”
She wanted to ask him what he meant but first… “So you’re attracted to me?”
Skylar gazed into his eyes and it felt like she was spiraling head first into a sea of green. “I would say it’s a bit more than attraction.”
“How so?”
He shrugged. “I have a very possessive nature.”
Skylar shivered when his eyes darkened. Raw desire and the promise of passion could be seen in their depths. Excitement coursed through her veins as she waited to see what he would do next. But he didn’t move. Instead, he remained still, his eyes still on her. She did the only thing that came to her mind. She stepped closer, covering the slight distance between them and kissed him. That triggered him into action and his fingers bunched in her hair, forcing her head back so he could deepen the kiss.
His movements were rough, and she kissed him back with the same hunger. The sexual tension that had been simmering beneath the surface for weeks, erupted to consume them both. In the back of Skylar’s mind was a vague, sane thought. Maybe things would be awkward between them as employer and employee if they went too far but his hands on her bare skin drove the thought away and she was lost. Only then did she realize that her blouse had been removed. She pulled her mouth from his to glance down and saw buttons scattered on the carpet.
“Hey, I loved that top.”
“Sorry, it was in my way.”
Liam shrugged his shirt over his head and she forgot about her destroyed top. Sinewy muscles bunched with each movement and her mouth literally watered. “Wow,” she whispered. “You are a work of art.”
With a chuckle, he lifted her and made his way to his desk. Before setting her down, he swept most of the contents to the floor.
“I think those were very important documents,” Skylar whispered, running her hands over his bare chest and chiseled abdomen. She could worship his body all day.
“Mhmm.” His head dipped and he took a nipple into his mouth, nearly making her jump out of her skin.
“Liam,” she gasped. His tongue on the sensitive flesh sent arousal shooting through her, making moisture pool between her thighs. Skylar didn’t know how to tell him that she wasn’t experienced so she opted to keep it to herself.
He removed her pants and underwear while feasting on her breast. He stopped long enough to run his gaze appreciatively over her naked body. “Beautiful,” he whispered.
Skylar flushed and nibbled her lower lip as she watched him remove the rest of his clothes. Her breath hitched when his impressive erection jutted in her direction. She couldn’t take her
eyes off of it until she heard him chuckle. Looking up she asked, “What?”
“Why do you look so worried?”
She gave a nervous giggle. “I’m not.” She let out a breath. “What are you waiting for?”
He stepped between her thighs and pulled her closer, until her ass was at the edge of his desk. “Next time, I’ll take things slow. I promise.” The tip of his length hovered at her entrance.
Skylar’s breathing escalated. She was excited by the fact that there would be a next time and that she was very close to losing her virginity. And unlike like last night with Cayden, it felt right. He murmured something that she didn’t catch.
“What was that?”
“Does he make you feel the way I do?” Tormented eyes, sparkling with jealousy, stared down at her.
“Huh?” Confusion clouded her mind until it dawned on her who he was talking about. “Liam, I didn’t -” She gasped as he pushed forward, breeching her entrance. A sharp pain shot through her but quickly disappeared.
He froze and let out an expletive. “Sky?” Confusion and shock played across his features.
“I was about to tell you that I didn’t do anything with him,” she croaked.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were a virgin?”
Were they really going to discuss that now? She wiggled her hips experimentally and he sucked in a sharp breath. “Please keep going, Liam.” Her arms wound around his neck and she pressed her lips to his.
He let out a groan and began to move slowly. His body shook and she knew he was holding on to his control. The foreign feeling of being filled completely by Liam turned into unthinkable pleasure. His slow possession of her was driving her wild and she wanted more. She began to move, meeting his slow thrusts, silently begging for more. Her name spilled from his lips as a tortured moan.
“Keep still, woman. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t,” she panted. “Stop holding back.”
Her soft plea snapped what shred of control he was holding on to and with a growl, his wild nature took over. His hips surged back and forth rapidly as he buried himself deep in her warmth. Her mewls of pleasure in his ear nearly drove him over the edge and he had to push down his wolf’s urge to show itself and dominate. Burying his face in her neck so she wouldn’t witness the yellow glow of his eyes, he maintained his pace, driving into her until her inner muscle clenched around him.
