OUTLIER: Blood, Brotherhood, And Beauty (Beauty 0f Lifee Book 4)

by Laura Acton

  This was now his fourth time in two weeks, and the guys hadn’t teased him once. He was certain his aunts put the fear of God into all his cousins, so they didn’t tease him about coming. He chuckled thinking about Aunt Kim tugging on Jeff’s ear and scolding him the first time the ladies brought up massages.

  Dan lay down on his stomach on the sheet covered table and let his face rest on the cushioned opening at the head of the table. While he waited for Beau, Dan did deep breathing exercises. Tedious yet necessary and helped him restore his lung capacity.

  He heard the door open and didn’t lift his head as Beau said, “Hey, Dan. I’m running a tad late today. If you can wait for thirty minutes, I can get to you. If not, I have a new masseuse who can work out your kinks right now.”

  Damn, he planned to meet Lexa right after this massage. He hated to waste the precious little time they had together—even thirty minutes. “I have somewhere to be after this. I guess the new masseuse will be okay.”

  “Fantastic, I’ll send her right in. Her name is Isobel. She’s been instructed to lock the door so you can relax.” Beau recognized Dan didn’t fully lower his guard. He stayed wary and on alert which made it hard to relax his muscles. Locking the door had partially solved the problem for his client.

  Outside the room, Beau casually leaned against the wall and surveyed his new masseuse. “He’s all yours, be gentle with him. He’s special.” He winked at her and then whistled as he sauntered off to relax for his free hour.

  The masseuse coyly grinned as she entered the room. She locked the door as instructed, then moved forward to the table with the lotions and oils.

  Dan listened as the door locked. He tensed waiting for the gasp as the masseuse saw the scars on his back. When it didn’t come he nearly lifted his head to look at the woman. Though he didn’t want to see an expression of disgust on her face. He would leave and not come back if that happened. So he kept his head down and said, “If it disgusts you, I can wait for Beau.”

  Warm massage oil drizzled on his back. He wondered why the masseuse didn’t speak to him as her hands began to knead the tight and overworked muscles at his neck. Okay, so she doesn’t want to talk, Dan thought as he closed his eyes and tried to relax.

  Her hands felt so different from Beau’s large hands—smaller yet powerful. She worked his muscles until they loosened up. As she moved down his back, he imagined the hands belonged to Lexa as the masseuse traced his scars.

  In some ways, it was like what Anastasia did when she first saw his marks and helped him prepare for his first mission after he the doctor cleared to return to active duty. He wouldn’t have been able to complete his mission without her help. The thought of her made him tense. Was she alive? He may never find out—Blaze didn’t even know.

  He pushed away his disturbing thoughts and focused on the ministrations of the masseuse’s hands. As her hands moved across his skin, a familiar electrical current tingled through him. He only experienced this sensation when Lexa touched him. Strange. His mind began to create a fantasy that the hands on his back were actually Lexa’s. He sighed at the pleasant imaginary.

  For a few weeks, he thought a lot about being intimate with Lexa again, but still somewhat feared of how she would react to his scars. She had only seen them once outside the bank, and that was his chest. The scar on his back looked much worse. When Lexa visited, they had time alone facilitated by Scott, but during those visits, they only talked and kissed.

  Due to the situation, they had been forced to take this slow. Not such a bad thing since neither understood yet what direction this would go. They avoided talking about it—just letting it be for the moment. Sure they knew they were sexually compatible, especially after the two passionate nights they shared. But beyond the physical attraction …

  Dan blew out a long breath. Though he wanted to be intimate with her, he also feared he might not have the stamina needed for sex yet. So it might be better that their time together remained short and rather chaste. He did enjoy their kissing and his occasional fondling of Lexa’s bottom or breasts through her clothing. Lexa did her fair share of fondling him, too. He liked that about her—a self-assured woman.

  Their visits had to be short because he wanted to keep their relationship a secret from his family. The first reason, Lexa asked him to keep it secret. The second, he tended to be private and didn’t talk much about his relationships with women. The third and most critical reason, his father couldn’t know. Since his dad and the commander remained friends and often talked, something might slip, and that would be disastrous for them.

  Though he wanted to keep it secret from everyone, Scott was aware, which turned out to be a useful thing. Dan trusted Scott’s discretion. He cringed as he recalled two weeks ago. He accidentally let Lexa’s name slip out after a rehab session when he hung out with Blaze, Winds, Mason, and Jim at the Raven. He enjoyed working out with Blaze as they both recovered from their injuries, and the sessions always ended with a stop at the Raven to unwind.

  Jim had come up to visit for that day, and he joined them at the Raven. Jim allowed him to have a beer that day—his first in months. The cold beer tasted excellent but loosened him up too much. As they played pool, the guys teased mercilessly about getting laid and started picking out women in the bar for him. He still couldn’t believe he said, ‘I’m not gonna cheat on Lexa.’

  Their jaws dropped wide open then started razzing him about dating a teammate. He quickly explained to them why they could say nothing. All his unit brothers vowed to keep his secret. Then they pumped him for more information, and he kept his mouth shut which drove them nuts. Turnabout is fair play he decided.

  Actually, Dan was glad they knew about Lexa. They no longer bugged him about getting laid, and it made it easier to arrange time with Lexa. They cut short their workouts on the days Lexa could come. The rest of the family just assumed he hung out longer with his buddies—a believable cover.

  Lexa drove up and back on her days off so the team wouldn’t find out—a lot of time on the road for only an hour or so together. He wished she didn’t spend her days off driving, but Lexa insisted it was for the best. He wanted to figure out a way for her to stay over one night without raising suspicions. If she did, he would find out if he had the stamina for extracurricular activities.

  Dan sighed again as the masseuse moved down and worked on his lower back. His mind returned to his fantasy of Lexa’s hands massaging him. As he imagined her hands roaming lower to places covered by boxers, he felt himself getting hard. Well, apparently the little soldier worked.

  Not good, not good, Dan chanted silently and disintegrated the image in his head. He tried to think of something that would deflate him before Isobel asked him to roll over to massage his chest.

  He was jerked out of his thoughts when the masseuse’s hand slipped under his loose boxers and squeezed his butt cheek. Dan reacted swiftly. His body turned as he lifted his head. “Hey!”

  Dan’s shocked eyes landed on the masseuse.

  Lexa tilted her head to the side, and the tip of her tongue slowly traced her upper lip as her eyes took in all of Dan. She winked at him. “Hey, soldier. I see you’re at attention. I hope you were thinking of me.”

  Dan’s mouth gaped open. It moved like a fish gulping for air.

  Moving forward Lexa reached up, and her hand gently closed Dan’s mouth. Her fingers then lightly trailed up his cheek. She saw the shock and surprise in Dan’s eyes dissipate and the spark of lust ignite. Leaning in close, she captured his lips. She started softly but quickly ramped up the heat and intensity as her tongue darted in to taste him.

  Massaging Dan’s back had been erotic for her. The feel of his sinewy muscles sent bolts of current to her core. She had spent a long time tracing his scars trying to quell the desire to turn him over and have her way with him.

  As she traced them, she didn’t see them as disfiguring marks. To her, they proved the courage he showed while in a position no person should ever be subje
cted to. Multiple marks of honor—ribbons of white which heralded him a hero. No awards, colorful ribbons, or medals on a uniform could ever speak as bluntly as his scars did of his devotion to duty and the battles he fought to keep others safe.

  Dan pulled back from the kiss and gazed into Lexa’s eyes. He sucked in a breath. “How? Beau said you were Isobel.”

  “I am Isobel. Alexandra Isobel McKenna.”

  Chuckling Dan said, “Your initials spell AIM. Did your parents know you’d be a sniper?”

  She shook her head. “No, but my mother encouraged me to aim for what I want. And I have my sights on you.” Lexa pushed Dan down on the table on his back. “Now let me continue your massage. You don’t want me to get fired on my first day, do you?”

  Dan blinked. “You actually work here?”

  Lexa laughed. “Yes, to keep Beau legal. But I have a very exclusive clientele. Only one.” She drizzled warmed lotion on his chest and reached out to gently massage it in.

  Dan watched Lexa as she traced the scars on his chest. He wondered what she thought. “Lexa?” he said hesitantly.

  Lifting her eyes, Lexa fixed her gaze on his eyes. “You are so beautiful.”

  “What?” Dan held her gaze searching the depths as the golden flecks sparkled with the sincerity of her statement.

  Her eyes dropped to his chest, and she lightly traced his scars. Lexa’s hand stopped over the left side of his chest. She could feel the thudding of his heart inside his warm skin. “Your heart and soul are beautiful. These scars show the world you are intrepid and a survivor.” Lexa leaned down and kissed across the entire length of the newest scar which still appeared pinkish.

  Sucking in a deep breath as her lips trailed kisses across his chest, an electrical storm ignited an inferno in him. It sent a surge of heated blood throughout his body. His breath rushed out in one word. “Lexaaaaaaa.”

  Lexa stopped kissing him and smiled up into his glazed, smoky blue eyes. The power she wielded with him exhilarated her. “Get dressed. I rented a room for us if you’re up to it, soldier.”

  Dan glanced down. Oh, hell yeah! He was up for it—he was already up.

  After a quick call to Scott and to Blaze, Dan worked out a plan. Scott would return home and let everyone know Dan decided to stay the night with Blaze because he needed a break from all the rehab for a night. He knew no one would question him about that—he felt bad lying—but not bad enough to change his mind. He needed time with Lexa.

  Toronto – Nick’s Home – 5:00 p.m.

  Nick stood in front of the mirror in his bedroom as he checked his outfit. He tugged at the tie and wondered for the tenth time if he should wear one or not. Or not, won and he yanked it off. It was only a casual dining place, so no tie required.

  He inspected at the white hair at his temples and tried to decide if it made him look old or distinguished. There were many more white hairs than had been here last year. The past year plus had been an exhausting one. Ultimately though, he was glad, Dan joined their team. He sincerely hoped Dan returned.

  Nick had his doubts but kept those to himself. Mostly he wondered if Dan would be emotionally stable enough to come back after everything. What they learned he went through, both as a child and in Special Forces, broke his heart. Nick questioned if anyone would be stable after that much trauma.

  Forcing his mind to turn off thoughts of the team. A nearly impossible task. Nick focused again on his appearance. He looked so different from the last time he had dated.

  Back then he was young and handsome. Well, at least not ugly, he thought. Now he had a little more girth to his waist and more miles on his body. He curved his lips up. At least he had a pleasant smile, and he knew how to laugh. Those two things should count for something.

  Part of him wanted to back out on the date. He should’ve gone motorcycle riding with the rest of the guys and Kent. Puffing out his cheeks with a held breath Nick turned away from the mirror. Christiana Andersen had accepted his offer of dinner. That should count for something, too. Maybe he was still an eligible bachelor after all—like Lexa kept telling him.

  On his way to the kitchen to grab his keys, he stopped by Martin’s old room. The door now stayed open rather than closed. He glanced around the room and was pleased with the transformation from child’s bedroom to the guest room. A queen-sized bed with matching nightstand stood against one wall. On the opposite wall, an adult dresser replaced Martin’s child-sized one.

  The walls were now painted a soft mocha, a color Lexa pulled from the poster of his favorite racer. Lexa chose to accent the room with muted greens and browns. He liked the serene atmosphere in this room. Though Loki had shuddered and said, it reminded him of being in a forest. He chuckled. Apparently not so serene for everyone.

  Nick checked his wristwatch and noted he’d dawdled long enough. He needed to leave now, so he wasn’t late picking up Christiana for their first date. He blew out one more breath before he marched into the kitchen, grabbed his keys, and headed out the door. Time to move forward.

  Hmmm … Comfortable Here

  63

  October 11

  Ottawa – Harborview Hotel – 5:40 p.m.

  Lexa lay with her head over Dan’s his heart and listened to his rapidly beating heart and ragged breathing. She slowly traced circles on the right side of his chest with her fingertip. Her breathing had quickly returned to normal, but Dan was taking longer than normal to recover his breath.

  She knew the mind-blowing but quick coupling they shared as soon as they entered the room was strenuous for Dan. They both wanted—needed it. Their passion spiked and they gave into the animal need for each other. Something Lexa had never done with another man.

  Lexa let Dan be in complete control this time. Unclothed and on the hotel bed within minutes of entering the room. He covered her body with his and kissed her hungrily. She came prepared, he hurriedly slipped on protection, and they became one. It was rough, fast, and hard—so right—perfect—exactly what she wanted. He had collapsed to the side once they both reached the summit and she had moved her head over his chest to listen.

  Her fingers continued their exploration while he regained his breath. She enjoyed simply touching him now—like when she massaged him. Normally, she wasn’t into cuddling after sex. Yet with him, it was something she relished. His warm skin made her fingers tingle like a strong current flowed between them and completed a circuit. She heard his heart slowing down and his breathing easing.

  Finally recovering his breath, Dan lifted his arm and laid his hand gently on Lexa’s bare back. Languidly his fingers mimicked hers as he drew circles on the soft, supple skin of her back. Inhaling deeply, the light scent of jasmine filled him. He held his breath. Her fragrance intoxicated him. A smile played on his face. Exhaling he relaxed more completely than he ever had before.

  Dan no longer worried about his scars. The fact Lexa didn’t gasp, had massaged his back tracing his scars, and kissed his newest scar, told him that his scars didn’t disgust or repel her. His heart left his chest and landed in Lexa’s hands—it was hers now. There would be no other for him. He was done for … she is his one … Lexa is his beauty of life.

  However, that was something he needed to keep to himself. He needed to take it slow with Lexa. Dan knew she never dated men more than three times. And technically this was their third time together. He didn’t want to scare her away because she would take his heart with her.

  He was certain something had happened to Lexa to make her wary of commitment and of giving her heart to another. It was evident to him if he wanted Lexa, he would have to go at her pace. Let her lead them down the path—with some gentle guidance from him.

  Dan wanted to do something special for Lexa. Show her they might have something more than just sex. He kissed the top of Lexa’s head. “How about a long, hot shower?”

  “Hmmm … comfortable here.”

  “I could return the favor and massage your back in the shower.” Dan hoped she would go for it
.

  Lexa lifted her head and gazed into Dan’s eyes which sparked with mischief. She rolled up to a sitting position on the edge of the bed. “You sure you’re up to moving yet?”

  Dan’s muscles were mush, but he nodded and pushed himself up on his elbows.

  She rose from the bed and eyed his body on full display to her. God, he was handsome. As she turned to go to the bathroom an amused grin tugged at the corners of her mouth—he was golden blond all over his body—nice!

  He watched her shapely, naked body as her hips seductively swayed on her way to the bathroom. His body responded, and he grinned as he pushed himself off the bed and leisurely followed. His original intention was only a massage, but her body beckoned to be worshiped.

  Dan found her already in the shower by the time he made it into the bathroom. Her hair and body glistened with beads of water as she ducked her hair under the shower stream. He stepped into the shower and picked up the small bottle of the hotel provided shampoo and poured some into his hand. Reaching out, he began his massage of her by washing her hair.

  Lexa leaned the front of her body against the shower wall. The still cold tiles caused her nipples to perk up—either that or his hands as he deftly washed her hair. She never allowed any man to shower with her before. It was too intimate of an act for her. Yet she relaxed and sighed as Dan worked the lather up for several minutes then moved her under the spray to rinse her hair.

  Dan heard the soft mewling sounds coming from Lexa as he washed her hair. He enjoyed giving her pleasure. Running his fingers through her silky tresses gave him pleasure too.

  Her legs turned to jelly and wobbled when he soaped up her back and kneaded her muscles. “Oooooohhh,” escaped from her mouth as his hands reached around the front of her and lightly squeezed her breasts and rolled her nipples making them perk up and harden.

  Lexa’s palms flattened and pressed on the tile wall and held her breath when his fingers moved to the apex of her thighs. He rubbed and dipped in with perfection. Knees wobbled and gave out as he expertly brought her to the peak again. His arm around her waist kept her from crashing down. “Daaaaaaan.” Breaths came in little gasps as she rode down the other side of the mountain—held up by his arms with her back pressed against his chest.