by Peyton Banks
Dreadlock got one good hit to Dallas’s back. Dallas spun around, throwing two punches. One connected with Dread’s abdomen and the second one with Dread’s chin. He flew back and crashed onto the floor.
Just as he knew, the three of them were no match for him. Dallas was much quicker.
His attention snapped back to Moody who pushed off the bar with a shout.
“Fucker!” Moody brandished a knife from the back of his jeans.
Now we’re talking.
Moody rushed toward Dallas.
He caught the arm with the knife and in three quick moves had the knife in his hand and Moody lying on the floor with a broken arm. He rolled to his side, moaning and holding his arm to his chest.
“What the fuck, Dallas,” Tanner shouted, arriving to his side. His eyes narrowed on the men sprawled on the floor, moaning. “Why do you always get to have all the fun?”
“I actually liked the show.” Van chuckled, coming up on the other side of Dallas. “It was like watching an artist create a live-action painting.”
“Call this in,” Dallas ordered, ignoring the jokes. His adrenaline was rushing through him, and he was strung tight. “Here’s the knife that one just tried to use on me.”
The cops would need to come round these men up. Van pulled a clear bag from his back pocket that allowed him to drop it in there. He took it to hold on to for when the cops arrived.
“We got it from here,” Tanner said as Liam arrived with zip ties.
They would secure the men until the police showed up. Tanner and the others would move the men to the holding room in the back of the club so that the other patrols wouldn’t be disturbed any longer.
He turned around, searching for Candi. He prayed she hadn’t got hurt in the scuffle.
His gaze landed on her. She was standing off to the side with the manager, Adam.
Her eyes were wide, and even across the room, he could see the fear in them.
“You son of a bitch,” Moody cursed, struggling against Tanner’s grip. His furious eyes swung from Dallas and focused on Candi. “This isn’t over, Candi! Not by a long shot! You will—”
Dallas stalked to him and grabbed the man by his shirt.
“Watch what you say, asshole,” he snarled. Dallas’s rage was barely contained. Just for a brief second, he almost forgot he was a man behind a badge. He had to push down his anger or he’d be no better than the thug before him.
“Or what? You can’t protect her forever,” Moody spat. A cynical laugh spilled from his lips. “Wait until her husband hears what happened. He’ll make her pay.”
Dallas had to reel in the beast that wanted to punch the man in the face until he could no longer speak. He curled his free hand into a fist as he beat down the rage that boiled up inside him.
“Let’s go, asshole, before I let Dallas at you again,” Tanner threatened, dragging the man toward the back.
Moody let out a loud heckle. He wrestled against Tanner. “I’ll be out of jail by morning. Mark my words, Candi. You’ll pay!”
Liam and Van had the other two with them and guided them behind Tanner.
Dallas turned and weaved his way through the throng of tables to get to Candi.
“I need to speak to you,” he announced. He wasn’t going to ask. Since there was an altercation involving her, she would need to be available for the police.
“Sure,” she said, brushing her hands over her apron.
“Take all the time you need,” Adam said.
He cupped her elbow and pulled her along. He took her back to the security office where they could talk in private.
Kicking the door shut behind him, he let her go.
“Have a seat, Candi.”
She moved to the chair and sat, her eyes cast down. Her hands were collapsed together on her lap.
He bit back a growl, not liking the look of defeat on her face. He moved to her, tossing the bagged knife on the desk. Kneeling down before her, he rested a hand on her bouncing leg.
Her gaze flickered to his.
“Tell me who that was.”
Candi blew out a deep breath and closed her eyes. The memory of Dallas taking on the three men would be forever ingrained in her mind. He’d barely even broken a sweat. He’d acted so fast, even she had trouble keeping up with his actions.
She opened her eyes, afraid to meet his gaze. He tipped her chin up and forced her to look him in the eye.
There was no anger. No sneer. No cursing.
Just patience and curiosity.
Her heart rate slowed.
She knew Dallas was a cop and had been in the service, but someone who moved the way he did, he had to have been more in the Marines.
He was just as dangerous as Moody and Lamont.
Maybe even more so.
“It’s okay. You’re safe. Tell me who that was,” Dallas murmured. He reached out and took her hand into his much larger one.
It enclosed around hers, and his gentle touch comforted her. Just minutes before, those hands had dealt crushing blows to three men.
“His name is Moody Perlino.”
Dallas’s eyebrow shot up.
She shook her head and gave a short, nervous laugh. “I don’t know his real name. He’s an associate of my ex-husband.”
Lamont was in prison, and he was still ruining her life. Whatever she had imagined she could potentially have with Dallas was gone. He wouldn’t want to become involved with a woman with baggage like hers.
Maybe she should leave Vegas.
Somewhere far away from Nevada.
She’d always wanted to travel.
Maybe that was what she should do. Travel around the country and get away from Lamont’s reach.
He couldn’t hurt her if he didn’t know where she was.
“I take it your ex is in prison?” Dallas asked.
Candi nodded, too embarrassed to speak. She didn’t want to go into the entire story of why. She knew what would come next.
Pity.
That was all anyone ever offered her when they discovered she’d escaped an abusive relationship. Everyone had the same look, said the same thing, and offered an ear for her to speak to if she needed it.
She’d heard it all before.
She didn’t need anyone’s pity. She was a survivor. She would make it.
Just like she’d done before, she’d figure something out.
“After the police come and get your statement, I’ll take you home.”
“I can’t leave. I haven’t even done half my shift—”
“I’ll talk to Adam. This is a special circumstance. You were threatened, and if I hadn’t interrupted, I’m sure he would have laid a hand on you.”
Candi paused and locked gazes with Dallas. Her own husband had used his hands and fist on her. He was supposed to be the one who was to love and cherish her.
Those vows had been a joke.
“Okay.” She gave in. If Dallas felt it was in her best interest for her to leave early tonight, then she’d do it.
Dallas gave a satisfied nod. He stood to his full height and held his hand out for her. She took it and stood from the chair.
“I don’t like that he’d made threats to you—”
“Lamont is in prison. There’s nothing he can do to me.”
“I don’t trust men like them. Moody made threats against you. This is not your husband making idle threats from behind a jail bars, Moody did. He’s not in prison.”
Candi swallowed hard at this announcement.
“I’m sure he was just upset and embarrassed—”
“Don’t make excuses for men like that. Threats should be taken seriously.”
A knock sounded at the door. Dallas stood from his kneeling position and walked over to it. He pulled it open, and then came a low murmuring of voices.
Candi sat up straighter in her chair, watching Dallas widen the gap fully and wave a uniform policeman into the room.
“Hello, Ms. Jennings. My name is Officer
Sholl,” the cop announced. He held out a hand to her. She took it in a firm shake. “I just want to ask you a few questions about the altercation.”
“Okay, but do you mind if Dallas stays,” she asked. If she was going to have to be grilled, she wanted someone she knew she could trust by her side.
Chapter Eight
“You’re not staying here,” Dallas announced, following Candi into her apartment.
“What?” She turned her wide eyes to him.
There was no way in hell he would let her stay here. With the threats that Moody had spouted off, Dallas had to take them seriously.
Men like him didn’t make idle threats.
Dallas had seen it one time too many.
Candi was in danger.
“I said you can’t stay here. I don’t trust Moody, and if he’s like any of the other thugs, he’ll come after you.” He brushed past her and walked farther into the small apartment.
From his position, he was in the living room but could see into the kitchen and the small dining room. His gaze took in the hallway that he was sure led to the bedroom and bathroom.
He stalked down the hallway, flipping a switch on, providing light. If someone had been in the apartment, he certainly didn’t want to be surprised in the dark.
With the open threats made to her, he wanted to make sure the apartment was secure.
“What are you doing?” Candi’s exasperated voice followed him.
“Making sure you’re not walking into a trap or anything,” he murmured, pushing open the door to the bathroom. He scanned the feminine decor, not finding any surprises.
“You think someone would be here waiting on me?” she asked.
“There’s always that chance.” He spun around to face her.
She took a step back and gazed up at him with concern in her eyes.
“Where am I to go?” she asked.
Dallas caught the slight tremble in her hands as she reached up and tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear.
Dallas moved before he realized it. He extended his hand and ran a finger along her soft cheek. Her eyes were trusting, and his heart slammed against his chest.
Sweat broke out on his temples.
The last time I was trusted, people were killed.
“With me,” he whispered, unthinking. There was no way he would leave her on her own with Moody making threats.
This time, no one would get hurt.
“You don’t have to do this, Dallas. Maybe I can go stay with a friend—”
“No.” He cleared his throat. It wasn’t his job to protect her, but he was the most qualified to keep her safe.
Plus, there was this attraction between them.
They had to explore it.
Candi was a woman he wanted in his life.
He drew back, shocked at the thought.
He looked down in her warm eyes and knew it was true. She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
“Okay,” she whispered.
Dallas bent down and covered her lips with his. They were soft, inviting, and opened immediately for him.
He gripped Candi by her neck and anchored her to him while he deepened the kiss.
There was nothing stopping them this time.
No sneaking around the bar.
No chance of someone barging in on them.
No curious stares or nosy bouncers.
It was just the two of them.
A moan slipped from Candi, fueling his desire for her. He stepped forward, backing her up to the wall. Candi’s soft body pressed against his.
The kiss turned frantic. Her small hands yanked his shirt over his head, breaking the kiss.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his words ending on a growl. He had never felt this stark need for any woman before.
Candi gazed up at him, and the heat in her eyes almost brought him to his knees.
“Please, Dallas,” she whispered. Her hands slid down to his jeans and unbuttoned them.
He braced a hand along the wall, allowing her to do as she pleased.
“I want you.”
“Fuck,” he muttered, loving how she in her own way was showing him just how much she did.
Candi pushed his jeans and boxer briefs down, leaving him with his hard cock standing erect. He kicked the offending clothing off along with his shoes. A growl ripped from his chest at the sensation of her hand circling his cock.
He peeled her clothing off her, frantic to see her naked body. Neither of them could keep their hands from the other. He tossed her clothes to the floor in the growing pile. He glanced down at her high, full breasts and released another curse.
Cupping both of her breasts, he was pleased that they filled his large palms.
“You’re so beautiful. Do you know how crazy I am over you?” he asked, pressing a chaste kiss to her lips. He gently massaged her mounds, eliciting a moan from her.
He had to slow this down. Her hands were unhurriedly stroking the length of him, sending a shiver down his spine.
“As crazy as I am about you?” she asked.
He rested his forehead on hers, basking in the feel of her running a hand along his length. He bit back a moan when she let go and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his chin.
“I haven’t been with anyone in a while.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you,” he promised.
He didn’t know why, but for some odd reason, he meant it. No harm would come to her.
She was his.
He easily lifted her off her feet and pressed her against the wall. There was no way they would make it the few feet into her room. He had to be inside her now. Her legs wrapped around his waist, allowing his cock to brush along her slick folds.
“Please, Dallas,” she moaned. “I need you.”
He reached down, lining up the blunt tip of his cock with her slick opening, and surged forward.
They both released a shout of ecstasy. Dallas gripped her thighs tight, relishing the feeling of her snug sheath surrounding him.
Her channel was warm slick and welcoming. A shudder racked his body. They fit together perfectly.
It was as if he were home.
He pulled back and thrust forward again. His gaze was locked on her face. Her eyes were closed, and the noises coming from her had his cock growing even harder.
Her lips parted, and a gasp released from her with every thrust.
“Candi,” her name was ripped from him.
Her core pulsed around him, bringing him farther inside her. Her nails dug into his shoulders.
He welcomed the slight sting of pain. It was a sign that this was not a dream and he was finally deep inside the woman he’d desired for so long.
She was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen with her head thrown back and her eyes closed. Her smooth brown skin, her dark hair, and those plump lips were all he needed.
He buried his face into the crook of her neck. He trailed open-mouth kisses along her skin. He nipped, licked, and sucked on every inch he could reach.
“Harder,” she gasped, bringing him closer to her. Her firm breasts were crushed between them.
He made his way to her face and captured her lips with his. She dove her fingers into his hair and held him in place. His hips pushed forward, slamming into her.
She broke away from him with a cry.
Dallas wanted to hear her scream his name.
He had wanted to explore her body, but right now would not be the time. He’d made a solemn promise that tonight, he would memorize every inch of her body.
This first time was going to be hard and fast.
His orgasm was racing for him. His hips were on autopilot, thrusting rapid and deep.
She chanted his name over and over in his ear.
“Candi, I need you to come with me,” he groaned.
“Dallas…” Her voice grew louder and more desperate.
He knew she was right there with him, teetering on the edge of
her release.
He pulled away from the wall, taking the full weight of her. He took control of her hips and slammed her down harder on his cock. Her breasts bounced against him, sliding along his sweat-coated chest.
Her cries echoed through the air.
Dallas increased the pace and was unforgiving in making her take his full length.
She didn’t complain one bit.
“Open your eyes and look at me,” he demanded. His voice was hoarse. He was so close and he wanted to ensure they came together.
She did as he requested, her lust-filled gaze meeting his as she rode him hard. Gasps and grunts were the only sounds in the tiny apartment. Dallas was captivated by her. He was pleased that it was him about to bring her to completion.
Candi’s body trembled and shook. She threw her head back and released a strangled cry, her walls clamping down on his length as her orgasm hit her.
Dallas released a shout, tumbling over the edge into his release. He gripped her tight, pausing all movements while he filled her womb with his seed.
Candi opened her eyes and blinked a few times before they came into focus. She glanced around the familiar settings and took in the dark sky through the windows. Soon the sun would be rising, and she couldn’t think of a better person to share the beautiful sunrise with.
A smile lingered on her lips at the thought of who lay next to her in her bed.
Dallas.
Memories of the past few hours came to mind.
Turning over, she found him to still be asleep. His light snore filled the air. She took in his profile and bit her lips. His strong nose, his talented lips, the shadow of his beard that had brushed the inside of her thighs brought on a shiver. Her pussy pulsed with the memories of Dallas tasting her.
Their night had been spent discovering each other’s bodies. She couldn’t keep the silly grin off her face at the thought he’d made her climax three times. Twice on his cock and once on his tongue.
Never before had she ever had a lover who had taken the time to ensure she reached completion.
Lamont certainly—
She paused.
He would not ruin her night with Dallas. Pushing all thoughts of her ex-husband from her mind, she focused back on Dallas.
