In Deep (The Blackhart Brothers)

by Blue Saffire

  She reaches to trace the K and the B in the center of the design. All three of my brothers have the same tat. It’s our family crest, and each of us has our initials in the center.

  Her touch scorches me, but I welcome it. I place my hands on her hips as she explores. As a gentleman, it’s only right I return the favor of helping her out of her shirt. I reach for it and tug it off.

  Her breasts come into view, and I groan. Yes, they were ample when she had on the V-neck T-shirt, but now, in nothing but her bra, they sit full and lush like her backside. Her skin looks so soft and beautiful within the black lace.

  “You’re gorgeous, love,” I say and tug her into me for another kiss, but something dawns on me. “What’s your first name?”

  “De—Danita,” she says.

  I don’t miss the slip and pause. I shrug it off as lust clouding her mind as much as it’s clouding mine. I want her bad.

  “Danita,” I repeat.

  “Oh God, your accent is sexy. It comes and goes,” she says.

  I smile down at her. “Cha chuala thu dad fhathast.”

  Her lips part. I take advantage and capture her mouth. She grabs my ears and gives as good as she’s getting.

  “What did you just say?” she pants against my lips.

  “You haven’t heard anything yet,” I reply.

  “Okay, but what did you say?”

  I chuckle into her mouth. “Aye, I just told you what I said, love.”

  “Ohhh,” she drags out and laughs.

  It’s the prettiest sound I’ve ever heard. I cup her face and devour her sweet cavern. With one hand, I reach behind her and release her bra.

  She tosses the garment aside and reaches to unfasten my belt. I bend my legs and wrap my arms around her thick thighs, pulling her onto my waist. She breaks the kiss to look at me with wide eyes.

  “Don’t look so surprised. You’re light as a feather.”

  “Bulls—”

  I cut her off with a kiss. “Jeez, your mouth is foul.”

  “I’m so not the first cop you’ve known with a potty mouth,” she scoffs.

  I laugh. She’s right. However, on the walk over, I realized she’d fit right in with me and my own.

  “Nope, but you’re the prettiest. Where’s your bedroom?”

  “Down the hall to the right.”

  I nod and start in the direction she calls out. Nuzzling her neck, I take in her sweet scent. Not only is she sexy, she smells so damn good, I want to eat her.

  I start a trail of kisses down her neck. Once in the bedroom, I step out of my boots as she wiggles her heels off her feet. I love those heels.

  Maybe I’ll get her to put them back on after the first round. For now, I need a taste. I move over to the bed and place her down on it. I cup her breasts to give them my attention.

  “Kevin.” I love the way she calls my name as she squirms beneath me. While kneading her mounds, I start to kiss my way down her torso. When I reach her cute belly button, I circle it with my tongue.

  I glide my hands down her sides, then reach for the button of her jeans. Once I pop it, I peel them open to reveal sexy black lace panties. Getting the pants from her legs, I settle on my knees and pull her to the edge.

  “You’re sexy,” I murmur against her lace-covered mound and run a hand over her thigh. “You’re already wet for me. Ach, I’m going to enjoy every inch of you.”

  “Kevin, please.”

  Hooking two fingers into her panties, I push them aside and place a kiss against her moistened skin. She smells even better down here. Like berries or some shit. I bite my lip and groan.

  Swiftly, I peel the damp fabric from her body and toss them over my shoulder. With her pussy now bare to me, I’m salivating. I push her thighs toward her chest and start to acquaint myself with her pretty center.

  “Mm,” I groan as her flavor saturates my tongue.

  “Yes,” she hisses out.

  A grin comes to my lips. I haven’t gotten started yet. I tighten my hold on her thighs and get fully invested in my task, earning every orgasm I pull from this delicious body.

  Her voice is hoarse by the time I let her take a breather. I’m also ready to burst through my jeans. I stand and start to free myself from them.

  “Do you have a condom?” she says breathlessly.

  I freeze and squeeze my eyes shut. I throw my head back and growl in frustration. I truly hadn’t planned to have sex with her tonight. If I had, I would have made sure to stop and get some fucking condoms.

  I fall to the bed beside her, facedown. “Please, baby. Tell me you have condoms.”

  “No. I don’t,” she says softly.

  I roll onto my back and look up at the ceiling. This would only happen to me. I can hear my brothers laughing at me now.

  “I’ve been celibate,” I say. “My last few relationships were train wrecks. I’m getting too old for bullshit. I haven’t had sex since my last breakup. I don’t walk around with condoms for this exact reason. Although, tonight, I want to kick my own ass.”

  She laughs and shifts onto her side. I turn my head to look at her. She reaches to push her hand through my hair.

  “I’ve been celibate for about three and a half years,” she says and shrugs. “Same thing. No need for condoms.”

  I blow out a breath. “I hadn’t planned to sleep with you in the first place.” I reach out and bring her warm body to mine, tugging her into my side as I kiss the top of her head. “So, what’s the pup’s name?”

  She beams at me. “His name is Sunny.”

  And for the rest of the night we get to know each other.

  Chapter 3

  Maybe Next Time

  Danita

  I stand holding my front door open, looking up at Kevin like a dreamy-eyed teenager. Sunny is propped against my leg, looking pretty much the same way. Kevin won him over last night as well.

  The night was unexpected. I opened up to him in a way I know I shouldn’t have. A lot of the things I told him were so close to the truth.

  I mean, we’re trained to tell half-truths to be able to keep them straight, but this was different. I shared things I’ve never shared with anyone else. I tried to keep most of the conversation on him, but he would stir it back to me.

  We have so much in common. Not Danita and Kevin. Kevin has a lot in common with Demaris Mercado. The real me. I think I’ve reached my breaking point, because this was very stupid of me.

  “I had a nice time getting to know you,” he says, reaching to wrap one of my curls around his finger. He brushes my deep waves out of my face and kisses my forehead before he kisses my lips. “When can I see you again?”

  My heart aches from the words I’m about to speak. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  He frowns and moves to crowd my space, placing a hand on my hip. “Why not?”

  “It’s complicated. I have a lot of shit going on. I don’t think I have room to start anything up with anyone.”

  He pinches my chin between his fingers and takes my lips in another searing kiss. I’m in a daze when he backs away. I get lost in his eyes, not able to find my voice.

  “Does that feel like something you don’t have room for?”

  “Kevin—”

  “You don’t have to answer me now. I’ll be out of town for work for a few days. I’d like to take you out to dinner when I get back.”

  I bite my lip. I know that’s not going to be possible. I never should have brought him back here last night. While he was amazing with his mouth, I’m glad we didn’t take it any further. That will make this so much easier on me.

  “I’ll think about it,” I lie.

  He plants another kiss on my lips. “I’ll see you in a few days.” His phone chimes, and he frowns down at it. “I have to go.”

  He murmurs the
words and takes off as they roll out of his mouth. It’s as if I lose something vital as he walks away. I shove the feeling down because I have no room for it.

  Moving Sunny back into the apartment, I close the door behind Kevin. I look around my place. It feels so lonely all of a sudden. I wonder if it would be such a bad idea to start a relationship with someone, but quickly dismiss the thought.

  I’d always feel like a liar. My biggest fear is falling in love with someone and having to walk away from them once this is all over. Or worse, I could fall for one of the bad guys.

  Kevin Blackhart is definitely not the guy I want to experiment with. I know for a fact I could fall for him. I felt this connection with him last night that I’ve never felt with anyone before.

  With a sigh, I go to fill Sunny’s water and food bowls before I let him out for a bit. I’m headed for the back door when the bell sounds up front. Thinking that maybe Kevin forgot something, I double back. Sunny heads for the front door barking.

  When I look out of the glass panel, it’s the last person I expect. I open the door quickly and let him in. From the look on his face, I don’t think this is good.

  “I didn’t think you’d be checking in for a few days. What’s going on? Is everything all right?”

  “Who was that guy?” Eric says in answer.

  “No one.”

  “It didn’t look like no one. Listen, we’re too close to closing this case. You have to think smarter. Why would you bring some guy here?”

  He might be right, but I don’t like his tone. Eric may be my handler, but he’s not my father. I fold my arms over my chest.

  “What’s this visit about? If you saw him leaving, you were coming here for something.”

  He nods. “Yeah, I have orders to move you to a new location.”

  “What? Why? This place is right near the precinct.”

  “Exactly, anyone could follow you home, and they’d be right in the neighborhood. Nothing would look out of place. We’re getting closer to what we need.” He pauses to place his hands on his hips and gives me a glare as he purses his lips. “I told you to stop walking back and forth, by the way. You have a car.”

  “I hate driving. I’m a subway girl.” I shrug.

  “Well, you’re not in the city. I need you to be more alert and focused.”

  I grind my teeth. I’ve been focused. Last night was the first time I let my guard down. However, I keep my mouth shut. He’s right. If I’m getting as close as we believe, this might not be the best place for me anymore.

  “But why move me now? Do you think I’ve been made?”

  He turns for my kitchen and starts to make coffee. I look down at my bare legs. I forgot I walked Kevin to the door in a T-shirt and panties.

  “Hold that thought. I’m going to throw something on,” I call.

  “So, that guy, is he from the force?”

  “He used to work at the precinct. He was a detective,” I reply as I start for my room.

  However, Sunny blocks my way, circling my legs. This is the most company he has ever had. I squat and kiss his forehead.

  “Who’s a good boy? That’s my good boy.”

  I pat his backside, and he takes off for the kitchen where his food is. I’m headed to the bedroom as I hear Sunny barking. I smile and shake my head.

  “Sunny, leave Eric alone.”

  “That dog fucking hates me,” Eric says, heading up the hall toward me at a rapid pace.

  “He does not. You need to relax. He’s trying to be friendly.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  I snicker as I enter my room and grab a pair of sweatpants to head into the bathroom with. I toss on the pants, use the bathroom, and pull my hair up before heading back out. Eric stands in the middle of my room, tapping at his phone feverishly.

  “Everything okay?”

  He looks up at me as if he didn’t hear me reenter the room. “Yeah, fine. So, do we add that guy to the list? Can we get an indictment on him? What do you have for me?”

  “Whoa. Slow down, killer.” I laugh. “I never said I had anything on him. He seems to be on the up and up. Besides, like I said, he doesn’t work for the department anymore. He’s a PI or something.”

  I know he’s a PI. It was something he told me last night, but for some reason, I play it off as if it’s not something I paid attention to. I tell myself it’s because I don’t want to remember every detail he shared with me.

  “Oh, okay. I thought you had something big since you brought him back here. What about that Detective Harris? Any more on him?”

  “Ugh, that guy is an asshole. Nothing yet, but I swear he’s going to slip up soon. He’s so damn arrogant.”

  Eric smiles. “Don’t worry. You’re doing great. We knew this one wasn’t going to be easy. They’re a tight-knit operation. That collar yesterday may be the breakthrough we need. You earned a lot of respect with that one.”

  I groan. “I hope so. I need a break to get me out of here. You know?”

  “If you think you need to pull out, say the word. Your safety is most important. Agents get sloppy when they’re in too deep.”

  “I’m fine. I can handle this. I’m just a little homesick, you know what I mean?”

  He moves closer and places a hand on my shoulder. “It’s been three years. It’s okay to throw in the towel. These guys you have are small fries, but the bureau will have to be satisfied with that. I’ll get you out if that’s what you need.”

  “I said, I’m fine.”

  “Listen, these guys are nothing to play with. This goes so much higher than these degenerates you’re digging into—”

  “I know this, Eric. I know why I’m here.”

  “Do you know the reason this has such a high clearance level? It’s not safe for you to know who, but someone connected to our office is a part of this. It’s so much bigger than you think.”

  I rock back on my heels. This, I didn’t know. The entire case started with a whistleblower.

  However, once a group with the ring’s MO was found crossing over into New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and DC, the attention of my office was grabbed. Then two bodies of high-profile individuals turned up in Vegas with signs of the ring’s dealings. Someone got sloppy. I knew it was a big deal, but hearing someone from the Bureau is dirty changes so much.

  “Yeah, now you understand.” Eric nods as I stand silently with my mouth open. “Listen, the last thing you want to do is get involved with someone. This case has the potential to burn anyone connected to you.

  “As a matter of fact, I want you to promise me that if something happens…if you can’t get in contact with me, you keep this shit tight. Always know that I have your back. Whatever’s going on, I’ll be doing all I can to get you out, but don’t do anything. Don’t talk to anyone, don’t reveal yourself, especially not at the Bureau. I mean it, Demaris. You can’t afford to be compromised. Not even your brothers are safe if you drag them into this. Your life, my life, and everyone connected to you depends on your silence. That’s why I offered to get you out now, if you need it.”

  I chew on the inside of my mouth.

  “You got it? I need to hear you say it,” he demands.

  “Yeah, I got. I’m staying in.”

  “This is the case of a lifetime. It’s going to make your career. Trust me.”

  I wipe my hands on my T-shirt. “Yeah, I know. I’m all in. Come on. I’ll make breakfast.”

  * * *

  Kevin

  “What’s going on?” I ask as I push into the office.

  Quinn sent me a text as I was leaving Danita’s place this morning. As usual, Cal has gotten himself in the middle of some shit. I’m not surprised, just annoyed.

  We told him that staying on the force would be a challenge. Especially with the things Quinn and I walked away knowing. Yeah, we have
a lot of friends and connections, but we made a few enemies along the way as well.

  “I’ve been asked to join their little gang. No, I’ve been told. When I move to detective, I have no choice. I get put on that squad, it’s them or my family. Last night, I never made it inside because I was approached after I got off my call with Erin,” Cal says.

  “By who?”

  “I don’t know. They were wearing masks. I was told I had a decision to make. Join or they’d make my life hell.”

  “They’re still up to their bullshit,” Quinn grunts.

  “You know you’re going to have to make a choice,” I say to Cal. “The offer still stands. You can always come work here.”

  “I’m so close to making detective. All my life I’ve wanted to be a cop. I’m not allowing them to run me off.”

  “You do understand that this could put your life in danger. Dugan isn’t going to be able cover your ass on this. When you’re out there, you’re going to be unprotected. That’s the way they play this dirty game. They will make sure you question everything until you’re either dead or out of your mind with paranoia.”

  Cal blows a breath out and runs his hands through his hair. “This is bullshit. A bunch of dirty cops that bully others to fall in line. Why hasn’t anyone blown the whistle? Why hasn’t Dugan said anything? He knows what’s going on.”

  “Aye, but this is bigger than him. I’ve told ya this before,” Quinn says and sighs. “Ya have a hard head. We told ya to transfer or leave all together.”

  “Like a coward?”

  “Ya can swallow that shit. Kevin and I be no one’s cowards. We did the wise thing. Ya don’t stand in a pit of snakes waiting to be bitten. We can do more good from here than in there,” Quinn says heatedly.

  “I wasn’t calling you guys cowards,” Cal says like a chastened child.

  “This is something you need to figure out. We’re here to support you either way. We won’t get our hands dirty in anything illegal, but we’ll do what we can if you decide to stay and tough it out.”

  “I won’t be one of the bad guys. Erin needs me. My kids look up to me. I’m not going to jeopardize showing Con how to grow up and be a real man. You know my childhood. You know what my father was like. I won’t become him. I’ve wanted to be a cop all my life. This is all bullshit. I’ll find a way to keep my job and keep those fucks away from me.”