Rescuing Samantha

by Nicole Flockton

  All he wanted to do was collapse on her but he had enough strength left to wrap his arms around her and flip them over so that he was on his back and she was lying on his chest. A sigh rippled through him and he relaxed against the mattress.

  A sense of peace washed over him. For the last few months he’d been lost. Walking around with a sense of not knowing where to go, what to do. He belonged nowhere now he didn’t have his team. Holding Sam close, he finally had the same sense of belonging he’d once had with his team. He never wanted to let it go.

  Someone was chasing her. Sam was running as fast as she could, but she seemed to be running on the spot. Not making any progress at all. The person chasing her got closer and closer.

  “No. Stop,” she tried to yell the words but they came out like a whisper. “Please. Don’t hurt me.”

  Would they be reasonable when they caught her? Or would they hurt her?

  A hand landed on her shoulder. She screamed and jolted upright. Her heart racing when the surroundings of her bedroom came into focus.

  “Fuck, Sam. Are you okay?” Warm, strong arms bandied around, cocooning her in safety like a warm blanket.

  “Beck?”

  “Yeah, sweetheart, it’s me. You were having a dream.” Beck ran a hand up and down her back and her heartbeat slowed to its normal pace.

  “More like a nightmare.” She shuddered as she recalled the feeling of hopelessness that consumed her in the dream.

  “Wanna tell me about it?”

  Her immediate response was not really but, deep down, if she tried to avoid explaining what she’d dreamed, Beck wouldn’t let it go until he got it out of her. “I was being chased, and I was running, but going nowhere. Like I was on a treadmill. The person was coming closer and closer. I couldn’t get away no matter how hard or fast I tried to run. I thought they’d grabbed me, but it was you.”

  Another shiver rippled through her and Beck pressed a kiss on her head. “You’re safe now. When you’re with me I will always keep you safe.”

  “I know.” With the dream still fresh in her mind she knew if she tried to sleep again the dream would come back. “Will you talk to me?” she asked.

  Beck moved, adjusting their position so she rested against him. “What do you want to talk about?”

  Sam had no idea if he’d answer but she hoped he would. “Will you tell me about your injury? I see you grimacing a few times a day and limping every now and then.”

  Beneath her Beck’s body tensed and she held her breath, hoping that he would answer. “My team and I were in Afghanistan on a standard recon job. There was intel for a suspected terrorist cell so we had positioned ourselves in a couple of locations to observe them. It was hot as hell and with all our gear on I was sweating more that I could drink. Anyway, Bird who was my partner, he went to grab some water from one of the other guys and that’s when it happened. A rocket propelled grenade, an RPG, came out of nowhere and hit the building we were in. Shards of shrapnel flew into my shoulders and I started running to get out, but another missile hit, this one caused rubble to land on my ankle crushing it. Bird came back and got me out, but the damage was done. My ankle was never going to be the same. I followed all the doctors instructions. Went to weeks of physical therapy but I can’t run like I used to. Can’t do the things I need as a SEAL. The Navy offered me a desk job or to be medically retired. I chose the latter. I can’t see myself stuck behind a desk.”

  “Oh Beck, I’m so sorry that had to be a hard decision to make.”

  “It was. Ash and Storm have given me this opportunity to work with them. To continue to protect. It’s not the same though.”

  “It is to me. Thank you for sharing that with me.” He nodded, acknowledging her words.

  Sam snuggled closer to him, wanting to forget about who was threatening her. How Beck’s life had been turned upside down. All she wanted was for them to be a normal couple. Nothing troubling either one of them, even if only for one night. Moving so that she straddled him she placed her hands on his chest. The rock hard chest she’d been itching to touch for so long. Her fingers massaged his pecs and she could feel his erection butting up against her ass. “Let’s forget everything that’s going on in our lives at the moment. All I want to do is feel. Lose myself in you. Can we do that?”

  Beck’s answer was to captured her wrists, tugging her gently until she collapsed on top of him. “We can do anything you want.”

  His lips meshed with hers and she sighed against the onslaught. Now she understood why Rayne gave herself to Ghost. If Ghost was as alpha, caring, and protective as Beck, why wouldn’t Rayne love the man? And just because she allowed herself to succumb to Beck didn’t mean she was giving up her independence or made her weak.

  God, what was she doing thinking about a possible future with Beck? One night didn’t mean forever.

  Hadn’t she asked that they live in the moment? She needed to put any thoughts of what might be to the back of her mind and concentrate on Beck. She was on top and she planned to keep it that way.

  Sam pulled her lips away and kissed his lightly stubbled cheeks, working her way down his impressive chest to his even more impressive cock. She hadn’t had a chance to explore it the first time they’d made love. Wrapping her fingers around his hard length, she stroked from root to tip, rubbing her thumb over his tip. Beck groaned so she repeated the action, a little bit quicker this time.

  “Sweetheart, you keep that up and I’m going to go off in your hand.”

  Sam stilled her movements but didn’t release her hold on him. “And that would be a bad thing?”

  “I’d much rather you ride me. We can do anything else you want next time.” Beck reached down and grabbed her hips, his fingers digging into her soft flesh. He was wanting a next time with her?

  Sam gave him one more stroke before whispering against his lips. “Hand me a condom.”

  “You’re going to kill me, woman,” Beck groaned but reached out to the box resting on the night stand.

  “But what a way to go.”

  “You’ll get no argument from me, sweetheart.”

  She grabbed the square package out of his hand and with deft movements had it opened and rolled on. Sam positioned herself over him, and then slid home. Both of them moaned in pleasure as she seated herself. “God, Beck, you fill me so perfectly.”

  “I love the way you clench around my cock. Squeeze me harder, sweetheart.”

  Sam worked her inner muscles around him and loved seeing the way Beck’s mouth fell open in a silent cry when she began to move. Every time she slid down on him, the tip of his cock hit her g-spot and tingles of desire burst through her. She didn’t know what it was about Beck, but all it took for a few strokes before her orgasm was ready to crash over her. She wanted to prolong it for as long as she could, but it was impossible. The need to abandon herself to the moment was big.

  She cried out when Beck pinched her nipple, the shaft of pain only increasing her the pleasure pooling between her legs.

  “I need to come now,” she moaned as she increased her pace. It wasn’t enough though, she wanted more.

  As if Beck knew exactly what she needed, he gripped her hips again and pulled her down hard as he thrust up in her.

  “Yes, Beck. This. More.”

  Her words were incoherent and she knew she was babbling and when her release hit her she screamed and was conscious of Beck calling out her name too.

  Weak and exhausted from an orgasm like nothing she’d ever experienced, Sam collapsed on Beck’s chest, her breathing ragged.

  Strong arms wrapped tightly around her, as though Beck didn’t want to let her go. A secret part of her hoped he never would.

  The next time Sam woke, her alarm was blaring and she was alone in bed. As much as she loved being in a film, today was the first day that she didn’t jump out of bed, eager to get to the set. She stretched, her body deliciously achy from the workout Beck had given her the previous evening.

  A slow smile s
tretched the corners of her mouth as she recalled the feeling of being held, kissed, and loved by Beck. She allowed the thoughts, thoughts she deliberately banished, of a future together back into her mind. What would it be like to come home every day and be greeted by Beck? Or to greet him if she got home before him? She knew she’d greet him with a big hug and a kiss, maybe drag him off to the bedroom for some pre-dinner delight.

  She giggled to herself at the idea.

  “Sounds like you’re up to no good, Samantha Jackson.”

  Sam looked up and spied Beck arms crossed over his impressive naked chest leaning against the doorframe. Soft grey sweatpants hung low on his hips. It wouldn’t take much for her to pull them down and take him between her lips, sucking him until he exploded in her mouth. She licked her lips in anticipation. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

  He peeled himself away from the door and stalked over to her. When he got to where she lay on the bed he leaned over and pressed his lips against hers. What now appeared to be their new normal, heat exploded between them and Sam wound her arms around his neck to keep him closer. Ready to bring her fantasy to life.

  Beck groaned and pulled away. “As much as I want to take this further, we can’t. You need to be on set in a little over two hours.”

  Damn, his voice of reason. “I know,” she said, biting her lip. Apprehension crept into her soul at the thought of turning up on set in light of what happened with Miles. Would people blame her? After all she was the new person on set. Even though Miles hadn’t been cast in one of the major roles, he was well known with most of the cast.

  A soft touch brushed down her face and Sam looked up to see Beck watching her closely. “Talk to me, sweetheart. What’s going on?”

  Sam gripped the sheet tighter around her. “Have you heard anything about Miles? Will he be on set do you think?”

  “I spoke to Cass at the office not long ago. She says Miles has come back squeaky clean, not even a parking ticket on him.”

  “What? Are you serious? Nobody can be that clean.”

  Beck shrugged. “I agree, so Cass is doing a little more digging to see what else she can find.” He paused and picked up her hand. “As far as him being on set, I can’t answer that question. Although I’m pretty sure that Pascal will not have him anywhere near you. He didn’t need to be on set as much as he did.”

  Sam absorbed all that Beck had told her, trying not to acknowledge the real underlying meaning of what he told her about Miles. “With the check on Miles coming back clean, it means he’s not the person who’s been threatening me, is he?”

  “On the surface it looks that way, but that’s why I’m getting Cass to dig deeper. The way he acted and what he did yesterday, fits with the actions of a person who is obsessed with someone. The threats are also an indication of obsession.” Beck framed her face and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. A sigh rippled through her and she wished they could stay safe in her house. “I’ll do everything I can to get to the bottom of this. I won’t leave your side.”

  He then recaptured her lips and kissed her until she couldn’t think anymore. When she thought that maybe he’d change his mind and rip off his sweatpants and take her, he broke their connection and stepped away from the bed. A glance down showed he definitely was as affected by their kiss as she was. If she wanted she could camp in his pants the way they were tenting.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to help you fix that? It looks painful,” she joked, amazed she could find some amusement in a situation so dire. But if she didn’t try to look at the lighter things in life, she’d curl up into a ball and rock in the corner of the room. She was exhausted. So tired of trying to deal with this situation all on her own. Now she didn’t have to. Beck was safe even though she’d told him what was going on.

  Beck chuckled. “Again, as tempting as that is, we really do have to go. You go shower and I’ll fix you something to eat.”

  She hesitated for a moment before pulling herself together. For months and months she hadn’t let this person beat her, she wasn’t going to start now. Sam threw back the covers and headed for the bathroom, swinging her hips more when she heard Beck low groan.

  Oh yeah, she could definitely get used to having him in her life on a more permanent basis.

  9

  Another long day of filming was in the can, and Sam could finally start to relax. She was in her dressing room removing her make-up. When she’d arrived on set no one made mention about Miles or his lack of presence around the set. Pascal had told her he’d dealt with the other man and he wouldn’t be bothering her any more. She’d even had a visit from the police for her side of the story and when they asked if she wanted to follow through on pressing charges against Miles. She’d said she’d consider it. While Sam didn’t want to ruin Miles’ career, she also didn’t want him to think it was okay to do what he did. It wasn’t a decision she could make quickly.

  Even Leigh had left a message for her, checking to see if she was okay. She also told Sam know if she needed anything or wanted to go shopping some time to let her know. Sam was touched by her sweet gesture. The thought of shopping with the former model was certainly an exciting one.

  Beck had to leave the set to do something but had assured her that another person was close by and would keep an eye on her. When she’d asked who it was, and could he point him out to her, he’d declined, saying the less she knew, the better off she’d be. It hadn’t stopped her from looking around to see if she could see anyone new. Whoever this person was, they were doing a darn good job at blending in with the rest of the people on the set.

  As she wiped the last of the make-up off her face, her dressing room door opened. Sam’s heart rate kicked up a notch at the thought of seeing Beck. She had to stop herself from jumping up and running to him. Instead her breath caught when she registered who was standing in the doorway. The last person she ever expected to see.

  “Ray-Ray?” Her imagination had to be playing tricks on her. It wasn’t possible that her sister could be standing in her dressing room. Sure she’d told Rayne about her big break, but to see her standing there seemed impossible.

  “Hey, Sammy!”

  Blood rushed to Samantha’s head and for a second she thought she was going to pass out. She didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry. Her body, however, acted and she was up and rushing toward her sister.

  “Oh my God, Rayne. I can’t believe you’re here.” Both sisters met at the same time and wrapped their arms around each other. Feeling Rayne in her arms, knowing that her sister was actually here filled her with joy. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure it wasn’t a dream, but the tears she’d been trying to hold back flowed down her cheeks, confirming it was very real.

  Rayne broke the embrace and Sam ached to hug her sister again. But the look of hurt in Rayne’s eyes cut deep. “I’ve missed you, Sam. Why have you put so much distance between us?”

  Sam sucked in a deep breath, not sure how to answer this. Was it safe to say something at all? Did she even want to say anything yet?

  “DaDaDa…”

  Sam whirled around to see Ghost, Rayne’s strong alpha husband, cuddling the sweetest looking baby against his chest. His hand protectively cupping a diaper clad bottom.

  Her nephew.

  Billy.

  He had a cute smile, a little button nose and blue eyes. His chubby little hand was patting his daddy’s cheek.

  Over Ghost’s shoulder she spied Beck’s handsome face. Even from where she stood she could see the concern in his eyes, as if he could tell what was going through her mind.

  The baby cooed again and Sam’s heart broke a little. How much had she missed out on? She swallowed back a sob, but knew she wasn’t successful, when Beck was at her side in a matter of seconds. His arm bandied around her shoulder and she sank against him, grateful for his support.

  “You okay?” he murmured while Rayne and Ghost looked at them, speculation rife in their gazes.

  “I’m not sure,
” she said quietly.

  “I’ve got you,” he responded. “I think it might be best if we take this back to our place.”

  “Our place?” Ghost questioned, a hard tone entering his voice.

  Sam had only met Ghost on a couple of occasions and each time she’d been intimidated by his presence, but with Beck standing beside her, every muscle in him tightening at Ghost’s question, a sense of safety consumed her.

  “Yes, our place,” responded Beck, his voice just as hard as Ghost’s had been. “Do you have your own car or shall I arrange some transport for you?”

  “We’ve got our own vehicle, we’ll follow you.” How Ghost managed to look all bad ass Delta soldier while holding a baby shouldn’t have surprised Sam, but it did.

  “Okay, you two, quit your posturing,” Rayne said as she laid her hand on her husband’s arm. “Ghost, honey, Sam is fine and she’s older than me, she can live with whoever she wants.”

  Heat suffused Sam’s face at the way her younger sister was defending her. “She’s right, Ghost. You’re my brother-in-law, not my father. You don’t get to question what I do and who I do it with.”

  “I protect what’s mine. You’re Rayne’s sister, which makes you mine to protect.”

  “I’ve got Sam’s six.” Beck announced and Sam rolled her eyes.

  “Good Lord, are you two going to rip your shirts off and pound your naked chests?” Rayne rolled her eyes at Ghost.

  “I said that exact same thing to Beck when he first met my co-star Miles.” Sam said, biting her lip from starting to cry again. She’d missed her sister, and how they always thought the same things, so much. Beside her, Beck squeezed her shoulder and she felt his muscles relax against her.

  “Let’s get out of here. I’m sure there’s a lot of catching up to be had and relaxing with a glass of wine and bottle of beer appeals way more to me than standing here.” Beck commented and, surprisingly, Ghost acquiesced as if Beck standing up to him earned him brownie points.