For Honor

by Jeannette Winters

  “To help find this jerk.”

  “You’re not going anywhere.”

  Placing her hands on her hips, she asked, “Why not?”

  Rafe reached out, grabbed the waistband of her shorts, and pulled her toward him. “Because I promised you I’d never let anything happen to you.” He tugged harder, and she slammed directly into him before falling into his lap. He rolled her onto the bed then covered her body with his. “You’re staying here.”

  “Right here?” Deanna asked, barely able to catch her breath from his weight on her.

  He propped himself up on his elbows, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, urging him back down to her.

  “Deanna, we shouldn’t. I’m not the man you think I am.”

  She smiled up at him saying, “You mean hot and sexy?” There was so much more to him than that, but right now she wanted, no needed, him to hold her. Deanna had just shared the pain she’d held so long in her heart. Whether it was that release that had her feeling this way or a bond neither wanted to admit, she didn’t care. She wanted him, and if all they had was this moment, she wasn’t going to let it go. This wasn’t just about sexual pleasure. It was more. So much more. Tightening her hold, she said in a soft, seductive tone, “Please Rafe. Just one kiss.”

  Her body instinctively arched up toward him. She could see it in his eyes. He wanted her as badly as she wanted him, yet he resisted. Damn your control.

  “Deanna, sex isn’t going to fix what’s hurting you.”

  He was right, it wouldn’t, but it was more than just a physical need. It was the same reason she didn’t leave him when she’d first arrived. Although he wasn’t willing to admit it, she was. Every cell in her body ached for him. If he could read her so well, why didn’t he see this? Maybe I need to show him. She slowly licked her top lip, never breaking eye contact with him. Although he said nothing, she felt his body tense against her. There was also a bulge growing between his legs. “Please, just one.”

  She watched as Rafe battled to maintain control. He swallowed hard, fighting to resist, before claiming her lips as he said, “One.”

  She tightened her hold and pulled him closer as she snuck one leg free from beneath him. As his tongue explored her mouth, she twisted a leg over his. There was no way she was going to let this end after one kiss. His body was hot and hard, and she knew he needed her too.

  Deanna sucked his tongue as he tasted her. She wanted to run her hands over his body, but if she let him go, he’d get up. It’d be over.

  Unexpectedly she felt Rafe grind his hips into hers. Oh yes. She wiggled beneath him until her other leg was free, wrapping both snuggly around his waist. Even through the barrier of her panties and shorts, she could feel the heat of his hard manhood aching for more.

  When Rafe broke their connection, she feared it was over. Instead, his lips traveled down her as one hand came around and cupped her ass, bringing her hips closer.

  “Rafe, please.”

  “Deanna, you should tell me to stop.”

  She untangled her hands from behind his neck and cupped his face, bringing his attention to her eyes. “Rafe, I opened up to you. Now tell me the truth. Do you want me?”

  His eyes darkened as his gaze fell to her lips before returning to her eyes again. She felt him stiffen as though battling with himself for control. She didn’t want him to hold back. He bent his head, and she thought he was going to kiss her again, so she opened her mouth, waiting. Instead, he buried his face in her hair that was sprawled out on his blanket. “God, Deanna, you have no idea what you’re doing to me.”

  “Tell me,” Deanna pleaded for the words she needed to hear. He raised his head and stared into her eyes. There was something in how he was looking at her. She could see it in his eyes. A desire burning in him, echoing her own, making hers even more intense.

  Deanna was being consumed by her own need. Never had she wanted a man as much as she wanted Rafe. She bit her bottom lip trying to control the urge to kiss him. It’d be so easy to give in, and she knew he wouldn’t fight it. There was no doubt the chemistry was strong between them. But she refused to until he opened up to her. Let me know you like I want you to know me.

  “I don’t know what you want to hear?”

  She touched his cheek gently and repeated words he’d used on her earlier. “Just look at me and don’t visualize it.”

  Rafe gave her a playful smirk. “Is this the way it’s going to be? You use my tactics on me?”

  She winked at him. “Only if it works.”

  He looked serious then said, “You don’t need any tricks, honey. All you need to do is be you. That’s more than enough to make me go weak at the knees.”

  Aw, that’s so romantic. There was no way she’d tell him that. He liked to maintain his macho image. There was no doubt in her mind he was a bad ass, but she’d seen the softer side. One he probably hid from most people. I like it too.

  She knew there was more within him, but no one changed overnight. Intimate conversations were probably something he wasn’t used to. Maybe I need to make his toes curl before he can say it.

  Arching up to him, she broke down and kissed him. As soon as their mouths met, everything changed. The time for teasing and conversation was over. Rafe wrapped an arm around her and rolled them over so she straddled him.

  It was more powerful than she’d anticipated. Everything within her yearned for more. Her tongue teased his lips apart. All the emotion she’d kept bottled up flooded through her to him. She’d resigned herself to wanting but never having; now he was holding her, kissing her passionately.

  Through their kisses, Rafe said, “Deanna, I don’t ever want to hurt you.”

  “You won’t,” Deanna answered breathlessly.

  He stopped and cupped her face, so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “I don’t know what this is between us or how long it will last. I can’t promise you tomorrow.”

  Her heart ached, wishing it could be different, yet she knew he was a man who wanted to be alone. Why did she think she could change that? There was only one question left. Could she accept those terms and still make love to him? She knew she wanted more, but she wasn’t willing to have nothing.

  “No promises and no regrets,” Deanna said as she claimed his lips again. They kissed urgently as they tugged off her T-shirt, only breaking contact as it went over her head. His hands ran over her body, setting her on fire.

  “Honey, if we don’t slow down . . .”

  She climbed off him and unbuttoned her shorts, sliding them over her hips. He took her lead and did the same, dropping his boxers as well. Oh heavens. The man is perfect.

  The only thing remaining on his body was the white gauze and tape holding it in place. “Rafe, I forgot about your wound.”

  He smiled at her. “Good, keep it that way; if we stop now something’s going to hurt a lot more.”

  She felt a bit overdressed. Reaching behind her back, unhooked her bra and slipped it off her shoulders, then wiggled out of her matching pink cotton panties.

  “Damn, you’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”

  She stepped closer. “Are you saying you’ve been thinking of me?”

  Rafe grabbed her wrist and pulled her against his hard body. “Would you like me to show you what I’ve been thinking about?”

  Her heart raced with anticipation. “Please.”

  She moved her free hand up his bare chest. There was something hot and sexy about a man with a bit of hair on his pecs. Her hand stopped over his left side, and she could feel his heart racing. You’re as lost in this as I am. But I think we’re about to find each other.

  Deanna didn’t want him to know she was nervous. She held eye contact with him as she boldly began exploring him. First caressing his shoulders and chest then moving lower. She wanted to show him how much she wanted him so she wrapped her fingers around his hard cock.

  Rafe sucked in his breath as she began stroking him. His chest heaved with desire, and she
wanted to bring him to the brink of losing control.

  She whispered, “I want all of you.”

  “If you keep touching me, you’re not going to get it.”

  With his cock still in her hand, Deanna dropped down to her knees. “Just one . . . taste.”

  Rafe sucked in his breath as her tongue darted out and touched his tip. She wished could see the desire burning in his eyes as she twirled her tongue around him, but his moans were plenty of indication he was enjoying what she was doing. He might think she was fragile, but she about to show him just how wrong he was.

  As her hand stroked him up and down, Deanna wrapped her lips around his cock and followed in sync, increasing the momentum. A moan escaped her as she felt his cock throb against her lips.

  She could tell he was close to losing control. But in one swift movement, he pulled away from her. He scooped her into his arms, turned around, and laid her on the bed.

  She watched as he pulled a foil packet from the nightstand and sheathed himself. When he returned, she gladly let him shift her position, so he lay between her legs. Eagerly she wrapped them around his waist.

  “Not so fast, honey.” Bending closer, she shivered as Rafe kissed the curve of her neck.

  “Rafe, I need—”

  “And you’ll have,” Rafe said as his kisses traveled down between her bare breasts, a hand cupping each of them Wherever his lips touched, her body sizzled. When he took one of her nipples between his teeth and gave it a gentle tug, she arched her back and cried out, “Oh God, yes!”

  She tangled her fingers in his hair as he continued feasting on her until she was trembling with need. Deanna needed to feel him inside her. “Please, Rafe, I need you here.” She ground herself against his hot cock.

  Rafe ignored her pleas and reached behind them, untangling her legs from his waist. Holding them apart, he repositioned himself so his kisses could trail farther down. She gripped the blanket with anticipation as he moved one hand up her thigh, and his mouth made contact with her delicate folds. He was so gentle, taking his time, but her body was raging with need.

  Deanna shuddered as he said, “You’re so damn sweet.”

  She was wet and ready for him, yet he insisted on torturing her. Rafe slid a finger inside her, and she gasped.

  When his mouth sucked on her sensitive button, she almost exploded. The heat traveling from her core flooded all her senses. Her legs shook as his finger entered her again and again, his mouth sucking and licking until she was delirious with need. Her heart pounded as he took her to the brink and held her there, making her quiver and call out his name over and over.

  When she thought she couldn’t take anymore, Rafe entered her with a second finger, increasing the momentum. “Please, oh God, Rafe. Please,” she begged as her body demanded release.

  Lost in the moment, nothing in the world existed except them. Rafe brought her to the edge of climax again, causing her to beg once more.

  Rafe removed his mouth and positioned himself between her legs. She could feel his hard cock teasing her entrance. He gripped himself and stroked her between her folds. Each time his cock touched her clit she shuddered under him. With his other hand, he cupped her ass and lifted her hips off the bed.

  “I don’t want to hurt you,” Rafe said.

  She couldn’t speak, only arch her hips closer to him. In one powerful thrust, he entered her. She opened her legs wider and wrapped them around his waist to give herself to him completely. His thrusts overcame every last ounce of control she had and brought her to a climax that made her forget her own name. Wave after wave ripped through her as her body clenched tightly around his cock. Her screams of passion echoed in the room.

  Before her body could recover, Rafe was plunging deep into her again. Deanna’s hands ran over his shoulders and back, wanting to feel every inch of him. She knew she’d never have enough.

  With another wave of passion, she called out, “Rafe. Rafe. Rafe!” His release met hers, and an animalistic growl escaped him as he plunged wildly into her. With one final thrust, he collapsed on her.

  “Deanna, that was . . .” he gasped with ragged breath.

  Deanna was still delirious from an orgasm that was beyond mind-blowing. She’d never imagined it could be like this. Had words been created to describe such pleasure? She thought not. Turning her face to him, she smiled. “Yes, it was.”

  Rafe rolled off her, still holding her close. He smiled at her, and for the first time he seemed relaxed, at ease. He might not have said the words, but he definitely showed her.

  Chapter Fourteen

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  He could’ve slept the entire night holding Deanna in his arms. Pulling himself from bed had never been quite so hard. But there were things she’d told him he’d needed to share with the others. They’d decided to keep Melissa out of the loop for now. His brothers had been concerned Deanna might start sharing this information with others. She’d given him her word she wouldn’t. Somehow that sweet lovely creature had broken down his defenses, and he’d entered a realm he’d keep secret even from himself. He trusted her completely. It’s me she shouldn’t trust. All I’ll do is break her heart.

  He thought back to all the enemies they’d racked up since they started Turchetta’s Promise. It was like each of them, mostly himself, had a target on their back. The last thing he wanted was for some asshole out for revenge to go after Deanna to hurt him. She has enough shit in her life holding her back from happiness. She doesn’t need mine too.

  She wasn’t some paranoid woman looking for attention. Her fears were legit. He didn’t tell her, but if she knew he was worried, she would freak out even more. It was his job not only to ensure her safety, but to make her feel safe. Those were two different things entirely. One took intelligence, manpower, and weapons. The other required her to have faith in him and trust him. From what they’d shared last night, she definitely had something. Hopefully, not more faith than I can deliver.

  It was stupid of him to have let that happen. Even a fucking athlete knows not to get distracted right before the big game. He could tell himself it hadn’t affected him, but that was bullshit. Rafe couldn’t walk by his bedroom without thinking about climbing back in bed and making love to her. That’s the shit that gets people killed.

  He wasn’t worried about himself. He’d promised to keep her safe. Promised. I never promise anything to anyone. That only confirmed his fear. Deanna had him doing and saying things totally out of character. If his brothers knew, they’d slap him on the back of his head and tell him to wake the fuck up. They’d be right; he would’ve done the same to them. Somehow they know better.

  “Rafe, I was able to pull the information on Abby’s husband, Milton,” Gabe said over the video conference call.

  “Spill it.” And it better be what I’m looking for.

  “Milton Enwright married Abby Prescott about ten years ago. As you know Abby’s family was loaded and Milton, well not so much. They met in college; he was there on a scholarship. His family is what you’d call from the wrong side of the tracks.”

  “Trouble?”

  “With a capital T. None of them ever served time for their crimes, and there is a list a mile long. But that might have to do with who Milton married.”

  “That isn’t motive. Tell me something about Milton that would make me want to . . . knock him into next Tuesday.”

  “Well, this is. Would you like to guess who Shadoa’s father is?” Gabe asked.

  Milton? “Why the fuck didn’t you say that in the first place. So the asshole was down there screwing the locals, not just visiting his wife?” Loyalty was everything to Rafe; a man cheating on his wife made him sick. It was the cruelest form of betrayal as far as he was concerned. It left the other with the inability to trust anyone else. And without that, no relationship had a chance to survive. Even all Abby’s money couldn’t turn a pig into a prince.

  “Yeah. That apple didn’t fall far from the tree. The men from Shadoa’s village may
have been so pissed that they decided to take revenge against the entire camp.”

  Rafe needed to put himself in the mind frame of the men in Moreira. Yes, it would piss them off thinking someone from the Literacy Corps had abused one of their women. Could it cause them to attack and kill? Most definitely. He’d seen revenge on that magnitude over lesser things. From what he’d seen, these men didn’t value a woman’s life enough to prevent them from dropping her in the street and leaving her child an orphan.

  “Gabe, I hear you, but if it was revenge, why wait until Milton was gone?”

  “How the hell do I know? Sick bastards do stupid shit. Maybe he wanted to hurt Milton by taking out someone he loved?”

  “Think back to the conversation we overheard. Shadoa was their meal ticket. Why? If Abby was dead, she was no use to them. They’d lost their leverage for blackmail. It’s something more.” Something far worse if I’m right.

  “You don’t think—?”

  “Milton hired them to kill his wife and get her out of the way? Yeah, I’m starting to believe that.”

  He could hear Gabe typing. When Gabe looked back up at the monitor, he said, “Would you like to guess who the beneficiary was?”

  You son of a bitch. “How much?”

  “Three point five million dollars. And her family hasn’t cut ties with him. Seems they are backing him.”

  “For what?”

  “Glad you’re sitting down for this, but that asshole is running for Senate. I’m reading some of his blogs, and you’d never guess what he’s using as a platform to run on?”

  “What?”

  “A fight against domestic violence. Guess it doesn’t count if you do it outside the United States? This guy’s a real piece of shit.”

  That was putting it lightly. But right now all they had was speculation. That wasn’t good enough. There was something they were still missing. Rafe knew no matter how hard you tried to cover your tracks with money, there was always someone out there stupid enough to talk. They just needed to find that person.