No Holding Back

by Lori Foster

  Reyes had actually been fun, and Cade was such an amazing teacher. Everything he did fascinated her even more.

  Plus, she loved it that Madison was so incredibly proficient—which meant that, one day, Sterling could be that good, too. It gave her a rush, made her blood sing and had her eyeballing Cade hungrily, wondering when she might be able to get him alone.

  How working herself into a sweaty mess and turning her limbs to noodles could make her hungry for sex, she didn’t know, but then again, there’d been a lot of close contact with that big hunk she currently got to call her own. What red-blooded woman wouldn’t react to all those warm, straining muscles, the incredible scent of his heated skin, his sexy take-charge attitude and bone-deep confidence? Cade was the whole, delicious package, and she wanted to gobble him up.

  Reyes and Madison were still following along, and Sterling knew she needed a shower, but she figured if he wanted to show her one more thing, she may as well indulge him. He’d certainly indulged her long enough, teaching her so many valuable moves.

  He led them all to a back room that appeared to be mostly empty, with a few crates and storage boxes stacked around. There was no drywall on the walls, only exposed studs.

  Sterling wondered if there was something in one of the boxes that Cade wanted to show her—until he pressed a concealed lever on the floor and a section of wall swung open, exposing another room behind the insulation.

  Eyes flaring wide, she slowly stepped inside to take it all in. Holy smokes. The hidden room was smallish, maybe eight by eight, and it was utilitarian in design—linoleum floor, concrete walls...and an astounding display of weaponry. “You have an arsenal.”

  “We’re prepared,” Cade countered.

  “For your own private war?” She didn’t say it as a criticism, more in awe. Strolling along the back wall, Sterling took in rifles, revolvers, handguns of every make and model. Grenades, smoke bombs, flash bombs. Long knives and switchblades. Tasers and batons. She also noted helmets, body armor, camo and utility belts. “This is remarkable.” On another wall, ammo filled multiple shelves, surely enough to last them for a good long while.

  Madison and Reyes stood aside, silent and watchful, apparently leaving this introduction to Cade.

  That worked for her. In fact, she’d like it even better if they gave her some privacy with Cade, but she knew that wasn’t going to happen. They might quibble with one another, but the siblings were close. Probably came from protecting one another.

  “I’m fascinated,” she said, to put them all at ease. “Impressed, too, and I’d love to try every one of them.” She ended her circuit of the room in front of Cade. “Got some specific reason for showing me this?”

  He put his hands on her shoulders. “We don’t leave things to chance, so if Mattox doesn’t make a move very soon, we’ll go after Adela. I want to know that you can protect yourself—when I’m not available to do it.”

  Aw. That was sweet. Surprisingly, it didn’t insult her. Facts were facts, and although she’d already known it, today’s practice reinforced that Cade was far better trained for combat. Being military, that made sense. But of course, he’d taken it well beyond that. She’d never met another person so wholly equipped to handle danger of any sort.

  He and his siblings were trained pros, and she was not.

  Sterling accepted that she had a lot to learn. One day she’d love to be on a par with them. Until then, she liked that Cade would look out for her—if it became necessary. Knowing he wouldn’t let her be hurt made her feel better about being bait to lure in Mattox. Sure, Cade still thought he’d do the honors, but she’d talk him around somehow.

  Her plan made more sense.

  She smiled. “Thank you.” For so many things. Getting close, she hugged him tight. “Now do you think we can get that shower? I’m ready to melt in my own sweat.”

  Reyes laughed, and a definite note of relief resonated in the sound.

  Had they expected her to be shocked—in a bad way?

  She wasn’t. If anything, she loved that they were so well prepared to care for others. It was what she’d always wanted to do, had tried to do, but obviously they did it better.

  “That’s my cue to head out,” Reyes announced. “I’m already running late for the gym.”

  “And I need my own quick shower before I get back to monitoring things,” Madison added. “Bernard will only cover for me so long before he loses interest.”

  Once they were alone, Cade closed up the room and led the way to his suite.

  Taking his hand, Sterling pulled him into the bathroom and clasped the hem of his clinging T-shirt, tugging it up and over those scrumptious abs, broad chest and rock-hard shoulders. She paused at the sight of his injury. It didn’t seem to bother him, but the skin around the stitches was now more discolored. “I hope you didn’t overdo it.”

  Without replying, Cade finished tugging off his shirt, then returned the favor by removing hers and her sports bra, as well.

  Breasts bared, Sterling trailed a finger over one of his tattoos. She wanted to trace the design with her tongue, and thinking about it sent a curl of desire through her. “I’ve been worrying about Adela. I’m glad we won’t wait to save her.”

  “If she needs saving.”

  Yeah, there weren’t any certainties yet. “Reyes said she was hurt. That’s enough for me.”

  “I know.” He opened his hand on her cheek. “As long as you don’t try anything on your own, we can push it whenever you want.”

  Nice, so he’d leave it up to her instead of Parrish? That was an unsettling idea. After all, they had a smooth-running outfit. She ran more on emotion.

  But thinking logically, she got the idea of throwing a wider net. That method would ultimately save more women...but could she sacrifice Adela for a possibility that may not pay off? “How do you feel about it all?”

  Without hesitation, Cade said, “I don’t like it when things don’t add up. Something is going on between them, I just don’t know what.”

  And that made it riskier. If she had to worry only about herself...

  “What?” he asked, his thumb brushing the corner of her mouth.

  Guessing how he’d react to her thoughts, she smiled. “Every time I see you, I’m struck by how lucky I am.”

  That got him refocused real fast. “You think I’m any different?” In rapid order, he removed the rest of her clothes, even kneeling down to tug off her sneakers. “Every part of you, Star, this—” he ran his hands up her bare legs, around to her backside to draw her in for a kiss to her stomach “—but also the way you smile, your core strength, your occasional insecurity and your bold attitude—”

  “Hey,” she protested shakily. “I’m not insecure.” Liar. She knew she sometimes was, and apparently he knew it, too. But he didn’t disagree. Strong and bold, those were attributes she didn’t mind.

  “The way you argue,” he added, with a nibble to her hip bone. “God, how you smell, how you feel—I love all of it, everything about you, inside and out.”

  Her lips parted. Love. Earlier, when he’d teased about love and war, she’d at first gone blank...and then accepted it as a joke, nothing more. But this? The way he looked at her now?

  Honest to God, Sterling didn’t know what to do, what to say. She knew how she felt, but him? She didn’t have a clue. “You confuse me.”

  Smiling, Cade rose back to his feet. So tall. So damn strong. So freaking impressive in every way.

  As he finished stripping, he said, “I don’t know why you’d be confused. You’re sexy, smart, quick-witted, strong, compassionate—”

  Embarrassed heat flushed her face. “That’s enough.”

  “Not even close.” Taking her shoulders, Cade turned her away from him so he could free her hair. His fingers were gentle as he loosened the band and slid it free. “You’re a remarkable person i
n so many ways. Do you honestly think I can be around you without wanting you?”

  Wanting, sure. She wanted him nonstop, too. But he’d mentioned love again. Frowning, she turned to face him. “Instead of standing around talking, how about we make use of that warm shower? Together.”

  Cade pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. “Love the way you think.”

  Her eyes widened. Did he use that damn word on purpose now?

  With a lazy smile, he turned on the water and got out two towels. A little numb, Sterling stepped under the spray to soak her face and hair. She needed to stop gawking over the things he said. She also needed to know if he meant anything substantial by it, but she was too cowardly to ask.

  Getting in behind her, Cade took the shampoo bottle from her. “Let me.”

  Why not? If she was going to stand there feeling stupid, she may as well let him take over.

  And take over he did. In diabolical ways.

  Massaging the shampoo through her hair was somehow very erotic, especially when she felt his powerful body behind her. Cade made her feel small—and very feminine. It was unique for her, and her hormones loved it.

  After she’d rinsed her hair, he picked up the soap and, keeping her back to his chest, proceeded to clean her.

  All over.

  Slick fingers worked her nipples until she couldn’t breathe. Her breasts felt heavy, so sensitive that she trembled all over. “Cade...”

  “Shh.” He kissed the side of her throat. “I love touching you.”

  She groaned at his insistent use of love, but she couldn’t muster up a real protest. Trying to distract him, she moved her backside against his erection, but being the man he was, he lightly sank his teeth into her shoulder.

  Delicious sensation prickled all over her body, every nerve ending electrified. Good God, she felt close to coming, and all he did was play with her breasts. “Let’s go to bed,” she pleaded. Pleaded. It was both appalling and exciting that he’d reduced her to that needy voice.

  “Not yet.” He licked the spot where he’d given her a love bite, and those broad, slightly rough hands coasted down, over her stomach, her thighs, between them...

  Pressing back against him, Sterling tipped her head to his strong shoulder.

  “That’s it, babe. Don’t fight me.”

  Fight him? What a joke. He was bigger, stronger and currently far more in control.

  “Feel how slick you are?”

  Very aware of her body’s response, she gave another small groan. He pressed a finger into her, worked her carefully, then pulled out only to add a second finger.

  She clenched around him. It felt so good—but she wanted more than his fingers. Reaching back, she clamped a hand onto his thigh to ground herself. With her other hand, she covered his and pressed his fingers deeper, then moved sinuously against him.

  She was close, so close, if he’d only—

  Cade pulled away, then repositioned her. “Lean against the wall. That’s it. Now open your legs.”

  Eyelashes spiked with the shower spray, Sterling looked at him through a haze of lust—and did as ordered.

  Lowering to his knees, Cade touched her again. Her breasts, down to her belly, lower, exploring, and pressing his fingers in again. Nuzzling against her, he found her clit and licked.

  “Oh, God.” Sterling locked her knees, her eyes squeezed shut, her head back...

  He drew her in, sucking, teasing rhythmically with his tongue while keeping those long fingers thrust deep—on and on it went until an incredible climax crashed through her. Like, literally crashed, stealing the strength from her limbs, wringing a harsh cry from her throat, putting tears in her eyes even.

  Luckily the shower would hide that, but wow. She tunneled her fingers into his close-cropped hair and rode out the pleasure until she felt herself slipping down the wall.

  Cade caught her hips and stood in a rush. His mouth on hers, his tongue delving, that solid erection pulsing against her belly.

  She reached for it, but he caught her hand, lifted it to his mouth for a tender kiss and said, “Not this time, babe. I’m too close to acting stupid.”

  Gulping breaths, Sterling managed to get her eyes open. A tiny bit, but enough to see that the blue of his eyes had turned incendiary. Curious, she whispered, “Stupid...how?”

  “Forgoing protection.”

  “Oh.” He turned away before she admitted that she wouldn’t mind. Actually, the idea of feeling him and only him sparked a new stirring deep inside her.

  In extreme haste Cade washed and rinsed, then turned off the water, grabbed the towels and pressed one against Sterling’s chest.

  “I would do the honors, but I need you too damn much. Get dry, or close to it, and let’s go to the bedroom where I can grab a rubber.”

  Her mouth twitched with a secret little smile of happiness. She’d never seen Cade so frazzled.

  She’d never been wanted that much.

  Her heart expanded, making her chest feel tight with emotion. Lazily, while watching him, she dried off, then flipped her hair forward and wrapped it in the towel.

  She was still bent forward when Cade hoisted her over his shoulder, making her laugh.

  “I like the way you lust for me,” she admitted. “Especially since I lust for you so much.”

  “Good to know.” He put her on the foot of the bed so that her legs hung off the end, then strode to the nightstand to grab a condom and quickly rolled it on. “Turn over.”

  Since she was already on her back, she blinked. “Do what?”

  Without waiting for her to understand, he flipped her to her stomach and kneed her legs apart.

  Curious, she lifted up on her arms to look back but went flat again as he gripped her hips and drove into her.

  He filled her completely and was already thrusting, lifting her up to meet him each time he sank deep. His thighs met the back of hers, his firm abdomen slapping against her softer backside. Another climax started to build, and she knotted her fingers in the bedding.

  “Star,” Cade growled low, the sound almost tortured. “Can’t wait.” Reaching around and under her, he found her clit again, did no more than lightly pinch, holding her like that as he continued the hard rhythm, and far too quickly they were both coming.

  It was so deep this way, his thrusts more powerful, and she loved it. Every second of it.

  Because she loved him.

  This time the knowledge didn’t frighten her. Heck, she was now too exhausted to be frightened. Her thoughts were blessedly free of any angst. Even long-buried fears seemed to have evaporated, leaving her utterly replete.

  Resting over her, still in her, Cade murmured, “Every time.”

  “Hmm?”

  “Every time...is somehow better.”

  In total agreement with that, she sighed. “Mmm.”

  She felt his smile on her shoulder, then the tender kiss he pressed there before he pulled away.

  Sterling wasn’t sure she could move, not even for an earthquake, but Cade took care of it, cleaning her with his towel, then scooping her up and placing her in the bed, even tucking her in. He kissed her forehead and whispered, “Be right back.”

  It was the last thing she heard...until he woke her sometime later.

  * * *

  AFTER ARRIVING AT the gym an hour ago, Reyes had repeatedly lost his concentration.

  It was her fault. That cute little mystery woman.

  Even while listening in on a trio of knuckleheads talking about some underhanded business—one that could pertain to his family’s pursuits—Reyes couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

  She appeared to be close to his age of thirty—maybe a little younger. Honey-blond hair swung loose to her shoulders, dipping and swaying each time she landed a kick or threw a punch.

  Improperly.

 
He chewed his upper lip. She did okay, and she put plenty of effort into it, but her stance was off. To get the best impact with her strikes, and to avoid getting thrown off balance, she needed to lead off with the other leg. She also let her hands drop each time...

  Why the hell was he still dwelling on her?

  He heard one of the guys say, “Seriously, man, easy cash. Just gotta be ready to pull the trigger.”

  Ears perking up, Reyes listened more closely.

  “I traded my hardware a month ago,” another complained.

  “Damn, G, they’ll give ya the firepower to protect the deal.”

  “What kind of deal?”

  “The fuck does that matter?”

  Reyes silently sighed. G? As in gangster? What a misnomer for the strung-out, scrawny fool sporting very amateurish tattoos all up and down his skinny arms.

  “I don’t know, man. I got that bum beef already. Don’t wanna be messin’ around.”

  “There’ll be four of us,” the recruiter continued. “Meetin’ out at some farm. I was gonna catch a ride with you.”

  While listening, Reyes studied the woman.

  What curves she lacked up top, she made up for with a really stellar ass.

  Suddenly her attention snagged on him with a nasty glare.

  Oops. Busted.

  Busted looking at her butt. Definitely not cool.

  Even all narrowed with annoyance, her blue eyes were nice—a soft color, thickly lashed.

  Dismissing him, she turned away, which made his gaze return to that premium part of her anatomy. She didn’t get back to work, though; instead she stood there with her hands on her hips, her shoulders set in annoyance.

  He hadn’t meant to interrupt her workout...but he also hated to miss anything else the knuckleheads said.

  He heard “Aspen Creek,” but the rest was indistinct, and now they were heading out, spines bowed, feet shuffling.

  One of them glanced toward him. Reyes met his gaze. “Can I help you?”