McAllister Justice Series Box Set

by Reily Garrett

  With her kidnapper’s trial approaching, months of tension built, layer by layer until she obviously felt the texture of fear ingrained in her soul. It accompanied the heavy sighs when she thought no one noticed and the slight drop in her shoulders. She thought him perceptive but didn’t realize the depth of his understanding.

  He’d been in situations where he thought he wouldn’t see the next sunrise, hence was determined to ease her pain in whatever fashion necessary. Sex provided a quick if temporary release, but tonight he wanted her to experience the sweet release that depleted her energy and paved the way for a decent night’s sleep.

  Her come-hither smile on his approach clued him into her desire as much as the way she nibbled at her soft lips. Handing her a drink, he settled beside her and snuggled her close. “Long day?”

  “Yeah, one of my colleagues is driving me crazy. Johen must consider me serious competition for the supervisor’s spot. He gets sleazier every day. According to my assistant, he’s starting rumors that I’m sleeping with potential clients.”

  Royden’s eyebrows shot up and he set his drink down. “Sounds like he needs a little education.”

  “No, Royden. I didn’t tell you so you’d intimidate him. I’m just explaining my day. All right?”

  “Got it. Go ahead.” There was more than one way to skin a cat. If he couldn’t confront the man directly without upsetting her, maybe he’d make a note on his digital file. Katt and Lexi routinely raided their computers. The rest would prove hilarious.

  “Lottie called. She’s settled into a new place temporarily. She’s thinking about relocating to Michigan where her brother lives.”

  “Sounds like a good idea. Has she heard any more from her ex or other gang members?”

  “No. At least she said she hasn’t. I don’t think she’d withhold information after all that’s happened. She’ll come back for court but wants a fresh start. She can get that by relocating.”

  “Any flak from Brad—about anything?”

  “No. He seems to be in some type of holding pattern. He watches me and monitors my work but doesn’t say much. I’m thinking one of the partners advised him to back off. They don’t want to malign an associate with one of the best track records in the firm.”

  “Maybe Lexi or Katt said something during their conversation about the firm’s digital security. Both are very smart and know you’re catching undue crap from both an associate and supervising attorney.”

  “It wouldn’t surprise me.” Abby set her now-empty wineglass on the table.

  Though her habit entailed asking about his day, instead, she sifted her fingers through his hair. She’d avoided the elephant in the room, so he waited for a sign she was ready to hear about their progress in finding her stalker. For now, she was talking.

  He didn’t want the images from the morning in his own mind, much less hers. Instead, he’d give her something else to ponder while wiping thoughts of Charlee from his mind.

  “I got a respectable estimate from a fence company. The representative from Lange fencing is coming out tomorrow to confirm the figures, and if all goes well, they’ll be back next week to install a fence.” Further details fleshed out the plan.

  “We can go look at the shepherds this weekend?”

  “That’s the plan.”

  The playful glint in her eyes preceded the soft brush of her fingertips along his thigh.

  “Abby...” She wouldn’t miss the huskiness of his voice.

  Her fingers stilled, the warmth seeping through his slacks.

  “You—don’t want to?”

  “Seriously? It’s not that I’m not aroused; it’s just that you’re so damn sexy. Plus, I’m a man. That desire is hard-wired into my DNA. Of course, I want to. Are you sure you want this? I don’t mind holding you and just talking. You’ve had a hell of a rough evening yesterday and didn’t get much sleep.”

  By letting her know he was good either way, he offered a choice despite his growing need making itself known. A slight squirm adjusted him but failed to ease the discomfort.

  The tactile response arrived in the form of a light caress over his groin. He couldn’t suppress the groan any more than tilting his hips into her touch. “Damn, you’re persuasive.”

  She smiled as she leaned forward and met him halfway for a kiss. Her lips were always soft, but something different, lacking definition but profoundly substantial wiped his mind clear of the day’s horrors. She always had an effect on him but tonight held a significance his mind couldn’t grasp.

  An ethereal bond held him fast, letting her explore his body with her fingers roving over his chest and across his shoulders.

  “You always have too many clothes on.” She feathered her lips down his neck, seducing, holding him prisoner for her sensual exploration.

  He smoothed his hand across her flank and up to cup her breast, its weight the perfect handful. They were evenly matched in every way. He’d never imagined finding another soul who just fit. It was as if every nook and cranny of her spirit matched a corresponding niche in his own.

  Clothes came off in a mutual tease, sensual, relaxed, and so contrary to what boiled inside him. The hunger gnawing at his chest and low in his groin was impatient to show her, not with words, but through touch, what he felt and how much he needed her in his life.

  The couch was comfortable to sit on but not intended for the heights he wanted to take her. Scooping her up, he managed one word, “Bedroom,” between kisses.

  The stairs presented no problem with her slight weight. Once in the bedroom, he laid her out on the mattress, his gaze drinking his fill but never getting enough. “My god, you’re beautiful.”

  “I’ve been on the pill for a week...” Her smile encompassed one part seductress and two parts lust.

  “Ah, I’ve been looking forward to this.” He let his fingers drift over the softest skin, up her thighs, and across her flat abdomen, with stomach muscles bunching under his caress.

  Her seductive smile lit the fuse on his diminishing restraint, yet he’d spend the rest of the evening showing her through soft caresses that she was his world and his future.

  Her breath came in pants while her hips twisted side to side. Each gasping breath clawed at his diminishing control. “Your passion overwhelms me, sweetheart.”

  Soft pale skin equaled silk beneath his calloused fingers, the nonverbal pleas ignored in lieu of the anticipated storm leading to an explosive release. Grasping both hips, he held her still for the pleasurable torture. Whimpers and groans gave way to feminine growls with her hands grasping and tugging at his hair.

  He kissed and teased until her thighs bunched and shook. The pressure building within her body would rock both their worlds.

  Ensuring her pleasure before his own, he watched her world shatter twice before giving into his own need and settling into the cradle of her thighs. Sliding into what promised to be Heaven on Earth, he plumbed the depth of her gaze, telling her without words that he would always be by her side. Nothing of this world or the next would separate them. Where she led, he would follow.

  She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him tight, fitting her body to his harder frame and twisting her hips for friction. Her fingers twined in his hair, then smoothed over his back until her nails found purchase.

  “Please. Now.”

  It was the first time joining with a woman and not wearing protection. If he had his way, she wouldn’t be on the pill either.

  Though he wanted the complete picture and knew she did, too, the timing wasn’t right. He was a patient man who knew the value of restraint. The gold at the end of the rainbow was well worth the wait.

  Poised at the apex of her thighs, he paused and took a deep breath. The drops on the end of his shaft declared his readiness, and he wanted to savor the moment.

  This was the future flashback he wanted permanently etched in his mind. Abby, without fear, overcome with desire.

  “Royden.” The plea in her voice accompanied her
legs using the leverage to try to complete them.

  He slid in an inch and withdrew. Every nerve ending roared to life. The heat and pressure forced a groan from his chest. Nothing had ever felt so good. He imagined each ridge in her sheath stretching, grasping, pulling him in for more.

  Another short glide in, then out. Despite their being together for over ten months, it felt better than the first time.

  Her whimper filled the room as her nails dug into his ass, demanding more, demanding all of him.

  When he finally thrust all the way and seated himself to the hilt, he felt her womb. It was the single most incredible experience ever. Nothing would ever compare, except when one day, they sought to expand the family.

  A rush of excitement flooded his mind and his shaft, swelling until the restriction of her sex made him stop for fear of finishing before he was ready. Her body quivered under his touch, and he knew he could push her over the edge, but instead, stilled. When he pulled back, she clutched him with hands and legs, twisting her body to bring him back.

  He set a steady pace, back and forth, thrusting until his mind filled with all things Abby.

  She gasped.

  “Royden!”

  He smiled at her desperation. Mutual need filled the breath between them.

  His next surge moved her forward in the bed and she arched her back, extending her neck. With all his strength, he thrust in, claiming her moans with a kiss.

  Her impatience manifested in small cries and panted demands. He could feel her calves clenching his waist.

  A deep breath, her back arching, and she slammed her eyes closed on a scream. Her next orgasm fired his own release, draining him as he continued to thrust in with all his strength.

  With his energy depleted, his arms shook. Dropping to his elbows, he kept the bulk of his weight off her, but brushed side to side to feel her sensitized breasts rub his chest, knowing his soft smattering of hair would increase the sensation.

  She pulled him tight, silencing anything he might say with a kiss. They’d surpassed the need for words.

  Adjusting his position, he curled her body to rest against his chest, spooning.

  “Hmm. That was incredible. No raincoat really makes a difference.” The purred confession brushed his hand cradling her breast.

  Her sudden stillness alerted him to her thoughts’ change of direction.

  “You know at least one of my brothers is keeping an eye on your house, right?” Humiliation colored her tone.

  “Yep.” He was glad she couldn’t see his smirk.

  “They probably just heard me.”

  “You are rather vocal.” His chuckle brushed her hair.

  “You did that on purpose.”

  “No, it was just a coincidental byproduct.” Further words might get him in hot water. For all the hell each McAllister had put him through when learning their sister dated a cop, they deserved a little payback.

  “Do you secretly hate my brothers?”

  “Naw, but they’ve spent months declaring I wasn’t good enough for their little sister. So, I’m not going to regret a little revenge.”

  “How am I supposed to face them?”

  “With an ear-to-ear grin.”

  “Royden?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Yes.” There was a smile in her tone.

  “Yes?” Assuming anything around a McAllister invited trouble. “Yes to...”

  “Yes, I want to get married. As soon as we can.”

  He squeezed her so tight she squealed and patted his arm to lighten the pressure.

  There was no need to attempt closing his eyes that night. Sleep wouldn’t come. Instead, a mental tally of what she might like in the way of a wedding populated his thoughts.

  On the heels of bliss came the realization he had yet to explain the circumstances of Charlee’s burial. The killer had stepped up his game. It was time for Royden to do the same, yet he couldn’t bring himself to introduce horror into the perfect moment.

  ABBY WOKE TO the heady aroma of coffee. If she had to wake up to an empty bed, the rich blend promising instant alertness proved the next best thing.

  After a marathon session of Royden’s lovemaking, it would be a miracle if she could formulate words much less walk. The beginnings of what felt like a permanent smile etched her lips.

  The near-silent buzzing of Royden’s phone drew her attention to the nightstand. Since it was common for them to answer each other’s messages to family, she slid over and picked it up.

  The text on the screen sent her bolting upright. A gasp followed the realization of the missive’s significance. She knew danger lurked nearby, but the full impact didn’t register until seeing Ethan’s wording.

  “Uh, Abs. What’s up?” Royden leaned against the doorjamb with a cup of coffee in each hand.

  Tears brimmed her eyes at the thought of her fiancé withholding information. They’d promised to not keep secrets. “What body is Ethan talking about?”

  Royden approached on tentative steps. “I was going to tell you about it before breakfast. You needed a break last night, sweetheart. I’m not keeping things from you. We made a deal and you know I always keep mine.”

  “But this was yesterday!”

  “I know, sweetheart. Let’s go downstairs and hash this out.”

  “Why downstairs?”

  “Because this room is an anger-free zone, sacred to me. Either we go downstairs or we both remove all our clothes before we talk.” His smirk depicted his preference.

  “I’m not taking my clothes off for a serious conversation.” Knowing his body would distract her; she grabbed her robe lying over the chair and dropped the phone in his waiting hand after taking a coffee.

  Anger and frustration carried her down on silent steps. Coffee was no longer necessary.

  Once settled on the bar stool, she waited as Royden took a seat beside her. When he took her hand, she tried to snatch it back.

  He held firm. “No, Abs. Please. I need the contact.”

  Enlightenment came with the sweat beading his brow and upper lip. The tension in his frame rivaled the strongest steel. Whatever happened yesterday had shaken him to his core. It was hard to remember sometimes that underneath all that solid strength beat a very human heart.

  “I didn’t tell you yesterday because I couldn’t say the words and keep my shit together. I know it was selfish, but please understand. We’re in this together, and anything that affects you, affects me also. You have no idea how much.”

  With her other hand, she cupped his cheek. “That’s all the more reason to keep me up to date. We help each other through the hard parts, too, cowboy.”

  He turned his head to kiss her palm, sighing when she cupped his face in both hands.

  “Tell me.”

  “We don’t have DNA confirmation yet, but it was Charlee.” He retrieved his phone message and read it. “Okay, we’ll have a little more information. They’re tracing her movements.”

  “What aren’t you telling me? Out with the rest of it.”

  Royden dropped chin to chest and closed his eyes as if in pain. “We found her in the field behind your apartment complex. That’s all you need to know.”

  “Ohmygod, Royden. I’m so sorry.” She frowned, already in attorney mode. “They don’t think you’re a suspect, do they?”

  “No. My alibi is tight.”

  “I’m so sorry, Roy. I know what she meant to you. That you still cared.”

  “You are the one I’m in love with, Abs.”

  “Yes, I understand. I also know you’re not the type to stop caring about someone just because you fell in love with someone else. I get that, Royden. You need to grieve, too. Allow yourself that much.”

  “Jesus, Abs. I’m gonna kill this guy. I just pray I find him before your brothers do.”

  Abby stood and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “No, Royden. You’re not. It would destroy a vital piece of who you are. A piece I happen to love very much.”

&
nbsp; The hopelessness in his gaze stemmed from the depths of his soul. When the time came for apprehension, he would remember this conversation. She’d make sure she stamped it into him on a cellular level.

  “When you arrive at that pivotal point, think of me, our future, and our children. What kind of men and women do you want them to grow up to be?”

  “I love you, Abs. I need you. Nobody’s going to take you away.”

  “I love you, too. And I want us to have a long, guilt-free life ahead of us.”

  Depending on the circumstances and reaction times, her killer would die before Royden was even aware of his actions.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Abby blew out a sigh as she let the curtain fall back over her office window. Nice weather brought employees out to the courtyard below to soak up the sun’s rays while eating lunch.

  Knowing Lexi and Katt were on their way to join her softened her ire toward Johen, occupying the seat in front of her desk. They were equals, but because he was a man, he assumed he should have the upper hand.

  “I should’ve been the one to get the Credlin divorce. Our supervisor is more concerned about his hair than his work.”

  “Phyllis Rollison asked for me to represent her, Johen. It really is that simple. When Salsman pushed the point, she threatened to walk.”

  “Bradly said her big-shot husband contacted you about working for him.”

  The associate’s whine droned on as Abby considered her predicament, fingering the chain and ring about her neck. She wanted nothing more than to marry Royden, but as long as her stalker remained free, it would put him in danger as well. Yet she was staying at his house. Was there much of a difference with a piece of paper? Her vacillation would drive them both crazy.

  “Johen, I told him no. You know I can’t, even though my client is no longer alive.”

  “Are you nuts? It’s not so much a conflict if you leave the firm. You’d make three times the money, have less hours to work, and practically be your own boss without someone hovering over your shoulder every minute of the day.” A resentful glare in the direction of the supervisor’s office conveyed his meaning.