I return Ember’s smile. “This is quite a mix-matched crew.”
“Yeah, it’s hard to believe, but we all fit. I have a feeling you’ll be right in the mix, too.”
The compliment washes through me, and I take a large sip to keep from giggling with glee and earning a nasty glare from Charlie.
Raven and Presley wander back to our group. Finn gets a chair and slides it in the circle before kissing his wife and joining the other men.
The girls immediately jump into conversation. It’s easy to follow along and keep up, even with several side topics ricocheting around the group. Every few minutes, a man comes over to refill drinks and check in.
Eventually, the entire crowd migrates to the area. I don’t know how much time passes, but as the night goes on, the party gets rowdier. My cheeks and sides ache from laughing.
“Sparkle, are we expecting anyone else?” Declan’s eyebrows furrow together as he studies his phone.
“Tripp and Reese are coming.”
“Got it, I’ll let them in.” He disappears inside the house, with Cooper following.
“Sometimes that front gate annoys me. It’s a necessity, but I prefer for family and friends to come and go easily,” Raven says to no one in particular.
“I’m ready to give up my title as the hottest eligible rocker in this world for you. Just say the word,” Nate flirts shamelessly, drawing attention our way.
“She has a boyfriend, Nate,” Raven informs him.
“Boyfriends don’t scare me, Rave.”
“He’s a Marine,” Ember chirps.
“Hmm.” Nate rubs his hand over his chin, rolling his teeth through his lips. “That’s problematic, but I’m not discouraged.”
Mike clears his throat at the same time Nate continues. “We would make beautiful babies and live out the world’s greatest love story.”
At this, I lose it, doubling over in a howl. “I’m flattered… r-r-r-eally flattered,” I sputter, “but I’m already—”
“Taken,” a rough voice finishes for me and I whip around to find Achilles standing beside a highly amused Declan.
All the laughter dies. He’s changed out of his uniform and into my favorite jeans and a black shirt with MNPD stretched across his chest. With his hands propped on his hips, his tattoos snake out from the sleeves. My stomach dives and flips at the look of possessiveness on his features.
“I’m guessing Five-O isn’t here about a noise complaint.” Robbie chuckles under his breath.
“No! No way! I’m losing out to a cop?” Nate cries out in mock disbelief.
“The way he’s glaring, you’re lucky he isn’t carrying his gun,” Mike chuckles.
I go to him, wrapping my arms around his stomach and tipping up to kiss the underside of his jaw. “Hey, sweetie.”
His arms circle me, and he lowers his mouth to mine, licking along my lips before a quick kiss. “You taste like lemonade.”
“Isn’t it awesome?”
His eyes glitter in the dim lights, and his lips tip at the edges. “It’s awesome.”
I twist to the crowd, who’s silently watching intently. “Guys, this is my boyfriend, Achilles. But he goes by A—”
“Ace.” Max weaves around the fire pit, stopping in front of us with a huge smile. “Ace motherfucking Kingston. Can’t fucking believe this.”
They’ve obviously met before.
Robbie and Finn are instantly at his side with their own grins.
“Max? What the hell, man?” Achilles holds out a hand, which Max tugs, and I’m smashed in their man hug.
Max releases him and glances between his two friends. “You got to remember this guy.”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.”
Robbie and Finn repeat the same greeting, and I try not to flip as all these hot guys crush me with their bodies.
This is definitely a story for Jewls.
“Can’t believe this shit. What are the chances?” Max goes on.
“Wild, man. Was in almost ten, moved back, graduated the academy, work on the force. Aiming for SWAT.” Achilles covers the high points of his life in man-speak.
“Ford, Major, and Talon?”
“Same.”
“Out of the Marines?”
“Signed to the Reserves.”
There’s something in the tone of his voice that sends the same look across the three men’s faces.
An understanding, a non-verbal explanation. It’s a split-second, but I don’t miss their reaction to this news. Luckily, the powwow is broken up by Raven.
“Hi, I’m Raven, and I think you met my husband at the gate.”
“Sorry to bust in on your birthday party,” he apologizes politely, but not sincerely. “I got off shift and Harley wasn’t home yet.”
“You’re not busting in on anything. We’re about to jam. How about a beer?” Declan offers, and Achilles juts his chin.
“Excuse me, can we all meet the extremely hot cop that has dashed all of Nate’s dreams?” Charlie waves from her perch in Blake’s lap.
I glance up at him, wrapping my hand around his neck. “Extremely hot cop doesn’t do you justice.”
“How badly do you want to stay?” His gruff question takes me off-guard.
“Are you mad? Nate is harmless.”
“Nate, the guy who told you that the two of you would make beautiful babies?”
“He’s harmless,” I repeat.
“This has nothing to do with Nate. Looking as gorgeous as you do and tasting the sweetness on your lips—I want you on my bike.”
“You brought the bike?” I love his motorcycle. We’ve only been riding once, but I was hooked. The power, holding him tight, feeling the wind whipping around us. At first, it was terrifying, but then it was exhilarating.
“I did, and right now, I want to drive you to our property and fuck you on it.”
Between our work schedules, we have had little time together since the night of his birthday. With it being a holiday weekend, he picked up overtime to let some of the other men be with family.
A white-hot tingle races through my bloodstream, and I grip him to remain standing. “One hour?” comes out breathy, and his eyes turn molten.
“One hour.”
He pulls my bottom lip between his teeth, plants a quick kiss, and tucks me to his side.
“Whew, I need a private room after that,” Charlie announces, fanning her face. “Didn’t even have to hear what they said to understand it. The sexual energy is thick. I’m pretty sure the new girl has Raven and Declan beat. That was smoking.”
Heat flames my face at all the knowing looks aimed at me.
“Warned you. We have a muzzle somewhere around here since she has no filter.” Raven winks at me. “And, so you know, we may be laid back, but we’re still rock and roll. You need some privacy, down the hall, last room on the right. No questions asked.”
Ace’s mouth twitches. “Appreciate that, but I have a bed close.”
“Suit yourself, but the offer stands. It wouldn’t be the first time.”
“He’s taking me home on his bike,” I divulge for no reason.
Her blue eyes pop and then fill with appreciation. “Ahhh, the bike. I love riding on the bike. Harley, babe, I have a feeling you and I will be great friends.” With another wink, she walks away.
“I think she knows we’re having motorcycle sex tonight.”
“Yeah, pretty sure she clued in. But gotta say, the way her husband is looking at her, they may be the ones needing the private room.”
His chest vibrates, and I fold into him, bursting into laughter.
21
Ace
I swallow a large gulp of beer, staring out the window. A loud wolf whistle cuts through the room, my eyes staying trained on the darkened back yard.
“Oh, shit, we have the broody Kingston.” Talon gauges my mood instantly.
“He’s pissed. I feel for the jeweler if he fucked this up.” Ford’s statement is laced with sarcasm.
/> Major steps into my line of sight, assessing me warily. The flash of recognition in his eyes is like looking into a mirror. “Fuck, you too?”
“I feel it, man. It’s coming.”
The air in the room turns static, the other guys closing in
“Yeah,” Talon agrees, his jovial mood gone.
“Knew it last weekend. Felt it during drills,” Ford admits what we all picked up on.
When we reported to our monthly drill last weekend, there was an intense vibe around the four of us. We were under a microscope. Expectations are always high, but this was different.
It was physical and mental. We were being evaluated.
And there is only one reason.
“I spoke to a few of the guys at MARSOC. The atmosphere is hyper-alert and the information scarce.” Talon drops the news.
“I called Dad today.” Ford opens his own beer and takes a long swig. “No specific reason, had a nagging feeling I needed to.”
“Shit, you mean we’re all in the zone and said nothing?” Major sounds pissed. He has the right to be.
There’s a reason we work well together and we’re all standing here alive. We trust each other, we share what’s on our mind, and we don’t fucking hide behind the shadows of ‘what ifs’.
“I’m ready for whatever comes.” Ford’s matter-of-fact attitude applies to all of us.
A silence fills the room, and I know what they’re waiting for.
“I haven’t told her. She’s been looking forward to this party tonight.”
Tonight is the MJ Labels holiday celebration. But Mike didn’t limit the invitation list to staff only. He extended to clients, friends, and family. “Harley and Jewls have been excited all week, and hell if I wanted to ruin it.”
“We got this, Ace, no matter what comes our way,” Ford speaks low. “We don’t fail.”
All I can do is nod.
“I don’t mean to add to the fire, but did the jeweler fuck up?” Talon attempts to lighten things.
“No, he didn’t fuck up.” I take the box out of my pocket and chuck it his way.
He pops it open and gives a low whistle. “Nice. When’s it happening?”
“Soon as possible.”
“Then why are you in here staring at your reflection in the window?”
I slice my eyes to him. “I’m banned from my room. Unless I wanted to pick her up at her apartment, Harley insisted she and Jewls have privacy.”
At the mention of Jewls, Major’s attention shifts. “They almost ready?”
“Hell if I know. She sprung this shit on me today, telling me they had some appointments and then would be here. They rolled in around five, and I was ordered to get ready in the guest room. I’ve been waiting.”
Talon hands the box back. “I assume you spoke to Rich about this?”
“Yeah, and Amanda is about to burst at the seams.”
“You gonna try to get it on her finger tonight?”
“If I had it my way, she’d be wearing it right now. But seeing as Jewls already announced she’s spending the night, it’s not happening.”
“You could always wait until Christmas. I hear chicks go nuts for Christmas proposals,” Ford suggests.
“Too cliché. I’m not waiting almost three weeks.”
“Just saying, you could kill two birds with one stone. The ring could double as her present.”
“Ford, for a guy so loaded, you’re one cheap motherfucker.” Major lays him out.
For the first time all day, I crack a smile.
The clacking of heels on tile pulls my awareness down the hallway, and my smile dies.
Talon whistles again, this time a low-pitched siren.
I barely give Jewls a glimpse, my gaze zeroing in on the vision strolling my way.
Her hair is sleek and straight, hanging over her bare shoulders. The blue hue of her eyes is glistening under heavier than usual make-up. Tiny sparkles glitter on her exposed skin. The black and silver dress hugs her body with a deep slit down the front that crisscrosses at her tits. That’s as far as I get.
My arm reaches back, someone taking the ring as my bottle hits the counter.
Harley’s eyes go wide, and she stops mid-stride, throwing her hand up. “No, no, no… stay back. I worked all day on this!”
Her words do nothing to stop me from stalking to her. She backtracks, but I’m already on her. She squeals as she goes over my shoulder, beating on my back. “Put me down!”
“Nope.”
“Achilles…” Her voice is drowned out by Jewls’ yell.
“I’m opening a bottle of wine. Try not to wreck her too much.”
We hit my room, my foot kicking the door shut and jostling her so she has no choice but to wrap her legs around my waist. I slide a hand to the back of her neck and slam my mouth to hers.
She whimpers down my throat as the taste of mint and peaches coats my taste buds. I hum in appreciation, slanting her head for better access. Her tongue tangles with mine, meeting me stroke for stroke, driving me insane.
Her fingers dig into my scalp, her thighs tighten, and she rotates her hips, coming into contact with my throbbing cock. Her scent, her taste, and the feel of her body pressed close ignite my sense of possession and send it into overdrive.
I slide my hand under her dress and along her ass, my fingers slipping inside her panties.
I tear my mouth away, growling against her lips. “Fuck, Harley. I need you now.”
Without a word, she reaches under the dress, and the silky material releases, giving me full access. “They clip at the sides so you have easy access.”
“You have a split second to make a choice. Here or the bed?”
Her mouth splits into a provocative smile. “Here.”
I make quick work of my belt, button, and zipper, freeing my cock and stroking it along her slit. Somehow, I find the will to hold back, knowing she needs to be ready. My piercing rubs back and forth, grazing over her clit until her breath hitches and her gaze grows hazy.
She traces the outline of my lips with her tongue, swiveling slowly with my movements. “What are you waiting for?”
“Getting you ready, baby.”
The haze clears and her eyes light up. She slants up and then drives down, taking my dick all the way. Her body shudders in response.
“Jesus, fuck, are you okay?”
“Oh, God, yes.” She rocks into me.
That’s all it takes for my will to snap. I back her into the wall and ram up hard. Her muscles contract, and she moans, dropping her head back. “Please…”
“Please what, baby? What do you want?”
“You. Harder. More.”
Fire scorches inside as I hammer into her over and over. With each stroke, her pussy clenches tighter until sweat rolls down my back.
“Don’t stop. Feels too good.” Her voice is hoarse and dripping with need.
Fiery sensations pulse along my cock as the piercing scrapes along her soft flesh. “Your pussy’s pulling me deeper, baby. Can you take more?”
She lifts her head, bringing her eyes back to mine, and my cock threatens to explode.
I pound harder, the sounds of us filling the room. Her lips part as her breath comes in shallow gasps and she grinds down, her fingernails digging into my scalp.
“Achilles, so close.”
“Come for me.”
“I want you.”
“You’ll get me on the next one.” I grip her hip, rotating slightly, and slam up.
She lets out a small cry, dropping her head to my shoulder and moaning into my neck. My cock swells at the flood of wetness making her slicker.
The walls of her pussy contract and release as she chants my name, flying apart.
“My dick is fucking ready to blow.” I shift, slowing for her to adjust to me at this angle.
“Oh, shit. The tip of your… the ball…” she can’t finish, her breath shallowing out.
“I know, baby, I feel the metal twisting inside yo
u.”
“More.” Her hoarse whisper is a plea.
I drive up harder and faster, animalistic need coursing through my veins. “Let me see your face, gorgeous.”
She brings her face to mine. Her eyes are wild and frenzied, cheeks flushed with small patches of pink from my stubble.
“So fucking perfect. Taking me hard, riding my dick, driving me insane. “
“I love the rough and untamed, Achilles.”
Electric jolts rip through me. “Get there again, Harley.”
Her hips roll, sliding into my strokes until we’re both on the edge. She arches, groaning in appreciation, and that’s all it takes. I thrust up hard and explode, crashing my mouth to hers.
I savor the sensation of her pussy pulsating, taking everything and sucking me dry.
My lips kiss a trail to her ear, feeling her chest rise and fall against mine. “The hair, the face, the dress—all of it adding to perfection.”
“I want to be mad, but that was hot,” she mumbles. “So much for hours of preparation.”
“Baby, you walked out looking like this, you should have expected me to pounce.”
“I thought maybe you could conjure a little control.”
“Not a fucking chance.”
She giggles, lifting her face to mine and scaling her nails lightly down my neck. “I take it you like the dress?”
“Yeah, I like the dress, but you’re not wearing it. Your tits are practically hanging out.”
Her eyes narrow and mouth pinches in a scowl. “They are not. It covers everything.”
“Plastic clasps hold your panties together.”
“Only and you and I know that.”
“Harley—”
“Swear to God, Achilles, don’t piss me off after scorching hot wall sex. I’m wearing this dress.”
I think about throwing her on the bed, but before I can move, her fingertips dig into my skin. “Don’t you dare.”
“Dare what?”
“Whatever it is you’re thinking of doing that has your eyes reeling.”
“Shit.” I lay my forehead to hers. “It’s impossible to deny you.”
“It’s not denial. The thrill of anticipation is good for you. Think about what happens when we get home. It’ll be worth the wait.”
Speed King (Men of Action) Page 23