My cock lurches at the comment, and she bites her lip, squirming.
The diamond ring pops in my head, and I wish like hell it was on her finger.
Like right now.
With me inside her, the combination of us coating my cock, and her staring at me this way… Trust, love, a devotion so deep it hits me solid in the chest, rocking my foundation.
“Sometimes, I look at you and can’t believe my luck. I’ve been dealt a lot of shitty hands in my life. Seen things, done things, made decisions that literally meant life or death.”
Her face grows pensive, her eyes filling with understanding. She opens her mouth, but I keep on.
“Every minute of every day since you gave me a chance has been worth the wait. I’d go through it all again to have you and know you’re mine. Tonight, when we get home, I want you like this as I take my time and show you how much it means to me.”
“We aren’t talking about scorching hot wall sex, are we?” she whispers.
“No, baby, we’re talking about forever. You want to talk about that while I’m balls deep inside you against the wall, we can.”
Her lips quiver as a tear slips down her cheek. “Dammit, Achilles, you’re not allowed to make me cry and ruin my make-up.”
“That’s impossible. You’re exquisite, Harley, always.”
“You can’t have this incredibly sentimental and heartfelt conversation when I don’t have the time to show you how much you mean to me.” She twists my words.
I walk us into the bathroom and set her on the vanity, immediately missing her warmth while I fix my pants. “Want me to clean you up?”
“I’ve got it. I need to touch up my face.”
“Your make-up is fine.”
“I had to up my game. My date is the most gorgeous man in the world. I’m taking a colossal risk bringing you to this party. You may replace me with some famous musician.”
“Never gonna happen.” I kiss her quickly. “Meet you in the kitchen.”
“Everyone knows we had sex, and I don’t even care.”
“It was a given when you walked down that hall.”
She smiles giddily. “I love you.”
“If I don’t leave this bathroom now, we’re skipping the party.”
She releases me and slaps my chest. “Go, I’ll be out in a minute.”
I head back to the kitchen where Jewls is perched on a stool with a glass of wine and talking to Major. He’s freshly showered and wearing an outfit similar to mine. I cock an eyebrow in question as I pour Harley a glass of wine and grab another beer.
“We changed our minds on the invite. Talon and Ford are getting ready,” he explains.
“Gotta say, Ace, you don’t disappoint,” Jewls pipes up. “And I’m not talking about the whole savage beast throwing his woman over his shoulder to go screw her senseless. Even though that was entertaining. Never thought I’d see the day where Harley would embrace her sexuality.”
“Jewls—”
“Nope, I’m talking about something much more impressive and timeless.” She taps her ring finger. “Nice job. It’s classy, stunning, and one-hundred percent Harley.”
I swing my eyes at Major, who’s grinning. “She zeroed in on it before you even shut your door.”
“Jewls— “
“Don’t worry. I’m a vault. And you’re fortunate.”
I’ll regret this, but I ask anyway, “Outside of the obvious, why am I fortunate?”
“Because I’m a fabulous best friend. Since my girl loves you like she does, that means my fabulousness spreads to you. Tomorrow, when we decorate this place for Christmas, I’ll make sure you have several choices for the most romantic backdrop for your proposal. Unless, of course, you plan to pull the whole savage beast-slash-boorish act and slide the ring on her finger while banging her.”
“Knowing Ace, that’s more his style.” Talon strolls in, with Ford following.
“Yeah,” she agrees, “and Harley would probably gush until the end of time about how romantic it was.”
The scene from a few minutes ago replays in my head, bringing forth the feelings that rocked me. I don’t tell Jewls that’s exactly how I plan to get the ring on her finger. Instead, I reply, “Anything you do is appreciated.”
She flashes me an approving smile.
This time, when I hear heels on the tile, I turn to fully appreciate the view.
A blush fills her cheeks when she joins us, taking the glass of wine I offer. There’s a hushed silence as the guys each have shit-eating grins on their faces.
“Thank God he didn’t ruin your hair,” Jewls blurts. “And, Jesus, I need my sunglasses. You’re radiant.”
The grins turn to low chuckles, and Harley lays her head on my shoulder. “Stop being dramatic. And, no, he didn’t ruin Rowan’s work.”
At the mention of Rowan, my gaze shoots to Ford, who’s looking at me.
“Rowan is the hairdresser, right?” I play coy.
“Hairdresser and cosmetologist extraordinaire. She was at ladies' night last month.”
“I remember, didn’t have time to meet her.”
Harley straightens and focuses on the guys. Her eyes light with excitement and mischief. “Rowan is our sweet, fun, and newly single friend. You guys should meet her. I have a feeling she’ll be around a lot more now that she dropped the loser she was dating.”
“Dating? I thought she was engaged.”
“Turns out he was a complete douchelord. Didn’t ask her to marry him, but manipulated her into wearing the ring for appearances. He wanted other guys to think she was taken, even though he wouldn’t commit. She deserves to find a good guy.”
That last part was meant for Talon and Ford since we all know Jewls and Major are dancing around some heavy attraction behind the muse of being friends. I can also tell they’re not fond of the possibility of being set up, regardless of Rowan’s situation.
“She’s shed two hundred pounds of useless weight and has a lot to offer someone.”
“Baby, kinda harsh to try and play matchmaker when the woman recently got out of a relationship.”
She peers up and shrugs. “Nothing wrong with making friends with really hot Marines-turned-cops. Especially when they’re members of the exclusive Casanova Club.”
“Fucking ridiculous name,” Ford sighs.
“I think it’s awesome.” Harley winks.
“Let’s get out of here. Jewls, you’re riding with me,” Major declares. I know exactly what he’s thinking. They may not be a couple, but he’s walking in that room with her close and sending a message.
She slides off the stool. “Let me get my coat.”
“Ford and I will ride with Ace,” Talon states, also picking up on Major’s intentions.
“Finally, we may get somewhere,” Harley says low enough for only me to hear. “He needs a push.”
“We’re not getting involved.”
“I can’t help it. I’m full of love, and I mean that literally.”
A throaty growl rolls up my throat. “Jesus, Harley.”
“Man, name your price.”
“Still a hard pass,” I reiterate to Cooper.
“Coop, give it up. The guy has declined the offer three times.” Declan jabs his bandmate and friend. “Have some respect.”
“Nah, money talks. Surely, he has a price. We can sweeten the pot and get all of you.” He waves between Ford, Talon, Major, and me. “You join Sayge as security, no one’s fucking with anyone. We’ll be crushing it on the stage and know we’re safe.”
“You have a reason not to feel safe?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Nah, but you guys will add to our team.”
“What he’s saying is you’ll bring in the chicks.” Blake hands me a fresh bottle of beer.
“Thought you rockers had that angle covered.”
“We do, but with security looking like you guys, it wouldn’t hurt. Although, I’m off the market, and my lady is taking yours under her wing. Brace, man.�
�� He motions to the dance floor where Charlie is in the middle of a circle, twerking while expertly holding her martini glass without spilling a drop.
Harley catches my eye and struts over, adding a little sway. She’s also drinking some kind of martini. “What are we talking about?” She leans in, kissing the underside of my jaw.
“Kill me now, I can’t handle it!” Nate grips his chest dramatically.
She shoots him a smile. “If I hadn’t fallen ass over heel in love with Achilles at sixteen, you’d totally be my type.” There’s a giggly slur in her words.
“Baby, the saying is ass over elbow,” I correct.
“Whatever.”
“We’re trying to talk these guys into joining our security team,” Cooper throws out.
She shakes her head, her sleek hair swishing in the air. “Not happening. Achilles is becoming an accountant.”
A couple of throats clear while Ford outright laughs.
“I’m not becoming an accountant.”
“If you change your mind, I’m always in need of a good tax guy,” Mike eggs me on.
“See, you can be a part of the family business.” She pokes my side. “It’s a perfectly safe occupation.”
“Ace as a bean counter.” Talon tilts his head, studying me. “Not sure it fits. He’s a little too edgy.”
“Gotta agree, Harley. Ace is the type of man that would rather shoot at targets than click away on a calculator,” Mike prods her.
“You make it sound frumpy. Achilles would make a sexy accountant.”
“How about we give it a rest?” I slide my hand around her waist and tuck her close.
She gives in. “Are you having a nice time?”
“I am drinking a beer, shooting the shit, and watching you strut around while sucking down martinis. It’d be hard not to have a nice time.”
“Do you work next Sunday?”
“Not sure, why?”
“We are invited to a Christmas party.”
“Another one?”
“This is more of a family event. Santa’s popping in to surprise the kids.”
“You’re all welcome to come,” Declan extends the invitation.
“Appreciate it, but we’re working overtime at the football game,” Talon answers.
“You may get the better deal. It’s a nuthouse. The chaos is off the chain. But these women always find a reason to have a party.” Declan glances at his wife with admiration, clearly not caring.
I peer back down to Harley, feeling the same. She enjoys a party, loves people, and is a natural hostess. When we have our own home, I expect to have family and friends invading often. Which means I’ll need to curb my voracious need to have her alone most of the time.
It’s not happening.
But I’ll pretend to try.
She sips her drink, eying me knowingly. “Whatever you’re thinking is naughty.”
“Not to me.”
I lean in to kiss her, but only get mid-dip before my phone vibrates in my jeans.
It’s on my mind to ignore it until Talon’s low hissing snaps my attention. The three of them are looking at their phones, and their expressions say it all. The four of our phones getting a message can only mean one thing.
We’re up.
Time to head out.
Ford’s gaze meets mine, silently explaining.
Someone has made contact. And it’s not good.
“No. Please, God, no.” Harley clutches my shirt, her voice a desperate plea.
A heavy darkness settles in the air, and the crowd around us closes in. Mike’s the only one to speak.
“All okay?”
I drop my eyes to Harley, my heart cracking at the raw pain etched on her features.
“We have a situation.” He steps closer, aware of what our situation has to do with.
“What can I do?”
“Take care of my girl.”
Harley shivers, and a little cry escapes. To the side, I catch Jewls moving close to Major and him squeezing her hand. There’s a similar pain on her face. Mike notices, too, nodding.
“We’ll take care of them.”
“I’m guessing this isn’t a cop call-out,” Declan assesses correctly. “We’re here for whatever you need.”
I jut my chin in appreciation and wave at the others. “We need to get to the house.”
“Go out the side door, easier access to the elevators and less chance of getting mobbed.” Mike takes Harley’s glass and kisses her cheek, telling her he’ll check on her soon. I guide her around the room, the others following, and get her to my truck before she loses it.
She whimpers when I try to put her in the passenger side, tightening her clutch. I toss my keys to Talon, climbing in the back seat with her and not bothering with a seatbelt.
“Please, please, please let this be a false alarm.”
My hands scrub through her hair, holding her gently.
Because there is no false alarm. This is as real as it gets.
One of our own is in danger. Deadly danger.
And our job is to get him—or them—back.
22
Harley
I stand immobile, staring into the open bathroom, but not seeing anything. Achilles is in the closet changing, and the silence is deafening. My gaze drifts to the wall where we had sex earlier tonight.
It seems like a lifetime ago.
South America…
Going in hot…
Two dead….
Team and three civilians missing…
All of this jumbles in my mind, replaying until my stomach turns.
Achilles asked me to stay with Jewls and let them take their call with Willie. But I couldn’t handle the wait and listened outside the door. Most of what they said didn’t register, except these that stuck.
Four of the most important men in my life, one of whom is my everything, are about to head into treacherous territory and save their own.
My emotions are on shaky ground, the dam ready to break. Self-preservation is my only lifeline.
They called Achilles and his friends for a reason.
A reason I hate, but important nonetheless. They are heroes.
He comes my way, and I suck in a breath.
Gone is my casual-slash-sexy-as hell-Achilles Kingston.
In his place is a full-on military man.
Black cargo pants, tight black shirt, black boots, and carrying a matching large duffel that’s stuffed. His big, powerful body is strung so tight his muscles bulge under the fabric of his shirt.
He digs in the top drawer of his dresser and pulls out a watch, snapping it on his wrist, and I immediately recognize it as the one my dad gave him at his boot camp graduation. His stature is sharp and focused, his mind a million miles away.
I memorize everything about this time, knowing he’s leaving me any minute. On the thought, a lump forms in my throat, threatening to choke me.
His beautiful eyes lock with mine, and the harshness in his features wanes.
“Baby, come here.”
I don’t delay lunging the few feet to him. His bag hits the floor with a thud, and he gathers me tight.
“It will be okay.”
“How can you be sure?” My voice cracks over the lump.
“Because I know us.”
I peer up at him and ask another question that’s picking away at me. “What are the other reasons? You told me there are only a few reasons you’d return. It was in your agreement. What are those?”
His eyes flash with conflict, and I know he can’t share. “They aren’t specific reasons. It’s more like hostile levels. Once a situation hits a certain level and it falls under our skills expertise, we could get called.”
Involuntarily, my body does a top-to-toe shiver. “Hostile levels? How bad?”
“I can’t say.”
“I heard him—Willie. He said two people are dead and others are missing. That’s pretty fucking hostile!” I unravel.
“Baby, you shou
ldn’t have listened. It adds useless worry.”
“Worry? I’m fucking terrified. My heart is on the brink of splintering apart with fear.”
Pain slashes through his features.
Guilt claws at me for being so selfish. “I’m sorry. I’m trying to be strong, but the uncertainties are making me irrational.”
“It kills me I’m the cause.”
“What if this was me, and I was being called away on some highly confidential and undoubtedly dangerous assignment? What would you tell me?”
His grip tightens fiercely, his gaze turning lethal. “Nothing, I wouldn’t tell you shit. Because it would never happen. Any thoughts of you in danger make my blood run cold. Whatever it took, even if that meant cuffing you to me.”
My feminist side takes a cruel hit, but the vice around my heart loosens. “Tell me what to say. You already know I support, trust, and love you, but it doesn’t seem like enough.”
“It’s everything.” He drops his forehead to mine. “I need you to do me a favor.”
“Anything.”
“I need you to stay here. Not only tonight, but while I’m away. Jewls can stay as much as she wants. Invite any friends if you get lonely.”
I open my mouth to argue it would be weird, but he places his lips on mine. “We have top-of-the-line security, and you already know about the cameras and entry alerts. It’ll give me peace of mind to know the doors are locked and you are tucked away safe at night.”
I nod my agreement because the lump is forming again. Being alone in this massive house may be intimidating, but if it helps ease his worrying, I’ll do anything.
“And tomorrow, decorate the house. Rich and my dad will help. Pick out a tree, and Rich can use my truck to pick it up. If you need, I’ll call some guys from the station, and they’ll hang the outdoor lights.”
“It won’t be the same without you guys.” Panic sets in at the thought flashing in my head. “Oh, God, what if you’re not back for Christ—?”
The question dies because the sorrow in his expression brings my guilt back to the forefront. “Never mind. Christmas is a few weeks away. You’ll be back.”
He reads through my false bravado but encourages me. “Hold on to that. Know we’re doing everything to get through this and get home.”
Speed King (Men of Action) Page 24