Speed King (Men of Action)

by Ahren Sanders

  “Ridiculous manners.” I get out of my car, tightening my scarf as the frigid wind bites in the air. My frustration fades when I notice the progress of the house.

  Tonight is my first big event as a marketing partner with MJ Labels, and I’ve been working late every night for two weeks. It’s a charity event tied to three of the label’s rock-based bands. It has been in the works for months and became my responsibility when I started.

  Achilles and Major only lasted one week on desk duty before Hal took pity on them and pulled some strings, getting them on a unit assigned to a special investigation. Since Achilles and I were both working long days, it was too dark to see the development of the house when we got home. Achilles checks with our contractor every day, and the guys have given updates, but this is the first time I’ve seen it.

  My heart hammers in my chest, my breath catching.

  This kind of progress is nothing short of amazing.

  And I have my overbearing fiancé to thank for that.

  The night after ladies’ night at Tom’s, Achilles came home and informed me my lease was up mid-March. This was something I knew since I lived there for years. The leasing agent had already agreed to month to month.

  I thought this was forward-thinking, responsible, and organized. Since Christmas in Costa Rica, Achilles and I had spent every night together. Except for the nights at Tom’s, we had settled into a domestic routine. When the guys were home, we had a great time, all fitting together. But I didn’t feel right living at the Club full time.

  Inevitably, Achilles was going back to working nights at some point. Which meant I would return to my apartment.

  He disagreed whole-heartedly. He wanted me to give up my apartment and move in until the house was complete.

  Actually, he didn’t want it; he demanded it in his impatient, stern, and no-nonsense way. I lost my temper, refusing to even discuss it, and pitched the mother of all fits. My threats to pack up my stuff and leave that night until he could have a two-way discussion ended up with me naked and screaming for many different reasons.

  It wasn’t my fault. The instant he threw me on the bed and ripped off my clothes, my body betrayed me. He was relentless in his sexual persuasion, fucking all the fight out of me.

  With my one functioning brain cell that remained, I offered a compromise. I’ll give up my apartment and move my stuff into storage if the house is completed by my birthday on April twenty-fourth. In my mind, this was clever because there was no way he could make it happen. It was the middle of winter, and it snowed in Nashville frequently. Construction delays would hold up the completion.

  He knew it was all but impossible to ensure me that, but he took the challenge.

  Achilles called our builder and told him our aggressive timeline. I expected a pissed-off brute when the man laughed at the demand. But instead, I received a call the next day asking to finalize all my special requests and customizations.

  They were also taking the challenge to finish. Probably because Achilles didn’t give them a choice.

  Today is the day. Based on what we see inside, we will know if they’ll meet the deadline.

  A blur of blue and the faint sound of an engine gets my attention. Achilles is speeding over the empty lots in the golf cart. It’s barely stopped when he’s out and in my space.

  My stomach does a roller-coaster dive, spreading the flutter of excitement throughout my body. The heat and hunger I know well form in his eyes as they rake over me. Rowan outdid herself with today’s makeover.

  “Fuckin’ A.”

  “Please don’t maul. I have to meet clients tonight, and I can’t look like a sex maniac.”

  He smiles at the reference of the episode before the Christmas party. “I make no promises.”

  “The only thing I have to do when we get to your place is get dressed and do my lipstick.”

  His gaze drops to my mouth, and he leans down, pulling my bottom lip between his teeth. “You are stunning.”

  The sexy roughness in his compliment sends a flood of heat everywhere. “Wait until you see my dress with the new Louboutins my fiancé surprised me with.” I press up, touching my lips to his.

  The kiss starts slow, his tongue moving lazily through my mouth. I brace on his shoulders, giving him most of my weight. His hands sift through my hair, tenderly caressing my head.

  A purr bubbles from my throat, and he increases his speed, curling his tongue with mine. A low, possessive groan vibrates in our mouths as he walks us backward. My brain fires a weak reminder of why we’re here. I try to slow our kiss, but his fingers dig into my scalp.

  “I need you now.” The warmth of his breath coats my lips and my knees buckle. He takes advantage of my lust-induced state and lifts me off my feet. His mouth stays on mine as he carries me through our future front entrance.

  “Sweetie,” I try to get in a word, but his tongue delves back in and does another sweep.

  “I’ve waited all day, Harley, knowing exactly what this afternoon would bring. Don’t deny me a second of this.”

  All rational thoughts vanish.

  The schedule, the limo, our friends riding… none of it matters. Outside of his possessive ridiculousness, Achilles asks nothing of me. This means something to him, and I’ll give anything to make that something special. Even if we show up late and I look thoroughly disheveled, none of it matters.

  “Whatever you need.” I scrub my hands through his hair.

  He keeps walking, our eyes locked.

  “All plumbing and electrical done and approved by an independent inspector today. They’ll be back to approve the final walk-through with us when it’s time. Framing done, the remaining windows installed tomorrow, insulation starts Sunday. Kitchen appliances are ordered, delivery date of four weeks. Tile, wood, brick…”

  It all drowns out after he mentions the kitchen appliances, and my spirits drop.

  “Appliances? They were a surprise.” They are the only items I picked alone since I was designing my gourmet kitchen.

  “They still are.”

  “Then how did you order them?”

  “I didn’t.” His lips curl slyly. “Mom and Dad bought them for us.”

  My eyeballs threaten to pop out of their sockets.

  “Pre-wedding present.”

  “We can’t accept that. I upgraded to top-of-the-line choices. Thousands and thousands of dollars.”

  “Baby, they can afford it.”

  “It’s too much.”

  “I’ll let you tell Mom that. When I tried, she blathered on about lost time.”

  I grimace. Sandy and Pete are a big part of our lives and frequently express how much it means to them. They take every chance to rectify those years we were estranged. Mostly by over-compensating. The few times we’ve tried to intervene, Sandy has been close to tears.

  “I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

  “Then say thank you, like I finally did to shut her up.”

  I agree.

  “Baby, look around.”

  My gaze travels around our master bedroom in wonder. The frame-out brings the large space’s dimensions. I can picture the finished product. My line of vision goes past his shoulder, and he reads my mind, walking us to the bathroom.

  My breath hitches at the sight of the huge spa shower. I visualize the free-standing tub on the raised platform at the back. “It will be phenomenal.”

  “It will be complete on April sixteenth.”

  My face twists back to his. “They can finish in seven weeks?”

  “They will.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  “The builder knows Ford, Talon, and Major are building next. He also knows Celia and Doug plan to use this design as a reference in their new development. That’s strong motivation.”

  “It’s surreal.”

  “Baby, you picked the design and customizations back in November.”

  With everything that’s happened, November seems like ages ago, and also like i
t could be yesterday. “Wow.”

  “I filled my end of the bargain, now it’s your turn.” His lips go back to mine, his voice soft. “Move in with me.”

  I have no control over my answer; my heart speaks up. “Okay.”

  “Fuck, I hope there’s a solid surface somewhere in this place.”

  Desire mixed with need floods my body, my hair and make-up forgotten. I yank my scarf and sweater off, flinging them over his shoulder. His eyes drop to my red lace bra, and a deep rumble echoes from his throat. He goes down to his knees, setting me on the ground and whipping his shirt over his head. The chill in the air instantly warms.

  Instinctively, my mouth waters at the sight of his bare chest and abdomen. My stomach pitches at the same time a thrill speeds through my veins. It’s a sight that never gets old. “When we move in, you’re never wearing a shirt.”

  He grins, easing me to lie back, then places his shirt under my head. His fingers skate along the edge of the lace and down the valley between my breasts, flicking the clip open. “So fucking sexy. Unbelievably gorgeous.”

  “So are you.”

  His thumb slides to trace one nipple, which pebbles immediately at the sensation. “I know we’re in a hurry, but shit if I don’t want to take my time. Run my mouth over every inch of skin, savor and devour you. Didn’t get enough this morning. Tonight, I want the taste of you on my tongue, knowing you’re full of me as you work the room tonight.”

  An intense craving throbs in my veins. “Achilles?”

  “Right here, baby,” he answers, leaning in to suck my nipple into his mouth.

  “Ahhh.” I arch up, gripping his head.

  He sucks harder, tilting so his cheek scrapes against my skin. A fleeting thought crosses my mind that my dress is low cut, but I don’t dare tell him to stop. His mouth moves to the other side, mimicking the same actions.

  He trails lower, licking his way down my stomach, his destination clear. I grip his hair, trying to lift his face to try again. “Achilles?”

  “Hmmm?” His hand moves between my legs, playing with me through my leggings. Electrifying sparks flame at the friction.

  “Oh, God.” I grind into his touch.

  “All night, the taste of you on my tongue.”

  “Don’t rush,” I finally get out.

  His head comes up, the heat in his eyes scorching. Savage, raw, unrelenting. He’s in the mood to own me. “What about—”

  “They can wait.”

  His grin turns wicked right before his mouth crashes to mine.

  “You have sawdust in your hair,” Jewls announces brazenly, not bothering to lower her voice.

  The bubbles of champagne get lodged in my throat and I choke.

  “Oh no! I thought I got it all,” Rowan frets, sweeping my hair over my shoulder and fanning it out.

  “Would you keep your voice down?” I sputter, looking to see if anyone is staring at us. “This is a sophisticated event.”

  “Sophisticated?” She cocks her eyebrows. “Not sure Mike would have let you in the door with these socialites if he knew you were romping in a construction zone.”

  “Why did I invite you again?”

  “I’m the yin to your yang and you can’t get rid of me,” she replies. “Besides, wouldn’t you rather me point it out than Charlie?” Her eyes go over my shoulder as Charlie materializes at my side.

  “Thank God for you. This is fan-fucking-tastic.” She also doesn’t lower her voice, and this time a few heads turn our way. She carries on without a care. “Event planning is not my forte. I hate the intricate details. Who the hell cares if the tarts are gluten-free, the chicken is free-range organic, or the bar is stocked with alkaline water? I mean, it’s water! And this is a rock n’ roll stacked event. No one’s drinking water.”

  Two couples beside us outright laugh, tipping their glasses in her direction.

  “Charlie, me helping wasn’t exactly grueling work.”

  “You took it off my plate, which thrilled Mike. Somehow, when we do these events, I become the office bitch and he’s always scared the whole thing will go down the shitter.”

  I hang my head, unable to stop my lips from curling up. This woman is a total mess with no filter. Mike loves her, but she tests his last nerve.

  “Well, you have me now.”

  “Oh my God, they just walked in,” Ginger squeal-shrieks, bouncing like the energizer bunny.

  “Be still me heart,” Rowan breathes out.

  We all glance toward the door, and the guys from Sayge are sauntering in, followed by another rock band with the label, Knights Dream.

  “Pretty sure the saying is ‘be still my heart’. Unless you’re a pirate,” Jewls corrects Rowan, whose face flushes.

  “Yeah, that too.”

  “I love this chick.” Charlie throws an arm around Jewls’ shoulders. “She’s got the kind of snark I respect.”

  “Touché.” Jewls clicks her champagne glass to Charlie’s.

  “Sorry, not sorry,” Ginger states without an ounce of remorse. “No matter how many times I dealt with musicians, I’d be Starstruck.”

  “Honey, I am married to one of those men and have little monsters exactly like their dad. Sometimes, I question my sanity over him more than them,” Charlie replies with her eyes on Blake. She may act like a hard ass, but when he glances her way and winks, it’s apparent they are crazy about each other.

  “That wink would make me pregnant.” Rowan shocks us all with her comment.

  Our heads swing her way. Her usual quiet and modest demeanor is gone. She’s openly gaping at the now large group of guys, which includes my soon-to-be roommates and Achilles.

  “It’s not the wink. It’s the promise behind the wink. My man has been looking forward to this night for weeks. Alcohol or not, when I watch him play, I get drunk on the sound, so he knows he’s getting lucky.”

  I snort at her bluntness and dip my chin again. The other ladies agree with their hums of approval.

  She pivots back to us, pulling her arm from Jewls’ shoulder, and points her finger in the air. “Listen up. This is how this usually goes. Right now is the conservative portion of the evening. Open bar before the buffet, then we’ll hear a few testimonials from the men and women who have benefited from the services of the cause. The silent auction can get wild. But after the auction, most of the older crowd leaves, and the party gets started. This venue has a noise ordinance rule that hits at midnight. We’ve already decided to head down the street to The Steamroom. Pace yourselves.”

  Raven walks up looking like a goddess in a simple blue dress that pops with her eyes and makes her look like the supermodel she is. “She’s right. Pace yourselves.”

  A quick glance at Rowan and Ginger tells me they are freaking out with her joining. They’ve met her once before, but it’s obvious they are in starstruck phase.

  To be honest, I can’t believe my once small circle of friends now involves these world-famous rockers and their crew. A waiter steps in carrying a tray of fresh champagne. We all take another flute and clink them together.

  Raven gushes over Rowan’s hairstyle, which makes her blush.

  “I work in a salon in Brentwood,” Rowan offers meekly.

  “She’s being humble. Rowan’s part-owner of a kick-ass salon. She did all our hair and make-up for tonight,” Jewls brags.

  Raven’s gaze does a sweep of us, her head nodding her approval. “You all look phenomenal. Full-service salon?”

  “Yes, we do it all.”

  “Why am I just now learning this? First, I miss the coolest ladies’ night around town, and now I miss spa day? You’re falling down on the job.” She wiggles her finger at me.

  “Next ladies’ night is coming soon, and we can go see Rowan anytime. Being pampered at her place is special. She’s amazing.”

  “I think she should fire you as a client after your apparent lack of respect for her time. That’s twice now she’s created a masterpiece of you and you’ve let you’re sexua
l—”

  “Jewls!” I whisper-hiss, cutting her off.

  “What?” she answers innocently.

  “Yes, what? We don’t have secrets.” Charlie arches her eyebrows expectantly.

  “Well, some of us keep secrets, especially from Charlie. She has a big mouth,” Raven advises.

  “Ace and Harley had sex on the ground of their new house after she agreed to move in with him this afternoon,” Rowan divulges freely.

  “Oh my God,” I whisper, my face flaming.

  “I think it’s hot, wild, and sexy. Wish some guy wanted me that bad.”

  My jaw pops open. Who is this woman?

  She takes a gulp of her champagne nonchalantly. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not a prude. I love sex but hated it with my ex. He was awful.” She does an exaggerated shiver. “Terrible.”

  “Bad sex is the worst. Thank God Blake knows what he’s doing.”

  “He had a lot of practice,” Raven throws out unapologetically.

  “Declan wasn’t a choirboy,” Charlie sasses back.

  They stare at each other, then both scrunch their faces, parroting the word, “gross.”

  “Anyway, if I wasn’t married, and Ace wanted to fuck me on the ground, I’d gladly strip, lie down, and let him have his way. Anytime he wanted. That man strikes me as knowing exactly what he’s doing.”

  “Charlie! You can’t tell a fiancée that you would fuck her man,” Raven scolds.

  Charlie side-eyes me. “Did you understand where I was going with that?”

  “I’m not offended. I’ve been in love with him since I was a teenager. He’s always had an irresistible sex appeal.”

  “So, you’ve got an ex who was bad in bed. I’m guessing that’s why he’s an ex.” She speaks to Rowan.

  “One of many reasons.” Her newfound boldness seems to shrink.

  Jewls catches my eye, silently communicating what I’m thinking. We’re ready to jump in if needed. Whatever abuse Rowan suffered is not something she discusses openly.

  “Good riddance. It sucks to go through the bad to get to the good, but when you find that guy, you’ll appreciate it in spades.”