by A. K. Koonce
“It was worth it. We ended it.” The words carry an obstinate edge as they fill the minuscule amount of air that resides between Tylin and myself, and my heart pumps more rapidly in my chest as I realize just how close he’s standing.
He swallows hard, and his gaze flicks back and forth between my eyes as though he’s trying to read me. “So you just kiss me goodbye and head into the lion’s den to face the devil himself? And I’m just supposed to be ok with the woman I…” He trails off, breathing heavily.
His chest nearly brushes mine. One deep breath on my end and I’d be touching him. But the air is frozen in my lungs as I stare up into the stormiest gray eyes I’ve ever seen.
They say everything and nothing all at the same time.
Yet I can’t break away.
My heart skips a beat.
And his lips are on mine, his body crushing into me as he pulls me flush against his hard, defined frame. His free hand wraps around my waist, sliding low on my back as his mouth devours mine. There’s no softness from Tylin. No gentleness or hesitation.
He claims me fully. And I yield.
All the tension from the day melts away with the slide of his lips, the tease of his tongue, and the way his large hand has slipped down to squeeze my ass from over the towel as he pulls me impossibly closer.
His tongue presses into my mouth, tangling easily with mine. He doesn’t ask permission. He just takes what’s his. And I am his.
It’s a game of give and take as we battle together, working out our frustrations with one another in a nearly carnal way. By the time his lips slow, we’re both heaving from the passion and fervor of our kiss.
A throat clears behind him and I pull back further, glancing over Tylin’s shoulder to see three sets of eyes watching us. Heat and interest fill Mason and Jameson’s expressions while Rory appears smug.
“About time,” he chides.
“Like you’re one to talk.” Tylin steps away from me, rubbing a hand at the back of his neck as he glances toward his friends. “You’re all… okay with this?” His voice is huskier than it had been a moment ago, and my lips pull at the corners as I fight the smile that threatens to take over my face.
I did that.
However, my anxiety over their answer sobers me quickly. He just put it all out on the table. Even I hadn’t done that yet.
I knew where Mason and I stood, and after the little display between Rory, Jameson, Mason, and me the other day, I think I know where they stand too. But hearing it asked point blank? Way to give a girl a heart attack. Especially since Tylin has been the hold out all along.
Jameson shrugs. “It’s hot to watch. And to be watched. I haven’t had a problem sharing. Besides. We’re a team.”
“A family,” Mason interjects, and my face heats. “Alexa knows how I feel.”
Family. There’s so much more behind that word. So much more meaning. More promise.
“I knew you were all goners before I ever touched her.” Rory shrugs. “Besides, I never thought I’d have someone in my life again. I didn’t deserve it. Still don’t. But I’m not saying no anymore.”
“Shit, maybe you are sweet,” Jameson whispers.
It’s more words than I may have ever heard Rory speak at one time. Or maybe ever. And each one warms my heart. He’s not alone anymore. None of us are.
Tylin shakes his head and I wish with every fiber of my being that I knew what was running through his mind.
“You think you can handle us? Four virile, intense, dangerous men?” Tylin’s, heated predatory attention locks onto me as he stalks forward.
I match his pace, meeting him in the middle, making sure his chest brushes against mine with every breath he takes.
“I never back down from a challenge.” My shoulders square, my spine straight as steel.
His eyes flash as he leans into my personal space. “Good.”
“That’s all you have to say?” My eyes narrow as I wait for his auditory commitment. Any little sign that tells me he’s mine. And that I’m his.
“Let’s see what you’re made out of. See how much my Huntress can truly handle.”
He's always testing me.
‘My little Huntress’ plays on repeat through my mind, and my eyes light up at the possessiveness in his. Tylin doesn’t share his feelings easily. And those three small words are enough.
They make it feel like I just gained a mile.
I smile sweetly up at him and add in a touch of sass.
“Game on.”
Thirty-Two
Worse Ways To Go
Rhythmic music pours through the speakers of Club Crystalline as I rock my body back into Jameson’s, feeling every defined line as he grinds into my ass in time to the beat. My arms are up in the air and my hair is sticking to my neck as I writhe between him and Mason, who has completely surprised me with the moves he’s tossing in my direction. It shouldn’t surprise me. Not really. Mouse has always been stealthy and that kind of ability doesn’t come without a certain gracefulness. An ability to move one's body. And my Mouse? He can definitely move.
His thigh slips between my legs as he presses in close. The thin fabric of my black dress slinks up my thighs as he makes contact with my center. And then I’m sandwiched. And this? This is every woman’s fantasy.
I’d been shocked as hell to see the sleek black building that houses Club Crystalline when the luxury car that Tylin hired pulled to a stop. We slept all morning into the afternoon. When I woke, they had a surprise for me. After being wined and dined tonight, I had a nice buzz going, but I couldn’t help but to question what we were doing here as the guys all stepped from the vehicle, one sexy man right after the next.
In my mind, tonight was a sweet romantic date. Finally.
But being at a sex club doesn't feel like a place normal couples go for a night out…
Is it?
“We thought you might like to come for fun tonight. You know what they say about all work and no play…” Jameson shot me a wink and slid his arm around my waist as he led me inside.
And I havent questioned anything since. After all we've been through, we deserve a night out. A night off. And I'm taking full advantage.
Jameson’s lips skim down my neck as he peppers little kisses all the way to my shoulder. I tilt my head sideways, offering him better access as I rub myself back into the hard length of his arousal I feel pressing into the curve of my ass as we dance. And then Mason aligns himself with me, leans down, and claims my lips in a searing kiss that I feel straight to my… toes. I'm going to say toes.
The way his tongue rolls against mine is something I've never felt anyone else do before. It's something so sensual I anticipate every time his lips touch mine.
I slide one hand over Mase’s shoulder and around his neck, sinking my hands into the soft, messy locks of his brown hair. With the other, I reach back and do the same to Jameson, his golden locks intertwining in my fingers as I grip his head and keep him where he is, his lips working magic on the sensitive skin of my neck.
When Mason moves to the other side, matching Jameson’s teasing nips and kisses, my eyes fall on a man across the room. His dark suit fits him impeccably well as he leans against the outside of a corner booth. Amber liquid swirls in his glass, colorful light reflecting off the smooth cuts of crystal as his eyes pierce mine. Even from so far away, I feel his intensity rocket through me.
Tylin watches as I rock my hips into his two friends, and every nerve in my body comes alive at the heat I know is simmering through him. Then all my attention slips to Rory. His large frame makes the booth he’s sitting in look small, and his arms are crossed over his chest in typical fashion. His “don’t fuck with me” attitude has done its job, and the women who were previously swarming around the booth trying to entice my men have all fled. Besides, his sole attention has been on the three of us on the dance floor. He sits there like he’s content to watch us nearly fuck as we dance. Not a care in the world. But his eyes? They tell a
different story. One full of lust and built-up tension that needs an outlet. A sexual outlet.
And he hasn’t even kissed me.
I want a taste of him more than I want chocolate. And chocolate has been pretty high on the priority list lately.
As the song changes, Tylin inclines his head, the quick sharp movement summoning us back to the booth. Part of me wants to defy him just to see what he will do, but my need for a drink outweighs my rebellious streak before it can even start.
I slide into the booth beside Rory. Tylin sets a glass down in front of me, complete with cherry and orange.
“Whiskey sour.” His smile is soft and I’m shocked he actually remembered my drink of choice. Even more shocked when he slides into the booth on my other side with easy, controlled movements.
Tylin’s short brown hair is styled perfectly and my gaze dips down the lines of his profile. He looks the epitome of god-like as his strong frame fills out the tailored fabric he wears.
In fact, they all do.
My four sexy, god-like ex-assassins. Not that I will ever tell them that. Each one of them has an ego the size of the moon, and there is no way I am about to help make them any bigger than they already are.
Rough fingers land on my leg, tracing up to the hem of my short dress before descending back down my leg. The teasing trail repeats over and over again in lazy strokes that slowly drive me insane. Rory’s attention never falls to me, but his caress continues until his big hand is covering the span of my leg, his fingers dipping toward my inner thigh as he listens to the other three men around us chatting casually. Like I’m not about to self combust in zero point four seconds.
And when his hand grazes over my lace paties, against my already sensitized clit, I can’t help the moan that shakes through me. Four smirks tilt my men’s lips, and I’m about to lay into them about how patient I’ve been. How saint-like and celibate.
A nunnery would welcome me with open arms right now. Okay they’d maybe consider my application… until I spoke.
But then Rory’s fingers slip underneath the scrap of lace that serves as my underwear for the evening, and one rough, calloused finger circles my most sensitive area. Tylin pulls my leg and hooks it over his thigh, opening me for his friend as he watches where we connect. The move only serves to make my dress ride nearly to my waist, exposing me to anyone watching. Four sets of eyes are locked on my body, my face, my sex, and the pure look of desire in their gazes sends a shiver straight down my spine. Finally, Rory’s finger makes direct contact, rubbing me in just the right way. And if it hadn’t been weeks since I’d had sex, I may have been able to last longer.
Sexual tension slices through the air as I wind higher, the music, the lights, and the buzz of alcohol all swirl together as I near my peak. My hands land on the strong thighs of the men next to me as Rory teases me to distraction.
“Come for us, Alexa.” The hard rasp of Tylin’s voice is deep and husky, and the way he nearly growls in my ear as he demands my pleasure has my eyes fluttering shut as I spiral high. A sharp pinch to my clit followed by soothing, rubbing attention has me finally crashing over the edge, and I let out a long, low moan as I come against Rory’s hand.
“So beautiful when you come.” Jameson’s blue eyes are gleaming when I finally pry my own open, my chest heaving from the orgasm that only served to slake the very beginning of my need. It’s been weeks, and I’m in desperate need of more.
More… everything.
Reaching into the sharp line of his suit jacket, Tylin produces a sleek black card with elegant crystal lettering. A membership card.
“You actually bought a membership?” I’m nearly screeching as I remember how expensive just one month costs.
But he doesn’t react. He only slides the thin plastic across the smooth tabletop.
“Game on, my Huntress.” And then he’s out of the booth, straightening the slick lines of his expensive black suit and striding toward the elaborate stairway that leads upstairs.
I blink as I take in the card sitting in front of me, and then it’s in my hand, and I’m jumping from the booth as my other three assassins chuckle at my eager response.
“Think she’s ready?” Jameson’s cocky attitude only makes me toss a smirk over my shoulder.
“Oh, I’m not just ready.” My hips swing enticingly as I follow after Tylin. “I’m ready for all the sex.”
“You think you can handle all of us?” Rory looms over my shoulder, his large strides easily catching up to my shorter ones.
I consider his question, eyeing Jameson and the outline of his monster cock warily for a moment. Then I swallow and pull up my big girl panties, metaphorically of course.
“I’m certainly willing to die trying.” And I’m serious. There are much worse ways to go, and we never know if the next day could be our last.
I’m tired of not having what I want in my life.
Especially when it’s standing right in front of me.
Thirty-Three
Mine
Tylin leads us into a huge room with a large, oversized bed in the center, and the fancy underwear I wore tonight in hopes of getting laid are already ruined. The lace of my bra abrades my pebbled nipples as I step into the space he’s obviously planned for us tonight.
This is romance. This is what romance looks like.
Never in a million years would I have imagined Tylin to be the one who would take this kind of a step. He’s been my holdout, and now he’s getting us expensive rooms in sex clubs just because of how excited I’ve been about it since the moment this case started.
I feel heat at my back before Mason’s clean, sharp scent washes over me.
“You look beautiful tonight, Alexa.” He murmurs into my ear before he runs the tips of his fingers down my arms. My skin tingles from the light sensations, and I melt into him.
“Take her dress off.” Tylin all but orders Mason, but he complies without protest as his fingers close around the zipper on the back of my dress. A gentle whir sounds through the quiet room as he lowers it with care, exposing me inch by inch until he’s tugging the thin fabric down around my waist. And then off completely.
Cold air greets my skin. Low murmurs of appreciation have my face heating. Only thin black lace covers my breasts and the low angled cut of my underwear exposes more than it hides. Tylin unclasps the cufflinks on his suit, but his gaze doesn’t leave mine while he works.
“On the bed, Alexa.” I can tell he’s used to getting his way, and I wonder what would happen if I push the limits of his demands but right now. Sex.
Sex is more important than testing Tylin.
For now, anyway.
My knees hit the soft plush mattress covered in a red, cliche bedspread. My nose must wrinkle at thoughts of how clean these sheets are when Tylin speaks again.
“I’ve had everything replaced. It’s new.” The corner of his lips pull up on one side, and his eyes sparkle with amusement before they harden again with sexy dominance.
Jameson is already out of his suit jacket, has lost his tie, and is steadily unbuttoning the crisp white button-down covering the hard panes of his chest. I can’t help but laugh at the eager playfulness I feel radiating from him as he darts toward the bed, the first to join me on the hard mattress.
“No.” I laugh, trying to sober myself up. “No, no, no.” I hold my hands up to stay him. “There is no way that you and your monster cock are going first.”
In my head his thickness is second… or third. Not last because I have to be completely alert for something that promising, but I also want to be ready.
“You said you could handle me.” His signature smirk curves his lips, unaffected by the long scar slashing down one side of his face, as he discards his shirt. Golden skin covers every hard inch of Jameson’s stomach, and I follow the trail of blond hair that leads below his waistline to the strained outline of his cock testing the resistance of his tailored black pants.
“I said I would die trying, Jameso
n. That’s different.”
I laugh as he waggles his eyebrows at me, still seemingly undeterred.
The mattress dips and Rory makes himself comfortable at my side.
His rumbling voice is pure sex, “I can warm you up.” There’s a hesitance to his offer, and I glance down at him, my heart pitter-pattering in my chest at the question written on his face.
It’s his way of asking if he can pleasure me. It’s sweet. And I have to remind myself to breathe as I remember the stories he told me in the kitchen that day.
My leg swings over his abdomen and I straddle him, hands on his chest as I brace myself over his impressive erection.
“I’d like to test out this expertise of yours.” There’s no shyness as I whisper the words on a whisper in his ear.
The rumble that vibrates up my palms and into my arms is so primal that my sex clenches at the very sound. Rory hauls me up his chest easily until I’m sitting only inches from his sexy mouth, and then his hands are on my underwear. His arms flex and ripping fills the room as he tears my panties from my body in an incredibly hot, masculine display. Mossy green eyes lock onto mine as he lifts me, maneuvering my pussy closer. His thumb strokes down the slit of my center. And then he lowers me over his mouth, replacing his finger with his tongue.
Rough beard scrapes against the sensitive skin along the inside of my thighs but it’s only the beginning. I’ve never felt anything so good in my entire life as the flat of his tongue strokes over my core, devouring me. The things he does with his tongue have my toes curling as I brace myself against the headboard and arch back. My thighs squeeze on either side of his head as his tongue circles my clit and then flicks directly over it in sharp, fast movements that steal my breath.