by Renee Rose
“You,” I accuse.
“Me.” He backs me up to the balcony ledge, where he bends me back and kisses me.
Heat rolls through my body, heady and potent, like I’ve drunk a draught of whiskey. The stars are spinning overhead when I pull away to gasp, “Deke. Someone might see.”
“Let ‘em see,” he growls. The rough stubble on his jaw scrapes my cheek. “Isn’t that why I’m here? To put on a show?”
I feel a flash of disappointment. Right. This isn’t a real date.
Only, damn—it was feeling so real. Is this all fake to him?
“You’re right,” I answer, acting as calm as I can. “Better kiss me again.”
“Oh, I’m going to do more than that.”
And he draws me deeper into the shadows. We move along the back deck, down the stairs and to a hidden corner that overlooks a stunning view of the range. On Saturday, the bride will get married with these mountains as a backdrop. But tonight they’re dark and somnolent giants, their rocky shoulders half blanketed with pine trees.
I follow Deke because he has a plan, but I stop a moment to take in the view.
“It’s beautiful out here,” I whisper. And shiver because what little heat I brought outside with me has dissipated, and I’m only wearing a cardigan against the chill.
Deke shrugs out of his button-down and tucks it around me, ignoring my protests that he’ll be cold. His white t-shirt shines in the darkness. He pulls me against his large chest.
“We should go back in,” I say, even though I’m warm and cozy now, swaddled in his shirt and arms. “You’re going to freeze.”
He chuckles, as if the idea of him being cold is a joke. “You’ll keep me warm,” he says and turns me back to face the mountains. His arms slide around me, and I lean back against his front.
“Not that warm. I’m in a dress and no panties,” I remind him. Judging by the giant hard-on poking my butt, he hasn’t forgotten the no panties part.
“Mmmm.” He nuzzles my neck. “You must be ready for your reward.” His lips brush my ear. “Put your hands on the railing.”
I lean forward to obey.
He flips up my skirt. Cold air gusts over my bare butt, and my entire body breaks out into goosebumps. His fingers caress my bottom, gliding over the chilled skin, exploring.
I shift from foot to foot, still holding position, aroused and excited but nervous. “Someone could come find us,” I whisper over my shoulder.
“I won’t let anyone see you,” he promises. His big hands cover my butt cheeks, squeezing and offering a little heat. “Besides, no one cares.”
“I guarantee Scott cares,” I say and immediately curse myself for bringing up Scott.
“Gonna make you forget him,” Deke says, and it sounds like a vow.
He brushes his fingertip between my legs.
“Already forgotten.”
He presses me forward, and now I’m leaning on the railing while he fondles my backside. He reaches under to find and stroke my labia with soft fingers. I rise to tiptoe, but his other hand holds my hips steady, so I can’t get away. I’m bent over with my butt sticking out and on display, exposed and offered up to this bad boy.
“You’re turning me into a bad girl,” I breathe.
His fingers pause. “I don’t think so. I think you’ve always been bad.”
He pulls his hand out from between my legs to give my butt a slap. I gasp. The sound seems to reverberate in the still air. My heart stutters, and I freeze, listening hard as if the sound will echo off the mountains. But it doesn’t, and Deke rewards my bravery with more pussy rubbing.
“You sucked my cock like a porn star. I think you have a real naughty streak.” His fingers continue to thrum between my folds, alternating with a few hard smacks that seem to jolt arousal through me. Then he goes back to stroking me to orgasm.
I go on tiptoe, grinding down onto his fingers, with the hazy light of the Milky Way rippling overhead, flung between the mountains and the opposite horizon like a diamond studded scarf. Cold fingers of wind caress my face, but I’m snuggled deep into Deke’s shirt and his scent where the chill can’t touch me.
“That’s it, grind down,” Deke orders, thumbing my clit as he slips a thick finger inside me. “Take your pleasure, baby, take it.”
I twist my hips, searching for the right angle, for more stimulation.
“Fuck,” Deke mutters. “Gotta taste you.” He drops to his knees behind me and spreads my legs wider and puts his mouth on me. His stubble scratches up my inner thighs as his tongue searches for my secret folds. I’m tipped to my front, nails digging into the wood, pushing my bottom back as I try to ride his face. It’s not the best angle, it’s a bit ridiculous, and I don’t care.
He growls and buries his face between my legs, holding my hips, half lifting me off the ground. “Fuck,” he says again and turns me to face him, propping me on the top of the deck railing at the same time. And then his dark head is between my legs again, my skirt flung up over my belly and bunching around my hips. My hands grip the railing, but Deke’s got me, somehow steading my legs as he eats me out. My thighs are propped over his big shoulders, his tongue is right there, and oh fudge….
I come, pleasure crashing down and making me bend double over his head. He shakes his head, scratching the sensitive skin of my inner thighs with his bristled cheeks before lapping at my pussy again. The chafing sensation is just this side of painful, and my abs clench with another wave of pleasure. And then I’m falling, wrung out, toppling over, totally boneless. Deke catches me, of course, and lifts me in his arms.
I hear footsteps and loud voices on the upper deck, but I’m too orgasm-drunk to care. I let my head loll against his shoulder as Deke carries me up the deck stairs swiftly and towards a side entrance back into the resort.
I hear a shocked giggle from someone who sees us, but I don’t know who it is.
“Too much champagne,” Deke tosses the explanation over his shoulder. I wave goodbye in whoever-it-is’ general direction and laugh against Deke’s t-shirt as he carries me over the threshold like a bride.
Deke
I have a hard time not growling at every person we pass on the way to the room. My wolf is damn pleased that I got her off, but the need to claim her is even stronger, especially with all the people around.
She tucks her head against my neck as I carry her, her breath even and smooth. She must be sleepy and relaxed from her orgasm.
Deposit the package and get out.
The thought forms in Rafe’s alpha bark.
Discipline is the only thing keeping us from moon madness.
I open the door to our room and tip Sadie down to her feet, giving her ass a light slap. “I need to get some fresh air,” I tell her.
She blinks at me, surprise and a touch of hurt flickering over her expression. “We were just outside.”
“I know. I need to go for a run. It’s, ah, the PTSD. I get restless, and it helps me sleep.”
Fuck, I feel like the biggest asshole for lying to her.
Sympathy sweeps over her features, and she reaches up to touch my face. I catch her hand and bring it to my lips before I can help myself. Her expression softens even more. “Is it okay with you? You’re okay here?”
“Yes, of course. I understand.”
Thank fuck. I change into a pair of gym shorts that I’d planned on sleeping in, but I don’t have running shoes, which is a bit suspicious. I settle for kicking off my shoes.
Sadie emerges from the bathroom where she washed her face and brushed her teeth. Her eyes fly wide when she sees my running attire. “Oh! Are you one of those barefoot runners?”
I didn’t know there was such a thing, but I nod. It’s not a lie.
“Wow. That’s incredible,” she breathes. “I’ve heard of it, and I understand the theory behind it, but it boggles my mind.”
Since I have no clue about the theories behind it, I move in and drop a light kiss on her forehead. “Don’t wait up
.”
“Oh! Um, okay.”
I head for the door.
“You can sleep in the bed with me when you get back.” She sounds almost shy as she offers.
“Babe.” I don’t want to tell her no, but sleeping beside her is definitely not an option. Not if I want to keep her safe from me.
In fact, I don’t plan to come back to this room until the night is mostly over, and I’ve run myself into the ground.
I leave before she tempts me into staying longer and make a beeline for outside. I find a hiking trail and follow it away from the resort until it’s safe to strip and shift.
And then I take off up the mountain, running from Sadie. Running from myself.
Running until I’m sure it’s safe to come back.
Chapter 11
Sadie
I wake up in a warm bed. It’s morning already, and Deke’s side of the bed is empty. On his pillow there’s a note that reads “Gone for another run. Meet you at yoga.”
I had hoped for a continuation of our sexual escapades last night, but I didn’t hear Deke come back to the room.
Too bad.
I hop up and get ready for yoga. When I pull the curtains, the gorgeous view greets me. I feel great, sparkly with energy and a good night’s sleep. I slept better last night than I have in weeks. Maybe we didn’t get to fool around in bed again, but it’s wonderful to have Deke here.
Today is going to be a good day. First I have to get through yoga, but then we have free time before the rehearsal dinner tonight. Maybe I can convince Deke to spend it with me in bed.
A half an hour later, I’m outside with the bride and the rest of the ladies assembled on the front deck. I blush when I see the corner where Deke and I spent time last night. I have fond memories of that corner.
“Hey, Sadie,” Brigit greets me when I roll out a mat next to hers. She's in full makeup and Lululemon from head to toe. Most of the women wear the same. “Sleep well?”
“Yep. All this mountain air,” I say.
“You going to hike later? April and I went out early this morning. It was really nice.”
“Deke already went for a run,” I say. “He was up before I got up.”
“Oh, is he a morning person?”
“Um, yes.” I guess. I actually have no idea. It's not like Deke and I are actually dating.
“Ask him if he saw any wildlife. We saw a bunch of hawks and April thinks she saw a wolf.”
“It was a giant wolf,” April insists from her mat on the other side of Brigit. “I didn’t see it clearly, but I saw something. It had a big tail.”
“Probably a large coyote.” Brigit sounds skeptical, and April sticks her tongue out at her cousin.
“I bet there are tons of wolves in this area,” I say.
“Yeah, but no way one would come so close to the resort,” Brigit slips in the last word before the instructor starts the class.
“Isn’t Deke supposed to be here?” Brigit whispers. Jenn and her mom, Lacy, turn from their spots to wave at me.
“Whoa,” one of the women murmurs appreciatively. I turn to look to the deck stairs, where Deke has appeared. He’s already barefoot for some reason, and for yoga attire, he’s thrown on a pair of loose sweats. But it doesn’t matter because he’s not wearing anything else. He’s bare chested, with his white t-shirt draped over his broad shoulders, and every muscle on his chest stands out in beautiful relief. He must have gotten hot on his run.
“Sorry, I’m late,” he mutters to the yoga instructor, who looks like she’d like to ditch our class to do a private couple’s yoga session with Deke. There’s a chorus of murmurs from the assembled ladies as Deke prowls among us. Two ladies rush to grab a mat for him. There’s not much room left, so after nodding in my direction, Deke arranges himself next to the instructor. She eventually finds her voice and starts the class, and we all pretend to follow along, though really everyone is watching Deke, who still hasn’t put his shirt back on. There are heaters set up on the deck, but it’s still not that warm, but Deke must be hot blooded, and thank St. Theresa—or whomever is the patron saint of lady boners—for that.
Had I known what Deke was hiding under his James Dean t-shirts and leather jackets, I’d rid the world of every Deke-sized article of clothing, just so he’d go around nude. Each yoga position makes his muscles pop. But his body is smooth and sleek and not stiff like a gym bound body builder. It’s a work of art, and this morning we are all Sister Wendy, the late nun/art critic. Especially when Deke does Warrior II pose, feet planted and arms outstretched. With the mountain range in the background, he looks like a model for athleisure wear.
Jenn swivels her head to me and mouths “Wow.” Even her mom looks impressed.
When the class ends, Deke comes right to my side and drops a kiss on my lips, playing the dutiful boyfriend perfectly.
“Great work,” I whisper to him, and he cocks a curious eyebrow at me. “I’ll tell you later.” I pat his chest and then keep petting it because it’s so yummy.
“You guys want to join us in the hot tub?” Jenn asks. “We’re all headed there.” She drops her voice to add, “Although Scott might be there. He asked me what you were up to today.”
I fake a grimace. “Then I’ll pass.” The truth is, I could care less about Scott, but I know the group socializing isn’t Deke’s thing, and I’m grateful for an excuse to bow out. I feel like a disloyal bridesmaid, but I’d much rather spend time with Deke than the wedding party today.
“You guys have plans for the day?” Lacy pops her nosy head into our circle.
“Uhhhh,” I search my brain for something that involves Deke and I and a low chance of running into Scott.
“I’ve got some ideas,” Deke says, slinging an arm around me.
“I’ll leave it up to you then,” I lean into him, feeling relief. “Deke’s such a romantic, he plans the best dates,” I announce to the group. Jenn and Brigit grin. “But first, brunch. I’m starving.”
“Maybe we can go for a hike,” I whisper to Deke as we head to the restaurant, trying to let him off the hook. “Whatever, I don’t care. I’m fine with ditching the crowd—I know you’re not into it.”
“I’ve got it covered,” he answers, pulling out his phone. He walks me through the buffet line and settles me at a corner table then excuses himself to make a call.
Unfortunately, that leaves me open to a line of attack.
“Is this seat taken?” Lacy and Jenn’s stepdad George sits down before I can say no. They wave over another couple, Jim and John, Lacy’s brother and his husband. By the time Deke gets back, the table is full.
Sorry, I mouth. He squeezes my shoulder and takes his seat, keeping a reassuring hand on me.
“Oh, Sadie, you’re not going to eat those,” Lacy scolds me before I can put a forkful of pancakes into my mouth. Memories of years of playdates at Jenn’s house growing up with her mom imposing all her body issues on the two of us come flooding back. “So many carbs.” She shudders. “But I suppose you can work it off later. Those kindergarteners keep you on your toes, I’m sure.”
I set down my fork with a sigh.
“Are you still enjoying teaching?”
“Yes, I love it,” I insist. Lacy is like the female version of my dad. There’s just no escaping all the judgements.
“I know your father hoped you’d go into law like him. At least you can find a husband to support you.” She pats my hand.
I grimace-smile at my plate and saw my breakfast sausage into tiny pieces. It’s just like a dinner with my dad, where I cut up my food, unable to put it in my stomach. My body is tense, ready for fight or flight as if Lacy’s busybody questions are a threat.
George turns to Deke. “And where did you go to school?”
“Lakewood High,” Deke says without missing a beat.
“No, I meant college.”
“Didn’t go to college. Joined the Army when I turned eighteen. It was not long after 9-11, and I wanted to serve my cou
ntry. Would’ve joined earlier if I could’ve.”
Swoon. Deke is total hero material.
He’s so different from men like George, my dad and Scott, who are just focused on themselves. Getting ahead. Making appearances.
Deke takes a huge bite of steak. He has no trouble eating.
“Hmmm,” George says. “Any thoughts on getting your degree now?”
“Don’t need it. Army taught me what I needed to know. Rest I can learn on my own.” Deke bares his teeth, and George’s fork clatters to the table.
“You were special ops, right?” I ask, fascinated. I know I shouldn’t reveal how little I know about Deke. Lacy is collecting tidbits of information like a squirrel collects acorns. I’m sure the first time she bumps into my dad back in Taos, she’ll drag all the dirt she picked up out to shame him.
“Special ops in the Army? Night Stalkers?” George asks.
“Something like that,” Deke says.
It’s too much for me. Deke isn’t even a real date. He definitely doesn’t deserve the third degree from these people who aren’t even related to me.
“Okay, that’s enough of grilling my date,” I tell them, using my kind but firm teacher voice.
Lacy looks shocked. I never talk back. At least, I never have before.
I have to say, it feels great. Liberating. With Deke backing me up, it’s easy to be strong.
“Almost finished, babe?” Deke nudges me.
“Yes.” I lay down my utensils, more than ready to be done.
“Going somewhere?” George asks. “A hike perhaps?”
“Not a hike,” Deke says. “Got something special planned for Sadie.” He rises, and I do, too.
“It’s a surprise for me too,” I explain to the table as Deke grabs my jacket and helps me into it. “But I guess I need my jacket.”
“Gotta bundle up,” Deke agrees. “Ride’s almost here.”
And then I hear it. The rhythmic sound of chopper blades. A helicopter is approaching, flying up to the resort.