Dark Kisses

by Kelly Myers

  “Jax, please,” I beg, twining my fingers through his hair.

  “Please what?” His tongue swirls in and around my navel.

  My God, where does his self-control come from? I wonder.

  “Please, stop torturing me.”

  He decides to take mercy on me and I hear a foil packet rip open.

  Oh, thank God, I think.

  When he moves up against my aching center, I grasp his shoulders, urging him on, wanting him to drive deep. And, he doesn’t disappoint. No longer teasing and slow, he surges upward and enters me in one, smooth stroke. I cry out and he yanks my hips up, sliding deeper.

  I can’t get enough of him and as we begin to move together, I wrap my legs tightly around his waist and squeeze, my body clenching around his hardness, pulling him deeper still. “Motherfucker,” he swears, grinding harder, pounding into me, his earlier control long-gone.

  Suddenly, I feel an explosion, a release that happens all at once, and I cry out. Waves of pleasure wash over me and my entire body tingles. Like there are wings fluttering inside of me.

  Jax climaxes a moment later. He groans, sheets fisted in a hand, and I feel his entire body quake and shudder. Then, he drops, smoothing his hands through my hair, breathing hard and whispering in my ear that he’s never come so hard in his life.

  Me neither, I think.

  22

  Jax

  For the first time in a very long time, I sleep like a baby.

  After the mind-blowing sex with Easton, my body is sated and exhausted. I sleep deeply, at peace, my arms wrapped around this amazing woman who managed to reach a part of me that was untouchable before.

  I can’t believe how close I’m letting her get or how much I’m becoming dependent on her. This isn’t like me. The first sign of emotional dependence or any display of neediness from a woman and I’m gone faster than a bullet shooting from a gun’s barrel.

  It scares the shit out of me because now I’m responsible for her. And, after everything that’s happened, I vow to stay by her side and keep her safe. I couldn’t save Maddy and that will haunt me for the rest of my life.

  But, I’ll be goddamned if that fucker out there will succeed in hurting Easton.

  I’ll give my life to protect her. I have no doubt about it because the alternative is unthinkable. Completely unbearable.

  Because if anything happens to Easton, I’ll die.

  I care about her and it’s my job to make sure whoever is trying to hurt her is stopped. And, I’ll go to the depths of hell to make sure this psycho is locked up and that the key is thrown away.

  When the first warm rays of sunlight trickle through the blinds, I wake up. No nightmares. I can’t believe it. Instead, the tantalizing memories of being deep inside Easton float through my mind.

  She lays curled up against the wall of my chest and my arm rests over her hip. I feel her soft breathing, her chest rising and falling with each breath, and I inhale the intoxicating jasmine scent that always surrounds her.

  I wonder what it would be like to wake up every morning with her in my arms.

  Heaven, a little voice says.

  I could definitely get used to it. When she stirs, I prop myself up on an elbow and gaze down at her. Sleepy green eyes look up at me and a soft smile curves her luscious mouth. “Good morning,” I say.

  “Morning,” she says and stretches like a cat, pressing her curvy body down the length of mine. I instantly grow hard.

  “Cancel your workout this morning because you’re staying with me. Actually, cancel everything because I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

  “Promise?”

  I kiss her forehead. “Promise.”

  Even though I’d like to lounge in bed with her for the rest of the day-- the rest of my life, really-- I sit up and throw my long legs over the side of the mattress before things get too hot. I’m far too weak to deny her so it’s best I get my ass up and moving right away.

  Because it’s time to come up with a plan to take whoever is after her down once and for all.

  “I’m going to take a quick shower,” I say. “I’d ask you to join me, but we need to get down to the office and talk to Logan. See what he found out.”

  “Raincheck on the shower then?” she asks and raises a dark brow.

  I swoop in and kiss her hard on the mouth. “Definitely.”

  Less than an hour later, Easton and I walk into the Platinum Security office with a tray of coffees and a box of donuts. Griff texted me and said he and Ryker were already there with a couple buckets of paint, sprucing the place up.

  Maybe our ragtag group was going to make a success out of this business after all. Suddenly, I have a very good feeling.

  I set the box of donuts on a table and both guys stop painting and turn to greet us. “Easton, this is Ryker and you already met Griff.”

  A year younger than me and almost an inch taller, Ryker Flynn has short, dark hair and whiskey-colored eyes. A former Navy SEAL, he's still in ridiculous shape and maintains a more clean-cut look. Probably because of his military background. Unlike Griff and I, he only has one tattoo located on his upper arm. He’s a bit of a loner, but when he makes an appearance, the ladies swoon.

  I’ve never seen Ryker show much emotion, but his normally hooded eyes widen when he lays them on Easton. He steps forward and offers a large hand. “Nice to meet you,” he says.

  Easton shakes his hand. “You, too, Ryker.” She offers him a coffee from the tray.

  “Thanks,” he says with a boyish smile, unable to pull his gaze off her.

  I feel myself bristle and then Griff practically pushes in front of Ryker to get to her. “I’m sure you probably don’t remember, but we met at your place. I helped Jax install the new security system.”

  “Of course, I remember,” she says and hands him the other coffee. “And, thank you. I feel so much safer having it.”

  “If you ever have any problems with it, just let me know,” Griff says. His sky-blue eyes practically sparkle and I feel a wave of annoyance. My normally moody, badass friends were acting like smitten schoolboys.

  This is definitely a first.

  And, I don’t like it.

  Easton is mine and even though I preached that we don’t sleep with clients, I want it clearly known that she’s mine. I slide a possessive arm around her waist and ignore Griff’s raised eyebrow.

  “There was an attempt on Easton’s life last night. Hit and run.”

  Their jaws clench, eyes narrow. “Shit,” Griff says. “Glad you’re okay,” he adds.

  She nods her dark head and leans into me. Something they both immediately notice.

  “I’ve got a call in Sharpe. So, we’re waiting to see if they turn anything up from the cameras in the vicinity.”

  “Where’d it happen?” Ryker asks.

  “Hollywood. In front of The Vortex.”

  “The Vortex?” Ryker frowns.

  “Hot new club,” Griff explains then smirks. He slaps Ryker on the back. “You need to get out more, Flynn.”

  Ryker scowls. “I don’t hang out at night clubs with 21-year old girls like you, Lawson.”

  “They were hosting an after-party,” I explain. “For a premiere we went to last night.”

  “Premiere? As in a movie premiere?” Griff asks. “Because last I heard, Jax Wilder doesn’t have time to watch movies.” He and Ryker chuckle.

  I want to beat his ass for that comment. Instead, I look over at Easton and shrug. “I was working,” I say. But, it sounds weak even to my own ears. And, let’s face it, I’d hardly call what happened up in the VIP room work. More like undeniable pleasure.

  “Well, thank goodness you were there,” Easton says. “He saved my life.”

  They both sober down instantly. “You’re in good hands,” Griff says.

  “The best,” Ryker reassures her.

  Easton looks up at me and smiles. “I think so,” she says.

  I drop my arm and twine my fingers through hers
. “We’re gonna call Sharpe,” I say and guide her toward my office. “Keep up the good work painting, fellas,” I add over my shoulder.

  I hear them grumble behind us. Even though we rib each other endlessly, Griff and Ryker have my back and I have theirs. They’re my brothers.

  I sit down in my chair and barely even notice the duct tape. I’m too caught up in the beautiful woman who sits across from me.

  “I like them,” she confides. When I narrow my eyes, she smirks. “Not like I like you, but they seem like good guys.”

  “They are. But, keep your distance. Those two could seduce a nun.” I trust Griff and Ryker with my life, but that doesn’t mean I want Easton hanging around them too long. Griff is too much of a pretty boy and Ryker is built like a brick shithouse. Never mind the fact that he resembles a clean-cut Colin Farrell.

  “The only one I want seducing me around here is you, Mr. Wilder.”

  “Good,” I say and pull up my email. Nothing too exciting, so I place a call to Logan Sharpe.

  “I was just going to call you,” Sharpe says. “The mini mart camera across the street caught the whole thing on tape. License plate is covered, but based on the make and model of the car, we’re checking DMV records. I’m also having them try to clean up the image. You never know what else we might see. Also spoke with a couple of witnesses who say they saw a man behind the wheel with a dark hat pulled low.”

  “Thanks, Logan.”

  “My recommendation? Lay low. Maybe leave town for a few days.”

  “Mmm. Yeah, I think you’re right.” I immediately think of my parents’ cabin on Big Bear Lake.

  “Somewhere safe,” Logan says, “where no one will find you. Things have gotten too hot around her. In the meantime, if I come up with anything new, I’ll give you a call on your cell.”

  “Appreciate it.” I disconnect the call and relay what Logan said to Easton.

  “I was hoping they got a plate number,” she says.

  “They may still,” I tell her. “In the meantime, I think Sharpe’s right about leaving town. I have a place we can go, off the grid, that no one knows about except my brother. And, Griff and Ryker, of course.”

  “You have a brother?”

  I realize I haven’t told her anything about my family. “I’d call Sebastian Wilder more of a liability than anything else. The kid’s in constant trouble.”

  “How old is he?”

  “Thirty going on thirteen,” I say.

  She chuckles. “I guess not everyone can be as responsible as you,” she teases. “So that makes you the oldest?”

  I nod. “Thirty-five.”

  “Any other siblings?”

  An image of Madison fills my head. “No,” I say and push back from the desk. “I need to see if we can borrow Ryker’s Expedition. Be right back.”

  Out in the main part of the office, Griff and Ryker paint up a storm. “Any chance I can borrow the Expedition?” I ask.

  Ryker pulls the keys from a pocket and tosses them over. “Long as you take her for a spin through the car wash when you’re done.”

  “Thanks. Sharpe thinks we should lay low for a few days.”

  “Where are you headed?” Griff asks, and pulls a cigarette from a pack of Marlboros.

  “My parents’ cabin.” It’s weird, but I don’t have the urge to smoke one.

  “Good idea,” Griff says and Ryker nods. “We’ll hold down the fort.

  “Thanks, guys.”

  “If you need anything just call.”

  “I will. Oh, and by the way,” I add and walk over to Griff as he lights up. I pluck the cigarette from his mouth and stub it out. “No more smoking in the office.”

  “Finally,” Ryker says.

  Griff frowns. “Aww, c’mon, man.”

  “Take it outside. Or, quit like me.”

  “Who are you?” Griff asks.

  I punch his arm. “Your boss. Keep painting, guys. It’s looking good.”

  23

  Easton

  Once again, Jax swipes his bike for the Expedition. Then, we stop at each of our places and pack a bag with several day’s worth of clothing and supplies. Which, for me, isn’t easy. Jax makes fun of me as I regretfully leave behind my normal, everyday necessities and choose some comfortable leggings, t-shirts, a tube of mascara and, of course, my Anastasia American Doll liquid lipstick.

  “Talk about roughing it,” I complain.

  He laughs. “You’re beautiful with or without all that.”

  Sweet of him to say, but I disagree. I turn thirty tomorrow and, now more than ever, I need all of my anti-aging lotions and potions.

  We gas up, grab some groceries from inside the gas station and then we’re on the road. “So, where are we going exactly?” I ask him.

  “Big Bear,” he says, pulling onto the 210 E freeway. “I have a cabin over there.”

  I’ve never been to Big Bear and, even though we’re hiding out, I’m suddenly looking forward to the next few days with just Jax. It’s summer, the weather is perfect and I imagine a big, beautiful, blue lake. “Do you go a lot?”

  For a moment, he doesn’t say anything. Just focuses on the road and traffic all around us. Finally, he mumbles, “No.”

  When he doesn’t elaborate, I look over and study his profile. There’s a stubborn set to his roughened jaw, but I want to know more about this man. I don’t want him to close off to me. Especially after last night.

  I have a feeling that beneath his rough and tumble exterior, Jax carries some dark secrets. Sometimes, I can sense a heaviness in his demeanor and if there’s any way I can help lighten that load, I would in a heartbeat.

  Even if it just means offering an ear to listen.

  “Why do you keep it then?” I pursue it.

  I see him consider my words and then he releases a low breath. “I tried to sell it. When I started Platinum Security a month or so ago, I needed the cash. Still do,” he admits. “But, I couldn’t do it.”

  I wait patiently for him to continue.

  “It used to belong to my parents. They passed away when I was 15.”

  “I’m sorry,” I say, and reach across the console to lay my hand over his. He twines his fingers through mine, keeping his eyes on the road.

  “We had some good times there so...can’t let it go, you know?”

  I bite my lip. “You’re lucky to have family even if you lost them so young.”

  “I know.”

  I want him to tell me more, but I can feel his walls. High and impregnable. Then, suddenly, they slip down the slightest bit.

  “They died in a car accident. Afterwards, we went to live with my Aunt Rita.”

  “You and Sebastian?”

  He grips the steering wheel hard with his left hand and I’m not sure if he realizes it, but he’s also squeezing my hand in a death vise. “Me, Bastian and Madison,” he says.

  A sister? I wonder. Why didn’t he mention her before when I asked him about other siblings? “Madison?” I ask.

  He nods. “My sister. She died last year.”

  I can hear the anguish in his voice. I also hear what sounds like guilt. Heavy and consuming. I literally feel his pain and tears prick my eyes. “It sounds like you were close.” He gives a sharp nod. “I’m so very sorry, Jax.”

  “I took it hard, you know. I’m the oldest and it was my job to take care of them. And, I failed.”

  “No. Don’t say that. At some point, you can only do so much. You’re only one person.”

  “Yeah, well, I should’ve done better. As it is, Bastian is about the biggest fuck-up I’ve ever known.”

  “He’s a 30-year old man. Like I said, he has to take responsibility for his actions and decisions. You can’t live his life for him.”

  “You don’t know Bastian. He’s wild, impetuous and if he can fuck up and make the wrong decision then he will.”

  “Maybe he just needs to spend more time around his responsible, older brother,” I tell him.

  Jax snort
s back a laugh. “Yeah, right. If you knew me last year at this time…” his voice trails off and I can see him turning inward again.

  “Well, I didn’t know you then, but I’m very happy to know you now.” He glances over at me and I see a warmth fill his caramel eyes.

  “Guess you know how to bring out the best in me,” he says gruffly and lifts my hand to press a kiss to its back.

  The drive to Big Bear takes around three hours even though it’s only about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. Traffic never seems to cooperate in and around the City of Angels. We drive up CA-18, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, and exit at Pine Knot. My first glimpse of Big Bear Lake does not disappoint.

  “It’s so pretty,” I say, leaning forward to get a better view.

  “We used to come up here all the time when we were kids. I have a lot of fond memories of this place. It’s one of the reasons I couldn’t sell it.”

  I look over and study his serious profile. Even though he keeps it under wraps most of the time, Jax has a sensitive side. And, I think it’s incredibly sweet. “Wow, how big is the lake?” It seems to go on forever.

  “Nearly seven miles long and up to 70 feet deep in some places. You can go fishing, boating and water skiing. Lots to do here.”

  “Sounds fun,” I say.

  Jax pulls off the main road and after a few turns, he parks the Expedition in front of a small cabin. I open my door, hop out and stretch. Birds sing, a breeze rustles through the trees and a blue sky blazes above.

  It’s enchanting.

  We grab our bags and I follow Jax up to the patio. “It’s been a while since I’ve been here so I apologize for all the dust and dirt.”

  He unlocks the door and we step inside.

  “I don’t mind,” I say. “And, believe it or not, I know how to use a broom.”

  He bumps my good arm with his shoulder. “I’d never have guessed.”

  “You’d be surprised at how easily I adapt.”

  “If you survive three days with no entourage, I’ll be impressed.”

  I slap at him, but he just smirks and flips on a light.