At a small sound from Casey, Wolf looked down, and to his dismay noted she had awakened and was looking up at him, terrified. She clutched at his shirt and did indeed look as though she may vomit.
“Please,” she whimpered.
“Easy, sweetheart, don't be afraid, no one's going to hurt you,” Wolf soothed.
“Yeah, that's good. Why don't you try stroking her forehead? Sometimes it works on a few. I'm not so mean. If I can give them a bit of comfort in their last hours, who's to say anything, right?” Roll said.
“Shut up, damn you, you're scaring her,” Wolf snapped. Casey's eyes had widened in terror.
“Yeah, sure. It's a damn shame, though. I know I'd be tempted to keep that one and tell them I overdosed her by accident. She could bring in some serious money on the right market. Damn risky though, to piss off the big boys,” Roll muttered.
If Roll hadn't been flying the plane Wolf would have considered killing him at the amount of distress he was causing Casey. He could see her terrified eyes begging him not to harm her. She must be wondering if this is what he had planned all along now that she was completely helpless. Her whimpered pleas were causing Wolf an even greater distress.
“Please, sweetheart, calm down. No one will hurt you, baby, I swear. I will keep you safe. Haven't I already? You can depend on me. Don't cry, honey, please don't cry,” Wolf soothed. He gently stroked the hair from her face and smoothed away the tears that fell from her eyes. He kissed her hands, holding one up to his cheek, pressing it firmly against himself. “Trust me.”
Casey calmed. Her breathing evened as Wolf's soothing voice penetrated her mind.
“Please don't let go. Don't leave me,” she whimpered. She pulled him closer, wanting his arms wrapped around her. His hand smoothed the hair from her eyes. She once more settled and slept as he held her.
“Well, damn. I'm gonna have to try that on the next little honey I get,” Roll exclaimed. “I sure wouldn't mind a woman wanting to pull me close when she's scared.”
“Just fly the damn plane,” Wolf repeated dangerously.
The car bumped and jostled over the rugged gravel road. Once again Casey sat, hanging onto a car door, her face still pale. When she had awakened from her trip with Roll, she had been violently ill. Wolf had held her hair from her face, soothing her and rubbing her back. Thankfully the plane had landed and she was able to find a small but dirty restroom.
She shuddered again as she remembered Roll's eyes drinking in her form. He had casually mentioned to Wolf something about a good paying buyer that might be interested, which made her skin crawl. Wolf had thrown the man against the plane so violently Casey had screamed and cowered back.
After glaring at the surprised man for a moment, Wolf had released him. He had snarled at the man about those poor, pitiful women in their degrading situation needing to stay completely submissive or risk death, and he knew the price Casey would bring so he could just shut his damn mouth. She had shuddered, knowing she wouldn't last long in a situation like the one he was describing.
Wolf had then lifted her into his arms and strode off, voicing vile obscenities. He snapped he could kill Roll for his callous comments. She had almost been too frightened to tell him she was going to be sick. She highly doubted vomiting on him would ease his mood.
They had been on the move for two days steady now. Wolf kept glancing at her with concern. She had refused to eat, claiming her tummy was still too unsettled. Roll and a few of the others she had encountered had frightened her. Casey had tried to remain strong. She knew Wolf valued her inner strength, but she drew the line at repeated assaults to her emotional well-being. Their constant need to remain mobile and alert was taking its toll.
“Wolf, I'm tired,” Casey complained.
“There's a place up here we can stop at for the night until the plane leaves in the morning,” Wolf told her.
“No more planes, please,” she whined.
Wolf had dragged her on so many small engine planes in the last two days she was airsick.
“I'm sorry, but I swear this will be the last one.”
“Another friend?” she inquired, annoyed. Some of the people he associated with were repulsive. Some never said one thing. Others had vile or frightening comments. Casey felt certain she was headed for a nervous breakdown. To Wolf's credit, he was quick to ease her fears and cuddle her gently when he sensed her distress mounting, which it had often enough.
“An acquaintance,” Wolf replied.
“Fantastic,” Casey muttered sarcastically. She was remembering his ‘acquaintance’ with the jagged scar down his face, who had said not one word to them. The man had been huge and fearsome. His dark gaze had settled onto Casey, his eyes drinking her in, lingering over her lewdly, and Roll's words resounded in her ears. She had wondered if this man knew her market value as well. The thought was beyond disgusting and disturbing.
Wolf had to lift her onto the plane, lest she run in terror. The experience had been mystifying as well, though the man had not said one word. He and Wolf had conversed with occasional hand signals. Cassie knew sign language, but this was like nothing she had ever experienced. It seemed to be a cross between some type of strange army intelligence motioning, a combative practice, and some obvious banter. Whatever it was, they were both quite fluent and the man had them to their destination without incident or a single uttered word.
Wolf reached out a gentle hand to stroke her cheek, smiling at her. “I'll protect you.”
“I know you will,” Casey voiced almost inaudibly. He had been protecting her. He had been watching over her like a protective...wolf. Each time Wolf howled a reply at some disgusting remark aimed at her, the men quieted instantly. They feared his wrath.
Wolf was definitely a man to be reckoned with. Casey's admiration for him grew, as well as the nagging feeling in her belly she was more than just fond of him. She did not want for him to just disappear after she was safe. She wanted to explore her feelings for him, although she knew she was being delusional. Once Wolf accomplished his mission, she was certain he would be gone from her life forever.
“Wolf?” Casey asked hesitantly. “When all of this is over will I ever see you again?”
“I don't know. I will keep my eyes and ears open to make sure David keeps his word once given. My reputation is fierce. Not many would anger me willingly,” Wolf said. “I know you want to start a new life with children one day. I don't want you concerned I'll stick around to invade your privacy. Still, I want you to know I'll keep you as safe as I can.”
“I wouldn't mind seeing you from time to time,” Casey said.
Wolf offered her lavish smirk. “Every third Tuesday of the month we could meet and get reacquainted,” he said suggestively. Casey groaned.
“Wolf,” she said, exasperated.
“Over pizza,” he joked.
“You would rather it be over me,” she retorted.
“Now there's a fine idea,” Wolf replied, his eyes trailing up and down her body.
Casey sighed. She wished he would be serious. She would like to tell him how she was feeling but felt he would just laugh her off. Perhaps it was just his way of remaining aloof.
When the small bed and breakfast by the tiny airport came into view Casey looked upon it, relieved. She followed Wolf in and stood by as he signed them in under an assumed name, paying cash. She allowed him to usher her upstairs, and when he propelled her into the tub, claiming he would find her food, she did not hesitate.
The water was gloriously warm and, feeling refreshed though tired, Casey emerged from the bath to find Wolf had set out clean new clothes for her by the bed. She walked into the large room draped only in a small towel, watching as Wolf lit two candles at the small table in their room. An array of food was upon the table.
“Wolf, this is wonderful,” she exclaimed. She sat and helped herself to a slice of Swiss cheese.
“Are you feeling hungry now?” Wolf asked. She had hardly eaten anything for the last
few days and she could see his concern.
“Famished,” she replied, and drank down half a glass of white wine. Wolf poured more into the glass, topping it up. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”
“Do I need to?” Wolf asked.
“No. You just need to kiss me,” Casey said.
He did.
Wolf trailed his lips down Casey's throat. She sighed, knowing his love-making would be leisurely. She accepted the strawberry he guided into her mouth. She chewed, savoring the sweet taste. When she finished, Wolf encouraged a piece of succulent steak past her lips. When she had again dutifully swallowed, Wolf offered her a mouthful of vegetables, swimming in a sea of savory white wine sauce.
“Wolf, I want you,” Casey said throatily.
“I want you...to eat,” Wolf said seriously. Casey sighed as Wolf rose from the floor before her to again perch on his chair, watching her intently.
Casey lifted more cheese into her mouth, knowing the look he wore was his protective, concerned look. Casey felt it was perhaps her turn to try her hand at seducing. She ate slowly, leisurely licking the butter from a baby carrot, her tongue flicking out and capturing some as it spilled to slip down the side of her wrist.
She trailed her finger around the rim of her wine glass, dipping in a fingertip, then lifting her moist finger to her lips. The entire time her tiny towel slipped lower and lower until the peaks of her nipples were just barely visible.
She watched as his protective look turned into smoldering desire. She cast him suggestive glances and sucked the end of a strawberry. The food was nice, but she knew Wolf would taste better. Her coy, heated looks were eventually too much for Wolf, and he took her into his arms.
“You're still going to eat,” he said gruffly.
“Once my hunger is satisfied.”
“Oh, you'll be satisfied all right,” Wolf said.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Casey sighed as Wolf carried her to the bed. He always kept his promises. He laid her back onto the fluffy pillows. She watched as her towel hit the floor, followed closely by his own clothes. His smoldering eyes never strayed from hers. His broad chest heaved with his quick breath.
She smiled when his arousal sprang free, already hard and ready. Casey sat up. Her nipples were taut, her breasts felt full with desire. The bed dipped as he knelt before her, taking her into his powerful arms, which wrapped their protectiveness around her. She bowed her head to his chest, pressing her forehead against him as he cupped his hands under her bottom, lifting her. She lowered her hand to grip him, curling her fingers around his incredibly long, hard length, guiding him into her.
She moaned as he pulled her up in his embrace to settle her onto his erection. He slipped inside with a gentle thrust, easing her down, wrapping his arms around her from behind, his hands firmly planted on her shoulders. She was eager and slick. She was more than ready. Her lips curled with satisfaction; she felt she could purr, and she wondered who was seducing whom. He stroked into her, giving the gift of a talented lover. She clung to him, burying her face in his neck, her hands weaving through his hair.
“Wolf, I want more of you.”
She found herself on her back with the lightning speed of a panther bringing down its prey. He fastened his mouth onto her own, drinking from her tongue. He lowered his large hand to pull her knee higher until it reached her shoulder. He pumped into her, moving as gracefully as the ocean liner had through water. Casey closed her eyes and lay there, just feeling. He was muscle and stealth, the most magnetic male she had ever been with. His body felt like a shield of awesome steel, and still so hot she burned for him.
He removed himself to trail hungry, wet kisses down her neck, her breasts, her belly, only stopping when he reached the insides of her thighs.
“Oh!” she cried out when his lips touched her, parting her folds with his tongue.
She was glad she was lying down; her knees were jelly as he moved deeper. Before long she reached to clutch his hair, pulling, wanting him to fill her again. He moved back up her body and she almost came undone as he whispered her name. She loved hearing her name on his breath.
His body pinned her. Once more he thrust, fitting perfectly within her like they were made for each other. She gasped from his full penetration, while he pushed up, up. His arm locked around her shoulders, keeping her firmly in place underneath him. Again she cried out his name as she felt a warm wetness flow through her. Wolf was calling to her from beyond, a lover's call, a secret between two people which could only be answered by their mate.
Wolf rolled over, taking her with him. Casey calmed her breathing; she clung to him with tears in her eyes.
“I love you, Wolf,” Casey whispered.
Wolf was asleep.
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* * *
Chapter Fourteen
* * * *
“Casey, this is Lando.”
Casey looked up at the man Wolf introduced her to, way up, eyes round as saucers. He was huge. His black t-shirt strained against hard, heavy muscles. His arms bulged like tanks and he wasn't even flexing. He wore black jeans and big, heavy black boots that added to a somewhat sinister appearance. He was even bigger than Wolf. That alone made her eyes widen further still.
She retreated behind Wolf and peeked at Lando from around him. He was powerfully built and extremely well muscled, everywhere. He had shoulder length, black as night hair. His eyes were a deep, dark chocolate brown and were at that minute staring intently at her. Casey had thought Wolf's impassive look was unnerving; this man could clear a room of hardened criminals with a single glance.
Casey felt very lucky David had sent Wolf after her instead of this man. Confronting him alone would have given her a heart attack, she was certain. If he had approached her that dark night at the railing on the ship, she would have jumped overboard herself, unassisted, needing no encouragement. Flown like the seagull! Her face buried into Wolf's side, half hidden behind him.
Casey looked up at Wolf and noted with concerned interest he was now watching Lando with his unsettling expression, his eyes seeming to offer up a challenge. The powerful man returned the look evenly. Casey wasn't certain, but she thought she detected something occurring between the two titans. She felt goose bumps rise.
She resisted the urge to beg him to take her with him. She knew he wouldn't and she would only be embarrassing herself. She ventured a sad glance up at him and could see Wolf knew what she was thinking. She realized her suspicions were confirmed. Lando had at one time been in the same profession as Wolf.
Casey shuddered, wondering if Lando had killed innocents. The way Wolf described Christy to her, Lando would have been aware the moment they met Christy was harmless. Calculating from his insinuations, poor Christy must have felt as terrified as she had. She felt she had a kindred spirit and was looking forward to meeting a woman who had the nerve and audacity to face a man such as the one before her.
Wolf was also watching Casey, remembering how terrified Christy, Lando's petite wife, had been of himself when the roles were reversed and he was hired to guard her. He remembered her also cowering in fear, seeking Lando's protection from behind him. Wolf felt a moment's satisfaction that Casey trusted him enough to protect her from such a bear of a man.
“I see you haven't shrunk any since the last time we met,” Wolf said in a teasing fashion, trying to lighten the mood. He knew Lando would be critical of Casey, even more than Wolf had been of Christy. Lando had a family to protect. If he thought he sensed any malice or deception in Casey, Wolf was uncertain what the outcome would be, but it was sure to be disastrous.
Although Wolf had never once heard of any incident where Lando had ever physically harmed a woman, he would be even more unpredictable now that he was protecting his own wife and child. Wolf would protect Casey, and although Lando would be a formidable opponent, they were well matched.
Apparently satisfied, Lando gazed back down at Casey and of
fered her a slight grin. She peeked back up at him, and the huge man relaxed noticeably.
“So you've captured yourself a Wolf. Christy will be intrigued,” Lando said. Both men shook hands. Immediately the tension between the two dissipated.
Wolf turned her in his arms and cuddled her to his chest, seeking to reassure her. “It's fine, Casey, Lando won't hurt you, I promise,” he soothed. “You will be safe with him.” Wolf trailed his thumb down her worried face.
Casey looked over to Lando, who was watching them with open amazement. Wolf understood his surprise. This was the first woman Lando had ever known of that Wolf called by her first name. It had surprised Wolf how quickly he had gotten used to calling Casey by her given name; to him it was more powerful or meaningful than any endearment.
“Wolf is right, sweetheart, I won't hurt you. I'm harmless,” Lando said, smiling down at her, his large powerful arms wide in supplication.
Harmless! It was the very last word in the English language anyone would use to describe the way he looked. Right up there alongside the word tiny! But when he smiled, his rough features gentled and Casey ventured from behind Wolf with his encouragement, to shake Lando's large hand. Though his grip was firm it was non-threatening and, to Lando's surprise, her own grip seemed confident. Speculating, Lando reassessed the woman before him and could see courage trying to battle to defeat the fear. This one was a fighter.
“Come on, Christy is dying to hug you, Wolf, and you won't believe how big Logan has gotten,” Lando said with enthusiasm. He ushered the two into his large black truck and they were soon bumping over a small gravel road, surrounded in the beauty of the wilderness foliage during late summer.
“How is Kitten?” Wolf asked. He ran a hand over the arm that had been shot in his efforts to save the girl from the ruthless Mafia leader Lando had hired him to protect her from. He recalled how, after the encounter, both she and Lando had nursed him back to health until he felt whole once more.
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