by J. C. Wilder
“Deputy Knight—”
He had a slow smile on that sinfully handsome mouth of his. “I told you, Star, you’re being awfully formal with me considering what we shared last night. I’m sort of hoping for a repeat performance now that I’ve had some coffee.”
She gaped at him, torn between devouring him alive and slapping his sexy face. She came to a halt by the barstools, her arms crossed firmly over her chest.
“I beg your pardon?”
His smile faded. “Is there something wrong?”
“I should say there is! How dare you imply that I’d have s-s-sex with you again after you took advantage of me last night?”
His brows rose. “I took advantage of you—”
“Yes, you did! I have a knot on my head and I can’t remember exactly what happened but I’m pretty sure—”
“Now you just wait one minute—”
Star ignored him and began to pace. “You took advantage of me when I was in a vulnerable position. Imagine, having sex with an unconscious woman.”
“Star.” He gave the Danish to the dog and set down his coffee cup. “Now you just listen here—”
“I cannot believe that you, a law enforcement officer, a man who is supposed to uphold the law, would stoop to such low and despicable behavior such as this.” Her movements grew more agitated. “You had to have known that I wasn’t responsible for my actions, that I couldn’t fight back.”
“Star—”
“How could you do that to me?” She turned to face him, her finger mere inches from his chest. “How could you take advantage of a defenseless woman who didn’t know what she was doing at the time?”
“Well, that’s a first,” he snarled. “If you were defenseless and unable to think for yourself, please explain to me why I was awakened in the middle of the night with my cock in your mouth?”
Stunned, Star reeled backward as if she’d been struck. “W-what did you say?”
“I said, I was sound asleep until you woke me up around midnight with your mouth on my cock.” He crossed his arms over his chest, his jaw tight. “If you ask me, I was the one who was defenseless last night.”
Stunned, Star covered her mouth with one hand. Unbidden, images from last night slithered through her mind. Justice on his back, his face twisted in ecstasy, the broad planes of his chest, the feel of his cock against her tongue—
“Oh my God,” she whispered. “I raped you last night.”
Chapter Five
If it hadn’t been for the stricken look on her face, Justice would’ve laughed his head off. He knew that if he’d been any more willing last night, he’d have thrown himself at her feet and begged to be seduced. Judging from the tears in her eyes, she wouldn’t appreciate his attempt at humor.
He took her by the elbows and steered her toward the couch. “Star, you didn’t take advantage of me.” After she made herself comfortable, he sat on the coffee table directly across from her. “You really don’t remember what happened last night, do you?”
“Not much.” She sniffed and a single tear snaked its way down her cheek.
“Do you remember hitting your head?” He kept his tone gentle.
“Y-y-es.” Her nose wrinkled in concentration. “I vaguely remember my car sliding and I thought I would die. I was so close to going over the cliff into the valley.” Her gaze grew distant as she remembered the horror of the drive.
His skin crawled at the thought of her car plunging off the road. As a deputy sheriff he’d lost count of the number of cars and bodies his department had pulled out of the valley. Most locals knew better than to attempt the twisty road in the winter, let alone in the middle of a blizzard.
“What were you doing on the mountain?” He touched her knee bringing her attention back to him. “Did you have a call?”
“Yes.” She released the death grip on her elbows to clasp her hands in her lap. “I went to follow up on a call we’d received about two neglected children.” She grinned. “They’re fine. I did the investigation and found nothing amiss, probably a vengeful ex making a false report.”
“Nothing like wasting taxpayers money at Christmas.”
Her brows shot up. “It’s Christmas morning, isn’t it?” Springing to her feet she hurried over to the window. The sunlight turned her white shirt into tissue paper and her generous curves were clearly illuminated. “It’s a lovely morning.”
Sweat broke out on his lip and he dropped his head. Fixing his gaze on his lap, he muttered, “Down, boy.”
“What did you say?”
He lifted his head. “Nothing, just talking to myself.”
“Ah. Anyway, I slid into a ditch and,” she frowned, “I think I saw Santa Claus.”
He gave a bark of laughter. “Santa?”
Her mouth twisted and the urge to kiss her was strong. “I think so. I saw someone by the road anyway…or I think I did.”
She’d definitely hit her head, hard. No one could’ve been standing out there as his was the only house for several miles.
“So you decided to try and find shelter…in a blizzard?” He rose from the coffee table.
She shrugged. “What choice did I have? My car was stuck in a ditch and there was no way I could get it out on my own.”
“You realize you could have died out there.”
“But I didn’t.” She raised her chin and he rather enjoyed this saucy side of her personality. “I made it here just fine, didn’t I?”
“No, actually you didn’t. Maddie and I went out to start the generator and we found you unconscious in the snow about twenty yards from the house. If the lights hadn’t gone out, you’d be dead right now.” He stood before her, mere inches separated them. A slow tingle ignited in his chest when her scent surrounded him.
Her gaze darted from Maddie to him. “Really?” Her voice was faint.
“Really.”
Her mouth made an O and she stood there for a moment as her brain chewed on his words. She caught her bottom lip with her teeth, and he had to stifle a groan when they sank into her tender flesh. The motion only served to remind him that he’d yet to kiss her.
“My.” Her gaze darted to Maddie. “I guess I owe someone a big meaty bone then.”
He chuckled. “Well, I did carry you in here.”
Her brows shot up and a smile curved that temptress mouth of hers. “Well, I owe you a big bone then.”
“How about a kiss instead?”
She blinked. “You want a kiss?”
“More than anything.”
“Oh.” Her gaze dipped to his mouth then darted back again. “Dep…um, Justice, did we really…”
“Yes, we did.” He moved closer, just a fraction of an inch, only enough to keep her off balance.
A soft blush stained her cheek and he was strangely enchanted by this hint of shyness.
“Did I…enjoy it?”
“You really don’t remember, do you?”
She shook her head, her even white teeth nibbling her lower lip again. If she kept this up he’d throw her down on the table and take her right there.
“You enjoyed yourself, immensely,” he said.
A look of relief washed over her face and she smiled. “And you? Did you enjoy it, too?”
“More than I ever thought imaginable.”
How could a woman who’d seduced him so thoroughly be so unsure of her sensual prowess? It should be a crime that a woman this lovely, this sexy would ever be unsure of her effect upon men.
She sat back on the table. “I’m glad.”
“And I’m glad, you’re glad.” He moved forward another half inch and her eyes widened. “Now, how about that thank-you kiss?”
Doubt flickered in her brown eyes “You really want me to kiss you?”
“I’m on pins and needles here, Star.”
His breath caught when her fingers skimmed his jaw, her touch as light as a snowflake. She licked her lips.
“Just one kiss?” Her voice was husky and her scent was a
rousing.
“Just one,” he breathed.
Leaning forward, her breath was warm on his mouth. Screwing her eyes shut, she kissed him, a chaste peck on the lips that afforded him neither a taste nor the satisfaction he craved.
Her eyelids flickered and she gave him a sweet smile. “Thank you for saving my life.”
His brow rose. “Is that how you thank someone for saving your life?”
Her smile faded. “You didn’t like it?”
“Very much.” He caught her hair, his fingers burrowing into the tangled tresses and he took possession of her head. His other arm slid around her body, his hand catching her at the small of her back, pulling her tight against him. A look of shock and arousal crossed her face. “But we’ve barely gotten started.”
Star didn’t have time to react when his mouth covered hers. Without a second thought her lips parted and his tongue moved against hers in a sharply intimate caress. A soft moan built in the back of her throat when he nipped at her lower lip. Her breasts ached and a slow heat ignited between her thighs.
His slim hips insinuated themselves between her legs, the rough denim felt foreign and erotic against her skin. As she twined her legs around his waist, her fingers dug into the thick pads of muscle in his upper arms. Justice leaned forward, his erection pressed against the apex of her thighs, causing her to squirm. An unfamiliar heat was building in her body and it both frightened and fascinated her. Star nipped at his tongue and Justice made a noise of pleasure. A dizzying rush of power ran through her. Never had she felt anything this wild, this intense. She’d read romance novels but never, ever had she imagined anything quite like this happening to her.
He broke the kiss before releasing her. Their gazes met and his hands grasped the front of her shirt. His eyes were dark with heat and he tore the fragile cotton off her body. A rush of need so strong swept through her that she felt weak yet powerful at the same time.
“Touch me, Justice,” she spoke. “Put your hands on me.”
“Right now, nothing could stop me,” he growled.
Justice pressed her back against the table, and she disturbed several objects with her head and they hit the floor. The sunlight blinded her, forcing her to really feel his hands, his mouth as he laved her breasts. His tongue teased her nipples and he nibbled and sucked them. She arched at his touch, sensation pouring through her body in a torrent. He nipped at her jaw, the coarse hair on his chest heightening the sensation until she thought she’d explode.
Justice began working his way down her body. A brush of teeth here, a kiss there, a suckle on a breast, a soft pet of the damp flesh between her thighs. She moaned and her head thrashed back and forth. She cupped her breasts and her thumbs stroked her erect nipples.
“I have to taste you, Star.”
Spreading her legs, she braced her heels on the edge of the table. Strong fingers plundered her pussy, spreading the lips before he lowered his head to devour her alive. Her back arched and she reached for him. Their fingers twined and he held her in place while his mouth began a dance that left her breathless.
“Come for me, Star. Let go.”
Heat seared her flesh and she arched higher, pressing her clit against his tongue. With a few well-placed licks her world tilted and a tidal wave of pleasure embraced her.
“Justice!” Her grip on his hand tightened. “Oh, oh, oh, oh!”
His lips clamped down on her clit and it was just enough to throw her over the edge. Ripples of pleasure rocked her world and she was panting for breath when he released her.
“Come here, Star.”
His hands grasped her shoulders and she allowed her feet to slide off the table. He hugged her close and she responded by wrapping herself around him. His body was warm and his scent, warm male skin and lovemaking, made her head swim. His hands were confident as they ran the length of her back, soothing her until she finally caught her breath and could raise her head.
“Well, that was fun for me but I don’t think it adequately expressed my gratitude to you,” she said.
He tilted his head back then laughed. Her gaze devoured the strong line of his throat and her heart gave a queer little jerk. Damn, he was something else.
“Is that so?” His grip tightened around her waist and she wrapped her legs around his hips. She clung to Justice when he carried her toward their pallet. “Maybe this will fulfill your duties then.”
She shrieked when they landed on the pallet, and his big hot body covered her. His mouth devoured hers even as her nails dug into his flesh. Still locked together, he struggled out of his jeans. She laughed when they bumped noses in their haste. Not giving her a moment to enjoy the view before he freed his cock then pressed forward against her vagina.
“Please.” Reaching for him, she guided his flesh into hers, a low groan escaping her when every nerve in her body sprang to attention. With painstaking slowness he entered her.
“Hang on, baby.” He gathered her close, his body low and tight to hers, then began to thrust.
Almost immediately the sensations were too much. The white-hot heat, the dizzying climb as tension spiraled higher with each thrust. Locking her ankles together, she urged him on until they were both panting and straining for release. She came apart with a rush of heat and light, her body bowed and forced him deeper. Her fingers dug into his lower back and he too, came with a roar.
Slowly he sank over her, his breath hot against her throat. Star wrapped her arms about his broad shoulders, holding him close. Over his shoulder stood the Christmas tree, a small, somewhat lopsided creation that made up for its lack of height with a healthy dose of charm.
Breathing a small prayer of thanks, Star closed her eyes and held him close knowing her Christmas wish had been granted.
* * * * *
Justice awoke slowly, groaning when he opened his eyes. Star’s mouth was on him, her fingers around his cock. His gut clenched with each swipe of her tongue.
“Good God, woman.” Heat swamped then surrounded him in a maelstrom of sensation. His breathing grew labored when she caressed his balls while her hand and mouth moved steadily over his cock.
Taking him deep into her mouth, she sucked him into a pit of heated wet flesh and mind-blowing sensations. Again and again, she swallowed him, her pretty dark head moving at an even pace. Never had he seen anything quite as erotic as his cock sliding between her pink lips.
Winding his fingers though her hair, he demonstrated how he liked being touched. She adjusted her pace without breaking her stride. She concentrated on his body as if nothing existed outside of them. Her fingers tightened around the base of his cock and all too soon he was on the edge of losing complete control.
“Star—”
When she cupped his balls and gave them a gentle jiggling squeeze, he knew he was lost. With an unrestrained cry, he came in her mouth.
Afterward he felt oddly sated, almost numb yet more alive than ever before. She moved close to stretch out beside him. Star slipped her leg between his, and he kissed her on the forehead.
Santa had answered his unspoken Christmas wish and Justice knew there was no way he could let her go.
Chapter Six
Star couldn’t stop looking at him.
They sat on the inflatable mattress and roasted their toes on the hearth. She’d donned one of his shirts as there was a slight chill in the air despite the fire. The electricity was still out so Justice had whipped up some old-fashioned waffles using an antique waffle iron he’d buried in the coals. It was the most delicious breakfast she’d ever eaten.
But it wasn’t the waffles that held her attention. Through her lashes she watched Justice work his way through a stack of waffles. Where the man put all that food was a mystery as there wasn’t an ounce of fat on his honed body. And seeing that she’d licked, sucked or nibbled every glorious inch, she was a woman who would know.
She just couldn’t stop thinking about their hours in bed. His touch, his kiss, the way he rubbed his morning beard
gently across her nipples, the thought was enough to get her hot and bothered all over again. Justice was the first lover she’d ever experienced who not only knew his way around a woman’s body, but took as much pleasure in her release as he did his.
Justice lifted a bite of waffle to his mouth and her gaze zeroed in on the faint sheen of maple syrup on his lips. The urge to lick him clean was strong and with each bite he took her temperature rose until she felt feverish. Finally she had to look away or risk making a fool of herself by throwing her body on his plate and begging him to pay half the attention to her as he had the waffles. The flesh between her thighs turned to liquid at the image of his maple-stained lips on her breast, her mouth, her p—
“Star?”
She jumped and her gaze met his. “Yes?”
Justice smiled. “Where were you? I was talking and you were miles away.”
Her grip tightened on her plate and she tried to concentrate on his words rather than admiring the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled.
Star cleared her throat. “Just a little preoccupied, I guess.” Her smile was wry. “A lot has happened in the last few hours.”
“You said it.” His grin turned boyish. “But you were staring at me even though you were miles away.” He put his empty plate on the hearth. “Is there something you’d like to talk about?”
Talk? Now he wanted to talk? Just when she couldn’t think of anything other than pushing him onto his back and having her way with him?
“Not really.” She gave an uncomfortable shrug. “I was just daydreaming, I guess.”
“Ah, I see.” He reached for her plate. “You don’t like fruit?” He picked up her fork.
“No, I like fruit, but I guess my eyes were bigger than my stomach.”
“Maybe you just need a little persuasion.” His dark eyes glinted with a mixture of amusement and arousal as he held up a peach slice. “Come here, little girl, I have something for you.”
A laugh bubbled up in her throat. “Is it something I will…enjoy?” She rose from the mattress.