Holy crap. He was falling for her.
He could think about his epiphany later. For now he wanted to focus on her. Lost in her own pleasure—the pleasure he gave her—her skin glowed a rosy hue. Her back arched, her eyes closed, her lips parted, and her breath came in quick pants as her hips squirmed, searching for his cock.
Fucking hell, she was gorgeous.
“Dante,” she whispered, his name a plea on her lips.
“Hang on, December.” He rolled the condom on and settled himself between her legs. “Ready?”
“God, yes,” she said.
He slid into her slowly, making the first time in last as long as he could, until he’d sunk himself as deep as he could go. She wrapped her legs around him, holding him in place. He rested there a moment, the quiet connection as close as two people could get their bodies. For just a moment, it overwhelmed him. Meant something it never had before.
Then her body twitched, caressing him from the inside, and he couldn’t wait anymore.
He pulled back and thrust, beginning slowly, then picking up his pace as they began their frenzied race to climax. She held tight to his shoulders, as if she’d fly away without holding on.
Before long, her climax triggered and she froze in place as it consumed her, holding her breath then letting it out on a long, slow moan.
When his hit, he buried himself deep, the last clenching spasms of her climax milking his to last longer. But it didn’t last long enough, and he had a sudden melancholy that it was over too soon.
He rolled off her, depositing the used condom on the floor for later disposal, and snuggled her close to him.
“Mmm. That was amazing,” she said, resting a hand on his chest.
“It was.”
They lay in comfortable silence, both of them drifting in post-coital drowsiness.
“Oh. I wanted to tell you something,” she said.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t know what made me think of it now, but after it happened I thought, I should tell Dante about this.”
“What happened?” He was alert now, all drowsiness gone.
“A few days ago a guy stopped me while I was walking Rusty and asked to use my phone. I didn’t let him use it, mostly because that’s kind of a creepy request. I never let anyone use my phone. But the thing that made me think I should tell you is that before he walked away, he said, ‘Nice dog. You should be careful with him. It would be sad if something bad happened to him’.”
Dante popped up to his elbow and held her gaze, his heart stuttering in his chest. “Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?”
She shrugged. “I mean, it was weird, but there are a lot of weird people out there.”
“What did he look like?”
“Tall, muscular black guy.”
He scrubbed a frustrated hand down his face. “That’s Shonda’s boyfriend. She’s sending me a message through you, that nobody I care about is safe.”
Now he had no doubts at all that he cared about December. In his mind and heart, she was his.
From the look in December’s eyes, she got the point.
“Are you read for me to protect you now?” he asked.
“Yeah.” She said. “I think I am.”
Chapter Nine
“This is kind of ridiculous,” June said as she zipped a duffel bag.
“Maybe, but I’d feel better if I knew you were somewhere safe,” December said.
Dante’s solution to the protection problem was to talk to his landlord and rent another apartment in his building for a couple of months. He’d put December up there and have his SEAL buddy stay with his grandmother and niece. But since they were in the same building, Dante could go back and forth, when he wasn’t out digging into Shonda’s life.
December hadn’t looked forward to filling her sister in on the whole thing, and June had responded about how December expected. But she insisted June stay with a friend for a while in case Shonda got cranky and came after December’s family as a way to hurt Dante by extension.
The whole thing felt like overkill, but the more she thought about the guy she’d run into on her walk, the more it scared her, and she’d rather be safe than dead. Since she didn’t know what Shonda was capable of, she’d agreed to the move, and forced June to find somewhere to stay, too.
“Think of it as a vacation,” December added, slinging a backpack over her shoulder and dragging her roller bag out to the living room to wait for Dante to pick her up.
Rusty ran circles around her ankles, sensing something unusual in the works.
June dumped her bags in the foyer and came back to hug December.
“Be careful. I know you like this guy, but this is some weird shit. After this is over, you need to decide if you really want to get involved with him.”
“He’s a Navy SEAL, June. I can’t be any safer. Besides, every family has crazy drama. Look at Uncle Louis and his family. How long have they lived on that compound in Idaho? Should the rest of us be judged based on his behavior?”
June snorted. “Okay, good point.”
The buzzer rang at the front door, so December went to press it, but thought better. What if it was Shonda? Instead, she pressed the speaker button. “Who’s there?” she asked.
“Good girl,” Dante’s voice answered. “I’m here to pick you up.”
December buzzed him in and a moment later he appeared at the top of the stairs. Her belly fluttered at the sight of him. It had only been hours since they’d been naked and sweaty in her bed, and she was still floating on that high.
She wished she could drag him back in there for part two. Instead, she settled for a hug. For now.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hi. Come on in. I want you to meet my sister. I’ll warn you, though, she’s a little pissed about all this.”
He smiled. “I’ll consider myself on notice.”
Inside, June met them, blocking the foyer with her arms crossed. December bit her tongue. She wanted to see how they’d interact. Neither of them was soft.
Dante walked right up to her and extended his hand. “I’m Dante. It’s nice to meet you.”
June shook his hand, and grunted. “I’m June. You know this is really inconvenient.”
Dante nodded. “It is. I’m sorry about that, but I appreciate everyone’s cooperation. December tells me you’ll be staying with a friend?”
“I will.”
“Good. I don’t think you’re in any danger, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.”
Dante’s approach was straightforward—an apologetic attitude, but not brooking any argument. He was sorry it was necessary, but it was still necessary, and he didn’t leave any room for discussion. December could tell June didn’t like it, but she fell in line with Dante’s leadership. December had to stifle a giggle.
“As long as December’s out of danger, that’s all that matters,” June said.
“I promise she’ll be safe at all times. I’ll be able to do that better if she’s not here,” he said.
“All right, fine,” June said. “Just make sure you do whatever you have to to clean this mess up.”
“Trust me, I have every intention.”
June gave him a brisk nod. Apparently she’d decided she could trust him with her sister’s life.
“Okay. Then I’m out of here. Call me a lot,” she said, hugging December.
“I will.”
After June left, she and Dante hauled her things downstairs to his car, leaving Rusty for last. He about wagged himself in circles, he was so excited to ride in the car.
He sat on her lap the entire trip over, his little face pressed to the window, and his tail flipping back and forth.
“You’d think he never got out,” December said. “I swear I walk him every day.”
“He’s just excited.”
To be honest, December kind of was, too. Not excited for the reason behind the temporary move, but excited to spend more time with Dante. Guilt gnawe
d at her for feeling that way, because it meant Tamera’s psycho mom was on the loose, but it was an adventure, if nothing else.
Dante led her up four flights of stairs, and unlocked a door near the end of the hall.
“It’s not fancy, and it’s pretty small,” he said, leading her inside.
“I don’t care.”
Rusty wiggled out of her grasp and charged into the place, his nose to the ground sniffing madly.
“At least it’s furnished,” Dante said, standing behind her as Rusty explored and December stood near the door to take it all in.
The space was small, and the building was old, and the combination came together as quaint—tired and worn, but with a varnish of charm. The furniture was kind of shabby, though, like the landlord had found it at the local thrift store.
She wondered what kind of bodily fluids and other stuff they’d find on the couch. And bed.
She shuddered at the thought.
Dante mistook the shiver. “It’s not much to look at, but it won’t be for long.”
His voice broke the spell as she entered the living room, stopping in front of the couch to give it a once-over.
“It’s fine,” she said. “I was just wondering what kind of…um…secrets the furniture held.”
“It’s probably better not to think about it,” he said, flopping onto the couch.
She sat next to him, trying hard not to think about it. She pushed aside the images that flickered through her mind of kid puke, animal vomit, spilled food,…and other stuff.
“So, what now?” she asked.
“You should come meet my family. Well, my grandmother. You’ve met Tamera. And my teammate, Tyson.”
December found the whole arrangement awkward. With his family down the hall she’d feel guilty for any time he spent with her, as if she tore him away from them. Maybe she should suggest Tyson stay with her so Dante could be with his family.
Not that she wanted to share Dante with his family, or have Tyson stay with her. She’d rather have Dante to herself.
But she couldn’t do that.
“Okay.”
At his apartment, Tamera rushed to hug her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
December was taken aback. She liked Tamera, but it surprised her that Tamera seemed to like her, too.
Dante didn’t even try to hold back his smile, and after Tamera released December, Dante introduced her to his grandmother.
Lanore hugged her too, but hers was more reserved. “I’m happy to meet you. Make yourself at home. You don’t have to stay locked up in that other apartment all alone, you know.”
“Thank you,” December said. “Sometimes I work long hours, though, and when I come home I’m covered in frosting, so I’ll probably just go shower and jump in bed.”
Lanore made a dismissive gesture. “You do what you need to do, but I expect you for supper. It’s the least I can do after that pretty birthday cake you made.”
“I’m always glad when I don’t have to cook, so I’ll take you up on that.”
Another attractive black man lurked behind everyone else.
“This is my teammate, Tyson Monroe,” Dante said.
Tyson stepped forward and shook December’s hand. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Jeez. Do I really look like a ma’am?”
He grinned and his face came to life. The wattage of his looks increased tenfold.
“It’s habit, ma’am. Just think of it as respect.”
“Hm. If you say so.”
“SEALs honor.” Tyson held up his right hand, and the look on his face convinced December of his sincerity. But Dante rolled his eyes and shook his head until Tyson smirked.
“Out of curiosity, what’s your nickname?”
“Suede.”
“Do I want to know why?”
That grin again hinted at all the reasons.
“No, you don’t,” Dante said, and Tyson barked a laugh.
“How about supper?” Lanore asked.
The rest of the evening involved supper, after which December helped Tamera wash dishes while Tamera told her all about her day at school, her BFF, her favorite foods (cake, after the one December made for Grammy), and sparkly stuff.
As they were drying the last of the dishes, Tamera gasped and turned to December. “We should make cupcakes!”
December nodded. “We should. But it’s getting late now and we just finished cleaning the kitchen. I don’t want to mess it up again.”
Tamera’s face fell, and December hated disappointing her.
“How about we make a cake date? We’ll pick a day and it’ll be all about making and decorating cake?”
Her face lit up again. “Yes!”
December glanced over Tamera’s shoulder and caught the look of approval on Lanore’s face. “I’m making coffee,” Lanore said, more as a question than a statement.
“Thank you,” December said. “But I have work in the morning, so I need to get some sleep. Thanks for dinner.”
“You’re very welcome. I’ll expect you for supper tomorrow,” Lanore said.
“I’ll walk you over,” Dante said.
Tyson’s loud cough made Dante scowl, and December wondered if every adult in the room was looking at them and thinking the same thing.
Back at her little temporary home, Dante said, “Sorry about Tyson. I may have warned him he should keep his damn hands and eyes to himself, and he took that as an opportunity to give me shit.”
“So, how’s this going to work?” December asked, settling onto the couch. “Are you staying here or at your place? What about Tyson?”
“Do you not want me here?” He sat at the opposite end of the couch.
She hated the inevitable awkwardness after first sex. She’d had boyfriends, but never anything she thought would last forever. She didn’t know about Dante lasting forever, but he was different, and she wanted it to last. She liked his company. She liked him. So far, they seemed to fit. But they had to get comfortable, first.
“Are you kidding? Of course I want you here. After last night, I want you in my bed every night. But your family’s right down the hall, so I feel like I’m taking you away from them.”
He motioned for her to scoot to his end, so she did, snuggling into his arms.
“I love my family, and until this custody thing is sorted, I’ll do everything I can to keep them safe.”
“How long do you think it’ll be?”
“The custody hearing is a couple of weeks away. I hope it’s over then.”
“But you don’t think it will be.” She didn’t have to phrase it as a question. He made it clear in the way he said it.
“I don’t. Whatever she’s into has to be bad if she’s acting this way, ruining her chances of gaining custody,” he said. “That’s why Tyson’s here to help. But you’re part of my life now, too, and I’d never be able to sleep knowing you’re here alone. Even if all the doors are locked.”
“Tyson could stay here.”
He leaned over and looked her in the eye. “Hell no. Do I look like a fool to you?”
She laughed. “I just don’t want you to feel obligated.”
“December, being with you is a privilege, never an obligation.”
Husky with emotion, his voice, and especially the words, warmed her heart. What could have sounded cheesy from another man, resonated with sincerity from Dante.
“Okay, if you insist,” she said. Sitting up, she turned to face him. “Hey, I have an idea.”
“What?”
“I think we should check out the bedroom.”
A slow, sexy smile spread on his face. “You do?”
“Uh huh.”
“Well…if you insist.”
“I definitely do,” she said, climbing to her feet and grabbing his hand to drag him off the couch.
As she led him to the bedroom, visions of more delicious sex dancing in her head, his phone rang.
Dante bit back a curse, but when he che
cked his phone he recognized Tex’s number.
“I have to take this,” he said, returning to the couch and answering. “Hey Tex, what’s up?”
“I’ve got some information for you Chill, but you’re not going to like it.”
“I didn’t figure I would.”
“Shonda Winters is into all kinds of bad shit. Her digital and money trail leads to known drug and gun runners, and a suspected human trafficking ring.”
His heart sank into his gut. Tex had just confirmed Dante’s worst suspicions. “I don’t suppose you can give me any actionable proof? The custody hearing’s soon, and I don’t think the court will give her custody, but either way it’d be nice to be able to hand a cut and dried case over to law enforcement and put her away where she won’t cause any more trouble.”
“Eventually, sure. But I did the fast and dirty version of information collection, and let’s just say it won’t stand up in court.”
“Can you send me what you’ve got and I’ll see how I can attack it from a legal angle?”
“I’ll overnight it. I don’t want a digital trail.”
Two weeks later Dante sat in court with his attorney and Tamera, who was so terrified she was trembling. Shonda sat across the aisle with her attorney, who looked like she’d found him at a strip mall. Lanore, Tyson, and December sat in the gallery, and so did Shonda’s boyfriend, Andre.
Tex had sent an envelope overnight, full of all the bad shit he’d told Dante about, but in more detail. So regardless of how the hearing went, he had plenty of information to take care of Shonda.
But the hearing went exactly as Dante had hoped. The judge had reviewed all the information from Dwayne’s custody hearing. In addition to that, Dante’s exemplary record of service and financial stability made him a perfect parental candidate.
The judge ruled in Dante’s favor, preferring to honor Dwayne’s request and keep Tamera with her uncle and grandmother.
After the judge announced his decision and had gaveled the hearing to a close, Tamera hugged Dante, and he shook his lawyer’s hand. Lanore, December, and Tyson all surrounded them with congratulations.
Shonda didn’t take it so well.
She shoved past her lawyer, and Dante put himself between Tamera and Shonda. Shonda stabbed her finger into his chest.
Special Forces: Operation Alpha: December Chill (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Sealed With A Kiss Series Book 4) Page 9