Assassin by Day

by Tessa Robertson

  I cross my legs. Hands down, he’s my best lover. I swear he’s a magician. Somehow, he knows my body better than I and takes advantage of that fact.

  When he’s through with me, I forget how to do the simplest of tasks like walking. I’m not sure how he does it, but he rattles my brain so loose that I yearn for more. That’s how sex should be; world altering and so insane you can’t handle being without it.

  My eyes trail through the open bedroom door to the unmade bed. I don’t bother to fold the comforter these last few days. The sheets don’t stay in place for long when Dylan is around.

  It’s difficult not to compare the last two men I had sex with. On one hand, Nickolas fucked me so well I didn’t need sex for three months; but on the other hand, Dylan screws my brain to Mars and back. It’s a tossup between the two. I like the affection yet agile way of Nickolas, but when Dylan rips apart my senses, I fall to pieces at his feet.

  “I leave you alone for four hours and you’re already tired?” Dylan’s voice cuts into my woolgathering.

  Biting back a smile, I pop my eyes open. He’s standing in my doorway, his beard riddled with snow and his silver eyes fixated on me.

  “I was taking a break from my grueling librarian tasks.”

  His gaze drops to my lips then returns to my face. Having him look at my mouth makes me quiver with exhilaration.

  He removes his hat; his dark hair sticks up in every direction as a result. He doesn’t bother fixing it. I’ll ruffle it more anyhow. He shrugs off his coat and boots, his movements controlled and undeniably suggestive. I could watch him unclothe for hours on end and never tire of it.

  “How long does this break of yours last?” he asks, advancing on me.

  I prop my head up with my hand, so I can get a better view of him. He teases me by staying barely out of my reach. Gradually, he inches toward me, but not before discarding one article of clothing as he walks.

  “I’m not sure,” I reply, surveying his now shirtless chest. “What’d you have in mind for my siesta?”

  He unbuckles his pants, exposing plaid boxers beneath. My heart rate skyrockets as I study his growing package beneath the red and black fabric.

  “I can think of a couple of positions we can try.”

  By now, he’s standing beside me, looking down at my stoic body that silently screams for him.

  “Hmm, what about the door downstairs? I should lock it if my break is about to get a few decibels louder.” I sit up and boldly shove the remaining piece of clothing over his hips. His massive member pokes the air between us with pride.

  “Then it’s a good thing I locked it on my way up, isn’t it?” he retorts, standing at attention.

  Clearly, he wants me to fondle him. Why else would he remain motionless in front of me? “How thoughtful of you.”

  As I hover my hand over his erection, Dylan’s breathing becomes labored. A smile passes over my lips. I adore this control over him. I never had this effect on Alexei, but that’s probably because half the time my body was bound. When it came to his men, I wasn’t even close. They frisked then twisted me. I shake those memories free for the time being. I have a gorgeous man at my command, no more self-reflections. Dylan’s a new experience.

  My index finger lightly touches his tip and it bounces back, angry for the tease. My body responds in turn, and I will my clothes to vanish.

  I sit up with his groin now fully in my face, beckoning me to explore it. My blood pressure rises and my mouth salivates seeing his full glory so close. Lifting my eyes, I meet Dylan’s heated stare. His metallic blue eyes penetrate my resolve, and I enclose his member in my hand. I lock his eyes with mine as I fluidly stroke.

  Dylan twines his thick fingers in my hair, pulling it from its confines. He doesn’t prod me forward or jut himself into my face. He merely holds me captive in my place, forcing my focus to remain exclusively on him.

  I bite my lower lip and see a flash of lust cover his face. Still holding him in a daze, I guide my mouth to his scalding cock. It’d be delightful torment if I stay here. Seeing the way his brows knit as I toy with him, I resolve to endlessly tease him another time.

  Encircling his cock with my lips, he groans as I deeply inhale him. His grip on my hair tightens as I lower my chin to concentrate on his hard, yet silkily soft member. Swirling my tongue, I realize I’m equally turned on by this as him. The thought of skipping this foreplay is the farthest thing from my mind. His earthy scent floods over me as I pull him into my cavernous mouth.

  My hands wander over his sack, delicately caressing the softness. He takes a step nearer. Grabbing his ass, I squeeze his toned muscles and feel warmth spread to my stomach. As I lick him, his hands move from my hair to my shirt. He tugs at it, but I don’t move. My attention is solely set to satisfy him.

  “Take it off,” he directs gruffly.

  Instead of obeying, I pull him harder, my goal to get him off as easily as he gets me. He inhales sharply and paws at my shirt.

  “If you don’t take it off, I’m ripping it,” he warns.

  I smile against him, but keep my stance. I’ll make him squirm even if just a fraction of the way he writhes me. I pull him completely in my mouth and his nails bite through my shirt as he braces the impact.

  “Fuuuck!” he moans gruffly. I love that word on his lips. It sounds increasingly naughty and so delicious.

  I twirl my tongue and firmly plunge him deeper until I hear the tantalizing sound of my shirt ripping. Dylan easily tears the t-shirt free from my chest. I can’t help but marvel at his strength. The remnants of the top flutter beside me and I open my mouth in awe. Using this opportunity, he pulls free and hoists me off the couch.

  A gasp escapes my throat as he quickly sheds me of my bra and pants. “I think you liked that,” he points out, slipping his fingers into my underwear.

  He yanks me against him and takes a haggled breath. Shivers tingle down my back as his heat spreads over me. “Didn’t you?”

  I meet his eyes and don’t dare refute him. “You literally shredding off my clothes to fuck me is the sexiest and most erotic thing I’ve experienced.”

  He offers me a lopsided grin, mischief blazing in his fiery blue stare. “Then should I do it again?” He spins me around, placing his hands down the front of my lace bikini-style bottoms.

  His strong biceps graze my full breasts and his fingers deftly slip between my thighs. His stiff erection prods my ass, forcing me to imagine his entry. It’s at times like these I wish I could speak the first language that pops in my mind, but I doubt Dylan knows a lick of Russian.

  “Yes.”

  He bites my neck. “I can’t hear you.” He slides his fingers back and forth within my thighs. My body arches in return, but he holds me steady.

  “Yes, hell yes,” I moan, louder this time. Before I can enjoy his fingers’ dalliance, he rips the red lace from my hips. That act alone puts me on the cusp of shattering. He’s yet to kiss me as my lips crave his devastation.

  “Kiss me,” I demand, attempting to turn around and accept his inevitable lips.

  Instead, Dylan keeps me in place. He strokes my breasts, tormenting my buds. His cock slaps against my ass when he leans down and kisses my neck. His soft mouth counteracts with his coarse beard, causing idyllic torment.

  Abruptly, he removes his touch from my body. One second he twists my nipple and the next he plunges his finger into my soaking core. His kisses become erratic, hasty even, but he never finds my mouth. I cry out when he digs his teeth into my neck. If he keeps this up, I’ll wear turtlenecks for the rest of my life. Oh, but the divine havoc makes it worth every singular, lusty bite.

  Attempting anything to force him to kiss me, I reach around to his cock and grip it in my hand. It’s delightfully stiff. My body arches when he in turn places his hand over my pelvis, pulling me up. He slips two fingers over my swollen clit and administers pressure as he rubs it. I spasm against his fingers as he draws me closer to my undeniable pleasure. My lips release a g
asp when he kisses my collar and traces my breast with his free hand.

  “Damn, I want you so bad,” he gruffly admits. His sounds make me want to come more than his skilled fingers. “How bad do you want me?”

  Before I can answer, he spins me around and holds me in place with his hands clenching my hips.

  “So bad it hurts,” I disclose, thirsting for his deep embrace. Never have I wanted a man as much as I want Dylan.

  “That’s what I like to hear.” He backs me to the wall. My skin touches it like ice to a flame, and I sizzle with anticipation.

  “Then show me,” I plead, searching for his lips. He continues to keep his luscious treasures at bay, enticing me further. Well, if he knows me at all, that’ll work. I jerk his head toward me until our lips are inches apart.

  “Oh, I’ll fuck you until you can’t walk,” he boasts, kissing my lips with zeal. He couldn’t pry away if he tried. I slide my tongue into his mouth before he can refute. He chooses that moment to enter me.

  I momentarily lose consciousness as his girth fills me. It’s as though he was built exclusively for my enjoyment. A perfect fit to my jigsaw puzzle of a sex life. I bite his lip the more we kiss and am thrilled when he nibbles in return. I love the agony and exhilaration he spreads throughout my frame.

  Dylan thrusts deep, so deep I lose myself to him and explode my inner power on his willful cock. I could never tire of the way he makes me come so proficiently. He knows my body intimately, yet hardly knows me. It’s why I crave him more than any other man.

  He catches my ear between his teeth. All I know is when I’m in his arms, I’ll be satisfied more than once. Those feelings are something I’ll never repent. Fuck the butterflies I used to experience with other men. Dylan makes me feel the entire zoo.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Dylan’s languorous movements wake me the next morning. Without looking, I assume he’s sneaking off before dawn breaks. He leans over and kisses my forehead.

  Why do you have to do that? It’s bad enough I like him, but he makes me want to stay in Verde with him. I do my best to feign sleep despite the urge to haul him to my lips.

  Last night was our final pairing. It saddens me, but I knew what this was from the beginning. A distraction. Nothing more, nothing less.

  The door whines his retreat and I slide my eyelids up. Other than my shredded underwear hanging from the doorknob, everything is in its place. I check the wall clock. Eddie should be here anytime. I swing out of the blankets tempting me to hibernate and grab my fuzzy robe.

  “Do I have time for a shower?”

  Dylan’s scent clings to me as I slip the robe on. A satisfied smile plays my lips, but reality checks in. “Yeah, I better before my other lover gets here.”

  A splash of sunlight jumps through my window and I glance to the mountains. I’ll miss the mountainous terrain. But not as much as I’ll miss him. I remind, making my way to the bathroom.

  I crank the shower on and peer into the mirror. I have the ‘just been fucked’ messy hair. It looks ravishing if I do say so myself. I prefer the afterglow of sex. Hell, I prefer anything having to do with the carnal act. Let’s be honest, I stayed in shoddy relationships for sex alone.

  Stepping into the stall, I allow the sweltering water to drench my body. By some means, Dylan gives me a satisfaction unlike the others. I’m not saying I don’t want to screw him every waking moment, because I do, but with him I experience an odd connection that makes me content. What’s it called?

  I glide the body wash over my stomach absently. I don’t know and it doesn’t matter. Eddie’s on his way, and I’ll never see Dylan again. It’s better this way. A clean and easy break. No drawn-out goodbyes or begging to stay.

  Finishing rinsing my hair, I turn the water off and hop out of the shower. A creak in the floorboards catches me off guard as I wrap the towel around my body. I’m not expecting anyone yet, and Dylan wouldn’t dare return this soon.

  Opening the cabinet over the sink, I grab the hidden dagger. Weapons are hidden in every room as precautionary measures. I never anticipate using them. They’re there in case of an apocalypse.

  Skulking to the door, I peek through the slit at the hinge and scan the room. Nothing looks out of place. Carefully, I push the door open further and keep my knife ready. I take two steps, but spot nothing.

  Lowering the blade, I rake my fingers through my dripping wet hair and let out an uneasy breath. Stupid mice. For now, I’ll relax, though the hair standing up on the back of my neck says otherwise.

  “Are you planning on stabbing a bear with that thing?” a teasing voice chides from the corner of the room.

  I whip my body around so fast, my balance teeters. He steps out of the shadows, his tall body filling the room. Dear Lord.

  “Because that thing is huge. Do all Colorado residents store hunting knives in the bathroom?” He finishes with a grin. “Or just you?”

  I can’t speak. I can’t believe he’s here. After months of longing and worrying, he’s finally within my reach.

  “Eddie,” I whisper, still sorting my fear from my relief.

  The strikingly handsome man takes a step toward me. “Hey, doll. I’ve missed you.”

  He pulls me in for a hug, his arms enveloping me in ways I thought impossible. I’m completely safe within his grasp. Nestling my face into his shirt, I inhale. He smells like a day at the amusement park, delirious and sugary. I could stand like this for hours and never grow jaded.

  “I like the hair, by the way,” he compliments into my ear.

  “Thanks.” I detach despite his resistance. The dark pants and heavy coat can’t begin to conceal his toned body, but his usually cheerful eyes are hazy. Looking him over, I sense something off the normal. There is an aura about him that doesn’t quite match the man I fell in love with. Fuck, I hate that phrase!

  I instinctively shrug up my towel when his eyes feast on me. “When do you want to leave?” I can’t prolong my pending departure. I need to get as many miles away from Verde as possible. Judging from Eddie’s demeanor, leaving is the last thing on his mind.

  Eddie takes a seat on the bed, his cool, blue eyes attached to my near nakedness. “I’m in no hurry. I’ll get a call when our ride arrives.” He tugs on my hand, and I flinch.

  Confusion covers his face and he drops his hold. “What’s wrong? It’s me, not him, remember?” He grazes my face with a concerned expression. “Did something happen while you were here? You can tell me.” He pulls on my waist until I’m in front of him.

  His welcoming cologne hits my nose and a collection of memories floods through my mind. I should be overjoyed at our reunion, but something is off. The smile on Eddie’s face wanes, but he acts like his usual self.

  “I’m good,” I fib. He nods, but doesn’t release my hips. Something about this situation sends creepy crawlers up my spine. My Spidey sense is tingling, but I don’t have a reason why.

  “What have you been doing the last few months?” I question, tightening my hold on the knife still in my hands. He should’ve taken it from me or at least kissed me. Maybe wrap me in his arms and kiss away any hint of hesitation. He shouldn’t give me a reason to hesitate. Wrong. This seems wrong, but I must give him an olive branch. It’s Eddie, after all.

  He flashes me a smile. “You mean other than search for you?” I narrow my eyes and he clears his throat. “Well, I quit the Air Force. No more reserves for me.” I raise my eyebrows. “And I got a new job. One I like a lot.” He clears his throat. “All while you’ve been hiding in this little town.” He’s agitated, but I don’t blame him. “How’d you find this place?”

  I don’t want to answer. It’d only erupt a can of worms neither of us wants to deal with. Scrutinizing him, I’m put off by his atmosphere. He remains the same attractive guy, but his nose seems short and pudgy to me now and his smile is crooked. Did he always look like this or am I imagining it?

  Eddie’s thumbs run along my hips and frowns. “You kind of let yourself
go.”

  Instantly, he drops my waist like a spoiled steak, and I blink with ferocity to contain my rage.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll get you back in shape.” He pats my ass with determination. “Somehow.”

  I could kill him in this moment. Really, I should. I have the knife and hold the advantage. There’s also a few secluded mountain spots no one would ever look for a body. Yet, I refrain. I’m not capable of such viciousness. He’s an ass. A handsome and fit ass, but I can’t murder him.

  As if a light bulb lights over my head, it makes sense why Eddie and I didn’t work. He’s obsessed with body image and working out whereas I’m content being me. The stupid mongrel managed to call me beautiful and fat in the same conversation. That’s quite a skill.

  Narrowing my eyes, I can’t envision Nickolas ever saying anything like that to me. My Russian subpart prefers me slender, but never fixates on it. Surely, I wasn’t meant to end up with someone who demeans fluctuations in body weight. Love the guy who wants you to fit into his perfect itty-bitty life? Nope. Not me.

  I break free from his clutch. “Nice of you to notice,” I hurl back, searching for a sheath to put the knife a safe distance away. If I keep it on my person, I’ll end up using it. “I’m going to change then grab breakfast across the street.”

  I slip jeans on hastily. “You should stay put. Verde isn’t used to many visitors.”

  His hair, kept tight to his head, makes me cringe. Done with the military, my ass. His haircut tells a different story. “And you’d start more than one discussion.” Not bothering with a bra, I grab a pair of socks. “I’ll get you something.”

  Eddie waves me off. “I’m good. I ate on the plane.” He flops on the bed and closes his eyes. I grab a sweater and hoist it over my shoulders.

  “Hey, you know we probably have time for a quickie before we leave. It’s been a while, so I bet it’ll be fast.” He chuckles at his joke, but I don’t join.

  I’m going to slice his carotid in his sleep. That’s not what a girl wants after all this time. A fast fuck where he gets off and I don’t. Thoughtless bastard.