by Blythe Reid
Once Nadia was gone and Mom was taking care of Ben, I felt okay signing on for a few more years. Dad died eight years ago of a sudden heart attack, and the loss crippled my mom, since they were still madly in love. They had been since they met in high school, setting a good example for me until I hooked up with Nadia and realized that we’d be nothing like them. When she found out that she’d be watching over my son when I was gone, it gave her new life.
I walked across the ramp to the dock with the other guys, and another face crossed my mind.
Embry Darek.
I could see her big, blue eyes in my mind, and they brought a smile to my face. Embry was beautiful and so fucking innocent that it made me want to corrupt her. More than that, though, she was intelligent and genuinely sweet.
She worked at the bar on base, just down from my place. All the guys hung out there on a regular basis. Embry helped her ornery grandpa who owned the place since his own father passed it down. They were a military family through and through, and she knew her shit.
When it was quiet there, I’d had some great conversations about her family, and she told me the stories that she’d heard. It gave me good insight as to how observant she was. She was a lot different than the Nadias of the world, that just wanted a night with a military man to tell all her friends about.
I nodded to Bryan as he headed to a cab, telling him that I’d meet him at the bar later. There was no way in hell I’d miss the chance to see Embry again, since we’d shared that kiss last year before I left.
It had been sudden and came as a shock to both of us. We’d been taking a walk outside to get some fresh air, enjoying one of our conversations. I’d had a few beers, and she let the other bartender try out some new cocktails on her, making her just a little tipsy. She was waiting for her best friend Harper to pick her up for something they had planned, but there was still some time, and she asked me to walk with her.
I couldn’t remember how our lips ended up together initially, but it seemed like she stumbled, and in the process of catching her, we ended up kissing. The heat shot straight to my cock as her soft lips molded against mine, affecting me more than any other kiss in my life.
I slipped my arms around her body, pulling her against me as I tilted my head to deepen the kiss slowly, feeling her out on this. When I left town, Embry was a virgin, and for that reason, I hadn’t pursued her beyond the kiss that night after her friend picked her up.
Fuck me if I didn’t think about her the entire time I was gone, though. I thought about that sweet mouth as I slipped into my own cab and took it to Mom’s place on the edge of town. I glanced up as the car stopped, seeing the door open. I stepped out of the cab, and my mini me came running out, straight into my arms.
“Hey, son.” I held him tight as Mom followed, a tender smile on her face. It felt so good to be home.
2
Embry
I pulled my thick curls back into a low ponytail before I wiped down the bar. I looked over the worn and polished wood with a smile. This place had been in my family for years, and it seemed only natural for me to work here and help Gramps with it.
I’d turned twenty-one a year ago, and my siblings couldn’t be bothered to give him a hand. They were all over California now, living their separate lives, and Gramps told me that I was his favorite. I loved him just as much, even if he could be stubborn sometimes. His heart was in the right place.
I saw the two waitresses that were working the night shift making their way around the room, cleaning tables and helping customers. It was dollar beer night, though that only applied to the cheap stuff, per my boss, and we’d have a crowd here soon. In addition to that, the SEALs were back in town for a long weekend, and I was looking forward to seeing them, particularly Trace.
“Let’s get those glasses stocked, Brandon. The boys are back tonight.” Gramps was behind the bar, barking orders to the main bartender.
I smiled and shook my head. Gramps loved when they came in and told their stories, since I knew that Gramps missed his life back then. We lost Grams ten years ago, and it seemed like he went back to the past more by the day.
“Can I get a beer, beautiful?” I looked at the guy who was giving me bedroom eyes, and I rolled mine back at him. Like I hadn’t heard that before.
“Sure thing,” I said as I turned and grabbed a clean glass, filling it as I listened to him settle behind me.
These guys were all the same. They all wanted in my pants, and I told all of them same thing. Hell, no. I didn’t want my first time to be with some guy that was turning around and leaving. I wanted forever, and I was going to wait for that, no matter how old I got to be. Twenty-two wasn’t an awful age to still be a virgin, was it? I turned to slide the beer to him, frowning as he pulled out a dollar and handed it to me with a crooked smile that probably worked on other girls.
“What time are you off tonight? I need some company, or else I might be lonely.” He pretended to pout.
I raised a dark frown at him as I heard footsteps behind me. “It won’t be me,” I snapped. “I have to wash my hair later.”
The guy held his hands up and dropped the bill. He grabbed the beer and turned to leave. I heard Gramps snickering behind me. I grinned at him as he shook his head at the money.
“You’d think that he’d tip you to get a little further.” His voice was low as he glanced at the table that the man now occupied. I shrugged and dropped the dollar into the cash drawer. “If it was your sister, she’d abandon the bar and go running right over to him.”
I cracked a smile at that. “Jenny doesn’t know how to pass up a man in uniform,” I agreed dryly.
A few other customers approached the bar. The televisions were all broadcasting various games on different channels, and guys talked teams as they ordered, all with an appreciative look at me.
I knew I wasn’t ugly, but I wasn’t a supermodel either. My sister was the one with all the charm and skills at flirting, while I was just friendly enough to work the bar. There were guys that I got to know a little more than the rest, men that I showed my compassionate side to. They were just few and far between. I waited on the new customers as Brandon joined me to help, since it was getting dark and the bar was filling up.
The door swung open again, and I smiled when I saw Trace walk in with his best friend, Bryan. I finished collecting the money from the current customers and watched as he looked around, before meeting my eyes.
Holy hell. Trace was gorgeous, and I’d swear that he was bigger now than before. His muscled torso was on full display underneath the fitted green t-shirt that he’d paired with some khaki shorts. I fought the urge to drool at him as I turned to get myself a glass of ice water.
Was it getting hot in here?
I turned back just in time to see him lean against the bar, his cocky smile lighting up his handsome face. I shuddered as I met his dark, bottomless eyes and forced myself to remain calm as I stepped forward.
“There she is,” he said. “My port in a storm. Have you been saving yourself for me the past year, darlin’?” Trace spoke loudly, and I blushed for a moment as I looked around to see where Gramps was.
He was sixteen years older than me, if I wasn’t mistaken. Trace could be my father, but he wasn’t. He was just fine as hell.
“I might be saving it, but not for you. Stand in line, Trace.” I shot back as he raised an eyebrow at me, his smile lighting up even brighter.
Damn him for getting to me the way that he still did, making me remember how his mouth felt against mine just over a year ago. That was the first and only time in my life that I considered giving it all up, but he’d been leaving a few days later, and it wouldn’t be a great idea.
“I am a hot commodity in these parts,” I said.
“That you are,” he agreed as he let his eyes roam over my body, clad only in some skinny jeans and a red shirt that boasted the name of the bar.
Brandon got a couple of beers for them, and Trace winked at me before he tu
rned and ambled to a table in the center of the room, showing every bit of his swagger.
It was official. Trace was the only man that I’d consider losing myself for, especially after that drunken kiss from so long ago. The way he looked at me throughout the night, I knew he wanted me too. I had to be strong these next few days.
3
Trace
I watched Embry as she worked, taking in her juicy curves and room-brightening smile. Damn it, but Embry was perfect in the way that she looked and her sassy little attitude. I didn’t think she realized just how hot she was. Even with her tough front, she screamed innocence, and that made her even more desirable to me.
Her big blue eyes met my gaze a few times, and I got hard underneath my shorts as I sighed slowly. The way that she looked at me and that full lower lip made me crazy, and I wanted to bend her over that bar and claim her as mine.
Her grandpa, Joe, stopped by to greet us, clapping me on the back as he asked how my time away had gone. I told him that it was great, keeping an eye on his sweet granddaughter the entire time. She gazed longingly in my direction. He was a good man and served his time in the Navy as well, bonding us.
Joe laughed at something that Bryan said, and I glanced at the bar to see a new group of guys gathered at the end of it. I watched as she tried to leave the bar and one of the guys grabbed her ass, making Embry jump back as she glared at him.
I got to me feet so quickly I sent my chair clattering across the room behind me. “Get your fucking hands off her,” I growled.
Embry looked at me, and the room went silent. The guy gave me a challenging look, although, his eyes widened when he noticed how big I was.
“Sorry. I didn’t know she was yours.” He held up his hands and stepped away from her. I stalked toward him, rage filling my veins.
Joe laughed. “My granddaughter doesn’t belong to anybody,” he declared. “Get the hell out of my bar.”
“Fuck you, old man,” the kid snarled.
Embry stepped forward to grab the kid’s arm to shove him out of the bar. The kid looked back down at her and grabbed her around the waist. He tugged her body toward his and asked her if she’d changed his mind.
I grabbed the kid’s shoulder, and Embry backed away from him. I spun the little fucker around and looked into his wide eyes.
I reached my arm back and clenched my fist.
“You piece of shit,” growled.
I hit him square in the jaw. His head snapped back violently, and I hit him again before he had time to recover. The stupid kid crumpled to the ground, and his friends scattered. But I wasn’t finished yet.
I leaned over and picked him up under the arms. I dragged him to the front door and kicked it open.
“Stay the fuck out of here.” I literally tossed him out the door and glared darkly at him before I turned around to go inside.
I could hear Joe’s voice, but I scanned the room for Embry. I wasn’t sure how she was doing after what just happened, and I considered going back out there to kick the guy’s ass even more.
“Where is she?” I asked Brandon. He pointed to the back where there was a private hallway. “Thanks.” I walked back there to see Embry leaning against the wall in the corner, her arms crossed over her chest as she leaned forward.
Shit. Was she crying?
“Embry, are you okay?” I asked. She glanced up at me, her eyes wide and scared. I slipped my hands around her slim waist and pulled her against me, searching her face. “Embry, did he hurt you?”
“No, I’m okay. He was just so aggressive.” Her voice trembled, and I lifted a hand to stroke her cheek gently.
“He’s lucky that I didn’t kick his ass for touching you,” I said.
She stared into my eyes. My body was hot with desire, and I watched as she licked her lips slowly.
“These guys get worse all the time, Trace. I’m so sick of it. My attitude usually makes it clear that I’m not interested, but he just got too grabby. Brandon and the others are quick to protect me.” She stared at me with awe in her big eyes. “What did you do to him?”
“Hopefully, I broke his jaw. But I tossed him outside on his ass for good measure. His friends can clean up from there. If I see his face again, I’ll kill that fucker.” Something softened in her face, and she pressed her hands against my chest. I watched her press her lips together.
“You protected me,” Embry said softly.
I nodded. “Hell, yes. Nobody gets to touch you like that unless you want their hands on you.” I kept my arms wrapped around her body, waiting for her to push me away. The heat grew between us as she slipped her hand up to touch my face. I swallowed thickly. “Do you want my hands on you, Embry?”
She nodded her head, and I smiled slowly, stroking her side before I traced her lips with my finger. Desire flooded her baby blues, and I felt her press against me. Her breath hitched in her throat. I wanted her and my cock grew, pressing against her stomach.
She gasped. “Trace,” she said in a shaky voice.
I pulled her closer. Her full chest pressed against me as she wrapped her arms around my neck.
She didn’t have to ask me twice.
4
Embry
I felt all my desire for Trace flooding my body, and I pulled myself up to press my lips to his, needing to taste him. Having that stranger touch me turned my stomach, especially when he pulled me against him, but Trace holding me was everything that I ever wanted.
He kissed me back slowly, teasing me as he slipped his hands down to cup my ass, pulling me closer to him. My nipples were hard and aching for him, and my core was hot and throbbing.
Trace claimed my lips again before pulling back just enough to tell me what he wanted to do to me right now. Holy shit. The things that he was saying would make me angry if it was anybody else, but I wanted Trace right here and now.
Oh, God. We were in the bar, and Gramps could come around and see us at any time. I felt Trace lift me up and carry me farther down the hallway, his lips hard on mine before he opened a door and pressed me against the wall.
“Is that sweet little pussy wet for me, Embry? Are you ready to come for me?”
His words shocked me, but they also filled me with liquid fire. I was wet for him. It wasn’t just because he was the sexiest man I’d ever seen. It was also because he’d stood up and defended me out in the bar. When everyone else just watched, Trace took action to protect me. His savage masculinity was a serious turn on.
“Trace,” I moaned as he stared into my eyes. “Yes, I’m ready for you. I want you.”
He unbuttoned his jeans and licked his lips. All my strength faded, along with any kind of hesitation I’d ever felt about getting physical with a man. He reached for my hand and slipped it inside of his pants to feel his length, hard and thick.
“See what you do to me?” he asked. “Feel what you’ve fucking done to me since that kiss a year ago?”
He remembered that kiss, too? I’d been thinking of it ever since it happened, but I had no idea it had affected him the same way as me. It only made me want him more.
His eyes were dark in the dim light of the naked bulb that swayed from the ceiling. I grasped him in my hand. He was so thick. It filled my hand, hot and heavy.
He jerked his pants down and freed his cock as he sucked in his breath. “Get on your knees,” he commanded.
Oh, shit. I’d never done this before, but looking down at his massive cock made my mouth water. I dropped to my knees, and his hand gripped my hair, pushing me toward him.
I gripped him tighter, stroking hesitantly as I watched his face. Trace’s eyes were dark and wide as he gazed at me, his lips parted. I kept on stroking him before leaning forward to take the tip of him in my mouth slowly, tasting the salty juices that dripped from his body.
It made me moan as I sucked him deeper. I felt his hand grip my hair as I allowed him slowly into the back of my throat. Trace had a massive cock, and I struggled for a moment with it. But his hand rem
inded me what he wanted.
Trace told me all the filthy things that he was going to do to me as I sucked him, making me wet with desire. He began to guide himself in my mouth, telling me to take all of him.
I choked, my eyes filling with tears as we moved together. He was so big, but I wanted him to go deeper. I wanted to take all of him.
All my fight was gone, and the idea of saving myself was a lost thought as I felt him thicken.
“Swallow me, Embry. I’m so close.”
I reached around to pull him closer as he buried himself inside me and shot deep inside of my throat. It was thick and salty as I swallowed. I felt the tug on my hair as Trace murmured my name. I dropped down to the floor of the dim closet, weak with need as I rested my face in my hands.
“Your mouth feels so good, Embry. I can’t wait to use your sweet little body, but not yet. We’ve waited this long and just a little more time will make it that much better.”
I felt his hand on my face and looked up to see him offering it to me to help me up. I took it, and he lifted me to my feet slowly, pulling me against his body as he kissed me.
“Who do you belong to, Embry?” Trace asked as he pulled away to lift me onto a box, leaving my body level with his cock.
“You, Trace.”
I was numb with need as he spread my legs, rubbing himself against me as he cupped my face and kissed me again. I knew that my mouth was full of his come, but he drove his tongue into my mouth as if he didn’t care. I returned his kiss with equal passion.
His cock pressed against my jeans, hard and bare as I moaned. I wanted him so badly, but he told me to wait for him, even as my jeans pressed against my clit.