Firestorm (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 4)

by Piper Stone

  As he rolled into the parking lot, he gave her a look. “Time to purchase a new bike.”

  “Really? Now? What about the insurance? I haven’t heard a word from the deputy.”

  “I don’t need the insurance money, and I can’t do without my Harley.”

  She rubbed her fingers across the top of his hand. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Not your fault. Just freedom. I think you can understand.”

  “Yeah, I can.”

  He breathed out and gazed at the plate glass window, the gleaming motorcycles front and center. He was allowing her into his private world. “This is where you come in. You’re going to help me pick out a new ride.”

  “Big he man needs a woman’s touch. I think I like it.” Her feminine laughed filled the space, if not a darkened void.

  He waited as she climbed out of the car. A sickening feeling remained in the pit of his stomach, and he wasn’t entirely certain if the reason was about Trinity and what she was going through or because of his past. Either way, this was a special moment, one she might not fully understand.

  “Hey, come on. Let’s do this,” she exclaimed and tapped on the window, grabbing his attention.

  Chuckling, he allowed the tension to ease. Today, was going to be a damn good day.

  Riker was impressed that she was not only attentive but more than interested in the purchase. The choice had been easy, the Switchback the only model he would choose but he enjoyed the process. Watching as she asked questions, as if trying to learn more of what he was about, was alluring. She was surprising in so many ways, a quiet joy in his pigeonholed life.

  “I’m so excited.” Kissing his cheek, she laughed and headed out of the store.

  When he walked out, the keys in hand, she squeezed his arm.

  “Now, we go for a ride.” Grinning, he yanked his sunglasses from his pocket before walking toward the Camaro and opening the trunk.

  “On the bike?” Trinity paled as she looked at the steel beast then studied the blanket in his hand. “I’m not a motorcycle girl.”

  “You could have fooled me. All about pushing that comfort zone.”

  “I might pass out.”

  “You’ll be fine,” he stated, his tone of voice commanding. “Besides, I want to take you to someplace peaceful. The only way to experience the ride is on two wheels. Open road. Wind. A slight chill. We’ll stop and get a few things on the way.”

  “What about the car?” she backed toward the Camaro, her face flushing.

  “I know the owner. He’ll take good care of her and we’ll drop back by. Trust me.” Grinning, he took her hand and held out a helmet.

  Groaning, she dragged her feet as he pulled her toward the bike. Taking the helmet, she gave him another fearful look. “If I fall off…”

  “Just hold on tight.” Swinging his leg over the bike, he donned the helmet and started the beast, enjoying the vibrating motor, the power between his legs. “Put your arms around me and don’t let go.”

  When she was in position, he kicked up the stand and took off, maneuvering the bike down and out of the parking lot. He kept the speed low as they drove out of the city, stopping for a bottle of wine and other refreshments. Now, he was ready to hit the mountain road, heading for the most serene spot in Missoula. “See? Nothing to worry about.”

  “Oh! That’s for you to say.” Her arms clenching around his waist, she squealed as he changed the gear to second then third, hitting the accelerator. “God!”

  Laughing, he roared around the bend, hugging the curves. The engine was powerful, but the ride was smooth, the Harley performing, moving with every slight turn of the wheel. As the wind whipped against his face, the feel of her face pressed against his back gave him chills. Even the sensation of her thighs crunching against his legs was damn seductive and he remained hard, his cock throbbing.

  He rounded corner after corner, his entire body so alive, so free. After several minutes, her tense body seemed to relax, her hands falling into his lap. There was nothing but the open road, a cloudless day and a beautiful woman. He concentrated on the drive, falling into the same zone he enjoyed during every long drive. But only on the Harley. After almost forty-five minutes, the river made its appearance, paralleling to the two-lane road and he could sense she was mesmerized by the majestic beauty. The three crossing rivers were his sanctuary, the lapping water hitting the shore a reminder of life. How many times had he allowed himself to stand at the river’s edge, dreams filtrating his mind, his heart?

  Today, would be different. A new beginning.

  He noticed the sign for the turn off and powered down, turning onto the mostly gravel road and passing several small parking lots, notices of campsites and picnic areas. Where they were going had no road, no easy access. Few tourists knew of the large patch of grass, backed by overhanging trees and wild flowers. The rolling hill banked down gently toward the water, allowing for a perfect landing spot for kayakers and canoes, swimmers and those enjoying the massive body of water.

  Slowing down, he breathed in the crisp air as he headed into the line of trees, the path narrowing.

  “Where are we going?” she called over the roaring engine.

  “Somewhere special.”

  Squeezing his waist, she nuzzled her face into his neck.

  Riker pulled the bike under a bank of trees, surveying the lush surroundings. There was no one in sight.

  “Oh my God. This is incredible.”

  Cutting the engine, he kicked down the stand and yanked off his helmet, remaining still. “The Blackfoot River. Seventy-six miles of sheer beauty.” They’d traveled for over an hour, heading into Lincoln, Montana and well worth the ride.

  Easing off the bike, she removed her helmet and folded her arms as she walked close to the river’s edge, standing still as she gazed around at the mountains, the pine trees and vegetation.

  He remained on the Harley, watching the way she inhaled the clean air, the way she laughed seeing jumping fish and pointed toward a Bald Eagle. Simply being able to see her joy, the moment when every aspect of life before seemed belittled in comparison to Mother Nature gave him a rush, a distinct chill sliding down his spine. So many people took this for granted, but for him, this was his slice of heaven.

  Trinity turned around, scampering in his direction. “How did you find this place?”

  “You ask around. Locals know where to go to get away from the rat race.” He climbed off the bike and took her hand before grabbing the saddlebag. “I come here when I can’t think any longer, when my mind is muddled with worry, fear. This is my joy.”

  “I can see why. There’s nothing like this in California. Well, I’m certain there is but I never ventured away from the city, other than on a plane. I guess I just didn’t care enough to find something else.”

  “I can understand. You lock yourself away in a tight cocoon, refusing to believe there’s anything outside of your world.” He guided her down toward the river then walked away from the main path to a special embankment hidden by a group of trees and bushes. He knew the way, every step counted, every tree denoted in his mind. The moment he stepped into the clearing, his stomach churned, a cold chill furrowing into every muscle. The area was a close resemblance to times shared with Rose.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. There’s a blanket inside.”

  Her eyes darting back and forth across his, she gave him a sweet smile. “Allow me to fix us a spot.”

  Nodding, he eased the satchel onto the grass and walked to the edge, crouching down, allowing his fingers to dangle in the water. He dropped his head, hissing.

  She seemed to hesitate before she moved behind him, remaining standing. “This place is special to you.”

  “It is. Reminds me of a very important location from my past.” The words were jarring.

  Placing her hand on his shoulder, she remained quiet.

  “This is also where I came to die.”

  Sucking in her breath, Trinity drop
ped to her knees, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. “There’s nothing worth dying for, no amount of guilt or worry, fear or frustration. I’m learning that more every day. Losing your family must have been the most difficult moment of your life, but you remain alive. You’re allowed to enjoy, share good times and bad and even fall in love. Rose wouldn’t want you to suffer, not for a minute. You have to know that.”

  “Placing his hand on top of hers, he rubbed her fingers. “You’re right.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Riker exhaled. “There’s no need. Today isn’t about the past, but changing and the future.”

  The words were interesting, especially coming from a man like Riker. She wasn’t certain either one of them could climb out of their self-imposed torture. Maybe there could never be more than they were sharing today. “The future.”

  “Yup. Besides, Rose would kick my ass for being dull and sullen.”

  “Sullen? Yes. Dull, never in any lifetime.” She squealed when he yanked her around, pulling her over his lap. “Don’t you dare!”

  “I think you know who’s in charge here.”

  Smack! Slap!

  His hand peppered against her ass. “Ow!”

  Pop! Slap!

  “Spankings are supposed to hurt,” he growled.

  Whap! Crack!

  “What if someone comes by?”

  “Then they’ll get a show.”

  Smack! Pop! Crack!

  Kicking out, she flung her hand back, trying to block his hand until he grabbed her wrist, pulling her arm to the small of her back.

  “Fighting me only makes the punishment worse.”

  “You’re incorrigible!”

  Whap! Smack!

  “Thank you,” he said then laughed.

  Pop! Whap!

  As the spanking continued, heat rising between her breasts, she panted and moaned as a moment of raw ecstasy replaced any concept of pain.

  Smack! Crack!

  His breathing labored, Riker slowed down, now only rubbing her ass. He let go of her wrist then gently pushed her off, jerking to a standing position.

  She scrambled to her feet and shook her head. “Don’t you do that. Don’t you dare pull away from me. What we have together, what we’re sharing isn’t something that comes along more than once. People can go their entire lives without ever meeting someone that they can love unconditionally, sharing every aspect of pain, pleasure, terror and joy. When you find something like what we have, you fight to keep it. You fight the demons inside, no matter how horrible, no matter how disgusting. You fight. Do you hear me? Do you understand what I’m saying, Riker Sheffield?” Panting, she brushed both hands through her hair, her chest heaving. When he remained quiet, the rugged and damning man acting as if what she said didn’t matter, she did the only thing she could think of doing.

  Smack!

  Her hand hit him directly in the face, across his cheek. Slapping both hands over her mouth, she could barely see straight, mortified at her behavior. “Oh, God.”

  While the force of the slap had seemed hard, Riker remained in the same position, his eyes open wide.

  “Riker.” Had she just destroyed everything they’d shared together?

  Grabbing her by the wrists, he yanked her against his chest, his breath sounds ragged. “Hear me, woman. Hear these words. I love you. I have no clue about the future or what might happen, but I know I’ve fallen in love with you.”

  Tears slipped past her lashes as she struggled to find anything to say. Suddenly, a rush of emotion replaced her fears, her guilt and every aspect of her previous life. “I’m so in love with you.”

  Grunting, he crushed her mouth, thrusting his tongue inside, the heated passion savage. Raw. He slid his hips back and forth, his groin pushing against her stomach.

  Moaning into the kiss, she remained shaking, every cell exploding with current, her skin tingling from desire. She yanked at his jacket and shirt, tugging the hem from his jeans, her hands moving up and down his back, kneading his carved muscles.

  Their tongues wrestled together, the French kiss wild and manic. Pulling back, he issued a low and husky growl against her neck before licking down from her ear to the edge of her shirt. Nipping her skin, he allowed his hot breath to cascade across her jawline. “I want you. I will have you. Period.”

  There would be no denying their need, their hungers. As she struggled to breathe, she yanked off her jacket and shirt, tossing both then tore at his, her fingers fumbling to get the unwanted material off. Away. She had to have him. She had to taste him.

  Riker kicked off his boots and unbuttoned his jeans, jerking them down his hips.

  A streak of flickering lights floated across her field of vision, forcing her to blink as she struggled to get out of her skin-tight jeans. She was nervous. Excited. This was different. This was about their love.

  When she was naked, he advanced, his expression and actions predatory. As soon as he was only an inch away, he cupped both sides of her face, nose to nose. “My beautiful woman.” He peppered kisses along her forehead and eyebrows, moving ever so slowly down the bridge of her nose to her lips. Then he slid his hands down to her waist.

  Palming his chest, she wanted nothing more than the simple touch, the tips of her fingers against his skin.

  Riker picked her up into his arms, cradling her and he lowered his head. “Forever.”

  “Forever.”

  As he laid her down on the blanket, using the power of his upper body strength to move slowly, easing her onto the hard ground, he smiled. Lowering down, he placed his hands on either side of her head, allowing the kiss to be soft, loving.

  The feel of his shoulder, the touch of his neck and skin, the scent of the man she’d fallen in love with was dazzling. As he eased his legs between hers, she rubbed her hands and fingers down the length of his back, shivering from anticipation.

  Riker held his body aloft as he shifted his hips back and forth, sliding his stiff cock into her wet pussy.

  Trinity lifted her legs, wrapping them around his hips. “Make love to me.” She could sense a change, a moment of absolutely letting go as he held his lips to hers. As he thrust his cock inside, she jerked up, every nerve standing on end. “Oh!”

  His body was shaking as he ground his hips then pulled out, keeping just the tip inside. A slight smile crossed his face as he drove into her again. “Tight. Wet.”

  “Yes.” She dug her fingers into his skin as he hung his head and plunged in and out.

  He continued driving deep and hard, the force making him grunt. “Baby.”

  Closing her eyes, she clung to him, blissful and happy, her nipples tingling. When he flipped over, pulling her on top of him, she yelped and pushed against his chest.

  A chuckle slipped past his lips as he cupped her breasts, his thumbs moving back and forth across her hardened nipples. “Ride me, baby. Hard.”

  She lowered her head, allowing her long hair to dangle across his chest as she locked her knees, her legs pushing against his hips. As she began to rock, moving forward and backward in a slow and easy rhythm, he pinched her nipples between his fingers. Pain soared through her and she panted, beads of sweat dripping down across his neck.

  His eyes were glassy, unblinking as she moved up and down, but his smile remained, as if knowing she belonged to him and no other.

  Her heart racing, she knew neither of them could hold on for long and she clenched her pussy muscles, squeezing until he growled.

  “So… bad,” he managed, beads of sweat trickling down both sides of his face.

  As she rocked harder, her muscles straining, she pressed hard against his chest and threw back her head, her entire body shaking. “Oh… I…”

  “Come for, baby. Come with me.” His arms were shaking, his mouth pursing and he lifted his hips, shoving his cock deeper inside of her.

  Trinity lost it, tipping her head back and allowing a harsh cry as the climax rushed up her legs, crashing down, one wav
e turning into another. She could feel his hot cum spewing inside, the throbbing remaining, and she closed her eyes. They were as one.

  “Yes!”

  Her body crumpling, she rested her head against his neck, unable to think or see clearly.

  “All mine.”

  She wasn’t certain how long he held her, rubbing her back, but as she moved, lifting her head, he gripped her hips, lifting and pulling her pussy over his face. “Riker!”

  Riker licked up and down the length of her pussy, darting his tongue inside as his grip tightened.

  Moaning, she wiggled as he licked and sucked, swirling the tip of his tongue around her clit. When he moved her up and down, she threw her arms and head back, staring up at the sky. The feast, his feast was amazing.

  Licking and sucking, he pulled her down until he could bury his face into her cunt.

  “Yes, oh…” Laughter bubbled up from her throat, slipping out of her mouth and she knew this was absolute and pure ecstasy. Her toes and lower legs tingling, she let go, another orgasm pushing air out of her lungs. “Ah!”

  Refusing to let her go, he licked savagely, his tongue and mouth working together, sucking up every drop.

  Easing Trinity onto her side, he held her, his fingers rubbing and caressing, his chest heaving.

  She brushed the tips of her fingers across his chest, more peaceful than she’d been in so long. As she closed her eyes, she heard an agonizing sound.

  “I need to tell you the rest.” Riker’s voice was stilted, quiet. He never moved, his arm keeping her by his side.

  “Okay.”

  His chest was heaving, scattered pants slipping from his mouth.

  Nuzzling closer, she allowed her fingers to brush against his skin.

  “Rose and Grace were home. I was on a training mission for the new job, one that I wanted so badly for her, for us. She didn’t want me to go. She said she had a terrible feeling and begged me to stay. I refused, pushing her aside as if her fears didn’t matter. I wanted this job and the money, but I didn’t realize how terrified she was. We were out of the city, too far. Way too far.”