by J. A. Owenby
Layne spread my legs wider, picking up the pace. He leaned over, pulling my nipple between his teeth. Although it hurt a little, it felt good at the same time. I liked it, at least from him. His mouth covered my breast while he thrust inside me. He slowed, then smiled at me, his eyes dark with desire. “Stand up.” He backed away so I could.
“Turn around.” His voice was gruff and demanding.
Chills shivered down my body. I had needed him to take control tonight.
“Bend over the bed and spread your legs.”
Jesus, this wasn’t his first rodeo for damned sure. I nearly orgasmed with his order alone.
His hand ran over my ass cheek and squeezed. He parted my soaked folds again, then ran the tip of his dick up and down my slit.
“Take me anywhere you want,” I whispered over my shoulder. “Just fuck me hard.”
Layne’s eyes widened, and he eased inside my pussy. He grabbed my hips and forcefully moved me back and forth over his cock.
“Harder,” I whimpered, pain and pleasure swirling in me.
“Ten,” he gasped, pounding me. One hand massaged my breast as we frantically fucked the awful night away. He tugged hard on my nipple, and I bit my cry back.
“That’s it, baby,” I said, encouraging him. In the back of my mind, I knew we were having sex in someone else’s house, which meant we had to be quiet. But I needed anything I could get to erase the earlier events, even if just for a few minutes.
Layne pulled out, then shoved inside me again. My body lurched forward from the impact, but he grabbed hold of my hips again, steadying me.
“I can’t last much longer.” His words came in quick, short bursts. His hand slipped between my legs and teased my sensitive bud between his fingers.
With a sharp pinch and pull on my clit, I couldn’t hold out anymore. My body went into a full-on frenzy of intense pleasure. I slammed back into him while my core tightened around his shaft, and I released. Bliss didn’t even come close to what he’d made me feel. His grunts and shudders followed mine, then I collapsed on the bed with him still inside me. Layne’s weight landed on me, crushing me momentarily before he pulled out and rolled over onto the mattress.
I turned my head, eyeing him wearily. We hadn’t really discussed what was and wasn’t off-limits in the bedroom, and I wondered if I’d pushed the boundary by telling him he could fuck me any way he wanted.
Layne removed the used condom and walked into the bathroom to discard it. I’d been so eager to have him all over me, I hadn’t paid that much attention to the room. The king-size bed held two small cream and three larger black throw pillows, and I realized the comforter was feather. I sank right into it.
I sat up, grabbed a pillow, and leaned against the oak headboard. My eyes took in the room. There was a six-drawer dresser with a mirror and two matching nightstands. A vase of fresh pink and red roses rested on the corner of the vanity, but what really added life to the room was the picture of oak and maple trees lining a dirt lane. The trees displayed the most magnificent red and golden autumn leaves. A fence ran along each side of the path as the fog settled in the edges of the land. It was stunning.
“Are you all right?” Layne asked, leaning against the door frame.
My eyes greedily raked over his nakedness and every muscle in his arms, chest, abs, and legs. I’d never seen anyone so edible in my life. My core throbbed with need again.
“Why?” I wondered if we needed to discuss the rules of our sex playground.
He strolled over to his clothes and picked them up off the floor. “Do you want yours?”
“Yeah. I guess I should in case someone knocks on the door or something. I mean, it’s highly unlikely at three forty in the morning, but still.” I’d opted to wear my yoga pants instead of the pajamas Marilyn had given me. I would save them for after my shower.
We dressed in silence, my anxiety toying with my emotions. Layne’s gaze fell on me, then he sat on the opposite side of the bed.
My breath hitched. “Did I do something wrong?”
“What? No. Not at all.” He shook his head. “I’m just tired.”
I rolled the blankets down and crawled beneath them. My head sank into the pillow, and a soft sigh escaped me.
Layne stood and faced me, rubbing his exhausted face with his hands. “I’m worried about you, Ten.”
I sat up and folded my hands over my chest, attempting to contain my emotions from erupting. So much had happened that night. My chin wobbled as the terrifying information Franklin had shared with us about Jack Flannery assaulted my already overloaded mind. “What if he’s my … You’re going to leave, and I can’t blame you.” My hands flew up to my mouth as a soft cry slipped from me. I’d just not had enough time to process all the shit that had gone down earlier that evening. Layne would leave just like everyone else in my life had.
“No, babe. No.” Layne hurried to my side of the bed, sat down, and scooped me into his lap. “Ten, I love you. Nothing will change that. I’ve loved you for a long time, and I’m not going anywhere. Listen to me for a minute. After I lost Nicole, I escaped in every way imaginable—drugs, booze, and a lot of women.” He paused, a fleeting look of guilt in his expression. He brushed a stray hair from my face then continued. “All I needed was to be told I was okay, forgiven, that I wasn’t a horrible human for not being strong enough to outlast the tornado. You know I still struggle with it today and most likely will for the rest of my life.” He visibly swallowed, dealing with his own darkness. “Babe, you’ve got a lot to deal with, and I’m all for a healthy distraction. Whatever sexual boundaries we decide are loving and acceptable for us in the bedroom, I’m fine talking about it. But not yet. You’re too vulnerable, and I can’t be the one that shatters the fragile exterior that’s barely holding you together. You’re strong, Ten. I’ve never met a stronger woman, but you can’t carry this on your own. You’re safe. We’re okay, so please stop worrying.” He placed a gentle kiss against my mouth. “We’re in this together no matter how shitty it looks. You’re. Not. Alone. Ever. Again.”
I fought the tears that welled in my eyes. “What if … What if Jack Flannery is my father? You can’t tell me you’ll not want to get as far away from me as possible. What if I’m just like him, and I don’t know it yet?”
“They would have seen signs of it when you were younger—killing animals and shit like that. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.” He cupped my chin, and our gazes locked. A fire burned in his eyes. “DNA does not define you. Everyone who loves you knows your kind and generous heart, your spunk, your determination, and ability to determine right from wrong. Ten, it’s all those things I fell in love with when we were in high school. You’re the epitome of good. If you share DNA with Jack Flannery, in no way does that change who you are. You’re good and loving, but most importantly, you’re mine.” He leaned his forehead against mine and kissed the tip of my nose.
His words sank deep inside me, unraveling all the fear, anger, guilt, and sadness from the past years. Before I could stop myself, my shoulders heaved, and quiet sobs shook my body. I curled into Layne while his hand gently stroked my back.
He held me while I cried. “I love you.”
“I’m so sorry.” I nearly choked on my words. “When the FBI showed up, I thought they were after you.” I peeked up at him and my chest tightened. “Please don’t be mad at me.”
Layne’s jaw tightened. “I’ll be glad when you trust me completely, but I know it will take time. And why wouldn’t you have thought the FBI was after me? Everyone in your life has lied to you and used you.” He tipped my chin up with his finger. His gentle expression was full of the forgiveness I needed. “I’ll show up for you again and again, and soon your heart will catch up to mine.”
At some point, we slid underneath the blankets with our clothes on. Layne snuggled up to me, his strong arms wrapping me in a safe cocoon while I drifted off to sleep.
18
It was nearly one in the afternoon w
hen I woke up. Layne had already left the bed, and my heart ached as reality weighed heavily on my shoulders.
Not ready to face the day yet, I burrowed under the blankets and closed my swollen eyes. The Saturday afternoon sky appeared as dreary as I felt. Although I’d agreed to a DNA test, I was scared shitless. Unable to shut my mind off, I opted for a long shower.
I rifled through the clothes Marilyn had so graciously lent me and headed toward the bathroom. I flipped the light on, then stared at the many button options. Fan, sink lights, shower lights, and heated floor. That sounded heavenly. By the time I was done drowning my sorrows under the hot spray, my feet would be toasty warm as they touched the tiles.
The double sinks with beige granite and a large framed mirror were gorgeous. A vanity was across from the walk-in closet, and next to that was a huge shower and the biggest jet tub I’d ever seen. I was pretty sure it would easily hold three people. My mind immediately turned to Layne and all the things I would love to do to him while soaking in bubbles. Although my hormones ran full speed ahead, my body was rebelling after the deliciously hard pounding he’d given me the night before. Sometimes I just needed it rough, and other times slow and gentle.
I pulled on the glass door handle of the shower, and my mouth gaped open. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I’d never seen so many showerheads or spouts or whatever wealthy people called them. A bench long enough for me to sit on and comfortably shave my legs butted up against the far wall. I would definitely take advantage of that, but first I needed to clean myself up. I reeked of sex, and I had more important meetings later that day.
A feeling of dread tugged at me as I turned the water on and stepped under the warm spray. I slammed my eyes shut and focused on the here and now. I was safe and loved.
“Safe and loved,” I said over and over again softly. It was apparently my anxiety-reducing mantra. Between talking to myself and the rich scent of the apricot shampoo, the tight muscles in my neck began to relax. Too bad I can’t stay here for the rest of the day. I applied conditioner to my long hair and let it soak in while I lathered up my body. Twenty minutes later, I stepped out of the shower, dried off, and dressed. Marilyn was right—we were close in size. The jeans were a little baggy, but I preferred the boyfriend fit anyway, so they worked fine.
After drying my hair, I slipped my shoes on and wandered down the hallway. Benji and Layne’s doors were open, but I didn’t see either of them. Voices carried up the stairs, and I followed them into the living room. Benji, Michael, and Layne were discussing a football game. A flicker of joy sparked inside me. My three favorite guys were not only spending time together, but they seemed to be enjoying it. Benji caught sight of me first. His faced morphed from excitement to concern, which told me he knew all the details of the previous night.
Benji waved me into the living room. “Hey, sleepyhead. I’ve been waiting for you.”
I gave him a big smile. “Hey.” No matter how shitty life was, I loved my best friend. “Guess you have roomies again for a few days, huh?”
“Thank God. I need some company.” He flashed me a huge grin, alleviating some of the tension in the room.
Layne stood and kissed my cheek before we sat down next to each other on the couch. Benji cocked an eyebrow at me and shot me a you got laid last night expression, and I gave him the most innocent look I could muster. I knew damned well Layne and I had been super quiet.
“How are you doing this morning?” Michael asked from the leather recliner across from us while he took a sip of his soda. The heavy damask curtains were closed, and I suspected we were waiting for our new security guys to show up.
I shrugged, not sure how to answer him and not wanting to lie. “I’m not sure yet.”
“That’s fair.” Michael gave me a tight-lipped smile.
“I’m so glad you’re safe. When Dad called last night and told me what had happened, I was terrified,” Benji blurted.
“It was definitely one hell of a night,” I muttered under my breath.
“Tensley, you’re awake.” Marilyn waltzed into the living room with a soda and plate topped with a grilled cheese and veggie chips for me.
“Thank you! I did wake up hungry.” I took a bite of my sandwich, and my tummy growled loudly.
“Everyone else has already eaten, so when I heard your voice, I tossed you something together.” She leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. Layne’s arm tightened around my shoulders and I glanced at him. I almost melted into a puddle on the Parkers’ plush couch. No one had ever gazed at me with so much love and adoration in their eyes before.
Marilyn sank into the chair next to her husband and sighed. “I realize you’ve not been up long, hon, but we have things to take care of today.” She folded her hands in her lap then glanced at Michael.
“Pierce Westbrook will be here in about ten minutes,” Michael explained. “He has three highly trained bodyguards with him. One will stay on the property, and one will discreetly follow us when we leave.”
I stopped chewing. Franklin had mentioned bodyguards the night before, but … I lowered my sandwich and focused on Benji’s parents.
“We will all be safe, Tensley.” Michael’s voice and mannerisms were confident and reassuring.
“And if I’m not Jack Flannery’s daughter, then what?” I peered up at Layne, wondering if I had put everyone I loved in jeopardy just because they were in my life. My hands turned clammy with the prospect, and I rubbed my free one on my jeans. Realizing I was no longer hungry, I put the plate down on the coffee table.
“Shit,” Benji muttered. “No matter what she says, Ten is scared. She never turns down food.”
“I’m not scared,” I lied. “I’m not related to this monster. All I want to know is if we’ll be able to go back to normal when the tests come back negative.”
Michael rubbed his chin. “Until the FBI catches him, I’m afraid not.”
“No. No.” I shook my head adamantly. “I refuse for some crazy, sick—” I stopped before I dropped the f-bomb. “I won’t allow him to dictate my life.”
Michael held his hand up, halting me from continuing. “This is a moot point, Tensley. Until we have the DNA results back, we can’t plan accordingly for your safety.”
Dammit, he’d just played the dad card on me. Before I could object, the doorbell rang.
“I’ve got it.” Michael stood, smoothed his khaki slacks and gray button-down shirt, then left the living room.
From the angle of where I was sitting, I had a pretty decent view of who was at the door. I leaned forward, attempting to get a better look. A dark-haired, well-built hottie shook Michael’s hand, and I assumed he was Pierce Westbrook. As the other men stepped into the foyer, I realized they were all in black suits. Men in Black. I stifled a giggle. For a moment, I wished Benji and I were sitting next to each other so we could drool over the eye candy.
Michael led the men into the living room, and Marilyn stood. I didn’t miss the subtle flush that crept over her cheeks.
“Everyone, this is Pierce Westbrook,” Michael said, glancing around at us. “He owns the security firm.”
Pierce stepped forward and shook our hands, smiling confidently. “It’s nice to meet you all. These are some of my best men, and they will be discreet. You won’t even know they’re around. This is Vaughn Reddington." Vaughn shook our hands, and for the first time, I realized he had one blue eye and one brown eye. His short blond hair and angled jawline added to his distinct appearance. He was hot as hell.
I minded my manners, but I knew Benji, and I would definitely need some one-on-one time to discuss how fucking gorgeous these guys were. For starters, where in the hell had these dudes come from? Maybe there was a hot-bodyguard-cloning factory somewhere.
“This is Zayne Wilson,” Pierce continued.
Zayne followed suit, introducing himself to us. I didn’t miss the hint of a tattoo peeking out from his jacket sleeve or how his emerald-green eyes stood out against his dark h
air.
“And Tad Murphy,” Pierce announced.
“Nice to meet you,” Tad said, smiling and shaking our hands firmly.
Never had I seen red hair and big brown eyes look so smoldering hot. Tad had an infectious presence that filled the room.
I was a hormonal mess. My brain realized the men were there to protect us, but I was ready to pull Layne into the bathroom for a hot and hard quickie.
“I’m going to show everyone around the house and property,” Michael announced.
I peered over at Benji. His eyes were glued to the backsides of the men as they left us. If the circumstances hadn’t been so serious, I would have jokingly wiped the drool off his chin. I stifled a giggle with my arm.
“Well, they seem like lovely men,” Marilyn gushed.
Layne leaned over, his breath tickling my ear. “I’m glad they won’t be where you ladies can see them on a regular basis.”
Flustered that I’d not been more discreet in my attraction to the bodyguards, I glanced up at him. “Oh my God. I’m sorry. I—”
Layne’s chuckle rumbled through his chest. “Hell, even I noticed how gorgeous they all were. As long as I’m the one you’re taking to bed, it’s all good,” he whispered in my ear.
“Always.” I gave him a chaste kiss on the mouth since Marilyn was in the room.
“Have you heard from Franklin today?” I asked, attempting to focus again.
“Yes. Michael will take you downtown to meet him, then you’ll follow him to take the DNA test. Although I know how powerful a man Franklin is, I’m still amazed at how quickly he can move things along. You should have your test results by morning.”
I gulped. “Okay. I’m glad I won’t have to wait long, and then we can resume our lives.”
Marilyn’s sad smile said otherwise, but I needed to hold on to what I could, even if it might not be accurate.
“I miss my drums,” I said, leaning over and staring at Benji. “I need something to pound on. I wonder if Matthew could arrange for me to get in before the bar opens and blow off some steam.”