“I’ve told him to come inside and stay but he insists on staying in his truck.” James pulled on his coat.
Marina watched through the window as James walked up to the truck at the end of the driveway and stood there for a moment talking to Bull. As James walked away Bull exited his vehicle and headed up the driveway. Both he and Truck did that when James was out of the house. They would stand on the front deck until he returned even if someone else was inside with her. Although it seemed a little excessive to have the security, she was relieved they were there. Not that she’d let Marc get close to Danny because she’d die first.
Marina had popcorn ready as she flicked through the on demand movies. There were a few she wanted to see, but it had to be something James would want to watch. She glanced at her watch and realized he’d been gone a while. Hopedale wasn’t really big and the store wasn’t that far. She walked to the window and looked up and down the street. There was no sign of James’ truck and she began to feel a wave of panic. What if something happened to him? She grabbed her phone off the coffee table and was about to push his cell number when the lights of a vehicle lit up the living room. She ran back to the window to see him heading up the driveway. Now she felt like a complete idiot.
He stood outside talking to Bull for quite a while and it made her tense when Bull jogged back to his truck with his phone to his ear. James walked into the house and headed to the kitchen.
“I thought you got lost.” Marina tried to keep the comment light though her heart was pounding. She had panic attacks but it was the first time she had one in a long time. Now she knew why James had been making sure she always had company. He probably knew she’d feel anxious when she was alone for the first time after the break-in.
“Wishful thinking.” He sauntered into the living room. The last thing she wanted was for him to get lost. Her wishes for him required him to be in full attendance, minus the clothes. He plopped down on the couch next to her, and he turned towards her.
“I had a little trouble at the store. My tire was flat when I came out, and it looked like it was slashed. I had to change it,” James said.
“Slashed?” The word sent a shiver down her spine.
“I can’t be sure until I get a better look at it.” He didn’t seem overly concerned but she was.
“You think it was Marc, don’t you?” Marina didn’t need him to answer.
“I’m not worrying about it tonight because I’m looking forward to having a nice night watching a movie with you.” He smiled at her. Nothing could be done until morning and he was home safe but if Marc did this, it meant he was in Hopedale and that was way too close, but James was right. They needed to forget about Marc for the night and just enjoy each other’s company.
After a serious discussion on the romance and heartbreak of love stories, Marina using the romance argument, and James arguing the heartbreak part. They agreed to watch only one so each of them could prove their argument. Plus, she loved them.
She enjoyed the movie, but she was hyperaware of him sitting so close. James teased her about crying over one part, and she swatted him on the leg. He grabbed her hand and laced his fingers with hers. That was the way they sat for the rest of the movie. She was relaxed and content as the movie credits rolled up on the screen and hadn’t even noticed she’d had her head resting on James shoulder. A sudden crack from outside made her bolt upright and practically jump into James lap.
“What the hell was that?” she almost screamed.
“I think it’s the beginning of a thunderstorm.”
She turned towards him when she felt his body shake. He was laughing, and she wanted to smack him again. A bright flash of light and the heavy rain began to beat against the window. She was doing her best to stay calm, but she was nervous of thunderstorms. James’ grin told her she wasn’t doing a great job of hiding that fear.
“I won’t let the big bad storm get you.” He was teasing her and she wanted to slap him.
Marina pushed him playfully, and he let out a full belly laugh. She did snuggle into his side, but mostly because she wanted to be close to him. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. She’d never been so glad for a thunderstorm in her life.
James picked another movie, but she really didn’t care what he picked. She was so content sitting next to him and having his warmth envelope her. The movie was about four guys who went on a trip for a bachelor party and ended up in all kinds of trouble. It was funny, and she laughed so hard her stomach hurt. She’d adjusted her position so that she was lying against James’ chest, and every time he laughed the vibration rumbled through her. When the credits started to roll, she was disappointed. It meant she’d have to move.
When she tried to sit up he held her tightly, and she glanced at him. His eyes were hooded and his lips slightly parted. James ran his finger down her jawline and his eyes locked with hers. She couldn’t look away.
“Marina, I want to kiss you so bad.” His voice seemed strained, and her heart begin to flutter. They’d kissed before, but something about the way he was gazing into her eyes told her this kiss was going to be different.
He leaned in slowly, and keeping his gaze locked with hers. He slipped his hand around the back of her neck, and he grasped her hair in his hand as he tilted her head and brushed his lips against hers. His lips were soft and gentle at first, but he increased the pressure and she moaned. It was intoxicating and she couldn’t get enough of his taste. When his tongue entered her mouth, she met it with her own. He groaned into her mouth as he lowered her back on the sofa. James hovered above her, never breaking the kiss, but she could feel his growing arousal against her leg, and moisture pooled between her legs. Things were getting out of control quickly and even though she really wanted this, with everything going on in her life, maybe starting something before Marc was locked away and Danny was safe would only put a strain on their relationship. She pulled her lips from his.
“James, wait... this is... oh God.” Marina panted as he started to move his hand under her shirt. James was breathing so heavy she wasn’t sure if he’d heard her, but when she pressed her hand against his chest, she could feel his heart thudding.
“Damn, that kiss kind of got away from me. I didn’t mean to get carried away, but when I kiss you it’s hard to think.” He stared into her eyes.
“I think we both got a little lost there for a minute.” She touched his cheek, and he closed his eyes.
“So what are we gonna do about this?” he asked, and she cupped his cheeks in her hands.
“What do you want to do about it?” She needed to know where he stood. “I mean this is going somewhere? Right?”
“I kinda liked where it was going a few seconds ago.” He grinned.
“I could tell.” She pressed her thigh against his erection, and he groaned as he sat up and pulled her with him.
“He invited himself to the party.” James chuckled.
“Maybe we should call it a night.” Marina smiled when he held her hand as he led her upstairs, stopping in front of what he now called her room. “Sleep well, sweetheart,” he whispered as he kissed her softly.
“Goodnight.” She pulled away reluctantly and entered the room. Marina pressed her head against the closed door for a moment and tried to slow her racing heartbeat. The man had her hormones raging but she couldn’t blame it all on him. She flopped down on the bed and closed her eyes. Maybe it wouldn’t be too long before she could get back to her life and possibly start one with James.
The sun peeped through the heavy drapes and Marina squinted her eyes to adjust to the brightness. Another week and she was still no closer to going home or finding out what the hell Marc was up to. Sleep wasn’t her friend, but all the shit with Marc wasn’t the only reason she wasn’t getting a good night’s sleep. Every night she’d toss and turn until she’d fall asleep only to dream about James doing really hot and naughty things to her body. She didn’t know how much longer she could take this sexual frustrati
on. At least they weren’t nightmares about Marc anymore.
Stephanie and John would be home in a few days, and it would probably be a good idea for her to go stay with them until she could go home. It was getting really hard to keep things G-rated in such close proximity to James. Of course her frustration was her own fault. She and James had done more kissing and a little petting, but they’d always stop before things went too far. She didn’t know why for sure. Fear of what Marc was up to was part of it, but she cared for James probably more than she ever expected. She wanted to take things further and he seemed ready to move on as well. What was she waiting for? A soft knock brought her out of her head.
“Come in.” She leaned up on one elbow. James opened the door and sauntered in with a tray in one hand. The grin he was sporting said he was pretty impressed with himself, and it was so damn sexy. He moved next to the bed and set the tray next to her.
“Good morning.” He sat on the foot of the bed.
“Good morning.” Marina glanced at the tray and then back to him.
“Sleep well?” Her heart jumped in her chest when his eyes dropped to her breasts. She knew the top was probably too snug but it was only meant to sleep in. She did enjoy the hot look in his eyes when he moved his gaze back to hers.
“Yes.” She smiled even though it was far from the truth.
“That’s good.” It almost sounded like a small growl.
“So what’s this?” Marina motioned to the tray that contained a cup of steaming coffee, a bowl of fruit, and two slices of toast. Her normal breakfast.
“Thought I’d spoil you a bit this morning.”
She smiled and his eyes moved to her lips. When he did that her stomach clenched with need and she had to squeeze her legs together to ease the ache there.
“Mrs. Ray took Mason and Danny to the park. She was taking her dogs for a walk and thought they’d enjoy it. So I figured I’d let you sleep in a bit and then I made breakfast.”
“Are you sure it’s safe?” Nothing had happened in a while but Marc was still out there and until he was caught Danny was still in danger.
“Trunk is gone with them. Although, Mrs. Ray’s dogs would probably eat someone who went near her or the boys. She has two Bullmastiffs. They’re great dogs and very friendly but protective.” Marina had seen the dogs in the yard a few times and thought they looked kind of scary.
“So you thought you’d treat me to breakfast in bed.” She sat up and the blankets slipped down, revealing the tank she was wearing. James almost jumped off the bed after he handed her the napkin from the tray. He shoved his hand into his front pockets, and her heart rate increased when she noticed the slight bulge he seemed to be trying to hide.
Marina started to eat as James moved to the other side of the room and leaned against the dresser. He was focused on her mouth as she put the last piece of fruit into her mouth.
“What’s wrong?” She met his eyes and a shiver of desire ran through her.
“Nothing. Just watching you.”
Why did those words make her panties wet? It wasn’t only what he said, but it was the husky vibration of his voice. She placed the tray on the night stand, but didn’t look away from him. When he pushed off the dresser and moved to the bed, her heart raced. He sat next to her and linked his fingers with hers. There was no more fighting what she wanted. She wanted James. She leaned towards him, and he tensed. Marina brushed her lips against his and cupped his cheek with her other hand.
His face was freshly shaven and the scent of his cologne she knew instantly because it was her favorite. Stetson. She brushed her lips against his again and inhaled. James seemed almost afraid to move, but his lips responded to her kiss when her tongue touched his lower lip. He moaned as her tongue entered his mouth and the kiss increased in intensity. She kissed him like someone starved and his lips were the only thing that would sustain her life. Her hands plowed into his hair, but he began to pull away. She only held tighter and tried to pull him down onto the bed next to her. She was done worrying about what the hell Marc was up to. She’d let him interfere in her happiness for too long.
“Marina, if you keep kissing me that way, I’m not gonna be able to control myself,” he whispered against her mouth as he held his body as far away from hers as she would allow him.
“Then don’t control yourself. I don’t want to wait anymore. I need you. Now.” She glided her hands down the front of his shirt and she frantically pulled it free from his jeans.
“Are you sure?” His warm breath blew against her ear and made her tremble, but she found his lips and answered with a deep, desperate kiss. His hand moved under her shirt and the gentle caress of his hand against her naked flesh sent an electric current through her body.
He cupped her breast, and she didn’t think the sensation of his touch could become any more intense, but his thumb slowly circled her hard nipple, making her gasp and moan at the same time. He rolled it between his fingers as his mouth worked every nerve ending down the side of her neck. She slowly dragged her nails lightly against the skin of his naked chest under his shirt. His muscles bunched and she pulled back to meet his eyes.
“James, I guess I should ask if you’re ready for this too?” She’d never even thought he may not be. When he smiled and moved her hand to the erection straining against his zipper, she knew the answer.
“Does that answer your question? I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” James clenched his teeth when she squeezed him through his jeans. Her shirt disappeared with a quick flick over her head, and his jeans were shucked quicker than she’d ever seen a man undress.
James slid under the blankets and pulled her against his warm naked body. The heat of his skin against hers was scorching and making her hotter than she’d ever expected. His lips teased down her neck in small sensual kisses as he covered her breast again. Then his hot mouth covered her pebbled nipple and he sucked and licked one than the other. She gasped with pleasure. His hand seemed to have an agenda of its own as it slid down her body slowly making its way to where she needed him to touch her the most.
He continued to explore her body until he reached the aching flesh between her legs. His lips had found hers again as he slid his thick finger between her folds and pressed the heel of his hand against her sensitive clit.
“Ah, yes. James.” She moaned into his mouth when he slid one thick digit inside her and continued to increase the pressure on her nub. His mouth moved back to her breast, and he scraped his teeth over the hard nipple. She was going to go up in flames and when her body started to quiver, she was sure of it. He thrust another finger into her and curved them inside her. A wave of pleasure began to flow through her, and squeezed her legs together around his hand as she embraced the first orgasm. Probably the most intense one she’d had in her life.
“Marina, I want you so fucking bad.” His voice was desperate as he moved over her. He positioned himself between her legs but stopped. “Condom.” He gasped and started to move off the bed.
“I’m on the pill.” Marina grabbed him and pulled him down on top of her. His lips captured hers in a fevered kiss as his throbbing cock pressed against her wet heat. Just a little more pressure and she would come again.
“Jesus, Marina, you’re so wet.” James growled against her lips and flexed his hips against her.
“I want you inside me, James. Just you. Nothing between us,” she whispered. He groaned and slowly pressed into her. He seemed so big as he slowly filled her, but it felt so incredible. At first his thrusts were slow and deep. It was driving her crazy as he took his time making her climax build more and more. His body started to tremble as his hips began to pump faster.
“James.” Marina screamed when he thrust deep into her and she exploded. The pleasure rushed through her body, and she arched off the bed, her body convulsing as her orgasm seemed to go on and on. James didn’t stop and pumped into her frantically drawing out her climax. One more deep thrust and he roared her name. His body quiv
ered and his jaw clenched.
For a few minutes, she was warmed by the weight of his body and his hot breath against her neck. He lifted his head and smiled as he rolled both of them on their side with him still inside her. He propped himself up with his elbow with his head resting on his fist. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“Are you okay?” Marina giggled.
“I’m so relieved.” He sighed.
“I know the feeling.” James rolled onto his back, and he slipped from her body. Marina missed him instantly and quickly snuggled into his side. For a moment she studied the tattoo on the right side of his chest. Her sister told her about the O’Connor family crest that the entire family had inked themselves with, including her sister. She lay her head on his chest and listened to steady beat of his heart. It was calming. Thump, thump... Thump, thump.
She started to drift off to sleep but the distant ringing of the phone made both her and James jump. He cursed as he hopped out of the bed, and she couldn’t help but watch his naked ass as he dashed from the room.
Marina stretched and then let her body relax. She grabbed a pillow and put it over her face as she let out a squeal of delight and stomped her feet into the mattress. Nothing could take away how happy she felt right now. Well at least that’s what she thought until James returned with a solemn expression and grabbed his jeans from the floor. Whoosh! There went the happiness.
“What’s wrong?” Marina sat up and pulled her knees up to her chest. She didn’t know if she really wanted an answer, because the hairs on the back of her neck were telling her this wasn’t going to be good.
“Marina, I need you to get up and get dressed, quickly.” James wouldn’t meet her eyes as he frantically pulled on his jeans.
“James, you’re scaring me. What’s wrong?” She grabbed his arm as he bent to pick up his T-shirt. When he took her hand, her blood ran cold.
“That was Uncle Kurt on the phone. The police were called to the park.” His voice cracked before he finished. “Marina, Danny’s missing.”
Dangerous Abduction (O'Connor Brothers Book 2) Page 13