“I’m coming again,” I cried as it hit me all over again. My emotions for Rayce flooded me and the tears I was holding back finally fell. The release was magnificent.
“Oh, yeah,” he growled.
I felt amazing to have his body inside mine. I wanted, no, I craved more of him. Though I was exhausted, he wouldn’t allow me to fall. He began to pull my hips harder but slower against him. I didn’t think I had anything left. Once I started to move with him again he reached his hand around and played with my clit. I didn’t think it possible, but my orgasm started to build yet again.
“Babe, your pussy feels so good when you come. Do it again for me,” he begged. My body burned as I relished in his words, his touch. I curled my toes and just when I thought I couldn’t handle anymore, I was struck with my third climax. “Yes, that’s it,” he growled and with a hard thrust, he released deep inside me. I savored our moment of bliss.
“That was fantastic,” I sighed happily as I lay next to him.
He brought up his hand and wiped a tear from my cheek. “Did I hurt you?”
“No. You healed me.” He pulled me up into his arms and for the first time in weeks, I was able to have a dreamless sleep.
CHAPTER
16
I woke the following morning with a sweet ache between my thighs. Rayce had his arm draped over me as he slept. It was nice to see he didn’t take off in the middle of the night. I hated to expect that but it was what I was used to. I sighed happily and snuggled into his chest. I have never felt this way about anyone before. Even my ex, before Gage. Rayce accepted me and made me feel loved.
In the daylight, I could see the scars all over his body. His lightly tanned skin made the scars more pronounced. I took a chance and ran one of my fingers across one. He jumped in his sleep, “That tickles you know,” he said with closed eyes.
I covered my mouth and giggled, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” He opened those beautiful eyes. “What happened to you?”
He turned over on his back and put one hand behind his head. He touched a scar on his stomach and didn’t hold anything back. He told me the story behind the damage to his beautiful body.
“Gage happened to me. When I was only a kid, learning to fight, he treated me pretty bad. He would have me shift into my hound form and he would fight me. You have to remember, I’m twenty years younger than he is, and I had no idea how to fight. He was relentless and cut me up pretty bad. By that time, he was hooked on the blood already and if I did land a blow, he would heal almost immediately. I think he has always had his eye on my position, even if I didn’t know about it. I think he was trying to kill me so he could have it,” he explained.
I felt so bad for him. “I’m sorry, that’s awful. You never healed because you never touched the blood?”
“Don’t worry about me, babe. He can’t hurt me anymore,” he said softly. I hugged him and he put his arm around me. I rested my head on his shoulder and almost drifted off to sleep again.
“I need to pee,” I announced with a giggle. His arm moved away and I hopped out of bed. I wasn’t sure if Jay and Marie were sleeping, so I locked the doors and looked at myself in the mirror. It was clear by the look of my body that I had a good time with Rayce. I had red finger prints on my hip bones and my breasts. My lips were even a little swollen. I felt like a sexy woman again.
I walked out of the bathroom and he was still in bed waiting for me with a smile. I got back in bed with him and he held me. He didn’t want anything from me and it felt nice to be held, wanted. He kissed the top of my head and let out a sigh. I looked up at him and he was smiling with his eyes closed. I fell back to sleep in his arms.
Two days passed with no sign of Gage, Jade, or Dawn’s remaining nest of vampires. Devils Bend and the surrounding towns were quiet. People weren’t even calling T&J for exterminations. It was strange.
I didn’t mind the time off though. It gave me more time with Rayce. He was with me every night. He never left. It made him and I both feel better knowing he was here. I had the best night’s sleep since he showed up. My mind was relaxed and I was actually able to heal from Jade’s attack.
Rayce was adamant that I clear my house of anything Gage. We tackled his old room with Marie. He didn’t have a lot that I would claim as personal items, other than a few changes of clothes, a toothbrush, and deodorant. What surprised me about his belongings were the boxes from when he moved in. It was crazy. They were empty, minus a few actual rocks. I was floored. He was a sadistic individual.
“What a freak,” I expressed and dropped a rock back into the box. “Seriously?”
Marie’s face read utter disbelief. “He had put on an entire show, didn’t he?”
“And I fell for it,” I sighed. “Idiot.”
“It’s not as if you were going to check his boxes. You thought he was moving in because he was homeless,” she expressed, trying to make me feel better for being so foolish.
“Anymore?” Rayce asked as he walked back into the room.
“Two more,” Marie said and lifted a heavy box off the bed and passed it to him.
“Give me the other one,” he said.
“I got it,” I said and before I could pick it up, Marie stopped me.
“No, you don’t. You’re still healing,” she said and lifted the box.
“Marie, I didn’t lose an arm. I got stitches. I can carry a box.”
“Shush,” she said and followed Rayce out of the room.
I remained behind in order to check for anything else of his that could possibly be hiding. I got down on the floor and checked under the bed. Nothing but an old condom wrapper. I grabbed it before Rayce could see it. Maybe not the first time but at least we were safe every time there after. Well, almost every time. I knew I wasn’t pregnant. I had my monthly cycle a week after the last time we were intimate. I did want children but the thought of having a kid with Gage made me ill.
I continued to check the room but found nothing else. I had even cleared out the bathroom and scrubbed every inch with bleach. Even though it was chilly outside, I opened the windows to air out the room and stripped the bed. The bedding had to be washed. His scent clung to everything.
I carried the bedding downstairs to the washroom that was located off the kitchen. When I entered, I found Rayce bent down, looking in the fridge. I gave his ass a slap as I passed.
“Woo, baby,” I announced with a laugh.
“Hey,” he said standing up. “I’m the only one who will be doing the spanking around here.”
“I so don’t want to hear about that,” Marie said giggling.
“If I recall correctly, you were the one who said everyone has sex.”
“True. Spank away,” she said as she grabbed the bag out of the kitchen trash and took it out.
It felt good to rid my house of Gage and all the filth that came with it. We even emptied the fridge of all the foods he enjoyed and finished off his beer.
“We need to go shopping,” Rayce stated at the door of the laundry room.
“Good Idea,” I said and stood from my task of loading the washer. “I’ll get you some money and a list.”
“I didn’t ask for money, babe.”
“Oh, no. I won’t allow you to buy my food. This is my house. I will provide for it.”
“We all have been here eating all your food. It’s only right that we contribute a little.”
He was right. Hellhounds had a large appetite, especially the guys. “Alright. Contribute, but you’re not paying for everything.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said saluting me. “Come here,” he said and wrapped his arms around me. “Are you alright?”
“I’m good,” I assured. “Just processing and trying to forget a mistake.”
“Forgetting mistakes doesn’t help you learn from them,” he stated in a cooing tone. “Look at all that madness as a learning experience and try to move on.”
“I’m trying. At least I have someone great to move on
with,” I said smiling up at him. “You’ve been great.”
“Naturally,” he said jokingly and smiled and lowered his lips to mine. I would never tire of kissing Rayce. His mouth fit mine perfectly.
“Ok, I’m starving,” Marie announced from the kitchen. “Can we get food or are y’all busy in there?”
“Don’t come in here, unless you want to see my ass,” Rayce teased.
“Oh, Jesus,” she grumbled.
“Knock it off,” I laughed and exited the laundry room. Marie was sitting at the table. Marie could be the sweetest person in the world until she got hungry. She would get short and shitty with everyone.
“You getting hangry?” Rayce asked as he followed me.
“Very funny,” she said and rolled her eyes. There was only so much she could take before she lost it. I grabbed a granola bar from the top of the fridge and tossed it to her. “Thanks.”
“Hangry?”
“Yeah, hungry and angry. Hangry,” he explained.
“Ok, that’s funny,” I said and giggled. “That tiny granola bar isn’t going to tide her over for long. How does shopping for food sound?”
“Yes!” Marie said excitedly.
Three hours later, we entered my house with dozens of bags of food. The real grocery story was a half hour away from my small town. Marie wanted to make lasagna and I was going to let her. I was exhausted from the shopping trip.
“I’m going to go lay down for a little while. Are you good here?” I asked Marie as she began to prep for dinner. She had asked Jay to come eat. She was excited to see him after such a long day.
“Of course, go lay down. I got this. Do you want me to wake you when it’s ready?”
“Yes, please. Thanks, Marie.”
Rayce was walking in with more bags, “You going to go lay down?”
“Yeah, I’m tired,” I said and kissed him before heading upstairs. My feet felt like they were dragging in mud and I hadn’t even done anything strenuous to make me tired. I slipped out of my pants, tossed my bra in the corner chair and snaked in between my cool sheets.
He woke me with a kiss on my lips. I smiled and opened my eyes. It was Gage. He grabbed me by the throat and was choking me. Then he climbed on top of me and forced my legs open, he thrust hard inside me. I tried to cry out but I couldn’t breathe, I felt the tears roll out of the corners of my eyes and pool in my ears. I was clawing at his hands but I couldn’t get free. I was hitting and kicking him, trying to cry out but all he did was smile down at me showing his sharp onyx teeth.
My eyes flew open in shock. The nightmare clung to my body and I started to choke for air. My heart was pounding. Rayce burst through the door and rushed up to the bed.
“Babe, are you alright?” He wiped a tear away from my cheek, “Why are you crying?”
I tried to cover my sob with my hand. I closed my eyes and saw nothing but Gage and his rage. It was heavy in my mind and his presence lingered in my room. It seemed so real. I couldn’t control my tears.
“Talk to me,” he whispered as he pulled me into his chest. His touch was a comfort. He had already cleaned up my mess of a life and put my broken heart back together. He had done so much. They all had. I wanted to hide this one thing but it seemed as if that wasn’t going to happen.
I replayed the last night with Gage for him. He knew Gage had beaten me but had no idea what he attempted to do or what would get him angry in the first place. All he did was wrap both of his arms around me and held me close. I placed my ear against his chest and heard the erratic and angry beat of his raging heart. I thought it would burst out of his chest.
“I’m sorry that happened to you but I promise, it will never happen again. If he comes within a thousand yards from you, I will slaughter him,” he growled. “Fuck!”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before. I was embarrassed that I caused something like that to happen. I never thought,” I paused.
“Jessica, you did not cause that. That was of his choosing.”
“I know, but.”
“There is no but. Don’t ever apologize for him.” He sighed, “Is that when he gave you that horrible bite?”
“Yes,” I replied softly. “I thought it would never stop bleeding.”
“He ripped into you because his dominance was threatened. I know from experience. I’m sorry that happened.”
“Me too. What made it worse was the cops wouldn’t help me.”
“What?”
“I ran two days later and they said they couldn’t help me. Are any of the police hellhounds?”
“It’s possible but I’m not sure.”
“I couldn’t help but feel as if Gage has the law under his thumb.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me.”
“I would love a bath,” I said and stood from my bed. The scent of lasagna lingered in the air but I wasn’t anywhere near hungry.
“I will get you some food after this.”
“I’m not hungry,” I confessed and followed him into the bathroom. He started the shower.
“I can leave you alone if you like,” he said. Rayce was a different sort of man. Not many men would be as understanding or forgiving as he was. He was nothing but caring, kind, and gentle.
“No. stay.”
He helped me under the warm spray and closed the curtain. As I grabbed my sponge, he surprised me by climbing in with me. He took over the washing and it was the most erotic experience of my life. He took his time to wash every inch of my body, taking special care around my stitches and the bite wound that was still healing.
“You’re teasing me,” I breathed heavily.
“Just a little,” he said and pulled me into his naked body. I nestled into his touch. “You are safe with me, babe.”
“I know I am,” I kissed his chest.
His kindness didn’t stop there. Once out of the shower, he dried me off, kissing every inch of my body. I was on fire for him. I raked my fingers through his hair as he placed feather-like kisses to my navel.
“Rayce,” I panted as his mouth moved lower.
“Yes,” he said deeply as he licked me. My body tensed and I gasped at the sensation. I grabbed the countertop for support as he tasted my core for the first time. He lifted my right leg up onto his shoulder and plunged a finger inside me. “Would you like me to stop?”
“No,” I said abruptly, causing him to snicker.
His tongue and fingers explored my middle and quickly he found my g-spot. My body shuttered as heat began to build deep inside me. I gripped his hair tighter, holding him in place, but his tongue never stopped the powerful motion against my swollen clit. My head fell back and I bellowed as he threw me into a commanding orgasm.
“Mm,” he licked me one final time before coming up for air. “You taste like honey, babe. Damn.”
My cheeks burned. A man has never made me orgasm that way. “That was my first time,” I admitted.
“A man never went down on you? How could they resist?” he asked as he pulled my naked body into his.
“No. I have never finished that way. Nobody could ever get me there,” I smiled sheepishly.
“Glad I could,” he said. Then his face sank. “Shit. I shouldn’t have done that after,” he stopped. “I’m sorry, Jessica. I wasn’t thinking.”
“I’m glad you weren’t.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t.”
“Shouldn’t what? Have sex?”
“We should wait until you’re ready.”
“I know you would never hurt me, Rayce. Plus, I’m always ready for you,” I said and slid my hand down to his naked ass to pull him closer.
“As am I,” he said softly, slid his hand to my cheek, and kissed me. My stomach grumbled.
“Sorry,” I giggled.
“Are you hungry now?”
“Maybe a little.”
We walked downstairs, Jay and Marie were sitting at the kitchen table. I couldn’t get over how adorable they were together. A perfect pair. Jay was playing with h
er raven hair and she giggled.
“Jessica, are you alright?” Marie asked when she spotted me.
“I had a bad dream. I’m fine.”
Rayce sat down and pulled me to sit on his lap. “Gage beat her.”
Jay’s eyes landed on me. They held complete shock. “That’s why your face was all fucked up?”
“Yes,” I sighed.
“Mother fucker,” Jay sighed. “I’m sorry, Jessica. He truly is a monster.”
“It’s not your fault, Jay.”
“No, but I could have warned you when I knew you two were seeing each other.”
“I make my own choices. Just like I made the choice to work for you.”
“I don’t think I would have taken no for an answer,” he chuckled. “I probably would have pestered you until you agreed.”
“Really? Why?”
He smiled down at me, “Like I said, there is something special about you, Jessica.”
Marie pulled the lasagna out of the oven and set it on the counter. My stomach grumbled again.
“Enough talk. Let’s eat,” Rayce said.
My entire life, I had never been a night sleeper. I would go to bed before dawn and sleep only a few hours. Now, with Rayce in the house, and minimal hunting jobs for us to do, I could sleep soundly without a care in the world. Sadly, I was running out of cash. I would need to hunt soon in order to pay some bills.
I walked into the kitchen after a nap and discovered my friends had done something for me that was out of this world. Something I never expected.
“Surprise,” everyone said in unison.
“Woah. What’s this?” Rayce, Marie, and Jay were standing around the table and it was covered in new plants for my garden. There were three different rose bushes. My favorites. They were but saplings and would need to remain inside until the season grew warmer. They were all marked with their color. I couldn’t help but smile. I never thought I would find such kind friends.
“We figured, well, I figured you needed a pick me up, so I had Jay take me shopping. I hope you like them,” Marie replied smiling.
Hunting Jessica Page 17