Hard Target (All or Nothing Book 1)

by Rhonda Laurel

  Once he spread her legs with his hand and began to stroke her with three of his fingers, she knew it would take some heavy meditation not to go over the edge too quickly. His kisses felt like fire across her skin as he kissed her face, her stomach, and then finally he massaged her clit with his tongue. Men had done that before but not like this. Riley’s tongue made deliberate, strategic moves that brought ripples of pleasure forth from her inner core. She grabbed onto his hair for dear life and began to writhe with his movements. She wanted to stop, to give him pleasure too, but he ramped up his maneuvers, and before she knew it, she was there.

  “Riley,” she groaned as she climaxed.

  “I like the way you say my name.” He sat up and wiped his mouth with his hand. “In fact, I’d like you say it again.”

  She was too sated at the moment to move, so she just lay back on the pillows and watched as he sheathed himself with a condom. He kissed her as he lay on top of her, but then he stopped. When she looked up at him, she saw the hunger in his eyes too.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I hope you know this is going change us.”

  “I know.”

  Riley kissed her and plunged into her with such force that bed shook. Riley gripped his shoulders as she opened her legs wide to accept his body weight. She explored his body and was surprised at how soft skin was covering all that hard muscle mass. He was a magnificent specimen of a man. The corded thighs, the six pack abs, and well-defined chest. He was made to play football, but he was also capable of so much more. He was funny and charming and could even be sweet and unassuming when he wanted. He had a dazzling, infectious smile that warmed her soul every time he flashed it at her. It was hard not to fall for him—heaven knew she’d been resisting his magnetism since the day they met. She didn’t want to be just another girl in his stable of conquests. But so much had changed. For both of them. They weren’t the same people they’d been all those months ago.

  Their tongues met playfully as he cupped her bottom and drove deeper than any man had done before. She’d never felt this kind of connected energy. It was intense, as if he was trying to get to the center of her being. It was the same kind of focus and drive he exhibited on the football field. He was a perfectionist in every way, and right now she was what he was intent on winning.

  As their bodies continued to join together over and over again, she couldn’t help but feel all her fears and terror from earlier melting away. When he let out a guttural growl like he was close to the edge, she stopped holding back, and they climaxed together. He collapsed on to top of her, and they remained that way for a while, both of them breathing hard. When he finally moved, she thought he would roll off her and go to sleep but her surprise, he wanted to make love again. And they did three more times.

  When they were both finally exhausted, Riley cleaned them up, then got back in the bed. His face was a few inches away from her as he cuddled up against her. She felt safe lying against his firm chest. He draped his arm protectively over her stomach, and within minutes she could hear the sounds of him snoring. She was still too wired to sleep, so she listened to the sounds around her. It was quiet outside. They were safe for another night. Her body still thrummed for him, it was like a runner’s high.

  This was turning into something far more powerful and deeper than she ever anticipated. It was beginning to feel like love, and she wasn’t about to let some lunatic take him away from her.

  CHAPTER NINE

  By the time Riley woke, Parker was gone from the bed. He could hear her milling around downstairs; she’d probably already checked the perimeter. He wished she would have waited for him. He knew it was her job, but he didn’t like the idea of her getting hurt somehow.

  He put on a shirt and jeans and went downstairs. The heavenly smell of bacon beckoned him into the kitchen. His heart raced when he saw her. She had on her jogging clothes and her hair in a ponytail. She was at the stove scrambling eggs in a skillet.

  “That smells awesome.” He snagged a piece off the plate.

  “I made coffee.” Parker handed him a cup but didn’t look at him. “One sugar and cream.”

  “You remembered. Thanks.” Their hands touched as he accepted the mug from him. He noticed she seemed a little nervous. “How are things?”

  “So far so good. I walked the perimeter about an hour ago.” She opened the fridge and put the egg carton back on the shelf. “I was thinking you had time for a run before we packed up to leave.”

  He smiled. “Scared I’ve lost a step since we’ve been here?”

  “No, I think it’s a shame you can’t practice with your teammates. This whole experience leading up the main event is prime bonding time. I know conferencing via satellite with your coaches isn’t the same as the real thing. Both Seth and J.J. have talked about it. I’m angry you’re missing that.”

  He leaned against the sink and took a swig of the coffee. “I won’t lie. I hate it, but the circumstances require I be away from them.” He took a deep breath and continued. “But I wouldn’t trade this time we’ve spent together for anything in the world.”

  “You wouldn’t?” She slowly plated the eggs.

  “Last night we shared something special.”

  She set the pan down. “You saw me breakdown.”

  “I saw you vulnerable, and I was honored I was there for you when you needed someone.”

  “I guess I don’t seem so tough anymore.”

  “Is that what you want? For the world to see you as this unflappable PI who never lets her guard down?”

  She let out a dry laugh. “About as badly as you want that Super Bowl ring.”

  “Why?” He went over and put his hands on her shoulders.

  “I don’t get hurt that way. What if I crack again like I did when I was a cop? What if I can’t take the pressure?”

  “You can handle anything.”

  “I wish that were true.”

  “I have faith in you. Don’t let the past stop you from having a great future.” He touched her forehead with his. “I want you to know that I’ll never repeat what you told me last night.”

  “I know.”

  “Good, because I want to be the kind of person you can depend on.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “What do you want Parker?”

  “What do you mean?” She bit her lip.

  “You know what I mean. Last night, did you just need some comfort or were you responding to this thing between us?”

  She closed her eyes and sighed. “No, you weren’t just a warm body. It meant everything to me that it was you. I haven’t felt that safe in forever. You don’t give yourself enough credit. You are capable of being the boyfriend. I think you just opt not to go there.”

  “I’m not that way with just anyone. You bring out those things in me that I prefer to hide.” He leaned in and kissed her. Riley felt elated when Parker wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. It wasn’t like the passionate exchanges last night. This time when their lips met, it was tender and loving. It was the kind of kiss that changed things. When he looked into her eyes, he saw the potential of exploring what was so evidently between them. This hadn’t happened over the course of the week. It had been happening since the day they met. Sure, his sights were set on Avery at the time, but Parker aroused a fire in him that made it impossible to get her out of his mind. Being with a stubborn, independent woman who made his heart flutter. He wanted to stay there with her for as long as it took to figure out all the thoughts and emotions swirling about in his head. She’d just said he was more than just a bad boy to have a good time with and discard.

  “Well, isn’t this an interesting turn of events.” He smiled.

  “I’d say so.” Parker stopped and looked toward the window. “It’s time to go back. Otherwise you won’t make it to the big game on time. Let’s pack up and hit the road.”

  “Does this mean I can turn my phone back on?”

  “Yes.”

  Riley powered on his cel
l phone and alerts started coming in. “That’s strange.”

  “What?”

  “It says I have three saved voice mails. I didn’t have any voicemails when we went off the grid.”

  Parker looked at him. “Didn’t you tell me you’d been having a problem with your phone and text messages for months?”

  “Yeah, people were telling me I replied to them when I didn’t. It was annoying.”

  “Damn it.” She took his phone. “I think someone cloned your phone.” She whipped out her phone and sent him a text message then looked at his screen. It flickered before her text appeared.

  “How can you be sure?”

  “Did you use this when we were in Pete’s store?”

  “I sent a text to Seth telling him not to worry, that I’d make it to the game.”

  “That wouldn’t be long enough to get your GPS location.”

  “Then how?”

  “Crap!” Parker ran outside to her car and got on the ground. She got on her back and was reaching for something.

  “What is it?”

  “A tracker.” She held up a little square transmitter looking device. She froze, listening intently as she scanned the trees. “Did you hear that?”

  At first he heard nothing but the typical nature sounds, but then he heard the faint sound of the pile of leaves she’d gathered by the tree stump a few hundred yards away being stepped on. It sounded like a whip cracking. A moment later they heard a yelp.

  “Back in the house.”

  They sprinted back inside, and closed and locked the door. Parker snatched up the sat phone and quickly keyed something in and tossed it aside. She was reaching for her dad’s rifle when someone kicked open the door. A shot rang out and they took cover. A man dressed in army fatigues and bleeding from the leg ambled their way with a gun in his hand.

  “Remember me, Sloane?” the stranger demanded.

  Riley squinted, but the cap he wore still distorted his view.

  “You killed my brother!” the guy removed his hat and flung it away.

  Riley was shocked to see Zach Fraser. He was the little brother of Tim Fraser, his friend who’d drowned at the lake in high school. They’d all played hooky from school and decided to have a party by the lake they frequented. Riley was only there for an hour before taking off to go back to school for football practice. It wasn’t until that night that he’d learned a terrible accident had occurred and Tim had drowned. He was a sought after football prospect, just like Riley and he was poised to be a football star. Tim’s accident brought the whole Fraser family grinding to a halt. The family could never accept that the police deemed it was an accidental drowning.

  “Zach, I didn’t have anything to do with your brother’s death. I wasn’t even there when it happened.”

  “Yes, you were!” Zach screamed and cocked his gun.

  “Zach.” Parker took a few steps closer to him. “What happened to your brother was a tragedy, but you can’t hold Riley responsible for something he had no part of, that’s just not fair.”

  “You want to talk about fair! Try watching Mr. Big Shot get all the breaks in college and pro football that were meant for my brother. That’s not fair.” He kept his aim on Riley.

  “He may be a little on the arrogant side, but he’s earned the recognition and awards he’s received. He worked hard for everything he has, it wasn’t handed to him.”

  “Shut up, bitch. You don’t know nothing about the real Riley Sloane.”

  “Don’t I?” Parker took a step closer to Riley. “Let’s see…he’s arrogant, self-centered, thinks he’s God’s gift to women, and may be a narcissist to boot.”

  “Yeah,” Zach sniffed.

  “But he can also be compassionate, warm, and a great friend. It’s the perils of being a complicated man. But in the end, the good traits overshadow the bad. And I don’t believe Riley would have been at that lake and not tried to help your brother. He’s a quarterback. It’s in their DNA to take care of their team. It’s kind of why they’re in charge.” She moved another step toward Riley. “So, if you don’t mind, we really have to get to that game today.”

  “He won’t be making it.” Zach fired a shot.

  Riley’s heart leaped out of his chest when Parker dived in front of him and got hit with the bullet.

  “Parker!” Riley screamed as she hit the floor.

  Zach fired again when he realized he’d hit the wrong person. Riley took cover behind the sofa.

  “Parker?” He called out, but she didn’t answer.

  Zach was moving in his direction with the gun aimed at him.

  “No!” He lunged at Zach and tackled him.

  The gun went off again before Riley knocked the weapon out of his hand. Riley took advantage and began pounding on him. They fought until they were in the kitchen and they went over the kitchen table onto the floor together. The guy was pretty damn strong, and there was something heavy in his jacket. Zach threw him off and went for the gun, but Riley was able to grab his leg and stop him. The guy reached for a fireplace poker, but Riley was able to punch him in the gut. He had to find a way to knock this guy out so he could go tend to Parker. He reached for the lamp and smashed it over Zach’s head. He fell back down on the floor.

  Riley scrambled to his feet and ran in search of Parker. She wasn’t where she’d been a few minutes ago, but he could see a blood trail leading toward the front door.

  “Sloane, you’re going to pay for what happened to my brother!” Zach bellowed. Riley whipped around to see Zach aiming his gun at him as he stood in the kitchen doorway.

  “Riley!”

  He turned to see Parker standing by the door with the rifle in her hands. He moved out of the way just in time to avoid being hit by Zach. Parker returned the fire. The guy hit the floor.

  Riley rushed over to her and hugged her. “Are you OK?”

  “Yeah. Are you?” she breathed.

  Parker kept the rifle in a firing position as she walked over to Zach. She kicked his gun away from his body. She put the rifle on the couch and got on her knees to inspect Zach.

  “What are you doing?” Riley said.

  “Checking his pulse.” She knelt down and placed two fingers to the neck. “He’s gone.”

  “You had no choice,” Riley said.

  “I know.” She shook her head and dug through his pockets. “He was going to kill you if I hadn’t. Why the hell is his jacket so heavy?”

  Riley’s eyes widened when Parker carefully unbuttoned his jacket to see the numbers counting down rapidly. There was less than three minutes to go on the digital timer.

  “Is that what I think it is?”

  Parker ripped open his vest. There was C-4 attached to the contraption. “It’s a bomb.”

  “Let’s get out of here!”

  “I took a few bomb training classes. I think I can defuse it.” She looked at the wiring.

  When the counter reached two minutes, a rapid beeping sound filled the cabin. “Oh no you don’t. We’re getting it out of here.” He grabbed her hand and headed for the door.

  When they reached the porch, she stopped. “Wait! My dad’s rifle!”

  Riley dashed to the couch, picked up the weapon, then high-tailed it back out of the cabin with Parker. After they reached the bottom landing, they sprinted toward the car. As soon as they hunkered down behind the vehicle, the cabin exploded. He covered her body with his as debris fell around them. A few moments later, he moved a few of the floorboards that had landed on them out of the way and sat up.

  “Are you OK?” He took a look at her bleeding shoulder. “We have to put pressure on that to stop the bleeding.”

  “I think so.” She coughed.

  He pushed her hair out of her face. “What were you thinking? Jumping in front of me when he fired that gun.”

  “I was thinking the star quarterback couldn’t throw with a bullet in him.”

  “And you really thought you could defuse a bomb after taking a couple of classes?�
��

  “It was four classes and if I’d had more time, I totally think I could have snipped the blue wire and stopped it.”

  “There were two wires. Why would you have cut the blue one?”

  She shrugged. “Your eyes are blue.”

  “That was your educated bomb-class-taking guess?”

  “It seemed like a good idea.”

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you. It’s been nonstop madness since you started protecting me. This has—”

  Parker silenced him with a kiss. He knew she probably thought it seemed like best way to get him to stop lecturing her. Blue wire, green wire, either way they had a fifty-fifty chance that she’d be right. But he had done the wiser thing and got them out of there. He enjoyed tasting her lips, but he couldn’t be distracted from his scolding her right now.

  He reluctantly broke the kiss. “Really, Parker?” He ran his hand through her hair and touched his forehead to hers. “The place is getting ready to blow and you want to retrieve your dad’s rifle?”

  “It’s a family heirloom.” She giggled. “I thought you’d be used to my intuitive-yet-irrational behavior by now.”

  “You’d think.”

  “Well, it would stop that vein from throbbing on your forehead.” She smoothed it with her finger.

  “Loving you is going to put me in an early grave.”

  “You what?” Her eyes widened. “You love me?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “I think it’s the adrenaline talking.” She gulped.

  “No, it’s me talking.” He pulled off his shirt and bound her shoulder. “I look forward to you hurling insults at me at the family Sunday dinner. I liked running into you on that one street where our jogging routines overlap. I always turn back to watch your ass because, come on, you have a great ass.”