Under Her Skin

by Michelle Love

  He locked the door behind him and took her in his arms. ‘I want you to know I heard what you said earlier and I’m on board. Completely. Except for the first base business… I don’t think we should deprive ourselves…’ He grinned wickedly and she chuckled.

  ‘You may have a point,’ and she slid her hand down his groin, cupped the long shape of his cock through the denim of his jeans. She glanced around and then grinned up at him. ‘Wanna fuck me on the stairs, soldier?’

  Theo growled and scooped her up roughly, and then they were clawing at the remains of the other’s clothes. Theo tugged her legs around him, his cock so ramrod hard he had no trouble thrusting deep into her ready sex. He clamped her hands above her head as they fucked, brutally, desperately, their mouths hungry for the others.

  They made it to the bedroom and much, much later they fell asleep in the other’s arms. Neither of them woke when the door to the cabin creaked open. Jules moved silently through the house, up the stairs.

  Jess lay on her back, naked, Theo’s arm across her stomach, his face buried in the curve of her neck. Her long dark lashes swept down onto the smooth skin of her cheeks, the flush of lovemaking still pink. Christ, she was beautiful. Jules pulled the gun from his jacket and aimed it at her belly. An inch away, just one inch. His finger twitched on the trigger as he imagined the bullet smashing into the soft silky flesh, her gasp of shock and agony, Theo Storm’s horror as she bled out in his arms. He’d let him watch her die before he shot him too. Jules smirked to himself. It was a nice fantasy but no…not yet. He pocketed the gun and slipped back down the stairs, through the woods to where he’d left his car. He downed a bottle of water before starting the engine, lost in thought. It was good to know that they had no idea the lengths he would go to – stupid fuckers. Hadn’t Camilla been enough to terrify them?

  What he’d done to Camilla was nothing to what he would do to Jess. Nothing at all.

  The sky was heavy with snow a week later and Seattle was gearing up for a bad winter storm. Camilla was laid to rest in a small cemetery just outside the city and afterwards, Theo held Jess’s hand tightly in the car back home. Her head rested on his shoulder but he was surprised she hadn’t cried. Instead, he saw a slow burning anger behind her eyes. Good, he thought, that would keep her vigilant, keep her safe. He hadn’t told he that he’d found footprints and evidence of an intruder at the cabin that day.

  He kissed her temple. ‘Hey, what say we grab some lunch then go over the paperwork Max sent over? Get a jump start on your new job?’

  Max had gotten together a bunch of information – in record time, Theo grinned to himself – and if Jess was up for it, then the Stormfront Foundation would soon be a reality.

  Jess looked up and smiled gratefully. ‘That sounds good to me, I could do with a new focus…apart from you, that is.’

  Jess looked around the wide spacious office with views across the city and her jaw dropped. Max smirked at Theo, who put a hand on Jess’s shoulder. ‘Don’t get freaked out. We have a ton of advisors ready to help you. We just thought you could get up to speed at your own pace.’

  ‘And in one of the best offices in the city,’ she managed to choke out. Theo laughed and opened his hands in apology.

  ‘I can’t help it, I want you to have the best.’

  Jess nodded but chewed on her lip. Max cleared his throat. ‘We have a press conference coming up – no, don’t panic…’ He shook his head at the panic on Jess’s face. Theo wrapped his arms around her. ‘It’s just to announce the Foundation’s formation – we need to get the word out if we’re going to be helping people. I’ll be there to do most of the talking, Max too. We’ll introduce you as the president of the foundation…’

  ‘Much to the amusement of the local art world,’ Jess said. She looked at him evenly. ‘Do you honestly think people won’t say it’s you finding a job for your feckless girlfriend?’

  Theo took a deep breath. ‘To begin with, maybe. We have to be realistic, they’re gonna have their opinions. But when the foundation – when you - start making a real difference to young and exciting artists, they’ll change their minds. We just have to ride the wave of skepticism.’

  ‘Including yours,’ Max said with a grin and Jess couldn’t help but laugh.

  ‘In that case, I think I can handle it.’

  The press conference went off without a hitch and suddenly the realization that she was the head of a charity made Jess more determined than ever to prove herself. In the weeks that followed, she worked late into the night with Theo’s advisors and even some picks of her own to source the most suitable projects to fund. She called up her old boss Gerry who was delighted to hear from her and she took him to lunch to pick his brains.

  Gerry grinned happily at her. ‘You were always too good to be someone’s assistant, anyway, Jess. I was selfish to hold you back.’

  She protested but his words meant the world, gave her confidence.

  It was a Wednesday night, towards the end of November when Theo came looking for her in her office. She was sprawled out on the floor in her bare feet, looking through applications and samples, engrossed in her work when he knocked on the doorframe. She looked up and grinned.

  ‘Hey, sexy.’

  Theo smiled and lifted her to her feet to kiss her. She wound her arms around his neck and sank into the kiss. ‘Man, I needed that… what time is it?’

  ‘Past eleven.’

  She looked appalled. ‘God, I’m sorry, honey, I just lost track.’

  ‘You never have to apologize for being as committed as you are to this. I hope this doesn’t sound patronizing but I’m so proud.’

  She kissed him again, a light brush of the lips. ‘Not patronizing at all, thank you for believing in me. This can wait until tomorrow.’

  ‘Not tomorrow, Norma Rae. It’s Thanksgiving.’

  Her eyes opened wide. ‘Jeez, I totally forgot. We haven’t got any food in the apartment.’

  He smiled at her. ‘Max and Josh have invited us to go to their place for dinner. Josh is expert in stuffing us to the gills. I honestly think it’s why Max married him.’

  Jess laughed. ‘It’s a good as a reason as any, and that sounds good. About time I met Josh.’

  Theo felt warmth flood through him. Without saying anything, she had made it sound like a family. His arms tightened around her. ‘Wanna go home?’

  She hesitated but he saw fire in her eyes. ‘Actually…’

  He raised his eyebrows. ‘What?’

  She pulled away from his arms and shut the door behind him, shut off the light. She started to unbutton her shirt. ‘I was admiring the view from the windows today. The panoramic views and it occurred to me. I didn’t know who could see in here. No-one I think, but what if we gave them something to look at?’

  She stepped out of her skirt, unhooked her bra and drew her panties slowly down her legs. Theo’s groin was almost painful, watching her sensual striptease. He yanked his own clothes off, grabbing her roughly and ground his mouth down onto hers. She moaned slightly, the soft sound of it making his cock diamond hard, and then he pushed her against the window, her breasts and belly hard against the glass as he stroked her clit, bit down on her neck.

  ‘I’m going to fuck you so hard, beautiful girl, so – he thrust his cock deep inside her and she gasped – ‘fucking’ – harder – ‘hard.’

  She turned her face so her cheek rested against the cool glass and tightened her muscles around his cock as it rammed so brutally into her. Theo’s teeth nipped at her earlobe, his fevered breathing. His arms were wrapped around her waist, lifting her so he could fuck her as deeply and as savagely as they both wanted, as she entreated him to. She screamed her orgasm into the glass and he came, pumping hot semen into her ready sex, then, still ramrod stiff, he turned her to face him and entered her again, feeling the damp warmth of her envelope him. This time, they moved slowly, eyes locked, lips brushing. Theo angled her so that he would rub against her clit as he thrust; she cupp
ed his balls gently, massaging them. She bit down on his nipples as they neared the climax and as they came they both tumbled to the floor, moaning their love for each other. As they shuddered to a halt, torchlight swept over the window of the office door and giggling, they hushed each other as the security guard tested the locked door. After a few minutes, they got up and still laughing, dressed.

  ‘Consider this office well and truly christened,’ Jess grinned at Theo who nodded.

  ‘Which reminds me. My office needs a good rebirth.’

  ‘Later, babe, if we’ve got to be social tomorrow, I need some sleep. Well, some, at least.’

  ‘That, young lady,’ said Josh to her the following day as she sprawled out on his and Max’s couch, groaning and holding her belly, ‘is a food baby.’ He tapped her stomach lightly and she giggled. Max and Theo were washing the dishes from the magnificent Thanksgiving dinner Josh and prepared and now he and Jess had decamped to the couch to gossip. They had gotten along as soon as Max had proudly introduced his husband and now Jess studied the handsome Mexican.

  ‘I keep thinking we should have met before but then I remember, it’s only been a couple of months since I met Theo.’ Her eyes popped in wonder. ‘Wow.’

  Josh smiled. ‘He’s a changed man.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Really. He’s crazy about you. Never seen him like this.’

  Jess glanced over to the kitchen door. ‘Not even with Kelly?’ She lowered her voice when she asked the question and saw understanding in Josh’s eyes. He leaned in and whispered back.

  ‘Not even then. Does he know you know?’

  She shook her head – a mistake, she realised. She’d had a couple of glasses of wine which had gone to her head. She felt giddy with food and love and laughter.

  ‘No. I want him to tell me in his own time. So, please don’t’…’

  ‘Of course not. But yeah, he’s all in, I can promise you that.’ He studied her for a second. ‘I get the impression that it’s a new feeling for you, being loved the right way.’

  Jess blinked at him in confusion but Max and Theo came back into the room then and she didn’t have the chance to ask Josh what he meant.

  Later Jess and Theo took a cab home, her head resting on his shoulder, His arm tight around her waist. She wanted to ask Theo about what Josh had said but now, in a sleepy haze of love, she didn’t want to break the mood.

  In the bedroom, they slowly undressed each other, lingering over the feel of skin on skin as they held each other. The outside world was silent as a blanket of snow fell across the city and in their own little haven, Theo and Jess made love gently until they were both sated. Jess fell asleep in Theo’s arms but Theo found himself exhausted but unable to find sleep.

  While they were doing the dishes, Max had told him about the second confrontation with Jules and now Theo couldn’t stop worrying that his friend had overstepped the mark; angered Gachet to a point where he could hurt someone, hurt Jess. After Camilla’s murder, Theo was taking nothing on chance. Carefully, surreptitiously, he’d increased the security around Jess, around Max and Josh, around anyone who could be at risk from Gachet. Not wanting to scare any of them, he’d made sure the protection was discreet and maintained a certain distance but still. The thought of anything happening to Jess now…

  Theo sighed. The scar, the wound, the hurt of Kelly’s suicide had forever marked him and even though Jess had healed his broken heart, the terror of losing her was still palpable. Eventually, he fell into an uneasy sleep, racked with nightmares; knives, blood and a pale and lifeless Jess in his arms.

  Jess’ head pounded with a headache that had been bugging her all day. Theo had apologized but he’d be at work late so she went home alone, soaked in a bubble bath for an hour before ordering pizza. After a couple of slices, though, she felt sick and curling up on the sofa, closed her eyes. It took the reception two tries before she realised the entrance phone was buzzing.

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘Miss Wood, there’s a Julien Gachet here to see you.’

  Fuck. She sighed then an idea came to her. She would confront him about Camilla. She would know, for sure, that he had killed her, by his reaction. It was worth a shot.

  ‘Send him up.’

  Jules had obviously taken a lot of trouble with his appearance but she stared at him with hatred and impatience.

  ‘What now, Jules? Another murder attempt? More threats?’

  He smiled snakily and it made her stomach lurch queasily. He sat down on the couch – their couch, hers and Theo’s – without being asked. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I just came by to see how you are. After Camilla and everything.’

  She stared at him in disbelief. ‘After you killed her, you mean?’

  Jules smirked. ‘As if. Camilla was an important member of our family, I’m as devastated as you are.’

  ‘Funny you missed her funeral then.’

  Jules raised an eyebrow at her. ‘Well if you’re not going to tell me when it is…’

  He got up, moved towards her and Jess edged away from him to the other side of Theo’s large desk. Her hand went to hover over the small red panic button he’d had installed under it. Jules watched her amused and mocking.

  ‘Something wrong, Jessica?’

  She met his gaze. ‘Nothing that won’t be solved by the two huge security guards I can call in an instant.’

  Jules laughed. ‘Paranoia doesn’t suit you, Jessica. Well, I just wanted to the ivory tower he’s got you in. Oh, that reminds me. Congratulations on the new job. I have no doubts as to how you earned it.’

  He made a crude gesture with his fingers and Jess, her temper exploding, forgot the panic button, forgot about the threat and stalked over to him. Using all of her strength, she slapped him hard, watching his head snap to the side. ‘Get out of my home. Now.’

  He grabbed her, his eyes raging, and crushed his lips against hers. Jess struggled, desperately but she was no match for his strength. Jules pulled her tightly against him, grinding his groin against her.

  ‘Don’t let this fool you. You belong to me. Every minute you deny it, someone else could get very hurt. What will happen when you run out of people to protect you?’

  ‘Fuck you,’ she hissed, the red mist descending, and spat in his face.

  He pushed her away and wiped his face in disgust. ‘Stupid whore.’

  ‘Get out.’

  ‘I haven’t finished with you yet.’

  She walked to the front door and opened it. ‘Get. Out. Now.’

  He moved as if to leave but paused when he reached her. The simmering violence in the air was making her tremble but she held his gaze. He smirked coldly.

  ‘Your choice, Jess. Live with the consequences or should I say…,’ he leaned into her and whispered, ‘…for as long as I allow you to live.’ He mimicked stabbing her and she jerked back reflexively. Jules laughed and behind him, Jess saw Theo’s security man step into the hall, his eyes fixed on Jules. She held her hand up to him as Jules smirked, and as he left, the security guy, Alan, turned to her.

  ‘You okay, Miss Wood?’

  ‘Call me Jess, would you? And I’m fine, Alan. Do me a favor. Don’t tell Theo about this. It really was nothing.’

  Alan looked unhappy but nodded.

  She closed the door, double locked it and leaned back against it. She recalled what she’d said to Alan. It was nothing. How fucked up was her relationship with Jules that a promise to kill her was nothing? That she took it for granted now? She really had had enough this particular day. In the bathroom, she opened the cabinet above the sink and took out the small bottle of Tylenol PM. She hesitated and then swallowed two with a handful of water from the faucet and fell into an uneasy sleep.

  Theo left the office just past midnight and had just stepped into his Mercedes to drive home when his cell phone buzzed. Max.

  ‘Hey, buddy.’

  There was silence on the end of the phone then he heard a sob. His heart leapt into his chest
. Jesus. ‘Max, what is it? Are you okay?’

  Max sobbed louder now. ‘I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it…’

  Theo waited for his sobs to calm before telling him, ‘I’m coming over now, Max, right now.’

  When he got to Max’s apartment, there were cop cars parked outside. He gave his name to the uniform at Max’s door and then he was in. Max fell apart when he saw him and Theo looked around for Josh. He had a bad, bad feeling about this.

  He grabbed his friend by the shoulders and hugged him. ‘What is it, Max? What’s wrong?’

  He wasn’t sure he wanted the answer.

  She pointed the gun at Jules and he laughed. ‘Really, Jess, do you think you could kill me? Try, go on, baby girl, take your shot.’ She pulled the trigger and the bullet smashed into his forehead. He stopped.

  Then to her horror, the gaping hole sealed itself up and Jules sneered at her. ‘My turn.’ He grabbed the gun and although she struggled, he was too strong, unnaturally strong and turned it so the gun was pressed hard into her belly.

  ‘It’s a shame,’ he whispered, his voice intimate, ‘You really are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. If you’d only realised you belong to me but it’s too late now.’

  He smiled, kissed her tenderly and pulled the trigger.

  It was almost dawn when Theo woke her from her nightmare. Groggily she looked up into his drawn face and quelled at the pain in his handsome face.

  ‘What is it? What’s wrong?’

  Theo gazed down at her, sorrow etched deep in his eyes. ‘It’s Josh… he’s been murdered.’