“The police will figure it out,” Sebastian assured me. “I’m just not sure how long it will take.”
“Do you think I’m in danger?” I asked, not sure what to think. On the one hand, I felt like I’d be safe as long as I was in my house and didn’t go out at night. On the other hand, I was a little afraid. I had no idea how far this might escalate. It could just be my writer’s imagination turning this incident into the twisted plot of a deranged serial killer. Or it could really be a deranged serial killer, or just someone I’d insulted at the grocery store. People really piss me off when they blocked the entire aisle with their cart.
“I honestly don’t know,” Sebastian replied. “I’m worried about you, so it’s hard for me to reply without letting my emotions get in the way. My instincts are telling me to hide you at my house until the police catch the guy.”
“Do you think it’s Cody?” I asked.
“Yeah, I do,” he said with a sigh. “With any luck, the police will solve this soon.”
“I hope you’re right,” I admitted. “I also really hope it’s not Cody. This would kill his mother. I wasn’t sure I should give the police his dad’s number, but I don’t think he’ll tell Elsa Mae about the police calling. He’s always been protective of her. Now that she’s sick, he’ll be even more protective. Do you think I should call Cody?”
“No!” Sebastian nearly shouted as he pulled into his garage. He took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled. Even if the police hadn’t recommended it, you should avoid contact with Cody. Let the police investigate this. There’s nothing you can gain from talking to Cody. He’s not going to confess.”
“You’re right,” I agreed. “He definitely wouldn’t tell me if he’s guilty now that the police are involved.”
Sebastian climbed out of the car and came around to my side to open the door for me. That’s when I realized I’d just been sitting there, staring off at nothing. Crouching down beside me, he gave me a sweet smile.
“You look exhausted,” he remarked.
“I think it’s all just starting to catch up with me,” I admitted.
“Let’s get you inside and tucked into bed,” he suggested. “I’ll grab your stuff from the trunk.”
I nodded and walked toward the door to the house. Even as my mind told me I should offer to help carry my stuff in, it was all I could do to carry my own weight in the house and up the stairs at that point. Sebastian set my suitcase and laptop bag down in his room and walked over to wrap his arms around me.
I hugged him back, breathing in his delicious scent. Tired or not, I could definitely appreciate Sebastian’s appeal. My hands slid under the back of his shirt, and I moaned when I came in contact with his warm skin.
“I want you,” I breathed out.
Sebastian pulled back just slightly to meet my eyes. “Are you sure?” he asked with obvious concern. “I know you’re tired.”
Chapter Forty
Sebastian
I was practically holding my breath waiting for Delaney’s response. She was definitely exhausted, not that I blamed her. The stress was taking its toll on me, as well. Part of me wanted to climb into bed and hold Delaney until she fell asleep in my arms. The bigger part of me wanted to slide into her body and prove to myself that she was safe and here with me. Even though she hadn’t been in any real danger, I was still worried that things would escalate. Whichever she wanted, just going to sleep or losing ourselves in passion, I’d accept. Still, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to having my preference.
“I’m sure about wanting you,” she replied, her hands gripping the edge of my shirt and lifting it over my head. When my shirt was off, I stood there, letting Delaney set the pace this time because I sensed her need to be in control.
I loved the way Delaney’s eyes moved along my chest and down my abs to the bulge in my pants. The woman was completely uninhibited when it came to sex. She wanted me, and she wasn’t about to pretend otherwise.
“Why don’t you slip out of your clothes?” I suggested as I ran my fingers under the edge of her shirt, enjoying her soft skin. Leaning in, I breathed in her faint peach and vanilla scent. She didn’t wear any perfumes, but her body wash lingered on her skin. “You always smell good enough to eat.”
Delaney laughed and pushed me away. “That line is way too corny and overused.”
“This is why it’s so hard to sweet talk you,” I complained playfully. My corny line might not be helping me get her out of her clothes any quicker, but it had definitely lightened her mood.
“You just have to put more effort into wooing me,” she said with a teasing grin.
“Wooing you?” I asked. “Such a romantic word. I kind of like the idea of wooing my lady love.”
Delaney snorted. “That is by far the worst line you’ve ever used. Make that the worst line anyone has ever used.”
“You haven’t known me very long. I’m sure I’ll come up with much worse,” I assured her.
She leaned her body into mine, running a finger along my chest. “For now, I need you to be a good boy toy, strip out of the rest of your clothes, and get in that bed.”
“Are you planning to undress and join me?” I rasped out.
“Eventually,” she purred.
I stepped back and kicked out of my shoes before sliding my pants down. Delaney watched me, her fingers toying with the edge of her shirt. When I finally dropped my boxer briefs, she reached forward to grip my cock. My eyes closed and my head dropped back. I moaned with pleasure as she squeezed my aching dick.
As she stroked and squeezed my cock, my hands remained fisted at my sides to prevent myself from reaching out for her. “You’re making me crazy,” I ground out. “I’m not sure how much teasing I can take tonight.”
Stepping back, she stripped out of her clothes. This time, she had no sports bra to hinder her sexy strip tease. Her hips swayed, and her head rolled. I couldn’t imagine anything hotter. When she finally stood before me, completely naked, she gave me a smile that was pure sex.
“Get on the bed, Sebastian. Lie on your back so I can ride you,” was her throaty command, a command I gladly obeyed.
Delaney went to my bedside table and took out a condom, which she tossed on the bed beside me before straddling my waist and leaning forward until her lips were a breath away from mine. Her perfect breasts were teasing my chest, and her red hair was brushing against my cheeks.
“Kiss me, Delaney,” I ordered, unable to allow her to completely run things. I needed to touch her, needed to feel her lips on mine.
Delaney responded immediately. Our tongues tangled together as I felt her need rising. When she finally broke the kiss, I reached up and stroked her cheek. Sensations raced through my body. My arousal was mixed with a deep sense of possessiveness and a need to protect Delaney.
“I want in you,” I rasped out. “I want to feel your body wrapped tightly around mine as you come completely undone.”
Chapter Forty-One
Delaney
Sebastian always knew just the right thing to say to make me want him more.
“I want you, too,” I admitted. “So very much.”
I moved to Sebastian’s side and reached for the condom. He took it from my nearly shaking hand and opened the package before sliding it down his dick. Moving on top of him, I positioned the head of his dick at my entrance and slid down. My moan was echoed by Sebastian’s as our bodies joined. My head rolled back as I began to rock back and forth. He toyed with my nipples as he allowed me to set the pace.
It wasn’t long until my own movements became more frenzied. Sebastian gripped my hips and thrust up against me. By that point, I was close to the edge and completely lost in the sensations flooding my body. Sebastian obviously felt the same.
His thrusts changed to a rocking motion, and his eyes met mine. “Touch yourself,” he rasped out.
I kept my gaze on Sebastian as I reached down to my clit. Sebastian’s eyes re
mained locked on my fingers as I stroked myself. It was even hotter because Sebastian was watching me.
“That’s it,” he praised in a strained voice. “Perfect.”
My fingers moved faster as I neared the edge. All the while, Sebastian rolled his hips up against me and continued to watch my fingers. When I finally found my release, I screamed, my eyes closing tightly against the explosion of pleasure.
I hadn’t fully recovered when Sebastian flipped me onto my back and thrust hard into my body. With each powerful thrust, I screamed as my body pulsed with the last remnants of my orgasm.
Sebastian’s body stiffened as he gripped my hips hard and called out my name. His cock twitched inside my body when he found his own release. It took us both several minutes to recovery. Sebastian was the first to move, climbing off the bed to dispose of the condom. When he returned, he settled us both under the blankets and brushed his lips against mine.
“You are incredible,” he told me.
I gave him a sleepy, sated smile. “Thank you for helping me end my day on a positive note.”
“I think we both needed that,” he replied. “You amaze me, Delaney.”
“You’re just saying that because I managed a strip tease without getting caught up in my bra this time,” I told him.
“That was sexy as fuck,” he agreed. “I’d like to see you do that with music next time.”
I snorted. “It’s best without music. This way, you don’t realize I have no rhythm.”
“Your rhythm is just fine,” he assured me. “Sweet dreams, beautiful.”
“I was hoping for wicked dreams,” I replied with a yawn. It seemed likely I’d have those wrapped in Sebastian’s arms.
Chapter Forty-Two
Delaney
When I recognized Cody’s number, I was tempted to send the call to voicemail. The police hadn’t finished their investigation, and Sebastian was right about it being a bad idea to talk to Cody. Still, I found myself answering his call. I’d been unable to shake the nagging feeling that Cody hadn’t thrown rocks at me or damaged my car. Maybe I was just a fool.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Why did you tell the police I did those things?” Cody demanded. He sounded more hurt than angry.
“You showed up in town, found out where I live, and suddenly I’m having problems,” I began. “That seems pretty suspicious, don’t you think?”
“I guess it does,” Cody agreed. “It wasn’t me. I’m not sure who did that stuff, but it wasn’t me. I just needed someone to talk to.”
“Why me?” I demanded. “We’re not friends.”
“I don’t know anyone else out here,” he replied.
“Then why the hell are you out here?” I asked.
“I have a son,” Cody began. “I just found out about him. His mother was a fling a couple years ago, and she left town. She used to call me from time to time but never mentioned the kid. Then, about a month ago, she called to tell me she’d just been convicted of vehicular manslaughter and was going to prison. That’s when she told me about my son.”
“Where is he?” I asked. This definitely wasn’t what I’d expected.
“Out here somewhere,” he explained.
“Didn’t his mother tell you where he is?” I asked. There had to be more to this story. It just didn’t add up.
“I didn’t believe her,” he said quietly. “I called her a liar and hung up on her.”
That didn’t surprise me. It was the kind of immature move I’d expect from Cody. Still, I felt a little bad for him.
“Now, I can’t find her. I don’t know her last name, or what prison she’s in. She told me the boy’s in foster care in San Francisco. I need to find him, Laney.” He sounded sad and desperate. “I have no clue where to start. I completely fucked up, and I don’t know how to fix it. My mom told me she was sick right after I found out, and my parents can’t help me.”
One could easily argue that an adult should be able to handle this, but Cody had never been an adult.
“My friend’s boyfriend used to be a private investigator,” I began. “If he can’t help you, maybe his uncle can since he’s still in the business.”
“Really?” Cody asked. “You’re really going to help me?”
“I’m just giving you some resources,” I insisted. “I had better not find out you’re the one who threw those rocks or messed with my car.”
“It really wasn’t me,” he assured me. “I hope they find the bastard who did it.”
“Me too,” I told him. “I’m going to give Ty, my friend’s boyfriend, your number, if that’s okay.”
“Sure,” he began. “Listen, Laney. Let’s have lunch. I’d really like to see you again. I also want to thank you in person for what you’re doing.”
“No,” I replied without hesitation. “I appreciate your apology, and for what it’s worth, I even believe you mean it. That doesn’t mean I want to be friends.”
“Fair enough,” he agreed. “Thanks again.”
“I hope you find your son,” I told him, truly meaning it. I didn’t add that I sincerely hoped Cody got his shit together so he didn’t completely mess the kid up. From the sound of it, the boy had already suffered enough.
Chapter Forty-Three
Sebastian
It had been two weeks since Delaney’s car had been vandalized, and there’d been no new incidents. The police and Delaney were certain Cody wasn’t behind the rock throwing or the damage to Delaney’s car, but I wasn’t convinced. I didn’t trust the bastard. I believed he was manipulating her, and I didn’t like it. So far, I’d managed to keep from losing my temper when his name came up, but it wasn’t easy.
With Delaney’s car fixed and no new incidents, she was determined to head home—alone. I’d gotten used to waking up with Delaney in my arms, and I didn’t like the idea of waking up without her.
Luke was right about me being a needy bitch, but I could live with that. I’d taken Delaney to pick up her car, and I was following her back to her place. I’d gotten a surprise for her, and I was hoping she wouldn’t notice until after I headed home. I’d tucked it away in her suitcase. My plan was to make sure Delaney thought about me whenever I wasn’t around.
Delaney parked in the garage. We’d cleaned it out the previous weekend so she’d be able to park in a more secure area.
She met me at the front door after I parked. “I’m going to miss you,” she admitted.
“You don’t have to miss me,” I reminded her.
“Don’t tempt me,” she told me as she turned her back on me and started toward her bedroom with her suitcase. “I have a deadline coming up, so I really need a few days of uninterrupted writing.”
“I could leave you alone while you write,” I assured her, flashing an innocent smile when she turned to face me.
“It’s not your self-control I’m worried about,” she admitted. “I seem to be completely insatiable when you’re around.”
I moved closer to slip my arms around her lower back. “That happens to be one of your best qualities.”
Delaney swatted my chest. “Are you trying to use sex to get your way?”
I chuckled. “Always. Is it working?”
“No,” she insisted before letting out a sigh. “A little. Are you planning to seduce me to try to convince me to go back to your place? It won’t work. You can do your worst.”
“I’d prefer to do my best,” I told her. “In answer to your question, no, I’m not going to seduce you to try to convince you to come back to my place,” I released her and took two steps back before I made a liar out of myself. I definitely wanted to seduce Delaney. The only thing holding me back was the plans I had for her later.
“You’re being awfully agreeable,” Delaney accused.
“Is there a problem with me being agreeable?” I asked.
“I don’t know what it is, but you’re up to something,” she stated.
“I told you I’d leave you to your work, and I pl
an to,” I said with a grin. “Since I can’t seduce you now, I figured I’d leave you with something to inspire you while you’re writing.”
“What did you have in mind?” Delaney’s sensual purr made it hard to remember I wasn’t planning to seduce her.
I slipped my hand into the pocket of my jacket. “Why don’t you hold onto these until next week,” I suggested, pulling the handcuffs from my pocket with a grin.
Delaney’s mouth dropped as she stared at the handcuffs. “That isn’t fair. You’re trying to torture me.”
“How am I trying to torture you?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.
“By teasing me with these handcuffs,” she replied, pointing at the handcuffs.
I chuckled. “I don’t plan on teasing you with the handcuffs. My plan is to tease you while you’re in the handcuffs. You’re going to love every minute of it.”
Delaney looked a little dazed, and I knew she was picturing all the things I’d do to her when I finally got to slide the cuffs around her slender wrists. She would wonder about what I was planning all week. It wasn’t only Delaney I was torturing. I’d suffer all week, too, but it would be worth it.
Leaning in, I barely brushed my lips against hers as I passed the cuffs off to her. “I’d better leave before I forget my promise to not seduce you.”
“You call this not seducing me?” she asked with a laugh. “I’m going to be thinking about these all week.” She waved the handcuffs in the air for emphasis.
“I certainly hope so,” I told her. “I’m hoping to inspire some very naughty bondage play for your characters.”
“Oh, you’ve already given me some great ideas,” she assured me.
“I’ll call you later,” I promised before hurrying out of the house. If I stayed much longer, I’d have her naked and screaming my name. This was definitely going to be worth the wait. By the time she found my other surprise, Delaney would be hot and aching for me.
Sultry at 30 (Love Without Batteries) Page 15