by Piper Stone
Sawyer pumped into her, every hard stroke practiced, perfectly orchestrated, skin hitting skin. He was forceful, using his strong thigh muscles to drive deep inside, pushing her against the glass.
“Oh. Oh!” Slapping the glass, she tried to meet every hard thrust with one of her own. Her palms sweaty, they left marks as her heated breath created a fog, marring her vision of the dazzling light show as the storm continued to rage.
He thrust harder and faster, his breath sounds now nothing more than exasperated groans.
Smack! Crack!
Slapping her hip, he pumped again and again, rising onto the balls of his feet. He kept his hand wrapped around her hair, pulling her into a deeper arc, his fingers intertwined, his body shaking.
She knew he was close to coming and could feel another climax rushing up from her toes. “Sawyer, I…” Squeezing her cunt muscles, she whimpered as he tensed, his fingers becoming painful against her skin, but he kept thrusting. Hard and fast.
Dominating.
He was taking what he owned, and she was falling hopelessly in love. As he threw his head back, issuing a series of wild and manic moans, she let go, the orgasm becoming an intense wave, a rush of adrenaline.
“Mine!”
As he exploded inside, filling her throbbing pussy with his cum, she noticed the words that he mouthed, the very ones she’d always longed to hear. I love you.
Suddenly, she was filled with overwhelming sadness, a sickening knowing as if able to see the future. As tears slipped from the corners of her eyes, she shuddered but she knew. This man, this humble yet rugged man would do anything to protect her, to keep her out of harm’s way, but he could never know what he was up against. In her mind, the memories of the past, the visions that she’d been able to block for several years came rushing back into the forefront of her mind. There was no escaping the monster that had destroyed her life and those of everyone around her.
“You’re trembling,” he whispered.
“I’m fine.” She fell against his chest, studying the angry and violent sky. The threats were far too similar, too close. Everything was muddled but karma had found her, had located her warm and safe haven.
Tragedy would keep them apart.
One of them was going to die.
Chapter 11
“No! Get your ass over here, Boone,” Sawyer called over the roar of the fire. Panting, he swung his ax, cutting through the brush and fallen limbs as he struggled to head deeper into the forest. Smoke billowed around him, choking off his air supply. Coughing, he used the power of his upper arms to cut, slamming the blade down with a vicious strike, powering through the dense wood. Unable to see anything, he continued to struggle. He would find his teammate.
Crack! Wham!
“Boone!” Flames licked up the trees, peeling away the bark. The fire surrounded him, rushing closer, eating everything in its path. There was no one around. Turning in a full circle, he could no longer breathe. “Boone.”
Whoosh! Slam!
The tree slammed down, crackling as embers flew from the sky, blanketing the entire area. Rubbing his eyes, he could just see a figure, deep in the forest, but unmoving. Grunting, he ignored the pain, the burning sensations sweeping over every inch of skin as he trudged forward, determined to get to him. To his partner.
To his friend.
As he heard a single scream, agonizing and full of terror, he slowly swung his head to the right. “No!”
“Sawyer. Are you okay?”
Blinking, Sawyer’s entire body was shaking. Covered in sweat, a distinct chill made it difficult to breathe. “What?” He could feel a soft touch, a lover’s touch.
“You were having a nightmare.”
“Reese…” The single word was elongated.
She crouched onto her knees, leaning over and cupping his face, rubbing her thumb across his lips.
He struggled to sit up, still horrified by the dream. He’d had several nightmares over the years, but none so graphic, so vivid. Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her close, flexing his fingers open as he tried to catch his breath.
“You’re shaking. God. What were you dreaming?” Reese held him tightly, pressing her face against his shoulder.
“I watched Boone die.”
“What?” Kissing his neck and cheek, she kept her lips against his skin as she straddled him. “I’m right here. It was just a dream.”
“His death almost happened the other day.” He couldn’t shake the vision from his mind. “The horrible situation was real. I just…”
She pushed back gently, keeping her palm on his chest. “Just a dream. What do you mean his death almost happened?”
He pulled her down onto the bed, cradling her body as close to his as possible. He could feel his heart beating, thumping against his chest. His blood pressure was off the charts, creating a wash of heat, keeping him from being able to focus. “The other day. A fire we were working, and Boone wasn’t listening. He walked into the area of the fire. A tree came crashing down, almost taking his life. I reacted. Thank God, I was able to…” Tears burned in his eyes.
“But he’s safe. You saved him. That was nothing more than a dream.”
He wanted to believe her but, in his mind, this was a foretelling. “Do you believe in karma?”
She kneaded his skin, brushing the tips of her fingers around in lazy circles. “Yes.”
“I think he’s going to die.”
Shifting, she raised up onto her elbow. “Why would you think that?”
Sawyer groaned and rubbed his eyes. “I just… I just know. I won’t be able to save him the next time.”
Furrowing her brow, she dropped her gaze. “We all have a past, secrets, lies, even condemning experiences. You don’t have to tell me, but I think you need to. What happened that’s made you so tense, so concerned?”
He inhaled, holding his breath, memories of the past swirling with the images of the dream. “I lost my partner almost eight years ago. We were so close. Just as close as I am with Boone. The man was fearless, fighting fires as if every one was his last. He always followed the rules, our training until one day. And I couldn’t save him.” Saying the words was cathartic, as if he was stepping away from the moment in time.
“But you tried.” Reese stated, a comforting smile on her face. “I know you.”
“Yeah, I tried. I did everything. I would have laid down my life for the man. After that day, I no longer wanted to live. I even thought about ending my life.” The last words were barely audible, a struggle to even breathe after telling her. “I sat on the edge of the river with a gun in my hand, a liquor bottle by my side and I had every intention of pulling the trigger.”
She shuddered audibly and crowded closer, throwing her leg over his. “Oh, Sawyer. His death wasn’t your fault.”
“I heard that from everyone around me. All the smokejumpers and the captain, the wildland commissioner and even the sheriff, but I never believed it. I knew I could have done more to save him. I just knew.”
“The recent incident brought everything back.”
Swallowing hard, he rubbed her arm, grateful she was in his life. “Yes, you’re right. That and the fact I saw another member of the team the other day.” He snorted as he thought about the car accident. “I saved his life as well. At least I think I did. A fire engine was involved in a car accident. He was pitched down a ravine. I managed to pull him to safety.”
“I saw that on the television.”
Sawyer rubbed his eyes, forcing away the tears. “There’s more. Another incident years before took the life of an innocent girl. The tragedy drove my buddy to near madness. I don’t know. Why is everything from the past slamming together now?” He could feel her tensing, as if she had her own story to tell.
“Karma has an ugly way of reminding us that we’re all human, susceptible to anger and fear, guilt and reliving the past.”
When she sat up, he gripped her arm. “I’m sorry. You have some nutcase threatening
you and I’m telling you about a dream.”
“I do believe in karma, Sawyer. And I know it’s coming back to bite me.” She shivered then twisted her body, leaning down for a passionate kiss.
He cupped her face, holding her as close as possible as he slipped his tongue inside, tasting her, wanting her more than he had the night before. She was quite possibly his salvation.
She rubbed her hand across his neck, her fingers barely touching, moans pushing past the level of intimacy.
His cock was aching, throbbing, his need for her almost desperate. His desire mixed with an almost rabid anger swirling in his mind, forcing him to realize how precious life truly was. Struggling with the covers, he pulled her down, sliding his hand up and down her chest. Her nipples were hard, and he could sense she was wet, just as hungry as he was.
He slipped his hand between her legs, cupping her mound, rubbing up and down.
Sliding a finger past her folds, he swirled the tip around her clit, wanting nothing more than to suck her sweet flesh, drink her cum. He tongued her mouth, driving his tongue all the way to the back of her throat. God, he could do this all day.
After a few seconds, she pushed his hand away, groaning when she broke the kiss. “I have court today.” She winced seeing his face. “I don’t want to go. Trust me. Can I ask you a question?”
“You can ask me anything.”
“What happened when we were at your house?”
He tried to figure out what she was talking about. “What do you mean?”
“You were tense just before we left the kitchen.” Reese darted her eyes back and forth.
“I just had a feeling we were being watched, but very few people know where I live.”
“Interesting. I wouldn’t put it past Christopher.”
“I don’t like this man. Possessive.”
She kissed his lips again. “But he’ll learn. Now, I have to go. And nothing is going to happen to Boone. That’s why you’re there.”
“Ugh.” He eased his finger into his mouth, sucking as he did everything he could to push away the ugliness of the dream. That’s why he was there. As he tried to rationalize the dream, he realized he wasn’t going to be able to make heads or tails of it. Safety precautions would prevent anything from happening to his buddy. Yes, it would. He was convinced. Then why couldn’t you save Steve? The nagging would never stop.
“Stay here as long as you want.” She wrapped her hand around his wrist, bringing his finger to her mouth, licking up and down. “I wouldn’t mind thinking about you staying in my bed.”
“You’re one bad girl. Terrible. Teasing me.” Grinning, he was finally feeling a bit better, even though his heart continued to race.
“Mmm…” Her eyes twinkling, she released him and slipped off the bed, stopping short. “Thank you for staying with me. I just…”
“Tonight. Dinner. Then you’re staying with me at the ranch. No questions. Understand?” He gathered she was relieved.
“Yes, sir.” Winking, she gave him a waning smile before walking toward the bathroom.
“You know you can talk to me. I’m a pretty good listener.”
She gripped the doorframe and stopped but didn’t look in his direction. “I know, and I will. I just can’t right now. Let me get through today. Then I have some decisions to make. For me. But I will talk to you. I promise.”
Whatever ghost she was hiding, keeping from even herself was no doubt as horrific as his own. When she learned the full story behind the young woman’s death, she would look at him differently. “I hope I’m part of that deal.”
Hesitating another few seconds, she remained silent.
Then she walked into the bathroom, closing the door.
One thing he knew, he was going to have a discussion with Christopher Sampson. At least something had been decided on.
He shoved back the sheets and reached for his phone. At least there were no emergencies waiting for his attention. Dropping the phone, he held his face in his hands, thoughts about the dream crowding into his happiness. The night had been full of more passion than he’d experienced in years, yet his heart remained heavy. Antonio’s insinuations about Mike rang loud and clear and he’d never forget the day Mike disappeared. There’d been no two weeks’ notice, no phone call to anyone about his whereabouts. He’d simply vanished, leaving Missoula to parts unknown. Rumors had surfaced months later about an ill sister, but he’d never bought the concept. Mike was too proud. Too gifted. And racked with guilt. He owed the man an apology if nothing else.
He’d stop by the hospital on his way to the hanger. Maybe he’d find the courage to talk to the man, to explain what had really occurred.
Maybe.
He stood with his binoculars in his hand, yet he hadn’t needed them to know what was happening. After the scathing sexual event in front of the window, no doubt meant for dominant entertainment, he’d gone into a rage, the kind of anger that would force him to lash out. He’d resisted, although the urge had been strong, keeping him on edge the entire night. Seeing the way she’d succumbed to the prick of a man was disgusting. She was nothing but a whore. Control. He had work to do. “Damn it.” He had business to take care of. Then why did she continue to come into his mind?
And he’d thought she was special, almost angelic. What a food he’d been. He sniffed and grabbed the cup of cold coffee, taking a sip. The taste was bitter, leaving even more bile in his throat. Snarling, he tossed the half full cup against the wall, darting his eyes toward the spill, enjoying the way strings of liquid trickled down the wall. He envisioned blood. Her blood. Yes, covering the walls after he performed the necessary act. In a way, it would be an act of kindness, killing her. Slaughtering her.
My God, his anger was off the charts. This wasn’t like him at all.
He walked closer to the window, peering down at the street. There were only a few cars given the early hour and the unpopulated area. But he knew that others had seen the carnal act, the slut performing like a circus animal. He lifted the binoculars, scoping the entire building. Only a few residents and the majority had the good sense to keep their windows covered.
Not her.
Not the beautiful, intelligent creature.
Not the woman who belonged to him.
He could no longer see any activity, but he knew her lover remained. Things were going to change. He no longer cared about biding his time, waiting patiently for the right moment. He would hunt her like he did the others and she would become his prize.
Finally, a smile crossed his face and he turned away, grabbing his jacket. This was a new day. Time for planning. Time for reckoning.
Time for killing.
Tears. She loathed tears. Crying was like manifesting the weakness she’d buried deep within her and had since she was a child. Reese had learned a long time ago that crying never gave her an advantage. She’d seen other women cry, obtaining an advantage, as if they were helpless, needing a man to help them in their everyday life. She loathed these kinds of women. Weak. Stupid.
At least in her mind.
But she couldn’t stop the tears. Hot and stinging, they fell from her eyes as she tried to hide the sound of her sobs. There was no reason she was crying like a wayward child. Not really. She had some money, a career that she’d planned, and she lived in a beautiful city full of amazing people. And the man in her life? She bit back a series of moans as she thought about Sawyer’s kisses, the way he’d picked away at her soul, finding the opening, forcing himself inside. The man was powerful in so many ways.
And she didn’t want to lose him.
Sniffling, she turned the water as hot as she could stand and stood under the showerhead, allowing the tears to fall into the drain along with the stream. She was unsure of what to do at this point. Quitting her job was like running away from the problems. Would it stop the madness of her stalker? Not if the man had found her. The horrible, wretched creature who’d enjoyed taunting her all those years ago. She’d never noticed th
e resemblance to the murders from six years before. Never. Why? They were markedly different, but enough of the crime scene should have been a reminder.
Maybe she was making something out of nothing. Murderers were everywhere and enjoyed being copycats. Walker could have easily found out about the case or ones similar. She didn’t think the congressman’s son was that intelligent. Oh, what the hell did she know? She’d get through today’s pleadings then regroup. Then why couldn’t she stop crying?
She slapped her hand against the tile, her mouth open in a silent yet powerful scream. Pushing her face against the tile, she held her arms, longing for the water to take away all her sins. The moment a set of hands gripped her shoulders, she yelped.
“Shh… Just me. I thought you might want some company.”
“Oh, Sawyer.” When he turned her around, tugging her against his chest, she almost lost it.
“What’s wrong? You have to tell me.”
“I’m fine. Just worried about today.” Nuzzling into his neck, she used everything she could to tamp back the rawness, the agony swirling like an insect feasting on her insides. She was stronger than this.
He lifted her chin with a single finger, his entire face full of concern. “Baby, talk to me. I’m right here. I told you that I will protect you.”
“I know. You’re my strong smokejumper.” Even the sound of her own voice seemed foreign, broken like the rest of her.
He used the same finger to rub her cheek, moving very slowly as he slid one arm under her ass. “You’re not a very good liar.”
“Who says I’m lying?” She did her best to smile, to hide the blatant terror fueling the ugliness inside.
“Uh-huh.” Picking her up and pulling her legs around his hips, he rubbed one hand down her back before pushing her against the tile. “I know you. I told you that. All hard edges when necessary but a total marshmallow inside.”
The way the tip of his cock pressed against her pussy gave her a rush. He didn’t need to exert much pressure, sliding his cockhead past her pussy lips, holding the stance.