His cock throbbed with impatient need. His control wavered as primitive instincts grappled with his steel-forged determination to go slow and easy, to allow Riley to set the pace.
Glancing up, he sucked in his breath. Riley lay with her hair spread out on the white pillow, the crimson locks glowing like a fiery sunset. Her emerald eyes peeked at him from lowered lids. Both hands clenched handfuls of comforter so tightly her knuckles whitened. A woman on a rack of pleasure if he ever saw one.
"So beautiful."
"Please. Spoon. I need…"
He moved his hand twice more before withdrawing. "Condom."
Jumping off the bed, he found his discarded jeans, dug through pockets until he held his wallet in hand. Finding what he wanted, he crawled across the bed to rejoin her. The foil package tore easily and in a flash, the condom was rolled into place.
She welcomed him with open arms from a sitting position, tugging him back to her, running her curious hands all over his exposed body while licking the column of his throat.
"I need you. I love you."
Bending, he braced his arms beside her hips, lowering to mesh his lips with hers. She responded in spades, mirroring the aggressive mating of his mouth with hers.
Lifting, he broke the kiss to whisper against her lips. "Are you sure?"
She cupped his cheek, lifting until his gaze bore into hers. Only then did she answer in a whisper, "I've never wanted anything more in my life."
The dam burst with her spoken words. Relief, desire, and emotions he didn't take time to name coursed through him.
He nudged her backward, coming over her as she reclined on the bed once more. Teeth worried a tight nipple then sucked. Shifting, he kneeled between her thighs. "Wider, baby."
Riley's legs fell open, revealing the glossy, damp, pink folds. He groaned low at the delicious sight.
Bracing his hands by her shoulders, he lined up their bodies, easing into her tightness. Heat and snugness wrapped him in a glorious cocoon, spurring him onward and inward. He continued to press slowly and steadily, not stopping until he felt her flinch and watched as her face turned from an expression of longing to a painful grimace. The reason stretched across his path, blocking him from complete entry.
"Riley?" He already knew she lacked sexual experience from her skittishness after their first wade into the pond of passion. However, the fact she remained a virgin in this day and age amazed him.
She met his gaze strongly. "I want you. I need you. Please." Her words panted out between breaths, her chest expanding and contracting at an increased rate, drawing attention to her dark nipples at the summit of each pale breast. Like a ripe cherry topping an ice cream sundae, both provided a tasty treat that made his mouth water.
Covering her body with his own, he licked her neck, nibbled her chin, and finally placed his lips over hers. With a hard thrust of his pelvis, he broke through the barrier, and caught her muted whimper in his mouth. Riley's body arched in an innate effort to escape the momentary discomfort.
He remained motionless, allowing her body to adjust to his novel presence. Raining kisses over her face, he apologized for causing her discomfort and worked hard to bring her back to the level of excitement before he'd penetrated her core and took her virginity.
Only when she echoed his pants with tiny mews and an insistent grip to his lower back that demanded he press closer, did he begin a snail paced rhythm of back and forth motions, small movements at first that tempted and teased. Riley twined one leg over his hamstring, using the leverage to meet his downward thrust. Adjusting his angle a shade, Spoon tilted just enough to give her room to maneuver and enough space for his questing fingers to delve between their bodies, finding the location where they became one. He sought and found the bundle of sensitive nerves, the key to her increasing tension and headlong drive to rapture.
Her teeth lightly bit into the muscle of his chest as she dug for purchase into his bunched shoulders. "More. Need more." Her whispery voice broadcast loudly in the quiet room, carrying easily over the sound of their rapid breathing.
Discovering her pleasure button, he stroked with exquisite care, lengthening his strokes at the same time. His pace gradually increased as did the flicking of his fingers, pushing her to greater heights, needing her to reach that almighty peak.
Her neck arched as her mouth opened wide. Great gulps of air sawed from her throat. Nails latched onto his perspiration-slickened skin, clawing for an unbreakable hold as if she would fall into the cyclone of ecstasy if she didn't cling to him for salvation. Tautness wracked her body as she neared the threshold.
"Let it come, Riley."
His hips pounded into her willing body, seeking the very far reaches of her depths. Wetness and heat greeted him with each entry, tight muscles clamped down as if begging for him to stay with every retreat. A tingling in his lower spine warned of his impending climax.
Gently plucking her engorged clit between his finger and thumb, he growled as her feminine channel clenched down with power before a rapid series of contractions milked his erection, sending his overheated body into rapture's free fall. Slamming into her once more, he sealed their hips together, riding out their combined orgasm with relish.
Sucking in great gulps of air, he lay over her, unmoving, and soaking up the tiny ripples that still flowed through her body. Spoon rested for a couple of minutes before garnering the strength to lift himself off her smaller frame. Emerald eyes met his. Her relaxed expression along with her arching eyebrow told him of her immediate thoughts. She wore the look of a woman well-loved and quite happy with her man.
He licked her bottom lip, then sealed his mouth over hers in a lazy kiss. She returned the gesture, her hands massaging his arms and back, smoothing where her fingers dug in earlier. Before either of them could get carried away, he put a stop to the after play.
"Hold on." Placing one hand on the condom, he steadily pulled his now deflated cock from her body, feeling her twinge in the process.
Leaving the bed, he headed into the bathroom and disposed of the condom. He completed the task and promptly rejoined Riley on the bed. Wrapping his arms around her body, he flipped them over, allowing her to straddle his hips and rest on top of his larger frame.
She squirmed until comfortable, then, with an impish grin, circled his nipple with her tongue.
He sucked in a breath. "I take that to mean you enjoyed yourself?" He had been with other women more well-versed in the field of sexual fulfillment, but his time with Riley left them all in the rearview mirror. Her innocence only added to her allure, the sincere responses, and wide eyed curiosity at each newness she discovered along the way. Never would he forget this first time together and eagerly awaited further intimacy to plunder each and every morsel of hidden pleasure from her beautiful body.
"Oh, yeah. Much better in real life than in my books."
Pride washed over him with the knowledge that not only had she enjoyed the experience, but he'd also brought her to climax. The first of many, he vowed.
Speaking of books, a sudden thought struck. Though she lacked any experience in the area, her sex scenes flowed like she'd written of recent happenings, play by play and filled with detail.
"Just how, pray tell, do you write romances when you're a virgin?" His muddled brain couldn't quite wrap around the idea.
She grinned and wiggled, sending shivers of renewed need through his recently spent body. "Research and imagination."
He stilled her movements by grabbing her rear. So soon after her first experience with sex, he felt it better to hold off rather than chancing considerable soreness in the morning.
"Although… I now have this wonderful sex consultant that might be able to help me with certain scenes in my books." Her eyes flashed mischievously.
He smiled widely. "Do you now?"
"Uh huh. He's gorgeous, gentle, smart, and simply irresistible." She punctuated each word with a kiss.
"Sounds like a good guy to keep around." He th
oroughly enjoyed the banter and playfulness.
"Oh, definitely. Especially because I love him."
"I love you, Riley. More than I can ever say." Cupping the back of her head, he pulled her down for a passionate kiss, full of promise and everything he felt for the small redhead who had wormed her way into his life, his heart, and made him happier than he ever thought possible.
Chapter 21
Spoon pulled into the paved semi-circle driveway, parking under the extended front porch. The two-story brick mansion hadn't changed since he'd left there as an eighteen-year-old with a vow to never return.
All his young life, he'd tried to impress his father, working hard to earn straight As on his quarterly grade card, and remain at the top of his class. Anything to earn attention and praise from a father who had spent long hours at work to get a toehold in the diamond industry.
All that came to a head when he'd entered his project in the science fair. At fourteen, he had held the top spot in his school and easily made his way to the regional competition level with his chemistry experiment, turning masses from liquids to a solid with the introduction of sound. Hours and hours he'd obsessed over every minor detail, needing his entry to be perfect. He had taken home a second place ribbon, failing in his bid to win and cruise on to nationals. When he'd proudly displayed his fancy small trophy to his father, he had received abruptness.
"Why didn't you win? If you would have worked harder, you would have won." With those harsh words, his father had stormed off.
Devastated, Spoon had begun to act out, hurt deeply by his father's rejection and his mother's lack of attention and care. His behavior had led to visits with the principal and banishment to his bedroom while at home. Even though his parents had forbidden computer games, he'd still retained his laptop, allowing him the time and ability to play with software, curiously learning how everything clicked. Soon, he'd found a small niche in life. With most of his homework finished at school, he had come home to his peaceful domain, with his laptop for company.
By age sixteen, he had been hacking into businesses and working his way up. The challenge of compromising the Pentagon's computers had spurred him ahead, even though each time he'd gotten close, he'd ended up down some rabbit trail that dead ended with a blunt warning. While sharpening his computer skills, he'd also discovered a hidden talent in baseball. Trying out on a hunch, he had made the team as starting shortstop with the assistance of his developing build and natural athletic talents. Besides providing a reason to be away from his turbulent home, baseball had allowed him to find a paternal mentor in his coach, a solid man who'd taken him under his wing, provided stability, and encouragement, all the things lacking from his biological parents. He credited the very same coach for getting him back on the straight and narrow and into college.
Purposely, he'd chosen to attend college halfway across the country, accepting a baseball scholarship at a large school where he could study whatever he wanted while blending in. For the first time in his life, he'd felt freedom and control, allowing him to spread his wings and excel. Never intending to return home, he had enrolled in classes year round, graduating in three years even with a busy schedule of baseball. In two more years, he'd finished his college baseball career and attained his masters in computer science and software design, his hacking abilities serving him well.
His father had demanded that he return home at once to take his place in the family business. As Spoon didn't care anything for the jewelry business or his father, he'd absolutely refused, having the foresight to understand how miserable he would be working under his perfectionist father. No matter how hard his father had pushed, he'd stood his ground. Then, he'd come across the solution. An Army recruiter had visited campus, telling tales of world travel, benefits, and opportunities. Spoon had immediately signed up, much to his father's fury.
Like most things in life, the Army had proved a bit lackluster compared to the promises he'd heard and understood. The other soldiers had harassed him about his rich background, teaching him a valuable lesson to keep his mouth closed about his past. Once that had happened, he'd begun to climb the ranks, landing as a Green Beret with just a few months under his belt. He'd enjoyed the advanced level work and special ops experiences, but still felt restless, needing more from his occupation than following orders and keeping his mouth shut despite questions and concerns over the whys and ways missions were carried out. Tired of shuffling and saluting, he'd put in for discharge, actively searching for a similar field where his well-practiced skills could come into use, but still retain some control over his life. That's when he had discovered the Wind Warriors.
Shaking his head, he focused on the here and now, staring at the ominous front door. Time to face the lion in his den. Climbing out of the car, he marched up the front steps, and rang the doorbell. A maid answered the door, ushering him in once he told her his name.
Matt met him in the living room, giving him a big hug. "Aidan. I didn't think you would come."
He grinned at his younger brother, the only family he counted, returning the affection. "You're right. I can't avoid the grizzly bear forever. Better to call him out and get this over with than to delete dozens of irate phone calls."
"That's the spirit." Matt flashed white teeth in a broad smile.
His brother stood a couple inches shorter, with the darker hair color of their mother. They shared the same brown eyes. Physically, Matt lacked his bulk, but still stayed in shape. Riding a desk and working out at a gym resulted in different muscle mass than stealthily sneaking into compounds, taking out the head viper, and blowing the whole operation to kingdom come while ducking bullets and grenades in the process.
"It's about damn time." A male voice roared across the room.
Spoon turned to find his father, now gray-headed and carrying more weight around his middle than he remembered, staring at him with an expression of anger mixed with a flash of hope.
"I agree."
A superior smile appeared on Willard's face. "You've decided to accept the manager position. Excellent."
Spoon shot Matt a look and sucked in a breath. "No. I've come to tell you once and for all that I will never accept that job or any other job in your company. I've never cared for the jewelry business and I'm not stupid enough to put myself under your hard thumb for the rest of my working life."
"Why you insubordinate bastard!" His father's face turned crimson with anger. "You owe it to me to take that job!"
"Like hell!"
"After all I've done for you? Men would kill for this job I'm offering to you. Wealth. Power. Women. It's the best offer you'll ever see and you stomp on it like a damn bug." His nostrils flared as he breathed deeply and his face pinched in a harsh scowl. "I groomed you to manage the mine owners and oversee deals. Yet you spit on all my hard work?"
"Your hard work? All you ever gave me was a reason to grow up fast and leave."
"Ungrateful whelp! I gave you everything in life and worked my ass off to provide for you! "
"You did nothing for me. Everything I have in life, I earned myself." He released a long sigh in an attempt to leash his raging temper. "I love my present job and have no intentions of leaving. Certainly not to work for you. I would rather live on the streets than take a penny from you!"
"Belly crawling grunt. That's all you'll ever be in the Army."
Matt stepped between them. "How dare you insult him like that? If you knew half of what Aidan does, you'd salute him and sing his praises. He's risked his life in the name of his country more times than anyone can count. Still does." Always the peacekeeper, Matt tried to reason with both sides to strike some semblance of compromise.
Spoon glanced from Matt back to his enraged father. He didn't care what the old man said to him. Age and wisdom taught him that he was no longer that teenager, desperately needing his father's love. He did just fine without it. His brother, on the other hand, revered the old man.
"Give the job to Matt. He's busted his ass to
do everything within his ability to please you."
"I don't want a fucking 'yes' man running my company overseas. I need someone with balls."
Conniving bastard.
Matt turned on their father like an alpha pride lion meeting a threat to his dominance. "A fucking 'yes' man? That's what you think of me?" He threw his arms up in agitation. "I've done everything to show you that I can do the job. Education. Skills. Shit, I even took a low-end job to pay the bills while trying to find a way into your line of vision. If that's not enough, then too fucking bad." He stomped off, then spun back around. "I justified your absence and lack of concern for years, telling myself and Aidan that you simply worked so hard to provide us with a good life, and were too busy and too tired to spend any time with us. Shit. How blind was I?"
"Listen here, you sorry eating son…"
Matt raged on. "No, you listen, you bastard."
"Bastard! Let me tell you something, you whiney simpleton."
"Matt." Spoon inserted the voice of reason. "He's not worth it."
"He insulted you. You. The man who keeps us all safe at night. The soldier who still takes down militants and terrorists, putting your life on the line for little to no reward or recognition. No. Any father would be more than proud of such a son."
The words soothed his soul and solidified his feelings for his younger brother while revealing Matt's flattering idolism. "It doesn't matter, Matt. I've moved on." Spoon rested his hand on Matt's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "However"—he turned back to his scowling father—"you won't speak like that to Matt. He's the best thing you could have had. Hard worker. Knows the business. Hell, he did his master's thesis on diamond mining, hoping to use the research to help your company lead the way to the future. If you're moronic enough to throw away the best qualified man for the job, then so be it. I'm sure your competitors will be more than happy to create a position for him." With that said, Spoon turned on his heel.
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