Can't Touch This

by J. Hali Steele

  “It would be useless for me to argue that point.” She snuggled deeper into his arms. “Cass, the wolves will accept me because you’ll make them. I’ll never know if they really like me.”

  “Animals are many things, including deadly, cunning and they’re great protectors that die defending home or family. Still, we maintain a very ordered and simple existence. If they don’t like you, Harlow, my kind will simply steer clear of you no matter what I tell them.” She yawned. “Go to sleep, darlin’. Tomorrow’s another day.”

  “Hold me tonight.”

  “Every night.”

  Chapter Seven

  Castle should have told her about Brigadier when she confided about her marriage. He had let the moment slip away.

  Upon their return from Big Bear, Harlow insisted on going home to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for work, and Castle had spent practically every weeknight for the last two weeks at her place, leaving at the crack of dawn when she headed to work. A few days were eaten up with pack shit and he didn’t like it. Hell, Castle didn’t like anything that kept Harlow from him.

  Waiting was not something he handled well.

  To top it all off, Castle couldn’t stop thinking about her marriage. Wolves mated for life. He had told her it didn’t matter but it bugged the shit out of Cass and forced him to move cautiously because her husband was alive. “Jesus, if he ever appears on Harlow’s doorstep, I’ll kill him.” He’d already set wheels in motion to find out more about the bastard and when their divorce would be final. Harlow never voiced it, but Castle guessed the man was responsible for her earlier shyness and fear of feelings that ran rampant through her luscious body. Initially he’d figured the culprit was someone she’d dated in the past, not a husband. The son of a bitch had made her feel like a freak.

  Cass had signed some contracts, finished up a proposal and waited again, for Harlow’s call. Cass’s fingers drummed the desk. He had had enough. He was used to taking action and this shit had to end.

  Picking up the phone, he punched in a number. “It’s Castle Briggs, put him on.” He rubbed the growth on his cheek, listening to canned music. “Goddamn it, everyone’s busy but me!”

  “Cass, what can I do for you?”

  “Jeremiah, glad you could scrounge out a minute for me.”

  “Next time I’ll poop with the phone on my lap. What do you need?”

  Jeremiah Breton had one of the sharpest legal minds around. He was a modern-day Machiavelli who happened to be a shifter with connections to every shady politician and unscrupulous organization in the world. He had the utmost respect of every alpha he worked with and he frequently supplied identities or simply brokered deals for most of the packs on the west coast. He was one wolf Castle knew who rarely shifted anymore, and he managed to stay under the radar and not be identified as years passed. Jeremiah surrounded himself with savvy young shifters who followed in his footsteps. Cass and he had become friends over a hundred years ago when they both decided to attend university on a lark. Jeremiah secured paperwork and completed enrollment arrangements after which he garnered a degree in law while Castle received his in engineering. Jeremiah was the only person Castle trusted with his holdings.

  Without Jeremiah’s handiwork, Castle wouldn’t have an identity, nor would he be able to move about in the world of humans.

  “I pay you to be available and it’s… Never mind. Look into a company called Overnight Success and get back to me with figures.” His fingers continued to tap highly polished wood.

  “Sounds like you’re interested in acquiring? You want a report on the other thing?”

  “Exactly.” Castle had reached the end of his rope, and he wanted Harlow to himself. “Make Overnight Success happen, and fast. You can give me a report on the other thing later.”

  He placed the phone back in the cradle and looked up to see Hatch lounging against his doorjamb. “What?”

  “Cass, what are you doing?”

  “This doesn’t concern you.”

  “Don’t do something rash.” Hatch walked in and sat in the seat in front of Cass’s desk. “You’ve brooded for weeks and I know you. You’re up to something that will piss her off.”

  “Grisom, again, it’s no concern of yours.”

  “I fucking hate when you call me that.” He leaned over the desk. “You’re annoyed because I’m right.”

  “Go to hell.”

  “I’m not a stranger. I’m your second. No, I’m your friend. Don’t chase Harlow away.”

  “That won’t happen. If it does, you’re not responsible.”

  “The pack can’t survive another vanishing act. I can’t survive it.” Hatch sat back in the seat, closed his eyes. “I’m not cut out for the alpha shit, man. I don’t like dominating and running the pack.” A long sigh passed through his lips. “After the last time, I can’t do it.”

  Cass stood and moved to the window. He stared into the street but saw nothing as memories regarding the time Hatch alluded to crowded into his mind. He had run into a female shifter he hadn’t seen for over a decade and spent damn near a month fucking her brains out. It was after a rather grueling business trip and he welcomed the reprieve she provided though Castle knew she tolerated his rough treatment just to keep him at her side for as long as she could. He shook his head to clear it as he twisted to study his best friend.

  “Shit, Hatch, I’m sorry. I’ll never be gone that long again.” It was pure luck he’d been in the Valley when Harlow appeared at The Moat.

  He strode around the desk and placed a hand on the beta’s shoulder. “Hatch, Jeremiah’s working on more than a business deal.” Cass ran a hand through his hair. “She’s married.”

  “Holy shit, that explains it.”

  “Explains what?”

  “You’ve been a fucking mess.”

  The phone rang and Cass pounced on it. “Jeremiah.”

  “You need to know about that other thing first. The name is Jeff Hardison and he’s on his way from Michigan to pick up a car before divorce papers are signed in a couple weeks.”

  “He’s coming here?” He’d handle that problem when it cropped up. “What about the business?”

  “Overnight Success is solidly in the black and the owner’s older. He put out a few feelers recently and I think he’d be interested in selling if the price is right.”

  “Buy it.”

  “Have you thought this through? It won’t mesh well with any of your holdings.”

  “Hotels need products they provide, might be easier having one company to deal with.”

  Jeremiah grunted in Cass’s ear. “May I remind you you’re primarily in the aerospace business, not printing brochures, picture cards and trendy trinkets?”

  “Okay, I’ve been reminded, now buy it. I’ll run down to Los Angeles tonight and deliver the contracts and proposals I’ve been working on. You can meet Harlow.”

  “You want a car at the airport?”

  “I’m riding in.”

  “See you later.”

  He’d barely gotten the phone in its cradle when his cell buzzed. “Harli, hey.” He watched Hatch as he let her talk. “Glad your day went well. Throw on some jeans, a warm jacket, and meet me here. I want to ride down to LA for the weekend. Couple things I need to look into.”

  Hatch gaped. “I always thought you were the smart one.”

  “I’ll keep her away from anyone who…”

  “Might tell her the truth before you do?”

  “I wasn’t the only one keeping secrets.”

  “She did tell you though.”

  “Get the fuck out.”

  “Ride easy, man.”

  The Valley had closed in on Castle, making him antsy. In addition, his woman never missed a day of work or took time off so his meeting with Jeremiah would be a pleasant break for her. No matter how deep he dug, he couldn’t figure why he knew telling her would go badly. Trusting his instincts, Castle tried to push the thought away. “I didn’t lie.” But buy
ing the company she worked for so she could be at his beck and call was some devious shit. “So much for trusting my ass.”

  * * * * *

  Harlow whistled softly when they walked into the hotel Brigadier’s lobby. “I’m underdressed.”

  “We’ll grab something from one of the shops.”

  “I’m fairly sure I can’t afford anything they’d sell here.”

  “I’ll take care of it.”

  “I don’t need your money, I’m perfectly capable of paying my way.”

  Castle pulled her into his arms and kissed her so long she had to push him away to breathe. One hand gripped her ass; the other grasped her chin and made her look at him. “You will wear what I buy. Understand?”

  The glint in his eyes, the swell of cock pressed into her belly caused her to whisper, “Yes.”

  “Good.” He swatted her behind. “Now I’ve got to register with a bulge in my pants.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” He planted a softer kiss on her mouth. “You’ll pay for it later. Wait here.”

  As Harlow glanced around the massive lobby, she noted a few people look away. Color flushed her cheeks. Finding a chair, she sat and picked up a magazine boasting of the amenities found within the hotel. She stopped at a page featuring a couple dressed to the nines in front of a window undoubtedly belonging to one of the better suites as the buildings behind them towered into the night sky. The woman’s black dinner dress was short and fitted without straps. The black heels she wore had to be at least five inches and if the designer’s name under the picture was anything to go by, Harlow would never own a single item represented on the page.

  Castle returned much sooner than expected and took the publication from her hand. Eyeing the picture, he smiled before closing and placing it back on the table. “Come on.” He coaxed her through the lobby and down a wide hallway filled with guests peeping into shop windows. When he stopped in front of an elegant shop, Harlow resisted his nudge toward the door. “Do we have to discuss this again?” He tweaked one of her nipples hard.

  “Castle!”

  He opened the door and pushed her in. “Sit, I’ll be right back.”

  Cass walked to the counter and briefly spoke with a woman who peered in her direction with a bright smile. She approached Harlow, and Castle instructed, “Give Miss Kelly your dress and shoe size, she’ll take care of everything.”

  “I may need to try it on.”

  Reaching under her arms, he lifted her from the chair and snaked fingers beneath her shirt. Castle rubbed the base of her spine and Harlow’s knees buckled when his scent wafted around her head. “Trust me, babe.” Taking her hand, he led her from the shop. “Let’s have a drink before we go to our suite.”

  “A suite, Cass?”

  “Did you expect less?”

  “I thought we’d grab a burger and fries at In and Out, spend the night at some little out-of-the-way motel, screw our brains out, wake up, eat eggs and bacon, ride back toward the Valley, find a grassy spot to fuck some more, and then go home.”

  “Damn, darlin’, guess I better find you a burger joint.”

  “Highly unlikely that will happen here.”

  Castle leaned and bit her earlobe. “Do you believe in werewolves?”

  Harlow narrowed her eyes. “What’s that mean?”

  “Nothing, Harli, let’s have that drink.”

  They finished their cocktails and took the elevator, which she noticed needed a code, to the top floor. “Cass, Jesus, the penthouse. Can you afford this?” Harlow figured a night in this room reached into the thousands.

  * * * * *

  “Babe, do me a favor.” The way Harlow reacted to him purchasing one outfit dashed his hopes of opening up to her about his businesses. In fact, it solidified in Castle’s mind he had done the right thing by not telling her. Who the hell had fucked her up and took the joy out of receiving a simple gift? He couldn’t keep himself from mentally laying the blame for this at her husband’s feet also. He punched in a code that automatically opened the door. “Let me worry about finances and you just have a good time. You work too fucking much.”

  “I’m here, Cass.”

  He grinned. “You’re right.”

  Harlow glanced around and sucked in a draft of air. “Damn. I’d swear this was the same view I noted in the catalogue I was looking through.”

  “Maybe they use it for photo shoots.” Cass was well aware they did. “You should take one of those luxury baths women are famous for.”

  “What will you do?”

  “Shower and wait for you.” He waited for her to close the door of the largest bedroom before he made his first call.

  It was to check on his purchases. Harlow had only been gone about ten minutes when Castle answered the door and ushered Miss Kelly into the room. “Is everything here?”

  “Dress, shoes and lingerie as requested. I have your suit, shirt and shoes also. Everything has been charged to your account.”

  “You’re a gem.”

  “Anytime, Mr. Briggs, it’s a pleasure to have you in residence.”

  He laid the clothes across the back of a nearby sofa. “Would you give this to the chef for me?” Cass slipped a folded note into her hand.

  “Should I tell him what time to expect you?”

  “Tell him my usual table at nine.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “There’s something in the note for you and thanks, Miss Kelly.”

  “My pleasure.” She closed the door softly behind her.

  Castle called Jeremiah to let him know he had arrived, then he took Harlow’s things to the bedroom she used. He opened and placed everything on the bed and smiled as he snagged the elastic band of a tiny pair of black thongs and brought them to his cheek where he rubbed them. “Jesus, I’m putting my scent on her fucking panties.” He couldn’t wait to see Harli in the outfit she’d ogled in the catalogue. His things he carried to the second bedroom where he shucked his clothes and took a quick shower. He wanted to be in the main sitting area when she came out.

  Waiting, Cass enjoyed a rye whiskey behind a fully stocked bar. When she opened the door and walked out, he gripped the counter. Jesusfuckingchrist! He’d seen her in the outfits she wore to work, but this—beautiful didn’t do Harlow justice; she was goddamn magnificent looking. “Damn, babe, you’re gorgeous.” He saluted her with his drink and swallowed every drop. Castle needed something to dampen his libido.

  * * * * *

  Castle in a black suit, a crisp white shirt with two or three buttons undone, his long hair free of its leather tie—Harlow’s fate was sealed.

  “Would you like a drink?”

  “My usual.”

  “Gin, straight up.”

  Harlow hoped it would settle her nerves. The suite, the snug-fitting, short designer dress she wore and pair of heels that cost a week’s salary had Harlow feeling as though she were in a dream. Running her hands over her abdomen, she commented, “This is the dress from the magazine.”

  “Yes.”

  “Cass, this is too much.”

  “Nothing is too much if it’s for you, Harlow.”

  “Thank you.”

  He walked from behind the bar and handed the drink to her. “Absolutely my pleasure.”

  She took a few sips and set the glass down. “I’m ready.”

  They exited the elevator on the second floor where music drifted from a nightclub directly in front of them. The space was full with people going to or coming from various venues. A group of men walked by and someone whistled. She glanced at Cass. “Does that bother you?”

  “Hell no.” He wrapped his arm around her waist. “You’re with me, and that’s not going to change.” They approached a restaurant with ten or fifteen people waiting in line. When they walked up, a young man immediately unclipped the red velvet rope and squired them through. “Thanks.” Castle slipped something into the man’s hand.

  “You come here a lot?”

  “Oc
casionally.”

  The man was full of surprises this weekend. She was so busy looking around, she missed Cass give his name before a maître d’ escorted them to a softly lit table in a quiet corner. Sitting there, long legs stretched out, was a tall, athletically built man with dark styled hair. He wore a silk t-shirt beneath his jacket and was damn near as handsome as Castle.

  He rose and Cass introduced him. “Harlow Hardison, meet Jeremiah Breton, my attorney.”

  “Christ, you didn’t tell me how beautiful she was.” He clasped her hand in his. “But of course, describing perfection is not an easy thing to do.”

  His scent and the way he sniffed the air confirmed to Harlow he was a shifter. It was amazing how her sense of smell had sharpened since she met Castle.

  “If you don’t let her hand go, you’ll need a new one.”

  Throwing his head back, he laughed. “Same old domineering son of a bitch.”

  Everyone sat down and a sommelier brought a wine list and handed it to Cass. “Not tonight, we’ll be having beer with our meals.” He twisted toward Harlow. “Is that all right?”

  “Do they carry lager?”

  Jeremiah chuckled. “I’ll bet flown from Pennsylvania today.”

  “Kiss my ass.” Castle grinned.

  She could tell they were old friends but she didn’t get the joke about the beer. “How long have you known Cass?”

  “More than a hundred years. We went to university together.”

  A server picked that time to roll a trolley with covered dishes next to the table. He placed one in front of each of them.

  “I hope you don’t mind that I ordered ahead?”

  “I don’t mind anything you do.” Jeremiah’s low whistle had Harlow’s cheeks burning. Her innuendo wasn’t lost on him. “I forgot how perceptive you creatures are.”

  “You lucky bastard, a submissive by choice. Shit, I can’t sit here and smell you two all night. Leave the papers at the desk.”

  “Papers?”

  “Pack business, darlin’.”

  The shifter stood and studied Cass. “My friend, one day you’ll have to decide which side you want to stand on.” He pivoted toward her. “Harlow, a pleasure. Sorry I have to miss dinner.”