Hard as Steel: Book four ( Surviving Series )

by Virginia Wine

  “Coffee?”

  The moment we’re alone, the eagle swoops from the skies cruelly capturing the frantic mouse still struggling for survival, but we all know how that ends.

  “You aren’t a child.” He states, his chest rising and falling. “Your only mistake is denying your talent, you must embrace it, caress it, nurture it and let it grow. Let it become a part of you.”

  He sips his wine but doesn’t attempt to hide his penetrating gaze over the rim. “Allow your light to burn brightly.” He holds his glass swirling the wine, fascinated with its crystal shimmering in the chandelier above, sparkling through the weighted glass.

  “You bury your beauty, why?”

  “Beauty?” I ask simply. Piqued by his observation.

  “You may fear me at first, but you will learn to love in the end, that is, if you obey.” He leans closer, as close as he can and utters the words that cause chaos to explode within my walls I’ve constructed.

  “Remain untouched. Because when you scream, I will own it.”

  The memory comes to me as clear as if it were today. And it was those words that would cause me to protect him to keep his name safe, by not revealing his identity. Not yet.

  I finally know who I am, who he is, and why it would remain a secret.

  I was fighting against the current, rudderless. Drowning in confusion. I’m not thinking clearly as Flynn’s voice fades into the background.

  “Steel we’re here.”

  We park on a dirt road; the darkness of the moonless night was both a blessing and a curse. We ease our way out of the car the flash light beams cut through the dense fog lighting our path, my vision blurs as I reconsider the plan.

  “You getting cold feet?” Flynn’s words cut through the bullshit and straight to the point.

  “We haven’t done this in a while.” I say. “And it’s a woman.” Peyton Ramirez, bank manager and co-conspirator, if the evidence was accurate.

  “We’re just going to talk to her.” I doubted his words, she won’t give up the information easily. We stood at the top of a ridge looking down on the back of her house. Lowering our black hooded mask.

  “Have you forgotten our past transgressions, all in the name of justice?”

  “I understand your concern, but this is personal, Steel. She’s our only lead, we have to take this opportunity.” He sounds calm as we continue, pulled into the shadows with each precise step.

  “I understand, but it doesn’t make it right.”

  “Going soft, old man?” He says, then glances my way. “Sir.”

  “Fuck you, just do your job.” But it didn’t erase the unease that settles over me. Flynn rummages through his back pack searching for the tools to break in undetected. Sweat rolls off my temples, as a hot rush of adrenaline pumps through my body.

  And we were in. Our stealth-like maneuvers inch along over the surface, closing in on our target. My palm rests on his shoulder as his fist rises indicating to stop. His hand signals guiding me into action whether I want this or not, it’s about to go down.

  His fingers counting down, 3…2…1 “Hands up.” Flynn yells. “Up, damnit, up where I can see them.”

  Confusion crosses her face as she obeys. Flynn pointing a rifle, as I have my glock pointed at her head. “On the ground, now.” I watch, covering my partner as he grabs her wrist yanking her to the ground, the carpet easing her fall.

  “Frisk her.” I demand. Then, I try to settle my nerves as I watch the color drain from her cheeks.

  “Clear.”

  “Who are you working for Peyton Ramirez.?” Her face searching for any sign of weakness.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Show some respect.” Flynn lowers to a knee grabbing her hair, raising her face to gaze into her eyes.

  “It’s true…” She begs.

  “Don’t lie.” I say. “We know you’re the source, why are you transferring funds from off shore accounts?”

  “That’s my job, now please.” Flynn drops his grip, and proceeds to search.

  “What do we have here? A burner phone. Why on earth do you need this?” He asks, holding it above her. He looks over his shoulder. “Do you want to do the honors?

  “No.” She screams. Her voice echoes then bounce off the walls, we hit a nerve. I take the phone and scroll, one lonely number, one. I remove my glove, press call and listen intently as it rang once, twice, then. “This better be a fucking emergency, I told you never to call unless it was a crisis.”

  Everything inside me freezes as Flynn stands right in front of me, I nod in confirmation, he knew whose voice was on the other end.

  “And you thought you were untouchable.” I was met with long beats of crazy silence as he processed. I can’t deny the jolt, reigning fear on the asshole. “A little on edge, Carrington?”

  “On the contrary, what does this phone prove, nothing.” He takes a long drag from a cigar, most likely. “Besides you can’t exactly go to the authorities, can you?”

  “The authorities? You wish. After I’m through with you, you’ll be meeting your maker.” The tension was coursing through me, and it showed in my trembling hand my knuckles white from the grip in which I held the phone.

  “Mr. Archer when will you realize, I’m invincible.”

  “I’m closer than you think, I wouldn’t get too comfortable if I were you.” Sweat trickles, as I go on. “Why the money?”

  “What money?”

  “You’re lying, the evidence will prove it.”

  “You’ve got nothing, the girl won’t talk, trust me.”

  The line went dead. I gaze at the phone in my hand, desperate to see through it. Eager to reach in and rip his head right off his fucking neck.

  “I want him.” Flynn’s steady gaze, and even temper locks eyes with mine.

  “Yeah, I bet you do.” He spins around. “What do we do with her?”

  “Let her go.” Tossing the phone to Flynn, who takes the butt of his rifle and smashes the burner phone to smithereens. “She’s no use to him anymore.”

  “Does she deserve such generosity?” Flynn fights back his frustration.

  “Carrington will take care of her, she’s only a loose end now.”

  “C’mon.” We left the same way we entered, never looking back at the woman on the floor.

  “That went well.” Flynn’s humor fell flat. Silence lingered once we met the SUV and headed down the long stretch of highway.

  It’s late, “Who’s with Grace?”

  “One of our men.” Surprised by this piece of information.

  “Which one?”

  “Bradly.”

  “Bradly, computer geek, quiet, no social skills, Bradly?”

  “I didn’t have much choice.” Flynn said, I shut off the engine climbing out of the seat and walk behind Flynn. This I have to see.

  Voices echo from the back, muttered laughter and yelling. Flynn’s steps increase in speed as we cross into the back bedroom as the two were playing X-box, and Grace was handing Bradly’s his ass on a silver platter.

  “Play nice. Flynn.” I warn. “I know it’s a stretch, but it’s only a game.” His scowl comes at me with vigorous intent, when he looks over his shoulder. I shrug, amused with his sudden intensity.

  “She said she’d never played before.” Bradly’s huff was laced with defeat.

  “Baby-sitting is over, thanks Bradly.” Flynn all but pushes him out the front door. I was all too aware of the signs.

  “Hi Grace, how are you?” Pleasantries exchanged. “When is Dr. Grant coming to see you?”

  “Tomorrow at one o’clock.” Her emerald green eyes reveal a softness that I didn’t notice before, I chalk it up to Flynn, who seems to move heaven and earth for this young wounded bird. Although curious of what Theo’s take will be on the subject.

  “That’s a good thing Grace.” I turn towards Flynn in the kitchen. “It’s late, I’m leaving.”

  “Sounds good.” He hollers over his sh
oulder, stirring what appears to be hot cocoa on the stove top. I let it go, although it wasn’t easy.

  I wake to the sky threaded with silver, blue hazy colors edged through the clouds as the morning approaches. Pushing all thoughts but one from my mind, Nicole Lancaster her brown eyes with flecks of gold. I long to be closer, close enough to touch.

  I call her over my morning coffee. “Are you going into the office today?”

  Her response was quick, laced with frustration. “No, working from home.”

  “What’s the problem?”

  “I found Grace Novak’s records, but not her parents. I’ve searched the Shovelbum Archaeology field school they sponsor, but I’m coming up empty.” A sigh is heard over the phone. “What’s up?”

  “Missing you.” Pushing honesty to the forefront. “I was hoping to see you today.” My rapidly beating heart waits impatiently. “Sure, if you don’t mind pretty-boy Will, who’ll I’ll stab to death later for being such a baby.”

  “That bad huh?” I hear voices in the back ground.

  “You sure can dish it out.” Will yells up to her loft.

  “Charming.” I hear her pull in a deep breath and blow it out slowly. “Yes, rescue me.”

  “Your knight is on the way.” Her laugh is just what I need, as we end the call. Once in my SUV I press down hard on the accelerator, visions of her rattling around in my head, urging me on. I knock and hear voices echoing from the other side. A deeper voice yells “Come in.” I open the door as Will comes into view. From the looks of it, their dispute is still in play.

  “It’s time you start pulling your own weight around here.”

  “I am.”

  “Not by a long shot, slick.” I watch her graceful descent down the floating staircase as our gaze first meets. Her smile lighting up her exasperated face.

  “You’re not getting any younger you know.” Will reminds her. A disapproving glance settles over her features.

  “Given your financial resources, you might think twice, before biting the hand that feeds you.”

  I watch Will cross the living room into the kitchen huffing as he fills the dishwasher with dirty dishes.

  “You might get hurt in the cross-fire.” Nick warns as she approaches. Scents of florals drift and linger over me.

  “You’ve always been high risk.” Pulling her into my arms, where they naturally wrap and snake around her waist.

  “Am I now?” Reaching up on her tip toes pressing her mouth against mine. Heat races down my spine, as I turn up the volume, my tongue searching for hers, finding my target. But nowhere near enough, I want to belong to her, and know she belongs to me.

  “Do you mind?” Will whines from the kitchen? “How gross.”

  “We’ll leave you to your chores.” Nick says reaching for my hand.

  “Make sure you do, disgusting.”

  We cross the long hall Nick leading the way to her bedroom. Once in I shut the door and secure the lock. I turn my gaze racking over her body, enamored by her official standard white blouse, but with a closer look her secrets unfold, I see the curves of her breast, her trim waist, her nipples peek. Every curve every dip, there waiting to be worshipped.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey yourself.”

  I raise her hand to my mouth grazing my lips across her knuckles as I turn her delicate hand over and press a gentle kiss on her palm. And there it is, as soon as I touch her, her flesh sends sparks careening straight to my groin. Her body fully aware of my presence. I can’t deny the connection. “Your mouth, those full lips.” Was all I could say before they crash together, her wicked tongue eager to sample as she finds mine. Fuck.

  Reaching for her blouse, the buttons give-way one after the other. My eyes intent on seeing her skin, pushing the fabric off her shoulders and exposing the white lace bra, her breast spilling over the top seam. “Christ Nichole, I want that, I do, I want you, all of you.”

  “Take it off Steel.” Salivating, I reach behind and unlatch the sexy bra, as it tumbles to the floor. She trembles ablaze with anticipation, but I can’t resist her beauty. I just need a second, a moment to admire her creamy skin, the full roundness, her swollen buds needing me, wanting me, calling me.

  My breath left my body when her hand flips the button of my jeans, and the slow roar of my zipper pressing hard against my erection. I quickly reach for my shirt and pull it over my head throwing it haphazardly.

  A moan resonates deep within me as her hands skim up my stomach over my chest then circle my neck with her arms. Her bare breast pressing against my chest. Our lips collide once more as her hands frantically remove her black slacks, kicking them away. My hands glide to her silk covered ass.

  I drag my mouth from hers while reaching between her thighs, my hand finding her panties wet. I answer with a moan, yanking them off desperate to explore her wet folds. My finger dips into her begging me to touch her wet slick heat.

  Her hips respond as my finger enters slowly, a moan resonates followed by the sweetest words. “Oh Steel, it’s so good.” My mouth finds her neck my lips graze over her ear, whispering all the dirty things I’m about to do. My finger pulls from her body only to hear a sigh. A small chuckle seeps out, as I direct her to her bed. “I’m only getting started.”

  Her eyes hooded and hungry she lay on the bed, I follow closely behind, our bodies rubbing over each other in a slow ride of delight.

  I revel in her softness, the flawless skin on her neck and her full breast. Her nipples harden under my touch while I’m squeezing and kneading each one in turn.

  She reaches between our bodies and fists the head of my staff. I haul in a breath and tense at the sensation. It’s hot, sweltering hot, her hand wrapping around my hard cock, it’s almost too much to bear when she tightens her grip and pumps harder, faster my brain can’t focus as the tight muscles of my belly flinch in response. “Like that?” She whispers.

  “The thing is…” I beg in a raspy voice. “I like it too much.” As I gently move down her body pulling from her grip. My lips graze the ripe buds then pull her taut nipples in my mouth, one by one. Desperate breaths are heard as I worship each breast. My lips and tongue make a path across her stomach, her low sultry cries only make me more rigid and engorged.

  Her eyes lock on mine, lust filled and so alluring as I push her legs apart. Fire smoldering through my veins as her glistening pussy was pulsing with need. “Beautiful, baby.” My mouth lowers with fluttering kisses on her inner thighs, teasing around the edges as I slowly make my path to her folds where my tongue streaks the length of her.

  “Oh God.” Her words turn to gasoline as a smoldering fire ignites. My lips fuse around her bundle of nerves, sucking her clit into my mouth releasing only to pick up the rhythm of my tongue as I anticipate her every desire. Then repeat the nearly maddening pace as her trembling thighs and quivering stomach warn me of her impending climax. “That’s it.” I coax her. “Come for me.” A cry slips from her lips, relentlessly moving her hips against my mouth, as she rides out her pleasure.

  Raining kisses up her body, my arousal presses against her thigh. I rise over her as a passionate tide over takes my need. I thrust into her, and still, her hot flesh sheathing me. Joined together as one, her body wild under mine, flesh on flesh in a riding rhythm as my thrust got harder and deeper and faster, until I fill her completely, savor her, shackling my raging lust. So tight, so wet, so fucking sexy.

  Her smoldering eyes draw me in, I catch her mouth as our bodies move in unison. My tongue sweeps over hers, she tastes so fucking good. As I feel the tingle begin to climb. On the edge of detonation, all I want is to be tucked safely inside her body forever, prolonging our pleasure. Yet, I was unraveling while filing her with each stroke. My fingers tangle in her long chestnut hair. Our gaze holds as the weight of my body presses her deeper into the bed, flexing muscles needing to bring her home.

  Pounding hearts and shivering waves approach. “Steel, that’s it.” Her driving hips meeting mine in a fury pa
ce, her orgasm taking her over the edge. I crest, the muffled cry unrecognizable as my release rips from my body flooding her pussy squeezing jets into her, marking her with my seed. Our hearts slow, our breath subsides slowly diminishing the euphoric trance back to this moment of bliss. I place a soft kiss across her lips and shift to her side evidence of our love making marking our boneless limbs, yet to recover.

  Her head rests against my shoulder as her gaze lifts, she smiles as our eyes meet, this moment was pure genuine happiness. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, Steel.” She whispers, her lips swollen, her cheeks flush. I stare at the wonder in front of me, the woman I have yet to profess my love too.

  Her words like a song written only for me it’s sweet melody moving across my body, in a soft rhythm. “I want more days like this, nights like this.” My hands roam freely over her heated flesh, grazing her tender nipples, her breath hitches.

  “We can’t spend all day in bed.”

  “I know.” I let out a shaky breath. “I plan to join Grace, at Theo’s session this afternoon, Flynn will be there too.”

  “I’d like to join you.”

  “I’d like that too.”

  For the first time I had a partner in life, in bed and in the field. What remains is that I only have to prove that I deserve her.

  His palm rests easily on my thigh as Flynn’s house comes into view. We pull up to the curb and shut off the engine. “She’ll be nervous.” I say.

  “She has every right to be.” He reaches for my hand. “Our role is to reassure her, let her know she’s not alone.”

  “And do our jobs.”

  “Yes, and do our jobs.” Steel opens my door and helps me down his tall SUV, the strong winds whip through my hair and across my face. We climb the steps leading to Flynn’s front door and are met with his calm exterior. But, his blue eyes are filled with apprehension, as he ushers us in.