by Dani Jace
She broke their kiss. “How about another wild ride?”
Her naughty golden wink shot another wave of lust straight to his needy dick. His once shy lover turned tigress had him primed and ready.
He brought her beneath him. She inhaled a sexy gasp as he knelt and yanked off her jean shorts and panties with them. He spread her thighs and stared at her neatly trimmed pussy.
She dipped her finger between her slick folds and swirled around her plump clit. Then offered him a taste.
He could’ve come then and there. Instead, he devoured her tasty treat while his inner animal howled in triumphant. He made quick work of shedding her snug T-shirt and bra then circled her nipples before filling his hands with her soft, creamy flesh. The consuming need to be inside her pushed him faster than he wanted to go. He retreated long enough to shed his hoodie and shirt.
“I want you.” She sat up and shoved down the zipper of his jeans. His boxer briefs gaped against his heavy shaft. She freed him then closed her fingers around him. With a broad lick, she seared the head and circled. Through half-closed eyes, she studied his face while working every inch of him.
The moist hot suction had him like an overcharged fire hose ready to burst. Agony and pleasure combined. “Dahlin’, your mouth is sweeter than apple pie.”
Her lashes fluttered as her plump lips took him to the root then retreated to the tip. She lightly abraded the underside of his crown with her teeth just as he taught her. The tingling sensation shot current along his spine.
Has balls drew tight as she sheathed him again. While cupping them gently, she hummed. The vibration pushed him to the ragged edge.
“Not yet, baby.” He eased out hating to leave such exquisite play, but he wanted to taste her. “My turn.”
As he shifted, the lube and condoms next her backpack stopped him cold. His mouth went dry.
* * * *
Jo reveled as his head bowed between her legs. It was worth being shot at to have Ray back in game form. She arched against the slow glide of his tongue. His hot mouth made her cream in anticipation. She curled her fingers into his hair. Her real life hero. She loved him beyond words.
The urge to come pulsed with her heartbeat. “Please.”
“Not yet.” He retreated, shedding his jeans and knelt before her. All male and muscle. He moved over her in shadowed form. His pale eyes pierced the darkness. The head of his shaft begged entry.
“Hurry.”
He smiled and fed her inch by glorious inch. Stretching her as he glided along her sensitive flesh, filling a deep-seated ache. Arching again him, she begged him to move.
“Baby, just let me enjoy the feel of being inside you.” He brought her legs around his hips.
She’d expected something hard and fast. He wanted to go slow. Either worked for her. Being with him was all that mattered. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He began an easy rhythm.
Deeper and deeper, she took all of him. She tightened her legs. The heat of him stroked her to a fever pitch. His chest bunched in a sexy display. She clutched his biceps.
Each pump grew harder racing her toward oblivion. She met his powerful thrusts, needing to be consumed.
“Ray?” She latched onto his rear and pulled him to a halt.
“Baby?”
She took his face in her hands enjoying the feel of his stubble. “You’ve given me all you’ve had to give. I want give you the same.”
His pupils darkened then his eyes widened.
* * * *
A searing heat swept through his body as she held a condom packet. He became the shy lover. Except his cock, which jumped at her words while still inside her full hilt. He swallowed over his parched throat.
Fuck me.
She sat up with a questioning look.
“You sure?” His heart pounded like a jackhammer. His dick felt as hard as one.
She ripped open the packet and smiled. Then she started to roll over.
He held her firmly beneath him. “I want you facing me, Dahlin’.” His words came out as raw as he felt. He didn’t want her from behind. Not tonight. Tonight he wanted to reconnect. He understood she wanted this to mean something beyond sex. His fingers trembled as he took the tube. Warming the gel in his fingers, he kept eye contact as he massaged her slick folds with his cock.
Her throaty moans set off sparks of lust lancing his balls. He’d be lucky to get two strokes before firing. He needed to concentrate on her needs, not his own. Pleasure her in a way she’d never dreamt possible.
He worked her natural juices with the lube and smoothed the mix into her tight rosette. She’d accepted his finger massage before. He slipped in a second and pumped slowly. Leaning down, he ate her soft folds and clit with abandon.
She writhed beneath him as her brought her as close to climax as he dared.
While on his knees, he rolled on the condom and brought her ankles to rest on his shoulders. She let out a slight gasp as he nestled his cock against her anus.
Her eyes met his. He couldn’t remember being so torn between desire and doubt. Sweat beaded on his forehead. Slowly, he pushed while circling his thumb over her clit.
She bit her lip.
He stopped.
She encouraged him with a brush of her fingers along his temple.
He held steady as resistant muscles relaxed.
She gasped and pushed against him.
His heart nearly stopped as he slid inside. Sauna-hot and naughty. He’d be lying if said he hadn’t wanted to take her virginity, but this meant as much or more. She’d given no other lover such a privilege. The trust she gave him for such an act spoke volumes. He waited, allowing her to adjust. It was all he could do to remain still as her taut body teased his aching prick. “Tell me, baby.”
A short breath escaped her lips. “More please.”
Roaring in silent triumph, he started with short strokes building to a slow rhythm. Her sweet ass heated his blood, scorched his brain. The sight of his length disappearing between her beautiful cheeks nearly drove him mad. He angled deeper, determined to bring her to climax before taking his own.
She yielded and accepted, taking everything he offered.
“Ray.” Her eyelids fluttered closed while she clutched the fire hoses beneath her.
One stroke. Two. Lost.
His body convulsed as he exploded. Surrendered. He was beyond reach, plunging for another realm. He held her, giving and taking. Merging.
* * * *
Jo’s head swam as she trembled beneath him. Now he knew her more intimately than anyone. She circled her clit letting him know her joy.
The tension left his face as he increased tempo. Each time they’d connected on a higher level, he’d surprised her, taking her beyond the known.
His eyes flashed hot as he watched her undoing. He felt larger than ever but she surrendered. Ultimately. Completely.
Conscious thought ceased as her inner cosmos fragmented into millions of colors and textures. Consumed in a multitude of sensations she gave him her soul.
She’d never survive without him now.
A loud buzz broke her haze.
Chapter 48
The overhead florescent lights flashed. Her name echoed from Ray’s lips as she returned to earth.
“Dahlin’, you’re amazing.” He whispered and slipped from her body.
The loss brought her back to reality. “Is that so, Hemanus?”
“You guys up there?” Harley yelled over the noise.
Ray held her and jerked his head toward the back of the engine. “Yeah.”
From below, Harley cleared his throat. “Think we should haul ass before the volunteers arrive.”
Ray swept his lips over her mouth in a brief kiss. His blue eyes flicked in doubt. “You okay, baby?”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. She touched his face and offered a bashful smile.
He discarded the condom into the
bag and rushed into his jeans before snatching his shoes and hoodie. “Hurry, baby. The volunteers will probably be here in less than ten minutes.” He slipped off the back.
After dressing, Jo climbed down. She stood in the shadow of the engine as Ray and Harley’s voices echoed in heated discussion.
“So how long were you watching?” Ray squinted.
“I didn’t see anything bro, but do you think you could talk her into a threesome?” Harley chuckled.
Jo moved closer but kept out of sight.
Ray punched the button and the steel door rumbled. He faced Harley. “Is that your price, commander? For saving my life on a rooftop? For giving Jo the transmitter to save her from Vic?”
What? Her heart lurched against her ribs. Harley’s SEAL team rescued Ray’s unit.
Harley’s face remained stoic. “She’s too good for me, but the thought crossed my mind when you were pissing around last summer.”
“You’re a dick.”
The coffee swilled in her stomach.
Harley’s wicked laugh boomed over the alarm. “It would’ve served you right. I always considered you a brother until you fucked Allie.”
And there it was. A woman. Jo shivered.
“What?” Ray’s eyes went wide. He shook his head. “Is that what you think?”
Harley glared at him.
“Your fiancée called me in tears, asking for a ride to the airport. Said she caught you fucking one of your customers on the goddamned pool table after closing.”
Harley winced as if he’d been punched in the gut.
Revelation had Jo’s heart racing. The conversation was way overdue.
Gesturing, Ray spoke. “That’s why she left your ass. And you still don’t get it. You asked her to marry you then you fucking broke her heart.”
Harley’s mouth drew into a tight line before he lowered his gaze. “She’d already moved out by then.”
Probably because she thought Harley wasn’t attracted to her anymore, or cheating. Don’t think it’s your fault, kiddo. She remembered his words to her about Ray. Harley should have told Allie.
Harley slammed his fist on the hood of the Jeep. “Goddammit, Ray, you could’ve fucking called me before you let her leave.” He slumped. “You should’ve been honest with me. Given me a chance to make it right before she left.”
“I wasn’t sure you deserved her.”
“Ditto, bro.”
Ray studied the concrete floor. Harley gazed outside. “Don’t fuck up like I did. She loves you, you lucky asshole.”
The alarm stopped, leaving the open bay eerily silent. Crickets serenaded in the darkness.
“Hate to break up the bromancing, but we need to beat feet.” She gingerly slipped onto the passenger’s seat.
Harley hopped behind the wheel and backed the Jeep from the station. Ray pressed the door switch and ducked out. Both rechecked their weapons and chambered a round.
Harley moved to the back.
Ray belted in and yanked the shifter into gear.
Cool night air whipped through her hair as the truck gained speed. She closed her eyes and folded inward. The grief between the two men saddened her. Everything was twisted. The night’s events collided in her stomach.
Tapping Ray on the shoulder, she motioned for him to pull over. After he stopped, she slid from the Jeep, dropped to her knees and heaved. All the fear and trepidation she’d kept bottled since Vic nearly killed her left her body.
* * * *
Ray rushed to her side in a cold sweat. She’d heard his and Harley’s conversation. If she rejected him now… “Baby, it’s okay.” He held her head.
She straightened after a few moments.
“I think we’re safe to leave.” He put his arm around her and helped her to the truck.
“It’s not that.” She shook her head. “I’m just—I’ll be fine.” She let him help her back to her seat.
Dawn painted the sky in purple and orange streaks. He kept his eyes roving for any threat while considering her reaction to his confrontation with Harley. Did she believe he’d fucked Harley’s fiancée? Christ, that was all he needed.
A police cruiser fell in behind them and followed them to Harley’s house. Bobby stepped from his Crown Vic with raised brows. “Shit. What happened? We got a call about gunfire and then nothing till you messaged me.”
“Turned off everything traceable by GPS and did some four-wheeling,” Ray answered.
“Should have figured you’d go dark and fine a place to hide.”
“They’ll be back for me,” Harley said.
Bobby nodded. “Good news. Nate was apprehended in Florida late yesterday. Our state boys spotted the Lexus earlier this morning and your DEA buddies are on the hunt for your triggermen. But we still need to talk.” He squinted.
Ray felt a heavy weight leave his shoulders.
“You okay, hon?” Bobby slung an arm around Jo and kissed her cheek.
She yawned and shook her head. Her heavily lidded eyes gave her a weary expression.
Bobby pounded Ray on the shoulder before following Harley inside.
Standing beside the truck, Ray tentatively took Jo’s hand. It felt soft and cool. Even after an all-nighter, she remained beautiful as ever. “Are you angry with me?”
“Hungry.”
They climbed in the Jeep and he drove to a fast food restaurant. “Confession time.” He handed her their order.
“Think Craig’s wondering where his Jeep is?”
He laughed. Whatever crew she got assigned to better be ready for a witty probie.
Chapter 49
After a couple of hours of sleep, Ray’s alarm buzzed. He blinked and took a few seconds to recount the last few hours.
Jo stirred in his arms as he nibbled a trail from her collarbone to her shoulder. She snuggled against him, but remained asleep. No hurry. They’d head to Hatteras in a couple of hours or so and put the last couple of weeks behind them. He hoped they’d soon be living on the beach again. He’d told Bobby he was willing to buy his share of the property.
She twitched her curvaceous rear. He still couldn’t believe she’d surrendered her sweet cheeks to him. The naughtiness had been a major turn on, but it signified more. She’d validated her belief in him in a way he knew meant more than a physical surrender. This morning, he’d satisfy her in whatever manner she wished. Even if that meant just sleeping.
As if on cue, her phone vibrated on the nightstand.
She snatched the device and turned in time to catch his eye roll. “Sorry. But if you want me to get stationed here, I need to impress the captains. Go wash the Hummer. I’ll probably be back before you’re done.”
“Be careful, Dahlin’, cause when you get back…” He glanced down to his tenting underwear..
“Surfing buddy’s honor.” She bounced off the bed and shrugged on a T-shirt then found some shorts.
He swung his feet to the floor.
She knelt before him. “I promise not to disappoint.” She teased her lips along his, reached below the band of his boxer briefs, and stroked.
He was damned tempted to pin her to the bed and take what he wanted but they’d have plenty of time over the next few days.
As she left, the sound of her truck faded and he pulled open the nightstand drawer. He reached in the back for the velvet box and popped the lid. Sarah had designed the ring especially for him to give Jo. The stones glittered in a fiery display. He’d never considered marriage until Jo returned to his life. He’d had it ready when she finished the academy and had planned to ask her at Myrtle Beach. After nearly losing her, he didn’t want to wait any longer. He placed it under his pillow hoping she wouldn’t be long on the call.
* * * *
Jo barreled the Broncosaurus for Oregon Inlet and arrived in record time. An engine and ladder truck as well as an Ocean Rescue vehicle sat atop the Herbert Bonner Bridge.
She rushed to the crew. EMTs
and firefighters gazed intently over the railing. She tiptoed for a view. Off the deck of the bridge hung a hang glider. With occupant. At least temporarily.
He must have been trying to loft from bridge. Whatever the case, if he lived, he’d go to jail for his illegal flight.
“Hey, Mercer. Got your board?” Captain Grady called over his shoulder.
“Sorry, sir. Lost it in the fire.”
“There’s one on the Ocean Rescue truck,” another firefighter yelled.
“Do you think you can manage to stay in the channel in case he goes in? By the time the coast guard gets here, he’ll be fish food. Jesus. Where in the hell are all the damned fishing boats when you need them?”
He pointed to two of firefighters. “Get harnessed. Maybe we can secure the glider before a wind gust sends him into the water. And Mercer, be careful. No heroics if he goes in. He should float a minute with the glider wing. Don’t get caught in his rigging, but if you can, help him get loose.”
At her truck, she stripped off her bunker gear to her shorts and T-shirt. She grabbed her pocketknife and secured it to a belt loop on her jean shorts.
Oregon Inlet held the Outer Bank’s navigational hazard award. Hell, fishing boats had to use depth finders to navigate through the shifting channel. After a quick check of the current, she charged down the bridge to a firefighter waiting with the rescue surfboard. She hopped the railing and he passed her a quick wink before handing her the board.
She dashed across the sand then kicked off her sneakers before hitting the water.
Sucked into the channel, she paddled furiously for fifty or so yards to reach a position in front of the glider. Thank God, he wasn’t at the peak of the bridge, but the swift moving water made it difficult to maintain a position.
Two firefighters in harnesses were tying off the glider when a gust of wind split the nylon wing. The glider whipped upward and broke free of the railing. Like a pelican in dive-bombing mode he split the water. So much for floating.