Rachel knew what she was—normal. Killian and Adam could dine on the extraordinary every night of the week, so what did they need with a woman who spent most of her Saturday nights doing jigsaw puzzles or knitting? Not much.
She should be thankful that they’d given her one night to teach her just how much better a climax was when it was delivered by the hard thrust of a thick cock. That didn’t make it any easier to accept that today was the first day of the rest of her boring life.
Her normal life felt very depressing in the shadow of the previous evening. Cleaning always helped a little when it came to putting a new shine on things, but Rachel really didn’t have the energy to bother. Instead, she wandered from room to room looking for something to do.
Everything was so quiet, so perfectly still, it bothered her. Maybe she should get some cats. No, a dog. A big, manly-sized dog to walk in the park and use as bait. Maybe that would put the spark back in her life and give her some kind of thrill to look forward to at the end of the day. The good Lord knew she’d gotten kind of tired whiling away the hours alone.
Rachel couldn’t help but breathe in the delicious scents of meat on a grill. Instantly, her stomach grumbled. Given the sounds of a party in swing, Rachel would bet it was Duncan and Bryant. The two bachelors who lived up the road traditionally liked to party, though they kept it tame enough not to disturb the family atmosphere of the neighborhood.
After all, it wouldn’t be good for the sheriff to be getting complaints about two of his deputies. Two of his deputies. Rachel scowled as the thought sunk in. Adam and Killian were deputies. There was a party going on three doors up, and her one-night stands had probably already moved on to some bikini-clad bimbos.
She didn’t have any right to feel betrayed, but that didn’t stop her shoulders from slumping forward with her misery. This was exactly why she’d fled last night. She’d known it would end like this, with her entertaining stupid and totally pointless thoughts, like what she’d do if they showed back up.
It would be too easy to just smile and welcome them…Or perhaps it wouldn’t. Remembering the way she’d behaved with the deputies out by the road side, Rachel had to admit she didn’t know what had come over her. It had been the same the first time she’d met Killian.
There was something about the man. He radiated out some kind of energy that made her sparkle and itch until she found herself acting out, speaking out. With Adam in the mix the drive to tease, taunt, and outright frustrate the two of them had overwhelmed her. It had been fun but a kind of evil, mischievous excitement that probably shouldn’t be enjoyed.
Perhaps they were all better off going back to their perspective worlds. Yeah, they had a pool and a big grill while all she had to eat was…What? Nothing. Crackers and peanut butter?
It wouldn’t seem so bad when she got back in the house and away from the tantalizing smells of a meal worth eating. Going for the crackers, Rachel tried to console herself with the theory that a missed meal was good for the waistline. So was physical activity. Combine the two and Killian and Adam could have been her best diet plan ever.
Well, she’d always been a little full-figured.
“Knock, knock.”
* * * *
Killian sauntered into Rachel’s kitchen knowing he could very well be walking back out of it minus two balls. Adam hadn’t given him any options but to take that risk.
Yes, he’d screwed up, but fixing it would be a hell of a lot easier than putting up with Adam’s grumpy, complaining ass for the next few weeks. So he’d come hat in hand to make sure the little miss still had a spot reserved for them in her bed tonight.
He could have left it to Adam, but Adam had made it clear that he wanted Rachel no matter the cost, even if that meant tucking their balls between their legs and acting like a bunch of pussies to charm the girl. That had become quite clear in all of Adam’s lecturing about how to handle a woman like her and how they’d have to pay attention to the little things and be thoughtful and…Blah, blah, blah.
No, Killian couldn’t remember the rest, but he considered that a relief. Adam’s behavior was embarrassing, and hopefully it would pass before any of the other guys started noticing what a wimp he’d turned into.
Killian certainly wouldn’t have lowered himself to such a shameful state. He’d made that clear to Adam, right along with a few other tidbits. If Adam insisted on perusing a relationship, then Killian would go along, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t be doing this right.
It would be just like Rachel to send them packing. That would be even more humiliating than being called a pussy. Every woman who had a taste of Killian had always wanted more. That was his reputation, and he wouldn’t let Rachel ruin it.
Since Adam clearly didn’t know crap about women, Killian had to step up and make sure everything went right. Being the one in charge of the decisions didn’t happen often, so Killian had put a lot of thought into it before coming up with their game plan.
Adam’s horny nature might have convinced him that sex would be the thing to bind Rachel to them, but that was just stupid. Women like Rachel needed the security and comfort of their bland sexual routines. It provided them the assurance that their men respected them and saw them as something more than a piece of ass.
In fact, if they wanted a relationship with Rachel, then breaking into her house last night and tying her up had been a major misstep. That was something only a one-night stand did, and by now, the girl had to be both embarrassed and pretty damn ticked that they’d skipped out on her.
It made him cautious as he moved through her house toward the shuffling noises coming from the kitchen. He’d been a cop long enough to know better than to underestimate a pissed-off woman.
Finding her stretched up on her tiptoes as she rooted through a cupboard let him relax a little as he settled in along the door frame. He’d play it cool, getting under her control by acting like they already had a relationship. Pure arrogance, it would work if Rachel went along with the plan.
“Knock, knock.”
At least he got to enjoy startling her. Jumping into a twirl with a gasp, her big eyes rounded on him with shock that should have led straight to indignation. Should have but Rachel had to screw everything up by going all soft and rosy looking. With that blush creeping through her cheeks and the little tremble shivering over her lips, she made him ache to pervert her all over again.
God, but he did love that mouth. All pouty and naturally puckered, she looked ready to take a good suck of something, and Killian’s trousers started to feel tighter by the second as his dick swelled with the enthusiasm of volunteering to be her lollipop.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Ah, there is the sass. Rachel had recovered and put Killian back on track. He played his part, stepping up to envelope her in a big hug. “Coming by to see my favorite lady.”
Instead of any softening, his smooth words only earned him an unladylike snort. “Don’t even try that favorite lady crap with me.” Rachel wagged a finger at him. “I should call the sheriff and have you arrested.”
“For what?” Killian eyed her finger. He wondered what she’d do if he leaned forward and sucked it into his mouth. Then he could press her right back into the counter and push down her sweats and pull that oversized shirt right off. Killian didn’t think she was wearing a bra.
“Breaking and entering.” Curling into her fist, Rachel’s provocative finger disappeared.
Oh, well, some other time. Killian sighed and gave Rachel his full attention. “The front door was unlocked.”
“That doesn’t mean you just walk into a person’s house without knocking.”
“I did knock. Didn’t you hear me? I said, ‘knock, knock.’”
“That’s not knocking, especially when you do it after you already entered.”
“Technicalities.” Killian waved away her complaint, still hoping to get by on charm alone. “Now what is with the attitude? I’d think after last night
you’d be a little more gracious and thankful.”
“What? Are you Miss Manners, here to remind me to send a thank you note?” Rachel dropped the box of Saltines onto the counter. Turning her attention back to searching for whatever in the cabinet, she continued talking to him as if he weren’t important and last night hadn’t been absolutely fantastic. “Or are you just stopping by to ask how you did?”
She must have tacked on that last bit just to piss him off. Knowing that didn’t stop the heat from flaming in his ears. His annoyance didn’t show through in his tone as he responded with ease. “Don’t worry about how you did, sweetheart. You did just fine as a beginner. With a little work and a lot of training, I’m sure you’ll improve.”
“What?”
“Of course, this attitude is not a positive start.” There, that got a little green fire glowing in her eyes. Killian tried to add more fuel to her ire by giving the peanut butter jar in her hand a disgusted look. “That’s not your dinner, is it?”
Rachel shot him a look before turning to yank out a drawer and fish out a butter knife. “Yes, it is. Now what do you want?”
“To save you from eating that,” Killian retorted with all honesty. “Peanut butter and crackers in not enough of a dinner, Rachel.”
“Don’t worry,” Rachel retorted with such instant ease he didn’t doubt she believed what she muttered. “I have reserves.”
Killian was worried. He liked his women with some curves, some softness. Rachel was very lush, and he intended to keep her that way. Crossing the distance, he snatched the butter knife she’d fished out of a drawer right out of her hand. The move earned him a scowl. Before she could object, Killian set about explaining a few things.
“Yes, you do, and they are very sweet reserves.” So sweet and he was very hungry. “I would hate to see any of them waste away, which is exactly why Adam is bringing dinner.”
He’d tacked the last on as an afterthought, hoping it would help her to see things his way. Not that a woman could ever be that sensible. Instead of thanking him for the foresight to see to her needs, Rachel just scowled at him.
“Adam? Adam is coming over here, too?”
“Well, duh.” Killian rolled his eyes. “It’s our dinner break. You’re our woman—”
“I’m your what?”
“—so, of course, we’re going to be eating with you.” He ended with a smile that Rachel didn’t return. At least she’d stopped glaring at him. Now she just stared in utter amazement.
“Does this normally work for you?”
Killian blinked, unsure of how to answer that question, mostly because he didn’t know what the hell she was talking about. “Does what normally work?”
“This.” Rachel gestured to the room at large, which didn’t clarify anything for him. “Walking into my house like you own it, pretending we have some kind of relationship. What the hell do you think I’m going to do? Just go along with it?”
“Oh, that.” Killian shrugged. “I was kind of hoping, but…” He glanced up at her hopefully, but Rachel didn’t crack a smile. “Okay, no. I guess it isn’t working.”
“Good guess.”
That was just the wrong thing to do right then. Killian didn’t like being in this position, feeling all cornered and itchy. The last thing she’d make him feel right now was desperate because there was at least one thing he could just step up and do. They both knew she’d accept it. Hell, she’ll beg for it.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” No longer smug, Rachel gazed at him with alarm starting to widen her eyes. She took a hasty step back, bringing a grin to his face. He liked it when she ran.
“Don’t even think about it, Killian.”
He was going to do more than think about it.
“You stay away from me.”
Like that would ever happen. She didn’t want it to, either. Tracking her, Killian matched each backward inch she made with a steady press forward. In a second, she’d back herself right into the counter. Then he’d have her good and trapped.
“Killian?” The slight tremor in her tone told him she was wet and ready for him to pounce.
“Thoughts of you have been a burn in my balls all night.”
“That’s disgusting.” The husky whisper made a bald-faced lie out of her rejection.
Those pretty hazel eyes went wide as she banged into the counter. Killian had her right where he wanted her, and she wouldn’t be escaping. Locking her into position with an arm caging her from either side, he dipped his head to murmur his last taunt against her trembling lips.
“Disgusting, dirty, and so much damn fun. I’ve got plans for tonight.” He’d intended to seal that vow with a kiss, but Rachel screwed him up at the last second.
“Red light.”
“What?”
“Or is it yellow?”
“It’s no damn light and don’t you be—”
“Those are the rules.” Now she had a little bite to her tone. It really annoyed him.
“You ain’t naked, so there are no rules,” Killian argued, making it up as he went along. “You can’t enforce any rule unless you’re playing the game.”
Rachel blinked, taking his retort very seriously. “This isn’t a game?”
“Are you naked?”
“Aren’t you planning to get me naked?”
“Am I breathing? Am I man? Of course, I plan on stripping you down for a little fun time, but that’s just the nature of the beast. Trust me, when we’re in church I’ll still be thinking about sex. You know up there in the choir’s box I could make you praise—”
“What the hell are you babbling about? What church? When are we going to church together?”
Killian scowled at Rachel for interrupting a very good fantasy. Well, maybe good wasn’t the word to use, but it would be fun. He always had liked to try the most inappropriate places, like right there up against the kitchen cabinets. With the windows open, who knew who might catch the show?
“Killian?”
“Huh?”
“You’re poking me,” Rachel pointed out sourly, making him glance down to where his cock had deformed his slacks. “I said red light. That means you can’t poke me anymore.”
He’d be doing more than poking her in the next five minutes if she didn’t stop being so ornery about everything. Hell, he knew a million ways to make her beg without poking.
“How about licking?” Killian murmured, leaning down to show her every reason she shouldn’t say no. Tasting the delicate stretch of skin from her collarbone to her chin, he whispered kisses right in her ear. “Can I still lick you?”
The question had her sucking in a breath that thrust the generous globes of her breasts right under Killian’s nose. No bra. With one hand right around the collar, he could shear her girly nightshirt out of the way and unleash the little vixen within. A tug and those sweats would be a puddle at her feet. If he did it right, he could take out her panties in the same move.
Then he’d have nothing but warm, naked woman to serve up right there as a feast on the counter. Killian would bet her red light would turn green then. He would just have to fudge on the yellow. He started by spearing his hands through Rachel’s hair and jerking her into his kiss before she could object.
Eating the words right off her lips, his tongue chased back down into her mouth. The little witch trapped him. For a second, Killian worried as the sharp edge of her teeth settled over his vulnerable voyager. His fear melted in an instant. A ball-searing heat replaced it when the little sexpot sucked his tongue and made his dick swell to twice its size.
More than ready to play, Killian growled in warning right before he tightened his fingers in her silky tresses and jerked her head back enough to break her hold. Not about to be toyed with or teased with when he was already in such painful need, he took control of the kiss, ravaging her lips as her sweet taste intoxicated him all the more.
Without any effort, Rachel ripped away all sense of civility and domestication, leaving
Killian as much a victim of his own primitive needs as she. Clenching his arms around her, he flattened her against his chest, wanting to feel all those “reserves” rubbing up against him. Soft, she made the perfect pillow, except he wouldn’t be getting any rest with the tantalizing scrape of her nipples keeping his heart racing.
The spicy allure of feminine desire thickened so heavily in the air, Killian could almost taste it. The urge to take the feasting lower set his hands into motion, and they slipped down to dip under the wide edge of her nightshirt and curled over the elastic waistband of her sweats.
The brush of his fingers along the soft skin of her stomach had Rachel’s muscles quivering as she pulled back from his kiss. He never should have released her. It didn’t even take a whole second for the worry and fear in her gaze to unleash that damn warmth in him again. Just like that, the curls of tenderness wrapped themselves around the lust burning in him and tempered the ragged edges of his need.
“You just don’t care what color the light is, do you?”
She looked so cute with her eyes all glowing and her lips all swollen, like something precious and delicate to be protected instead of mauled. Smiling even though he knew he lost the moment, Killian ignored her grumpy expression to whisper kisses over her tense mouth.
“You know what I like most about you? I like the fact that you never shut up. It provides a man with ample reason to kiss you quiet.”
Rachel didn’t take to his teasing. Instead, she remained somber looking and even more serious sounding. “I can’t do this, Killian. You’re not supposed to be here.”
Killian considered her statement for a moment. It didn’t make any sense. Not that telling her how silly she was being would get him anywhere, except maybe the hospital. The problem was he didn’t know what else to say, so he chose to ignore her comment altogether.
“Are you wearing anything under this nightshirt?”
“That’s it! Get out!” Her finger pointed the way.
Penn, Jenny - Rachel's Seduction [Cattleman's Club] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 12