Lover's Return

by Rebecca Airies

  Jericho chuckled. “They already have messed it up and she’s such a sweet thing too.”

  Charleigh rolled her eyes. He hadn’t even responded to the remark about kidnapping. “Maybe it would be better if I contact him and see what caused it. Maybe this is all a big misunderstanding.”

  “No.” Rio’s voice cut through the air at the same time as Jericho’s.

  Apparently she was the only one who thought it might be a good idea. Jericho had to know that she wasn’t going to ask Tobias Sorensen to help her. Not after learning even a little of what had occurred. She suspected there was much more that they hadn’t told her. Not that she needed it to make her cautious. What she knew was creepy enough.

  “Why wouldn’t it be a good idea?” She knew if she wanted to know, she’d have to ask. Both men tossed out orders and expected them to be obeyed.

  “We don’t know why, but he’s seems obsessed with you. We have no idea what he wants. No one in the city knows much about him, but I’m working on that.”

  “And you wouldn’t say something similar even if there was no danger?” She raised an eyebrow. Oh, he would, without a doubt. The Larson brothers worked together.

  “Probably, but this time it’s true. We don’t know there’s danger, but he’s acting too strangely to take chances,” Rio agreed with a smile and not a hint of remorse.

  “I’ll take care of her. You keep your eyes on Sorensen and let me know if you find out anything.” Jericho faced his brother. “Keep me updated regularly.”

  “I will. I’ll call you tonight to give you an update. Have fun.” The image flickered and faded.

  Have fun. Jericho wouldn’t be having any. The man had answers to give her. He’d known about Sorensen and had suspected something. Was that why he was here?

  “Is this about protecting me, Jericho? Is that why you’re here?” She rose to her feet. Clutching the blanket to her with one hand, she planted the other on her hip.

  “No, it’s not why I’m here. I’m here to be with you. You decided to come here. I’d still be pursuing you in the city if you hadn’t. Admittedly with my suspicions about Sorensen, I’d be staying a little closer to you.” Jericho shrugged and started across the room.

  “Tobias Sorensen talked about me and you heard it or heard of it. What was he saying? Why were you worried?” She took a deep breath. Knowing that someone who hadn’t even met her was talking about her sent a chill up her back. It might not be as bad as she was thinking, but she doubted it.

  “I was told of it first, but later heard him.” Jericho sat down on the couch and then pulled her down beside him. “Sit down and we’ll talk about what I know of him and what you know.”

  “I really don’t know much about him other than the business he wanted to do with us.” She had no idea what he expected her to tell him.

  “Any extra information could be helpful. As for what I know, it all started when one of Rio’s friends told him of a man talking about you when he’d never been seen even near you. After I heard about it, I made a point of being in the same place as he was a few times.” Jericho turned and took her hand, gently squeezing it.

  She looked down at his big fingers curled around hers. She thought about pulling free or trying to do that, but realized she didn’t want to lose the contact with him. She tightened her fingers and smiled at him.

  “What did you hear?” she asked. She waited patiently. Although she still wasn’t sure that Tobias’ words or actions were unrelated to him pressing his suit now, she knew Jericho was sincere about being here for her.

  “He was talking about how you loved to do certain things, eat certain things, how you enjoyed being with him. Some of it was right. Enough to know he’d been watching or having you watched. Other things were right on the surface, but not really.” He grimaced.

  “What do you mean?” That last comment had her more than a little confused. Either the statements were true or false.

  “He’s going by what he’s seen, not by actually being with you. You know how every week you go see Hannah and you have mint tea with her. He thinks mint is your favorite type of tea.”

  She straightened. Fear rushed through her and her heart slammed against her chest. She knew no one was close enough to hear them speaking when she had tea with Hannah, her aunt. The woman was sharp as a stiletto and almost twice as lethal, but most didn’t realize it until it was too late. She appeared ultra-feminine, all soft and curved. Even the ancient custom of having tea with friends and family was camouflage.

  The only time she ever drank mint tea was with her aunt. That was only because her aunt didn’t like most of the other types. Well, in addition to the fact that Charleigh couldn’t care less about the type of tea. Charleigh wasn’t even sure her aunt had any other type. Aunt Hannah always asked if mint tea was good. Charleigh inevitably answered that mint was her favorite. Before the last words were out of her mouth, Aunt Hannah poured the tea. It was the same every week. The tradition began when she was still a child.

  “He was listening to us somehow. It had to be a listening device of some kind. Aunt Hannah’s going to be furious.” She grinned.

  “You can’t tell your aunt about it. Not until we discover why he’s doing this. If she gets hold of him, he might just disappear as your uncle did.” Jericho scowled at her.

  “Oh, don’t tell me you believe that gossip. Uncle Kevin left on his own and went to another planet to start a life away from her because she told him to get out and don’t come back when she caught him with another woman.” She laughed softly. “My aunt doesn’t play around that way.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know if anyone who knows her would think your Aunt Hannah plays at all. You believe that your uncle is on another planet?” Jericho raised an eyebrow in clear doubt.

  “If he wasn’t alive, your brother would have done more than talk to her. You’re just trying to distract me and it isn’t going to work. Tobias Sorensen. I want to know everything you do about the man.” She wasn’t getting into an argument with him about something that didn’t matter now.

  He held up a hand as if in surrender, but she wasn’t fooled. He wasn’t giving up on distracting her. Trying to lure her into sex would probably come next. She didn’t need the big lug trying to protect her that way.

  “You know he’s trying to set up a business here. From what I can gather, although he talks about starting small, he’s hoping to get an instant boost from start-up to established it the old-fashioned way.” Jericho grinned.

  She groaned and shook her head. “He didn’t even do his research.”

  Tobias Sorensen wasn’t very smart if he thought a marriage of convenience would work with anyone in her family, much less her. If he had bothered to look, he wouldn’t have picked her. Simply talking to anyone would have revealed that she hadn’t gotten over Jericho. She was honest enough to admit that she’d never forgotten Jericho and the feelings hadn’t died. She hadn’t lost herself in mourning after the breakup, but work had become her refuge. If she was going to fall into a rebound relationship, it would have happened years ago.

  “No, but since he did pick you, maybe we can stop him from trying with anyone else here. As long as he doesn’t do anything too stupid, we can’t stop him elsewhere, but word of mouth will take care of any targets in this colony.” Jericho shrugged.

  She frowned and wished that he was wrong in his conclusion. As long as Tobias Sorensen didn’t go completely crazy and attack her, there was nothing that could be done. Lying wasn’t a crime. So far he hadn’t done anything which was illegal, even if he had acted obsessed when he’d discovered she wasn’t going to be at that meeting.

  “Are you hoping he tries to come here or that he stays away?” She tilted her head and studied him. She knew which one the old Jericho would want. He might not have waited for the man to come to him.

  “Torn. I’d like the chance to get my hands on him. You might have discovered what he’s doing now, but the fact that he’s been stalking you or havin
g someone do it leaves me wanting to rip him apart after I pound on him for a little while.” He grimaced.

  She tried to keep her lips straight. “And the other side of you?”

  “I’d like him stopped, not just made another person’s problem. If he comes here, at the very least he’s trespassing, and more if he doesn’t wait to be invited inside. Although, if he’s that crazy, I don’t want you anywhere near him.” He shook his head. “Which means I need to get in touch with some of my friends to arrange another hideaway if Rio discovers that Sorensen doesn’t accept the vacation story.”

  “Great, why don’t you do that and I’ll keep myself occupied.” Not that she expected that to happen. Jericho didn’t make the same mistake twice. Still she was a little upset with him. Not only because her body tingled with need even after that orgasm. The bastard had known what he was doing there. She wanted to feel him deep inside her even now.

  “No.” He shook his head and laughed. “You’re not ducking out on me again simply because you’re pissed and aroused. We’ll deal with the arousal later. Now there’s plenty to be done.”

  Chapter Six

  Jericho watched Charleigh push her food around her plate. From the look on her face, she was thinking. Probably about Tobias Sorensen and the questions she still had about the man. Jericho understood that part. He had plenty of questions himself, but very few answers. Even his brother Rio hadn’t managed to find much about the man yet.

  The day hadn’t gone as he planned before his brother called that first time. He’d managed to keep her busy as he called his friends to find another cabin as a backup in case Sorensen did try to find her. That had taken a little longer than he expected. He hadn’t been able to tease and play with her much until the sun was almost setting. By that time, she’d started cooking dinner.

  “Come here, sweet Leigh.” He held out his hand and pushed his chair back.

  She looked up, blinking at him for a moment as if just noticing him. He’d definitely have to change that.

  “Why?” Her voice sounded husky and she seemed genuinely curious.

  “Because I want to hold you and you need to eat.” He kept his hand extended and waited. He’d go get her if necessary, but he didn’t think it would be. He could see the interest stirring in her eyes already.

  “I’m eating.” She speared a deep-purple bean.

  “Charleigh.” He simply said her name and looked at his hand.

  She sighed and put down the black handled versa-utensil. The versatile little gadget was still popular, but had originally been brought by the first colonists to save space on the ship. The utensil could be set to either a three-tined spear setting, be changed into a spoon, or even knife if necessary.

  Her lips pulled down in a frown. Jericho kept staring at her and valiantly kept his lips in a straight line. He knew she was deliberately delaying to see if she could outwait his patience. She didn’t have a chance. Not now. He’d learned patience in the years he was gone. It would only take her a few moments to realize he wasn’t going to back down at all.

  She sighed again, loudly, before rising to her feet. With dragging steps, she made her way around the table. He watched and didn’t say anything. He’d tease her a little once he got her in his grasp. He wanted to see her smile and he would before he made her scream her pleasure for him. Her palm brushed over his before she slid onto his lap.

  He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. After a moment, she relaxed back against him. Her hands tightened over his, holding them in place. He dropped a kiss on her neck before he released her.

  “Now, I know you’re worried about Sorensen. There is reason to, but I’m not going to let him near you, Charleigh.” He rubbed his hand over her arm, hoping the reassurance helped.

  “I’m not afraid of him. I was just wondering if he’d done this before. How far he’d take his pursuit. Why me? I haven’t seen him. Not that I know of and he’s trying to act as if he’s part of my life.” She shrugged and looked down at her hands.

  “Rio can ask him that. With luck, he won’t get near you. If we get the call, we’re leaving immediately. Anything we need can be brought to us.” He wanted her to know that they were as prepared for this as they could be.

  “I know. It’s just so strange and I have so many questions. Thinking of him watching me sends chills down my back. How long has he been doing this? Where did he see me?” She shivered.

  He pulled her close in a tight hug to drive away the thoughts plaguing her. He hated to see the fear and torment caused by Sorensen’s actions. “We might not learn the answers to that, even though I have many of the same questions.”

  All right, his were a little more on the possessive side. Why had this bastard chosen to go after his woman? As much as he’d like the answers, he’d be happy as long as he could keep her safe and wipe the fear and uncertainty from her eyes. And maybe have a few minutes alone with Tobias Sorensen. Now, though, wasn’t the time to focus on this. He needed to get her relaxed.

  “He’s not the one you need to worry about, woman. You know I get upset when you don’t take care of yourself.” He deliberately lowered his voice and met her eyes steadily.

  “Picking at my meal isn’t not taking care of myself. You just want another excuse to spank me and are trying to get my mind off my problems.” She shook her head, but a small smile curved her lips.

  “Not eating is definitely not taking care of yourself. I don’t need a reason to warm your ass. I know you like it and if I think you want it, I’ll definitely use my hand there. Grab the versa and start eating. I believe I said something about fucking you hard tonight. Can’t have you weak from hunger.” He smiled down at her and let her see that the hunger burning in him had little to do with food.

  The longing to turn her in the chair and grind his cock against her pussy until they were both shuddering rolled through him. He resisted and tried to ignore his aching cock. The only thing that held him back was concern for her. Well, that and a desire to see her smile.

  She picked up the versa-utensil and looked at him. “And are you going to eat?”

  “You first and then you can feed me a little.” He smiled. It wasn’t food that filled his mind.

  She shook her head. “You tell me to take care of myself and then you don’t eat.”

  “Enough of the sass, Charleigh.” He rested his hand on her thigh.

  She smiled, but began to eat. He left his hand on her thigh, enjoying the feel of her warmth seeping through the fabric beneath his palm, even though he’d rather have bare skin than the feel of her silky pants. She leaned back, but before he could pull her back against him, she slipped her arm around his shoulders and leaned against him. He let her eat for a while without interruption. Having her relaxed against him was almost enough to satisfy him. Almost, but the thought of driving into her and hearing her soft little cries as she came crept into his thoughts.

  “You know I haven’t agreed to anything. We aren’t together and you have no right to order me around.” Charleigh met his eyes and then took a slice of meat into her mouth.

  He smiled at the challenge. From the look in her eyes, she was anticipating his response. “I knew I should have had Rio ship you out to me when I heard about those dates.”

  He tightened his fingers on her thigh briefly before sliding them up higher. The tips of his fingers just brushed the swell of her pussy. He could feel the heat even through the fabric and knew he’d soon feel her juices dampening that cloth.

  She laughed and shook her head. “You think it would have been any easier to handle me if you had me hauled off the planet. I would have raised hell.”

  “You wouldn’t be giving me problems now though.” He let his hand just rest there to tease her.

  “You think that I’d have accepted your dictates and simply stayed with you?” She laughed and shook her head.

  “Eventually, Leigh baby. I know how you feel about me. Even if you don’t want to admit it, those emotions would soft
en your anger.” He stroked his middle finger along the inner seam of her pants lightly.

  The versa-utensil dropped onto the plate, landing with a distinct clink. She shot a glare at him before picking it up again. Just as she speared a vegetable, he again drew his finger upward, applying more pressure. Her hand shook, but she managed to hold on to the utensil.

  “I thought I was supposed to eat. And you still fail to acknowledge that you don’t have the right to tell me what to do.” She waved the versa-utensil at him as she finished talking and popped the green bite-size chunk into her mouth.

  He’d never really given that right up. Not in his mind. He’d always considered her his woman. “You’d better eat a little faster or I can help you work up an appetite. As for telling you what to do, I’m not asking for that right. I’ve claimed it and you, Charleigh.”

  She swirled her utensil through a puddle of sauce, but didn’t scoop any of the food onto the tines. The woman was playing with him. Maybe he should give her a little inducement to focus and hurry. The feel of her on his lap had wiped out all thought of food. His appetite centered on the curved body pressed against him.

  “Eat. Eat faster. Those orders keep piling up. We can’t forget those plans you made which never happened. Time get away from you?” Her voice held a lilt of laughter as she looked up at him through her lashes.

  She definitely needed to burn off some of that attitude. He couldn’t think of a better way to dispense with it than to have her screaming her passion and aching to be fucked. He slid his hand down a little lower and cupped her pussy firmly. Only the fabric separated his fingers from the slick moisture he knew he’d find. He wanted to rip those pants off and lay her across the table. He also wanted to tease her until she was begging to be taken. He didn’t have the fortitude for the latter at the moment. His gaze settled on a work island in the kitchen. That would serve well for what he planned for his Charleigh.