by Jenny Brex
They heard voices.
“Hurry,” she whispered.
King let out a grunt, then quickly pulled out. He slipped his fingers into her and finished her off, rubbing her clit in small circles.
“Oh, oh….” Lexi sighed as her thighs gripped tightly around his hand. Yanking her skirt down before anybody could see, she righted herself.
King tucked himself in and zipped back up. “Remind me. Why did we split up? You’re a fine piece of ass.”
She looked away. “Apparently, that was all I was good for. The moment I wanted more…”
“Right,” he said, suddenly wishing he hadn’t asked.
Angry with herself, she groaned. “Why did I let you talk me into this?”
“Have you met me?” He flashed a schoolboy grin at her.
She didn’t actually want him to answer, but it didn’t matter. King thought the entire world rotated around him. “I have to go.”
“Let’s do this again some time,” he called out as she walked away.
She flipped him the bird, then turned the corner.
***
King winked at the people walking on their lunchbreak as he made his way back to his truck. The day worked in his favor, but he knew he was running out of time. All of his town was. That was the sad part. He could put it off for a while, but it would be hard to beat the state at its own game. And since when had she joined their team? That was new. Last he was aware – she was only up for the position. That must be why she moved away. At least it wasn’t over him. He’d have felt badly if he chased her out of town.
Man, that Lexi was a wild one in bed. And honestly, he hated to admit it to anyone, but he fell hard for her. Harder than he’d fallen for any chick before. It scared him when she wanted to move in. She wanted a wedding, a family, the whole nine yards which was way more than he was ready for. She’d flip through freaking bride magazines asking him if he liked certain dresses. He felt the noose tightening around his neck and finally cracked. He had to let her go.
Only, after their encounter behind the courthouse, he ached for more than a quickie against the brick wall. They had magic.
Chapter 6
Lexi sat in her car and caught her breath. She cranked the air conditioning on high. Even with the cool air frosting her windows, she was smoking hot. He’d set her on fire. Why did she let him talk her into it? Worse yet, why did she give in?
Maybe she was scratching an itch. Only the problem with the itch is that it just grew larger. He was the last guy she needed coming back into her life. He’d only cut and run like a coward.
Besides, she had a date with Ty later in the week. The past was behind her. She was ready to start over. The sexy, striped tiger-shifter had been after her for a night out all month. She liked playing hard to get, but finally gave in, concerned he’d turn his attention to another if she waited too long.
That was the last damn itch she’d let King scratch, that’s for sure. Besides, she heard tigers were magnificent for scratching itches. At least her parents wouldn’t get on her case about loving a bear. They’d be much more accepting of another big cat; they were old fashioned that way.
‘Shifters belonged with other shifters, and big cats belong with big cats,’ her mother would harp. It didn’t matter that she was an adult, her parents were always trying to micro-manage her world.
Plink, plink.
Somebody knocked on her window. She rolled it down ready to glare at the big bear she’d just shared a quickie with. “King, let it go…”
“Lady, this is a stick-up. Get out of the car, leave the keys, and nobody gets hurt.”
Her nose twitched before a loud roar came out of her. She hoped it was enough. Shifting in her car was always so tight.
He roared back, showing he had his own hidden-side. He demanded she move. “Now.”
“Don’t get upset,” she said and reached for the door handle. “Here, take it.”
She started to get out, but before she could shift, he pressed the door to her leg tightly. “Don’t even think about it pussy-cat.”
Her eyes widened. It had to be somebody that knew her.
In the blink of an eye, the predator’s head was slammed against the car door. King rammed him tightly while loosening the door on Lexi’s leg at the same time.
“I didn’t need you to intervene,” she shot at him.
“Didn’t look that way to me,” King said.
She shook her head. “I would have been fine.”
The bad guy groaned. “Really? Can you two love birds do this later?”
King slammed the guy’s head back into the car door, knocking him unconscious. “By all means, he’s all yours.”
She watched as he stepped away, letting the suspect fall to the ground. She was at a loss. “You can’t just…”
“Oh, now you want me to handle it?”
“You’re impossible.”
King reached down, took the guy’s weapon away, then slung him over his shoulder. “Come on, princess, let’s go turn him in.”
“I don’t need you to rescue me, King. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.”
King waited for her to finish rambling. “Of course, right, I know. I’ll just carry him in for you, or do you want to do that, too?”
She looked away and grumbled. “Whatever.”
***
Once inside, they spoke to one of the sheriffs. Handing over the suspect, they went to file a report together.
“I can do this,” she said.
“I’m a witness.”
She turned to face him. “Why are you doing this? Can’t you leave well enough alone?”
“You’re the one that went out of the way to see me today.”
“I hate you. Have I told you that lately?”
“At least a dozen times while I was fucking you behind the courthouse,” he whispered. “It just made he more aroused.”
Lexi closed her eyes and counted to three. He was still there. Shit. At least once the report was filled out, they could go their own ways. Then she’d never have to lay eyes on the big, bear-man again.
***
“One more round,” he said, leaning against her on his bar stool.
“Why the hell not?” Lexi surprised herself, but it had been a long day.
Not long after, they were at it again. Lexi’s was pressed to the back wall of the bar. Her skirt was shoved up over her hips and her panties pushed down to her knees.
She groaned as he pushed his fat cock inside of her wetness. “Why am I doing this? Fuck, you feel good.”
“Because,” he said, each word emphasized with a thrust. “It feels so damn good.”
“Mm, I’ll give you that. Oh yeah, just like that,” she purred. She crossed her ankles, making it even tighter for the bear.
“God damn, woman. Keep that up and I won’t last.”
“Lasting has never been an issue before. Maybe you’re getting old,” she said.
“Old, my ass,” he answered, still thrusting hard. “Fuck, yeah.”
“Do me harder,” she begged.
King was balls deep in her sweet pussy. “That’s it, babe.”
“Faster, King. Faster,” she said, now panting.
“Tell me you want me,” he answered while nipping the tender skin of her neck.
“Fuck, I want you. I need you to fuck me, King. Do it harder. Make me cum,” she begged.
King pushed into her, slamming his cock deep and hard into his lover. The couple tangled around one another, panting and moaning.
“Oh yeah, like that,” she cooed. “I’m coming.”
As her body began to spasm around his dick, he grabbed her hips tightly and thrust another couple of times, finally reaching his peak. When they finished, they leaned against the stucco building, their breath ragged as they fixed their clothes.
“Damn,” she said softly.
King looked at Lexi and flashed her a schoolboy grin. “It’s been fun, kitty.”
&nbs
p; “Sure, if that’s what you want to call it. Take care, King. Have a good life.”
“Whoa, wait a minute. You make it sound like I’m not going to run into you at some point.”
“We probably won’t see each other. Besides, I’ve got a date this weekend. I’ve moved on. I won’t be doing this again,” she reminded.
“Yeah, sure. Right. Good luck,” he said.
“Good luck with your property battle,” she said. “Take care.”
She touched his arm, then walked away. King watched her leave. He wasn’t ready for her to leave, but knew he couldn’t turn back time.
King ran after her. “A date? What’s this about a date this weekend? Who is he?”
“Not your business,” she said, shooting her hand up to emphasize the point.
“Should it be my business?”
Lexi turned and glared at him. “Really?”
“Right, take care,” he said, taking the hint.
She shook her head and walked away.
Chapter 7
King sat in his truck and contemplated the course of events. The day wasn’t quite what he planned. Of course, it ended up better than he expected, but running into Lexi again was like swinging at a curve ball.
He’d let her go. Forgotten her. Moved on.
Then, there she was looking all fine in that sexy, gray skirt that clung to every curve like it was fighting for its life. The way her hips swayed when she walked…mmm, the thought alone stirred him up. And then twice behind the buildings his cock was stuffed inside of her.
Damn, she felt good. He’d forgotten how good.
It’s not like he was looking for a new mate. Not like he wanted to get tangled back up with a wedding-chaser. And little ones? No thanks, not a chance.
Probably better that she got on with her life. Stupid date. He didn’t need her. He was the one that ended their relationship.
Fuck.
King started his truck and pulled out of the parking lot. It’s not like there were a lot of cars on the road. It was easy to spot hers. He recognized it from earlier, let alone their time together. He held back just far enough that it wasn’t obvious he was trailing her. Or was it? She pulled into a gas station and parked. She got out of her car and waved as he passed by. Crap, she’d noticed.
Great. He looked like a damn stalker or something. He pretended he didn’t see her waving and kept driving, as if that was the direction he needed to go. Hell, he’d drive a full twenty miles out of his way to save face.
King glanced in his rear view mirror. She’d gotten back in her car. Now what? He did a quick turn-around in a parking lot and went the other way. Fuck her. He didn’t need a pussy-cat in his life anyway. Freaking mountain lions were nothing but trouble.
Lexi pulled out of the gas station and swung to go the other direction. Only, for some odd reason her hands betrayed her and turned the steering wheel the wrong way. Now, she was following him. No! No! No! What are you doing?
King looked in his mirror and smiled. The cat and mouse game played out for a few more minutes before she finally turned off the highway to avoid him all together. He didn’t notice until it was too late. She was gone.
***
King glanced the contact list on his phone. Her name was still there. Should he? He gave it less than a second of thought, then pushed the button. He clicked the speaker on while driving.
Lexi answered. “Hello?”
“Hey, I’ve thought we could talk on the drive home,” he started.
“About?” She sounded a little tense, not like the girl that just let him into her panties.
King thought she’d be happier to hear his voice. “Really, is that anyway to talk to the guy you just-”
“Stop,” she groaned. “Don’t remind me. I should have never-”
“Aw, I’m hurt,” King said.
“Right,” she said with a laugh. “Since when have you ever exhibited feelings?”
“Hey now, that was uncalled for.”
“You’re right. Hold on,” she said. “Okay, I wanted to hit speaker so I’m hands-free. What do you want, King?”
“Where are you living these days? I saw you heading the other direction.” Curious. Nosy. Whatever you wanted to call it, he wanted details.
“You mean when you were following me like some deranged stalker?” She called him out on his earlier actions.
King tried to change the tone of their conversation. “Lexi, I’m just trying to make nice here. Why can’t we be friendly?”
Lexi sighed. It wouldn’t kill her to talk to him for five more minutes. “Fine, I moved into a progressive, gated-community called Harmony Bay. It’s shifter friendly and is trying to improve the image of living peacefully together.”
“Wait a minute, so you live behind fencing with a locked gate. Basically, you’re telling me you live in a zoo.” King hooted and laughed.
“What? No,” she quickly corrected. “It’s exclusive and gated to keep riff-raff out. It’s a luxury environment. We even have security guards that cover the gates at night from midnight to six in the morning, so that it keeps the crime rate minimal.”
“So, let me get this straight. Your place even pays zookeepers to watch your neighborhood so you can’t leave at night. Brilliant, they effectively created a place that captures and locks in a bunch of shifters all in one place, keeping them away from others at night.”
“No! It’s not like that. Wait. Why do you do this? Anyway, it’s a development with two hundred luxury homes and three hundred luxury townhomes. The townhomes surround a domed golf course for year-round play. It’s lovely. I wish I’d moved down this way sooner.”
“Sounds, um, nice. Personally, I’m not interested in living at a zoo, but if it starts to sound appealing, I’ll know where to look. Maybe I’m the odd one out, but I prefer my home without locked gates around it, keeping me from leaving.”
Lexi sighed loudly. “What do you want, King?”
“Where’d you meet this guy? Who’s the date with?” He prodded for details.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I met him on the trails in the development. I was out for a run. He’s a tiger-shifter, a big businessman, and is doing well for himself,” she bragged.
“You’ve got to be careful with tigers. They can be shifty,” he said, then burst out laughing. “Get it?”
Lexi groaned. “Are we through here?”
“You tell me? I thought we were, then I saw you today…and the rest is history. Don’t tell me you didn’t feel it too. Heck, I know I’m packing some big meat,” he added.
“King, have you ever thought about – I don’t know, anything or anybody other than yourself?” The snide, snarky tone hid nothing.
“Wow, that’s a low blow, Lexi. I was being playful. It was nice to see you, but that’s fine. I’ll let you go.”
“Wait. I’m sorry. You’re right, there was no need to go there. Yes, we fooled around, I get it. Honestly, it was a moment of insanity. You’re a sexy guy, but we both know that’s all it was – sex. What’s done is done. Anyway, I’m hanging up now. Take care, King, but it’s probably better that we part ways here.” She’d said what she needed to. It was time to go.
“Yeah, right. Take care.” He listened as she clicked the button that ended their call.
Probably for the best.
Instead, a twinge of jealousy laced through his veins.
A tiger. Oh, he’s well to do. Oh, I live in a luxury community. I met him on the trails.
King grumbled, “Stupid tiger.”
Chapter 8
Lexi contemplated the last twelve hours of her day. She started out with enough angst and anger with King that she could fuel a rocket. Then spent the next part wrapped around him like a pretzel with her panties down at her knees. What the hell happened?
When they split up, she swore she’d never go back. Sure, she kept up with that until now, even moving away and starting over. And just like that, here she was. How did he worm into
her life? Lexi set herself up, but predicted the wrong outcome. Okay, so she begged onto the case, her own damn fault, but why did she fall for his arrogant charm and cocky confidence? He was only ever in it for himself.
Lexi turned into her development and keyed in the code that opened the security gate. Zoo, my ass. The exclusive community was a first of its kind in the area. Luxury estates, progressive, forward-thinking, bringing together shifters not as an element to fear, but as friendly neighbors. That was King’s problem, he was backward-thinking, stuck in a time and age where men beat on their chests and claimed their mates. Lexi laughed at the mental image of it all, then turned toward her street.
No more thoughts of King. Ty was her future, not some shabby, old-fashioned bear stuck in the woods. Ty was an entrepreneur, had a hell of a body on him, and was living in today’s world, not yesterday’s world.
Ty Foley was definitely worth getting worked up about. He was big, strong, handsome, and charismatic. When they bumped into each other on the trails, they had sizzling chemistry. Lexi was looking forward to her date. So why was King still on her mind?
Lexi’s phone rang again. She glanced at the caller ID and sighed. “What now?”
“Is that anyway to greet your buddy?” King said.
Lexi pulled into her driveway and pushed the button to open her garage door. She groaned, not trying to hide her feelings. “What do you want?”
“I think we should give things another chance, Lexi. I’ve been thinking about this the entire drive home, and we were good together. Not just today, but in our relationship. Why did we ever break up? Right? I know, my bad. But let’s give it another chance.”
If truth be told, they were great together. He’s the one that messed things up. Well, she did kind of freak him out with all the marriage and baby talk. He just wasn’t in a hurry, but it wasn’t to say she wasn’t a great catch. She was smart, sexy, and sassy. Not only that, but she was a dynamite lover, and a good companion to top it all off.
“Why did we break up?” Lexi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. No crying. No more. She’d cried enough when he ended things. You know, when the bear got cold-feet and squashed her perfect, little world. She thought for sure they were heading for a lifetime together. Foolish of her to believe she’d get him to the altar.