by Stone, Piper
Shannon took a sip of wine and eased around the counter before leaning against it. She glanced over at the selection of wine and while she was no expert, the choices were expensive. Why? Was he trying to impress her? No, Landen wasn’t that type of guy. “Something had to have changed .”
“Something?”
“Or someone giving you a reason .”
Landen’s eyes flashed sadness then he covered up every ounce of emotion. He placed the bag on the counter, fingering the top. “Not someone. Well, maybe me I guess. I learned to love fighting fires, or the brotherhood around them I guess. The danger is there, but I guess for me the endorphins when I’m working every muscle to the point of exhaustion is invigorating in some strange way. Plus, I understand the need, an almost desperate longing to save lives. I have to be there, helping any victims. I must break through that wall in order to hunt down and protect. That’s my calling, the single requirement of myself .”
The conviction on his face and in his words, was chilling. “Something happened in that fire on the mountain. Right?” She heard the rattled sound of his exhale and reacted, placing her hand on his wrist. The sensations were still there, driving her into a heightened state of desire, but there was something else as well. A knowing. A connection unlike she’d experienced before. “I’m not here to judge. That’s not my gig. Okay ?”
“Prevent. Protect. Preserve .”
“What?”
“The Jackal’s motto. Almost the first thing I heard from the Cap’n .”
“Oh, yes, the big boy’s motto.” Shannon shrunk back, giving the man some space. He wasn’t going to be a real conversationalist .
“Something special. That’s what they have. They’ve been through a hell of a lot together. I’m an outsider and I broke the rules.” Lifting his wine glass, he snorted. “To one huge asshole .”
“Did you burn their place into cinders or sleep with one of their girlfriends ?”
He chuckled and gazed down at the dog. “I disobeyed orders and could have gotten the team or the firefighters who were there killed. My deal. I knew what I was doing but I had to save a victim. I didn’t stop and think .”
“And you believe that makes you a bad person ?”
“I think that creates an air of disrespect and dishonor, let alone how the hell can they trust me? Hell, I can’t trust myself .”
“Now, you’re sliding into feeling sorry for yourself again. You had a bad day. You disobeyed orders and created tension. You decided, for whatever reason, to take out your anger on Riker, one nice guy. I gotta ask you. What are you doing tomorrow?” She held her grin until he looked in her direction then winked .
“Not that simple .”
“Why isn’t it? Don’t do that shit again. Show them what you’re made of. That’s how to win them back. Be a team player. Join their Burnout group. God, I can’t believe I’m telling you that.” Shannon mumbled under her breath .
“Burnout? The special club I’ve heard about .”
When she realized he had no clue, she held up her hand. “Yep and the rest you aren’t hearing from me. That’s between you and these Jackals. I’m just a girl who owns a bar. I hear many a tall tale, but I won’t repeat it, thank you very much .”
He nodded and shifted from foot to foot, an awkward silence settling in .
“Riker’s a good man. Might take a while to get to know him. He hides behind this almost steel like mask .”
“He has his reasons .”
“Don’t we all?” she mused and gave him a smile. “You look tired. Why don’t we go sit in the living room?” She grabbed the bottle and walked away, feeling his eyes remaining on her. What in God’s name was the poor man hiding from ?
“You sure you want company ?”
“I’d let you know if I didn’t,” she said without looking in his direction .
She sat on one end of the couch and Landen on the other, just about as far away as they could get. When the dog jumped up, she almost pushed him off then couldn’t help but pet the top of his head. “Jace is a good dog. He’s very sweet and well mannered .”
“Oh, this is Jace. Not some boyfriend you’re keeping in the back room .”
“I don’t have a boyfriend, so you don’t need to worry.” Shannon heard the way she said the words and hid behind her glass of wine. If they weren’t a come on, nothing was .
Landen peered down at the dog. “Good name. Better than ‘hey you ’.”
“True.” They both laughed, and she looked away, fiddling with the base of her glass. “Why Missoula ?”
“Most elite smokejumping team in the West .”
“Then you know what you’re doing .”
“Ask me that in six months.” Giving her a genuine smile, he held up the glass. “This isn’t bad .”
Jace crawled off the couch, almost knocking over the bottle of wine .
Both laughing, they reached out, his hand moving on top of hers. She pulled back and could feel a flush of warmth crawling up from the swell of her breasts. “He’s a handful.” Why was she befuddled around this man? There was absolutely no reason. Except he’s gorgeous and very sexy. Even his scraggly beard was attractive, rugged .
He scooted closer and poured them both more wine. “Good companion .”
“Been with you for long?” She studied the way his shirt was unbuttoned, giving her a slight glimpse of his chest .
“Middle of the road trip here, actually.” Twisting, he eased his knee up onto the couch and leaned forward .
Shannon absently wiped a bead of perspiration from her forehead. “That’s nice.” Nice? What the hell was ‘nice’? “Very sweet dog. He remained in bed with me last night, curled up nice and tight.” Dear God, the words were laced with a sexy husk. What was she doing ?
“Mmm… Really? He’s a great protector. I’m glad you didn’t mind keeping him.” Using a single finger, he wiped another rolling salty bead from her cheek .
“Yes. Protectors are wonderful to have around. What did he protect you from?” She wasn’t even certain if the words were audible given the slight ringing in her ears. His eyes had softened. Bedroom eyes, that’s what they should be called, and his voice was so smooth, a warm blanket on a cold day. Stop. Stop! This was ridiculous, but she was so turned on. She had to get up, take a walk. That might help. She tapped her fingers on her legs then realized she was shaking. This wasn’t good at all. Wine first, then her legs might be able to work. She licked around the rim before taking a huge gulp .
“He saved me from a bobcat right before the damn beast lunged toward me. I had just enough time to unsecure my knife and toss it. That’s why I brought him with me .”
The statement catching her off guard, she coughed, wine spewing out of her mouth and all over his face and neck, as well as his shirt .
“Shit!” Shannon slapped her hand over her mouth then couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Unable to tell whether he was pissed, she eased her wine down onto the table, prepared for a tongue lashing .
Landen blinked and licked drops of wine from around his mouth .
“Wait. Let me get that for you.” She leaned in and used her pinky finger to swipe a drop or two of wine. Laughter died in her throat as he grabbed her wrist, tugging her closer .
“You think that’s funny, huh?” he half whispered .
“Actually, yes I do.” She used her other hand to pat at his shirt until she intertwined her fingers in the material. “I can throw this in the washing machine for you .”
“Mmm… I might have you do that, but…” He eased the glass down on the table before giving her a sultry look .
“But?” she managed to ask after a few seconds .
He inhaled as his eyes drifted down the length of her face and back up. “But, first things first.” He cupped her chin, his fingers digging into her neck, and pulled her closer .
Shuddering, she kept her grip as he stared into her eyes. When he rubbed his thumb back and forth across the seam of her mouth, sh
e allowed a single moan to escape .
“God, I want you.” The tone dominating, he crushed her mouth with his, thrusting his tongue past her lips .
I want him. I need him. I will succumb to him. He’s everything I should never touch …
She no longer cared about the promise she made to herself. She craved this man like no other and she was going to have him. The taste of Landen was incredible, a sweet yet sultry reminder of her needs, an encroaching tug at her darker desires. Even the coppery taste of blood from his lip became a powerful aphrodisiac. As their tongues entwined, she moaned into the kiss. His hold becoming stronger, she fell into the heated moment of passion, wanting more, yearning to writhe underneath his massive body .
He took total control, wrapping his other arm around her waist, pulling her up and against the heat of his body. He sucked on her tongue as the kiss continued and rubbed his hand up and down her back .
With every touch, every caress of his fingers, she melted, unable to focus or think clearly .
Landen wrapped his hand around her hair and broke the kiss, pulling until her neck was exposed. Grunting, he dragged the tip of his tongue around her skin in lazy circles then bit down, drawing her tender flesh into his mouth .
The feel of his beard scratching against her face sent shivers down her spine. Her pussy wet, she wiggled in his hold and fumbled to unbutton his shirt. When she managed it, she slipped her hand inside, kneading his chest .
He continued licking, moving his tongue in circles as he moved down, pulling at the bodice of her shirt. Rearing back, the look on his face was one of frustration. He eased them both to their knees and yanked her tee shirt up and off, pitching the unwanted material. Gathering her into his arms, he kissed her again, his mouth feeding off of her, drinking her in as his hands roamed down and across her skin .
She tugged the shirt from his jeans and slid her hands underneath. His muscles were rock hard, forming ripples even across his back. She also felt something else. Scars. Mottled indentations covered over half of his back, their edges creating jagged digs, zigzagged lines .
Landen jerked back, his expression pinched .
“Don’t. Please don’t pull away.” Her words were half whispered, a moment shared that would either keep them apart or pull them together .
His eyes were cold at first, faraway, as if lost in the moment of damnation. He swallowed hard, his expression softening. “I’m ugly .”
The words were so touching, so very chilling that tears formed in her eyes. “There’s nothing about you that’s ugly, Landen. Nothing .”
He looked down, a slight smile curling on his lip. “Battle scars .”
She ran her finger just under his bruising eye then down to his lip, the touch gentle. “From a hero’s moment.” When he allowed her to draw him in, their heated bodies pressing against each other, she gently slipped her fingers under his shirt. This time, she used only the tips of her fingers, tracing the crevices with a loving touch .
Tipping her chin with a single finger, his eyes darted back and forth. “I’ve seen things. Done things .”
After a few seconds, she answered. “I know .”
He emitted a soft sigh, a strangled breath coming from deep within his chest and lowered his head, capturing her mouth. The kiss was sweet, so loving and a limited acceptance that she was allowed in, welcomed to venture into his soul, if only for a guarded moment .
Shannon kneaded his skin and tipped her head as their tongues entwined. The desire roared until she was left breathless, unable to see clearly. Everything about this moment could be wrong, but she no longer cared .
When he ended the kiss, he danced his fingers across and down her cheek, breathing a swath of hot air across her skin .
Tingling, she closed her eyes and his touch became enigmatic, dazzling in a way she’d never had before. In his tender caresses, he controlled every aspect, as if knowing she would succumb to his every desire. He was hurting. Then again, so was she .
After pushing her away, he issued a growl and cupped her breasts, pinching her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers .
“Landen…” Unable to finish, she finished unbuttoning his shirt and slowly eased the material off his shoulders, exposing the carved lines and six pack abs. She’d never been with a man so incredibly built, so chiseled. Licking her dry lips, she shivered again then used the tip of her index finger to rub around his puffy eye .
He stiffened but allowed her touch, yet his fingers continued twisting and pinching her hardened buds .
Pain mixed with raw ecstasy, sending a shower of desire into her cunt. Every part of her was shaking, anticipation cresting with a touch of fear. She didn’t know this man, but there was nothing going to stop her from having exactly everything she yearned for .
Letting her go, he tossed the unwanted shirt then rose to his feet. When he thrust out his arm, his eyes narrowed, the look on his face carnal .
Hesitating only briefly, she reached out until he grasped her hand, yanking her against him with enough force she lost her breath .
After lowering his head, nipping her earlobe, he reached down, gathering her into his arms .
No man picked her up. No man ever carried her, but this was his need, his moment of absolute power. For this night, she would belong to him .
He found her bedroom. There was no need for directions, no words that were to be said. When he eased Shannon to her feet, he gripped her shoulders, rubbing and squeezing before sliding his hands behind her back, unfastening her bra .
She kept her eyes pinned on him, watching the way a series of emotions rolled across his face. Every one of them was more controlling than the one before. Using the flat of both hands, she traveled down the length of his chest, savoring the fragrance of his body, intoxicating in a manner she wasn’t used to. Beads of perspiration trickled down the back of her neck as she fumbled to unbuckle his belt .
“Mmm…” Stopping her, he shook his head then unbuttoned her jeans, yanking them down. Dropping to his knees, he removed her boots and helped her out of her jeans, such manic desire in every move. Rubbing his hands along the inside of her legs, he gripped her thighs then lowered his head, mouthing her pussy through her thin panties .
“Oh God!” The moment he sucked the material into his mouth, she panted, her entire body shivering. She closed her eyes as goose bumps popped along every inch of naked skin. His grip remained firm. There was no way she was going anywhere .
Every sound exaggerated, he sucked, forcing her pussy juice through the woven material .
“Ah…” She tossed her head back and rested her hands on his shoulders as he grunted, the sounds savage .
Using his tongue, he moved the thin material of her panties then darted his tongue just inside her pussy, swirling as he pushed her legs, opening them wide .
Every nerve standing on end, she was on fire, a moment of pure ecstasy racing through her blood. “Oh God…” The words seemed to tumble out of her mouth as he rolled his tongue over her already swollen clit .
He bit down, the sucking sound more of a beast like grunt then buried his face in her cunt .
Panting, she dragged the tips of her nails down his shoulders, fighting to remain standing as her body swayed. With every swipe of his tongue, every nip of his teeth, she became lost to the power of his taking. There was no way to fight the impending climax, no sense of stopping what couldn’t be stopped. “Landen!” Her body tensing, she rose onto her tiptoes as the orgasm rushed from the very bowels of her soul, charging into her pussy. Her body began to shake as beads of perspiration dripped down from her forehead. Her grip became tight. Hard. Afraid of falling, she held on as his tongue licked in fevered motions .
Landen grunted, the sound echoing into the room as he continued eating, licking, his tongue never stopping .
One wave turned into another until she was left soaking wet and drained. Slumping down, she lowered her head until her hair draped over his shoulders .
When s
he stopped shivering, he lifted his head, stretching his neck until he was able to lick around the seam of her pursed mouth. “I want you. All of you .”
The whisper was hoarse, demanding and she could only nod .
He rose to his feet, his look feral, his eyes mere slits. Exhaling, he kept his eyes boring into hers as he removed his boots, then his jeans. When he was standing naked, his skin glistening with wet heat, he issued a single growl .
The man was gorgeous, his long, muscular legs and the way his hipbones were carved, slipping into his groin an incredible sight. Every step methodical, she moved around his prone form, her hand whisking across his chest to his waist, then to the small of his back. She stood behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders. She breathed out, allowing her scattered pants to wash across his skin .
“Shannon.” The sound floated outward, the tone demanding .
“Not yet.” She wrapped one hand around the back of his neck, massaging as she crowded closer and rested her head on his back .
He stiffened at first, his fists clenching against his side .
The hunger shared between them was insatiable, yet so different, almost cautious. She swallowed hard as she pressed her lips against the top portion of his scar, keeping her lips in place as he grunted, shaking his head. Every touch of her lips, her fingers gentle, she traced the various scars, then kissed and licked behind the trail until she reached the lower portion of his back .
Huffing, Landen lowered his head and relaxed his hands. Slowly, as she continued caressing, he slumped, letting go of the tension encasing his entire body .
Shannon could no longer think clearly, could barely feel her hands as she rubbed down to the cheeks of his ass. Cupping and squeezing, she sighed then kissed the back of his neck. Seconds later, she took a step back, breaking their intense connection .
He darted a look over his shoulder before turning around. His eyes held a mixture of lust, a hunger racing off the charts. After giving her a heated smile, he eased down onto the bed and grabbed her hips, yanking her down and impaling her pussy with his throbbing cock .
“Oh!” The moment he drove the entire length of his dick deep inside, she was thrown into another plane. Electrified, her body tensed, and she slapped her hands down on his thighs, digging her fingers into his skin .