The Lieutenant's Ex-Wife

by Aliyah Burke

  “Uh, uh, uh,” she panted as he stroked.

  “Siddy,” he moaned, his fingers digging into the flesh of her hip.

  Wrenching her eyes open, she stared up at him. “I hate that name.” A lie but she wanted to complain about it.

  “I like it.”

  “Figures,” she groused.

  He stopped moving and she snapped her teeth at him. Pete leaned closer. “I didn’t know you were into biting, Siddy.”

  “Fuck you, Racer.”

  “All damn day, baby, all damn day.” He punctuated each word with a powerful thrust.

  She trailed her hands over the muscled expanse of his back and moved with him, in tandem as he let her reach for the pinnacle she so desperately needed. Sidra came with a low scream and didn’t stop until after Pete had unleashed his own eruption deep within her.

  Chapter Two

  Pete lay there and watched Sidra as she slept. Her wavy hair spread around her like a black silken cloud. She had exhausted him, but for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to sleep. He thought about their first meeting, when he’d been asked to go undercover and bust some guys for stealing some secrets. At the last minute, his supposed wife had been changed to Sidra Bonnaire.

  He’d been captivated by her from the beginning. But she hadn’t seen fit to give him the time of day. He was a fast and loose flyboy and she was an uptight member of the DoJ— Department of Justice, Criminal Division. His initial anger at losing the cute redhead as a wife had vanished the second he’d laid his gaze upon Sidra’s smooth cocoa skin and endless curves. For two months, they’d been husband and wife, and if he thought things were amazing in the air, they were like ice compared to the heat which had flowed between himself as his on-loan wife.

  His Siddy. She’d made it obvious that nothing was going to stand in the way of her career, especially a Navy pilot. No matter how explosive the heat between them was. So he’d left, and done his best to forget her. Pete had believed he’d done well. There’d been a minor setback when he met the wife of the man he shared a plane with. Lieutenant Michael Taylor, the pilot and squadron leader of The Devils. His wife, Ayanna, was a beautiful black woman, and for a moment in time, Pete had been lost in memories.

  To say he’d been beyond shocked when he had a meeting with a JAG officer and found out his marriage to Sidra was still legal and valid would be the understatement of the millennium. But so was the reason he couldn’t just sign and move on—he had to see her. An agent he had met before, Agent Larson had been there to give him the papers. So he’d tracked her down up here, north of the Arctic Circle. All sense had left him when he saw that other man hovering over her, and so he’d staked his claim on her. Now, she was sleeping like the dead. Her lips swollen from his kisses, parted slightly as she slept.

  He should be waking her and demanding answers, but he liked this side of her. Soft, feminine, not wary. So he let her sleep. Slipping from the bed, he tugged on his jeans and walked through the small apartment to gather his discarded clothing. That done, he put his socks back on.

  Fuck, it’s cold here. He walked to the small kitchen and opened the refrigerator and peered inside. Pete made himself a sandwich and had taken his first bite when a persistent knock sounded from the door. Snagging a quick drink, he strode to the door and opened it. The man who’d been with her when he’d arrived stood there. Tall, weathered, passably handsome if he wanted to think about it…which he didn’t.

  “Need something?” Pete asked in a barely civil tone.

  The man stared hard, his eyes moving over Pete’s shirtless body, nail marks on his shoulders and torso. Pete nearly smirked. Okay, no nearly about it, he did.

  “Where’s Sidra?” he asked in a deep tone.

  “Sleeping in bed last I knew,” Pete said with an easy shrug. “At least, that’s where she was when I left her.”

  Brown eyes narrowed and the man stepped closer. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I will find out.”

  “You need to stay away from my wife,” Pete bit off. Each time he said it, the more he found himself liking the sound of it. His wife.

  “You’ve been gone, man. She isn’t yours anymore; leastwise it didn’t seem that way to me. You’re lucky I’m not the law. I would have locked your ass up for touching her like that.”

  Rage swamped him. “I see you sniffing around her and it won’t be pretty. She’s my wife.”

  A mocking grin filled the man’s face. “We’ll see.” He walked off without looking back.

  Pete shut the door and headed to the bedroom. Sidra still slept, the multihued quilt tucked up to her chin. Had she laid with that other man in this bed too? Blinding jealousy filled him and Pete swore as he stomped back out to where his sandwich waited. He sat, picked at it, trying and failing to stop envisioning Sidra, his Siddy, writhing in ecstasy beneath that man.

  “You’re still here?” Her voice wound around him.

  He glanced over his shoulder and his cock stiffened at the sight of her. A loose t-shirt and some flannel pants with moose on them. He groaned when she bent over and pulled up her sock. He got off the stool and walked over to her while she ground some coffee beans.

  “Your boyfriend stopped by,” he said, jumping up onto the counter beside her.

  She turned her head towards him while filling the coffee maker. “My boyfriend?”

  “You have more than one?” he snarled low. “Maybe I should say the one who was trying to get in your pants this morning. Or isn’t that clear enough either?”

  She lifted a black brow at him. “One, the status of my having one or more boyfriends is not your business, Racer. Two, his name is Colby. What’d he want?” Sidra opened a container of cookies and placed some on a plate.

  “One,” he retorted, lowering his head closer to hers, “it is my business, wife, if you have boyfriends and how many. And I don’t know what he wanted. He left after I told him you were exhausted from our morning romp.” Pete grabbed a cookie and ate it with a laugh at her expression.

  “You told him what?” she gasped.

  He quirked a brow and grinned unrepentantly. “I think he got the message.” Pete slid off the counter and grabbed her ass. “The red nail marks you left on my skin helped with the authenticity.” He walked to his sandwich, sat on the stool again and finished eating.

  “What?” she asked, yanking the plate away from him. “What are you doing?”

  “I was eating,” he said, swallowing the last bite.

  “Knock off the shit, Kysenzki,” she ordered. “Why are you here and apparently so goddamn keen on making my life miserable?”

  He knew she was pissed. Last name was reserved for times when she was seriously pissed off. His nickname when she wanted him to knock off his attitude. Pete got to his feet and walked around to stand before her.

  “Is that what I got finished making you? Miserable? I could have sworn those were screams of pleasure.”

  She stepped away. “Attraction between us wasn’t ever the issue. You know damn well how you make my body respond.”

  That phrase didn’t make him happy like he thought it would. Why not?

  “What the hell got you out of Virginia to come above the Arctic Circle?”

  He crossed his arms and held her gaze. “Really? You didn’t think I’d just roll over and let you get away with it, did you?”

  Sidra rolled her eyes. “I don’t have the slightest clue what you’re going on about.”

  His muscles rippled as he strove for control. “Don’t make this harder than it already is.”

  “Look, I’m smart but I’m not psychic, so would you just cut the shit and tell me what you’re pissed about?”

  “I can’t believe you actually thought I’d just sign away custody of our kid to you. How dare you keep that from me?”

  “Why the hell… What the…” She trailed off and sank to the stool. “Oh no.” Lightning flew from her eyes before her face lost its colour.

  Pete stared at her. She wa
s too ashen. When her gaze met his, it was full of a gleam he remembered from working with her. Flat, emotionless, and all business.

  “I have to get out of here,” she muttered, bolting for the bedroom.

  Hot on her heels, Pete watched her dress in record time. She reached into the closet and pulled out a pre-packed bag before sitting down and tying on her hiking boots.

  “Sidra?”

  “Who gave it to you? Who delivered it to you?”

  Pete frowned. “Agent Larson.” He couldn’t miss the shudder which passed over her.

  She stood and moved to within inches of him. Her gaze was totally serious. “Listen to me, Pete. There is no child, never was. I would have told you that. It was a trap. Larson used you to find me. I have to go.”

  He grabbed her arm. “What do you mean he used me to get you?”

  “Larson went rogue. And has been after me because I found him out. I’ve been about six months at a place before I have to move on. He must be desperate if he gave you a document claiming a child.”

  Pete dressed quickly while she made a call and he heard her talking to Matt. His heart pounded hard as the magnitude of what she’d said sank in. He sought her out in the kitchen and watched her pour coffee into a big ‘I ♥ ALASKA’ mug. In silence, he stared when she withdrew a SIG Sauer P220 nine millimetre and shoved it in the back of her pants.

  “You should be fine,” she said, looking quickly at him, “but I’d get back to a military installation as soon as possible.”

  Pete followed her down the stairs and to a garage behind the shop. “What about you?”

  She pulled a cover off a sage green metallic Subaru Forester. Sidra tossed in her bag, unplugged the engine block heater, reached in her pocket, and pressed her automatic start. “I’ll find somewhere else.” Her shoulders drooped. “I liked it here, too.”

  “Then don’t run.”

  “I can’t put the people here in danger. Can I drop you at your room?”

  “Yes. You can then wait while I get my bag. I’m coming with you.”

  Sidra looked at him over the roof. “You don’t need to do that. Don’t you have a jet to be screaming across the sky in?”

  He walked back around to her and pulled her against him. “I helped him find you, Siddy. I’m sorry about that, but I won’t leave you to face him alone.” Pete closed his eyes and enjoyed her body along his. Protectiveness washed over him. “Think we can make it to Washington?”

  “What are you thinking?”

  Pete was pleased she stayed in his embrace. “My brother has a cabin in the Cascades. We could hole up there.”

  “You know you don’t have to do this, right?”

  Tipping up her chin, he kissed her lightly. “You’re still my wife, Siddy. I can do no less.”

  “Minor technicality.”

  We’ll see. “You can fill me in on the way.”

  “Right.”

  Pete thought she may leave when he went for his bag and couldn’t begin to express his relief when he saw her waiting. Strain was evident on her face, and in that second, he vowed to restore happiness in its place. Whatever it took.

  She drove them down the Dalton Highway towards Fairbanks then on towards Washington.

  * * * *

  Washington, somewhere in the Cascades

  Sidra was exhausted. She drove slowly up the snowy driveway and stopped before the stairs. Her emotions were a mess. Even though it had been a good number of years, Pete ‘Racer’ Kysenzki still affected her on so many levels. Sneaking a glance at him, she stared at the expression on his face. He seemed happy.

  There was no arrogant look, what she referred to as his ‘flyboy smirk’ on his face. Just one of contentment.

  “Come on,” he said. “I think a good rest is in order.”

  They unloaded the newly purchased groceries, and as he put them away, Sidra put the vehicle in the garage. Thick flakes fell heavily, already beginning to mask the tire tracks. The cabin was two storeys and very nice.

  Sidra walked back into the warm house and her eyes landed on Pete. He moved easily as she watched him. Quintessential hottie. Navy pilot. Blond hair, blue eyes, tanned skin, amazing physique, and a smile which could soak her panties.

  What am I doing here with him?

  It was like he felt her watching him for he turned around and met her gaze. Her belly tightened at the heated and possessive look which appeared in his eyes. Pete closed the cupboard, strode to her and his hand cupped her cheek.

  “Why don’t you go lay down? I have a few more bags to put away.”

  Sidra nodded, too tired to argue. Lifting her bag, she headed for the polished stairs. She stopped with her foot on the bottom one. “Pete?”

  “Yeah?” He stuck his head around the corner of the open pantry door.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, Siddy.” He vanished again.

  Siddy. Pete Kysenzki was the only man, person, in the world who could get away with calling her that. She walked up the stairs and quickly made up the master bed for Pete then made up one for her in another room. Her eyes were closing even as she slipped into the bed wearing an oversized t-shirt and panties.

  There was something hard and warm pressed against her back when she stirred awake. Sidra cracked open her eyes and looked down. Along her midsection lay a golden tan muscular arm. She shifted slightly and it tightened. Her gaze moved to the window where she could see big flakes still heavily falling. With a yawn, she burrowed back against the man in bed with her. He may not be hers except for the legal snafu, but he sure was lovely to be curled up against. Sleep lingered just around the corner for her.

  Next time she woke, it was with a loud yell as an orgasm crashed over her. She arched against Pete’s mouth as he lay between her spread legs eating her pussy like a starving man.

  “Fuck!” she yelled as he sucked her sensitive clit into his mouth.

  She thrashed as he hummed and purred when he stroked two thick fingers deep within her. Grabbing his head with her hands, Sidra held him where she wanted him. Not that he needed any help; he knew exactly how to make her explode.

  “Pete…I…please…you…” she babbled as another orgasm roared down on her with the force of an avalanche.

  He swapped his fingers with his tongue and flicked her clit with his digits at the same time he stabbed her with his tongue. She wailed as she disintegrated into a million brilliant pieces. Pete moved up over her and slid his cock inside her with one smooth thrust. She stared at him through lowered lids. He tried to remain in control, his strong jaw set and the cords in his neck stood out.

  “Pete,” she moaned as he stroked slowly within her.

  “Sidra.”

  She cupped his face and tugged him down for a kiss, tasting herself on him as their tongues danced with one another. Skating her hands over his muscled shoulders, she dug her nails in and undulated against him. Her quiet need was understood and she groaned in approval when his hips drove him in faster.

  Without breaking stride, Pete positioned one of her legs up over his shoulder. Her eyes bore into his, revelling in the raw hunger she witnessed. Tightening her internal muscles, Sidra gripped his forearms as he grunted and pounded harder. She rolled her hips and moved with him, taking all he gave and asking for more. The fire within her burned out of control. Pete understood, for he pistoned harder.

  Deeper he sank. Harder he stroked. He nipped her ear and ordered, “Come for me. Come all over my cock, Siddy.”

  “Pete!” she wailed as she did. Muscles gripped and milked him as he released streams of come deep within her setting off another orgasm of her own.

  He almost crushed her when he fell on top of her, catching himself at the last second. His face buried in her neck, she could feel the harsh pounding of his heart.

  “Mmm,” she moaned, her body still quivering.

  “I think you killed me, Siddy,” he rasped.

  “Oh, so this is my fault? I was just sleeping here minding my o
wn business.”

  Pete kissed her before pulling out and tucking her close to his side. “Well, yeah. You look so hot, I can’t keep my hands off you.”

  She chuckled. “I’m sure somewhere there I should feel sorry for you.”

  “You mean you don’t?”

  “I made up a bed for you. In a different room.”

  His hand teased her hip. “I like sleepovers better.” Pete nuzzled her neck.

  “Incorrigible.”

  “See, I’d use the word adorable or irresistible.”

  “Well, of course you would,” she said in a droll tone. “Being a fighter pilot, you have an inflamed sense of worth.”

  He nipped her skin. “So I don’t deserve my arrogance?”

  “Doesn’t matter what I think. You have to live with yourself.”

  Pete readjusted and tucked her head under his chin. “You’re painful on a man’s ego, Siddy. Can we just stay like this?”

  “We’d get hungry eventually. Plus, I think Michael would like you back at some point.” She wriggled her butt against him. “And as far as your ego, I don’t think I could ever punch a hole in it.”

  “Naw, I think he’d be fine staying at home with his wife and two kids. You are the only one that I care about impressing, Siddy.”

  She smiled. His words made her feel fuzzy. Her mind recalled what she knew about Michael. She’d never met him but Pete had spoken about him fondly and often so she felt like she did. “Good for him, and Pete, don’t try to impress me.”

  He rolled her so she faced him. “We need to figure out what we’re going to do.”

  Sidra sighed. “See, I was thinking of more sex but you just killed and buried the moment.”

  Pete pressed closer, his drawl even thicker when he said, “Let’s see if we can’t unbury those feelings.”

  Sidra kissed him and they did just that. It was a few hours later when they left the room and walked downstairs. Piano music flowed from the surround sound and helped keep the mood quiet.