No Greater Hell (Lost and Found, Inc. Book 4)

by Jerrie Alexander

  “You are beautiful,” she whispered in awe.

  “I’ll bet you say that to all the guys,” he joked as he climbed between her thighs, nudging them farther apart.

  “I do not.” Her breath caught as his mouth descended on hers.

  His tongue traced the outline of her mouth. His teeth nipped at her bottom lip. The torture continued until she reached for his face and pulled him to her.

  “Kiss me.”

  He cupped her cheek, slanted her head, and studied her face. Slowly, his head lowered until his lips covered hers, softly and tenderly. This wasn’t a wild, passionate, I’m-going-to-ravage-your-body kiss. His tongue explored the inside of her mouth as if he needed to experience every part of her.

  He increased the strength and passion of his kiss, and Holly ached for him, needing more. She buried her hands in his damp hair and challenged his tongue for dominance. She uttered a protest when he pulled away, and he silenced her by working his way down her neck.

  With their hands and lips, they tasted, experienced, mapped each other’s bodies, learning and searching out new, exciting spots to explore.

  He lowered his head, pulling a nipple into his mouth. She bent further backward, pressing herself deeper into his mouth. Need turned into a craving. She craved his mouth on her breasts. Craved his lips on her body. Craved a release that only Jake could give her.

  Jake sat back on his heels, leaving her grasping for him. “Open your eyes.”

  She did as he asked. “I didn’t realize they were closed.”

  “Leave them open.” He smiled and any bashfulness she might have felt vanished.

  “I will.”

  “Good. You should see your body through my eyes. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” His head dropped to her belly as his body slid farther down the bed.

  His lips explored, licked his way down her body while his fingers searched out her most sensitive parts. Holly held her breath as he settled between her legs.

  His fingers parted her. His tongue stroked her tender flesh. Relentless, he pushed her to the point of begging. Her hips moved, faster and faster, until she exploded in a body-racking orgasm. She soared out across the atmosphere for a long time, pulsing stronger and longer than she’d believed possible.

  “My God, you are wonderful,” she whispered as he kissed his way back up to her lips.

  Her hand slid across and down his body, but he stopped her, pulled it to his mouth, kissing each finger one by one.

  “Not yet. We just got started.” His lips crushed hers.

  Jake’s hand slipped into her warm, moist heat, and her body instantly responded to his touch. She’d never had back-to-back orgasms, but she was on her way.

  He nipped at the corners of her mouth and then skimmed it with his tongue. He kissed her breasts, pulled at her nipples with his teeth, and rimmed them with his tongue while his fingers worked their magic, driving her back to the edge. His thumb found her most sensitive part, and her body bucked into his hand. She was lost. He’d take her heart to the ranch, leaving a shell behind.

  Jake withdrew his hand, and Holly almost cried out in protest. That was until she realized he was getting protection from his wallet. Fascinated, she watched as he deftly ripped open the package and rolled the condom over his erection.

  “I like that smile,” he said, climbing over her again.

  “What can I say?” Heat rushed up her cheeks. “I already said you are beautiful.”

  “Your taste in men is questionable.” His lips covered hers before she could challenge that statement.

  Jake nestled between her legs, positioning himself at her entrance. He entered her slowly, allowing her to adjust to his size while his lips captured hers. Sensations flooded her body and love filled her soul.

  He made slow, teasing movements until he slid one hand under her and lifted her hips to the perfect angle. Holly locked her legs around him and met him thrust for thrust.

  He brought her to the edge. Just when she teetered on the edge of another orgasm, he stopped moving, lavishing her breasts with kisses. He repeated the process until Holly was sure she’d explode.

  “Jake,” she said. “Please.”

  Her heart beat wildly as he drove into her body. Harder and harder, he pounded into her core until suddenly release hit her. He continued until she was riding the wave again. Her passion was fierce. Primal. She writhed, bucked, and ground into him. Jake pulled her to the edge and nudged her over.

  He gave her no time to rest as his fingers found her sensitive spot. Her breathing quickened and her hips moved with his rhythm. He kissed her neck, tracing circles with his tongue until she caught his head in her hands and guided his lips to hers. He lifted her hips higher as he slammed into her, thrusting harder and deeper with each stroke, pounding, as they both approached the edge.

  “Come with me.” He groaned as she felt him pulse inside her.

  Holly whispered his name as she climaxed. And again when he throbbed, pulsed, and emptied himself into her.

  ****

  Jake wrapped a long curl around his finger. Holly’s head rested on his shoulder. They were enjoying each other’s company, relaxed, and content in the afterglow of unbelievable sex. They had spent the past hour talking about everything but their relationship. He was grateful for that because he had no answers to give.

  His gaze trailed over her body. Her long hair was pulled over one shoulder, caressing the tip of one breast. Damn, she was incredibly luscious and almost asleep. Sure, he could stir her passion if he tried, but he decided to let her rest.

  She made love as she lived life, with every fiber of her being. It was too bad they didn’t have a chance in hell at a life together. Jake pushed the thought of going home without her from his mind and closed his eyes.

  CHAPTER 26

  Jake opened his eyes. He took a minute to bask in the warmth of Holly’s body spooned against his. He lifted his head and checked the time. The news wasn’t good. In another hour, Nate and Kay would be up and moving around.

  He glanced down at the sleeping beauty next to him. Studied the soft curves of her body. He hardened as he took this visual tour. No way could he not touch her.

  Jake’s fingers slowly roamed across her back, sliding around to softly caress her breasts. He lifted her hair and kissed the back of her neck. His tongue flicked at her shoulders.

  She moaned and pressed her breast deeper into his hand while he tweaked her nipple making it hard and erect. He drifted on the sensations, letting each touch, each stroke, awaken her desire. His hand drifted downward and found her warm and wet.

  “Make love to me,” she whispered. “Now.”

  He moved inside her slowly, reveling in the sound of passion in her sighs. The need to push her higher, to give her pleasure, consumed him. She took his hand and slid it down her body, stopping when his fingers found her clit. He stroked her, pushed her to the edge as he deepened his penetration, moving faster and faster. She gasped out loud.

  “More,” she whispered.

  Her one word sent his brain to overload. He was starving for her. His body, his mind needed to feed his passion. He turned her over and used his hands, his mouth, and his tongue until she screamed his name and released herself to him.

  Jake rolled to his side, facing her. He pushed a lock of her hair off her face. “Good morning.”

  “Great morning,” she said with a smile. “That was way better than coffee. I like your alarm clock.”

  He laughed. He’d wondered if she’d feel awkward or uncomfortable, but he should have known better. Holly was content with who she was. She would stand behind her decisions. Warmth gripped his heart.

  Without speaking, she sat up and straddled him, impaling herself on his erection. She rested her hands on his chest and shifted her hips back and forth.

  Jake realized he hadn’t used a condom. “Holly. I didn’t use protection.”

  “I know. It’s okay. I won’t get pregnant.”

 
“Still, it was careless of me.”

  “I trust you.” She cupped his cheek, staring into his eyes. “Shh.”

  Maybe she did love him. But she deserved so much more than he could give her.

  “Stop analyzing what’s happened between us.” Holly read his mind.

  He grasped her hips, and for a few minutes, nothing existed but the two of them. Holly tightened around him, squeezing as she rushed to another orgasm. She came hard and took him with her. She collapsed on his chest, where she stayed for a long time. It killed him to end their time together.

  “Nate and Kay are up by now.”

  Holly laughed but she grabbed her clothes and started to the bathroom. “Do not join me unless you want to explain what we’ve been doing to Kay, because you can bet she will ask.”

  That warmth from his heart spread across his chest. He shook it off. When the time came for him to go home, she’d return to work at the hospital. She’d understand that her life was here in the city.

  ****

  Ivan stopped the rental in front of the Lost and Found, Inc. guard shack. By the time the guy reached his window, his identification was in his hand.

  “Good morning.” Ivan handed his identification to the man. “Mateo Medina. I have a nine o’clock appointment.”

  The guard studied the fake license and then the business card. “Wait here.”

  What the fuck for? His name had to be on the clipboard in the man’s hand. Ivan slid the pistol he’d hidden between the seat and console forward so the grip was at his fingertips and the silencer faced the floor. A minute passed before the man walked back to Ivan and handed him his paperwork.

  “Go straight to the fork in the road and stay to the right. Mrs. Wolfe is expecting you.” His expression hadn’t changed until he delivered the instructions and then he smiled.

  “Thanks.” Ivan put a bullet in the man’s forehead.

  He jumped out, grabbed the dead man, and dragged him to the guard shack. When he shoved the body inside, he noticed a sign, which he placed in the middle of the road.

  How fortunate, he thought. The sign read…Closed.

  Ivan mopped the sweat from his forehead with his handkerchief and then straightened his shirt and tie. He removed the silencer, stuffed it in the glove compartment, and then secured the gun behind his back so it was hidden by his suit coat. The drive through the compound took a few minutes. This was a large property and the buildings were a good distance from the entrance.

  As he approached the main building, a man walked out the door and stopped on the sidewalk. He recognized Nate Wolfe. The articles Ivan had found during his research hadn’t done the man justice. He was much larger than he’d expected. Not that his size worried Ivan. It simply meant that a kill shot for Wolfe would have to be on target.

  Ivan’s gut reaction when he’d heard the new woman’s voice on the phone convinced him that his target was here at the compound. If he had to kill every person at the compound to find her, he would.

  Ivan had never been comfortable going with his instinct. He’d made a name for himself by planning every hit down to the last detail, and this scenario was a little unnerving. He liked to know everything about his target before eliminating the person. He always carefully, meticulously located the optimum spot to kill, but today he was winging it. Even last night he’d tried to plan today’s events, but finally had to admit to himself that he’d be flying blind—and he hated that.

  He parked, grabbed the newly purchased notebook, and got out of the car.

  Wolfe walked forward. “Mr. Medina.”

  “Call me Mateo, please.” Ivan shook the man’s hand. His grip was strong and quick. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you seeing me. I had another interview here in Dallas and this will save me a trip back.”

  “No problem. Let’s go inside.”

  Ivan followed the man through the door and past the reception area. The area was empty. The desk chair had been pushed flush with the desk. Disappointment hit him. He’d hoped to find Holly immediately.

  “Something wrong?” Wolfe asked. His deep voice grabbed Ivan’s attention.

  Shit. Ivan realized he’d stopped walking and was still at the front desk. “No, not at all. Your wife has been so kind I was hoping to thank her in person.”

  “I’m sure she’ll check in with us. She’s moving a little slower these days.”

  Ivan followed Wolfe into a large office. Stainless steel and glass furniture filled the room. The only solid wall was covered with pictures of the compound in various stages of construction. Ivan walked to the first picture, then looking back at Nate he asked, “May I?”

  “Of course. I’ll talk you through the expansion.”

  Ivan listened closely as Wolfe talked through the growth of his business by explaining each picture. He committed the layout to memory. This knowledge was a bonus that might come in handy.

  “Good morning,” a female voice said from behind them.

  “Good morning.” Wolfe’s smile as he turned dashed Ivan’s hopes. This woman wasn’t Holly. “Mr. Medina, my wife, Kaycie.”

  “Pleased to meet you,” she said, extending her hand as she came to greet him.

  “My pleasure. I’m glad I have the chance to thank you personally for squeezing me in this morning.”

  “No problem. If you two will excuse me, I’ll let you get back to the interview.” She stopped at the door. “May I bring you two a cup of coffee?”

  Ivan shook his head. “None for me. But thank you.”

  “I’m good,” Wolfe said.

  Ivan had never killed a pregnant woman but would if necessary. He had to stall until he figured out where Holly Hoffman was today. He set his notepad down and removed a recorder from his pocket, noting how Wolfe tensed when Ivan slid his hand inside his coat.

  “If you prefer I not record, I’ll take notes.”

  “You’re fine. What would you like to know about the organization?”

  “Start at the beginning. How did you get started?”

  ****

  Jake entered through the office front door. He’d intentionally stalled, staying behind and giving Holly time to get inside the house before making his appearance. The lights were on at the front desk, and the computer screen was bright, but Kay was nowhere around.

  He walked through the office area toward the sound of male voices. Nate’s interview was today, so Jake bypassed them and went to the break room for a cup of coffee.

  Holly and Kay were leaning against the counter when he walked in. Holly’s cheeks turned pink so he tried to keep Kay’s attention on him.

  He took a deep breath. “Something smells good.”

  “Thank you.” Kay followed her comment with a laugh. “Oh, you meant the coffee.”

  “I admit it. The idea of a caffeine drip sounds wonderful. Good morning,” he said to Holly. “Sleep well?”

  She choked, coughed, and said, “Like a baby.”

  Kay’s eyes narrowed but she didn’t comment. Her hand rubbed her lower back. “I think it’s time for me to sit for a while. You two kids don’t need me hanging around.” She slipped out the break room door, wearing a knowing smile on her face.

  Holly poured him a cup and passed it to him. “You might as well have hung a sign around our necks. Kay will be on me all day.”

  Jake crowded Holly, backing her against the counter. “You’re not ashamed of last night, are you?”

  “Not one bit. I just know she’s going to want details.”

  “So you women do swap sex stories. Do you rate us too?”

  “No. If you’re fishing for a compliment, forget it.”

  He couldn’t help himself. Her lips were just too tempting. So he kissed her. It was a sweet relief when she returned his kiss.

  Suddenly Kay burst back into the room holding a sweater to her chest. She closed and locked the door. Her color had faded to gray. She was pale and her hands trembled.

  “Is it the baby?” Jake pulled one of the cha
irs over for her.

  “No.” Kay handed him a fax. “I just received this from Dalton and Ash Hunter.”

  “Finally. We have this bastard’s face to go with the name,” Jake said.

  Kay tapped the picture with a trembling finger. “That man is sitting in Nate’s office. Oh, God. I bought his lie and invited him here.”

  “Did he see you run back here with this?” Jake glanced around the office for some kind of weapon.

  “No. His back was to me.” Kay’s face was damp with sweat. One hand rested on her round stomach.

  “You need to take a few deep breaths. This stress isn’t good for the baby.” Holly wet a paper towel and handed it to Kay. “Jake and Nate will handle this, it’ll be okay.”

  Jake jumped in quickly. “She’s right. First let’s get you two in the safe room.” Holly’s trust and belief in him made him feel ten foot tall.

  “I’m okay.” Kay stood. “Don’t worry about us.”

  “How do I get to the guns?” Jake asked.

  Kay dropped the sweater she clutched against her chest and handed Jake a pistol. “I keep a small .380 in my pocket, but I figured you’d prefer the Berretta 9mm with the fifteen-round clip.”

  “Smart woman. Now go quietly. After the door is secure, call Gary. Tell him to get here fast.”

  “I called the gate,” Kay said. “He didn’t answer. We’re alone until Marcus gets here. Everyone else is on assignment or with Tank at the hospital.”

  “Did you call the cops?”

  “No,” Kay whispered. “Sorry.”

  Holly steered Kay to the pantry door. “We’ll call as soon as we’re in the safe room.”

  Jake moved to stand with his back to them. He kept his gaze and the gun trained on the hallway.

  “Do not open that door until Nate or I tell you it’s all clear.”

  Holly’s hand slid up his arm. “Please be careful.”

  He glanced back at her. The fear in her eyes fueled his anger. “This nightmare ends today.”