Dangerous in Charge

by Sidney Bristol

“And here.” He closed the distance between them, his lips brushing hers again and again, but all she could think about were his fingers pressed against her.

  He parted his lips, his tongue teasing hers. At the same time his fingers slid lower and lower until he pressed against her mound. The thin shorts were almost no barrier at all. He rubbed his knuckles against her intimately and she gasped, arching her back against the sensation.

  “Sh,” he whispered.

  Kyle’s fingers traced the edge of her panties.

  She whimpered and tightened her calves around him. His fingers slipped into her panties for the first intimate touch. She clutched his shoulders to keep upright while he stroked her folds and kissed her lips.

  It was a different, full bodied experience. The world ceased to exist around them. The only thing she could focus on was him. This moment. The single minded desire she had for him.

  His arm around her waist tightened and his fingers thrust into her. She rocked forward, gasping for breath. He kissed her cheek, the corner of her mouth and gently withdrew his fingers.

  She clutched his face in both hands and kissed him like her life depended on it. He rocked against her, driving his fingers into her pussy. His thumb massaged the area over her clit, sending tremors of pleasure down to her toes. His fingers curled inside of her. All coherent thought stopped. Her whole world revolved around kissing this man and keeping him close.

  “Oh-oh God,” she muttered as her very soul seemed to tremble.

  “That’s it,” Kyle whispered.

  He covered her mouth with his the moment before the orgasm began. She gasped for breath as her vision blurred and her world seemed to shatter.

  The last complete thought she had was that this was going to be the best orgasm of her life.

  KYLE CUPPED BETHANY’S ass as he carried her across the patio. Her arms were around his neck, her mouth on his. He’d unleashed a needy woman out by the fire and she clearly intended to have her fill. She’d inspired more than a few fantasies for him over the year, but he’d never imagined her to be this energetic. It was the best damn surprise he’d had in ages.

  She dropped her legs and shimmied out of his hold the moment they crossed through the sliding glass doors. Her hands slid down his chest, and he caught a glimpse of her impish grin before she stepped back, grabbed the hem of her shirt and whisked it off.

  Kyle swallowed and stood there taking in the sight of her.

  He’d pushed the envelope outside. There was the very real chance he’d crossed a line. His intent after coming inside had been to check in with her.

  Bethany had other ideas.

  She smiled up at him, her dark hair down around her shoulders and wearing nothing but her sorry excuse for shorts.

  “Damn,” he whispered.

  He’d felt her against him and could imagine how she was shaped, but nothing compared to seeing her nearly naked in his house. He loved a woman with curves and she had them in all the right places. It would be no hard task to spend time pressed up against her soft body.

  Kyle grabbed the handle on the door and slid it shut.

  Bethany backed a few steps from him

  He stalked after her, a small voice in his head reminding him he should be gentler, kinder after what he’d just done to her.

  She backed straight up into the end of the dining table. Her hands flew out, and she braced herself on the edge, chuckling at herself.

  Kyle closed the distance between them, trapping her between his arms. He could imagine that blush of hers tinting her cheeks pink, how it would spread down her chest maybe even to her breasts.

  She reached out and splayed her hands on his shoulders.

  Would she push him away or pull him closer?

  Bethany slid a hand up around the back of his neck.

  Yes.

  He grasped her by the hips and set her on the table.

  The sofa would be better, but it was too damn far away.

  She tipped her chin up and he kissed her, letting himself give in to this need. His rules were gone, wiped clean, and they were starting over. The only guidance now was, what did Bethany want? That was all that mattered.

  He bent his head and kissed her neck and across her shoulder. She leaned back, planting her palms on the table, arching her spine.

  God damn she had fantastic breasts. He’d always appreciated a firm ass first, but she was making him see the appeal in all her curves. He kissed his way down her chest until he could wrap his lips around her nipple. Bethany gasped, her whole body shuddering. He rocked against her, his erection sliding against her thigh and hip. Her hand dug into his hair, holding him there. He cupped her other breast and swiped his thumb over the distended flesh. She panted and curled her legs around them, holding him prisoner, while her free hand fumbled with his shorts, her fingers sliding under the elastic band.

  Kyle let go of her and grasped her wrist. He was too damn close for her to touch him like that. He kissed her palm and gripped the edge of the table.

  “What...?” Bethany sucked down air.

  “I’m not going to last if you get your hands on me.” He wasn’t proud to admit his need, but there it was.

  “Oh.” She blinked at him a second. “I have at least one condom in my purse.”

  Fuck. He hadn’t even paused to consider if he had any.

  “Where?” he asked.

  She twisted and reached across the table, dragging the bag toward her.

  While she rummaged around inside the thing, he slid his hand up her side and leaned over her. He kissed the dip of her waist and stroked her back.

  Several things tumbled out of her purse and onto the floor.

  “Damn it,” she muttered.

  Please don’t fail me now.

  Kyle would pack it in if he had to, but he’d rather take advantage of the moment.

  “Ah-ha!” Bethany whipped around, holding the condom packet between two fingers and ripped it open.

  He chuckled and took the latex from her. He sure as hell appreciated her sense of urgency.

  Kyle stepped back and pushed his clothes to the floor. Bethany kicked her shorts and underwear off while he rolled the condom on. Her grin and the light in her eyes were infectious. This wasn’t just sex, it was fun.

  She bit her bottom lip and pressed her knees together.

  Who would have thought the ultra professional nurse was hiding this vixen under those buns and scrubs?

  He braced his hands on the table and leaned toward her. Her smile widened, and she slid her arms around his shoulders. The old rules would have never allowed this, and here they were, carrying on like one of his ill-advised dreams.

  Her calves curled around his thighs, drawing him into the V of her legs.

  It seemed like the kind of moment when he should say something, but nothing without liberal expletives came to mind.

  Bethany grasped his erection, taking control. She guided him to her entrance, never once hesitating. He watched the first, intimate touch, feeling her heat.

  “God damn,” he muttered.

  Kyle pressed into her, his cock sliding into her slick channel. She groaned and her eyes close, mouth working silently. Even in the dim light, he could see the way her skin flushed. Months of watching her, wanting her, and now here she was.

  He wrapped his arm around her waist and thrust, sliding all the way into her.

  “Oh—Kyle.” Her voice wavered and her pussy constricted around him.

  His vision narrowed to just her and the way the dappled moonlight made her skin seem to glow.

  So damn good.

  Bethany leaned back, going down on her elbows, as if it were too hard to remain upright.

  He withdrew from her body a bit and bent over her, trailing little kisses down her chest. She gripped his shoulder. Her nails bit into his skin and she whimpered. He tightened his grip around her waist, lifting her a bit and thrust.

  He rocked into her, kissing her breasts and shoulders while her head hung bac
k. There was an utterly wrecked look to her eyes as though she were done for. All because of him. And her. She wrapped her legs around his hips, driving her heels into his ass.

  “Keep going,” she panted between breaths.

  The table scooted a bit from the force of his thrusts. She chuckled, but it was a mindless, halfhearted sound. He thrust harder and her eyes squeezed shut. She began chanting his name, the pitch of her voice going higher and higher.

  He felt the deep shudder go through her before the long, low groan of release signaled her orgasm.

  Finally.

  Kyle closed his eyes and gathered her to his chest. He thrust into her and buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent. Her breasts slid against his chest and she held onto him, her unending groans driving him onward.

  All at once pleasure erupted within him. He thrust deep and held her tight, groaning his release.

  Hot fucking damn.

  When had he come like that?

  Not in ages if ever.

  Bethany’s hands stroked his sides and back. She lay back against the table, her body cradling his.

  There went every single rule he’d ever made, and he didn’t have one bit of guilt over it. How could he went it felt that right?

  He was never going to be able to sit at the table and deal a poker game with a straight face ever again.

  After a few moments relishing the feel of her holding onto him, Kyle knew one of them had to move. He pushed up, taking in the picture of Bethany laid out on his table like some sort of buffet. One side of her mouth hitched up while her heavy-lidded gaze belied how tired she was.

  He eased out of her and braced his hands on the edge for a moment while his head stopped spinning.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  “Fantastic.” He bent and kissed her lips.

  Kyle took Bethany’s hand and helped her to her feet. He wished he could do more for her, carry her upstairs or something, but his knees and arms were rubbery to the point he didn’t know if he’d make it far.

  “I’ve got to go put the fire out,” he said.

  That was the last thing he wanted to worry about, but he couldn’t burn the neighborhood down.

  He dragged his shorts on and ventured outside long enough to make sure the fire was out and replaced the cover. Once that was done he returned to the house. A lemon scent hung in the air and a bottle of all purpose cleanser sat on the bench seat several feet away from the table.

  Kyle shook his head and locked the door. She was something else.

  He followed the sounds of running water to the first floor bath and waited. His earlier intent to ensure she was okay still held.

  A moment later Bethany emerged, wearing her oversized t-shirt. Her hair was a wild mess, but he liked it down like that. Her gaze locked on his toes and she held her hands behind her. Embarrassed? Regretful?

  Shit.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t see the wood cleaner until I’d already used the other stuff,” she said.

  Kyle barked a laugh, the tension unwinding inside of him.

  That’s what she was upset about?

  “What?” She frowned at him.

  “That was not what I thought you were about to say.”

  “What did you think I was going to say?” Her frown deepened.

  “I don’t know. That was a mistake?”

  “I just used I don’t know what on your very expensive table. I saw that on...one show. It’s not cheap.”

  “Let’s go clean the wood upstairs.” He snickered.

  “You are not funny.” She smacked his shoulder.

  “You keep telling me I am. Haa. Haa.” He took her hand and kissed it, feeling a little lighter despite everything going on around them. “Come on and I’ll tell you a little secret.”

  “What?” She pulled back against his hold.

  Kyle leaned in and whispered, “I got the table on sale.”

  Bethany barked a laugh and covered her mouth.

  “Come on.” He backed toward the stairs.

  She let him lead her, and instead of taking her back to her room, he walked her through his bedroom and into the master bath with its walk-in shower.

  “Clean your wood.” Bethany shook her head and sighed.

  “It’s not a date if you’re cleaning, right?” He grasped the hem of her shirt.

  “I suppose so.” She lifted her hands.

  Kyle knew Bethany deserved better, but for now, he wanted to make her smile. He wanted to give her a reason to stop being afraid, and he wanted to hold her.

  8.

  SATURDAY. KYLE MARTIN’S Home, Seattle, Washington.

  Bethany cracked one eye open and glared at the sunbeam hitting her in the face.

  It was too early to be awake if she didn’t have to be. It was rare that she got a full weekend off, and all the better since both Megan and Faith would be working.

  Except...

  Wait.

  That light wasn’t right.

  Because this wasn’t her bedroom, her bed, or even her house.

  A small snore from the other side of the bed caused a shiver to go up her spine.

  Oh, dear...She’d thought it was all a dream. A very good one, but it couldn’t hardly be real. Could it?

  Bethany had to know. She had to see for herself.

  She very carefully grasped the sheets and turned, careful to not tangle her legs in the fabric.

  A dark head of hair lay on the pillow next to hers. His broad shoulders were toward her, and his ribs shifted with each breath. The blankets were down around his waist, giving her an excellent view of all those lean muscles.

  Here she was, naked and in a man’s bed. But not just any man. Kyle’s.

  And last night was not a dream.

  It had actually happened.

  Bethany inhaled a deep breath, smelling the faint woodsy scent that clung to the sheets. That was his soap. It was on her, too. Because last night they’d showered together afterward. He’d smiled, and it’d been gentle. Sweet even. She hadn’t expected that from him.

  The momentary guilt was quickly dismissed. She’d promised herself a full year to focus on what was best for herself. Last night, it was Kyle. But that wasn’t why she was here. This wasn’t a happy story.

  What about Megan?

  Shit.

  Bethany squeezed her eyes shut.

  Here she was, having sex with her dream guy and her roommate was still missing

  Bethany was a shitty friend.

  Even if she couldn’t have done anything she should have been out looking. That would have been the right thing to do instead of having a romantic dinner and sex by the fire.

  Oh, God.

  In the backyard they’d...

  The sound of a car engine stopped Bethany’s thoughts in their tracks.

  What time was it?

  She glanced over her shoulder at the clock reading 8:31.

  Faith.

  It was around the right time for her to get here. And Bethany was naked.

  She rolled out of bed, her feet hitting the floor with a thump.

  The sheets rustled behind her.

  “What’s wrong?” Kyle asked.

  “Faith. I think she’s here.” She hugged her arms around herself and glanced at Kyle sitting up with the sheets around his waist.

  The physical change in him was immediate. He went from sleepy and kind of adorable, to awake and intimidating with that laser focus of his. He threw the blankets back and grabbed clothes from somewhere over the edge.

  Bethany glanced around the room before spotting her t-shirt and shorts by the dresser. She’d tried putting them on and Kyle had tossed them out of her hands then backed her all the way onto the mattress. She scampered over and pulled them on in a hurry. This time it was her turn to be the roommate not wearing a bra.

  “I’ll go let her in.” Kyle buckled his pants and snagged a t-shirt on his way out the door.

  “She’s probably waiting for me to re
ply to her text.” Bethany darted out and down the hall to her room where she’d left her phone.

  Sure enough, Faith had texted her six times. Bethany didn’t bother reading the other messages before replying.

  Come in.

  She scanned the previous messages and her stomach dropped.

  “Oh, God...”

  Bethany covered her mouth with her hand.

  Below she felt the pounding on the front door.

  She bolted down the hall, taking the stairs two at a time.

  Kyle paused in front of the door, frowning at her.

  “Let her in,” Bethany snapped.

  He unlocked the door and yanked it open.

  Faith stumbled in, tears streaming down her cheeks in black tracks of mascara. She dropped her bags on the floor just inside the house and threw herself at Bethany.

  “It’s okay. You’re here.” She clutched Faith to her and stared at Kyle over Faith’s shoulder.

  “What happened?” He shut the door and locked it.

  “He was just there. Right there,” Faith said between sobs.

  “Someone grabbed her in the parking lot,” Bethany said.

  “He came out of nowhere. I was looking. I swear.” Faith’s whole body trembled.

  “I know you were. You’re careful.” Bethany stroked Faith’s back.

  “Who grabbed you?” Kyle pulled out his phone and pressed it to his ear. “How long ago? What did he look like?”

  “I don’t know.” Faith let go of Bethany and swiped at her cheeks, smearing the makeup further. “I don’t know.”

  “Roger. It’s Kyle. Someone just tried to grab Faith at the hospital. I’ll have more for you soon.” He hung up the phone and closed the distance, his gaze aimed on Faith. “I know you’re scared, but right now I need to know everything that happened. Come over here and sit. Can you walk me through it?”

  Kyle led them over to the sofa and dragged the armchair closer. Bethany and Faith sat close together, hands clasped.

  “It was normal. Everything was normal. I-I clocked out a little early. Started walking to the employee lot.”

  “Were there a lot of people around? Anyone out of place? Or anyone you knew?” Kyle’s sternness, his focus, it scared Bethany.

  “No. Not yet.” Faith shook her head. “I saw my car. I had my keys between my fingers like we learned. Then his guy grabbed me from behind. He shoved me at this van...”