by Milly Taiden
They were safe.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Charli dragged her worn-out suitcase through the hotel room door. She dropped it at the foot of the bed, then collapsed onto the bouncy mattress.
After the attack at the house and being run off the road, she didn’t want to be isolated at her house. Instead, they were staying the night at a posh—for Shedford—hotel in town. Fortunately, no cows were sick that day or going into labor yet. Maybe this weekend she would be free the entire time.
She racked her brain trying to figure out who the hell the guy was shooting at them. Neither she nor Barry recognized the person. Barry seemed to be the target, but in both instances she’d been shielded. The first time with the SUV, she being on the driver’s side, and the second, on the far side of the porch.
Charli fully believed the attack that shot Barry in his cute ass wasn’t a local person protecting their property. Whoever he was, he aimed to kill, not scare. The police had no idea who the deceased bear shifter was, nor were there any missing persons reported locally.
Did the person know her, or did he find her from the tracking device on her truck? She’d worked with so many clients over the years, she felt secure in thinking she’d met nearly everyone around the area.
“Barry, I just thought of something.”
He laid down the smaller suitcase and credit card they’d reserved the room with. “What’s that, my love?”
“If the shooter took the buried container, would it be logical to think he took the money bags, too?”
“Works for me.” He bent over her body, half on the bed, her feet on the floor, and began to unbutton her blouse and front-clasp bra.
“So does that clear you of everything? You have no stolen goods. The cat woman was the robber by herself. There is nothing to charge you for.”
“Agreed.” He unfastened her pants and pulled off undies and all with one swipe.
She grinned. He was so focused, so intent, so cute. “This reminds me that we need to buy you clothes. Not that I mind you being naked all the time. But you’ll need stuff for several days.”
He slid the shirt over his head. His chest rippled with each movement. “Later. I’m going to sit right here between your legs and listen while you go on.” Desire slipped through her.
She shoved him back and grinned. “Not so fast, sexy bear. I’d like to check out the merchandise first.”
Barry raised his brows, and she had to bite her lip to keep from giggling. She shoved him back on the bed, her hand going straight for his pants. Need coiled in her belly, warming her to the core. A single tug and the pants were down his hips, his cock springing free for her to see.
Oh yes. She’d been thinking about this, which said what kind of a nympho she was, but she didn’t care. She lowered to her knees, curling her fingers over his velvety smooth hardness. He sucked in a breath and a low rumble sounded from him.
She licked her lips and came within an inch of his cock. “Tell me to suck you.”
He blinked, his gorgeous lips curving into a sinful smile. “Open your gorgeous lips and take it all, you dirty girl.”
She grinned, unable to stop herself, and shook her head. “Someone’s been watching porn.”
He shrugged. “It’s the only thing I could think of. Now, go on. Suck my dick. You have the lips for it.”
She should be offended, but the fact that he called her lips gorgeous thrilled her. She licked up from root to tip, flicking her tongue over the rim and taking with it the bead of liquid at the slit.
“Ah, baby. That feels fucking amazing.”
She did it again, licking and sucking him into her mouth, using her tongue to massage him, and slowly drove him down her throat. She pulled back, leaving his cock slick with her spit. She twirled her tongue around his cock in circles, using her saliva and his pre-cum to lubricate his length before opening wide and sucking him into her mouth.
“God, Charli. Your mouth is heaven. Pure bliss.”
Taking him into her mouth again, she felt his fingers glide into her hair, gripping her long strands away from her face. The way he groaned every time she sucked him deep and flicked her tongue over the head of his cock was making her get soaked.
“Stop!”
She did as he asked and he gently pulled her face away from his glistening shaft.
“Is everything okay?” Damn, she hoped she hadn’t fucked that up.
His face said she’d done good. He leaned down and cupped her face, kissing her in a hot and desperate manner she wasn’t used to but totally loved. When he left her lips, he growled softly. “Everything is fucking perfect, but I can’t wait to shove my face between your legs.”
Really, what woman in her right mind would argue with that?
They switched places on the bed. She sat on the edge, her legs wide open, and Barry went down on his knees staring hungrily between her thighs. There was no need for words. He dove in, lavishing her folds with sucks and licks.
She squealed and lay flat on her back. He pushed her legs up. She crossed her legs at the ankles, pressing her heels into his back. The man was a genius with tongue usage.
“Keep licking me. I’m so hot. I need you,” she said, her voice low and garbled.
His tongue danced over her clit, down to her entrance, and even lower to her ass. Then he did it again. She gripped the bedding and moaned loudly, no longer caring if anyone heard them. Fuck it! Let the entire county hear them.
Lust burned through her veins. She gasped at the quick tightening of her muscles. The orgasm caught her completely by surprise. His licks and sucks on her pussy turned faster, harsher.
Tension snapped inside her. She pressed her head back, her chest rising with the bowing of her back. Her body lost control. She screamed. The burning call for him rushed up her throat and left her lips at the same time a wave of bliss blasted her.
She’d never, not even when she’d played with herself with her countless toys, come as hard as she had that moment.
Barry lifted his head from between her legs. A sexy smile flirted over his lips. “I knew you’d taste good. Like fucking honey.”
She licked her lips, laughing at his choice of words. “Honey, bear?”
He nodded. “Oh yeah. I can’t wait to dip my cock into your honey pot.”
She snorted, watching him rise, his body looming above. “Sounds like a plan.”
She rose, watching him sit on an ottoman at the foot of the bed and proceed to jerk his cock in his hand. “Come here, beautiful. I have something for you.”
Laughter bubbled up her throat. “Is it a banana?”
His grin widened to show beautiful white teeth. “Sure. Let’s see how you like my banana dipping into your cream.”
She went around the bed, coming to stop in front of him and immediately straddling his legs. His hands gripped her waist as she slid down, impaling herself on him. She continued down in a single glide until they were pressed together, pelvis to pelvis. “Barry,” she groaned, her arms going around his neck and pulling his face to hers. “I love your banana in my cream.”
He kissed her, licking her lip and nibbling on her jaw. “I love every single thing about you.”
She rocked her hips and took a small lick of his skin and felt her pussy squeeze.
Breaths rushed out of her lungs in a race out of her body.
“God, baby. That’s just what I like.” He groaned, his hands tight around her hips. “Squeeze my dick with your tight little pussy,” he grunted.
She wiggled her body back and forth. She didn’t get a chance to do much. He lifted and dropped her on his cock repeatedly. She bounced on him, her pussy taking his heated shaft deeply and lifting until it was almost out of her, only to drop again. The lifts and drops didn’t slow. They increased with speed and strength. She couldn’t keep up. He was in control. Pressing her down so she could grind her pussy on his pelvis. Every drop felt like she was being branded from the inside.
“God,” she moaned. “
This feels amazing!”
“You’re amazing, my beautiful mate.”
She bit her lip and moaned. “Barry . . .”
“I like how slick your pussy is.” He let her control the rocking at that point. She wiggled faster and faster on him, weaving her body like a snake, back and forth and pressing down on his cock. “I like how you do that. Your whole body is taking my cock, not just your slick pussy.” He grasped her face with one hand and met her gaze, his eyes bright with a feral look. “I like that you like me fucking you. That you want me coming deep in your pussy, making you mine all over again.”
“I like that, too.” She didn’t understand it, but there was no denying it.
“How about I put my seed into your pussy?” He pressed her down again, rocking her over his shaft. “I want you mine. Every day of my life.”
“God, yes!”
He slid a hand between her legs to fondle her clit. “Tell me, baby. Tell me you’re mine.”
That was hard to think about when all her body wanted was for her to come. All she could visualize was the explosion of pleasure when she finally did. But the way he took her body and owned her showed her that both the human and animal sides in him wanted her. “Yes, Barry. I’m yours. All yours.”
He pressed at her clit hard, pinching her, and her body convulsed with the force of her orgasm. She curved her back, pressing her chest into his body, plastering them together. He continued lifting and dropping her, even though she had lost the ability to control her body. Then he slowed, holding her still as he came along with her, pushing her toward another orgasm faster than ever.
He growled loudly, his body vibrating under hers as he came, filling her with his seed.
“You’re mine!”
“Yes! Yes!” She choked on each word as she struggled to take in air while riding the wave of her orgasm. Barry, her Barry, was a miracle worker. He’d gotten her to come more times than ever.
It was long moments before she could move. They were both breathing choppy breaths as he pulled out of her. She knew there was no giving this up. Not Barry or the emotions he brought out in her. She knew one thing for sure—no matter what came, they’d face it together. Barry was no longer just some bear that needed her help. He was her mate. He was the man for her. She’d do anything for him. She loved him, and together they would figure out what had happened to his memory. At least they knew he wasn’t a criminal, not that there had been any doubt in her mind. She’d known deep inside he was innocent.
CHAPTER FORTY
Charli woke, but didn’t open her eyes yet. She didn’t want to let go of the happiness and peacefulness she felt when in Barry’s arms. These emotions were almost foreign to her. She was content with her life, loved working with the animals, but there was nothing that took her to the next level. To the place where she felt energized and wanted to do the fun, crazy things love made you do.
Whoa. The L word. She’d never used it before. A few guys in college interested her, but they got boring with their constant frat mentality. She wanted more than drunken bashes and puke on her shoes.
Was she ready for the L word? She laughed at herself. She couldn’t even say the damn word. Was that a clue? But memories of the past sixty hours—shit, only two and a half days?—played in her mind. The way he looked at her with such desire and longing. The way his lips hitched up on the side when he was teasing. The way his bear called her “mate.” So sure and natural. She felt the truth. Or did she imagine it, overwhelmed by all that happened that Thursday morning before even one cup of coffee?
Then there was the stolen money, even if he didn’t take it. How did he fit in? He was in a zombie state when he packed the money bags from the boat. Was he under some kind of mind control? She knew he didn’t take the loot from their hiding spots. He’d been with her constantly or locked in the cage after the armored truck heist. So the other player had to be the shooter, and he must’ve taken the money. Was she trying to convince herself?
Charli noticed the hotel room was too quiet. This closed in, she’d hear Barry’s breathing at least. Her eyes sprang open and she sat up. “Barry.” No reply. She threw off the covers and skittered to the bathroom. Empty with lights off. “Barry?” Just to make sure he wasn’t playing a joke on her, she looked in the closet and under the bed.
Charli sat on the sheets, tears welling. He had left a second time. Would she ever see him again? The pain in her chest took her breath away. The thought of not having him in her life made her ache. She was convinced; she loved him on a level that went beyond the mental bond of marriage. Her soul was attached to the man. But he’d left her.
She fell back on the bed, letting her arms plop next to her head. Her hand hit something that rumpled. After rolling over, she saw a note on the hotel’s notepad resting on the other pillow. Meet me in the hotel restaurant.
Charli heaved a breath and collapsed onto the mattress. He didn’t leave her. He was still in the building. How long had she been asleep? Outside was twilight.
She jumped off the bed, showered, dressed as best she could with the clothes thrown into the suitcase, then headed to the restaurant on the fifth floor.
Barry overlooked the town from his fifth-floor private balcony in the restaurant. He liked this small-town atmosphere. Everyone seemed friendly. He didn’t have problems getting around.
He wondered where he was from. What his life had been like. Did he have a job? Was he married with kids? The thought sent shock waves through him. The idea of a family had come up earlier, but holy fuck. He prayed he didn’t have a family somewhere waiting for him to return home. Who would he give up? The wife and children who had loved him for years and probably depended on him? Or Charli, the self-sustained, confident, independent woman? He wasn’t liking the obvious answer.
Then he wondered what he had to do with the money and killing the guard in the armored truck. Was he a trained killer, assigned to take out targets on order? Was he a thief, stealing money from the armored truck? Would he spend the rest of his life in jail, away from the woman he loved?
Wait. He loved her? Mate. They’d known each other for only a few days. But, yes, he did love her. It felt right. It felt natural. He wanted a family with her. His insides were craving babies, lots of them. Wow. He wondered if he should be worried about that. Did Charli want a family? Children? It was probably too soon to ask her. He didn’t want her to freak out.
And if all that wasn’t enough, he didn’t know any of this shifter stuff Charli kept referring to. He felt the creature inside, but it didn’t seem to be a part of him. Like a spirit had taken up residence in his head, rarely showing itself. Devin and Russel had spoken to him briefly about being a shifter, but it didn’t make a lot of sense at the time.
The fancy fountains in front of city hall danced with lights, making a fun display to watch. Twilight had descended over the town. He looked around for a clock. Charli should’ve been up by now. Maybe he should check on her.
When he turned to the restaurant’s main floor, he saw the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Well, since the other day and his new self. Her natural beauty shone from within. She glowed with little makeup and glittered without gaudy, ostentatious jewelry. His heart stuttered. Yes, this was the only woman for him.
The hostess opened the glass French doors to the balcony and gestured Charli through. She was radiant. He brought her hand to his lips. She smelled divine. Mate. That was at least the third time he’d heard that word from the visitor in his head. If said visitor mumbled it one more time without adding some sort of explanation with it, he’d kick its ass.
The image of a bear flipping its tail at him as it walked away flashed in his mind. He’d think about all that later. Right now, he had a pretty woman with him on a perfect night, with chilled wine and stuffed mushrooms waiting on the table.
“I trust you slept well, beautiful.” He pulled her into his arms and they swayed to the soft music in the background.
Her smile was dazzling. “I
did, thank you for asking. And I must say you look incredible.” She stepped back to take him in. “How did you know guys in boots and jeans with a sport coat is my favorite look?” Her eyes stopped on his chest.
It embarrassed him a bit. But since his eyes lingered on her chest all the time, turnabout was fair play. “Not to mention a T-shirt that shows every nook and cranny.” She licked her lips, sending an electric jolt through him. Shit, he was getting hard again. He wondered how well those inside could see them.
“I had to entertain myself so you could sleep, so I went shopping. The town is homey. Nice place to live. Oh, one day I’ll pay you back for what I put on your credit card.”
Charli leaned back and laughed. “So that’s how you did it. Seems the town isn’t very security cautious if they didn’t ask for ID.”
“Actually, they were, a little. The cashier rang up the total and looked at the name on the card. I told her the card company left off the e on my first name. I told her a new one was in the mail.”
She playfully slapped him on the arm. “You are such a schemer.”
He pulled her closer and whispered in her ear, “Guess what I have scheming in my mind, right now, sexy lady.” He turned so her backside faced out, then slid his hand to cup her round ass and pressed her against his hard cock. “Fuck, woman. You are so damn enthralling. I want to be buried balls deep in you now. I can barely hold back. My other half is pressing, too, wanting to fuck you senseless.”
Barry kissed her along the throat with a sudden urge to bite her at the base of her neck and shoulder. Where the fuck did that come from? He wouldn’t bite her on purpose.
His hand glided up her back into her hair as they continued to shift side to side with the music. His thoughts went back to a few minutes ago before Charli arrived. He realized the old him was dead. Gone with all the memories that went with it. He needed to focus on the future instead of the past.