“I think you and Dad should enjoy your honeymoon,” Tiffany said with a little grin.
“And I think you have been reading too many romance books.”
Duncan released a yawn. “See you two in the morning. Night, my sweet detectives.”
Melanie watched as they raced to their room pulling the door closed behind them. “I think I’ll go take a shower. Unless you wanted to take one first.”
Duncan was removing his badge and gun, and checking everything over once more. “No, you go ahead,” he said, not really paying her any attention.
Melanie shrugged, then gathered her gown from the suitcase, making her way into the bathroom. Duncan waited until he heard the shower running.
“Hey, Ramon, anything?”
“No. We did find Spencer, though. The dogs were able to sniff him out. He was buried underneath dirt and leaves. There was no way we’d have found him otherwise. Dogs also got the same scent as they headed down toward the cabin.”
“Which means the man cut the brake line there.”
“Yes. We checked the cabin thoroughly to make sure it was still all safe. We haven’t seen any signs of anyone, here or with you, unless it’s some tourists we know nothing about working for Riley.”
“Yeah, that could be it.”
“You sound a bit stressed.”
“I am. But not the way you think.”
“Been a long time since you’ve had female companionship. You might want to think about that.”
“You know we can’t get involved when we’re on a case. Our minds have to be clear at all times.”
“True, but once we’ve released some of that stress our minds can think better, too.”
Duncan’s gaze flashed toward the bathroom. They were legally married. He’d do anything to be able to gently toss her on that bed, load her with hugs and kisses and have her screaming in his ears all night. But are you really willing to make this commitment when this is all over?
“Duncan?”
“Just thinking.”
“You are married. And we both know that, when this is all over, you won’t be leaving that family behind.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about. What if she doesn’t want to stay with me?”
“Then you better treat her in a way that will make her never want to leave.”
“Getting back to Spencer. How?”
“Broken neck.”
Duncan sighed heavily.
“That’s not all.”
“What else?”
“Face dismembered. Teeth all jarred and broken, and his eyes. Well, we’ll leave it at that. A mess, Duncan. On top of that, the coroner said his neck was broken again after everything else had happened. Sort of like it was a game to this killer. He’s one rough hombre!”
Duncan lowered his head thinking of the Spencer he knew. It wasn’t easy thinking about his friend’s murder. He popped back to his senses. “Do me a favor.”
“If I can.”
“Have the children’s Dad investigated. I want to know everything about Griffin Dunbar. We’ll be back at the cabin tomorrow night when we finish sightseeing here. I don’t know when their mother’s death is going to really strike the kids. While they’re having some fun, I want them to enjoy themselves. Everything on him and that Harris guy, have it in the cabin for my eyes only. Let me know later where you put it.”
“I’ll put a rush on it.”
“Thanks. And, Ramon, you, Hargrove and Wilson be extremely careful. This man doesn’t care how he treats a man or a woman, even in death.”
“The same goes for you, too.”
Duncan closed the cellphone, then checked on the children to make sure they were asleep. First Allison, now Spencer. How many more would die before all this was over? He rubbed his eyes and thought of what Ramon had said. Did he want this? He bit his bottom lip a couple of times thinking. Yes, he wanted this. Wanted this so much he could taste it. But how? How could he do this when two people were out there dead? Yet he needed it. They both needed it.
Melanie took the soap and washed her arms again. She couldn’t get the feel of Duncan’s hands off her. She closed her eyes thinking how it would be to have him so close and so near to her. Just a touch of his finger or his breath on her neck stirred a sensation in her that was maddening.
Opening her eyes, she stepped beneath the spray, allowing the warm water to run down her back. She’d never been with a man. At her age, she wondered what that really said about her character. If she could give herself to anyone, it would be Duncan McGregor, but she couldn’t throw herself at his mercy. What kind of woman would he think she was? Her fingers flew to her lips as she thought of those hot sizzling kisses. The curtain opened and Duncan stepped in, almost taking her breath away.
“What the devil are you doing?” she stammered, as her arms and hands tried to cover her breasts and other parts.
“Taking a shower with my wife. Are you finished with the soap?”
“Duncan, I’m naked.”
“Normally people do get naked when they shower. Now, can I have the soap?” He winked at her.
“You can have the whole shower.”
“First, would you please wash my back? I have trouble lathering up back there.” He smiled, watching her as she still tried covering her parts.
When he turned his back to her, Melanie’s gaze flew down to his backside. Wow. His whole body was lean and hard. “My, oh my,” she groaned inaudibly.
He heard it. A wide smile crept over his lips. “Melanie, are you drooling again?”
“Oh hush.” She slapped his firm bottom. Whoops.
He turned his head slightly. “Getting a little frisky there, aren’t you? A little spanky, huh? What other little tricks do you enjoy?”
“Would you hush?” she said, through clenched teeth.
“Maybe that’s what turns you on? I remember how your hand stung my face that first day. Not once, but twice. Yeah, I got me a silent little wildcat.” He grinned.
“Again, hush. Turn back around all the way, mister.” Melanie took the soap and lathered his back. It was such a fine back. Throw yourself his way, Melanie.
Once the lather was on Duncan’s back, he turned to face her. “Let’s switch places so the water can rinse off that soap, okay, love?” He eased her to the other side. “You don’t have to continue to cover up like that. We’re legally married. You wife, me husband.”
“I’m modest.”
“I noticed.”
Melanie watched how he layered the soap on his chest.
“Need me to wash your back or your front?” he asked. “Or perhaps you were wishing to wash my front as well.”
She nodded slowly, taking in his whole form. Legally married, he’d said.
“You know, love, we could save on water by sharing a shower together all the time.” Duncan finished lathering the rest of his body, then rinsed off the soap. Turning off the water, he reached for a towel. “I’m done. Were you done, love?”
Melanie, if you let this man get away you are crazy.
“Duncan, I…”
He edged closer to her. Using his hand to lift her chin, he slanted his lips over hers. The kiss was powerful and she allowed his tongue to enter and probe her mouth over and over, tantalizing it with embers of fire.
Melanie circled her arms around his neck, pulling him tighter into that kiss. A minute later, she felt his hands touching her neck, then lowering to her breasts as she whimpered softly.
He broke the kiss, allowing his lips to wet her neck with kisses then slowly he moved to her breasts, kissing one, then the other. Melanie moaned with pleasure.
“Duncan, the children—”
“Are asleep. Melanie, I need you as much as you need me. I want you as much as you want me.” He eased out of the shower then lifted her into his arms. “You are my wife.”
The covers were already turned down when he laid her on the freshly clean sheets. He reached over and flipped off the lamp. The only light i
n the room was from the full moon shining through the partially open drape.
Melanie ran her fingers through his wet hair, then along his neck and back. “Duncan, I’m scared,” she whispered as he lightly kissed her breasts and tantalized them with his tongue.
“There is no need to be. No one will hurt us. I’ll keep you safe.”
She wanted to scream with delight, the pleasure was wonderful as his mouth and hands discovered everything about her body. His hand traveled down to her thighs and slightly opened them until he found her soft, warm center.
“Wait.”
“What, love? Oh, protection?”
“No, Duncan, I don’t have any.”
“Neither do I. It’s been a long time since I’ve been with a woman. And, from the way the children talk, you as well.”
She lightly slapped his arm.
“Now you were the one who wanted me to wait. Oh, did you want to spank my bottom again? Or maybe strike my face?” He kissed her breasts once more.
“Behave. Could you slip on your watch?”
Duncan reached over and turned on the lamp. “What, you going to time me? Melanie, what are you into?”
“No, I saw a Victoria’s Secrets commercial where this guy was on top of the roof and you could only see part of his backside and his arm. He was wearing a watch and, well … Look, it’s a long story. I said if I was ever lucky … I wanted the man to wear just a watch.”
“If that’s what it takes, babe.” Duncan took his watch and placed it on his wrist, then turned the lamp back off. “You know, I don’t mind if you want to slap my bottom again. Your soft hand can sure get a rise out of me.”
“You are incorrigible.”
“Aren’t I, though?”
Duncan kissed her breasts once more, drawing a surge of sweeping, soft noises from her lips. His hands made a path to her thighs. Her tiny squeals of delight were muffled, he was sure, for the children’s sake but he still took pleasure in them.
Her words soared loudly in his ears once more. Duncan, I’m scared. If I was ever that lucky. The words hit him like a ton of bricks. He stopped, flipped on the lamp again, and looked into her eyes. “Melanie, what did you mean by you’re scared? And if you were ever lucky? Are you still….”
She bit her lower lip. “A virgin? Yes.”
“But…”
“You don’t find too many virgins soon to turn thirty? I wanted to wait until I was married. I wanted it to be right. The last guy I dated tried pushing me too far. I didn’t want it. Duncan, does it make a difference? Like you said, we are legally married.”
He gently brushed a kiss on her mouth then her neck. “I won’t hurt you, Melanie.”
“I’m not experienced.”
“I’ll teach you. It’s been a long while for me. Perhaps we can learn together. That is, if you want me.”
“I love you, Duncan. I have wanted you ever since that first kiss.”
“I thought perhaps it was when you wanted me to search you.”
“I meant my car.”
“Liar.”
“Oh Duncan.” She felt his lips on her breasts once more. This time it was she who reached over and turned off the lamp.
It was the most pleasurable excitement she’d ever experienced. His tongue, mouth and hands were like a hot burning torch scorching her flesh. She wanted to scream, but she had to think of the children. At this moment she was so blissfully happy any scream would be a happy scream.
He tenderly opened her legs as he gently stroked her thighs. Oh, Melanie, I can sense you are on fire. I want to lightly brand your body with gentle strokes, so you will always think of me.
“Duncan, Duncan…”
As he started to ease into her, he noticed that she stiffened slightly. “Melanie, I’ll be gentle. I will be most gentle and allow you to be comfortable with me. When you feel comfortable, just allow yourself to be free, sweetheart.”
“I wish I could scream, this is so tantalizing.”
“I’m glad. I want your first time to be special.”
“Our first time,” she whispered.
“Yes,” he said, as he found his way into her warm center.
Melanie felt a tinge of pain that swiftly passed. A few minutes later, she was in a paradise that was so exhilarating it took her breath away. She buried her face in his shoulders and whimpered silent screams of delight. Later, when he filled her with complete joy, they clung tightly to each other, neither wishing to let go.
“Oh, Duncan, I’m so glad I waited for the right man to come along. I’m so glad,” Melanie said when he rolled over to her side.
Duncan took a long breath. Ramon had been right. This was something both he and Melanie had needed. And after five years it was a release that he’d most needed. He was glad he’d been considerate of Melanie’s feelings, too. They’d shared the moment together.
Duncan pulled her over to his chest, resting her head against himself. “Did I hurt you, Melanie?”
Her finger traced the few sprinkles of hair on his slightly damp chest. “No, you were most tender. I meant it when I said I loved you, Duncan. I love you.”
He layered her forehead with a kiss. “Oh, Melanie, I will remember this night for the rest of my days.”
“I should go clean myself.”
“You go ahead. When you return, I’ll go in there.”
He thought on Ramon’s words again. But this was different. They were married. It wasn’t only to relieve his stress from all those years he’d gone without. He cared for Melanie … but could he say he loved her the way she said she loved him? Did he love her? He knew he cared for the children. There was no way he could give them up after all this was over. And what of Melanie? Did he want to always have her in his life? Jean was gone. She would never return. But to give his heart to someone again, while he continued to follow his line of work and maybe lose someone else he loved—he couldn’t bear that. But he also knew Melanie wasn’t a one-night stand. He didn’t want her like that. He’d felt something in her arms that he hadn’t felt with any woman since Jean.
“I’m all done,” she said, slipping under the covers. “I hope you don’t mind that I put my gown on. I guess if you want me again later, you can always pull it off.”
Duncan’s finger touched her lips. “I am so glad you weren’t married when I met you, sweetheart.”
“You’ll have to teach me many things, Duncan. I’m not experienced. I told you that.”
“Yes, dear, I know. Be right back.”
Melanie rested her head on the pillow. Tonight was a night she would always remember. Duncan had been so warm, so gentle with her. She giggled quietly as she crossed her hands over her breasts.
“What is all that about?” he asked, sliding under the sheets.
“You’re going to think me silly.”
“After the watch number, I wouldn’t even consider it.”
Melanie playfully slapped his arm again. “I never imagined that a man kissing a woman’s breast and doing the things to them the way your tongue meandered over them would create such a sensation in me.”
“A sensation, huh? Let me show you one more sensation before we fall asleep.” He peeled the gown off her and tossed it to the side.
“Oh, Duncan, you sure? We should be sleeping.”
“Oh, we will, sweetheart, but first allow me to sample a little more of you and see how much excitement I can stir in that body of yours. Afterward, I don’t think we’ll have any trouble falling asleep.” He crushed his lips on hers, showering her once again with a mountain of lovemaking that was enough to curl her toes many times over.
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Chapter 9
When the sun’s rays crept into the room, Duncan turned over to find Melanie gone. No doubt to the bathroom. He noticed the stain on the sheets, and hurried to cover it up. A virgin. The second he’d had in his lifetime. First Jean, now Melanie. Of course there’d be no comparison. One thing you never did was compare one woma
n with another, especially not one you’d been married to. Jean was gone. He’d loved her but she would never return.
The children bounced into the room interrupting his thoughts.
“Are you still in bed, Dad?” Matt asked as he walked around the room. “Tiffany and I have been up watching television. Did we wake you?”
“Oh no.”
“Where’s Mom?” Matt asked. “I don’t see her anywhere. Did you run her off?”
“She’s in the bathroom, brushing her teeth, silly,” Tiffany answered. “Matt and I ate some fruit. We don’t want to spoil our appetite for the buffet lunch before we leave. I love this Inn. We might have to open a restaurant that includes a honeymoon inn right along with it.”
“Yeah, we might,” Duncan said easing the covers higher up his chest.
Melanie padded out of the bathroom humming a happy tune. “Oh, Matt, Tiffany, my darlings, you’re awake.”
They both glanced her way as she brushed her hair, still humming.
“Something happen that we don’t know about?” Matt asked. “You’re happy.”
“Why wouldn’t I be, dear? I have two lovely children and a handsome husband. Life is grand.”
The children exchanged a glance with each other, then focused their eyes on Duncan. He only shrugged. “What can I say? I’ve charmed the pants right off her.”
“Duncan McGregor!”
“It’s only a joke.”
But she knew it wasn’t a joke, even if he didn’t.
“Kids could you do your ole Dad a favor?”
“Whatever you want,” Matt said.
“I need to brief your mom on some adult things that we have to go over today. Then when Mom is getting ready, I need to come in that room and go over some top secret things with you. But I need you to stay in that room and watch television until I come in there.”
“Sure, Dad,” Tiffany said, pulling Matt’s pajama sleeve. “Just knock and let us know when you want to talk to us. We’ll close the door. And, Dad, next time you really want to be alone with Aunt Melanie, just say so.”
“But I—”
“Forget it, Duncan,” Melanie said when the door closed. “That girl is smarter than you give her credit for. So, what did you want to talk to me about?” She flopped on the bed smiling as she stroked the brush through her hair.
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