Not that Lark was my killer, but still. My nakedness was making itself known as cold started to settle in. The dampness of my body followed by cooler air on my skin had a shiver raking my body.
“Go get dressed I’ll get you something to eat.”
Without looking at him I do as he says. My back protested each step I took. He wanted me to put more clothes on? Was I that undesirable? Picking up the passé as more embarrassment bubbled within I rush to my room.
“Take it off Behty.”
Lark's cold voice startled me. Turning I look into his black eyes. There was anger dancing back at me. It radiated off of him in waves. I should have told him to get the fuck out of my room or better yet, out of the house but my body followed his dark command.
Slowly the jacket fell from my lifeless fingers.
“Turn around.”
Again, I was helpless to say no. turning I give him my back.
“Who did this to you?”
“I did.”
The growl I received had shivers dancing down my spine. Tingles erupted in my pussy.
“Don’t fucking lie to me Bethy.”
His voice grew louder as he closed the space between us. I could feel him even though I couldn’t see him. Fingers wrapped up in my hair pulling my head back. His eyes connect with mine.
“I’m not lying.”
Another tug. “Don’t ever lie to me Bethy.”
“I swear it’s the truth. There was a knife in the door. I pulled and pulled and when it finally released from the wood I was helpless to stop the momentum.”
Why was I telling him this? Why was I responding to him?
Chapter 8
Lark
Lifting her shirt, I take in the dark purple skin. Everything in me revolted at this. I was going to destroy the person behind this. Messy wouldn’t cover the destruction I was going to unleash on them.
“Was there anything else?”
I knew there was more. This was a warning a sign they meant business. Fucking pussy scare tactic.
“There was a note.”
Her hesitation was expected. I didn’t like it, but I understood. Patients was something I had in spades and in this moment, I was thankful for it. Her wide, innocent eyes stared at me as if she was unsure what to do next.
“Can I have the note Bethy?”
My voice was quiet, gentle even. A tone I didn’t have until I met them. Instead of giving me the note she pointed to the table next to the door. Without completely removing my attention from her I grab the crumpled paper.
Darkness that was so much a part of me rose from the depths only she could put it in. The words that sealed the fate of the sender and every single piece of shit involved had my fingers clenching in need.
I was going to choke this prick with his intestines. They were all going to die I would gladly rid the world of their filth. Jaxon had some talking to do. As much as I wanted to be there in person a phone call would have to do.
Bethy needed me here and I wasn’t leaving her anytime soon. Cupping her face in my hands, I press my lips to her forehead.
“Bunnys in the kitchen.”
The name was something that slipped from my lips and stuck. Her relief was like a living, breathing entity. Her body sagged slightly as my words hit their mark. She felt it too. The need to be close.
She was mine, it was written into the threads of fate. Her slow stead steps had her getting closer to bunny and further from me. As soon as her form disappeared through the kitchen, entry way I pulled my phone from my pocket.
A fucking babysitting job. He sent me on this shit mission and I wanted to thank him for it and yet I wanted to rip his throat out and wave it in front of his face.
“Lark.”
“What the fuck is going on here Jaxon?”
“A lot of shit is wrapped up in this Lark.”
I didn’t want his bullshit answers. I knew it was a redirect.
“Don’t fucking play games with me Jaxon.”
“Fuck Lark what do you want me to say? That some sick fucks are taking woman and shit? Or that this woman I sent you to watch her husband was a part of it?”
“Where’s her husband?”
He wasn’t going to survive the night Bethy was mine, not this fucks.
“Dead. Jace finished him off, that’s why you're on babysitting duty.”
So many fucking questions. But more importantly, he was dead and no longer an object between me and what's mine.
“What the fuck am I looking out for?”
“Human traffickers.”
“They’ve already been here. Left a note on the door with a knife as its holder.”
I wanted to gather them up and stash them in one of my many safe houses. Only I knew about them. They were completely untraceable.
“Fucking shit. Stick close to her.”
I planned on it. Without another word I disconnect the call and slip the phone back into my pocket. Behty didn’t know it yet, but I wasn’t leaving here tonight and if I had it my way any night.
Chapter 9
Bethy
Lily's sweet face had fruit loops adorning it. Her big blue eyes light up when I walk into the room. Everything melted away like it had never been. All the worries all the trouble all my fears gone.
Lark was a confused mess inside my head. I didn’t understand how he could have such control over me. My body reacted in a way I always wished it would. I wanted to feel passion for someone I wanted to know what it was like to be with someone in the most intimate of ways.
I wanted to feel the skin of my lover sliding against mine as we rocked together. Images of Lark doing just that invaded my thoughts. Heat licked at my body. I wanted nothing more than to turn around and beg him to take me.
I felt it the moment he entered the room. It was like my body was connected to his. Turngin I look at the man who haunts my every moment.
“Thank you for everything Lark.”
I waited for him to make his excuses and leave, but instead he smiled at me. Pleasure reflected back at me like a wildfire it called to me.
“Pleasure Darlin.”
Heat rushed to my face I was sure I resembled a tomato. A very ripe red fleshed tomato.
“Are you hungry?”
Please say yes, I need something to do otherwise I may just stare at him like a love sick puppy.
“Always.”
The underlying meaning was clear to hear. He was hungry for more than just food.
“Lily sweetheart, go get ready.”
“Going somewhere?”
“Lily has a play date today. Usually when she goes over to her friend's house I take the time I rarely get and get stuff done.”
His eyes darkened. I knew what he was thinking the house would be empty. I wanted to moan at what I wanted, what I needed to happen.
“How long will she be there?”
“A few hours.”
My voice was barely a whisper.
“I’ll go with you.”
There was no room for argument in his voice. Truthfully, after last night I really wanted him to stay close. His heat surrounded me as he stepped up behind me. His lips pressed into the nape of my neck.
Moans slipped out as tingles danced along my skin.
“You’re beautiful darlin.”
More blood rushed to my face. If this kept up I may pass out from lack of blood flow.
“I need you sweetheart.”
“Please.”
The word slipped out. He now knew how desperately I needed him. How badly I wanted him. His fingers splayed over my abdomen. As his lips brushed my ear.
“Go get ready Darlin.”
Embarrassment of epic proportion hit me. I was standing here in a tank top and panties. Rushing from the room, I quickly dash to my bedroom. I needed more clothes and yet I needed less clothes.
Chapter 10
Lark
Satisfaction was not a foreign emotion, but this kind was. She was mine and she knew i
t. Turning I walk into the kitchen.
“Bunny.”
Lily’s sweet food covered face lite up when her eyes met mine.
“I heard you were going on a play date.”
“Yesssss!”
Her enthusiasm was invigorating.
“Will you be coming with us?”
Looking into her eyes so full of hope and innocence, I could deny her nothing.
“Wouldn’t miss it Bunny.”
Her giggles echoed off the walls as she launched her small frame at me. Thank fuck for my naturally quick reflexes. I caught her mid jump.
Lifting her into the air I give her a slight spin.
“Again, again.”
Spinning her again, I smile as her laughter grows with each spin.
“Lily sweetheart come get ready to go or we are going to be late.”
Bethys voice echoed down the hall. Slowly putting Bunny onto her feet, I let out a chuckle when she pouts.
“I want to spin some more.”
“Later Bunny.”
Her eyes widen as a smile grows.
“Go on Bunny before Bethy comes and gets you.”
Giving her a quick tickle before she takes off running. Is this what it felt like to care?
Chapter 11
Bethy
Walking down the street with the imposing Lark on one side and little Lily on the other seemed to draw a lot of attention I felt like a circus freak.
Anger and embarrassment warred within in me. My life wasn’t a soap. It wasn’t days of my life. Huffing, I pick up the pace. Poor Lily struggled to keep up.
Instantly I felt bad. Lark's hand grabbed onto my wrist, pulling me to a stop, his eyes dark and full of questions.
“They keep staring at us.”
I watch his eyes darken more.
“I mean... well not that I'm embarrassed to be seen with you or anything its just they keep staring at us I don't like it.”
Slowly lowering my head shame had my cheeks pinking. I instantly felt like the dirt grinding into the pavement under my sandal.
“Bethy look at me.”
His voice was demanding and hard to deny. Raising my eyes to his face I struggle to meet his eyes.
“Bethy.”
The demand had my spine straightening and my head lifting fully. Before I could blink his lips were pressed to mine. Butterflies danced and fluttered their wings in my stomach.
Every muscle in my body tightened and released. The world melted away as his lips caressed mine. The kiss wasn’t long enough.
A whispered cry left my lips as my breathless body leaned in closer to his muscular body.
“Soon darlin.”
His promise had my pussy clenching in need.
“Auntie Bethy we are going to be late.”
Lily’s little tugs as she pulled on my hand. She has been looking forward to this trip all week had me turning away from him and looking down on the little sweetheart who brightened my life.
I couldn’t picture a day in the past or future without her. The problem was Lark was becoming a part of that very thing. Life without him looked bleak and lonely.
I’ve only known him a few days and the thought of him being gone was like someone ripping me in half. I was fast becoming one of those women.
The ones who let men consume them who are needy and lose all independence. I can understand them more now than I did before.
If they had anything close to what I felt with Lark losing one’s self was well worth the end results.
“Sorry sweetheart.”
“It’s okay auntie but we need to get going.”
Saluting her I slowly march on. Her little giggles had a smile spreading over my face.
“You’re mine darlin as soon as we get back to your place.”
Larks whispered words had my heart rate skipping before speeding up. The rate it was beating was almost painful. My stomach clenched as my temperature rose.
I couldn’t look at him as heat consumed me. I didn’t want him to see how badly I wanted no needed just what he was promising.
Chapter 12
Bethy
The red door loomed before me. Bright against the stark white of the house. Joycelyn opened the door with a smile that quickly turned into appreciation.
Her eyes roamed over Lark in a hungry, desperate heated look. My fingers clenched as anger and jealousy rushed through my body.
Her blond hair a complete contradiction to my dark mass. What if he wanted her more? Was she prettier than me? Old insecurities rise.
So many times, I was told I was ugly and no one would want me. My sister was the beauty in my family at least that’s what my parents told me daily.
I felt sick to my stomach. How did I even think for a moment that he would desire me? That I could keep him? My hands started shaking as tears clogged my throat.
It hurt more than I thought possible. Larks fingers wrap around my neck the hold possessive. His lips brush my ear as he whispered into it.
“I only want you darlin.”
Those five words were like a lightning bolt shocking my system in its intensity. Peeking at Joycelyn through my lashes I want to laugh at the pout curving her lips.
I wanted to stick my tongue out at her like a child. I wanted to prance around her and scream mine over and over again. It was childish, I know.
“Bethy how are you?”
I was being rude not introducing them.
“Great actually. Joycelyn this is Lark. Lark this is Joycelyn.”
There I did it. I introduced them.
“Lark, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Her voice held a purr as she held out her hand. The space between them only two feet. She closed the gap fast. My eyes form slits.
Lily wrapped her arms around Larks legs.
“See you later Larky?”
“Where else would I be bunny?”
Her giggles drifted as she ran into the house her little hand waving behind her. What no hugs for me? Looking at Lark I honestly couldn’t blame her.
“Let me know if you need anything Joycelyn.”
Her smile reminded me of a snake. I was waiting for the forked tongue and the hiss as she posed to strike. I liked Joycelyn I really did well up until now that is.
“You know I will Bethy.”
Yeah, I did. She called for all kinds of bull when she had the girls. Pizza oh no, not delivery it needed to be picked up. Ice cream from DQ.
The phone would ring at least twice during the night with her needs. Yes, it was irritating, but Lily loved coming over here. Taking a deep breath, I turn and walk down the brick steps.
I couldn’t hear him did he stay? I didn’t want to turn and find out it was a humiliating thought. I was slowly sinking. Warm fingers linked with mine.
He was with me. The man was so silent. He needed a bell like a cat. Giggles rise and escape before I could swallow them back.
“What’s so funny?”
“You with a bell Mr. Cat.”
His frown was comical.
“Come on darling, I have plans for you.”
Sweat popped out of my pours as the distance between my house and us shortened. As the distance between us and my bed became nonexistent.
Chapter 13
Bethy
We were here. We were home in one step closer to my bed and all the wicked things his eyes had promised. My breathing became labored.
Tingles had my thighs squeezing together. Just beyond that door up those stairs and the last door on the left my bed waited.
It was going to get its first taste of passion, messy, sweaty, sex. The more I thought about it the harder it was to walk. The stairs those three little steps followed by five more is all that separated us from my door.
He was at my back, his heat soaking into my skin. It suddenly felt like it was a hundred degrees out here.
“Ready darlin?”
Yes and no. to be honest, what was about to happen terrified me. Lark was dark
and large I just knew he was going to be huge in other places.
I could see the unrestrained hunger and need when I looked into his eyes. He was going to devour me. It was going to be intense and filthy.
He was going to take me and do unspeakable things to me.it was there in his eyes he was speaking to me silently. My palms become wet as my nerves racket into unbearable tightness.
Swallowing I turn and force my feet to go from one step to the next. I wanted this I needed this. The more I pictured him spreading my legs and lowering between them the faster my feet moved.
The door lock was being difficult or was it my shaking fingers causing all the trouble? I mean it just wouldn’t work the key was in the lock, but it wouldn’t turn.
Strong, long fingers wrapped around my hand his arm brushed my ear as it stretched in front of me. With a twist, the lock was released and the door was opening.
One less obstacle in our way. My feet felt rooted to the porch, I could go no further all the strength left my body. I couldn’t do this I wanted, no I needed to do this but I couldn’t.
It terrified me. He was going to consume me like the big bad wolf I swear lurked below the surface. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me to him.
My breasts pressed against his chest. Sensitive nipples rubbed against the lace fabric of my bra. The light blue silky material a pleasant addition to the already hard nipples.
My feet left the ground as he pulled me up his body. My legs wrapped around his waist on their own. My pussy was pressed against his abdomen.
Sparks flashed behind the lids of my eyes. Pleasure had my hips rising and falling against his rock hard abs. One of his hands cupped my ass and the other grabbed my hair.
Pulling me to his lips, he devoured them. I forgot where we were that everyone could see us. Moans spilled from my lips into his.
I needed more I needed him.
“Please.”
Oh god it hurt, the pleasure was too much he barley laid his hands on me.
“I need…”
Lark (Carter Family Book 1) Page 3