"One more time," I say to her. "Tell me what you want. I need to hear it."
"You," she rasps as her legs wrap around my waist, urging me into her. "I want you. Now."
That's the final straw and the last thing I need to hear before I surrender myself to the bliss I find inside her body.
ALICIA
Rider slams into me and I bite my lip, trying not to scream his name. Sex with him, it's better than it was the first time. It was rushed and we were clawing at each other, but now, as much as I want him to fuck me fast and hard, there's more to it. I want to feel every inch of him as he glides in and out of me. I want to savor every movement of his tongue on my skin and his hands on my body. This drive toward climax is so much sweeter than before.
Rider lifts my hips, changing the angle, and hitting me just right. That’s all it takes for my orgasm to slam into me. I tremble beneath him as ripples of sheer pleasure wash over me. It’s almost more than I can bear, then he thrusts faster until he's falling over the edge with me.
"Holy fuck," he pants out and lowers himself on top of me. Not to the point that all his weight is on me, but where the delicious warmth of his skin licks mine. I can't resist dragging my tongue from his shoulder up his neck, causing chills to break out across his body.
"What are you doing to me?" he whispers when his eyes meet mine. Lightning flashes in the sky again.
"It's more like what are you doing to me?"
He lowers his lips to mine, treating me to a sweet, intimate kiss. One you don't do when it’s just a fling. This is a slow kiss between lovers.
Rider's phone chimes from somewhere in the house. He drops his head to my shoulder.
"Go get it. We're good." I don't want him to think he has to avoid his responsibilities for me. It could be his boss needing him for something.
He kisses me again before standing and removing the condom, then walks to the kitchen to dispose of it and grab his phone. He strides back into the room, not a care in the world that he's naked. I take a moment to drink him all in. His body should be worshipped. Holy hell. Muscles cord his arms. His chest is solid and his stomach... That V leading downward makes me want to trace it with my tongue.
He drops down next to me on the couch. "Sorry. I didn't know if it was my dad. He lives alone. He's in good health, but I worry about him being by himself."
"I can understand that. Is he okay?"
"It was Rowe, a friend of mine who I used to work with. He moved to Alaska to follow a woman he loves. They just got married." He flips through his phone until he finds a picture to show me and turns the phone my way. There's a very attractive man with dark hair and scruff with his arm around a woman who has a piercing under her eye and whose arms are covered in tattoos. But there's something familiar about her.
"What's her name?" I ask.
"That's Hope, and this is Rowe." Then it clicks in my head. She looks like a woman I used to know named Riele. The woman I thought was my friend and, when I woke up after a night out, had disappeared after sifting through my desk.
Rider must see the change in me. "What's wrong?"
"She looks like someone I used to know, but there's no way they could be the same person. Maybe it's her sister?"
"Hope doesn't have any family. Rowe told me her parents are gone, and she has no brothers or sisters. Are you sure she looked like this?" Why would a detective marry a criminal? It can’t be her or a relative.
"They look different. Riele didn't have any tattoos or piercings, and her hair wasn't the same. Plus, she had a beauty mark." I shake my head. "No, they aren't the same person. She just looked familiar. That's all."
Rider puts his phone on the end table next to the couch then drapes his arm around my shoulders as we look out the window toward the approaching storm, both of us still naked. His complex is set at the top of a hill, giving us the perfect view.
I shiver thinking about Riele, and Rider grabs a blanket from inside the ottoman to wrap around us. That woman in the picture wasn't her, but damn, there is something about her. Maybe it’s her lips or nose. I'm not quite sure. It’s been a while since I last saw her, but some people have a tendency to just stick.
And she stuck with me.
I never figured out what she was after. My office had been gone through, but nothing was missing. It was odd.
The storm nears as I lean my head on Rider’s shoulder. The thunder gets louder and more frequent—the lightning closer. Rider shuts off the lights to give us a better view.
We sit in silence for a while before Rider speaks, "I meant what I told you. I made a mistake and won't do it again."
"I know you did. And I should have explained more. Usually guys only want two things from me—my money or sex. I stopped dating a while ago. Stopped going to the clubs except for business. It wasn't my scene anymore, and I realized no one was going to look out for me. I was an adult and on my own. It was time to act like one. So, I changed. I got more involved with the business and stopped partying. That's why I also stopped having one-night stands. In the end, they were all empty. Not what I wanted. But then you came along, and I couldn't resist you." I elbow him playfully in the ribs.
"I don't want to lie to you. I am one of those men…or, I was." I start to pull away, but he holds me close. "Let me finish," he whispers in my ear, causing chills to spread down my arms. "Do you know what I did the night before your event?" I shake my head, a pit of unease forming in my stomach. "I was with another woman. She was a random hook-up I found in a bar. That was my life. I work hard all day and at night, I find someone to get lost in. But you came into my life and, since that night with you, I haven't been with anyone else."
"How do I know I can trust you?” Not that he's going to tell me I can't. But if he were lying, then I wouldn't think he'd go to all this trouble with the date tonight and the flowers. “You say you have random hook-ups, but also that women come on to you for your profession. Which is it?" I ask.
“Both. I’ve gone on calls or left work and stopped somewhere. Women see me and want the whole cop fantasy. I’ve done it. Given in to their desires because I need to get out of my head. I need to relieve tension. But I also go to the bar and look for women there. Those who don’t know what I do. I’m not innocent, but I’m not a huge asshole either. Those women were looking for something, just like I was.” His finger curls under my chin, lifting my gaze to his. "I told you I'd be honest with you and I am. I can't get you out of my head, Alicia. I want you in my bed, in my home. I want you all around me, and this past week has been torture.
“After you dismissed me, I went to the bar. It was early in the day, so not many were out, but I was feeling rejected, and it stung. The bartender was an attractive woman who was getting off her shift soon. She asked if I wanted to go home with her. I looked her over, but she didn't turn me on like you do. I knew, right then and there, I had to prove to you I was a good man. Prove to you I could be what you want. So I turned her down, left my tip, and went home. Every night since then, I've come home from work and stayed here. Well, except the night I went to my dad's for dinner."
"I don't want a fling, but I don't want to force you into a relationship either. I also don't think I could handle being with someone, knowing they are sleeping with other women."
"Have you not been listening to me?" he asks with a smile.
"I have, but I need to be sure."
"I've never been in a relationship with anyone. This is new for me. I want to do things right with you. I want you to see I can be the man you need."
I smile, feeling playful and very happy. No one has piqued my interest in a long time. No one I'd consider having a relationship with. "So does that mean I can call you my boyfriend?"
He grins. "Absolutely."
"That also means Dad can't hire you to protect me. I'm sure that would cause an issue with your boss if he found out we are dating."
"It would. That doesn't mean I won't be paying attention to those around us or checking over every single person who woul
d come up to you. I'll protect you, Alicia. You don't have to worry when I'm around." Those words do something to me. Warm me up in a way I didn't know I needed. No one has ever protected me before, outside of security at events. Well, not since I've become an adult. My dad always watched out for me, but that's what dads are supposed to do.
Suddenly, the storm isn't as enticing as the man sitting beside me. I push the blanket from his body and start kissing down his chest until I reach that V I saw earlier. I trace it with my tongue like I wanted to. Rider is hard again. I slowly lick my way to the base of his dick and drag my tongue up it until I reach the tip. After swirling my tongue around it, collecting the precum that's formed, I take him to the back of my throat. He moans and places his hand on my head.
"Fuck, baby, you feel so good."
His words spur me on. He called me baby, and I love hearing it. I slip to the floor in front of him and settle myself between his parted legs.
My hand grips the base of his length as I start to move in time with my mouth. My nails lightly trace over his balls. His hips are moving now, thrusting into my mouth as he holds my head in place. He's not forcing himself to the back of my throat but creating the pace that feels best for him. And damn if it isn't sexy as hell.
He pulls back, my lips leaving him. "You have to stop," he says as his chest rises and falls rapidly. "I'm so fucking close."
"I want this," I tell him. "Let me take care of you."
Something in his gaze changes, softens. Like my words have a strong power over him. Has no woman ever taken care of him like this before? Never taken their time to taste him? I know he likes to do it to women. He rocked my world that first night with his tongue. It's only fair I return the favor, but it's more than that. I want to make him come this way, feel him release from my touch and my mouth.
Leaning my head back down, I take as much of him as I can and start the fast tempo again. He's trying to hold back, trying to go easy on me. I grip him harder, move faster, telling him with my hand and mouth that he can surrender himself over to the pleasure he's feeling.
He pulls me off of him then stands abruptly. His dick is in my face, leaking, and so close to coming. The raw emotion on his face rocks me. He wants this. Wants my mouth on him. He tries to pull me up as well, but I shake my head. He wants to pleasure me, but I want to do this for him.
I grip the backs of his thighs and place my lips on him again. He doesn't hold back this time. His hands move to my head as his hips thrust forward repeatedly. I'm so turned on. I need to get off, too.
My hand snakes down to my center and starts rubbing my clit while he fucks my mouth. It doesn't take long before I'm on the verge of climax. Then he thrusts forward faster until he comes, filling me with everything he has to give. My hand moves quickly and then I'm orgasming, too. Moaning around his dick as I tremble.
"Fuck," he grinds out, letting me milk him. Once he slows, he pulls himself from me as my body still shakes from my own release. He drops to the floor in front of me and eases me back onto the plush carpet. It's there he spreads my legs and sends a new jolt of pleasure through me with his tongue.
RIDER
Three weeks have gone by since I started dating Alicia. The first thing I did when we parted the next day, after officially becoming a couple, was to call Rowe. Something didn't sit right with me when Alicia saw that picture of Hope. Call it a gut instinct or whatever, but something was off. And still is.
Rowe was evasive and said Hope was an only child and has no immediate family left. Since then, he's been avoiding me most of the time when I text. He'll answer every third or fourth text, and it's always with short replies. All it's doing is pissing me off and making me wonder what the fuck I'm missing here. I even called him and gave him hell for being a dick to me over text. He apologized and said he's just going through a tough time at work. The precinct he's with in Alaska is in search of a new detective since the other one retired. So Rowe said he has to take on more work than usual. I'm letting his attitude and shortness with me slide for now. Tonight, I have plans and need to focus on those.
Alicia and I are about two hours north of home for a club opening. This is in a smaller city, but the hype for it is no less than if it were in a major city. Her dad hired some extra security to be positioned around the club and outside as people arrive. They are anticipating big celebrities, none of which I recognized by name. Alicia said I needed to get out more. I told her I'd rather stay in, with her legs wrapped around me, than worry about the latest celebrity gossip or what's on television. Between work and her, I'm busy and so fucking happy. I don't have room for any other shit.
Alicia steps out of the bathroom in our large hotel room. She's stunning. Her hair is pinned back on the sides with soft curls hanging down her back. She's wearing a gorgeous, deep red dress that molds to her body. Fuck me, I can't wait to take that off of her tonight.
I finally bought a tux of my own. If I'm going to be spending time with her, I need to look the part of a boyfriend of her caliber. She does these things often: banquets, charity dinners, openings, and other events. The tuxedo wasn't cheap, but at least it fits like it's supposed to.
I walk to her, not wanting to admire her from a distance. "You're gorgeous."
Her hands find the lapels of my jacket. "You don't look so bad yourself."
"I can't exactly show up in jeans and a T-shirt. You said there will be reporters, and I want to be worthy of having your arm in mine."
Her eyes find mine as she becomes serious. "You know it doesn't matter what anyone thinks, right?"
"I know, but I want to be a man who fits by your side, not a slouch who looks like he's just with you for money." She turns, but I gently cup her elbow to bring her back to me. "Hey," I say softly, reaching up to brush her hair back. "You're this amazing woman, who would do anything for anyone, and I want to be worthy of you. You have an image to uphold, and the last thing I want is any negative press sent your way."
"If someone looks at you and thinks anything other than how sexy and perfect you are, I don't want to talk to them." She places her hand over my heart. "I know what's inside here. I know how good you are, and you’re an amazing detective." An amazing detective who can't solve the cold case Rowe left me before leaving. But I keep that thought to myself. "Fuck anyone who can't see you for who you really are."
I grip her waist, pulling her flush against me. "Who am I?"
Her eyes flutter closed for a second then open again. In them is so much emotion. Emotion that makes my chest ache, but in a good way. This woman has so much power over me and doesn't even know it.
"You're the man I love," she replies quietly.
My eyes widen. "You love me?" It sounds stupid now that it's left my lips. She wouldn't have said it if it weren't true.
"I do."
I crush her to me in a tight embrace. "Fuck, baby. I love you, too." I've never said those words to any woman but speaking them to Alicia doesn't scare me. It feels right.
A knock sounds on our door, pulling us apart and bringing us back to reality—to a world where it isn't only us who exist. Alicia opens it, her dad on the other side. He's wearing a tux that is probably way more expensive than mine. He's taller than Alicia but only by a few inches. His greying hair styled neatly. "Are you ready? We don't want to be late."
He sprang for our hotel room. I was happy to pay for it, but with this trip being about business, he wanted it to go under the company account so he could write it off. I acquiesced, even though it didn't feel right. I should be paying for everything for Alicia. I might not be rich, but I have money.
Stepping forward, I offer him my hand. "Sir, nice to see you again." We got in late last night and spent all day in bed today, which worked out because Alicia's dad had meetings.
He shakes my hand. "I told you to call me Frederick. No need for formalities." I nod and Alicia gathers her small clutch purse.
Together, the three of us walk down the hall toward the elevators. My nerves begin to
kick up. Not because this is a big deal, and there will be cameras on us for the first time as a couple, but because so much could go wrong. Alicia and her dad have a high profile. People know who they are. I'm glad he hired extra security since I won't be able to be everywhere at once.
The drive in the limo is short. Frederick opted to stay close to the venue since he had meetings there today and more tomorrow. It's a soft opening. They will work out any kinks tonight, and everyone attending is aware of that. He knows what he's doing, though, and I have no doubt it will run smoothly.
The limousine stops and a man opens the door for us. Frederick steps out first and then offers his hand to Alicia. I follow and take her hand in mine once we're both outside. Something primal takes over, and I need to let the world know she's mine. That she's off the market and no one should be approaching her for anything other than friendship or for business.
Lights flash as our picture is repeatedly taken. The photographers ask questions, but Alicia and I keep walking as she smiles at them, making our way inside. Frederick, however, stops to talk to them.
We go through two sets of doors before we're inside the club. The second set has a pair of very large, very built bouncers outside of it who I have no doubt could handle any asshole who tries to get inside and shouldn’t.
The club is dark with lights bouncing around the room. Music blasts through the speakers placed consistently throughout the building. There is a decent crowd already on the dance floor and a line at the bar. Tonight, everything is on the house. Frederick wants to make sure there are no errors and, in exchange for feedback, he's letting everyone drink for free.
We step up and wait our turn to order. Alicia chats with a few people while we do. She introduces me, and I honestly have no clue who they are. Maybe I should, but I don't. The bartender finally makes his way over to us and, once he sees Alicia, his smile broadens. This guy is tall and lean, but I don't miss the muscles pulling his shirt tight over his chest and arms. For fuck's sake, I could look like that too if I weren't wearing this tux. But I’m with the owner’s daughter. There’s no way I could have attended looking like I usually do. Peering around the place, other men are dressed like me. Some with their jackets still on. Others with their jackets off and their sleeves rolled up as they dance.
Unreserved: The Vault Page 4