by Michelle Kee
"Okay, I can see that. So, what's the plan here?" Stacey replied, cupping her chin in her hand.
Before Krista could speak, the doors opened again and in walked Ethan, Gage, Cain and Jimmy. She bit back a giggle as Stacey took in the four men. All four were large, handsome men. Course Krista only had eyes for Ethan. Jimmy and Cain were dressed in t-shirts and jeans instead of their usual suits they wore while on the job. Gage was dressed similar to Ethan. Black tactical pants, boots except his t-shirt was blue while Ethan's was his trademark drab green.
"You're drooling Stace."
"Oh bite me. Damn, you get to be around all of that? Hell, I'll take a stalker if I have bodyguards like them."
Krista lost it then and nearly fell out of her chair from laughing so hard. She looked up when Ethan stepped up to her chair. He gave her a panty melting smirk before leaning down and kissing her. Behind her, Krista heard the guys laughing and to her left she heard the breathy sigh from Stacey.
"Hi." Ethan said.
"Hi yourself." Krista smiled brightly. "Ethan, Gage, Jimmy, Cain, meet my publisher Stacey Carlin. Stace, this is Ethan Blackstone and Gage Carson from Blackout Security. Then there's Jimmy Fortner and Cain Harker from the FBI."
"Nice to meet you guys." Stacey greeted, giving Gage what Krista called her flirty smile.
"Same here ma'am." Gage nodded.
"Has Krista told you the setup for tomorrow?" Ethan questioned, jumping right in.
"I was just about to when you four walked in." Krista answered. She faced Stacey again as the guys sat down at the table. "So, I'll arrive at the event dressed as Kris James. I was thinking of telling my VIP fans first, but I changed my mind and figured I'd just reveal myself to everyone all at once."
"Makes since. Were you wanting to do it before your speech or was that how you were going to kick off the speech?" Stacey asked.
"Pretty much. After you introduce me, I'll make the announcement and remove my wig. I won't be wearing the contacts or prosthetics. As I'm making the reveal Blackout, the Feds, Austin PD and a few members of the Austin fire department will be watching the crowd closely. I will be watching too from the stage."
"If we see anyone that's acting suspicious we'll tag Ethan and start moving in on him." Cain spoke up.
Stacey lifted a brow. "Um, I think everyone will be reacting funny to THAT kind of announcement."
Jimmy chuckled. "Oh I bet. What we'll be looking for is someone who looks or acts angry. He already knows who she really is, but none of us think he's going to like the fact that she will reveal herself to the public."
"Jimmy's right. This guy thinks it makes him special because he knows that Krista Jameson and Kris James are one in the same, yet her fans and even her own publisher don't know that. So tomorrow you will need to act surprised at this." Cain added
"I can do that." Stacey nodded.
Gage spoke next. "We're hoping he will reveal himself in this moment. Then again, he's a slippery little fucker, and he may be disciplined enough to not give himself away with that many witnesses."
"He's becoming unpredictable Stace. While we were coming back from Jerry's funeral he broke into my house then set it on fire. A few days after that he went to Blackout and started shooting at us. He caught Tony in the arm, but I fired back and clipped him. We got the rifle and it's looking like it's the same one he used the day he mailed me Jerry's heart." Krista said.
Stacey let out a low whistle. "Sounds like you've had an exciting last few weeks. Where are you staying now? With your folks? Or, judging by that hot as hell kiss from Mr. Blackstone here, you're shacking up with a big bad former Marine."
Krista just rolled her eyes. "You're just a jealous bitch aren't you?"
"Oh don't I know it. Why the hell can't I find men like this in New York." Stacey snorted, making everyone laugh.
***
Ethan and Gage stood near the doors as Krista went over her speech with Stacey interjecting here and there. He found it fascinating watching her prep for tomorrow. This was her world, her element. Just like the Marines and now Blackout were his. He just hoped their two worlds could blend together. He loved her so much and wanted to see her happy. To see the smile that he was seeing now as she spoke to an empty room that by this time tomorrow would be filled with her fans.
"She looks so calm up there." Gage said.
"Yeah she does. I bet tomorrow she'll look even more calm with her fans here. She told me yesterday that her fans mean everything to her and she loves to show her appreciation for them. Hell, I hated having to address you guys before a mission. I would hate it even more standing in front of a room of partial strangers talking to them." Ethan replied.
Gage smirked. "I remember the first morning report you gave us when you became the big honcho. You looked a little sick I thought you were gonna puke."
"Asshole." Ethan grumbled elbowing his friend in the ribs. "I wasn't gonna puke, I just hate talking to large groups. Why the hell do you think I make Tony do the meetings at Blackout?"
"Tony does love the sound of his own voice don't he?" Gage laughed.
Ethan laughed as well. As Krista ended her speech and was now talking to Stacey, Ethan sighed. "I just want this shit over with tomorrow. Yet, I got a feeling..."
Gage frowned. "You're “Spidey” sense again?"
Ethan rubbed the back of his neck. "I started feeling it in New York after Jerry's funeral. When we got back and found out he torched her house I thought that was why. But it hasn't gone away. It's only gotten stronger."
"Have you told Krista this?"
"I told her the morning we came back, but haven't told her I'm still feeling it."
"What? Why the fuck not? Dammit Ethan, that's your fiancée, the woman you love. You don't keep shit like this from her. You better tell her."
"I know that. Christ, I just don't want her worried. She's got enough to worry about tomorrow without me adding my dark and moody thoughts to the mix."
Gage moved to stand in front of his friend and boss. "Ethan, one thing my old man always told me about making a relationship work was to be honest with each other. No matter how dark or how small it may seem. He used to say, 'Gage, when you meet your other half always be honest. There's nothing too big, too small, or too stupid to share. If you have honesty and love, the rest will fall into place.' He's right too. He and my mom have been together going on thirty-five years this November and they've always been honest with each other about everything."
Ethan looked away as Krista walked toward them. He knew Gage was right. Even when they were kids he and Krista had always been one hundred percent honest with each other. He would tell her when they got home. He looked back at Tony and nodded.
"You ladies all done?" Gage asked turning to Krista and Stacey.
"Yep, all done." Krista answered as Ethan draped his arm around her shoulders.
"Well, I don't know about you three but I'm starving. Can I treat you guys to lunch before I head off to do some shopping for tomorrow?" Stacey offered.
"Food? Oh count me in." Gage grinned.
"Stace, these guys LIVE for food. Especially Gage here. Be glad the others aren't here. They can put away some food." Krista laughed.
"Have you been to Kirby Lane diner yet?" Ethan questioned.
"Not yet. Kris says it's the best place in Austin next to The County Line." Stacey smiled.
"Oh you're gonna love it Stace. I swear, I've never found another place like it." Krista gushed.
***
Krista sighed as she dropped onto the sofa. "Well, that was fun."
"I like Stacey." Ethan replied sitting beside her, pulling her onto his lap.
"Yeah, she's kick ass. Jerry and Stacey went to school together. When they graduated Stacey went to NYU and Jer came to Hamilton. They stayed in touch. Stacey did a summer intern with the publishing house her junior year and they said she had a job waiting once she graduated. I was one of her first clients."
"Krista, baby, there's something I ne
ed to tell you."
Krista pulled back and studied him. "You're still feeling your “Spidey” sense aren't you?"
Floored that she read him so well, all he could do was kiss her sweetly. "God I love you woman."
"And I love you. Now, answer me Ethan."
"Yeah. I thought when we found out about your house that that was the cause. But I'm still feeling this. Like something's right around the corner. I don't like it. My gut's screaming at me, telling me something's coming and I might not be in time to stop it."
Krista pulled him closer and buried her face in the crook of his neck. She didn't know what to do to comfort him. She didn't like the look of worry she had been seeing in his eyes these last two weeks. Even though he tried to hide it from her, she still saw it. She leaned back and cupped his face in her hands.
"Whatever happens tomorrow, we'll get through it. Together. I just know that no matter what you and I are a team and nothing can stop us."
"We do make a helluva team don't we baby? You keep my moody ass centered. Kick my ass when I get too bossy with ya."
"You bet your ass I will. Though there are times I LIKE that bossy side of yours."
Ethan let out a low growl and kissed her. Krista moaned as she wiggled around so she was now straddling him. She sighed when he cupped her ass. She whimpered as he stood, the strength in his magnificent body as he carried her toward their bedroom. Ethan had always been strong but now, that strength made her so wet with need for him.
Ethan walked with a purpose into the bedroom. That purpose being to get them both naked so he could take his woman. The Alpha male in him was growling for him to take her. As he deepened the kiss, his Krista answered that primitive need with her own kiss. He had never felt so insatiable as he did with Krista. All she had to do was walk into a room or just smile at him and his dick was rock hard and ready for her.
"Now Ethan. Take me now." Krista gasped once he set her on her feet.
"Yes Krista. Strip. Now." Ethan panted, pulling his shirt over his head.
In record time, they were both naked and on the bed. There was nothing sweet or loving as he drove deep inside of her. However, neither wanted it sweet. They both wanted it wild, hot and fierce. This was raw, pure fucking plain and simple. Both relished it, craved it. Ethan groaned as her nails raked his back as he found that spot that made her crazy.
They were both teetering on the edge. He wanted her to fly with him over that edge. Pounding into her now, he gripped her hips, elevating them and sinking deeper into her depths. Krista's cries of pleasure spurring him on. Their climax was nearly violent with its explosion. Her body locked beneath him as he emptied himself into her moaning her name.
Krista felt boneless when he finally slipped from her body. She felt him climb out of the bed and heard the faucet in the bathroom turn on. In less than a minute he was at her side again, running a warm washcloth over her. A deliciously feminine shiver washed over her at the tenderness he exuded as he took care of her. He once more left her side for a few minutes before sliding back into bed beside her and pulling her tight against him.
"Thank you." He whispered.
"You’re welcome, but what are you thanking me for?" She giggled.
He kissed the top of her head. "I wasn't just thanking you for the sex. Thank you for loving me Krista. For loving me then, for loving me now."
She gently laid a kiss over his heart. "That is my absolute pleasure Ethan. And thank you for loving me in return. When you came back into my life I felt whole for the first time since you left all those years ago. You are the other half of me that I didn't even know I was missing."
He pulled the blankets over them. Krista sighed happily as she snuggled deeper into his arms. The couple quickly drifted off holding each other tight. Tomorrow would be a big day and Ethan’s gut just told him that this whole cluster fuck would be over with one way or another.
Chapter 26
Krista woke up the morning of her book release feeling both excited and nervous. Even though she had been doing this for nearly a decade now, she still got nervous before a book release. You never knew from one book to the next how readers would react. People could grow tired of a series or a genre, society as a whole could shift and therefore shift your audience’s views on certain genres could shift as well.
Sighing, she slipped out of Ethan's arms and made her way to the bathroom for a boiling shower. As the hot water washed over her and the steam billowed, she tilted her head back feeling some of the stress of the last few weeks washing away. She had to admit, Ethan had been a real trooper dealing with the whirlwind of a book release. This last week had been even more crazy than usual. Of course, it hadn't helped that two days after returning from New York, some reporter had been leaked the information about Jerry’s death.
The best Blackout and the Feds could figure; it was someone from the hospital. Still, it was enough to have several major newspapers to call asked for a comment. Krista, remained silent and forwarded all calls regarding Jerry’s murder to either the police or the Feds. For the moment at least, her fans had been sympathetic yes, but they were more excited about the book and that helped keep her grounded. Well, them and Ethan.
Krista soaped up the loofah and started washing. As she ran the loofa over her body, she replayed the previous night. After they had fallen asleep, Ethan had woken up in the middle of the night and woke her up in turn by making love to her. He had been both gentle and unleashed all at the same time. Her breathing sped up as she remembered how his strong, callused hands had slid over every curve of her body.
Catching her nipples and teasing them. Plucking at the hardened buds making her back bow up off the bed as she had cried for more. She loved how wet she would get for Ethan when he would pinch and tug at her nipples. She had always thought nipple orgasms were a myth. Until last night. But that hadn't been enough for her man, oh no. As she had lain there still shaking from her climax Ethan had used that wicked mouth of his to drive her to yet another two bone melting orgasms.
Her breath hitched more as one hand slid over her flat stomach and between her legs, her clit throbbing, wetness pooling inside her. She tilted her head back, her mouth opening slightly when her fingers slid over the nub. A shudder shot through her, her mind imagining Ethan's hands on her. She could practically feel him behind her.
“Starting without me babe.”
“Touch me Ethan. Please.”
Chuckling, Ethan slid his arms around her, one arm banding under her breasts keeping her back to his chest. The other arm around her waist, his hand joining hers. Krista groaned loudly, her head falling back against his shoulder when two fingers slid inside her.
“Christ your wet already. I love it Krista.”
“I love how you make me so wet Ethan. Only you.”
Ethan's mouth found hers. Demanding her submission, which she gave. He took her mouth while his fingers began thrusting faster into her and her own fingers started rubbing her clit faster. Ethan growled, pulling away, watching her.
“That's my girl. Yes, baby, rub your clit as I finger that tight pussy. I want you to come for me. Mmmm, come on my fingers.”
“Ethan. Oh I want,”
“I know baby; I know what you want. What you need. Come. NOW.”
Krista came. Her body tensing as her walls clung to his fingers, her own fingers rubbing faster, riding out the wave of pleasure. She barely had time to catch her breath before Ethan spun her, picked her up, pinned her to the tile and drove inside her. Her arms locked around his neck while her lips found his. His tongue mimicking what his cock was doing to her lower body. Her hips grinding into his with each powerful thrust he delivered.
“Yes Krista. Fuck me back, take my dick.”
“Oh I love your dick Ethan. More please more.”
Ethan gripped her wrists and shackled them above her head with one hand, his other arm slid under her ass, elevating her more. In this position he was able to slide even deeper. She all but screamed as he thru
st hard and deep, hitting that one spot that would drive her crazy. Her body was his. An instrument of pleasure that he played like a maestro.
“Fuck yeah. You're gonna come so hard aren't you. I want to feel it baby. God I love you.”
“I love you too Ethan. Now! Oh now!”
Ethan felt his eyes all but roll back into his head as his woman’s body gripped his while he emptied into her. He could feel her body trembling as he held her and the cooling water sloshing off them both. His eyes locked onto her as they fluttered open. Smiling, he brushed his knuckles across her cheek. The smile she returned to him melted his hardened heart.