Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  “No,” Rafe caught her head in his hands and stared into her eyes. “Don’t do that,” he kissed her lips. “That would go against everything you believe in, I don’t want you to change. That’s one of the many reason’s I care so much about you.”

  “But I want to be able to protect myself and my kids.” Nina cried, “If this happens again you may not be around, I don’t want to end up in a bayou.”

  “Do you here yourself?” Rafe shook her. “Listen to what you’re saying! Are you willing to kill? That’s one of God’s laws too!”

  Nina buried her head in Rafe’s neck. “I don’t know!” She cried. “I don’t know what to do!”

  “It’s alright,” Rafe kneaded her shoulders. “Let me take care of you. It’ll be fine. I won’t let anything happen to you or your children.” He kissed her forehead, “Now, come on. Let’s get you out of here. I have a wrecker on its way. I’ll take you home right after we visit the police station.” Rafe helped her to her feet. “This time we’re going to the police.”

  “No,” she protested. “We don’t have to do that.”

  “Yes, we do,” he growled. “If anything had happened to you I… after we tell the police, I’ll take you home.” He had a lot of thinking to do. First was how to protect her. He needed to find out what the hell was going on, and why.

  ELEVEN

  “What the hell do you mean she’s not dead?” Came the angry hiss from one end of the phone.

  “Just what I said, she’s not dead.” He snapped back angered by the belligerent tone from someone who was supposed to love him.

  “I know how you like to play with your victims, I asked you not to do that this time!” Annoyance dripped from the pissed off benefactor. “Finish this right now!”

  “Oh,” he laughed, “She’s just so stupid! It tickles me to see the look on her face every time she realizes that she shouldn’t be so trusting. ‘Oh,’ the look pops up. ‘Maybe this man is not my friend.’ She’s mine to take any time I want. I would appreciate it if you would let me enjoy my game.”

  “I told you when this started that this is not a game! This is not only your life but mine as well. You and I will handle this together.”

  “No! I don’t need any help!”

  “Apparently you do. I’m tired of waiting, this needs to be over. I want you to get over here right now. We have planning to do.”

  The phone clicked in his ear and he stared at the receiver. “No body tells me what to do.” He growled. “I’ll finish this when I get good and ready.”

  He hung up the phone and went back to watching his favorite show.

  *****

  His heart banging against his ribcage, Rafe cast a fugitive glance around the dark empty yard. It was well past midnight, silence reigned. He was outside Nina’s home. She was expecting him, but he should’ve been here hours ago, she was probably asleep. It had been months since he’d made love to her, not once since the club and sleeping with her without being physical was getting almost impossible. But he was determined to show her he wasn’t only after her body, that he wasn’t a lust crazed fool. So far on their dates he had been respectful to a fault, and it was starting to ware on his body and mind. He had told himself no sex until they knew each other better. This sneaking around was getting old. In the days since the latest attack, he'd hired another investigator to look into matters. There were also six undercover police officers, one shadowing her at all times, the others guarding this house. She knew of them, and had protested long and hard, but Rafe wasn’t taking any chance, so finally she’d given in. He slept better knowing she and her small family was protected. He smiled. He’d been stopped and detained by one of the officers to ensure his identity. Nina and the others would surely be safe now.

  He wondered in passing if her window was locked. Not letting that deter him, he hurried on. The silence was unsettling. Even the nightly song of the crickets was noticeably absent. He shivered, the eerie feeling of being watched made him edgy. But he was bound and determined to do this. The full moon moved behind a bank of dark gray clouds, giving him freedom to move. As long as her children didn’t see him, Nina was fine with him coming over. So he kept to the shadows as much as possible. Sometimes it was laughable, he was worth millions and yet here he was acting like a teenager and climbing through his girlfriend’s window. He thought back on all of Frank’s stories about nightly mischief and how the blackness of night helped him. Frank swore girls liked being awakened by a lover’s kiss. If she were asleep, he’d get the chance to find out for himself.

  Rafe hurried to the back of the house. Pressing himself tight against the wall, he took a deep breath. All the lights were off except hers, he took that as a good sign. She had to be waiting on him.

  Pushing his hand deep into the pocket of his pants, he made sure the small black velvet box was still in its place. Satisfied, he nodded and readjusted the lily between his teeth. Turning, he caught the trellis and began climbing just under her window.

  Nina groaned deep in her throat. Rafe was here, his hands were on her body, bringing to life the ache that was constantly inside her when he was near. She moved to bring him nearer, but he moved away.

  His kisses were so sweet, she yearned for more but he wouldn't come closer. A groan of frustration slipped passed her lips. Slowly, Nina opened her groggy eyes. She froze, her eyes sprang wide open. Someone was standing over her!

  She screamed loud and hard. The figure was reaching for her! She swung her foot hard, the blow caught him in the stomach. He grunted and rolled off the bed, landing on the floor with a thud.

  Nina heard a loud groan, but she was up and running. Grabbing the baseball bat, she now kept near her bed, she clutched the handle. Fear for her children eclipsed everything else. Turning sharply, she faced the intruder, her purple nightgown billowing out around her.

  “Get out of here!” She waved the bat high over her head in a menacing gesture. “You’re not gonna kill me without a fight!” But the man lay still, his body jerking. Involuntarily, Nina became concerned. Had he hit his head on the nightstand? Was he having a seizure? Oh god, what to do? Swallowing hard, she stepped closer. “Hey!” She yelled, “Hey, you?” Cautiously, she crept even closer. “Mister, are you alright? I'm calling the cops. You’d better get out of here!”

  When she was close, Rafe’s hand shot out to catch her ankle. With a sharp pull, she fell beside him. He was on her in an instant, his open hand tight over her mouth as she tried to scream. “Nina!” He cried sharply, “Nina it’s me!”

  Instantly her struggles stopped. Her eyes widened, her lips formed a perfect little O as she stared at him.

  He removed his hand, “It’s just me, honey. I told you I was coming over tonight...”

  Then her lips began twitching and her eyes sparkled. “When you didn’t show up, I thought you weren’t coming, you scared the death out of me.” She gently reminded him.

  He nodded, his eyes dark, “You're right, but I should’ve just waited until tomorrow, but I needed to see you.” Suddenly there was frantic knocking at her door and it was thrust open.

  Nina froze, “Stay down,” she whispered, then stood. Looking towards the door, her shoulders sagged in relief. Rafe couldn't be seen, this side of the bed, it faced the bathroom.

  “Mama!” Beth hurried into the room, “I heard you scream. Are you alright?”

  Nina met her halfway, “I’m sorry, honey. I was just having a bad dream.”

  “Did your light go out again?” Beth asked turning on the overhead light.

  “No, honey, I’m fine. Just go back to bed.” Nina was intently conscious of Rafe lying on her floor; listening to every word. Is Nina afraid of the dark? He wondered. “I’ll walk you back to bed.” Nina put an arm around Beth’s waist, turning her towards the door.

  “Can I sleep with you, mama? I'll keep you company, we can talk for a while.” Beth offered.

  Nina gave her an unsteady smile, “There’s nothing I'd like more, darling, but I’m s
o tired right now. How about we talk tomorrow?”

  Beth nodded, her eyes hesitant, “Are you sure? I don't mind.”

  “I’m sure honey, thank you,” she kissed Beth's cheek and turned her towards the door. “I'm just fine.”

  Resigned, Beth nodded, “Okay, I'll see you in the morning.” she kissed Nina's cheek and headed for her room.

  Nina sighed hard, her eyes flashed to her room. Hurrying, she darted inside and closed the door behind her, she turned and locked it. Leaning back on the door, she stared at the man now lying on her bed. He was dressed entirely in black, his hands folded behind his dark head. A white lily clutched between his teeth.

  “That was close,” she whispered, relief evident in her bright eyes. “I’m glad you came.”

  He laughed softly, and removed the lily, he held it out to her. “I came to sweep my girl off her feet.” He grinned as she walked towards him. “Some Romeo I make. My Juliet almost cleaned my clock.”

  Nina took the flower, and set it on her nightstand.

  Lifting one finger, she ran it teasingly down the fabric of his shirt to his stomach. There she stopped at the waistband of his pants. “You can be my Romeo any time you feel the urge.” Leaning forward, she took his lower lip between her teeth and gently nipped at it. Nina ran her tongue over the small bite, her eyes never leaving his. “Take off your shirt.” Her body hummed with a fierce need to have him.

  Sitting up, Rafe pulled the shirt over his head, and tossed it to the floor. Leaning on his elbows, he gave her a wicked grin. “What next?”

  “Lay back,” Nina whispered, pushing on his corded shoulders until he was flat on his back and staring up at her with that grin that never failed to turn her blood into an inferno. “Put your hands over your head and leave them there for me.”

  Rafe gloried in this game, it was so different from anything they’d done before. She was in charge and tonight he was willing to follow her lead.

  Nina climbed onto the bed. Lifting the hem of her nightgown, she sat astride his trim hips. Her bare flesh against the coarseness of his slacks heated her further and made it hard to concentrate.

  Her breath coming in short pants, she whispered, “Now, I want your full attention,” Leaning forward, she stared into his gunmetal eyes. “I’ve wanted to have my way with you for a very long time.” She dropped butterfly kisses on each of his closed eyelids, then his high cheekbones, and then moved onto his ears. “I had begun to think you didn’t want to sleep with me any more.”

  Her tongue ran the contours of one ear, then the other, bringing a shiver from him. “Nothing is farther from the truth,” A deep groan started in his throat as she worked her magic on him. Then his hips jerked up and rubbed against her and she stiffened.

  “Good,” she had his tender earlobe between her lips, tugging and suckling on it. It was too much, his hands came down to hold her. But Nina caught them, pinning them over his head with both of hers. Her moist breath hissed into his ear. “If you move again I’ll have to stop. I’ll have to let you relieve yourself,” she threatened, a wicked grin on her lovely face.

  Rafe stared her down with steely eyes. “I have to have you, it's been so long...” His eyes went dark, like thunder clouds before a storm. His breathing now ragged, “I don't know how much more of this I can take, woman.”

  “It's been two months, three weeks, six days, and thirteen hours.” She sighed against his lips, “Now, just behave yourself and I’ll let you touch me.” Nina left his hands where they lay. Her hands now free, she laid them flat on his fevered chest. Warm hard muscles rippled under her open palms. Her lips moved to his neck, dropping kisses along the firm area. The spicy scent of him filled her mind as she explored her captive.

  Finally, she plundered his lips. He was as greedy for her as she was for him; each was lost in a haze of desire. The kiss lasted so very long, as tongue caressed tongue.

  Suddenly Nina broke the kiss. She adjusted herself on his lap as proof of his desire strained against his pants to push against her moist femininity. Lifting the hem of her nightgown, she pulled it over her head and tossed it to the floor. She rocked her hips during the same motion. The roughness of his pants against her sent trimmers through her entire body.

  Rafe wasn't prepared for this. She’d taken the role of aggressor and he liked it. Her pointed little tongue darted out here and there, bringing his blood to a boil. His shaft was about to burst from its constraint. The moment her lips touched his nipple he almost lost it. They tightened into pebbles, shivers racing through him, but touch her he wouldn't. If it killed him, he would do as she’d instructed.

  When Nina removed her nightgown all thoughts fled Rafe’s mind. She sat astride him in all her golden glory; naked as the day she was born.

  “Open your mouth,” she whispered. He readily complied. Leaning forward, she fed him the taut peaks of her breasts one at a time. “I love what you do to me,” she murmured and he moaned deeply from the effort of keeping his hands away from her. Then she leaned over him, rubbing herself against his concealed erect flesh.

  Nina pulled away and reaching for the lily. Looking down at him with mischief in her eyes, she slowly broke off the head. Giggling, she sprinkled its pedals over his chest.

  His heart expanded and tightened at the look on her sweet face. She thought she was being so naughty and he enjoyed every minute of it. “Do you know how beautiful you are?” He wanted her more at this moment than ever before. Unable to contain himself, he caught her perfect round buttocks and held her tightly as they rocked together.

  All playing then stopped. She tossed her head back, her mouth falling open as breath rushed from her. Rafe sucked in his breath when her hands gripped his chest. Her moist sweetness beckoned him.

  He rolled her to her back. “My turn,” he grinned. Lying between her long legs, his hips gyrated against her soft core until she moaned and thrashed beneath him. Her eyes half-closed with pleasure, Rafe smiled at her weak attempt to bring him nearer. He trailed kisses down her quivering body. With calculated movements, he worked his way lower.

  Reveling in the flavor of her delectable body, a groan formed deep in his throat. His goal within reach, he placed his arms so that she couldn't close her legs on him.

  Kissing her navel, he moved one hand down to the silky skin of her stomach. From there he continued to the top of her womanhood. Using his thumb, he ran feathery touches over the delicate petals hiding the jewel he sought.

  Suddenly his kisses dropped lower and lower, until he was there. Rafe inhaled her tangy sweet scent, reddish curls brushed his nose as he savored his treasure.

  “What…what are you doing?” Nina softly cried, trying to pull him back up. “No, Rafe, don’t! Please don’t do that.”

  “I’ve waited so long, Nina. Don't stop me now...” He held her still, his forearms blocking her inner thighs. Not waiting for a reply, he ran his tongue over her soft glistening curls. He placed his hands to either side of her velvety lips, parting the pink folds so that the flat of his tongue could brush her length. The sweetness of her nectar drove him wild as he ravished her. His body hardened as never before. His shaft ached with the need to possess her. Nina’s fists gripped the sheets, pulling at them, until suddenly her hands were in his hair, holding him tight.

  Rafe closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the taste of her climax. Leaning on his elbows, he eyed her heaving loveliness. Rolling from the bed, he stood and unzipped his pants, letting them slide down his legs. He quickly stepped out of them and joined her, spreading her limp legs wider to accept him. He held his breath as he looked down at her, a shudder of pure possessiveness raging through him.

  He placed his throbbing tip at her moist entrance. He leaned over her, taking her mouth with his, and thrust hard to enter her in one swift stroke.

  Nina gasped, her body languished and satisfied. At first she’d been shocked by what he had done but, seeing no way to avoid it, she relaxed and let him have his way. It was something she would not have t
hought of, but his tongue and lips had her panting for more.

  Then he kissed her. She could taste herself on him, but instead of being repulsed, she was aroused beyond all sane thought. Then he was entering her body with that great shaft of his, and she gasped and clutched him tighter. The burning ache in the pit of her stomach returned.

  Rafe stopped. His intense eyes caressed her flushed face. He gently pushed her hair back from her face. On his elbows, he knew he was the luckiest man in the world. Tonight he would ask her to be his forever.

  Leaning forward, he kissed Nina deeply and her arms encircled his waist. He smiled as he felt her smooth legs curl around his hips. His eyes closed as her inner muscles clamped down on him as if trying to draw him deeper. The wonder of it banished all thought from his mind. He began slow, even, thrusts. Only his hips moved, sliding in and out of her liquid heat. His eyes never left her face.

  Nina bit her lower lip, feeling as if she were about to burst. Small shudders rippled through her as he continued to take her. Soon he was pumping harder and faster. Her world began to spin out of control. She clutched his hot body to hers. “Oh god, oh yes,” she cried. Nina arched wildly into his rock-hard body. He thrust into her over and over as her nails scraped his back to urge him on.

  “Yes, baby, yes!” Rafe groaned from deep in his throat as Nina’s body squeezed his shaft, milking him of every drop of his life force. He shuddered with mind-numbing ecstasy as he growled his release.

  *****

  Rafe sat at the monitors in the security room, holding a crushed lily petal from last night to his nose. He watched Nina move around her office. She looked great. Pink was definitely her color. He wracked his brain for ways to keep her safe. The last two frightful events had him so worried that he couldn’t think. Sweeny had come up with nothing. Rick Conroy was high on the list of suspects, but why? One thing, he fit the description. They could find no reason behind it. How did Rick know Nina? Did he remember her from that damned club? They’d been at the club when Rafe had first met her. Rafe snorted; he couldn’t believe what he was thinking. Nina couldn’t possibly know Rick. And Rick would have no reason to hurt her. It had to be someone else.