She swallowed. Oh shit.
Duncan stepped forward slowly, wishing they were upstairs and away from any prying eyes that might be passing by.
Laken’s expressive blue eyes darted from side to side, her breath coming in sharper pants as she looked for an escape. Duncan grinned as she hit her back against the wall behind her. He’d managed to maneuver her so they stood behind a rack of clothing.
He placed his hands on the wall behind her, trapping her. “No escaping me now, sugar,” he murmured, before lowering his lips to hers. He met resistance at first, but didn’t let that deter him, sipping from her lips, licking and cajoling until she relented and let him in. Duncan was carried away by the feel of her, by the sweet taste of her lips against his. He dragged her against him, holding her tight.
He felt a surge of relief as she melted beneath him. Part of him had been worried that he would never be able to break down that barrier she’d placed between them. But there was no way she could deny this, no way could she tell him that she didn’t want him as much as he wanted her.
Reaching a hand up, he cupped a firm breast. She was thinner than she had been three years ago. So fragile. He had to be careful not to use too much of his strength. He’d cut his right arm off before he would ever harm her.
A shudder rushed through her as he tweaked her nipple.
“Christ, I want you,” he whispered against her lips. “I want to strip you naked, place you on that counter and lick every inch of your body. I want to spread your legs wide and lick the sweet center of you. There is no way you can deny this, Laken. No way you can deny the heat between us.”
She suddenly pushed at him. “Step back,” she ordered, her voice slightly breathless. A flush had crept up her cheeks. “Duncan, I can’t breathe.” A tinge of panic infused her voice and he immediately stepped back, giving her room.
“Laken.” He reached out to touch her as she moved past him.
“No,” she told him, darting out of his way. She stepped behind the counter and it hurt him that she felt the need to put something between them. As though he didn’t have control of himself, as though she were worried he might jump on her.
“Don’t back away from us, Laken.”
“There is no ‘us.’ Sure, I’m attracted to you; that was never our problem. We just don’t work together.”
“We’re different people now. How do you know we won’t work when you won’t give us a chance?” he said with frustration.
“Sometimes you just can’t go back, Duncan,” she told him, her face filled with such sadness that he couldn’t bear it. He reached out and grabbed hold of her hand. “Three years have passed, Duncan. We can’t recreate what we had.”
“We don’t need to have the same relationship we had before, Laken.”
“But you would need to be in charge,” she told him. “You would need to go to the club, to tie me up, to dominate me.”
What the hell had happened to put such fear in her face? Had that asshole Ricky done something to her to put her off something she used to love?
“I need you. I can do without everything else.”
Laken snorted and shook her head. “I know you. Since I’ve been back, how many times have you tried to boss me around?”
“For all the good it’s done me, you used to be far more obedient.”
“I used to be a pushover. I was young and didn’t know my own mind. I do now.”
He stepped away slightly. “Are you saying that I forced you into something you didn’t really want?” She had loved being his submissive. At least he thought she had.
“No,” she told him. “You would never have forced me into something I didn’t want. But it’s not what I want now. Do you see? We can’t be anything more than friends, Duncan. Anything more just wouldn’t work.”
Duncan thought furiously. She wasn’t denying that she wanted him. Just that she couldn’t handle that side of their relationship.
“Why not? What are you scared of?”
Panic filled her eyes and she grew so pale that he reached for her, worried that she was going to faint.
“Why does there have to be a reason? I have the right to say no.”
Duncan stared at her for a long moment, knowing that she was trying to hide her fear behind her temper. He needed to figure out what the hell was going on with her and there was no way that would happen if she constantly erected barriers between them.
He needed to tear them down. But to do that, she had to let him close, had to trust him again. So for the moment he would give her what she thought she needed.
“Okay.”
She looked at him in confusion.
“Okay, what?”
“Okay, we’ll do it your way. We’ll keep things strictly vanilla. We’ll date and get to know one another again. I know there’s something you’re not telling me. I can’t force you to. But I will ask that you don’t lie to me.”
Laken gaped at him. Obviously she hadn’t expected that. “You can’t. Being a Dom is who you are.”
He stared at her thoughtfully. “I haven’t taken a sub since I was with you. At the club, I’ve watched, and occasionally I’ve helped out in a scene. But it all meant nothing without you.”
Although it would kill him, he was fully prepared to put his own needs aside and give her what she needed. But he knew that eventually she would be dissatisfied without his dominance. Her submissive side wouldn’t stay buried forever.
“I can only take what you choose to give me, sugar. You know that. If this is what you need in order to give me another chance, Laken, then I’ll take it and I won’t let you down. So long as there is honesty, respect and faithfulness between us, then we can work on everything else.”
Laken just stared at Duncan. Surely he didn’t mean it. Three years without taking another sub? She would never have believed it if it hadn’t come from his own lips. Duncan didn’t lie.
Could she do this? Date him? Just like a normal couple? Would she be able to hold onto her secrets around him?
This was a bad, bad idea. She was going to say no.
“Yes, I’ll go out on a date with you.” Idiot.
But the grin that lit up Duncan’s face was enough to help push her worries aside. This probably wouldn’t work.
But she simply didn’t have the strength to keep away from him.
Chapter Five
Laken pushed her plate of food away with a sigh. Duncan glanced down at the barely-touched pasta and frowned slightly. Laken held her breath, waiting for the comment she knew was on the tip of his tongue.
This was their fourth date and so far he had been the perfect gentleman. He hadn’t once tried to push her or take control. Laken had deliberately pushed him a few times, to gauge his reaction.
But Duncan held his tongue; he had kept to his word… and it was killing her. The chaste kisses, the way he always let her take the lead—it was frustrating as hell. They hadn’t gotten beyond some kissing and heavy petting and she was dying for something more.
Yet, this was what she had asked for, wasn’t it? Lord, she was so confused.
“Laken, is everything okay?” he asked. “Is the pasta no good? Do you want something else?”
“What? Oh no, it’s fine. I guess I’m just not very hungry.”
“Would you like to try some of my steak?”
She glanced down at his plate. It did look good. She nodded. He cut her off a piece then held it up to her lips. Laken opened her mouth and took the piece off his fork, tingles of heat racing through her.
How many times had he fed her in the past? Duncan loved to cook; he would whip them up something with the meager ingredients in her cupboard, then with her sitting on his knee, he would feed them both from the same plate.
“I used to love it when you cooked for me,” she told him.
“Then I will have to do it more often. I’m finished as well. How about we head back to your place?”
Laken nodded breathlessly. Maybe tonight she could
get him to really touch her.
Duncan paid for their meal. He’d put a stop to her trying to pay her way on their first date. It was one thing he would not budge on. Standing, he helped her into her light jacket. The days were getting warmer, but it was still a bit chilly at night. Placing a hand on the small of her back, he guided her out to his truck. After lifting her up into the cab, he moved around to the driver’s side and drove them back toward her place.
“Duncan,” she said as they stepped inside.
“Yes, baby?” he replied.
“Can we talk for a moment?”
“Of course.” Taking her hand, he led her to her worn couch. She winced as he sat; one day she was certain the old couch was going to fall apart under his larger frame.
Laken went to sit beside him, but at the last moment she decided to sit astride him.
His gaze lit up. “Hmm, what sort of talking did you have in mind?”
She ran her hands over his chest before tackling the buttons on his shirt. Pulling it apart, she ran her hands over his silken skin, brushing her thumbs over his nipples.
“Laken, honey, don’t start something you can’t finish,” he groaned. She leaned down to bite the skin where his neck met his shoulder, delighting in his scent, the way his breathing quickened.
“Who says I can’t finish it?”
“I thought we were taking things slow?” he whispered. He placed his arms on the back of the sofa, gripping it, his jaw clenching.
“I don’t want to take things slow anymore.” She kissed her way over his jaw, down his neck to swirl her tongue around his nipple.
“Take this off,” she ordered him, tugging at his shirt.
Leaning forward, he managed to get his shirt off without unseating her. Laken adored his chest, his thick arms and muscled stomach. She kissed him hungrily as he rested his arms over the back of the sofa once again. She sat back, staring at him solemnly.
“Don’t you want to touch me?” she asked, feeling vulnerable. She knew she didn’t look as she had before. She was thinner; her breasts smaller and there were a few more lines on her face.
“Oh baby, of course I do.”
“Then why are you holding back?”
“Because I want you so badly,” he told her, the heat in his eyes burning her. “And once I touch you I don’t know if I can resist taking control. This is your show, sugar.”
She stood up, hands on her hips. “No, it isn’t.” She paced back and forth.
“Laken?” he questioned.
“I can’t do this anymore.”
“Can’t do what?”
“I want…I want…” before she could spit it out, his beeper went off. Cursing, he grabbed it off his belt.
“Shit, I’m sorry, sugar. I’m on call. I have to go.”
Laken gaped at him. “You’re kidding me.”
He stood, reaching for his shirt. “Believe me, I wish I were.” He pulled his shirt on roughly, then reached out and cupped her cheek. “I’m sorry, sugar, more than you can know.”
“Are you coming back?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know how long this will take. You’d better go on to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With a brush of his lips against hers, he left with an absentminded order to lock her door behind him.
In a fit of temper, Laken kicked the sofa leg. Pain raced up her leg and she cried out. Was the universe out to get her? She’d finally built up the courage to take what she wanted and he up and left!
Damn, damn, damn.
***
Duncan pulled away from the Jeffrey house with a sigh. Old Mrs Jeffrey was certain that someone was peeping in on her, so he’d dutifully searched around outside, unable to find anything. Why Mrs Jeffrey thought anyone would want to watch her undressing, he didn’t know, but she was worried and it was his job to put her at ease.
It was now close to midnight. Too late to return to Laken.
Damn it. Just when she’d finally made a move. He had thought it was never going to happen. Cold showers were becoming too common an occurrence.
Well, another one wasn’t going to kill him, he thought as he turned his truck towards his house.
***
Sighing heavily, Laken pulled her car up in front of Lila’s house. Turning off the engine, she leaned back against the headrest and closed her eyes. Laken thought she was doomed to never have a good night’s sleep again. If it wasn’t nightmares keeping her awake then it was sexual frustration.
She couldn’t believe that Duncan had left her hungry last night. Sure, she knew he had a job to do and sometimes that job would call him away at inconvenient times. But for God’s sake, she had just worked up the courage to take things to the next step and he had practically raced off.
She’d lain awake most of the night, unable to find any sort of peace. Then this morning she’d woken up to another bunch of flowers from Ricky. That asshole just would not leave her alone.
When would he get the message that even if hell froze over there was no way she would ever go back to him.
A soft knock on her window had her gasping, her eyes flying open. Trace Richards looked back at her apologetically.
“Sorry, darlin’,” he told her. “Wanted to check that you were okay.”
He opened the door while Laken fumbled with her seat belt, and pulled it off her.
“You okay, kid?” he asked her. There was something about Trace that made you want to confide in him. He was quieter than his brothers, where Gavin was forceful and Colin was full of fun, Trace had a soothing effect.
“I’m fine,” she told him with a small smile as he helped her out the car. She had used the last bit of her savings to buy this car and although it was rusty it gave her a much needed sense of independence.
Trace gave her a look that told her he didn’t believe a word of what she said.
“We’re worried about you, Laken. You seem a bit lost. You know if you ever want someone to talk to that we’re here for you?”
Laken smiled at him. She knew she was wrong to keep everyone out. Yet, she couldn’t seem to open up that last part of herself.
“Thanks, Trace. Lila is really lucky to have you.”
He shook his head and led the way into the house. “We’re the lucky ones. Lila and Savi are out back. We’re all going to get out of your hair for the afternoon.”
Lila had called earlier in the week, urging her to come out for the afternoon. It hadn’t taken much convincing for Laken to agree to close the shop early and come over. She really needed the break.
Laken stepped out into the pool area, smiling as she saw Lila and Savi, already in their bikinis. Gavin stood by with a frown on his face while Colin leered over his woman.
“Afternoon everyone,” Laken called out.
“Laken!” Lila called out, bouncing over to hug her tight. Savannah quickly followed and gave her a quick hug. She looked over to the men and said, “Trace, Colin—shouldn’t you guys be heading to Freestown by now? You don’t want to be late. All of you need to go; this is a girl’s afternoon.” Lila made a shooing motion with her hands.
Trace snorted but gave Lila kiss. Colin grabbed her up, smooching her loudly. By the time Gavin took Lila into his arms, she was swaying slightly.
“Behave,” Gavin ordered, giving her a heavy swat on her ass.
Lila blushed, although it wasn’t as though Laken and Savannah hadn’t seen one of her men giving her a playful pat before.
“Gavin,” Lila drawled with a wicked grin, “of course we’re not going to behave.”
Trace groaned. “Come on, brother. You’re never going to win this argument.”
Gavin wagged his finger at them. “I’m going to be at Dirty Delights. Call me if you need me. And no drinking and driving, ladies. I’ll take you home or you can stay the night, okay?”
Savannah nodded. “Max and Logan are going to pick me up later.” Max and Logan were her husbands and decent guys.
“And I’m not going to drink,” Laken a
dded. At least, she didn’t intend to.
Lila sent her a grin. Uh-oh. She had a feeling that any intention she had of taking things easy were about to fly out the window.
***
Two hours later Laken had a nice buzz on. The sun had set so they moved inside, switching bikinis for jeans and t-shirts. Laken dropped onto the couch, Lila sitting beside her.
“So,” Lila began, “how are things going between you and Duncan? You two are hot for each other. He’s hungry for you. He watches you when you’re not looking, you know.”
Laken raised her brows. “Sounds like a stalker. Maybe I should be calling the cops.”
“And how hot does he look in that uniform?” Lila continued as if Laken hadn’t spoken, waving a hand in front of her face.
“Hey,” Laken said, sitting up. “What are you doing looking at him? You’ve got three men of your own.”
“And each one of them is so sexy it takes my breath away. But none of them wears a uniform,” Lila pouted.
Savi laughed. “They might if you asked them.”
Lila’s eyes lit up. “Hmm…I could just see Gavin dressed as a pirate.”
“Yep,” Laken agreed with a grin, “and you’d be the sassy wench getting her butt spanked for misbehaving.”
“Hell, she doesn’t need to dress up for that,” Savi interjected. “She gets spanked enough on a general basis.”
“Like you can talk,” Lila said with a grin. “Didn’t you get another speeding ticket last week?”
Savannah sighed. “Yeah, Logan was not pleased.”
Laken felt a stab of jealousy. These girls had men who adored them. Sure, they could be possessive and over-protective. They knew how to love and how to take care of their own.
“It’s not only how Duncan watches you,” Lila told her, pouring out more margaritas. “You light up around him. I worry about you, Laken. You seem to be holding a part of yourself back. When you’re with Duncan, I see the real Laken shining through. So, are you sleeping with him yet?”
God, when had Lila gotten so blunt?
Laken's Surrender (Haven) Page 5