In The Still of the Night [The Protectors 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Monroe, Marla

  Jenna made it home and had the groceries unpacked by seven. She jumped into the shower and rushed around until finally at a quarter to nine she was ready, out of breath, but ready. She laughed and realized she was really looking forward to the night ahead. She turned off the music she had playing and nearly jumped out of her skin when there was a knock at the door. She checked her watch. It was ten till. They were early. She grabbed her purse and threw open the door only to have the smile fall from her face.

  Riley stood outside the door. He wore black jeans, a black T-shirt, and black boots. He frowned at her.

  “Don’t you check to see who it is before you open the door? Especially at this time of night?”

  “What are you doing here? I’m going out with Tina and Logan,” she said.

  “Yeah, I’m picking you up. They’re still at the restaurant and asked me to.”

  “I can wait on them,” she said. To think that earlier she had wondered if he was still there, and she was sad that he might not be.

  He took her elbow and pulled her out of the house. Then he locked the door and pulled it shut.

  “You need a deadbolt on the door. It’s safer than a keyed lock.”

  “Look, I can drive myself to the club. There’s no reason for you to take me. I’m sure you have better things to do,” Jenna said.

  “Nope, I’m carrying you. Morgan will be meeting all of us there, as well. It’s the five of us tonight. Morgan and I will be leaving in a few days.” Riley guided her to where his bike was parked.

  “I’m surprised you are still here as it is. You don’t strike me as the sticking around kind of guy.”

  “Yeah, I don’t stay in one place for long. I had things to do before I could move on.” He handed her the helmet and let her put it on. He fastened the strap for her. He put on his helmet and got on the bike. He waited while she got on and then started it up.

  “Hold on.”

  He took off, and Jenna was forced to hold on to him to keep from falling off the back of the bike. She couldn’t help but enjoy the ride despite needing to hold onto him. There was something about riding on the back with Riley that thrilled her. Ever since she’d gotten past the first ride, she had wanted to ride again. This was her last chance, and she enjoyed it. She refused to analyze it.

  They arrived at the club all too soon. Riley locked the helmets up in the saddle bags. He placed a hand on the small of her back and guided her to the front of the line and pulled out a pass. The bouncer took the pass and nodded for them to go on inside. Loud music greeted them as they walked deeper into the building. The deep thump of the bass reverberated in her throat along with her heart. Riley took her hand and pulled her around the room until he located Morgan sitting at a table near the edge of the dance floor.

  “Logan hasn’t made it yet?” Riley asked.

  “No, they’re on their way now. I just talked to them before I came inside. Hi there, Jenna. How are you doing?”

  “Fine, thanks. What about you?”

  “I can’t complain. Getting ready for a road trip. I’ve vegged long enough. It’s time to get back on the road,” Morgan answered.

  “Have you ever thought about settling down?”

  “Naw, maybe someday, but not right now.” He looked off toward the dance floor without saying anything else. Jenna was about to ask him something else, but Riley touched her arm and shook his head. She figured he didn’t want her to push it. Instead, she changed the subject.

  “I could use something to drink. Could one of you grab me a margarita?”

  Morgan turned back toward her and smiled. “Got it. How about a beer, Riley?” he asked.

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Morgan stood up and disappeared into the crowd. Seconds later, Tina and Logan appeared and joined them at the table.

  “Thanks so much for picking her up, Riley. I knew we were going to be late with the mix up at the restaurant and all.” Tina hugged Jenna. “I’m so glad you are here. We’re going to have a great time.”

  “Is Morgan not here yet?” Logan asked Riley.

  “Yeah, he went to get drinks,” Riley said.

  “I’ll go get mine and Tina’s then. I’ll be right back.” He reached over and squeezed Tina’s arm before leaving.

  “I love that top. I knew it would look great on you,” Tina said.

  “Thanks. It was a good buy, wasn’t it?”

  “Come on, let’s dance.” Tina pulled Jenna up and started toward the dance floor.

  Riley grabbed Jenna’s hand. “Whoa there. Logan will be back in a little bit, and you can dance with him, Tina.”

  “I don’t want to dance with him right now. I want to dance with Jenna. We’ll be right there.” She pointed to the edge of the floor.

  Riley growled but let Jenna’s hand go.

  “What is it with the guys? They are so controlling,” Tina said once they made it to the dance floor.

  “I think it’s just how they are, macho and all,” Jenna added.

  “How was the ride over?” Tina asked.

  “Did you do it on purpose? Because I’m not happy about it.”

  “No, I really didn’t. They screwed up our reservations at the restaurant, so we were going to be late. Riley offered to pick you up so we would still all get here about the same time.”

  Jenna sighed and continued to dance. She loved dancing and since Tina did, too, they could dance even when they didn’t have dates. This was only the third time Tina had been out in over a year. She’d been the victim of an assault and wouldn’t go out anymore for the longest. Then, she had been stalked a few months ago, which is when Logan, Riley, and Morgan had come into the picture and helped catch the bastard and put him in prison.

  “Ladies, how are you two doing?” Jack, a man they had met not long ago, smiled at them.

  “Hey, Jack! It’s great to see you again,” Jenna said.

  He hugged her. Before she could say anything, Riley was there with Logan, pushing Tina and Jenna behind them.

  “Hey, Riley, it’s okay. He’s a friend of ours,” Tina said. She tried to get around Logan, but he kept his arm out to prevent it.

  “Sorry, man. I didn’t mean any harm. I was just saying hi.” He held up his hands and backed away.

  “Stop it, Riley. He’s a friend.” Jenna managed to get around Riley and stood in front of Jack.

  “Hey, I don’t blame you for being riled. I wouldn’t want my women talking to some stranger, either.” He looked at Jenna and Tina. “It was great seeing you two. Have a good night.” He turned and walked off.

  Riley grabbed Jenna by the wrist and pulled her over to the table. “Your drink’s here.”

  Logan put his arm around Tina and guided her back to the table.

  “What in the hell was that all about?” Jenna demanded.

  “He had his hands all over you,” Riley argued.

  “So? He was just saying hi, and it’s none of your business who I dance with or say hi to.” Jenna took a drink of her margarita and scowled at Riley.

  Morgan sat back, looking amused. She frowned at him, too, for good measure. Logan was obviously uncomfortable since Tina was frowning at him.

  Tina started to say something, but Logan cleared his throat and stood up.

  “How about a dance, Tina?” he asked.

  She smiled and stood up with him.

  Morgan smirked at Riley. “I think I’ll scout out a pretty little lady to escort around the dance floor.” He stood up and walked off, as well.

  Jenna was not happy to be left alone with Riley. She took another drink of her margarita and knew she was going to end up drunk if she wasn’t careful. She had only had time for a sandwich before getting ready to go out. She needed to watch herself, or it would all go to her head.

  “When they get back, we can dance,” Riley said.

  “I can dance with anyone I want to, so back off.”

  “It’s not safe for you to dance with strangers.”

  “I’m perfect
ly safe to dance with anyone I want to as long as I stay inside and have the three of you to look all mean and dangerous.”

  Riley huffed out a breath. “Fine. Go dance. I’ll watch your drink.”

  Chapter Two

  Jenna stood up with as much grace as she could manage and walked toward the dance floor. She pushed her way through until she found Jack dancing with two women.

  “Mind if I join you?” she asked.

  Jack smiled but looked over her shoulder.

  “He’s not coming. I explained that we were friends. He’s really sort of a friend of a friend, not mine.” She waited to see if Jack would be okay with it. He nodded his head and smiled.

  “It’s good to have someone looking out for you. Don’t give him a hard time. I perfectly understood. Jenna sighed. She danced with Jack and the others for several songs. Then she headed back to the table. Tina and Logan were at the table with Riley. Morgan wasn’t anywhere in sight. Riley stood up when she approached and pulled out her chair.

  Tina leaned forward once she had sat down. “Having fun?”

  “Yes. Thanks for insisting that I come,” Jenna said. She finished her margarita.

  Riley stood up, holding out his hand. “Let’s go.”

  “Where?” she asked, confused.

  “To dance.”

  “You didn’t ask me,” Jenna complained.

  “You said earlier you wanted to dance, so let’s dance.”

  Jenna rolled her eyes at Tina and got up. That one drink must have gone to her head if she was going to willingly go out on the dance floor with Riley. He proved to be a good dancer. He kept her through the next song and pulled her closer when it turned slow and the floor became crowded. She was shocked to find that he was aroused. His cock pressed against her abdomen. She stiffened in his arms.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, I’m just not comfortable dancing with you.”

  “I make you uncomfortable?” he asked.

  She pulled back, and sure enough, he looked amused. “You’re laughing at me.”

  “Just because I’m aroused, you’re acting like a sixteen-year-old virgin. What do you expect? You’re dressed provocatively with that low-cut blouse and those tight blue jeans. I’m holding you close. I’m going to be turned on.”

  “Then don’t hold me so close,” she said and swallowed nervously.

  “It’s too late now.” He smiled down at her. “I might as well enjoy it.”

  “I’m not enjoying it.”

  “Sure you are. Your nipples are poking out. I bet if I could manage to get my hand down those tight jeans, I would find you hot and wet.”

  “Why are you trying to embarrass me? What have I done to piss you off?” she asked.

  “You’re flirting with danger. You wonder why you end up with the assholes you do. You aren’t careful with who you latch on to.”

  “That’s uncalled for. I’ve never asked your opinion on my personal life. Keep your nose out of it.” Jenna attempted to pull away from him.

  “You’re not going anywhere. We’ll finish this dance.”

  “Fine.” Jenna fumed inside. The very nerve of him.

  They finished the dance in silence. As soon as it was over, she pulled out of his arms and headed to the table. She was relieved to find that Morgan was back and she had a fresh margarita. She needed it now more than ever. What had gotten into Riley anyway?

  “Morgan, dance with me,” she said before she changed her mind.

  Morgan smiled and stood up, holding out his hand. Riley glared at the man.

  “I’d be glad to.” He led her to the dance floor. He didn’t pull her close as Riley had, but he did hold on to her as they danced.

  “You’re going to make Riley have a cow,” Morgan commented. “Or is that the plan?”

  “There is nothing going on between us. He’s behaving like a jackass, if you ask me.”

  “He’s behaving like he has a claim on you,” Morgan countered.

  “Well, he doesn’t. No one does, and it’s going to stay that way, too.”

  “You’re too pretty a woman to go it alone. Just be careful who you choose.”

  They finished the dance, and Morgan escorted her back to the table. Riley was noticeably absent. Logan and Tina were discussing combining their houses. Tina spent all her time at Logan’s now anyway. It was the logical thing for them to do. She wondered where Riley had gone. She scanned the dance floor and tried to convince herself she wasn’t looking for him.

  Several minutes later, he showed back up with a fresh beer. She noticed he didn’t look at her when he sat down. Instead, he focused on the dance floor. She struck up a conversation with Morgan. An hour later, she started on her third margarita, and Riley scowled at her.

  “Don’t you think you’ve had enough?”

  “I’m not driving. I think I can afford to have one more,” she stated.

  He got up and left.

  “What is it with him anyway?” she asked no one in particular.

  “He’s getting antsy to be on the road,” Morgan offered.

  “Well, I’m not keeping him here. He doesn’t have to take it out on me.”

  Two hours later, everyone agreed to call it a night. Jenna followed Tina and Logan, expecting to ride with them. Riley grabbed her by the wrist.

  “You’re riding with me. They are going in the opposite direction. You’re on the way to my place.”

  “No, I’m riding with them.”

  “Why make them drive out of their way, nearly thirty minutes, when I’m going in your direction anyway?” Riley asked.

  “They don’t mind, and I don’t particularly want to ride with you,” she answered.

  She pulled away from him and headed toward where Tina and Logan had disappeared. Even as she stepped outside into the night, they passed by in the car. She waved frantically at them, and Tina waved back with a smile. Now she had no choice but to ride back with Riley. She was going to kill Tina when she saw her again.

  “It looks like you’re stuck with me.” Riley led her toward his bike.

  * * * *

  He waited for her to climb on behind him then started the bike. She barely hung on to him at first, but once he pulled out of the parking lot, she had no choice but to hold on tighter. Evidently she was a bit tipsy as she held on tighter than she had on the ride over. He couldn’t help but notice how her breasts pushed against his back. Without his jacket on to cushion the feel of her, he noticed every move her body made along his back. Her heat seeped into him.

  They pulled into her drive much too soon. He waited while she got off then cut the motor and climbed off himself. He unhooked the chin strap on her helmet and stowed it in the saddle bag. Then he took off his and hung it from the handle bar.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m walking you inside,” he said.

  “There’s no need for you to do that. I can handle walking in my house all on my own, thank you very much.”

  Riley grinned. He was right. She’d had a little much to drink and was tipsy.”

  “I think I’ll just make sure you make it inside safe and sound.”

  Jenna shrugged and walked through the carport to her back door. It took her a few seconds to fish her keys out of her little purse. Then it took two tries to get the key in the lock. She opened the door and stepped inside. She turned to face Riley, but he pushed in beside her.

  “I’m checking your house to be sure there is no one here. We’ve been gone four hours.”

  “Fine. Check the house.” She dropped her purse on the side table and crossed her arms.

  He shut the door and walked through the house, checking each room and then the windows to make sure they were locked.

  “It looks fine.” Riley walked toward the door.

  Jenna turned a little too fast and lost her footing. Riley caught her before she fell. He held her close as she tried to regain her footing. The heel on one shoe broke, and she stumbled again into him. />
  “Whoa. I think you need to take those heels off before you break your neck.”

  He tightened his hold on her. She looked up at him with her lips parted. He swallowed at the sensual picture she made. Suddenly he felt her breasts pressing against his chest. With a groan, he bent and took her lips. They were soft and willing. She didn’t resist as he took her by surprise and deepened the kiss, taking advantage of her open mouth. He licked along her tongue until she twined it with his.

  He backed her up only to have her stumble again from the broken heel. He picked her up with his hands at her butt. She wrapped her legs around his waist. He pinned her to the wall and continued the kiss until they both needed air. He traveled around her jaw with his lips until he reached her ear lobe. He sucked on it then continued down her neck, encouraged by the whimpers she made. She ran her hands over his head as he lightly bit her neck. Riley pulled back, and one hand fingered her buttons on the blouse she had on while looking her in the eyes. They were at half mast, and he’d barely started. She never took her eyes off his as he slipped one button out of the button hole, then another. She threw her head back and leaned it against the wall as he continued down the blouse until all the buttons where undone.

  “Kick off your heels,” Riley demanded.

  He heard first one then the other hit the floor behind him. He spread her blouse with one hand. He needed both hands.

  “Where is the bedroom,” he rasped out.

  “It’s down the hall to the end. Door on the right,” she answered in a breathy voice.

  The hall seemed a mile long as he carried her. He turned right and found himself in a large bedroom decorated in burgundy. The hardwood floors gleamed, reflecting the warmth of the deep red colors. He lowered Jenna to her feet and nudged her blouse off her shoulders. His cock poked her abdomen as he bent her over one arm and devoured the smooth mounds of her breasts. He nipped at her nipples through the lace of her bra. She moaned and thrust them closer to his mouth. They stood up, pointing toward his mouth. He sucked first one then the other before straightening her and unclasping her bra. He pulled it down her arms then tightened it around her wrists.