by LK Shaw
“Oh my God, I’m so full already. I don’t think I can take any more,” I groaned as the pressure continued to build. With Donovan inside my cunt and Marcus pushing deeper into my ass, I’d never been so full in my entire life. I was awestruck at the feeling even if I shifted in slight discomfort.
“You can take me, Penny. You can take both of us. Keep breathing out as I push in.” He continued his encouragement as he kept pushing. Within seconds, I felt his balls brush up against me and I knew he was fully seated. He stopped moving to give me time to get used to the complete and utter fullness.
“Fuck,” he exclaimed. “You are amazing. Donovan, you good, man?”
My heart actually ached a little that I had completely forgot about Donovan beneath me. Even being a part of me as he currently was, it had always been about Marcus.
The vibration of Donovan’s chuckle rumbled through me with his response. “Hell yeah, I’m good. She’s squeezing the life out of my cock down here. So, yeah, never better.”
I laughed a little at his response and looked him in the eyes and saw arousal. I also saw that his laughter didn’t quite reach them. I brushed a fingertip across his bottom lip. I needed to know he was all right, so I leaned close to whisper in his ear, not wanting Marcus to hear, “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Surprise flickered in his eyes at my intuitiveness. He smiled, although it was a fake one. “I’m fine. How could I not be with a beautiful woman fucking my brains out?”
I knew he deflected my question, but decided to let it go. Now wasn’t the time.
“If you two are done up there, can we keep moving this along? I have my dick up my gorgeous sub’s ass, and I’m ready to fuck.”
I choked out a laugh at his description and nodded. “Yes, Sir. I’m ready.”
“Thank God.” He started moving and I forgot for a moment about my conversation with Donovan. He pulled out so only the tip was in and pushed forward again. After a few thrusts, Donovan caught the rhythm and they began a coordinated dance where Donovan thrust in, Marcus pulled back, and as Marcus pushed in, Donovan pulled back. Back and forth, they pushed my pleasure higher than it had ever been until, as Marcus predicted, I screamed his name as my orgasm exploded through me, followed closely by Donovan. Marcus continued thrusting until he threw his head back with his orgasm and his seed filled me up.
Complete exhaustion overcame me, and I collapsed against Donovan’s chest, unable to move an inch. I heard Marcus shift behind me as he pulled out. His feet tapped on the floor and water started running. He returned with a warm rag and began cleaning me while I continued to lie against Donovan. The bed dipped and Marcus pulled me off Donovan and spooned me against him with my back to his front. I cuddled against him and felt my eyes get heavy as Donovan rose from the bed and dressed.
I was almost asleep when the vibration through my back as Marcus spoke brought my attention to his words. “You know this won’t happen again, right, Donovan? She’s mine and I don’t plan on sharing.”
With a slight nod, Donovan exited through the same door he’d entered a short time ago.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Penny
“Excuse me, I don’t mean to bother you, but you seem really familiar. Do I know you?”
I was still on vacation so I was enjoying yet another day off. I sat at my regular table in my favorite coffee shop drinking my iced coffee and reading. Except I wasn’t reading. I sat there, my thoughts on last night. My mind wandered to Marcus’ declaration that someone joining us had been a one-time deal, and he was no longer interested in sharing. My heart skipped when he’d said that, and I’d wondered if we were moving forward in our relationship.
Upon hearing the question, I looked up, not sure to whom it was directed. I turned to see a gorgeous man sitting at the table next to me. He was staring directly at me with a puzzled expression on his face.
“I’m sorry, were you talking to me?”
He smiled, although it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Yes. You look like someone I know, but I can’t place your name.” I warily returned his smile as I shook my head. “No, I don’t think so.”
“I know that sounded like a corny pick up line, and I totally didn’t mean for it to. I swear I’ve seen your beautiful face before though.” He grinned. “Hi, I’m Evan.”
I blushed slightly as I shook the hand he offered with his introduction. “I’m Penny.”
“Wow, with your hair, that’s perfectly fitting, and I’d expect nothing less from a gorgeous woman such as yourself. I bet your boyfriend tells you all the time how stunning you are.”
At first, I was flattered by his harmless flirtation. Then a part of me instantly started wondering what his angle was. Not that I didn’t feel beautiful when I was with Marcus. There was just a tone to his voice when he said those last words that didn’t sound quite sincere. Weirdly, I sensed an undertone of hatred in his words. The longer he stared at me, the more uncomfortable I became. I decided to trust my instincts, which were telling me I needed to leave.
“Thank you for the compliments. I actually need to get going. It was,” I briefly paused, “nice meeting you.” I excused myself as I gathered my things.
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said as he made to stand up.
I waved him back to his seat. “No, no, you didn’t, I just remembered that I needed to run an errand. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
I hurried toward the door, but before I reached it, I heard Evan call out to me. “Hey, Penny.” I paused and looked back in his direction. “Tell Marcus that Evan sends his regards.”
I suppressed the shiver that ran over me at his words and rushed toward my car. As I jumped into the driver’s seat, I glanced in my rearview mirror. Evan had exited the coffee shop and now stood in the doorway watching me. I sat there for a minute as he walked with nonchalance toward the street. He stopped next to a parked car I hadn’t noticed in my haste to get to my car. I glanced at the car he stood next to. A chill crept up my spine and gooseflesh covered my arms when I spotted that fucking air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror. In that moment, I knew it was the same car that had not only followed me from the yoga studio, but that had nearly run me down.
I wasn’t a believer in coincidence. Evan made me nervous, and I didn’t know why. His message creeped me out, and I knew I needed to speak with Marcus as soon as possible. He obviously knew more than he was letting on no matter how many times he tried to blow it off as nothing. Even though I knew he was keeping something from me, I’d feel better once I was near him. He made me feel safe and protected. Like I was his. Plus, I thought our relationship was evolving and becoming more than mentor and student, at least on my part. His emotions, on the other hand, always seemed to simmer far enough beneath the surface that I couldn’t determine if my instincts were right.
I was pretty sure I loved this man. I wished he would give me some sign that he felt the same way. Until then, I would maintain enough distance to protect my heart. I tried to shake off the unsettled feeling. I quickly started my car and pulled out of the parking spot while my eyes remained focused on the man standing outside the coffee shop.
I needed to see Marcus now. So, instead of going home I found myself driving to his house. When his house came into view, I felt myself relax. I hadn’t even realized my muscles were that tight. After pulling into the driveway, I stepped out of the car and knocked on the door hoping he was home. I heard footsteps, and the door opened to reveal Marcus in only a pair of jeans. My mouth immediately started watering at the sight of his rock hard abs. My nipples pebbled beneath my shirt, wetness seeped from between my thighs, and all thoughts of Evan and my nervousness disappeared.
I ducked my head sheepishly. “I hope I haven’t overstepped my boundaries by dropping by unannounced, Sir. I needed to see you.”
Ushering me inside, he took my purse from me as I passed him. “You are always welcome here, Sweetness. I’m pleasantly surprised to see y
ou. But I’m wondering why you felt like you needed to see me. Did something happen?”
He led me to the kitchen where he poured me a glass of water. I took a seat on one of the barstools, and after handing me the glass, he sat opposite me. He leaned his elbows on the island and steepled his fingers against his lips.
“Actually, Sir, something happened that, the more I think on it, the more unnerving it seems, which is why I came here.” I shivered a little as I sipped my water. “I met someone at the coffee shop right before I drove over here. He gave me a message for you.”
Marcus blinked at me quizzically. “For me? What kind of message?”
“I was told to tell you, ‘Evan sends his regards.’ ”
Marcus straightened suddenly, as if on high alert. “Tell me exactly what happened. Now.”
I told him everything that happened in the last hour.
“Marcus, what’s going on? Who is Evan to you?” I watched as he abruptly jumped up and began pacing the kitchen. At first, he didn’t say anything, and I was tired of waiting for an answer. He answered before I could ask again.
“He’s no one you need to worry about.”
Incredulously, I stared at him. “That’s the answer you’re giving me? ‘He’s no one you need to worry about’? Are you fucking kidding me, Marcus? I spot the same car that more than likely followed me and ran me down in the same vicinity as some creeper who has a message for you and you tell me I don’t need to worry about it. I could have been killed. Do you not even care?”
He slapped his palm on the kitchen island. “Of course I fucking care.” He sighed wearily as he continued, “Look, the less you know the better. I’m trying to protect you. I swear, I’ll take care of this once and for all.”
I yelled in frustration, “Protect me from what? Why can’t you tell me? We can figure this out together. Let me in. Please.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t.” His frustrated tone matched mine.
I continued to regard him, hoping he’d say something more or tell me he changed his mind. When nothing was forthcoming, I knew the conversation was over. “You don’t want to tell me, fine. I guess that means we’re done here.”
With nothing more to say, I walked out to my car and drove home. When I pulled in, I warily glanced around for any signs of danger. All seemed quiet, so I let myself in the house and crawled in to bed, wanting to forget about everything. I drifted off, only to toss and turn throughout the night with dreams of danger and death.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Marcus
Immediately after Penny left, I called Donovan and Connor and told them to come over. Even though Donovan had nothing directly to do with Evan, we’d been friends since college, and he knew about Grace and Hailey. I poured myself a finger of whiskey while I waited for them. Donovan arrived first and poured his own whiskey before settling into the wingback chair next to the fireplace in my home office. Once he sat down, he broke the silence, “What’s going on, Marcus?”
“Fucking Evan Banks is what’s going on,” I shouted, wanting to punch something. Or rather, someone. “Evan was within five feet of Penny today. He was at the coffee shop that Penny goes to and introduced himself to her. He also gave her a message for me. What if he’d hurt her again, Donovan? I know he was the one who almost ran Penny down. He’s sitting back and laughing at the fact that he can fuck with my head, and I can’t do a goddamn thing about it. We both know he’s followed her since I received those pictures along with the various letters. That bastard is a psychopath. I should have known he wouldn’t leave well enough alone. Especially, after he no longer had access to Grace.”
“I’m sorry, Marcus. I know how much you care about Penny. I wish there was something I could do to help.” I almost winced at the pity I saw in Donovan’s gaze. I didn’t want his fucking pity. I already felt sorry enough for myself without his pity added to the mix. I wanted to fix this and make Evan go away. But my hands were tied. Overtly, he’d done nothing wrong that I could prove. I knew he was the one sending me letters and the one who’d threatened Penny. I was spending thousands of dollars for Connor’s security company to find this son of a bitch and the minute they caught a lead, Evan somehow disappeared again. He always stayed one step ahead of them. Like he knew their every move.
He didn’t say anything more. We sat there in silence as he nursed his Johnnie Walker. I paced back and forth, sipping on my own drink and running my hand through my hair in frustration and anger, as we waited for Connor. Ten minutes later, he finally arrived. He declined the offered drink and instead took a seat on the couch opposite Donovan.
Connor broke the silence that descended. “What happened that has you all worked up?”
Knowing my anger level, Donovan jumped in and explained the situation. I flung myself into my office chair and pounded my fist on the arm rest. “Goddamn it, what am I going to do? This was another warning. He’s taken this game to the next level today, and I can’t afford for things to escalate. We all know he’s not going to quit until he finds Grace. I can’t risk him hurting Penny again. I fucking love that woman.” I froze as the words spilled out of my mouth. I knew they were true, and I didn’t want to take them back. I sat in disbelief that it had taken me this long to admit it.
Connor cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I believe I’ve discovered why he’s been staying one step ahead of us. I think he has someone inside my agency. Someone who feeds him info. I haven’t narrowed down who it is yet. I’m sorry, Marcus. I feel like Penny getting hurt is partly my fault since whoever the mole is works for me. I swear to you, I’m close to finding out who it is. There will be retribution when I do.”
After Penny gave me the message from Evan tonight, I knew what needed to be done. I didn’t realize it was going to be this hard or come this soon. I had to do whatever was necessary to protect her, even if it meant breaking her heart, and mine, in the process. Especially since he could have killed her. He was obsessed with Grace and hated me because I was the one keeping him from her. With Grace out of his reach, he’d keep going after Penny until she was dead. Because she had the bad luck of being someone I loved.
Even Penny almost being run down by the car wasn’t enough evidence for the police. There was no way to prove Evan had been behind the wheel. I could talk with Penny and the police about my suspicions, but I knew from experience it wouldn’t matter. If Evan wanted to get to Penny, he would. The sad thing was, he didn’t give a shit about her. Everything he did was about Grace, even threatening and hurting Penny. He’d almost killed Grace once, even with a restraining order against him. A piece of paper didn’t mean shit. Now he was targeting Penny as a means to fuck with me. If I didn’t get her away from me, he would realize she was my weakness and by hurting her, he’d hurt me. I wasn’t about to let that happen. I had to do whatever it took to protect her.
“I have to protect her from him. Until you can find the informant and Evan, this isn’t going to go away. I know what needs to be done, but God, this is going to break her.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Penny
I woke the next morning exhausted, after my argument with Marcus. I was so angry that he wouldn’t tell me what was going on. I thought we’d reached a place of trust in our relationship. I guess that’s where I deluded myself. We didn’t have a relationship. At least not the kind I wanted. Clearly, what we did have wasn’t working, because neither of us fully trusted the other. I wanted to enjoy my last day of vacation, but I knew that wasn’t going to happen. This whole situation with Evan kept running through my head.
I just finished doing laundry when my phone rang. “Hello.”
“I’m sorry about last night,” were the first words out of his mouth. “Can we put aside our anger for a night? I need to see you. If I remember correctly, our agreement was that you would be available any time I commanded. Unless you want to use your safe word, I’ll be coming over tonight.”
I hesitated, still hurt that Marcus was keeping secrets
from me. But I was in love with this man, and resistance was futile. “Yes, Sir. I’ll be home for you tonight.”
I sensed the relief behind his response. “Thank you, Sweetness. I’ll see you tonight then.”
After spending the rest of the day running errands, my hip ached a little. I came home to soak in the tub before he arrived, which helped. Around 7:00, my doorbell rang. I opened the door and let him in. Neither of us said anything as he made his way to the kitchen. I went to the living and turned on the stereo before joining him. With soft music playing in the background, we worked together in the kitchen, but with an awkwardness that had never been between us before tonight. We put together a delicious, easy meal of caesar salad, lasagna, and garlic bread. Several times, he opened his mouth like he wanted to say something. He stopped short of uttering any words though. I set the dining room table and lit the two candles in the middle for a soft, romantic glow to the room. We took the food dishes out and Marcus began plating our meal as I took my seat.
We ate our meal in an unusual silence. We never seemed to run out of things to talk about until now. Lately, with everything happening, my gut told me Marcus was slipping away from me. He never failed to be attentive in bed, but he seemed more and more tense, especially since the accident. Sipping the Moscato I’d poured myself, I glanced over at him and noticed a far away look in his eye as he picked at his meal. The silence overpowered everything. When it started to drive me insane I had to do something to break it. It was laughable to try and make it less uncomfortable by acting as though the tension between us was non-existent. The idea that if we didn’t talk about it, maybe it would go away wouldn’t continue to work.