Men of Mercy: The Complete Story

by Cross, Lindsay

  “Hold still, I'm trying to make this easy.” She felt so good. He was so close. The need to just bury himself deep inside her nearly overpowered him. Instead, he rose up on his elbows and clenched his jaw. Then he slowly eased out and pushed back in, a little bit deeper each time until he felt her resistance.

  He had never taken a virgin before, but he knew he was big, and he’d heard it was painful the first time. Sparrow dug her heels into his butt, urging him onward. With a cry, Jared thrust forward, tearing through her resistance and burying himself to the hilt.

  Sparrow cried out and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him to her. Every instinct inside Jared was screaming for him to move, but he forced himself to hold still. She was so tight she was strangling his cock.

  Jared lifted up enough to see her face, scared she would be crying, but he saw no tears. Still, her eyes were closed, her lips pressed together in a tight line. She needed to relax or he would hurt her. He leaned down and nibbled her lips until she opened her mouth to let him explore her sensually. He reached between them and massaged her clit in small circles. When her hips arched against his, he knew she was ready again. As gentle as he could, he eased out and thrust back in with one long slow stroke, never breaking contact with her mouth.

  Again and again he repeated this movement, controlling himself until he couldn't breathe, he couldn't think. He tore his mouth from hers, nearly coming undone at the sight of her heavy-lidded eyes filled with pleasure. She was the sexiest sight he’d ever seen.

  Unable to take it slow any longer, Jared thrust hard and fast. She was so tight, so fucking tight, he didn't know how much longer he could hold back. He circled her clit again and again, until her eyes went wide and she screamed his name. She spasmed around his cock. Her response pulled his own orgasm free and he yanked out, spilling his seed on her belly.

  All his strength gone, he collapsed and rolled to the side. There was no way in hell he could separate from her now. He’d known it would be good with her, but that had been mind-numbingly incredible. Possessive need overtook him and he knew he could never harm her. Knew she had to be innocent.

  Chapter 20

  “That was incredible.” Sparrow stretched and rolled over, throwing an arm and a leg across his chest and thighs.

  Jared lay on his back, his hands propping up his head, his eyes closed and a small smile twitching on his lips. “Absolutely.”

  “Is it always like that?” She wasn't dumb enough to think she was his only one. Frankly, she didn't care. But she was curious to know, because she couldn't honestly conceive of feeling this way with someone else.

  “No, it's not.” His words were soft and gentle. His big calloused hand covered her much smaller hand and pulled it to his lips for a kiss. Even that simple touch was enough to send a little spark of electricity all the way to her toes.

  A contentment that she’d never before experienced filled her body, making her muscles as loose as a weeping willow blowing in the breeze. He’d opened her eyes to a whole different side of life, and she looked forward to more.

  Dreamed of more with him.

  “Let's do it again.”

  He cracked his eyes open and turned to face her. “Now? You’re not too sore?”

  She moved and felt a twinge between her thighs. The ache from him filling her, stretching her, was still fresh. “Not so bad. I can do it.” She leaned down and nibbled on his bottom lip, finding that to be one of her favorite parts of his body. Along with his chest, his stomach, his shoulders, and his arms… Okay all of him. All of him was perfect.

  Her words drew out a chuckle and he flashed his teeth at her in a big grin. “You might not be too sore, but I'm worn out.” He made a dramatic sigh and lay back on the ground.

  Sparrow slapped his chest and immediately kissed the red handprint she’d left. When his arm wrapped around her and pulled her hard against him, she felt full of emotion. He was holding her like he cherished her. And he’d loved her like he wanted to possess her.

  Last night and this morning had changed everything. He’d showed her so much and she’d given so much to him in return. And that small flicker of hope had reignited inside her soul. A part of him had to know she was innocent—otherwise he could never touch her that way.

  Maybe they really could have a life together, set up a place for Squirrel. And she could leave Crowe Mountain for this man. She knew it with every fiber of her body. “You must be old then. Do you need a nap?”

  Jared cracked open one eye and glared at her. “You think I can’t keep up with you?”

  Sparrow made her eyes wide and innocent looking. “I'd never say that. You just reminded me of how Squirrel has to stop and catch his breath after he walks too long. I assumed it was like that for all older people.”

  Jared let out a growl, flipped her back onto her back, and nudged her legs apart. When she felt his hardness nudging her entrance, her eyes went wide.

  “Does this feel like an old man?” Jared grabbed her hands and stretched them above her head. His other hand explored her body.

  “I can't tell,” Sparrow gasped. She knew she was poking the bear, but he was being so cuddly and lovable and easy to rile.

  Jared traced down her collarbone, passed her breast, and rested his fingers at her ribs. Then they dug into her flesh, tickling her until she cried out for him to stop.

  “Take it back,” he demanded, continuing the torture.

  She was laughing so hard tears ran from her eyes. “I take it back. I take it back. Stop.”

  He stopped and then his mouth crashed down over hers, making her dizzy with desire. Without warning, he thrust inside her with one long stroke, filling her so much she couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t do anything but exist in this moment.

  Jared leaned back and this time his gaze was intense. Something inside her heart cracked and reached out to him. She cupped his cheek, wanting to ease whatever burden was hidden behind those dark eyes.

  And then he pulled out slammed home again, driving all conscious thoughts from her mind. Jared let go of her hands, grabbed her legs, and wrapped them around his waist. “You better hold on little girl, I'm about to show you what this old man can do.”

  * * *

  “Here, I'm afraid these are the only things that survived last night. I had to cut most of your clothes off.” Jared held out the white and black panties.

  Sparrow took them from him, a slight blush staining her cheeks. “Still can't believe you undressed me.”

  “Believe me, I would rather have undressed you under different circumstances. Something I plan on doing in the near future, actually.”

  Sparrow ducked her head and yanked on the panties, but not before Jared saw her blush deepen to bright red.

  Damn that made him happy. Something he hadn't really felt since…since he didn't remember. He was so confused. Twenty-four hours ago, he had been almost one hundred percent certain Sparrow had been the one to torture his brother. But her reactions, her words, and his gut instinct all screamed that she was innocent.

  He had no doubt that Jimbo was a liar through and through. But how could he refute his own brother’s accusations?

  Sparrow slid on the panties and damn him if he didn't want to rip them off and make love to her all over again. Especially considering the small arrow pointing straight down to her pussy with the words “Insert Slot B.”

  Obviously, whomever she’d borrowed the outfit from either had a sense of humor or thought their lover was dense enough to need the instructions.

  Sparrow stood, her arms crossed in front of her, vulnerable and unsure” Why don't you go dig in my bag, there's a shirt of mine you could wear?”

  “Thanks.” She crossed to his duffel and bent over. Instant lust slapped him in the face. The back of her panties read “Insert Slot C.” All sorts of new images flooded his mind. Images of him bending her over, possessing every single part of her. Shit, he had to do something or he would take her again.

  “Toss me that phone
, will you? I want to check on my brother.” Thank God for sat phones. Sparrow came up with his shirt clutched in one hand and the phone in the other.

  “I really hope he's okay.”

  Not knowing how to respond to that, Jared took the phone and walked out of the cave.

  Merc was the one who picked up. “You're late checking in.”

  Jared blew out a deep breath, noticing the morning chill, and swept a hand over his head. Mist surrounded them, sunlight creating an otherworldly glow in the heavy haze. “Hit a few complications.”

  “Did you secure the package?”

  The package? Jared turned to see Sparrow struggling into her boots. He had placed her panties and boots next to the fire last night to dry. “Roger.”

  “Good, I'll notify the boys to get the chopper ready. What's your ETA for extraction?”

  “Two hours.”

  “Roger that.”

  Fear gripped him suddenly, and he steeled himself to ask the question he’d been avoiding. The real reason he’d called. “Did he make it?”

  He heard the rough pain in his voice, but he couldn't do a damn thing about it.

  “Yes. I think he's going to be okay. Doc got him stabilized, dumped a shitload of antibiotics into him, and cleaned up his back as best she could.” Merc paused and Jared knew he wasn't through.

  “And?”

  “She did the best she could with his back and chest. But there's going to be scarring.”

  Jared’s gut tightened instantly. Pretty boy Hoyt Crowe was going to wake up a fucked up mess.

  “You there man?” Merc asked.

  A huge knot had formed in his throat and Jared had to fight to get words past it. “Yeah. Just bring the chopper, I need to see him.”

  “Already done.”

  He turned to see her packing up camp in his long T-shirt, those provocative panties, visible only when she bent over, and her knee-high snake boots. So small and innocent looking. “Thanks.”

  “Chopper’s on its way. I'll call if there's a change.” Merc disconnected the call. Jared slid the phone into his pants pocket, unable to take his gaze off the girl in the cave.

  His instincts screamed that she couldn’t have harmed Hoyt. But how could he trust his instincts when she made him hard as a rock and he was fucking panting after her like a dog in heat? He couldn't trust himself.

  He had to get her home. Hoyt would wake up and tell him that Sparrow had not been involved. He had to. And then they could all proceed with their lives.

  Sparrow approached, bag in hand, looking for all the world like a lost little girl in that huge army green T-shirt. He took the duffle, set it on the ground beside him, and gave into the urge to pull her into his arms. She curved into his body, like she'd been crafted just for him.

  “Everything okay?”

  Unbidden, he felt tears prick his eyes. He squeezed her tighter to him so she couldn't see and pulled in a shuddering breath. No, nothing was okay. His brother had almost died and he didn't fucking know if she’d taken part in torturing him. “Yes, he's stable.”

  “That's great news, isn't it?” She tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her. He squeezed her to him, unwilling and unable to let her go just yet.

  How fucked up was he that he was drawing comfort from a woman who could be responsible for his brother pain?

  Jared cleared his throat. This wasn't him; he wasn’t indecisive. He didn't question himself. He made a plan and he stuck to it. And now he needed to get to his brother and find out the truth.

  “Yes, it is.” Jared let go and bent down over the bag, pulling out the small blanket she’d folded neatly inside. “Wrap this around your shoulders. If we move fast, it'll help keep you warm.”

  Only Sparrow didn’t accept the blanket from him. From the way she stood there staring at him, biting her lower lip, he knew he wasn't going to like her next words. “I can't go with you.”

  Chapter 21

  Please understand. Please understand. Please understand.

  Jared’s expression had been so agonized when he hung up the phone. He was scared to death for his brother, and she thanked God that Hoyt was okay.

  But he wanted to get back as soon as possible, and Sparrow couldn’t do that. She couldn't abandon Squirrel to Jimbo. She had to make Jared understand that as soon as she did, she would return to him.

  Jared let out a sigh, but he didn’t budge. “You and I both know you're going to come with me, so take the blanket.”

  “I want to come with you, but I have to go home first. I have to stop Jimbo. I think…I think he's fixing to kill Kay and take over the mountain. Then he’ll kill Squirrel.” Saying the words out loud unleashed the shiver she’d been holding back. Squirrel was the only father she’d ever known.

  Jared's expression of resignation disappeared and he all but snarled at her. “Don't fucking say her name. You know what she did to me.”

  Fighting the instinct to take a step backwards, Sparrow closed the gap between them, tilting her head back to stare at the man who was stealing her heart. She caught her breath at the stray thought. Was it possible to fall in love so fast?

  But you met him all those years ago. He was the boy you rescued.

  “Jared, I know. And it disgusts me too. It’s not her I’m worried about. It’s Squirrel.”

  Jared flinched and she laid her hand on his chest.

  “He’s a grown man who can look out for himself. If he’s really in trouble, he can go to the police.” His expression was fierce and she knew it was out of concern for her this time.

  “You've been gone a long time, but there ain't no law on Crowe Mountain. The only law is made by Miss Kay.”

  “Enough,” he roared flinging her hand from his chest. “I can't stand to hear her name again. And I don't care why you want to go back, I'm not letting you leave. You're coming with me whether you want to come or not.”

  Pain exploded inside her chest. How could he talk to her like that after what they’d shared? “Please try to understand. I swear to you I will come back to you. All I need is enough time to warn her. I owe that much to her.”

  “I don't care what you think you owe that monster. You're coming with me.” He made a grab for her, but Sparrow jumped back and cried out.

  “You think I trust you to come back? Do I look like an idiot?”

  Sparrow stumbled back, a huge ache burning in her chest. “What do you mean? Last night…”

  “Last night was just sex. Don't think that you can use your body to try and control me. I'm not that stupid.”

  Every word was a bullet to her heart. Agony coursed through her veins, curling her fingers and toes. She felt a wild hysteria bubble up inside her. She'd given herself to him completely, wholeheartedly, but he had only been using her.

  No, not him, she assured herself. He’s just saying those things to be mean and hurtful. Her heart refused to believe what her mind was telling her. “I may not be as experienced as you are, but I know last night was more than just sex. You felt it too.”

  “Wake up, little girl. You should have listened to the old man's advice. I had you seduced from the first moment I saw you.”

  It took every ounce of her power not to crumple to the ground. He was telling the truth. What had been the most amazing, life-changing moment of her life had been nothing more than a planned attack on his part.

  “Why?” Her voice was whispered and broken but she didn't care.

  “Why else?”

  And suddenly his words from the previous day came crashing back into her mind, destroying her. He’d told her hadn’t he? He’d told her he would use her body, just like a whore, and that she would succumb to him.

  “Oh, God.” Sparrow shoved her hand into her mouth to hold the sob back. He'd taken her virginity and turned her into her worst nightmare. A whore. A slut who'd begged for his touch.

  Her thoughts whirled as out of control as an explosion in the coal mines, and she felt her heart collapse within her chest. Although she rem
ained upright, there was a gaping hole inside her. The tears threatened to fall form her eyes and she hated that he saw that weakness in her.

  He took a small step toward her “Sparrow?”

  She had no defense against him. No defense but her knife. If he thought she was a monster, then she'd show him what a true monster really was. Sparrow ripped her knife out of her boot and held it in front of her, ready to attack. “No!”

  Jared's gaze hardened. “Drop it, now.”

  “Stay back.”

  “All you’re doing is convincing me that my brother was telling the truth.”

  “I'll make you regret this, Jared Crowe. “

  He lunged and she dove sideways, tucking into a roll before lunging back up on her feet. The move repositioned them so that she was on the side of the woods and Jared stood at the entrance to the cave.

  “You and I both know you won't make it. Hell, if it weren’t for me, you'd be dead right now.”

  “Oh, I'll make it all right.” Sparrow pulled the knife back and took aim. “And you know if it weren’t for me, you’d be dead too.”

  Jared tensed. The moment he sprung, she threw her knife straight at him and took off running.

  * * *

  Jared ducked. Still, the blade grazed his cheek and he felt warm blood trickle down his neck. He took off after her with a roar, crashing through the woods like a man possessed. She’d gotten a small head start on him, but not nearly as much as she would’ve if the knife had sunk into his flesh as she’d intended.

  The hill sloped sharply down and he watched as she flew through the woods, pumping her arms faster and faster. She was going to kill herself if she didn't watch out. “Sparrow!”

  She didn't break pace, so he zigzagged behind her, dodging tree limbs and rocks. She jumped over a fallen log like she had wings on her feet. And he followed.