She was right, but still…
“I don't care if I'm in the shower, come and get me if anything changes in the least. I'll leave the door unlocked.”
“I promise.”
Jared stepped out of the room and turned down the hall. Merc had said his bedroom joined up to Sparrow’s. He strode past her door without stopping, resisting the urge to lean in and check on her. She was fine. He’d done no worse to her than she had done to him.
He entered the next door on the left to find another sturdy wooden bed, just like the one to which he’d bound Sparrow, half naked and helpless. His gut tightened with lust.
He needed a cold shower to take his mind off his captive. His mood was skating the line between lust and blind fury, and every little thing that happened threatened to tip him in a different direction.
His bag lay on the bed and Jared quickly dug into it, pulling out toiletries and a change of clothes. Once he had what he needed, he headed for the shower.
The bathroom boasted a claw bathtub beneath a sunny window, a long granite vanity with two sinks, and a large tiled shower. He stripped and turned on the water, stepping beneath the spray. Jared leaned forward and placed his forearms on the cold tile wall, letting his head fall between his hands.
His chest tightened like a vice. He’d failed to protect Hoyt. He’d failed his brother. The violent swirl of emotions struck hard and warred within him, needing an outlet.
He took a deep breath and tried to get under control. The last time he’d acted on his emotions, he’d nearly killed them all.
* * *
Sparrow wasn't sure how long she lay alone in the dark room, but it was long enough for her bladder to shrink to the size of a tiny balloon. She hadn't thought of bodily functions on the trip here. She'd been too concerned with simply functioning. Period.
She yelled, but the sound was muffled by the gag. Part of her hated Jared Crowe. Hated him for what he’d done to her, for the fact that he still refused to fully believe her, for the way he’d treated her like a whore. But another part of her, for which she felt nothing but disgust, felt mercy for him. On some level, she even understood.
God what a weakling you are.
She’d allowed what she felt for him, what they’d done together, to steal her reasoning and turn her mind into a puddle of mush. And now she was actually making excuses for his behavior. She was sick.
She’d caught a glimpse of his brother laid out on the bed, as white as the sheet covering his body. It was obvious that despite the scar running down the side of his face, Hoyt was a very handsome man. Or he used to be. Sparrow cringed, knowing just how much Jimbo had enjoyed destroying that pretty face.
But what hurt her even worse than seeing Hoyt in such pain was the agony etched into Jared's features as he stared down at his brother. He truly loved Hoyt—with a depth that Sparrow envied. She’d wanted a relationship like that her whole life, longed for someone to share such a deep connection.
The minutes stretched into hours. The need to pee grew until it was strong enough to make her squirm. Sparrow had no way of knowing what time it was or how long she had been there. They’d boarded up the window so tight that not even a hint of sunlight filtered through. Even the table lamp was turned off, enclosing her in complete darkness. But she didn't mind the darkness, not really. What bothered her was the not knowing. Would Hoyt be okay? Would he ever wake up? Or would Jared hate her forever? God, why did that thought hurt her so much?
What she wouldn't give to be back in her own trailer hanging out with Squirrel. Maybe even helping him check traps. No matter how awful her life was in the mountains, it was still her home. The only home she'd ever known.
In the space of one day, she'd been forcefully torn from everything she'd ever known and thrust into a hopeless future.
Fatigue pulled at her eyes. She’d been through so much. Her head hurt and her hip ached. Maybe if she got some sleep, she’d see a way out of this mess. And tomorrow, she could face the day with perspective. The kind that didn’t involve panting over Jared.
Chapter 25
Sparrow jerked awake, her heart beating fast enough to crack her sternum, sensing a presence in the room. She couldn’t see anything in the darkness, but she knew someone was there. She tried to talk, but the gag muffled her voice.
Without any ability to move or speak, she was forced to listen to the person’s footsteps as they walked around the bed. She craned her head in the direction of the sound, fear choking off her air. If it were Jared, he would have already spoken.
No, this was someone else.
The lamp clicked on and Sparrow blinked, temporarily blinded. When her vision cleared, she stared up at a young woman, about her own size, with long blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. Eyes that were filled with loathing.
“You are the one? You hurt Hoyt?” Her voice had a strong southern accent, but it was soft and melodious.
Sparrow tried to respond, but the gag silenced her.
The girl reached for it and pulled it out of Sparrow’s mouth. “Thank you.” Her mouth and throat were parchment dry, her lips cracked from being stretched, but at least she could talk.
“I didn’t do it for you. Answer my question.” The girl crossed her arms.
“Could you get me some water? My mouth is really dry.”
“Not until you tell me. Did you hurt him?”
Sparrow watched the tears forming in the girl’s eyes, knew from how red rimmed they were that she’d been crying. Sympathy tugged at her conscience. “No. I didn’t touch him.”
“Then why did he say you did?”
“I don’t know. He was out of it. I was standing there in front of him…maybe I’m just the first thing he saw after he came to.” Maybe Sparrow could talk her into freeing her. “What’s your name?”
“Hayden. Hoyt doesn’t lie.” Hayden’s cheeks stained pink and she briskly wiped at her tears.
She would have to play her cards just right. Hayden was young, and most definitely vulnerable. If Sparrow could just get her hands free she could use her to escape. “I didn’t say he did. I think he was disoriented. Do I look like I could do that?”
Hayden studied her for a long time. “You don’t look like you could, but I know enough to realize that doesn’t mean anything.”
“Please, can I have a sip of water?” Sparrow pleaded, hoping she sounded pathetic enough to get her way.
Hayden sighed, “Okay. I’ll be right back.” She left and returned a moment later with a bottle, which she uncapped and held to Sparrow’s lips. Sparrow drank greedily, savoring each drop. When she’d gotten enough, she nodded and Hayden set the bottle aside.
“What happened to your head?” Hayden indicated Sparrow’s temple.
I was rash and stupid and almost got away. “I fell and met the wrong end of a rock.”
Hayden winced and Sparrow felt an inkling of hope. The girl seemed sympathetic enough. “Hayden, I haven’t gotten to pee since yesterday. Any way you could take me to the bathroom?” Maybe this could be her way out.
She backed up immediately, and Sparrow knew she’d pushed too fast. “No. I can’t. I’ll get Jared.”
“No! Wait. Don’t get him.”
“Why not? I’m sure he’d let you go to the restroom.” Hayden hovered near the bed, leaning toward the door.
Come on, Sparrow think. Why would she not want him to take her there? “I-I can’t go in front of him.” Sparrow did her best to look frightened and embarrassed.
And it worked. Hayden approached the bed again and Sparrow’s heart leapt into her throat.
“I’m sure he’d give you privacy. He’s really not a bad guy.”
Sparrow shook her head, “No, he wouldn’t. He made me go in the woods with him standing there.” She held back her snort—as if she’d cared. When Mother Nature called, you answered. Plain and simple.
Sparrow chanced a peek to see Hayden put her hand around her throat, her stance shifting from foot to foot. Time to drive i
t home.
“Please, I was so mortified. I’ve never done that before, ever. I-I-I don’t think I can take it.” Sparrow squeezed her eyes shut and turned her head, as if fighting back tears.
“Oh, no. I don’t know. He’d kill me if I untied you. I mean…”
“No, I wouldn’t kill you. But I’d be fucking pissed.” Jared’s deep voice startled them both. Sparrow jerked around to look at the door and Hayden jumped a clear foot.
“Hayden, didn’t I warn you to stay out of here?” Jared walked into the room and took Hayden’s hand. A wave of jealousy overtook Sparrow. What was she to him anyway?
“I’m sorry. I just had to see for myself.” Hayden glanced at her then back to Jared. “I’m not so sure she could have done it, Jared. She’s so petite.”
Jared cupped Hayden’s cheek and it was all Sparrow could do not to scream. He obviously felt something for the girl. His touch was too familiar. Too gentle. Dammit, why did she care if he was in love with another woman? He certainly didn’t seem to care too much for her.
“She may be, but she’s deadly.”
“No, Hayden, you’re right. There is no way I could have done that to a grown man,” Sparrow said.
“Shut up,” Jared snapped and then turned to look at the beautiful blonde. Sparrow saw red.
“Go on back to my brother’s room. I’ll be there in just a minute,” Jared said, gentling his voice.
Hayden bit her lip and looked at Sparrow again.
“Don’t leave me alone with him, please!” Sparrow asked.
“Enough! Hayden, get out of here. I’ll deal with her.”
Tears appeared in the girl’s eyes and she ran from the room. Sparrow watched in sorrow as her one chance at possible escape slipped away.
“You took advantage of her,” Jared shut the door and then came to tower over her. He’d showered and changed clothes, his clean scent filling her nostrils.
“Can you blame me? She was an easy mark, plus, you haven’t really left me a choice have you? I’m not going to just lay here and let you hurt me.”
Jared put his knee on the bed next to her and the mattress dipped under his weight. “Who said I was going to hurt you?” He placed a hand on her exposed knee and traced it lightly up her thigh. Chills raced after his touch and Sparrow clenched her jaw, fighting the sensation.
“You did. Many times.”
Jared switched to her other leg, tracing just high enough for her to feel the heat from his hand near her core, but stopping before he actually touched her there. He repeated the motion, softly caressing her thighs and barely avoiding her core. “I was angry.”
He lifted the hem of her shirt, exposing her belly. Sparrow started to shake. “What are you doing?”
“I’m touching you.” He continued with the light circles around her navel. She sucked in, hollowing out her stomach in an attempt to escape his touch.
“Stop. I don’t want this,” Sparrow said.
“Then why are there goose bumps across your skin?” Jared continued.
“I’m cold.” That was a lie. His fingers were setting her on fire.
“Maybe you would like a hot bath to warm you up?” Jared held her gaze.
A bath would be heaven on earth. She was coated in dirt and sticks and dried blood. She could almost imagine how terrible she looked and smelled. But why would he offer her such a luxury? “What do you want?”
“I want your cooperation. I will untie you and let you take a bath if you promise not to try and run.” Jared continued to caress her belly, sending little waves of pleasure rippling over her flesh.
Sparrow licked her dry lips. “That’s it? Just promise not to run? Done. Now untie me.”
Jared’s smile was too secretive, too knowing as he stood and untied her feet and then her hands. Tingles of blood flow licked her fingers when she finally lowered them. Jared helped her up, but he left her hands tied together. When her feet were on the floor, Sparrow said, “My hands.”
“Of course.” Jared produced a knife from his pocket and Sparrow gasped when she saw it was hers. He cut through her bindings and tucked it back in his pants.
“That’s mine.” Sparrow gingerly rubbed her wrists.
“Spoils of war. Come on.” Jared led her through the connecting door. Sparrow did a quick scan of his room—the exit door was shut and shutters were drawn over the single window. “They are all locked, and I have the key.” He propelled her past a large bed with a beautiful but worn quilt and led her into a bathroom as big as her living room.
Sparrow let out a low whistle. “Fancy.”
“I’ve already run your bath. I didn’t have any women’s clothes so I laid out another one of my shirts.”
A black shirt lay folded in a square on top of a long gleaming vanity. There was a towel and cloth beside it. Sparrow walked over to the vanity and ran her hands over the shiny surface. She nearly squealed when she saw the bath tub.
“The toilet is through the door there.” Jared indicated a smaller door in the corner and Sparrow rushed to it, slamming it closed behind her. Once she had emptied her over full bladder, she emerged into an empty bathroom.
Holy crap, he had really meant it. She could have a bath in this real live movie star tub. Sparrow shucked her shirt and panties in record time. She dipped a finger in the water and almost cried. It was steaming hot and perfect. She stepped in, careful to hold on to the high sides, and sat, submerging herself up to her chest.
Nothing in her life had ever felt this good.
Sparrow closed her eyes and leaned back. Thoughts of Jared intruded on her peace. Why was he softening? Had Hoyt woke? She ruthlessly pushed the thoughts away, greedily wanting to relish every second. When the water started to turn tepid, Sparrow dunked her head beneath the water and grabbed a bottle of shampoo off the shelf behind the tub. She quickly washed her hair, savoring the sweet smelling shampoo. Then she grabbed the cloth and washed her body, frowning when she got to her dirty feet. No wonder Jared had wanted her to have a bath; she was filthy.
The tub was so deep, she had to stand to wash the rest of her body. Sparrow grimaced when she skimmed her hands over her bruised hip. She was lucky that it was the worst of her injuries, of course. She could have easily broken her bones in that fall.
“Now, that is a beautiful sight.” Jared’s voice filled the bathroom and Sparrow fought the urge to dive under the cover of water.
“So much for a peaceful bath.”
He scanned her from top to bottom and lingered on her hips. He strode forward and reached for her. Sparrow plopped down in the water, not ready to give up her safe haven yet.
“Your hip looks worse.”
She shrugged. “I don’t feel a thing.”
Jared sighed and a look of resignation crossed his features. In the bright light of the bathroom, she could see the lines of fatigue and worry etched around his eyes and mouth. He’d trimmed his beard, leaving only a dark sexy shadow covering his jaw. “How’s your head?”
She’d almost forgotten about that. The pounding and the headache had eased earlier today. “Terrible.”
“That was a stupid move on your part.” He backed up, leaned against the counter and crossed his ankles.
“More like desperate.” It had broken her to think he’d taken her virginity without feeling anything for her, that she’d let this man use her.
Jared made a sound close to a growl. “You will not ever do that again, do you understand?”
Sparrow dropped the cloth into the tub, knowing her time was over. “Can you just go, please, so I can dry off?”
He shook his head slowly from side to side. “I think I’d rather stay.”
The thought of performing such an intimate act in front of him filled her with embarrassment and longing. But when he arched an eyebrow, daring her to protest, her back stiffened. If he thought she’d cower from showing a little skin, he had another thing coming. Sparrow placed her hand on the rim of the tub and stood, making sure to take her sweet
time stepping over the edge and onto the fur rug on the floor.
Sparrow sauntered over to the towel he’d left out, making sure to bend a little more than necessary to grab it. Sparrow Pickney cowered from no man.
Chapter 26
Sparrow bent over to grab the towel, and all the oxygen seeped from the room. Any thoughts Jared might have possessed about embarrassing her evaporated. The girl was shameless, and fuck all, he loved it.
When she turned and began drying off, her movements sensual, he rubbed a hand over his mouth, fighting to keep the groan inside. All the blood rushed from his head straight into his cock. She was an enigma. He’d taken her virginity, proof she’d never experienced another man’s intimate touch, and yet she moved like a seductress. Punishing him by turning his plans on him. Before he knew it, Jared was crossing the room, his feet taking him to her of their own accord.
When he finally stood before her, she clutched the towel between them, and it was then he saw her hands shake. Not so bold after all.
Her hair hung long down her back, and her freshly scrubbed skin soft and silky to the touch. “You're driving me crazy.”
She stiffened. “I'm not trying to. All you have to do is release me. You’ll never have to see me again.”
“Never.” The thought of losing her now sent a wave of fear through him. She belonged with him. “You’re mine.”
He drew her to him, slamming his mouth down over hers. She gave a weak protest and then wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling him down to her. The towel fell to the floor between them, and then her naked chest was pressed into his, driving him past reason.
Jared cupped her ass, lifting her and wrapping her legs around his waist. He turned and set her on the bathroom counter, closing his lips over her nipple, his eyes sliding shut in pleasure. “We shouldn't do this, but God I want you so bad.”
She arched into him, panting. “Don't stop.”
He stood and ripped off his shirt, needing to feel her flesh against his own. “Never.”
He slipped a hand between them, and when he found her wet and hot for him he nearly came in his pants. Jared knelt before her, pushing her knees wide as he lowered his head between her legs and licked her clit with long, slow movements. Sparrow gasped, her fingers digging into his hair. Fueled by her response, he sucked her clit between his lips, lapping at her until she arched into him uncontrollably. He took her like that until she cried out and he tasted her juices as she came.
Men of Mercy: The Complete Story Page 70