Men in Charge: A Contemporary Romance Box Set

by Natasha L. Black

  I had barely managed to catch my breath when he started a slow perusal up my body with his tongue. He reached up, sliding his hands under me and quickly unclasping my bra and pulling it away. His tongue moved to my breasts, sucking and nibbling on my nipples as his hands slid up my sides. I put my hands on his back, my nails scouring down the strong, corded muscles. He moved up my body, covering me with his own, his weight pushing me into the mattress.

  When his mouth moved over mine, I wrapped my legs around his waist, anxious to feel him inside me. I squeezed him against me, giving him a clear idea of what I wanted.

  “I’ve been wanting to do that for so long,” he rasped. “You taste so sweet.”

  I smiled, moaning as he used his hands to guide his dick to my core. He slowly pushed the tip of his cock inside me. I held my breath, letting my body adjust as he thrust once and then again, fully seating himself inside me.

  “You’re so tight I want to come the second I squeeze into you,” he said.

  “You promised,” I gasped when he moved his hips to the right and then the left.

  “I promised what?”

  I moaned when he delivered another powerful hip thrust.

  “What did I promise?” he asked again in a low, gravelly voice.

  “Fuck me,” I moaned.

  “Oh, I’m going to fuck you,” he said, his mouth covering mine, his tongue plunging deep, tickling my tonsils as his dick reached deeper inside me. I whimpered. He immediately pulled away.

  “No!” I cried out. “Don’t stop. Don’t stop,” I demanded, slapping my hand against his back.

  He went up on his hands, holding his weight off me, at looked down the length of my body to where his dick was sliding in and out of me. He rocked in and out. I leaned forward, wanting to watch the magic happen. Watching his thick cock stretch me as he pushed in was wildly erotic. I felt brazen and daring and wanted to experience all there was to know about sex with him. He made me feel safe. I knew he would never hurt me.

  “Scoot up and hold on,” he demanded, his blue eyes piercing mine.

  I wiggled backward on the bed, his body following mine, staying firmly planted inside. He began slowly pushing in and pulling out, raking across my swollen clit, teasing me into a wild frenzy. I reached up and ran my hands over his tatted chest before digging my nails in.

  “Fuck!” he cried out, his speed increasing along with the force of the thrusts. He was driving into me, pushing me higher up the bed until I felt the wooden headboard pressing against my head. I used my heels to dig in and power back against him, matching him thrust for thrust.

  “More!” I cried out, racing toward the finish line, loving the force with which he was taking me there.

  My body exploded around him, my back arching and bowing as he continued to pound into me, my head bouncing off the headboard. He rolled to his back, taking me with him as if I weighed nothing more than a feather.

  “I can’t get enough of you,” he said, his breathing heavy as he scooted down the bed, sitting up on the edge with me straddling him.

  “I feel the same way,” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck as he buried his face between my breasts. “I’m addicted. You are the worst kind of drug.”

  I dropped my head back, lifting my tits with the movement, giving him complete and total access to move over me with his mouth. He reached behind me, gently pulling my hair as he sucked one nipple deep into his mouth before using his teeth to nip at me.

  I jerked forward, my hips rocking and sucking him deeper into my body.

  “Fuck me, Michelle. Your body, I want your body all the time. You were made for me.” He mumbled the words as his mouth moved up to my ear, lavishing my neck with kisses along the way. “I can’t stop thinking about you like this with me buried inside your tight pussy.”

  I rolled into him, moving back and forth, loving the control I had. “I want to do this all the time. You feel so good inside me. I want you in me, buried to the hilt, all the time.”

  “Ride me, baby.”

  I sat forward and rode him like I was on a wild, untamed stallion, relishing the way his body bucked upward, driving higher into me. I began to lose control. I couldn’t gain a steady rhythm with my desperate, jerky moves.

  “I can’t,” I cried in frustration. “I can’t!”

  “Shhh,” he whispered, slowing my movements until I was seated on his thighs. His knuckles brushed over my breast, running down my stomach as he continued to shush me.

  I was shaking with need, so close to an orgasm, but it was hanging too far out of reach.

  “I’ve got you,” he whispered, his thumb sliding down my pelvis, coming to rest just above where we were joined.

  He started doing slow circles, finding that throbbing nub that was screaming for release.

  I moaned, dropping my head back, wanting more of that beautiful sensation his thumb was creating.

  “Like that, slow and easy,” he cooed.

  I gripped his shoulders, holding on as I leaned back. His stroked my hair before grabbing a fistful and gently pulling.

  “Oh God!” I screamed as his thumb moved faster while he pulled my hair.

  “There you go. We’re there. Go with me, baby. Come!”

  My body jerked forward as my pussy vibrated around his cock. I heard him panting as his hips moved against me before he roared with his own release. His hand dropped from my hair, allowing me to move my body against him, my arms holding him tightly to me as my convulsions milked him. I felt him jerk under me and smiled, knowing he was experiencing those same lovely aftershocks.

  I slowly climbed off him, his hands on my waist to support me, and found my clothes and dressed.

  “Never think you aren’t desirable. If you were any more desirable, I would die,” he said, grabbing me while I was pulling on my shirt and pulling me against his bare chest. He kissed the top of my head before reaching down and slapping my ass.

  I laughed and finished dressing. “I should probably get going. I want to stop at the grocery store in case Liam is home. I’m going to tell him I was running errands all day.”

  He nodded his head, pulling on his jeans. “You’ll be safe?”

  I nodded. “I’ll be okay.”

  “I’m going to call you tomorrow to check on you. What time is best?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. Can you text? I keep my phone on silent most of the time. I don’t want Liam asking me who’s calling or texting me.”

  “I understand. I’ll text and then you call me back. Don’t make me worry about you. I will show up at your door if I don’t hear from you.”

  I smiled, loving how protective he was being. “I’ll check in, probably after I drop Joey off at school.”

  He finished dressing while I pulled on my hat, tucking my hair inside once again.

  “Michelle?”

  I turned back to look at him. “Hm?”

  “Is Joey my son?”

  I felt as if I had been slapped upside the head. I wasn’t ready to tell him yet, though I was pretty sure he already knew the truth. Once we were free and away from Liam and Nick, I would tell him everything.

  I smiled, reaching down to grab my purse. “Good-bye, Elijah.”

  He gave me a strange look. I didn’t lie to him. That was a conversation that required a little more time than what I had, and it certainly wasn’t one I wanted to have minutes after mind-blowing sex.

  20

  Elijah

  After yesterday with Michelle, I was more convinced than ever that things had to change. She had always been my one and only, and I had tried to deny it for too long. It was time she knew I wasn’t going to leave without her. I called Trevor, checking in with him as I had promised. I didn’t want him to show up at my door again, ready to kick my ass for not following through with my promise.

  “I’m checking in, big papa,” I teased when he answered the phone.

  “Good. What’s going on with Michelle? Did you talk to her yesterday?” he aske
d.

  Trevor had been with me when she’d called on Monday. He was as worried about her as I was. I appreciated his concern and knew I could count on him to help me get her and our son to safety.

  “Yes, I did,” I told him, my mind going back to our talk and what it had led to. I had a feeling it would always lead to sex with her. I couldn’t seem to keep my hands off her.

  Trevor groaned. “Yeah, I bet you did. You are playing with fire, and I think I’ve made it very clear you aren’t the only one who is going to get burned. You’d think you could keep your dick in your pants long enough to get this shit straightened out.”

  “I can, but I don’t want to,” I said. “That’s none of your business anyway.”

  “It is my business because I don’t want to see you killed or that woman hurt because you two have this hot-blooded thing going on,” he shot back.

  “I know. You’re right. Things are happening fast. She wants out. That’s why she came by. I need to figure out how to make that happen in a hurry, like by the end of the week,” I said.

  “Well, shit. You want to move a mountain while we’re at it?”

  I chuckled, knowing I was trying to pull of something I had once thought impossible. Now that I knew the situation and she was on board to get out, I wasn’t going to give her the chance to change her mind.

  “You’re willing to help?”

  “Damn straight I am. Did you ask her about the boy?”

  “Yes. She didn’t say no, but she didn’t say yes. She’s holding back. I’m confident he’s mine. He has to be. I think she’s worried about how I’ll react.”

  He paused. “How are you going to react?”

  I shrugged a shoulder he couldn’t see. “I don’t know. I mean, I left, and I’m pissed that I didn’t think to check on her. I’m not mad at her for not telling me. I’m sure she has her reasons. I’m not worried about all that right now. Right now, I’m worried about their safety.”

  “Then you know what you need to do.”

  “I do.”

  “What are you waiting for?”

  I took a second to think about it. “I don’t know.”

  “Is that need for revenge still burning a hole in your gut?” he asked.

  He already knew the answer to his question. “No,” I muttered.

  “No? You mean you’ve changed your mind? Beating the shit out of someone for something they did almost ten years ago isn’t quite as important when people you love are involved, is it?” he lectured.

  Trevor had supported my decision to come down here, but I knew he didn’t like the idea. He was more of a live and let live guy when possible. He’d understood I couldn’t adopt that belief in this particular case. I’d had nothing else to live for until now. Revenge had been the one thing that had gotten me out of bed every day those first weeks and months after having my pride stripped away. I had been left raw, broken, and empty. Trevor had rebuilt me, and I had thought I’d been whole again. I hadn’t realized I’d been empty inside until I had gotten to hold Michelle in my arms again. And the kid—he had to be mine. Having a son gave me a completely different outlook on life.

  “No, it isn’t.”

  He let out a long sigh. I could practically hear the relief pouring out of him. I felt it too in some ways. Letting go of the revenge meant I needed to change my focus. How the hell was I going to get a kid and woman out of LA and disappear for good?

  “What’s the plan?” he asked.

  “I have no idea.”

  “All right, listen, I’m only telling you this because I trust you like I trust very few people.”

  “I’m listening,” I said.

  “I have a place up in the mountains. Take the kid and the woman up there while we take care of business. It’ll keep them out of harm’s way.”

  “I can’t just take them there. Her brother is connected.”

  Trevor burst into laughter. “He’s not that connected. He doesn’t know me, and he isn’t going to know where my cabin is. It’s safe.”

  “You’re right. I’m being paranoid. How do I get her out? He never lets her off the leash he’s got her on, and now that I’ve shown my hand, he’s really keeping a close eye on her.”

  “Come on, Elijah, don’t puss out. She went to you for help. You need to figure out how to get her out of there and fast. Get her and the kid to the cabin and we’ll figure out how to deal with the brother once they’re safely tucked away.”

  “Okay,” I said, taking a deep breath. “Thanks. I’ll call you tonight and let you know what the plan is. You sure you’re cool with me crashing your place?”

  He chuckled. “It’s a cabin I haven’t been to in at least a year. It isn’t like you will be imposing.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  I hung up with him and quickly sent a text to Michelle, asking if it was okay for me to call. A few seconds later she texted back.

  Five minutes.

  I noted the time, flopped back on the bed, and thought about what I needed to get done. I couldn’t very well take them to the cabin on my bike. She couldn’t drive her car. I’d need to set them up with food. Again, couldn’t exactly put it on the bike.

  I held my phone up, checked the time, and hit the button to call her.

  “Is it safe to talk?”

  “Yes. I’m alone, for now.”

  “Can we go somewhere and talk?” I asked, needing to see her.

  “Um, I can’t today,” she whispered.

  “Are you okay?” I asked, sitting up on the bed.

  I hated not being with her to protect her.

  “I’m fine. I promise,” she said, and I could tell she was smiling, which made me smile.

  “Okay then. When can I see you? It’s important.”

  “I can come to the motel tomorrow after I drop off Joey at school.”

  I was a little disappointed I had to wait. “Okay. That works. I’ll be waiting.”

  There was a brief silence.

  “I should ask you. Is everything okay? Did you run into Liam or Nick?” Her voice was hesitant.

  “No. Nothing like that. Don’t worry about me. I can handle myself,” I assured her. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” she said and hung up the phone.

  I had the day to myself. I needed to get some stuff worked out. Everything was shifting. My goal had changed, which meant I needed to rethink my plan. I didn’t want to die. I was going to do everything in my power not to die. I had to stay alive and figure shit out with Michelle. I had to be around to make sure she never had to worry about her brother again.

  I called Trevor back.

  “I’m going to talk to her tomorrow. If all goes well, we’ll be headed up there tomorrow night,” I told him.

  “Okay. I’m coming down.”

  “No. You don’t need to do that.”

  He chuckled. “Yes, I do. This shit is getting too real. You need someone at your back. I don’t like where all this is headed.”

  I thought about telling him he didn’t need to again, but he would show up anyway. “Thanks. Will I see you tonight?”

  “Yep. I’ll get my own room. The last thing I want to do is sleep in that nasty bed with your ugly ass.”

  I chuckled. “Got it.”

  “Elijah?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Get your ass to the gym. I want you focused.”

  “Trevor, I’m fine.”

  “No. Go. Get that big muscle in your skull in the game. I know you’re caught up with that woman right now but I need you focused and ready. If this goes down tomorrow, neither of us can afford for you not to be ready. Understand?”

  I sighed, knowing he was right. It wasn’t like I had a lot to do today anyway. “I’ll go.”

  “Good. Watch your back. I’ll see you tonight.”

  With everything set, I felt that familiar nervous energy I experienced before a match. Trevor was right. I needed to get to the gym, work out some aggression, and refocus my energy. I c
hanged and headed out to the gym Trevor and I had visited before.

  “You’re back.” The thin, attractive female working the counter greeted me as I walked through the door.

  “I am.” I smiled, not thrilled to be recognized.

  “Day pass or are you ready to make the plunge and sign up for a membership?” she asked, batting her fake eyelashes.

  I could flirt. I wasn’t that out of the game. “I don’t know. I don’t think I’m ready for that kind of a commitment.”

  “Guys like you never are.”

  Her comment was meant to tease. I didn’t take the bait.

  She took my cash, gave me the pass, and off I went. I wanted to keep a low profile. The underground fight rings in San Francisco didn’t typically intertwine with the ones in Los Angeles, but I couldn’t risk someone recognizing me. I wasn’t a celebrity by any means, but I had made a name for myself. I didn’t want to talk to anyone or answer any questions about what I was doing down south. I left my tank on, covering the majority of my tats, which were unique and could identify me if anyone suspected who I was.

  I got to work, keeping to myself and avoiding eye contact with everyone. I went through one set after another, paying attention to my surroundings, pushing myself to the brink of pain before moving to the treadmills.

  “You can have this one,” a tall, statuesque blond said, slowing her machine to a walk before stepping off. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around here. New?”

  I shrugged. “Passing through.”

  She boldly stared at my arms and then chest before meeting my eyes. “That’s too bad.”

  I didn’t answer. I stepped around her and used the towel around my neck to wipe the handles down, clearly insulting her. She made a face before walking away, shaking her ass as she went. She could shake it all she wanted. It didn’t compare to Michelle’s.

  After the workout, I felt ready to take on whatever Liam sent my way. Back at the motel, I showered before sitting down to make a list of non-perishable food items I could buy now to take to the cabin. I thought about the boy. He would need stuff to keep himself entertained as well. I had no idea what he liked or what he was into. Hopefully, tomorrow our plan would include time to stop off at a store to pick up items for Michelle and her son.