David wasn’t sure what she was talking about. “Where?”
Jada looked him square in the eye, and he could see the strength that lay within her. “I want to be there when he goes to trial.”
David didn’t expect that and had no idea why she would want to put herself through that. It wasn’t going to be pretty. He had intentionally left the most gruesome details out when he spoke to Jada. If she went to the trial, she’d be lucky if she only lost a few nights’ sleep after that. He needed to discourage her from moving in that direction. Jada was stubborn, and it wasn’t going to be as easy as telling her no or that it wasn’t possible.
Once again, he’d have to use himself as an example. “Let me talk from personal experience.”
Jada looked as though she wanted to say something, but all she did was nod and wait.
“Although I have been on countless missions, I don’t sit with my comrades to hear about theirs.”
“You cannot compare the two.”
“You’re right. They’re different, but the reasoning is the same. We all have to carry our own burden, our own demons. If we start collecting them from others, they will break us. Going to listen to what that asshole did will not help you heal. All it will do is bring . . . sorrow into your life.”
“But I want to be there for those women and the families who lost their loved ones.”
He reached up, touched Jada’s cheek, and said, “You agreed to let me follow you around. You have helped the families and the women. If you hadn’t, Peckham might have continued on for years without being apprehended. So you have done your part. I have done my part. We both need to leave the rest to the legal system.”
Her eyes searched his as though she was looking for the truth. Thankfully he had spoken it. Unexpectedly, Jada leaned over and kissed him briefly before saying, “I’m sorry, David. I never knew how hard this was for you too. You’re right, neither of us should go.” She kissed him again, more gently than the first.
Although he liked the direction this was going physically, David didn’t want Jada or anyone else to view him as insensitive. And this is why I don’t talk or share my feelings. He couldn’t set her straight, because he’d finally achieved his goal. Jada seemed at peace, and he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that. Even if she thinks she’s doing it for me.
With that conversation out of the way, there was another one he wanted to explore. And it doesn’t involve much talking.
Jada leaned in closer to him as though she had the same idea as David. “Was there something else you wanted to discuss?” Jada asked seductively.
David wasn’t going to rush this. He wasn’t sure what the future held for them, but right now he’d show her what she meant to him. Moving slowly, David placed his lips on hers so delicately that Jada moaned into his mouth. Just wait, sweetheart. I’m going to have you panting.
David traced her lips with his tongue, knowing damn well it was sweet torture on them both. “Open for me, Jada. I want to taste that delicious mouth.”
She did as he asked, and as soon as his tongue entered her mouth, he knew he was a consumed man. David reached out and pulled her closer to him. He could feel her body warming through her thin dress. One I need to get off you. As his hands glided over her, Jada gripped his T-shirt and tugged as though she was trying to rip it off him.
David didn’t mind her being aggressive. In fact, he loved it. He stopped kissing her long enough to pull his shirt over his head and toss it on the floor. Instantly her delicate hands were roaming over his bare chest and igniting him. Going slow was quickly vanishing.
David needed to feel her as well, but there was no slipping his hands into that dress. It fit like a glove. He tried finding a way to slip it off, but it had no give. He whispered, “Sweetheart, I want to touch you but—”
Jada placed a finger across his lips then got off his lap. He watched as Jada reached to her right side, and he heard the familiar sound of a zipper. When she turned back toward him, she wiggled, then her dress dropped to the floor.
Perfection. Jada’s skin looked like satin, drawing him to her. He couldn’t stop looking at her. She was naked except for a white thong. “You’re beautiful.” He couldn’t pull his eyes away. “I know you hear that all the time.”
Softly, Jada answered, “Not the way you say it.”
Was it David’s imagination or was Jada blushing?
Jada reached up and pulled the clips from her hair, letting her auburn locks fall loosely around her shoulders. One batch of curls had fallen across her chest, and a taut nipple poked between the strands. David reached out and brushed it away, replacing it with his hand. As he cupped her breast, Jada closed her eyes and arched toward him.
Jada, do you know what you’re doing to me? It’s been so long. And I’ve never wanted anyone like I want you.
He wanted to take her into his mouth, but Jada’s hands had started exploring on their own. Her hands were cool against his hot flesh. Her touch was gentle as it moved from his shoulders across his chest. But when he moaned, her gentle touch turned tiger as her fingernails raked down his abs, only stopping when they encountered the waistband of his jeans.
“I think you’re overdressed.” Her voice was ragged as she licked her lips. David didn’t need to be told twice. He stood and stripped off his remaining clothes. Jada looked at him with the same hunger as he’d looked at her.
She reached out to touch him again, this time wrapping her slender fingers around his hard cock. “Sweetheart, what are you trying to do to me?”
Her eyes had darkened with need, and she licked her lips again, this time slow and seductively. “If you don’t know, I’m not doing it right.”
“You know what you’re doing, but if you don’t stop, I won’t be able to hold back.”
Jada continued to stroke him. “Good.”
“Damn, Jada. You’re driving me crazy.” He brushed her hand away and picked her up into his arms, crushing her bare breasts against his naked chest. “I want to touch you. Taste you. Make you scream my name.”
David carried her to the bed and, before laying her down, met her eyes one more time. “Are you sure about this, Jada?” She raised her hand, touched his cheek, and nodded. Laying her gently on her back, he propped himself on his elbows as not to crush her with his weight.
“God, Jada, I could look at you for hours and never grow tired of it.”
“Just look?” Jada teased.
“Absolutely not,” David said before claiming her lips. Slowly at first, he traced her lips with his tongue, teasing and encouraging her to open for him. She played coy, but he felt her tremble beneath him. As he deepened his kisses, Jada nibbled his bottom lip then slipped the tip of her tongue past his lips. Yeah, show me what you like.
He rested his weight on one side so he could explore her with a free hand. His hand ran up her thigh, over her hips, and lingered on the string of her thong. He twisted it between his fingers and tugged until it snapped. Then he went to the other hip and did the same. She moaned into his mouth and arched her back as his hand slipped between her legs. He loved knowing he could drive her crazy with such a simple touch and kiss. But he wasn’t going to stop until she begged him for release. And then begged him for another. I want to make you forget everything but my name, Jada.
His mouth left hers and trailed kisses down her neck to her collarbone. Grinding his hips and hard cock against her, showing her what effect she was having on him, he continued his descent. David finally stopped at her breast and replaced his hand with his mouth. Taking her nipple gently into his mouth, he sucked and nibbled it.
She clung to his shoulders, pulling him closer to her as she pleaded for more. “David. I need . . . more.”
He ignored her pleas and only when he thought she couldn’t take any more, he moved his attention to her other breast, repeating the process. Her breast fit perfectly in his hand, and her nipples stood erect as he flicked them with his tongue and nipped them gently with his teeth.
He trailed his kisses lower, first her ribcage then her flat stomach. There was no way in hell he’d be a selfish lover with her. Get ready, sweet thing, I am going to rock your world. “Open, sweetheart. I want to taste you.” David ran his finger through her wet folds. Stopping at her pink pearl, he applied a small amount of pressure as he gently drew tiny circles. When he could feel her on the brink of climaxing, he stopped the pressure then repeated the process until Jada was writhing and moaning beneath his touch.
Jada shivered as he licked her inside thigh. “David, please.”
“Here?” He rubbed his finger over her hot center.
Breathlessly she answered, “Yes.”
He made love to her with his mouth. His tongue darted in her then back up to flick her swollen pink clit.
“David,” she cried out and clawed at his shoulders as he continued his assault on her sensitive swollen nub. His tongue teased her, licking and circling it again and again until her hips were rocking toward him to take more of her into his mouth. Oh yeah. Open up to me like that.
Her moans increased and grew louder as he increased the rhythm.
“David, I can’t—”
Her body trembled. Moving, he slid a finger inside her as he sucked her clit. Her cries of pleasure echoed through the still night. “Oh God. David. It’s too much. I’ve never felt like this before.”
That’s what he wanted. To take her where she’d never been before. To make you mine.
Jada was so close, and he knew it wouldn’t take much more to send her over the edge. He inserted a second finger and stroked her intensely on the inside as well as the outside. Her body tensed, and he felt her clench around his fingers as her body shook with her release. The waves continued, and she moaned calling out his name again and again.
David left her only long enough to grab a condom from his jeans and sheath himself. When he returned, he lay on top of her, his cock resting between her legs.
She was ready for him, and he needed to be inside her. He held his cock at her entrance and stroked her folds gently. Only when she opened her eyes and looked at him would he enter her. David wanted to see the look in her eyes as their bodies joined for the first time. Never before had he wanted to look into a woman’s eyes during sex, but this wasn’t just sex. This was something much more, and everything about it was different. I want you to always remember this. God knows I’m never going to forget it.
“Sweetheart, I can’t hold back any longer,” David said, his voice almost a growl.
Jada opened wider, offering him all she had. She moaned and rocked against him, enticing him for more. As he entered, he fought the urge not to plunge deep into her. He ached to feel her wrapped around him, but he wanted her to enjoy this as much as he was.
Once his cock was inside, and Jada adjusted to him, he began moving slowly before he withdrew and then thrust deeper into her. “God, Jada, you feel . . . amazing.”
She moaned, and her hands pulled at him, begging for more. David wanted to give her all of him. He reached a hand between them, his thumb finding her clit as he thrust into her again. Her body hadn’t recovered from the first wave before he was bringing her yet another. Each time he entered her more deeply than the time before while paying such sweet attention to her clit. Jada moaned even louder and tossed wildly beneath him. He brought her to the edge again and again.
“Yes, sweetheart. Give me all you have.”
David increased his momentum, barely able to contain his own climax, and when he thought she couldn’t take anymore, he felt her body tighten around him.
Jada’s cries were muffled by his own as the room echoed the sounds of their pleasure.
“Oh, Jada.” His body went rigid as he felt himself explode deep within her. Oh, God. When the wave of the climax ended, he collapsed on her, her arms wrapped around him.
Lying on the bed, both panting, David rolled over, taking Jada with him. He was drained, and he couldn’t open his eyes as their sweat-covered bodies entwined, and their breathing struggled to slow. It took a few moments, but eventually, they found themselves able to lie quietly, holding each other, neither of them wanting to let go.
Jada’s fingers slowly made their way up his chest, and her hand rested on his cheek. “Now that was one hell of a conversation.”
Her statement reminded David that they actually never talked about how they felt about each other. Maybe we don’t have to. Maybe this is enough for now.
David rolled her over, so he lay on top of her once again. Looking into her beautiful eyes, he knew this was where he wanted to be. It’s where he wished he could stay. But they both knew that was impossible. We’ll deal with that tomorrow.
He gave Jada a dashing smile and said, “I’m sure there are certain things I should reiterate in that conversation.” He gave her neck a little nip and said, “I’ll start here.”
A combination of a moan and a giggle escaped Jada as her arms came around his neck, bringing him closer to her once again. And this is gonna be a long conversation. Or three.
Chapter Ten
‡
David wasn’t normally a late sleeper, so to find Jada had been able to slip from the bed without him noticing was unusual. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone into such a deep slumber or waking so refreshed. But he wasn’t going to stay in bed and wonder where his little angel had disappeared to.
Throwing the blanket off, David got up and checked to see if she was in the bathroom. He didn’t hear water running, but if she were soaking in a tub, he would be more than happy to join her. Unfortunately, she wasn’t there either. He shouldn’t worry because she was here for business, not pleasure. Although, there was a lot of pleasure last night.
David had his own work that needed attention, so he quickly showered and dressed. He had offered to meet up with Rafe and the others, but Gabe had yet to reach out to him with the details. No one had to say anything, but David knew his brother was trying to give him some time alone with Jada. Gabe had a knack of picking up on things like that. It was annoying, but David had to admit he appreciated it. That didn’t mean he wasn’t thinking about how the others were faring on their mission.
Before reaching out to Gabe for a status update, he had to fulfill a promise he had made to Paul. He didn’t want Paul wondering if Jada was okay, but he wasn’t going to say how he helped her work through her stress. Some things don’t need to be talked about.
He dialed Paul’s number, and he answered it immediately. “Did you find her? Is she okay?” He could hear how desperate Paul had been, waiting for news.
“Yes, Jada is fine. We had a long conversation last night.” David was glad he could ease his mind without having to lie to him.
“You don’t know how glad I am to hear that; I’ve been so worried.”
Paul was probably being an overprotective father because of everything he’d recently learned about Peckham. It was a difficult time for both Paul and Jada, but he knew they were going to get through it. You guys have been through so much already. Losing someone you love in a fire must have been hell.
“No need to worry, Paul. Jada is a strong woman, and she will get through this. You both will.”
He heard Paul yawn over the phone. “Since I’ve heard from you, and I know Jada is okay, I’m going to bed. And I might sleep for a week. I’m getting too old for this crap. Tell her I’ll call her later.”
David slipped his phone into his pocket. Paul may be in his sixties, but David would not call him old. But he knew exactly what Paul meant. Knowing Jada was safe and lying in his arms had relaxed David more than he ever remembered. Even more than relaxing at the cabin.
That was a shocking revelation, as the cabin had been his only safe haven for a few years now. It didn’t scare him; it confused him. Being tense and in a state of readiness was how he lived his life. Was he able to change? Do I want to? He knew if he became too soft and comfortable, he wouldn’t be effective in the field.
If he doubted
that for a moment, it was confirmed by his actions this morning. David’s first thought this morning was of Jada, not his team or his brothers. Jada was no longer an assignment. David’s reason for being there was personal. He could try to deny it or rationalize he was still needed, but the need was not what it had been before. He needed something real. I’m not even sure what that is anymore.
Whether he liked it or not, being around Jada changed him. But nothing would change him to the point that he couldn’t do his job. Still, he wanted to enjoy every second he spent with Jada.
David walked over to the table where some papers were out in the open. He didn’t consider it snooping. If Jada didn’t want them read she would’ve put them away. They were a printout sent from her manager. There had been a change in her itinerary, and she was required to have breakfast with a client. That explained where she was. He scanned her agenda for the remainder of the day, seeing her manager had booked back-to-back engagements. I guess I’m not the only one who can’t stop working.
Although he wanted to spend the day with Jada in his arms, now he’d be able to concentrate on his work guilt free. Before he could pull his phone out of his pocket, it vibrated.
“What’s up, Gabe?”
Gabe’s voice was not light and lacked the humor it normally held. “We need you packed and ready. The chopper will pick you up within the hour.”
Gabe never spoke like this. Something had gone wrong. “What happened?”
There was a pause before Gabe finally replied, “There was an explosion. An IED.”
Fuck! David hadn’t been brought up to speed on where Turchetta’s Promise was and what their mission was. They kept each other on a need-to-know basis, no different than how it had been handled when they were in the military. They had each other’s back, but they also trusted each other to do their jobs. For David that meant protecting Jada. When that ended, his ass should have been with his team.
“Injuries?” David wasn’t going to ask or even think about fatalities. But if there were, he knew it would be his fault for not going when he should have.
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