“Yeah, but—” Judge began.
“We can talk after we get home. You are coming to get me at Chloe’s, right?” She held her breath. He better be. She tensed.
“Yes, I’m coming to get you. No one could stop me from coming,” Judge said. “I’ll be there soon.”
When he hung up, Leslie lifted her phone. She tapped her finger on the screen and checked both John and Archer’s names. The two of them could decide who did what. She had an overly responsible man to get back in line.
He acted as if she’d been hurt. Nothing happened. He had surgery, for criminy sake. He shouldn’t take responsibility for crap that was unavoidable.
I need one of you to pick up dinner tonight. I’m going to be busy with Judge and won’t get around to cooking that fish.
She pressed send. It shouldn’t take long for one of them to respond. Even if they both happened to be too busy to take the text, they’d eventually get it.
Her cell phone went off a moment later. She glanced at the message from John.
One of us will pick something up. I’ve already talked to him about it and he understands, so you can relax. No need to be angry.
I’m not angry. That could have easily been you on a case that broke right before you got off work. She shook her head. John missed the point, too. You’re a policeman, and he’s a doctor. Unexpected delays are going to happen at times. I knew I wasn’t getting someone with a normal schedule when I realized you were my mate.
Several minutes passed. He must not have thought about that. With their respective professions, how could it not touch their lives? Yeah, a call would have been nice, but from Judge’s tone, he was already beating himself up about not being there to watch over her. He didn’t need her adding to his guilt.
Someone eased in behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see Chloe unabashedly reading the text. Her friend grinned at her before returning to her seat. Leslie sighed. She must have been deep in thought. Neither Chloe’s footsteps nor her presence had registered.
“My guess is none of them ever thought about the fact that their lives aren’t going to suddenly become calm because they’re mated. Even Tony’s schedule isn’t predictable. He gets called in on days when he was sure he had everything scheduled so that we could have a nice, relaxing day together. That’s usually when the big things happen.” Chloe leaned forward.
“When you find your mate, you’re focused on her and making her life good and keeping her safe. The details get worked out as you go,” Logan put his cup down on the counter. “Those three will work it out.”
Chapter Sixteen
The doorbell rang. Logan left the room and headed to the front of the house. Judge’s deep baritone voice rumbled. A thrill zipped through her. She straightened.
The two men strolled into the kitchen. Judge stopped in the doorway and smiled slowly at her. He held out his hand to her. His lashes lowered, half-hiding his green orbs.
She sprang up from her chair and rushed into his arms. Male musk and slight hint of rich wood filled her with every breath. She hugged him tight. Her stomach sank at that guarded look in his eyes. He shouldn’t feel bad for doing his job.
There wouldn’t be any talking sense to him in his present mood. It wouldn’t change anything. He’d work hard to make sure that it didn’t happen again. Which meant that she needed to help him out of that. So how to jolt him out of that funk?
She pressed against him and then stiffened. The cuffs in their bedside table. Maybe she could tempt him into working off some of that tension. Afterward, she’d try to get him to stop blaming himself.
“Are you ready to go, sweet cat?” Judge stroked her back.
“Yes, I am.” She nodded.
He tilted his head and gazed down at her. His eyebrows lifted. Maybe he saw something in her eyes. Wouldn’t matter. Somehow, she’d prod and tempt him until he gave in. Should she try subtle or go blatant? With his present mindset, subtle might not work.
He walked her out to his car and settled her in the passenger seat before going around to the driver’s side. She wriggled in the seat and rested back against the cushions as he strode around the car and slid in. He drove them home. She stared at him as he paid attention to traffic. She had a doctor currently on a guilt trip.
Nothing for it but to snare his attention on something else. When they arrived at the house, he searched for anyone lurking nearby, but found no one. She slipped out of the car to walk with him to the door. Her phone jingled as they neared the door. She swiped her finger to look at the text.
I understand. I’ll apologize to him when I get home.
She smiled before stuffing her phone in her purse.
She glanced over at Judge. He turned the key in the lock. Maybe he hadn’t seen the text. As soon as he pushed the door wide, she sauntered inside. Time to tempt the cat. She pulled her T-shirt over her head and tossed it away. The fabric landed on the wood floor. She reached in back of her and flicked open the clasp of her bra.
The door shut with a loud snick, followed by the click of the deadbolt sliding into place. She turned. Judge stared at her. His hands bunched. Ah, good, she had his attention. With slow deliberation, she reached down and opened her jeans.
“Now, Judge, before we get to your explanations, there’s something I’ve been wanting for a while. Do you think you can give me that?” She toed off her shoes and then eased her jeans over her hips.
She hooked her fingers under the straps of her panties. They came off with the denims. No time for a slow striptease. He might overthink if she gave him time. Hopefully, he found her naked body distracting.
“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me what it is?” He cocked his head to the side.
She laughed. Such a cautious male. “I want you to tie me up, and I want you to fuck me. Do you think you’d like to do that?”
He drew in a sharp breath and straightened. His green eyes narrowed. The brilliant color gleamed much brighter than normal. His hands clenched. She took a deep breath. His eyes followed the rise of her breasts. Oh, yeah, he wanted her.
“Yes.” Judge took a long step forward and swept her up in his arms.
She clutched at his shoulders. Butterfly wings fluttered in her stomach at the sudden change in position. He strode down the hallway. She relaxed against him. The big man was moving, and she wasn’t saying anything that might make him hesitate. He didn’t stop until he reached their room.
When he stepped inside, he lowered her to her feet. He reached down and clasped her hands drawing them over her head. Leaning in close, he kissed her before slowly scraping his teeth over her lips. She shivered. Tingles zipped straight down her body.
“Are you sure, angel? Because once I get you tied, I might decide to expand on your request.” He stretched her hands high until she had to stand on her tiptoes.
“If I didn’t want you to tie me up, I wouldn’t have asked.” She bent forward, but couldn’t get close enough for another kiss.
“Then get on the bed, while I get the rope.” He slowly lowered her until her feet rested flat on the floor.
She strolled over to the bed, putting extra sway in her hips. He might have walked over to get something, but he’d look back. He might not need it, but when he did, he’d see something to encourage him to hurry.
A soft laugh rolled through the room. She climbed onto the bed and turned onto her back. Maybe he didn’t want her in this position, but he could decide that when he returned.
He dug in a drawer on the other side of the room. His hand dipped out of view and then returned with a piece of cloth. The scarves in their drawer might have worried her if they hadn’t hinted about their interest in bondage.
She drew her palm over her stomach and up to her breast. If he was going to dawdle in his search, she’d give him something to see. She plucked at the taut bud of her nipple. Piercing sensation lanced through her. Her breath hissed through clenched teeth.
“Now, did I tell you to start playing with you
rself?” Judge strode back to the bed. “Since our headboard isn’t here, I’m going to have to improvise with securing this.”
She peered up at him and continued with her play. “You were taking too long.”
“Well, I’m here now. Stop doing my job. I’ll be ready for you in a moment, and then I’ll give you all the attention you need.” Judge knelt by the top of the bed and began working with the scarves he brought with him.
She rolled onto her side and stared at him. He twisted and tugged for a moment before he brought one end of the scarf onto the bed. She continued tormenting the hardened nub. She held back a small moan.
“You are sorely in need of some discipline.” He shook his head as he straightened. “I’m going to pull you a little closer and secure both of your wrists. If you get scared and want me to stop, say ‘cat.’ Understand?”
“Yes, I understand. I say ‘cat’ if I want you to stop, but it won’t happen. I want you to tie me up and make me scream in pleasure. Now, get to it, or we’re going to still be talking about it when the others get home. While I look forward to playing with them, I want this time with you.” She lifted one of her hands before he could reach for it. Her eyes locked with his. She was a full participant in this.
He took her wrist and secured the fabric around it. He grabbed the other brought it over her head. With quick, practiced movements, he secured her wrist. He took a moment more before he grazed her skin. The bindings tightened. She tried to bring her arms down, but couldn’t move beyond a few inches. Her heartbeat quickened, but she took a couple deep breaths.
“Now, I get to play.” He straightened and walked around the bed.
She watched him strip out of his clothes. His shirt slid off his shoulders first and hit the floor. Golden skin gleamed in the light. A thrill jumped over her fingers. So much skin to play with and explore. A pang shot through her. And she couldn’t even touch him.
“I need to heat you up a little before I deal with your lack of discipline.” Judge crawled onto the bed.
He spread her thighs and eased in between them. Her breath caught. She lowered her lashes and licked her lips. Please. She clenched her jaw to hold back the plea.
He brushed his fingertips over the lips of her pussy back and forth. Fuck. He was settling in to play. She widened her thighs. Maybe she could tempt him to speed things up.
“You are an impatient woman, but maybe I’ll give you what you want.” He smiled.
Smugness and anticipation gleamed in that smile. Her stomach flipped. Judge was up to something. What did he plan? He drew his fingers over the lips and pushed between them. When he grazed her clit, her concentration broke.
With slow, firm pressure, he stroked her clit. She drew in a shaky breath. Her stomach tightened. She twisted and arched. He feathered nipping kisses over her stomach. The ache built, rising to a higher level. More. Her feet moved restlessly on the bed.
He drew his fingers down, pushing two of them into her. Her inner muscles clenched. She lifted her hips. His thumb settled over her clit. She gasped as heat seared over her.
He shuttled the digits back and forth inside her. Not on his fingers. She clamped her thighs around his body, struggling to increase the fullness. His cock would feel her so much better. She clenched her fists and tightened her muscles, fighting against the urge even as her hips bucked upward. Not without him.
“Judge, now, I need you now.” She strained upward. Small shivers ripped over her body.
“I believe I told you that you needed some discipline. I’m going to roll you onto your stomach.” He eased from between her thighs and leaned forward to loosen the ropes.
He loomed over her for a moment before he grasped her hips and flipped her over. Her head spun. She exhaled and stared at the blue blanket beneath her. He lifted her onto her knees, guiding her closer to the top of the bed. With her elbows braced, she glanced back as he moved in closer. She frowned. He wasn’t right behind her. She tensed and swiveled her head to the other side. He’d moved to the left side.
“For playing with your breasts when I told you to stop, you’ve earned three swats, and then I’ll decide if you need more.” He raised his hand and it came down on the curve of her buttocks.
A sting flared across the curve of her buttocks. She gasped. The prickling sensation spread and morphed into warmth. She trembled. The ache throbbed low in her belly and flared to a higher level. Fuck. Damn, she hadn’t expected that.
Another smack fell. Prickles danced over her skin, and the heat spread within her. Her breath caught. A long moment passed. Her muscles tensed. Where was he going to touch her this time? His palm wandered over the rounded curve, skimmed over her thigh, and between her legs. She trembled.
He flicked her clit once, before grazing his finger over the taut bud again. Her muscles clenched. He pulled back. A pang shot through her. No, not yet. She cried out and rocked back, trying to force his hand back to her mound. His palm smacked against her buttocks. She drew in a shaky breath. Tremors ran over her body. Another swat landed.
She drew in a swift breath. Fuck. That was more than three. The bed rocked and dipped. She glanced back. He eased in behind her. Her breath locked in her throat and her body tightened. Finally.
His cock nudged her entrance. Her inner muscles tightened. She pressed back into him. He gripped her hips as his shaft slid all the way into her.
He drew back bit by bit. Sparks flared within her. She shook her head. She couldn’t do slowly. Not after the way he’d heated her up.
“Judge, faster.” She tried to sway, but his grip tightened, holding her in place.
“Patience.” He drew back and rocked into her.
The gentle glide back and forth tightened the knot within her. Her heart pounded against her ribs. She trembled on the edge, but hung there, unable to tumble over.
He drew back again. She clutched the covers. Too slow. Tension pulsed through her. He sank deep. She groaned and tensed, but couldn’t move in his hold. He had to go faster.
A harsh rumble rolled from him. His hips punched forward. She gasped and quivered. He pulled out and drove forward again and again. With each surge of his hips, she shoved back against him.
He slipped his hand under her, and a finger settled over her clit. Her chest tightened. His finger drew over the sensitive bud. The pressure burst. She went right over the edge. Shudders ripped over her body, the pleasure battering her.
He leaned in as his hips lurched against her. His lips brushed over her shoulder. The tickling sensation buzzed over her skin. His teeth sank deep. She tensed and sucked in a hissing breath.
With a harsh rumble, he came. His warm body rested over hers. Her arms trembled, and she barely held up her own weight. Oh my God, almost the most intense ever. He braced on one hand beside her. She lowered her head as she gulped in air. That had so been worth it.
Judge exhaled. He stroked her back and shoulder. He pulled back, and his cock slid free from her. Tingles rippled over her. She shivered.
He eased to the side and reached up. He worked at the knots until they loosened and fell away. She flexed her fingers. He eased them back down onto the bed. She snuggled into him. His warmth surrounded her, soothing and relaxing her.
“All right. Are you ready to listen to my apology?” Judge turned her to face him. A frown pulled his lips down.
“No, I already told you that it was unavoidable. You do not have a regular job. Tell me why being late one time upsets you so much.” She rested her head on her arm and stared at him.
He drew in a deep breath. “I’m a doctor. Do you know how many doctors I know who have lost their families because they’re never at home? Some of the women I dated complained because I had to cut dates short or cancel on almost no notice whatsoever. They said I had no time for them.”
“Judge, I don’t worry about that with you. You make time for your brothers, and I’ve seen you do it with me. You know what matters.” She patted his chest. A pang shot through her. He shouldn’
t be so hard on himself. “Yes, there might be times when you’re gone and I wish you were here, but the same could be said for any of us.”
“But what if I get too caught up in work?” Judge rubbed his hand across the back of his neck. “I’m starting a practice and will probably have another person joining soon. That’s going to cause some chaos.”
“We’ll talk to you about it.” She sighed. He was borrowing trouble where there wasn’t any right now. “Judge, I might someday start a business of my own. Would you give up on me because I worked late?”
“No, I wouldn’t give you up for anything.” Judge brushed his fingers over her cheek.
“And I’m not giving up on you because you don’t have a normal schedule. We’ll make it work. If you’re overwhelmed with your job, we’ll find a way to help you get through it.” She moved over until they were nose to nose. “You are my mate. Nothing will change that.”
“And if you have an attitude about us helping you, well, Archer and I can help you adjust that really fast.” John’s voice sounded from the doorway. “If you’d like, I can give you a little alteration right now.”
Judge nodded. “Not necessary. I much prefer her hands on me.”
“We all do.” Archer stepped up beside John. Then he glanced significantly at John. “But you aren’t the only one who will probably need to be reminded about priorities.”
“He’s probably right about that.” John nodded and exhaled loudly. “I owe you an apology though, Judge. I jumped down your throat about not calling or coming when you said you would, but that could have easily been me. I would like you to try to remember to call if you think you might be late or have someone call if things become more difficult unexpectedly.”
“No need to apologize. I understand why you did it. You were worried that she might have been vulnerable. And that’s part of what worries me about my hectic schedule. Right now, we need to focus on keeping her safe while you and your men figure out who is behind all this.” Judge tugged her close.
Catching Her Mates Page 15