by Bobbi Brattz
“Is that all you can think about? Sex?”
“Pretty much, but that’s not why I want you in the bedroom. What I do want is to keep you safe until we catch the bastard. He could be watching you right now.”
Suddenly, her heart began to race, fear striking fast. She allowed Van to lead her out of the pool, peeking over her shoulder. The tiny bikini she wore didn’t hide much. The thought of the arsonist watching her sent chills up her spine.
Van threw a towel at her.
“Dry off and go to our room. I’ll be there shortly.”
Wanting to get out of sight, she walked with her head held high into the house, ignoring Van. She’d be damned if she’d listen to him, so instead, she headed into the kitchen for a drink. He was right on her tail, not giving her a moment to herself.
“Hurry up.”
“Van, if you don’t back off, I’m going to—I don’t know, but it will hurt!”
She saw that he was trying to bite back a grin and narrowed her eyes.
“Get away from me.”
Layla turned her back on him and searched in the fridge for something to drink. She made sure to take her time, doing it to annoy him. Before she could pick something, he took her arm and slammed the fridge door shut, throwing her over his shoulder and carrying her through the house. She shrieked and pounded his back, but was unable to stop him. The office door was open, and everyone watched as he took her to their bedroom, ignoring anyone who spoke up.
Taking her to the bed, he dropped her on the mattress and followed her, his eyes filled with fiery sparks as he pinned her down.
“Stop acting like a child, and I won’t treat you like one. When I tell you to do something, it isn’t because I want to control you. It’s because I’m scared to death that your stalker will do something to you. It’s your life that I fear losing. Now get over the attitude, and do as you’re told, Layla.”
Instead of being completely furious with him, she began to squirm beneath him, thrilled at having his hard body weighing her down. She tried not to moan with pleasure as he hardened against her belly. She couldn’t deny that she wanted him.
His scent was driving her to distraction, the musk turning her on. His eyes bored into hers, the usually sky blue turning cobalt as his passion rose.
“Let me—”
His mouth came down and seized hers, his lips hard and soft at the same time. His tongue pressed against her teeth and found access to hers, sliding alongside her tongue and teasing a response out of her. Now she moaned, unable to help herself.
The door opened and she froze in place, but it was Logan with the wine.
“Almost missed it again,” he said, his tone jovial.
Without skipping a beat, Van continued his sweet assault, keeping her enthralled, and unable to fight. She lost all thought of escaping, such was his skill.
She heard Logan pouring the wine and tried to come up for air, but Van wouldn’t release her. He pulled the strings on her bikini and stripped her down, his mouth never leaving hers. With one smooth move, he entered her, thrusting home in seconds.
A wild cry like a bobcat ripped out of her throat, the thrill of him filling her almost too much to bear. She lost herself in the moment, unable to think past his touch.
Gone was the gentle, quiet man, and in his place was the man she wanted, someone who didn’t take no for an answer. He was everything she desired in a man and more. Digging her fingertips into his back, she pulled him closer still. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Logan had undressed and was stroking his hard cock, the look on his face full of heat.
Van set a rhythm that she played to the hilt, her core screaming with relief as he filled her. She couldn’t hold on much longer, but he seemed to be far from satisfied with her. When she climaxed, she fell off the precipice alone, lost in the world of raw release. As soon as she returned to the land of the living, he brought her close again before the contractions stopped. He pushed her until she was about to come apart at the seams, and then finally, he thrust harder and faster, pumping his release into her until she milked him dry.
Instead of collapsing beside her, he stood up and walked to the washroom, ignoring her. Logan watched with a curious expression then turned to Layla.
“Are you ready for me, my sweet?” he asked, grinning like a fool.
“Lie down on the bed, buster. I have a lesson to teach you,” she said, her voice low and sexy. She watched his aqua-green eyes light up as he climbed up on the bed. He watched her as though afraid she’d disappear on him.
Layla ran her fingers through his blond locks, tugging on his hair. She grinned as she pushed him down on the bed, mounting him immediately.
“I want you to be a bad boy for me,” she murmured. “I’m tired of being a good girl.”
“Anything you want, sweetie, is fine with me. God, you’re tight. I love being inside you.”
“Talk dirty to me, Logan. I want you to treat me badly.”
He looked surprised at first, and then he acted the part, spinning their bodies around so that she was on the bottom.
“I want to be on top.”
“Not this time, babe. I’m going to fuck you my way, and that says I’m the boss. Be prepared for me, my cock deep within you. Is that how you want me to be?”
“Yes, Logan. I want you just the way you’re acting. Spank me, too.”
He sat up a bit, placing her ankles over his shoulders and thrusting deeper within her. She cried out, waiting for more. When he spanked her, one cheek at a time, she felt her core react like a flock of birds taking flight. Layla was in her glory, sucking him in deeper with her Kegel muscles.
“Try this,” Van said, handing Logan a short leather whip.
“Thanks. I think our girl here wants more than a smack. Let’s try it.”
He began whipping her ass as gently as he could until she yelled, “Harder! I want more.”
Logan looked over at Van, who’d fisted his own cock and slowly moved his hand up and down until he was hard as a rock once again.
“Give her what she asks for, my friend.”
“All right, but let me know when you’ve had too much.”
“Shut up, Logan. Now do it!”
She gasped when he struck her ass cheek, the whip stinging as she pulled him deeper. She’d never wanted to be spanked until Van had done it to her. Now it was all she could think about. No more a meek girl, Layla was now a full grown woman with needs. She didn’t want sweet and gentle anymore. Each time the whip struck, she pulled at his cock with her muscles, begging for more.
When Logan and Layla came together, she cried out, reaching a peak she’d never experienced before. With Van watching, she felt wanton and wicked, and she liked it that way.
Together, they collapsed, panting as one. Lying on the bed in a tangle of legs and arms, Logan and Layla began laughing.
“Ouch, my ass is on fire.” With one hand, she rubbed at the tender skin, loving the feel of the heat beneath her fingers.
“I’d like to turn you over my knee and keep spanking you, young lady. You’ve been very naughty tonight.” Van cupped her cheek, running the pad of his thumb over kiss-swollen lips.
She’d never felt so beautiful before, but when they looked at her, she knew she was, in their eyes.
“Time for a drink of wine, and then we’ll see what comes up next,” he murmured, bending over to kiss her. He gave her a gentle, sweet kiss this time.
“You see, sometimes it’s best to take it slow and savor the moment.”
He sat up and handed them each a glass of wine.
“Here’s to Layla, a wanton newly born. We have plenty more to work on tonight, honey, so rest while you can.”
She watched them both while she took a sip of wine then spoke, her voice low and husky with passion. “I can’t wait.”
Chapter Eleven:
Fire Bait
After a long night of lovemaking, Layla was anything but exhausted. She’d kept pace with both Van and Logan and even surp
assed them at times. Proud of herself, she snuggled back into their bodies, spooning with Van behind her and Logan in front. She couldn’t calm her mind enough to sleep, tickling Logan with the tips of her fingers as she ran them down his spine.
“My God, the woman is insatiable.” He groaned.
Van murmured, “We’ve created a sex monster.”
“Who created who?” She laughed, continuing her mischievousness at Logan’s expense.
Suddenly, someone began banging on the door, shouting, “Fire near the beach!”
Logan was the first to leap from the bed, throwing his clothes on in record time before either Layla or Van could get dressed.
“You’re staying here,” Van growled. “We can’t keep an eye on you and do our jobs at the same time.”
“Like hell. I’m coming with you.”
An expression of exasperation on his face, Van shouted at her, “I said you’re staying here—look, why don’t you stay with Rae. She’ll keep an eye on you.”
“I don’t need anyone to—”
His eyes hardened to chips of stone. “There’s no time for arguments! Do as you’re told.”
Both men left the room in a rush, Van slamming the door behind him.
In seconds she was right behind them, racing to catch up. When Van turned around and stopped in his tracks, she bounced off his hard chest, surprised at his sudden halt.
“I said you’re staying here!”
“I’ll be with her,” Rae said, giving Layla a warning shake of her head.
“Fine, but you can’t hide me forever.”
Van gave Rae a look of desperation and ran to catch up with Logan and Mateo.
“We can’t stay here and not help,” Layla grumbled.
“Yes, we can. Don’t you see? This would be the perfect time for the arsonist to strike. He’s set the fire, now he lies in wait for you. Please, listen to reason, Layla.”
Blowing out a deep breath of frustration, Layla stopped fighting the inevitable.
“I’m sorry, Rae. It’s just that I can’t stand waiting around for things to happen. I want to help.”
“Then help me. We’re going to need to make coffee and sandwiches for the firefighters and police.”
“What are you talking about? Are up planning a picnic?”
“Look, they’re going to be working hard for who knows how long? The least we can do is provide food and beverages to keep them going. Mateo said it’s the hut where you and Kona keep your tools.”
Eyes widening with shock, she tried to get past Rae and run to the door, but she grabbed Layla’s arm.
“It’s too late to save anything. Do you understand? Nothing is more important than your life.” Shaking her, Rae stopped her headlong flight.
Layla fought back tears. “You’re right, I know, but now Van and Logan are in danger. What if the stalker harms them? I’ll die, Rae. It will be my fault.”
“Come with me. We can see the beach from the patio if we stand on chairs. At least we can watch what’s happening from here.
Together, they rushed to the patio and climbed up on the chairs to see the fire. Thick, billowing black smoke rose, tarnishing the beauty of the scene. Layla bit her knuckle, shocked at how deeply she felt for Van and Logan, her two men.
“Talk to me,” Rae said, taking Layla’s hand in hers. “Tell me about your relationship with your men.”
Nearly forgetting about the crisis, she smiled, her heart filled with love for them both. As they watched the flames rise in the distance, Layla talked about her experiences.
“They were amazing. I’ve never felt so safe before, and never so loved. When they touch me, I turn into a ball of flames. I’m so glad you and Tara told me about what you’d enjoyed. I’m ready for more ideas,” she said, laughing aloud.
Rae laughed with her. “You do seem a lot brighter today. It really does lift your spirits, doesn’t it?”
“I’ve never felt so good in my life.”
A sudden boom made both of them jump.
“Oh, my God!” Layla cried, stepping down from the chair. “The guys are there. It must be the canisters of kerosene we have stored in the hut. They could be hurt or worse. I have to go to them, Rae. I have to.”
Rae was in agreement, but she warned, “You have to stay by my side or Van will kill me. Please, will you do as I ask?”
Layla nodded. “Let’s go.”
Terror rushed in as they both raced for the door and headed down the pathway to the huts. It only took a few minutes to reach the scene, but Layla thought it was a lifetime. Flames billowed out of the windows as Logan and his fellow firefighters battled the blaze. He was dressed in gear, his name emblazoned on the back of his jacket.
“Logan!” she shouted.
He looked up and frowned, coming to her side.
“I thought you were told to stay at the house.”
“Where’d you get your uniform?”
“I stored it on the truck since I was going to be here. Don’t change the subject. I have to work. You have to stay safe. Now, go back to the house with Rae.”
“She’s with me here.” Rae linked arms with Layla and stood firm beside her. Neither of the women was going to stay away, not while there was danger for the men.
Layla spoke up. “There are a few cans of kerosene in the hut. We use it in our fire dances. I heard one explode. Tell your men that there are more in the back room.”
“They know about the front room. The arsonist who started this fire used it as an accelerant. Now, will you please go?”
Van came rushing over, his expression dire.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he shouted.
“Don’t yell at me, Van. I’m here to provide information about the contents in the hut and to find out if you’re still alive!”
“What are you talking about?”
Furious at his attempt to control her, Layla fought back tears and swore.
“I’m talking about you, Logan, Mateo, and Kona. Where are they anyway?”
“Mateo and Kona are down on the beach, trying to keep people away from the fire. It’s dangerous here, and you should be at the house with Rae.” He glared at Rae, placing his hands on his hips. “And that’s where you should be, with Layla.”
“We’re fine here, with you,” Layla snapped.
Van growled, dropping his chin to his chest.
“You are absolutely impossible, Layla. Why can’t you get it in your head that you are in danger?”
Her hands balled into fists as she faced him down.
“I’m not a delicate piece of china, Van. You need to stop thinking of me that way.”
For once he was speechless, his anger hot enough to incinerate. The smell of kerosene was getting stronger as the wind shifted. The flames reached out toward the next hut. Van took both of them by their arms and began walking down to the beach with them.
“You’re hurting my arm,” Layla shouted as she tried to pull free of his grip.
Rae didn’t say a word. When Mateo saw them, he raced over, his own anger showing in his gaze.
“Why—”
Layla put her hand up, palm facing him. “We’ve already been given the riot act. Give it a rest, Mateo.”
“Mateo!” Kona yelled from the campfire. “I need your help.”
Mateo took Van’s place and walked the women toward Kona. Van turned around and went back to the hut to help.
“You two are going to be in so much trouble when I get you back to the house. For now, sit on this log and stay there,” Mateo said in a low growl. Once he made sure they were sitting, he moved over to where Kona tried to talk a couple into staying with them for their safety.
“For crying out loud! These men think we’re helpless. I feel like taking a walk just to spite them.”
“Layla, you know we can’t do that. Let’s stay here where you’re safe.”
“How can you say that? Rae, we came down here to help and to make sure the guys were okay. Now that we’re h
ere, we should be on the lookout for the arsonist.”
“You used to be so meek and quiet. Boy, have you come out of your shell,” Rae said, grinning from ear to ear.
Layla laughed with her.
“Much to Van’s dismay, anyway. Logan doesn’t seem to mind me being strong willed, while Van looks like he’ll have a fit at any moment.”
“All these years that you’ve known each other, neither one of you spoke, so imagine his surprise when you started fighting your own battles. Why don’t we head back to the house? There’s nothing we can do here, Layla.”
“Of course there is. We could try and keep the guests busy. I’m going to teach an impromptu hula class. Come on, it’ll be fun.”
“Okay, but I must warn you, I’m not such a good hula dancer.”
“Watch and learn.” Layla went over to the musicians and asked for some music. They were happy to help. Hawaiian dance songs filled the air.
“Come on everybody, let’s do some hula!”
Layla began to sway her hips, waving her hands like she was part of the ocean. She tied the bottom of her shirt above her belly button and began shifting her body to flow like water.
“Let’s get you all in a circle and we can practice together.”
Many of the guests were happy to learn, while others stepped back and shook their heads.
“Don’t be shy. It’s easy as pie. Use your knees to help with the waves like so.”
Her hips and hands moved together, the drummers beating a sweet hula song that helped her capture their attention. Faster and faster they beat, and Layla kept the pace. As soon as one song ended, another began, keeping everyone busy until the fire was under control.
Van and Logan came down to the beach, but Layla ignored them and continued her lessons. Kona also began teaching the men how to do the male version of the dance, bringing much laughter to the group.
Mateo came over to stand next to Van.
“Where’s Rae?” he asked, looking over the crowd.
“Layla? What did you do with Rae?” Logan shouted over the noise.
Layla stopped cold, pointing to the log they’d been sitting on.
“She was right there. Rae?” she cried. “Rae, where are you?”