by Bobbi Brattz
“If I’m to keep you out of trouble, then we’d best start getting ready for an evening of babysitting.”
“Hmmm,” she hummed. “I’ve never been babysat by a firefighter before.”
“Consider it one of the perks of the job. I get to have you all to myself while Van is trying to track down the stalker. Give me some loving, girlfriend.”
“My pleasure.”
When their lips met, Layla fell into him, melting against his hard body.
“You light my fire, sweetheart. I would be with you anytime, anywhere.”
Layla undid the sarong she wore, dropping it to the floor in one smooth move. She wore nothing beneath it. Logan’s eyes widened.
“If I’d known you were naked under that tiny piece of cloth, I’d have had you in here hours ago.”
His cock pressed against his shorts, proving he was ready for her. He stripped down his shorts and T-shirt, throwing them on top of her sarong then grabbed her up close to his chest in one quick move.
“I’ve been waiting all afternoon for a chance to be with you, Layla. I love you.”
She was stunned. Knowing he cared for her was one thing, but loving her was new to her. She kissed him, shutting him up effectively, but not returning the feeling out loud. She did love him, but was afraid to say so.
Suddenly, it seemed like a good idea to get lost in the moment with him.
“Make love to me, Logan. I need you.”
Layla kissed him gently, but as Logan always did, he took the reins from her and ran with them. Seizing her lips, he pulled her tight against him, his hands everywhere at once. He was like a kid in a candy store, tasting her and groaning with pleasure.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispered.
She closed her eyes, doing her best to distract him from talking.
“I want you right now,” she murmured, taking the bull by the horns. “Lie down on the bed and let me taste you.”
He brooked no arguments, and did as she asked. Once he was propped against the headboard, his hard cock standing at attention, she nestled in between his legs and licked the tip of it, making him hiss, his eyes squeezing shut for a moment.
Logan leaned forward and gently pinched her nipples, ready to turn her on her back, but she held him in control, enjoying the power she had over him as she fisted his cock. Her tongue flicked over the head of his staff, teasing him until he gasped.
Taking most of him, she fought back her gag reflex and flicked her tongue over his cock, ready to take him for all he was worth. She relished the fact that he was putty in her hands. It was almost impossible to back away, and she released him so she could take a deep breath. She was panting with need, swallowing him once again and laughing low in her throat until he tensed up against the vibration. When she’d tried with Van, she had to give up because she gagged too much, but now she did her best to ignore it. When the time came that she did the same for Van again, she’d be ready.
“You’re driving me wild, beauty. Come, and let me take you.”
“Not yet,” she whispered, laving his cock with her tongue. Her pussy clenched, ready for him, but she forced herself to wait, pleasuring him first. She pulled out to breathe.
“I want you, Logan. I want you more than you’ll know.”
“Sweetheart, you have no idea how much I love hearing that. It’s strange, but the last time I was in a ménage, I didn’t connect like I do with you. Have you thought about our future—you, Van, and me?”
“Let’s think about the now,” she said, unwilling to talk about it. She was unsure of their relationship being permanent, and wanted to avoid the subject.
Instead, she refocused on his needs and took the head of his cock in her mouth, twirling her tongue around the tip of it. He groaned, showing his appreciation. Logan tunneled his fingers into her hair, holding her in place.
Her pussy clenched as she worked him, getting more excited by the minute. She wanted to make him come more than anything. The more she took him, the closer he held her in place.
Layla sucked harder on him, bobbing her head up and down as she took more of his cock into her throat.
She heard him hiss as he came close to climax. His fingers tunneled harder into her hair. Instead of letting him pull away, she dug her fingertips into his hips and held on, forcing him to come deep in her throat. He was helpless to fight her. Pleased when he cried out, unable to stop the moment, she swallowed him, holding her breath until he was finished.
When she finally let him go, he released her hair, pulling her close to him. Logan dropped his head back on the pillow and sighed.
“You are incredible, not to mention a quick study. Thank you for that. Now it’s your turn. Lie down and let me devour you.”
She laughed, sitting back on her haunches.
“That’s funny, Van says the same thing.”
Logan snickered, pulling her close to his chest.
“I’ll bet he does.”
Without a second thought, he seized her lips, kissing her until she was breathless. By the time he stopped, she was more than ready to move on, letting him lie her down.
Logan kissed and nibbled all the way down her body, beginning at her lips. When he moved to her neck, she squirmed, sensations running like wildfire through her veins. He knew what he was doing when he scraped his teeth lightly over her collarbone, making her gasp. As his mouth moved over her breasts, he took his time, sending shivers of delight all the way to her toes. Her core was alive with flocks of butterflies, especially when he teased her nipples, one at a time.
As though imagining she was covered with delectable chocolate, his lips continued the journey, slowly, incredibly, sensually over her skin until he reached her navel. There, his tongue laved around her belly button, circling until he found her then dipped into it, making her squeal with delight.
She nearly flew off the bed when he found her nub, where he sucked and licked, causing her hips to rise off the mattress, moaning with a need so great, she almost begged him to hurry.
Breathless, she whispered, “Please, come here. I want you deep inside me.”
He chuckled, staying where he was, pinning her hips to the mattress. She went wild as he bit down gently on her mound, working her until she screamed as a release closed in. Hard and fast, his tongue danced over her skin, bringing her to climax quickly.
“Logan, I need you,” she said, moaning. She was desperate for more. At the last minute, he slid up her body, kissing her with the taste of her juices on his lips.
“I’m going to fuck you hard now, sweetheart. Are you ready?”
“More than ready, Logan. Please, come with me.”
In one swift move, she welcomed him deep within her core. Pleasure rolled through her veins as he moved, his cock hard and hot within her channel. His thrusts began gently, yet each time his hips pressed harder until she wrapped her legs around his trim waist, pulling him in deeper yet.
“Logan, I want you to come with me, but I’m almost there again.”
“Go ahead, my sweet. I’m not ready yet.”
Layla closed her eyes and cried out as she fell over the edge, her pussy squeezing him until he groaned. She’d thought she could go no further, but she was wrong. Logan continued his sweet assault, thrusting his hips as he prepared for his own orgasm. Once again, he brought her to peak, this time coming with her, his harsh breath blending with her own.
The air smelled of Hawaiian flowers mixed with the sultry scent of sex, tantalizing her senses. When he collapsed beside her, spent and exhausted, he wrapped her in his arms, his skin damp with sweat. They both were breathing hard, taking a few minutes to capture their breaths.
“Are you ready for another round?” he teased, sounding like there was no way he could continue.
“I’ll take you on whenever you want, Logan. You’re incredible in bed.”
“You were my first,” he said, laughing when she slapped his chest.
“Liar. You’ve obviously had enough experienc
e to be a perfect lover.”
“Perfect, hey?” Logan captured her lips once again, tenderly, sweetly. He caressed her sensitive breast and hummed, slipping his arm around her shoulders as she curled into him.
“Rest a while. I’m sure Van will be back soon, and then…Well, let’s leave it to your imagination.”
“Logan, you are a sex maniac,” she murmured, giggling.
“I need more practice.”
She couldn’t help but laugh at the way he pretended he was a puppy, letting his tongue hang out to the side. He always had a good sense of humor, while Van was more serious, yet gentle.
“I can’t wait.” Snuggling up to him, she was soon asleep, letting the cares of the day disappear.
Chapter Thirteen:
Last Warning
Van patrolled the resort, looking for anything out of the ordinary. It was a quiet night, the revelers having worn out and hit their beds. Only one couple walked along the beach under the full moon, kissing and holding hands. The night was perfect for romance.
He thought about Layla. She’d become a much stronger person over the past week, determined to fight rather than hide. Proud of her, he admitted that he’d gone overboard with his protective instincts, but damn, she was a feisty woman. He’d known her most of his adult life and had always been afraid of scaring her off by telling her how he’d loved her for many years.
His main concern regarding the ménage was how she’d feel if it came to choosing between him and Logan. Few women would keep both lovers, as in the way it had worked out with Rae and Tara. They’d made choices.
Van watched as a dark shadow moved in the distance. All of his senses went on alert mode. Curious, he followed the man or woman and waited to see what they’d do. Mateo didn’t need to have another fire lighting up, and Layla felt enough guilt about being at the resort where the arsonist wreaked havoc.
Getting closer, he slowed down so as to look like another tourist taking a lone walk. The shadow paused then rushed off into the night. With the moon rays lighting his way, Van kept up the pace.
Suddenly, the shadow disappeared. Van rushed forward, his feet quiet on the grass beside the pathway. When he rounded the corner slowly, he didn’t see it, but he felt like someone was watching him. The hairs on the back of his neck rose in warning. Not sure which way the figure went, he walked slowly along the path, sure someone waited for him.
A movement caught his gaze and he moved forward, trying not to startle him or her into running off. When a woman stepped out in his path, he almost relaxed his guard, but she seemed interested in talking with him.
“Good evening. Did you see anyone pass by a minute ago?”
“No, I didn’t. Is there a problem?” she asked, her eyes going over his body from head to toe. She was obviously looking for a lover.
Van wanted to get back to Layla, for that very reason. He excused himself and moved on.
“Sir, will you wait a moment?” she said, speaking softly.
He stopped, turning to face her.
“Yes?”
“I was wondering, would you mind walking me back to my bungalow? It’s awfully dark tonight, even with the moon out.”
“I suppose I could do that. You shouldn’t be alone out here with an arsonist on the prowl.”
“I know, but my husband is drunk down at the bar. I don’t like being near him when he’s like that.”
Sensing that she was abused, he nodded. He was sure he could protect her if necessary.
“Okay, let’s go.”
She slipped her arm in his and held on, speaking in a quiet voice.
“For a resort that’s so much fun in the daytime, it can get really creepy at night. Do you think the police have caught the prowler?”
“Prowler?” he asked.
“Yes, the one who started the fire.”
“No, they haven’t as yet, but they will.”
“How?”
“I’m not sure yet, but we’re getting close.”
When they arrived at her hut, he let go of her arm and turned to say goodnight. A burst of pain crashed through his skull, and he dropped to his knees then fell forward, the blackness swallowing him up.
* * * *
“Have you seen Van?” Layla asked Mateo early in the morning.
“No, I thought he was with you and Logan.”
“He never came to the room last night.”
Mateo tensed, his eyes narrowing.
“Van always checks in with me before he goes to bed. I thought he’d forgotten.”
Shivers of dread crawled up her spine as she stared at Mateo.
“You don’t suppose the stalker caught him off guard, do you?”
“Don’t panic, Layla. I’m sure he’s fine.”
“Mateo, it’s not like him to disappear without a word.”
Ending the call on his cell phone, Mateo shook his head.
“His phone must be shut off. It goes straight to his answering service.
Logan put his arm around her shoulders.
“We’ll find him. I’ll call his precinct and let them know. The security guards should be on the lookout as well.”
Tears streamed down Layla’s cheeks, but she swiped at them.
“I’m going to go look for him. If that bastard does have him, maybe he’ll let him go in exchange for me.”
“You’re not going anywhere,” Logan said, turning her to face him. “Wait until we find out what’s going on. Don’t you leave the house. Rae and Tara will be with you. Remember what happened last time when Van told you to stay here.”
Chastised, she nodded.
“As if I could forget. What are we going to do now? Waiting isn’t helping at all.”
Moki entered the office with a package in her hands, her expression proving that she was frightened.
“This was at the patio door.”
Layla pushed past Logan and took the box, ripping open the letter.
“It says, ‘Your boyfriend will die if you don’t come to me.’ Oh, my God!” Her stomach recoiled, fear clawing at it. Shaking, she let out a sob.
“Calm down, Layla. Think about it—he didn’t kill Rae. He’s just trying to lure you out.”
“Well, he did it. I’m going out!”
Logan held onto her, giving her a shake to wake her up.
“You are not. Let us take care of it.”
Anger heated her cheeks, but she knew he was right.
“All right, Logan, but please let me know as soon as you find him.”
“We’ll do that. In the meantime, stay here and don’t step foot out that door. Let me open the box this time.”
She could only nod, handing him the gift. Holding her breath, she waited for him to lift the lid. Inside, there was a lock of Van’s hair and the shirt he’d worn that day with blood near the collar.
Layla cried out, “He’s been hurt! What if he’s already dead?”
As hysteria set in, Rae and Tara each took Layla’s arms and helped her to sit down on a chair. Logan knelt in front of her, taking her hand in his.
“I’ll find him, I promise you. There isn’t much blood, so I believe he’s alive. Look, I have to go. Will you be all right here?”
“She’ll be fine. Go find him for her,” Rae said, patting his shoulder.
“I’ll call as soon as I know something.” Logan left the room, closing the door behind him.
Layla sucked in a deep breath, trying to steady herself. It was past ten o’clock in the morning already. She watched outside as the sun broke through the clouds. Her worst nightmare stared her in the face. Van was going to die!
* * * *
Pain crashed through his head like a thousand drums. Van realized he was tied up and blindfolded. The only person he could think of that would kidnap him was the arsonist. No one else knew he was staying at the resort except his boss, the chief of police.
There were no sounds in the room, but for the air conditioning. He smelled tobacco and sweat mixed with a fra
grant floral perfume. A woman’s? Trying to break free was a mistake, as the knots only tightened, the rope digging into his wrists. He figured he was lying on a carpeted floor based on the rough texture under his cheek. Since the rooms at the resort had only tiled floors, he had to assume he was being held elsewhere.
“Hello?” His head thumped a loud tattoo, and he cringed.
No one answered. With his hands behind his back, he couldn’t reach his cell phone. He could feel it in his pants pocket. When it started ringing, he tried to press the buttons through the pocket. Impossible.
A door creaked open, and he heard footsteps approaching. He lay down, feigning sleep.
“He’s still out,” a woman said.
A man answered, “Shut up. He might be awake and faking it.”
She ignored him. “Are you going to kill him like you threatened?”
“I’m thinking about it. I don’t want him touching her, yet without him, we won’t be able to catch her. She’s as protected as the Queen of England by that group. What should we send her this time?”
“Perhaps his identification from his wallet.”
He was silent for a moment. “We could cut off a finger, but I want her to come to me willingly, not have her hiding or afraid to be with me.”
“Somehow I think she’s not the kind of person to back away from danger.”
“Regardless, I want her to come to me, not the other way around.”
“Do you think she’ll come for him?”
He cleared his throat, his footsteps sounding near Van.
“She might. I want to burn him as a reminder that he is useless against me. She’ll learn, too, in time.”
“Let’s go eat. I’m hungry.”
“Gag him first. I don’t want someone hearing him by chance.”
“No one is supposed to be in this building until tomorrow. By then, either he’ll be dead, or you’ll have her.”
“Get the duct tape.”
Unable to fight them, Van remained limp as she covered his mouth with the tape. He listened to them leave, wondering how he could get away and protect her. At least Logan and Mateo were guarding her. As long as she listened to them, she’d be safe.