Secured by the Lawman (Mountain Force Book 2)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  He drew in his breaths, filling his burning lungs. Anger slashed through him like a hot blade.

  Stomping back toward the direction he came, his fury skyrocketed once he had to climb back over the fence, this time catching his favorite jeans on metal and ripping them.

  Chapter 9

  Lauren tossed her purse and keys onto the table by the door and stomped into the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water, hoping to ease the tension in her body. She’d worked out at the gym for two hours, pounding the bag until her wrists and knuckles were on fire, but there was a deeper tension that she couldn’t touch.

  She’d been tormented with hot flashes and dreams, and after seeing the culprit of her torment earlier that day, she could barely think straight. What should have been a lesson learned, don’t screw the ex-husband, turned out to be the link in a chain that left her wanting more and more. He had the ability to unravel her senses. She understood all too well, after being married to Steam for years, that he did a number on her.

  Her life was turned upside down. She was being pulled many in different directions and she was in a tailspin. Her heart wanted a stroll down memory lane while her head demanded that she remember the nights she’d spent crying, waiting and worrying about Steam.

  In the bathroom, she undressed, turned on the water to cold and stepped under the spray. It cooled her skin but did little to her insides that were boiling.

  Scrubbing her hair and skin with more enthusiasm than usual, when she stepped out, her body tingled, much like it had after Steam’s touch. Taking the robe from the hook, she pulled it on, and because she was so wrapped in her emotions she didn’t realize she was being watched until she was halfway into the bedroom. She saw the figure of the man outside her window, wearing all black and a mask pulled over his face.

  Lauren’s feet were glued to the floor.

  The man took a step back and seemed to disappear into the darkness.

  Forgetting to breathe, she slowly managed to back up until her back hit the wall. A familiar fear traveled into her limbs. The man outside her house was not a figment of her imagination. Was it one of the attackers coming back to finish the job?

  Her heart beat frantically and she bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out.

  What do I do?

  First, she had to calm down.

  She needed to hide.

  Scanning the room, she looked for the best place. Her mind skipped over all the what ifs. Had she turned on the security system? Had she used the bolt locks on the door? Where was her phone?

  The sound of the front door being opened made fear trample through her. Not once since she’d come home from the hospital had she forgotten to use the dead bolts and security system, and within days of having Steam back in her life, she couldn’t think straight.

  Instinct kicked into gear and she moved to the TV cart, opened the door, shoved movies aside, and climbed into the small space closing the door as she heard footsteps in the hallway competing with the heavy beats of her heart. She pressed back against the interior, wood cracking. Tears filled her eyes, and by then, she was biting her bottom lip drawing blood, anticipating…what?

  Would he find her?

  Covering her mouth with her hand, tears filled her eyes as she waited.

  Time seemed to stand still.

  Footsteps were closer.

  “Lauren?”

  Oh God. He knows my name!

  Wait…he knows my name?

  “Lauren? Are you here?”

  She lowered her hand. He sounded familiar.

  Steam? Was she imagining his voice?

  Scared to move, she waited.

  “It’s Daniel.”

  Pushing open the door to the cabinet so fast and hard that the hinges broke, she jumped out about the same time he was dragging her up and against him. His arms snaked around her, a cage of warm muscle, and she sobbed into his chest, not just for the fear of tonight but for every night since she’d left him. Everything released from inside and she couldn’t control the emotion.

  “Hey, it’s okay. I’m here.” He caressed her hair, kissing the top of her head, brushing his knuckles against her skin.

  “Some—someone was looking in through the window. I th-thought you were an intruder.”

  “I’m sorry I scared you.”

  “How did you know?” She pulled back, looking up at him through the damp fringe of her lashes.

  He swiped his thumb across her cheek, wiping away the trail of tears. “I confess. I’ve been sitting outside of your house keeping watch for the last few nights. I saw a man in the shadows and chased him, but he managed to get away.”

  Legs trembling and her heart still racing, she clung to him. “I was so scared. Thank you for being here. I forgot to lock the bolts. And set the alarm. I had been so upset.”

  “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

  “This could have been very bad. The man. He was staring in. It was one of the attackers coming to finish the job.”

  “Did you recognize him?”

  She gave her head an erratic shake. “No, but who else would be outside of my house? He was wearing a mask.”

  “I need to look around the house. You stay here. I chased him away, but I need to be certain.” He kissed her forehead and she wanted to melt against him. Wanted to beg him to stay. He must have sensed her trepidation. “Hey, I’ll be right back. I promise.”

  Reluctantly, she took a step back from the refuge of his arms, feeling the cold draft that was more from her nerves than the temperature of the room. “I’m fine. You need to look. I understand.” She tugged the waist of her robe tighter, digging deep into her reserve for a bravery she knew she must have there.

  She stood there after he was gone, her arms wrapped around her body, trying to gain a grip on what just happened. Suddenly she was thrust into a world of uncertainty and unknown. Tossed back into a realm where Steam protected her.

  Having him here meant she wasn’t alone.

  *

  “You can’t stay here,” Steam said.

  Lauren stared blankly, then her lips turned into a frown. “Did you find something outside?”

  She was still wearing the short robe, but it was wrapped tightly around her. Her skin was insipid, and a new weariness had crept into her eyes. “Sunflower seeds.”

  “Huh?” Her thin brow popped up.

  “There were a few spilled next to the window.”

  “Do you think he had been there for a while?”

  He gave a shrug, realizing how tense he was and how much it took him to put his emotions aside. “None of this makes any sense.” Although connecting all the dots to any crime was never easy, but there were some clues to this case that had Steam scratching his head. “Someone who wants to take care of business doesn’t waste time standing outside of a window.” What he didn’t want to add because he didn’t want to scare her further, according to the amount of sunflower seed shells, the man had been standing in the shadows for quite some time. As if waiting for the most opportune time…

  “What did he want?” Her arms were now tightly wrapped around her body.

  “The man knew his way around the neighborhood enough that he could scale the fence and be gone quickly, before I could get to him.” She took a step back and gripped the edge of the counter. Her damp hair was starting to dry and becoming wildly tousled around her flushed cheeks.

  “You think this was a plan?”

  “Hell if I know, but tonight I’ll stay with you and tomorrow you’re coming with me.”

  Her brows scrunched. “What? Where?”

  Without any hesitation, he said, “Our home.”

  Chapter 10

  The sheets felt like sandpaper.

  The noises outside the window were like horns.

  Why couldn’t she seem to sleep?

  The security system was on. The doors and windows were locked. And Steam was down the hall. She should sleep like a baby.

  But how could she when she wan
ted him. Needed him. Craved him.

  Climbing out of bed, she made her way to the couch, listening to his even breathing. Was he asleep? She took a step back…

  “Where are you going? Are you okay?” he asked in a sluggish voice.

  He was awake and there was no turning back now. Not that she wanted to. Rounding the end of the couch, she could see him in the light from the streetlamp that flowed in through the window.

  *

  Was he dreaming?

  Caught up in some fantasy world?

  The light caught Lauren and she looked beautiful. She wore a T-shirt that draped over her curves. Her long legs were bare.

  “Lauren? What’s wrong?” He sat up, his knees brushing hers.

  “This is crazy. The couch is too small for you and I have a big, lonely bed.” Her voice was soft and inviting, and it triggered a desire in him.

  “It’s best I stay here.” He didn’t mean one damn word, but he couldn’t forget what happened the last time he held her.

  “Best for who?” She took his hand and he stood.

  “If I come in there, we will make love—”

  “Yes. Yes, we will. Is that okay?”

  He’d always considered himself a strong man. A man of morals and ethics. Someone who wanted to never take advantage of anyone, but all doubt and care blew out of the window at her invitation. Because after all, he was human. And a needy man.

  In one swift movement, he lifted her into his arms, carried her down the hall and into her bedroom. There he placed her in the middle of the bed. “It’s too damn dark in here.” He switched on the bedside lamp and her body was bathed in golden light. She was staring up at him, her eyes bright and her bottom lip puckered. Her cheeks were flushed like they’d already made love a dozen times. He roved his gaze down the T-shirt, seeing the shadow of her nipples and the V of her thighs. He swallowed, but he couldn’t quite seem to push the tight feeling out of this throat. “I want you, more than my next breath, but you have to get something through that pretty head of yours. I won’t be pushed away again. Got it?”

  She nodded against the pillow and sat up. “I want you. I want this.” She reached down, grabbed the hem of her shirt and dragged it up and off her naked body.

  His breath came out in a ragged hiss. “My God, you’re beautiful.”

  “So are you. Please undress for me.”

  With a growl, he took a small step back and removed his shirt. She stood and came to him, touching his shoulders, then followed the line of the knife scar on his chest. The next thing he knew she was fumbling with his belt, and the button and zipper of his jeans.

  Together they worked until he was naked too.

  She took his hard cock into her grip, sliding her fingers along his aching rod until he thought he’d come right there in her palm. “As much as I fucking love your touch, I’m going to go way too soon.”

  He pushed her back to the bed.

  Tonight, he was going to enjoy every inch of her.

  “Spread your legs,” he demanded.

  Without hesitation, she opened to him, exposing glistening, slick pussy surrounded by tight, dark curls. Bending on his knees, he buried his face against her, lapping up her juices. He followed every slick curve, kissed every plump part, not leaving any spot untouched from his ravenous hunger. He drove his tongue in and out of her opening until her back was arched and her whimpers echoed off the walls. Her juices turned thick and he knew he’d brought her to climax.

  Standing, he dragged her bottom to the edge of the mattress and buried his cock into her sweet, wet body.

  She cried out, lifting her knees up high, giving him full access to her tunnel.

  “You’re mine, sweetheart. You’ll always be mine. I won’t fight these feelings any longer,” he pushed through clenched teeth.

  “Harder, Steam. Faster,” she demanded. She lifted her arms high above her head, sticking her firm breasts out for his licking. He loved her nipples…loved how plump they were.

  He pounded her hard. Thrusted his hips faster. Giving her what she wanted. Just when he felt her pussy walls clench, he pulled out. She groaned in resistance.

  Grabbing her tiny waist, he flipped her over and lifted her hips high, bringing her tight ass up close to his face. He buried his tongue into her lush lips, fucking her with his tongue. When his balls felt like they would explode, he grabbed his cock and guided himself to her opening. “You ready, baby?”

  “Yes! Please! Now!”

  In one swift thrust, he drove into her. Stretching her body to accommodate his large rod. She was so freaking tight he knew he couldn’t last. Not like he wanted to. He groaned, bending over her, slick bodies pressing together as he burst inside of her.

  *

  “Where are we going?”

  He chuckled. “I know you’re tired, but I need a shower and you’re coming with me.”

  She looked up at him through the fringe of her lashes. “I don’t think I can move.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll do all the work.” He lifted her, grabbed his gun from the nightstand, and carried her down the hall into the bathroom, setting her on her feet. He placed the gun on the sink. He kissed the tip of her nose, then concentrated on turning the water on to the perfect temperature.

  “Come, sweetheart. Let me bathe you.”

  The deep huskiness of his voice tweaked her nipples. She couldn’t believe how comfortable she was naked in front of him. Stepping under the warm spray, it felt heavenly over her tired body.

  He joined her and she didn’t mind one bit that they were almost on top of each other. Once upon a time they took showers together all the time.

  Grabbing the bottle of body wash, he brought it to his nose and sniffed. “I love that scent.” He poured a dime size amount in his palm and rubbed them together. He started at her shoulders, smoothing his hands down her arms, then her breasts, over her stomach, and spent extra time between her legs. Then she turned and he used the same magical touch on that side.

  She felt divine.

  But he wasn’t finished.

  He poured a small amount of shampoo into her wet hair and scrubbed, massaging her scalp. She was pressed against the tiles, enjoying how good he made her feel. Her bones felt like jelly as she turned and leaned her back against the wall, watching him scrub his own body and hair.

  She hated to get out, but she liked that he wrapped her in a large towel and carried her to the bedroom. He pulled her towel off and together they climbed into bed. Both were so tired that within minutes of him wrapping his arms around her, they were sound asleep.

  Chapter 11

  Outside of the load of laundry piled on a chair, a pair of boots sitting by the fireplace, and a framed picture hanging precariously on the wall, the cabin where Lauren and Steam had lived remained the same. She stood in the center of the room taking in the rustic features of the reclaimed wooden walls and floors, the light blue sofa that had several springs sticking up in the cushion, and the adjoining kitchen with shelves that lined the walls. It was as if she’d taken a trip on a time machine.

  Hearing the click of the lock on the door, she swiveled, clutching the handle to her overnight bag tightly as she watched Steam stuff his hands into his front pockets. “I have cameras set up all around the perimeter and a top of the line security system. No one will get close to the cabin without me knowing first.”

  Although she felt safer knowing she was here with him, there was another danger, one far more sinister that she needed to concern herself with. The feelings in her heart mixed with the memories of being here couldn’t be held at bay. She and Steam had made a home in the cabin. From the blue curtains she’d made by hand to the painting she’d painted hanging on the wall. The home wasn’t decorated perfectly, or richly, but they’d bought everything together. Taking great pleasure in making a home in the Wyoming mountain.

  “Sorry about the mess. I wasn’t expecting company.” He grabbed up the armful of laundry from the chair and stuffed it into a nearby
basket that was already overflowing. “I’ll sleep on the couch. The bed is yours. It has clean sheets. I haven’t slept there in a while.”

  “Where had he been sleeping?” She blew out a breath. “Sorry. It’s none of my business.”

  He laughed. “It’s top secret, but I guess I can tell you. The Mountain Force office has a half-way decent couch that I’ve gotten to know really well. And last night, well…”

  Hiding her flushed cheeks by looking down at the handmade rug she’d bought at a second-hand store, she finally said, “Can we make this work?”

  “Heck, I’ve slept on worse. Although, I can sleep with you if that will make you happy.”

  She brought her chin up, meeting his gaze as her throat constricted with emotion. “I’m being serious. We always seem to jump into a hot mess and then reality strikes. The sex is great—unbelievably great—but as we found out before, a relationship can’t be sustained on sex alone.”

  “Lauren, I didn’t invite you to come here for us to pick up where we left off. If I’m going to protect you, this is the safest place. If you want to sleep alone, that’s fine. No pressure from me.” There was a hitch to his voice that made her breath cease in her lungs. “I’m starving. How about you?”

  They hadn’t eaten anything that morning. They’d woke up, she packed an overnight bag, and they left town for the cabin. Neither of them had mentioned what they’d shared last night on the drive. “I’m hungry.”

  He strolled into the adjoining kitchen and opened the fridge. “Hmm. Eggs okay?”

  “Eggs are fine. Do you need any help?” After the words were out she wanted to fish them back in. Making breakfast with him in the kitchen in such a small space would only send her libido into overdrive.

  Thankfully, he said, “I can handle this. Why don’t you take your bag into the bedroom and put your things away, if you’d like?”

  That was her chance to run like hell…at least into the bedroom.