For Keeps

by Jeannette Winters

  When he returned to the car, he had a box of condoms, not a three pack. Now we’re talking. “I guess it’s going to be a…long night.” Jett eyed her, and she realized that her nipples pressing against her shirt hadn’t gone unnoticed.

  “I guess I’m…cold.”

  She watched as Jett tossed the bag onto the back seat before leaning over to pull her into his arms. She could see the hunger in his eyes. “I can’t stand not holding you in my arms a minute longer,” Jett growled.

  She felt his body tense as she rested her hand on his chest and leaned her head towards him. She inhaled the sweet musk of his scent. “Jett…I…” Her voice was so soft, she wasn’t sure she’d said his name out loud.

  “I know.” Jett kissed her neck and nuzzled her even closer.

  A moan escaped her lips. She tilted her head and Jett instantly claimed her lips. She moaned into his mouth. He slowed, pulling away gently. Their breathing was ragged, and she clung to him, shivering with desire. He was in no hurry to let go, but he had a feeling they were being watched. Jett scanned the perimeter, but saw no one. His gut wasn’t usually wrong, yet his judgment might be clouded.

  Phoebe ran her hands up his chest and around his neck as her tongue darted out and licked his lips. Her heart was racing and she wanted more, but a knocking on the driver’s side window brought it all to an abrupt halt. Jett said, still holding her in his arms, “Phoebe, this isn’t over.”

  “I hope not,” she replied breathlessly.

  Another tapping on the window, but this time it was followed by a deep voice. “Let’s go. Move it along. This isn’t a hotel.”

  When she peered around Jett, even through the foggy windows, she could see it was a police officer. At first, she panicked, then she realized how funny it was. She burst out laughing.

  “Last warning. Move this car or I’ll ticket it.”

  Jett sat back and started the engine. Phoebe was still laughing and he asked, “What is it that you find so funny?”

  “I was just thinking of how much trouble we would’ve gotten into if we had met when we were teenagers.”

  Jett cocked a brow and looked her over. “Although I think it would’ve been fun, I have an idea that it will pale against the fun we can have now.” He reached out and lifted her hand to his lips.

  Oh, and I have a feeling being bad is going to feel so good.

  Today had started out so wrong, but it looked like it was turning out to be one of the best days of her life. If this was all still part of her dream, she didn’t want to wake. “How far to the boat?”

  “Unfortunately, we’re hitting rush-hour traffic. It’s going to take longer than either of us want.” Jett grunted. “And people wonder why I’d rather live on my boat.”

  That was disappointing. “So, guess we can…talk, some more.”

  “Did you want to talk more about your visit with your family?”

  “In a way, yes, and in a way, about you too.”

  “I’m not sure how we are connected, besides through you,” Jett replied.

  She had known her death would’ve affected her family. Phoebe hadn’t expected that they would all band together and start Turchettas’ Promise to help others in need. She was proud of what they were doing. What she didn’t know was what Jett did.

  “I heard you talking to my brothers about…work.” She wasn’t sure if that was the correct term. “Do you work for them?”

  Jett laughed. “No. I don’t think we could.”

  “Why is that?” Phoebe asked.

  “I have my own business Phoebe.”

  “And what exactly is that?”

  “Roman and I don’t do exactly what your brothers do. But we do help. This world has been very small when it comes to how one can prey on another.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Businesses have come under attack in a different way. I work to eliminate the cyber threats.”

  “Oh, you work in IT.”

  “Guess that would be the short version of what I do. People don’t realize that terrorists like to find a weakness in a company and steal to fund their…cause. Roman and I are in the business of shutting those assholes down.”

  “You mean you’re like Gabe.”

  “I really hope you don’t think of me like any of your brothers.” Jett gave her a playful wink as he turned off the highway.

  She could see the ocean off in the distance. Jett was right, this topic was too serious, and for right now, she knew all she needed to about what he did. Reaching over, she ran her fingers over his right thigh. “Trust me Jett, there is nothing sisterly about my thoughts.”

  * * *

  He may have exceeded the speed limit and rolled through a few stop signs, but damn, she was driving him crazy. There was no question in his mind that she knew it too. There was nothing innocent about how she finally rested her hand on his upper thigh. All he could do was grip the steering wheel tighter and not think about asking her to move her hand up and over.

  Jett wasn’t the sweet, innocent guy she thought he was, but he had to admit, she did bring out the wild in him. Almost to the point that he didn’t want to hold back. But he did, and they were finally walking up the dock, his arm around her waist, and his hand tucked into her back jean pocket. The feel of her ass with each step only made him ache more.

  Chill Jett. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anyone before. The instant they touched, his blood ran hot, and he loved that she met him with the same urgency. What he’d been fighting reflected in her response. She needs me as badly as I need her. He traced her lips with his tongue, and she parted them for him, opening up to give him access to all her sweetness. Her tongue entered his mouth, exploring as he did hers. When they would pull back, the tips of their tongues danced with each other before exploring again. Damn, woman. What are you doing to me?

  His cock throbbed from the sublime taste of her lips and her body pressed against him. He didn’t need to imagine what it’d be like to explore the rest of her. He’d already tasted her sweetness a few times before. But this time was going to be different. There was no reason to hold back. Tonight I will have all of you.

  He wasn’t hiding his intentions and wanted her to feel the effect she had on him. She ground her hips against him, only making him harder and his jeans too fucking restrictive.

  He could feel her swollen nipples through the thin fabric separating them. His hand slid up the side of her then stopped. He had to stop. They weren’t out in the middle of the ocean, and he knew they were drawing attention from the other boats in nearby slips.

  Fuck, I’m already there. “God, woman, you’re beautiful. How am I supposed to stay away when everything about you calls out to me?”

  She smiled and said, “I don’t want to fight this. Being with you is what feels…right.”

  Scooping her up into his arms, he carried her across the deck. “Like nothing else ever has.”

  He kicked the door to the bedroom shut. He had forgotten that he hadn’t even made the bed when he had left that morning. It’s about to get a lot more rustled up.

  But he hated the fact that he hadn’t prepared for her return. There should be flowers, candles and some romantic music. All he could offer her was himself. He could tell her what he wanted, what he felt, but he’d much rather show her.

  He was going to take this slow, even though his cock was telling him otherwise. Stepping forward, he cupped her face in his hands and brought his lips down to meet hers. They were warm and welcoming, as he knew they would be. His tongue traced her lips as he coaxed her into opening for him again. As he slowly enticed her, her tongue flicked and played with his as she began to do her own exploring. “God, I want you,” he said hungrily into her mouth.

  Her body quivered in his arms, and he loved how responsive she was to even his simple touch. Sliding his hands around her back, he pulled her closer. Her firm breasts pressed against him and enhanced his hunger.

  He deepened the kiss, never letti
ng his lips leave hers. He wanted, no needed, all of her. He continued exploring her mouth with his while his hands fumbled with the button, then the zipper, of her jeans. He slipped them down so they lay on the floor at her feet. His hand came around her again to cup her ass, bringing her against him. His fingers dug into her soft flesh hungrily and instantly released her.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  Phoebe opened her eyes, they were dark and heavy with passion. She reached out, took his hands, and placed them back on her ass. “You didn’t, and I know you couldn’t.” Then she claimed his lips with the same intensity that he had earlier.

  Not having her was driving him mad, but he wanted this to be perfect for her. Kissing her hungrily one more time, he dragged his lips from hers and moved them across her jaw, then to the curve of her neck. Tasting her soft flesh as he licked and nibbled his way across her collarbone, he thrived on her soft whimpers.

  “Jett, please,” Phoebe begged, her hands gripping his shoulders.

  He pulled off her T-shirt, so she stood wearing only her bra and panties. He wanted nothing between them. He stepped back from her and quickly removed his clothing. He knew his cock was erect, and by the look in her eyes, she was as ready as he was. But he wanted this to be mind-blowing for her. It didn’t matter how much his cock wanted, ached, to be touched and sucked by her. Nothing was happening until she was taken care of and maybe more than once.

  Phoebe reached behind her back, unhooked her black bra, and let it fall to the floor in front of him. She was so damn sexy, but what amazed him was how comfortable she’d become with him. The first time, she had tried to hide her scars. Now it was as though they no longer existed when they were together. Just the magic that was about to happen.

  Her nipples were erect, begging to be tasted. Jett picked her up in his arms so his mouth easily had full access to her breasts. Taking one nipple in his mouth, he savored it, flicked it with his tongue, then pulled at it gently with his teeth.

  Phoebe arched her back, offering him the other breast. Her nipples hardened into tight little peaks as he licked them in a slow circular motion. Her cool body was warming against his as he continued sucking on her nipples. When he bit it lightly, she arched closer to him, moaning his name, barely a whisper.

  “You’re so damn beautiful.” His lips trailed up her throat, kissing, caressing, and nipping gently until they once again claimed hers, and he plunged his tongue into her mouth wildly while one hand slipped between her legs and began caressing her.

  “Jett.” She breathed his name into his mouth, making him explore even deeper, his body pulsing with need.

  He tugged at her matching black panties, the only remaining barrier between him and her hot, sweet core that needed his attention. He wanted her with an intensity he had never known before.

  Pulling her close to him, his hand urged her legs apart, running over her delicate slit. “Damn, you’re so hot.”

  “You have that effect on me,” she answered seductively.

  She was ready for him now, but this was not going to be rushed. As his fingers circled her clit, she whimpered and trembled against him.

  “Please, Jett, I…” Her voice was barely a whisper against his ear.

  He pulled his head back, wanting to meet her gaze as he slid one finger deep inside her. She sucked in her breath and grabbed onto his shoulders moaning, opening her legs wider, giving him full access to all she had to offer. Entering first with one finger, then two, as his thumb continued to circle her clit. Faster, deeper, he went until her moans became begging, and her sounds of pleasure filled the cabin.

  “Please,” she begged. His movements grew faster and faster until he felt her body finally clench around his fingers. She shuddered, her head thrashing from side to side, digging her nails into him as she released her hot juices on his hand.

  He didn’t give her any time to catch her breath, picking her up in his arms so he could lay her onto the bed, leaving her only long enough to grab the bag with the box of condoms. Feverishly, he ripped it open, sending them flying in all directions. Fuck. He grabbed the closest one and quickly sheathed himself.

  When he returned to her, she welcomed him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down to her. While kissing her deeply, he adjusted himself so he was kneeling between her legs, taking in the beauty of her body. It was as though the scars had vanished, and all he saw was…perfection. He had explored every inch of her before, but there was one part that was aching to be connected in the most intimate way.

  Taking his hard cock in his hand, he stroked her clit with the head, never taking his eyes off her. Her eyes darkened with need and desire.

  “Phoebe, tell me you want this. Because I’ll stop if you need me to.” His voice was deep, almost a growl, as he tried to hold control of his own need. But if she asked, he would, no matter how physically painful it was. I’d do anything for you, Phoebe.

  Her answer was she opened her legs wider. Then she moved his hand and took his cock in hers. Licking her lips, then biting on her bottom one, she guided him, raising her hips to take him inside her.

  He couldn’t hold back any longer. In one thrust, he buried himself deep inside her. She instantly cried out, her body tensing. This wasn’t pleasure. She was in pain. Pain that he’d caused. What have I done? Still deep within her, he raised his head enough to see her face, and a tear rolled down her cheek. A virgin. God no. What did I do?

  He’d sworn not to hurt her, and now he’d done something that could never be undone. He felt sick and angry with himself. He wiped the tear away and kissed her gently. “Honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I…I’m sorry.”

  She raised a hand to his cheek, and only then did he realize he had shed a few tears himself. “Jett, it’s okay. I…didn’t know either.”

  He kissed her palm and said, “Tell me what you want. We can stop now, or you can trust me and I promise I’ll go slow and make you forget the pain.”

  “I don’t want to forget anything about us. And I trust you completely,” Phoebe said.

  Slowly he began to move inside her, all the while kissing her softly. No thought of his own wants or needs. Only when her hips began to move did he quicken his rhythm. He pumped fast and hard, driving into her again and again. She ran her hands up his chest, raking her nails gently over him. Oh God. His blazing gaze met hers. “Phoebe, you are driving me crazy,” he said before he claimed her nipple with his mouth.

  “Yes! Jett! I… Oh…yes…” Her hands were on his back, pulling him to her. “Please…”

  He entered her harder, faster, as she cried out his name again, meeting his thrust with her own. “Yeah, that’s it.” Her moans grew louder against his neck, and her body began to tense around his cock as she came. Her cries filled the room as he plunged deeper. His orgasm couldn’t be held back any longer, and it rocked him to the core, stronger than anything he had experienced before.

  Falling to lay beside her, for the first time in his life, he was spent.

  Pulling himself up onto one elbow, he looked down at her. “Honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  “I know, but you definitely made up for it,” Phoebe teased. Then she became very serious. “Jett, I meant what I said. I didn’t know that I was a…virgin. I would’ve told you if I had.”

  “I know honey,” Jett said, kissing her forehead. Her eyes widened and then tears flowed once more. “Honey, what’s wrong?”

  “Jett. Do you know what this means?”

  Yeah. I took your virginity. There was something else, but he didn’t know what it was. He shook his head.

  “I wasn’t raped. Those men in Moreira, they tortured me, stabbed me, and did horrible things, but they didn’t rape me.”

  It unfortunately was all they had left her with. “I’m glad.”

  “Me too,” she said as she snuggled up to him. “Do you know why?”

  “Tell me?”

  “Because I was saving it for the man I love
.”

  His gut twisted all over again. “And I took it.”

  She shook her head. “No. I had to have known subconsciously. And Jett, you took nothing that I didn’t give.”

  Had Phoebe just told him in a roundabout way that she loved him? “Phoebe are you telling me that—”

  She placed a finger across his lips. Her eyes glistened and she added, “There is still so much left that I need to sort through, figure out, and remember. But the way I feel for you, isn’t one of them. I love you, Jett.”

  He kissed her gently and said, “I love you too, Phoebe. And I’ll be here with you every step of the way.”

  “I know. And I hope you understand when I say this.”

  He didn’t like the sound of that. “I’ll try.”

  “I want to go and stay with my sister Melissa.”

  “You mean live?” It was only a little more than an hour away, unless it was rush-hour traffic.

  She nodded. “Not forever, but long enough for me to get to know her, them, all over again. What I learned earlier today was I never want to lose them again.”

  “I’m sure they feel the same way.” He just hated the fact that he wasn’t going to be with her.

  “Want to know something else?” He nodded. “I don’t want to be without you either. This is just for a short time. I promise, I’m coming back.”

  “I hope so,” he said.

  She chuckled. “Of course I will. After all, you did purchase a bulk of condoms. We can’t have them go to waste, now can we?”

  He pulled her to lie on top of him. “Maybe we can put a dent in that stack tonight.”

  Laughing, she said, “I love the way you think.”

  And I love everything about you. He’d let her go, because it was what was best for her. But he hoped like hell that in that absence, she didn’t regret what they’d shared, or change her mind about how she felt. Because I’ve never loved anyone before, and I doubt I will again.

  Did he believe in fate, in soul mates and shit like that? No. But whatever it was that had brought them together, he was grateful and damn it, he didn’t want it to end.