“Gunner…” Lori’s breath was shallow, and her abdomen tightened.
“Give me your pleasure, honey.” Gunner kissed and licked her wet slit, holding her firmly to the bed. He covered her most sensitive spot with his mouth, sucking hard until she cried out. Then he swirled the tip of his tongue around her clit until she came unglued.
A wave of sensation rocked through Lori’s body, and she gave in to the immense pleasure. Gunner licked in just the right way, until she stiffened and was swept away by a delicious orgasm. She gasped then collapsed against the bed with Gunner’s lips pressed to her clit.
Then Gunner crawled up onto the bed, hovering over her. He kissed her, and she tasted her juices on his tongue. Lori’s desire exploded, and she fisted Gunner’s hot cock. Feeling the velvety skin over his steel shaft stirred a new wave of arousal.
Lori pulled Gunner close and licked his thick knob. She put the tip in her mouth and raked her tongue under the rim to drive him crazy. His arousal turned her on more, and she craved him beyond limit.
With his heavy balls in one hand, Lori licked and kissed his hot cock. She covered the tip with her mouth then shoved him deeper. Gunner groaned and pulled away. “I’m too close…” He leaned toward a side table and reached in the drawer for a condom.
After rolling it on, Gunner straddled Lori. He leaned down and kissed her hard. Lori had held back so long that her desire exploded. She raked her fingernails down Gunner’s back before gripping his tight ass. Then, with his knees, he pressed her thighs apart.
As Gunner dipped the tip of his cock inside her, Lori rocked up to meet him. She planted her feet on the bed with her knees bent as he shoved against her. Frantic for more of him, Lori rolled her hips up to take him deeper.
With each stroke, Gunner panted, and Lori’s breathing was ragged. Without breaking his rhythm, he sucked at her nipples. His strokes became faster and harder. She couldn’t get close enough, couldn’t take him deep enough.
Heat flooded her low belly and her clit tightened. Gunner emitted a deep moan and stilled inside her. His body turned to steel and he looked into her eyes. Lori’s skin tingled and her muscles went taut. She arched her back, unable to subdue the torrent of pleasure that flooded through her.
A powerful orgasm took her as Gunner released into her. He yelled her name as he came hard with Lori clinging to him, her legs wrapped around his thighs. When Lori collapsed against the mattress, Gunner leaned up, holding his weight with his forearms.
Lori touched his cheek, and he kissed her tenderly. Then he rolled off and held her against him. She floated on a cloud, her body purring with pleasure, and her heart filled with joy. Nestled against Gunner, she was happy—but not nearly satisfied. She had no idea how she would ever get enough of him.
Chapter 19
Despite the late night, Gunner woke up invigorated. His heart swelled with emotion as he looked over to see Lori sleeping peacefully. Her long hair was adorably messy, and her skin had a glow. It was a pleasure to see her nestled beside him.
After the sexual intimacy, Gunner had held Lori close, relishing the moment. Yet his craving for her hadn’t subsided. Passionate lovemaking had merely whetted his appetite.
The next time Gunner had taken it slow, savoring each tender moment. He had made her wait, and it had been all the better.
One evening with Lori had changed Gunner’s life. He watched her sleeping next to him and wanted to see her there every morning. He had been kidding himself that he could leave once she was safe. The joy she brought to his life was immense.
There wouldn’t be another woman for Gunner. He hadn’t been good at relationships, but he would change. Whatever it took, he would be the man for Lori. He would fight to be what she needed, and he would make her happy.
Lori stirred under the covers then opened her eyes. Her slow, lazy smile was like the sunshine. When she scooted closer, Gunner leaned over and kissed her. The sweet touch of her lips aroused him, so he pulled back the sheet to trace his fingertips over her soft skin.
Ravenous for her, Gunner turned her onto her belly and straddled her. Starting with her neck, he showered her with kisses. He worked his way down, across her shoulders, her back, her waist. Then he rubbed his hand over her curvy ass.
With a low moan, Lori writhed against the bed. Gunner needed no more encouragement. He slid his arm under her belly and lifted. His cock was hard and aching, so he dipped the head inside her, further aroused to find that she was wet for him.
Deliciously slowly, Gunner stroked into her. Lori’s breathing sped up, and she arched her back to give him better access. “I want you, honey,” he whispered in her ear as she tightened around his throbbing erection. Lori pushed back as he shoved into her, and their slow rhythm gained speed.
Lori was hot and wet, and Gunner didn’t have much stamina. When she cried out his name and clenched tight, he released with an intense orgasm. They came together, breathing hard, then Lori turned over and opened her arms.
Gunner lifted her from the bed to hold her on his lap. “You are amazing.”
Lori looked into his eyes. “I have no words for what you are.”
When they got out of bed, Gunner showed Lori a closet in another bedroom that was full of women’s clothing. He left her to find garments that fit and shower alone to allow her to recuperate from a long night.
Gunner showered in the master bath. While the hot water pounded on his shoulders, he thought of nothing but Lori. He was losing his edge; during the night, the threat that loomed over them hadn’t crossed his mind.
Danger could wait. Gunner still had precious hours with Lori, and he was going to make the most of it. When he’d dried off and found clean clothes, he went to the kitchen to make coffee. He was on his second cup by the time Lori emerged.
She wore jeans and a tight top like a model on the cover of a fashion magazine. “Why is it that you look good in everything you wear…or wearing nothing at all?”
“You really know how to flatter a girl.” She kissed him then reached for a mug to get coffee. “I hope you made this strong.”
“Don’t know any other way to make it.”
The simple things like getting up in the morning and having coffee held new allure for Gunner. What had been routine before was now an occasion. He wondered if it was like that for every man who was in love. He hadn’t thought of it before, but he had no doubt that he was hopelessly in love with Lori.
“I’ll make waffles,” Gunner said.
“Mmm, yes, please.” Lori took a sip of coffee. “Need help?”
“I prefer to pamper you this morning, so just stay put.”
Gunner managed to find the mix and a couple of bottles of syrup. The machine cooked thick waffles the way he liked them. He plopped a slice of butter on each waffle then served a plate to Lori. She drowned it in strawberry syrup before carving a huge bite.
It didn’t take long to devour the hot meal. Gunner had a fierce appetite from the energetic lovemaking, so he ate three waffles with plenty of butter and a drizzle of syrup. Cleaning the kitchen could wait. He took Lori’s hand and went outside.
It was a beautiful morning for a walk in the gardens. The property had paths leading through the trees and manicured shrubs. He held Lori’s hand and breathed the fresh air. It was a lovely setting, and Gunner couldn’t think of a better time to share his feelings.
Beneath an arbor, surrounded by lush greenery, Gunner kissed Lori. Then he touched her cheek and said, “I love you.”
Lori’s eyes filled with emotion.
“I think I loved you from the first moment we met,” Gunner said. “You are special, and I want you to know what’s in my heart.”
Lori wiped a tear from her cheek. “I’m deeply touched. And…I love you too.”
Gunner couldn’t believe his luck. “I realize I might not be the man you would have chosen. But…”
“That’s just not true,” Lori said. “You are the most caring man I’ve known. You’re wonderful, and
I’ve been madly in love with you for weeks.”
Gunner kissed Lori long and passionately before taking her back to the house. He looked forward to sharing the day. When they went to the kitchen, Lori made mimosas, while Gunner leaned against the counter watching. Before taking the drinks out to the pool, Gunner lifted Lori up onto the counter. He kissed her, and she responded passionately.
Desire quickly spiraled out of control, and Gunner made love to her right there in the kitchen. Afterward, Lori clung to him, whispering her love. For the rest of the afternoon, they were in bed more than out, making it a day to cherish.
*****
Lori knew that she had to face reality. But the weekend with Gunner made her forget anything but being in love. On Sunday morning, they went for a swim before lunch, forgoing the swimsuits this time. In the shallow end, Gunner made love to her in the water.
Lori had been insatiable. He was a good lover, just as he was good at everything else. She couldn’t imagine any woman who would turn him away, and she wasn’t about to. It was tempting to extend the getaway and hide out at the mansion.
Lori had the wild idea to stay there with Gunner until the danger passed—but that was pure fantasy. She couldn’t rely on law enforcement to deal with her situation. No one had more vested in the outcome than Lori.
It turned out to be another fabulous day with Gunner. They watched a movie in the film room, cooked gourmet food, drank delicious red wine, and ate decadent dessert. But most of all, they were in each other’s arms, each interlude more loving than the last.
Late that afternoon, Lori sat in Gunner’s lap. “You know what I would like to do?”
“I have no idea,” Gunner said, a gleam in his eyes.
“I want to go out,” Lori said. “There is one thing I’ve wanted to experience, but haven’t had the chance.”
“I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”
“Sunset Ranch has an evening horseback ride up to Mount Hollywood,” Lori said. “That would be so romantic.”
Gunner had confirmed that no one had been watching Lori’s house, and he was confident that her location was secret. He could certainly take her out for the evening. They dressed for a chilly ride and Gunner selected one of the other cars in the garage.
Gunner explained that his Charger could be recognized, but no one would expect the Mercedes sedan. The car was royal blue with white leather interior. Lori settled into the passenger seat, admiring the luxury. Gunner started the engine, and she suspected that he would enjoy driving the sporty car.
The drive to Hollywood was a thrill, as Gunner navigated the city streets and accelerated around corners. He turned up Beechwood Drive to get to the ranch. The staff were friendly, and the ride met Lori’s expectations. At sunset, the tour wound through the hills as the sky turned bright gold and orange.
There was a view down to the city, sparkling with lights against the night sky, and Lori had a close-up view of the Hollywood sign. It was a lovely two-hour ride, but Lori didn’t enjoy the event as much as she might have. It was her last night at the safe house with Gunner, so the moment was bittersweet.
Chapter 20
The last night at the mansion, Lori hadn’t slept well. She had tossed and turned, worrying about what to do. Gunner had been awake, too. When he held Lori in his strong arms, enemies hadn’t seemed to exist—yet they were very real.
But staying out of sight hadn’t fixed her disastrous life. Since her father’s death, everything had fallen apart, and she didn’t know how to make things right. She didn’t know who had murdered her father and struggled to keep faith that she would find out.
Gunner’s love was a bright spot. But Lori couldn’t have the permanent relationship she wanted. Too much was still unresolved. And with a murderer free, Lori wasn’t safe. She couldn’t put out of her mind that she might be next.
That morning, Lori had gone to the clinic early. Gunner had walked her into the lobby then assured her that the surveillance team was in place. If she had to go anyplace, one of the team would escort her.
Gunner kissed her, and Lori nearly asked him to stay—but she refused to be that weak. The only way out was to take control, but she was at a loss on how to do that.
She handled patient files and replied to emails while she waited for the staff to arrive. Jess called, and it was good to hear a friendly voice.
“Where have you been?”
“I thought Wyatt told you,” Lori said.
“He said you went away for the weekend,” Jess said. “I figured that part out. But after what happened, I was worried.”
“I can’t explain why I was followed,” Lori said. “Whoever it was has disappeared for now. I can’t tell you not to worry…I’m worried. But I was with Gunner all weekend.”
“I was going to ask if you wanted to stay with us,” Jess said. “But you got a better deal.”
“I have the best protection I could hope for,” Lori said. “But I’m still nervous.”
“Who wouldn’t be?” Jess shared news about her weekend, and said that she had calmed down since the frightening chase. “After all, the bad guys weren’t after me.”
“It’s probably best if you don’t hang out with me until this is over.”
While Lori was on the phone, the staff had arrived. Her patients would start to arrive, and she needed to focus. Matt was probably in his office, and she hoped he stayed there. Before she got up, another call came in. It was Sheldon with a lunch invitation, which she accepted. Lori hadn’t talked to him since the meeting at the attorney’s office and felt like she’d neglected him.
The morning went smoothly, and Matt interacted with the administrative staff but left Lori alone. She looked forward to lunch and getting away from the clinic. When Sheldon arrived to pick her up, Lori met him in the lobby. She gave him a quick hug then linked arms to walk him out.
“You seem in a hurry,” Sheldon said.
“I have to be back for my afternoon patients.”
When Lori was in Sheldon’s Lexus, she told him the truth. “I’m being extra careful. There’s no need for you to be around the clinic more than necessary.”
Sheldon started the car and pulled out of the lot. “I heard about what happened Friday.”
“Who told you?”
“I couldn’t reach you, so I called Adam. I assumed he would know where you’d gone.”
“He was around on Friday, when Jess and I got back from lunch.”
“I heard,” Sheldon said. “I’m concerned for your safety.”
“I should tell you that one of the Stealth team members is following us,” Lori said. “He won’t intrude but will keep an eye on me until I return to the clinic.”
“Gunner’s idea?”
“Yes, he won’t let anything happen to me.”
That seemed to satisfy Sheldon. He drove to an elegant restaurant not far from the clinic, and assured Lori that he would get her back to work promptly. The restaurant was dimly lit with candles on the linen-covered tables.
Sheldon had reserved a place in the back corner. It was a booth with high backs. “This will give us privacy, so we’ll have a chance to talk.”
Lori ordered mandarin tomato soup. She had iced tea, but Sheldon ordered a glass of Cabernet to go with his Sicilian ragù.
While waiting for the food, Lori sipped her drink and nibbled a piece of bread. She wanted to say something reassuring to Sheldon, but not much progress on the case had been made.
“The police interviewed me,” Sheldon said. “I didn’t have much to tell them. I believe they had already spoken to you.”
“We will find out who did it,” Lori said, hoping she sounded convincing.
Sheldon sipped his wine, looking thoughtful. “I hope I’m not overstepping my bounds, but I am your uncle and I’m worried about you.”
“I suppose you have reason to be,” Lori said. “But I’m not alone; I have plenty of support.”
“It’s not that,” Sheldon said. “After hearing
what happened Friday, I couldn’t stop thinking about it all weekend.”
“I wasn’t hurt.”
“Yes, but still…”
Lori didn’t know what her uncle could do to help.
“I want to talk to you about something,” Sheldon said, “and I want you to take this in the right way.”
“Certainly, go ahead.” Lori had no idea what he had on his mind.
“Robert was my brother,” Sheldon said. “He loved you and wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to you.” He held up his hand. “Hear me out. I feel responsible for you, and it’s hard for me to watch you go through all of this.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“No, but I could help,” Sheldon said. “I want you to consider giving up the clinic. I know it was your father’s passion, but you don’t have to follow the same path. Under other circumstances, it would be fine. But it’s not worth risking your life.”
Lori was thrown off by the idea. “I couldn’t give it up. I don’t want to.”
“You don’t have to go through all of this,” Sheldon said. “It must be hard on you. I could find someone to take over—or at least give you a break. I want you to lean on me, let me help.”
“Uncle Sheldon…” Lori floundered for the right response. “I appreciate that. It means a lot to me that you care, really. But the clinic is important to me. It isn’t just a matter of following in my father’s footsteps—it’s my passion too.”
“I wish you’d consider it,” Sheldon said. “If you sold the business, you’d be set for life. You could do anything you want. Think it over, and if you change your mind…”
“I won’t change my mind.” Lori couldn’t deny that it would be good to step away from all the pressures. But Sheldon’s offer made her remember how much the clinic meant to her.
*****
After Sheldon dropped Lori at the clinic, she saw her afternoon patients. She kept thinking about Sheldon’s offer, but she admonished herself for letting it get to her. Selling out wasn’t the solution, despite how good a less stressful life would be.
Savage Peril: Military Romantic Suspense (Stealth Security Book 6) Page 15