Justice

by Laurann Dohner

  She kissed him back, meeting his need with her own and moaned against his tongue. The hand gripping her hair loosened to cradle the back of her head and Jessie forgot about the room full of people witnessing them entangled in the middle of the room. She forgot she was mad at him. There was just them, they were together and he didn’t want her to leave him. Her hands released his shirt to slide up around his neck and her feet left the floor as Justice lifted her higher up his body.

  Justice finally broke the kiss. Dazed, Jessie stared up at him, panting, her body turned-on and then she remembered where they were. A blush heated her cheeks and she didn’t dare look away from his sexy gaze as they stared at each other. She wasn’t prepared to deal with the reactions of the room. The only thing that mattered was right in front of her, holding her tightly.

  Justice looked away from her and adjusted his hold until he swept her up into his arms to cradle her against his chest with her legs hooked over one of his strong arms. She clung to his neck and realized he’d carefully captured her skirt when he’d lifted her legs to keep her from flashing anyone. She braved glancing around to see what he did. Every face, both human and Species, appeared utterly stunned.

  “This is Jessie.” Justice paused, turned his head and seemed to want to address everyone. “She’s human. I know some might have a problem with that. I’m sorry if you do but I won’t give her up regardless of your reactions. She’s mine and she’s going to be my mate.”

  Jessie was glad he held her. Her arms tightened around his neck and she darted a glance at her old boss. Tim’s mouth hung open, his face was red and his eyes were filled with disbelief. She quickly glanced away. Trey still gripped the older man’s arm, jerked hard on him to move him away from blocking the door and her old team leader smiled when he caught her eye. He dragged Tim toward the bar, waving the rest of the team back with a jerk of his head.

  “I know it’s going to cause problems with some humans because of my position.” Justice paused and Jessie stared into his eyes. He glanced away. “I’m more than willing to step down if that is what you think should happen. Just let me know tomorrow after you make a decision. Right now I’m taking my mate home to make wedding plans. Have a great party and have fun.” He strode for the door.

  “Justice?”

  Justice stopped walking, his hold on her tightened and he slowly turned to acknowledge the deep male voice that had called out his name. Jessie studied the room, searching all the faces for the speaker. A tall male stepped forward—a big guy with a broad chest and massive arms. His catlike eyes locked on Justice as he lifted a hand to brush back straight black hair from his ear. Justice growled low, a threatening sound, and Jessie didn’t need to be told he was ready to fight.

  “You may have the job if you want it, Brawn. I won’t fight you and put my mate in danger.”

  “We welcome your mate,” Brawn announced loudly. “No one could take your place so don’t expect a call tomorrow asking you to step down. She’ll make a welcome addition to our family.” His cat eyes focused on Jessie. “I don’t want to fight him but I do admit to being a little envious. Take care of him, Justice’s mate.”

  Jessie was too stunned to reply but Justice didn’t have that problem.

  “Thank you.”

  The man lowered his head and his gaze toward the floor. Justice turned away and strode quickly for the door. An officer rushed to it, smiled and held it open wide to allow him to carry her out into the night air.

  “I can’t believe you just did that,” Jessie whispered.

  Justice grinned when he glanced at her. “Me neither, but I’m glad I did. I’m taking you home to pack your belongings. You’re moving into my house tonight and you’re never leaving.” He stopped walking and his gaze held hers. “We’re getting married and that isn’t up for debate.”

  “You could ask me.” Amusement filled her, and happiness.

  He cocked his head. “I could.” He looked away, laughed and carried her to his Jeep to deposit her in the passenger seat.

  Jessie heard the music start up again inside the bar as the man she loved jumped into the driver’s seat. He tore off his tie and turned in his seat to dangle it between them.

  “Before you answer, let me tell you a few things. I won’t take no for an answer. I will use this to bind you to my bed until you change your mind if you don’t answer the way I want you to.” He chuckled again. “Will you marry me?”

  She grinned. “I don’t know.” Her attention fixed on the tie for a few seconds before she met his gaze again. “I might be tempted to say no just to get you to tie me to your bed. It sounds fun and kinky.”

  “Jessie,” he purred.

  “Yes.”

  “Yes to your name or yes you will marry me?”

  She bit her lip, giving him a teasing look. “I’m still thinking about what you’ll do to me when you have me naked and bound on the bed. Give me a minute.”

  He dropped the tie into his lap and started the Jeep. “We’ll settle this at home.”

  She laughed. “So, if I’m your mate doesn’t that mean I get to keep my house? You had it built for whoever that would be. That would make it mine still to live in.”

  He shook his head. “I had it built for a Species mate. You will live with me and sleep in my bed every night or I’ll burn that house down.”

  “But it’s such a beautiful house.”

  He turned his head to grin at her. “You should hate to see it destroyed. Remember that if you ever think about leaving my bed for your old one.”

  “I’ll marry you.”

  “I wasn’t worried. I was serious about tying you to my bed until you changed your mind. I told you it wasn’t up for debate.”

  * * * * *

  Breeze approached the table slowly, glanced at the four males sitting there and put her hands behind her back. She waited until she had their full attention before she spoke.

  “Thank you,” she said softly, sincerely.

  “You said he cared for her,” Brawn grumbled. “You didn’t tell me he was obsessed to the point of going feral. He nearly took my head off when I told him I planned to claim her.”

  Cedar laughed. “He might not have overturned the table or wanted to tear your head off if you’d just said you were going to claim her. Breeze asked to make him jealous to get him to admit to his feelings for the human. You provoked him into wanting to kill you.”

  Bestial grinned. “I did like the part about taking her home, mounting her and fucking her until she screamed. Justice sure didn’t, but I was amused.”

  Jaded chuckled. “Yes. Let’s not forget that classic line that finally broke his barely contained control. What did you say, Brawn? You were going to fill her with your seed and plant it? That was a nice touch.”

  Breeze reached out and squeezed Brawn’s wide shoulder. “You said all that to him?”

  He sipped his juice. “I about lost my head. As your councilperson, I’m here for you always when you need a favor. Next time though, warn me if you might get me killed so I at least see it coming. I expected anger but he honestly wanted to rip me to shreds. Next time you need a favor, I want to be the Species who lies for you and makes the call, pretending to be Justice’s secretary.”

  Breeze stepped closer to his chair. “You’re my hero. Would you like to dance? You feel tense and I know how to relieve that.”

  Brawn’s gaze widened and he grinned. “I would love to.”

  Breeze lifted her fingertips to rub the exposed skin at his neck. “Let’s go.”

  Brawn stood and winked at the other three men. “Risking my ass paid off, so don’t laugh too hard. You sit here while I dance with a beautiful female.”

  “We helped,” Bestial said and laughed. “Do you have any friends who want to dance with us?”

  Breeze wiggled her finger at them. “It’s party night. We’re all in the mood to have some fun.”

  Cedar stood. “Good deeds do pay off.”

  Jaded finished his drink a
nd stood. “I love party night.”

  “Me too,” Bestial growled. “Let’s go have a few hours of fun with our females.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Jessie zipped her gym bag but Justice took it from her before she could lift it from the bed. She grinned, amused that he’d really driven her straight to the house to pack. He’d helped by bagging everything inside the bathroom and had taken most of it next door already.

  “I could have done this tomorrow when you’re at work.”

  “I want it settled tonight.” Justice reached up and caressed her cheek with his fingertips. “I don’t want you to have a reason to come over here again. You live with me.”

  His tender words filled her with happiness. He was totally committed to their relationship now, it wasn’t a secret anymore and he wasn’t hesitant in the least to make it permanent.

  “What about all those boxes in the living room? Are we going to move those too?”

  “No. I will have someone do that in the morning.”

  Jessie glanced around the room to make sure she wasn’t leaving anything behind. “I’m done. That was the last of it.”

  “Let’s go.” Justice dropped his hand to grab a second bag. “Lead the way, mate.”

  Jessie walked up the front steps to Justice’s home, a little nervous since she’d never been inside it before. She hoped she loved it as much as the house she’d just left. She reached for the door handle to open it for him.

  “Wait.”

  She glanced at him, arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest as he set down her bags. “What? Did you leave it a mess?”

  He chuckled. “Stay here. Don’t peek.” He opened the door, shoved it wide and picked up her bags again. He disappeared inside.

  She couldn’t see a thing since he didn’t turn on lights. He moved around inside. She could hear him but had no clue what he was trying to hide from her. With her luck the guy was a slob, but a sexy one. He had mentioned he had a male who cleaned for him. At least she wouldn’t be stuck picking up after him.

  He stepped out of the darkness onto the porch and she gasped in surprise as he suddenly bent, his shoulder pressed against her hip and an arm hooked behind her legs. He stood quickly, draped her down his back and flipped on a light inside the door. His other hand massaged her ass as he carried her inside, used his foot to kick the door closed and chuckled.

  “Lock the door.”

  She had to grab her hair with a fist just to see, twisted the bolt near her face and turned her head to get a limited glimpse of a surprisingly neat living room. “Put me down.”

  “No. I’m not totally clueless about humans. I’m always studying their ways and I’m familiar with carrying a bride over the threshold the first time she enters their shared home. We’re mated as far as I’m concerned, the wedding is just paperwork for your world but you’re mine, honey. I’m carrying you to bed and showing you the proper respect you deserve by following your valued traditions.”

  It was so sweet she didn’t have the heart to tell him that most guys didn’t toss women over their shoulders. She chuckled, released her hair and cupped his muscular ass as he quickly strode through the hallway. He had the best butt and she barely took notice of his room when they entered it as he flipped on the light.

  He adjusted her when he bent, easing her to sit on the edge of his mattress and crouched before her. He smiled. “Welcome to our home. Now take off your clothes. I missed you and if I don’t make love to you soon I’m going to lose all control.” He rose, kicked off his shoes and tore at his jacket. “Hurry,” he softly growled.

  Jessie watched him strip quickly, enjoying the view of every sexy inch of skin and muscle he revealed. He looked up after he removed his pants, narrowed his eyes and frowned.

  “Undress. I mean it, Jessie. It’s been two weeks and I would hate to tear it off you. It’s a nice dress.”

  Jessie kicked off her shoes. She reached behind her and unzipped the dress and unhooked her bra. She let them slide down her body as she slid off the bed. Justice purred when she stripped out of her panties. She backed up when he took a step toward her.

  “Wait.”

  Justice froze. “What?”

  “We need to talk for a minute.”

  “I don’t want to talk.”

  “Well, we need to.”

  He growled. “What about?”

  “Did you sleep with Kit?”

  He frowned. “No.”

  She frowned back, closely studying his features for any hint of a lie or guilt. “Really?”

  “The only female I want is you. I don’t settle for less than what I want.”

  She nodded, sure he was being sincere. “This whole mate thing, does that mean you won’t cheat on me?”

  He smiled. “That’s what it means. You’re it for me and I’m it for you. It’s a commitment to only be with each other.”

  “For life?”

  “Forever.”

  “Okay. Good.”

  “Are we done talking now?”

  She glanced at the bed and smiled. “Just a few more things to go over.”

  He clenched his hands, his body tensed and his aroused cock twitched visibly, waving a little at her. “What else?”

  “Do I get my job back that I quit tonight? I like working with the women over at the dorm.”

  “You never lost your job. I didn’t accept you quitting.”

  Jessie grinned. “Good.”

  “Now are we done talking?”

  “There’s just one more thing to go over.”

  “What?” He inched closer, looking ready to pounce on her.

  Jessie sucked her bottom lip inside her mouth. “You.”

  He blinked. “What about me?”

  “I want you on the bed and I want to be on top.”

  His eyes narrowed while Jessie held her breath. They stared at each other and he took a step back. “You want to get even for tonight and last night. You want me to submit to you to soothe your injured pride.”

  “No. I just want to be on top. You liked it last time and so did I.”

  “You want me to let you be in control of our sex?”

  “I like that position and I swear this isn’t about getting even or dominance.”

  He shot her a wary look and climbed up on the bed to flip over onto his back. “Only for you and if you ever tell…” His gaze roamed her body. “I’d have to assert my dominance over you publicly in worse ways than I did at the bar.”

  “What does that mean?” Jessie leaned against the bed. “Why are these beds so high? I need a stepstool to get up there.”

  Justice laughed and reached over to grip her wrist and yanked her all the way on the mattress. “We’re tall. I’ll help you into bed. It’s the getting out of bed you’ll have a problem with since I’ll want to keep you here. I’d have to mount you in front of all of my people if I have to assert my dominance.”

  Jessie laughed at his joke but he didn’t. He arched an eyebrow instead, watching her silently. She stopped laughing, realizing he was serious. It shocked and stunned her.

  “Really? That’s… If you ever tried to do that to me in front of other people I’d shoot you. You would really have to have sex with me in front of them all? I’m totally not into that whole voyeurism-sex thing.”

  He suddenly laughed. “No. I just wanted to see your expression.”

  Jessie relaxed and smiled. “So what would you really do to me if I told someone you let me do this?” Jessie straddled his thighs and lowered her body across his. Her head dipped and her tongue licked his stomach near his bellybutton.

  “I’d have to punish you,” he softly groaned.

  Jessie scooted higher to lick his nipple and sucked the hardening flesh between her teeth. She nipped him and he made a low purring sound. Jessie felt his hard cock trapped between their stomachs jerk in response. She released his nipple and brushed kisses across his chest until her mouth encountered his other nipple to tease.

&
nbsp; “How would you punish me, Justice?”

  His hands gripped her hips. “I’d torture you, Jessie. You like me to move fast inside you but I’d hold you down and move so slowly you’d beg me to fuck you the way you like. I wouldn’t. I’d draw it out until you couldn’t take it anymore.”

  Jessie’s entire body responded to his sensual threat. She shifted her hips and lifted up as she pulled away from his nipple and sat up straight. Her fingers curled around the shaft she gripped, stroked the velvety length and brushed her thumb over the crown. Moisture from pre-cum helped her tease the edges as she drew circles.

  “You know if you threaten to tease me that I can do the same, baby.”

  “Jessie,” he purred, “it’s been weeks. I want it to be good for you but keep that up and I won’t last.”

  Jessie lowered her hips over his, adjusted his cock and rubbed her pussy over it. She moaned softly, enjoying it when it teased her clit, ready to take him inside her. She’d missed him too, knew how good he’d feel and pushed her hips down. Justice threw his head back and released her to claw the bed as she took him inside.

  “Nails,” she moaned. “You feel so good. Just don’t destroy the bed. I’m sleeping in it with you later.”

  “Fuck the bed,” Justice growled.

  “Fuck me,” Jessie moaned, lowered her chin and stared into his passion-filled gaze.

  Jessie closed her eyes, threw her head back and sank down farther, taking more of him, to enjoy him stretching her vaginal walls. The sensation of Justice filling her was the best thing in the world. She pressed down until she knew he was fully, snugly settled and their connection was complete. She moved up and down to adjust, taking it slow at first and it was torture. Her body’s desire to come urged her to ride him faster.

  Justice purred and growled, making erotic sounds that drove her passion higher. His hand came up, gripping her leg and his thumb slid between her spread thighs. He brushed her clit, drawing circles with just enough pressure to make her vaginal muscles clench around his thick girth. Jessie moaned louder, riding him faster.

  Justice suddenly rolled. Jessie gasped in surprise but then moaned when he drove into her deep and fast, trapped her with his weight and she knew he was in control. He looked sexy and fierce as he softly growled at her, showed his teeth when he smiled and braced his arms to pin her tightly under him.