Chapter Ten
Sienna struggled beneath him.
God, Theron loved holding her down, seeing how soft she looked compared to his strong hands. He slapped her ass again, and she tried to hide her moan in the covers.
“You like this, don’t you?”
“No,” she cried, but she was lifting her ass up to his palm.
He spanked her again and again. Between the sharp cracks of his palm, he caressed her, sliding his hands down her thighs and between her legs.
“You lying to me, naughty girl?” He growled the words, running his fingers through her wet folds. “You’re soaking wet.”
“No.”
“Yes.” He teased her. “Your clit is swollen.”
She got into the spirit of their play, wrestling against him. “Stop.”
He spanked her again, liking the pinkness of her ass cheeks. “You want this. You want me to force you?” He slid his hand between her thighs again. She parted her legs, pushing back, her breath coming in sharp pants. “Oh, yeah, my naughty girl likes it.”
“No, stop.”
“Shut up.”
“Stop, please.” She struggled again.
He leaned down, nipping at her shoulder, then her earlobe. “Keep struggling. It makes me harder.” He pressed against her, the dampness of his cock rubbing over the skin of her ass. “I can’t wait to take you, put my big cock in and shoot inside you.”
He grabbed her hips and yanked her up to her knees. He nudged her thighs apart with one of his own, then, without warning her, he slid inside her.
Sienna let out a long moan. God, she was so tight and hot. He started driving into her, brutal unforgiving thrusts.
“Say my name,” he demanded.
“No,” she choked out, even as she shoved her ass back against him.
He slid a hand into her hair, fisting it in her curls, and forcing her head back. Damn, desire was stamped on her face and she was lost in it. He slowed down, fucking her deep and thoroughly.
With each thrust, he heard her whimper.
“God…move,” she begged.
“Say. My. Name.”
“Theron. Please, move faster, Theron.”
He did, starting to lose his rhythm as his release grew in his body like a growling, hungry beast. He knew she was riding the edge, about to come. He slapped her ass one more time, and felt her explode. Her back arched and she screamed.
Theron pounded into her a few more times before he thrust deep and finished inside her.
He collapsed down beside Sienna, an arm and leg thrown over her prone body. What the hell had that been? Sure, it had been a while since he’d had sex, but he’d had some pretty varied and creative sex in his time.
No one had pushed him to the edge like his sweet Sienna, though. He looked at her and saw she’d pressed her cheek into the covers. Her eyes were closed, and she was panting.
He swallowed. Was she regretting it? Had he been too rough? He gripped her chin, pulling her face his way. “Okay?”
She smiled at him, her eyes opening, her gaze a little bit dazed and unfocused. “Better than okay. I…do you think you can be a little rougher next time?”
He sucked in a breath. God, she was perfect. He’d thought she wouldn’t want him like this, but she’d matched him step for step. “Sienna.”
She giggled now. “I loved when you spanked me. No one’s ever done that before. When you were fucking me, I could feel the scrape of your skin on my sensitive ass. And when you pulled my hair…” She nibbled on her lip.
He cupped her jaw. “Tell me.”
“The sting was only slight, but it made me more aroused.”
Hell. Some emotion bloomed in him. One he didn’t recognize, but made him feel damn good. One that pushed back the darkness he usually struggled with.
“We should get a bit of rest,” he told her.
“Oh.” She looked disappointed.
He tugged her closer, settling on the bed. “Even I need a bit of a break before I can fuck you again.”
She snuggled into him. “Okay. How do you like to sleep, Big T? Spooning? On your own side?”
“Don’t know.”
She lifted her head. “What do you mean?”
“Never shared my bed with a woman. I…usually leave after the fun’s over.”
Her brown eyes flickered. “Do you want to go?”
He yanked her so she sprawled against his chest. “Nope.”
She settled into him and Theron decided he could spend every night drifting off to sleep to the sound of Sienna’s quiet breathing.
***
Sienna woke up balanced precariously on the edge of the bed.
Theron wasn’t lying when he said he’d never shared a bed. He was taking up the entire thing. The only thing stopping her from tumbling to the floor was the hard band of Theron’s arm around her waist.
She heard a soft beeping from somewhere in the room. She remembered that he’d set an alarm, so they wouldn’t miss the barbecue. That was after he’d finished fucking her on the table. She licked her lips. He’d pressed her down on the surface and kept her hands clasped in the small of her back while he’d taken her. Almost like she’d been tied up.
And she’d loved every second.
“Hey, Big T, time to get ready for the party.” She nudged him and heard him grunt.
She slipped out from under his arm and headed for the bathroom. She was more than a little sore, but she loved it. From the ache between her legs to the slight burn on her backside.
After a quick shower, she stepped out and watched him shaving with her razor, only a white towel around his hips. She let her eyes linger on the muscles in his back.
“You keep looking at me like that—” his gaze met hers in the mirror “—we won’t just be late, we’ll miss the party entirely.”
“We can’t miss it. They’ll be waiting for us.” She made a shooing motion. “Go, get dressed and I’ll meet you in the hall.”
He turned, took a step in her direction. She went damp, wondering what other magical, sexy, and dirty things he could do to her.
He cursed under his breath. “See you in five minutes.”
“I need fifteen.” She set her hands on her hips. “I’m a woman.”
His gaze drifted down her towel-clad body. “Yes, you are.” When his eyes met hers, the gold in them looked molten-hot. “After the party…”
The suggestion hung there, taut, and hot. She nodded, her voice breathy. “After the party.”
Once he’d left, she rummaged through her closet. She yanked on some pretty blue underwear. She needed something pretty, but secretly sexy. She paused, smiling. Theron was hers. Her smile widened.
She pulled out a white dress with a cinched-in waist, a fuller skirt that hit just above her knees, and thin straps. It was simple, with a neckline that dipped enough to give a hint of cleavage, and the color was a perfect contrast with her dusky skin. She swiped on a tiny bit of makeup, left her hair out in a mass of curls, and spritzed on her favorite perfume.
Sienna twirled in front of her mirror. Not bad.
Theron was leaning against the wall in the corridor. “Ready?”
She closed her door. “Ready.” Heat bloomed inside her. That seemed to happen whenever she looked at him. It didn’t matter if he was wearing his armor or casual clothes. He’d pulled on well-worn jeans that hugged his mighty-fine ass and legs, and a navy-blue cotton shirt that stretched over his broad chest. He was mouthwatering, and all hers.
His gaze raked over her as he pushed away from the wall. He fingered the thin strap of her dress. “Pretty.”
Where his fingers brushed against her, her skin tingled. “Thanks.”
All of a sudden, he dropped down on one knee, his face level with her belly. Her breath hitched.
“What are—?”
He circled one of her ankles and slid his hands up her leg—calf, knee, thigh. The desire that slammed into her was shocking. Anyone could walk into the corridor and see them. How could she feel this much again, so soon? The man had spent several hours inside her, and had made her orgasm so many times she’d lost count.
His fingers brushed her inner thigh, and then across the satin of her panties. He looked up at her, hooking one finger in the elastic. “I want these.”
Sienna knew it wasn’t a request. Her belly fluttering like it was filled with butterflies, she let him slide her panties down her legs. She pressed a hand to his shoulder, as he helped her step out of them. He stood, brought the panties up, stroking the silky fabric for a second before he stuck them in the pocket of his jeans.
“Now we’re ready to go,” he told her.
They headed down the corridor. She’d always known that there was more to Theron, something a little darker. But over the last year and a half, she’d never guessed at the sexy man beneath his tough, solid façade.
They reached a tunnel where the small carriages that led up the escarpment to the Garden waited. They settled in, side-by-side, and the autonomous vehicle moved along the tunnel, heading upward.
The tunnel was dark, lit at intervals by soft lights on the wall. There were signs of the original purpose of the tunnels here—pipes strung along the roof, patches of dark coal in the wall.
A second later, a big hand started bunching up the skirt of her dress, and Sienna closed her eyes. His hand stroked her thigh again, and then he wasted no time sliding a finger through her curls.
“I want to know you’re wet for me while we’re at the party.” His voice was deep. “So wet that it’s making your thighs sticky.”
So dirty. She licked her lips and let her legs fall apart.
He rubbed her clit before sliding a thick finger inside her. He worked it in and out, before sliding in a second one. She controlled a gasp. Theron had very big hands.
Then, she felt the vehicle slow, and his fingers slid out of her. Her eyes popped open, and she made a small cry to protest the loss of him. She felt empty, wanting.
He was smiling at her. “We’re here.” He smoothed her dress down.
Ahead was the door leading into the Garden. Sienna composed herself as best she could, and prayed her legs would hold her. Walking beside Theron, the two of them entered the Garden. And damn the man, her thighs were sticky.
The Garden never failed to make her smile. The large bowl had been cut into the escarpment overlooking the Enclave. Rock walls rose up, and overhead, she saw the faint glint of sunset lighting the sky. All around were gardens, lush grass, and trees. Fresh fruits and vegetables were grown in fenced-off gardens. A children’s play area sat beneath the taller trees, which were strung with fairy lights.
It was one of the best parts of the Enclave, and actually quite safe. Sienna knew the open top was protected by an illusion system, and retractable doors could be closed, if required.
She heard muffled conversation and laughter—the deeper tones of the men, and Cam’s distinctive, melodic chuckle. They were all clustered around the picnic tables under the trees. Someone had covered one tree in pink bows.
In the center of the crowd stood Cruz Ramos—second in command of Hell Squad—along with his partner, Santha. Santha was sitting in a comfortable chair, while Cruz had their newborn daughter tucked into the crook of his arm. He looked like he’d been doing it for years.
He was talking with Hell Squad’s leader, Marcus, and Roth. Marcus was sipping a beer, one arm around his wife, Elle. The rest of Hell Squad and their partners, as well as the members of Squad Nine, were dotted around the space, sitting, standing, plucking food off the loaded trays on the table.
“Hey, leave some for the rest of us.” Hell Squad’s only female soldier, Claudia, slapped the man beside her in the back of his head.
Hell Squad’s sniper spun around, frowning. “I’m hungry, Frost.”
“So is everyone else, Baird.”
“You are so ornery,” he muttered. Then he fisted a hand in her shirt and yanked her against him. “Only one way I know to sweeten your disposition.” He slammed his mouth down on hers.
Sienna gave Claudia credit; she fought against the onslaught for a good three seconds, before she gave in. The tough female soldier melted, wrapping her arms around her partner.
They were a perfect example of a couple who loved and worked together. As she and Theron joined the group, she saw Hemi look up from his chair. His gaze swiveled between her and Theron, his brows rising. Then he winked at her.
Okay, it couldn’t be that obvious that she and Theron had gotten naked together. She was sure no one else would notice.
Suddenly, Cam leaped off the picnic table she was sitting on. “Oh, you did not!”
Sienna stiffened, surprised that Theron seemed so relaxed beside her.
“Cam,” Sienna said in a warning tone.
Taylor and Mac flanked their friend, the women staring at them.
“They did,” Mac said.
Taylor shook her head. “Dammit. Devlin picked it at the Christmas party, and I didn’t believe him. I mean it’s Theron…and Sienna.” She glanced at her man, a former spy and one of the Enclave’s best on the intel team. “Guess I lost our bet.”
A smile crossed Devlin’s handsome face, and it told them all just how he’d extract his winnings from Taylor.
Sienna’s face was burning. Of course, her friends would make a big deal of it. “Look, we—”
“Banged each other’s brains out,” Theron said. “Numerous times. Planning to do it again.” His gaze met Roth’s. “A lot.”
Sienna’s mouth dropped open. “Theron!”
“I’m not lying or hiding us.”
She struggled through feeling happy, embarrassed, and horrified. She decided to go with happy.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the table. “Let’s eat.” His gaze lingered on her face. “I’m starving.”
As Theron piled food on a plate, Sienna gave Santha and Cruz a warm smile. “Your baby girl is getting bigger every day.”
Santha looked like she was trying not to burst out laughing. “She is. And luckily for us, she’s a great baby.”
Sienna looked around. “Where’s Bryony?” She didn’t see their adopted daughter—a girl Cruz and Santha had rescued from an alien lab—anywhere. The girl was usually hovering over her new sister.
“Sleepover,” Cruz said, lifting the baby up for a snuggle. “Only time I get my smallest girl to myself.”
Sienna felt her ovaries sigh. There was something about a sexy tough guy with a swirl of tattoos on his muscled arm snuggling a baby.
As the conversation shifted, she sensed Roth move up beside her. She glanced at her friend and boss, suddenly nervous about what he might say. She knew the old rules of the Coalition military didn’t apply in this new world of theirs, but he would be completely within his rights to have concerns.
“Roth—”
“Just remember, no alcohol. We could still get called up for the oura mission.”
She thought she caught a faint hint of concern in his gaze, but he was smiling.
Sienna relaxed when Theron returned, and took the soda and the plate he offered. Soon, they were sitting amongst their friends, eating and drinking.
“Any luck on the data we collected in the city?” Theron asked.
A frown crossed Roth’s rugged face. “Nothing yet. They’re working around the clock, and the tech team is in chaos, trying to work out what this alien web is and those alien pods.”
Sienna listened to the conversations around her. She watched Hemi staring at Cam with covetous eyes. Cam was pretending to ignore him. Her friend had defenses that would make a castle proud. Hemi had his work cut out for him, but the man was stubborn and determined.
“Hemi, where’s the rest of your squad?” Sienna asked.
“On their way.” He sipped his homebrewed beer. “They want to challenge the Hell Squad pussies to a rugby match.”
There was a chorus of pithy replies from Hell Squad, Shaw’s the loudest.
“Hey, baby present.” Cruz covered a sleeping Kari’s tiny ears.
Sienna chuckled, and glanced over at Theron, who was listening to something Roth was saying. As she nibbled on her food, she felt his leg brush against hers. He wasn’t looking at her, but she knew he was aware of her. She heard Taylor laugh, and saw her friend staring up at Devlin, love glowing off them. They’d survived hellish raptor captivity and escaped together. The two of them were perfect for each other.
Sienna was reminded that this was her family now. She knew she’d always have that dull pain in her chest when she thought of her of mama, her sisters, her nonna, and her family. Maybe she’d always feel that tiny pinch of guilt that she’d not only survived, but that she felt such happiness being with her squad. She’d fought alongside these people every day for almost two years. Trusted them with her life. They’d forged bonds in battle that went beyond blood.
For the first time in her life, she felt truly accepted. Her squad accepted her as she was, and those dark and dirty moments with Theron had made other things click into place for her, too. Si, her mama would have welcomed Theron with open arms, and a huge plate of spaghetti.
“Holy hell, the testosterone level in here just skyrocketed,” Roth’s partner, Avery, breathed. Sienna saw the woman looking back toward the door, and swiveled to take her own look.
Oh, boy. Avery was not wrong.
The rest of the berserkers had arrived.
Squad Three was made up of the kind of men mothers warned their daughters to steer well clear of. These weren’t bad boys, these were deadly men—former bikers, ex-cons, and mercenaries.
Tane stalked in, dreadlocks loose around his compelling face. She’d never seen him smile, but the look suited him. He moved like some sort of predator on the hunt. His squad members surrounded him.
Tall, handsome Ash Connors, with two sleeves of colorful tattoos on his muscular arms. His best friend, Levi King, was beside him. Levi was a couple of inches shorter than his friend, but no less muscular, and with plenty of tattoos of his own. His long, brown hair was pulled back in a messy knot at the back of his head, and he was sporting a sexy-looking goatee. The men had run a motorcycle club before the invasion.
On Tane’s other side was Griff Callan—a former cop and ex-con. He wore his hair a little shaggy, and it was a deep, oak brown. He had the hard look of a man who’d done time in a Coalition supermax prison for murder. Two steps behind him was the man Sienna considered the most dangerous of the berserkers—hell, maybe the entire Enclave.
Unlike the other berserkers, he was dressed in slacks and a white shirt. Dominic Santora had dark, Italian good looks, but his brown eyes were almost black, and held a deadly stillness that always gave her shivers. No one talked about where Dom was from, or what he’d done before the invasion…but Sienna had her suspicions.
Hemi stood, knocking his knuckles against Tane’s. Soon, the berserkers were all nursing drinks and sprawling in chairs.
Cam nudged some things aside on the table to make room. A few of the kitchen staff appeared, setting down desserts.
“I bribed some of the kitchen staff for special treats.” Cam winked at Sienna, and pointed to bowls of chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
Sienna wrinkled her nose. “I finished the last of my favorite sprinkles. Need to ask Squad Eight to keep an eye out for more on their next raid.”
She was addicted to the sweet things. Luckily for her, Squad Eight was made up of non-military fighters who were usually tasked with raids to collect goods like foodstuffs, clothing, and medicine.
Theron reached into his pocket and pulled something out. He held it up to her. “For you.”
Frowning, she took the paper-wrapped jar. She ripped the covering off, and her heart clenched.
“I knew your stash was running low,” he said.
Theron had given her a new jar of the sugary sprinkles she loved. “Where—?”
A shrug of his big shoulder. “They’re handmade. I traded a few boxing lessons for the son of a lady in the kitchen who made them for me.”
With her heart full, she reached out and touched his arm. “Thanks, Big T.”
He cupped her chin, one hand falling to her thigh beneath the table. When he stroked dangerously close to her inner thigh, her pulse tripped.
Suddenly, Hemi stood and whistled. He flicked a smirk at Shaw. “So, Hell Squad ready to get their asses handed to them on the rugby field?”
There was a chorus of good-natured catcalls and insults. Tane moved onto an open patch of grass, spinning a rugby ball in his hands.
Hemi slapped Theron on the shoulder. “Need you and Roth to referee.”
The men moved off to the grassy area, and almost as one, yanked their shirts over their heads, displaying an impressive show of muscles and ink.
Cam sank down beside Sienna, licking at her ice cream cone, her eyes glued to the man-candy spectacle. “Oh, this is going to be good.”
Sienna watched Theron organizing the teams, blind to all the prime specimens of masculinity. Well, okay, almost blind. But her gaze lingered most on Theron.
In that peaceful, almost completely normal moment, there was no alien apocalypse, no death or suffering, no dangerous missions. He glanced her way and smiled.
Something unfurled inside her and her chest hitched. Uh oh. She had a feeling this sensation was how it felt to take the first step toward falling in love.