Chapter 7
“I’m so glad to meet you.”
The country music singer, Savannah Summers, shook Maeve’s hand. Nox had just introduced them, and Maeve was a bit thrown, and star struck. Savannah was every bit as beautiful as her photographs—blonde, blue-eyed, and bubbly.
“Thank you. I love your music, Ms. Summers.”
“Please, call me Savvy, and thanks. By the way, I’m a big fan of your bourbon.”
“Oh, thank you.”
When they’d arrived back to HQ, the Black Star guys were having a cookout on the patio. Maeve had instructed Rogers to gather some clothing for her and run it back to HQ, along with her briefcase, so she could at least try to get some things done.
Nox leaned down to whisper, “She’s datin’ one of my brother’s, King.”
Maeve nodded, even though she didn’t have a clue who King was.
“Come with me, I’ll introduce you to everyone.” Savvy looped her arm through Maeve’s and walked her away from Nox. When she glanced at him, over her shoulder, he shrugged as if to say, “good luck with that.”
“So, how did you know who I was?” Nox had made the introduction but hadn’t said Maeve owned Kent Bourbon.
Savvy waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, that’s easy. Back in the day, I worked in a diner, and sometimes I picked up catering jobs on the side. I waitressed at one of your company’s events.”
Wow. Talk about a small world. A bonafide star had once waitressed for her, and she hadn’t even known it.
“Nox mentioned you were dating King. Which one is he?”
Savvy waggled her brows. “The tall, handsome one. Let me give you the grand tour, and I’ll make the introductions.”
Savvy walked them around the property, pointing out the porch swing, among other things before heading over to a large red-haired man with a couple layers of stubble on his chin. He had to be at least six and a half feet tall, and he swept Savvy up in a huge bear hug.
“Put me down!” She shrieked and wriggled out of his hold playfully.” This is King, and King, this is Maeve Kent.”
“I’m Thomas King, but everybody calls me King,” he said after he released Savvy. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
“West told me about your case.”
She nodded, but King couldn’t stop staring at Savvy.
Actually, they could barely take their eyes off one another. Watching the two of them, made her heart ache just a little.
They looked happy, at ease with another. It might be nice to have someone in her corner, a person she could rely on, no matter what.
What the hell? Are you going soft?
“Have you formally met the Chief yet?”
Maeve frowned.
“He means West,” Savvy clarified.
“Oh. No, I haven’t.”
King beckoned another man over to their group. A dark-haired, young woman came with him.
“I’m West.” He shook her hand.
Maeve nodded. “It’s nice to meet you face to face.” They’d spoken on the phone earlier.
West looked to be in his early thirties, like the rest of them. He had short-cropped blond hair and piercing blue eyes. His features were refined— high cheekbones, full lips, and arched brows.
“And this is my girlfriend, Annie Foster. She’s also one of the team.” Annie had long brown hair, dark eyes, and an athletic build.
Maeve smiled at Annie. “Hello.”
They were a cute couple, standing close to one another, their shoulder’s brushing occasionally.
Clearly, love was in the air. And it made her feel anxious, left out.
While they made small talk, Maeve’s searched for Nox in the crowd. He was leaning up against the wall of the barn, watching her, his expression inscrutable.
The fire between them sparked again.
She didn’t want to be rude, but Maeve’s would rather be spending her afternoon with him. All the way to HQ, he’d taunted her, teased her. Frustratingly, Nox had kept his hands to himself, but he’d described in detail exactly what he was going to do to her.
“Nox filled me in on your case,” West said, dragging her attention back to him. “Stormy is trying to get an electronic fix on your sister, using GPS.”
“Great.” Although, Maeve tried not to get her hopes up again. “What if this lead didn’t pan out either?
“What he means is, her car’s GPS company is stonewalling me, refusing to give details without a warrant,” Storm said, as he joined their group. “Don’t worry, I’ll get past their firewall in no time.”
“Can I do anything to help?”
He shook his head. “Unfortunately, the vehicle is in your sister’s name, so you can’t give permission.”
Once again, the law got in the way.
West pulled her aside and cleared his throat. “So, how is Nox treatin’ you?”
Like a sex object?
Even now, there was a butt plug nestled deep in her ass. She was acutely aware of it, especially since Maeve wasn’t wearing panties. There was something illicit and thrilling about having a sexual secret in a crowd. Or maybe it was the way Nox kept eying her, as though she were a tasty treat he wanted to devour.
West cleared his throat, and Maeve realized she hadn’t answered him.
“Fine, he’s been very, um, professional.”
West nodded. “Glad to hear it.”
Maeve mentally searched for a polite excuse to get away from the crowd, but Savvy appeared at her side once again.
“Where are my manners? I just realized I didn’t offer you a drink.” Before Maeve could respond, Savvy dragged her over to the picnic table, which was laden with party food like potato chips and macaroni salad.
“So, what’s goin’ on between you and Nox?”
“He’s working on my sister’s case,” Maeve said coolly. She had a lot of practice playing her cards close to the chest from dealing with the board and members of the press.
She snorted. “Horse shit.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“More like, you don’t want to talk about it. Don’t worry, I get it.” She narrowed her eyes at Nox. “But that boy can’t take his eyes off you.”
Maeve grabbed a bottle of beer and twisted off the top. She took a long, slow swallow. She didn’t want to think about her situation, let alone hash it out with a complete stranger.
“It’s okay. I won’t grill you anymore. Sooner or later, you’ll tell me.” Savvy winked. “I’ve got a good feelin’ about you two.”
Maeve sincerely doubted it. This could be a real disaster.
Just then, Nox walked over and seized her hand.
“I’m sorry, Savvy, but I’ve got to confer with Ms. Kent about the case. Alone.” Before she could reply, Nox whisked her inside and up the stairs. The place was empty, since everyone had gathered outside.
“What do you want to discuss?” Maeve asked as he pushed her into a bedroom and shut the door, before leaning against it.
They were on the third floor of the barn, in what must be Nox’s room. It was pretty standard—a nightstand, bed, a dresser, desk, and closet. Her bedroom was massive in comparison, a queen-sized sleigh bed she slept in by herself, night after night.
Since when do you hate being alone? Stop it. Now wasn’t the time to soul search.
“How my cock feels inside your tight ass.” Nox’s voice had gone so low and growly, it almost felt like a caress.
Maeve shuddered.
He pulled his shirt off and then slid his jeans off. His cock sprang free. It was engorged, and semen leaked from the tip. It was huge, and she didn’t think it would ever fit inside her.
Maeve licked her lips.
“Strip and get on the bed. I want you on your belly with your ass in the air.”
She didn’t even argue. Maeve did as she was told, eager to remove the barriers between them.
After pushing a couple pillows beneath her hips, Nox ominously tugged the belt from his jeans. The leather was so worn, it almost looked buttery.
“What are you doing?”
He dangled it in front of her. “Worried?”
“Should I be?” She was already vulnerable, naked and open to him.
“No. I already told you, hurtin’ women don’t turn me on, but I do love tyin’ them down.”
“You’re gonna use the belt to…?”
“Tie your arms together. Unless you object?”
She shook her head.
Nox looped the leather around her wrists several times and then fastened it. The sensation of being helpless was a turn on. He’d caught her, and there was nowhere to go.
Although Maeve realized she didn’t want to get away from him. She only wanted to get closer.
He smacked her butt cheeks hard, and she yelped.
Nox removed the piercing, ripped open a foil condom packet and rolled it over his dick in one smooth motion. Then he slid behind her, his big body on top of hers, mounting her. After Nox removed the tight plug, the head of his dick prodded at the entrance.
Maeve tensed.
“Easy, I ain’t gonna hurt you. Since you aren’t used to it, I’m only gonna put the tip in you.”
She heard the now familiar sound of lube being squirted into his palm. He slicked her asshole, as well as his cock.
He pushed, opening her up just a little bit.
Maeve bit her lower lip. The pressure was steady and relentless, inch by agonizing inch, Nox planted his dick inside her.
Nox smacked her again. “How is it?”
Maeve moaned. She was on edge, at a loss for words, entranced by the sensation, the fullness of him. And then he fucked her slow and easy, pushing the tip in and out, getting her used to the sheer size.
When he thrust even deeper, giving her a preview of his shaft, Maeve shouted. Once again, it was somewhere between pain and pleasure.
“I’ve gotta gag you if you’re gonna carry on. If it were up to me, I’d make you cry out until your voice got hoarse, but my roommates are repressed when it comes to this kinda thing.”
Maeve hadn’t even thought about the people milling around outside. And didn’t give a damn.
She bit the inside of her cheek as his cock slid out. Her ass ached.
With the help of a tissue, he carefully removed the condom and threw it in the wastebasket.
Nox patted her bottom fondly. “I’ve pushed you as far as I can. Once you get used to my cock, I’ll ride you harder.” He reached into a drawer and withdrew a slightly larger butt plug. “I’m gonna put this inside you instead.”
Maeve didn’t raise any objections. Although, she shivered at the onslaught of wicked images in her head. He inserted the plug, and she relaxed. It was snug, but it didn’t hurt.
And then he grasped a red leather gag, which he slipped into her mouth. He fastened it at the back of her head and then stepped back to admire his handiwork.
“Try to talk. Say your safe word.”
She mumbled, “Bourbon.”
“Say it again.” He pressed a hand to his ear, as though he hadn’t heard her. Maeve got the sense it turned him on, seeing her mumbling, mouth stuffed full.
Maeve muttered the word again.
“Fuck. You’re a sight.” He reached over to plump her breasts and pinch the nipples until they stood out, tall and proud.
Nox moved around the bed, viewing her from every angle, as though Maeve were on display. She was helpless, tied down, and his for the taking. Maeve felt as if she was made for his pleasure.
He cupped her chin, so she looked at him. “You loved havin’ my cock in your ass, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Say it, Maeve.”
“I loved the feel of your cock.” Her words were slurred by the rubber ball, but he didn’t seem to mind.
“Mmm. Such a dirty girl. You’re my little slut, aren’t you?”
Maeve nodded. At this moment, Maeve felt like his possession, his plaything.
And it felt great. No, it was fucking terrific.
There was nothing but pleasure and release.
What the hell has happened to me? Nox was like a song she couldn’t get out of her head, an endless refrain.
“Yeah, your mine alright.” Nox crawled on the bed behind her and leaned over, to whisper in her ear. “And now, I’m gonna fill all your holes.” His cock head nudged her pussy.
Maeve whimpered.
“You want me to take that cunt, don’t you?” He smacked her ass.
Maeve nodded.
“I thought so.”
And yet, Nox didn’t push his dick back into her. Not yet.
Maeve was so wet; her thighs were soaked. Her sex felt liquid, gushing with need. She could sense the hot length of him against her hip, like a branding iron.
“Beg me.”
“Please fuck me, Nox.”
He thrust into her. Hard.
Once again, Maeve was untethered from reality.
She couldn’t worry about anything. Not her missing sister. Not her job. Not the board members who wanted to unseat her. All she could focus on was his cock in her pussy, the gag between her lips, the plug snuggled deep in her asshole.
Nox fucking her hard and deep. Her tits bounced, and she sobbed against the gag. And then Nox grasped her by the hair, pulling her back onto his dick as he lunged into her. Again, and again.
And then, his cock was gone.
Maeve felt bereft, barren somehow, as though it belonged inside her.
“A deal’s a deal.”
Before Maeve knew what was happening, he flipped her over, spreading her thighs. Her clit was a swollen little bud, eager to be stroked. He held her wide open and then Nox fell on her pussy like a starving man, slurping at her sex, lapping the drenched folds until she squealed.
He bit her clit, and she gasped, stunned at the sensation. And then he worked her over, fucking Maeve with his tongue, his fingers, licking and sucking. Screaming against the gag, Maeve wailed her release.
“Fuck me, I love that sound.”
Nox rolled her over once more and plunged back into her pussy. Hard. He slammed into her, smashing his cock inside her again and again, showing no mercy. And she loved every single second of it.
Then his movements slowed, hesitated, and she could tell Nox teetered on the verge of orgasm. With a groan, he came inside her.
They stayed there for what felt like forever, locked together.
Afterward, Maeve could barely keep her eyes open. She was utterly exhausted. Replete. Nox pulled the gag from her mouth, and she relaxed her jaw. He unbelted her wrists, and she rubbed the pink lines the leather had left behind.
Damn. He marked me.
It made her quiver.
Nox collapsed on the bed, propping one hand behind his head. He was gloriously naked, completely secure in his nudity.
He was scarred, with what appeared to be a healed bullet hole near his shoulder, and a long pink slash just under his throat. Had someone tried to slit it? The wounds made him look even more dark and dangerous.
He looped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close and it didn’t occur to Maeve to protest. Instead, her eyes drifted close, and she felt dangerously close to content.
More than anything, Maeve wanted to stay with Nox, in his bed.
No, in his arms.
But I can’t do this. No way. No how.
Maeve wriggled out of his embrace and started hunting for her clothes. She hastily pulled them on and headed for the door, before she could change her mind.
His voice forestalled her. “Where the fuck do you think you’re going?”
She winced. “I figured I’d stay in another room.”
“No, you’re gonna sleep beside me.” Nox shimmied under the covers and held the other side up for her. “We didn’t get much rest last night, so let’s take a short cat nap.”
It looked so damn comfortable, Maeve couldn’t resist. The next thing she knew, Maeve was tucked in close beside him.
Surely, a couple more hours spent in his arms wouldn’t hurt. Would it?
Wait. Don’t answer that.
***
Nox woke up to find himself alone in the bed.
He checked the clock to find it was just after four in the afternoon. Maeve was nowhere to be seen. However, he found her luggage in the hallway. He could tell because her initials, MK, was embroidered on one of the pockets.
Nox sighed in relief. At least she hadn’t gone home. Her chauffeur must’ve dropped everything off.
He wheeled the suitcase into his bedroom. Maeve didn’t know it yet, but she was staying with him while she was at HQ.
And he didn’t give a flying fuck what West or the rest of the guys said. Once that was done, he resumed the hunt for Maeve.
Dammit. Where did she go?
Nox got dressed then headed downstairs, but there was no sign of Maeve or anyone else for that matter.
And then he heard the lower murmur of voices outside.
Nox headed out the door to investigate. He found Maeve seated on the rickety old back porch swing next to some golden boy. The man looked like Ken doll with his perfect teeth and wavy hair.
Nox scowled.
“Jim, I presume?”
Maeve gasped. She’d been too absorbed by pretty boy’s presence to even notice him.
“Oh, hi, Nox.” Her voice sounded abnormally high and squeaky. She nodded to her companion. “This is Jim and Jim, this is Nox. He’s trying to find Amy.”
“Nice to meet you.” Jim held a hand out, and Nox gripped it hard, squeezing the other man’s knuckles.
“Same here.” To his credit, Jim gave as good as he got. They stared at one another, having a silent standoff.
Nox wasn’t sure what Jim’s deal was, but he didn’t like the way the man sniffed around Maeve. Something was off about him.
Or I’ve lost my mind, and I’m actin’ like a jealous boyfriend.
Hmm, it might be that last one.
Maeve frowned. “Okay you can let go now. It’s getting awkward.”
Jim let go first, and Nox smirked when he caught Jim wincing for just a moment and shaking his fingers as if they’d gone numb.
Nox smirked. I hope I broke something.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but what’s he doin’ here?” Nox asked Maeve.
“Jim ran into Rogers when he stopped by to get my briefcase, so he offered to drop it off, along with my paperwork.”
“How thoughtful.”
“Yeah, I’m a giver.” Jim leaned back in the swing, wrapping an arm around Maeve’s shoulders.
Nox gritted his teeth. “You should be goin’ now. Me and Maeve have lots to do this afternoon.”
“Of course. I’ve got a meeting to get to anyway.” Jim stood and gripped Maeve by the shoulders. “I’m here for you, whenever you need me.”
“Thank you, Jim.”
With a nod to Nox, Jim strutted over to his red muscle car and drove away.
What a tool.
“That guy bugs me.”
She rolled her eyes. “Jim is terrific. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
“Yeah? Well, I’m not impressed.”
Maeve stayed there, watching Jim’s car until it disappeared and Nox gritted his teeth.
“Are you comin’ back inside with me or what?”
Maeve stared at his hand for the longest time, before taking it.
And Nox hadn’t realized he’d been holding his breath until she did.