Laurie felt faint. She clung to Steele’s hands as the blood rushed from her face.
“I can’t believe this. Are they sure? How could he be dead?” she asked.
“Killer said to hang tight and he’ll fill us in on the details when he gets back to us.” Rip grasped her shoulder and squeezed. “But, I’m sorry, Donovan is definitely dead.”
“So this means the police are coming here for me?” she said weakly, her hand trembling.
“You’re white as a ghost,” Steele said, gazing at her. “Let’s get you inside.”
He led her into their room and the others followed. She sat on the bed and Steele sat beside her while the others gathered around, looking somber.
“Laurie, you didn’t do anything wrong,” Rip said. “It’s going to be all right.”
She glanced at Steele, remembering his fist hammering into Donovan’s face. Oh, God, was that why he’d died? Because Steele had beat him and then they’d left him in that cage? Had he died from injuries inflicted by Steele? If they had called someone sooner, would Donovan still be alive?
The thought sent a shock wave through her.
She’d hated Donovan. She hated what he’d done to her. She hated how cruel he’d been. And he’d terrified her. Just knowing he was out there had kept her in fear.
But knowing he was dead, and that Steele might have something to do with it, left her feeling numb.
“I don’t know what to tell them. I don’t know…” She was shaking her head and realized it was all too much. She felt weak and scared and … traumatized.
Rip sat on the other side of her.
“You’ll just tell them the truth. That the guy kidnapped you … terrorized you … then we showed up and pulled you out of there.”
“But won’t they charge you with breaking and entering? What about the fact that…” She gazed at Steele, then back to Rip, and continued hesitantly. “Donovan was beaten up. What if that’s why he died? What if they charge…” She shot a quick glance to Steele again, then bit her lip.
Steele’s granite eyes glinted. “You think I’m responsible for his death?” Steele murmured in a mere whisper.
His face clouded and she realized as much as he hated Donovan, he didn’t want to be responsible for his death.
She squeezed his hand. “You were saving me. You were reacting to what he did to me. You didn’t mean to…”
“Let’s just all keep calm,” Shock said. “Rip said Killer is going to call us back. Let’s not get worked up about what might happen. We’ll face whatever we have to when the time comes.”
“That’s good advice,” Rip agreed. “Steele, you went out to get food, right?”
Steele nodded.
“Okay, let’s all just eat and relax. Killer should get back to us soon.” Rip stood up and headed for the door.
Dom went with him and they returned a few minutes later with a brown paper bag and the case of beer the guys had been sharing outside. Dom opened a bottle and handed it to Laurie. She took a sip, then just stared at the burger Rip placed in her hand. Her stomach growled at the smell of food, so she unwrapped the paper around it, but after one bite, put it down beside her.
Silence hung in the air as everyone ate. Steele encouraged her to eat a little more and she finished about half, then gave up. It tasted like sawdust in her mouth.
“Hey, this place has a pool,” Raven said. “Why don’t we be real badasses and go swimming even though we’ve just eaten?” She grinned.
It was a warm day, and the thought of relaxing in the sparkling water had its appeal, but Laurie shook her head.
“You all go ahead. I’ll stay here.”
Raven looked hesitant, then put her hand on Laurie’s. “I’m just trying to get your mind off all this, since there’s nothing we can do right now.”
Laurie took a deep breath. “Thanks, Raven, but I’m just not up to it.”
“It’s okay. I’ll stay with her,” Steele said. “Rip, just leave the phone with me in case Killer calls.”
“You got it.” Rip stood up and pulled the cell from his pocket and handed it to Steele. “The pool’s just around the corner of the building, so if you need us, let us know.”
Steele nodded and they all filed out and Dom, the last one out, closed the door behind them.
Laurie turned to Steele and rested her hand on his cheek. “Oh, Steele, I’m so sorry I got you into this mess.”
“It wasn’t your fault. You were a victim in all this.”
She shook her head. “No. I chose to go out with him. I made the mistake of not seeing Donovan for what he really was. You tried to protect me and now you and your crew are pulled into this whole thing.”
“Don’t worry about us. You’ve been through a terrible ordeal. It’s you I’m concerned about.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “I’d do anything to protect you. Anything.”
She rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Letting the steady rhythm and the feel of his strong arms holding her tight calm her. She could drift into sleep right here in his arms. Just let her cares slip away and surrender to unconsciousness.
He stroked her hair and she tightened her arms around his waist. They sat there quietly, just holding each other. In the distance she could hear the others splashing in the pool. She closed her eyes and just let her thoughts go, surrendering to nothingness.
The cell phone rang, and she jumped.
Steele pulled the phone from his pocket.
“Steele here.” He gazed at her grimly. “Yeah, we’ve been waiting for your call.”
She heard the rhythm of the voice on the line, but not the words.
Steele answered questions, explaining what had happened. He glanced at her a few times.
“Yeah, she’s pretty shaken up, but physically okay. Except for a few cuts and a twisted ankle.”
She shifted beside him.
“No, we haven’t taken her to a doctor. It doesn’t seem to be broken, but it is swollen.”
Steele gave a few more details about the attack, telling him about the cage and admitting that he had hit Donovan.
“He was in the cage when we left him.”
Her stomach clenched.
After a few more minutes, he hung up.
“He said we should just stay put and hold off on going to a doctor for your ankle right now, unless it’s really bad. He wants to save you the stress of being picked up until he knows more.”
“My ankle’s fine,” she said. It hurt when she walked and the swelling made it uncomfortable, but she could live with that.
Steele insisted she lay back and put it up, then he fetched ice in a plastic bag, wrapped it in a towel, and arranged it on her ankle. When the others returned about a half hour later, Steele wrapped her ankle in a bandage he’d bought when he’d gone to get the burgers earlier and they filled up the time playing cards and drinking.
After ordering a late dinner of pizza, they all returned to their rooms to get some sleep.
* * *
Laurie felt the blackness closing in on her, stifling her breathing. A hand clutched her throat, choking her. She tried to flee, but she couldn’t move. Her hands were restrained. She murmured, unable to scream, fear exploding through her.
She tried to kick, but her legs wouldn’t move. Panic blazed through her.
“Laurie.”
Her eyelids popped open. Darkness surrounded her. A body was pressed against her. Big and hard. A man’s strong arms were wrapped around her.
Oh, God, Donovan. Memories of the cage he’d locked her in flashed through her brain. Fear and anguish gripped her.
She lurched forward, scrambling from his hold, and scurried through the darkness. She didn’t know where she was. But her ankle buckled and she fell to the floor.
The light snapped on and she rolled onto her butt, then pushed herself backward with her one good foot and her hands, but found herself trapped in a corner of the room.
* * *
“Laurie, what the hell?” Steele was still half asleep, but at the sight of Laurie on the ground panting, he became fully alert. He pushed himself from the bed and walked toward her slowly.
She cowered in the corner, like a trapped animal, her eyes glazed in fear.
He crouched on the floor, still several feet away. “It’s okay, baby. Did you have a nightmare?”
Her gaze darted back and forth as she sucked in deep breaths. Did she even recognize him?
“Laurie. It’s okay. You’re safe now. You’re here with me.”
She focused on him, her eyes wide, and seemed to relax a little.
“Steele?” she said hesitantly.
“That’s right, Laurie.”
Then tears welled in her eyes and flowed down her cheeks. His heart clenched at the sight.
“I … I…” She sucked in a breath.
He sat down on the floor. “It’s okay. Just take it slowly.”
“I was in a cage. He tried to choke me. I was so scared.”
The words tumbled from her mouth in a rapid flow, punctuated by shallow breaths.
“I know, baby.”
He wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but he didn’t want to approach her. All he could do was be here for her and wait for her to come to him.
She sucked in a few more breaths, then her gaze turned to his. “It was real, wasn’t it? It wasn’t just a nightmare.”
He nodded.
She started to tremble. She pulled her knees close and wrapped her arms around herself.
He moved closer. She stiffened a little, so he stopped.
“It’s all right now. You’re safe,” he crooned.
She stared at him, wide, glistening eyes, almost hopeful.
He opened his arms. She hesitated for a moment, but then she pushed forward the short distance between them. He took her in his arms and pulled her onto his lap, holding her close. She rested her head against his chest and he stroked her hair. He could feel the dampness on his shirt as her tears flowed.
“You saved me,” she murmured. “Thank you for finding me.”
“Of course. I told you, I’d do anything to protect you.”
They sat like that for a while, him holding her in the comfort of his arms, then he lifted her and carried her back to the bed. She snuggled into his arms under the covers and he stroked her back, until her breathing became soft and regular. She was asleep.
He laid there, his anger at what had happened to her smoldering within him. He would do his best to protect her forever, but even after death, Donovan’s actions preyed on her.
How could he protect her from her nightmares?
* * *
A knock sounded on the door. Laurie opened her eyes and sunlight danced across her face. She was in Steele’s strong, comforting arms. She closed her eyes again.
The nightmare last night had shaken her, but Steele had been there to calm her and take care of her. His arms tightened around her now.
Another knock.
“Yeah?” Steele called, his voice hoarse from sleep.
Laurie shifted in his arms, but kept her eyes closed, not ready to be jarred from this comforting cocoon just yet.
“It’s Rip. Can I come in?”
“Yeah, hold on.”
She opened her eyes and met Steele’s dark eyes.
“Do you think he’s heard from Killer?” she asked.
His lips brushed the crown of her head in a tender kiss. “Let’s go find out.”
He pushed himself from the bed and walked to the door. Laurie pulled the covers close to her as he opened the door. Rip stood on the other side and Steele stepped back to let him come in. He carried two Starbucks cups in his hand.
Rip glanced at Laurie, concern etched in his face. “How are you doing?”
“Okay.” Despite her response, she felt small and vulnerable. She wiped sleep from her eyes and wondered if she looked like a lost child, tucked under the bedclothes, clinging to the scant protection of the covers.
Steele took the coffees from Rip and handed one to Laurie. She took a thankful sip of the steaming liquid.
“Killer just called,” Rip said.
Laurie’s heart rate accelerated, her focus locking on him. She watched as Rip walked to the second bed and sat down, facing her.
“We’ll have to go in for questioning.”
Her heart clenched. She had hoped this would all just go away.
“But it’s okay,” he continued.
Steele sat beside Laurie and slid his arm around her. “What do you mean, it’s okay?”
“They know it wasn’t us.”
“How?” she asked, hope coiling through her.
“When they found him, he wasn’t in the cage.” Rip stretched his long legs out in front of him. “There were two guys who worked for him. They showed up a few hours after we left and found him. When they let him out, apparently he became belligerent and started a fight with them. He fell and hit his head on the corner of the glass coffee table and cracked his skull.”
“And these guys admitted all that?”
“Not at first. Especially since they panicked and fled the scene, but there’s evidence proving he died from hitting his head and where. Once they were picked up they just filled in the details. Now we have to go in to give our statements.”
“Are you going to be in trouble for breaking in when you all came to save me?” she asked.
Rip gazed at her. “They know what he did to you. Donovan’s men admitted to kidnapping you and helping him lock you in the cage, then leaving you there. Killer told me they’re not charging us with a thing.”
* * *
Laurie drew her arms from around Steele’s waist. As he dismounted the bike, she stared at her town house.
The bright purple-and-pink petunias she had planted several weeks ago had filled out nicely and the golden-yellow Stella D’Oro lilies were cheerfully blooming. The wreath she’d crafted from lavender and pink calico fabric, silk flowers, and lacy ribbons adorned the lemon-yellow door, and the mat, with WELCOME written in a lovely script, surrounded by curlicues and flowers in pink-and-green pastel, was warm and inviting.
And familiar.
That should give her comfort. She should feel happy returning home, but instead she felt a lead weight in her stomach.
It had been so long since she’d been here and her whole life had changed in the time away.
“You look so serious,” Steele said, watching her. “Aren’t you happy to be home?”
She smiled. “Sure. I’m just taking it all in.”
Steele helped her from the bike. Even though her ankle was feeling much better now, she’d gotten used to Steele babying her, and it felt good being taken care of by him.
Being loved by him.
He hadn’t said the words, but she could see it in his eyes. And she felt the same way.
Just like returning home, that should make her happy, but it just left her feeling unsettled.
She handed Steele her helmet and smiled. “You don’t mind staying here without your men?”
“It’d be pretty crowded in your small place with all seven of us. I’m sure the others are quite happy back at the cabin.” His arms came around her and he drew her close, then kissed her soundly. “And I’m looking forward to some private time with you.”
Most of the days they’d spent on the road getting home they’d camped under the stars as they typically did, which allowed no privacy.
His words and the heat in his eyes reminded her they hadn’t made love since before …
Her gut clenched. She didn’t want to think about Donovan. She wanted to put that whole part of her life behind her.
Steele grabbed his pack and took her hand as they walked to the entrance. Three young women walked along the sidewalk, glancing her way as she walked toward the front door with the big, tattooed Steele beside her, and she smiled at the obvious envy in their eyes.
She unlocked the front door and Steele followed her into the entryway. As soon as the door closed, he pulled her into his arms again and kissed her, his tongue gliding between her lips, then caressing the inside of her mouth. When he finally released her, she was breathless with need.
He seemed to fill the place with his big, broad-shouldered frame. He glanced around, taking in her feminine paraphernalia. “Nice place.”
She glanced up at him with a smile. “You don’t find it too girly?”
He drew her close, holding her tight to his hard, masculine planes. “I find it sweet and pretty, just like you.”
His hands glided down her sides, and over her hips, then his mouth swooped down and captured hers. She melted against him, feeling soft and feminine against his hardness.
Then she felt another hardness, pressing against her belly. His arms suddenly felt like ropes coiled around her, his body big and menacing. She stiffened, her heart suddenly racing.
This isn’t Donovan. I’m not trapped.
She tried to calm her erratic breathing, but she needed space. She pressed him back and he easily yielded, releasing her.
She pasted a smile on her face and gazed up at him. “I just want to get in and settled. I think I’ll go shower and change. Why don’t you grab a cold drink from the kitchen, then I’ll take you on a tour?”
She escaped to the bathroom, then closed the door and leaned against it. What had come over her? Steele had been protective and caring of her ever since he’d met her. He was not Donovan.
She stripped off the biker chick clothing she’d borrowed from Raven and stepped into the shower stall. As the water ran over her, she heard the bathroom door open.
“I could use a shower, too,” Steele said from outside the foggy glass door.
She heard his jeans hit the floor, then his other clothes follow. She turned as he opened the glass door.
“Room for one more?”
The sight of him … big, tattooed, and muscular … took her breath away. All she could do was nod. He dwarfed any space, so it would be a tight squeeze with both of them in such a small shower stall, but she wanted him here. She wanted to feel his body close to hers. To feel him stroke and hold her.
He closed the glass door behind him and picked up the soap, his dark gaze gliding over her naked body. He lathered up his hands, then stroked them over her shoulders, then down to her breasts. His big hands covered her, and her nipples puckered to hard nubs. She turned her back to him and he cupped her breasts, caressing them, then drew her back against his body.
The water careened down on them and her heart beat rapidly as he stroked her breasts, then glided his hands along her hips. She wanted to grind her behind back against his growing erection, to open her legs and lean forward in open invitation. She wanted him to make love to her. Now. Here.
She ached for him.
Steele drew her back against him, his lips nuzzling her neck, his arm coming around her waist. Drawing her back against his hard body.
But the space was small and memories of being locked in the small cage Donovan had trapped her in flashed through her. Memories of Donovan’s arm around her waist, pulling her tight against the cage. Her stomach clenched.
I’m going to fuck you. So hard you won’t be able to stand for a week. Then I’m going to do it again. And again.
Donovan’s words ripped through her brain and she froze. Panic welled in her.
She shoved away Steele’s arm and pushed past him, scurrying from the shower. She grabbed a towel as she hurried out the door and into her bedroom, closing the door behind her.
* * *
Steele’s gut clenched as the door closed behind Laurie.
Fuck, he was pushing too much. But he had been careful with her for days, treating her like a fragile doll. Loving, sensitive, and understanding.
He had only been trying to ease them gently into what he knew they both wanted. And needed.
When she looked at him, he could see the hunger in her eyes. She wanted physical intimacy just as much as he did. Maybe even more. But she was frightened. And traumatized by that bastard.
He wanted to help her, but he didn’t know what to do.
He washed his hair and scrubbed his body, then stepped out of the shower and dried off. With a towel casually draped around his waist, he went into the living room and pulled out some clean clothes from his bag and donned them.
He could definitely use some coffee. He walked into her kitchen and found coffee and filters in the cupboard then put on a pot. As he waited for the pot to fill, he leaned against the counter and glanced around. A flowery picture was on the wall and a silk flower arrangement on the small rectangular table in the corner. A shelf about a foot down from the ceiling held delicate teacups on saucers, and a bookshelf of cookbooks was adorned with little plaques with homey-type sayings.
This was definitely a woman’s home. Very feminine, and it gave him a very different view of Laurie than the striking woman in the stilettos and short club-style dress—that her asshole ex had picked out for her—and then the jeans and biker-girl T-shirts, which she’d borrowed from Raven.
He lifted the edge of a frilly, lace-edged pot holder that hung from a hook on the wall and it struck him. He really didn’t know anything about Laurie. When she’d been riding with them, she’d been outside her element. Fleeing from an abusive ex, and the law. Living on the edge and just coping the best she could.
This—he took the pot holder in his hand, staring at the words HOME SWEET HOME embroidered in a delicate script—was who she was. She wasn’t a woman like Raven who would be willing to give up her life and ride around with a band of bikers, living from day to day. Laurie wanted stability. She wanted a home.
She wanted to be safe.
His heart compressed.
She couldn’t find that with him. He was a nomad. Always moving. Never wanting to stay in one place. When he was younger, he’d stayed in Chicago to look out for his sister, to give her a sense of home, but once Chrissy was gone …
He shook his head. He wouldn’t have changed those years trying to help her, but they’d done no good. And Laurie was a totally different situation. He was sure she’d learned from her mistakes and wouldn’t get into a relationship with a man like Donovan again. A man who would abuse her.
Fuck, a man who would dominate her.
What the hell had he been thinking? She didn’t want a man in her life who would try to control her. She found it exciting, sure, but who was he kidding?
She couldn’t be in a relationship with a dominant man. Not now. Not after what that bastard had done to her.
He opened the door to the cupboard and stared at the cups. They were all pretty, adorned with flowers, butterflies, kittens. He grabbed one with a fluffy kitten staring out a window and another one staring in. It was adorable.
It was totally Laurie.
He poured a cup of coffee and walked into the living room and sat down.
* * *
Laurie drew in a deep breath and opened the door to her bedroom. She had to face Steele, and explain what had happened.
She walked into the living room, dressed in her own jeans for the first time in over a week, and a floral halter top. Steele sat on the couch, looking totally incongruous sitting in her distinctly feminine living room, holding her favorite cat mug.
He was too big for this room. Too masculine. To rough and ready.
“You want to talk about it?” he asked.
There was no point asking what. They both knew.
She nodded as she sank into the chair in front of him.
“I’m sorry. I just … I keep reliving what happened with Donovan.”
He put down his cup and leaned forward, his hands clasped between his knees. “I’m not Donovan. I’m not going to hurt you like he did.”
She nodded. “I know.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Do you?”
Guilt washed through her. She did know, but she’d been treating him as if she didn’t. She stood up and walked toward him, then perched beside him on the couch.
“I’m sorry, Steele.” She took his hand and locked gazes with him. “It’s not you. You know that. I just have to … get past this.” She drew his hand to her lips and kissed his rough knuckles. “I know you can help me do that.” She leaned forward and kissed the tip of his raspy chin. “Will you help me?”
* * *
Steele watched as she reached behind her neck and untied the halter, then lowered it, revealing her naked breasts. His heart clenched and his cock stirred. For days he’d held back, wanting her, but knowing he had to give her time. And every time she pulled back from him, he had died a little inside. He knew she didn’t mean to reject him, but that didn’t change how it made him feel.
She took his hand again and pressed it to one mound. He groaned softly.
Fuck, he wanted her so bad.
He felt a tug on his jeans as she pulled down his zipper, then her hand slid inside. His heart raced as her delicate fingers wrapped around him.
God, he needed to be inside her. His body ached with the overwhelming need.
He had to fight the compelling drive to shove her back on the couch, tear her clothes away, then drive into her. Hard and fast.
He kept tight control on himself, but what if he got carried away? What if he acted on that need? Would she ever trust him again?
Her fingers glided over his length and he moaned, his hand tightening on her soft breast.
He should stop her.
But he couldn’t. Her tender touch met a need deep inside him. Made him feel special and loved. She was like a drug he couldn’t shake.
She stroked his cock until it was so stiff he couldn’t think straight. Then she stood up and pushed off her jeans, then climbed onto his lap. Her fingers wrapped around him again and she pressed his tip to her hot, melting core.
He grasped her waist. “Oh, God, Laurie, you feel so good.”
She stroked his hair back, then smiled as she lowered herself onto him. He almost gasped at the feel of her warmth surrounding him. Being buried inside her was the most exquisite feeling he’d ever experienced.
She lifted and lowered herself, gliding on him in a sweet, passionate caress. His cock ached at the sublime sensations. He closed his eyes and let himself get lost in her.
He filled her again and again as she made love to him, gliding up and down, her loving hands stroking his chest. He groaned as she squeezed him inside and she moaned softly at her own pleasure.
She sped up and the pleasure heightened. She squeezed again and his groin tightened, then he erupted inside her, the pleasure blossoming to pure joy.
She gasped, rocking her hips on him, then moaned as she found her own release.
He held her close as she rested against his chest, all soft and feminine in his arms.
The experience had been incredible. Loving and soft and exciting. It was exactly what she’d needed, and he was happy about that. She’d been in control and set the pace. She’d kept everything exactly the way she needed it.
And he had no problem giving her control. Sometimes.
But could he hold back all the time? Could he stop himself from doing something that would emotionally throw her right back in that cage Donovan had put her in?
* * *
Laurie listened to Steele’s heartbeat, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. She’d taken a first step and she knew now that they could move forward. Feeling Steele inside her … his big cock filling her as she’d moved on him … had been heaven.
And he’d been so patient with her. So loving.
She knew she could trust him to be there for her. To give her what she needed.
She gazed up at him and smiled, but he seemed distracted. Distant.
She stroked his cheek. “Is there something wrong?”
“What, baby?” He met her gaze. “No, of course not.” He kissed her, a gentle brush of his lips. “Just tired.”
He stroked her hair back, and his gentle touch made her feel warm and protected. “Are you okay? I mean, was that okay?”
She smiled, warmed by his concern. She leaned in and kissed him again. “It was wonderful,” she murmured.
He nodded, but she could tell he was unsettled. Well, she had freaked out every time he’d touched her for the past few days. He was definitely still gun-shy.
“How about you just relax while I make some dinner?” She stood up and pulled on her jeans, and she didn’t miss the heat of his gaze on her bare breasts as she tucked them back into her halter top and tied it behind her neck.
He stood up. “I think I’ll go out for a ride.”
She glanced at him in surprise, but didn’t say anything.
“Okay. There’s a spare key in the bowl by the door.” Laurie watched him walk to the door, pick up the key, then close the door behind him.
As hard as these past few days had been on her, they’d been hard on him, too. She thought he’d be happy that they had taken this step forward, but something was bothering him and she wished she knew what it was.
But right now, he needed a little space.
All she knew was, now that she’d allowed herself to open the door and share intimacy with him again, she needed more. He’d stoked the fire and it was blazing inside her.
After dinner, she’d show him just how much she needed him all over again.
* * *
Steele mounted his bike and let out the throttle. The roar of the engine was comforting. Reliable. As he rode the bike along the road, the wind whipping at his face, the machine felt like a part of him.
The moment he’d slid from Laurie’s body when she’d stood up, he’d ached at the loss of her warmth surrounding him. She’d become a drug he was addicted to. A need that had buried itself deep in the pit of his stomach.
He wanted her. Emotionally. And physically. But he needed more than the sweet, delicate lovemaking they’d just shared.
He knew she needed time. She needed tenderness and love to get past the trauma she’d endured at the hands of Donovan. And he’d give her that. He’d give her whatever she needed.
But what if he fucked up? What if his urges—his intense desire to bend her to his will—got the best of him and he did something stupid? Something that scared her. Or traumatized her even more than what Donovan had done.
Not that he’d do something worse. But coming from him … someone she’d learned to trust and rely on …
Fuck.
* * *
It was close to seven and Laurie stirred the chili again, wondering where Steele was. She walked back to the living room, a glass of red wine in her hand, and sank onto the couch. Steele was used to total freedom. Keeping his own hours. He probably wouldn’t appreciate her telling him to be home for dinner at a certain time.
The two of them were so different, lived such different lifestyles, but somehow they would find a way to make things work.
She heard a key in the lock and Steele stepped inside.
He glanced at her, but he seemed preoccupied. “Dinner smells good.”
She stood up and walked toward the kitchen. “I hope you like chili. There are homemade buns, too.”
He nodded. “That sounds great.”
“Okay. Well, sit down and be comfortable, I’ll go serve it up.”
He sat on the couch. “I could use a beer, too.”
“Coming up.”
She returned with two bowls of chili and the beer and set one bowl in front of him on the coffee table, then returned for the rolls and butter. They put on an adventure movie while they ate.
She wanted to ask him what was bothering him, but she realized she needed to let him talk in his own time. When they were finished, she cleared away the dishes and sat beside him. She cuddled up to him, and he slid his arm around her, then drew her close. A few minutes later, he tipped up her chin and kissed her, his lips moving softly on hers.
But then he pulled back, staring at her with eyes filled with heated need and anxiety.
“I want to do this with you. I want…” He sat back, his hands balled into fists. “But … Fuck, I don’t want to do anything wrong.”
“You won’t.” She rested her hand on his muscular arm. “I want this, too.” She tightened her fingers around him, gazing at him imploringly. “Please, Steele. Make love to me.”
A growl rumbled from deep inside him and he pulled her into a deep kiss, then he slid his arm under her knees and he scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom. Silently, he stripped off her clothes, slowly and purposefully, then he stood up and shed his own. Her gaze wandered over his glorious, muscular, tattooed body. Sculpted arms, broad shoulders, ridged abs. Everything about this man was spectacular.
And his cock. It had grown to an impressive length, and it was so thick. He pressed her back on the bed and prowled over her, then kissed her deeply. He tested her readiness by gliding his fingers over her slit, finding slick wetness, then he pressed his cock against her. She drew in a breath as he glided into her, filling her with his thick, hard shaft. She tightened around him, embracing him in the most intimate way she knew how.
He moaned. His lips found hers and he began to move. Drawing out, then gliding deep again. Drawing out, then gliding deep again. He set a smooth, sweet rhythm, driving her pleasure higher and higher with each stroke.
She trembled with need, wanting him with an intensity she’d never known before. She kissed him under the chin, his whiskers raspy against her lips.
Joyous feelings swelled within her. Feelings she couldn’t keep to herself.
“Oh, Steele. I love you.”
He sped up, driving deep into her. Again and again. She held tight, riding the intense waves of sensation. Then he thrust deep and groaned.
The feel of his liquid heat filling her catapulted her over the edge. She clung to him, as rippling sensations quivered through her, then her body exploded in the sweet ecstasy of release.
Once the shimmering orgasm waned, she collapsed against him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. She drifted into sleep, his big cock still inside her.
* * *
Laurie awoke with a start. The big warm body she expected to be in her arms was gone.
She pushed back the covers and stood up, then grabbed her robe. Had Steele left?
She walked into the living room and her anxiety waned when she saw him sitting on the couch, a coffee in his hand.
“Good morning.”
But he just nodded, then gestured to the couch.
“Laurie, sit down. We need to talk.”
Uh-oh.
She settled beside him. “Sounds serious,” she said, trying to keep her tone light.
He glanced at her, then stared at his coffee.
“Look, who are we kidding? You and I are never going to work.”
Shock vaulted through her and her heart compressed. “I don’t understand. Why do you say that?”
He shrugged. “Look around. You have a home here. It reflects who you are and what you want. Stability. Security. You aren’t going to get any of that with me.”
“Steele, I want to be with you.”
Irritation flared in his eyes. “You might think you want me, but I don’t believe you’ll be happy if you leave your normal life to ride with me, and I can’t see myself giving up the open road to live in one place.”
She sat there, numb. The thought of leaving her home behind was unsettling, but now that she’d come to terms with her feelings for Steele, she was sure they could work something out. Love could find a way.
She didn’t want it to end between them, and she couldn’t believe Steele was willing to throw away what they had.
Maybe she should be practical, but her heart didn’t care about practicalities. Her heart wanted Steele.
She wanted Steele.
“And even if that weren’t true,” he continued at her silence, “you need to figure out how to be who you are. You got way in over your head with your relationship with your ex. You figured out it wasn’t right and tried to leave, but then you wound up with me. Another Dominant wanting to control you.”
She wanted to reach out to him. To stroke her hand over his whisker-roughened cheek. But instead, her hands clenched into fists in her lap.
“But I like being dominated by you,” she said. “With you, it’s totally different than what he did. You treat me with respect and”—she gazed at him—“love.”
His lips compressed. “Look, you were in my care and I protected you. You’re right that, fool that I was, I convinced myself I was in love with you. But we were both caught up in high emotional stakes and what I thought was love was just a strong protective instinct.”
She shook her head. “I don’t believe that. What I saw in your eyes … what I feel when you kiss me … That’s real.”
He frowned. “That’s passion, not love. You and I have great chemistry together. And what you said last night…” His hands clasped between his knees. “You only think you love me.” He gritted his teeth. “And when you say you like being dominated by me, you don’t really get it. You were in my care. You’d been traumatized.” He leaned in close, his eyes blazing. “I held back.”
“I can handle it.”
He stared at her, assessing. “Are you sure about that?”
Her heart pumped faster as he leaned a little closer, his powerful aura filling the room. She wanted him to touch her. To tear the clothes from her. But panic welled in her. And fear. She leaned away a little.
He grabbed her wrists and pushed her down on the couch, trapping her hands beside her head. He captured her mouth, driving his tongue inside. Claiming her.
She could hardly breathe. She was excited, her body trembling with need. Aroused and … anxious. Her insides heated as he plundered her mouth, longing for him to take her. He released one of her wrists and slid his hand over her breast, stroking it until her nipple swelled to a tight bud.
“Fuck, I want you.” His lips found hers again and he slid his hand under her top, then cupped her breast. His fingers teased her nipple, then he squeezed it between his thumb and finger, leaving her breathless.
His nostrils flared. “Do you still think you can handle it?”
She stared at him wide-eyed, but nodded, then gasped as he grabbed the neckline of her shirt and tore it open, then his mouth found her nipple and he sucked.
He sat up and unzipped his jeans and pulled out his cock. It was hard with wanting her.
He wrapped his fingers around it, the tip jutting from his hand. “Suck me,” he ordered.
As soon as she sat up, he pushed her head to his thick cockhead, then filled her mouth with the plum-sized head. He pushed deep, driving into her throat. She gagged but he pulled back, then cupped her head, his fingers forking through her long hair. He glided her head forward and back, his cock sliding in and out of her mouth, more gentle now, but still pushing her to her limit with the thick shaft filling her again and again.
His hand squeezed her head. “Suck me hard.”
She gagged again as he drove too deep.
He pulled from her mouth. “I need to be inside you.”
He grabbed her jeans and ripped open the tab, then tugged them from her hips, and off. He climbed over her, a look of need on his face.
He tore the crotch of her panties and pressed his cockhead to her damp slit.
She wanted this, oh, so desperately, but a whimper erupted from her throat. It was happening so fast. He was being so demanding.
“No,” she cried involuntarily.
He stopped instantly, then drew back. He drew in a breath as he pushed his cock back into his jeans and zipped up.
“That’s what I thought.”
As she lay there catching her breath, Steele stood up and left the room.
Ten minutes later, he reappeared with his packed bag in his hand.
Her heart clenched at the sight. “You’re leaving?”
She wanted desperately for him to deny it. Because she was truly and heart-shatteringly in love with Steele.
“That’s right.”
“But … we just have a few issues to work out,” she said desperately. “We just have to—”
“Laurie, no.” His granite eyes were steely and distant. “Look, I don’t want to hurt you. That’s why it’s important we recognize this for what it is. If we stay together, either I’ll have to hold back, denying who I really am, or I’ll wind up hurting you.”
She stared at him, still trying to grasp that this was really happening. She didn’t believe what he said, but it was clear he had made up his mind and would not be swayed. She drew in a deep breath, then released it. “So this is it?”
His lips compressed. “I’m afraid so. The guys and I will be heading out this afternoon.”
Her gaze flicked to his. “So soon?”
“There’s no reason to stay any longer.”
Ice water trickled through her veins and she trembled. “Of course.” Her jaw clenched and she hardened herself against the pain. “Thank you for all you’ve done for me.”
He nodded, then walked to the entrance.
“Take care of yourself,” he said with a last glance her way, then disappeared out the door.
As it closed behind him, her heart contracted.
Then the tears flowed.
* * *
Steele sped along the highway, his gut aching. He didn’t know if he believed what he’d told Laurie or not. His heart insisted he loved her. And maybe she really did love him, too. But he couldn’t stay. All the issues he’d brought up were true. They were a long way from making a relationship work. And it would kill him to know he’d hurt her.
Better to just let the whole thing go before they got even more involved. So she could find someone who could give her a better life. Someone more stable.
He never wanted to hurt Laurie. If he dominated her in the bedroom, she wouldn’t be happy. Especially not after what she’d gone through with Donovan.
He pulled up to the cabin and went inside. The crew was packing up the place.
“Where’s Laurie?” Rip asked. “She joining us later?”
“Why did you think I’d be bringing Laurie?”
“Fuck, you kidding man? The two of you are crazy in love. Anyone can see that.”
Steele’s jaw clenched. “You’re wrong.” Then he turned and strode off.
* * *
A week had passed and Steele couldn’t stop thinking about Laurie. He knew he’d done what he had to do, but that didn’t make it hurt any less.
They were staying for a couple of weeks at a cottage owned by a friend of Magic’s, and Steele had hoped he’d be able to kick back, enjoy the sun and water, and take the time he needed to get over her.
If only it worked that way.
As the sun set, he and the crew rode into town. They were meeting Wild Card at a bar in the small town nearby. They rode along the main street, then pulled up and parked in front of the place, and stepped inside. There was quite a crowd in the place.
“There’s Wild Card.” Magic grinned. “Hey, it looks like he’s getting lucky tonight.”
They walked toward the bar where Wild Card stood, a woman facing him, his arm around her waist holding her close to him. He leaned in and murmured something against the woman’s ear.
Steele couldn’t see her face, but everything about her reminded him of Laurie. Her long, dark hair, waves cascading around her shoulders. Her slender but shapely frame. Even the way she would dress if she weren’t wearing Raven’s clothes. Lean jeans that accentuated her tight, round ass. A lacy camisole leaving her shoulders bare.
She laughed at whatever Wild Card had said to her and he would have sworn that was Laurie’s laugh.
Fuck, he had it bad.
Wild Card’s gaze lifted from the woman he seemed intent on charming to them.
“Steele, hey, look who I ran into.”
The woman turned around and … fuck, it was like a slam to the chest. It was Laurie.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
At his sharp words, the soft, enchanting smile that had spread across her face at seeing him faded.
“I wanted to see you again.”
“Laurie, you and I are done. There’s no reason for you to be here, so why don’t you just go back to your cozy little town house and—”
“I’m selling it.”
“What?”
“And I’ve quit my job.”
“Why the fuck did you do that?”
She shook her head. “Donovan got me that job. It was with one of his companies. And he got me a good price on the town house because his business had dealings with the builder.” She shrugged. “I wouldn’t have been able to afford it without the job anyway.” She stared into Steele’s eyes. “Everything there reminded me of Donovan. How I’d allowed myself to be convinced he was good for me. That he cared for me. Then later, how I allowed him to control me.” She sipped her drink. “So I walked away.”
“I’m sorry. I got the impression you loved that place.”
She nodded. “I did.” And she locked gazes with him. “But I’ll love again.”
His chest tightened, but he took a deep drag of his beer. “So what are you going to do now?”
“I was hoping that…” She pursed her lips. “Well, that I could ride with you.”
He shook his head. “I already told you. You and I can’t be together.”
“I know,” she said hesitantly, “but I really think riding with you, all of you, would clear my head and help me figure out what to do next. Wild Card said I could ride with him.”
Steele glared at Wild Card, who simply sipped his beer innocently.
“I think we should let Laurie ride with us.” Dom’s eyes glinted as he stared at Steele, his lips turning up in a grin.
“It’s not your call,” Steele said, his fists clenching at his sides.
“Now, wait,” Rip said. “As much as you’re the leader, Steele, and we all respect that, what the rest of us want should count for something.”
Steele’s gaze shot to Rip. What the hell was he saying?
Rip rested his hand on Steele’s shoulder and guided him a few steps away.
“Look, you say you aren’t in love with her, and you ended things on good terms. If that’s all true, then you shouldn’t have any problem with her riding with us.”
Blinding anger flared through Steele, but he knew he wouldn’t win this. The men were clearly hatching a scheme to get him and Laurie together again.
“Fuck, do whatever the hell you want.” He turned on his heel and stormed toward the door.
He just hoped the guys wouldn’t be flung off his fists before this whole thing was over.
* * *
As Steele sped along the highway, he was totally aware of Laurie only yards away. She was riding with Wild Card, her arms around his waist, her body tight against him. He remembered how that felt, and longed to feel her soft, warm body against him again. And not just on the back of his bike. His cock twitched.
When they got back to the cottage where they were staying, Steele went straight up to bed.
He could hear the others laughing and drinking. At one point, he heard splashing in the lake, which was right near the cottage, and he itched to look out the window and see if Laurie was skinny-dipping with Wild Card. But she was just riding with Wild Card. They weren’t together.
But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t fuck him. She wasn’t with Steele anymore. She could fuck anyone she wanted. Maybe she was out there fucking all of them.
His gut clenched. He knew his imagination was just going wild. Because he missed her. Because he wanted her to be his.
He tried to ignore his raging emotions and closed his eyes.
For a while he dozed off, but he awoke to the sound of soft moans. His eyelids snapped open. It was in the room next to his.
Fuck, that was Wild Card’s room. He was in there with Laurie.
His cock was gliding into her. He was making her come.
Before he knew what had happened, Steele was on his feet and out the door. He tried the doorknob to Wild Card’s room, but it was locked, so he stepped back and, using a powerful side kick, slammed his heel into the door. The wood of the frame splintered and the door swung open. He stormed inside, seeing the couple in the shadowy room, and he grabbed Wild Card’s arm and yanked him off of Laurie.
Except the man was Rip, not Wild Card.
His gaze shot to the naked woman lying on the bed, her long, dark hair spread across the white pillowcase.
Raven grinned at him. “Steele, I know you’re feeling lonely, but just wait until we’re finished, okay?”
“I thought…”
Rip took his arm and guided him to a nearby chair. “We know what you thought, but we switched rooms with Wild Card yesterday, remember?”
“So where’s Laurie?” Steele demanded.
“She’s bunking in with Wild Card.”
He glared at Rip.
Rip’s eyebrow arched. “So are you going to go break into his room now?”
“Yeah, don’t do that, Steele,” Raven said.
“Sorry, Raven,” Steele bit out, anger and adrenaline causing his heart to beat out of control. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
He stood up and headed to the door, his pulse slowing as he collected himself. The frame was broken, but Rip pushed the door into place and it sounded like he dragged a chair against it to prop it closed. Steele didn’t want to go back to his room and hear them fucking again, so he headed downstairs to get a drink.
He walked through the dark living room, lit only by the moonlight glowing in the window. As he walked into the hallway leading to the kitchen, he bumped into a shadowy figure walking toward him.
From the softness and height, he already knew this was Laurie, but the warmth of her body against his, and the scent of her hair, knocked his senses into turmoil. From the shimmering moonlight, he could see she wore just an oversized T-shirt, and he could imagine the outline of her nipples showing through the fabric.
The hallway was narrow and he pressed her to the wall, breathing in her intoxicating scent.
“Laurie.”
“Steele.” Her hands were flat against his chest as she gazed up at him. He couldn’t see her features, but he could see the glitter of her eyes in the scant moonlight.
He couldn’t help himself. He lowered his face to hers and captured her lips. Then he moaned at the sweetness of her soft, yielding mouth. His tongue glided inside her and he thought he’d die of pleasure.
He cupped her round ass, which was naked under the thin cloth of her nightshirt, and pulled her tight to his groin. She moaned as his hard cock pressed against her.
The way she looked at him … the way her soft body felt against him … He wanted to brush her hair from her face. To kiss her with sweet, tender passion.
Fuck, who was he kidding? He wanted to shove her up against the wall and drive into her, deep and hard. To fuck her so hard, she’d have no doubt she was his, and his alone.
Which is exactly why he had to let go of her. Right now.
He stepped back.
“Fuck, why did you come back?” he muttered, trying to control his raging emotions.
An awkward silence hung between them.
“Steele—”
At the sound of footsteps on the stairs, then a giggle, she glanced around, smoothing down her nightshirt.
Steele turned and headed to the hallway, Laurie trailing behind him. As they entered the hall, Raven headed toward them, Rip in tow.
“We’re hungry. Just coming to make a sandwich,” Raven said cheerfully.
Rip just nodded in greeting.
Steele returned the nod and passed them silently. Laurie followed him up the stairs and when they reached his door, they stopped.
He wanted to drag her into his room, and his bed. To ravage her all night long.
Fool that he was.
* * *
Laurie gazed at him. She wanted him to ask her into his room. Into his bed.
She longed to sleep curled up in his arms.
When she’d come here, she’d known it would take time to convince him. But now … having to walk away from him in this dark hallway … almost broke her heart.
“Steele, I want to be honest with you.”
He frowned. “I’m listening.”
“The reason I came here is because…” She gazed up at him, willing him to believe in them. “I want a chance to convince you that we can work. I don’t want you to hold back. I mean, maybe be a bit patient with me, but I want you to dominate me. What Donovan did, that was abuse. What you do … it’s exciting and sexy.” She took his hand and held it within her own. “And I know you would never hurt me.”
His face was grim and he drew his hand from her grip. “I already proved to you that it won’t work.”
“But that’s not fair. You were trying to push me too hard.”
He leaned close, his intimidating presence backing her against the wall. “Who said I was fair? When I dominate a woman, she does exactly what I tell her to do, when I tell her to do it. And she likes it. No questions. No whining. Just blind submission.” He glared at her. “If you can’t do that, then it won’t work.”
He was still trying to scare her, to push her away. She knew that. But unfortunately, he was succeeding.
Had it been a mistake coming here?
Her stomach twisted and she turned away, then headed for the door to the room she shared with Wild Card.
* * *
Steele watched Laurie walk down the dark hall and open the bedroom door, then slip inside. His gut clenched at the thought that she’d be climbing into bed with another man.
He went into his room and closed the door, then slumped onto the bed. With his hands behind his head, he stared at the white ceiling above, visible in the soft glow of moonlight. Laurie was probably snuggling up beside Wild Card right now, her soft body close to his.
Fuck! He rolled over, glowering in the darkness.
It’s not like she and Wild Card were together. But, damn it, the man wasn’t made of stone. With Laurie close and soft in his bed, why wouldn’t he make love to her? He’d already fucked her before when they’d been sharing.
It would be meaningless, just physical intimacy. But it wasn’t meaningless to Steele. The thought of Wild Card touching her drove him insane with jealousy.
God damn it, Steele loved her. He’d known it all along. But he couldn’t be with her. He couldn’t take a chance on hurting her.
But his heart ached with need. If only she would come over here right now. Slide into his bed and tell him again that they could work things out. Right now, maybe he’d actually believe her. Because he wanted it so badly.
With her help … maybe they could make it work.
A knock sounded at the door and his heart stopped.
“Come in.” He sat up and turned on the light on the bedside table as the door opened. Was it Laurie?
“Hey, there,” Raven said, peering in at him. “May I come in?”
“Yeah, of course.”
Raven closed the door and walked to the bed, then sat on the edge.
“I thought you might want to talk,” she said.
He shrugged. “About what?”
She rolled her eyes. “You are such a guy. About Laurie, of course.”
Raven leaned toward him. “Why don’t you try telling her how you feel?”
He raised an eyebrow. “And how do I feel?”
“You’re crazy about her. And either you’re denying that to yourself, or you’ve found some reason why you think it won’t work.”
“Rave, leave it alone.”
She pursed her lips. “If I actually thought you meant that, I would. But you have that lost little-boy look and I know you just need to be pushed in the right direction.” She leaned in close. “Why don’t you tell me why you’re fighting this?”
He stared into her stubborn face and knew he wouldn’t get away with shrugging this off.
“You know what she’s been through. The last thing she needs is a domineering jerk like me controlling her in the bedroom.”
Raven laughed. “Oh, is that all? I thought this was something serious.”
“Raven.”
“No, you listen to me. You are big, intimidating, and possessive.”
“You’re not making things better.”
“And you are protective, loving, and caring. She couldn’t hope for a better man. She knows … we all know … that you will take care of her. And protect her.” She jabbed him in the chest with a fingertip. “Even from you.”
He didn’t share her confidence.
“If I start to dominate her—”
“What, you’ll scare her? That girl doesn’t scare easily.”
“But what if I go too far? What if I hurt her?”
Her face softened with a smile. “You would never do that. You’ve been dominating women for a long time. You can sense what they want and what they don’t want.” Her eyebrow quirked up. “And she can speak up, you know. She’s not just going to lie there and let you hurt her. If you get out of line, I’m sure she’ll call you on it.” She tipped her head. “Have you ever gone too far with a woman?”
“Of course not.”
“Okay.”
“But she was abused.”
“And so she’s definitely going to push back. I’ve gotten to know Laurie and she’s not going to let anyone treat her the way that rat-bastard did again.”
She patted his hand. “Well, think about it.”
Then she stood up and strolled to the door. She opened it and glanced over her shoulder. “Have a good night.”
Steele turned out the light and lay in the darkness thinking about what Raven had said. Could he make this thing work between him and Laurie?
Fuck, he wanted to so badly he could taste it.
* * *
Laurie lay in the bed beside Wild Card. When he’d volunteered to help her with this plan to win Steele back, he’d offered to give her the bed while he slept on a sleeping bag on the floor, but she’d insisted he share the bed with her.
In his sleep, Wild Card had rolled over and slid his arm around her, then drew her close. Now she was tight against his hot, hard body and she could feel his cock swelling against her thigh.
Clearly, she hadn’t really thought it through.
He murmured softly then nuzzled her ear. His hand started to wander from her waist upward.
“Wild Card,” she whispered.
“Mmm. Yeah, baby.” His hand cupped her breast. She knew he wasn’t really awake and was just responding to a woman in his bed.
The feel of his big, warm hand on her was comforting … and stimulating.
But all she could think of was Steele.
He stroked her breast, then slid to the other, his lips caressing her neck now.
She turned her head to face him. “Wild Card?”
His eyelids opened, and he blinked. Then he slid his hand away. “Aw, sorry, Laurie. I didn’t mean to—”
“I know.”
Wild Card started to turn away, but she grasped his muscular bicep.
“Don’t go.” She gazed at him with wide eyes, not quite sure what she was asking for. She just knew she wanted him close. She needed to feel wanted right now.
He slid his arm around her waist again. “Whatever you want, you’ve got it.” He smiled. “You’re just a little confused right now, but don’t worry. I’m sure Steele will come around.”
She gazed into his hazel eyes, so filled with warmth and understanding. She rested her hand on his raspy cheek, then stroked it. “Thank you.”
She felt so close to him right now. She cupped his face between her hands, insecurity and need building in her. She leaned toward him and brushed her lips against his, then deepened the kiss.
She could almost imagine he was Steele. Even though she knew it was wrong, she wanted … no, needed … this closeness. She slid her tongue into his mouth and sighed softly.
Wild Card drew back and gazed into her eyes. “I know you think you want this right now, but we both know that you’re Steele’s woman.”
“You’re fucking right about that.”
Laurie’s gaze darted to where Steele stood staring at them from the open doorway.
“Laurie, are you my woman or not?” Steele demanded.
Her eyes widened and she sat up in bed. “I … uh…”
“Yes or no?”
“Yes!” She gazed at Wild Card in apology, but he just grinned.
“Then get into my room and into bed.” Steele’s glittering granite gaze brooked no argument.
She pushed back the covers and scurried across the room, joy bursting through her, then ducked under Steele’s arm that gripped the door, and down the hall.
* * *
Steele glanced toward Wild Card and nodded. “Thanks.”
Wild Card chuckled. “Anytime. Now go take care of your woman.”
Steele turned and strode to his room. Laurie was sitting in bed, the covers around her, staring at him with her big blue eyes. He shoved the door closed behind him.
“That was a dangerous game you were playing. Didn’t you care that I might beat the living daylights out of Wild Card?”
She shook her head. “I knew you wouldn’t do that.”
“Why?” he demanded.
“Because you know I’m not in any danger from Wild Card. And you respect him, and all your men, too much.”
He walked toward her, keeping his expression stern. “You think you know me better than I know myself?”
Her eyes widened as he approached, but she didn’t cringe as he strode closer. “I know that you’re a good man, and I know that you would never hurt me, or any of your crew.”
He sat down on the bed beside her, then curled his fingers around her cheek and grasped her face. “You got that right.”
Then he captured her lips, delving his tongue inside. Claiming her. Deeply and thoroughly. When he released her lips, she sucked in a breath.
He smiled. He loved leaving her breathless.
“So you’re going to ride with us?”
She nodded.
“And have sex with every one of my crew?” he said with a teasing grin.
Laurie laughed at the gleam in his granite eyes. “Depends on whether or not I’m in the mood. And right now? I’m definitely in the mood. Should I go back and do that for Wild Card right now?”
He laughed and rolled her onto her back, then prowled over her.
“Fuck, no. Right now I want you right here.”
She felt his big heavy cock glide across her belly, then he ripped off her panties and dipped his finger into her folds. He pressed his cockhead against her slit and slowly pushed inside, his gaze locked on hers the whole time he filled her with his considerable length.
The welcome feel of being stretched by his generous girth sent her heart pumping faster.
Once he was fully immersed in her, he lay still, watching her.
Finally, she groaned. “Please, for God’s sake, fuck me.”
He laughed, then pulled back and glided deep again. She squeezed around him.
He nipped her ear. “Tell me you want me.”
She smiled. “I want you.”
He drew back and glided forward again, sending tremors through her.
“Tell me how much.”
Her smile softened and she stroked his cheek. “You are my world. I want you so much it’s indescribable.” She kissed his raspy chin. “I love you, and I’d do anything to be with you.”
His eyes gleamed and he leaned in and kissed her.
“Oh, God, baby. I love you, too.”
Then he thrust deeply again, making her gasp.
She clutched his shoulders and arched her hips against him. He was deep inside her, but it wasn’t deep enough. She wanted him to consume her. She wanted to be one with him.
He thrust, and thrust again.
“Oh, God, Steele.” Tears welled from her eyes.
He kept thrusting. Filling her with his massive cock. Pleasure swelled and she clung to him, riding the waves of bliss.
“Fuck, baby, I’m so close.”
“Come for me, Steele. Fill me.”
He groaned, then she felt hot semen erupt inside her. She gasped, and catapulted to heaven, moaning his name.
He kept driving into her, faster and faster, until her moans faded to soft whimpers of pleasure, and finally she sighed, sated. He stroked the hair from her face and smiled, then kissed her tenderly.
“You are one hot fuck, you know that?”
But the warmth in his eyes glowed with love, contradicting his rough words.
She smacked his perfectly sculpted ass and laughed. “So are you.”
He rolled back and pulled her on top of him. She wasn’t ready to end this, and she was sure he wasn’t either, so she sat up and stroked her breasts. As she pinched her nipples, his stiffening cock turned to steel inside her.
She began to move her hips, loving the feel of him between her legs. Riding him like a big, powerful bike.
“Now that I’ve got you where I want you, tell me again,” she said.
He smiled. “I love you. I will always love you.”
She giggled, feeling giddy. Then she rode him even harder. Soon another orgasm swelled through her and she moaned, her whole body trembling.
And before long, he let loose a primal growl and then erupted inside her again.
Finally, she dropped onto the bed beside him, and he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.
“You know I’m never going to let you go.”
She laughed. “I’m counting on it.”