Two weeks later

“Relax. You look amazing,” Trinity said then laughed as she watched Riker’s pinched face, the way he growled every time he moved.

“I look ridiculous and you know it. How the hell did you talk me into this?”

“I did and could because you love me.”

Riker rolled his eyes and adjusted his tie. “I’m choking to death.”

Leaning over, she fiddled with the ends before pressing her hand against his shirt. “You’re going to be the most handsome man there.” She realized tears had formed in her eyes and she looked away, fearful he’d notice her emotional state. The rugged hero wasn’t one who could tolerate female hormones on a regular basis. No, he was rough and tumble, the kind of man erotic novels were made of. Little did he know she’d penned his likeness in her latest hero. If he found out? There would no doubt be a spanking on her horizon. “Did you know Ana is bringing Troy tonight?”

“The poor man got suckered into this as well?”

Trinity rolled her eyes. “Very funny. They are quite the item, I understand. I think wedding bells might be in order.”

Riker shook his head. “Well, good for him. A good guy.”

“Yeah, so I’ve heard. Laney told me the entire story. Seems Missoula is a hot basin for criminal activity.”

Bursting into laughter, he nodded several times. “Yeah. We’re hoping for a quiet summer.”

She knew better. She’d heard the odds, read various articles on the two teams stationed in Missoula. Would fear for his safety ever allow her to feel peace?

“How long do we have to be here?”

The question had been asked and answered at least five times. This time she answered differently. “Too long.” Giving him a mischievous grin, she ran the edge of her manicured nail down the side of his face as she crowded closer, using her other hand to stroke his crotch. The fact he was hard, throbbing gave her shivers. “How about we skip this shindig and find a kinky bar, do a little dancing?”

Riker inhaled and closed his eyes, his body tense. “How about I pull you over my lap and give you that spanking you so desperately need?”

“Party pooper.”

Unclasping the seatbelt, he shifted his body, taking her hands into his and kissing several of her fingers. “We have all the time in the world to go to a bar, but tonight is your night. Besides, I don’t dance.”

A laugh bubbling past her lips, she cupped his face. “Do you know how important you are to me?”

“You keep telling me that. I’ll let you show me later.” His eyes twinkled as they rolled past a series of neon lights, the marquis signs lighting up the crowded road.

Trinity settled back against her seat, thinking about the past four whirlwind weeks. The decisions she’d made affected several lives, but for her, this was the beginning of an important phase. There would be no glitz and glamour, no large sums of money funding her bank account. She would go back to her roots, living simply. A life with love. Nuzzling against him, she realized she was living the fairy tale.

And it had nothing to do with Hollywood.

“Whatever happens tonight, you are the most special and beautiful woman that I’ve ever seen. Never forget that. I’m right by your side.”

Hearing his words, the kind he infrequently said, were more incredible than praise from the biggest producers, directors or agents. She squeezed his arm and sighed as they rounded the last corner. “I know that. Thank you for being my Knight in Shining Armor.”

Nuzzling against her neck, he nipped her earlobe before whispering, “Does that mean I need to buy a white steed?”

“Actually?” she mumbled, her nipples hardening, “Yes.”

“Then I will.”

She sat up on the edge of her seat, peering out the side window. “Jesus.”

Riker groaned and shook his head. “I’m not cut out for this shit. I’m not polished enough for these people.”

“Keep something in mind, my sexy smokejumper. These people are fakes. You should see what they look like without their clothes.” Grinning, she pressed her lips against his, drinking in the scent of his all male cologne. When the photographers got a load of Riker, they would go nuts. This was her secret weapon for the night.

When the car stopped, she held her breath then took a quick look down at her dress. “Do you think scarlet red is too much?”

As he eased his hand down her leg, crawling the dress up to the point he could touch her inner thigh, he issued a single husky growl. “Red is your color but I do plan on ripping this dress off later. Keep that in mind.”

Her pussy wet, she tingled all over. “And I’ll happily succumb.” She gripped his hand, squeezing. “Here we go. Try and remember to smile. At least this isn’t the Academy Awards. The scene is much more chaotic.”

“And this isn’t? Shit.” Riker glared out the window.

“If you can rush into a dangerous fire, you can handle this.”

The moment the door was opened, flash bulbs began to pop from every side, every angle, the light almost blinding.

Riker mumbled under his breath before he exited the limo first, holding out his hand.

She said a quiet thank you for the gift of her new life before taking his hand. As he helped her to her feet, immediately wrapping his arm around her waist, she felt more like a princess than she had her entire life. While her smile was normally plastic, her posture perfect, gestures she’d learned while modeling, this time, her happiness was genuine.

“Ms. Hargrove, what do you think your chances are of winning the award?”

“Ms. Hargrove, are the rumors true? Are you really leaving Hollywood?”

“Ms. Hargrove, how do you feel about your co-star’s allegations?”

The last question drove Trinity to a flash of anger, the kind of emotion she’d promised herself she wouldn’t tolerate. Not tonight. Not because of Chance Reynolds and his ridiculous and overbearing lies.

Riker gripped her arm and she could tell he was ready to lash out, grab the male reporter by the throat. She pressed her hand against Riker’s chest then tilted her head, kissing him seductively on the lips. Exhaling, she offered a dreamy look and knew that every reporter, photographer and magazine editor had captured her expression. “Honestly, Wally. I feel sorry for Chance. From what I’ve heard, his offers are drying up in the industry. No one likes to work with a prima donna.” She winked as they took a couple of additional steps, fueled by the laughter and chatter floating around them.

“You’re so bad,” Riker whispered.

“Just wait.” Trinity stopped short and turned, the angle providing an extended look at Riker’s physique. “Oh, and Wally?”

“Ms. Hargrove.”

“Now, I know what it’s like to be with a real man, someone who treats a woman like a lady by day and by night, well…” She offered another elongated sigh. “The night? All I can say is that once you’re with a man like Riker Sheffield, you want nothing more than to forget about the little dicks of this world.”

Her smile bright, her attitude bold, she sashayed further down the velvet flooring. This would be on the late-night news.

“What am I going to do with you?” Riker whispered.

“I have many thoughts.”

“Oh, no you don’t. Get the fuck out of here!” Riker pointed toward Jack Spartan, who walked closer.

“Don’t. It’s okay now. Jack and I are now buddies.” Trinity had kept another secret from Riker. Two spankings were definitely in order. “Jack. I’m glad you came.”

“Thank you for allowing me to be your guest,” Jack said, a flush creeping up his face.

“Guest?” Riker asked between clenched teeth.

“I’ll give you the details later. Promise.” Trinity moved toward the reporter, allowing their picture to be taken.

“And this is the hero I’ve heard so much about?” Jack held out his hand.

Trinity rose onto her tiptoes. “You can trust him. If he does anything else, he knows he’ll face your wrath.”

Riker lifted a single eyebrow before shaking Jack’s hand. “I’m just an ordinary man with an amazing team behind me.”

Jack smiled, his eyes darting in Trinity’s direction. “He’s exactly as described, and this will be the perfect story, the one to send me to the national news.”

“What story?” Riker hissed.

Trinity patted his arm as they were led inside the auditorium. “I’ll tell you all about it later.”

Lowering his head, he spoke so only she could hear. “Add this to the growing list of infractions.”

As they were directed to their seats, Trinity held her head high. This was the perfect ending and a night for new beginnings and all because of a man who’d been like a firestorm coming into her life, and the very man of her dreams.

* * *

Three hours, fourteen minutes and thirty seconds later and Trinity could hear the ragged beating of her heart, could feel her pulse beating rapidly, the way her breath sounds skipped. There was no reason for her to be nervous. This was simply an award for work she’d completed when she was wearing a mask of steel. The consummate actress. Perhaps she wanted Riker to be proud of her. Perhaps she wanted to be remembered as someone who took the business seriously.

Ana reached over, taking her hand. “Thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me?”

“If you hadn’t punched that asshole reporter, I wouldn’t have met Troy.”

Trinity had to fight to keep from laughing as Chance continued to drone on, thanking everyone he’d ever been involved with. Except for his leading actress. How convenient for him to forget that she’d been in the film with him, enduring his tantrums and attitude, his negative comments and cheating. The constant cheating. She held her tongue on several levels. The sound bite wouldn’t show well on the evening news and she was a much classier person. “You two are adorable together.”

“I think we are too.” Ana lifted her arm, flexing her fingers. The diamond ring sparkled in the dim lighting.

“Oh, God!” This time, her voice lifted above the silent crowd, causing a nasty look from Chance thrown in her direction. She resisted giving him the finger. “Beautiful.”

“Troy popped the question on the way over. Whirlwind romance. Just like two people I know.” Ana chuckled and leaned forward, winking at Riker.

Trinity exhaled, a smile remaining on her face. Who said there wasn’t true love at first sight? She intertwined her fingers with Riker’s, savoring every moment of the evening.

“Also, for being a strong woman,” Ana continued. “I mean that. I’m thrilled you’re so happy.”

She brushed away a single tear and glanced up at Riker. When he lowered his head, she expected a blank face, or perhaps disgust for being forced into this situation. Instead, she noticed admiration, pride and love. “I am happy.”

“And now ladies and gentlemen, the award we’ve all been waiting for.” The announcer took a step back, allowing the audience to see the screen. As he read out the names, the cameras were positioned on the actresses sitting in the audience. “And our last nominee, Trinity Hargrove for Dark Accusations.”

The audience clapped, whistles coming from the back.

“Just remember, you are my shining star,” Riker whispered.

Blinking away tears, Trinity realized she no longer cared if she won. She was the lucky girl of the night.

“And the winner is… Trinity Hargrove!”

“Yes! Woof! Woof! Woof!” Ana jumped to her feet, Troy by her side, her fist pumping in the air.

Trinity was shaking, finding it difficult to get to her feet. With Riker’s help, she stood and while the entire audience gave a standing ovation, she wrapped her hands around his neck.

Riker tilted her back, crushing her mouth with his, holding her as he pushed his tongue inside.

“Wow. That’s a kiss,” Ana purred.

When he let her go, the crowd roared. She cupped his face before stepping out into the aisle, carefully making her way on stage. The statue in her hand, she stood behind the microphone, the glaring lights in her face, and smiled, waiting until the audience quieted down.

“Thank you to everyone who helped me with this movie and of course to all of my fans out there. None of us as actors could do this without you. While I could spend a full hour thanking everyone involved with the film, you know who you are and bless you for being here to help, guide, push, nurture and work together as a team.

I learned about team work in a different manner just a few weeks ago from a man who refuses to be in the limelight, loathes the word hero and gives thanks to the caring and amazing men he works with every day. In those precious weeks, I not only found friendship and loyalty, I found love. This very special man said something to me that I will never forget, and I wanted to share this with you today.

A very special woman that will forever be in his heart told this amazing man that finding love was like opening up a book. Sometimes you’re uncertain of the first few pages, even deciding that you’re not the kind of reader who would enjoy the story. But something about the book, the characters and the setting, always draws you back in. When you take the time to read past the lines, into the imagination of the author, then you can’t put the book down, devouring every word, every sentence. The story leaves you breathless, hungering for more. That’s when you know that a story has taken a part of your heart, never to be returned.

Thank you, Riker Sheffield for your bravery in allowing this sometimes spastic and often unruly woman into your life. Thank you for your life and courage. You have my heart.”

* * *

Riker remained stunned at her beautiful words, the sentiment given. He knew pictures were being taken, one after the other. He tried to smile, even though he had difficulty for no other reason than he wasn’t used to smiling. But somehow, he knew things were changing, that his life would never be the same.

For Trinity to give up her career, sell the house and most of her belongings and move to Missoula to start fresh remained unbelievable. To have her by his side was a gift from God. She’d talked with David Miller, for ten solid minutes, then he knew the incident could be pushed from her mind.

He watched her as she worked the red carpet, laughing and touching arms, shaking hands. She was so easy with the reporters, talking with them, allowing them to take photograph after photograph, but she never went far, never allowed him out of her sight.

Her looks toward him were lust filled, sweet, romantic and always full of her natural verve. Exhaling, he couldn’t be happier for her. But he would be damn glad when the night was over. Shoving his finger past the tight collar, he was literally going to rip off the bow tie the second they were in the limo. And the after parties? Bullshit.

Chuckling, he walked closer, yet kept his distance. She deserved all the glory in the world. Even her attitude toward Jack seemed to have given the man an entirely different demeanor. Things were… interesting.

“Well, my first and hopefully only time in Tinsel town.” Troy flanked his side, groaning as he smoothed down his tuxedo shirt.

“A married man, eh?” Riker grinned.

“Yeah. I know it’s quick, but the woman is a firecracker. Gun wielding, gum chewing spitfire that knows how to ride a horse and cook a mean steak, extra rare or as she requires, ‘just show it the fire’. She adores Jaime and I’ve never seen the little boy so happy. Now, he has the most incredible teacher in the world and the best stepmom.”

“And, she’s beautiful.”

“That she is, brother, but you have nothing to complain about.” Troy laughed as he patted Riker on the back then took a step forward. “Don’t look now, but asshole is heading in her direction.”

“Hmmm… I think he’s bucking for trouble,” Riker snarled as he noticed the nasty look on Chance’s face.

“What do you say we intervene?”

“Sounds like a plan.” They walked forward, their steps purposeful just as Chance managed to snag Trinity by the arm.

“My, my, if it isn’t the whore. Winning an award. Now, are you going to suck off that boyfriend of yours in the limo? That’s all you were good for, sucking cock,” Chance’s voice was loud, drawing attention immediately.

Riker puffed up as Trinity turned, the same sweet smile remaining on her face.

“Hold on,” Troy whispered. “Let’s see what our girl can do.”

Holding his tongue wasn’t an attribute Riker gave one shit about, but he could tell she had something to say. Every single camera within close proximity had swarmed around them, lights popping, bulbs flashing. He could picture the headlines now.

Her hand on her hip, she sauntered closer, licking her lips. “Why, Chance. I don’t mind one bit you saying that I like to suck cock, but then again, how would you know? Your cock isn’t big enough to suck.”

“Oooohhh!” The crowd roared.

Chance reeled back, his face reddening, spittle popping from his mouth. And he lifted his arm, clenching his fist. “You. Fucking. Bitch.”

Riker only had to take a single, long stride and give a long overdue punch to the asshole’s face. “Goodnight, asshole.”

* * *

Rolling Trinity over, Riker brushed his hand down the side of her face, peppering kisses along her nose and jaw.

Moaning, she closed her eyes as he eased his hand under the sheet, fingering her pussy, the tip of his finger swirling around her clit. Grinding her hips against his hand, she arched her back and clenched the sheets, dragging them down past her naked breasts.

The look on her face kept his cock hard, his blood pumping. Yanking the sheet, he pulled the entire piece of expensive linen off the bed, exposing them both. There was no need to be covered, especially given his intense hunger. “Spread those legs for me.”

“Yes, sir.” Opening them wide, she curled both legs at the knees, pulling them back.

Crawling over her, he lowered his head, licking around each nipple, dragging his tongue back and forth until they were rock hard. Beads of perspiration from their intense sessions of heated sex had left her skin shimmering, glistening in the early morning light. Growling, he blew a swath of hot air across her belly then licked down the length of her stomach to her belly button. “Are you wet for me?”

“Always,” she purred, her eyelids fluttering open.

“Are you hungry for me?”

“For that big, fat, juicy cock?” The lilting sound remained, a continued reference to the night before.

“Bad girl.” Tweaking her nipples, he adored the way her mouth opened wide. He lifted his arms, pinching and twisting both between his fingers as he dropped his head, resting his mouth on her cunt.

“Don’t tease me! Eat me!” she breathed out then groaned. “I mean, sir.”

Chuckling, he was more than surprised she not only wanted to try a domestic discipline lifestyle, but had spent several hours talking about the concept. Not for today. Well, except for one much needed spanking. Burying his tongue into her pussy, he lapped at her cream, his cock throbbing, aching to have her mouth wrapped around the tip.

She wiggled, arching her back and pushing her groin into his face. “Please!”

He eased his hands down, toying with her belly button before brushing his fingers across the insides of her thighs. Opening her even wider, he licked up and down, savoring the flavor, the sweet scent. He swirled the tip of his index finger around and around her clit as he licked, sucking on her pussy lips.

“Oh!” Slapping her hand down on the bedding, her entire body began to shake.

Thrusting three, then four fingers inside her cunt, he flexed them open as he nipped her tender flesh, pulling the tissue into his mouth. He loved licking her, driving her into a heated frenzy.

Trinity tossed her head back and forth, panting, her body starting to buck.

Riker held her, keeping her wide open as he licked and sucked. He could tell she wouldn’t be able to hold back the climax for long. Pumping his fingers, he picked up the pace, his eyes watching her every move, the way she was panting. The sound of her moans was a powerful aphrodisiac. A growl slipped past his lips as he buried his face, wiggling his head back and forth.

“I can’t hold… Oh, God!”

Refusing to stop, he sucked and licked, his fingers driving harder. Faster.

“Riker! I… I…” Her body jerking up, a loud scream erupted past her lips. She bit down, clamping the sound and smacked her hands on the bed repeatedly.

When she was done shaking, he licked his lips and eased onto the floor, holding out his hand.

“What?”

“Come, my sweet and sassy woman.” He grinned and beckoned for her. When she grasped his hand, he yanked her to her feet, the force pulling her hard against his chest. Lifting her off her feet, he pulled her toward the floor to ceiling windows. The view of Los Angeles was indeed beautiful, the early morning clouds crisscrossing over the various hues of color.

“What are you doing?”

“I wanted to make certain that you knew what you would be missing.” Riker moved closer to the window, easing her down to her feet then positioning her directly in front of the window. “Can you see the amazing architecture?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Can you see the gleaming buildings?”

“Yes, sir.”

He rubbed his hands down her arms then lifted one, placing her palm on the glass. “Can you see the freeways, the lines of vehicles, waiting?” He placed her other hand on the glass.

Darting a glance over her shoulder, she smiled. “Yes, sir.”

Riker slid his hands down to her back, over to her hips and tugged until her back was arched. “What else can you see?” He could tell she’d closed her eyes, her expression almost dreamy.

“I can see mountains, so beautiful as they tower above everything else, their peaks moving into the heavens. I can see water, crisp and clear as it rolls and trickles over rocks, fish jumping, birds flying.”

His heart thumping, he moved directly behind her, brushing the tip of his cock back and forth across her buttocks.

“I can see horses and dogs, pastures and ranches, smiling people and amazing cabins,” Trinity continued, her voice almost inaudible.

Riker breathed out, the sound so damn ragged. “What else?” Sliding the tip of his cock just inside her pussy, he waited to hear her answer.

“I can see home, our home.”

Driving the entire length of his shaft into her cunt, he threw back his head, roaring. “Yes!”

“Oh, Riker.”

Holding the stance, he pulled out, leaning over and nipping her shoulder. He thrust in and out, trying to remain in control. God, how he wanted this to last.

She pushed out, purring as if offering, goading him into fucking her.

“Bad. So damn bad.”

“I am, sir.”

He began to fuck her in hard and fast plunges, his balls swinging, aching with almost desperate need. The force of his almost savage thrusts pushed against her and as she slapped against the glass, her body undulating, he became lost in a private moment of raw ecstasy, his body on fire.

Meeting every hard plunge, she made soft cooing sounds as he continued.

His nails digging into her hips, he yanked her back, changing the angle, the plunges becoming brutal. The sound of skin slapping against skin was alluring, the scent of their combined desire intoxicating. There was no way he could hold back, not for long.

She undulated her hips, clamping down her pussy muscles, her eyes remaining closed.

“You are…” The moment his balls filled with cum, shooting up his aching shaft, his entire body began to shake. As he erupted, he placed his hands over hers, pulling her back against him. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

Riker nuzzled against her as they remained where they were for several minutes, enjoying the view, a look that perhaps they wouldn’t see again for a long time. There was no new movie to film, no reason for Trinity to return, unless she wanted. She’d severed all her existing ties, determined to complete her first book.

“We should get a shower,” she whispered.

“In a minute.” Riker backed away, plopping down onto the side of the bed. He could see her pensive face in the reflection. “Time for that spanking.”

“What? Me?”

“You thought I wouldn’t remember. A hero story being written on me. Right.” Patting his lap, he waited, a laugh trying to surface.

Turning, she gave him a pouty look. “I’m a good girl.”

“And you’ll be a better one. Come here, now.”

Her feet dragging, Trinity finally closed the distance. “Yes, sir.”

Rolling his eyes, he tugged her over his lap. “This is the first of many. Daily spankings. That’s what you need.”

Crack! Smack!

“Daily?” Jerking up, she twisted her head until she could see him.

Riker pushed her down.

Pop! Crack!

“Yes, daily. You need to learn obedience,” he whispered, the sound authoritative.

Whap! Crack! Pop!

“Oh! That hurts.” Whining, she kicked out her legs.

Smack! Pop!

“I told you before, spankings are supposed to hurt.”

Whap! Crack!

“Now, hold still or we start again.”

“Yes, sir.”

Smack! Pop! Crack!

* * *

Twenty minutes later, Riker walked out of the bathroom. Trinity stood in front of the television, laughing almost uncontrollably. “Should I ask?”

“The Today Show. You, my dear, are an instant celebrity.”

“What?” He stormed toward the television and groaned.

“Hollywood is all abuzz this morning about one single man. He’s not an actor. He’s not a musician. In fact, he’s not a celebrity of any kind. That is until today. Being heralded as a hero, this man, correction, this gorgeous man had every woman talking, including the staff here at the Today show.” The female co-host beamed, fanning her face.

“And I hear from a reliable source that People Magazine has received an amazing story about true heroism. I think we’re going to be seeing a lot about Riker Sheffield in the days ahead,” the second co-host said, her eyes twinkling.

“Here to give us the amazing story of a team of smokejumpers from Missoula, Montana is Jack Spartan. Welcome, Jack.”

“Thank you so much for having me, Marsha. This is an amazing story…” Jack began.

“You are so going to get it for this!” Riker pulled Trinity against his chest, pressing their foreheads together. “If the guys hear about this, I’m dead.”

As the two distinct rings began on their cell phones, one after the other, Trinity began to laugh. “Too late and for the record, you’re my hero, only mine.”