“Come here, baby. Let me make you feel like a man,” Kiki cooed as she walked backwards, her stilettos clicking on the wooden floor. Unfastening the belt on her coat, she swung her hips as she beckoned for him then slid the material from her shoulders, dancing in a complete circle before pitching it over the back of the loveseat.

Riker dropped his jacket and surveyed the small space. Pillows were everywhere, vibrant colors of violet and crimson. The apartment was little more than a hole in the wall, but he certainly gathered a hint of her very feminine personality.

“Come on. I don’t bite. Well, unless requested.”

The single light did little to guide the way, but he knew where she was going. He trailed behind her down the hallway, passing only a galley kitchen and a tiny bathroom. Even before he entered her bedroom, he gathered a whiff of various scents. Vanilla and gardenia, cinnamon and another exotic spice. While he’d normally be turned off, tonight, he was ravenous.

She clicked on a lamp next to her bed and threw out her arms. “My boudoir.”

At this point, he didn’t care where they were going to fuck. He’d just stepped into the room when he grabbed her by the wrist, yanking her against his chest.

“Oh! You are a rough and tumble kind of guy.” Kiki draped her arms over his shoulders and wiggled her hips, creating friction.

Sliding his hands under her leather skirt, he cupped her buttocks, squeezing her naked skin between his fingers. He lowered his head, breathing across her face. “Condom?”

“I got plenty, but I want to play first.” She nuzzled into his neck, dragging the tip of her tongue back and forth across his earlobe then down the side of his neck. “So sexy.”

Riker closed his eyes and tipped his head back, enjoying the attention, the way her ass cheeks felt in his hands. When he realized she wasn’t wearing any panties, he chuckled, allowing the hoarse sound to linger.

Kiki licked around to the front then nipped his chin as she pressed the palm of her hand against his chest. “Mmm…” Taking a step back, she gave him a sultry look then jerked at his T-shirt, pulling the hem from his jeans. “I want to see all of you.”

He allowed her to pull the material up and over his shoulders, watching with amusement the way she twirled it around her finger before dropping it with flair.

Growling, she palmed his chest, her fingers digging in and began to kiss his skin, moving down in small increments.

Placing his hands on either side of her head, he fisted her hair as she dropped to her knees. The feel of her wet mouth on his hot skin was exhilarating, forcing his balls to swell, ache. His breathing labored, he kept his eyes locked on her actions as she fumbled to unbuckle his belt. Every scent in the room, including her perfume, became intoxicating, filling his nostrils.

She issued a series of wet kisses across his groin before unzipping, all the while making guttural sounds. When she peeled away both sides, a slow breath escaped. “My, oh, my. You are one big man.”

There was something so enticing about the way she removed his boots and socks then rubbed his feet, his calves before yanking down his jeans.

“Commando. I see we’re quite a bit alike,” she purred as she crawled between his legs. Raking the tips of her nails down the underside of his cock, she rubbed his balls, rolling them between her fingers. “Well hung ain’t the right word, honey.”

Riker sucked in his breath and pushed down on her head. “Suck me.”

She didn’t need another command. Opening her mouth, she licked around his cockhead as she squeezed his testicles then engulfed several inches into her mouth.

“Yes…” Her mouth was hot, her tongue raspy and the combination drove a series of electric jolts rushing through every cell. His muscles tensed as she wrapped her hand around the base of his shaft, pumping, twisting her hand.

Kiki opened her mouth wide and seemed to relax her throat, taking him down an inch at a time. Holding the stance, she struggled to dart her eyes in his direction, as if seeking approval.

“Yeah. Good.” The words were whispered and as she began moving up and down on his dick, the sounds of slurping floated between them. He tipped his head back and rose onto the balls of his feet, jutting his hips forward.

Moaning around the thick invasion, she sucked in earnest, harder and faster, one hand squeezing his balls, the other pumping in fevered actions.

While he continued to hold her head, he didn’t demand or force her in any manner. He was enjoying the salacious act, her expert mouth.

She eased back, pulling his cock out of her mouth and licking down the underside. “I love the taste.” Placing one ball into her mouth, she rolled her tongue over and around.

“God!” His legs were shaking, the need peaking.

“Mmm… Hmmm…” Every sound a ragged moan, she moved her mouth to his other swollen testicle and sucked, using her jaw muscles to add pressure.

Beads of sweat formed along his hairline, sliding down from his forehead. “Don’t tease.”

“I like teasing,” she whispered then dragged her tongue in zigzag patterns up the length of his shaft. Grunting, she took half his cock into her mouth and rubbed her hands on the insides of his legs as she began to suck, moving up and down, every move practiced.

As her rhythm increased, he began to fuck her mouth, rocking forward and backward. The move shoved his cock further into her mouth until the tip hit the back of her throat. There were no gagging sounds, no sense of struggle. Just pure acceptance of his control.

She continued, her head bobbing up and down, her tongue moving wildly.

He could come easily, erupting into her wet mouth, but he wanted more, was desperate for more. Pushing her back, he released a ragged growl and eased Kiki to her feet.

Pursing her lips, she winked and twirled her finger around the leather string of her bustier, pulling ever so slowly. “You hungry for more, baby?”

The dark chuckle came easily, and he rubbed the base of his cock before advancing, yanking the rest of the leather tie. As the bustier fell away, revealing her full breasts, he snickered. Cupping both, he squeezed and let out an exaggerated sigh as he pressed them together, his thumbs flicking back and forth across her nipples. Bending down, he dragged the tip of his tongue around her hardened bud.

Kiki breathed out and brushed her hands up and down his arms. “Do you want to spank me, baby?”

He wasn’t startled by her question but by his body’s reaction. Every cell, every muscle was jazzed as the dark need to dominate, take full control swept into his system. A flash of memories hit the back of his mind hard, clawing at the padlocked box. Hissing, he shut down the visions and slid his lips to her other nipple, sucking then biting.

“Oh. You’re on fire, baby.” She eased her hands around to the button and zipper on her skirt, unfastening then wiggling the supple material past her hips, kicking the skirt away.

Grunting, he crawled his fingers down her chest as he used his knee to widen her stance. He cupped her mound, moving his hand back and forth before sliding his fingers into her pussy.

“Fuck! Oh, baby!” Gripping his shoulders, her legs began to shake as he swirled his thumb around her clit. She panted, a nervous laugh escaping. “That feels… so… good.”

She was wet, her pussy muscles clenching around his fingers. He flexed them open and simply pulsed in and out, his thumb never shifting from position, constantly moving. Biting down on her nipple, he pulled the tender flesh between his teeth, savoring the taste of her skin.

“Oh… my.” Her body tensing, her legs shaking, she began riding his hand, her hips gyrating as his fingers drove in and out.

Riker closed his eyes and slid his other arm around her waist to her ass. Oh, yeah. He was going to spank her rounded ass. Closing his eyes, he slid his mouth across her chest, sucking on her second nipple. Wiggling his fingers, he found her asshole and slipped first one then a second finger inside.

“Jesus!” She rose onto her tiptoes and tossed back her head, her mouth remaining open.

He drove his fingers deep into her ass as he pumped into her pussy, moving in practiced orchestration, her body responding. As he sucked on her nipple, his rough tongue moving back and forth, he knew she was close to coming.

“I can’t… Oh, God.” Running both hands through her hair, she held her forehead and as her entire body began to shake, she issued a keening cry. “Ooohhh!”

Harder and faster he plunged into her ass as he began to pump into her cunt, keeping his fingers wide open.

Kiki’s body swayed back and forth as the climax rolled into an intense wave. “God…”

When she sagged forward, only then did he pull away.

She licked her lips as her eyelids fluttered open. “That was… amazing.” Reaching behind her, she fumbled to open the nightstand drawer, searching blindly for some needed item.

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and cocked his head, expecting a condom in her hand. When she handed him a paddle first, he couldn’t help but laugh. “You do appreciate a hard spanking.”

“Oh, fuck, yes. I’d take one every day, twice a day if I could,” she half whispered and produced a condom. Giving him a mischievous look, she ripped the corner of the gold, foil package, cooing as she eased the condom into the light. “One big rubber for one outstanding man.”

As she rolled the condom down the length of his shaft, he rubbed his fingers across the cheap wood, his heart racing. Yeah, he wanted this kind of relationship again. Yes, he believed in discipline.

“Spank me, oh, please, sir.” Kiki leaned over the side of the bed, planting her hands on the silky comforter, her ass in the air. “I’ve been such a bad girl.”

Riker realized his hands were sweating, his mind reeling. Sucking in his breath, he refused to allow the past to interfere tonight. Not now. He needed this and so did she. Pulses of light flashed in his peripheral vision as he tapped two fingers against her ass. Twisting the paddle, he fell into a zone, the one allowing him to let go, to become the man he’d always been.

“A very bad, little girl,” she mumbled, as if trying to encourage him. “Spank me, Daddy.”

He took a step back and tapped the paddle against his hand. He’d long ago accepted who he was, his dark cravings. Only one woman had been able to understand the man inside.

Smack! Crack!

“Oh!” Jerking up, she darted her head over her shoulder. “That felt good.”

Pop! Slap!

He smacked each ass cheek, moving back and forth.

Crack! Pop! Slap! Smack!

“Fuck. You’re good at this,” she managed, her arm flailing behind her.

Riker grabbed her arm by the wrist, pushing it against the small of her back. “Don’t get out of position or we start again.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

Pop! Crack!

Panting, he wiped away sweat and continued, thrilled at the solid thudding sound, the way her ass cheeks reddened.

Whap! Crack! Smack!

“Oh!” Kiki dropped her head, gulping air. “I am bad.”

“Yes, you are.”

Pop! Crack!

Smack! Slap!

He rubbed her ass cheeks with the tips of his fingers, the move gentle, a simple caress. My God, he was so hard, so fucking horny.

Smack! Crack! Pop!

The punishment continued until his hunger was off the chain, creating a heavy wave of pain behind his temples. Dropping the paddle, he exhaled as he grabbed her hips. “I’m going to fuck you hard.”

Kiki moaned and arched her back, pushing back her hips.

Riker thrust the entire length of his cock inside, hissing as he dug his fingers into her skin. “Yes!”

“You’re so big, baby.”

Adrenaline coursing through every cell, he struggled to keep from shaking as he pulled out until just the tip was inside. He slammed into her again. And again. Moving harder and faster, he pummeled until the sound of skin slapping against skin overpowered their combine grunts and groans.

She met every hard thrust with one of her own as she tossed her head back and forth. “Fuck me, baby. Fuck me hard.”

Smack! Pop!

He slapped his hand against the side of her buttocks as he continued, every thrust harder than the one before.

Slap! Crack!

The force pushed her hard against the comforter, but she struggled to shove back, to meet every demand. “Yes!”

Smack! Whap!

He knew there was no way to hold back any longer. Stars floated in front of his eyes as his balls filled with cum. Issuing a strangled yell, he rolled up onto the balls of his feet, using his powerful thigh muscles to control him, to allow him the control over her. When he could no longer focus or feel his legs, he let go, releasing. “Yes!”

* * *

Riker was aware he’d been sleeping, could tell he was lying somewhere comfortable and warm. As he shifted, he heard someone else breathing and forced his eyes to open. The room was dark, not a stream of light coming from anywhere. He had to think about where he was and what had happened. Exhaling, he rolled his eyes as the memory flooded in. A damn bar. He’d been to a bar and picked up a girl.

Turning his head, he could feel her breath dancing across his skin. Kiki. How could he forget? He had to admit, the time shared had been damn good, but he was disgusted with himself. This wasn’t what he wanted. The realization was sickening. The girl didn’t deserve anything but respect and he was no man to give it. Not now. Not since…

A lump formed in his throat and he swallowed several times, trying to alleviate the pressure. His head still ached but his heart was worse. His eyes adjusting to the darkness, he could make out her sleeping form. Her hair was splayed out over the pillows and she’d kicked the sheet almost all the way off. Reaching out, he rubbed her shoulder then pulled back, his mind reeling. Kiki. He had to wonder whether it was her real name. Then again, he hadn’t told her his name at all. There’d been no need.

He sat up and swung his legs onto the floor. She was a nice girl, or so it seemed. What the hell had he been thinking? When he stood, he made a promise to himself that he was going to concentrate on work from now on. That was the single aspect of his life that was important.

Riker managed to find his jeans and shirt, and as he finished dressing, she mumbled in her sleep. The sound was sweet, a gentle reminder that they’d been very close. After tucking in his shirt, he walked around the other side of the bed and watched her sleep for a few minutes. It was just after four thirty and while he debated waiting until later, he needed to get home, to be by himself.

A cold chill slithered down his spine and he started to turn away, instead, grabbing the sheet and sliding the slick material up and over her shoulders. He tugged hair out of her face and shook his head. Yeah, this had been a mistake. Grabbing his jacket, he headed for the door, turning to listen for any sounds she’d awakened. Hearing nothing, he closed the door with a soft click.

As he climbed onto his bike, he yanked his phone from his jacket pocket, studying the screen. Someone from the hangar had tried to call three times. Shit. What in the hell was going on? He lifted his head toward the mountains, sniffing for any sign of smoke. He could see or smell nothing.

He pressed redial and waited before revving the engine. “Katie. What the hell is so urgent?” For Katie Myers, the captain’s assistant and one hell of an office manager, to be at the hangar this early meant there was an extreme emergency.

“Riker. Thank God. We’ve been trying to get ahold of you for almost two hours. You need to get here fast.”

“What is going on?”

“A massive fire. We need every jumper on this one. This is a special call,” Katie barked. “And I mean now.”

He turned again, studying the sky. “Where? Idaho?” The mountains just across the border from Montana had experienced an entire dry year, the pines subject to caustic fires.

“Nope. West Virginia.”

“What the fuck?” They’d gone West, working on fires in California, Oregon and Washington State as well as Idaho, but West Virginia?

“Don’t ask any questions. Get here. The plane is leaving in thirty minutes and you know how the captain is. Don’t want to piss him off.”

The concern in Katie’s voice was mixed with her usual banter, but the edge was different. “I’m on my way.” Grabbing his helmet, he finagled the clasp and started the engine, jerking out of the driveway and accelerating down the street. This is what life was all about.

Hell, this was all he knew and all he cared to deal with.

After all, he was dead inside.

* * *

On. Off. On. Off. Trinity flicked the switch over and over again, catching her reflection in the window every time the garish light was flipped on, if only for a brief second. Sighing, she glanced over at the clock. Almost five in the morning. She hadn’t even bothered to try and sleep. What was the point? Her life was a disaster, no doubt her career on hold after her escapade with the reporter.

Huffing, she decided to keep the light off and wait, watching for the morning sun. As if the glorious California day would soothe her nerves. She’d spent too many years on a wide-open stage, allowing everyone else to make decisions for her. Well, no more. At least she’d made the decision to be her own woman sometime around two a.m. She snorted and reached for her wine. Drinking wasn’t going to solve anything, but at least she could dial back the demons floating inside of her head for a little while.

Closing her eyes, she leaned back in the chair, contemplating what, if anything, she could do. Jack Spartan. The name was synonymous with asshole of the highest degree. She tried to remember the first time the reporter had taken a ‘liking’ to her, following her around like a lost puppy dog. Ah, yes. After the success she’d found with her second film. She hadn’t been able to go anywhere without his prying eyes and lens being right there, following her every move. The damn vulture.

Sure, at first his pictures had seemed benign, almost a token of appreciation and she’d allowed him to photograph her. Once he thought he had an in with her, all hell had broken loose. Why the vicious turn? Terse words spouted off at a fundraising event. If only she’d kept her mouth shut.

Trinity curled her legs under her as she sipped on her wine. The taste was somehow bitter, no longer relaxing at this point. She was honestly surprised Marvin hadn’t been beating at her door, demanding to know what the hell was going on. Everything was quiet. Too quiet. What if she left town for a few days? Would that help? No doubt, the asshole would just follow her. Jack had a method of hunting her down like a dog in heat.

After a few seconds, her curiosity got the better of her. She grabbed her laptop from the table and flipped open the top. Hesitating, she maneuvered to the internet and waited, typing in her name. Then she cringed. There it was, the glorious story already on the morning news. Her finger hovered over the site before she could find the courage to click.

The picture was telling. She looked haggard, older than she was and bitter. That was the term. Bitter. The headline was perfect, albeit blasphemous.

Trinity Hargrove After a Night of Celebration

And the subtitle was even more creative.

A vile attempt at stomping on the news, the award-winning actress takes out her anger on a local reporter.

“Wonderful.” She closed the lid and resisted tossing her beloved Mac. Anger didn’t look good on her. No doubt, her phone would start ringing off the hook soon enough. For a few seconds, she thought about doing some writing, her first love. How many books had she started but had to shelve after life interfered? Too many. Words written on paper, typed into the computer were relaxing, a tethering to her past. If only she’d chosen another profession to run to.

What? And lose all the glamor infused into her life? She burst into laughter and was forced to double over. Then the laugh turned into deep breaths and finally another round of tears. She was pathetic. Sucking in her breath, she jerked to her feet, slapping the wine glass on the table. No one was going to best her, especially not some two-bit reporter.

A shower. She’d feel a hell of a lot better. As she walked toward the bathroom, she heard her doorbell. No, not already. She wasn’t prepared to handle the onslaught of crap that would be tossed her way. She folded her arms and paced her bedroom floor.

The bell was pushed again.

She just knew the asshole, Jack, was standing outside her front door, waiting for her rebuttal, her comment on what he considered the truth. If she was a smart and sensible girl, she’d leave well enough alone. But she wasn’t.

The bitchy side grabbed what was left of her mind, and she headed down the hallway, taking long strides. If the jerk wanted a piece of her, he was going to have to reach in and grab it. By the time she stormed into the foyer, the bell had been rung a third time. She turned on every outside light, hoping the fucker would be blinded. Hissing, she looked through the peephole, ready to strike. “What?”

Trinity smiled as she opened the door. “Ana? What are you doing here?” Ana Phillips was her cousin, her best friend and the very reason she was in Hollywood in the first place. Granted, at this moment, she could kick the girl’s ass. The beautiful brunette continued to model, the place where Trinity started. After a bit part in a movie, Trinity was discovered, now much to her chagrin.

Ana squinted and glanced toward the roof line as she held out two steaming cups of coffee. “I thought you might need a friend, but if I’m going to be interrogated, forget about it.” Grinning, she winked. “Are you going to let me in?”

“Of course. I haven’t seen you in months. Let me guess, you read the paper.” Trinity closed the door behind her, making certain the locks were in place, as if that would keep out the rest of the world. Flipping off the outside lights, she shivered. He was out there. She’d bet all she owned that he was biding his time.

“Mmm… Well, actually, I had a phone call last night right after the prize-winning fight. Drove up from San Diego because I knew you’d be in a tizzy.”

“Very funny. I don’t do tizzy. I do pissed off.” She took a cup and wrapped her other arm around Ana. “Thank you for giving a shit about me.”

“Wow, girl. You sound like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

Trinity eased back and shrugged. “I guess I do. Just…”

“Come on. Let’s go sit down. Tell me what happened. Not that I don’t think the jerk deserved it, but the way the various newspapers are depicting the story, you’re the big, bad wolf.”

“I wish I were at this point.” She led Ana into the kitchen and turned on the light over the stove.

Ana leaned against the counter and dropped her purse. “So, what are you going to do about the reporter?”

“Nothing I can do. He hasn’t threatened me in any way or said anything that was totally dishonest.”

Ana tilted her head. “This whole crap about your past is absolutely wrong. The man needs to be stopped, no matter how.”

“But what has he said really? Nothing.”

“Insinuations of inappropriate behavior. And that’s for a start.”

Trinity exhaled. “He has no idea what the truth is.”

“Then get an injunction against him.”

“At this point, that would only fuel the already nasty fire. I need another course of action.” She took a sip of coffee, relishing in the burn. “Like leaving town. The state altogether.”

“You’re going to let Mr. Jerkoff win? That’s not like you. You are pushed to the wall.” Ana touched Trinity’s arm. “I’m worried about you.”

“At least somebody is.”

“Why didn’t that boyfriend of yours do the punch?”

Trinity laughed. “Chance is a wimp. Do you honestly think he’d allow himself to break into a sweat to help anyone?”

“Maybe not.”

“He won’t be coming around.”

Ana lifted her eyebrows, a grin spreading on her face. “Why is that?”

“I threw him out last night. I think it was just after he called me a bitch.”

Coughing, Ana slapped her hand against her chest. “That fucking asshole. Why are men such meatheads?”

“If you find the answer to that question, we’ll be golden.” Trinity chuckled, feeling more relaxed than before. “What did I interrupt with my outburst?”

“Just a modeling gig for Cartier. Nothing special.” Ana purposely fluttered her eyelashes.

“You are the bitch. My guess is you’re happier than I am.”

“Happiness is highly overrated. That’s what my agent keeps telling me anyway. That and the fact I’m almost over the hill.”

Trinity grimaced. “At twenty-nine?”

“At twenty-nine. Don’t worry about me. I have some irons in the fire. Now, as to the reason I’m here.”

She could tell her cousin had something up her sleeve. “What have you done?”

“Not what I’ve done, yet. But I have an idea for you. If I know my beautiful and ultra-talented cousin, I’d say you’re ready to take a long vacation to somewhere that not a single person can find you. Am I correct?”

“You know me well. I just don’t know where that is or how I can get away.”

“You know I’m sneaky, right?” Ana rolled her eyes.

“Just another thing I love about you. Now, you’re killing me. If you have a way for me to get out of here, just disappear, you can have anything you want.”

She tapped her finger across her mouth. “Deal. Do you like cowboys? Mountains? Fresh water? Outdoor activities? A place with blue skies, amazing spring flowers and some of the nicest people who will have no idea who you are?”

“Sounds like heaven. Is there such a place?” Trinity had to admit, she was intrigued.

“You bet there is. One catch.”

“There always is.”

Ana leaned forward. “You let me stay here, in your house so I can do some snooping and try and find out what Jack boy is up to. And no, you can’t refuse me. Period. You know how I can be when I don’t get my way.”

“I don’t know if this guy is dangerous.”

She studied her cousin for a full minute before reaching into her leather bag.

Trinity opened her eyes wide when the cold steel flashed in the dim light. “What are you doing with a gun?”

“A girl can’t be too safe or too rich, especially with assholes out there like this Jack person. Don’t worry. I’m licensed, and you bet I know how to use this.”

She studied the firepower and couldn’t help but smile.

“Don’t you dare chastise me!” Ana huffed and slid the gun across the counter.

“That is not even close to what I was going to say.”

“Then what were you going to say?”

Reaching out, she wrapped her hand around the grip. “That I need to get one of these.”

“Hmmm… Honey, where you’re going, you can get a sexy man to take care of your business. Maybe in more than one way.”

“You’re so bad.” Trinity could feel the heat rising on her face.

“Do we have a deal? I’m the super sleuth and you can have two or three cowboys at your beck and call.” Ana held out her hand.

She thought about the arrangement and had to admit, she liked the idea on several levels. All she had to do was pack a few things and leave town. Perfect. “Deal. Just don’t get yourself killed.” The handshake felt good, as if she was taking her life back.

“Don’t you worry about me. I think Jack Spartan is the one who has to worry.”

They both laughed, giggling like old times until they heard a distinct thud against the door.

“What the fuck?” Ana asked between clenched teeth and grabbed the gun.

“And so, it begins.” Shivers raced down the back of Trinity’s legs.

“Stay here.” Ana walked out of the room, every step with purpose.

“Ana!” Racing after her, she had no idea what to expect, even though her gut was screaming with new fears. Pandora’s Box had to stay locked.

Ana flung open the door, holding the gun out in front of her. “All right, you bastard. You aren’t going to mess with us!”

Looking down at the stoop, Trinity sighed and reached for Ana’s arm. “A present.” The white envelope said so many things. Shaking, she reached down, tentatively grabbing the edge. While the envelope wasn’t heavy, she had a feeling she knew what was inside.

“No return address,” Ana remarked.

“Something new in his game. Jack is always the same, never varies.” Trinity held the envelope and walked back into the kitchen with heavy feet.

Ana slammed the door, the force reverberating into the hall. “Last night rattled him, but you don’t know this is from him. Maybe that sad sack of a boyfriend of yours is trying to say he’s sorry. If you take him back, I will disown you. No pressure.”

Trinity tried to smile as she opened the flap and reached inside. “Here goes.” The moment she tugged out the contents, she sagged against the counter. “Get me out of here as fast as you can.”

“Oh, shit, honey. I’m so sorry. He’s a dead man.”