Her breath caught in her throat when he nipped at the tip of one of her fingers before taking it inside his mouth. Her worries slipped away as a primal heat spread outward to her core.

  “Etienne.” His eyes shone in the dimness of the room. They hadn’t bothered with turning on lamps earlier. The sun had finally gone down, leaving only the ambient light from outside to sneak in around the edges of the closed curtains.

  “Hmm.” He was totally absorbed in what he was doing. His dark hair fell over his brow.

  Her nipples stood at attention, rubbing against the fabric of her tank top, reminding her she wasn’t wearing a bra. What had she been going to say? It didn’t matter. Nothing did but him continuing to suck and tease her finger, gliding it in and out of his mouth, mimicking sex.

  Her jeans were too confining, her skin too tight. She groaned, her breaths coming in short, hard bursts.

  With a curse, he released her. “I promised myself I wouldn’t do that?”

  Why was he stopping? Her entire being protested. “Do what?”

  “Pressure you. It’s been a crazy day.” He rolled to his back, his arms crossed over his face. “Give me a second.”

  She wasn’t the only one having a hard time catching her breath. His chest expanded as he sucked in air. His biceps bulged as he struggled for control. The muscles of his stomach contracted when she stroked her hand over them. His lower body jerked, bringing her attention to the rather substantial bulge in his jeans.

  He truly was special. As aroused as he was, he was trying to protect her, to do what was right. Was she going to allow it? Not a chance. He had to see her as an equal, a partner. Not as someone who always needed protecting.

  She flicked open the button of his jeans.

  “What are you doing?” He lowered his arms, his eyes blazing with pure, molten need.

  “What does it look like?” The sound of the zipper lowering seemed unusually loud. He wasn’t wearing underwear, and his cock practically jumped into her hand. She closed her fingers around his shaft. It was hard and hot, pulsing with life.

  “Fuck!” His hips arched. “You have to stop, chère.”

  Not on your life. “You pleasured me last night. Seems only fair I return the favor.”

  “I didn’t do it because I expected anything in return.” His words were clipped, almost angry. His cheeks were flushed, the angles of his face sharper than usual.

  “It’s my turn to explore. Unless you don’t want me to.” No way in hell was that the case, but he needed to admit it to them both.

  A growl rumbled up from deep inside him, vibrating through him and into her hand. A whimper escaped her as her nipples hardened to the point of pain. “I want you. Never doubt that.”

  “Then let me do this.” She pumped her hand up and down his hard length. “Let me touch you.” Leaning down, she dragged her tongue over the tip of his shaft, capturing the droplet of liquid that seeped out. It was salty and warm. “Taste you.” She nuzzled the crinkly hair at the base of his shaft. “I want to see you come.”

  “You’re killing me.”

  She’d take that as encouragement. “You’d feel better if you were naked.” Before she could ask him to lift up, he surged upright, dragged his shirt off, and flung it aside. He had his jeans off in record time.

  Sprawling back on the bed, eyes ablaze, his skin slick from the heat generated between them, he tucked his hands behind his head.

  It was tempting to follow suit. Her clothing was constricting. It wasn’t fear holding her back. He wouldn’t mate her without her permission. But he would take over, seeing to her pleasure without worrying about finding release for himself.

  Not this time.

  “Like what you see?”

  Oh, the devil was cocky. He was sexy and damn well could smell her attraction. No hiding it with their heightened senses. Two could play that game. “Maybe.” Kneeling beside him, she walked her fingers over his thighs. They were thick with muscle. She bypassed his erection and smoothed a path up the prominent v-shape on his abdomen.

  His growl was low and continuous, but he did nothing to stop her. It was heady to have this much masculine power and beauty at her disposal. And he was beautiful. He’d object to the word, but it fit. There wasn’t an ounce of extra fat anywhere. Heavy bone, sinew, and muscle had been sculpted and honed to perfection.

  His nipples were flat discs with a light smattering of black hair between them. She flicked one with her tongue. His back arched. His biceps strained. His nipples were as sensitive as hers. Good to know. Not everyone found the same thing stimulating. She wanted to learn all his secrets.

  “I’m not going to last.” The rough promise made her sex clench. “Like that idea, don’t you, chère? I can smell it.”

  “I do.” She nibbled at his neck, loving the way he tilted his head to one side to give her access. He tasted salty, the musk of his skin an aphrodisiac that surrounded her. This was a two-way street. His desire pushed hers higher. Hers pushed his higher. And round and round it went.

  She’d seen him shirtless. Heck, she’d seen him naked. She’d watched him shift a time or two. She was as red-blooded and curious as the next wolf, and he was a prime specimen.

  Funny, she’d never had the urge to watch either Nicholas or Aaron. She wrinkled her nose. They were too much like brothers.

  Why was Etienne different?

  Maybe their attraction was based on more than mere proximity and opportunity.

  “Do you want to stop?” His question snapped her out of her reverie. She’d been still for too long.

  In answer, she kissed a path down the center of his chest to where his cock waited. It flexed in impatience, as if to complain about her neglect. Taking him in hand, she began to pump.

  “Harder. Hold me tighter.” The cords of his neck were taut. A muscle worked in his jaw.

  Following instructions, she squeezed. His shaft seemed bigger, hotter than it had. Prominent veins roped his length all the way to the flared head. When she reached the top, she ran her thumb over the tip.

  Scooting down to get into a better position, she cupped his sac with her free hand, gently caressing it.

  “Fuck!” It turned into a low howl at the end, raising the fine hairs on her body.

  His balls tightened. A heightened tension gripped him. Lowering her head, she took him into her mouth and sucked.

  On a roar, he came. His release shot up his shaft. She gagged once and then swallowed, wanting to give him the same pleasure he’d given her. The base of his shaft swelled in her hand. If they’d gone all the way, he’d be locked inside her. She moaned, her core protesting the emptiness.

  Releasing him, she rested her head on his stomach until her breathing returned to normal. Long fingers stroked her hair. “You okay?”

  She could only nod, afraid to actually speak. Tears pricked her eyes.

  “That was incredible. Thank you.”

  She nodded but felt hollow inside. Her wolf paced, upset. She was the one who’d told him she wasn’t ready to commit. So why did she want a declaration of some kind, something to prove what they had was more than two healthy adults having a satisfying sexual experience? Did that mean she loved him?

  “Amy?”

  She rolled off the bed and headed to the bathroom. “My turn to have a cold shower.” It was time to be honest with herself, to search her soul and decide once and for all if she was willing to mate with Etienne.

  Neither of them could go on like this.

  ****

  Luc Landry gave up just after nine o’clock. Amy wasn’t coming to work tonight. Had the other wolf taken her? His wolf howled in protest.

  Both his siblings were worried about him. Colton had stayed with their sister, but only after extracting a promise that Luc wasn’t going to do something stupid.

  All he wanted was a chance to talk to her alone, to make sure she was safe. And maybe see if she might be open to mating. His wolf was attracted to hers, and there weren’t too many unattached females running around.

  That made her a prize worth fighting for.

  Chapter Ten

  Etienne glanced over at the passenger seat before turning his attention back to the road. Amy had been quiet since the previous evening. After her shower, they’d finished off their cold burgers and fries and watched a movie before falling asleep.

  At least she hadn’t kicked him out of bed.

  But she’d been lost in her own thoughts. When a couple of attempts to draw her out had failed, he’d let her be. Neither of them had slept well. His arms had ached to hold her, but he’d given her the distance she’d seemed to need.

  They were out of here today. He couldn’t wait to watch this place disappear in his rearview mirror. There was too much danger lurking, coming at them from different directions, impossible to control or contain.

  “I’m sorry you have to leave your job.” Was that part of what was bothering her? Her independence had been hard fought for and won.

  “I get it.” Her soft voice soothed the rough edges of his nerves.

  Was it worry for her or was there something else in the air? He couldn’t tell. Either way it concerned him.

  “I know it’s not safe.” Her fingers tapped out a rhythm on her leg. “Especially not after yesterday. I’d already decided it was time to move on.” Her nose wrinkled. “Not like I loved where I was living.”

  Maybe not, but it had been hers. He’d seen her wistful expression as she’d packed her belongings and checked out of her room for good. It wasn’t the place she’d miss but what it represented. She’d only picked at her food when they’d stopped for a late breakfast.

  She looked as beautiful as ever this morning, if pensive. The top she wore matched her eyes and clung to her torso, outlining the bra. What color was her bra? Was it the same green as her top or something different?

  When his cock flexed, he silently castigated himself. He didn’t want her thinking he was only interested in sex.

  Did she regret last night? Yesterday had been one huge up and down after another. Shifting after so long would have left her longing for pack, for connection. He’d been selfish, wanting her touch, and hadn’t put up more than a token protest.

  “Any idea where you want to go next?” He didn’t care as long as he was with her.

  Her ponytail danced when she shook her head. “Not really. I’d planned to check out the bus schedule and see where it went. Any ideas?”

  So not home. “We could go south, head to Alabama or Georgia.” It would also keep them closer to home than if they went west.

  “You don’t have to go with me. You have responsibilities and obligations waiting for you.”

  Not in this lifetime. Reaching over, he covered her hand with his. “I’m not going anywhere. If you want to be alone, I’ll back off, but, chère, I’m not leaving you. If you don’t want me with you, think of me as a bodyguard.”

  Her brows snapped down and her eyes flashed. “I don’t need a keeper.”

  That was debatable, but being a smart wolf, he kept that thought to himself. “You’re a woman alone. Two unknown male wolves know about you. Not to mention the two idiots from yesterday.”

  She slumped back in the seat. “You really think they’ll be a problem, even if we leave?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. But there are always more like them out there.” It would be foolish to underestimate the lure of a female wolf to two unattached males. The mating drive was strong among their kind. Two minutes with Amy and they’d realize how special she was. They’d want her for their own.

  They couldn’t have her.

  “You okay?” She turned her hand in his and gave it a squeeze.

  Shit, he’d been growling. “I’m good. I’ll be better when this is done and we’re on our way.” There was no sign of anyone following them, but the damn itch wouldn’t leave the back of his neck.

  He eased the truck into the almost empty lot. Milton’s wasn’t open yet. Wouldn’t be for another hour. The lone car likely belonged to someone working there. Or maybe it had been left overnight.

  “Looks like Gracie is here.”

  So it was the bartender’s vehicle. “What about the cook?”

  “Tom? He lives in a trailer out back. He’ll already be prepping for the lunch crowd. It’s too early for the other waitress.”

  “Remember what we discussed over breakfast.”

  She gave a huff and rolled her eyes as she unbuckled her seat belt. “You’ll be right outside. What can go wrong?”

  Famous last words. He killed the engine and turned to face her. “I should go in with you.” He didn’t want her out of his sight.

  “I need to do this on my own. I owe it to Gracie. I can’t tell her everything, but she deserves an explanation. She took a chance on me. Now I’m leaving her high and dry.”

  And Amy’s heart was too tender to intentionally hurt someone. “Make it quick.”

  She jumped out of the truck and snapped him a salute. “Yes, sir.”

  “Smartass,” he muttered.

  Her laughter trailed after her as she knocked on the door of the bar. Etienne didn’t quite relax, but some of the tension eased. It was the first time she’d acted more like herself since yesterday.

  Gracie let Amy inside and gave him a hard stare before locking the door with a decisive click. Restless, he got out, leaned against the hood of the truck, and listened. Everything was still. The clouds thickened, blocking out the blue sky. A heaviness lingered in the charged air. They’d likely have a thunderstorm before the day was done. He hoped to be several hours away before it hit.

  Two robins flew from the tree where they’d been perched. He straightened and sniffed, wishing there was even a hint of a breeze to carry nearby scents. He glanced toward the bar. He was tempted to grab her and run.

  Yeah, that would fly about as well as a lead balloon. All it would do was piss her off, maybe make her reconsider their going away together. Damn her stubbornness, but she wouldn’t be the woman he loved without it.

  She was safe inside. He’d take a fast look but stay close. This could be a trap to lure him away. If anyone was out there, it was the Landry brothers. If this was a trick, he’d make them very sorry.

  ****

  “I’m really sorry, Gracie.”

  “You’re sure it’s what you want? You’re not being coerced or anything, are you? You can tell me.” She drew a lethal-looking handgun out from beneath the bar. “I brought a little extra insurance today just in case.”

  “Put that away before you shoot someone.” She’d handled firearms, of course, but they weren’t part of her daily life. As a wolf, she’d cultivated her unique talents, learning how to track and move silently through the woods, how to sniff out danger and avoid it. And how to fight in case there was no other choice.

  Gracie gave a throaty chuckle, but the gun vanished from sight. “Honey, I’m a crack shot. My first husband, bless his useless soul, left something of value behind when he took off. He taught me how to handle a weapon. We spent a lot of time at the range or hunting.” The woman had been married twice, and she’d told Amy more than once that she was done with the institution.

  “It’s not like that. Etienne is…” She shifted from one foot to another, her temperature rising just thinking about him.

  “If I’ve learned one thing, it’s never to rearrange your life for a man. It never works out well.”

  “You’ve got it all wrong. He’s left everything behind to be with me.” For a wolf as protective as him, as entrenched in pack as him, it was a huge sacrifice.

  “Humph, maybe I won’t shoot his ass after all.”

  Amy gave a nervous laugh—not at all sure Gracie wasn’t kidding—and bit her lip before it turned into tears. “I’m the messed up one. I’m the one who ran away from home. Who does that at twenty four?” She rubbed the heels of her palms over her eyes. “Real mature move.”

  “Honey, give yourself a break.” Gracie came around the bar and pulled Amy into her arms. “We all want to run away sometimes. Had you ever left home before?”

  She allowed herself to drink in the warmth and caring, needing it more than she’d known. “No, I’d always lived at home.”

  “There you go. It’s a wonder it hadn’t happened earlier. Your parents good to you?”

  “The best.” And she missed them terribly.

  “Then they’ll understand.” She pulled back and became brisk again. “So pull on your big girl panties and figure it out. Decide if you want that man who looks at you like you’re a juicy steak and he’s starving or if you need to dump him and move on.”

  Amy held her stomach as she laughed. “Oh, my God. Now that’s an image.”

  “You think on it while I get your paycheck.”

  “I’m really sorry I didn’t give you any notice.” Gracie was being far nicer about this than most people would be. It made Amy feel twice as bad than if she’d been yelled at.

  “Don’t worry about it. Tammy dropped by yesterday. She’s the one who ran off to be with a man. Turned out he wasn’t the catch she thought he was. He left her high and dry and now she’s back. She’ll be thrilled to get her old job back.” She disappeared down the short hallway to the office.

  It was almost too easy. All the pieces were falling into place. Maybe the universe was trying to tell her something.

  There was a low rap on the front door. A woman in her early twenties with curly reddish brown hair glanced frantically around. A chill ran down Amy’s spine. Ignoring it, she hurried to the door.

  “We’re not open yet.” Maybe this was Tammy checking back in about a possible job.

  The woman swallowed heavily. “I’m sorry.”

  “That’s okay. Do you need help?” She held the door open, but the woman shook her head.

  She glanced over her shoulder, but Gracie was still in the other room. “If you’re looking for Gracie, she’ll be back in a second.” Tom was busy in the kitchen. Etienne wasn’t in his truck. Her heart in her throat, she stepped outside and glanced around. There was no sign of him anywhere. He’d never have left her alone. Not after all his warnings.