My mind drifted into a thousand places, all of them wrapped in my hungry needs. “You’re a bad girl.”

  “We’ve already established that. Now I’m going to show you just how bad I can be.” By the time she managed to unbuckle and unbutton, I was lost in a haze of lust.

  I tried to continue concentrating on the road, my mind muddled as I attempted to think about a place to pull over.

  Ah.

  I found the perfect location.

  She wasn’t holding back, unzipping and tugging on my jeans until she freed my cock, her hand hot as Hades. I barely managed to pull the Rover into the parking lot of what would soon be her clinic before she wrapped her long fingers around my shaft.

  “Fuck me,” I whispered and pulled into a parking space where I left the engine idling. As she shifted backwards so she could bend over, I shook my head and tried to ensure we were all alone.

  It was late enough that the traffic was sparse, with barely any cars passing by. I turned off the lights, already gasping for breath. Thankfully, the parking lot wasn’t well lit, the other businesses in close proximity not adding any additional spotlight to our sinful act.

  Bella took full control, tugging on my jeans until they were partially down my hips. When she blew across my cockhead, I twisted my hand on the steering wheel. But the second she took the tip into her mouth, using her jaw muscles to suck, my hips were driven off the seat.

  “Shit, woman. You’re just…”

  She mewed in response, managing to drive her hand between my legs so she could cup my balls. I wasn’t certain if I’d ever had a blowjob in a parking lot before.

  First time for everything.

  “Woman…” I whispered, every muscle already tensing.

  “Yes? Do you want me to stop?”

  “Not a chance in hell.” I pushed her head back down, smiling involuntarily from the extreme pleasure. “You can do this all night long.”

  “Mmm…”

  My gut told me I’d never last that long. The way her tongue was swirling back and forth could drive any man into sheer madness. Just being able to tangle my fingers in her long hair kept my senses on the high side of crazy, my need to plunge my cock inside her sweet and tight pussy almost all I could think about.

  Except for her hot and wet mouth.

  At this angle, I couldn’t indulge in sliding my fingers inside her tight channel. The bratty woman was doing this on purpose.

  She took my shaft down inch by inch, the electricity and fire in the vehicle creating steam on the windshield. Soon I wouldn’t be able to see outside. What the hell? Who cared?

  The sound of her sucking and licking filtered into my eardrums; it was sweet music, but it would be better if I was thrusting inside. Panting, I eased my head back onto the seat, fighting stars that threatened to steal my vision.

  Every moan she issued added to the sexual atmosphere, keeping me on edge. Even my boots felt tight from the tension. Her lips were perfect, her tongue becoming a weapon. Holy crap. If I wasn’t careful, I’d lose my load within seconds.

  I did what I could to drive down my need to erupt into her mouth, even tugging on her strands of hair.

  However, soon I couldn’t take it any longer and pulled on her arm. Bella finally released her hold on my cock, lifting her pretty little head and pouting those lips of hers.

  “What’s wrong, lover?” she asked in a husky voice.

  “More. I need more.” I was like some true savage in the wild.

  She eased her long fingers through her hair, studying me intently in the shadowed light. “For always.”

  It was as if she was confirming what I’d told her inside the club. I couldn’t blame her given my odd moods. “For always.” I pulled her onto her knees, fighting the tilting steering wheel to get it as far out of the way as possible. As soon as I did, I dragged her across my lap. At the same time, I yanked her dress up to her waist and fought to lower my jeans another few inches.

  Damn, it was hot in here.

  “What do you have in mind, big boy?”

  Her teasing voice was enough to push me beyond the very edge I’d fought hard to keep. “Fucking you. What do you think?”

  “But I’m wearing panties.”

  Was she really telling me that? “So what?” While I considered ripping them off her body, I changed my mind, shoving them aside instead. There was no need to waste precious lace and silk.

  Her breathing ragged, she gripped my shoulder with one hand as I lifted her by her hips. With her other delicate fingers, she placed the tip of my cock just past her swollen folds. Goddamn, her scent was the perfect combination of jasmine and vanilla mixed with her fragrance of crazed desire.

  We both moaned as I yanked her body down, her bottom planted squarely on my legs. She threw back her head, swishing her hair back and forth.

  Just like she’d done on the dance floor.

  I jutted my hips upward, driving my cock even deeper inside. The feel of her muscles and wetness, the heat of our bodies and the sin we were performing was more than just a powerful aphrodisiac. It was allowing another part of me to awaken.

  While the angle was difficult, I still fucked her long and hard, our breathing so labored I was certain she was going to scream. She clawed at the roof of my vehicle and I sensed she was close to a delicious orgasm.

  So I thrust in more roughly than I’d done before, gasping for air just like she was doing. The entire vehicle was rocking from our raucous actions. Every sound was exacerbated, moans and growls mixing together brilliantly.

  There was no way I would close my eyes through this special moment, no matter how filthy or sinful. I needed to stare her directly in the eyes. I’d meant what I’d said to her and it was important for her to realize I wasn’t lying. Hearing she was purchasing the clinic had sent a ray of warmth through me.

  It also allowed for additional concern.

  Tomorrow I’d deal with the issues.

  One way or another.

  As she pressed her lips against mine, I was ready to swallow her tongue. I thrust mine inside, capturing her taste and her essence with my mouth. Every beautiful moment we were together I wanted more.

  There would never be enough.

  Her moans escalated as she was swept into a sweet orgasm. Her entire body shuddered in my hold, her knees tightening against my hips as her body swayed. As soon as she came down from the clouds, she pulled away, laughing as if suddenly nervous around me.

  The way she bucked against me was too much to take. My stamina lost to my close to desperate need to fill her with my seed.

  With my body shaking violently, I fulfilled my duties. For a few precious seconds, we were once again as one.

  Coming down from the rafters was hard to do. I was still hard, still pulsing inside of her. The scent of our sex was extreme, so overpowering we both laughed.

  “Whew,” Bella whispered and raked back her hair with both hands. “One hot man.”

  “You’re the fiery woman who started this.”

  “Yes, I did. Keep that in mind,” she purred. “So hot.”

  It was sweltering inside. As soon as she tried to climb off, I maneuvered her stomach across my lap. Without wasting any time, I ripped down her panties and I brought my hand down on her naked bottom.

  “You can’t do that. What if someone sees?”

  “You weren’t worried about that a few minutes ago.” I had a huge grin on my face as I cracked my hand on one side then the other. Her buttocks were already hot, my fingers tingling with every swat I gave her.

  The way she was wiggling kept my cock semi-hard, but that could change into full arousal at any second. She had that strong of an effect on me.

  I even whistled as I spanked her, also enjoying the steam on the windows. Defrosting would take a few minutes.

  “Ouch.”

  “You can complain all you want,” I told her. “That won’t stop me.” I continued, thrilled I had her as my captive. When I stopped long enough to caress her cheeks, she wiggled until my balls started to swell.

  Four more hard cracks of my hand and I finally stopped.

  Bella remained where she was for a few seconds, grousing under her breath. When she fought her way until she was on one knee, she shifted her weight but a few seconds later, she groaned. “We’ve got company.”

  “What? Here?” I glanced in the mirror outside my door, cursing under my breath since the window was fucking fogged.

  But I didn’t need to see the vehicle clearly to know what we were about to deal with.

  The goddamn sheriff’s office.

  Sure, either the horrible man or his deputies were required to cruise the roads, ensuring our tourists and locals remained safe, but my gut told me the sheriff had been watching us.

  “Move to the passenger seat,” I told her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Just do it, city girl. Some unpleasant business.”

  She moved over, fixing her clothes then trying to fasten her seatbelt as the vehicle in question entered the parking lot. While the windows were still steamy, I turned on the defroster, hoping it would help in time.

  I didn’t need to have a perfectly clear glass to realize the moment the man stepped from his law enforcement vehicle that our unwanted visitor was the sheriff. Laughing softly, I rubbed my jaw and rolled down the window.

  “The sheriff?” she asked.

  “In the flesh. Asshole.”

  “Why doesn’t he like you?”

  “Myriad reasons including bringing bad karma into this town.”

  The asshole was swaggering slowly, shining a flashlight over every inch of the Rover.

  “There’s more to it,” she insisted.

  “Maybe cause I’m not such a nice guy including to jerks wearing a uniform.”

  Bella sighed. “That would do it.”

  “Evening, folks,” the sheriff said, directly shining the light over both of us.

  “Howdy, Adam.” I knew he didn’t take kindly to me calling him by his first name. My personality was such I just didn’t give a shit about authority figures. That had almost tanked me in the Army.

  “What are you doing out here? It’s after hours. I’m certain Doc Welby is closed for the night. That would mean you’re trespassing.”

  I sensed immediately that my little warrior woman was none too thrilled at being accosted. To prove my point, she leaned across my lap, her long hair nestled in my crotch far too enticing. The scent of sex given the slightly humid air was sticky and sweet, just like my cum slickening her inner thighs.

  He took a deep whiff, grinding his teeth as soon as he did.

  “Sheriff, see, here’s the thing. I’m purchasing the practice from old Doc Welby. He and I got along famously and he talked me into moving to this little town. Fabulous place with mostly decent people. You aside, of course. Now, I realize you all but threatened me to leave before it was too late, but here’s the thing.” She hesitated, dragging just the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip on purpose.

  My. Wasn’t I proud of my feisty vixen?

  “I don’t take kindly to anyone’s threats. As a matter of fact, I get a little crazy. You know the kind I mean. I’m the type of girl who just can’t seem to control her actions. Besides, the mayor and his entire family are good buddies of the doc. Doesn’t he control your career?” Her smile was bright, her cleavage on full view.

  Part of me wanted to drag her over my knees for a second hard spanking. We didn’t need any trouble from the man on top of everything. But the other part was cheering her on.

  He lowered down until he could look her in the eyes. “I’d be very careful if I were you, Ms. Winters. I know things about you. Bad things. I wouldn’t want to ruin your new life. Welcome to Danger Falls. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

  He stormed away, slamming his door and revving the engine.

  After he’d sped out of the parking lot, I slowly turned my head toward her. “The mayor? How in God’s name would you know that?”

  Bella sat back in her seat, smoothing down her dress. “Well, I don’t.”

  “What do you mean you don’t?”

  “I have no clue if you have a mayor so I couldn’t know if the position is held by a man or a woman.”

  I sucked in my breath. “You were bluffing?”

  She shrugged and blew me a kiss. “I’m a damn good actress when I need to be.”

  Just feeling free and alive enough to wrap my hand around the back of her neck, jerking her toward me reminded me of something Shephard had told me.

  That I deserved to live.

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you,” I told her in a gruff voice before crushing my lips over hers.

  She gently placed both hands against my chest, arching her back as I plunged my tongue inside. Just like before, I couldn’t seem to get enough of her, savoring every tiny lick of her tongue.

  After easing back, I shook my head. “You need discipline in your life.”

  “I guess you think you’re going to provide that as well.”

  “You bet.” I laughed and shifted the gear, heading out onto the road. Forced to adjust the rearview mirror, I glanced quickly at the road behind us.

  The sheriff was parked on the other side of the road.

  Watching.

  Waiting.

  Whatever trouble he intended on bringing wouldn’t be directed toward me alone.

  He’d now placed the woman I cared about in the bullseye.

  Maybe he’d need to learn a hard lesson about manners.

  CHAPTER 29

  Bella

  Exhaustion and joy.

  Was it possible to experience both at one time?

  That was exactly the way I felt on this beautiful morning. Being tired was worth it. I felt like Jagger and I had gotten closer.

  Nightmares.

  Jagger had experienced another one and his ranting had awakened me. For all his worry that he’d display violence, the most I’d seen was tossing the books out of frustration.

  He’d allowed me to talk to him and to listen. He’d mentioned his captivity and the months he’d endured, including over the Christmas holiday. He’d also told me the only soul he’d told had been his dad. It would seem his father had also been taken a prisoner of war, although for a much shorter timeframe.

  What he hadn’t mentioned was anything regarding what Poppy had told me and I’d decided not to ask. Not only would it break the building trust between us, but I had a feeling doing so would push him back into a deeper level of darkness and I wouldn’t be able to drag him back into the light.

  The secret was churning in my stomach, but I was determined to let him tell me when he was ready.

  At least another two glorious days had passed without any additional difficulties. Almost as if things were getting back to normal.

  The black cloud was still there, but I was better able to deal with my fears.

  I’d enjoyed spending time at the house and had even taken the opportunity to forward my mail to Jagger’s address. It was risky, although Joel shouldn’t be able to find anything out about the post office box I’d rented in Baltimore. Although I wouldn’t put anything past him, fighting the post office regulations shouldn’t be in his purview.

  I could at least admit I’d enjoyed almost every minute of my time spent in Danger Falls. It almost felt like home. Between spending time at the clinic, still helping Hunter at the resort and fabulous nights with Jagger, the anxiety was starting to drop off.

  With a new burner phone, I’d had zero threats. Now, besides Jagger and Hunter, the only other person I’d given the number to had been Esme.

  And the wench hadn’t called me back. It wasn’t like her not to return my call. That was the only thing on my mind as I jumped into my SUV after dropping Cally off at daycare. As soon as I had my seatbelt on and the gear in drive, I dialed her number, the Bluetooth hands-free kicking in immediately.

  “Hello?”

  Esme’s voice sounded like her phone had been dropped in the middle of a trashcan full of water, but I knew her sexy tone when she was exhausted. “How many hours did your asshole of a boss make you work?”

  “Don’t ask,” Esme said, her yawn loud. “Why are you calling me so early? What time is it?”

  “Almost ten and that’s not early. Time to rise and shine, little spitfire.”

  “Well, since I didn’t get into bed until six in the morning, not too bad.”

  “The last time we talked about your fabulous job, you weren’t open for breakfast.”

  “We still aren’t. That doesn’t mean Jeff wasn’t in the mood to berate the entire staff after an almost botched dinner with a bigwig. The bossy mysterious jerk stayed until almost three in the morning. He and buddies were drinking up a storm and the kitchen staff couldn’t leave since he kept ordering food.”

  “Let me guess,” I told her as I glanced into the rearview mirror. My old habits of feeling like I was being followed and watched would be tough to break. “You almost poured a bucket of water on him.”

  “I came close but settled for a shot of expresso. He was none too happy since my aim at his crotch was a direct hit.”

  “Ouch! I’m surprised you have a job.”

  “Oh, I’m sure the lectures will continue, especially since the Middle Eastern jerk and his entourage spent almost sixty thousand dollars.”

  “What? Is that even possible?”

  Esme chuckled. “Darling, I do create the finest food on the East Coast. Expensive too. But you gotta pay to play.”

  It was so good to talk to her. “How about taking a few days off and coming to visit?”

  “You know I’d love to, but Jeff would kill me.”

  “Aren’t you due some vacation time?”

  “I’ve been working here four months. I doubt it. Why? I can tell you have something up your sleeve.”

  The girl knew me too well. “It’s just the resort needs a chef and I thought of you.”

  “And live in a place called Danger Falls? I don’t know if the town could survive if I took the job.”

  “I’m here, remember. They’re surviving me.” I headed to Poppy’s Diner to pick up a few muffins for the doctor, his one nurse, and sweet receptionist. It was the least I could do for the time Doc Welby had taken with me while still performing his duties.