“How does she do that?”

  “In my case, it’s money. Hana doesn’t come into her trust for another few months, and she owes me a lot of money. She owes a lot of people a lot of money.”

  “From what I understand, she’ll be good for it.”

  “Maybe.” His tone is thoughtful. “Hana likes to gamble and drink–she also likes to forget. Ask her tomorrow what happened tonight, and you’ll see what I mean. It’s a dangerous combination. Even Blake can’t cover for her as much as she tries.”

  His words tighten my throat. I don’t like him talking about Blake or the thought of her covering up shit for her sister.

  We’re at the house, and he shoves the car in park, tipping an invisible cap before climbing out. “That’s all, Dick. Have a nice evening.”

  “Hold it.” I climb out and catch him by his skinny arm before he disappears into the house. “Don't give Hana drugs. Blake wants her sister clean.”

  “Easy on the threads.” Trip shrugs out of my grip. “I told you, no one controls Hana, not me, not Blake, not even your scary friend. She does what she wants–drugs included.”

  He takes off for the east side of the house, and I turn my face in the opposite direction. Scar has Hana, and I’m confident in his ability to care for her, even after all Trip told me. Scar’s walked through hell more than once and come out on the other side.

  She’ll be fine for tonight, and I’ve got my mind on heaven.

  Hustling up the stairs, I make my way down the wide hall of the east wing. A light coming from under the door at the end tells me which room is hers.

  Tapping on the door, I hesitate. Blake and I’ve known each other a while, but maybe we’re moving too fast. My hesitation dissolves when the door sweeps open, and she blinks up at me, eyes wide and bright.

  She’s wearing a white lace nightgown, and her hair is loose down her back. She’s smiling, and I trace my eyes over her sexy body, her perky breasts and round hips.

  “Damn, girl. You look good enough to eat.”

  She exhales a little laugh, rising on her toes and putting her arms around my neck. Her chin lifts and her lips brush against mine. “Good thing I’m on the menu. What took you so long?”

  “Something came up.”

  “I feel it on my stomach.” She slides a hand down, stroking the growing bulge in my pants, and I cup her cheeks with my hands.

  “You’re going to feel it in your sweet little pussy.” My lips brush hers before sealing over them and spreading them apart.

  A moan breaks in her throat, and I tilt her face to the side to kiss her deeper. My fingers cut into the skin of her cheeks, and I rotate her body so her back is to me. Sliding my hands down the front of her nightgown, I pause to lift her breasts, kneading them in my fingers and tweaking the tips.

  Her mouth breaks from mine, and she drops her head against my shoulder with a low hiss. “Keep doing that.”

  “You’re sensitive.” My lips are behind her ear, and she shivers.

  “I could come right now.”

  My right hand lowers, and I lift the hem of her nightgown, tracing my fingers up her inner thigh to her bare ass. Squeezing my eyes shut, my cock is an iron rod in my jeans.

  “You’re not wearing underwear,” I groan, and her fingers thread into the side of my hair.

  Her face is at my neck and she kisses and bites my skin. “I’ve been waiting for you to touch me.”

  Sliding my fingers around her legs, I feel cream on her inner thighs. I dip two digits inside and she’s so fucking wet. “Fuck me,” I hiss.

  Her back is against my chest, and her lips graze my jawline. “I was dreaming of your cock and playing with my pussy while I waited.”

  I’m painfully hard as I quickly fish out a condom so I can unzip and step out of my jeans. She starts forward, holding my hand and leading me to the bed.

  “Sit.” She turns me so I’m sitting on the edge and straddles my lap. “I want to ride you like a stallion.”

  I’m usually the one taking charge in the bedroom, but fuck me, Blake is blowing my mind right now with her sassy orders and slick cunt. I thought it couldn’t get hotter but hovering over my erection, she pulls a narrow ribbon on the front of her gown and her top falls open.

  My hands move from her ass to her gorgeous tits on full display in my face, and I lift them, squeezing and massaging before covering a hard nipple with my mouth. I give it a firm suck, and she lowers with a loud moan, taking my dick all the way to the hilt.

  “Blake…” My mouth pops off her body as pleasure blankets my mind.

  “More,” she gasps, lifting her breasts to my face.

  I return to nibbling and pulling on her hardened nipples, and her hips buck frantically on my cock. Stars fill my vision, and I’m losing control. I’m about to explode in that fucking condom when I feel her break into orgasm.

  “Oh, god… yes…” Her body shudders, and I let go, leaning back so I can drive farther into her as she falls forward on my chest.

  Lifting my chin, I exhale a loud groan and come long and hard inside this gorgeous girl. She’s better than I fantasized, and we’re only getting started.

  13

  Blake

  “Just like that,” I gasp, gripping the back of the chair. “Don’t stop…”

  I’m on my spread knees in an ivory-silk, Edwardian armchair, and Hutch is pounding his massive cock into me from behind.

  His hand is between my legs, circling my clit, and he leans closer, scuffing my shoulder with his beard as his lips trace the skin behind my ear. Shockwaves of orgasm flash through my belly at his touch, and I exhale a quivering moan.

  Tracing his teeth along my hypersensitive skin, his hot voice is low. “Good girl.”

  Every ridge tickles my core as he thrusts faster, seeming to grow larger, and my thighs tremble as his fingers pick up speed over the sensitive bud between driving me wild.

  “Faster, baby.” His lips are hot on my neck.

  I’m lost in all the sensations around me. My eyes squeeze shut and I climb higher, as my orgasm grows stronger, tightening my belly. In a quick move his palm moves to cover my breast, squeezing and pulling at my nipple, and I shoot over the edge.

  My orgasm electrifies my brain. My elbows bend, but his hand is on my breast, holding me upright against his chest. Another thrust, and he stiffens with a groan. He pulses deeply, and I’m limp in his arms, panting hard and vibrating from the intensity of our union.

  I’m secure against his chest as he quickly disposes of the condom and slides his other arm under my knees to carry me to the bed. My head rests limply on his shoulder, and I hold his neck, inhaling deeply of sage and citrus and clean man-sweat.

  Salt is on my tongue from kissing and biting his skin, and I feel so deliciously used and sated. I’ve never been fucked this way. I’ve never been this hungry for more.

  We slip into silky soft sheets, and he pulls my back tight against his firm chest. A round bicep is under my head, and I turn to gaze up at his profile.

  “I take it you’re spending the night?” I’m teasing, and a smile lifts his cheek.

  Knowing this massive man, this broody leader is mine to tease does squishy things to my insides. It’s after two in the morning, and I’ve had four orgasms, starting with the first, mind-altering one when he arrived. I’d been edging, waiting for him to appear. I didn’t expect it to be almost midnight.

  “It’ll be easier to know you’re safe if I’m here.” His teasing tone sends another shimmer of warmth through my stomach.

  A niggling hint of worry pushes at my mind. If I’m not careful, I’ll get attached, and that will be problematic. I don’t want to worry right now.

  Scooting forward, I turn to face him in the bed. “I told you we’re perfectly safe with Trip and Greg here.”

  “I don’t like those guys. Why are they here out of the blue?”

  “They said it was for my mother, the gala.” His eyes narrow, and my lips press tighter. “You’re going to make me paranoid if you don’t stop being so suspicious.”

  I should be honest and tell him I was surprised they showed up as well, and while I don’t think Trip is up to anything, I don’t trust Greg as far as I can throw him.

  I should also tell him about the blackmail and what’s going on with Hana, but it’s all too much for tonight, for what I want to do with him. It can wait.

  He gently places his thumb under my chin, lifting my eyes to his again. “That was a long pause. What are you thinking about?”

  His voice is so warm, I want to kiss him again. I want to pretend we’re starting something easy, a small-town love-affair that might lead to something wonderful. In the light of day, I’ll know better, but for tonight…

  Wrinkling my nose, I scoot closer. “You’re throwing the opening pitch at Pepper’s game tomorrow.”

  “Pepper,” he groans rolling onto his back. “She’s a hustler. Already knows how to get whatever she wants.”

  “She’s got her work cut out for her being the only girl with all you men.”

  “All us men?” A tease is in his voice and he leans up, rolling me onto my back so I’m caged beneath his luscious weight. “I’d say she’s got us men right where she wants us.”

  I can’t argue with that, and I can’t argue with the deep satisfaction rising in my chest at his affection. The way he holds me down is delicious, strong, skin on skin. Lowering his face, he kisses the side of my neck, and it feels so good.

  “Do you have to work tomorrow?”

  “I’m keeping an eye on things. I was thinking I might show you around Hamiltown, since you’ve been too busy to get to know the place.”

  Curling my finger in the soft hair behind his ear, I nod. “Sounds like a perfect day.”

  Green eyes meet mine, and he hesitates before kissing my nose. “We should rest.”

  He shifts around so I’m beside him again, and I wonder what changed. Is he struggling with the same tricky realization as me? We both know what we’re facing–distance, work, complications, blackmail… But he doesn’t know about that.

  Shaking away the dark thoughts for tonight, I curl into the safety of his embrace. I have a few days left to deal with Papi-O, whoever the fuck he is, and worst case, I have a plan.

  14

  Hutch

  “What gives it that flavor?” Blake holds the coffee mug close to her nose and sniffs. “It’s so warming and addictive.”

  She’s sitting across from me at Steamy Beans, the coffee shop on Main Street down from our office. We each have a cup of their signature blend, and a plate of scones and jam is between us.

  “You’re going to know the minute I tell you.”

  “Wait! I almost have it.” She holds up a hand, closing her eyes and taking another sip. “I think I know…”

  I’m addicted to watching her. She’s so adorable, every move she makes. I don’t recognize this person I’m becoming, and it’s somehow both satisfying and unsettling.

  This morning, when I opened my eyes, she was in my arms, breathing softly as she slept. I pulled her to me and kissed her slowly behind the ear, tracing my lips higher as I inhaled her lingering scent of rose.

  She woke with a soft moan, arching against me like the sex kitten she is. I slid my hands up to her full breasts, squeezing and holding them as I drove deep into her core, and she reached back, rocking her body as we moved together like the waves on the sea. She’s amazing, like her body is made for me, and I need to get a grip before I become attached.

  As if I have a choice.

  When her uncle sent me her fashion spread two years ago, I memorized every line of her body. I couldn’t help myself. Having her in my life seemed impossible to me. We’re on the same planet, but in vastly different worlds.

  Still, every time we’re together, our chemistry is undeniable. If only chemistry solved problems. In my experience, it only creates new ones.

  Her gray eyes meet mine, and she’s given up. “Tell me.”

  “Cinnamon.”

  “Dammit, cinnamon!” She holds up a hand, and I chuckle. “I even know people who add cinnamon to their coffee when they want a little something extra.”

  “It’s definitely extra.” Sliding my hand across the table, I want to touch her. “Keeps the customers coming back for more.”

  She doesn’t pull away, and our fingers thread. A beat of silence falls between us as we adjust.

  Soft gray eyes meet mine. “What’s next on your agenda for introducing me to my family’s town?”

  “I still can’t believe you’ve only been here three times in your life.”

  “Mama hated it, and Dad only came to visit Hugh.”

  Looking down, I slide my thumb over her soft knuckles. “Hugh loved those visits. After the first one, he would always tell me when you were coming to town.”

  “The one when I was thirteen?” She turns her face towards the window, and pink creeps into her cheeks. “It was the only time I ever saw you here. You must’ve left town every other time we visited.”

  I hadn’t meant to be so precise, and I shift in my seat. “I started college, then I went straight into the service.”

  I’m not about to tell her I purposely stayed away when she came here.

  “Either way,” she shrugs. “We only stayed a day or two, and we were at the estate the entire time. I was with Hana, or I rode around the grounds. We flew, so I didn’t have a car.”

  Standing, I pull her to her feet. “Stop making excuses. It’s time you got to know your heritage.”

  “My heritage.” She shakes her head. “Can you even call it that?”

  “Can you call it anything else? Your great-great grandparents founded this place, named it after you.”

  “Weren’t your great whatevers founders as well?”

  “Mine were present, but the name is all yours.” We’re out the door, walking down the four blocks of Main Street. “This is the town square.”

  “Howard’s Five and Dime.” She reads the hand-painted vintage signs. “Stinky’s Hardware? Hang on–is that the same stinky who has the snow cones? Pepper’s softball team?”

  “Clearly, he’s an aspiring mogul.”

  “I’ll say. Hardware, snow cones, and sponsoring a sports team? You’d better keep your eye on that guy. He’ll be running for mayor next thing you know.”

  “And giving himself big tax breaks.”

  She breaks into a hearty laugh, and I catch her around the waist, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “I was wondering what it sounded like when you really laughed.”

  Blinking fast, she studies my face. “I don’t remember feeling this way before–so relaxed and good. I shouldn’t feel this way.”

  “Why not? You deserve to be happy, and I’m glad to be the one to make it happen.” As I say the words, I realize how much I mean them.

  “I don’t know. After what happened to Debbie and with Uncle Hugh gone, I feel like I should be sadder.”

  We start walking again, holding hands. “It’s okay to take a break from the sorrow, and we’re pretty sure your uncle will return by the end of the week.”

  She nods, but the dark cloud is still over her features.

  Lifting her hand, I kiss her knuckles. “Anything else on your mind?”

  Frowning up at the storefront, she exhales. “I kind of feel like a failure.”

  My chest tightens, and I pull her to my side, wrapping my arm around her as we continue walking. “You’re twenty three. You’ve hardly had time to be a failure.”

  Her chin drops and we take a few more steps before she looks up at me again. A breath, and I think she’s going to let me in, tell me what’s on her mind.

  Instead, she gives me a dazzling, fake smile, tugging my hand towards a small, boutique store. “What’s Ruth’s Rarities?”

  “You’ll like this one.”

  A bell rings above the glass door as we enter the small store crammed with goods, and a young girl pops up behind the counter in the center of the room.

  “Hutch? Is that you?” Her hazel eyes go wide when she sees Blake. “You must be one of those New York girls. Mr. Hugh’s nieces.”

  “Carmen Montgomery, this is Blake van Hamilton. Blake, Carmen is Ruth’s daughter.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Blake is friendly, but reserved.

  “You’re so beautiful.” Carmen’s voice is filled with wonder. “Are you staying here long? You must be going crazy in this little town after being in New York City.”

  “It’s actually a nice change of pace.” Blake smiles, glancing around the store. “I love this place. Are these candles made locally?”

  “Yeah, the candles and the jewelry and the art are made locally. We get the quirky stuff like the penis book and the naked president magnets at market.”

  “Penis book?” Blake snorts and covers her nose.

  “Come look. It’s hilarious.” Carmen grabs her hand and the two jog across the store to where I hear Blake read Penis Pokey aloud.

  “Oh, no!” She cries. “It’s a hot dog.”

  Glancing up I see them holding what looks like a board book with a big hole in the middle. She cuts her eyes at me, and I shake my head. It’s nice to see her getting along with Carmen.

  “Is that really hot guy who was in town yesterday with you, too?” Carmen and Blake walk back across the store to the jewelry case. “Lord, he looked like something out of a catalog. Nobody ever wears suits around here.”

  “Probably.” Blake seems indifferent, but I’m curious.

  Which of those two dickheads was snooping around Hamiltown and why? I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think they’re here just to check on my girl.

  I also make a mental note as Blake admires a necklace featuring a palmetto tree and crescent moon. “This is interesting. It kind of reminds me of something I’ve seen in Dubai.”

  Carmen’s eyes go so wide, I’m worried they’ll fall out. “You are the coolest person I’ve ever met. I’ve never even been out of the state.”

  Blake laughs, and her cheeks flush. “It wasn’t that big a deal.”