She traces her finger along the tattoo covering my shoulder. It’s a red and black shield that reads Veritas. Truth.

  Silver-blue eyes meet mine. “You’re not a knight, but you have a shield?”

  “It’s my job–to find the truth, see that justice is done.”

  “I’d think you were a square if I didn’t know you better.” Her eyes glide down my bare chest, to my waist and lower, and her eyebrow arches. “Were you having a repeat of last night in the shower?”

  I reach past her to push the door closed, then I put my hands on her shoulders and lean down to run my nose along the top of her ear, into her hair.

  She smells like the fragrant roses that grow along the fence in the back garden, and watching her melt under my touch has my dick an iron rod in my gray sweats.

  “No.” My voice is deep. “Tonight I want the real thing.”

  “Give me your hand.” I do as she says, and she takes it, lifting it to her lips. “So big… Like all of you.”

  Then she places it on her breast. I feel her tight nipple pressing against my palm, a mouthwatering handful. “Show me what you want.”

  Our eyes meet moments before our mouths. Warmth sealing together, a volcano is in my chest on the verge of eruption. I press her back to the door as our lips part and our tongues curl. It’s been a long time coming, and I have no reason to resist her.

  I lift her legs, wrapping them around my waist, and her arms loop around my neck. Our mouths chase each other’s as I rock my hips against her core. Her thighs squeeze, and she rides me, little noises escaping her throat on each lift.

  My brain is on fire, but I manage to break the kiss, catch my breath before completely devouring her. Looking down, my primal urges roar to life at the sight of her scuffed, pink lips, and her dark, hungry eyes. Still, I have to be sure.

  “Are we doing this?” I sound like an animal.

  “Weren’t we always?” Her eyes hold mine, and I have my answer.

  We were always going to be here, whether it was tonight or some other night.

  I move my hand under her butt, curling my fingers and memorizing the feel of it in my hand. Hugh sent me a copy of her magazine spread two years ago, claiming he was so proud, he was buying a copy for everyone. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t true.

  Not that I’m complaining. She was hot as fuck, a pinup with mouthwatering curves for days. Her hair and swimsuit were wet, and the top of her bikini barely covered her round breasts. The string bottoms cut into her ass in a way that got me off, and I dreamed of touching her, sliding my tongue along every inch of her body. Now it’s happening.

  Releasing her legs, I lower her to her feet, and her hands go to my waist. Her fingers push at the waistband of my gray sweatpants, and I reach down to shove them off my hips. Stepping out, I kick them away, and my erection points right at her.

  Her full bottom lip disappears under her teeth, and she reaches down to grip my shaft, sliding her hand up and down my hardness. I wince, fighting back a groan. A drop of precum is on the tip, and it smooths her strokes. I’m ready to rip her clothes off and fuck her hard, but it’s our first time.

  She’s a grown woman now. Her body is mine to claim, and I intend for this night to be memorable for us both.

  8

  Blake

  He’s huge. Everywhere.

  Stretching higher, I kiss him, tangling our tongues as my hand continues slowly pumping his iron cock. His muscles are tense, and the barely restrained power of him has wetness flooding my core.

  Breaking away with a low groan, he lifts my tank over my head before covering my peaked nipples with large hands.

  “I’ve wanted to touch you for so long.” His hot breath coats my skin, and I rise on my toes as my eyes close. “I’m going to taste every part of you and fuck you hard.”

  “Yes…” I manage to exhale.

  He turns my back to his chest, lifting my breasts with both hands and twisting my nipples between his fingers. The sensation floods my lower belly with lust so strong my back arches.

  “Oh, God, I’m going to come.” My orgasm starts to flutter, and he stops.

  “Not so fast.” His cocky grin is at my ear, and I turn my head to bite his jaw.

  “Asshole,” I tease, and his hand slides over my stomach.

  “You’ll thank me when I make you see stars.”

  No doubt. When I stood in the doorway, I nearly swooned at the sight of him shirtless, muscles flexing in those gray sweatpants that did nothing to hide his fucking donkey dick.

  I had to push back at him and that damn, satisfied smile. I couldn’t be that easy, but my fight only turns him on more, which turns me on more, which brings us to this place.

  I’ve had a one-track mind since I saw him in the shower and he kissed my face off last night. Now I’m pressed against his body, and his large hand slides down my bare stomach.

  “Are you ready for me?” His fingers pass my waistband, spreading my body and finding my clit.

  “Oh, yes,” I exhale as they circle, then whimper as his thick digits move lower, pushing deep into my saturated core.

  “So fucking wet.” His beard scratches my neck, and he pulls my skin between his teeth.

  I’m so close to coming, my knees tremble, when all at once, the floor disappears. He sweeps me into his arms and carries me to the bed, dropping me onto my back on the mattress before stripping off my shorts and my thong at the same time.

  A whisper of cool air touches me briefly before his face is between my legs, large arms spreading my thighs as he drags his tongue slowly up the seam of my core, beard scuffing my hypersensitive skin.

  Screaming a moan, I arch hard against the bed, and he stops, moving up and over me to cover my mouth with his. My taste is on his tongue, and he kisses me long and sloppy before lifting his chin to meet my eyes.

  “Be quiet, or you’ll wake Pepper.” His green eyes are hotly amused, and I grab his face to kiss him again.

  Our mouths slide against each other, and it’s like the most decadent, forbidden fruit. How long has this fantasy been growing in the back of my mind? As much as I want to hate him for his arrogance, I’ve never been able to deny my body’s need for his.

  His narrow waist is between my thighs, and as our legs slide together, his rigid cock presses against my stomach. I want him inside me so much it hurts.

  “Fuck me, Hutch.” My voice is ragged, and his eyes darken.

  Leaning to the side, I hear him dig in his nightstand drawer before pulling out a condom. The square packet is beside me on the bed, and he rises to his knees, looking down on me.

  “Can you be quiet?” It’s a stern demand, like he might spank me if I don’t, and a thrill races to my toes.

  “What if I say no?”

  He blinks slowly, and the muscle in his jaw moves. “Here.” He puts a pillow in my hand, and guides it to my face. “Use this.”

  I’m about to hit him with another sassy comeback, but his mouth is on my pussy again, and I grip the pillow to my face as fiery hot deliciousness sizzles in my belly. He traces his tongue over my clit, moving it quickly around and around, hungry and relentless.

  His lips close fully over my most sensitive parts, and he sucks, once, twice, and I break with a scream fisting the pillow as my hips jerk and my legs tremble.

  My pussy flutters wildly as he quickly rolls on the condom. When I feel his tip nudging my entrance, entering slowly, another burst of spasms grips my core. I bite the pillow to drown my voice as he drives fully inside, burying his fat cock all the way to the hilt.

  “Jesus!” I gasp, and cool air hits my face.

  He throws the pillow to the floor. “I want to see you take me.”

  “It’s too big,” I gasp, arching my back.

  Large hands caress my ass, fingers sliding down to trace my inner thighs. “Relax, baby. You got this.”

  Slowly, he begins to rock, sliding in and out, and my lips part. “Oh, God…” I gasp, repeating the words as my back arches.

  I rock my hips around the sensation of utter fullness as my body changes, molding to him completely.

  “Oh, yeah.” His voice is hot, urgent. His eyes squeeze shut, and a bead of sweat runs down his temple as his hips rock. “So fucking tight…”

  My fingernails cut into his forearms as he picks up speed, driving into me faster. The friction is incredible, and my hips rise off the bed to meet him. My third orgasm is coming fast, and when my lips part, he covers them with his, consuming my scream in his kisses.

  He pumps into me hard and strong as my orgasm breaks, and I moan loudly into his mouth. He keeps going, on and on, before holding. Large muscles flex beneath my fingers, and his cock jerks deep inside me, filling the condom.

  Our lips slide against each other’s as he groans. We’re shooting through the stars together, holding each other in a release a decade in the making.

  Hutch’s strong arms are around my waist, and he holds my back to his chest, skin against skin. I trace my finger along the lines of muscle in his forearm. It’s nice, but I wiggle around to face him in the bed.

  For a little while we drifted in and out of sleep, and now it’s after midnight. The full moon shines so brightly through the window, it’s like a misty, black-and-white day.

  Propping my head on my hand, I study his perfect face, square jaw, full lips painted silver in the moonlight. The house is so quiet.

  He lifts a lock of my dark hair, curling it around his finger, and I have to ask, “What are you thinking?”

  He blinks slowly, as the corner of his mouth rises. “You’re in my bed.”

  “Are you sorry?”

  “No.”

  I trace my finger along the edge of the black and red tattoo on his shoulder. “I thought you hated me. You were always so angry… Until last night.”

  “I’ve never hated you.” Our eyes meet, and his are dark. “You were a temptation I had to avoid. Fucking jailbait.”

  His confession tickles my stomach. “I’m not that much younger than you.”

  “Enough to matter.” He slides his hand along my waist, and heat follows its path. “I waited a long time for this.”

  I slant my eyes at him. “Dirk said you had my magazine spread.”

  The muscle in his jaw moves attractively. “Dirk has a big mouth.”

  Rolling onto my back, I scrub my hand over my forehead. “It was embarrassing. I am not fashion-model material.” My face heats as I remember how it went. “The photographer said he’d never shot a girl my size before.”

  He props on his elbow, moving my hand away. “A healthy, gorgeous girl with sexy curves?”

  “I’m pretty sure he meant I was fat.”

  “Fuck that guy. You looked good. Really good.”

  That old embarrassment melts in the warmth rising in my chest. “You’ve always looked really good to me.”

  Leaning down, he seals his lips over mine gently, sliding our tongues together, and lighting my insides. His spicy, fresh scent surrounds me. Salt is on my tongue, and I thread my fingers in his soft hair. His rough hand slides down, over my hip, then between my legs.

  His lips move into my hair. “Are you sore?”

  “No.” I pull his shoulder so he’s on top of me, resting his weight on his elbows. I lift my knees and wrap them around his waist. “Fill me up.”

  A quick kiss and he retrieves a fresh condom from the nightstand before rolling it on and resuming his position. Our mouths meet, tongues entwine, and a bubble of anticipation grows in my stomach. One long thrust, and my chin lifts with a moan.

  His body holds me down with his delicious weight, and I close my eyes, riding the waves of pleasure taking me higher. As my orgasm filters through my pelvis, I savor this release. I let it consume me, blocking out any fears and doubts.

  The bubble bursts, filling me with shimmering pleasure, and he comes with a deep groan, finishing inside me.

  It’s a curious bliss, this gorgeous mountain of a man wanting me, praising me, filling me. It’s an appealing escape from the shit show I’m hiding from back home–a suggestion there might be something different waiting for me in this place I’ve always avoided.

  But I have so much to sort through first, and I don’t want to think about it now.

  Tomorrow will be here soon enough.

  9

  Blake

  Too soon. The thought drifts through my mind as dawn slowly brightens Hutch’s master bedroom.

  My eyes open, and I look around the masculine suite. It’s all dark woods, navy fabrics, and straight edges. I’m wrapped in a warm cocoon on one side of his king-sized bed, and I hear the whisper of his breathing across from me.

  Sliding quietly out of bed, I tiptoe to where my gray sleep shorts and black tank lie in a heap just inside the door. Last night feels like a different world to me now. I’m shaken and disoriented, like did that actually happen?

  I steal a glance at Hutch, gorgeous with the blanket draped low across his waist. One arm is over his head, and he’s a Michaelangelo lying in repose with the yellow light of dawn highlighting his sculpted physique.

  Biting my lip, I slip through the door without waking him.

  The second floor is silent and dark, but when I enter our room, I’m surprised to see my sister up and fully dressed in jeans and riding boots. A red and cream plaid flannel shirt is open over her gray tee, and her hair is in a low ponytail.

  She takes one look at me and continues gathering her things.

  “Where are you going?” I ask softly.

  “I’m heading over to Uncle Hugh’s to take some pictures. Dawn is really beautiful at the stables.”

  Hesitating, I look to my bed then back at her. “I’ll go with you.”

  “Hurry up. It’s a short window of time.”

  We’re out the door in less than five minutes, in the golf cart I recognize from my uncle’s garage, driving to the estate in the misty morning.

  “How did you get this golf cart?”

  She shrugs. “Scar said he’d bring it over for me last night.”

  I look behind the seat to see her canvas bag is packed. She appears ready for a day of work.

  “Did I fall asleep for a hundred years?”

  Hana shoves a spiral curl behind her ear and gives me a quick glance before returning her eyes to the road. “I think coming here was a good thing. The city is so toxic. Don’t you love the air? I don’t remember it being this way when we visited before.”

  I want to say it was probably because she was always high–or because she appears to be sparking a little romance with Hutch’s silent and scary partner.

  Instead I simply agree. “It’s nice.”

  I’ve got enough going on in my brain with everything that’s happened to me in the last twenty-four hours.

  She slows the cart and stops at the front door. “Hop out. Unless you want to go with me to the stables?”

  “No, I’ll stay here.” I look up at the grand entrance. “I’ll make us some coffee and breakfast if I can find anything. I’m sure Norris can help me. Come back when you’re finished.”

  Her eyes have a distant look, and she nods. “I’ll be back in a half hour.”

  I watch her silently cruise away, a mix of relief and anxiety swirling in my chest. Will her new interest in life continue if we return to the city? Should she stay here? Rubbing my forehead, I put my hand on the door before I realize I don’t have a key. I have my phone, but I knock, waiting to see if Norris will answer.

  He does in a burgundy silk damask robe. “Miss Blake! I wouldn’t have expected you at this hour. My goodness, I’m not even dressed. Are you alone? Do you require coffee? Tea?”

  This old man has been with my uncle since I was a child, and I hate to see him so stressed and anxious. Placing my hand on his forearm, I give it a squeeze.

  “Coffee would be great, but don’t worry. I’ll make my own if you’ll show me around the kitchen. Hana is taking pictures in the stables, so she’ll be a few minutes. Is there anything I could make for breakfast?”

  “Of course, Miss. I have eggs, batter for pancakes, waffles, scones–”

  “Eggs would be perfect. And toast? Bacon?” He nods, and I put my hand in the crook of his arm. “Lead me to the kitchen, and I’ll do inventory.”

  Norris excuses himself, and I pour a cup of coffee. I tell him to take his time, while I walk through the house, thankful for a bit of alone time to sort out my thoughts.

  Dropping onto a plush velvet sofa in the living room, I think back over the last twelve hours. I slept with Hutch, several times, and it was very, very good. A charge radiates through my belly, and I put my hands over my face. What am I doing?

  I can’t start something with him. We have nothing in common. All we have is ridiculously hot chemistry. He’s firmly established here in Hamiltown, and my life is entirely in New York…

  A life I hate.

  Still, my friends are there…

  Or are they?

  Besides Hana, Debbie was my only real friend in the city, and a weight presses down painfully in my chest when I think about what happened to her. Coming here, finding Uncle Hugh missing, I realize I haven’t even searched for the latest on her case.

  Taking out my phone, I do a quick Google search that tells me… Police haven’t released any details. With a sigh, I consider texting Trip. The very idea makes my skin uncomfortably tight. I don’t want to talk to him.

  I could ask Hutch to help me–and take a chance of giving him even more reasons to judge my sister, my lifestyle, and my so-called friends.

  Hutch Winston and I are very different people. We don’t share the same world view.

  Or do we?

  Being in this place, seeing Hana here, I feel like my life in New York doesn’t reflect who I really am and what I want, at least not anymore. I do want peace–it’s why I jumped on my uncle's invitation to come here so fast.

  Pushing off the couch, I take my coffee mug to the kitchen. There’s really no point in devoting so much time and emotional energy on this when I don’t even know how Hutch feels. If he’s not serious, all the mental gymnastics could be a colossal waste of time.