Chapter 17
Kenzie
A man on a mission.
That’s exactly the way it felt around Axe. More so tonight.
His self confidence in his desires was extremely attractive.
He wasn’t himself, consumed by what he’d endured in less than forty-eight hours. But he was willing, even eager to chuck it aside if only for tonight.
With me.
Hungering for me.
Controlling me.
The thought was far too enticing to ignore.
Only I wasn’t certain if I was hoping this was more than just a casual fling or fearful that it would be.
I’d seen plenty of romantic comedies where the director panned in on the bickering couple the very moment they realized they couldn’t live without each other.
It didn’t matter where they were or how busy the activity surrounding them, they only had eyes for each other.
The well-crafted movies had the sound and crowded scenery fade into a beautiful halo of either muted colors or gold surrounding the couple.
Then the cameraperson would pan around them in a full three-hundred-sixty-degree scene several times, highlighting every nuance, every facial expression.
That’s the way standing in a crowded bar with him felt.
But he wasn’t destined to be my soulmate or even my lover.
Definitely not my boyfriend. Any possibility for that would require a move on one of our parts.
And I knew with certainly his love for the smokejumping team would prevent him from even discussing the possibility.
But a girl could enjoy a sinful adventure, however short-lived.
However passionate.
Axe was entirely different tonight. I’d sensed that whatever he’d gone through on that mountain in the fire had either put the fear of God into him or had presented an opportunity.
A reminder to never miss out on life’s greatest indulgences. The touch of his hand was different. The look in his eyes. Even every breath he took seemed deeper, more appreciative.
And the way he was looking at me, studying me, hungering for me had easily driven me into a tailspin.
His chest rose and fell as his eyes swept over me, his lips pursed.
The way he towered over me was another incredible reminder he was all male, handsome and sculpted, capable of doing whatever he wanted to do.
With me.
To me.
The thought was riveting, keeping my pulse high and the deep throb between my legs electrified.
I’d been as close to panicking as I’d been in a very long time thinking that something had happened to him. Now, seeing his heated, predatory expression, breathing was difficult, my thoughts drifting away from what we were doing.
“Does that mean you hunger for control?” I asked, knowing the answer.
“Always.”
“Control could be considered highly overrated.”
His laugh sent a shower of tingles through every muscle. “In my mind, that’s dependent on whether there’s a good chance you’ll lose it. Or in your case, if you’re comfortable and trusting enough to give it away.”
The way his hand slipped across my waist as he pulled me closer created an almost desperate sense of need for him.
I was cognizant we were being watched by a solid number of people in the bar.
I’d never minded being the center of attention before, but in this case, our privacy as well as our secret affair was on full display.
I wasn’t entirely certain how I felt about that.
He obviously was quite comfortable in his own skin and in the moment. Why did I know that? From the way he was looking at me, his nostrils flared and his hold as possessive as everything else.
He was right about my panties, except instead of being damp they were soaking wet. My nipples were also at the painful stage, every slight shift in movement providing an even greater taste of discomfort. I was surprised he was playing this game, as if we didn’t know each other whatsoever.
I guess in a way we didn’t. I’d been the childish brat followed by the annoying girl who’d crushed on him.
Something about his movements also told me he was not only testing my resolve, but also whether or not he was right in assuming I’d prefer to allow a man control.
Up until now, I’d never truly considered the option.
I was the woman who took charge in every situation as was a requirement of my profession.
I could never allow anyone to see any type of weakness, not even for a split second.
And why? Because I’d placed myself in a man’s world where women continued to fight their way to the top of the food chain.
Nothing flustered me.
Or at least it hadn’t until this man had found his way back into my life.
Feeling the very possessive touch of his hand, I swallowed the tiny lumps continually forming. I was also surprised at how lightheaded the subtle yet controlling way he’d decided to handle our interaction made me.
Leaving me breathless and excited for the adventure he’d talked about.
“I’m curious about something,” he finally said after the break of silence.
“What’s that?”
“What will it take for you to stop pretending that you long for control?”
I’d thought him incapable of surprising me, but I was wrong. As I’d been about almost everything about him. “What would it take?” I had no real answer to his question.
“Yes,” he answered as he rubbed his hand up and down my back. I’d never really anticipated he was the kind of man who’d be comfortable with initiating rules.
Or in requiring my full obedience.
Then again, I’d enjoyed the bad boy aspects of his personality much more than anything else. Maybe the fantasies I’d indulged in mentally and through use of a passion pink vibrator had prepared me for this moment.
“I don’t have the answer.”
“You just did.”
“How so?”
“For all your pretense of complete domination inside and outside the courtroom, you’re hungering for a man to tame you. With me, you’re allowed to be exactly what you want and for once experience everything you need.”
“What’s that?”
He leaned in, pressing his lips against my cheek. The softness of his lips and the heat of his breath created another wave of electricity. His whisper pushed me closer to the freeing moment he was talking about. “To be completely and utterly free to let go.”
I shuddered as he nipped my earlobe, clenching my fists around his shirt and pulling him even closer. The space between us was nonexistent, the lingering effects of the kiss from before causing me to crave even more.
“Are you afraid of me?” he added.
“Should I be?”
“Yes. You should. But only in the way of realizing every moment of passion you’ve had up until now meant absolutely nothing.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m going to show you what true passion means, sweaty and completely out of your control.” He took a step away, holding out his hand. “Now you’re ready.”
“For what?” I gazed down at his outstretched hand, the shallow breaths I was taking providing very little oxygen.
“For the adventure.”
Still hesitating, when I finally placed my palm into his, an audible shudder captured his attention. His hand was warm, his possessive hold creating an ignition of fire.
With a wink and a mischievous grin, he pulled me closer to the bar. “Hey, Mark. Can I borrow a bottle of whiskey?”
“Sure thing, Axe.” Mark grinned as he yanked one from under the bar, handing it to him.
“Put it on my tab.”
Mark’s gaze shifted in my direction, his grin turning sly and he nodded.
“Is that even legal? Taking alcohol from a bar?” I yelled over the loud music, the crowd wilder than before. I’d never seen anything like it.
“Does it seem like I give a damn about rules, Palomino Girl? How quickly you forget who I am.”
His prowess and bravado had returned, exactly the way I remembered him. A man full of life and desire, eager to meet the world head on.
What in God’s name had he endured on that mountain?
He didn’t wait for me to give him an answer, only giving me a few seconds to grab my things and flash a look of surprise to Char before he whisked me away.
While the vacuum around us remained, I could hear the taunts from his buddies, congratulations and well wishes that reminded me of yet another movie. Tonight I’d play the heroine swept off her feet by the local town hero.
Tomorrow I’d drift back into reality, forced to make decisions that could very well alter the path of my life moving forward.
His fingers were intertwined with mine and once outside the bar, he pushed me against the exterior of the building. In one hand was the liquor bottle. The other he placed beside my head, casually leaning over until his hot breath skipped across my face.
I was taken aback by the delirious sensations and the way my legs were trembling.
“What’s wrong, Palomino Girl? Are you suddenly afraid of me?”
“You already asked me that.”
His chuckle was dark and demanding. Just like the man. “So I did. But you know what?” He took a deep breath, his eyes becoming more hooded. “I have a feeling you can handle it.”
I dragged my tongue across my bottom lip more from nervousness than anything else. This was exactly what he used to do to me when I was anywhere close. He continued to lower his head, taking his time doing so.
“But I feel the need to inform you of some rules you’ll need to follow for the night.”
His husky voice dripped of innuendoes, the subtle smile only visible when the neon sign flashed in a bright shade of fuchsia. “Who said anything about rules?”
“Well, darlin’. That’s what happens when you tempt a savage. I can either be uncontrollable, primal in every action, or there can be rules.”
“What if I prefer both?”
“I’m not sure you can handle the beast.”
I pressed my hand against his shirt, sliding my index finger into the opening in the Henley. “I did before. Didn’t I?”
“I was holding back.”
“Here’s a hint for you.” As I wrapped one hand around his shirt, pulling him closer, my heart thudded in my chest. “Don’t.”
“Be careful what you ask for. The rules still apply.”
“And they are?”
“You will follow every. Single. Command. No questions asked.”
“What if I don’t?”