Chapter 12
CHAPTER 12
H unter
Beauty was a fascinating concept. What one man found gorgeous, another wouldn’t appreciate in the least.
Esme was gorgeous on the inside and out, our heavy bantering included. I even appreciated the way she fought back. The lady was tough as nails, but she did have a much softer side.
One she rarely allowed anyone to see.
I pulled her into a seated position, leaning down and kissing her lips.
“You’re doing what?” she asked.
“Taking what I want.” My answer was short and sweet. Why belabor the point? I pulled her onto her knees, gently but firmly pushing her over the back of the couch.
“Um…”
“Um, what?” I kicked her legs apart with my knee, once again running my fingers down her spine. When I tapped on one side of her bottom, she jumped.
“Um, as in it’s been a very long time since I’ve… I mean since someone… not just someone but a man… You know what I mean.”
She could have me blowing fire from my ears or grinning like an oaf with such ease. “Don’t worry, butterfly. I won’t be that kind of asshole tonight.”
“Oh, just a regular kind of asshole?”
I smacked her bottom three times in rapid succession. Seeing her pinched face and knowing I’d never hear the end of it was all worthwhile. I liked the fiery side of her even more.
“You might find out,” I told her before easing closer. I twisted her hair, shoving it over one shoulder. I wanted to watch every expression unfold on her face. I drove the entire length of my cock inside her pussy, savoring the way her muscles clamped around my shaft. As she wiggled in my hold, I pulled out, plunging in again. And again. I wanted my shaft nice and wet with her sweet juice.
As soon as I pressed the tip to her dark hole, she stiffened and clenched her fingers around the back edge of the couch.
“Oh, God.” She squeezed her eyes shut and I could clearly see her anticipation I would be rough, hurting her.
I had no such intentions, as much as I’d craved doing this. I pushed the tip further inside as I rubbed her back, caressing her tight muscles as I allowed her body to become used to the invasion.
She exhaled, the sound full of dread yet excitement. Her breathing was ragged as I pulled out, then pushed in another inch more than before. As I hit the tight ring of muscle, she bucked hard against me.
I continued caressing her soft skin. The tips of my fingers were searing from the heated touch and my pulse was racing. She had no idea how difficult it was to control myself around her. She had a way of pulling every inch of darkness from the depth of my being.
After gripping her hip with one hand, placing my other on top of her white-knuckled fingers, I slowly inched all the way inside.
“Oh. Yes.” Her exclaim was one of surprise. I didn’t move or breathe as she shifted her hips back and forth. She managed to fully seat my shaft inside. She was so hot, so damn incredible, and I was lured into a moment of personal ecstasy. I hadn’t wanted a woman this much in my entire life.
“Tight,” I muttered, pulling out and driving into her again. I could tell the moment she started to relax when she lowered her head. She was still gasping for air, but I sensed the pleasure outweighed any discomfort. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to enjoy the moment as I fucked her ass.
My actions became rougher, but I could tell she was now enjoying every moment. She was meeting every brutal thrust, rocking her body against me as moans slipped past her soft lips. I envisioned kissing her for hours, also not like me.
How many firsts had I experienced around her? How many indecent needs had she already fulfilled?
Not enough.
I planned on devouring her as often as possible. With a smile on my face, I kept the intense rhythm, my chest constricting from not bothering to breathe.
As our bodies began moving as one, I fell into a sweet lull. Nothing could be better than this. Not one damn thing.
Harder and faster I plummeted, the wild beating of my heart echoing in my ears. Losing control was a real possibility and I wanted this to last as long as possible.
She continuously squeezed her muscles, driving me to the point I couldn’t hold back much longer. Within three savage plunges, with my balls so swollen I was close to being in pain, I finally erupted deep inside.
My body was stiff as my cock expanded, the orgasm more powerful than any I’d had. As dancing vibrations tore through me, I finally fell over her, pressing the full weight of my body against hers.
Our breathing remained irregular, my pulse more rapid than before. But the feeling of being this close to someone was something I’d never believed I could allow myself to experience again.
I wasn’t a man who deserved such joy, but even for a short blip in time, it was exactly what I needed.
Esme
“No!” I screamed, kicking and scratching as hands dragged me backward. I pitched my body, managing to break free, jamming my foot against something.
A male grunted. “Bitch! You’re not going anywhere.”
I stumbled forward, smashing against the single lamp. It flipped to the floor, the lightbulb popping from the hard hit. I was pitched into blackness. A hand snapped around my ankle, jerking me down. My face was slammed into the floor. Stars flooded my eyes, pain instantly rushing through my head. Moaning, I scratched at the floor, still fighting. I was slowly pulled back, turned over and my arm yanked over my head.
The room was dark, but I could make out a form hovering over me. Panting, I could taste blood in my mouth, but nothing would stop me from fighting with everything I had.
“Get off me!” My voice was barely recognizable.
The attacker laughed and wrapped one hand around both my wrists. “I think you and I need to get to know each other better.”
“No. No. No!”
“No,” I moaned, thrashing and kicking out. A blast of pain washed through me as my hand hit something. It jarred me and my eyes flew open. As I took several deep breaths, I realized I’d been fighting the covers holding me down. Oh, my God. The nightmare had seemed so real.
The pain was. I glanced at my hand, ascertaining I must have driven it into my nightstand in my fight to get free from the…
Monster.
Perspiration beaded across my upper lip. My heart was thumping hard, my blood pressure skyrocketing. That much I could tell about my body. I’d felt it before. Too many times. Enough that I closed my eyes and fought to control my breathing. I had to come down from the near panic attack.
After a few seconds, I did start to calm down. My chest was no longer as tight, the noose hanging around my neck not nearly as suffocating. I rubbed my hand, trying to remember why I was lying in my bed.
How could I forget? Hunter had carried me to bed like some protective predatory hunter. I’d told him to go home. We’d fucked for hours, dawn peeking through the horizon. Now it was… after ten. At least I’d gotten a few hours of sleep.
I laughed at myself when I took another good look at the bedding. I’d yanked the bottom sheet out on two sides. I’d fought with my attacker in my dream.
Just like…
“No, girl. It stops now.” I’d had an incredible night, every muscle still sore from the rough intimacy. Why have the dream? Again? The light outside.
The nightmares were back with a frenzy.
I threw off the covers, the chill in the air reminding me I was completely naked. I padded to the bathroom, grabbing a robe.
As soon as I glanced out the window, I noticed snow on the ground. A light dusting, but with the clouds in place, that could mean additional snow was on the way. While I could drive in snow, the Dakota a four-wheel drive, it was rare I’d been forced to while living in Baltimore. At least after I’d moved from my parents’ house.
Another fleeting panic attack hit me and I gripped the edge of the sink. I refused to succumb to another vision. If I did, it would allow the bastard to win even from behind bars.
I rinsed off my face and brushed my teeth before grabbing a hair tie and pulling my hair into a messy ponytail. I’d take a shower after coffee. A whole liter was needed.
As soon as I headed from the room, I sensed a presence. Not again. I wasn’t going to keep being afraid. It wasn’t part of my real personality. I took cautious steps as I headed into the living room. When I noticed Hunter had slept on the couch, I didn’t know what to think.
He’d stayed to protect me. To make me feel more comfortable. I sucked in my lower lip and walked closer. In just his jeans and bare feet, he looked even more handsome than the night before. I had a tremendous urge to tickle his feet, but had a feeling he’d remained awake for longer. He’d brought the bottle of whiskey in and put it on the coffee table. The bottle remained alongside his weapon.
I studied him for a few seconds, finding myself constantly glancing at the gun. What if I’d had one that night? Would things have turned out differently? Exhaling, I backed away and headed to the closet to grab a blanket. With the fire out, the place was chilly. That was one bad thing about the little house. Limited insulation.
Very gently I placed the blanket over him, daring to brush hair from his eyes. He looked peaceful, so much so I tried to remain as quiet as possible as I walked into the kitchen. I had an old coffeemaker and decided to brew a full pot. I knew I’d need more than one cup. As I added water to the container, I took a quick glance out the window. A dog, huh?
Maybe I should get to know my back neighbor at some point. And his dog. Maybe I should get a dog. Bella had one now. Xena was absolutely adorable. Plus, he could be a guard dog. I loved the idea so much I almost overpoured the water, biting back a laugh from being so absentminded.
After pressing the on button, I grabbed out two mugs and the creamer, remaining right where I was. I’d had a guest overnight. When had that happened over the last four or five years? Bella would be impressed. And she wouldn’t allow me to hear the end of it for a long time. I could hear her now.
I told you so. When are you going to start listening to me?
The chugging of the coffee spitting into the pot brought my attention back to reality, the scent almost as comforting as having a man lying in the next room. I looked a mess, having yet to take a shower, and tingled from his remaining scent. Every bit of waking up this way felt right. Was it meant to last?
Absolutely not.
We weren’t compatible. Unless you considered our heated frenzy between the sheets the perfect reason to start a relationship. I poured a huge mug, ignoring the drips falling onto the plastic bottom, drinking in the aroma of fresh hazelnut. It was one of my few treats. I’d located the perfect coffee shop in town where they also sold beans. It was pricey, but so worth waking up with a smile on my face.
Or maybe the sex was the reason. As I moved to grab the half and half, my nipples scraped against my robe. They were extra sensitive from his rough fingers, wet mouth, and the love bites he’d given me.
I returned to the window, holding the cup in both hands, trying to shift my mind to what needed to be done for the last of the Valentine’s Day bashes. At least the food was simple, my head sous chef clearly capable of handling the work. I would flit around ensuring details were perfect and disappear. Poof.
Maybe I’d crawl into bed and finally start the book I’d promised myself I’d read.
A romance, no less.
Hmmm…
Isn’t that what I’d just gone through, a hot time in the sack with an alpha male? Maybe I could write a book. The thought brought a giggle and as I tried to stifle it, I felt a presence behind me.
Why was it that when Hunter entered a room, even from a distance, I was jolted with extreme electricity? Was that chemistry, kismet? Was that the devil’s warning? Maybe a little of all of them. He said nothing. He made no sounds. But I could swear I heard his heavy breathing.
Slowly turning, I blasted out a full laugh seeing him in the flesh in the morning.
“What?” he asked, yawning as he took a step closer. In his bare feet with no shirt, his jeans unbuttoned, and his hair tousled as if going three rounds with a bear, he was sexier than ever.
Was it possible I was biased?
“You look cute.”
“I don’t think anyone has called me cute before.” He stumbled closer, running his long fingers through his hair and taking a deep whiff. “What the hell is that smell?”
“Hazelnut. As in coffee? Would you like some?”
“I drink manly coffee.”
Was he kidding me? I gave him a look and he offered a loopy grin. I hadn’t known he had such mischief in him. Somehow, I doubted anyone else ever got to see his playful side.
“Okay, buddy. Maybe I saved the old chicory shit in a can I found when I moved in. Might be stale, but it should suit you.”
He walked closer, steadier on his feet. My God, if every man smelled like this in the mornings, there would be more kids born every year. My mouth watered and I even gathered a hint of sweat lingering on his huge, buff body.
I leaned against the counter as he crowded my space. He was forced to reach around me to grab the second mug. Our bodies were close, our breath skipping. I was lightheaded.
Oh, this was so not good.
Skirting around him, I took a deep breath. There was the scent again, all masculine and powerful.
“What’s wrong, butterfly? Worried you might get used to this?” he asked with a chuckle in his tone.
“Oh, no. Not a chance. Drink your coffee.” Would it be polite to ask him to get the hell out, so I didn’t jump his bones? Maybe not. That wouldn’t be the nice thing to do. I avoided the issue and the eye candy altogether by heading into the living room.
A few seconds later, he joined me. He flanked my side, not too close this time, but enough I was instantly excruciatingly hot.
I was staring at the gun. He followed my line of sight, moving to collect the weapon. After he shoved it under the waistband of his jeans, he looked at me. “I always carry a weapon, usually a Glock.”
“Usually. That means you have more than one weapon.”
He grinned. “I’m an ex-military man who graduated to an even more dangerous job. I have dozens, but they are locked away.”
“Does owning one frighten you?” I studied his eyes, still wondering if my life would be different had I kept one in my purse.
“No, because I was trained to use and respect them. Why?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I just wondered if I’d feel safer owning one.”
His exhale was far too exaggerated, but I could tell he was trying to delve into my psyche. “Maybe, but not without training. I won’t allow that to happen.”
“You’re not in control of my life.”
“Not yet.”
His possessive tone was only half kidding. “Would you teach me how to shoot?”
He didn’t answer right away and I was certain it would be a no. “I’ll think about it.”
“Okay.” I knew better than to push it. However, if he didn’t teach me, I’d task someone else to do so.
“You want me to start another fire?”
“I wish, but the stack of wood outside isn’t split. The pieces are too big. I thought when I ordered a cord of wood, they’d come ready to plop into the fireplace. I was wrong.”
He laughed. “Not around here. The loggers drop and cut to a point, the resellers taking a chainsaw to the large chunks and that’s it. Profit.”
“I bought an ax. I just haven’t gotten around to standing out in the cold.”
“I hope you mean a maul,” he countered.
“A what?”
Hunter took a sip of coffee and moved toward the coffee table. Was he grousing at me under his breath?
“What?” I demanded.
“You city girls are all alike.”
“I’ll have you know I can do manly shit on my own. I don’t need anyone.”
“Uh-huh. Is that why you have a shutter hanging off one of your front windows? Is that why your big manly truck sounds as if your muffler is going to fall off at any minute?” He tipped his head, his smirk more sarcastic looking than ever before.
I took it back. If women woke up next to a guy like this, no children would ever be born.
“You’re an arrogant ass. Did you know that?” What kind of answer was that?
“I’ve been called that a bunch of times.” He placed the mug on the table and went to grab his shirt. I watched as he tugged it on, hunting for and finding his boots. When he yanked his coat into his hand, a moment of angst was suddenly like a sharp knife.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to insult you.”
“Nope. You weren’t. Just your sparkling personality.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“You don’t have to leave so soon. Drink your coffee. I can make breakfast. I promise I won’t screw that up.”
He had a twinkle in his eye as he yanked on his jacket. “I think you might like having me around.”
“Not at all. I mean yes, but no. But…” Oh, God. I was more flustered than ever. The heat on my face felt like I’d been stuffed full of rocket fuel. I wasn’t going to beg him to stay. Not him. Nope. Not this girl.
When he walked toward the back door, fighting with the drapes before jerking them away from the glass, I inched closer. “What are you doing?”
Huffing, he unlocked the door, opening it immediately. “What does it look like I’m doing, damsel in distress? I’m going to cut your wood.”
“What? No. You don’t need to do that.”
He wasn’t listening at all and I doubted he’d ever take directions from me. He slammed the door with enough force the frame rattled. I rushed toward the glass, staring out with my mouth open. When he finally found the ax, he shook his head. I could hear him cursing from all the way behind the partition.
As he pulled a huge piece of wood into his hands, I had to admit I was impressed. The moment he brought the ax down, my pussy started throbbing. For the next few seconds, I allowed myself to be in heaven by just watching him split piece after piece of wood.
Oh, yeah. He was a true mountain man. Maybe I’d start calling him a lumberjack. Wow.
I was tingling all over and when my phone rang, I wanted to ignore the call. I had an amazing view. Why lose it? Oh, heck. It could be the resort. I scurried to grab it, barely glancing at the screen while I rushed back.
“Yes?” I answered.
“Wow, you’re in a great mood,” Bella said.
“Actually? I am. What’s up?”
“What’s up? Didn’t you hear? I got engaged last night.”
“Old news.”
She stuttered. “What? How did you know?”
“Do you think anything happens in this town without everyone knowing about it?” Hunter had taken off his jacket. Lordy, I could see all his muscles working hard. Flexing. Shifting.
My mouth wasn’t just watering. It was a sieve that wouldn’t stop leaking. Soon, there would be a flood. I wiped my forehead. Beads of perspiration covered the surface. Maybe I needed to put the coffee down. Was I running a fever? No, that would mean I’d broken one. Oh, hell. I had no idea what I was thinking.
“You little bitch,” she said, laughing. “Aren’t you excited for me?”
“Yep. Great. Good for you.”
“What are you doing?”
I refused to blink or take my eyes off the glorious sight to behold. “Nothing really. Just sitting here watching my personal lumberjack splitting wood.”
Bella coughed. “Your personal lumberjack?” It took her a full five seconds to get it. “Oh, my God!”
I had to pull my phone away from my year. “Stop screeching.”
“I’m not screeching. Oh, yes. This is fantastic. This is wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”
“It doesn’t mean anything and you better keep your mouth shut or I’ll poison your food for the wedding.”
“Nuh-uh. And me? Not a word.”
“Right. And this means nothing.”
“I think you’re very wrong.”
I was never wrong. I sensed what we were doing.
That was the problem. The two glorious nights, the bantering, the moments of joy couldn’t mean anything.
We would never be anything but this.
Whatever this was.