Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
Tess
I’m too tired and achey — good achey, sexy achey— to do anything after Case leaves, so I peel off my clothes, crawl into bed and fall asleep almost instantly. Nightmares of my past mingling with Case and Mack fade into nonsensical images in my mind, so I’m happy when the scratching sound at the end of my bed wakes me a little later.
I peel one eye open and see Jake perched on the footboard, pecking and scratching gently at the intricately carved wood.Tucking my feet up a safer distance from Jake’s beak, I decide I’m not ready to leave my cocoon. The movement stretches the skin on my bottom, reminding me of Case’s manhandling earlier. My bottom both burns and aches, but the feeling ignites a hotter fire inside my core.
Case, his words and his dominant display, play in my mind. The way he said he cared, that I couldn’t push him away — the way he took charge and was able to pin me, taking total control. I moan, long and drawn out.
What’s wrong with me? Why does even thinking about it make me hot?
I reach beneath the covers, touching my bottom. It’s warm and tender but just the simple touch ignites a fierce need in me, making my pussy spasm. I slip my hand between my thighs. I’m wet, soaked even.
My swollen nub pulses, begging for attention, but I don’t touch myself. Not when there’s a chicken standing at the end of the bed. I peek at Jake, his head cocks to the side as if he knows what I’m thinking.
“Go away, bird.”
He blinks and I narrow my eyes on him, my imagination running wild with what he might be thinking.
I protected you from him. And I’m getting the boot while he’s living rent-free in your filthy fantasies? I’m just saying, an apple slice and some spaghetti noodles go a long way, author-lady.
I groan at my ridiculousness. I should be thinking about what a jerk I was to Case, not what the damn chicken is thinking.
I was mean to Case, so I shouldn’t feel so sexually charged, but I do. I need to apologize, make it up to him. That’s what I need to be using my imagination for.
Jake hops off the footboard and gets right up in my face, digging at the blankets with his toes. I pull the covers over my head but there’s no stopping the bastard. He suddenly cock-a-doodles or whatever roosters do, so loud I have to cover my head with the pillow.
“Jake, for heaven’s sake!” I yell at the bird removing the pillow to see his smooth white feathers fluff indignantly. “I’m up!”
I moan as I rise, enjoying the feel of my tender rear as I sit on the side of the bed. I glance at the hairbrush on the nightstand and my gut instantly flips. Heat creeps up my neck to my face and the throbbing in my clit increases.
Standing, I turn my head and look at my backside in the mirror. My bottom is a rosy pink and to me it looks beautiful. I hiss automatically when I give it another test squeeze, but the bruisey feeling further engorges my clit. It’s something like having sore muscles after an intense workout; it hurts so good.
I frown down at the bird. His head is cocked, and one beady black eye is staring at me. If he were human, I’d say he was being a judgmental prick, but he’s a bird. A fucking bird with a pea-sized brain cannot be judgey.
I growl and grab my robe, shooing the living alarm clock out of the bedroom and down the hall.He zig-zags and scoots right through the flap door with a squawk that I’m pretty sure was rude in chicken language.
“Eff you too, you mother-clucker.”
I snort as Jake pokes his head back through the flap and blinks at me. His red crest wobbles atop his head and his little eyes narrow as if he’s insulted.
I’m switching teams and telling the biker you said that.
“Oh dear god.” I smack a palm against my forehead. “Is this what passes as entertainment now?” I walk out of the room, grab a small container of raspberries that I’d picked from a bush at the side of the house and go outside to toss them to the chickens. Jake, ever the gentleman, waits till his ladies have had their fill before pecking a few smaller berries for himself.
“At least my Jakie is a gentleman with his ladies,” I murmur, heading to my laptop.
Before I open my manuscript document, I pick up my phone, texting Case.
Tess:
I’m sorry for my behavior this morning. It was quite immature to throw a pillow at your head.
Case:
Is that all you’re sorry for?
Tess:
No, I’m also sorry you didn’t stay and have rough make-up sex with me.
I’m hoping my lighthearted remark ends the tension between us, so maybe I can let go of my guilt.
Case sends an eye rolling emoji.
I smile.
Tess:
So, I’m forgiven?
Case:
I punished you, Sunshine. You were forgiven then. I don’t believe in dragging things out.
Tess:
That’s good.
I smirk playfully, even though he can’t see me.
Tess:
But I hold grudges.
Case:
Are you saying you’re holding a grudge against me because I spanked your ass? Because. You. Deserved. It. And just admitted it, not even 10 seconds ago?
Tess:
Oh no, I liked that. Maybe not at the time, but it did get me very hot.
Case:
So, what’s the grudge for?
Tess:
You left me aching, wet, and alone.
Case:
We both needed cooling off. And why should I give you orgasms after I punished you? That would be rewarding naughty behavior, Sunshine.
Orgasms. The plural word swirls in my belly.
Tess:
To avoid my wrath…
Case:
Tessa…
I put my phone on do not disturb and smile wickedly. Playing with Case Callen is the most freeing thing I’ve ever done.
And that’s how it goes for the next several weeks. Me pushing all his buttons, waylaying his work just to be a pain in the ass, and him retaliating until we’re naked, panting and calling each other’s name for half the night.
And somehow through all of this, I’ve managed to outline, plot and write half the novel my publisher is threatening to sue me over.
This morning I’m deep into the sixteenth chapter of that book when I hear the whining of a table saw and banging of a hammer from across the field. I rise from my spot to grab the binoculars. There, swinging his hammer like Thor, God of thunder, is my sexy biker.
My sexy biker? First I adopt Jake as my Jakie and now Case?
I shove the thought aside as Case pulls his shirt up to wipe his face. I hold my breath and eye his sculpted stomach. “All that work does a body good,” I mumble and then look at the clock on the wall. Eight thirty-five am. I smirk. Grabbing my phone, I search for the city number and click dial.
“Is this the Bylaw office?”
Not two hours later, Case is pounding on my door.
“Can I help you, Mr. Biker?”
“Open the door, Tessa,” he demands through clenched teeth, setting his hands on his narrow hips. “Open it so I can remind you how I deal with brats.”
His words send a jolt of needy heat through me. My mouth suddenly dry, I swallow. “I can hear you just fine through the screen and I remember you, your spoon, hairbrush and belt quite vividly still, no need to remind me. Also, it’s, Tess, thank you very much.”
“Well Tess a,” he says emphasizing the A. “I have much more creative ideas for punishing you this time, because I was just given a completely illegal fine for a noise violation. Bylaw Officer Donald was kind enough to explain that it wouldn’t stand up in court but that he was willing to do whatever he could to make sure his wife got signed copies of her favorite author’s bestselling series because she’s pregnant with their fifth, and God help him , sixth, child after his vasectomy failed. Apparently your signed books will take away the sting of learning she’s carrying twins when she just got their last kid signed up for kindergarten.”
Poor, Jessica, I think, remembering the story Donald told me earlier when I’d called.
Case shoves a hand through his now newly grown red hair. “Are you aware of how much small-town people overshare? Apparently, Donald didn’t do the follow-up test to make sure the vasectomy was successful and has to grovel nightly while rubbing his wife’s feet and watching her eat sweet pickles and dairy milk bars.” He pulls a face. “I do not need to be privy to Donald’s vasectomy woes, Tessa Harlow.” He gives an exaggerated shiver.
I keep my smile back with pressed lips and he continues.
“Anyway, I don’t have time to take it to court and you and Daddy-To-Be-Times-Six, know it.”
“Sorry to hear that, Case.”I place my hand over my heart and give him a sympathetic frown.
“Seriously?” He sighs forcefully. “He said he’ll have me arrested if I don’t comply. And yes, it’s totally illegal but… again, it’s his fault for not doing the subsequent test after his vasectomy and the little wifey won’t let him forget it.” A groan comes out of his sexy-as-sin mouth before he adds, “Do you know how they test the success of a vasectomy?”
He growls and I shake my head.
“Well, I do! Thanks to Donnie sharing, in too much detail, how the magazines just weren’t right so he couldn’t…” Case throws up his hands another growl of frustration bursting free from his delectable full lips. “He left without doing the test.”
The grimace on his handsome face makes me giggle and he narrows his eyes on me.
“Do you have this whole damn town under your thumb?”
I look at the clock. “It’s almost nine. I’ll keep my thumb holstered, Mr. Biker, if you start working at ten am, but not a moment sooner.” I sigh. “It’s your own fault, Case. We agreed on this, remember? When I got you thrown into the back of the cruiser.”
“Aha!” He points his long thick finger at me. “You admit it!”
“Ten am, biker. Like we agreed.”
“Not like we agreed, Tessa. Like you coerced. Coercion and blackmail are illegal.” Case swears loudly enough that Jake starts flapping from ground beside the porch. “You’re impossible! You and your damn guard chicken!” Jake lunges up at him and Case blocks him gently before storming off across the field.
Maybe I was just goading him now for entertainment, but I had never written so many words in my career this easily and I had to keep that going.
After another few hours of work, and an incredible number of words, I text Case.
Tess:
Feel free to come deal with me now. I’ve made you lunch.
Case calls me. “Is this a trick?” he asks when I answer.
“Nope. I’m ready for my punishment, and a proper dicking . “
“Christ.”
I hear his breathy groan of need through the phone and my mouth widens in a smile before he speaks again.
“Naked. Now, Tessa.”
There’s a sense of urgency in the muffled sounds through the mic before the call cuts off, so I scramble to the bedroom, stripping off my clothes so fast I trip over my pants getting back to the kitchen. I’m wearing nothing but a smile when he bursts through my door three minutes later.
There’s little time to feel nervous as he looks me up and down in full daylight in my grandmother’s kitchen, while he’s fully clothed. And the only thing blocking his view is a plate with a man-sized sandwich and a dewy glass of lemonade.
“Lunch is served.”
He ignores the sustenance, only removing it from my hands to set it on the counter.
“You are a sight, Sunshine. Turn around.” He reaches over his shoulder, yanking his shirt up and over his head.
I’m stuck for a moment, staring at his hard, sculpted chest and that sexy-as-hell nipple ring. But when he clears his throat, a noise I recognize as a warning, I do as I’m told. Spinning for his inspection, my face flames with heat. He’s seen me naked enough times now to draw me from memory by now, but I still feel shy when he scrutinizes me.
He grabs me when I get halfway, pushing me over the kitchen table. His palm claps across my bottom cheek in an indiscriminate way and I moan. It’s sharp and burns hot right away since my rear is still sensitive from my last spanking, but I’m too aroused to really feel much pain. The swat just makes my clit zing with need.
“This ass.” He sucks air in through his teeth. “Blushing pink and so warm to the touch, is so fucking sexy. But, Sunshine, my naughty, naughty Sunshine, you need to be taught another lesson.” He spanks me again, this time deliberately, and I tuck my bottom to avoid the next. “But with only twenty minutes for lunch, I think a punishment fuck is in order.”
I have no clue what that is, but my pussy throbs for it anyway. I bob my head. “Yes, sir.”
He chuckles darkly at my words but my mind blanks at any retort I might give because his large, callused hand cups my mound, his middle finger set right at my slit. I think I might faint with want as his finger gently tickles my lips but doesn’t part them. I shift, urging his finger to slide between my folds, but he doesn’t give in to my encouragement.
I can hear his smile when he leans down to whisper in my ear. “That’s where I tease and fuck you to the brink and stop before you get any satisfaction.”
My eyes widen. He can’t be serious, can he? Looking over my shoulder, I roll my eyes at him. “That’s not punishment, biker, that’s marriage.”
He chuckles and the feel of his breath on my ear and his hard cock against my ass makes me shiver.
“Don’t worry, Sunshine, this punishment is only temporary—not a life sentence. I’m gonna make sure you get yours and get it good, but first you’re going to be so fucking hot and bothered all afternoon you’ll think of nothing else but my tongue and cock.
I open my mouth to tell him I’ll just get myself off but he speaks before I can.
“And don’t even think about it. If you rub one out without my permission, I’ll use that brush on you again, only I won’t be so nice about it.”
He’d only used it that once, but if I recalled correctly there was nothing nice about it. At least not until after he was done spanking me with it. Butterflies explode inside me and a trickle of desire seeps between my folds. Who knew I was so into this kinky shit?
“How—”
“How will I know?” He tastes my neck, sucking gently before he answers.
I close my eyes, tipping my head to give him better access because it feels amazing.
“You’re a lot of things, Sunshine, but a good liar isn’t one of them. Those walls you throw up? I can see right through them.”
I’m not sure how I feel about his words, but I don’t have the ability to think about it, because his mouth travels to my shoulder, still kissing and sucking, his beard making shivers race up and down my body, until he bites.
I gasp. It’s not hard, but not soft either, and just as he does it, his finger breaks through my folds and finds my engorged clit. I throw my head back against his shoulder, my gasp turning to a moan.
“You won’t make me punish you for disobedience too, now will you, Sunshine?”
“No. No.” I pant, shaking my head, eyes shut tightly as I chew my bottom lip, and he strokes me.
“That’s my good girl. You’re mine to play with, mine to take care of, yeah? All fucking mine.” His words are part purr, part growl, and my pussy clenches at the sound, but that’s not what surprises me. It’s the good girl part and what it does to my heart. It feels as swollen and engorged as my clit.
I don’t cry. I haven’t since I was a small child —not even when I fell out of a tree and broke my arm at twelve. I was too stubborn, too full of mistrust, and too sure no one would care anyway. But my eyes well at these words. At his claiming me as his good girl — his to play with— his to take care of.
“Yes,” I whisper quietly, and then under my breath I add, for now. Because his words are in the heat of passion, words murmured from a lover’s lips in the midst of tryst. They aren’t real. They aren’t promises. And he doesn’t know me, not really.
Yes, but he’s seen the worst of you. And he’s still here.
I want to turn my brain off, but nothing stops it from whirling.
Yeah, so did Gary and look what he did.
A sudden slap to my ass yanks me out of my thoughts.
“You’re not here. Not with me.” Case grabs my hair, tugging me to stand, and spins me to face him. Releasing my hair he grabs my ass, picking me up to set me on the table so we’re eye to eye. “Sunshine, I need you with me. Punishment or not, we only do this if you’re here.” His eyes, on mine, are intense, and I couldn’t tear my gaze away if I tried. There’s enough care there to make my breath catch. This isn’t about him getting off, it’s about me. Me?
My brows furrow and he takes my chin.
“Sunshine?”
A tear drops down my cheek, but I can’t swipe at it before he wipes it away himself.
“I know you wanted this, you pushed me to get this very reaction, this punishment or funishment, but I won’t do it when I know you’re not in the right frame of mind, yeah?”
I nod, knocking a few more tears from my lids.
“And you’re not right now, sweetheart.”
I look down, embarrassed. This was supposed to be a fling, some fun to get out of my funk. And I’m not doing it right. I’m screwing everything up. But so is he. He isn’t supposed to care. Goddammit. He isn’t supposed to make my heart feel things. He was just supposed to be some alpha biker next door to fool around with before I left and went back to my life in Toronto.
But it’s never felt like a fling. It’s always felt like more, even if I’ve been afraid to admit it until now.
He lifts me again and I let him because I don’t know what else to do.
“Legs around me, baby.”
I do as I’m told and wrap my arms around his neck. Walking down the hall, he kisses my jaw and I melt against him. I no longer have the energy to fight to keep my guard up - to feign aloofness. My cold indifference act is up, and I can see in his eyes he knows it.
Lying me on the bed, which is uncharacteristically still mussed from the morning when we both left it, he pulls the covers out of the way. His chest, such a delicious sight, holds my eyes until he climbs in next to me. He rolls me and scoops me close, so my ass is tucked against his groin and I feel completely cradled by him.
My mind is instantly calm, and my senses soothed by the heat of his body and the firm strength of his muscles against my softer form. My breath falls into rhythm with his and I let go, drifting to a place of peace.
The sound of a phone ringing opens my eyes. I’m facing Case now, his eyes still closed, one arm slung over my hip the other across his forehead. I ignore the ringing because I’m mesmerized by the laugh lines around his mouth, the small scar on his cheek and the larger one cutting through the fullness of his beard at his chin.
His nose isn’t completely straight either, and I want to run my finger along the bridge. Taking his hand in mine, I kiss the back of it. And finally, his phone stops ringing.
“Biker?”
He growls, a frown curving his beautiful mouth. “You’re insatiable, Sunshine,” he says, his voice husky from sleep.
I smile. “We didn’t have sex, Case.”
“Hmm… ‘kay. Gimme a minute.”
My smile widens. There’s a dusting of freckles on his eyelids I hadn’t noticed before and his long dark auburn lashes are a stark contrast to his lighter-toned skin. The ruggedness of this man is peeled away in this moment, so all I see is his beauty.
I’m staring at his lips, aching to kiss him when his phone starts ringing again. His eyes flutter open.
“Sweet girl, do me a favor and throw that phone out your window.”
I smile at his reply, mostly because no one would ever call me sweetheart, at least no one that knows me, but also because his words make me feel things I seem to have no control over, flutters and dips, and deep aching needs I never knew could exist.
“It’s your phone and this isn’t the first time it’s ringing,” I say as he leans closer to me, shutting me up by pressing his mouth over mine. I sink into his bottomless kiss, while his hands explore my body. I cling to him, swept up by his capable lips and the shivers his tongue brings.
When his hands find my breast and his callused thumb plays my tightened nipple like the strings of a guitar, I gasp into his mouth. He smiles against my lips and rolls us so he’s between my thighs, his big arms propping himself above me.
“I want to make love to you, Tessa Harlow. Sweetly. Slowly. Gently. And with no demands. Can you handle that?”
I nod, my heart thumping in my chest. As much as I love the gruff demanding man who takes and gives what he wants, the wise and gentle Case has earned this, and a place in my heart.
He smiles again. It’s devoid of his usual sly, coy or wicked pretense. Rising, he unbuckles his belt, and I ignore the quickening of my heart as it slides through the loops. He catches my expression and smiles and this time it’s one of his wicked ones.
“Not now, little lady. Later.”
I nod again. Where my words are, I have no clue. He shucks off his jeans and boxers and I stare, admiring his muscled thighs and gloriously hard, thick cock. He climbs back onto the bed, his knees parting mine wider as he gets between them. His cock lurching as it touches my dampened curls.
“Sunshine, you’re perfect, you know? Exciting, naughty, challenging, and brilliant, and as much as I enjoy taking you in hand, and I do, So. Fucking. Much. Your willingness to let me see this softer side of you, this vulnerability, it makes me feel bulletproof. Your trust makes me more of a man than anything else.”
His words twist and dance in my belly, so I reach up, loop my arms around his neck, and pull him to me.
His expression, intense and so full of care, unnerves me though, so I close my eyes. The touch of his tongue on my bottom lip makes me quiver. Slowly his lips press to mine, and he softly explores my mouth. I taste a hint of butterscotch on his tongue as he deepens the kiss. Running my hands over his muscular back, I tug him closer still.
Rolling his hips, his cock presses and moves against my clit. I moan into his mouth, loving the feel of him and the shards of pleasure that explode each time his cock hits just the right spot. Wanting more, I slide my hands down his smooth back and grab his ass impatiently tugging and driving him where I want him.
“Easy sweetheart, this is a marathon not a sprint.” His chuckle rumbles against my breasts and mouth. “I’m taking my time with you.”
“Please,” I beg. “I need more.” He obliges my desperate request by slowly rocking his hips to slide the length of his cock across my clit, doing it until my breath hitches and I’m about to ride the final wave into rapture. But when he stops my cry isn’t in pleasure, it’s in frustration.
“Easy now, Sunshine,” he says as he shifts us. On his haunches, he grabs me behind the knees pulling me up and closer. He slides his cock into my wet center and I call out again—this time in joy, but his own groan of pleasure almost buries mine. He rocks gently again, moving in slow short strokes, as his thumb sweeps up from the base of his cock to my clit where he plays, circling, and stroking. I explode, waves of pulsating muscles squeezing around him. I was too ready, too pent-up.
Biting his lip, he continues touching me, stroking gently inside until I come fully down and then with another shift he’s on top of me, rolling so I’m on top of him.
“Okay babe, you’re driving now. Take your pleasure.” He swats my ass once, hard, before grabbing my hips and bucking beneath me. I gasp at the depth wanting to feel him buck again.
I’ve never been on top, never had the desire to be since I found no real pleasure in sex. But now, as I take over the rhythm Case started, I feel powerful. The kind of power that doesn’t make me feel guilty. I’m not tricking someone into giving me what I want by pulling strings, I’m in charge of his pleasure and my own and it’s a heady feeling. A challenge I want to ace.
I watch his face as I move, gripping his pecs at first then bending to lick his nipples. Finding the spot and rhythm that gives me the best friction and him a desperate and needy expression, I ride it, driving us both toward our goal.
As I come, I kiss him, and he wraps his arms around me, gripping me to him and anchoring me to the earth. Case takes over just as my shudders mess up my rhythm, pumping into to me from beneath since I’m in a haze of pulsing pleasure. He groans a curse as he comes, his eyes rolling, and his lip clamped tightly between his teeth.
He rolls us, so he’s on top again. My body still full of him, he places his forehead against mine. Our breathing labored; he brushes light kisses across my lips as we come down together.
“That was nice,” I say, and he chokes out a laugh, before kissing my head and rolling to tuck me beneath his arm. I miss the feel of him inside me, but being held so tightly against him is a different kind of pleasure.
“I’d say it was a hell of a lot better than nice, Sunshine. But I’m not the author.”
“I mean it was for me…” I let my words trail off and he turns his head to lock eyes with me. His intense look of care has me breathless again suddenly. I want to look away, but his eyes hold mine.
“Honey, it was for me too.” Case runs his fingers down my cheek to cup my chin and places another sweet kiss onto my mouth. “If you think otherwise, you’re mistaken.” His lips pluck at mine bossily and he slowly deepens the kiss before releasing me, resting his head against my pillow, and pulling me closer.
“You should probably eat before going back to work,” I say, breaking the silence a few minutes later.
He sighs and I interpret it as agreement while berating myself for the statement. I don’t want him to leave. Being in his arms is like being in a blanket fort. It’s a safe and cozy place where I can dream. An image forms in my head of him and I in the home he’s built, a child playing in the playhouse.
The scene both warms me and terrifies. Case rises from the bed, leaning over to peck a kiss on my head. Panic starts to build. I’m not meant for that life—for a family. I’m too selfish and self-absorbed to have that. I’ll be even worse than my parents. Case will leave as soon as he sees that. He’ll see me for who I am and run.
And all of those thoughts suddenly have me questioning why he built the playhouse in the first place.
I sit up, cold and dismissive words sitting on the end of my tongue. They’re lies, meant to deflect and protect me, so I swallow them. I won’t push him away. Not anymore. We’ll talk through my fears when we get to that place in our relationship. We’re not there yet.
“Sunshine, I’d really like to take you out to dinner tonight. A date. Not just sex and games, but a real date. What do you think?” Stark naked and beautifully unashamed of his body, Case smiles at me. It’s naturally crooked—perfectly imperfect, and there are scars on his body, big ones, but he isn’t self-conscious. I wear my scars on the inside, but maybe I don’t have to be ashamed of them either. Not with Case.
Those caring and trusting eyes and his words pierce the bubble of panic inside me—it pops out of existence. I’ve changed, or rather, I’m in the process of a metamorphosis. I’m opening up, exploring myself, learning to trust, and for the first time in my life I think I’m falling in love.
“What time?”
“Eight pm. We have something important to talk about—something you should know before we get further entwined.”
I swallow. The word entwined is weird. I’m not sure exactly what he means by it. But it’s a safer word than relationship or serious— especially when linked together. Serious relationship . But does that mean he doesn’t want to be in a serious relationship with me? And what do I want? Or maybe it has nothing to do with that—maybe he has a disease. Could he be dying? Oh my god.
Case clears his throat. I blink up at him. My thoughts halt instantly.
“Sunshine? You’re drifting again. Come on back to me, baby.”
I bite my lip.
“Don’t overthink this, sweetheart.”
He’s right, I shouldn’t think at all. I need to learn to just go with the flow. “What should I wear?”
“Whatever you want, as long as you’re on my arm.” He winks and it’s not cheesy at all, it’s… God, it makes my breath hitch, and my insides zing. He heads into my bathroom and shuts the door. Listening to the sound of the shower and his cell which is suddenly ringing again, I blow out a sigh and flop back onto the pillows.
Holy shit. I’m falling in love.
When the phone stops and starts ringing again, I reach for it. It’s probably Mack… except it’s not. The picture on the screen is of a blonde woman, a child, and Case. I swallow. Was he married before? A notification pops up as soon as the phone goes silent.
Lulah:
We need you home. I’m in pre-term labor.