Reckless

Chapter 25

There is something different about the way he is tonight, much more intense, determined to make me come as many times as possible before he finishes. Not that I’m complaining about it, as the pleasure builds. He tugs on my hair again and it makes my back arch. He bites my neck as he thrusts into me, and my eyes squeeze shut from the sensations rippling through me, from my scalp to my toes.

Before I even know what’s happening, Jude pulls out, spins me around and spreads my legs so he can push back in. Jude stares into my eyes as he puts his hand under my chin, holding my jaw in place, so I have no choice but to keep looking at him.

I clutch his forearms, my nails raking over his skin, and his eyes go even more feral as he moves faster.

“Jude,” I moan.

“Fuck,” he grunts. “One more, Krista.”

“I can’t.”

“You can,” he dips down and sucks my collar bone, licking a path down to my nipple. He circles it with his tongue, sending sparks shooting through me. “I’m not stopping till you do.”

Sweat is pooling between us as our skin slaps together. I’m surprised the bed isn’t shaking, but it’s fixed on the wall and floor. Jude seems determined to break it.

My legs wrap around his hips, tightening to where he finds it harder to thrust. I grab the back of his hair and he pauses, looking down at me.

Jude always knows how far to push me, and it looks as if he is coming out of the stupor he was in. As I stare up at him, his expression turns to concern.

“You’re not hurting me,” I reassure him, then clench him inside me. His eyes roll back in his head.

When he moves this time, it’s slower, deeper, and our eyes lock. He dips down and takes my lips, kissing me as deeply as he’s thrusting into me, and just as slowly. I squeeze my eyes tight against the emotions taking over me. My eyes grow wet, and my nose burns with the effort not to let any tears squeeze through as I fall into the kiss. I don’t want him to get the wrong idea. I’m not sad or hurt.

I’m feeling too much.

Jude groans as his back bows with each slow thrust, his mouth never leaving mine. When he groans my name, I give him what he wants, even if I never believed it was possible to have five orgasms in quick succession, and I come again.

He kisses me through it and through his own climax. I collapse back on the bed. Our lips part and he stays raised up, staring at me. Our breath is panting out of us, his chest is heaving.

Jude kisses my forehead before he pulls out and drops onto his back beside me.

I swear I can hear our hearts beating in the aftermath. It’s obvious why he is so pent up and needing to release his frustrations.

He told me what happened at the interview. How he was mildly impressed with their new managers’ handling of the reporter. How she tried to flirt and even propositioned him. He laughed about it, but that kind of thing makes him uncomfortable.

I was happy he told me. He didn’t need to, but he did.

He’s kept Luther and Riggs at arm’s length since he got back. They went into the local town for dinner while we ate on the roof of the RV.

Now, it’s almost two in the morning and I’m exhausted.

Jude kisses my temple, then rolls away, disappearing into the bathroom. He’s gone for a while, but I give him his space. It gives me time to get my emotions under control. Tucking the sheet under my arms, I sit up and catch my reflection in the mirror. God, my hair is a mess.

Pulling Jude’s t-shirt on, I stand in front of the mirror and try to tame it, but it’s a lost cause. Nothing short of washing it will rescue this bird’s nest.

I’ve had men love my hair before. More than a few have enjoyed pulling on it when we’re in bed, but never the way Jude does.

Even when we’re not in bed, he’s touching it, running his fingers through it, or brushing it off my face.

“Has anyone ever told you how sexy you look wearing men’s clothes?”

“Men’s, or yours?” I meet his eyes in the mirror’s reflection.

“Mine, obviously,” he growls.

“No, no one has ever said that to me.” My fingers snag on a knot in my hair and I wince.

Jude comes up behind me and reaches for a hairbrush. “Let me,” he says, lifting my hair from the nape of my neck and running the brush over it, detangling it where he can.

The look of concentration on his face has me melting. He likes to take care of me in ways no other man has.

“This covers you just enough to hide the parts I ache to see. To touch.”

He is still gently brushing my hair and my eyes drift shut, making me sway on my feet. Jude guides me to the bed and sits me down, then gets on his knees behind me, so he can keep working on my hair.

“That’s what makes it sexy. Makes my blood pump through my body when I look at you.”

My mouth and my eyes remain closed as I listen to the low timbre of his voice and enjoy the gentle strokes of the brush through my hair. There is something intimate about this, something I’ve never experienced with a man. No one has ever wanted to brush my hair.

“I’ve never met anyone like you before, Krista.”

I turn my head as far as I can, but it’s not enough to see him and I’m facing away from the mirror now. “Is that a good thing?”

“Yeah, it’s a good thing. Before everything went to shit and we took the time off, I was a different person.”

“In what way?”

“It took a lot to hold my interest. I was always on the move, not just physically, but mentally. Maybe it was because I worked too much or because I have some manic tendencies, but relaxing always came hard for me. I’m not the kind of person who can sit still and just… be. There were always people around. If there wasn’t, it got too quiet, and that freaked me out.”

As he speaks, all the while he is brushing my hair. The knots are all out. Now he is just slowly caressing my hair with the brush, following behind with his hand, smoothing it down.

“Now, I go up on the roof and stare at the stars, or sit and play my guitar, or even just driving the RV while you’re busy and my mind is quiet. There aren’t a million things running through my head every second of every day. And you’re the one who showed me it's possible.”

“I didn’t do anything,” I protest.

“It isn’t something tangible, nothing that I can say Krista told me, ‘this is how to do it’. It’s more just being around you, seeing how you are. I’m guessing when you're home, you’re different. That you aren’t quite this relaxed. You told me that is why you come on this trip every year. It’s why I suggested two weeks because I figured that would be enough time before I couldn’t do it anymore. That and you’re incredibly hot and I wanted to get to know you,” he laughs.

I sit up on my knees and turn around. His hand falls with the brush against his thigh.

“You’ve been through a lot. You’re still trying to figure out how to get through it all. I wanted to help.”

“And that is one of the amazing things about you.” He brushes some hair behind my ear and holds his hand there, close to my face, his fingertips lightly moving back and forth just behind my ear. “You don’t tell me what to do. You’ve never tried to influence me or take anything from me. That’s all I’ve known for a long time. With you, it’s different. I’m different.”

I trace my fingers over his ribs and up towards his chest, pressing my hand against his warm skin. His heart is beating steadily beneath my palm.

“I’m not sure I like the person I was before. And I’m not sure I want to be that person again.”

“Jude,” I press my hand harder against his firm chest, but I leave it hanging there, just his name.

He’s staring at me, looking vulnerable and unsure. He had the courage to say all of this. Why can’t I do the same thing?

“You make me want to be this person,” he leans forward, his nose pressing against mine. “You make me feel things I’ve never felt before.”

You’re a writer, Krista. Just say it. Still, my mouth stays closed. I’m scared. It’s happening so fast and regardless of Bri’s advice to change my lens, all I can think about is how different our lives are. I’m not sure my heart will withstand being handed back when we realize it can’t work between us.

“We should get some sleep,” he says, when I stare at him in silence.

“Yeah, big day tomorrow,” I finally find my voice. Leaving it like this isn’t how I want this night to end. So, I say the only thing I can think of that isn’t the full truth about how I’m falling hopelessly for this man.

“I’m glad you came back to the rest stop.”

“And almost got us both killed,” he grins, saying my words back to me. I smile, and his thumb moves over my lower lip. “One of the best decisions I ever made.”

“Stopping was one of mine.”

I lean forward and kiss him gently, then pull back and go to the bathroom to clean up. Avoiding my reflection, I wash up, brush my teeth and then go back to the bedroom. Jude is under the covers and the lights are off. When I get in with him, he rolls against my back and wraps his arm around me.

He falls asleep long before I do.

“There is not a chance in hell I’m crawling in there.”

“You’re scared?” Luther asks Riggs.

“I don’t like confined spaces,” he grumbles.

“Sissy,” Jude coughs into his hand.

“Dude, that sign back there said there might be bats in here,” Riggs points out.

“You run into danger to protect people, you carry a weapon, and you’re scared of some bats?” Luther stares Riggs down.

“I’m not ashamed of that. But you go on ahead, have at it,” Riggs waves a hand behind him.

The three of them are standing at the entrance to a cave in Maquoketa State Park, debating the merits of going inside this cave, which involves some crawling and lots of dark, tight areas. Given we don’t have the right equipment, we won’t be going in there anyway, but I’m amused watching the three of them.

Riggs and Luther have come along to the campsite at the caves to make sure we were okay. Knowing we’ll be here all day and spending the night, they’ve booked into a local motel. Once they saw the place, Luther expressed an interest in checking it out.

Jude’s brows hit his hairline. I guess Luther isn’t the kind to do stuff like this either. They’re fit enough that they could keep up along the trails. Luther even agreed to photographs in the Dance Hall cave. Despite Jude not being happy about Reckless Soul’s security being here, it's nice to see him with them. Their banter is amusing.

We’ve had some time alone when Jude pulled me into a quiet corner where no one could see us, and kissed me senseless for a good five minutes. When we came out, my hair was a mess and his lips were swollen. Luther didn’t say anything, but Riggs grinned.

I like them both. Having them around has also made it easier not to talk about what happened last night. Jude isn’t acting any differently towards me. He’s still holding my hand, helping me on the difficult paths and taking plenty of pictures.

When we stop for lunch, he even shows Riggs his camera reel of all the places we’ve been to. I watch Luther, knowing he was there, but we had no idea. While we're looking at the pictures, Luther is looking at the surrounding vicinity, watching all the people who come near, assessing them for any danger they may pose to Jude.

A couple of times, he’s watched a lone man closely. I’ve seen him on some trails. He doesn’t strike me as odd. You see lone hikers in places like this all the time. Something about him has piqued Luther’s interest.

“If a fan was here,” I ask Jude a little later when we’re walking along an easy trail in the upper area of the park. “Would they approach you, or would they just follow at a distance?”

“Both are possible, I guess. Some people are respectful, or nervous and will take pictures from afar. Others want to come over and talk to me. Why, have you seen something?” He looks around.

“Just watching Luther.”

Jude glances at the man further behind us. “He never switches off,” he tells me. “I can believe he’s been following us this whole time, to be honest. He takes his job seriously.”

“I’m still impressed by how they materialized out of nowhere to stop those people coming after you. When you see them, they’re so big and imposing, but they don’t make themselves obvious.”

“Big and imposing?” he lowers his sunglasses and peers at me.

“Shut up,” I back hand his stomach, making him laugh.

We reach a narrow part of the path that leads to some stairs. There is a woman bent over grabbing something out of her backpack, she looks up as we draw near, her face is red and she looks exhausted, I wonder if she needs a hand, but she takes out a bottle of water, straightens and turns away as she has a drink.

I traverse around her, Jude follows and puts his hands on my hips. Then, when the path widens, he gets next to me and trails his palm over my ass. I elbow him, but he grins again, and shoves his hand into the back pocket of my shorts so he can cup my butt.

A noise behind us has me looking back. The woman is watching us. She tips her head, then looks away. Something about her is familiar. We’ve passed the same people a few times on the trails as everyone works their way around the different areas of the park, so I figure that is why.

“Shit,” Jude stumbles and he pulls me, because his hand is still in my pocket.

I whirl around and grab his arm to stop him going ass backwards. He straightens up and chuckles in embarrassment.

“You okay?” I ask, making sure he’s steady.

“Yeah, shit, that was close,” he laughs.

“Be careful.”

“I was distracted. The way your ass moves under my hand has me thinking all kinds of things I shouldn’t be.”

Rolling my eyes, I move away from him, letting him know to keep his hands to himself. He pouts but doesn’t try it again.

Everyone is exhausted by the time we’re done. Riggs and Luther say there is a diner nearby that should be safe enough for us, and save us having to cook in the RV. I jump at that. They leave for their motel to clean up while Jude and I take turns in the shower. They come back for us an hour later and we drive into town.

As we’re heading out in the back of Luther’s car, I see the same woman from before putting her things into the trunk of her car. She doesn’t look up as we pass, so I’m not sure what it is about her that has me feeling uneasy. It’s stupid. She’s just enjoying the park, so I shake it off.

While the guys chat after we order, I send mom and dad some of the pictures from the day. They came to the caves a few years ago and dad always says he wants to come back. Mom replies straight away.

Mom

Who is that very handsome man with you, daughter?

Krista

A friend

Mom

Don’t lie to your mother. On that second photograph, he’s staring at you with stars in his eyes. Have you met someone on your travels? Are you being safe?

Krista

With all the warnings you drummed into us when we were kids, yes, mom. I’m good. And yes, I’ve met someone

Mom

Well he looks very nice. Is this someone we’re going to get to meet?

Jude is laughing at something Riggs just said. He catches my eye and winks, then his brows crumple a little, maybe at something he is seeing on my face. The panic over what mom just said.

Do I want him to meet my parents?

I can’t even tell him how I feel about him. Mom will think it’s wild when she finds out he’s famous. Shit, I hope she doesn’t show the photograph to Shari. My sister will recognize him in a heartbeat.

Krista

Maybe. GTG mom, dinner just arrived

Mom

Be careful, stay safe and above all have fun my love x

Luther takes his phone out and looks at it, then glances up at Jude. “Do you want to know how the interview is being received?”

“I couldn’t care less.” Jude picks up his coke.

They got the interview out fast. I guess the record label wanted to put a lid on the rumors as quickly as possible given how delayed the interview was. Luther has already told Jude they cut what they were told, and it plays well.

Luther glances at me, but he doesn’t say anything. Jude doesn’t want to know, and that is all Luther cares about. I can check it out later when Jude is busy. I’d like to know. And see the woman who hit on Jude so blatantly.

We have a good time at the diner, but Luther says we’re pushing our luck and drives us back to the RV. We’re both tired, so there is no funny business tonight.

In all honesty, I’m kind of sore from last night, not enough for it to be uncomfortable, but I think my poor lady parts could do with a break.

Jude is reading my book when I come back out of the bathroom. He doesn’t even look up. He’s so engrossed I’m shocked. My phone lights up on the bedside table and I go over and see it’s a text from my sister.

“Shit,” I mutter.

Jude looks up. “What?”

I read the text, then hold the phone out for him to see. He reads it and looks up at me. “That’s your sister?” he has an amused look on his face.

“Yes,” I groan.

“You sent her our picture,” he says rather than asks, looking prouder than anything.

“I sent mom a picture. I wasn’t thinking. Now I need to call her and tell her to keep her trap shut.”

“You told your mom about me?” Jude grins even bigger.

I don’t know why he is enjoying this. Shari can’t be trusted. While he sits there grinning like an idiot, I call my sister.

When she answers, it’s with a scream loud enough to scare the birds out of the trees.