Through the Fire Read online

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  Copyright ©2008 by Aliyah Burke

  First published in www.total-e-bound.com, 2008

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  CONTENTS

  THROUGH THE FIRE

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  About the Author

  Total-E-Bound Publishing

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  A Total-E-Bound Publication

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  www.total-e-bound.com

  Through the Fire

  ISBN #978-1-906590-88-8

  ©Copyright Aliyah Burke 2008

  Cover Art by April Martinez ©Copyright August 2008

  Edited by Michele Paulin

  Total-E-Bound Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author's imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2008 by Total-E-Bound Publishing 1 The Corner, Faldingworth Road, Spridlington, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 2DE, UK.

  Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

  THROUGH THE FIRE

  Aliyah Burke

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Dedication

  To Clarke,

  You walked through fire for me.

  I miss you more than I believed possible.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Swiss Army: Wenger SA Corporation

  Grumman S-2 Tracker: Grumman Aircraft Engineering

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter One

  Strong masculine hands moved over her naked, soapy body. The warm solid flesh of pure man pushed against her back. Soaped chest hair, a chiselled torso, and a rock-hard erection only heightened her pleasure as the smooth shower tiles supplied her overly sensitive breasts with another sensation.

  He lifted her, murmuring words of pure seduction in her ear, and impaled her upon his rigid cock with one powerful stroke. Her body convulsed as he speared her. Her legs twisting back to hook around his legs. His body was her sole support of her weight and that allowed maximum depth for him.

  Powerful arms moved her up and down his cock, using gravity to his advantage for the intense thrusts. She moaned in pleasure, her cheek plastered against the wall of the shower. Her skin tingled where his fingers touched her sides, each of his calluses bringing more eroticism.

  Breathing was more and more difficult as she soared closer to the euphoria the mere touch of this man brought her to. The intensity of his strokes increased as he drove into her over and over again.

  Eyes closed, she felt her body tingle with the feelings he created within her. Pants grew to moans which turned into screams of unadulterated pleasure. His fingers dug into her sides as her internal muscles tightened around him—

  "Welcome back to the beautiful Pac Norwest."

  Erin Watford jumped as her friend Tinker's deep voice shattered the images her mind had woven. The loud engine of the cargo plane they rode in reminded her they should be landing soon. Then there would be no time for dreams, for harsh reality faced them on the ground of the Pacific Northwest where there was a battle against a raging wildfire.

  "Damn you, Tinker,” she snarled in an aroused voice as she desperately tried to hold onto her dream man and his magical, sinful touch. While Tinker was extremely handsome with his inch over six feet high body filled with lean muscles, dark blond hair cut in a crew cut, and blue eyes that were made for the bedroom, she had no romantic feelings for him. He was a friend, a very good friend, but still only a friend.

  The blond man beside her leaned in close. “Sorry, Mongoose,” he whispered, using her nickname. “I had to wake you. Your moans, despite being very lovely, were getting much louder."

  She felt the flush of embarrassment creep over her dark cheeks. Thank God for my darker skin. “Shut up,” she ground out. The harsh words were belied by the smile that crept across her face.

  Positioning his mouth by her ear, he muttered, “When are you gonna moan like that for me?"

  Without missing a beat, Erin turned her head so their mouths were scant millimetres apart and breathed huskily, “As soon as,” her eyes fluttered, “you abstain for a month."

  Tinker's eyes grew wide before he erupted with laughter. “That's not fair,” he protested as the plane slowed to a stop.

  "Guess I'm just not worth losing the hordes of women you sleep with.” Erin had no animosity in her voice. Tinker was a confirmed bachelor, he loved women and never seemed to be lacking for feminine companionship. He flirted nonstop, heavily and outrageously with her, but he also respected that they were members of the same fire fighting team and would never share the same bed.

  "Damn,” he complained. “You know, you're the only woman who turns me down. Not to mention the only one I keep chasing."

  "Flyboys do love the chase.” Erin unbuckled herself, stood and tapped a finger on the end of his nose. She stepped past him and grabbed her bag as she headed for the rear hatch of the plane which had been lowered. Two steps were taken before she looked back. “Besides, you don't want me. The first time you pissed me off, I'd knock you on your ass."

  Leaving him, she walked off the plane with her good friend, Harriet, another mechanic. Her eyes took in the area where her team's planes and choppers were located. It was a makeshift hanger, but considering they had been asked to assist, it was expected. She inhaled deeply and smiled as the familiar scent of jet fuel drifted to her then frowned as she picked up the smell of smoke from the fires.

  "Check in at base ops once you stow your gear. Our tents are number three and four,” the crew chief yelled to them as they disembarked. “Mess hall is in the fixed building. Ops is in the tower."

  "Look at all these tents and planes, Harriet. Things must be really bad if there are this many here,” Erin said as they headed into a military-green tent.

  "I know. Let's get going.” They put their things in supplied lock boxes and slapped their own locks on them.

  Walking across the compound with Harriet, Erin slipped her key into her front pocket. The roar of planes grabbed her attention one more time before she walked into base ops at the observation tower.

  The women checked in, were assigned radios and l
eft to grab some chow, famished after the five-hour flight from home. As they stood on the porch of the mess building, a pair of extraction helicopters landed. The doors opened, and six bodies left each one.

  The disembarking figures still wore all their fire fighting gear, so it was impossible to tell their sex. Some limped, and those who didn't assisted them. With a single mind, the group headed for the green tent with a medical cross sign before the entrance. Both helos lifted off again the moment all personnel were clear.

  The women were silent as they watched the parade of yellow disappear into the tent. Then they continued on to the only fixed structure aside from the hanger and tower.

  Erin followed Harriet inside and smiled. The interior of the old log building was open with cathedral ceilings. Her nose was assaulted with the smell of greasy but filling food, and her ears by the hustle and bustle of the people who milled around.

  Erin took in the familiar faces, and as Harriet inhaled sharply, she immediately homed in on what, or rather who, her friend had seen. Knowing full well that Harriet would take off in the opposite direction, Erin patted her hand in silent reassurance and went to say hello.

  "Heard the Hellcats had been asked to come,” a tall burly man said as he picked up Erin and hugged her tightly.

  She laughed as she kissed his bearded cheek. “Good to see you, Darwin. Wish it was under different circumstances, although this bushy look is new and intriguing."

  He set her down, his six-seven figure dwarfing her five-seven frame. “Very true. I thought it was time for a change.” He shrugged. “You, on the other hand, look better and better every time I see you.” Darwin looked across the room to where Harriet glowered at him as she spoke with other people. “Is she still mad at me?"

  "You'd have to ask Harriet that, but I'd go with a yes."

  Darwin sighed. “I didn't mean to hurt her. Is she seeing anyone?"

  Holding up her hands, Erin shook her head. “Don't start. I'm staying neutral in this, I love both of you and this is between the two of you, so kindly keep me out of it. But I have to say, if she was seeing someone ... you do remember that you two are divorced, right? So it really wouldn't be any of your business."

  "Sorry. Didn't mean to put you in an awkward position. I'm glad you're still friends with me.” Even as he spoke, his blue eyes cut back across the room where Harriet now stood with three men. A low rumble grew in his throat. “Is she seeing anyone?” he bit out, not looking away from the blonde woman.

  "This is between you all. You and Harriet. Not me.” Erin grabbed an apple from the table and tossed it up twice. Pulling a Swiss Army knife out of her jeans pocket, she cut a chunk off and ate it. “Washington apples, nothing like ‘em."

  The man beside her grunted.

  "Any place to get a workout here?” Erin asked calmly although well aware of Darwin's increasing agitation.

  "Yeah,” he responded. “I'll take you."

  Eating another piece off her knife, she nodded while simultaneously frowning across the room at Harriet. “Thank you."

  He placed his large hand on her back and guided her to a doorway in the back. He spoke as they walked into the hallway. “Thanks for not interfering."

  That time she smiled, albeit a little sadly. They'd made such an awesome couple. “You're welcome. You know me. I like to mind my own business."

  He snorted in disbelief but remained otherwise silent. He took her to a room with exercise equipment, weights, and in the centre, a makeshift boxing ring.

  I can't believe they have one. “All right,” she murmured with immense approval.

  "Thought you'd like that."

  Currently, there were two men in the ring. Erin knew them both. The first one, she glossed over with her gaze. The other man was different. The white sleeveless tee contrasted perfectly with his dark mocha skin, and his blue shorts accentuated the muscles in his strong legs and firm ass, catching her attention in many ways.

  His head was shaved, and Erin knew his medium brown eyes could wipe away any resistance she might attempt against him. TJ. Her body shuddered with longing. This man put LL Cool J to shame with the amount of raw sexuality he oozed.

  Six feet and one inch of raw masculine power stood in that ring. One of the most athletic men she knew in this world. And her eyes saw beneath the clothes, few that there were, and travelled over the tight eight-pack of rippling abdominals, sinful pectorals and the nearly hairless chest.

  Erin saw him, how she preferred to see him. Naked. She had loved this man just today in her dreams on the flight out and now he was before her, in all his dark glory.

  Erin walked closer to the ring, absently cutting another piece of fruit. The second the crisp apple touch her full dusky lips, his eyes met hers. The next moment, a left hook levelled him to the mat.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Two

  Shit, that hurt! It was like being broadsided by an eighteen wheeler. Teague Eyli Johnston lay on his back and waited until the thick log rafters came back into focus.

  "Teague, man, are you okay? I didn't think I'd land that punch.” The rafters were replaced by the concerned face of his sparring partner, Jeremy. “Come on. Say something. Anything."

  "You're still ugly,” he said, grinning at the scowl Jeremy showed. “No, I'm fine.” Teague waved off the offered hand.

  "Left hooks always were your weak spot,” an alto, yet most definitely feminine, voice said.

  It wasn't a vision, damn it all. Even her voice sounds the same. Teague closed his eyes briefly as long-controlled emotions swarmed up in him. He sat up slowly and looked through the ropes.

  There she stood. The woman he had loved with everything he possessed for eight blissful months. She had taken him on the ride of his life then, out of nowhere, levelled him flat with a punch he hadn't even seen coming. She'd left. Erin Selene Watford. Out of all the gin joints...

  Her stance was one of easy balance. She always was balanced perfectly, in and out of the boxing ring. She was still blessed with a stunning physique.

  Her medium-toned blue jeans fit loosely enough to be comfortable in yet tight enough to accentuate her rounded derriere. He saw her boots sticking out from the cuff, steel-toed as usual. A small black walkie-talkie was hooked onto her front left pocket. Tucked into her jeans was a cornflower blue t-shirt that hid her breasts from his view. Not that he didn't know what they looked like. Or how they tasted or felt in his hands.

  Healthy black hair hung in ringlets past her shoulders, and he clenched his fingers instinctively as the memory of its softness punched him in the gut. I'm not over her. She is so fucking beautiful.

  She still had a face that sped up his heart. Rich, dark-toffee skin covered her high cheekbones, plump lips and a flat button nose. Deep brown eyes stared back at him.

  As she held his gaze, Erin ate a bite of apple, her tongue sneaking out and tracing her lips, an automatic motion for her. Lord knows I know how often her tongue slips out to run over her lips. Mentally shaking himself, Teague groaned and stood, ignoring the curious look on Jeremy's face.

  Teague noticed her eyes following along his body. After all this time, she still reacts to me. That was filed away to be dissected later. An arrogant smirk crossed his features and grew to a full-fledged smile as he watched her gaze change from desire to challenge.

  You never liked to make things easy, Erin. It was always a challenge with you. You despise appearing weak. “You're right. Left hooks are my weakness. Not my only weakness as you well know. Hello, Erin,” he uttered even as his eyes burned away her clothing.

  "Hello, TJ, Jeremy,” she responded with a nod and a small smile. “It's been a while."

  "It's been over five years,” TJ countered smoothly, as he climbed out of the ring and walked over to stand before her.

  Teague allowed his gaze to travel over the tall man beside her. He was handsome enough. There was a knowing smile on that man's face as he offered his hand. “I know I've seen you around but we haven't
been introduced, I'm Darwin."

  Accepting the hand, he said, “Teague.” He shrugged. “Or TJ."

  "A pleasure.” Darwin clapped Erin on the shoulder. “I'll leave you two to catch up. There's something I need to do.” Focusing back on Teague, he continued, “Nice meeting you.” He walked away.

  Teague barely noticed he left. All his attention zeroed in on the woman who haunted his dreams, even now after all these years.

  "You just left,” he accused, not caring that Jeremy listened avidly.

  "We agreed to back off and move slower.” Her words were hesitant, almost as if she didn't believe them herself. Erin looked away and cut another piece of apple.

  "Move slower, Erin. I didn't mean stop moving at all together.” TJ stepped closer and bit back a moan of pleasure. She still wore the same gentle, alluring smell. Rice flower. And it still had the same effect on him, lust and arousal.

  Erin chewed slowly, and he was mesmerised by the action. She turned something as simple as eating a bite of apple into unrehearsed sensuality. Her jaw movement, the muscles in her throat as she swallowed ... she was live art, and the fact she was ignorant of the fact only heightened his craving for her.

  Only because he knew how to read her body's reaction to him did Teague know she was uncomfortable. He knew in that second he made her nervous.

  "We were moving in different directions.” Her words were strained.

  "Because you made it that way,” he reprimanded. I was ready to marry you.

  Her expressive eyes filled with tears that made them shimmer. The tears never fell.

  So fuckin’ reserved in public, Erin. No outward emotions allowed.

  "I ... I didn't ... it was...” She shrugged when the words failed to come.

  Teague opened his mouth seconds before the radio at her side crackled. “Hellcats are out next,” the voice interjected into their conversation.

  "I have to go.” Erin smiled slightly. “It was wonderful seeing you again.” She lifted the small black radio and pressed the button. “On my way.” With another small smile, she turned and headed off.