Dare To Love Series: Icy Dare (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  “I thought so at first, but that really didn’t seem to be Clay’s style. However, people change. When they talked about selling me into slavery, I really didn’t think it was him. He wanted me for himself, not to sell to someone else.”

  “What’s Clay’s last name?”

  She rubbed her arms. Almost as if she was attempting to ward off the chill. The wipers on the car moved fast and, yet, still couldn’t keep up with the rain. Are we in the middle of a monsoon? He’d not seen rain like this in a while.

  “Thomas. His last name is Thomas.” Sakharre tugged the blanket up around her shoulders and closed her eyes. Moments later, she was, once again, sound asleep.

  He drove a few more hours before grabbing them a hotel room in Boise. He’d just hung up the phone from talking to Tyler when she stirred awake on the bed. He shoved his phone back in his pocket and walked toward her.

  She yawned behind her hand as she pushed to a sitting position. “Where are we?”

  “Boise.”

  “Still raining?”

  “Actually, it’s turned into snow. I decided to stop.” He cleared his throat and pointed to the chair by the bed. “I got you some more clothing. Thought you may want to change out of those.”

  “And should I ask how you know my size?” She swung her legs to the floor.

  It wasn’t difficult to pick up on her discomfort with the thought. He stood before her. “Really? After the night we shared? You want to ask me that?”

  “You mean with the gunfire?”

  He tipped up her chin. Merely touching her skin pumping lust through him. “No, babe. I said night. Not the day. The night. You know, the time when you were screaming my name as I licked you from head to toe. When your nails dug into my back, ripping skin and drawing blood. The way you reacted with my tongue or my fingers on your clit.” He leaned closer, loving the way her pupils dilated and her breathing hitched.

  “When I had my dick so far inside you, I could feel your heartbeat. The times you orgasmed.” He tucked some hair behind her ear. “I remember four. But I think there may have been more.”

  Her whimper couldn’t be contained, and he smiled, pressing her back until she lay beneath him. “Yes, that night. After all that time exploring your body, do you really think I won’t know the size? I held your breasts in my hands, and trust me when I say I know the size. I gripped your hips and your waist as I fucked you. Trust me, I know your measurements.”

  The heat in her eyes faded. “So, it’s a trick you do with the women you fuck. Congratulations.” She dampened her lips before pushing on his chest. “I’d like to get up please.”

  He let her go, watching her through narrowed eyes as she vanished into the bathroom with the clothes he’d gotten while she lay crashed on the bed. There was a shopping center not far from here.

  His dick was so hard it threatened to punch free of his jeans. He didn’t understand her. Why would she want distance? They were good together. Amazingly hot. No, she wasn’t stick thin; she had curves. And he loved them. Her large breasts and how they overflowed his hands. How they moved when she rode him like a pro.

  “Damn,” he swore as his pants threatened to cut off his cock. He readjusted himself and made his way to the bathroom, tugging his shirt off as he went.

  He stood there for a moment in the bathroom and watched her, hands on the waist of his pants. Her naked body glistened from the water she stood beneath. She had her head tipped back, and as she wiped the water from her face, she jumped at the sight of him there.

  “I’m showering,” she sputtered.

  “I see that.” He undid the button on his jeans. Her gaze riveted to him as he lowered the zipper. “I’m joining you.”

  She covered herself, and he shook his head while shoving down his jeans, dick springing free to stand proud and thick.

  “I’ve seen it all,” he said, gripping the base of his painfully hard cock. “Stop hiding yourself from me.” He stroked himself and walked toward the door separating him from her.

  The heat hit him as he opened it and stepped in. As did the scent of her body. The hotel had some nice aromatherapy bottles, and it was obvious she’d used one of them.

  “Don’t you have some thin girl to go after?”

  “Is that what this is about?” He shook his head. Dorian backed her to the wall and winced slightly as the water pelted him. Damn, she liked it hot.

  He dipped his head, claiming her mouth. Cupping her core, he pushed two fingers inside her heat. She gasped, opening enough so he could slide his tongue into her, even as she rose up on her toes. Pumping his wrist, he fucked her with his fingers. She came hard, coating him, but he didn’t stop.

  “Make no mistake,” he growled against her plump lips, still deep inside her wetness. “I love every curve you have.” He slipped in another finger.

  “Oh shit,” she cried, hand smacking him in the shoulder before she dug her nails in. She dropped and ground on him, taking him in as deep as she could.

  “Tell me you understand that, and you won’t hide yourself from me, again.”

  When she didn’t answer, he stopped pistioning his fingers. She grumbled and snapped her gaze to his.

  “Tell me,” he reiterated.

  “Right,” she said. “Whatever.”

  “No, not whatever.” He moved his fingers again, loving how her body clenched his. With his free hand, he pinched her nipple, pleased when her back arched, pushing more of her breast into his palm. “You are a beautiful and sexy woman. Surely you see that.”

  “I’m the one who’s introduced to potential dates as, well, she’s really nice or smart.” She bent her knees, bringing his fingers farther within her. “I don’t want to analyze this. I want to feel.”

  “Feel? My fingers? My dick? What do you want to feel?”

  He tweaked her nipple again, and she shuddered, her slick walls tightening around his fingers. He wanted that around his cock. Body used to the heated water now, he longed to fuck her until neither of them had the energy to stand. He thrust again with his digits and ate her moan.

  “Fuck me,” she panted.

  Yeah, he had the same idea. Replacing his fingers with his cock, he slammed deep inside her with one stroke. He lifted her so their mouths were even and began pumping his hips. She hooked her legs around his waist, taking what he gave. Her breasts jiggled, an erotic sight all their own, and her cries grew with each second.

  He wasn’t sure how long he was going to last doing this, but damn it all, he wanted her to come on his cock. Wanted to feel her internal muscles clenching him as they rippled around him. Longed to have her cry out his name as that pinnacle was scaled.

  Talk ceased as he pounded into her. Her body matching his for the passion and speed. They didn’t leave until the water had turned cool; even then, it was still a delayed reaction. She appeared soft and sleepy as he looked down at her while reaching out to shut off the water.

  “You look like you could use a nap.”

  “At least one.” She began to unhook her legs, but he shook his head at her.

  “Stay there. I’m carrying you to bed where we’re going to begin, again. I want you on top, breasts in my face, so I can suckle on them while I’m buried in you.”

  She tightened her hold and licked at his lower lip. “I really need to stay away from you.”

  “And?”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Just an observation.”

  “And a wrong one.” He cupped her ass and stepped from the shower, carrying her to the bed where he laid her back before rolling them over so she was on top. “Definitely a wrong one.”

  Sakharre rose above him, breasts hanging over his mouth, and he took one, grazing the nipple with his teeth as he grew harder inside her. She ground on him even as she moved his hands up over his head and said, “Stay like that.”

  He wanted to tie her up, not the other way around, but hell, this way worked for him. He was willing to be at her mercy, for a while. She rotated h
er hips, and he grunted. Oh yeah, this will work for a while.

  When they stopped, she slumped over on his chest, hearts pounding at a high rate and bodies were again sweaty. He liked her weight on him. Hell, he liked her with him. Her arms lay stretched out along his, and her face was buried in the small of his neck.

  With a gentle kiss to her temple, he sighed, allowing his lids to close, as a cloud of contentment swirled around him. A feeling in the past he would have run from without looking back.

  αβ

  “What did your brother say?”

  Dorian leaned against the doorjamb to the bathroom, clad only in a worn pair of low-riding jeans.

  “A bit of this and that.” Sakharre stared at her hands as she twisted them in the burgundy flowered bedding covering the foot of bed.

  “Something interesting on the bedspread?”

  She kept her gaze steadfast on the yellow flower. “He said Coach Carter spoke with him. Told him about Tyler.” She lifted her head and met his stare. “And you.”

  “Let me guess. He hates the idea of us being together.”

  Truthfully, Dorian didn’t look all put out with his statement. More amused than anything. Again, she diverted her attention to something other than his broad chest.

  A chest she’d licked warm honey off while he’d been cuffed to the headboard. Her clit throbbed, and she bit back her whimper as she struggled not to shift on the bed. That had ended with her in silver, screaming his name to the ceiling as he showed her new ways to enjoy chocolate syrup.

  “He’s trying to be protective.” She sighed, curling her toes in the socks on her feet. “Be the big brother he wasn’t.”

  “It’s cute. If I had a sister, I’d be the same way.”

  “Cute?” She met his gaze. “My brother is six-eight, well over three hundred pounds. Cute isn’t a word I would use to describe Louis.”

  “Then, there’s no reason for him to be upset, right?”

  “Exactly.” She cocked an eyebrow. “There’s nothing between us.” She cleared her throat when he tilted his head to the left. “I mean anything aside from passion. Nothing as in nothing permanent.” Lord, she was babbling. His expression didn’t put her at ease. Sakharre cleared her throat. “He didn’t mention the kidnapping. Am I to assume Mr. Dare didn’t mention it to him?”

  Dorian scratched his chest as he walked across the room to her. “The point was to get your brother to forget what was bothering him. Not to add to it.” He sat on the mattress edge and fell back, his head by her thigh. “Tyler, on the other hand, was extremely interested in the kidnapping.”

  Dorian readjusted, settling his head in her lap. Without much thought, she ran her fingers through his hair. Silky.

  “Why?”

  “Can’t say. He was also interested in Clay. Said he’d look into him and see what he could shake out.”

  “And?” Her hand stilled, and he moved it to his lips where he kissed her palm.

  “I’m going to get you back. When we’re in Miami, he’ll put a detail—”

  “No.” Her body went rigid at the thought.

  He gazed at her. “No? It won’t take long for them to round him up. Hell, it may even be done before we get back.”

  “I’m not allowing more men to follow me around. I left for that reason to begin with.”

  “You left because you were in danger. Now, you’ll be protected.”

  “Then, you do it,” she snapped. “They can call me when he’s gone. I have no desire to expose myself to the shit storm that would trail Clay being arrested. Until then, I’ll fly below the radar. Well below.” Her body, racked with tremors, wouldn’t calm no matter how much she tried.

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Because he has cop friends, and they could easily make my life a worse hell than being on the run.”

  He was silent for a moment before he switched their positions, so her head lay in his lap. She stared up at him, shocked at how fast he moved.

  “Do you really think Tyler would let any harm come to you? Or I would?”

  “He’s your friend, not mine. Don’t take it the wrong way, but I don’t trust him.” The shakes were gone, and she strove to control her breathing.

  “How should I take it exactly? This is a man I trust with my life and would do anything for.”

  “You stated it exactly. Your life. Problem is, this isn’t your life. It’s mine.” She wrung her hands. “I don’t mean any disrespect to him, but I haven’t met him. I’m leery.”

  “You didn’t know me, either.”

  “And look what I was like at the beginning.”

  “Point taken. You trust me now, don’t you?”

  “Yes.” The moment the word passed her lips, she knew it was truth. “I do.”

  “And I trust Tyler.” He spoke with finality.

  Sakharre understood that. By his reasoning, she should trust Tyler. Well, she didn’t. She couldn’t. Her trust was minimal. “Good for you.”

  Dorian ran his fingers along her skin. “You’re not staying, are you?”

  Again, he made it a statement. Pursing her lips, she shrugged.

  “That’s no life. You need to settle down. Get roots.”

  “And do you have that?”

  “We’re different.”

  She narrowed her gaze but merely reached for his hand, skimming her fingers along the scars on them. “How did you get these?”

  “Middle East.”

  “You were in the Army, right?”

  He traced her lips. “Yes.”

  “What did you do for them?”

  “Whatever they ordered me to do.” His gaze grew far away even as he continued the tactile assault on her features. “And, sometimes, more than I wanted to.”

  She wriggled closer, wishing she possessed the capability of erasing his pain. “That’s where you met Mr. Dare?”

  “I met him when I first joined up. After I met him, I went into the Rangers.”

  “Nice to have someone like that.”

  He lay beside her, hugging her close. Sakharre didn’t fight. She’d intended to be icy and cool toward him, but he continually found ways past that defense. Whatever she tried to throw up in the way was swiftly destroyed.

  Dorian didn’t ply her with flowery words as an attempt to get her to let him in He was just himself. Oddly enough, that was all it took. Yes, he rocked her world. In more ways than one. She barely knew him—other than on an intimate level—but he’d gotten beyond her walls, by her survival instincts. That voice in her head that warned her about involvements or attachments.

  Not to mention how dangerous it could be. After all, Clay had been against her best judgment.

  Look how well that turned out.

  “You’re thinking about something.”

  “Usually am. It’s a habit of mine.”

  “Smartass.” He pinched her lightly, and she jumped. “Not what I meant, and you know it.”

  “Nothing.” His hold tightened on her. “Honest. Just some wayward thoughts. Besides, I thought we were going to head out.”

  “We are. I think it’s time to change vehicles once more.”

  “I’m going to be wanted for a string of grand theft auto.” She disengaged from his limbs and went to put on her shoes. As she sat on the ottoman, she stared over at the man who still lay on the bed. He watched her in return, giving her a wink.

  How does he do it? Sets me at ease with nothing more than a look. She tied the last shoe and rose, swiping her pack that now had a companion to carry along— a small duffel of clothing.

  “Where are your things that you had? I’m sure you didn’t come from Miami with nothing to track me down.”

  “At the bus station in my car while I looked for you.” He pushed to his feet. “They’re holding it there, and I’ll get them after I finish the job.”

  Cold water splashed in her face with his words. No matter how good he was at putting her at ease, those words reminded all she was to him was a job, an
d once he got her back to Miami, he would be leaving.

  “Of course.” Her words were clipped and chilly.

  “I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “Sure you did. It’s what you’re doing, right? Leaving as soon as you can pawn me off on Mr. Dare and his detail?”

  “It’s not like that, at all.”

  “It is. I’m sure I am just a job. Probably one with a few perks, but hey, so long as the job gets done, who gives a damn who you have to lower yourself to sleep with, right?”

  “Don’t even—”

  She waved him silent. “Let’s just get going. We have a little over twenty hours, I think, until we get there. Let’s get it over with.”

  Sakharre brushed by him and headed for the door. This time, I’ll keep him at a distance. I won’t allow myself to create a fantasy with a man who’s looking to get rid of me the moment he can.

  Chapter Five

  Miami

  Dorian drove along the busy streets, one eye on traffic and the other on the woman sitting beside him. She sat straight, unbending as rebar, while she stared out the window. No expression changes as she gazed out at the high-end cars, scantily dressed women, and tree-lined streets. All he had to do was take her to Louis’ house, and Tyler would speak with her later.

  Guilt ate at Dorian’s gut. He should see it through, but all he’d been hired to do was find her and get her back. He did his job. Period. Stuff got messy when you went beyond what was required.

  The car swerved as his memories took him back to Stan where his world had been so full of blood, gunfire, and death. He’d lost a best friend doing what he’d thought was best and not what had been required of him. Had he done his job—only his job—Ricky would still be alive. Or so Dorian told himself right before he buried himself in another bottle of beer.

  And another. And another. Until he couldn’t remember anything other than what the insides of his lids looked like.

  Turning on his blinker, he slowed for the left turn. She still hadn’t said a word. But then, since they’d left twenty hours ago, she’d not said anything, really. Muttered yes or no on the rare occasion. Her glares were soft as a porcupine, but he ignored all of it, for he was too busy convincing himself she would be better off away from the drunk he was.