Wrap with Love, page 18
Kings vulgar words keep fluttering through my mind. I can’t stop thinking about what it would feel like if he actually was balls deep inside of me. I don’t usually get turned on by dirty talk but something about him has me feeling a certain way. I do my best to shake those thoughts from my head, remembering that I’m here for one reason and that’s Danny.
I’m not here to be King’s woman. Whatever the hell that even means. Maybe it has a totally different meaning in these parts. A smile flits across my mouth. Tomorrow, I may just lie to him and say that I tried to call my boyfriend but my phone isn't getting service. I decide that I’m going to do exactly that.
I’m way too excited to see his reaction when he thinks I belong to another man. I should feel bad but I don’t since he was cocky and tried to declare that I was his. I don’t take crap from anyone and this big, giant, no first name King guy isn’t any different.
five
KING
When Weston comes downstairs the next morning wearing my clothes, I decide that I am an utter genius. “We’ll have to burn all of your clothes.”
“Why’s that?” She frowns.
“Because you won’t be wearing anything that’s not mine anymore. Got a call from Jake and he and your sister should be here this afternoon. What do you want to eat?”
“I’m not hungry and there will be no burning of anything.” She holds up her phone with the charging cord dangling from it. “Do you have a plugin I can use? I need to call my boyfriend.”
My good mood heads straight down the shitter. “Your what?”
I thought we had already cleared the fact that she had no man in her life.
“My boyfriend. He’s an MMA fighter. Very big. Fit.” Her eyes sweep over me and I see a flicker of interest before it disappears. “Toned. Sexy.”
She throws out the one-word adjectives like she’s trying to create a shield against her attraction to me. It’s some real bullshit. I fold my arms across my chest.
“No. There are no chargers in this house.” Absolutely zero for her purpose.
She points to the wall. “Won’t that plugin over there fit?”
I spin out of my chair and snatch the charger out of the wall, throw it on the ground and crush it beneath my boot heel. Whistling tunelessly, I pretend none of that happened and say, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Her nose goes up. “Fine. It’s not like I need it. I still have fifty percent charge on my phone which is more than enough for me to have a sweet conversation with my man.”
I see two options here. Her phone gets destroyed or we go someplace where there’s no cell service. The broken plastic and wires crunch underfoot as I walk toward her. She backs up, holding her phone protectively to her chest. The back of the couch stops her progress.
I lean forward. She leans backward. She feels warm from this distance, like a little radiator that could heat you up during the cold winter nights. She smells good, too. I inhale and catch the faint hint of peaches. A smile flits across my lips. She’s not as immune to me as she pretends to be. Guess her phone is safe. If she has a man, she’ll be breaking up with him because Weston belongs to me.
“Wh-what are you doing?” She stutters.
I’m going to play her bluff. I pluck the phone from her limp grip. “Calling your boyfriend. What’s his number?”
“Ah, well, I don’t know if he’s home right now. He travels a lot for sales.”
“I thought you said he was an MMA fighter.”
“Oh, right, well—” She brushes a nervous hand across her forehead. “He’s selling his services. His fighting services.”
“What’s his name? I watch some MMA. I might have seen him.”
“I highly doubt that!” She says in a high-pitched, anxious tone. The pulse point in her neck flutters wildly. I’d like to press my lips at that very spot and feel her heart beat against my mouth. Soon. That’ll happen very soon.
“Maybe we could search him up on the internet and watch some of his moves so I know what I’m getting into.”
“He’s busy,” she repeats testily.
“Then while your phone is charging, we’ll go and feed the dogs.” I straighten, pulling her upright. Her breasts brush my chest and my dick instantly stands to attention. I can tell by her small gasp and widening eyes that my hard-on does not go unnoticed.
“That’s right, baby,” I tell her. “It doesn’t matter who you have in your little favorites list, the only man in your life from this day on is going to be me.”
I leave her there, bracing herself against the sofa and march over to the utility drawer in the kitchen. Inside there’s a spare adapter. I attach her phone cord and plug it in.
“I thought you said you didn’t have a plugin.”
“Guess I was wrong.” From the hall closet, I find a pair of rubber boots, soft socks and a big down coat that’ll cover her from neck to ankle. I add a couple foot warmers for good measure. “Come over here and get geared up. The dogs are hungry.”
It takes her a few seconds to compose herself. I’m not sure what she’s grappling with—her desire or mine. Either way, we’ll have to do something about it tonight or neither of us are going to get any sleep.
“What kind of dogs do you have?” She asks as she approaches.
“Sled dogs. I’ve got a couple malamutes and a husky. They’re a little rambunctious but friendly. You scared of them?”
She shakes her head. “No. I love dogs.”
“Good. Put your feet into here.” I hold the socks up for her. Her hand comes down to rest lightly on my shoulder while she shoves her dainty foot inside, the pale toes disappearing into the wool. I’ll be sucking on those later. I pull the long wool up over her muscular calves and underneath the hem of the gym shorts. Her breath hitches when my fingers brush against the tender skin behind her knee and then stops altogether when my hands stop around her lower thigh. Her legs tremble under my touch and the hand on my shoulder becomes heavier as she forgets that she doesn’t want me close. I could nudge up the shorts with my nose. I could sweep my hands higher under these baggy shorts. The heat coming from the core of her body is tempting me. It’s as if there’s no barrier between her sex and my hand and if I’d just move up slightly, I’d be able to feel the wet fire of her cunt. My hands move slowly, waiting for a sign to stop, but there’s nothing but silence.
“I’m about two seconds away from petting your pussy so if you don’t want that to happen, you better tell me now.”
A hand slaps on top of mine. “Stop.” It’s softly spoken but a no’s a no in my world.
My hands fall to the ground and I lean my head against her thigh, waiting for some blood to return to my brain. I shouldn’t have ever said a word. If I’d kept my big mouth shut, I’d be knuckle deep in her cunt at this very moment, feeling her wet walls squeeze my fingers as I fucked her with my hand. Then I’d turn her over the sofa, get my cock out, and bury myself inside of her. Fuck me and fuck my principles.
six
HAYDEN
I gasp as we step outside into the cold. I’m thankful for it. It chills my heated body while quickly distracting me from what I’m feeling toward King. It took everything in me to tell him to stop. I had to force the words past my lips. I’d regretted saying them instantly and wished I could have taken them back. This attraction I have for him is something that I can’t understand. I’ve never felt this toward a man before. I mean, I’ve found men handsome but they’ve never made me ache for them. I don’t want to instigate it but still I keep poking at him to get a rise. I love how his jaw clenches and the heat flashes in his eyes when I do it. He’d gotten so jealous over the whole boyfriend story that I made up. I know it was a little immature but I don’t appreciate him trying to boss me so I needed to needle him a bit. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit how much I enjoyed his reaction.
Over the years I’ve worked around a lot of men and none of them ever tried to hit on me. To them, I was always one of the guys. If Danny were here she’d call bullshit on that one but she couldn’t argue with the fact that no one has ever asked me out or declared that I was their woman. It’s probably because they know better. It would get them a quick punch to their nuts but I don’t find myself wanting to punch King. Especially not in his nuts. Those seem important to me now. Everything about him does. That’s what has me on edge with him. He evokes feelings in me that I have no right having. I’m here for Danny and I need to keep reminding myself of that.
It gets cold in the winter where I’m from but this is a whole other level. The wind isn't helping much by picking up some of the snow and blowing it around. I take a step into the mound of it, wondering how deep it has gotten now. The cold might be worth it seeing how beautiful it is here. I misjudged the depth of the snow and realize a little too late how deep it really is. I start to fall but a giant arm wraps around me, keeping me from face planting into the snow.
“Careful, Slick.” He pulls me into his warm body while wrapping his arms around me. “We’re going to have to get you better winter gear. As much as I enjoy seeing you in my clothes, I want you warm and safe more.”
“I’m not staying. Don't waste your time or effort getting me any gear.” I tilt my chin up in defiance. “I’m here for my sister,” I remind him and myself. I’m not sure who needs the reminder more at this point.
“Whatever you say, Slick.”
I narrow my eyes on him. “Why are you calling me that?”
He starts walking, guiding me with him so that I don’t fall over in the snow. “You got a slick mouth that’s going to get you a tanned ass.”
My mouth falls open.
“You did not just say that,” I whisper loudly in shock. So much for the cold air cooling down my body. It lights up all over again like when he was dressing me. Before I can come up with a good retort, I notice two big dogs happily running toward me. King lets out a whistle and they both immediately stop running and sit at attention, obeying his command. I have to say that I can’t blame them. I know if I let it, my body would listen to whatever order he gave it.
“They’re beautiful.” A moment later two more come running from around a barn. They see the other two dogs sitting and do the same. They wait next to each other as they stare at King waiting for his next order. It’s easy to see who the alpha is around here.
He gives another whistle, this one lower. They jump up and continue to run our way. They circle around us. I think they are going to jump up on him but they don’t. I can tell they want to but have been trained not to. I drop to my knees, not caring if I get covered in snow. I’m going to die if I don’t get to pet them soon. Unlike with King, all of them bombard me, practically knocking me over in the snow as they try to lick my face. I laugh as I try to give them each a little attention. Our fun comes to a halt when King throws out some command having them act all serious again. I watch as he walks over and reaches out his hand to help me up.
“Seems as though you cause everyone to act out of place when you’re around, Slick.” This time I laugh. I’m going to pretend I’m on a cuteness high from all of the adorable dogs.
“They are sled dogs?” I reach down and pet the smallest one’s head. He leans into my side, enjoying my attention.
“I take them out a few times a week. They enjoy it but mainly they keep an eye on things around here.”
I look around and see small cabins placed all about. Not too close together so you can have privacy but close enough with walkways that look to be shoveled already from the last bout of snow.
“What is this place? My sister said she was coming here to lay low. To lend a hand.” There is more to this place than I’m putting together.
“I’m kind of hoping your sister stays. Cyn made up our nicest cabin just for her.” My stomach knots. Not only because I want my sister to come home with me but jealousy curls its ugly head and I get a taste of my own medicine.
“Sorry to break it to you but she’s going where I’m going. Home.” I watch as a small spark of irritation crosses his face before it turns into a smirk.
“I guess she’s staying then because your home is where I am and I’m here.”
seven
KING
She opens her mouth and I know something smart was coming out but at the last moment she decides against it. I’m disappointed. I like sparring with her. It shows she’s not afraid of me.
I crouch down close to her. She needs to get used to feeling me by her side at all times--so used to it that when I’m not there, she doesn’t feel right.
“What is it that you do when you’re not trying to rescue your sister?”
Slick snaps her fingers in my face. “Ah ha,” she crows. “So you admit my sister needs rescuing.”
“Nah. I’m just repeating what you said earlier. Your sister’s fine. She’ll like it here and when she’s ready she can leave if she wants. No one is keeping her any place she doesn’t want to be. Are you avoiding my question because you’re embarrassed about your job? You shouldn’t be. All jobs are valid.”
“I’m a vet tech and if she can leave whenever she wants, then as soon as your Jake brings her, we’ll be gone.”
I opt not to respond because it’ll only be repetitive. I’m keeping Slick and nothing will change my mind. “What’s a vet tech do?”
“Everything a vet does but surgery.”
“Hmm. That’s good. I’ve always wanted more animals here, but don’t have much experience with taking care of them.” I dig my hands into Blue’s ruff and give it a good scratch. The old boy rubs his chin against my knee. “Having a vet tech on staff will make a big difference. Guess we’ll have to build a barn. Think it should be heated?”
“Heated barns are nice but really expensive. I’ve heard if you use radiant floor heating it’s better--” Slick stops petting Lucy and shoots me an annoyed look. “There’s no we here so if you build a barn, it’s because you want to and no other reason.”
She’s really set on keeping her distance. I’m starting to wonder if it’s going to take more than a day to get her into my bed. My dick howls its metaphorical head off in dismay.
“Heated barn with a radiant floor it is. I’ll fly an architect up here tomorrow. Jake and Cyn can go fetch him.”
“Didn’t you hear what I said?”
“I did.” I give Blue one last firm pat before standing. “But your words don’t track with my plans so I’m ignoring them.” I hold out a hand. “Want to take a tour of the cabins? I’ve got two empties waiting for their visitors if you want to see.” I know she’s curious. Every time I’ve mentioned the cabins, a questioning light pops into her eyes.
“If you’re ignoring my words, I’m ignoring yours.” She disregards my hand and rises on her own, dusting her hands against her jacket. “You may show me a cabin.” She jerks her chin like she’s the Queen of England. I love it.
“Come on then, Slick.” I head in the direction of cabin number five. The walk is cleared but there’s quite a bit of snow to cover before we hit pavement. I’d have taken her hand in mine, but she might’ve slapped me and in the cold, that sort of blow can sting like a mothereffer. As we walk side by side, I keep an eye out for Slick, who is struggling a bit with the long coat. After watching her wobble a third time, I sweep her into my arms.
“I can walk,” she declares, batting her hands against the steel cage of my arms.
“Yeah, I know. You can talk, shower, and eat by yourself, too, but someday I’m going to kiss you until you’re breathless, eat you out while the water rains down on your head, and feed you from my own hand so you might as well get used to me doing things for you now. Besides, I think Blue and Lucy were getting worried they were going to have to drag you out by your collar if you fell down.” The two dogs hop excitedly through the snow beside us.
The small pats turn to punches from her newly formed fists. “You are delusional!” she shouts. “Even if I wasn’t here for my sister, I wouldn’t climb into bed with a man who has clearly lost it.”
I set her down on the front stoop. “If you say so.” I open the door to cabin five and step aside. Cabin five is minimalist with heated cement floors, black custom cabinetry and a bank of windows that make you feel like you’re living outside. A cast iron stove hangs from the ceiling in the middle of the room to provide additional heat.
“This isn’t going to be my sister’s place. She’d hate it here,” Slick announces, but I notice that she seems interested. She trails her hands over the marble counter before checking out the fireplace. “You never told me what you do for a living or what this place is.”
“I don’t do anything but live here at the retreat.” At least, that’s what Cyn says. I do the books, invest my money, help build the cabins, fix any maintenance issues, and make sure the boogie man stays away from the gate.
She swings away from the fireplace and pins a narrow-eyed gaze on me. “How do you afford this? Is it drugs?”
“Not drugs. My old man had a lot of money and when he died, it came to me.” The old man meant to change his will but was too busy beating on my mom and sticking his dick into every passing vagina that he never got around to it. Medical reports say he died of a heart attack but I wouldn’t be surprised if one of his bedmates got tired of him and slipped something into his drink. “And this place”—I hold out my arms—“is for women and girls who need a place to stay while their shit gets sorted. My mom needed one of these but didn’t have it so she passed away from one fist to the gut too many.” The doc who treated her told me she didn’t have to die, that the injuries weren’t internal but her heart gave out anyway. I understood. I didn’t want to stay living around my old man either.
