Kayla hadn’t realized that something as simple as dancing could be so arousing. Her skin tingled where it brushed against his.
She was caught in a tangled web of heat and desire. He twirled her away before tugging her sharply back. She fell against his chest and he caught her close.
“So beautiful,” he whispered. “So soft and delicious.” He ran his palms over her back.
Nuzzling at his chest, Kayla wished they were both naked. She craved the feel of his skin against hers. As if he’d heard her, he took a step back and slowly undid the buttons of her shirt. He drew it over her shoulders, leaving her arms caught in the sleeves as he kissed the top of her breasts.
“I could spend hours loving these breasts.”
“Hmm, I like the sound of that,” she gasped. “Just not tonight.”
“No,” he agreed, tugging her shirt off and throwing it across the room. “Not tonight.”
“Cord,” she moaned. She was being consumed by arousal. Each time he brushed against her pussy, her clit throbbed mercilessly. Reaching around, he unclipped her bra, freeing her breasts. Her nipples grazed his chest as he tugged her close once more.
“Hungry, angel?” he asked. His mouth descended to nip sharply along her shoulder and neck and her knees gave way, a whimper of sheer rapture passing through her lips.
“Yes. Please. I need you, now.”
“But I’m only getting started. Don’t you like dancing with me?”
She grabbed his t-shirt, tugging it over his head.
“More than I can say. Too much,” she panted. “I’ve never danced like this before.”
“Good,” he growled, dipping her suddenly. Her head spun. He drew her back up and kissed her hard. He grinned as he moved his hand between them and cupped her mound. “Are you wet, baby?”
Kayla drew in a shaky breath. His thumb rubbed her clit through her pants, electricity firing through her blood. The sensations riding her were delicious, decadent, and yet it wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough.
“If I stroked you, would my fingers come away coated in your dew?”
“You know they would.”
“Hmm, I think I’d better check.” Cord undid her pants and helped her step out of them. Pushing her panties to one side, he slipped a finger along her slit, driving it up through her passage as she groaned, the walls of her pussy contracting around him.
“You’re so slick, so hot.”
She stared up into his eyes, unable to look away, riveted by the way he gazed at her. As if she was everything he’d ever dreamed of and more. It made her feel powerful, wanton, beautiful.
Kayla widened her legs, giving him greater access, hoping he’d take things further. But he withdrew his finger. Thick moisture coated his digit. Holding it up to his mouth, he sucked, humming.
Reaching for the buttons on his jeans, she undid them, stripping him. But before she could enjoy the bounty she’d released, Cord turned her, spooning her from behind. Nestling his cock against her lower back, he cupped her breasts, pinching her nipples sharply.
Kayla clasped his upper arms, trying to find something to anchor her.
“Your skin feels like silk.” His breath bathed her ear, pulling her completely under his spell. “I love the way you cream for me, the way you whimper and moan in my arms. Pull your panties down.”
Gasping for breath, she followed his order. She kicked the black lace away.
“I have a present for you,” he murmured. “Stay right where you are.”
She heard the rustling of a bag. Looking over her shoulder, she watched Cord preparing a butt plug.
“Oh hell,” she muttered, knowing this would send her over the edge. There was something so darkly decadent about her bottom being filled. Her legs were already shaking, her pussy weeping desperately.
“Lean forward, baby. Use the dresser to support you.”
Kayla bent over, widening her legs to help her balance. She took a deep, shuddering breath as Cord pushed a wet finger inside her.
“Good girl, relax now. There you go.”
She whimpered as he pressed the plug slowly inside her.
“Beautiful,” he said huskily. She warmed at the approval in his voice. “Now take a deep breath and push out. There you go, that was the widest part. You look so gorgeous right now.” Cord rubbed her butt as he whispered words of praise.
“Please Cord, please, I can’t bear it.”
She needed more.
Kayla dropped her head forward, panting, shaking with need.
“Cord. I want you inside me. Now.”
“Hmm, I don’t think so. I think I’ll drive you crazy first.” Cord placed one arm around her waist as he moved his other hand to her mound. One finger penetrated her sheath, another quickly joining it.
“No!” She grasped his wrist with her hand, trying to tug him away from her. “Please.” It made no difference. He ignored her, continuing to torture her until she was sobbing, pleading. When Kayla thought she could take no more, and the only thing holding her up was his arm around her waist, he turned her, lifting her. Her legs automatically surrounded his hips.
Cord lowered her, his cock piercing her slowly. Kayla tried to move, to drive herself up and down, but he held her hips.
“Stay still.”
“I can’t,” she cried, wiggling. Two wicked slaps landed on her bottom, making her pussy spasm in response.
“If you don’t behave I’m going to stop.”
“No, no, no…”
He wouldn’t, would he?
She stopped moving.
Just in case.
Cord walked over to the large wooden desk in the corner of the room and laid her across it.
The shock of cool wood against her overheated skin made her shiver. But then Cord drew her legs up over his shoulders and drove himself into her. All color disappeared, the world turning black and white and spinning crazily around her. She took off, her orgasm making her shudder and cry.
Her sheath pulsed and clenched with each aftershock that rocked her.
Kayla drifted down from her high, only to be thrown over the edge again when Cord came. She grasped his shoulders, holding him to her.
“Damn, damn, damn, that was better than I’d dreamed of,” he panted, collapsing over her.
“Yeah,” she agreed, lying back weakly. “I’ve definitely never danced like that before.”
Chapter Eight
Kayla mumbled grumpily in her sleep, making Cord smile as he climbed from the bed to answer his phone. He stepped into the living area, his smile disappearing when he saw the caller ID.
“Luke, what’s going on?”
A lot of background noise came through the phone as though the other man was on the move. “Sam found Lily.”
“What? Where? And where are you?” Cord turned to glance at Nash as he opened the door connecting their suites.
“He found her in Riverside. I can’t believe she’s so close. I’m leaving to go there now.”
“Look, I’m coming with you.” The last thing he wanted was to leave Kayla, but he also didn’t like the feel of this. Luke might need his help.
It had been a week since Nash had been shot. He’d gotten out of hospital five days ago and was quickly mending. He could watch over Kayla for the short time Cord would be gone.
“Appreciate it, man.”
Cord hung up after they’d arranged to meet. He turned toward Nash who was leaning against the doorway leading to his connected suite.
“You’re leaving now?” Nash asked, obviously having got the gist of the conversation.
“As soon as I explain this to Kayla.”
“Explain what?” she called out. “And it had better be good to wake me up this early.”
“Coffee?” He sweetened the deal.
“Humph,” she replied. Nash glanced over at him, his lips twitching.
“Not fond of mornings, is she?”
Cord snorted in reply before giving Nash the full details of Luke’s call.
Nash frowned. “Something doesn’t feel right about this.”
Cord shook his head. “I don’t like it either. But we’re just going to pick her up. I should be back later tonight, if all things go smoothly. You’re here, Kayla will be protected.”
“Damn straight.” Nash narrowed his eyes. “I was hoping the call was about Evan. Still heard nothing about him?”
“No, he’s completely disappeared. No one has seen him since the day you were shot.”
“Probably him who shot me then. Why else would he have done a runner now? And I kinda liked the kid. Didn’t think he had it in him to hurt someone.”
“Me neither. I wanted it to be Reed.”
Nash snorted. “That’s because he hit on your woman.”
“Bastard,” Cord snarled as he poured a dark coffee into Kayla’s favorite mug.
“You think he’s done a runner? Evan, I mean.”
“I don’t know. Possibly. But I’m not letting down my guard.”
* * * * *
“No, Kayla.” His voice was calm as he finished dressing. Pulling up the leg of his pants, he strapped a knife against his calf. Kayla swallowed heavily.
She’d been fruitlessly arguing with him for the last thirty minutes. So far his only contribution was “No, Kayla” and “Hell no, Kayla”.
“But he’s my brother. I’ll stay completely out of the way.”
Cord turned, clasping her shoulders in a firm grip. “Baby, listen. If you came along I would spend the whole time worrying about you. Okay? Now while I am gone you are to do everything Nash tells you to. Do you understand?”
“But I—”
“No buts, no protests, no pleas. This is not negotiable, Kayla. I have made up my mind.” He turned away and she knew he’d already dismissed their conversation.
He annoyed and frustrated her no end. But she wasn’t going to argue with him anymore. She didn’t want him distracted. She’d never forgive herself if he got hurt because he was worried about her.
“Fine, I’ll do what Nash tells me. Just keep yourself safe, all right?”
“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll be back all too soon, bossing you around.”
She snorted. “Jerk.” She punched him lightly on the arm, squealing as he gathered her close and kissed her.
“You’ll miss me.”
“Yeah, I will.” She hugged him tight. “You just make sure nothing happens to you. Promise?”
“Promise.”
* * * * *
Luke tapped his fingers against his thigh before checking his phone for what seemed like the fiftieth time since they’d left the city nearly two hours ago.
“He should’ve called by now.”
Sam had rung them nearly an hour ago saying he’d tracked Lily to a motel. He was going to check on her.
Luke’s phone rang.
“Did you find her?” he asked tensely. “What?” Cord looked over at him briefly.
“Fuck. Yeah, okay. Shit. Yep, keep us updated, we can’t be too far behind you.”
“What’s going on?” Cord asked, alarmed by the fear in the other man’s voice. Luke held up a hand and shook his head, listening intently.
“All right, we’ll head that way now. Yep. Meet you there.”
He hung up and reached for the GPS. “We need to head west.”
“Why?” Cord asked.
“When Sam got to the motel where she was staying, he parked around the corner and went to look on foot. As he was approaching the motel he saw someone who looked like Lily talking with a big guy in the parking lot. Then she got in a dark car with him and they sped off. Sam raced back to his car. Luckily he managed to catch up to them. He’s following them now and they’re headed west.”
“Then so are we,” Cord replied. He kept his voice confident, not wanting Luke to see how worried he was. “Call Nash, tell him what’s going on.” Cord pressed harder on the accelerator, hoping they would get there in time.
But he knew very well that Lily could already be dead.
* * * * *
Nash hung up his phone. Kayla had heard enough of his side of the conversation to gather something was wrong.
“Nash? What was that about?”
“Hey there. Anyone for a latte?”
Kayla glanced over at Reed. He stood in the doorway of her office, holding a tray of coffees in one hand and a paper bag in the other.
“Sorry, did I interrupt something?” he asked with a sheepish smile.
“No,” she said even as Nash barked out, “Yes.”
Kayla sent Nash a quelling look before smiling up at Reed. She felt sorry for the guy and there was no need to be rude. Particularly when he’d brought coffee.
“Thank you. That’s so thoughtful.” Kayla rose to get the lattes but Reed waved her off, handing first Nash then herself a large cup.
Reed sat and chatted with her. Nash participated with the occasional grunt. Kayla kicked him under the table. Nash didn’t even glance up, just sipped his drink and kept working.
After about five minutes she noticed Nash had gone completely still.
“Nash? Nash?” She frowned as he slumped over. Rising, she reached over and grabbed his shoulder, shaking him. “He’s not waking up,” she gasped, panicking. “Something’s wrong with him.”
She glanced over at Reed, expecting him to react quickly. Instead he stood and pulled a gun from the paper bag she’d thought had held his lunch. She stared down the barrel as he pointed it at her.
“What are you doing?” She looked at Nash and fear morphed into fury. “What have you done to him? Did you drug him?”
“I did. Well done. You do have some brains. I was beginning to wonder. Come here.”
“But—”
He pointed the gun at Nash. “Or I could just shoot him. My brother may have missed before, but I won’t make the same mistake.”
Kayla breathed in sharply, panic threatening to overwhelm her. But Nash was helpless. She couldn’t let him down, she had to protect him.
“Don’t hurt him. I’ll go with you quietly as long as you don’t shoot him,” she promised.
Kayla walked toward him and Reed grabbed her arm harshly, shoving her ahead of him.
“Get moving. You try to talk or signal anyone and I will shoot them, understand?”
His voice was cold, icy. How had she ever felt sorry for this guy?
“My brothers—”
“Aren’t here. Keep moving.” He prodded the gun against her side. She glanced down briefly to see he’d covered it with the sleeve of his shirt. Only the end of the barrel poked out.
Reed forced her toward a dark car, maneuvering her roughly into the backseat. A large man sat in the driver’s seat, but he didn’t turn around, just started the car and drove off.
She attempted to move to the far side, but Reed kept hold of her arm.
“What did you give to Nash? Will he be all right?” She chewed on her lip nervously.
Reed grinned. “He’s dead by now. The drug I gave him works quickly.”
“You bastard!” She tried to wrench her arm out of his hold but he tightened his grip. Kayla winced, biting back a gasp of pain, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing he’d hurt her. Fisting her free hand, she flung her arm forward, aiming for his face. Reed subdued her easily, shoving her back against the door before backhanding her across the face.
Tears welled in her eyes as she cradled her throbbing cheek.
“Don’t try that again,” he snarled, losing his cool. “I don’t want to kill you. Yet. But if you annoy me I will.”
She stilled. She needed to survive. She needed another chance to hold Cord, to tell him she loved him. There was no way she was going to let this guy rob her of her life.
“Why are you doing this? What did I ever do to you?” Tremors racked her body, making her voice shake.
Reed smirked, his thumb rubbing her arm causing her stomach to lurch in disgust. She raised her chin, refusing to show any fear.
“Why nothing, sweetheart. You’ve done nothing to me.”
“Then why, for God’s sake?”
“Revenge.”
“Reed,” the driver hissed a warning from the front seat, but Reed shrugged.
“What does it matter? She’ll be dead soon anyway.”
Her stomach dropped. Panic bubbled, threatening to strangle her. Kayla took deep, calming breaths. She could not afford a panic attack right now—could not be vulnerable in front of these vultures.
“Revenge against who?” she managed to ask, trying to keep her mind off her rising nausea.
“Against your brother. He killed our older brother. We could’ve taken him out. We had plenty of chances. But we decided letting him live with the knowledge that he’s to blame for the death of his little sister and his adulterous lover is worse.”
Kayla gulped. How was she going to get out of this?
She took a deep breath, calming herself. Cord would come for her. And he wouldn’t stop looking. Reed didn’t know what he was up against.
She lay back against the seat, knowing she’d need all her energy and wits about her. She’d wait, and if there was any chance, she’d take it.
“Damn right,” she muttered, feeling some of her old spark flicker back to life. Reed sent her an odd look but she ignored him.
She hadn’t just found Cord to leave him now. She didn’t know exactly what the future would bring but she wanted to be alive to have a future.
She could do this.
And then she’d make Reed regret ever taking her.
* * * * *
Over an hour later, Cord spotted Sam on the side of the road.
“There he is,” he told Luke.
Sam had directed Cord and Luke to meet him here—a quiet area on the edge of Lake Wahoo.
“Where’s his car?”
“Probably hidden away, which is what we’ll do.”
Cord drove past Sam and pulled down an old side road about half a mile along.
“We need to get to her. We’re wasting time,” Luke exclaimed.
“Luke, calm your shit down, man. You’ve got to let Sam and me handle this. You go storming the place and you’ll get her killed.”
Luke tensed then let out a deep breath, nodding. Cord grabbed his rifle from the rear of the truck and slung it over his shoulder. He handed Luke his spare handgun.