Lost in Flames (Lost Series Book 2) (8 page)

"And arm candy?" she asked with a forced smile, trying to lighten the mood and hoping it worked.

"Oh, you're gorgeous. You could pass as arm candy," he said with heat in his eyes as he scanned her from head to toe.

She forced her body to ignore his heated gaze and continued.

"I left one day when he was gone to work. My friend Sean helped me move my things into his place and I really thought it was all working out. Up until the fire started. I don't know how I made it out that day. All I know is that the smoke was so thick and I heard Sean calling my name." That was all she remembered, but ever since that day, she'd had so many nights of nightmares, then waking up and with the memory of his screams "I awoke on the sidewalk with EMT's getting me onto a gurney. Then the cops were coming to my room asking questions. I had no answers. And still didn't when they told me Sean had died."

"Shit. I'm so sorry."

"Richard showed up in my room and the pure joy in his eyes he showed when no one was around told me the truth. Then he actually threatened to hurt me and those I loved if I tried to leave again." She took a deep breath. "I tried to tell the cops."

"They didn't believe you." Mike shook his head.

"No. They are on his payroll. How could I trust anyone there? I had to run away. He caught up to me at the last place I went, so I tried a small town. Then he found me again. Don't you see why I need to leave? I can't risk any more lives. Not you." She knew her words told him she had feelings for him, but it didn't matter. She needed him to know the truth before she left.

His hands never left hers as he got onto his knees on the floor in front of her. "You could have told me all of this from the beginning. I could have protected you better. Or our police department would have been more prepared. No matter what you believe, you're not in this alone anymore. I'm here with you."

Chapter Eleven

The beating of Tessa's heart grew to a dangerous speed inside her chest. She had no doubt he could hear it, too. When he leaned in, she refused to close her eyes at first. She didn't want to miss the sight. The kiss felt softer than before and not at all rushed. He took his time tasting her and she did the same. Her life had gone to shits and if she could just have this one moment, she didn't want to lose it. There was so much she couldn't forgive herself for. She didn't want to look back and hate herself for not taking a chance. Even if she didn't feel she deserved to be happy when Sean lost his life.

He shoved his hands under her butt and stood, forcing her to wrap her legs around his waist. If she'd wanted to run away, she couldn't then. Feeling the heat on her face, she dipped her head between his neck and shoulder. His arousal pressed firmly against her and she couldn't help her embarrassment. A new feeling to her. Even the rock hard body proved novel, something she was not used to.

The loud sound of his boot kicking the door open so they'd fit made her think at first he'd busted a hole in the wood. That thought didn't last when he dropped her on the bed and held her stare.

"I can stop if you want."

The strained sound in his voice and the slight tick in his jaw served to tell her his words reflected the complete opposite of what he wanted. She still took a moment. If she went through with this, she'd never be able to forget him.

Tessa! You're an idiot. You'll never forget him either way.

"I want this." She pulled her shirt over her head, along with her sports bra—the only bra she had, which wasn't sexy enough for him to see her in. "I need it."

Her nipples tightened with the cool air and her skin prickled everywhere his eyes touched. Since he was removing his clothes, she didn't want to stray from the view to see if her feeling was accurate. When his pants were gone, she swallowed hard. He was not hiding a thing behind his underwear. The air left the room when his hands grabbed the sides to push them down. His erection popped free, ready and a lot larger than she'd realized.

Then he turned, taking that sight from her, only to give her the glorious view of his backside. Her breath caught. The muscles. Everything about him seemed perfect and she suddenly felt less secure about her body as she sat undressed from the waist up. She wasn't fat; actually she felt too skinny and she'd gotten worse since being on the run.

He returned to her with a box of condoms. "I'm sorry. That wasn't very gentlemanly of me, but you've had me going crazy since I met you and I just wanted to be prepared."

How optimistic and strange that he might expect to use more than one. She'd never had sex more than once in a day. Sometimes it would be weeks before she did. Of course, she wasn't a moron. She realized Richard was cheating on her the whole time, which fact had her file for separation.

"Hey. Stay with me, okay?" He spoke gently and placed his hand on her still covered thighs.

The slight squeeze and then his slow tortuous slide up had her wanting to scream. He didn't touch her where she ached; instead, he slipped his hands around to her hips and up until he reached the waistband of her jeans. Her breath caught when he kept going, his thumbs brushing the bottoms of her breasts.

She couldn't look away from his face. The excitement and complete concentration had her in awe. He took his time with her body and she didn't mind. When his mouth wrapped around her nipple and sucked, she threw her head back and grabbed his head with both hands. She wasn't sure if she held tight out of fear he'd pull away or because of the risk she'd fall back on the bed and away from the very much needed bliss his mouth caused.

If he was that perfect with just his mouth and hands, there would be no way to survive sleeping with the man. Those thoughts dissipated when he started lower, administering small kisses before reaching her bellybutton. He ran his tongue around the outside and then resumed his journey lower. With her hands holding his head, she stopped him. "What are you doing?"

"Umm…"

She wanted to slap herself, but didn't want to let go of him. "I mean, I know what you're doing, just…"

The look on his face was priceless. At least if it had been in any other circumstance… "Has anyone ever gone down on you?"

She turned away at the blunt question. "Yes, but only once, and it wasn't enjoyable."

The sound of his laughter had her looking back at him. She didn't expect the determination in his eyes. "I'm going to enjoy this and you definitely are, too."

He ignored her hands, not stopping until he positioned his mouth right above her nub. Just the feel of his breath hitting her had her tightening. Having any man down there was nothing she'd ever wanted to experience again. It was uncomfortable and pointless. With Mike, though, she was already feeling the pleasure in it and he hadn't even touched her yet. He lifted his gaze to connect with hers and she watched his tongue dart out to taste. After that, she couldn't stop herself from falling backwards onto the soft mattress and closing her eyes. No matter how hot it was to see him in the act.

She fisted the comforter in her hands, unable to hold on tight enough. He tempted her, teased her, and then, he latched on, sucking and growling. He released her and she couldn't tell if that was good or not. It gave her that split second to breathe, then he took over with his thumb pressed tight against her, rubbing in a circular motion.
Too much!
At least she believed so until he used his other hand to spread her open and slipped his tongue inside.

"Mike!" She wanted to beg him to stop and put her out of her misery at the same time. The build up drove her insane, and the surge of ecstasy caused her to squirm from his onslaught of pleasure. Retreating his tongue, he once again took over with his fingers. One large digit stretched her and then another.

It felt a little painful at first until her body adjusted. He slid them in and out, still intensifying the pleasure with his thumb. She tensed and then writhed, tossing her head back and forth, screaming as the release racked through her body. When she came back to reality from wherever that wonderful orgasm sent her, she made an attempt to lift her head and failed the first time. She took a short breath and tried again. Her head was heavy but she managed to lift it enough to see him.

Mike had his chin propped on his folded hands resting on her stomach. He looked like a child who'd accomplished their task and wanted the praise.

"I shouldn't say anything with that smug look on your face, but that was amazing. I really don't think I can move." She wasn't joking.

"I'm sure you'll change your mind." He opened the box of condoms and tore off one. The foil packet was quickly removed and he rolled it over his erection. A sight she wouldn't soon forget. "You might not be able to move after
this
. In fact, I'm pretty sure this is going to be so damn good, I won't be able to, either."

He pressed the head against her wet opening, gave one small thrust, and then another to stretch her further, to accept his girth. She bit her lip when the spasms started around him. "It's too much. I think it's too soon after."

He pulled back out, causing her to think he believed her. "No. You are perfect right now."

It proved too late to catch his words before he slammed into her again and again. He wasn't too rough, actually his moves were—hard enough and fast enough to have her body already tightening up again, getting ready for another orgasm. One that would surely kill her or at least cause unconsciousness. He slowed enough to loop his arms under her legs, pushing them up, giving him a better angle for the head to hit a spot she'd never felt touched before.

She clawed at his back and let herself go. The room spun and she screamed again. At the same time she broke, he groaned. His strokes slowed, deepened. When he stopped, she could feel him shuddering along with her. She could see stars, but kept that fact to herself. A man like Mike didn't need the compliments. He'd be full of himself in no time.

****

"Now I don't think I can move." He kept himself propped up enough to keep from crushing her. Their heavy breaths mingled together and he stared into her half closed eyes. "You're beautiful."

She smiled lazily and reached up to stroke his cheek. "I'm not sure how much I believe that, considering I'm a little sweaty now and my hair is sticking to my face. Either way thank you."

Oh, how naïve she was. "This is the perfect kind of sweaty. A good workout that stretches the right kind of muscles. Actually, I think we should make this a routine workout. At least five reps of threes."

If her cheeks weren't already flushed, he knew they'd have been after that.

"You're such a funny man." She rolled her eyes sarcastically, not losing her smile. "I can't believe you're not a comedian."

"I only speak the truth." Especially when it involved talking about how beautiful she was and making her blush in the meantime. He rose a little more to give himself enough room to trace his index finger over the right side of her collar bone and slowly made a trail down between her breasts. They lifted with her deep breaths and he continued running his finger around the outside of the left first, circling as if drawing a bull's eye until he hit the middle. The small bud puckered a little more and he lowered his head to twirl his tongue the same way he'd done his finger, giving a slight suck at the end.

"You're killing me," she said with a raspy tone.

"Hmm, I thought you were enjoying yourself. I promise I only aim to please, not hurt you." He acted like he was moving off her. "I guess I should stop then."

With both her hands she grabbed his shoulders, nails digging a little. "No. Don't," she said with need.

He responded with a hungry look, then went back to what he was doing. This time, he took his index finger from the left side of her collar bone and headed toward her right breast. He gave it the same treatment, then took her nipple between his lips. He gave a little hum and she arched beneath him, pushing her breast further into his mouth.

He climbed off her to change condoms and hurried right back. His erection pressed fully against her thigh and he moved just enough to connect himself right where he wanted to be. "Are you hurting?"

"No." To prove she wasn't lying, she reached between them and gripped him, giving a little pump before angling him so all he had to do was give a slight push of his hips, and he'd enter her.

He did, and hissed at the perfect feeling. As he began his long, slow strokes, he savored the way she matched his movements, their bodies meeting in the middle. It wasn't long before he felt the pull and became worried he wouldn't make it through—but then, she threw her head back and tensed beneath him. The spasms drove him over the edge and he exploded, a groan tearing from him.

Somehow managing to keep from falling on her, he rolled to the side, before collapsing with her in his arms. "It seems to be getting better. I think it's a sign we should keep practicing, to see how much we can improve."

No way could he feel any better than this. He had the urge to handcuff her to the bed so she wouldn't run away. If only that wasn't creepy or illegal.

Chapter Twelve

The phone rang and Cooper groaned. Between annoying reporters and accusations, they thought they'd had a bad night until they heard about Mike's truck. Cooper tried to keep Sophia's mind off worrying about everyone. But, the person calling him wasn't going to help the situation any.

"That's Kris' ringtone. Which means she's angry." Sophia bounced Wyatt on her knees. When they left the bar, since neither of them drank alcohol, they picked Wyatt up, unable to stay away from him too long. Especially with the touring already, which took Cooper away for days or weeks on end. When he was home, they felt better having him with them as much as possible.

"Shoving the reporter was probably not the best thing for my reputation, but she'll get over it." He answered the phone, putting it on speaker, and hoped she didn't cuss him out. "Hey Kris. I already know that you're pissed, but I just want to tell you my story first."

"Pissed? Are you crazy? You should be reading the stories popping up. You are tall, sexy, and a hero. Women are going insane over the way you protected your wife. Your pregnant wife, even more. The rumors of an affair are disappearing and being replaced with those about a loving father who will do whatever he needs to keep his family safe. And they're running stories on your and Sophia's love story. You're trending right now."

Before starting his career, he wouldn't have known what trending meant. News never had trouble spreading fast when he was younger, but with social media, there was no stopping it. It was only a few hours after his altercation and he was trending. "Well, that's not what I expected."

Sophia grinned and mouthed 'my hero' while dramatically throwing a hand over her heart.

"I have some interviews set up. Over the phone stuff. That way you can stay home with your family. I'll send you an email on the times. If something doesn't work, just let me know. Touring is scheduled to start soon, so I won't steal you away before you're on the road long enough." She laughed. "Sophia will beat my butt."

"Hi Kris!" Sophia spoke up.

"Hey girlie! I figured you were there. It sounded like I was on speaker phone. People have asked about interviews with you, but I know better. If you change your mind, just let me know."

"I'm good. The spotlight I'm in is enough, but thanks!" She stood and kissed Cooper's cheek. "I'll talk to you later."

She left the room and Cooper didn't take his eyes off her.

"I'll be in contact soon, just look for the email tonight! Go be with your wife," she said with a little too much enthusiasm.

"No problem there, thanks!" They hung up and he went to find her closing the door to Wyatt's room.

"That worked out. I'm glad you're not in trouble." She walked into his opened arms. "I'm glad you have long arms. I'd feel so fat if you couldn't wrap your arms around me right now."

"Hush. You're carrying our baby. It's the most beautiful thing. Don't even think that way." He rested his chin on her head. "So he's down for the night?"

"Mmm hmm…."

She didn't hesitate when he pulled back and nudged her toward their bedroom. First, he removed her shirt and admired the view. Her breasts had grown bigger, spilling out of her bra.

"They're huge. I'm going to have to get new bras this time. They didn't get this big last time." She pushed the maternity band down on her pants. "Nor did my belly."

"I love every bit of you, pregnant or not. You look beautiful to me no matter what." He meant this. Nothing took away from how much he loved her or how he was turned on constantly around her. Or when he thought of her. Or even just talked to her. Damn. "So no more worrying."

The smile she gave him was all he needed to keep going. He ran his fingertips over the top of her bra and trailed to the back where he unsnapped it, releasing her breasts. Her nipples tightened instantly and he dipped his head to take one in his mouth, swirled his tongue around it, then switched to the other.

Her head fell back, a moan left her parted lips, and he closed his eyes. She loved to hear him sing, but her moans were the best music to him, driving him insane with need. Yet, they couldn't be in a hurry, not while she was pregnant. He was too afraid to hurt her, of losing his self-control. "You can't make those noises."

She laughed. "Then you can't make me feel good. No wait, yes you can. We'll just get you some ear plugs if you can't handle it."

"Funny woman." He nudged her until she rested on her back, giving him better access to remove her pants. It seemed like forever before she was finally clear of any clothing. "I don't think it's going to matter what noises you make. You make me lose my mind either way."

"Good." She raised a hand to cup her own breasts and he gritted his teeth.

"Sophia." She knew what she was doing and it worked. One breath and then another. "Screw it."

He stripped everything off and stood above her. The way her eyes glimmered with excitement was all he needed. He fit himself between her spread legs and let his erection press against her opening.

"Are you ready?" His voice came out sounding more like a growl and deeper than he expected.

"Yes."

****

I'm more than ready
. No matter the slight nausea she was plagued with since the beginning of the pregnancy, she threw it to the back of her mind when he looped his thick arms under her legs and thrust forward—stretching and filling her. The slow sway of his hips wasn't enough. She knew he feared hurting her, but she needed everything. All of him.

"More. Please," she begged, and didn't feel pathetic. His speed picked up and the faster pace had him driving deeper. She threw her head back, letting the pleasure take over. The waves washed over her and she felt the climax coming. He touched her right above his invasion and she shattered against his thumb and around him. Yet even after that, he kept going. She gripped the comforter beneath her, feeling like she'd catch on fire if he didn't stop.

As if knowing her desire, his own orgasm erupted and he groaned aloud, thrusting slow and deep. He managed to hold himself above her, but she noticed his arms shaking. The sight made her smile. They were perfect for each other.

He gave in and fell to her side, slipping free. The tightening of her stomach felt like small contractions, and they happened every time she had sex. Or every time Cooper sent her over the edge.

"Are you okay?" His worried gaze landed on her stomach and then locked with hers. "Did I hurt you or the baby?"

She touched his cheek, wanting his worry to disappear to show his beautiful smile. "I'm fine. The books say sex isn't dangerous. She'll sleep from the motion. It's like rocking her."

The horror on his face endeared her. "Or like shaking the baby. Maybe we should keep from having sex until she's born."

"Ha! And then six weeks after that. No thanks. She's fine and if I have to take you to the doctor so he can tell you the same thing, then so be it." She loved him so much. The man's fear of anything being wrong with her or their children was enough to make any woman tear up. He cared so much and she couldn't believe anyone could blame him for doing anything that may hurt any of them. She'd never believe the lies they told.

"I'm sorry. I just feel a raging need to protect you. You and our children are my only purpose in life. Don't ever forget it." He kissed her softly, lingering until she felt him stirring against her leg.

"So until after she's born?"

"I could never stay away that long. I'll just have to be more careful." He nudged until she rolled away and onto her side. He trailed a hand over one butt cheek and between her thighs, lifting one leg back and over his.

To adjust to his thickness proved easy with their previous love-making and she shuddered from the sensitivity. "I'm not sure I can take it again."

"Hmm." He moved her hair away from her neck and kissed it, then nibbled and licked, while reaching around to massage each breast, one at a time. "I'll be gentle and slow. Don't worry."

She groaned and reached back to claw at his back, hoping to change his mind on taking his sweet time. "I don't want slow. Never."

His curse against her ear pulled a giggle from her. His control didn't last; he sped up and she pleasure filled her. They found each other and would never lose herself in the world again, but she could get lost in the moment every time—the perfect kind of lost.