Shadow of Sin (The Martin Family) (6 page)

Proof of how much she wanted this. Him.

Caleb ran his fingers over the tops of her feet. His touch was light, barely there, yet she felt him as if he’d grabbed her. The heat and roughness of his skin created a sensation so delicious, she couldn’t help but groan.

“Are you planning to torture me?”

“Of course not,” he said in a tone that didn’t reassure her.

His fingers moved to the inside of her ankle, traveling up the inside of her leg. Her pussy clenched when he reached under and teased the back of her knee. Everywhere he touched, he left a fire in his wake. Over the top of one thigh, through the patch of hair at her sex, across her hip and down the other thigh.

Samantha fisted the pillow behind her head to keep from reaching out. Caleb was a man who liked his commands followed, and she didn’t want to risk him stopping if she moved. But he made it really hard to focus. To think about anything except where he would touch her next.

What was he doing to her?

He reached the back of her other knee and she shivered as her skin erupted with goosebumps. She’d never been so sensitive in her life. He’d turned her skin into a blanket of electricity, every nerve reaching for the surface as if to gain his attention.

She opened her legs further and arched her hips, encouraging him to touch her where she needed him.

“Damn it,” she complained when he bypassed her pussy and moved across her stomach. “You’re killing me here.”

He crawled onto the bed, stretching out next to her and propping himself on an elbow. She frowned when she noticed he still wore his shorts.

“Why aren’t you naked?”

“In a hurry?” His fingertips tickled across her stomach, brushing from hip to hip.

Yes.

She sucked in a breath. “According to you, I don’t have anywhere else to be. I didn’t think you were serious earlier when you mentioned you liked to take your time. This whole seduction scene isn’t necessary.”

Honestly, she didn’t think she could take much more. Violent need pulsed through her womb; her pussy ached to be filled.

“So, let me get this straight. You’d trust me with your life, but not with your pleasure?”

Unable to hold back any longer, Samantha moved her hands toward her breasts.

“I told you not to move. Now, be a good girl and answer my question.”

A un-ladylike snarl passed her lips when Caleb stopped her with his warning. The bastard chuckled when she dropped her arms back over her head. At once she realized why he’d made her do it. The position thrust her breasts up, as if offering them as a treat.

Laughing with devilish pleasure, she arched her back and stretched like a cat, enjoying the way his gaze darkened with lust. “I don’t trust any man with my pleasure. Men only care about themselves once they get naked.”

“Then you haven’t been with the right man.”

“I suppose you’re that man?”

He smirked, his wicked fingers drawing lazy circles around her navel. “Are you going to trust me?”

Samantha believed in calling a spade, a spade. What they were doing wasn’t anything more than her living out a fantasy and him scratching an itch. She’d be a fool to believe otherwise. She’d set the stage for how this would play out, and that meant once this was over, when the threat against her was gone, they would be over as well.

Trusting him with her life was one thing. Trusting him with her pleasure felt too … intimate. She’d already agreed to follow his lead out of bed; what would happen if she allowed him more? Her father had controlled her and she’d sworn she’d never let another man have that kind of power over her. To give Caleb what he’d asked would be to lose herself—or worse, her heart.

“Samantha?”

Caleb teased the curves of her breast, his powerful hands so gentle against her skin. He ignored her nipple, brushing the outer edge until she squirmed in order to get closer. Anything to relieve the tension he’d built to epic proportions.

She wasn’t going to survive this.

She moved fast, rolling him and pushing his shoulders to the bed. The heat from his erection teased her as she straddled him. His pecs were hard under her palms as she ground her hips against him.

She wasn’t naive enough to think she could have made a move without his consent and she didn’t know if that edged her arousal or pissed her off.

“What about you Caleb? Would you trust me with your pleasure?” She ran her hands over the hard muscles of his shoulders, the sharp lines of his biceps, luxuriating in the powerful male beneath her.

Caleb cupped the back of her neck and pulled her closer. Heat flared between them, so potent Samantha was burning alive.

He played with her mouth, his breath warm, the moist velvet of his tongue teasing as he licked across her bottom lip.

“My pleasure is guaranteed. Seeing your creamy skin flush, your beautiful nipples tight in arousal.” His hungry gaze stared back at her. “Knowing I’m the man who’s going to give you the pleasure you seek. And more. That’s my satisfaction.”

His tongue licked at her lips again, then slid inside when she opened for him. He kissed like a champion, exploring her mouth as his hands smoothed up and down her spine, making her feel warm, wanted.

He gripped her hips, held her firm as he rocked the bulge of his cock against her core. “Go on, darlin’.” He breathed against her mouth with a hint of challenge. “You want the lead? Take it.”

Samantha’s heart thundered in her chest, its beat matching the pulse in her sex. He’d reduced her to this, a desperate mass of need and fire. Frantic for the release only he could give her.

Samantha pulled away from his mouth and shimmied down his legs. She raked her nails over his chest, the smattering of blond hair soft against her palm. His breath hitched as she traced the thin line of darker hair leading to the top of his shorts.

“Take it,” she repeated, her own breath ragged. His command made it clear he’d allowed her only the illusion of control, but it was enough. This big, strong man was giving himself to her, however she wanted him.

Her hands shook as she jerked at the elastic waistband, freeing his erection. The sight of his fully engorged cock, laying thick and heavy against his stomach, sent a surge of exhilaration through her. Before she knew what she was doing, she leaned over and extended her tongue, capturing the bead of moisture that seeped from the darkened crown.

“That’s it. Wrap your hand around me. Feel how hard I am for you.”

Without thinking, Samantha followed his direction. He twitched under her palm as she squeezed her fingers around him, learning the feel of him. Velvet over solid steel. Not just warm. Hot.

He was large enough to stretch her, to fill her to the brink of insanity. She was already halfway there.

She leaned over him again and teased the slit, coaxing more of his salty flavor onto her tongue. He tasted so good, she didn’t want to stop. Made her want more of the husky male rumble that sounded throughout the room.

“Fuck, yes,” Caleb hissed as she sucked at the broad head of his cock. “Your mouth is pure heaven,” he groaned. She lifted her head to find him watching her, reaching for her as she released him. “Come here, sugar. Let me ease that lust burning in your eyes.”

She climbed over him again, bracing her palms against his ribs. She fought against the orgasm threatening to take her as she rubbed her soaked folds over his cock, coating him with her juices. “Seems I’m not the only one who needs easing,” she panted.

“You first.”

He reached between them and finally, blessedly, found her swollen nub. He grabbed her breast and pinched her nipple with one hand as he pinched her clit with the other.

Samantha cried out as her body took over. Her nipple throbbed, the slight pain from his pinch shooting pleasure to her sex and exploding in violent fire in her veins. Perspiration broke out on her skin as she rocked against him, his fingers unrelenting in their bid to make her crazy.

“Let go, Samantha. Let me see you come. Show me.” Caleb’s demand was a mere whisper of tortured breath, but her body heard him loud and clear.

She wasn’t ready. She wanted him inside her when she came, but her ability to resist him had vanished the moment he touched her. He commanded her body, made her respond in ways she’d never done before, and left her breathless from it.

“Oh … Caleb.” Her head fell back and she gave him what he wanted. Her womb tightened to the point of pain. She cried out as the world around her dissolved and tiny explosions of light burst behind her eyes. His wicked fingers continued their assault, extending her pleasure until she collapsed.

Only then did she realize he’d bent his knees and she was reclined against his legs.

“That’s one.” Male pride and lust bled from his voice. “Damn, Samantha. Watching you come is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

She curled her lips into a sly smile, her body vibrating from her release. She searched and found the condom he’d tossed on the bed and tore open the package. “Your turn.”

“Are we keeping score?”

Samantha wanted to wipe that smirk off his face.

He’d made her forget everything except his touch. He’d made her scream.

She didn’t want his humor; she wanted his lust, the hunger that burned just below the surface. Not even his good ole boy looks could hide the fierceness inside him. And she wanted him every bit as crazy as he’d made her.

“Don’t we always?” Raising her hips, she fisted and sheathed his shaft. “Do you have any lube?”

His fingers dug painfully into her hip as he thrust against her. “I hardly think we’ll need it.”

Samantha leaned over, rubbing her breasts against his chest, as she put her mouth to his ear. “Not all places are self-lubricating.”

His growl was the only warning she got before he rolled and trapped her beneath him.

She screeched and laughed as the warmth of his body covered her, penetrating her senses.

“Damn you.” He hooked the back of her knees and pushed them up. “You’re going to be the death of me.” Indecision flashed across his face as he stared where the head of his cock teased her opening. “I’ll have to taste you later.”

“Why wait?” She pushed two fingers through her juices, and brought them to his lips. His eyes flared as he sucked them in, his tongue swirling around her nails to get every drop.

“Delicious,” he growled and surged his hips forward, breaching her entrance in a forceful thrust.

“Caleb!” She gripped his forearms, needing an anchor as she watched his shaft, slick with her arousal, work its way deep into her body.

His forehead dropped to her shoulder. “Shit, Samantha. You’re so hot. Tight as a fucking glove.”

Her pussy burned at his invasion, her inner muscles stretched until every nerve fired and screamed with sensation. She couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe for the feeling of him inside her.

More. She needed more.

He pulled back, leaving her empty and wanting. “Don’t stop. Please, Caleb. Please.”

“On your hands and knees. Now.”

Moving quickly, Samantha rolled. His hands caressed the globes of her ass and slipped down between her thighs. He separated her folds and tucked the head of his cock back against her entrance.

“So gorgeous.”

“Caleb.” Samantha pressed back. Her fingers dug into the sheets, desperate for something to cling to as he slammed into her, burying himself to the hilt.

His groan filled her ears. “You make me lose my mind.”

“Good.” She shifted her hips, struggling to accommodate his length. He filled her, touched her in places long ignored, and she nearly came again. She wanted to come again. And again. She tightened her muscles around him and rotated her hips. “Move, damn it!”

His fingers wrapped around her shoulders and locked her in place as he pulled back and thrust forward again.

Dual moans filled the room as he moved. Her muscles burned, strained against each shift of his hips as he drove into her. He released her shoulders and she sank to the bed, her arms no longer able to hold her weight.

Caleb took full advantage of her change in position. He spread her cheeks and teased the puckered bud of her ass with his thumb. He massaged lightly, igniting nerve endings and driving her insane as he pounded in and out of her pussy.

“Oh my god.” Heat sizzled up her spine as her body prepared for release. She met him thrust for thrust, unable to believe she could orgasm again, but seeking it all the same.

She reached underneath her body, snaking her hand back to where they were joined. She cupped his sac, gently rolling his balls with her fingers.

“Fuck, Samantha. That’s it, baby. So good.”

Her name on his lips was like adding fuel to a fire. Her body shattered. Ecstasy melted her veins, leaving her a shuddering mass of sensation. As her orgasm washed over her, as he yelled out her name with his release, his voice throaty with passion, Samantha knew she’d never be the same.

The bastard had gone and completely ruined her for other men.

Chapter 6

Samantha woke with a heavy sense of
oh shit
. The kind that comes with not knowing where you are or what you did the night before. Only, in her case, she knew exactly where she was and exactly what she’d done. And with who.

Her body tingled and came to life as images played through her mind. Caleb touching her, tasting her. Caleb possessing her.

She’d known he’d be magnificent. All that anger and badass attitude wrapped in a smokin’ hot package. He’d taken what he wanted without permission or apology, and she’d loved every minute of it.

Wouldn’t mind a little more of it.

She stretched her arms over her head, smiling to herself as she tested her muscles. She was sore in all the most delicious places, but for the first time in months, she felt relaxed, at ease.

It was a good thing she wasn’t one of those silly girls who equated sex with love or she would be head over heels right now.

Damn. Good. Thing.

With a groan, she rolled off the bed and pushed to her feet. A twinge in her side reminded her of her injury. Funny how she’d been completely unaware of it while in Caleb’s arms. The outside world had drifted away. The way he’d touched her … Samantha squeezed her thighs together. He’d played with her body as if he’d known exactly what she’d needed, found erogenous zones she’d not known existed.

Had he pleasured her to prove her wrong about what men want once they get naked? Or because she’d told him they were done once she was safe again? Jesus, was that what last night was about?

Voices and the smell of bacon gave her the motivation to get moving. Her jeans were dirty from her roll in the gravel last night, but she had no choice but to slip them on. She couldn’t find her panties or the shirt she’d had on last night, so she threw on the shirt that Caleb had given her.

After a quick stop in the bathroom to finger-comb her hair and wash her face, Samantha figured she was as presentable as she was going to get under the circumstances.

As she reached for the doorknob, her stomach fluttered with nervous energy. Her relationship with Caleb was precarious at best, and now they’d seen each other naked. She’d had her mouth on him, tasted his musky flavor, and screamed his name. She could still smell him on her skin.

For the first time since she’d met him, she was uncertain where they stood. She pressed her forehead against the door and gathered her strength. She could deal with anything he threw at her, even if that meant dealing with his regret.

Hiding in the bathroom wasn’t her style. Show no weakness. If her father had taught her anything, it was that.

Caleb looked up from the stove when she walked into the room. His expression showed nothing of what had happened between them, causing her nervousness to increase.

What does one say to her best friend’s brother after screwing his brains out?

“You hungry? Bacon is almost done.”

“Sammie!” Alec jumped up from his seat to sweep her into his arms.

She laughed and wrapped her arms around Alec’s neck, squeezing him tight. “I should’ve known you’d be here. Come to make your apologies?”

Alec put her back on her feet and grinned. “Aw, come on now, Sammie. You don’t look any worse for the wear. In fact, you have a sort of … glow about you this morning.” He laughed and looked at Caleb. “Doesn’t she, Cay?”

Caleb narrowed his eyes on Alec. “Food’s ready.” He moved around the bar and placed plates filled with bacon and scrambled eggs in front of them. “Dig in.”

Samantha snagged a piece of bacon as she noticed several pieces of her luggage sitting next to the couch. She pinned Caleb with a stare. “I thought I told you that wouldn’t be necessary.”

Alec laughed around his bacon. “I have to say, Sammie, you’ve got some interesting stuff in your drawers.”

“Damn it, Alec. What did you do? Please tell me you didn’t…” Samantha couldn’t bring herself to finish that sentence. This was what she’d been afraid of. She and Alec had been friends for a long time, but some things were private. Or
were
private, if his shit eating grin was any indication.

“Oh, I did. I filled those cases with everything a girl needs while on the run.”

“I’m not on the run, idiot.” She looked around the kitchen, desperate for the caffeine her body needed to deal with Alec. “Please tell me there’s coffee in this place.”

Caleb put a mug in front of her as she climbed onto a barstool. “You take cream or sugar?”

She latched onto the mug like a lifeline. “No, thank you. This is perfect. And thank you for the food. What time is it anyway?”

“Just after noon.”

“It’s still Saturday, right?”

That earned her a slight smile. “Still Saturday.”

Ignoring Alec as he shoveled food into his mouth, Samantha gave Caleb her attention. “Did you sleep?”

Caleb shrugged and glanced at his brother, his discomfort with her question obvious in his expression. “Some.”

“Aren’t you eating?”

“What’s with all the questions?” he snapped, busying himself with shoving dishes into the dishwasher.

Surprised and hurt by his gruff tone, Samantha turned to Alec. “I need a ride back to my car. Since you’re the one who stranded me last night, you owe me.”

Alec gave her a sidelong glance. “Brandon and I already got your car. We parked it out at the compound.”

“You did what? What the hell, Alec? How did you get my car?”

“Settle down. It’s not like we damaged it or anything.”

“No, you just … what? Broke into it, hot wired it, and drove it out to the training site … over an hour away from here? In what universe did you think I’d be okay with that?”

“First of all,” Alec started, “we didn’t break into anything. I got the spare key from your apartment when I went to get you some clothes. Caleb thought it best to take your car out of town in case you were being watched.” He shrugged a shoulder and went back to eating his eggs as if they were talking about nothing more than the weather.

“Caleb thought.” She closed her eyes and counted to ten. “Did it ever occur to you to ask me—the owner of the vehicle—about what I wanted to do?”

“Nope.”

“Jerk.” Samantha glared at Alec then turned to Caleb. “You have no right to make decisions for me. I have a job. An apartment. You can’t honestly expect me to stay here.”

Anger flared in Caleb’s eyes. “I have every right to make decisions as to your safety. We made a deal.”

So, that was what last night had been about. If he thought he could seal their little deal with multiple orgasms, he was gravely mistaken.

“Oh really? And at what point did you instruct your fellow horsemen to get my car? Before or after we …
struck
our deal?”

The answer was written all over his face.

“Oh, we got your car just after sun up.”

“Shut up, Alec.” Caleb warned. “Samantha, I told you, you’re not going back to your place. Not yet. For now, you’ll stay here.”

His nonchalance about telling her what to do grated her nerves. She couldn’t do this. After last night, she had no idea what to expect. She was confused and things were moving way too fast for her liking. Would he demand she share his bed? Would she be able to resist him if he did?

This was how it started. He’d make her stay and before long, he’d start telling her when and where she could go. He’d tell her what to wear and how to behave. She’d lose the life she’d built for herself. She’d lose her independence.

She’d become her mother.

Panic loomed and she fought against the pain burning in her lungs, threatening to steal her breath. “There has to be another solution.” Samantha glanced to Alec, who shrugged with apology.

“Sorry, Sammie. You could stay with me, but my bed is currently occupied.”

His comment startled her. “As if I’ve ever been in your bed, Alec.”

“Too bad though. We could’ve put to use some of those, um, things I found in your bedroom,” he mused.

“Who
are
you?” She shoved at Alec’s shoulder, passing an uneasy glance between him and Caleb. She and Alec had never been intimate. They’d curled up together on her couch to watch movies on occasion, but theirs was a strictly platonic relationship.

“I’ve gotta go,” Caleb announced suddenly, his eyes dark and stormy.

“Wait, you’re leaving?” What did he have to be all broody about? She was the one being manipulated.

These men were making her insane.

“There’re a few things I need to do. Alec is going to stay with you until I get back.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not twelve.” She looked at Alec. “No offense, but I don’t need you to stay with me.”

Alec returned her smile and her heart melted a little. She never could stay mad at him for long. She blamed the dimples.

“Aw, come on, Sammie.” She jumped off her seat, laughing as he poked at her ribs.

Caleb cleared his throat. She spared him a glance before turning back to swat Alec’s still poking fingers. “Alec, stop!”

Alec’s hands settled on her waist. “We’ll order take-out and watch dirty movies. It’ll be just like old times.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

She narrowed her eyes. “Yeah, except for the whole take-out and porn thing.” She shook her head in confusion. “But, by all means, knock yourself out. With the take-out, I mean. Not the porn. I’m definitely not watching porn with you.”

Alec’s laughter was infectious. “My loss, I’m sure.” He strolled to the fridge. “Drink?”

What the hell was he doing? “No, I’m good.”

Caleb muttered something under his breath and stalked toward his bedroom.

“Caleb, hang on.” Samantha went after him, stopping him with a hand on his arm. “What’s the problem?”

“No problem.” He looked down to where she held him.

“You’re obviously upset about something.” She lowered her voice. “I mean, if it has anything to do with what happened between us —”

“I said there’s no problem.” He ground out. “I’ve got things to do. Like putting an end to your trouble so you can get on with your life. That’s what you want, right?”

Ah, here was the Caleb she was used to dealing with.

“Absolutely. Go and do whatever it is you need to do. I’ll be here with my babysitter.”

“Are you trying to piss me off? ’Cause it’s working.”

“I have to try now?” She dropped her hand. “Hmm, must be losing my touch.”

“Do you think I’d do anything to hurt you?”

Samantha’s heartbeat kicked up a notch at the intensity of his gaze and she got the distinct impression her answer was important to him.

“Answer me, Samantha. Do you?”

“Of course not,” she huffed and backed away. “I know you’d never physically hurt me, Caleb. But guarding me twenty-four-seven isn’t realistic. On some level, you’ve got to know that. I can’t stop living my life because of this.”

“I’m not asking you to stop living your life. I’m asking for a few days. It’s not an unrealistic request considering what happened last night.”

“This is ridiculous.”

Caleb closed the distance between them. “Do you remember the bruises on Carlotta Matteo’s face?” His voice was soft, dangerous. “The stitches?” He leaned in until she could feel his breath against her face. “How about her broken fingers? Do you remember any of that, Samantha?”

She swallowed back the bile that bubbled in her throat. She’d seen it firsthand. Not something a person would soon forgot. If ever.

“Tell me again I’m being ridiculous,” he urged.

That damned gaze dared her to challenge him. Something hard and warm hit her back and she realized he’d maneuvered her against the windows. If she’d been wearing panties, they’d be soaked, but as it was, the seam of her jeans absorbed the moisture leaking from her center. She should have her head checked. Fighting with Caleb should piss her off, not turn her on.

In spite of herself, she replied. “You’re ridiculous.”

His grin was slow, lazy. He trailed his fingers down her cheek. “So soft, sweet.”

His tone lulled her and she closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his touch. She sensed him moving closer. His breath was warm against her ear. She cocked her head, silently offering her neck. A shiver worked its way up her spine as her nipples beaded tight against her bra.

He trailed a finger down the length of her throat. “So … breakable.”

Her eyes popped open and she jerked up straight. Heat enveloped her as his angry gaze met hers. “I’m not —”

“Uh, guys? Something you want to share?” Alec stood to the side, watching them with interest.

“Don’t push me on this.” The command in Caleb’s voice was unmistakable. He glanced at Alec. “Keep her here.”

“I’m sure we can find something to keep ourselves occupied,” Alec assured him.

Caleb gave her a final look, as if he’d wanted to say more. Her temper flared, but she held back, recognizing the meaning in his expression. He only wanted to keep her safe, and she’d given her word she’d try to work with him. Pushing at his first directive wasn’t trying—it was being difficult.

She was woman enough to admit it.

“I won’t give Alec any trouble and I promise not to trick him into taking me anywhere, but I do have work to do, Caleb. I assume I’ll be allowed access to my laptop?” She almost choked on the word
allowed.

Caleb and Alec shared a look of silent communication that had her mashing her back teeth. A few days. She could do it. Just a few days.

“I’m on it,” was Alec’s only response before Caleb went and snatched his keys off the counter.

As the door slammed shut behind him, Samantha folded her arms over her chest and faced off with Alec. “You wanna tell me what the hell that was all about?”