Total Surrender (23 page)

The relieved sigh from Piper eased over him and helped him the rest of the way. “I forgive you, Rachel.” There went his big plan of revenge up in smoke. He still reeled from the information, but he did understand. “No more shooting people.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I really am sorry.”

“Apology accepted.” For some reason, the woman needed to hear those words, so he gave them. Frankly, it was a fucking relief to know who’d pulled the trigger. Finally, he could concentrate on something else—namely, saving his brothers. “I’m sorry I’ve dragged you into this mess.”

Her lips curved in a smile. “So long as Piper is away from that bastard, I’m fine here.” She glanced around. “Where are we?”

“Montana.” Jory slid an arm around Piper’s shoulders and maneuvered her toward the house. “We have a few guest rooms and bunk rooms scattered throughout. Do you want one room or two?”

“One,” Earl said firmly.

Jory bit back a grin. “One, it is. Follow me.” He glanced down at Piper. “Have Laney patch you up, and then we’re getting in three hours. I’d love for you to explain why you didn’t tell me your mother had shot me.”

Piper sat on the main bathroom counter and held her breath while Laney, Matt’s girlfriend, slowly stitched up her shoulder. She’d removed her shirt and now tried to suck in her stomach. “So. You’re a doctor?” Hopefully.

Laney bent closer as she worked, her brown eyes narrowed. “I was a surgeon. Now I’m a bartender.”

Piper frowned. “Where?”

“Nowhere.” She breathed in, carefully stitching. “You sure I gave you enough lidocaine?”

“Yep. Don’t feel a thing.” Piper gave up on trying to have ripped abs and sank against the mirror, which cooled her back. “It’s probably difficult being a bartender while hiding out on a Montana ranch.”

The door slid open, and Josie clipped inside, her hands full of glasses and a bottle of champagne. “I thought we should have mimosas, but we’re out of orange juice. So champagne it is.” She quickly poured three glasses. This close, she was even more petite than Piper had thought.

Piper accepted one and lifted an eyebrow at Laney. “
After
I’m stitched up?”

Laney grinned. “Fine. Spoilsport.”

Josie took her glass and sat on the toilet seat. “How’s the wound?”

“Not bad,” Laney said, drawing out string. “She’ll live.”

Josie drank deeply. “Shane is so happy right now. Finally. We’ve found Jory.”

Laney blew out air. “Thank God. Matt has been tortured for too long.”

Piper bit her tongue to keep from spilling the truth about Jory’s chip being unreachable. He’d want to be the one to tell his brothers. “It’s nice to see them all together.”

“They’re quite the bunch, right?” Josie sighed, her fingers tapping on her glass.

Laney shook her head. “Don’t get maudlin. We’ll save them. We have to.”

The door slid open again, and a pale woman walked in. The one who’d been throwing up. “Hi. I’m Audrey.”

“Piper.” She studied the woman. “Feeling better?”

“No.”

Josie moved from the toilet seat and helped Audrey sit down. “Those rumors about morning sickness just lasting three months are plain wrong.” She jumped up next to Piper on the counter.

Audrey sighed. “I know, right? This has to stop soon. Nate is driving me crazy with the hovering.”

“Control freaks. All of them.” Josie took another sip of her drink.

Piper swallowed. “Yeah. About that.”

Laney snorted. “It’s who they are. Live with it or not… but it’s who they are.”

Josie nodded. “I usually like the protectiveness, because it makes me feel safe. And we haven’t been safe much.” She chewed on her lip for a second. “Other times, I kind of want to shoot Shane in the foot.” Her laugh was contagious. “I held a gun on Matt and Nate once.”

Piper turned her head. “So that was you.”

“Yep. Then I held one on Shane and Nate. But that time, Shane got it and threw the thing on top of the refrigerator so I couldn’t reach it.” Josie’s lips curved. “Good times.”

Laney laughed. “I held a gun on Nate and Matt once.”

Piper stilled and glanced down at her new surgeon. “Why?”

Laney shrugged. “Long story, and it seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Josie shook her head. “It rarely is, though. Don’t pull a gun on these guys unless you mean to shoot.”

Laney nodded. “True that.”

Piper glanced toward Audrey. “Any gun stories?”

“Nope.” The pregnant woman shook her head. “I don’t think Nate would respond all that well if I pointed a gun at him.” She shrugged. “Although I did hit him with an umbrella once, and it ticked him off because I didn’t swing hard enough. He’s a bit intense.”

Laney nodded. “I’d like to think that once the chips are out, the guys will relax a little bit.”

Audrey snorted, and the sound seemed forced. “You don’t believe that, do you?”

“Not really.” Laney leaned back to study her handiwork. “I appreciate everyone putting on a good face, but we’re all worried and can show it.”

Josie nodded, her eyes filling.

Laney cleared her throat. “So, Piper. What’s up with you and Jory?”

Piper coughed. “We’ve only known each other a week.”

“So?” Josie said, swinging her feet. “A week with a Dean brother is like a year with anybody else. You know. With the shooting, the espionage, the fighting for their lives.”

“And the great sex,” Audrey said, leaning her head back against the wall. “Don’t forget the over the top, excellent, many times over… sex.”

Laney nodded. “Amen to that.”

Heat flushed up into Piper’s face as all three women stared at her. Finally, with a shrug, she gave in. “The sex is phenomenal.”

Josie sighed, a smile brightening her beautiful face. “I knew it. Yep. I called that one.”

Laney rolled her eyes. “Yeah. That was a stretch. Not.”

Piper shrugged. “We have some issues, though.”

“Yes. I heard you’re the commander’s daughter,” Audrey said.

Piper stilled. Would they hate her? “Yes.”

“Dr. Madison is my mother.” Audrey blanched. “She’s crazy, and I think the commander might be right there in loony town with her. Ah, no offense.”

Piper relaxed. “No offense taken. They’re both scary nuts.”

Audrey rubbed her chin. “So true.”

Laney set down the needle and thread before taking up her glass. “Welcome to the gang, Piper. We have to stick together, and it’s nice having one more woman in our court.”

Piper lifted her glass in the toast, her heart warming. Friends. She’d just found friends.

P
IPER GLANCED AROUND
the masculine bedroom after taking a quick look in the attached massive bathroom and tried not to think about her mother and Earl sharing a room. Nope. Not going there.

The door opened, and Jory strode inside.

She gestured. “Your room is nice.” Lame line. Geez. The guy had seen her naked, rocked her world, and being shy was silly.

“Thanks. We built it after we escaped the Tennessee facility, and now I assume my brothers will build houses around the ranch. There’s a master plan somewhere, I’m sure.” Keeping her gaze, he drew his T-shirt up and over his head. “Did Laney patch you up?”

“Yes. I’m fine.” Her mouth went dry. Hard, muscled, wounded—damn impressive, even with the scars. “What are you thinking?” she whispered, desire sensitizing her skin.

“That your mom shot me, and you should come over here and ease my hurts.” Those eyes darkened to molten slate.

She smiled, her nipples peaking. “I like this commanding side of you.”

“I know.”

Her fingers tingled with the need to touch that amazing flesh, but her feet remained rooted to the hardwood floor. “Thank you for being kind to my mother about the shooting. Most guys wouldn’t have quite understood.”

“I’m not most guys.”

No shit. Not even close. “I don’t want to get hurt.” Where the hell did that come from?

He leaned back against the door and crossed his arms. Even his forearms were masculine and sexy. “I can’t offer you forever, Pipe. But I learned the hard way when I was young that life is full of moments, and if you get a good one, take it.”

The words rang true. She lifted her chin, even as sadness threatened to swamp her. “You promising me a good one?”

Slow and sexy, his lips curved. A matching sorrow glimmered in his eyes. “Yeah.”

What if they had forever? What if she could save him—give him longevity in life? The words hung on her lips, storing in her heart. Sometimes she was a damn coward,
because she didn’t want to ruin the limited time they had with the question. Or rather, with risking his answer.

So she kicked off her boots. “I don’t have any other clothes.”

“Then we should hang those up.”

Why didn’t he move? If he’d just kiss her, just take over, then she could get lost. “We should.”

His chin lowered. “Come here, Piper.”

The dominance in the tone, the order instead of request… all demanded her compliance. As if he wanted her to make the move, to cross to him. As if he needed it.

So she paused. Just how much did she want to push him? A part of her wondered how far he’d go, or how long she’d last. The other part wasn’t as curious and wanted to just get to the overwhelming sex and power that was Jory. “Why?”

“Because I told you to.”

She slowly tilted her head. “Maybe that’s not enough.”

He held her gaze, and no way could she move an inch. “You sure you want to play?” The Southern accent again, and this time it wound through her body as if he’d licked a path from her nipples to her clit. “One chance, baby. Come. Here.”

Her body kicked into motion as if he held the controls. Well, at least she could drive him crazy as she followed his command. For the moment, she let go of fear and sadness to just feel. Grasping her shirt, she dragged the light cotton over her head to drop onto the floor.

His sharp intake of breath boosted her confidence, and she stepped toward him.

Her bra followed the shirt, and she took another step. Several more, and she could actually feel his heat. Smell his masculine scent.

Stretching up on her toes, she slowly brushed her mouth over the three bullet hole scars. One still had a fresh scratch across it. “Tracker?” she murmured.

“Tracker,” he confirmed. One big hand tangled in her hair, and he drew back her head, elongating her neck.

Taking control.

“What do you need, Jory?” she breathed.

“You.” He ducked his head and nuzzled her forehead. With a growl, he released her hair and lifted her, his hands flexing at her hips. “Wrap around me,” he said, his mouth already at her collarbone, a desperation in his tone.

Like Josie had with Shane. Full abandonment and absolute devotion. Jory wanted that, too. At the thought, Piper’s heart hitched.

She slid her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist. Holding him—surrounding him the best she could, even with his size. Trying to hold on when fate might rip him away. “I’ve got you.”

The soft kiss above her breast, right over her heart, shot tears to her eyes.

Too much emotion. Way too much. She grabbed his hair and yanked back his head, pressing her core to his cock and her mouth to his. Hard and fast, she kissed him with her entire body.

He shuddered and then took over, as she’d known he would.

His tongue played with hers, his lips firm and demanding, his hands gripping her butt while she finally forgot about the danger. Need and want, lust and desire, hope and despair all collided inside her, creating a painful ache.

A desperate hunger only the man overtaking her could appease.

She rubbed against him, the rough planes of his chest providing friction to her sensitive nipples.

He moved easily across the room, holding her. When they reached the bed, he lay her down, his mouth continuing to obliterate any thinking.

Graceful hands removed her jeans and panties, and within seconds, they were both nude.

He sprawled over her, all delicious male hardness.

“I love your body,” she breathed, running her hands down his chest.

“My body loves you.” He licked the shell of her ear, chuckling when a shudder trembled through her body.

It was way much more than physical love, and an echo of sad need rippled through Piper. She fought back the idea and any emotion, trying to stay in the incredible moment. For once, she was with a good guy who gave a crap. Who’d step in front of her and any danger.

That was something to be appreciated.

“Hey.” Jory nipped beneath her jaw, levering up to capture her gaze. “I lost you for a minute. Where did you go?”

Into fantasyland and lost dreams. “Nowhere.” She caressed down his flanks to sink her fingers into his damn fine ass. His cock jumped against her, and she let out a soft whimper. “We only have three hours, so maybe you’d better get to work.”

His gaze remained intense and probing, and then, with a small nod, he rubbed his nose against hers. “You’re special, Piper. Don’t ever forget it.”

What he didn’t say was as important as what he did. “You really don’t think you’re going to survive, do you?”

“No.” He softened the word with a kiss to the corner of each eye. “Tonight, the chips are set to explode. We know the day—they made sure of that—and it’ll be close to midnight.” He kissed her, going deep and then keeping his lips on hers. “I’m sorry.”

What if he was right and there was no way to deactivate the chip? “We have to do something. If we can’t reach it, then why not just take it out? Maybe when the bullet damaged the chip, it actually deactivated it?”

“Maybe.” He settled against her.

She wrapped her legs around him and played with his silky hair. Her heart hurt. “Have hope.”

“I’d rather have you.” Keeping his gaze, he levered back, and thrust inside her with one strong stroke.

Electric sparks flashed through her, burning her, taking over. She arched against him, gasping out air, her mind fuzzing. “I like it when you do that.”

“I know.” His hand flattened across her butt, and he lifted her off the bed, allowing him to go deeper. “You like this, too.”

A ripple started inside her, and his chest hitched.

“That works for you,” she murmured, smiling.

“Yes.” He slowly pulled out and shoved back in.

Lights flashed behind her eyes. “I wish we had forever,” she said, too much emotion rushing through her to hold back.

“Me, too.” He slowly slid out and then back in, taking his time, desire flushing a dark red through his chiseled face. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”

She shook her head on the pillow. “Don’t say it.” God, don’t do that to her. Not if he thought he was leaving.

He nodded and began to increase the speed of his thrusts. “Just promise you won’t forget me.”

She heard the plea behind the words and for the tiniest of moments could see the wounded geek behind the soldier’s physique. “You matter, Jory Dean. I promise. I’ll never forget you.”

His eyes darkened, and his jaw firmed. “Then I have to say it so you have the words. So you’ll keep them.”

Tears filled her eyes, even with the devastating desire consuming her. “Okay,” she whispered. Her hands unclenched in an effort to soothe him, to rub the pain out of him.

“I love you, Piper. All of you. The smart, the sweet, the lost. Everything you are and whoever you’ll eventually become.” His face softened in the way only a truly hard man
could, and only for her. “You gave me a smile when I was in a cage, and you gave me a kiss when we were running through the woods. Now you’re giving me you, and you’re a gift I hadn’t realized existed.”

Her entire chest ached. One tear rolled down her cheek. When he gave the words, he found ones she’d never imagined. “Jory—”

“If I could, I’d spend every second of every day keeping you safe and warm. Totally loved without one concern.” Still connected inside her, still pulsing, he breathed deep and leaned down to kiss her tear away. “Baby. I’ll always love you.”

“I want that.” Her heart shattered. She tightened her hold as more tears fell. “The forever, and the safety, and the warmth.” She wrapped her legs around him and held on with all her strength. Then she levered back and gave him the words. “I love you, Jory Dean. The tough, the sweet, and definitely the geek.”

His lips twitched.

“Don’t leave me,” she whispered, her very soul in the plea.

He closed his eyes, and a tear actually rolled out.

She gasped. Jory Dean didn’t cry. No way. Her hand shaking, she reached up to feel the wetness.

His eyes opened, full determination, full Jory. Then he slid out of her and back in. “Hold on, baby.”

Her mind registered that he wouldn’t lie to her, and he hadn’t. He hadn’t made the promise he couldn’t keep. More tears slid down her cheeks.

“No more crying.” He angled differently and hit her clit.

That quickly, her body went from sorrow to full-out passion. Hot, dangerous, so out of control she could barely breathe. Every sensation heightened with a desperate emotion, a fear that this was all they’d have. “Jory,” she moaned.

“All yours.” Holding her tighter, as if he’d never let her
go, he pounded faster. Harder, deeper, more intense… he took her over.

She matched his pace, her nails denting his skin. He lifted her higher off the bed, holding her, going deep enough he’d be there forever, like she’d promised.

Heat uncoiled inside her, sparks igniting every nerve she had. She caught her breath, holding on, trying to fall over. Even so, the explosion shook her so thoroughly she opened her mouth to scream. No sound emerged, all energy concentrated in the waves detonating through her.

The room flashed white and hot. She shut her eyes, bombarded by waves. By feelings too intense to identify or separate—love, hunger, fear, sadness, hope. Ripples shook her body, pounded against her core, and threw her into a second orgasm more powerful than the first.

She rode the wild, holding on, knowing he’d keep her safe. A small sigh escaped her as her body finally relaxed.

Jory stiffened, held tight, fully captured inside her as he came. Grinding against her, he dropped his head to the crook of her neck. When his body relaxed, his lips moved silently on her jugular in the shape of one word.

Love.